Louisa Cox is tired of fortune hunters pursuing her dowry. So when Lady Kellen offers to help her find an eligible suitor, Louisa eagerly accepts and makes a list of what she wants in a husband. The man selected is barrister Paul Sheldon. He may be a complete stranger, but he has one thing in his favor: he is unaware of her fortune. What Louisa did not anticipate was his curious behavior—or being so attracted to him.
When Paul catches wind of the matchmaking organization his mother and her friends are establishing, he pities the fellow who will be caught in their scheme—until he realizes he is to be their first victim. Horrified, Paul determines to thwart his mother’s plans by whatever means necessary. After meeting his intended, however, his increasing desire to be near her threatens to disrupt his convictions. Louisa is everything he could want in a wife, and when an unexpected adventure sets in motion the very plan he had determined to halt, he almost wishes his mother’s plot could succeed. But Paul harbors a secret and a past that make it impossible for him to give Louisa the life she deserves.
REVIEW
Trauma is a topic that I hold dear in the fact I want to help those that have experienced it and hold sacred their growth and healing. This story takes that topic in loving hands and guides it through. It allows for hope, faith, and love to lessen the hold of trauma and illustrate it for those that might not have experienced the same.
Often in a story there is an antagonist that pushes the drama and danger a bit. With trauma, that antagonist is in the past but very much present. Anneka Walker did an amazing job guiding us through that trauma, letting the results unfold as the hero did his best to sort through and understand it himself. Trust is one of those things that is devastated by such trauma, and despite of evidences otherwise, Paul struggles to trust those that would love him.
Lest you think that this story is heavy laden, I will enlighten you. The story has elements of trauma, like I have explained, it was poignant enough to mention, but it is a beautiful story. There is emotion and humor that allow the love and care to be felt. Afterall, when there are matchmaking mamas at foot, what could result but a comedy of errors.
I am excited to know that there will be other books in this series as these matchmaking mothers try to secure their children's happiness.
Paul and Louisa were delightful characters. I loved their interactions together and the interactions with Paul's friends, "The Rebels" and I look forward to getting to know them better.
I apologize for focusing on the trauma, but as a counselor, I love when reality is portrayed in fiction, when someone going through their own experience has someone they can relate to. I also loved that healing took place, it wasn't magically fixed, but it was addressed and supported, which is how it should be.
I received an early copy through the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.