Not Quite a Rogue

Ladies Who Dare #1

by Tanya Wilde

If you like a strong, smart, and witty heroine, then you’ll love this first book in the Ladies Who Dare series!

A man on the edge of ruin…

Harry Spencer, Earl of Avondale, has just discovered the most unsettling news. He is utterly destitute. His choices: Restore the family coffers on his own or marry an heiress from his mother's well-intentioned list. Someone respectable. Someone comely. A lady completely unaware of his financial footing.

A lady who thirsts to be loved for more than her dowry…

Skeptical of all men, Lady Ophelia Thornton has no plans to marry any of the swashbuckling opportunists knocking on her door. But when the devastatingly handsome Earl of Avondale enters her life, Ophelia suddenly finds her universe turned inside out, and her heart beating a little faster than before.

Temptation has never tasted this rich.

Passionate kisses. The betting book of White's. A lost earing. When a shocking turn of events threatens Ophelia's freedom, there is only one man she can trust. But he has a secret of his own. One that could destroy the very foundation of all they hold dear.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2019

About the author

Hello there!

I have a free book for you.

Get your copy of Under The Highland Sky here: https://authortanyawilde.com/under_th...

Tanya Wilde developed a passion for reading when she had nothing better to do than lurk in the library during her lunch breaks. Her love affair with pen and paper followed soon after she had devoured all of the library’s historical romance books!

In 2020, she won the Romance Writers Organization of South Africa (ROSA) Imbali Award for Excellence in Romance Writing for Not Quite a Rogue.

When she’s not meddling in the lives of her characters or drinking copious amounts of coffee, she’s off on adventures with her partner in crime.

Wilde lives in a town at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, South Africa.

Be sure to follow Tanya on BookBub for the latest on her sales: https://bit.ly/3AbLlwz

Reviews

[Shruti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is like a play. Oh My God! The most most wonderful play that stole my breath away. For so much happens here in such a short span of time. Very intriguing and unexpected all of it. Tanya Wilde is the absolute best when it comes to dramatic historical romance books!

Very highly recommended !!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, this was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. I loved Ophelia and Harry - in fact, all the characters were very interesting, and I cannot wait to read #2.
I will read this again, for sure. Lots of fun. Loved it! 5☆

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Kiss 💋 Is On His List📝 Of the Best Things💕 in Life🎶🎶🎶!
ADULT Historical Recency Romance 💕 and Adventure.
Harry, the new Earl of Avondale🐺🍆⛲ must marry an heiress or figure out what his late father did with all of the family's money 💰. It appears to have been spent on fine art, but where is all of it? He is broke!

In desperation, his mother 👵 gives him a list📝 of the six richest💰 and most eligible young women in England and at the top is Lady Ophelia Thornton💃💋, whom he has never met!

Being introduced to the daring and outspoken Ophelia💃💋 at a ball begins a crazy and thrilling adventure for both of them, when the list is lost and ends up in the White's betting book!

ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems
This ebook was $2.99 on Amazon 📚 at the time of this review. No KU.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own fault!

Great book! I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this well written and high quality ADULT Regency Romance💕 by Author Tanya Wilde📚!

[DENISE I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read of this author!

5+ Stars ✨✨✨✨✨
I stumbled on this book and author while checking for a review of another (long since forgotten) author/ book.
It was a boy meets girl and falls in love with a 21st century mind set. The heroine was awesome. Open-minded with a modern thought process stuck in an era (error) of judgment and “dumb thinking”.
I loved the twist surrounding her best friend.
I loved the revenge of the “taunted RUINED - daddy has to marry you off to make you ACCEPTABLE” ladies.
I loved that it wasn’t the path of the typical happily ever after historical novel.
The author was fresh. Funny. Original.

The entire first quarter of the book, I was wondering and searching for Book 2, wondering if or when the secondary characters would get their own “love stories”, not anticipating the “I got you moment”!

Well written. Fun story.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A witty romance, I enjoyed the interaction between Lady Ophelia and Harry, despite hidden motives. At his mother's instigation, Harry has no recourse other than to marry a wealthy heiress. Ophelia fits the bill in every way, and then some. Ophelia, on the other hand, is tired of fortune hunters and when it becomes clear that her future and reputation are under threat, she takes action, resulting in an amusing encounter with Harry. Despite the subterfuge, the main characters do find their perfect solution. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis]

It not what it looks like

Ophelia is an heiress who has turned down more than her share of marriage proposals! Harry needs to marry a heiress (or does he)? Harry's mother comprises a list of eligible heiress he should choose from to save the family coffers! This book should be wagers, taverns and secrets because all of this takes place and more! If you want a read so riveting and hilarious you laugh out loud than this is for you! Can't wait for the next one!

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry Spencer, Earl of Avondale, does not want to marry - one day but not soon, he's only eight & twenty. His father is gone & the family is close to ruination. His Mother has prepared a list of six heiresses, one of which would be the next Countess of Avondale. Harry does not want to marry for money & vows to find the numerous paintings, sculptures, and objects his father had purchased at exorbitant prices.

Lady Ophelia Thornton is lovely, nearly a hoyden, outspoken, with a extremely large dowry & fortune hunter's on her heels. She has turned down 21 marriage proposals & sh wants to be seen for herself, not her dowry - she wants to find love.

Harry & Ophelia are introduced at a ball & there is an instant attraction. Their road to happiness has lots of obstacles - loss of the heiress list with good & bad comments written about each by Harry's friends, the list appearing in White's Gentlemens Club betting book, Ophelia discovering it was Harry's list, did Harry lie to her about his feelings & was he just after her money, can Harry ever find his father's missing purchases & will his be able to gain forgiveness from Ophelia?

I highly recommend this book & the character that Tanya Wilde created for the story were so charming & you root for Harry & Ophelia to finally get their HEA.

I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.

[Doreen Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes A List Is Not always Helpful

This is a good story. It kept my interest throughout. Harry has recently inherited his father's Earldom. He believed that the estate was in financial difficulties and he needed to marry an heiress. There was a mystery about his missing finances. At a ball, Harry was attracted to Ophelia and wanted to meet her. He did not want to appear to be a fortune hunter. However, there was an instant attraction between them. The next day, his mother showed him a list of suitable young ladies for Harry to consider. However, Harry showed it to his friends and they wrote a comment about each lady. The list was lost by his friends but was found by another man and entered into the betting book at White's Club. The story follows Ophelia's attempts to retrieve the book and Harry's attempts to find his missing money. I liked the way that Harry seemed to read Ophelia's mind before she took actions. Rochester and Nash made effective bodyguards when needed. I am glad the ladies on the list were strong enough to make a stand against the men. Will Harry be able to convince Ophelia that he loves her and not her fortune? Read on and enjoy this well-written story.

[Stacey T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical romance with the typical scandals, scoundrels, missing treasure and fortune hunting rogues. Ophelia is plagued by men after her large dowry and has already rejected 21 marriage offers. Always suspicious of their intentions, how will she ever trust a man, that is besides her best friends Rochester and Nash. Harry, the new Earl of Avondale is mourning the loss of his father when he’s informed that his family is destitute without finding the art purchases his late father made before passing. On top of this, his mother wants him to wed and makes a list of potential candidates, all wealthy. Sparks fly when these two meet but can she trust that he’s not after her money and how will he explain a list with her name on it. I enjoyed the interactions between them and the camaraderie between them and their friends. I had my suspicions with her 2 BFF’s and happy to have it confirmed. I liked the mystery around the lost “art” and the statement made by the other heiresses on the list. I would have liked a little more at the end of the story as it felt like it needed more closure. Looking forward to reading more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! Tanya was a new author to me, but now I’m determined to look up her other books, because this one is really very good. There is fun, there is romance, there is a mystery, a riddle to be solved, there is everything you are looking for in an historical romance book.
Harry is a new earl, mourning the death of his father and at the same time having to deal with the financial problems he left in his wake. His mother compiles a list of heiresses with large dowries whom he could marry to improve their situation… Of course he’s honorable and wants nothing to do with the list! But the list accidentally finds its way in the infamous betting book of White’s and sets in motion a series of interesting and funny events…
Ophelia, of course, is one of the heiresses on the list and a real force of nature! And she’s set out to discover what this list is about…
I highly recommend this book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of the Romancing the Past anthology.

Ophelia and Harry's story was a bit of a twist on the wealthy heiress/impoverished-but-titled hero story. He's determined not to *have* to marry for money--his father had a secret which Harry's determined to figure out and save his family that way. Ophelia's just about had it with the men on the marriage mart, and when she finds out that the betting book at White's has a list of eligible heiresses and she's on it, she takes matters into her own hands. Some rather unique situations ensue--some good and some less-than, but they all lead up to a sweet HEA in the end :)

This was my first from this author, but definitely not my last!

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[De Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Earl And The Hoyden Heiress

