All she wanted was a kiss… discover her in his embrace. Naturally, marriage is instantly mentioned, but since Emily knows this is not what Griffin wants, she tries to escape him, her family and the ensuing scandal.
When Emily flees the Camberly ball in the wake of their kiss, Griffin goes in pursuit. He will not allow his sister-in-law’s determined friend to risk her safety for any reason. And risk it she will if she means to return to her countryside home by herself. But the longer he remains in her company, the more he is tempted to kiss her again. If only he could risk falling in love and remain in England forever.
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Than a Rogue by Sophie Barnes is book Two in The Crawfords Series. This is the story of Griffin Crawford and Emily Howard. Griffin and Emily did appear in the first book, which I have read (and Loved!), but feel you could make this a standalone if you wish to do so.
Emily is 26 years old who doesn’t think anyone would want her. Emily has settled in to the life of a spinster. But she is tempted to experience a kiss which she does with Griffin but they were caught. Emily knows that Griffin wouldn’t want to be forced into a marriage and goes running from the ball to make it back to the country.
Griffin wants to make sure that Emily is okay but the more time they are together the more he feels more for her.
Loved their story! I am such a fan of Ms. Barnes’s writing…I always know I will be getting a great story.
Miss Emily Howard has been pursuaded back into society by her friends and family, but knows at twenty-six she is past marrying age. She has never even been kissed. Unfortunately it doesn’t take long before she is running back to the house in the country.
Lord Griffin Crawford has come home from Vienna to see his family. He must return there for his clock making business. His gentleman’s conscience demands certain actions be taken first, if he can persuade the lady.
Our heroine has been quite satisfied with the changes she made to her life, and sees absolutely no reason to change it.
A sweet historical romance with lovely characters. Family plays a big part in thier lives. Anticipation makes it very romantic.
Good fun.
** 4.5 stars rounded up **
We met Emily Howard and Griffin Crawford in the first book of the series, No Ordinary Duke. They were attracted to each other from their first meeting, but each knew nothing could ever come of it. Griffin would soon be leaving England to return to Austria and his clockmaking business while Emily knew she’d never marry because – well – who would want her. This is book two of the series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. However, I would recommend reading the first book of the series first simply because it is a marvelous book and the author does a wonderful job of setting up the series and introducing the characters.
In the first book, we learned that there was a total of four sons in the Crawford family along with a cruel, hateful, spiteful father and an ineffectual mother. There was George, the heir and then the triplets Caleb, Griffin, and Devlin. George was always treated well, spent time with their father, etc., but the other three were expected to do their father’s bidding – no matter what. When Caleb rebelled and ran away rather than bend to his father’s will, Griffin and Devlin soon did the same. That was ten years ago and now they have all returned to England because both George and their father died and Caleb is now the Duke of Camberly. The once close brothers have grown apart and both Griffin and Devlin will leave England again – well – actually – Devlin has already left and Griffin will be on his way in a few days. That is – he was – until the ball at Camberly House.
In the six years she’d spent living in the country with her friends Lady Cassandra and Mary, Emily hadn’t ever believed she’d return to society – and had no desire to do so. However, since Mary had married Caleb Crawford, Emily had to be supportive and that meant being in London to attend Mary’s first ball at Camberly House. Emily knew she’d never marry, but, just once, she’d like to experience a kiss – nothing more – just one kiss. She had decided that Mr. Bale would do nicely for that kiss – so she agreed to a refreshing walk outdoors with him.
Griffin saw Emily step out of the ballroom with Mr. Bale and hurried after them. When he found them and it appeared that Mr. Bale was preparing to kiss Emily, he stepped forward and summarily sent Mr. Bale back inside. Griffin hadn’t expected to have to face Emily’s wrath, but that is what he got. As they talked on the way back in, Griffin couldn’t help but give in and give Emily that first kiss she wanted so badly. It was a chaste kiss, not the kind he wanted to give her, but it was a kiss nonetheless. Only, it was interrupted by her mother, her sister, and her aunt – all of whom insisted that they must now marry.
While Griffin was willing to acquiesce to their demand, Emily was not. She told them that there was no way she’d ruin Griffin’s life by tying him to a bride he didn’t want and she promptly headed out of the ball. When Griffin determined that she was headed back to Clearview, the home she’d shared with the other women for the last six years, he headed out after her.
What a wonderfully seductive dance they did around each other. Neither wanting to be attracted to the other, but powerless to fight it. Throw in a total lack of communication on the important issues, a meddling mother, additional suitors, and past secrets and you have a volatile mix. Their path to their HEA is definitely not smooth nor easy but well won.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly, but it did seem to be a bit unevenly paced in places. I was also not nearly as invested in Emily and Griffin as I had been in Mary and Caleb – but I still loved them.
The epilogue in this book is absolutely to die for. It will absolutely make your heart soar. The epilogue takes place forty-five years in the future and shows Emily and Griffin getting ready to go to Austria for the birth of a grandchild. What a lovely, lovely scene and it shows how their love has grown and endured.
I definitely recommend this lovely read and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What’s a girl to do when she’s 26 years old and has never been kissed? Why, have the very handsome Griffin Crawford do the honors, of course! I found this to be a very sweet story and although I do think it could have been much shorter due to the fact that the story just keeps going around in circles with Emily and Griffin not being totally honest with each other, it’s still a very good book! Once they tell each other their true feelings, you can really feel the love between them and although both had been hurt in the past, they are able to overcome it.
I loved the epilogue, not often you find out what they’re up to 45 years later!
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Very nice and sweet story. I like the back and forth with Griffin and Emily and how Griffin was “not jealous” but was jealous. I really like Ms. Barnes’ writing. It flows nicely and kept me engaged. If you are looking for a sweet (and clean, in case you are wondering) story, then give this book a try.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Since the ending of her understanding with an earl and the subsequent ruination of her reputation, Emily Howard has accepted the fact that she will be a spinster. Still, she is curious and wants to at least know what kissing is like. However, she never expected to receive one from the man of her dreams, her best friend’s brother-in-law, Lord Griffin Crawford. Or for her mother, sister and aunt to catch them and demand marriage. Griffin doesn’t want marriage and Emily knows it so she flees for the country to escape him and a scandal that could ruin her younger sister’s chances at a good match.
Griffin immediately goes after the fleeing Emily to ensure her safety. He’s needed back in Austria to run the clock-making business he started, but the more time he spends with Emily, the more he finds himself considering a change of every plan he’s ever had for his life. For her part, Emily is half in love with Griffin already, but she refuses to subject herself to a marriage with someone who doesn’t love her back, no matter how attracted she is to him. Griffin must sort out his feelings and convince Emily of his sincerity or go back to Austria nursing a broken heart.
These two danced around each other for quite awhile. Emily had next to no self-esteem which led to lots of setbacks for herself and Griffin, but luckily she had good friends to finally talk some sense into her in the end and convince her to stop running away from her feelings out of fear. Griffin also had his own insecurities and trust issues that became yet another threat to their relationship.
The pacing was a bit slow to really hold my attention. The writing was excellent, but I just wanted out main character’s to get on with it already, especially since after all the build up, there was no real steam between them until the very end and much of it was glossed over. However, the character development and dialogues here were tremendously well done and earned this read and extra star from me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My bad, I had the previous book lined on my kindle shelves as I preordered it because of the blurb but then it was forgotten, probably due to a big release day for many publishers but a bad one for readers as they have to deal with too many new books with which to choose to read first.
And I preordered this one too but luckily I was graced an advance copy by Netgalley and the publisher BookBuz.net why this time I didn’t passed up reading this new release.
My conclusion is it was worth the read.
This was a witty and sweet read, full of quips and funny banters until it took a more thoughtful turn. At first, it was more a battle of wills and who will have the upper hand than a real courting, then they reached a truce to be straight forward when together. So in close contact, they came to see the other from a different view. At time I was upset by Emily’s stubbornness but when I look back, even if they have an instant chemistry, it is no excuse to jump to conclusion they can get more. Never Griffin disclaimed he won’t go back to Vienna nor he expressed his feelings as himself came to realize them only later.
Both make assumptions for the other because despite being honest, they can’t openly express what they feel or expect.
It was their biggest challenge, having faith and trust another. Their past shaped their present behavior, why they appeared at first to be so reluctant to let their initial preconceptions go. Then when faced with their past crushing their burgeoning romance, they must straighten their emotions and take action.
Emily is a great character, she is no badass heroine, she learned to be independent and each step was a small victory, why I do understood her steel decision to never give up her hard won freedom for nothing less than love.
« He’d offered to marry her for heaven’s sake, and she, fool that she was, had demanded more. Because loving him when he did not love her in return would be devastating. It would wear on her heart and destroy her soul. »
Griffin is very much a gentleman, he sure caused Emily pains but he was never voluntarily, more a miscommunication problem. And he always respected who she was and whom she has become.
« Whatever happened would be up to Miss Howard. All her life she’d been steered in one direction and told what to do. If there was one thing he could give her that he believed would mean more to her than anything else, it was being given the chance to choose. »
The ending was just perfect, a leap forward in the future with a glimpse of how they faired over time.
All Emily the oldest daughter Destined to be a spinster ever wanted was to be kissed. She had even picked out a harmless man at a ball to do the deed having no idea that another had his eye on her and would turn her world upside down.
Miss Emily Howard has given up on being anything but a spinster. She can’t help though, wanting more, even just a kiss. When she gets a chance, she gets her first kiss by Griffin Crawford, and oh what a kiss. There was a lot of passion. Unfortunately, there were seen meaning a wedding needed to happen or there were be a scandal and her reputation would be in tatters. In deference to his feelings she flees. Now what?
This is a historical romance filled with passion, sacrifice and surprises. There are good characters with interesting personalities that help you become interested in the story. The storyline is romantic as he purses her and includes surprises, twists and turns. The finish and epilogue are amazing and uplift the reader. There is emotional drama as the characters overcome their internal battles, past histories and the other barriers placed before them. This is the second in a series and can be read alone. I can not wait to read the other stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
More Than A Rogue by Sophie Barnes is a lovely romance that brings together two people who must get past previous heartache and trust issues to reach their HEA.
Lord Griffin Crawford had been fooled by love when a woman who told him she was a widow was actually married. When she accused Griffin of seduction, a duel was fought that resulted in a scar on Griffin’s cheek that was a constant reminder. He left London for Vienna where he is a well-known watchmaker.
Emily Howard, the 26-year-old daughter of a tradesman with a large dowry, had also been fooled by love. She was expecting a proposal after being courted by Lord Langdon, but he got engaged to someone else. Emily is now “on the shelf” after the scandal made her leave London. She lives in the country and assists her friends running an orphanage.
Emily may be a spinster, but that doesn’t preclude her from wanting to experience passion. Griffin obliges but doesn’t expect the intensity of the attraction or that they would be discovered in a compromising position. Not wanting to be forced into marriage, Emily runs back to the country with Griffin determined to provide safe escort.
During their time alone at Clearview, Griffin comes to find Emily is “unpretentious, bold, courageously honest, principled and …wonderfully different.” He encourages her to be herself and makes her feel “beautiful and wanted,” but she is afraid to trust in his deep regard for her as his life is in Vienna.
Barnes puts Griffin and Emily through twists and turns but they finally open their hearts, take the risk, and become fools for love.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A lady who feels she is destined to be a spinster – a gentleman who is determined not to marry – you know how it will end, but – oh what fun getting there! Enjoyed this story.
2.25*
I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
This is the second book I’ve read written by Sophie Barnes and… I think her books just aren’t for me.
It took me forever to read the book and, honestly, having finished it yesterday, I barely remember anything from it.
I didn’t connect with the characters, I wasn’t a fan of either Emily or Griffin. The book just didn’t do it for me. It was all about miscommunication, and jealousy, and insecurities.
Instead of being invested in the characters, I found myself wanting to slap them.
The writing was good, the problem for me was the plot and characters.
Sadly, it didn’t do it for me.
There was never a dull moment in this story.
I loved how independent and strong willed Emily is.
Griffin is the perfect gentleman everyone needs in their lives.
Outside a little trust issues, they were easily falling in love.
Appearing in society again after six years being in the country with her friends, Emily never thought to return. But here she was now that one of those friends, Mary, was now the Duchess of Camberly at a ball.
What did she have to offer? No dowry, but her changed appearance from a podgy girl her mother dressed in terrible dresses, to a spinster with curves seemed to hold the interest of some gentlemen who seemed eager to dance with her. But she had never even been kissed!
Griffin, one of three triplets, with the oldest having inherited the Dukedom of Camerly, was there at the ball with his brothers but anxious to return to Vienna. But when he caught a glimpse of Emily going outside, on the arm of Mr. Bale, he had to follow. He had thought Emily was the most beautiful woman in the world when he had met her and Mr Bale had a gleam in his eye. Well after Mr Bale was quickly dealt with, one thing led to another and Emily found herself being kissed by Griffin. Wait, how did that happen? The man she thought was the handsomest man in the world? Unfortunately, or maybe just fortunately, they were observed by none other than Emily’s mother, aunt and sister. Her mother was estatic and announced now Emily she was estatic because “You are finally to be married!” Of course Emily did the only thing she could and ran because she knew he would not really want to be forced to marry her!
The adventue begins and I have to say this was a delightful story and I truly loved Emily and Grant! Their banter and attraction that each tries to deny is priceless. She fains the kiss did nothing for her while he had felt a definite sizzle! Well, you will just have to see how this dance turns out in their journey to love with a lot of interference and past secrets coming to light. You do not want to miss this one or the first in this wonderful series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
How can a simple kiss spark an inferno of passion? Sophie Barnes will tell you in this charming tale of a determined spinster wanting to experience her one and only kiss and the one man she never dreamed would be the one to do so. Sophie Barnes does an amazing job in portraying the angst the heroine feels and her determination to do what is right by the hero, no matter the cost to her and the hero’s conflict between doing the right thing and what he really wants.
More Than A Rogue by Sophie Barnes
Emily Howard and Griffin Crawford are the main characters. Griffin kisses Emily at the Camberly Ball she flees to the country and Griffin follows her. He pretends to be his brother so that he doesn’t destroy Emily’s reputation. Her mother arrives and tells them that they have to get married. Emily doesn’t want to and Griffin woes her. I really enjoyed this book and recommend to anyone looking for a good book to read. I received a arc in exchange for a review.
What a wonderful and delightful story. It is about a hard fought, complicated romance between Miss Emily Howard and Lord Griffin Nathaniel Finnegan Crawford. He was the second born of three identical triplets. I really liked the overall story, I just thought Emily’s constant rejection of Griffin was a little overboard. I liked the way it ended. However, I especially liked the epilogue that placed the couple decades later and how their life had turned out. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
More Than a Rogue
The Crawford’s book 2
by Sophie Barnes
Emily Howard is in her mind, spinster material, on the shelf, but wants to experience her first KISS!
A first kiss is to be experienced and savoured, and one given by Griffin Crawford who, well knows how to kiss…… it’s sooo right on so many levels. Until it’s not and she runs away because now he’s obliged to marry you! Ohhhh the scandal! How can Emily destined to be a spinster expect Griffin to throw his life away with marriage to her?
Griffin Crawford stole the first kiss from Emily and now he’s after her, well more so he can make sure she’s safe. But the more time the tiptoe around each other they realize that they have something special, if they can overcome their hurts and insecurities.
An enjoyable well paced story! I loved both lead characters loved how they got over the miscommunication and embraced the challenges of having trust and faith in each other, to completely give all of themselves to love! I especially loved the epilogue, a glimpse into forty five years into their life and future.
Well done and enjoyable, Sophie Barnes has written an emotional read that keeps you engaged till the last page.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author, all opinions are my own.
The second book in The Crawfords series a book that once I started I was not putting down. Emily Howard and Griffin Crawford’s story has twists, turns and a man who thinks others judge him by the scar on his face and can not trust that Emily loves him. A well written story that I enjoyed reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
More Than a Rogue is the second book in the Crawfords Book series but it can be read as a standalone. The book was well written and had strong developed characters. Emily is an independent, strong woman and all she wanted was to experience one kiss. While Griffin and Emily share a kiss in the garden they are caught by Emily’s aunt, sister and mother. Both families try to push them to be married but Emily has no plans to get married and Griffin has no plans to stay in England. They finally get their HEA but they have obstacles to get over first. The epilogue is such a sweet addition to the story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.