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Rogues and Rebels #2
The Duke's Suspicion
An English war hero must unlock the secrets of an Irish beauty's heart...
Named for the heather in her native Ireland, Erica Burke is an aspiring botanist whose dearest wish is to travel to far-off locales. So far, she's only made it to England's Lake District. Stranded there by a storm, she finds the last thing she's looking for—dashing English war hero Major Tristan Laurens, the Duke of Rayhnam.
An unexpected heir, Tristan is torn between his duties as an intelligence officer and his responsibilities as a duke. A brief return home to set his affairs in order is extended by bad weather and worse news—someone has secret information about his latest mission. Could the culprit be his unconventional Irish guest? He needs to see her journal to be sure, and he'll do what he must to get his hands on it, even stage a wildly inappropriate courtship.
Erica wants nothing to do with an English soldier, and guards her journal as closely as she guards her heart. But though she makes Tristan's task infernally difficult, falling in love with her may be all too easy.
Named for the heather in her native Ireland, Erica Burke is an aspiring botanist whose dearest wish is to travel to far-off locales. So far, she's only made it to England's Lake District. Stranded there by a storm, she finds the last thing she's looking for—dashing English war hero Major Tristan Laurens, the Duke of Rayhnam.
An unexpected heir, Tristan is torn between his duties as an intelligence officer and his responsibilities as a duke. A brief return home to set his affairs in order is extended by bad weather and worse news—someone has secret information about his latest mission. Could the culprit be his unconventional Irish guest? He needs to see her journal to be sure, and he'll do what he must to get his hands on it, even stage a wildly inappropriate courtship.
Erica wants nothing to do with an English soldier, and guards her journal as closely as she guards her heart. But though she makes Tristan's task infernally difficult, falling in love with her may be all too easy.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2018
88 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Craig
30 books484 followersAlmost as soon as she could hold a pencil, Susanna Craig began writing stories. Today, she pens award-winning Regency-era romance novels that blend history and heart with a dash of heat. An English professor, wife, and mom, she’s currently finding her happily ever after in Kentucky while holding onto her Midwestern roots. Find her online at http://www.susannacraig.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 24, 2019
I've given this a C- at AAR, so that's 2.5 stars.
The Duke’s Suspicion is the second in Susanna Craig’s Rogues and Rebels series, and takes as its heroine, Erica Burke, the sister of Cami, from the first book, The Companion’s Secret. I haven’t read it, but didn’t feel the lack here; this works as a standalone and any bits of necessary background information are quickly filled in by the author. This is the first time I’ve read a book by Ms. Craig; she débuted a couple of years back, but I’ve yet to see any reviews of her work that have enticed me to try it. I confess I picked this one up simply because I was light on review books for December – and unfortunately for me, I can’t report stumbling upon a terrific book by accident.
Playing gooseberry to her sister and new husband on their wedding trip to the Lake District isn’t really Erica Burke’s idea of fun, but she’s keen on visiting new places and excited to examine the flora and fauna of a new locale. The group is about to leave the inn at which they stopped for refreshment when Erica realises – to her dismay – that she’s left her journal inside, and rushes back to get it… without telling anyone where she’s going. Once she retrieves it and goes back outside – the coaches have left without her. Telling herself not to panic, she decides to walk to the next village to try to catch up with the party there, but the worsening weather makes it imperative for her to find shelter, at least temporarily – so she’s grateful to come across an old, seemingly abandoned hut. On entering, she discovers she isn’t the only one to have had the idea of sheltering there – there’s a man inside, who introduces himself as Tristan Laurens; he’s clearly a gentleman, and although a bit nervous, Erica realises he means her no harm.
The next morning, with no let up in the rain, Tristan insists on pushing on to his home at Hawesdale Chase. Once there, he will send someone to make enquiries about Erica’s sister, and to advise her that Erica is safe and sound. He neglected to tell her before that he’s not plain Mr. Laurens – or even plain Major Lord Laurens any more – but the Duke of Raynham, recently come into the title upon the deaths of his father and older brother. He’s been avoiding going home for a number of reasons, one that he wants to remain in the army, another because he’s sure nobody wants him at Hawesdale seeing as how rumour has it the old duke wasn’t actually his father. He’s not thrilled to discover that his step-mother (with whom he gets along well) has gathered a small party together to welcome him – and that one member of it is the young lady to whom his brother was betrothed and whose father now expects Tristan to marry her instead.
Thrown into all this – an unwanted betrothal, Tristan’s insecurities about his position, the potential conflict on account of his being an English officer and Erica related to (suspected) Irish rebels – is also the search for a spy who is most likely at that moment residing under his own roof.
Sounds like the stage is set for an intriguing read, doesn’t it?
Sadly, the book fails to deliver on any count. The plot is thin and doesn’t make much sense, the romance lacks any kind of spark, and after Tristan and Erica’s initial meeting, things fizzle out very quickly as we become stuck in the classic stranded-at-a-country-house-party trope during which all Erica seems to do is wander around clutching her journal to her chest and worry about her deficiencies.
From the way the author describes her physical and mental restlessness and inability to keep track of her thoughts (hence the need for the journal), I’d guess she is supposed to have some form of ADD. In the days before this was a known condition, Erica has been criticised and ridiculed for her inability to stay focused and has clearly taken such things to heart, trying desperately to hide that she’s different and to fit in with those around her. This aspect of the character is well-conveyed and her concerns are sensitively handled. But sadly, all she does, until around three-quarters of the way through the book, is fidget, draw and obsess about her journal. And then, towards the end, she turns into some sort of master spy, hatching the perfect plan to help Tristan find the spy in their midst. And speaking of that, it’s an incredibly weak sub-plot; other than another character mentioning in passing that all the guests at Hawesdale have something to hide (and we never find out what that something is for most of them), I had no clear idea of what threat this spy posed, or why the plotline was even in the book other than as a reason for Tristan to suspect Erica and then for Erica to show off her sooper-spy-skillz by coming up with the plan to trap the real spy. And speaking of that, what sort of master spy is Tristan that he doesn’t even think about running with the old ‘let’s-pretend-you-think-I’m-guilty-to-draw-out-the-real-cuplrit’ plan?
Tristan is your stereotypical second son who didn’t expect and doesn’t want to be a duke and is determined to return to his previous life as soon as he can get away. He’s barely one-dimensional; I’m writing this review less an hour after finishing the book and I can remember pretty much nothing about him, not what he was supposed to look like, his personality traits, nothing. And Erica isn’t much better. For a character who is supposedly struggling not to be defined by the characteristics of her ADD, the author has written her as someone who is completely defined by them, because other than her fiery red hair, those are the only things about her I can remember.
There is no real sense of a developing relationship or emotional connection between the central couple and I didn’t feel a connection to either of them. There’s no sexual tension between them and the book’s main sex scene is awkward and one of the most unsexy things I’ve read all year – I couldn’t work out why they were doing it at all, frankly, and I couldn’t wait for it to end.
Which is also true of The Duke’s Suspicion as a whole. The synopsis makes much of the potential clash between an English soldier and an Irishwoman with Republican sympathies, but don’t expect any political discussions or anguish over falling for the enemy – there’s none of that here. What we get instead are bland characters, a thin plot, clichés-a-plenty and a dull, repetitive story. MY suspicion is that I’ve have been better entertained reading something else.
The Duke’s Suspicion is the second in Susanna Craig’s Rogues and Rebels series, and takes as its heroine, Erica Burke, the sister of Cami, from the first book, The Companion’s Secret. I haven’t read it, but didn’t feel the lack here; this works as a standalone and any bits of necessary background information are quickly filled in by the author. This is the first time I’ve read a book by Ms. Craig; she débuted a couple of years back, but I’ve yet to see any reviews of her work that have enticed me to try it. I confess I picked this one up simply because I was light on review books for December – and unfortunately for me, I can’t report stumbling upon a terrific book by accident.
