[Review] About a Rogue, by Caroline Linden

Title About A Rogue
Series: Desperately Seeking Duke #1
Author: Caroline Linden
Publisher: Avon
Number of pages: 384
Publication date: June 30th 2020

Synopsis:

The first book in the new series Desperately Seeking Duke from USA Today bestselling and RITA award-winning author Caroline Linden.

It’s no love match…

Bianca Tate is horrified when her sister Cathy is obliged to accept an offer of marriage from Maximilian St. James, notorious rake. Defiantly she helps Cathy elope with her true love, and takes her sister’s place at the altar.

It’s not even the match that was made…

Perched on the lowest branch of his family tree, Max has relied on charm and cunning to survive. But an unexpected stroke of luck gives him an outside chance at a dukedom—and which Tate sister he weds hardly seems to matter.

But could it be the perfect match?

Married or not, Bianca is determined to protect her family’s prosperous ceramics business, even when Max shows an affinity for it—not to mention a dangerous ability to intrigue and tempt Bianca herself. And when Max realizes how beautiful and intelligent and desirable Bianca is, he’ll have to prove he’s no rogue, but the passionately devoted husband she craves…

Review:

I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.

So, I read a few contemporaries before this (some very good, one not so good), and I was in need of a historical that you bring me the will to read again. This book definitely did it.

About a Rogue is an enemies to lovers story, and I have to say I really enjoyed it, as usual with Caroline Linden’s books.

I really liked the main couple, Bianca was just the right amount of fiery, and Max was a wonderful man trying to win his bride over.

There’s a bit of mystery at the end of the story, and I have to be honest – I did not expect that! Which is good, in case anyone is wondering.

Bianca fierce love for her sister and her work was very amazing, and even if her decision to marry Max was made in the spur of the moment, she kept to it, and even if she didn’t want to fall in love, and actually trying to prevent it, she also realized when it was time to just let go, which I really enjoyed, as I prefer stories where people are not so stubborn that they only realize they love one another in a death or life situation.

Max was indeed a rogue, but he’s so much more than that. He’s an intelligent man, with a head for figures, and he’s very good at business adventures. And he also knows how to best engage with Bianca, without ever forcing her or imposing on her, he simply makes himself known, and actually does the work for both the business and the love relationship.

The conflict at the end could have spiralled out of control if handled differently, but I think the author did just the right thing. Yes, Max hid something from Bianca (and her family), but he had a good reason for it, and I like that Bianca is slightly sad that he didn’t trust her, but not exactly hurt, because she understands him and his reasons.

The book ended up being a quick read, and was just right for my mood.

[Review] When the Marquess Was Mine, by Caroline Linden

Title When the Marquess Was Mine
Series: The Wagers of Sin #3
Author: Caroline Linden
Publisher: Avon
Number of pages: 400
Publication date: September 24th 2019

Synopsis:

In the game of love…

Georgiana Lucas despises the arrogant and cruel Marquess of Westmorland even before learning that he's won the deed to her friend Kitty's home in a card game. Still, Georgiana assures Kitty the marquess wouldn't possibly come all the way to Derbyshire to throw them out—until he shows up, bloody and unconscious. Fearing that Kitty would rather see him die, Georgiana blurts out that he's her fiancé. She'll nurse the hateful man back to health and make him vow to leave and never return. The man who wakes up, though, is nothing like the heartless rogue Georgiana thought she knew…

You have to risk it all

He wakes up with no memory of being assaulted—or of who he is. The bewitching beauty tending him so devotedly calls him Rob and claims she's his fiancée even as she avoids his touch. Though he can't remember how he won her hand, he's now determined to win her heart. But as his memory returns and the truth is revealed, Rob must decide if the game is up—or if he'll take a chance on a love that defies all odds.

Review:

I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.

Caroline Linden has become one of my go-to authors. Her books are always romantic and amusing, and this one was no different.

The main trope that’s present in the book is amnesia, and it’s a trope that sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. Here, I think it worked perfectly.

Georgiana is a sweet girl, who saves a man’s life by saying he’s her fiancé, instead of the man the family she is with hates. Lord Westmorland – Rob – is a rake/rogue, and he won a house in a bet. But he’s not a bad guy so, to make sure the house is never lost again, he decides to give it to the man’s family, so that they know what happened, and can keep their property safe. But Kitty, Georgiana’s friend, has been warned that a bad man is arriving at her house to kick her, and her family, out of their home. And Kitty is fierce, so she has all the guns ready to protect what’s hers.

When Georgiana finds a man beaten almost to death, she decides she can’t leave him to die in the street, and gets him to Kitty’s house, and when she sees his face, and discovers that he’s Lord Westmorland (and she was the only one there who had actually met him), she knows she has to lie to make sure Kitty will help him. And, because Rob was beaten in the head, he loses his memory for some time.

Georgiana tends to Rob, and when he wakes up, they start spending more time together, and… I’m sure you can guess what happens. Georgiana and Rob’s love is something at risk, because she’s engaged to someone else, so when Rob’s brother comes to get him, and Rob’s gets his memory back, they come up with a plan, and decide not to see each other again. Of course, days past, and they keep thinking about each other.

There are some family problems regarding Georgiana’s family, and this is more developed at the end of the book. There’s also some mystery that is mostly dealt with at the very end of the book, so it’s not very important throughout the book, but it does drive the story at the end.

It’s a sweet story, with romance and funny moments, with a rakish hero, and a sweet heroine who finds her voice.

[Review] A Study in Scandal, by Caroline Linden

Title A Study in Scandal
Series: Scandalous #3.5
Author: Caroline Linden
Publisher: Caroline Linden
Number of pages: 130
Publication date: February 16 2016

Synopsis:

After a youthful infatuation went terribly wrong, Lady Samantha Lennox gave up all thought of suitors and happily-ever-after. But when she angers her strict and demanding father, the Earl of Stratford, he retaliates by arranging a marriage for her to a man she could never admire, much less love. In a panic, Samantha flees, only to find herself lost, alone, and nearly kidnapped--until an unlikely hero saves her.

George Churchill-Gray is an artist, not a knight in shining armor, but he doesn't hesitate to rescue Samantha from disaster and offer her sanctuary. He wouldn't mind if she repaid him by modeling for his latest painting. He's enchanted by her face...her smile...all of her, really. But with every study he sketches, he falls a little more in love with her, and Samantha begins to suspect her scandalous actions might lead to the sort of love she never thought to find...

Review:

I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.

Although not a fan of novellas, it’s always a pleasure to read one written by Caroline Linden.

The hero, Lord George, is an artist, and the way the author describes his works, and his portraits of Lady Samantha, is so good you can visualize them perfectly when reading.

I liked the chemistry and spark you could feel between the main characters. And how easy it was to hate/really dislike Samantha’s father, and therefore support Samantha and George in their love. A forced proximity kind of trope, I would say.

A short review for a delightful, yet short book.

[Review] An Earl Like You, by Caroline Linden

Title An Earl Like You
Series: The Wagers of Sin #2
Author: Caroline Linden
Publisher: Avon
Number of pages: 384
Publication date: August 28th 2018

Synopsis:

When you gamble at love...

When Hugh Deveraux discovers his newly inherited earldom is bankrupt, he sets about rebuilding the family fortune—in the gaming hells of London. But the most daring wager he takes isn't at cards. A wealthy tradesman makes a tantalizing offer: marry the man's spinster daughter, and Hugh's debts will be paid and his fortune made. The only catch is that she must never know about their agreement.

You risk losing your heart...

Heiress Eliza Cross has given up hope of marriage until she meets the impossibly handsome Earl of Hastings, her father's new business partner. The earl is everything a gentleman should be, and is boldly attentive to her. It doesn't take long for Eliza to lose her heart and marry him. But when Eliza discovers that there is more to the man she loves—and to her marriage—her trust is shattered. And it will take all of Hugh's power to prove that now his words of love are real.

Review:

I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.

This story is somewhat a marriage of convenience – at least for one of the parties involved.

I really liked Eliza, she was the sweetest. In the beginning, she wore pink glasses when looking at the world, but I have to admit I loved her innocence. Hugh, on the other hand, has no other choice but to see the world as it really is – and I think that’s one of the reasons why we readers can forgive him for acting the way he does.

It was so romantic to see them develop their feelings for each other, and being so protective as well. Both main characters are so lovable that we just root for their happy ending from beginning to end, even with families imposing and trying to keep them apart. The book has a bit of mystery and lies in the middle, which helps the story flow and keeps the readers interested.

I read it just a few hours, that’s how much it kept me interested!

[Review] At the Duke's Wedding, by Caroline Linden, Katharine Ashe, Miranda Neville, and Maya Rodale

Title: At the Duke's Wedding
Series: --
Author: Caroline Linden, Katharine Ashe, Miranda Neville, and Maya Rodale
Publisher: The Lady Authors
Number of pages: 516
Publication date: June 10th 2013

Synopsis:

As society gathers at Kingstag Castle for the wedding of the year, matrimony is in the air. But who will be the bride? With swoonworthy lords, witty ladies, eccentric relatives, a gaggle of free-spirited girls, not to mention the world’s best high perch phaeton, it’s a recipe for mayhem — and romance. Award winning, best-selling authors Katharine Ashe, Caroline Linden, Miranda Neville and Maya Rodale serve up delectable Regency fun and a sexy contemporary twist in this anthology of original novellas. Four authors, four couples, four deliciously romantic surprises. When it comes to love, anything can happen…

That Rogue Jack by Maya Rodale
Jack, Lord Willoughby is charming, handsome, and utterly irresponsible. In other words, he’s the worst person to entrust with the ducal wedding ring. Miss Henrietta Black is prim, proper and the ideal person to help find the priceless family heirloom that’s gone missing… as long as she isn’t distracted by Jack’s gorgeous smile and tantalizing attempts at seduction. They MUST find the ring before the wedding… if they aren’t too busy falling in love.

P.S. I Love You by Miranda Neville
Handsome, inarticulate Frank Newnham asks for his cousin Christian's help when he woos Rosanne Lacy by letter. Rosanne falls for Frank's delicious prose, but when they meet in person at the duke's wedding party, Rosanne can't understand why Frank seems so ... dull. And why is she drawn to the dark brooding Earl of Bruton, with his scarred face and air of melancholy?

When I Met My Duchess by Caroline Linden
Gareth Cavendish, Duke of Wessex, believes he’s chosen the perfect bride… until he meets her sister and lightning strikes—literally! Now he’s the only member of society dreading the wedding of the season. Or is he? Cleo Barrows can’t fathom why her knees weaken every time the handsome duke approaches, or why her sister isn’t in the clouds at the prospect of marrying him. But the more often wedding plans throw Cleo and Gareth intimately together, the faster time is running out to turn the celebration of the summer into the scandal of the year.

How Angela Got Her Rogue Back by Katharine Ashe
When gorgeous Lord Trenton Ascot beckons to history grad student Angela Cowdrey from the pages of a comic book, she thinks she’s going crazy. When Trent rescues her from a lake and she claims she’s from the future, he knows he is. But a blackmailer is threatening Trent’s family and Angela is determined to help. While unraveling the mystery of her time-travel trip to the duke’s wedding, this modern girl and Regency lord just might discover a passion that defies centuries.

Review:

I received an eARC at no cost from the author

Of the four authors who wrote this anthology, I had only ever read books written by two of them, Caroline Linden, and Katharine Ashe – both authors I had really enjoyed and, therefore, had expected a good book from. They did not disappoint.

The first three stories are historical regency, and the last one has a paranormal/magical setting involving both the our current time and the Regency era, which I thought I wasn’t going to like because I was hoping for a typical historical romance story – it ended up being my favourite!

It was a fun and enjoyable book, with our usual rogues, and heroines that dazzled us with their intelligence and witty retorts. Each novella brought a unique element to complete the story, and it was exciting to see how every piece started to fit and make sense as a whole. I’ll definitely be reading more books written by these authors.

[Review] A Rake's Guide to Seduction, by Caroline Linden

Title A Rake's Guide to Seduction
Series: Reece Family Trilogy #3
Author: Caroline Linden
Publisher: Zebra
Number of pages: 352
Publication date: August 29th 2017

Synopsis:

Anthony Hamilton cannot help it. The way he looks, the way he lives, his past - it all conspires to make him a man men fear, women desire. His name fills gossip circles in a seemingly endless, lurid drama. But he's never forgotten the only woman he's ever truly wanted - yet could never have.

Celia Reece knew Anthony well before he forged his scandalous reputation. The young man she remembers spoke kindly to her, made her laugh, and his devilish good looks always quickened her pulse. But Celia's mother had other designs - designs that didn't include marriage to Anthony. Now, Celia is widowed, and her mother is intent on finding her a new husband. Refusing to let any obstacle stand in his path this time, Anthony sets out to win Celia's heart by using the same skills that made him London's most irresistible rake...

Review:

I received an eARC at no cost from the author

This book was a bit different than most historical romances, in my opinion. I really liked that.

Anthony is the typical rogue/rake with a heart of gold for the heroine. He's there for her, he makes her laugh - he helps her become more like herself before she was married, when she was happier and more relaxed. Her mother , on the other hand, only sees him as a bad influence.

Celia is a woman who, although strong, was a hurt by life - her husband who pretty much left her alone with her father-in-law, the father-in-law who depended on them too much , the children she wanted but didn't have... and sadly she became a shell of her younger self.

Anthony helps her and he doesn't push her, which I liked. She evolves at her own pace.

I really enjoyed seeing their relationship rekindle and grow, and I became quite envolved with these characters.

Definitely another win for me with Caroline Linden.