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Rosebrook #2
Home is Where the Heart is
Ashling O’Rourke has always seen love through the prism of her vintage romance novel collection. The dukes, the duchesses, and the corsets and carriages help her to experience different kinds of love. She’s content living a sheltered life in a small village and even gets a job working for the Rosebrook Village Trust. Ash’s newly exciting life is only marred by the arrogant Archie, who thinks she’s the office tea girl.
Steff “Archie” Archer is a Townie who never likes to be more than a mile away from a coffee, sushi, or juice bar. Despite being an avid environmentalist and working for Rosebrook Village Trust, she never wants to live there. She’s lived the country life before and vowed never to return.
When unsentimental Archie falls for the hopeless romantic Ashling, Archie needs to learn how to make her sweetheart swoon, but will she be able to settle in the village and make her home where her heart is?
Cover Artist: Tammy Seidick
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Words: 69,000
Steff “Archie” Archer is a Townie who never likes to be more than a mile away from a coffee, sushi, or juice bar. Despite being an avid environmentalist and working for Rosebrook Village Trust, she never wants to live there. She’s lived the country life before and vowed never to return.
When unsentimental Archie falls for the hopeless romantic Ashling, Archie needs to learn how to make her sweetheart swoon, but will she be able to settle in the village and make her home where her heart is?
Cover Artist: Tammy Seidick
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Words: 69,000
233 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2021
14 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Frame
30 books446 followersJenny Frame is from the small town of Motherwell in Scotland, where she lives with her partner, Lou, and their well loved and very spoiled dog. She has a diverse range of qualifications, including a BA in public management and a diploma in acting and performance. Nowadays, she likes to put her creative energies into writing rather than treading the boards. When not writing or reading, Jenny loves cheering on her local football team, which is not always an easy task!
Jenny Frame is the Royal Academy of Bards 2013 Hall of Fame Author.
Jenny Frame is the Royal Academy of Bards 2013 Hall of Fame Author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 11, 2021
Cheesy courtships.
This is the second book of the Rosebrook series and I must caution that this series is not for people who want realistic stories. It's heartwarming for those who love extremely sweet fairytale romances, but for those who don’t, it will come across as cheesy and over-the-top.
While I don’t mind Frame’s kind of cheesy, I was annoyed with Evan's extreme personality in The Duchess and the Dreamer (Book 1). I enjoyed Book 2 more since we get Evan in smaller doses, as the newlyweds head for their honeymoon, leaving Archie and Ash in charge of the office. Archie and Ash are easier to like and possibly easier to relate to. They were also loggerheads at work in Book 1 and continue to bicker here. I like their bickering while it lasted because it produces good chemistry.
Archie and Ash also have different outlook on love. Ash is a romantic who wants to live the historical hetero age-gap romances she reads by the beach in a lesbian fashion whereas Archie is very skeptical about love and marriage. Their 13 year age gap also holds Archie back from acting on her attraction. But once Archie gets over herself, the story changes style to one about chasing the fairytale romance dream, and Archie morphs into the protective and chivalrous butch. While I think it’s sweet of Archie to want to give Ash her ideal courtship experience, using Ash’s favourite romance novel as a guide to planning moves and dates made me cringe a little because the novel is the cheesiest one with the worst sounding title.
Frame's books have a unique style that I’ve mentioned in my review of Book 1. I don’t think it’s for everybody but I do enjoy them. This book can technically be read as a standalone for people who only want to read about Archie and Ash's budding romance but I don't recommend it to those who want some context for why this series is set in Rosebrook village.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book of the Rosebrook series and I must caution that this series is not for people who want realistic stories. It's heartwarming for those who love extremely sweet fairytale romances, but for those who don’t, it will come across as cheesy and over-the-top.
While I don’t mind Frame’s kind of cheesy, I was annoyed with Evan's extreme personality in The Duchess and the Dreamer (Book 1). I enjoyed Book 2 more since we get Evan in smaller doses, as the newlyweds head for their honeymoon, leaving Archie and Ash in charge of the office. Archie and Ash are easier to like and possibly easier to relate to. They were also loggerheads at work in Book 1 and continue to bicker here. I like their bickering while it lasted because it produces good chemistry.
Archie and Ash also have different outlook on love. Ash is a romantic who wants to live the historical hetero age-gap romances she reads by the beach in a lesbian fashion whereas Archie is very skeptical about love and marriage. Their 13 year age gap also holds Archie back from acting on her attraction. But once Archie gets over herself, the story changes style to one about chasing the fairytale romance dream, and Archie morphs into the protective and chivalrous butch. While I think it’s sweet of Archie to want to give Ash her ideal courtship experience, using Ash’s favourite romance novel as a guide to planning moves and dates made me cringe a little because the novel is the cheesiest one with the worst sounding title.
Frame's books have a unique style that I’ve mentioned in my review of Book 1. I don’t think it’s for everybody but I do enjoy them. This book can technically be read as a standalone for people who only want to read about Archie and Ash's budding romance but I don't recommend it to those who want some context for why this series is set in Rosebrook village.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2021
3 Stars
“Home is Where the Heart is” is the second in the “Rosebrook” series. I want to preface my review by saying I didn’t read the first, “The Duchess and the Dreamer,” so if I’m missing something, that’s why. This is an age-gap, opposites attract romance.
Ashling (Ash) and Archie are colleagues for the Rosebrook Village Trust. Ash (23) was born and raised in Rosebrook. She loves her small village and has no plans to leave. She’s a romantic and loves to read romance novels in her spare time. Archie (36), on the other hand, wants nothing to do with love or small village living. She likes her life in the city and doesn’t seem to mind her long commute every day.
They spend a lot of time bickering and antagonizing one another. Normally I don’t mind this kind of interaction. It’s entertaining for me and builds up the dynamic between the leads. However, I had issue with it this time. Archie is dismissive towards Ash for her age and love of romance novels. She was immature and acted out in childish ways. I found her too off-putting to really want them to be together. Ash was sweet and rather naïve and I felt she deserved better. Archie also has a very quick turnaround in her feelings that made me feel confused and I was wondering if I missed a chapter where her feelings were flipped because it was so unexpected. Once her feelings are changed and she decides to pursue Ash, the cheesy romance begins. There were some over the top moments that I found entertaining but it was still too late for me to really enjoy.
I did enjoy the Rosebrook community. I love the idea of a safe place for all types and classes of people. It’s also environmentally friendly where they’re actively trying to change things for the better.
All in all, I think this will appeal to Frame’s fans. It’s got her typical butch/femme couple with a diverse and varied group of side characters. If it weren't for Archie's attitude in the beginning I would've enjoyed this a lot more.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“Home is Where the Heart is” is the second in the “Rosebrook” series. I want to preface my review by saying I didn’t read the first, “The Duchess and the Dreamer,” so if I’m missing something, that’s why. This is an age-gap, opposites attract romance.
Ashling (Ash) and Archie are colleagues for the Rosebrook Village Trust. Ash (23) was born and raised in Rosebrook. She loves her small village and has no plans to leave. She’s a romantic and loves to read romance novels in her spare time. Archie (36), on the other hand, wants nothing to do with love or small village living. She likes her life in the city and doesn’t seem to mind her long commute every day.
They spend a lot of time bickering and antagonizing one another. Normally I don’t mind this kind of interaction. It’s entertaining for me and builds up the dynamic between the leads. However, I had issue with it this time. Archie is dismissive towards Ash for her age and love of romance novels. She was immature and acted out in childish ways. I found her too off-putting to really want them to be together. Ash was sweet and rather naïve and I felt she deserved better. Archie also has a very quick turnaround in her feelings that made me feel confused and I was wondering if I missed a chapter where her feelings were flipped because it was so unexpected. Once her feelings are changed and she decides to pursue Ash, the cheesy romance begins. There were some over the top moments that I found entertaining but it was still too late for me to really enjoy.
I did enjoy the Rosebrook community. I love the idea of a safe place for all types and classes of people. It’s also environmentally friendly where they’re actively trying to change things for the better.
All in all, I think this will appeal to Frame’s fans. It’s got her typical butch/femme couple with a diverse and varied group of side characters. If it weren't for Archie's attitude in the beginning I would've enjoyed this a lot more.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2021
This book continues the transformation of the small village of Rosebrook in a landmark. And in my opinion, what happens with the village and its inhabitants is more interesting than the romance between Archie and Ash. The characters are cute and nice, but there's little chemistry between them. As the village keeps on adding new residents, I suppose there will be more books in this series in the future.
September 7, 2021
3 stars
I usually like Jenny Frame’s writing more. This one was too sappy and superficial for me.
I usually like Jenny Frame’s writing more. This one was too sappy and superficial for me.
July 14, 2021
This book follows the almost enemies to lover tale of Archie and Ash from the first book in this series.
The first chapter was in my opinion a good start but it kind of went downhill from there. This book was rather uneventful.
I will say though that the characters are like-able and made a cute pair.
I didn’t feel the chemistry in the early chapters of the book and was a bit bored with the plot but when they finally got together they were a very cute couple.
Ending was a bit rushed but kinda goes with the character.
Recommend this book for a light casual read.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in return for an honest review
The first chapter was in my opinion a good start but it kind of went downhill from there. This book was rather uneventful.
I will say though that the characters are like-able and made a cute pair.
I didn’t feel the chemistry in the early chapters of the book and was a bit bored with the plot but when they finally got together they were a very cute couple.
Ending was a bit rushed but kinda goes with the character.
Recommend this book for a light casual read.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in return for an honest review
July 12, 2021
I know this book will appeal to a lot of readers, but sadly, I wasn’t one of them. Perhaps I just don’t vibe with the type of humor in this book. This book also employed many stereotypes that I personally don’t care for.
My favorite aspects of the book, by a landslide, were the setting and the side characters. I loved the concept of Rosebrook as an eco-friendly, accessible, LGBTQ+-inclusive village I loved Evan Fox’s (one of the MCs in The Duchess and the Dreamer, which I haven’t read) enthusiasm for the Rosebrook community and for making the world a better place. I appreciated the diversity of Rosebrook’s residents, for example: a woman in a wheelchair who’s given proper agency, a trans man whose backstory isn’t revealed unless he gives explicit permission to do so, a mother with PTSD learning to embrace her love life, several queer couples, etc. The MCs’ fathers (one of whom is gay!) are sweet, wholesome men who deserve the world. There are even some mentions of historical queer romances that I loved and wanted to know much more about!
Unfortunately, the beautiful setting and lovely side characters couldn’t save the romance for me. Ashling O’Rourke (23, lesbian) and Steff “Archie” Archer (36, lesbian) are forced to collaborate on Rosebrook’s administrative duties while Evan and her partner Clementine are away. When Ash was new to Rosebrook, Archie asked her to "make the tea like a good little secretary" (ugh!) and the two have butted heads ever since. Ash is mostly sweet and lovable, but I found that she didn’t have much personality. Archie was definitely my least favorite of the two, and I can’t say I ever liked her much. Archie is constantly condescending toward Ash in both her thoughts and actions, and it got really old after a while. These condescending thoughts also got repetitive: How many times did we have to be reminded of their age difference? How many times did Archie mentally dismiss Ash due to her lack of romantic experience and sheltered background, while never having had a serious romance herself? There’s one part of the book where Ash thinks of Archie as mature, and that made me laugh because so many of Archie’s actions are evidence to the contrary. The protags also play mind games with each other (Ash flirting with another character to make Archie jealous, Archie lying about her actions to appear less invested than she really is), which I didn’t like at all. The romance gets slightly better as the story goes on, but the end of the book, I still had no faith that Ash and Archie could stay together long-term.
There were also two very random chapters featuring Evan’s and Clementine’s POVs — one near the beginning and one near the end. Chapter Two even opens with a very explicit sex scene between Evan and Clementine, which was, um…an interesting choice. I’m not against having multiple couples’ POVs in a romance novel (I think this is done well in Unrivaled by Radclyffe, in which the other couple’s POVs are integrated well throughout the entire book), but I don’t think the ones in this book are necessary at all.
Tl;dr: I can tell Jenny Frame is a great writer and I adored the Rosebrook setting. However, I felt nothing for the romance except for some flickers of annoyance.
Buddy read with Hsinju! Check out their review here!
content warnings: divorce (side characters, past), loss of a parent to cancer (past), graphic sex, homophobia, transphobia, mentions of PTSD, mentions of war, parental rejection
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My favorite aspects of the book, by a landslide, were the setting and the side characters. I loved the concept of Rosebrook as an eco-friendly, accessible, LGBTQ+-inclusive village I loved Evan Fox’s (one of the MCs in The Duchess and the Dreamer, which I haven’t read) enthusiasm for the Rosebrook community and for making the world a better place. I appreciated the diversity of Rosebrook’s residents, for example: a woman in a wheelchair who’s given proper agency, a trans man whose backstory isn’t revealed unless he gives explicit permission to do so, a mother with PTSD learning to embrace her love life, several queer couples, etc. The MCs’ fathers (one of whom is gay!) are sweet, wholesome men who deserve the world. There are even some mentions of historical queer romances that I loved and wanted to know much more about!
Unfortunately, the beautiful setting and lovely side characters couldn’t save the romance for me. Ashling O’Rourke (23, lesbian) and Steff “Archie” Archer (36, lesbian) are forced to collaborate on Rosebrook’s administrative duties while Evan and her partner Clementine are away. When Ash was new to Rosebrook, Archie asked her to "make the tea like a good little secretary" (ugh!) and the two have butted heads ever since. Ash is mostly sweet and lovable, but I found that she didn’t have much personality. Archie was definitely my least favorite of the two, and I can’t say I ever liked her much. Archie is constantly condescending toward Ash in both her thoughts and actions, and it got really old after a while. These condescending thoughts also got repetitive: How many times did we have to be reminded of their age difference? How many times did Archie mentally dismiss Ash due to her lack of romantic experience and sheltered background, while never having had a serious romance herself? There’s one part of the book where Ash thinks of Archie as mature, and that made me laugh because so many of Archie’s actions are evidence to the contrary. The protags also play mind games with each other (Ash flirting with another character to make Archie jealous, Archie lying about her actions to appear less invested than she really is), which I didn’t like at all. The romance gets slightly better as the story goes on, but the end of the book, I still had no faith that Ash and Archie could stay together long-term.
There were also two very random chapters featuring Evan’s and Clementine’s POVs — one near the beginning and one near the end. Chapter Two even opens with a very explicit sex scene between Evan and Clementine, which was, um…an interesting choice. I’m not against having multiple couples’ POVs in a romance novel (I think this is done well in Unrivaled by Radclyffe, in which the other couple’s POVs are integrated well throughout the entire book), but I don’t think the ones in this book are necessary at all.
Tl;dr: I can tell Jenny Frame is a great writer and I adored the Rosebrook setting. However, I felt nothing for the romance except for some flickers of annoyance.
Buddy read with Hsinju! Check out their review here!
content warnings: divorce (side characters, past), loss of a parent to cancer (past), graphic sex, homophobia, transphobia, mentions of PTSD, mentions of war, parental rejection
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2021
Upping my rating by one star because of Rosebrook and Frame handling all the tough issues mentioned in the book sensibly.
Steff “Archie” Archer (36) and Ashling O’Rourke (23, lesbian) got off on the wrong feet when Archie mistook Ash as the office tea girl. Despite them being secretly fond of each other, Archie doesn’t do relationships and finds their thirteen-year age-gap too big to bridge. But romance-loving Ash isn’t about to let that become an obstacle.
I love this world Frame has created, the inclusive Rosebrook and all the wonderful residents. Many issues were mentioned, including being displaced by war, homeless LGBTQ+ youths, mistreated because of mental health history, disability, etc. There is also a heavy emphasis on the environment, including beach cleaning, saving the bees, and being vegan. I absolutely love the concept Rosebrook is built upon, the characters (most of them are queer!), as well as the historical queer people.
So it is very sad that I did not care for the main romance at all.
Even though Archie prides herself as being a “mature” 36yo, she reads way younger than that, being somewhat unreasonable and lashing out at her dad (Adam Archer is the sweetest man), which means that the age-gap aspect of the story didn’t feel like an actual age-gap. I didn’t feel any chemistry between the mains and enjoyed all the side plots better. That being said, the relationship development did get better after some time and it’s kind of cute.
What was sort of confusing was the three scenes that are in Clem’s and Fox’s POVs, one of which opened with them getting intimate. At first, I thought this book would have four alternating POVs throughout the story like Longing for You did, but it ended up being the three ones near the opening and ending. Personally, I’d prefer if we only have Archie’s and Ash’s POVs as I don’t think the other ones were necessary.
All in all a wonderful world and concept with lovable side characters but not-so lovable main romance.
content warnings: graphic sex, homophobia, trans rejection, mention of PTSD, mention of anxiety, mention of war
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
I received a digital review copy from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Steff “Archie” Archer (36) and Ashling O’Rourke (23, lesbian) got off on the wrong feet when Archie mistook Ash as the office tea girl. Despite them being secretly fond of each other, Archie doesn’t do relationships and finds their thirteen-year age-gap too big to bridge. But romance-loving Ash isn’t about to let that become an obstacle.
I love this world Frame has created, the inclusive Rosebrook and all the wonderful residents. Many issues were mentioned, including being displaced by war, homeless LGBTQ+ youths, mistreated because of mental health history, disability, etc. There is also a heavy emphasis on the environment, including beach cleaning, saving the bees, and being vegan. I absolutely love the concept Rosebrook is built upon, the characters (most of them are queer!), as well as the historical queer people.
So it is very sad that I did not care for the main romance at all.
Even though Archie prides herself as being a “mature” 36yo, she reads way younger than that, being somewhat unreasonable and lashing out at her dad (Adam Archer is the sweetest man), which means that the age-gap aspect of the story didn’t feel like an actual age-gap. I didn’t feel any chemistry between the mains and enjoyed all the side plots better. That being said, the relationship development did get better after some time and it’s kind of cute.
What was sort of confusing was the three scenes that are in Clem’s and Fox’s POVs, one of which opened with them getting intimate. At first, I thought this book would have four alternating POVs throughout the story like Longing for You did, but it ended up being the three ones near the opening and ending. Personally, I’d prefer if we only have Archie’s and Ash’s POVs as I don’t think the other ones were necessary.
All in all a wonderful world and concept with lovable side characters but not-so lovable main romance.
content warnings: graphic sex, homophobia, trans rejection, mention of PTSD, mention of anxiety, mention of war
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
I received a digital review copy from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2021
This is the second book in the Rosebrook series, it’s not necessary to read the first book to follow this romance. There is some overlap as it is in the same little town and the two mains of this book are introduced in the first book, and the mains from the first play a role in this book.
The author has an entire cast and a lot of opportunities to expand this series, but I think I will stop at this one. This author isn’t really for me.
It’s a bit too over the top romance for me. Exactly how it is described in this book actually, and I am just no into that.
Archie and Ash both work in Rosebrook on Fox’s fantastical idea to make a self sufficient town. When Fox and Clem set out on their honeymoon their right hands need to find a way to work together instead of being at each other’s throats. Fox and Clem come up with this scheme that is sort of a work place version of the parent trap, it’s ridiculous and annoys me. Archie is hung up on the failed and loveless marriage of her parents in an oppressive and conservative small town. Since her dad has come out and found a new lovely partner, but Archie isn’t open to anything serious. In her late thirties she things Ash is too young for her, Ash is 13 years younger. Not a massive problem, but Archie makes it seems like Ash is a little kid and that is what makes an age-gap romance for me, the balance is off. Archie comes around a bit towards the end, but the damage cant be undone for me.
I think the whole balance thing is what makes this one not work for me. I am sure there is an audience for this type of book, it just isn’t me, 2.5 stars.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
The author has an entire cast and a lot of opportunities to expand this series, but I think I will stop at this one. This author isn’t really for me.
It’s a bit too over the top romance for me. Exactly how it is described in this book actually, and I am just no into that.
Archie and Ash both work in Rosebrook on Fox’s fantastical idea to make a self sufficient town. When Fox and Clem set out on their honeymoon their right hands need to find a way to work together instead of being at each other’s throats. Fox and Clem come up with this scheme that is sort of a work place version of the parent trap, it’s ridiculous and annoys me. Archie is hung up on the failed and loveless marriage of her parents in an oppressive and conservative small town. Since her dad has come out and found a new lovely partner, but Archie isn’t open to anything serious. In her late thirties she things Ash is too young for her, Ash is 13 years younger. Not a massive problem, but Archie makes it seems like Ash is a little kid and that is what makes an age-gap romance for me, the balance is off. Archie comes around a bit towards the end, but the damage cant be undone for me.
I think the whole balance thing is what makes this one not work for me. I am sure there is an audience for this type of book, it just isn’t me, 2.5 stars.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
June 26, 2021
This book was very, very sweet and I think it was a perfect fit for me during a particularly intense week of work. Ashling and Archie were loveable and you couldn't help but root for them to find love together. Ashling loves regency romance books and wants to find a love that sweeps her up just like in those epic romance novels. Meanwhile, Archie's tumultuous upbringing has impacted the way she sees romance and relationships.
I enjoyed this novel, as it centres primarily on Archie 'wooing' sweet Ashling. Although I would've had issues if a woman tried to woo me by following a script from my favourite book, it was exactly what Ashling wanted and boy, did she get Archie deliver. It was so sweet to read and I am hopeful for more books in this series as the town it's set in sounds amazing!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this novel, as it centres primarily on Archie 'wooing' sweet Ashling. Although I would've had issues if a woman tried to woo me by following a script from my favourite book, it was exactly what Ashling wanted and boy, did she get Archie deliver. It was so sweet to read and I am hopeful for more books in this series as the town it's set in sounds amazing!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2021
Neally a 4*
Home is where the heart is, is the second book in the Rosebrook series. I didn't know this... because I failed to check.! I would have had a better understanding of the series if I'd have read the first book and maybe a better concept of some of the characters etc, but it didn't seem to affect my enjoying the story. The story as a fairytale feels about it, so nothing is really realistic which puts acuteness on the storyline. In parts, some of the characters get a bit overbearing and can get on your nerves slightly but the characters all seem to click and there's plenty of romantic chemistry going around in the story.
I was given an arc for an honest review.
Home is where the heart is, is the second book in the Rosebrook series. I didn't know this... because I failed to check.! I would have had a better understanding of the series if I'd have read the first book and maybe a better concept of some of the characters etc, but it didn't seem to affect my enjoying the story. The story as a fairytale feels about it, so nothing is really realistic which puts acuteness on the storyline. In parts, some of the characters get a bit overbearing and can get on your nerves slightly but the characters all seem to click and there's plenty of romantic chemistry going around in the story.
I was given an arc for an honest review.
July 26, 2021
This was a lovely read. Archie was really hard to like at the start of the book though, but Ash was very sweet throughout. It was great to see Archie's emotional growth and to see her make changes for her and Ash's future.
I only gave this three stars because I was honestly more invested in the side characters than I was in the main characters. Blake and Eli, Griff... Patrick, and Alannah. Then there's little Lucy and how she's pretty much got instant "parents" in Fox and Clem.
I only gave this three stars because I was honestly more invested in the side characters than I was in the main characters. Blake and Eli, Griff... Patrick, and Alannah. Then there's little Lucy and how she's pretty much got instant "parents" in Fox and Clem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2021
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 2 of the Rosebrook series and features Ashlin and Archie, who were both introduced in book 1. Archie works with Evan and acts as her right hand, while Ashlin is Clem’s PA. The two had a rocky start in book 1 when Archie mistook Ashlin for the tea girl (which Ash mentions repeatedly in the first 30% or so of the book).
Evan and Clem have been married for a few months and are now about to go on their honeymoon. They think it’s a great idea to give two people who dislike each other and don’t work well together the same list of tasks without telling them this. I think that’s a childish and unprofessional thing for two women running businesses and villages to do.
So anyway, Archie and Ash spend all their time bickering and tripping over each other. There’s 13 years between them (as Archie continually points out) but you’d never know it by the way they act, since they both spend the majority of their time acting like petulant teenagers. There’s not much to their character development either, their main character aspects are that Archie is grumpy and avoids commitment and hates village life, while Ashlin is young, inexperienced in the world and LOVES romance in all forms.
They do eventually come to terms with each other and then start a relationship, but I was underwhelmed. Likely because I didn’t particularly like either of them (and I really didn’t like Archie). The big moment at the end was also way too cheesy for me.
I do love Rosebrook and the idea of the village and enjoyed catching up with the villagers again. We also get some new villagers, Patrick, a trans man, and Griff, a friend of Evan’s who travels around doing whatever she wants and who is now helping set up the beer factory. I assume book 3 will be hers. She’s already more interesting than Archie, so that’s a plus. 3 stars.
This is book 2 of the Rosebrook series and features Ashlin and Archie, who were both introduced in book 1. Archie works with Evan and acts as her right hand, while Ashlin is Clem’s PA. The two had a rocky start in book 1 when Archie mistook Ashlin for the tea girl (which Ash mentions repeatedly in the first 30% or so of the book).
Evan and Clem have been married for a few months and are now about to go on their honeymoon. They think it’s a great idea to give two people who dislike each other and don’t work well together the same list of tasks without telling them this. I think that’s a childish and unprofessional thing for two women running businesses and villages to do.
So anyway, Archie and Ash spend all their time bickering and tripping over each other. There’s 13 years between them (as Archie continually points out) but you’d never know it by the way they act, since they both spend the majority of their time acting like petulant teenagers. There’s not much to their character development either, their main character aspects are that Archie is grumpy and avoids commitment and hates village life, while Ashlin is young, inexperienced in the world and LOVES romance in all forms.
They do eventually come to terms with each other and then start a relationship, but I was underwhelmed. Likely because I didn’t particularly like either of them (and I really didn’t like Archie). The big moment at the end was also way too cheesy for me.
I do love Rosebrook and the idea of the village and enjoyed catching up with the villagers again. We also get some new villagers, Patrick, a trans man, and Griff, a friend of Evan’s who travels around doing whatever she wants and who is now helping set up the beer factory. I assume book 3 will be hers. She’s already more interesting than Archie, so that’s a plus. 3 stars.
July 2, 2021
This book read like a Disney fairytale, which honestly isn’t my thing. It wasn’t bad, per se, but it just didn’t do much for me. It was a bit slow and slightly uneventful. They characters were ok, but the story was a bit too cheesy, and everything was just too polished and perfect. The exception to that was when the MCs step into the bedroom! That was as far from Disney as one can imagine to the point of being slightly jarring.
July 16, 2021
Devoured
I devoured this book in one day, I couldn't put it down. I don't know if it was because I've been deprived of Frame's stories, or if it was just this particular story. Probably both.
Starting with the positives. Frame once again created a delicious butch/femme duo, something I truly appreciate deep from my heart. Please don't ever stop creating such yummy, loveable butch characters. Ash was a romantic sentimentalist who honestly believed in that happily ever after that she read time and time again in her romance novels. I found her to be sweet yet naïve, but she was intelligent, too. The world we live in and how a lot of us can be jaded and/or cynical, a person like Ash, I think, is rare. And people need to protect and cherish Ash-type individuals and not belittle or bully for their beautiful beliefs toward love. At times, I felt Frame was sending a message to any nay-sayers regarding happy love stories through Ash's novels with Ash's voice. If not, then I'm reading too much into it :)
Archie was an endearing doll, even when she was huffy and puffy and sputtering her frustrations toward Ash, I still loved her. She could do no wrong in my eyes. She happily but quickly accepted love into her heart. Her efforts to show Ash that she cared and was falling in love with her was something you only read about ;) Talk about grand gestures! Archie was also compassionate and could easily sympathize with lost, kindred souls. Patrick was one of those lost, kindred souls. I teared up when Patrick was introduced to us and then welcomed into the community of Rosebrook. My heart was swelling three times its size and all I wanted to do was hug and hold Patrick. Archie showed her true colours in that moment, and it was beautiful.
My negatives. The story was a page turner, I couldn't stop, didn't want to stop, and wished it were longer. Of course, I wish all of Frame's books are longer, which is why I appreciate that she writes series after series because I can continue to get to know the characters. However, I couldn't help but feel that the story itself had better growth and a better arc than the characters themselves. I wished there was more content regarding Archie's personality and backstory, as well as Ash. I loved how their relationship went from grumpy and growly, to strained civility, to friends who banter, to watching them fall in love where they fall into bed together and have hot sex. And it was hot sex. I mean, the primal, raw sex paired with my favourite word in a sex scene used so deliciously was off the charts hot. Frame has a talent for writing mushy love stories with smoldering sex. But I think we could have done with more character growth, it would have made Archie and Ash's relationship all the more richer. Another thing was the flow of some of the sentences. At times, they felt clunky and like I was tripping over my tongue.
Technical flow issues and lack of character growth, I loved this story and I rate it a solid 4 stars.
I devoured this book in one day, I couldn't put it down. I don't know if it was because I've been deprived of Frame's stories, or if it was just this particular story. Probably both.
Starting with the positives. Frame once again created a delicious butch/femme duo, something I truly appreciate deep from my heart. Please don't ever stop creating such yummy, loveable butch characters. Ash was a romantic sentimentalist who honestly believed in that happily ever after that she read time and time again in her romance novels. I found her to be sweet yet naïve, but she was intelligent, too. The world we live in and how a lot of us can be jaded and/or cynical, a person like Ash, I think, is rare. And people need to protect and cherish Ash-type individuals and not belittle or bully for their beautiful beliefs toward love. At times, I felt Frame was sending a message to any nay-sayers regarding happy love stories through Ash's novels with Ash's voice. If not, then I'm reading too much into it :)
Archie was an endearing doll, even when she was huffy and puffy and sputtering her frustrations toward Ash, I still loved her. She could do no wrong in my eyes. She happily but quickly accepted love into her heart. Her efforts to show Ash that she cared and was falling in love with her was something you only read about ;) Talk about grand gestures! Archie was also compassionate and could easily sympathize with lost, kindred souls. Patrick was one of those lost, kindred souls. I teared up when Patrick was introduced to us and then welcomed into the community of Rosebrook. My heart was swelling three times its size and all I wanted to do was hug and hold Patrick. Archie showed her true colours in that moment, and it was beautiful.
My negatives. The story was a page turner, I couldn't stop, didn't want to stop, and wished it were longer. Of course, I wish all of Frame's books are longer, which is why I appreciate that she writes series after series because I can continue to get to know the characters. However, I couldn't help but feel that the story itself had better growth and a better arc than the characters themselves. I wished there was more content regarding Archie's personality and backstory, as well as Ash. I loved how their relationship went from grumpy and growly, to strained civility, to friends who banter, to watching them fall in love where they fall into bed together and have hot sex. And it was hot sex. I mean, the primal, raw sex paired with my favourite word in a sex scene used so deliciously was off the charts hot. Frame has a talent for writing mushy love stories with smoldering sex. But I think we could have done with more character growth, it would have made Archie and Ash's relationship all the more richer. Another thing was the flow of some of the sentences. At times, they felt clunky and like I was tripping over my tongue.
Technical flow issues and lack of character growth, I loved this story and I rate it a solid 4 stars.
July 2, 2021
I stayed up most of the night to read this. I “accidentally” began reading it early in the evening, then got exhausted somewhere in the afternoon the next day and decided to take a nap, then continued my journey after I woke up. This is a book that you don’t want to put down after you pick it up. It’s so addicting.
A fan of romance would call this a fairytale that comes true. And I would love to read it once in a while. <3
A fan of romance would call this a fairytale that comes true. And I would love to read it once in a while. <3
June 22, 2021
I have been excited for this book from the second I heard about it. I may or may not have set an alarm on my phone so that I knew when it was being released. I did receive an eARC of this book from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Archie is a Townie who commutes to work for the Rosebrook Village Trust. She is disillusioned about the idea of true love (or any sort of it really) and she never wants to return to living in a small-town. Ashling has lived in a sheltered life in Rosebrook and started coming out of her shelf more when she began working for the Trust. Ashling and Archie got off on the wrong foot, but now they have to work together while their bosses are out. Things get complicated when Archie realizes that she might have feelings for Ash and she has to decide whether she plans to pursue a relationship.
This book left me feeling giddy and happy. I spent the last few chapters grinning like a fool. I love this book and these characters so much. I even like it better than its predecessor. There is initial conflict between the two characters, but around the halfway point (even a bit earlier) things start changing and it leaves me feeling gushy and glowy and happy.
Archie is not a romantic. She had a toxic childhood that left her disillusioned about the idea of love. She hasn’t had a relationship that lasted longer than three months. Ashling hasn’t had much experience in long-term dating either. She’s been very isolated and sheltered in the town of Rosebrook, but she dreams of having a love like her parents did. She’s an absolute romantic and she loves romance books because they show her that sort of love. I love both these characters so much. I love grumpy Archie slowly allowing her shell to break. I love Ash believing the best about love and wanting it so truly. It’s amazing.
I will freely admit that I am a sucker for the idea of a love-averse character having to learn how to “woo” a hopeless romantic. It was great watching Archie figure out what she wanted to do, even seeking help from some other people. My only issue with this book is that I wish that that part had been dragged out a bit longer. I would have loved to see Archie learn more and it would have led to even better relationship development. The relationship in this book does take a bit to get started and, when it does, it hits the ground running. That might be off-putting to some people, but I don’t mind it.
I thought that this book was excellent, one of my favorites by Jenny Frame. I won’t say that this book is for everyone but give it a chance. It left me feeling so happy after that I wanted to read it again almost immediately after finishing it.
Archie is a Townie who commutes to work for the Rosebrook Village Trust. She is disillusioned about the idea of true love (or any sort of it really) and she never wants to return to living in a small-town. Ashling has lived in a sheltered life in Rosebrook and started coming out of her shelf more when she began working for the Trust. Ashling and Archie got off on the wrong foot, but now they have to work together while their bosses are out. Things get complicated when Archie realizes that she might have feelings for Ash and she has to decide whether she plans to pursue a relationship.
This book left me feeling giddy and happy. I spent the last few chapters grinning like a fool. I love this book and these characters so much. I even like it better than its predecessor. There is initial conflict between the two characters, but around the halfway point (even a bit earlier) things start changing and it leaves me feeling gushy and glowy and happy.
Archie is not a romantic. She had a toxic childhood that left her disillusioned about the idea of love. She hasn’t had a relationship that lasted longer than three months. Ashling hasn’t had much experience in long-term dating either. She’s been very isolated and sheltered in the town of Rosebrook, but she dreams of having a love like her parents did. She’s an absolute romantic and she loves romance books because they show her that sort of love. I love both these characters so much. I love grumpy Archie slowly allowing her shell to break. I love Ash believing the best about love and wanting it so truly. It’s amazing.
I will freely admit that I am a sucker for the idea of a love-averse character having to learn how to “woo” a hopeless romantic. It was great watching Archie figure out what she wanted to do, even seeking help from some other people. My only issue with this book is that I wish that that part had been dragged out a bit longer. I would have loved to see Archie learn more and it would have led to even better relationship development. The relationship in this book does take a bit to get started and, when it does, it hits the ground running. That might be off-putting to some people, but I don’t mind it.
I thought that this book was excellent, one of my favorites by Jenny Frame. I won’t say that this book is for everyone but give it a chance. It left me feeling so happy after that I wanted to read it again almost immediately after finishing it.
July 2, 2021
Just finished this book and enjoyed as much as the Duchess and the Dreamer. Love seeing Archie opening up and the lengths she went to for Ash. Hoping a audio will be coming soon. Another job well done by Jenny Frame.
June 22, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Ash and Archie are different where as Ash like living in the country in a small village Archie does not she did that and doesn’t want to do it again.
Ash and Archie have to work together they immediately clash but as they start to get to know each other they start seeing each other in a new light. I like that this read was low on drama the main characters have great chemistry and more importantly it’s about being your true self.
Ash and Archie are different where as Ash like living in the country in a small village Archie does not she did that and doesn’t want to do it again.
Ash and Archie have to work together they immediately clash but as they start to get to know each other they start seeing each other in a new light. I like that this read was low on drama the main characters have great chemistry and more importantly it’s about being your true self.
June 20, 2021
Cute story. The romance between Archie and Ashling was very sweet and spicy. I liked that this was a story about finding your true self, and not letting anything or anyone stand in the way. This was a low drama love story that was more about family and friends and helping your fellow man and woman find a place that's safe, and tolerant to all. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family, and I'm looking forward to seeing what this author writes next.
July 5, 2021
This book I believe is going to turn into another series by Ms Frame. Seeing as this is titled ‘Rosebrook # 2. Nothing gets past me. Ha!
Steff Archer (Archie) lives in the city and the idea of actually living in the small village where she works is just not going to happen. The city's full of sights and sounds 24/ 7 while here in Rosebrook it seems the village closes up pretty early, No night clubs, plays to attend, no long list of available women for Archie to woo for a night or two. She doesn’t do relationships. Never having one has allowed her to go through life not being torn apart like her parents were. Keep in mind her father has and did put his past behind him allowing him to live his life on his terms. Archie hasn’t reached the age where being alone is that big a deal. But she is getting older so maybe it’s time to settle down. Never in a small village like Rosebrook.
Ashling O’Rourke has always lived in Rosebrook and intends on staying there. Her life for a long time has been helping her father, since her mother has died. Her main entertainment is reading romances, especially historical romances. But now that the Duchess of Rosebrook, Clementine has married Evan Fox. Both wanted changes made to the village so as to entice others to follow in their wake they needed some locals to help bring that about. So for the first time Ashling has a job helping the Duchess with all the work involved.
Ash is attracted to Archie from the start of them working together but Archie won’t allow herself to think of Ash that way, she’s too old for Ash. Or so she thinks. Ms Frame gives us a story that we have all read before but with enough twists and turns to make it her own. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Steff Archer (Archie) lives in the city and the idea of actually living in the small village where she works is just not going to happen. The city's full of sights and sounds 24/ 7 while here in Rosebrook it seems the village closes up pretty early, No night clubs, plays to attend, no long list of available women for Archie to woo for a night or two. She doesn’t do relationships. Never having one has allowed her to go through life not being torn apart like her parents were. Keep in mind her father has and did put his past behind him allowing him to live his life on his terms. Archie hasn’t reached the age where being alone is that big a deal. But she is getting older so maybe it’s time to settle down. Never in a small village like Rosebrook.
Ashling O’Rourke has always lived in Rosebrook and intends on staying there. Her life for a long time has been helping her father, since her mother has died. Her main entertainment is reading romances, especially historical romances. But now that the Duchess of Rosebrook, Clementine has married Evan Fox. Both wanted changes made to the village so as to entice others to follow in their wake they needed some locals to help bring that about. So for the first time Ashling has a job helping the Duchess with all the work involved.
Ash is attracted to Archie from the start of them working together but Archie won’t allow herself to think of Ash that way, she’s too old for Ash. Or so she thinks. Ms Frame gives us a story that we have all read before but with enough twists and turns to make it her own. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
June 8, 2023
Enjoyable book, classic Jenny Frame, fun, good story with follow up to book 1, with lots of other character loose ends that must lead to 3 or 4 sequels! Recommended.
July 5, 2021
Enjoyable and rather sweet. I’m not sure I bought into the utopian village community. Parts of it are a nice idea, but it felt a bit elitist. I’m not a fan of the notion that if the rich and the gentry are benevolent then they are therefore worthy. I’d rather they gave up the title as well as the money. But the gay twist on the lord of the manor is a fun idea and Jenny Frame definitely runs riot with the gentry in her books. I enjoyed this romance between the PA of the duchess and her ‘not the boss’ co-worker.
July 4, 2021
Archer works for Evan Fox, CEO of Fox Toys. Rosebrook Village will not be an environmentally friendly place to live.
Evan Fox and her wife are going on a honeymoon. Archer and her younger co-worker Ash remain responsible when they are gone. They are forced to cooperate and do they feel anything for each other? Archer is single and Ach is so young. Will they find their way to their heart and home?
Really easy short reading. I couldn’t sleep in one night and read it. I have never read a story like this. But unfortunatelly I couldn’t connect with the characters.
We thank Netgalley.com and Bold Strokes Books for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
Evan Fox and her wife are going on a honeymoon. Archer and her younger co-worker Ash remain responsible when they are gone. They are forced to cooperate and do they feel anything for each other? Archer is single and Ach is so young. Will they find their way to their heart and home?
Really easy short reading. I couldn’t sleep in one night and read it. I have never read a story like this. But unfortunatelly I couldn’t connect with the characters.
We thank Netgalley.com and Bold Strokes Books for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2024
This is a retro M&B or Harlequin heterosexual kind òf story told from a lesbian view. If i were in my teenage years this would have been awesome.
July 1, 2021
I could not get the feel of this book. its great work but its Im not feeling it. maybe since I could not like Ashling I could not like the book itself, there's something about her that's bothering me for some reason. I also felt 0 chemistry between her and Archie
October 19, 2021
Home is Where the Heart Is is set in the inclusive village or Rosebrook, a setting used in a previous book by Jenny Frame and that couple makes an appearance here as well. It's a sweet book following Archie and Ashling on their path to a happily ever after even though they appear to be complete opposites. It has the butch/femme dynamic, there is a bit of an age gap and for those who like enemies to lovers it should also be a good fit.
I loved the setting with the eco-friendly village striving to be a safe haven for all those who need it, the romance between Archie and Ashling is very sweet and it was a good book to relax with.
And even though there is nothing wrong with Ms Frame's writing style, I am figuring out that her books are hit and miss with me. This book I enjoyed but that was mainly because of the setting and the fact that I liked the couple, but the more books I read of her the more I get a a bit of an itch when it comes to the dialogue. It feels a bit forced at times and well, it just isn't for me.
Nevertheless, I think I lot of readers will definitely enjoy this sweet romance between a dashing butch and a lovely younger femme who's into romance.
***An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
I loved the setting with the eco-friendly village striving to be a safe haven for all those who need it, the romance between Archie and Ashling is very sweet and it was a good book to relax with.
And even though there is nothing wrong with Ms Frame's writing style, I am figuring out that her books are hit and miss with me. This book I enjoyed but that was mainly because of the setting and the fact that I liked the couple, but the more books I read of her the more I get a a bit of an itch when it comes to the dialogue. It feels a bit forced at times and well, it just isn't for me.
Nevertheless, I think I lot of readers will definitely enjoy this sweet romance between a dashing butch and a lovely younger femme who's into romance.
***An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
September 24, 2021
This is book two in the Rosebrook series and I did enjoy reading it. I did rather like book 1 and gave that one 4 stars so you can see where I am going with this one. As I started reading this story I remembered main Archie from book 1. I just knew she was never going to settle down and move to the countryside. HA! Wrong. First and foremost I love this little town and all the positive things it is doing. That is all happening because of mains from book 1 Clementine and Evan. They are such a cute couple and they do play a role in getting Archie and Ashling together. This enemies to friends to lovers is quite the lovely read. Through all that pent up anger at the beginning between the mains we can see how they will make a cute couple. This for sure was a one I was happy to read. Not sure if there are more to follow in this series but if there are I will for sure read it.
4 stars.
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
4 stars.
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
June 21, 2023
Adored this book. Loved both Archie and Ash.
Def enemies to lovers but done very well.
Def enemies to lovers but done very well.
July 16, 2021
Rosebrook is a eco-friendly, inclusive village that is being developed by the wealthy toy tycoon Evan Fox and wife Clementine. It promotes saving the environment and encourages animal friendly and sustainable natural farming. It is a little utopia and people that live there must buy in to the ideals of the community. This is the second in the Rosebrook series and focuses on Evan's Environmental Consultant Archie (36) and Clems's Personal Assistant Ashling (Ash, 23). They are left in charge of the community while Fox and Clem honeymoon.
Archie lives in London and commutes to the community living a more worldly lifestyle. Ash is local and is very sheltered. Much is made of this being an age gap romance, with the difference being a continually harped on concern for Ash. Emotionally they behave about the same age and I didn't care about the age gap and didn't see why it is constantly brought up.
Ash is lovely as a sweet, romance reading, caring person. She is responsible in her work and loves her father and community. Archie is harder to like with much of her comments sounding condescending. I like how the author uses romance novels as a tool for helping others realize their feelings. And of the two Archie is the one who changes the most over the course of the story.
I like the setting and Ash but the book itself was just average. I support the environmental message and the inclusivity in its many forms. But I had a harder time with the conversations and thoughts as they were written. I don't hear people speak the way these characters do and I didn't need every thought explained to me. I am glad to have read the book it just wasn't a home run for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for a honest review.
Archie lives in London and commutes to the community living a more worldly lifestyle. Ash is local and is very sheltered. Much is made of this being an age gap romance, with the difference being a continually harped on concern for Ash. Emotionally they behave about the same age and I didn't care about the age gap and didn't see why it is constantly brought up.
Ash is lovely as a sweet, romance reading, caring person. She is responsible in her work and loves her father and community. Archie is harder to like with much of her comments sounding condescending. I like how the author uses romance novels as a tool for helping others realize their feelings. And of the two Archie is the one who changes the most over the course of the story.
I like the setting and Ash but the book itself was just average. I support the environmental message and the inclusivity in its many forms. But I had a harder time with the conversations and thoughts as they were written. I don't hear people speak the way these characters do and I didn't need every thought explained to me. I am glad to have read the book it just wasn't a home run for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for a honest review.
September 21, 2021
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.
I absolutely adore Jenny Frame and her books, they are always set somewhere I have never been, but the descriptions she uses make it very easy to imagine where these stories take place. I wish I could draw because it would be great to make a sketch and see how close I am to what the author imagined or even saw as she based the location in the book on. The story was fine, the writing was very well done, and it wasn't too much of an instant love story. There are some things that I found problematic with the book which I will discuss and hopefully not give too much away.
Towards the end of the book, Archie attempts to make amends with her mother, when she can't she has relations with Ash and is like I need you to make me feel better. That whole scene felt icky and predatory. Also, the parts where they discussed Clem being a parent because she is made to be one, it was very heteronormative in parts.
The love story was good, and As I said Jenny Frame is an amazing writer. Ash and Archies' love story is interesting and worth the read.
I absolutely adore Jenny Frame and her books, they are always set somewhere I have never been, but the descriptions she uses make it very easy to imagine where these stories take place. I wish I could draw because it would be great to make a sketch and see how close I am to what the author imagined or even saw as she based the location in the book on. The story was fine, the writing was very well done, and it wasn't too much of an instant love story. There are some things that I found problematic with the book which I will discuss and hopefully not give too much away.
Towards the end of the book, Archie attempts to make amends with her mother, when she can't she has relations with Ash and is like I need you to make me feel better. That whole scene felt icky and predatory. Also, the parts where they discussed Clem being a parent because she is made to be one, it was very heteronormative in parts.
The love story was good, and As I said Jenny Frame is an amazing writer. Ash and Archies' love story is interesting and worth the read.
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