I’ve become a great fan of Sian Ann Bessey’s historical romance books. Not only is her writing beautiful and well-researched, but her settings are richly painted, and she is a master at creating colorful, multi-layered, and engaging characters.

Rumors of Lord Adam Dunsbourne’s bad reputation abound in his neighborhood, and Phoebe Hadford can’t help but be concerned about his supposed treatment of his sister Emily. When she steps in to help Emily, Phoebe finds that all is not as it seemed to be. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Adam and Phoebe develop and change as they work together to save Adam’s orchard and solve the mystery of the forger who was destroying lives and livelihoods.

This is the third book in Bessey’s Georgian Gentlemen series, but it can easily be read alone. You’ll want to read the other two books, because they’re fantastic, also. I’m looking forward to more of Bessey’s writing in the future. I love the glimpses into different slices of history that she weaves into her tales. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author and Covenant Communications through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be REFRESHING. I read a lot of historical fiction and romance. While a lot can have their own originality, this one felt completely new and refreshing. I loved these characters! Adam and Phoebe are definitely a match made in heaven and I feel so lucky to have read this story. It sounds silly, but it’s true. These two characters are such good, genuine characters. I always love characters that are motivated by doing what is right, not what everyone else is doing or expected to do.

The suspense was right where I like it. Entertaining and worthy of a page-turning novel, but keeps me happily catching zzz’s and not checking my locks. I think this book could be recommended to anyone who enjoys reading. It checked so many boxes on my list of a 5 star, re-read that I happy recommend this one to all!

Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Phoebe Hanford is bored with life in her new home. She longs for adventure. Lord Dunsbourne is an alleged rogue. Will he add excitement and adventure to the dull social landscape? Can he really be as bad as the ton believes him to be?

As these two become acquainted things turn out to be more than either of them expected.

Sian Ann Bessey does a remarkable job of revealing the powerful effects of gossip and rumor. The main characters have much to overcome and yet they manage to develop a swoony relationship despite the obstacles.

There were enough twists and turns in the story to retain interest until coming to a satisfying end. This was an enjoyable read which I would highly recommend. #AnAllegedRogue #NetGalley

What an exceptional catch in the beginning this book had. I also loved the history of the day included in the story. It really hepled me to feel immersed into the story. The apple harvest was very interesting and written into the story in an intriguing way. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone with no trouble. I also recommend the others in the series. I really grew to enjoy the characters in this story. I felt the author did well in bringing them to life and the plot. The story also had a good climatic and suspensful ending to the pursuit of the villian with a sweet wrap up for the couple. A great flow and before I knew it I was at The End.

I loved this book. In fact, it was one of my favourite reads in October. I loved that the book wasn’t overly predictable and that it took a new look at Regency times. I don’t think I’ve found a book before, that is set in the Regency times that includes the hero personally working to regain his fortune. I also enjoyed the multiple perspectives from the hero, heroine and even the antagonist.

I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be looking at more from Sian Ann Bessey.

An Alleged is the third book in Sian Ann Bessey’s Georgian Gentlemen series.

Adam and his family fell victim to a cunning and slippery con artist who disappeared with the entirety of the family’s fortune. Consequently, Adam and his sister, Emily, withdrew from society, living a much simpler life and trying to find a way to rebuilt their livelihood. However, their withdrawal from society sparked rumors that Adam gambled away his family fortune and kept Emily prisoner in her own home. As Emily gets older, Adam realizes she will never be able to make a good match if she never rejoins society. But entering society after several years is much more difficult than either of them anticipated. Thankfully, their newest neighbors, Phoebe Hadford and her family, are less inclined to believe the gossips. Phoebe decides to befriend Emily, and as Phoebe spends more time with her neighbors, she soon discovers the rumors are simply not true. As Phoebe and Adam’s relationship grows more challenges present themselves, some more dangerous than they ever could have anticipated.

I am loving this series! I love that each set of main characters in each book experience some kind of tragedy that motivates them to use their respective resources to make a change for the better. I loved seeing Adam progress from being obsessed with hunting down the con artist who left his family destitute to focusing on Emily and doing everything he can to give her the best chance at a happy future he can. I loved seeing Adam put aside his pride and his station as a baron and work incredibly hard as an apple farmer. And I loved seeing Phoebe do the same to support her friends. You don’t often see the nobility roll up their sleeves and do manual labor, but that is exactly what Adam, Phoebe, and Emily do and I absolutely love it!

These characters are just so inspiring. They are humble, compassionate, hardworking, and intelligent enough not to believe every word of the gossips. Seeing Phoebe take the time to get to know people, listen to them, understand their situation, and then do whatever she can to help them was probably my favorite part of the book! People aren’t always what they appear to be, and you’ll never regret giving them the benefit of the doubt and serving them.

I loved that Phoebe and Adam’s relationship progressed so naturally. It didn’t feel rushed or abrupt, and didn’t drag on or swing back and forth between liking each other and hating each other. They just gradually grew to become friends and then lovers.

Lastly, I loved the mystery and intrigue of the villain. I enjoyed seeing the con artist’s plot come together from his point of view, the dramatic irony made the plot so enjoyable.

If you enjoy sweet clean historical romance with a bit of action, mystery and intrigue, strong swoony heroes, and insightful heroines, you should definitely pick up the Georgian Gentlemen series! I highly recommend it!

Miss Hadford had heard about the local baron and how wicked and devious he was. Too her surprise and through unexpected events, she learns that not all gossip is true.
Lord Dunsbourne is blissfully, yet determinedly unaware of his unearned reputation.
Can they help each other learn lessons about life?
This is a new author for me but with this clean romance I believe I shall start following her wherever her journey leads.

The third book of the Georgian Gentlemen Series. Very interesting plot. I love the character development of all characters in this book, including minor ones. Take, for example, Adam’s trust issues with strangers into allowing the help from outside his household. Emily’s shyness towards others into her boldness in asking for Phoebe’s help and friendship with. And how Phoebe was at first a social butterfly who goes with what society dictates into someone who seeks the truth on her own.

One negative thing I could say would be the changing perspective of 3 characters. Especially in the first few chapters, it can be quite confusing. Although I see where the author is coming from, in my opinion, I would like it much better if it’s from the 3rd person perspective throughout the book.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and recommend this one for those who like romance with a bit of intriguing mystery to the mix and a historically inspired events.

Got this from Netgalley, courtesy of Covenant Communications (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.

What a book, y'all. What. A. Book. An Alleged Rogue has taken the place as my favorite book in the Georgian Gentlemen series. It is just so good.

This story was so well written. I thought it was interesting to have the villain's point of view added into the story. It added a nice touch here.

The characters in this story were spot on. Phoebe and Adam were such great characters; I was cheering for them from the beginning. I loved how Phoebe was honest, kind, and determined to do what was right. I also loved that Adam was so hard working and kind. They were so perfect for each other.

If this book isn't on your radar, it should be. We are T-8 days away from release day and y'all aren't going to want to miss it.

Thank you to the publisher and the author for the ARC; all thoughts are my own.

#ANALLEGEDROGUE #NETGALLEY

I love this book, it was a treat to read. It will filled with mystery, intrigue, romance and suspense. I loved it!

I enjoyed this book. The intrigue of Adam’s character was well drawn out. Seeing him come to realize the reputation that had been thrown on him was heart wrenching. His unconditional love for his sister was incredibly endearing. The mystery of Freddie Payne kept you on your toes. The chemistry between Adam & Phoebe was felt from the beginning and evolved very naturally.

(Review might contain SPOILERS. Read at your own risk)

"If a wrong has been committed, I would rather have it out in the open than have it hiss around a room like a poisonous snake.."


Have you ever been accused of something that you have not done?
Many times! But always, the truth will prevail.

I am done reading an Alleged Rogue and it has exceeded my expectations. I thought it would be just like any other love story novel but wow, I was wrong.
I loved the characters, the setting, and Adam's pursuit of someone.
One scene that kept me turning the pages was when Phoebe found out that Freddie Payne is about to trick her father. And their race to the bank to stop him.
I also loved the chemistry of Adam and Phoebe. Their sweet moments.
I'll read the first two stories from this series.
If you love reading regency novels, this book is for you.

Any book by Sian Bessey demands my attention, and An Alleged Rogue is no different. Ms. Bessey's stories often provide obscure and fascinating details about history, or in this case, the cider-making process during the Georgian Era. This story truly is a coming of age for Phoebe Hadford, a fashionable young lady with a kind heart and a man, Adam Norton, Lord Dunsbourne, desperate to rebuild his family fortunes after his father was swindled out of theirs. Lies, tattered reputations, and a diabolical forger all run the gamut in this satisfying tale. An Alleged Rogue is sure to please a wide readership.

An Alleged Rogue

Georgian Gentlemen #3

by Sian Ann Bessey

Covenant Communications

Rated: 5

Back of the Book: “Lord Adam Dunsbourne is a tyrant. At least, that’s what everyone says. The tales are shocking: accounts of a man who gambled away the family fortune and keeps his younger sister, Emily, captive in their home at Dunsbourne Manor. So, when Adam and his sister make an unexpected appearance at a dinner party, the scandalized whispers cannot be contained.

New to the town, Phoebe Hadford hears the condemning rumors and determines to do all she can to help the baron’s oppressed sister. Upon entering Dunsbourne Manor, however, she quickly discovers that all is not what she has been led to believe.

Adam, unsure of whether he can trust the intentions of his beautiful neighbor, is quickly drawn in by Phoebe’s genuine nature. But even as Adam and Phoebe’s connection deepens, a dangerous enemy from Adam’s past reemerges. For years, Adam has hunted for the man who betrayed him, not realizing he had only to wait. His foe has returned, and this time, he will threaten everything Adam cherishes most—including the woman he loves.”

My Thoughts: I’ve never read anything by this author before and I’m glad I came across her! This was such a fun book to read. There was suspense, intrigue, and romance all throughout the book. There was a moral to the story, showing how gossip is still gossip when it’s flattering and when it’s not. The plot and characters were well written. Overall, this was an easy and enjoyable book to escape in. I look forward to reading more books by this author!

Inspiring Thoughts: “Once we stop acquiring new knowledge, we become very boring individuals.” - My goal is to never stop learning.

“I believe it fair to say that although I have always enjoyed following fashion trends, that particular interest is no greater than my desire to associate with upright people. Unfortunately, as the wearing of fine clothing does not necessarily guarantee good character, I prefer to focus my attention to the latter.” - Outward appearance does not go hand and hand with inward appearance. Inward beauty however has a way of shining outward. I really enjoyed Phoebe’s heart and desire to see people rather than titles or appearances.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Adam Norton, Lord Dunbourne, holds a nefarious reputation. Said to have gambled away all of his family’s fortune, causing his father to pass away in shock, and also keeping his younger sister captive at their estate, he has kept to himself for the past 5 years. New to the neighborhood, Phoebe Hadford decides to approach him and his sister at a dinner party to confirm if the rumors are baseless or not. After becoming better acquainted with Adam and his sister Emily, Phoebe is inclined to believe the rumors are false and assists them both as they try to reenter society, and restore their Estate. However, the man who betrayed Adam’s family in the past makes another appearance threatening not only Adam’s future but his loved ones.

This is the third book in the Georgian Gentlemen series. Unfortunately I have not read the other two books (I plan to change that ASAP), but this novel can be read as a standalone. This was very distinctive as a regency romance as it not only included alternating view points from Adam and Phoebe, but also from the Villain in the story. This helped drive the mystery and suspense of the plot while also showing the romance slowly develop between the main characters. The suspense and action did encourage me to keep reading so I could see what happened, but it wasn’t in a way that prevented me from sleeping at night. I am curious to see how the other books in the series play out and if they are similar in their progression.

I appreciate how both Adam and Phoebe challenged the norms of the time period. Although Adam is a Lord he was not afraid to take off his jacket to work around his estate to get it running. Phoebe critically approached gossip and even openly discouraged those who tried to propagate such rumors. Sian Ann Bessey did an excellent job not just telling us how their feelings developed but showed through their interactions. I loved the gentle and tender moments between Phoebe and Adam in the orchard while they were working.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a Regency romance with a bit of suspense and action involved. You won't be disappointed.

Lord Adam Dunsbourne has been a recluse for around five years following his father’s death brought on when Freddie Payne, the famous forger, master of disguise and felon, swindled Adam’s father out of a family fortune. In order to save his ancestral home, he has become a gentleman farmer raising apples and producing cider. Adam and his sister Emily have become social recluses, since the loss of their father and their fortune. Rumors in the neighborhood are that Adam gambled away the family fortune. Adam realized that his sister is getting older, and they must make a return to society.

Very fashionable Phoebe Hadfield takes Emily under her wing; she helps Emily acquire a more fashionable wardrobe, and she helps teach Emily to dance. Of course, in these efforts she runs into the reclusive Adam. Are the rumors about him true? Can this very hardworking and attractive neighbor also be a hard going gambler?

I really enjoyed this book; it had a lot of depth and warmth, not just another ballroom romance. I loved this line wherein Emily entered Phoebe’s bedroom and tells her that Phoebe’s bedchamber reflects her personality. She tells Phoebe, “It is bright and cheerful and encourages you to linger.” For me Phoebe is the shining star of this book with her warmth, kindness and courage. Sian Bessy really hit the mark on this book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for this book; the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book was a treat to read. I liked both Adam and Phoebe and how they both learned to judge each other by their actions and not their reputation. Freddie Payne was a villian so horrible that every time he showed up in the story I couldn't help but feel angry on Adam's behalf. This is a sweet book for anyone who likes a good romance with a dash of adventure.

An Alleged Rouge, by Sian Ann Bessel, tells the tale of Lord Adam Dunsbourne. This man has a bad reputation about London, but soon you will learn he is so much more!

Adam has spent the years since his father's death in trying to catch the man who defrauded his father of his money, and in attempting to look after his estate with little or no money. He's had no time for society, and no interest either. But when his younger sister Emily reaches the age of 'coming out', he suddenly realises that that needs to change. What he doesn't realise is that gossip has painted him as a villain who gambled away his father's money, resulting in the latter's death. When Phoebe hears the rumours, she is horrified and decides to try to rescue Emily - but in the process, she is forced to spend time with Adam and begins to doubt the rumours. Will they be able to overcome society's prejudices and give Emily - and maybe even them - a chance? And will Adam ever succeed in bringing the criminal to justice?

If you like bad guys, you've got one here! But it's not the 'alleged rogue' - it's a shadowy criminal who's been evading justice for years. He doesn't care who he gets money from or how much they may suffer - he's all for number one. Fortunately, we don't see more of him than necessary, because Adam, Emily and Phoebe were much nicer people to spend time with! A satisfying story of overcoming prejudice, one person at a time - and sometimes without trying to. It's nice to see someone put aside the rumours and decide for themselves what they think of a person based on what they see of the person, not what society says. And it's all neatly wrapped up in a delightful story with elements of romance, family dynamics, mystery and suspense. This is the second book I've read by the author and it's even better than I remember the first one being - so I'm eager for a third! Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

The third novel of the Georgian Gentleman series by Sian Ann Bessey was quite thrilling. I learned a lot about apples and the process to make a good apple juice and that forgeries was a thing back in those days. My favorite part about this book was the characters. They felt so real to me and I loved getting to know them better. I highly recommend this read to those who enjoy a good thrilling historical romance.