Typical storyline where the daughter must marry to save the family fortunes,lively heroine and modern hero.

We've already loved Fiona's and Lily's stories. And now it's time for Sophie's.
This book was a lovely romance, with each person already committed to a certain path in their life. The ending however was a splendid twist that makes true love prevail in the end.

When You Wish Upon a Rogue features an unconventional heroine and a broken hero in a sensual and sweet tale of love. Miss Sophie Kendall leads the scandalous group of women called the Debutante Underground but spends her days preparing to make sacrifices for her family. Henry Reese, Earl of Warshire is a broken man, buried in his grief. Sophie needs a new venue for meetings and Reese's empty store front hits the spot. Reese finds glorious peace in Sophie's presence and cuts Sophie a deal. A little sleep for a secret meeting place, what could ever go wrong? The more time they spend together the harder it is to separate as true love battles family loyalty for a sweet, satisfying HEA that will leave you wanting more. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

When You Wish Upon a Rogue is a refreshing regency romance that goes beyond the love of the two protagonists, to explore being happy and finding peace with yourself. Sophie is set to be betrothed to a man she's ambivalent about to save her family from financial ruin because of her father's drinking and spending. But along with her two friends, her real passion is the Debutante Underground, a newspaper column and weekly gathering of women to inspire positivity and assertion. While searching for a place to meet she runs in to Reese, who is desperately trying to run away from his own demons. The pair quickly discover deeper feelings for each other but there's no simple solution for them to be together, since the death of Reese's older brother has left him with little financial wiggle room. While there are a few points in the book that get a little cheesy, they are far overcome with a romance that feels authentic, and great side stories of Reese having to come to terms with departing his regiment at a crucial time and the work Sophie does to help him and the women she meets that need inspiration and empowerment. I definitely recommend this one!

I loved the hero. He started off grumpy and grouchy but ended up sweet, romantic and kind. The heroine was sweet and it was nice to see her come into her own. This was a sweet story and I enjoyed it very much.

I loved this book. It’s loosely based on the Hades and Persephone myth and our hero even has a garden designed after it. Reese can’t sleep after returning from war to take his place as earl after the death of his brother and a chance encounter with Sophie gives him peace and she seems to calm his inner demons. They come to a mutual arrangement that benefits them both. Sophie is betrothed to another and so they know their friendship must soon come to an end but as they grow closer they both dread the oncoming loss of being together.
This story is so well written and I just loved all the little twists and turns and how things connected in the end. I love the Hades and Persephone myth so I really appreciated the tie-ins. There was an unexpected twist at the end that I really happy to see. If I could have asked for anything it would have been a bit more at the end to see how things wrapped up for Reese and Sophie. I highly recommend.

Henry Reese, Earl of Warshire, is suffering from insomnia. He seems to find the most peace in one of his abandoned properties. That is where Henry runs into Sophie. When Sophie helps him get through a pretty rough night, Henry asks her to enter into an arrangement. She will help him sleep more and Henry will give Sophie the use of his property no questions asked.

Miss Sophie Kendall loves being in charge of her weekly meetings for the Debutante Underground. With the growing number of women attending, they need a new meeting place. Sophie finds the perfect establishment to host it in, but the cost might be a little more than she expected. Sophie is promised to another, but it's clear early on that Henry is the one she really wants, the one she loves. When the time comes, how will she ever let him go?

Author Anna Bennett's DEBUTANTE DIARIES is absolutely charming. It consists of three well-written novels, FIRST EARL I SEE TONIGHT, THE DUKE IS BUT A DREAM and concludes with WHEN YOU WISH UPON A ROGUE. I love the idea behind the story of three young women producing an article for the paper to embolden/support other women. The column is witty, fun and full of the facts women can't ask out loud or pondering. Sophie is one of my favorites of the trio. In WHEN YOU WISH UPON A ROGUE, she meets her match in the scarred hero, Henry. Sophie has no idea what she's getting herself into with Henry. It's easy to see why she falls so hard for him. And the fact that she's willing to give him up to save her family is sad. I couldn't have asked for a better heroine. I give WHEN YOU WISH UPON A ROGUE 3.5 stars.

