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Regency Ever After #2
Lady Mary Contrary
Lady Mary doesn’t trust her heart.
Mary is tired of pining for the unobtainable Blake Gunther, so she recruits her brother’s help to match her with someone more suitable. The handsome Lord Templeton falls right into her hands and is eager to pursue her, only her heart is refusing to comply. Further complicating matters, Blake is treated like family and is there every time Mary turns around.
After a few false rumors, Blake is cut off financially—until he marries. With no money to leave his parent’s estate, his only options are to marry someone in the neighborhood or let his mother drive him mad. As the younger sister to his best friend, Mary is not on his list.
When they’re unexpectedly thrown together to help Mary’s family through a crisis, Blake’s heart beats for someone else for the first time in his life. He wants Mary, but he has to convince her he can be trusted first. He usually charms his way out of everything, but Mary will not be charmed.
Mary only wants to be loved.
Mary is tired of pining for the unobtainable Blake Gunther, so she recruits her brother’s help to match her with someone more suitable. The handsome Lord Templeton falls right into her hands and is eager to pursue her, only her heart is refusing to comply. Further complicating matters, Blake is treated like family and is there every time Mary turns around.
After a few false rumors, Blake is cut off financially—until he marries. With no money to leave his parent’s estate, his only options are to marry someone in the neighborhood or let his mother drive him mad. As the younger sister to his best friend, Mary is not on his list.
When they’re unexpectedly thrown together to help Mary’s family through a crisis, Blake’s heart beats for someone else for the first time in his life. He wants Mary, but he has to convince her he can be trusted first. He usually charms his way out of everything, but Mary will not be charmed.
Mary only wants to be loved.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
107 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Anneka R. Walker
26 books605 followersAnneka Walker was raised by a librarian and an English teacher turned judge. After being fed a steady diet of books, she decided to learn about writing. The result was a bachelor's degree in English and History. When she isn't dreaming up a happy ending for a story, she's busy living her own together with her husband and adorable children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 16, 2020
This was a cute little novella. I enjoyed it! The light harted romance was fun to read about. Lady Mary is feisty and knows what she wants. I am glad she stands her ground. I was a little worried Gunther was not going to grow up till it was too late but it all worked out in the end.
January 30, 2020
This was a fun little read! I really enjoyed the characters! I look forward to reading Anton’s story!
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
April 10, 2020
I enjoyed this novella about a Regency miss who is trying to rid her heart of affection for her childhood friend, who seems disinclined to marry and unaware that they are well-matched. Mary’s relatives, especially her brothers, were pleasant side characters.
Being of short length, it’s refreshing that the main characters don’t have time to have TOO dramatic of misunderstandings. This would make a pleasant comfort read for anyone who enjoys light Regency fiction.
Thanks to the author, who provided an advance review copy!
Being of short length, it’s refreshing that the main characters don’t have time to have TOO dramatic of misunderstandings. This would make a pleasant comfort read for anyone who enjoys light Regency fiction.
Thanks to the author, who provided an advance review copy!
February 15, 2025
4.5 stars!
This was such a cute story! I love the author’s sense of humor. Mary and Blake are such a great couple. I loved how much they played and interacted with Mary’s nieces. Overall a great story!
This was such a cute story! I love the author’s sense of humor. Mary and Blake are such a great couple. I loved how much they played and interacted with Mary’s nieces. Overall a great story!
February 22, 2020
Lady Mary Contrary is a Regency romance uniquely based on the nursery rhyme Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, which I thought was creative and refreshing. Throughout the story, Mary is trying to rid herself of her unrequited love for her childhood friend, Blake, who is not only uninterested in marriage but is oblivious to how well-matched they truly are.
Overall Mary and Blake’s friendship was cute, and I loved watching it develop into something more. I especially enjoyed the scenes with them playing with Mary’s adorable nieces, as well as those with Mary’s brothers. Mary herself was often frustrating in her back and forth treatment of Blake—her frequent anger and the way it caused her to treat him at times didn’t seem like genuine love, and the frequent mishaps in his attempts to gain her trust were wearying at times. However, this was true to the character found in the nursery rhyme that this story is based on, so perhaps I can forgive that. And while I enjoyed watching Blake discover his deeper feelings for his childhood friend, his realization he loved her and his desire to marry despite his previous aversions came on a bit too suddenly.
