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Georgian Gentlemen #3

An Alleged Rogue

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Lord Adam Dunsbourne is a tyrant. At least, that’s what everyone says. The tales are shocking: accounts of a man who gambled away the family fortune and keeps his younger sister, Emily, captive in their home at Dunsbourne Manor. So when Adam and his sister make an unexpected appearance at a dinner party, the scandalized whispers cannot be contained. New to the town, Phoebe Hadford hears the condemning rumors and determines to do all she can to help the baron’s oppressed sister. Upon entering Dunsbourne Manor, however, she quickly
discovers that all is not what she has been led to believe.

Adam, unsure of whether he can trust the intentions of his beautiful neighbor, is quickly drawn in by Phoebe’s genuine nature. But even as Adam and Phoebe’s connection deepens, a dangerous enemy from Adam’s past reemerges. For years, Adam has hunted for the man who betrayed him, not realizing he had only to wait. His foe has returned, and this time, he will threaten everything Adam cherishes most—including the woman he loves.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2021

59 people are currently reading
1077 people want to read

About the author

Sian Ann Bessey

39 books1,092 followers
Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the U.S., where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.
She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today best selling author and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
Profile Image for Marilee .
1,458 reviews235 followers
August 28, 2021
I fall more in love with the Georgian Gentleman series with each book! Sian Bessey weaves together the perfect blend of compelling characters, a fascinating plot, and swoony romance all within the framework of impeccable historical research.

New to town, Phoebe's generous heart makes it hard to believe all the rumors circulating about the Lord Adam Dunsbourne and after meeting him and his sister, she is less inclined to do so. As they work together to save Adam's estate and capture the man who betrayed his family, their friendship begins to turn into something more.

This book made me alternately sigh with happiness and then tightly clutch the pages as the suspense deepened and the romance blossomed. I appreciated the third POV from the villain as it rounded out the story and made it even more suspenseful. I loved that Adam and Phoebe were both admirable characters but still had to learn how to trust, to forgive, and to learn what things are the most important in life.

This is a book you absolutely do not want to miss!! Truly, another 5 star winner from Sian Bessey. Her books have become treasured reads for me and this one has earned a spot on my favorites shelf right next to all her others.

I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
Profile Image for Merry.
887 reviews288 followers
October 1, 2021
Due to his father being swindled out of his fortune by Freddie Payne. Adam a Baron, Lord Dunsbourne has led a very frugal and hermit existence. What breaks him out of this is that his sister is now of marriageable age. Poverty is deep and only a few servants remain as the Baron attempts to return his estate to profitability. Rumors' were started that he gambled away his inheritance. With no idea how to launch his sister into society he meets Phoebe and she becomes friends and helps her. The story is clean and sweet with a growing relationship that I enjoyed. We also see the story through the eyes of Freddie. I think it could have been a bit tighter in the middle but was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the other books in the series. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,889 reviews240 followers
November 8, 2021
Oh my heavens!!! I loved it!!! So much! Another favorite book of the year for me. I didn't want it to end. I didn't want to pause in my reading. I couldn't look away when the suspenseful scenes were happening. I was holding my breath during some of them. Then I'd realize I was doing so and have to remind myself to breathe. Hahaha! That would have been a problem, wouldn't it?!!!

Have you read the other two books yet? If you have you're going to really enjoy this recent addition. If you haven't, no worries, you can read it as a stand alone book. Our main female character in this book is the sister to the main female character in An Uncommon Earl, and I absolutely adored the scene with the previous female characters' mother-in-law. Hint, it's at one of the balls. You'll know what I'm talking about if you read it. All three books are great, but this one is my favorite so far. I'm hoping there will be more to come in this series. *Fingers crossed*

Phoebe is trying to figure out the enigma of who Lord Adam Dunsbourne is. She's new to the neighborhood and her friends have shared the gossip they know about it. But now she needs to figure it out for herself.

I love watching Phoebe and her friendship with Adam's sister, Emily start. It was very sweet and made me think of when I'm starting new friendships. Not everyone in the household is please with Phoebe but she didn't let that deter her from her new friendship.

And let me tell you, the scenes when she was visiting Emily and running into Adam...hahaha! I was giggling. Those two made some initial mistakes in their perception of each other and it was delightful to watch!

