I adore historical romances that have a diverse character list. This book has a Latinx hero with a best friend of Indian descent. The heroine is about as white and classically British on the outside - but her family is much more forward thinking than most of her time. Including accepting fully cousin who is a lesbian. Both Lucas and Honora are committed to political reform. Lucas publishes a weekly newspaper (that he doesn't pay the stamp taxes for) that includes subversive commentary on topics of reform related to the poor and disenfranchised. Honora writes articles in the publication under a pseudonym - one of several - and is passionate about reform. So when Honora protects Lucas from discovery by the magistrate seeking to arrest him for not paying stamp taxes, their connection is electric.

This book is definitely an insta-love situation - but it does make sense in the context that both Lucas and Honora have gotten to know each other through their writing for a long time before they ever meet in person. For these two, the power of the written word is everything. I loved their interactions with each other and how they ended up teaming up to write together - even when they were trying to stay away from each other.

Overall - this book was a refreshing take on a historical romance. I loved the diversity of characters and the overall storyline really worked for me.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

For Bridgerton fans - Barbosa's new series is a typical historical romantic fiction. Thoughtful and considered, 'A Bit of Rough' was quite progressive, filled with political nuances that we still face today. The romance between Lucas and Honora was sweet and very 'hot' at times! I really liked their characters and how they both were very considered towards each other's needs. For the sake of a HEA however, there really was no conflict. I would have preferred more. It felt like a stake would be mentioned and then in the next sentence it would be resolved. This made the plot and character motivations feel a bit obsolete. This could also be because of the length of the book, which was quite short. Overall, I would recommend this for those looking for a sweet period romance that has very little drama.

So there I was, innocently making some food for my troupe of kids, and I thought, “Since I suck at cooking and I’m bored watching food cook, where’s my Kindle? I have a Jackie Barbosa novella to read.”

Holy. Sh**. People.

Can I just say how much I LOVED “The Lesson Plan”?

Now, I do love my historicals, but I must admit, I don’t actually keep track of all historical errors and such, so any classification errors in this particular review are mine, not Jackie’s. As you can tell from my excitement, Jackie is awesome.

So, where was I, oh yes, telling you why you should go and get this novella.

“The Lesson Plan” is an erotic Regency romance about Winifred “Freddie” Langston, indulged tomboy daughter of a Viscount, who at the nigh on ancient age of 21 is about to face her first season in London. Now, don’t think she’s been mistreated or anything. Freddie has managed to worm her way out of going to London for years, but now that her father has passed, her oldest brother, Nash, has come to the conclusion that the girl needs to grow up and get on with her life like a lady should. Which means not walking around in boy’s clothes with her twin brother and best friend from the neighbor’s house. She shouldn’t be scheming or improper and she sure as hell shouldn’t be heading out to a brothel to find out what all the fuss is about.

Now, onto the hero, Conrad Pearce, whom—by the way, I may fantasize about for quite a long time because I LOVES me some uptight, secretly highly sexed heroes, if you know what I mean. (And I KNOW you know what I mean). Con has an unholy desire for Freddie, which he hides as far down as possible because a) you don’t think about proper ladies like that and b) there was no way her brother, who was one of his best friends, would ever let him live if he knew that Con was thinking of thinking of her that way. Nevertheless, when Con discovers and relays to Nash what Freddie’s plans are, he can’t believe that instead of locking her in her room, Nash comes up with a completely other idea for stopping Freddie from ruining herself and her family by possibly getting caught in a brothel. Nash wants Con to portray a highwayman and hold Freddie “hostage” for a few hours to teach her that it’s not a safe world out there.

Well, Freddie learns something all right…

I’d tell you more, but I’m not ruining a second of it for you. Get the book. Thank me later. AFTER your cigarette.

I didn't know what to expect when I read this book. I was pleasantly surprised. A Bit of Rough is a short sweet tale of a Lady who thinks that birth shouldn't put people above others, especially when a 'Bit of Rough' catches her attention. The only thing that struck me as far fetched was the speed at which they fell in love. It seemed like page one was meet the characters and page 2 BAM! love! I finished it in one sitting and have no regrets.

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

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review

Sweet and spicy, with one of the more affable heroes and daring heroines I’d seen in a while. Can’t wait to read more from this author