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How Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back
Emily Rutherford is having a very bad day.
Of course, having the man you’ve loved forever announce his engagement to your (now very former) best friend will do that.
Emily is sure nothing good could possibly come out of this horrid situation. But she lets her sisters—along with Francis Riley, the delectable but brooding Earl of Dunhurst—convince her that a season in London will be just the thing.
Now Emily has a choice: sulk in a corner while her sisters enjoy the glitter of the ton . . . or become the belle of the ball, dazzling everyone on an earl’s arm. But as Francis helps Emily get back on her feet, she quickly realizes that a childhood crush is nothing compared to the power of true love.
Of course, having the man you’ve loved forever announce his engagement to your (now very former) best friend will do that.
Emily is sure nothing good could possibly come out of this horrid situation. But she lets her sisters—along with Francis Riley, the delectable but brooding Earl of Dunhurst—convince her that a season in London will be just the thing.
Now Emily has a choice: sulk in a corner while her sisters enjoy the glitter of the ton . . . or become the belle of the ball, dazzling everyone on an earl’s arm. But as Francis helps Emily get back on her feet, she quickly realizes that a childhood crush is nothing compared to the power of true love.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 31, 2012
45 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Barnes
67 books1,753 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
For all the latest releases, promotions, and exclusive story updates, subscribe to Sophie Barnes’ newsletter today: www.sophiebarnes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
September 5, 2024
I bought this book because of all the rave reviews. I forced myself to finish it because I kept thinking, “At any moment, all that wonderfulness people have written about will kick in.”
After five pages, I should have put it down and never picked it back up.
The first half of the book is filled with:
1. Something small happens
2. The dialogue summarizes what just happened
3. The internal dialogue resummarizes it
I’m not talking chapters… I’m talking pages. Pages of 1, 2, 3 Repeat.
The writing eventually gets a little better – I can only assume that someone said, Ok, you’ve gotten your point across. Please move on.
The headhopping was out of control. There were pages where we were in three separate POVs… I don’t mean casual changes in whose point of view you’re reading from. I mean like playing the hokie pokie with your poor reader trying to keep up.
It was so bad, that several times we jumped into a walk-on characters view for 1 paragraph just in case we didn’t understand what was going on…in this overly summarized story.
The second half of the book is filled with the most insane plot devices I’ve ever seen. The reason for keeping things secret is… well, “reason” isn’t really a good word unless the “reason” is to move the story forward the way the author wants it to go. And, in the end (which I won’t share in case being the only 1 star you choose not to listen to me) the resolution doesn’t even make sense. I thought: Wait? You knew all along and you gave up your wife, child and life handing it over to a monster to one-up her in death?
SERIOUSLY?
Poorly plotted, poorly written, the emotional arcs are lame for lack of a better word and jump around like crickets on hot pavement. The characters are flat and everyone feels like they’re understudies of the real understudies of a poorly pulled together junior high school play.
Pass. I’m shocked Avon would put their name on this and it’s the book that has driven home the “you can’t shop by publisher any more” talk that’s been thrown out there lately.
Final say: This is a paint by numbers story that someone messed the color palette up on.
After five pages, I should have put it down and never picked it back up.
The first half of the book is filled with:
1. Something small happens
2. The dialogue summarizes what just happened
3. The internal dialogue resummarizes it
I’m not talking chapters… I’m talking pages. Pages of 1, 2, 3 Repeat.
The writing eventually gets a little better – I can only assume that someone said, Ok, you’ve gotten your point across. Please move on.
The headhopping was out of control. There were pages where we were in three separate POVs… I don’t mean casual changes in whose point of view you’re reading from. I mean like playing the hokie pokie with your poor reader trying to keep up.
It was so bad, that several times we jumped into a walk-on characters view for 1 paragraph just in case we didn’t understand what was going on…in this overly summarized story.
The second half of the book is filled with the most insane plot devices I’ve ever seen. The reason for keeping things secret is… well, “reason” isn’t really a good word unless the “reason” is to move the story forward the way the author wants it to go. And, in the end (which I won’t share in case being the only 1 star you choose not to listen to me) the resolution doesn’t even make sense. I thought: Wait? You knew all along and you gave up your wife, child and life handing it over to a monster to one-up her in death?
SERIOUSLY?
Poorly plotted, poorly written, the emotional arcs are lame for lack of a better word and jump around like crickets on hot pavement. The characters are flat and everyone feels like they’re understudies of the real understudies of a poorly pulled together junior high school play.
Pass. I’m shocked Avon would put their name on this and it’s the book that has driven home the “you can’t shop by publisher any more” talk that’s been thrown out there lately.
Final say: This is a paint by numbers story that someone messed the color palette up on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2012
Emily Rutherford is shaken to the core when her lifelong friend Adrian proposes to her best friend. After all, Emily and Adrian had an understanding that they would become engaged in due time...well, that was understood by Emily, his parents, her sisters, and practically the entire ton. Apparently Adrian, and his heart, missed that particular discussion. Wanting to do nothing more than stay in her small cottage, she is persuaded to go to London and enjoy a Season, along with her two sisters at the bequest of another childhood friend, Francis Riley, Earl of Dunhurst. After the unexpected death of their parents, Emily and her sisters have been living on the "generosity" of the new viscount. They have no dowries and this could be their one chance to make a favorable match. The only real problem is Francis.
Francis grew up with Emily and Adrian and her sisters but a terrible secret was brought to light and it made him into a changed man. Gone was the relaxed nature of his life and in its place he became a bit cold. He has kept this secret to himself the entire time and in the process, caused his friendships to slide. Now after seeing the way Adrian treated Emily, he wants to correct his cousin's mistake and help Emily became the bubbly female she has always been. In the process, his own demeanor begins to thaw and he remembers why he always loved being around Emily and as those feelings grow, so does the heated flirtations. Will these two childhood friends be able to overcome there pasts to find a future together?
Overall, I was very happy with this sweet and sexy romance! I thought it would be a bit more humorous based on the title but it is a little deeper than just enjoyable fluff. I enjoyed how Francis' secret was made know to us readers quickly as it really helped shaped him and we got to see the wonderful thaw of his heart. I also enjoyed how Francis refused to bed Emily until they were married and the resulting circumstances were a surprise to me. I enjoyed our couple together and I adored one of the opening scenes at the ball when Francis asks Emily to dance and she refuses as she thinks he too stiff now (because what lady in her right mind refuses to dance with a perfectly eligible earl?)--it reminded be a bit of Pride and Prejudice :) I originally thought this was a novella but I was pleasantly surprised to learn it is a full length story and I am so happy it was. It allowed for a wonderful romance to play out, not just between Emily and Francis, but also her sisters got a bit of happiness as well. (But the sisters stories did not detract from the main couple at all, they were just an added bonus for these very close sisters). There are a few misunderstandings but they are quickly cleared up and the story just moves along, which I appreciated. No big long drawn out misunderstandings, phew! For Sophie Barnes debut, I adored it and am already anxious for her new series. If you are looking for a sweet childhood friends to lovers romance that flows along quickly with a dash of humor and a bit of 'what the heck are you thinking Emily?!?' thrown in as well, this is a great romance to curl up with. 4 stars
I received this eARC from Avon Impulse
Francis grew up with Emily and Adrian and her sisters but a terrible secret was brought to light and it made him into a changed man. Gone was the relaxed nature of his life and in its place he became a bit cold. He has kept this secret to himself the entire time and in the process, caused his friendships to slide. Now after seeing the way Adrian treated Emily, he wants to correct his cousin's mistake and help Emily became the bubbly female she has always been. In the process, his own demeanor begins to thaw and he remembers why he always loved being around Emily and as those feelings grow, so does the heated flirtations. Will these two childhood friends be able to overcome there pasts to find a future together?
Overall, I was very happy with this sweet and sexy romance! I thought it would be a bit more humorous based on the title but it is a little deeper than just enjoyable fluff. I enjoyed how Francis' secret was made know to us readers quickly as it really helped shaped him and we got to see the wonderful thaw of his heart. I also enjoyed how Francis refused to bed Emily until they were married and the resulting circumstances were a surprise to me. I enjoyed our couple together and I adored one of the opening scenes at the ball when Francis asks Emily to dance and she refuses as she thinks he too stiff now (because what lady in her right mind refuses to dance with a perfectly eligible earl?)--it reminded be a bit of Pride and Prejudice :) I originally thought this was a novella but I was pleasantly surprised to learn it is a full length story and I am so happy it was. It allowed for a wonderful romance to play out, not just between Emily and Francis, but also her sisters got a bit of happiness as well. (But the sisters stories did not detract from the main couple at all, they were just an added bonus for these very close sisters). There are a few misunderstandings but they are quickly cleared up and the story just moves along, which I appreciated. No big long drawn out misunderstandings, phew! For Sophie Barnes debut, I adored it and am already anxious for her new series. If you are looking for a sweet childhood friends to lovers romance that flows along quickly with a dash of humor and a bit of 'what the heck are you thinking Emily?!?' thrown in as well, this is a great romance to curl up with. 4 stars
I received this eARC from Avon Impulse
February 6, 2012
***original review posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance***
Welcome to the London ton where anything and everything is game and ready to be spread as gossip through ballrooms, drawing rooms, house parties, behind fans and over the breakfast table.
Spotted: One, Miss Emily Rutherford is having the most terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Turns out Lord Adrian Fairchild's promise of marrying her when they were younger were just thrown out there due to their comfortable camaraderie as children. And it goes something like this: E thought she had an unspoken (okay, so it was spoken. once) understanding that A would finally ask her to marry him. Everyone kept hinting at it. Why wouldn't they? They've know each other forever so it would only be a natural course their relationship would take. Well, turns out A has fallen in love with a certain Lady Kate whom he renewed his acquaintance with in London. Poor E is heartbroken. So what's a girl to do? Go to London and stay with A's cousin, Lord Francis Riley. That one's a bit of a broody sourpuss. Watch out ladies!
Goodbye Hardington, Hellooo London: Well, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to get over a broken heart. What better way than to jump at the chance than saying yes to staying with a certain F? Yes, the sisters Rutherford shall be staying right down the street from a dashing lord. With a chaperone of course. Turns out E isn't immune to F's charms. She may have disliked him when they were children due to his pulling away to deal with something a child shouldn't have to endure. That's right London ton. Get your bets in as to whether E and F will end up walking down the aisle very soon.
Spotted: A certain A is in town to make a big engagement announcement. E is looking a bit shocked. Why would he follow her? She did after all leave Hardington to get away from him. But a certain F is there to distract her. A source tells this girl that F has major feelings for a certain not so heartbroken Miss. It has been brought to my attention that E and F have been spending quite a bit of time. Alone. That spells trouble with a capital M (marriage).
Complication: Turns out F has gone home to Dunhurst to take care of a situation involving a lady. Uh oh. A little blackmail can go a long way. Watch out E! You might have to help your man get out of this one.
So the real question is: Will E finally get her happily ever after with a certain F and forget about A when F confesses his love for her or will a certain rumor about someone having a mistress send her into a tizzy?
Until next time... XOXO,
Romance Girl :)
FAVORITE QUOTE:
OVERALL: It's a laugh out loud story with a butterfly emerging out of her cocoon heroine and a scowling hero with a secret. Throw in a clueless ex-bff potential suitor and you've got a wonderful debut. There were times that I wanted to smack Emily upside the head, shake her and scream "Get over Adrian! Lookit this tall, dark and brooding sexy man who's got it bad for you. Like I'd-write-a-cheesy-pop-ballad-for-you bad." I like that Emily finally realized what was in front of her, even if it took a broken heart to shake her up a bit. Francis's secret threw me for a bit of a loop but with the help of Emily it got tied up and shipped to Newgate in a nice little bow. :)
***review copy provided by Goddess Fish Promotions***
Welcome to the London ton where anything and everything is game and ready to be spread as gossip through ballrooms, drawing rooms, house parties, behind fans and over the breakfast table.
Spotted: One, Miss Emily Rutherford is having the most terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Turns out Lord Adrian Fairchild's promise of marrying her when they were younger were just thrown out there due to their comfortable camaraderie as children. And it goes something like this: E thought she had an unspoken (okay, so it was spoken. once) understanding that A would finally ask her to marry him. Everyone kept hinting at it. Why wouldn't they? They've know each other forever so it would only be a natural course their relationship would take. Well, turns out A has fallen in love with a certain Lady Kate whom he renewed his acquaintance with in London. Poor E is heartbroken. So what's a girl to do? Go to London and stay with A's cousin, Lord Francis Riley. That one's a bit of a broody sourpuss. Watch out ladies!
Goodbye Hardington, Hellooo London: Well, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to get over a broken heart. What better way than to jump at the chance than saying yes to staying with a certain F? Yes, the sisters Rutherford shall be staying right down the street from a dashing lord. With a chaperone of course. Turns out E isn't immune to F's charms. She may have disliked him when they were children due to his pulling away to deal with something a child shouldn't have to endure. That's right London ton. Get your bets in as to whether E and F will end up walking down the aisle very soon.
Spotted: A certain A is in town to make a big engagement announcement. E is looking a bit shocked. Why would he follow her? She did after all leave Hardington to get away from him. But a certain F is there to distract her. A source tells this girl that F has major feelings for a certain not so heartbroken Miss. It has been brought to my attention that E and F have been spending quite a bit of time. Alone. That spells trouble with a capital M (marriage).
Complication: Turns out F has gone home to Dunhurst to take care of a situation involving a lady. Uh oh. A little blackmail can go a long way. Watch out E! You might have to help your man get out of this one.
So the real question is: Will E finally get her happily ever after with a certain F and forget about A when F confesses his love for her or will a certain rumor about someone having a mistress send her into a tizzy?
Until next time... XOXO,
Romance Girl :)
FAVORITE QUOTE:
And then of course there was her opinion to consider. Would she ever care to entertain the though of kissing him, let alone marrying him? He was willing to bet his life that she wasn't. Not yet anyway. Therefore, he had made up his mind. He had devised a carefully thought-out plan, its sole purpose being to eventually ensure Emily's hand in marriage. And he would do it the old fashioned way--through trickery.
