A charismatic rogue. A determined lady. A reckless scheme that could tear his family apart.
Lady Sophie Carlisle is running out of time. Her parents have made it clear that if she doesn’t choose a husband this season, they’ll choose one for her. Desperate to escape a loveless match, she strikes a dangerous a pretend courtship with a man who swore he’d never marry.
Behind his rakish smile, Nicholas Blackwell hides more than charm. Haunted by a family secret, he knows marriage is not an option. And certainly not to the one woman who threatens to unravel his defenses.
Their arrangement was never meant to be real. But as feelings begin to tangle with lies, Lady Sophie finds herself falling deeper for a man she cannot have, and Nicholas must decide whether keeping his family intact is worth the price of losing her.
Jayne Rivers adores regency romance books, especially those by Sarah MacLean and Julia Quinn. She writes feel-good stories with heroines she’d love to befriend and heroes she’d love to sweep her off her feet - if she weren't married, of course.
If you are looking for a Regency romance that perfectly balances character growth with a plot-driven narrative, Jayne Rivers delivers once again. This story brings together a fiancé of convenience and a friends to lovers arc, all wrapped up in a high-stakes marriage ultimatum. While it works perfectly as a standalone, returning readers will find a richer experience seeing familiar faces from the series pop up.
What I Loved The Partnership: It was incredibly refreshing to see the main characters actually work together. Instead of unnecessary angst keeping them apart, they make active decisions about their future as a team.
The Conflict: Rivers dives deep into the weight of societal standards and parental pressures. The "Family Secret" isn't just a plot device; it’s a genuine hurdle that limits the MMC’s freedom and dictates how he handles his relationships. (No spoilers, but if you’ve read The Viscount's Unwanted Bride: A Georgian Historical Romance, you’ll know exactly what’s bubbling under the surface!)
The "Other Woman" Done Right: There is a tiny bit of OW drama, but it’s handled perfectly. The MMC doesn't entertain it for a second—the woman is clearly just a troublemaker, which keeps the focus on the main couple.
If you’ve read her books before, you know she finds the "sweet spot" with the steam. It’s mild to moderate (maybe 2–5 open-door scenes), but she never lets the spicy bits take over the actual plot or the chemistry. The pacing is spot on—no boring bits where the story drags—and the writing is easy as mate, making it a breeze to get through.
- Character Depth: Flawed, interesting people you actually want to root for. - The Spice Factor: The steam is mild to moderate (roughly 2–5 scenes). It’s "open door," but Rivers never lets the spice overshadow the plot or the genuine chemistry between the leads. - Readability: The writing style is accessible and the pacing is spot on. I never felt the story stagnated; it kept me turning pages until the inevitable (and satisfying) HEA.
Final Thoughts This is a solid 3.75-star read that I’m happy to round up to a 4. It’s a heartfelt, engaging historical romance that manages to tackle heavy family burdens without losing its charm.
The Rogue’s Troublesome Bride is the perfect conclusion to Jayne Rivers’s delightful Regency romance series. I absolutely loved watching Nicholas’s journey come full circle.
In earlier books, he seemed to act purely for his own pleasure — but in this story, Rivers peels back the layers to reveal how much of his behavior was shaped by family duty and the burden of his mother’s secret. It completely changed the way I saw him.
Sophia and Nicholas’s love story had all the feels — sweeping emotion, tenderness, and just the right dash of spice. Their relationship shows both vulnerability and deep passion, making their happy ending feel richly earned.This book (and the entire series!) is perfect for anyone who loves Regency romance filled with heart, wit, and a hint of heat.
Jayne Rivers wraps it all up beautifully — a must-read for fans of the genre!
I received an advance copy of this book so I could provide my honest opinion.
A charismatic rogue. A determined lady. A reckless scheme that could tear his family apart.
Nicholas Blackwell is a rogue and a rake who vows he'll never marry—mainly because he's hiding a family secret. Lady Sophie Carlisle, determined to marry for love, has set her heart on Nicholas.
Another delightful installment in the Unconventional Brides series by Jayne Rivers, this novel draws readers into Lady Sophie’s heartfelt journey. Sophie has loved Nicholas Blackwell for as long as she can remember, desiring no one else as her husband. Unfortunately, Nicholas’s vow to never marry, rooted in his desire to protect his family’s secret, stands in their way.
Under the pressure of her parents ultimatum to choose a husband this season or have one chosen for her, Sophie devises a bold plan. She asks Nicholas to pretend to court her, hoping to buy time. But as they navigate this false courtship, Nicholas’s jealousy reveals his deepening feelings, blurring the lines between pretense and reality. As emotions intertwine with deception, Sophie falls even harder for a man she believes she cannot have, and Nicholas must face the heart-wrenching choice between safeguarding his family and losing the woman he loves.
Jayne Rivers masterfully weaves a story rich with tender emotions, vulnerability, passion, and the courage to fight for true love. Readers will find themselves captivated by Sophie’s strength and Nicholas’s struggle, making this a compelling read. The novel beautifully explores the transformative power of love—the kind that challenges longstanding fears and defies societal expectations. Regency romance enthusiasts will find this book an irresistible addition to the Unconventional Brides series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Having read and loved 'The Duke's Inconvenient Bride', 'The Earl's Bluestocking Bride', 'The Viscount's Unwanted Bride' and 'His Matchmaking Wallflower' I was very eager to read this next book by Jayne Rivers.
Lady Sophie Carlisle—younger sister of Emma from 'The Duke's Inconvenient Bride'—is head over heels for the younger brother of her best friend's husband, but Nicholas sadly sees Sophie as no more than a a friend. Viscount Blackwell's younger brother has in fact stated firmly that he never intends to wed, leaving Sophie feeling disinclined to accept the suit of any other marriage prospect in her three seasons.
When Sophie's family issues an ultimatum whereby she MUST secure a husband before the end of the season, or one will be chosen FOR her, she rationalises that any choice is better than none and therefore asks for Nicholas' help. He will pretend to court her so that she'll appear more appealing to other gentlemen, and increase her prospects. Of course, jealousy rears its head in Nicholas, leaving him torn between his newly discovered feelings for Sophie and protecting the secret that the Blackwell family has concealed his entire life.
I wont spoil the plot with details of all the ups and downs or how the story unfolds, but I will say that it's another great read and a very fitting end to the whole series. If you liked Jayne Rivers other books then you'll certainly enjoy this one. As always, I hope she is planning another book, which I will be waiting with baited breath to read upon release.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sophie is deeply infatuated with Nicholas but he has vowed not to marry because he has a secret that makes it difficult for him to marry, as a wedding might draw attention to him and reveal the secret. If you read the first three books in the Unconventional Brides series, you already know the secret, because it impacted older brother Theo in the third book.
What I really liked about Nicholas was that he was a consistent character. He liked the ladies and wasn’t a saint before falling for Sophie, but he was always jovial, friendly, and a genuinely good guy. Often when “never gonna marry” guys reform in a series, they seem drastically different in the book where they become the hero. That problem was deftly avoided, and Nicholas’ characterization seemed consistent, and lovable. This is a guy who is genuinely kind, and even when he screws up, he was trying to do the right thing.
Sophie is not a moping Miss, either. She wants to marry Nicholas from the first page, but when she doesn’t think it’s a possibility —- because she straight out ASKS, instead of assuming — she makes plans to control her own life as much as she can.
I felt like the resolution made sense. It wasn’t a magic hand-waving deus ex machina. Nicholas and Sophie sit down and actually talk it out and figure out the option that will allow them to marry without detonating the potential “bomb” of his secret. They are thoughtful, careful and actually consider how to mitigate any ill feelings from their family over their actions.
This was a solid, mature romance between two equals. I loved it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the fourth and final book in the Unconventional Brides series. I absolutely loved this series!! It was a lot of fun, very entertaining and full of romance!! I was very happy and pleased with how this series end!!
Lady Sophie Carlisle only wants to marry one man Mr. Nicholas Blackwell. Nicholas doesn’t have plans to marry. He has a family secret that he feels will not allow him to marry. When Sophie’s parents tell her she has to marry by the end of the season or they will help her find a husband, she makes a plan. Sophie approaches Nicholas with her plan, she needs him to pretend to court her so others suitors start becoming interested in her. Will the plan help Sophie find a suitor she can marry or will Nicholas finally reveal his feelings before it is too late?
I loved Sophie and Nicholas’s characters from the previous books and was really excited that they were getting their own story together. Both of their characters are very likable and a lot of fun. This book was just so delightful and very romantic in my opinion. I loved how the fake courtship finally led to both of them declaring their feelings for each other!! The secondary characters were absolutely delightful and really added to the entertainment of the book. The book was well written and kept the pages turning as the fake courtship turned into so much more. I truly loved how Sophie and Nicholas got their HEA and thought it was a great way to end the series!! I highly recommend this book and the entire series!!
Book 4 in the Unconventional Brides series follows Nicholas, the secret twin brother of Viscount Blackwell, and Sophie, Lady Blackwell’s best friend.
Sophie has been quietly in love with Nicholas for some time, but he remains distant and emotionally reserved, firmly set on never marrying—for reasons that are unclear to her. At the same time, Sophie is given an ultimatum by her parents: she must marry during the current Season or allow them to choose a husband for her. Hoping to gain time and attract suitable suitors she might learn to care for, she enters a mutually beneficial arrangement with Nicholas, who agrees to pretend to court her. The premise is charming and full of potential. Compared to the previous book in the series—which was more bittersweet and emotionally driven—this installment feels lighter in tone. While that may appeal to some readers, I personally found it a little less emotionally engaging. The story unfolds in a very structured way, and at times I wished for more depth and introspection from the characters.
That said, the book does offer a comforting happily-ever-after, and there are sweet moments throughout. Although a few threads felt somewhat unresolved for me, this was still an enjoyable read, especially for readers who prefer a gentler, low-angst romance within the series.
The Rogue's Troublesome Bride by Jayne River is a real gem for fans of historical romance novels featuring “fake dating.” The author skillfully crafts the story of Lady Sophie and Nicholas, drawing the reader into a world full of conventions, secrets, and chemistry that sparks off the pages.
What makes it worth reading?
Flesh-and-blood characters: Sophie is a determined and courageous woman who is not afraid to fight for her freedom. Nicholas, on the other hand, hiding his pain behind the mask of a charming rogue, is an extremely intriguing and multidimensional character.
Emotional tension: The theme of feigned courtship is masterfully played out here. Watching the line between lies and true feelings blur with each encounter provides a lot of excitement.
Engrossing mystery: Nicholas' family secret adds depth to the plot and makes it not just a light romance, but also a story about difficult choices and loyalty.
It's the perfect evening read – written with lightness, full of witty dialogue and touching moments. Jayne River proves that love can find its way even where, in theory, there is no place for it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed how this book so lovingly wrapped up the story of Kate, Theo, Sophie, and Nicholas as a found family. I’m only giving it four stars because I was so frustrated by Nicholas and Theo’s mother, and I think in the end, the big secret that Nicholas felt he couldn’t tell Sophie was a little, maybe, underwhelming. For lack of a better word. Though I think it was original in some way. And I also felt like Nicholas just held out too long in finally giving in to his love for Sophie. But then again, when he does, he’s so sweet, and he’s such a great MMC in and of himself, to Sophie, and as a husband. Sophie, at times, wasn’t my favorite character in the series, but in the end, I grew to love her as an FMC and the way she cared for Nicholas. I felt like she was proof that epic crushes don’t just have to be a crush, and eventually they can turn into a great love. And don’t we all enjoy a story like that! As far as spice: when the couple is intimate, it’s both heated and sweet all at the same time. I felt like there was just the right amount for this book, and the story of Sophie and Nicholas. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this story of Nicholas and Sophie. She loved him from afar, but a fake courtship quickly revealed feelings that neither were aware of before. This story had a frustrating start because I was annoyed with the secret that was controlling Nicholas’s life. It just felt unfair and selfish since he wasn’t responsible for the secret. I was happy when he finally reached a point where he realized he deserved happiness. It took a house party and the potential of losing the woman he loved to get him there, but it was worth the wait. This book had interesting characters, witty banter, humor, friendships, multiple suitors, undeclared love, lots of steam, affection, support, adventure, and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s a very nice addition to Unconventional Brides series and a very easy read. Sophie and Nicholas are both - indeed - unconventional MCs with a very unconventional (maybe a bit too unconventional bordering on somewhat less believable) issue separating them. They are sweet and find their way to each other despite meddlesome relatives and self-doubt. Jayne Rivers’s writing is very smooth as usual. Very moderate but well done steam here. All in all, though I enjoyed the previous installments even more, this is a solid and definitely recommended read! I enjoyed visiting with familiar characters from previous books in the series very much as well.
Thanks to Booksprout and publisher for this advance read!
Another misleading title for me. Nicholas and Sophie were neighbors as kids, and Sophie always had a crush on Nicholas, which he blindly ignored or didn't see. Men… She was desperate not to be married off to someone else. Sophie's plan doesn't go exactly as planned. In the meantime, there are fun little moments and secrets the family wants kept forever!! See if it all comes to pass. Sophie is just what Nicholas needs- a kick in the pants to wake up, or loose a great opportunity. This was frustrating, fun, humorous, and steamy hot! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. The FMC is being pressured by her family to get engaged or they will match her up. She enlists her best friend’s brother-in-law (who is a charming rogue and whom she has secretly been in love with) to give her some time by faking an engagement. As the time passes she falls more in love with him. He is torn between a secret he must keep for his mother’s sake or his own new feelings of love. It was well written and brings back some characters from previous books in the series.
Another hot and steamy Unconventional Brides historical romance. Good read and a bit of drama to keep the story going.
Nicholas Blackwell is a rogue and a rake that vows he'll never marry. It's mostly because he's hiding a family secret, he and his brother are identical twins. Lady Sophie is determined that she'll marry for love, and she loves Nicholas.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I truly enjoyed this novel. Sometimes I hesitate to read period pieces because they tend to feature overly lengthy expositions or overly embellished langue, however there was no fault with this particular book. The story moved along at a good pace - not too rushed, not too drawn out, so my interest never dropped. Recommend it
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Rogue’s Troublesome Bride by Jane Rivers is the next installment in the Unconventional Brides series. It is a regency romance with a secret, a little steam, and a lovely romance with a HEA. Sophie is a strong, capable, sweet young woman and Nicholas finally shows us his vulnerable heart. This was a beautifully written emotional story about two people who couldn’t be more right for each other.
He was made to believe he can not be more than a rogue and therefore did not deserve love and happiness. Until he realizes she makes it all possible and with her by his side, they decided to fight all odds. Lovely and wonderful read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed reading about the other twin and his adventures to finding love for himself. He had sacrifice his life and his desire due to his family's secret. It was fun and exciting reading of both the heroine and the hero. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So we started this year going back 200 years in time. It’s always fun to go back and now we followed the love course of Sophie and Nicholas. It had all the feels: sweeping love, tenderness and some spice. They were passionate about each other and you were rooting for them the entire time. I received a copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Regency romance lovers will love this book.
Sophie Carlisle was in no hurry to marry—but her parents had other ideas. So Sophie asked her friend Nicholas Blackwell for help. Nicholas didn’t plan to ever marry knowing it would upset his mother. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Sophie had a bit of a wild ride but loved the end result! Enjoy the adventure!
I have enjoyed the whole of this series and this, the fourth is just as good. Sophie and Nicholas strike up a bargain to ensure Sophie is not forced to marry but the bargain proves harder toaintain. The characters are always engaging in Jayne's books and the writing makes you want to keep reading. I received an advance reader copy and this is my honest review.
Nice conclusion to this four part series of three sisters and a best friend. Nicholas Blackwell has been hiding the fact that he’s an identical twin his whole life. Lady Sophie Carlyle is best friends with his twin’s wife. Romance ensues. Typical Regency shenanigans result in HEA. I received this ARC at no charge from the author and BookSirens, but all opinions are my own.
This was an enjoyable book. It was an interesting conflict that I'd never read before which made it interesting. My favorite character was Nicholas. He'd sacrificed so much in his life emotionally. I like how Sophie brought him joy as he interacted with her with her stratagems. Thanks to Book Sirens for an advance copy of this book for my honest review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.Pretty good. If you like historical romance this books for you. I love Amanda quick and Julia quinn I feel like this book had a similar vibe. This book was a early review
Never wanting to marry but for love , her parents pushing her to make a match she does the next best thing and arranges a sham marriage of convenience with a rake what could go wrong .
A Well written and entwining story with lovely characters full of banter and romance .
I was granted an ARC and am leaving an honest review.
This is the fourth book in Jayne Rivers Unconventional Brides series and it was a delightful read. Sophie, younger sister to Emma and Violet from the Duke’s Inconvenient Bride, has been given an ultimatum by her parents to marry by the end of the season or they would choose for her. The only problem is the only man she wants is Nicholas, who will not marry due to a family secret despite a growing attraction towards her.
The Rogue’s Troublesome Bride has many favorite tropes including a fake courtship scenario, competing affections from other suitors, and warmth and support from friends and family. The feelings stemming from an ongoing friendship between Nicholas and Sophie felt genuine and made their choices believable and convincing. It is interesting how the precarious positions of females, younger siblings, inheritance, etc. play out in the telling of this story and it’s outcome.