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Diamonds in the Rough #6
The Formidable Earl
He's breaking the rules for one woman, and coming dangerously close to falling in love…
Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding, knows he's flawed. He's arrogant, possessive, and haunted by a terrible choice he made long ago. So when a former friend's daughter gives him the chance to do a good deed, he grabs it. Except he'd like to grab her as well and teach her a thing or two about kissing. If only she weren't so damn stubborn.
Ida Strong wants one thing – justice on behalf of her father. She has no room for anything else, in spite of her growing and (at times) inexplicable attraction toward a certain earl. But for a woman who knows what betrayal tastes like, placing her trust in others is hard. Risking her heart, would be downright foolish. Until it's the only thing that seems to make sense.
Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding, knows he's flawed. He's arrogant, possessive, and haunted by a terrible choice he made long ago. So when a former friend's daughter gives him the chance to do a good deed, he grabs it. Except he'd like to grab her as well and teach her a thing or two about kissing. If only she weren't so damn stubborn.
Ida Strong wants one thing – justice on behalf of her father. She has no room for anything else, in spite of her growing and (at times) inexplicable attraction toward a certain earl. But for a woman who knows what betrayal tastes like, placing her trust in others is hard. Risking her heart, would be downright foolish. Until it's the only thing that seems to make sense.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2020
364 people are currently reading
1115 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Barnes
67 books1,755 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
For all the latest releases, promotions, and exclusive story updates, subscribe to Sophie Barnes’ newsletter today: www.sophiebarnes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
June 6, 2021
Simon was Stupid
I really loathed this guy for like 80% of the book and at the end, I just didn't hate him as much. He was a lousy wannabe hero. Poor Ida deserved better and I felt so bad for her when he was talking about taking a wife, but he would still keep her as his mistress. How noble of him. NOT! What a jerk! I just couldn't buy into it at all. The way he let people talk about her was awful too. Just not a good guy. Very disappointed in The whole story.
A young lady was kept hidden at her Aunts brothel because her Father was hung as a traitor and people were trying to kill her too. Simon, the louse, went to the brothel for a 'visit' and he saw her and he blew her refuge to pieces and took her away and installed her in one of his houses so he could seduce her, oops I meant help her find the people who framed her Father. Of course he takes her innocence and then starts calling her his mistress, and planning to keep her even after he's married. She wanted no part of that and I really liked that about her. She said No! Yay! But the investigation took so may turns I was over it. And people cursing her because her Father was a traitor. She wasn't but they treated her like vermin. Especially Simon's Uncle who was an extremely vile person. There is a lot that happens but the book just didn't appeal to me at all. Never could buy into the romance.
I really loathed this guy for like 80% of the book and at the end, I just didn't hate him as much. He was a lousy wannabe hero. Poor Ida deserved better and I felt so bad for her when he was talking about taking a wife, but he would still keep her as his mistress. How noble of him. NOT! What a jerk! I just couldn't buy into it at all. The way he let people talk about her was awful too. Just not a good guy. Very disappointed in The whole story.
A young lady was kept hidden at her Aunts brothel because her Father was hung as a traitor and people were trying to kill her too. Simon, the louse, went to the brothel for a 'visit' and he saw her and he blew her refuge to pieces and took her away and installed her in one of his houses so he could seduce her, oops I meant help her find the people who framed her Father. Of course he takes her innocence and then starts calling her his mistress, and planning to keep her even after he's married. She wanted no part of that and I really liked that about her. She said No! Yay! But the investigation took so may turns I was over it. And people cursing her because her Father was a traitor. She wasn't but they treated her like vermin. Especially Simon's Uncle who was an extremely vile person. There is a lot that happens but the book just didn't appeal to me at all. Never could buy into the romance.
October 25, 2020
Series: Diamonds In The Rough #6
Publication Date: 11/17/20
Number of Pages: 320
Wow! This was an exciting, page-turner of a book! I couldn’t put it down. Not only did we finally get to see Simon and Ida get their stories, but we also got wonderful visits with several former ‘rough diamonds’ as well. The writing is excellent, the story is well-plotted and well presented, and the characters – well – OMGoodness, the characters are wonderful. We originally met Simon in the first book of the series, A Most Unlikely Duke, and he definitely did not make a good impression. Then, we met the sweet and lovely Ida in the fifth book, The Forgotten Duke. You don’t have to have read those books to enjoy this one, but – goodness, they were GREAT books.
Simon Garrison Nugent, Earl of Fielding, is … boring, strait-laced, proper, judgmental, prideful, and has a sterling reputation among the ton. He’s never set a foot wrong – never done anything out of bounds. He’s definitely NOT a rogue – he doesn’t even visit brothels. Well, he hasn’t before, but after a visit with a couple of friends at White’s – when they told him he was boring – he decided he’d do something really daring and go to a brothel – just to show them. The brothel he chooses is Amourette’s and goodness is he in for a shock at just how non-boring his life is going to become. As he walks in, there is no one there to greet him, so he gets arrogant when he notices a woman standing, partially hidden, on the landing. He demands she come down and when she does, he thinks he recognizes her – and makes a loud, unmistakable utterance about her being Matthew’s daughter. GROAN…
Ida Veronica Strong’s father was convicted and hung for treason four years prior and Ida has been living in hiding at Amourette’s since then – she doesn’t work there, she just lives there with the owner who is her aunt. She’s been hidden away because attempts have been made on her life. She knows her father was innocent and she loudly vowed to find and punish the real traitor – and he took her seriously because attempts have been made on her life. Now, a boorish oaf has announced to all of the patrons just who she is and she has to flee – again.
Simon served with Ida’s father in the wars and he liked him very much. Matthew actually saved Simon’s life, and Simon deeply regrets that he didn’t speak up when Matthew was accused of treason – but it all happened so very fast. Now, it seems he’s failed Matthew’s daughter as well. It seems he just keeps failing people – but he’ll do whatever he can to make things right for Ida.
The book is action-packed, fast-paced, and exciting. You’ll enjoy solving the mystery and finding the real traitor, and you’ll absolutely love the romance. It takes Simon a while to work through all of his feelings and watching him get it is entertaining indeed.
I hope you will read and enjoy this book as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 11/17/20
Number of Pages: 320
Wow! This was an exciting, page-turner of a book! I couldn’t put it down. Not only did we finally get to see Simon and Ida get their stories, but we also got wonderful visits with several former ‘rough diamonds’ as well. The writing is excellent, the story is well-plotted and well presented, and the characters – well – OMGoodness, the characters are wonderful. We originally met Simon in the first book of the series, A Most Unlikely Duke, and he definitely did not make a good impression. Then, we met the sweet and lovely Ida in the fifth book, The Forgotten Duke. You don’t have to have read those books to enjoy this one, but – goodness, they were GREAT books.
Simon Garrison Nugent, Earl of Fielding, is … boring, strait-laced, proper, judgmental, prideful, and has a sterling reputation among the ton. He’s never set a foot wrong – never done anything out of bounds. He’s definitely NOT a rogue – he doesn’t even visit brothels. Well, he hasn’t before, but after a visit with a couple of friends at White’s – when they told him he was boring – he decided he’d do something really daring and go to a brothel – just to show them. The brothel he chooses is Amourette’s and goodness is he in for a shock at just how non-boring his life is going to become. As he walks in, there is no one there to greet him, so he gets arrogant when he notices a woman standing, partially hidden, on the landing. He demands she come down and when she does, he thinks he recognizes her – and makes a loud, unmistakable utterance about her being Matthew’s daughter. GROAN…
Ida Veronica Strong’s father was convicted and hung for treason four years prior and Ida has been living in hiding at Amourette’s since then – she doesn’t work there, she just lives there with the owner who is her aunt. She’s been hidden away because attempts have been made on her life. She knows her father was innocent and she loudly vowed to find and punish the real traitor – and he took her seriously because attempts have been made on her life. Now, a boorish oaf has announced to all of the patrons just who she is and she has to flee – again.
Simon served with Ida’s father in the wars and he liked him very much. Matthew actually saved Simon’s life, and Simon deeply regrets that he didn’t speak up when Matthew was accused of treason – but it all happened so very fast. Now, it seems he’s failed Matthew’s daughter as well. It seems he just keeps failing people – but he’ll do whatever he can to make things right for Ida.
The book is action-packed, fast-paced, and exciting. You’ll enjoy solving the mystery and finding the real traitor, and you’ll absolutely love the romance. It takes Simon a while to work through all of his feelings and watching him get it is entertaining indeed.
I hope you will read and enjoy this book as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 12, 2020
The Formidable Earl
Diamonds In The Rough Book 6
Sophie Barnes
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Release date 11/17/2020
Publisher Sophie Barnes
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
He's breaking the rules for one woman, and coming dangerously close to falling in love…
Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding, knows he's flawed. He's arrogant, possessive, and haunted by a terrible choice he made long ago. So when a former friend's daughter gives him the chance to do a good deed, he grabs it. Except he'd like to grab her as well and teach her a thing or two about kissing. If only she weren't so damn stubborn.
Ida Strong wants one thing – justice on behalf of her father. She has no room for anything else, in spite of her growing and (at times) inexplicable attraction toward a certain earl. But for a woman who knows what betrayal tastes like, placing her trust in others is hard. Risking her heart, would be downright foolish. Until it's the only thing that seems to make sense.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will a woman the total opposite of all his expectations move his heart ...
Simon Nugent Is a man who always followed the framed path sets for him, never straying from it.
Until once to challenge his reputation of a bore, he goes somewhere he would never have usually gone.
