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Windham Brides #4
A Rogue of Her Own
In this instant USA Today bestseller, a marriage of convenience between a duke's niece and a reformed rogue leads to a delightful battle of wills. For Miss Charlotte Windham, the best way to maintain her spinsterhood -- and her independence -- is a teeny, tiny brush with scandal. She chooses wealthy, handsome upstart Lucas Sherbourne as her unwitting accomplice. He's intelligent, logical, and ambitious. What Charlotte doesn't count on is that one kiss will lead them straight to the altar. Sherbourne has no love for polite society, nor is he keen on being anybody's husband of last resort. He is attracted to Charlotte's boldness, though -- and her family's influence. Without a title, he knows he'll never truly be part of their world, even as he and Charlotte inch closer to a marriage that means much more than convenience. But a scheming business partner is about to test that tenuous trust, forcing Sherbourne to make a drastic his wealth or his wife. "Smart, sexy, and oh-so romantic." -- Mary Balogh "If you're not reading Grace Burrowes you're missing the very best in today's Regency Romance!" -- Elizabeth Hoyt
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2018
545 people are currently reading
2048 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
190 books2,917 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
March 1, 2018
3.3 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Charlotte Windham is tough and brash but she still is turning down offers of aristocrats looking to get in good with the Windham clan. With new debutantes wanting her out of the way, Charlotte decides it is time to do just that and decides a little ruination could go a long way to freeing her.
Lucas Sherbourne has had a lifetime of dealing with the arrogant aristocracy but he still can't help but be drawn to Charlotte.
A little scandal, a rushed trip to the altar, and rainy days in Wales soon becomes the best recipe for a marriage.
“I like you,” she said. “Somewhat. A little. I don’t dislike you.”
The fourth and last book in the Windham brides series, focuses on Charlotte with her sister and husband (heroine and hero of book three) playing big roles too. Lucas and Charlotte do appear in book three, you'd get the understanding why Lucas and Charlotte's brother-in-law have some animosity, but if focusing solely on Charlotte and Lucas' relationship, you could comfortably dive in here.
Lucas is a commoner but a fairly rich one, so he went to schools with titled boys who punished him various ways for being "lesser" than them and he never really had a sense of family or friends. I thought the author did a wonderful job showcasing how Lucas' personality was formed because of how he grew up and why he strives for achievement, is very self-contained, and wanting to do best by his home and the surrounding people. Charlotte, on the other hand, grew up in a very large family but also got a little bit lost in it, especially as everyone gets married. At first glance, these two may seem opposites attract but their desires, fears, and wants are very similar once you see below their surfaces. Burrowes is a master at nuances and subtleties, whether it's emotion or humor.
This is very much a story of marriage, how jobs, money, relationships, and two individual personalities come together and love. The tone is mild and you'd want to look elsewhere for drama or escapades but a stripped to its bones of marriage and love journey are found in the pages. Burrowes' artful use of secondary characters can also be found with previously introduced characters and even a simple relationship between the hero and his valet, enrich the depth of the hero and heroine. The villain of the piece provides a bit of a crescendo moment throughout the story, but makes our heroine seem a bit too stubborn for angst sake.
“You torrid very well, Mr. Sherbourne. May I prevail on you to ruin me?”
If looking for a mellower read with a thoroughly delved into look at marriage and relationships or just wanting to visit the Windhams again, Burrowes provides an endearing story.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Charlotte Windham is tough and brash but she still is turning down offers of aristocrats looking to get in good with the Windham clan. With new debutantes wanting her out of the way, Charlotte decides it is time to do just that and decides a little ruination could go a long way to freeing her.
Lucas Sherbourne has had a lifetime of dealing with the arrogant aristocracy but he still can't help but be drawn to Charlotte.
A little scandal, a rushed trip to the altar, and rainy days in Wales soon becomes the best recipe for a marriage.
“I like you,” she said. “Somewhat. A little. I don’t dislike you.”
The fourth and last book in the Windham brides series, focuses on Charlotte with her sister and husband (heroine and hero of book three) playing big roles too. Lucas and Charlotte do appear in book three, you'd get the understanding why Lucas and Charlotte's brother-in-law have some animosity, but if focusing solely on Charlotte and Lucas' relationship, you could comfortably dive in here.
Lucas is a commoner but a fairly rich one, so he went to schools with titled boys who punished him various ways for being "lesser" than them and he never really had a sense of family or friends. I thought the author did a wonderful job showcasing how Lucas' personality was formed because of how he grew up and why he strives for achievement, is very self-contained, and wanting to do best by his home and the surrounding people. Charlotte, on the other hand, grew up in a very large family but also got a little bit lost in it, especially as everyone gets married. At first glance, these two may seem opposites attract but their desires, fears, and wants are very similar once you see below their surfaces. Burrowes is a master at nuances and subtleties, whether it's emotion or humor.
This is very much a story of marriage, how jobs, money, relationships, and two individual personalities come together and love. The tone is mild and you'd want to look elsewhere for drama or escapades but a stripped to its bones of marriage and love journey are found in the pages. Burrowes' artful use of secondary characters can also be found with previously introduced characters and even a simple relationship between the hero and his valet, enrich the depth of the hero and heroine. The villain of the piece provides a bit of a crescendo moment throughout the story, but makes our heroine seem a bit too stubborn for angst sake.
“You torrid very well, Mr. Sherbourne. May I prevail on you to ruin me?”
If looking for a mellower read with a thoroughly delved into look at marriage and relationships or just wanting to visit the Windhams again, Burrowes provides an endearing story.
April 3, 2018
It's really strage that this is the second book I liked much more than the previous ones in each series! LOL
I liked both Charlotte and Lucas and I think they're perfect for each other!
Charlotte, with her boldness and her outright speach; Lucas because he's brutally honest and doesn't hide that he's filthy rich and likes it!
Their story is not a lust/love at first sight, but rather a slow building of feelings based on lucid awareness of the other's qualitites! It was lovely and refreshing! But also very appealing and true!
A nice, intelligent and credible romance!
I liked both Charlotte and Lucas and I think they're perfect for each other!
Charlotte, with her boldness and her outright speach; Lucas because he's brutally honest and doesn't hide that he's filthy rich and likes it!
Their story is not a lust/love at first sight, but rather a slow building of feelings based on lucid awareness of the other's qualitites! It was lovely and refreshing! But also very appealing and true!
