4.5 stars

This was a lovely regency romance. I have not read all of the previous books in the series, but I have read the one directly preceding this one. The main characters from the previous books do make appearances in these books. These matchmaking mamas are so smooth. Our Viscount and our penniless miss come together by a chance of accident – or so they thought. While avoiding his father’s matchmaking efforts, Ian stumbles into an arrangement with Amie. A fake engagement created by her mother leads Amie into a real one with Ian. As they enter their marriage of convenience, complete with rules for touching and everything, they are both prepared for lives of independence. However, circumstances (like unruly family members) cause them to have more forced proximity than planned and things begin to heat up. A brush of a finger there and a whiff a vanilla here and our characters are soon struggling against their feelings. The best thing about no spice romances is how they can create so much tension without the characters even touching. Walker did a superb job of that in this book. I love how this book takes us to England in 1823 and has a side theme of changing some unjust laws. That was such a unique aspect to include. I also appreciated the hints of Christianity throughout it. This was just kisses romance.

A wonderful end to this series. I really enjoyed getting to know Ian (Mother Hen) better and his family. He's always been such a strong character in the other books, so I enjoyed seeing his vulnerable side. Amie was a delight. I loved her character so much. My heart went out to her, yet she was still a very strong person. I loved that the Rebels all came together at the end to wrap up the series.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

Romance, sweet, period; series, but stand alone read
Ian and Amie's story was a lovely fall. A lie created to save Amie from a lecherous cousin's advances blows up out of proportion and Ian instead of leaving Amie with a ruined reputation and left to the demands of her cousin/and family to marry against her will. Ian, seeing the awful predicament she is in, decides to go ahead and marry her, seeing she could help his work to make change in the country. He makes her promise to not demand anything more than a home and comfort, no relationship or demands on each other.
Ian soon realizes that Amie is working her way into his heart and his future hopes. They both build a friendship, and more through their everyday interactions. Lovely sweet fall, this one is my favorite of this series. The characters were genuine, honest hearts, and their sweet gradual fall made for a wonderful read.

Ahhhhh, brilliant! Anneka Walker is one of those authors who gets better and better with each book. Ian was absolutely fantastic. I thought he was well-rounded and very real as a character. I loved how determined he was to avoid marriage...we all know how that's going to turn out! Overall, a new favorite.

Ian and Annie .
I enjoyed reading Ian and Annie’s story.
From the beginning moment in the cemetery where their first meeting begins everything . Did Ian’s mother mean to start a love story or was it Annie’s mom ? Or was it none of the above . None can say . Ian and Snnie choose a marriage of celibacy and acquaintance only so that people will stop bothering Ian and Annie can be saved from a marriage with her awful cousin or other relative .
Everyone and then some wants them to annul the marriage but for some reason they stay in the marriage because secretly they are both in love or severe like with each other .
They eventually find a romantic love but this story brings them everywhere before then which takes time , patience , interfering families and more . Well done! Thanks to netgalley for a copy in exchange for an unbiased review .

Such a sweet ending to this adorable series! A marriage of convenience between a man who vowed to never marry and a woman who needs rescuing. There are rules out in place to prevent any “feelings” between them. But what are rules for if not to be broken?

I loved all the funny and silly happenings in this story, starting with the hilarious meet cute in the cemetery. Then there’s the squirrel hunt, thunder storms, and more!

With everything seemingly against them it was such a satisfying journey!

“A melancholy tune from a pianoforte sang from some distant room. Was his feigned fiancée musical? The funeral march she had selected was the right tune for the occasion.”

““It is I who am happy,” Ian said quickly. “I have news to share. Miss Tyler and I are engaged to be married.” For someone who claimed he was happy, he sounded a lot like he was pronouncing someone’s death.”

“Kissing Ian was the scariest, most terrifying thing she had ever done. And she wanted to do it again.”

Just read it already!

Great read! I was expecting a charming Regency-era romance with a grumpy/sunshine feel. I got that and more! There were laugh-out-loud humorous anecdotes that I didn't expect. There were deeper layers of reconciliation that made the story that much more poignant. There were fun moments of banter. I loved it! I also want to go read the other books about his friends falling in love now too.

Perfect for readers of Sarah Eden, Arlem Hawks, and Kristi Ann Hunter.

Rated PG for some innuendo
--clean romance without explicit scenes
--no language
--mild verbal abuse and tense relationship scenes
--mild innuendo of affairs

I received this eARC free from NetGalley with no requirements of review. My opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

In the glittering world of balls and titled marriages, one fake engagement may rewrite the rules of matrimony.

When Lord Ian Collingwood collides (literally) with the ever-kind and quietly strong Amie Tyler, sparks fly—not romantic ones, but the kind that crash into long-held convictions and carefully guarded hearts. Ian has sworn off marriage, scarred by his father’s past infidelities and his mother’s quiet heartbreak. Amie, living off the charity of extended family, has no plans of entangling herself with a moody lord… but fate (and her mother’s scheming) has other plans.

A fabricated engagement turns into a strategic marriage: protection for Amie, and political escape for Ian. But what starts as a convenient arrangement unravels as genuine affection—maybe even love—sneaks in.

Here’s why this story hit the sweet spot:

💥 That hilarious meet-cute. Their first encounter was chaotic, memorable, and a perfect way to kick off a story built on awkward proximity and reluctant partnership.

💗 Amie is a gem. She’s gentle but never weak, kind without being naive. It was beautiful watching her grow in confidence and finally be surrounded by people who truly saw her worth.

💬 Ian’s slow transformation. He starts stiff and grumpy (honestly, I pitied Amie at first), but his efforts to meet her halfway were some of the most touching parts of the book. Watching him soften, open up, and wrestle with his trauma was worth the wait.

📚 Series Finale Feels. Familiar faces from past books appear, bringing warmth and nostalgia—this final installment wraps up the series in a heartfelt bow.


My Thoughts?


I enjoy the “friends-to-lovers” and “marriage of convenience” tropes—especially when they’re done right. And this one was. The pacing may have started slow, but once it picked up, I was all in. There’s something comforting about a story where two people slowly learn to trust, grow, and choose one another, not out of obligation, but from genuine affection—bonus points for the strong side characters, tender romance, and no over-the-top drama. If you enjoy Regency settings, a dash of matchmaking meddling, and character growth with a slow burn… this is a perfect addition to your historical romance shelf.

I received an advance reader copy from Shadow Mountain Publishing via NetGalley. My review reflects my honest and unbiased thoughts.


💕 The Swoon Scale 💕

💍 Swoon-Worthy Sparks: ★★★★★ (5/5)
💬 Dialogue & Banter: ★★★★★ (5/5)
🦋 Emotional Depth: ★★★★★ (5/5)
📖 Re-Readability: ★★★★★ (5/5)

I love this series. I liked how in this story, Ian, who has sworn to never marry, ends up tricked by the matchmaking mamas into a marriage of convenience with the perfect woman for him. I liked how as much as he tries to not fall in love with Amie, she wins him over by just being her. I love how she helps Ian to mend things with his father and to learn that things were not what he always thought they were. I liked how they helped each other and came to love each other in the best way possible.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

“Trust me when I say, it would not take any effort at all for me to fall madly in love with you.”

“Was it the church, or were all kisses this heavenly?”

* What a way to meet 😂
* Amie is much more patient than I’ll ever be haha
* Oh, Miles. Sneaky, sneaky. Can’t wait to see all the Rebels hehe
* He’s secretly so dramatic and I love it
* Squirrels 😂
* Hehehe
* Oh, Amie…
* You tell him, girl!
* Ugh, no you dummy!
* Not the pillow fight! 🫶
* Don’t be dumb, Ian.
* Awwww!

Oh man, I loved this sweet story! Ian and Amie had a lot they had to work through, but they pulled through and I loved watching them get there.

Amie is so kind and has such a big heart. She always deserved love and happiness. And thank goodness Ian stopped being a dummy so she could have it!