Then there's our bad guy. You'll know pretty quickly who he is and what happened to Adam's family. So there's no surprise there. But even with knowing who he is, the author had me in suspense throughout the book. There were some twists and turns and surprises. Sooooo good!!!! Just don't start reading it thinking you'll be able to set it down and enjoy it over several days. Because, I'm not kidding you, you'll want to read it all right away. You've been warned. ;-)

Content: Clean. Sweet romance with nothing more than a kiss. Some moments of peril and suspense, nothing overly graphic.

I received a copy from the author/publisher but have also purchased my own personal copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Shifra ♕.
244 reviews77 followers
October 10, 2021
Sweet Georgian HR
Synopsis:

1788
Freddie Payne, a skilled forger and master of disguise, has kept a low profile the last few years in Amsterdam, enjoying the fruits of his scams.
description
His return to England is necessitated by his exhaustion of funds from his making away with a titled families- the Dunsbourne's- fortune. Payne has lived up to his surname; a real ‘Catch me if you can type,’ awfully clever & as slippery as an eel, so much so he has evaded facing punishment for his numerous crimes for nigh 20 years. Crime portfolio aside, he is perhaps most infamous for his remarkably colored eyes.
description

Adam Norton- aka Lord Dunsbourne- has been searching the last 5 years for the scoundrel who robbed his family. He has also been trying to recuperate his fortune by small investments that were slowly, but surely paying off, as is his farming. All in the effort to keep his estate afloat and provide a better dowry for his 16 year old sister, Emily, and hopefully a London season, though he hasn't a clue how one goes about it.
description
Adam has declined all social invitations the last 5 years, since his father's death. When he decides it is high time he and his sister stop secluding themselves from society, Emily is unsure she is equal to conducting herself as a proper lady, much less what one wears. In fact Adam himself is so out of touch he shows up wearing a powdered wig to his first appearance, which by then was not the height of gentlemen's fashion.

Unknown to Adam is the spurious scuttlebutt that has festered in his absence regarding him: that he himself gambled away the family fortune, and that he keeps his sister prisoner.

Phoebe Hadford recently moved to the neighborhood, as her father inherited an estate. Phoebe is beautiful, generous, and a fashionista. She is intrigued by the Nortons and unsure what to believe of the rumors purported of them. When she decides to befriend Emily she will get to know the recalcitrant Baron better, who never learnt you’re not to shoot the messenger.

What Pickled my Fancy:

♡I enjoyed the villain and his whole counterfeit scam, and that he was based on a real historical figure.

♡The details about the apple cider business I found interesting.
description
♡The pace flowed well.

♡Phoebe is an active protagonist.

What Ruffled my Feathers:
✗Light on the romance, could have used more development, conversations/ interactions.

✗Dialogue very middle of the road, not particularly clever or distinguished.
description
✗Not enough conflict between characters, things went fairly smooth.

✗Needs more character development, for instance Phoebe. She could have used some faults to spice her up, she was so perfect, I couldn't get a read on her edge wise beyond how pretty and generous she was.
description

The Brass Tacks:
This kept me engaged, though it is light on romance & character development it was nevertheless seamless to scarf down. I liked the details on forgery, that it was based on a real historical scoundrel was dope, and the cider business. However, I read novels not for the details to stand out most, but rather the characters, the situations they are placed in, and the tangible emotion the sum of that delivers; that is where this novel fell short for me.
description
Simply put, nothing jumped out. I didn't laugh, or swoon, or get emotionally invested- and that is what keeps me from a higher rating.

I finished this book with the feeling I had only waddled in a story, in the shallow end. As if I had received but a taster, a food court nibble, but never descended into the guts, into it's trenches; it left me intrigued but unsatiated.

It is my first tryst with this author, but I did enjoy it enough to be game to try another installment in this series.

꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶/5 ꙳
P.S.
The bow street runner had quite the unfortunate name:Hugh Toole!
Ms Bessey:
description
Profile Image for Regina Jennings.
Author 31 books1,292 followers
February 10, 2022
Of all the heroes, English gentleman and rancher/farmer are my two favorites. An Alleged Rogue combines both into one great character.

Adam Norton (Lord Dunsbourne) has not led a pampered life. When conman Freddie Payne got ahold of the family fortune, Adam lost both his money and his father. Orphaned and tasked with raising his younger sister Emily while trying to save the ancestral estate, Adam withdrew from society for five years to economize. Staying home with her books didn't bother Emily, but now she is of age and needs a season. Thankfully the apple orchards that Adam has been cultivating are starting to produce, but money isn't the only obstacle to Emily's success.

Newcomer Phoebe Hadford has easily made friends in the area, but she didn't know about Lord Dunsbourne until he emerged unexpectedly at a dinner party. If the local gossip is to be believed, he is truly a monster. Squandering his money in such a way that his father died of shame, locking his sister away and robbing her of entertainment, spending all his time actually…gasp…working-- the man is unacceptable in every way. While Phoebe doesn't approve of Lord Dunsbourne and his alleged past, she feels sorry for Emily with her dated gowns and awkward etiquette. Can she help Emily while avoiding her disreputable brother?

I loved this working country gentleman! Adam actually gets his hands dirty, not just with the cider presses but also tracking down Freddie Payne so he can't ruin anymore lives. Phoebe is a sweetheart. A lot of books use the character's immaturity to keep them at odds, so it's nice to watch a mature, godly relationship develop as they learn about each other. A great read!
Profile Image for Paige Edwards.
Author 10 books693 followers
October 29, 2021
Any book by Sian Bessey demands my attention, and An Alleged Rogue is no different. Ms. Bessey's stories often provide obscure and fascinating details about history, or in this case, the cider-making process during the Georgian Era. This story truly is a coming of age for Phoebe Hadford, a fashionable young lady with a kind heart and a man, Adam Norton, Lord Dunsbourne, desperate to rebuild his family fortunes after his father was swindled out of theirs. Lies, tattered reputations, and a diabolical forger all run the gamut in this satisfying tale. An Alleged Rogue is sure to please a wide readership.
Profile Image for Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club).
616 reviews
October 26, 2021
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be REFRESHING. I read a lot of historical fiction and romance. While a lot can have their own originality, this one felt completely new and refreshing. I loved these characters! Adam and Phoebe are definitely a match made in heaven and I feel so lucky to have read this story. It sounds silly, but it’s true. These two characters are such good, genuine characters. I always love characters that are motivated by doing what is right, not what everyone else is doing or expected to do.

The suspense was right where I like it. Entertaining and worthy of a page-turning novel, but keeps me happily catching zzz’s and not checking my locks. I think this book could be recommended to anyone who enjoys reading. It checked so many boxes on my list of a 5 star, re-read that I happy recommend this one to all!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,591 reviews181 followers
May 9, 2024
4.5 stars! I love the slowly growing relationships between Phoebe and Emily (so sweet!) and Phoebe and Adam. The pacing is perfect. The ending got a little too dramatic for my personal taste but it was an effective way to tie up the story’s ends. And the last chapter of the novel is lovely. The perfect note to end on.
Profile Image for Mara.
1,470 reviews112 followers
December 8, 2021
I read my first book by Sian Ann Bessey two short years ago, and she quickly became an auto-read for me.

Adam Dunsbourne is accused by society to have lost his family's money gambling, but nothing could be further from the truth. His father lost the family's money to con artist Freddie Payne and Adam has spent the past 5 years trying to increase his family's earnings and tracking the elusive thief. Because of their lack of funds Adam and his younger sister, Emily, haven't attended any social functions for the past several years, which has led to additional rumors that he's keeping her captive at their home.

Phoebe Hadford and her family are new to the neighborhood and are invited to yet another dinner party at a neighbor's home, which is where she meets Adam and Emily Dunsbourne. Of course Phoebe's heard the rumors about Adam's reputation, so she decides to become friends with Emily (thinking to rescue her from her tyrant of a brother 😂), but she soon realizes that the gossip about the Baron is untrue.

I really liked Adam and that he worked along side those who worked in his orchards. I enjoyed learning about apple orchards and how they made the cider. I liked that Phoebe decided to find out the truth about the rumors circulating about Lord Dunsbourne for herself, that she didn't just accept what her new friends had shared with her. I loved Phoebe and Emily's friendship from the start. I also loved that Phoebe wasn't a conventional young woman and that she helped Adam save his estate. I love mysteries and suspense so I thoroughly enjoyed that element in this book, especially the POV of the villain, Freddie Payne. He's a despicable human being which makes him a great villain.

I love this Georgian Gentlemen series!! Each one is a delightful read with wonderful, caring characters that aren't the norm for the era. If you haven't read the previous books The Noble Smuggler and An Uncommon Earl don't worry, each book works as a standalone.

