I've never been that into historical romance, but this series is changing my mind with its fascinating pieces of history (set against the women's suffrage movement in England) amid great romance stories. This one features Lucie, a woman who has been living on her own thanks to a small trust, as she finds herself foiled in her plans to purchase a share in a publishing house when she finds out her new coowner is her longtime nemesis and notable rogue Lord Ballentine. Witty and charming, as well as an excellent romance.

2020 Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo: ‪Suffragette

CW: [PTSD, grief over dead brother, MC’s mother suffering from illness, threats to send secondary character into an asylum (hide spoiler)]

It pains me to rate this so low because I enjoyed most of this book. I love prickly Lucie and rakish Tristan together; I love Dunmore’s writing; I love the core female friendship that grounds the series (usual caveat: like 95% of traditionally-published historical romance, the book centers white characters. Specifically white women involved in the suffrage movement, even though women of color also lived in England and participated in radical activities during this time).

I do not love that the hero has a tattoo of a four-armed, blue-skinned, and naked South Asian dancer on his chest.

***

In the light, the inking covering his right pectoral stood out in vivid detail. An intricately patterned circle the size of a saucer in different shades of blue, and at its center, a long-haired female dancer, waving . . . multiple arms? Studying it gave her some time to think, what to say, what to feel, as they sat closely together, smelling warmly of sleep and debauchery.

The tattoo was remarkable: the dancer’s expression was serene, her body caught mid-motion in a graceful turn. She was naked, but to her surprise, strands of her hair fully covered her modesty.

“It’s charming, I suppose,” she said.

“Charming? It’s Pierre Charmaine’s finest handiwork.”

She raised her eyes to his. “Who is he?”

“Monsieur Pierre was a former officer of the French Foreign Legion. For reasons he never disclosed, he found himself in London a few years ago and now charges outrageous prices in a secret tattoo parlor in Mulberry Walk. I suspect a woman was behind his fall from grace.”

“Aren’t we always,” she said dryly. “Why does the woman have four arms?”

“Because she is inspired by Lord Shiva.”

“Right. And who would he be?”

The arms quivered when Tristan chuckled. “Shiva is one of the three principle deities of Hinduism, also called Mahadeva. He is the Lord of Divine Energy, creator of the universe, the God of transformation and destruction. He holds more roles and names, depending on which sect of Hinduism you study. It is complex. He is often depicted with blue skin, four arms, and a snake around his neck.”

“A god of destruction.” She was bewildered. “But naturally, you then go and ink a woman onto your skin.”

He gave her a grave look. “I have you know that when I stayed in General Foster’s house, I had conversations with the Pujari, the temple priest, after which I considered it wise not to tattoo all powerful deities onto my throughly debauched English body.”

***

Yeah. So no. I hate this and I hate that it becomes a crucial plot point later on. I have little desire to rant and explain all the ways this pissed me off. Obviously I’m very sensitive when it comes to reminders of colonialism in historical romance (and yet I love the subgenre. Trust me, I am aware of my contradictions and hypocrisy), but this was a step too far for me.

I am never going to love a story in which a white viscount has a four-armed, blue-skinned, and naked South Asian dancer (inspired by Shiva, no less. Shiva is my family’s main deity of worship) tattooed on his chest. It's later said that the blue tinge is actually scar tissue and not ink (he got the tattoo over scarred tissue), but I'm a bit confused by the description. Maybe some of it is ink? Not sure, but regardless it gives the overall image of a blue deity. I was tempted to downgrade my rating further but felt it unfair considering I was enjoying the book up to this point.

To be honest, there are a couple other things that make me cringe in retrospect, but it’s 3 AM and I don’t really have the energy to type it out. Sorry. This is definitely the worst aspect though.

I have to ask how this (and the crucial plot point that I have not spoiled in this review! The mind boggles. I cannot believe what happened at the end of this book) went unnoticed by the author, agent, editor, beta readers, and other early reviewers. I scoured Goodreads and I am the first person to mention this. In my opinion, this is as offensive/racist/careless/clueless (+ a million other adjectives) as Lisa Kleypas's Kama Sutra nonsense in HELLO, STRANGER (and that backlash led to Kleypas apologizing and the publisher changing the content of the book). It's 2020 and I am exhausted.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I liked our first in this series more (the flawed gruff hero was perfection), but this was still a solidly delightful historical feminist romance! Lucie was described as tiny so many times that I pictured her as a fairy. Felt like overkill.

This sequel to Bringing Down the Duke has much improved upon the author's premise for the series - in which tenacious suffragists "reform" or change reluctant but nevertheless infatuated male suitors. Lucie is locked in a professional battle of wills with her childhood nemesis Tristan in more ways than one in this well-trod tale of reluctant allies who later grow to care for one another. While Lucie has long found Tristan attractive but insufferable, Tristan meanwhile has always carried a torch of some kind for her since day one. While he does not set out to win her heart when he suggests they begin a liaison (at least not that he will admit to himself), things of course progress as time goes on, and they grow to like each other. The story was quick-paced and seemed fairly well-researched, which I did not feel to be the case with the book's predecessor. These characters were also much more complex and likeable than the protagonists in the first volume. I would say the occasional scenes between Lucie and her friends were tedious, but they lasted no more than a few pages at most, so it was easy to advance to the meatier scenes between the leads. I simply did not find Lucie's friends to be of much use or depth in terms of advancing the plot. However, I enjoyed this on the whole. The comedic tone never veered into absurdity, and the ending was sentimental without being terribly maudlin.

A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore
• historical romance

Rating: 5 stars

Lady Lucinda and her army of suffragists are waging war on parliament in this second book in the League of Extraordinary Women series.

She finally gets enough money to buy the publishing house to put in motion their plans for a coup, when an old nemesis of hers from childhood, Lord Ballantine, shows up as the other owner.

A tug of war between Lucie and Tristan ensues with plenty of angst, tension, banter, and some very scandalous moments.

Lucie is headstrong- her feminist movement, rights for women, and her constant feline companion are her life. Tristan is a charming, infamous ladies man, returning home from war with a less than stellar reputation that he may or may not live up to.

Thoughts:

Boy did I absolutely adore this book! Couldn’t put it down and finished it in 3 sittings. There definitely some very steamy scenes so don’t let the cute cartoon cover fool you. I cannot wait for the next book. Tristan had me proper swooning!

These are separate stories in a series, but read them in order because there are spoilers for the previous book, as those characters make an appearance. I made that mistake, but I’m still going to go back and read the first book.


Interest: 5/5
Romance: 5/5
Heat: 4/5
Happy Ending: Yes
Cliff Hanger: No
Would I recommend: Yes


*** I was given an UNCORRECTED PROOF copy of this book for an honest review by the publisher through Net Galley ***

This is such a great girl power read! A Rogue of One’s Own is book two in the A League of Extraordinary Women series. I really loved the first book, Bringing Down the Duke, and this follow up novel complimented the first extremely well.

I love a great enemies to lovers story and this one had all the chemistry I crave. It is such a fun historical fiction romance. I highly recommend this for romance lovers.

I adored reading about strong women with minds of their own during the Victorian era. This time period is notorious for having poor women’s rights, but the ladies in this story fight for what they deserve. It’s feminism at its finest and gave me lots of feels. I loved the characters so much!

A fiery suffragist versus a red-headed rogue leads to a battle of wits for the ages... and unexpected passion.

Lady Lucie, proud suffragist, is not amused when a major victory--taking control of a printing house as part of furthering the suffragist agenda--suddenly becomes her worst nightmare when she learns who the other new co-owner is: Tristan, Lord Ballentine, a notorious rogue, known prankster, and the bane of her existence.

Tristan's status as a charming rogue has been greatly exaggerated and he likes it that way. It helps him hide in plain sight in society and provides a form of rebellion against his domineering, abusive father. A poet, Tristan is now the co-owner of London Print, which published his book of poetry anonymously. And Tristan needs the money; his father is blackmailing Tristan into a marriage he does not want, and while Tristan would be fine with being cut off from his funds, it is the threat of having Tristan's depressed mother committed to an asylum that presses him to act fast. And if that happens to put him directly into Lucie's life, so be it.

Lucie, desperate and furious, demands that Tristan sell her his shares of the publishing house resulting in an offer that is dangerous for the both of them: Tristan will give her the shares if she spends a night with him. Dangerous, because one night turns into more. Dangerous, because they cannot deny the passion they feel for each other. Dangerous, because they fear not only losing sight of their individual missions, but their hearts.

