What can I say about this story. I love the dialogue, the struggle, and HEA. Diana and Giles are friends to lovers that always have tried to fight their attraction to each other. Diana became Giles’s fiercest supporter when he was doubting himself. They learned how to best help each other through their fears and doubts. Wonderful.

Of course the rake has a heart of gold. Love a meddling family too and a smart sassy female heroine.

Quite a bit of mystery and sleuthing.

Favorite lines:
“Needing to know someone cared enough about him to still be there when all the skeletons were revealed.” - a very good way to put a strong sentiment.

Perfect! Sexy, smart and with a villain you love to hate, Never Rescue a Rouge is a real treat.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I was surprised that I loved this one so much more than the first! I saw this pairing coming from the set up of the first but the development of these characters made is such a fun ride. To see why each one acted the way they did and how they grew along the journey was so fun to read and experience. This series gets better with each book!

Virginia Heath’s second historical romance novel in the The Merriwell Sisters series “Never Rescue a Rogue” is the delightful story of Giles Sinclair, the new Duke of Harpenden, and Diana Merriwell, the independent, blunt, determined, second Merriwell sister. They appear to barely tolerate each other, but they relish their witty, alliterative banter with each other – and we do too. Giles lives under the weight of his family’s Dirty Secret which could strip him of his title, even threaten his freedom, and destroy the dukedom. Diana has big secrets as well. She is the talented, fearless, anonymous investigative reporter “The Sentinel” – digging up corruption in high places and making enemies. Giles needs Diana help to unearth his family’s secrets and to thwart the truly evil uncle trying to claim the dukedom. By necessity, determined Diana is brave, loyal (especially to her sisters), and fully committed to helping Giles. At every turn, their wordplay is wildly entertaining and the romantic pull grows, even as they call each other such endearments as “idiot” and “harridan.” It is such a pleasure to see their love story unfold. Plus, who would want to miss the fake Russian count?

“Never Rescue a Rogue” can be easily read as a standalone book, but the first book “Never Fall for Your Fiancée” enhances our understanding of the characters and their connections. I can hardly wait to read the third book in the series when it is published this fall. This writer has a talent for entertaining the reader with her wonderful characters and their plights.

I am grateful to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and Virginia Health for the opportunity to read this book. This opinion is all my own.

Virginia Heath is a go to author for me when I am looking for an historical romance. Never Rescue a Rogue is the second book in the Merriwell Sisters series. I have not read the first one, but I will definitely be reading it now. In this book we meet Diana Merriwell and Giles Sinclair who were childhood friends, sort of. They have a history that was not necessarily friendly, but cordial. When they meet again as adults, there is a pull there, that they both fight. Giles' father, the Duke of Harpenden has unexpectedly died, and he is now the new Duke, or is he? Some relatives who have fallen out of favor are hoping to find evidence that Giles is illegitimate, therefore not eligible to be the new Duke, but Giles is hoping to get enough time to sort the books and help the tenants before that happens. Trying to help keep all the mothers from bombarding the new Duke with their daughers, Diana agrees to pretend they are interested in one another to save him. With the help of her sisters, and her own secret to keep, she and Giles try their best to find whatever evidence his uncle might have to keep him from becoming the new Duke.

One of the things I enjoy the most about Virginia Heath's books is the banter. Not only is it between Diana and Giles, but her sister, staff and friends. It had me smiling and laughing out loud at times. The mystery of who Giles parents really are, was interesting and I loved how they went about solving it. The ton love to present their daughters to the eligible and wealthy men, so Giles was a huge draw. The way her and Diana went about blocking those relationships was fantastic and of course, they begin to develop a real relationship. Diana's secret was also interesting and I loved seeing how she used it to help her family as well as Giles. I definitely recommend you pick this one up if you enjoy a good historical romance, or better yet, pick up Never Fall For Your Fiancée, the first in the series and Minerva's story.

Giles and Diana have always been at odds since their first meeting and only tolerate each other because they are practically family–her sister is married to his best friend. When Giles’s father dies unexpectedly and leaves everything to him, it’s Diana he turns to for help. If the secret of Giles’s parentage ever comes out, he could lose everything. It is up to the two of them to figure out the mystery behind Giles’s birth before anyone else does.

I have been waiting for Giles and Diana’s book since they first exchanged barbs in Never Fall for Your Fiancee. The book was even better than I expected–I completely adored it. I loved how unorthodox Diana is compared to the women of her time. She is why I loved the book so much. She is tough on the outside and fiercely protective of those she loves. This side of her was apparent in the first book, which is likely why I gravitated to her. While I liked Giles, there were moments I needed him to just listen to Diana rather than keep talking. Let her do her job! You wanted her help because she’s great at it.

While some of the plot was predictable, Giles and Diana's relationship was the main draw for me, and it did not disappoint. Their verbal sparring was a lot of fun. I did miss the interactions between the family, which played a larger role in the first book. Younger sister Vee redeemed herself for me and now I am excited for her book. (4.5 stars rounded to 5 stars)

My Review:

  
Book: Never Rescue a Rogue
Rating: 4/5
Author: Virginia Heath
Genre: Romance
🗏 Pages: 358
Tropes: Frenemies to Lovers. Slow Burn, Forced Proximity, Found Family
Readability: 4/5 italic font is used
First Line: "Being a thoroughly disappointing son in every aspect of his life was reasonability Giles Sinclair took seriously."

Things to expect:
Duke and a Journalist - Class Difference
Open Door - One Scene
Banter
Mysterish

This one surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. I have been getting back into the historical romance genre since the covers no longer have real people on them, and that honestly freaked me out. This one is a great starting point for those who want to explore historical romance. It is an open door with one detailed scene but not over the top. Virginia's writing style is one of my favorites, and I love how the slow burn of frenemies to lovers plays out; these two could not tolerate one another at the start of the book, and how Virginia plays them out is just excellent. I wish it had a bit of spice, as the first one in the series seemed to have more.. or that is just what I remember.

Thanks to St Martin Press for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Not normally a fan of historical romances, but I really enjoyed this one. It was slow born and well written. I couldn't stand how many family members were meddling in business that wasn't their own, but that's the time and I know that's relatively accurate in regards to history.

Heath returns with another delightful addition to the series!

I really enjoyed this book. The cast of characters has been fun to get to know, and the chemistry is always delivered with a wink. I think I would recommend this as a lighter closed-door version of Bridgerton to friends. This series always reads like a breath of fresh air I can depend on for a comfort read.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this, great banter and now I have to go back and read the first one in the series and look forward to the next one

This was such a delightful romance. Not only did I love the relationship between Diana and Giles, but the added bit of mystery/suspense was just the cherry on top. Their banter was top notch, and I didn’t want to put this one down.

Loved the first book so had to come back for more! This sequel delivers! Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this ARC.
I love Diana and Giles even more than the MCs of the first book honestly, their tension and banter is excellent, and the mystery and intrigue in the plot of this book kept the pace going throughout.

I’ve really been enjoying all the historical rom coms that have been popping up over the last couple of years and that included Virginia Heath’s book Never Fall for Your Fiancée (review here). I was excited about the next book in the Merriwell Sisters series and I ended up liking book two, Never Rescue a Rogue, even more than book one!

Here’s the book’s description:
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…
Readers who paid attention to Minerva and Hugh’s story would have known that book two would feature Diana and Giles, sister to Minerva and best friend to Hugh, respectively. The tension between the two was palpable in the first book and I was SO excited to read their story. It wasn’t quite an opposites attract nor was it quite enemies to lovers. It hit a sweet spot of the couple being easily irritated by the other but only because there was an underlying passion between them. Because obviously the reason the pair keep sniping at each other is because that’s easier than admitting they’re pining for each other!

The characters were too much fun to read about. Diana is wicked smart and Giles recognized and respected that. And that is attractive! He was trying really hard to hide his true self which Diana had no time for, which I respected. He had to face his future, which was complicated because of his father’s messy past, before Diana would have anything to do with him. She was also fiercely independent and didn’t think romance and a relationship would be in the cards for her because she thought she needed to work to be able to look after her sisters. And, at the time these books take place, there was no way for a woman to work and be married. *insert grumbling here* The pair each had their faults but they worked oh so well together and the Happily Ever After was really satisfying - which is always a win in my books!

I always appreciate when a character, especially a female character, in the book I’m reading is a journalist (my partner is a reporter so I have a soft spot for them and know how important they are to society). Seeing as this was a historical book, I liked that Heath was able to showcase how tough it would have been for Diana, or any woman, to work for newspapers at the time.

While this is a romance novel set in a historical time period, there was also a…mystery of sorts. I really enjoyed reading as all the characters came together to figure out Giles’ past. I certainly didn’t solve it before they did, which made for a lot of fun. Giles also learned he had a lot of people in his corner too which was really lovely to read.

I’m already excited to read the story of the youngest Merriwell sister, which will be the final in the series. Never Wager with a Wallflower, featuring Venus, is set to publish in November. Yay!

If you’re also a fan of historical rom coms, I’d definitely recommend you check out Never Rescue a Rogue. Virginia Heath’s novel kept me entertained and engaged throughout and I’m so very glad I had the chance to read it.

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, St. Martin’s Griffin, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

Never Rescue a Rogue by Virginia Heath is the second book of the Merriwell Sisters. Diana Merriwell and Giles Sinclair barely tolerate each other. Their loved ones are convinced they belong together, but the pair are convinced that their constant barbs are nothing more than disdain for each other. Diana works at the newspaper and has no time or want of a relationship. Giles is fine living as a bachelor. When Giles’ father, the Duke of Harpenden, suddenly passes, Giles is made aware of an impending threat to the dukedom surrounding the truth of his birth. He must uncover the truth before those who seek to maliciously take over find it first. Giles knows his best bet is to enlist Diana’s help. The longer these two spend time together, the harder it is to deny their true feelings for each other.

I loved how funny this book was. Experiencing Diana and Giles send barb after barb at each other was a blast. Just as experiencing them give into their attraction was. Virginia Heath is great at writing historical rom-coms with compelling mystery and great romance.

I received a reviewer copy of Never Rescue a Rogue by Virginia Heath from the publisher St. Martin's Press from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What It’s About: In the second book in the series we follow the second Merriwell, Diana, sister a few years after the first book. Giles Sinclair likes his bachelor lifestyle, and disappointing his curmudgeonly father who is cruel, but he has a secret that could unravel everything: Giles is not a true heir and now someone is coming out of the woodwork and blackmailing him to hand over the dukedom. When his father dies, the case becomes urgent. He seeks help with Diana, who works with the newspaper and is a secret investigative reporter to help find the proof and save the estate. Soon though these two become very close.

What I Loved: Okay so the romance in the first book didn't fully work for me. This romance did work for me, I wouldn't say this trope is enemies to lovers but I loved the premise of this book, the premise of a woman being turned to for her intellect and respected for this part of her. I loved that they were on a mission and the element of uncovering the blackmailer and protecting all the people from an incompetent lord. I loved the chemistry, I loved the story and I thought it was just a really great romance. It made me want to keep reading!

What I didn’t like so much: Sometimes the pacing is a bit weird, but overall this book worked.

Who Should Read It: People who love regency romances. People who love stories where women are allowed to be independent during a time where women didn't have equal rights. People who love missions mixed in their romance.

Summary: A mission to protect a secret leads to feelings.

This book was so fun and a perfect part of the series. If you are looking for a light story that will make you laugh and smile, this is the one for you. I will continue to read this series.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for letting me read an eARC of Never Rescue a Rogue. I really liked book one in this series, so I was the most excited to read book two about Diana and Giles.
Never Rescue a Rogue 4/5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: Virginia Heath’s Never Rescue a Rogue, the next book in the Merriwell Sisters series, is filled with whip-smart banter, swoony romance, hilarious mishaps, and twisty reveals that will make you gasp and laugh in delight.
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 being back in this world and being with the Merriwell sisters! Diana and Giles were my favorites, so reading their story was so much fun. The whole backstory with Giles and his parentage was a great plot driving factor and I loved the banter between Diana and Giles. I also really liked everything about Diana’s job and how she was such a great investigative journalist with the cover of a gossip columnist. Overall, I really enjoyed Never Rescue a Rogue and I cannot wait to read the next book!

"I cannot tell you how liberating and empowering that heady feeling is. To share your life with someone who understands you. Who shares all your hopes and your dreams and strives for them beside you. Who is there through thick and thin, no matter what, just because you are you."
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This is my favorite so far! I loved Diana and Giles- their banter and personalities. Watching their journey of getting to know each other, and how their feelings change, was so delightful! It was so tender the way they helped each other and supported each other. It was wonderful too getting to see characters from the previous book as well as part of this story! I really enjoyed this one!

I loved this book so much more than it's predecessor. Was it nauseatingly cringey at times? Yeah, duh. All historical romances are. But did I still love yet? Surprisingly, yes! (Especially surprising considering I had stated only a few days ago that I thought historical romances "weren't for me".)

Diana is such a fun sister to follow; I love that while she wants her own strength and freedom, she at least has honest conversations with herself about how maybe she *is* open to the possibility of love in the future. I also love that we see Giles reassure her time and again, both in action and in words, that he will never force her into doing something she doesn't want to do. It's refreshing to see in a romance novel when so many of the male leads end up being unintentionally horrific.

I didn't love the amount of times Giles told Diana "YOU CAN'T DO THAT; YOU NEED TO STAY SAFE" but I understood why it was present. I also hated how openly Diana's family made her feel uncomfortable around Giles by CONSTANTLY poking and prodding about her love life. As someone who has to hear "when are you ever gonna get a boyfriend" enough from my own family, I hate hearing it in all forms of media.

Other than that, I absolutely loved it and found myself smiling many times throughout the book. Highly recommend!