Written by a true romance fan, beautiful story! I'm always a fan of enemies to lovers trope, not to mention a fake realtionship? Give me more! Loved it and would recommend it to a friend!

Review excerpted from my blog post over at Titillated Termagant Romance Reviews (https://titillatedtermagant.wordpress.com/2021/01/27/any-rogue-will-do-by-bethany-bennett/)

My Rating: 4 stars

Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.

Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story. 

_____________

Number of titles I have read by this author: 1

Love story speed: Medium burn

Relationship dynamics:  The Scottish Rogue (H) / The Scandalous Spinster (h)

Physical descriptions: Lottie is tall and “sturdy” (curvy), with brown hair and eyes. Ethan is very tall, broad, very muscular and tanned, with curly dark hair and blue eyes.

Sexual content: Some; on-page and explicit.

Triggers: Sexual assault (not rape; of h, not by H); drugging and kidnap (of h, not by H)

Grammar/Editing: My ARC had a few typos and word choice issues (e.g. agreeable vs. amenable).

Review: This, the first book in the Mayfair Misfits series, is set in Regency era England and is generally well-researched, except for some spelling blunders (e.g. Gunter’s vs. Gunther’s Tea Shop) and some anachronistic words and turns of phrase (e.g. “minefield” – first used in 1877) that may not appear to historical purists. That being said, the more modern language may appeal to those making their first foray into the historical romance subgenre.

The main characters in this novel are Ethan and Lottie. Ethan is a memorable hero because he is so accepting of Lottie, even with her managing ways. He wants a spirited, brash woman and not a docile lady, which I found appealing. He also learns from his mistakes and affects positive change in his life as a result (#lifegoals). Lottie is memorable for being a heroine who saves herself – she starts strong and stays strong, which I particularly enjoyed. Their relationship is somewhat burdened at times with misunderstandings caused by simple miscommunication but, overall, they are mutually supportive and have great chemistry. The supporting characters are generally well-developed, although I found that Lottie’s father was oversold and underdelivered once he came on-page. In truth, I felt like there was an opportunity missed in terms of audience satisfaction when Lottie and Ethan finally meet with her father. The primary villain’s comeuppance is extremely satisfying, however.

I definitely intend to continue with this series.

Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book well enough, I liked Ethan, and I appreciated Lottie and her ability to stick up for herself and know what she wanted for herself and her drive to get it. But I felt at times she was too stuck on her dream and it wasn't to the benefit of anyone. I liked the romance between the characters, and I thought the writing was well done. It wasn't my favorite book, but I did enjoy it and I will for sure check out the authors work in the future!

Received in exchange for a honest review.

Ethan love love love Ethan. He has such remorse and guilt over what he did so many years ago as a youth and he wants to make up for the way he was. So much so that he is willing to go to any length to help Lady Charlotte. Only he falls in love with this plucky sassy woman and she him.

Lady Charlotte is very independent and stubborn. To stop a suitor she is willing to fake an engagement to another even one that she does not like or does she? That is the question. The story begins with her being saucy but cold towards Ethan because of how he was to her all those years ago. She shows her independent side when he sees her the first time and aids her but this only intrigues him. His different attitude and ways has her flummoxed but she doesn’t want to let go of that anger except when they meet up again she needs his help and he gives it willingly hoping that he can prove to her that he is sorry and hopes they can move on. 

They have some great banter between them and are a formidable team against high society who loves a good juicy gossip story. No matter how hard the ton tries to sully these two, they stand together and turn it into good for them. It also brings them closer. I think it is their fight against society that has them get closer. Lady Charlotte sees that Ethan isn’t the man he once was and sees him as an ally and supporter. Ethan is smitten with her. They grow close and fall in love and it is entertaining to watch. They are a great couple and support each other but are also friends and that formed a solid relationship for them to build upon. A great romance that has you smile and just sit back and enjoy.

I enjoyed this story and will definitely keep an eye out for the next book in the series! Lottie and Ethan are a wonderful duo, and it was a joy to see them get their happy ending. If you're looking for a historical romance with all the flavor of high-society London but without the typical stuffy balls, domineering parents/guardians, or societal expectations, you will love Lottie and Ethan. Both of them give no mind to whether their actions will fan the flames of the ton's gossip and instead are focused on doing what they believe is best for only themselves... that is, until they get caught up in their feelings for one another. This story also boasts a dynamic cast of lovable side characters and a deplorable villain who is easy to hate.

On the other hand, at times it felt as if too much was going on in this book. There are so many locations and plot elements that just as I'd become adjusted to one, the story would move on to another. The fake engagement trope didn't come into play until around the 40% mark, at which point I'd almost forgotten it's the main story element the book blurb promotes. With the fake engagement, a second chance at love, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, spare to the throne, a villainous spurned suitor, and a disapproving father, among others, it seemed as if Bethany Bennett couldn't decide which elements she wanted to incorporate so she wrote them all into the story. It made for an engaging and fast-paced tale, but personally I would've preferred fewer of these elements in favor of dedicating more time to certain locations or elements of the plot.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lady Charlotte Wentworth  was just a girl, who fell in love with a boy, who she thought would marry her. Boy accepted bribe to leave from her dad and she never knew about it. But years later they reunite and will have to go through alittle bit of everything to try to have their happily ever after.

Bethany Bennett's debut title is PURE ROMANCE GOLD! The wit, the gorgeous setting build, and the va-va-va-voom of the Romantic chemistry this author has delivered make for an amazing and SO enjoyable read. I look forward to what heralds to be a wonderful continuation of this series, and so many gifts this author will deliver in the future!

This is the first book I've read by Bethany Bennett and I absolutely LOVED it.  While Lottie is okay, the character I really loved was Ethan.  He is everything you could hope for in a hero!  I didn't like that Lottie was really not committed to their relationship until the end, but because Ethan was an exceptional H, I can overlook that Lottie frustrated me sometimes.  Very well done.  Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read in advance for an honest review.

Overall I enjoyed this book, but it felt a little slow to me. I loved Lottie and Ethan & their relationship, but I think since the majority of the conflict in the book was internal, it lingered quite a but on the “will they won’t they.” I wish it had just a *little* more momentum. Though for a debut I think it was pretty good, and I’ll definitely keep an eye out for future books by Bethany Bennet— her writing style was really lovely

I can’t believe I’ve been sticking to contemporary romance all this time and not ventured into the realm of historical romance. I enjoyed this book so very much.

Take one dashing Scottish giant, a lady who would rather get around in britches than skirts, and throw in a fake relationship, a kidnapping, treasure hunters, and a lot of naughty adventures and you’ve got one heck of an entertaining read!

Back when she was just a girl, and newly introduced to society, Charlotte fell in love with a boy. Her father deemed him an unsuitable match and sent him away, causing scandal and drama that Charlotte never quite recovered from.

Now that she’s older, knows her own mind, and looking for a husband, who should she run into? Ethan, the man who ruined her reputation and hurt her pride the first time around. But maybe they are now in a position to help each other out…and nothing ever goes wrong with fake relationships. Right?!

Like I said, I loved this one so much. It was funny, and sweet, and the characters were wonderful.

4.5 stars. An excellent second chance story and debut novel from Bethany Bennett. Some other time-tested tropes are involved—enemies to friends to lovers and fake marriage—making a solid, well-developed story that will appeal to Regency readers.

Lady Charlotte Wentworth had a disastrous first season and has decided to abandon polite society. She has discovered a talent for estate management and wants nothing more than to run her own estate. An unfortunate carriage accident reunites her with Ethan, Lord Amesbury, the last man she wanted to see.

Ethan is a Scottish sheep farmer who unexpectedly inherited a title. He is also the man who ruined Lottie’s first season through his wild ways and thoughtless behavior. Ethan has matured over the years and wants to make amends for his past. The opportunity comes when Lottie is pressured by her father to marry James Montague, heir to an earl. Lottie and Ethan concoct a fake engagement to deter her suitor, but Montague does not take rejection easily.

Bennett’s writing was solid and on a par with many veteran historical romance authors. She has an excellent career ahead of her. The characters had a lot of appeal and their emotional development seemed genuine. My only minor issue was that I was left with a few questions not sufficiently answered. Overall, Any Rogue Will Do is an incredibly strong debut novel. Ethan’s best friend was intriguing and is surely the hero of the next book from the author (which I will gladly read).

ARC provided by Netgalley.

Absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read more from this debut author.
Even though it took me a little bit to get into it, once I did...I couldn't put it down. Really enjoyed the enemies to lovers & fake relationship in this story. I love when an author takes the time to have the characters go from enemies to friends to lovers. It just adds a bit more to their relationship that way. 
The steam level was great too!
I have been and will continue to recommend this fantastic debut novel!

I give ANY ROGUE WILL DO 3.5 stars.  It's full of adventure, passion and it's all about second chances.  I can't wait to read more by Bethany Bennett.

First off I want to say huge  thank you to the publisher Forever, the author Bethany Bennett , and to NetGalley for send me a copy of it as well as letting me read and review it .What can I say that would make you want to pick it up and give it a try for yourself , I could and will  say that it's its hot and steamy, that the story itself is  entertaining and witty with the perfect mix of swoon-worthy scenes. That the story is well-plotted and well-delivered in away that makes you want to set back and just read. That the story is enemies to lovers and if you love that kind of story then you have to give it a try.

