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chelseakamm's review
The great thing about romance novels is the structure of them - with a series, there's something that ties all the books together, but each can be read as a standalone. It's not super important to read in order (although my OCD means I usually do). With More Than a Rogue, that wasn't the case for me. The book opens in a ball, with several characters all talking together. I could not keep up with who was who, who was the main character, and what was important to the story versus being a reference to the previous novel. It stressed me out, y'all. This one isn't for me.
joanav's review
2.0
Review originally posted at Romancing Romances.
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.
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.
stormmanning's review
3.0
** 3.5 STARS **
ARC provided by LibraryThing Member's Giveaway for an honest review.
“When we allow ourselves to abandon the rules we’ve been taught to adhere to…we open ourselves to new experiences and a freedom that cannot exist as long as we let ourselves be restricted.” - Emily
This book has been a hard one to review. I found myself alternately captivated and frustrated throughout the majority of the story. The inconsistency between a forward thinking Emily, who was revolutionary for her time, and a deeply insecure Emily who continuously made incorrect assumptions about others made this book hard to rate. For this reason, I have decided to rate it 3.5 stars as despite my frustrations I still found myself looking forward to a HEA for Emily and Griffin.
More than a Rogue is about a spinster named Emily; an independent, opinionated and compassionate woman who is not in the business of finding a husband. Stubborn about her ability to take care of herself, after having been involved in a scandal six years’ prior with Lord Langdon, Emily is a very competent woman for her time and position in society. Her spinster lifestyle was caught up in chaos however, when she was caught kissing Lord Crawford at the first ball of the season. In an attempt to escape a forced marriage at the hands of her mother and Aunt, Emily flees to the country Clearview house. Emily’s efforts are in vain however, as Lord Griffin Crawford follows her to provide protection on their journey to Clearview. As an unlikely pair, Emily and Griffin partake in a slow-burn romance over the ensuing weeks.
“God, he wanted to kiss her right now. He wanted to taste the raindrops on her face and feel the drenched fabric of her gown bunched in his hands as he pulled her against him.” - Griffin
While I found Emily to be a surprising character, she was my least favourite in the book and that made it somewhat a tough read. Throughout the story we experience the struggle Emily has with following the rules that propriety dictates of her while suppressing her inner curiosity and desires. Barnes raises awareness of the inequalities between men’s and women’s knowledge of carnality during the time, as well as their societal acceptance to partake in it. Emily conveys her displeasure of this in the book:
“Are you really able to imagine what it is like to be six and twenty years old and not have experienced kissing? …Men are able to learn about these aspects of life without anyone caring one way or the other. Indeed, they are expected to do so and more.” - Emily
Despite my love of Emily’s independence, the issue I had with her was that at times she was hypocritical in her judgement of others despite her hearty disapproved of others forming incorrect opinions on her status as a ruined woman and spinster. This was consistently apparent in her dismissive opinions regarding Griffin’s feelings and motivations toward her throughout the story.
Griffin was my favourite character in the book as he displayed an honourable, thoughtful nature that eventually sought to gain Emily’s attentions and acceptance of his hand in marriage. While averse to the thought of marriage at the beginning of the novel, his attraction to Emily’s independence, strength and beauty was enough to change his mind on the matter. What I loved about Griffin was that he accepted and encouraged Emily to be herself and voice an opinion. This earned my respect as a reader and I found myself cheering for his success in winning her over.
A contention I have with the book, purely because of its title, is the notion of Griffin Crawford being a rogue. I just couldn’t see it. Despite what the title suggests, Griffin comes across as nothing less than an upstanding gentleman who seeks to win the hand of Emily. His admiration and respect for her independence was endearingly charming. Who could resist a man that wants a strong woman? What I could not picture however, was Griffin as a ravishing rogue. Throughout the book he firmly held the line of propriety for Emily’s sake, despite her objections at times, and for this I see him as more of a white knight seeking to save her tainted reputation. In all honesty, this was refreshing to read as too many historical romances favour portraying wicked male characters who become repetitive to read over time. I just wish that the title had been more in line with the real Griffin.
The similarities between Emily and Griffin’s circumstances (their independence and seeking to escape the confines of their families’ expectations of them) made for a believable connection between them from which love would slowly grow. The over-abundance of obstacles between these two points however, got a bit tiresome toward the end.
In spite of all this, I still found More than a Rogue to be an enjoyable read - if only occasionally frustrating.
ARC provided by LibraryThing Member's Giveaway for an honest review.
“When we allow ourselves to abandon the rules we’ve been taught to adhere to…we open ourselves to new experiences and a freedom that cannot exist as long as we let ourselves be restricted.” - Emily
This book has been a hard one to review. I found myself alternately captivated and frustrated throughout the majority of the story. The inconsistency between a forward thinking Emily, who was revolutionary for her time, and a deeply insecure Emily who continuously made incorrect assumptions about others made this book hard to rate. For this reason, I have decided to rate it 3.5 stars as despite my frustrations I still found myself looking forward to a HEA for Emily and Griffin.
More than a Rogue is about a spinster named Emily; an independent, opinionated and compassionate woman who is not in the business of finding a husband. Stubborn about her ability to take care of herself, after having been involved in a scandal six years’ prior with Lord Langdon, Emily is a very competent woman for her time and position in society. Her spinster lifestyle was caught up in chaos however, when she was caught kissing Lord Crawford at the first ball of the season. In an attempt to escape a forced marriage at the hands of her mother and Aunt, Emily flees to the country Clearview house. Emily’s efforts are in vain however, as Lord Griffin Crawford follows her to provide protection on their journey to Clearview. As an unlikely pair, Emily and Griffin partake in a slow-burn romance over the ensuing weeks.
“God, he wanted to kiss her right now. He wanted to taste the raindrops on her face and feel the drenched fabric of her gown bunched in his hands as he pulled her against him.” - Griffin
While I found Emily to be a surprising character, she was my least favourite in the book and that made it somewhat a tough read. Throughout the story we experience the struggle Emily has with following the rules that propriety dictates of her while suppressing her inner curiosity and desires. Barnes raises awareness of the inequalities between men’s and women’s knowledge of carnality during the time, as well as their societal acceptance to partake in it. Emily conveys her displeasure of this in the book:
“Are you really able to imagine what it is like to be six and twenty years old and not have experienced kissing? …Men are able to learn about these aspects of life without anyone caring one way or the other. Indeed, they are expected to do so and more.” - Emily
Despite my love of Emily’s independence, the issue I had with her was that at times she was hypocritical in her judgement of others despite her hearty disapproved of others forming incorrect opinions on her status as a ruined woman and spinster. This was consistently apparent in her dismissive opinions regarding Griffin’s feelings and motivations toward her throughout the story.
Griffin was my favourite character in the book as he displayed an honourable, thoughtful nature that eventually sought to gain Emily’s attentions and acceptance of his hand in marriage. While averse to the thought of marriage at the beginning of the novel, his attraction to Emily’s independence, strength and beauty was enough to change his mind on the matter. What I loved about Griffin was that he accepted and encouraged Emily to be herself and voice an opinion. This earned my respect as a reader and I found myself cheering for his success in winning her over.
A contention I have with the book, purely because of its title, is the notion of Griffin Crawford being a rogue. I just couldn’t see it. Despite what the title suggests, Griffin comes across as nothing less than an upstanding gentleman who seeks to win the hand of Emily. His admiration and respect for her independence was endearingly charming. Who could resist a man that wants a strong woman? What I could not picture however, was Griffin as a ravishing rogue. Throughout the book he firmly held the line of propriety for Emily’s sake, despite her objections at times, and for this I see him as more of a white knight seeking to save her tainted reputation. In all honesty, this was refreshing to read as too many historical romances favour portraying wicked male characters who become repetitive to read over time. I just wish that the title had been more in line with the real Griffin.
The similarities between Emily and Griffin’s circumstances (their independence and seeking to escape the confines of their families’ expectations of them) made for a believable connection between them from which love would slowly grow. The over-abundance of obstacles between these two points however, got a bit tiresome toward the end.
In spite of all this, I still found More than a Rogue to be an enjoyable read - if only occasionally frustrating.
whiskeyinthejar's review
2.0
2.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Emily Howard might be considered a spinster but she even though she's never been kissed, it doesn't mean she doesn't want to be.
Griffin Crawford has never been one to think about marriage but when he gets caught kissing Emily by the women of her family, he's prepared to do the right thing.
Except Emily wants nothing to do with a forced marriage and runs to try and escape back to her cottage out of London.
Griffin gives chase fearing for her safety and circumstances have them spending more time together, making it hard to keep certain feelings hidden.
As if reading her mind, he raised his chin a notch. “We’re not so dissimilar, are we? Both running from the mold our parents meant for us to fit into.”
More Than a Rogue is book two in the Crawford's series, the first had Griffin's Duke older brother falling in love with one of Emily's friends. I didn't read the first in the series and while I missed some prior background friendship information between Emily and her two friends and their Clearview home for children, I would still say you could start here. We're thrown right away into the story with Emily discussing with her friends how she wants to be kissed, a little hint that she's liked Griffin from afar, and then they get caught kissing. There's a tiny bit of road romance and then the majority is Emily and Griffin at a cottage liking one another and thinking the other one doesn't like them enough to do anything about it.
His eyes darkened as he took a step forward. The water slid away from the lower part of his chest, revealing his navel. Emily stared even as she took a step back. “I wonder,” Lord Griffin said as another stride offered a view of his hip, “how far this curiosity of yours,” his other hip appeared along with a narrow dart of black hair leading down over his pelvis, “will take you.”
Emily and Griffin do have their cute and steamy moments together but they got buried at times for me with the relentless “doesn't like me enough” angst that could have all been solved with a simple conversation. There was also a lot with the story plot that you'll just have to go along with, how Griffin is the only one to chase after Emily and why, Griffin deciding to pretend to be his brother so he can stay at the cottage with Emily, and all of Emily deciding Griffin doesn't love her enough when he shows and tells her in every possible way but saying the word “love”. The middle dragged out some with how Emily and Griffin went back and forth with their insecurities.
Reaching out, he steadied himself against a bookcase while trying to catch his breath. What the devil had Emily Howard done to him?
Not having read the first in the series, I don't know if the background on these characters was given more there but I would have liked to hear about Griffin's business in Vienna and how he fixes clocks and mechanical things, and definitely more information was needed on Emily's involvement with the home for children called Clearview. I never felt like I really knew these two characters, they and the story came off mostly mundane with little sparks of chemistry a handful of times.
“This is…” her words turned into a sigh when he pulled her to him for added contact “… not very proper.”
He gave a low chuckle and let his hands slide up her arms, over her shoulders, along her neck, and into her hair. “It’s nothing compared with what I am thinking.”
If not completely memorable, this was a standard Regency feeling romance but what had me rounding down instead of up was the last twenty percent. The story at first feels ended and then there was an instance that felt messily tagged on and a completely unnecessary angst moment thrown in that gave the ending a very clunky feel; I wish this last percent had simply been edited out and instead went straight to the epilogue.
The separation between Emily and Griffin hinged on them just not talking to one another and that made a lot of the story frustrating. They had some good moments together but this was more average than memorable. If you read the first in the series, you'll probably enjoy more and want to see Emily and Griffin get their happily ever after and see what is teased ahead for their other friend Cassandra.
Because if there was one truth that rang loud and clear above everything else, it was that he wanted her for himself. Forever.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Emily Howard might be considered a spinster but she even though she's never been kissed, it doesn't mean she doesn't want to be.
Griffin Crawford has never been one to think about marriage but when he gets caught kissing Emily by the women of her family, he's prepared to do the right thing.
Except Emily wants nothing to do with a forced marriage and runs to try and escape back to her cottage out of London.
Griffin gives chase fearing for her safety and circumstances have them spending more time together, making it hard to keep certain feelings hidden.
As if reading her mind, he raised his chin a notch. “We’re not so dissimilar, are we? Both running from the mold our parents meant for us to fit into.”
More Than a Rogue is book two in the Crawford's series, the first had Griffin's Duke older brother falling in love with one of Emily's friends. I didn't read the first in the series and while I missed some prior background friendship information between Emily and her two friends and their Clearview home for children, I would still say you could start here. We're thrown right away into the story with Emily discussing with her friends how she wants to be kissed, a little hint that she's liked Griffin from afar, and then they get caught kissing. There's a tiny bit of road romance and then the majority is Emily and Griffin at a cottage liking one another and thinking the other one doesn't like them enough to do anything about it.
His eyes darkened as he took a step forward. The water slid away from the lower part of his chest, revealing his navel. Emily stared even as she took a step back. “I wonder,” Lord Griffin said as another stride offered a view of his hip, “how far this curiosity of yours,” his other hip appeared along with a narrow dart of black hair leading down over his pelvis, “will take you.”
Emily and Griffin do have their cute and steamy moments together but they got buried at times for me with the relentless “doesn't like me enough” angst that could have all been solved with a simple conversation. There was also a lot with the story plot that you'll just have to go along with, how Griffin is the only one to chase after Emily and why, Griffin deciding to pretend to be his brother so he can stay at the cottage with Emily, and all of Emily deciding Griffin doesn't love her enough when he shows and tells her in every possible way but saying the word “love”. The middle dragged out some with how Emily and Griffin went back and forth with their insecurities.
Reaching out, he steadied himself against a bookcase while trying to catch his breath. What the devil had Emily Howard done to him?
Not having read the first in the series, I don't know if the background on these characters was given more there but I would have liked to hear about Griffin's business in Vienna and how he fixes clocks and mechanical things, and definitely more information was needed on Emily's involvement with the home for children called Clearview. I never felt like I really knew these two characters, they and the story came off mostly mundane with little sparks of chemistry a handful of times.
“This is…” her words turned into a sigh when he pulled her to him for added contact “… not very proper.”
He gave a low chuckle and let his hands slide up her arms, over her shoulders, along her neck, and into her hair. “It’s nothing compared with what I am thinking.”
If not completely memorable, this was a standard Regency feeling romance but what had me rounding down instead of up was the last twenty percent. The story at first feels ended and then there was an instance that felt messily tagged on and a completely unnecessary angst moment thrown in that gave the ending a very clunky feel; I wish this last percent had simply been edited out and instead went straight to the epilogue.
The separation between Emily and Griffin hinged on them just not talking to one another and that made a lot of the story frustrating. They had some good moments together but this was more average than memorable. If you read the first in the series, you'll probably enjoy more and want to see Emily and Griffin get their happily ever after and see what is teased ahead for their other friend Cassandra.
Because if there was one truth that rang loud and clear above everything else, it was that he wanted her for himself. Forever.
robinlovesreading's review
4.0
Emily Howard is a spinster and she is rather happy in life. She lives with her friend Cassandra and they care for orphaned children. Their friend Mary lived with them until she married a duke named Caleb. Emily does want one thing, however. While in London at a party Mary and Caleb are hosting, Emily wishes could experience a kiss, even if it should never happen again. The only man she can imagine kissing her is Griffin Crawford, Caleb's brother.
Eleven years previously, Griffin, along with brothers Caleb and Devlin, fled their father as he set paths for their lives none of them wanted. They all went their separate ways and have only gotten back together a year ago.
Griffin met Emily when he was looking for his brother Caleb. While drawn to her, marriage is the furthest thing from his mind so he never pursued her. Catching her alone one evening affords Griffin a unique opportunity. However, there were caught during their very brief kiss, but it was enough that Emily's mother demanded betrothal, as Emily has been compromised.
The last thing Emily wants is to be married to a man due to force, not love, so she flees back to the country. Quite worried, Griffin goes after her. She is distraught and alone, and Griffin fears for her safety. The two spend time together and it is apparent that they have a powerful connection. However, there is a problem they are both more than aware of. Griffin is only in England temporarily. He has a successful business in another country and longs to return to that life.
Their road to love is very bumpy indeed. Respect and honor are quite evident, but their future certainly isn't promised. It was a pleasure to read this story while watching the conflict evolve. This sweet story led to a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to the third book in this series, which will no doubt have Cassandra's and Devlin's stories.
Many thanks to Sophie Barnes and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Eleven years previously, Griffin, along with brothers Caleb and Devlin, fled their father as he set paths for their lives none of them wanted. They all went their separate ways and have only gotten back together a year ago.
Griffin met Emily when he was looking for his brother Caleb. While drawn to her, marriage is the furthest thing from his mind so he never pursued her. Catching her alone one evening affords Griffin a unique opportunity. However, there were caught during their very brief kiss, but it was enough that Emily's mother demanded betrothal, as Emily has been compromised.
The last thing Emily wants is to be married to a man due to force, not love, so she flees back to the country. Quite worried, Griffin goes after her. She is distraught and alone, and Griffin fears for her safety. The two spend time together and it is apparent that they have a powerful connection. However, there is a problem they are both more than aware of. Griffin is only in England temporarily. He has a successful business in another country and longs to return to that life.
Their road to love is very bumpy indeed. Respect and honor are quite evident, but their future certainly isn't promised. It was a pleasure to read this story while watching the conflict evolve. This sweet story led to a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to the third book in this series, which will no doubt have Cassandra's and Devlin's stories.
Many thanks to Sophie Barnes and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
jillmlong's review
3.0
This story had so much potential but was a little slow for me. The two main characters, Emily and Griffin, were well thought out and very interesting. I had trouble believing that Griffin was a rogue. He actually seemed the complete opposite of one. He was thoughtful, sincere and charming. I look forward to reading other books by Sophie Barnes.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
cakt1991's review
3.0
Review posted here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.wordpress.com/2020/02/29/review-of-more-than-a-rogue-the-crawfords-2-by-sophie-barnes/
melissadeemcdaniel's review
4.0
Sophie Barnes’ latest “Crawfords” novel tells the story of Emily and Griffin. Emily has been badly burned by an expected engagement that didn’t happen. Griffin has a perfectly good life in Austria, and plans to return to that life when his business in England is done. After the two are found in a (slightly contrived) embarrassing situation, Griffin offers to “do the right thing” by Emily, but she flees, and, perceiving her to be in danger, Griffin pursues. Proximity is a wonderful thing, and the two fall into friendship and then love.
This is a light and breezy novel for a hot summer’s day.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a light and breezy novel for a hot summer’s day.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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