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Forever Yours #7
Sophia and the Duke
Another witty, sensual, and smart romance in the Forever Yours series!
After losing the family she loved, Miss Sophia Knightly lives a carefree and unrestricted life; her tomorrows are promised to no one. The last thing she expected was William Astor, the Duke of Wycliffe, to create the scandal of the Season by chasing after her at a ball.
William is the most compelling and sensual man Sophia has ever known, but she is not interested in resuming their kisses, guileless conversations, or his promises of forever. The duke, however, has other ideas...
William has vowed to have no other woman than Sophia Knightly and is willing to do whatever it takes to possess her. It started with a kiss, then a wicked invitation, and now there is no going back.
Soon the walls around Sophia's heart are crumbling . . . and she realizes the greatest adventure might be right in front of her!
After losing the family she loved, Miss Sophia Knightly lives a carefree and unrestricted life; her tomorrows are promised to no one. The last thing she expected was William Astor, the Duke of Wycliffe, to create the scandal of the Season by chasing after her at a ball.
William is the most compelling and sensual man Sophia has ever known, but she is not interested in resuming their kisses, guileless conversations, or his promises of forever. The duke, however, has other ideas...
William has vowed to have no other woman than Sophia Knightly and is willing to do whatever it takes to possess her. It started with a kiss, then a wicked invitation, and now there is no going back.
Soon the walls around Sophia's heart are crumbling . . . and she realizes the greatest adventure might be right in front of her!
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2019
About the author
Stacy Reid
113 books3,239 followersI am an unapologetic romance lover. I read it. I write it. Enough said. Well..I also have a warrior way "Never give up on my dreams." I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love, Dusean.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 10, 2019
I am not going to rate this has I had to stop because of course the heroine was celibate and he was not. He became a manwhore. Of course he did. He thought she was dead though and he hated that he bedded all those women (just gross) but I just hated the whole triteness of that plotline and I am heartily sick of it. He was even going to marry another which my head understands but my heart doesnt. I just had to stop at that point. He loved her I had no doubt of that. Just so sick of these stories.
Review from after changing my mind after fifteen minutes and finishing it because had to see what happened....
I ended up getting it again from KU and finished it. I will not buy this book as I have others but it did end very nicely and he really did love her. He thought she was dead but I just wish he hadn't been such a manwhore. His mother was so evil and I hated what she did to them. I loved how he stood up to his Mom after her betrayal and that he banished her from his life. We have a great epilogue with a baby and I am glad I finished it. It worked out wonderfully. If I wasn't so whacked I'd probably give it four stars!! 😇
I just wish he'd been celibate. Lol. I am such a freak.
Review from after changing my mind after fifteen minutes and finishing it because had to see what happened....
I ended up getting it again from KU and finished it. I will not buy this book as I have others but it did end very nicely and he really did love her. He thought she was dead but I just wish he hadn't been such a manwhore. His mother was so evil and I hated what she did to them. I loved how he stood up to his Mom after her betrayal and that he banished her from his life. We have a great epilogue with a baby and I am glad I finished it. It worked out wonderfully. If I wasn't so whacked I'd probably give it four stars!! 😇
I just wish he'd been celibate. Lol. I am such a freak.
October 14, 2019
It could have been a lot better .. it has the classis second chance trope ... What didn't work for me. . the author seemed to de deliberately pushing her h in a modern 21st century mindset ... While ensuring that she remains in ice while the H sleeps around ... Both h and H blame the villain ... And never address the inadequacy in their relationship ...
March 14, 2023
3.5 stars. Sophia and William. I loved that William always loved Sophia. His mom was something else because she had the whole village thinking Sophia was dead. I think it was neat, especially in a novella, that the author had William mourn her death for 3 years and then when he did become sexually active it was around 7 women over at least another 3 years. William was so in love with her that he even accepted her becoming his lover until he could convince her to marry him. For me, it took a smidgeon too long for Sophia to finally accept his marriage proposal. However, it thought it was neat that they got to know the new versions of themselves before she did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2019
This latest installment in the Forever Yours series was such a wonderful read. "Sophia and the Duke" was beautifully written as well as the main couple had to really work to renew their love as so much has changed since manipulation and upper-class snobbery conspired to keep the youthful couple apart.
I usually eschew second chance romances, especially when there has been a separation of more than one year. However, Ms. Reid has woven a poignant and believable second chance romance. There was so much pain and anguish, especially on Sophia's part. It was especially cruel and vindictive in the way that William's mother (and late father) contrived to have him think that Sophia died in a cholera epidemic along with her family; he was truly shattered. Sophia had lost her beloved family and thought the man she loved, now a powerful duke, had abandoned her. She wants nothing to do with William or with love.
But perseverance won the day. The moment William clapped eyes on Sophia at a ball six years after thinking her dead, he set everything aside to win back the love of his life. It was exquisitely beautiful to read as William worked diligently to repair the damage his parents had done and he moved mountains to regain Sophia’s love and trust. A beautiful story.
I usually eschew second chance romances, especially when there has been a separation of more than one year. However, Ms. Reid has woven a poignant and believable second chance romance. There was so much pain and anguish, especially on Sophia's part. It was especially cruel and vindictive in the way that William's mother (and late father) contrived to have him think that Sophia died in a cholera epidemic along with her family; he was truly shattered. Sophia had lost her beloved family and thought the man she loved, now a powerful duke, had abandoned her. She wants nothing to do with William or with love.
But perseverance won the day. The moment William clapped eyes on Sophia at a ball six years after thinking her dead, he set everything aside to win back the love of his life. It was exquisitely beautiful to read as William worked diligently to repair the damage his parents had done and he moved mountains to regain Sophia’s love and trust. A beautiful story.
September 27, 2019
I’ll never give up on this author, but it’s definitely not a favorite. I found the mother to just be awful, like a Cinderella awful. I actually really felt bad for him. 6 years is a long separation and I get it, but I hated how hard he had to work to win her back. He really loved her. Was a bit sad....with a happy ending though, good bottle of wine book.
September 12, 2019
I loved this story, it moved along at a good pace and had a number of heartfelt moments. Sophia and William have been separated by unfortunate events for nearly seven years. They meet again in London but Sophia panics and flees to the countryside. William follows! Sophia has changed from the person she was, she is much more adventurous and has tried a number of activities. Sophia doesn’t intend to marry but wants to travel. William wants Sophia to give them a chance but can Sophia give her heart to another again. It took her a long time to recover previously. There is a villain in this story and I was glad to see this person get some comeuppance. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 22, 2022
I’m pretty sure the two main characters shared half a brain cell and it was a dead one at that!
The story had potential… to disappoint me.
It did.
Alas I also run on half a braincell so I could find some merriment.
2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️💫
The story had potential… to disappoint me.
It did.
Alas I also run on half a braincell so I could find some merriment.
2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️💫
October 21, 2019
Sweet fairy tale...
January 17, 2020
3 Meh Stars
William Astor, the Duke of Wycliffe, has spent years aching for the woman he loved much to the disapproval of his parents, believing her to be long dead, but when he comes across her in a ballroom he is shocked. After losing the family she loved, and thinking the man she loved abandoned her, Miss Sophia Knightly tries to live her life honouring her dead family, what she has no wish to do is know the pain of loss ever again. When William comes back into her life determined to have her, she is as determined to never let him into her heart again.
This one was just meh. The emotional intensity I was expecting due to the connection and history between the main characters just didn't manifest for me.
Acquired via KU.
William Astor, the Duke of Wycliffe, has spent years aching for the woman he loved much to the disapproval of his parents, believing her to be long dead, but when he comes across her in a ballroom he is shocked. After losing the family she loved, and thinking the man she loved abandoned her, Miss Sophia Knightly tries to live her life honouring her dead family, what she has no wish to do is know the pain of loss ever again. When William comes back into her life determined to have her, she is as determined to never let him into her heart again.
This one was just meh. The emotional intensity I was expecting due to the connection and history between the main characters just didn't manifest for me.
Acquired via KU.
September 9, 2019
Sophia and the Duke
Forever Yours series #7
Stacy Reid
https://www.facebook.com/stacyreid/
Release date 9/09/2019
Publisher auto published
Blurb :
After losing the family she loved, Miss Sophia Knightly lives a carefree and unrestricted life; her tomorrows are promised tono one. The last thing she expected was William Astor, the Duke of Wycliffe, tocreate the scandal of the Season by chasing after her at a ball.
William is the most compelling and sensual manSophia has ever known, but she is not interested in resuming their kisses,guileless conversations, or his promises of forever. The duke, however, hasother ideas...
William has vowed to have no other woman thanSophia Knightly and is willing to do whatever it takes to possess her. Itstarted with a kiss, then a wicked invitation, and now there is no going back.
