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.

Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this one. I thought the premise sounded like it would be fun, but I didn’t like the main characters and their treatment of each other.

Enemies to lovers can be tricky, especially when one character is blackmailing the other, which is the case in this story. What ensues is a constant barrage of harsh words said in anger and fear, an insistent need to one-up and needle each other, and an inordinate amount of distrust. It’s not surprising considering their relationship started with blackmail, but it made their chemistry and growing feelings for each other seem unrealistic and forced.

Caroline’s father was also super unlikable, and his way of living and expectations of his daughter were terrible. I also thought there were sections that felt heavy-handed with opinions on gender roles and women’s rights. It could have been blended more smoothly into the narrative instead of Caroline's explosive diatribe.

This was a DNF for me. I’m surprised because I usually love the author's romances, but the characters and love story didn’t work for me. Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own

This book kept me up last night - I had to know how it ended, and it did not disappoint.

I was a little nervous about Caro, the FMC, but I found her wholly likable. She's doing her best; rational, practical, loyal, loving, and all around a good person. I was also a little worried about our MMC, Gabriel, for being too set in his roguish ways. Fortunately that worry was for naught, because I also found him loyal, rational, and practical. Both are shaped by their upbringings, which were pretty harsh in different ways.

The story moves along pretty well but the last 15% or so where quite a whirlwind, so brace yourself.
Slow burn but once it burns, watch out.

Loved this book and will have to check out more from this author!

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

She blackmails him into marrying her for her family. She is an aspiring writer and he is a rogue. What could go wrong? Apparently nothing since he decides that he is absolutely fascinated by her and that sooner rather than later she is the only woman able to stand his ground and shut him up. Caroline and Gabriel’s story is the kind of marriage of convenience with regency setting that you would expect from a Bridgerton novel and that’s exactly what I was looking forward to reading when the opportunity presented itself. I enjoyed this book very very much. Especially considering that although predictable with the structure (the third act break up was for different reasons than the ones I had foreseen so it’s appreciated) it was nonetheless a great read. And the spicy scenes … that Gabriel really is a cad … and I wouldn’t want him any other way!!!

Miss Caroline Devereux is desperate to save her family from destitution, with her spendthrift father gambling away all their money. She has been able to stave off the creditors by writing sensational Gothic tales. However, she is running out of options, and the only one left is to blackmail Gabriel, the Earl of Rockford. Upon meeting Caroline, Gabriel cannot believe her tenacity but is instantly captivated by her. Caroline is threatening to expose his family secret if Gabriel does not marry her. As they begin their courtship, they find themselves rethinking their future, as well as their misconceptions about each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed these two and their witty dialogue. Caroline is so honest that I found myself chuckling over many of her comments. Likewise, Gabriel is a delight as he finds himself falling in love with her for all her sweet mannerisms. A lovely romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Caroline is clever and ever so resourceful.

At 24, Caroline is the sole person who can save her family.. Which means, she is made of ink and steel and doesn't bat an eyelash to blackmail and earl into marrying her. Gabriel is a boxer, a sailor and does not want to get married or to loose his freedom or for the scandalous letter to get out. He is not above using Caroline's young brother to steal the letter away from her (not cool). He's just as determined not to wed as Caroline is determined to wed him to save her brothers. Let the games being and see who is the last person standing.
My money is on Caroline, as she is a breath of fresh air and no shrinking wallflower.
Recommend.

Read in under 24 hours. Could not put down. Have already placed a hold for book one on Libby. I’m obsesssed! Strong leads. I love when we get drama on the first chapter. It’s a story of blackmail and falling in love while faking a courtship while avoiding scandal and writing bestsellers.

Such a fun read and I could not put it down! Blackmail, romance and scheme all my favorite things. Really enjoyed this book and will read more from this author.

4/5 stars
2/5 spice

Tropes:
Strangers to friends to lovers
Reformed Rogue
Author FMC
Banter
Blackmail
Feminist messages
Dual POV

This was an engaging read with likable characters. I sometimes forget that historical romances have to somewhat historically accurate and it is so frustrating as a reader who wants to see these heroines not have to always fight the patriarchy. But it's also nice to see when the MMC is also progressive. And Gabriel is a good example of a man who not only loves his woman but respects her for who she is. I loved that Caroline was unapologetically herself and accepted that she wasn't going to attract a conventional man... not that she even wanted to. I loved the banter between these two characters. Caroline's intelligence and wit shown through in every interaction. The 3rd act breakup frustrated me because... well society rules and such... so I was grumbling about that. In the end everything worked out after the proper amount of angst and pining.

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

For years, Caroline “Caro” Devereux has been keeping her father’s creditors at bay by using the money she earns as gothic pamphlet author, Mr. C.D Winthrop. But when her publisher informs her that a rough looking creditor has been asking about “Mr. Winthrop” she is terrified that her family will lose everything and her father will be thrown in debtor’s prison, leading her to take drastic action. She will have to marry and since she has no prospects, she will have to blackmail Gabriel Kane, the Earl of Rockford, her would-be groom. She writes to him, telling him that she has a letter from the previous Earl that proves that Gabriel is not the former Earl’s son and unless he marries her, she will make the letter public. Never would she have imagined that Gabriel would confront her in person or that he would be so intriguing. He agrees to court her, forcing her to spend time with him, which is dangerous for her heart.

Second son, Gabriel Kane was never supposed to be the earl, and left home at 12 to become a cabin boy and spent years traveling the world. But when his older brother died just months before the former earl, Gabriel is forced to return to England and take up the title – a title that was tainted by the former earl. When Caro threatens to expose truth of his birth, he is enraged and storms over to confront her. He refuses to marry her and tries to call her bluff, but Caro isn’t backing down and why in the world does that turn him on?? The more time he spends with Caro the more he feels like marriage isn’t such a bad idea. Everything seems like it is going to work out – until it doesn’t!

This was a fun read with new characters as well as some familiar favorites. I loved Caro and Gabriel together and was rooting for them from their first meeting – but believe me when I say these two WORKED for their HEA. This book has a lot going on that will keep you turning pages, but you will never forget that it is a love story. The story has blackmail, secret identities, surprising revelations, great secondary characters (including FELICITY – IYKYK), steamyish love scenes, accidental shootings, vicious gossip, well-meaning family, heartbreak, more than one twist and finally their well-deserved HEA. I enjoyed this book but could have done without the third act breakup. This is the second book in a new spinoff series and can be read without reading the previous book or series (but you should read them because they are excellent).

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

I fell in love with these characters right from the beginning and thoroughly enjoyed watching them spar throughout the story. Caroline is such a great character and I so loved seeing how her brain worked. She and Gabriel were so perfect together even when they were still (kind of) working against one another. It was kind of amusing how everyone of Gabriel's attempts to scare Caroline away actually led to a conversation between the two of them that brought them closer together. The only part of the story I did not fully understand was Gabriel's mother's actions - I get that she was trying to protect her son, but had she just stopped and actually listened to what he was saying or asked him more about what was going on she could have prevented a lot of problems for both him and Caroline. On the other hand, the time they have to spend apart may have only strengthened their relationship because they were able to step back from the drama and be sure they were doing what they wanted rather than what they felt they had to do. As a side note, I would love a short story (at the least) from Sybil and Eddie's POV. There's definitely a story worth telling there. There is a little tie-in to the first book from the series which I always appreciate. I am very much looking forward to the next book!

Miss Caroline Devereaux had to grow up quickly and because of family issues she has had to use her wits as a writer to earn money to keep her household afloat. Her latest scheme puts her in the crosshairs of Gabriel, the Earl of Rockford. What starts out as blackmail, quickly becomes attraction when Caroline and Gabriel find they actually like spending time together despite how they met. After rumors about their relationship is revealed to the ton, they will have to endure separation and heartbreak before finding a HEA.
I received an ARC from Entangled and NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Miss Caroline Devereux has done her best to keep her family afloat with her writing. Desperate, she resorted to using a scandalous piece of information about the Earl of Rockford. Her blackmail scheme was simple. If he married her, the information would disappear. Gabriel couldn’t believe this feisty young woman. So, will her plan work? This is a great story filled with wit and humor. They may be somewhat at odds, but it is clear that they are attracted to each other. Caroline and Gabriel make a good couple, but there are some tough obstacles in the way of their HEA. Will they find a way around them and into each other’s arms? Fun story with wonderful characters.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

It was a decent read. A little formulaic, but this genre has been around so long there is really no reinventing the wheel.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/9.43

This is one of the first historical/regency romance books I’ve read and while previously I would have said it wasn’t one of my go-to genres, I ate The writer and the Rogue up! I did not realize at first that this is the second book in Lydia Drake’s Debutantes of London series, and it is definitely enjoyable as a stand-alone

Lady Caroline Devereux has found herself struggling to be the “proper” lady of the house and trying to maintain her family’s reputation as her father, Baron Devereux, gambles their money away as fast as he sells their heirlooms, racking up debt and making the Devereux’s the laughingstock of the ton. Caro has no interest in cowing to society’s expectations on what a woman should be and writes gothic mystery stories under the pen name of C.D. Winthrop to support her family and pay-off her father’s gambling debts. This works well enough for her, until an imposing and threatening man starts asking around for Mr. Winthrop’s location and Caroline knows her father’s debts have caught up to them.

At the age of twenty and five, and with her failing to fit the expect mold of a lady fit to be a wife, Caroline has given up on marrying for love, or even finding a husband at all through traditional means, and decides she no longer has the option to remain unwed for the well-being of her family. She decides to blackmail Gabriel, the Earl of Rockford, into marrying her. However, Gabriel isn’t the gentleman Caroline expected. He was the second-born, and never meant to be the Earl at all. Having only recently given up his roguish ways of traveling and fighting his way around the world, Gabriel doesn’t think he’s ready to be tied down. A battle of wits ensues both within, and without, the confines of societies expectations, and Lady Devereux and the Duke of Rockford are both surprised by what they discover.

Maybe it’s because I’m fresh off the series finale, but I read the entire story picturing Alexandra from 1923 as Caroline and Gabriel headed straight to the top of my list of favorite MMCs.

I loved Gabriel and Caroline’s relationship. There was the perfect amount of romance, slow burn, and taboo encounters (for the time period) to keep the pages turning.

Honestly, I think I fell in love with Caroline as much as I did with Gabriel. She was a strong woman in a time where women were not allowed to have a voice and she was unapologetically herself.

While she struggled at times with feeling like she wasn’t enough or was a disappointment for not being what society told her she should be, she never let that change who she was. But even with her strength she was still so relatable and expressed her insecurities without coming off as whiny or overly self-deprecating. And on top of that she was funny and quick-witted. I actually laughed-out-loud several times while reading, which isn’t typical for me.

While the romance and spice was great, I think I might have actually most enjoyed getting to see Caroline become even more comfortable with who she is, in part due to Gabriel showing her she is worth it, but also through her own actions and growth.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Writer and the Rogue and could see it becoming a favorite comfort read. I wanted to be best friends with Caroline, be courted by Gabriel, and fell in love with their relationship. I loved that Lydia created an interesting and compelling story with appropriate drama without too much of the misunderstanding trope. I highly recommend it if you’re looking to get sucked into a well-written, sweet, romance! And I’ll definitely be reading more of Lydia Drake’s books in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the gifted ARC.

I’m trying out the CAWPILE method of reviewing. If you’re interested, the breakdown for The Writer and the Rogue are below.

Characters: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Writing: 10
Plot: 8
Intrigue: 8
Logic/relationships: 10
Enjoyment: 10

Average: 9.43/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Miss Caroline Devereux is out of options; she has tried as hard as she can to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. With her father who drinks too much and gambles badly. He may be a Baron but a very impoverished one. They have sold anything of value already, so now she has ended up blackmailing and Earl! Gabriel, Earl of Rockford can’t believe it, he is being blackmailed! After all his father had put them thru wasn’t enough. To make it even worst it is a woman behind it! He is surprised when he first meets Caroline, she is nothing like he figured. She has ink on her hands and clothes and is very determined in what she has and wants for it. A letter his father was stupid enough to write then send to her father! He wants to know the amount she wants for the letter, but again she shocks him. She doesn’t want money but him instead! Oh, my she wants him to marry her so her younger brothers will have a chance of a better life. She needs money to keep her father out of debtor's prison too. So far, she has added to the household income by writing gothic novels under a pen name. Wow, what a story, with Caroline and Gabriel both being smart and knowing what they want, they forgot that sometimes fate take over instead. This is a great read, so many things happen and lots of twist and turns before both will learn how much one can lose. I disliked several of the characters in this story but the main two were wonderful. Be sure and grab a copy and get start to see how these two end up. The trip will keep you reading to the end. I couldn’t put it down. Loved it. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.