Sophie Barnes is a new to me author that I've been keeping an eye on for some time. When this trio of novellas popped up on NetGalley, I quickly jumped at the chance to read them. I received advanced reader copies in exchange for an honest review and, while I enjoyed the first two book in the series, I thought The Duke Who Came to Town was merely ok.

For me, this was by far the weakest of the three stories. Like the first two, it is a very quick read - easily finished in one night - and it is well paced and well written. BUT, the thing the first story, and to a lesser degree the second one, had going for them was that the hero and heroine do almost exactly what you hope two intelligent, moral, respectable people of the era would do. That is seen less in this book, which is odd since Josephine is the oldest of her siblings and, as a Duke, Devon really should know better. The story’s plot uses the common writing tropes of working together on a common project to create forced intimacy and attraction based on argumentative behavior. But, where this story stands out from the other two is in the lack of good decisions, poor reactions, and lack of emotional maturity of Josephine and Devon.

For example, the pair are often alone in her home, without even a servant as a chaperone. He invites her to stay with him under the guise of a visit with his sister – whom she has never met. I’m still trying to figure out why she accepted this invitation. He tries to bend her to his will, rather than letting her be on her own. And, then they are seen around town together and arguing, which creates gossip. Also, aside from skating together, one trip to his hotel, and the one letter, you really have to wonder how much time they spent together and if their bond really is true love or simply infatuation. In the other two stories, particularly in the first one, the couple spent almost an entire week together – alone – before falling in love. In this one, it felt far more rushed and with far less one on one time.
The strongest point of this book, to me, was the ending. I loved seeing the sisters together again, each of them happily wed and with exciting futures ahead of them. The epilogue was particularly sweet.

In general, though, if you want a fast, sweet read, where three entire lives change within one week, then by all means give this series a go. You won't be disappointed.

The eldest potter sister Josephine worked as an accountant to hold her family together after the deaths of her parents. Their uncle, the Earl of Priorsbridge cared not how they survived and did nothing to aid them, so they managed as best as they could.
Louise got a job as a governess to help Josephine, both were determined for the youngest, Eve, to have the season and hopefully the good match denied them both.
When the Duke of Snowdon arrived at her door after both sisters left, Louise to her new position, Eve to an old friend who promised to make introductions....she was incredulous at his statement.
He told her of the old Earl's passing and that her cousin the new Earl wanted to take the responsibility his father shunned.
She refused his request to quit her job, and then was promptly fired after refusing a salacious suggestion. After finding out he owned the hotel she worked at, she refused to believe he wasn't responsible.
After convincing her of his innocence, they talked and he found out that the scoundrel who fired her...was robbing him, and as a team they rescued the hotel's reputation...and fell in love.
The path was not smooth, but the pair made it to their HEA.
I requested and received an Arc from NetGalley because I had read and enjoyed Ms. Barnes work before.....and I did again!

4.5 stars
This is the third part of the trilogy & is set immediately after Eve has left for Amberly. Josephine Potter knows she must retain her employment as an accountant in a hotel in order to provide for her younger sisters and to maintain the house. No matter what Devon, Duke of Snowdon might think. Besides, Josephine has a few rules she lives by: Don’t rely on others, don’t accept money from someone you don’t know, and never allow a man to control your life. Then she’s fired from her job.
Devon has never met a more bull-headed woman than Josephine Potter! The Potter sisters are granddaughters of an earl and should not have to work for a living. Devon asks his siter to return to London & invites Josephine to stay in his townhouse.
Another easy reading delightful novella, I especially liked the epilogue, which rounded off the trilogy. Devon & Josephine are attracted to each other but seem to argue whenever they meet, the arguments are entertaining. I read the story in a single sitting. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is the final novella in the trioligy of novellas. Josephine and Devon a two strong minded characters that are both used to getting their way. Watching / reading as they fell in love was wonderful. I loved all of these novellas but this one was my favorite. I also love how the epilogue let us see how each sister and the man she fell in love with were doing. I highly recommend this book but I also recommend this series. Loved it!!

It is an amazing read. I would have loved there to be more of the epilogue to know more. It is very well written and true to its time period. The characters are well described and develops through the story. I was caught from first to last chapter. It has a lot to it; laughs, sighs, hot chemistry and one steaming scene. It is so touching and it feels like you are there with the characters on their trip towards their HEA. A sweet story that was full of love, laughs and chemistry. Both Josephine and Devon has things to deal with and that is why it takes a lot of thoughts for both of them to come out and take the chance of love.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Devon is the Duke of Snowden, to diversify he bought a hotel. He also agreed to check on three sisters, to see how they were doing. Josephine Potter is the oldest and has worked the longest and made the most sacrifices, but she did not mind.
This very romantic and wonderful story is easy to read, well written and moves smoothly. The descriptions are lush and aids in you being able to imagine yourself in the scene. The characters are fun and realistic. The duke and Josephine go ice skating, but they argue. She wants to be independent and he thinks she should be home.
I love the romance but also the respect and love.

I read a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This book is the third book in The Honorable Scoundrels series by Sophie Barnes. I had not read the other 2 books and it was not till the epilogue that it became apparent that I had missed out on reading them. This is a novella with a steam level of very mild ... kissing only. Josephine Potter has been struggling to support her sisters after the death of her parents, When along comes Devon, the Duke of Snowdon to sweep her off her feet just like a fairytale. If you are looking for something short and sweet then I am sure this tale will appeal.

Book 3 of the series about the Potter sisters. Josephine is the oldest of the 3 sisters. She has been struggling to take care of her younger 2 sisters financially for years, working as an accountant. Without support from their guardian, it has been a struggle. When their guardian dies, his son, the Heir, sends his best friend to check on the Potter sisters.
Devon, the Duke of Snowdon, doesn't mind doing his freind a favor. How hard can it be to check up on 3 spinsters? At their first meeting, Josephine calls the Duke a pompous ass! That is the beginning of a very special relationship.

Pompous shmuck.

She's right, in that you don't appreciate the things you have if you haven't worked for them.

I knew that guy was no good.

Short and sweet.

This was a sweet novella, part of a series about three sisters, left destitute by their father, and the love stories that find them. This sister is in the home in London, left behind by one sister off to pursue a governess position, and another off to spend Christmas with friends, in pursuit of a husband. A Duke arrives at her doorstep, checking on them, sent by their cousin, their new guardian of sorts, though he is unknown to them. He insists she quit working and accept a stipend. Then he insists she can’t stay alone for fear of her safety., she must come stay with him and his sister. Of course, they become attracted to one another, and romance ensues. This story actually is the conclusion to the three stories, which take place simultaneously. Light , happy romance and a quick read.

short but sweet read. I love Sophie Barnes books. Very heartwarming.

This is Josephine and Devon’s story. Josephine is the oldest sister. She has taken most of the responsibility for supporting her sisters. There guardian has forgotten them. Devon is sent home to let the sisters know that their guardian has died and his son wants to make things right. He tells Josephine she must give up her job. There are misunderstandings. They fall in love. All the sisters find their happily ever after. I thought this series of novellas was well written.

Devon isn't one to hold his thoughts in, “because I am tired of pretending there’s no sexual attraction between us, Josephine.” I liked that Devon spoke his mind, "his eyes darkened, the edge of his mouth lifting in the wickedest smile she’d ever seen. “Did I not mention the effect your temper has on me?” I enjoyed this book Josephine was a strong willed woman who tested Devon's patience.

My favorite in this series. Devon and Josephine are great characters with fantastic personalities. Their interaction (and dialog) is very funny. Love how Josephine holds her own with being an accountant and actually having input into the affairs of the hotel. Lovely story and great epilogue.

This is the final story of the Series! I wish they would have a Christmas Reunion! Miss Josephine Potter, the eldest sister of three. Louise is on her way North, for a Governess position, with handsome Lord Alastair! Eve the baby sister is on her way to visit with a married friend, hopefully to meet some eligible young men! Josephine works as an Accountant at a very Reputable Hotel in London. She has worked hard to keep a roof over their genteel heads. As the younger sisters have left, she is on her way home, when what to her wondering eyes Should appear? A black coach, with beautiful horses standing outside her home. As she approaches, a very tall, dark, handsome man appears, he just happens to be The Duke of Snowdon.
The Duke of Snowdon, is paying back a favor to a friend, The Earl of Priorsbridge, who happens to be the girls Guardian, only he has never done one farthing for them. The Duke, has to inform a very angry, rightly so, Josephine, that they will now be receiving money, and she must quit her respectable job. She had no idea, the old Earl had died, and the new young Earl , their new Guardian is determined to help them.
The Duke is practically drooling when Josephine removes her cloak, and bonnet! He is blown away by her beauty, however, she does seem to have quite a temper, he is a Duke, and must be obeyed! Too cute, loved the entire series!
I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒

This novella was a quick and enjoyable read. Romance is in the sir during the holiday season as the final Potter sister's story in told.
Josephine Potter works as an accountant at a hotel to keep her sisters from living on the streets. When Devon, the Duke of Snowdon, arrives, her world gets turned upside down. She sees him as arrogant, demanding she give up her job and accept a stipend. She is stubborn and refuses to do so. When she loses her job, she is very upset and Devon listens to her story only to discover it was from his hotel. She believes she did it to spite her, but that is not the case. Devon's hotel had not been doing well and had his manage let go of several employees. When Josephine explains about costs she noticed, Devon realizes that his manager is not so trustworthy and he takes an active approach to fix his hotel. During this time, Devon and Josephine get to know each other, but her pride interferes with their "courtship". Devon desires Josephine and knows she will not be a mistress. He realizes he wants her as his wife, but will Josephine's desire to have some independence end their courtship before it truly begins?