An entertaining histrom debut! If you want a new author with plenty of tropetastic goodness you can’t go wrong with the first book in Bennett’s series — enemies to lovers meets fake engagement meets Scottish hero, and there’s a lot of other goodness too, including a kidnapping and a stranded at the inn together scenario. I’m honestly impressed with how much Bennett was able to cram into one book! This is an author I’m looking forward to reading more from in the future.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a new to me author & I’m so beyond HAPPY I was given the chance to read this! It’s so sweet, sexy, & witty! The heroine Lottie is a strong determined character which I love! Ethan is our Scot hero who inherits a title and dying estates. Ethan actually “ruined” Lottie reputation & this is where we start! Lottie has stay away for 7 years from society after she lost her mother and brother. She was in charge of caring for her father and the estates. *which she loves.* So when the time comes, and Lottie needs to marry, she wants it to one of conscience. One were she can live her own life. Enter Ethan, who is going to be Lottie’s fake fiancé. Ethan is determined to make up to Lottie & is so SWEET! These two had great chemistry! It was a well written story, good flow, & a great love build up! It was so wonderful when these two finally got to their HEA after going through so much!! Absolutely adored this story & can’t wait for the next one!

This was just okay, but it just doesn't stand out among all of the other historical romances I have read. I felt like the plot meandered a lot, and because of that the pacing was also pretty slow. The romance itself was just okay. I don't know what else to say because this book was overall "meh" for me.

During her first Season, Lady Charlotte was ridiculed in the gossip columns after Ethan, Lord Amesbury drunkenly described her as a Paper Doll Princess. “Dress her up, then carry her in your pocket- along with the fortune you gained in exchange for a lifetime of boredom.” Also while drunk, he caused a carriage accident that resulted in his friend losing a leg. Lottie retreats to the country and Ethan begins to reform. Seven years later they meet again when Lottie returns to London to find a husband her father finds suitable or he will force her to marry a man he has chosen. Lottie wants to find a husband who will live separately allowing her to live her life running her own home. Her parents were so in love they ignored her all her life and she thought that’s what love did to you. Of course Ethan and Lottie meet and learn to forgive. By this time Lottie’s mother had died, leaving her father as her only family. He didn’t think Ethan was good enough for her and refused them her dowry. Now I must be very hard-hearted. Ethan says they shouldn’t be together because her father was her only family, he wouldn’t come between them and Lottie went along with it. Huh? Your father is an uncaring ass who ignored you all your life but you’d give up your future happiness because he said so? There was also a scene where she was shopping for a wedding dress and got all teary because her dead mother wasn’t there with her. You mean the mother who didn’t care about you? Lottie didn’t want to lose the dowry money, and I have to say it’s not often I read a romance novel where the heroine turns down the love of her life because she’d rather have the money! I do have to admire her pragmatism. She also is known for her bossiness. Now, I usually don’t like it when a man is said to be in charge but a woman is bossy, but yeah, she’s bossy. By this time, Ethan has changed to be the sweetest guy in the world but it takes her a looong time to realize it. I kind of want to tell the guy he deserves better. I’ll keep reading the series. The secondary characters are good and I’m interested in their stories.

Overall: 3.5 rounded to 4
Plot/Storyline: 3
Feels: 3
Romance: 3
Emotional Depth: 3
Sexual Tension: 3
Sensuality: 3
Sex Scene Length: 3
Number of Sex Scenes: 4
(These based on a 1-5 scale of personal opinion)

This book takes place in 1819.  Lady Charlotte was entering the ton when Ethan utterly ruined her reputation 7 years ago. They meet again and it’s a clash of enemies until they find they need each other to navigate the perils of ton life.

Give this book a try if you are in the mood for
- Second chance – these two had an attraction 7 years before
- Fake relationship
- Enemies to lovers – there’s plenty of ill feelings after the heroine is ruined by the hero
- Full figured heroine
- Highlander hero, though the story takes place in London
- Steamy – plenty of intimate scenes that are explicit – see end of review for more specifics
- Class differences – hero was a farmer before inheriting the title
- Independent heroine – Lottie has goals in this life and when mishaps happen she can totally save herself instead of being a damsel in distress

Overall enjoyed this story. I was impressed it was a debut. It flows well and was overall a fun read. I liked that the characters matured over time from their mistakes 7 years ago. I enjoyed Ethan and that he really seemed to regret his actions from the past. He apologizes and does what he can to help Lottie.

I’m not sure what exactly kept me from loving this book. Maybe it was just my mood. Maybe it was the enemies to lovers bickering in the first half that isn’t a favorite. But I do when it got to the first intimate scene past kissing and it CUT TO BLACK then relived a bit of it the next morning I was so so disappointed. So sad. And I’m petty enough to let it give me a bad attitude about the book :P Lottie was also super independent and I was hoping for more closeness between her and Ethan. I also thought she was cruel towards the end and it rather broke my heart a bit. I wanted my heart pieced together just a bit better for me to absolutely love it.

Still, I would definitely try her again and am excited for more books from her.



Safety warnings (possible spoilers)
.
.
.
.
.
Alcoholism, sexual assault (on page), physical violence (character bruises heroine on page)

What a great debut! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this enemies-to-friends-to lovers historical romance. Recommend for fans of second chance romance and fake engagement tropes. Eagerly anticipating the next book in the series!