A nice, intelligent and credible romance!
November 5, 2018
Regular readers of my reviews know that there is no place I would rather visit than Grace Burrowes' Windham World, where Percival and Esther Windham, the Duke and Duchess of Moreland, preside over a gaggle of children, in-laws, grandchildren, and – in the Windham Brides series – four unmarried nieces. In the first three volumes of the series, each of Charlotte Windham's sisters has married, one to an English duke, one to a Scottish duke, and one to the Scottish duke's younger brother. Naturally, everyone expects that Charlotte will make a similarly brilliant match. Everyone, that is, except Charlotte.
Charlotte Windham is weary of the entire rigmarole – the season, the parties, the fortune hunters, the boring aristocrats. She would rather remain unmarried and independent, free to secretly support her pet causes, primarily helping fallen women who find themselves with child and lacking any support from the (often aristocratic) father. Charlotte presents a special problem for her matchmaking aunt and uncle, as she is quite opinionated, a bit tetchy, and far more outspoken than becomes a young lady.
In No Other Duke Will Do, in which she and her sister Elizabeth are attending the Duke of Haverford's house party in Wales, Charlotte is slightly intrigued when she meets Haverford's neighbor, the fabulously wealthy, rough-around-the-edges commoner, Lucas Sherbourne. Sherbourne and Haverford have been at loggerheads for years over Sherbourne's desire to begin mining in the area, but they finally reach an uneasy truce and Sherbourne drops his plans to call in Haverford's considerable debts. Charlotte, who has been thinking that she might just avoid marriage by getting herself ruined, considers tapping Sherbourne for that honor, but nothing comes of it even though he finds Charlotte most appealing.
Lucas and Charlotte meet again in London, where Lucas is attempting to attract more investors to his mining scheme. At a garden party, he rescues her from an unwelcome suitor's overly amorous proposal only to find himself suddenly proposing marriage himself. His proposal is not only not amorous, it is more of a business arrangement. Although he has a low opinion of the aristocracy – viewing them as lazy, often dishonest, and incapable of adapting to the changes brought on by industrialization – Sherbourne knows that marrying into the illustrious Windham family would bring many advantages. Charlotte declines his proposal, but the couple shares a passionate kiss, and it is not as private as they thought. Wedding bells ring within a week.
The couple hies off to Wales to begin their life together, and most of the story deals with their efforts to make this sudden marriage work. The couple are really strangers to one another, but slowly Charlotte develops respect and affection for Lucas, as he does for her. There are plenty of bumps in the road along the way however. The author herself summed it up in a blog posting:
It's a delightful 343 pages indeed. This book has all of the things that I enjoy in a Grace Burrowes book – beautifully drawn characters, romance with just the right amount of sexytimes, warm yet sometimes vexing family relationships, and drama that never sinks into melodrama. I have savored all four of the Windham Brides books, but they need not be read in order; each works quite well as a standalone. If you relish Windham World as I do, a visit to Wales might be in order.
Charlotte Windham is weary of the entire rigmarole – the season, the parties, the fortune hunters, the boring aristocrats. She would rather remain unmarried and independent, free to secretly support her pet causes, primarily helping fallen women who find themselves with child and lacking any support from the (often aristocratic) father. Charlotte presents a special problem for her matchmaking aunt and uncle, as she is quite opinionated, a bit tetchy, and far more outspoken than becomes a young lady.
In No Other Duke Will Do, in which she and her sister Elizabeth are attending the Duke of Haverford's house party in Wales, Charlotte is slightly intrigued when she meets Haverford's neighbor, the fabulously wealthy, rough-around-the-edges commoner, Lucas Sherbourne. Sherbourne and Haverford have been at loggerheads for years over Sherbourne's desire to begin mining in the area, but they finally reach an uneasy truce and Sherbourne drops his plans to call in Haverford's considerable debts. Charlotte, who has been thinking that she might just avoid marriage by getting herself ruined, considers tapping Sherbourne for that honor, but nothing comes of it even though he finds Charlotte most appealing.
Lucas and Charlotte meet again in London, where Lucas is attempting to attract more investors to his mining scheme. At a garden party, he rescues her from an unwelcome suitor's overly amorous proposal only to find himself suddenly proposing marriage himself. His proposal is not only not amorous, it is more of a business arrangement. Although he has a low opinion of the aristocracy – viewing them as lazy, often dishonest, and incapable of adapting to the changes brought on by industrialization – Sherbourne knows that marrying into the illustrious Windham family would bring many advantages. Charlotte declines his proposal, but the couple shares a passionate kiss, and it is not as private as they thought. Wedding bells ring within a week.
The couple hies off to Wales to begin their life together, and most of the story deals with their efforts to make this sudden marriage work. The couple are really strangers to one another, but slowly Charlotte develops respect and affection for Lucas, as he does for her. There are plenty of bumps in the road along the way however. The author herself summed it up in a blog posting:
He’s so convinced that his responsibility as Charlotte’s husband is to be a financial mover and shaker, somebody who brings prosperity to the whole valley so Charlotte’s ducal family won’t look down on her for marrying him. He really is a sweet guy, but his version of partnering Charlotte–and her version of partnering Sherbourne–needs about 343 pages of work.
It's a delightful 343 pages indeed. This book has all of the things that I enjoy in a Grace Burrowes book – beautifully drawn characters, romance with just the right amount of sexytimes, warm yet sometimes vexing family relationships, and drama that never sinks into melodrama. I have savored all four of the Windham Brides books, but they need not be read in order; each works quite well as a standalone. If you relish Windham World as I do, a visit to Wales might be in order.
March 11, 2021
3.5* I liked the H and h - Charlotte who is one of the very well-connected Windham family, with Lucas who is more of a nouveau riche from a fairly ordinary background. The class difference trope worked well. They were from different worlds but they were really suited to each other, and a genuine love developed between them.
This would have been a four star read for me, except it dragged a little in the middle. There was a bit too much 'page space' given to discussion of the coal mine, its development and problems. I had very little interest in this.
But otherwise, a lovely, gentle love story.
This would have been a four star read for me, except it dragged a little in the middle. There was a bit too much 'page space' given to discussion of the coal mine, its development and problems. I had very little interest in this.
But otherwise, a lovely, gentle love story.
