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Rough Around the Hedges : An Enemies to Lovers Romantic Comedy
He’s the city boy who wants to destroy the place she loves most.
She’s the countryside girl who is determined to break him first.
But when hearts are involved, can either of them truly win?
I, Rose Matthews, have always considered myself a perfectly reasonable person.
Until the day Oliver de Havilland—the hottie I wham, bam, thank you ma’am’d two weeks ago—shows up at Hanbury Allotments and hands me a closure notice. In two months, he’s going to shut down the place I love the most—the very place that keeps the dwindling community of our village alive.
Long story short; I’m ready to riot.
Riot. Protest. Run naked through the village centre with nothing but lettuce leaves covering my lady bits. You know, the usual.
The new Duke of Hanbury is as arrogant as the last, but there’s no way I’m going to let him get away with this. Especially not since his plan is to sell the land to make way for more cookie-cutter housing nobody wants.
This is more than a battle of wits—it’s a war, and a dirty one at that.
But I won’t lose.
Because if Oliver didn’t want to play dirty, he shouldn’t have roughed up a gardener...
She’s the countryside girl who is determined to break him first.
But when hearts are involved, can either of them truly win?
I, Rose Matthews, have always considered myself a perfectly reasonable person.
Until the day Oliver de Havilland—the hottie I wham, bam, thank you ma’am’d two weeks ago—shows up at Hanbury Allotments and hands me a closure notice. In two months, he’s going to shut down the place I love the most—the very place that keeps the dwindling community of our village alive.
Long story short; I’m ready to riot.
Riot. Protest. Run naked through the village centre with nothing but lettuce leaves covering my lady bits. You know, the usual.
The new Duke of Hanbury is as arrogant as the last, but there’s no way I’m going to let him get away with this. Especially not since his plan is to sell the land to make way for more cookie-cutter housing nobody wants.
This is more than a battle of wits—it’s a war, and a dirty one at that.
But I won’t lose.
Because if Oliver didn’t want to play dirty, he shouldn’t have roughed up a gardener...
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
64 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hart
138 books7,571 followersEmma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels and has been translated into several different languages. She first put fingers to keys at the age of eighteen after her husband told her she read too much and should write her own.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 20, 2025
Charmingly Witty and Romantic
Emma Hart has done it again, by giving us such an absolute treasure of an English countryside romcom. I laughed, I cried, I had so much fun reading this delight of a story between Oliver the hot, grumpy new Duke of Hanbury and Rose the Head of the Allotment Committee. This story starts out with a literal bang. All the puns intended because the these two had a steamy one night stand as strangers before they ever officially met. Now the new Duke has moved in and is planning on selling the allotments that Rose and so many locals lovingly use for gardening. Upon introductions they both realize they not only have met, but they know each other quite well. The chemistry is still very much alive and well, but now they’re at odds and it’s a battle of wills to see who will come out on top and whose heart is going to be broken.
I loved the relationship between Oliver and Rose. It had so much banter, wit, snark and tension that I was entertained with every exchange. These two had strong Bed Chem and their witty repartee made for delightful dialogue. Even the supporting characters were a delight. The humour in this story was on point and I laughed the whole way through. That being said there were some very heart warming moments that melted my heart and I fell in love with the whole village vibe. This was such a fun read and I can’t recommend it enough. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars all the way!!
Emma Hart has done it again, by giving us such an absolute treasure of an English countryside romcom. I laughed, I cried, I had so much fun reading this delight of a story between Oliver the hot, grumpy new Duke of Hanbury and Rose the Head of the Allotment Committee. This story starts out with a literal bang. All the puns intended because the these two had a steamy one night stand as strangers before they ever officially met. Now the new Duke has moved in and is planning on selling the allotments that Rose and so many locals lovingly use for gardening. Upon introductions they both realize they not only have met, but they know each other quite well. The chemistry is still very much alive and well, but now they’re at odds and it’s a battle of wills to see who will come out on top and whose heart is going to be broken.
I loved the relationship between Oliver and Rose. It had so much banter, wit, snark and tension that I was entertained with every exchange. These two had strong Bed Chem and their witty repartee made for delightful dialogue. Even the supporting characters were a delight. The humour in this story was on point and I laughed the whole way through. That being said there were some very heart warming moments that melted my heart and I fell in love with the whole village vibe. This was such a fun read and I can’t recommend it enough. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars all the way!!
June 21, 2025
I literally live for Emma Hart’s writing so when this book was announced I had to get my hands on it asap and it jumped my entire TBR because of how much I typically love her books and Rough Around the Hedges did not disappoint at all. It was filled with spectacular antics, hilarious banter, and a heartwarming love story that will make you laugh and enjoy the whole ride that’s Rose and Oliver. Rose is a wild child, a girl who gives in to all of her wildest impulses and is so protective of the things and people she loves, so when Oliver threatens her allotments, she goes balls to wall deep in making Oliver regret each decision and second he spends doing this, well until it doesn’t annoy him, but instead he starts to find it endearing.
Rose is like the best hilarious grandmother in any small town romance book, but instead we get her as a woman in her twenties, who is just the best person to read. I loved every moment in both her and Oliver’s POV and it made me obsessed with each moment of this book. I didn’t want to put this book down, and I didn’t want it to end, but this story was impossible to put down! I also loved seeing a few cameos of the other Emma Hart characters, and I just can’t wait to see what comes next!
Rose is like the best hilarious grandmother in any small town romance book, but instead we get her as a woman in her twenties, who is just the best person to read. I loved every moment in both her and Oliver’s POV and it made me obsessed with each moment of this book. I didn’t want to put this book down, and I didn’t want it to end, but this story was impossible to put down! I also loved seeing a few cameos of the other Emma Hart characters, and I just can’t wait to see what comes next!
July 31, 2025
Rough Around The Hedges by Emma Hart was such a HOOT! Rose and Oliver kept me on my toes, kept me giggling, and kept me entertained from start to finish. Emma always delivers, and this SERVED.
Rose is a firecracker! She's feisty and driven and loving and caring and unapologetically herself, which sometimes leads to her acting or speaking before thinking, whilst maintaining a strong sense of wit, humor, and pizzazz.
Oliver is so charming, reluctantly so sometimes, especially when he's completely baffled by all of the antics! He's adorable in his bemusement and frustration and how he accepts and comes to terms with things.
I adore this small town and all the strong personalities and how they're all so nosy and all so invested.
Their chemistry is electric, their banter next level, and the 'will they won't they they will but will they get caught and what would that mean' vibes are delicious! And, there are absolutely moments that punch you right in the FEELS!
P. S. If Emma were to want to give us more set in this delightful small village, I will gladly get in line and say, more, please!
Rose is a firecracker! She's feisty and driven and loving and caring and unapologetically herself, which sometimes leads to her acting or speaking before thinking, whilst maintaining a strong sense of wit, humor, and pizzazz.
Oliver is so charming, reluctantly so sometimes, especially when he's completely baffled by all of the antics! He's adorable in his bemusement and frustration and how he accepts and comes to terms with things.
I adore this small town and all the strong personalities and how they're all so nosy and all so invested.
Their chemistry is electric, their banter next level, and the 'will they won't they they will but will they get caught and what would that mean' vibes are delicious! And, there are absolutely moments that punch you right in the FEELS!
P. S. If Emma were to want to give us more set in this delightful small village, I will gladly get in line and say, more, please!
June 28, 2025
Rough Around the Hedges felt like such a great summer read! With such a full cast of delightful characters with lots of personality, this book was both hilarious and heartwarming. Rose and Oliver truly have that enemies to lovers disdain for each other combined with their attraction to each other. It was such a fun and entertaining read!
Rose’s feisty personality was one of my favorite parts of this book. There was never a dull moment with her involved, and her chaotic energy was the perfect compliment to Oliver’s steadfast and calm nature. This combination made for many scenes making me laugh out loud, which is always a treat!
This book was set in England, and I loved all the British-isms and how realistic it felt. From the allotments to the small town feel, Emma Hart captured the true essence of romance in real life. And with so many characters to love, I’m so excited to see what comes next!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
Rose’s feisty personality was one of my favorite parts of this book. There was never a dull moment with her involved, and her chaotic energy was the perfect compliment to Oliver’s steadfast and calm nature. This combination made for many scenes making me laugh out loud, which is always a treat!
This book was set in England, and I loved all the British-isms and how realistic it felt. From the allotments to the small town feel, Emma Hart captured the true essence of romance in real life. And with so many characters to love, I’m so excited to see what comes next!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 3, 2025
Rough Around the Hedges - Emma Hart.
I can’t even tell you how excited I get whenever I see that this author has a new book. So when o saw there was new book by her you know I was eager to read it. This author always makes my day, week, month really let’s be honest she make my year with her writing. Of you want a book that makes you laugh so much then grab this one well any of her books but let’s start with this one right here. Rose and Oliver were just what I needed. They have that enemies to lovers banter and tension we all love. I absolutely loved Rose she is hilarious and I loved all of the secondary characters too. Loved Oliver for her he completely was her opposite yet they complemented each other together so well. I simply just loved this book and really loved reading it. I can’t recommend you grab this book right now and enjoy a really great fun entertaining heartwarming story.
I can’t even tell you how excited I get whenever I see that this author has a new book. So when o saw there was new book by her you know I was eager to read it. This author always makes my day, week, month really let’s be honest she make my year with her writing. Of you want a book that makes you laugh so much then grab this one well any of her books but let’s start with this one right here. Rose and Oliver were just what I needed. They have that enemies to lovers banter and tension we all love. I absolutely loved Rose she is hilarious and I loved all of the secondary characters too. Loved Oliver for her he completely was her opposite yet they complemented each other together so well. I simply just loved this book and really loved reading it. I can’t recommend you grab this book right now and enjoy a really great fun entertaining heartwarming story.
July 30, 2025
Rough Around the Hedges is exactly why I keep coming back to Emma Hart, she’s hilarious. Every. Single. Time.
I picked this one up because I’ve read all of her books, and she never disappoints. Rose is everything I wish I could be: fearless, outspoken, and absolutely unfiltered. Oliver is the perfect balance for her: calm, reserved, but not boring. He’s basically the dream guy you’d only get after years of “training” (if you know, you know).
My favorite scene? When Rose used a giant dildo named Bertha to knock a dent out of a car… and then threw it at Oliver. If that doesn’t tell you what kind of humor you’re in for, I don’t know what will.
You know exactly how the story will end, but that’s not the point, you read Emma Hart for the laughs and the characters you can’t help but root for.
If you love chick lit and have a sense of humor (and don’t mind a little spice), Rough Around the Hedges is absolutely worth it.
I picked this one up because I’ve read all of her books, and she never disappoints. Rose is everything I wish I could be: fearless, outspoken, and absolutely unfiltered. Oliver is the perfect balance for her: calm, reserved, but not boring. He’s basically the dream guy you’d only get after years of “training” (if you know, you know).
My favorite scene? When Rose used a giant dildo named Bertha to knock a dent out of a car… and then threw it at Oliver. If that doesn’t tell you what kind of humor you’re in for, I don’t know what will.
You know exactly how the story will end, but that’s not the point, you read Emma Hart for the laughs and the characters you can’t help but root for.
If you love chick lit and have a sense of humor (and don’t mind a little spice), Rough Around the Hedges is absolutely worth it.
July 6, 2025
I really liked Rose’s spirit. I liked her never back down attitude and standing up to Oliver. Their banter was fun and delightful. Sometimes Rose is kind of mean and hateful. She lashes out immediately to everyone for no reason and then calls it her personality. The plot isn’t complicated and we’re never really wondering if Oliver is truly going to sell the allotments. You know he won’t. But I guess this story is watching Oliver fall in love with Rose and Rose figuring out how to let someone love her without them stifling or changing her.
This is a relatively uncomplicated book with some fun side characters. An easy summer read!
This is a relatively uncomplicated book with some fun side characters. An easy summer read!
July 15, 2025
A welcome return
It’s been a little while since the last book but well worth the wait, I didn’t want to put it down. I love how this author writes, funny, emotional and a good story. The quirky main character in this book was especially brilliant and provides some great comedy moments. It also includes some steamy elements as all good romances should have!
It was great to read about another one of the friends from the previous books, but it can also be enjoyed just as much if you haven’t read the others.
I recommend this book as a funny romantic read with lots of hot bits included!
It’s been a little while since the last book but well worth the wait, I didn’t want to put it down. I love how this author writes, funny, emotional and a good story. The quirky main character in this book was especially brilliant and provides some great comedy moments. It also includes some steamy elements as all good romances should have!
It was great to read about another one of the friends from the previous books, but it can also be enjoyed just as much if you haven’t read the others.
I recommend this book as a funny romantic read with lots of hot bits included!
July 1, 2025
Hilariously romantic that I couldn’t put down
Rose and Oliver’s story had me falling off my seat with laughter, the banter and characters made every page unmissable, the emotion was always just silently sitting in the background but when the damn broke it was like a tsunami, the ultimate feel good read, so glad to have you back Emma ❤️❤️
Rose and Oliver’s story had me falling off my seat with laughter, the banter and characters made every page unmissable, the emotion was always just silently sitting in the background but when the damn broke it was like a tsunami, the ultimate feel good read, so glad to have you back Emma ❤️❤️
June 29, 2025
Absolutely brilliant
Loved this book! The characters (as always by Emma) are fab, totally bonkers with loveable animals & children. Read this in 1 day whilst on a coach trip & recommended it to the other passengers 🌻🌷🪴
Loved this book! The characters (as always by Emma) are fab, totally bonkers with loveable animals & children. Read this in 1 day whilst on a coach trip & recommended it to the other passengers 🌻🌷🪴
June 30, 2025
2.5⭐ I have read a lot of Emma Harts books and they are usually fun reads, a nice palate cleanser. This one I just didn't like, same formula as the rest of hers but the characters just really annoyed me and it was trying so hard to be funny that it was just not 🫣. It was just cringe I'm sorry.
July 2, 2025
.
Another fab read from Emma but didn't expect anything less!
Loved the sass and more spice than some of her others but couldn't put the boom down!
Welcome back Emma we have missed you ❤️
Another fab read from Emma but didn't expect anything less!
Loved the sass and more spice than some of her others but couldn't put the boom down!
Welcome back Emma we have missed you ❤️
June 21, 2025
Five huge stars
Oh my word. This book was so worth waiting for. I laughed so much throughout. Rose was the best and certainly kept Oliver on his toes
Oh my word. This book was so worth waiting for. I laughed so much throughout. Rose was the best and certainly kept Oliver on his toes
June 25, 2025
I love every second of it. Rose and Oliver's story is hilarious. Rose kept Oliver on his toes and didn't mind him; he held his ground. I missed Emma reading, and I'm glad I waited.
July 28, 2025
I enjoyed this with a fiery heroine who made moves and the restrained hero. Many laugh out loud moments and alls well in the end
January 17, 2026
A whole lot of fun. A wonderful cast of off the wall characters and a great witty dialogue.
August 11, 2025
I loved Rough Around the Hedges so much-- it is such a funny, entertaining book! I have already read it twice and am trying to give myself a break to appreciate my next time I read it even more. The characters are so funny, eccentric and are a joy to read. The dialogue is so good-- when it is being funny or semi-serious. The situations the FMC and MMC find themselves in is so enjoyable to read. I also love the animals! I love Emma Hart's aristocratic romances, and love this universe she's created. If you enjoy romcoms or British-set books, this is one for you.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews