The Duke of Carlyle is very sick and also from an accident he is mentally not there. His last brother has died in an accident and they now have to find someone within the line to take over when the duke dies. There seem to be three candidates, A soldier, A Frenchman, and finally a card shark. Max the cardshark becomes interested in pottery and gets the oldest daughter for marriage. But she loves some else. Bianca helps her run away but ends up married to Max. They, actually she fights with Max. She feels he is not good enough. But he has a few surprises for her and her father.
I really loved this story of conflict, well it sort of is. Max stays calm, does not raise his voice, and goes about doing what he feels he has to, to prove himself. This is so worth the time to read. It will fascinate you. The characters are strong and amazing. So very realistic. The story grabs you from the first paragraph. I was entertained, surprised, and can't wait for the next book. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this marvelous and at times fun book.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

Bianca Tate's family owns a thriving pottery works in rural Staffordshire. Her father accepts a business and marriage proposal on behalf of his older daughter, Cathy, from a London gentleman looking for an investment. When she helps Cathy elope with her true love, Bianca is left to deal with the jilted fiance. And somehow she ends up married to him instead. She's determined to keep the roguish, opportunistic Max at arm's length, no matter how clever and charming and kind he may seem. Theirs is a marriage of convenience only. Or is it?

This was a quietly charming book. There's some drama, but most of it is about Bianca and Max navigating their unexpected marriage--and even more unexpected attraction. Watching two decent people fall in love is always a joy.

Linden clearly did her research on pottery, because I learned a lot about the production, chemistry, and distribution at this time in England.

There's also a bonus novella, featuring Max's intrepid valet and Bianca's kind-hearted lady's maid. I hope the next book comes out soon, because a minor character has disappeared and his absence may change things substantially for Max and Bianca.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review.

This book is very much like The Taming of The Shrew. We have a very shrewish heroine and a a hero who seems willing to put up with her for the reward of being able to continue developing her father's ceramics business. He also has to prove to his distant cousin, the dowager duchess, that he can be responsible and respectable since he is the second-in-line heir to the dukedom.

This was a most enjoyable premise. I do like a different plot that is thrown into the Regency Romance mix and this book does just that. I liked that Max was trying to make something of himself. I found Bianca to be a bit annoying with all her ranting. Max has a secret that could bring everything tumbling down around his ears so I kept turning pages to find out what it was. You will also keep the pages turning in this very delightful first book in Ms. Linden's new series.

"I don't dare touch you or kiss you, because I might combust on the spot if I can't have all of you." Max St James, About a Rogue

First of all - I LOVE this book. All caps. L-O-V-E. I've read a few of Caroline Linden's other work, all of which was good and I enjoyed; About a Rogue is exquisite.

This is the first book in her new series- Desperately Seeking Duke. The dukedom of Carlyle has lost its only direct heir, and with the present duke in ever-declining health the Duchess seeks out any other heirs - a Scottish army captain and a notorious rogue.

The rogue is the hero of this novel - Maximillian St James. However, this is a bad boy with a heart of gold. He leverages his shot at a dukedom to propose a partnership with Samuel Tate, owner of a very successful pottery business, including marrying his sweet, calm daughter Catherine Tate. Catherine, however, is in love with another man, and her younger sister, Bianca convinces her to elope on the eve of the wedding, which results in Bianca being forced to marry Max instead.

This isn't quite an enemies-to-lovers story, since Max never views Bianca as an enemy. In fact, he may be one of the sweetest, most patient male protagonists I've read! The chemistry between Bianca and Max builds steadily and is delicious to read. The climax of the book hits hard and fast, and is oh-so-satisfying.

Linden does an exceptional job writing passion. Both romantically and otherwise. Bianca's passion for her pottery business is conveyed expertly, as is Max's passion to prove himself.

I am so glad to have received this ARC from Harper Collins and the Avon Historical Romance Readers group on Facebook. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!

A huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderful historical romance. The setting was unique, and I loved learning more about the rise of the Industrial Age in rural England, and the impact it had on the class-based social system. Max is an unconventional hero, forced to live by his wits despite his noble lineage. Bianca wants nothing more than to run her family;s pottery business. Max needs a way to invest a gift of wealth and prove his worth for a possible inheritance. Marrying into the Tate family seems like the perfect solution.

