Anneka R. Walker

Set in Regency England, An Unwitting Alliance is the second book in Anneka R. Walker’s Matchmaking Mamas series. Although it can stand alone, the first book gives a little more of the backstory, which would probably enhance enjoyment of this book. The characters are delightful and such fun! I especially liked Tom Harwood. He was so endearing with his teasing and the nicknames he gave everyone. Cassie was engaging, also, with her battle against liking and marrying Tom. Their banter was witty and humorous. While I never doubted a happy ending was in store, there were enough twists and turns that it kept the story entertaining and interesting. I’m looking forward to more books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.… (mais)

Rockwell has come back to Bearwood for a brief visit to help his friend and check on his mother. He has not been back home for over 7 years and he absolutely does not want to stay in this small town. But, his friend has loaned him an apartment and it just happens to be next to his Ex, Brie! And Brie just may end up changing his mind.

Brie has been given a notebook to write down her list for Christmas wishes. She writes down her ex boyfriend’s name, Rockewell. And lo and behold, within seconds he is standing at her door.

I am on a Christmas book kick. I find this time of year very draining and rushed. So, I thought some Christmas books would help keep me from falling apart and hurting someone. 😂.

This book is adorable. I loved Brie and her antics…and yes she gets herself in a mess more than twice! She is just what I needed! Then there is Rockwell! He did a runner on Brie when they were teenagers. He has no intention of staying in Bearwood, nor does he plan to fall in love! But Kismet has other plans.

I have not read the others in this series and this is a stand alone. BUT! I am adding the others to my list. This book did exactly what I wanted it to do! Bah humbug 😂😂😂

Need a cute romance to keep the Christmas spirit…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review .… (mais)

Merry Kismet by Anneka R Walker
Part of Gift-Wrapped romance series by multiple authors.
Contemporary second chance holiday romance. Alternating POV. Closed door/Clean.
Brie is gifted a notebook and told to write down her Christmas wishes. She’s always believed in Kismet or Fate so she does as instructed and wishes for a second chance with her school boyfriend. As soon as she’s finished writing her wishes, he’s knocking on her door.
Rockwell left Bearwood disillusioned with romance and marriage when his parents split. He’s back in town to convince his mother to move closer to him as she gets older. Living temporarily in the duplex next to Brie has him remembering all their good times together.
Brie and Rockwell fall into old patterns of holiday traditions and find themselves realizing how much they’ve missed the other.

Charming and delightful holiday romance. Brie is a bit naive but it works well with her as a school teacher. Together, they make the traditional endearing.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook performance by Elise Taff and Sean Yves Lessard. Each did their POV, and both voices in their chapters. Performances were filled with emotion and easy to follow. The male recording had a bit of an echo and a tin can sound and changing from male to female and back made that tonal difference noticeable through the first half of the book. Either I got used to the difference or it was cleaned up in the second half as I didn’t hear the echo after that. The story was easy to follow in audiobook and a charming addition to the holiday season.

Books in the series
Cabin Crush by Kasey Stockton
Merry Kismet by Anneka R Walker
Solve for the Season by Martha Keys
Jingle Bell Jilt by Mindy Strunk

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher.… (mais)

I love Christmas books! In Merry Kismet, Anneka Walker delivers the perfect length, romantic story with all the Christmas vibes & a touch of Christmas magic. It’s a sweet, second chance romance that was kismet or fate & I loved every minute of it!

Brie’s a darling first grade teacher who’s not looking forward to the holidays, especially with her upcoming family party where she’ll go alone, again. She’s never gotten over her high school boyfriend who left her heartbroken seven years ago. While shopping, she meets a clerk who looks a lot like Mrs. Claus who gives her a mysterious notebook with Kismet printed on it & tells her to write her biggest Christmas wishes in it. Brie gives it a try & writes down several wishes all involving her ex-boyfriend Rockwell. Imagine her surprise when he knocks on her door a few minutes later.

Rockwell left Bearwood, ID as soon as he could after his parents’ divorce. Now a jaded business man, he returns to his hometown to help out a friend. He just happens to be staying in the duplex right next to Brie. Seeing her again brings back all the old feelings, but he’s just there to do a job & convince his mom to move back to LA with him. Brie & her Christmas wishes get under his skin though. Will this lovable grump take a second chance at love?

This book had all the Christmas feels! I enjoyed all the fun activities like making sugar cookies & stringing popcorn, watching Christmas in Connecticut, & the family party. There were hilarious moments with a mischievous cat, arm wrestling, & meddling friends/family.

I loved Brie’s & Rockwell’s grumpy/sunshine relationship & watching Rocky lose his jaded outlook on love. They’re a perfect compliment & support for one another. Along with the cute, swoony moments, I enjoyed their realistic, heartfelt conversations about dreams & fears.

You’ll definitely want to add this to your Christmas list! Though it’s part of the Gift-Wrapped Romance series, each book is meant to be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.… (mais)