The story of Harry and Ophelia, an earl and a heiress, whose paths converge when her hears her laughter at a ball. The both have reasons for avoiding marriage but fate has other plans.
I loved Ophelia’s wild antics and was amused with Harry’s part in it. The list was the white elephant in the room for these two and Whites played a hugh part in it.
There was a few problems that complicated their relationship that added to the intrigue of the storyline.
Wonderful character development for both the two lead ones as well as several supporting ones including Ophelia’s best friend.
Tanya Wilde created a book that will keep you interested until the last word. For me I love a HEA and you will too.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“not-quite-a-rogue” was so true.
Harry Spencer, Earl of Avondale six weeks prior he had just lost his father and now his mother wants him to marry. On top of it, all the family is experiencing money problems and there is also some mystery about missing artwork. Ophelia is one of the wealthy ladies on his mother's list for possible wives for Harry. There is an attraction when they meet but things happen and trouble pop up its evil head. Will they get a happy ending or will Ophelia turn her back on Harry. This was an entertaining and well-written piece and I loved the characters from Harry and Ophelia but I include Warrick and Deerhurst. Want a book that is very well-done you should pick this one up. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Ophelia Thornton is not in the least a period appropriate heroine, but she was so very much fun. Fierce and fearless, she’s who I want to be when I grow up. I actually felt a little sorry for Harry being so completely out of his depth with her. He’s got a naughty streak a mile wide, but he’s also just so sweet and charming. I adored all the snark and banter between them and their friends. The mystery of the missing art was a fun diversion in the middle of all the other shenanigans the pair get involved in. And that ending makes me absolutely rabid to find out what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Romancing the Past anthology.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Quite A Rogue is the first book in the Ladies Who Dare series. I loved this historical romance and cannot wait for the next one. Harry Spencer, Earl of Avondale and Lady Ophelia Thornton are wonderful characters who belong together. The storyline is wonderfully written and engages your interest from the start. When Harry's list of potential brides ends up in White's Betting Book, will Ophelia be able to forgive him? Will Harry be able to find the missing purchases and restore his family's fortune?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous story with a daring heroine. Ophelia is a Ton heiress who is daring to defy convention. She refuses to be wed only for her wealth and is refusing all offers. Harry is a young man new to his title and facing a huge challenge. He is a man who has great friends and is scrupulous in his dealings. This is a story with witty banter and funny moments. The characters are wonderful and endearing. Ophelia is strong willed and lots of fun. Interacting with the characters throughout the pages was truly a blast. Ophelia and Harry weather the storms and find their way to a happily ever after.

[Ramona Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Ophelia Thornton was at the head of the list that Harry Spencer, Earl of Avondale, whose mother asked him a list of heiresses for him to marry. Harry fell in love with Ophelia after hearing her laugh that failed to tell her about the list that had been found after it had been lost. It was found and placed in the betting book at White's club. Ms. Wilde has written a good book which follows Harry search for the art his father had bought which you left him without any money. I recommend you read the book because it is an enjoyable read...

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book! Harry thinks he’s destitute and must marry an heiress. Ophelia has a huge dowry but has turned down 21 proposals! She just wants a man to want her for herself and not the money. Harry doesn’t want to marry for money so he’s conflicted. When Harry and Ophelia meet sparks fly! 🔥🔥 Will Ophelia forgive Harry for not being completely honest with her? Can Harry track down his family’s missing money in time to win her? You’ll have to read the book, you won’t be disappointed! R. K. Carulli

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regency romance following head strong Ophelia and rogue Harry. Ophelia has had enough of fortune hunters chasing her dowry whilst Harry’s father has just died and is coming to terms with the family affairs and title. A delightful and charming story that is well written with characters who enjoy banter. Rochester was pretty cool too.
Recommend this book for those that enjoy historical romance.

Received a complimentary copy of the book from Voracious Readers Only and have provided a voluntary review.

[ECReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bad Situation Gets Hilariously Worse!

Harry and Ophelia's love story is full of entertaining complications caused by the actions of Harry's well-meaning friends. Ophelia is helped by two longtime friends whose m/m relationship is incidentally exposed in the book.

The tone of this book is romantic and high-spirited, despite concerns about Harry's financial situation. The ending had me looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all started with a list of eligible heiresses with notations of pros and cons. Then the list falls into the wrong hands and ends up in the betting book at Whites. Only one of the heiresses is determined to get the book and destroy the list. Will one heiress believe that she's loved for herself and not her money? Hilarious antics and an heiress determined to get what she wants.
Included in ROMANCING THE PAST anthology.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun historical romance novel. The characters are well developed and have interesting personalities. Also the plot has some unexpected twists and turns which I really enjoyed

I only wish that the ending was a bit more drawn out, it seems a little rushed and unfinished, but I’m hoping that book 2 will include some follow up!

Overall a nice, easy read

I was provided a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review

[Argie Eggleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and loved every stage of reading it. But I loved the end when the ladies on the White’s betting book can out in men clothing and their top hats. But what they did next was genius, making copies of the pages in the book and throwing them to the Ton in the ballroom so everyone got a chance to see what the men in their lives bet on and how much they wager. Most of all I loved the hero and heroine falling in love and getting there happily ever after.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one in the Ladies Who Dare series and I want to read the next book. This is Harry Spencer, Earl of Avondale and Lady Ophelia Thornton's story about a book from Whites, I can not wait to see what the other ladies do. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this. I read the second one first with Phaedra and deerhurst so it was interesting seeing how this event affected the first couple. I would have loved amazing groveling from Harry, Ophelia deserved it.

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you

[Cathy Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

What a wonderful story, a little mystery and a lot of love story. I love a story with a strong and fearless female. I highly recommend this book.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! All of the characters were so much fun. I can’t wait to find out just what the ladies have planned in the next one!

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful and entertaining regency romance. Harry and Ophelia give you passion and a delightful happily ever after.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry & Ophelia had an intriguing read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.