Falling for Mr. Townsbridge

I absolutely love this books servant to lover trope it’s one of my favourite to read about in historical romances. The only thing wrong with it was that it was so short only around 105 pages

I truly enjoyed this novella that I wish it had been a longer book! William Townsbridge, the 3rd son of a viscount, returns home after working in Portugal for a year to find his family has a new French cook and he's immediately drawn to her. Eloise Lamont is feisty and nothing like the dull, society debutantes that his mother has lined up to become his future wife. Eloise was taught to cook by her grandfather and she enjoys her position as chef for the Townsbridge family, but she knows that falling for her bosses' son would be disastrous to her, both personally and professionally, due to their differences in social status. How their romance plays out makes for a delightful, quick read!

I received a free ARC from NetGalley of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are my own.

William Townsbridge returns to his family home in London after a year of living and working abroad.  His family has hired a young, spunky French cook.  This is a delicious novella, filled with humor, great dialogue, and an endearing family.  And lots and lots of mouthwatering food references!

Being a novella, some of the build up to Will and Eloise's relationship is lost.  I wish we had more scenes of the two of them to really cement their connection, but there just wasn't enough pages for this, especially when they spend quite a few apart.  The romance, while sweet, really only simmered.  Will does a monumentally stupid thing, and I loved just how quickly he was put in his place by the women of his family!  

Definitely an enjoyable and quick read.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC, all opinions are my own.

A story of William, a wayward son of a peer, who falls in love with Eloise, the family cook. In this novella things progress swiftly to a happy ending. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book.  I am glad that Eloise got her happy ending.  They both deserve to be happy and I'm glad that they were able to have it together.

Their battle of whits was hysterical. William wants Eloise but knows he can't have her. Eloise knows her place in life as the cook and as much as she longs for William she refuses to be his mistress. So where does that leave them?

I really enjoyed this story. It was a little shorter than normal, but still packed a positive note. There was a very consistent story and plot line. It is part of a series, but I haven't read any of the others. A younger son returns from his work in the embassy of Portugal after a year. His older siblings are married and he is the youngest brother and unmarried. There are two younger sisters who are old enough to be looking for spouses. The heroine is the French cook mother hired. She is young, like him and is working while her family resides in the French countryside. She learned to cook from her grandfather and is hoping to save to open a culinary school. The hero is looking for a job in England so he doesn't have to sign back up to go outside the country anymore. They meet when he is astounded at the quality of food being prepared. This is such a sweet story. There are some sensual scenes, but the book is not based on them. The characters are likeable and believable. And there are no dangling story lines. The spelling and grammar are accurate. This is a book I highly recommend reading and it has earned 5 stars. This was a very enjoyable story

This is book 3 in the Townsbridge series.
This is the story of Eloise  and William. 
This is a short novella.  A little over a hundred pages, so a quick read.
What I liked about it was that it had a complete story.  Many times novellas seem to start in the middle of a relationship, so you feel like you missed half the story. 
I'm not a big fan of novellas,  not enough story, too rushed.  But I did enjoy this one, especially the part where she says goodbye to her grandfather.  It was very touching. 
If you're looking for something quick to read but don't want to start a new book, I recommend this novella. 
4⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

Eloise is an extremely accomplished cook/baker with a secretive background, and William is the third son of an eccentric family who just found his way home.  The kitchen heats up when these two meet and between cute quips and sly glances, they manage to find each other and more importantly, but the other actually needs!  Not without a couple bumps in the road however!

For a shorter novella, there was a lot packed into this little book, and quite a few things to like!  I LOVED Eloise.  She is the heroine you always wish to see in a book.  She managed to speak her mind and stand up for what she deserved while also retaining her femininity.  Not an easy feat in any book, but especially a truncated one.  Another win was William's family, they were lovely!  And I can't wait to determine if William's youngest sister Athena has a coming of age romance!  She was a pistol from the start. 

One thing I didn't enjoy... William our hero!  He seemed like a nice enough guy but once he enters the story his family go above and beyond to remind him not to mess with the cook.  He states that he's never messed with the staff before, but based on how much his family mentioned it... it really put me off him when he fell for Eloise.  I kept wondering if that was really true, did he try to sleep with staff before?  It was really odd, and definitely made me think about it a lot considering the book was a novella and they had to come together relatively quick.  Plus some later choices really makes you wonder how nice this guy really is...

