Favors from a Gentleman

Hearts of Greenwich #1

by Lauren M. Hayworth

An evocative Regency romance dusted with grittiness, grief, and healing, perfect for fans of Meredith Duran and Cecilia Grant.

Duty is her strength . . .

Sophie St. Quinton’s life did not end when her brother died, but her purpose for living diminished considerably: marry a nobleman to protect the family estate and ease her parents’ worries. Armed with wit, beauty, and a charitable heart, Sophie expects the task will be simple—until a ghostly reminder of the past resurfaces to rattle her world. She will stop at nothing, not even blackmailing the handsome stranger she just met, to bid her brother farewell one last time.

And his worst enemy . . .

Merchants’ sons are not welcomed in polite society, but Rafe Balfour elbows his way in for the same reason he does all things—to do the bidding of his tyrannical father. If his loyalty proves successful one last time, he’ll earn his long-sought independence. But when his secrets land him in a dark room and a second stint in servitude with a beautiful woman far above his touch, the effect could be disastrous.

What begins as a threat to their goals soon expands to more: a threat to duty, to decency, and to two grieving hearts that promised never to risk love.

Genres: Historical Romance

403 pages, Paperback

Published May 11, 2026

About the author

Lauren M. Hayworth is a 12th-generation North Carolinian with an insatiable interest in history and literature. As an author of historical romance, she makes the past vivid again with evocative prose and meticulously researched stories.

When not living amongst the plotlines of her imagination, Lauren works as a dental hygienist, and relishes time spent on her family’s farm with her beloved husky.

***
A note about my reviews: consider them book recommendations; I won't review anything I didn't enjoy, and may or may not attach ratings.

Reviews

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow
When mains are first on page together: pretty soon in, about 7% or chapter 2 of 34
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 8 weeks later and there is a bonus epilogue 5 years later if you sign up for her Newsletter
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author in e-book form
Why I chose this book: the author reached out and asked if I wanted an ARC so I said yes because I wanted to try her work!
Mains: Rafe Balfour and Sophie St. Quinton – This is a M/F romance between a cishet hero and heroine
Audiobook available (as of posting)? No
(Descriptions found at end of my review)

”Call me Rafe again.” His thumb moved to her lips, tracing a slow, meandering pattern. “If you’re to appear in all my dreams, you should at least call me by name.”

Should I read in order?
This is the first in Hayworth’s Hearts of Greenwich series.

Basic plot:
Sophie will do anything to feel close to her deceased brother again – and Rafe can provide her with a visit to his military ship.

Give this a try if you want:
- historical romance – Regency – 1812
- she blackmails him
- he has freckles
- class difference – he’s a merchant’s son and she’s the daughter of a Viscount
- working class hero
- virgin mains
- forbidden love vibes – he must marry another woman at his father’s behest, she must marry a titled lord to appease her parents
- midnight window knocks
- so, so much yearning. It yanked so hard on my heart!
- auburn haired hero
- lower steam – 2 full scenes with some kisses and a slower burn

Ages:
- I didn’t catch either

First line:
Remember, you wanted this.

My thoughts:
This novel is fucking beautiful.

So I heard Hayworth’s name bandied about in a few chats and was curious. I added to my endless someday TBR list and who knows, it might have been years before I ever picked her up.

But then she messaged and asked if I wanted an ARC and I can never, ever say no 😆 And I just cannot imagine having lived without this book after having now read it. I read a lot of romance and there’s a lot of books I love, but there’s only a handful of authors that I stop within the novel and think this prose is so beautiful. And Hayworth has that for me. The writing was so immersive and emotional and just building all these layers in the most romantic, special way. I am so glad she reached out to me and asked so I can stalk all her future releases!

I fell in love with both Rafe and Sophie. Two characters that were so perfect for each other – that really healed each other and see each other. Rafe was so perceptive of the little cracks in Sophie’s armor.

Their slow building of touches, of opening up to each other. The lingering little scenes of yearning building – ugh it is my FAVORITE. Their almost kiss and first kiss had me so breathless. I was melting over so many lines and saving so many quotes.


Rafe’s struggles with his father hit home hard for me. I have suffered narcissistic abuse from my in-laws but luckily we were able to extract ourselves after only 2 years. But the scenes of Rafe working like a servant without pay – this actually happened to a family member, keeping him stuck and getting him a hole that is very difficult to dig out of - so the scenes of control, abuse, and manipulation hit all the harder.


There were a few parts I found myself wishing Rafe and Sophie were on page together more. Also, this book is a slower burn and has a slow feel in general but I adored it. The way it layered everything was so delicious and I was so in love with these mains by the end. Eager to follow Hayworth for more releases. (Please tell me Lord Hansbury will have a book!)

Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating from me: 5 stars
Favorite book: This one

Quotes any typos are my own! I am bad with typos, I apologize


“Going about one of your secret deliveries, I presume?”
“Ah-” He paused in his inspection of the art, and his eyes were so near to her, the trace green against licorice black so ripe for study, that Sophie quit breathing. “Something like that.”
---
They could be caught. Miss St. Quinton’s reputation ruined. Their respective hopes for their futures slaughtered out of existence. And all this time spent around her, it would only feed the uncomfortable aching in Rafe’s chest, make it harder to shut out. But he’d brought her here anyway. The revelation rolled slowly over his consciousness.
He had brought her here anyway.
---
His mind grew distant, slipping out of reach and yielding to dreams, not quite tamed, not quite his. He imagined the feel of molasses-colored hair brushing against his throat. The way he wanted to hold her, never finding his own rest until her breaths had turned deep and remote. She would be content in his arms. There would be no tears to dry next time -
But he would kiss her anyway.

I looooove little touches like this.


