An Unexpected Temptation

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.

An Unexpected Temptation, by Sophie Barnes, is available at booksellers on 12-8-2020. Alas we've come to book 5 in The Townsbridges Romance series. It's going out with a bang. I loved the plot of forgiveness and how it can open you up to new experiences. A meddling teenager turns into a lovely young woman and turns the head of her older brothers former friend. Throw in being stranded together during a snowstorm and it's a perfect story of a shotgun wedding. Except these 2 are gladly sprinting to the alter after a few items are cleared up. A most enjoyable read.

#SophieBarnes #TheTownsbridgeRomance #AnUnexpectedTemptation #Netgalley #historicalromance #christmasromance

I received this ARC and found out it was #5 of a series - and the final book.

After devouring the 1st 4 books quickly, I jumped into this book to see how the series ended.

This book follows the story of Athena Townsbridge who decides to try to right something she did 6 years poor.

Robert Carlisle has been trying to move past the catastrophe Athena caused and is finally making headway. Then Athena re-enters his life, what could possibly happen??

Even though this was book 5, I feel like you could jump in and read any book in any order and still understand it.
Athena Townsbridge broke up a wedding between two people, so that her sister in law could marry her brother and have true love. But she has always felt bad for what happened to the jilted suitor, Robert Carlisle. She decides to go to him to apologize but the blizzard keeps her there and true love conquers all.

This is an historical novella which is book 5 in the series, but they can be read as standalones.
The first book covers the parents – the Townsbridges – and the series follows the family for 38 years until we reach the final book.
They are cosy stories, light and easy to read. In this final story we have a ‘hoyden’ who needs to make amends for a previous action and a blizzard that means she is snowed in for several days with the person she needs to apologise to. The inevitable happens of course.

An Unexpected Temptation was just that, unexpected and a great temptation to read all at once. Sophie Barnes gives us the last of the Townsbridge Children, and clearly saved the best for last.

Athena is a hoyden, in the most delightful way possible, full of curiosity and willing to speak her mind, which for her might not be as great as it is as for me the reader. First we find our future couple together when Athena at a precocious fourteen years old, stands up in church and proclaims exactly why the bride and groom should not get married. The groom in question is our hero Robert, and the bride in question is the woman that Athena's brother has fallen in love with.

Fast forward six years and we find that Athena is out in the marriage mart, not quite finding the final one and only her entire family has found over the course of this series, making her wonder what the rest of her life might look like. Thankfully she doesn't stay down for long, and decides the only possible way to salvage this, is to find Robert and apologize. Her faux pas has left a social stigma on the both of them, and she needs to make amends. Why not just show up at his home unannounced ahead of a huge snow storm?

Robert, after Athena helped create the second time out of two when his finance had left him. Since then, he's become something of a recluse shuttering in his home for the bulk of the time that has passed. So when the bane of his humiliation shows up on his doorstep, he wants nothing to do with the beautiful woman who has blossomed from the annoying child who helped him his demise.

Thankfully the snowstorm helps them out, creating a cozy setting for Robert to warm up and for Athena to show him a little of how she's aged and worked to be forgiven for her social suicide. I really liked seeing these two grow together, I was worried that Robert would work too hard at breaking the free natured Athena, but he settled in and realized what a true gem she was in the end.

A great read that can be done as a standalone, but the rest of the Townsbridges are also fun reads. While this wasn't my favorite of the bunch, it's definitely a really great read that I recommend.

My opinions are my own and freely given.

At the very beginning of The Townsbridges story, all the way back in When Love Leads to Scandal, there were Robert and Athena. And now, at the end of the saga, tying everything together along with, eventually, the proverbial knot, are Robert and Athena.

But where they began is a far and unpredictable cry from where they ended.

When they began, Athena was only 14 and Robert was a grown man of 24 as well as being her older brother Charles’ best friend. There was no hint of a romance there – and there shouldn’t have been.

Athena was much too young, and Robert was engaged to someone else. In fact, Robert was engaged to the woman who eventually married his best friend, Athena’s brother Charles. An event that could, nearly in its entirety, be laid at Athena’s door.

After all, Athena was that rare person who, when faced with the preacher asking if anyone could show just cause why those two, in this case Robert and his fiancé-on-the-absolute-verge-of-becoming-his-wife Bethany, should not be joined in holy matrimony, Athena spoke up and brought the entire house of polite cards down with a thud. Athena said out loud the thing that everyone else was too polite – or too afraid of starting a scandal – or too worried about hurting Robert’s feelings – to say. That her brother Charles and Bethany had fallen in love with each other.

Six years later Robert is a bit of a recluse. After all, his engagement to Bethany was the second time the man got left at the altar. Six years later Athena is 20 and about to be paraded around the “marriage mart” herself. But both of them are still paying, at least in the social sense, for Athena’s breach of etiquette and manners at the wedding that did not happen.

Everyone thinks that Athena is headstrong and in need of taming, but no one believes that they are up for the job. Certainly not her own family, as much as they love her.

Athena wants someone to love her for herself, personality warts and all, and fears that she will never find such a person. As she hasn’t exactly found that kind of acceptance in the bosom of her own family, her fears are quite real and have done a bit of a number on her self-confidence. Her family would say not nearly enough of a number, which says a lot about that relationship.

So Athena concocts a scheme to repair both her and Robert’s slightly tarnished reputations. She takes herself off to his country house, in secret, to beg his forgiveness for her behavior all those years ago. Not that she thinks she did anything wrong in revealing the truth, but at least conscious that the way she went about it had severe repercussions all around.

Like so many of Athena’s clever schemes, the best laid plans of mice and in this case women very much “gang aft a-gley.”

She gets snowbound with Robert. Who does not want to forgive her or even see her or speak with her, but cannot resist the pull between them. No matter where, or how deep into the surrounding snowdrifts, it might lead them both.

Escape Rating B: The Townsbridges are both a lovely family and a delightful collection of Regency romance novellas. This final entry in the series is a fitting conclusion to every single unconventional romance that has made up the series – and the family.

The Townsbridges marry for love. That was true for Margaret and George (their story is in Once Upon a Townsbridge Story) and it has been true for every single one of their children. But Athena is beginning to suspect it’s not going to happen for her as this conclusion to the series opens.

This is, particularly, Athena’s journey, and with her having opened the series in her unconventional way, it’s possible to see the whole thing as Athena’s journey – just that her brothers and sisters managed to find their own HEAs along the way of Athena growing up and growing into herself.

The hard part of this particular entry in the series is the relationship between Athena and her family, and between Athena and Robert, and the way those two things feed into each other. Because in order for Athena to grow up she has to learn where the lines are. And in order for her to be happy she has to find someone who will help her figure out that terrible lesson without suppressing the core spark of her personality.

And at first we wonder if Robert is remotely up for that job. Athena’s family seems to have abdicated all responsibility in the matter. So on the one hand we have a family that loves her, but from their perspective very much in spite of herself, and on the other hand a man who seems to want to control her or at least manage her – because of course he knows best.

It’s only as the story goes on a bit that the reader, or at least this reader, gets past the uncomfortable bits where Robert talks about Athena needing a “firm hand” – and didn’t that make me squirm – to the point where he’s expressing that he loves her exactly as she is, that her spirit is a big part of what he admires in her, and that what she needs to learn is how to move in society so that she doesn’t either offend or run roughshod over pretty much everyone pretty much all of the time. It’s a bit more subtle than how he sounded at the beginning.

That switch is the making of this story and a fitting end for a lovely series.

The last book in the series, ‘The Townsbridges’ follows Athena Townsbridge who broke up the weeding of Robert Carlisle to what would become her now sister-in-law. Having been humiliated, Robert fled the church, keeping a low profile ever since. Six years later, Athena decides that she must apologise, especially since she is staying at the property next to his. Yet when a blizzard sets in, Roberta realises that Athena is no longer the troublesome young girl but a tempting woman, who may be ‘The unexpected temptation’ that the title suggests.
An entertaining novella that sees friends who were then enemies, become romantically involved. Aside from the comments from Robert, that she needed a ‘firm hand’ which was probably appropriate language for the time, he was a character that appreciated her for her ‘wilful’ manner. Whilst he was quite harsh at the start, which is understandable given the circumstances, Robert was an engaging and likeable character. The chemistry between the pair was enjoyable and well detailed, all helping to bring to life the characters in this novella.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review,

Six years ago, fourteen-year-old Athena Townsbridge humiliated Robert Carlisle when she stopped his wedding and announced the bride and her brother were in love. Robert is now the Marquess of Darlington and living near her family’s estate. This means social contact may be unavoidable, so Athena decides to try to apologize and make amends for the pain she caused. Athena is and always has been a hoyden. She is the last person he wants to see, but here she is, in his parlor, unchaperoned. To make matters worse, a snowstorm strands her at his home. The visit is quite contentious at the start, but as they spend time together waiting for the storm to abate, Robert realizes that he likes Athena, a lot. What is he to do now? Has Fate thrown them together? How will he face her family?

An Unexpected Temptation is a quick, cute read with wonderful characters from the whole series. It is full of fun, surprises, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Athena and Robert’s story is the perfect finale for this wonderful series about a happy family. I enjoyed and recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

This is the 5th book in the series and can be read as a stand-alone. Athena broke up a wedding six years ago and even though it worked out for her brother, its humiliated Robert. When she is staying near his home, she decides to go an apologize. Robert is surprise by the woman before him, he only remembers her as a young girl. Sparks are flying between them and when they are trapped together during a blizzard, will he discover he wants her for his own? Fast-paced historical read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. Great characters with lots of depth and emotion. I liked it.

Miss Athena Townsbridge, 22, and her family have been invited to spend two weeks of December at the estate of the Marquess and Marchioness of Foxborough. Their daughter, Abigail, is married to the Roxby’s son, James.

Athena enjoys being around the large family. She would have a family of her own had she not caused a scandal in church when she was 14 by declaring that the bride, Bethany, loved Charles, not the man she was marrying. Her reputation is shot, but she still feels that she did the right thing.

The Foxboroughs are considering hosting a ball to which Robert Carlisle, the Marquess of Darlington, spurned bridegroom, and neighbor, should be invited. Athena wants very much to apologize to him for her outburst, especially when she learns that he still has a lot of anger with her and the family. Instead, she decides to go to his estate and offer an apology.

Robert Carlisle has worked had to repair the debt his father left when he died. He is shocked at the arrival of Athena and meets her apology with anger, claiming she ruined his reputation. Not to be dismissed by him, she offers to restore his reputation in exchange for his forgiveness to which he finally agrees. As she is leaving to return to Foxborough Hall, a heavy snowstorm forces her to stay.

Their few days together shows an innocent but fun Athena and Robert finds himself smitten with her. After taking her back to the Hall, he asks her father to be allowed to court her, to which he agrees.

Sophie Barnes has created the perfect duo in Athena and Robert. I loved Athena's feistiness and how Robert loved her for it. The story is one of fun, and true love. Perfectly done! Enjoy!

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

Six years ago, fourteen year old Athena Townsbridge broke up a wedding. This worked out well for her brother Charles and Bethany the lady he loved, but Athena has never forgiven herself for what it did to Robert Carlisle. No one has seen him since he fled the church in humiliation, so when she learns of his estate’s proximity to the property she is staying at during a family visit, she sets out, determined to make amends. When Robert, Marquis of Darlington, is reunited with Athena, she’s no longer the troublesome girl he remembers, but rather a fully grown woman. Trapped with her when a blizzard sets in, he rediscovers her playful side, the laughter and joy she can bring to his life. But it is her willful nature that tempts him, both with the need to tame her and with the dream of making her his.
This is the final book in the series & a lovely finale it is too. Athena is the buckskin wearing hoyden who adores her nieces & nephews but also finds herself at a loss when she’s apart from Robert. Robert was humiliated when his wedding was halted especially as his first fiancée ran off with someone else but it's a case of third time lucky until illness nearly upsets the apple cart. A well written, fun entertaining read with a lovely epilogue that beautifully rounds off the series

☘︎︎ will the past taint their future ...

While I have read this series from book 2, sadly I missed the first, which sees its conclusion in this very one.
And while it can perfectly be read as a standalone, you might (as I) more appreciate it with the first book in mind, but the author does a great job bringing all the necessary details to fully enjoy this tale.

Athena is quite a character, sunny, passionate and boisterous, she also tends to act first and think second. Why she often finds herself in messy situations.
And how she created a scandal of a magnitude size. And while she is happy with its result, and does with being labeled a vicious hoyden, she also knows she has caused great hurt to the man wounded by her ill-timed way of taking matter in hand.
Robert after his second aborted attempt at matrimony retired from the marriage mart and its society. He had greatest challenge to see after when upon his father’s demise, he had to find a way to clean his inherited debts.

So when Athena crashes once more in his life, his first reaction is to have nothing to do with her, she is disaster in the waiting.
Yet when circumstances present him with no other possibility than to offer her shelter, he remembers the little girl she was, the willful and lively young being he liked. And in this now full grown woman, there are the same sparks with enticing curves, all the more to make him fall hard, faster than a lightning to strike.

I just loved Robert, he had every rights to be angry at her, and to stay this way as long as he was willing. But the good man in him, understands the why behind her harsh deed. And while he sees where her actions could hurt her, he does not want to stifle the lively and vivid creature he believes she is. Just to give her guidance to avoid pain. He wants to be the one walking by her side, when she will spread her wings as a full grown woman, not any more a kid to be admonished for her silly ploys.
Why he does not hurry his courting, preferring to analyze her reactions, giving her time to come to terms with own body responses. He just plants the seed of himself as a possible suitor by a slow assault of her senses. All the while giving her space to comprehend the storm raging all around her inner core, at first she fights it like she is infested by bug when it is only her heart surrendering to an even more powerful affection, a heart sickness, a disease of the soul affecting her whole body and mind.

What a delight it was to read this unconventional wooing, Robert is such a sweetheart offering Athena time to embrace her heart.
5 stars

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

The last of the Townsbridge children

That is unwed, Athena is now a very sheltered young girl, who is considered a feisty hoyden no man will have because when she was fourteen, she interrupted a wedding. Now, at twenty, six years have passed since she broke up Robert's wedding. It was his second jilting. He's harbored resentment toward Athena since then but hasn't seen her since.