Sophie is such a kind hearted person. I really liked her right from the beginning. I enjoyed the way the story played out and how the different characters came together.

Similar to the previous book in the series, the reader has to suspend disbelief quite often to enjoy this book. I enjoyed Reese, and I liked Sophie, but I have to laugh whenever the virgin girl turns into the sex fiend after her first time. I also found it hard to believe she could sneak out of her house so much whether for the Debutante Underground meetings or her meetings with Reese without ever getting caught. There were a couple nice twists involving other DU members, and there was a sweetness to how Reese was a proper gentleman, making for a quick easy read.

Perfectly frosted pink cupcakes...
Fluffy puppies gamboling down a hill...
Newborn babies first smiles...

What do these things have in common with Anna Bennett's new novel? They are all so doggone SWEET! Although I read it in a day or so, it was not because it was a simple read. There are a lot of things going on here...the beginnings of feminism, a woman's need to save her family from ruin, and a hero suffering from PTSD (although technically, I think Sophie might be considered the hero here).

Sophie and Reese are just adorable. What do folks need during uncertain times? Well, this book is a great start.

This is an enjoyable, original take on the damaged hero trope. I loved both Reece and Sophie and there wasn't an over abundance of angst ( which really gets on my nerves). This was my first book in the Series, and I will definitely read more. Thank you NetGalley for giving me this ARC for my honest opinion.

Full Review appeared at Reader's Edyn on 03/23/20

Sophie has never felt like she has found her true calling. She is extraordinarily gifted with plants of all varieties, but she feels there is something else she should be doing. Sure, as part of the trio that makes up the Debutante’s Revenge, she aids in pairing the perfect drawings with the words written for each column. But it isn’t until she starts the Debutante Underground – a non-judgmental space where fans of the column can come together to discuss the weekly paragraphs of advice - that she begins to feel like she has purpose. Having outgrown their small space, Sophie is in search of a new place to use for their secret meetings. When she bumps into Reese, she finds a new calling of sorts and before too long strikes up a bargain with him that quickly has her entire being – heart, body, and soul on the line. Despite Sophie’s yearning for the troubled Earl, she is plagued with the burden of responsibility to dig her family out of a deep hole. Sophie has to marry one not of her choosing despite her heart belonging to Reese or risk her family’s ruin. Never mind that the ruin is not of her doing in any way. Ever the dutiful daughter, she will bear her burden with her shoulders held high no matter how much she wishes she could abandon her fate for her own happiness with Reese. Consequently, she determines to take what she can until her life is no longer her own.

Reese is having none of it. Sophie unexpectedly appeared in his life and brings a sense of calm where heretofore only demons and darkness raged. He struggles when she is away but focuses on their next meeting and the tasks she outlines for his beguiling garden. He was playing dirty when he lured her in with the unkempt thing, overrun by weeds and years of neglect, but he knew her love of nature and took a chance with which to lure her into his bargain. Now that he’s got her, he isn’t sure he can ever let her go. Losing her means succumbing to the demons within once again. It will be a point of no return if he is drawn back into the horrific gloom; an oppression he won’t be able to claw back from once consumed. Anxious to keep her from the clutches of another, even knowing she could do better than himself, he places his trust in their love. Knowing that allowing her to walk away might be the worst decision ever, he permits it, having no other choice at the time. When a threat to Sophie unexpectedly rears its ugly head, it turns out to be the Hail Mary he was desperately seeking and could be the one thing that allows him to make Sophie his in every possible way. Forever. But first, he will have to enlist a bit of aid from a couple of mischievous, former debutantes.

I know that this series is meant to be a trilogy … but please allow another book. I have no idea how it could occur – possibly through Delilah in the subsequent story – but I would love more time with these fantastic characters! I don’t want it to be over! Ms. Bennett has created a world in which a reader can happily and willingly immerse themselves into. A theme that carried over from book to book was the troubled, nearly broken, brooding men who lacked only the love of a fiercely loyal woman, entrusted to protect their hearts. While the men are dark and afflicted with their own personal tragedy, the women are their polar opposites – bright, accepting, and healing with their optimistic views, assessing the world in ways completely different from their men who have nearly been undone by it. The case was the same in this book. But rather than Sophie repairing Reese’s damage, Reese equally repaired Sophie’s pains and insecurities. Each allows the other to embrace who they truly are, growing to their full potential and never condemning one another for past misdeeds. I adored how Ms. Bennett acknowledged PTSD in a time where nothing of the sort was recognized and certainly not spoken aloud. Likewise, how Sophie's talented green thumb is instrumental in initially bringing Reese around. Ms. Bennett played to Sophie’s strengths that we saw in each of the previous books even though Sophie herself had yet to identify such traits as empowering. Reese, true to form, believes he is no good for Sophie and could never give her the life she deserves. But Reese is a bit quicker on the uptake than in the previous installments in the series. He recognizes his need for Sophie rather early on and isn’t afraid to express it. She is the one who balks despite confirming her own affection, given the dire state of her family’s affairs. Also wonderfully constructed was Reese’s garden which Sophie soon discovers to be a tribute of sorts to the Underworld. I wish I could see something like this in real life. It was an absolutely marvelous addition and appropriate given Sophie’s entanglement with her own Underground and the darkness Reece is desperately trying to escape.

I would like to point out that Sophie being forced to dig her family out of their appalling situation is utter garbage. Not to mention it would have been a temporary fix given her father’s habits. Sell your soul and end up right back where you started or worse. *sigh* That was my estimation of the inexcusable situation. And I get her sister being sickly, but dang did I ever want to slap that entitled brat’s face right off the pages. Good grief! However, I absolutely loved the outcome of everything once it was all said and done. Well played, yet again Ms. Bennett. And what’s a Debutante Diary book without more from the fabulous debutantes? Things have been progressing nicely with the column and the trio of friends have been quite accustomed to their routine of sketching, advising, and pairing together in secret. With the addition of the Underground, they also have insight into the thoughts and feedback of their readers as well as what advice they want to hear next. With Sophie’s identity protected, she is free to bring the musings back to Fiona and Lily each week. But the column has been a source of controversy lately. While this isn’t specifically anything new to the women, some naysayers are now speaking of leading a revolt of sorts to end the column once and for all. The question then remains as to how to respond. Reply in a way in which to head off controversy or embrace it and effectively tell the opposers to kick rocks. And might I say their response is nothing short of brilliant!

Getting to revisit with the previous cast was especially appreciated as I had formed an attachment to them all. I particularly loved the mention of Lily’s desk – “a gift from her besotted Duke” – as it immediately took me back to the scene in which she was gifted said desk. 😉 If the sensuality in the first two books was blazing, this latest addition will put them both to shame. Sophie insists on a no contact rule, knowing her power to resist Reese will crumble with the slightest touch. Understanding exactly her intent because he is very much in the same boat, they get a bit creative with their “contact”. Be prepared for some steamy sensual encounters. *fans self* If this is to be my last encounter with the delightful debutantes I have come to adore, then the series couldn’t have ended any better. Ms. Bennett keeps the engagement flowing from start to finish in all the books, not just this one. Never stalling, always in motion. The clever wit and relatable characters bring this series to life in a most appealing way. And through it all the same theme remains. Family is what we make of it whether through friendship, blood, or love. No matter what you endure in life – whether joyous or gut-wrenching – that kind of family can always be counted on to share your successes and failures, to support you no matter what the circumstances, and to always be there through thick and thin. Above all, Fiona, Lily and Sophie created a family just as described, which later extended to include Gray, Nash, and Reese. Love will always prevail. Those who treasure Historical HEAs are sure to become enchanted with these inspiring characters in no time at all. Packed full of brooding males, inspiring women, twists and turns, and scorching hot romantic interludes, I know I was. I only wish I had more time to spend within the series of the insightful (if a bit wicked) Debutante Diaries.

Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

I very rarely give books 5 stars when I’m giving a review for a book, but man... people I’m shaking my head. This book was DAMN GOOD!! Sorry for the explicit language. This book blew me away. It had passion.
It had romance. It had steamy hot characters coming together anywhere they felt like. And a surprisingly twist that I certainly did not see coming in the end. Reese the lead character, he could carry me away anywhere. Gosh, that man with his words and how the writer brought all his male masculines forward- be still my beating heart.
I would fall right there in front of him and say take me right here. I don’t care about proprietary because it’s about to get raunchy and hot in here! Anna Bennett has proved to all readers that she is a great writer. The way the story flowed effortlessly from beginning to end was astounding. The characters intermingled flawlessly.
It was as if I was watching a movie that I so did not to end. My fellow readers hear me! I recommend this book with two snappy, two twist, and double thumbs up. I’m definitely reading more from this writer.
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Sophie has agreed to marry a man she doesn’t love to save her family from the consequences of her father’s drinking and poor business decisions. She is leader, along with her two close friends, Fiona and Lily, of The Debutante Underground, a group of women from all walks of life who meet weekly to discuss issues around courtship, love, and life that concern them. They have been using the cramped back room of a modiste’s dress shop. When Sophie happens upon what she believes is a deserted property that would offer her group a much more comfortable meeting space, she encounters the troubled ex-soldier, insomniac, and newly elevated Earl of Warshire, Reese, who happens to own the property. In exchange for helping Reese finally get some sleep (an conquer his demons), Sophie’s group will be permitted to use his property. Although the troubled hero–plucky heroine formula is a familiar one, the beauty of this story is in the details. Although this is the third in the series, it stands alone and readers who encounter this one first will be anxious to read the other two books to discover Fiona’s and Lily’s stories. A definite winner! I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"When You Wish Upon a Rogue" is the third book in the Debutante Diaries Series. Although I am jumping around Ms. Bennett's series, I am finding this still new to me author's stories devine and very nice to read. A nice title and lovely cover.

Miss Sophie Kendall runs a Debutante Underground meeting place where females from all classes meet to discuss men. The unfortunate part for her is that she has run out of room due to the popularity of the meetings. She finds a vacant shope owned by Henry Reese the Earl of Warshire. The Earl is a wanderer because of his memories of the war, he doesn't sleep well and also has a hard time with his new title.

One night, Sophie walks into the shop unaware that Henry is there and is watching her secretly. Afterwards they strike up a conversation that and she makes him some tea to help him squash the demons and sleep. Searching for her, he finds her and they agree to her coming to his estate one night a week to help him sleep but alas, she ends of engaged to Henry to keep her family from financial ruin although that is not her intent.

The story starts off nicely but somewhere before the middle trails off. I was glad that it picks back up and takes off from there and kept my attention fo the HEA. I so loved the attraction between the two characters, especially Henry's character. The plot was good and the story well written. Again, I would love to listen to this story and the others via audiobook maybe read by a fav narrator (i.e. Flosnik, Duerdan or T. Campbell). I totally recommend this historical romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions herein are my own.

I really liked the characters and it was a fun, quick read. However, a large part of the plot required the complete suspension of belief for how things worked for society women at that time. I could believe the 'secret' meetings, not the disappearing overnight, multiple times, with no one the wiser. But it was still a cute story and I would read another by this author.

Love this series and author. Taboo of the times is women who might think for themselves and hold the control over their own destiny. Sophie Kendall finds herself at the mercy of having to marry to save her family from financial ruin. Knowing that she is trapped into this arrangements she wishes only for a few more weeks of freedom to indulge in the secret society of Debutante Revenge. Sophie and her two friends set this group up having a schedule that appears in the newspapers in article and graphic drawing form. This society having grown in numbers prompts Sophie to seek a larger meeting place and thus into the arms of Henry Reese the Earl of Warshire. "A copy of this book was provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." JUST LOVED HENRY as much as Sophie did!!

Sophie Kendall resents having to marry to save her family. She is a charter member of th 'Debutante's Underground', a group that encourages women to find and be themselves, much to the male populations dismay.
When seeking a place to hold the meetings that have outgrown her present meeting place, she meets Henry Reese, the Earl of Warshire, while trespassing in his building. A man brought back from war to take over the Earldom, his older brother now deceased.He has demons that keep him from sleeping and she is able to grant him surcease from his nightmares.
They make a pact, her help for use of his building and grow exceedingly close. They face obstacles separately and together and eventually defeat them all for the happy-ever-after neither dreamed they would ever accomplish.
Ms. Bennett writes her tale with humor, romance and a bit of mystery, revealing bits along the way to show the character of her characters. Sweet sensual love scenes between Reese and Sophie make the hurried coupling the witness they witness a bit of a shock, even before they realize who was doing the coupling.
If you like your historicals sweet, and with defined characters, this is one to add to your list.
I requested this ARC from NetGalley when I read the blurb and saw the author's name. I recommend it highly and plan to buy as a birthday present for a friend who loves historicals with strong female characters.

Review on Goodreads posted on 3/20/20.

**I received this ARC on Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.**

This book started off okay but tipped into “meh” territory fairly quickly. Biggest thing I appreciated: Reese, as a Regency male hero, was refreshingly nice. He has PTSD from being a soldier, is sad because his brother died and made him Earl, and he’s touted as a “rogue” but I don’t really know why. Because he’s attractive and hangs out with a woman alone? He doesn’t even say naughty things without apologizing. Anyway, he’s a decent guy and I can see why Sophie likes him, which, sadly, is not a given for all romance novels. So there’s that.

As for the rest, the writing is aggressively fine; the plot “twists” are so glaringly obvious and told in such a pedestrian way that it didn’t even get a rise out of me one way or the other. Maybe it’ll be fixed once it’s published, but the timeline of Reese and Sophie’s relationship didn’t quite add up to some of the things they were saying (how often they’d met), and if it WAS correct, it became a bit too instalovey and schmoopy for me too quickly.

Sophie’s woe-is-me martyr schtick really got on my nerves. Girl is being forced to marry a rich guy because her dad is a gambling drunk, her older sister is an ex-invalid who never had to work for anything, and her mom is just lazy. She’s willing to give up a lifetime of happiness for these pricks? Get your priorities in order, hon. LET your dad go off to debtor’s prison and then move your sister and mom into the giant-ass estate with Reese. (He's an Earl, but his brother ran the place into the ground, so it’s going to take some time for him to get a cash flow again, which is why they don't marry right off. But meanwhile, he still lives in a mansion with a staff, and, I assume, PLENTY of guest bedrooms for them to crash in.) Make your sister go work and become a milliner. She’ll survive.

I’m not about women propping up shitty family members in exchange for their own happiness, so I had (clearly) very little sympathy for Sophie’s predicament, which was a big part of the denouement. I’d seek your excitement elsewhere.

The first rule of Fight Club, etc.

Poor Mary must be bored out of her mind.

Why is an earl going for a week without sleep?

I am loving this conversation.

Ew.

Ha, she's like his drug dealer now, only it's sleep, not drugs.

Uh-oh. If you need rules like that, you're in trouble.

Aww.

Who is writing to him?

Holy hot flower!

Maybe Reese can hire Violet?

Oh dear.

Small world.

That's a good message William passed along.

Edmund was a coward.

Her mother's apparently not dumb at all.

They are not actually witches, you moron.

Son of a cracker! No way!

I knew he would not have done it.

I agree. Blackmail would be impossible, and maybe even more women might join.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.