Hell hath no fury as 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 … 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?
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A formulaic, sweet story
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.
Read in one sitting. A good way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
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.
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.
The language of flowers has been around since before the Victorians thought to write detailed books about them – and Mindy Strunk does an excellent job of weaving in what a flower can convey while telling a heart-warming, lovely romance that had me sighing out loud. The heroine in this book was something of a villainess in the first of the series, yet her story of redemption, the softening of her character, is very well done. I loved the gentleness and the honor of the hero, too! You’ll love this book if you love Sweet Regency.
This was nice redemption story. Usually it’s the H that needs redemption and we have to peel back the layers to see the good. I think the author did well to show the sides of the h & her character and motivations. The road to romance for the couple and growth of each was done well and believable. It held my interest from page 1 to the final page. The story had a nice flow, good dialogue, characters and satisfying end. I’m glad the sister got her own story.
Rose Allen was pretty horrible in the first book An American In Duke’s Clothing when her sister and the Duke fell in love. I liked the struggle in this book of watching her try to grow to be a better person. She was the one having a hard time forgiving herself, and because of that she doubted everyone.
There were some really sweet little moments between Rose and Oliver, and the meaning of the flowers Oliver gave her was interesting.
I suggest reading An American In Duke’s Clothing first. Not only is it one of my favorite books, but you will get Rose’s full backstory and be better able to appreciate her growth.
When life hands you lemons, don’t become sour yourself!
Feeling resentful of her sister’s happiness prevents Rose from appreciating the joys life does move her way—a man willing to marry her and who does his best to show love and consideration for her despite her negative reactions. What a pleasant change when Rose is finally able to put aside her selfish feelings and appreciate the gift of love her husband holds out to her! Although it was tempting to put aside this book, initially, as Rose was not a heroine for whom I felt compassion, I am glad that I kept reading, as this story presents a good lesson for all to learn.
Storyline = 5
Character development = 5
Hero = 5+
Heroine = 4 initially, but she improves!
Love interest – 5
Quality of writing = 5
Over all rating – 4.5, rounded up to 5
I loved this book! Wonderful, deep characters, a sweet and lovely clean love story, a wonderful ending, forgiveness, change for the better. Just all around beautiful!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
When I pick up a book by Mindy Burbidge Strunk I expect well developed characters and romance with a bit of challenge. My expectations were met in this book. Rose has totally lost all sense of behavior for a young lady, much less a sister. Oliver has a good heart, but is clueless when it comes to Rose. I think I need to learn more about the language of flowers. I enjoyed this story.
I love that despite her often surly behavior, her kindness and compassion can still, occasionally, be seen… and that her husband witnesses those moments.
I love that he falls in love with her while she seems unlovable to most.
I hate that she feels she doesn’t deserve his love and so easily believes it’s an act.