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The Townsbridges #5
An Unexpected Temptation
No other woman compares...
Six years ago, Athena Townsbridge broke up a wedding. This worked out well for her brother and the lady he loved, but Athena has never forgiven herself for what it did to Robert Carlisle. No one has seen him since he fled the church in humiliation, so when she learns of his estate's proximity to the property she is staying at during a family visit, she sets out, determined to make amends.
When Robert, Marquess of Darlington, is reunited with Athena, she's no longer the troublesome girl he remembers, but rather a fully grown woman. Trapped with her when a blizzard sets in, he rediscovers her playful side, the laughter and joy she can bring to his life. But it is her willful nature that tempts him, both with the need to tame her and with the dream of making her his.
Six years ago, Athena Townsbridge broke up a wedding. This worked out well for her brother and the lady he loved, but Athena has never forgiven herself for what it did to Robert Carlisle. No one has seen him since he fled the church in humiliation, so when she learns of his estate's proximity to the property she is staying at during a family visit, she sets out, determined to make amends.
When Robert, Marquess of Darlington, is reunited with Athena, she's no longer the troublesome girl he remembers, but rather a fully grown woman. Trapped with her when a blizzard sets in, he rediscovers her playful side, the laughter and joy she can bring to his life. But it is her willful nature that tempts him, both with the need to tame her and with the dream of making her his.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2020
169 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Barnes
67 books1,755 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
For all the latest releases, promotions, and exclusive story updates, subscribe to Sophie Barnes’ newsletter today: www.sophiebarnes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
December 8, 2020
Series: The Townsbridges #5
Publication Date: 12/8/20
Number of Pages: 114
Let me offer you a word of warning – DO NOT start reading this book in the evening if you wish to get a full night’s sleep. Once you begin reading, you won’t put it down until you’ve finished. Luckily it is a novella so you might get a few hours of sleep.
I have wanted to read Robert’s story since the first book of the series, When Love Leads To Scandal. I knew his perfect match had to be out there somewhere – and she was – she just wasn’t anybody he would have ever expected. After his best friend, Charles Townsend, betrayed him, and Charles’s sister, Athena, brought life-altering scandal to his door, Robert was thoroughly and completely through with the Townsbridge’s. Well, he thought he was through with them until six years later when Althea showed up at his door begging for his forgiveness – which he was totally disinclined to give. However, after talking to her for a bit and realizing she was no longer that fourteen-year-old girl who’d ruined his life, then REALLY noticing that she was no longer that fourteen-year-old girl – well, maybe a little forgiveness was in order.
I absolutely adored the romance of this. Robert decided he wanted to woo and win Athena’s heart. He didn’t want her forced to wed him – as could have happened after she visited his home unchaperoned and was caught there for several days during a blizzard. He also didn’t want to change her – he admired her for who she was and couldn’t believe other men didn’t see her the same way. Oh! Yes! I absolutely adored Robert.
If you have ever read any of my reviews, you’ll know how much I love epilogues. Well, this one had an absolutely wonderful epilogue. It was the perfect way to wrap up this series – and I just know the author wrote it with me in mind – NOT.
I highly recommend this novella. I think it is the best one on the series and I just know you’ll love it as much as I did.
Publication Date: 12/8/20
Number of Pages: 114
Let me offer you a word of warning – DO NOT start reading this book in the evening if you wish to get a full night’s sleep. Once you begin reading, you won’t put it down until you’ve finished. Luckily it is a novella so you might get a few hours of sleep.
I have wanted to read Robert’s story since the first book of the series, When Love Leads To Scandal. I knew his perfect match had to be out there somewhere – and she was – she just wasn’t anybody he would have ever expected. After his best friend, Charles Townsend, betrayed him, and Charles’s sister, Athena, brought life-altering scandal to his door, Robert was thoroughly and completely through with the Townsbridge’s. Well, he thought he was through with them until six years later when Althea showed up at his door begging for his forgiveness – which he was totally disinclined to give. However, after talking to her for a bit and realizing she was no longer that fourteen-year-old girl who’d ruined his life, then REALLY noticing that she was no longer that fourteen-year-old girl – well, maybe a little forgiveness was in order.
I absolutely adored the romance of this. Robert decided he wanted to woo and win Athena’s heart. He didn’t want her forced to wed him – as could have happened after she visited his home unchaperoned and was caught there for several days during a blizzard. He also didn’t want to change her – he admired her for who she was and couldn’t believe other men didn’t see her the same way. Oh! Yes! I absolutely adored Robert.
If you have ever read any of my reviews, you’ll know how much I love epilogues. Well, this one had an absolutely wonderful epilogue. It was the perfect way to wrap up this series – and I just know the author wrote it with me in mind – NOT.
I highly recommend this novella. I think it is the best one on the series and I just know you’ll love it as much as I did.
February 6, 2022
A heartwarming novella the was simply perfect.
Athena, at fourteen, had stopped a marriage between Robert, her brother's best friend, and the women her brother secretly loved. Humiliated, Robert left for his estate and did not reappear.
Robert devoted himself to making his estate liquid after his father's death and tried not to feel bitter about the past, but is still seemed to be something he could not forgive.
Six years later, Athena, now a grown woman, shows up at his estate to try to earn his forgiveness.
He cannot believe how beautiful she is now and it seems, fate may be stepping in to bring them together!
So sweet and romantic, I was so happy to see Robert and Athena's story and you will love it!
Athena, at fourteen, had stopped a marriage between Robert, her brother's best friend, and the women her brother secretly loved. Humiliated, Robert left for his estate and did not reappear.
Robert devoted himself to making his estate liquid after his father's death and tried not to feel bitter about the past, but is still seemed to be something he could not forgive.
Six years later, Athena, now a grown woman, shows up at his estate to try to earn his forgiveness.
He cannot believe how beautiful she is now and it seems, fate may be stepping in to bring them together!
So sweet and romantic, I was so happy to see Robert and Athena's story and you will love it!
July 28, 2021
The Apology and the Aftermath💘
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕 and Adventure
Athena💃💋 has always been the unconventional daughter of Viscount Roxley. She is unfettered and unfiltered, something less than desirable for a young lady of the ton!
It is 6 years after the then 14 year old Athena💃💋 spoiled the wedding👰 between childhood friend, Robert🐺🍆⛲, Marquess of Darlington, and Bethany, a young woman who was actually in love with her brother, Charles.
Athena💃💋 fears Lord Darlington🐺🍆⛲ has never forgiven her. To make amends during her family's visit to a nearby estate Christmas🎄 house party, she goes alone to see him. Surely she can apologize properly after all this time?
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
This ebook was $2.99 on Amazon📚 at the time of this review.
Opinions Expressed here are entirely my own.
This is a fun, quick read for the holidays🎄. Happy ending included, of course!
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕 and Adventure
Athena💃💋 has always been the unconventional daughter of Viscount Roxley. She is unfettered and unfiltered, something less than desirable for a young lady of the ton!
It is 6 years after the then 14 year old Athena💃💋 spoiled the wedding👰 between childhood friend, Robert🐺🍆⛲, Marquess of Darlington, and Bethany, a young woman who was actually in love with her brother, Charles.
Athena💃💋 fears Lord Darlington🐺🍆⛲ has never forgiven her. To make amends during her family's visit to a nearby estate Christmas🎄 house party, she goes alone to see him. Surely she can apologize properly after all this time?
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
This ebook was $2.99 on Amazon📚 at the time of this review.
Opinions Expressed here are entirely my own.
This is a fun, quick read for the holidays🎄. Happy ending included, of course!
May 16, 2021
Great story
This was my first time reading this author and the writing was excellent. It flowed smoothly, with engaging dialogue, and a storyline that held my interest. And it didn’t hurt that both MCs were likable and endearing and their emotional connection was palpable.
My only complaint was that there was no love scenes. It was closed door, so unfortunately I probably won’t read anymore from this author as I need some steam in my romance, but if one enjoys a clean romance with a good story, then this is a great choice.
SPOILERS and safety deets BELOW!!!!!
Hero’s past isn’t mentioned except to say he’s been celibate for some months. Virgin heroine. No explicit sex scenes. No abuse or cheating of any kind. No real ow/om drama, despite the fact that hero was engaged to heroines sister in law years earlier (he wasn’t in love with her). HEA with epilogue years out.