But the sister Max selected is not the one that walks down the aisle. It is Bianca. With her rapier wit, sparkling eyes, and defiance. Max is immediately determined to make their business arrangement a marriage in truth. Bianca thinks he is far too handsome and shallow - even though she is attracted to him, she knows it would be foolish to risk heartbreak.

But Max's good looks hide an uncanny intelligence and an incomparable business sense. He has all kinds of ideas to make Tate Pottery even more successful. And he has the London connections to make sure that happens. A trip to London to find buyers and expand the market puts them in a proximity that they cannot ignore or shy away from.

I can check all of the boxes for this one: Steamy intimacy. A swoon-worthy hero. A fiercely independent heroine. Sparkling dialogue, A robust, well-researched plot and setting.

Secrets will be revealed. Choices will be made. And an HEA will be found.

You don't want to miss this fantastic read!

I really enjoyed this story. It's been a while since I've read a Caroline Linden, and it was fun to step into a Georgian world with her. I am intrigued with this series and have some guesses where it might go in the future, and I'm interested to see if I will be right. I didn't think I would like the hero or the heroine at first, but they definitely grew on me. I was watching Kiss Me Kate right before I started reading this, and I was definitely getting Taming of the Shrew vibes at first, but it chilled out a little bit. I really like it when books take place in different types of environments from what I usually read, and it was interesting that this one mainly took place at a pottery factory.

I did have to reread the beginning section twice though, (the prologue-y part) I was a little confused about the characters at first. But, once I did that, I just zoomed right on through it to the end.

He's calculating and self serving.
She's a spitfire.

The premise is that a dukedom is at stake and there's several potential heirs.
Max is one of those potential heirs, but so far, he's lived a self serving, calculating life of saving his own behind.
This time, he plans to wed a biddable girl and secure a comfortable living and home, That particular girl is Cathy, who runs off with another man and leaves behind her younger, fiery sister Bianca to wed Max.

I really liked Bianca, who was fiery and worked in the family's pottery business and knew it inside out, except she had to wed Max since her father gave him a quarter of her business. Men.
Obviously, she doesn't take to him right away, although Max finds her desirable.
Equal parts Pride and Prejudice and the Taming of the Shew, it was an enjoyable Sunday afternoon read, though I found I really did not ever warm up to Max. He was very hard to connect with, as he was so self serving and arrogant.

An exciting story. Bianca is a feisty young lady who is determined to save her sister from what she believes will be a terrible marriage. Her character is fun filled with with wit and a wonderful fire. Max is a rogue and a dealer. He is a scrapper who is not afraid of hard work. Often underestimated, he likes to surprise people in the best of ways. These two start there marriage off on the wrong foot and have a long haul to get on on the right track. Max has to work at wooing Bianca which is downright hilarious at times. Family is an important theme throughout the story. Both characters are doing what they do to protect family members. In the end love finds them and all is well.

I almost forgot to review this book that I read a week ago. Anywho lets get to it. so the death of the Duke of Carlyle dies and he was the heir, now his family has no clue what to do they need to find the closest relative take care of the order unfortunately for them the members the that can possibly take over are not really ones you would want. One of them was Maximilian St. James and his reputation was of a rogue/rake. Max does have interest but he needs to remedy his reputation and get married and show that he can handle the estate. Max shows interest in Caroline and her father Mr. Tate is the owner of the best ceramic manufacturer, he feels Caroline would be the best because she is biddable but that is not going to be the case since he ends up marrying Bianca. I hated that for him she was not nice, I did not like her and felt like she needed to grow up and wanted to know why she hated Max. I wish he would have had someone better.

Series: Desperately Seeking Duke #1
Publication Date: 6/30/20
Number of Pages: 384

Yikes! The Carlyle dukedom is in danger and the duchess is desperately seeking out possible heirs. Her older son, the duke, is sickly and has a very limited mental capacity – he certainly cannot marry and father children. That wasn’t such a problem until both of her younger sons died – one in the Army and the has just died of an unfortunate accident before he could marry and have children. The dukedom’s solicitor, Mr. Edwards, has been diligently searching for the heirs – because the duchess wants them to learn the ways of the dukedom before they have to take over. Three possible heirs have been identified and none of them make the duchess happy. One of them is a Frenchman, one is in the army, and the last is a cardsharp. Our current story features the cardsharp, Maximilian St. James.

Max had no desire to be under the duchesses thumb, but he was grateful for the money she handed him and for the promise of the yearly payout he would receive from the dukedom. Well, except that yearly payout came with strings – he had to become respectable and be on his good behavior. The judgment about whether he was respectable, of course, was the duchesses. Max didn’t care for that at all. Max has always wanted to be independent, but life circumstances just never allowed that. He had to make his life the best way he could. Now, he has a bold plan and he is so excited about the possibility of making his own future.

Max was introduced to Mr. Samuel Tate, owner of Perusia, a fine pottery factory when he was in London. Mr.Tate was impressed with Max and his relationship to the ton and subsequently invited him to visit Perusia. Mr. Tate had no sons and when Max presented him with a partnership proposal – as well as a proposal of marriage for Mr. Tate’s oldest daughter, Cathy, Mr. Tate was thrilled. Cathy, the sweet, docile daughter wasn’t thrilled though and promptly eloped with the man she did love. OOPS!

There was nothing sweet nor docile about Bianca Tate – Cathy’s only sister. Bianca, who was every bit as stubborn and pig-headed as her father, was furious that he’d just sell out his daughter like that. So, when Bianca discovered Cathy packing to run away with the man she loved, Bianca decided to help her. What Bianca didn’t expect was to end up having to marry Max in Cathy’s place!

I absolutely adored both Max and Bianca. Max was determined to win his wife’s affections and Bianca was determined to despise Max no matter what he did. It was so much fun watching Max slowly, but steadily, destroying all of Bianca’s defenses.

One of the most refreshing things about this story was that it wasn’t set in London among the ton. Yes, there were several titles involved, but they weren’t the focus. The focus of the story was Max and Bianca and I felt as if I really got to know them. The romance felt real and I could genuinely feel that they were in love. Also included in my ebook was a short novella featuring Lawrence, who is Max’s valet. It was a really sweet story as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am already looking forward to the second book in the series – A Scot To The Heart – which features the army officer – Captain Andrew St. James of his majesty’s Scotts Guards.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When their beloved father accepts a marriage offer for her sister, Cathy, Bianca Tate is appalled, especially given the fact that the groom, Maximillian St. James, is a notorious rake. Cathy is in love with another and Bianca rebelliously helps her sister elope, only to find herself taking Cathy’s place and obliged to marry St. James.

Max has relied on his own shrewdness and charm to survive, never knowing much permanency. When a wild chance of fate sees him second in line to a dukedom, Max finds himself the recipient of a healthy allowance. But this stroke of luck comes with conditions imposed by the dragonish Duchess of Carlyle, the most pressing of them being the need for respectability. Since the fastest way to being establishing that respectability is a perfectly respectable marriage, it doesn’t much matter to Max which of the Tate sisters he marries. Either way, he gets a stake in their family’s successful business and positive changes in his lifestyle to report to the duchess.

Bianca is determined to protect her family’s successful ceramics business and her role in it, no matter what. Despite Max’s apparent business acumen and the temptation he presents, Bianca is determined to keep him at bay. When Max takes note of the lovely, brilliant woman beneath the bluster, he’s determined to show Bianca all the love and devotion he’s developed for her, even if she never returns his sentiments.

This book was such a pleasant surprise. It took me awhile to get into it and to warm to the characters, especially Bianca, but it was well worth it. She and Max wound up being so lovely together and, despite its inauspicious beginnings, they had such a pure relationship by the end that it was a great read. This was a well-executed enemies to lovers trope with just a bit of intrigue to keep me turning pages and yet still light-hearted and perfect for my current mood. This was a promising start to a new series that I’ll definitely be keeping up with now.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Set in 1787. The unexpected death of the heir to the Duke of Carlyle spurs a search for a new heir. The current Duke had an accident in his youth leaving him childlike with no chance of a family of his own. There are three possibilities to be the heir. This is the story of Max, a distant cousin ignored by the wealthy branch of the family even when he and his mother were in desperate need. A gambler and rogue with hints of depraved behavior, Max sets out to show he can be a serious contender for the title by marrying Cathy, a girl he barely knows, and becoming part of her father’s pottery company. Enter Bianca, Cathy’s independent sister who works at the factory and expects to run it one day. She encourages Cathy to elope with the man she truly loves and takes her place as the bride even though she hates and distrusts the groom. The couple grows closer improving the factory and secrets are revealed. A man who was completely unlikeable is transformed. This was a little difficult to believe but overall an enjoyable story with a lead-in to the next in the series

