Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Married to a Rogue by Donna Lea Simpson, A Review ★★★★★

Married to a Rogue

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Book Description

from NetGalley

From the author of The Earl of Hearts comes a Regency romance celebrating the witty and romantic world that fans of Georgette Heyer have fallen in love with.
Lady Emily Sedgely, separated from her husband and bored to distraction after years of solitude in the wilds of Yorkshire, is stirred by a sudden thirst for life and eagerly returns to London for the Season. Back in the swirl of society, she quickly warms to the attentions of an ardent young Frenchman—until a chance encounter with Baxter, her estranged husband, leaves her as confused as ever about her heart’s true longings.
Baxter, the Marquess of Sedgely, was given to dark moods and an uncertain temper that doomed his marriage. Finding relief in travel, he spent five years gallivanting the Continent and has now returned to London with a comely young mistress—and a dangerous secret. Cavalier about his safety, he discovers a far greater concern—for just one look at Emily stirs a realization that while his life may be in danger, it is his heart that faces a more immediate peril.
When Emily’s young French suitor arouses suspicions that he may not be all that he appears and a unknown assailant makes several attempts on Baxter’s life, the two are driven to protect each other and surrender to a passionate reawakening—and neither will rest until they are safely in the arms of the only person they’ve ever loved.
This books was originally published under the title Lady Delafont’s Dilemma.
Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Here is my honest review.

I really enjoyed the story in Married to a Rogue. An estranged husband and wife falling in love again is super romantic and the ultimate second-chance at love telling. I liked Emily because it was evident that she was hurt by her marriage in the past but she dealt with it and found inner strength to move past it. Baxter at first is the typical Regency romance hero: egotistical and standoffish; yet he was so easy to root for from the beginning.
One thing that I think Simpson did well was show how the characters realized that they still loved each other and progressed towards a declaration throughout the majority of the book. Often this moment comes close to the end and feels very rushed. 

Overall I enjoyed this story very much and definitely think that it is a story I will enjoy reading again in a few years.  I am giving this book 5 stars not because it is brilliant writing (it is written well, don't get me wrong) but because I just love the story concept and how Simpson told it. It's almost as good as a friends falling-in-love setup.

I gave this book: 

★ = I did not like it     ★ = It was okay     ★ = I liked it    
★ = I really liked it     ★ = I loved it



1 comment:

Charnell @ Reviews from a Bookworm said...

Great review. I haven't heard of this before, but definitely agree that the whole falling back in love concept is a brilliant one. I'm glad the author was able to tell it so well.