I forgot how much I enjoyed reading historical romances until this book!

Never Rescue a Rogue is the second installment in The Merriwell Sisters series but can also be read as a stand-alone which is how I read it; however, if you have read the first book, I think you would enjoy it even more as the couple is often featured in the story!

One of my favorite parts of this novel was how strong and independent the female main character, Diana Merriwell, was portrayed, especially considering the era it takes place in. Rather than being described as weak or subservient to her love interest, she is her own person and powerful, following her own passions and fighting for justice on the side.

The whole ploy was also so interesting as Giles and Dianna must work together to uncover his family's secret past, including secrets that could potentially come back and hurt him. The whole process of figuring out the secrets and seeing the two connect was so fun and intriguing.

If you are looking for a fun historical romance, I would definitely suggest picking this book up. With great banter between the main characters, an engaging plot, and a strong female heroine, this book was such an interesting read and perfect for fans of Evie Dunmore's books!

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, clever, sweet, steamy, fast-paced and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

This was a cute historical read that had a Bridgerton vibes to it. It combines romance and mystery with likeable characters and meddling families. Also, there is a bit of spice for the spice lovers out there.

Looking for some cute Regency- era books to fill the hole Bridgerton left in your heart? Check out this witty, swoon- worthy read.

Giles is a Rogue if there ever was one and Diana just can't keep her sharp tongue in check around him. But when Giles is at risk of losing his title, will they finally put away their differences to get along... or fall in love?

This book has:
🌩 Enemies to lovers
👅 Witty banter
👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Familiar characters
🕵️‍♂️ Sleuthing
😶 Dirty secrets
❤️ Big hearted hero

If you want something light and cute and fun that will keep you entertained, this series will do it.

A big thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for an egalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a fun read and I really enjoyed being back in the world of the Merriwell Sisters. In this book we follow prickly middle sister Diana, who is a journalist, and the best friend of the hero from book 1, Giles, heir to a dukedom (as far as he knows). I really liked their banter back and forth, but I loved all of the different and sometimes unexpected relationships that cropped up throughout the story. Diana is a snoop with a dogged determination to get to the bottom of things and is very cynical about people in general, while Giles is the affable, funny guy who also hides a deep caring for people in general. I loved watching them work together to solve the mysteries around Giles’ birth while tiptoeing around their feelings. This series tends to have a lightness around it and is very romcom like, which made it a lot of fun to read, especially the twists. I would highly recommend this series to people who love a good romcom and are looking for a story with a lot of lightness.
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Huge thank you to @smpromance and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for review💜 I’m very excited for Vee’s book, and I’m pretty sure who her hero will be!

Diana and Giles are sworn enemies, even if their friends all believe they're destined for each other. When Giles inherits a dukedom, he accepts the help of Diana's skills as an investigative journalist. Someone is scheming to disinherit him. Together, can they find the truth?

What a delightful book! The banter between Diana and Giles is delicious. The mystery is full of twists and kept me guessing. A must-read for Regency romance fans.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

POV: Dual
Spice : 🌶 🌶 🌶

Never Rescue a Rogue just might be the most snarky banter filled book I’ve read (which is really saying something) and I love that that is the kind of relationship Giles and Diana have. I found myself smiling so many times throughout this book, not just from these two but also from all of the other characters and the sarcastic humor they all seemed to share!

I didn’t read the book before this one and I wasn’t lost at all, although I would love to go back and read it given how much I enjoyed this one, but I’m not sure if the other MMC can be as close to perfection as Miles is! Funny with the softest of hearts, love of desserts and one certain independent lady, he was swoon worthy even if Diana did not believe in swooning.

This is a very slow slow burn read that is mostly light but at the same time has its poignant moments that had me in my feels, and I loved the secret identity/suspense aspect as well. Looking forward to what I am sure will be another great read about the youngest sister!

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Never Rescue A Rogue had an intriguing plot and likable characters. Giles Sinclair unexpectedly finds himself the duke when his father suddenly dies. Giles has secrets concerning his birth and is fearful at every turn that someone might find out. When trouble comes knocking at his door, his only hope is his frenemy Diana Merriwell.

Diana Merriwell has fought hard to have her independence and a career in journalism, however clandestine it might be. Diana holds as many secrets as Giles. When she sees the devastation Giles is facing, Diana immediately offers her aid.

I warmed to Gile’s character faster than Diana’s. Unrequited love is not my favorite trope, and I sometimes get frustrated with Diana. I felt the dynamic between Giles and Diana was excellent. The development from frenemies to lovers developed slowly, but I enjoyed the back-and-forth between Giles and Diana. The physical relationship could have been built faster.

The plot was entertaining and intriguing. The book's first half unfolded too slowly; however, the pace improved significantly in the second half. I loved the second half of this book. The mystery worked well. It took some time for this romance to find its stride, yet when it did, it worked perfectly.

Never Rescue A Rogue is the second book in the Merriwell Sisters series. I felt the book had many positive attributes; however, I don’t think it met its full potential. The premise was excellent, and I invested fully in the characters and plot in the second half. I enjoyed this book and will read the next one in the series. This was an engaging, solid romance that captured my imagination.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book came at the right time for us, during a reading slump. Who knew all we needed was a historical romance to lift us up!

We were so excited for Giles and Diana’s story since meeting them in the first Merriwell Sisters books. They have such a fun banter filled friendship and while they act like they tolerate each other for everyone’s sake, we all know how perfect they are for each other. Oh the mutual pining! Plus the other members of the family don’t believe their dislike of each other one bit and we love their scheming!

The story centres around the death of the Duke of Harpenden, Giles’ father, and the circumstances surrounding Giles’ claim to the dukedom. With a potential threat looming, Giles asks Diana for her investigative help. The mystery surrounding Giles’ mother was exciting and we loved the final reveal and the hint to the next book to come.

What we liked:
▪️Enemies to Lovers (but everyone is rooting for them to be together)
▪️The Merriwell/Standish extended family
▪️Dalton - his advice & crazy love story
▪️Vee - she really improved from the first book in the series (can’t wait for her story next!)

What we didn’t like:
▪️The ending felt a tad bit rushed (but still satisfying)
▪️Terrible Uncle Gervais

Never Rescue a Rogue is the 2nd novel in the Merriwell Sisters series and follows Diana - the middle sister who is fiercely independent and refuses to give up her freedom as well as her work with the newspaper in order to get married. She plans to spend life as a spinster despite societies beliefs. Giles, who is the best friend of Diana's brother in law, has recently inherited a Dukedom from his horrible father. Giles wants to right the wrongs of his father but knows that time if of the essence, as family secrets could mean his ruination and his dukedom being taken away before he can atone for the sins of his father.

I really liked this one! I have genuinely 0 memory of the first book, which was actually one of the first historical ARCs I was approved for, but that didn't take away from this book at all. I really liked Diana and Giles together - I thought the way their relationship grew was lovely to see. The family members trying to push them together at many stages throughout the book was also very funny!

I will say that this seems to be marketed as "enemies to lovers" and I would strongly argue that it's not that. They have a lot of banter and bickering, but the "enemies" part of this is short lived if it exists at all.

Overall a super solid Historical Romance that I really enjoyed! Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you'd asked me two years ago 'Contemporary or Regency?' I wouldn't have hesitated -'Contemporary, of course!', but then I discovered Virginia Heath and her delightful historical romcoms and learnt that they have everything a romance reader can wish for: entertaining storylines with the best tropes, funny, memorable characters, swoonworthy heroes and sassy heroines...and lots and lots of banter.

No wonder I fell hook line and sinker for Minerva Merriwell and Hugh Standish in Never Fall for Your Fiancee, the first book in the Merriwell Sisters series, and now the wait is finally over and we have the second story where Diana Merriwell and Giles Sinclaire get their happily-ever-after. If you remember these hilarious secondary characters from the first book, you already know they love nothing better than a bit of verbal sparring. Now that Giles' best friend Hugo is married to Diana's sister, these frenemies have grown even closer, although they are still long way from admitting how much they appreciate each other's company.


​Yes, there's chemistry and sizzling attraction between the main characters, but there's so much more- trust, understanding and willingness to fight for each other's well-being and happiness. I love nothing more than a strong, independent female protagonist who will push the envelope and defy other people's expectations. All of this in deliciously entertaining, easy-to-read package (I love Virginia Heath's sense of humour and her writing style) and you have me reading until the small hours., wondering why on earth I thought Regency Romance can't be fun.

Recommended? Sure! Now I can't wait for Virginia Heath to write the next story in the series.

My preference for romance will always gear more towards spicy than cute but this one is just too cute to resist. Stressed about the US election today? Rather get lost in a story than deal with reality? Look no further because this book is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

Diana and Giles (I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a Giles in a book who isn’t the butler?) make for an interesting pair to follow. Giles falls first for Diana and he falls hard and fast. Diana is a reluctant spinster, who after her father fed her and her sister to the wolves, is not interested in marriage and would rather pursue her career in journalism. When a buried family secret threatens to unravel Giles’ life, he convinces Diana to help him unravel it. As she starts to spend more time with him, she comes to realize that his playboy persona might have been a ruse all along and he’s a big ol’ cinnamon roll underneath it all.

The actual butler (not Giles!?) provides perfect comic relief and adds an air of lightness to it all. Can we get the butler’s story?!

The dialogue is flirty and snappy and so on point that I’m a little jealous of this author’s skillset. The plot deals with some serious issues but it isn’t heavy. There’s a found family on both sides of this romance and undertones of feminism written throughout.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advanced reading copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A truly enjoyable book. Heath has a unparalleled command of the English language and her book are always full of witty and clever banter. This one was no exception. It was funny with a hint of angst that added depth to the characters. The little mystery around which the plot revolved was intriguing and the side characters such as Dalton and Vee were really a gorgeous addition. The two main characters were equally well rounded and easy to fall in love with. I’m waiting anxiously for the next book and the next Merriwell sister finding her HEA!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ok, full disclosure... I adored the first book in this series, and I loved this second one even more! Both books have enough twists to make them interesting, but not so many that you have to expend a lot of emotional or intellectual energy. That is to say, this book is just the perfect amount of fun, spice, and intrigue.

Diana is an independent woman with her own brain who secretly works for the newspaper digging into scandals and abuses of power. She has zero interest in marrying someone she'd have to "obey". Giles is a feckless Duke-to-be who is suddenly thrown into upheaval when he learns that everything he's known is in question. The need to find long buried answers brings the two sparring partners together, but how long will they remain "just friends"?

Looks like there's one more book in this series and I am *here* for it!
My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
#NeverRescueARogue

I might have missed the first book in this series but I felt perfectly poised to jump in to this rollicking ride of a tale. Diana and Giles might despise having their mutual irritation used as matchmaking fuel, but even from the start it is clear they enjoy one another's company, even if it is only to trade insults.

While the mystery of Giles' parentage twists and turns for quite a while, it is rather entertaining and stuffed full of banter and a slow-dawning attraction between two good-hearted people. They've both come out of troubled childhoods with high walls and shiny façades, so it takes them a while to realise how well they fit together.

I could've done without Giles being stubbornly overbearing in the name of Diana's safety - would've loved him to have shown he trusted her judgement - but that is a small quibble in an enjoyable read. There's plenty of characters, presumably from the first book, and their love and loyalty to each other is truly heartwarming, even as the likely next couple are reveals and the final moments of the book descend into unrelated but satisfying chaos.

It's a classic tale of rogues, journalism, and enemies to lovers. Gosh, Virginia Heath can really tell a story!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this via NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

4.5 Stars
This book consumed my weekend! I devoured it in a quick 24 hours and loved it even more than the first. Diana, the FMC was such an interesting, unique, realistic heroine. And I’m a huge sucker for when the guy falls first, and falls hard!

This 2nd installment in the Merriwell Sisters series, maintained the comedy of the first, but added a ton of twists and turns and adventures. This made for a book that was hard to put down. The ending once again seems to be setting up the next sister’s story. And I love how we get more of Minerva & Hugh’s HEA!

I even love the cover of this book and the nod to hornets! Really nothing that I would change!
Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Buckle up, guys. I’m so delighted, I want to swoon to high heavens. I am in love and his nameth Giles Sinclair. Well, lets be honest, I’m pretty much in love with Diana Meriwell too. Have no idea what I’m talking about? Well let me enlighten you. Meet the hero and heroine of Virginia Heath’s sophomore release of her Meriwell’s Sisters series, Never Rescue a Rake. There aren’t many regency era, enemies to lovers, mystery-tinged, independent bluestocking and reformed rake books I don’t like, but damn, did I love this one.
And I’m gonna say it, Virginia did it, I didn’t think she could.. but had faith…I’ll get to that later.
A Little Bit of Plot
Giles and Diana snipe and sneer constantly, to the almost vexation of everyone. Their friends and family have begun to suspect that the constant bickering and insults are hiding something more, an attraction that neither can ignore anymore. Diana wishes to never be held down by a husband, allowing herself the freedom to continue employment as a famous investigative journalist writing under a male nom de plume. Giles' ducal days are coming to end as his ‘dirty secret’ is threatened to be revealed. When her keen intellect and detective wiles are needed, can Giles trust Diana not only with his livelihood and freedom, but also his heart?
The Compliment Sandwich
The Top Bun (The Pro)
The Banter
When I say these two bicker and snipe like children, I’m not overexagerrating. I'd go as far to say it's a meet-hate when they first set eyes on each other. It’s like game meeting game. They’re so similar that they actually repel one another. Both are hiding: he, saddled with a huge secret to his parentage that could have legal ramifications, and her, writing under an assumed name as to not bring ruination on her reputation or her family. When they are together, however, the barbs tossed between the two are amazing:
“ I would have washed my hands of the chore of you last winter - but alas…you continue to linger on the periphery of my life like a bad smell”
And...
Giles like to think he was always the canniest person in any room and several paces ahead of the crowd - but shewas always hot on his heels. Or more often, he trailed on hers. “Hardly a surprise when you rarely make any sense at the best of times, either. You do know I only tolerate you on sufferance because my best friend married your sister, don’t you? Although it is still a mystery to me why he aligned himself with such a bunch of lowly commoners”
The more you get to know both characters, these interactions become even more endearing, as you can imagine them being delivered with light quippy inflection - their intention to annoy rather harm.
“If anyone needs the benefit of some beauty sleep it is you.”
“You need significantly more beauty sleep than me. Although, to be frank, even if you slept for a week you’d still look a fright.”
Sarcasm and banter is their love language. Even when declaring their love for one another, they still take jabs here and there.
I will say, we have another instance of the #fallsfirstfallshard hero. In the midst of his life completely falling apart while Diana frantically attempts to keep everything together with sellotape, Giles falls irrevocably in love. We see it building quickly for him in this novel, but he admits it to himself and out loud leagues before her.
“But if I could ask..” He had no idea why he felt compelled to be honest but couldn’t seem to stop. “If the chaotic mess of my life were miraculously gone and my ruination and scandal didn’t loom on the horizon like the Grim Reaper…if I were in a position to ask anybody to spend eternity with me, it would be you, Diana”.
Oh lord, and the nicknames.. Goddess of the Hunt and Hunter of the Truth, Nitpicking Grammarian, Fearless Kicker of Hornets ... I just can't with him.
Giles is such a good man. His true upset over possibly losing his title and inheritance is so noble and benevolent. And he's constantly hiding his true self - similar to Hugh in the first novel. Both men with rakish pasts but good hearts. Honestly, I am so happy to discover the true Giles in this book as I wasn’t overtly enamored with him in Never Fall for your Fiance, but that’s the point, isn’t it?
The Meat (The Con)
I enjoyed the underlying mystery that weaves throughout the book, however, I would have liked a bigger reveal a little sooner. The ending felt very rushed.
The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
Redemption!
I don’t know why I didn’t trust Virginia Heath to do her thang. I will admit, like a damn adult, that the youngest Meriwell sister, Vee (Venus) was the con of the last book. At one point, both Hugh and Giles want to send her packing as she’s obnoxious and snotty. You know…a teenager. In this book, we’ve got an almost adult Vee bonding with the supportive, stable, and loving family built with Minerva, Hugh, and Hugh’s parents. They’ve taken all Meriwell sisters into their lives and are raising them almost like adoptive parents. We see real growth in her character.
I was extremely worried as she plays a HUGE role the last half of the book. But we find that she’s intelligent, witty, courageous, and has come to terms with the destruction their deadbeat father left in his wake. In one rather humorous scene, Vee blindly defends both Diana and Giles by outing a trespasser
“Arms flailing and nightdress billowing like a ghostly apparition, Vee hit something slid with a thud before she plunged into some shrubbery. Giles got to the scene firstand stared, because the youngest, and usually the most sedate Merriwell had turned into a raging banshee. One who had used naught but all four of her limbs to pin a wide-eyed and petrified young man face up on the ground.
‘Who are you and what do you want!’ Spectacles askew and murder in her eyes, she bellowed in his face before Giles stepped in and unpeeled her.”
We are also introduced to who I am assuming will be her love interest in the last of this series. I’m not spoiling it, but you can see the seedling of something between these two – definitely a simmering chemistry or at least acknowledgement of interest.
I wish I could go on for about 10 more pages about Giles and both his love of Diana and his nobility to do the right thing in every situation throughout the book. An unexpected hero but a dashing one, nonetheless. Diana’s pretty amazing herself. Would definitely recommend this book wholeheartedly. Come for the banter, stay for the chemistry.

There are sparks between Diana Merriwell and Giles Sinclair, but they would never act on them. They prefer to exchange quips and treat each other with a bit of disdain in public. Besides, both have their reasons for not wanting to become involved with anyone and have no desire to marry. But when his father dies and Giles finds himself on the precipice of defending his dukedom, he needs Diana’s help. Did I mention that she is an investigative reporter writing under a nom du plume?

The banter in this one is DELICIOUS. The writing is clever. The sparks, tension, and buildup make it a delectable slow burn. The matchmaking and interference from their family and friends are so entertaining. Dalton, Giles’s one-eyed, one-legged butler-cum-valet, is reason enough to read this book. His actions, observations, and comedic timing are chef’s kiss. And to top it all off, Diana and Giles are solving a mystery together, so there are clues and touch of intrigue included.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received an advance copy from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

The focus of the series is on the Merriwell Sisters. Never Fall for Your Fiancée, told the story of the oldest who ends up married to an Earl. In this book Diana Merriwell is the second sister and the most independent. Her family is convinced that she writes gossip columns for the newspaper, which she does. But they don’t know that she also writes serious investigative pieces on corruption especially if it deals with the upper crust. Giles Sinclair is heir to a Duke. He is best friends with the husband of Diana’s sister and for the last year has been a frequent visitor.

When his father unexpectedly passes the family supports him especially Diana. He finally shares his big secret with her and she agrees to use all her investigative skills to help him find the answer he needs. There is just the right amount of banter and silliness between the two. Everyone else can see the devotion between the two but of course they are the last to know. Giles’ butler also bring extra levity to all of his scenes. I like that this is a romance between two people who have become friends first. I can’t wait for Virginia Heath to write the romance for the youngest sister Vee and hope it is just as fun.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (4.5 stars)

The Dirty Secret...

I really enjoyed this fast paced, witty banter, fun, Regency read.
Giles Sinclair has a big, fat secret. So he's lvied his life as a dichotomy. The feckless, squanderer of wealth and over all never do well, but the reality. is he's secretly wealthy by his own wits, self-aware of how precarious his existence is and makes atonement for his father's sins. He flaunts a vapid public life to displease his father, the Duke of Harpenden.

Diana Merriwell sees right through Giles. She's smarter than he and is a writer for the newspaper. Giles knows Diana has his number and admires her for her smarts. Their witty banter drives this book and its fast and funny with bullseye accuracy. Giles needs Diana's smarts to find all about the Dirty Secret. She doesn't need rescuing, but Giles sure does.
Recommend.