This was awful. Honestly, this book needs a good, hard rewrite. It jumps and slides through plot changes and scene changes. Often time a character will speak without them having been previously in the room. But the worst part is the zeitgeist behaviors of the women characters. They did not talk like that, or act like that. Their behavior was that of a modern woman acting like she was living in that time frame. The Heros were weak and had the same behavioral problems. Also, the names were modernly spelled. This needs a rewrite and a history check.

I read this in one sitting. While short, there was a lot going on. The main couple initially not knowing each other's true feelings, the same situation for the secondary couple, a surprising revelation about long-lost family, overbearing parental behavior...so much happened. All of it held my attention from start to finish. At times the characters frustrated me with their inability to be fully forthcoming about their feelings. Yet, that is actually what gives the story depth and nuance. Naturally the happily ever after moment is grand and touching, something the author excels at portraying. Definitely a quick, engaging read! Thanks to NetGalley and Sophie Barnes for this free arc, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

This man is an idiot. I understand that, at one point in time, there were things keeping Jack and Sophia apart, but these barriers can now be easily struck down if not for Jack’s inability to articulate. And I know that Sophia doesn’t have a lot of prospects, but come on, that’s basically incest. The fact that Edward’s feelings also lie elsewhere makes the problem even easier to solve. It’s light and easy to read, but anytime I think about the plot even the tiniest bit, it unravels alarmingly quickly.

This is an interesting book that entices you to be sure about love.
He had to risk losing her so he would realize how much he loved her.
Jack doesn't know that he loves Sophia until it is almost to late.
Jack Lancaster, Baron Hawthorne, hasn’t been home in four years. He’s been too busy running from his emotions. So when he finally does return and discovers his childhood friend, Sophia Fenmore, has gotten engaged, he’s not only shocked, but determined to change her mind and make her his.
Sophia has always known Jack was out of her league. But she valued his friendship, until he broke her heart. Now he's back, as eager to charm her as she is to thwart him.For as much as she’d like to believe Jack has changed, she cannot risk taking a chance on a rogue. Unless of course, he proves himself worthy.
Sophie Barnes has written another very good story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.