More Than A Rogue

Griffin and Emily met and there was an instant attraction. But they each have different goals and marriage is not in their plans! But as circumstances put them together, they discover their HEA!

This was such a lovely read. I love to see a period romance with a strong, female character who knows what she wants and doesn't fit precisely into the realms of societal norms. I also love a hero who can change his (and her) mind with grand gestures and swoony moments. More Than A Rogue provided all this and more. Emily is a girl after my own heart, and though I am 1000% percent more stubborn than her when it comes to the endgame, I loved how important her values were to her. Griffin is such a charming character to boot. I was so pleased that there wasn't a massive, dramatic chase at the beginning that became drawn out. The plot suited them both perfectly. There were some really delicate moments between mother and daughter too, showing just how easily we can miscommunicate.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC, and I will be looking out for more books from this author.

I liked the beginning of this book where Emily and Griffin are resisting their attraction to each other. The push and pull of doubt and attraction was the whole story line. It got boring when nothing else exciting happened besides this. The book could have been 30 percent shorter. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

I received an ARC of More Than A Rogue by Sophie Barnes for my enjoyment. The two main characters, Griffin and Emily, were both strong, independent people. Griffin happily living and working in Vienna, Emily, living away from society in the countryside where she helps look after orphaned children with a couple of friends. She was at peace with being “on the shelf” but still wanted to have the experience and thrill of a “first kiss.” After receiving this much anticipated kiss from an unexpected source, the man she secretly dreams about, and said kiss being witnessed by her mother, aunt, and sister, she quickly flees, running back to the countryside with Griffin following, vowing to keep her safe. Throughout their time together they find themselves falling for each other but each not sure about the others' feelings as they work their way through insecurities and wrong perceptions. If you are looking for action, you won’t really find any here. Not much excitement, just a sweet and easy read. I find myself going back now to read the first book in this series.

3.5 stars rounded up.

Since the ending of her understanding with an earl and the subsequent ruination of her reputation, Emily Howard has accepted the fact that she will be a spinster. Still, she is curious and wants to at least know what kissing is like. However, she never expected to receive one from the man of her dreams, her best friend's brother-in-law, Lord Griffin Crawford. Or for her mother, sister and aunt to catch them and demand marriage. Griffin doesn't want marriage and Emily knows it so she flees for the country to escape him and a scandal that could ruin her younger sister's chances at a good match.

Griffin immediately goes after the fleeing Emily to ensure her safety. He's needed back in Austria to run the clock-making business he started, but the more time he spends with Emily, the more he finds himself considering a change of every plan he's ever had for his life. For her part, Emily is half in love with Griffin already, but she refuses to subject herself to a marriage with someone who doesn't love her back, no matter how attracted she is to him. Griffin must sort out his feelings and convince Emily of his sincerity or go back to Austria nursing a broken heart.

These two danced around each other for quite awhile. Emily had next to no self-esteem which led to lots of setbacks for herself and Griffin, but luckily she had good friends to finally talk some sense into her in the end and convince her to stop running away from her feelings out of fear. Griffin also had his own insecurities and trust issues that became yet another threat to their relationship.

The pacing was a bit slow to really hold my attention. The writing was excellent, but I just wanted out main character's to get on with it already, especially since after all the build up, there was no real steam between them until the very end and much of it was glossed over. However, the character development and dialogues here were tremendously well done and earned this read and extra star from me.

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

Description


All she wanted was a kiss…

What she got, was fiery passion…

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 is the latest Crawford's book by Sophie Barnes. Although part of a series it can be read as a standalone book, however as in most series it is much better read with the others in order of publication.
I love this series and look forward to more.
This book gets a 4.75 of 5.0 star rating from me.
There is just a hint of danger but this is a much anticipated romance between Emily and Griffin.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Sophie Barnes’ latest “Crawfords” novel tells the story of Emily and Griffin. Emily has been badly burned by an expected engagement that didn’t happen. Griffin has a perfectly good life in Austria, and plans to return to that life when his business in England is done. After the two are found in a (slightly contrived) embarrassing situation, Griffin offers to “do the right thing” by Emily, but she flees, and, perceiving her to be in danger, Griffin pursues. Proximity is a wonderful thing, and the two fall into friendship and then love.

This is a light and breezy novel for a hot summer’s day.

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

My bad, I had the previous book lined on my kindle shelves as I preordered it because of the blurb but then it was forgotten, probably due to a big release day for many publishers but a bad one for readers as they have to deal with too many new books with which to choose to read first.
And I preordered this one too but luckily I was graced an advance copy by Netgalley and the publisher BookBuz.net why this time I didn’t passed up reading this new release.
My conclusion is it was worth the read.
This was a witty and sweet read, full of quips and funny banters until it took a more thoughtful turn. At first, it was more a battle of wills and who will have the upper hand than a real courting, then they reached a truce to be straight forward when together. So in close contact, they came to see the other from a different view. At time I was upset by Emily’s stubbornness but when I look back, even if they have an instant chemistry, it is no excuse to jump to conclusion they can get more. Never Griffin disclaimed he won’t go back to Vienna nor he expressed his feelings as himself came to realize them only later.
Both make assumptions for the other because despite being honest, they can’t openly express what they feel or expect.
It was their biggest challenge, having faith and trust another. Their past shaped their present behavior, why they appeared at first to be so reluctant to let their initial preconceptions go. Then when faced with their past crushing their burgeoning romance, they must straighten their emotions and take action.
Emily is a great character, she is no badass heroine, she learned to be independent and each step was a small victory, why I do understood her steel decision to never give up her hard won freedom for nothing less than love.

« He’d offered to marry her for heaven’s sake, and she, fool that she was, had demanded more. Because loving him when he did not love her in return would be devastating. It would wear on her heart and destroy her soul. »

Griffin is very much a gentleman, he sure caused Emily pains but he was never voluntarily, more a miscommunication problem. And he always respected who she was and whom she has become.

« Whatever happened would be up to Miss Howard. All her life she’d been steered in one direction and told what to do. If there was one thing he could give her that he believed would mean more to her than anything else, it was being given the chance to choose. »

The ending was just perfect, a leap forward in the future with a glimpse of how they faired over time.

More Than A Rogue tells the story of two people with some major insecurities to overcome before they can reach a sweet and satisfying HEA. Emily Howard just wants a kiss. So firmly on the shelf that she has given up on marriage, a stolen kiss in the night seems like such a little thing. Griffin Crawford rescues Emily from an unwise embrace only to find himself kissing her as her mother and friends look on. A compromising situation leave both of them resisting marriage but honor demands Griffin not leave Emily unprotected as she flees London. Time away in the country leave the unchaperoned couple with more time to realize how perfect they are for each other. Two people that protest too much and a slow building attachment that can end in nothing but smiles for the reader even when insecurities throw a wrench in the works. This book is a feel good, easy read that lightens the heart of the weariest romance reader. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

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!!

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 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.

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.

I enjoyed More Than A Rogue. I really liked Griffin, he had insecurities but was kind and thought of others. Emily was a woman who took what life threw at her and made the best of it, thriving. I don’t particularly enjoy multiple misunderstandings as the cause of conflict in books, but I felt a lot of the story made up for it. I did feel some parts dragged a bit, but overall a good story.

Beautiful romance.
Great story about 26 year old never been kissed.
For those who love historical romance, you will find everything here that will make you crave more.
4.5 stars!

More Than a Rogue is the second book in the Crawfords Book series but it can be read as a standalone. The book was well written and had strong developed characters. Emily is an independent, strong woman and all she wanted was to experience one kiss. While Griffin and Emily share a kiss in the garden they are caught by Emily’s aunt, sister and mother. Both families try to push them to be married but Emily has no plans to get married and Griffin has no plans to stay in England. They finally get their HEA but they have obstacles to get over first. The epilogue is such a sweet addition to the story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What's a girl to do when she's 26 years old and has never been kissed? Why, have the very handsome Griffin Crawford do the honors, of course! I found this to be a very sweet story and although I do think it could have been much shorter due to the fact that the story just keeps going around in circles with Emily and Griffin not being totally honest with each other, it's still a very good book! Once they tell each other their true feelings, you can really feel the love between them and although both had been hurt in the past, they are able to overcome it.

I loved the epilogue, not often you find out what they're up to 45 years later!

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

All she wanted was a kiss…
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. So at a ball she heads out to the terrace with Mr Bale hoping for a kiss, what she doesn't expect, is for Griffin Crawford, the handsomest man in the world, to rush out to rescue her & then to do the honours. It’s just her luck for all her female relations to discover her in his embrace. Emily flees the Camberly ball & Griffin goes in pursuit. He will not allow his sister-in-law's determined friend to risk her safety for any reason.
A well written book with well portrayed characters. I did find the pace of the book stalled at times so I felt it didn’t flow smoothly. Whilst I liked both Griffin & Emily I didn’t love them & I wasn’t totally convinced by their love until the epilogue, which I thought was truly lovely. The path to their HEA isn’t smooth with lack of communication, secrets, other suitors & a meddling mother but it does make for an interesting read. This is the second book in the series & it could easily be read on its own, however I have to read a series in order & from the beginning so as ever I’d recommend reading the first book to enrich the enjoyment of this book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Another good historical romance. Characters were interesting plot was a bit typical but as this was just the type I wanted to read at the time it was perfect.

Less than perfect becomes a love of a lifetime. More than a Rogue steals it's way into your heart with a swoonworthy hero, a tempestuous romance and an enchanting heroine. Emily loses her heart, just as she finds her voice. One reckless act has her emotions all over the place and her body determined to fight her heart every step of the way. Barnes continues to mesmerize with wonderful characters and heartstopping romance.

More than a Rogue by Sophie Barnes is a delightful tale friendship and romance. The misunderstanding and efforts to stay away really put the fun in this romance. Both are interested but believe it will never work for other life circumstance reasons. The characters are unique and lively. Even the secondary characters pop with life and verve.
There are a few places where I thought,”OK! Get on with it already.” But this heightened the anticipation for me.

Emily's unwillingness to let go of her future plans of living as a spinster and Griffin's determination to follow his heart and do right by Emily made this regency romance a definite winner.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end! There is nothing overly dramatic, just real emotions and obstacles. I appreciated the simple storyline because it allowed for more examination and development of the characters. Afterall, I don't read historical romance for the twists and turns, I read it for the characters and watching their relationship unfold. This book delivers on both of those fronts.

Emily and Griffin are well written characters. You understand why they make many of the decisions they do and why they would be hesitant in their personal lives. I think the author does a good job of balancing the constraints of the time period and more contemporary characteristics readers want in their female protagonist. It is easy to see why Emily would fall for Griffin (and vice versa). I also always enjoy a story where it is the guy who has to work to get the girl.

My only complaint is that there were two scenes I wished we had gotten to see rather than just heard about. 1) when Langdon sees Emily again for the first time and the conversation involving his wife that followed 2) how Laura's engagement came to be.

This is a terrific romance with a HEA. :) I love the heroine! She is strong and sassy and not easily won over. The hero grows on you and his 'big' gesture is swoony too. Thoroughly enjoy this book. Easily one of my favorites by Sophie Barnes.

This is the third book in the series, where either fed up with Society or fleeing an unplanned pregnancy, three sweet women start an orphanage, and somewhere women can turn too in times of crisis. Mary wound up marrying Caleb, falling in love with the man, not knowing he is a Duke. While hiding from his duties as Duke, his brother Lord Griffin comes to see him, opening the door to this beautiful home, is Emily Howard, stunning the breath out of Lord Griffin. Now, Lord Griffin and Emily are thrown together by awkward circumstances, she wants a kiss, after all being old, twenty-six, she doesn't want to die an old maid; without having been kissed! Lord Griffin follows her from the ballroom, only to find her with another man, in the bushes! For some unknown reason he is angry, after chasing off her intended victim, the two of them begin their path through the course of true love; which we also know, never runs smoothly. Sweet love story!
I recommend! Thank you, Netgalley!
carolintallahassee.com

Very nice and sweet story. I like the back and forth with Griffin and Emily and how Griffin was “not jealous” but was jealous. I really like Ms. Barnes’ writing. It flows nicely and kept me engaged. If you are looking for a sweet (and clean, in case you are wondering) story, then give this book a try.

This is Griffin and Emily’s story. Emily is curious about kissing and it leads to kissing Griffin. They are caught kissing. Their relationship is complicated. He wants to do the right thing and marry her. She falls in love with him but is not sure he loves her. It is exciting to watch their journey. It is worth the wait. Sophie Barnes has written a fabulous story. I can’t wait for the next one.

Sophie Barnes knows how to do romance right! This book will not disappoint. There is so much attraction between Emily and Griffin that the reader can actually feel it. Both have past trust issues, but slowly they see that the only path for them is together. The reader will not be disappointed!