But perhaps those small issues can also be forgiven considering this is a novella, and it was a lighthearted one at that, with a couple I found cute together, making it overall a pleasant read.
Overall Mary and Blake’s friendship was cute, and I loved watching it develop into something more. I especially enjoyed the scenes with them playing with Mary’s adorable nieces, as well as those with Mary’s brothers. Mary herself was often frustrating in her back and forth treatment of Blake—her frequent anger and the way it caused her to treat him at times didn’t seem like genuine love, and the frequent mishaps in his attempts to gain her trust were wearying at times. However, this was true to the character found in the nursery rhyme that this story is based on, so perhaps I can forgive that. And while I enjoyed watching Blake discover his deeper feelings for his childhood friend, his realization he loved her and his desire to marry despite his previous aversions came on a bit too suddenly.
But perhaps those small issues can also be forgiven considering this is a novella, and it was a lighthearted one at that, with a couple I found cute together, making it overall a pleasant read.
July 26, 2024
This is a short book but not very good. Blake was such a weak character and Mary was super immature. I usually really like this author but this may be one to skip.
January 18, 2020
Lady Mary Contrary was a fun, quick novella. The writing is well done and I enjoyed the glimpses of characters from author Anneka Walker's first novella in this series Her Three Suitors. I always love when novels that connect let us see where previous main characters are going, so having Terrance make an appearance was great, along with Anton, who's story I most definitely can't wait to read.
I didn't love Mary as a character all that much because she was so back and forth, but I also understand that was the point in her character being based on the Mary Contrary nursery rhyme. It works because this is a novella, but I'm not sure I would have loved her if the story was longer, unless a longer novel showed major personal growth in her character. Blake was right to be confused by Mary's actions towards him so the two as a whole worked as a couple in this story. While I was invested in the two of them getting together, in the end it felt like they still had a lot of conflict they suddenly were just getting past along with acceptance by their families. As a novella, the story works and is a fun read that I would recommend. Just be prepared to be frustrated with the behavior of the main characters. I did love how great Mary and Blake worked together to entertain the children and probably enjoyed those glimpses of them as a couple the most.
I didn't love Mary as a character all that much because she was so back and forth, but I also understand that was the point in her character being based on the Mary Contrary nursery rhyme. It works because this is a novella, but I'm not sure I would have loved her if the story was longer, unless a longer novel showed major personal growth in her character. Blake was right to be confused by Mary's actions towards him so the two as a whole worked as a couple in this story. While I was invested in the two of them getting together, in the end it felt like they still had a lot of conflict they suddenly were just getting past along with acceptance by their families. As a novella, the story works and is a fun read that I would recommend. Just be prepared to be frustrated with the behavior of the main characters. I did love how great Mary and Blake worked together to entertain the children and probably enjoyed those glimpses of them as a couple the most.
January 17, 2020
This is a cute fairy tale retelling novella. But be prepared, Lady Mary is really very contrary! She is changing her mind and going back and forth a lot. It would be a tiny bit obnoxious in a normal love story, but since this was based on Mary Contrary, it was fun and cute.
January 28, 2020
I love when a couple has a history in a novella. Mary and Blake have a sweet friends to lovers storyline in this fun and lighthearted regency romance. I especially loved Mary’s spunk and fiery personality that kept Blake on his toes.
February 16, 2021
This book was entertaining and enjoyable! An easy quick read with a bit of humor and romance.
March 27, 2020
This was well written but kind of sad.
January 29, 2020
A novella that will make you smile! This has everything I look for in a wholesome regency novella- fun banter and lighthearted throughout, yet believable.
Mary and Blake are well developed through dialogue that will capture your attention. The story is short, but perfectly timed and delivered to give joy and a smile to any reader fan of this genre!
“He knew how to capture lady’s attention, but he realized he was absolutely clueless how to win a lady’s heart.”