This was my first time reading this author and the writing was excellent. It flowed smoothly, with engaging dialogue, and a storyline that held my interest. And it didn’t hurt that both MCs were likable and endearing and their emotional connection was palpable.
My only complaint was that there was no love scenes. It was closed door, so unfortunately I probably won’t read anymore from this author as I need some steam in my romance, but if one enjoys a clean romance with a good story, then this is a great choice.
SPOILERS and safety deets BELOW!!!!!
Hero’s past isn’t mentioned except to say he’s been celibate for some months. Virgin heroine. No explicit sex scenes. No abuse or cheating of any kind. No real ow/om drama, despite the fact that hero was engaged to heroines sister in law years earlier (he wasn’t in love with her). HEA with epilogue years out.
November 7, 2020
This is the final book of The Townsbridges historical romance novella series. I read the last two books first and was able to follow the storyline without an issue.
.
Athena has always been strong-willed and marches to the beat of her own drum. She broke up her friend Robert’s wedding years ago because she knew his wife-to-be was in love with someone else. They haven’t spoken since. Athena really wants to apologize but she may end up dealing with more than she bargained for.
.
The pacing and spunky characters really sold this book for me. I would happily read full-length books based on these characters. This also played a little on the friends to enemies to lovers premise which I like in romantic storylines. Overall, a quick, enjoyable historical romance read which is great when you aren’t in the mood for something too heavy!
.
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this boon. The review expresses my own personal opinions.
.
Athena has always been strong-willed and marches to the beat of her own drum. She broke up her friend Robert’s wedding years ago because she knew his wife-to-be was in love with someone else. They haven’t spoken since. Athena really wants to apologize but she may end up dealing with more than she bargained for.
.
The pacing and spunky characters really sold this book for me. I would happily read full-length books based on these characters. This also played a little on the friends to enemies to lovers premise which I like in romantic storylines. Overall, a quick, enjoyable historical romance read which is great when you aren’t in the mood for something too heavy!
.
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this boon. The review expresses my own personal opinions.
January 6, 2021
Really enjoyed reading this short story. Lovely characters and storyline.
I loved the last two sentences before the Epilogue - "But first, it is my duty to show you the stars." And so he did, loving her with every kiss and each touch until her soul melded with his. Classy!
5☆
I loved the last two sentences before the Epilogue - "But first, it is my duty to show you the stars." And so he did, loving her with every kiss and each touch until her soul melded with his. Classy!
5☆
December 5, 2020
⚓⚓ONE MESMERIZING JOURNEY⚓⚓
Screaming skiddles! Sophie delivers with this remarkably tantalizing whirlwind, dishing out some fervent facts, heartfelt choices and soul soaring decisions, hooking you from the first sentence until the last word, launching this jewel to a whole new level. Perception and mannerisms in layer upon layer you peel back with each page your drawn into this tangled web so thoroughly till nothing else exists, blasting this baby into the eye of the storm, blowing it into a tailspin with life altering impacts. Escapades and stealthy maneuvers descend in a flurry of cunning strategy and a happenstance, observing the crushed perimeters and broken barriers solidify as limitations are relaxed and tested, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, exhibiting the impish quirks and defying bents, bursting this baby to life brilliantly. The attraction and chemistry flows with such ease, exposing boundless emotions and infinite affections, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters, dialogue, interactions and electrified atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits adding depth and diversity, transforming into charismatic personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels like you can just reach out and touch it. Remarkable job Sophie, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
Screaming skiddles! Sophie delivers with this remarkably tantalizing whirlwind, dishing out some fervent facts, heartfelt choices and soul soaring decisions, hooking you from the first sentence until the last word, launching this jewel to a whole new level. Perception and mannerisms in layer upon layer you peel back with each page your drawn into this tangled web so thoroughly till nothing else exists, blasting this baby into the eye of the storm, blowing it into a tailspin with life altering impacts. Escapades and stealthy maneuvers descend in a flurry of cunning strategy and a happenstance, observing the crushed perimeters and broken barriers solidify as limitations are relaxed and tested, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, exhibiting the impish quirks and defying bents, bursting this baby to life brilliantly. The attraction and chemistry flows with such ease, exposing boundless emotions and infinite affections, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters, dialogue, interactions and electrified atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits adding depth and diversity, transforming into charismatic personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels like you can just reach out and touch it. Remarkable job Sophie, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
December 7, 2020
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. An Unexpected Temptation by Sophie Barnes is the fifth and final novella in her The Townsbridges series. A child of fourteen when the series began, Athena Townsbridge is now all grown up at age twenty and has decided that she needs to make amends to Robert Carlisle, Marquess of Darlington, for standing up at his wedding six years ago and announcing that the bride and her brother were in love with each other, causing him to be left at the altar a second time. Visiting close by his country estate, she creates an opportunity to sneak out and ride over to make her apologies in person but ends up trapped there by a snowstorm. At first reluctant to accept her overtures, Robert comes to realize that she’s grown from the child he once knew and that perhaps it is time to put the past behind them because he finds himself enchanted by her now. A reasonably low angst story with medium steam, this one is my favourite of the series. Publishing Date: December 8, 2020. #AnUnexpectedTemptation #SophieBarnes #HistoricalRomance #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #NetGalley
November 29, 2020
An Unexpected Temptation by Sophie Barnes is the last (and fifth) book in The Townbridges series. Athena Townsbridge was outspoken and sometimes acted before she thought. Athena stopped a wedding that included Robert Carlisle and he seemed to disappear after the horrific happening.
Robert Carlisle is now the Marquess of Darlington. While he is not a recluse, his life was changed when Athena Townsbridge broke up his wedding. He has never really forgiven her and her family. Athena shows up at his home (while visiting nearby) to apologize. She refuses to leave before Robert hears her apology.
Then the snow started and didn’t stop. Robert and Athena were trapped together forcing them to deal with each other. Suddenly Robert realized that Athena was right for him, an unexpected temptation. Sophie Barnes ended this series with fun characters and an interesting storyline. An Unexpected Temptation is a quick reading novella, that is really hard to put down.
Robert Carlisle is now the Marquess of Darlington. While he is not a recluse, his life was changed when Athena Townsbridge broke up his wedding. He has never really forgiven her and her family. Athena shows up at his home (while visiting nearby) to apologize. She refuses to leave before Robert hears her apology.
Then the snow started and didn’t stop. Robert and Athena were trapped together forcing them to deal with each other. Suddenly Robert realized that Athena was right for him, an unexpected temptation. Sophie Barnes ended this series with fun characters and an interesting storyline. An Unexpected Temptation is a quick reading novella, that is really hard to put down.
December 6, 2020
It's Athena's HEA. Athena is the youngest Townsbridge sibling and the most brash of all. 6 yrs ago, she had stopped Robert Langdon's wedding to Bethany (now married to Athena's brother Charles). Charles and Robert were best friends till then. This story is her apology to Robert and subsequent marriage to him.
The plot is extremely simple,I personally prefer more complex story and characters. I liked Athena-she is honest and straightforward and unapologetically lives by her own terms. Robert's proposal is super fantastic.
This is a simple sweet novella just right for the season.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot is extremely simple,I personally prefer more complex story and characters. I liked Athena-she is honest and straightforward and unapologetically lives by her own terms. Robert's proposal is super fantastic.
This is a simple sweet novella just right for the season.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
The fifth and final Townsbridge book, An Unexpected Temptation sees the youngest Townsbridge sibling, Athena, find her own love, in a rather unexpected place. When she was 14, she spoke up at the wedding of a close family friend, Robert Carlisle, now the Marquess of Darlington, and was the catalyst for his bride jilting him, and running of with his best friend, Athena's older brother. Since then, Robert has cut all ties with the family, but Athena will not give up trying to apologise. When her and the family are spending Christmas at the neighbouring estate, Athena decides to sneak off to Robert's home, and apologise in person, once and for all. And when the weather draws in, and she is marooned, alone, with him, he starts to reconsider everything he thought. The young rascal he once knew has become a beautiful hellion, and Robert is now thinking it's time for him to settle down, and with Athena.
This book was only the third I've read by this author, and in this series, but it is definitely my favourite. The trope of friends to lovers, even if they've been estranged for some time, is a favourite of mine, and the sheer chemistry and affection between Athena and Robert was phenomenal. I simply devoured this book, and with the way both main characters grew and developed into a couple, and overcame so many difficulties, I was enthralled. A perfect ending, and everything I could've asked for!
The fifth and final Townsbridge book, An Unexpected Temptation sees the youngest Townsbridge sibling, Athena, find her own love, in a rather unexpected place. When she was 14, she spoke up at the wedding of a close family friend, Robert Carlisle, now the Marquess of Darlington, and was the catalyst for his bride jilting him, and running of with his best friend, Athena's older brother. Since then, Robert has cut all ties with the family, but Athena will not give up trying to apologise. When her and the family are spending Christmas at the neighbouring estate, Athena decides to sneak off to Robert's home, and apologise in person, once and for all. And when the weather draws in, and she is marooned, alone, with him, he starts to reconsider everything he thought. The young rascal he once knew has become a beautiful hellion, and Robert is now thinking it's time for him to settle down, and with Athena.
This book was only the third I've read by this author, and in this series, but it is definitely my favourite. The trope of friends to lovers, even if they've been estranged for some time, is a favourite of mine, and the sheer chemistry and affection between Athena and Robert was phenomenal. I simply devoured this book, and with the way both main characters grew and developed into a couple, and overcame so many difficulties, I was enthralled. A perfect ending, and everything I could've asked for!
December 3, 2020
An Unexpected Temptation
The Townsbridges Series #5
Sophie Barnes
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Release date 12/08/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
No other woman compares…
Six years ago, Athena Townsbridge broke up a wedding. This worked out well for her brother and the lady he loved, but Athena has never forgiven herself for what it did to Robert Carlisle. No one has seen him since he fled the church in humiliation, so when she learns of his estate’s proximity to the property she is staying at during a family visit, she sets out, determined to make amends.
When Robert, Marquess of Darlington, is reunited with Athena, she’s no longer the troublesome girl he remembers, but rather a fully grown woman. Trapped with her when a blizzard sets in, he rediscovers her playful side, the laughter and joy she can bring to his life. But it is her willful nature that tempts him, both with the need to tame her and with the dream of making her his.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
While I have read this series from book 2, sadly I missed the first, which sees its conclusion in this very one.
And while it can perfectly be read as a standalone, you might (as I) more appreciate it with the first book in mind, but the author does a great job bringing all the necessary details to fully enjoy this tale.
Athena is quite a character, sunny, passionate and boisterous, she also tends to act first and think second. Why she often finds herself in messy situations.
And how she created a scandal of a magnitude size. And while she is happy with its result, and does with being labeled a vicious hoyden, she also knows she has caused great hurt to the man wounded by her ill-timed way of taking matter in hand.
Robert after his second aborted attempt at matrimony retired from the marriage mart and its society. He had greatest challenge to see after when upon his father’s demise, he had to find a way to clean his inherited debts.
So when Athena crashes once more in his life, his first reaction is to have nothing to do with her, she is disaster in the waiting.
Yet when circumstances present him with no other possibility than to offer her shelter, he remembers the little girl she was, the willful and lively young being he liked. And in this now full grown woman, there are the same sparks with enticing curves, all the more to make him fall hard, faster than a lightning to strike.
I just loved Robert, he had every rights to be angry at her, and to stay this way as long as he was willing. But the good man in him, understands the why behind her harsh deed. And while he sees where her actions could hurt her, he does not want to stifle the lively and vivid creature he believes she is. Just to give her guidance to avoid pain. He wants to be the one walking by her side, when she will spread her wings as a full grown woman, not any more a kid to be admonished for her silly ploys.
Why he does not hurry his courting, preferring to analyze her reactions, giving her time to come to terms with own body responses. He just plants the seed of himself as a possible suitor by a slow assault of her senses. All the while giving her space to comprehend the storm raging all around her inner core, at first she fights it like she is infested by bug when it is only her heart surrendering to an even more powerful affection, a heart sickness, a disease of the soul affecting her whole body and mind.
What a delight it was to read this unconventional wooing, Robert is such a sweetheart offering Athena time to embrace her heart.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
The Townsbridges Series #5
Sophie Barnes
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Release date 12/08/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
No other woman compares…
Six years ago, Athena Townsbridge broke up a wedding. This worked out well for her brother and the lady he loved, but Athena has never forgiven herself for what it did to Robert Carlisle. No one has seen him since he fled the church in humiliation, so when she learns of his estate’s proximity to the property she is staying at during a family visit, she sets out, determined to make amends.
When Robert, Marquess of Darlington, is reunited with Athena, she’s no longer the troublesome girl he remembers, but rather a fully grown woman. Trapped with her when a blizzard sets in, he rediscovers her playful side, the laughter and joy she can bring to his life. But it is her willful nature that tempts him, both with the need to tame her and with the dream of making her his.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
While I have read this series from book 2, sadly I missed the first, which sees its conclusion in this very one.
And while it can perfectly be read as a standalone, you might (as I) more appreciate it with the first book in mind, but the author does a great job bringing all the necessary details to fully enjoy this tale.
Athena is quite a character, sunny, passionate and boisterous, she also tends to act first and think second. Why she often finds herself in messy situations.
And how she created a scandal of a magnitude size. And while she is happy with its result, and does with being labeled a vicious hoyden, she also knows she has caused great hurt to the man wounded by her ill-timed way of taking matter in hand.
Robert after his second aborted attempt at matrimony retired from the marriage mart and its society. He had greatest challenge to see after when upon his father’s demise, he had to find a way to clean his inherited debts.
So when Athena crashes once more in his life, his first reaction is to have nothing to do with her, she is disaster in the waiting.
Yet when circumstances present him with no other possibility than to offer her shelter, he remembers the little girl she was, the willful and lively young being he liked. And in this now full grown woman, there are the same sparks with enticing curves, all the more to make him fall hard, faster than a lightning to strike.
I just loved Robert, he had every rights to be angry at her, and to stay this way as long as he was willing. But the good man in him, understands the why behind her harsh deed. And while he sees where her actions could hurt her, he does not want to stifle the lively and vivid creature he believes she is. Just to give her guidance to avoid pain. He wants to be the one walking by her side, when she will spread her wings as a full grown woman, not any more a kid to be admonished for her silly ploys.
Why he does not hurry his courting, preferring to analyze her reactions, giving her time to come to terms with own body responses. He just plants the seed of himself as a possible suitor by a slow assault of her senses. All the while giving her space to comprehend the storm raging all around her inner core, at first she fights it like she is infested by bug when it is only her heart surrendering to an even more powerful affection, a heart sickness, a disease of the soul affecting her whole body and mind.
What a delight it was to read this unconventional wooing, Robert is such a sweetheart offering Athena time to embrace her heart.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
December 8, 2020
Six years ago, fourteen year old Athena Townsbridge broke up a wedding. This worked out well for her brother Charles and Bethany the lady he loved, but Athena has never forgiven herself for what it did to Robert Carlisle. No one has seen him since he fled the church in humiliation, so when she learns of his estate’s proximity to the property she is staying at during a family visit, she sets out, determined to make amends. When Robert, Marquis of Darlington, is reunited with Athena, she’s no longer the troublesome girl he remembers, but rather a fully grown woman. Trapped with her when a blizzard sets in, he rediscovers her playful side, the laughter and joy she can bring to his life. But it is her willful nature that tempts him, both with the need to tame her and with the dream of making her his.
This is the final book in the series & a lovely finale it is too. Athena is the buckskin wearing hoyden who adores her nieces & nephews but also finds herself at a loss when she’s apart from Robert. Robert was humiliated when his wedding was halted especially as his first fiancée ran off with someone else but it's a case of third time lucky until illness nearly upsets the apple cart. A well written, fun entertaining read with a lovely epilogue that beautifully rounds off the series
This is the final book in the series & a lovely finale it is too. Athena is the buckskin wearing hoyden who adores her nieces & nephews but also finds herself at a loss when she’s apart from Robert. Robert was humiliated when his wedding was halted especially as his first fiancée ran off with someone else but it's a case of third time lucky until illness nearly upsets the apple cart. A well written, fun entertaining read with a lovely epilogue that beautifully rounds off the series
December 6, 2020
A quick, surprisingly uncomplicated despite this main couple’s complicated past connection romantic read is how I’d sum up this new regency romance by the talented Sophie Barnes. You pretty much get exactly what the synopsis states in this 114 paged novella sequel to the series. Having only read books 3 and 4 seemed inconsequential since Athena and Robert’s story took a life all of its own, and details about the previous couples were drizzled into the mix. It only took a sentence or two to get the gist of why Robert’s feathers were still riled after six long years.
