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Lady Rogue
Dear Reader,
Some people grow up wanting to be lion tamers or astronauts. I've always wanted to be a writer. One day, during a slow afternoon at my day job, I thought: What would I write? Inspiration struck . . . an earl who fell in love with a spy!
And thus Lady Rogue was born.
Christine "Kit" Brantley is masquerading as a boy because her mission is to spy on Alexander Cale, the Earl of Everton. It doesn't take long for Alex to see through her disguise. Who would mistake this enchanting, albeit cheeky, chit for a lad? Alex is determined to discover the real reason Kit is in London, but as he's dragged into one escapade after another, he finds himself succumbing to her charm and spirit.
I love this book, and I love the new package. In my mind it's a depiction of the first time Kit puts on a ball gown, and the way Alex Cale feels when he first sees her as a lady . . .
Ah, me, now I'm getting sentimental.
Some people grow up wanting to be lion tamers or astronauts. I've always wanted to be a writer. One day, during a slow afternoon at my day job, I thought: What would I write? Inspiration struck . . . an earl who fell in love with a spy!
And thus Lady Rogue was born.
Christine "Kit" Brantley is masquerading as a boy because her mission is to spy on Alexander Cale, the Earl of Everton. It doesn't take long for Alex to see through her disguise. Who would mistake this enchanting, albeit cheeky, chit for a lad? Alex is determined to discover the real reason Kit is in London, but as he's dragged into one escapade after another, he finds himself succumbing to her charm and spirit.
I love this book, and I love the new package. In my mind it's a depiction of the first time Kit puts on a ball gown, and the way Alex Cale feels when he first sees her as a lady . . .
Ah, me, now I'm getting sentimental.
Enjoy!
Suzanne Enoch
P.S. Oh, and Lady Rogue also marks the debut of Mr. Francis Henning, who's made an appearance in every historical I've written since.
372 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
85 people are currently reading
1865 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Enoch
101 books2,629 followersSuzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 16, 2022
This is a charming story . Kit is masquerading as a boy. Her father leaves her with Lord Everton. Alix realised that Kit was a female.
Spying deception and love
Spying deception and love
June 20, 2020
My 4th book by Suzanne Enoch that I read in 2 weeks and this one was a charm. First I have to say I love the cover and name which implies the unusual story.
This was well developed story of love and also some smuggling which kept my interest to the end.
This was well developed story of love and also some smuggling which kept my interest to the end.
April 20, 2023
Dit is een vermakelijk verhaal over een jonge vrouw die door haar vader vanaf heel jonge leeftijd als jongen wordt opgevoed en gekleed . Zij leven in Frankrijk maar zijn Engels van geboorte ( de vader is zelfs de jongere broer van een Hertog ) . De vader voorziet in hun onderhoud door handelswaar te smokkelen en nog wat onfrisse zaken waarbij hij ook steeds zijn "zoon " betrokken heeft . Wanneer zijn laatste handeltje onderschept wordt door de Engelsen stuurt hij zijn "zoon " op onderzoek uit naar wie daar schuldig aan is . Kit ( Christine ) wordt 2 weken ondergebracht bij Alex Cale - de Graaf van Everton - die al heel snel door heeft dat Kit geen jonge man is .
Er waren wat stukjes in het verhaal waar ik wat moeite mee had , zoals dat de vader van Kit alle Engelsen haat terwijl hij eigenlijk alleen een conflict heeft met zijn broer , en Kit is schijnbaar ongesteld geweest terwijl zij bij Alex logeerde maar niemand in dat huishouden heeft daar iets van gemerkt .
Ik heb vijf dagen over dit boek gedaan terwijl ik de meeste in 2 of 3 dagen uitlees , dus vermakelijk maar niet echt geweldig . Daarom 3 sterren .
Er waren wat stukjes in het verhaal waar ik wat moeite mee had , zoals dat de vader van Kit alle Engelsen haat terwijl hij eigenlijk alleen een conflict heeft met zijn broer , en Kit is schijnbaar ongesteld geweest terwijl zij bij Alex logeerde maar niemand in dat huishouden heeft daar iets van gemerkt .
Ik heb vijf dagen over dit boek gedaan terwijl ik de meeste in 2 of 3 dagen uitlees , dus vermakelijk maar niet echt geweldig . Daarom 3 sterren .
May 20, 2018
3.5 stars
I read this as BOTM. This was my first book by Suzanne Enoch. It started off slow, and I had a hard time getting into it. I did not much care for Alexander Cale, the Earl of Everton; but I appreciated that he immediately recognized Christine "Kit" Brantley as the female she was. Fortunately, the story picked up. I enjoyed experiencing Christine's life both as a boy and for the first time as a lady. I also enjoyed the Spy Intrigue and corresponding action.
It seems like this should have been part of a series. All of Alex's cronies deserve happy endings of their own. I was a little surprised when I checked and it's not.
I read this as BOTM. This was my first book by Suzanne Enoch. It started off slow, and I had a hard time getting into it. I did not much care for Alexander Cale, the Earl of Everton; but I appreciated that he immediately recognized Christine "Kit" Brantley as the female she was. Fortunately, the story picked up. I enjoyed experiencing Christine's life both as a boy and for the first time as a lady. I also enjoyed the Spy Intrigue and corresponding action.
It seems like this should have been part of a series. All of Alex's cronies deserve happy endings of their own. I was a little surprised when I checked and it's not.
May 11, 2018
I am a fan of Suzanne Enoch's novels and this one I just loved. The MCs in the story were very loveable and the banter between the two was welcoming. It was quite a surprise and well worth the read.
The pacing in the story was very nice and not rushed to show the attraction and then love that each felt for one another. It has it twists and turns and laughable moments. It started off a bit slow for me but turned into a page turner and me wanting to know the outcome. Very very nice one by SE.
4.0 Stars
The pacing in the story was very nice and not rushed to show the attraction and then love that each felt for one another. It has it twists and turns and laughable moments. It started off a bit slow for me but turned into a page turner and me wanting to know the outcome. Very very nice one by SE.
4.0 Stars
March 22, 2017
I love when I randomly find a hidden gem! I loved this one.
February 14, 2010
Excerpt:
When the dripping wet ragamuffin showed up on his doorstep late one night, Alexander Cale, Earl of Everton, quickly discovers that the cheeky lad was actually an enchanting––but infuriating––chit! Kit is astonished that the devastatingly attractive Earl saw through her disguise in record time. But his charms is something she can ill afford, yet cannot resist. When danger threatens both their lives, only love can can save them
Perhaps i went into this book with too much expectancy of it being as good as Suzanne's "Lessons in Love" trilogy because it feel flat to me. The first couple of chapters had me hooked. Then the plot started to slow. Get no-where. And basically repeat itself over and over again. Kit was "who is the Englishman trying to stop the shipment of weapons to my father, I hope no-one finds out i'm a girl,I love wearing mens clothing and hanging out with the guys, and gosh Alex is hot". Alex was "i want to sleep with Kit, Is Kit a spy, If she is can i trust her, & i hope no-one finds out Kit is a girl". It basically got really really dull and flat fast. Suzanne really could have wrapped up the story a 100 pages earlier and have gotten the same result. There is a thing called editing. If the book feels like your going no-where or repeating yourself then editing is your best friend Suzanne and all authors. Lesser pages doesn't mean a lesser quality book. Perhaps i'm being a bit harsh here, but i was expecting something better than repetitiveness and redundancy.
When the dripping wet ragamuffin showed up on his doorstep late one night, Alexander Cale, Earl of Everton, quickly discovers that the cheeky lad was actually an enchanting––but infuriating––chit! Kit is astonished that the devastatingly attractive Earl saw through her disguise in record time. But his charms is something she can ill afford, yet cannot resist. When danger threatens both their lives, only love can can save them
Perhaps i went into this book with too much expectancy of it being as good as Suzanne's "Lessons in Love" trilogy because it feel flat to me. The first couple of chapters had me hooked. Then the plot started to slow. Get no-where. And basically repeat itself over and over again. Kit was "who is the Englishman trying to stop the shipment of weapons to my father, I hope no-one finds out i'm a girl,I love wearing mens clothing and hanging out with the guys, and gosh Alex is hot". Alex was "i want to sleep with Kit, Is Kit a spy, If she is can i trust her, & i hope no-one finds out Kit is a girl". It basically got really really dull and flat fast. Suzanne really could have wrapped up the story a 100 pages earlier and have gotten the same result. There is a thing called editing. If the book feels like your going no-where or repeating yourself then editing is your best friend Suzanne and all authors. Lesser pages doesn't mean a lesser quality book. Perhaps i'm being a bit harsh here, but i was expecting something better than repetitiveness and redundancy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2010
This is really a 3 1/2, but I'm rating it 4 stars out of necessity. This is not a bad book.
+1 genderbender/crossdressing - female lead gets to chill with the big boys (clubs and drinking, etc)
+1 witty dialogue with sexy beast hero
+1 heroes bffs banter (and delusional Reg)
-1 Spy romance bs
-1 random French phrases (disturbingly simply)
-1 underdeveloped villains (and the father, I don't even understand him)
+.5 overall enjoyment - it was actually kinda fun to read, despite the lameness
See, 3 1/2 perfect. Its not a bad read. There are good points, but unfortunately, it was fraught with my biggest pet peeves. I do not like Spy romance, the historical kind or otherwise (usually). The villains were half-baked and uninteresting and the father was this gray character whose actions makes little sense. Now, the French phrases is almost the entire reason why I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. It appeared as if SE decided to look through a French dictionary and threw in some nonsense phrases. I don't know how see expected to do that when it is every poser's tactic to look cooler - throw in some fancy words. If it was a contemporary novel, I might have expected croissant and cripes part of the insults since they all sound so French.
Overall, its not really bad. Enjoyable if it didn't have such weird problems. Its mediocre at best since neither the hero nor the heroine were highly memorable. They followed the typical fashion, entertainingly, but without the special 'umph'.
Another pet peeve was the former mistress, bitch face. Why must we use the same pattern. Why is there never any understanding? It was a freaking business arrangement.
+1 genderbender/crossdressing - female lead gets to chill with the big boys (clubs and drinking, etc)
+1 witty dialogue with sexy beast hero
+1 heroes bffs banter (and delusional Reg)
-1 Spy romance bs
-1 random French phrases (disturbingly simply)
-1 underdeveloped villains (and the father, I don't even understand him)
+.5 overall enjoyment - it was actually kinda fun to read, despite the lameness
See, 3 1/2 perfect. Its not a bad read. There are good points, but unfortunately, it was fraught with my biggest pet peeves. I do not like Spy romance, the historical kind or otherwise (usually). The villains were half-baked and uninteresting and the father was this gray character whose actions makes little sense. Now, the French phrases is almost the entire reason why I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. It appeared as if SE decided to look through a French dictionary and threw in some nonsense phrases. I don't know how see expected to do that when it is every poser's tactic to look cooler - throw in some fancy words. If it was a contemporary novel, I might have expected croissant and cripes part of the insults since they all sound so French.
Overall, its not really bad. Enjoyable if it didn't have such weird problems. Its mediocre at best since neither the hero nor the heroine were highly memorable. They followed the typical fashion, entertainingly, but without the special 'umph'.
Another pet peeve was the former mistress, bitch face. Why must we use the same pattern. Why is there never any understanding? It was a freaking business arrangement.
May 9, 2018
5 stars.
All the books I’ve read by this author have been rated high. I really liked this one too. Great chemistry between the hero and heroine. No insta love. Spunky heroine and a really sweet hero. Interesting plot and a good flow all around. Definitely one of my favorites.
All the books I’ve read by this author have been rated high. I really liked this one too. Great chemistry between the hero and heroine. No insta love. Spunky heroine and a really sweet hero. Interesting plot and a good flow all around. Definitely one of my favorites.
December 8, 2018
May BOTM 2018 Theme Disguise 3 and a half stars.
December 1, 2022
I love Suzanne’s HR novels that take place during the French Revolution. The plots are always exciting! Kit and Alex are fun characters and I liked that we got to see them both build trust and mature. The side characters added to the story but at time I couldn’t keep all of them straight. I also felt the action scene could have used more description to make sense and bring the reader into the moment. Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend for a spy themed steamy HR!
Original review: https://shelbygreads.wordpress.com/20...
Original review: https://shelbygreads.wordpress.com/20...
May 8, 2009
Doesn't this book just look and sound lame? I got it because I like gender-benders almost as much as long walks on the beach (meaning I've never done it but never tire of hearing about it as it always makes me giggle one way or another)
Anywho, the book was great. The wit wasn't forced, the story was solid, the characters weren't annoying. This is rare in romance novels.
Anywho, the book was great. The wit wasn't forced, the story was solid, the characters weren't annoying. This is rare in romance novels.
September 1, 2016
I seldom read romance novels, but I enjoyed every page of this book
October 10, 2020
Rifling through my eBook collection, I remember I had stockpiled earlier works by Suzanne Enoch in a moment of nostalgia for her work circa 2003-2007 that I was inspired to go through her backlist.
So far, Lady Rogue is the only one that I've managed to finish, only because I started to skim it about 35-40% mark. Not even sure why I bothered to finish it but there was something about Kit and Alex that was cute enough to keep going. Also, insomnia.
Lady Rogue appears to be one of Enoch's first stories published with Avon. The re-issue cover for Lady Rogue is gorgeous. I still have a lot of love for the original cover tho:
I miss Avon covers when they were in your face and still oh so beautiful.
Unfortunately, I don't believe this cute little scene of peekaboo happens in the story and if it did, it certainly was not memorable. It does get across the minx-like quality of Kit who pretends to be a boy being harboured under Alex's care, to repay a debt on behalf of Alex's dead father. Kit is an expat from France and due to Napoleon trying to make his comeback, Kit's father has decided to stow her safely in England for the time being.
That's the cover story.
Kit's father is actually a smuggler to the French and Kit is really in England to find out who among the English lords is blocking their smuggled goods from reaching the French army.
If you've read These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer, the Leonie energy is STRONG in Kit. From her French phrases and childlike tenacity to fight, argue, swear, she has her agency and I enjoyed her a lot. She is not restricted in her movements (she goes at night to spy, gambles etc.) and she has witty retorts. I just really enjoy heroines who can do things, especially since I was expecting Kit not to be a spy since Alex is not really a rake.
As an earlier work of Suzanne Enoch's, Lady Rogue already shows her potential for humour and sensual writing capabilities but not a lot of flirting or sex that goes on so we are stuck with the smuggling plot, which is boring. When Kit was infiltrating hanging out with Alex's friends, this could have been an opportunity for interesting things to happen or even just for the reader to learn more about the social culture of the times (gambling dens), deeper character study or even the Napoleonic times.
Not much here except for a love of old timey English slang ("slap up to the echo", "top of the trees").
So far, Lady Rogue is the only one that I've managed to finish, only because I started to skim it about 35-40% mark. Not even sure why I bothered to finish it but there was something about Kit and Alex that was cute enough to keep going. Also, insomnia.
Lady Rogue appears to be one of Enoch's first stories published with Avon. The re-issue cover for Lady Rogue is gorgeous. I still have a lot of love for the original cover tho:
I miss Avon covers when they were in your face and still oh so beautiful.
Unfortunately, I don't believe this cute little scene of peekaboo happens in the story and if it did, it certainly was not memorable. It does get across the minx-like quality of Kit who pretends to be a boy being harboured under Alex's care, to repay a debt on behalf of Alex's dead father. Kit is an expat from France and due to Napoleon trying to make his comeback, Kit's father has decided to stow her safely in England for the time being.
That's the cover story.
Kit's father is actually a smuggler to the French and Kit is really in England to find out who among the English lords is blocking their smuggled goods from reaching the French army.
If you've read These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer, the Leonie energy is STRONG in Kit. From her French phrases and childlike tenacity to fight, argue, swear, she has her agency and I enjoyed her a lot. She is not restricted in her movements (she goes at night to spy, gambles etc.) and she has witty retorts. I just really enjoy heroines who can do things, especially since I was expecting Kit not to be a spy since Alex is not really a rake.
As an earlier work of Suzanne Enoch's, Lady Rogue already shows her potential for humour and sensual writing capabilities but not a lot of flirting or sex that goes on so we are stuck with the smuggling plot, which is boring. When Kit was
Not much here except for a love of old timey English slang ("slap up to the echo", "top of the trees").
July 11, 2018
Honor bound to repay a debt, Alexander Cale agrees to look after Kit, son of the man who once saved his life. However, Kit is really Christine Brantley, in disguise as a young man, on a mission for her father to discover who among Alexander's peers is undermining her father's smuggling operation in France. Alexander, likewise, is determined to find and capture the traitors who are smuggling British weapons across the strait to their French enemies.
This is one of Suzanne Enoch's earliest published works (her third published, I believe) and was so much fun to read. Kit has charmed me completely. She is intelligent, clever, and resourceful. (But sadly not a very good spy, in my opinion. Or maybe she just met her match.) Her banters with Alex are so natural and full of chemistry.
Unfortunately, there are some aspects that I did not enjoy as much. I find Kit's French somewhat juvenile, simplistic, annoying, and beneath her normal level of wit. There were also quite a few antagonists (four of them) that Kit and Alex have to overcome and their grief with our H&h were all somewhat one dimensional and not fleshed out. My last nitpick is for the Kindle Amazon ebook version and may not apply to the print version. My Kindle version had awful formatting. The paragraphs ran one after another with no indication of scene changes within a chapter. An extra ENTER between paragraphs with scene changes would have helped the reading experience immensely.
But! I absolutely adore the H&h! Don't let my nitpicks above keep you from enjoying a very satisfying journey with Kit and Alex. Their sardonic, unconventional humor is perfect for each other. Their story reminds me a bit of an ugly duckling/Cinderella fairy tale with twists and action.
This gets a solid 4 star.
This is one of Suzanne Enoch's earliest published works (her third published, I believe) and was so much fun to read. Kit has charmed me completely. She is intelligent, clever, and resourceful. (But sadly not a very good spy, in my opinion. Or maybe she just met her match.) Her banters with Alex are so natural and full of chemistry.
Unfortunately, there are some aspects that I did not enjoy as much. I find Kit's French somewhat juvenile, simplistic, annoying, and beneath her normal level of wit. There were also quite a few antagonists (four of them) that Kit and Alex have to overcome and their grief with our H&h were all somewhat one dimensional and not fleshed out. My last nitpick is for the Kindle Amazon ebook version and may not apply to the print version. My Kindle version had awful formatting. The paragraphs ran one after another with no indication of scene changes within a chapter. An extra ENTER between paragraphs with scene changes would have helped the reading experience immensely.
But! I absolutely adore the H&h! Don't let my nitpicks above keep you from enjoying a very satisfying journey with Kit and Alex. Their sardonic, unconventional humor is perfect for each other. Their story reminds me a bit of an ugly duckling/Cinderella fairy tale with twists and action.
This gets a solid 4 star.
March 24, 2025
Eu comecei esse livro com uma ideia completamente diferente do que o tom seria, então não consegui me deixar levar tanto. a minha primeira experiência com a suzanne enoch foi tão avassaladora, espero que consiga ter isso de novo!
November 19, 2007
Yet another cheesy romance novel about a lady spy! Is the world of cheesy romance trying to tell me something?? Except in this one, the girl is dressed up as a boy.
As a favor to Kit's father, Alex takes Kit in, where Kit is supposed to spy on Alex (England is at war against Bonaparte); Alex quickly discovers that Kit is really a woman, and their love for each other simmers, then explodes in a flame of passionate... well, you know. And did I mention that she maks a grand appearance at a masquerade ball, dressing as woman in public for the first time in years, where of course her great beauty (and conveniently perfect body) create a huge stir.
"Well, I am baffled," Francis Henning added from behind Reg. "Just when did you become a female, Kit?
Christine stifled a smile. "I've always been one, Francis."
"But you drank me under the table and took me for twenty quid at hazard," he complained. Then he blanched. "And I asked you to marry me, didn't I?" He turned to Everton. "Didn't mean it, Alex, I thought she was a boy -- I mean, not then of course, but I didn't know--"
As a favor to Kit's father, Alex takes Kit in, where Kit is supposed to spy on Alex (England is at war against Bonaparte); Alex quickly discovers that Kit is really a woman, and their love for each other simmers, then explodes in a flame of passionate... well, you know. And did I mention that she maks a grand appearance at a masquerade ball, dressing as woman in public for the first time in years, where of course her great beauty (and conveniently perfect body) create a huge stir.
"Well, I am baffled," Francis Henning added from behind Reg. "Just when did you become a female, Kit?
Christine stifled a smile. "I've always been one, Francis."
"But you drank me under the table and took me for twenty quid at hazard," he complained. Then he blanched. "And I asked you to marry me, didn't I?" He turned to Everton. "Didn't mean it, Alex, I thought she was a boy -- I mean, not then of course, but I didn't know--"
May 24, 2012
I guess every author has a "miss" every now and again. I think this was only the 3rd book that Suzanne Enoch ever published. The concept of a young lady posing as a boy to help her father spy on an earl...I think in the back of my mind, I thought it was clever, but I found reading it uncomfortable. I didn't like imagining Kit in menswear throughout almost the entire book. Part of the reason I'm attracted to historical novels is because I enjoy imagining the ladies' grace, restraint (publicly, anyhow) and beautiful attire. I didn't want to read about a female dressing as a man.
And I enjoy reading historical events as a tertiary character to a romance novel. Here, the politics and animosity between France and England was as much a main character as the hero and heroine.
My favorite scene was the masquerade ball...and it was much too short, LOL!
I like Suzanne Enoch, and will continue to read her, because I really enjoy her wit and writing style.
And I enjoy reading historical events as a tertiary character to a romance novel. Here, the politics and animosity between France and England was as much a main character as the hero and heroine.
My favorite scene was the masquerade ball...and it was much too short, LOL!
I like Suzanne Enoch, and will continue to read her, because I really enjoy her wit and writing style.
February 9, 2013
This is what a crossdressing heroine should be. *glares meaningfully at Surprising Lord Jack* Well, except for the whole giving up her crossdressing ways to become a countess. That part kind of stinks.
Kit was amazing. I loved her. Everton was okay too, except for constantly referring to Kit as "chit." WTF? Worst endearment ever.
I loved that this book had a non-romantic plot. I love spies and that element of danger that most Regencies lack. I just really like this book. It's swell.
Kit was amazing. I loved her. Everton was okay too, except for constantly referring to Kit as "chit." WTF? Worst endearment ever.
I loved that this book had a non-romantic plot. I love spies and that element of danger that most Regencies lack. I just really like this book. It's swell.
August 14, 2013
I really liked this book.
Endearing characters and lots of witty dialogue.
Suzanne Enoch is one of my favorite authors.
However....
Ms. Enoch used the word "chit" 117 times! First of all, I don't like the word. Secondly, 117 times!
Then apparently everyone was chuckling all the time because someone freaking "chuckled" 75 times.
And don't get me started on the 44 "My dear"s. It makes me think I was over reacting to all 33 "shaking" episodes.
And the ending dragged on a bit, this felt long for a regency romance.
Even so, I guess this is SE's debut? Pretty impressive if it is.
Endearing characters and lots of witty dialogue.
Suzanne Enoch is one of my favorite authors.
However....
Ms. Enoch used the word "chit" 117 times! First of all, I don't like the word. Secondly, 117 times!
Then apparently everyone was chuckling all the time because someone freaking "chuckled" 75 times.
And don't get me started on the 44 "My dear"s. It makes me think I was over reacting to all 33 "shaking" episodes.
And the ending dragged on a bit, this felt long for a regency romance.
Even so, I guess this is SE's debut? Pretty impressive if it is.
December 26, 2008
Alexander Cale, the Earl of Everton, is working for the government trying to stop smugglers from funding Napoleon's armies. Christine (Kit) Brantley is brought to Alex's house as part of a scheme by Stewart Brantley. Kit's father dresses her as a male and leaves her for Alex to show around town. She is to spy on Alex at the same time. Alex quickly realizes his attraction for Kit but hides it until he realizes Kit is a "she." Then things become quite complicated with who is spying on whom. Enoch does a good job of not letting the smuggling story line overcome the romance in this book.
March 4, 2014
Kit's allegedly a manipulative mastermind that is supposed to find out what Englishman is messing with her father's plans. Alex is an Earl and is the Englishman messing with her father's plans. THEY FALL IN LOVE. There's a convoluted plot about smuggling guns to Napoleon? And Kit suddenly realizes she has girl thoughts!
I think it's obvious in some ways that this is one of Enoch's first novels. The pacing seems ridiculously drawn out; for at least the first 2/3 of the book, I kept checking my place because I couldn't believe it was taking so long for things to happen.
I think it's obvious in some ways that this is one of Enoch's first novels. The pacing seems ridiculously drawn out; for at least the first 2/3 of the book, I kept checking my place because I couldn't believe it was taking so long for things to happen.
February 4, 2012
Has nobody else noticed that the shoulders and back, especially the left shoulder, on the woman in the cover picture are actually more like a man's back and shoulders than a woman's? Looks like a cross-dressing man with a dress on, while the story is about a cross-dressing woman ...
February 22, 2018
Suzanne has never let me down so far. This book has got all the elements I love. Romance, Danger, Adventure and Alpha hero and a feisty heroine, witty banter and repartee. A clear winner in my books!
July 14, 2022
I LOVED this book. Other than the fact that Kit and Alex were going to fall in love I had no idea what what going to happen or where the story was going to go. I absolutely adored this story. It was funny, exciting, romantic, sexy, and I could not put it down.
February 16, 2025
DNF around 35-40%, tried skipping forward and still nothing happened.
Christ on a bike, where is the fucking plot?!?!
So, I came to this novel via the NYT and its 'classic romances starter pack'. I mean, if this is termed a 'classic', I'm so, so glad that we have moved on from the 'classics' and romance has evolved in the last 20 years.
The premise of this is simple enough: Kit's spy/smuggler father returns from France to England where his dressed-as-a-boy daughter is supposed to find out who's thwarting their plans. He unloads her at the Earl of Everton's house, who immediately sees through the masquerade and has the hots for Kit. Kit, instead of finding out who's behind their smuggling woes, has the hots for the Earl while simultanously swanning around society dressed as a boy - because reasons.
The thing is, the structure of this romance is ridiculous: we have a few pages of plot, and then many, many pages of either Kit or the Earl musing about their feelings and pining. And it got so incredibly boring, because it didn't manage to move the plot forward.
Enoch seems to draw inspiration from Georgette Heyer's These Old Shades, and only manages to painfully draw attention to her inabilities as a writer.
Christ on a bike, where is the fucking plot?!?!
So, I came to this novel via the NYT and its 'classic romances starter pack'. I mean, if this is termed a 'classic', I'm so, so glad that we have moved on from the 'classics' and romance has evolved in the last 20 years.
The premise of this is simple enough: Kit's spy/smuggler father returns from France to England where his dressed-as-a-boy daughter is supposed to find out who's thwarting their plans. He unloads her at the Earl of Everton's house, who immediately sees through the masquerade and has the hots for Kit. Kit, instead of finding out who's behind their smuggling woes, has the hots for the Earl while simultanously swanning around society dressed as a boy - because reasons.
The thing is, the structure of this romance is ridiculous: we have a few pages of plot, and then many, many pages of either Kit or the Earl musing about their feelings and pining. And it got so incredibly boring, because it didn't manage to move the plot forward.
Enoch seems to draw inspiration from Georgette Heyer's These Old Shades, and only manages to painfully draw attention to her inabilities as a writer.
July 31, 2023
Yes I read this in a day shut up. While I do give this three stars, I did overall really enjoyed it. Their banter turned to love, her attitude and making friends, overall her dressing as a boy (fav HR trope) I loved it all.
However my issues come to the description, she is described as spy. While she does some slight spying that becomes minor she is not really a spy, she is a smuggler. Second of all, I wish her relationship with her “father”, Steward was developed more. He raised her, taught her his beliefs and business, but then he just leaves/wants to benefit the war and she doesn’t really give a shit afterwards? Lastly, while the couple is in love, I never truly feel like he (the MMC) trusts her which is really disappointing.
However my issues come to the description, she is described as spy. While she does some slight spying that becomes minor she is not really a spy, she is a smuggler. Second of all, I wish her relationship with her “father”, Steward was developed more. He raised her, taught her his beliefs and business, but then he just leaves/wants to benefit the war and she doesn’t really give a shit afterwards? Lastly, while the couple is in love, I never truly feel like he (the MMC) trusts her which is really disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2020
I wanted to like this book more than I did. It wasn’t bad by any means. I just wanted something more. Not sure what, but it left me feeling unsatisfied in some way.
I was glad that Alex figured out the ruse quickly and it didn’t drag on for half the book, but it might have gone on a little longer than 12 hours- most of which were sleeping. I guessed the big plot twist about half way though. The sex was pretty tame for Enoch and I’m not entirely sure I felt the chemistry.
I was glad that Alex figured out the ruse quickly and it didn’t drag on for half the book, but it might have gone on a little longer than 12 hours- most of which were sleeping. I guessed the big plot twist about half way though. The sex was pretty tame for Enoch and I’m not entirely sure I felt the chemistry.
July 7, 2025
I added this to my reading list after seeing it recommended in a "Classic Romance Novels: A Starter Pack" article. Lady Rogue was described as a queer-adjacent, gender-bending story with sparkling banter. With a blurb like that, okay I'm sold. (Mulan was my favorite Disney movie for most of my childhood.) I think the review oversold it, but reading this felt like a time capsule back to the era of 90s 00s mass market paperbacks. A fun vintage throwback. 2.5 stars rounded up.
September 19, 2020
One of Ms. Enoch's finest, with some definitely "heyeresque" tones set by a spunky crossdressing heroine and witty repartee. The book didn't really need the spy/smuggler subplot and started to actually drag a bit towards the end because of it. All and all this was a well executed piece of regency romance, representing all that makes the genre so entertaining.
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