This novel unfortunately has several of my "please no" in its plot.

1st. The heroine has been madly (unreciprocated) in love with the hero for ages. Not just unreciprocated, but ignored.

2nd. From the first pages we find out that the hero is a rogue who loves drinking and who has recently decided he needs to get married...however, sometimes later we are informed, by his thoughts, that he cannot forget an unexpected kiss he had shared with the heroine a year earlier; kiss that has surprisingly opened his eyes and showed how alluring can be his sister's best friend. The fact that we are not informed about this kiss alongside with his marriage intentions made me see the whole idea of "unforgettable" as slightly precarious. Meaning that I do not understand how he can ponder marriage prospects and possible candidates and not simultaneously consider the lady who has charmed him with a kiss.
Moreover, he couldn't recognise the lady in question when he saw her, mainly because of a new dress and new hair style. How is that possible? I mean, I'm sure she wasn't hiding behind a drag queen make up, which maybe might have concealed her face...I'd hope that my best friend's brother with whom I shared a kiss could, at least, recognise me.

3rd. She is a a bit of a toady when it comes to her feelings for him. I don't like that. It's my opinion. For me, in my personal list of HR dislikes, there's is forced marriage and then this, or maybe this is worse. And guess what, there's also a shotgun wedding. Orchestrated.

So I ask myself, to what extent a woman can stay in love (UNRECIPROCATED) before she looks ridiculous? I'm confident we might have passed that limit here...

4th. I didn't particularly like Hart. I found him quite shallow. He seems more like a 18 years old boy who cannot be serious about a love story.

If you do not mind, or even like, love stories with these characteristics definitely go for it!
I know that this opinion might seem quite harsh and I am honestly sorry about this, especially in light of my relationship with Bowman's novels...I have definitely read really lovely romances written by her, hence why I keep getting her new releases despite I have encountered some HRs I did not enjoy. I really hope I will like the next one, I am in need of good novels.

This addition to the Playful Brides Series was an interesting historical by Bowman. Hart Highgate is ready to find a wife, and she needs to have money and be well connected. Meg Timmons has been in love with Hart for years, but she has no money and their families have been feuding for years. Meg really wants Hart to notice her, but it happens in a way that she never planned, which makes for rocky beginnings in their relationship.

I didn't think Hart and Meg were the easiest to warm up to as main characters, but I did enjoy reading their story and grew to like them. The book seemed very quick and easy to read, and the storyline kept my interest well. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

I loved this historical romance. The author takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. Meg is in love with her best friends older brother Hart but he doesn’t notice her. Hart is a rogue of the first order. He enjoys drinking , racing and having sex with as many girls as possible. He comes to the conclusion at the start of season that its time he found himself a wife. I loved the back and forth between these two. Hart at one stage fights his feelings for Meg, he puts it down to her just being a beautiful young woman. I loved the scandal in this story. My heart absolutely broke when the two were forced to marry. You would think the ordeal would be a happy time for Meg but its not her heart is completely shattered. I spent the last half of the book between the verge of tears and cheering them on.
This was a very well written book. The characters will stay with you even after you have finished reading it. Valerie Bowman is a new author to me. After reading this I will pick up her other books.

I’ve always been a fan of Bowman’s romp-y regency retellings of old classics and while The Right Kind of Rogue didn’t quite make it to my top favourites, it was a nice addition to the series. This story evoked the feeling of Romeo and Juliet with two feuding families and two sort of star-crossed lovers (okay, it’s more like one who’s head over heels and the either who hasn’t quite figured it out yet).

Since she was sixteen, Meg Timmons has been in love with her best friend’s brother, Hart Highgate. With Hart deciding it’s finally time for him to marry, this is Meg’s last chance to capture his heart. And who’s better to help, than Lucy, the Duchess of Clarington and the queen of scheming. The shenanigan ranged from cute and hilarious, to a bit frustrating for me, especially the extent of manipulation (mostly caused by Lucy) of Hart and Meg’s relationship. I enjoyed watching Hart fall Meg (and putting Meg’s terrible parents in their place) and Meg be more confident than the wallflower she seems to think she is, but sometimes it was kind of hard to root for either of them. That being said, I’m glad they got their happily ever after.