There, he meets the woman who will shake is life, disturbing it until she destroys everything he believes to let him rebuilt it from its fondations. Yet to reach it, he must forgone everything he was held to, a slow process as while he quickly knows he can not let Ida go, he is only ready to give her the place Society would solely allow, as his mistress, never as wife.
And while Ida thought she had found a man who stands by her side, and hopes for more. Will she have to corrupt her dreams for a temporary affair.
Their chemistry is off the chart from their first encounter but the prim and proper Earl sees only one fonction to keep her in his life.
And while he confirms to the ton’s judgmental rules, Ida refuses to cover and kisses goodbye to a different less shameful future.
She does not mind being disgraced if it would bring in her life a man who will hold her hand, lend his shoulder, share his heart with her. But she would never accept to be seen lacking or not enough.
« He was, after all, willing to give her the sun and the moon. Just not the stars. »
This novel is the narrative of a man who lets go of every shred holding him back to his past life, who discovers the freedom of acting without thought of the others’ opinion. Simon goes from an aloof dandy to a man ready to risk everything for the woman who has come to mean more than life.
5 stars as I enjoyed watching Simon evolves from a man who prized his peers’ gaze to one seeking only his loved one acceptance, he went running to the ruination of his longly embedded education to rise to a new self determined to choose love over duty.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Diamonds In The Rough Book 6
Sophie Barnes
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Release date 11/17/2020
Publisher Sophie Barnes
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
He's breaking the rules for one woman, and coming dangerously close to falling in love…
Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding, knows he's flawed. He's arrogant, possessive, and haunted by a terrible choice he made long ago. So when a former friend's daughter gives him the chance to do a good deed, he grabs it. Except he'd like to grab her as well and teach her a thing or two about kissing. If only she weren't so damn stubborn.
Ida Strong wants one thing – justice on behalf of her father. She has no room for anything else, in spite of her growing and (at times) inexplicable attraction toward a certain earl. But for a woman who knows what betrayal tastes like, placing her trust in others is hard. Risking her heart, would be downright foolish. Until it's the only thing that seems to make sense.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will a woman the total opposite of all his expectations move his heart ...
Simon Nugent Is a man who always followed the framed path sets for him, never straying from it.
Until once to challenge his reputation of a bore, he goes somewhere he would never have usually gone.
There, he meets the woman who will shake is life, disturbing it until she destroys everything he believes to let him rebuilt it from its fondations. Yet to reach it, he must forgone everything he was held to, a slow process as while he quickly knows he can not let Ida go, he is only ready to give her the place Society would solely allow, as his mistress, never as wife.
And while Ida thought she had found a man who stands by her side, and hopes for more. Will she have to corrupt her dreams for a temporary affair.
Their chemistry is off the chart from their first encounter but the prim and proper Earl sees only one fonction to keep her in his life.
And while he confirms to the ton’s judgmental rules, Ida refuses to cover and kisses goodbye to a different less shameful future.
She does not mind being disgraced if it would bring in her life a man who will hold her hand, lend his shoulder, share his heart with her. But she would never accept to be seen lacking or not enough.
« He was, after all, willing to give her the sun and the moon. Just not the stars. »
This novel is the narrative of a man who lets go of every shred holding him back to his past life, who discovers the freedom of acting without thought of the others’ opinion. Simon goes from an aloof dandy to a man ready to risk everything for the woman who has come to mean more than life.
5 stars as I enjoyed watching Simon evolves from a man who prized his peers’ gaze to one seeking only his loved one acceptance, he went running to the ruination of his longly embedded education to rise to a new self determined to choose love over duty.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
November 21, 2020
Stubbornness meets head on!
So an upright, uptight Earl, Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding, meets his nemesis in the form of Ida Strong. The daughter of a condemned traitor, Ida has one aim, to find justice for her dead father. Simon had a hand in that, and his regrets about that incident haunts him. I couldn't help but lock into that Sinatra line 'Regrets I've had a few!'
Out of the blue, discovering Ida hiding in a brothel shocks him. Now comes a time to help Ida, but unknown threats around Ida's commitment to learning the truth hamper any growing feelings Simon might have for her.
An ARC from the author via NetGalley
So an upright, uptight Earl, Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding, meets his nemesis in the form of Ida Strong. The daughter of a condemned traitor, Ida has one aim, to find justice for her dead father. Simon had a hand in that, and his regrets about that incident haunts him. I couldn't help but lock into that Sinatra line 'Regrets I've had a few!'
Out of the blue, discovering Ida hiding in a brothel shocks him. Now comes a time to help Ida, but unknown threats around Ida's commitment to learning the truth hamper any growing feelings Simon might have for her.
An ARC from the author via NetGalley
September 2, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Orphaned Ida Strong knows she needs to keep hidden. Her father proclaimed a traitor and executed four years ago, she's got a target on her back for her very public proclamation for finding the true traitor. So when Simon Nugent, the Earl of Fielding, identifies her while she's hiding in a brothel, she's know even more at risk. Simon knew Matthew during their army days, and never believed the rumours of his treachery, but his wouldn't do anything to harm his reputation and speak up. Feeling guilty, he needs to help Ida, and working together, they try and discover the truth about the plot to free Napoleon. However, when people discover Ida the daughter of Matthew Strong, and is living in Simon's other London home, they assume the worse, and thought Simon is growing more and more in love with her, he won't harm his reputation by marrying her.
I haven't read the other books in this series, so probably missed a little of the backstory of the characters, especially Simon's jilting by Gabriella, and how Ida met Guthrie and was rescued by him, but I didn't think that was a real hindrance. Ida was such a strong and headstrong character, and she definitely stood by her morals and her aspirations. Being with Simon, opening up to him, was hard, as she's struggled to trust people since her father's execution, and knowing that the best she can hope for is to become his mistress is very difficult. Simon is definitely set in his ways, and his flawless reputation is everything, but little by little the shell is broken, and we see the real man underneath. Him and Ida together had a lovely relationship, and one that definitely developed naturally for the situation they were in. I enjoyed the secondary characters, such as the Duke of Huntley and Guthrie becoming involved in the investigation, and though I'd worked out who was the true traitor quite early on, the reveal was still enjoyable to read. Some parts of the book, such as the ending, was a little contrived, but all in all, a good read.
Orphaned Ida Strong knows she needs to keep hidden. Her father proclaimed a traitor and executed four years ago, she's got a target on her back for her very public proclamation for finding the true traitor. So when Simon Nugent, the Earl of Fielding, identifies her while she's hiding in a brothel, she's know even more at risk. Simon knew Matthew during their army days, and never believed the rumours of his treachery, but his wouldn't do anything to harm his reputation and speak up. Feeling guilty, he needs to help Ida, and working together, they try and discover the truth about the plot to free Napoleon. However, when people discover Ida the daughter of Matthew Strong, and is living in Simon's other London home, they assume the worse, and thought Simon is growing more and more in love with her, he won't harm his reputation by marrying her.
I haven't read the other books in this series, so probably missed a little of the backstory of the characters, especially Simon's jilting by Gabriella, and how Ida met Guthrie and was rescued by him, but I didn't think that was a real hindrance. Ida was such a strong and headstrong character, and she definitely stood by her morals and her aspirations. Being with Simon, opening up to him, was hard, as she's struggled to trust people since her father's execution, and knowing that the best she can hope for is to become his mistress is very difficult. Simon is definitely set in his ways, and his flawless reputation is everything, but little by little the shell is broken, and we see the real man underneath. Him and Ida together had a lovely relationship, and one that definitely developed naturally for the situation they were in. I enjoyed the secondary characters, such as the Duke of Huntley and Guthrie becoming involved in the investigation, and though I'd worked out who was the true traitor quite early on, the reveal was still enjoyable to read. Some parts of the book, such as the ending, was a little contrived, but all in all, a good read.
September 14, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I liked a lot about the build up of her scenes but wanted more details and explicitness here)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (so – the foreplay here, the lead up, the kisses – that was all longer than I thought it was going to be but the actual act is quite short and vague. So just be aware this 4 length might feel misleading)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: a touch
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine (except the last chapter, which is from someone else’s POV)
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Not too far in, 3% or chapter 1
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: No – the last chapter is from a different character’s POV and must be a set up for a future book?
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy 5 years late so it’s nowhere close to ‘advanced’ anymore through NetGalley in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I loved the cover – which by the way I do feel her covers are misleading. I definitely am always hoping for more steam in these
Mains: Simon Garrison Nugent (Earl of Fielding) and Ida Veronica Strong – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
”I disagree.” His gaze dropped to her lips before moving lower, roving over each part of her body until she felt scorched. “I’ve been hungry since the day I clapped eyes on your beauty.” His gaze returned to her face with increased resolve burning bright in its depth. “And since you’ve refused to sate that hunger, I’ve been brought to the point of starvation, Ida. My entire body shakes at the thought of what it would feel like to kiss you, to touch you, to bury myself in your sweetness. I’m nearly mad with it. With you. I can scarcely think of anything else.”
Should I read in order?
Probably yes? I’ll admit I felt kind of swamped with prior encounters, names and information as I started this one. I did read book 5 (can’t remember a thing about it) but that’s it for this series so maybe starting at the beginning would have been helpful. I also believe the heroine from book 1 was initially betrothed to this hero (him trying to get over her leaving him is mentioned)
Basic plot:
When Simon meets Ida he’s determined to right a wrong from his past.
Give this a try if you want:
- later Georgian romance – 1821
- London setting
- Earl hero
- celibate hero – it’s only been 3 months though does that count?
- age gap – he’s older by 13 years
- some forbidden love elements (from society/family members)
- working together to solve a mystery
- lower steam – 1 full scene
Ages:
- hero is 32 and heroine is 19
First line:
Weary of trying to find an acceptable bride, Simon Garrison Nugen, Earl of Fielding, had ceased all attempts at marriage and was currently steering clear of debutantes.
My thoughts:
I was just a bit bored with this one. I really liked the beginning meeting and the set up for the book, but I think the steam was just too light for what I was looking for and there was just too much focus on the mystery solving, sadly.
I am always drawn in by this author’s covers – she has some really great ones!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating from me: 3 stars
Favorite book: This one probably
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I liked a lot about the build up of her scenes but wanted more details and explicitness here)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (so – the foreplay here, the lead up, the kisses – that was all longer than I thought it was going to be but the actual act is quite short and vague. So just be aware this 4 length might feel misleading)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: a touch
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine (except the last chapter, which is from someone else’s POV)
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Not too far in, 3% or chapter 1
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: No – the last chapter is from a different character’s POV and must be a set up for a future book?
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy 5 years late so it’s nowhere close to ‘advanced’ anymore through NetGalley in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I loved the cover – which by the way I do feel her covers are misleading. I definitely am always hoping for more steam in these
Mains: Simon Garrison Nugent (Earl of Fielding) and Ida Veronica Strong – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
”I disagree.” His gaze dropped to her lips before moving lower, roving over each part of her body until she felt scorched. “I’ve been hungry since the day I clapped eyes on your beauty.” His gaze returned to her face with increased resolve burning bright in its depth. “And since you’ve refused to sate that hunger, I’ve been brought to the point of starvation, Ida. My entire body shakes at the thought of what it would feel like to kiss you, to touch you, to bury myself in your sweetness. I’m nearly mad with it. With you. I can scarcely think of anything else.”
Should I read in order?
Probably yes? I’ll admit I felt kind of swamped with prior encounters, names and information as I started this one. I did read book 5 (can’t remember a thing about it) but that’s it for this series so maybe starting at the beginning would have been helpful. I also believe the heroine from book 1 was initially betrothed to this hero (him trying to get over her leaving him is mentioned)
Basic plot:
When Simon meets Ida he’s determined to right a wrong from his past.
Give this a try if you want:
- later Georgian romance – 1821
- London setting
- Earl hero
- celibate hero – it’s only been 3 months though does that count?
- age gap – he’s older by 13 years
- some forbidden love elements (from society/family members)
- working together to solve a mystery
- lower steam – 1 full scene
Ages:
- hero is 32 and heroine is 19
First line:
Weary of trying to find an acceptable bride, Simon Garrison Nugen, Earl of Fielding, had ceased all attempts at marriage and was currently steering clear of debutantes.
My thoughts:
I was just a bit bored with this one. I really liked the beginning meeting and the set up for the book, but I think the steam was just too light for what I was looking for and there was just too much focus on the mystery solving, sadly.
I am always drawn in by this author’s covers – she has some really great ones!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating from me: 3 stars
Favorite book: This one probably
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
November 4, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up!
Simon Nugent, the Earl of Fielding, lives to preserve his pristine reputation. He was never able to earn his parents’ approval, despite his best efforts, and lives with the guilt of his past mistakes. When he discovers the daughter of the man who saved his life during the war alive, he sees his chance to make amends. Too bad he’s also fiercely attracted to the woman.
Ever since her father was wrongfully executed for treason Ida Strong has been determined to prove his innocence and see justice served. She’s done hiding away, especially now that a certain bothersome earl has blown her cover and she can’t afford distractions, no matter how handsome. The earl claims to want to help but Ida understandably doesn’t trust easily, and she certainly has no intention of risking her heart, although that seems inevitable.
I really liked this premise of the wronged heroine seeking justice and the hero operating as more or less her sidekick. However, many of the decisions they made in an effort to investigate didn’t make much sense given the clear attempts being made on her life. I also was not a big fan of this hero. He spent much of the book enumerating the myriad reasons why Ida could never be his wife and being puzzled as to why she wasn’t leaping at the chance to be his mistress. His epiphany came a bit too late and this watered down some of the romance for me. The mystery element was enjoyable, and I loved Ida as a heroine. She was strong, knew her own mind, and stood up for herself without coming off as shrewish, which is so rare in recent reads. Despite the danger she faced, she never seemed helpless. The ending was very dramatic, maybe a little too much so, but it did have me feverishly turning pages. I do wish we’d gotten a bit more information regarding the villain’s comeuppance and more of a chance for Ida’s vindication to be shown on the page after it was so hard-won. Overall, this was a solid story and I look forward to Blayne’s HEA next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Simon Nugent, the Earl of Fielding, lives to preserve his pristine reputation. He was never able to earn his parents’ approval, despite his best efforts, and lives with the guilt of his past mistakes. When he discovers the daughter of the man who saved his life during the war alive, he sees his chance to make amends. Too bad he’s also fiercely attracted to the woman.
Ever since her father was wrongfully executed for treason Ida Strong has been determined to prove his innocence and see justice served. She’s done hiding away, especially now that a certain bothersome earl has blown her cover and she can’t afford distractions, no matter how handsome. The earl claims to want to help but Ida understandably doesn’t trust easily, and she certainly has no intention of risking her heart, although that seems inevitable.
I really liked this premise of the wronged heroine seeking justice and the hero operating as more or less her sidekick. However, many of the decisions they made in an effort to investigate didn’t make much sense given the clear attempts being made on her life. I also was not a big fan of this hero. He spent much of the book enumerating the myriad reasons why Ida could never be his wife and being puzzled as to why she wasn’t leaping at the chance to be his mistress. His epiphany came a bit too late and this watered down some of the romance for me. The mystery element was enjoyable, and I loved Ida as a heroine. She was strong, knew her own mind, and stood up for herself without coming off as shrewish, which is so rare in recent reads. Despite the danger she faced, she never seemed helpless. The ending was very dramatic, maybe a little too much so, but it did have me feverishly turning pages. I do wish we’d gotten a bit more information regarding the villain’s comeuppance and more of a chance for Ida’s vindication to be shown on the page after it was so hard-won. Overall, this was a solid story and I look forward to Blayne’s HEA next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 16, 2020
This is one of a series but has the potential to be read as a standalone from Sophie Barnes, whom I usually love. Her characters are charming and oftentimes pop of the page which I appreciate! That is no different for Ida Strong, our heroine and orphan. She's had a hard upbringing, one that found her declaring to out the true criminal after her father's execution for his being an alleged traitor. I found Ida to be appropriately paranoid given what she was up against, but also kind hearted and deserving of a romance.
However when Simon her supposed hero came in, I wasn't sold... He find's Ida at a brothel, and knowing who she is, and WHY she's hiding, he manages to tell all of London by morning! What? I get that she needed to be out of the brothel for the two of them to interact, but why did he do that? That made me less interested in him as a love interest for sure.
But despite that his friends believe him to be so prim and proper, he sets Ida up in a house to help hide her from the damage he's caused. Truly magnanimous... He also offers to help her find the true criminal because he was in the military with her father years ago.. So they start off and in hiding her, he takes her to a ball? It was all very confusing.
Eventually, I could see the sparks between these two, but I think it was too late for me, We learn some pretty horrible things from his past and then the option he chooses before our happy H/h couple gets there happily ever after really soured me unfortunately. I feel like they're good together but Ida had to forgive a lot, even by regency romance novel standards.
I'll naturally keep reading Sophie Barnes, but this was a miss for me..
My opinions are freely given and my own. Posted here, goodreads, B&N, Amazon(when live) and on my instagram.
However when Simon her supposed hero came in, I wasn't sold... He find's Ida at a brothel, and knowing who she is, and WHY she's hiding, he manages to tell all of London by morning! What? I get that she needed to be out of the brothel for the two of them to interact, but why did he do that? That made me less interested in him as a love interest for sure.
But despite that his friends believe him to be so prim and proper, he sets Ida up in a house to help hide her from the damage he's caused. Truly magnanimous... He also offers to help her find the true criminal because he was in the military with her father years ago.. So they start off and in hiding her, he takes her to a ball? It was all very confusing.
Eventually, I could see the sparks between these two, but I think it was too late for me, We learn some pretty horrible things from his past and then the option he chooses before our happy H/h couple gets there happily ever after really soured me unfortunately. I feel like they're good together but Ida had to forgive a lot, even by regency romance novel standards.
I'll naturally keep reading Sophie Barnes, but this was a miss for me..
My opinions are freely given and my own. Posted here, goodreads, B&N, Amazon(when live) and on my instagram.
October 11, 2020
The Formidable Earl, by Sophie Barnes. Well, I certainly enjoyed reading this love story. I felt the the writer really wanted to focus the point of the story, which is the romance and love that was growing between Ida and Simone. I found myself caught up in not only the romance, but the mystery plot as well. I loved how the writer chose Ida to be a strong character. This made her a great fit for Simone. Ida’s character is able to match wit and go toe to toe with Simone and anyone else who tried challenge her. Simone’s character was written well too. He was written as a strong, intelligent man with exuberant power. If readers love a good mystery romance book to read, then this is the book for you.
November 17, 2020
Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding, knows he's flawed. He's arrogant, possessive, and haunted by a terrible choice he made long ago. So when a former friend's daughter gives him the chance to do a good deed, he grabs it. Ida Strong wants one thing – justice on behalf of her father. She has no room for anything else, in spite of her growing and (at times) inexplicable attraction toward a certain earl. However Ida knows what betrayal tastes like, placing her trust in others is hard. Risking her heart, would be downright foolish. Until it's the only thing that seems to make sense.
