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The Perfect Rose
Being the perfect rose of the season isn’t all it’s cut out to be.
Lady Rose Gardner strives to live up to her name—the perfect flower—flawless, beautiful, accomplished, and confident, but her efforts always seem to come up short. When she finds she is unable to fulfill her parents’ expectations of a brilliant match to a titled gentleman, the Earl and Countess Gardner give her an ultimatum she cannot secure the marriage she was raised for right away, or be promised to an unscrupulous fortune hunter of noble birth.
Frederick Hastings typically has a knack for making people happy. But Lady Rose Gardner and her dragon of a mother are the exception. As much fun as it is to needle the haughty Lady Rose, Frederick discovers that he needs her help to save his house party from utter failure. What she asks in return challenges some of his most deeply held beliefs.
Roses, it turns out, are not perfect. But Frederick learns that they are real, fragile, and entirely worth sacrificing for. With Lady Rose’s time to choose a husband coming to a swift end, can the two of them find a way to fight for the happiness they both desire?
Lady Rose Gardner strives to live up to her name—the perfect flower—flawless, beautiful, accomplished, and confident, but her efforts always seem to come up short. When she finds she is unable to fulfill her parents’ expectations of a brilliant match to a titled gentleman, the Earl and Countess Gardner give her an ultimatum she cannot secure the marriage she was raised for right away, or be promised to an unscrupulous fortune hunter of noble birth.
Frederick Hastings typically has a knack for making people happy. But Lady Rose Gardner and her dragon of a mother are the exception. As much fun as it is to needle the haughty Lady Rose, Frederick discovers that he needs her help to save his house party from utter failure. What she asks in return challenges some of his most deeply held beliefs.
Roses, it turns out, are not perfect. But Frederick learns that they are real, fragile, and entirely worth sacrificing for. With Lady Rose’s time to choose a husband coming to a swift end, can the two of them find a way to fight for the happiness they both desire?
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2023
12 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 3, 2023
I loved every single page of this story. Not only was the book itself beautiful in appearance, both cover and pages, the actual story was as well. If I didn’t already know that this was a debut book, I would never have guessed. It’s so well crafted and the characters are ones you just have to cheer for. I loved getting to know Rose, Frederick, Miriam, Samuel and the rest; even the “villains” of the story were excellent in their roles. Regency romance is already a favorite of mine but Brooke paired it with “enemies to lovers”, a bit of slow burn and reverse grumpy sunshine to make everything even better. I can’t tell you how very much I enjoyed this story but I can tell you that you need to get it in your life ASAP. It is a must add to your TBR list this fall.
I received a complimentary copy of this story from the author. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this story from the author. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
October 27, 2025
“It wasn’t Rose’s exterior beauty that captivated him. It was her strength and resilience, her diligence and patience, her vulnerability and kindness. In short, her beauty reached into every part of her…”
The Perfect Rose by Brooke Hampton
4.5 stars rounded up!
After reading book 2 in this series, I knew I needed to read book 1 at some point this year because I really adored book 2 and Bluebell's story. I actually won book 1 last year, and finally had the chance to listen to the audiobook.
I adored this story so much! I loved the characters, Brooke's writing style, the beautiful messages of what real love is, and how we should love ourselves for who we are, not what others expect of us.
Two words, ya'll! Mr. Hastings!
Frederick Hastings was such a great MMC--flirty, honorable, kind, teasing, loyal, loving, and sees the best virtues in Lady Rose. I loved that he helped her grow in how she saw herself.
Lady Rose is beautiful, graceful, resilient, patient, and so many other things. Her inner struggle to find herself despite her mother's toxic attitude toward her was beautiful to watch unfold. I loved watching her relationship with Frederick grow and her friendship with Miriam develop.
I also loved the side character of Lady Dowager and the things she says to help Lady Rose grow and develop her character.
Overall, this is a delightful story and one I definitely recommend to any Regency lover.
I also thought the narrator did an amazing job!
Favorite Parts:
Frederick
Meet cute
Archery match
Rose crown
Flirty MMC
Scheming side characters
Their race
Question game
Frederick and Miriam’s relationship
Miriam and Rose’s friendship
Dowager’s advice
Proposal
The ball
Epilogue
Quote:
“I do think I see a fish I’d like to kiss.”
Content Guide:
Language: none
Sexual Content: Closed-door: passionate kissing (not described in detail)
Violence/gore: none
Substance Use: Mild-male characters drink port after dinner
Prejudices: Mild classism
Religious Content: none
Other: Toxic overbearing mother, toxic perfectionism
Book Info:
Series: Gardner Family book 1
Genre: Historical Romance; Regency
Romance Level: kisses only
Release Date: Available now
Publisher: Indie
Narrator: Emmy Coates
POV: Dual First Person
Debut
The Perfect Rose by Brooke Hampton
4.5 stars rounded up!
After reading book 2 in this series, I knew I needed to read book 1 at some point this year because I really adored book 2 and Bluebell's story. I actually won book 1 last year, and finally had the chance to listen to the audiobook.
I adored this story so much! I loved the characters, Brooke's writing style, the beautiful messages of what real love is, and how we should love ourselves for who we are, not what others expect of us.
Two words, ya'll! Mr. Hastings!
Frederick Hastings was such a great MMC--flirty, honorable, kind, teasing, loyal, loving, and sees the best virtues in Lady Rose. I loved that he helped her grow in how she saw herself.
Lady Rose is beautiful, graceful, resilient, patient, and so many other things. Her inner struggle to find herself despite her mother's toxic attitude toward her was beautiful to watch unfold. I loved watching her relationship with Frederick grow and her friendship with Miriam develop.
I also loved the side character of Lady Dowager and the things she says to help Lady Rose grow and develop her character.
Overall, this is a delightful story and one I definitely recommend to any Regency lover.
I also thought the narrator did an amazing job!
Favorite Parts:
Frederick
Meet cute
Archery match
Rose crown
Flirty MMC
Scheming side characters
Their race
Question game
Frederick and Miriam’s relationship
Miriam and Rose’s friendship
Dowager’s advice
Proposal
The ball
Epilogue
Quote:
“I do think I see a fish I’d like to kiss.”
Content Guide:
Language: none
Sexual Content: Closed-door: passionate kissing (not described in detail)
Violence/gore: none
Substance Use: Mild-male characters drink port after dinner
Prejudices: Mild classism
Religious Content: none
Other: Toxic overbearing mother, toxic perfectionism
Book Info:
Series: Gardner Family book 1
Genre: Historical Romance; Regency
Romance Level: kisses only
Release Date: Available now
Publisher: Indie
Narrator: Emmy Coates
POV: Dual First Person
Debut
October 30, 2023
Rating: 3/5
Read it for the:
-Opposites attract trope
-Misunderstood heroine
-House party setting
-Complicated family relationships
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: Clean
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
A sweet read, A Perfect Rose is a welcome new edition to the clean romance genre. The cover is gorgeous!
I loved the characters in this book, from the kind but misunderstood main character Rose, to the cold, and often times villainous Countess Gardner, I was invested in the lives of each and every one of them. I enjoyed the romance between Rose and Frederick. Both had vastly different personalities and life experiences, but they worked well together, despite the challenges they faced in order to be together. The house party setting gave them the place and time they needed to truly get to know one another - despite the added pressure on Rose from her overbearing mother to get married to a titled gentleman before the house parties ended. I also really enjoyed the symbolism between roses and gardening that played throughout the story. It was a great theme that added to the character's depth.
While I loved the characters and enjoyed the plot, I had moments where my mind would stray from the story, and had trouble staying invested. I was pulled back in by the last couple of chapters and epilogue, though! I believe this doesn’t reflect on the author's writing or story itself, but rather just my personal experience as a reader.
The characters of this book were complex and enjoyable, so much so that I am really looking forward to reading more by this author!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Read it for the:
-Opposites attract trope
-Misunderstood heroine
-House party setting
-Complicated family relationships
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: Clean
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
A sweet read, A Perfect Rose is a welcome new edition to the clean romance genre. The cover is gorgeous!
I loved the characters in this book, from the kind but misunderstood main character Rose, to the cold, and often times villainous Countess Gardner, I was invested in the lives of each and every one of them. I enjoyed the romance between Rose and Frederick. Both had vastly different personalities and life experiences, but they worked well together, despite the challenges they faced in order to be together. The house party setting gave them the place and time they needed to truly get to know one another - despite the added pressure on Rose from her overbearing mother to get married to a titled gentleman before the house parties ended. I also really enjoyed the symbolism between roses and gardening that played throughout the story. It was a great theme that added to the character's depth.
While I loved the characters and enjoyed the plot, I had moments where my mind would stray from the story, and had trouble staying invested. I was pulled back in by the last couple of chapters and epilogue, though! I believe this doesn’t reflect on the author's writing or story itself, but rather just my personal experience as a reader.
