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ontheshelf_romance's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very sweet book and as a massive fan of the friends-to-lovers’ trope I was excited to read this one. Sophia Fenmore is a totally unacceptable wife in the eyes of Jack Lancaster’s Father. As a Baron and future Earl, he needs to set his sights much higher than a lowly vicar’s daughter. However, when his father broches this subject with him he decides the best course of action is to run off to London and not look back leaving poor Sophia feeling abandoned. For the next few years all she hears about are his rakish escapades. He returns home after four years of not seeing his family or friends, for his sisters’ debuts and that’s where our story begins. What will Jack think when he sees Sophie for the first time in four years now that she’s newly engaged?
Sophie and Jack are wonderful characters and this second chance romance has all the feels, my only wish was that it had been steamier as it bordered a bit too much on the sweet side of historical romance for me. I really enjoyed the side stories of the sisters too who also felt they had to marry the right person to further the family, rather than marry for love. There is also a very good plot twist that I didn’t see coming toward the end! Over all for a novella Barnes packs a lot into this book and you almost forget it’s not a full length novel.
A very well written novella and I will definitely be reading more from Sophie Barnes in the future.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sophie and Jack are wonderful characters and this second chance romance has all the feels, my only wish was that it had been steamier as it bordered a bit too much on the sweet side of historical romance for me. I really enjoyed the side stories of the sisters too who also felt they had to marry the right person to further the family, rather than marry for love. There is also a very good plot twist that I didn’t see coming toward the end! Over all for a novella Barnes packs a lot into this book and you almost forget it’s not a full length novel.
A very well written novella and I will definitely be reading more from Sophie Barnes in the future.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
andrea_author's review against another edition
4.0
Sophia has been in love with Jack, her neighbor, since she was a girl. His rakish reputation suggests he doesn't share her affection. When he returns to the country after a four-year absence, he's smitten with her. But it's too late—she's engaged and planning a marriage of convenience. His protestations of love don't sway her. She's sure he only wants what he can't have. Can he convince her his heart is true?
This is a short, romantic, satisfying read. This author always seems to surprise me with an unexpected twist just when I think I know how the story will go.
Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a short, romantic, satisfying read. This author always seems to surprise me with an unexpected twist just when I think I know how the story will go.
Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
bookishmya's review against another edition
4.0
Jack and Sophia’s story captured my attention from the very start. Time passed quickly as I was engrossed in their tale. I loved the friendship Sophia has with his sisters, truly a part of their family already. So when they suggest she marry Jack, it was a natural conclusion of the closeness they had always seen between them. Knowing Sophia had always loved him, and seeing the truth of Jacks emotions even when he couldn’t. Of course, no romance is ever smooth sailing no matter how strong the foundation. This Jack has a lot to overcome to win his right by her side. I appreciated Edwards role in this journey, he truly loves Sophia and wants the best for her even if that means he needs to expand his role in her family. He will do what’s necessary to help smooth the waters of love. The truth of Sophia’s past came as little surprise, it seemed a natural transition of the story that she would be somehow legitimized. I truly appreciated the graceful flow of the story, the angst was strong in the beginning with Jacks turmoil and I love angst! An enjoyable story of love meant to be.
jeannethinks's review against another edition
3.0
This is a quick read and the ninth book in the Diamond in the Rough series.
Jack Lancaster, The Baron of Hawthorne, has come home after a four year absence, the prodigal son returns. He is only home to support his sisters during the house party over the Christmas holidays. He has spent his time getting quite the reputation with the ladies. Upon his return he is forced to face his decisions and the reality that he truly can't escape from the draw of one of the reasons he left, Sophia.
Sophia Fenmore is the foster child of the local vicar, she had been raised as their own. She had also been the playmate of the Lancaster children and had always been closest to Jack. She was devastated when he left as she's been in love with him forever. And when he didn't respond to her letters she knew he didn't feel the same. Now faced with the choice of a future as a spinster she chooses one type of love over passion. Until twist and turns take everyone down another path.
Jack Lancaster, The Baron of Hawthorne, has come home after a four year absence, the prodigal son returns. He is only home to support his sisters during the house party over the Christmas holidays. He has spent his time getting quite the reputation with the ladies. Upon his return he is forced to face his decisions and the reality that he truly can't escape from the draw of one of the reasons he left, Sophia.
Sophia Fenmore is the foster child of the local vicar, she had been raised as their own. She had also been the playmate of the Lancaster children and had always been closest to Jack. She was devastated when he left as she's been in love with him forever. And when he didn't respond to her letters she knew he didn't feel the same. Now faced with the choice of a future as a spinster she chooses one type of love over passion. Until twist and turns take everyone down another path.
fransar94's review against another edition
4.0
In order to secure matches for his sisters, Jack Lancaster, Baron Hawthorne returns home for the holidays. There he meets once a again Sophia, an orphan that the vicar and his wife raised as their daughter and his childhood friend. And the reason he stayed away for 4 years.
Sophia always had a connection with Jack. As they grew, their emotions did as well. Knowing he couldn't get married to a nobody like her, she decides to accept the wedding proposal of Edward, the vicar's son who is like a brother to her. Will they make it?
The Roguish Baron, is the last book of "Diamonds in the Rough" series where couples of the previous books appear. A sweet emotional story of unrequited loves (there's also a secondary romance), forced proximity and of course pining and pines (it's set on Christmas time after all)
PS: It's a clean romance
I received an eARC copy from NetGalley and there are my honest opinions
Sophia always had a connection with Jack. As they grew, their emotions did as well. Knowing he couldn't get married to a nobody like her, she decides to accept the wedding proposal of Edward, the vicar's son who is like a brother to her. Will they make it?
The Roguish Baron, is the last book of "Diamonds in the Rough" series where couples of the previous books appear. A sweet emotional story of unrequited loves (there's also a secondary romance), forced proximity and of course pining and pines (it's set on Christmas time after all)
PS: It's a clean romance
I received an eARC copy from NetGalley and there are my honest opinions
rainelle_barrett's review against another edition
4.0
I loved that the book was a page turner. The story definitely pulled out all the excitement of a romantic story to read. The characters are very charming and interesting. The book is an easy read. I loved the entertainment and the romantic love story.
amagre's review against another edition
1.75
Jag vill aldrig mer behöva läsa om två (styv)-syskon som förlovar sig, om så bara för en liten stund.
dark_siren's review against another edition
4.0
Sophia was found by the Vicar Fenmore and his wife abandoned in their church when she was a baby. No one knew where she came from so they decided to raise her as their own alongside their son, Edward. Now all grown up Sophia Fenmore decides since she will never be able to be with Jack Lancaster she will settle for a different kind of love. Jack Lancaster, Baron Hawthorne and heir to an Earldom has been a pretty notorious rake in London for years when he finally comes home. After he arrives he is shocked by how different Sophia is from the girl he grew up with and when he finds out he can't have her that is when realization comes crashing down that she is the only one he ever really wanted. Just when is seems all obstacles to HEA will be removed there is a shocking revelation that will change everything. This can be read as a standalone.
Note: Descriptions of kissing and clothing removal only. No actual description of sex takes place.
Disclaimer: I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. The opinions I expressed are entirely my own.
Note: Descriptions of kissing and clothing removal only. No actual description of sex takes place.
Disclaimer: I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. The opinions I expressed are entirely my own.
lianareadsblog's review against another edition
4.0
Sophia and Jack are a lifetime friends finding love when least expected.
After his return at home, his twin sisters agree to marry them and will do everything they can for that to happen. When Sophia declines her attendance at the party, but later on shows up with her now fiancé, everything takes an unexpected turn.
I loved the love triangle element in here and I think it works great for this story.
All their interaction and chemistry are intriguing to watch and the romance part is swoon worthy.
A quick read that I enjoyed a lot and I’m looking forward to seeing where the author will take us on a new journey and couple in this series.
Very grateful to the author for my review copy
After his return at home, his twin sisters agree to marry them and will do everything they can for that to happen. When Sophia declines her attendance at the party, but later on shows up with her now fiancé, everything takes an unexpected turn.
I loved the love triangle element in here and I think it works great for this story.
All their interaction and chemistry are intriguing to watch and the romance part is swoon worthy.
A quick read that I enjoyed a lot and I’m looking forward to seeing where the author will take us on a new journey and couple in this series.
Very grateful to the author for my review copy
00laura23's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this story of best friends finally admitting their love for each other and overcoming all obstacles including family to be together. Jack and Sophia are relatable characters whom I pulled for and enjoyed watching their growth as individuals and in their romance. I really liked Jack’s development through this story.
If you like best friends to lovers trope and groveling this is a good story for you. It’s low steam, with lots of sparks and chemistry.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you like best friends to lovers trope and groveling this is a good story for you. It’s low steam, with lots of sparks and chemistry.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.