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Tales of Lilleforth #3
The Royal Rogue
Thomas Malone is the new Captain of the Guard at Lilleforth Castle. He loves his job, but it leaves him no time for himself. It's been way too long since he's had anyone share his bed, let alone his life. To say he's frustrated is an understatement.
To make matters worse, the King’s disreputable cousin Evan Devere, the Duke of Ravenport, is back from his travels. Evan is as scatterbrained as he is attractive, which is a shame—if Evan had even half a brain, he’d be exactly Thomas’s type. As it is, Thomas has resigned himself to spending his days keeping Evan out of trouble
But when a threat emerges against the crown, Thomas and Evan have to work together to find who's behind the plot, and Thomas discovers there’s more to Evan than meets the eye. So when Evan suggests that they act on their mutual attraction, Thomas throws caution to the wind and agrees. After all, it is just a fling, right? There’s no way Thomas is actually going to fall for the sexy, infuriating cousin of the king.
No way at all.
To make matters worse, the King’s disreputable cousin Evan Devere, the Duke of Ravenport, is back from his travels. Evan is as scatterbrained as he is attractive, which is a shame—if Evan had even half a brain, he’d be exactly Thomas’s type. As it is, Thomas has resigned himself to spending his days keeping Evan out of trouble
But when a threat emerges against the crown, Thomas and Evan have to work together to find who's behind the plot, and Thomas discovers there’s more to Evan than meets the eye. So when Evan suggests that they act on their mutual attraction, Thomas throws caution to the wind and agrees. After all, it is just a fling, right? There’s no way Thomas is actually going to fall for the sexy, infuriating cousin of the king.
No way at all.
204 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2025
51 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Honey
29 books125 followersSarah started life in New Zealand. She came to Australia for a working holiday, loved it, and never left. She lives in Western Australia with her partner, two cats, two dogs and a life-size replica TARDIS.
She spends half her time at a day job and the rest of her time reading and writing about clueless men falling in love, with a dash of humour and spice thrown in along the way.
Her proudest achievements include having adult kids who will still be seen with her in public, the ability to make a decent sourdough loaf, and knowing all the words to Bohemian Rhapsody.
She has co-authored both the Bad Boyfriends, Inc and the Adventures in Aguillon series with Lisa Henry. Socially Orcward, the third book in the Aguillon series, was runner up in the Best Asexual Book category in 2021's Rainbow Awards.
You can follow her on Amazon, Instagram, Goodreads, Facebook and Bookbub. She shares a Facebook group with Lisa Henry and JA Rock, The Book Nook, where you’ll find news of latest projects, giveaways, and plenty of pet pictures.
She spends half her time at a day job and the rest of her time reading and writing about clueless men falling in love, with a dash of humour and spice thrown in along the way.
Her proudest achievements include having adult kids who will still be seen with her in public, the ability to make a decent sourdough loaf, and knowing all the words to Bohemian Rhapsody.
She has co-authored both the Bad Boyfriends, Inc and the Adventures in Aguillon series with Lisa Henry. Socially Orcward, the third book in the Aguillon series, was runner up in the Best Asexual Book category in 2021's Rainbow Awards.
You can follow her on Amazon, Instagram, Goodreads, Facebook and Bookbub. She shares a Facebook group with Lisa Henry and JA Rock, The Book Nook, where you’ll find news of latest projects, giveaways, and plenty of pet pictures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 29, 2025
So, so ENJOYABLE! I loved it that Thomas was more quiet - and at times probably a bit shy - than Evan, the flirt. Sometimes big guards are written more as domineering, you know? But Thomas wasn't like that.
It was a delight knowing that and Thomas was one of the very few who was able to catch him off guard. Yay, Thomas! The couple WORKED really well.
The epilogue was lovely - though now, I want to really read one scene of Evan and the chickens *lol*
It was a delight knowing that and Thomas was one of the very few who was able to catch him off guard. Yay, Thomas! The couple WORKED really well.
The epilogue was lovely - though now, I want to really read one scene of Evan and the chickens *lol*
February 21, 2025
3.5⭐
This was a lovely romance with a tiny bit of intrigue. I really liked our main characters. This is probably my 2nd favorite in the series (the 1st one is still the best, in my opinion).
I must say, I was a tiny bit disappointed in the resolution of the conflict, and found myself easily distracted while reading this.
This was a lovely romance with a tiny bit of intrigue. I really liked our main characters. This is probably my 2nd favorite in the series (the 1st one is still the best, in my opinion).
I must say, I was a tiny bit disappointed in the resolution of the conflict, and found myself easily distracted while reading this.
February 13, 2025
He still wasn’t sure whether the duke had meant what he’d said as an insult or a compliment. In the end, he told himself that it didn’t matter because Evan Devere was an idiot.
I'm deep in my Wicked era - and Duke Evan gave us the perfect Fiyero vibes <3 This story was so good! My notes when I realized were literally just NOOOOOO WAAAAAY! Probably exactly how Thomas was feeling when he realized. :P
The spice was good and this book was the classic Sarah Honey writing I've come to know and love in her m/m fantasy stories! Fun, entertaining, and spicy should be her tagline.
Evan had taken ineptitude to an art form, and all Thomas could do was watch in admiration.
I loved how these guys fell into cahoots to protect the crown. I don't want to say more and spoil the surprise ;) But this will definitely feature on my re-reads shelf someday!
January 9, 2025
I love a good mystery subplot. It does lead me to stay up too late reading because I have to know who is behind it. This was a super fun read with steamy romance and palace intrigue. There's a plot to hurt the royal family and who is behind it. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
July 27, 2025
That was fun! Thomas and Evan had such obvious chemistry. I knew the bad guy was fishy from the start. It was a really enjoyable read, and I guessed pretty early on who the real target was.
March 30, 2025
This series is outstanding and this mystery adventure keeps it going.
This is an excellent addition to the Tales of Lilleforth, involving intrigue, spying, a perceived scatterbrained royal cousin, and a love affair. Sarah Honey has built a wonderful community around this kingdom where the King marries his male lover, the stablemaster marries a prince from a foreign kingdom, and something is disturbing about Evan Devere, the Duke of Ravenport.
We open with a trade conference in progress... recent news has set the stage for something historic. King Leo appears to be gaining the upper hand, with his lover producing evidence that some of their trading partners are shortlisting certain commodities. This irritates the trading partners who know King Leo has a spy who supplies him with the correct information.
Who is the spy is the discussion around the castle and the conference, while the Duke has his eye on Thomas Malone, the Captain of the Guard at the Castle. Their relationship grows fast, particularly after a dead body is to be dealt with in the Duke's bedchamber.
There are some wonderful backstories that are touched on, such as Thomas's parents, and that Evan, having been introduced in a previous book, is known as "Evan the Embarrassment." However, we learn a much more intriguing background for Evan, and with Thomas, they are tasked with trying to avert a murder plot against the King and his Prince Consort.
I love Sarah's work and had thought to avoid this series, as I prefer more modern times, but I'm hoping she has another story to tell soon.
The read is fantastic and colorful for this unidentified period of time and tempting with some clues I suspect Sarah Honey has thrown in to mislead us, as well as some references that seem to refer to a great movie. For instance, there is a reference to a disturbance around the castle when, for some apparent reason, the guards have been allowed to take off for their overnight shift. (Star Wars, anyone?)
And a much too brushoff for the guards makes those who asked for it seem as though they might be in on the plot to kill a royal. (no spoiler here)
It's a great read, fast and mysterious.
This is an excellent addition to the Tales of Lilleforth, involving intrigue, spying, a perceived scatterbrained royal cousin, and a love affair. Sarah Honey has built a wonderful community around this kingdom where the King marries his male lover, the stablemaster marries a prince from a foreign kingdom, and something is disturbing about Evan Devere, the Duke of Ravenport.
We open with a trade conference in progress... recent news has set the stage for something historic. King Leo appears to be gaining the upper hand, with his lover producing evidence that some of their trading partners are shortlisting certain commodities. This irritates the trading partners who know King Leo has a spy who supplies him with the correct information.
Who is the spy is the discussion around the castle and the conference, while the Duke has his eye on Thomas Malone, the Captain of the Guard at the Castle. Their relationship grows fast, particularly after a dead body is to be dealt with in the Duke's bedchamber.
There are some wonderful backstories that are touched on, such as Thomas's parents, and that Evan, having been introduced in a previous book, is known as "Evan the Embarrassment." However, we learn a much more intriguing background for Evan, and with Thomas, they are tasked with trying to avert a murder plot against the King and his Prince Consort.
I love Sarah's work and had thought to avoid this series, as I prefer more modern times, but I'm hoping she has another story to tell soon.
The read is fantastic and colorful for this unidentified period of time and tempting with some clues I suspect Sarah Honey has thrown in to mislead us, as well as some references that seem to refer to a great movie. For instance, there is a reference to a disturbance around the castle when, for some apparent reason, the guards have been allowed to take off for their overnight shift. (Star Wars, anyone?)
And a much too brushoff for the guards makes those who asked for it seem as though they might be in on the plot to kill a royal. (no spoiler here)
It's a great read, fast and mysterious.
January 28, 2025
~4,7 stars~
I skimmed through the first installment of the series (I remember that some things weren’t as believable and coherent as I expected them to and that I didn’t care much for the princess plot so I DNFd this one) but I quite liked the worldbuilding and generally appreciate the author’s writing so when an ARC came up for grabs for the 3rd book, I thought why not? Also, the blurb sounded appealing.
And I’m so glad that I did! That was so entertaining with castle shenanigans, secret alliances and identities (which is one of my top fave trope), danger lurking around the royals and a dash of competence kink that I made it all the more fun. It was the perfect read to unwind and not think too hard but still be very much entertained. Evan is a riot
I liked how easy it was between him and Thomas and how naturally it evolved from attraction to more. They’ve known each other for quite some time so the pacing didn’t feel too rushed or too insta.
100% recommend for an easy read without angst!
I skimmed through the first installment of the series (I remember that some things weren’t as believable and coherent as I expected them to and that I didn’t care much for the princess plot so I DNFd this one) but I quite liked the worldbuilding and generally appreciate the author’s writing so when an ARC came up for grabs for the 3rd book, I thought why not? Also, the blurb sounded appealing.
And I’m so glad that I did! That was so entertaining with castle shenanigans, secret alliances and identities (which is one of my top fave trope), danger lurking around the royals and a dash of competence kink that I made it all the more fun. It was the perfect read to unwind and not think too hard but still be very much entertained. Evan is a riot
I liked how easy it was between him and Thomas and how naturally it evolved from attraction to more. They’ve known each other for quite some time so the pacing didn’t feel too rushed or too insta.
100% recommend for an easy read without angst!
February 15, 2025
a very enjoyable and entertaining romance
Rating: 4🌈
The third book in Sarah Honey’s historical romance series, The Royal Rogue is a very entertaining romantic comedy with a threads of action and royal intrigue running through the pages.
The castle and universe of King Leopold of Lilleforth (The King’s Delight #1), The Royal Rogue can easily be read as a standalone novel about the Duke of Ravenport,
Evan Devere, and Thomas Malone, Captain of the Royal Guards. Both reoccurring characters in the previous stories.
The characters are well written, the story has wonderful dialogue and charm, and Evan it definitely a rogue to take to heart. Thomas is his match in every aspect, from intelligence to his ability to be flexible.
I skipped over the second book, why the author named the male main character Mother I’ll never understand.Just no. But I really enjoyed The Royal Rogue (Tales of Lilleforth, #3) by Sarah Honey and it’s a recommendation from me.
Tales of Lilleforth series:
The King’s Delight #1
The Stablemaster’s Heart #2
The Royal Rogue #3
Rating: 4🌈
The third book in Sarah Honey’s historical romance series, The Royal Rogue is a very entertaining romantic comedy with a threads of action and royal intrigue running through the pages.
The castle and universe of King Leopold of Lilleforth (The King’s Delight #1), The Royal Rogue can easily be read as a standalone novel about the Duke of Ravenport,
Evan Devere, and Thomas Malone, Captain of the Royal Guards. Both reoccurring characters in the previous stories.
The characters are well written, the story has wonderful dialogue and charm, and Evan it definitely a rogue to take to heart. Thomas is his match in every aspect, from intelligence to his ability to be flexible.
I skipped over the second book, why the author named the male main character Mother I’ll never understand.Just no. But I really enjoyed The Royal Rogue (Tales of Lilleforth, #3) by Sarah Honey and it’s a recommendation from me.
Tales of Lilleforth series:
The King’s Delight #1
The Stablemaster’s Heart #2
The Royal Rogue #3
May 21, 2025
Thomas is the captain of the guard for Castle. Blending into the background, he sees a lot and one night he notices the Duke of Ravenport, Evan Devere, wandering the Castle, and finds him fairly attractive, but the other man's wild ways are a bit of a turn off. Yet the two men begin to work together when they uncover a plot against the Crown. And then Thomas discovers the Duke has a deeply hidden other side which makes him even more interesting.
I liked this until about halfway in. The characters were engaging and well constructed, and the tension between then was pretty good. Then they slept together and everything just fell apart, like that soufflé in the oven. I don't mind a well detailed sex scene, if it's done right, however there was no need to need for three chapters of it. The character building and relationships just fizzled and, of course, the bad guy was super obvious.
two stars. Solid beginning and shit ending.
I liked this until about halfway in. The characters were engaging and well constructed, and the tension between then was pretty good. Then they slept together and everything just fell apart, like that soufflé in the oven. I don't mind a well detailed sex scene, if it's done right, however there was no need to need for three chapters of it. The character building and relationships just fizzled and, of course, the bad guy was super obvious.
two stars. Solid beginning and shit ending.
January 9, 2025
The Royal Rogue is the perfect blend of mystery and rom com.
Captain of the Guard, Thomas Malone is aware of the threat to the crown, however the presence of the Duke of Ravenport, Even Devere, is both distraction (because he’s beautiful) and frustrating (because he’s just so scatter brained). Thomas tries to manage his attraction to the Duke, while managed to keep everyone safe.
This was a well paced, well balanced book. It can be hard to get the balance of enough romance and enough mystery, and for me, this book really managed it very well. I have read and enjoyed Sarah Honey’s other books in a similar genre (like Red Heir), so I will definitely be revisiting the rest of her back catalogue!
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
Captain of the Guard, Thomas Malone is aware of the threat to the crown, however the presence of the Duke of Ravenport, Even Devere, is both distraction (because he’s beautiful) and frustrating (because he’s just so scatter brained). Thomas tries to manage his attraction to the Duke, while managed to keep everyone safe.
This was a well paced, well balanced book. It can be hard to get the balance of enough romance and enough mystery, and for me, this book really managed it very well. I have read and enjoyed Sarah Honey’s other books in a similar genre (like Red Heir), so I will definitely be revisiting the rest of her back catalogue!
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
June 17, 2025
So, at just over half way through this Goodreads posts that I've finished it! What the . .? Anyway I soldered on. Sadly I struggled with this one, definitely not my favorite of the series, although I absolutely adored the amusing push and pull between Thomas and Evan. Other than that I found it a touch slow. It was wee bit like being on a roller coaster, all tension and excitement one minute and then pages of fiddle faddle. There was just enough there to keep me interested but on a low level compared the the previous stories in this series. I did finish it though, I guess I'd call it an ok read.
January 24, 2025
THE ROYAL ROGUE is third in Sarah Honey’s Tales of Lilleforth series. Captain of the guard, Thomas Malone, takes his role to protect the king and royal family very seriously, even when it includes the ridiculous and ridiculously handsome cousin of the king, Evan Devere. And when there appears to be an imminent threat to the royal family, it makes sense to keep them closer and work together to uncover the threat…
Sarah Honey’s story is well plotted and the characters well drawn. The Royal Rogue is vastly entertaining with a terrific balance of humor and suspense. Completely delightful!
Sarah Honey’s story is well plotted and the characters well drawn. The Royal Rogue is vastly entertaining with a terrific balance of humor and suspense. Completely delightful!
January 27, 2025
So great to spend time in Lilleforth again. I loved Evan's bumbling Duke so much. His antics really made me laugh. Thomas as the stoic Captain of the Guard who tries so hard not to be attracted to him. Whilst their romance simmers in the background, there's a plot to assassinate a member of the Royal Household. I definitely didn't work out who, why etc for a long time, which only added to the enjoyment. A Fun, steamy romp with characters old and new. Don't forget to download the bonus, it's hilarious
January 28, 2025
Another good book in this series. This one has a bit of a mystery and a bit more danger than the previous two books, plus all the steam and feels. Thomas has been a favorite and it's great to see him get his HEA and finally getting to meet the Kings cousin, Evan is great (even if I'm not really a fan of his character.) I liked almost everything around this book and it's a great book to get lost in when the world requires a distraction. I hope that the series continues because the world is a fun place to visit.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
January 28, 2025
This is a charming "he's not as dumb as he lets on" romance between a spy and the captain of the King's Guard. There's a bit too much easiness in the budding relationship between Thomas and Evan for my taste, and the fact that Evan is in fact the heir to the throne means that a lot of the plot is a little ridiculous (we keep the King and his consort safe, but we don't bother to worry about the Heir? The HEA is that they move to a little manor, not, you know, a palace?). But the murder subplots are surprisingly appealing, and it's nice to spend time with Leo and Felix again.
June 9, 2025
This is the first book I have read by this author and it was not disappointing. I loved the main characters who are in some ways very very different and yet share a goal - to protect the Crown. The kind is actually a cousin of Evan (the Duke) while Thomas is the new Head Guard.
I enjoyed the side characters - Sam, the King, and his Consort. The plot was a but fantastical rather than realistic but the writing was light-hearted so it came across as fun.
I enjoy MM romance but I also enjoy procedurals and this brought a bit of both to the page.
I enjoyed the side characters - Sam, the King, and his Consort. The plot was a but fantastical rather than realistic but the writing was light-hearted so it came across as fun.
I enjoy MM romance but I also enjoy procedurals and this brought a bit of both to the page.
January 6, 2025
I love this series! The action and royal intrigue are very entertaining.
Here we have Thomas, the new Captain of the Castle Guards who is dealing with a castle seemingly full of pompous and devious guests. Then we add the King's cousin Evan who is an enormous distraction. Why? Because he's known far and wide as a fop, drunkard and frivolous. Or is he? Thoroughly unpredictable and highly entertaining. I didn't see the twist near the end coming, will you?
Here we have Thomas, the new Captain of the Castle Guards who is dealing with a castle seemingly full of pompous and devious guests. Then we add the King's cousin Evan who is an enormous distraction. Why? Because he's known far and wide as a fop, drunkard and frivolous. Or is he? Thoroughly unpredictable and highly entertaining. I didn't see the twist near the end coming, will you?
January 14, 2025
I'm sad to give this novel such a low rating, because I thought the first two books in the series were charming. The difference is that the first two books were also clever in their castle politics -- in each case, the resolution only came about through diplomatic means -- whereas this one was mostly just happenstance. I also feel bad because I read this as an ARC provided by the author, who has written or co-written some novels that I quite like ... just not this one.
January 28, 2025
I really enjoyed the humour, action, mystery, romance and spice in this page-turner. Thomas and Evan are very likeable MCs and I loved their interactions. I can't see why a castle would be left unguarded overnight, even with the king away, but other than that element of the story, I found the plot entertaining and the book was easy to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 29, 2025
This is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Thomas, the Captain of the Guards, takes his job seriously, and the bumbling drunk Evan, the Duke of Ravenport does not make his life easy. Their interactions make for a fun story that also has a side of mystery and intrigue. With great characters, an engaging plot, and some romantic tension, this book was very hard to put down, and I enjoyed every page. Highly recommended.
February 20, 2025
4.5/5 This was super fun! Evan and Thomas are clearly made for one another—it just takes a while for them to figure that out. I enjoyed the many revelations, the many flirtations, and the many ways that Evan can behave like an idiot, lol. There are a couple mystery plot moments that I thought stretched credulity a tad, but the overall spirit of the book carried it for me. I enjoyed Evan and Thomas dancing around one another and teasing one another so much.
March 18, 2025
I liked Evan and Thomas' story! :) Even though . It was still lovely and it was nice to see the two other couples from the previous books.
That twist as to who it was that found out all along and was sharing it to the ones who were dangerous was good because he was also someone who no one would ever imagine could do such a thing so I thought that was very clever. Kudos to the author!
That twist as to who it was that found out all along and was sharing it to the ones who were dangerous was good because he was also someone who no one would ever imagine could do such a thing so I thought that was very clever. Kudos to the author!
January 5, 2025
Absolutely wonderful! I loved the first two books in this series, but I have to say, this one was my favorite! The plot is engaging and entertaining, the romance sweet and spicy, and the reaperences of MCs from the first two books in the series such fun. Thomas and Evan have amazing chemistry--it makes their story impossible to put down!
January 6, 2025
this is a new author for me i absolutely love a
royal that is not what he seems Thomas is captain of the royal guard and Evan is a duke but don’t be disappointed things are not what they seem a lot of flirting some sexy scenes and villians after royalty makes
this so much fun I’m gonna read the other books in this series becauyI do love adventure and mystery very enjoyable and entertaining
royal that is not what he seems Thomas is captain of the royal guard and Evan is a duke but don’t be disappointed things are not what they seem a lot of flirting some sexy scenes and villians after royalty makes
this so much fun I’m gonna read the other books in this series becauyI do love adventure and mystery very enjoyable and entertaining
January 27, 2025
#SpoilerWarrior
Ahhhhh, I love this universe and these characters. Ive loved Thomas from the beginning and was thrilled for him to have his time.
This was the perfect book for the forty hundredth day in a never ending January where you might just need some romcom with plot in your life.
Ahhhhh, I love this universe and these characters. Ive loved Thomas from the beginning and was thrilled for him to have his time.
This was the perfect book for the forty hundredth day in a never ending January where you might just need some romcom with plot in your life.
February 24, 2025
This was disappointing. I like this writing team. I can, normally, count on them for well written mind candy, that has a decent story and a few laugh aloud moments.
This time, the two main characters had no real connection. I couldn't tell you at what point they decided they were really interested in one another. So much of this was forgettable, even from one sentence to the next.
This time, the two main characters had no real connection. I couldn't tell you at what point they decided they were really interested in one another. So much of this was forgettable, even from one sentence to the next.
April 8, 2025
I do love the land of Lilleforth and the story of the dashing captain of the guard falling for the handsome Duke with a dangerous secret was a fabulous addition. This story had just enough romance, mystery and court life to keep you interested, with a great conclusion. Would happily read more from this world.
October 27, 2025
Spoilers
What captain gives every guard the night off? The whole castle defenseless? 1 spy for the whole country? I mean come on. Is this important in the grand scheme of things? Yes, because the plot hinges on it. But if I am to let this silliness go, I can say that I enjoyed the book.
What captain gives every guard the night off? The whole castle defenseless? 1 spy for the whole country? I mean come on. Is this important in the grand scheme of things? Yes, because the plot hinges on it. But if I am to let this silliness go, I can say that I enjoyed the book.
January 10, 2025
This was a well written story. I did not read the other books in the series but did not need to since it’s a stand alone. The mc’s were so great together, I enjoyed the banter of the Rogue when he was trying to convince people that he was not very bright. Love this book.
January 26, 2025
Entertaining book mixing romance with a bit of mystery and action. Both main characters are fun, clever and they go very well together. I enjoyed their small banter and their chemistry. The mystery plot was also entertaining and well paced.
I got an ARC and this is my honest review.
I got an ARC and this is my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews