The Writer and the Rogue by Lydia Drake is a historical romance between two hard headed characters. Just when they seem to have their ducks in the row, their families interfere. Caroline Devereux has had enough of her family’s “help”. Her father has managed to gamble away most of their money and a number of their possessions without helping his family in any way. Caroline has been writing Gothic short stories to help maintain the home with food and supplies.

Gabriel is the Earl of Rockford is a rogue, who follows his own rules. He is amazed when Caroline Devereux tries to blackmail him over a letter she found. The letter questions Gabriel’s parentage and suggests that he is illegitimate. Caroline demands he marries her or she will go public with the letter.

While the premise is interesting, it is how the characters handle the information and their steps afterward that make the story interesting. Caroline and Gabriel are in a constant battle. It is only when their family’s get involved that way too much goes down.

This book is the second book in the series called Debutantes of London. I didn’t read the first novel and strongly suspect the books can be standalone. The Writer and the Rogue by Lydia Drake is an interesting read.

Caroline is a writer keeping her family afloat with her earnings.
She is tired and concerned so she plans to resort to blackmail against Gabriel the Earl.
He is totally frustrated by it but finds Caroline to be fascinating and unique among the ton.
They spar and try to resolve the issue of blackmail while falling for each other.
Good character development with dialogue.
Fun romp.

The writer and the rogue was the first book I read from this author. I must say I was so surprised with the writing and story. I absolutely loved it.

What tangle she created when she decided to blackmail but you get hooked to the story immediately. The heroine is delightfully witty and not so easily swayed while the hero sees the real her and can not help but like her. Their counter maneuvering is most amusing and entertaining.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalleyand leaving my review voluntarily.