Marion Watt is set to embark on her first London Season, and her parents have spared no expense to help her secure a suitable husband. Unlike most of the social-climbing young women in her position, Marion has no desire to marry hastily or for anything less than love. But when she learns of her mother’s declining health, she knows she must keep an open mind and allow herself to be courted. What … What she does not anticipate, however, is that the attentions of the insufferable Lord William Everton will be placed squarely on her. He might be the most sought-after bachelor of the Season, but she sees in him nothing but a frivolous cad.
Until William inherits his father’s title and seat in parliament, he must rely on his own devices to change the world. Dressing like a ridiculous dandy serves its purposes, but he is certain his newest disguise will help him find a wife to please his parents and further his own agenda. From among the glittering group of debutantes, William finds only one woman who passes his test. Unfortunately, the perfect choice is the only woman in all of London who despises him.
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This is a new author for me so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was gifted an ARC of this story by the publisher via NetGalley and thought I would take the chance. I am so glad that I did. This story was full of so many things. The relationships were solid and the layers of the story were all there.
I loved to see the character growth as William and Marion were able to open up to each other and discover the deepness that they could share. I loved that there was an additional mystery with breadcrumbs being dropped by the author. I could have so easily missed it if I wasn’t paying attention.
This is definitely one I would read over and over again. It didn’t read like other stories I have read. It brought a new voice to the regency world I love reading about.
Romance, clean; period romance
Marion and William’s story was a lovely read. I do feel the first 2/3 of the novel was much stronger for me as a reader. The ending felt just slightly rushed. I think I would have wanted a bit more of them after all the dancing around each other that they did.
Still, this was a lovely, sweet, novel. The romance and characters so very vividly portrayed. Told from alternating points of view, it was truly fun to read their perceptions, moments, worries, thoughts, and sweet fall for each other from each of their perspectives. The settings, characters and plot were well-drawn.
I do have one peeve, I don’t think they would have put Marion in the bridal room with the connecting door prior to them being married, but that is just me. It was lovely seeing them both learn to see each other for who they really were, William a little sooner with his subterfuge early in the novel, and them both as they fell for each other as William worked through his grief, pain and concerns.
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down! This regency era set novel about Marion and Lord Everton swept me away. I found myself wanting Marion to find just the right man for her and then when Lord Everton set his sights on her I was dumbfounded! How would this unlikely pair work or could this unlikely pair work? And what was Lord Everton really all about? Was there more to this man than meets the eye? There were so many ups and downs that Walker kept me on this thrilling roller coaster ride I never wanted to get off from! She seamlessly wove a story of not just love, but heartbreak, scorn, and deceit. WARNING: do not start this book if you do not have time to finish it in one sitting! You won’t be able to stop reading or thinking about it! Go, run, and one-click Love in Disguise, you will not be sorry!!! I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
This is a fabulous Read. I loved the witty dialogue and the lengths they went to avoid or not avoid each other. But I loved the looks from across the Ballrooms.
LOVE IN DISGUISE is a story of perceptions, miscommunication, family, friendship, and love. Readers will fall in love with these characters and cheer them on against criticizing and conniving women, deceitful thieves, and their own fears to a sweetly satisfying ending.
I pretty much enjoyed this story from beginning to end, with one rough spot towards the end. The characters were easy to relate to and I really liked their friendships and families. I also liked the constant tension between Marion and William. Their dialogue was great, as were some of their antics. There were plenty of laughable moments. There were also plenty of sweet, almost-kisses, moments. I also felt the continue strain for these two to get to know each other and figure out how their relationship would work to be genuine. I would think many of the marriages at that time would have felt just as awkward, but probably without the added care for each other. The ending was dramatic, but also sweet.
My only real issues with the story were just a couple of things. One, I wasn’t sure that I liked how drastic the scandal was involving William and the situation he faced (without giving too much away). It seemed a little too easy for the villains to do what they did and for things to become so dire so quickly. The other issue I had was that I thought Marion was overly dramatic in her fears with William to the extent that they were. It seems to me that if someone loves someone that they would take what they could get instead of always running away – at least in this situation. I think for me it was overdone and dragged out too long.
In the end, was it what I wished for? An overall entertaining read. The characters were lovely and the plot intriguing with moments of great dialogue, humor, and heart. Recommended to Regency romance fans.
Content: Some innuendo, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review nor affect my review in any way.
This was a very enjoyable and engaging book to read. I love unlikely pairs in Regency or any era books. For me, this felt like a two-part book. Part one is the deciding, wooing, and acceptance part. Part two is grief, suspense, and romance. Part two is also where we see William’s heart, his true self.
I liked the “test” William and his mother came up with for him to decide on a bride. I laughed out loud when his father said …”And, let’s not forget, she might not have you.” We as readers know that deep down he does have an attraction for Marion from her friendship with Clara the previous season. I loved when William was trying to convince Marion to fall for him. He was very aggravating.
Marion believes William to be a pompous Dandy, wearing flashy clothes and leaving events before at inappropriate times. She also believes that he is the reason she will never play music in public again. I thought she blamed him a little too much.
Now, I have to say there was one character I could not stand at all. Read the book, I think you will figure out who she is. I have to stop now for fear of spoilers.
The suspense was a surprise, I enjoyed it very much.
The road to happiness is not easy for William and Marion. I think fans of clean Regency era stories will love this book. I know I did. Great debut novel! I look forward to reading more from Anneka R. Walker.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Love in Disguise has one of the most engaging storylines I’ve read this year thanks to its (pretty much) flawless execution. The story grabbed my attention from its first pages, and by the end of the first or second chapter, I knew I was already hooked, and couldn’t wait to find out more of this unlikely pair. Miss Marion Watt makes a great heroine for whom to cheer on, and thus the reader is pleased watching her grow throughout the book into a strong young woman. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible at all were it not for Lord William Everton’s presence. And my, what a swoon-worthy hero he is! I believe that if I were more into the habit of marking, writing and highlighting paperbacks, then my copy would be full of them. He has the most romantic lines, as well as the funniest or wittiest replies. I think it’s a great testament to the author’s storytelling abilities how much enjoyment I experienced while following this character’s arc: his love for a challenge, his heart for noble causes, his deep sorrow at such a loss, and most of all, his falling in love with someone he couldn’t have foreseen from the beginning of the story (but which I was anxiously awaiting since the end of chapter two).
All in all, a great novel that has it all: fleshed-out characters, beautiful descriptions, grand and small gestures of affection, a challenge, a bit of intrigue, a very impatient hero, and the heroine that will be his perfect match.
Content: Clean Regency Romance, but not CF.
PS: I’ve heard this book described as “an engagement of convenience”. It must be noted that while in most cases this means that both characters know of each other intentions ahead of the arrangement, and enter it willingly, this particular case will have them figuring it (and each other) out as the story progresses.
Love in Disguise is a cute romance that had me laughing out loud multiple times. This story is original and enjoyable from start to finish. Marion is an incredible character that is strong and determined, but soft and delicate at the same time. William is full of good intentions and I just love the way he and Marion interact with one another. A wonderful regency romance, I definitely recommend this amazing novel.
I enjoyed this one. I only had one issue and it was not glaring but there. The story was sweet and had some nice elements. She dislikes him but gradually and honestly overcomes her dislike. He has no interest in her until forced but his interest grew in a natural way as well. I just love the Regency time and this book fits well. We get a little of the Ton and a little of the country in this and I love both settings. There was just a bit too much back and forth the did slow the story at the end there but nothing that kept me from liking this. I will follow this author and read more of her books in the future. This is a brilliant start.
Lord William Everton is a dandy who dresses outlandishly and is the hit of the London society scene. Marion Watt is the best friend to Lord Everton’s younger sister, Clara, and can’t stand the sight of William Everton. He contributed to her ruin during her first season in London and can’t forgive him. But, when he begins to pay her special attention, she refuses to be drawn in because she will only marry for true love and he couldn’t possibly love her.
As she begins to see more of who the real William Everton is, she sees his true nature and begins to wonder if her love that has begun to blossom can be reciprocated by Lord Everton and they could have a happily ever after. Just as things begin to look up, tragedy strikes and plunges Marion’s hope of a forever kind of love with him into despair. Is it possible that love can rise from the ashes of such a tremendous tragedy?
This is a new author to me and I enjoyed every moment of this book and look forward to reading more by her. The story was well developed and wonderful characters. It was also a clean romance with no foul language or detailed intimate scenes.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, in fact I read it in one sitting. It’s set in 1817 England and is entirely fiction but is believable enough that it could have happened. Miss Watt and Lord Everton both need to get married for different reasons and devise tests to determine if theirs will be a marriage of love or convenience. When I started reading this book, I thought I had it all figured out and a bit of it is predictable but there are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. I would recommend Love in Disguise by Anneka R. Walker to anyone who loves a good clean romance story set in England in the 1800’s
Excellent writing-I did not want to put the book down! Great approach to the regency era. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and experiencing their growth and understanding of love and forgiveness from their experiences with each other and distant family. A top 10 story of the year!!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
When I first started reading this novel I didn’t like the main character, William. He seemed to be a rude and pompous jerk that I hoped Marion steered clear of, especially after what happened in the first chapter. Thank goodness for William’s wonderful mother and her guidance. My only wish is that the “disguise” part had been expanded in the plot. It would have added to the humor and relationship development.
I did like the interaction between the “frenemies” as Marion tried to figure out what William was on about. Some of the witty dialogue had me laughing out loud. The novel does show the struggle between the two “would be” lovers who both have trust issues and many other obstacles in their way. It was nice once we got to know the real William and from that point, I was firmly in his corner. I liked Marion but wish she’d have stood up more for herself, especially when it came to dealing with Judith.
The underlying plot of forgery and possible financial ruin could have been expanded more. It also seemed to be resolved too quickly. The romance part had enough going on without the subplot. The romantic tension between Marion and William was written very well. I always loved when they were together.
Love in Disguise is a very fast read and Regency Romance lovers will enjoy this novel.
I so adored this book! The title is very fitting as there are some very fun, very intriguing, and very subtle disguises in the story line.
So well written you will want to read every single word.
I would love to read more from this author-
I highly recommend this book!
This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be looking for more by her! Such an enjoyable read! I loved the love story, the determination, self-doubt, and great and very human traits of the characters. I loved that it was clean and sweet and very engaging. I definitely recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
This is a new author and I loved her style of writing and the way she developed her characters. A lovely story set in England’s Regency Era about a Viscount and woman, William and Marion, who really have no use for each other but through necessity on William’s part start a courtship and eventually fall in love. But everything is no smooth sailing for this couple. There is romance, mystery and heartbreak involved. I was very entranced and didn’t want to put the book down. I will definitely be looking for more books by Annika Walker. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley. All views are my own.
(4.5 Stars) William and Marion have a history – he’s never paid her much attention and she despises him – but a test concocted by William and his mother proves that Marion is the woman for him and he sets out to win her over.
I adored that premise of enemies-to-lovers and my stomach tingled with anticipation in these character interactions. I was left wanting more and desperately awaiting their next meeting. Although William is a dandy, he has layers of personality and characteristics that are waiting to be uncovered. Marion is a sweet girl with a spicy, sassy side that William tends to draw out.
They each have individual reasons for agreeing to this marriage and I love how their troubles and trials bring a recognition of true feelings and desires. A few of the storms they weathered were a little abrupt, coming with no warning, but all were well written.
I only wished for a slightly more developed romantic experience because I felt that some things were skimmed over and I was immersed and wanted more details. Overall, a great debut and I’m looking forward to more!
Content: mild romance (kissing)
It’s refreshing to have a good clean romance. In this book, Marion does not want to marry for the sake of marrying. She wants love to be a big part of the equation. William needs to find a wife or he will lose his inheritance. But he doesn’t want just any girl. He wants one that is kind and generous. He and his mother devise a plan for him to find the right girl for him. As luck would have it, Marion is his selection. The problem is Marion is good friends with William’s sister and Marion does not care much for William as he was the one that shattered her confidence when she was younger.
The book has situations that will make you laugh out loud one moment, and then have you crying the next. I fell in love with the characters, and anxiously read the book with anticipation of what was going to happen next. A good read overall.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest and unbiased review.
It’s wonderful when you pick up a book and genuinely like the characters. Marion and William held preconceived notions that had to be overcome, but they were good people at their core.
This book was so cute! There were moments that were “laugh-out-loud” funny. I really couldn’t wait to turn the pages to see they would do next. While this book is humorous, there are moments that were serious. William is actively trying to change the lives of people less fortunate. He takes in the misfits and gives them hope and purpose. He uses his influence in less than subtle ways to help others.
Marion is tenderhearted, but she has a stubborn streak. It is hard for her to change her opinion once it has been set and William is NOT one of her favorite people. He knows her for her kind heart, but she is unaware of his. She sees him as a dandy and not worth her time. I loved reading the transformation of opinions and hearts.
This author is new to me, but I will not hesitate to pick up one of her books in the future. This is a clean regency read.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I read a lot of clean Regency romance novels–there’s just something about the time period that appeals to me. When I was given the opportunity to review Love in Disguise by Anneka R. Walker I couldn’t pass it up even though I wasn’t familiar with the author.
Walker captured my attention right off and made me feel for Marion with her performance at the musicale. Her shattered confidence was so sad, yet understandable. And, I think most people can relate to holding a grudge against someone for at least a small amount of time.
I wasn’t drawn to William initially. I would have appreciated deeper character development for him to more fully understand his facade, but he did grow on me as the story progressed.
On the whole I liked the idea of the story, but would have loved more attention to the latter half. Some of the resolutions came on very quickly and needed more hashing out.
While I don’t see myself reading this story again, I would give the author another try.
2.5 Stars
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.