A Most Devilish Rogue

A Most Series #2

by Ashlyn Macnamara

Fans who adore Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Sabrina Jeffries will savor Ashlyn Macnamara’s sensual new novel, which proves that two hearts are better than one.

Years ago, when Isabelle Mears was still a young miss too infatuated to know better, she surrendered her innocence to a dishonorable man. Though ruined and cast out from society, she has worked hard to shelter her illegitimate son, Jack. Having sworn off men in her quiet but dignified life, Isabelle is unprepared for the deep longing that rips through her when a handsome stranger rescues her rambunctious six-year-old from the pounding ocean surf.

George Upperton is a man in trouble with debts, women, and a meddling family. He is, by all accounts, the last gentleman on earth Isabelle should be drawn to. But loneliness is a hard mistress, and caution gives way to desire . . . even though Isabelle is convinced that happiness can’t be found in the arms of such a devilish rogue. Only when Jack is kidnapped does Isabelle discover the true depth of George’s devotion—and how far a good man will go to fight for the woman whose love is all that matters.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Regency Romance, Fiction

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 27, 2013

About the author

Ashlyn lives in the wilds of suburbia outside Montreal with her husband and two teenaged daughters. When not writing, she looks for other excuses to neglect the housework, among them knitting, reading and wasting time on the internet in the guise of doing research.

Visit http://ashlynmacnamara.net/book-table/ for more information.

Reviews

[Mary - Buried Under Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted on my blog: http://www.buriedunderromance.blogspo...

A rogue can certainly go about living a careless life and lavishly spend money, if said rogue actually had any money left. George Upperton, a charming rogue, is in desperate need of funds. Not only is his allegedly pregnant mistress demanding financial compensation, but his luck at cards had deserted him as well, leaving him with few means to procure the money necessary to pay his deceased friend’s debts, and enact his plan of revenge against the Earl of Redditch, the man who led to his friend’s death.

A chance encounter and a swift rescue put Isabelle Mears and her son Jack in his way, and George was immediately intrigued by the passion within Isabelle clamoring to be freed from the confines of reality and uncertainty.

Isabelle tries to resist George’s temptation, having been a victim of a rogue’s charming seduction that left her with an illegitimate child. Her internal turmoil is keenly expressed; she struggles with the responsibility of motherhood, yet longs for even a fraction of the carefree vivacity she had before her ruination. And George is proving to be a most dangerous man to her heart and reputation.

As George comes to care for Isabelle and Jack, his rakish façade begins to crumble, revealing the gentle interior of the man within: a clandestine musician, a good and loyal friend, a doting father figure, a protective older brother, and most of all, a hero. The last is especially put on the test when Jack gets kidnapped, following the revealing of Isabelle’s evil relations, and George must seek the truth from lies and deceit, all the while defending the woman whose reputation puts his to shame.

There is an abundance of spice in this story, for it has all the makings of a mystery combined with the poignancy of love and the bittersweet taste of life. A Most Devilish Rogue is less about passion than fortitude, for Isabelle who lived a tough life and constantly fears the myriad forces that could take her son away, and for George, who struggled to conceal himself amidst the selfish ton, and prove to Isabelle that he is more than just a feckless rogue.

Most noteworthy in this story is George’s growth to maturity. From a man who sought nothing but expedient pleasure, he quickly transformed into a caring father figure for Jack, and promptly donned the mask of hero for Isabelle. His transformation seems a bit too abrupt, slightly out of place with his words and beliefs some pages ago. Disregarding that, it was a wonderful transformation necessary for the circumstances, not to mention for the enjoyment of the story.

Ashlyn Macnamara has crafted a well-written Regency with a heavy focus on plot and characterization; it takes on myriad shapes and forms, ranging from suspenseful to light-hearted, but with a well of emotions at its core, and a memorable sense of contentment upon reaching the end. While it is not overly romantic, the story is intriguing and takes a new spin on the Reformed Rakes trope. This is a book to be read!

Plot: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
Writing: 7/10
Structure: 7/10
Overall: 7/10

*ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

 

 
Summary
Quite a few years ago, Isabelle found herself infatuated with a young man and lost her innocence and in the process fell in disgrace and scandal and was shunned by her own family. Isabelle has had to raise her son, Jack all by herself, living in a small cottage with a friend and keeping away from the village and raising her son and protecting him. George Upperton has found himself spiraling out of order with gambling, debts and above all women. He has a family that meddles in his life but when they coerce him into attending a country house party he discovers a beautiful woman whom he is drawn to but he knows he is no good for. Isabelle is protective of her son and doesn’t trust herself with George but she has been alone for quite some time and the bond she feels to him is hard to ignore...but will their past forge a bond so strong nothing will stand in their way...
The Hero
George Upperton is more than your typical rake and on the surface he seems to only care about his gambling, drinking and the latest mistress he has. At the beginning we see what is on the surface, but as the story progresses you see that he has a greater purpose in gambling, a purpse that you admire and respect. Even though George isn’t a perfect “hero” as he is very flawed we see realism in his character and the way he seems to care for Isabelle and Jack is priceless. You quickly see the deep goodness that is deeply rooted that has been overshadowed by a father that attempted to bury his true passions and talents. I think what I loved most about his character was his dedication to those he loved the most in the little ways that matter.
The Heroine
Isabelle Mears, is a young woman who trusted the wrong person and ended up paying for it in the worst way. She has had to bury herself in the country, barely surviving and trying to keep herself and her son alfoat the best she can. She is quite protective of her son. Isabelle fights the attraction she has toward George, because she knows he is “trouble” and the type of trouble she doesn’t need. But Isabelle is fighting a losing battle. This heroine was quite fun to watch.....there were times I felt she was a bit overstrong in her protectiveness over her son Jack, especially in the ways that George and Jack are with each other. Having said that, Isabelle is a heroine that is strong, courageous and a survivor. She has a spine of steel and you see her strength and her resilience
Plot and Story Line
When I saw this ebook available through my library, I knew I needed to snatch it up....a book available from Macnamara I hadn’t read yet especially with that cover??? *gasp* No way!!!! So from the first moment I picked this book up I was drawn into it. The story sets up in a way that at first you don’t care too much for the hero. We see only the surface of his character but very quickly you instantly change your mind about his character and this is where things really pick p in the story. What really drew me into the story was the chemistry between George and Isabelle. I had forgotten how well this author can write sexual tension and she wrote it so well in this story. We see how she develops the romance which isn’t rushed. It slow and steady but not quite in the ways that you would expect it. Which is quite interesting to see how the story unraveled and gave you those little surprises and delights you don’t quite expect to see. We also get a bit of added mystery and suspense in the middle of the story that adds some thrills that keep the story exciting and brings about a pivotal change in their relationship. We also get some fun bantering moments that we see happen between George and his family that only makes you want to see them around each other more. Quite a delightful read.
The Cover
Hot and Sexy....and I love the glutes...those pants are just right!!!! What can I say, I have a weakness for a man's booty!!!
Overall View
A Most Devilish Rogue is stimulating, emotional and a roller coaster of a ride that takes you through ups and downs of love and sensuality!!!



 

 

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[Caz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've given this a C+ at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars here.

I enjoyed Ms Macnamara’s début (A Most Scandalous Proposal) earlier this year, and so looked forward to reading the follow-up novel about George Upperton, just plain “Mister” Upperton, who featured in a secondary role in the first book.

George himself is a charming character, although his situation as presented at the beginning of the book may well fail to endear him to some readers, and did, I admit, colour my opinion of him for rather a lot of the story. He presents himself to the world as a world-weary foppish character, a man possessed of a quick wit, disarming charm and the ability to talk himself out of (almost) any situation. He is witty and charming, but beneath the façade is a man who is tired of acting a part. He is also deeply in debt, and fed up with his mother’s constant nagging at him to find himself a wife.

At the beginning of the book, he receives the unwelcome news that his current mistress is pregnant. He is horrified – as is the lady herself, who makes it clear she doesn’t want to be responsible for a child. George is completely floored; figuratively as well as literally, when the lady’s brother bursts in upon them and proceeds to knock seven bells out of him.

In a state of mild panic, George flees London in order to attend a house party in Kent at the home of his friend Benedict Revelstoke. He feels as though his life is spiralling out of control – he has no desire to be a father and no idea how he is going to continue to pay his mistress’ expenses as he is honour bound to do.

Isabelle Mears is a very well-born young lady who fell from the upper echelons of society when she bore an illegitimate child. Cast out by her family, she lives in a tiny cottage close to Revelstoke’s country home with her six-year-old son, Jack, and is barely able to make ends meet.

Life is hard, yet she is determined to remain independent and cares for her boy as well as she can.

Given her past experience with an unscrupulous man, Isabelle is naturally suspicious of a handsome rogue like George, but fate puts him in her way when he saves Jack’s life. She struggles with her attraction to him and tries hard to put him off by being curt and stand-offish, but when Jack disappears a few days later, George is the one person in the neighbourhood to offer his assistance, both with searching for her son, and with a shoulder to lean on.

Up until this point, I thought things were progressing reasonably well. George and Isabelle were dancing warily around each other, trying to fight their mutual attraction, and it was becoming clear that there was much more to George than his rakish reputation would indicate. In the previous book, he came across as a hedonist ; fun-loving, charming and as fond of gambling as he was of loose women, but his impending fatherhood has pulled him up short and is making him face up to the fact that he doesn’t really like the face he presents to the world. We also learn that he is a gifted pianist, but his typically stiff-backed father forced him to suppress such an unmanly talent. Even though his father is long gone and George is a grown man, he still suppresses his love for music even though he is finding it more and more difficult and frustrating to do so.

But with Jack’s disappearance, I thought the novel seemed to lose its way. Despite her misgivings, Isabelle finally allows George to ‘comfort’ her and the story is now focused on their growing attraction and, more particularly, on George’s gradual shift from a man who was shying away from responsibility to a man who is prepared – indeed, willing – to take on those responsibilities now he’s found the right woman for him. I don’t object to time being spent on relationship development – indeed, I expect it to happen in a romantic novel. But while George and Isabelle were busy discovering each other and getting it on, her son was missing, disappeared without a trace. As a result, I felt that the kidnap plot didn’t have a sense of urgency or peril; indeed the first clue as to Jack’s whereabouts turned up conveniently on the morning after George and Isabelle have at last consummated their relationship. It was as though, now they’d done the deed without having to worry about Jack running in on them, they could get on with solving the mystery of his disappearance, which also turned out to be so incredibly coincidental that it seemed as though the author was anxious to wrap up as many of the plot-threads as possible in one fell swoop.

While I thought that George was probably the most well-drawn of the two principals, I did find it hard to reconcile his attitude towards his own unborn child with his attitude towards Jack, a boy he meets just a few days later. His mistress turns out to be a total bitch (presumably he chose to ignore that facet of her personality while he was shagging her) so it’s not so surprising that George would feel trepidation at the prospect of being linked with her forever, but even though I really liked him as a character, his attitude towards the children struck a false note with me. In his favour however, I will say that I enjoyed watching him turn from a rather frivolous and glib individual into a solidly dependable man who was capable of great love and loyalty.

When it comes to the heroine, I can’t say I especially liked or disliked her. On the one hand, I thought she was brave in trying to assert her independence, but on the other, I thought she was being overly stubborn in her insistence on letting it be known that she was an unmarried mother when the status of such a woman at the time the novel is set was practically the lowest of the low. I was surprised that Isabelle chose not to pass herself off as a widow and instead let her true circumstances be known. I can understand her need not to be cowed by the actions of her family in casting her out, but I would have thought she would have considered her son’s situation, given that an illegitimate child was practically blamed for his own bastardy, and swallowed her pride on that count for his sake.

Overall however, I found her to be rather bland, because she didn’t make much of an impression on me one way or the other .

I’m afraid I came away from A Most Devilish Rogue feeling disappointed. I think Ms. Macnamara displays a deft touch with humour and that her writing is immediately engaging, but I don’t think the plot was especially strong and – even though this is a romantic novel – the conclusion to the kidnap plot was just too coincidental for me to swallow. I found the heroine hard to connect with and I found her willingness to let George distract her (with sex!) from her anxiety for her missing son was just too implausible. Hell, if one of my kids went missing, I imagine a distraction from the search is the last thing I’d want.

On the positive side, I liked that the Epilogue showed that although Isabelle and George had married, society didn’t suddenly welcome them with open arms. Not that they were worried, being content with a small circle of genuine friends, but I thought it was refreshing to see that Isabelle hadn’t suddenly been restored to respectability by her marriage, and that George was perfectly happy to live on the outskirts of society and that he was finally able to be himself.

Even though I have reservations about this book, I nonetheless consider Ms Macnamara an author to watch and will certainly be looking out for her future projects.


My initial reaction was : Not terrible, just not... anything much, really. You know the oft-repeated gag about eating a Chinese meal and feeling hungry again half an hour later? This book felt like the literary equivalent. I finished it and then felt like I hadn't read anything.

[Krissys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Most Devilish Rogue (A Most Series #2) by Ashlyn Macnamara Author: Ashlyn Macnamara Title: A Most Devilish Rogue Series: A Most Series Cover Rating: Book Rating: Buy This Book:

 
Years ago, when Isabelle Mears was still a young miss too infatuated to know better, she surrendered her innocence to a dishonorable man. Though ruined and cast out from society, she has worked hard to shelter her illegitimate son, Jack. Having sworn off men in her quiet but dignified life, Isabelle is unprepared for the deep longing that rips through her when a handsome stranger rescues her rambunctious six-year-old from the pounding ocean surf.
 
George Upperton is a man in trouble with debts, women, and a meddling family. He is, by all accounts, the last gentleman on earth Isabelle should be drawn to. But loneliness is a hard mistress, and caution gives way to desire . . . even though Isabelle is convinced that happiness can’t be found in the arms of such a devilish rogue. Only when Jack is kidnapped does Isabelle discover the true depth of George’s devotion—and how far a good man will go to fight for the woman whose love is all that matters.
 
 
 
 

 I like historical romances once in awhile because they are a slow moving and soft fall book to slip into when you need something a little less thrilling. I think the point of historical romances is to slow things down and enjoy, savor its flavor. Isabelle and George are both flawed but who isn't these days? I like a little reality added once in awhile. I really liked that George wasn't stuck up or overly flamboyant. I don't know why many writers do this to males in their historical novels, I suppose its the image that comes to mind. Isabelle isn't a swooning, broken helpless female that can't function without the sole support of the male lead either. Isabelle and George can stand up on their own, they have very real issues and very real emotions. I really came to find it refreshing and more than that I found it more real than any historical novel that I've read in a really long time. Way to go Ashlyn!
 

Until next time book lovers...



Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
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[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had two issues with this book, provided by netgalley. The problem is there were pretty enormous issues and meant I really did not like it at all.

Problem #1 - The Cover

I mean, just look at it. It's a man's butt in tight clothing.

Now, I guess in theory I don't really have a problem with looking at a nice butt, but (a) this has got less than nothing to do with the story, and (b) it almost screams "Read me!" in a way that is both desperate and very off-putting as a reader. It means the story has a higher hill to climb to meet reader expectations, and, really, why do that to yourself?, which leads me to..

Problem #2 - The Plot

The basic plot of this book revolves around the kidnapping of the heroine's son, but I just couldn't buy that an average parent would forget they were frantically trying to get their child back and instead fall into bed with some stranger a day or so after the most precious thing to them is grabbed. Sorry, don't believe it, and couldn't get past it.

I did like how this book tried to take a ruined woman and show what could happen after the ruining bit, but the writing was so infuriating there was a cliche on every page ("fire-hewn thighs" anyone?), and the heroine was so insipid I wanted to slap her, and instead of growing on me, the feeling intensified and I just wanted to throttle her by the end.

The hero was also pathetic. He's agonizing over getting his mistress pregnant, and yet he can't keep his d*!k to himself for a week?!!

To be honest, the most interesting character in the whole book is one of the other women who draws caricatures, but she gets about 4 lines..

1 star. Didn't like it.

[Farrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that is an awesome cover. Every time I look at it, I stare for a few seconds. What red-blooded female wouldn't want to pick up a book with that cover? But, the question is, did the book live up to the cover? The answer is: yes, it definitely did.

This book has a fairly small cast of major characters. I liked them all; I though they were great character. But, I sometimes felt like I couldn't connect with the two main characters completely. It was only a few times, so it wasn't a huge problem, but it was enough of an annoyance to bear mentioning. However, that didn't stop me from enjoying the book.

Isabelle was a very strong woman. After facing ruination in society for a mistake, she picked up the shambled of her life, moved away from society, and dedicated her life to her son (who was totally adorable). And, when her son was in danger, she fought like hell to get him back, yet knew when she needed help. I appreciated that, even when it came to George, she wasn't letting anyone play her. She was a very likable heroine.

George doesn't come off as a great character at first. He's steeped in debt and mercurial when it comes to women. But, later on, we see a different side of him. Sure, he definitely can be a rogue, but he can also be very sweet, determined, and protective. I loved how sweet he was with Jack. It wasn't long before I adored him. He did have his flaws, and let's be honest, he deserved to have Isabelle get mad at him when she did. But, despite that, he was a wonderful character. He changed when he fell in love with Isabelle and became a perfect hero.

The romance in this book was very steamy. The love scenes...whew...get ready to fan your face because they were hot. Very well written. But, Isabelle and George were also very sweet together, especially with George's determination to change for Isabelle. I thought they were a great couple.

I loved little Jack! He was so cute and adorable. He doesn't have a lot of stage time in the book, being kidnapped for a good portion of it, but he was still a major presence. I loved how Isabelle was so devoted to him and how George was so sweet with him. He was just an awesome character.

The plot was fast-paced, never a dull moment. I was hooked from page one, all the way through. And the ending was so lovely.

Historical romance lovers, you have to read A Most Devilish Rogue. It was a brilliant book!

*Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for a copy!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Upperton is a man down on his luck. Loosing at cards has driven him to his friends country estate. Little did he know a small boy and a disgraced socialite are about to capture his heart.

Isabelle Mears has been hiding from her past. Living in seclusion on a small surf side town she is content with life. Until the day George Upperton rescues her son from drowning.

The romantic tension is immediate and the chemistry burns hot in A Most Devilish Rogue. Taking place in the English countryside, the writing style of Ashlyn Macnamara makes you feel like you can taste the salt in the sea air blowing off the waves. Warm, strong characters, heart felt emotions and spicy romance accentuate this enchanting storyline. If you are looking for a pleasurable, sweet, historical HEA A Most Devilish Rogue is the story for you.

This ARC copy of A Most Devilish Rogue was given to me by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 27, 2013.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
ISBN-10: 034553476X
ISBN-13: 978-0345534767
Rating: 4
Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction
Ashlyn Macnamara's Website

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.

[Jennifer McQuiston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Ashyln Macnamara's new (well, not new anymore, I am dreadfully behind in my reading!)historical. A Most Devilish Rogue features George Upperton as the hero and Isabelle, an unmarried woman with a mysterious past as the heroine. When Isabelle's young son goes missing, George cannot help but want to comfort her... but once it becomes clear she is a woman of good breeding, he is determined to sort out the circumstances of her past as well.

Ashlyn provides a wonderful, poignant read in her sophomore novel. A Most Devilish Rogue reintroduces us to some favorite characters we first saw in A Most Scandalous Proposal (and indeed, some familiar locations), but also serves to introduce us to a new, steamier side of Macnamara's writing. I also thoroughly enjoy how Macnamara is pushing the envelope a bit with her material. This one features an edgy start, showing her hero in bed with his mistress (NOT the heroine) and being accused of fathering a child out of wedlock. Add to that a heroine who has clearly borne a bastard child, and you have a mixup not often seen in current historicals!

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these characters, particularly George who was not that well-developed in the first novel and seemed more carefree than he appears here. Turns out I like a man with depth! Isabelle's desperation to find her child, and also her shame but resilience in the face of her circumstances, was more than admirable. The resolution is a happy one, and I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing with Ms. Macnamara comes up with next!

[Celine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The word that first came to my mind after reading this book was superficial. The first scene set a totally different tone than the one the rest of the story had which I found disappointing and a little jarring at first. I never connected to the characters or felt that they were developed deeply. They seem to fall in love almost instantly and I didn't feel that there was a real development of their relationship or any reason given for their love other than instant attraction. The story-line involving Isabelle's son's kidnapping was almost an afterthought. While the story moved at a decent pace, I just never felt involved or really cared about the outcome of the story or what would happen to the characters. The plot was very standard historical romance with nothing new or interesting enough to catch my attention. It just didn't work for me.

[Lady Wesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I mostly enjoyed this book and found the hero and heroine to be quite interesting and not at all stereotypical. I simply could not, however, accept the idea of a gently bred young woman falling into bed with this virtual stranger, a penniless rake at that, right after her child disappeared. I like plenty of spice in my HR and granted that he was trying to help her, but in this case the story would be better if the sexytimes had been put off for a while.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and netgalley.com for an advance copy of this book.

[Valerie Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! I so enjoyed reading a non-traditional Regency that pairs a ruined earl's daughter with a mere mister. What an enjoyable read! Ashlyn Macnamara's prose is lovely and lyrical, filled with fascinating historical detail and a dash of humor that makes for a captivating story. Can't wait for the next one!

[Shauni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashlyn Macnamara is back! And follows her spectacular debut novel A Most Scandalous Proposal with an infinitely darker view into a bygone era. A Most Devilish Rogue forces us to look beyond the glitter and discover that love really can and does conquer all.

Isabelle Mears had it all. She was beautiful, talented, came from a prominent family and most of all (according to ton standards) she was rich. A perfect match! But a series of bad choices left her alone and pregnant. Her family had cast her out and there was no one to turn to. Now, six years later her beautiful baby boy has gone missing and the only person she can turn to is a member of the very society that tossed her aside.

George Upperton discovers his mistress is pregnant and her horrid brother has decided that he has to pay.. and pay.. and pay.. While he had every intention of making sure his child was cared for he had no desire to marry the woman. On top of that he is secretly planning on paying the debt of an old friend, who has killed himself leaving a wife and child behind. Upperton wants to make it easier for her to survive. The last thing he needs is another woman with a child in his life. Except once he meets Isabelle and her precocious Jack all bets are off.

I really enjoyed this book, Ashlyn Macnamara does a wonderful job of showing us the issues of a woman betrayed and yes Isabelle was betrayed by just about everyone. Her family, her child's father, the village where she has chosen to make a life.. she is a fallen woman and no one lets her forget it. When Upperton barrels into her life she doesn't understand what he could possibly want with her. Well she figures she understands but doesn't get that he is basically just a really nice man..

When Jack goes missing she has no one to turn to except Upperton and he astonishes her by insisting that they call upon his friends and family for assistance. She is amazed when some of them turn out to be decent people who see her as a woman raising a child.. not as this scarlet woman sure to destroy their moral compass by breathing the same air. Sure there are those who turn from her but the joy comes from those who don't.

Isabelle and George have a battle to fight, first to find her child and deal with the fall out of that. Then to address her family and all that they have done and finally to face each other to see if there is a chance for them.. and if they want to face what society is sure to throw at them.. It's a beautiful story and Ms Macnamara takes a very Jane Austenish stand by showing us the plight of women. How they had no choices on their own and if family turned them out life was all but over.. Excellent Job.

Take a chance on this budding new author she is making it worth my while to continue reading.

Shauni


This review is based on the ARC of A Most Devilish Rogue,provided by netgalley and scheduled for release on August 27, 2013

[Susana Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best I've read in recent years!

I've always been fascinated by the idea of rehabilitating a fallen woman in a Regency; in this case, Isabelle was a victim, but to the whole of society—including her parents—she was a fallen woman. Tossed into the streets pregnant with no means of support. Nice, huh? Most girls in that situation would have no recourse but to sell themselves. Fortunately, Isabelle finds a kind woman willing to share her humble home with an outcast and her illegitimate son.

Regency society is much more tolerant of male lapses, and George has made a lot of them. He never really thought much about it, though, until he met Isabelle and her son Jack. They are victims, while he—well—he deserves whatever consequences come from his careless actions. He's drawn to Isabelle more than to any woman, but for the first time he considers the consequences before pursuing her. She doesn't deserve the censure she's suffered over the past seven years; nor does he wish to put her through the same thing again.

But something links the two of them together, and even though Isabelle knows there's no future for them, she can't stop herself from giving in to her passions. But there's a lot about George Upperton that she doesn't know; once she does, will she regret her recklessness?

This is a fascinating story that I didn't want to put down. George does seem quite a devilish rogue in the beginning, but no worse than your average Regency rake. He's arrived at a turning point in his life, and meeting Isabelle is just the impetus he needs to pull him back into reality. His rehabilitation into responsible manhood is both convincing and delightful. Somehow one knows that these changes are permanent, and not dependent on Isabelle at all.

And Isabelle…well, she too has some issues to resolve, even though she is essentially a victim here. Bitterness—who wouldn't be bitter under the circumstances?—distrust, self-deprecation, fear—all of these things have to be dealt with before she can accept the happiness and love she deserves.

This is the second of the a series. I'll be checking out the first one, A Most Scandalous Proposal, as soon as I'm finished writing this!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also posted on my blog: http://theravishingpen.blogspot.com/2...

I just happened across this book when she was doing a giveaway here on goodreads. It looked interesting so I entered. Much to my surprise, I actually received one, and I am now so very happy that I did. This book was the first I had ever heard of Ashlyn Macnamara, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

Firstly, I just HAVE to mention the cover. It was a nice change from the typical man and woman in a really awkward looking embrace or the man standing with hair blowing in the wind. No, this one is straight up, "Look at dat butt!" Haha. That was fun.

This book had me hooked from page one, and it took me approximately two hours to finish (keep in mind I am a fast reader).

I am not going to go hugely into the story here, because there are already tons of other reviews on here that give you the summary. So I will simply tell you what I personally thought of the story and the characters. First off, George. What a lovely flawed character. I enjoyed that it wasn't the usual case of the hero having one major flaw, or him thinking he is amazing until he meets "the one" and realizes that he isn't. No, he knew he was messed up, and acknowledged it. He had lots of Daddy issues as well as many self imposed ones as well. As for Isabelle, I always enjoy reading a regency where the heroine has actually lived a life and made mistakes. So many books are out there where the girls are young and new and scared of even a single kiss ruining their lives. Isabelle is strong and resourceful, and trying to make the most of her life as a single, unwed mother in a time where girls like her were treated like the scum of the earth.

My only problems with the book were with the plot conclusions with both Isabelle's father and Roger. I thought that the author let those two off a little too easily. Roger should have been run out of town. Also, why did George not take Roger to task about the fact that he was going after George's sister?

All in all, I thought it was a lovely read, and I am very much looking forward to more work by Ashlyn.

[Rosanita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally! A flawed hero. George has a pregnant mistress he no longer wants, her brother ready to make him pay, and gambling debts to erase. He's ready to help take on the debts of a friend who killed himself, even though he's somewhat immature (if he's not using the money to pay off his own debts). Yes, he's a man with an airport terminal full of baggage. But, he's redeemable after saving the life of Jack, Isabelle's young son.

Isabelle is a single mother, trying the best she can to take care of her five year old son. One day at the beach, George saves him from drowning and becomes interested in both her and her child (yes, the same man with a pregnant mistress who he doesn't want).

I really liked Henrietta, George's sister. She's a bluestocking who is blunt and realistic. The love story kinda bothered me. George is having a baby, but couldn't care less. I understand it's Regency England, but it still bugs me. Isabelle's child is missing and that gets drawn out a little too long for my taste and the identity of a couple of characters is unexplainable given part of the story's plot. She's already a single mother and frowned upon, George knows this and seduces her anyway. I guess that's okay if one is already ruined, right?

It's an okay read. Definitely not worth spending $7.99 though. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathleen Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of story where I like to hunker down on a rainy day and lose myself in a good read.

Well crafted and beautifully written, A Most Devilish Rogue had me wanting to slap George, the hero, upside the head when the story first started, but by the time he dressed and walked out of his mistress's bedroom, I wanted to slap her upside the head instead. That's good reading when an author can pull you right into the characters' world.

It isn't long before we are intrigued by George and his motives. And from the moment he spots the heroine, Isabelle, and her young son, Jack, on the seashore, and a wave drags the boy under, you'll be hooked.

Did I mention the steamy love scenes? OK, I just did.

[Caryl Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor, set-upon George. He's only trying to help. I love Ashlyn Macnamara's all-too-human characters. This is a definite must-read.

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...

The second installment from Ashlyn Macnamara, A Most Devilish Rogue started out rather slow for me. I was not sure what to think of George or Isabelle or their situation for a long time. It was nice and all but the real depth of the story came a little late. That part of the story was pretty phenomenal; took me not only by surprise but took my breath away as well. Let’s move on to my review, where I’ll try to explain why I felt that way.

George was featured in the first book, A Most Scandalous Proposal. He was introduced as the H, Benedict’s close buddy. George was shown as a jovial, charming man whose love of gambling probably only surpasses his love of loose women. He seemed perfectly happy with how he’s living, attending the gambling tables when the need for money arises and going to his mistress when the need is more intimate. I was rather not interested in him for a while. Then, after sometimes, I realized that George is actually not as happy-go-lucky as he lets on. He has his own troubles that he hides from the world. George’s family, although noble, has fallen on hard times. He has 2 younger sisters to think of, apart from his widowed mother. George is a mere mister but that doesn’t deter his mother from matchmaking. He knows he probably will have to marry soon, and probably an heiress but he’s not going down that path as long as he can avoid it. He also has a very expensive mistress, keeping her is gradually also proving to be catering to an elephant!

We also learn that George is in need of a big chunk of money and it’s not even his own gambling debt. There was a fellow named Summersby, who committed suicide because of mounting gambling debts and blackmail, leaving his wife and young children. George was so shaken by this incident that he’s determined to help the family. Not only George want to help out through financial means but also, he’s determined to take revenge on the people who ruined Summersby, starting from this very rich and blue-blooded family, the Earl of Redditch.

But at the beginning of the story, George finds himself in another debacle. This time, after spending an afternoon shagging his mistress, he learns that she’s pregnant. Talk about bad luck, or mess, or... I don’t even know what to call that! Afterwards, some burly guy bursts through the door and tries to beat George up, accusing him of ‘ruining his sister’ and then, asking for compensation, of course, in the form of money. Even though George somehow manages to get away, he knows soon he has to find a way to get out of this recent, and by far the biggest, mess yet. He’s not ready to be a papa, let alone having a kid with his mistress, who is (as we see later) is as crass as they come and doesn’t give a sh!t about ruining her chances of getting another protector when George is not with her anymore. Just then, even George himself is not sure what he’s going to do.

Story moves on to introduce us to the h, Isabelle. Now, her lifestory is full of sadness and misery. She was the daughter of an Earl but on the season of her coming out, she was duped by some rake with the promise of marriage and had fallen pregnant. The SOB left her, never to be seen again. Isabelle’s stern (and loser) family turned her out without any help whatsoever. Poor girl had help in a maid servant of her house, who was also leaving her job. The maid, Biggles, brought her to this little village far away from London. She took care of her after she had her baby, for which Isabelle is grateful. Living in this small and strict village with an illegitimate child hasn’t been easy. She’s still more of an outcast as most do not want anything to do with her. But over the last 6 years, Isabelle has made a place and has been working hard to earn something to feed her son. An Earl’s daughter who has never worked before, Isabelle has learned her lessons, mainly never to trust a man ever in her life. But that was about to change, and soon. Isabelle obviously didn’t like laboring and (I felt) held, even if a little, contempt for Jack. For some reason, at first, I found her kinda cold and distant towards the boy, which I didn’t like. I mean, whatever she thought about him and her own circumstances, Jack was not to blame for any of this.

This is the same village where Revelstoke, or Benedict’s country house is and George is currently visiting here on the occasion of a house party. His mother wants him married and this is the chance to view what this season has to offer! But George’s mind is not into marriage but his own troubles. At that point, I thought he has already mentally discarded his mistress, though he still will have to pay for the child when it’s born. There is also the matter of Summersby. George talks to Benedict about it, though he doesn’t see any immediate and viable solution but to work his gambling skills here. Not a lot of prospect for that but George is a little desperate for money. He needed a moment of respite, which led him to the seashore nearby... where he sees Isabelle and Jack for the first time. This struck a chord, a sensitive chord if I may say so because George was enjoying seeing the exuberant boy and the girl, whom he though the boy’s sister, walking. Even though this also brought in mind his impending fatherhood. At one point, Jack somehow is swept by the waves and without even thinking about it, George dives in and saves him. The beautiful girl seems not happy about him interfering though. She says ‘thank you’, all the while glaring at him. Then George finds out that the girl is actually Jack’s mother.

George is intrigued, something Isabelle guesses but doesn’t like. After all, she’s had that kind of look on other man’s faces when they understood her situation. An offer of something she can’t consider at all more often than not follows. Isabelle leaves the place hurriedly, though it seems like her son has already started hero-worshipping ‘George’, as the man has introduced himself. A few days later, Isabelle finds a letter waiting for her asking her to meet at Revelstoke’s estate at midnight. Isabelle immediately thinks this might be from George. She has already met him once or twice after that and the man seems more and more interested in talking to her... Even though Isabelle wants to repel him, it’s not proving easy. For one, he’s very handsome and charming, not at all helpful for her cause! Then Isabelle thinks this might be from her father, who demands obedience at once. Either way, she decides to meet whoever it is and sets out.

George, on the other hand, has targeted this miss from the bunch of girls who have been staying at the estate. The girl is a relative of the Marshall family and he hopes to charm the chit into spilling some secret information about the family because Marshall keeps all his secrets tight-locked. Even though this girl is quite cold and distant, as if she’s holding contempt for everyone around her, George is sure he can charm his way in. He even left a note for her to meet him at midnight, but obviously, this night, she’s not coming. After that, George walks into a room where he finds the piano. His instinct gives way and his love of music wins. So far, in his life, George has hidden this talent from everyone, most especially because his father insinuated that this is not a manly hobby. According to his father, manly hobbies should be drinking, gambling and whoring! Being the only son, George had to give in and listen to his father’s dictates to make him happy but on the inside, his heart always cried out to perform or at least to play the piano to his heart’s content. He has a brilliant memory when it comes to remembering his notes. This night, George gives into his passion, giving his fingers a free reign.

Isabelle, who was nearby waiting for the man, follows the notes of the piano and finds George. She’s entranced. George notices her too, and even though he stops playing, his secret is out it seems! Then again, George is not really unhappy about it, but certainly surprised to find her here, alone at this time of the hour. He demands answers, his gut twisting with jealousy (something that he definitely should not feel) that she must’ve come here for a tryst. But Isabelle tells him nothing of the sort. What I didn’t like how their talks turn into something and George’s thoughts immediately worked into making her his mistress. I was a bit scared that Isabelle would give into this, even though she should’ve learned from her past by now.

George finally offers to walk her home, but Isabelle is against it. George begins following her any way to make sure she’s safe. It pays because half-way through the road, some big, lumpy guy attacks her. Though the guy runs away after being hit by George, it still baffles him and Isabelle both. When they’re at her home, Isabelle finds something alarming. Jack is not on his cot! Biggles was sound asleep so she had no idea what happened. After a thorough check of the house, it’s confirmed that Jack has been kidnapped! A note was left but there was no other clue. Isabelle’s world, for the second time in her life, tumbles down. She can’t imagine where her boy is or who could’ve taken him. George assures her that he’s going to look and will accumulate help for this. Isabelle wanted to protest but time is running out and she needs all the help she can… and there is no one here but George.

After a day of search, without any clue to this kidnap, Isabelle comes home to find that this time Biggles has also disappeared. George is suspicious of this, what if the woman was involved in it? I was too but Isabelle shrugs off. According to her, Biggles would never do such a thing, ever! After all she’s the one who took care of her and little Jack. George is not so sure though. Then he insists that Isabelle should stay at Benedict’s place for the time being for her own safety.

At Benedict’s house, things don’t go well. Julia, Benedict’s wife and her sister, the Countess, Sophia, welcome Isabelle warmly and are very sympathetic. But Isabelle encounters a nasty surprise. Her own cousin, that Marshall girl recognizes her instantly and begins a humiliating tirade of how Isabelle has ruined the reputation of their family and dragged their name in the mud etc etc. in front of everyone present. Just when she thought she might be feeling a little safer, Isabelle’s illusion is shattered again. After that, even her coarse, fake accent so that no one knows just how much of a high-bred lady she has been once, can’t work. George was not there to help so Isabelle leaves... Julia is not happy about this and sends an assortment of things (including chocolate for Jack) to Isabelle’s house as an apology of sort.

George was busy looking for some clues. Hunts in the village inn and its stable has given him some clue and it’s not something he wants to talk about; a handkerchief distinctly smelling of his ex-mistress’s perfume. George is determined never to talk about this as he knows the kind of disdain Isabelle would harbor for him if she knows just how deep of a mess he’s in. There is also another piece of interesting news. A guest from Benedict’s manor has gone missing at the same time as Biggles. George didn’t like that fop, more so when it seemed that he has made an impression on his spinster younger sister, Henrietta.

When he returns, George finds that Isabelle has left. He follows her home. There, things take a little intimate turn between them in the most unexpected of times. Isabelle was lost and I got that George just wanted to be of help… any help. And he knew only one way for sure. No, it was not sex but close enough. Their joint search for any clue about Jack in various places had already begun gossips and whispers among the villagers. Isabelle begins to think she might not be able to live here once Jack is found, especially now that the vicar’s wife has seen George with her. Oh, to have such an existence! I felt so sad for her. Not a moment of peace, always being judged for every step you take.

Soon, there is another note and the mention of money. George wants to help and he has the money too, the money accumulated to pay Summersby’s debts. But right now, it’s important to help Isabelle. After a night of hasty love making, George’s feelings are all over the place. He has never felt this way before, for anyone. Never felt this closeness, this companionship, as open and free as he feels with Isabelle. He doesn’t want to think what this might mean but somewhere deep inside, George already knows that he has fallen hard for this strong woman. Doesn’t matter that it must be way too soon to feel anything but it’s there and George can’t help it. And he cares for Jack. He wants to bring the boy home to make Isabelle happy. More of his hunt brings him closer to more clues, and suddenly, it’s not looking very well. The information he gains (and later goes to confirm it) tells him that his ex-mistress and her real brother are connected to it. George feels the cramp in his gut and the guilt because he knows he ultimately have to come clean to Isabelle. You can just feel his helplessness as these thoughts crossed his mind... that maybe Isabelle would run from him once she knows of his past misdeeds. After all, wasn’t Jack’s father the same type of guy who ruined her life? George realizes what an idiot he has been to think that he can make her his mistress, when Isabelle is worthy of gracing someone’s home as his wife, and damn but Georges suddenly wants to be that man!

Though George has no idea, Isabelle has fallen too and she knows it’s not good news. She doesn’t want to be close to him and yet, she can’t help the feeling of being protected when George is near. She can see that he cares for her and for Jack but for how long? Would he stick to her when she needs him? The reality of her past experience intrudes whenever Isabelle’s head is in the cloud even for a moment. She knows that being the son of a noble family George would inevitably marry someone else. Could she become his mistress and live that life just because she loves him? Then I loved how Isabelle knew that this will harm Jack in the end... Jack, who is still missing...

Then comes that last 30% of the story I ABSOLUTELY ADORED. George comes clean and tells Isabelle everything, knowing he might lose her. His plan was to go to his ex-mistress’s house, a house that he rented for her and she still inhabits, and get the boy himself. He’s not scared and knows how to be intimidating when the need arises. Unfortunately, when Isabelle hears of it all, she promptly wants to accompany him. It is her son and she’d go, no matter how sick she is feeling at that time. What shook me the most was George’s open vulnerability and Isabelle’s own feeling of pure jealousy and gut-churning sick feeling when she learns of the ex-mistress. TBH, she felt how I absolutely would’ve felt, so I could connect with her thoughts and feelings. The way she becomes distant to cope with such revelations, even knowing what she already guessed, that George is no saint when it comes to women. After arriving at the house, Isabelle’s thoughts crossed to what might’ve occurred between the mistress and George, making her even more ill. But she made me proud by staying calm when the ex-mistress finally comes out of her room. Even when the woman starts taunting her and George. Even when the maid of that house whispers to her that her mistress was pregnant some days ago, but has ‘taken care of that’ with Biggles’s help. I loved how Isabelle perked her nose up and went to find Jack on her own, even when, inside, her world was crashing down on her yet once again. It must hurt terribly to know such things and then trying to reason, then not knowing what to actually think of the man she’d fallen for. Could she ever really trust George? Isabelle knows she probably can’t and would have to ignore him...

George also hears of how the pregnancy was ‘taken care of’ and becomes mad. Even though he didn’t want to be a father, he still was going to be a father. Then he forces the woman to speak up and tell him what her brother, who turned out to be Jack’s father too, did in order to fleece money. Isabelle didn’t know that George had already met the guy and beat him to bloody pulp for what he did to her, seeing how unconcerned he’d looked about that upon inquired by George. When Jack is safe at home, Isabelle finds she has an order from her father to return to the house; not as a loving daughter but as servants. Obviously Marshall has heard that she’s no longer ‘in hiding’, thought better of it and called her back in so that she can’t go and ruin the family name once again. I don’t even know what to say to that because I felt so MAD at the loser! But George took care of it for me, and brilliantly if I might add. And he makes a point to his mother to accept Isabelle no matter what. Bravo!

In those last chapters, the tremendous maturity that I witnessed in their personalities changed my POV of George and Isabelle entirely. Isabelle showed me that she is much stronger than I gave her the credits for. And George, ah, his words to Isabelle on the last chapter brought tears to my eyes. I’m glad that AMac proved me wrong where he was concerned. Most especially, if I had any doubts about Isabelle and George belonging to each-other, I had none when I finished the book. It was so good to see them finally together, married and ecstatic. I love it when that happens! Though, right now, I don’t know who’s getting the next book, I can hardly wait for another heartwarming story from AMac! 4.25 stars.


This ARC was provided to me by Random House/Ballantine Books via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how one little boy ruins a rogue. This story was done so well. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to beat two stubborn old men.
I highly recommend this nice read!

[Ki · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Original post at doing some reading)

This is the second book in Ashlyn’s series (don’t know the series’ title sadly) and the second book she’s published. I can say that I really enjoyed this story and loved seeing past characters sprung up in this story too. Well yeah, that will happen because the hero is best friends with the hero of the previous book, so duhh.

But anyways, I really liked this book not because it holds only one love story, or due to the fact that the cover holds some nice buns, *wink wink* But because I really liked George Upperton from A Most Scandalous Proposal.

He was that friend that would pop in and out and make everything either better or more entertaining. But I was totally shock at how his story started off! Him reacting to the news of his impending fatherhood and providing for the illegitimate child of his mistress! Now that was a start to a shocking Upperton story.

Who would have knew that was what his life would have turned out to be like after seeing him in the previous story! Although he was a great rake and rogue in that one too, we still loved him.

Here he is on his last savings and need money fast. He’s been gaming and losing lots especially when his father threw him the title with barely a farthing. And now told he’ll have to provide for a child! Gracious! With barely a farthing, he’s soon to go mad. Then the fact that he got beat up by a so called brother of the mistress and dragged to a house party with his sisters and a nagging mother pushing marriage upon him. He has a lot on his plate. But then he met a little boy and his mother and everything changed.

Isabelle. I also really like her. Even though she was a fallen lady, sadly at such a young age, as a debutante, and thrown out of society; I supported her. She was a heck of a mother and raised her son with the help of her former servant tucked away in the country side of Kent and did well for herself and her son for the past six years. Hiding a secret from the villagers of her true family name and her upbringing, she’s done much to provide as much she could for her son and protect him as best she could from the scandal of his birth.

She’s very protective of her son and it’s very understandable for a mother of a six year old who’s wild and untamed, but especially when havoc breaks out and the son goes missing! Oh the pain and stressfulness of it all.

She really is a great mother, doing all she can to find and get her son back, rationally even if the villagers weren’t helping her she got George and his friends at her back.

The chemistry between George and Isabelle was not love at first sight, well maybe a little bit for George without his knowledge, but it took some time (one day or two) to develop. Though the vibe was there I liked how Isabelle stood strong and cold against its penetrations on her because of past experiences. But also loved that she warmed to George and trusted him enough to let him help her against her better judgment.

I absolutely love how George was very aware of his feelings towards Isabelle even though he wasn’t willing to admit to them. And at how much he cared and wanted Isabelle in his life but not knowing where and how to go about it due to his own complications and troubles. He was very patient and true to his words, even to his mistress! and to his friends when they’re in need of help. Although he himself was in need of help, he wouldn’t give in to their sympathies nor confined in them with the whole truth but I really praise him for giving a helping hand when other needed them.

The problem I have is just the thought that George didn’t care or think much of his mistress and her condition. True that he “ran away” from his duties and it would have been a totally different story if he kept his mistress on his mind, it still bothered me that he didn’t mention it to Isabelle until the very end. Though he did think lots about it and mention it throughout their journey, I felt like it did make him look like a bad person for leaving that out or behind.

All in all, this was a fantastic read full of mystery, missing persons, a very talented piano prodigy, card games, some badly played piano, charcoal sketches, down poured rain and some steamy tumbling in cabins, sweets, and bantering.

The next book is suppose to be about George’s lovely sister, Henrietta! We got to see a very small glimpse of her past scandalous jilt and well, he is coming back~ eeekkkkk (shhh that’s a secret so, Shhh, but I can’t wait!)

This eARC was provided by the publishers via Netgallery.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to love those devilish rogues, so callous and shallow to the world, but give them a true damsel in distress and I get vapors, just thinking about it! A Most Devilish Rogue by Ashlyn Macnamara is a delightful, Regency romance filled with all of the pomp and frivolities of the Ton and their petty little gossips and intrigues.
George Upperton is the devilish rogue, handsome, charming, and in debt up to his eyeballs for various unsavory reasons. Isabelle Mears is a disgraced former member of high society who fell for the wrong man, leaving her alone, disowned and pregnant. Little Jack’s now six and full of mischief, which is how George, the confirmed womanizing bachelor meets the standoffish, secretive Isabelle. When Jack is mysteriously kidnapped, George finds himself giving his oath to Isabelle that he will return him. I ask you, is this the action of a roguish devil? What is happening between Isabelle and George? Will Jack be found?

Ashlyn Macnamara has created the feel and the atmosphere of the countryside in England in the nineteenth century perfectly! The dialogue sounds so “proper,” the activities of both the ladies and the gentlemen sounds so right for the era. Her characters are strong, personable and further that historical feel. The romance? Wonderful, warm, sweet and spicy! The story moves along well with just enough angst and hand wringing that I almost felt the need to carry a lace hankie!

This is definitely one of those books that just feels good to read!
An ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine
ISBN: 9780345534767 (Mass Market Paperback)
Number of Pages: 352
Genre: Regency Romance/Adults
Rating: 4.5 stars
Available From: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Author's Website

For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.

[Charlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I could have liked this book better, but in the opening scene, George [the hero] is told by his mistress that she is pregnant. After her supposed brother beats him to a pulp, George goes off to a house party with his mother and sisters, hoping to win money at cards there to pay off his debts and those of a friend who was poorly treated by a very wealthy man.

I was just not well-disposed to care about George's story when he abandoned his mistress because he did not want to own up to fatherhood.

George does one thing to redeem his image at the house party: he rescues a six-year-old boy from drowning in the sea. Whereupon, the young mother of the boy enters, stage left.

I'm afraid the rest of this review might contain spoilers, so caveat emptor. The plot gets murky when the young lad is kidnapped quite soon after his watery rescue. George gets his good male friends from the house party to go search for Jack, but to no avail for a couple of days.

The part that is truly unbelievable is that the horrifically scared single mother in this Regency story, Isabelle, who has given up everything for her boy [the result of her ruination by another rogue] would lift her skirts while the boy was newly missing. She had been living an exemplary life before this, and I cannot imagine suddenly acting upon and claiming that kind of loneliness at such a time when my little boy was missing, no one knows where or why.

The part that is truly abominable would be that George, whose mistress is possibly pregnant, would act on his attraction, putting Isabelle in an untenable position in her little village, where she is barely tolerated as it is. George has, you see, acted "honorably" for one or two days before he takes Isabelle up on her offer of full intimacy.

I would have liked this story had George matured enough to give only platonic comfort to Isabelle until both Jack was found and he had arranged for Lucy's future [however the story would have worked out] before he came back to declare himself in complete honesty to Isabelle.

I'm sorry I cannot give this book a higher rating, but the opening scenes' moods just were more upsetting than the usual bits about how worthless rogues are until they meet their true loves. George actively runs away from his responsibilities and wanting to help educate Jack was too little, too late, and too naive for a man such as he in that world.

I did win this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I wish I'd read the author's first book before this second one. I may check it out of the library and I will watch goodreads to see if a third book is in the offing. After all, I admire anyone who can write stories other people will read, and I wish Ashlyn MacNamara all success in her future endeavors.

[Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

We first meet George Upperton in Ashlynn Monroe's debut novel, A Most Scandalous Proposal, where George's character stood out from the others as the snarky friend of the hero who gave us much in the way of sarcasm and comic relief. In A Most Devilish Rogue, George's character is more subdued and austere. This may be due to the facts that is life is not all he would like it to be. Upon his mistress, Lucy Padgett's claiming she is with his child and the appearance of Lucy's unsavory brother Roger who insists Lucy must be taken care of, George is backed in a proverbial corner. All comic relief out the window now.

George retreats to his friend, Benedict Revelstoke's home with his mother and sisters to ponder over what to do about his situation and possibly borrow money from his now happily married friend. When he comes upon a young boy struggling in the water outside the estate, George saves the little scamp and becomes acquainted with the boy, Jack and his pretty young mother, Isabelle who live in the village in a small home. Unbeknownst to George at the time, Isabelle is the daughter of an Earl who has been living in somewhat self imposed exile for the past six years, since she became pregnant and had Jack out of wedlock.

George and Isabelle are both very attracted to one another from the start, but Isabelle must keep out of the public eye or risk exposure and possible danger to the love of her life, little Jack. In addition, George has his own set of problems in the form of the Padgett siblings who live to wreak havoc on his very existence. When young Jack is kidnapped George once again comes to the rescue to aid in the search and includes Lord Revelstoke and company, which shocks Isabelle who feels the entire of London society has shunned her since her fall from grace.

One thing that Isabelle did not count on was the humanity George and his friends have and their ability to look into a person and see their worth for who they are, not for the amount of money they may or their title. Isabelle also has a slight chip on her shoulder in believing that she doesn't deserve any kindness and therefore relegates herself to her meager existence. Young Jack is a breath of fresh air. An old man in a six year old's body. I adore him in this story and I think that he has much to do uniting two very confused individuals. A Most Devilish Rogue is a good follow-up to Ashlyn MacNamara's first read. While I loved the George in A Most Scandalous Proposal I liked his transformation into the responsible George, the one falling for Isabelle despite all the issues surrounding them both.

~KIMBERLY~

3 1/2 Stars

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title ' A Most Devilish Rogue' initially drew me to this book. I expected a Regency romp where the hero is dashing and debonair and the heroine is feisty and beautiful and this is exactly what the book delivers but in a unique and interesting way.

After reading the whole story I'm convinced the title doesn't do it justice. The depth of the emotion conveyed by the writer and her clever layering of the conflicts facing our devilish hero George and our heroine Isabelle make it a far more satisfying read than the Regency romp I expected.

I particularly liked her exploration of what Regency society expected of men.
George has an artistic skill which he has spent most of his life suppressing because his father considered it unmanly. He was driven into the life of a rakish rogue by his father's and society's expectations.

Isabelle's fall from grace is sensitively portrayed. It is an essential element of Regency novels that ladies are expected to remain demure and pure until they achieve the point of their existence a good marriage. Isabelle is not the usual Regency heroine because she succumbed to a heartless rake at a tender age and was banished both by her high-born family and the Ton.

Usually the hero saves the heroine before her reputation is lost,not so here. This is a story of pride, forgiveness, strength of character and learning to grasp the opportunity of happiness when it is offered.

What this story lacked in Regency glamour it made up for in emotional battles between George and Isabelle.

The love scenes are sensual and realistic and enhance the emotional depth of the story. When George and Isabelle finally achieve their HEA you really feel they deserve it.

I enjoyed this book which is the second in the series. I haven't read 'A Most Scandalous Proposal' yet, the first book in the series but I definitely will now.

I recommend 'A Most Devilish Rogue if you're looking for a unique romantic, Regency historical read.


I received an ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.



Ashlyn Macnamara

My Reviews:
Jane Hunt Writer First Steps

[Atunah · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I have to give major props for the author for taking a character like George and making him the hero of his own book. In the last book, he had a bit part and he was pretty much a drunk lout. So the author going against grain and taking a character that it usually just the side kick to the hero.

Also props for not giving him a personality change to make the book fit better. He is still pretty much the same lout. And he stays that way almost all the way through.

He is broke, knocks up his mistress and gets blackmailed by her brother. And that is just the beginning of the story. He comes across like a big child, immature in many parts.

So the heroine, many flaws herself. A fallen woman that is attracted to the hero. And that is where some of my issues with the book arrive. Its not that she was attracted to him, its that both seemed to just have a lust for each other and I never really got a sense of any deep feelings they developed for each other. Maybe that was the point of the book, two people with baggage making the best out of being together. But it wasn't enough for me.

In order to look beyond the lacking characters of both of them, I have to get some sense of them together. Not just in bed, but in heart. And don't get me wrong, the sensuality was very well done here.

And as a shallow note since the cover is so very delectable, it gets almost played out in the novel
at location 2672 on the kindle. :)

There is also a mystery part here that also is well done. Not glossed over the consequences of how a fallen woman in those days would have been treated by others, neighbors.

So like the first book by this author, I very much enjoyed her writing. I enjoyed her debut novel quite a bit. I just didn't totally enjoy certain aspects of this story and characters. I will be reading more though from this author as I am always looking for historical romance writers that can make me think.


******************
Thanks to Netgalley, Random House and Ashlyn Macnamara for providing the eArc

[Lissete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do we read romance novels? I imagine this question has different answers, but to me, we read them because of two very specific things.

For the characters, first and foremost. And George is a character we’d been waiting to read about since A Most Scandalous proposal, the debut by author Ashlyn Macnamara. We haven’t been waiting THAT long, and yet, it feels like we have. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe some books just stay with you long after you’ve read them in a way that makes you wonder what happened to the characters when you finished the book and stowed it safely away in your bookshelf. That’s probably the answer. Point is, I was very, very interested in George’s story.

Funny thing is that, once I started this book, I forgot about George. Well, not forgot, after THAT cover, no one could forget about him, but after a while, Isabelle was the reason I was reading this book. Isabelle who is a real character, who has issues, who never seems to react the way I expect her to. Isn’t that why we read books, in general? To be surprised?

So, big fat check on the characters. The other thing I look for when reading romance is …well, that feeling that it’s hard to describe, the one that can be most accurately expressed by saying Awww or by a sigh… or by your heart melting a little. It could be the chemistry, it could be sexual tension, but at some point in every good romance novel, you should feel it. It. That. If you’ve ever read a good romance novel in your life, you know what I’m talking about.

And that usually comes with good writing. Good writing is what makes both of those things possible. I see good writing here. I saw good writing in the first book by this author. So, to recap, good writing, interesting characters and that little something that makes you feel like, yes, that’s what romance is all about.

What else can you ask for?

[Clémence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Ashlyn Macnamara's first book, "A Most Scandalous Proposal", and George Upperton was definitely a favourite of mine, so I was really excited to read "A Most Devilish Rogue".

Not only was I not disappointed in the least - Ashlyn Macnamara's writing is as fluid and effective as ever, without a single word out of place, and descriptions and dialogue that flow naturally as you get immersed in the story - but I actually enjoyed this book even more than the previous. It's pure romance, true, but it has lots of angst as well, and it also gives surprising insight on how ruthless society could be at the time. We already had a glimpse of it in "Proposal", but this time the unfairness, superficiality and hypocrisy of the ton, especially towards women, takes centre stage from the very beginning of the novel.

My heart grieved for Isabelle, a heroine of amazing strength and grace but whom I never felt was unrealistically perfect, but also for George, who under his fun, witty, and indeed devilish manners is possibly even more sensitive than his friend Benedict. One scene that particularly moved me was when we discover that he is an accomplished piano player, but has to hide it because it's not considered "manly" enough. It's not often that you see this kind of trope in romance, and it's even more rare that the author pulls it off without it sounding artificial and phony (all of a sudden, his comments on his sister's awful musical skills take a whole new meaning).

Ashlyn Macnamara has already demonstrated to us that she has great characterisation skills and a definite knack for writing steamy love scenes (and there was certainly no lack of these in this story). She could've stopped at that, but she decided to delve deeper into the mechanics of love, affection and social pressure with this somewhat darker book. Five stars again for this brilliant author!

[The Window Seat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Ashlyn Macnamara has been on a one woman crusade lately to “Bring the Sexy back” to the name George. The new Prince George notwithstanding, “George” is sort of a bland name to me that evokes images of older men, none of them being particularly sexy unless you’re remembering the former Beatle or George Clooney in his prime. So what’s the best way to show women that a man with a fairly forgettable name can be a memorable hero? In A Most Devilish Rogue, Ms. Macmanara takes a risk by introducing readers to her George when he’s not quite at his best but gives us a chance to see him shine.

George Upperton is living up to the moniker of a lovable rogue with great enjoyment. His family fortunes may not be in the best shape, but he’s been providing for his mother and sisters through his gambling winnings and their meager holdings. He’s welcomed into the ballrooms and bedrooms of the ton’s society women and he’s been keeping a mistress who satisfies his carnal habits when a willing widow isn’t available. However George’s world begins to shift when his mistress drops the news that she is expecting a child and expects to be provided for indefinitely. Running away from his problems, and the mistress’s very angry thug of a brother, George accepts the invitation of his good friend Lord Revelstoke to attend a house party full of some of George’s least favorite things: young marriageable misses and his marriage minded mother. To George, the time is not right for him to settle down and he’s not quite ready to set aside his vices to try and make a happy home or to be a father.

For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...

[Janice Liedl · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know you want to read this Regency romance, and not just because of the droolworthy cover. (Although I have to admit that's quite the draw.)

You want to read A Most Devilish Rogue because Ashlyn Macnamara's given us a fantastic and unusual hero and heroine in George Upperton and Isabelle Mears. George is a mere mister: nothing special in the ton and not exactly rich. In fact, the book opens with him in quite a pickle and when he escapes to the countryside, bruised and battered, he's hardly expecting to meet the woman of his dreams. But rescuing a young boy from the rough surf introduces him to Isabelle: the boy's beautiful but unapproachable mother.

There's scandal galore. There's mysteries everywhere you turn. There's also some of the sexiest writing you'll see (including the scene that inspires that fabulous cover) and, most of all, there's a romance that will grab you by the heartstrings and not let go. George and Isabelle may not fit the mold of the conventional Regency couple but their love story will definitely set the standard for what discerning readers demand: great writing and a great romance.

I look forward to the next Ashlyn Macnamara romance: how long will it be? Whatever the answer is, it's too long! In the meantime, if you haven't already, pick up her first Regency, A Most Scandalous Proposal, where George appears as the hero's stalwart and amusing best friend. That's another romance I can't stop enthusing over!

(ARC provided by Random House - Ballantine via Netgalley in return for an honest review.)

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

A MOST DEVILISH ROGUE by Ashlyn Macnamara is an exciting Regency Historical Romance set in 1820 London. A fast paced, passion filled story of love,and adventure. Spend a few moments of your time with disgraced,disowned,Isabelle Mears and the handsome,sexy,deep in debt, George Upperton and of course Isabelle's six year-old illegitimate son, Jack. Filled with passion,secrets,danger,a kidnapping,betrayal,deceit,a lie or two,a bit of wit and lots of passion,what's not to love. Who doesn't enjoy a read with a witty,fearless,six year old. The last person either of these two engaging characters want to find is each other. Neither are looking for love,romance or marriage. But....it is not always what you are looking for you find but the most devilish....From the first page to the last page, "A Most Devilish Rogue" is a dramatic,witty,passion filled read. When young Jack is kidnapped, George makes a promise to the devastated Isabelle,to find her son. Isabelle is also, the daughter of George's enemy,but George's devotion is to Isabelle and finding her son Jack. Ms. Macnamara is a wonderful storyteller. With vivid descriptions of the landscape,and the characters,Ms. Macnamara,has created a story well worth the time to read. I enjoyed this story,and believe any historical romance reader will also. With charismatic characters, and an intriguing plot,you do not want to miss "A Most Devilish Rogue". Received for an honest review from the author and Net Galley.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: HOT

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More