Robert may have overreacted harshly when Athena showed up on his doorstep, but all things considered, things run smoother than I expected in the long run. I especially liked the fact he might have told her to leave more than once but offered her tea, food, shelter, and dry clothes as necessitated to ensure her safety and comfort. He also didn’t morph into a reluctant knucklehead. No, this soon smitten leading man recognized his attraction for Athena and grabbed what he felt was their destiny with both hands. He patiently let her and time catch up with him and his unexpected new found goal of making her his wife.
Athena was a tad too embarrassing overly innocent to the point it took her a while to recognize the physical and emotional stirrings and symptoms of love and the passion that derives from it. I took exception to Robert and her dad’s repeated notion it was going to take a firm hand to teach her not to be so impulsive. At least Robert said he loved her free spirit and wanted her to continue being herself. If she was such a simpleton, people, maybe she wasn’t mature or old enough to get married right now after all. You might be guessing right now I'm not overly fond of a "Yes, dear" heroine.
I breezed right though this short novella, folks. It played out like fate itself decided not to put up any barriers between this “something clicked between them” now sweet on each other main couple. I am especially thankful Robert felt no other woman he’s ever fancied held a candle to Athena. In fact, the privilege of marrying her now made all he's ever endured worth it
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: An Unexpected Temptation, Series: The Townbridges (Book 5), Author: Sophie Barnes, Pages: 114, pub date: 12/8/20, stand-alone but part of a series, 10 year older hero soon smitten hero, impulsive, means wells, virgin heroine, only a little steam near the end, no OW/OM drama, no cheating, no love triangle.
Book 1 - When Love Leads to Scandal
Book 2 - Lady Abigail’s Perfect Match
Book 3 - Falling for Mr. Townsbridge
Book 4 - A Duke for Miss Townsbridge
Book 4.5 - Once Upon a Townsbridge Story
Book 5 - An Unexpected Temptation
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, NetGalley, or PR firm.)
Robert may have overreacted harshly when Athena showed up on his doorstep, but all things considered, things run smoother than I expected in the long run. I especially liked the fact he might have told her to leave more than once but offered her tea, food, shelter, and dry clothes as necessitated to ensure her safety and comfort. He also didn’t morph into a reluctant knucklehead. No, this soon smitten leading man recognized his attraction for Athena and grabbed what he felt was their destiny with both hands. He patiently let her and time catch up with him and his unexpected new found goal of making her his wife.
Athena was a tad too embarrassing overly innocent to the point it took her a while to recognize the physical and emotional stirrings and symptoms of love and the passion that derives from it. I took exception to Robert and her dad’s repeated notion it was going to take a firm hand to teach her not to be so impulsive. At least Robert said he loved her free spirit and wanted her to continue being herself. If she was such a simpleton, people, maybe she wasn’t mature or old enough to get married right now after all. You might be guessing right now I'm not overly fond of a "Yes, dear" heroine.
I breezed right though this short novella, folks. It played out like fate itself decided not to put up any barriers between this “something clicked between them” now sweet on each other main couple. I am especially thankful Robert felt no other woman he’s ever fancied held a candle to Athena. In fact, the privilege of marrying her now made all he's ever endured worth it
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: An Unexpected Temptation, Series: The Townbridges (Book 5), Author: Sophie Barnes, Pages: 114, pub date: 12/8/20, stand-alone but part of a series, 10 year older hero soon smitten hero, impulsive, means wells, virgin heroine, only a little steam near the end, no OW/OM drama, no cheating, no love triangle.
Book 1 - When Love Leads to Scandal
Book 2 - Lady Abigail’s Perfect Match
Book 3 - Falling for Mr. Townsbridge
Book 4 - A Duke for Miss Townsbridge
Book 4.5 - Once Upon a Townsbridge Story
Book 5 - An Unexpected Temptation
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, NetGalley, or PR firm.)
December 12, 2020
Originally published at Reading Reality
At the very beginning of The Townsbridges story, all the way back in When Love Leads to Scandal, there were Robert and Athena. And now, at the end of the saga, tying everything together along with, eventually, the proverbial knot, are Robert and Athena.
But where they began is a far and unpredictable cry from where they ended.
When they began, Athena was only 14 and Robert was a grown man of 24 as well as being her older brother Charles’ best friend. There was no hint of a romance there – and there shouldn’t have been.
Athena was much too young, and Robert was engaged to someone else. In fact, Robert was engaged to the woman who eventually married his best friend, Athena’s brother Charles. An event that could, nearly in its entirety, be laid at Athena’s door.
After all, Athena was that rare person who, when faced with the preacher asking if anyone could show just cause why those two, in this case Robert and his fiancé-on-the-absolute-verge-of-becoming-his-wife Bethany, should not be joined in holy matrimony, Athena spoke up and brought the entire house of polite cards down with a thud. Athena said out loud the thing that everyone else was too polite – or too afraid of starting a scandal – or too worried about hurting Robert’s feelings – to say. That her brother Charles and Bethany had fallen in love with each other.
Six years later Robert is a bit of a recluse. After all, his engagement to Bethany was the second time the man got left at the altar. Six years later Athena is 20 and about to be paraded around the “marriage mart” herself. But both of them are still paying, at least in the social sense, for Athena’s breach of etiquette and manners at the wedding that did not happen.
Everyone thinks that Athena is headstrong and in need of taming, but no one believes that they are up for the job. Certainly not her own family, as much as they love her.
Athena wants someone to love her for herself, personality warts and all, and fears that she will never find such a person. As she hasn’t exactly found that kind of acceptance in the bosom of her own family, her fears are quite real and have done a bit of a number on her self-confidence. Her family would say not nearly enough of a number, which says a lot about that relationship.
So Athena concocts a scheme to repair both her and Robert’s slightly tarnished reputations. She takes herself off to his country house, in secret, to beg his forgiveness for her behavior all those years ago. Not that she thinks she did anything wrong in revealing the truth, but at least conscious that the way she went about it had severe repercussions all around.
Like so many of Athena’s clever schemes, the best laid plans of mice and in this case women very much “gang aft a-gley.”
She gets snowbound with Robert. Who does not want to forgive her or even see her or speak with her, but cannot resist the pull between them. No matter where, or how deep into the surrounding snowdrifts, it might lead them both.
Escape Rating B: The Townsbridges are both a lovely family and a delightful collection of Regency romance novellas. This final entry in the series is a fitting conclusion to every single unconventional romance that has made up the series – and the family.
The Townsbridges marry for love. That was true for Margaret and George (their story is in Once Upon a Townsbridge Story) and it has been true for every single one of their children. But Athena is beginning to suspect it’s not going to happen for her as this conclusion to the series opens.
This is, particularly, Athena’s journey, and with her having opened the series in her unconventional way, it’s possible to see the whole thing as Athena’s journey – just that her brothers and sisters managed to find their own HEAs along the way of Athena growing up and growing into herself.
The hard part of this particular entry in the series is the relationship between Athena and her family, and between Athena and Robert, and the way those two things feed into each other. Because in order for Athena to grow up she has to learn where the lines are. And in order for her to be happy she has to find someone who will help her figure out that terrible lesson without suppressing the core spark of her personality.
And at first we wonder if Robert is remotely up for that job. Athena’s family seems to have abdicated all responsibility in the matter. So on the one hand we have a family that loves her, but from their perspective very much in spite of herself, and on the other hand a man who seems to want to control her or at least manage her – because of course he knows best.
It’s only as the story goes on a bit that the reader, or at least this reader, gets past the uncomfortable bits where Robert talks about Athena needing a “firm hand” – and didn’t that make me squirm – to the point where he’s expressing that he loves her exactly as she is, that her spirit is a big part of what he admires in her, and that what she needs to learn is how to move in society so that she doesn’t either offend or run roughshod over pretty much everyone pretty much all of the time. It’s a bit more subtle than how he sounded at the beginning.