There was a beat of stillness. She couldn’t say what he would do – and then his right arm came out of his coat, and then his left. A single, almost soundless movement placed him beside her. The warmth of his leg trailed along her thigh. She should correct the error and put distance between them.
He slowly swung his greatcoat behind her shoulders, close enough she could feel the heat radiating off his skin, the graze of his knuckles against the rapid pulse in her neck. Inches. Inches separated them.
---
Her lips brushed his. A whisper of contact, less than a kiss. His palms found skin, heated callouses against her neck and cheek and jaw.
“What do you think?” It seemed her words shouldn’t exist, with so little of her voice to back them. His breath was hot against her mouth, a third presence that seemed to beckon, Here are his lips, kiss them, if you’d like.
---
She went to the mammoth-sized doors of the Painted Hall and wrenched one of them open, her back bending with effort. Rafe glanced quickly over each shoulder. As if there were a choice. As if he wouldn’t follow her, every time.
---
Rafe twisted his hand slowly, until her grip loosened and she made to pull away. He squeezed her fingers then, and not giving her time to object, pressed them to his lips.
Warmth against cool softness. The window’s light revealed a fine dusting of pale hair in the space between her knuckles – a small, secret wonder. He turned her hand over, and kissed the plump underside of her wrist.
His mouth still pressed against her skin, he found her gaze. The lines between her brows had deepened, and her chest rose and fell in quick, choked breaths. But he could have guessed that. If his own thoroughbred pulse wasn’t proof enough, he could feel hers – with his lips, now his tongue. She made a strangled sound and he released her.
---
His hand had started to reach for her. He saw it and snatched it back to his side.
She smiled. Even with her chin bent he could tell it, in the way her cheeks lifted to cradle her under-eyes. She waggled her fingers in the lace. “Perhaps you do have some fashion discernment, after all.”
“No. Just an eye for you.”
---
“Can you come to me, tonight?”
His smile morphed into something less humored, and the full focus of his gaze poured over her like warm treacle. “Do you like me depraved, ma’am? Just what are you asking of me now?”
His voice was sensual. Or perhaps that was her perception making it out that way. Everything about Rafe Balfour was temptation personified.
---
Forbidden. That’s how he appeared. He must have dressed like this to make a good impression on the vice admiral and come directly here afterward. He was tamed and dark, pressed into a suit of rich navy wool. The white of his collar stood out, sharp and heavily starched, pointing upward toward the clean lines of his jaw.
---
He couldn’t bear looking at her any longer and fixed his eyes on the guilloche border of the carpet. “I need to be certain you harbor no illusions about me, Sophie. I...I think you know how deeply I’ve come to feel for you.”
What a master of words he was. Deep feelings did not begin to touch up on the consummate pain sweltering inside him.
---
She turned to face the wall, her mouth contorting into a scowl. “That makes absolutely no sense. If you merely wanted to see less of me, I’d rather you just state the fact outright.”
“Less of you” His hand was on her arm in an instant, pulling her to him. “Less of you?”
---
“I am within shoving distance of being utterly lost to you.” His thumb brushed her chin with gossamer-like lightness. “One more command, one more kiss...and I might love you to the grave.”
She smiled, even as her brow furrowed. “Would that really be so bad?” Her voice cracked on the question.
“If I can’t have you,” he said, “it will be hell.”



Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.

- sibling death and grief
- scenes of the effects of post war - there is a child side character that fought in the war and lost an arm
- alcohol usage
- parental abuse – hero’s father is an angry narcissist
- domestic violence and abuse – the hero’s father is physically abusive
- imprisonment and attempted murder of the hero and murder to a side character (off page)

Author content warnings? This book contains themes of grief following the loss of a sibling, narcissist abuse between parent-child, a brief depiction of youth substance abuse, an aging parent with medical needs, the use of a firearm, language, and adult content. (I always encourage you to check author’s websites, since Amazon penalizes authors for certain content warning words in their novels)


Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:

Safe sex: he pulls out
How’s the consent? It's good
Pregnancy/children in story? No
Chapter 12 – an almost kiss
Chapter 14 – 🔥 kisses that eventually evolve into fingering for her
Chapter 17 – kisses against the wall
Chapter 21 – kiss
Chapter 24 – 🔥 kisses, oral for her (must be quiet and she bites the pillow), missionary to her on top

Total chapters: 33 and an epilogue


Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs


Full break down on what my ratings above mean here:
Overall: How I felt about it everything considered!
Readability: How ‘readable’ was the book? Did I fly through it? Did I have to tell myself to pick it back up repeatedly? Were any passages confusing? (I will probably score like (1) is literally unreadable due to formatting/typing errors, etc (2) There were lots of errors that made it difficult to read OR It was extremely confusing and I had to reread passages to make sense of it OR I disliked it so much I had to bribe myself to keep reading (3) I didn’t really want to keep reading and would have preferred to abandon the read and start something else OR some minor continuity issues/confusion (4) I liked it fine, maybe a minor error or 2. I was happy to pick it up when I had time. (5) I never wanted to put this down. I thought about it when I wasn’t reading it. I hid in the bathroom from my kids to read. I threw inappropriate food at my children for dinner so I could read instead.)
Feels: Totally subjective to each person but did the book give me any tingles? Any butterflies? Did it rip my heart out (in a good way?)
Emotional depth: How well do I feel I know the characters at the end? How much did I feel their emotions throughout the story?
Sexual tension: Again, subjective, but how strong was the wanting and longing to me between the characters? A book might have strong sexual tension without a single touch.
Romance: Was there romance? Did romantic things happen? This can be actions/words/thoughts of the characters and again is subjective.
Sensuality: This is how the intimate scenes are written. Kisses and sexual scenes – how sensual were they? Were they on the mechanical side? Was there emotional pull tied in? Were the details explicit or flowery? These are subjective but generally (1) too short to get a good judgment (2) not all what I'm looking for - very vague or flowery prose (3) either not explicit enough or not enough emotional pull (too mechanical/physically descriptive without the emotions) (4) what I love in a scene (5) absolute perfection - perfect balance of emotional longing and explicit descriptions
Sex Scene Length: How long the bedroom scenes are (generally (1) is 1-3 sentences (2) is a few paragraphs to a page-ish (3) is about average, a few pages (4) more well developed scenes, quite a few pages with descriptions (5) the majority of the book takes place in the bedroom. This is always hard to tell for me on audio!
Steam Scale: Generally, each flame is a scene. If scenes are super close together I sometimes combine them. If a scene is super short or so vague I don’t know what’s happening, I don’t count it. There’s some levels of grey but generally the number of flames is how many sex scenes there are (I max out at 5 so I’ll put a + after if there’s more than that)


Find me
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Book Clubs
The Ton and the Tartans (Historical Romance)
Upturned Petticoats and Undone Cravats (Historical Romance with Steam Requirements)
A Love Less Ordinary (Science Fiction, Paranormal, Monster, Fantasy)
Modern Manuscripts (Contemporary Romance)
Words for the Wicked (Contemporary Romance with Steam Requirements)
Vintage Romance (Old School Romance – published 2000 and prior)

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: enemies to lovers; parental issues; class difference
Steam level: 2-3

3.5 stars rounded up. I really liked this for the first half or so; after that the angst and hot/cold between the MC's wore me down a bit. I think the problem was that their parent(s) were so unlikable it weighed down the narrative. The basic storyline itself is fine, with genuinely moving subtexts involving loss. But neither character could shake free from self-recrimination for long. Perhaps the MC's were actually too similar in their struggles and the book needed more of a sunshine-y character to counterbalance them.

I must say that the world building and writing style were first rate and really drew me in. I felt like the HR conventions were pretty firmly in place--except MFC Sophie was often modern in her thinking and behavior. Although I gave this a pass generally, because her struggles with the grieving process were thoughtfully portrayed, I didn't really feel like I was seeing events through the eyes of a young Regency era woman. I felt that way about MMC Rafe at times, too (particularly after their first steamy scene).

I still think this is a very solid book by a new writer, and would recommend it to HR readers who like an introspective read.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for this oppportunity.

[Jessica White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this story. A lot of times when we say historical romance there are just touches of history peppered throughout, but Lauren M. Hayworth lays the groundwork for a story that takes place mostly in London, in 1812, and incorporates aspects of the Royal Navy and its pensioners, an asylum for the mentally ill, and a very real understanding of the pressures to ensure familial perpetuity via marriage.