And Ian, oh Ian. What a good man who was being so dumb 😅 Luckily he came to his senses!

I love me a marriage or convenience, and this one was no different! I loved seeing all the Rebels together, and hopefully we can see more of them in the future.

“What would it be like to be loved by such a man? To feel safe in every storm?”

“…every trial is significant to the one who carries it.”

“God doesn’t sit back in His throne in heaven, measuring our acts of kindness. He celebrates each one, because even the smallest spark can dissipate the darkness in another’s life.”

“When you care for someone as deeply as I do, you are not meant to be separated. Your souls long to be together.”

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ebook. All opinions are my own.

Ohhhhhh my goodness!!! Anneka! Freaking! Walker! I swear everytime I read one of your books I am convinced it may be my new favorite (but who are we kidding?! I LOVE all of her books!!).
Ian aka Lord Grumpy was sooo good. He has the whole “extra serious and intimidating, but with a secret sensitive soft side” down perfectly. I loved his caring heart for everyone around him but especially for Amie. They are SO CUTE together. Infuriatingly sometimes 😉, but I love them all the same haha

Amie was sooo sweet and had a heart of gold. She was PERFECT for Ian. She knew just how to break down his walls, little by little (even when she didn’t know she was doing it). This was marriage of convenience done so right. I loved it, I loved it, I LOVED IT!!!

Thank you to the author and publisher for an advance copy, all opinions are my own. The book is available now so don’t miss out on ordering yours!!

What a delightful story filled with romance and healing, I loved Ian and Amie fun the beginning and was rooting for them. This story has all the feels.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the ARC.

this was such a cute and heartwarming historical romance! i loved the unconventional meet cute and the way amie and ian’s relationship developed through the “rules” of their arranged marriage — especially since they kept breaking them. it was sweet and swoony watching them slowly let their guards down and truly get to know one another. the rules, while meant to maintain distance, ironically brought them closer in the most tender and genuine way. they also didn’t stand a chance against their matchmaking mamas.

amie was a standout fmc. so fierce, kind, and completely true to herself, even when standing up to ian’s intimidating father. i adored how she never compromised who she was. the kisses!! gahhhh…swoon central. my only gripe with this book was the use of miscommunication as a major plot device. it felt a bit frustrating, though i admit the story probably wouldn’t have existed without it. still, it was an enjoyable read that left me smiling.

content: kisses

thank you so shadow mountain for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.

This was my favorite of the series. Although Ian is Lord grumpy, you ca’t help but admire his willingness to see and help others. I also really liked Amie. I was impressed with her courage in reaching out to those in need even when it is simply to offer flowers to a stranger. This book is a beautifully woven story. I have enjoyed all the books in this series and hate to be at the end of it.

London - 1823

Viscount Ian Reynolds is arguing once again with his father, Earl Kellen. The man insists that Ian marry Miss Margaret Foster, daughter of a politician. Ian knows the young woman is insipid and will not be a match for him. In addition, Ian has no desire to marry anyone.

One day while visiting his great-grandfather’s grave, he happens upon a young woman, Amie Tyler who thinks his resting by the grave means he may be dead. Insisting that he is very much alive, Amie leaves him alone. Amie and her mother are living with Amie’s Uncle Nelson, an odious man who detests having to support them in any way.

When Amie and Ian meet again, he asks her to marry him with a marriage of convenience. She agrees and after a quick marriage, he moves her to his hunting lodge and heads back to London to continue his political work. But when he learns that his father and mother are heading to the lodge to visit, he returns and they set up a facade making it look like they are happily married. But will their continued close togetherness lead to more?

I read another book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed it. Unfortunately, this one did not keep my interest as I hoped it would. I felt that Ian’s reasons for avoiding any kind of relationship with Amie were foolish and Amie’s acceptance of his decisions was sad. The ending did not make up for these misconceptions, but only added to the confusion.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

"Trust me when I say, it would not take any effort at all for me to fall madly in love with you."

I completely adored this sweet regency romance!

I have been eagerly anticipating Ian's book for some time and it was worth the wait!

As the unofficial leader of the rebels and a most determined bachelor, I wondered how the matchmaking Mama's would get Ian...I never would have guessed it would include a meet cute in a cemetery and a fake engagement to a deceased member of the aristocracy!

There is so much to love in this book! The meet cute, the surprise rector, the rebels, and so much more.

The friendship that develops between Ian and Amie was perfection and their chemistry is absolutely undeniable. The way in which they supported and cared for each other was so sweet.

If you haven't had a chance to read this series, do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR...you won't regret it!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Books were meant for people who had problems and were smart enough to want to escape them.

What else do I need to say? This quote alone made this book absolutely incredible and it did NOT disappoint.
Honestly I am truly heartbroken that we will no longer be getting any Rebel stories and the mischievous, sneaky, and always successful Matchmaking Mamas. Anneka Walker has done it AGAIN! This series is so amazing and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who loves regency romance.
And this story was a memorable, fun, and inspiring home run. Ian is the ultimate grump and skeptic when it comes to any kind of romance. He’s got a pretty big chip on his shoulder and a bad taste in his mouth for all the lovey-dovey “yuck” his friends are happily experiencing. I’ve loved him in past books and getting his story was worth the wait. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from this series is that once the Mamas set their sights on you, there’s no chance. Thankfully Ian thinks he’s immune to their magic and we get this gem of a story. And there’s nothing I love more than seeing a strong, capable, and stubborn hero fall hopelessly and recklessly in love.
And who is the lucky lady to turn Ian’s world upside down and make him question everything he’s ever known? Why it could only be Amie of course! She is absolutely adorable and I completely loved her blundering and tender hearted personality. Amie doesn’t have a mean bone in her body and is constantly thinking of others, but that doesn’t meant she gives up when things get hard. And that tenacity is such a great quality that really helps not only her, but Ian as well.
These two go from one of the most hilarious meet-cutes, which may or may not involve a cemetery and dead relative, to a tentative acquaintance, to an almost friendship, to a love story that is truly timeless.
I will not give any spoilers and ruin it for the many people it will bring joy to, but needless to say, I LOVED this story! Ian and Amie were fabulous main characters that really made this story special. Their individual growth and journey from where we first meet them to how the story ends was done beautifully and seemed so genuine. These two struggled, learned, and triumphed. A classic love story in an engaging and diverse, yet classic, regency romance. You won’t want to miss not only this book, but this phenomenal series.

This was just a fun and enjoyable little escape into a regency world with a marriage of convenience that involved quite a silly set of matrimonial rules! Both Ian and Amie have fears from their past to overcome, and they also learn that some rules are best broken!

This book is mostly lighthearted, and was just a relaxing read!

I’ve been enjoying the series overall, but this one tested my patience a bit. Yes, I get it—it’s historical fiction, and arranged marriages were a thing, but wow, does it get old fast. The constant miscommunication (or really, people just assuming things and running with it) drove me up the wall. Ever heard of a conversation? Maybe try one, especially if you're, I don’t know, a parent. And don’t even get me started on the whole “I’m fake-engaged to avoid a forced marriage but now I’m stuck in this forced marriage” plot. It was messy, overly complicated, and honestly found myself eye rolling a lot as I was reading this.

Don't get me wrong, I will absolutely still be reading this series. I enjoy the author, but this one just did not work for me as the others did.

ARC provided by Shadow Mountain Publishing via NetGalley.

How the Mighty Have Fallen

Ian has always sworn that he will never marry, even as his friends find love and marry all around him. He finally meets his match in Amie, and as a way of thwarting his father’s plans for him, gets her to agree to a marriage of convenience. There will be no unnecessary physical affection, no attachment to one another’s families, no lessons on romance, in short, no attachment will form between them.

Good luck, Ian!

I wanted to shake these two a few times for how hard Ian was trying to stick to his rules, but the end result was beautiful and there were plenty of lighthearted moments as well!

This book can be read independently, but I recommend reading all of the books in the series. They’re that good!