March 1, 2019
Engaging story of a commoner marrying above his station and his lifelong struggle to be accepted (and accept himself) in a society that only values titles. The heroine is very intelligent and independent. The one hole for me was very generalized, glossed over love scenes.
December 4, 2021
Another nice read from GB . Class differences with this couple. Nice humour between the men.
May 19, 2019
As the last unwed female in her family, Charlotte Windham is tired of the self-entitled men who request her hand, and the way in which the so called ladies of the ton gossip about her, and feels the best way to solidify her spinsterhood and remove her from society would be to have a ever so slight brush with scandal. And she decides that lowborn but somewhat wealthy and handsome Lucas Sherbourn would be the perfect man to help her in her task. However, Lucas has a different plan in mind one that involves a practical marriage. Neither expect the flame that is set a light when they first kiss, and so the marriage they find themselves in brings them both something unexpected.
This book is mellow in pace and tone, but not so slow/mellow that I wanted to pull my hair out, nor did I at anytime feel myself falling asleep. The focus is more on marriage and relationships, and the secondary characters are a key part of this book. If you want a mild, gentle romance this is a good bet for you.
My early guess about the identity of the villain, the so-called gentleman who had ruined and abandoned Charlotte’s friend, was spot on. I wasn’t truly satisfied with how that component of the plot was dealt with, but I did like the fact Lucas didn’t finding himself bending to the jerk’s demands.
I liked this read, but I have been left feeling a little let down, this book had the potential to be a delightfully engaging little morsel, and whilst I overall enjoyed it as a one-time read, and liked the main characters, the writing didn’t always flow richly, at times I found myself pulled out of the tale being unveiled. I also wanted a deeper sense of intimacy between Charlotte and Lucas, there was something missing when it came to the depiction of their relationship, there was a clear bond, but the potency, intensity, the passion I wanted didn’t manifest.
There is some fun banter sprinkled in the book - I did wish it had existed consistently throughout the book, but hey the banter and book as a whole has done enough to pique my interest in going back and reading the earlier books in the series.
This book is mellow in pace and tone, but not so slow/mellow that I wanted to pull my hair out, nor did I at anytime feel myself falling asleep. The focus is more on marriage and relationships, and the secondary characters are a key part of this book. If you want a mild, gentle romance this is a good bet for you.
My early guess about the identity of the villain, the so-called gentleman who had ruined and abandoned Charlotte’s friend, was spot on. I wasn’t truly satisfied with how that component of the plot was dealt with, but I did like the fact Lucas didn’t finding himself bending to the jerk’s demands.
I liked this read, but I have been left feeling a little let down, this book had the potential to be a delightfully engaging little morsel, and whilst I overall enjoyed it as a one-time read, and liked the main characters, the writing didn’t always flow richly, at times I found myself pulled out of the tale being unveiled. I also wanted a deeper sense of intimacy between Charlotte and Lucas, there was something missing when it came to the depiction of their relationship, there was a clear bond, but the potency, intensity, the passion I wanted didn’t manifest.
There is some fun banter sprinkled in the book - I did wish it had existed consistently throughout the book, but hey the banter and book as a whole has done enough to pique my interest in going back and reading the earlier books in the series.
March 3, 2018
Series: Windham Brides #4
Publication Date: 3/6/18
Grace Burrowes creates her own worlds and populates them with the most delightful and intriguing characters. The characters in this book fall right into that delightful and intriguing category. The banter between the characters is very entertaining and you’ll often find yourself smiling – especially in the early chapters of the book. For example – in an exchange between Charlotte and Sherbourne, where she has talked about being ruined, the following exchange takes place. Sherbourne says, “That’s a taste of torrid, a mere sample. A lovely sample I might add.” Charlotte replies, “You torrid very well, Mr. Sherbourne. May I prevail on you to ruin me?”
Charlotte, as the last unwed Windham, has become the family project. The Windham’s are all matchmakers and they have driven Charlotte to the point that she has just about decided to become ruined in order to stop the matchmaking. She is a very acerbic, prickly young lady and does not suffer fools. She’s plainspoken – perhaps to the point of being rude. Charlotte once scolded Wellington for hiding in the card room at her aunt’s ball rather than standing up with the wallflowers.
Lucas Sherbourne has little, if any, use for the aristocracy. He views them all as shiftless, lazy and not particularly honorable. However, he has finally made a bit of a truce with his neighbor, the Duke of Haverford (who is married to Charlotte’s sister). In London, Lucas rescues Charlotte from an overly amorous and enthusiastic marriage proposal. Sherbourne ends up proposing as well – as a business arrangement rather than a romance and Charlotte requests some time to decide. When he comes for the answer, she refuses – but then – she kisses him – where anyone could see – and they did. Charlotte and Lucas are married a week later.
Most of the story deals with how two people who are so much alike can find their way into happiness and love in a marriage of convenience. Throw in some financial difficulties, an aristocrat bent on causing trouble, landslides, and a few other things and you have a fun-filled, fast-paced and very interesting read.
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."
Publication Date: 3/6/18
Grace Burrowes creates her own worlds and populates them with the most delightful and intriguing characters. The characters in this book fall right into that delightful and intriguing category. The banter between the characters is very entertaining and you’ll often find yourself smiling – especially in the early chapters of the book. For example – in an exchange between Charlotte and Sherbourne, where she has talked about being ruined, the following exchange takes place. Sherbourne says, “That’s a taste of torrid, a mere sample. A lovely sample I might add.” Charlotte replies, “You torrid very well, Mr. Sherbourne. May I prevail on you to ruin me?”
Charlotte, as the last unwed Windham, has become the family project. The Windham’s are all matchmakers and they have driven Charlotte to the point that she has just about decided to become ruined in order to stop the matchmaking. She is a very acerbic, prickly young lady and does not suffer fools. She’s plainspoken – perhaps to the point of being rude. Charlotte once scolded Wellington for hiding in the card room at her aunt’s ball rather than standing up with the wallflowers.
Lucas Sherbourne has little, if any, use for the aristocracy. He views them all as shiftless, lazy and not particularly honorable. However, he has finally made a bit of a truce with his neighbor, the Duke of Haverford (who is married to Charlotte’s sister). In London, Lucas rescues Charlotte from an overly amorous and enthusiastic marriage proposal. Sherbourne ends up proposing as well – as a business arrangement rather than a romance and Charlotte requests some time to decide. When he comes for the answer, she refuses – but then – she kisses him – where anyone could see – and they did. Charlotte and Lucas are married a week later.
Most of the story deals with how two people who are so much alike can find their way into happiness and love in a marriage of convenience. Throw in some financial difficulties, an aristocrat bent on causing trouble, landslides, and a few other things and you have a fun-filled, fast-paced and very interesting read.
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."
February 12, 2018
I gave this book 2 stars because it isn't the kind of romance I personally enjoy. When I reach for a romance, I want heart pounding, exhilarating excitement. I want sizzling chemistry and witty repartee. I want sexual tension so palpable that it leaps off the page, hooks me in, and won't let me go until I turn the last page.
Grace Burrowes is an excellent writer, but her romance novels are not of the variety I described above. Her romances are sweet, sensible, and kind. They are unfailingly quaint. They are also very safe. Well-written, but don't expect it to give you heart palpitations. So it goes with A ROGUE OF HER OWN. Independent Charlotte Windham is determined to get herself involved in a scandal so that she can live out the rest of her life in spinsterhood in peace and solitude. In spite of her "schemes" she's dismayed to find herself married to the wealthy but title-less Lucas Sherbourne instead. If this sounds even a tad bit dangerous and exciting, it is not-- everything is done in a very calm and polite manner. The sex scenes are sensual, but not explicit. There is a great deal of emphasis placed upon secondary characters. In short, this is for readers who enjoy very mild, gentle romances. It contains well-drawn characters, and the writing is very good.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Grace Burrowes is an excellent writer, but her romance novels are not of the variety I described above. Her romances are sweet, sensible, and kind. They are unfailingly quaint. They are also very safe. Well-written, but don't expect it to give you heart palpitations. So it goes with A ROGUE OF HER OWN. Independent Charlotte Windham is determined to get herself involved in a scandal so that she can live out the rest of her life in spinsterhood in peace and solitude. In spite of her "schemes" she's dismayed to find herself married to the wealthy but title-less Lucas Sherbourne instead. If this sounds even a tad bit dangerous and exciting, it is not-- everything is done in a very calm and polite manner. The sex scenes are sensual, but not explicit. There is a great deal of emphasis placed upon secondary characters. In short, this is for readers who enjoy very mild, gentle romances. It contains well-drawn characters, and the writing is very good.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2018
The last and most stubborn and feisty of the Windham sisters gets her book and laudy was it a slow burn, gently-paced hard fought one when she is paired with a strong-willed, opinionated man not of her class. Sherbourne and Charlotte were quite the match and I enjoyed seeing them realize that they were equals, partners, and just right.
A Rogue of Her Own is the fourth book in the Windham Brides series. It would do alright standalone, but it works better having read at least the previous book, No Other Duke Will Do, when the romance pair first encounter one another along with the other prominent characters.
I enjoyed Sherbourne from the previous book. He was the villain character in that one, but he wasn't really a villain so much as a man who had been subject to the snubs and bullying that the upper class could give one who was not one of their own. He has no concept of family and only knows how to stand alone for himself. He has money, but not birth and status so he was treated poorly when he was sent for an education among the sons of the aristocracy and when he is forced to mingle with them because of his wealth. Charlotte catches his eye, but he is wary of this attraction even while he can't resist.
Charlotte on the other hand is acerbic and stubborn in her own right. She says the most shocking things which made it fun particularly when she was bantering with Sherbourne. Her high intelligence and sense of self-worth makes her convinced that it is best to remain her own person and not at the whim of a husband who would attempt to curtail her. Yet, she knows with her family making her their project as the last unwed Windham and societal expectation because of her connections that she will continue to be hounded if she doesn't do something soon- like scandal... or, better yet, a scandalous marriage made in the form of a business proposition.
So, between a class difference and a marriage of convenience and a male character I really liked, I knew I'd enjoy this mild-mannered story and I did. Charlotte got on my nerves a little, but then she grew on me. This pair learned to understand each other by working together on a shared project. I was glad to have Elizabeth and Haverton still strong in this one, too.
All in all, this one wrapped up the series nicely and gave me a gently-paced, steadily developed historical romance that I loved. I recommend this series, but would suggest the reader start with the earlier Windham series and then go into the Windham Brides to get the most out of it.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
A Rogue of Her Own is the fourth book in the Windham Brides series. It would do alright standalone, but it works better having read at least the previous book, No Other Duke Will Do, when the romance pair first encounter one another along with the other prominent characters.
I enjoyed Sherbourne from the previous book. He was the villain character in that one, but he wasn't really a villain so much as a man who had been subject to the snubs and bullying that the upper class could give one who was not one of their own. He has no concept of family and only knows how to stand alone for himself. He has money, but not birth and status so he was treated poorly when he was sent for an education among the sons of the aristocracy and when he is forced to mingle with them because of his wealth. Charlotte catches his eye, but he is wary of this attraction even while he can't resist.
Charlotte on the other hand is acerbic and stubborn in her own right. She says the most shocking things which made it fun particularly when she was bantering with Sherbourne. Her high intelligence and sense of self-worth makes her convinced that it is best to remain her own person and not at the whim of a husband who would attempt to curtail her. Yet, she knows with her family making her their project as the last unwed Windham and societal expectation because of her connections that she will continue to be hounded if she doesn't do something soon- like scandal... or, better yet, a scandalous marriage made in the form of a business proposition.
So, between a class difference and a marriage of convenience and a male character I really liked, I knew I'd enjoy this mild-mannered story and I did. Charlotte got on my nerves a little, but then she grew on me. This pair learned to understand each other by working together on a shared project. I was glad to have Elizabeth and Haverton still strong in this one, too.
All in all, this one wrapped up the series nicely and gave me a gently-paced, steadily developed historical romance that I loved. I recommend this series, but would suggest the reader start with the earlier Windham series and then go into the Windham Brides to get the most out of it.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2018
Game of two halves, this.
I was so looking forward to this couple after they played a main part in No Other Duke Will Do. Plus, the last time GB did an industrialist hero paired with a well-bred young woman (What a Lady Needs for Christmas) it worked very well for me.
For the first part of the book, much of that promise was satisfied. Charlotte and Sherborne had great banter and wonderful chemistry. Then they fall into this sort of forced marriage situation (for somewhat peculiarly dubious reasons) and i thought: fabulous.
Then, alas, there is the second half. Don’t get me wrong, elements worked well. I liked the focus on life in a mining community and Sherborne and Charlotte working together on the mine. It was a bit of a departure for GB and, for a while there, nicely done. Although Sherborne was not quite the industrialist I want him to be.
But, but. The book and, what’s worst, the romance, gets horrendously bogged down in the second half by the . There’s so much angst and Charlotte becomes annoying. Then there’s an extremely melodramatic ending and its inelegantly done: ~dramaz~ for the sake of it. It’s a departure for Balogh because it didn’t involve a moustache twirling murderous earl, but still irritating.
So ultimately, all that excellent romance building and relationship creation from the first half of the book sort of went to waste and with it a lot of my good will was lost.
Still waiting for GB to get her mojo back, but she’s still an auto-buy. This wasn’t boring, at least and GB was trying something a bit off the beaten path from her usual fare. But a bit of a swing and a miss.
I was so looking forward to this couple after they played a main part in No Other Duke Will Do. Plus, the last time GB did an industrialist hero paired with a well-bred young woman (What a Lady Needs for Christmas) it worked very well for me.
For the first part of the book, much of that promise was satisfied. Charlotte and Sherborne had great banter and wonderful chemistry. Then they fall into this sort of forced marriage situation (for somewhat peculiarly dubious reasons) and i thought: fabulous.
Then, alas, there is the second half. Don’t get me wrong, elements worked well. I liked the focus on life in a mining community and Sherborne and Charlotte working together on the mine. It was a bit of a departure for GB and, for a while there, nicely done. Although Sherborne was not quite the industrialist I want him to be.
But, but. The book and, what’s worst, the romance, gets horrendously bogged down in the second half by the . There’s so much angst and Charlotte becomes annoying. Then there’s an extremely melodramatic ending and its inelegantly done: ~dramaz~ for the sake of it. It’s a departure for Balogh because it didn’t involve a moustache twirling murderous earl, but still irritating.
So ultimately, all that excellent romance building and relationship creation from the first half of the book sort of went to waste and with it a lot of my good will was lost.
Still waiting for GB to get her mojo back, but she’s still an auto-buy. This wasn’t boring, at least and GB was trying something a bit off the beaten path from her usual fare. But a bit of a swing and a miss.
February 11, 2018
***ARC received for an honest review***
"'I like you,' she said. 'Somewhat. A little. I don't dislike you.'"
Charlotte is the remaining single woman in her family - outspoken and mathematically-inclined. Charlotte doesn't suffer fools gladly. Lucas is very wealthy, but not part of the upper-crust. Which has given him a chip on his shoulder. They decide getting married would be mutually beneficial - and then they have to figure out what marriage means to them.
"Perhaps this was what her version of matrimony needed to look like - pragmatic, with an element of attraction, but no delusions, no flummery."
I haven't read the other books in this series. While the earlier characters play a major role in this book I didn't feel like I was missing anything not having read them. (However, I will be reading them as soon as I get time. Burrowes is an excellent writer).
Funny, smart, romantic - with a touch of practical. This was everything I could want in a book. Grace Burrowes is fast on her way to becoming a favorite.
"'I like you,' she said. 'Somewhat. A little. I don't dislike you.'"
Charlotte is the remaining single woman in her family - outspoken and mathematically-inclined. Charlotte doesn't suffer fools gladly. Lucas is very wealthy, but not part of the upper-crust. Which has given him a chip on his shoulder. They decide getting married would be mutually beneficial - and then they have to figure out what marriage means to them.
"Perhaps this was what her version of matrimony needed to look like - pragmatic, with an element of attraction, but no delusions, no flummery."
I haven't read the other books in this series. While the earlier characters play a major role in this book I didn't feel like I was missing anything not having read them. (However, I will be reading them as soon as I get time. Burrowes is an excellent writer).
Funny, smart, romantic - with a touch of practical. This was everything I could want in a book. Grace Burrowes is fast on her way to becoming a favorite.
May 27, 2020
"A Rogue of Her Own" the fourth book in this series was oh so wonderful for me. Again, I like Ms. Burrowes writing and I truly loved the H and h in the story. Having lucked up on the audio versions from my public library was very nice and I can say the narration by James Langton was well done.
What a well written story with a loveable HEA.
4-Stars
What a well written story with a loveable HEA.
4-Stars
April 18, 2020
Charlotte is a paragon; excels at archery, can do complicated maths in her head, supports four (maybe more!) families with her pin money, has a relatively dark past and a inexplicable fear of heights...and her supposedly tight knit, close family knows not a thing about her.
Its a plot point in every book in this series. These ladies supposedly have many hidden angsts. No one “listens”. They get lost in the crowded family. Despite all of this, I still cant find myself disliking her because her other virtues shine through. For fans of Downton Abbey, Charlotte is the Sybil of the series, fiercely feminist and loyal. But, she has too much going on. Several times, plot points were picked up and dropped without reason. It wouldve made sense for her to give to a charitable cause, but the whole thing with the letters etc etc was too much and there was no follow through. I can understand how each thing was mentioned as a motivation for later behaviors, but it left me too many questions and no fulfillment.
Which brings me to Lucas. Obviously, as the “villain” of the previous novel, we were told at length about his many faults; he’s an upstart, has no manners, has an inferiority complex a mile long. But, from a readers’ modern perspective, I totally empathize with him. Except for Charlotte, he had zero allies in this novel and bore every problem on his shoulders. One wonders about his blood pressure.
He talks about hypocritical behavior and unfairness, and its actually true. They dont get to have a honeymoon and he’s always at work. He’s relentlessly bullied. He has no friends. At one point, Elizabeth insultingly talks about him to Charlotte, but Charlotte is the one who is chastised for defending him. And truly, I understand that historically she had all the disadvantages, but I wish Lucas had at least one ally in his life to admonish Charlotte for the many secrets she keeps.
Fortunately, these lonely souls have each other. I only gripe because I otherwise loved it. This novel was the most endearing of the series. Its slower burn MOC compared to the instalove of previous novels, and between the competition between in-laws and the tumultuous early days of a relationship, it feels more real. You can see how they work together, and how desperately Lucas needs Charlotte’s loyalty and Charlotte needs Lucas’ understanding.
Random aside, is the absence of the parents an in-joke? Did I miss something? Theyre never there!
