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The Rogue Debutante
A rebellion is brewing and everyone must pick a side....even pirates and debutantes.
Delia Langley has been a prisoner all her life - a prisoner to high society and its conventions. A prisoner to her wealthy father's overprotective measures. A prisoner to a fiance-to-be in an arrangement made by her father to have a royal heir. In fact, the only time in her life that Delia ever felt free was when she was captured by the much-feared pirate Blackheart and his crew, and held for months while her father negotiated her ransom.
Now nineteen, Delia is ready to leave another prison, the manmade "city in the sky," Beau Monde, where she's been tucked away, high above London all these many years. Her marriage to Lord Thaddeus Templeton will be announced after her debutante ball, and the wheels will be set in motion for Delia to take her place as a proper society lady. Except she has other plans. Masquerading as Madame X, a French pirate, Delia has arranged to purchase her own pirate airship from the mysterious "Professor." But her well-laid plan for escape has no room for distractions. Especially not Nicholas Crawley, the dashing, bachelor son of the family that's hosting Delia during her London visit. He's ruggedly handsome - and he's impossible. She doesn't expect to fall for him, but there's no denying the electricity that surges between them. A future with him would ruin everything, but her attraction to him is only one of many surprises poised to thwart her pirating plans in this charming steampunk tale.
Delia Langley has been a prisoner all her life - a prisoner to high society and its conventions. A prisoner to her wealthy father's overprotective measures. A prisoner to a fiance-to-be in an arrangement made by her father to have a royal heir. In fact, the only time in her life that Delia ever felt free was when she was captured by the much-feared pirate Blackheart and his crew, and held for months while her father negotiated her ransom.
Now nineteen, Delia is ready to leave another prison, the manmade "city in the sky," Beau Monde, where she's been tucked away, high above London all these many years. Her marriage to Lord Thaddeus Templeton will be announced after her debutante ball, and the wheels will be set in motion for Delia to take her place as a proper society lady. Except she has other plans. Masquerading as Madame X, a French pirate, Delia has arranged to purchase her own pirate airship from the mysterious "Professor." But her well-laid plan for escape has no room for distractions. Especially not Nicholas Crawley, the dashing, bachelor son of the family that's hosting Delia during her London visit. He's ruggedly handsome - and he's impossible. She doesn't expect to fall for him, but there's no denying the electricity that surges between them. A future with him would ruin everything, but her attraction to him is only one of many surprises poised to thwart her pirating plans in this charming steampunk tale.
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 12, 2016
The title of the book and the cover were the initial draw and the description pretty much sealed the deal on me wanting to know more about Delia. So, never having read anything by Maggie Dallen before and having a general infatuation with the Steampunk genre I gave it a go and found Rouge Debutante to be a fun, engaging and well written start to a new series and a caste of characters that I want to know more about.
Delia is quite an interesting character. She can go toe to toe with the most vapid members of the ton like a pro when necessary, but if she can avoid it she does. She has this mix of self determination, innocence, intellect and compassion that makes her feel approachable. The title infers that she has a bit of a rebellious streak, and in essence she does, but there is a sound reason for what motivates her to leave everything behind and that is really what sold me on Delia and has me wanting to follow along on her journey.
While this is Delia’s story, we also get some insight about the other characters that may or may not be key players in this series and each of them had me interested in them for one reason or another. Nicholas I liked as much as I liked Delia. I hope we see more of Coraline, Delia’s friend. The Professor was interesting. And then there is Thad and Delia’s father. I want to know what is going on with them because I get the gut feeling that there is a lot more more going on than we were shown.
This novella did exactly what any first in a series novella should do, that’s introduce the world, the characters and their motivations in a clean, simple and engaging way that hooks a reader and will have them wanting more before they reach the end of the story.
The Bottom Line: I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what adventures await Delia and the rest of the characters in the world of the Beau Monde.
