I think the FMC carried the first half of the book. The storyline wasn't a new one, I think I've read at least three other books where blackmail is the start of a relationship, but here's the thing. A cliche or an often-used plot aren't really deal breakers to me but they must have at lease one standing-out factor. The author has to add their own touch to the storyline.
For this book, I think Caroline, the FMC, was what made the book interesting. She was real, funny, and while she was aware of her shortcomings, she wasn't insecure or had a low self-esteem, which I LOVED!
As I've said before, the first half was all about Caroline, the MMC's character was still vague, in some parts he was kind of cartoon-ish. This all changed towards the middle point though.
His character flourished when he started to fall in love with her. There were some parts that made me feel actually giddy. It was like loving her unlocked his piece, his development was amazing.
I have to say though, I hate her dad with passion.
Overall, I think it was a row good book. It's my second book by Lydia Drake, and she's definitely becoming one of my favorite authors.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

I have to admit that I read Caroline and Gabriel’s romance with a smile on my face throughout. They are the perfect foil for each other, even if one thinks they have the upper hand.

Caro is the author of Gothic novels written under a pen name, because no woman would possibly be published in this time period. Her work has fed her family, if barely, while keeping an eye on her father's spendthrift ways. She has come to the end of her wits and launches the only plan she can think of that might keep her family afloat. Blackmail.

Gabriel, the Earl of Rockford, cannot believe this lovely but devious woman is trying to blackmail him into marriage. He will set about teaching Caro a few lessons in life. And if either should lose their hearts along the way, so be it.

The Writer and The Rogue was such a fun, delightful escape. It also brought attention to the plight of women during this time in history. I loved the banter between this couple; they were certainly evenly matched in their wordplay, but Gabriel has other tools at his disposal that Caro does not.

A shadowy figure who is making inquiries about Caroline’s pen name raises the stakes a bit while offering some tense moments for this couple.

I did not want this story to end, and would have happily read several more chapters in this fascinating couple’s romance. If you love a Historical Romance that keeps you on your toes, with a charming couple, and a story that will have you flipping pages quickly, then you’d love this one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Wowza! Lydia Drake is new to me so I had no idea what to expect from her book. This one starts as an enemies to lovers story but there is so much more and Caroline and Gabriel know pretty quickly that enemies is not what they are. There’s so many twists and turns to the tale that it’ll keep you turning the page and will surprise you again and again. I love a story where love may not be enough until it really is. Caroline is a wonderfully strong, determined character and Gabriel has so much charm you’ll cheer for them to get to their HEA. I’m hoping we’ll get Felicity’s story and revisit this pair in an upcoming book.

Thank you so much for this story, Lydia Drake! I adored the characters, and the realness I felt from the story. There were so many current day topics that Lydia made work so well with the time period she was writing this story in. All of the characters had good qualities and redeeming arcs. I'm ready to read the other ones now!!

This was a fast-paced romance that had me laughing out loud. The banter between the main couple was cute. I enjoyed this new take on a 'bodice ripper'. The motivation for the heroine to save herself through her writing was refreshing. Though some tropes of the book at the 80% mark did irritate me, it showed how much I was enamored by the story. This series are stand-alone, and can be read out of order. This was a quick read, I read it in one day.

This book was completely delightful, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Caro was a wonderful FMC—smart, funny, and independent. Gabriel was a similarly wonderful MMC—grouchy and intimidating on the surface, but underneath he was a sweetheart who loved Caro for all the qualities that made her “weird” to others. This was such a cute book that also had a lot of heart! Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley.

BOOK: THE WRITER AND THE ROGUE
AUTHOR: LYDIA DRAKE
PUB DATE: APRIL, 2025
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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My favorite thing about this book was how the mcs gradually fell in love with each other through their outings. It was realistic and romantic. I liked that it was not a love at first sight thing. They got to know each other and loved what they saw. I also liked that there was no miscommunication trope, although there was ample opportunity for this. I liked both of them, especially the MMC by the end, an amazing couple.
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I liked the FMC. She was a writer and the only one keeping her impoverished family aloft. She was hardworking, loving, and caring. I admired all she did for her family and what she finally did with the blackmail. I didn't like the MMC in the beginning because of his spiel of 'I've never met a lady of the ton that was different or smart.' Like go out and touch grass.
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I read the book in a day, and I liked the way it was connected to other books in the series.A fast, beautiful read, I'd definitely recommend it.
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Thank you to the Lydia Drake, Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start by saying I really wanted to enjoy this book. The premise sounded really interesting and had a lot of potential. As a romance it isn’t too bad. However, as a historical romance, it didn’t really work for me.

I felt there were a lot of anachronistic terms used (example: “playing house”, “prick”) in addition to phrases that simply felt too modern (example: “get along all right together”, “big sister / brother” rather than elder). But the moment that really took me out of the story and that I struggle to come back from was The Lavender Dress. For the time period, this felt like such an inappropriate gift. A dress from a modiste is the kind of gift I would associate an Earl giving to his kept mistress, not a lady he’s only just begun courting. I could have looked past it if it was meant to be a secret. However, that illusion vanished when the modiste announced who the gift was from in front to the other customers.

I didn’t get a good sense of Caroline’s character, felt like her personality was constantly changing. She’s definitely a modern character dropped into a historical setting. I get that she’s meant to be “strong” and a little different/quirky but she sometimes came off as immature, naive and occasionally rude.

Having said that, it wasn’t all negative. As I’ve mentioned, I liked the overall concept and plot. I thought Caroline being the de facto head of the household over her father and brother was a nice change and I appreciated how she stood up for herself. Her passion for writing did come through and I appreciated how she used her talent to try and change the family situation.

This was also my first book by the Author and it definitely read well as a stand alone. In fact I didn’t realise it was Book 2 of a series.

Overall, this book wasn’t for me. I think it could be suited towards someone who hadn’t read much historical romance before and is trying to transition into the genre. But for someone more familiar with regency era historical this might be one to skip.

What a blast this book turned out to be! I’ve not read anything by this author prior to this book, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I got was a fantastic story of unconventional romance between a pair of folks who themselves defy convention.

The story starts off with a proposal of blackmail — Caroline will keep the contents of a certain letter a secret if the Earl of Rockford agrees to marry her. Sounds so easy, right? She needs money, he could benefit from a wife in order to appear to society as having left his roguish ways behind, but of course it doesn’t unfold quite so easily. Shenanigans ensue, as does the romance, through not without a hiccup or two.

This is one of those books that make you smile from almost the first page. Both Caroline and Gabriel were a delight and I loved how each one has a strong disdain for societal standards, though for different reasons. I also liked how they understand one another on a deep level, despite having preconceived notions about the other. Their journey to an HEA was equal parts swoon and witty banter and I absolutely adored every second of their road to happiness.

This is my first book by this author and I’m so glad to see she has a handful of other books, which I’m going to happily devour in the next few weeks. If you’re a fan of historical and regency romance, definitely add this one to your tbr. 5 stars.

5 stars

I liked the banter between Caroline and Rockford. It got a bit messy in the middle but overall a good story. Her father was a bit useless and his mother was bitter but overall I lilked it.

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

I really liked Caroline and Gabriel. The way they go toe to toe, the way they flirt, the way they support each other. Any scene where they were together was so well done. Caroline is the kind of person we should all want to be - determined, resourceful, and clever. I thought it really important that Gabriel liked all those things about her, and loved her writing, but also wanted to give her a damn break from having to hold everything together.

I thought the third act conflict instigated by his mother was a little over the top, but it didn’t stop me from truly enjoying this book.

I love the concept of this story where the Earl, Gabriel, is blackmailed by Miss Caroline Devereux into marriage as she is very desperate to help with her family's finances. He can't help but be attracted to her spirit and she can't help be amazed by his trust in her and respect for her. They are honestly so cute in their banter and I enjoyed their journey toward their HEA which got quite dramatic in the end. I also felt indignant with Caroline's situation in every which way and was so frustrated with her family's lack of responsibility, even her supposedly sweet brother. I loved the adventurous dates he took her on, and it helped a lot with the pacing of the novel which I read in 2 sittings. I can't wait for the next one in the series. There is also a sub plot that teases into a future book but I am not sure how that will play out.

Steam: 🔥🔥
Heart flutters: 🤍🤍

wow. I don't read many historical romances but this one made me want to read more.

I loved the banter between the mcs. gabriel, the mmc is down bad for caroline from the moment they meet. the way she speaks her mind and doesn't fit into the box that is the women of the ton, makes her more appealing and such a likable character.

the more time they spend together due to fake dating the more both of their walls start to crumble and they begin to fall for each other, because of the dual pov we get to see how much gabriel is down bad for her and how bad he wants her. seeing caroline slowly fall for him is beautiful because she is such a strong and independent fmc.
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This was such a fun, charming read! I loved Caroline Devereux’s fiery spirit and resilience; she’s not the typical demure debutante, and I found myself rooting for her immediately. Her desperate attempt to blackmail the Earl of Rockford into marriage could have felt outrageous, but Drake made it both hilarious and heartfelt. Gabriel, with his rough edges and good heart, completely won me over. Their chemistry, witty banter, and slow-burn romance kept me hooked. I also appreciated how Caroline stayed true to herself despite societal pressures. This story had the perfect mix of humor, heart, and just the right touch of spice. I can’t wait to read more from the Debutantes of London series!

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

An extended reading break broken finally and this book was really enjoyable. I finished it in 3 days. Caroline has been writing stories published in pamphlets to kept the creditors at bay while her father continues to gamble away money they don't have and sells off any remaining possessions they have. Desperate Caroline uses her pen once again this time to write a blackmail letter, give in to her demand of she will announce to the ton what was written in a letter by the former earl and let the scandal ensue. Her demand the Earl of Rockford, Gabriel marry her.

I liked the relationship between Caroline and Gabriel even though the premise of blackmail to start their acquaintance was not the most romantic. Even the twists in the story were enjoyable because they weren't overly drawn out. The pacing in the book was well done for the most part.

4 stars

The Writer and the Rogue by Lydia Drake, book two in the Debutantes of London series, is an entertaining and clever enemies to lover's romance. Miss Caroline Devereux is desperate as her father is bankrupting the family. In order to keep her family financially afloat and the debtors away from their door, she has been writing Gothic fiction; but she’s running out of time. Finding an incriminating letter from the Earl of Rockford's deceased father to hers, she decides to blackmail him to marrying her. Gabriel, the Earl of Rockford, cannot believe that any young lady would dare to blackmail him. She has not only threatened to expose the darkest secrets of his family and destroy their name, but she’s done it all in an attempt to marry him. From their first meeting, despite the dislike and anger, a magnetic attraction and strong chemistry arced between them.

Caroline and Gabriel are skillful opponents, indulging in witty, intelligent, and at times very humorous banter. There are a number of misunderstandings, some steamy scenes, lots of humor, interesting secondary characters, and a plot that will keep you entertained throughout the story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #Entangled #TheWriterAndTheRogue

Here we meet Caroline Deveroux and Gabriel Kane. Caroline is a writer, daughter of a spend-happy Baron, and the oddity of the London ton. Gabriel is a brooding, devilish looking man, and the only son of the late Earl of Rockford. Caroline has been taking care of her family, two brothers and her father, since her mother passed. She is trying to keep their household running, while seeing to her youngest brother, trying to keep her father’s debts paid, and writing her gothic pamphlets under a pen name in an attempt to keep her family from falling into High Society’s disgrace. Gabriel has returned from traveling the world to take up his birthright as Earl of Rockford. When Caroline comes across a letter from the late Earl to her father containing scandalous information, she writes a letter of her own in a desperate, last ditch effort to save her family. The letter leads to Caroline and Garbiel’s meeting, where it is revealed that she has blackmailed him into marriage. Despite his anger at her ploy, Gabriel finds himself intrigued, and he decides to play along until he can find a way out. During their ruse of fake courting to the surprise of the London ton, Gabriel learns that Caroline is no ordinary woman. She is awkward, clumsy, and doesn’t fit well into society’s expectations, but she is also brilliant, witty, curious, and beautiful in her own unique way. Caroline is also surprised that Gabriel is not entirely what his reputation implies. He is well traveled, a ladies man, and a fighter, but he is also kind, tender, genuine, and loyal to a fault. When their time spent together leads to real feelings, it seems the unconventional beginning of their story will turn into a fairytale ending. But when their happily ever after is on the horizon, disaster strikes making the unlikely seem more like the impossible. Will this be the end of their story?

As an avid dark romance or romantasy reader, I was not sure what to expect going into this book. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this period romance has a more modern flare. It reads like a harlequin novel with a Bridgerton vibe. However the FMC is more likely to be herself than try to mold herself into the confines of societies expectations. While this has lead to her being a sort of outcast, she has done her best to make the best of what life has dealt her. I also love that the MMC is willing to let her be herself, and is attracted to what makes her different than all the rest. The romance is written in much of the same matter. While still in the lower grades in respect to level of spice, the FMC is allowed to be wanton without the MMC assuming the worst of her or trying to take advantage of the situation. Overall this a very well-written, fast paced without feeling rushed, unconventional love story that had me entertained until the very end. I would definitely recommend this book to any romance reader. It feels like a breath of fresh air in a genre that can feel overly done and a little stale.

Goodreads review posted on 4/20/25. TikTok review to be posted on 4/21/25

Miss Caroline Devereux is the only person in her household actually doing something to keep them out of debtor's prison by penning sensational Gothic tales. But when her earnings are no match to her spendthrift father, she resorts to blackmailing the Earl of Rockford into marrying her. She has a letter from the previous Earl denouncing the fact that the current Earl is not his biological son, and she's willing to publicize it if he doesn't accept her. But the Earl of Rockford isn't going to let a girl get one over on him without a fight, even if she is quite spirited and beautiful.

At its core, this is pretty much any historical romance you've ever read where the right guy finally comes along who sees just how perfect the lady disregarded by the ton for her smarts and temperament truly is. But it stands apart thanks to Drake's witty writing and the perfect way her characters interact. It's not just Caro and Rockford, it's in Rockford talking to Caro's little brother, and Caro finally standing up to her reprobate of a father. It's like a song that follows a recognizable beat, feeling different in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing. I knew what was coming, but I enjoyed the way we got there.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Caro and Gabriel, Earl of Rockford, from when they're butting heads to the moments when they've accepted how they feel about each other. They're a fun couple, and their interactions are witty and flirty even before they truly got together. Reading about them trying to outwit each other while also kind of not wanting to win was a pleasure.

I also appreciated how Drake incorporated several jabs at how worthless women and their reputations were seen and how men could get away with anything simply for being men. It's done in a way that hits without ever feeling like she's poking at you to make sure you get it.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Entangled: Amara for the delectable read!

The Writer and the Rogue by Lydia Drake is the second book in the Debutantes of London series. It is a fun read filled with banter and humor and was my first foray into the historical romance realm.

Caroline Devereux is desperate and sometimes desperation leads you to extremes… even blackmailing The Earl of Rockford, Gabriel, into marrying you. As vile a thing as blackmail is Gabriel can’t help but be delighted by the gall and feistiness of Caroline.

The Writer and the Rogue was a spirited read about pushing the limits of propriety and finding love despite your impropriety. Caroline is pushing the limits of acceptable behavior for a young woman in London society and Gabriel is a rogue in every sense of the word. The banter and tension between these two is beautifully written and off the charts. The plot is lovely and there’s a good bit of spice and steam mixed in. I would definitely recommend this to all romance readers.

Thank you Entangled: Amara for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is an entertaining, well-written, historical romance novel. It has a likable female protagonist, a kind and caring male protagonist, engaging banter, wit, humor, a bit of intrigue, sizzling chemistry, a heart warming romance, and a satisfying conclusion. This is the second entry in Ms. Drake's Debutantes of London series, and it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. Ms. Drake's loyal readers will appreciate the appearance of characters from the first book in this wonderful series.
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing, LLC, Lydia Drake, and NetGalley, who kindly provided me with an advanced reader copy of this delightful novel. This is my honest opinion.