This is a fairly generous 3⭐️ for me - Giles was darling and the ending was cute .. However. I found this installment less interesting than the first overall, saw nearly every twist or revelation coming a mile away, and the language was often too modern for the times, taking me out of the moment, as well as repetitive in the extreme. How many times can you say something as hokey and noticeable as “so-and-so wore an expression like butter wouldn’t melt in the mouth” (😵‍💫) in one book and have it not be annoying? (The answer is 1, but it appeared 4 times.) The author also beats the details of the main problem to death, much like the first book, which again = annoying. I won’t be finishing this series and this author’s style is really not for me.

<i>Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an eARC of this book.</i>

Title: Never Rescue a Rogue
Author: Virginia Heath
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Diana Merriwell and Giles Sinclair only tolerate one another for the sake of their nearest and dearest. Everyone believes that the two of them are meant to be together, but Diana and Giles know that their constant pithy barbs come from a shared disdain—not a hidden attraction. Diana loves the freedom of working at the newspaper too much to give it up for marriage, and Giles is happily married to his bachelor lifestyle. But they do have one thing in common—the secrets they can’t risk escaping.

When Giles’ father, the curmudgeonly Duke of Harpenden unexpectedly turns up his toes, it’s only a matter of time before someone comes crawling out of the woodwork who knows the true circumstances of his only son's birth. As the threat of blackmail becomes real, Giles must uncover the truth of his parentage first, or else he and all those who depend upon him will be ruined—and dogged bloodhound Diana is his best hope at sniffing out the truth. As Giles and Diana dive into his family’s past, the attraction that the two of them insisted wasn’t there proves impossible to ignore. Soon, the future of the Sinclair estate isn’t the only thing on the line…

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and this one was a lot of fun, too. Diana is exactly the kind of character I like to read: unashamedly herself, she goes after what she wants to do—no matter what anyone says or thinks about it. She and Giles were a joy to read about, and their witty barbs made me alight several times. This is a fun read!

Virginia Heath lives in London. Never Rescue a Rogue is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

I am really loving this series. Book 2 was just as good as book 1, but was more serious. Which is keeping in line with Diana’s personality. This one had a fun mystery built in and a sweet ending. Looking forward to seeing what happens with Vee next!

This worked better for me than Minerva and Hugh's story, mostly because Diana and Giles are both more competent and have better chemistry (and are less annoying). There are still some frustrating moments of miscommunication between the couple, but the underlying mystery of Giles' parentage (fueled by Diana's dogged determination to uncover the truth) buoys the story and keeps it compelling. Plus, the butler-cum-Watson character, Dalton, is a hilarious supporting character.

I appreciate that Virginia Heath foreshadows the next book in her series, so I look forward to reading about Vee and Galahad.

A light-hearted and charming historical romantic comedy. This novel's wit and humour abound as Diana and Giles verbally spar with each other from beginning to end. They hide their true feelings behind barbs and sarcastic comments but when push comes to shove they behave like best friends. They confide in each other and go to great lengths to look after each other's welfare.
There are a few amusing scenes where Diana is working as a journalist and Giles insists on being involved in whatever way he can. Of course, she never listens to his advice and this invariably results in all sorts of hilarity as they get caught up in the consequences of her sleuthing.
Giles's complicated family past provides the pair with an urgent mystery to solve as Gile's inheritance, title and freedom are at stake. The clock is ticking if they are to thwart his uncle's claim.
Friendship soon turns to romance as Giles and Diana work together. Diana's family and other side characters such as Dalton add more humour as they are not shy about voicing their opinions on the budding romance.
Never Rescue a Rogue is a lovely read, guaranteed to have you smiling from start to finish.

This was an enjoyable read. I loved getting more of a look at Diana as well as reconnecting with the whole family. The banter between her and Giles was fun.

I loved seeing them work together to uncover buried secrets. And see them move from “enemies” to more.

Virginia Heath does it again! She proves that she is a master of banter and intrigue in this swoonworthy take on enemies to lovers in a juicy historical romance. There are just enough twists to keep the reader fully engaged. Loved this!

I just loved this latest book in the Merriwell Sisters series.

Diana is the independent and plucky reporter we met in the first book in the series. Giles played the rogue to get back at his father, but now he is the Duke after his father’s death. Giles fell for Diana the moment he met her and hasn’t looked at another woman since.

I really liked this couple together, the hero is very sympathetic and the heroine is independent and likable. They embark upon a mission to try and solve a family mystery that will affect the Duke's future. This brings our dashing hero and lovely heroine into close proximity and a romance novel ensues.

There are some funny scenes in this book along with Diana‘s family who always provides great comic relief. This is the second book I’ve read in the series and I really like the author's writing style. There’s also some great steam in this book.

I’m hoping the next book in the series is Venus and Galahad, which is just the best hero\heroine name combination out there!

Final thoughts: the first book in the series was good and this one is even better!

I don't read very many books of this genre, but I do enjoy books written by Virginia Heath. Her heroines are strong willed, take the bulls by the horns kind of women. They may not be totally informed about the bed side of a relationship, but they are certainly willing to learn when the right man for them comes along.

Dianna fits that mold perfectly. She and Giles have exchanged barbs aimed at each other for years in an effort to deny their attraction to each other. They are funny in their exchanges and insults. Giles suspects/knows what Dianna's secret profession is. He doesn't want to out her, but he really wants to keep her from putting herself in danger. Dianna is determined to do what she thinks she must, no matter what Giles thinks. After he invites himself along on her business foray, all it out in the open...even his feelings for her.

This was a very enjoyable read. I think it is probably more friends to lovers than enemies to lovers. Whatever it is, it was wonderful!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

Another book in the like, not love category.

I didn't read the first book in the series, and had no problem understanding or getting into this one, which I count as a big plus. I do want to go back and read the first in the series.

The biggest concern I had going in was that the B-story / mystery they have to solve would overpower the romance. It gets close, but never quite upstages the romance, which was a relief.

Giles was a great character, and I found him pretty funny! The downside was that when some big family revelations came about, his character didn't seem to know how to handle them in a consistent way. Like, his character archetype doesn't have a "sad / confused" setting.

I was very annoyed that Giles kept calling Diana Vixen, Minx, or Helion. I'm not a huge fan of pet names anyway but these really didn't fit her, or his character, for that matter. She is a bluestocking, but her temperament isn't particularly shrewish, more straightforward. There wasn't even a reason for him picking that (that I can recall) and it was so jarring every time he used them.

There wasn't a ton of spice until the very end.

Sometimes you just need a fiery regency romance filed with angsty tension - and this was it!

I was in a bit of a reading slump when I turned to this book as my salvation - and it delivered! I love a good tension filled romance and the tension between Diana and Giles was felt even in the last book of this series!

Was the story a bit outlandish? Yes, but I don't care! I was here for the ride throughout it all and was sad when I got to the last page. I'm so excited to read Vee's book next and can't wait to read about the youngest Merriwell.

Definitely recommend this fun regency romance series!

This book was very enjoyable. The rich blend of humor, drama, snappy banter and emotion reads easily and keeps you entertained. The sparks and chemistry between Diana and Giles is obvious to everyone but them and that adds plenty of tension to the story. Overall, I just thought this was a really fun read that had some really nice feels.

This was a charming and passionately funny historical romance. Never Rescue a Rogue is the second book in the Merriwell Sisters series and was positively a delight to read.

Diana Merriwell is independent and closed off to the idea of a relationship. Giles Sinclair is a bachelor who enjoys his lifestyle. The two have a bumpy relationship, they get along for the benefit of their friends but mostly they enjoy a spicy banter. When Giles becomes Duke of Harpenden long lost secrets may be revealed and Giles needs the help of the one and only Diana.

This book includes witty banter between the hero and heroine, a pirate who over steps his boundaries, and a slew of busybodies that only add to the chaotic and amusing storyline. Overall I really enjoyed this book. The writing in this book was definitely more rom com, it was fun and quick paced.

I was so excited to read Virginia Heath's follow-up to Never Fall for Your Fiance and this did not disappoint. This is about Diana and Giles, who we were introduced to in the previous book. Although it was nice to see some of the characters again, you can definitely read this as a stand-alone. This enemies-to-lovers book is very well done, and you can tell from the start that their antagonism is going to turn into a beautiful romance. This is more of a slow burn and was more angsty than I anticipated, but I enjoyed the payoff in the end. I also loved the side characters in this book. Virginia Heath gives personality to every one of her characters which always makes me more invested in the plot and in the families. This was an enjoyable addition and I'm looking forward to reading more books in the series!

Diana Merriwell and Giles Sinclair are two strong and independent people who tolerate one another. They both have complicated pasts and secrets. When circumstances arise that threatens Giles's future, it is Diana who comes to his aid. Could it be that there is more to their relationship that either thought before?
Well plotted and engaging, the book is a pleasure to read. It is packed with wonderful characters, adventure and witty dialogue. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Having not read the first book in this series, I can say that this one perfectly worked as a stand-alone. Even though there were characters mentioned from the first novel, I had no trouble keeping track of who was who and what part they played in this story.

This could be because the background characters stayed mostly to the background. We got to know who they were, and we got certain scenes of them either trying to play matchmaker between our two leads, or adding details that we needed to move the overall story along, but their presence wasn't overpowering.

When it came to Giles and Diana, I loved everything about them. I loved their witty banter, I loved their insults, and I loved the way they eventually learned to trust each other. I was especially thankful that this was a slow burn romance as I absolutely HATE insta-love.

The problem with this one for me, laid within the mystery. While it kept me guessing, it was was also slow. Too slow. To the point that I was either bored, or there was so much information dumped on me at once that it was hard to keep track of. It was irrating because the whole is he the legitimate Duke or isn't he was a solid concept. Even the addition of his meddlesome uncle who would stop at nothing to prove he was the rightful heir was good. It was just the execution that was lacking in my opinion. Also, as troublesome as the uncle was I would have like to have seen him actually get what was coming to him instead of just being told that vengeance was on its way.

Besides that, this was a solid and enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of slow burn historical romances. I would read more from this author.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

At first glance, Giles Sinclair is your typical rogue but the young future duke has a lot going on under the surface. Something Diana Marriwell, ever sensible and practical, wasn’t prepared to discover. While these two may seem completely opposite they find they have a lot in common.

To begin with, they both keep dangerous secrets. While Giles’ secret might land him in Newgate, Diana’s secret could be deadly. Still, Giles has no choice but turn to the prickly middle Merriwell when his father dies, he inherits the dukedom, and his secret is threatened to be revealed.

While the initial setup is your typical wallflower and rogue romance, it’s quickly turned on its head. Giles is actually a pretty poor excuse for a rogue while Diana is definitely no meek wallflower. After her sister’s marriage to an Earl drags the other Merriwell sisters into society, rather Diana wants it or not. She uses her new position to secure herself a position as one of the premiere gossip columnists, giving her financial independence to fade into quiet spinsterhood.

After being introduced as a lay-about and rogue, we quickly learn that Giles is a really stand-up guy who mostly lives to get a rise out of his overbearing father. He cares deeply for his people and only wants to do right by them.

Giles and Diana’s quarrelsome relationship is amusing, as is their family’s on-point teasing and encouragement despite their vehement protests.
The mystery about Giles’ family history was well-done and it was nearly the end before I figured it all out. Their slow-burn relationship was perfectly paced and their banter was quick and fun. It was a great cast of characters and the only issue I had with the entire book was I could only picture Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer which was rather distracting. >.<

Scandalous, seductive, and fun!

Never Rescue a Rogue is a playful, heartwarming tale that sweeps you away to London during 1826 and into the life of Diana Merriwell, a young, clever journalist who is determined to keep her identity as “The Sentinel” a secret at any cost, even if it means befriending and helping the annoyingly handsome, newly appointed Duke of Harpenden, Giles Sinclair who seems to be inundated with troubles and devastating secrets of his own.

The prose is amusing and light. The characters are loyal, charming, and endearing. And the plot is a delightfully enchanting tale full of family, friendship, societal expectations, scheming behaviour, tricky situations, desire, illegitimacy, danger, and steamy romance.

Overall, Never Rescue a Roque is a fast-paced, enticing, highly entertaining read by Heath that is the second book in The Merriwell Sisters series and a novel that I absolutely adored.

Straight away this book
Surprised me with the complexity of the characters problems they deal with throughout the book. For what I expected, I was pleasantly surprised.

I did not read the first book in this series but I didn’t feel like it was necessary for this book to make sense. The first book followed a different sisters story is all!

This historical fiction romance reminds me somewhat of Bridgerton and I’m okay with that!

Overall a good book! I’ll have to read the first now !

What a fun and wonderful romance. Yea just enjoyed the book from start to finish and I can’t wait to read more by this author just as soon as possible.