In this fantastic follow-up to Dunmore's debut, "A Rogue of One's Own" is just as feisty, swoony, and patriarchy smashing as "Bringing Down the Duke", full of drama and passion, and makes history come to life (Let's just say, I squealed with delight when Oscar Wilde made a cameo). Growing up American, I know a fair amount of the American Suffragist movement--especially as we just passed the 100th year anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the right for women to vote (of course, not all women... only white women. Because of course.)--so learning more about the British Suffragists, British laws, and overall British history through this fictional narrative was greatly enjoyable as well as educational.

And then we get on to our main characters: Lucie and Tristan. So much snark and sass and anger in these two, always at each other's throats. But, slowly, they learn to communicate without insults, with Tristan learning more about his privilege as a titled male and how to undo years of toxic masculinity at the hands of his father. Meanwhile, Lucie--always on the go, always doing something for the cause, dedicating her every moment to the cause--eventually realizes that she is struggling under the mental load that presents. She's been alone so long, and angry, and she channels those feelings into leadership, something she does well but also starts to weigh her down. Slowly, she learns that asking for help is not a weakness, nor is falling in love or wanting to be married and have children. It helps that Tristan does truly respect Lucie--though admittedly buried under his outward persona of being a jerk--and wants to help her, wants to see her succeed, wants to fight in her corner, wants to learn more about why she is so passionate about the Vote. This was definitely one of the most antagonistic start of an "enemies-to-lovers" relationship I've seen, which initially made me wary (especially with the offer Tristan made), but it all came from a place of hurt caused by others and a need to talk and heal and find someone to understand. And that's exactly what happened. Were there bumps in the road? Of course there are. But that makes this relationship all the more real, the flaws that it has and obstacles they overcome and how they both make efforts to understand the other better to make a relationship actually work beyond the bedroom.

(Also, can we talk about how Tristan looks like a red-haired David Tennant as the Doctor on the cover? Because that is exactly what he reminds me of.)

This is my second historical romance novel and I have to say I am starting to really enjoy the genre! I adored this hate to love romance a ton! Lucie was a character you just loved and rooted for because of what she fought for and Tristan is the lovable 'bad guy' you know has a heart of gold.
So excited to read the last book in the series because I am hooked!

Evie Dunmore does it again! I loved the first installment in her A League of Extraordinary Women series and this was a great addition. Loved the history as much as the romance, this was a great read for the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage.

This book was a delight from start to finish! I devoured it in a day and a half, and went through the whole spectrum of emotions. Good characters, solid plot, excellent feminist history and representation. A delight to read!

A Rogue of One’s Own By: Evie Dunmore

Rating - 5 / 5 Stars

Publication Date - 9/1/2020

** Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley, and of course, Evie Dunmore, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another amazing delivery from Evie Dunmore! Why am I even surprised?? I absolutely adored this book! Dunmore did an incredible job of weaving history and romance and I can sense the research she did in order to do so. Picking up a year after the ending of Bringing Down The Duke, we follow Lucie Tedbury and Tristan Ballentine as the perfect enemy-to-lover storyline comes together! I cannot express how much I loved this couple. As much as I loved Annabelle and Sebastian, I knew for a fact from the moment we read of interactions between these two, that I would LOVE their story. Tristan gave me all of the feelings, and while I was sadly disappointed with the character development of Sebastian (the reason I gave it 4.5 out of 5 instead of the 5), Evie perfectly encompassed both Tristan and Lucie.

I could rave about this book for ages, I have all pros and no cons!

On top of the amazing writing this book hold, Evie provides a sample of another story...ONE I CANNOT WAIT TO READ!!!! FALL 2021 COULDN’T COME QUICKER!

Amazing Work, Evie!

Picking up a little while after "Bringing Down the Duke" we have our Oxford Suffragists doing their best to buy up the majority ownership in a publishing house so that they can surreptitiously change the tone to a little less how-big-should-my-bustle-be and a little more we-should-stop-domestic-abuse.

Here we follow Lady Lucie in her saga to obtain the publishing house only to be halfway thwarted by her childhood nemesis and one of England's most scandalous rogues, Lord Ballentine, who buys up the other of the house. Lucie, determined to get her way, asks him to name his price for the 1% controlling interest. Ballentine responds with a salacious offer in true historical romance roguish fashion.

Enemies-to-lovers is tried and true in the romance genre so there were any surprises there but there are some added layers of depth. And of course they set up the couple for the next book along the way.

3.75 stars

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Pub Date - 9/1/20.

I'm still relatively new to the historical romance genre and I thought Bringing Down the Duke was just okay so I was hesitant about this one. It is a long one - at almost 450 pages I think it's a bit much for a romance novel. It did take about 50% before the story picked up but once it did, I couldn't put it down! I loved the passion Lucie felt towards the suffrage movement - gotta love a girl who will do whatever it takes to fight the patriarchy. And even after falling in love, she stays true to her value. I absolutely adored Tristan. I'm a sucker for a guy who has been secretly in love with the woman for half his life.

It's not my favorite historical romance but overall I still enjoyed it so give it a try!

I absolutely loved Bringing Down the Duke and after finishing A Rogue of One's Own, I can with confidence say I will read anything (and love) Evie Dunmore writes. I didn't want this book to end and just wan to fast forward to next fall so I can read the next installment. This second book continues the stories of these smart, intriguing suffragettes we met in this first installment of the series. I love getting to know everyone in this world and look forward to Hattie & Catriona's stories (and maybe if their circle of friends could expand by like 5 or 6 people so this series could never end, that would be great too). For those who love romance & enemies to lovers storylines, you will definitely be obsessed with this book but for those who like their romance with a side of women's rights and political justice, you will be enamored. Evie Dunmore manages to find the perfect balance of developing Lucie & Tristan's story while exploring Lucie's work for women's rights and really painting a picture of just how marginalized women were (and sadly, sometimes still continue to be). This book had me cheering for the good guys, wanting to strangle the bad guys (and girl!) and on the edge of my seat as the story unfurled. This was one of those books that I was desperate to finish, yet as I neared the end I wanted to slow down time so the book would never end. We are living in weird times and I"m finding that the best way to calm my fears and stress with what's going on in the world is to escape into a great book and for that purpose, this book was a dream come true. So many thanks to Evie Dunmore & Berkley for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book in one day. I have no regrets because it was absolutely fan-freaking-tastic.
One of the worst things about getting an ARC is the wait for the next book in the series. I mean, I loved Bringing Down the Duke when I read it, and I was so thrilled when I was approved for an ARC for this book, and it was a joy to come back into this amazing world Dunmore has created. Based in history, Dunmore crafts a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat but also laughing and cheering the characters on. There is something to be said for books like this – that bring entertainment and good cheer to your day.
This is a book that is so delightful and wonderfully written. It is so easy to fall into reading, there is a cadence to the writing that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. I sat down to read it in the morning, then had to go to work, so I was anxiously waiting for lunch so that I could finish the last few chapters. I was on pins and needles wanting to see what happened to Tristan and Lucie.
I love a good enemies to lovers romance, and Dunmore has slaked my appetite for it, as it is done so beautifully in this book. So fabulously done that it was a seamless transition from one to the next, and I didn’t feel that it was jarring at all.
Another thing I really loved is this book still revolved around the central theme of the suffragist movement, and Lucie’s part in that. We have previous characters making appearances as well, but this story is very much focused on Lucie and her life. There is so little I can say because this book left me breathless and wanting to read it again it was so good. Like I said, I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series as WOW Dunmore stuns.
While the plot itself is fairly simplistic, it is done in a way that you can’t help but appreciate. You may know what is going to happen but it doesn’t make it any less exciting or breathtaking to read the story and see how small things unfold.
The characters were likeable to a great extent. You felt for Lucie and you felt for Tristan. And you felt for their individual struggles and how their struggles made it hard for them to know each other. Then you have some fantastic moments of build up and ire between them. All in all, I loved the chaotic nature of their relationship. It made it wonderful to read.
Of course then you have parts of the book where you want to grind your teeth because the “bad guys” are doing bad guy things. And it’s very much a “NOOOO” moment in the book, but you KNOW they’re going to get their happily ever afters…anyways my heart was pounding in this book, and it left such a sweet aftertaste that I’m still sighing thinking about this lovely book.

A BIG FAT THANK YOU to Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. An honest review was requested although not required.

While I personally did not like the character of Lucie quite as much as Annabel from Ms. Dunmore's first book, this book is sheer perfection and I could not in good conscience give less than 5 stars. The writing is superb. The story felt so genuine that despite a few over-the-top sequences, I was fully swept away. And the dialogue! It. Was. FABULOUS.
Cannot recommend this author highly enough. And let me just say, I cannot WAIIIITTTTTT for Hattie's story, which I assume is next.

I think I might be crying a little ... this book was everything I wanted.

I came to this book directly after rereading its predecessor Bringing Down the Duke. I was extremely nervous and kept repeating the question "what if it isn't as good as the first?" in my head. It was all for nothing.

If you liked Evie's debut about Annabelle Archer and Sebastian Montgomery but didn't want to read the rendition just something just as good if not better, pick this book up. I was literally arrested and hold hostage (gladly) from the first page. The first chapter we are giving a glimpse at the first meeting of Tristan Bellantine and Lady Lucie, which gives so much insight into the two people it's crazy and serves as a perfect setup, opening up the story wonderfully. Seeing as we had already "met" them as side/supporting characters previously.

Lucie is still a hard as nails suffragist. No sleep for this one as she works to right the wrongs against the female class. She's able to obtain a business to help spread the word and facts of the mistreatment of women but on the cusp of victory, it turns out that Tristan is the silent co-owner of the same company. Pining, sarcasm, heated glares and chaos ensue from there.

Tristan has his own reasons for the being the thorn in Lucie's side, besides an almost life long Lucie fantasy affliction. One of those being trying to outmaneuver his despicable father, and just being free to be himself without his current constraints. With these fiery personalities a gauntlet is thrown along with a proposition and of course are both picked up by the other.

I loved both of them immensely! They both have reputations that preside them but also hinder them. I thought Dunmore did a phenomenal job of transporting the reader (me) to another time, while still making it relevant and hilarious.
I found Tristan a prefect swoon worthy bad boy (of the time). He was understanding, nonjudgmental, held so much charisma, and was capable of holding his own while standing next to the warrior that is Lucie. While also oozing to the brim lustful desire, and making you feel like he would know exactly what to do.

Lucie's side shows us so much of her and even the insecurities she hides beneath her steel composure and sharp whip of a tongue. I loved how we go to explore the constant battle of being an independent while also just being simply a woman. About how we have choices and we should be allowed all of them regardless of what might be the social norm. She's fierce and mighty, but she's vulnerable and full of heart. If I could have anyone in my corner it would be this woman. She in her own right is also deserving of praise with the ooh's and aah's.

If you love strong heroines, dark hearts still made of gold somehow, stories with unwavering determination, or dabble in bodice rippers, this book should break that scale you measure by.

I am eagerly awaiting the next story about one of these Extraordinary Women and the excerpt of it did nothing but make me want to learn to time travel. I am very much jealous of the future me reading it. I'm pretty sure I love you Evie Dunmore, you are definitely "one-click" status worthy.

One evening last fall I curled up on bed with a book in hand. Something nice to pass a rather gloomy time. I have, of course, heard some really great things about the book and that was in part why I bought a copy for myself. I always loved a Jane Austen type of romance but something written by a modern author, set in Victorian era and said to be quite steamy? Always sign me up to try new things! Fast forward many a time when I burst out with laughter, gasped in a uniquely ‘no, they DID NOT JUST’ way and – full transparency – pulled an all-nighter devouring Sebastian and Annabelle’s journey, I was head over heels in total adoration with „Bringing Down the Duke”.

Immediately after I first finished BDTD (I have re-read it since then), I knew Lucie, Annabelle’s suffragist mentor, would get her own story and the love interest would be none other than Tristan. The scoundrel with an earring from the ball. The rake that apparently had intimate knowledge of the fact Lucie owned a cat. He was the type you should NOT trust. Ay. Naturally I was so into it and the book wouldn’t be out for another 11 months or so!

Lady Lucie has set her sights on buying shares in a publishing house all to further much needed agenda of empowering fellow women in Britain. Or - just plainly staging a coup against the Parliment but desperate times call for desperate measures and she has worked her whole life for this. And all would go according to plan if not for her old nemezis Lord Ballentine who, for some reason, has set his sights on the same major publishing house, will not leave the boardroom and most certainly will not budge unless she agrees to spend a night in his bed. Lady Lucie does not need another scandal. Lord Ballentine could not care less being the second son and all. With a lot of at stake and spades of unresolved sexual tension, their battle of will and words begins. Can this be won by either side of the argument?

Well, guys. To say this book was clever would be an understatement. Lucie and Tristan delivered on all fronts proving to be exceptional main characters I sympathized with, rooted for and wanted to occasionally give some serious scolding to when they were being entirely too stubborn for their own good. I loved getting to know them as individuals and learning their backstories as well as reasons for their actions. The character development was a joy to read. They were both very unique because sure, she was a fierce and determined suffragist and he was a silver-tongued devil who would seduce everyone and their mother but they were also a breath of fresh air. The similarities to other heroines and heroes could be drawn but at similarities it would end. Lucie and Tristan were terrific examples of what true craftmanship of extraordinary characters looks like. I could never get enough of them. All this thanks to Evie Dunmore who - with just two (extremely different, might I add) books under her belt - has now solidified herself as one of my favourite authors.

A reader can tell if careful research and passion for it go hand in hand when it comes to the end result. I could tell because Evie Dunmore wrote a book that was one of a kind, heartfelt and witty. The characters were fleshed-out and not without their faults (this I love; who needs a boring, perfect hero(ine), am I right?!). The romance toe-curling and exciting (if you blush, YOU WILL). The combo made me all the more interested in the time period and other regency romance books. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect book to significantly sweeten the stuck-at-home social distancing time the pandemic has brought upon us. „A Rogue of One’s Own” (AROOO in short, still makes me lol) also couldn’t have been a better standalone-ish sequel to already terrific in its own right „Bringing Down the Duke”.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes a truly good book that isn’t afraid of itself. A good book that winks at the reader and makes them genuinely smile and melt because of the little things (omg, THE CAT). Not just regency romance or romance enthusiasts because I know for a fact it can be enjoyed by outside of genre bookworms, too. Do yourself a favour then and pre-order this gem. Lucie and Tristan will set your heart on fire and you will thank them for it.

**massive thank you to Evie Dunmore herself and NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.

A ROGUE OF ONE'S OWN is Dunmore's sophomore historical romance novel. And while it doesn't quite live up to BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE, I really, really love Dunmore's recipe: giving a history lesson along with the romance. The exquisitely detailed setting of this book elevates it above most of its genre cohorts.

Lady Lucie, introduced to us in DUKE as the spearhead of the Oxford suffragist movement, is an ambitious woman. She wants freedom for women, and she wants it N-O-W. Her efforts have been largely unsuccessful thus far, and so she has resorted to a harebrained scheme to purchase a publishing house. Lucie needs London Print; unfortunately for her, she's not the only one. When Tristan Ballentine thwarts her plan, she must decide whether to play his game or go back to the drawing board. Little does Lucie know, Tristan is playing for keeps.

The romance part of this novel is a bit formulaic and full of tropes. Enemies-to-lovers, secrets ultimately uncovered, catty villains, virgin seduction, etc. Dunmore executes these pieces well enough, but the story has been told (many times) before. I would have rated the novel 3 stars if not for the incorporation of fascinating historical events. Rather than leaving the suffragist movement to be a backdrop, Dunmore takes us right into the midst of it. Lucie receives letters from mistreated British wives, criticism and shunning from society mavens, and rejections from newspaper editors. She works around the clock for the Cause and constantly frets about not having enough time to do all she needs to. Her passion - and equally, her exhaustion - felt genuine. Dunmore's setting of both time and place is the book's crowning achievement and worthy of 5 stars.

ROGUE nets out with four stars. I am very much looking forward to the next EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN book. In the meantime, I highly recommend ROGUE to fans of historical romance.

Earlier this year, I read Evie Dunmore’s Bringing Down the Duke, the first in her League of Extraordinary Women series of historical romances, and I LOVED IT! So I was beyond thrilled to get my hands on a copy of the second book in her series, A Rogue of One’s Own.

A Rogue of One’s Own is the story of the formidable Lucie, leader of the suffragette movement, and her lifelong rival and perennial playboy, Tristan. Lucie and Tristan were both supporting characters in Bringing Down the Duke, so this story was a fun opportunity to revisit Dunmore’s glamorous world of Lords and Ladies and all of her wonderful characters like Annabelle, Catriona, and Hattie.

What I loved most about Bringing Down the Duke was the joyfulness of the story, and I was so glad to find that A Rogue of One’s Own had that same warmth and happiness. It was just so much fun to read!!

I especially loved Lucie. She is a fiercely independent woman on a mission and a fearless fighter for her cause. I admired her drive and passion, and as someone who has always felt passionate about politics, I could really relate to her sense of duty to her cause. I also thought extravagant and flirtatious Tristan was a perfect counterbalance to Lucie’s rigidness and their romance had a fun push-and-pull, will-they-won’t-they nature to it.

I can be a bit picky when it comes to romance novels, but Dunmore’s books stand out to me because she adds so much depth to her stories in the form of subplots and storylines, language and descriptors, and setting, on top of her fantastic romantic stories. I love the world that she has created in this series and I look forward to reading it for years to come.