That switch is the making of this story and a fitting end for a lovely series.
At the very beginning of The Townsbridges story, all the way back in When Love Leads to Scandal, there were Robert and Athena. And now, at the end of the saga, tying everything together along with, eventually, the proverbial knot, are Robert and Athena.
But where they began is a far and unpredictable cry from where they ended.
When they began, Athena was only 14 and Robert was a grown man of 24 as well as being her older brother Charles’ best friend. There was no hint of a romance there – and there shouldn’t have been.
Athena was much too young, and Robert was engaged to someone else. In fact, Robert was engaged to the woman who eventually married his best friend, Athena’s brother Charles. An event that could, nearly in its entirety, be laid at Athena’s door.
After all, Athena was that rare person who, when faced with the preacher asking if anyone could show just cause why those two, in this case Robert and his fiancé-on-the-absolute-verge-of-becoming-his-wife Bethany, should not be joined in holy matrimony, Athena spoke up and brought the entire house of polite cards down with a thud. Athena said out loud the thing that everyone else was too polite – or too afraid of starting a scandal – or too worried about hurting Robert’s feelings – to say. That her brother Charles and Bethany had fallen in love with each other.
Six years later Robert is a bit of a recluse. After all, his engagement to Bethany was the second time the man got left at the altar. Six years later Athena is 20 and about to be paraded around the “marriage mart” herself. But both of them are still paying, at least in the social sense, for Athena’s breach of etiquette and manners at the wedding that did not happen.
Everyone thinks that Athena is headstrong and in need of taming, but no one believes that they are up for the job. Certainly not her own family, as much as they love her.
Athena wants someone to love her for herself, personality warts and all, and fears that she will never find such a person. As she hasn’t exactly found that kind of acceptance in the bosom of her own family, her fears are quite real and have done a bit of a number on her self-confidence. Her family would say not nearly enough of a number, which says a lot about that relationship.
So Athena concocts a scheme to repair both her and Robert’s slightly tarnished reputations. She takes herself off to his country house, in secret, to beg his forgiveness for her behavior all those years ago. Not that she thinks she did anything wrong in revealing the truth, but at least conscious that the way she went about it had severe repercussions all around.
Like so many of Athena’s clever schemes, the best laid plans of mice and in this case women very much “gang aft a-gley.”
She gets snowbound with Robert. Who does not want to forgive her or even see her or speak with her, but cannot resist the pull between them. No matter where, or how deep into the surrounding snowdrifts, it might lead them both.
Escape Rating B: The Townsbridges are both a lovely family and a delightful collection of Regency romance novellas. This final entry in the series is a fitting conclusion to every single unconventional romance that has made up the series – and the family.
The Townsbridges marry for love. That was true for Margaret and George (their story is in Once Upon a Townsbridge Story) and it has been true for every single one of their children. But Athena is beginning to suspect it’s not going to happen for her as this conclusion to the series opens.
This is, particularly, Athena’s journey, and with her having opened the series in her unconventional way, it’s possible to see the whole thing as Athena’s journey – just that her brothers and sisters managed to find their own HEAs along the way of Athena growing up and growing into herself.
The hard part of this particular entry in the series is the relationship between Athena and her family, and between Athena and Robert, and the way those two things feed into each other. Because in order for Athena to grow up she has to learn where the lines are. And in order for her to be happy she has to find someone who will help her figure out that terrible lesson without suppressing the core spark of her personality.
And at first we wonder if Robert is remotely up for that job. Athena’s family seems to have abdicated all responsibility in the matter. So on the one hand we have a family that loves her, but from their perspective very much in spite of herself, and on the other hand a man who seems to want to control her or at least manage her – because of course he knows best.
It’s only as the story goes on a bit that the reader, or at least this reader, gets past the uncomfortable bits where Robert talks about Athena needing a “firm hand” – and didn’t that make me squirm – to the point where he’s expressing that he loves her exactly as she is, that her spirit is a big part of what he admires in her, and that what she needs to learn is how to move in society so that she doesn’t either offend or run roughshod over pretty much everyone pretty much all of the time. It’s a bit more subtle than how he sounded at the beginning.
That switch is the making of this story and a fitting end for a lovely series.
January 4, 2021
An Absolute Pleasure to Read
I have read and reviewed most, if not all, books in the Townsbridge siblings' series. This is the series’ last book. The author made it circle back around to the first book. The hero and heroine of this book would, at first seem, an unlikely pair. She's the one who stood up at his wedding and objected, saying the bride was in love with her oldest brother. This book takes place six years after that. Athena was just fourteen then, but she has suffered social ostracism because of her teenage action. She's approaching her first season with some trepidation, as she feels that no man would willingly pick her after what happened. She's a fun-loving free spirit, a beloved auntie to her oldest brother’s young children (as we see in the first scene). She often acts without thinking. So others see her as a hoyden, but she has a refreshing naivete as well. After these six years, she is determined to apologize and make amends to the man whose wedding she stopped, a young man well known to the family who had formerly been her oldest brother's best friend. She sneaks out one day to do so, but things do not go well.
Their interactions at the beginning were believable, and watching the change first in the hero’s thoughts and then in his emotions towards her was fascinating. The author did a good job showing this. It was amusing to see the heroine utterly bemused and out of her depth, not understanding what she was feeling as she came to know him and as they got close. I absolutely love this scene between the hero and the heroine's father in the middle of the book. The hero thought better of Athena than her father did! He understood her nature… and appreciated her spirit more than anyone else. Soooo swoon-worthy! The things were rocky here and there, of course, certainly enough to keep my interest. Frankly, I loved these characters and their interactions throughout the entire book. The only thing I think the author could have done better is having the slightly more prolonged courtship the hero supposedly wanted. The epilogue was perfect, more of an epilogue for the entire series than just this book. It literally made me sigh when it finished. Really! I can tend to be a bit jaded about historical romance as I read so many of them, but this one caught my attention early, kept it, pulled at the heartstrings on occasions, and even made me cry happy tears and laugh at the appropriate points. An exceptionally well-done book and a perfect capper for the series.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I have read and reviewed most, if not all, books in the Townsbridge siblings' series. This is the series’ last book. The author made it circle back around to the first book. The hero and heroine of this book would, at first seem, an unlikely pair. She's the one who stood up at his wedding and objected, saying the bride was in love with her oldest brother. This book takes place six years after that. Athena was just fourteen then, but she has suffered social ostracism because of her teenage action. She's approaching her first season with some trepidation, as she feels that no man would willingly pick her after what happened. She's a fun-loving free spirit, a beloved auntie to her oldest brother’s young children (as we see in the first scene). She often acts without thinking. So others see her as a hoyden, but she has a refreshing naivete as well. After these six years, she is determined to apologize and make amends to the man whose wedding she stopped, a young man well known to the family who had formerly been her oldest brother's best friend. She sneaks out one day to do so, but things do not go well.
Their interactions at the beginning were believable, and watching the change first in the hero’s thoughts and then in his emotions towards her was fascinating. The author did a good job showing this. It was amusing to see the heroine utterly bemused and out of her depth, not understanding what she was feeling as she came to know him and as they got close. I absolutely love this scene between the hero and the heroine's father in the middle of the book. The hero thought better of Athena than her father did! He understood her nature… and appreciated her spirit more than anyone else. Soooo swoon-worthy! The things were rocky here and there, of course, certainly enough to keep my interest. Frankly, I loved these characters and their interactions throughout the entire book. The only thing I think the author could have done better is having the slightly more prolonged courtship the hero supposedly wanted. The epilogue was perfect, more of an epilogue for the entire series than just this book. It literally made me sigh when it finished. Really! I can tend to be a bit jaded about historical romance as I read so many of them, but this one caught my attention early, kept it, pulled at the heartstrings on occasions, and even made me cry happy tears and laugh at the appropriate points. An exceptionally well-done book and a perfect capper for the series.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
October 7, 2020
This was a surprisingly traditional read - in fact, I don't think I have read a regency in a long time that had such a (mostly) normal courtship. The Townsbridge family has been through a LOT over the years. Including the book that started it all, where Athena's older sister almost married Robert, the Marquess of Darlington (when he was an Earl). At the wedding, Athena (at age 14) objected to the marriage on the basis that Robert's fiance was in love with Athena's brother Charles. This was a total disaster for Athena and Robert from a social perspective. And really - things should have never gotten that far. In the ensuing six years, Athena has grown up - but is still a bit of a wild child (at least for the era). She is fairly non-conformist and impulsive. Robert on the other hand has been wallowing in grief and depression. He has not had an easy time of it - mostly from a sense of self-pity and legitimate loss.
When Athena is reminded that Robert is spending time on his estate nearby to the house party she is attending, she sets out to personally apologize to him. Athena refuses to leave without seeing him - and ends up staying due to a sudden snow storm. From that point forward, Robert is smitten and sets out to woo Athena is an almost shockingly traditional way.
This is an almost four star read. The only thing I didn't like - and at first thought it might be a plot device for Robert to learn from (but was sadly disappointed about) - was Robert's repeated statement that Athena needed a "firm hand" and "a husband to guide her." Athena was definitely young - but I don't think she needed anyone's guidance or firm hand. I think she needed someone to love her for who she was without wanting to change her. I think Robert did love her as she was - but I am really disappointed in him for wanting to curb her in any way.
Overall, I did enjoy the book a lot. Its definitely been an unconventional series - so this end to the series was surprisingly, conventional!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
When Athena is reminded that Robert is spending time on his estate nearby to the house party she is attending, she sets out to personally apologize to him. Athena refuses to leave without seeing him - and ends up staying due to a sudden snow storm. From that point forward, Robert is smitten and sets out to woo Athena is an almost shockingly traditional way.
This is an almost four star read. The only thing I didn't like - and at first thought it might be a plot device for Robert to learn from (but was sadly disappointed about) - was Robert's repeated statement that Athena needed a "firm hand" and "a husband to guide her." Athena was definitely young - but I don't think she needed anyone's guidance or firm hand. I think she needed someone to love her for who she was without wanting to change her. I think Robert did love her as she was - but I am really disappointed in him for wanting to curb her in any way.
Overall, I did enjoy the book a lot. Its definitely been an unconventional series - so this end to the series was surprisingly, conventional!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
October 8, 2020
This is the story of the youngest Townsbridges, Athena. She is a hoyden, full of spirit, usually in trouble for something. When she was just fourteen, she spoke up at the wedding of The Earl of Langdon, Robert Carlisle letting him know His Finance Bethany was in love with her brother his best friend Charles. They were going thru with the marriage to not hurt his feelings. He was humiliated, shunned by women of the ton and had caricatures drawn of him. He left society to work on saving his estate.
Even thru Charles and Bethany did marry and are very happy Athena has always felt bad.
When she founds out Robert's home is not far from where the family is staying, she makes plans to make amends.
The last person Robert thought to see in his house was one Athena Townsbridge. After all the mess she caused he is furious. He remembers her as a fourteen-year-old child, who was wild, a tomboy. He met her when she was just three years old and he come home with Charles for the Holidays. She was fun loving, willful and stillborn even then.
When he first sees her standing in his parlor, he is taken back she is not what he remembered.
She has changed from a tomboy to a very beautiful young lady. Curves and all. He is speechless.
Athena tells him she come to make amends and was sorry . He tells her to leave, that not only did she embarrass him but cost him a lot of money for a ruin marriage. Even if it was to be a marriage of
convenience.
Oh, how these to have a lot to learn of the other. When a blizzard keeps them together for three days will they let the past go? Do they act on both of their attraction to the other?
What will her father and brothers do when they found out where she was and with whom?
So many questions, so many secrets and twist and turns.
I hope you get a copy of this wonderful romance of friends to enemy to maybe second chances.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am voluntarily giving it.
Even thru Charles and Bethany did marry and are very happy Athena has always felt bad.
When she founds out Robert's home is not far from where the family is staying, she makes plans to make amends.
The last person Robert thought to see in his house was one Athena Townsbridge. After all the mess she caused he is furious. He remembers her as a fourteen-year-old child, who was wild, a tomboy. He met her when she was just three years old and he come home with Charles for the Holidays. She was fun loving, willful and stillborn even then.
When he first sees her standing in his parlor, he is taken back she is not what he remembered.
She has changed from a tomboy to a very beautiful young lady. Curves and all. He is speechless.
Athena tells him she come to make amends and was sorry . He tells her to leave, that not only did she embarrass him but cost him a lot of money for a ruin marriage. Even if it was to be a marriage of
convenience.
Oh, how these to have a lot to learn of the other. When a blizzard keeps them together for three days will they let the past go? Do they act on both of their attraction to the other?
What will her father and brothers do when they found out where she was and with whom?
So many questions, so many secrets and twist and turns.
I hope you get a copy of this wonderful romance of friends to enemy to maybe second chances.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am voluntarily giving it.
February 27, 2021
I’ve always enjoyed Sophie Barnes stories. She’s a talented author who writes with feeling and conveys those feelings beautifully in her stories. I do however prefer to read longer books, one, because a part of me just can’t stand for a good story to end and two, because I feel like I have a better opportunity to know all the nuances of the characters. “An Unexpected Temptation “ is a delightful story of fate’s intervention.
Athena and Robert story is complicated and that on his wedding day a 14 year old Athena blurted out that her brother, Roberts’s best man was in love with his bride. Humiliated and embarrassed Robert left the wedding and has not been seen or heard from for the past six years, until now. Athena has never gotten over the pain that she caused Robert that day and has long for the opportunity to apologize. When Athena discovers that Robert, the Marquess of Darlington’s estate is right next to the house she’s staying in for a visit she decides to make the most of her opportunity and go to apologize.
Athena was a wonderful character who only wanted her brothers happiness at 14. She never considered the pain that she would cause Robert. Robert was a good man though he never forgot his humiliation that day. When she showed up at his door he was reluctant at first but offered her tea and shelter from the cold. Trapped there in a sudden snowstorm these two got to know one another and Robert realized that perhaps fate had stepped in that fateful day.
This was a thoroughly charming story But I enjoyed immensely. I loved the epilogue which shows the happy couple five years later. I was thrilled to find that Robert loved Athena just as she was and her faith in him was in unwavering.
Thank you so much Sophie for this beautiful heartwarming tale of love and fate.
Athena and Robert story is complicated and that on his wedding day a 14 year old Athena blurted out that her brother, Roberts’s best man was in love with his bride. Humiliated and embarrassed Robert left the wedding and has not been seen or heard from for the past six years, until now. Athena has never gotten over the pain that she caused Robert that day and has long for the opportunity to apologize. When Athena discovers that Robert, the Marquess of Darlington’s estate is right next to the house she’s staying in for a visit she decides to make the most of her opportunity and go to apologize.
Athena was a wonderful character who only wanted her brothers happiness at 14. She never considered the pain that she would cause Robert. Robert was a good man though he never forgot his humiliation that day. When she showed up at his door he was reluctant at first but offered her tea and shelter from the cold. Trapped there in a sudden snowstorm these two got to know one another and Robert realized that perhaps fate had stepped in that fateful day.
This was a thoroughly charming story But I enjoyed immensely. I loved the epilogue which shows the happy couple five years later. I was thrilled to find that Robert loved Athena just as she was and her faith in him was in unwavering.
Thank you so much Sophie for this beautiful heartwarming tale of love and fate.
July 24, 2021
This is the fifth and final book in this amazing series. Athena's story was the one I was looking forward to ever since she made a big splash at her sister's wedding at the age of 14.
Now six years later, Athena has see all her siblings find their own HEA, but where is hers? Thinking the only way to move forward is to make a trip to Robert Carlisle's home and apologies for breaking up his wedding. Robert Carlisle has not been seen in public for close to six years, with two failed engagements, Robert is not willing to seek out a wife any time soon. But that is about to change, when Athena shows up unexpectedly at his home. The last time Robert saw Athena she was a troublesome girl that ran wild, but standing before him is no longer a girl, but a beautifully strong woman, who still stirs his angry from the past humiliation, but also the desires of a man. When a sudden blizzard leaves her stranded at his home, he is able to discover she has not only a playful side, but he does as well. Can he tame her wild side and make her his?
Athena has been by far my favorite character throughout this series. She is so strong and care free. I loved how she was not the typical woman born in privilege, but was willing to speak her mind! I loved the relationship that developed between Athena and Robert Carlisle. Robert was exactly the kind of man Athena needed. He was willing to let her be herself and yet protect her from harm or censor from society. The ending was wonderfully sweet and very satisfying! Overall, this series was amazing and I would recommend this series to those who are looking for some light hearted regency romances. I can't wait to read author Sophie Barnes's back log of works!
Now six years later, Athena has see all her siblings find their own HEA, but where is hers? Thinking the only way to move forward is to make a trip to Robert Carlisle's home and apologies for breaking up his wedding. Robert Carlisle has not been seen in public for close to six years, with two failed engagements, Robert is not willing to seek out a wife any time soon. But that is about to change, when Athena shows up unexpectedly at his home. The last time Robert saw Athena she was a troublesome girl that ran wild, but standing before him is no longer a girl, but a beautifully strong woman, who still stirs his angry from the past humiliation, but also the desires of a man. When a sudden blizzard leaves her stranded at his home, he is able to discover she has not only a playful side, but he does as well. Can he tame her wild side and make her his?
Athena has been by far my favorite character throughout this series. She is so strong and care free. I loved how she was not the typical woman born in privilege, but was willing to speak her mind! I loved the relationship that developed between Athena and Robert Carlisle. Robert was exactly the kind of man Athena needed. He was willing to let her be herself and yet protect her from harm or censor from society. The ending was wonderfully sweet and very satisfying! Overall, this series was amazing and I would recommend this series to those who are looking for some light hearted regency romances. I can't wait to read author Sophie Barnes's back log of works!
November 21, 2020
Miss Athena Townbridge had many regrets but there is one that continues to follow her, a mistake that she had done when she was young. Athena had announced to the church that her brother was in love with his best friend’s bride while she was trying to get married. Ever since that fateful day men have avoided Athena and she feels that no one will want her. Athena plans to apologize to the Marquess of Darlington, Robert Carlisle the man she has wronged in the church, and the jilted groom. Athena decides to go to his place and atone for the misunderstanding. Whether Robert will forgive her is another matter entirely. Athena is not willing to take no for an answer. When Robert starts to feel something for Athena their history could destroy the budding relationship between the two.
What a wonderful regency story told brilliantly! This might be the last in the Townbridge series the tale isn’t hard to follow and can even stand alone without any problems. It wouldn’t hurt though to read the previous books not just understand the main characters but the side ones as well. Ms. Sophie Barnes writes with such feeling and quite beautifully that of course it’s hard not to get caught up in it. The story moves and flows nicely making for such a pleasant enjoyable read. Athena the feisty willful stubborn heroine is charming and is so likable that it would definitely make any dull moment into an adventure! Athena is also real and relatable she doesn’t know how charming she truly is. Robert seems harsh at first but as the novel progresses he’s easy to fall for and a great guy overall. He makes a marvelous book boyfriend too. It is definitely a satisfying novel from beginning to end!
What a wonderful regency story told brilliantly! This might be the last in the Townbridge series the tale isn’t hard to follow and can even stand alone without any problems. It wouldn’t hurt though to read the previous books not just understand the main characters but the side ones as well. Ms. Sophie Barnes writes with such feeling and quite beautifully that of course it’s hard not to get caught up in it. The story moves and flows nicely making for such a pleasant enjoyable read. Athena the feisty willful stubborn heroine is charming and is so likable that it would definitely make any dull moment into an adventure! Athena is also real and relatable she doesn’t know how charming she truly is. Robert seems harsh at first but as the novel progresses he’s easy to fall for and a great guy overall. He makes a marvelous book boyfriend too. It is definitely a satisfying novel from beginning to end!
October 24, 2020
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Another great novella from Sophie Barnes! I hadn't read Charles and Bethany's story, so I didn't know the entire backstory but I don't think that interfered with my ability to enjoy this story. Athena is such a refreshing character - I loved that she didn't regret having stopped Robert's wedding to Bethany, only that what she did had hurt Robert so badly. The part where Robert came to realize he would not have been happy with Bethany and that everything had worked out for the best was one of my favorite moments between him and Athena. I also appreciated that Athena never lost faith in Robert when he did not show for the wedding - other authors would have made that a scene in which Athena cut Robert out and he had to make a grand gesture right at the end to win her back. Her determination to find out what happened showed her strength of character since she had so many family members convinced he had abandoned her as revenge for what she had done to him years before. The only thing I would have liked to have had more of was the reconciliation between Robert and Charles - it is clear by the end that they have put the past behind them, but I would have liked to have had just one more scene between the two.
Another great novella from Sophie Barnes! I hadn't read Charles and Bethany's story, so I didn't know the entire backstory but I don't think that interfered with my ability to enjoy this story. Athena is such a refreshing character - I loved that she didn't regret having stopped Robert's wedding to Bethany, only that what she did had hurt Robert so badly. The part where Robert came to realize he would not have been happy with Bethany and that everything had worked out for the best was one of my favorite moments between him and Athena. I also appreciated that Athena never lost faith in Robert when he did not show for the wedding - other authors would have made that a scene in which Athena cut Robert out and he had to make a grand gesture right at the end to win her back. Her determination to find out what happened showed her strength of character since she had so many family members convinced he had abandoned her as revenge for what she had done to him years before. The only thing I would have liked to have had more of was the reconciliation between Robert and Charles - it is clear by the end that they have put the past behind them, but I would have liked to have had just one more scene between the two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2020
I really adore this series & was lucky enough to have been given Athena’s story! After finishing the last one I couldn’t wait to read this one! I LOVED it so much! Athena & Robert are a perfect match!
So these two actually have a past, Robert was best friends with Athena’s eldest brother before she stopped a wedding were Robert was the groom.....so there’s a scandal and society isn’t always kind. Robert has been away for 6yrs dealing with his fathers death & estates.
When away for holiday, Athena finds out Darlington*Robert* is near by, she comes up with a plan to visit alone in hopes to apologize! Thus starts our love story!
These two get stuck in Roberts home for a few days due to a snowstorm. While stuck together, Athena starts having these feelings she’s unsure of...while Robert has lustful feelings. He realizes that Athena is the one for him & is going to woo and court her.
Once home, Athena starts to understand her feelings & it’s Robert she wants! Well these two seriously have some serious chemistry & the build up was amazing!
I enjoyed watching these two fall in love and get a well deserved HEA! Robert is the most swoon-worthy hero!*fans self* I’m sad to see this as an end to the series but so happy to have enjoyed the Townsbridge family! Just so wonderful! I was given an advanced copy for my review!
So these two actually have a past, Robert was best friends with Athena’s eldest brother before she stopped a wedding were Robert was the groom.....so there’s a scandal and society isn’t always kind. Robert has been away for 6yrs dealing with his fathers death & estates.
When away for holiday, Athena finds out Darlington*Robert* is near by, she comes up with a plan to visit alone in hopes to apologize! Thus starts our love story!
These two get stuck in Roberts home for a few days due to a snowstorm. While stuck together, Athena starts having these feelings she’s unsure of...while Robert has lustful feelings. He realizes that Athena is the one for him & is going to woo and court her.
Once home, Athena starts to understand her feelings & it’s Robert she wants! Well these two seriously have some serious chemistry & the build up was amazing!
I enjoyed watching these two fall in love and get a well deserved HEA! Robert is the most swoon-worthy hero!*fans self* I’m sad to see this as an end to the series but so happy to have enjoyed the Townsbridge family! Just so wonderful! I was given an advanced copy for my review!
January 31, 2021
***SPOILER ALERT***
Athena is an independent spirited young woman and her family has no faith in her that she will ever find a husband. She has a past that is embarrassing that included her brother Charles best friend Robert. Robert aggrieved and resentful cut off all contact with Charles’ family. Six years later Athena no longer fourteen wants to reconcile with Robert. After spending time together Robert realizes he loves Athena and hopes she feels the same. Athena is utterly confused by all the feelings going through her. It took a while plus a talk from her sister-in-law to realize what she was going through. She loved him. Problem was Charles still did not trust Robert. But Athena's steadfast faith in Robert never wavered. When she is stood up at the altar, she knows in her heart there is something wrong and refused to believe she had been jilted and used by Robert as revenge. Sure enough there was a good reason Robert did not show, he was deadly sick. Athena and her mother never left his side till he recovered. After escaping death, they married quietly family and close friends only. I loved the epilogue which takes place five years later. An enjoyable read and I do recommend it.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Athena is an independent spirited young woman and her family has no faith in her that she will ever find a husband. She has a past that is embarrassing that included her brother Charles best friend Robert. Robert aggrieved and resentful cut off all contact with Charles’ family. Six years later Athena no longer fourteen wants to reconcile with Robert. After spending time together Robert realizes he loves Athena and hopes she feels the same. Athena is utterly confused by all the feelings going through her. It took a while plus a talk from her sister-in-law to realize what she was going through. She loved him. Problem was Charles still did not trust Robert. But Athena's steadfast faith in Robert never wavered. When she is stood up at the altar, she knows in her heart there is something wrong and refused to believe she had been jilted and used by Robert as revenge. Sure enough there was a good reason Robert did not show, he was deadly sick. Athena and her mother never left his side till he recovered. After escaping death, they married quietly family and close friends only. I loved the epilogue which takes place five years later. An enjoyable read and I do recommend it.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2020
Six years ago, 14-year-old Athena Townsbridge, certain she was doing the right thing for the right reasons, broke up a wedding so that her brother could be with the woman he loved. But despite the success of her endeavor, Athena recognizes the devastation she caused Robert Carlisle when he left the church that day in humiliation. When Athena finds that the people her family is visiting live nearby Robert Carlisle’s estate, she is determined to again do the right thing and make amends for what she did to him.
Now Robert, Marquess of Darlington, meets a grown up Athena. She still speaks her mind, but she also makes him feel happiness with her engaging mannerisms. When they get trapped together due to a blizzard, they truly do get to know each other better as they laugh and banter with each other. Could she be just what he needs to at last bring happiness back into his life?
This was such a good story. I love Athena’s free-spirit and her unstoppable desire to make things right, regardless of any repercussions, which she will also make right if need be! Will that determination to set things right with Robert bring her a chance to have a family life she cherishes and provide the joy and love he needed to have restored?
Now Robert, Marquess of Darlington, meets a grown up Athena. She still speaks her mind, but she also makes him feel happiness with her engaging mannerisms. When they get trapped together due to a blizzard, they truly do get to know each other better as they laugh and banter with each other. Could she be just what he needs to at last bring happiness back into his life?
This was such a good story. I love Athena’s free-spirit and her unstoppable desire to make things right, regardless of any repercussions, which she will also make right if need be! Will that determination to set things right with Robert bring her a chance to have a family life she cherishes and provide the joy and love he needed to have restored?
December 8, 2020
A pleasant resolution of a six year old problem
This is No. 5 of Ms. Barnes’ TOWNSBRIDGE SERIES. It is a wonderful story with great characters and a delightful plot that resolves a six year old problem that occurred in the first book of the Series, “When Loves Leads to Scandal”. The engaging plot is a thoughtful follow-up to a wedding that was destroyed at the altar. If you have not read the first in the Series, do yourself a favor.
At 14, Althena Townsbridge breaks up Robert Carlisle, Marquess of Darlington’s wedding by screaming out in church just as the vows are to be said, that the bride loves her brother, Charles, and not Robert. Robert punches Charles, who is his best friend as well as best man as he storms out of the church. Robert has never forgiven Althena or Charles for the broken wedding. Now that Althena is 20, she determines that amends are in order and she visits Robert at his estate and demands that he speak to her and will not leave until he does. She gets stranded because of a snow storm and as they interact because of being trapped, romance blossoms between them. Don’t miss this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is No. 5 of Ms. Barnes’ TOWNSBRIDGE SERIES. It is a wonderful story with great characters and a delightful plot that resolves a six year old problem that occurred in the first book of the Series, “When Loves Leads to Scandal”. The engaging plot is a thoughtful follow-up to a wedding that was destroyed at the altar. If you have not read the first in the Series, do yourself a favor.
At 14, Althena Townsbridge breaks up Robert Carlisle, Marquess of Darlington’s wedding by screaming out in church just as the vows are to be said, that the bride loves her brother, Charles, and not Robert. Robert punches Charles, who is his best friend as well as best man as he storms out of the church. Robert has never forgiven Althena or Charles for the broken wedding. Now that Althena is 20, she determines that amends are in order and she visits Robert at his estate and demands that he speak to her and will not leave until he does. She gets stranded because of a snow storm and as they interact because of being trapped, romance blossoms between them. Don’t miss this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2020
Athena, a rambunctious young woman is looking for her love, but because of her behavior and an unfortunate incident when she was 14, she knows it will be difficult to find someone who will ignore her eccentricities. While staying with family, she learned that the man she jilted six years ago, lives close. Desperate to attempt to make amends, she shows up at her doorstep. Robert Carlisle, the Duke of Darlington, has had years of unfortunate incidents happen to him. His first fiancee leaves him for his cousin, his second fiancee leaves him at the alter after 14 year old Athena Townsbridge stands up in church and says his fiancee is in love with her brother (who happens to be his good friend), and more recently his father has died, leaving behind a mountain of debt. After working hard this past year to overcome the debts, the unexpected happens, Athen shows up at his doorstep trying to apologize, and worse, it starts snowing and she is forced to stay a few days with him. Surprisingly, he soon discovers he has fallen in love with her and she with him. I enjoyed this story and really enjoyed seeing the relationship between Athena and Robert grow.
November 4, 2020
This book is the fifth and final book in the Townsbridge book. Although I have not read the other four in this series I had really high hopes for this one, as I really enjoy regency romance, and even more I love enemies to lovers romance.
What I liked about this book:
- a non-conformist, too-reckless-for-her-own-good heroine who is holding out hope for true love rather than a Ton marriage
- a reclusive man who is brought back to society because of love and lust
- man accepts the women just as she is rather than cage her and transform into someone she is not
What I did not like:
- the quick way Robert forgot all his misgivings about Athena just because she has grown up into a pretty women. It did not seem realistic at all.
I would like to thank the author, and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest review.
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What I liked about this book:
- a non-conformist, too-reckless-for-her-own-good heroine who is holding out hope for true love rather than a Ton marriage
- a reclusive man who is brought back to society because of love and lust
- man accepts the women just as she is rather than cage her and transform into someone she is not
What I did not like:
- the quick way Robert forgot all his misgivings about Athena just because she has grown up into a pretty women. It did not seem realistic at all.
I would like to thank the author, and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest review.
Follow me for bookish content:
Blog
December 2, 2020
Excellent read
I’m going to start with the epilogue. Normally I don’t like them they either bring no closure to the story or they end up being what could have been another chapter to the book. But not the case with An Unexpected Temptation. This epilogue is what one should be and was my favorite part. It embodied what the Townbridge’s value as their true wealth, family.
Six years earlier at the wedding..... ”Stop”
Poor Robert, The Earl of Langdon to have his nuptials cut short in the manner that it was, so embarrassing. It took 14-year-old Athena to do the right thing no matter the consequences.
Six years later.....She just wants to make amends
Robert now The Marquess of Darlington is once more about to have his world put on end by Miss Athena Townsbridge. But in a good way this time. It seems Athena’s one down fall is the one thing that will help make things right again and that’s her courageous spirit to do what is right. I love it when characters come full circle in such a complete manner as Robert and Athena have. I just knew that when Athena stopped Roberts wedding in Love Leads to Scandal, that scandal would lead to Robert and Athena’s wedding.
I’m going to start with the epilogue. Normally I don’t like them they either bring no closure to the story or they end up being what could have been another chapter to the book. But not the case with An Unexpected Temptation. This epilogue is what one should be and was my favorite part. It embodied what the Townbridge’s value as their true wealth, family.
Six years earlier at the wedding..... ”Stop”
Poor Robert, The Earl of Langdon to have his nuptials cut short in the manner that it was, so embarrassing. It took 14-year-old Athena to do the right thing no matter the consequences.
Six years later.....She just wants to make amends
Robert now The Marquess of Darlington is once more about to have his world put on end by Miss Athena Townsbridge. But in a good way this time. It seems Athena’s one down fall is the one thing that will help make things right again and that’s her courageous spirit to do what is right. I love it when characters come full circle in such a complete manner as Robert and Athena have. I just knew that when Athena stopped Roberts wedding in Love Leads to Scandal, that scandal would lead to Robert and Athena’s wedding.
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