Now, Athena barges into Robert's life to apologize and refuses to leave until she can attempt to make amends. Robert is not happy with her at first, but he very quickly notices how nicely Athena has grown up and its instant love for him (though they did know each other very well from before when she was a child).

Robert is sweet and understands Athena and just a dream. Total hero material.
Recommend.

Sophie Barnes delivers a delightful wrap-up to the Townsbridge series that wraps up loose ends and sees all of the family together in their happily ever afters!

How can the last Townsbridge, Athena ever find herself a husband when she is forever linked with the scandal she created as a young girl in order to procure a love match for her brother… six years later, Althea has the chance to reach out toe the man she wronged and broker peace between them.

For Robert Carlisle, the architect of his humiliation, Althea Townsbridge was the last person he wanted to become snowed in with… that is until the storm lifts and she turns out out to be the only woman able to tempt his heart!

What a wonderful reunion of enemies turned lovers! Fate brings this tow together to find happiness for one and all in the Townsbridge brood! I loved seeing how the quirky and free spirited Althea seeps into the cracks in Roberts heart pouring in life and a new love that finally eases his wounded heart. As Roberts’ heart starts to beat anew, he gently introduced Althea to a love she has never known.

This a sweet tale that wraps up the series perfectly!

An Unexpected Temptation by Sophie Barnes is scheduled to release December 8th, 2020.

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

#AnUnexpectedTemptation #SophieBarnes #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

This was an amazing novella and I hated when it ended. I loved the characters of Robert and Athena. Athena was a young woman that marched to the beat of her own drum. Robert was her brother's best friend. Athena had humiliated Robert by standing up at his wedding and announcing that the bride loved her brother not Robert. After six years, Athena attempts to apologize to Robert only to be stuck at his house in a blizzard.

I enjoyed this second chance at romance.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. An Unexpected Temptation by Sophie Barnes is the fifth and final novella in her The Townsbridges series. A child of fourteen when the series began, Athena Townsbridge is now all grown up at age twenty and has decided that she needs to make amends to Robert Carlisle, Marquess of Darlington, for standing up at his wedding six years ago and announcing that the bride and her brother were in love with each other, causing him to be left at the altar a second time. Visiting close by his country estate, she creates an opportunity to sneak out and ride over to make her apologies in person but ends up trapped there by a snowstorm. At first reluctant to accept her overtures, Robert comes to realize that she’s grown from the child he once knew and that perhaps it is time to put the past behind them because he finds himself enchanted by her now. A reasonably low angst story with medium steam, this one is my favourite of the series. Publishing Date: December 8, 2020. #AnUnexpectedTemptation #SophieBarnes #HistoricalRomance #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #NetGalley

Another sweet short story of the Townsbridges. The impetuous Athena and the broody marquess. Poor Robert, would he ever find somebody? Of course he did. The dynamics of this family is so wonderfully portrayed in this series. Athena is such a force to be reckoned with that I can hear Robert say “you complete me”. A wonderfully romantic ending to this series.

A quick, surprisingly uncomplicated despite this main couple’s complicated past connection romantic read is how I’d sum up this new regency romance by the talented Sophie Barnes. You pretty much get exactly what the synopsis states in this 114 paged novella sequel to the series. Having only read books 3 and 4 seemed inconsequential since Athena and Robert’s story took a life all of its own, and details about the previous couples were drizzled into the mix. It only took a sentence or two to get the gist of why Robert’s feathers were still riled after six long years.

Robert may have overreacted harshly when Athena showed up on his doorstep, but all things considered, things run smoother than I expected in the long run. I especially liked the fact he might have told her to leave more than once but offered her tea, food, shelter, and dry clothes as necessitated to ensure her safety and comfort. He also didn’t morph into a reluctant knucklehead. No, this soon smitten leading man recognized his attraction for Athena and grabbed what he felt was their destiny with both hands. He patiently let her and time catch up with him and his unexpected new found goal of making her his wife.

Athena was a tad too embarrassing overly innocent to the point it took her a while to recognize the physical and emotional stirrings and symptoms of love and the passion that derives from it. I took exception to Robert and her dad’s repeated notion it was going to take a firm hand to teach her not to be so impulsive. At least Robert said he loved her free spirit and wanted her to continue being herself. If she was such a simpleton, people, maybe she wasn’t mature or old enough to get married right now after all. You might be guessing right now I'm not overly fond of a "Yes, dear" heroine.

I breezed right though this short novella, folks. It played out like fate itself decided not to put up any barriers between this “something clicked between them” now sweet on each other main couple. I am especially thankful Robert felt no other woman he’s ever fancied held a candle to Athena. In fact, the privilege of marrying her now made all he's ever endured worth it

Title: An Unexpected Temptation, Series: The Townbridges (Book 5), Author: Sophie Barnes, Pages: 114, pub date: 12/8/20, stand-alone but part of a series, 10 year older hero soon smitten hero, impulsive, means wells, virgin heroine, only a little steam near the end, no OW/OM drama, no cheating, no love triangle.

Book 1 - When Love Leads to Scandal
Book 2 - Lady Abigail’s Perfect Match
Book 3 - Falling for Mr. Townsbridge
Book 4 - A Duke for Miss Townsbridge
Book 4.5 - Once Upon a Townsbridge Story
Book 5 - An Unexpected Temptation

(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, or PR firm.)

Six years ago, Athena had stood up in front of the congraution and announced. that her brother and the bride loved each other and wanted to marry. She was still her hoyden self but now she seemed much more. He was Robert Carisle, Marquess of Darlington who use to be her brothers best friend. He couldn't believe how lovely she was now. He forgave her and tried to take her home but the snow was to deep. When he finally got her home, he explained to her family what had happened and that he would like to court her. This was a delightful story. It was
light and bright. The characters were happy except for that one incident, and fun. It just flowed so well and was easy to read. I liked the way he forgave them although he was the victim.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

What a fun romance. A young girl taking the risk of a lifetime to save her brother. Leads her to her own happy ever after as an adult. Loved this happy read.

Let me offer you a word of warning – DO NOT start reading this book in the evening if you wish to get a full night’s sleep. Once you begin reading, you won’t put it down until you’ve finished. Luckily it is a novella so you might get a few hours of sleep.

I have wanted to read Robert’s story since the first book of the series, When Love Leads To Scandal. I knew his perfect match had to be out there somewhere – and she was – she just wasn’t anybody he would have ever expected. After his best friend, Charles Townsend, betrayed him, and Charles’s sister, Athena, brought life-altering scandal to his door, Robert was thoroughly and completely through with the Townsbridge’s. Well, he thought he was through with them until six years later when Althea showed up at his door begging for his forgiveness – which he was totally disinclined to give. However, after talking to her for a bit and realizing she was no longer that fourteen-year-old girl who’d ruined his life, then REALLY noticing that she was no longer that fourteen-year-old girl – well, maybe a little forgiveness was in order.

I absolutely adored the romance of this. Robert decided he wanted to woo and win Athena’s heart. He didn’t want her forced to wed him – as could have happened after she visited his home unchaperoned and was caught there for several days during a blizzard. He also didn’t want to change her – he admired her for who she was and couldn’t believe other men didn’t see her the same way. Oh! Yes! I absolutely adored Robert.

If you have ever read any of my reviews, you’ll know how much I love epilogues. Well, this one had an absolutely wonderful epilogue. It was the perfect way to wrap up this series – and I just know the author wrote it with me in mind – NOT.

I highly recommend this novella. I think it is the best one on the series and I just know you’ll love it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An Unexpected Temptation by Sophie Barnes is the last (and fifth) book in The Townbridges series. Athena Townsbridge was outspoken and sometimes acted before she thought. Athena stopped a wedding that included Robert Carlisle and he seemed to disappear after the horrific happening.

Robert Carlisle is now the Marquess of Darlington. While he is not a recluse, his life was changed when Athena Townsbridge broke up his wedding. He has never really forgiven her and her family. Athena shows up at his home (while visiting nearby) to apologize. She refuses to leave before Robert hears her apology.

Then the snow started and didn’t stop. Robert and Athena were trapped together forcing them to deal with each other. Suddenly Robert realized that Athena was right for him, an unexpected temptation. Sophie Barnes ended this series with fun characters and an interesting storyline. An Unexpected Temptation is a quick reading novella, that is really hard to put down.

Miss Athena Townbridge had many regrets but there is one that continues to follow her, a mistake that she had done when she was young. Athena had announced to the church that her brother was in love with his best friend’s bride while she was trying to get married. Ever since that fateful day men have avoided Athena and she feels that no one will want her. Athena plans to apologize to the Marquess of Darlington, Robert Carlisle the man she has wronged in the church, and the jilted groom. Athena decides to go to his place and atone for the misunderstanding. Whether Robert will forgive her is another matter entirely. Athena is not willing to take no for an answer. When Robert starts to feel something for Athena their history could destroy the budding relationship between the two.
What a wonderful regency story told brilliantly! This might be the last in the Townbridge series the tale isn’t hard to follow and can even stand alone without any problems. It wouldn’t hurt though to read the previous books not just understand the main characters but the side ones as well. Ms. Sophie Barnes writes with such feeling and quite beautifully that of course it’s hard not to get caught up in it. The story moves and flows nicely making for such a pleasant enjoyable read. Athena the feisty willful stubborn heroine is charming and is so likable that it would definitely make any dull moment into an adventure! Athena is also real and relatable she doesn’t know how charming she truly is. Robert seems harsh at first but as the novel progresses he’s easy to fall for and a great guy overall. He makes a marvelous book boyfriend too. It is definitely a satisfying novel from beginning to end!

Sophie Barnes’s Towbridge series is one of the more humorous and quirky regency series out there today, and An Unexpected Temptation is no exception. Can longtime frenemies resist an unexpected attraction, or are some grudges simply too hard to forget? Read on if you enjoy light romances with engaging plots.

I really adore this series & was lucky enough to have been given Athena’s story! After finishing the last one I couldn’t wait to read this one! I LOVED it so much! Athena & Robert are a perfect match! So these two actually have a past, Robert was best friends with Athena’s eldest brother before she stopped a wedding were Robert was the groom.....so there’s a scandal and society isn’t always kind. Robert has been away for 6yrs dealing with his fathers death & estates. When away for holiday, Athena finds out Darlington*Robert* is near by, she comes up with a plan to visit alone in hopes to apologize! Thus starts our love story! These two get stuck in Roberts home for a few days due to a snowstorm. While stuck together, Athena starts having these feelings she’s unsure of...while Robert has lustful feelings. He realizes that Athena is the one for him & is going to woo and court her. Once home, Athena starts to understand her feelings & it’s Robert she wants! Well these two seriously have some serious chemistry & the build up was amazing! I enjoyed watching these two fall in love and get a well deserved HEA! Robert is the most swoon-worthy hero!*fans self* I’m sad to see this as an end to the series but so happy to have enjoyed the Townsbridge family! Just so wonderful!

This is George and Margaret’s story. There parents want a match between them. Margaret has misjudged George. She thinks he is a rake. She agrees to a three month courtship. I loved the story. I can’t wait for Sophie’s next book.

This final book in the Townbridge series brings us full circle. Athena, the young trouble-maker from the first book in the series is grown up and ready to find happiness. Robert, the rejected fiance, is surprised to find he wants to be her happiness.

This was my favorite story in the series. I loved the characters who are richly developed within a short novella. I appreciated that this isn't a cliche romance about a childhood crush. Athena has no understanding of the feelings she is developing and, despite the brevity of the story, both the author and Robert, give her time to figure it all out. Robert, for his part, has spent the past six years, since Athena stopped his wedding, dealing with his anger and embarrassment as well as restoring his family finances. He is now surprised to find himself at a place where he is ready to forgive everyone much less take a wife and start moving forward with life. It is nice to see him restored to the Townbridge family fold given his previous close relationship to Athena's brother.

All in all, for a novella, it is everything you could expect and want.

Another well written and highly engrossing Regency Romance.
The history between Athena and Robert should keep them far apart. Too bad chemistry keeps getting in the way. What a wonderful book. Sophie's a marvel and never let's me down.
Thank you Sophie Barnes and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

This is a short but entertaining read. It is the conclusion of the Townsbridge children's stories. I read this series out of order and with this book there is heavy reference to previous events in the first book which I have not read but this wasn't an issue.

I would have happily have read a full length novel with these characters. I was loathe to leave them. There was such chemistry between Athena and Robert the sparks were exploding off the page.

I love a good enemies to lovers story and this one did not disappoint. A must for all those looking for a quick read and a fondness for spunky heroines and reclusive heroes.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Another charming novel from Ms. Barnes with the romance, humour, and warmhearted telling you've come to expect. Familiar characters, familiar tropes, and yet it all comes together in a quick and easy to read romantic romp that escapes the everyday mundane.

A beautiful story . A very good way to end the series of the Townsbridges .
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

This is the final book of The Townsbridges historical romance novella series. I read the last two books first and was able to follow the storyline without an issue.
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Athena has always been strong-willed and marches to the beat of her own drum. She broke up her friend Robert’s wedding years ago because she knew his wife-to-be was in love with someone else. They haven’t spoken since. Athena really wants to apologize but she may end up dealing with more than she bargained for.
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The pacing and spunky characters really sold this book for me. I would happily read full-length books based on these characters. This also played a little on the friends to enemies to lovers premise which I like in romantic storylines. Overall, a quick, enjoyable historical romance read which is great when you aren’t in the mood for something too heavy!
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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this boon. The review expresses my own personal opinions.

This is a quick suck you in novella that I straight up consumed in one go. Athena is not like the rest of society. She’s stubborn, free spirited, and although she does care what everyone thinks she still just does her own thing.

Robert’s been through the ringer. However he’s finally getting his life together when Athena makes an appearance and won’t take no for an answer. She’s determined to make things right between him and her family after her part on his ruined attempt at marriage years ago.

His anger, her determination, and snow leaves them stuck together where they realize the other isn’t the same person they once knew. Feelings grow, and bonds are mended, but will they make it to the alter?

Enjoyed it a lot and wished for more!

Book five in a series of novellas.
Alethea Townsend stops the wedding of Robert Carlisle. It still bothers her so six years later she wants to apologize. She gets trapped at his estate in a blizzard.
Quick, fun read, likeable characters.
Get to revisit Townsend family.