I received a complimentary copy to review from the publisher Covenant Communications via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,966 reviews71 followers
November 11, 2021
I’m always in the mood for a book by Sian Ann Bessey! She includes some history and some danger in all of her books. And she does a great job!

I loved the characters in this one. Phoebe is a young women of high birth. But she acts different than many of her station. I loved the way she wanted to include everyone, even those that society said were not okay to include. She becomes a great friend to Adam’s sister Emily. And that was fun to watch. I also loved how she was willing to work hard, even when she knew he mother would not be please. She was even kind to her maid. Phoebe is the best!

Adam is the supposed rogue. But he’s really just a baron who had to bring his family back into respectability after a poor choice made by another. I loved the way he cared for his sister, Emily. And the way he was trying to protect others and right the wrongs that had been committed by another.

This book has a great plot. I loved the dangerous element, it kept me enthralled. And the ending was amazing! Such a great book.

I was sent a copy of An Alleged Rogue as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews207 followers
November 16, 2021
How do I write this review without gushing about the book? I don't know if it is possible because I loved this book!

Lord Adam Dunsbourne is an honorable man. He will do what he has to protect the name of the people he loves, even if he becomes the one who takes the blame. He is trying to save his estate from ruin and introduce his younger sister into society. He realizes it is time to stop living and a recluse and give his sister a season.

Phoebe Hadford is not one to give a lot of attention to the whims of society. She is intrigued by Lord Dunsford and his sister and is determined to make up her own mind about them.

This book has so much to offer. It is entertaining, morally correct, contains romance, and a very bad man. The hunt is on to find the villain, but then the hunted becomes the hunter. It is very intriguing how the story plays out. There was not one line that did not play into the ultimate ending. This book is a page-turner. Romance and intrigue, one of my favorite combinations.

Source: I received a complimentary copy, but read the one that I purchased for myself.
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
November 22, 2021
I seriously have so much love for this book, this series and this author. This is definitely one of my favorite books this year. I don't think you need to read the other books in this series to love this one but as I said, the whole series is so good. Why wouldn't you?! :) I think this book might be my favorite of the series though.

Why?

Because I really cared about the characters. I grew to know them and I loved them. I wanted all things good to happen for them- especially Adam. I wanted good things for him SO badly. He worked and worked and worked, determined to make something of the nothing left to him.

Because the last third of the book had me speed reading and holding my breath. Literally. I had to purposely slow myself down and breathe. It was fantastic.

I was invested in this story and the characters. Clearly. It was so, so good. 😍 That's how you know it's a favorite.

Content: mild peril, mild violence. Sweet kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Lucinda.
Author 22 books1,302 followers
September 30, 2021
I don't know if this will be the last book in the series, but it's a great addition to the other two books.

Following his father's death, Adam and his younger sister became a sort of social recluses and his reputation has suffered for it.

Phoebe is shocked by the rumors when she first meets them, but the more she gets to know Adam, the more convinced she is he's nothing like society makes him out to be.

I liked how generous Phoebe is with her friendship to him and being a good friend and mentor to his sister. The sweetness of the relationship between Adam and Phoebe was a treat to read.
The villain's POV made for added tension as I waited to see how that would resolve.

Would love to see more books in this series.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lu.
756 reviews25 followers
November 9, 2021
A bad reputation, a noble heart.

An Alleged Rogue by Sian Ann Bessey is a lovely sweet Regency romance with captivating characters and an immersive plot.

Adam Norton, Lord Dunsbourne, was coming back into society after five years of absence, and with him, his lovely sister, Emily.

According to the gossip, Lourd Dunsbourne had gambled away his family fortune and kept his sister locked at home in less than desirable conditions.

Phoebe Hadford, Adam's new neighbor, was appalled by Emily's situation and decided to befriend her and help as much as possible.

Slowly, Adam and Phoebe discover that appearances can be deceiving, and they learn to put aside their prejudices and trust their instincts.

The story is beautifully written, heartwarming, and the scenery very charming. I enjoyed it immensely!

I am intent on reading all the previous books in the series. Highly recommended!

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.

*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
Profile Image for Anna (The_Reading_Pantry).
366 reviews59 followers
May 6, 2022
I had seen posts about this book everywhere and I’m so glad I picked this up because of Booksta. There was mystery, suspense, and romance!

Phoebe was a sweet character. I liked how she befriended Adam’s sister, Emily. And because of that friendship, she was able to get to know Adam and realize the untruths that had been spread about their family.

Have you read this series? I know I’m going out of order by reading the third book first..😂 Even still, I was able to follow along just fine.
Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,545 reviews177 followers
November 6, 2021
Absolutely loved An Alleged Rogue! The Heirs of Falcon Point was a top read for me and I wanted to give Sian Bessey’s Georgian Gentleman series a try. I was not disappointed. The characters, fast-paced story, and the beautiful setting were amazing! With an interesting story and time period, a dashing leading man, an endearing heroine, enjoyable side characters, and a dastardly villain, this book immediately pulled me in.

For five years, Lord Adam Dunsbourne has been trying to hunt down Freddie Payne, the man who destroyed his father and their family fortune. Unfortunately, his relentless quest led him to neglect his sister who he’s just noticed has grown up. He’s also been focused on nurturing his apple orchard and perfecting a cider that will save his estate. Realizing he needs to start easing his sister into society, he attends a party where he meets Phoebe Hadford.

Phoebe’s family is relatively new to Berkshire society. After her sister’s marriage, she’s been a bit lonely and longs for a real friend. When she meets Emily, she desires to help her and they become fast friends. Lord Dunsbourne is an enigma though. Rumors suggest he’s the worst sort of rogue, but as she interacts with him, she finds there’s more to the attractive man than rumors suggest.

Phoebe is one of my favorite book heroines. She’s intelligent, extremely kind, and keenly observant of society and its foibles. I loved the way she took Emily under her wing and was a true friend. She’s also as comfortable helping in the apple orchard as she is wearing the latest fashions. When she sees a problem or misunderstanding, she seeks to help. I also adored her romance with Adam. They both compliment each other so well.

Add Adam to the list of swoon worthy heroes! He’s not only handsome, intelligent, and thoughtful, but he’s brave, hard working, and willing to sacrifice for the people he loves. I enjoyed his tender care of his sister. I also loved all his humorous and pulse racing interactions with Phoebe, especially in the orchard.

This book was so hard to put down! The last 75% of the book, the suspense was intense and I was completely on edge unable to turn the pages fast enough. The villain in this story is absolutely despicable. The whole time I was just waiting to see if he would get his comeuppance.

Highly recommend this story! Although it’s the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone. Now, I can’t wait to read the previous books in the series. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5.
Profile Image for Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer).
1,470 reviews56 followers
November 19, 2021
An Alleged Rogue was another excellent book by Author Sian Ann Bessey. Once you start reading you lose track of time and are swept away into the story. The Georgian Gentlemen series has been a delight and this new addition fits right in. The plot is exciting, the characters are all written so well, and once again you can tell the author has researched this time period well.

Lord Adam Dunsbourne is the Alleged Rogue. Society has turned its back on him and his sister Emily ever since their father died and the family fortune is all but gone. Adam is blamed for what happened.

Phoebe Hadford is the neighbor, a beautiful socialite that is not like the other young ladies. She is kind, loyal, and willing to give others a chance. Phoebe takes Emily under her wing to introduce her to society. I loved how kind and determined Phoebe was to help Emily. I was also captivated as Phoebe and Adam waltzed around each other trying to determine if trust could be established. As the story went on, a beautiful love story emerged. An Alleged Rogue is far from just a romance, there is a very suspenseful plotline where Adam is looking for the man that ruined his father and stole his inheritance. The last several chapters of the book are so amazing and full of nail-biting scenes. Readers will truly sit on the edge of their seats.

This novel is the third book in the Georgian Gentlemen series but can be read as a stand-alone. If you are looking for a historical romance that diverts from the norm and is fully engrossing, then you need to read An Alleged Rogue.



4,392 reviews56 followers
December 15, 2021
3 1/2 stars. A charming Georgian romance filled with well-developed characters and a bit of suspense and action. Bessey is a good story teller. The romance develops slowly with realistic bumps in the road, nothing that seems contrived. What makes this standout is that while the romance is the center of the story the subplots and relationships have substance. This is not just a one-note story. The information about apple growing and harvest are interesting and I really enjoyed the relationship between Emily and Phoebe.

