The Rules of Matrimony by Anneka Walker: Book Review

As a lifelong Jane Austen fan, Regency romance is one of my favorite genres, so when I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Rules of Matrimony by Anneka Walker, I was thrilled. This book had so many of my favorite elements: a marriage of convenience, opposites attract, and genuine character growth.

In this book review of The Rules of Matrimony, I’ll share my thoughts, content considerations, and highlights from the story. A special thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing for the gifted copy!

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Synopsis of The Rules of Matrimony

Lord Ian Reynolds has vowed never to marry—scarred by the memory of his father’s betrayal and the pain it caused his mother. His focus is set entirely on reforming English criminal law as part of a progressive Rebel group. But when false rumors of an engagement with a stranger begin to swirl, Ian seizes the opportunity to escape an unwanted political marriage.

Miss Amie Tyler never expected her life to intersect with Lord Reynolds’s. Living under the charity of relatives, her social standing is precarious. When her mother fabricates the engagement to protect her from a predatory cousin, Amie makes the bold decision to play along.

The two enter into a strategic marriage of convenience with a simple list of rules:
1. No touching.
2. No getting close to one another’s families.
3. No research or lessons on romance.

But as affection grows and boundaries blur, Ian and Amie must decide whether keeping their distance is worth sacrificing a real chance at love.

My Thoughts

The Rules of Matrimony was a heartwarming and deeply satisfying finale to the Matchmaking Mamas series. Ian and Amie’s story is filled with tenderness, sacrifice, and a slow-burn romance that genuinely touched my heart.

I loved that this story went beyond the usual marriage of convenience tropes. Ian and Amie’s bond deepens through service, quiet moments, and small gestures that reveal their integrity and emotional depth. Their commitment to helping others—whether through Ian’s law reform work or Amie’s involvement in reconciling family relationships—brought extra meaning to the story.

One of my favorite details was the moment Ian first calls her “Amie” instead of “Miss Tyler”—a small, beautiful sign of shifting intimacy. I also found Amie’s efforts to mend the rift between Ian and his father incredibly moving.

The final chapters left me emotional in the best way. This book shows how love can soften even the strongest vows of independence, and how marriage can be both a sanctuary and a partnership in every sense of the word.

Highlights

Marriage of Convenience: A classic trope done right, with emotional depth and great tension.
Character Growth: Ian and Amie evolve individually and together in satisfying and believable ways.
Sweet Slow Burn: A tender romance that builds gradually, with just the right amount of yearning.
Series Finale: A beautiful wrap-up to the Matchmaking Mama series, with meaningful callbacks.

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The Rules of Matrimony is a charming and emotionally rich Regency romance. With a memorable meet-cute, slow-burn attraction, and a thoughtful take on marriage and independence, it’s an excellent read for fans of clean historical romance. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading the entire Matchmaking Mama series will enrich the experience and make the finale even more impactful.