Playing gooseberry to her sister and new husband on their wedding trip to the Lake District isn’t really Erica Burke’s idea of fun, but she’s keen on visiting new places and excited to examine the flora and fauna of a new locale. The group is about to leave the inn at which they stopped for refreshment when Erica realises – to her dismay – that she’s left her journal inside, and rushes back to get it… without telling anyone where she’s going. Once she retrieves it and goes back outside – the coaches have left without her. Telling herself not to panic, she decides to walk to the next village to try to catch up with the party there, but the worsening weather makes it imperative for her to find shelter, at least temporarily – so she’s grateful to come across an old, seemingly abandoned hut. On entering, she discovers she isn’t the only one to have had the idea of sheltering there – there’s a man inside, who introduces himself as Tristan Laurens; he’s clearly a gentleman, and although a bit nervous, Erica realises he means her no harm.
The next morning, with no let up in the rain, Tristan insists on pushing on to his home at Hawesdale Chase. Once there, he will send someone to make enquiries about Erica’s sister, and to advise her that Erica is safe and sound. He neglected to tell her before that he’s not plain Mr. Laurens – or even plain Major Lord Laurens any more – but the Duke of Raynham, recently come into the title upon the deaths of his father and older brother. He’s been avoiding going home for a number of reasons, one that he wants to remain in the army, another because he’s sure nobody wants him at Hawesdale seeing as how rumour has it the old duke wasn’t actually his father. He’s not thrilled to discover that his step-mother (with whom he gets along well) has gathered a small party together to welcome him – and that one member of it is the young lady to whom his brother was betrothed and whose father now expects Tristan to marry her instead.
Thrown into all this – an unwanted betrothal, Tristan’s insecurities about his position, the potential conflict on account of his being an English officer and Erica related to (suspected) Irish rebels – is also the search for a spy who is most likely at that moment residing under his own roof.
Sounds like the stage is set for an intriguing read, doesn’t it?
Sadly, the book fails to deliver on any count. The plot is thin and doesn’t make much sense, the romance lacks any kind of spark, and after Tristan and Erica’s initial meeting, things fizzle out very quickly as we become stuck in the classic stranded-at-a-country-house-party trope during which all Erica seems to do is wander around clutching her journal to her chest and worry about her deficiencies.
From the way the author describes her physical and mental restlessness and inability to keep track of her thoughts (hence the need for the journal), I’d guess she is supposed to have some form of ADD. In the days before this was a known condition, Erica has been criticised and ridiculed for her inability to stay focused and has clearly taken such things to heart, trying desperately to hide that she’s different and to fit in with those around her. This aspect of the character is well-conveyed and her concerns are sensitively handled. But sadly, all she does, until around three-quarters of the way through the book, is fidget, draw and obsess about her journal. And then, towards the end, she turns into some sort of master spy, hatching the perfect plan to help Tristan find the spy in their midst. And speaking of that, it’s an incredibly weak sub-plot; other than another character mentioning in passing that all the guests at Hawesdale have something to hide (and we never find out what that something is for most of them), I had no clear idea of what threat this spy posed, or why the plotline was even in the book other than as a reason for Tristan to suspect Erica and then for Erica to show off her sooper-spy-skillz by coming up with the plan to trap the real spy. And speaking of that, what sort of master spy is Tristan that he doesn’t even think about running with the old ‘let’s-pretend-you-think-I’m-guilty-to-draw-out-the-real-cuplrit’ plan?
Tristan is your stereotypical second son who didn’t expect and doesn’t want to be a duke and is determined to return to his previous life as soon as he can get away. He’s barely one-dimensional; I’m writing this review less an hour after finishing the book and I can remember pretty much nothing about him, not what he was supposed to look like, his personality traits, nothing. And Erica isn’t much better. For a character who is supposedly struggling not to be defined by the characteristics of her ADD, the author has written her as someone who is completely defined by them, because other than her fiery red hair, those are the only things about her I can remember.
There is no real sense of a developing relationship or emotional connection between the central couple and I didn’t feel a connection to either of them. There’s no sexual tension between them and the book’s main sex scene is awkward and one of the most unsexy things I’ve read all year – I couldn’t work out why they were doing it at all, frankly, and I couldn’t wait for it to end.
Which is also true of The Duke’s Suspicion as a whole. The synopsis makes much of the potential clash between an English soldier and an Irishwoman with Republican sympathies, but don’t expect any political discussions or anguish over falling for the enemy – there’s none of that here. What we get instead are bland characters, a thin plot, clichés-a-plenty and a dull, repetitive story. MY suspicion is that I’ve have been better entertained reading something else.
January 14, 2019
This book is the second in series and first I have tried by Susanna Craig. It worked reasonably well as a stand-alone, but I did find myself curious about the heroine Erica’s sister and family, which I imagine the first book explores more. I intend to read it at some point. Overall, there was aspects of this book that stir interest for me to check out more by this author, but I thought the plot messy and weak and the chemistry lacking spark.
The HR genre is very uneven in its coverage. A very large portion of the genre covers a very small spot in time and geographic footprint, and Irish history is often forgotten. This story doesn’t get into much details, but I thought it refreshing to have an Irish heroine with ties to Irish Rebels.
This story starts with Erica making a dash to retrieve a forgotten item, causing her to get left behind by her traveling party. Mother Nature intervenes to ensure that separation is prolonged, with downpour and flooding that isolates Erica from her party. Thankfully she comes across a traveler, Major Lord Tristan Laurens, who is returning home after ascending to the title of Duke. He is a younger son, who had joined the military, and did not expect to inherit the title.
He brings Erica with him to his homecoming, which happens to be a house party of sorts, with the guests stranded due to the weather. At this house party, there are several characters who want something from the new Duke. There is an officer friend who warns the Duke of a spy in their midst (at the house). Tristan’s brother’s former betrothed is in attendance with parents who now expect him to fill his brother’s place in marriage. There is a too-clever pre-adolescent sister, who wants to spend time with her brother. These three threads are followed, and it ultimately was too much plot and not enough character and romance development. The spy plot seemed unnecessary. The betrothal plot didn’t make sense. The sister, however, was a good character and worked to bring together the hero and heroine (who could relate considering her own studious pursuits in Botany).
In the end, I thought this had some interesting characters, but the plot was messy and felt contrived in many ways.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The HR genre is very uneven in its coverage. A very large portion of the genre covers a very small spot in time and geographic footprint, and Irish history is often forgotten. This story doesn’t get into much details, but I thought it refreshing to have an Irish heroine with ties to Irish Rebels.
This story starts with Erica making a dash to retrieve a forgotten item, causing her to get left behind by her traveling party. Mother Nature intervenes to ensure that separation is prolonged, with downpour and flooding that isolates Erica from her party. Thankfully she comes across a traveler, Major Lord Tristan Laurens, who is returning home after ascending to the title of Duke. He is a younger son, who had joined the military, and did not expect to inherit the title.
He brings Erica with him to his homecoming, which happens to be a house party of sorts, with the guests stranded due to the weather. At this house party, there are several characters who want something from the new Duke. There is an officer friend who warns the Duke of a spy in their midst (at the house). Tristan’s brother’s former betrothed is in attendance with parents who now expect him to fill his brother’s place in marriage. There is a too-clever pre-adolescent sister, who wants to spend time with her brother. These three threads are followed, and it ultimately was too much plot and not enough character and romance development. The spy plot seemed unnecessary. The betrothal plot didn’t make sense. The sister, however, was a good character and worked to bring together the hero and heroine (who could relate considering her own studious pursuits in Botany).
In the end, I thought this had some interesting characters, but the plot was messy and felt contrived in many ways.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2018
(2.5 stars) First of all, I have to say how much I truly enjoyed THE COMPANION'S SECRET, the first book in this Rogues and Rebels series. Perhaps that's why this second one has disappointed me so much. I was expecting outstanding main characters and a plot to hold my interest. Instead I got this ho-hum, humdrum, rather prosaic account of an OCD duke, old beyond his years, falling for an ADHD female, younger than her years.
There's not much plot to this story. There's not much convincing romance either. I confess to being bored while reading and only read to the end in the hopes that it would improve along the way and be a worthy successor to the first book. No luck.
Irish heroine Erica Burke is the younger sister of the h of the first book. Erica is an amateur botanist who is never to be found without her journal. While accompanying her sister and new brother-in-law home, she manages to lose her journal, recover it, and then lose her ride in the coach she was traveling in. The weather outside being frightful, with rain, rain and more rain, she ends up sheltered in a cabin with none other than our hero, Edward, the boring duke.
Erica seems flighty and scatterbrained, but more likely she suffers from ADHD. Whatever the case, the stuffy duke is bemused by her behavior and her shapely body and her flaming hair. I don't know what her excuse for being attracted to him is, except that he's very orderly, likes to take command of every situation, and, I suppose, has a manly body.
He's a soldier and a spy and now a duke. He's reluctantly on his way home from the continent after the deaths of his father and older brother. He has to take on the ducal duties and maybe should marry and beget some ducal heirs. But...we have a problem. There's a bad guy spy who must be discovered and seems to be at his home.
Circumstances lead him to suspect Erica of being that spy. Not a great leap, considering she comes from a family of Irish rebels and has a closely-guarded journal she wants no one to see. Let's not go into the questions of whether a real spy would wander around clutching a journal at all times. It does not pay to be logical when reading most romances anyway, right?
Well, oops. My thoughts on this book are so scatterbrained that I have forgotten to mention that the very bad weather and flooding and washed-out bridges had led to Erica going to the duke's home to await eventual pick-up by her sister, whenever the weather improves. That gives us plenty of time to catch spies and fall in love and resolve any other problems we may have.
We need to get the two into a romantic relationship, with a few overly-long (to me) sexual encounters. We also need to find that spy. And we need to find out why that journal is so important to and closely guarded by Erica. And we also need to be convinced that true love will overcome obstacles such as annoying characters and a fairly unconvincing fall into love.
There's not much plot to this story. There's not much convincing romance either. I confess to being bored while reading and only read to the end in the hopes that it would improve along the way and be a worthy successor to the first book. No luck.
Irish heroine Erica Burke is the younger sister of the h of the first book. Erica is an amateur botanist who is never to be found without her journal. While accompanying her sister and new brother-in-law home, she manages to lose her journal, recover it, and then lose her ride in the coach she was traveling in. The weather outside being frightful, with rain, rain and more rain, she ends up sheltered in a cabin with none other than our hero, Edward, the boring duke.
Erica seems flighty and scatterbrained, but more likely she suffers from ADHD. Whatever the case, the stuffy duke is bemused by her behavior and her shapely body and her flaming hair. I don't know what her excuse for being attracted to him is, except that he's very orderly, likes to take command of every situation, and, I suppose, has a manly body.
He's a soldier and a spy and now a duke. He's reluctantly on his way home from the continent after the deaths of his father and older brother. He has to take on the ducal duties and maybe should marry and beget some ducal heirs. But...we have a problem. There's a bad guy spy who must be discovered and seems to be at his home.
Circumstances lead him to suspect Erica of being that spy. Not a great leap, considering she comes from a family of Irish rebels and has a closely-guarded journal she wants no one to see. Let's not go into the questions of whether a real spy would wander around clutching a journal at all times. It does not pay to be logical when reading most romances anyway, right?
Well, oops. My thoughts on this book are so scatterbrained that I have forgotten to mention that the very bad weather and flooding and washed-out bridges had led to Erica going to the duke's home to await eventual pick-up by her sister, whenever the weather improves. That gives us plenty of time to catch spies and fall in love and resolve any other problems we may have.
We need to get the two into a romantic relationship, with a few overly-long (to me) sexual encounters. We also need to find that spy. And we need to find out why that journal is so important to and closely guarded by Erica. And we also need to be convinced that true love will overcome obstacles such as annoying characters and a fairly unconvincing fall into love.
December 18, 2018
I absolutely adored The Companion’s Secret, the first in this Rogues and Rebels series, and I’ve been eagerly looking forward to reading The Duke’s Secret, wondering what Susanna Craig would delight me with this time.
And she gave me (drum roll…)
An ADHD heroine.
Of course, since the book is set in 1799, Erica’s condition isn’t diagnosed, but the descriptions of her actions, feelings and the way she thinks and talks about herself make it very obvious to someone with ADHD exactly what the author was describing.
The hero is a duke who didn’t expect to be; Tristan was more than happy serving his country as a major in the army, a spy to be precise, but the untimely deaths of his father and brother mean he’s now Duke of Raynham. Delaying in his journey home, he encounters Erica quite by chance as they both take shelter from a rainstorm, and ends up inviting her to his home because she’s separated from the rest of her party and stranded.
It’s strongly implied that Tristan’s sister Lady Viviane, a precocious 12-year-old, is more than a little on the ADHD side herself, and Erica with her scientific mind is able to relate to Viviane far better than the conventional governesses the girl has been terrorizing with her antics. This alone would probably endear her to Tristan, but he’s a rather OCD type who’s fascinated with Erica’s quick mind and her unconventional approach to, well, just about everything. The fact that she’s a beautiful Irish redhead probably doesn’t hurt, either.
There’s something of a comedy of errors going on as Tristan is playing host to a number of houseguests, including a young lady his brother was supposed to marry, and there’s also suspicion of a traitor in the house who could unmask Tristan as a spy. Unfortunately, Erica’s Irish background puts her squarely in the crosshairs of that investigation, and when Tristan breaches her trust things get very, very awkward.
Erica, however, takes control of the situation admirably. She’s the opposite of passive, refusing to let things happen without her consent, and indeed she’s the one who instigates intimacy with Tristan, leading to a very hot sex scene followed by the two of them proving what a good team they are as they combine to unmask the real traitor.
Susanna Craig writes amazingly well-rounded characters in beautifully researched scenarios, and this book is no exception. Five stars for a story I didn’t want to end.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
And she gave me (drum roll…)
An ADHD heroine.
Of course, since the book is set in 1799, Erica’s condition isn’t diagnosed, but the descriptions of her actions, feelings and the way she thinks and talks about herself make it very obvious to someone with ADHD exactly what the author was describing.
The hero is a duke who didn’t expect to be; Tristan was more than happy serving his country as a major in the army, a spy to be precise, but the untimely deaths of his father and brother mean he’s now Duke of Raynham. Delaying in his journey home, he encounters Erica quite by chance as they both take shelter from a rainstorm, and ends up inviting her to his home because she’s separated from the rest of her party and stranded.
It’s strongly implied that Tristan’s sister Lady Viviane, a precocious 12-year-old, is more than a little on the ADHD side herself, and Erica with her scientific mind is able to relate to Viviane far better than the conventional governesses the girl has been terrorizing with her antics. This alone would probably endear her to Tristan, but he’s a rather OCD type who’s fascinated with Erica’s quick mind and her unconventional approach to, well, just about everything. The fact that she’s a beautiful Irish redhead probably doesn’t hurt, either.
There’s something of a comedy of errors going on as Tristan is playing host to a number of houseguests, including a young lady his brother was supposed to marry, and there’s also suspicion of a traitor in the house who could unmask Tristan as a spy. Unfortunately, Erica’s Irish background puts her squarely in the crosshairs of that investigation, and when Tristan breaches her trust things get very, very awkward.
Erica, however, takes control of the situation admirably. She’s the opposite of passive, refusing to let things happen without her consent, and indeed she’s the one who instigates intimacy with Tristan, leading to a very hot sex scene followed by the two of them proving what a good team they are as they combine to unmask the real traitor.
Susanna Craig writes amazingly well-rounded characters in beautifully researched scenarios, and this book is no exception. Five stars for a story I didn’t want to end.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
February 17, 2019
Not the best book book by this author. Reluctant spy-cum-newly inherited duke returning to his estate for the first time since taking over the title meets Irish botanist accidentally left behind by her family. A fierce storm forces her to take shelter at his home with a bunch of other house guests one of whom is supposed to have traitorous intentions. She raises the duke's suspicion with her curious behaviour and her mysterious journal, which she is highly protective of. She also raises his interest in other ways naturally.
The pace was quite slow and the dialogue not quite lively enough for my taste. I don't really know where her self-flagellation comes from only that it created a convenient opportunity for the author to introduce BDSM into her cherry popping scene, which I found completely unnecessary.
The pace was quite slow and the dialogue not quite lively enough for my taste. I don't really know where her self-flagellation comes from only that it created a convenient opportunity for the author to introduce BDSM into her cherry popping scene, which I found completely unnecessary.
December 6, 2018
I always get very excited whenever there is a new Susanna Craig book, and this beauty doesn’t not disappoint. Yet, again Ms Craig has created another stunning, compelling, engaging and beautifully written book. This is book two in the Rogues and Rebels series, the first was brilliant and this even more so. Craig again brings together two completely different individuals; this time it is a beautiful Irish botanist and a brooding military intelligence officer, which I can tell you make for a captivating love story.
While on her way with her sister and brother-in-law to their estate they stop at a coaching inn only for Erica to be accidentally left standing by the side of the road with nothing but her journal in hand. The only reason she went back into the inn in the first place was to retrieve her precious journal, which is full of pictures and notes for her work as a botanist. Once she realise that she has been left and as she can’t go back inside the inn due to her thumping one of it’s customers, she begins the long walk to her sisters estate. Can you see where this is going? Yep, the rain starts lashing down and when she comes across what she thinks is a deserted little cottage she rakes shelter, only to come face to face with another who is taking shelter in the cottage.
Major Tristan Laurens is on his way home to take on his responsibilities as he has just inherited the Dukedom of Raynham after the death of his father and brother in an accident, when he is caught in the sudden down pour he takes shelter in a cottage, only for an immensely beautiful woman to barge in. Tristan has been given the mission to seek out and bring to justice a spy who wanting to steal Military secrets. He has been informed that this spy will be carrying a journal, so obviously when he learns of Erica’s journal which she protects with her life he is instantly suspicious.
Because of his suspicions Tristen insists that he get to know the real Erica, which turns into some brilliant scenes between the two. What I particularly love about these two is that they have proper conversations, which is a little harder for Erica as she has a wild imagination, constant flurry of thoughts and ideas which move from one subject to another at the speed of light and that makes for some genuinely funny moments for her as she confuses herself and forgets her own train of thought – which is very easily done, believe me.
They are two wonderful individuals, at first I would never have put the two of them together as they are so different but they do find a common ground and the atmosphere crackles and sizzles around them, not just in sexual tension but in suspicion, in distrust and in confusion.
Tristan is a decent man, he is smart, loyal, deeply patriotic, brooding – who doesn’t love a brooding military man? 😉 he is a soldier first and foremost, he never wanted or expected to be the Duke, his life was set out for him but on the death of his father and brother he has no choice but to take on the responsibility and that is one thing that Tristan never does, he will always do his duty.
Intriguing, compelling, romantic, intelligent and fun, it has the best twisty story line that will keep you hooked and rapidly turning the pages. The writing is as ever brilliant, I love Ms Craig’s style she takes what is essentially a very tried and tested plot and takes it to a whole new level with her beautiful way with words and imagination. The story is an edge of your seat, romantic suspense at it’s best, it’s rich in detail with fabulous characters.
A brilliant second book in what is a fantastic series, and one that is highly recommended. Even though this is apart of a series you can very easily read it as a stand-a-lone. I would definitely read the first one though as there is a continuing story that is apart of the back ground of the Burke family.
This was an Arc from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, Thank you Susanna.
While on her way with her sister and brother-in-law to their estate they stop at a coaching inn only for Erica to be accidentally left standing by the side of the road with nothing but her journal in hand. The only reason she went back into the inn in the first place was to retrieve her precious journal, which is full of pictures and notes for her work as a botanist. Once she realise that she has been left and as she can’t go back inside the inn due to her thumping one of it’s customers, she begins the long walk to her sisters estate. Can you see where this is going? Yep, the rain starts lashing down and when she comes across what she thinks is a deserted little cottage she rakes shelter, only to come face to face with another who is taking shelter in the cottage.
Major Tristan Laurens is on his way home to take on his responsibilities as he has just inherited the Dukedom of Raynham after the death of his father and brother in an accident, when he is caught in the sudden down pour he takes shelter in a cottage, only for an immensely beautiful woman to barge in. Tristan has been given the mission to seek out and bring to justice a spy who wanting to steal Military secrets. He has been informed that this spy will be carrying a journal, so obviously when he learns of Erica’s journal which she protects with her life he is instantly suspicious.
Because of his suspicions Tristen insists that he get to know the real Erica, which turns into some brilliant scenes between the two. What I particularly love about these two is that they have proper conversations, which is a little harder for Erica as she has a wild imagination, constant flurry of thoughts and ideas which move from one subject to another at the speed of light and that makes for some genuinely funny moments for her as she confuses herself and forgets her own train of thought – which is very easily done, believe me.
They are two wonderful individuals, at first I would never have put the two of them together as they are so different but they do find a common ground and the atmosphere crackles and sizzles around them, not just in sexual tension but in suspicion, in distrust and in confusion.
Tristan is a decent man, he is smart, loyal, deeply patriotic, brooding – who doesn’t love a brooding military man? 😉 he is a soldier first and foremost, he never wanted or expected to be the Duke, his life was set out for him but on the death of his father and brother he has no choice but to take on the responsibility and that is one thing that Tristan never does, he will always do his duty.
Intriguing, compelling, romantic, intelligent and fun, it has the best twisty story line that will keep you hooked and rapidly turning the pages. The writing is as ever brilliant, I love Ms Craig’s style she takes what is essentially a very tried and tested plot and takes it to a whole new level with her beautiful way with words and imagination. The story is an edge of your seat, romantic suspense at it’s best, it’s rich in detail with fabulous characters.
A brilliant second book in what is a fantastic series, and one that is highly recommended. Even though this is apart of a series you can very easily read it as a stand-a-lone. I would definitely read the first one though as there is a continuing story that is apart of the back ground of the Burke family.
This was an Arc from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, Thank you Susanna.
December 18, 2018
The Duke's Suspicion by Susanna Craig is book Two in the Rogues and Rebels series. This is the story of Tristan Laurens, the Duke of Rayhnam and Erica Burke. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Erica dream is to be a botanist and travel to far off locations for her research. But she hasn't made it to far yet. Tristan is a war hero who has inherited a title that he didn't want but trying to settle things he up her learns that some information has been leaked about a mission he is on. Tristan is out to find that person and he thinks Erica is a good place to start.
This was a joy to read.
Erica dream is to be a botanist and travel to far off locations for her research. But she hasn't made it to far yet. Tristan is a war hero who has inherited a title that he didn't want but trying to settle things he up her learns that some information has been leaked about a mission he is on. Tristan is out to find that person and he thinks Erica is a good place to start.
This was a joy to read.
December 18, 2018
This was a highly charged story with fantastic, compelling characters that held me spellbound until the last page. Erica, a lovely Irish botanist, was traveling with her sister and brother law to their estate in England. in her absent mindedness, she realized she left her beloved journal containing her botany studies, inside the Inn. Turning from the coach and going back to get it, she wound up being left. So she set off on foot for the long walk to her sister's estate.
But as often happens, it started pouring rain and she took shelter in a deserted cabin on her way. Major Tristan Laurens, an intelligence officer, was on the way to his estate to straighten out his affairs, haven recently inherited a dukedom. He had taken shelter as well and was surprised when beautiful Erica barged in!
This is when everything starts to get interesting! Tristan is has been given instructions to find a spy who has been stealing military secrets and that carries around a journal! Could it be that easy? She carries a journal that she is guarding with her life!
These two were really a pair! A brooding Duke and an almost scatterbrain lady ( really due to her intelligence!) bring humor to the story as well as a almost palatable spark alighting between them!
This tale had a little of all that a romance should. A mystery, intrigue, humor and of course a budding romance. This is the first book I have read by this author and I truly cannot wait to read more. Her prose is delightful and the plot and detail shows her imagination is amazing. I have not read the first book in this series so this can be read as a standalone, but I hope to remedy that post haste!
But as often happens, it started pouring rain and she took shelter in a deserted cabin on her way. Major Tristan Laurens, an intelligence officer, was on the way to his estate to straighten out his affairs, haven recently inherited a dukedom. He had taken shelter as well and was surprised when beautiful Erica barged in!
This is when everything starts to get interesting! Tristan is has been given instructions to find a spy who has been stealing military secrets and that carries around a journal! Could it be that easy? She carries a journal that she is guarding with her life!
These two were really a pair! A brooding Duke and an almost scatterbrain lady ( really due to her intelligence!) bring humor to the story as well as a almost palatable spark alighting between them!
This tale had a little of all that a romance should. A mystery, intrigue, humor and of course a budding romance. This is the first book I have read by this author and I truly cannot wait to read more. Her prose is delightful and the plot and detail shows her imagination is amazing. I have not read the first book in this series so this can be read as a standalone, but I hope to remedy that post haste!
December 17, 2018
After reading the first book in the series - A Companion's Secret and absolutely loving it, I couldn't wait to read this installment of the Rogues and Rebels series. This book features Cami's younger sister Erica Burke, an aspiring botanist and Major Tristin Laurens, the new Duke of Raynham.
Erica is traveling with Cami and her new husband on their wedding trip, Erica left Ireland after the failed rebellion that killed her betrothed and came to England to start anew. She is studying the flora she has seen and tracking her findings in her journal. Her most prized possession. But when she enters the carriage after a quick stop at an inn, she realizes she left the book in the dining room. Without a word to anyone, she races back into the inn and gets her journal - when she returns to the yard, she learns that they left without her. She sets out on foot and is caught in a storm, she manages to make her way to an abandoned cottage - but it isn't really abandoned, Tristian is there waiting out the storm.
Tristian never imagined he would be the duke, his life is in the military and he works covertly collecting information (AKA a spy). He has delayed returning home as long as he can and now he is mere miles from his home, he could have pushed on but he needed a little more time before facing his new life - one he doesn't plan on keeping, he wants to return to his work in France as soon as possible. When Erica bursts in the cottage, he is surprised and a little suspicious, but he offers to help her reunite with her sister. The next morning, they walk to his home, she is shocked to learn he is a duke. His stepmother, is gracious and kind to Erica, especially when she learns that she will have to stay for awhile, the bridge has been washed out. But Erica is not the only guest, several local gentry have been visiting to welcome Tristian home, including his late brother's assumed bride (they were never formally betrothed).
Tristian gets several shocks, first he learns that the Pilkington's expect him to marry Caroline in his brother's place and then he learns from his friend Capt. David Whitby that there might be a spy in their midst, as several rumors concerning Tristian have been circulating.
Whitby plants a seed in Tristian's mind that Erica might actually be a spy and he becomes obsessed with finding out what is in her journal. When he is caught trying to take it in the middle of the night, he proposes. She of course declines, but wants to know why he wanted it. When Whitby confronts her, she decides it is time to set things straight with Tristian and catch the real spy.
I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as I did the first book. Erica was flighty, immature and impetuous, the author did try and explain her actions and personality to the reader, but for me, it wasn't enough and I really never warmed up to her. I also never really "felt" a connection between Erica and Tristian, when Erica reveals to herself that she loved him, I was surprised and when he thinks the same, I couldn't believe it - I have no idea when or more importantly why they fell in love, it seemed completely random and out of the blue. The writing was good, the mystery of the spy was interesting and surprising and the love scenes were steamy, but the romance fell completely flat for me. This book is the second in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Erica is traveling with Cami and her new husband on their wedding trip, Erica left Ireland after the failed rebellion that killed her betrothed and came to England to start anew. She is studying the flora she has seen and tracking her findings in her journal. Her most prized possession. But when she enters the carriage after a quick stop at an inn, she realizes she left the book in the dining room. Without a word to anyone, she races back into the inn and gets her journal - when she returns to the yard, she learns that they left without her. She sets out on foot and is caught in a storm, she manages to make her way to an abandoned cottage - but it isn't really abandoned, Tristian is there waiting out the storm.
Tristian never imagined he would be the duke, his life is in the military and he works covertly collecting information (AKA a spy). He has delayed returning home as long as he can and now he is mere miles from his home, he could have pushed on but he needed a little more time before facing his new life - one he doesn't plan on keeping, he wants to return to his work in France as soon as possible. When Erica bursts in the cottage, he is surprised and a little suspicious, but he offers to help her reunite with her sister. The next morning, they walk to his home, she is shocked to learn he is a duke. His stepmother, is gracious and kind to Erica, especially when she learns that she will have to stay for awhile, the bridge has been washed out. But Erica is not the only guest, several local gentry have been visiting to welcome Tristian home, including his late brother's assumed bride (they were never formally betrothed).
Tristian gets several shocks, first he learns that the Pilkington's expect him to marry Caroline in his brother's place and then he learns from his friend Capt. David Whitby that there might be a spy in their midst, as several rumors concerning Tristian have been circulating.
Whitby plants a seed in Tristian's mind that Erica might actually be a spy and he becomes obsessed with finding out what is in her journal. When he is caught trying to take it in the middle of the night, he proposes. She of course declines, but wants to know why he wanted it. When Whitby confronts her, she decides it is time to set things straight with Tristian and catch the real spy.
I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as I did the first book. Erica was flighty, immature and impetuous, the author did try and explain her actions and personality to the reader, but for me, it wasn't enough and I really never warmed up to her. I also never really "felt" a connection between Erica and Tristian, when Erica reveals to herself that she loved him, I was surprised and when he thinks the same, I couldn't believe it - I have no idea when or more importantly why they fell in love, it seemed completely random and out of the blue. The writing was good, the mystery of the spy was interesting and surprising and the love scenes were steamy, but the romance fell completely flat for me. This book is the second in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
December 19, 2018
A second son, Tristan Laurens neither expected nor wanted to become the Duke of Raynham, instead finding both his purpose and joy in service to his country as a Major in the English Army. It's a life that fits his need for control and order well. He's reluctantly returning home to put the dukedom in capable hands then plans to return to his duties in France.
The younger sister of Irish rebels, Erica Burke dreams of having the freedom to become a respected botanist. As someone who lives with what today would be known as ADHD, order and control are concepts with which she struggles and becoming entangled with a reluctant duke was never in her plans. But fate has other plans for both of them.
I adored these two. They pulled me into their world from the beginning pages, securing my interest and my emotions. I love that Craig allows the story - and the characters - to slowly unfold, giving readers the opportunity to experience the journey, as well as the evolution of the characters, through their actions. She excels at show, not tell, and with Erica, in particular, showing was critical to give readers the opportunity to fully understand - and appreciate - this atypical character. She's one of my favorite heroines I've read this year. Tristan has hurdles to overcome as well. I enjoyed his growth over the course of the book. I especially appreciated how he supports and encourages Erica, even when he isn't sure if she's actually an Irish spy. The surrounding cast is richly portrayed as well, playing pivotal roles in the growing relationship between Tristan and Erica as well as the mystery of a possible spy in their midst. Craig kept me guessing on that end right up until the reveal.
A new Susanna Craig novel is always cause for excitement with this romance-loving reader. Her historical detail, wonderful characters, created with depth and complexity, and the journeys upon which she guides them never fail to engage both my mind and my heart.
4.5 stars
The younger sister of Irish rebels, Erica Burke dreams of having the freedom to become a respected botanist. As someone who lives with what today would be known as ADHD, order and control are concepts with which she struggles and becoming entangled with a reluctant duke was never in her plans. But fate has other plans for both of them.
I adored these two. They pulled me into their world from the beginning pages, securing my interest and my emotions. I love that Craig allows the story - and the characters - to slowly unfold, giving readers the opportunity to experience the journey, as well as the evolution of the characters, through their actions. She excels at show, not tell, and with Erica, in particular, showing was critical to give readers the opportunity to fully understand - and appreciate - this atypical character. She's one of my favorite heroines I've read this year. Tristan has hurdles to overcome as well. I enjoyed his growth over the course of the book. I especially appreciated how he supports and encourages Erica, even when he isn't sure if she's actually an Irish spy. The surrounding cast is richly portrayed as well, playing pivotal roles in the growing relationship between Tristan and Erica as well as the mystery of a possible spy in their midst. Craig kept me guessing on that end right up until the reveal.
A new Susanna Craig novel is always cause for excitement with this romance-loving reader. Her historical detail, wonderful characters, created with depth and complexity, and the journeys upon which she guides them never fail to engage both my mind and my heart.
4.5 stars
December 14, 2018
Botanist Erica Burke dreams of travel somewhere she won’t be scorned for her scientific interests. Instead, a storm strands her with cool and commanding Major Tristan Laurens who's now the Duke of Raynham after his father & brother Percy died in an accident.
Tristan is torn between his duties as an intelligence officer and his responsibilities as a duke. A brief return to England to set his affairs in order is extended by bad weather and worse news someone is after the military secrets he keeps. He needs to see Erica's journal, which she closely guards. Erica guards her journal as fiercely as she guards her heart, fearing to reveal a side of herself a man like Tristan could never understand.
This is the second book in the series but it could be read on its own. I’m always excited when the author has a new book because they are well written with lovely characters & with a story that’s well paced & riveting, I've read all of her books & I've not been disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Tristan & Erica are delightful, they are attracted to each other from their first meeting in the cottage but secrets, misunderstandings & complications threaten to derail their budding romance. I look forward to more in the series by this relatively new but an author who is on my must read list.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Tristan is torn between his duties as an intelligence officer and his responsibilities as a duke. A brief return to England to set his affairs in order is extended by bad weather and worse news someone is after the military secrets he keeps. He needs to see Erica's journal, which she closely guards. Erica guards her journal as fiercely as she guards her heart, fearing to reveal a side of herself a man like Tristan could never understand.
This is the second book in the series but it could be read on its own. I’m always excited when the author has a new book because they are well written with lovely characters & with a story that’s well paced & riveting, I've read all of her books & I've not been disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Tristan & Erica are delightful, they are attracted to each other from their first meeting in the cottage but secrets, misunderstandings & complications threaten to derail their budding romance. I look forward to more in the series by this relatively new but an author who is on my must read list.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 24, 2018
Major Tristan Laurens, The Duke of Raynham has just returned from duty when an Irish beauty named Erica Burke quite literally stumbles across his path during a storm. Laurens is an intelligence officer and he has been told that someone close to him is leaking secrets. When he takes the Irish beauty to his home for her protection, he wonders if she is the breach. Could she be a spy?
I enjoyed this book but wished for a few things. Because of his distrust, Tristan doesn’t really seem all that attracted to Erica. There are a few sex scenes. The first one felt a bit off sense I just didn’t get the feeling that Tristan really wanted Erica. He has spent so much time suspicious of her that the sex seemed unlikely.
I did like Erica’s character. She is a botanist and has a raw passion for learning.
This is book 2 in a series and it can be read as a stand alone; however, reading book 1 will only help deepen the story.
I enjoyed this book but wished for a few things. Because of his distrust, Tristan doesn’t really seem all that attracted to Erica. There are a few sex scenes. The first one felt a bit off sense I just didn’t get the feeling that Tristan really wanted Erica. He has spent so much time suspicious of her that the sex seemed unlikely.
I did like Erica’s character. She is a botanist and has a raw passion for learning.
This is book 2 in a series and it can be read as a stand alone; however, reading book 1 will only help deepen the story.
January 30, 2019
The Duke’s Suspicion by Susanna Craig is the second book in the Rogues and Rebels series. I have not read the first one but this book can definitely be read as a stand-alone. The characters didn’t seem consistent with who they were. It was interesting trying to guess what they would say or do next. I couldn’t connect with them completely because of that but with that said I did like them very much. They had strong personalities, they stood out, they were intriguing and they were very likeable. The storyline... again it was interesting but it bounced around a lot. For the most part, it was fun and enjoyable. I really enjoyed the writing, the author certainly has a way with words. This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I’ll read more for sure!
June 24, 2020
This story moved at a great pace and the romance was very entertaining. The teaser sold me on the next book in this series. A good read.
February 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this one! We get romance, some intrigue, decent conversations. Our heroine, Erica, is always struggling to keep up with her racing thoughts and as such, can be rather spacey and forgetful. This forgetfulness leads to her being left behind by her sister and brother-in-law and sees her riding out a week-long rainstorm, stranded by flooding, in the home of a duke. Said duke, Tristan, because of something his friend said, is suspicious that Erica, who is Irish, could be a spy working against Britain, and military man Tristan cannot allow that. In the process of his attempting to determine whether or not she is in fact a spy, Tristan spends a good deal of time with Erica and the two really get to know each other, quickly, but not so quickly that I would deem it to be instalove, and work together to determine the identity of the real spy.
This was a quick read and I really enjoyed it and would recommend it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
This was a quick read and I really enjoyed it and would recommend it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
December 6, 2018
I've been looking for to Erica's story since meeting her in The Companion's Secret, and it did not disappoint! Erica is a refreshingly different heroine, and Tristan was strong and confident, and loving and accepting of Erica when he comes to know and understand her. Susanna's writing is lovely, and it's impossible not to be swept-up in her storytelling!
October 11, 2018
An English war hero coming home to settle estate affairs rescues a stranded Irish woman studying the local plants - or is she a spy? What exactly is in the journal she keeps by her side? Good read.
August 20, 2019
Not terribly memorable, with not-terribly believable or real characters. The writing was fine, but didn't really grab me.
November 8, 2021
gdje je nestala ljubav i frcanje iskara između vojvodi i skitnica? jer ja se sjećam knjiga u kojima su te iskre i vise nego postojane.
December 30, 2018
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-Qw and Buried Under Romance (Bonnie):
Major Tristan Laurens finds his career as an intelligence officer in the military fulfilling and rewarding. As the spare, he never expected or wanted to inherit the title of Duke of Raynham, but when his brother dies, that’s exactly what happens. As he reluctantly returns home, he stops to stay at the old gardener’s cottage on the property, trying to delay the inevitable for as long as possible. A fierce rainstorm finds a soaked and bedraggled young lady seeking shelter in the same cottage.
Erica Burke was traveling with her newlywed sister, when she managed to get left behind at an inn after a stop during their journey. Not knowing what else to do, Erica trudges along on foot, when a torrential rain causes her to seek shelter in the first place she sees, which turns out to be the cottage where Tristan is staying. When they are able to leave, he takes her to his home, intending to notify her relatives of her location. The bad weather, however, has washed out the roads, making travel impossible. In fact, his stepmother has been hosting a party, and none of the guests are able to leave.
Tristan has been made aware that some confidential information about his activities has leaked out, and it’s suspected that someone in his household or circle may be a traitor. He’s naturally suspicious of the young Irish lady who unexpectedly shows up, and acts very oddly. Also in the house is his best friend, David, who’s also an agent, his deceased brother’s fiancée, Caroline, and her parents, who seem determined that he assume his brother’s betrothal. No one is above suspicion, and Tristan wants to ferret out the informant as soon as possible so that his secret activities aren’t compromised. He still holds out hope that he can continue as an agent while holding a title.
Erica is genuinely an odd duck, seeming not to fit in anywhere. Her passion is botany, and her dream is to travel the world and sketch plants, something unheard of for a woman. Her mind wanders, she’s disordered, impulsive, and jumpy. She maintains a journal, which is constantly in her possession. In it, she includes her drawings as well as things that have happened to her. She has developed and uses her own code for her writings. I understand how important this journal is to her, but I found her reactions when others touched the journal to be really over the top. She forgets everyday things, even sometimes to eat. This made me suspect she had a mild attention disorder, though she had the ability to remain focused on her drawings for hours. I admit to not warming up to her right away, but I became more sympathetic when I became aware of her feelings of uselessness, unworthiness and not fitting in anywhere. Her passionate feelings for the duke take her by surprise, and she’s quite adamant that she doesn’t have what it takes to be a duchess.
Tristan is the polar opposite of Erica. He’s focused, organized, and controlled, but he feels a longing for Erica that goes beyond anything he’s felt before. He tries his best to be the gentleman, but the passion that springs up between him and Erica is strong enough to overrule his good intentions. It turns out that his ordered and controlling nature is just what Erica needs, while she adds unpredictability and excitement to his life. I love Tristan’s acceptance of all of Erica, and how he had no desire to change her, or to care what anyone else thought. His protectiveness and love for Erica finally left her feeling that she truly belonged somewhere, and made for a fantastic romance. Tristan didn’t want to be a duke any more that Erica wants to be a duchess, but what they do want is to be together. I greatly enjoyed reading THE DUKE’S SUSPICION, which had a bit of intrigue to go along with two lost characters who find all the love and acceptance they need in each other.
Major Tristan Laurens finds his career as an intelligence officer in the military fulfilling and rewarding. As the spare, he never expected or wanted to inherit the title of Duke of Raynham, but when his brother dies, that’s exactly what happens. As he reluctantly returns home, he stops to stay at the old gardener’s cottage on the property, trying to delay the inevitable for as long as possible. A fierce rainstorm finds a soaked and bedraggled young lady seeking shelter in the same cottage.
Erica Burke was traveling with her newlywed sister, when she managed to get left behind at an inn after a stop during their journey. Not knowing what else to do, Erica trudges along on foot, when a torrential rain causes her to seek shelter in the first place she sees, which turns out to be the cottage where Tristan is staying. When they are able to leave, he takes her to his home, intending to notify her relatives of her location. The bad weather, however, has washed out the roads, making travel impossible. In fact, his stepmother has been hosting a party, and none of the guests are able to leave.
Tristan has been made aware that some confidential information about his activities has leaked out, and it’s suspected that someone in his household or circle may be a traitor. He’s naturally suspicious of the young Irish lady who unexpectedly shows up, and acts very oddly. Also in the house is his best friend, David, who’s also an agent, his deceased brother’s fiancée, Caroline, and her parents, who seem determined that he assume his brother’s betrothal. No one is above suspicion, and Tristan wants to ferret out the informant as soon as possible so that his secret activities aren’t compromised. He still holds out hope that he can continue as an agent while holding a title.
Erica is genuinely an odd duck, seeming not to fit in anywhere. Her passion is botany, and her dream is to travel the world and sketch plants, something unheard of for a woman. Her mind wanders, she’s disordered, impulsive, and jumpy. She maintains a journal, which is constantly in her possession. In it, she includes her drawings as well as things that have happened to her. She has developed and uses her own code for her writings. I understand how important this journal is to her, but I found her reactions when others touched the journal to be really over the top. She forgets everyday things, even sometimes to eat. This made me suspect she had a mild attention disorder, though she had the ability to remain focused on her drawings for hours. I admit to not warming up to her right away, but I became more sympathetic when I became aware of her feelings of uselessness, unworthiness and not fitting in anywhere. Her passionate feelings for the duke take her by surprise, and she’s quite adamant that she doesn’t have what it takes to be a duchess.
Tristan is the polar opposite of Erica. He’s focused, organized, and controlled, but he feels a longing for Erica that goes beyond anything he’s felt before. He tries his best to be the gentleman, but the passion that springs up between him and Erica is strong enough to overrule his good intentions. It turns out that his ordered and controlling nature is just what Erica needs, while she adds unpredictability and excitement to his life. I love Tristan’s acceptance of all of Erica, and how he had no desire to change her, or to care what anyone else thought. His protectiveness and love for Erica finally left her feeling that she truly belonged somewhere, and made for a fantastic romance. Tristan didn’t want to be a duke any more that Erica wants to be a duchess, but what they do want is to be together. I greatly enjoyed reading THE DUKE’S SUSPICION, which had a bit of intrigue to go along with two lost characters who find all the love and acceptance they need in each other.
January 16, 2023
Heroine: Erica Burke, 23. An Irish amateur botanist.
Hero: Major Lord Tristan Laurens, 27. Duke of Raynham. A British intelligence officer who has unexpectedly inherited his title.
Date: unknown
How they meet: Erica accompanied her sister on her honeymoon, as convention dictated. The group was traveling in two coaches when Erica inadvertently gets left behind at a stop when she goes back inside to retrieve her journal. She starts walking, then it starts raining hard, so she seeks shelter in what appears to be an abandoned cottage only to find Tristan has also sought shelter there.
What happens: Tristan tells her he will personally see to it that she gets reunited with her traveling party. The storm does not let up and they are forced to spend the night. The next morning reveals widespread flooding that will make the roads impassable. He tells her his house is not far away, and she agrees to go once assured his stepmother and sister are there to chaperone. Upon arriving at the house they find his stepmother has invited a number of guests to welcome him home, among them his recently deceased brother’s intended fiancée whose father hopes Tristan will marry. Later they learn that a major bridge has washed out and that Erica won’t be able to reunite with her sister for some time, especially since the rains are not letting up.
Verdict: The romance aspect of this book moved very slowly. The hero always keeps his emotions in check and so comes across as a bit cold, and due to his position in the military is used to being in control. In comparison, the heroine is a bit of a scatterbrain, although is not unintelligent and is capable of being tremendously focused when it comes to her botanical studies. They make an interesting pairing. The mystery of the potential spy in their midst doesn’t really gain momentum until near the end of the book, and the outcome is not entirely predictable. The romance isn’t super sweet, nor is it lust-driven. It is more of a slow realization that they might make a good pair, even though the heroine doesn’t see herself as duchess material. There is a bit of tie-in with the previous book in the series, but I think it would read fine as a standalone.
Steam-level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 3 stars
Hero: Major Lord Tristan Laurens, 27. Duke of Raynham. A British intelligence officer who has unexpectedly inherited his title.
Date: unknown
How they meet: Erica accompanied her sister on her honeymoon, as convention dictated. The group was traveling in two coaches when Erica inadvertently gets left behind at a stop when she goes back inside to retrieve her journal. She starts walking, then it starts raining hard, so she seeks shelter in what appears to be an abandoned cottage only to find Tristan has also sought shelter there.
What happens: Tristan tells her he will personally see to it that she gets reunited with her traveling party. The storm does not let up and they are forced to spend the night. The next morning reveals widespread flooding that will make the roads impassable. He tells her his house is not far away, and she agrees to go once assured his stepmother and sister are there to chaperone. Upon arriving at the house they find his stepmother has invited a number of guests to welcome him home, among them his recently deceased brother’s intended fiancée whose father hopes Tristan will marry. Later they learn that a major bridge has washed out and that Erica won’t be able to reunite with her sister for some time, especially since the rains are not letting up.
Verdict: The romance aspect of this book moved very slowly. The hero always keeps his emotions in check and so comes across as a bit cold, and due to his position in the military is used to being in control. In comparison, the heroine is a bit of a scatterbrain, although is not unintelligent and is capable of being tremendously focused when it comes to her botanical studies. They make an interesting pairing. The mystery of the potential spy in their midst doesn’t really gain momentum until near the end of the book, and the outcome is not entirely predictable. The romance isn’t super sweet, nor is it lust-driven. It is more of a slow realization that they might make a good pair, even though the heroine doesn’t see herself as duchess material. There is a bit of tie-in with the previous book in the series, but I think it would read fine as a standalone.
Steam-level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 3 stars
November 30, 2018
Combining a botanist heroine with a military hero, The Duke's Suspicion tests historical boundaries and comes out looking like a million dollars! I loved the unique characters, the unpredictable plot, and the engaging setting. There is very little not to like about this book, and if you must pick one thing, then perhaps you can say you don't like how accurate this book appears to be - I know a lot of people would prefer a book that glosses over the facts. However, though I'm not a historian, I loved how the Irish and British conflict was portrayed, and the author never brushed aside the fact that Erica was a very different sort of female from the usual during that time. I never found myself bored, and I was eagerly reading the excerpt for the next book in the series.
Erica Burke's journal is her life, so when she accidentally leaves it at an inn, she abandons the safety of her sister's companionship to retrieve it. In doing so, she becomes separated from the traveling party and takes refuge in what appears to be an abandoned cottage...except it's already occupied by a stern figure of a man who immediately takes control to keep them both safe. Introducing himself as simply Tristan Laurens, they travel to his home for shelter, and upon arrival, Erica discovers he's more than a mere mister - he's a duke! Stranded in his home along with many other guests, they grow closer, even as suspicion over Erica's Irish heritage makes her the prime suspect for being a spy.
Erica was one of the most inspiring characters I have read about this year! I loved her tenacity in pursuing her dream of botany, even though everyone thought it unsuitable for a woman during that time. She didn't much care what other people thought, and she held her own well among the society elites. I also loved the way she handled Viviane (Tristan's sister) and her governess, considering there were many opportunities for her to become frustrated. Tristan was another character I greatly enjoyed! He hardly batted an eye at Erica's botany ambitions, and he even sought ways for her to continue studying while she was at his home. He didn't belittle her, stood up for her among his peers, and generally served as a worthy friend. I loved when they became closer, because this just made their suitability more apparent.
I absolutely cannot wait until the next book! It will follow Erica's brother, and I'm sure it will be entertaining as this one was.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
Erica Burke's journal is her life, so when she accidentally leaves it at an inn, she abandons the safety of her sister's companionship to retrieve it. In doing so, she becomes separated from the traveling party and takes refuge in what appears to be an abandoned cottage...except it's already occupied by a stern figure of a man who immediately takes control to keep them both safe. Introducing himself as simply Tristan Laurens, they travel to his home for shelter, and upon arrival, Erica discovers he's more than a mere mister - he's a duke! Stranded in his home along with many other guests, they grow closer, even as suspicion over Erica's Irish heritage makes her the prime suspect for being a spy.
Erica was one of the most inspiring characters I have read about this year! I loved her tenacity in pursuing her dream of botany, even though everyone thought it unsuitable for a woman during that time. She didn't much care what other people thought, and she held her own well among the society elites. I also loved the way she handled Viviane (Tristan's sister) and her governess, considering there were many opportunities for her to become frustrated. Tristan was another character I greatly enjoyed! He hardly batted an eye at Erica's botany ambitions, and he even sought ways for her to continue studying while she was at his home. He didn't belittle her, stood up for her among his peers, and generally served as a worthy friend. I loved when they became closer, because this just made their suitability more apparent.
I absolutely cannot wait until the next book! It will follow Erica's brother, and I'm sure it will be entertaining as this one was.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
October 2, 2018
Erica Burke was accidentally left behind at an inn when her sister and new brother in law were on their way to their estate. She went back into the inn to retrieve her journal. It is precious to her because it has pictures and notes on plants and flowers as she is a botanist. When she realizes that she has been left, she starts walking toward their house. It is raining and she sees a deserted cottage where she takes refuge. She goes in thinking she is alone but there is someone there. Major Lord Tristan Laurens has take refuge as well although he lives only a few miles from his house. The next morning, Erica wants to start walking again but it is muddy and has been flooding. She goes to Lord Tristan's house until the weather has cleared and she can leave. He is home to take over as the Duke of Raynham, after his father and brother died in an accident. It's something he has never wanted. Working for the Crown as an agent who deals with spies is what he wants. The Irish Rebellion is still going on and there are spies and traitors everywhere. Could Erica be one? Her family are part of the United Irishmen who participated in the uprising. What is in the journal that she keeps so close to her?There is great attraction between Erica and Lord Tristan, but can be trust her? Tristan gets word that there is a spy in their midst. Since his stepmother is giving a house party, there are many suspects. Setting a trap may be the best way of determining who it may be. Will it be Erica or someone closer? I really liked this book. It is a story of two people looking for where they belong and find each other. The chemistry between them is great and I loved the storyline. It received this book from Net Galley and Kensington Books for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.The opinions are my own.
December 17, 2018
An enjoyable, if rather predictable, romance! I liked the heroine, Erica, a lot - it's so great to see female characters who are interested in scientific research. Here, Erica is a botanist (as was somewhat predetermined by her name), and her passion for her subject makes her far more interesting than a normal heroine. It made me laugh that she had invented a sort of proto bullet-journal! I wasn't quite as taken by Tristan, the hero, as I found him a little bit vague and aloof, and thought he could have been drawn a little more sharply. The male lead needs a little more personality than 'used to be a soldier' for me to fall for him
I really liked Erica, and the romance aspect was perfectly well done, but one thing didn't quite click for me, and that was the find-the-spy subplot (the 'suspicion' of the title). Given that we started with Erica's viewpoint, Tristan's concern over her being the spy seemed a little repetitive - surely if she had been doing anything suspicious, the reader would have been aware of it. This tension, therefore, wasn't quite as high-stakes as it seemed. If this was intended to be something of the 'mystery at a houseparty' genre, then we didn't spend nearly enough time with the other guests to make the reveal exciting. I felt like shrugging, 'oh, it was that person,' and then just getting back to the main romance plot.
Overall, though, this is a sweet and fluffy read with an interesting heroine. My three stars is 'I liked it' - not a negative.
I really liked Erica, and the romance aspect was perfectly well done, but one thing didn't quite click for me, and that was the find-the-spy subplot (the 'suspicion' of the title). Given that we started with Erica's viewpoint, Tristan's concern over her being the spy seemed a little repetitive - surely if she had been doing anything suspicious, the reader would have been aware of it. This tension, therefore, wasn't quite as high-stakes as it seemed. If this was intended to be something of the 'mystery at a houseparty' genre, then we didn't spend nearly enough time with the other guests to make the reveal exciting. I felt like shrugging, 'oh, it was that person,' and then just getting back to the main romance plot.
Overall, though, this is a sweet and fluffy read with an interesting heroine. My three stars is 'I liked it' - not a negative.
January 5, 2019
The second story in the Rogues and Rebels Series tells the story of Erica, the second daughter of the Irish Burke family. Erica is a woman of intellect and a restless energy that has hindered her in the past. A botanist, she relies on her journal to help sort the world and keep her ideas, and self, straight. Benefiting from her sister's marriage, Erica becomes lost while traveling with the honeymoon couple. Major Tristan Laurens - the new Duke of Raynham - rescues her from a storm and takes her to his home. Suspicions abound as it becomes clear that someone is trying to steal important documents with Erica as the number one suspect.
Tristan must overcome his suspicion and Erica's doubts in finding a woman who challenges and beguiles him. He is up to the task. Craig continues to offer complex, willful, and intelligent couples who you cannot help but root for their HEA. One lovely note in this work that continues the theme of the first book in the series* is the sense of family and unconventional women who make their own way in the world. This is a great first read if you haven't had the pleasure of a Craig romance, or another delightful addition to her Burke family tales. Enjoy!
*/The Companion's Secret/
Tristan must overcome his suspicion and Erica's doubts in finding a woman who challenges and beguiles him. He is up to the task. Craig continues to offer complex, willful, and intelligent couples who you cannot help but root for their HEA. One lovely note in this work that continues the theme of the first book in the series* is the sense of family and unconventional women who make their own way in the world. This is a great first read if you haven't had the pleasure of a Craig romance, or another delightful addition to her Burke family tales. Enjoy!
*/The Companion's Secret/
October 10, 2018
Susanna Craig does it again! An 18th Century historical romance between an Irish botanist beauty and a British intelligence officer who suspects her of espionage is quite a unique one, and when coupled with Craig’s flair for moving dialogue and fiery tempers flaring, with more than a hint of Trapped Together in a Cabin, it becomes nothing less than compulsively readable. Erica Burke is a heroine not often seen in this genre and the suspense surrounding her soldier beau’s critical secrets is well-played, with several unlooked for twists, making this second book in Craig’s Rogues and Rebels series even better than the first. – Clara Shipman
4 1/2 stars.
This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #3 - October 2018
4 1/2 stars.
This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #3 - October 2018
October 22, 2018
The Duke’s Suspicion is a well-crafted novel that is meant to be savored. The sense of place is fully imagined through the rich details, which helps the reader feel as if they are right there witnessing the story unfold. Character development is delicately balanced between the main characters and supporting characters which helps the reader develop adequate suspicion of various characters without being too distracted by unnecessary details. The strong-willed, unconventional female protagonist was refreshing, and the references to how such women were seen in that time period and how the protagonist struggled internally with those notions was essential in making this novel stand above many others that I have read.
October 31, 2018
I received a free copy from netgalley and exchange for an honest review. The do suspicion tells the story of a Duke that is returning home after his father and elder brother died. On the way home he runs into our main character who has become stranded after her sister and her new brother-in-law forget her on their journey home. The incremental weather forces to do to take her home where his stepmother has decided to throw an impromptu party at his home in honor of his return. Overall the story is very sweet and I do love both the Duke and the relationship between the two of them. I look forward to reading this book and I really enjoyed the relationship and the growth between the two.
December 5, 2018
The story revolves around Erica who becomes separated from her sister and brother-in-law at an inn and later finding herself under the protection of Tristan Laurens, the Duke of Raynham, during s thunderstorm. She is forced to remain at his estate, along with the other guests, until the flood waters recede. The attraction between then grows, increasing when they search for the spy that is currently at his estate. There is a HEA but there is a lot that happens before this comes about. This is a well written book that will keep your attention and one that I would recommend.
December 10, 2018
Erica is a misfit. She enjoys botany more than men, and knows that she will never be a proper lady. Tristan is soldier, and doesn’t want to be sent home to take up the reins of a dukedom that he was never prepared for. Together they manage to smooth off each other’s rough edges and form a very believable and romantic partnership to bring down a spy.
I really enjoyed this Susanna Craig offering, and look forward to more in the Rogues and Rebels series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this Susanna Craig offering, and look forward to more in the Rogues and Rebels series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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