OVERALL: It's a laugh out loud story with a butterfly emerging out of her cocoon heroine and a scowling hero with a secret. Throw in a clueless ex-bff potential suitor and you've got a wonderful debut. There were times that I wanted to smack Emily upside the head, shake her and scream "Get over Adrian! Lookit this tall, dark and brooding sexy man who's got it bad for you. Like I'd-write-a-cheesy-pop-ballad-for-you bad." I like that Emily finally realized what was in front of her, even if it took a broken heart to shake her up a bit. Francis's secret threw me for a bit of a loop but with the help of Emily it got tied up and shipped to Newgate in a nice little bow. :)
***review copy provided by Goddess Fish Promotions***
January 17, 2016
How Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back is the first published title by Sophie Barnes and I absolutely adored it! So so so gooood! Emily and Francis make such a sweet couple! The interactions between them were intense and the dialogue was clever. I especially liked the scene where Francis ask her for a dance ans she denies it in the beginning of the book! The secondary cast of characters were amazing, I wish they could have their own novellas! However, I though some of them were going to have a bigger and active part in the story and be more involved in it overall.
Can I just say that I give extra credit to the author awhen the couple do NOT get married in the end of the book? I rather see them getting married in the middle of it or starting it as a couple. I don’t see a marriage as a solution, and that’s one of these books that continue to develop the story after it happens. The main couple learns to love again and see each other under a new light, discovering new truths about them even though there were friends once.
Towards the end the pacing slowed down and I expected a somewhat different ending. I liked the action but I believe it had potential to be more, while I thought it an inteligent approach. I’ll certainly read Sophie Barnes’ next book without a doubt, and I recommend this title to all Julia Quinn’s fans out there like me!
Can I just say that I give extra credit to the author awhen the couple do NOT get married in the end of the book? I rather see them getting married in the middle of it or starting it as a couple. I don’t see a marriage as a solution, and that’s one of these books that continue to develop the story after it happens. The main couple learns to love again and see each other under a new light, discovering new truths about them even though there were friends once.
Towards the end the pacing slowed down and I expected a somewhat different ending. I liked the action but I believe it had potential to be more, while I thought it an inteligent approach. I’ll certainly read Sophie Barnes’ next book without a doubt, and I recommend this title to all Julia Quinn’s fans out there like me!
February 1, 2012
How Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back
Poor Miss Rutherford; she has been jilted just when she thought her long time dear friend Adrian was going to make his proposal public at a ball given by his mother. Now what is she going to do to keep her and her two sisters from the poor house? She really did love Adrian, or so she thought. Adrian’s cousin Francis comes to the rescue for Emily when she leaves the ball in all haste. Now Francis is the exact opposite of Adrian; he is brooding, cranky and sometimes downright unpleasant and although he and Emily have been friends since childhood Emily, just does not care for his dark manner now. What she doesn’t know is that Francis is hiding a secret. A secret that he has kept to himself for years.
This was a pleasant and very steamy romance, which is not surprising in the least given that even Regency Romances have moved with the times. It is by no means you mother’s old time Bodice ripper although there was just such a scene in this book. The characters are well written and have depth, and the narrative will keep you interested. The plot of just what Francis is hiding was quite interesting and a somewhat fresh concept for me. The dialogue was just a little melodramatic, but keeps true to the period the author has chosen.
I loved the secondary stories of the two sisters and really would have loved reading separate books written about them instead of concluding their stories in this one. This story had a lot of sly humor. There are some steamy scenes and even one before they gotten married
This was a great book to curl up with for a few hours and will be something you may even want to read more than once. I will be looking forward to more Regency’s written by this author.
Poor Miss Rutherford; she has been jilted just when she thought her long time dear friend Adrian was going to make his proposal public at a ball given by his mother. Now what is she going to do to keep her and her two sisters from the poor house? She really did love Adrian, or so she thought. Adrian’s cousin Francis comes to the rescue for Emily when she leaves the ball in all haste. Now Francis is the exact opposite of Adrian; he is brooding, cranky and sometimes downright unpleasant and although he and Emily have been friends since childhood Emily, just does not care for his dark manner now. What she doesn’t know is that Francis is hiding a secret. A secret that he has kept to himself for years.
This was a pleasant and very steamy romance, which is not surprising in the least given that even Regency Romances have moved with the times. It is by no means you mother’s old time Bodice ripper although there was just such a scene in this book. The characters are well written and have depth, and the narrative will keep you interested. The plot of just what Francis is hiding was quite interesting and a somewhat fresh concept for me. The dialogue was just a little melodramatic, but keeps true to the period the author has chosen.
I loved the secondary stories of the two sisters and really would have loved reading separate books written about them instead of concluding their stories in this one. This story had a lot of sly humor. There are some steamy scenes and even one before they gotten married
This was a great book to curl up with for a few hours and will be something you may even want to read more than once. I will be looking forward to more Regency’s written by this author.
February 17, 2012
1 Star.
I picked this up as an ebook because it had some buzz online, and it seemed like a cute, light read.
Aside from the cute title - that's about all this book has going for it. I was terribly disappointed in this book.
Up until chapter 8 I thought that book had potential. Both our hero and heroine, Emily and Frances, start off the story as being interesting and unique characters. They both quickly devolve into classic stereotypical romance novel characters, complete with silly actions, ridiculous misunderstandings, and the whole "I want to marry her, but I don't want her to know it, so I'll seduce her instead, and then she'll have no choice but to love me."
Frances devolves into somewhat of a domineering jerk, and Emily runs off and does ridiculous things with no thought whatsoever.
Our characters and their actions are never explained very well, their motivations not made clear, and their actions are jaw-droppingly stupid. This book is also missing in-depth character development.
Also, this wasn't edited particularly well. There are scenes where you're not sure who is suddenly speaking or thinking, and the points-of-view ping-pong around with too much speed to get to know anyone very well.
I thought this might be an Avon Impulse imprint because someone impulsively decided to publish it.
Why did I give this book 1 star instead of 0? Well, I can see the potential. Sophie Barnes is a first-time author, and I can see that with more practice and a better editor she could be a better writer. I might, maybe, try another one of her books in the future. But in the meantime, don't waste your money on this one.
I picked this up as an ebook because it had some buzz online, and it seemed like a cute, light read.
Aside from the cute title - that's about all this book has going for it. I was terribly disappointed in this book.
Up until chapter 8 I thought that book had potential. Both our hero and heroine, Emily and Frances, start off the story as being interesting and unique characters. They both quickly devolve into classic stereotypical romance novel characters, complete with silly actions, ridiculous misunderstandings, and the whole "I want to marry her, but I don't want her to know it, so I'll seduce her instead, and then she'll have no choice but to love me."
Frances devolves into somewhat of a domineering jerk, and Emily runs off and does ridiculous things with no thought whatsoever.
Our characters and their actions are never explained very well, their motivations not made clear, and their actions are jaw-droppingly stupid. This book is also missing in-depth character development.
Also, this wasn't edited particularly well. There are scenes where you're not sure who is suddenly speaking or thinking, and the points-of-view ping-pong around with too much speed to get to know anyone very well.
I thought this might be an Avon Impulse imprint because someone impulsively decided to publish it.
Why did I give this book 1 star instead of 0? Well, I can see the potential. Sophie Barnes is a first-time author, and I can see that with more practice and a better editor she could be a better writer. I might, maybe, try another one of her books in the future. But in the meantime, don't waste your money on this one.
December 30, 2014
I'm so sad about this book! I wasn't expecting very much, but was amazed and so excited by the first few chapters. Unfortunately the rest of the book was SUCH a disappointment. She could've done so much with it! Very sad. Hoping someone will take the same premise and do something better with it.
I love certain aspects of the characters yet wish there was more conflict within each character. There was very little internal conflict and that's what keeps me interested. Some parts of the story were slapdash.
It could've been great! I will be trying another book by the same author because the story was so promising. Here's hoping!
I love certain aspects of the characters yet wish there was more conflict within each character. There was very little internal conflict and that's what keeps me interested. Some parts of the story were slapdash.
It could've been great! I will be trying another book by the same author because the story was so promising. Here's hoping!
September 6, 2012
I was dissapointed in this book. The premise seemed so fun and interesting; plus it was recommended by Julia Quinn, one of my favorite authors. But it just fell flat to me. I wish there was more plot and less random conversation that doesn't move the story along. I get that the author was trying to show them slowly gaining appreciation for each other's opinions and falling in love, but it got pretty dull sometimes. I don't care about your opinions on Socrates and art! Give me some plot! Some action!
I also felt the heroine got a little rude and unaccountably upset at other characters sometimes (especially her sisters). And the author should have made the two characters who broke the heroine's heart (her best friend and the original guy she loved) less sympathetic. I mean, she hadn't even spoken to the "best friend" in years so how was she supposed to know you still had a girlhood crush on this dude? And the guy was so clueless and dense that I could totally get him not knowing she had feelings for him.
Also, the hero acted like a real jerk sometimes. I get that he was supposed to be moody and dour, but that's no excuse. There was one chapter where he was particularly cruel, and she just forgives him like he hadn't said some truly awful things right after she went through a trauma. What a guy!
This book could have been improved by a faster paced plot, more calculating ex-best friends, and a hero that didn't act like a jerk so often.
I also felt the heroine got a little rude and unaccountably upset at other characters sometimes (especially her sisters). And the author should have made the two characters who broke the heroine's heart (her best friend and the original guy she loved) less sympathetic. I mean, she hadn't even spoken to the "best friend" in years so how was she supposed to know you still had a girlhood crush on this dude? And the guy was so clueless and dense that I could totally get him not knowing she had feelings for him.
Also, the hero acted like a real jerk sometimes. I get that he was supposed to be moody and dour, but that's no excuse. There was one chapter where he was particularly cruel, and she just forgives him like he hadn't said some truly awful things right after she went through a trauma. What a guy!
This book could have been improved by a faster paced plot, more calculating ex-best friends, and a hero that didn't act like a jerk so often.
February 2, 2012
Emily Rutherford is heartbroken when Adrian, her friend (and love of her life) proposes to her best friend. When Francis, Adrian’s cousin, offers to take her and her sisters to London to enjoy the rest of the season they accept his offer, hoping Emily will come out of her melancholy. Unbeknownst to them, Francis is also secretly hoping to win Emily’s heart, a prize he’s always had to concede to his cousin.
First thing’s first – this title is deceptively modern when in fact the book is written more in an Austenian manner. Not that this is a bad thing. No, no. I just wanted to put that out there. Miss Rutherford does, indeed, get her groove back with the help of her brooding and handsome friend Francis.
This was a really cute story. There were times I wanted to slap Emily for acting immature and/or selfish. Of her three sisters she’s the middle child, yet her presence is the most dominant. Francis has his own demons to wrestle as well, having mastered the apathetic facade of an Earl. But when the two come together it’s really quite lovely. Both of them melt into the other to become something more complex yet perfect. It’s fun to watch both of them evolve.
First thing’s first – this title is deceptively modern when in fact the book is written more in an Austenian manner. Not that this is a bad thing. No, no. I just wanted to put that out there. Miss Rutherford does, indeed, get her groove back with the help of her brooding and handsome friend Francis.
This was a really cute story. There were times I wanted to slap Emily for acting immature and/or selfish. Of her three sisters she’s the middle child, yet her presence is the most dominant. Francis has his own demons to wrestle as well, having mastered the apathetic facade of an Earl. But when the two come together it’s really quite lovely. Both of them melt into the other to become something more complex yet perfect. It’s fun to watch both of them evolve.
February 5, 2012
I simply loved this book! We've come a long way in this genre and this is certainly not your granny's romance novel.
It's well written, entertaining and easy to follow, with just the right combination or romance, adventure and intrigue, without the overly ornate descriptions so typical of this genre(which eventually make me skip a few pages ahead just to return to the plot).
The well defined characters simply come alive and, as the story unfolds, you suffer and rejoice with each of them as you come to understand what makes them tick and cheer them on in their quest for love, adventure and a sense of purpose. The plot line is well laid out and keeps the story flowing while maintaining the reader's interest throughout.
I particularly liked this author's writing style. The book is sweet, interesting, charming and love affirming.
I truly enjoyed this book. I have the e-book version, but will be ordering the paperback in February when it comes out. It's worth keeping! I simply cannot wait until the Sophie Barnes' next book comes out! I hope she turns this into a series.
It's well written, entertaining and easy to follow, with just the right combination or romance, adventure and intrigue, without the overly ornate descriptions so typical of this genre(which eventually make me skip a few pages ahead just to return to the plot).
The well defined characters simply come alive and, as the story unfolds, you suffer and rejoice with each of them as you come to understand what makes them tick and cheer them on in their quest for love, adventure and a sense of purpose. The plot line is well laid out and keeps the story flowing while maintaining the reader's interest throughout.
I particularly liked this author's writing style. The book is sweet, interesting, charming and love affirming.
I truly enjoyed this book. I have the e-book version, but will be ordering the paperback in February when it comes out. It's worth keeping! I simply cannot wait until the Sophie Barnes' next book comes out! I hope she turns this into a series.
February 6, 2012
Poor Miss Rutherford has had her heart broken, but as always there's a handsome man who comes to her rescue. He has his own problems - a dark secret that threatens to bring scandal upon his name and family. Sweeping us inside the dazzling ballrooms of the Regency period, this is a story that's sure to entice. I love the author's light hearted dialogue coupled with a close look at what makes each character tick. I'm already looking forward to Miss. Barnes' future books =)
February 6, 2012
HOW MISS RUTHERFORD GOT HER GROOVE BACK will sweep you off your feet, transporting you to an era of chivalry and etiquette - a time when the slightest mishap could ruin a woman's reputation forever. What a delightful read! Filled with humor, a fast paced plot and well developed characters, comes a story that you're sure to enjoy curling up to. Five thumbs up! :)
February 5, 2012
Quite good! Funny and sweet, this book is simply satisfying. The story line is straight forward and easy to follow, the characters are charming and the writing flows smoothly from beginning to end.
May 7, 2012
Let me start by saying that I happend on this book by accident, I literally accidentially purchased it when I mentioned to buy another book by one of my well known, well beloved authors, I'll admitt it, I tend to stick to the same authors unless someone recommends them to me. But if we all did that how do new authors find their audience. So here is my recommendation to you.
Emily Rutherford is having a very bad day, we know this because we've read the back of the book. The poor girl has just witnessed the man she loved announce his engagement to her best friend. I wouldn't judge Emily too harshley for her choice of friends. She's been punished enough.
Emily is sure nothing good could possibly come out of this horrid situation. But she lets her sisters—along with Francis Riley, the delectable but brooding Earl of Dunhurst—convince her that a season in London will be just the thing.
There are certain books where you have to sit around and wait for them to get better, some characters where you think you'll like them eventually because surely they wouldn't publish a book without some good quality in the character. This is not that book.
Ms. Barnes has the unique ability to make you care about Emily and her problems and Francis with his secrets. You'll laugh you cry, you'll want to yell at certain characters for their actions.
The best part is, Ms. Barnes dos not give the entire book away in the first five chapters, she makes you work for it and enjoy every moment of it.
The first book I bought by accident, the second, I'll by because I can't wait for more.
Emily Rutherford is having a very bad day, we know this because we've read the back of the book. The poor girl has just witnessed the man she loved announce his engagement to her best friend. I wouldn't judge Emily too harshley for her choice of friends. She's been punished enough.
Emily is sure nothing good could possibly come out of this horrid situation. But she lets her sisters—along with Francis Riley, the delectable but brooding Earl of Dunhurst—convince her that a season in London will be just the thing.
There are certain books where you have to sit around and wait for them to get better, some characters where you think you'll like them eventually because surely they wouldn't publish a book without some good quality in the character. This is not that book.
Ms. Barnes has the unique ability to make you care about Emily and her problems and Francis with his secrets. You'll laugh you cry, you'll want to yell at certain characters for their actions.
The best part is, Ms. Barnes dos not give the entire book away in the first five chapters, she makes you work for it and enjoy every moment of it.
The first book I bought by accident, the second, I'll by because I can't wait for more.
February 7, 2012
Emily Rutherford and her sisters have had a difficult couple of years. After the death of their parents, a distant cousin inherited the estate under the laws of entail. The sisters found themselves shunted out to a small home on the estate with virtually none of their possessions. The one thing to make it bearable for Emily is the understanding she has with Adrian Calloway that they will marry when the time is right.
After Adrian’s engagement is announced at the Calloway ball to Emily’s best friend Kate, Emily finds herself in London with her sisters courtesy of Francis Riley, the Earl of Dunhurst. Emily, Kate, Adrian and Francis were all childhood friends until Francis underwent a dramatic personality and pulled away from the friendship. It soon becomes apparent that there is a strong attraction between the two but there are secrets in Francis’ life that could ruin any future happiness for him and Emily.
I enjoyed reading this book. Emily and Francis burned up the pages but also talk to each other and enjoy things together which rounds out their characters. Emily is feisty and intelligent and Francis respects that. Francis has dark spots in his life and Emily encourages him to talk about it. There is one moment when Emily loses her normal good sense and does something fairly stupid but it is due to her strong feelings that she does so. The secondary characters are well done and provide movement to the story.
Ms. Barnes has a new series coming out soon, The Summersby’s, and I look forward to reading the books in it.
After Adrian’s engagement is announced at the Calloway ball to Emily’s best friend Kate, Emily finds herself in London with her sisters courtesy of Francis Riley, the Earl of Dunhurst. Emily, Kate, Adrian and Francis were all childhood friends until Francis underwent a dramatic personality and pulled away from the friendship. It soon becomes apparent that there is a strong attraction between the two but there are secrets in Francis’ life that could ruin any future happiness for him and Emily.
I enjoyed reading this book. Emily and Francis burned up the pages but also talk to each other and enjoy things together which rounds out their characters. Emily is feisty and intelligent and Francis respects that. Francis has dark spots in his life and Emily encourages him to talk about it. There is one moment when Emily loses her normal good sense and does something fairly stupid but it is due to her strong feelings that she does so. The secondary characters are well done and provide movement to the story.
Ms. Barnes has a new series coming out soon, The Summersby’s, and I look forward to reading the books in it.
July 28, 2012
Deeply dissatisfying, the dialogue is overwhelmingly sappy and cheesy. The characters are kinda flat. At first, I thought Francis very intriguing. I found his plan to seduce and flirt his way into Emily's heart fascinating. Then, all of a sudden, that plan seemed to disappear into thin air and they were both overwhelmed with their trysts.
The characters are annoying from Emily to Kate, especially Kate. One minute she is shouting at Francis for his 'dishonesty' and for 'keeping a mistress', the very next moment, she balks as he chastises her for listening to gossip.
This novel is badly written.
The characters are annoying from Emily to Kate, especially Kate. One minute she is shouting at Francis for his 'dishonesty' and for 'keeping a mistress', the very next moment, she balks as he chastises her for listening to gossip.
This novel is badly written.
January 21, 2025
Emily Rutherford's dreams are shattered in an instant - the man she thought she was destined to wed is now betrothed to her best friend. Now her position is precarious. She has very little to her name. Perhaps what she needs is the help of Francis Riley, a man who has forgotten how to smile and would surely be the last choice if she ever were to wed. Surely...
Barnes is one of my favourite Regency romance authors, so of course I decided to check out her earlier works... and I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that this novel is a bit rough by comparison. We have sexual assault on the page, a hero who breaks objects when he's angry (yikes), and a superficial attempt to mix Emma and Sense and Sensibility. But you can definitely see the potential here.
Barnes is one of my favourite Regency romance authors, so of course I decided to check out her earlier works... and I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that this novel is a bit rough by comparison. We have sexual assault on the page, a hero who breaks objects when he's angry (yikes), and a superficial attempt to mix Emma and Sense and Sensibility. But you can definitely see the potential here.
October 3, 2015
"How Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back" is the ideal boy meets girl next door, and go from best friends to lovers. A sweet story all around.
Emily Rutherford and her sisters have a priviledged life and all going for them, until of course tragedy knocks on their door. From there on, all goes down hill, them included. Edward, a most hedious cousin, basically kicks them out of the place they've known as their home all their lives. Out of pure "generosity", as Edward puts it, he lets them live at a Cottage, and provides them with a minute allowance that isn't even enough to make ends meet. This forces Emily and her sisters to become creative, and find ways to make up for the extra funds they need.
Emily's perfect life is shattered by this turn of events. The one thing that remains consistent in her life is her friendship with Adrian, Kate and Francis. Emily believes Adrian is the love of her life. They've been best friends forever, they share everything with each other, and her approval on whatever he does means a great deal to him. The problem is a chaste kiss full of an empty promise, leads her to believe one day in the near future she will be Adrian's wife.
Emily confides her deepest secrets to Kate, after all Kate is her best girlfriend or so she thinks. Kate doesn't have a mean bone to her, although some may think otherwise. She does care for Emily, and never really means to hurt her friend's feelings.
Francis, on the other hand, goes from being a fun to be around boy, to someone who is almost seen as mean and guarded. No one understands the drastic change in Francis, and this makes Emily, perhaps not hate him, but not want to be around him.
Years go by, the boys leave for school. Kate is now the only friend Emily's got left. Later, Kate goes to visit some relatives in London, where she happens to meet Adrian once more, and both fall head over heels for each other.
Emily and her sisters are invited to the one and only ball they're always invited to, and everyone truly believes Adrian will offer for her. Everyone's surprised when Adrian announces his engagement to no other than Kate, her girl best friend.
Emily's heart and hopes are crushed. Francis is also back and cannot believe his ears when he learns of this turn of events. The thing is, Francis has been secretly in love with Emily, and this little tirade actually ends up working to his advantage.
Through their daily exchanges, small quarrels, and a few stolen kisses, Emily realizes that the one she's truly in love with is Francis. What she feels for him is nothing close to whatever she thought she ever felt towards Adrian. Soon after, Francis confides in Emily about the demons that are at fault for him changing. Emily sees in Francis, the Francis she's always known, and wants to help him get rid of his demons. That is when all starts and ends with Charlotte.
Charlotte has a letter, which she continuously uses to blackmail Francis. The contents of said letter put his true identity at risk. Every time she asks for money, she succeds as Francis has no other choice but concede. That is, of course until Emily comes around. Charlotte enlists Emily as her accomplice, little does she know Emily's plan is to turn the table on her, and end Charlotte's little charade. Needless to say, Emily and Francis succeed at that-- not without yet another tragedy, where one of them almost loses their life.
What I would've liked to see more in the book:
1. A little more of Emily's personality earlier in the story, to have a better understanding of some of the actions she takes. Emily has a lively personality, she can be witty and cheeky, she's very intelligent, and a conversationalist.
2.Adrian knocking on her door, giving her an apology for not noticing how she felt towards him. He sorta does apologize, but a more formal apology when the dust had settled perhaps?
3. Francis forgetting all about Adrian and Kate. I understand Francis is upset that they'd hurt Emily. He loves Emily so much that doesn't want anything to cause her any pain, but truly Francis is the winner in the whole ordeal. Francis does let Adrian know that after all it was Adrian's loss, and Francis gain.
What I liked most in the book:
1.Emily's and Charlotte's conspiracy to take revenge.
2.Francis' father's amendment to the will. This is my favorite part of the story, actually. The amendment was marvelous.
3.The end...I can't say it because I'll spoil it for others. It reminded me of Pride and Prejudice. It left me with an "aawww" and a silly grin.
Book overview:
"Emily Rutherford is having a very bad day.
Of course, having the man you’ve loved forever announce his engagement to your (now very former) best friend will do that.
Emily is sure nothing good could possibly come out of this horrid situation. But she lets her sisters—along with Francis Riley, the delectable but brooding Earl of Dunhurst—convince her that a season in London will be just the thing.
Now Emily has a choice: sulk in a corner while her sisters enjoy the glitter of the ton . . . or become the belle of the ball, dazzling everyone on an earl’s arm. But as Francis helps Emily get back on her feet, she quickly realizes that a childhood crush is nothing compared to the power of true love."
Emily Rutherford and her sisters have a priviledged life and all going for them, until of course tragedy knocks on their door. From there on, all goes down hill, them included. Edward, a most hedious cousin, basically kicks them out of the place they've known as their home all their lives. Out of pure "generosity", as Edward puts it, he lets them live at a Cottage, and provides them with a minute allowance that isn't even enough to make ends meet. This forces Emily and her sisters to become creative, and find ways to make up for the extra funds they need.
Emily's perfect life is shattered by this turn of events. The one thing that remains consistent in her life is her friendship with Adrian, Kate and Francis. Emily believes Adrian is the love of her life. They've been best friends forever, they share everything with each other, and her approval on whatever he does means a great deal to him. The problem is a chaste kiss full of an empty promise, leads her to believe one day in the near future she will be Adrian's wife.
Emily confides her deepest secrets to Kate, after all Kate is her best girlfriend or so she thinks. Kate doesn't have a mean bone to her, although some may think otherwise. She does care for Emily, and never really means to hurt her friend's feelings.
Francis, on the other hand, goes from being a fun to be around boy, to someone who is almost seen as mean and guarded. No one understands the drastic change in Francis, and this makes Emily, perhaps not hate him, but not want to be around him.
Years go by, the boys leave for school. Kate is now the only friend Emily's got left. Later, Kate goes to visit some relatives in London, where she happens to meet Adrian once more, and both fall head over heels for each other.
Emily and her sisters are invited to the one and only ball they're always invited to, and everyone truly believes Adrian will offer for her. Everyone's surprised when Adrian announces his engagement to no other than Kate, her girl best friend.
Emily's heart and hopes are crushed. Francis is also back and cannot believe his ears when he learns of this turn of events. The thing is, Francis has been secretly in love with Emily, and this little tirade actually ends up working to his advantage.
Through their daily exchanges, small quarrels, and a few stolen kisses, Emily realizes that the one she's truly in love with is Francis. What she feels for him is nothing close to whatever she thought she ever felt towards Adrian. Soon after, Francis confides in Emily about the demons that are at fault for him changing. Emily sees in Francis, the Francis she's always known, and wants to help him get rid of his demons. That is when all starts and ends with Charlotte.
Charlotte has a letter, which she continuously uses to blackmail Francis. The contents of said letter put his true identity at risk. Every time she asks for money, she succeds as Francis has no other choice but concede. That is, of course until Emily comes around. Charlotte enlists Emily as her accomplice, little does she know Emily's plan is to turn the table on her, and end Charlotte's little charade. Needless to say, Emily and Francis succeed at that-- not without yet another tragedy, where one of them almost loses their life.
What I would've liked to see more in the book:
1. A little more of Emily's personality earlier in the story, to have a better understanding of some of the actions she takes. Emily has a lively personality, she can be witty and cheeky, she's very intelligent, and a conversationalist.
2.Adrian knocking on her door, giving her an apology for not noticing how she felt towards him. He sorta does apologize, but a more formal apology when the dust had settled perhaps?
3. Francis forgetting all about Adrian and Kate. I understand Francis is upset that they'd hurt Emily. He loves Emily so much that doesn't want anything to cause her any pain, but truly Francis is the winner in the whole ordeal. Francis does let Adrian know that after all it was Adrian's loss, and Francis gain.
What I liked most in the book:
1.Emily's and Charlotte's conspiracy to take revenge.
2.Francis' father's amendment to the will. This is my favorite part of the story, actually. The amendment was marvelous.
3.The end...I can't say it because I'll spoil it for others. It reminded me of Pride and Prejudice. It left me with an "aawww" and a silly grin.
Book overview:
"Emily Rutherford is having a very bad day.
