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Enterprising Scoundrels #2
Mr. Clarke's Deepest Desire
When an earl's daughter falls for a businessman in this secret identities Regency romance, she risks more than heartbreak when his connection to her past threatens her reputation...
How can he build a future with a woman whose father ruined his life?
Having recently suffered the death of her father, Rosamund Parker faces an uncertain future. Intent on retaining her independence, she plans to invest her modest inheritance. But the man whose help she seeks is as infuriating as he is handsome. For reasons she can't comprehend, he's set on thwarting her at every turn, even as he tempts her with kisses she ought not want.
Matthew Clarke needs funding for his locomotive business, but he'll not accept it from the Earl of Stoneburrow's daughter. As far as Matthew's concerned, that entire family can go hang. Unfortunately, Lady Rosamund seems to pop up wherever he goes. Ignoring the fire she stirs in him becomes an increasing challenge. But surrendering to it could prove disastrous. It could in fact ruin both their lives...
How can he build a future with a woman whose father ruined his life?
Having recently suffered the death of her father, Rosamund Parker faces an uncertain future. Intent on retaining her independence, she plans to invest her modest inheritance. But the man whose help she seeks is as infuriating as he is handsome. For reasons she can't comprehend, he's set on thwarting her at every turn, even as he tempts her with kisses she ought not want.
Matthew Clarke needs funding for his locomotive business, but he'll not accept it from the Earl of Stoneburrow's daughter. As far as Matthew's concerned, that entire family can go hang. Unfortunately, Lady Rosamund seems to pop up wherever he goes. Ignoring the fire she stirs in him becomes an increasing challenge. But surrendering to it could prove disastrous. It could in fact ruin both their lives...
- GenresRomanceFictionHistorical
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2022
26 people are currently reading
814 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Barnes
67 books1,753 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
For all the latest releases, promotions, and exclusive story updates, subscribe to Sophie Barnes’ newsletter today: www.sophiebarnes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
November 21, 2022
Moments of truth________2.5
Mathew Parker is a modern Victorian man, a man devoted to locomotive engines. He’s also a man with a grudge. Lady Rosamund Parker is a thoroughly modern woman with an independent spirit whose interest in engines matches that of Matthews.
Her father, the Earl of Stoneburrow has died and his joint wills have placed constraints on her. Rosamund’s only way out is to marry or invest. Rosamund chooses the latter. Unfortunately the works of her choice, A&C Locomotives or rather Matthew, have refused her approaches regarding investment.
That’s how she finds herself at Earl of Westhaven’s country house party with men of like mind. It seems Rosamund’s scientific views on engines are quite insightful.
Matthew is there too. He confronts her with her father’s wrong doing towards his mother—the upstairs maid in her home years ago. A maid her father had dallied with and thrown out when things became difficult, when his mother became pregnant. Rosamund is unbelieving and indignant.
Despite his prejudices Matthew is annoyed by the attentions shown to Rosamund by the Earl.
I agree with people who ask the question, why didn't this seemingly intelligent woman not investigate the truth of Matthews claim?
The enemies to lover trope all devolves into lovers quite quickly. I found the characters flat and had little sympathy with them.
A rather confusing tale that’s not at all as well developed as most of Sophie Barnes works.
An Independently Published ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Mathew Parker is a modern Victorian man, a man devoted to locomotive engines. He’s also a man with a grudge. Lady Rosamund Parker is a thoroughly modern woman with an independent spirit whose interest in engines matches that of Matthews.
Her father, the Earl of Stoneburrow has died and his joint wills have placed constraints on her. Rosamund’s only way out is to marry or invest. Rosamund chooses the latter. Unfortunately the works of her choice, A&C Locomotives or rather Matthew, have refused her approaches regarding investment.
That’s how she finds herself at Earl of Westhaven’s country house party with men of like mind. It seems Rosamund’s scientific views on engines are quite insightful.
Matthew is there too. He confronts her with her father’s wrong doing towards his mother—the upstairs maid in her home years ago. A maid her father had dallied with and thrown out when things became difficult, when his mother became pregnant. Rosamund is unbelieving and indignant.
Despite his prejudices Matthew is annoyed by the attentions shown to Rosamund by the Earl.
I agree with people who ask the question, why didn't this seemingly intelligent woman not investigate the truth of Matthews claim?
The enemies to lover trope all devolves into lovers quite quickly. I found the characters flat and had little sympathy with them.
A rather confusing tale that’s not at all as well developed as most of Sophie Barnes works.
An Independently Published ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
November 28, 2022
If you love Sophie Barnes, you are sure to find delight in this novella. This is the perfect for a quick read for any lover of historical romance. Barnes has a wonderful way of crafting a historical romance that quickly draws the reader in and envelops them in the world. Barnes' writing is full of charm and wit as she crafts this adversaries to lovers story. With interesting and smart characters, a sizzling chemistry and a tension of the unknown, this fast past (basically insta love) story can blossom to life.
Sophie Barnes packs this novella full of plot moments that draw our hero and heroine together. From inter action to inter action these two first dance around the other, fighting their attraction until they both fully embrace their feelings. I really like that this is a class difference romance, where the heroine can prove the hero wrong about her thoughts on what makes a man worthy. There are some content notes around the reason that the hero is so adversarial to the heroine based off of wrong doings done to his mother (so check those out if you need them).
Really this becomes a story of two people with similar mindsets and interest learning to understand each other and grow together past preconceptions. This is very quick moving story in which the relationship is built first on attraction and then interactions that give insights on the other. This is a low steam novel, with kissing and vague wording around more romantic exploration. This is a novel that is really the hero's journey in moving beyond the past and realizing what is most important to him. I really enjoy that the heroine is mostly open to always finding a way to be with the hero because he is what makes her happy.
If you love Sophie Barnes pick this novella up, it is sweet and charming and a great quick read! If you are interested in trying Sophie Barnes this is a delightful introduction and gives you a great feel for her tone, characters and story lines.
Thank you to Sophie Barnes and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sophie Barnes packs this novella full of plot moments that draw our hero and heroine together. From inter action to inter action these two first dance around the other, fighting their attraction until they both fully embrace their feelings. I really like that this is a class difference romance, where the heroine can prove the hero wrong about her thoughts on what makes a man worthy. There are some content notes around the reason that the hero is so adversarial to the heroine based off of wrong doings done to his mother (so check those out if you need them).
Really this becomes a story of two people with similar mindsets and interest learning to understand each other and grow together past preconceptions. This is very quick moving story in which the relationship is built first on attraction and then interactions that give insights on the other. This is a low steam novel, with kissing and vague wording around more romantic exploration. This is a novel that is really the hero's journey in moving beyond the past and realizing what is most important to him. I really enjoy that the heroine is mostly open to always finding a way to be with the hero because he is what makes her happy.
If you love Sophie Barnes pick this novella up, it is sweet and charming and a great quick read! If you are interested in trying Sophie Barnes this is a delightful introduction and gives you a great feel for her tone, characters and story lines.
Thank you to Sophie Barnes and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 15, 2022
The perfect enemies-to-lovers romance!
I've read a lot of books where the H and h start out as enemies but are quickly united in their mutual attraction. This is the first book I've ever read where the mutual attraction is not quite enough to overcome the intense animosity they have for each other; his is mistakenly based on his opinion of her father, while hers is rightly based on his treatment of her.
Matthew is a wonderful hero, a man who has pulled himself up by hard work and a little bit of luck, despite the challenges he faced as a child. He's just not quite ready to forgive the family that was at the root of those challenges, regardless of how much he's attracted to the daughter of his nemesis.
Rosamund is both irresistibly attractive and frustratingly shrewd and clever. I simply adored their bickering back and forth, their clear annoyance with each other even when acknowledging their explosive chemistry. For these two, it's going to take a whole lot more than just their fiery exchanges to bridge the gap between what they want and what they can be together.
The writing is outstanding, giving both characters strong personalities and genuine virtue even when they're at odds. I loved how all the characters were fully developed; no easy villains here who exist just to drive the plot. The HEA was hard-won and very satisfying for all. I enjoyed every bit of this book and highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I've read a lot of books where the H and h start out as enemies but are quickly united in their mutual attraction. This is the first book I've ever read where the mutual attraction is not quite enough to overcome the intense animosity they have for each other; his is mistakenly based on his opinion of her father, while hers is rightly based on his treatment of her.
Matthew is a wonderful hero, a man who has pulled himself up by hard work and a little bit of luck, despite the challenges he faced as a child. He's just not quite ready to forgive the family that was at the root of those challenges, regardless of how much he's attracted to the daughter of his nemesis.
Rosamund is both irresistibly attractive and frustratingly shrewd and clever. I simply adored their bickering back and forth, their clear annoyance with each other even when acknowledging their explosive chemistry. For these two, it's going to take a whole lot more than just their fiery exchanges to bridge the gap between what they want and what they can be together.
The writing is outstanding, giving both characters strong personalities and genuine virtue even when they're at odds. I loved how all the characters were fully developed; no easy villains here who exist just to drive the plot. The HEA was hard-won and very satisfying for all. I enjoyed every bit of this book and highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 29, 2023
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Lady Rosamund Parker's life is rocked when her father's will stipulates that she only has £500 to live on, until she marries and her dowry is available. No one is allowed to help her, not even her uncle, the new Earl of Stoneburrow. So she decides to invest in a promising engineering firm, but the owner, Matthew Clarke wants nothing from her. He was the hall boy once, and after the late Earl abused his mother, they were thrown out with nothing. However, Rosamund is not one to give up lightly, and when they are in company together at a house party, there's a growing attraction that the pair can't seem to fight any longer.
I enjoyed this one more than the first book, I think. Rosamund and Matthew's story was a believable one, and their connection and chemistry was clear to see. Neither of them went into their meetings wanting anything from each other, certainly not a relationship, but their initially grudging respect and admiration soon allowed them to let their feelings grow and blossom into something they needed to explore. A quick read, great for people who enjoy Regency romances.
Lady Rosamund Parker's life is rocked when her father's will stipulates that she only has £500 to live on, until she marries and her dowry is available. No one is allowed to help her, not even her uncle, the new Earl of Stoneburrow. So she decides to invest in a promising engineering firm, but the owner, Matthew Clarke wants nothing from her. He was the hall boy once, and after the late Earl abused his mother, they were thrown out with nothing. However, Rosamund is not one to give up lightly, and when they are in company together at a house party, there's a growing attraction that the pair can't seem to fight any longer.
I enjoyed this one more than the first book, I think. Rosamund and Matthew's story was a believable one, and their connection and chemistry was clear to see. Neither of them went into their meetings wanting anything from each other, certainly not a relationship, but their initially grudging respect and admiration soon allowed them to let their feelings grow and blossom into something they needed to explore. A quick read, great for people who enjoy Regency romances.
November 16, 2022
How can he build a future with a woman whose father ruined his life?
Having recently suffered the death of her father, Rosamund Parker faces an uncertain future. Intent on retaining her independence, she plans to invest her modest inheritance. But the man whose help she seeks is as infuriating as he is handsome. For reasons she can't comprehend, he's set on thwarting her at every turn, even as he tempts her with kisses she ought not want.
Matthew Clarke needs funding for his locomotive business, but he'll not accept it from the Earl of Stoneburrow's daughter. As far as Matthew's concerned, that entire family can go hang. Unfortunately, Lady Rosamund seems to pop up wherever he goes. Ignoring the fire she stirs in him becomes an increasing challenge. But surrendering to it could prove disastrous. It could in fact ruin both their lives.
Matthew and Rosamund are meant to be together.
With her exceptional feelings for the future of the railway she has become a good person to invest.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Having recently suffered the death of her father, Rosamund Parker faces an uncertain future. Intent on retaining her independence, she plans to invest her modest inheritance. But the man whose help she seeks is as infuriating as he is handsome. For reasons she can't comprehend, he's set on thwarting her at every turn, even as he tempts her with kisses she ought not want.
Matthew Clarke needs funding for his locomotive business, but he'll not accept it from the Earl of Stoneburrow's daughter. As far as Matthew's concerned, that entire family can go hang. Unfortunately, Lady Rosamund seems to pop up wherever he goes. Ignoring the fire she stirs in him becomes an increasing challenge. But surrendering to it could prove disastrous. It could in fact ruin both their lives.
Matthew and Rosamund are meant to be together.
With her exceptional feelings for the future of the railway she has become a good person to invest.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
January 1, 2023
After her father's death, Rosamund Parker discovers that her father has not left her as financially supported as she imagined.
He then decides, in an unusual measure for single ladies at the time, to invest in a business.
She offers to employ part of her capital in A&C Locomotive, whose owner is Matthew Clarke, but he refuses the partnership. She then decides to invest in a rival company.
Matthew, from a modest background, is intelligent, stubborn, dedicated and knew how to make the most of the opportunity that was offered to him.
Rosamund is stubborn, determined, intelligent and decides to take control of her life, even if she makes less conventional choices, including on a personal level.
They will live a love and hate relationship. They have to deal not only with their attraction and admiration for each other but with the pain caused to Mr. Clarke for the actions of her family, very well expressed in situations and dialogues.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He then decides, in an unusual measure for single ladies at the time, to invest in a business.
She offers to employ part of her capital in A&C Locomotive, whose owner is Matthew Clarke, but he refuses the partnership. She then decides to invest in a rival company.
Matthew, from a modest background, is intelligent, stubborn, dedicated and knew how to make the most of the opportunity that was offered to him.
Rosamund is stubborn, determined, intelligent and decides to take control of her life, even if she makes less conventional choices, including on a personal level.
They will live a love and hate relationship. They have to deal not only with their attraction and admiration for each other but with the pain caused to Mr. Clarke for the actions of her family, very well expressed in situations and dialogues.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
I received an ARC of Mr. Clarke's Deepest Desire from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Sophie Barnes never disappoints her readers with her unique storylines and characters. Rosamund Parker, is fascinated by trains, engines, mechanics and science. Unfortunately, she has just lost her beloved father and is in need of investing the little money she has to maintain her living. She approaches Matthew Clarke, owner of a mechanical engineering company to offer to invest in his company. He refuses her offer because he holds her deceased father responsible for his and his mother's downfall. The story continues as they meet at a party and the sparks that fly between them could definitely ignite a fire. Matthew learns a little about holding the person at fault accountable rather than the extended family and Rosamund learns that not all is as it seems on the outside. A very nice story.
November 10, 2022
There was problematic behavior from Matthew. Like the scene where he was rude, he apologizes, the heroine doesn’t accept it and he thinks:
“Far more shocking, however, was the rush of desire he felt in response to her anger”
Red flag! Matthew comes across as possessive but fickle. He does a lot of grabbing and kissing when the heroine tries to walk away. She ends up liking it, although she’s supposedly so intelligent, but that behavior doesn’t sit well with me in 2022.
I never knew why these two liked each other aside from instalust. They never had a meaningful conversation or shared things in common. Neither character was fully realized and they acted inconsistently. By the time we got to the love triangle/third act breakup, I could not care less what happened to these two.
I received an arc from NetGalley
“Far more shocking, however, was the rush of desire he felt in response to her anger”
Red flag! Matthew comes across as possessive but fickle. He does a lot of grabbing and kissing when the heroine tries to walk away. She ends up liking it, although she’s supposedly so intelligent, but that behavior doesn’t sit well with me in 2022.
I never knew why these two liked each other aside from instalust. They never had a meaningful conversation or shared things in common. Neither character was fully realized and they acted inconsistently. By the time we got to the love triangle/third act breakup, I could not care less what happened to these two.
I received an arc from NetGalley
November 14, 2022
Rosamund Parker’s father passed away and in his will, he stipulated that she only gets a tiny inheritance until she weds after a year of mourning. Rosamund does not want to rush into an unhappy union and therefore decides that investing her money will help gain more time. She approached Matthew Clarke to invest in his business but he refuses her. I wasn’t a fan of him due to him holding onto his hatred; however, Rosamund loves him and I ended up cheering for the two of them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
Another good book by a wonderful author. This book was so enjoyable, I finished it in one afternoon.
Rosamund has just lost her father and she wants to invest in something to help her be independent. Matthew owns A&C Locomotive but will not let Rosamund invest because he feels her father ruined his life. Matthew and Rosamund cannot seem to get away from each other and find they are attracted to each other, even though they do not want to be.
I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and I am leaving my honest opinion.
Rosamund has just lost her father and she wants to invest in something to help her be independent. Matthew owns A&C Locomotive but will not let Rosamund invest because he feels her father ruined his life. Matthew and Rosamund cannot seem to get away from each other and find they are attracted to each other, even though they do not want to be.
I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and I am leaving my honest opinion.
November 25, 2022
Mr. Clarke’s Deepest Desires, the second book in the Enterprising Scoundrels series after Mr. Donahue’s Total Surrender (I sense a theme in the titles, don’t you?) is a delightfully frothy bit of Victorian romance with some dark notes in the background. And a whole heaping helping of insta-lust in the lush foreground.
A part of me wants to make some terrible puns about Rosamund Parker and her need to have her engines overhauled – or at least her ashes hauled, but that’s not where this story begins. In a perverse way it began way back when, when her late, lamented, dear old dad couldn’t resist forcing their housemaid to haul his – will she or nill she. And of course he fired her when she informed him that she was carrying the inevitable consequence of his actions.
Now he’s dead and buried, and the mourning period has just officially ended. The reading of his will has left his daughter in a bit of a fix of a different sort. As the daughter (and only child) of an Earl, she knew she would not inherit his title or the entailed estate. But she expected a bit more than 500 pounds. Not per annum, but in total. Along with a binding clause that her uncle, the new Earl, was not permitted to maintain or support her.
(If you’re curious, that’s just over $60,000 in today’s dollars. A more-than-decent one year’s salary, but not nearly enough for a relatively young woman to live off of for the rest of her life.)
Rosamund, who does want to marry, also wants to have enough time going about the selection process to ensure that she makes a choice that satisfies both her head and her heart. So, instead of rushing into anything or anyone she plans to invest most of her money and life off the income from her investment while she makes a considered choice.
It’s a sensible plan, which makes sense. Because Rosamund is a very sensible woman. Also a very intelligent one.
But her plans go up almost literally in smoke when she meets Matthew Clarke, the owner of A&C Locomotive. Because Rosamund and Matthew strike more sparks from each other than any one of his engines do when they screech their brakes. Not that either of them can manage much of anything except almost literally screeching at each other.
Matthew’s mother was the housemaid that Rosamund’s father forced into his bed and then out the door, leaving both mother and 12-year-old Matthew destitute. Matthew refuses to take Rosamund’s investment money – no matter how much he actually needs it. He’s still carrying that grudge – and is an absolute ass about it to Rosamund even though she has no clue what he’s so angry about.
After all, she was all of 10 at the time and it’s not exactly a subject that any father would raise with his own daughter – particularly not in the Victorian Era!
But Rosamund is determined to invest in the burgeoning railroad industry, and Matthew still does need investors. Which means that they keep meeting – and meeting – and meeting at various gatherings of industry executives and potential investors. The more often they run into each other, the more sparks that fly – no matter how little Rosamund wants to believe the truth about her beloved father.
The push-pull of their relationship, the way that they hate each other but still want each other desperately, is hot enough to fuel a locomotive or ten without the use of coal. All they need to do is give in – before they make a mistake that will haunt the rest of their lives.
Escape Rating B+: One of the things that I really enjoy about the Enterprising Scoundrels series is that the heroes all work for a living. Admittedly it’s work among the wealthy and powerful, and they’ve done well for themselves, but it’s still real work that gives them real purpose. This is a series where happiness is not just the province of the idle rich to the point where it openly questions whether the idle rich are all that happy.
Matthew Clarke is an especially delicious hero in this mold because he’s a self-made man who has not either lost the threads of his humanity or obtained his wealth outside the law. Both of which are not uncommon backgrounds for heroes of historical romances.
What made this book downright refreshing is that even the bounder who tries to interfere with the romance between Rose and Matthew is really after Rose for her prodigious intellect and genius ideas, while her truly delectable person is icing on the cake of her splendid brain and not the other way around.
But speaking of that bounder, he’s not really a villain – at least not in the bwahaha sense that often happens. He’s out for himself and he does take advantage of a situation, but he doesn’t make the situation and he’s just not evil. Selfish and self-centered, but not beyond human reason.
So I didn’t leave this book, as I did Mr. Donohue’s Total Surrender, with the feeling that there were too many characters who did not receive the desserts they had so richly earned. If there is a villain in this piece it’s Rosamund’s father, and he’s already having that discussion with his Maker when the story begins.
I do have to say that I found the blurb for the book a bit deceptive. This isn’t really a story of secret identities. Rosamund and Matthew know exactly who each other is. She doesn’t know that he and his mother were once in service to her family – at least not at the beginning – but his business success wipes out most of that stigma. They do end up on the wrong end of a lot of social opprobrium, but it’s as a result of their actions in the present and not some hidden secret in either of their pasts.
While I’m not personally satisfied with the amount of groveling Matthew does over that incident, he does manage to screw his courage to the sticking point and fix things before it’s too late – with a whole lot of professional assistance from his soon-to-be bride. Which makes for happy endings all around – as they certainly deserved.
Originally published at Reading Reality
A part of me wants to make some terrible puns about Rosamund Parker and her need to have her engines overhauled – or at least her ashes hauled, but that’s not where this story begins. In a perverse way it began way back when, when her late, lamented, dear old dad couldn’t resist forcing their housemaid to haul his – will she or nill she. And of course he fired her when she informed him that she was carrying the inevitable consequence of his actions.
Now he’s dead and buried, and the mourning period has just officially ended. The reading of his will has left his daughter in a bit of a fix of a different sort. As the daughter (and only child) of an Earl, she knew she would not inherit his title or the entailed estate. But she expected a bit more than 500 pounds. Not per annum, but in total. Along with a binding clause that her uncle, the new Earl, was not permitted to maintain or support her.
(If you’re curious, that’s just over $60,000 in today’s dollars. A more-than-decent one year’s salary, but not nearly enough for a relatively young woman to live off of for the rest of her life.)
Rosamund, who does want to marry, also wants to have enough time going about the selection process to ensure that she makes a choice that satisfies both her head and her heart. So, instead of rushing into anything or anyone she plans to invest most of her money and life off the income from her investment while she makes a considered choice.
It’s a sensible plan, which makes sense. Because Rosamund is a very sensible woman. Also a very intelligent one.
But her plans go up almost literally in smoke when she meets Matthew Clarke, the owner of A&C Locomotive. Because Rosamund and Matthew strike more sparks from each other than any one of his engines do when they screech their brakes. Not that either of them can manage much of anything except almost literally screeching at each other.
Matthew’s mother was the housemaid that Rosamund’s father forced into his bed and then out the door, leaving both mother and 12-year-old Matthew destitute. Matthew refuses to take Rosamund’s investment money – no matter how much he actually needs it. He’s still carrying that grudge – and is an absolute ass about it to Rosamund even though she has no clue what he’s so angry about.
After all, she was all of 10 at the time and it’s not exactly a subject that any father would raise with his own daughter – particularly not in the Victorian Era!
But Rosamund is determined to invest in the burgeoning railroad industry, and Matthew still does need investors. Which means that they keep meeting – and meeting – and meeting at various gatherings of industry executives and potential investors. The more often they run into each other, the more sparks that fly – no matter how little Rosamund wants to believe the truth about her beloved father.
The push-pull of their relationship, the way that they hate each other but still want each other desperately, is hot enough to fuel a locomotive or ten without the use of coal. All they need to do is give in – before they make a mistake that will haunt the rest of their lives.
Escape Rating B+: One of the things that I really enjoy about the Enterprising Scoundrels series is that the heroes all work for a living. Admittedly it’s work among the wealthy and powerful, and they’ve done well for themselves, but it’s still real work that gives them real purpose. This is a series where happiness is not just the province of the idle rich to the point where it openly questions whether the idle rich are all that happy.
Matthew Clarke is an especially delicious hero in this mold because he’s a self-made man who has not either lost the threads of his humanity or obtained his wealth outside the law. Both of which are not uncommon backgrounds for heroes of historical romances.
What made this book downright refreshing is that even the bounder who tries to interfere with the romance between Rose and Matthew is really after Rose for her prodigious intellect and genius ideas, while her truly delectable person is icing on the cake of her splendid brain and not the other way around.
But speaking of that bounder, he’s not really a villain – at least not in the bwahaha sense that often happens. He’s out for himself and he does take advantage of a situation, but he doesn’t make the situation and he’s just not evil. Selfish and self-centered, but not beyond human reason.
So I didn’t leave this book, as I did Mr. Donohue’s Total Surrender, with the feeling that there were too many characters who did not receive the desserts they had so richly earned. If there is a villain in this piece it’s Rosamund’s father, and he’s already having that discussion with his Maker when the story begins.
I do have to say that I found the blurb for the book a bit deceptive. This isn’t really a story of secret identities. Rosamund and Matthew know exactly who each other is. She doesn’t know that he and his mother were once in service to her family – at least not at the beginning – but his business success wipes out most of that stigma. They do end up on the wrong end of a lot of social opprobrium, but it’s as a result of their actions in the present and not some hidden secret in either of their pasts.
While I’m not personally satisfied with the amount of groveling Matthew does over that incident, he does manage to screw his courage to the sticking point and fix things before it’s too late – with a whole lot of professional assistance from his soon-to-be bride. Which makes for happy endings all around – as they certainly deserved.
Originally published at Reading Reality
November 21, 2022
🚂 Mr. Clarke's Deepest Desire ⚛️
Enterprising Scoundrels Book 2
✒️ Sophie Barnes
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Release Date 11/22/2022
Publisher Sophie Barnes
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B436F3DM?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
When an earl's daughter falls for a businessman in this secret identities Regency romance, she risks more than heartbreak when his connection to her past threatens her reputation...
How can he build a future with a woman whose father ruined his life?
Having recently suffered the death of her father, Rosamund Parker faces an uncertain future. Intent on retaining her independence, she plans to invest her modest inheritance. But the man whose help she seeks is as infuriating as he is handsome. For reasons she can't comprehend, he's set on thwarting her at every turn, even as he tempts her with kisses she ought not want.
Matthew Clarke needs funding for his locomotive business, but he'll not accept it from the Earl of Stoneburrow's daughter. As far as Matthew's concerned, that entire family can go hang. Unfortunately, Lady Rosamund seems to pop up wherever he goes. Ignoring the fire she stirs in him becomes an increasing challenge. But surrendering to it could prove disastrous. It could in fact ruin both their lives...
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will their common history tear them apart …
It is sure and certain they both began on the wrong foot. And when they meet again, things seem to pile up to antagonize them even more as they are not tempered people, unable to put things under the carpet but they need to express themselves.
Yet at the same time, they feel a pull like nothing they have ever felt for anyone else.
So much, they butt heads one minute and kiss in the next.
But with so much standing between them, can Clarke leaves to rest his past wound to open himself to a woman who is linked to it even if it is unknowingly from her side.
Matthew is a very ambivalent character, attracted to his nemesis’ daughter but determined to have nothing to do with her, even if it might cost him a much needed help. But the past still stands between him and the woman he is drawn to if she can forgive him, when he is a pushy jealous fellow.
Rosamund is just trying to find a way to sustain herself with what she has been left, but when she has been turned away for no understandable reason , she had to seek an alternative solution. So when she meets again the man who rejected her offer, she is unsettled and torn between her ire and her need to strangle or kiss him.
Their courtship is not a smooth one as doubts, fears and secrets estrange them, allowing Mathew’s past to tear them apart, and leaving him to find the right groveling gesture when he went too far.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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Enterprising Scoundrels Book 2
✒️ Sophie Barnes
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Release Date 11/22/2022
Publisher Sophie Barnes
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B436F3DM?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
When an earl's daughter falls for a businessman in this secret identities Regency romance, she risks more than heartbreak when his connection to her past threatens her reputation...
How can he build a future with a woman whose father ruined his life?
Having recently suffered the death of her father, Rosamund Parker faces an uncertain future. Intent on retaining her independence, she plans to invest her modest inheritance. But the man whose help she seeks is as infuriating as he is handsome. For reasons she can't comprehend, he's set on thwarting her at every turn, even as he tempts her with kisses she ought not want.
Matthew Clarke needs funding for his locomotive business, but he'll not accept it from the Earl of Stoneburrow's daughter. As far as Matthew's concerned, that entire family can go hang. Unfortunately, Lady Rosamund seems to pop up wherever he goes. Ignoring the fire she stirs in him becomes an increasing challenge. But surrendering to it could prove disastrous. It could in fact ruin both their lives...
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will their common history tear them apart …
It is sure and certain they both began on the wrong foot. And when they meet again, things seem to pile up to antagonize them even more as they are not tempered people, unable to put things under the carpet but they need to express themselves.
Yet at the same time, they feel a pull like nothing they have ever felt for anyone else.
So much, they butt heads one minute and kiss in the next.
But with so much standing between them, can Clarke leaves to rest his past wound to open himself to a woman who is linked to it even if it is unknowingly from her side.
Matthew is a very ambivalent character, attracted to his nemesis’ daughter but determined to have nothing to do with her, even if it might cost him a much needed help. But the past still stands between him and the woman he is drawn to if she can forgive him, when he is a pushy jealous fellow.
Rosamund is just trying to find a way to sustain herself with what she has been left, but when she has been turned away for no understandable reason , she had to seek an alternative solution. So when she meets again the man who rejected her offer, she is unsettled and torn between her ire and her need to strangle or kiss him.
Their courtship is not a smooth one as doubts, fears and secrets estrange them, allowing Mathew’s past to tear them apart, and leaving him to find the right groveling gesture when he went too far.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClE0d9...
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#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #sophiebarnes #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
November 10, 2022
I've always liked Sophie Barnes, enjoying her smooth writing style, but this was a surprising and dismaying miss for me. I have a soft spot for self-made MMC's in Regencies, and there was a lot of potential with Matthew, but he was never a fully realized character, teetering back and forth between being alpha-ish and then a rug for Rose to walk on. I wanted to know more about his past, how he overcame his difficult childhood, and also more about his brilliance at his job, but his behavior is ultimately dictated by the constraints of the "I want the h but I'm not good enough for her" trope. He should be a complex man, haunted as he still is by his past and rightfully angry, but he's not allowed to be truly angry or haunted. In fact, he spends most of the book apologizing for having those emotions.
As for Rose, I didn't like her for the most part. She came across as spoiled, naive, and immature. Although Matthew was out of line at one point early in the book during a dinner party, nearly every other time he challenged her he was spot on. I couldn't believe she spent nearly the entire storyline dismissing Matthew's claims about her father without even trying to investigate whether he was telling her the truth. And she's supposed to be an intelligent woman?
Further, the MC's relationship becomes physical too quickly, considering the lack of trust between them, so their connection feels forced at times. The second half of the book is mostly focused on the love triangle including the earl infatuated with Rose, Westhaven, but possible interesting plotpoints are never explored (for example, what if Westhaven's dad had been friends with Rose's dad and knew what had happened to Matthew's mom, and Westhaven was aware as well?).
This author has done a nice job in the past of juggling romantic angst and social issues. This book just feels too short and pat to do justice to the premise. Class division--and in particular how female household servants were treated during this time period--ends up being pretty egregiously glossed over. In fact, around the 55% mark, Rose feels "glad for what her father had done to" Matthew's mother (without even really understanding or knowing what happened), because otherwise Matthew wouldn't have become this fantastic guy for her to meet. What???
Bottom line: this is a book I really thought I would enjoy, but the characters and execution aren't in sync with what could have been a thoughtful, emotional read.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
As for Rose, I didn't like her for the most part. She came across as spoiled, naive, and immature. Although Matthew was out of line at one point early in the book during a dinner party, nearly every other time he challenged her he was spot on. I couldn't believe she spent nearly the entire storyline dismissing Matthew's claims about her father without even trying to investigate whether he was telling her the truth. And she's supposed to be an intelligent woman?
Further, the MC's relationship becomes physical too quickly, considering the lack of trust between them, so their connection feels forced at times. The second half of the book is mostly focused on the love triangle including the earl infatuated with Rose, Westhaven, but possible interesting plotpoints are never explored (for example, what if Westhaven's dad had been friends with Rose's dad and knew what had happened to Matthew's mom, and Westhaven was aware as well?).
This author has done a nice job in the past of juggling romantic angst and social issues. This book just feels too short and pat to do justice to the premise. Class division--and in particular how female household servants were treated during this time period--ends up being pretty egregiously glossed over. In fact, around the 55% mark, Rose feels "glad for what her father had done to" Matthew's mother (without even really understanding or knowing what happened), because otherwise Matthew wouldn't have become this fantastic guy for her to meet. What???
Bottom line: this is a book I really thought I would enjoy, but the characters and execution aren't in sync with what could have been a thoughtful, emotional read.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
November 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book - Ms. Barnes is a wonderful author, IMHO, and this is yet another great addition to her library. Lady Rosamund Parker was left at sea when her father died, as he strongly believed she should be married. To push her into matrimony, he left her only a small inheritance off which to live, and forbade his relatives from helping her. But Lady Rosamund was not interested in marriage, as she feared she would lose her independence and might only participate in those activities deemed appropriate by her husband. It just so happens Lady Rosamund was a bit of a bluestocking, which does not go over well with many men, and she was well read on new technologies. She figured out a possible solution to her dilemma: invest her money, and the dividends can allow her a simple, independent life. Her father had made notes on companies in which he was interested, so after she did a little research of her own, she headed to Mr. Clarke's locomotive business to offer her money for investment. After an interesting first meeting, Matthew Clarke flatly refused her offer, because of who she was (or rather, who her father was - there is a story there but I don't want to spoil it). Thus begins an acrimonious relationship between the two, which is furthered along when they are thrown together at a house party a few weeks later. Rosamund was invited by the gentleman who did accept her investment, an earl who is an industrial rival of Matthew's. It was clear to Matthew that the earl was interested in more from Rosamund than her investment, though he was loath to admit jealousy to himself. Matthew couldn't help but feel drawn to her, and she to him, in spite of the fact they argued every time they spoke. But that spark was hard to ignore...and for Rosamund she felt no similar spark from the earl. If Matthew and Rosamund can ever get past their disagreements, could there even be a future between the two of them? She is gentry, and he is a servant's son. Is love enough to bridge such a divide (for those to whom such things matter?) Do read the book to find out! This was a lovely, heartfelt romance. I really loved the interplay between the two characters, and this book is a wonderful addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2022
I received a copy of this from BookSprout and this is my freely given opinion.
Lady Rosamund, the daughter of an Earl, is left with a small inheritance and dowry after her father passes away, in an attempt beyond the grave, for him to manipulate her into a marriage. She decides instead to try to take that inheritance and grow it via investments in technology to help grow a nest egg to allow her to be independent. She has a scientific and industrial bent to her intelligence and leans towards investments in rail technology. When she approaches Matthew Clarke to invest in his company, she is soundly rejected by him and cannot understand why. She ends up investing with one of his rivals instead, but then they cross paths again at a networking house party for industrialists.
Matthew Clarke remembers Rosamund and her father from his childhood and despises them because of her family's ill treatment of him and his mother. Despite the fact that he needs investors, he wants nothing from Rosamund... or so he thinks. Except he cannot stop thinking about her and wanting her.
Rosamund knows nothing about Clarke's past with her family and cannot understand why he despises her. She must be quite confused because Clarke blows quite hot and cold with her, trying to reconcile his attraction and desire to be with her, with his hatred of her father and sense that he should despise her for her connection to him and Clarke's past.
But what could be an interesting love-hate, enemies to lovers tension doesn't grab me quite the way it was intended. For one, Clarke treats her terribly for how her father treated him and his mother, and she was just a child at the time, and definitely not in any way responsible for what happened to him and his family. But then Clarke falls for the daughter of the man who tried to destroy his mother... and by telling his story, he destroys Rosamund's perception of her father. That seems a pretty heavy emotional burden to put on a newly hatched relationship and I am not believing that either one of them could overlook something like that easily, especially since this is so new to Rosamund and she just lost her father a year prior.
2.5 stars out of 5.
Lady Rosamund, the daughter of an Earl, is left with a small inheritance and dowry after her father passes away, in an attempt beyond the grave, for him to manipulate her into a marriage. She decides instead to try to take that inheritance and grow it via investments in technology to help grow a nest egg to allow her to be independent. She has a scientific and industrial bent to her intelligence and leans towards investments in rail technology. When she approaches Matthew Clarke to invest in his company, she is soundly rejected by him and cannot understand why. She ends up investing with one of his rivals instead, but then they cross paths again at a networking house party for industrialists.
Matthew Clarke remembers Rosamund and her father from his childhood and despises them because of her family's ill treatment of him and his mother. Despite the fact that he needs investors, he wants nothing from Rosamund... or so he thinks. Except he cannot stop thinking about her and wanting her.
Rosamund knows nothing about Clarke's past with her family and cannot understand why he despises her. She must be quite confused because Clarke blows quite hot and cold with her, trying to reconcile his attraction and desire to be with her, with his hatred of her father and sense that he should despise her for her connection to him and Clarke's past.
But what could be an interesting love-hate, enemies to lovers tension doesn't grab me quite the way it was intended. For one, Clarke treats her terribly for how her father treated him and his mother, and she was just a child at the time, and definitely not in any way responsible for what happened to him and his family. But then Clarke falls for the daughter of the man who tried to destroy his mother... and by telling his story, he destroys Rosamund's perception of her father. That seems a pretty heavy emotional burden to put on a newly hatched relationship and I am not believing that either one of them could overlook something like that easily, especially since this is so new to Rosamund and she just lost her father a year prior.
2.5 stars out of 5.
December 8, 2022
Anything by Ms. Barnes is a must read for me, so I didn’t hesitate to pick up this latest addition to the Enterprising Scoundrels series. She has a great way of creating scenes and really pulling you into the characters’ world and bringing the story to life. This was no different. Matthew is a modern man, who is devoted to locomotive engines. He has worked hard to get where he is despite challenges he faced when he was younger. But he also holds a deep grudge against the Earl of Stoneburrow, who is the cause of all those difficulties he had to face. When the earl dies, his daughter Rosamund is intent on keeping her independence and decides to invest her inheritance in the locomotive business. Matthew needs the funding, but because of his past with Rosamund’s father, he is determined not to accept if from the family that ruined his life. But he can’t seem to escape Rosamund, and she seems to appear everywhere. He also can’t escape the fact of how strongly he is drawn to her. Rosamund doesn’t understand why he thwarts her at every turn and as frustrated and infuriated as she is with him, she can’t deny how attracted she is to him. The sparks that fly between them are strong and the back and forth banter between them was such a treat to read. Matthew has a hard lesson to learn that he can’t extend his grudge to everyone in the earls’ family. But will he learn that lesson before it is too late?
An absolutely delightful read that I’ve come to always expect from Ms. Barnes. She never disappoints and I can’t wait to continue the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
An absolutely delightful read that I’ve come to always expect from Ms. Barnes. She never disappoints and I can’t wait to continue the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 25, 2022
TERRIFIC!!! Mr. Clarke's Deepest Desire by Sophie Barnes is book 2 in the Enterprising Scoundrels series and though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. This book is like nothing you have ever read before. The banter in the this enemies to lovers regency was great and I could really feel the hatred between Matthew and Rose. This book is so very well written and keeper me engaged from page one to the very end. I found this book to be easy to read, original, wonderful characters, vivd descriptions, very well written, had the real feel of the regency era and just a true delight to read. Another great read by Sophie Barnes. This story has a lady that needs income & decides to invest, a commoner that owns a railroad, turning someone down due to her father’s mistreatment, a business house party, competitors, getting caught in a compromising situation & running, avoiding ruination, making one jealous, finding out the truth, being heartbroken, looking for investors, success and falling in love. I am highly recommending you read this book.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
December 18, 2022
This is a regency romance featuring Rosamund Parker and Matthew Clarke. Ms. Parker recently lost her father and has been tasked with finding a husband within a certain period of time before her money runs out. She decides to invest what was left to her and decides upon Mr. Clarke's company. Unfortunately for her, Mr. Clarke remembers Ms. Parker's late father and refuses her investment. Through the story, we learn his reasoning and watcher their budding romance. Will his past prevent their beautiful future?
I rated this a 4 star book because there was a bit lost in the story. Mr. Clarke had his reasons for not wanting to be in the company of the Parker family, but it would have been nice to discover the full truth earlier. I enjoyed that this was a relatively quick read (for me, this means it took well less than a week and more than one sitting) and the story wrapped up nicely at the end. I also was wanting more with their story and would love for the next book in the series to touch on how their relationship develops further.
Thank you to Sophie Barnes, NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this eBook,
I rated this a 4 star book because there was a bit lost in the story. Mr. Clarke had his reasons for not wanting to be in the company of the Parker family, but it would have been nice to discover the full truth earlier. I enjoyed that this was a relatively quick read (for me, this means it took well less than a week and more than one sitting) and the story wrapped up nicely at the end. I also was wanting more with their story and would love for the next book in the series to touch on how their relationship develops further.
Thank you to Sophie Barnes, NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this eBook,
November 18, 2022
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I'm a big Sophie Barnes fan and go into each of her books with high expectations. Luckily, she never lets me down. Rosamund was such an easy character to root for. She makes the best of a not great situation for herself. In most books the main plot would have been all about Rosamund finding a husband, but here it was about her finding a way to turn her small inheritance into enough to live on. I completely understood why Matthew was so against helping her - her father had treated he and his mother pretty horribly. Luckily he was eventually able to separate Rosamund and her father in his mind and see how crazy he would be not to pursue Rosamund. His ultimate gesture to win her over was a little over the top but needed after the way he ran out on her when things got difficult. You know Rosamund and Matthew will make an amazing team - both in their personal lives and in business. They truly are perfect for one another.
I'm a big Sophie Barnes fan and go into each of her books with high expectations. Luckily, she never lets me down. Rosamund was such an easy character to root for. She makes the best of a not great situation for herself. In most books the main plot would have been all about Rosamund finding a husband, but here it was about her finding a way to turn her small inheritance into enough to live on. I completely understood why Matthew was so against helping her - her father had treated he and his mother pretty horribly. Luckily he was eventually able to separate Rosamund and her father in his mind and see how crazy he would be not to pursue Rosamund. His ultimate gesture to win her over was a little over the top but needed after the way he ran out on her when things got difficult. You know Rosamund and Matthew will make an amazing team - both in their personal lives and in business. They truly are perfect for one another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2022
Having recently suffered the death of her father, Rosamund Parker faces an uncertain future. Intent on retaining her independence, she plans to invest her modest inheritance. Matthew Clarke needs funding for his locomotive business, but he'll not accept it from the Earl of Stoneburrow's daughter. As far as Matthew's concerned, he hates the entire family. Unfortunately, Lady Rosamund seems to pop up wherever he goes. Ignoring the fire she stirs in him becomes an increasing challenge.
A delightful novella of enemies to lovers at least on Matthew’s side. I loved both Rosamund & Matthew, the chemistry between them just grew & grew but apart from the physical attraction there was also a joining of minds. She’s an earl's daughter but has a love of science especially engines, Matthew runs an engineering company making locomotives. The reasons why Matthew hates the Parker family are gradually revealed but can he leave his feelings behind & move forward? An easy to read romance that had me engrossed from cover to cover
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A delightful novella of enemies to lovers at least on Matthew’s side. I loved both Rosamund & Matthew, the chemistry between them just grew & grew but apart from the physical attraction there was also a joining of minds. She’s an earl's daughter but has a love of science especially engines, Matthew runs an engineering company making locomotives. The reasons why Matthew hates the Parker family are gradually revealed but can he leave his feelings behind & move forward? An easy to read romance that had me engrossed from cover to cover
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 22, 2022
Rosamund wanted to invest some of the money her father had left her, but when she went to A&C Locomotive, Mr. Matthew Clarke, the owner, refused her. When they both attended a house party/retreat, things heated up. They went from antagonistic to affectionate within a few days. However, their host, the Earl of Westhaven, took a significant interest in Rosamund and complications occurred. In this story, Matthew struggled with letting go of his very justified anger and hatred of Rosamund’s father. He eventually learned that he shouldn’t paint the whole family with the same brush… but, Matthew’s belief that he wasn’t good enough for Rosamund created a push-pull type of relationship, which drove her crazy. This is a story with emotional ups and downs; a romantic triangle; and some frustrating and steamy moments. It is well written; has wonderful characters; and is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride, but it will hold you attention, engage your emotions and leave you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2022
This was an enjoyable enemies-to-lovers story with a few bumps in the middle.
Matthew has pulled himself up from the serving class to own his own train company and he is proud of himself. But he needs funding and the one person wanting to invest is the one person he wants nothing to do with- the daughter of his former employer. Learning that her deceased father left her with only five hundred pounds, Rosamund decides to invest to make money. When an investor's party happens at a competitor's estate, a few revealing truths are uncovered and new relationships are formed. But can these two enemies accept their pasts and forge a new partnership?
This had a ton of tension and angst and all that good stuff needed for a very well done enemies to lovers troupe. Sophie Barnes did a great job of pulling this story all together. It kept my attention throughout, both characters grew and overcome their beliefs and prejudices, and were very romantic. Overall I give this a thumbs up and a high recommendation.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Matthew has pulled himself up from the serving class to own his own train company and he is proud of himself. But he needs funding and the one person wanting to invest is the one person he wants nothing to do with- the daughter of his former employer. Learning that her deceased father left her with only five hundred pounds, Rosamund decides to invest to make money. When an investor's party happens at a competitor's estate, a few revealing truths are uncovered and new relationships are formed. But can these two enemies accept their pasts and forge a new partnership?
This had a ton of tension and angst and all that good stuff needed for a very well done enemies to lovers troupe. Sophie Barnes did a great job of pulling this story all together. It kept my attention throughout, both characters grew and overcome their beliefs and prejudices, and were very romantic. Overall I give this a thumbs up and a high recommendation.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2022
During the meeting of the late Earl of Stoneburrow's daughter, Rosamund Parker and the owner of A&C Locomotive, Mr. Matthew Clarke, both feel an attraction. Rosamund has a real interest in science and inventions which is unusual for a woman of this time period, especially a titled lady. She is confused by the way Mr. Clarke treats her with almost an angry attitude. She wonders why this is. Mr. Matthew Clarke is the illegitamate son of a maid who worked in the home of the late Earl of Stoneburrow. As a young boy, Matthew had also worked as a hall boy in the same home. He feels the late Earl mistreated and misused his mother. What happens when he tells Rosamund what the real reason is for his treatment of her? Will she believe him or only think it lies since her father was so good and kind to her? Will the instant attraction each feel grow or will Matthew's story stop any further feelings from devloping? You will need to read this story to find out that answer and more!!
November 17, 2022
5 stars
I liked this book. Matthew is an industrialist developing railway components. Rosamund is interested in science. Her father died leaving two wills. The first gave most of the estate to his brother the new earl. Rosamund had to wait to the end of her mourning to find out how much she'd get. It ended up only about £500. Not to be sniffed at in 1850 but certainly not what she was used to. She realises that she will need to invest the money and turns to Mr Clarke. She finds he loathes her family, specifically her father and doesn't understand his attitude.
The romance is on and off. I didn't really believe in the big gesture and thought it was a bit OTT but I suppose it made Rose/Rosamund understand better Matthew's change in heart. Her uncle was a lovely character.
This is a new author to me so I will look out for other books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked this book. Matthew is an industrialist developing railway components. Rosamund is interested in science. Her father died leaving two wills. The first gave most of the estate to his brother the new earl. Rosamund had to wait to the end of her mourning to find out how much she'd get. It ended up only about £500. Not to be sniffed at in 1850 but certainly not what she was used to. She realises that she will need to invest the money and turns to Mr Clarke. She finds he loathes her family, specifically her father and doesn't understand his attitude.
The romance is on and off. I didn't really believe in the big gesture and thought it was a bit OTT but I suppose it made Rose/Rosamund understand better Matthew's change in heart. Her uncle was a lovely character.
This is a new author to me so I will look out for other books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2022
This latest historical romance in Sophie Barnes Enterprising Scoundrels series has a hero called Matthew who is more hard done by than a scoundrel per say but he does get very rude to Rosamund. I get why Ms. Barnes has written him this way but I must admit that I was wondering at one point how he was going to dig himself out of the hole he has dug in his relationship with Rosamund. I should not have doubted Ms. Barnes as she works her usual magic to resolve things. I do like reading about “regular” historical characters like Matthew that authors like Ms. Barnes seem to writing more as opposed to the the aristocracy. I absolutely adored Rosamund and her “unsuitable” interests and actions and was cheering her on in her quests throughout the book. I have high hopes that we will get more lovely stories to read from this marvelous Sophie Barnes series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2022
This is yet another signature Sophie Barnes with an impressive love story. However, I must say, this book is the one I have enjoyed the most, of all her books I have read till now. The FL Rosamund Parker is spunky, intelligent, clever, unique and independent; she also has this small corner of vulnerability which only makes her more likable.
And then there is Matthew Clarke, a self- made man of grit, intelligence, perseverance and passion. It's only natural that both are drawn towards each other in spite of their unpleasant first meeting. The fact that they have an explosive chemistry doesn't hurt their chances either.
I absolutely loved to read their journey towards fulfilling their love and couldn't get more of it. And I definitely can't wait to see what Sophie Barnes comes up with for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And then there is Matthew Clarke, a self- made man of grit, intelligence, perseverance and passion. It's only natural that both are drawn towards each other in spite of their unpleasant first meeting. The fact that they have an explosive chemistry doesn't hurt their chances either.
I absolutely loved to read their journey towards fulfilling their love and couldn't get more of it. And I definitely can't wait to see what Sophie Barnes comes up with for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2023
I really enjoy Sophie Barnes books so I was excited to read this one. This one is pretty short and can be finished within a couple of hours. Rosamund Parker has recently lost her father and has inherited a small sum of money that she wants to invest in a locomotive company. She goes to meet Matthew Clarke the owner who instantly turns down her offer due to a deep hatred for her father due to past events.
Unfortunately they soon find themselves both on the same week long retreat to country in the company of likeminded engine enthusiasts and investors. Despite all the fighting they have an enemies to lover attraction.
I did enjoy this story but I didn't really understand the attraction between them mainly because its a short book so not much time to develop the chemistry. If you enjoy a enemies to lovers regency romance you will enjoy this one.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Sophie Barnes for sending me this complimentary eARC copy.
Unfortunately they soon find themselves both on the same week long retreat to country in the company of likeminded engine enthusiasts and investors. Despite all the fighting they have an enemies to lover attraction.
I did enjoy this story but I didn't really understand the attraction between them mainly because its a short book so not much time to develop the chemistry. If you enjoy a enemies to lovers regency romance you will enjoy this one.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Sophie Barnes for sending me this complimentary eARC copy.
November 16, 2022
If you're looking for a quick, no frills read this could be for you. I did read some other reviews and I really don't agree that there was anything that could trigger you from a forced or unwanted attention perspective.
Rosamund Parker recentlylost her father and is out of mourning. She is looking for opportunities to extend her inheritance while on the search for a husband. She's a unique (read highly unlikely based on the Time frame) woman whose interested in the progress of science.
Matthew Clarke has overcome extreme odds to make his way in the world. Now he's poised to change the locomotive industry with his newest invention. Yet when faced with the possibly of a new investor he turns them down due to events from the past.
This is a story of choices and dealing with the past so it cannot damage a potentially happy future.
Rosamund Parker recentlylost her father and is out of mourning. She is looking for opportunities to extend her inheritance while on the search for a husband. She's a unique (read highly unlikely based on the Time frame) woman whose interested in the progress of science.
Matthew Clarke has overcome extreme odds to make his way in the world. Now he's poised to change the locomotive industry with his newest invention. Yet when faced with the possibly of a new investor he turns them down due to events from the past.
This is a story of choices and dealing with the past so it cannot damage a potentially happy future.
December 3, 2022
Another classic enemy to lover story. Although only Matthew is the one who sees Lady Rosamund Parker as a enemy. He holds a grudge against her deceased father and now the whole family is included for wrongs the man had done to his mother and him.
Rosamund idolized her father and can’t see how he could have wronged Matthew. The setting is during the modern Victorian times, the boom of the railway in the future and both have the same interest which brings they together. Also the attraction builds between the two, but Matthew needs to learn not to pass on one man wrongs to a innocent.
A fast paced story that easily can be read in a day. As always the writer doesn’t disappoint. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #MrClarkesDeepestDesire
Rosamund idolized her father and can’t see how he could have wronged Matthew. The setting is during the modern Victorian times, the boom of the railway in the future and both have the same interest which brings they together. Also the attraction builds between the two, but Matthew needs to learn not to pass on one man wrongs to a innocent.
A fast paced story that easily can be read in a day. As always the writer doesn’t disappoint. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #MrClarkesDeepestDesire
November 15, 2022
I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am usually a fan of sophie Barnes but this book was disappointing.
Rosamund's father has left no choice in his will but for her to marry as their is no fortune and her uncle is not allowed to help her. She decides to invest the little money she has.
Matthew and his mother were employed by her father until they were unceremoniously dumped into the streets.
Honestly I didn't care about either character much. Rosamund especially was dull. At least Matthew had the trauma in his past.
Some instalust, weak character development, and my hate trope of the only thing keeping them apart is changing the man thinking about the relationship.
2.5 stars
I am usually a fan of sophie Barnes but this book was disappointing.
Rosamund's father has left no choice in his will but for her to marry as their is no fortune and her uncle is not allowed to help her. She decides to invest the little money she has.
Matthew and his mother were employed by her father until they were unceremoniously dumped into the streets.
Honestly I didn't care about either character much. Rosamund especially was dull. At least Matthew had the trauma in his past.
Some instalust, weak character development, and my hate trope of the only thing keeping them apart is changing the man thinking about the relationship.
2.5 stars
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