~ARC provided by Rock Star PR in exchange for an honest review ~
May 22, 2026
Plot- Interesting premise, but the scope seemed larger than what the [very short] book was prepared to handle.
I enjoyed the steampunk aspects. I liked the setting.
Apparently the pirates were of the altruistic Robin Hood variety. They would rob the rich to feed the poor. But that was their entire plan, indefinitely. It just seemed half baked.
2 stars= it was okay.
Characters- I felt like I didn’t really KNOW the main characters. What did the heroine plan to do with her airship? Is this a legit long term plan?
Tbh, I didn’t love the heroine. She was willing to stab everyone in the back in order to get what she wanted. She was quickly forgiven by the hero when she saved him after having put him in that dangerous situation in the first place…
The hero was likable but why would he be part of her crew when he built and designed the entire airship? Surely his expertise is worth more than being a crewman? I was just confused with their plan.
Romance- Instalove. Low chemistry.
Writing- Fine.
Content-
Language- none
Spice- some sweet kisses
Triggers/Violence- none
Substance abuse- none
Spiritual/religious- none
Cover- Fine
POV- dual POV, 3rd person
Cliffhanger- no
Format- audiobook via Hoopla
Narration- okay. I got used to her.
I enjoyed the steampunk aspects. I liked the setting.
Apparently the pirates were of the altruistic Robin Hood variety. They would rob the rich to feed the poor. But that was their entire plan, indefinitely. It just seemed half baked.
2 stars= it was okay.
Characters- I felt like I didn’t really KNOW the main characters. What did the heroine plan to do with her airship? Is this a legit long term plan?
Tbh, I didn’t love the heroine. She was willing to stab everyone in the back in order to get what she wanted. She was quickly forgiven by the hero when she saved him after having put him in that dangerous situation in the first place…
The hero was likable but why would he be part of her crew when he built and designed the entire airship? Surely his expertise is worth more than being a crewman? I was just confused with their plan.
Romance- Instalove. Low chemistry.
Writing- Fine.
Content-
Language- none
Spice- some sweet kisses
Triggers/Violence- none
Substance abuse- none
Spiritual/religious- none
Cover- Fine
POV- dual POV, 3rd person
Cliffhanger- no
Format- audiobook via Hoopla
Narration- okay. I got used to her.
June 8, 2017
I am torn between 3 stars and 4. I was enjoying myself right up until the last handful of pages in this book. The author created an intriguing world, fun characters, and a fascinating plot. I was completely absorbed, right up until the ending. Sadly, everything that had been slowly developing was quickly and suddenly wrapped up for a fast HEA ending that short changed both the story and the characters and me. I'd certainly be willing, though, to highly recommend the first 90% of this novel!
January 15, 2019
This was a different read for me. I always read historical but really enjoyed the steampunk aspect of this story. It had adventure, mystery and romance and was a nice clean read. The fact that it had pirates in it grabbed me but I was disappointed that it didn’t have more pirate action but in saying that, I truly did enjoy the read. It kept me turning the page waiting to see what was going to happen next. So far nothing Ms Dallen has written has disappointed. I would hope that she writes more in this series. I only gave it 4 stars as I would like to have seen more pirate action.
October 3, 2017
I liked it! The combination of Regency and Fantasy is super creative. The story has a lot of cool elements, such as a gorgeous heroine, a dashing and clever hero, pirates, airships and a bad guy you love to hate. Beau Monde is a place in an unexpected location. The plot has espionage and high adventure.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. Honestly, I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. Honestly, I highly recommend it.
January 22, 2019
This was a fun, quick read - although I have to say, as a standalone, it feels like something's missing.
I would have loved more pirates, more airships, more shenaningans. As it is, the story feels like a prequel or first-in-series, and to be honest, I am a bit bummed that there is no follow-up.
3.5/5
I would have loved more pirates, more airships, more shenaningans. As it is, the story feels like a prequel or first-in-series, and to be honest, I am a bit bummed that there is no follow-up.
3.5/5
June 5, 2017
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Fun, quick read but very predictable.
Fun, quick read but very predictable.
July 20, 2018
I liked this more than I expected. Predictable perhaps, but I found it well written and a delight to read anyway.
March 8, 2022
Delila is a debutante with a big secret.
Delia is a debutante forced to be engaged to her fathers choice. But he is giving her a season in London first and she has other plans.
Delia is a debutante forced to be engaged to her fathers choice. But he is giving her a season in London first and she has other plans.
October 21, 2025
dirigible, pirates, debutante balls in London what more could I ask for of a fantasy book
August 20, 2019
It's really good, I would like more of this story that's for sure!!!
January 25, 2026
Unexpected. That is the best word I can use to describe this book. I honestly do not know how I feel or what I think about it. The story is solid, and I want to know what happens next, however there is no book 2? And yet it is very different than what I had come to expect from Maggie Dallen.
January 22, 2016
Posted on What I'm Reading
I enjoyed The Rogue Debutante. I thought it was a pretty good story even though it was a quick read. Do I wish it was a little longer; of course. Do I wish there was a prologue about Delia's time with the pirates; most definitely. Will I survive picking up where we meet Delia and how she's about to enter her season; yes.
So, we meet Delia who is has been kept in a gilded cage ever since her release of the pirates. However, she felt more trapped being in her father's home than with pirates. Now that she's 19, she plans to make her escape. Delia has a carefully laid plan, but she never expected to find someone that might entice her. Now we meet Nicholas Crawley, and his father is friends with Delia's father. His father has agreed to keep an eye on Delia while she's making her debut season. Anyway, both of them are living a double life and neither truly knows about the each others lives. However, they are smitten by one another.
Like I said quick read and I wish it was a little longer. There are time where it could have been dragged out a little more. However, The Rogue Debutante gives a glimpse of what is going on in London. Yes, there is unrest between the two classes: the rich and the poor. It kind of reminds me of the French Revolution in some aspects where you see the poor disgusted by the wealth and wanting to even out the playing field. It seems like that it's starting to brew. It makes me wonder what is going to happen in the story. I wonder if we will see Nicholas and Delia again or will they sail off into the sky. The Rogue Debutante has a great start to a series and leads you to wonder what will happen. It's kind of like a tease in a way. Granted Nicholas and Delia end up together, but it leaves you to wonder what will happen to the pirate and her friend. Basically, a good intro to Beau Monde Chronicles now I have to wait.
Copy provided by author via Rock Star PR
I enjoyed The Rogue Debutante. I thought it was a pretty good story even though it was a quick read. Do I wish it was a little longer; of course. Do I wish there was a prologue about Delia's time with the pirates; most definitely. Will I survive picking up where we meet Delia and how she's about to enter her season; yes.
So, we meet Delia who is has been kept in a gilded cage ever since her release of the pirates. However, she felt more trapped being in her father's home than with pirates. Now that she's 19, she plans to make her escape. Delia has a carefully laid plan, but she never expected to find someone that might entice her. Now we meet Nicholas Crawley, and his father is friends with Delia's father. His father has agreed to keep an eye on Delia while she's making her debut season. Anyway, both of them are living a double life and neither truly knows about the each others lives. However, they are smitten by one another.
Like I said quick read and I wish it was a little longer. There are time where it could have been dragged out a little more. However, The Rogue Debutante gives a glimpse of what is going on in London. Yes, there is unrest between the two classes: the rich and the poor. It kind of reminds me of the French Revolution in some aspects where you see the poor disgusted by the wealth and wanting to even out the playing field. It seems like that it's starting to brew. It makes me wonder what is going to happen in the story. I wonder if we will see Nicholas and Delia again or will they sail off into the sky. The Rogue Debutante has a great start to a series and leads you to wonder what will happen. It's kind of like a tease in a way. Granted Nicholas and Delia end up together, but it leaves you to wonder what will happen to the pirate and her friend. Basically, a good intro to Beau Monde Chronicles now I have to wait.
Copy provided by author via Rock Star PR
January 27, 2016
*Received ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Delia Langley is an incredibly brave and intelligent young woman who has devised a clever escape from her father's machinations and her repulsive future fiancé's clutches. Having spent her life since she was twelve learning to pretend to be what her father and society expects, Delia has perfected the ability to hide her true self – until she meets Nicholas Crawford.
Nicholas Crawford can see through Delia's fake smiles and forced frivolity. He is intrigued by her intelligence and compassion and captivated by her beauty. Despite his father's instructions to not develop an attachment to Delia, as she is promised to another, Nicholas refuses to let Delia settle for a life of misery in a loveless marriage that will squelch her vibrant personality and deny her the opportunity to reach her full potential. Circumstances conspire to force Nicholas and Delia to consider what they are willing to sacrifice for love and each other's happiness.
The concept of a city solely for the wealthy floating above London is an intriguing one and I would have liked to see the mechanics and the story of its creation given more attention and detail. How does it stay up there? Is it on the back of a Whovian-esque Space Whale? [See "The Beast Below", Doctor Who Season 5, Episode 2.] The slums located under the large shadow cast by the isle of Beau Monde, the Shadowlands, are an area rife with poverty and resentment, a breeding ground for rebellion. Fascinating secondary characters are introduced in The Rogue Debutante who will no doubt play a key role in exploring the conflicts between the classes in later installments in the series. I look forward to reading more about the airship pirates and I'm curious about the nobles sympathizing with the oppressed. In the future, I hope the author adds more Steampunk elements beyond the dirigibles Nicholas and Delia are so fascinated with.
I look forward to more of Maggie Dallen's interesting, well-written characters further down the road in The Beau Monde Chronicles.
Delia Langley is an incredibly brave and intelligent young woman who has devised a clever escape from her father's machinations and her repulsive future fiancé's clutches. Having spent her life since she was twelve learning to pretend to be what her father and society expects, Delia has perfected the ability to hide her true self – until she meets Nicholas Crawford.
Nicholas Crawford can see through Delia's fake smiles and forced frivolity. He is intrigued by her intelligence and compassion and captivated by her beauty. Despite his father's instructions to not develop an attachment to Delia, as she is promised to another, Nicholas refuses to let Delia settle for a life of misery in a loveless marriage that will squelch her vibrant personality and deny her the opportunity to reach her full potential. Circumstances conspire to force Nicholas and Delia to consider what they are willing to sacrifice for love and each other's happiness.
The concept of a city solely for the wealthy floating above London is an intriguing one and I would have liked to see the mechanics and the story of its creation given more attention and detail. How does it stay up there? Is it on the back of a Whovian-esque Space Whale? [See "The Beast Below", Doctor Who Season 5, Episode 2.] The slums located under the large shadow cast by the isle of Beau Monde, the Shadowlands, are an area rife with poverty and resentment, a breeding ground for rebellion. Fascinating secondary characters are introduced in The Rogue Debutante who will no doubt play a key role in exploring the conflicts between the classes in later installments in the series. I look forward to reading more about the airship pirates and I'm curious about the nobles sympathizing with the oppressed. In the future, I hope the author adds more Steampunk elements beyond the dirigibles Nicholas and Delia are so fascinated with.
I look forward to more of Maggie Dallen's interesting, well-written characters further down the road in The Beau Monde Chronicles.
January 5, 2016
This book is not my typical read, and that is part of the reason I chose it. There were Pirates, air ships, rogues, and high society. I absolutely fell in love with this story. I loved Delia from page one and couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
My Thoughts
We first meet Dahlia when she arrives to Beau Monde to stay with The Crawfords. They run into trouble on the way home and she and her quick wit and fearlessness saved the day. From that moment on I was hooked. The story was full of intrigue, secrecy, and attitude. It was all of these things that made this book so fun to read. And then there is Nicholas. Dear Nicholas. He was just as trapped as Dahlia, but the two of them instantly clicked. The more they were together the closer they became. Both had secrets from each other and everyone else and that just added another element to this wonderful story. I was rooting for Dahlia to get the life she wanted the entire story and I was not disappointed. I recommend this book for anyone looking for something a little different, it was a quick fun read with a fun Steam-punk influence.
A review copy was provided by Rock Star Lit PR for an honest review.
My Thoughts
We first meet Dahlia when she arrives to Beau Monde to stay with The Crawfords. They run into trouble on the way home and she and her quick wit and fearlessness saved the day. From that moment on I was hooked. The story was full of intrigue, secrecy, and attitude. It was all of these things that made this book so fun to read. And then there is Nicholas. Dear Nicholas. He was just as trapped as Dahlia, but the two of them instantly clicked. The more they were together the closer they became. Both had secrets from each other and everyone else and that just added another element to this wonderful story. I was rooting for Dahlia to get the life she wanted the entire story and I was not disappointed. I recommend this book for anyone looking for something a little different, it was a quick fun read with a fun Steam-punk influence.
A review copy was provided by Rock Star Lit PR for an honest review.
January 15, 2016
**ARC in exchange for honest review**
Have we gone back into time? I think so. Because there are debutante balls in the book, courting, and even fathers shipping their daughters off to grow their power. Wasn't that something that they did back in the days? I don't even know what I am talking about.
But I will be honest, I was expecting a MC that just drove me insane with her antics. The one that always needs to be saved. Along with the alpha male that refuses to listen to anybody. I despise those stories. This book definitely blew me away from the waters and I want to thank Maggie Dallen and Rock Star PR for teaming up with me to bring this book.
If you love not only dystopian novels but with a strong MC that is all about girl power, you must read this book. It truly is an amazing book that is action packed with hints of romance in it. I say hints because it doesn't overpower it. I think the main theme behind this book was friendship comes from the most unlikely people.
I rate this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars so I will blog you later, awesome book nerds.
Have we gone back into time? I think so. Because there are debutante balls in the book, courting, and even fathers shipping their daughters off to grow their power. Wasn't that something that they did back in the days? I don't even know what I am talking about.
But I will be honest, I was expecting a MC that just drove me insane with her antics. The one that always needs to be saved. Along with the alpha male that refuses to listen to anybody. I despise those stories. This book definitely blew me away from the waters and I want to thank Maggie Dallen and Rock Star PR for teaming up with me to bring this book.
If you love not only dystopian novels but with a strong MC that is all about girl power, you must read this book. It truly is an amazing book that is action packed with hints of romance in it. I say hints because it doesn't overpower it. I think the main theme behind this book was friendship comes from the most unlikely people.
I rate this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars so I will blog you later, awesome book nerds.
January 18, 2016
How would I describe The Rogue Debutante? An unorthodox escapade that is hard to follow but worth taking a chance on. I received an ARC of Maggie Dallen's novel in exchange for an honest review. Delia, the title character after years of captivity, neglect and taking orders has decided to become her own rescuer. Her personality was a great match for this fantastical story. She has made a choice to follow her heart, become her own woman and do so her way. For me she was the one bright spot in a story that proved to be unsatisfactory for. Normally I don't read steampunk know so that could have played a part in my opinion.
June 14, 2016
My only complaint about this book is that it was too short. I think there was a lot of potential for the story to be expanded and for a more dramatic plot. That being said I enjoyed this book and liked the characters. I especially like the originality of the world it takes place it. I've read a lot of steam punk and this steam punk world was different then any I've come across before. I'm definitely interested in reading more books in this series.
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December 17, 2018This was actually an audio-book I found on spotify... as right now I'm doing a lot of rather tedious data in-putting, I can listen while I work, and gave this a go. I wasn't familiar with this author, but quite enjoyed the story - steam punk, I think is the genre. A bit strange, but entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews