Had me until the very ending.
What started out as an interesting romance and story kind of went downhill after a bout of bizarre jealousy.

I received a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. more than a rogue was a quick romance that was sweet. there was no real lasting conflict but sometimes a pure developing relationship is all that is need. Emily has been working at an orphanage but is back in London to support her sister. she has not been back to London since she fled after the man she believed would marry her proposed to another woman instead. now back in London she flees rather than force Griffin to marry her after being caught in a compromising situation. Griffin however quickly goes from escorting Emily back home to not wanting to leave her.

3.5 stars. Griffin and Emily had formed an attraction before the book started. You’d think that would move the book along, but for me it didn’t. I liked the general plot, but things kept slowing the progression of the story. There was so much inner dialogue built around the idea that he and she loved the other, but didn’t think the feelings were mutual. I just wanted to tell, “Speak to each other!” Maybe it was just too ‘slow burn’ for me.

No premarital sex, no on page description of the act, no offensive language.

This story just warms my heart. I love Griffin and Emily. It's a lovely tale of looking for love and not accepting anything less. I feel so happy after reading this story. BTW loved the epilogue!

3.5/5 stars.

Overall a wonderful, sweet romance between a scarred charmer and a former wallflower determined to never fall in love. A quick read, and without any heartbreaking angst - perfect for a rainy day with a cup of tea!

I received this book from Netgalley and the author in exchange for a review. This does not impact my opinions of the story or the characters in any way.

Years ago Emily Howard was abandoned by the man she was supposed to marry, and her un-acctravtiveness was to be blamed. She took her bruised heart and put it to good use, in setting up a home for abandoned and orphaned children with her friends - and closed the door on love and marraige forever. Determined that she was not destined for the grand romance her friend had just experienced, Emily decides she just wants to experience a soul-thrilling kiss.

She get's more than expected than a mind-blowing kiss from Griffin Crawford, the brother of a duke. Due to unseen circumstances, Emily and Griffin are stuck in a small little cabin and are forced to confront their growing feelings and attraction towards each other.

Can Griffin get over his insecurity caused by his scar, and will Emily believe his love? That's the story these characters explore, and mostly I found it enjoyable. Griffin to a certain extent is a beta hero, and I do love those. Emily is absolutely adorable - and upfront of her feelings and what she wants, and I do love that in a heroine.

My only complaints would be the pacing - at some points it's just too slow. And another would be that now suddenly Emily had lost some weight and every third man was interested in her. Not quite sure if I appreciate making a heroine thinner to explain a handsome brother of a duke wanting her.

Sweet, fluffy and quick read!

This book starts with an instantaneous attraction in between Emily and Griffin. I liked Emily's independent character but thought that sometimes she was too stubborn about certain things. I liked how well Griffin's character was shaped and the fact that he wanted to run his own business and work on his art made me love his character. It was fun to see their romance develop on the pages. But I also thought that the overall pace of the novel was a little slow and that the book dragged in some parts.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

More Than A Rogue by Sophie Barnes is a lovely romance that brings together two people who must get past previous heartache and trust issues to reach their HEA.

Lord Griffin Crawford had been fooled by love when a woman who told him she was a widow was actually married. When she accused Griffin of seduction, a duel was fought that resulted in a scar on Griffin's cheek that was a constant reminder. He left London for Vienna where he is a well-known watchmaker.

Emily Howard, the 26-year-old daughter of a tradesman with a large dowry, had also been fooled by love. She was expecting a proposal after being courted by Lord Langdon, but he got engaged to someone else. Emily is now "on the shelf" after the scandal made her leave London. She lives in the country and assists her friends running an orphanage.

Emily may be a spinster, but that doesn't preclude her from wanting to experience passion. Griffin obliges but doesn't expect the intensity of the attraction or that they would be discovered in a compromising position. Not wanting to be forced into marriage, Emily runs back to the country with Griffin determined to provide safe escort.

During their time alone at Clearview, Griffin comes to find Emily is "unpretentious, bold, courageously honest, principled and ...wonderfully different." He encourages her to be herself and makes her feel "beautiful and wanted," but she is afraid to trust in his deep regard for her as his life is in Vienna.

Barnes puts Griffin and Emily through twists and turns but they finally open their hearts, take the risk, and become fools for love.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Short but fun and sweet to read! I enjoyed this one. Plot had a few holes but nevertheless a win. A favrite author of mine indeed!

Emily is determined to experience her first kiss. But when she is caught in the act by her family and the gentleman in question doesn't want marriage, she runs back to the home she has been living in for the past several years. She didn't expect for Griffin to follow her...

Griffin can't let Emily travel back to her home alone and catches her before she has gone too far. Even though he is not wanting to marry, he can't deny the attraction he feels for Emily. Will be be able to risk his heart to find his HEA?

I LOVED this story!! Both Emily and Griffin were characters that I fell in love with. Watching them interact was pure delight! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!

2.25*

I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.


This is the second book I’ve read written by Sophie Barnes and… I think her books just aren’t for me.

It took me forever to read the book and, honestly, having finished it yesterday, I barely remember anything from it.

I didn’t connect with the characters, I wasn’t a fan of either Emily or Griffin. The book just didn’t do it for me. It was all about miscommunication, and jealousy, and insecurities.

Instead of being invested in the characters, I found myself wanting to slap them.

The writing was good, the problem for me was the plot and characters.

Sadly, it didn’t do it for me.

3.5 stars. Emily has just come back into society, after her long absence in the country running an orphanage. Forced to flee society when she had been thrown over by her previous betrothed, Emily is older, wiser, and considerably better dressed. Partly estranged from her family, with a fraught relationship between her and her mother, Emily is resigned to a future as a spinster and focusing on the orphanage.

She decides she wants to experience at least a kiss, since she won’t ever have a man or a family, and ends up kissing Griffin, who she is secretly attracted to. Griffin Crawford is visiting his family in England, from Vienna. Third son of a Duke, he left England years ago after quarrelling with his father. He has learnt to be a watchmaker and runs a successful business selling his work.

He has come to England to see his brother Caleb who has inherited the Dukedom after their father and eldest brother died. When he arrived he met Emily, who he think is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, This pull of attraction makes him follow her when she slips out to the garden with another man, and they end up kissing. Unfortunately they are discovered by Emily’s aunt, mother and sister Laura. Who all insist that Griffin and Emily need to marry to protect themselves and Laura’s prospects. Emily refuses, as she does not want to trap Griffin in an unwanted marriage, and she says she will return to Clearview and the orphanage and live out her days there.

She is insistent on setting off to Clearview immediately, and Griffin is irresistibly drawn to accompany her, ostensibly to ensure her safety. What he cNt admit to himself just then is that he is irresistibly attracted to Emily.

How long will it take Griffin to realise that he wants to marry Emily, because he is in love with her, and when will Emily learn to value herself and take a chance on love again.

I really liked the way Sophie Barnes developed Emily’s character. She was incredibly honourable and prepared to sacrifice her own reputation in order to do what she saw as the right thing. She also was prepared to work hard and help others, despite her exile and ruined reputation.

The romance between them was sweetly done too. I enjoyed this.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Also posted on Goodreads

What harm can a kiss do?___________2.5

All the trappings of a charming story. Emily Howard decides that before treading the path of spinsterhood she'll at least experience a "kiss." Wanting that to be an exceptional experience she unwittingly claims a kiss from the rather delicious Griffin Crawford.
When they are discovered by, Shock, Horror and Gasp! Emily's relations in a compromising situation Griffon of course does "the right thing."
Now this is not what Emily wants, a man entrapped, so she flees to her lonely country home.
Griffon shows a desire to repeat that kiss, despite the risks of falling in love. Afterall, his life is in Austria, not England!
A pleasant read.

A Sophie Barnes ARC via NetGalley

This was a charming, fun historical with witty banter and a sweet romance, but I could have used more of a substantial plot through which Emily and Griffin’s romance could emerge. Regardless, it hit a lot of the right notes and tropes that made it an enjoyable reading experience.

However, I am extremely tired of romance heroes so overcome by passion they tell the heroine they might not be able to stop themselves—and in this case, to tell her to lock her door to protect herself from him. This is a recurring (supposedly romantic?) idea that needs to die a swift death. Essentially, it says “Sorry, I’m so turned on I could rape you.” And there is nothing romantic or even redeemable about that.

I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Barnes novel is the standard Regency romance format, with interesting characters. I also loved the ending, not just the next year, but years later ending. The happy ending was long term and continued with their life, so unique for this genre! Excellent romance reading.

Emily Howard knows she is destined to be a spinster. She has accepted this fate, but that doesn't stop her from wanting to experience kissing. What she doesn't expect, is for Griffin Crawford, the handsomest man in the world, to do the honors. Or for all her female relations to discover her in his embrace. Naturally, marriage is instantly mentioned, but since Emily knows this is not what Griffin wants, she tries to escape him, her family and the ensuing scandal. When Emily flees the Camberly ball in the wake of their kiss, Griffin goes in pursuit. He will not allow his sister-in-law's determined friend to risk her safety for any reason. And risk it she will if she means to return to her countryside home by herself. But the longer he remains in her company, the more he is tempted to kiss her again. If only he could risk falling in love and remain in England forever.
This was a pretty good book. I really liked both Emly and Griffin. I did have a few small issues, but nothing really big. I did like that there was only a slight inference that Griffin might be a rogue but no emphasis or pointing out whether he is or isn’t. It irritates me when authors do this so I was happy that it wasn’t used here as a tool. One small issue was that, for a book that is based on the heroine wanting to feel passion (nicely framed as kissing), it is a really clean cut book. I’m not one that needs smut on what I read, but I found it kind of odd that there’s nothing really in there beyond kissing. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Emily Howard is a spinster and she is rather happy in life. She lives with her friend Cassandra and they care for orphaned children. Their friend Mary lived with them until she married a duke named Caleb. Emily does want one thing, however. While in London at a party Mary and Caleb are hosting, Emily wishes could experience a kiss, even if it should never happen again. The only man she can imagine kissing her is Griffin Crawford, Caleb's brother.

Eleven years previously, Griffin, along with brothers Caleb and Devlin, fled their father as he set paths for their lives none of them wanted. They all went their separate ways and have only gotten back together a year ago.

Griffin met Emily when he was looking for his brother Caleb. While drawn to her, marriage is the furthest thing from his mind so he never pursued her. Catching her alone one evening affords Griffin a unique opportunity. However, there were caught during their very brief kiss, but it was enough that Emily's mother demanded betrothal, as Emily has been compromised.

The last thing Emily wants is to be married to a man due to force, not love, so she flees back to the country. Quite worried, Griffin goes after her. She is distraught and alone, and Griffin fears for her safety. The two spend time together and it is apparent that they have a powerful connection. However, there is a problem they are both more than aware of. Griffin is only in England temporarily. He has a successful business in another country and longs to return to that life.

Their road to love is very bumpy indeed. Respect and honor are quite evident, but their future certainly isn't promised. It was a pleasure to read this story while watching the conflict evolve. This sweet story led to a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to the third book in this series, which will no doubt have Cassandra's and Devlin's stories.

Many thanks to Sophie Barnes and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Emily Howard would like to experience kissing but there is no one other than Griffin Crawford, who she would like to be the one! However, Emily realises that Griffin whilst in England visiting his brother, will soon return to Austria and his clockmaking business. So, Emily decides to choose another man, yet is interrupted by Griffin and soon, he is the one to share a kiss. Yet they are caught and rather than marry Griffin, who she believes will only do so out of honour, decides to flee and return to her family home. Griffin follows Emily and soon they find themselves, fighting their attraction whilst living in close proximity to each other.
This was a clean romance, but one filled with uncertainty, past secrets and miscommunication. I must admit that at times, I wished that they would sort out their feelings for each other (especially Emily), but it was an easy read. Whilst this is the second book in the series, it is a standalone story, but it is well worth reading about Mary and Caleb, which is my favourite so far! A clever take on the epilogue, without revealing anything more in this series.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Camberly House, home of Caleb Crawford, the Duke of Camberly and his wife Mary, the Duchess. It is the site for the first ball of the season.

Miss Emily Howard, age 26, has spent the last 6 years in the countryside with her friend, Lady Cassandra Moore and Mary Clemens, now the Duchess of Camberly. During her absence from town, Emily has developed into a lovely woman and gentlemen are eager to dance with her. Emily has no plans to find a husband. Six years ago, she had been courted by Lord Langton who then called it off and became engaged to Lady Victoria Hewitt. Emily suspects that his action was a result of something her mother said to him.

Griffin Crawford is brother to Caleb, the Duke of Camberly. Griffin also has a twin named Devlin. Griffin is a talented clockmaker who trained in Vienna and now owns a shop there. He is visiting for a short time but knows he needs to return to Vienna soon. When he sees Emily, he is quite taken with the beautiful woman she has become. When a short conversation results in him kissing Emily, her mother sees them and and assumes they are engaged, as he has compromised her. But Emily does not want to marry because she wishes to return to her country home, Clearview. There, she, Cassandra, and Mary run an orphanage. Oh, but Griffin plans to pursue her and ends up escorting her to Clearview, after which, he plans to return to Vienna. However, he ends up staying for awhile to help with some maintenance on the home. Naturally, their togetherness results in an attraction that they cannot deny.

This is a nice little romance, but not a favorite of mine from this author. Perhaps, if I had read the first book in the series, I would feel I “know” the characters a bit better. In my opinion, Griffin is a total gentleman but Emily isn’t as likable. It’s as if she just will not allow herself to entertain the thought of falling in love after having been rejected by Lord Langton years ago. A bit of that is understandable, but Emily wears her rejection like a hair shirt. However, I do love the books written by Sophie Barnes and know her future books will be quite good.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a good book. I was hooked right from the beginning. Who doesn't love a girl that knows her own mind and won't be made to marry for so little of a reason. And the guy.....description of him had me picturing him in my mind. Great descriptions all around!!

Than a Rogue by Sophie Barnes is book Two in The Crawfords Series. This is the story of Griffin Crawford and Emily Howard. Griffin and Emily did appear in the first book, which I have read (and Loved!), but feel you could make this a standalone if you wish to do so.
Emily is 26 years old who doesn't think anyone would want her. Emily has settled in to the life of a spinster. But she is tempted to experience a kiss which she does with Griffin but they were caught. Emily knows that Griffin wouldn't want to be forced into a marriage and goes running from the ball to make it back to the country.
Griffin wants to make sure that Emily is okay but the more time they are together the more he feels more for her.
Loved their story! I am such a fan of Ms. Barnes's writing...I always know I will be getting a great story.