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The Rogues' Dynasty #6
The Rogue Steals a Bride
Matson Brentwood has finally met the woman of his dreams. The lovely, red-haired Sophia Hart heats his blood like no other lady. Her alluring countenance has stopped him dead in his tracks. But no matter how attracted he is to her, he can’t give into his desire to possess her in every way because she is the ward of the man he’s sworn to hate.
Newly arrived in London, Miss Sophia Hart is in need of a husband, but not for herself. She has twin, spinster aunts and one of them has decided she wants a man. Sophia agrees to help her aunt by allowing older gentlemen to call on her and then make sure Auntie spends more time in the gentleman’s company than Sophia does. But when Sophia meets the darkly handsome and intriguing Mr. Matson Brentwood, she knows that for the first time, she in danger of losing her heart.
But there’s more than just an adversarial guardian and a long list of beaus standing between Sophia and Matson. Sophia promised her dying father she would honor his lifelong plan for her as an heiress and marry a titled gentleman. Matson isn’t titled so she must deny her love for him and make up to her father for costing him the love of his life.
Newly arrived in London, Miss Sophia Hart is in need of a husband, but not for herself. She has twin, spinster aunts and one of them has decided she wants a man. Sophia agrees to help her aunt by allowing older gentlemen to call on her and then make sure Auntie spends more time in the gentleman’s company than Sophia does. But when Sophia meets the darkly handsome and intriguing Mr. Matson Brentwood, she knows that for the first time, she in danger of losing her heart.
But there’s more than just an adversarial guardian and a long list of beaus standing between Sophia and Matson. Sophia promised her dying father she would honor his lifelong plan for her as an heiress and marry a titled gentleman. Matson isn’t titled so she must deny her love for him and make up to her father for costing him the love of his life.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
76 people are currently reading
601 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Grey
35 books855 followersAmelia Grey (aka Gloria Dale Skinner) grew up in a small town in the Florida Panhandle. She has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over twenty-five years. She has lived in Alabama, Connecticut, New Hampshire and now lives in Florida.
Amelia has won the coveted Romantic Times award for Love and Laughter, the prestigious Maggie award for best historical and Affaire de Coeur's best American historical award. She has been a finalist for the Golden Heart and the Holt Medallion awards which are given by Romance Writers of America and numerous other awards. Her books have been sold to many countries in Europe, Russia and China.
Amelia likes flowers, candlelight, sweet smiles, gentle laughter and sunshine.
Amelia has won the coveted Romantic Times award for Love and Laughter, the prestigious Maggie award for best historical and Affaire de Coeur's best American historical award. She has been a finalist for the Golden Heart and the Holt Medallion awards which are given by Romance Writers of America and numerous other awards. Her books have been sold to many countries in Europe, Russia and China.
Amelia likes flowers, candlelight, sweet smiles, gentle laughter and sunshine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 11, 2024
2.75 stars (b/c of the ending)
Egads! I can't with this. Alright, before everyone rolls their eyes, let me explain. In reading the first 3 books of the series, I realized that for me, the stories dragged in the middle. Let me also preface this by saying that I thought I had all the books in the series in my pile, but I am missing #5. This is #6.
First, yep, it drags.
Second, while I didn't read the previous book, usually the rule for book series is that each book is the dedicated to one particular characters story completely (ie. his/her HEA resolution at the end)Apparently, the writer avoided that rule & Iverson still needed to wrap up his HEA w/Catalina. (not cool!) It may have been b/c events in the stories were supposed to be occurring simultaneously.
Third, Sophia promised to marry a titled gentleman. A 2nd son won't do even though he's a successful businessman in his own right. Really! Yeah...yeah...I know it's within the context of that time period. But I personally just found that annoying especially as it got to be a very repetitive point. And lastly, my biggest beef, the issue w/the twins & Gibby still hadn't been resolved. I mean, come on....6 books in when you introduced that plot point in book 3 & you're still harping on it.
Aiya! I didn't have the paitence for that at all!!!!!!
On a positive note: I did like the characters and by book 3 became invested in them & their stories. I loved, loved the Aunties. I myself have twin aunts who reminded me so much of those characters. I honestly kept reading b/c of them. Since they've passed on in recent years, it made me smile to imagine them in those roles.
Also, it was a good way to wrap up the 2nd trilogy set. And I liked that all the supplementary characters introduced in book # 1 carried over into all the books. (great continuity by the writer!)
And while I had an inkling, it was a cute surprise towards the end w/Gibby & the Aunties.
Egads! I can't with this. Alright, before everyone rolls their eyes, let me explain. In reading the first 3 books of the series, I realized that for me, the stories dragged in the middle. Let me also preface this by saying that I thought I had all the books in the series in my pile, but I am missing #5. This is #6.
First, yep, it drags.
Second, while I didn't read the previous book, usually the rule for book series is that each book is the dedicated to one particular characters story completely (ie. his/her HEA resolution at the end)Apparently, the writer avoided that rule & Iverson still needed to wrap up his HEA w/Catalina. (not cool!) It may have been b/c events in the stories were supposed to be occurring simultaneously.
Third, Sophia promised to marry a titled gentleman. A 2nd son won't do even though he's a successful businessman in his own right. Really! Yeah...yeah...I know it's within the context of that time period. But I personally just found that annoying especially as it got to be a very repetitive point. And lastly, my biggest beef, the issue w/the twins & Gibby still hadn't been resolved. I mean, come on....6 books in when you introduced that plot point in book 3 & you're still harping on it.
Aiya! I didn't have the paitence for that at all!!!!!!
On a positive note: I did like the characters and by book 3 became invested in them & their stories. I loved, loved the Aunties. I myself have twin aunts who reminded me so much of those characters. I honestly kept reading b/c of them. Since they've passed on in recent years, it made me smile to imagine them in those roles.
Also, it was a good way to wrap up the 2nd trilogy set. And I liked that all the supplementary characters introduced in book # 1 carried over into all the books. (great continuity by the writer!)
And while I had an inkling, it was a cute surprise towards the end w/Gibby & the Aunties.
May 28, 2013
What is a man to do when the love of his life is strictly off limits? In this charming romance, we find out exactly what. The Rogue Steals a Bride was a wonderful read, just perfect!
I was a bit worried going into this book. I've read another book that featured a heroine intent on marrying only a titled gentleman. And I didn't like that book. At all. So, I was worried that the same thing would happen in this book. Thankfully, it turns out I didn't have to worry. This book was an absolutely fantastic romance.
Sophia feels like she owes it to her father to fulfill his final request for her to marry a title. And since, she is a woman of her word, she is intent on doing just that. This is the part that I was worried about, because I could have easily gotten annoyed with Sophia's stubbornness about marrying a title when a perfect man was right in front of her. However, I still liked Sophia. She wasn't looking for a title to be obnoxious and superior. She is a woman of her word and I appreciated that she wouldn't break a vow to her father. And, in the end, she knew when she needed to change her mind. She was a determined, kind, rebel-at-heart heroine. Overall, I really liked her.
Matson was amazing right from the beginning. He had my heart within the first chapter. He was sweet, determined to win the love of his life, and utterly lovable. There isn't much that I can say other than he was perfect. And I adored him.
The romance had sparks flying from the beginning. As soon as Sophia and Matson met, things were sizzling between them. Despite the obstacles, the romance grew quickly. These two were very sweet together. I loved how both of them knew there was something between them immediately. And they didn't play coy about it, wallowing in denial. And there was definitely a healthy helping of spice with them. The fact that a relationship between them was forbidden made the spice even more intense. Altogether, a great couple.
