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A Rogue's Kiss #1

Her Perfect Rogue

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In a world of societal constraints and unexpected turns, Julia Honeyfield's life takes a drastic twist. Abandoned by her father and facing dire circumstances, Julia and her mother are left with no choice but to make a desperate decision that leaves Julia entangled in the dark alleys of a London brothel, a place of desperation and shadows.

Amidst the shadows, a chance encounter alters fate…

Julia's path crosses with Charles, the Duke of Selkirk, a man burdened by his own responsibilities and secrets. Unveiling the truth of Julia's predicament, Charles feels an unexplainable connection to her. Driven by a compelling instinct, he becomes her unexpected protector, whisking her away to the tranquil sanctuary of his country estate.

Trusting the unknown, embracing the forbidden…

As Julia navigates the unfamiliar world of aristocracy, guided by Charles and his family, she discovers her own strength and resilience. Charles, drawn to Julia's unassuming charm, finds himself captivated by her presence. Soon, the boundaries of propriety blur as a single mesmerizing night propels them into a whirlwind of passion.

A collision of hearts and a clash of worlds…

Their impulsive choices echo like ripples through their lives, challenging societal norms and risking all they hold dear. As the lines between desire and decorum blur, Julia and Charles must confront the consequences of their undeniable connection. In a Regency era where love is both a beacon and a battleground, they must decide whether to forge a new path together or adhere to the rigid conventions that threaten to tear them apart.

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2018

190 people are currently reading
315 people want to read

About the author

Amanda Mariel

231 books415 followers
Amanda Mariel, an accomplished wordsmith, holds dual master's degrees in liberal arts and education, specializing in the captivating realms of history and literature. Beyond her academic pursuits, she embraces the joyful chaos of motherhood, tending to both her cherished teenagers and her trio of adored fur babies. Among them, a noble Bernese Mountain Dog named Blaze, and two cats of distinct character, Ezra and Puff, share their home.

A USA Today Bestselling luminary, Amanda Mariel conjures vivid tapestries of eras long past, drawing inspiration from the languid cadence of days gone by. With pen poised and imagination unfurled, she traverses the annals of time, weaving tales that illuminate historical landscapes with finesse and flair. Her creative spirit finds respite in reading, traversing new horizons through travel, and capturing moments through the lenses of both her camera and artistic endeavors. Yet, it is in the embrace of family that she finds her truest sanctuary.

To delve deeper into Amanda's captivating world visit www.amandamariel.com. While there, an invitation to join her newsletter promises a gateway to the latest from Amanda Mariel's literary treasury, and an opportunity to claim a complimentary eBook.

Amanda's passion extends to her readers, welcoming their voices and stories into her narrative realm. Engage with her through email at amanda@amandamariel.com, or connect via her social Media channels.

Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorAmandaMarie1
Twitter: twitter.com/AmandaMarieAuth
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/amanda-mariel
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TikTok: tiktok.com/@amandamarielromance

Amidst the prose and parchment, Amanda Mariel etches a profound connection, bridging eras, hearts, and minds, creating a legacy that resonates through the corridors of time.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Cheesecake.
2,800 reviews513 followers
dnf
January 27, 2019
DNF pretty early on. I did try to skip ahead but it was just lame.
There's this part where she is escaping the bordello that makes no logical sense. It reads like a scooby doo escape.
She is running from the madam and her henchmen, and she has been running so far she runs out of breath? That's an awfully long hallway! Than she than grabs a vase to bludgeon a large henchman. All I could think was, why was the guy just conveniently standing there waiting for the small woman carrying a vase, to wack him in the head with it??
Then she gets out of the house, she runs into the H and pleads for his help. The amount of time it took for the back and forth conversation and the bad guys still haven't caught up? Then he swings her into his arms and runs through a crowded sidewalk. Can you picture this? Because I can't. It would be so awkward. How could he outrun them? Why didn't the other pedestrians have to duck her feet?

So you can see why I had a hard time immersing myself in the tale.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,503 reviews218 followers
June 3, 2021
It was very unrealistic story but, that's sometimes what you want in a novella. The problem was that it was boring and not sexy either. Only one sex scene and it lacked passion. There are some who might find the story to be a sweet romance. I might be a little harsh but, for me, I was ready for it to end on pg40.
Profile Image for Anna.
Author 59 books230 followers
July 25, 2018
Enjoyed the book. The beginning reminded me of Reba McIntyre’s song, “Fancy.” I always enjoy Amanda Muriel’s books.
Profile Image for Hannah.
1 review
July 26, 2023
Started out sounding like a rip off from Fancy by Reba McEntire...ended with the most illogical progression of character development and story line.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,004 reviews17 followers
December 29, 2024
I downloaded this book during a Stuff Your Kindle Day and honestly, it’s taken me months to even reach for one of them. And this is why. 😅

I was trying very hard not to judge the cover. And while the writing wasn’t horrible, I’m still here wondering how our two main characters fell in love. I know it’s a novella but the lack of interactions between them didn’t convince me that they were in love with each other.

Also what the fuck with the mom? SENDING HER DAUGHTER TO A BROTHEL?! Literally would never even try to find that woman again.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews131 followers
November 29, 2018
Send to a brothel, Julia Honeyfield runs away at her first opportunity. She runs into the arms of a Duke who helps by letting her be companion to his sister. Julia is determined to learn to be a lady and make the Duke proud for helping her. Can anything come of their attraction? A short novella that was in the Hot Winter Nights Anthology and Unwrapping a Rogue
Profile Image for Rachel.
366 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2020
I liked this book, it is a novella but even so it ended very abruptly for me. I would have liked to see more of the couple’s growth towards each other and perhaps see if the mother was as involved in the matchmaking as I suspect.
29 reviews
Read
June 28, 2018
Great short read. Will be reading more books by this Author.
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews39 followers
August 11, 2018
This is a very quick read. It is moderately paced and the storyline is about a very sweet romance. I know that this is a novella, but I feel that sometimes there was no flowing segue from scene to scene. It felt a little choppy. It also would have been nice to know how old the characters were. From what I gather from the story, Charles was a rakehell and had all kinds of experience. From drinking, excessive gambling and whoring. So, it appears that he was quite a bit older than Julia, who was a young innocent. I can only imagine Julia still in her teenage years. This story points out that Julia was around the same age as Charles' sister, Celia and she was just about to have her come out, her debut to society. Charles had asked Julia to become his sister's companion. I am only guessing they are around the same age. Anyway, other than what I have already written, overall it was a cute, sweet story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather.
439 reviews4 followers
April 22, 2018
Julia Honeyfield and her mother are in dire straights after Julia's father abandoned them. Out of money and sick, Julia's mother does the only thing she can think of to save her daughter. She sends Julia to London to a brothel. When Julia discovers the truth she tries to escape, and runs straight into Charles, the Duke of Selkirk.

This was a quick listen I finished in one sitting. It had just a few steamy scenes that were well written. I really liked both Julia and Charles, and there were two secondary characters I'd like to see again! The narrator did a great job, he read with feeling in his voice and had a realistic female voice. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. It was a great way to spend a few hours. This isn't my first book by this author, and it won't be my last!
Profile Image for SOMDReigel.
1,128 reviews
March 20, 2018
“Your fate is now in your own hands. Make me proud.”
Lovely story from Amanda Mariel of a homeless girl of low birth and a Duke who protects her. He provides shelter and a job as his sister’s companion. She’s determined to repay him by becoming a lady and making him proud. As they become friends, their feelings deepen. He tries to forget her and leaves. Christmastide brings them back together. A quick and fulfilling read.
I originally read and reviewed Her Perfect Rogue as part of the Hot Winter Nights boxset in October 2017.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,197 reviews66 followers
April 14, 2018
When Julia Honeyfield is sent away to a brothel, she runs away...only to find herself in the Duke of Selkirk's arms. Another engrossing short story, no mystery or intrigue just a lovely romance with endearing characters a lowly woman finding love with a Duke. In fact I wanted the story to continue, I was so lost in it. I also read in a sitting
Profile Image for Ginelle Blanch.
932 reviews26 followers
April 25, 2018
This story was sweet and spicy. I only wish it were longer!

She came from nothing, forced into work that she never saw coming.

He has the world at his feet, and a kind heart on top of it. She had no idea how her world would change when she ran into him.

Good story line and likable characters.

The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book122 followers
August 6, 2023
Improbable Regency Melodrama

This is a super quick read or listen, and as such, there is little-to-no room for character or plot development. I was listening to this audiobook as I was sorting through things at my parents’ house, and the very first chapter made me stop short. Seriously, an ill Regency mother is sending her daughter to a brothel in the big city to make her own way in the world? So improbable that I had a hard time getting past it. I liked the hero, a protector type who is determined to help this young woman whom he discovers as she's fleeing from the said brothel. This book actually had potential if it were developed more. I absolutely loved the dowager duchess and how she trained both her daughter and the heroine (whom the hero hired as his sister's companion to keep her off the streets). In a longer book, this could have been played up as if she were not just grooming her daughter's companion but perhaps her future daughter-in-law. Everything moves too quickly with the romance and gets steamy very quickly, again, in a way not quite believable for a Regency romance. If you don't mind a Regency that may shock some of your historical romance sensibilities, you could view this as amusing because of all the rules it breaks! Certainly not my favorite by this author, but if you take it as the lark it is probably intended to be, you may enjoy it.

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
Profile Image for Em__Jay.
909 reviews
June 9, 2018
Audiobook review

Her Perfect Rogue is the story of Julia who has been sent to a brothel by her mother because of the family’s dire circumstances. She crosses paths with Charles, Duke of Selkirk, who helps save her from a life of ruin. I liked most of the story and felt it was complete given the shortness of listening time.

I love historical romances, and will suspend disbelief for some things, but I struggled somewhat with this story. For members of the gentry, who articulated in this story that appearances and social strictures must be observed, I found it hard to reconcile that Charles would appoint a country girl who has run away from a brothel to be his sister’s companion and chaperone in society. If you can get over this, then the story of the time they spent together and in the company of others ticks the boxes of a good historical fiction book.

The story is told primarily from Julia’s point of view, so having a male narrator was an interesting choice. Mathias Holt’s narration was enjoyable to listen to. His female voice, the tone and pacing all work well. My one minor quibble is the incorrect pronunciation of placenames like Covent Garden and Grosvenor Square.

Profile Image for dumbells.
985 reviews5 followers
January 13, 2020
I guess towards the end when the heroine started throwing herself at the hero without any care whatsoever as to what happens next or if he will even make her his wife, which lead to mega ruination in that time and illegitimate kids, my respect for her dropped down to negative 1. She never even considered it, she was all hormones and that is all it mattered for this short read to have a HEA end.

And what is up with all these women wanting to open shelters for ruined women. It’s a second book in very recent I’ve read together with The Duke (Victorian Rebels #4) by Kerrigan Byrne. And those are not the only two books this keeps popping up as our lucky saved heroines future calling they choose as. And everyone is just in awe of them for saving all these ruined women and providing shelter. Cuz it’s not enough they landed a Duke it seems they now have to save everyone who was ever mistreated a bit to show their bleeding golden heart.

Yeah for a short read they tossed in a lot of insta stuff in it and as such created a lot of plot holes for the story and contradictory character developments that raised more questions and issues for the readers that resolved them. No more of this.
Profile Image for Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading).
797 reviews17 followers
April 30, 2024
Her Perfect Rogue is a standalone historical romance by Amanda Mariel. It is set in regency era England, mostly in London, and is the first book of A Rogue's Kiss series. Amanda Mariel is fast becoming one of my favourite go to authors for historical romance. Mostly because I really enjoy the style and format of her books, they are just so easy to read and get swept up in the romance.

The set up of this story is simple and is the perfect fairytale historical romance including a dashing duke who wishes to save the damsel in distress. Julia Honeyfield is sent to London by her sick mother after her father abandoned the family. They have no money and there are no prospects for Julia in their tiny village. However, landing in a brothel is the last thing that Julia wants. Just lucky for her that Charles, the Duke of Selkirk, is there and willing to rescue you.

If you're into historical romances where dukes fall in love with ladies below his social station, and also happen to be in his employ, this is a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,353 reviews15 followers
May 5, 2024
I love this story. It’s quick. The bad guys are thwarted. The class lines are ignored, and the Duke, who swears he has no desire to marry, ends up with the love of his life! What could be better than that?. Julia’s father ran off leaving her mother and her destitute. As a last ditch effort to save her daughter, Julia’s mother sent her off to London to work in a brothel. Appalled, Julia fled and ran into Charles, literally, who swept her up into his arms and carried her to safety. (Sigh) The four main characters are Charles the Duke of Selkirk, Celia his little sister, his mother the Dowager Duchess of Selkirk, and Julia the now companion to Celia. Oh, and of course there is Lord Gulliver, the flirtatious and roguish proverbial sidekick. All of the characters feel real, are entertaining and play an important role in the inevitable conclusion. Add a little angst, an undeniable attraction, a little hero worship and a subtle familial conspiracy, and viola! Charles and Julia didn’t stand a chance. This is simply a lovely story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,203 reviews22 followers
May 31, 2024
This is the first book of the series A Rogue's Kiss. When Julia's life takes a turn for the worst, she is forced into a most dire situation. But it seems fate takes pity on her because she crosses paths with Charles, the Duke of Selkirk. Charles can't deny the connection he feels with Julia. Although he has his own burdens to deal with, he is compelled to help her out of her situation and rescue her and takes her to his country estate where she gains a respectable position as companion to his sister. Julia is determined to repay him for his kindness and become someone he can be proud of, and in the process she finds her way into his heart.
This was a delightful story with interesting characters and I had a lovely time reading it. I enjoyed seeing Charles and Julia grow close and seeing their relationship blossom. A quick and satisfying read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mom Reads Romance.
721 reviews27 followers
August 27, 2023
Nice little historical romance story.

I felt there were things missing at times within the plot and story but then again, I also like that she got to the point and didn’t drag the story out for thousands of pages using filler as some authors tend to do these days.

Side note. Not everyone wants to read a series of books that span thousands of pages and basically repeat the same formula over and over again. Drama. Sex. Resolution. Sex. New drama. Sex. Comedy. Sex. Repeat.

Not that I don’t want my smutty mcsmut too. But at this season of my life, I don’t have time for those never ending books. I prefer ones that resolve as soon as the plot allows in a logical manner.



MF✅

OW❌

Low angst ✅

Virgin fmc✅

Had to look up words bc I didn’t know what they meant ✅

Hea✅

Fade to black smex❌

Low amount of spice time✅
1,587 reviews22 followers
May 5, 2024
Well written, fast paced read. Full of love, dreams, hopes, intrigue, light steam, drama, society, twists and turns. This story really holds your attention till the end and leaves you wanting more. Julia lives with her mother and they have no money or food, having to sell everything to survive. As a way out , her mother sends her to London to find a job but it turns out that it's a brothel. On arrival there , she learns what her mother did and makes a fast escape. Running right into Charles' arms, then begs for help. He takes her home and gives her a job. As the two of them spend time together, their feelings grow. Love the ending of hoe Charles makes Julia's hopes and dreams come true. Curl up in your favorite chair with your favorite drink and enjoy this story. Would recommend to all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
595 reviews6 followers
May 29, 2024
This was a sweet novella about Charles and Julia. Charles just happened to be in the right place at the right time when Julia bumped into him running away from a bad situation. He helped a stranger that soon became his true love. The progression of their love for one another was quick without enough on page details showing their connection so it was hard to really buy into this instant love between them. After trying to run from his feelings because he didn't believe he was ready for marriage, Charles realized he couldn't get Julia out ion his mind so they got their HEA after a steamy reunion. I did enjoy the characters within the story. They were entertaining and all very likable.

Overall, this is a short story of a love between two strangers that become friends and lovers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gwynne Wallace.
117 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2024
Her Perfect Rogue is a short novella. It's a tale of rags to Duchess for a woman who through unforeseen circumstances did not just make it to society but landed her own prince charming into the bargain. There is enough heat to scorch you signifying that the attraction between Charles and Julia, from the beginning was undeniable, although they skirted around it for some time. From there it naturally moved on to the point that it could not be denied and both their capitulation to their burgeoning love was enviable and inevitable.
Since its just a short tale, there's not much room for character development. However I did enjoy reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,542 reviews27 followers
August 13, 2018
In an attempt to keep her from starving Julia Honeyfield's mother sends her to a brothel when Julia realises what he mother has done she makes a run for it straight into the arms Charles, the Duke of Selkirk. Charles offers her a job as companion to his sister who is just about to have her debut. Julia wants to repay him by been the perfect lady but as there emotions become involved will she become more to him. This is a quick read that you knock over in about an hour perfect fo that time when you want something fast

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alison.
1,861 reviews17 followers
December 28, 2021
I did not care for the power dynamic here. A girl in poverty is given a position with a Duke sand falls in love with him. He becomes intimate with her because he is horny and on his way to a widow, but spies her in a room and joins her. He then goes to London to try and get with another widow, but can’t get beyond kissing when he realizes he has the hots for Julia. They then get together all the way and he proposes marriage.
I have read books with a power disparity’s such as this, but I only like them if the woman has some form of power (ie; connections in society or the means to make another choice and leave). I also think this would work better in a novel versus a novella.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ellie.
41 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2023
*spoilers*


I was initially intrigued with the story; cast out daughter taken in by handsome aristocrat who doesn’t want to get married what could go wrong (or right) there? We went downhill into where is the logic and transitions from there. There is almost no build up as to why they would risk one’s reputation and innocence. It’s all how to be a lady with a few sly look and then BAM he’s eating her out. We barely get a perspective from her since she arrived to the manor so it is extra out of the blue. They story could have been good but it was written poorly with lots of gaps and a too rushed paced in which subpar sex scenes did not make up for.
626 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2023
Sweet, mostly clean, simple. The story starts out well, while the middle and ending is rushed. However, this is a novella and there is limited time so that is understandable.
I feel the story and characters need flushed out more, I feel I did not really know the characters.
Goes very quickly from I like her to wedded. The was a lot of build up of the ton season, but then the season is omitted from the rest of the story. If flushed out, this could be a good full length novel. Narration was good. I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for jenny.
2 reviews
May 21, 2024
Still don’t get how we’re supposed to believe that the mom truly loved her. She could’ve sent her anywhere but she decides a brothel is the best choice?? Like be so for real that woman would not be in heaven, she’d be in HELL!!

Also HATED the instant love. It took 3 days for him to not only admit he felt something for her, but also that he absolutely loves her and wants to marry her.

The beginning was kinda cute when he wanted to protect Julia, but they moved too fast. I didn’t actually feel like they were in love. They didn’t truly have a conversation where I felt them bond.
Profile Image for Donise.
1,293 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2024
He didn't know it at the time, but his life changed the minute she ran into him and he rescued her. Once he learned her story, he decided that she would be the perfect companion for his little sister. He just had to convince his mother and sister of that. She wasn't born into his social class but does true love really care about such a thing. Read this lovely story and find out. The Duke is so swoon worthy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,473 reviews28 followers
October 12, 2025
We have Julia Honeyfield whose mother does the unthinkable. She sends her to London to be a courtesan at a brothel!
Julia runs straight into the arms of Charles Kendal, Duke of Selkirk! She begged for his assistance and he did setting them on a path no one could have foreseen ! Julia becomes a lady with training and a companion to his sister!
There is an undeniable pull of attraction and Julia’s lessons lead to more and they fall into a HEA! A delightful tale of taking your destiny by storm!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

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