I've heard good things about Kelly Bowen's books many times before, and I wish I hadn't waited so long to read one. I loved "A Rogue by Night"! It was such a refreshingly different take on historical romance, featuring a heroine (Katherine) who was not a member of the nobility, and a hero (Harland) who was an aristocrat but also chose to become a doctor. Harland and his family were considered to be "peculiar" by Society, but they did whatever they wanted to do anyway, and I loved them for it.

I thought the smuggling plot in this story was very interesting. When smuggling has been featured in previous books I've read, it has always been painted in a negative light because of the criminals, like King, who tended to get involved in it. It was very interesting to consider the motives of people like Katherine's family, who only turned to smuggling out of desperation and a need to support their families. They really had no other choice, especially in the wake of the Napoleonic wars when so many veterans returned home and there weren't enough jobs for all of them. They just did what they had to do to survive, despite the potential dangers.

I enjoyed how Katherine and Harland's relationship unfolded as well. They both had a lot of baggage from their previous relationships, but they managed to overcome it together. Harland stood up for Katherine when necessary, such as the times when he made others acknowledge that her medical skills were equal to his own, but he also let her have her independence. I appreciated that he didn't try to badger her into a relationship, but instead let her take the lead.

This book stood very well on its own, but I do plan to go back and read the first two books in this trilogy. I really enjoyed Ms. Bowen's writing style and look forward to checking out more of her work in the future.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved every part of this. The adventures in smuggling were exciting and well-played, the chemostry sizzling, and the characters real joy. Kate was such a strong woman, with a great sense of honor and genuine caring, and I loved that she was both feisty and composed. I enjoyed her interactions with everyone, especially Harland (naturally). Harland's amusement over "Dr Wright" was apparent from the beginning, as was the respect he had for her.

The chemistry sparked and sizzled and scorched as it burned brighter. The emotions and the attraction both jumped off the page, making me adore these two together.

Seriously, a really fantastic read!

4.5 Stars

This book was good. I wanted it to be great, but I just felt it was lacking something. The characters were fine, the romance was okay, and that was the problem; I wanted to feel more of something. That feeling when you are excited for the characters to meet and the will-they-won't-they starts and just the excitement of a new relationship was missing. The plot was good, however, I just felt compared to some other historical romances I've read, it was lacking something. Still a decent read though.

I received a free copy of a Rogue by Night in exchange for an honest review. I was pleasantly surprised with be the plot,and found this book unique and entertaining. I am glad Dr. Wright and Dr. Hayward got their happy ending. I would definitely recommend this book to friends and family.

This series is a gem - an original, lovely, and slightly overly dramatic at times, steamy goodness. Can't wait for the next one! Recommend!

I really enjoyed this book. This is the first series by Kelly Bowen that I've read and I was instantly hooked. I loved the plot of the story and the characters are so complex yet also very relate-able. I find myself searching for Bowen's books every time I go to the bookstore now.

4.5 stars

Katherine Wright is a healer and a midwife, who is in the process of stitching up her smuggler brother, who had been shot and wounded by the authorities. She’s appalled when local doctor, Harland Hayward, bursts in, apparently aware of her brother’s injuries and prepared to treat him. Though her brother assures her of Harland’s discretion, she’s still suspicious. It seems that Harland knows too much about the smuggling ring’s activities, and always seems to be on location when an injury needs tending.

Kate, herself, was a smuggler several years ago, before she followed her lover, Jeffrey Walton, a soldier, to war. While there, she honed her medical skills, even learning surgery, to aid the wounded and dying. Though Jeffrey promised her marriage, he ended up betraying her in the worst way, leaving her leery of love and men, noblemen in particular. She stayed away from home for several years, returning to find that Dover was now overrun with former soldiers with no way to earn a living and support their families. Smuggling seems the only way to supply the most basic of needs for an impoverished people, and Captain Buhler is determined to wipe the gang out of existence.

Harland is also Baron Strathmore, and years ago he made a devil’s bargain to save his own family from ruin. He’s now obligated to be a significant part of the smuggling ring, albeit, secretly, and he has no way out. When he is forced to take part in a daring rescue of prisoners who are sorely in need of medical care, he knows he can’t do it alone. He offers a lucrative deal to Kate if she’ll accompany him on his mission and help care for the injured men, and she agrees.

Kate, at first, comes off as very hard edged, with a chip on her shoulder, and no hint of tenderness about her. Though she cares for her people and her family, Jeffrey Walton’s betrayal stole away her innocence along with her ability to trust and love. As well as being bound to a life he despises, Harland has also been a victim of treachery by his deceased wife. Her humiliating actions have left Harland beat down and defeated. Despite their wariness, Kate and Harland begin to admire the other and to feel an unwanted attraction. They share another bond, their love of medicine. Slowly, they begin to trust each other, and to share their histories, leading up to the broken people they are now.

A ROGUE BY NIGHT is an exciting story with plenty of action to go along with the developing romance. Kate and Harland are such strong characters, who have been victims of unscrupulous people and circumstances beyond their control. In addition to having to overcome the emotional baggage they carry, they have to fight off a puffed up Captain, determined to bring down the smugglers at any cost. It was a joy to watch Kate and Harland become more alive in each other’s presence as their steamy passion and deepening love helped heal them. I love that Kate had a chance to confront her cowardly ex-lover, and I absolutely adore how the situation was resolved, allowing them to plan a future together. A ROGUE BY NIGHT is a page-turning, hot, and heartwarming read, everything I’ve come to expect in a book by one of my favorite authors, Kelly Bowen.

Kate wants to leave the family business behind. Not knowing the object of her affection is also involved. Can the two of them find common ground? Kate and Harland are lovely together. I like that she works in an occupation that women of this time don't normally work.

A confusing, disappointing read from the usually reliable Kelly Bowen.

I feel like I missed a lot of information about the baron/doctor/underworld smuggler main character. By the way, please ignore reality and historical accuracy if you are going to try to read this book. I couldn't wrap my brain around a member of the nobility practicing a trade and being so heavily involved with a crime syndicate. It... just didn't fit.

Also, it's like we are thrown into Harland Hayward's character and expected to just... go with it? I needed way more explanations if I was going to buy what Kelly Bowen was selling.

I struggle with books that are attraction-forward, meaning if the two MCs want to get busy at the start of the book, I don't get that slow-burn, slow-build that I love so much. I found the romance part of the book to be underwhelming. It was too inevitable, too predictable, without any of that anticipation that I adore.

I had less of a hard time with Katherine's character, mostly because I have a soft spot for historical women who practice medicine (thank you, Outlander). However, I wish she called herself a healer or something to make it seem more historically appropriate.

I can overlook a lot of things with the lack of historical accuracy and the outlandish plot, but I found the story to be slow and the lack of romance surprising. Bummer.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

Harland Hayward, Baron Strathmore is a physician by day and a smuggler by night. He agreed to work for twenty years for an underworld kingpin named King in order to save his family. As a doctor he has the perfect cover for being out all hours of the night. Harland meets Katherine Wright a gifted healer who has returned home to find her family of smugglers are working for a mysterious crime boss. She meets Harland when her brother Matthew is injured while attempting to smuggle. She was born into a smuggling family and grew up learning to be good at it and now she faces helping her family so they can escape the life of smuggling before they’re killed. Harland and Katherine share a special bond both are expert healers drawing close together. They both now sometimes to save one’s family can call for extreme measure. A great story with characters you’ll love! I have voluntarily read and review this book.

How is it Sir Harland Hayward, who happens to be both a baron and a physician, managed to show up just as Katherine Wright's brother Matthew was bleeding out? Katherine, very experienced as a physician, while in the process of stitching up Matthew, was suddenly forced face Harland. He is quite impressed by her skill and ends up devising an ingenious way of protecting Katherine and her family from soldiers.

Thing is, Harland is also a smuggler, a fact that he keeps close to his vest. As a doctor, Harland is able to find himself in any number of situations without attracting much notice. Although well titled, Harland has good reason for his illegal activities, and that is to save his family from financial ruin.

Katherine has only recently returned home after several years away. She is actually not surprised that her father and brother are smugglers, although she is rather curious as to why they do not even know who their boss is. After patching Matthew up, Katherine accompanies him to Harland's residence for him to recuperate - and to hide him from the soldiers seeking to punish him for his crimes.

As Katherine spends time in Harland's home, she learns that the "job" Matthew was involved in when he was injured was not complete. and Katherine has no choice but help finish what was left undone. It is at this point that she runs dead smack into Harland and begins to learn the truth about him.

Things become a battle of wills, and much more, for Katherine and Harland. They share a strong attraction to one another, all while facing very dangerous conditions. This story morphs into quite an intense journey that brings these two to a place neither can deny, and that is, to each other.

I adored this read by Kelly Bowen. In fact, the previous two stories, A Duke in the Night and Last Night with the Earl, were equally compelling and are excellent predecessors to this engaging series, The Devils of Dover. The way this story is told, it definitely can do quite well as a standalone. So, for excellent storytelling, action, danger, passion and great characters, this book most certainly comes highly recommended.

Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

It isn’t easy to choose a book. When you’ve read many, and like you, I have read my fair share. But friends, I have lived in this purgatory where I can’t connect to anything. I picked up so many books of varying genres, and it wasn’t until Kelly Bowen’s A Rogue By Night that I was able to keep interested. Kelly Bowen, I thank you.

From the first page, I was captivated by Katherine’s story. Who wouldn’t love to read a story about surgeon who’s past in a smuggling family catches up to her as she meets a Baron, who is a surgeon, and a secret smuggler? SOLD.

Katherine was someone that I connected to. And given that it had been some time that a heroine had captivated me, let alone a story, I was really excited to get to know her. I enjoyed her loyal fierceness, willing to put herself in danger for her family. I also appreciated that she stood up for what she believed in, albeit the happenstance of society. To me, it seemed that she was being cordial for the sake of manners, but we all know that she didn’t really care what others thought about her. I appreciated that Bowen wrote her as a determined and very capable female. In some stories set in this time, it irks me that strong heroines can’t be featured.

Harland was not your typical Baron. To me, he was Katherine’s equal, and rightfully so. Katherine and Harland had an instant connection that I enjoyed experiencing from the beginning. But what I really enjoyed was the fact that it wasn’t forced. It all felt natural and organic.

But okay, let’s talk about the heat between the two. The tension between the two started innocent and slight, but as each event transpired, things got better and better. And wow, I really enjoyed it when the heat became really hot.

This is the first book that I’ve read from Bowen, and trust me, it won’t be the last. A Rogue by Night is out now.

*Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.*

TITLE: A Rogue By Night

Series:The Devils of Dover #3

Author: Kelly Bowen

Comes out to day May 28,2019

From the author who Sarah MacLean calls "a charming, clever, and engaging storyteller" comes the next regency romance in the witty and sexy Devils of Dover series!



Baron. Physician. Smuggler. Sir Harland Hayward is living a double life as an aristocrat by day and a criminal by night. As a doctor, Harland has the perfect cover to appear in odd places in the dead of night, a cover he uses to his advantage to bring in all sorts of illicit cargo from across the English Channel. He's chosen this life to save his family from financial ruin, but he draws the line at taking advantage of the honest and trustworthy Katherine Wright.



Katherine has returned to Dover to find that her family is working for a mysterious new crime boss. Growing up in a family of smugglers, she knows it's only a matter of time before they are caught—and killed. So after her brother is shot, she convinces her family to move away and start over. After they honor their last contract, of course. With her injured brother and elderly father unable to work, Katherine reluctantly steps back into the life she had left behind. And straight into the path of the merciless Harland Hayward.


My thoughts

Rating: 4.5

Would I recommend it? yes

Would I read anything else by this author: yes

Even though this this is the 3 book in the series and I haven't read the other 2 books in this series , I didn't have any trouble following the story line at all , there was times I couldn't stand Katherine but the more I read she grew on me, loved the historical feel it has .With that said I want to say thanks to Netgalley for letting me read and reviewing it as well as for Forever sending me a copy of it .

Received an advanced copy from the publisher.

I have read each book in this series in less than 24 hours every time and the third entry is no different. I love reading a historical romance NOT set primarily in London, NOT set primarily at balls and parties and NOT containing tired tropes of a male hero shocked by a competent woman.

This books was dramatic and fun and a bit of an adventure and possibly my favorite in the Devils of Dover so far. I was so excited to read Dr. Harland Hayward's story as he's featured pretty prominently as a side character in the other books and adored reading about Katherine Wright, a delightful feminist offering who has field surgeon training but downplays her skills because she's used to being condescended to.

The seeds for the big-picture conflict were sewn in the previous books but there's plenty of interpersonal drama between the two main characters and it comes from unexpected places. Harland identifies Katherine's skill immediately and there are no annoying reflections about how surprised he is by her abilities. He recognizes that she is vastly competent and refers to her as a surgeon right away, introducing her as a doctor to others. He truly listens to her ideas and point of view and takes them into consideration when making plans. When she reacts poorly to something he says or does, he tries to understand why and never blames her for lashing out.

All of this works because I know Harland from the previous books where he spends plenty of time with intelligent and competent women. It's natural and unforced for him to be a feminist despite the time period, but he's not perfect and definitely has some learning and growing to do. The story takes interesting twists and ends so satisfyingly, I definitely recommend it (but maybe after reading the first two books).

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed Last Night with the Earl which I got as an ARC too last year. So when I was offered the ARC for A Rogue by Night, I jumped at the chance to read it. I wanted to know more about Harlan after reading the second book. This story started right in the action with Katherine treating her brother after he is shot during a raid by soldiers. Harland comes into the picture quickly and Katherine is suspicious of him immediately and does not trust him. It is clear from the start that she does not trust people with titles and judges them by the title than the person they are. Harlan is in a difficult situation because he was doing what he could to save his family. The two of them were so much alike and the chemistry between the two of them was immediate. I loved their personalities. They both had strong morals and wanted to help their families in any way they could. Katherine was hurt by a man with a title and left to feel abandoned and foolish for letting him lead her away from home. She's guilty and understandably does not trust men in titled positions. But she was a skilled surgeon and I liked that she was so strong. Harlan was compassionate, had strong morals as well and wanted to do what he had to do for his family. Although he was doing illegal things and putting men in danger, it was clear it wasn't something he wanted to do. He was a remarkable surgeon and was hurt by a woman in his past as well.

Katherine and Harlan fit together and I loved seeing how the author would make it all work so they could be together. The ending was amazing and it did not feel rushed or contrived. I thought the story progressed naturally and came to a natural end. I liked Katherine's father and brother and I loved seeing the Earl of Rivers again and Harlan's sisters and some of the students. This was a really good book and I'm glad I got the chance to read it!

Two fiery doctors find their soulmates in each other. Harland is a Baron, a doctor and also a smuggler. Kathryn is a doctor and a former smuggler. When their paths cross they are instantly fighting an attraction to each other. Once again Kelly Bowen has delighted readers with a wonderful tale of a strong unconventional women. Her stories of female empowerment are magnificent. She gives them heroes like Harland who love, encourage and support them in all their endeavors. Great story.

For those who can completely set aside their knowledge of early 19th century English culture, social mores, and expected gender roles, Bowen's latest provides a fairly enjoyable read. Set in 1820, her story features a woman doctor/surgeon as protagonist, with a baron/doctor/smuggler as her romantic match. I could make a long list of historical anachronisms (no surgeon, never mind no woman surgeon, was called "doctor," just to start), but other Goodreads reviewers have done it already (see Amanda's here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2793115423?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1)

Katherine Wright was born into a family of Dover smugglers, but ran away with her lover to follow the drum. Apparently she somehow learned medicine and surgery during that time, and stayed to tend to the wounded for four years following Waterloo, after her cowardly lover raced home without her. Now, she's back in Devon, trying not to become entangled again in the family smuggling business. But when her brother is shot while on the "job," the local baron/doctor, Lord Strathmore, comes to pay a call, not knowing of Katherine's return or her medical expertise (of course, the smuggler family's dialogue is just as posh as the baron's; no class differences here to trouble a reader's mind). And the two are immediately physically attracted to one another.

Harland Hayward, Baron Strathmore, has been drawn into a smuggling ring because he needed the $ due to profligate parents and the need to support his sisters. We never really learn why the London criminal kingpin (named King) needs Strathmore's involvement in the smuggling; he doesn't really do much on the Devon smuggling front. The kingpin does need him, though, to provide medical attention to 3 French prisoners he's been hired to free from English imprisonment. For some reason, Strathmore can't manage this doctoring alone, and so recruits Katherine to help him. The two fall into bed while on the road to London, despite reservations, and sex happens at regular intervals as the book, and the rescue, progresses. Katherine's smuggling connections, as well as her medical prowess, prove providentially helpful in extricating Strathmore from his promised commitment to the kingpin.

The two protagonists are of the "everything we did that seems bad was done for the right reasons" ilk, making them sadly one-dimensional; there's not much character conflict or growth here. Both protagonists have evil/stupid exes, too, a particular bugaboo of mine.

Bowen is the queen of the "have your duke/nobleman, but strip him of all offensive beliefs/assumptions characteristic to the aristocracy of the Regency period and give him 21st century attitudes" vein of historical romance writing. As you can tell from the above, I'm not a fan of it. But there are huge numbers of readers who are; this book is for them.

I was waiting for Harland's story because his character intrigued me right from the first time that I read about him in this series. I loved his strong and protective character that is no way perfect but trying his best to do good for the people he cares about. He is a surgeon, war veteran and also a smuggler. What can I say about his heroine, Katherine? She is a brave, smart, strong surgeon and to be honest a complete kick a** heroine. It is an emotional, action-packed story that delves into a part of regency that I have not read in a lot of romances. Kelly Bowen's books are always a treat and this book is no different. If you like your heroines strong and your heroes who love them for their strength, be sure to pick up this book. You will not regret it.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

I have come ’round to being a Kelly Bowen fan-girl. I think her romances are among the best in the historical subgenre. They are elegantly executed; the characters are sympathetically idealized without being insipid. Her plots clip along at an excellent pace and, thematically, she is the nonpareil, with a feminist twist to her heroines, taking nothing away from the rich historical context. I’ve enjoyed two Bowen romances to date, with reservations, but I think this third in her Devils of Dover series is her best. I had been intrigued by glimpses of the hero in previous books: the mysterious Dr. Harland Hayward, Baron Strathmore, healer and comforter, ever on some mysterious, not-quite-legal coastal “operation.” (Sadly, the strangely somnambulistic figure on the cover doesn’t do him justice.) Everything comes home to roost for him in A Rogue By Night, when he finally meets his doctoring and smuggling match, “Dr” Katherine Wright, beauty, healer, veteran, and daughter and sister to two of Dover’s greatest smugglers, Paul and Matthew Wright. Though Katherine is of humble beginnings and Harland a noble, they have more in common than their social status suggests.

They have healed soldiers on the battlefield, are loyal to their families to the point of self-sacrifice. They are kind, humble, compassionate, intelligent, with a good dose of humour, and devoted to helping the vulnerable. They have been hurt and betrayed by former lovers. In truth, Harland and Katherine have true and wonderful compatibility and, from first sight, are attracted to each other. Bowen doesn’t do insta-lust: their medical skills and care for their patients are as much a part of their attraction as their physical appearance.

Bowen’s novel has many strengths. Though romance narratives often struggle to sustain a compelling plot, or veer to the derivative and repetitive, Bowen kept me on the edge of my seat – and not in a let’s-have-sex-while-the-baddies-chase-us romantic suspense eye-rolling plot device. The villain is villainous because he’s cruel and the stakes for Katherine and Harland are believable, dangerous, and HIGH. Though they “work” on the wrong side of the law (à la Poldark), their reasons are justified. What makes the novel such an enjoyable read, however, is how well-suited Katherine and Harland are. Yet, the things that keep them apart make sense: Harland caught in this smuggling cycle and Katherine desperate to escape it. They are at cross-purposes and cross-class constraints make their being together even more difficult.

What I enjoyed the most and why I would recommend A Rogue By Night is the marvelous scene-setting: Harland plucking Katherine out of a dangerous swim, the super-hot, tender onboard-ship love scenes, the appearances of Harland’s eccentric family, especially spinster aunts, Tabitha and Theodosia, the hero of Last Night With the Earl, Eli Dawes, making an appearance, scars and all, peeling an apple. The final confrontation with the villain: surreal, scary, and marvelously executed. More than anything, I loved how the HEA was in the heroine’s hands. I don’t want to spoil, but suffice to say that Katherine has to win Harland, making use of her skills as smuggler and doctor, her smarts, her heart, and her triumph over a mysterious, dangerous true-love-foiler (who is intriguing and would make for an interesting romance hero, just sayin’). Lastly, Bowen connects her hero and heroine with wonderfully written conversation, banterish, but never to the detriment of intimacy:

Banter sampling: Katherine and Harland, in pursuit of a baddie and in rescue of a goodie, have to stay at an inn as they make their way to the confrontation with the villain:

“The innkeeper caught me looking at the ledger. So I told her I was your wife,” she said casually. “She seemed disappointed.”

“My wife.” His mind, just starting to work once again, slid back into a puddle of libidinous thoughts.

“It seemed expedient. Mistress seemed awkward.”

And a tender snippet that opens the HEA (not spoilerish):

“I’m supposed to do this on one knee at your feet,” Harland protested.

“I much prefer that we are equal.”

If I have a criticism, it’s a blip in Harland’s characterization. I loved that for Harland, seeing Katherine (who holds a gun to him in the meet-cute) was love at first sight. (Katherine is the resister throughout, for solid reasons.) Though Harland respects Katherine, recognizes her worth as a doctor, and always treats her as an equal, he also wants to protect her, not in a domineering way, but out of genuine care and love. Yet, he makes strangely illogical choices, putting her in peril. It didn’t always make sense to me, but the novel is worth reading despite my minor criticism. Maybe this won’t be an issue for other readers, but it did dampen the enjoyment once in a while. Not enough to prevent me and Miss Austen, however, from agreeing that Kelly Bowen’s A Rogue By Night is evidence of “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.

Kelly Bowen’s A Rogue By Night is published by Forever and releases today, May 28th; it may be found at your preferred vendor. I received an ARC from Forever, via Netgalley.

3.5 stars rounded up.

This is not your typical Regency, there are no ballrooms, no drives in the park, no ices at Gunter's, no simpering, virgin heroines or rakish heroes - No, this is a down and dirty, emotional story packed with smugglers, secrets, danger, prison breaks, crime bosses and strong characters.

Katherine Wright hates the life her family leads and wants them to stop smuggling and leave Dover. She has come home after years abroad, where she expanded her medical knowledge and skills, skills she is using when she meets Dr. Harland Hayward, Baron Strathmore. She is stitching up her brother Matthew after he was nearly captured by soldiers. Harland offers to help, but Katherine doesn't trust him - but thanks to hard learned life lessons, she really doesn't trust most men, especially members of the nobility. But when the soldiers come to the door, she doesn't have a choice if she wants to save her brother.

Harland is immediately smitten by the lovely doctor and feels responsible for the families current dilemma. He helps them escape the soldiers and takes Katherine and Matt to his sister's home of Avondale. Harland has secrets and a some heartbreak in his past, but he is a good man and when he learns that his "boss" has a job that will require his medical expertise and will pay more than his usual jobs, he offers Katherine the opportunity to help him. At first she refuses, but after learning more about him and his family, she changes her mind and agrees. Let the adventure begin!

This was a well written, fast paced, intense story with a lot of action, emotion and well developed characters. There are secrets, lies, life and death moments, heartache, steamy love scenes and an ending that will have you on the edge of your seat! Personally, I would have liked a bit more romance and for Katherine to lighten up a bit, but overall, it is a very good read. This is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title with no problems.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*