I loved Sophia's aunts! They were fantastic characters. They added a nice subplot and a ton of humor. Seriously, they were some of the best secondary characters ever.
The plot was fast paced. I was hooked immediately and riveted throughout the rest of the book. I could not put this book down. And the ending was perfect, with a little surprise romance for a couple of other characters.
The Rogue Steals a Bride was a brilliant historical romance. Lovers of the genre, you must read this book!
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy!
I was a bit worried going into this book. I've read another book that featured a heroine intent on marrying only a titled gentleman. And I didn't like that book. At all. So, I was worried that the same thing would happen in this book. Thankfully, it turns out I didn't have to worry. This book was an absolutely fantastic romance.
Sophia feels like she owes it to her father to fulfill his final request for her to marry a title. And since, she is a woman of her word, she is intent on doing just that. This is the part that I was worried about, because I could have easily gotten annoyed with Sophia's stubbornness about marrying a title when a perfect man was right in front of her. However, I still liked Sophia. She wasn't looking for a title to be obnoxious and superior. She is a woman of her word and I appreciated that she wouldn't break a vow to her father. And, in the end, she knew when she needed to change her mind. She was a determined, kind, rebel-at-heart heroine. Overall, I really liked her.
Matson was amazing right from the beginning. He had my heart within the first chapter. He was sweet, determined to win the love of his life, and utterly lovable. There isn't much that I can say other than he was perfect. And I adored him.
The romance had sparks flying from the beginning. As soon as Sophia and Matson met, things were sizzling between them. Despite the obstacles, the romance grew quickly. These two were very sweet together. I loved how both of them knew there was something between them immediately. And they didn't play coy about it, wallowing in denial. And there was definitely a healthy helping of spice with them. The fact that a relationship between them was forbidden made the spice even more intense. Altogether, a great couple.
I loved Sophia's aunts! They were fantastic characters. They added a nice subplot and a ton of humor. Seriously, they were some of the best secondary characters ever.
The plot was fast paced. I was hooked immediately and riveted throughout the rest of the book. I could not put this book down. And the ending was perfect, with a little surprise romance for a couple of other characters.
The Rogue Steals a Bride was a brilliant historical romance. Lovers of the genre, you must read this book!
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy!
April 30, 2023
good, kinda boring towards the middle. Screw June, Sir Randolph should be with me. I didn't like the aunts. Mae was okay but like still kinda annoying. Lord Snellingly definitely smells like cheese and socks. Matson could get itttt. he is FINE.
February 19, 2024
Fun easy read for your crazy book goal your daughter sets for you
July 4, 2013
Review from Backchatting Books
The wealthy and beautiful Miss Sophia Hart wants a husband and only a titled one will do. She swore to her father that she would fulfil his dream and become a member of the aristocracy. Sophia is very attracted to Matson Brentwood, her guardian’s illegitimate son. Even though he is a highly successful businessman and charming, his ancestry makes a marriage impossible.
If I wanted to praise Sophia I could write about the strength of her conviction and willingness to abide by her vows. Instead she comes across as immature, stubborn and a bit of a user. She could have easily spurned Matson from the start yet she encouraged him to the point he thought he had a chance with her and then coldly rejected him. She had her pick of the Ton and she was determined to enjoy herself before she had to settle down. Matson is hardly a rogue but rather the product of a one night stand between his married mother and Sir Randolph Gibson. He is rather like an eager puppy traipsing after Sophia and begging her for attention.
Grey had me right up until the practice rowing session between Matson and Sophia. I realise that she had to find some way of them getting close but it still had me rolling my eyes as it was so implausible. To be honest, I wouldn’t have minded if this pair hadn’t had a physical relationship as Jane Austen has shown us that witty banter can be just as fantastic to read. The love scenes felt as if they had just been inserted for the sake of it. Parts of the romance were really sweet such as those involving the brooch and Matson trying to thwart Sophia’s militant aunts and I enjoyed them.
There were a number of plot elements that fizzled out such as the situation between Matson and Sir Randolph. We hear an awful lot about how Matson feels about Sir Randolph but not the other way round. Matson’s brothers don’t really value-add. I’m assuming their minor appearances are because this is the last in the series and Grey wanted to round things off neatly but it felt like a missed opportunity. Other aspects seemed to come out of no-where with very little foreshadowing.
I think that fans of this series will probably find exactly what they are looking for even though I personally had some reservations.
The wealthy and beautiful Miss Sophia Hart wants a husband and only a titled one will do. She swore to her father that she would fulfil his dream and become a member of the aristocracy. Sophia is very attracted to Matson Brentwood, her guardian’s illegitimate son. Even though he is a highly successful businessman and charming, his ancestry makes a marriage impossible.
If I wanted to praise Sophia I could write about the strength of her conviction and willingness to abide by her vows. Instead she comes across as immature, stubborn and a bit of a user. She could have easily spurned Matson from the start yet she encouraged him to the point he thought he had a chance with her and then coldly rejected him. She had her pick of the Ton and she was determined to enjoy herself before she had to settle down. Matson is hardly a rogue but rather the product of a one night stand between his married mother and Sir Randolph Gibson. He is rather like an eager puppy traipsing after Sophia and begging her for attention.
Grey had me right up until the practice rowing session between Matson and Sophia. I realise that she had to find some way of them getting close but it still had me rolling my eyes as it was so implausible. To be honest, I wouldn’t have minded if this pair hadn’t had a physical relationship as Jane Austen has shown us that witty banter can be just as fantastic to read. The love scenes felt as if they had just been inserted for the sake of it. Parts of the romance were really sweet such as those involving the brooch and Matson trying to thwart Sophia’s militant aunts and I enjoyed them.
There were a number of plot elements that fizzled out such as the situation between Matson and Sir Randolph. We hear an awful lot about how Matson feels about Sir Randolph but not the other way round. Matson’s brothers don’t really value-add. I’m assuming their minor appearances are because this is the last in the series and Grey wanted to round things off neatly but it felt like a missed opportunity. Other aspects seemed to come out of no-where with very little foreshadowing.
I think that fans of this series will probably find exactly what they are looking for even though I personally had some reservations.
July 2, 2013
THE ROGUE STEALS A BRIDE by Amelia Grey is an exciting Regency Historical Romance. #6 in "The Rogue Dynasty",but can be read as a stand alone. This is the last and final in this series,and brings the series to an end and everything together. This is Matson and Sophia's story. Miss Sophia Hart is determined to fulfill her death bed promise to her father to marry a titled gentleman. Matson Brentwood,is a rogue,a twin, who has find disturbing facts about his parentage in a previous title. Together they find desire,passion,love,forgiveness, and healing they both so desire. Sophia is the ward of the man Matson is swore to hate forever,but things change and so do lives. Sophia has twin spinster aunts who are interesting and a story into themselves. Fast paced and filled with family,and love. Once again, Ms. Grey has written a story that show the characters realistic as well as likeable. The aunt's have long gave up marriage and family,but soon find what they thought they did not wish, they crave,love,marriage,family and happiness. The plot to "The Rogue Steals a Bride" is well written as well as intriguing and interesting. The characters will steal your heart. A wonderful ending to this amazing series. A job well done! A powerful and compelling ending to "The Rogue's Dynasty" as Ms. Grey brings things to an end. I am eager to see what she has in store next for her readers. A must read if you enjoy twin characters,romance, passion,historical romance with a twist or turn here and there along the way. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
February 26, 2023
Highly disappointed that the bride wasn't actually stolen in this book.