The characters of this book were complex and enjoyable, so much so that I am really looking forward to reading more by this author!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
February 14, 2025
Content to be aware of: no language, only kissing (not too descriptive), a couple mentions of God (praying, a Bible mentioned).
Some tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, a little dash of fake dating.
A bit of a synopsis:
Rose is approaching the end of her first season without any proposal looming (which is unacceptable to her mother). She is practically perfect in every way and has undergone countless hours in managing her emotions to keep them from showing. Frederick is easy-going and loves to make people smile and laugh. His heart was broken in the past, so he is careful now (especially around beautiful, perfect women).
When Frederick’s sister plans a scheme involving an intimate group at a two-week long house party, could it be what Rose needs to finally secure a match?
My thoughts:
This book was a delight to read. It is quick paced, thoughtful, and develops the main characters (without slowing down the pace). I love the side characters (the dowager Duchess might be my favorite). For my personal preference, I like a little more in a kissing scene, which is the only reason really this is 4.5 and not 5 stars. But the buildup to them was still fantastic.
But oh my goodness, Rose’s mother. 😳😡 That woman is awful!! I am excited to read more in this series as we get the love stories for her younger siblings (book 2, Bluebell’s Fate just barely came out!), but am dreading having to read more of the Countess 😅.
Some tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, a little dash of fake dating.
A bit of a synopsis:
Rose is approaching the end of her first season without any proposal looming (which is unacceptable to her mother). She is practically perfect in every way and has undergone countless hours in managing her emotions to keep them from showing. Frederick is easy-going and loves to make people smile and laugh. His heart was broken in the past, so he is careful now (especially around beautiful, perfect women).
When Frederick’s sister plans a scheme involving an intimate group at a two-week long house party, could it be what Rose needs to finally secure a match?
My thoughts:
This book was a delight to read. It is quick paced, thoughtful, and develops the main characters (without slowing down the pace). I love the side characters (the dowager Duchess might be my favorite). For my personal preference, I like a little more in a kissing scene, which is the only reason really this is 4.5 and not 5 stars. But the buildup to them was still fantastic.
But oh my goodness, Rose’s mother. 😳😡 That woman is awful!! I am excited to read more in this series as we get the love stories for her younger siblings (book 2, Bluebell’s Fate just barely came out!), but am dreading having to read more of the Countess 😅.
March 5, 2025
A well written, clean, and engaging regency romance! The characters are interesting and alive with unique personalities. Good plot with witty dialogue and fun interactions.
January 29, 2024
“We are here in this world to feel and to feel for others.”
Dear Lady Rose Gardner strives to live up to her name—the perfect complete flower—flawless, beautiful, accomplished, and confident, but somehow her efforts always seem to come up short…
When Rose finds that she is unable to fulfill her parents’ expectations of a brilliant match to a titled gentleman in her first season, the Earl and Countess Gardner give her an ultimatum she cannot ignore: secure the marriage she was raised for right away, or be promised to a rather dreadful old fortune hunter of noble birth. It’s rather daunting!
Loyal Frederick Hastings typically has a knack for making people happy. But Lady Rose Gardner and her dragon of a mother are quite the exception. As much fun as it is to tease the haughty Lady Rose, Frederick soon comes to discover that he needs her help to save his house party from utter failure on behalf of his sweet sister, Miriam. But what Rose asks in return will challenge some of Fredrick’s most deeply held beliefs.
Roses, it turns out, are not perfect. Frederick comes to learn that they are real, fragile, and entirely worth sacrificing for. It seems that it isn’t Lady Rose’s exterior beauty that slowly captivates Fredrick. Rather, “It’s her strength and resilience, her diligence and patience, her vulnerability and kindness. In short, her beauty reached into every part of her.”
But, both Lady Rose and Fredrick will have to find a way to fight for the happiness they both deserve with time quickly ticking away and with so much at stake when it comes to matters of the heart…
“Have faith in your best dream.”
@authorbrookehampton this is such a charming beautiful story with endearing characters. There is much to this story! Definitely a book worth the read!
“Love is sacrifice. It is putting someone else’s needs before your own. And when a couple is truly in love, that sacrifice works both ways. You will sacrifice for him and he for you. Serving each other only strengthens that love.”
Dear Lady Rose Gardner strives to live up to her name—the perfect complete flower—flawless, beautiful, accomplished, and confident, but somehow her efforts always seem to come up short…
When Rose finds that she is unable to fulfill her parents’ expectations of a brilliant match to a titled gentleman in her first season, the Earl and Countess Gardner give her an ultimatum she cannot ignore: secure the marriage she was raised for right away, or be promised to a rather dreadful old fortune hunter of noble birth. It’s rather daunting!
Loyal Frederick Hastings typically has a knack for making people happy. But Lady Rose Gardner and her dragon of a mother are quite the exception. As much fun as it is to tease the haughty Lady Rose, Frederick soon comes to discover that he needs her help to save his house party from utter failure on behalf of his sweet sister, Miriam. But what Rose asks in return will challenge some of Fredrick’s most deeply held beliefs.
Roses, it turns out, are not perfect. Frederick comes to learn that they are real, fragile, and entirely worth sacrificing for. It seems that it isn’t Lady Rose’s exterior beauty that slowly captivates Fredrick. Rather, “It’s her strength and resilience, her diligence and patience, her vulnerability and kindness. In short, her beauty reached into every part of her.”
But, both Lady Rose and Fredrick will have to find a way to fight for the happiness they both deserve with time quickly ticking away and with so much at stake when it comes to matters of the heart…
“Have faith in your best dream.”
@authorbrookehampton this is such a charming beautiful story with endearing characters. There is much to this story! Definitely a book worth the read!
“Love is sacrifice. It is putting someone else’s needs before your own. And when a couple is truly in love, that sacrifice works both ways. You will sacrifice for him and he for you. Serving each other only strengthens that love.”
March 4, 2024
For being a debut novel, this regency romance novel held up with some of my favorites from Sarah M. Eden and Carla Kelly! The main characters were relatable and likable with good development and growth. The way the book is written, switching between both Rose’s and Fredrick’s narratives keeps the story moving. The realist in me also loved this little part in the book where Lady Gilfordshire shares what love really is,
“Love is sacrifice. It is putting someone else’s needs before your own. And when a couple is truly in love, that sacrifice works both ways. You will sacrifice for him and he for you. Serving each other only strengthens that love. Quite honestly, you hardly know Frederick. The fact that a person can say they love someone from a couple weeks of interaction is enough to put a person in the asylum. But the Good Lord steps in sometimes. He shows us a piece of what life could be. Then we step through that window with faith. We change and are changed so that our happiness is so tied up in the person you love that you can hardly tell where his happiness ends and your own begins.”
Beautifully written! Well done Brooke!
“Love is sacrifice. It is putting someone else’s needs before your own. And when a couple is truly in love, that sacrifice works both ways. You will sacrifice for him and he for you. Serving each other only strengthens that love. Quite honestly, you hardly know Frederick. The fact that a person can say they love someone from a couple weeks of interaction is enough to put a person in the asylum. But the Good Lord steps in sometimes. He shows us a piece of what life could be. Then we step through that window with faith. We change and are changed so that our happiness is so tied up in the person you love that you can hardly tell where his happiness ends and your own begins.”
Beautifully written! Well done Brooke!
June 21, 2025
3 stars because it was a really cute romance between the leads, could feel the sparks throughout the book from the start. However, the last few chapters dragged on unnecessarily with every supporting character getting involved and just took away from the slow burn of the leads. All the character development seemed to disappear and there were multiple plot lines that were introduced towards the end that made the last chapters very messy and unsatisfactory.
September 21, 2023
I liked the concept and the characters and it had a lot of potential, but getting to the HEA seemed like the plot went in lots of short convoluted circles that didn’t really go anywhere. By the time the HEA happened, I was kind of over it. Some streamlining might have helped.
While a bit rough, I look forward to what this author does next.
While a bit rough, I look forward to what this author does next.
December 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this audiobook! The performance was exceptional, and the writing was outstanding. It had all the elements I was looking for: houseparty scenes, dual POV, and impressive character development. I couldn’t resist grabbing a paperback version to cherish, as the cover is so beautiful! This author has become a must-read for me!
September 8, 2023
The Perfect Rose- First of all let me say that Brooke Hampton’s debut novel is awesome! I am so looking forward to more books written by her! This book is splendidly written and from the beginning had me hooked. I found myself having such a hard time putting it down. I just had to know what was going to happen next! It made me smile repeatedly while I was reading. There were moments that made me laugh and others that melted my heart. And dare I say swoon?!
Lovely Rose is a girl who is just misunderstood and her mother is pushing her into finding a marriage mate among those whom she finds suitable and proper. Frederick is a man with a wounded heart that puts him on guard. He is so intent on not being interested in Rose, thinking he knows what kind of person she is. There are matches being made, misunderstandings, almost missed moments, fun games and secret plans. I found myself anxiously waiting for them to realize that they loved each other, wondering and hoping they will figure it out and not miss the chance. Oh the suspense!
I also love all the little references to flowers and gardening throughout the book. All of the parallels of Rose to the flower she was named for are so clever! I loved that it was told from the perspective of both Rose and Frederick, so we really got to see what both of them were thinking throughout the story. Also I love the title! Not only are there the parallels with the character of Rose and actual roses from beginning to end but also the finding out that being perfect doesn’t always mean actual perfection. That there’s more than just physical beauty. It’s the inner qualities that make you truly beautiful. And that roses are perfect even with their thorns!
This book was wonderfully enjoyable and I can’t wait to read more from this author! For those that like reading regency romance, Jane Austen, and sweet, happy and clean love stories I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of book from the author in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Brook Hampton for the opportunity to read your debut novel!
Lovely Rose is a girl who is just misunderstood and her mother is pushing her into finding a marriage mate among those whom she finds suitable and proper. Frederick is a man with a wounded heart that puts him on guard. He is so intent on not being interested in Rose, thinking he knows what kind of person she is. There are matches being made, misunderstandings, almost missed moments, fun games and secret plans. I found myself anxiously waiting for them to realize that they loved each other, wondering and hoping they will figure it out and not miss the chance. Oh the suspense!
I also love all the little references to flowers and gardening throughout the book. All of the parallels of Rose to the flower she was named for are so clever! I loved that it was told from the perspective of both Rose and Frederick, so we really got to see what both of them were thinking throughout the story. Also I love the title! Not only are there the parallels with the character of Rose and actual roses from beginning to end but also the finding out that being perfect doesn’t always mean actual perfection. That there’s more than just physical beauty. It’s the inner qualities that make you truly beautiful. And that roses are perfect even with their thorns!
This book was wonderfully enjoyable and I can’t wait to read more from this author! For those that like reading regency romance, Jane Austen, and sweet, happy and clean love stories I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of book from the author in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Brook Hampton for the opportunity to read your debut novel!
August 10, 2025
TAGS: Dual POV, clean, house party, husband hunting, reverse grumpy sunshine, scheming, harsh upbringing
Rose is a diamond of the first water, but the only people who court her are dowery hunters and rakes. Because of a hard upbringing and inhuman training to become the perfect lady, she project the image of a cold snob and it scare the real gentlemen away. With a dowery of 10k, only the fortune hunters tries to stay close to her. Her mother keep telling her how much of a failure she is and give her the ultimatum of finding a husband or get engage to one of the worst scoundrel who asked for her.
In this distressing situation, Rose receive an invitation for a 2 weeks house party in the country side. Her mother accept the invitation because a duke will be in attendance. The truth is, the invitation was sent to Rose by the sister of the host. Lady Hastings had enough of lady Rose taking all the gentlemen attention. She wants her to get engage so the men folks would get back to look at other ladies and increase her change of finding a husband.
Frederik Hasting greatest pleasure is finding ways to make people smile and laugh. he love his sister above all, so he end up hosting a house party that will include the snob lady Rose. He doesn't like the idea of having this perfect lady in his house, because the last time he saw a lady as beautiful as her, that lady broke his heart and he never got over it. Since then, he avoided ladies who are beauties and Lady Rose is indeed the most beautiful lady he ever set his eyes upon. Still, for his sister he would host the party, he just have to avoid the girl.
From there a lot happen and many characters comes and give the story more dept and more charms. I liked this book a lot. All the characters were well defined and had enough of contradictions in them to make them 3D.
It's a sweet story with a flawed characters and lesson about growing out of their past misery. It was one of the best historical romance I read since a long time. I recommend it to every lover of this genre.
Happy reading!
Rose is a diamond of the first water, but the only people who court her are dowery hunters and rakes. Because of a hard upbringing and inhuman training to become the perfect lady, she project the image of a cold snob and it scare the real gentlemen away. With a dowery of 10k, only the fortune hunters tries to stay close to her. Her mother keep telling her how much of a failure she is and give her the ultimatum of finding a husband or get engage to one of the worst scoundrel who asked for her.
In this distressing situation, Rose receive an invitation for a 2 weeks house party in the country side. Her mother accept the invitation because a duke will be in attendance. The truth is, the invitation was sent to Rose by the sister of the host. Lady Hastings had enough of lady Rose taking all the gentlemen attention. She wants her to get engage so the men folks would get back to look at other ladies and increase her change of finding a husband.
Frederik Hasting greatest pleasure is finding ways to make people smile and laugh. he love his sister above all, so he end up hosting a house party that will include the snob lady Rose. He doesn't like the idea of having this perfect lady in his house, because the last time he saw a lady as beautiful as her, that lady broke his heart and he never got over it. Since then, he avoided ladies who are beauties and Lady Rose is indeed the most beautiful lady he ever set his eyes upon. Still, for his sister he would host the party, he just have to avoid the girl.
From there a lot happen and many characters comes and give the story more dept and more charms. I liked this book a lot. All the characters were well defined and had enough of contradictions in them to make them 3D.
It's a sweet story with a flawed characters and lesson about growing out of their past misery. It was one of the best historical romance I read since a long time. I recommend it to every lover of this genre.
Happy reading!
October 25, 2023
I’ve been in a Regency mood lately and was excited to have the opportunity to read this cute debut novel. This story was entertaining and impressive for a debut and I am glad I was able to read it.
Lady Rose is the daughter of an Earl and her overbearing mother has insanely exacting standards of perfection for Rose. When she is invited to a house party, her mother gives her an ultimatum that she must be engaged by the end of the party or marry a terrible man chosen by her parents.
Frederick has been burned by love before and isn’t all that happy Lady Rose is attending his sister’s house party, but as he gets to know Rose more and more, he discovers it may be worth dropping his walls to love her.
I really liked the dual POV in this book and the way the author used flowers as a metaphor for Rose’s life and character growth. Both her and Frederick had to see beyond their past to open their hearts to each other as well as overcome Lady Rose’s awful mother and her ideals. I enjoyed the humor Frederick's character always infused into the situations and conversations and the way he worked to make everyone smile, but also worked to obtain his own happiness.
This is a clean Regency romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Rose is the daughter of an Earl and her overbearing mother has insanely exacting standards of perfection for Rose. When she is invited to a house party, her mother gives her an ultimatum that she must be engaged by the end of the party or marry a terrible man chosen by her parents.
Frederick has been burned by love before and isn’t all that happy Lady Rose is attending his sister’s house party, but as he gets to know Rose more and more, he discovers it may be worth dropping his walls to love her.
I really liked the dual POV in this book and the way the author used flowers as a metaphor for Rose’s life and character growth. Both her and Frederick had to see beyond their past to open their hearts to each other as well as overcome Lady Rose’s awful mother and her ideals. I enjoyed the humor Frederick's character always infused into the situations and conversations and the way he worked to make everyone smile, but also worked to obtain his own happiness.
This is a clean Regency romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 23, 2025
Ahh. I was able to jump back to book one after already reading the second book and oh how I love these sisters, and Brooke’s writing. You get to grow and learn and become brave with these sisters and it’s such a beautiful thing.
Lady Rose Gardner has been pruned her whole life to be perfect and nothing but perfect. Thus she finds little enjoyment in her accomplishments other than her own creations through needlepoint. Forced with a definite timeline to wed, Rose finds little hope during a house party, but what she does find buoys her strength and wit to change her life.
Fredrick Hastings, swindled by his sister to attend a house party at their own home he isn’t happy to learn Lady Rose and her Dragon of a mother will be there. But since his chance encounter alone with Rose he begins to see her vulnerable side and they slowly sift through the layers and find they are not so different.
You will love:
🌹The House Party
🌹Archery
🌹The Rose Crown
🌹Bee Sting
🌹Music
🌹Needlepoint
🌹Clara and Owen
🌹Pride and Prejudice
🌹Secrets
🌹Proposals
Finding no one is perfect and the beauty with imperfection. Such a beautiful story with an even more beautiful ending. I couldn’t have enjoyed this story more.
January 4, 2025
I picked this up expecting an easy, relaxing read, but this book packed an amazingly romantic page-turning punch that has made it one of my favorite regency reads of the year!
My favorite part of the book was Frederick. He was so real and so tangible. He felt like a reincarnation of all the important men in my life: fun-loving, teasing, incapable of making a plan that actually works as originally intended, and effortlessly endearing. I loved watching him make Rose mad with his antics.
I also loved Rose’s journey of self-discovery throughout the book. She matures so much and comes to several important realizations about her life. The book has a great message weaved through which went perfectly with the title, The Perfect Rose.
The mother was also such a nasty villain. Even though this book wasn’t suspenseful in a traditional sense, the mother was just so evil it kept me turning pages to see what she was going to do or say next. I’m interested to see if the author will write more books with Rose’s other siblings or with new characters entirely. Overall, if you like clean regency romance, you’ll love this one!
My favorite part of the book was Frederick. He was so real and so tangible. He felt like a reincarnation of all the important men in my life: fun-loving, teasing, incapable of making a plan that actually works as originally intended, and effortlessly endearing. I loved watching him make Rose mad with his antics.
I also loved Rose’s journey of self-discovery throughout the book. She matures so much and comes to several important realizations about her life. The book has a great message weaved through which went perfectly with the title, The Perfect Rose.
The mother was also such a nasty villain. Even though this book wasn’t suspenseful in a traditional sense, the mother was just so evil it kept me turning pages to see what she was going to do or say next. I’m interested to see if the author will write more books with Rose’s other siblings or with new characters entirely. Overall, if you like clean regency romance, you’ll love this one!
October 28, 2023
This is such a wonderful love story!
🌹
Rose has been taught that she must be like the flower who shares her name, showing perfection in all she does and pruning away her weakness and vulnerability.
🌹
Frederick can smell a fake a mile away and Rose seems to be as fake as they come. But, at a house party, he and his sister takes the time to get to know her better and find themselves surprised to find there is much more to her than they realized.
🌹
But Rose is on a deadline and Frederick has sworn to never open his heart to anyone again. Could they find a way to trust each other and find love and a safe place for each other?
🌹
I loved this story! My heart broke for Rose and I enjoyed watching her begin to see herself for the broken and beautiful person that she was. Watching her and Frederick’s journey was so wonderful and romantic. I also loved Frederick’s sister and the way that the beauty of friendship made such a difference for Rose.
🌹
This is a regency romance you won’t want to miss!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
🌹
Rose has been taught that she must be like the flower who shares her name, showing perfection in all she does and pruning away her weakness and vulnerability.
🌹
Frederick can smell a fake a mile away and Rose seems to be as fake as they come. But, at a house party, he and his sister takes the time to get to know her better and find themselves surprised to find there is much more to her than they realized.
🌹
But Rose is on a deadline and Frederick has sworn to never open his heart to anyone again. Could they find a way to trust each other and find love and a safe place for each other?
🌹
I loved this story! My heart broke for Rose and I enjoyed watching her begin to see herself for the broken and beautiful person that she was. Watching her and Frederick’s journey was so wonderful and romantic. I also loved Frederick’s sister and the way that the beauty of friendship made such a difference for Rose.
🌹
This is a regency romance you won’t want to miss!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 16, 2023
Brooke weaves a beautiful Regency romance in her debut novel, The Perfect Rose. I had the honor of reading this first in the beta process and then again as an ARC. I adored the themes and imagery woven throughout the story which helped us to better understand the characters and their motivations. Frederick and Rose couldn't appear more different at the start, but as we get to know Rose better, we come to understand that she is not all that she appears to be--cold, unfeeling, perfect. Nor is Frederick all smiles and laughter. Watching the characters develop and change was a delight! Not to mention all the adorable moments between these two. I can't wait to read more from Brooke!
January 31, 2025
I somehow got interrupted in reading this one and never finished so I just started to reread it in in preparation for book 2 coming out. I really enjoyed this one. I was super impressed for a debut novel. This one was a sweet historical romance with a demanding mother and a daughter who was constantly manipulated into doing her bidding and Frederick who had his heart broken and vowed never to marry. I really feel like a got a two for one deal because not only do you get Rose and Frederick you also get to see a but of Samuel and Miriam’s romance as well. I would definitely recommend this one and can’t wait to read book 2.
September 10, 2023
This Regency romance was well written and completely charming. Things I loved: dual POV, enemies to lovers, he falls first, loving sibling relationship, lots of great side characters and friendships, cute animals, lots of roses, flirty banter, plenty of scheming, secret correspondence, parlor games, an archery match... everything you could want at a Regency house party! I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Brooke Hampton is an author to watch!
I received a complimentary copy from the author, but a positive review was not required.
I received a complimentary copy from the author, but a positive review was not required.
September 11, 2023
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. They had such realistic needs, concerns, and problems. The writing really made their emotions and memories palpable. Also, there were some hilarious moments that made me laugh out loud! Truly felt all the emotions. I’ve read a lot of regency, and if I’m honest, they all start to seem the same. This book had some interesting plot points and situations that made it unique and intriguing. A lovely romance read that will leave you wanting more of these characters!
September 29, 2023
This was a delight to read and I couldn't put it down. What I really loved was how characters acted quickly- For example they were not afraid to stand up to "snobby" characters. I loved that, especially because there are so many regency books out there that it takes forever to solve conflict. The author wrote in such a way that you could really connect with the characters through their pain and happiness . This book is as perfect as the title. You need this to your list of regency romance books!
September 11, 2023
Super cute, witty, hilarious, and heartwarming! Rose is skilled at secretly deflecting unwanted marriage proposals, but her controlling parents increase her dowry and set a deadline to find a match. In this predicament, she and Frederick eventually work together on a scheme. Frederick is funny and relaxed, bringing out a different side of Rose.
This has a lovely storytelling style that makes me want to settle in and soak it up. I highly recommend it!
This has a lovely storytelling style that makes me want to settle in and soak it up. I highly recommend it!
September 15, 2023
I have loved this Regency Romance from the beginning. The humor, the awkward predicaments, and the swoon-worthy romance are top notch. Even though Rose is a prickly character, it is interesting to see the reasons why. And to see herself through Frederick's eyes, and vice versa, is even better. This was certainly a great escape from the 21st century. It is well written and absolutely adorable. I can't wait for the next!
August 24, 2024
If you can embrace the silliness that is a book-long rose metaphor, you're in for a whole lot of warm fuzzies. The Regency formality isn't as rigid as it should be (lots of first names bandied about) but it has the marriage necessities and financial concerns we all love and hate. The story starts during the London season but moves to a house party setting, which I always enjoy.
Spice: Kisses only!
Spice: Kisses only!
October 7, 2025
Romantic, fun, unputdownable…yes it’s a word.
Let’s start with the prose! Brooke Hampton nailed it! It was beautifully written, well crafted, and had good romantic tension.
I really loved Rose’s journey of finding herself and standing up for what she wants. I loved Frederick. It’s a classic ‘opposites attract’ scenario.
This book hooked me pretty quick and kept me there until I was all done.
Well done Brooke Hampton!
Let’s start with the prose! Brooke Hampton nailed it! It was beautifully written, well crafted, and had good romantic tension.
I really loved Rose’s journey of finding herself and standing up for what she wants. I loved Frederick. It’s a classic ‘opposites attract’ scenario.
This book hooked me pretty quick and kept me there until I was all done.
Well done Brooke Hampton!
October 11, 2025
Lady Rose appears flawless as expected, but inside she desires to be seen and truly loved. Frederick is determined to engage as little as possible at the house party his sister throws. But when he starts to catch glimpses in the crack of Rose’s facade, he wants to discover more than her beauty. Absolutely loved it! This author just happily keeps surprising me with all the feels and happy swoony smiles!
September 13, 2023
It’s a typical house party clean romance.
I thought the beginning was quite funny with Frederick’s whit and laughter but it seemed to dissipate throughout the rest of the story. Great storyline I just wished there were more moments between Frederick and Rose. I did love the way Miriam and Frederick became to know Rose.
You can’t judge a book by its cover is definitely the lesson here!
I thought the beginning was quite funny with Frederick’s whit and laughter but it seemed to dissipate throughout the rest of the story. Great storyline I just wished there were more moments between Frederick and Rose. I did love the way Miriam and Frederick became to know Rose.
You can’t judge a book by its cover is definitely the lesson here!
October 8, 2024
This was cute, but formulaic. There were many overused tropes. The last half took way longer than it needed to and there was a lot of irritating repetition. But the characters were decent and there was a good overall message.
February 18, 2025
Solid debut book. Sweet regency style romance.
Tropes:
Opposites attract
Overbearing mother
Misunderstood FMC
He falls first
Fake courting
Engagement/marriage deadline
House party pairing off
Loving siblings
Tropes:
Opposites attract
Overbearing mother
Misunderstood FMC
He falls first
Fake courting
Engagement/marriage deadline
House party pairing off
Loving siblings
July 30, 2025
Spice Rating: 💋
This is a sweet, enemies to lovers, historical romance. I love the FMCs friendship with his sister. This is an easy read sure to leave you with a smile.
💋 Kisses Only
🫑-🫑🫑🫑Steamy/Closed Door
🌶️-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Spicy/Open Door
This is a sweet, enemies to lovers, historical romance. I love the FMCs friendship with his sister. This is an easy read sure to leave you with a smile.
💋 Kisses Only
🫑-🫑🫑🫑Steamy/Closed Door
🌶️-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Spicy/Open Door
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