A chaste romance focused on characters and relationships with some suspense and action. If you enjoy historical fiction, you’ll enjoy this book. It is far more than your typical romance.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kate.
620 reviews28 followers
December 29, 2021
Audio version-own
Narrator: Noah Wall (female)
Year: 1788

4.5 stars. This is the third book in the Georgian Gentlemen series and probably my favorite, although all have been solid 4 star reads for me. I've come to really enjoy Sian Ann Bessey's work and am glad I took a chance on that first book. All the books have an enjoyable romance but also some kind of villain or problem that threatens or causes harm to them or others. Of course, the heroes get to be just that...heroes, but the female MC also show they have spunk and don't necessarily wait around to be saved by anyone. These books don't have a high steam factor but I find I don't miss it. What they have instead is likable characters (except the bad guys of course), an enjoyable, believable romance, and a problem or two to be solved. I am looking forward to the fourth, Georgian Gentleman, due out in May 2022.
Profile Image for Kathrine Holyoak.
243 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2021
Georgian Gentlemen, step aside. There's a new "Rogue" in town. Allegedly. Thanks for not leaving your readers hanging, Sian. 5 stars for your impeccable research, and in staying true to the period you write of. Historical fiction has got to be a really difficult balance of keeping the reader engaged through the plot, but also not rewriting history in ways that aren't fair or accurate. I detest poorly written historical fiction. But applaud the authors who pull it off. Deep honorable bow to Bessey.
1,328 reviews59 followers
August 10, 2021
I officially have book hangover and I'm not even sad about it. This book was absolutely incredible! I loved everything about it, I couldn't even nit-pick a flaw if I had to. Probably just that I never wanted it to end.
The characters were so well-developed, they felt so raw and real, I just fell in love with them and wanted their happiness. The attention to detail that Bessey puts into her novels never ceases to amaze me and this book is another stellar example of her ability to masterfully weave fact and fiction together. I learn so much about history as I read her novels and this book opened my eyes to things in the past, I'd never given a second thought to like 18th century fraud and apple cider making. It's so fun reading in the Georgian era as well.
Adam and Phoebe's characters were inspiring. I loved some of the plot twists I did not see coming. In fact, there were a couple of parts I even spoke out loud I was so nervous or excited about a development. The romance was sweet and blossomed throughout the story. I've already reread the first kiss scene and think it may be a new favorite for me by this author. Clean and wholesome and ever so sweet!
I definitely recommend this book. The whole Georgian Gentlemen series has been enjoyable, but this may have just moved to first place (though that is honestly so hard to really choose). I received an advance reader copy of this novel, but I will for sure be purchasing a final print copy, I enjoyed it that much. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,675 reviews580 followers
June 23, 2022
I felt so bad for Adam and his sister, to be suffering from malicious rumors, and not even being aware of the reason! I admired Phoebe's open-mindedness about Adam once she meets him and judging him accurately on actual evidence of his behavior and his relationship with his sister, rather than the gossip surrounding them. Phoebe and Emily's friendship is genuine and I enjoyed their interactions as much as Phoebe and Adam's. The romance develops gently and there wasn't much tension between them as it was was found more in the plot with the villain. We have several scenes from the villain's perspective which I am always in two minds about- it's not my favorite way of seeing that part of the story, although it can prove an effective method. The anticipation builds as the villain gets more arrogant and desperate, and Adam becomes more determined to bring him down. An exciting and dangerous climax brings the story full circle and I was glad to see Adam find closure.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Profile Image for Bethany Robertson.
272 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2022
I loved this story. It was a mixture of proper romance, mystery, intrigue and suspense.
I also loved the strong female heroine of this story, she was determined to put aside society gossip to form her own opinion of Lord Dunsbourne, and find his true character. Lord Dusnborune was the perfect model of a man who knew the value of hard word and rising through life's challenges. I hope I get to hear more about Phoebe and Adam in the future!
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,521 reviews332 followers
April 20, 2023
This one was a fantastic read! I haven't read the other books in the series (yet) but I wasn't lost at all.

A case of misconceptions, swoony interactions, a dastardly villain, and the sweetest cast of characters complete this Georgian romance perfectly. Adam is seen as a grumpy man, hiding from society and rumored to have gambled away his family's fortune. Phoebe is very fashionable and a bright, happy ray of sunshine, who comes across (according to Adam) as self absorbed. Sweet Emily, Adam's younger sister, is so naive and tries so hard to fit into society, with the not-so-helpful but good-intentioned former governess navigating her way.