I typically like Amelia Grey books, but I hate when sex scenes are glossed over. Give me the details lady!
I typically like Amelia Grey books, but I hate when sex scenes are glossed over. Give me the details lady!
October 25, 2020
take a point off for the horrendous cover
Marston Brentwood and Sophie, both heirs to shipping companies unknown to each other tied closely by her guardian Sir Randolph. who fathered Brentwood twins. And Sophia's has twin spinster aunts may and june
The plot was similar to a collection of origami designs, each character having their own shape.
the complex situation of Sir Randolph. guardian, 'father' of heroine, father of Brentwood twins from a singular one night tryst with their mother, they never knew about it until six months ago. People call it insta lust but i call it chemical desire at first glance, love at first sight. so many plots have this but each 'love' proves different.
In this case it was a bond whose parameters made for an memorable romance. Best scene, can you imagine that deep a fog? Brentwood twins never meant to come to London to find they were bastards of Sir Randolph, but it is the insult to their mother [for a one time tryst that resulted in their birth] he will never forgive Sir Randolph.
Marston did forgive Sir Randolph when he involves himself with Sophia in a situation that could not have been anything else. Which is how Sir Randolph finally revealed to Marston his single adventure with his mother. The lesser stages were occupied by the aunts,, the suitors who were curious for their being caricatures. IF she is such a beauty where are the suitable s? paced well, no yawns, up late to finish. escapes are essential for taking me far away from our unreal reality, election this Tuesday. am very concerned, we all should be.
Marston Brentwood and Sophie, both heirs to shipping companies unknown to each other tied closely by her guardian Sir Randolph. who fathered Brentwood twins. And Sophia's has twin spinster aunts may and june
The plot was similar to a collection of origami designs, each character having their own shape.
the complex situation of Sir Randolph. guardian, 'father' of heroine, father of Brentwood twins from a singular one night tryst with their mother, they never knew about it until six months ago. People call it insta lust but i call it chemical desire at first glance, love at first sight. so many plots have this but each 'love' proves different.
In this case it was a bond whose parameters made for an memorable romance. Best scene, can you imagine that deep a fog? Brentwood twins never meant to come to London to find they were bastards of Sir Randolph, but it is the insult to their mother [for a one time tryst that resulted in their birth] he will never forgive Sir Randolph.
Marston did forgive Sir Randolph when he involves himself with Sophia in a situation that could not have been anything else. Which is how Sir Randolph finally revealed to Marston his single adventure with his mother. The lesser stages were occupied by the aunts,, the suitors who were curious for their being caricatures. IF she is such a beauty where are the suitable s? paced well, no yawns, up late to finish. escapes are essential for taking me far away from our unreal reality, election this Tuesday. am very concerned, we all should be.
April 29, 2016
The Rogue Steals a Bride was a tough book for me to review as I had a tough time finishing it. There was nothing offensive about the story and the writing itself was pretty good. No, my problems stemmed from the behavior of one of the main characters and how contrived the conflict was. The back cover blurb gives a hint of what problem is keeping the hero and heroine apart and I thought I had it in me to deal with a young woman trying to marry up while falling in love with a mere Mister. However what is really keeping them apart is less a class issue but is more a woman’s misguided attempt to stay a Daddy’s girl well after her father is dead.
Miss. Sophia Hart is the newest young miss of the Season, making her debut under the watchful eye of her guardian Sir Randolph Gibson and her two spinster aunts Mae and June Shevington. As the only daughter to a successful shipping merchant, Sophia has two goals for herself while in London; to expand her inherited shipping business into a new market and to fulfill her final vow to her dying father to marry a member of the aristocracy. With those objectives in mind, the very last man she should be associating with is Mr. Matson Brentwood; owner of Brentwood Seacoast Shipping, brother of a viscount but with no hope of inheriting the title and most scandalously the bastard son of Sir Randolph.
From their first encounter, Matson is smitten with the fiery Sophia and cannot seem to shake the awareness he has for her. He manufactures ways to run into her at society gatherings and she seemingly welcomes the flirtation. However when Matson learns of Sophia’s association with his sire it immediately puts a wall between them. Matson cannot forgive Sir Randolph for seducing his mother into an affair that produced him and his twin brother Iverson. The pull between Matson’s heart and his head keeps him from completely shutting Sophia out, but when she reveals her plans to marry a titled man it creates a further challenge to their being together.
Sophia and Matson know that they suit well together but they are both fighting an uphill battle against the emotional vows they each hold dear. Matson has difficulty separating Sophia from the man he has sworn to hate and Sophia cannot remove herself from the promises she made to the one person who meant everything to her.
Unfortunately, since a book lives and dies by the characters within The Rogue Steals a Bride suffered because of its awful heroine. I found nothing to like in Sophia’s character. Author Ameila Grey tries every trick in the book just shy of having Sophia kissing babies or cuddling kittens to make the reader warm up to her. She’s got a savvy business sense, she’s beautiful and she kind to old people by encouraging them to find love well after they are put on the shelf by society. It’s all a smokescreen so we will forgive the selfish things she does and how she completely toys with Matson’s affections while she is on her mercenary run to capture a titled man. The truth of the matter is that Sophia is too weak to make a choice between the two masters she tries to serve, love or obligation. If she truly wanted to live the life her father had in mind then she should never have encouraged Matson from their second meeting on. She should have been frank with him and completely closed the door to his pursuit. Instead, Sophia encourages his affection by playing the old heroine/martyr game of “I want to experience real emotions once before I lock myself into a loveless marriage.” Really?!?
I got so terribly angry with Sophia’s lack of a backbone when it came to living her own life. She defers to her spinster aunts, one of which is hiding some deep resentment about men. She clings to misplaced guilt about a childhood incident and a death-bed promise she made to her father who sounds like he was quite delusional at the end. And she takes advice from Sir Randolph who hasn’t been the luckiest himself in love and has some big issues with Matson. I had to ask myself what in Sophia life has told her that a titled gentleman was better for her than a regular man. If she wanted to keep ownership and participate in the affairs of the company there was no better man for her than one ready to work for a living. The titled gentlemen she encounters are hardly ready to assume a role in trade and would probably sell off or gamble away her father’s company once it became his through the marriage. Women didn’t have rights to businesses or property once they were married in Victorian England. Sophia’s “intelligence” is betrayed by all of the foolish choices she makes.
So, were there things in the story to like? Yes, I really liked Matson for how good his character is without all the gimmicks. He is the kind of man that normally I would root for in finding his love and getting the girl by whatever means necessary. Initially he tries to keep his distance from Sophia, not only for her relationship to Sir Randolph but also his knowledge that she wants a titled husband. However he falls prey to her mixed signals, letting himself believe that if he just tries hard enough or gives her all of himself that she will give up her pursuit of a titled man and admit her own affection for him. When he feels the slap of her betrayals in both the business world and in matters of his heart I ached for him and in turn got angrier at Sophia. The worst moment was when Matson lays everything on the line, gives up his own vows and pledges himself to only Sophia and she cannot find the strength to think for herself. The scenes that follow for Sophia are supposed to be romantic, with her finally understanding what she wants and making that big gesture for forgiveness. Unfortunately it was way too little for how she treated Matson throughout the book.
Even with my soft spot for Matson, it’s difficult for me to recommend The Rogue Steals a Bride even though I have enjoyed the other books in the Rogue's Dynasty series. Readers who can easily forgive Sophia and will move past her childish behavior to embrace the wounded woman underneath will like the story. For people like me who tend to hold a grudge it will be a tough read from start to finish.
Miss. Sophia Hart is the newest young miss of the Season, making her debut under the watchful eye of her guardian Sir Randolph Gibson and her two spinster aunts Mae and June Shevington. As the only daughter to a successful shipping merchant, Sophia has two goals for herself while in London; to expand her inherited shipping business into a new market and to fulfill her final vow to her dying father to marry a member of the aristocracy. With those objectives in mind, the very last man she should be associating with is Mr. Matson Brentwood; owner of Brentwood Seacoast Shipping, brother of a viscount but with no hope of inheriting the title and most scandalously the bastard son of Sir Randolph.
From their first encounter, Matson is smitten with the fiery Sophia and cannot seem to shake the awareness he has for her. He manufactures ways to run into her at society gatherings and she seemingly welcomes the flirtation. However when Matson learns of Sophia’s association with his sire it immediately puts a wall between them. Matson cannot forgive Sir Randolph for seducing his mother into an affair that produced him and his twin brother Iverson. The pull between Matson’s heart and his head keeps him from completely shutting Sophia out, but when she reveals her plans to marry a titled man it creates a further challenge to their being together.
Sophia and Matson know that they suit well together but they are both fighting an uphill battle against the emotional vows they each hold dear. Matson has difficulty separating Sophia from the man he has sworn to hate and Sophia cannot remove herself from the promises she made to the one person who meant everything to her.
Unfortunately, since a book lives and dies by the characters within The Rogue Steals a Bride suffered because of its awful heroine. I found nothing to like in Sophia’s character. Author Ameila Grey tries every trick in the book just shy of having Sophia kissing babies or cuddling kittens to make the reader warm up to her. She’s got a savvy business sense, she’s beautiful and she kind to old people by encouraging them to find love well after they are put on the shelf by society. It’s all a smokescreen so we will forgive the selfish things she does and how she completely toys with Matson’s affections while she is on her mercenary run to capture a titled man. The truth of the matter is that Sophia is too weak to make a choice between the two masters she tries to serve, love or obligation. If she truly wanted to live the life her father had in mind then she should never have encouraged Matson from their second meeting on. She should have been frank with him and completely closed the door to his pursuit. Instead, Sophia encourages his affection by playing the old heroine/martyr game of “I want to experience real emotions once before I lock myself into a loveless marriage.” Really?!?
I got so terribly angry with Sophia’s lack of a backbone when it came to living her own life. She defers to her spinster aunts, one of which is hiding some deep resentment about men. She clings to misplaced guilt about a childhood incident and a death-bed promise she made to her father who sounds like he was quite delusional at the end. And she takes advice from Sir Randolph who hasn’t been the luckiest himself in love and has some big issues with Matson. I had to ask myself what in Sophia life has told her that a titled gentleman was better for her than a regular man. If she wanted to keep ownership and participate in the affairs of the company there was no better man for her than one ready to work for a living. The titled gentlemen she encounters are hardly ready to assume a role in trade and would probably sell off or gamble away her father’s company once it became his through the marriage. Women didn’t have rights to businesses or property once they were married in Victorian England. Sophia’s “intelligence” is betrayed by all of the foolish choices she makes.
So, were there things in the story to like? Yes, I really liked Matson for how good his character is without all the gimmicks. He is the kind of man that normally I would root for in finding his love and getting the girl by whatever means necessary. Initially he tries to keep his distance from Sophia, not only for her relationship to Sir Randolph but also his knowledge that she wants a titled husband. However he falls prey to her mixed signals, letting himself believe that if he just tries hard enough or gives her all of himself that she will give up her pursuit of a titled man and admit her own affection for him. When he feels the slap of her betrayals in both the business world and in matters of his heart I ached for him and in turn got angrier at Sophia. The worst moment was when Matson lays everything on the line, gives up his own vows and pledges himself to only Sophia and she cannot find the strength to think for herself. The scenes that follow for Sophia are supposed to be romantic, with her finally understanding what she wants and making that big gesture for forgiveness. Unfortunately it was way too little for how she treated Matson throughout the book.
Even with my soft spot for Matson, it’s difficult for me to recommend The Rogue Steals a Bride even though I have enjoyed the other books in the Rogue's Dynasty series. Readers who can easily forgive Sophia and will move past her childish behavior to embrace the wounded woman underneath will like the story. For people like me who tend to hold a grudge it will be a tough read from start to finish.
October 25, 2023
Most of the time I can finish a regency in two days. This one dragged on and on. One day I looked at the page count, figuring I was close to the end but realized that I was only halfway through the book! Bah! So I skipped ahead seven chapters. We’ll see how it goes now.
The most interesting part of the book is Sophie’s attitude to her family business and how it possibly conflicts with Matson’s business, which, by the way, he seems to suck at. I think he’s dumb in general. He falls in INSTANT “like” with Sophie and acts surprised that he likes her every time he thinks of her. “Weddings are so boring. I’m not going to get married. Oh, but what about Miss Hart? I like her smile. But I can’t marry her. Oh well.”
The most interesting part of the book is Sophie’s attitude to her family business and how it possibly conflicts with Matson’s business, which, by the way, he seems to suck at. I think he’s dumb in general. He falls in INSTANT “like” with Sophie and acts surprised that he likes her every time he thinks of her. “Weddings are so boring. I’m not going to get married. Oh, but what about Miss Hart? I like her smile. But I can’t marry her. Oh well.”
August 15, 2018
Matson Brentwood sees the woman of his dreams when he first sees Sophia Hart. He is warned off by her guardian and his biological father, Sir Randolph Gibson. Sophia made a vow to her father that she would marry a titled gentleman and that is what she will do whether she loves him or not. She had no idea she would fall in love with Matson, a wealthy businessman but untitled. It takes wisdom from Gibson and her aunt Mae for Sophia to follow her heart.
This is the ending of the Rogues’ Dynasty series and was a perfect ending to the series. I especially liked the surprise ending for Gibson.
This is the ending of the Rogues’ Dynasty series and was a perfect ending to the series. I especially liked the surprise ending for Gibson.
November 29, 2018
another good book
Sophia made a vow to her father to marry a man with a title.
But she gets attracted to Matson Brentwood.
He is upset when she withdrew a lease for a warehouse on the docks
But try as hard they can not deny what is happening between them. Sophis helps her Aunt June get a beau.
Matson and Sophia find that love for them.
She realizes that she need to decide for herself what her wife will be.
Matson is the man for her.
Sophia made a vow to her father to marry a man with a title.
But she gets attracted to Matson Brentwood.
He is upset when she withdrew a lease for a warehouse on the docks
But try as hard they can not deny what is happening between them. Sophis helps her Aunt June get a beau.
Matson and Sophia find that love for them.
She realizes that she need to decide for herself what her wife will be.
Matson is the man for her.
December 9, 2022
Good read
Book 6 has all the angst, humor, romance, and sex as the first 5 books. The heroine is strong willed, sassy, very wealthy and independent. The hero is handsome, very wealthy, and strong, but not titled. A promise made by the heroine is a promise until the end. But I love happy endings. Highly recommend.
Book 6 has all the angst, humor, romance, and sex as the first 5 books. The heroine is strong willed, sassy, very wealthy and independent. The hero is handsome, very wealthy, and strong, but not titled. A promise made by the heroine is a promise until the end. But I love happy endings. Highly recommend.
March 6, 2020
This book was good! It was a tad aggravating with two of the main characters but this book was still good! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the fact that you just want to jump into the book and help the characters find their way.
August 15, 2023
Epilogue sucked a big toe!