The story is full of previous characters making a return to put in their two cents. You definitely don’t need to read the earlier books to enjoy this, but it was nice to see old characters and little throwbacks. Overall, an easy and sweet romance that have some highs and lows for me.

When Meg Timmons learns that her best friend's brother,.Viscount Hart Highgate, is going to marry, she is devastated. She has been in love with Hart for as long as she can remember. Meg knows that if she doesn't act fast, she may lose Hart forever, but how can a nearly penniless wallflower ever hope to gain Hart's notice?

With the help of some good friends, Meg is able to put her best foot forward. And wonder of wonders, it pays off. Hart finally takes a second look at her! With a long-standing feud between their families, Meg knows it will not be easy to win Hart or his family over, but she is determined to show Hart she is worthy. Meg just hopes Hart is willing to trust and take a chance on the her.

The Right Kind Of Rogue is the eight installment in the Playful Bride series by Valerie Bowman. I am such a sucker for the best friend's brother stories! I guess growing up with many siblings and having had crushes on my brother's friends or their friends, I feel like I can relate to Meg. It is always hard to get over your first love. Meg really stands out to me as a heroine in how she takes life by the horns and goes after what she wants. It isn't an easy road for her, but she is willing to do whatever she must to prove her love and loyalty to Hart. Hart on the other hand, is stubborn and a bit arrogant, but all in all, he is a real man when it counts. THE RIGHT KIND OF ROGUE is a wonderful nod to Romeo and Juliet, only with a much better ending. Historical readers are sure to be captivated.

Ok, full disclosure. I'm pretty sure I had no idea this was book EIGHT in the series when I requested it on Netgalley. Sometimes I'll go for it anyway, but that far into the series would probably make me think twice.

I'm so glad I didn't!

Hart and Meg. Ohhh Hart and Meg. What can I say about these two? Other than, I'm so glad there are other books in this series because this is one series where I am going to want every book. I already cannot wait to re-read THIS one.

The synopsis is pretty straight forward. Meg has always had some kind of puppy love crush on Hart. She is entering her third season and just found out that Hart may also be looking for a bride. She enrolls her friend Lucy to help her figure out some way of winning him over before it's too late.

I was surprised when I glanced through Goodreads to find so many two star reviews. I understand some of the issues the other reviewers have, but for me, this was a lovely, well written book. It captured me from beginning to end! My normal go to reads are not romance, and this one caught my eye from page one and held it throughout.

The characters may have needed a little work, but I think their problems with each other are talked about in the book. I'm sure if I had read the previous books, I would understand even more about the other characters that surround the main two. But, honestly, it wasn't needed. I just WANT to know more, but did not have to know the ins and outs of the other characters to thoroughly love this.

The plot does go a bit sideways around the character arc. I was curious what was going to happen and how these two, IF these two were going to get together. Obviously we all read romance to get swept off our feet, figuratively, along with the female! So, I think this is where some had some issues. I don't want to go fully into it, but I will say, take this portion with a grain of salt. Both characters have to learn and they have to come out of their shells IF they want the relationship to blossom.

And that's why I love character arcs. The characters have to show that they have changed, even if it's only a little. And Valerie Bowman actually has these two really having to work! I love the fact that everything was given to them.

By the end, I was also swooning for Meg and Hart, and for Valerie's writing. I am sure many will enjoy this, even with some of the character hiccups. They're not plot hiccups, but interesting times for the characters, that's for sure!

In short: Very interesting read that makes me want to go spend all my money on Valerie's other works. Fabulous.

Meg Timmons secretly loves Hart, her best friend's older brother, but he doesn't see her as a possible wife. After all she's a perpetual wallflower. When she learns that he's planning to take a wife, she decides to make him aware of her as a desirable woman. She plans to do that by enlisting a well known matchmaker. Will she get her heart's desire? Meg is a sympathetic character. I was sorry that her parents treated her so badly. I don't want her hurt again. Hart is determined not to let love ruin his life. I have never met a more stubborn man. He frustrated me when he rejects Meg. I enjoyed their interaction. Their dialogue was sparkling and sassy. Valerie Bowman made me care. I wanted Hart to realize that Meg was perfect for him. The plot was well written and romantic. It was good to see Sarah and Christian again. In addition I enjoy attending the London balls..
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.


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I loved this historical romance by Valerie Bowman! I will definitely be looking forward to reading more wonderful stories by her.
Meg Timmons has very little choice in who she will be able to marry based on societal rules since her father gambled all of her dowry away and has become the talk of the town. So when she finds out that the man who she has loved since she was sixteen years old is looking for a wife she has to take measures into her own hands by entrusting the help of her very influential friend Lucy Hunt. But her plan soon backfires and instead of drawing Hart closer it pushes him even further away.
Hart Highgate has sworn off marriage ever since a woman he thought he loved tried to set him in a trap to force his hand to marry her, but he had skillfully caught on and was able to protect his honor along with hers. Now seeing that little Meg is all grown up and is looking for a husband and needs his help he is finding that he doesn't want her to marry anyone else but him even knowing she doesn't meet his father's standards for an appropriate match for him. Will he learn to trust in his own heart for what is best for him and the woman he loves or be forever ensnared in his father's bitterness?

This is Book 8 in The Playful Brides Series. I absolutely loved Meg. She is my kind of Heroine! She starts out a Wallflower and turns into a Woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. She has been in love with Hart since she was 16. Now she is told that he is finally going to start looking for a wife. She is heartbroken because she knows that they can never be together. Her parents and Hart's actually hate each other due to something that happened in the past. Her parents are also broke, there is no money for a dowry. So Meg has resigned herself to being a Wallflower and watching the man she loves courting some other woman.

Hart has decided that it is the time that he married. He is his father's heir and the title must not die out with him. So he decides to check out the crop of Debutantes on the market. Hart has no idea that Meg is in love with him, he thinks of her his sisters best friend and has never seen her as wife material. All he knows is that he does not want a marriage like his parent's bitterly unhappy union.

When Meg finds out that he does not have a woman picked out she decides that she has nothing to lose and is throwing herself into the ring. Not knowing how to go about attracting a man she enlists the help of Lucy Hunt, the Duchess of Claringdon, who has a reputation of meddling, she calls it matchmaking.

Hart is the typical male, doesn't know what he wants until he almost loses it. Meg knows what she wants, but Hart is being stubborn and won't admit his feelings.

What follows is a really lovely story that has laugh out loud moments along with emotional turmoil that will bring tears to your eyes. This is a fast-paced story that will have you turning the pages long into the night. I love that about Valerie's writing. She knows what her readers like and she delivers with style, flair and a special talent for having wonderful characters that you will love.

Loved this story. A continuation of the Playful Brides series, this story focuses on Viscount
Hart Highgate and his sister's best friend, Meg Timmons. Only, comes from the wrong tracks and Me and Hart's fathers are sworn enemies. Yet, despite all the odds, these two are perfect for each other. Now it's just waiting for Hart to realize the love of his life has been in front of him all this time. And that she's not a golddigger. The chemistry is palpable. The chills with just a touch or a kiss are like a tsunami. Loved this book - my favorite of the series thus far.

This was a fun read. Meg is an interesting woman, very determined, although she was not prepared for what she got. Hart allowed his past hurts to color his views of woman. I wanted to smack him for not seeing what was right in front of him. Their coming together was well worth the read, and I found this a hard book to put down.

This is my unsolicited review of a story that I received through Netgalley.

The Right Kind Of Rogue is the most recent addition to the Playful Bride series by Valerie Bowman. I confess I have only read the first book of the series, but boy I really need to read the other books in the series since I just had a jolly good time with this one even if it was a bit dramatic at times. But this wonderful author has brought has a stunning Romeo and Juliet romance without the suicides and a happy ending.

The Right Kind Of Rogue is a story that begins with our heroine Meg Timmons. Meg has been in love with Viscount Hart Highgate ever since she was a teenager. But it would be near impossible for them to ever be together because their parents hate each other and have a terrible feud. But when she learns that Hart has declared himself ready for marriage and is on the lookout for a wife, time is running out. So she goes to get help from an infamous matchmaker, Lucy. But as she takes on Lucy’s advice, and acts more bolder than she has ever been, she and Hart discover a passion but will it be ruined by lack of trust and scandal?

What a story and boy I had a really fun time with this one. And I just breezed right through it, I was pretty surprised that it only took a couple hours to read this story but then from what I have read from Bowman…that is typical. I always become sucked into the story. I really liked the set up of the story, seeing this more reserved wallflower, go after the man she loves. What I was impressed with was the heroine. Especially in how she treats the hero. She wants to win his heart in a very honest and true ways. But her new found friend Lucy is unconventional and tricky, which as a matchmaker makes sense. Now I did like Lucy (she is the heroine in book one) so it was nice seeing her character again, but I grew to admire Meg in how she stands up to Lucy in how she wants to win over Hart so that there is no deceit. She wants Hart to want her and marry her for the right reasons and not because of trickery.

There is also a family feud here to deal with as well. Now Meg is best friends with Hart’s younger sister. So Harts parents have always accepted Meg but they are very against a match between Hart and Meg. There is a terrible secret that Hart and Meg’s parents are hiding, a scandal erupts and we see how Meg and Hart have to overcome matters of mistrust and trickery not of their own making. Even though I wasn’t a fan in the dramatics toward the end, I did love the way this romance builds between Hart and Meg. They definitely have some great chemistry of course, but there is way more to their relationship. I love see two people who have known each other since they were children and try to find a way to reach their HEA despite the other factors surrounding them that make it near impossible for them to be together.

I have always been a fan of Romeo and Juliet retellings and I felt that Valerie Bowman handled it really well. Especially when we see these two find their HEA, and we solve the mystery revolving around the two families and I liked the drama and fun times that Lucy and the other ladies bring to the story and her “interference” is pretty entertaining.

Overall I found The Right Kind Of Rogue to be a sexy, lively, full of laughs and a romance to leave you with a smile, a highly engaging romance that entertains and delights!

Valerie Bowman’s Playful Brides series is one of my absolute favorites. I love how funny and delightful they are. The plots are never overwrought and even eight books in, the series continues to be interesting, fun, full of steamy romance, never boring, and always exciting!
I (still!) can not say enough good things about this series. Each book in the series is a vastly different kind of woman with her own spark and wit. I am already salivating for book nine, A Duke Like No Other, that promises second chance love for an estranged husband and wife. Oh yes.

Thanks St. Martin's Press and netgalley for this ARC.

Best of the best of Valerie Bowman. You don't want to miss this unique, awesome romance.

Margaret “Meg” Timmons an impoverished baron’s daughter is friends with the very rich Lady Sarah Berkeley. Unfortunately Meg must hide this from her family since in reality her father and Sarah’s father are sworn enemies. There is also one thing that could also throw everything into turmoil and cause a war between the two families even more Meg’s unfailing attraction and love for Sarah’s older brother Viscount Hart Highgate. Meg has been in love with Hart forever and even more so when a dark night in the gardens he kisses her. Meg’s only way to get Hart to notice her and even considering marrying her if she employs some help from some very good friends to help win Hart as her husband.
Ms. Valerie Bowman just knows how to keep me entranced in the story she did it when I read the first book of hers in the playful brides series Never Trust a Pirate and she did so again in this one. Ms. Bowman just has an engaging way of writing stories along with some fascinating characters that just pull you in and just never let you go until the very end. I was delighted to see some familiar faces even though I haven’t read all of the books in the series yet this book can even stand alone with no problems too. Of course I still do plan to read the rest in the series just so I can learn everyone stories.
Meg is a wonderful heroine intelligent, witty, humorous and feisty. Sure she might be queen of the wallflowers as she puts it but there is still that charisma and charm that no one can deny even Hart himself. I think for me I had a hard time even imagining her as a wallflower because despite her lack of money I still think we would have a great time if she really existed. I just honestly loved her and think everyone loved her too. Hart was just a hero I seriously wanted to hit most of the time. Sure he was a charmer handsome and just a downright rogue. He knew how to play and even seduce Meg which isn’t really a bad thing but he was also childish, spoiled and selfish. He hated to be played when Meg made a play for him even though he played her too. I guess I wanted to shake plus slap him and tell him that he was doing the exact same thing that Meg was doing I guess it’s not pleasant when the shoe is on the other foot. Even though he annoyed me through most of the book and I even at times wanted Meg to go for someone else even Sir Simon Winford would have been a much better choice I can still see why she loved him when he was being such an idiot. I can’t wait to see more of the characters especially Danielle and the rest. I will be eagerly awaiting another story from Ms. Bowman!

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. In this book 8 of the series we finally get a HEA for Hart and Meg. I just couldn’t believe how blind Hart was. He was kind of annoying but the story was pretty well done.

Valarie Bowman is one of my favorite authors and I have loved most of her books and at least liked the ones I haven’t loved. But this book just fell really flat. I didn’t even like the hero. He was a jerk through most of the book. He didn’t even go after the heroine. He just waited for her to come to him. Ugh. This book annoyed me.

Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.

I've read some of this author's books before and enjoyed them. So when I had the chance to read another installment in the Playful Brides series, I jumped at the chance. Although I didn't LOVE this book as much as the others, I still found it to be a fun and entertaining read.

While I love historical romances where the rakish rogue sees the error of his ways and starts to behave a little (not a lot, just a LITTLE!), I don't love the stories where the heroine has loved the hero from when she was a child. Since this book has BOTH of those ideas, I had some occasional difficulty with the story. Having said that, I may be a little off since it had been quite a while between reading this and the previous Playful Brides story. Seeing side characters from a previous book come together is always a lot of fun but I didn't really recall these two characters so it was like a whole new book for me. Anyways....

I liked Meg, the heroine. She was sweet if a bit dull. It stresses me out when the hero or heroine in a historical romance novel isn't wealthy. I don't know why. And because Meg's family didn't have a lot of money, I was worried for her. Maybe I get a little TOO invested in the characters' lives! LOL! Hart was all kind of things - funny, ridiculous, heartless, a jerk! I'm not trying to be mean though - Hart went through a bit of a transformation but it happened at the end of the book and it wasn't super believable. In addition to that, he had done some fairly unforgivable things prior and it was tough to shake off the negative feelings I had for him.

Meg's friends weren't much to write home about. I found most of them to be a little annoying and TO ME, it sort of felt like they were fake friends. They weren't but it was tough to like them. I also found all the drunken characters to be boring. Especially the hero. We expect a lot from our heroes so maybe it's a bit unfair to be so harsh on Hart but his dependence on alcohol was off-putting.

All that sounds so bad but the book was enjoyable. Not the best thing I've ever read but it was easy to read and the characters DID have some redeeming qualities. Meg is a kind and caring person and there's no reason to not like her. And she and Hart had some decent chemistry and I enjoyed their scenes together. I would probably recommend this book to someone who wants a nice, light, easy read in a series that is easy to jump right into!