This is a story about Bianca and Max. The story starts out with the father trying to arrange a marriage to Max with one of his 2 daughters, Cathy. Cathy at the last minute takes off and eloped with the local curate.
The father is furious as the marriage contracts have been signed and included part of the business. As result Bianca steps into her sister's place, even though she hates the man. He's too arrogant, too good looking, just too much.
Max is okay with the substitution in brides. After all, his main interest is the business. Bianca might be the better choice because she knows alot about the business.
Two strangers married, beginning a new life together. May the adventures begin from here.
This was a very slow mover. It wasn't til chapter 14 that Bianca thought she might be starting to actually like her husband. But the benefit of that is you actually get to see the relationship between them develop.
So have patience, stick with it. It's a very good story with a little twist in the end.
4.5 stars

This was my first book by this author and I adored every word! I didn't really have any expectations going in and I was pleasantly surprised by the romantic, sexy, love affair that is Max and Bianca. I cant say enough good things about this book and I cant wait to read more! Its the first book in a series so dive in and prepare to get swept away.

The sparks will and do fly in this one. Mainly coming from a very resentful Bianca. For the most part Max keeps his calm in situations that would normally rile a whole lot of other people. I did admire his patience even knowing he has so much on the line. Although Max has secrets and one particular dangerous one that doesn't come out until later. He has also learned many things in the School of Hard Knocks. He never knew until later how much those things would help him in his current setting.
Bianca was fiery, skilled and determined to continue her family's business success. She had a whole lot to offer with her creative color mixtures. She also has some great ideas but her father doesn't really see their value and often overrides her ideas. That is something that Max sees and encourages. It just made it harder for her to hate him as much as when they started out. I did get a kick out of how for the longest time even after their marriage she thought of him as "That Man."
There is really good world building when it came to the pottery business and the different ideas to improve it. The descriptions were good.
There were other good supporting people like Bianca's older sister Catherine, Aunt Frances Bentley, Lawrence (valet and more to Max) and Jennie (young ladies made to Bianca.
Although this story had some good moments, some tenderness, wooing and humor it was also kind of slow at times.
It does have some surprises and revelations towards the end that make things more interesting.


"I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

About a Rogue
Series: First book in the Desperately Seeking Duke
Rating: 5 stars
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

I'll start off by saying that I am a huge fan of this author. I truly enjoy her books and this one did not disappoint!!
I loved this story from start to finish. Max St. James was such a great character. He's lived a very troubled past but when he has the opportunity to become a better man he goes for it. In his plans are those to marry the eldest daughter of the owner of a pottery factory. He has many great plans and on top of his list it to marry. Lucky for him he ends up marrying the younger daughter, Bianca. Bianca is such a wonderful character. She's strong, stubborn and a hard worker. She's responsible for creating glazes for the pottery. I liked how he gave her her space to explore her creativity and was very vocal about it. He admired her creativity and her ideas. This is one of the reasons that the wall she had built around her heart began to crumble day by day.
Their marriage starts off very bumpy, but you could easily see their hot chemistry. Their bantering and when they tried to out do each other were fun to read. Max had a lot of patience. I liked how he gave her the time to get to know him and for her to let go of the prejudices she had against him. One of the best scenes is when she says his name, Max, and he loves it. I think he fell in love with her at that moment.

Like any other romance story there was a little drama that needed to be overcome before they could find their HEA. Their trust on each other is put to the test and it caused for her to hold back on her feelings for a while. Luckily he is able to explain his past and the reasons for what he did that caused for her feelings to be hurt. I loved the angst and how they loved each other!

I highly recommend it and I can't wait for the next one!!

I had a slow start to Bianca and Max’s story but I’m glad I stuck it out.

I love Biancas intelligence and how much this intrigued Max. That while he set out to marry Cathy, Biancas sister, he wasn’t too upset when Cathy eloped and Bianca has to step in. I admire the time that Max put in to learn his new wife’s family business. Looking into their current practice and what can be changed or added that would benefit them.

Bianca and Max’s story was a slow simmer, which allowed you to slowly get to know them and absorb their story. It was a good read.

I absolutely loved this book!! I could not put it down once it got started. The first few chapters were slow but I felt like they were necessary for the information to be given. Maximilian St. James is a gamester, rake, and his reputation is well deserved. He has not had a fair shake in life but has grown up knowing he was distantly related to the Duke of Carlyle. When her last son dies unexpectedly Sophia, the Duchess of Carlyle knows she must find the next relation to become the Duke. She brings in all 3 that are even remotely related and gives them a small stipend to set their selves up and prove to her they can handle being a Duke. Max is second in line, but is very intelligent and wants to better his life. He wants to be business partners with Samuel Tate, but the only way in is marriage. He is supposed to marry one and ends up married to the other, Bianca. She agrees to the marriage only because she cherishes the business and doesn't want any of it given to Max. This springs up some animosity between them. But through it all they discover just how much they have in common and work together. But can they find the love she desires?

This romance was very entertaining. The push and pull dynamic kept things interesting, though you knew there was casual interest at least from the start. That appearances can be deceiving, or anyone can change, or many other such lessons were offered in this book were obvious. #netgalley #aboutarogue

YES! There's the Caroline Linden whose books I fell in love with years ago! Also, the first historical romance I really enjoyed in a long time. I am so happy!

This was really a nice surprise for me. A nice nod to The Taming of the Shrew with the sisters' roles reversed (Bianca is the shrewish one, while her sister Catherine is the good one)!

What you need to know:
After the death of the Duke of Carlyle's last direct heir, the family is at a loss. His mother, the Duchess, is desperate to find whoever might have a claim to the title - however remote - and summons the distant relatives to the castle to make them an offer: if they change their ways, settle down, get married, and show an interest in the estate, they will receive an annuity and be allowed back into the family fold. One of them is Maximilian St. James, a disreputable rogue. He is intrigued by the offer, but has no intention of just knuckling under. Determined to make his own way, he uses his new connection to ingratiate himself to Mr. Tate, one of the best ceramics manufacturers. Luckily for him, he has a beautiful, seemingly biddable young daughter. Only things don't go according to plan, and he ends up marrying his intendent's shrewish sister. Sparks fly, and he soon discovers that this might actually be everything he always wanted. Now all he has to do in convince his wife that they are perfect for each other…

What I liked:
Max. Sigh. He's the sweetest. And I mean it. Smart, funny, driven, hard-working, and kind. Ok, he marries for connections, but I liked his honesty. He never hid why he wanted to marry into the family, and soon makes himself invaluable, making the factory even more prosperous by sheer determination and hard work. I loved that about him. He's not afraid to work, and he actually knows what he's doing and has a plan. I also loved how he didn't make a move on Bianca while she still hated him. These two take their time getting to know each other, and watching them slowly work out their differences was really sweet!
And the fact that this is very much a character-driven story with strong, interesting leads plus a slow-burn romance that is given time to develop.

What I didn't like:
Bianca - in the beginning. She was really hard to warm up to, especially since she has no reason (that I can see) for hating Max and marriage as much as she does. Her parents were happy and kind to each other, and one single aunt still sulking because her parents wouldn't let her marry a penniless nobody does not really explain it well enough for me. She's the type of heroine with a temper, who sulks, yells, and throws things when she doesn't get her way. I just can't sympathize with that kind of heroine and find them annoying, sorry. BUT she did actually grow on me halfway through the book when the reasonableness everyone always praised her for finally shone through and she decided to listen to Max and actually talked to him.
The drama. I hate fabricated drama, and when it comes with a heavy dose of the hero saying things like "she can never know my deepest darkest secret because then she will hate me!" (even though she actually is very reasonable when it matters), it never works for me, because it's never anything truly bad, and a lot of time is wasted with pointless angsting and agonizing over what would happen if she found out from someone else and all that. It's my least favorite trope. Also, the last minute drama when the big bad secret is finally revealed was also a bit too much for me.

All in all, this was a really sweet and wonderful start to the new series, and I can't wait for the next one!