Castle Keyvnor was said to be haunted but to Rebecca it was her home for five years, since the passing of her mother. She had secluded herself since the love of her life had given her the cut, not once but twice. Being told that she needed to marry, before the new Duke launch his daughters into society, was a blow to her. For now she is in a race against time to get married to anyone who would have her. This book has a wonderful storyline, Daniel had a hard fight to win the lady of his dreams after embarrassing and hurting her twice which was all due to his grandmother. Now, the gauntlet is thrown and the games begin.

Romancing the Rogue is the second book in the Gothic Historical Romance series by Erica Ridley. It can easily be read as a stand alone book, and I can say that because I haven't had the pleasure of reading the first book in the series. I certainly intend to remedy that though!

When Rebecca Bond was orphaned she moved in with her very old uncle, an Earl. She kept herself to herself and over time he forgot she was there, everybody forgot she was there. That's the way she liked it. She had a roof over her head, she had food to eat, and in order to pay for both she did little chores around the house that left people astounded. They thought the jobs were being done by the Castle ghosts. The trouble started for Rebecca when the old Earl died and his successor moved into the house. She couldn't hide from him and when he bade her explain who she was and why she was there, he was horrified. He has a wife and 5 daughters that he had to worry about and couldn't possibly take on another young woman. He realises he can't put her on the street though and tells her that she has 3 weeks to find a husband for herself, or he will arrange a marriage himself. A husband to look after her was the last thing she wanted, but it was the only offer open to her.

Daniel Goodenham, Lord North Barrows, a Viscount, knew Rebecca's family, and uncle. In fact he was quite infatuated with Rebecca as they were growing up. His grandmother made it plain that she wasn't good enough for him, and in order to keep the woman happy an occasion arose where he ended up giving Rebecca the cut direct in front of all society. Not only did he break her heart because she loved him, but he also ruined any chance of her finding any other match in London. They haven't seen each other since then.

Daniel is informed of the passing of the old Earl, and rather than wait for the reading of the will that he has been told he needs to attend, he rushes off to the country as soon as possible so that he can have the chance to see Rebecca again and to apologise deeply for the terrible distress he caused her. What he doesn't expect when he arrives there is for his heart to still be aflutter upon seeing her, and for the shock he has when he finds out that she wants him to teach her how to flirt so that she can try to find herself a husband in the country. She hates London, and has no interest in being made to wed anybody from there. Of course her old feelings are there, she's never stopped loving Daniel, and it seems perhaps Daniel has never stopped loving her.

BUT what can they do? First Daniel needs to get her to forgive him. Then he is supposed to help her find a husband, something he could want to be in time, but not within three weeks. There is also the hurdle of his grandmother who is still alive, not to mention the fact that he can't live in the country because of his duties in parliament, and his love for the fast pace of London. Rebecca can't live there and wants a quiet life in the country, it's her dream. How can any feelings they have for each other come to anything when they want such different things from life. They have 3 weeks to figure it out.......

I really enjoyed this book, it was a nice quick read. Of course the only problem with a novella is that sometimes you are left wanting a little more detail especially towards the end, perhaps in the epilogue. There were a couple of things I would have liked to have read more about, but certainly not having more information didn't detract from my pleasure from the story. I particularly loved the funny parts in the book where the 'ghost' had everybody freaked out. It's lovely to have some light hearted fun amongst the seriousness of the Earl's death, and Rebecca's possible homeless situation.
I absolutely recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading both the first, and the next books in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers' Copy of this book.

Publisher's Description:

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 match make her to someone else. But now that she’s back in his life, he’ll do anything to convince her to choose him instead...
My Thoughts:

I loved this short novella by Erica Ridley. I could not put it down once I started reading and even read it twice in the same day.
The characters are well developed and engaging in spite of the relatively short length of the book.

Rebecca has a past with Daniel and when the new earl, her uncle decides to give her only three months to find herself a husband, she decides to call on her old friend to help her learn what she needs to know to attract a suitable suitor. Since the last time they saw each other he had given her the cut direct in front of the ton she never dreams that the right man could be him.
Will Rebecca and Daniel find their Happily Ever After as a couple or will he help her find a suitable match that is not himself?
I gave this sweetly written novella 4.5 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 2 of 5 flames. There is no actual sexual encounters but the underlying sensuality gives it an undeniable heat.
I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley. I was invited by the publicist to read this book and I am reviewing it voluntarily. This in no way affected my opinion of this book.

This was a charming little novella. Childhood friends, Rebecca and Daniel, find themselves reunited after the death of Rebecca's great uncle. Despite being hurt by Daniel as a young debutante, Rebecca quickly forgives him and the two ease back into friendship. They soon realize that they can't live without each other but will Daniel let his fear of his grandmother stand the way of true love?

The characters are charismatic and instantly likable. I liked the easy friendship between Rebecca and Daniel; It made their love believable. They are both given a second chance with each other and don't waste time playing games. This novella is short but satisfying, with a sweet happily ever after.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a very quick read, not a full length novel. Despite being short it still managed to have a lot of the strong points I like in a book. I really liked the characters, especially Rebecca. I loved her back story and I felt like I could identify with her. I did wish I knew more about what drove our hero Daniel. Because the story is so short the HEA did seem kind of abrupt but it was still believable because of the history between the main characters. There was some very funny moments in this sweet romance. There aren't any love scenes but I'm okay with that because the love story was strong without it and honestly it wouldn't have fit into the flow of the story. I've read Erica Ridley in the past and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

'Romancing the Rogue' by Erica Ridley is book Two in the "Gothic Historical Romance" series. This is the story of Miss Rebecca Bond and Daniel Goodenham, Lord North Barrows. I have not yet read the previous book so for my this was a standalone book.
Rebecca and Daniel first met when they were younger and became friends. But when Daniel became older he ended up hurting Rebecca and they never seen each other since. Rebecca had fallen in love with Daniel but he hurt her feelings and left her with that hurt. Rebecca in addition lost her parents and was taken in by an elder Guardian who has now died. Rebecca lived in the Guardian's house but he pretty much forgot about her and now with the new Lord taken over he has made it clear he will marry her off. With nowhere to turn she swallows her pride and ask Daniel for help. Daniel was already heading to Rebecca to try to make amends for what he did to her with he was younger.
This was a joy to read and see how their story was going to play out.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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A delightful little story about a poor orphan girl whom no one ever remembers and the one person willing to help her claim a life of her own.

Ms. Ridley has done an exceptional job with the story .Well-written and romantic,

This was such a cute, clean read that I have nothing but good things to say about it! I loved seeing Daniel and Rebecca interact. Especially considering the fact that he had hurt her in the past deeply in the past, it was a real treat to watch them find their way back to each other . I loved the way they would do things from their past (such as play a game of billiards), that helped their romance bloom anew.

I do wish that this story had been longer, but that is simply me being selfish and wanting to spend more time with these characters.

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to those who enjoy a well written historical romance novel. I can't wait to read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

This was a wonderful love story. Im sure many women out there can relate to Rebecca but you will root for her and Daniel. The descriptive writing was amazing and I could picture the castle and surrounding areas. This book was beautiful and kept me bound to it!

She lives in a castle that is filled with ghosts and she has become expert at bookkeeping and billiards. Her guardian has forgotten she's even around. She stays away from the servants. And she enjoys her life. Unfortunately, her guardian dies...

The author and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published March 21st.

Her new guardian wants her out of the castle and married by the end of the month. She's not even dating but he doesn't care. He tells she can choose or he will do it for her.

When the will is being read, an old love of hers comes to hear it. He and his grandmother shamed her at a public event and she refuses to have anything to do with him. He refuses to take no for an answer. He wants to resume his friendship. When she beats him badly at billiards, she intrigues him. It's not appropriate for a woman to be good at math or billiards but she does it so well and he loves it. Soon he realizes he loves her. The fact that she's a no one doesn't matter to him. But society won't accept it that well. And she's not reciprocating his love yet. But he doesn't give up.

A matter of compromise makes it work and it ends happily ever after. I'm glad. I like happy endings.

A feel good historical romance that tells the story of childhood friends driven apart by life and circumstances. Rebecca and Daniel have been in love since they were kids but too scared to say anything. Daniel allows his mother to drive them apart as he has to step up and claim his title. Years later, Daniel rides back into Rebecca's life to issue an apology that is long overdue. Rebecca is poor and has lost her guardian. She has more to worry about as she tries to take her own life in hand before she's forced to marry someone not of her choosing. A sweet romance, without a lot of highs and lows, that flows smoothly off the pages to bring a smile to your face. My review is based upon a review copy.

loved it and cant wait to read another book of Erica's. have recommended it to my followers

Wow what a beautiful sexy romance. I do love a good romantic rouge

A sweet and clean novella. I would have liked a little more spice just to make up for the dreary life that Rebecca led prior to Daniel coming back into her life.

This was a wonderful story. The characters were interesting and well developed. I would recommend this author to others.

The only thing wrong with this book? It should be longer! Erica writes great characters, people you really want to meet, they have depth, love lost, love gained! Great book! I highly recommend! Thanks! I know that you will enjoy.

carolintallahassee

Erica has written a lovey novella that will bring a smile to your face. Two people who love each other but are from to different worlds. Rebecca is a poor relation and considered a spinster. She lives in a supposed haunted mansion where she spends most of her time alone. Then her relative dies and the new owner wants her out so he awards her a 500 dollar dowry. If she cannot find a husband in 1 month he will find one for her. When Daniel arrives for the reading of the will he and Rebecca engage in a battle of wills that will either have a HAE or both will spend the rest of their lives heartbroken and alone. Erica writes a beautiful story of redemption and a love story that I enjoyed very much.

Miss Rebecca´s spent the last five years living with a relative since she lost her parents, and has no desire to join life in London again. Not after the snub she received last time, by the mother of her friend and love interest, Daniel. Life as a ghost in this country estate is much easier.
Until the Earl passes, and a new Earl comes along, with an ultimatum. Wed, or he´ll make a match for her. Now Rebecca will have no choice, she´ll need help to learn how to charm the opposite sex, and the rake and former friend will do perfectly.
Daniel still suffers from remorse, he knew how bad he´d hurt Rebecca, but couldn´t do anything else. Now here´s his chance to do better, and help her get the life she wants.
What he didn´t expect was how he himself would react..
Historical romance, feelings and fluff in a great combo.

Always an honest review in exchange for an ARC. While this was a perfectly nice read, I found the lack of heat a bit disappointing.