With the death of the Earl, Miss Rebecca Bond is left with no money and soon no place to live. Rebecca is informed she has one month to find a husband or one will be chosen for her. So must wed immediately; her life has been full of heartbreak and disappointments. Daniel Goodenham, Lord North Barrows is one man she had loved, but can never forgive or forget her humiliation is summoned to the reading of will. Daniel has become the rake of London. He realizes he still loves Rebecca; she is the only one to ever treat him as a man, not for his title, but she will not accept his apology. Rebecca is an intelligent, self-sufficient strong woman who really does not think she needs a husband of any kind. Can Daniel win his heart’s desire, her forgiveness and win her heart. An enlightening story with a rakish viscount and strong willed young lady.
This is my honest review after reading the ARC copy from Net Galley

This was a very good novel, well written as well! An author whose books I will continue to be looking for in the future. It had emotions and enough depth that I feel satisfied. Loved it!

Erica Ridley is slowly making her way up my list of favorite historical romance authors. I've been a fan of hers for quite some time now, but Romancing the Rogue is my favorite book from her yet!

Romancing the Rogue is the second book in a series, but it can be read completely as a stand-alone. It felt like a stand-alone, actually, but now I'm curious to go back and read Dark Surrender, the first in the series. Romancing the Rogue is also billed as a gothic romance, but it actually has very few creepy, gothic elements other than the not-so-spooky setting.

I absolutely adored the former friends-lovers theme. I always like it when someone was scorned or hurt in the past and now the other person has to make up for it to win them over. I like the fight, the struggle to atone for past wrongdoings, and I loved it here.

The story was also a very #independentwomen romance, which I'm seeing a lot now with more recent historical romance. I loved how Rebecca was strong and smart and resourceful, and how she kept surprising Daniel throughout the story.

I think if there had been maybe 50 more pages to strengthen the romance part of the story, it would have been perfect, but even as-is it was a highly satisfying read. Erica Ridley is upping her game more and more, and I'm so excited to see what else she has up her sleeve.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

Romancing the Rogue by Erica Ridley

A haunted castle, a damsel who deals with figures and distress, a handsome Viscount, what more can a reader ask for? I am quite delighted to receive an Advanced Reading Copy of Erica Ridley's "Romancing the Rogue"...here's the story blurb:

When the new earl inherits, poor relation Miss Rebecca Bond must wed immediately or be out on her ear. The only man she’s ever loved is summoned to hear the will—but he already rejected her so soundly that they haven’t spoken in years. Yet who better than a rakish Viscount to teach her how to snare a gentleman who appreciates her charms?

Daniel Goodenham, Lord North Barrows, regrets nothing more than the lost friendship with the one woman who treated him like a man, not a title. Fate has given him the perfect pretext to win her forgiveness—even if it means having to matchmake her to someone else. But now that she's back in his life, he’ll do anything to convince her to choose him instead...


Miss Rebecca Bond had been living in the shadows, literally, that is...when her parents passed away, she was lucky enough to be under the care of an Earl, whom later suffered an illness which made Miss Rebecca live the life of a "ghost" in a haunted castle. She did not fret nor cry away, instead she made herself useful withe the books and somehow, maintenance of the castle. That was until the Earl passed away and she finally "came out" of the shadows, she was given an ultimatum to find a husband...immediately...

Enter Lord North Barrows, someone from Miss Rebecca's past...both of them shared a memory of the past that Miss Rebecca wants to forget and Lord North Barrows wants to rekindle! Problem is Miss Rebecca is rather too independent and too stubborn to acknowledge it. What a delight it was to see how things turn out for these two star crossed lovers...

Five Cinnamon Raisin Stars for Erica Ridley's "Romancing the Rogue"!

In some ways, you could call Romancing the Rogue the ultimate second chance romance. A chance for Daniel to make up for his reaction, and his actions years ago toward Rebecca. For Rebecca, it’s a chance to either make Daniel burn at what he missed or forgive him and let him win her heart all over again. In the end there really sin’t much choice where love is concerned – but it is an interesting journey to get to the happy ever after part.

Romancing the Rogue is a quick, fun and entertaining story of love gone wrong years earlier, friendships broken and how two people can rekindle what never died out – their love for each other. Giving your trust back to the man who broke your heart is never easy, but Rebecca has never stopped loving Daniel. Since her circumstances have changed even further, now might finally be the right time for them to act on their feelings and get on with their lives together.

If you’re looking for a quick romance with a punch, then this one is for you. Daniel and Rebecca have a history now it’s time to decide if they have a future. I enjoyed my time with this couple and I believe any Regency Romance reader would have fun with it.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This was a sweet and charming tale about second chances. I wish there had been more "back story" on the characters past history with each other. It would have made their "pining" for each other for so many years a little more credible and believable. But, all in all, it ticked all the boxes for a very nice, Regency read. Ridley always pens a story that delights and satisfies.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Season Publishing/WebMotion in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Romancing the Rogue by Erica Ridley - Short Novella - Historical Romance

Rebecca Bond is a poor orphan relation that the Late Earl of Banfield took in at Castle Keyvnor. The new earl wants her wed as soon as possible to get her off his hands. She has three short months or he will find a husband for her.

Daniel Goodenham, Lord North Barrows regrets how he treated Rebecca back when they were young. Now he has a chance to rectify himself to her when he is called to Castle Keyvnor for the reading of the will.
Rebecca requests that Daniel teach her the art of flirtation in order to catch a gentleman. After all, his reputation is notorious for such things. It's the least he could do.

I loved that Daniel rushed to Rebecca when he received his summons. Rushing entailed he had more time with her. He seemed so anxious that he waited in the entryway, pacing and muttering with nervousness. So Cute! I love to see the struggle of realization when he discovers he not only wants her friendship he wants to keep her his forever. I guess it's the fairytale endings from childhood I want and love but it's. the getting there that's so great!

My only problem with this is that it is too short. But it is a Novella - so Duh!

I've always been a sucker for childhood-friends-turned-enemies-then-lovers trope. So when I read the blurb for Romancing the Rogue, I happily clicked the request button in Netgalley for an ARC. And while the trope was there as promised, there were some things that deterred me from thoroughly liking the story.

Rebecca is an orphan who has been living with her great uncle, the Earl of Banfield, for five long years. Her uncle has forgotten her existence. The staff, however minimal it was, never even realized she was there. They all thought that there was a ghost inhabiting the castle, eating some of the food and helping them do their tasks. Yes, a ghost was eating bread and cheese, peeling apples, ironing laundry, and baking raisin biscuits in the oven. The "ghost" even left notes to the Earl's steward whenever he made miscalculations in the account books (which he followed, I might add). I think it was the intention of the author to present this as the gothic part of the series. There may actually be ghosts in the castle. Too bad we never really meet them.

Aside from the need for suspension of disbelief (I couldn't, sorry), I felt that the story lacked details. A lot of details. Like, why is Daniel asked to come to the reading of the will? Is he a relation of the dead earl? And what Daniel's responsibilities? Where was his estate? Did he live in London the entire year? Alas, we were only given a novella. There was no room for giving me all the answers to the questions popping into my head.

Despite my complaints, I did like the story. A lot, in fact. And it was solely because of how Erica Ridley is able to use words to create depth of feeling. I felt Daniel's need for a friend, the only one who mattered - Rebecca. I felt Rebecca's desperation, her heartache at the thought of Daniel leaving. I loved the banter, so much. It definitely made me overlook little things that niggled at me while I read. And though it was a short read, I totally believed in the feelings Rebecca and Daniel inspired in one another. I loved how little bits of their past came out through their interactions. Like when Daniel recognized the gown she was wearing as the one she wore when she was in London years ago. He glimpsed it from across the street and the vision "had stolen his breath." For Rebecca, this was a reminder of her parents' death as this was the last gown she was able to buy before she became an orphan and therefore penniless.

And while I never get to see how they were in their childhood, their reconnection helped me see why they were absolutely perfect for each other. Daniel is a bumbling ass at times but he always, always thought very highly of Rebecca. His respect for her and her abilities knew no bounds. Who wouldn't want a hero like that?

Romancing the Rogue may be short on the details but it was sweet with just enough angst to keep my heart hurting a little bit from time to time. Just the way I like it.

we have Daniel and Rebecca, two people who I would probably describe as frenemies, more than true enemies. Our hero and heroine were both secretly in love with each other. Unfortunately, Daniel's grandmother didn't approve of Rebecca and so he thought that giving her the cut direct in front of the entire ton would make granny happy. Yes, he was that stupid. I'm still not sure why I would want a hero who had no balls to stand up for the woman he loves.

Romancing the Rogue is the second of Erica Ridley's Gothic Historical Romance series. it was originally part of the Vexed Anthology. (I'm sorry but the model on the cover looks like she is about to sneeze.) I enjoyed the story and the characters, it's a quick and easy read. Rebecca has been invisible for the better part of a year. The death of her parents left her at her great grandfather's house his illness left him bedridden and soon the servants even forgot about her their. She took it upon herself to fix the mistakes the steward made in the ledgers and even helped the kitchen staff a time or two, everyone just assumed it was one of the ghosts haunting the castle. Everyone made a big deal about the castle being haunted and barely touched on how it became haunted, I wish Erica Ridley did more with the haunted house for a gothic romance it wasn't very gothic, for the exception of the location of haunted castle that's as gothic as it gets.

Daniel Goodenham came into his viscountcy early in his his life. He strived to make his grandmother proud something his father never seemed to do. But in his drive to be the best Viscount he can be it cost him the only true friend he ever had. Rebecca Bond was younger than him and according to his grandmother to far beneath him to be his Viscountess. Daniel planned to make it up to her the next year after everything was settled but she never came back to London. As the years passed Daniel kept putting off an apology because it would never be enough. On the eve of his birthday Daniel receives a missive telling him that Rebecca's grandfather has died and that he is expected to be there for the reading of the will. Daniel sees this as his chance to get back his best friend and make up for lost time.

Rebecca's invisibility disappeared when her grandfather died and her uncle inherited. With six daughters already he gave Rebecca the ultimatum that she marry before January or he finds a husband for her. Rebecca knew Daniel would show up and was ready with a proposition for him. Out of practice from the ton she asks Daniel's help to find her a husband. Taken back by the idea has Daniel realize Rebecca means everything to him and he must either love her enough to brave his grandmother or love her enough to let her go.

Overall, this was a good story focusing just on the main characters with hardly any secondary characters at all. I almost wish there was more to it.

This is a witty, second chance romance that, though short, left me with a good, satisfied feeling. The epilogue was very sweet.

If you're looking for a quick-paced historical, I highly recommend "Romancing the Rogue".

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book, which was generously provided by NetGalley.

Romancing a Rogue ⭐⭐⭐⭐ by Erica Ridley
(Gothic Historical Romance #2)

Rebecca Bond has been a poor relation living in the shadows of Castle Keyvnor for five years. Her Uncle Earl of Banfield has forgotten she lives there with him. She hides from everyone in the residence. When her uncle dies the new earl learns of her and wants her married and out.

The only man Rebecca ever loved was Daniel Goodenham, Lord North Barrows. They had a childhood friendship. When Daniel inherited his title he cut her to the quick. Daniel has regretted for years the way he treated her. Now he has an opportunity to return to Castle Keyvnor for the will reading and plans to rectify the wrong he committed.

As he pretends to help her find a perfect husband he is drawn to her like a magnet. This is a predictable romance novel and quite enjoyable.
I would recommend this lite read.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

The story unfolds when Daniel gets an invitation to a will reading. Whereby, giving Daniel a chance to apologize for slitting the only friend that treated him as a person and not a title.
Rebecca life was a solitary one. After the death of her beloved parents. She lived in a household where everyone forgot she was even there. But soon all that will change with the death of her uncle and the new Earl giving her only three months to marry. The only option she has left is the assistance of an old friend. But could old friendships be rekindled by just one word? Or will old wounds keep Daniel and Rebecca apart?
Romancing the Rogue would be my first title I’ve read by Erica Ridley and have to say that this book even surprised me. On how well written the storyline was. Romancing the Rogue would be the type of book that I would have started out with if I was still a young adult. Very tame in the way of romance.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more books by the author.

I know I shouldn't start with the Epilogue, but I loved, loved, loved it so much! The chase was wonderful, but it was the "catch" at the end that stole my heart. Rebecca is the perfect heroine--so independent! Daniel is the perfect hero because he falls in love with her independence. Great afternoon read to leave you smiling well into the night!

Romancing the Rogue was an enjoyable simple read. It moved at a pleasant pace, and it was a perfect read to curl up in front of the fire for an evening.

I loved reading the second book in the Gothic Historical Romance series by the fabulously talented Erica Ridley. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reading copy from NetGalley.
Rebecca's uncle dies and is informed by her new guardian that she has one month to find a husband or a husband will be found for her. After being humiliated by Lord North Barrows years ago, Rebecca just wants to live peacefully alone. Meanwhile, Lord North Barrows, Daniel, feels horrible for the way he treated Rebecca and wants to make amends. When Rebecca and Daniel meet, they are both drawn to each other even though Rebecca wants nothing to do with Daniel.
Read the highly recommended beautifully written historical romance and a must read love story of Rebecca and Daniel.

Very good book. Liked the storyline. I would gladly recommend this book.

Rebecca and the Daniel are very likable characters. Although a fast read, it didn't feel rushed and I got to know the characters well. The writing and the story's pacing was good. I really enjoyed this story.

I've always liked Erica Ridley stories and this was a lovely story which I read in one sitting. Both of the characters love each other but one thinks they each are not good enough, the other is scared that they would be hurt by the ton.
Can they embrace each other or are they doomed to let each other go?

I voluntarily received an advanced readers copy from netgalley and my views are my own.

Miss Rebecca Bond must wed immediately or have no home. She's been in the old Earls home for some time and no one noticed or bothered her since she was his ward. The new Earl has daughters of his own and she will just be one more to marry off. She does not want to marry his choice so turns to her former friend for help but he cannot see her marry someone else. Can he convince her he's her best choice when he rejected her in the past?