What do you think?
Rate this book
The Townsbridges #0.5
Once Upon a Townsbridge Story
A love that will endure...
Margaret Townsbridge has no intention of letting her parents pair her off with Mr. George Townsbridge. As one of England's most notorious rakes, he's bound to make a terrible husband. But in her attempt to dissuade George's suit, Margaret gets to know him, and slowly begins to realize that she may not only have misjudged him, but that he might be the man of her dreams.
George is hugely amused by Margaret's attempts to rid herself of his company. He's also very determined to win her. Not because she's his parents' choice, but because she's fun, spirited, and wonderfully creative. Now, if only he can improve her opinion of him, and change her mind about accepting an earl's offer instead, he's certain they will find happiness together.
Margaret Townsbridge has no intention of letting her parents pair her off with Mr. George Townsbridge. As one of England's most notorious rakes, he's bound to make a terrible husband. But in her attempt to dissuade George's suit, Margaret gets to know him, and slowly begins to realize that she may not only have misjudged him, but that he might be the man of her dreams.
George is hugely amused by Margaret's attempts to rid herself of his company. He's also very determined to win her. Not because she's his parents' choice, but because she's fun, spirited, and wonderfully creative. Now, if only he can improve her opinion of him, and change her mind about accepting an earl's offer instead, he's certain they will find happiness together.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2020
490 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Barnes
67 books1,753 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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sophie-Barnes/...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 27, 2022
This is a well-written, entertaining, historical fiction romance novella. It has likable characters, wit, humor, misunderstandings, a sweet, heart-warming romance, and a happily ever after ending. I am looking forward to reading the other entries in Ms. Barnes' Townsbridge's series with great anticipation.
January 20, 2021
I really like this author’s newsletter and think she is a delightful person and I really like how all her blurbs sound but I just struggle to connect with her writing style and characterization choices. At least in this story many of the misunderstandings were addressed up front between the characters like adults so I added a star. I just couldn’t get emotionally connected to either characters but I can’t pinpoint why. I think it’s just my difference in preference for how a story develops. I thought these characters were way too frank for hardly knowing each other and so nothing rang true from the very beginning.
July 21, 2021
George and Margaret are spending together upon their parents request. Margaret is not sure he is the man for her due to his reputation as a rake. George sees beyond Margaret's first lie and falls for her. If only he can convince her he is more than his reputation and her perfect match?
This novella was short and sweet!
I really enjoyed the author's writing style. She was able to draw me into this story from their very first meeting. I loved their wit and banter that kept drawing them into conversations that broke down their assumptions about each other. I was glad the characters were open and honest with their misunderstanding. The ending was very satisfactory and sets up the plot for the next books in this series! Overall, I can't wait to read this entire series!
This novella was short and sweet!
I really enjoyed the author's writing style. She was able to draw me into this story from their very first meeting. I loved their wit and banter that kept drawing them into conversations that broke down their assumptions about each other. I was glad the characters were open and honest with their misunderstanding. The ending was very satisfactory and sets up the plot for the next books in this series! Overall, I can't wait to read this entire series!
August 19, 2022
this is adorable. i liked margaret and george. she finds out that he’s reputation as a rake was all rumor driven and that george is actually very kind and not a rake at all.
March 28, 2023
Very short story with H asking to court the h. Her response is to lie to him. For some odd reason this this entices him. I thought she was arrogant and demanding and didn't like her at all.
February 26, 2021
Sweet
This book was a sweet read, but short. The author has a writing talent above and beyond. Hopefully more to come. Now on to the next book.😍😍😍
This book was a sweet read, but short. The author has a writing talent above and beyond. Hopefully more to come. Now on to the next book.😍😍😍
November 20, 2020
This was a sweet novella by Ms. Barnes. Nothing much happens in the story except for when Margaret overhears a conversation George has with his father. From that she forms a bad opinion of George. He refuses to let her think of him like that and spends the rest of the book showing her what a good man he is.
The book ends at 65% on my kindle which was disappointing because I would have liked more of their story.
The book ends at 65% on my kindle which was disappointing because I would have liked more of their story.
August 18, 2023
England 1788. Had 86 pages. Gave this kisses-only
story 3 stars.
Margaret & George, a viscount's heir had pre-
conceived notions of each other. But their parents
(who tolerated, but didn't love each other) wanted a
match. The heroine complained George was a rake and
11 years her senior. She wanted a perfect man- is there
such a thing? They agreed on a 3 mo. courtship. They
fell in love & then the story had an abrupt end.
story 3 stars.
Margaret & George, a viscount's heir had pre-
conceived notions of each other. But their parents
(who tolerated, but didn't love each other) wanted a
match. The heroine complained George was a rake and
11 years her senior. She wanted a perfect man- is there
such a thing? They agreed on a 3 mo. courtship. They
fell in love & then the story had an abrupt end.
November 18, 2020
A nice, well written, lighthearted, short and sweet romance novella set in England, 1788. Loved the scenes involving the grubs! Not a great deal happened, so just a pleasant story. I'll be reading more from this author.
January 5, 2021
Enjoyable and entertaining story. 4☆
October 23, 2021
This novella was free. Writing style fairly simplistic. Sort of intrigued by the plot but there was very little plot development, which usually is the case in novellas (and why I usually avoid them). Willing to give the author’s full length novels a chance but this novella wasn’t particularly for me.
November 18, 2020
Getting to know each other
This was a very good book written by Sophie Barnes and I really enjoyed reading it. A young marriageable woman, a young man, a rogue?, a house party, getting to know the truth, liking what she hears, teasing her, riding together, talking, learning truths, making an agreement, courting, going home, a persistent unwanted suitor, going out together, a ball, unwanted suitor trying to get her to marry him, making a decision to marry the one she loves. But who will she marry? Does she really believe he is a Rake? Will they have a happy ever after? I would recommend this book to everyone. It was a short story but I really liked it. Buy the book and enjoy reading it. Enjoy.
This was a very good book written by Sophie Barnes and I really enjoyed reading it. A young marriageable woman, a young man, a rogue?, a house party, getting to know the truth, liking what she hears, teasing her, riding together, talking, learning truths, making an agreement, courting, going home, a persistent unwanted suitor, going out together, a ball, unwanted suitor trying to get her to marry him, making a decision to marry the one she loves. But who will she marry? Does she really believe he is a Rake? Will they have a happy ever after? I would recommend this book to everyone. It was a short story but I really liked it. Buy the book and enjoy reading it. Enjoy.
October 2, 2022
This is a short story and a delightful one at that. Two families are pushing their children together for a match and while Margaret isn't thrilled at the prospect, George is intrigued. However as they get to know each other Margaret changes her tune and George is quickly smitten. Now if only Lord Shrewsberry would go away.
Shrewsberry is doing everything he can to win Margaret's affections but George and Margaret can't figure out his motive since Margaret has no interest in the fella. All of it comes out at a ball where Margaret makes her choice publicly, and the other man is carted off ruined. Will Margaret get a happily ever after and a true love match?
This is a sweet short story with no steam. Brief kisses only. It's a cute, light, quick read and very enjoyable.
Shrewsberry is doing everything he can to win Margaret's affections but George and Margaret can't figure out his motive since Margaret has no interest in the fella. All of it comes out at a ball where Margaret makes her choice publicly, and the other man is carted off ruined. Will Margaret get a happily ever after and a true love match?
This is a sweet short story with no steam. Brief kisses only. It's a cute, light, quick read and very enjoyable.
December 18, 2023
For such a short story, this one seems more realistic. George Townsbridge and Margaret Hollyoak's parents think they would make an appropriate alliance. They have known each other because their parents are great friends. However, Margaret is not impressed with George because she knows him to be a rake (from rumors). When Margaret hears George's father discuss with him "taking care of the young lady and her baby discreetly," Margaret knows he is beneath her consideration.
Eleven years are between the couple's ages, and Margaret knows marriage is a lifetime commitment. Lord Shrewsbury is also courting her. However, George finds out that the lord has made a massive bet that he can get her to choose him.
This is a likable tale that holds the reader's interest.
Eleven years are between the couple's ages, and Margaret knows marriage is a lifetime commitment. Lord Shrewsbury is also courting her. However, George finds out that the lord has made a massive bet that he can get her to choose him.
This is a likable tale that holds the reader's interest.
November 18, 2020
This story ends at the 65% mark on my e-reader. This is a clean story with only innocent kisses.
I liked that the author didn't do the standard misunderstanding and it lasts for the whole story. Here, the h overhears something and forms an opinion that the rumors she has heard about the H being a Rake are true. But, instead of the story taking us down the normal path, she surprised me! The h confronts the H about what she overheard and after a few hours they have a heart to heart.
There is a villain, who thankfully is found out in the story. No cheating, some romance, great dialogue, HEA and clean. (ljb)
I liked that the author didn't do the standard misunderstanding and it lasts for the whole story. Here, the h overhears something and forms an opinion that the rumors she has heard about the H being a Rake are true. But, instead of the story taking us down the normal path, she surprised me! The h confronts the H about what she overheard and after a few hours they have a heart to heart.
There is a villain, who thankfully is found out in the story. No cheating, some romance, great dialogue, HEA and clean. (ljb)
January 12, 2021
A very quick and sweet read.
Margaret and George have parents who want them to wed. She believes he is a rake who is thoughtless and inconsiderate.
He isn’t.
When he defends himself, she is wise enough to actually listen to him.
I liked Margaret. She is smart and caring. I loved George. He is smart and funny and a true gentleman. Margaret will have a happy marriage, because he is going to be a happy husband.
If you want a lovely novella, this is the one for you.
Margaret and George have parents who want them to wed. She believes he is a rake who is thoughtless and inconsiderate.
He isn’t.
When he defends himself, she is wise enough to actually listen to him.
I liked Margaret. She is smart and caring. I loved George. He is smart and funny and a true gentleman. Margaret will have a happy marriage, because he is going to be a happy husband.
If you want a lovely novella, this is the one for you.
July 25, 2021
Sweet, very short and very predictable. It felt almost forced as a story. From page one you knew how it would turn out and the characters need more, they are terribly flat. Margaret started out great with a spark of fiestiness but this was lost by the next chapter. I recommend this only if you are planning to read the entire series as it does lend some clarity when you dive into the children's stories. I like Sophie Barnes' other novels, the rest of the Townsbridge series are well done but this was a miss for me.
August 23, 2021
This is a short prequel that doesn't really have much happen in it. Margaret is looking for a husband and her parents have set her up to spend time with George Townsbridge who Margaret is not impressed with thanks to his reputation as a "rake". When she overhears a conversation that makes it seem like his reputation is true, George has to prove he's not the man everyone thinks he is.
I wished for more character development in this book and for some more exciting storyline. It is a quick introduction to the beginnings of the Townsbridge family for anyone who enjoys the series.
I wished for more character development in this book and for some more exciting storyline. It is a quick introduction to the beginnings of the Townsbridge family for anyone who enjoys the series.
December 8, 2020
Lovely characters
A great story with two likable leads. Too often I've seen the lead man be rather aweful or introduced through aweful actions, but while George is considered a Rake he acts very much like a gentleman.
The only reason I removed the star is that there is no evidence shown of why people think he's a Rake and I was actually interested in the rumors.
I still very much enjoyed the story
A great story with two likable leads. Too often I've seen the lead man be rather aweful or introduced through aweful actions, but while George is considered a Rake he acts very much like a gentleman.
The only reason I removed the star is that there is no evidence shown of why people think he's a Rake and I was actually interested in the rumors.
I still very much enjoyed the story
January 14, 2021
Well worth the read
A short novella to set the scene for the ensuing series.
George and Margaret are spending together as per their parents request. Margaret is not sure he is the man for her due to her listening to too much gossip it would appear and George....well I think he fell for her at first lie.
What ensues is a lovely regency courtship that only brings them closer.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I’m glad I found a new author to read.
A short novella to set the scene for the ensuing series.
George and Margaret are spending together as per their parents request. Margaret is not sure he is the man for her due to her listening to too much gossip it would appear and George....well I think he fell for her at first lie.
What ensues is a lovely regency courtship that only brings them closer.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I’m glad I found a new author to read.
July 19, 2021
THREE MONTHS TO WED
Margaret Holyoak finds herself in the company of a gentleman her parents want her to marry. George Townsbridge is charmed by the lady, but she thinks he's a rake. Convincing he's not won't be easy. She asks for three months before she says yes to marriage. Except there is an annoying rival in the wings that won't take no for an answer. Love has a way of overcoming obstacles. A lovely romance that is the prequel to the Townsbridge family.
Margaret Holyoak finds herself in the company of a gentleman her parents want her to marry. George Townsbridge is charmed by the lady, but she thinks he's a rake. Convincing he's not won't be easy. She asks for three months before she says yes to marriage. Except there is an annoying rival in the wings that won't take no for an answer. Love has a way of overcoming obstacles. A lovely romance that is the prequel to the Townsbridge family.
September 7, 2021
Two short stories in one. The first is the prequel to When Love Leads to Scandal, which is the entire story of Charles Townsbridge & Bethany. The second is a complete short story called His Lady To Wed. It's about Daniel & Penelope, who love each other but Daniel has become her guardian. Not unusual in historical romances for a guardian and ward to marry. They just have to get past their messed up thinking to find the HEA.
July 12, 2022
George & Margaret
This is a cute romantic clean short story. The H is a handsome Rake and the h is 11 years younger than he. They’re set together by their parents to see if they would suit for marriage. In the process of getting to know each other they fall in love. There’s another suitor that has bet he will marry her that is in the way but the H & h declare themselves at a Ball and the H proposes. All was very sweet and romantic.
This is a cute romantic clean short story. The H is a handsome Rake and the h is 11 years younger than he. They’re set together by their parents to see if they would suit for marriage. In the process of getting to know each other they fall in love. There’s another suitor that has bet he will marry her that is in the way but the H & h declare themselves at a Ball and the H proposes. All was very sweet and romantic.
July 2, 2023
Great story
George Townsbridge's parents are friends with Margaret and try matching making. Everyone says George is a rake. Margaret thinks the same from rumors. Another man has been trying to court her and she had been thinking about it. George proves himself to be a gentleman and kind and helpful to those in need. George finds out the other man has a very large bet that he will marry Margaret. How far will he go to win that bet.
George Townsbridge's parents are friends with Margaret and try matching making. Everyone says George is a rake. Margaret thinks the same from rumors. Another man has been trying to court her and she had been thinking about it. George proves himself to be a gentleman and kind and helpful to those in need. George finds out the other man has a very large bet that he will marry Margaret. How far will he go to win that bet.
January 6, 2021
Margaret has listened to gossip about George and has no interest in marrying him even though her parents encourage her to consider him. Forced to spend some time with him since her family is spending the weekend with his at his home, she begins to learn that her perception of him is all wrong. Short story to kickoff this series and I liked it. I plan on trying the next book.
January 21, 2023
How lovely. And clean - nothing beyond kisses. And - SPOILER - an eleven-week getting-to-know-each-other period before betrothal, too!
Thanks for the sweet break between romantic suspense/thrillers or more explicit fare. 😆
Hmmm ... this might be my first story from Ms. Barnes. But it won’t be the last!
Thanks for the sweet break between romantic suspense/thrillers or more explicit fare. 😆
Hmmm ... this might be my first story from Ms. Barnes. But it won’t be the last!
December 23, 2020
I've read several of Sophie Barnes' stories and I think this is the best crafted so far. I found the opening scene very well done and could picture it in my mind. A charming, short and sweet read to escape into.
January 25, 2021
Good Beginnings!
I enjoyed this short, sweet, witty and romantic story very much. It reads easily and lays down the foundation nicely for what is to come and because of this, I recommend it be read first.
I enjoyed this short, sweet, witty and romantic story very much. It reads easily and lays down the foundation nicely for what is to come and because of this, I recommend it be read first.
February 19, 2021
I don’t read many regency romances but I truly enjoyed this one. George has a reputation but he’s more than what people see. Margaret already knows who she wants or so she thought until meeting George. This short story is slow but worth the read.
April 8, 2021
Parents know best!
Although both parents want a match, she’s thinking of someone else! But as they spend time together he’s smitten, now if he can get her mind on him and not the Earl!
Although both parents want a match, she’s thinking of someone else! But as they spend time together he’s smitten, now if he can get her mind on him and not the Earl!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews