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The Wayward Wallflowers #3
The Rogue Is Back in Town
Hide your daughters and your maiden aunts…Lord Samuel Travis is back.
―The London Hearsay, special society edition
Equal parts scoundrel and seducer, he’s returned to London determined to mend the rift with his older brother. All Sam must do is take possession of a tumbledown town house. A seemingly simple task, except the house is occupied—by an infuriating, whip-smart beauty who refuses to do his bidding.
Miss Juliette Lacey’s wallflower days are over. She has a plan to turn her eccentric family into the toast of the ton—but the devilishly handsome rake trying to oust them from their home thwarts her at every turn. How can one man be so vexing and make her simmer with desire?
As her attraction to Sam deepens, Julie’s problems grow—she may have, once upon a time, secretly shared a kiss with his honorable older brother. Suddenly, Julie’s caught between a rogue and a marquess, between passion and respectability. Torn between two brothers, what’s a girl to do?
―The London Hearsay, special society edition
Equal parts scoundrel and seducer, he’s returned to London determined to mend the rift with his older brother. All Sam must do is take possession of a tumbledown town house. A seemingly simple task, except the house is occupied—by an infuriating, whip-smart beauty who refuses to do his bidding.
Miss Juliette Lacey’s wallflower days are over. She has a plan to turn her eccentric family into the toast of the ton—but the devilishly handsome rake trying to oust them from their home thwarts her at every turn. How can one man be so vexing and make her simmer with desire?
As her attraction to Sam deepens, Julie’s problems grow—she may have, once upon a time, secretly shared a kiss with his honorable older brother. Suddenly, Julie’s caught between a rogue and a marquess, between passion and respectability. Torn between two brothers, what’s a girl to do?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 2, 2018
96 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bennett
12 books458 followersAnna Bennett started swiping romances from her mom’s bookshelf as a teenager and decided historicals (with their balls, dukes, and gowns) were the best. So, when she had the chance to spend a semester in London she packed her bags—and promptly fell in love with the city, its history, and its pubs. She dreamed of writing romance, but somehow ended up a software analyst instead.
Fortunately, a few years and a few careers later, Anna found her way back to writing the stories she loves and won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® for Regency Historical Romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Her weaknesses include reality TV, cute shoes, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Sign up for Anna's newsletter here! http://bit.ly/2dFW5bv
Fortunately, a few years and a few careers later, Anna found her way back to writing the stories she loves and won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® for Regency Historical Romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Her weaknesses include reality TV, cute shoes, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Sign up for Anna's newsletter here! http://bit.ly/2dFW5bv
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
December 10, 2017
I enjoyed half of this book.
Unfortunately, The Rogue is Back in Town left me disappointed. What makes it even worse is that I really enjoyed the first half. Quirky characters, Rogues finding enlightenment, and heroines showing their love and dedication to family put a smile on my face. What follows is sex…and getting to know one of the most despicable characters I’ve read about in ages. Luckily for our heroine, the douchewaffle that is despicable isn’t the hero. Unlucky for us, we still had to deal with a storyline that clearly showed the heroine’s stupidity, naivety and ignorance.
Look, I’m the first person to say that I prefer my books to have sexy times in them, but this was way OTT. The heroine couldn’t keep her hands off the hero, and he wasn’t one to miss an opportunity for a bit of slap and tickle. It did not convince me that they were in love, only that they were attracted to each other and decided to act on their lust. She was a little too eager to jump into bed and, for a rogue, he fell in love too quickly.
I did not enjoy seeing the conflict play out and it actually turned my stomach. Sure, I know there are evil, greedy and manipulative people out there, but I hate having them get away with it. I would have preferred that Lord Douchewaffle ended up with his name sullied and reputation in tatters. I know, I'm delusional looking for fairytale endings in every story. I know, I'm silly believing that every love story should have good conquering evil. But, I can hope and dream (sigh).
It didn’t sit right with me that the heroine was practically left unchaperoned and the sole carer for her elderly and mentally unstable uncle. Both of her elder sisters (who married well) left her vulnerable and easily manipulated. For such a “close” family, I found it hard to forgive the sisters and their husbands.
I am sorry to say that The Rogue is Back in Town wasn’t a winner for me. Don’t judge on my review alone, please take the time to check out other reviews and you may find that it works perfectly for you.
***Four stars for the first half and two stars for the second half - 3 stars overall.***
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
Unfortunately, The Rogue is Back in Town left me disappointed. What makes it even worse is that I really enjoyed the first half. Quirky characters, Rogues finding enlightenment, and heroines showing their love and dedication to family put a smile on my face. What follows is sex…and getting to know one of the most despicable characters I’ve read about in ages. Luckily for our heroine, the douchewaffle that is despicable isn’t the hero. Unlucky for us, we still had to deal with a storyline that clearly showed the heroine’s stupidity, naivety and ignorance.
Look, I’m the first person to say that I prefer my books to have sexy times in them, but this was way OTT. The heroine couldn’t keep her hands off the hero, and he wasn’t one to miss an opportunity for a bit of slap and tickle. It did not convince me that they were in love, only that they were attracted to each other and decided to act on their lust. She was a little too eager to jump into bed and, for a rogue, he fell in love too quickly.
I did not enjoy seeing the conflict play out and it actually turned my stomach. Sure, I know there are evil, greedy and manipulative people out there, but I hate having them get away with it. I would have preferred that Lord Douchewaffle ended up with his name sullied and reputation in tatters. I know, I'm delusional looking for fairytale endings in every story. I know, I'm silly believing that every love story should have good conquering evil. But, I can hope and dream (sigh).
It didn’t sit right with me that the heroine was practically left unchaperoned and the sole carer for her elderly and mentally unstable uncle. Both of her elder sisters (who married well) left her vulnerable and easily manipulated. For such a “close” family, I found it hard to forgive the sisters and their husbands.
I am sorry to say that The Rogue is Back in Town wasn’t a winner for me. Don’t judge on my review alone, please take the time to check out other reviews and you may find that it works perfectly for you.
***Four stars for the first half and two stars for the second half - 3 stars overall.***
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
December 1, 2017
Did I say how much I hate TSTL heroines? ...and heroes too!
And here both of them would have won the Oscar for stupidity!
He’s like a Pepe: so full of himself and his rakish ways! As soon as he sees the heroine he’s in deep lust and all kinds of dirty thought come up in his mind at any and every moment! It’s just to much!!!
She’s also in lust with him. Her lady’s bits are all aquake!
But there’s his brother who wants her too! And the brother is not so honorable as everybody (and the hero) think! And he doesn’t want her for wife – he says to her clearly – he wants her for a mistress!
And what she does? She has to “think and gain time” so she says to him that she’ll consider his offer!!! O_O
And while she’s considering she falls in bed with the hero and soon after also in love!
And the hero, magically, thanks to her sweetness and hotness, transforms from rake to saint!
But, wait, he never weas a rake in his soul; he was just restless and felt unappreciated!
Oh, my god!!!
So, when I said I was bored it’s because during all the books 3 things happen:
1) She’s considering his brother’s offer from mistresshood;
2) They’re having sex
3) She’s discarding all the logical solutions to her problems
And that’s it!
And here both of them would have won the Oscar for stupidity!
He’s like a Pepe: so full of himself and his rakish ways! As soon as he sees the heroine he’s in deep lust and all kinds of dirty thought come up in his mind at any and every moment! It’s just to much!!!
She’s also in lust with him. Her lady’s bits are all aquake!
But there’s his brother who wants her too! And the brother is not so honorable as everybody (and the hero) think! And he doesn’t want her for wife – he says to her clearly – he wants her for a mistress!
And what she does? She has to “think and gain time” so she says to him that she’ll consider his offer!!! O_O
And while she’s considering she falls in bed with the hero and soon after also in love!
And the hero, magically, thanks to her sweetness and hotness, transforms from rake to saint!
But, wait, he never weas a rake in his soul; he was just restless and felt unappreciated!
Oh, my god!!!
So, when I said I was bored it’s because during all the books 3 things happen:
1) She’s considering his brother’s offer from mistresshood;
2) They’re having sex
3) She’s discarding all the logical solutions to her problems
And that’s it!
January 2, 2018
The Rogue is Back in Town is the final book in the Wayward Wallflowers series and goes out on a high note. I have loved reading about each of the 3 Lacey sisters on how they went from wallflowers to finding their true love. Juliette is the last and the youngest and is holding out on finding a husband because she wants the love and passion that her sisters have found themselves. For now, she lives with her uncle in the old townhouse and is in no hurry to find such a man. How she meets Sam puts and interesting twist on a cute meet when he comes to evict her and her uncle from their premises.
Samuel Travis has returned to England and wants to build a relationship with his brother Nigel. Nigel tells him he can start by doing his bidding by removing the occupants from a property he owns. Sam didn’t really have much choice in the matter considering he was thrown out of the house and was told not to come back until the deed is done. Sam pushes his way into Juliette’s home and plans to wait it out until she comes to her senses and leaves. Juliette has no intention of giving up her home and plans to prove the home is hers. Things heat up a bit when those fighting words spark an attraction between Sam and Juliette and neither one of them want to fight or deny this chemistry.
Juliette strives to be independent and wants to work this problem out for herself and not get her sisters or their husbands involved in the present situation. She also finds herself in a bind being torn between two brothers. She originally fancied herself in love with older brother Nigel, but it turns out that Sam is the one that sparks her to life. Over the course of the story she sees a difference between the brothers. How they are both seen by society and what they truly are like night and day. Juliette needs to decide who she really wants and how to convince him of that.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and how easily it flowed. It captured my interest and I just couldn’t put it down. It had all the right elements of a good story, from the villain to the eccentric uncle, small cameos from the sisters, and a sensual romance for the main characters. It was a delight to read and I recommend it to historical romance readers that they would absolutely enjoy it.
November 20, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (live on the blog 1/8/18)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2B3rrAW
I had such a lovely time with The Rogue is Back in Town--A sticky situation, a frazzled heroine and a rogue that simply will not go away.
The Gist: Sam's brother has tasked him with evicting a family from one of his properties. Not something Sam's all that keen on doing but it's that or be cut off completely. Financially and from the only family he has left. So off he goes. A simple task, really. Except the young woman in question? She refuses to leave. So Sam? He moves in with her. Mmhm.
Sam and Juliette were entertaining. I enjoyed watching them deal with each other as he moved in and got comfy trying to wait her out. As they tried to figure a way around Nigel's manipulations and find proof that her eccentric uncle really owned the property. As they became friends and allies and worked their way into each other's hearts. They were cute together. There's a little heat and a little frustration. And it was just a dang good time.
Her "crazy" uncle lives with her and I loved his parts, too. He is a bit of a handful but I thought it was so sweet how both she and Sam doted on him and cared about him. They're good hearts, they are.
I did find the final reveal a bit predictable-- honestly it was the first thing I would have done-- but it did make for a dramatic bit of reading and that's still pretty entertaining.
All in all, The Rogue is Back in Town left me charmed once again. Bennett always delights. And those covers!
March 25, 2018
Fun escape to regency goodness - full of witty and sparkling dialogue and steamy and romantic moments.. Recommend!
October 4, 2018
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
So this book finally shed light on the niggling but unidentifiable issue I've had with middle of the road romance novels. This book introduces the h and H because the H bangs on the h's door and demands she and her elderly uncle vacate immediately. He is doing so because he has been kicked out of his house and this is his one chance at fixing things. In other words, these are two extremely stressed-out people. And yet they spend their entire first conversation ogling each other and imagining each other naked. Now I don't know about you, but if someone knocks on my door and tells me that I and my elderly fragile relative are homeless, the last thing I'm thinking about is sex. Is it really that hard to write romance realistically? MUST all the lust and heaving be shoved down our throats from the first second?
This book has another fatal flaw beyond the typical romance tropes. The pacing is entirely off - it manages to go both too fast and too slow. It takes us 1/3 of the book to get through the first 24 hours...and yet by the end of that time the h and H are already sucking face. 50% of the way through we are on day 3 - and they are sexing it up. And the main body of the book ends after 10 days. This ludicrousness is heightened at the end of Chapter 42 where the heroine thinks "At last - the rogue was hers." IT'S. BEEN. TEN. DAYS.
The book isn't a total loss; the characters are basically likable and nobody is TSTL (Well, YMMV on that opinion). But still....no. Just...no.
So this book finally shed light on the niggling but unidentifiable issue I've had with middle of the road romance novels. This book introduces the h and H because the H bangs on the h's door and demands she and her elderly uncle vacate immediately. He is doing so because he has been kicked out of his house and this is his one chance at fixing things. In other words, these are two extremely stressed-out people. And yet they spend their entire first conversation ogling each other and imagining each other naked. Now I don't know about you, but if someone knocks on my door and tells me that I and my elderly fragile relative are homeless, the last thing I'm thinking about is sex. Is it really that hard to write romance realistically? MUST all the lust and heaving be shoved down our throats from the first second?
This book has another fatal flaw beyond the typical romance tropes. The pacing is entirely off - it manages to go both too fast and too slow. It takes us 1/3 of the book to get through the first 24 hours...and yet by the end of that time the h and H are already sucking face. 50% of the way through we are on day 3 - and they are sexing it up. And the main body of the book ends after 10 days. This ludicrousness is heightened at the end of Chapter 42 where the heroine thinks "At last - the rogue was hers." IT'S. BEEN. TEN. DAYS.
The book isn't a total loss; the characters are basically likable and nobody is TSTL (Well, YMMV on that opinion). But still....no. Just...no.
October 29, 2018
THE ROGUE IS BACK IN TOWN
(The Wayward Wallflowers: #3)
Written by Anna Bennett
JANUARY 2, 2018; St. Martin’s Press Paperbacks (352 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, romance, historical romance
Rating: ★★★
Second son, Sam has messed up again and forced his older brother's hand. If Sam wants to have a home and money he must evict a man from his brother, Nigel's property. When he goes to the home he discovers that the man is an older man with his niece. As he tries to get them to leave he falls for the niece, Julie.
Julie thinks she loves Nigel, but discovers that he wants her for a mistress not a wife. She discovers that Sam, the rogue is the one worth giving her heart to.
I really enjoyed the first two novels in this trilogy but this one really fell flat. Everything seemed forced in this book. While, I can buy that roguish Sam turns into a prince, but how they come together is quick and less romantic. However, hating Nigel and loving Julie's uncle saved the book for me and I liked it. I was sad to hear that Charlotte and Alec didn't get a book...unless there is a spin-off.
***I received an eARC from PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
(The Wayward Wallflowers: #3)
Written by Anna Bennett
JANUARY 2, 2018; St. Martin’s Press Paperbacks (352 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, romance, historical romance
Rating: ★★★
Second son, Sam has messed up again and forced his older brother's hand. If Sam wants to have a home and money he must evict a man from his brother, Nigel's property. When he goes to the home he discovers that the man is an older man with his niece. As he tries to get them to leave he falls for the niece, Julie.
Julie thinks she loves Nigel, but discovers that he wants her for a mistress not a wife. She discovers that Sam, the rogue is the one worth giving her heart to.
I really enjoyed the first two novels in this trilogy but this one really fell flat. Everything seemed forced in this book. While, I can buy that roguish Sam turns into a prince, but how they come together is quick and less romantic. However, hating Nigel and loving Julie's uncle saved the book for me and I liked it. I was sad to hear that Charlotte and Alec didn't get a book...unless there is a spin-off.
***I received an eARC from PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
December 31, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up to 4
Series: The Wayward Wallflowers #3
Publication Date: 1/2/18
@SMPRomance #TheRogueIsBackInTown
I have read and enjoyed the other books in this series and was really looking forward to this one. While I enjoyed the basic story, I didn’t think it was nearly as good as the first two books nor did I really like it as the end for the series. There is a nice last chapter that brings them all together for a nice Christmas. There were just so very many improbable things in the book that I had a really hard time ‘believing’. I do have to say though – I think that if the author had included a scene with a horrifically tragic carriage (or horse) accident with a lone victim (Nigel) who was gruesomely injured and suffered horribly before finally succumbing to his injuries – I would have given it a 5-star rating. Sorry – can you tell I didn’t like Nigel?
People are not always who you think they are, and that is the case of the two brothers in this book. Nigel Travis, Marquess of Currington, is the epitome of propriety, honor and good character – at least that is what everybody, including his brother, believes. You’ll discover that he is a scoundrel of the worst sort. Samuel Travis (constantly incorrectly referred to as Lord Travis) is a real scoundrel and rake – always drunk and debauched. That is true – but the REAL Sam is kind, loving and considerate. He just doesn’t have anything to give him a direction in life and since he has been labeled as a ‘bad’ boy most of his life, he figures he might as well live up (or down) to it. He got that ‘bad’ label because he often took the blame for things Nigel did. We hear about another person that we don’t actually meet, who cannot be who we think he is. That person is the father of Nigel and Sam. He knew Nigel was the heir and there is no way that he didn’t know the kind of person Nigel was, yet he didn’t leave Sam anything other than a watch. I know he died unexpectedly, but those people made wills at the drop of a hat and there is no way a loving, caring father would have already made a provision for his younger son. The father has only been dead for a year when this story takes place, so I’m sure he would have provided – just sayin’.
The first two books in the series saw Miss Juliette Lacey’s older sisters find love and happiness. Julie is happy for them and wants the same for herself, but has almost given up. She did share a kiss with a man on a balcony and thought herself ‘in love’ and thought he returned her affection. However, he never called or even sent a note afterward. Obviously, much to her embarrassment, she was incorrect in thinking he cared. Now, her full focus is on caring for her elderly, eccentric uncle who took her and her sisters in when their parents died. She is very self-confident, stubborn and totally accustomed to getting her own way, so when trouble comes her way, she is absolutely certain she can handle it all by herself. A number of reviewers have referred to her as TSTL, but I think it is more naiveté that stupidity.
The story opens with Sam’s valet rousing him from a drunken stupor because Nigel had demanded to see him immediately. Nigel is very, very displeased with Sam – to say the least. Sam has only just returned from banishment to the continent and has already returned to his drunken and debauched ways. Last night was enough – he’d entered the wrong house and crawled into what he thought was his bed, but was really the bed of a septuagenarian neighbor. Nigel demands that Sam leave the house immediately – no bathing, no breakfast, no packing – nothing. In order to get back into Nigel’s good graces, Sam is required to evict the people living at one of his London properties. Simple enough task – right? Not so. Circumstances are not what they seem.
The occupants of that property are Julie and her uncle and they have lived there for decades. Julie is sure the property belongs to her uncle and is not kind to the man who is at her door demanding that they vacate the property. She wants to see proof that Nigel owns the property – and Sam refuses to leave until they vacate. So they are at a standstill and the story develops from there. I won’t go over it because that would spoil the read for you.
There are a number of things I found totally improbable in this book – I mentioned a couple above, but I’ll list some here:
• Sam’s father would not have left him totally at the mercy of Nigel. He would have had some provision in the will – even if it was an old will.
• Why would a peer of the realm hire dock workers to manhandle his own brother when it wasn’t necessary – I mean – what Sam did certainly didn’t warrant that.
• Why in the world would Nigel insist that Julie wasn’t ‘worthy’ for him to marry – one sister married a duke and the other an earl and she is the daughter of an earl.
• Why would he instantly offer marriage when she refused his request to be his mistress?
• Any rational person, who was threatened with losing their life-long home, would immediately seek help from any high-powered, influential, rich relatives they had. Why wouldn’t Julie? She was a whole lot more cooperative than I would have been to some stranger who showed up at my door trying to evict me from my home.
Through all of the books, Uncle Alistair has been my favorite character. I picture him looking like Albert Einstein with the white puffy, messy hair. He’s the quintessential absent-minded professor and he is always using incorrect words in sentences. You’ll just love him. One of the things he says in this book is “Young people often fail to inebriate what a precious commodity time is.” I often found myself re-reading his sections – just in case I missed one of his misuses.
Please see my reviews of the first two books at:
My Brown-Eyed Earl
I Dared The Duke
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Series: The Wayward Wallflowers #3
Publication Date: 1/2/18
@SMPRomance #TheRogueIsBackInTown
I have read and enjoyed the other books in this series and was really looking forward to this one. While I enjoyed the basic story, I didn’t think it was nearly as good as the first two books nor did I really like it as the end for the series. There is a nice last chapter that brings them all together for a nice Christmas. There were just so very many improbable things in the book that I had a really hard time ‘believing’. I do have to say though – I think that if the author had included a scene with a horrifically tragic carriage (or horse) accident with a lone victim (Nigel) who was gruesomely injured and suffered horribly before finally succumbing to his injuries – I would have given it a 5-star rating. Sorry – can you tell I didn’t like Nigel?
People are not always who you think they are, and that is the case of the two brothers in this book. Nigel Travis, Marquess of Currington, is the epitome of propriety, honor and good character – at least that is what everybody, including his brother, believes. You’ll discover that he is a scoundrel of the worst sort. Samuel Travis (constantly incorrectly referred to as Lord Travis) is a real scoundrel and rake – always drunk and debauched. That is true – but the REAL Sam is kind, loving and considerate. He just doesn’t have anything to give him a direction in life and since he has been labeled as a ‘bad’ boy most of his life, he figures he might as well live up (or down) to it. He got that ‘bad’ label because he often took the blame for things Nigel did. We hear about another person that we don’t actually meet, who cannot be who we think he is. That person is the father of Nigel and Sam. He knew Nigel was the heir and there is no way that he didn’t know the kind of person Nigel was, yet he didn’t leave Sam anything other than a watch. I know he died unexpectedly, but those people made wills at the drop of a hat and there is no way a loving, caring father would have already made a provision for his younger son. The father has only been dead for a year when this story takes place, so I’m sure he would have provided – just sayin’.
The first two books in the series saw Miss Juliette Lacey’s older sisters find love and happiness. Julie is happy for them and wants the same for herself, but has almost given up. She did share a kiss with a man on a balcony and thought herself ‘in love’ and thought he returned her affection. However, he never called or even sent a note afterward. Obviously, much to her embarrassment, she was incorrect in thinking he cared. Now, her full focus is on caring for her elderly, eccentric uncle who took her and her sisters in when their parents died. She is very self-confident, stubborn and totally accustomed to getting her own way, so when trouble comes her way, she is absolutely certain she can handle it all by herself. A number of reviewers have referred to her as TSTL, but I think it is more naiveté that stupidity.
The story opens with Sam’s valet rousing him from a drunken stupor because Nigel had demanded to see him immediately. Nigel is very, very displeased with Sam – to say the least. Sam has only just returned from banishment to the continent and has already returned to his drunken and debauched ways. Last night was enough – he’d entered the wrong house and crawled into what he thought was his bed, but was really the bed of a septuagenarian neighbor. Nigel demands that Sam leave the house immediately – no bathing, no breakfast, no packing – nothing. In order to get back into Nigel’s good graces, Sam is required to evict the people living at one of his London properties. Simple enough task – right? Not so. Circumstances are not what they seem.
The occupants of that property are Julie and her uncle and they have lived there for decades. Julie is sure the property belongs to her uncle and is not kind to the man who is at her door demanding that they vacate the property. She wants to see proof that Nigel owns the property – and Sam refuses to leave until they vacate. So they are at a standstill and the story develops from there. I won’t go over it because that would spoil the read for you.
There are a number of things I found totally improbable in this book – I mentioned a couple above, but I’ll list some here:
• Sam’s father would not have left him totally at the mercy of Nigel. He would have had some provision in the will – even if it was an old will.
• Why would a peer of the realm hire dock workers to manhandle his own brother when it wasn’t necessary – I mean – what Sam did certainly didn’t warrant that.
• Why in the world would Nigel insist that Julie wasn’t ‘worthy’ for him to marry – one sister married a duke and the other an earl and she is the daughter of an earl.
• Why would he instantly offer marriage when she refused his request to be his mistress?
• Any rational person, who was threatened with losing their life-long home, would immediately seek help from any high-powered, influential, rich relatives they had. Why wouldn’t Julie? She was a whole lot more cooperative than I would have been to some stranger who showed up at my door trying to evict me from my home.
Through all of the books, Uncle Alistair has been my favorite character. I picture him looking like Albert Einstein with the white puffy, messy hair. He’s the quintessential absent-minded professor and he is always using incorrect words in sentences. You’ll just love him. One of the things he says in this book is “Young people often fail to inebriate what a precious commodity time is.” I often found myself re-reading his sections – just in case I missed one of his misuses.
Please see my reviews of the first two books at:
My Brown-Eyed Earl
I Dared The Duke
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
December 11, 2017
2.5 Stars
I am a bit sad, that this didn't work for me.
Look this is okay. It's not terrible or horrible or anything. It's just kinda too fluffy for me.
I honestly didn't expect anything else. It's in line with the series.
So I am not sure if it is just me. You know, after reading two romances with some heavy subjects, maybe I wasn't in the frame of mind for a lighthearted historical romp?
But then there is also the fact that I couldn't connect to either MC. I didn't get their chemistry or attraction for most of the book. I found some of the drama a bit annoying but mostly very predictable.
This though it is quite well put together, not badly written and all, just didn't gel with me.
Might be a case of me not feeling it right now or maybe ever.
I think, if you looking for a light-hearted historical romance and don't mind a wee bit of cliche, give it a go.
I am a bit sad, that this didn't work for me.
Look this is okay. It's not terrible or horrible or anything. It's just kinda too fluffy for me.
I honestly didn't expect anything else. It's in line with the series.
So I am not sure if it is just me. You know, after reading two romances with some heavy subjects, maybe I wasn't in the frame of mind for a lighthearted historical romp?
But then there is also the fact that I couldn't connect to either MC. I didn't get their chemistry or attraction for most of the book. I found some of the drama a bit annoying but mostly very predictable.
This though it is quite well put together, not badly written and all, just didn't gel with me.
Might be a case of me not feeling it right now or maybe ever.
I think, if you looking for a light-hearted historical romance and don't mind a wee bit of cliche, give it a go.
December 10, 2017
Probably three stars for the first bit of the book and maybe two for the rest.
Lord Samuel Travis is given the task of clearing tenants out of one of his brother's properties in order to get back in good graces with said brother. He is surprised and delighted to find Miss Juliette Lacey and her eccentric uncle living at the property. Julie and Sam must fight their attraction to each other if they both want to get what they want.
So their meet cute was great and they were adversaries (something I love in a romance) for all of two seconds before they allowed their attraction and lust to take over. Their first kiss seemed out of place and too soon after they met. And shortly after that Juliette threw propriety to the wind and let Sam have liberties with her. It just made the love story hard to believe and made it seem like they were more in lust.
The best part about the whole thing was the uncle.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If you like my reviews please follow my blog!
http://readerandthebeast.blogspot.com...
Lord Samuel Travis is given the task of clearing tenants out of one of his brother's properties in order to get back in good graces with said brother. He is surprised and delighted to find Miss Juliette Lacey and her eccentric uncle living at the property. Julie and Sam must fight their attraction to each other if they both want to get what they want.
So their meet cute was great and they were adversaries (something I love in a romance) for all of two seconds before they allowed their attraction and lust to take over. Their first kiss seemed out of place and too soon after they met. And shortly after that Juliette threw propriety to the wind and let Sam have liberties with her. It just made the love story hard to believe and made it seem like they were more in lust.
The best part about the whole thing was the uncle.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If you like my reviews please follow my blog!
http://readerandthebeast.blogspot.com...
January 4, 2018
4.5 Stars!
The Rogue Is Back in Town was an enchanting romance between an unrepentant rogue and the heroine determined not to fall for his charms.
Lord Samuel Travis enjoys the pleasures life has to offer, but it appears he has finally gone too far as his brother has finally cut him off. In a bid to mend their relationship, Sam aims to take possession of a townhouse that belongs to his brother but is currently occupied. Believing this to be an easy task he sets out to complete it only to meet resistance from one of the occupants, Miss Juliette Lacey. Julie has finally figured out a way to elevate her eccentric family in the eyes of the ton when Sam shows up trying to remove them from their home. Despite being on opposing sides, Sam and Julie are soon fighting their attraction to each other while each trying to achieve their desired outcome.
Julie is incredibly close to her family and has always been the closest to her Uncle Alastair whom she is fiercely loyal to. Now that her uncle is getting older, his memory fails him at times and Julie feels like he’s slipping away. When having Sam around helps her uncle and makes him happy, Julie is ecstatic despite her jealousy that someone else is helping him and the real reason Sam is around. Julie is a very intelligent and clever woman and she devises some interesting ways to stall leaving the townhouse. She knows what’s truly important to her and knows her own worth.
Sam is a very charming and charismatic man who has never had to put forth any effort in life and so he has never tried. Society has always viewed him as the bad brother while his brother Nigel was seen as the respectable one, but despite their differences, Sam cares deeply for Nigel as he is the only family he has left. After arriving at the townhouse, Sam begins to help Uncle Alastair organize his research which he ends up finding really interesting which surprises him as he was a poor study in school and initially he had no interest in helping.
Julie and Sam have great chemistry right away with conversations full of excellent banter and a great enemies to more dynamic. In a nice twist, Sam is the first to admit to himself that he may be falling for Julie and he didn’t run from the feelings but rather tried to explore them. In meeting Julie, Sam has finally found someone who makes him want to be a better man and he grows immensely as a person from his first appearance. There is a bit of a jealousy plot to their romance as Julie previously secretly kissed his brother. The physical side to their relationship was excellent with some steamy kisses and eventually more.
The plotline dealing with the house was a good one and it filled out the book nicely. I was surprised by how everything turned out and I liked that the author didn’t go for the obvious way of resolving everything. The epilogue was a sweet ending to the series with all of the couples coming together plus the addition of an adorable puppy.
The Rogue Is Back in Town was my favorite of the Wayward Wallflower series with its fantastic romance and charming characters. I definitely recommend this book (and series) for anyone looking for a fun historical romance series. I can’t wait to see more books from Anna Bennett in the future.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
The Rogue Is Back in Town was an enchanting romance between an unrepentant rogue and the heroine determined not to fall for his charms.
Lord Samuel Travis enjoys the pleasures life has to offer, but it appears he has finally gone too far as his brother has finally cut him off. In a bid to mend their relationship, Sam aims to take possession of a townhouse that belongs to his brother but is currently occupied. Believing this to be an easy task he sets out to complete it only to meet resistance from one of the occupants, Miss Juliette Lacey. Julie has finally figured out a way to elevate her eccentric family in the eyes of the ton when Sam shows up trying to remove them from their home. Despite being on opposing sides, Sam and Julie are soon fighting their attraction to each other while each trying to achieve their desired outcome.
Julie is incredibly close to her family and has always been the closest to her Uncle Alastair whom she is fiercely loyal to. Now that her uncle is getting older, his memory fails him at times and Julie feels like he’s slipping away. When having Sam around helps her uncle and makes him happy, Julie is ecstatic despite her jealousy that someone else is helping him and the real reason Sam is around. Julie is a very intelligent and clever woman and she devises some interesting ways to stall leaving the townhouse. She knows what’s truly important to her and knows her own worth.
Sam is a very charming and charismatic man who has never had to put forth any effort in life and so he has never tried. Society has always viewed him as the bad brother while his brother Nigel was seen as the respectable one, but despite their differences, Sam cares deeply for Nigel as he is the only family he has left. After arriving at the townhouse, Sam begins to help Uncle Alastair organize his research which he ends up finding really interesting which surprises him as he was a poor study in school and initially he had no interest in helping.
Julie and Sam have great chemistry right away with conversations full of excellent banter and a great enemies to more dynamic. In a nice twist, Sam is the first to admit to himself that he may be falling for Julie and he didn’t run from the feelings but rather tried to explore them. In meeting Julie, Sam has finally found someone who makes him want to be a better man and he grows immensely as a person from his first appearance. There is a bit of a jealousy plot to their romance as Julie previously secretly kissed his brother. The physical side to their relationship was excellent with some steamy kisses and eventually more.
The plotline dealing with the house was a good one and it filled out the book nicely. I was surprised by how everything turned out and I liked that the author didn’t go for the obvious way of resolving everything. The epilogue was a sweet ending to the series with all of the couples coming together plus the addition of an adorable puppy.
The Rogue Is Back in Town was my favorite of the Wayward Wallflower series with its fantastic romance and charming characters. I definitely recommend this book (and series) for anyone looking for a fun historical romance series. I can’t wait to see more books from Anna Bennett in the future.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
January 5, 2018
The Rogue Is Back in Town is the third book in The Wayward Wallflowers series by Anna Bennett.
Samuel and Nigel are brothers, the former a Lord, the latter a Marquess. They have never had a good relationship, and things haven't changed for the better since their father died 12 months ago. Nigel despairs of Sam ever changing his ways, giving up his womanising and partying and after one particularly bad night where Sam pushes things too far Nigel loses his temper. He kicks Sam out of the house and cuts off his money. The only way he will allow him to return home is if he moves into one of their father's occupied properties and kicks out the current tenant who has no claim to the place. Sam isn't happy about being kicked out but he figures he will be back home in 24 hours, surely it won't be difficult to evict the person living there now.
Juliette Lacey lives with her eccentric uncle and her one desire is to make society stop ridiculing him. He may be eccentric but he's a wise man and has spent his life researching many things.
Juliette and her 2 sisters were always known as wallflowers because of her Uncle's eccentricity, but the elder two found wonderful, powerful husbands so it's left to Julie to look after her Uncle. It isn't a hardship because she loves him with all of her heart. Her uncle loves her as much and his dearest wish is for her to find a husband. They are both content with their lives as they are so it comes as a massive shock when Sam turns up on their doorstep demanding entrance and also giving them notice to immediately leave the house. At least he says as much to Julie, her Uncle is in the study which is a good thing because Julie pleads for time to prove that she and her uncle have a right to be living in the house. She doesn't want her uncle to know because it will upset him dreadfully. Sam's not as hard-hearted as Nigel and gives her some time. Time in which he admits to himself that he is seriously attracted to her, and time in which he realises that her Uncle is a wonderful, clever man. He wants to do all he can to help them both, but also wants to try to keep Nigel happy because he is the only family that Sam has left now.
So that's how our couple meets, certainly not the best circumstances. Added to that is the fact that Julie knows Nigel, and after one passionate kiss with him a while ago she thought herself in love with him. He didn't seek her out after that one kiss though, and Julie was left heartbroken. It's with great shock that she finds herself feeling greatly attracted to Sam despite what he is trying to do on Nigel's behalf. An even bigger surprise is when she learns that Nigel actually still lusts after her, and pretty much gives her a chance to keep the house if she becomes his mistress! It's not long before she learns that Nigel isn't the decent man that she thought he was, and that Sam isn't the scoundrel that society says that he is. She wouldn't mind losing the house if it was only her she had to worry about, but she doesn't want to uproot her Uncle. Should she take up Nigel's offer? She doesn't want to, especially as she finds herself falling in love with Sam. There really seems no to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Or is there?
This book was a delight to read. Poor Julie was put in such a dilemma as was Sam and all for the sake of the supposedly kind, well-bred Marquess, Nigel. He didn't need the money from the sale of the house, or the house itself, he didn't need to involve Sam, he is an out and out wastrel. Watching Julie and Sam's relationship develop, including some very passionate yet romantic lovemaking was really sweet. Never knowing how they could stop Nigel in his tracks was worrying and I couldn't read quickly enough to find out how our couple could get their happy ending. OK, a time or two in the book I thought the actions of the characters, Nigel, in particular, may not have been plausible, but it certainly didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
4 Stars
Samuel and Nigel are brothers, the former a Lord, the latter a Marquess. They have never had a good relationship, and things haven't changed for the better since their father died 12 months ago. Nigel despairs of Sam ever changing his ways, giving up his womanising and partying and after one particularly bad night where Sam pushes things too far Nigel loses his temper. He kicks Sam out of the house and cuts off his money. The only way he will allow him to return home is if he moves into one of their father's occupied properties and kicks out the current tenant who has no claim to the place. Sam isn't happy about being kicked out but he figures he will be back home in 24 hours, surely it won't be difficult to evict the person living there now.
Juliette Lacey lives with her eccentric uncle and her one desire is to make society stop ridiculing him. He may be eccentric but he's a wise man and has spent his life researching many things.
Juliette and her 2 sisters were always known as wallflowers because of her Uncle's eccentricity, but the elder two found wonderful, powerful husbands so it's left to Julie to look after her Uncle. It isn't a hardship because she loves him with all of her heart. Her uncle loves her as much and his dearest wish is for her to find a husband. They are both content with their lives as they are so it comes as a massive shock when Sam turns up on their doorstep demanding entrance and also giving them notice to immediately leave the house. At least he says as much to Julie, her Uncle is in the study which is a good thing because Julie pleads for time to prove that she and her uncle have a right to be living in the house. She doesn't want her uncle to know because it will upset him dreadfully. Sam's not as hard-hearted as Nigel and gives her some time. Time in which he admits to himself that he is seriously attracted to her, and time in which he realises that her Uncle is a wonderful, clever man. He wants to do all he can to help them both, but also wants to try to keep Nigel happy because he is the only family that Sam has left now.
So that's how our couple meets, certainly not the best circumstances. Added to that is the fact that Julie knows Nigel, and after one passionate kiss with him a while ago she thought herself in love with him. He didn't seek her out after that one kiss though, and Julie was left heartbroken. It's with great shock that she finds herself feeling greatly attracted to Sam despite what he is trying to do on Nigel's behalf. An even bigger surprise is when she learns that Nigel actually still lusts after her, and pretty much gives her a chance to keep the house if she becomes his mistress! It's not long before she learns that Nigel isn't the decent man that she thought he was, and that Sam isn't the scoundrel that society says that he is. She wouldn't mind losing the house if it was only her she had to worry about, but she doesn't want to uproot her Uncle. Should she take up Nigel's offer? She doesn't want to, especially as she finds herself falling in love with Sam. There really seems no to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Or is there?
This book was a delight to read. Poor Julie was put in such a dilemma as was Sam and all for the sake of the supposedly kind, well-bred Marquess, Nigel. He didn't need the money from the sale of the house, or the house itself, he didn't need to involve Sam, he is an out and out wastrel. Watching Julie and Sam's relationship develop, including some very passionate yet romantic lovemaking was really sweet. Never knowing how they could stop Nigel in his tracks was worrying and I couldn't read quickly enough to find out how our couple could get their happy ending. OK, a time or two in the book I thought the actions of the characters, Nigel, in particular, may not have been plausible, but it certainly didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
4 Stars
December 29, 2017
Mischievous meets scandalous and breeds marvelous. The Rogue is Back in Town is meant to be lighthearted fanfare, but every once in a while there are moments that hit you in the heart and are reluctant to let go. For the love of her family Julie will risk it all, heart, pride and freedom. For the respect of his family Sam will try his hand at responsibility. Neither plan works in their favor, but each learns something along the way. How to fall in love. Anna Bennett wrapped me in knots with her frustrating, clueless, heartwarmingly irresistible couple.
December 15, 2017
I guess a rogue needs love too. Mostly the rogues are lords or earls, here he is a second son with no money. What a wastrel.
Juliette lives with her uncle. In the two previous books her sisters found love, now she is alone and her uncle wants her to marry too. And he does seem to be loosing his marbles, like there were any left.
But I like Juliette, even if she fancies this guy who ugh, you will see.
Sam is the rogue. And yes he is a rogue. There is this incident with someone's aunt and, oh man, Sam! You need some direction in your life.
They meet when he is sent to throw her out of her home. But he stays, they talk, they flirt, they fall for each other. There is some drama with the brother that wants her out of the house of course. Other than that it is a story of these two, and about uncle Alistair. I do like him.
A lovely story.
Juliette lives with her uncle. In the two previous books her sisters found love, now she is alone and her uncle wants her to marry too. And he does seem to be loosing his marbles, like there were any left.
But I like Juliette, even if she fancies this guy who ugh, you will see.
Sam is the rogue. And yes he is a rogue. There is this incident with someone's aunt and, oh man, Sam! You need some direction in your life.
They meet when he is sent to throw her out of her home. But he stays, they talk, they flirt, they fall for each other. There is some drama with the brother that wants her out of the house of course. Other than that it is a story of these two, and about uncle Alistair. I do like him.
A lovely story.
November 22, 2017
***I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review***
I haven't read the first two books in this series, but that didn't stop me from being swept up in Sam and Julie from page 1.
"Shit. Sam vaguely remembered losing a vast sum at the hazard tables. Followed by a shoving match with an earl who'd mocked him. And at the very end of the night...bloody hell."
Ne'er-do-well Sam has to kick Julie and her uncle out of their family home. Smart, responsible Julie doesn't want to be kicked out. While Sam tries to figure out if he wants to help her or evict her his brother decides to offer his own form of (completely inappropriate!!!) "help." A witty, gentle, and fun story evolves - with just enough spice to keep me hooked. I smiled through most of this read (except twice when I got sooooo mad at the bad guy). And now I'm wondering if the rest of the series is this good.
"'I fell in love with you. Hard. Hopelessly. Every decision I've made since then has been easy. I simply ask myself what would make you smile. And then I do that thing.'"
I haven't read the first two books in this series, but that didn't stop me from being swept up in Sam and Julie from page 1.
"Shit. Sam vaguely remembered losing a vast sum at the hazard tables. Followed by a shoving match with an earl who'd mocked him. And at the very end of the night...bloody hell."
Ne'er-do-well Sam has to kick Julie and her uncle out of their family home. Smart, responsible Julie doesn't want to be kicked out. While Sam tries to figure out if he wants to help her or evict her his brother decides to offer his own form of (completely inappropriate!!!) "help." A witty, gentle, and fun story evolves - with just enough spice to keep me hooked. I smiled through most of this read (except twice when I got sooooo mad at the bad guy). And now I'm wondering if the rest of the series is this good.
"'I fell in love with you. Hard. Hopelessly. Every decision I've made since then has been easy. I simply ask myself what would make you smile. And then I do that thing.'"
December 31, 2017
The Rogue Is Back in Town by Anna Bennett is book Three in "The Wayward Wallflowers" series. This is the story of Juliette Lacey and Samuel Travis. I have read the previous books in this series but I thought this is easily a standalone book.
Sam has returned home after a banishment that he is now trying to put behind him. But he has fallen into his old ways which has left him in trouble with his older brother Nigel. When asked by Nigel to kick some people out of his property to get back into his good standing, Sam thinks he will have a easy time of it. But when he shows up to do what has been requested he faces Juliette who is not having any of it. Juliette stands her ground and asked for proof that this is his property....which puts them at a standoff.
There was some questionable parts in this book that did have me pulling back from my 5 star rating but overall I enjoyed this book. I will be looking for my books by Ms. Bennett and can't wait for the next installment into this series.
Sam has returned home after a banishment that he is now trying to put behind him. But he has fallen into his old ways which has left him in trouble with his older brother Nigel. When asked by Nigel to kick some people out of his property to get back into his good standing, Sam thinks he will have a easy time of it. But when he shows up to do what has been requested he faces Juliette who is not having any of it. Juliette stands her ground and asked for proof that this is his property....which puts them at a standoff.
There was some questionable parts in this book that did have me pulling back from my 5 star rating but overall I enjoyed this book. I will be looking for my books by Ms. Bennett and can't wait for the next installment into this series.
December 25, 2017
Anna Bennett’s The Rogue is Back in Town finagled her way into the trope of lust conquers all. There was a lack of emotional buildup between the main protagonists, as well as just plain lack of believability throughout the entire novel. The displacement of reality in the writing (stemming from Juliette—the heroine’s—circumstances as a sister-in-law to members of the peerage while living in destitution) made this an extremely slow read that I had to force myself to finish. There were so many head shaking moments due to breach of etiquette for the time period in Juliette’s behavior that it tarnished the story.
Stories are great when they have action and heart and development in characters that allow the reader to root for or empathize with a fleshed out human. Unfortunately, when a book falls short on these stabilizers, it is redundant and boring.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Stories are great when they have action and heart and development in characters that allow the reader to root for or empathize with a fleshed out human. Unfortunately, when a book falls short on these stabilizers, it is redundant and boring.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2018
No reading disappointment compares to a book that starts with fireworks of promise only to crash and burn like a petering petard. Sadly, such was Anna Bennett’s The Rogue Is Back In Town. I was excited after the first chapter (with its promise of early-Julia-Quinn-like humour); half-way through, I had a lip-twisting downward trend to my mouth; by 70% in, I was into full eye-roll and exasperated sighs territory.
First, let me set the scene for you, dear reader. In 1818 London, Lord Samuel Travis, fortune-less younger son, is the bane of his older brother’s existence: carousing, brawling, and neglecting debts. Older brother Nigel, heir and anti-prodigal son, sets Samuel an ultimatum: to get out of their home and into a property Nigel wishes to sell. Unfortunately, said property has an uncle and niece living in it, thanks to their deceased father’s largesse. Samuel must oversee their eviction and ensure the property is ready for sale. Can you see it coming, dear reader? Yes, Sam meets the adorable, malapropism-spouting Uncle Alistair and beautiful Miss Juliette Lacey and falls in love. Sam and Alistair get on like a house afire and Juliette and Sam, initial resentful bantering aside, follow suit. In a word, dear reader, they bond, full of affection and family-like feelings, with a strong dose of lustful yearnings on Sam and Juliette’s part.
Bennett’s Rogue started out so well. It was witty in places and downright hooting-laughter-inducing in others (Sam spying on Juliette and a trellis giving way … priceless). In particular, I enjoyed Uncle Alistair’s malapropisms and Sam and Juliette’s banter, for example, when he arrives to inform her of Nigel’s eviction:
Lord Travis swooped over the tray, plucking a scone off the platter like some audacious bird of prey … Lord Travis helped himself to a second scone and was plunking sugar cubes into his tea. “Shall I pour for you?” he asked. “Is there anything left?” she replied wryly. “Forgive me. I hadn’t broken my fast, but I’m already feeling more human.” “If only you could behave like one,” she muttered uncharitably. “Do not count on it, tigress,” he said … ”
In contrast, Juliette’s care for her uncle and Sam’s confession about how much he misses his father elicit warm, fuzzy feelings. I thought, warm-heartedly glowing at the novel, this is great good fun, a bit silly, but most entertaining!
Sadly, this is Bennett’s sole conceit. And relying on a conceit for a nigh-300-page novel … well, it just doesn't take you very far. A writer must either aim for some depth, or, and this is what happens here, rely on a plot-laden narrative. Enter the Big Mis. And then, another one, a Big Mis for the Big Mis so to speak. Ah, but the author is now in a quandary. She needs conflict … enter a moustache-twirling-Perils-Of-Pauline villain. He even has a “menacing laugh.” Frankly, the romance’s last third is a disaster and not only because of what I mentioned previously. I could forgive all if I still loved Juliette and Sam. But Juliette and Sam undergo bizarrely head-spinning character changes. It’s rare, but, yes, dear readers, it happens here … I can say BOTH hero and heroine were TSTL. By the end, I could see that Bennett was trying to say something about appearance and reality and hypocrisy, laudable themes all. The execution, on the other hand, left much to be desired. With Miss Austen, I say that The Rogue Is Back In Town was “downright labour,” Emma.
Anna Bennett’s The Rogue Is Back In Town is published by St. Martin’s Paperbacks. It was released on January 2nd and may be found at your preferred vendor. I received an e-ARC from St. Martin’s Paperbacks, via Netgalley.
First, let me set the scene for you, dear reader. In 1818 London, Lord Samuel Travis, fortune-less younger son, is the bane of his older brother’s existence: carousing, brawling, and neglecting debts. Older brother Nigel, heir and anti-prodigal son, sets Samuel an ultimatum: to get out of their home and into a property Nigel wishes to sell. Unfortunately, said property has an uncle and niece living in it, thanks to their deceased father’s largesse. Samuel must oversee their eviction and ensure the property is ready for sale. Can you see it coming, dear reader? Yes, Sam meets the adorable, malapropism-spouting Uncle Alistair and beautiful Miss Juliette Lacey and falls in love. Sam and Alistair get on like a house afire and Juliette and Sam, initial resentful bantering aside, follow suit. In a word, dear reader, they bond, full of affection and family-like feelings, with a strong dose of lustful yearnings on Sam and Juliette’s part.
Bennett’s Rogue started out so well. It was witty in places and downright hooting-laughter-inducing in others (Sam spying on Juliette and a trellis giving way … priceless). In particular, I enjoyed Uncle Alistair’s malapropisms and Sam and Juliette’s banter, for example, when he arrives to inform her of Nigel’s eviction:
Lord Travis swooped over the tray, plucking a scone off the platter like some audacious bird of prey … Lord Travis helped himself to a second scone and was plunking sugar cubes into his tea. “Shall I pour for you?” he asked. “Is there anything left?” she replied wryly. “Forgive me. I hadn’t broken my fast, but I’m already feeling more human.” “If only you could behave like one,” she muttered uncharitably. “Do not count on it, tigress,” he said … ”
In contrast, Juliette’s care for her uncle and Sam’s confession about how much he misses his father elicit warm, fuzzy feelings. I thought, warm-heartedly glowing at the novel, this is great good fun, a bit silly, but most entertaining!
Sadly, this is Bennett’s sole conceit. And relying on a conceit for a nigh-300-page novel … well, it just doesn't take you very far. A writer must either aim for some depth, or, and this is what happens here, rely on a plot-laden narrative. Enter the Big Mis. And then, another one, a Big Mis for the Big Mis so to speak. Ah, but the author is now in a quandary. She needs conflict … enter a moustache-twirling-Perils-Of-Pauline villain. He even has a “menacing laugh.” Frankly, the romance’s last third is a disaster and not only because of what I mentioned previously. I could forgive all if I still loved Juliette and Sam. But Juliette and Sam undergo bizarrely head-spinning character changes. It’s rare, but, yes, dear readers, it happens here … I can say BOTH hero and heroine were TSTL. By the end, I could see that Bennett was trying to say something about appearance and reality and hypocrisy, laudable themes all. The execution, on the other hand, left much to be desired. With Miss Austen, I say that The Rogue Is Back In Town was “downright labour,” Emma.
Anna Bennett’s The Rogue Is Back In Town is published by St. Martin’s Paperbacks. It was released on January 2nd and may be found at your preferred vendor. I received an e-ARC from St. Martin’s Paperbacks, via Netgalley.
January 18, 2018
4.5
"So you are a rogue ninety percent of the time. What are you the rest of the time?"
"I suppose that's what I'm trying to find out."
If you ask the ton who is the greatest rogue, they'll tell you it's Lord Samuel Travis. Oh he may have began this story with rakish tendencies, but you know how the saying goes ; everything is not always as it seems...
The day his older brother cut him off and kick him out of the house to send him in a small squandered residence, he also ask Sam to break the news to the family living there for the past several years that they must vacate the place. Sam wants to prove to his sibling he's not completely hopeless but he cannot resign himself to evict the old man and his niece. And it's not like the young woman accept the situation without a fight either.
Juliette Lacey can't believe her ears ! The notorious rake is telling her that her home doesn't belong to her uncle, the odd but adorable man who took in the Lacey's sisters years ago when their parents died, and that his brother, the man with whom she shared a kiss not long ago, intent to take possession of it. Oh but he is not going to get away with it ! You can guess it's not love at first sight for our protagonists and Juliette stand her ground ; no one is going to make her leave ! If it means sharing the place with the man for a time, then so be it, but there's no way she's gonna worry her uncle with the truth about Sam's presence.
I absolutely adored this series ! Book two was my favorite, but this one took me by surprise because at first I thought it took too much time to set up the plot and I was a little wary about the hero's reputation, but he completely won me over and like I said for all her books so far, this author know how to make things engaging and keep it interesting. Don't let the back cover fool you about Julie being torn by two men; there's no triangle and I'm glad for it too. I liked that the heroine was smart and could see through the veneer of people. I liked how perceptive and mindful Sam was. It was beautiful to witness that he was full of potential, but he just needed to want to try. Finally, I liked how the author played with the fact it's not always the so-called bad guy who's the true scoundrel.
I'm sad the series is over and I'll certainly wait eagerly for Anna Bennett's next book. I would recommend this author to the Tessa Dare's fans.
"Given the circumstances, her chances of making a good match were remote. And even if there was an honorable gentleman left somewhere n London who'd have her...
Julie didn't want him.
She wanted the rogue."
"So you are a rogue ninety percent of the time. What are you the rest of the time?"
"I suppose that's what I'm trying to find out."
If you ask the ton who is the greatest rogue, they'll tell you it's Lord Samuel Travis. Oh he may have began this story with rakish tendencies, but you know how the saying goes ; everything is not always as it seems...
The day his older brother cut him off and kick him out of the house to send him in a small squandered residence, he also ask Sam to break the news to the family living there for the past several years that they must vacate the place. Sam wants to prove to his sibling he's not completely hopeless but he cannot resign himself to evict the old man and his niece. And it's not like the young woman accept the situation without a fight either.
Juliette Lacey can't believe her ears ! The notorious rake is telling her that her home doesn't belong to her uncle, the odd but adorable man who took in the Lacey's sisters years ago when their parents died, and that his brother, the man with whom she shared a kiss not long ago, intent to take possession of it. Oh but he is not going to get away with it ! You can guess it's not love at first sight for our protagonists and Juliette stand her ground ; no one is going to make her leave ! If it means sharing the place with the man for a time, then so be it, but there's no way she's gonna worry her uncle with the truth about Sam's presence.
I absolutely adored this series ! Book two was my favorite, but this one took me by surprise because at first I thought it took too much time to set up the plot and I was a little wary about the hero's reputation, but he completely won me over and like I said for all her books so far, this author know how to make things engaging and keep it interesting. Don't let the back cover fool you about Julie being torn by two men; there's no triangle and I'm glad for it too. I liked that the heroine was smart and could see through the veneer of people. I liked how perceptive and mindful Sam was. It was beautiful to witness that he was full of potential, but he just needed to want to try. Finally, I liked how the author played with the fact it's not always the so-called bad guy who's the true scoundrel.
I'm sad the series is over and I'll certainly wait eagerly for Anna Bennett's next book. I would recommend this author to the Tessa Dare's fans.
"Given the circumstances, her chances of making a good match were remote. And even if there was an honorable gentleman left somewhere n London who'd have her...
Julie didn't want him.
She wanted the rogue."
February 15, 2018
I very much enjoyed the story of Sam and Julie. I loved their banter and watching these two fall in love was heartwarming. I liked the fact that Sam was the second son, he wasn't a duke or an earl that could offer so much to Julie. But he had heart and his love was pure and sweet. Julie was a firecracker! She was willing to do anything for her family but prideful enough not to stoop to Nigel's level. Nigel just so happens to be Sam's brother, who happens to also be a cad. I would have liked to see some damage done to him! The most endearing character happened to be Julie's uncle Alistair. Such a sweet man--we should all have an uncle like him. I look forward to reading the first two books in this trilogy -- I have a feeling they'll be just as good as this one.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2018
A Wondrous Tale
Anna Bennett does it again by bringing her fabulous sense of humor and her expert writing together for a heartfelt and fun story.
Anna Bennett does it again by bringing her fabulous sense of humor and her expert writing together for a heartfelt and fun story.
November 15, 2017
Skillfully written romance
I've enjoyed Anna Bennett's two previous Wayward Wallflower books, and she did a great job with Juliette's Julie) story, the last of the Lacey sisters. Julie and Sam's first meeting was an unlikely way to start a journey to HEA but that's what made the book interesting. All the unexpected twist and turns. I loved seeing Sam becoming the man his father would be proud of. Too, Julie's realization that men are not always who and what you think they are was eye opening and a bit of a twist.
I highly recommended this and the other books in the series.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book.
I've enjoyed Anna Bennett's two previous Wayward Wallflower books, and she did a great job with Juliette's Julie) story, the last of the Lacey sisters. Julie and Sam's first meeting was an unlikely way to start a journey to HEA but that's what made the book interesting. All the unexpected twist and turns. I loved seeing Sam becoming the man his father would be proud of. Too, Julie's realization that men are not always who and what you think they are was eye opening and a bit of a twist.
I highly recommended this and the other books in the series.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book.
January 6, 2018
When I read the second book in this series I thought, I have no desire to continue. And then I saw this cover and I was lured back in! I'm such a sucker for a beautiful cover with great colors. :) I'm very happy to report that this book was more enjoyable for me than the previous book I read in this series.In this installment, the last unmarried Lacey sister is left as the sole carer of her unstable uncle. One day out of the blue a rogueish man comes to her door stating that his brother owns the house they live in and wants them to move so he can sell the property. She's not the smartest in how to handle this situation, even though she's witty in conversation. My logical brain still kept saying that some of the things that happened in this book didn't make sense. I mean, if I'm faced with someone coming to my house to essentially evict me I think my actions would be different. So while I liked the heroine, she's also not going down as a smart character on any list. I think a good way to describe her would be naive. I can't say that's a favorite trait for me in heroines.
The hero though, Samuel Travis, is rogueishly charming. You don't want to take him too seriously but at the same time you find him endearing. I think in the end these two were a perfect match. The manipulation involved in the overall plot behind this was actually different. Both the hero and heroine were just pawns in a bigger scheme and they didn't even know it.
While I still found the pacing a bit slow, some of the writing a little redundant and drawn out, I was actually invested in the characters and the situation they found themselves in. Their personalities had some spark and kept things interesting. So yeah, THE ROGUE IS BACK IN TOWN is all about the characters for me. They just worked. They are likeable and have chemistry. Even with such a naive heroine.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
December 30, 2017
4.25 stars
Lord Samuel Travis is always in the gossip columns as equal parts scoundrel and seducer, he’s returned to London determined to mend the rift with his older brother Nigel, The Marquis of Currington . All Sam must do is take possession of a tumbledown town house. A seemingly simple task, except the house is occupied. Miss Juliette Lacey’s wallflower days are over then the devilishly handsome rake trying to oust them from their home thwarts her at every turn.
As her attraction to Sam deepens, Julie’s problems grow—she may have, once upon a time, secretly shared a kiss with his honourable older brother. Suddenly, Julie’s caught between a rogue and a marquis, between passion and respectability. Torn between two brothers but which one is honourable & which one is the scoundrel.
This is the third in the series but stands on it’s own, there are a few references to the other two Lacey sisters. I’ve enjoyed the whole series & had eagerly awaited this book to see Julie have her HEA. Sam is lovely, gorgeous, of course but more than that he was so kind & caring. Julie annoyed me at times but she is a strong character. The chemistry between the pair sizzles & the temperature rises whenever they are together. A well written page turning novel that I thoroughly enjoyed & I look forward to more books from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lord Samuel Travis is always in the gossip columns as equal parts scoundrel and seducer, he’s returned to London determined to mend the rift with his older brother Nigel, The Marquis of Currington . All Sam must do is take possession of a tumbledown town house. A seemingly simple task, except the house is occupied. Miss Juliette Lacey’s wallflower days are over then the devilishly handsome rake trying to oust them from their home thwarts her at every turn.
As her attraction to Sam deepens, Julie’s problems grow—she may have, once upon a time, secretly shared a kiss with his honourable older brother. Suddenly, Julie’s caught between a rogue and a marquis, between passion and respectability. Torn between two brothers but which one is honourable & which one is the scoundrel.
This is the third in the series but stands on it’s own, there are a few references to the other two Lacey sisters. I’ve enjoyed the whole series & had eagerly awaited this book to see Julie have her HEA. Sam is lovely, gorgeous, of course but more than that he was so kind & caring. Julie annoyed me at times but she is a strong character. The chemistry between the pair sizzles & the temperature rises whenever they are together. A well written page turning novel that I thoroughly enjoyed & I look forward to more books from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 14, 2018
A fast paced romance that will make every page a joy to read!
Lord Samuel Travis is somewhat of a Rogue his brother Nigel is fed up of his libertine ways and has given him a task of removing a far removed relation from one of his properties or be cutoff from his brother. What’s a Rogue to do but succomb to his brothers edict, things get a little complicated when the family he needs to evict has a beautiful young woman living there. What’s a Rogue to do but move in with the lady.
The last of the Lacey sisters Julie finds herself in a bind, she has no idea how to get the handsome Sam from taking up residence in her home or the way he makes her feel all tied up in knots. And the fact that his brother is the very same man she shared a very passionate kiss with! Torn between two brothers one is a rogue but with a gentleman’s honour -which he hides behide his rogues facade- and she’s falling helplessly for, the other is ruthlessly persueing her to become his mistress!
Loved the whole story, the characters are well written and likeable Sam and Julie have chemistry she’s the reason he tries to be an honourable man. Enjoyed their scrapes and their banter was entertaining. Lots of twists bring them to the HEA thé so deserve. I highly recommend Anna Bennett’s stories they never disappoint.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion.
Lord Samuel Travis is somewhat of a Rogue his brother Nigel is fed up of his libertine ways and has given him a task of removing a far removed relation from one of his properties or be cutoff from his brother. What’s a Rogue to do but succomb to his brothers edict, things get a little complicated when the family he needs to evict has a beautiful young woman living there. What’s a Rogue to do but move in with the lady.
The last of the Lacey sisters Julie finds herself in a bind, she has no idea how to get the handsome Sam from taking up residence in her home or the way he makes her feel all tied up in knots. And the fact that his brother is the very same man she shared a very passionate kiss with! Torn between two brothers one is a rogue but with a gentleman’s honour -which he hides behide his rogues facade- and she’s falling helplessly for, the other is ruthlessly persueing her to become his mistress!
Loved the whole story, the characters are well written and likeable Sam and Julie have chemistry she’s the reason he tries to be an honourable man. Enjoyed their scrapes and their banter was entertaining. Lots of twists bring them to the HEA thé so deserve. I highly recommend Anna Bennett’s stories they never disappoint.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion.
January 3, 2018
Lord Samuel Travis has gone too far this time. When his brother the Marquess tosses him from the house, there is only one way to get back in his brother's good graces… do exactly as he is told. Given the unpalatable task of evicting an old man from a house his brother owns, Sam didn't reckon with a fiery grand-niece flatly refusing to obey. Getting to know Juliette, Sam realises there is more going on than meets the eye… and he might just be the honorable one out of the two Travis brothers after all.
This was a really enjoyable book, but for one thing. Sam's brother didn't get a proper comeuppance for being a complete scumbag. Seeing a villain brought low is one of the great satisfactions in reading a book sometimes, and goodness knows Nigel deserved it for his abominable behaviour. The omission of a properly satisfying resolution here unfortunately means I have to knock an otherwise excellent read down to four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
This was a really enjoyable book, but for one thing. Sam's brother didn't get a proper comeuppance for being a complete scumbag. Seeing a villain brought low is one of the great satisfactions in reading a book sometimes, and goodness knows Nigel deserved it for his abominable behaviour. The omission of a properly satisfying resolution here unfortunately means I have to knock an otherwise excellent read down to four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
December 31, 2017
I really, really wanted to love this book, but I just didn't - I liked it, but it was just not as good as the previous books and felt a bit contrived.
Juliette Lacey aka Julie is the last of the "Wilting Wallflowers" still living with her uncle. Her sisters have made spectacular matches and gone to live with their husbands. Julie is happy for her sisters but she is also a little jealous, she wants to find the love of her life like they did and thought that maybe she had, but apparently it was not meant to be. So for now she is happy caring for her uncle Alistair. She is a little worried that he has become more confused lately and has started having conversations with his late wife. But, she is sure it is just because of all the changes going on lately and doesn't want to bother her sisters about it.
Lord Samuel Travis aka Sam (and erroneously addressed as Lord Travis) has finally pushed his brother Nigel, the Marquess of Currington too far. His brother summons him and tells him that he is finished with him, but he will give him one final chance to redeem himself. Nigel has learned that he inherited a house and wants the occupants kicked out immediately. Sam will see to this task and will not be welcomed home until it is done. His brother has hired "help" to see that Sam leaves immediately.
Sam wants to mend the rift with his brother so he agrees to evict the occupants and figures he will be home in time for luncheon. But Sam is not prepared for Julie....
Julie refuses to leave and wants proof that the house belongs to Nigel. Sam has nowhere to live until he gets Julie and her uncle out of the house, so he refuses to leave. Julie agrees to let Sam stay - but she has conditions, like her uncle cannot know why he is there and if he leaves the house, he can't come back. Sam agrees. He writes to Nigel and tells him Julie wants to see the deed. What Sam doesn't know is that Nigel is the man that Julie had thought might be "the one".
Neither of them seem to realize that they are being played by a master manipulator. Nigel is a total jerk and tries to make Julie his mistress, first by pretending that he didn't know she lived in the house and then later by blackmail - threatening to ruin her by revealing that Sam was staying with her.
Sam is a really good guy who lives for pleasure, basically because he has nothing else to do - but after spending time with Julie and Alistair, he decides it is time for him to find his calling. He wants Julie, but he has nothing to offer her and he truly wants to be worthy of her. I liked Sam, he is not perfect, but he is loyal and kind. How he and Nigel came from the same gene pool is a mystery.
Julie was just TSTL, seriously, I wanted her to marry Sam, but I am not sure it would be a good idea for someone that stupid to procreate. She is threatened with ruin and eviction, but she doesn't contact either of her very rich, very powerful brother in laws - because she doesn't want to "bother" them? Are you effing kidding me? The entire plot just seemed implausible and contrived.
I didn't hate the book, but after reading the first two, I expected a strong finish to the series and was sorely disappointed. The writing is ok, the love scenes steamy, the pace was good and Sam is to die for, but the story is weak and certainly not on par with the previous books. If you have read the first two books, then by all means, read this story. But if you are just starting with this author, do yourself a favor and read My Brown-Eyed Earl or I Dared the Duke instead of this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Juliette Lacey aka Julie is the last of the "Wilting Wallflowers" still living with her uncle. Her sisters have made spectacular matches and gone to live with their husbands. Julie is happy for her sisters but she is also a little jealous, she wants to find the love of her life like they did and thought that maybe she had, but apparently it was not meant to be. So for now she is happy caring for her uncle Alistair. She is a little worried that he has become more confused lately and has started having conversations with his late wife. But, she is sure it is just because of all the changes going on lately and doesn't want to bother her sisters about it.
Lord Samuel Travis aka Sam (and erroneously addressed as Lord Travis) has finally pushed his brother Nigel, the Marquess of Currington too far. His brother summons him and tells him that he is finished with him, but he will give him one final chance to redeem himself. Nigel has learned that he inherited a house and wants the occupants kicked out immediately. Sam will see to this task and will not be welcomed home until it is done. His brother has hired "help" to see that Sam leaves immediately.
Sam wants to mend the rift with his brother so he agrees to evict the occupants and figures he will be home in time for luncheon. But Sam is not prepared for Julie....
Julie refuses to leave and wants proof that the house belongs to Nigel. Sam has nowhere to live until he gets Julie and her uncle out of the house, so he refuses to leave. Julie agrees to let Sam stay - but she has conditions, like her uncle cannot know why he is there and if he leaves the house, he can't come back. Sam agrees. He writes to Nigel and tells him Julie wants to see the deed. What Sam doesn't know is that Nigel is the man that Julie had thought might be "the one".
Neither of them seem to realize that they are being played by a master manipulator. Nigel is a total jerk and tries to make Julie his mistress, first by pretending that he didn't know she lived in the house and then later by blackmail - threatening to ruin her by revealing that Sam was staying with her.
Sam is a really good guy who lives for pleasure, basically because he has nothing else to do - but after spending time with Julie and Alistair, he decides it is time for him to find his calling. He wants Julie, but he has nothing to offer her and he truly wants to be worthy of her. I liked Sam, he is not perfect, but he is loyal and kind. How he and Nigel came from the same gene pool is a mystery.
Julie was just TSTL, seriously, I wanted her to marry Sam, but I am not sure it would be a good idea for someone that stupid to procreate. She is threatened with ruin and eviction, but she doesn't contact either of her very rich, very powerful brother in laws - because she doesn't want to "bother" them? Are you effing kidding me? The entire plot just seemed implausible and contrived.
I didn't hate the book, but after reading the first two, I expected a strong finish to the series and was sorely disappointed. The writing is ok, the love scenes steamy, the pace was good and Sam is to die for, but the story is weak and certainly not on par with the previous books. If you have read the first two books, then by all means, read this story. But if you are just starting with this author, do yourself a favor and read My Brown-Eyed Earl or I Dared the Duke instead of this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
November 26, 2017
❤️ a good historical romance. This was everything I love with great characters and a romance I could get behind.
December 21, 2017
I love to read books by Anna Bennett. She is talented and creates characters who are fun and funny and charming and terrific. This is not my favorite book by Ms Bennett.
Sam has been a trial for his elder brother. His brother is a marquess, a responsible man and admired all over London. Sam is a rogue with a reputation for being a waste of space.
So, Sam is sent to recover a home which belongs to his brother. He must evict the people who live there as quickly as possible.
The house has been occupied for years by Juliette, her Uncle who is a scientist, and two sisters. Her sisters have married very well and moved away.
Julie has become the caretaker for her eccentric Uncle. When she finds that they are about to be evicted, she makes a deal with Sam to give her time to find the deed or a lease to allow him to stay in his home.
Sam agrees because he has immediately fallen in lust for Julie. He also becomes a researcher for her Uncle. Sam is neither a true rogue, nor is he thoughtless and inconsiderate. His previous actions and reputation seem to vanish.
The plot is well developed and Ms Bennett has created a plausible story about society's treatment of people who are not wealthy nor average.
Julie and her sisters were once considered wallflowers who were saddled with an eccentric guardian as well as not enough money. Thus their standing in society is not valued.
I had issues.
Julie who is a nice young woman loses her sense of propriety very quickly. She finds it difficult to refuse valuable jewelry and and offer to become a mistress from a man so oily he could slip under a door. She enters a physical relationship with Sam without much persuasion needed.
All in all, I would have felt better if Julie and Sam had stayed true to character a little longer.
I am not against lust, but it seemed to happen a wee bit too soon on both sides.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.
Sam has been a trial for his elder brother. His brother is a marquess, a responsible man and admired all over London. Sam is a rogue with a reputation for being a waste of space.
So, Sam is sent to recover a home which belongs to his brother. He must evict the people who live there as quickly as possible.
The house has been occupied for years by Juliette, her Uncle who is a scientist, and two sisters. Her sisters have married very well and moved away.
Julie has become the caretaker for her eccentric Uncle. When she finds that they are about to be evicted, she makes a deal with Sam to give her time to find the deed or a lease to allow him to stay in his home.
Sam agrees because he has immediately fallen in lust for Julie. He also becomes a researcher for her Uncle. Sam is neither a true rogue, nor is he thoughtless and inconsiderate. His previous actions and reputation seem to vanish.
The plot is well developed and Ms Bennett has created a plausible story about society's treatment of people who are not wealthy nor average.
Julie and her sisters were once considered wallflowers who were saddled with an eccentric guardian as well as not enough money. Thus their standing in society is not valued.
I had issues.
Julie who is a nice young woman loses her sense of propriety very quickly. She finds it difficult to refuse valuable jewelry and and offer to become a mistress from a man so oily he could slip under a door. She enters a physical relationship with Sam without much persuasion needed.
All in all, I would have felt better if Julie and Sam had stayed true to character a little longer.
I am not against lust, but it seemed to happen a wee bit too soon on both sides.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.
November 30, 2017
Pub date: Jan 2018
I really like Ms Bennet's books, but I had a hard time with the Big Problem that Julie has in this one. I'm probably in the minority on this, but I just couldn't get over it. She's incredibly well connected and has so many options but instead is put in a hard place -- it just didn't make sense. And then she makes stupid choices several times which just made me want to shake her. Ugh! Not a fan of this one, unfortunately. But the title gave me an earworm that brings me back.
I really like Ms Bennet's books, but I had a hard time with the Big Problem that Julie has in this one. I'm probably in the minority on this, but I just couldn't get over it. She's incredibly well connected and has so many options but instead is put in a hard place -- it just didn't make sense. And then she makes stupid choices several times which just made me want to shake her. Ugh! Not a fan of this one, unfortunately. But the title gave me an earworm that brings me back.
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