This was my first book by Sophie Barnes but it won't be my last.  The hero's actions don't negate my definite love of the book.  I believe this can read as a standalone, but there were a few things that they referenced from previous books that I wasn't aware of, nothing that held up the story, but whet my appetite for those books!

These are my opinions and I give them freely and happily!

Posted to Goodreads and Barnes and Noble - link won't work.

William and Elise were absolutely delightful. I love the easy chemistry between the two. Ms. Barnes writes romance in such a way that the reader feels like they are a part of the story. Readers will not be disappointed.

3.5 STARS

FALLING FOR MR. TOWNSBRIDGE by Sophie Barnes.  This was a very short and quick read that was enjoyable and easy to follow.  I liked the characters - Eloise and William.  I liked the premise of the tale - the high ranking Hero falls for the lowly cook.  There was emotion and joy and smiles but, I really wanted more.  Being a novella, we only get a quick look into these two characters and, finding the I truly liked them, was hoping for more in depth looks into their lives and backgrounds.  Overall, a really quick read that is a lovely tale.  (received NetGalley ARC for honest review)

Short, fun read. Good characters
The family chef and the young son.
The chef makes amazing food which draws in William. Chef is not what he expected.
Would like to read more about rhem

I received an ARC of this book through netgalley in return for my honest opinions. 

Mr William Townsbridge has returned from a year working in Portugal to find that his parents have hired a most talented French cook. The connection between them is instant but how can he pursue her without tarnishing any reputations.

I enjoyed this book. Being a novella I found that we did not get to know the characters as much as I would have liked but the two leads were likeable and well written.

I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK. THE STORY WAS SWEET AND SHORT. BOTH THE CHARACTER'S OF WILLIAM AND ELOISE WAS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN. REALLY LIKE THE MERGE OF TWO DIFFERENT CULTURES. EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A HISTORICAL NOVEL YET ELOISE WAS VERY FEISTY AND INDEPENDENT AND HAD SELF-RESPECT THAT I REALLY LIKED. OVERALL THE BOOK WAS AMAZING.
WOULD RECOMMEND TO ALL ROMANCE READERS.

This was a very sweet novella sized story which can be read in a couple of hours. Sophie Barnes can always be relied on to write charming stories, no matter what size they are:) 

Eloise is the French cook for the Townsbridge family and I wish I could have tasted all those dishes she makes throughout the story, they all sounded so delicious!! William, one of her employers' sons, has come back from Portugal and wants to meet this cook who comes up with such delicious meals and is quite shocked to see that she's young and beautiful! Of course it's instant attraction but the fact that she's beneath his social standing makes them try to ignore each other. Impossible!! Where love is concerned, though, anything is possible:) 

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

If you have a hankering for a quick, romantic, opposite social classes attract, regency era read featuring a sassy, talented French born chef heroine and the younger son of an English Aristocrat family, you might fall for this story line in a big way, my fellow romance book loving friends. This novella is heavy on the notion of romance via mental musings, stolen passionate kisses, and amorous touching between this society forbidden pair as their at first glance, soul mate attraction and connection will not be denied. For those who like steam, you'll have to wait til near the end for the "all the way" scene but that does not mean things do not get verra heated here and there along the way. 

At only 105 pages, I breezed right through it in one sitting. Being the first and only book of the series I've read so far, it did not matter I had not previously been introduced to this family or any of the sub-characters beforehand. The author did a good job acquainting me to them all.

The main importance here, of course, is love is proven to conquer all and won't be denied, even when social bias and knuckleheaded thinking tries to intervene. I enjoyed the fact when push came to shove this leading man fought for love, and they both ultimately had support when it counted most. 

Title: Falling for Mr. Townsbridge, Series: The Townbridges (Book 3), Author: Sophie Barnes, Pages: 105, stand-alone but part of a series, French heroine whose a chef, only one intimate sex scene, rich but has a job aristocrat hero, conflicted social circumstances, romance safe for me.

Book 1 - When Love Leads to Scandal
Book 2 - Lady Abigail’s Perfect Match
Book 3 - Falling for Mr. Townsbridge

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

William Townsbridge has arrived attthe home of his parents, Viscount and Viscountess Roxley.  He has been traveling for some time and it’s nice to be home being with his sisters and brothers.  As they welcome him home, he enjoys tea and some pastries that are delicious.  His mother tells him that they have hired a new cook and her food is outstanding.  She is French and her name is Mrs. Eloise Lamont.  After enjoying a yummy dinner, he heads to the kitchen to congratulate her. He is surprised to find a lovely young woman and unmarried.  He really wants to get to know her better but realizes that she is beneath his social standing.  

William and Eloise go on a picnic with his sister and he enjoys getting to know Eloise and her dreams of opening a culinary school.  With that in mind, he asks his father to help him purchase a house.  Later he shows it to Eloise telling her the house is for her dream school and implies that they would live together there.  She is outraged and quits.  What will he do now?  His family is furious and he realizes he loves this young woman very much.  He needs to find her and hope to convince her to return and he will not impose himself on her.  But, what about their differences on the social ladder?  If he marries her, how can they be accepted?

I have given away a bit here, but not all.  This is a sweet story and the descriptions of the foods that Eloise prepares made me want to drool.  I love French food so I was even more intrigued.  Sophie Barnes has done it again.  I love her books. Don’t miss this one.

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

Oh, I love a quandary! 

And this one is a dozy, in this tasty novella. 
William is back in England and gets his first taste of the delicious treats and meals the family's new cook is creating. Eloise is the cook and in the family employ. William is honorable. See? Quandary. 
But what sets this book apart is the tidbits of confections and the eloquent food descriptions. Its very fitting with the connection William is finding with Eloise. 
Recommend. But be prepared to go find a snack while reading.

I really enjoyed this novel, Having wanted to read Barnes writing for a while it was a lovely mix of characterisation, plotting and romance. I can't wait to read more by her.

On my Instagram page for the 21st July- under highlights- NEW releases. I have tagged Netgalley and the author for the RELEASE. Thank you.

I enjoyed reading this book despite it being short. It was intriguing to see how the two classes were at ease with each other. The story was interesting and the main characters were strong, funny at times and compassionate. I do recommend that you read this book as it can be enjoyed in a couple of hours.

When William Townsbridge comes back home after being in Portugal for quite some time, he becomes very intrigued with his family's chef: Eloise Lamont. Author Sophie Barnes creates a cute romance in this novella featuring unconventional attitudes. Eloise has secrets she would rather not share and reasons for working so far away from home. 

I love the William and Eloise together, they are quite the couple with plenty of sizzling chemistry. I also liked both of their families. I found the way they interact to be charming and playful, even when they are giving attitude. 

I think this book was good but it would have been even better had there been time to show the reader how the families knew that William was in love rather than tell. 

I requested a temporary digital advance review copy from NetGalley and author Sophie Barnes to read and enjoy. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

Men, why do their brains not work sometimes. William is clueless when it comes to Eloise. I love the way Sophie interjects lots of humor into her stories. I have not read a book by her that has not made me laugh out loud. My favorite scene is when he steals a roll from the kitchen and what ensues. Clueless, I tell you. Anyway, this was such a cute and sweet story and I loved reading about this couple.

When William Townsbridge returns from Portugal and meets Eloise Lamont, the new cook his mother has hired, he's instantly smitten. The only problem of course is that she's a servant - completely off limits for a gentleman with an ounce of honour. But as they become better acquainted, William starts to realize he must make Eloise his. Eloise loves her new position. But William Townsbridge's arrival threatens everything, from her principles to her very heart. Falling for her employer's son would be monumentally stupid. 
This is the third novella in the series & is third son William’s story, another well written quick read which I read in a sitting. Another well written book that I wished had been longer as I would have liked to have learned more about Eloise & at times it felt a bit rushed, however it drew me in from the start & I thoroughly enjoyed it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

He’s a a son of a discount and she is the chef on his parents home… a romance between the two of them could never be… or could it!

William Townsbridge has returned home for a short repast while in-between work assignments when he comes across the most delectable treat- the new chef. He’s warned by his parents and brothers to stay away, but his romantically inclined sister tries to push them together.

Eloise takes pride in her cooking and ability, but knows that to William she can never be what she truly desires, a wife.

I enjoyed this novella. Like most novella’s the romance and relationship developed quickly, but it didn’t seemed forced, yet there were points where the story went from A to C and I would have liked to hear about the in-between time. I enjoyed the bumbling Williams attempts to the reluctant chef. The class divide is explored and tested at these two try to find a place that will make them both happy. Overall a cute romance with love conquering all!

Falling for Mr. Townsbridge by Sophie Barnes is scheduled to release July 21st, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from author Sophie Barnes through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#FallingforMrTownsbridge #SophieBarnes #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

Falling for Mr. Townsbridge is the third book in The Townsbridges series that follows all the siblings finding love. This one is just a novella so the story is over so quick that the romance doesn't really have a chance to develop.
William Townsbridge arrives back at his family home after living away in Lisbon for a year. After tasting the new French cooks delicious cooking, he heads to the kitchen to find out who she is expecting and older lady. Instead he finds the beautiful, young Eloise Lamont and falls in love at first sight. They fight their attraction because of their class difference and William does something really stupid to win her over.
I enjoyed this book and would read the others in the series but this one is just too short for it to be fully developed. 
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Sophie Barnes for this eARC copy.

Will he realize in time his true feelings before it’s too late.

What a lovely tale Mrs Sophie Barnes presents us here, Eloise is moving with her grip in reality and William charming in his stubbornness.
William thought he had everything decided when he finally went home after months of absence. He was just to visit until his next move.
But a taste of a bewildering meal, and a view of the entrancing woman behind it and he is bewitched. But every bells shout caution and danger. Why after avoiding her, he walks on eggs  and is in the edge to lost his mind.
Eloise while well breed and educated, she knows where she stands, and it is not in the arms of a viscount’s son, worse her employer’s. She made a living there and has dreams to fulfill and while she would not renege love in her life, it can’t be with an upstairs man. Yet upon their few encounters, feelings flourish for him but she is only a cook.

Mrs Barnes brings together two souls who should never have collided, even if only a third son, William can not entertain an affair with a servant without stirring a scandal, it would be seen as outrageous and it would ruin Eloise’s any chance of making a living in her trade.
Yet, with a twist of a turn and very comprehending relations, the author offers her characters an exit door if they are willing to choose the right path.

Falling for Mr. Townsbridge is a light and humorous short read with a very unconventional family who praises love over society’s expectations.
4 stars.

I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Falling for Mr.Townsbridge is the third book in The Townsbridges series by Sophie Barnes. A historical romance that sweeps you away in this fast-paced novella. I would have loved for this to be a longer read. I would have to see the characters develop more. Falling for Mr. Townsbridge is a well-written read. I just wish it was longer.

Falling for mr. Townsbridge by Sophie Barnes is a very well written novella. I find with novellas they leave me wanting more but with this story is was perfectly wrapped up in a neat little package. An excellent, beautiful  cook and a gentleman's third son,   From different classes destined for failure.  They navigate the social issues in different ways trying to understand and cope how they are feeling.  with a little help from his wonderful loving family  they just might get their HEA. It's a sweet well written story i definitely recommend reading.

Quick and easy read. It was a nice romance and they had great chemistry. Sometimes romance can be a little too much for me but I enjoyed this read.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  I really like Sophie Barnes and I liked this novella.  I am not a big fan of novella in general because they lack  the time and detail to make a relationship realistic but this book was charming.
William has returned home after working in the English government in Lisbon.  Almost immediately he becomes infatuated with the new French cook his parents employee.  There is insta-love after a few interactions but they are sweet.  
A quick novella with a HEA in less than 2 hours.

William Townsbridge had just returned from being away from his family while he worked in Lisbon.
He was not the heir but he was wealthy. His father was a viscount and his mother ran around trying to find mates for her children. He was the youngest and he had two older brothers and sisters. When he sat down for dinner he was so surprised it was excellent. His mother told him she had hired a new cook. When he met Mrs. Lamont he was very surprised. Not only did her food taste good but she was young, lovely, and charming. She was also French. She had been trained by her grandfather who was still in France. Their attrition was instantaneous. They both tried to stay away from each other but it didn't work well. 
This is an exciting story and it gets better as you read on and see their silly shenanigans, and their heartbreaking ones, too. The characters you had no trouble relating to them. They were funny, confused, and still wanting each other. I think you will really enjoy this book and find it satisfying. It is a novella so it is a little short but very well written and put together
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Enjoyed this story of love between classes.  The characters were strong and accurate.  Loved watching the growth of the male character and the sweet love story.  Recommend fully and looking forward to reading more by this author.

A sweet and charming historical romance - I loved the cluelessness and over confidence of the male lead and appreciated the caution and strength of the heroine.   It was an easy to read novel with the feel-good HEA you hope for in a book of this genre - a perfect cozy escape balanced with humour and attraction.

When the story grabs you , you wish there was more to it. I like a rag to riches stories this one is nice because it is historical,. They are the ones with the changes being harder to overcome.

This was super sweet and quick read since it is a novella size! I haven’t read the others for this series but it didn’t seem like I needed too but I’m sure would have made it that much better! William is the third son to a viscount and not looking for love. He likes to travel. Once he comes home his mother is already trying to make matches for all her children! Eloise is a young cook for the family. She’s French & her grandfather taught her to cook. She’s also not afraid to speak her mind! When William and Eloise meet, they have instant chemistry! There short romance was cute and somewhat emotional. William is also your typical guy suggesting him & Eloise could be together without marriage! Uh! No worries we get our HEA & a marriage! I def suggest reading this if you’ve read the others or are looking for a sweet quick historical romance read!

This is a quick read.  William is a nice young aristocrat.  Eloise is a magnificent cook.  This story explores their HEA.  I found it hard to understand the attraction between the two of them other than he was handsome and she cooked great.  Since it is a novella, I guess there wasn't enough time to develop the characters.  It's a sweet, little story, but it left me wanting so much more.

Will Townsbridge is the third son of a viscount. Eloise Lamont is a French chef and the cook for the Townsbridge household. When Will returns to England from diplomatic service, he finds the food devine and is immediately smitten by the cook. Eloise is also smitten, but the difference in class makes it impossible to be together. 
A romantic novella where love can overcomes obstacles. A quick read with a charming hero. 
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Nice read in a one sitting  book. William just returned home after a year in Portugal. His family is so excited to see him again! William is happy to be home but a little leery about his matchmaking mama. He is thrilled with the new French cook Eloise cooking....simply delicious! He goes in search for a late night snack and couldn’t believe the beauty in the kitchen. Sparks fly and society rules get in the way. There is no way a Noble can be with a hired help. Or is there?

Falling for Mr. Townsbridge (The Townsbridges #3). By Sophie Barnes. 2020. Sophie Barnes. (ARC eBook).

William Townsbridge has returned home from Portugal and is not quite sure what to do next. With his two brothers happily wed and his mother trying to match her eldest daughter with a husband, settling down and marrying seems the logical step. William’s previous experience with women has jaded him into thinking they are only interested in his family’s wealth. That is until he meets the family’s new cook, the talented, feisty and forbidden Eloise Lamont. It may be true that they way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

Falling for Mr. Townsbridge is a charming Regency romance where the couple must decide if they will let their stations in life determine who they can love. This novella was my introduction to Barnes and I look forward to reading other books by her.

As much as William had dreaded coming home, it seemed the new cook his mother had hired was amazing, with all the delectable dishes and the desserts! Oh my, heaven. When he mentioned to his mother that he should lock Mrs. Lamont, the cook away, his sister could only suggest she meet her.
What he did not expect was the beautiful feisty Eloise who was not the image of the cook he had imagined!
To say the least they form an attraction that is magnetic and the attachment begins! But is there any hope for these two of different classes?
I loved these two and watching as they came together and the journey it took with several twists and turns was wonderful. Love anything that Sophie Barnes pens and this is no exception! Prepare to sit back and enjoy!

Eloise is happy with her life, she works hard but at a job she loves. She creates beautiful meals for her employers, and has freedom and ownership of it. William is finally home after working abroad, he could never guess that he would be drawn to Eloise and her feisty nature. Theirs is an instant connection, but they both fight it! It takes almost losing her to make William see he can’t live without her. Grab a copy of this sweet story.