Cover Image: The Legend of a Rogue

The Legend of a Rogue

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Member Reviews

This is the first book I have read in the rogue series and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Filled with intrigue and romance it had me captured from the very first page.
Can’t recommend it enough

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I love how the author based the names in this story after the "Die Hard" movie! There's also nothing more exciting than searching for actual objects mentioned in legends.

Elspeth loves to write stories of legends that people tell her about and is now on the hunt for a particular legend...a flaming sword, Lann Dhearg, that was last seen in the Battle of Culloden. She meets the mysterious Tavish who goes under different names and who is also looking for the same sword. Quite the adventure follows with plenty of danger surrounding them. Amidst all of that, love blossoms and passions flare.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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Ms. Burke gives readers another delightful read in the Legendary Rogue series. A sword that is twin to one of legend and there are those who are after it for its ability to produce flames. The sword feeds off evil and only one man is able to handle it, but it has been lost. Tavish has been looking for the sword lost to him on the battlefield before in falls into the wrong hands. He is shocked to see Elspeth again, whom he has had a tender for since they met. Elspeth has never forgotten Tavish, but he lied to her about who he is. Elspeth loves to weave and write stories based on facts and legends. This sword peaks her interest and she finds herself with Tavish to find the sword. Feeling buried emerge, but those of a secret society are desperately seeking the sword, which puts them both in danger. Can they find the sword before the others discover its location and use it for evil deeds?
I received this novel as an ARC from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Elspeth Marshall thinks she has met the man of her dreams when she meets Roy Williams at the Lammas Fair. A storyteller and collector of stories, Elspeth is captivated by the handsome stranger who tells her the tale of the sword Lann Dhearg, which is purported to be the twin of Dyrnwyn, the sword given to Gareth of King Arthur lore, but what steals her heart is the kiss they share and his promise to return. Two years later, Elspeth is traveling with her aunt when they are forced to make an unplanned stop at an inn due to the snowy weather. In the common room hears bits and pieces of a story that sounds familiar, of a sword that flames red-orange – Lann Dhearg, in an effort to hear more, she moves closer to the men talking, explains she records stories and would like to include theirs. When the English soldiers begin to harass the men, another man intervenes – a man that has haunted her dreams for two long years, Roy Williams. But this man doesn’t seem to recognize her, a slight she is not willing to let pass.

Tavish Crawford, Lord Strathclyde, aka John MacLean aka Roy Williams is on a mission to find Lann Dhearg, his family’s sword, which he lost while fighting at Culloden. He sees Elspeth and hopes she doesn’t remember him, at least not in front of the English soldiers – Tavish is a Jacobite sympathizer and is wanted by the English. Unfortunately, Elspeth does remember him and confronts him while he is conversing with the English. He tells her she is mistaken; he is not Roy Williams; he is John MacLean. Confused and angry, she leaves the room, he smooths things over with the soldiers and then tracks down Elspeth, hoping to smooth things over with her as well.

Elspeth agrees to hear Tavish’s story and even offers to help him find his lost sword. It is clear that connection they had is just as strong today as it was two years ago and she is not willing to walk away from the possibly of a future with him. But Tavish is not the only one looking for the sword – members of the Order of the Round Table are hot on its trail as well mistakenly believing it is one the Thirteen Treasures of Britain. So before Elspeth and Tavish can even think about HEA – they will have to reclaim Lann Dhearg and defeat the members of the Order – a feat easier said than done.

I really enjoyed this prequel to the Legendary Rogues series, it is a well written, fast paced novella with a nod to the movie “Die Hard”. This book has it all, wonderful characters, action, steamyish love scenes, a bit of mystery, some intrigue and finally a great HEA complete with an epilogue! If you have read the series, this is a great addition and introduces “The Order” – if you haven’t read it, this novella is a great introduction to the series – but let me warn you to be prepared to be sucked into the “Thirteen Treasures” and the Heroes and Heroines who seek them!!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me upon request – all opinions are my own.*

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Lovely historical romance full of intrigue, adventure and a mystical treasure. A joy to read, this novel really satisfies.

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A well written and engaging story by Darcy Burke. The Legend of a Rogue is filled with great story telling, action, passion and romance. Elspeth and Roy are great characters and you are easily caught up in their world.

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This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words for this ARC. I do enjoy Darcy Burke's books. I probably have most, if not all. This one did not move me. The normal spark and wit and NEED to finish the book were just not there for me.

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Elspeth Marshall hasn’t forgotten the enthralling man she met at a fair two years ago. They may have only spent an afternoon together, but they bonded over their shared love of legends and their connection was undeniable. When she meets him by chance at an inn in the Highlands, she’s surprised to find that his name isn’t really Roy, as she knew him, and the legend he told of an ancient sword may be all too real. Angered at first, Elspeth demands answers from him and quickly settles down to learn the truth about this unforgettable man and the sword.

Tavish Crawford, Lord Strathclyde, has been cursing his foolishness in taking the legendary sword to Culloden with him. He lost it when he was wounded and now word of its power has spread, leaving Tavish scrambling against a nefarious secret society to find it. At the same time, he seeks to further his relationship with Elspeth, whom he’s never forgotten. When the inn is overtaken by a band from the society, Tavish will do anything necessary to protect the sword and, more importantly, the woman he has come to love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Elspeth and Tavish had an instant connection to be sure, but they’d never have overcome all the obstacles facing them if they hadn’t communicated so openly. This happened almost right from the start and that made this delightful to read. I always love it when the main characters work together against an outside force rather than conflict being derived from their relationship, so this was just right in that regard, no game playing here. This was an utterly charming prequel and I also loved the introduction of Welsh legends. I’ve only read one of the books in this series, but I definitely want to go fill in the gaps now.

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

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Not her best but enjoyable still.
Interesting characters that make the storyline enjoyable.
Elspeth and Tavish story is interesting.
Darcy Burke writes a good tale.

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I really enjoyed this book! The Legend of a Rogue is the story of Elspeth, a young lady who researches and writes legends. She meets Roy one day as she is telling some village children a legend of a sword. She thinks Roy is the one but when he leaves he doesn't contact her. Two years later she meets up to him in a Highland inn, but his real name is Tavish Crawford and he is looking for his family's legacy. The problem is there are some bad guys looking for it too. This book mixes romance with mystery, an unbeatable combination. I would definitely recommend it!

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I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

This one was just meh. It was literally bland and middling. You could do better on here.

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Will their reunion bring them together or tear them apart...

You do not need to have read the series linked to this novella to appreciate it.
After a two years hole between their first and second encounter, Tavish and Elspeth renew easily their acquaintance, the sparkle still there, enlighted by the tale of an unknown and mysterious sword.
Together they must learn to trust one another, share secret, all the while hunting an obscur weapon and battling evil beings.
Tavish learns from his mistakes and woes to never fail again, especially if it might protect the woman who has come to count more than any other.
Elspeth is looking after a new tale to narrate, also after something new. Until she stumbles against the very man who has shaken her world two years ago, and never left her thought since.
A quick and fast paced read.
4 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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The Legend of the the Rogue
By Darcy Burke

Series: Legendary Rogues

Release Date: December 1st


1)Celtic Barb’s Saltire Book Review Blog
2)Administrator of Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
3)Administrator of Tartan Book Reviews
4)Administrator of Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

August 1744-1746
Scotland

The year of Our Lord is one thousand seven hundred and forty-four, in the summer season at the Lammas Fair. This is where Travis Crow, Lord of Sttathclyde, under the name Roy Williams, first notices storyteller, Elspeth Marshall. She is totally mesmerized and instantly attracted to this swoon worthy stranger. He tells her this unique tale of the Sword of Lann Dhearg that is allegedly the identical sword given to one of King Authors knight’s of Camelot and this sword’s name was Dyrnwyn. He enchants her from that start, sweeping her off her feet quickly, as she falls for this swoon worthy man sharing a passionate kiss. They had family duties to fulfill he gave his word he would return but he never did which shattered young Elspeth’s heart. It would be another two years before she saw this man again!

15 December 1746
Scotland

The year of Our Lord is one thousand seven hundred and forty-six In December. In the Culloden battle where his people were crushed, Tavish Crawford, has now lost his beloved families sword called Lann Dhearg. In addition to this problem his heart nearly pops out of his chest when he sees Elspeth Marshall at Balthazar’s Inn. Hoping she won’t remember him as he is now a wanted criminal to the English, a Jacobite sympathizer and rebel, a wanted man! If she says anything he might be taken into custody for execution!

Unfortunately, she does remember him and he gives her her another false name, this time John MacLean. This man denied knowing her showing no recognition, plus he behaved like she was irritating him. So Elspeth felt like an old rag-just used and worthless not worth remembering! Of course Tavish remembered her, but had to behave as an uncaring, cold and callous rogue. As it could mean the end of his life!

He does eventually find Elspeths to apologize and explains his names, how he’s a a Jacobite sympathizer, helping the other hidden surviving rebels. She forgives him, but of course this is after she punched him in the gut! Soon he explains looking for his lost sword. Not realizing both his sword and the woman who now owns his heart are in jeopardy from a secret and dangerous organization also seeking his sword! As this secret organization wants his sword believing it is the thirteenth treasure. His other problem is Elspeth the story teller and writer wants to tell his families history to the world. Something he wants kept private no matter what but he also knows Elspeth life would be forfeit if this organization discovered Elspeth’s story, as this sword could be very dangerous in the wrong hands. To Elspeth so much of this feels like a sting of Tavish’s betrayal more than once he hasn’t been honest with her. Can she ever trust him and give her heart again? Will he ever be to convince the woman he loves he only wants to protect her? Read and find out more in this wonderful story.

My first Darcy Burke read that I really enjoyed.This is a prequel to her book Legendary Rogues series.
It is is filled with adventure, folklore, magic, danger, mystery and love. A book I highly recommend. I originally read this in the analogy A Very Highland Holiday.

Disclaimer: I received an advance readers copy through the author and Harlequin Publishers. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog. All thoughts, ideas and
words are my own.

Buy Links:
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https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-legend-of-a-rogue/id1539101311

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-legend-of-a-rogue-darcy-burke/1138064861

https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Rogue-League-Rogues-ebook/dp/B08MVS3T84/ref=nodl_h

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-legend-of-a-rogue

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As always I liked this book! I’m a fan of Darcy’s work, however I did feel like those that liked the outlander series would also greatly enjoy this book. The main female was a good, interesting character. Her chemistry with the main leader was believable- you can feel it off the page!

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The Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke

Elspeth Marshall is stuck in the highland Inn due to the weather after a trip to find stories about mystical word of mouth stories from the past she feels should not be forgotten. She meets ‘Roy, ’ not his real name, he has lost a ancient family heirloom whilst being injured during the battle of Culloden but in the wrong hand could be deadly. Tavis Crawford and Elspeth have chemistry and together they must one and protect the legendary sword .

A slightly different story from Darcy Burke with mystic and historical combined but it still has her character twists to the story and bits about the brutality of Culloden. I liked it though it did take a little getting into .

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I actually quite enjoyed this book. I wasn't expecting the post-Culloden setting or the mystical element to the plot but both worked really well and added something  intriguing.

I liked both Elspeth and Tavish, I could so vividly picture that lopsided grin.  I didn't feel their chemistry as vibrantly as the writing wanted me to, particularly in the first half of the book. There were alot of lingering looks and flirtations but they weren't tangible to me until around 50% when they upped the contact.

I could have started a drinking game in the last quarter. Every time someone is referred to as a 'villain' drink. I'd pass out before the end.  Though admittedly this section did have a fair amount of tension to distract me a little from the over use of the word.

I thought it was a nice and easy read which offered something a little different plot wise and I loved the post-Culloden setting (and the John Maclean references!). I did find it a bit nice and twee at times which is the main reason I lowered the rating.

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