I am never disappointed with Ms. Bowman books and this one is no different and I am always entertained. There are great characters that will keep you turning the page to see what happens next. I could not put this one down and is a great read and enjoyed it very much.

Meg Timmons has been head over heels in love with Hart Highgate since she was a young girl of sixteen. It helps when she’s best friends with his sister Sarah, but not her statues as a wallflower, how can a rogue ever notice her. And Heaven help her he is a threat to her heart.
With help from her friends she gets a make over hoping that she will catch Hart’s eye, she was a success every man including Hart noticed her and one late night encounter has Meg constantly on his mind. Matters are not helped with both of their families feuding. Meg is put in a position where Hart compromises her and she gets her wish and they marry but their marriage gets off on the wrong foot and trust issues make for a shaky start to the marriage.

This was a very enjoyable story the storyline flowed well the characters were interesting and entertaining. Several intense steamy moments plenty of mishaps and misunderstandings, eventually love opens Hart’s eyes and he becomes the man that Meg knew was behind his caveman antics. Well done Valerie Bowman!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher through NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion.

“The Right Kind Of Rougue” was a bit typical as a regency romance. Most of the setting of the story took place at this ball or that ball. Because of that, it was a bit slow at first but I stayed with it and enjoyed the ending. There were obviously previous books in the series that I had not read and might have helped if I had.

The Right Kind of Rogue is the final book in the "Playful Brides" series, but the others don't necessarily need to be read prior to this one. It certainly helps you understand the relationships between characters mentioned, but this book focuses on Meg Timmons and Viscount Hart Highgate, who is finally ready to settle down and get married.

Meg had a crush on him since age sixteen, but their families loathe each other and she has no money to her name at all. Her only hope to catch his attention is to enlist the help of her best friend Sarah, his sister, and Lady Lucy. Sarah doesn't realize Meg hopes to attract Hart, and Lucy is only too willing to play matchmaker and concoct outrageous schemes.

This is a fun Regency romance, and the twist in the story isn't that the hero or heroine are in danger. There's the added incentive of Meg's family leaving England to speed up the timetable, but it isn't the tension that usually arises when one of the pair has to save the other. Instead, the emotional context is the barrier between them, and both have to learn how to communicate with each other to make it work.

As the reader, you know exactly what's going on behind the misunderstanding, making you want to shake the characters to just talk to each other. That's the one downside to that kind of trope keeping people apart, though it's understandable why they do it. That also sets them up for a very dramatic finale, which makes up for the frustration.

Meg Timmons sure has to suffer before she gets her HEA -- first her parents, then her true love, Hart Highgate, an earl's heir -- and even her best friend, Hart's sister, isn't always very supportive. She has loved Hart since she was 16, but the man about town never noticed her. Now on her third season, Meg knows she must marry or lose her chance at security. Her father's debts are pressing. This is her last opportunity. Hart, too, decides to marry, not that he would consider Meg. She's just the girl he sees with his sister, a friend, if that. Yet after a fairy godmother duchess gives Meg a new look, Hart sees her possibilities. But he is not a likeable hero, one who falls in love easily. He fights it all the way and is unkind in the process. Meg may love him, but she should have told him off more forcefully a time or two. He should spend the rest of his life proving himself worthy, he was that nasty at times. Yet, they find their way despite long odds, and the sweet ending is worth their travails. This book, too, is another reminder of how women of the Regency were trapped by parents, marriage and the conventions of the time. Meg had the courage to reach for love, though, and ended up with the man of her dreams. (I received an advance copy through the publisher and NetGalley. Opinions are my own.)

Another star crossed romance!

Really, by now the ladies of the ton should know better than to entertain Lucy Hunt's grand schemes relating to marriage.
'Lucy Hunt. The young, dashing Duchess of Claringdon was a favorite of the ton. She was rich. She was beautiful. She was outspoken. And she was master of planning plots' always a near disaster and with a generous helping of agonizing anticipation.
Meg has loved her best friend Sarah's brother, Viscount Hart Highgate, since she was sixteen. Hart has decided to marry but his parents' example leaves him cold. There's no way Hart would even consider Meg, especially as they're parents have been at odds for years. With parents like these two have who needs enemies. Although he does have five good reasons to help Sarah find Meg a husband.
Lucy Hunt decides to take Meg Timmons under her wing and help the situation along. Talk about from the frying pan into the fire! Meg's romantic efforts guided by Lucy certainly run that course.
Sometimes a romance starts with a kiss and life unfolds beautifully, but for Meg and Hart the obstacle course is rough with gaping pitfalls.

A NetGalley ARC
(October 2017)

London - 1818

Meg Timmons, age 20, is out shopping with her friend, Sarah, Lady Berkeley, who is married to Viscount Berkeley and who is also the daughter of the Earl of Highgate. The girls are good friends but must meet privately because Meg’s father, Baron Tifton, is poor and the girls’ fathers are enemies.

Meg has loved Sarah’s brother for years. He is Hart Highgate, age 29, and heir to his father, the Earl of Highgate. Meg learns that Hart is looking for a wife. He is also asking his sister, Sarah, and her husband, Lord Berkeley, to help him find the perfect wife. In addition, Sarah is looking to find Meg a husband.

Meg is calling upon her good friend, Lucy Hunt, the Duchess of Claringdon. Lucy is popular and is an expert at matching couples. So, Lucy and Sarah get together and insist on buying Meg a new gown to help attract Hart’s attention.

Seeing Meg dressed up makes Hart realize what a truly beautiful young woman she is. Now, he is finally attracted to her but since their fathers are enemies, he feels their marriage wouldn’t be allowed to happen. But time is short because Meg’s father is being pressed to pay his debtors and he is planning to move his family to the Continent to escape them. If that happens, Meg will surely lose Hart.

Is there any hope for Meg and Hart to be together?

I like this author’s books but this one was a bit unrealistic in spots. Meg has very curly hair and most Regency debutantes want their hair fixed with curls. But twice in the story, Meg has her hair straightened. I have never heard of this and find it a bit “too modern” to be realistic. Meg always tried to be such a sweet person but Hart was always to quick to jump into anger if he didn’t fully understand something that might have been said. I found him to be rather hot-tempered and childish. The author’s books are usually quite good but this one was just a bit off for me.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is your classic “She’s loved him from afar for years, but he’s never noticed her, yet they miraculously end up in a love/hate complicated hot mess” type storyline. Oh, it is always a punch to this avid romantic at heart’s heart when a heroine decides to lower herself to try to lure the hero into falling in love with her, despite his obvious intention to reluctantly throw in the towel of bachelorhood and ask another woman to be his dreaded, lawfully wedded wife. Yeah, this leading man likens being married to a hangman’s noose, folks.

It is a double punch as Hart reflects back on his first kiss with Meg when he mistook her for someone else. Added to her misery is the the author choosing to turn Meg into such a nervous Nellie she gets the hiccups when he approaches her for a dance the first time at a ball. This sweet but supposedly proud, silly heroine deserved better. She should have listened to the advice of her best friend, the hero’s sister, to give up on him because he would only end up breaking her heart.

I did enjoy Lucy the Duchess’ flamboyant character, as she attempted to help Meg get her man. It was also nice to see Hart start to see all the good qualities about Meg, until he decided to hate her instead. Yes, my fellow romance book loving friends, he treats her despicably, humiliates her to the point once again I wanted better for her.

Even though I’m a lover of relationship angst, I wasn’t overly fond of this particular couple’s decision making/actions at times. I wanted Meg to grow a backbone much sooner than she finally did. It is implied Hart has a heart underneath all that self-absorbed, self-centeredness, but I didn’t always feel it. It was also painful to watch Meg keep putting her heart out there to get stomped on by him repeatedly. At least towards the end she put up some walls around her emotions to try to protect herself.

With a rather predictable and somewhat cheesey love confessions at the very end, at least things do wrap up the right kind of way...in a HEA.

The Right Kind of Rogue, Series: Playful Brides (Book 8), Author: Valerie Bowman, Pages: 305, stand-alone but part of a series, some very steamy scenes, hurtful/self-absorbed hero, always loved him heroine, lots of relationship angst, feels tricked & trapped.

(I received a free advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship or affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

I have enjoyed the Playful Brides series for some time now and I really wanted to love Meg and Hart’s romance… but I found that I didn’t hate this one, but I didn’t love it either. The Right Kind of Rogue falls into that in between place for me as a “good book”, the writing was excellent as always from Valerie Bowman I simply never found myself engaged with this couple.

Hart was difficult for me to truly like. He’s the baddest of the bad boys of his time… yet I never got a charming vibe about him. Inconsiderate, rude, and definitely a ladies’ man in every sense of the word. I might have cut him some slack if he hadn’t made some unfortunate comparisons and had acted a bit less Neanderthal-ish. I wanted to like Hart, I simply kept wondering what in the world Meg saw in this man.

In the end, the characters might not have worked for me but as always Ms Bowman takes me away to another time and place. I’m not going to love every story, that’s unrealistic, but you should make up your own mind. The Right Kind of Rogue was good… it simply wasn’t memorable for me because of a character’s actions.

*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.*

Can two star-crossed lovers come together―until death do they part?

Viscount Hart Highgate has decided to put his rakish ways behind him and finally get married. He may adore a good brandy or a high-speed carriage race, but he takes his duties as heir to the earldom seriously. Now all he has to do is find the right kind of woman to be his bride―ideally, one who’s also well-connected and well-funded. . .

Meg Timmons has loved Hart, the brother of her best friend, ever since she was an awkward, blushing schoolgirl. If only she had a large dowry―or anything to her name at all. Instead, she’s from a family that’s been locked in a bitter feud with Hart’s for years. And now she’s approaching her third London season, Meg’s chances with him are slim to none. Unless a surprise encounter on a deep, dark night could be enough to spark a rebellious romance. . .for all time?




Review:




A Cinderella story of two extremely likable characters.




This was an entertaining and fun read. I loved watching Meg get what she deserves, a chance at love and happiness with Hart, who she has loved for years. It was fun to read the scheming of those trying to get Meg and Hart together. There were times when I felt so sorry for Meg, especially when Hart thinks she was trying to trap him. Hart is a good guy, he just has had a bad experience with women coming after him and trying to trap him for his money. I did like Hart, Meg is just my favorite.




This is book number eight in the series and I had not read any of the others and was not at any time lost or confused. This did pique my curiosity about the other books and will go back and seek them out to read.




Looking for a fun and light historical? Then this could be a good one for you.




3.5Star

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

A quick and relatively easy read, I found myself skipping some pages as it was a bit disheartening to read of Meg's treatment at the hands on Hart. Despite Meg's views of Hart as a kind-hearted man, he did not come across as so in many chapters. Perhaps after years of being chased by marriage-minded ladies, he was jaded however Meg had rose-coloured glasses on.

Will still check out previous titles in the series though.

*ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Great story with a good mix of humor and angst. Hart and Meg were wonderful together. This can be read as a stand alone, but there are references to characters from previous books in the series.

The Right Kind of Rogue is a refreshing romance with a classical trope in historical romance: the forced marriage. The hero of this story, Hart Highgate is the wealthy heir to an earldom. The heroine, Meg Timmons is a friend of his sister. Meg is desperate to get Hart’s attention, but he never seems to notice her. Meg is not viewed as a suitable match for Hart, her parents are penniless and there is a long-standing feud between the two families. Meg’s friends devise a plan to force Hart’s hand and their dangerous gamble goes terribly wrong.

To protect Meg’s reputation, Hart is forced into marriage. Although Hart has a very cynical approach to marriage and doesn’t expect a love match, the anger and bitterness all work together to force them apart. The tension between them is tangible and they are both easily influenced by others. The author explores how they both navigate the start of their unexpected marriage. I loved seeing their relationship evolve from anger and bitterness to forgiveness and deep feelings. The author deftly explores the way the characters deal with their conflicting emotions. I enjoyed this emotion filled read, with the author’s signature delectably witty dialogue, that takes you on a journey to Hart and Meg’s happily ever after.

I loved Hart and Meg's story!! And of course we have an appearance from Lucy as she cooks up ideas on how to get Hart to fall in love with Meg.

Meg has been in love with Hart since she was little, but never thought to have him in her life other than as a friend. But when she learns that he plans on finding a wife, she decides that it is now or never. She will get Hart to notice her.

Hart realizes that it is time to get a wife and he know exactly the kind he wants. Too bad all he can do is think about Meg, whom doesn't fit any of his criteria for a wife.

I loved watching the back and forth between these two. I'm hopeful that Bowman is continuing this series as I've really enjoyed it!

Fun, Entertaining & Absolutely Enthralling! Oh how I loved this fantastic story that transported me back in time and captured my heart and soul! Beautifully written with wonderfully captivating characters, as well as stunning and beautiful descriptions this author delivers a entertaining and fun storyline that swept me away.
Meg Timmons has been a perpetual wallflower, as a daughter of a destitute Baron, she has only tattered and worn out gowns to her name. She is desperate when she finds out that her best friends brother, Hart has decided to look for a wife this season. So what’s a girl to do when the man she has loved since she was sixteen doesn’t even act like he knows she is alive? Get help! So Meg enlists the help of Lucy Hunt, the Duchess Of Claringdon. Lucy is rich, beautiful, outspoken and a master planner of plots to match couples as well as being a favorite of the ton. As Lucy has dresses made for Meg, and her entire look done over, to entice, so begins the seduction and the plotting to make Hart Highgate notice her.
Hart Highgate is Heir to a Earldom, a viscount in his own right. He is handsome, clever, witty and extremely eligible but not to Meg. Their fathers are sworn enemies. Hart is always drinking and carousing and has never shown any interest in Meg. Except for the night before his sister’s wedding. But with his family making demands on who Hart should court, he soon becomes bored and rebellious, finding the most fun he has ever had, when he is with Meg. Overwhelmed and enthralled by her transformation, he soon finds it hard to let other men dance and talk with her. But when the plotting and scheming soon forces his hand, will all be lost? Will their feelings for each other recover? You will need to read to find out.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. I also participated in the Blog Tour for this book, you can see the post here.  This book tells the story of Meg (Margaret) Timmons, a wallflower who desperately wants to be noticed by her friends brother. Hart Highgate, Sarah's brother (Sarah was the heroine of The Legendary Lord, where we first meet Hart and Meg) has recently decided its high time he settle down and find a wife. Even though Meg knows that Hart hates a scheming manipulator, she enlists Lucy's help (Lucy was the heroine of the first book in the series) to at least get Hart to notice her. Lucy, of course, takes things a bit too far and ends up ensnaring Meg and Hart in a sticky situation. Plus even though they both have feelings for each other, their families hate each other and have refused a match between the two. So do they really have any hope of being together? 
Overall I liked this book ok. I thought that both Meg and Hart's characters could have been developed a little more than they were but their story was still a sweet love story. Lucy in the story compares Meg and Hart to Romeo and Juliet, due to them being star crossed lovers, which I mostly understood except for how hard-headed and not in love Hart was for most of the book. It got to be a little frustrating that no one could talk about their feelings or tell the truth. And the few times someone actually told the truth they weren't listened to. It got to be quite irksome after awhile. They (obviously) worked it out in the end though and it was a sweet ending. This one wasn't my favorite but it was a sweet, easy and quick read so I'd recommend it.

A delightful and fun Regency romance, full of humour and angst. I got swept away with the antics of the ladies in their matchmaking attempts. The heroine who is in love with her friend's older brother and gets a makeover in an attempt to attract his attention, is an old plot line but a good one when well executed.
I didn't particularly like the duchess, Lucy Hunt, as some of her matchmaking attempts bordered on cruel and humiliating. I was rooting for Meg and Hart though and I trusted that they would eventually find their way to one another by themselves.
This story is thoroughly entertaining. I loved the humour and I laughed at the 'Dirty Dancing' reference 'No-one allows Meg to sit in the corner,' before sweeping her out to dance.
Great fun!

Hart and Meg. I don't know why but I really, really love these brother's friend that I've always been in love with stories. It works out so well here. The characters think they know so much about each other and then learn more along the way. The complications from the mother were a nice little curveball. Definitely enjoyed!

meg timmons has been in love with lord hart highgate since she was 16 and he stood up for her to her mother. in the intervening years he's been a total rogue, but this year he's decided to take a wife. and so meg, in spite of being a terrible match for hart on paper, she has no dowry and her father's title has no social capital to speak of, decides that she's going to make a play for hart.

meg is not one for strategems at least not the kind she needs if she's going to land hart. in the right kind of rogue she turns to lucy hunt, duchess of claringdon, for help. except lucy has all the subtlety of a sledgehammer and when she conspires to catch meg and hart in a scandalous moment she overplays her hand.

hart rises to the occasion, but the whole moment felt like such a rude interruption to the actual story. because if they hadn't been interrupted hart and meg would still have probably found each other. and we wouldn't have had to withstand ridiculous hurt feelings from the both of them. instead of spending time together, hart and meg proceed to spend the rest of the novel apart. so it's as if this one moment had the net effect of breaking a relationship that was working, instead of bringing them together.

i had been enjoying the book until that moment, and even though everyone ends up with a happily ever after, i'm not sure it was as satisfying as it could have been.

Read this straight! I love this series but it's getting a bit where I'm not liking Lucy and her meddling as much as I used too. This one, it felt like a betrayal more than helping.

Meg is Hart's sisters best friend, she's been in love with Hart for a long time and the sister knows this and she tells her he'd be bad for her. Meg is poor and is treated like trash by her parents. Her parents suck. She only has 3 gowns she'd used for the past few seasons and she does not like to accept charity.

When she finds out Hart is planning on a bride search this season, she accepts Lucy's help to get him notice her.

Of course, it being a Lucy scheme, it goes a little too far, but dang it kept it interesting :)