Mary and Blake are well developed through dialogue that will capture your attention. The story is short, but perfectly timed and delivered to give joy and a smile to any reader fan of this genre!
“He knew how to capture lady’s attention, but he realized he was absolutely clueless how to win a lady’s heart.”
July 22, 2025
4.4 stars
January 18, 2020
This is a quick and mostly lighthearted read. Mary Contrary is based on the nursery rhyme and Lady Mary is truly contrary, especially with Blake. He may be deserving of it but I found Mary to sound petulant and whiny much of the time. Thus the contrary nickname. I really couldn't tell how old she was since much of the time she sounded like she was 13. I didn't know what to make of Blake. Had this been a full length novel I would have wished for more depth in his growth process but in a story this short there just isn't time. He does grow into himself over the course of the story.
The story is clean and a quick easy read that might lend itself to a quiet evening when you just want pure entertainment and nothing to interrupt the show.
Sex: some innuendo in rumors (proven false)
Language: no
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and chose to review it voluntarily.
The story is clean and a quick easy read that might lend itself to a quiet evening when you just want pure entertainment and nothing to interrupt the show.
Sex: some innuendo in rumors (proven false)
Language: no
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and chose to review it voluntarily.
January 16, 2020
Lady Mary Contrary is a great little story with a lot to offer!
Mary is contrary indeed - but only to Blake. He doesn't have a clue to how she feels and has unknowingly caused much heartache and chaos in her heart.
Blake is, of course, handsome - and a flirt, but also kind and so good at heart.
He has to start thinking about marriage, but it doesn't occur to him that Mary is the love he is looking for - until it's almost too late.
A few suspenseful situations, another would be suitor, and several tears later, it all works out with a satisfying end.
I love this author's work. She created some really good characters, a great story line, and sweet clean romance, and wrapped it all up in a nice little novella.
I received an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I highly recommend this book for a light and entertaining read!
Mary is contrary indeed - but only to Blake. He doesn't have a clue to how she feels and has unknowingly caused much heartache and chaos in her heart.
Blake is, of course, handsome - and a flirt, but also kind and so good at heart.
He has to start thinking about marriage, but it doesn't occur to him that Mary is the love he is looking for - until it's almost too late.
A few suspenseful situations, another would be suitor, and several tears later, it all works out with a satisfying end.
I love this author's work. She created some really good characters, a great story line, and sweet clean romance, and wrapped it all up in a nice little novella.
I received an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I highly recommend this book for a light and entertaining read!
February 5, 2020
This is a fun, sweet novella by Anneka Walker. It’s clean and wholesome, with well developed characters. This is a perfect story for anyone who loves regency romance with a guaranteed happy ending. It’s the second book in the series and although it can be read as a stand-alone it’s definitely worth reading the other book in the series first as characters from the first book are mentioned throughout this one.
January 29, 2020
This novella was full of fun dialogue and Mary was certainly contrary. Blake's jovial personality was a good contrast to Mary's passionate outbursts. Anneka wove in plenty of humor and sass to bring this nursery rhyme theme to a sweet regency tale.
July 7, 2025
At only 90 pages long, Lady Mary Contrary reads more like a short story than a novella. However, the MMC is from Anneka R. Walker’s first novella in the Regency Ever After series, Her Three Suitors. With Blake being a fun, roguish character, it was a pleasure to read the end of his story. Having said that, I do recommend reading the first one in this series before Lady Mary Contrary.
‘Lady Mary Contrary’ is the nickname for the FMC and has been in love with Blake for a long time while he was oblivious to it; however, not her brothers. When Blake’s mother gives him an ultimatum to marry or else be cut off, he sets out to find a wife, and then it occurs to him he could marry the younger sister of his best friends. Needless to say, problems ensue.
I enjoyed this lighthearted, whimsical story that can be read easily in one sitting. If you like these kind of Regency Romance tales in a short novella form, you’ll probably enjoy it. For what it was, I did. 3***½*
‘Lady Mary Contrary’ is the nickname for the FMC and has been in love with Blake for a long time while he was oblivious to it; however, not her brothers. When Blake’s mother gives him an ultimatum to marry or else be cut off, he sets out to find a wife, and then it occurs to him he could marry the younger sister of his best friends. Needless to say, problems ensue.
I enjoyed this lighthearted, whimsical story that can be read easily in one sitting. If you like these kind of Regency Romance tales in a short novella form, you’ll probably enjoy it. For what it was, I did. 3***½*
October 9, 2025
“I will never be tired of being in love with you. I might grow annoyed or get angry, but my love for you is so deeply rooted, it cannot be removed.”
This was a fun novella! I’m a sucker for a best friend’s sibling story. I really enjoyed this positive interpretation of the Lady Mary Contrary nursery rhyme.
Mary is fiery and knows what she wants. I loved her relationship with her nieces and her brothers. Her devotion to Blake after everything was so sweet. I loved when she realized her heart wasn’t going to change. Blake is charming, learning to take responsibility for his actions, and finding out what his heart truly desires. He was fantastic with Mary’s nieces, I loved their interactions. And his friendship with Mary’s brothers was delightful. I was a little worried after book one but they kept their friendship strong. I loved Blake’s character growth. His determination to win Mary’s heart but give her the time she needed was fantastic. The family meeting was so funny. I can’t wait to read Anton’s story!
A few more quotes:
“You are right. Your dragon game was better than princesses.” “You practically issued a challenge, you know. Tomorrow you can be a princess, and I promise not to interfere.”
“I promise, I’m a changed man. I want a family now, where before the thought scared me to death. And . . . you. I want you.”
Note: This is book 2 in the novella series and would best be enjoyed after book 1, as it picks up just a few days after book 1 ends
This was a fun novella! I’m a sucker for a best friend’s sibling story. I really enjoyed this positive interpretation of the Lady Mary Contrary nursery rhyme.
Mary is fiery and knows what she wants. I loved her relationship with her nieces and her brothers. Her devotion to Blake after everything was so sweet. I loved when she realized her heart wasn’t going to change. Blake is charming, learning to take responsibility for his actions, and finding out what his heart truly desires. He was fantastic with Mary’s nieces, I loved their interactions. And his friendship with Mary’s brothers was delightful. I was a little worried after book one but they kept their friendship strong. I loved Blake’s character growth. His determination to win Mary’s heart but give her the time she needed was fantastic. The family meeting was so funny. I can’t wait to read Anton’s story!
A few more quotes:
“You are right. Your dragon game was better than princesses.” “You practically issued a challenge, you know. Tomorrow you can be a princess, and I promise not to interfere.”
“I promise, I’m a changed man. I want a family now, where before the thought scared me to death. And . . . you. I want you.”
Note: This is book 2 in the novella series and would best be enjoyed after book 1, as it picks up just a few days after book 1 ends
March 2, 2022
Whimsical
Lady Mary doesn’t trust her heart.
Mary is tired of pining for the unobtainable Blake Gunther, so she recruits her brother’s help to match her with someone more suitable. The handsome Lord Templeton falls right into her hands and is eager to pursue her, only her heart is refusing to comply. Further complicating matters, Blake is treated like family and is there every time Mary turns around.
After a few false rumors, Blake is cut off financially—until he marries. With no money to leave his parent’s estate, his only options are to marry someone in the neighborhood or let his mother drive him mad. As the younger sister to his best friend, Mary is not on his list.
When they’re unexpectedly thrown together to help Mary’s family through a crisis, Blake’s heart beats for someone else for the first time in his life. He wants Mary, but he has to convince her he can be trusted first. He usually charms his way out of everything, but Mary will not be charmed.
Mary only wants to be loved.
Mary and Blake are meant to be together!
Mary has a crisis in that her sister has been sick due to her pregnancy.
Mary life is full of misunderstandings.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Lady Mary doesn’t trust her heart.
Mary is tired of pining for the unobtainable Blake Gunther, so she recruits her brother’s help to match her with someone more suitable. The handsome Lord Templeton falls right into her hands and is eager to pursue her, only her heart is refusing to comply. Further complicating matters, Blake is treated like family and is there every time Mary turns around.
After a few false rumors, Blake is cut off financially—until he marries. With no money to leave his parent’s estate, his only options are to marry someone in the neighborhood or let his mother drive him mad. As the younger sister to his best friend, Mary is not on his list.
When they’re unexpectedly thrown together to help Mary’s family through a crisis, Blake’s heart beats for someone else for the first time in his life. He wants Mary, but he has to convince her he can be trusted first. He usually charms his way out of everything, but Mary will not be charmed.
Mary only wants to be loved.
Mary and Blake are meant to be together!
Mary has a crisis in that her sister has been sick due to her pregnancy.
Mary life is full of misunderstandings.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
January 29, 2020
There are are few basic qualifications a book or novella needs to meet in order for it to be 'my type'. This one met them all with flying colors! The plot was engaging, the pacing was great, the author used meaningful conflict to lead to a climax that was then resolved in a satisfying manner, the main characters each had a distinct voice and were believable, the minor characters enriched the story, and the story brought images to my mind that I hadn't seen before. That's the nuts and bolts of it (oh, and it's clean-that's a MUST), but even more importantly, reading this novella reminded me of the potential life has to bring happiness. When I finished, my heart felt open to joy, laughter, light and possibilities. I needed that! Yes, it made me giggle, and yes, I felt like hugging someone with a giddy smile. I'm a definite fan. Keep them coming! Thank you!
February 10, 2020
Mary & Blake have grown up together and Mary has loved him for as long as she can remember. However, Blake loves to flirt and thus gets into trouble with gossip and false rumors. In the meantime, each are pressured to marry. Can she learn to trust him? Can he learn to express his true feelings and clear his name?
My favorite character is Blake. He was trying to clear his name and show that he truly did love Mary. On the flip side, I found Mary to be petulant and spiteful. She repeatedly tested Blake's feelings to the point that I felt sorry for him and wished he'd find someone who appreciated him more. It was if he was trying to defend himself against everyone, including his own mother.
Romance - PG / kissing
Language - clean
My rating - 3 stars
My favorite character is Blake. He was trying to clear his name and show that he truly did love Mary. On the flip side, I found Mary to be petulant and spiteful. She repeatedly tested Blake's feelings to the point that I felt sorry for him and wished he'd find someone who appreciated him more. It was if he was trying to defend himself against everyone, including his own mother.
Romance - PG / kissing
Language - clean
My rating - 3 stars
January 20, 2020
This fun tale shows the pitfalls of misinformation and rumor. Mary has only ever been in love with Blake, but he has gained the reputation of a rake and is suddenly not a suitable suitor. Mary enlists the help of her brother and is in a situation where she has to choose between her heart and her best interests, or does she.
This was a fun story and a quick read that was thoroughly enjoyable. The characters were feisty and determined to do what was best for those that they loved. This has strong sibling relationships and misunderstanding between and within families. Lady Mary Contrary is one I will definitely reread.
This was a fun story and a quick read that was thoroughly enjoyable. The characters were feisty and determined to do what was best for those that they loved. This has strong sibling relationships and misunderstanding between and within families. Lady Mary Contrary is one I will definitely reread.
January 22, 2020
This was a fun, quick and sweet read. A little bit of a regency rom. com! I liked both Mary & Blake. I though they fit well together. Blakes mother was a bit interesting. I didn't like her so much since she always had to have her son cast in the worst light. I enjoyed everyone else. I think the story had a nice and natural flow to it. Nothing felt rushed or just thrown together because it's a novella. The only thing that gave me pause was sometimes I thought the dialogue seemed a little too modern. Overall, a satisfying read with good characters and plot. I would recommend for a nice relaxing read with a bit of humor.
February 6, 2020
A light hearted endearing take on the Nursery Rhyme "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary"
I could picture myself just as frustrated with Mr. Blake Gunther as Lady Mary is. Nor does it seem a stretch of the imagination for Mr. Gunther to be confused, and slow change his mindset from that of a familial practically older brother to realizing the depth of his love for Lady Mary. I also truly enjoyed the character development of Blake's parents and how the author ends the book, by the discussion put to rest by a seemingly unlikely source. Which is just a reminder to never underestimate a person. ;)
I could picture myself just as frustrated with Mr. Blake Gunther as Lady Mary is. Nor does it seem a stretch of the imagination for Mr. Gunther to be confused, and slow change his mindset from that of a familial practically older brother to realizing the depth of his love for Lady Mary. I also truly enjoyed the character development of Blake's parents and how the author ends the book, by the discussion put to rest by a seemingly unlikely source. Which is just a reminder to never underestimate a person. ;)
February 13, 2023
second in series
I already had a connection with Blake from the first book in the series. He was a likable fellow. I may have felt differently if I had read this book first. But I had a hard time believing him a rake based on the little we knew of him in the first book.
Mary on the contrary (double meaning intended) was a new character to me. I didn’t instantly fall in love with her. I loved both her brother already but Mary was written to be somewhat sour. Not that she was a bad person. But I didn’t like that she was giving Blake such a bad time. Of course I wanted to know why. We of course find answers later on.
It was a fun entertaining story.
I already had a connection with Blake from the first book in the series. He was a likable fellow. I may have felt differently if I had read this book first. But I had a hard time believing him a rake based on the little we knew of him in the first book.
Mary on the contrary (double meaning intended) was a new character to me. I didn’t instantly fall in love with her. I loved both her brother already but Mary was written to be somewhat sour. Not that she was a bad person. But I didn’t like that she was giving Blake such a bad time. Of course I wanted to know why. We of course find answers later on.
It was a fun entertaining story.
May 8, 2025
This is a 3.5 upgraded to a 4, mainly because I'm not sorry I read it and I love her other books so much. I love how the author gets right into the heart of the story and the 2 main characters; which is essential when dealing with a novella. I think it wrapped up nicely. So, what made it so I didn't love this?
First, the extreme sappiness of the dialogue toward the last 1/3 of the book. I'm all for love and romance, but this was taking it much too far. Second, how current the speech was. This is supposed to be Regency era, and I understand modernizing the speech a little bit, but again, I feel like the author took it too far.
First, the extreme sappiness of the dialogue toward the last 1/3 of the book. I'm all for love and romance, but this was taking it much too far. Second, how current the speech was. This is supposed to be Regency era, and I understand modernizing the speech a little bit, but again, I feel like the author took it too far.
January 17, 2020
This was such a fun novella! Mary is a fiery woman who knows what she wants; Blake is a charmer who could have anyone but has yet to discover where his heart truly lies. Mary’s nickname of “Mary Contrary” is an apt description as she swings between tears and anger in her attempts to help Blake realize that they could be so much more than just lifelong friends.
This book had me laughing out loud and I hope this isn’t the last time we see these memorable characters. I would love to see a book or novella about Mary’s brother Anton!
This book had me laughing out loud and I hope this isn’t the last time we see these memorable characters. I would love to see a book or novella about Mary’s brother Anton!
January 24, 2020
This is a sweet novella. Mary is quite contrary and dramatic. Some of her mood swings was a little annoying especially towards the end. I wish it were longer and could’ve been more developed. The characters reference an incident at Rosewood Park often and I’m still not quite sure it was ever resolved or if it was, it was still confusing.
But it had a HEA which is part of the name of the series so easy to tell that way. This is my first book by Walker but I thought it was clever how she used modern euphemisms and turned into a regency era. Thrown under the carriage instead of bus.
But it had a HEA which is part of the name of the series so easy to tell that way. This is my first book by Walker but I thought it was clever how she used modern euphemisms and turned into a regency era. Thrown under the carriage instead of bus.
January 28, 2020
I thought this was a fun story to read. Yes Mary could be contrary but it was mostly spunk and her anger was fueled by hurt. I loved the characters in this story. Mary’s family really added to the story. Her mother was very wise. Her brothers were supportive and trying to understand her. I liked Blake but I was a little frustrated that he didn’t realize that his flirtations weren’t harmless. Overall it is a great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews