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Unlikely Match #2
The Baron's Rose
Hell, hath no fury like a woman scorned. Good thing he likes a challenge.
Rose Allen was supposed to be duchess when next she came to London. Instead, she was thrown over in favor of her sister. Now, no respectable gentleman, let alone a man of title, will have anything to do with her—except a fortune hunter desperate for her large dowry.
Not only had Lord Oliver Brandon just lost his father, but he had discovered the family coffers are empty. If he is to save his family from total ruin, he needs to find a solution and fast. When approached with an offer for a marriage that includes a handsome dowry, he doesn't know whether to thank his good fortune or curse his bad luck—because the match also comes with a discontented wife.
In choosing a marriage of convenience, Rose and Oliver may forfeit their pride, but what of their hearts?
Rose Allen was supposed to be duchess when next she came to London. Instead, she was thrown over in favor of her sister. Now, no respectable gentleman, let alone a man of title, will have anything to do with her—except a fortune hunter desperate for her large dowry.
Not only had Lord Oliver Brandon just lost his father, but he had discovered the family coffers are empty. If he is to save his family from total ruin, he needs to find a solution and fast. When approached with an offer for a marriage that includes a handsome dowry, he doesn't know whether to thank his good fortune or curse his bad luck—because the match also comes with a discontented wife.
In choosing a marriage of convenience, Rose and Oliver may forfeit their pride, but what of their hearts?
Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 19, 2020
It was really sweet of Oliver to give a different flower to his wife daily – each meaning a different thing. Rose was a difficult character to understand in the beginning. But the story made it clear on how she had become this way. And over the story, she also changed which was very beautiful to see.
Overall, it was great fun reading on how Oliver and Rose finally get together in the real sense of the word. Enjoyable romance.
Overall, it was great fun reading on how Oliver and Rose finally get together in the real sense of the word. Enjoyable romance.
December 9, 2019
I decided to give Strunk another try. This is the type of book I love so I figured I would like the story line. I just can't seem to connect to Stunks way of writing her characters and sadley this was no different. They just seem flat. The story is good. The whole Flower idea was cute. I didn't know every single flower had a meaning. I thought it was so out of character for the Baron to make a wager like that. It just seemed odd. There were also a lot of typo's in this, they are small things but it gets old when they are on every 3 or 4 page.
So I guess Strunk is not for me. This is squeaky clean. There is a couple of kisses but no eluding to the bedroom at all, not even any scene where he see's her hair down or she is in her nightdress. It was almost like they didn't live in the same house. Just no tension between the love interest.
So I guess Strunk is not for me. This is squeaky clean. There is a couple of kisses but no eluding to the bedroom at all, not even any scene where he see's her hair down or she is in her nightdress. It was almost like they didn't live in the same house. Just no tension between the love interest.
October 9, 2019
3 1/2 Stars! Enjoyable book overall, but it took me a bit to warm up to Rose’s character. She ended up winning me by the end. I thought Oliver was really sweet.
July 21, 2020
A sweet story of second-chances!
I hadn't read the first novel in the series, so Rose was a brand new character, but I still enjoyed the novel nonetheless.
It was lovely to see Oliver thaw Rose's hurt heart and I was rooting for them to find love!
I did think that the characters could've communicated a bit more to save some unnecessary problems, but I suppose that's just progressing the novel!
I couldn't quite get into the novel, and the dialogue sometimes felt a bit forced, but there were enough good moments to make it worthwhile.
Overall, not my favourite novel, but worth reading if you like stories of redemption.
I hadn't read the first novel in the series, so Rose was a brand new character, but I still enjoyed the novel nonetheless.
It was lovely to see Oliver thaw Rose's hurt heart and I was rooting for them to find love!
I did think that the characters could've communicated a bit more to save some unnecessary problems, but I suppose that's just progressing the novel!
I couldn't quite get into the novel, and the dialogue sometimes felt a bit forced, but there were enough good moments to make it worthwhile.
Overall, not my favourite novel, but worth reading if you like stories of redemption.
January 14, 2024
At the beginning of the book, Rose was not a character I wanted to get to know. She was the evil sister in the previous book and did not have many good qualities. Luckily, throughout the book, Rose starts to become more kind and more human. I admired her new husband, who reluctantly married a seemingly unsalvageable woman, but did so because he needed the money.
It was fun to see how they both grew and matured and changed their personalities for each other. In the end, all worked out as it should. Clean, no swearing. Recommend.
It was fun to see how they both grew and matured and changed their personalities for each other. In the end, all worked out as it should. Clean, no swearing. Recommend.
May 29, 2024
Such a cute read that I devoured while we were all home sick for the day. Just what I needed to cheer myself up!
April 20, 2020
After reading the first in the series I had to buy this one to find out what Rose's story would be. She was so awful in the first one that I wasn't convinced I could ever find her likable. I was really hoping this one would not be just that she was misunderstood and not that terrible. I was not disappointed. Instead of just glossing over her evils Rose redeemed herself. She underwent a great transformation that did make me like her by the end and I was rooting for Oliver and Rose to gain their love match.
Oliver was super sweet and I loved that he used the language of flowers to express what he felt like he couldn't say with words. It is unfortunate that she had no clue that flowers had a meaning beyond being pretty to look at and smelling nice. Ha.
No sex, language or violence
Oliver was super sweet and I loved that he used the language of flowers to express what he felt like he couldn't say with words. It is unfortunate that she had no clue that flowers had a meaning beyond being pretty to look at and smelling nice. Ha.
No sex, language or violence
April 25, 2020
Favorite of the series
I really loved this book! I loved seeing the change in Rose. I loved seeing how she and Oliver came together. The first book was OK and I just couldn’t engage in the last one. However I have read this one multiple times.
I really loved this book! I loved seeing the change in Rose. I loved seeing how she and Oliver came together. The first book was OK and I just couldn’t engage in the last one. However I have read this one multiple times.
September 12, 2022
a Rose with thornes
After her intended marries her sister, Rose faces the judgement of Society. Lost and unwanted, she struggles to come to terms with her situation and her own misdeeds involving the newlywed couple. As the talk of the Ton, she has little hope of a successful season.
Struggling to deal with the financial burdens left by his late father, Oliver is shocked when the new duke offers to double his sister in law’s dowry if Oliver will agree to marry her. With little hope of escaping his father’s debts, Oliver agrees. But his new wife is hardly a ray of sunshine, and it seems their marriage has its own troubles.
Duty bound to defend Rose’s honor, Oliver places a bet that he can not only woo his wife by the end of the Season, but that the two of them will be happily in love. Though his heart is warming to his wife, Oliver is uncertain his subtly messages of love through daily bouquets are understood, and time is running out on his wager. But it is Rose’s affection her desperately desires to win.
A sweet story. Oliver is SO charming and lovable. That he takes the time to send Rose messages through flowers everyday, even though she doesn’t understand them, is beyond adorable. Rose was much more difficult to like, and I spent a great deal of the book feeling bad for Oliver. In the end, Rose comes around, and I loved that she experienced that growth, but it did take a long time for me to warm up to her. Still a great read, and I plan to read the rest of the series.
After her intended marries her sister, Rose faces the judgement of Society. Lost and unwanted, she struggles to come to terms with her situation and her own misdeeds involving the newlywed couple. As the talk of the Ton, she has little hope of a successful season.
Struggling to deal with the financial burdens left by his late father, Oliver is shocked when the new duke offers to double his sister in law’s dowry if Oliver will agree to marry her. With little hope of escaping his father’s debts, Oliver agrees. But his new wife is hardly a ray of sunshine, and it seems their marriage has its own troubles.
Duty bound to defend Rose’s honor, Oliver places a bet that he can not only woo his wife by the end of the Season, but that the two of them will be happily in love. Though his heart is warming to his wife, Oliver is uncertain his subtly messages of love through daily bouquets are understood, and time is running out on his wager. But it is Rose’s affection her desperately desires to win.
A sweet story. Oliver is SO charming and lovable. That he takes the time to send Rose messages through flowers everyday, even though she doesn’t understand them, is beyond adorable. Rose was much more difficult to like, and I spent a great deal of the book feeling bad for Oliver. In the end, Rose comes around, and I loved that she experienced that growth, but it did take a long time for me to warm up to her. Still a great read, and I plan to read the rest of the series.
July 18, 2020
Very romantic! (Sigh!)
Nobody believed that Rose was worth it. Oliver discovered she was worth it after they were married. But Rose needed to realize it herself and she needed her husband to tell her. Rose did not realize he was telling her every day through the flowers he gave her. Each flower tells a story about a person’s feelings. I was thrilled with this story. It was very romantic. I kept recalling a film I saw a long time ago called The Eight Cow Wife. In the tribe the man and woman lived in it was tradition that a prospective groom would barter with her father for the woman by paying her father with cows. The average price was about two to three cows. The father was determined he would not settle for less than three even though his daughter was less than average in looks and personality. Well it turns out the groom insisted he pay her father eight cows which shocked the tribe members. After they had been married for awhile she finally made her first appearance and threw the tribe into shock again for she had been turned into a beautiful woman. It was then that her father actually felt cheated. I realize this review is getting a little long but I hope you realize my point that a woman who is truly treasured by her husband becomes a true treasure indeed. I hope you single men out there are willing to show how much you care about your wife by treating her as if she were truly valuable. Then you may get something of great worth in a wife or partner.
Nobody believed that Rose was worth it. Oliver discovered she was worth it after they were married. But Rose needed to realize it herself and she needed her husband to tell her. Rose did not realize he was telling her every day through the flowers he gave her. Each flower tells a story about a person’s feelings. I was thrilled with this story. It was very romantic. I kept recalling a film I saw a long time ago called The Eight Cow Wife. In the tribe the man and woman lived in it was tradition that a prospective groom would barter with her father for the woman by paying her father with cows. The average price was about two to three cows. The father was determined he would not settle for less than three even though his daughter was less than average in looks and personality. Well it turns out the groom insisted he pay her father eight cows which shocked the tribe members. After they had been married for awhile she finally made her first appearance and threw the tribe into shock again for she had been turned into a beautiful woman. It was then that her father actually felt cheated. I realize this review is getting a little long but I hope you realize my point that a woman who is truly treasured by her husband becomes a true treasure indeed. I hope you single men out there are willing to show how much you care about your wife by treating her as if she were truly valuable. Then you may get something of great worth in a wife or partner.
July 20, 2020
Because kindness matters.
Is Miss Rose Allen a true villain, or has she simply lost her way and needs some love an patience to find her true self again? Will she be willing to accept the only offer she will likely ever get, or will she rue the day she met Lord Munsford.
Is Oliver Brandon, the Baron Munsford a fortune hunter, or is he the victim of his father's recklessness? If he's willing to marry for money rather than love, will he be willing to be kind and patient, or will he rue the day the met Miss Rose Allen?
There is a moral thread that runs consistently through The Baron's Rose by Mindy Burbidge Strunk; our actions matter and each action has a consequence. Rose has made some horrific choices and her behavior to date has put her in a dark place, which makes her a pretty unlikable heroine. Oliver did not make the choice to squander the family fortune, but the consequence is his to bear and repair. At the beginning, he too is not a very likable hero. In fact, I almost put this book down for another time. I'm glad I stuck with it because it turned into a well written and thought provoking lesson with a sweet and happy ending.
Content 411: This book is a squeaky clean Regency romance that is suitable for any age reader.
Is Miss Rose Allen a true villain, or has she simply lost her way and needs some love an patience to find her true self again? Will she be willing to accept the only offer she will likely ever get, or will she rue the day she met Lord Munsford.
Is Oliver Brandon, the Baron Munsford a fortune hunter, or is he the victim of his father's recklessness? If he's willing to marry for money rather than love, will he be willing to be kind and patient, or will he rue the day the met Miss Rose Allen?
There is a moral thread that runs consistently through The Baron's Rose by Mindy Burbidge Strunk; our actions matter and each action has a consequence. Rose has made some horrific choices and her behavior to date has put her in a dark place, which makes her a pretty unlikable heroine. Oliver did not make the choice to squander the family fortune, but the consequence is his to bear and repair. At the beginning, he too is not a very likable hero. In fact, I almost put this book down for another time. I'm glad I stuck with it because it turned into a well written and thought provoking lesson with a sweet and happy ending.
Content 411: This book is a squeaky clean Regency romance that is suitable for any age reader.
March 15, 2020
More realistic Regency
I didn’t think I would like this because I didn’t like Rose in the last book and it was hard to see any redeeming qualities in her. But the author pulled it off. Oliver is a Saint! He was a study in steadiness, patience and love.
Good development of their relationship over time. The only thing that could’ve been stronger is them getting to know each other. They did some of that, but I felt like it could’ve been stronger.
It was also nice having a character not be amazingly beautiful. That gets old in romances. This was more true to life in that as you get to know someone their looks change both for good and bad.
I didn’t think I would like this because I didn’t like Rose in the last book and it was hard to see any redeeming qualities in her. But the author pulled it off. Oliver is a Saint! He was a study in steadiness, patience and love.
Good development of their relationship over time. The only thing that could’ve been stronger is them getting to know each other. They did some of that, but I felt like it could’ve been stronger.
It was also nice having a character not be amazingly beautiful. That gets old in romances. This was more true to life in that as you get to know someone their looks change both for good and bad.
June 15, 2021
From Villain to Angel!
After reading An American in Dukes clothing, I was so mad at Rose that I didn’t want to read her story. I couldn’t imagine her in any light other than wicked jealousy. After thinking for awhile my curiosity took over and I started reading The Baron’s Rose. This author did a realistic job of changing Rose’s heart, it was long and difficult and full of pain to all around her, but it was possible. The way Oliver kept trying was hard to believe, but became more realistic as his true character was revealed. He is a compassionate man and that love he gave saved Rose from her self. A beautiful story of becoming better than what we currently are. Loved it!
After reading An American in Dukes clothing, I was so mad at Rose that I didn’t want to read her story. I couldn’t imagine her in any light other than wicked jealousy. After thinking for awhile my curiosity took over and I started reading The Baron’s Rose. This author did a realistic job of changing Rose’s heart, it was long and difficult and full of pain to all around her, but it was possible. The way Oliver kept trying was hard to believe, but became more realistic as his true character was revealed. He is a compassionate man and that love he gave saved Rose from her self. A beautiful story of becoming better than what we currently are. Loved it!
September 19, 2020
A romance told in the love language of flowers
The Baron's Rose is a courtship conducted almost entirely by bouquets. The Baron knows the symbolism of each flower that he sends to Rose, while the reader and the heroine do not always know.
There are many tender moments when the meanings of the flowers help propel the story forward and prompt the characters to take action. The unfolding of love and forgiveness are beautiful to watch as the different relationships and friendships blossom.
A quick, fun, satisfying read.
The Baron's Rose is a courtship conducted almost entirely by bouquets. The Baron knows the symbolism of each flower that he sends to Rose, while the reader and the heroine do not always know.
There are many tender moments when the meanings of the flowers help propel the story forward and prompt the characters to take action. The unfolding of love and forgiveness are beautiful to watch as the different relationships and friendships blossom.
A quick, fun, satisfying read.
May 7, 2020
This was a cute story! I like the redemption of Rose, and Oliver was so sweet with all of his flowers. The biggest critique I have is that the timeline sometimes got confusing. Sometimes the events of the day wouldn't match up with the flowers of the day, like the author didn't keep close tabs on her days. There were also a few grammatical errors and typos; not too many to detract from the story, but enough to lessen the professionalism of the book.
July 13, 2020
Clean cute romance
Watching Rose and Oliver rise above difficult situations in which they were placed was worth the read. Oliver faced with crushing debt left by his father needs a wealthy wife. Rose faced with scandal not of her making ( totally) needs a husband.
While they work through the anger, frustration and rumors... they both seek love and forgiveness.
This sequel is a stand alone but so much richer when read after “An American in Duke’s Clothing “
Watching Rose and Oliver rise above difficult situations in which they were placed was worth the read. Oliver faced with crushing debt left by his father needs a wealthy wife. Rose faced with scandal not of her making ( totally) needs a husband.
While they work through the anger, frustration and rumors... they both seek love and forgiveness.
This sequel is a stand alone but so much richer when read after “An American in Duke’s Clothing “
July 18, 2020
Loved
Rose who has been part of gossip when her intended married her sister instead. While filled with hate for the two her brother in law makes marriage offer for her to Oliver a baron . While not happy with this arrangement she go thru with it and slowly the nice melts around her heart. Sweet and second chance at love and life at its best. I look forward to try other book by this author
Rose who has been part of gossip when her intended married her sister instead. While filled with hate for the two her brother in law makes marriage offer for her to Oliver a baron . While not happy with this arrangement she go thru with it and slowly the nice melts around her heart. Sweet and second chance at love and life at its best. I look forward to try other book by this author
September 9, 2020
Mutual Help Romance
A bitter, scorned woman-Rose, and a penniless young man-Oliver, find each other in mutual need of each other’s help. But well meaning family and a well intentioned but poorly made bet, plus a less than kind society work to keep them apart. Rose is not an easy character to like or sympathize with but poor Oliver does not give up. That is why this story is not as enjoyable as it could be. Think “Taming of the Shew.”
A bitter, scorned woman-Rose, and a penniless young man-Oliver, find each other in mutual need of each other’s help. But well meaning family and a well intentioned but poorly made bet, plus a less than kind society work to keep them apart. Rose is not an easy character to like or sympathize with but poor Oliver does not give up. That is why this story is not as enjoyable as it could be. Think “Taming of the Shew.”
September 17, 2020
I have such a love of Regency but I also find myself kind of picky about it. I enjoyed this one, but I’m not head over heels. I loved the change in Rose. Oliver was a gentleman through and through. It is very character driven, as most regency novels are, however really pretty much nothing else happens, besides the relationship. I definitely liked it, but I definitely also thought it could be better. I feel there was more story to tell.
December 21, 2020
A little predictable, but overall a fun read with a message of redemption and forgiveness. Reminds me that people aren't as black as they sometimes appear and are worth a second chance. Rose was an awful villain in "An American in Duke's Clothing" (like Snidley Whiplash in the Duddley Do-Right cartoons), but her intentions and mistakes and remorse are revealed here when someone takes a chance on her.
July 23, 2020
The Baron’s Rose
This was another great story about a historical romance. Poor Rose was so angry. Her sister , Violet, stole the Duke she wanted. Rose could not believe her sister could such a thing. Rose was bitter and went to extreme means to stop the wedding from happening. You will need to read this great story about love, finding forgiveness, and a happy ever after.
This was another great story about a historical romance. Poor Rose was so angry. Her sister , Violet, stole the Duke she wanted. Rose could not believe her sister could such a thing. Rose was bitter and went to extreme means to stop the wedding from happening. You will need to read this great story about love, finding forgiveness, and a happy ever after.
January 9, 2021
Realistic characters, a simple but sweet tale
A sweet and fun romance. Rose's social standing has been destroyed and she is in a foul mood over it. Her brother-in-law unexpectedly marries her to Oliver, a man she barely knows. Thus starts a most unlikely relationship, growing step by careful step in fits and starts. The happy ending is most satisfying.
A sweet and fun romance. Rose's social standing has been destroyed and she is in a foul mood over it. Her brother-in-law unexpectedly marries her to Oliver, a man she barely knows. Thus starts a most unlikely relationship, growing step by careful step in fits and starts. The happy ending is most satisfying.
September 13, 2021
A time to change
Change can be difficult when you have to forgive and be forgiven to let things go. Add some heavy debt in the mix and it may be difficult to know what you are being loved for. Enjoyed the book but would have liked an epilogue. The only way I knew the book ended was the following page said “chapter 1”
Change can be difficult when you have to forgive and be forgiven to let things go. Add some heavy debt in the mix and it may be difficult to know what you are being loved for. Enjoyed the book but would have liked an epilogue. The only way I knew the book ended was the following page said “chapter 1”
February 9, 2020
Oh I was so not liking Rose, and had a hard time thinking I could change my thoughts towards her! But the author did a great job with her transformation and wow, was Oliver a saint! Clean, fun, and good writing that kept me interested...
February 22, 2020
Loved it!
This was a nice addition to the first one in this series. I loved the theme of change. Anyone can become a changed person, no matter who they were. I really enjoyed this story and the characters in it. Best of all, this was a clean read.
This was a nice addition to the first one in this series. I loved the theme of change. Anyone can become a changed person, no matter who they were. I really enjoyed this story and the characters in it. Best of all, this was a clean read.
June 11, 2020
I loved watching these characters fall in love. Oof. Regency men and their betting. My guy clenches every time! I loved the floral symbolism and it’s prominence in the story. I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I highly suggest you start there before reading this one.
July 18, 2020
The Regency at its best and worst
I could not put this novel down. I read hrs a day, and would go to sleep after reading a couple of more hours. Excellent descriptions of feelings, flowers and forgiveness. Even better was true love
I could not put this novel down. I read hrs a day, and would go to sleep after reading a couple of more hours. Excellent descriptions of feelings, flowers and forgiveness. Even better was true love
July 18, 2020
Easy read
This story revolves around mistakes people make and being able to forgive others yourself and others when you realize the need. Particularly is this important with those you love.
This story revolves around mistakes people make and being able to forgive others yourself and others when you realize the need. Particularly is this important with those you love.
July 21, 2020
When life gives you lemons....
Poor Rose, I can understand her better than many characters I've read. Life can seem so unfair and it's easy to lose perspective. Very entertaining book.
Poor Rose, I can understand her better than many characters I've read. Life can seem so unfair and it's easy to lose perspective. Very entertaining book.
July 21, 2020
Excellent!
The author cleverly developed Rose's character to the point that the reader was unhappy with her and then again changed to liking her and understanding her issues. This is a wonderful read.
The author cleverly developed Rose's character to the point that the reader was unhappy with her and then again changed to liking her and understanding her issues. This is a wonderful read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews