Her Wicked Highwayman

The League of Rogues #19

by Lauren Smith

Rafe
Notorious highwayman…
Infamous rake…
Adopter of orphans…

If there’s one thing about Rafe Lennox that the women of London know…it’s that his heart cannot be tamed, except perhaps by the little Scottish orphan he has claimed as a daughter. That doesn’t stop every eligible woman in London from trying to convince the outrageous flirt to put a ring on their finger after they tumble into his bed.

But Rafe has never been tempted by love to marry, until he robs a coach one night and he steals a necklace from a brave and beautiful woman. Rafe wants nothing more than to seduce the young lady into his bed, but another highwayman is encroaching on his territory, robbing the rich before he can get to them, and until he can stop this his competitor he has no time to woo. When he discovers the other thief is a woman…the infamous rogue’s heart is stolen forever. Has the black sheep of the Lennox family finally met his match and perhaps his end?

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2024

About the author

Lauren Smith is a USA Today Best-Selling author and an Oklahoma attorney. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. To connect with Lauren, visit her at www.laurensmithbooks.com or twitter at @LSmithAuthor.

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 37th book by Lauren Smith and I have been also been reading her since 2018. She has some of my favorite reads. I read book 1 in this series in Feb, 2018 and have loved all the stories. So glad to see it keep going.

I loved this story. I loved Rafe and Diana. I loved their relationship and how they were with each other. Sex was super hot!!! I loved the suspense and intrigue and drama. What a really great read. I almost forgot I was actually reading a book. Adding to favorite reads for Dec, 2024.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been desperately awaiting Rafe’s story for like 5 years now and it did not disappoint! Ever since Rafe’s highway life was revealed and he adopted Isla, I knew his character deserved a story and happy ending of this own. I loved seeing him grow into a father for Isla and him sort of re-bonding with his family. I love Diana and her story. She is strong and had to endure so much but her and Rafe are perfect together. They had this amazing chemistry since they first met, full of mischievousness. Their relationship is one of understanding, passion and care. It’s always lovely to see characters from other books and I definitely look forward to Thomasina’s book, the eldest Lennox sibling. First book of the year was everything I was hoping for and more!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe Lennox is a notorious highwayman, a. infamous rake & an adopter of an orphaned girl. Rafe has never been tempted by love to marry, until he robs a coach one night and he steals a necklace from a brave and beautiful woman. Diana has known her share of heartache & is struggling to keep the family estate, when the coach she is travelling in is held up by highwaymen, she not only meets Tyburn but also is given an idea as to how to ease her financial burdens.
At last Rafe’s story plus we learn what really happened to Malcolm Lennox. Another wonderful book from the author, she takes you on a gamut of emotions from laughing to crying. There are surprises, a horrid villain, sizzling chemistry & an adorable little girl. I loved both Rafe & Diana who formed a connection from their first meeting, I loved how their feelings grew & deepened even though Diana thought she had feelings for two men. Two lonely people found their soulmate & it made for an unputdownable romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe story's started out as pretty tragic and as this has grieving, redemption and forgiveness with him and his older brother Ashton. Oh man that first chapter was so so sad and with Malcolm willing to do anything to protect Rafe even though he put his family through this predicament in the first place.

Years later Rafe captures Diana's coach who is struggling financially to uphold her family's estate Foxglove and the one item she has is her mother's necklace. Rafe takes her captive to his hideaway with his 2 mates/highwaymen robbers and seduces her with his roguish ways and they feel a connection. In the end she ends up robbing them and leave. Diana ends up impersonating Rafe as the highwayman to still make ends meet. Those who did wrong to the Lennox family gets their comeuppance. It's just by the end the story went by fast because it was so good. I'd say family is a large theme in this story. I can't wait for Thomisana Lennox's story.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I've read a few books by this author, and I like the way she writes. Diana was an awesome heroine, and my heart was racing for gentlemanly Rafe and enigmatic Tyburn. Once again, the author did a great job of creating chemistry between the characters.

Something else that I enjoy about this author is the way her books always take me somewhere else, and I feel like I'm on a little adventure with the characters. That was the case here too.

Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion...

This is a part of the League of Rogues books and while it references other relationships and events that have happened in previous books, I do feel that it can be read as a stand alone with no significant issues.

This a super spicy backwards historical romance with themes of lonely misfits, hidden identity/stolen identities, past guilt and angst, and family/broken families, to name a few.

It is backwards because it starts out with a dramatic bang (yes, I really do mean that) and a super sexy strangers in the night scenario between the hero and heroine of the story.

The development of the relationship occurs afterwards - and keep in mind, this is a bit of a Robin Hood like story too - as both characters are actively engaged in highway robbery to gain funds for the futures they want. So the love story, and stories of family redemption are unexpected veins of sweetness and spice mixed in with a lot of drama.

So spicy, hot, dramatic, and unexpectedly sweet, and wonderfully different from the usual historical romances.

4.5 stars out of 5

[Nina Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her wicked highwayman

Basic Plot:
Rafe is Tyburn at night, a highwayman. One night he robs Diana‘s carriage and the two spend a night together. When Diana meets Rafe as her neighbor during daylight, she has to confront her confusing feelings for these two men.

My thoughts:
I hadn‘t read any of the previous books in this series. You can read this as a stand alone without any problems, but sometimes I wished I already knew Ashton‘s story, for example.
The special thing about this book is that the two of them get to know each other very well very quickly. But thereafter you learn a lot about the two of them separately, about their history, their fears and longings. This pays off in the long run.
I like both of them very much. Diana, who has learned to deal with her life and the circumstances and Rafe, who is so adorable with his daughter. The ball where Rafe realizes who Diana is and the reunion at her house are amazing and well written.
But the longer the two of them get to know each other as Rafe and Diana, I have more and more difficulty believing that Diana really doesn‘t recognize him.
Even though my heart leaps at the thought of her actually falling in love with Rafe and not Tyburn.
In the end, they both deserve their HEA so much and the epilogue is incredibly beautiful and satisfying.

[Sven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmmm this book was so good. This series is long and after the first few books, while I read all of them, felt there were just some that really pulled your heartstrings. And then Lauren delivered this book, and all kinds of body parts of mine were impacted.

I loved Rafe, I loved Diana and that little girl, she was just so appropriate for the book. This book was amazing.

[Diane Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of my favorite series, from one of my favorite authors. Lauren Smith writes a great suspense filled historical romance. I really liked these characters and the plot. Rafe and Diana are perfect for each other. Looking forward to reading more from this talented storyteller.

[Frederick Pilcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel really tugged at my emotions.

In the year 1803 in London, Lord Malcolm Lennox has succumbed
to alcohol and gambling addictions that have drained his family
wealth. He is in debt to Lord Chatterton, a vicious man who
cheats at gambling. His sons, Ashton, 15, and Rafe, 10, visit
the gambling hells and persuade him to leave. Outside Rafe sees
his drunken father run over by a coach and killed. He forever
after blames himself for his father's death.

Twenty years later Rafe has become a London rake. He is also a
highwayman who robs coaches with rich occupants. Two intensely
loyal friends accompany him. I admired their unusual devotion to
their leader. In robberies the trio wear masks that hide their
faces and also know how to disguise their voices. One night they
rob a coach with Diana Fox, a beautiful young woman who unlike
the other three passengers does carry money, on board.

With no money, Rafe takes Diana herself to his hideaway and
possesses her. He is accustomed to possessing young women of
society without emotional feeling. Though they do not know each
other, emotions as intense as their physical feelings flame
between them, feelings that neither ever previously experienced.
Diana escapes and goes home.

Diana's father had died after a long illness. She is in debt and
struggles to maintain the family estate, Foxglove. Her kindness
to her household staff maintains their loyalty despite their
desperate financial circumstances. To pay off her debts, Diana
decides to become a highwayman, or rather highwaywoman,
herself. Rafe reads about her robbery in the newspaper. How
dare someone else intrude in his territory?

Rafe has adopted a little orphaned Scottish girl named Isla.
I predicted that his feelings for Isla would be tender and
protective, that Rafe had a good side. I wasn't disappointed.

Fate had a strange, and exciting to read about, way of bringing
Rafe and Diana together again. I also predicted that intense
drama and suspense would develop. I wasn't disappointed.

I found myself cheerleading for the three main characters as I
came to like them. My emotional commitment became as strong as
those of these characters.

I do have one complaint, and it is non-trivial. Otherwise, "Her
Wicked Highwayman" would have been one of my all time favorite
stories. But author Lauren Smith portrayed Lord Chatterton with
cruelty far beyond what was necessary to sustain the rest of the
plot. Maybe it is a spoiler, but potential readers need to be warned.
It should be predictable when these especially gruesome scenes
are coming. Skipping several pages can be suggested.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last, the endearing highwayman Rafe Lennox has his own story! I already liked him a lot in the earlier volumes of the "League Of Rogues" and I really hoped that he too would get his deserved happy ending.
The story is very well written, full of emotion, twists and turns, suspense, action, danger, a sadistic villain as an antagonist and a few steamy love scenes. Rafe finds the perfect partner in Diana. Both have experienced a lot of heartache in their past, but the deep connection and sizzling chemistry between them is right from the start. They understand and support each other, and even though they have to keep secrets from each other at the beginning, their relationship is almost a twist of fate. It was also interesting to learn the entire backstory to Rafe and Ash's father's death, why Rafe was despised by his family and why he chose to become a highwayman. The wonderful relationship between Rafe and his adopted daughter Isla is really heartwarming, the little girl is very cute and makes the story even more touching. I also really enjoyed meeting Rafe's siblings and their spouses again.

As an unloved second son with no real income of his own and now the adoptive father of little Isla, Rafe Lennox hopes to earn enough money with his robberies to build a new life for himself and Isla.
When Rafe and his partners rob a stagecoach, he is immediately attracted to one of the passengers and when she refuses to give him her necklace, he kidnaps her without further ado and seduces her as compensation. The next morning, however, the young woman has disappeared along with the loot he and his friends have previously collected.
Diana Fox has inherited her late father's heavily indebted country estate after and would do anything to keep it. After her passionate night with the masked highwayman, she returns home with enough money to avert disaster, but she cannot forget the lovable bandit until she accidentally meets Rafe Lennox and his young daughter Isla, whom she is fatefully attracted to and falls in love with...

All in all, a very emotional and romantic story with a cast of endearing characters, solved mysteries and happy reunions that I am happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notorious Highway man, rake and womaniser, Rafe Lennox is all that and more, but what most people don’t know is that he adopted a young girl and calls her “daughter”.
He’s sworn never to love or marry…..

But all that changes when he holds a coach up and meets Diana, young, brave and beautiful. He’s instantly smitten and has plans to woo this young creature. But there is a fly in the ointment! Another highwayman is also robbing stage coaches! Does he ignore this fact, or does he plan to uncover this new rival and set him up to take the fall in both his and this new highwayman’s misdeeds?

What happens when he uncovers the mystery man’s identity and finds out it’s a woman?! (Sort of guessed that one almost immediately 😉)

Diana is now mistress of the manor, but it’s failing fast! She needs an income before the creditors come and take it away from her. Marriage is an option, but Diana wants to marry for love and that doesn’t look like it , so another avenue needs to be found and fast!

This one has been my favourite in the series so far. We’ve met Rafe throughout the series, and I was thrilled to finally read his story. And for a few questions to be finally answered. Their first meeting might have been by chance, but Rafe wants to know more, and will do anything to make that happen….

The main characters are really likeable. And i absolutely loved how they found one another. Both have sad pasts, and that is yet another connection between the characters.
Additional characters (especially Rafe’s daughter Isla, who was absolutely adorable) are never added for filler sake. And catching up with his brother and sister was a nice surprise (Ashton “Wicked Rivals” book 4 in the series, and Joanna’s book “Never Kiss a Scot” is book 10)

And the villain of our story? Well, you’ll need to read the book in order to find out.

Heartwarming and sad at the same time, angst filled and with loads of adventure, (all the things I’ve come to expect and love about this author)
You’ll be rooting for the highwayman and booing at the “supposedly” good guy 😉

I’m hoping Rafe’s friends will get books soon 🤞

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommended this book and the whole series (which you can dip in and out of, no need to really read in order.)

