An Unexpected Temptation
Series: The Townsbridges #5
Author: Sophie Barnes
Published December 8th 2020 by Sophie Barnes

Goodreads Synopsis
No other woman compares...

Six years ago, Athena Townsbridge broke up a wedding. This worked out well for her brother and the lady he loved, but Athena has never forgiven herself for what it did to Robert Carlisle. No one has seen him since he fled the church in humiliation, so when she learns of his estate's proximity to the property she is staying at during a family visit, she sets out, determined to make amends.

When Robert, Marquess of Darlington, is reunited with Athena, she's no longer the troublesome girl he remembers, but rather a fully grown woman. Trapped with her when a blizzard sets in, he rediscovers her playful side, the laughter and joy she can bring to his life. But it is her willful nature that tempts him, both with the need to tame her and with the dream of making her his.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

The fifth and final Townsbridge book, An Unexpected Temptation sees the youngest Townsbridge sibling, Athena, find her own love, in a rather unexpected place. When she was 14, she spoke up at the wedding of a close family friend, Robert Carlisle, now the Marquess of Darlington, and was the catalyst for his bride jilting him, and running of with his best friend, Athena's older brother. Since then, Robert has cut all ties with the family, but Athena will not give up trying to apologise. When her and the family are spending Christmas at the neighbouring estate, Athena decides to sneak off to Robert's home, and apologise in person, once and for all. And when the weather draws in, and she is marooned, alone, with him, he starts to reconsider everything he thought. The young rascal he once knew has become a beautiful hellion, and Robert is now thinking it's time for him to settle down, and with Athena.

This book was only the third I've read by this author, and in this series, but it is definitely my favourite. The trope of friends to lovers, even if they've been estranged for some time, is a favourite of mine, and the sheer chemistry and affection between Athena and Robert was phenomenal. I simply devoured this book, and with the way both main characters grew and developed into a couple, and overcame so many difficulties, I was enthralled. A perfect ending, and everything I could've asked for!

Dates Read:
October 11, 2020

Rating
3 Stars