This is the sixth book in this wonderful series, it could easily be read on its own but we have met both Simon & Ida in previous books & also there are appearances from other previous characters too. A very well written, page turning read that was fast paced & it also had the mystery about who the traitor really was. I loved Ida who was determined to prove her father innocent & her faith in him never ever wavered. I liked Simon from the start but his arrogance did annoy me at times but he did eventually realise where his priorities lay. I was taken on a roller coaster of emotions plus was breathless after Simon’s run through the docks. I look forward to the next book in the series which was nicely set up at the end of this book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the sixth book in this wonderful series, it could easily be read on its own but we have met both Simon & Ida in previous books & also there are appearances from other previous characters too. A very well written, page turning read that was fast paced & it also had the mystery about who the traitor really was. I loved Ida who was determined to prove her father innocent & her faith in him never ever wavered. I liked Simon from the start but his arrogance did annoy me at times but he did eventually realise where his priorities lay. I was taken on a roller coaster of emotions plus was breathless after Simon’s run through the docks. I look forward to the next book in the series which was nicely set up at the end of this book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 9, 2020
The Formidable Earl by Sophie Barnes is the sixth in the Diamonds in the Rough Series. This series has some interesting characters and many different storylines which makes the series interesting. I have enjoyed them. It is possible to read each story as a standalone.
Ida Strong is a traitor’s daughter. Her father was found guilty of a crime, she knows he did not commit. She has been hiding out at her aunt’s brothel, for a period of time, knowing she is going to have to leave England and find a new place. Meanwhile Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding decided to leave the straight-laced life behind for the night only to recognize Ida Strong and give away her hiding spot.
Ida has to find a new place to be safe, as people are trying to kill her to prevent her from finding out the truth. Simon ends up helping her and together they work toward finding the truth. However, someone does not want the truth to come out. Who was really responsible for sending secrets to Napoleon.
I like how Simon and Ida work together and how Simon treats her so tenderly, when he finally realizes what is really important. The twists were interesting and some of the other characters from past novels were fun. The Formidable Earl by Sophie Barnes was a good read.
Ida Strong is a traitor’s daughter. Her father was found guilty of a crime, she knows he did not commit. She has been hiding out at her aunt’s brothel, for a period of time, knowing she is going to have to leave England and find a new place. Meanwhile Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding decided to leave the straight-laced life behind for the night only to recognize Ida Strong and give away her hiding spot.
Ida has to find a new place to be safe, as people are trying to kill her to prevent her from finding out the truth. Simon ends up helping her and together they work toward finding the truth. However, someone does not want the truth to come out. Who was really responsible for sending secrets to Napoleon.
I like how Simon and Ida work together and how Simon treats her so tenderly, when he finally realizes what is really important. The twists were interesting and some of the other characters from past novels were fun. The Formidable Earl by Sophie Barnes was a good read.
October 27, 2021
I read this in a matter of about 6 hours, and my eyeballs are hurting. There was so much going on in this story. Very entertaining and enjoyable read. 4☆
January 25, 2021
This was my first full length novel by Sophie Barnes, although, I’ve read several of her novellas and have loved them. Usually with historical romances you don’t necessarily need to read them in order. Even though I have the first five books sitting on my bookshelf, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to begin with book 6. I was wrong. I honestly felt like I was coming into the middle of the story when this began and, throughout, I felt like I was missing something. So I don’t recommend starting in the middle. Other than that, this was an ok book. I didn’t really feel any chemistry between the two main characters and I thought the mystery was lackluster. It doesn’t effect my desire to read the other books in the series however.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2020
2.5 stars
After receiving my 'Romance Lit 101' on the Regency romance subgenre through The Bromance Book Club, I decided to venture into my first full-length novel; which turned out to be The Formidable Earl by Sophie Barnes. So bear in mind this review is written from the perspective of a brand new romance reader.
The Formidable Earl turned out to be simply average; 'inoffensive' would be the choice word to describe it. I wasn't particularly engaged, but also wasn't offended by the characters or plot development; everything just washed over like water — cured my thirst of boredom but left no trace behind. The two protagonists, Simon Nugent and Ida Strong, were likable characters, but the journey they went through felt very by-the-numbers and lacked any sort of passion or suspense, which is a pretty big flaw considering the primary story objective is a revenge. Sophie Barnes has mapped out a very intentional pacing for The Formidable Earl, one that switches back and forth between romance and revenge at a regulated interval; which I argue actually depletes any sense on momentum. At a constant 30 mph throughout, this might be the most lifeless delivery I've ever read so far this year.
Also didn't realize going in this is part of a series (#6 of Diamonds in the Rough), which was made explicitly clear as the last chapter was setting up the couple-to-be for the next book. I would say if you are already reading the series, the familiarity with recurring characters will probably get you more out of The Formidable Earl, otherwise it is a pretty formulaic, vanilla story that will adequately fill up time if you have absolutely nothing to read.
Probably not a bad start for my Regency romance journey though, things can only go up from here!
***This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!***
After receiving my 'Romance Lit 101' on the Regency romance subgenre through The Bromance Book Club, I decided to venture into my first full-length novel; which turned out to be The Formidable Earl by Sophie Barnes. So bear in mind this review is written from the perspective of a brand new romance reader.
The Formidable Earl turned out to be simply average; 'inoffensive' would be the choice word to describe it. I wasn't particularly engaged, but also wasn't offended by the characters or plot development; everything just washed over like water — cured my thirst of boredom but left no trace behind. The two protagonists, Simon Nugent and Ida Strong, were likable characters, but the journey they went through felt very by-the-numbers and lacked any sort of passion or suspense, which is a pretty big flaw considering the primary story objective is a revenge. Sophie Barnes has mapped out a very intentional pacing for The Formidable Earl, one that switches back and forth between romance and revenge at a regulated interval; which I argue actually depletes any sense on momentum. At a constant 30 mph throughout, this might be the most lifeless delivery I've ever read so far this year.
Also didn't realize going in this is part of a series (#6 of Diamonds in the Rough), which was made explicitly clear as the last chapter was setting up the couple-to-be for the next book. I would say if you are already reading the series, the familiarity with recurring characters will probably get you more out of The Formidable Earl, otherwise it is a pretty formulaic, vanilla story that will adequately fill up time if you have absolutely nothing to read.
Probably not a bad start for my Regency romance journey though, things can only go up from here!
***This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!***
March 21, 2020
I probably would’ve given it a five star rating if it was a little shorter. We started going in different directions with cliffhangers and then more cliffhangers. There are villains in there and finding who the villains are was very good. The romance was excellent. Very sensual and touching. And we all knew the outcome before it happened. Still it’s a very interesting read and when you will enjoy
November 20, 2020
Chasing and Exposing Dangerous👺🔪🔫 Spies 👀is Dangerous!
ADULT Regency Romance 💕 and Adventure💪🔪🔫.
In which Simon Garrison Nugent, Earl of Fielding🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 gets himself embroiled in a dangerous search for treasonous men who caused the untimely and unjust hanging of Matthew Strong.
Simon🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 has been Earl Fielding for many years and he is still trying to put the loss of his former betrothed behind him. She up and married Duke Huntley three years ago! Other than that one thing in his life that still rankles him, he leads a boring, predictable existence.
When his friends basically force him into going to a brothel, he discovers a young woman hiding there under her Aunt's protection, and his staid, predictable world becomes turned upside down! The young woman is Ida Strong💃💋, the outspoken daughter of the hanged supposed spy, Matthew Strong.
Who can resist! The Earl🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 must help the beautiful and innocent damsel💃💋 in distress!
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
This ebook was $5.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
I really enjoyed this fast paced, interesting thriller and romance. Simon🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 is an unlikeable character at times, as he is at the mercy of his station in life and Ida💃💋 is a figure that is causing great scandal.among society. She is judged as it she were a spy as much as her father was. Like father, like daughter.
Simon🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 feels he must marry a woman of the ton or be ostracized, and Ida💃💋 can only ever be his beloved mistress, a role she is unwilling to assume.
Make up your mind, you🐺 fool!
ADULT Regency Romance 💕 and Adventure💪🔪🔫.
In which Simon Garrison Nugent, Earl of Fielding🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 gets himself embroiled in a dangerous search for treasonous men who caused the untimely and unjust hanging of Matthew Strong.
Simon🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 has been Earl Fielding for many years and he is still trying to put the loss of his former betrothed behind him. She up and married Duke Huntley three years ago! Other than that one thing in his life that still rankles him, he leads a boring, predictable existence.
When his friends basically force him into going to a brothel, he discovers a young woman hiding there under her Aunt's protection, and his staid, predictable world becomes turned upside down! The young woman is Ida Strong💃💋, the outspoken daughter of the hanged supposed spy, Matthew Strong.
Who can resist! The Earl🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 must help the beautiful and innocent damsel💃💋 in distress!
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
This ebook was $5.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
I really enjoyed this fast paced, interesting thriller and romance. Simon🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 is an unlikeable character at times, as he is at the mercy of his station in life and Ida💃💋 is a figure that is causing great scandal.among society. She is judged as it she were a spy as much as her father was. Like father, like daughter.
Simon🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 feels he must marry a woman of the ton or be ostracized, and Ida💃💋 can only ever be his beloved mistress, a role she is unwilling to assume.
Make up your mind, you🐺 fool!
September 29, 2020
*I received free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I have been looking forward to reading Ida's story since we were given the preview of it at the end of The Forgotten Duke and it did not disappoint! I loved Ida as a character especially when she was standing up for herself when either Simon or someone else insulted or put her down. It was great when she not only turned down Simon's multiple offers to be his mistress but also explained to him why she was turning him down and how his offer would isolate her further from the rest of the world. The mystery into who framed her father was good for keeping any connection between the two of them. There were times when I thought she was a little too forthcoming with her true identity considering she knew someone was trying to kill her. At times I did not understand why she remained with Simon rather than going to Blayne for assistance (mostly at the beginning when Simon was being rather rude to her), but I'm glad she didn't since it meant she had more time to make Simon fall in love with her. Simon is a frustrating character throughout much of the story due to his need to fall within the expectations of society, but it's worth sticking with him to see his transformation. His grand gesture may not go as he planned, but when he does make its proposal it's heartfelt and sweet. And then when he has to race to save her from being shipped off you fully fall in love with him.
3.5 stars
I have been looking forward to reading Ida's story since we were given the preview of it at the end of The Forgotten Duke and it did not disappoint! I loved Ida as a character especially when she was standing up for herself when either Simon or someone else insulted or put her down. It was great when she not only turned down Simon's multiple offers to be his mistress but also explained to him why she was turning him down and how his offer would isolate her further from the rest of the world. The mystery into who framed her father was good for keeping any connection between the two of them. There were times when I thought she was a little too forthcoming with her true identity considering she knew someone was trying to kill her. At times I did not understand why she remained with Simon rather than going to Blayne for assistance (mostly at the beginning when Simon was being rather rude to her), but I'm glad she didn't since it meant she had more time to make Simon fall in love with her. Simon is a frustrating character throughout much of the story due to his need to fall within the expectations of society, but it's worth sticking with him to see his transformation. His grand gesture may not go as he planned, but when he does make its proposal it's heartfelt and sweet. And then when he has to race to save her from being shipped off you fully fall in love with him.
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2021
Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding and Ida Strong
Nice Cover
Really interesting couple with a lot of social hurdles to overcome.
Simon really grew up a lot in only about 4 weeks.
This book had some bad reviews and I fully expected to give it no more than 3 stars.
Simon insta-loved Ida but he really had to grow a lot to get to where they needed him to be. He was a nice guy with wrong ideas.
The author put a lot of thought into several potentially problematic issues between Ida and Simon and handled them very well without either one appearing villainous.
I enjoyed this story very much.
They reminded me of Dharma and Greg.
Nice Cover
Really interesting couple with a lot of social hurdles to overcome.
Simon really grew up a lot in only about 4 weeks.
This book had some bad reviews and I fully expected to give it no more than 3 stars.
Simon insta-loved Ida but he really had to grow a lot to get to where they needed him to be. He was a nice guy with wrong ideas.
The author put a lot of thought into several potentially problematic issues between Ida and Simon and handled them very well without either one appearing villainous.
I enjoyed this story very much.
They reminded me of Dharma and Greg.
September 15, 2020
This book didn't do it for me. The thing about a series is - the books have to work both in order and as standalone, because not everyone will read the previous books in a series. I haven't read any in this series and I felt like I was jumping into an in-flight story. There was no prologue, no setting the scene.
At the opening, Ida Strong - the daughter of a former soldier executed as a traitor to the crown - has been exposed as living in a brothel in St. Giles by Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding. As she runs from the brothel trying to maintain her cover, she's attacked and Simon saves her. Then the plot is set in motion: he knew her father when they fought together, and they team up to solve who framed him... with her being installed as his (fake) mistress.
I didn't understand Ida's backstory, and we later learn she was in a previous book (The Forgotten Duke). Simon was apparently featured in the first book (A Most Unlikely Duke), where he lost his fiancé to the duke.
I just found the book boring, rambling, and a bit ridiculous. Simon takes her to the Huntley's ball, even though she doesn't think it's a good idea. Because what if someone recognizes her as the traitor's daughter??? Valid. However... she goes... and then IMMEDIATELY TELLS EVERYONE THEY'RE INVESTIGATING WHO SHE IS!!
Simon was annoying. He was supposed to be a prim and proper dandy I think... but he just came off as an uptight prig. And I guess we were supposed to think that him having an affair (and refusing to marry Ida) made him... less uptight? Or because he eventually wants to marry her... that's what makes him less uptight? Also there was a very brief mention of his younger brother. He had gotten a duke's daughter pregnant, refused to marry her; her brother had called him out, but Simon gave him a ticket to escape to America; the girl died in childbirth, and the boy was raised as her brother's child... and Ida says "it's not your fault what happened". Uh... YES IT IS! Or at least, letting your brother escape instead of forcing him to make right what he'd done?? And then it's just... never mentioned again. Saved for a future book, maybe? Yikes.
Like I said, this book just wasn't for me. I think it could have been edited heavily and the plot/pacing could have been restructured to make it more smooth.
*ARC provided by Netgalley
At the opening, Ida Strong - the daughter of a former soldier executed as a traitor to the crown - has been exposed as living in a brothel in St. Giles by Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding. As she runs from the brothel trying to maintain her cover, she's attacked and Simon saves her. Then the plot is set in motion: he knew her father when they fought together, and they team up to solve who framed him... with her being installed as his (fake) mistress.
I didn't understand Ida's backstory, and we later learn she was in a previous book (The Forgotten Duke). Simon was apparently featured in the first book (A Most Unlikely Duke), where he lost his fiancé to the duke.
I just found the book boring, rambling, and a bit ridiculous. Simon takes her to the Huntley's ball, even though she doesn't think it's a good idea. Because what if someone recognizes her as the traitor's daughter??? Valid. However... she goes... and then IMMEDIATELY TELLS EVERYONE THEY'RE INVESTIGATING WHO SHE IS!!
Simon was annoying. He was supposed to be a prim and proper dandy I think... but he just came off as an uptight prig. And I guess we were supposed to think that him having an affair (and refusing to marry Ida) made him... less uptight? Or because he eventually wants to marry her... that's what makes him less uptight? Also there was a very brief mention of his younger brother. He had gotten a duke's daughter pregnant, refused to marry her; her brother had called him out, but Simon gave him a ticket to escape to America; the girl died in childbirth, and the boy was raised as her brother's child... and Ida says "it's not your fault what happened". Uh... YES IT IS! Or at least, letting your brother escape instead of forcing him to make right what he'd done?? And then it's just... never mentioned again. Saved for a future book, maybe? Yikes.
Like I said, this book just wasn't for me. I think it could have been edited heavily and the plot/pacing could have been restructured to make it more smooth.
*ARC provided by Netgalley
November 17, 2020
Entertaining historical read. Ida wants justice for her father who was wrongly hung for treason and now she hides in a brothel worried the true traitor will be after her next. Simon is a straightlaced member of the ton and decides to go to a brothel to give him a bit more excitement in his life. When he sees Ida, he is shocked and is willing to help her. What will happen when sparks fly? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, twists and turns and steam. I liked it.
October 15, 2020
I enjoyed this romance story with Miss Ida Strong and Simon Nugent, the Earl of Fielding.
Miss Ida Strong wants justice on the behalf of her father because he was wrongly accused of doing something. She has been hiding out because the person that had her father accused is trying to kill her. So after being recognized by the Earl she flee her hiding place but before she gets there something all most happens to her.
Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding is very predictable. His friends tell him that he is boring and that he should try something new like go to a upper class brothel. So he decided to take that challenge but he did not expect to find a former friends daughter there.
So after meets each other they both decided to look for the man that accused her father. There is a lot of different twist and turn to this story. There is also a mystery too. This book is 6th book in this series. It can be read on it only or in the group.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Miss Ida Strong wants justice on the behalf of her father because he was wrongly accused of doing something. She has been hiding out because the person that had her father accused is trying to kill her. So after being recognized by the Earl she flee her hiding place but before she gets there something all most happens to her.
Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding is very predictable. His friends tell him that he is boring and that he should try something new like go to a upper class brothel. So he decided to take that challenge but he did not expect to find a former friends daughter there.
So after meets each other they both decided to look for the man that accused her father. There is a lot of different twist and turn to this story. There is also a mystery too. This book is 6th book in this series. It can be read on it only or in the group.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
September 7, 2020
2/5 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book has a lot of potential, but because it has so many filler scenes and isn't straight-to-the point in terms of narration, it lessens my overall enjoyment of the books. I skimmed a lot of pages because there's too much unimportant detail, some phrases are reiterated over and over again, and the narration always segues to another thought instead of finishing one conversation first before starting the next. There's a chunk of scenes in here that serves no purpose and could've been removed to make the book more concise and not annoying to read. The characters also lack depth and chemistry, and throughout the whole reading experience, I'm just waiting for the book to end to end my misery.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book has a lot of potential, but because it has so many filler scenes and isn't straight-to-the point in terms of narration, it lessens my overall enjoyment of the books. I skimmed a lot of pages because there's too much unimportant detail, some phrases are reiterated over and over again, and the narration always segues to another thought instead of finishing one conversation first before starting the next. There's a chunk of scenes in here that serves no purpose and could've been removed to make the book more concise and not annoying to read. The characters also lack depth and chemistry, and throughout the whole reading experience, I'm just waiting for the book to end to end my misery.
December 18, 2020
I absolutely loved the main female character Ida Strong. Oh Em Gee she was spectacular! She had charm, manners, useful skills, such as know how to use a gun, cooking, knitting and she had a wonderful sense of humanity. She valued character over what society thought. She had determination and grit. She never gave up and she never gave in. She made informed decisions and was able to think quickly on her feet. She did not let her personal feelings get in the way of making her decisions. (Well at least a majority of the time. LOL) When she did stray it landed her in a whole heaping pile of steam seething dung worth of trouble. She had people who believed in her, protected her and loved her. She had the most profound impact on Lord Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding. Simon for all intense and purposes lived by societies rules and kept himself on a respectable path. He would never dream of sullying his title or reputation. He was pretty much a stick in the mud. Led a very unspectacular life. Pretty boring according to his friends. They challenged him to breaks some of his rules. This led to his meeting Ida and his life was never the same. In her thoughtful way she showed Simon by how she thought and lived her life how different his could be. This resulted in a difficult transformation in Simon. But as time when on the transition took place almost at the point when all could be lost. This is an exciting story of Ida trying to prove her father's innocence four years after he was sentenced to death by hanging for treason. She knew he was innocent and was determined to ferret out the guilty party. Simon had caused Ida's life to be in danger. He felt obligated to help her. But more importantly her father Matthew Strong was a good friend of Simon. Matthew had saved Simon's life during the war and he felt guilty he had not done more during his trial to help his friend. He had a chance to redeem himself with Ida now and would move heaven and earth to help her find the guilty party and he actually had to humble himself in order to get the help he needed. This book is a page turner. I had a hard time putting it down. The action is nonstop and on top of all of this was the blooming romance between Simon and Ida. The relationship was hard on both of them. Ida did not want to be a mistress and Simon felt he could not offer marriage. What a conundrum that luckily would be solved before the bad guys killed Ida or got rid of her some other way. This story had gripping and consuming twists and turns that kept the reader totally off guard as to who the guilty part was. An excellent read. I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2020
Something different
Of course we don’t live in a world full of rainbows where cupids lurk behind every bush...or do we? Reserved, stuffy and boring where words used to describe Simon, the Earl of Fielding by his friends. That was until Simon decided to do something different and Mr N. decided to visit Amourette’s and he had his first encounter with Ida. For someone who was supposed to be in hiding she wasn’t doing a very good job of it that evening. Her aunt Philipa was trying to keep her safe and hidden away at the brothel the ran until she reached her majority and could receive the money for father had left her. Her father was wrongly accused of being a traitor and hanged. At his hanging she publicly vowed to find and expose the true traitor. I got the impression Simon was quite lofty above everyone else at least in his mind. Thank goodness for those cupids because when he realized he was truly in love with Ida it made that all the more enjoyable. I’m sure the cupids were responsible. I liked Ida but there were many times she seemed so childish. She was young but after living with her aunt I thought she would have better judgment. When she went to the ball it had me rolling my eyes I really felt for her having never been to one but her actions after she arrived regarding her suspects made me want to shake her. I have read the previous five books in the series and enjoyed them all and was glad to see Simon get his happy ever after. And as for Ida she truly earned her happy ending. She and Simon made a wonderful couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Of course we don’t live in a world full of rainbows where cupids lurk behind every bush...or do we? Reserved, stuffy and boring where words used to describe Simon, the Earl of Fielding by his friends. That was until Simon decided to do something different and Mr N. decided to visit Amourette’s and he had his first encounter with Ida. For someone who was supposed to be in hiding she wasn’t doing a very good job of it that evening. Her aunt Philipa was trying to keep her safe and hidden away at the brothel the ran until she reached her majority and could receive the money for father had left her. Her father was wrongly accused of being a traitor and hanged. At his hanging she publicly vowed to find and expose the true traitor. I got the impression Simon was quite lofty above everyone else at least in his mind. Thank goodness for those cupids because when he realized he was truly in love with Ida it made that all the more enjoyable. I’m sure the cupids were responsible. I liked Ida but there were many times she seemed so childish. She was young but after living with her aunt I thought she would have better judgment. When she went to the ball it had me rolling my eyes I really felt for her having never been to one but her actions after she arrived regarding her suspects made me want to shake her. I have read the previous five books in the series and enjoyed them all and was glad to see Simon get his happy ever after. And as for Ida she truly earned her happy ending. She and Simon made a wonderful couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2020
Originally published at Reading Reality
The Formidable Earl harkens back to the first book in this series, A Most Unlikely Duke. In that first story, Raphe Matthews, the very unlikely duke, steals the Earl of Fielding’s fiancee. Not that it was actual theft, not that Gabriela didn’t go extremely willingly, and not that Simon was even remotely heartbroken.
The only parts of Simon that took any kind of hit were his pride and his reputation. Possibly along with the stick up his ass – although that may have become more firmly embedded as the years went by. After all, Simon only proposed to Gabriela because she’d make a perfect countess – not because he cared about her or even really knew her.
It was, after all, what the Earl of Fielding was expected to do. So he did. But fortunately for everyone both in that story and this one, SHE didn’t.
Considering that Simon has a terrible habit of doing what is expected instead of what he wants, well past the point of his own detriment, he’s actually better off without Gabriela, who wasn’t nearly as perfect for the role he imagined for her as he thought she was.
But she’s perfect as the Duchess of Huntley, and Raphe and Gabriela are perfect for each other.
Leaving Simon, in his mid-30s, alone and in need of a wife, or so he – and polite society – believe.
What Simon is really in need of is a LIFE. It’s only when he steps just a bit outside his comfort zone to get one that he finds everything he really needs. All he has to do is consign his starched and pristine reputation to the scrapheap where it belongs.
By marrying a woman who everyone insists is a traitor, a prostitute, and very nearly a murderess into the bargain.
Escape Rating B: There’s a theme to this series, and it’s pretty obvious from the series title. One protagonist or the other is just not “suitable” for marriage into the ton, whether it’s because they were raised outside it, because they were forced out of it, or because they were never part of it in the first place. The usual progress of each story is for the person who does belong to realize that what polite society thinks and believes is a whole lot of horseshit.
The books in the series are only kind of loosely linked, so it really isn’t necessary to read the previous books, or to read all of them, before diving into The Formidable Earl. (I just discovered I missed one along the way and now I WANT to go back to it, but I don’t HAVE to go back.)
The reason for, in this case, the heroine’s unsuitability was fascinating, but the hero’s reaction to it was at times just a bit squicky. Let me explain.
Ida Strong’s dilemma is a reminder that this series takes place at a time when the Napoleonic Wars were not far in the past at all, and that there were still a lot of hard feelings, wounded veterans and general all-around recriminations going on at the time. (The Napoleonic Wars, in a fictional sense, are a gift that just keeps on giving. So many dramatic possibilities both during the war and in the following years.)
Four years before this story begins, Ida Strong’s father, a celebrated British Army General, was convicted of treason in Napoleon’s escape from Elba. Matthew Strong was executed for a heinous crime that he did not commit, and his daughter vowed to find the men responsible and clear her father’s name.
In those intervening years, Ida lived in a brothel owned and operated by her mother’s sister. And that’s where Simon Nugent, the Earl of Fielding, discovers her the one time he decides to break away from his extremely priggish persona.
Simon’s exposure of Ida puts her life in danger from the men who connived at framing her father. The story here is Simon attempting to protect her while falling in love with this woman who is oh-so-wrong according to everyone who is anyone, but oh-so-right for Simon.
But, the exposure of Simon’s thoughts and feelings about the possibility that Ida is a prostitute is extremely uncomfortable to read. It’s not that it isn’t true to what we think of the Regency, it’s that, quite honestly, it just feels awful. It makes all kinds of sense for the era, but it still makes the reader, or at least this reader, squirm when reading it.
Which gives me mixed feelings that Ida has to reject the idea so forcefully in order to be considered “worthy” of becoming his heroine equally squirmy. Again, not that this isn’t true to what we believe of the era. But it still made me uncomfortable.
All of that being said, I really, really liked Ida. She’s a terrific heroine, forthright and proactive with plenty of agency. She was more middle-class to begin with, but society has completely rejected her so she’s pretty much said “to hell with it and the horse it rode in on.”
That Simon is both slavishly devoted to worrying about what people will think and falling desperately in love with Ida puts him on the horns of a delicious dilemma. That Ida has decided what she wants and what she doesn’t, and has no plans to settle, in contrast with Simon’s need to keep her with his initial unwillingness to buck society provides the romantic tension.
That someone really is out to get her, and that they nearly succeed, provides plenty of dramatic tension to keep the reader turning pages until the very last.
I’m certainly looking forward to the continuation of this series with Her Scottish Scoundrel in May of 2021. Not nearly soon enough!
The Formidable Earl harkens back to the first book in this series, A Most Unlikely Duke. In that first story, Raphe Matthews, the very unlikely duke, steals the Earl of Fielding’s fiancee. Not that it was actual theft, not that Gabriela didn’t go extremely willingly, and not that Simon was even remotely heartbroken.
The only parts of Simon that took any kind of hit were his pride and his reputation. Possibly along with the stick up his ass – although that may have become more firmly embedded as the years went by. After all, Simon only proposed to Gabriela because she’d make a perfect countess – not because he cared about her or even really knew her.
It was, after all, what the Earl of Fielding was expected to do. So he did. But fortunately for everyone both in that story and this one, SHE didn’t.
Considering that Simon has a terrible habit of doing what is expected instead of what he wants, well past the point of his own detriment, he’s actually better off without Gabriela, who wasn’t nearly as perfect for the role he imagined for her as he thought she was.
But she’s perfect as the Duchess of Huntley, and Raphe and Gabriela are perfect for each other.
Leaving Simon, in his mid-30s, alone and in need of a wife, or so he – and polite society – believe.
What Simon is really in need of is a LIFE. It’s only when he steps just a bit outside his comfort zone to get one that he finds everything he really needs. All he has to do is consign his starched and pristine reputation to the scrapheap where it belongs.
By marrying a woman who everyone insists is a traitor, a prostitute, and very nearly a murderess into the bargain.
Escape Rating B: There’s a theme to this series, and it’s pretty obvious from the series title. One protagonist or the other is just not “suitable” for marriage into the ton, whether it’s because they were raised outside it, because they were forced out of it, or because they were never part of it in the first place. The usual progress of each story is for the person who does belong to realize that what polite society thinks and believes is a whole lot of horseshit.
The books in the series are only kind of loosely linked, so it really isn’t necessary to read the previous books, or to read all of them, before diving into The Formidable Earl. (I just discovered I missed one along the way and now I WANT to go back to it, but I don’t HAVE to go back.)
The reason for, in this case, the heroine’s unsuitability was fascinating, but the hero’s reaction to it was at times just a bit squicky. Let me explain.
Ida Strong’s dilemma is a reminder that this series takes place at a time when the Napoleonic Wars were not far in the past at all, and that there were still a lot of hard feelings, wounded veterans and general all-around recriminations going on at the time. (The Napoleonic Wars, in a fictional sense, are a gift that just keeps on giving. So many dramatic possibilities both during the war and in the following years.)
Four years before this story begins, Ida Strong’s father, a celebrated British Army General, was convicted of treason in Napoleon’s escape from Elba. Matthew Strong was executed for a heinous crime that he did not commit, and his daughter vowed to find the men responsible and clear her father’s name.
In those intervening years, Ida lived in a brothel owned and operated by her mother’s sister. And that’s where Simon Nugent, the Earl of Fielding, discovers her the one time he decides to break away from his extremely priggish persona.
Simon’s exposure of Ida puts her life in danger from the men who connived at framing her father. The story here is Simon attempting to protect her while falling in love with this woman who is oh-so-wrong according to everyone who is anyone, but oh-so-right for Simon.
But, the exposure of Simon’s thoughts and feelings about the possibility that Ida is a prostitute is extremely uncomfortable to read. It’s not that it isn’t true to what we think of the Regency, it’s that, quite honestly, it just feels awful. It makes all kinds of sense for the era, but it still makes the reader, or at least this reader, squirm when reading it.
Which gives me mixed feelings that Ida has to reject the idea so forcefully in order to be considered “worthy” of becoming his heroine equally squirmy. Again, not that this isn’t true to what we believe of the era. But it still made me uncomfortable.
All of that being said, I really, really liked Ida. She’s a terrific heroine, forthright and proactive with plenty of agency. She was more middle-class to begin with, but society has completely rejected her so she’s pretty much said “to hell with it and the horse it rode in on.”
That Simon is both slavishly devoted to worrying about what people will think and falling desperately in love with Ida puts him on the horns of a delicious dilemma. That Ida has decided what she wants and what she doesn’t, and has no plans to settle, in contrast with Simon’s need to keep her with his initial unwillingness to buck society provides the romantic tension.
That someone really is out to get her, and that they nearly succeed, provides plenty of dramatic tension to keep the reader turning pages until the very last.
I’m certainly looking forward to the continuation of this series with Her Scottish Scoundrel in May of 2021. Not nearly soon enough!
September 18, 2020
I have always enjoyed reading Sophie Barnes' books. She is a terrific writer. This book is romantic, engaging and sweet. I like the mystery and the characters too. Another fun read! :) Got it as an arc and it's terrific!
July 17, 2021
Simon's an ass who took too long to see how awful he was and Ida is an idiot for still wanting him despite his nasty remarks.
November 9, 2020
I read this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review
Ida is a young woman whose father was once executed for helping Napoleon out of Elba. She know that there had been a plot to incriminate her father and she’s willing to unveil the mystery and put the real culprits in prison. Her life is in danger so she makes everyone else believe that she’s dead and hides in her aunt’s luxury brothel for four years. And there is where one fine evening she meets Simon, the Earl of Fielding, a stuffy and always rule abiding man who’s accompanying one of his friends. Of course he takes her for a whore. After speaking to her for a while Simon learns that Ida is the daughter of the man who saved his life in Spain.
Simon offers Ida his help and protection and in order to do that he lets her live in his late mother’s London residence. They must make people forget about Ida Strong, so instead of by that name, she will go by Jane Smith, Simon’s mistress. But the ruse won’t work because none of them did foresee that they were playing with fire, love was out of the question, marriage impossible… or so Simon thinks.
After reading the blurb for this book I instantly requested it. I honestly had hopes for it. But in the end I’m not passionate about it. I liked it very much, don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed it, I only wish I had liked it so much more. But perhaps you, reader out there, will like it more than I did.
It started well, a stuffy snobbish man who needs to learn more than one lesson decides to demonstrate his friends that he’s not stuffy by going to a brothel. He meets a girl, feels protective over her and starts a detective mystery adventure with her. The story is quite exciting although I would have liked a slower pace…
They become friends before they’re lovers. And that is the best part of the novel, their friendship. Even if they had a lover’s quarrel they’re still friends. The are quite sincere with one another, quite protective, easygoing, nice… and their love feels natural coming from that point. The build up of their sensuality is so amazing… but the sex is not. It felt rushed, all that build up and then nothing. There are hints of it having been sweet and hot and incredible, but all that, all the passion, all the wanting, when they’re actually at it is left unwritten. I had to read twice to realize that it had happened at all.
Another thing that I didn’t like is that Simon behaves half the time as a peacock in mating season, but the other half he’s a bit like a child, his reasons for not wanting Ida as a wife are ridiculous, mostly because he’s scared of the scandal. Only when he realizes that in order to get what you want sometimes you need to sacrifice something does Simon consider the matter. And why do I think this is childish behavior? Because he had done the same thing in the past, twice. And he had told Ida that he wanted to change that about him, and he doesn’t.
But Simon being like that leads to an interesting and continuous debate on social standing, status and how they affect and dictate a person’s life: All of the characters talk about that at one point or another, especially the hero, as he’s going on and on about it in internal monologues. It’s not the first time I’ve found this in a novel, but I liked how it was presented in this one.
Ida on the other hand is fantastic. She’s her own woman, she knows what she wants and she can stand up for herself. And what’s more difficult, she stands up to the man she loves because he won’t give her what she dreams of. And let me tell you, it’s not emeralds, rubies, manors and servants. She wants what her parents had when she was little, and she’s willing to sacrifice her love for Simon in order to have that happy life. She’s amazing, brave… and of course not perfect, she sometimes makes stupid decisions.
Of course this being a romance novel everything is solved and the main couple gets their happy ending but you will have to find out how for yourself.
In conclusion, it is a good book to read with a cozy blanket and a mug of your favorite hot beverage and actually have fun with all the mystery and the comings and goings. It’s just not a memorable book in my opinion.
Ida is a young woman whose father was once executed for helping Napoleon out of Elba. She know that there had been a plot to incriminate her father and she’s willing to unveil the mystery and put the real culprits in prison. Her life is in danger so she makes everyone else believe that she’s dead and hides in her aunt’s luxury brothel for four years. And there is where one fine evening she meets Simon, the Earl of Fielding, a stuffy and always rule abiding man who’s accompanying one of his friends. Of course he takes her for a whore. After speaking to her for a while Simon learns that Ida is the daughter of the man who saved his life in Spain.
Simon offers Ida his help and protection and in order to do that he lets her live in his late mother’s London residence. They must make people forget about Ida Strong, so instead of by that name, she will go by Jane Smith, Simon’s mistress. But the ruse won’t work because none of them did foresee that they were playing with fire, love was out of the question, marriage impossible… or so Simon thinks.
After reading the blurb for this book I instantly requested it. I honestly had hopes for it. But in the end I’m not passionate about it. I liked it very much, don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed it, I only wish I had liked it so much more. But perhaps you, reader out there, will like it more than I did.
It started well, a stuffy snobbish man who needs to learn more than one lesson decides to demonstrate his friends that he’s not stuffy by going to a brothel. He meets a girl, feels protective over her and starts a detective mystery adventure with her. The story is quite exciting although I would have liked a slower pace…
They become friends before they’re lovers. And that is the best part of the novel, their friendship. Even if they had a lover’s quarrel they’re still friends. The are quite sincere with one another, quite protective, easygoing, nice… and their love feels natural coming from that point. The build up of their sensuality is so amazing… but the sex is not. It felt rushed, all that build up and then nothing. There are hints of it having been sweet and hot and incredible, but all that, all the passion, all the wanting, when they’re actually at it is left unwritten. I had to read twice to realize that it had happened at all.
Another thing that I didn’t like is that Simon behaves half the time as a peacock in mating season, but the other half he’s a bit like a child, his reasons for not wanting Ida as a wife are ridiculous, mostly because he’s scared of the scandal. Only when he realizes that in order to get what you want sometimes you need to sacrifice something does Simon consider the matter. And why do I think this is childish behavior? Because he had done the same thing in the past, twice. And he had told Ida that he wanted to change that about him, and he doesn’t.
But Simon being like that leads to an interesting and continuous debate on social standing, status and how they affect and dictate a person’s life: All of the characters talk about that at one point or another, especially the hero, as he’s going on and on about it in internal monologues. It’s not the first time I’ve found this in a novel, but I liked how it was presented in this one.
Ida on the other hand is fantastic. She’s her own woman, she knows what she wants and she can stand up for herself. And what’s more difficult, she stands up to the man she loves because he won’t give her what she dreams of. And let me tell you, it’s not emeralds, rubies, manors and servants. She wants what her parents had when she was little, and she’s willing to sacrifice her love for Simon in order to have that happy life. She’s amazing, brave… and of course not perfect, she sometimes makes stupid decisions.
Of course this being a romance novel everything is solved and the main couple gets their happy ending but you will have to find out how for yourself.
In conclusion, it is a good book to read with a cozy blanket and a mug of your favorite hot beverage and actually have fun with all the mystery and the comings and goings. It’s just not a memorable book in my opinion.
November 27, 2020
itle: The Formidable Earl
Author: Sophie Barnes
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Overview: Simon is our hero and he is rather stuffy when we first meet him. Quite the prig actually. He is above reproach and never does anything outside the rules of Society, and therefore is exceedingly boring. He is an Earl and (as we commonly see) is stuck in the view of having to marry someone of similar rank.
Ida is a young woman living in a brothel that her only living relation owns, her aunt Phillipa. She isn't a whore, but lives here in hiding as her life is in danger should anyone know where she is. She isn't a weak heroine, but neither is she the strong leading lady that we see in many romances today. She dreams of marrying for love, a relationship like her parents had.
Our leads meet when Simon goes to Phillipa's brothel after his friends inform him he is quite boring, predictable and ALWAYS follows the rules of Society. When he enters the brothel, he sees Ida on a second floor landing in the shadows and assumes she works there. Ida, shocked but not wanting her aunt's business's reputation to suffer, comes down and speaks with Simon. Without getting into all the details, Simon figures out who she is and after he is thrown out of the brothel, he goes to the papers as she is somewhat infamous.
Pros:
- It's an interesting storyline. Ida's father is wrongfully accused and convicted (and sadly executed) for treason, which he did not commit. After Simon outs Ida's whereabouts, she sets off on a mission to find who framed her father. It is a storyline that had a lot of potential.
- Ida is someone I think many readers could relate to; she isn't perfect or the strongest of women, but she is relatable.
Cons:
- Where was the steam?! I have read several books by Ms. Barnes and I do not recall them skimping over intimacy like this book did. Did I miss this somewhere?
- It bothered me how Simon offered Ida the role of his mistress more than once, even after she'd made it abundantly clear she was not interested. Authors do this sometimes and it bothers me because I would be done with a man who did that, full stop (regardless of how much I cared for him; to me this is a clear indication the feelings are not mutual). I understand the times were different and she needed to find a way to look after herself, but she did have money coming to her once she reached her majority, so its not like she'd be destitute.
- The mystery had a lot of promise, but the ending feels clunky. It gets overly complicated and then is rushed to finish it up in an acceptable numbers of pages. As a reader, this drives me nuts. If a story is good, I will read as many pages as the author wishes to write. When a good story is rushed, that can ruin a story in my opinion.
- There is a LOT going on in this book, too much in my opinion. There were some things I think should have been edited out as they were glossed over, so why mention them in the first place (e.g. what happened with his brother/nephew)?
This was a decent read, but the lack of steam between the characters made their relationship feel flat to me. The chemistry was there at times, but felt off in places (and not the usual turbulence a new relationship may experience). I give the book a rating of 3.5 stars as the storyline was interesting, but I felt there should have been more development of their relationship, steam, and more editing/work done to the mystery being solved as it felt rushed. Also, the epilogue is about Ms. Barnes next book, not about how Ida and Simon are doing in their happily ever after. I'm a stickler about this, but I LOVE epilogues and was VERY disappointed to not get that last glimpse into their lives.
I received an advance readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author: Sophie Barnes
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Overview: Simon is our hero and he is rather stuffy when we first meet him. Quite the prig actually. He is above reproach and never does anything outside the rules of Society, and therefore is exceedingly boring. He is an Earl and (as we commonly see) is stuck in the view of having to marry someone of similar rank.
Ida is a young woman living in a brothel that her only living relation owns, her aunt Phillipa. She isn't a whore, but lives here in hiding as her life is in danger should anyone know where she is. She isn't a weak heroine, but neither is she the strong leading lady that we see in many romances today. She dreams of marrying for love, a relationship like her parents had.
Our leads meet when Simon goes to Phillipa's brothel after his friends inform him he is quite boring, predictable and ALWAYS follows the rules of Society. When he enters the brothel, he sees Ida on a second floor landing in the shadows and assumes she works there. Ida, shocked but not wanting her aunt's business's reputation to suffer, comes down and speaks with Simon. Without getting into all the details, Simon figures out who she is and after he is thrown out of the brothel, he goes to the papers as she is somewhat infamous.
Pros:
- It's an interesting storyline. Ida's father is wrongfully accused and convicted (and sadly executed) for treason, which he did not commit. After Simon outs Ida's whereabouts, she sets off on a mission to find who framed her father. It is a storyline that had a lot of potential.
- Ida is someone I think many readers could relate to; she isn't perfect or the strongest of women, but she is relatable.
Cons:
- Where was the steam?! I have read several books by Ms. Barnes and I do not recall them skimping over intimacy like this book did. Did I miss this somewhere?
- It bothered me how Simon offered Ida the role of his mistress more than once, even after she'd made it abundantly clear she was not interested. Authors do this sometimes and it bothers me because I would be done with a man who did that, full stop (regardless of how much I cared for him; to me this is a clear indication the feelings are not mutual). I understand the times were different and she needed to find a way to look after herself, but she did have money coming to her once she reached her majority, so its not like she'd be destitute.
- The mystery had a lot of promise, but the ending feels clunky. It gets overly complicated and then is rushed to finish it up in an acceptable numbers of pages. As a reader, this drives me nuts. If a story is good, I will read as many pages as the author wishes to write. When a good story is rushed, that can ruin a story in my opinion.
- There is a LOT going on in this book, too much in my opinion. There were some things I think should have been edited out as they were glossed over, so why mention them in the first place (e.g. what happened with his brother/nephew)?
This was a decent read, but the lack of steam between the characters made their relationship feel flat to me. The chemistry was there at times, but felt off in places (and not the usual turbulence a new relationship may experience). I give the book a rating of 3.5 stars as the storyline was interesting, but I felt there should have been more development of their relationship, steam, and more editing/work done to the mystery being solved as it felt rushed. Also, the epilogue is about Ms. Barnes next book, not about how Ida and Simon are doing in their happily ever after. I'm a stickler about this, but I LOVE epilogues and was VERY disappointed to not get that last glimpse into their lives.
I received an advance readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 6, 2020
This is book 6 in the series; I’ve read a couple of the others and could follow along reasonably well what was happening here. You may have to take some things at face value if you don’t want to go back and re-read the previous books.
Ida Strong’s father died a traitor. She’s hiding in her aunt’s brothel until she inherits the money set aside for her, on her twenty-first birthday, at which point she will… do something that’s never actually explained. She doesn’t seem to have a plan. Any plan she did have would have been derailed the moment she was recognised by Simon, the Earl of Fielding, and her identity promptly spread over all of London.
I can’t begin to express my utter distaste for Simon, but perhaps you’ll begin to share it when I tell you that when Ida protested him ordering her to hide away in his spare townhouse, he threatened to have her locked up in Bedlam.
Yes. The infamous insane asylum.
Instead of maybe suggesting he could post guards on the doors or servants inside the house to watch over her and protect her from those who want her silenced, he threatened to send her to Bedlam. This is straight-up a villain move. It’s horrifying.
I came VERY close to a DNF right there, but I prefer not to critique a book without complete knowledge of it, so I read on, thinking that it had better be a particularly epic grovel.
Reader. There was *NO* grovel. NONE.
Ida tells Simon after the Bedlam threat that he’s the most awful man she’s ever met (you got that right, sister) and then… just… forgets about it. He does a bunch of other rotten things, including literally saying to her face that he can’t marry her because of her reputation when it is ENTIRELY his fault that her reputation was ruined IN THE FIRST PLACE. Something he never even acknowledged.
Ida was brave and gutsy and apparently, utterly unable to remember Simon’s awfulness for more than five minutes at a time. I’ve never met a woman this bad at holding a grudge. There were moments when I was cheering for her, like when she stood her ground and refused to be Simon’s mistress because she firmly believed she and her future children deserved better. And then the story would switch to Simon’s POV again and I wanted to throw the book out of the window because he was such a spineless, craven worm. He let her languish in prison because he was too cowardly to put enough pressure on his uncle to make the man cave in and retract a false accusation, and because of it, she nearly ended up transported. As a romance hero, he failed in just about every possible way, and consequently, I’m afraid this is getting a one star from me.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Ida Strong’s father died a traitor. She’s hiding in her aunt’s brothel until she inherits the money set aside for her, on her twenty-first birthday, at which point she will… do something that’s never actually explained. She doesn’t seem to have a plan. Any plan she did have would have been derailed the moment she was recognised by Simon, the Earl of Fielding, and her identity promptly spread over all of London.
I can’t begin to express my utter distaste for Simon, but perhaps you’ll begin to share it when I tell you that when Ida protested him ordering her to hide away in his spare townhouse, he threatened to have her locked up in Bedlam.
Yes. The infamous insane asylum.
Instead of maybe suggesting he could post guards on the doors or servants inside the house to watch over her and protect her from those who want her silenced, he threatened to send her to Bedlam. This is straight-up a villain move. It’s horrifying.
I came VERY close to a DNF right there, but I prefer not to critique a book without complete knowledge of it, so I read on, thinking that it had better be a particularly epic grovel.
Reader. There was *NO* grovel. NONE.
Ida tells Simon after the Bedlam threat that he’s the most awful man she’s ever met (you got that right, sister) and then… just… forgets about it. He does a bunch of other rotten things, including literally saying to her face that he can’t marry her because of her reputation when it is ENTIRELY his fault that her reputation was ruined IN THE FIRST PLACE. Something he never even acknowledged.
Ida was brave and gutsy and apparently, utterly unable to remember Simon’s awfulness for more than five minutes at a time. I’ve never met a woman this bad at holding a grudge. There were moments when I was cheering for her, like when she stood her ground and refused to be Simon’s mistress because she firmly believed she and her future children deserved better. And then the story would switch to Simon’s POV again and I wanted to throw the book out of the window because he was such a spineless, craven worm. He let her languish in prison because he was too cowardly to put enough pressure on his uncle to make the man cave in and retract a false accusation, and because of it, she nearly ended up transported. As a romance hero, he failed in just about every possible way, and consequently, I’m afraid this is getting a one star from me.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
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