This was a great story up until the end. Why do some authors skimp on a really nice, more than three page ,epilogue? This book had more than 300 pages and only 3 pages dedicated for the HEA! Matson and Sophia deserved better!
This was a great story up until the end. Why do some authors skimp on a really nice, more than three page ,epilogue? This book had more than 300 pages and only 3 pages dedicated for the HEA! Matson and Sophia deserved better!
July 21, 2019
It was a good read. I was Surprised Sophia's aunt June got Married in the end. And that Sir Randolph was getting along with the Brentwood brothers at last.
December 9, 2019
This was okay, but forgettable
March 22, 2020
Good series
What a good series. Filled with passionate strong men and ladies. Humor. Emotional. Well worth the read and preferably in order but not necessary.
What a good series. Filled with passionate strong men and ladies. Humor. Emotional. Well worth the read and preferably in order but not necessary.
April 12, 2021
A fun read. Maybe a little bit of a trumped up drama (I mean really, grow up boys), but worth my time to read.
might-read
May 30, 2024Note to myself: I want to read this for the twin aunts.
July 7, 2024
I really tried but this one didn't move along and I didn't like any of the characters. Seemed forced and unrealistic.
July 26, 2014
(Originally posted on doingsomereading.wordpress.com)
I’m feeling good today! Even though I stayed up all night finishing this book at 4 in the morning and feeling all giddy and happy inside….I fell in love with this book! This was my first read of any Amelia Grey books and it’s the 6th but also the final book to an amazing Dynasty.
Here we have the lovely Miss Sophia Hart, heiress to a shipping company, taking the London season by storm. Every eligible male/gentleman wants her hand in marriage and would do anything to be on good terms with her two twin spinster aunts and guardian Sir Randolph Gibson. Sophia on the other hand is looking for a husband he has to titled, or at least will inherit a title, as she promised her dying father on his death bed she’ll do. While searching for a titled husband, one of aunt has decided she wants a beau for herself and Sophia agreed to help her aunt find her own happiness too during the outings about London. But Sophia has already met the man of her desires and know that they can never be together, because he is not titled and she will do anything to keep her promise to her father in honor his lifelong plan for her as an heiress and marry a titled gentleman.
Matson Brentwood, co-owner of a ship building company in Baltimore, has returned to his homeland and has been in London for the past 6 month. He was all happiness for the lovely red-headed Miss Sophia Hart was diverging the gossip pages away from him and his twin with her arrival in London. Unexpectedly, Miss Hart pulls at his every desires and being a red-head just arouses him even more. But when he finds out she’s the ward of the man whose name is attached to his and his twin and whom he’s sworn to hate, he’s willing to take a step back. She’ll marry a titled gentleman anyways. But when desires become an obsession and a letter becomes the breaking point, will Matson be able to move beyond his hate towards Sophia’s guardian or will he walk away and let her marry for title ?
~~~
I love these characters! Though not so much Sophia at some points in the book but over all I loved them! Sophia is the type of woman who keeps her words and would never break them. Although she’s stubborn and a rebel she makes it up by being kind, smart, determined, and loving. I didn’t like how she was so determined to marry a titled gentleman. It’s understandable why she would be because of her promise to her father and feeling like she had to because of something she’d done towards him as a child. At times I felt like her openness was too forward for a young lady as herself, though we know that she isn’t titled and had free rein growing up in America. And sometimes she does things that were meant to be good which was understandable but just wasn’t good! And then to not worry or think about it again and hope that the other person would understand? Ah, no. But I couldn’t be mad at her forever~ She kind of got what was coming to her and in a funny good way, but so did Matson. :D
I super adore Matson! I love how he knew he held hatred towards Sir Gibson but was willing to put that aside for a bit to be around Sophia. I love how his anger towards Sir Gibson can be felt as real because who wouldn’t in the same position he was thrown into? His personality was very much loved and his control over his feelings are well reined in. He does play the bad/good twin act with his brother so of course his feelings would be in line. He’s smart and knows what he’s doing and always plans and think ahead before acting on instincts, that is until Sophia. But all in all he was the more powerful character, I thought, in the story.
The story was very catchy in the beginning. I love how we first met the characters and got to see their character and personalities before they met. It was fast paced and engaging to fellow although somewhere in the middle of the book I lost interest I found it back towards the end of the book. I like how there weren’t just one big obstacle they had to face but a bunch of small ones that come up do to some of the things they did. I loved the twin aunts and Sir Gibson! I knew there was going to be a story about the sisters and why they were they way they were, or at least one of them. I loved the disagreement between Sir Gibson and the aunts, and man the ending was to die for~! This ending was got me to be all giddy and happy inside; I had to re-read it three times. ;)
This was a Romeo & Juliet romance with loving fun humor, spinster twin aunts (one looking for a beau), an abundance of devastating titled courtiers, and no tragic ending!
I’ll have to start reading the past two books in the series now because I want to see how the Brentwood brothers got their HEA~! And then we’ll see if I’ll go even more backwards into the series. :)
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca.
I’m feeling good today! Even though I stayed up all night finishing this book at 4 in the morning and feeling all giddy and happy inside….I fell in love with this book! This was my first read of any Amelia Grey books and it’s the 6th but also the final book to an amazing Dynasty.
Here we have the lovely Miss Sophia Hart, heiress to a shipping company, taking the London season by storm. Every eligible male/gentleman wants her hand in marriage and would do anything to be on good terms with her two twin spinster aunts and guardian Sir Randolph Gibson. Sophia on the other hand is looking for a husband he has to titled, or at least will inherit a title, as she promised her dying father on his death bed she’ll do. While searching for a titled husband, one of aunt has decided she wants a beau for herself and Sophia agreed to help her aunt find her own happiness too during the outings about London. But Sophia has already met the man of her desires and know that they can never be together, because he is not titled and she will do anything to keep her promise to her father in honor his lifelong plan for her as an heiress and marry a titled gentleman.
Matson Brentwood, co-owner of a ship building company in Baltimore, has returned to his homeland and has been in London for the past 6 month. He was all happiness for the lovely red-headed Miss Sophia Hart was diverging the gossip pages away from him and his twin with her arrival in London. Unexpectedly, Miss Hart pulls at his every desires and being a red-head just arouses him even more. But when he finds out she’s the ward of the man whose name is attached to his and his twin and whom he’s sworn to hate, he’s willing to take a step back. She’ll marry a titled gentleman anyways. But when desires become an obsession and a letter becomes the breaking point, will Matson be able to move beyond his hate towards Sophia’s guardian or will he walk away and let her marry for title ?
~~~
I love these characters! Though not so much Sophia at some points in the book but over all I loved them! Sophia is the type of woman who keeps her words and would never break them. Although she’s stubborn and a rebel she makes it up by being kind, smart, determined, and loving. I didn’t like how she was so determined to marry a titled gentleman. It’s understandable why she would be because of her promise to her father and feeling like she had to because of something she’d done towards him as a child. At times I felt like her openness was too forward for a young lady as herself, though we know that she isn’t titled and had free rein growing up in America. And sometimes she does things that were meant to be good which was understandable but just wasn’t good! And then to not worry or think about it again and hope that the other person would understand? Ah, no. But I couldn’t be mad at her forever~ She kind of got what was coming to her and in a funny good way, but so did Matson. :D
I super adore Matson! I love how he knew he held hatred towards Sir Gibson but was willing to put that aside for a bit to be around Sophia. I love how his anger towards Sir Gibson can be felt as real because who wouldn’t in the same position he was thrown into? His personality was very much loved and his control over his feelings are well reined in. He does play the bad/good twin act with his brother so of course his feelings would be in line. He’s smart and knows what he’s doing and always plans and think ahead before acting on instincts, that is until Sophia. But all in all he was the more powerful character, I thought, in the story.
The story was very catchy in the beginning. I love how we first met the characters and got to see their character and personalities before they met. It was fast paced and engaging to fellow although somewhere in the middle of the book I lost interest I found it back towards the end of the book. I like how there weren’t just one big obstacle they had to face but a bunch of small ones that come up do to some of the things they did. I loved the twin aunts and Sir Gibson! I knew there was going to be a story about the sisters and why they were they way they were, or at least one of them. I loved the disagreement between Sir Gibson and the aunts, and man the ending was to die for~! This ending was got me to be all giddy and happy inside; I had to re-read it three times. ;)
This was a Romeo & Juliet romance with loving fun humor, spinster twin aunts (one looking for a beau), an abundance of devastating titled courtiers, and no tragic ending!
I’ll have to start reading the past two books in the series now because I want to see how the Brentwood brothers got their HEA~! And then we’ll see if I’ll go even more backwards into the series. :)
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca.
August 10, 2013
Deliciously wicked, this is one historical romance you don't want to miss! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
THE ROGUE STEALS A BRIDE by Amelia Grey
At the age of twenty, Sophia Hart, an heiress of Shevington Shipping, had already missed two Seasons due to her father’s illness and subsequent death. So her two aunts and her guardian, Sir Randolph, are anxious for her to find a husband and marry by Fall. Her father had always longed for a title, but had not even been able to purchase one. So, on his deathbed, Sophia, hoping to prolong his life, promised him she would marry a gentleman with a title. She is determined to honor her promise, although wealth and titles do not factor into what she wants in a husband. Since she has a say in the matter, she is looking for a husband who will allow her to have a say in how Shevington Shipping is run. Finding a husband who will fit in with her requirements as well as her father’s may be more difficult than she figured.
The second son of a viscount, Matson Brentwood and his twin, Iverson, have recently returned to London. After making their fortune in America, they are now moving their business, Brentwood’s Sea Coast Ship Building, to their homeland. But, not only is he not a titled gentleman, but the viscount is not even his real father, as he, his brother and all of society have discovered. The tabloids have been filled with rumors of the startling resemblance between the Brentwood twins and Sir Randolph. Matson hates seeing his mother’s name dragged through the mud and wants nothing to do with his real father, Sir Randolph. Unfortunately, the only place that can be leased to house their business belongs to Sir Randolph. The twins had not known the owner’s identity when they leased the place. Now aware of that fact, they are looking for another place to lease.
An accidental meeting, during which Sophia’s prized broach, the only thing she has remaining of her mother’s, is stolen from her by a street urchin, results in Matson’s fascination with her. However, Sophia is whisked away before he can get her name or where she lives. He scours the town for her and cannot believe it when he discovers that she is the ward of Sir Randolph, his birth father. Matson has no plans to marry anytime soon and knows Sophia is looking for a husband. But he cannot deny how he feels when he thinks of her with another man.
Sophia is equally fascinated with Matson, the only man who makes her feel anything. But she is honor bound to follow her father’s wishes and doesn’t need her guardian’s reminders. But her feelings for Matson are strong and she cannot imagine spending her life with anyone else. Would her father have wanted her to forsake love for a title? Will she choose to honor her father’s wishes, or will she choose love?
Delightfully wicked, this sixth and final book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amelia Grey’s ROGUE’S DYNASTY series is a witty, sensual historical romance set in the Regency era. Successfully wrapping up this amazing series, it is a book that fans of the ROGUE’S DYNASTY series will not want to miss. However, if you are new to the series, this book can be read as a standalone, although once read, I am certain that you will soon be seeking the rest of the books. In this story, Sophia also tries to help her aunt Mae find a husband, behind the back of Mae’s twin, June, who seems to be a man-hater and is constantly bickering with Sir Randolph. Eluding her twin aunts, Sophia and Matson find moments to be alone and the chemistry between them takes over. But Sophia has another reason for wanting to fulfill her father’s deathbed wish. She believes she is responsible for costing him the love of his life and so, she is faced with a terrible dilemma. If you enjoy stories containing twins, humor, passion, well drawn characters, delightful repartee, surprising plot twists, romance and true love, THE ROGUE STEALS A BRIDE is the book for you. I have been a fan of Ms. Grey’s books ever since I discovered them and she is now a constant on my list of must read authors. I hate to see this series end, but I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of THE ROGUE STEALS A BRIDE!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
THE ROGUE STEALS A BRIDE by Amelia Grey
At the age of twenty, Sophia Hart, an heiress of Shevington Shipping, had already missed two Seasons due to her father’s illness and subsequent death. So her two aunts and her guardian, Sir Randolph, are anxious for her to find a husband and marry by Fall. Her father had always longed for a title, but had not even been able to purchase one. So, on his deathbed, Sophia, hoping to prolong his life, promised him she would marry a gentleman with a title. She is determined to honor her promise, although wealth and titles do not factor into what she wants in a husband. Since she has a say in the matter, she is looking for a husband who will allow her to have a say in how Shevington Shipping is run. Finding a husband who will fit in with her requirements as well as her father’s may be more difficult than she figured.
The second son of a viscount, Matson Brentwood and his twin, Iverson, have recently returned to London. After making their fortune in America, they are now moving their business, Brentwood’s Sea Coast Ship Building, to their homeland. But, not only is he not a titled gentleman, but the viscount is not even his real father, as he, his brother and all of society have discovered. The tabloids have been filled with rumors of the startling resemblance between the Brentwood twins and Sir Randolph. Matson hates seeing his mother’s name dragged through the mud and wants nothing to do with his real father, Sir Randolph. Unfortunately, the only place that can be leased to house their business belongs to Sir Randolph. The twins had not known the owner’s identity when they leased the place. Now aware of that fact, they are looking for another place to lease.
An accidental meeting, during which Sophia’s prized broach, the only thing she has remaining of her mother’s, is stolen from her by a street urchin, results in Matson’s fascination with her. However, Sophia is whisked away before he can get her name or where she lives. He scours the town for her and cannot believe it when he discovers that she is the ward of Sir Randolph, his birth father. Matson has no plans to marry anytime soon and knows Sophia is looking for a husband. But he cannot deny how he feels when he thinks of her with another man.
Sophia is equally fascinated with Matson, the only man who makes her feel anything. But she is honor bound to follow her father’s wishes and doesn’t need her guardian’s reminders. But her feelings for Matson are strong and she cannot imagine spending her life with anyone else. Would her father have wanted her to forsake love for a title? Will she choose to honor her father’s wishes, or will she choose love?
Delightfully wicked, this sixth and final book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amelia Grey’s ROGUE’S DYNASTY series is a witty, sensual historical romance set in the Regency era. Successfully wrapping up this amazing series, it is a book that fans of the ROGUE’S DYNASTY series will not want to miss. However, if you are new to the series, this book can be read as a standalone, although once read, I am certain that you will soon be seeking the rest of the books. In this story, Sophia also tries to help her aunt Mae find a husband, behind the back of Mae’s twin, June, who seems to be a man-hater and is constantly bickering with Sir Randolph. Eluding her twin aunts, Sophia and Matson find moments to be alone and the chemistry between them takes over. But Sophia has another reason for wanting to fulfill her father’s deathbed wish. She believes she is responsible for costing him the love of his life and so, she is faced with a terrible dilemma. If you enjoy stories containing twins, humor, passion, well drawn characters, delightful repartee, surprising plot twists, romance and true love, THE ROGUE STEALS A BRIDE is the book for you. I have been a fan of Ms. Grey’s books ever since I discovered them and she is now a constant on my list of must read authors. I hate to see this series end, but I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of THE ROGUE STEALS A BRIDE!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
January 17, 2014
The Rogue Steals a Bride is the sixth book in the Rogues' Dynasty series by Amelia Grey. This regency historical romance series is most likely best read in order, but this is the only book I have read from the series and think that it could stand well on its own. Matson Brentwood has finally met the woman of his dreams. He is practically obsessed with the red-haired and feisty Sophia Hart, but he knows she is out of his reach because she is ward of the man he is sworn to hate, and she has her own plans for her future. Newly arrived in London, Miss Sophia Hart is new in London and in search for a husband. Her task is made slightly more difficult by the doting but very protective spinster aunts and the promise she made to her father on his deathbed. When Sophia meets Mr. Matson Brentwood, she knows that for the first time, she in danger of losing her heart. But there’s more than just an adversarial guardian and a long list of beaus standing between Sophia and Matson. Sophia promised her dying father she would honor his lifelong plan for her as an heiress and marry a titled gentleman. Matson is not titled so she must deny her love for him and make up to her father for costing him the love of his life.
I had mixed feeling with The Rogue Steals a Bride. For the most part i really like Sophia, she was smart and very independent with a mind of her own. She is loyal and caring, sometimes to her own detriment. However, I think the premise of the promise to marry into a title is carried to far, because a woman with that much integrity would not walk done the paths that she often chose, at least in my opinion. It irked me after a bit, not enough for me to dislike the character or the book, but enough to distract me. I did love the character of Matson. He is aware of his faults, does everything in his power to be a good, honorable man, and is thoughtful. The additional side characters were also well done, I particularly liked the side story with Sopha's aunts Mae and June as well as Sir Randolph. There was some very witty dialogue and humor that made me very happy. AS I said, my only issue was that the only true obstacles between the Sophia and Matson would have been easily resolved if not for stubbornness.
I enjoyed The Rogue Steals a Bride, but not enough for me to go back and find the other five books in the series. I would recommend the book to fans of the author and to those that enjoy regency romance over other historicals.
I had mixed feeling with The Rogue Steals a Bride. For the most part i really like Sophia, she was smart and very independent with a mind of her own. She is loyal and caring, sometimes to her own detriment. However, I think the premise of the promise to marry into a title is carried to far, because a woman with that much integrity would not walk done the paths that she often chose, at least in my opinion. It irked me after a bit, not enough for me to dislike the character or the book, but enough to distract me. I did love the character of Matson. He is aware of his faults, does everything in his power to be a good, honorable man, and is thoughtful. The additional side characters were also well done, I particularly liked the side story with Sopha's aunts Mae and June as well as Sir Randolph. There was some very witty dialogue and humor that made me very happy. AS I said, my only issue was that the only true obstacles between the Sophia and Matson would have been easily resolved if not for stubbornness.
I enjoyed The Rogue Steals a Bride, but not enough for me to go back and find the other five books in the series. I would recommend the book to fans of the author and to those that enjoy regency romance over other historicals.
August 9, 2014
Reviewed by Rachel
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Sigh…sometimes you just need a good rake.
I loved how Miss Gray brought in a real rogue for this book. Matson isn’t your typical run of the mill rake. He has a past, but to be completely honest, he was such a gentleman, I couldn’t figure out what people had against him. His character was beautifully written. I was fangirling the minute we went into his POV…and maybe that’s why I had a bit of trouble with this book.
It just didn’t seem….realistic? Not that fiction has to be realistic, I mean, I’m not gonna throw stones in a glass house, but, he was so dang likeable and rich and basically everything a high stepping mama would want for their daughter. Regardless of his background, he still had good breeding, so it was strange to me that people somewhat treated him differently. I know the rules of society were strict, but money makes people talk, right?
Sophia’s reasons for not liking Matson were understandable. She liked him, lusted for him, possibly wanted to have his babies, but wasn’t willing to take that leap for him because of a promise she made to her dying father. Yet, she continued to put herself in situations where she knew Matson would be present.
Their love story didn’t seem rushed, but it did seem like all of a sudden the problem was dealt with and they got their HEA. She rejects him, he pursues her, they have a misunderstanding, and boom we have the epilogue. Again, I don’t mind books like this, but it felt like it was building up to something and then when that something happened and I was super excited…the book was finished.
In the end, I guess I feel like I read a nice fluffy book that could have been so much more. Having read Miss Grays’ books before, it’s possible I had my hopes set too high.
If you want a lighthearted, smile inducing romance, then this is the book for you.
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Sigh…sometimes you just need a good rake.
I loved how Miss Gray brought in a real rogue for this book. Matson isn’t your typical run of the mill rake. He has a past, but to be completely honest, he was such a gentleman, I couldn’t figure out what people had against him. His character was beautifully written. I was fangirling the minute we went into his POV…and maybe that’s why I had a bit of trouble with this book.
It just didn’t seem….realistic? Not that fiction has to be realistic, I mean, I’m not gonna throw stones in a glass house, but, he was so dang likeable and rich and basically everything a high stepping mama would want for their daughter. Regardless of his background, he still had good breeding, so it was strange to me that people somewhat treated him differently. I know the rules of society were strict, but money makes people talk, right?
Sophia’s reasons for not liking Matson were understandable. She liked him, lusted for him, possibly wanted to have his babies, but wasn’t willing to take that leap for him because of a promise she made to her dying father. Yet, she continued to put herself in situations where she knew Matson would be present.
Their love story didn’t seem rushed, but it did seem like all of a sudden the problem was dealt with and they got their HEA. She rejects him, he pursues her, they have a misunderstanding, and boom we have the epilogue. Again, I don’t mind books like this, but it felt like it was building up to something and then when that something happened and I was super excited…the book was finished.
In the end, I guess I feel like I read a nice fluffy book that could have been so much more. Having read Miss Grays’ books before, it’s possible I had my hopes set too high.
If you want a lighthearted, smile inducing romance, then this is the book for you.
July 21, 2013
Sophia's promise to her father is the barrier between her character and the reader. Initially, Sophia seems to posses strong convictions and an admirable amount of honour in sticking to the promise she made. However, after awhile she starts to become a little tiresome and stubborn. If the reader had been privy to a few more doubts and waverings on the part of Sophia I think this impression would have been softened somewhat, but for me for a lot of the book she merely comes across as a little immature and unnecessarily indulgent.
Matson is a likeable hero, charming and honourable. It is Matson that lays his feelings bare for the reader and it is his character that truly recommends the book, I found myself rooting for him for the off but also wished that he'd selected someone a little less pious than Sophia.
Secondary characters Mae and June, Sophia's twin, spinster aunts provide quite a bit of amusement and I thoroughly enjoyed their subplot storyline as well as their dragon-like chaperoning of Sophia. The other subplot, involving Matson and Sir Randolph, didn't particularly appeal to me on the same level as Sophia's aunts and seemed to fizzle out without a satisfying resolution.
All in all, I found Sophia's insistence to marry a titled man based on her father's wishes overdone and a tad annoying, Matson was clearly not going to be the kind of man her father objected to and Sophia's refusal to believe that her father would surely rather see her happy than landing a title began to grate on me after a while. Nevertheless, The Rogue Steals a Bride is still an enjoyable read to while away an afternoon and it certainly has piqued my interest in the rest of the Rogues' Dynasty series.
Full review at Rosie Reads Romance
*Free copy received from publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Matson is a likeable hero, charming and honourable. It is Matson that lays his feelings bare for the reader and it is his character that truly recommends the book, I found myself rooting for him for the off but also wished that he'd selected someone a little less pious than Sophia.
Secondary characters Mae and June, Sophia's twin, spinster aunts provide quite a bit of amusement and I thoroughly enjoyed their subplot storyline as well as their dragon-like chaperoning of Sophia. The other subplot, involving Matson and Sir Randolph, didn't particularly appeal to me on the same level as Sophia's aunts and seemed to fizzle out without a satisfying resolution.
All in all, I found Sophia's insistence to marry a titled man based on her father's wishes overdone and a tad annoying, Matson was clearly not going to be the kind of man her father objected to and Sophia's refusal to believe that her father would surely rather see her happy than landing a title began to grate on me after a while. Nevertheless, The Rogue Steals a Bride is still an enjoyable read to while away an afternoon and it certainly has piqued my interest in the rest of the Rogues' Dynasty series.
Full review at Rosie Reads Romance
*Free copy received from publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2017
Ok maybe 3.5 stars
I like to read historical romances once in a while because the absurdity of the traditions and norms of the "ton" makes it quite interesting.
I find all the mechanics and antics of the "mating" parties of the season hilarious and entertaining at the same time. And this book was no exception.
I found Sophia quite a scandalous character for her time. I mean, what she did on that boat.. Oh no girl... Really? Your first time? Not even in my time that would've been acceptable!
But she had a great energy and a good smart head on her shoulders... Even when she got on my nerves with her damned "vow"...
And Matson, Oh Matson... Obviously he was hot and rich (that's kind of a given in romantic novels) but he was also a romantic. He was totally biased by Sophia and that made him a sweety.
I have to confess that I read this book (which was a loaner) without reading the first books in the series... But it was ok as a standalone and now I would like to read the previous books to learn more about all the other characters.
I like to read historical romances once in a while because the absurdity of the traditions and norms of the "ton" makes it quite interesting.
I find all the mechanics and antics of the "mating" parties of the season hilarious and entertaining at the same time. And this book was no exception.
I found Sophia quite a scandalous character for her time. I mean, what she did on that boat.. Oh no girl... Really? Your first time? Not even in my time that would've been acceptable!
But she had a great energy and a good smart head on her shoulders... Even when she got on my nerves with her damned "vow"...
And Matson, Oh Matson... Obviously he was hot and rich (that's kind of a given in romantic novels) but he was also a romantic. He was totally biased by Sophia and that made him a sweety.
I have to confess that I read this book (which was a loaner) without reading the first books in the series... But it was ok as a standalone and now I would like to read the previous books to learn more about all the other characters.
July 2, 2013
I didn't think it would take me this long to put a review up for this book. I won an ARC of this book from goodreads giveaway. I remember reading the first three book in the series but then I forgot to go read the other books.
I thought this book would not take me this long to finish because the synopsis caught my attention and seemed like something I really would love to read. I do enjoy this book but not as I would hope because of the heroine, Miss Sophia Hart's aunts. Her aunts, especially June, just makes me irritated and angry. I thought that as her aunt, they should support her in who she would want to marry and allow her a little freedom but it's like they control what she does and where she goes. I'm very happy that her other aunt, Mae, isn't as controlling as her sister.
The relationship between Matson and Sophia was a blooming one I think. They were both attracted to each other when they first meet and they just can't seem to stop thinking about each other. Sophia promise her father that she would marry someone with a title and Matson didn't want to get himself involved with Sir Randolph's ward because he has a hatred towards him. I did get annoyed in the middle and towards the end when Sophia would not follow her heart. She wanted to make her father proud and I'm happy for that but when the man that loves you confess that he wants to marry you and you turn him down for a promise you mad when you were 17, it just is maddening.
I thought this book would not take me this long to finish because the synopsis caught my attention and seemed like something I really would love to read. I do enjoy this book but not as I would hope because of the heroine, Miss Sophia Hart's aunts. Her aunts, especially June, just makes me irritated and angry. I thought that as her aunt, they should support her in who she would want to marry and allow her a little freedom but it's like they control what she does and where she goes. I'm very happy that her other aunt, Mae, isn't as controlling as her sister.
The relationship between Matson and Sophia was a blooming one I think. They were both attracted to each other when they first meet and they just can't seem to stop thinking about each other. Sophia promise her father that she would marry someone with a title and Matson didn't want to get himself involved with Sir Randolph's ward because he has a hatred towards him. I did get annoyed in the middle and towards the end when Sophia would not follow her heart. She wanted to make her father proud and I'm happy for that but when the man that loves you confess that he wants to marry you and you turn him down for a promise you mad when you were 17, it just is maddening.
June 30, 2013
The Rogue Steals a Bride was a tough book for me to review as I had a tough time finishing it. There was nothing offensive about the story and the writing itself was pretty good. No, my problems stemmed from the behavior of one of the main characters and how contrived the conflict was. The back cover blurb gives a hint of what problem is keeping the hero and heroine apart and I thought I had it in me to deal with a young woman trying to marry up while falling in love with a mere Mister. However what is really keeping them apart is less a class issue but is more a woman’s misguided attempt to stay a Daddy’s girl well after her father is dead.
Miss. Sophia Hart is the newest young miss of the Season, making her debut under the watchful eye of her guardian Sir Randolph Gibson and her two spinster aunts Mae and June Shevington. As the only daughter to a successful shipping merchant, Sophia has two goals for herself while in London; to expand her inherited shipping business into a new market and to fulfill her final vow to her dying father to marry a member of the aristocracy. With those objectives in mind, the very last man she should be associating with is Mr. Matson Brentwood; owner of Brentwood Seacoast Shipping, brother of a viscount but with no hope of inheriting the title and most scandalously the bastard son of Sir Randolph.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
July 10, 2013
I received this from a friend who won it off GoodReads First Look
This was a fun, silly read. It was a quick read, so a good one for the beach.
Sophia is new to England, she's come from America to honor a deathbed promise to her father- to wed a title. There's just one problem. The only man she's attracted to is her guardian's bastard son Matson Brentwood. And Matson doesn't have a title.
While I enjoyed reading this I wasn't too keen on several elements that I felt distracted from the story. The twin bit- how her "Aunties" were twins and then the man she falls in love with is a twin. OK, Got it. You don't have to keep telling us. It was repeated too much IMO. Then her obsession with marrying a title, doesn't matter who. Superficial in the extreme, so I found I couldn't LIKE Sophia too much. It didn't matter if the gentleman was nice, fat, a jerk, beat his dogs, or ate raw squid. As long as he had a title. If she had been more focused on character in addition to the title I could have found her more likeable.
This was a fun, silly read. It was a quick read, so a good one for the beach.
Sophia is new to England, she's come from America to honor a deathbed promise to her father- to wed a title. There's just one problem. The only man she's attracted to is her guardian's bastard son Matson Brentwood. And Matson doesn't have a title.
While I enjoyed reading this I wasn't too keen on several elements that I felt distracted from the story. The twin bit- how her "Aunties" were twins and then the man she falls in love with is a twin. OK, Got it. You don't have to keep telling us. It was repeated too much IMO. Then her obsession with marrying a title, doesn't matter who. Superficial in the extreme, so I found I couldn't LIKE Sophia too much. It didn't matter if the gentleman was nice, fat, a jerk, beat his dogs, or ate raw squid. As long as he had a title. If she had been more focused on character in addition to the title I could have found her more likeable.
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