🦋

[Nazmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Wicked Highwayman is the 19th book in Lauren Smith’s League of Rogues series. You do not need to have read every book and it will work as a standalone. Rafe is the brother of Ashton Lennox [from book 4] so his story was a long time in the waiting.
Rafe has been funding his plans for a secure life for himself and his adopted daughter Isla by being a highwayman going under the name of Tyburn for a few years now. One night he holds up a carriage which contains amongst its passengers the MFC Diane. When she refuses to hand over her mother’s necklace Rafe takes her instead. This leads to a night of passion (not my favourite part of the book to be honest because I’m not sure Diana really had a choice regardless of their ‘instant’ connection) but when he wakes up the next morning Diana has disappeared and taken his loot from previous robberies (but left her mother’s necklace with him). She has also hit upon an idea of how she can keep herself and the people who rely on her afloat. Rafe soon finds out that there is a second highwayman encroaching on his territory. He is determined to root out the imposter. Diana meets Rafe again in more respectable circumstances but does not realise he is Tyburn. So starts an exciting tale with many twists and turns that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
This is an emotional rollercoaster of a story. Both Rafe and Diana have very tragic pasts [Diana’s is more sad but Rafe’s is tragic]. They are essentially two very lonely people bearing heavy burdens who find each other as a beacon in the dark. The prologue with a young Rafe tugs at your heartstrings and the story does get very dark in places. The villain is truly evil and deserved his fate. I liked that Rafe mends his relationship with his family and it was a twist to see how Diana and Rafe’s fates were intertwined via Isla.
Overall, I really enjoyed this instalment in the series. Diana and Rafe are likeable leads and we are rooting for their HEA. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a good story… a creative mix of light and dark, wonder and terror, joy and heartache, and a love for the ages. Rafe was the thirty year old second son of the late Malcolm Lennox who had died under horrible circumstances when Rafe was five. a death for which he blamed himself, as did his older brother Ash and his mother. Through the years Rafe became known as a rake, adopted a Scottish orphan name Isla and, along with his two friends, became a highwayman known as Tyburn. During one of his robberies, he met Diana, a twenty-three year old beauty who refused to relinquish her pearl necklace, as it was the only thing that she had left of her mother’s. So…..Rafe abducted her, seduced her and among other things, lost his heart. After her father’s recent death, Diana had been desparately trying to keep her estate Foxglove Hall afloat, and decided that impersonating the three highwaymen was one way to pay off her debts. Meanwhile, Rafe’s family had decided that he needed to marry and Isla needed a new mother. They dragged him to a ball where he spied Diana, learned her identity, and decided to pursue her. Diana soon found herself in love with both Tyburn, Rafe’s highwayman persona, and Rafe himself. Lord Caddington (an appropriate name chosen by the author) who had been trying to lure Rafe into his den of iniquity since Rafe was five years old, and was enduring heavy financial losses due to these highwaymen, set up a sting. He learned their true identities….and that’s when things got really ugly. This is a thrilling story where every girl’s fantasy of a bad boy and his alter ego combine to create a flawed hero so endearing that you can’t help falling in love with him. You will find redemption, surprises, two lost souls who are willing to sacrifice themselves for each other, and delightfully wicked steamy scenes. Some stories and their characters stay with long after you are done reading, Rafe is quite unforgettable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[FD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in an accessible writing style that captures the reader. Although it is clear that the story is connected to other stories, it is easy to read as a standalone, in any case I have not read the other stories (yet), but I certainly became interested.

Diana tries to keep her estate and existence afloat, and it doesn't help when she is robbed one bad evening by an, albeit charming, highwayman.

Rafe is a rake who wants a better life for his adopted daughter and needs money for that, which he raises in an unorthodox way. When they meet, it seems destined, but their path is blocked by the necessary obstacles, a second band of highwaymen, and a magistrate who wants to catch the highwayman at all costs,

There were a few little things that I didn't enjoy reading as much. First, the offer that the highwayman makes to Diana when they meet. No matter how great their connection is, how much loneliness they recognize in the other, I still thought it was a kind of abuse of the situation by the highwayman, and that didn't sit well with me. I loved Diana's action after this meeting.

I disliked the extent to which Rafe's family continued to blame him for things from the past.

Furthermore, I have some doubts about the behavior of Diana's sister, not that it is important for the story, but it surprises me that the sister never seeked contact, especially since their bond was good.

Anyway, there are those little things that I don't know how it could have been done differently, or how the story would have turned out if it had been different. I liked the story enough as it was.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me on an unforgettable emotional journey, showcasing the author’s extraordinary storytelling talent. From heart-racing adventure to heart-wrenching loss, and from moments of heartbreak to the warmth of love, every emotion is vividly captured. The author’s exquisite prose grips you from the first page, crafting a tale woven with despair, guilt, redemption, and hope.

Rafe’s story is deeply moving—from the loss of his father during childhood to the healing love of his daughter Isla, and finally, to the transformative bond he shares with Diana. His journey from grief and loneliness to unexpected fulfillment is beautifully rendered.

Diana and Rafe’s unconventional love story is particularly compelling, as they confront their inner struggles and discover a connection neither anticipated but couldn’t deny. The emotional layers of their journey make their romance heartfelt and unforgettable.

The dynamic interplay of Rafe’s charm, Isla’s unconditional love, and Diana’s courage is captivating. The plot twists keep you enthralled, while the author’s graceful handling of challenging moments ensures an uplifting experience. This phenomenal story, with its engrossing romance and fiercely independent characters, is both a captivating adventure and a deeply affecting read that lingers long after the final page.

A must-read for anyone craving emotional depth, thrilling drama, and a timeless love story. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Florida Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Wicked Highwayman is part of the League of Rogue series, and I love the world Lauren Smith has created for her characters and the deep friendships and unquestioned loyalty between the main male characters. In this book, Rafe Lennox is our MMC and he has be a part of least 4 previous books. He is struggling with his place in his family and desires to be independent of his brother's financial support. His clandestine profession brings him face to face with Diana Fox, the FMC. He makes a reckless choice and as a result, she makes her choice, and the results create life altering twists and turns altered in so many ways.
Rafe and Dianna's life stories are beautifully conveyed by Lauren and I could feel their desolation and loneliness through the pages. HIs love for little Isla was tangible and his inability to speak about his father's death was crippling for the whole Lennox family. It is full of adventure, heartbreak, danger, attractions and at its heart, a deep love of family. This book touches on all the emotions but the reader cannot ignore the sizzling chemistry between Rafe and Di from their first meeting! I could not put Her Wicked Highwayman down! I enjoyed every minute, even the scary parts! After I finished, I went to look at her previous books in the series and found that I have quite a few I have missed! I am excited to see that she will be adding more books to the series.
I received an advance reader copy and am leaving a voluntary review based solely on my reading experience.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and steamy historical romance; at minimum 4.5 stars!
At ten-years-old an event in Rafe’s life colors the rest. From that point on his family treats him differently, even his mother! Fast-forward nine years and we meet his alter-ego, Tyburn, the swashbuckling highwayman who has women swooning and Lord Caddington beyond mad, especially with their history. (I like that the author named the lead antagonist, Lord Caddington, very appropriate.) Thing is Rafe needs funds so being a highwayman works for him. He “meets” Diana Fox on one of the stages he robs. His life is irrevocably changed. At 23yo she is sole owner of Foxglove Hall with no money and no prospects. With the death of her father, she is now an orphan with no family. Her sister ran off years ago to marry a Scotsman. She thinks that she can be a highwayman too. Oh no. This does not bode well.
Oh. My. Word. There will be intrigue, lots of thrills and steam. Ms. Smith has made her characters so charming, heartwarming, and believable that I was upset in the end when things appear to go in a very tragic way. As Ms. Smith often does, she adds just a wee touch of the paranormal with ghostly appearances just when needed or a phantom being speaking in a character’s ear at the very right moment. Truly loved this addition to the plot. If you also enjoy these things, you will want to read this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through BookSirens. Look for the surprising twist at the end…

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew this is one wild ride! We have Tyburn and Rafe one is Scottish the other a second son!? No relation right?

Tyburn has kidnapped Diana of Foxglove estate from a highway robbery! He has taken her maidenhood but she also has taken her own precious bounty to safe her estate!

Tyburn associates are less than pleased Oxford and Cambridge are the other half of the trio and deserve their own stories!

Rafe has been blamed for years for his father’s death and has never shared the truth with another until now!

Diana is drawn to Rafe and his beautiful little girl Isla that means more to her than she could ever know!

When Diana takes to the lifestyle that sees her injured more secrets are revealed! But not the one she needs to know! Tyburn is always masked so his secrets are his own! Lord Caddington is a vicious psychopath and has long waited to have Rafe under his thumb!

When a sacrifice has to be made it’s Tyburn who makes it even when Diana says she loves another!

This is a complex web of lies, deceit and yes love! Rafe Aka Tyburn is willing to give his life for his love! Bravo forgiveness is a powerful thing! But first Rafe has to forgive himself to truly love!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Lauren Smith yet somehow I have missed out on this exciting series. You may want to read them all. This was such a fun book, not what I expected. I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end.
In this fun story we meet Diana Fox. She is the owner of Foxglove Hall but with the death of her father she is now overrun with debt and no money or way to get it. Life. Rafe has had a hard life. At ten years-old tragedy turns his life upside down. Even his own mother treats him differently after the tragedy. Letting guilt shape him his whole life has made a cold person. Now under the alias of Tyburn he has become a highwayman to get money. After robbing the couch Diana is on and she refuses to give up her mother’s jewelry they become connected. Can it lead to real love?
I don't want to give anything away. You are going to want to take this adventure and discover it all for yourself. It is packed with unexpected twists and turns, secrets and passionate connections. The characters are so full of life you sometimes forget it isn’t all real.
You need this adventure in your life. I can’t wait to read the rest.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe Lennox is everything you want in a historical romance hero: a scandalous rake with a devil-may-care attitude, a notorious highwayman with a flair for drama, and—unexpectedly—a devoted guardian to a wee Scottish orphan. He steals from the rich, charms the ton, and breaks hearts with ease… until a chance robbery leads him to the one woman who just might steal his instead.

This story is equal parts high-stakes adventure and slow-burn seduction, with just the right mix of danger and desire. The chemistry between Rafe and his mysterious rival-thief crackles from their first encounter, and watching the infamous rogue get tangled in his own romantic web is deliciously satisfying. The banter is sharp, the stakes are high, and the emotional payoff? Worth every stolen moment.

If you love a hero with a roguish grin and a hidden heart of gold, and a heroine who’s every bit his match, this is the ride—or should I say, the heist—for you.

I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[My_every_day_chilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical romance is full of action, intense moments, emotional scenes and some action.
If you love the instalove trope, this one is for you. I thought it was done quite well, while the trust was almost instant, their love and care for one another took a bit longer (but not that long) and it was great to see it grow strong - boy was it strong!

There are quite a few trigger warnings this book should have. Here they are:
- Loss of a loved one;
- Seeing a parent die violently;
- The villain inflicts pain on others for pleasure;
- Characters get visions and dreams from ghosts - past relatives that have died.

I enjoyed the story, even though I had some things that triggered me. It was a 3 star until almost the end where the story made me cry, so that gained another star.
I did however guess who Isla's mother was from the very beginning, but it was still great to confirm my suspicions.

[Ophelia Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For once, a romance that threw me a curve ball. Typically I veer away from romances unless I need to reset or need a quick read to pass time.

This was one of those times, although it intrigued me with the idea of the 2 highway robbers, one being Diana.

It was not what I expected and was so relieved that it wasn’t. The first chapter or so in reading along, about to do the eye roll at the ‘template’ romance story when BAM! Curve ball. I perked up. What was that? Do tell me more.

A few plot twist later and I’m fully invested turning pages trying to see how it all works out.

Yeah the last 50pgs or so wrap up the story in a tidy bow but those are necessary.

Admittedly I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but after this one I’m very tempted to go back and read about the other characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Her Wicked Highwayman is the 19th book in The League of Rogues series it can be read as a stand-alone novel.

From the very first pages, I was captivated by Rafe and Diana. Two powerful, passionate characters striving to keep their families and their homes solvent.

Their story was exciting with many dramatic moments, some twists I didn't see coming, and some beautiful romantic, and at times steamy moments between Rafe and Diana. Seriously, there wasn't a dull moment in the book and I couldn't read it quickly enough to find out how it would end, and if that ending would be a believable one. Rafe is a highwayman with the law after him, which I thought would cause problems for a happy ever after for him. I am happy to say that the author managed a believable, exciting climax to the story which left me smiling.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carolina CHC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I haven’t read all the books in this series but this story about Rafe was the perfect way to sum up the Lennox family. Honestly, I can’t wait to read about all of them.

Rafe is the perfect broken hero who is kind and good above all. Diana is a strong but also lonely girl fighting for her legacy. Their lives are intertwined by destiny, without knowing they are both the key to not only their families happiness but their own.

Besides the villain of the story, which in this case was truly disgusting, the rest of the characters are charming and easy to love. Their drama and happiness becomes yours as you keep reading their stories. I laughed, but also cried as the story developed.

I’m grateful to the author, publisher and BookSirens for this ARC. It was a pleasure to read it! The book has the perfect balance of history, suspense, romance and steamy scenes.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Wicked Highwayman is book nineteen of The League of Rogues Series.

I loved everything about Rafe and Diana. They were meant to be together. They had such bold chemisty together from the first moment they met. Diana wasn't willing to easily cave for just anyone and you see the fierceness of her character.

Rafe is struggling with some mislaid guilt from his past, which Diana helps him to acknowledge was not truly his fault. This has led him to live the life he has. But a ghost from his past has come back into his life and is bent on wreaking havoc for Rafe and his life. There are some troubling moments for Rafe, which keeps you anxiously reading to see if everything will be resolved.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There was enough mystery, adventure, and spice to keep me entertained from start to finish.

[Caligirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

just wow..

I have read all 19 books and have been waiting patiently for Rafe’s book to come along. Rafe has been my favorite character in every book he has been in..the connections between all the stories has been amazing ( as excellent as the Winter series by Scott).. especially the connection with Isla, I fell for him right there 😉

When he meets Diana and their instant bond, I knew I was in for a great story… but the way it all played out, was just …sigh ☺️. The level of angst was pretty damn good too, I don’t normally cry..but I did here…

I want to say more about how this book closed out the series, but can’t w/o spoilers…. So all I say, is this was the book we were all waiting for..this story was the most perfect ending for Rafe 🥂

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highway to Love

The prologue in the story really help capture who Rafe was and the man he became. Diana is strong. This book is about mental and physical connection to people who are destined to be in your life. Diana and Rafe are two lonely people who found each other via fate that has fallen into place. As I always say "everything happens for a. Reason"

I loved the characters in this book. I felt everything in Rafe's letter to Ashton. The exhaustion and guilt in Ashton's confession to Rosalind about the night Malcom died. Pride kept the family from asking questions that would have not led to the outcomes it did. This do t seem to be a review, but it's my opinion and recommendations to read this book. Hope we can get 2nd epilogues

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a romantic fantasy. Diana's carriage was held up by a group of highwaymen. Unwilling to give up without a fight, Diana ends up being kidnapped and then seduced by their ringleader. Rafe Lennox was a second son who never felt worthy. Making things worse, he was living a double life as a highwayman. Rafe and Diana felt an undeniable connection. What would happen when they finally met in the light of day? How would they ever manage to be together despite their shameful secrets?

I was unable to put this book down. The story was steamy as well as heart-wrenching. Even though this was part of a series, it can be read on its own. I'd like to read more of these stories in the future.

I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.

[Elspeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only recently came across the League of Rogues series and I'm a huge fan. I was very excited to see the latest book come out.

Rafe has been a highwayman for a number of years, trying to fund his life and the raising of Isla, the adorable Scottish orphan he adopted in a previous book. He meets Diana during a robbery of the carriage she is riding in. She refuses to give him her late mother's necklace and he takes her with him in order to "convince" her to give him the necklace.

This starts a relationship between the highwayman "Tyburn" and Diana. Then Diana offiically meets Rafe, and falls for him and his adorable daughter.

I loved this story of the woman just trying to keep her household running, the man trying to take care of his daughter without taking money from his brother, and the threesome of Tyburn, Rafe and Diana.

This book also solves some mysteries from the past. It gives Rafe a chance to clear the air with his family after having been blamed for killing his father (erroneously) and become an upstanding citizen.

This was one of the best books in the series and a great romance with some mystery thrown in. Highly recommended.

I received an advance review copy and am giving an honest review.