Soonthe walls around Sophia's heart are crumbling . . . and she realizes thegreatest adventure might be right in front of her!
My review :
After years apart, can two young persons whom loved each other find a way back to one another heart.
When I realized this book was the immediate sequel from the last one, A Prince Of My Own, I was over the moon. I just adore Mrs Stacy Reid style, she has a way with words, she transports me to her world, feeling and arching with her brought to life heroes.
When I complained about the lack of epilogue in the previous installment, she wonderfully closed the door of the Astors’ siblings stories.
Sophia has to rebuilt herself after the loss of her whole family and her young love. She became someone more daring but also wary of deep emotions. By throng to fulfill her late parents dreams and wishes, she has built a wall around herself, a gilded cage to avoid hurt at all cost.
William thought he had lost the love of his life, so he left, only to stumble years later on the very one woman he believed dead. When the deceit is reveled, he only wants to discover who is now the woman he always loved, when she refuses to engage again her heart.
When Sophia is running away from life, only living it through the memories of her kin, but not allowing herself to feel again, William is an astounding lover, he is so certain of his feelings, he is ready to risk everything to win back the love of the only woman he ever loved.
At time I was angry at Sophia to be blind to the gentleness of William, as giving her time to rekindle with him, to see who he has become when he accepted the more bold Sophia.
But as it was more than time that tears them apart, their griefs having left indelible scars. Will they find in them again the courage to risk losing the other or will they close their heart to any deeper emotion.
5 stars for this awesome read.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Forever Yours series #7
Stacy Reid
https://www.facebook.com/stacyreid/
Release date 9/09/2019
Publisher auto published
Blurb :
After losing the family she loved, Miss Sophia Knightly lives a carefree and unrestricted life; her tomorrows are promised tono one. The last thing she expected was William Astor, the Duke of Wycliffe, tocreate the scandal of the Season by chasing after her at a ball.
William is the most compelling and sensual manSophia has ever known, but she is not interested in resuming their kisses,guileless conversations, or his promises of forever. The duke, however, hasother ideas...
William has vowed to have no other woman thanSophia Knightly and is willing to do whatever it takes to possess her. Itstarted with a kiss, then a wicked invitation, and now there is no going back.
Soonthe walls around Sophia's heart are crumbling . . . and she realizes thegreatest adventure might be right in front of her!
My review :
After years apart, can two young persons whom loved each other find a way back to one another heart.
When I realized this book was the immediate sequel from the last one, A Prince Of My Own, I was over the moon. I just adore Mrs Stacy Reid style, she has a way with words, she transports me to her world, feeling and arching with her brought to life heroes.
When I complained about the lack of epilogue in the previous installment, she wonderfully closed the door of the Astors’ siblings stories.
Sophia has to rebuilt herself after the loss of her whole family and her young love. She became someone more daring but also wary of deep emotions. By throng to fulfill her late parents dreams and wishes, she has built a wall around herself, a gilded cage to avoid hurt at all cost.
William thought he had lost the love of his life, so he left, only to stumble years later on the very one woman he believed dead. When the deceit is reveled, he only wants to discover who is now the woman he always loved, when she refuses to engage again her heart.
When Sophia is running away from life, only living it through the memories of her kin, but not allowing herself to feel again, William is an astounding lover, he is so certain of his feelings, he is ready to risk everything to win back the love of the only woman he ever loved.
At time I was angry at Sophia to be blind to the gentleness of William, as giving her time to rekindle with him, to see who he has become when he accepted the more bold Sophia.
But as it was more than time that tears them apart, their griefs having left indelible scars. Will they find in them again the courage to risk losing the other or will they close their heart to any deeper emotion.
5 stars for this awesome read.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
October 31, 2020
I love love love this story of second-chance romance!!!! I devoured it within ONE DAY!!! Both William and Sophia were born to be together, and it hurt to see them being apart for nearly 7 years due to utterly malicious, abhorrent and cruel lies from William’s mother. There were a lot of tender, emotional and heartbreaking moments in this novella, when the two main characters saw each other back after such a long time and had to rediscover the person whom they had loved so much before. The expectation of the society, in which a Duke like William cannot marry a commoner like Sophia, couldn’t separate them this time. It was beautiful to see William mature from a young man to a thirty-year-old powerful Duke who was determined to win back his one true love – Sophia.
There was this detail in the story that made me admire William even more, when he showed restraint in his not making love to Sophia again after their first passionate sexual experience, because he decided that Sophia’s love worth more than his sexual desires for her, and that he needed to have her love first before moving forward with the sex part. That’s so honorable.
Sophia really showed some torn emotions and really gave William a run for his money. But in the end, everything was resolved in Sophia’s heart when she realized no matter how much she appeared to want this new relationship with William to be solely between a Duke and his lover, she actually was in love with William the whole time, 7 years apart could not kill that love, and she belonged to him in every way. The sex scenes were erotic, sensual and passionate, just like what Stacy Reid has been writing in other works of hers. I immensely enjoyed this story, though I wish to read an Epilogue to see how many children William and Sophia ended up having, and the happy family they built together :))
Btw, I did spot some grammatical and typing errors in this book. They didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story, but I still want to point them out so that if the editor of Stacy Reid’s books happens to read this review, he or she will know that he or she should a better editing work next time :D
There was this detail in the story that made me admire William even more, when he showed restraint in his not making love to Sophia again after their first passionate sexual experience, because he decided that Sophia’s love worth more than his sexual desires for her, and that he needed to have her love first before moving forward with the sex part. That’s so honorable.
Sophia really showed some torn emotions and really gave William a run for his money. But in the end, everything was resolved in Sophia’s heart when she realized no matter how much she appeared to want this new relationship with William to be solely between a Duke and his lover, she actually was in love with William the whole time, 7 years apart could not kill that love, and she belonged to him in every way. The sex scenes were erotic, sensual and passionate, just like what Stacy Reid has been writing in other works of hers. I immensely enjoyed this story, though I wish to read an Epilogue to see how many children William and Sophia ended up having, and the happy family they built together :))
Btw, I did spot some grammatical and typing errors in this book. They didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story, but I still want to point them out so that if the editor of Stacy Reid’s books happens to read this review, he or she will know that he or she should a better editing work next time :D
September 21, 2019
A second chance at love!
William, heir to a title, and Sophia, a reverend’s daughter, fall in love at a young age. When an illness strikes the village he is left thinking she is dead and she believes he just doesn’t care and has left her behind because of her lower rank.
Six years later, they see each other again at a ball. He realizes that his mother betrayed him by lying about her death and she now knows that he left because he thought that she was dead. But they are older and have changed. Can they be together? Does she even want to marry? He still wants her and shows it by will following her until she is his. They embark in an affair but it really resembles a courtship more than an affair. But gossip spreads and his mother shows up to once again to ruin everything for them. This is a very sweet romantic short story with some steam that you could definitely read within a day. I was given an ARC of this book and chose to post a review.
William, heir to a title, and Sophia, a reverend’s daughter, fall in love at a young age. When an illness strikes the village he is left thinking she is dead and she believes he just doesn’t care and has left her behind because of her lower rank.
Six years later, they see each other again at a ball. He realizes that his mother betrayed him by lying about her death and she now knows that he left because he thought that she was dead. But they are older and have changed. Can they be together? Does she even want to marry? He still wants her and shows it by will following her until she is his. They embark in an affair but it really resembles a courtship more than an affair. But gossip spreads and his mother shows up to once again to ruin everything for them. This is a very sweet romantic short story with some steam that you could definitely read within a day. I was given an ARC of this book and chose to post a review.
September 9, 2019
1835, Hampshire, England
Miss Sophia Knightly, a vicar's daughter, was in love with William Astor, heir to the dukedom of Wycliffe. William was ready to defy Society to marry the woman he loved, but disaster struck and everything changed. When they meet again several years later, William is determined to pick up where they left off, he still loves Sophia, but does she still want him?
SOPHIA AND THE DUKE is a lovely story, low on angst and high on romance. The tone is very intimate as Sophia and William get reacquainted through heart-to-heart conversations. Sophia, over the years, has become quite independent, but she's more wary of getting close to anyone, even William. I loved how she chose to honour the ones she lost, it was very moving. Her stubbornness, however, tried my patience at times, even if I understood her position. But William, oh William! What a marvellous hero! So kind, caring, charming, and patient. I love Stacy Reid's male characters: they are true gentlemen, respectful, and don't push the heroine in any way. I find it so restful to be able to enjoy a romance without having to keep my fingers crossed that the hero will not behave as a complete cad at some point. William is one such hero; being a good man doesn't make him a wimp, it's what makes him strong, and much more endearing than a thoughtless rake.
I give 4 1/2 stars.
Miss Sophia Knightly, a vicar's daughter, was in love with William Astor, heir to the dukedom of Wycliffe. William was ready to defy Society to marry the woman he loved, but disaster struck and everything changed. When they meet again several years later, William is determined to pick up where they left off, he still loves Sophia, but does she still want him?
SOPHIA AND THE DUKE is a lovely story, low on angst and high on romance. The tone is very intimate as Sophia and William get reacquainted through heart-to-heart conversations. Sophia, over the years, has become quite independent, but she's more wary of getting close to anyone, even William. I loved how she chose to honour the ones she lost, it was very moving. Her stubbornness, however, tried my patience at times, even if I understood her position. But William, oh William! What a marvellous hero! So kind, caring, charming, and patient. I love Stacy Reid's male characters: they are true gentlemen, respectful, and don't push the heroine in any way. I find it so restful to be able to enjoy a romance without having to keep my fingers crossed that the hero will not behave as a complete cad at some point. William is one such hero; being a good man doesn't make him a wimp, it's what makes him strong, and much more endearing than a thoughtless rake.
I give 4 1/2 stars.
June 24, 2021
Meh. Cliched. Cardboard characters. Uninspired dialogue. Almost DNF. I usually enjoy Stacy Reid's books but this is definitely not her best.
January 4, 2020
Neighbors Sophia and William met and fell in love when they were very young adults. But as he was the Marquess of Lyons and future Duke of Wycliffe, William's parents forbid his marriage to the daughter of the local vicar, citing her lack of wealth or connections. William was on the verge of eloping with Sophia despite the consequences when a disease hit their village, with Sophia's family being one of the most afflicted. Believing his love to be dead, William mourned her loss and fled England, spending nearly seven years traveling abroad. Now the duke, he has returned to fulfill his duty to the title, no matter how much his deadened heart is not in it. But when he sees the woman he thought he'd lost at a London ball, William is prepared to create the biggest scandal of the season in his pursuit of her.
Sophia Knightly is a carefree spinster, living out the dreams o the family she lost as if there will be no tomorrow, because she knows better than anyone that tomorrow is no guarantee. As companion and friend to her cousin Lydia, Sophia attends the London season but has no desire to ever marry herself.
When the only man to ever stir her feelings begins to seek her out, she makes it clear she has no interest in empty promises of forever. But William is determined he'll not lose Sophia a second time and will stop at nothing to tear down her walls and make her his at last. Sophia wants an affair only, as she'd rather maintain her independence, but William is tenacious in his assault against her heart and he'll settle for nothing less than a true marriage with the love of his life.
This was a quick read, a good addition to the series, and I enjoyed it. However, I must say I did not care for Sophia and her insistence on an affair overly much, though her reasons were fairly valid and she did eventually realize and admit to her ridiculousness so I couldn't really be too mad at her. I appreciated William's tenacity and was proud of him for finally standing up to his mother. These second chance stories are always so bittersweet to me because I wind up fixating on the time the couple lost out on together, but the separation was handled quite well here. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sophia Knightly is a carefree spinster, living out the dreams o the family she lost as if there will be no tomorrow, because she knows better than anyone that tomorrow is no guarantee. As companion and friend to her cousin Lydia, Sophia attends the London season but has no desire to ever marry herself.
When the only man to ever stir her feelings begins to seek her out, she makes it clear she has no interest in empty promises of forever. But William is determined he'll not lose Sophia a second time and will stop at nothing to tear down her walls and make her his at last. Sophia wants an affair only, as she'd rather maintain her independence, but William is tenacious in his assault against her heart and he'll settle for nothing less than a true marriage with the love of his life.
This was a quick read, a good addition to the series, and I enjoyed it. However, I must say I did not care for Sophia and her insistence on an affair overly much, though her reasons were fairly valid and she did eventually realize and admit to her ridiculousness so I couldn't really be too mad at her. I appreciated William's tenacity and was proud of him for finally standing up to his mother. These second chance stories are always so bittersweet to me because I wind up fixating on the time the couple lost out on together, but the separation was handled quite well here. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 17, 2019
The Years Inbetween💔
One 💘Love Feeds the 🔥Fire
Sophia💃💋, daughter of a Reverend, and William Cheswick🐺🍆⛲, the heir to the Duke of Wycliffe, fall in love as teenagers and want to marry👰, but Sophia💃💋 isn't of high enough social status, even though her Uncle is a baron.
When Sophia💃💋 and her family all come down with Cholera, her parents and sister die, and Sophia💃💔 almost dies too.
William's conniving mother tells him that Sophia💃💋 died too, and even bribes the new reverend to say she is buried. The Duchess is a manipulative be itch , and wants to control her son and who he marries.
William🐺🍆⛲ goes to India believing his Sophia is dead💔.
When she recovers, Sophia💃💋 goes to William's estate, only to be told he is overseas.
Six long years go by and finally William🐺🍆⛲ returns as the Duke of Wycliffe. At thirty, he knows he must marry soon, but none measure up to the love💕 he had for his Sophia💃💋.
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is a well written ADULT Georgian Era novel .
One 💘Love Feeds the 🔥Fire
Sophia💃💋, daughter of a Reverend, and William Cheswick🐺🍆⛲, the heir to the Duke of Wycliffe, fall in love as teenagers and want to marry👰, but Sophia💃💋 isn't of high enough social status, even though her Uncle is a baron.
When Sophia💃💋 and her family all come down with Cholera, her parents and sister die, and Sophia💃💔 almost dies too.
William's conniving mother tells him that Sophia💃💋 died too, and even bribes the new reverend to say she is buried. The Duchess is a manipulative be itch , and wants to control her son and who he marries.
William🐺🍆⛲ goes to India believing his Sophia is dead💔.
When she recovers, Sophia💃💋 goes to William's estate, only to be told he is overseas.
Six long years go by and finally William🐺🍆⛲ returns as the Duke of Wycliffe. At thirty, he knows he must marry soon, but none measure up to the love💕 he had for his Sophia💃💋.
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is a well written ADULT Georgian Era novel .
September 24, 2019
Another good story from this author. I enjoyed the story and liked the premise, but I felt the Duke’s actions were confusing and Sophia kept denying her feelings and running away. I love these second chances for love stories and this story takes a few interesting turns. A good look at class discrimination and of love overcoming all obstacles.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2024
This book was an average historical romance novel that I found to be simple and pretty straight forward. I think this story is great for those getting into this genre that is new to them but its not connecting much for myself as I found the characters to seek more lust then actual heartfelt emotions throughout the novel. I wish they had more of a side plot aside from them wanting to love each other or have more of a deeper connection for one another. While that was the case, the little moments that I did get to witness were simple, fun and cute as I loved how they were in the fields together, the boxing area, the ball and even when they went horse riding. He was always giving small actions of affection towards her that felt very real and made me really enjoy reading about him and his overall personality. His mother being the main conflict within this novel or the antagonist is with a highly traditional mindset deeming the time period this is set in, and I found that quite funny to read about seeing the similarities of how those standards are still in society bound to women. The novel itself, allows for me to have a quick read as I'm using this for a readathon and with that in mind I don't think this novel would personally for me be memorable and for that would be 2 stars as its short and simple with not much build of the characters chemistry which I found to be done better in a previous book I read by this author. Overall the novel as a whole, its a simple short story that does the job of giving what was shown and its good for a good you just want to read for the fun of it with a quick story line. I feel more with this book I just try to write something good to have on but in reality I don't much to say other then this book was alright.
September 9, 2019
Grab your tissues for this wonderful second-chance romance!
William is a man who knows what he wants and when he finds it, he's not going to let anything stand in his way. Poor Sophia's heart just can't hope, not even a little, not even for William.
Between a duplicitous mother and a truly unimaginable tragedy, these two have the entire deck of cards stacked against them. Their unconventional path to their HEA was sweet, steamy, and heartbreaking all at once.
The writing is excellent, as usual, and drew me in right away. I couldn't put this down and ended up finishing it well into the wee hours of the morning. If you ever wondered why William went along with his mother's plan in Simon and Miranda's story, then you need to read this book to get his story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
William is a man who knows what he wants and when he finds it, he's not going to let anything stand in his way. Poor Sophia's heart just can't hope, not even a little, not even for William.
Between a duplicitous mother and a truly unimaginable tragedy, these two have the entire deck of cards stacked against them. Their unconventional path to their HEA was sweet, steamy, and heartbreaking all at once.
The writing is excellent, as usual, and drew me in right away. I couldn't put this down and ended up finishing it well into the wee hours of the morning. If you ever wondered why William went along with his mother's plan in Simon and Miranda's story, then you need to read this book to get his story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 16, 2023
*3.5 stars* I was so intrigued by the plot of William realizing his long lost love was very much alive after 7 years away. I found some other parts of the story hard to believe - like her going to his house for two weeks unchaperoned. Also, it was SO OBVIOUS how in love they were, but yet Sophia was trying to deny it.
Sophia was deemed so unsuitable for William, yet her Aunt was a countess and her grandfather a baron, and she was the daughter of a clergyman. Doesn't seem so unsuitable to me, so I had a hard time believe there would be such an upset over their marriage to begin with.
Final note - I have been greatly enjoying this series, Stacy Reid is the best!
Sophia was deemed so unsuitable for William, yet her Aunt was a countess and her grandfather a baron, and she was the daughter of a clergyman. Doesn't seem so unsuitable to me, so I had a hard time believe there would be such an upset over their marriage to begin with.
Final note - I have been greatly enjoying this series, Stacy Reid is the best!
September 9, 2019
As always, Ms. Reid never disappoints. This story of second chance romance, a favorite trope, is full of seduction and not in the way you think that you cannot put the book down. After years apart how can they come to give their hearts again. William and Sophia’s interactions are sweet and sometimes sexy and always intimate. A wonderful read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Booksprout.
January 23, 2020
I loved William and Sophia’s story. Sexy and sweet, tender and passionate. A well written and captivating read. 💛💛💛💛💛
September 14, 2019
This is an OK Regency romance, but I had issues with the way that William and Sophia behaved. Their behavior just didn't fit the time period. Because of that, it gets 3 stars from me.
It really bothered me that the first thing they do after they find each other again is have sex. That is totally unrealistic for the time period, when a woman's reputation was so very important. It also really bothered me that they both seemed to be OK with just having an affair, which is again unrealistic for the time period. If they had ever truly loved each other earlier, neither one of them would have seriously considered that.
After they both admitted to themselves that they were still in love, I did think they made a good couple. I did want to knock some sense into Sophia a few times, but she came around.
Realistically, most men of that time period would have just married a woman that their families approved of. I get that this is a romance, and I liked that William didn't do that, but it wasn't very believable.
I absolutely could not stand William's mother, who was just awful. No spoilers here, but what she did to them was just unforgivable.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
It really bothered me that the first thing they do after they find each other again is have sex. That is totally unrealistic for the time period, when a woman's reputation was so very important. It also really bothered me that they both seemed to be OK with just having an affair, which is again unrealistic for the time period. If they had ever truly loved each other earlier, neither one of them would have seriously considered that.
After they both admitted to themselves that they were still in love, I did think they made a good couple. I did want to knock some sense into Sophia a few times, but she came around.
Realistically, most men of that time period would have just married a woman that their families approved of. I get that this is a romance, and I liked that William didn't do that, but it wasn't very believable.
I absolutely could not stand William's mother, who was just awful. No spoilers here, but what she did to them was just unforgivable.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
September 9, 2019
William, Lord Lyons & heir to the Duke of Wycliffe loved Sophia Knightly but then disease struck the village & the Reverend Knightley & all his family perished also William’s father fell ill with a heart problem & succumbed too. William’s grief was so great that he had to get away. Now several years later he’s returned only to see Sophia at a ball.
After losing the family she loved, Miss Sophia Knightly was taken in & cared for by her aunt & uncle & she’s lived a carefree and unrestricted life. The last thing she expected was William Astor, the Duke of Wycliffe, to create the scandal of the Season by chasing after her at a ball.
What a lovely read which I devoured in a sitting, we’d met William in the previous book when he returned home. An engrossing, captivating read of second chances. The characters have lots of depth, not easy to do in a short book. I loved William & Sophia who had loved each other even though they were driven apart, he thinking she’d died & she thinking he’s abandoned her without saying goodbye. They needed to learn to trust & open their hearts.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
After losing the family she loved, Miss Sophia Knightly was taken in & cared for by her aunt & uncle & she’s lived a carefree and unrestricted life. The last thing she expected was William Astor, the Duke of Wycliffe, to create the scandal of the Season by chasing after her at a ball.
What a lovely read which I devoured in a sitting, we’d met William in the previous book when he returned home. An engrossing, captivating read of second chances. The characters have lots of depth, not easy to do in a short book. I loved William & Sophia who had loved each other even though they were driven apart, he thinking she’d died & she thinking he’s abandoned her without saying goodbye. They needed to learn to trust & open their hearts.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 22, 2019
“Will you meet me in the middle?”
WOW. What an unbelievably emotional tale of two people with a second chance at love. Miss Sophia Knightly & William Astor, Duke of Wycliffe, are reunited after almost 7 years apart. Sophia is justifiably terrified with the thought of loving & being hurt again.
William is so patient & sweetly persistent. He tries to convince Sophia to always “meet him in the middle” ❤️ But is that enough?
“What are you waiting for?”
“For you to fall in love with me, my darling, Sophia.” ❤️❤️❤️
You know how some conversations/moments in a book touch you in such an emotional way that you find yourself reading those moments over & over again? This book is FULL of those moments.
This was a beautiful & touching story by Stacy Reid. The only negative is that the story ended. I wanted more of William & Sophia!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
WOW. What an unbelievably emotional tale of two people with a second chance at love. Miss Sophia Knightly & William Astor, Duke of Wycliffe, are reunited after almost 7 years apart. Sophia is justifiably terrified with the thought of loving & being hurt again.
William is so patient & sweetly persistent. He tries to convince Sophia to always “meet him in the middle” ❤️ But is that enough?
“What are you waiting for?”
“For you to fall in love with me, my darling, Sophia.” ❤️❤️❤️
You know how some conversations/moments in a book touch you in such an emotional way that you find yourself reading those moments over & over again? This book is FULL of those moments.
This was a beautiful & touching story by Stacy Reid. The only negative is that the story ended. I wanted more of William & Sophia!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 13, 2019
This is another gem of a story written by one of my favorite authors, Stacy Reid. I read this novella in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed each and every page.
William and Sophia were in love and then through no fault of their own, fate dealt them a cruel blow. William believes her dead and Sophia believes he left her without saying goodbye. Now, years later, the truth comes out and all the heartbreaking deceit and lies is out in the open. They need to find out if the love they had for each other is still there....not an easy matter when Sophia is terrified of loving anyone again and then losing them. A truly beautiful written story of love lost and then found again.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
William and Sophia were in love and then through no fault of their own, fate dealt them a cruel blow. William believes her dead and Sophia believes he left her without saying goodbye. Now, years later, the truth comes out and all the heartbreaking deceit and lies is out in the open. They need to find out if the love they had for each other is still there....not an easy matter when Sophia is terrified of loving anyone again and then losing them. A truly beautiful written story of love lost and then found again.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 11, 2019
This is a beautiful written story of first love – only love. Sophia and William were in love when she was 18 and he was 23. Tragedy and lies tore them apart. William thought Sophia died and Sophia thought William left her. Sophia was afraid of love and loss – she lost her family and she lost William seven years ago. But William will not give up the love he has for Sophia. I remember William from a previous book “Prince of my Own” and I was very happy to read his story – I have to be honest, I feel in love with William.
Stacy Reid writes beautiful stories, and this is no exception. I read this book in one day and really enjoyed it.
Stacy Reid writes beautiful stories, and this is no exception. I read this book in one day and really enjoyed it.
September 13, 2019
Miss Sophia Knightly, a vicar's daughter is in love with William Astor, heir to the dukedom of Wycliffe. Their love was ready to defy convention and be together until the unthinkable happened Cholera spread through the community and William was told Sophia and her family perished. Seven years later William find Sophia at a London ball and the two reconnect. William thought the love of his life had perished, his mother is at the center of this lie and Sophia thinks he left her without a thought. They both want what they had before, though Sophia is afraid of being hurt again. I love this romantic story of lost love given a second chance at happiness. I voluntarily read and reviewed.
September 14, 2019
I loved this heartaching romance. Sophia and William's story is one that will tug at your heartstrings and probably push a few of your buttons too. This is a books were I feel the focus is much more on the emotions and the characters. That is not to say that the storyline wasn't entertaining, because it was. I just felt it kind of served as more of a backdrop for William and Sophia's poignant romance. A really beautiful read about love, loss, grief, life, lies and love. This is my independent, imopartial review.
September 29, 2019
Reid hides an inside joke within a heartwarming romance. Sophia and the Duke is everything I'd expect a Stacy Reid novel to be. Ironic, emotional, witty and unpredictable. Sophia is the woman that has buried her heart and William is the man determined to claim that treasure for himself. Characters and author dig deep into the soul and tug at heartstrings. Once met, it's hard to forget the beauty that resides inside a Stacy Reid novel.
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