Sophie and Rafe meet when they are each escaping social expectations, at a party no less and after Sophie witnesses a secret held by Rafe. Some might call it blackmail, but she requests a favor from him in exchange for not revealing what she has overheard. The storytelling is so good in this novel. Everyone is keeping secrets. Sophie appears to be the diligent child of parents who want her to take over their estate, Rafe is hiding a large secret from his father about his own mother, both of their parents are keeping secrets from their own children about the welfare of their planned futures…there are surprises around every corner. What isn’t surprising is how easy it is for Sophie and Rafe to find commonality in their situations and the plans their parents have made for them. This is a love story that builds slowly but surely with the inevitability of their relationship reaching a crescendo of fantastic proportions. We don’t get many romances with both MCs being virgins and loved how Hayworth handled this. It’s simultaneously sweet and hot and you shouldn’t underestimate the ability of a man (or woman) who wants to LEARN. The eagerness coupled with desire makes for some very romantic scenes.

I felt like there was a strong sense of place while reading which made me feel like I truly knew these characters. I loved how Barnard was an important part of Sophie’s story connecting her to her brother and her resolve to care for him made me love her all the more. Likewise the lengths Rafe would go to, to care for his mother easily allowed me to overlook his Robin Hood-like behavior and endear him to me. There’s nothing better than seeing two people who really deserve a happily ever after get it, and after denying themselves joy for so long, I took pleasure in witnessing Rafe and Sophie find it with each other. I am DYING to see if there is a spin off with Hansbury. The set up for him could not be better and then we’d get sneak peaks of Rafe and Sophie. If you miss the more traditional historical romances with a touch of liberal sentiments, I would highly suggest Favors from a Gentleman. Lauren M. Hayworth is definitely one to keep on your radar. I received a gifted copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Jody Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story of duty and responsibility, and living in a way that is true to oneself. Sophie and Rafe are both weighed down heavily by family duties, and have parents who see them as tools to further their goals (albeit in completely different degrees of awfulness, with neglect v. malice). Two years after the death in battle of her brother, Sophie's family has come to London to find her a husband who will take on the stewardship of the family estate. As task she approaches with grim determination, as the family is pretty much undone by mourning. "The sort of woman who had been presented before the queen and felt nothing, who now prepared for her first ball with all the enthusiasm of a felled, rotting oak." Rafe is nearly betrothed to the daughter of a titled family with no money, his father has money from his department store, but no social ranking. Everyone is miserable.

Sophie and Rafe meet in a study while they are both taking a break from a crowded ballroom, First impressions aren't great, "There was no one more opposite to her needs" but they keep running into each other and for Romance Reasons make some clandestine trips to a naval hospital together. It's interesting that Sophie Sees Rafe immediately, the artistic side he is at pains to keep hidden, the weight of his secrets. Speaking of secrets! There's a lot of miscommunication and speaking at cross purposes between them, where a favor request gets reframed as blackmail, and a concern over propriety is perceived as embarrassment about the person involved. Hayworth slowly stitches these two onto the same page.

I would say the romance in this book, while always present and guiding the characters choices as they work HARD for that ever after, is not the main focus. Rafe and Sophie spend a lot of time apart, and it's cleverly framed. Sophie's life is a monotonous on and on-ness of social calls and activities, as she and her parents trudge through the paces in their grief. This is really Rafe's story, almost a bildungsroman of his character arc as he goes from a lifetime of being terrorized by his father to finding the courage to stand up and do what he sees as right. He fundamentally changes, catalyzed by his relationship with Sophie. "He sounded like Sophie. Like someone who built their beliefs out of brick and mortar, and stood upon them with unflinching honorability." Of course, Rafe takes more from Sophie, but then maybe takes the wrong lessons? Stand up for what you believe, but then stubbornly makes it harder for him (and them). Sophie's not wrong when she says "You could solve all this with a single choice" of asking her father for her hand. But he needs to face his issues himself, and clear the decks for their future. Even as they are both taking drastic steps to make this future together possible, they question the other's faith in their bond.

There is something about Hayworth's writing that is so beautiful and evocative, and just a tiny bit askew that makes me linger over every sentence. Her ability to evoke a sense of place, with just a description of a bed frame, or the wall color behind a painting, is unmatched. This book takes an unflinching look at the subtleties of class and social rank, reputation and who has to be always cautious and who can afford to be careless. There is a high-ranking character introduced as possible romantic rival who ends up more like a sidekick who is able to conduct himself poorly and still stay at the top of the heap, while Rafe is scrutinized in every way. I hope that Hayworth is able to keep writing this series and the sidekick moves to center stage.

4.5 stars, it would be four if I'm looking at it purely as a romance, but five for the beautiful prose, and a very well-balanced and plotted story. Plus I learned a lot about Napoleonic War-era veteran services!

Thank you to the author for an arc. Out May 11

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favors From a Gentleman is a slow-burn historical romance set in Regency London in the shadow of the Napoleonic Wars.

Sophie St. Quinton and her parents are mired in grief for her brother Edmund, who died at sea. His death has meant that it’s up to Sophie to honour the family name by marrying well. She’s trapped by a sense of duty to her parents and grief for her lost brother. When in London for the Season, she overhears an incriminating conversation between a naval captain, and a wealthy merchant’s son, Rafe Balfour.

When Sophie realises her late brother’s ship will be returning to England, she asks Rafe to take her to Greenwich, where it will briefly dock. Under stress, Rafe assumes this is blackmail and this misunderstanding initially affects their interactions. Even without trust, these two are attracted to each other and it’s not long before attraction becomes admiration, then something more intense.
Sophie and Rafe are starved of love. They suffered neglect as children, with Sophie’s more benign, and Rafe’s malevolent. Both have worked to rise above that neglect and find a way to carve out the life they want, but neither have achieved it so far. Rafe is an impressive hero, he has a strong moral compass, a need to look after those he cares about and tremendous courage in the face of his malicious father. As much as I loved Sophie, it was Rafe that I cried for, and who had me reading on into the night to see if he could hold his dreams together.

This book is angsty, but the drama in (especially) Rafe’s life gives a momentum I couldn’t resist. If you love a yearning hero who has secrets, Rafe is your man. Sophie is smart, but she’s impulsive, and full of pluck and daring. She’s also a bit messy, which is so endearing. Rafe watching her drink too much at a private dinner is beyond delicious, and then he’s all ‘exasperated man’ as he rescues her. The tension between them is razor sharp and while Rafe has a lifetime of self-denial to rely on, Sophie is new to intense physical attraction, and she’s hungry. Fabulous!

Rafe’s life is full of danger and drama as he tries to keep secrets, outwit his father and ultimately, win Sophie, so the pace zooms along in the final quarter. A heartwarming sub-plot with secondary characters is particularly well done – especially twelve-year-old Barnard, the youngest pensioner at the Naval Hospital, and shallow Lord Hansbury who is most surprising, so I’m hoping he’ll get his own book.

There’s so much to talk about in this Regency romance – all the yearning is terrific – and I’m impressed by author Lauren Hayworth’s research, especially about the Greenwich Naval Hospital and its pensioner inhabitants.

That this is #1 in the Hearts of Greenwich series gives me hope that Lauren will be writing more about this slice of British history. Thank you Lauren M Hayworth for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Kelli Matthews | SighingOurPleasure · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a particular kind of loneliness that comes not from isolation but from obligation. Sophie St. Quinton is drowning in family grief and the weight of expectation. Rafe Balfour is trapped by a father he can’t trust and a mother he’s quietly protecting. Two people held fast by everyone else’s needs, somehow finding their way to each other anyway.

Sophie is carrying the pressure of her family’s expectation that she wed. No one will talk about the heavy grief they are all dealing with and Sophie walks on eggshells and leans on a lot of assumptions about what her role in the family is. I understood her sense of obligation and her reluctance to create conflict. Over the course of the book, her individuality came into focus – her sharp wit, clear-eyed determination to get what she knows she wants and deserves. And in the process she loses the tolerance for her parents’ bullshit.

Rafe has a bottom-tier worst father. He’s a wealthy merchant who will not give his son any funds unless he marries exactly as instructed. Rafe is forced to steal from his father and skim funds and stocks to keep some money aside to secretly protect his mother. The secret is one he hides from everyone. He must submit to his father’s will to keep his mother alive. That tension when Rafe clearly loathes the man is palpable.

They are drawn together by a shared sense of grief – Sophie for her brother and Rafe for the ill mother he no longer has in his life. That pull takes them to Greenwich, where Rafe sells his stolen goods, so Sophie can see the ship that her brother once sailed on. When in Greenwich, they meet Barnard, a child soldier that Sophie sees as a way to reconnect with her brother. Barnard is an important part of the story and as Sophie and Rafe navigate their respective family obligations and figure out who they could be together, they are also bonded by the care they feel for this boy.

The real sense of place comes from Hayworth’s deep research, particularly into the Naval Hospital and the art. The history is woven into the story and is part of the narrative, making it feel real rather than like wallpaper.

There were a few loose threads that didn’t quite tie in at the end – I wanted some resolution around Rafe’s father, especially. But nothing that took away from the impact of the story.

The story is tender, full of yearning and the push and pull of class difference, the weight of grief and the loneliness they both feel. Sophie and Rafe have never been allowed to want anything for themselves or to determine how to live their lives. This story allows them to find themselves, define their desires and understand that, for both of them, a complete life can only be together.

4.5 rounded up. Thank you to the author for an advance copy to review.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute privilege and honour of beta reading this gorgeous, emotional book and I could not be more proud of Lauren!
Her beautiful prose, her vivid settings and messy but real characters have now become a hallmark in her writing and I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to see this book come to fruition for her.

I think everyone knows that I tend to reach for romances that have a little bit more going on. I need stakes, I need intrigue and I need characters that go through development and growth and Rafe and Sophie do just that! This is a romance but it’s also a commentary on duty, class and finally finding yourself.

I think it’s extremely obvious that Lauren cares so much for the romance genre and her craft, but she’s also someone who notices the small nuances in human nature and is able to intertwine that into her books really well.
Sophie and Rafe are a bit lost throughout this book and are basically from two very different worlds but that doesn’t stop them from orbiting each other. There is a resilience there in both themselves and their relationship with each other but also from some brilliantly written side characters (shoutout to Alfie and Barnard). Lauren is able to explore that heaviness that comes with obligation and responsibility whilst also weaving in small touches and moments that, honestly? Made me wanna chew on something.

Grief. Everyone knowsss I love grief rep in my romance books. It’s just something that everyone will go through in their lives at one point or another and it always makes for interesting reading. The grief in this book can be felt the whole way through, it’s a driving force for Sophie but also for Rafe. These two are hurting but it never ever feels like in order for them to come together, that they need to get over that grief. Lauren is able to let us linger in those moments which in turn had me feeling more connected to them. Sophie and Rafe find solace and peace in each other and (even when Sophie is blackmailing him) you can almost feel a sense of calm when they’re together.

This was a hard fought for HEA and will keep you wondering “how the hell are these two gonna end up together??” but in Lauren we trust! It’s a rickety road but it comes together beautifully.

Thank you to Lauren for trusting me with her words, I absolutely adored reading Sophie and Rafes story and I can’t wait for everyone to meet them on May 11th!

[Unapologetic Termagant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really lovely, poignant story featuring very likeable protagonists who were anything but cardboard cut-outs randomly plopped into a sanitized version of Regency England, which seems to overwhelmingly be the case with this particular subgenre of historical romance. In fact, I'd say Favors from a Gentleman was one of the most realistic and grittiest Regency-set books I've read, thanks in large part to the spotlight put onto pensioners, veterans of England's various wars, and the portrayal of the way the King and country took care of them, and also thanks to the fact that the heroine of the book is in large part motivated by her grief for the brother who had perished in one of those wars.

Sophie was an absolutely riveting protagonist. In my experience, when a romance focuses heavily on a woman's grief and trauma, it is often associated with sexual trauma, losing a child, becoming widowed, etc., that is, it focuses on her roles as the recipient of male attention, a mother, or a wife. And while those are very valid aspects of womanhood to explore, we do also have other relationships in our lives, so it was really interesting to see Sophie as daughter and sister first, before we saw her as a romantic interest. She is paired with merchant's son Rafe, who is endearingly human (at one point, the author uses the phrase "refreshing normalcy" to describe Rafe, which is also something I really appreciated about the general tenor of the largely unglamorous story). He isn't described in any superlatives; just as Sophie, he struggles with expectations and burdens placed on him, and is just trying to assume agency over his life and make his own choices. Their budding romance was sweet and tender, with Rafe patiently working at getting Sophie to surrender the armour she has put up against the world, and Sophie trying not to sabotage the relationship due to her snappishness and moments of imperiousness (both of which Rafe absolutely loves). The supporting characters, especially the boy Sophie desperately tries to help, were also interesting and well developed, the hard-won HEA was satisfying, and the prose was really beautiful, lush, but never overwrought. However, the book was also a bit too long, and the first half especially seemed to move at a glacial pace at moments. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed reading it and will definitely look out for the author’s work in the future.

Huge thanks to Lauren M. Hayworth for the ARC.

[Bookish.Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren M. Hayworth’s sophomore novel is a refreshing, contemplative, and compelling story about two people who meet across the social divide of Regency London. Both are shaped, sometimes painfully, by their responsibilities to their families. Rafe, the only son of a tyrannical merchant father, has spent years under the control of a man whose abuse has marked every corner of his life. Before the novel begins, Rafe discovers that his mother is not dead as his father claimed but has been hidden away in an asylum. He rescues her, moves her into safety, and supports her in secret. Sophie, still navigating her family’s grief after her brother’s naval death nineteen months earlier, feels the weight of duty as she tries to fill the space he left behind. Each intends to marry for obligation rather than desire: Rafe to secure the independence he needs to protect his mother, and Sophie to uphold the future her brother was meant to inherit. Their meet cute is clever, unromantic, and perfectly pitched to spark the slow burn that carries the novel.

