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The League of Rogues #0.5
The Wicked Beginning
A wicked duke and his four friends plot the abduction of an innocent debutante out of revenge.
Have you ever wondered how the League of Rogues came to be? What events led to the adventure that started it all? This is your exclusive inside peek into the world of the beloved bad boys of the League shortly before their lives are changed forever.
*Note: This is a short prequel that ends on a cliffhanger which has a happy ending in the full story Wicked Designs.
Have you ever wondered how the League of Rogues came to be? What events led to the adventure that started it all? This is your exclusive inside peek into the world of the beloved bad boys of the League shortly before their lives are changed forever.
*Note: This is a short prequel that ends on a cliffhanger which has a happy ending in the full story Wicked Designs.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2020
About the author
Lauren Smith
143 books2,211 followersLauren Smith is a USA Today Best-Selling author and an Oklahoma attorney. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. To connect with Lauren, visit her at www.laurensmithbooks.com or twitter at @LSmithAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 8, 2024
How do you rate a prequel that ends on a cliffhanger?
March 29, 2022
5 Stars
*It's a prologue to the series. It introduces the characters and sets up the context of the following books.
- As a shorty-short little prequel, it was fun.
- It also managed to intrigue me into reading this series.
- These rogues should be a lot of fun!
- It is not necessary to read it, but it would be good to give it a go before starting the series.
*It's a prologue to the series. It introduces the characters and sets up the context of the following books.
- As a shorty-short little prequel, it was fun.
- It also managed to intrigue me into reading this series.
- These rogues should be a lot of fun!
- It is not necessary to read it, but it would be good to give it a go before starting the series.
September 29, 2020
Series: League of Rogues #13 (Prequel)
Publication Date: 9/20/20
Number of Pages: 49
Welcome to the League of Rogues! If you have read the other books in the series, you’ll LOVE getting to meet all of the characters before the eventful things that happened in the first book, Wicked Designs. If you haven’t read any of the books yet, this is the one to begin with – it introduces you to almost all of the characters – good and bad – who will be featured throughout the series. I love the insights it gives us into the personalities of each of the rogues – Godrick, Lucien, Cedric, Ashton, and Charles.
We learn the story behind what happened in the first book – Emily’s kidnapping. We learn some of that in Emily and Godrick’s book, but this just fleshes it all out better.
We don’t get a romance here – nor even a complete story. Just think of this as maybe the Prologue chapter in the first book. It lays out all of the groundwork for that book and then ends in a cliffhanger when the Rogues finish their plotting and are ready to put it into action.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 9/20/20
Number of Pages: 49
Welcome to the League of Rogues! If you have read the other books in the series, you’ll LOVE getting to meet all of the characters before the eventful things that happened in the first book, Wicked Designs. If you haven’t read any of the books yet, this is the one to begin with – it introduces you to almost all of the characters – good and bad – who will be featured throughout the series. I love the insights it gives us into the personalities of each of the rogues – Godrick, Lucien, Cedric, Ashton, and Charles.
We learn the story behind what happened in the first book – Emily’s kidnapping. We learn some of that in Emily and Godrick’s book, but this just fleshes it all out better.
We don’t get a romance here – nor even a complete story. Just think of this as maybe the Prologue chapter in the first book. It lays out all of the groundwork for that book and then ends in a cliffhanger when the Rogues finish their plotting and are ready to put it into action.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 30, 2020
So worth reading this prequel. Brings back lovely memories of reading the whole fab series. I love reading Lauren Smith. 5☆
September 30, 2020
Emily Parr was seventeen when her parents were returning from New York & the ship sank. She’s lived with her uncle for the past year but he often makes bad investments so there’s not a lot of money. As Emily’s debut into society approaches her Uncle Albert arranges meetings with two rich investors. Emily’s first ball is a success but before her second one of the investors learns he’s been duped & plans revenge.
A short read that packs a punch, it introduces us to the members of The League of Rogues & whets the appetite to continue reading the series. I’ve read the whole series but after reading this appetiser I want to go away & reread the whole lot. The author has to be commended for giving us an insight into the characters of each of the Rogues & giving dynamics of the league whilst setting the scene for the first full length book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A short read that packs a punch, it introduces us to the members of The League of Rogues & whets the appetite to continue reading the series. I’ve read the whole series but after reading this appetiser I want to go away & reread the whole lot. The author has to be commended for giving us an insight into the characters of each of the Rogues & giving dynamics of the league whilst setting the scene for the first full length book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 27, 2022
If you haven’t already read Lauren Smith’s League of Nations series you are missing out on an entertaining and engaging series but you can start the series with this wonderful prequel. It may be labelled #13 (in some lists) but it gives great background and hints on the past and future books to both new & experienced readers to the series. I love the backstory to how the kidnapping all began and can’t wait to catch up with the next few books.
March 26, 2023
Verdict: After reading book 1 in the series I found myself wishing I could have read the scene where , thinking it would be pretty humorous, starting out as a joke then becoming a real plan. Lo and behold I discovered this very short prequel that includes just that scene. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as funny as I had hoped. I don’t even think this could be considered a short story or novella--it is really just a prologue to the series and not a complete story in and of itself. I would NOT read this first as I think it ruins the mystery of what is happening to Emily and why in book 1. A bit of backstory is provided on Emily and other characters from book 1 including a character that was barely mentioned but with hints he will play a role later in the series. Frankly it wasn’t worth the money in any way other than supporting a good author.
Steam-level: no steam
Rating: 3 stars
Steam-level: no steam
Rating: 3 stars
June 24, 2024
I don't know how this series got to be popular enough for the huge number of books that are in it - these guys are awful!
The book/series is about a group of friends who are not the good guy (but ostensibly the hero) and their romances, I guess. This prequel is supposed to introduce them. In this book Godric basically admits he r*ped a maid and decides he wants to kidnap poor Emily just because her uncle owes him money, and all the guys are all in to help out.
I am assuming this is a take off on the "Series of Unfortunate Events" series, but I didn't really like that one either. I'm going to read some of the books so we'll see, but I really don't like the "on one hand we'll ruin the poor girl for revenge or she'll be married off to the sadistic guy" trope. We'll see.
The book/series is about a group of friends who are not the good guy (but ostensibly the hero) and their romances, I guess. This prequel is supposed to introduce them. In this book Godric basically admits he r*ped a maid and decides he wants to kidnap poor Emily just because her uncle owes him money, and all the guys are all in to help out.
I am assuming this is a take off on the "Series of Unfortunate Events" series, but I didn't really like that one either. I'm going to read some of the books so we'll see, but I really don't like the "on one hand we'll ruin the poor girl for revenge or she'll be married off to the sadistic guy" trope. We'll see.
November 3, 2020
If I hadn't read most of the other books in this series, this one probably would have driven me crazy. It's barely a sliver of the League of Rogues and only an introduction to Emily Parr. Nevertheless, like the rest of the books in the series, it features the engaging characters and intriguing plot that occur in each installment. Unfortunately, I don’t think it could be classified as a complete story, technically speaking. Then again, the title tells you all you need to know. It’s the beginning, with the middle and the end yet to come. I enjoyed it, but I must warn readers, if you haven't read the other books, it's a cliffhanger.
September 30, 2020
The Wicked Beginning is the Prequel to the League of Rogues, one of the best historical romance series you will ever read!! This is a peek at the original five devilishly charming gentlemen in one of their favorite establishments. You will learn why and how the kidnapping of Miss Emily Parr is planned. It was fun to sit in on this meeting of the League and listen to the friendship they enjoy!!
I recommend this enjoyable Prequel whether you are new to the League of Rogues or have read these books three times (as I have).
I recommend this enjoyable Prequel whether you are new to the League of Rogues or have read these books three times (as I have).
October 1, 2020
I've enjoyed The League of Rogues series for quite a while now. The 'main' league has finished with all of our rogues having found their true loves. Lauren Smith still keeps giving us little treats though and this is one such treat, a glimpse of what came before book one. If you've already read the other books in the series, then I think, like me, you will enjoy this quick read as an addition to the series and a way to see what led to the events in book one. If you haven't read them, then start here, you're in for a treat and this is a great lead into the books.
October 7, 2020
Loving this pre-quell to the League of Rogues series as we meet all the characters we’ll soon read about. This a sweet introduction of Emily Parr who is abducted in book one by Godric St. Lauren, Duke of Essex. Her father has swindled the duke out of some money and the leagues solution is kidnapping her for ransom which ends in a cliffhanger to be read in Wicked Designs book one of the League of Rogues series. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent short novella giving us a new and different background to the series.
October 21, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
As you would expect from both Lauren and this series of League of Rogues , this novella and tempter leaves you with a need to read more and more.
So many questions to be answered and that can only happen if you carry on and read the next book.
Just how many abductions has Ash been involved in? The mind boggles.
Maybe that’s another book for Lauren to write.
Or maybe you’ll find out if you read or in my case reread these books.
You won’t be sorry.
Outstanding series!!
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
As you would expect from both Lauren and this series of League of Rogues , this novella and tempter leaves you with a need to read more and more.
So many questions to be answered and that can only happen if you carry on and read the next book.
Just how many abductions has Ash been involved in? The mind boggles.
Maybe that’s another book for Lauren to write.
Or maybe you’ll find out if you read or in my case reread these books.
You won’t be sorry.
Outstanding series!!
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
October 10, 2024
3.5 stars
This is a fun, entertaining, quick read. This is a prequel to the series and introduces the first 5 heroes. The story sets up the first book in the series and is an interesting incite into the overarching mystery subplot that runs several books in the series. It wasn’t what I was expecting, in a good way. I enjoyed this quick read and now want to go back and read the first book in the series all over again. It’s an easy read.
This is a fun, entertaining, quick read. This is a prequel to the series and introduces the first 5 heroes. The story sets up the first book in the series and is an interesting incite into the overarching mystery subplot that runs several books in the series. It wasn’t what I was expecting, in a good way. I enjoyed this quick read and now want to go back and read the first book in the series all over again. It’s an easy read.
November 20, 2020
Good introduction.
I could have used this at the beginning, I remember getting very confused about Godric and cedric in the first book and thinking it must have been a spelling mistake! I kept looking back to previous chapters to see if there were really two of them with similar names!
I could have used this at the beginning, I remember getting very confused about Godric and cedric in the first book and thinking it must have been a spelling mistake! I kept looking back to previous chapters to see if there were really two of them with similar names!
November 26, 2023
This is actually Book #13 in the series, but, yes, it is the prequel to Book #1. We meet the League of Rogues, and what a group they are! We learned what happened to Emily, and how she meets the League. It's only 1:25 to listen, but it goes by quickly and there is a lot of humor. (Like I said, what a group they are!)
May 4, 2024
Wicked Fun!
The Wicked Beginning, Lauren Smith’s prequel to the League of Rogues was a fun little novella that gives you a quick insight into the League before the first book. It was wonderful to see Emily’s debut, how she meets her best friend Anne, and the many gentleman she is introduced to and dances with who will later find their happily ever afters in this series!
The Wicked Beginning, Lauren Smith’s prequel to the League of Rogues was a fun little novella that gives you a quick insight into the League before the first book. It was wonderful to see Emily’s debut, how she meets her best friend Anne, and the many gentleman she is introduced to and dances with who will later find their happily ever afters in this series!
October 2, 2020
Nice read
This is a very quick read that gives us a look into what was going on in the peoples lives before Wicked Design. I really enjoyed the insight and now I'm going to read the rest again. I'm waiting for the 14th book with great anticipation.
This is a very quick read that gives us a look into what was going on in the peoples lives before Wicked Design. I really enjoyed the insight and now I'm going to read the rest again. I'm waiting for the 14th book with great anticipation.
October 13, 2020
A plan
The plot thickens but the best laid plans and all that! The beginning of the end for the Rogues as their plans go up in smoke once the lady they are destined for is made known to them! Absolutely riveting!
The plot thickens but the best laid plans and all that! The beginning of the end for the Rogues as their plans go up in smoke once the lady they are destined for is made known to them! Absolutely riveting!
December 2, 2020
Not what I expected
The read was ok however not what I expected . when the author said "the beginning" I was expecting when they met at school years before. Disappointed to say the least.
The read was ok however not what I expected . when the author said "the beginning" I was expecting when they met at school years before. Disappointed to say the least.
December 23, 2020
An interesting read.
It was a story about how it all began with Emily and the League of Rogues. How cruelly her uncle treated her, it almost made me wish to sock him in the nose and break it. I recommend this book. 👍👍👍❤❤❤
It was a story about how it all began with Emily and the League of Rogues. How cruelly her uncle treated her, it almost made me wish to sock him in the nose and break it. I recommend this book. 👍👍👍❤❤❤
February 9, 2021
A delightful prequel to a great series
This is a delightfully entertaining prequel to what is a great series. The plot details how the Rogues started into a period of emotional turmoil and suspense. This is a great clean book that would suit all those who love historical romances.
This is a delightfully entertaining prequel to what is a great series. The plot details how the Rogues started into a period of emotional turmoil and suspense. This is a great clean book that would suit all those who love historical romances.
March 4, 2021
I love it.
I wish this was the beginning of Godric and Emily's story. It really introduces all the characters so well. I'm going back to the beginning and start the series all over again.
I wish this was the beginning of Godric and Emily's story. It really introduces all the characters so well. I'm going back to the beginning and start the series all over again.
March 12, 2021
Unnecessary prequel
This should not have been sold as a separate book for even 99 cents. It should have just been the first part of Wicked Designs. If it was written after the book it should have just been a free prequel as it is not at all necessary to the series
This should not have been sold as a separate book for even 99 cents. It should have just been the first part of Wicked Designs. If it was written after the book it should have just been a free prequel as it is not at all necessary to the series
September 30, 2020
So good
I loved this beginning story. This series is one of the best ever. If you haven't started this series yet now's the time to start
I loved this beginning story. This series is one of the best ever. If you haven't started this series yet now's the time to start
October 5, 2020
Loved it!
I would have been caught up in the first book even more with this beginning! Loved it, i’m now Going to reread the rest 🥳
I would have been caught up in the first book even more with this beginning! Loved it, i’m now Going to reread the rest 🥳
November 25, 2020
It was interesting to see how it all started. I really like this series, the characters and the plot of all the books. Looking forward to reading more from the talented Lauren Smith.
May 8, 2021
I thought this would provide more insight to the series than it actually did. A little disappointing. But if someone were reading it before reading any of the series, it might appeal to them more.
October 22, 2021
What next?
An interesting beginning to a series of books! This leads up to how the lives intertwine and as you get the next book you learn what happens!
An interesting beginning to a series of books! This leads up to how the lives intertwine and as you get the next book you learn what happens!
January 17, 2023
Un relato para muy fans de la saga porque no aporta nada nuevo. Flojo.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews