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The Beautiful Barringtons #5
A Recipe for a Rogue
There are many uses for a good custard. Seduction being one of them.
Rosalind Richardson is in her third season, pleasantly plump and with an unrestrained passion for making tarts. Her dream is to become London’s finest purveyor of desserts and sweets. She’s certain the key to her future is a collection of unique recipes so exquisite, so rare, that her success and her independence is guaranteed. She only needs to find a copy of the cookbook. Marriage, especially to the much older, far too handsome Earl of Torrington would ruin all Rosalind’s plans.
No matter how marvelous he kisses.
The earl isn’t only breathtaking to look at, he’s well-versed in the culinary arts. And Torrington owns a copy of the very cookbook Rosalind is desperate to get her hands on.
Soon, Rosalind is being tempted with tortes…and Torrington. Flour and sugar become sensual when whispered in Torrington’s smoky voice. Custard, it seems is meant to be tasted from a man’s fingers. The mere mention of cherries sends Rosalind’s pulse fluttering.
Torrington, unreformed rake, and custard maker is seducing Rosalind…one decadent recipe at a time.
Rosalind might well allow herself to be ruined while learning how to make the perfect cake.
But does Torrington have the recipe to win her heart?
Rosalind Richardson is in her third season, pleasantly plump and with an unrestrained passion for making tarts. Her dream is to become London’s finest purveyor of desserts and sweets. She’s certain the key to her future is a collection of unique recipes so exquisite, so rare, that her success and her independence is guaranteed. She only needs to find a copy of the cookbook. Marriage, especially to the much older, far too handsome Earl of Torrington would ruin all Rosalind’s plans.
No matter how marvelous he kisses.
The earl isn’t only breathtaking to look at, he’s well-versed in the culinary arts. And Torrington owns a copy of the very cookbook Rosalind is desperate to get her hands on.
Soon, Rosalind is being tempted with tortes…and Torrington. Flour and sugar become sensual when whispered in Torrington’s smoky voice. Custard, it seems is meant to be tasted from a man’s fingers. The mere mention of cherries sends Rosalind’s pulse fluttering.
Torrington, unreformed rake, and custard maker is seducing Rosalind…one decadent recipe at a time.
Rosalind might well allow herself to be ruined while learning how to make the perfect cake.
But does Torrington have the recipe to win her heart?
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2022
732 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ayers
42 books624 followersKathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in love dozens of times. In particular she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked sense of humor. On paper, of course.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
July 29, 2025
On the surface, this was a captivating story of a 40-something man who fell madly, deeply in love with a younger woman who had no desire to marry. Bram is my newest book boyfriend… God, he was so damn sexy I just wanted to eat him up. (Along with his sublime baiser du ciel tart 😋)
On a deeper level, this was a story of seduction. The way Bram slowly, sensuously seduced Rosalind had me fanning myself and thinking if he pulled those moves with me, I’d have been flinging my clothes across the room 🔥 He wasn’t a rake, nor going through the motions of practiced moves but rather his seduction came from the heart (and other magnificent places) and that made it so much hotter.
”Besides, I like your generous figure. Lots of curves. Small hollows for me to explore. You’re full of secret places.”
Torrington dipped an elegant finger into the bowl of custard and held a dab to her lips. “Close your eyes, Rosalind. Let the custard sit on your tongue. What is it you taste?” Rosalind’s heart nearly beat out of her chest at the intimate gesture. Tentatively, she wrapped her mouth around his finger, forcing herself to focus on the taste of the custard and not the warm finger in her mouth. “The anise.” Rosalind sucked gently at the remaining custard on his finger. A hungry look entered Torrington’s eyes. “The flavor is not as strong or noticeable when you also take a scoop of the cherries.” A seductive purr came from his chest. “Here. Try a bit more.” Dabbing his finger into the custard again, Torrington added a bit of the cherry mixture. Rosalind parted her lips, her gaze locked with Torrington’s. As the custard-covered digit slid into her mouth, she flicked her tongue along the length of his finger before sucking gently at the tip. A sound came from Torrington. Blatantly sexual and male. His eyes dropped to her mouth.
But on the deepest level, this story spoke to me of grief and fear of loss. Rosalind was terrified of falling in love and losing her husband and that fear was at the center of her wish to never marry. The fact that Bram was older than her only intensified her fears. As a child she saw her mother utterly destroyed by her father’s lengthy illness and death. And witnessing another relative, a strong woman, paralyzed with grief over the loss of her husband only made Rosalind more determined to protect her heart from that kind of pain.
A leaf blew by Rosalind, lifted by the wind. The air spiraled about the leaf, pulling it down toward the grass before tossing it into the pond where one of the geese nipped at it. I’m that leaf. Rosalind detested feeling powerless.
As a woman who lost her husband of 20 years three years ago, I wished I could sit down with Rosalind and have a heart to heart conversation. There were so many things I wanted to say to her, hard won wisdom I wanted to share. I would tell her you simply cannot allow fear of the future to steal today’s love and joy. That you must be brave and walk through life fearlessly. That it’s exactly because love and life are so fleeting that you have to hold on with both hands and soak up every single moment of the good. That you are stronger than you know. That yes, grief is incredibly hard work but if you are willing to own the pain and determined to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving, no matter how slowly, you will come through the fire stronger than you ever imagined. Most especially, that it truly is better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all. I sometimes think of the grief and heartbreak I experienced as the price of love. One I was willing to pay. It warmed my heart that Bram was wise enough to understand this on some level, and that he loved Rosalind enough to share the following wisdom with her. He wanted her to be happy, and by gently insisting she live just for today, he kept her grounded. He was such a good man.
“I am afraid, Bram.” She lowered her eyes. “I can’t help it. If anything were to happen to you.” She pounded the spot over her heart with a sob. “It would destroy me. I won’t be able to bear it.” “Yes, you will. Admittedly, it won’t be nearly as much fun without me around.”
“But just for today, only today, my love, you won’t think about such morbid things.” “I won’t?” She sniffed. “No. Just for today. Today we will be happy. Maybe make the macarons. Spend the day in bed reading from your collection of erotic books.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.
“So, do we have an agreement, my brazen baker? Just for today, you will not think such awful thoughts. They are banished.” She nodded. “Just for today.” She could do that. Put all those terrible feelings aside for now, as she had on their wedding night. “Good. You may despair tomorrow, my love.” Then he tipped up her chin and kissed her, wrapping his arms tighter around Rosalind to pull her further into his lap. Torrington murmured beautiful nonsense into her hair, a great deal of it in French, until she stopped shaking.
On a deeper level, this was a story of seduction. The way Bram slowly, sensuously seduced Rosalind had me fanning myself and thinking if he pulled those moves with me, I’d have been flinging my clothes across the room 🔥 He wasn’t a rake, nor going through the motions of practiced moves but rather his seduction came from the heart (and other magnificent places) and that made it so much hotter.
”Besides, I like your generous figure. Lots of curves. Small hollows for me to explore. You’re full of secret places.”
Torrington dipped an elegant finger into the bowl of custard and held a dab to her lips. “Close your eyes, Rosalind. Let the custard sit on your tongue. What is it you taste?” Rosalind’s heart nearly beat out of her chest at the intimate gesture. Tentatively, she wrapped her mouth around his finger, forcing herself to focus on the taste of the custard and not the warm finger in her mouth. “The anise.” Rosalind sucked gently at the remaining custard on his finger. A hungry look entered Torrington’s eyes. “The flavor is not as strong or noticeable when you also take a scoop of the cherries.” A seductive purr came from his chest. “Here. Try a bit more.” Dabbing his finger into the custard again, Torrington added a bit of the cherry mixture. Rosalind parted her lips, her gaze locked with Torrington’s. As the custard-covered digit slid into her mouth, she flicked her tongue along the length of his finger before sucking gently at the tip. A sound came from Torrington. Blatantly sexual and male. His eyes dropped to her mouth.
But on the deepest level, this story spoke to me of grief and fear of loss. Rosalind was terrified of falling in love and losing her husband and that fear was at the center of her wish to never marry. The fact that Bram was older than her only intensified her fears. As a child she saw her mother utterly destroyed by her father’s lengthy illness and death. And witnessing another relative, a strong woman, paralyzed with grief over the loss of her husband only made Rosalind more determined to protect her heart from that kind of pain.
A leaf blew by Rosalind, lifted by the wind. The air spiraled about the leaf, pulling it down toward the grass before tossing it into the pond where one of the geese nipped at it. I’m that leaf. Rosalind detested feeling powerless.
As a woman who lost her husband of 20 years three years ago, I wished I could sit down with Rosalind and have a heart to heart conversation. There were so many things I wanted to say to her, hard won wisdom I wanted to share. I would tell her you simply cannot allow fear of the future to steal today’s love and joy. That you must be brave and walk through life fearlessly. That it’s exactly because love and life are so fleeting that you have to hold on with both hands and soak up every single moment of the good. That you are stronger than you know. That yes, grief is incredibly hard work but if you are willing to own the pain and determined to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving, no matter how slowly, you will come through the fire stronger than you ever imagined. Most especially, that it truly is better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all. I sometimes think of the grief and heartbreak I experienced as the price of love. One I was willing to pay. It warmed my heart that Bram was wise enough to understand this on some level, and that he loved Rosalind enough to share the following wisdom with her. He wanted her to be happy, and by gently insisting she live just for today, he kept her grounded. He was such a good man.
“I am afraid, Bram.” She lowered her eyes. “I can’t help it. If anything were to happen to you.” She pounded the spot over her heart with a sob. “It would destroy me. I won’t be able to bear it.” “Yes, you will. Admittedly, it won’t be nearly as much fun without me around.”
“But just for today, only today, my love, you won’t think about such morbid things.” “I won’t?” She sniffed. “No. Just for today. Today we will be happy. Maybe make the macarons. Spend the day in bed reading from your collection of erotic books.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.
“So, do we have an agreement, my brazen baker? Just for today, you will not think such awful thoughts. They are banished.” She nodded. “Just for today.” She could do that. Put all those terrible feelings aside for now, as she had on their wedding night. “Good. You may despair tomorrow, my love.” Then he tipped up her chin and kissed her, wrapping his arms tighter around Rosalind to pull her further into his lap. Torrington murmured beautiful nonsense into her hair, a great deal of it in French, until she stopped shaking.
June 24, 2022
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
4.5 Stars
I gobble up anything and everything that Ms Ayers puts forth with alarming alacrity, so it comes as no secret that I devoured this delicious morsel in one sitting. See what I did there? I used food puns.
My Thoughts
- I admire Ms Ayers’s skill with her craft. Her books always keep me engaged and invested in the plot and characters, as it did with this story.
- Ah, the Barringtons. These crazy, beautiful Barringtons, who are also botched in the head a bit, are quite addictive.
- Like with the rest of the series, this story had a unique plot! Who knew food could be seductive? Combine that with the age-gap, independence, emotional vulnerability, traumatic experiences and professional pursuits tropes, all I have to say is, sign me up.
- Plots aside, Ms Ayers’s books work because of her characters. They are flawed, broken, and talented, but also identifiable. On some level or another, you can relate with them, a quality I can admire as they will elicit an emotional reaction from the reader.
- Rosiland. How can I describe her?
- So the good things about her were that she had a passion for baking and wanted to make something of herself in the field, I respected that.
- She wasn’t overly in the shell with her full figure, I admired that.
- She was very sweet, caring and guileless, I loved that.
- Unfortunately, she only saw the grief and got stuck with it, the result of which was contrary, defiant behaviour, and I did not like that.
- It’s just the way things are at that age, you have some beliefs, you hold them close, and there is nothing wrong with it. As a personal preference, I like my heroines with a steel spine and some fortitude.
- I understood her fears, but her age worked against her. That is a risk one runs with an age-gap romance, as the hero exudes maturity and patience, sadly, in contrast, the heroine looks reticent and childish.** (See spoiler)
- Or am I putting a lot of burden on a twenty-something-year-old? With these thoughts, I just felt that Rosiland’s character development got tucked up towards the end. That might be my only issue here. I wish it was given a kick start earlier, or that the story was a novella.
- Torrington. Bram, sigh. This cherry pie of a man was textbook. Just bloody damn perfect. He cooks, he bakes, he seduces, he sweetly coaxes, he supports, he admires, he loves, he admits he loves, he assures, he cries with a bowl of custard on the kitchen floor. Oh, what a cinnamon roll. I wanted to wrap myself around Bram every time Rosiland hurt him inadvertently. Salt & pepper and a reformed rake, yes, please.
- Their romance was spun sugar though. They were evenly matched with their temperaments (apart from Rosiland’s hold-up), they had a lot of things in common, and they were really nice people who felt like they belonged together.
- The steam was such a slow burn, I was like, bone already (I got no patience). Wait, I can do better. Their chemistry was like the slow-rising chocolate soufflé (yes, I watch MasterChef), you had to wait for just the right temperature, just the right rise, just the right crust, for the perfect experience. This coming from a woman who cannot bake to save her life.
I may have had an extreme reaction with Rosiland because her situation hit a little too close to home. We recently lost my father-in-law. He was a wonderful man, a father figure in my life. I see my mother-in-law trying to process this grief and come to terms with her loss, and live her life knowing she has many years yet since she was significantly younger than him.
I respect that beyond measure, the strength it must take to get up and move on in a different direction than the one you had envisioned. If anyone is capable of doing that, they are women. I hold them to higher standards. The emotions do not make us weak, this emotional solvency is our greatest asset, it allows us to deftly navigate any adverse situation to try and find satisfactory happiness somewhere, somehow, with something.
My Recommendation
Though my review went on for a bit, all I want to say is - Yummy!
4.5 Stars
I gobble up anything and everything that Ms Ayers puts forth with alarming alacrity, so it comes as no secret that I devoured this delicious morsel in one sitting. See what I did there? I used food puns.
My Thoughts
- I admire Ms Ayers’s skill with her craft. Her books always keep me engaged and invested in the plot and characters, as it did with this story.
- Ah, the Barringtons. These crazy, beautiful Barringtons, who are also botched in the head a bit, are quite addictive.
- Like with the rest of the series, this story had a unique plot! Who knew food could be seductive? Combine that with the age-gap, independence, emotional vulnerability, traumatic experiences and professional pursuits tropes, all I have to say is, sign me up.
- Plots aside, Ms Ayers’s books work because of her characters. They are flawed, broken, and talented, but also identifiable. On some level or another, you can relate with them, a quality I can admire as they will elicit an emotional reaction from the reader.
- Rosiland. How can I describe her?
- So the good things about her were that she had a passion for baking and wanted to make something of herself in the field, I respected that.
- She wasn’t overly in the shell with her full figure, I admired that.
- She was very sweet, caring and guileless, I loved that.
- Unfortunately, she only saw the grief and got stuck with it, the result of which was contrary, defiant behaviour, and I did not like that.
- It’s just the way things are at that age, you have some beliefs, you hold them close, and there is nothing wrong with it. As a personal preference, I like my heroines with a steel spine and some fortitude.
- I understood her fears, but her age worked against her. That is a risk one runs with an age-gap romance, as the hero exudes maturity and patience, sadly, in contrast, the heroine looks reticent and childish.** (See spoiler)
- Or am I putting a lot of burden on a twenty-something-year-old? With these thoughts, I just felt that Rosiland’s character development got tucked up towards the end. That might be my only issue here. I wish it was given a kick start earlier, or that the story was a novella.
- Torrington. Bram, sigh. This cherry pie of a man was textbook. Just bloody damn perfect. He cooks, he bakes, he seduces, he sweetly coaxes, he supports, he admires, he loves, he admits he loves, he assures, he cries with a bowl of custard on the kitchen floor. Oh, what a cinnamon roll. I wanted to wrap myself around Bram every time Rosiland hurt him inadvertently. Salt & pepper and a reformed rake, yes, please.
- Their romance was spun sugar though. They were evenly matched with their temperaments (apart from Rosiland’s hold-up), they had a lot of things in common, and they were really nice people who felt like they belonged together.
- The steam was such a slow burn, I was like, bone already (I got no patience). Wait, I can do better. Their chemistry was like the slow-rising chocolate soufflé (yes, I watch MasterChef), you had to wait for just the right temperature, just the right rise, just the right crust, for the perfect experience. This coming from a woman who cannot bake to save her life.
I may have had an extreme reaction with Rosiland because her situation hit a little too close to home. We recently lost my father-in-law. He was a wonderful man, a father figure in my life. I see my mother-in-law trying to process this grief and come to terms with her loss, and live her life knowing she has many years yet since she was significantly younger than him.
I respect that beyond measure, the strength it must take to get up and move on in a different direction than the one you had envisioned. If anyone is capable of doing that, they are women. I hold them to higher standards. The emotions do not make us weak, this emotional solvency is our greatest asset, it allows us to deftly navigate any adverse situation to try and find satisfactory happiness somewhere, somehow, with something.
My Recommendation
Though my review went on for a bit, all I want to say is - Yummy!
July 7, 2022
Rosalind Richardson is in her third season, deftly avoiding the wretched men her mother keeps throwing at her. But Bram, Earl of Torrington, gets under her skin. The earl isn’t just a pretty face, he’s well-versed in the culinary arts and owns a copy of a rare cookbook that Rosalind is desperate to get her hands on. Can Bram seduce Rosalind one recipe at a time...?
This is the fifth book in the Beautiful Barringtons series. It can stand alone, but timeline-wise it starts during book two and ends after book three/during book four. Rosalind's aunt and cousins make small appearances.
The sexual tension in this story was fantastic! If you like books where the hero falls first, put this on your list. There is a bit of a reversal of the usual "daddy issue" roles, and Rosalind is the one that is set on avoiding marriage and instead wants to pursue a career as a baker/business owner. She doesn’t want to like Bram, but secretly finds the older man sexy as hell. He loves teasing her and coaxing the brazen baker in with delicious recipes. It was a fun book that kept me wanting more.
Tropes: Spinster, Widower, Opposites Attract, Secret Job
Steam: 3
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the fifth book in the Beautiful Barringtons series. It can stand alone, but timeline-wise it starts during book two and ends after book three/during book four. Rosalind's aunt and cousins make small appearances.
The sexual tension in this story was fantastic! If you like books where the hero falls first, put this on your list. There is a bit of a reversal of the usual "daddy issue" roles, and Rosalind is the one that is set on avoiding marriage and instead wants to pursue a career as a baker/business owner. She doesn’t want to like Bram, but secretly finds the older man sexy as hell. He loves teasing her and coaxing the brazen baker in with delicious recipes. It was a fun book that kept me wanting more.
Tropes: Spinster, Widower, Opposites Attract, Secret Job
Steam: 3
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
July 7, 2022
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I love Kathleen Ayers, but I do not like age gap romance at all. I wish I had known that this book would include that before taking the ARC. It like all of her other books is beautifully written and full of off the charts chemistry, but it felt wrong to me that the hero was double the heroine's age. That's a personal thing that I can't get over. I tried very hard to move past it, but it was brought up multiple times how much older he was. So, this one wasn't for me.
Obviously, the characters and the story are good. I did love Bram. He falls first. He is very sweet. His declaration of love was my favorite. I think I enjoyed his maturity, but that really brought out how not mature Rosalind was. This wasn't a bad book, and I recommend it for people who want a read full of chemistry. It just wasn't for me. I hope you don't let that turn you off of it.
I love Kathleen Ayers, but I do not like age gap romance at all. I wish I had known that this book would include that before taking the ARC. It like all of her other books is beautifully written and full of off the charts chemistry, but it felt wrong to me that the hero was double the heroine's age. That's a personal thing that I can't get over. I tried very hard to move past it, but it was brought up multiple times how much older he was. So, this one wasn't for me.
Obviously, the characters and the story are good. I did love Bram. He falls first. He is very sweet. His declaration of love was my favorite. I think I enjoyed his maturity, but that really brought out how not mature Rosalind was. This wasn't a bad book, and I recommend it for people who want a read full of chemistry. It just wasn't for me. I hope you don't let that turn you off of it.
July 16, 2022
The reason I picked up this book was:
a) It's an older man/younger woman pairing which is one of my fav tropes, and
b) I saw the author did a takeover on one of my FB groups and saw that she cited Oscar Isaac in 'Dune' as her inspiration for her hero, Bram. I usually don't go for bearded guys, but he was hot af in 'Dune.'
Rosalind was in her 3rd season and was adamant not to marry. She wanted to open up her pastry shop. It was an impossible feat for a woman during that time. Furthermore, she was a viscount's daughter. She had to find a partner for this to work. So, that's 21st-century thinking for you there. To enjoy the story, I decided to ignore the plot's improbability. Her mother has been pushing older guys toward her because of her generous/curvy figure. Her mother said older men would appreciate her figure more (yeah, thank you, mommy dearest, for giving me body image issues). She met Bram, the Earl of Torrington, at Granby's party. Her mother has been pushing him as one of her suitors. Initially, he wasn't very interested until he heard Rosalind saying unfavourable things about him (especially about his age). That piqued his interest. I thought the opening was pretty hilarious.
I think Bram was simply the bee's knees. He was older, mature, and patient. He shared a similar passion with Rosalind, which is cooking pastries. The method of seduction was very unique. He told her there was a fantastic cookbook in French with a special tart recipe made for King Louis. He tried to get her attention by giving her a translated recipe one at a time (as Rosalind couldn't understand French). He was just so good with her.
The problem with this pairing is that the younger character would appear immature, which is undoubtedly the case with Rosalind. I think her character's growth was stuck right until the end when she became a bit more mature. She feared marriage because she was afraid of loss. She saw her mother and aunt lose their minds when they lost their spouses. She didn't want that to happen to her. She kept putting Bram at arm's length even though she was wildly attracted to him. Her fear of loss is valid, but that shouldn't dictate your whole life. The loving should make it worthwhile. I thought the ending was realistic. Her fears didn't wholly disappear, but she took it one step at a time.
There were a lot of name droppings in the beginning. These were the characters from the previous books. I got a little confused as this was only my 2nd book of hers.
I have to commend the cover as well. The female model on the cover does match Rosalind's description (generous figure and brown hair). It's a rare thing nowadays for the models on the cover to match the characters' descriptions in the books.
I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I am looking forward to more of Ms Ayers's books.
a) It's an older man/younger woman pairing which is one of my fav tropes, and
b) I saw the author did a takeover on one of my FB groups and saw that she cited Oscar Isaac in 'Dune' as her inspiration for her hero, Bram. I usually don't go for bearded guys, but he was hot af in 'Dune.'
Rosalind was in her 3rd season and was adamant not to marry. She wanted to open up her pastry shop. It was an impossible feat for a woman during that time. Furthermore, she was a viscount's daughter. She had to find a partner for this to work. So, that's 21st-century thinking for you there. To enjoy the story, I decided to ignore the plot's improbability. Her mother has been pushing older guys toward her because of her generous/curvy figure. Her mother said older men would appreciate her figure more (yeah, thank you, mommy dearest, for giving me body image issues). She met Bram, the Earl of Torrington, at Granby's party. Her mother has been pushing him as one of her suitors. Initially, he wasn't very interested until he heard Rosalind saying unfavourable things about him (especially about his age). That piqued his interest. I thought the opening was pretty hilarious.
I think Bram was simply the bee's knees. He was older, mature, and patient. He shared a similar passion with Rosalind, which is cooking pastries. The method of seduction was very unique. He told her there was a fantastic cookbook in French with a special tart recipe made for King Louis. He tried to get her attention by giving her a translated recipe one at a time (as Rosalind couldn't understand French). He was just so good with her.
The problem with this pairing is that the younger character would appear immature, which is undoubtedly the case with Rosalind. I think her character's growth was stuck right until the end when she became a bit more mature. She feared marriage because she was afraid of loss. She saw her mother and aunt lose their minds when they lost their spouses. She didn't want that to happen to her. She kept putting Bram at arm's length even though she was wildly attracted to him. Her fear of loss is valid, but that shouldn't dictate your whole life. The loving should make it worthwhile. I thought the ending was realistic. Her fears didn't wholly disappear, but she took it one step at a time.
There were a lot of name droppings in the beginning. These were the characters from the previous books. I got a little confused as this was only my 2nd book of hers.
I have to commend the cover as well. The female model on the cover does match Rosalind's description (generous figure and brown hair). It's a rare thing nowadays for the models on the cover to match the characters' descriptions in the books.
I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I am looking forward to more of Ms Ayers's books.
June 3, 2023
The H played a cool hand with a very reluctant h. She's quirky but actually she's been traumatised by grief. He was wonderfully patient with her. Loved the steamy scenes and the tricky H.
May 10, 2024
Oh lord how I love Bram he is the least brutish of the men yet and not even a smidge of an ass. He falls in love with Rosalind first after meeting first after hearing her speak poorly about him. ( Honestly that was my least favorite part she was body shaming him when she described as very Voluptuous. It seems Kind of cruel especially since she seemed to understand how people perceived her) He works hard with with exploring their mutual like of baking to win her over. He is so wonderful always understanding and kind to her works very hard to hold his temper when she makes it hard sometimes. I LOVED it.
July 9, 2022
There are many uses for a good custard. Seduction being one of them.
Rosalind Richardson is in her third season, pleasantly plump and with an unrestrained passion for making tarts. Her dream is to become London’s finest purveyor of desserts and sweets. She’s certain the key to her future is a collection of unique recipes so exquisite, so rare, that her success and her independence is guaranteed. She only needs to find a copy of the cookbook. Marriage, especially to the much older, far too handsome Earl of Torrington would ruin all Rosalind’s plans. No matter how marvelous he kisses. The earl isn’t only breathtaking to look at, he’s well-versed in the culinary arts. And Torrington owns a copy of the very cookbook Rosalind is desperate to get her hands on.
Soon, Rosalind is being tempted with tortes…and Torrington. Flour and sugar become sensual when whispered in Torrington’s smoky voice. Custard, it seems is meant to be tasted from a man’s fingers. The mere mention of cherries sends Rosalind’s pulse fluttering.
Torrington, unreformed rake, and custard maker is seducing Rosalind…one decadent recipe at a time. Rosalind might well allow herself to be ruined while learning how to make the perfect cake. But does Torrington have the recipe to win her heart?
The Heroine
Rosalind Richardson has been able to avoid her mother's matchmaking so far, hoping to become a spinster and live out her dream of baking delicious desserts for London. Her father, who was much older than her mother, died when she was just a little girl, so she has lived with her cousins and her aunt. Her dear uncle, who also had married a much younger bride died recently. She witnessed the absolute grief her mother and her aunt went through at their husbands death and she is terrified to go through that pain herself. So she refuses to get married and therefore fall in love, especially to an older gentleman or be told she cannot have her dream of a bakery!
I really liked Rosalind and I can understand her fear of falling in love and losing that love too soon. She was so confident regardless of her size and headstrong in her pursuit of opening a bakery. She was honest and said what she wanted, sometimes to a fault, but she was herself!
The Hero
The Duke of Torrington has been widowed twice, neither time was he love and the second time, his wife was unfaithful and, unbeknownst to him, was even pregnant when they wed. Neither marriage produced children which was fine until he suddenly inherited the dukedom. He had planned on living the rest of his life as a bachelor, until the dukedom was handed to him and, more importantly, when Rosalind walked into his life. Now, he is obsessed with having her and works relentlessly to break down her barriers towards him and convince her to be his duchess.
Torrington was so so swoon-worthy! He as so seductive and sexy with his double-meaning comments and his teasing of Rosalind. He was so patient as he wooed her and lead her to come around to the idea of marriage.
The Plot
The romance story between these two was so cute and believable. Torrington, after being married twice, was not planning on ever marrying again, but he fell head over heels in love with Rosalind and wouldn't let up. The banter between them was so adorable and made them both seem relatable with their teasing and reluctance towards each other. I was entertained, laughing and pulling for Torrington the whole book! This might be one of my favorites of the Beautiful Barrington series!
Tropes
Historical Romance, Victorian Era, Gamma Hero, Pugilist/Fighter Hero, Titled Hero, Wealthy Hero, Widowed Hero, Aggressive Heroine, Bluestocking Heroine, Plus Size Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Working Heroine, Outdoor Steam, Desk Steam, Slow Burn, Dirty Talk, Age Gap Romance, Friends to Lovers, Instant Attraction, Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage
Rosalind Richardson is in her third season, pleasantly plump and with an unrestrained passion for making tarts. Her dream is to become London’s finest purveyor of desserts and sweets. She’s certain the key to her future is a collection of unique recipes so exquisite, so rare, that her success and her independence is guaranteed. She only needs to find a copy of the cookbook. Marriage, especially to the much older, far too handsome Earl of Torrington would ruin all Rosalind’s plans. No matter how marvelous he kisses. The earl isn’t only breathtaking to look at, he’s well-versed in the culinary arts. And Torrington owns a copy of the very cookbook Rosalind is desperate to get her hands on.
Soon, Rosalind is being tempted with tortes…and Torrington. Flour and sugar become sensual when whispered in Torrington’s smoky voice. Custard, it seems is meant to be tasted from a man’s fingers. The mere mention of cherries sends Rosalind’s pulse fluttering.
Torrington, unreformed rake, and custard maker is seducing Rosalind…one decadent recipe at a time. Rosalind might well allow herself to be ruined while learning how to make the perfect cake. But does Torrington have the recipe to win her heart?
The Heroine
Rosalind Richardson has been able to avoid her mother's matchmaking so far, hoping to become a spinster and live out her dream of baking delicious desserts for London. Her father, who was much older than her mother, died when she was just a little girl, so she has lived with her cousins and her aunt. Her dear uncle, who also had married a much younger bride died recently. She witnessed the absolute grief her mother and her aunt went through at their husbands death and she is terrified to go through that pain herself. So she refuses to get married and therefore fall in love, especially to an older gentleman or be told she cannot have her dream of a bakery!
I really liked Rosalind and I can understand her fear of falling in love and losing that love too soon. She was so confident regardless of her size and headstrong in her pursuit of opening a bakery. She was honest and said what she wanted, sometimes to a fault, but she was herself!
The Hero
The Duke of Torrington has been widowed twice, neither time was he love and the second time, his wife was unfaithful and, unbeknownst to him, was even pregnant when they wed. Neither marriage produced children which was fine until he suddenly inherited the dukedom. He had planned on living the rest of his life as a bachelor, until the dukedom was handed to him and, more importantly, when Rosalind walked into his life. Now, he is obsessed with having her and works relentlessly to break down her barriers towards him and convince her to be his duchess.
Torrington was so so swoon-worthy! He as so seductive and sexy with his double-meaning comments and his teasing of Rosalind. He was so patient as he wooed her and lead her to come around to the idea of marriage.
The Plot
The romance story between these two was so cute and believable. Torrington, after being married twice, was not planning on ever marrying again, but he fell head over heels in love with Rosalind and wouldn't let up. The banter between them was so adorable and made them both seem relatable with their teasing and reluctance towards each other. I was entertained, laughing and pulling for Torrington the whole book! This might be one of my favorites of the Beautiful Barrington series!
Tropes
Historical Romance, Victorian Era, Gamma Hero, Pugilist/Fighter Hero, Titled Hero, Wealthy Hero, Widowed Hero, Aggressive Heroine, Bluestocking Heroine, Plus Size Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Working Heroine, Outdoor Steam, Desk Steam, Slow Burn, Dirty Talk, Age Gap Romance, Friends to Lovers, Instant Attraction, Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage
July 8, 2022
Lovely story! Who knew eating custard could be so erotic ? 😉 truly what not to love about sensual eating??! 😉
I loved the witty banter between Bram and Rosalind they had some very hilarious moments that made me laugh out loud. Also their sexual tension burned so incredibly strong. Loved Bram (because if I’m being honest I love a “seasoned” “ finally aged” Hero) and Bram did not disappoint. Also let’s give a shoutout to Kathleen Ayers for giving us a curvy,sensual yet relatable Heroine Rosalind was a wonderful breath of fresh air!
The story was utterly delectable 😉
I loved the witty banter between Bram and Rosalind they had some very hilarious moments that made me laugh out loud. Also their sexual tension burned so incredibly strong. Loved Bram (because if I’m being honest I love a “seasoned” “ finally aged” Hero) and Bram did not disappoint. Also let’s give a shoutout to Kathleen Ayers for giving us a curvy,sensual yet relatable Heroine Rosalind was a wonderful breath of fresh air!
The story was utterly delectable 😉
July 7, 2022
The best age gap trope I've read
I love a story where there is an age gap to be explored. Most of these stories go with the "age is just a number" conclusion and the age gap is not an integral part of the story. While this is okay and I enjoy those types as well, this book really brings the age gap to the forefront and the plot revolves around it. It was funny and sweet.
The heroine's fears and past history are real and her concern is justified by them. The resolution needed for the HEA was amazing and the hero was perfect.
The heroine's fears dictated so much of her life and strongly influenced her preferences towards marriage that it was pretty frustrating at times for me, the reader. However, the author allowed the heroine to understand this as the book progressed and I didn't stay frustrated for long - because you could see the character evolving.
I loved the book but the ending itself was just wonderful.
I love a story where there is an age gap to be explored. Most of these stories go with the "age is just a number" conclusion and the age gap is not an integral part of the story. While this is okay and I enjoy those types as well, this book really brings the age gap to the forefront and the plot revolves around it. It was funny and sweet.
The heroine's fears and past history are real and her concern is justified by them. The resolution needed for the HEA was amazing and the hero was perfect.
The heroine's fears dictated so much of her life and strongly influenced her preferences towards marriage that it was pretty frustrating at times for me, the reader. However, the author allowed the heroine to understand this as the book progressed and I didn't stay frustrated for long - because you could see the character evolving.
I loved the book but the ending itself was just wonderful.
December 16, 2022
Miss Rosalind Richardson daughter of a deceased Viscount and cousin to the Duke of Averell. She makes pastries and dessert. She keeps it hidden from her distinguished family. Abraham Landsdowne Earl of Torrington secret chef and baker. Torrington is looking for a wife. He is an older gentleman. I would call him a Silver Fox, handsome, sexy, tall and well build. Not to mention rich and powerful Earl in his own right.
These two make the perfect couple and A Recipe for a Rogue is by far my favorite story in this series.
4 stars instead of 5 again is because of the way the author's abrupt ending to her stories. There needs to be a more detailed ending and, in this case, and epilog. It's like the stories run out gas in the middle of highway!! Which was Frustrating
These two make the perfect couple and A Recipe for a Rogue is by far my favorite story in this series.
4 stars instead of 5 again is because of the way the author's abrupt ending to her stories. There needs to be a more detailed ending and, in this case, and epilog. It's like the stories run out gas in the middle of highway!! Which was Frustrating
December 1, 2022
I liked this one! It felt more like a novella though as it was a quick and easy read. I was intrigued how this story would pan out, having read about Rosalind in the previous books.
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The story itself was great, and was great reading the different perspectives of relationships where the male is quite a bit older than the female. And how loving someone isn’t restricted despite the age gaps.
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The 🌶 was very very very good! And I think it’s a first I’ve read whereby food plays such a large role! I loved Bram! He was so patient with Rosalind, so much more so than any other men would have been in his situation. I did feel for Rosalind and at times her fear was really heartbreaking. But there were also moments when she irritated me and I just wanted to shake her. But overall I very much enjoyed this one. So far I think this one and Romys book have been my favourites!
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The story itself was great, and was great reading the different perspectives of relationships where the male is quite a bit older than the female. And how loving someone isn’t restricted despite the age gaps.
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The 🌶 was very very very good! And I think it’s a first I’ve read whereby food plays such a large role! I loved Bram! He was so patient with Rosalind, so much more so than any other men would have been in his situation. I did feel for Rosalind and at times her fear was really heartbreaking. But there were also moments when she irritated me and I just wanted to shake her. But overall I very much enjoyed this one. So far I think this one and Romys book have been my favourites!
Read
February 12, 2025Perhaps at a later time I may come back to this… 💤
July 4, 2022
What a great addition to the Barrington family's books! Rosalind's denial of getting married and falling in love broke my heart! Especially with her growing feelings for Torrington. I loved the scenes with them in the kitchen ;) Seeing how much he loved her was so sweet.
I am dying for Phaedra's story! She is such a handful LOL
I am dying for Phaedra's story! She is such a handful LOL
May 8, 2023
Absolutely delicious story.
I don't know who I liked more, the heroine annoyed me a little, but it's not that I didn't understand her reasons... sad.
Torrington is amazing, I loved how he seduced her and me with food….
I don't know who I liked more, the heroine annoyed me a little, but it's not that I didn't understand her reasons... sad.
Torrington is amazing, I loved how he seduced her and me with food….
August 5, 2024
I hated everyone in this book. Our FMC gets betrayed by everyone. She is totally powerless and is forced to wed the MMC because he has gone behind her back and made a deal with her mother. He never even proposed to her. She didn’t want to get married. Everyone tells each other that she is ruined to make sure she has to marry. The MMC knows she doesn’t want to marry and he doesn’t care. We’re told that he longs for her and loves her, but we are definitely not shown. Of course the FMC forgives all because he’s so handsome, her body betrays her. He gives her recipes and orgasms and now nothing else matters, all of a sudden. I hate that I read this. The MMC is a total childish jerk for being 40 and she is the “he’s so hot I lose my mind, I’m in total lust, I’ll let him say or do anything he wants to me”. Eww. P.s. I’m still mad. I came back hours later to say no one who betrayed her, or manipulated her like a puppet on strings, got their comeuppance. She was mad for two minutes, but that was it, because sex. She never got any agency at all. I looked to see if I had read other books by this author. I had the same complaints about another one of her books. This author is now on the no fly list for me.
September 2, 2024
Re-read September 2, 2024
I love this book so much! Bram is such an amazing H! This book is one of my favorite HR’s ever!
Original review-August 27, 2023
Loved it so much!! Bram is so amazing, he’s become one of my favorite heroes ever! He’s so patient, loving, loyal, sexy and loves Rosalind so so much. I am so in love with him!
This is my first book by this author but it sure won’t be my last.
I love this book so much! Bram is such an amazing H! This book is one of my favorite HR’s ever!
Original review-August 27, 2023
Loved it so much!! Bram is so amazing, he’s become one of my favorite heroes ever! He’s so patient, loving, loyal, sexy and loves Rosalind so so much. I am so in love with him!
This is my first book by this author but it sure won’t be my last.
December 5, 2025
This book is beautiful. Wonderful. Soul-touching.
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July 1, 2022
A Recipe for a Rogue, by Kathleen Ayers. Can I scream? Can I scream now after reading this latest historical romance book from Mrs. Ayers? Ahhhhhhh! Oh my gosh!
This book was on fire! I believe that there is no coming back for me. My heart and soul is still there at Pennyfoil’s. I am absolutely in love with this book. The long awaited romance of Bram and Rosalind was utter bliss.
Their story was so deep that I swear it touched me so deeply. Sure enough the book was dripping in seduction. Steamy interludes accompanied with dessert. Sexual desires that turn into carnal lust of exquisite desire. Bram had no shame when it came to the desires of Rosalind.
Rosalind couldn’t hold back the molten lava of desire that she felt for Bram. She desperately wanted to explore those moments with Bram. These moments to did intensify the wickedly, superb sexual desires of the two main characters. It was also the plot of the story plot that was fresh and unique for me. Through all the emotions and heartache from family… it’s the background story of Rosalind that kept me entertained.
The writer did a splendid job with this story. There were moments where I laughed and I prayed that Rosalind would just let herself be free to feel. I give this book two snaps in a, Bram, you. Chocolate syrup. Bedroom. Now! Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
This book was on fire! I believe that there is no coming back for me. My heart and soul is still there at Pennyfoil’s. I am absolutely in love with this book. The long awaited romance of Bram and Rosalind was utter bliss.
Their story was so deep that I swear it touched me so deeply. Sure enough the book was dripping in seduction. Steamy interludes accompanied with dessert. Sexual desires that turn into carnal lust of exquisite desire. Bram had no shame when it came to the desires of Rosalind.
Rosalind couldn’t hold back the molten lava of desire that she felt for Bram. She desperately wanted to explore those moments with Bram. These moments to did intensify the wickedly, superb sexual desires of the two main characters. It was also the plot of the story plot that was fresh and unique for me. Through all the emotions and heartache from family… it’s the background story of Rosalind that kept me entertained.
The writer did a splendid job with this story. There were moments where I laughed and I prayed that Rosalind would just let herself be free to feel. I give this book two snaps in a, Bram, you. Chocolate syrup. Bedroom. Now! Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
January 7, 2025
Cute story but honestly the heroine grated on my nerves. Each scene with her I was either cringing or rolling my eyes.
Also, the whole "I want to be a professional baker" felt so strange in this genre / time period I had a hard time buying in to the plot.
I get the author was trying to do something different but I don't feel it really worked.
Also, the whole "I want to be a professional baker" felt so strange in this genre / time period I had a hard time buying in to the plot.
I get the author was trying to do something different but I don't feel it really worked.
February 25, 2024
Well this book had me bawling my eyes out at 4 o’clock in the morning. Simply beautiful book.Kathleen has swiftly become one of my favourite authors.
July 11, 2022
I love Kathleen Ayers writing. This is my 16th book by her. I can truthfully say everyone has been a fantastic read. As a matter of fact, she has written 2 of the best books of my 2500 books read. (The Design of Dukes (The Beautiful Barringtons Book 2) and Wicked Again (The Wickeds Book 7). This whole series is becoming a top favorite.
I have to say I really loved this book. I finished it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I loved Bram and Rosalind. I loved their storyline and their characters. I smiled various times throughout this book. Their interaction was wonderful to read. You could tell right away they had a connection. I like that it had lots of depth to the story as well as the characters. I felt it had just the right amount of everything. And as usual, such hot sex. Yum!!!
I would definitely recommend this book.
I have to say I really loved this book. I finished it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I loved Bram and Rosalind. I loved their storyline and their characters. I smiled various times throughout this book. Their interaction was wonderful to read. You could tell right away they had a connection. I like that it had lots of depth to the story as well as the characters. I felt it had just the right amount of everything. And as usual, such hot sex. Yum!!!
I would definitely recommend this book.
June 26, 2022
A Recipe for a Rogue is the fifth instalment in Kathleen Ayer’s ‘The Beautiful Barringtons’ series. The stories are linked and events run concurrently with some events in the previous books but they do not impact the story here. Each book can be read as stand alone.
This story focuses on Lady Rosalind Richardson, a Barrington cousin. Rosalind is in her third season and has managed to avoid her mother’s machinations to get her married off so far. Her passion is to bake. Her dream is to open her own destination bakery to rival Gunter’s – discreetly of course. She has found a partner to assist in her plan and she is all set. All she needs is a rare French cookbook full of exquisite recipes which will be certain to guarantee her success and give her the independence she craves. It’s just unfortunate that possibly the only copy still in existence is owned by the Earl of Torrington – the much older, far too handsome man her mother thinks is a suitable match for her. Marriage is definitely not in her plans.
Abraham [Bram] Landsdowne, Earl of Torrington was not contemplating marriage again too seriously. True, he is in need of an heir but he was comfortable as he was. Until he meets Lady Rosalind. The more he meets her the more he realises that no one else will do. But she is resistant to the idea of marriage for some reason he cannot fathom. So he will have to seduce her into agreeing using all the culinary knowledge he possesses. One decadent recipe at a time.
I loved Rosalind and Torrington’s story. Torrington is a near perfect hero. A man who is older but in his prime, confident, charming, sexy, honourable and a dream in the kitchen! How could anyone not fall for him. I liked that this time the angst was not really with Torrington. He knew what he wanted and went after it with little internal complications. He realised his feelings first and embraced it. The twist is that he had to persuade Rosalind. He was very patient and supportive of her plans which is always very attractive in a man. I loved that we get to see his feelings of confusion and anger when Rosalind keeps rejecting him.
Rosalind was more complicated. I really did like her character. She was sweet, practical, knew what she wanted and was willing to fight for it. I liked that she was a little plump but didn’t spend all her time agonising over it. She spent a good amount of time running away from her feelings for Bram but we could see her reasons. I did feel that her exploring her issues and the separate discussions with Bram and her mother were a little rushed at the end. She never discussed her reasons for avoiding marriage with anyone and she could have. She was very close to her cousins. She also kept pushing Bram away when she could have just explained her fears. Otherwise, she was lovely and real.
I love that Kathleen writes unconventional heroes and heroines who have their own flaws and vulnerabilities. Rosalind and Torrington as a couple felt very natural. Both shared common interests and complimented each other. Food has never been so sensuous! I loved the humour and witty banter they shared and Rosalind’s occasional confusion over whether Bram is talking about food or something else entirely! The subject of age gaps and death of a spouse are dealt with the just right amount of emotion. Rosalind’s fears are very real and believable, and Bram doesn’t dismiss them or pretend they are not valid.
This book is delightful – it is great to revisit the Barringtons with their eccentricities. I can’t wait for Phaedra’s story. It’s guaranteed to be explosive. Olivia’s is next and am genuinely looking forward to it. I received an ARC of this story but my views are entirely my own.
This story focuses on Lady Rosalind Richardson, a Barrington cousin. Rosalind is in her third season and has managed to avoid her mother’s machinations to get her married off so far. Her passion is to bake. Her dream is to open her own destination bakery to rival Gunter’s – discreetly of course. She has found a partner to assist in her plan and she is all set. All she needs is a rare French cookbook full of exquisite recipes which will be certain to guarantee her success and give her the independence she craves. It’s just unfortunate that possibly the only copy still in existence is owned by the Earl of Torrington – the much older, far too handsome man her mother thinks is a suitable match for her. Marriage is definitely not in her plans.
Abraham [Bram] Landsdowne, Earl of Torrington was not contemplating marriage again too seriously. True, he is in need of an heir but he was comfortable as he was. Until he meets Lady Rosalind. The more he meets her the more he realises that no one else will do. But she is resistant to the idea of marriage for some reason he cannot fathom. So he will have to seduce her into agreeing using all the culinary knowledge he possesses. One decadent recipe at a time.
I loved Rosalind and Torrington’s story. Torrington is a near perfect hero. A man who is older but in his prime, confident, charming, sexy, honourable and a dream in the kitchen! How could anyone not fall for him. I liked that this time the angst was not really with Torrington. He knew what he wanted and went after it with little internal complications. He realised his feelings first and embraced it. The twist is that he had to persuade Rosalind. He was very patient and supportive of her plans which is always very attractive in a man. I loved that we get to see his feelings of confusion and anger when Rosalind keeps rejecting him.
Rosalind was more complicated. I really did like her character. She was sweet, practical, knew what she wanted and was willing to fight for it. I liked that she was a little plump but didn’t spend all her time agonising over it. She spent a good amount of time running away from her feelings for Bram but we could see her reasons. I did feel that her exploring her issues and the separate discussions with Bram and her mother were a little rushed at the end. She never discussed her reasons for avoiding marriage with anyone and she could have. She was very close to her cousins. She also kept pushing Bram away when she could have just explained her fears. Otherwise, she was lovely and real.
I love that Kathleen writes unconventional heroes and heroines who have their own flaws and vulnerabilities. Rosalind and Torrington as a couple felt very natural. Both shared common interests and complimented each other. Food has never been so sensuous! I loved the humour and witty banter they shared and Rosalind’s occasional confusion over whether Bram is talking about food or something else entirely! The subject of age gaps and death of a spouse are dealt with the just right amount of emotion. Rosalind’s fears are very real and believable, and Bram doesn’t dismiss them or pretend they are not valid.
This book is delightful – it is great to revisit the Barringtons with their eccentricities. I can’t wait for Phaedra’s story. It’s guaranteed to be explosive. Olivia’s is next and am genuinely looking forward to it. I received an ARC of this story but my views are entirely my own.
July 2, 2022
When I realised this was the latest book in the Beautiful Barringtons series I was very excited, having read most of the other books in the series I was familiar with the side characters and enjoyed the nods to them that we got. However, this can be read as a standalone.
It didn’t take long for me to be swept up into this story – Rosalind and Torrington’s banter was hilarious and every time he brought up her insults about his age, I couldn’t help but laugh. Their story was just what I needed – heartfelt, funny and full of delicious tension and innuendo! Torrington was a delight, and I thoroughly enjoyed his character, he was older but not old and he was very much enamoured with Rosalind. Rosalind herself was a great character who wanted absolutely nothing to do with marriage instead wanted her independence and the opportunity to bake and sell her goods. However, going into trade as a women of her standing would cause a massive scandal, so Rosalind had to sneak around. And Torrington is a older reformed rake who has had two loveless marriages that turned him against marriage until curvy baker Rosalind tumbles into his life. And once he’s had a taste, he can’t give her up and will do anything he can to convince her to accept him.
I loved the central baking theme and how Torrington would tease her with recipes and their meet ups were full of seduction and barely contained desire. Both Torrington and Rosalind were both burning for each other. Who knew food could be so sexy?
The romance was great, and I enjoyed the way it all ended up and that Rosalind eventually allowed herself to recognise the trauma she went through and how that affected her. Torrinton was patient and kind and the perfect match for her. Without his patience and understanding about what Rosalind needed she would’ve never gotten over her fear of being crushed by loss.
Ayers’ has delivered yet another wonderful story. A great concept with a beautiful steamy romance that you can’t help but root for - her characters are always real and relatable with their flaws and quicks. The angst was layered with sexual tension that had me reading until late into the night. Every time I pick up a Kathleen Ayers book I know I will be getting an enthralling read with compelling characters. I would highly recommend any of her books if you’re looking for a historical romance read to devour.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It didn’t take long for me to be swept up into this story – Rosalind and Torrington’s banter was hilarious and every time he brought up her insults about his age, I couldn’t help but laugh. Their story was just what I needed – heartfelt, funny and full of delicious tension and innuendo! Torrington was a delight, and I thoroughly enjoyed his character, he was older but not old and he was very much enamoured with Rosalind. Rosalind herself was a great character who wanted absolutely nothing to do with marriage instead wanted her independence and the opportunity to bake and sell her goods. However, going into trade as a women of her standing would cause a massive scandal, so Rosalind had to sneak around. And Torrington is a older reformed rake who has had two loveless marriages that turned him against marriage until curvy baker Rosalind tumbles into his life. And once he’s had a taste, he can’t give her up and will do anything he can to convince her to accept him.
I loved the central baking theme and how Torrington would tease her with recipes and their meet ups were full of seduction and barely contained desire. Both Torrington and Rosalind were both burning for each other. Who knew food could be so sexy?
The romance was great, and I enjoyed the way it all ended up and that Rosalind eventually allowed herself to recognise the trauma she went through and how that affected her. Torrinton was patient and kind and the perfect match for her. Without his patience and understanding about what Rosalind needed she would’ve never gotten over her fear of being crushed by loss.
Ayers’ has delivered yet another wonderful story. A great concept with a beautiful steamy romance that you can’t help but root for - her characters are always real and relatable with their flaws and quicks. The angst was layered with sexual tension that had me reading until late into the night. Every time I pick up a Kathleen Ayers book I know I will be getting an enthralling read with compelling characters. I would highly recommend any of her books if you’re looking for a historical romance read to devour.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 12, 2022
You had me at Hello, Lord Torrington…. Or from your very first words, which were spoken when eavesdropping on Rosalind talking to her cousin Romy,which were” Apparently not, Miss Richardson”. From first meeting Lord Torrington to the last page of the book, I fell a little bit in love with this fella.
But first things first let’s meet our female lead in this story…..
Rosalind Richardson is my kind of heroine, although she’s a member of the ton as a daughter of a viscount, Rosalind is not your typical romance novel vixen, described as plump (most women's worst nightmare) but you can’t help but imagine her to be lovely and maybe does not fit perfectly into the mold of a typical ton beauty which makes her more relateable. When we meet her she is hiding behind a plant, adjusting her gown to make sure all is in place while hiding from the man her mother has decided that she should marry. One of the most relatable and likable things about Rosalind is her desire to be more than what is expected of her, her desire to have a gasp… dare I say it career… at this time in history. Her ambitions to own her own bakery as difficult as that would be makes her even more endearing.
Torrington is a treasure, older and having lost 2 wives he seems beyond charming and he is not easily deterred in his pursuit of the lovely Miss Richardson. He uses his own secret love of cooking and his ownership of a coveted cook book to lure Rosalind his way. As I said earlier from the very beginning Torrington is such a lovely character, kind, handsome, persistent, and very, very spicy, what’s not to love?
I have loved each of the Beautiful Barrington series, but this may very well be my favorite. The reason keeping Rosalind from committing herself to Torrington completely was so sad but also understandable and I have to admit that I had a few tears at her pain over some of the traumas of her youth that were impediments to her happiness. Reading as these two fell in love was pleasure.
But first things first let’s meet our female lead in this story…..
Rosalind Richardson is my kind of heroine, although she’s a member of the ton as a daughter of a viscount, Rosalind is not your typical romance novel vixen, described as plump (most women's worst nightmare) but you can’t help but imagine her to be lovely and maybe does not fit perfectly into the mold of a typical ton beauty which makes her more relateable. When we meet her she is hiding behind a plant, adjusting her gown to make sure all is in place while hiding from the man her mother has decided that she should marry. One of the most relatable and likable things about Rosalind is her desire to be more than what is expected of her, her desire to have a gasp… dare I say it career… at this time in history. Her ambitions to own her own bakery as difficult as that would be makes her even more endearing.
Torrington is a treasure, older and having lost 2 wives he seems beyond charming and he is not easily deterred in his pursuit of the lovely Miss Richardson. He uses his own secret love of cooking and his ownership of a coveted cook book to lure Rosalind his way. As I said earlier from the very beginning Torrington is such a lovely character, kind, handsome, persistent, and very, very spicy, what’s not to love?
I have loved each of the Beautiful Barrington series, but this may very well be my favorite. The reason keeping Rosalind from committing herself to Torrington completely was so sad but also understandable and I have to admit that I had a few tears at her pain over some of the traumas of her youth that were impediments to her happiness. Reading as these two fell in love was pleasure.
June 29, 2022
Wow!!!
I started reading the prologue and couldn't put the book down, I stayed up all night to finish it.
I absolutely loved this story!
Rosalind, what a character. She is unique, strong, determined, she knows what she wants and nothing will stop her.
She is very smart, she has continued to hide her true self from the ton. Only those closest to her, truly know her.
She has no want for love and marriage, it will just get in the way of her plans.
Unfortunately her mother has other plans for her and like a true ton mother, she has tried to set her daughter up with all the wrong men.
But Rosalind has been quite clever at discouraging these men from her - until Bram.
Bram comes off as aloof, bored, no interest in Rosalind, which she was quite happy with...somewhat but he was anything but disinterested.
He had his own plans and they all involved Rosalind. He has a very clever way of getting her and he won't stop until he has her.
I don't want to spoil the book for anyone so I won't give up too much of the story but know that it is quite unique, the plot is not typical at all, quite refreshing.
The characters were great. Rosalind's strength, cleverness, and vulnerability - Bram's determination, as well as his support of Rosalind and her dreams.
I loved how the two came together, how they overcame their individual fears, the true depth of feeling for each other. The story is filled with funny moments, heart felt moments, passion, and love.
This is a must read.
I received an ARC from the author for my true and honest review, all opinions expressed are my own.
I started reading the prologue and couldn't put the book down, I stayed up all night to finish it.
I absolutely loved this story!
Rosalind, what a character. She is unique, strong, determined, she knows what she wants and nothing will stop her.
She is very smart, she has continued to hide her true self from the ton. Only those closest to her, truly know her.
She has no want for love and marriage, it will just get in the way of her plans.
Unfortunately her mother has other plans for her and like a true ton mother, she has tried to set her daughter up with all the wrong men.
But Rosalind has been quite clever at discouraging these men from her - until Bram.
Bram comes off as aloof, bored, no interest in Rosalind, which she was quite happy with...somewhat but he was anything but disinterested.
He had his own plans and they all involved Rosalind. He has a very clever way of getting her and he won't stop until he has her.
I don't want to spoil the book for anyone so I won't give up too much of the story but know that it is quite unique, the plot is not typical at all, quite refreshing.
The characters were great. Rosalind's strength, cleverness, and vulnerability - Bram's determination, as well as his support of Rosalind and her dreams.
I loved how the two came together, how they overcame their individual fears, the true depth of feeling for each other. The story is filled with funny moments, heart felt moments, passion, and love.
This is a must read.
I received an ARC from the author for my true and honest review, all opinions expressed are my own.
July 7, 2022
Lady Rosalind Richardson is in her third season and does not care to find a husband, despite her mother's wishes. Rosalind is a little on the plump side and loves to bake. Her dream is to be known as a great baker and have her own business. Just one problem there, ladies of the ton are not suppose to work or have businesses. Rosalind has a plan to find someone with a bakery and let her provide the recipes and help with the baking. Abraham "Bram" Landsdowne, Earl of Torrington, is a very handsome and wealthy man who is not interested in marriage either. He does however love to bake and owns a rare French cookbook that Rosalind would like to get her hands on for the recipes that she feels will make her business venture a huge success. Rosalind and Bram have meet before and she was a little outspoken and this did not help form any relationship. But when Rosalind and Bram meet again at a ball, Bram feels an attraction for Rosalind that he can't quite figure out. What can happen when he begins to send Rosalind recipes for her secret business venture? Will it only be desserts that continue their relationship or could it be more? You will need this read this story to find out what "a recipe for a rogue"' really means.
July 7, 2022
Daughter of her overbearing mother the viscountess Richmond, Miss Rosalind Richardson is in her third season in 1840's London supposedly seeking a husband. Actually, though, she has no interest and would much prefer to, heaven forbid, open a business - common trade - baking pastries and cakes. Mother is a friend of Lord the Earl of Torrington's mother and tries to match them. Ros scoffs at the earl who islikely twice her age though admittedly very handsome despite silver specks in his hair. Married twice with no heirs he is in need of one. His sister cajoles him into attending this house party in order to meet Ros whom she thinks would be a quick match as it being her 3rd season. They meet in the garden and some wicked banter is exchanged with him being aroused but told he is repulsive and other insults. He likes her full figure but when they meet again some weeks later the banter is almost as sharp yet funny. One can see that these two will be a pair and both having culinary interests their creative passion will be engaged. A romance that could easily have fallen into silliness as many such do is instead a very good steamy read in the hands of this skilled writer. Received this arc and have voluntarily reviewed.
July 7, 2022
Rosalind believes in her pastry-baking ability and searches for those exclusive recipes in order to open her own bakery. She’s avoiding marriage at all costs. The Earl of Torrington (Bram) overhears Ros’s aspirations and tries to tempt her with a French cookbook from the time of King Louis XIV. He thought his days of marriage (he’s had 2) had ended until his encounters with Ros. He knows right away that he wants Ros as his wife with all his heart. Convincing her to marry is a big problem.
Using food as part of his seduction of Ros was very clever. She doesn’t resist. Who could? The scenes are so sensually written that you find yourself thinking “I sure wish it would happen to me” (scene from White Christmas) lol. The author has devised some VERY ORIGINAL plots in this series that I really love.
I’m very lucky that my husband loves cooking more than I do. I do love baking so I could relate to Rosalind and her obsession. What I can’t relate to is how many times young ladies in romance novels ignore the advantages they’d have in a marriage to an earl or duke (that they love) and say they’d rather be a spinster—until they discover the feelings of physical attraction.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion.
Using food as part of his seduction of Ros was very clever. She doesn’t resist. Who could? The scenes are so sensually written that you find yourself thinking “I sure wish it would happen to me” (scene from White Christmas) lol. The author has devised some VERY ORIGINAL plots in this series that I really love.
I’m very lucky that my husband loves cooking more than I do. I do love baking so I could relate to Rosalind and her obsession. What I can’t relate to is how many times young ladies in romance novels ignore the advantages they’d have in a marriage to an earl or duke (that they love) and say they’d rather be a spinster—until they discover the feelings of physical attraction.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion.
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