Apple trees and cider, accidental meetings, and the desire to help launch Emily bring Adam and Phoebe together in oh-so-swoony ways. I couldn't get enough of their interactions and the ways their reputations and first impressions melted away into something beautiful.

Dangerous moments and another chance to lose everything solidified all I had hoped for with this delightful story. I loved it from start to finish!

Content: mild romance; mild moments of danger/peril/violence

*I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for Kortnee - The Closed Door Bookworm.
196 reviews29 followers
September 25, 2025
Overview:

Language 🤐: Clean

Romance ❤️‍🔥: Kisses only (non descriptive)

Violence ⚔️: there is a shooting, a fire and some threat to life in hostage situations nothing graphic in my opinion

⚠️hostage situation, prejudice, family mention members who died⚠️

Tropes/Micro tropes
- Grumpy/Sunshin
- Protective MMC
- Opposites Attract
- Slow Burn
- Tending wounds
- Dancing together to teach his sister how to dance
- Hand brushing with all the tension
- Helping and saving one another in various ways
- 3 POV the villain in this story gets a few chapters

My Thoughts:

All these couples in this series are just delightful! Also the history that is tied in about the villain in this story is fascinating! This author with this series has done an excellent job of having the romance be more of a subplot which I truly love! I love there being a bigger issue tackled and watching the characters come to there in natural and unexpected ways!

Adam is truly such a sweetheart. His negative view and skepticism make so much sense for what he had gone through. I love to see the true care he had for his sister and those around him. It is admirable to see a character who was willing to work hard and make corrections when he realized he had neglected that which was most important.

Phoebe was so fun to get to know even more since in the previous book we only got to see a glimpse into her wonderful sweet natured character! She truly was just good and willing to stand up for what she deemed correct! It was good watching her learn and battle with how she had misjudged Adam at first.

Just loving this series and all the wonderful main character and side characters that we have been introduced to as well as all the actual history sprinkled within these stories!
Profile Image for Alisha.
1,234 reviews141 followers
September 11, 2021
This story would make a sweet and fun miniseries, split up over multiple episodes. The characters were enjoyable enough and the writing seemed well-researched. But it was a bit too long and drawn-out. It felt like some judicious condensing would have made it more compelling.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for this digital review copy.
Profile Image for Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!).
795 reviews38 followers
November 8, 2021
Once again Bessey has hit it out of the park! Adam’s story draws the reader in and endears himself to them. He seemed so real to me! Adam has these unfortunate circumstances not of his own doing. His father was swindled out of the family fortune and Adam is working so hard to build up an income and capture the swindling thief! His love for his sister is felt from the pages and I think every girl wants a brother like Adam. Phoebe was a wonderful character and her hand of friendship and helping was such a refreshing part of the story. It was so nice to have good characters to cheer for. And they seemed so real to me!
Bessey adds in so many interesting details like cider making and the intricacies of forgery, I feel like I have learned so many new things. I loved this latest installment in The Georgian Gentlemen series, I honestly couldn’t put it down. And when I got to the climax of the story, I could not read fast enough. This book is awesome and I recommend it to any historical fiction fan, you will be delighted and fly through the pages. Full of love and suspense, An Alleged Rogue is a brilliantly told story that comes to life right before your eyes. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kim.
833 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2021
This is a light romance with likable main characters and the villain’s POV to keep it interesting. It’s well written and a quick read. It’s the third book in the series, but the first that I have read, so it definitely works as a standalone story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ebook to review. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for maiaisreading.
568 reviews10 followers
November 5, 2021
#BookReview: AN ALLEGED ROGUE by Sian Ann Bessey

I loved Heirs of Falcon Point and so I wanted to read another book by this author. This third book in the Georgian Gentlemen series was a sweet romance with mystery. I loved how Phoebe assisted Emily in many ways. She sounds like a good friend.

This book reminded me to go apple picking. The apples taste the best there! I could just imagine Phoebe and Emily taking a walk in the orchard in the fall season. The apple cider making process was also very interesting to read.

It was a big puzzle to solve the mystery of the elusive Freddie Payne. Like Lord Adam, I wanted to know how to stop him from causing more damage. Some pages were fun and sweet, and the others made my heart race. I couldn’t put it down.This engaging and suspenseful story was well paced and a really good read.

4.5 stars

Thank you @covenant for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
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