The writing is exquisite, lyrical, evocative, and rich with sensory detail that breathes life into both the period and the characters. I highlighted so many passages and paused often just to savour the prose. Everything feels carefully crafted, researched, and woven with intention. The side characters are complex and purposeful, offering texture to the world and meaningful opportunities for Rafe and Sophie to grow. Their relationship unfolds with yearning and emotional honesty, and the changes they undergo feel true to who they are. There are no shortcuts to the HEA. It is hard won, painful, suspenseful, and deeply gratifying when it finally arrives.

One of the most refreshing elements is Rafe’s journey toward true independence and freedom. Historical romance so often centres the constraints placed on the heroine, but here we see how power, control, and familial expectation can trap the more supposedly liberated sex as well. Rafe’s predicament is heartbreaking, and the impact of his father’s abuse is visceral. His fight to reclaim his life, and the way he ultimately confronts his demons, is both moving and triumphant.

I truly loved this book from start to finish. It is one I will revisit, and one I will be recommending widely.

Side note: the MMC is auburn haired, and I married one of those, so I was already halfway gone.

[Erin (she_is_2_fond_of_books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 This was a lovely surprise. A working class hero and aristocrat heroine?! Always a treat.

I found the slightly different perspective of Regency england really engaging. Where by no means completely out of mayfair, but the author shows us a wider perspective of the world and possibilities outside of the more typical wealthy safety nets.

Our Hero and Heroine both have unhappy family obligations and troubling personal conflicts. It lent a slightly melancholy feel to the opening chapters, as their mindsets were rather (understandably) gloomy. Then they kind of stumble into each other’s orbit by chance, and the whole mood lifted. They’re a tad antagonistic to start, but each interaction is a fresh spark. After that it was a lovely slow build to admiration, trust, and love. I thought the writing style was a little unique in the sense that the author didn’t focus on any of the typical regency tropes and scenery.

Our Hero is working class and struggling financially. Something you don’t see often in this genre. He’s also a red head with freckles ❤️. A bit inexperienced in an honest and realistic way. But mostly a good person trying desperately to find a way free of his tyrant of a father, which has lead him to making some dishonest choices. I really felt for Rafe’s seemingly insurmountable situation and his desire to find a way free under his own merit.

Our heroine, Sophie, is deeply grieving the loss of her brother while stoically taking on the burden of “saving the family estate.” You get a sense that she used to be a bit of free spirit, but she’s buried it under her guilt and obligations. She’s clearly fighting her own instincts as she try’s to conform to what her parents “need” her to be. Interactions with Rafe bring out her whit and charm. I really enjoyed how empathetic her character was. She makes up her mind pretty quick and absolutely calls Rafe out when he lets her down. She was quick to question injustice and step up to help. An easy heroine to root for. These two were not your typical charming rake and fiery debutante.

This book was a bit of fresh air and since it’s only the second release from this author, I’m really looking forward to whatever she writes next.

Highly recommend to my fellow historical reads who are seeking new voices in a genre thats gone rather quiet over the last few years.

[Lindsay Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute triumph from Lauren M. Hayworth! Favors from a Gentleman is a richly layered, emotionally resonant romance that has lingered in my thoughts long after reading the final lines.

This is Lauren’s second book, and her prose is exquisitely lush—elegant and decadent in a way that makes her historical romance feel truly sweeping. She has a real gift for drawing readers into both the external world of the story and the internal landscapes of her characters. Reading one of Lauren’s books is to be swept away by her words. Her rich prose is becoming a real hallmark of her writing.

At its heart, this is a story about grief and family bonds, and the ways they reshape identity, desire, and our sense of self-worth. At face value, Sophie and Rafe are both formidable characters on page one, but beneath the surface, they each are struggling to stay afloat beneath the weight of their family’s expectations. The dynamic between them—old money versus new—adds a small twist to the classic class difference romance set-up, and that subtle power imbalance is immediately compelling, especially paired with the delicious hook of Sophie blackmailing Rafe. What follows is a slow burn relationship built on tension, vulnerability, and gradual trust.

This is a dual-POV romance and for me, the emotional heart of the novel rests with Rafe. His journey is beautifully rendered—complex, painful, and deeply satisfying by the story’s conclusion. Rafe grapples with his past, his insecurities, and his family name, all to find his place in a world that constantly seems to shift underfoot…what a character arc! His growth feels hard-won and profoundly real. Watching him step into his own power—and finally believe himself worthy of Sophie’s love—is the beating heart of this book. I am wildly attracted to Rafe, what a man! 🥵🥵🥵

Favors from a Gentleman is a gorgeous Regency romance from Lauren Hayworth. She’s crafted something special here with a love story that feels both intimate and sweeping, grounded and transformative. Lauren is fast-becoming one of my favorite authors in the histrom space.

[Hana Mahmud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is brimming with grief. It deals with familial grief, yes (this is not a spoiler because it is revealed in the first few pages. In fact, you might even argue that this is fuel for the fmc's character arc). Both of our main characters lost and grieved parts of their identity and autonomy because of the circumstances around their family. There is a constant struggle to appease someone else always at the expense of themselves. The concept of sacrifice is a well-acquainted, unwelcomed stranger to both of them albeit it presents itself in different forms.

I think most of this allow the author to deliver such a devastating, rage-inducing beautiful story about two people who weren't dealt the best cards and yet were willing to fight tooth and nail. The story captures the nuances when one is constantly at war with what they want to do and what they should do. It devastatingly captures how sometimes courage does not shout, but insistently whispers in every living moment. That strength does not have to be another thing that society claim the prerequisites of.

The ending is refreshing to put it simply without revealing too much. The author's decision to allow space for both of the characters to complete their storylines and for them to finally end I feel is entirely fitting and well-written. The conclusion of this book does not feel rushed nor hastily put together. And the side characters are lovable! Some of them I still think about once the story ends. I hope to see more of them in the next one. There is one in particular that I cannot wait to read his story.

I have received an advanced copy of this book. Still, this review is entirely honest and my own. Thank you so much to the author for trusting me with her work. This has been a very enjoyable read. There is a small disclaimer: this book contains some mature themes and language that might be unsuitable for some readers. Your mental health is more important.

[Cerian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie is still lost in her grief for her brother, but is forcing herself through the motions of London society to secure a husband as the heir to her family’s estate. The last thing she expects is to become entangled with the unsuitable merchant’s son, Rafe Balfour. Rafe has spend a lifetime under his controlling father’s thumb and yearns for his freedom but with no discernible route to it. He has secrets he desperately needs to protect and the weight of it all is choking him. Sophie’s presence in his life becomes the unexpected catalyst for change he needs.

This book was beautiful. As I read this, I just found myself completely in awe of Lauren Hayworth’s writing. She writes with such gorgeous prose, imbuing so much emotion into her words. It’s a fairly slow paced read, the sort of story you need to just let yourself sink into. The characters are complex and richly drawn, with incredibly satisfying development through the story.

Sophie is a hollow shell of herself when we meet her. Drained by her grief and duty, she smothers the flame of the girl she once was until a chance encounter with Rafe reignites it. Her courage and sheer stubbornness were glorious - I loved that she was often the one making the first move, and usually a bold one, when it came to Rafe.
Rafe broke my heart a bit. He’s trapped in his life - unable to stand up to his brutish father and desperately seeking to carve out a small amount of independence, even if it means marrying the woman his father chooses. Watching Rafe take courage from Sophie and wrest control of his life and make choices for himself had me cheering for him.

Rafe and Sophie’s slow burn tension had me riveted to the pages. Any initial animosity soon gives way to a begrudging admiration and then a simmering heat. The way they came to understand each other was so moving.
It was a gorgeous, intimate read, elegantly written with satisfying but messy character arcs. Lauren Hayworth has quickly become an autobuy author for me, and I’m already looking forward to the next!

*I received a review copy from the author - this is my honest opinion.

[SH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie St. Quinton has built her life around obligation. After the death of her brother, her purpose narrows to securing her family’s future through a suitable marriage. She approaches this with determination and compassion, but beneath that facade lies unresolved grief. When a chance encounter with the enigmatic Rafe Balfour offers her one last connection to her brother, she is willing to risk propriety and even resort to blackmail to grasp it. Rafe has spent his life being told he is lesser. As the son of a merchant under the thumb of a tyrannical father, he is desperate for independence but unsure of his own worth. His reluctant entanglement with Sophie begins as a threat to both their goals, but quickly evolves into something far more personal.
What truly elevates this story is Sophie herself. She loves boldly, even in the shadow of loss, and her compassion, particularly toward the young boy connected to her brother’s naval past, adds a depth that makes her feel vividly real. Her grief is complex and tangled, and it drives much of her decision-making. Rafe’s presence in Sophie’s life is steady and grounding, offering her not just romance but also a sense of hope.
I found the story writing to flow beautifully without becoming overwrought with drama. The exploration of class differences is thoughtfully handled, and it was satisfying to see the character of Sophie not accepting those boundaries but actively challenging them. The inclusion of the naval hospital storyline was seamlessly woven into the romance, enriching both the plot and Sophie’s personal journey.
Overall, this is more than a straightforward historical romance. It is a story about grief, healing, and the courage to reach for something beyond duty. A wonderful read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cheyenne Oleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Favors from a Gentleman. It was a deeply emotional and surprisingly grounded historical romance that felt more layered and introspective than many Regency romances I’ve read lately. Lauren M. Hayworth created a story filled with grief, class tension, family expectations, and healing, while still delivering a tender and satisfying romance between Sophie and Rafe.

What stood out most to me was how human both main characters felt. Sophie’s grief over her brother shaped so much of her journey, and I appreciated that her story explored her identity beyond simply being a romantic heroine. Rafe was equally compelling, carrying the weight of family pressure and expectations while trying to carve out a future for himself. Their relationship developed slowly through stolen moments, reluctant trust, and emotional vulnerability, which made their connection feel believable and earned.

The historical setting was also beautifully written. The descriptions of Greenwich, the Royal Hospital, and the Painted Hall added so much atmosphere to the story and made the world feel vivid and immersive. I especially loved the quieter moments between the characters, along with the side characters who added warmth and depth to the narrative.

At times, the pacing felt a little slow, particularly in the first half, and the emotional heaviness could be overwhelming since nearly every character seemed burdened by grief, guilt, or difficult family dynamics. Still, the payoff was worth it. The ending and epilogue delivered a heartfelt and hard-earned HEA that left me genuinely happy for Sophie and Rafe.

Overall, this was a thoughtful, emotional historical romance with beautiful prose, strong character work, and a romance that slowly but surely worked its way into my heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Larkmoor Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am usually the first person to reach for a contemporary rom-com or a sports romance, so historical romance is outside of my zone. But when I got the opportunity to read an early ARC of Favors from a Gentleman by Lauren M. Hayworth, the premise sounded too good to pass up. I decided to switch up my reading routine, and I am actually glad I did!

Here is the setup: Sophie is grieving the loss of her brother and is suddenly thrust into the spotlight, expected to marry a nobleman to save her family's estate. Then there is Rafe, a merchant's son who is stuck under the thumb of his absolutely awful, controlling father. They are both essentially trapped by their families and social standing, and their first meeting ends with Sophie blackmailing him just to get a glimpse of her late brother's naval ship.

What I really appreciated about this book is that it did not feel like a fluffy, sterilized version of the 1800s. It felt gritty and real. Both characters are dealing with heavy stuff, especially Rafe, whose storyline with his abusive father is honestly heartbreaking to read.

The romance itself is a slow burn. I usually read fast-paced modern books; the pacing here definitely felt a little slow at times, especially in the first half. But the payoff is so worth it. Watching Rafe finally stand up for himself and watching Sophie push past her grief and the expectations of polite society to fight for what she wanted was incredibly satisfying.

If you usually avoid historical romance because you think it is all just Dukes going to fancy balls, give this one a shot. It is grounded, emotional, and heavily character driven.

A huge thank-you to Lauren Hayworth and Happy Booked PR for the advance copy! All thoughts are my own.

[legallybookishserena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this book is so freaking beautiful. There are only a handful of authors where I stop mid-scene and sit in awe bc the prose is so gorgeous, and Hayworth is one of them for me now. I was highlighting every other page. In a moment where we’re being told to embrace AI for everything including art, this is exactly the kind of writing that proves why that’s such a loss. You cannot fake this. The emotional specificity, the single image description (“a felled oak, molasses-colored hair, brick and mortar beliefs”) is so deeply, unmistakably human.

Sophie’s grief is what wrecked me. It’s in her bones, in every social call she trudges through, in how she prepares for a ball like a “felled, rotting oak.” Hayworth doesn’t let her move past the grief so she can fall in love. The grief stays, and Rafe meets her inside it. That’s what I loved so much about how fit with her. He sees the cracks in her armor immediately and he doesn’t try to fix her, he just gives her the space and stays with her in that grief.
Rafe is doing his own challenging work alongside her. His relationship with his father is brutal, and his arc, from a lifetime of being controlled to finding his spine, is as much the heart of this book as the romance. Their slow build of glances and almost-touches and a first kiss had me holding my breath while racing my heart. The yearning yanked on my heart for pages at a time. I swear I haven’t felt like this in a book in a while.

I will be stalking everything Hayworth writes from here on out. Please let Lord Hansbury have a book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Larkmoor Press for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[Tomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favors from a Gentleman is a Regency romance that earns every star. Lauren M. Hayworth writes with the kind of precision and emotional intelligence that makes you forget you’re reading fiction and you’re simply living inside these pages.

Sophie St. Quinton is one of the most compelling heroines I have encountered in the genre in a long time. She enters the story hollowed out by grief, her debut season a duty rather than a joy, her whole self reduced to a function: marry well, secure the estate, honour the family. She moves through ballrooms and drawing rooms like a woman performing the role of herself, and Hayworth captures that particular kind of grief the one that doesn’t announce itself loudly but quietly rewires a person from the inside with extraordinary skill.

Rafe Balfour is her equal in every sense. A man of trade navigating the fringes of a society that tolerates but does not fully accept him, carrying secrets that could unravel everything he has quietly built. He is guarded, perceptive, and deeply good in a way he would never claim for himself. The tension between him and Sophie builds slowly and deliberately, born not out of misunderstanding but out of two people recognising each other and being frightened by it.

What Hayworth does exceptionally well is resist the temptation to manufacture conflict where the emotional reality is already rich enough. The blackmail plotline that draws them together is sharp and clever, but it never overshadows the quieter, more interesting story

I highly recommend❤️

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

This was a very enjoyable and authentic historical romance.

Sophie and Rafe meet by chance at a society event, and Sophie ends up discovering something that then helps her to ask Rafe for a favour. As the two begrudgingly spend more time together, Rafe becomes drawn to Sophie's brazeness and strength of character, and Sophie to Rafe's honesty and steadfastness. But the odds are stacked against them, a woman of class and a merchant's son, as they both have parents who have their own ideas about their children's futures...

I really liked both of the main characters in this novel, and the dual POV worked very effectively to allow me to connect with both characters and understand their different perspectives. Though I found the beginning slightly slow, as the pace picked up there were plenty of conflicts and obstacles that the characters had to unravel and solve in order to be together which effectively drew the story forward, and I was never quite able to guess what was going to happen next.

The author delved deeper into the regency period than many historical romances that I have read which I really appreciated, as the setting and context was well thought out and all the more vivid. The novel isn't heavy by any means, but it offers something much deeper than a light-hearted historical romance.

This is the second book of Hayworth's that I have enjoyed, and I look forward to reading her next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

They’re neighbours who’ve never met; trade and titles do not mix after all.
They weren’t intended for each other, yet their paths merge anyway.
He has business and secrets in Greenwich. She needs to go there for closure.
Blackmail does the trick.

Sophie & Rafe
Her parents are snobs, manipulative and materialistic. His father is a tyrannical brute.
Her parents are guilt-tripping her into settling for the right kind of title.
His father is forcing him to marry a penniless Lady as a golden ticket into nobility.

First of all I would like to say that I probably wasn’t in the right mood to fully enjoy this story. It packs quite a few emotional punches, and while I was captivated start to finish, it also felt heavy. Lots of grief, loss and hurt. Everything is a struggle, and only at the very end does some lightness finally seep in.

That said, there was lots I did enjoy – very much! – starting with the guided tour of Greenwich, the Royal Hospital, and the vivid depictions of the Painted Hall. The whole story was very visual; I could easily picture the setting and the characters in my mind, and that’s always a big plus for me.
I loved how it was Barnard, a 12yo pensioner, that unintentionally bound them together.
I also loved all the sneaking around, their unplanned “dates”, Alfie’s fatherly advice and warmth, and that S&R were both virgins – shy and uncertain, but eager to learn.
I was moved by the plotline about Rafe’s mother, and how Sophie eventually comes to terms with her grief and defeats her parents – with a little help from Hansbury. I really hope he gets his own story; that man has hidden depths I’m eager to explore!
I was impressed by Rafe’s drive to survive – it’s touch-and-go there for a minute – and the way he finally, finally stands up for himself in the end.

Their HEA was hard-earned, but that last chapter and the epilogue made it all worth it!
I would definitely read more by this author, and I will reread this one when the time is right.

[fransarylibros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of an ARC received by the author via NetGalley

Sophie St. Quinston must marry this season. Two years have passed after the death of her brother (he was a navy officer), her father has no heir, so the future of the estate is tied to her choice in the marriage mart. Except she's not interested in any of that... Still deep in her mourning, her parents' mourning, she's also burdened by duty with no actual support from either of them. Even the sight of uniform is enough to set her running, which is exactly what it happens. So here enters our hero, Rafe Balfour, son a merchant, that has his secrets, secrets that can destroy him... So naturally, Sophie is obligated to blackmail him...

So, it's been a while since I've done an ARC review, and I only have positive things to say. First of all, Lauren's writing was very beautiful, and the characters well and deep developed. The story touches some important themes, like grieving and abuse. Usually in HR, the FMC is the one who has to escape the abuse her family and the MMC is the one forced by duty, but in this story it's the other way around. It's rare seeing the MMC in such a vulnerable position and it was done amazingly. I was as much as terrified from his father as he was.
At the other side, Sophie was desperately trying to get herself out of her grief and find herself again, while doing her duty to her parents. They fought for their HEA, and they earned it. Now I really hope Hansbury is next 🥸

*instagram post pending

[Ashley.EverAfter.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favors from a Gentleman by Lauren M. Hayworth
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5 / 5 Stars)
Genre: Historical Romance (Regency)
Pacing: A Very Delicious, Realistic Slow Burn

If you love Regency romances with immense emotional depth, class differences, and a heavy dose of “forced proximity meets blackmail,” you need to add Favors from a Gentleman by Lauren M. Hayworth to your TBR immediately.
The story heavily digs into the grief Sophie St. Quinton feels after losing her brother, Edmund, and the immense weight that falls on her shoulders to marry well. But her practical plans take a desperate turn when she crosses paths with Rafe Balfour. Their first meeting is a whole new level of "meet cute"
Sophie literally blackmails him right out of the gate! Then, I was instantly hooked!
Rafe is a merchant’s son fighting for his independence while trapped under the thumb of a narcissistic father. Because of my own childhood, I felt an immediate kinship with Rafe. The dual POV works beautifully here; seeing both perspectives gives the story incredible gravity and makes their connection feel so much more romantic.
This book is a true SLOW burn. While the pacing is on the slower side and it feels like it takes forever to finally reach that HEA, it actually works perfectly. Given everything they are both healing from, the timeline feels entirely realistic.
If you love guarded characters slowly lowering their shields for one another, don't sleep on this one! 🤍

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have Miss Sophie St Quinton who has been so buried in grief she is barely alive. She is mourning her beloved brother Edmond and the grief is strong and wished she was gone in his stead! She is on the marriage mart because her parents have convinced her that the title will die with her father so she must wed to take care of the properties and what remains! Rafe Balfour elbows his way in for the same reason he does all things—to do the bidding of his tyrannical father. Rafe’s father is a special kind of monster who makes the life of those around him beyond miserable. He is physically, emotionally and verbally abusive to say the least! So Rafe is not happy to have a conversation Sophie should not have heard used in Blackmail! It is disguised as a favor but the more time he spends with her he sees she is not this haughty debutante that she appears! Sophie actually suffers from trauma almost like PTSD when she even sees someone in uniform. Rafe is trapped and he must wed to please his father except the woman his father has selected thinks he is just above a rodent her disdain is so obvious! Rafe decides he must man up and not let Sophie control this relationship! This decision almost cost him his life! Can these two who live for the approval of their families and duty ever have a HEA? It is a tumultuous end and beginning! Bravo well done! I received an ARC copy from BookSirens for my unbiased opinion!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely stunning sophomore novel from Lauren M. Hayworth!!

Favors from a Gentleman is about Sophie, who comes to London with her parents to find a husband after her only brother died, and Rafe, a merchant’s son who wants desperately to be free from his father’s tyrannical rule. I love a class difference in my romance. Throw in some light blackmail and clandestine carriage rides and I’m there. Lauren kept me guessing on how these two were going to be together til the very end and I love that suspense.

Favors weaves a swoony and sexy romance with Sophie’s and Rafe’s individual journeys of growth and self-discovery. Both characters are heavily weighed down by their grief and their pasts, and it’s through their relationship that they learn to push through all that and come to life again. Lauren gives her characters room to grow and it was such a joy going on that journey with them. And the side characters! There’s a gate guard with three teeth that has like two lines but I still remember him. Lauren is so good at building out the world of her novels with incredibly rich settings and side characters.

Last but not least, the prose. Lush without being purple. Packed with emotion and character-focused. I've read this book twice, and the second time felt like revisiting old friends. I can’t wait to read it again when I get my physical copy!!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book by Lauren, and I can say with the utmost certainty that she truly is a talented writer. Her prose is utterly beautiful, and the imagery is so vivid that I was transported into the story from the very start. The book kept me captivated throughout.

The MCs in this book were well-developed, complex characters; Lauren truly has shown her ability in creating unique, convincing characters. She also handled Sophie’s grief very well. Grief was a big part of Sophie’s life, adding rich layers to her personality and influencing her actions. And Rafe… oh, I loved him so much! I loved that he was so vulnerable and could not stand up to his own father — that made him feel all the more real, not any weaker. Rafe also had a complex life, with a secret he harboured for years. It was difficult for him to open up to Sophie, to lay his soul bare.

I enjoyed that this was not an insta-lust story — I could see Rafe and Sophie’s relationship developing over time, and it was beautiful to witness. I also enjoyed how brave Sophie was with making first moves.

This book was BEAUTIFUL, well-written, compelling, and I am REALLY looking forward to the next book in the series! There’s a side character in “Favours from a Gentleman” who I very much hope will be the MMC in the next book (if you read it, I think you’ll know).

[Elizabeth Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy historical romance with small twists and turns, then Favors From a Gentleman by Lauren Hayworth might be for you. Rafe and Sophie are the two main characters, and both of their lives are dictated by their parents and by society. They are deeply in sync with each other and able to see beyond what is presented to the world.
Rafe’s struggles with his father—being manipulated and feeling trapped—and Sophie’s neglect by her parents after the loss of her brother felt very real and emotional. Both characters tend to overthink everything and constantly misinterpret each other, which was honestly relatable to me. Frustrating, yes, but completely real.
The writing was very good, and I loved the world Lauren Hayworth built. The monotony of women in that time period, including Sophie, attending endless parties in an attempt to find a suitable match was portrayed so well. I also really appreciated Rafe’s character development: he begins as a meek son doing what his father dictates, but through love he finds the courage to stand up for himself and for what is right.
I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll leave it there—but I really hope Hansbury gets his own book!
Tropes:

Historical romance
Parental issues
Class difference (merchant’s son / daughter of a viscount)
Forbidden love / yearning
Slow burn

Content warnings:

Death of a sibling; grief
Aftermath of battle
Alcohol use
Parental abuse / domestic violence
Kidnapping / attempted murder of the hero

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had such a beautiful mix of heartbreak and hope. I went into it expecting a classic Regency romance, but it ended up feeling much deeper and more emotional than I anticipated. Sophie and Rafe are both carrying heavy grief, and their connection grows in such a natural, tender way that I couldn’t help rooting for them.
Sophie was easy to love. She’s clever, determined, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family, even when it pushes her into morally messy situations. Rafe was equally compelling — rough around the edges, burdened by family expectations, and completely out of place in polite society. Their chemistry had that perfect slow-burn tension where every conversation felt loaded with emotion.
What I appreciated most was how grounded the story felt. The romance is there, of course, but so much of the book is about healing, loneliness, and learning to let yourself want more than duty. The grittier atmosphere gave the Regency setting a fresh edge without losing the elegance and charm of the genre.
If you enjoy historical romances with wounded characters, emotional depth, and a relationship that feels earned, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s romantic, bittersweet, and quietly powerful all at once.
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving my review. 

[readmeregency · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded to 5

Favors From a Gentleman has one of the best depictions of grief that I've read in recent times. Rafe and Sophie are imperfect, lonely messes that match each other's jagged edges. I love this, because I love a sexy mess.

Sophie needs a way to travel discreetly, and uses Rafe to achieve this. She's spent the past few years mired in grief over the loss of her brother - a loss that has profoundly changed her. Rafe is fully prepared to marry his fathers choice of bride, as he believes it is the only way to meet his own goals. When Sophie sweeps into his life, they're thrown off their paths.

Sophie approaches Rafe the way many of the best romances begin - with blackmail. She's got issues, he's got issues, they have issues together, and the joy is watching them muddle through it. Their connection is built on compassion and understanding, and I think that's beautiful. Hayworth handles their pain with a deft touch, ensuring that their issues are not magically fixed by attraction, or even romance.

This is not a lighthearted read. It doesn't pull its punches when it comes to tough emotions or situations, making for a compelling story. Thank you to the author for the ARC ❤️

[Lady of Regency · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was reading the book, the weather was terrible. It was pouring with rain. And that’s how I’d describe my state of mind. A bit gloomy.

Everything Rafe had to endure with his father. What he went through and everything else he had to put up with during that time. He’s a loving, kind gentleman who still had to find his way. Yet he did everything for his mother.

Sophie, on the other hand, was like a breath of fresh air for him, in my eyes. She was good for him. He wasn’t exactly thrilled with her at the start😂 – who can blame him when she blackmails him?

After her loss, she thought she’d lost her zest for life. But when you have a reason for it, everything looks brighter.

It was lovely to accompany her through the story. To watch her carry out her plan.

The descriptions were really detailed; you could tell how much research had gone into them.

What I personally missed were the moments between the main characters. They simply didn’t have enough scenes together. It was more about everything else than about the two of them together. It was a bit of a Kuddelmuddel.

I received an ARC from the Author. This is my honest review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional, well written, fast paced read. Has everything to keep reading and wanting more. Full of drama, love, emotions, action, adventure, society, revenge, abuse, family and friends. Lady Sophie St. Quinton is a young lady who lost her brother in a ship battle. Her parents have her in London to look for a rich man to marry but one with a title. At a ball, she meets Mr. Rafe Balfour, a man whose father is rich but has no title. His father, Thomas Balfour is an abusive man, that keeps Rafe on a tight string with no money of his own. Rafe heads to the docks when Sophie realizes that he can take her to see her brother's ship come in. It's there she meets a young boy who lost his arm in the same battle that killed her brother yet he will never receive any pension. Rafe and Sophie , both have strong feelings for the other but need to work on how on how to express them for each other. Has so much action that keeps you turning the pages and cheering for them and their happily ever after. Would strongly recommend to everyone.

I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.