When Matthew Donovan, Duke of Brunswick, proposes to Sarah Townsbridge, she’s shocked. After all, she’s never met him before. One thing is clear though – he obviously needs help. So after turning him down, she decides to get to know him better, and finds out she’s right. But fixing a broken man is not the same as adopting a puppy. Least of all when the man in question has no desire to be saved.

Matthew has his mind set on Sarah. Kind and energetic, she’ll make an excellent mother. Best of all, her reclusiveness is sure to make her accept the sort of marriage he has in mind – one where they live apart. The only problem is, to convince her, they must spend time together. And the more they do, the more he risks falling prey to the one emotion he knows he must avoid at all cost: love.

A story of healing the past and going forward to the future.

She had gone six years with a proposal of marriage. So her mother holds a party with only eligible men in the hopes that she will find someone to wed.

He had lived beside her for years, and although they had never met, he was determined to propose and get her to accept the type of marriage he had in mind. Produce a heir and then part. No love, because he had lost everyone in the past.

But sometimes, that tiny arrow finds the heart, and a lasting love just might be found!

I enjoyed this historical romance story with all of the characters. The two main characters were Matthew Donovan the Duke of Brunswick and Miss Sarah Townsbridge.

Miss Sarah Townsbridge is quite shocked when a the Duke of Brunswick as comes up a ask her to marry him.  At the time she said no to him. But after thinking about it she decides that he may need a little help in finding a wife. So she decides to help him.

Matthew Donovan the Duke of Brunswick wants a wife. He has decided that Miss Townsbridge is that women. He go to the party that her family is having and decides to ask her to marry him. But things don't go as he planned.

This was a fun story to read it has quite a few laughs throughout it.

I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout and Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.

Sarah Townbridge is almost considered on the shelf at twenty-two she has met all the eligible gentlemen. So, Sarah’s time is supposedly running out to get married and all the men Sarah could be paired with don’t hold her interest at all. When the Duke of Brunswick, Matthew Donovan, shows up unexpectedly while Sarah is conversing with other men, Sarah is surprised. Matthew determinedly goes up to Sarah interrupting the conversation and demands that Sarah marry him. Sarah is appalled and refuses Matthew’s proposal wanting to get to know him first. Matthew is hesitant to give Sarah any glimpses into his life and his past. Matthew is determined to have Sarah for his wife. Sarah isn’t going to give in too easily nor will she marry a cold uncaring guy without love. Matthew must show Sarah how he really feels or not have her at all.
What a really charming captivating story told with great characters, beautifully written scenes and clever verbal banter! The book might be a novella, but is perfect in telling a complete story. It can even be read as a stand-alone, still to understand all the minor characters it wouldn’t hurt to understand this truly dynamic family. Sarah the strong-willed feisty heroine is not willing to settle for just anyone. Sure, she can have anyone she strives for love which is pretty admirable. Matthew the harsh stoic hero is not easy to like at first. He keeps everything hidden that the only thing he has going for him is that he is a Duke. As the story progresses though Matthew opens up that he becomes more palatable than before. He isn’t the greatest guy however, does turn around eventually. Ms. Sophia Barnes has written a wonderfully engaging Regency historical novella that is a delight to read!

I must first say that I've never been the type of person to willingly read anything historical. However, I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone and boy am I glad I did. This book was captivating from the very beginning. The authors words was really easy to read. I didn't struggle at all to understand the time in which they leaved. Although I thought the author could have better described the character's features, clothing and surroundings to really capture the picture. Despite that it was a lovely book. Short and sweet but also deep and meaningful.

I was not able to put down this novella. The beginning of the story was so unexpected I had to keep reading to find out where this story was going to take us. My only issue is that the ending was wrapped up to quickly.

This was very sweet! I enjoyed this romance quite a bit, though I would have liked it to be a bit longer.

This is a good, enjoyable stand-alone novella that is part of a bigger series. It’s a timid-sunshine-and-grumpy one set up, which is one of my favorite tropes. The characters are likeable and well developed for a novella. However, I think this story really had potential for a full length novel. There really was room for ~more~ and is like to see what the author could do with a longer book.

I enjoyed this. It was a nice romance. I haven't read the previous books in the series, but this di not prevent me from understanding this book. The writing was good. The plot good. The characters well written and realistic.
I would recommend this boo to all lovers of romance.

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for sending me this ARC

A Duke for Miss Townsbridge. (The Townsbridges #4). By Sophie Barnes. 2020. Sophie Barnes (ARC eBook).

When Matthew Donovan, Duke of Brunswick, decided it was time for him to marry and carry on the family line, he began researching potential candidates. One of the assessed, unbeknownst to her, was Sarah Townsbridge. The young lady resides with her family in the residence next to Mathew’s. She is kind and not a social butterfly; so a natural pick for a good mother who won’t mind an absent social life and husband. He proposes, she decides.

In what is their first meeting, Sarah is approached at her backyard party by the reclusive Duke of Brunswick and asked for her hand in marriage. When he continues to call on her, she decides to get to know the gruff man. Learning of his tragic past that has left him remote and broken-hearted, Sarah still has hope as he seems to enjoy her company. Sarah must decided is she’s willing to enter marriage with him when nothing about their courtship seems to go as expected.

The Townsbridges novellas make for delightful reads on cozy winter nights!

This was a sweet story with an unconventional pairing of hero and heroine. I liked it especially because it was not the normal pairing. Give it a try.

Enjoyable story. I liked the main characters and felt that the plot was well developed. I have read this author before and will continue to do so.

This is just the sort of read needed in between serious suspense thrillers or long winded stories.

Sarah and her siblings and her parents are certainly different from other families around them. They do want the girls to get married, but they are not going to push them into the arms of the first personable, rich man that comes their way. But when Matthew, himself a Duke proposes to Sarah in the strangest possible manner, everyone's interest is piqued especially Sarah. She knows this man is different but she wants to know the workings of his mind, before she decides whether he is the one for her.

What follows is both light hearted and heart breaking on Matthew's side. Trying to overcome depression and guilt over a sad history in his own life, he knows that winning Sarah will involve love and giving her his heart. Whether he will be able to be clinical over Sarah is the million dollar question.

Enjoyed the read very much.

Sarah's mother is determined that she will marry this season. With that in mind, she throws a party and only invites eligible men. Everything is going well for Sarah. She has several invites for outings after the party. But then an uninvited guest shows up and proposes to her...but she turns down the duke. Who in their right mind turns down a duke?

Matthew has spent 3 years determining who his bride will be and that plans seems to be in jeopardy when he sees Sarah with all the men at the party. What else is he to do but to propose to her before anyone else does. But it doesn't go as planned...

Once the duke made it known that he wanted Sarah as a wife, all her other suiters disappeared. So she decides to give Matthew a chance to woo her. Will he be able to?

I really enjoyed Matthew and Sarah's story. I like that Sarah made Matthew take the time to get to know her instead of just jumping at the chance to win a duke. She wanted to marry for love and wan't going to let anything get in the way of that. This was a great addition to the Townsbridges series!

Easy to read as a standalone even though part of a series. I wish, as with others I've read, that it was a full novel because the story deserved a little more attention. I enjoyed the outrageous premise and enjoy the damaged suitor approach. It was enjoyable and as fun as the rest of the series - easy to read and a good little escape. No comment as to the historical accuracies as I'm not an expert nor do I care.

Trying to fix a broken man is a tale as old as time. Sarah doesn't want to say yes to Mr. Donovon, after all she just met him. But then she sees a project. Something to fill her heart and mind. Matthew needs a short marriage, just long enough to patch up some affairs. But to convince her he must play along on her "I can make you a better man" game. And boy does it work. There is tension, steamy, and stubborn female independence abound, in this read-in-one-sitting novel

While part of a series this can be read as a standalone. I actually read the series out of order and had no issues with it. Like many novellas this story felt rushed. There was plenty of plot that could have been fleshed out such as the Duke coming to terms with his grief that would have made for a more satisfying story. Grief is not something that is easily overcome and it was all dealt with much to quickly in my opinion.

This was a book that had so many opportunities to really shine but in the end was rushed and unsatisfying. That being said it was a quick entertaining read that I would recommend.

Sarah’s mother would really love for her to get married, but everyone is shocked when her neighbor Matthew, the Duke of Brunswick, waltzes into their party and proposes to Sarah. The family has barely had any interaction with him. Sarah turns him down. But maybe this is the challenge and unlikely start they both need to find partners.
.
This novella was entirely too short, especially since I was really enjoying the characters. Sarah and Matthew have an unlikely chemistry that leaps out of the pages. Sarah’s determination is admirable and Matthew... he’s so moody and intriguing. The balance of push and pull throughout the entire novella really immerses you. I’m thoroughly looking forward to reading more of this novella series!
.
If you’re looking for some historical romance with great character chemistry, go grab yourself a copy!
.
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. The review expresses my own personal opinions.

Sarah Townsbridge, 22, is having to endure a garden party where her mother has invited all the eligible young and titled men in town. Some of the comments from them appear to be promising until a strange thing happens. Matthew Donovan, the Duke of Brunswick, who lives next door, enters the party uninvited and dropping to one knee, tells Sarah to marry him. Shocked, she says no and turns away. All of the eligible men follow suit and leave the party.

Even though Matthew has lived next door to the Townsbridge family for 10 years, he has always been standoffish. Sarah has never even met the man. Sarah’s mother brings Matthew in to talk with her and her husband. He explains that over the years he has watched Sarah and she appears that they would suit. But he says nothing about love. As it happens, Matthew lost all of his family in a terrible accident when he was a young child leaving him to live with his aunt. This has left him unable to face the past. He is simply looking for a wife to give him an heir. In return, she will have a generous allowance and live at any of his four estates - but not with him.

They meet up again and Matthew soon realizes what a down-to-earth person Sarah is. She enjoys the simples pleasures in life and introduces Matthew to some fun things. They soon realize they get along and agree to marry. But will it be a marriage of love and togetherness or will Matthew leave her alone?

I really loved this book. Sarah is a wonderful heroine and Matthew is like clay in her hands. While I wondered if this marriage could be successful, I soon realized that it could. There is so much signature humor inserted by the author that I really enjoyed. Yet another wonderful book by a favorite author of mine.

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

While this book was extremely well written, with correct grammar and spelling, the content didn't grab me like it should. The heroine is in her 6th season, but she is only 22. She is in a family of 6 siblings, I think, and she had sisters. Most 16 year olds were in finishing school and debuted at 18 or 19 years old. A debutante at 16 years would have been more common about 150 years prior to the time of this novel. Most 16 year old debutantes in the Regency period were being 'sold off' by their families or guardians. It would have been considered barbaric, especially since she had older sisters. The hero moved into the home next door 10 years prior. So he would have been, at the youngest, 24 years old or so. Most bachelors would have taken rooms at their clubs or in bachelor dorming houses because they didn't want the responsibility of owning a whole house. So the hero was over 12 years older than her and would have seen her playing as a child in the gardens. How creepy! To grow up from age 10 and see that adult and then marry him. I don't have words.
So, the research needs to be better. But let's move to character of the heroine and hero. I really was not impressed with the heroine. She was very wishy-washy and indecisive and it came off as ditzy. She needs to pick one and stick with it. The hero needed to be institutionalzed.he suffered a severe childhood trauma of his family dying and he never recovered. Never in my wildest dreams do I believe that true love would have healed his heart and soul. He needed acute psychological assistance and medications. I feel that the plot was far fetched. I would not recommend this story. 1 star for the correct spelling and grammar.