Of course, having the man you’ve loved forever announce his engagement to your (now very former) best friend will do that.
Emily is sure nothing good could possibly come out of this horrid situation. But she lets her sisters—along with Francis Riley, the delectable but brooding Earl of Dunhurst—convince her that a season in London will be just the thing.
Now Emily has a choice: sulk in a corner while her sisters enjoy the glitter of the ton . . . or become the belle of the ball, dazzling everyone on an earl’s arm. But as Francis helps Emily get back on her feet, she quickly realizes that a childhood crush is nothing compared to the power of true love."
April 3, 2012
Previously posted at PaperbackDolls.com
I have a confession to make. I’m really on the fence about this book and I hate that. On one hand, it had all the right ingredients for a topnotch historical romance, but on the other, it missed the mark.
The characters were sometimes mere shadows of themselves, while the protagonist, Emily, often seemed bi-polar. I looked for more depth in the former romantic relationship as well as in Emily’s sisters, but it kept slipping away, never quite taking shape. Francis was a man tormented, yet it never seemed quite real.
The story is set in England in 1811, still a somewhat prudish time; however, at one point the author has Emily and Francis waltzing close together, which we all know simply wasn’t done. Not only that, but while she’s attending a ball, Emily’s white knuckles are mentioned…when it’s generally accepted that women didn’t appear in public at that time with bare hands. Another point that bothered me was the author’s reference to Francis turning off the light as opposed to extinguishing the lamp or candle. In my mind, I kept seeing this man in breeches flipping a light switch. Needless to say, it totally pulled me out of the story.
Emily would have been better served by eliminating half the inner dialogue and sharpening the prose. The reader is smart enough to complete some actions on their own without detailing everything. For instance, if, during a conversation about someone named Dave, I were to say, “He is the noblest man I know,” you could correctly assume I meant Dave. Such was not the case in this book. References were detailed to the point they became annoying and I wanted to shout, “Yes, I get it!” And unless the color of a ribbon has some bearing on the story, I don’t give a flip about it the first time much less the other dozen or so that it’s mentioned.
Anyone who’s read my previous reviews knows that I love books of all kinds, and I can usually find something redeeming in nearly everything I read. I’m sorry to say this was the proverbial straw for me. I truly believe Ms. Barnes has great potential as evidenced by the imaginative premise of the story, but unfortunately, she’s not there yet. Even more disturbing is the fact that the editor let the story ramble and thereby risked alienating future readers.
I have a confession to make. I’m really on the fence about this book and I hate that. On one hand, it had all the right ingredients for a topnotch historical romance, but on the other, it missed the mark.
The characters were sometimes mere shadows of themselves, while the protagonist, Emily, often seemed bi-polar. I looked for more depth in the former romantic relationship as well as in Emily’s sisters, but it kept slipping away, never quite taking shape. Francis was a man tormented, yet it never seemed quite real.
The story is set in England in 1811, still a somewhat prudish time; however, at one point the author has Emily and Francis waltzing close together, which we all know simply wasn’t done. Not only that, but while she’s attending a ball, Emily’s white knuckles are mentioned…when it’s generally accepted that women didn’t appear in public at that time with bare hands. Another point that bothered me was the author’s reference to Francis turning off the light as opposed to extinguishing the lamp or candle. In my mind, I kept seeing this man in breeches flipping a light switch. Needless to say, it totally pulled me out of the story.
Emily would have been better served by eliminating half the inner dialogue and sharpening the prose. The reader is smart enough to complete some actions on their own without detailing everything. For instance, if, during a conversation about someone named Dave, I were to say, “He is the noblest man I know,” you could correctly assume I meant Dave. Such was not the case in this book. References were detailed to the point they became annoying and I wanted to shout, “Yes, I get it!” And unless the color of a ribbon has some bearing on the story, I don’t give a flip about it the first time much less the other dozen or so that it’s mentioned.
Anyone who’s read my previous reviews knows that I love books of all kinds, and I can usually find something redeeming in nearly everything I read. I’m sorry to say this was the proverbial straw for me. I truly believe Ms. Barnes has great potential as evidenced by the imaginative premise of the story, but unfortunately, she’s not there yet. Even more disturbing is the fact that the editor let the story ramble and thereby risked alienating future readers.
December 9, 2012
I have a confession to make. I’m really on the fence about this book and I hate that. On one hand, it had all the right ingredients for a topnotch historical romance, but on the other, it missed the mark.
The characters were sometimes mere shadows of themselves, while the protagonist, Emily, often seemed bi-polar. I looked for more depth in the former romantic relationship as well as in Emily’s sisters, but it kept slipping away, never quite taking shape. Francis was a man tormented, yet it never seemed quite real.
The story is set in England in 1811, still a somewhat prudish time; however, at one point the author has Emily and Francis waltzing close together, which we all know simply wasn’t done. Not only that, but while she’s attending a ball, Emily’s white knuckles are mentioned…when it’s generally accepted that women didn’t appear in public at that time with bare hands. Another point that bothered me was the author’s reference to Francis turning off the light as opposed to extinguishing the lamp or candle. In my mind, I kept seeing this man in breeches flipping a light switch. Needless to say, it totally pulled me out of the story.
Emily would have been better served by eliminating half the inner dialogue and sharpening the prose. The reader is smart enough to complete some actions on their own without detailing everything. For instance, if, during a conversation about someone named Dave, I were to say, “He is the noblest man I know,” you could correctly assume I meant Dave. Such was not the case in this book. References were detailed to the point they became annoying and I wanted to shout, “Yes, I get it!” And unless the color of a ribbon has some bearing on the story, I don’t give a flip about it the first time much less the other dozen or so that it’s mentioned.
Anyone who’s read my previous reviews knows that I love books of all kinds, and I can usually find something redeeming in nearly everything I read. I’m sorry to say this was the proverbial straw for me. I truly believe Ms. Barnes has great potential as evidenced by the imaginative premise of the story, but unfortunately, she’s not there yet. Even more disturbing is the fact that the editor let the story ramble and thereby risked alienating future readers.
The characters were sometimes mere shadows of themselves, while the protagonist, Emily, often seemed bi-polar. I looked for more depth in the former romantic relationship as well as in Emily’s sisters, but it kept slipping away, never quite taking shape. Francis was a man tormented, yet it never seemed quite real.
The story is set in England in 1811, still a somewhat prudish time; however, at one point the author has Emily and Francis waltzing close together, which we all know simply wasn’t done. Not only that, but while she’s attending a ball, Emily’s white knuckles are mentioned…when it’s generally accepted that women didn’t appear in public at that time with bare hands. Another point that bothered me was the author’s reference to Francis turning off the light as opposed to extinguishing the lamp or candle. In my mind, I kept seeing this man in breeches flipping a light switch. Needless to say, it totally pulled me out of the story.
Emily would have been better served by eliminating half the inner dialogue and sharpening the prose. The reader is smart enough to complete some actions on their own without detailing everything. For instance, if, during a conversation about someone named Dave, I were to say, “He is the noblest man I know,” you could correctly assume I meant Dave. Such was not the case in this book. References were detailed to the point they became annoying and I wanted to shout, “Yes, I get it!” And unless the color of a ribbon has some bearing on the story, I don’t give a flip about it the first time much less the other dozen or so that it’s mentioned.
Anyone who’s read my previous reviews knows that I love books of all kinds, and I can usually find something redeeming in nearly everything I read. I’m sorry to say this was the proverbial straw for me. I truly believe Ms. Barnes has great potential as evidenced by the imaginative premise of the story, but unfortunately, she’s not there yet. Even more disturbing is the fact that the editor let the story ramble and thereby risked alienating future readers.
April 25, 2013
***CONTAINS A SPOILER***
I try to find *something* to like about any book that I read. For this novel - that would be Francis Riley, the brooding hero. I also enjoyed some of the open and witty conversation between Emily and Francis. As a couple, they work well. In addition, I found parts of the novel to be quite humorous...
However, overall something was lacking. The story felt...well...rushed. I like a well developed story line, and I tend to shy away from books that skip whole periods of time. I would rather see the emotional development between the characters as opposed to being told that they have "formed an attachment."
There were some gaps in the story line, such as the issue with the Rutherford sisters' "cousin." When Emily runs off to her cousin, intending to marry him in order to save her sisters...it did not feel right. It suddenly felt as if the writer was trying to find some sort of conflict to further engage the whole white knight element, which the novel in no way needed. Francis was already well on his way to "rescuing" Emily through his need and desire to assist her in embracing and enjoying life.
That being said - I will most likely pick up another one of Ms. Barnes' novels, as I try not to disregard an author based on one reading.
I try to find *something* to like about any book that I read. For this novel - that would be Francis Riley, the brooding hero. I also enjoyed some of the open and witty conversation between Emily and Francis. As a couple, they work well. In addition, I found parts of the novel to be quite humorous...
However, overall something was lacking. The story felt...well...rushed. I like a well developed story line, and I tend to shy away from books that skip whole periods of time. I would rather see the emotional development between the characters as opposed to being told that they have "formed an attachment."
There were some gaps in the story line, such as the issue with the Rutherford sisters' "cousin." When Emily runs off to her cousin, intending to marry him in order to save her sisters...it did not feel right. It suddenly felt as if the writer was trying to find some sort of conflict to further engage the whole white knight element, which the novel in no way needed. Francis was already well on his way to "rescuing" Emily through his need and desire to assist her in embracing and enjoying life.
That being said - I will most likely pick up another one of Ms. Barnes' novels, as I try not to disregard an author based on one reading.
September 20, 2013
It's hard for me to believe that this is truely an Avon Impulse book because it is so bad. Poorly written, head hopping all over the place. Historical facts trampled, and a plot that was boring at best.
February 21, 2020
Without the title in the rating, found this a light and entertaining read at one gulp. Fortunate to have Francis as her lifetime 'love and protector' Emily never understood his withdrawal and despised him for it. Buried affection returns while Emily is devastated from her 'jilt' by her two best friends. this was the least interest in the story. The obvious plot of all three sisters being debuted in a London season by Francis was they all were to marry. The dance though between Francis and Emily was the main focus and one that was truly enjoyed. There were some very delicious scenes and more delicious fantasies. Of course the banter and wit kept the angst at bay, and that is the true mark to me of a good read, even though am now skipping the seduction manual paragraphs are they are nearing identical DNA in every author's playbook, and unnecessary except to hungry women. i read for escape from Trump and don't need the sex except is it is buffered by conversational dialogue that lifts the romance beyond the repetitive body seduction. I did like this book and would recommend without reservations
August 16, 2017
This book - just did not do anything for me, at all.
The paragraphs telling/showing what the hero or heroine were feeling at a particular time, whether they were in the act of kissing, dancing, etc....just went on and on.
These "thoughts" added nothing to the moment or to the book in general, and I found myself skipping many (boring and unnecessary) pages.
The ending felt like it had been slapped on, bringing up a mysterious "problem" that had not been mentioned anywhere previously in the book. How frustrating!
The paragraphs telling/showing what the hero or heroine were feeling at a particular time, whether they were in the act of kissing, dancing, etc....just went on and on.
These "thoughts" added nothing to the moment or to the book in general, and I found myself skipping many (boring and unnecessary) pages.
The ending felt like it had been slapped on, bringing up a mysterious "problem" that had not been mentioned anywhere previously in the book. How frustrating!
November 8, 2018
This was just a great way to pass a few hours. Fun and fast paced, a regency romance with a blackmail twist thrown in.
Emily and Francis are your usual regency romance type characters. Childhood friends that grow apart, but after having her heart seemingly broken by the apparent betrayal of her love, Francis steps in to fill the void and realizes that she is the woman for him. Now if he can only convince her of that.
3 stars
Won't buy it new, but if I see it used I will be picking this up ;-D
Emily and Francis are your usual regency romance type characters. Childhood friends that grow apart, but after having her heart seemingly broken by the apparent betrayal of her love, Francis steps in to fill the void and realizes that she is the woman for him. Now if he can only convince her of that.
3 stars
Won't buy it new, but if I see it used I will be picking this up ;-D
June 24, 2019
Barnes manages to have 4 weddings and a mystery all wrapped up in one book. The 3 Rutherford sisters list their parents 6 years ago and have been living in a cottage provided by the heir. Emily is in expectation of marrying her best friend Adrian. Circumstances ensue and the sisters go to London for a season. The mystery surrounds Francis, who used to be a fun loving friend, but suddenly became a sad man, particularly after he becomes an Earl. Fortunately for all, everyone gets a HEA. Surprise.
March 14, 2021
Charming tale despite author errors
The error regarding Sleeping Beauty has already been mentioned in another review. There is another involving saying that Jane Austen is the author of Sense and Sensibility- at the time the book is set this would not have been known. The title page simply stated that the book was by “A Lady”.
Apart from these mistakes the story is charming and the central developing romance is enjoyable
The error regarding Sleeping Beauty has already been mentioned in another review. There is another involving saying that Jane Austen is the author of Sense and Sensibility- at the time the book is set this would not have been known. The title page simply stated that the book was by “A Lady”.
Apart from these mistakes the story is charming and the central developing romance is enjoyable
November 13, 2017
Juvenile
I bought this book after reading and loving another of this author's books so I was extremely surprised by the writing. The style seemed juvenile and the characters were like children also. Huge leaps of logic were everywhere. One example was when the h thought that the H must be a nice person after all because he almost smiled. I couldn't finish the book.
I bought this book after reading and loving another of this author's books so I was extremely surprised by the writing. The style seemed juvenile and the characters were like children also. Huge leaps of logic were everywhere. One example was when the h thought that the H must be a nice person after all because he almost smiled. I couldn't finish the book.
November 29, 2020
This book was like going to a restaurant expecting a steak and getting a plate of boiled chicken instead. Like, there was nothing technically bad about this, but I was feeling pretty underwhelmed. The characters, the dialogue and their interactions were just missing that spark that would’ve had me invested in everything going on. Overall, just very dull.
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