I heartily enjoyed this wrap-up of the Townsbridge siblings from an unusual Regency family that believes in marrying for love. Athena Townsbridge, however, did not seem fated to have her HEA. As a young girl, she had been brave enough to halt the wedding of the woman her brother loved. Robert Carlisle was humiliated at the altar, a scorned groom. She became a scandal before she ever made her come-out. Athena was seen by the ton as an oddity, a bit of a hoyden, someone to avoid. But her spirit remained bright and even if she was impulsive at times, she was never cruel or unthinking. If you have read the series, Athena is a key player in many a love story, so seeing her happy matters. She decides that before that can happen, she needs to apologize to Robert, now Marquess of Darlington. So she rides over to apologize, only to receive a cold welcome.
Were it not for snow, her apology would fall short, but because of a storm, Athena has to remain at his neighboring estate for several days. This is a novella, short but sweet, with Robert's recognition that Athena is his fate just really delicious. I love that he recognizes that Athena is someone to be wooed, respected but not shaped into a traditional society girl. He gets her in a way that even her family doesn't. This love story ends the family saga beautifully. (I received an ARC from NetGalley; opinions mine.)

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.

Robert may be a Marquess but he's had his share of bad luck. He's had debts to pay and he's been unlucky in love, as he's been jilted twice. Six years ago he was supposed to be getting married but young Athena Townsbridge told him his bride was in love with another man. Now Athena is all grown up and Robert finds himself wondering if third time could be the charm.

This is a quick little read that I enjoyed although it's so short that everything falls into place rather easily and a little more courtship might have been nice. At one point of the book a person goes inexplicably missing from an important event and I was expecting for some attempts to inquire or at least expressions of concern by that person's parent but that never happened.

I read the previous story in this series and really enjoyed it. I couldn't wait to read Robert and Athena's story. Robert, Marquess of Darlington, was humiliated 6 years ago when then 14 year old Athena announced that her brother loved Bethany when Robert and Bethany were at the altar. Robert basically withdrew from Society following that scandal and to deal with the crushing debt his father left behind. When Athena decides she just must see Robert to apologize in person for her interference and scandal, she has no idea it will change her life forever.

I realize this is only a novella, but I thought Robert and Athena both falling in love with each after only two days, a bit of a stretch. Not much else happens until their wedding day. It was a good twist, but throughout the book I kept hoping for more depth for both characters.

I read other books by Sophie Barnes. She is a great writer. I always love her romance. Her characters are likable and real. I love how they got together and fell in love. The chemistry between the characters is great. Love their conversations with each other too. Another terrific book by this wonderful writer.


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own