I have loved this whole series! Athena are Robert's story was by far the best. She destroyed his wedding years ago, when they meet once again, Robert soon discovers Athena has turned into the woman he wants for the rest of his life. Readers will love this book.

I haven’t read the other books in this series, but it was ok as a standalone.

I really enjoyed this enemies to friends to “he wants more but she is unsure of her feelings” storyline. It was cute and short.

I’ll look into other books by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn't wait for Athena's story. We've watched her grow up thru out the different books of the Townsbridge series. She was the vibrant, no nonsense, most untraditional hoyden, who the ton looked down upon.
Ironically, of all her siblings, Althena's story is the most traditional of courtships. I loved the irony also in her choice of a husband, Robert. 6 years previous, at the age of 14, she stood up in church and stopped Robert's wedding,when she announced his fiancee was in love with her brother.
They reconnect after 6 years and the attraction between them is instantaneous.
I liked the irony in this story but I also felt Athenas story should have been more adventurous as she was.
I did love the way Robeet treated her with kidd gloves, allowing her to understand the feelings she was experiencing for the first time.
4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

I couldn't wait to read Athena's story. It was a good book but could have been longer. Athena wants to make amends with Robert. She goes out of her way to try and do it. Robert is not receptive at all. Athena doesn't give up and so the tale begins. I would read it again.

Athena Townsbridge wants to apologize to Robert Carlisle, Earl of Langdon. Six years ago when she was fourteen, she stopped his wedding. His bride really loved her brother. Since then he has refused any offer of reconciliation. Athena's made up her mind to apologize. For two days she's stranded at his house in a snowstorm, Robert realizes he loves her and is determined to court her. Her love and trust will be put to the test. The last book of the Townsbridge siblings is just a entertaining as the rest.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Athena stopped Robert's wedding several years ago because her brother was in love with the woman. Athena came to apologize to Robert for destroying the wedding. They are both trapped together when a snow storm comes and Athena grows to love Robert. I enjoyed the cast of characters and the chemistry between Robert and Athena.

Both Athena and Robert are unexpectedly tempted when they meet up after six years. Athena had drastically changed Robert’s life by her past action. Robert has to forgive her and she has to follow her heart. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

This was an easy read involving a sweet romance with a happy ever after ending. My one complaint would be that it was short. But Loved it
Thank you NetGalley

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.)

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 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

Athena, a rambunctious young woman is looking for her love, but because of her behavior and an unfortunate incident when she was 14, she knows it will be difficult to find someone who will ignore her eccentricities. While staying with family, she learned that the man she jilted six years ago, lives close. Desperate to attempt to make amends, she shows up at her doorstep. Robert Carlisle, the Duke of Darlington, has had years of unfortunate incidents happen to him. His first fiancee leaves him for his cousin, his second fiancee leaves him at the alter after 14 year old Athena Townsbridge stands up in church and says his fiancee is in love with her brother (who happens to be his good friend), and more recently his father has died, leaving behind a mountain of debt. After working hard this past year to overcome the debts, the unexpected happens, Athen shows up at his doorstep trying to apologize, and worse, it starts snowing and she is forced to stay a few days with him. Surprisingly, he soon discovers he has fallen in love with her and she with him. I enjoyed this story and really enjoyed seeing the relationship between Athena and Robert grow.

The Unexpected Temptation By Sophie Barnes

Six Years had passed since Athena Townsbridge disrupted her brother’s ex friend’s wedding Robert Marquess of Darlington and they all haven’t spoken since. Athena has now become an adult and as the spirited young woman she decides it’s time to apologise for the hurt she caused to right the wrong from in the past so everyone can be happy again.

Humour and a little sad at times . Another well written book by Sophie Barnes

sweet story about two unlikely people but when love strikes who's to say no. loved these characters.

A sweet book about the power of love and forgiveness. If you managed to essentially ruin someones life when you were fourteen years old could you expect forgiveness as an adult?

This book was a great read! Finished it in one afternoon and didn't put it down once.
While I normally shy away from romance novels the premise in this one is what drew me in. And after starting it I was pleasantly surprised to be able to relate to the main character so well. It did seem a little quick but at the same time the pacing was perfect. I've already told our book club about this and everyone is excited to read!

Another great novella from Sophie Barnes! I hadn't read Charles and Bethany's story, so I didn't know the entire backstory but I don't think that interfered with my ability to enjoy this story. Athena is such a refreshing character - I loved that she didn't regret having stopped Robert's wedding to Bethany, only that what she did had hurt Robert so badly. The part where Robert came to realize he would not have been happy with Bethany and that everything had worked out for the best was one of my favorite moments between him and Athena. I also appreciated that Athena never lost faith in Robert when he did not show for the wedding - other authors would have made that a scene in which Athena cut Robert out and he had to make a grand gesture right at the end to win her back. Her determination to find out what happened showed her strength of character since she had so many family members convinced he had abandoned her as revenge for what she had done to him years before. The only thing I would have liked to have had more of was the reconciliation between Robert and Charles - it is clear by the end that they have put the past behind them, but I would have liked to have had just one more scene between the two.

Six years ago, she destroyed his happiness. When she bursts back into his life, he's determined to shut her out. But when they're stuck together in a blizzard, can she win his forgiveness…and his heart?

Athena is a delightful heroine, too reckless for her own good, but with a big heart. I love how Robert accepts her just as she is—recognizing that the way to handle her high spirits is not to cage her but to let her fly.

The plot seemed pretty predictable for a Regency novella until about the 3/4 point, when it took a turn I didn't expect. Seeing Athena grow and prove her devotion was lovely.

Heat level: sweet
Tropes: holiday, brother's best friend, enemies to lovers, forced proximity

I received a NetGalley ARC, and this is my honest review.

Wow--I loved this quick an light read as the conclusion of the Townbridge Series! Just when I was ready to tie this one off in the HEA, I see there will be a prequel. I can't wait. In the meantime, I may re-read the whole series. We finally have the story of Athena and Robert. She wrecked his wedding and his life some 6 years earlier--wrecking included not holding her peace at that crucial moment. She knows she did the right thing, but feels guilty about how she did it, and the resulting consequences to Robert. So, she begins with showing up unannounced and unwanted at his house. You know, in the world of romance, it's both uphill and downhill from here. Lovely story and I highly recommend it! It's cold outside, so cozy up to this to lift your spirits and warm your heart.

This is an awesome story. The last one of the series it has
been a joy to read.
Athena was once an outspoken hoyden. Robert has learned to hate her.
Can these two find love

The 5th and final Novella in the Townsbridge series. We now get to the baby in the family. Athena is all grown up, but even though she is a beauty, the Ton hasn’t forgotten the fourteen year old who broke up a wedding to announce her brother is in love with the bride. Who happens to be the grooms best friend (1st in series).
At a house party Athena finds out that she is within a hour from Robert, the jilted groom of 6 years ago. Determined to apologize, she sneaks out to do just that. Guilt over the lost of friendships and Robert still angry at the embarrassment made Athena even more determine to see Robert, who refuses to see her.
Finally giving up he meets her with one thing in mind, to kick her out of his home. The annoying child is now a women and Robert has conflicting feelings.
Love the interaction between the two characters. Great that you can get a great read in a few hours. The ending ties all the happily ever after together.

Cute story, I love books with strong women and the men that don’t try to change them. This book is part of a series but you don’t have to read the rest to know what’s going on.I enjoyed this book and would recommend it . Thanks netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

4 stars

Not a bad romance. As it's the end of the series I think it was a good way of seeing old characters and tying up odd ends. I missed out as I haven't read any of the others! It was clean romance and the character of the heroine. Athena was well drawn. I felt Robert was a bit two dimensional. He tended to want to 'take care' of our heroine, who to me seemed fine on her own. I like a bit of passion so I probably won't search for the rest of the series but I think this book was worth reading.

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

An Unexpected Temptation was a pleasant read. The characters were likable and relatable. Although the plot had to move along a bit quicker than usual because it is a novella, the problem and the character development was believable and enjoyable to read. If you are looking for a nice quick read this book is a good choice.

Simply a lovely story of scandal, growth, forgiveness and love. Robert and Sophie show the world how to move forward from mistakes made by them and to them,

This was a true romance and I loved it.

I really enjoyed this book by Sophie Barnes. It is the last book in the series called the Townsbridges. When I read the book before this, I had to read this book. This is about Athena who 6 years ago stood up in church during Robert’s wedding to stop it from happening because Robert’s bride was in love with her brother. After this incident, Robert did not want anything to do with any of the Townsbridges. Athena always felt guilty how she told Robert the bad news but never had a chance to apologize. Athena and her family were staying for the holidays at a house party and she realized she was close to where Robert lives, so she decides to pay him a visit to apologize. When Robert sees her, he was angry, still hurt, then realized she grew up, then had feelings for her. Athena did not know or understand what she was feeling. I finished this book in one afternoon because the writing was so smooth, I could not wait to finish it. I have liked all Sophie Barnes books I have read, and this is no exception.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

My most anticipated book from the Townsbridge series. I’ve loved the character of Athena in the past four books, so I was very much looking forward to her story. In thiis novella we get to know Robert (who was in the first book) a little better, also. I was hoping for more spunk from Athena & maybe more humor, I know she’s older now but still. Robert was definitely better than the first time we met him and I’m glad that he finally got his HEA. The epilogue was very satisfying! Overall, I enjoyed this collection of novellas and I can’t wait to check out Sophie’s full length novels.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review .