Its a plot point in every book in this series. These ladies supposedly have many hidden angsts. No one “listens”. They get lost in the crowded family. Despite all of this, I still cant find myself disliking her because her other virtues shine through. For fans of Downton Abbey, Charlotte is the Sybil of the series, fiercely feminist and loyal. But, she has too much going on. Several times, plot points were picked up and dropped without reason. It wouldve made sense for her to give to a charitable cause, but the whole thing with the letters etc etc was too much and there was no follow through. I can understand how each thing was mentioned as a motivation for later behaviors, but it left me too many questions and no fulfillment.
Which brings me to Lucas. Obviously, as the “villain” of the previous novel, we were told at length about his many faults; he’s an upstart, has no manners, has an inferiority complex a mile long. But, from a readers’ modern perspective, I totally empathize with him. Except for Charlotte, he had zero allies in this novel and bore every problem on his shoulders. One wonders about his blood pressure.
He talks about hypocritical behavior and unfairness, and its actually true. They dont get to have a honeymoon and he’s always at work. He’s relentlessly bullied. He has no friends. At one point, Elizabeth insultingly talks about him to Charlotte, but Charlotte is the one who is chastised for defending him. And truly, I understand that historically she had all the disadvantages, but I wish Lucas had at least one ally in his life to admonish Charlotte for the many secrets she keeps.
Fortunately, these lonely souls have each other. I only gripe because I otherwise loved it. This novel was the most endearing of the series. Its slower burn MOC compared to the instalove of previous novels, and between the competition between in-laws and the tumultuous early days of a relationship, it feels more real. You can see how they work together, and how desperately Lucas needs Charlotte’s loyalty and Charlotte needs Lucas’ understanding.
Random aside, is the absence of the parents an in-joke? Did I miss something? Theyre never there!
February 24, 2018
I Love Grace Burrowes’ writing. If you do a search on my blog you will see that I have read many of her novels and enjoyed them to the tune of 4.5-5 stars. This is her most recent addition to her Windham Brides series and is another pure escapist delight. I love that her dialog feels like the Regency era. She rarely injects modern “speak”. She also gives us some 19th century words that may be confusing if you don’t have a dictionary handy. Who knew that coal mines were called collierys? (If you read on Kindle like I do, this is no problem; you just highlight and a dictionary entry pops up.)
In this book we are treated to Charlotte Windham’s romance with a man beneath her station, business man Lucas Sherbourne. They are found in a compromising situation and forced to marry but neither objected. They are taking their time getting to know each other but this is not without problems. Side characters from previous books in the series play important rolls in the dramas that ensue. A villain who is totally uncouth adds to the excitement. This is a standalone novel but it will encourage you to read the other books in the series.
I highly recommend this book as well as this series.
In this book we are treated to Charlotte Windham’s romance with a man beneath her station, business man Lucas Sherbourne. They are found in a compromising situation and forced to marry but neither objected. They are taking their time getting to know each other but this is not without problems. Side characters from previous books in the series play important rolls in the dramas that ensue. A villain who is totally uncouth adds to the excitement. This is a standalone novel but it will encourage you to read the other books in the series.
I highly recommend this book as well as this series.
March 30, 2018
Lucas and Charlotte
Why didn't Tony and Gladys have more children? I am deeply saddened that this marks the end of the Windham Brides series.
This story was excellent! Charlotte Windham in all of her managing prickly glory was an excellent foil to Lucas Sherbourne. I enjoyed their banter.
Grace Burrowes' unique writing voice is such a pleasure. Her characters convey tremendous depth. I love the way that she communicates her character development through the act of breaking bread. It sticks with me.
I highly recommend this book and this series and absolutely everything else that Burrowes has ever written. You will not be disappointed!
Why didn't Tony and Gladys have more children? I am deeply saddened that this marks the end of the Windham Brides series.
This story was excellent! Charlotte Windham in all of her managing prickly glory was an excellent foil to Lucas Sherbourne. I enjoyed their banter.
Grace Burrowes' unique writing voice is such a pleasure. Her characters convey tremendous depth. I love the way that she communicates her character development through the act of breaking bread. It sticks with me.
I highly recommend this book and this series and absolutely everything else that Burrowes has ever written. You will not be disappointed!
August 21, 2020
Regency. Mostly in Wales.
Lucas Sherbourne, a commoner had to decide: who was
friend or foe? Including (neighbor) Haverford, Radnor,
the heroine's various Windham relatives & their spouses
& Brantford. Perhaps readers of the previous books in
this series knew?
Luc & Charlotte (a duke's niece) had met at an earlier
house party. They acted prickly toward each other.
Charlotte had turned down many proposals. I liked
the developing love of L + C, but the baddie and the
side story added too much angst, culminating in a too-
perfect ending. The story felt too long.
Lucas Sherbourne, a commoner had to decide: who was
friend or foe? Including (neighbor) Haverford, Radnor,
the heroine's various Windham relatives & their spouses
& Brantford. Perhaps readers of the previous books in
this series knew?
Luc & Charlotte (a duke's niece) had met at an earlier
house party. They acted prickly toward each other.
Charlotte had turned down many proposals. I liked
the developing love of L + C, but the baddie and the
side story added too much angst, culminating in a too-
perfect ending. The story felt too long.
April 7, 2019
Plutôt 3,5/5.
J'ai eu un mal fou à terminer ce livre. Je n'arrive pas à savoir si c'est parce que je suis trop préoccupée par le boulot en ce moment (je le suis), ou parce que ce livre est un poil ennuyeux (je pense qu'il l'est quand même).
Le couple est sympathique, finalement très doux et touchant, mais peut être un peu trop sage. Ça manque un peu d'éclat de passion, il faut le dire. Mais l'auteur distille parfois en une phrase des coups au coeur, qui me font soupirer de béatemment.
J'ai eu un mal fou à terminer ce livre. Je n'arrive pas à savoir si c'est parce que je suis trop préoccupée par le boulot en ce moment (je le suis), ou parce que ce livre est un poil ennuyeux (je pense qu'il l'est quand même).
Le couple est sympathique, finalement très doux et touchant, mais peut être un peu trop sage. Ça manque un peu d'éclat de passion, il faut le dire. Mais l'auteur distille parfois en une phrase des coups au coeur, qui me font soupirer de béatemment.
March 23, 2018
Grace Burrowes is a wonderful storyteller with a particular gift for creating characters who fully engage her readers, but Charlotte and Sherbourne are special even for Burrowes. Their story held great promise in No Other Duke Will Do, and it exceeded even my high expectations in A Rogue of Her Own. I loved this book!
Charlotte is delightfully herself throughout the story—smart, compassionate, witty, and independent. Lucas is his own man with a clear understanding of who he is and what he wants. I love the fact that even before they recognize that they are in love, they appreciate one another’s strengths. Theirs is not a marriage-in-trouble story but rather a marriage-in growth story. Maggie’s marital advice to Charlotte is almost a forecast of their journey: “Marriage is an adventure for two. Look for the good in him, the same as you would with any friend. Give him your loyalty and the benefit of the doubt, find things to laugh about together, and don’t worry if the early days are a bit bumpy. That’s part of it.”
I’ve been a Grace Burrowes fan since her first book, and reading this latest in the Windham saga just reminded me of all the reasons I find her books so rewarding. I love the interconnectedness of her world. Part of the fun of A Rogue of Her Own is the appearance of or reference to various and sundry Windhams. Elizabeth and Haverford feature most prominently, but the family is present in many ways. I love the family dynamics of Burrowes’s books. There are some difficult relationships, but I especially enjoy the genuine affection that ties siblings together and the way that affection expands to include spouses and children. I enjoy dialogue that makes me smile, and Burrowes always provides that.
A Rogue of Her Own is the conclusion to The Windham Brides, a series within the larger Windham series. I think it is the best in an excellent quartet. If I tell you that upon finishing this book, I went back to The Heir, Burrowes’s debut novel and the first Windham book, and then reread the full series, twelve novels (including the four Windham Brides books) and four novellas, and enjoyed every story as much as I did the first time I read them, you may understand what a delight I found this last book to be. In fact, a second reading kicked my rating from a 4.5 to a full five stars. If you like historical romance that blends a little sizzle, more than a little laughter, and some substantive issues with a love story that is as much about genuine liking, understanding, and appreciation as it is about lust, I think you will fall in love with this book too. I highly recommend it. And I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Burrowes has more stories of the Windhams in store for her rea
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2018/03...
Charlotte is delightfully herself throughout the story—smart, compassionate, witty, and independent. Lucas is his own man with a clear understanding of who he is and what he wants. I love the fact that even before they recognize that they are in love, they appreciate one another’s strengths. Theirs is not a marriage-in-trouble story but rather a marriage-in growth story. Maggie’s marital advice to Charlotte is almost a forecast of their journey: “Marriage is an adventure for two. Look for the good in him, the same as you would with any friend. Give him your loyalty and the benefit of the doubt, find things to laugh about together, and don’t worry if the early days are a bit bumpy. That’s part of it.”
I’ve been a Grace Burrowes fan since her first book, and reading this latest in the Windham saga just reminded me of all the reasons I find her books so rewarding. I love the interconnectedness of her world. Part of the fun of A Rogue of Her Own is the appearance of or reference to various and sundry Windhams. Elizabeth and Haverford feature most prominently, but the family is present in many ways. I love the family dynamics of Burrowes’s books. There are some difficult relationships, but I especially enjoy the genuine affection that ties siblings together and the way that affection expands to include spouses and children. I enjoy dialogue that makes me smile, and Burrowes always provides that.
A Rogue of Her Own is the conclusion to The Windham Brides, a series within the larger Windham series. I think it is the best in an excellent quartet. If I tell you that upon finishing this book, I went back to The Heir, Burrowes’s debut novel and the first Windham book, and then reread the full series, twelve novels (including the four Windham Brides books) and four novellas, and enjoyed every story as much as I did the first time I read them, you may understand what a delight I found this last book to be. In fact, a second reading kicked my rating from a 4.5 to a full five stars. If you like historical romance that blends a little sizzle, more than a little laughter, and some substantive issues with a love story that is as much about genuine liking, understanding, and appreciation as it is about lust, I think you will fall in love with this book too. I highly recommend it. And I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Burrowes has more stories of the Windhams in store for her rea
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2018/03...
June 4, 2018
I simply loved Charlotte and Sherbourne. She is a strong heroine without disconsidering the time period, he is an honorable grumpy commoner and their love grows slowly and steady right before the reader’s eyes.
I enjoyed the fact that although sometimes she was unreasonable, Charlotte stopped to analyze her own behavior and correct it, admitting her mistakes and the emotional leading her to bad decisions.
Sherbourne too was humble enough to listen and to admit his mistakes, and also not to hold her mistakes against her.
Sweet lovely story! The best from the series!
I enjoyed the fact that although sometimes she was unreasonable, Charlotte stopped to analyze her own behavior and correct it, admitting her mistakes and the emotional leading her to bad decisions.
Sherbourne too was humble enough to listen and to admit his mistakes, and also not to hold her mistakes against her.
Sweet lovely story! The best from the series!
October 15, 2024
3.5 stars. Truly my least favorite in the series. I just did not feel sparks between Caroline and Charbonne.
I did though love having the other characters from all of the series pop up.
I did though love having the other characters from all of the series pop up.
December 22, 2019
A nice romance audiobook from Grace Burrowes. This is book 4 of the series. I haven't read books 2 and 3, but that's okay. The characters from book 3 do play a role in this story, but it's a not a big deal. I'll just go back and read that book.
Lucas Sherbourne is a wealthy businessman who had been bullied by aristocratic kids when he was in school. This made him resent, and also in a weird way, envy the nobility. He offered marriage to Charlotte Windham, last of the Windham sisters to be unmarried. He likes her spunk and intelligence. He also likes her family connections. Lucas has a new business venture, a coal mine, that he knows will bring jobs to his town. I like the partnership between Lucas and Charlotte. They married without knowing much about each other. So, they are still getting to know each other.
Overall it's a good romance. I like this more than book #1. It's a nice, light audiobook to listen to while doing some holiday baking.
Lucas Sherbourne is a wealthy businessman who had been bullied by aristocratic kids when he was in school. This made him resent, and also in a weird way, envy the nobility. He offered marriage to Charlotte Windham, last of the Windham sisters to be unmarried. He likes her spunk and intelligence. He also likes her family connections. Lucas has a new business venture, a coal mine, that he knows will bring jobs to his town. I like the partnership between Lucas and Charlotte. They married without knowing much about each other. So, they are still getting to know each other.
Overall it's a good romance. I like this more than book #1. It's a nice, light audiobook to listen to while doing some holiday baking.
April 20, 2018
A Rogue of Her Own by Grace Burrowes is book Four in the Windham Brides series. This is the story of Charlotte Windham and Lucas Sherbourne. This is the first book I have read in this series so for me this was easily a standalone book.
Charlotte is happy to settle into spinsterhood but thinking to make sure it happens she settle to cause a slight scandal to ensure it. Charlotte thinks Lucas would be the perfect person to do the deed. Lucas has not title but does have the money and Charlotte's family would be a good family to be connected with. After getting caught together it is now the path of marriage that they will be heading toward.
Great read!
Charlotte is happy to settle into spinsterhood but thinking to make sure it happens she settle to cause a slight scandal to ensure it. Charlotte thinks Lucas would be the perfect person to do the deed. Lucas has not title but does have the money and Charlotte's family would be a good family to be connected with. After getting caught together it is now the path of marriage that they will be heading toward.
Great read!
March 21, 2018
3.5 ish
i liked this one, though again the prose was quite tiring. it feels like a lot of the book could have been cut out to make it lighter and more approachable. but what is important, i liked the characters and their relationship and how it progressed. BUT IF YOU JUST TALKED TO EACH OTHER. COMMUNICATION PEOPLE. CHECK IT OUT. IT'S GREAT. SAVES A LOT OF DRAMA AND EMOTIONS. REALLY HEALTHY AND GROWN UP.
i liked this one, though again the prose was quite tiring. it feels like a lot of the book could have been cut out to make it lighter and more approachable. but what is important, i liked the characters and their relationship and how it progressed. BUT IF YOU JUST TALKED TO EACH OTHER. COMMUNICATION PEOPLE. CHECK IT OUT. IT'S GREAT. SAVES A LOT OF DRAMA AND EMOTIONS. REALLY HEALTHY AND GROWN UP.
July 9, 2018
2.5 stars
Where did this Charlotte come from?! She was so different from the last book. She was awful in this book. Judgemental, bratty, and holier than thou.
Lucas was not who he came off as at all. He, I liked. He was actually a decent person, not the prig he came off as in the last book. He deserved a better heroine.
The epilogue was not enough. It was the end of the series, and it didn't give any insight into the entire family's circumstances.
Where did this Charlotte come from?! She was so different from the last book. She was awful in this book. Judgemental, bratty, and holier than thou.
Lucas was not who he came off as at all. He, I liked. He was actually a decent person, not the prig he came off as in the last book. He deserved a better heroine.
The epilogue was not enough. It was the end of the series, and it didn't give any insight into the entire family's circumstances.
May 16, 2021
Grace Burrowes is the master of delightful conversation between couples. Charlotte Windham and Lucas Sherbourne's story is delightful and endearing. Two unusual characters come together under somewhat different circumstances.
Loved every minute of it!
Loved every minute of it!
March 26, 2018
I wanted to like this one more, but I it felt like to romance between Lucas and Charlotte was missing something. I love a good marriage of convenience, but this one fell flat for me.
May 12, 2023
Anche il quarto volume delle Spose Windham si è rivelato carino, e ciò è dovuto soprattutto al fatto che ce ne stiamo ben lontani dai Moreland e da Londra (ho già deciso che eviterò la serie principale, di cui questa quadrilogia è uno spin-off).
Tra l'altro, il libro parte subito bene perchè riprende i personaggi che già avevo apprezzato nel terzo.
Se ricordate, quando il duca di Havenford ha aperto il suo (fatiscente) castello per trovare moglie, tra le invitate ci sono Elizabeth, che poi diventerà duchessa, e l'arguta e simpatica sorella Charlotte, disillusa e decisa condurre una pacifica vita da ricca gentildonna con l'unico progetto delle opere di beneficenza.
Ma nel libro compariva anche il vicino di casa del duca, quel Lucas Sherbourn, imprenditore borghese, da tutti inviso perché sospettato di voler insinuarsi in qualche famiglia aristocratica a suon di sterline.
Personalmente, io l'avevo trovato in realtà pragmatico e interessante, per cui ho gioito quando il nostro inizia a corteggiare Charlotte e, causa solita scoperta in flagranza, la riesce a sposare.
Tutti i Moreland (e pure Havenford) pensano il peggio di Lucas, ma lui riesce pian piano a vincere la diffidenza della sposa grazie alla sua onesta operosità nell'attività mineraria appena intrapresa.
Alla fine, è davvero un buon diavolo (in effetti, più che libertino quel "rogue" del titolo sta a indicare la sua personalità canaglia), ed è uno che procede con poche parole e molti fatti.
Un romanzo piacevole, con un amore slow-burn, non istantaneo e quindi più ponderato e credibile.
Tra l'altro, il libro parte subito bene perchè riprende i personaggi che già avevo apprezzato nel terzo.
Se ricordate, quando il duca di Havenford ha aperto il suo (fatiscente) castello per trovare moglie, tra le invitate ci sono Elizabeth, che poi diventerà duchessa, e l'arguta e simpatica sorella Charlotte, disillusa e decisa condurre una pacifica vita da ricca gentildonna con l'unico progetto delle opere di beneficenza.
Ma nel libro compariva anche il vicino di casa del duca, quel Lucas Sherbourn, imprenditore borghese, da tutti inviso perché sospettato di voler insinuarsi in qualche famiglia aristocratica a suon di sterline.
Personalmente, io l'avevo trovato in realtà pragmatico e interessante, per cui ho gioito quando il nostro inizia a corteggiare Charlotte e, causa solita scoperta in flagranza, la riesce a sposare.
Tutti i Moreland (e pure Havenford) pensano il peggio di Lucas, ma lui riesce pian piano a vincere la diffidenza della sposa grazie alla sua onesta operosità nell'attività mineraria appena intrapresa.
Alla fine, è davvero un buon diavolo (in effetti, più che libertino quel "rogue" del titolo sta a indicare la sua personalità canaglia), ed è uno che procede con poche parole e molti fatti.
Un romanzo piacevole, con un amore slow-burn, non istantaneo e quindi più ponderato e credibile.
May 27, 2023
Hard copy. A very prickly couple with fears they try to hide from each other, unsuccessfully. Seeing them work through their many problems was entertaining and I liked this couple.
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