Thought this was a great premise but the book failed to catch my attention. I ended up not finishing this one.

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

This story has promise, but ultimately fails. The characters are immature and aggravating. There's also the case of insta love that never sits well in a story.

This one was a dnf for me. I agree with the other reviews so I’ll keep mine short. I didn’t enjoy any of the characters.

As an avid Regency reader from a young age I am very familiar with the different stylistic choices when writing historical novels. Some focus on the light-hearted relationships, adding farcical misunderstandings and witty banter, some focus on family relationships and others still focus on the spice- the enticement and titillation of the forbidden within the time period.
You can usually tell what type of regency you are reading by the cover. Cartoon covers are a fun light-hearted romp, almost romantic comedy- these are your Alexandra Vashti, Martha Waters and Julia Quinn. Those that focus on family life, broadly encompassing the world have more serious covers- like Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh and Eloise James. The final ones are those that depend on the spice and steamy scenes to sell you, these usually have a half-naked couple entwined on the cover, you don't expect anything serious- Sally Vixen, Ava MacAdams and Em Brown.

Jane Lark's book manages to fall somewhere between Eloise James and Sally Vixen; yet the cover promises laughs.
I pretty much guarantee you will not laugh at The Dangerous Love of a Rogue.

The MMC is a walking red flag. Raised in the demi-monde and used to using his body to fund his lifestyle, he is now desperate for money after squandering his ill-gotten gains. He spends his time leaning on his richer friends and carousing. until he spots Mary- a sweet innocent debutante and decides he wants her because she's 'pure' and unlikely to cheat on him.
However he knows that her brother and father will not let him near her because of his reputation and so he stares at her before demanding a dance.
After that one dance she is enthralled by him, so much so that, even though they don't speak for a year, she feels like she's meant to be with him.
Cue sneaking around, Machiavellian schemes and some of the most toxic behaviour from any regency hero- even Mr Wickham would be ashamed.

The book ends, not on a HEA, or even HFN but on a WTF.

Andrew is basically your first teenage boyfriend who demands you love him more than your family and, at one point, practically says the words "If you love me, you'll sleep with me." Nothing has given me the ick faster.
And Mary is the quintessential "I can change him."

Emotionally immature and desperate hero, bland heroine, toxic relationship pretending to be romantic and the sensible family as the ones getting in the way of true love. This is like Colleen Hoover and Stephanie Meyer decided to get together and write regency.

Pass.

. ݁₊ ⊹ — 2.5 ⭐️ — . ݁˖ . ݁
started april 29th | finished april may 1st
ˋ°•*⁀➷ historical romance, third person pov

ˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ♡
the cover is so cute, i love it sm. i looked up this book on goodreads and apperantly it was already published once in 2015. i don’t know what the reason is that it’s being published again ten years later but i liked the new look way more.

ˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ♡
i’m sorry but there’s A LOT i didn’t like. okay so first of all, it was so confusing. it took me multiple chapters to even realise what the two main characters were called. this story is all about the plot which isn’t bad at all, but this is is a ROMANCE book guys. you can’t write a romance book without focusing on the characters a lot. also what’s up with that ending? like you can’t even call that an ending. the book just stopped in the middle of them playing a board game. it either should’ve ended during the wedding or should’ve been longer and show their marriage more.

⌞ 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐰 ⌝ her character was so stupid i’m sorry. i feel like the author was trying to make her strong and independent but also loving but she just ended up dumb. i was 31% into the book and girl’s already like “i love him but i can’t love him why do i love him do i love him”. bro NO, just no. i checked how far i’m into the book and WHEN THIS IS GONNA BE OVER anytime she opened her mouth. and she wasn’t even annoying, she was just so naive and dumb and couldn’t make up her mind.

⌞ 𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐰 “𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐰” 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 ⌝ there’s a lot that i have to say about him and none of it is good. first of all, i love a good broken mc but wtf was this. i feel like that’s what the author was trying to make him but he was just so confusing and weird, like if he had two personalities. one moment, he’s like: “i want a rich wife to pay off my debts and that’s all i am practically making a girl believe i love her and i’m gonna lie to her and then take all her money” and then he’s like: “omg mary is so gorgeous and innocent i want her to be my wife she’s so pleasent to the eye i don’t even want her for her money anymore”. like WHAT? another thing is, there is just something so weird about using like old serious kinda english while writing sex scenes or writing about a male character being attracted to a woman, i’m sorry. my brain is probably just way too used to college dark romances but it was so cringe. i also feel like all of the characters had NO life, NO brain and NO own thoughts.

ˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ♡
i am dissapointed, i really am. this book has such a cute cover and so much potential but it feels like a badly written wattpad story.

───୨ৎ────

⤷ thank you for this arc to gemini books group and netgalley in exchange for my honest review!!

Unfortunately I didn’t finish this one. I just couldn’t get into it. I found the writing style to be off putting and confusing.

I wish to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I had the urge to DNF this book after the first chapter itself as the leads are frustrating, especially the Male lead who is toxic, misogynistic and weird. He is a rake through and through and has his eyes set on this "innocent" girl who is out in her first season. He doesn't try to woo her, only accosts and assaults her. And she allows him. He does not know the word or concept of "consent". I wish I had given up on the book then.
Now....72% in....it feels like my precious time is wasted. Nowhere is it mentioned in the blurb on Netgalley or here that this book was originally published in 2015! I would have read the reviews then and saved my time and effort and my misplaced excitement. This version is apparently a re-edited version. This time, this book is the first in the series....ten years ago, it was the fifth. The one star is for the heroine's family who genuinely loves her and protects her to the best of their ability. First of all, the hero's family is not properly explained. He does not even do anything, neither is he talented, qualified or rich! Which is why he seeks a rich bride to get away from his poverty and help his half or step sister to leave her abusive husband....no one in the society is even aware of this sister being his sister?! The female lead is very naive but we cannot really blame her. She's all of nineteen, extremely protected and kept far away from adventure of any kind. She behaves very rashly and then seems to gather her wits....only to repeat the cycle again and again. I only felt bad for the family finding out about their beautiful daughter disobeying then rather suddenly. The male lead takes deep pride in the games he is playing with the female lead and he even calls it such. There is no connection between the leads except the physical attraction and this becomes super evident when they elope. They have nothing to talk or discuss on the way! When she tries to initiate any conversation about simple topics such as family and past times, he shuts down. Or shuts her down by kissing her. The sad part is the author can write. If she gets the era correct and changes the absolutely chauvinistic hero, this book could have been saved. All his friends are also the same and he is living off their pennies. I did give a thought as to finishing the book but was pissed to find out that this is a re-publishing (if that's a word, and that there was no mention of it anywhere?!) The reviewers seem to be aware or they also found out like me when they looked the book up here or elsewhere online.

I get that the hero has no good support system and grew up in the dirt....but the way he forbade her to cheat in the future, "I shall not allow you/it." Um.... excuse me? His tone and way of speaking is demeaning to the girl. She deserves any of the boring guys who would have definitely treated her better.
A few examples of the hero's vile thinking:

"Until today, he had never admired, respected or felt proud of a woman he intended to share a bed with."

"A young man's recklessness is part of life" (WHAT??!!)
TEACH HIM BETTER.

There are so many more.....how he plans his letters with his drunk friends and brags about them celebrating his pending nuptials as he thinks he has it in the bag multiple times and then is offended when the girl is not swayed. I wish the girl was not swayed at all.

Reading The Dangerous Love of a Rogue was a true emotional roller coaster—and not always in a good way. From the opening pages, I struggled with Lord Framlington’s character. His obsession with Mary Marlow’s innocence felt unsettling and, frankly, creepy. He’s portrayed as a classic scoundrel—deep in debt, emotionally immature, and manipulative—and unfortunately, he never truly redeems himself.

Mary, the heroine, is painfully naïve, which made it hard to root for her in the beginning. I kept hoping for growth in both characters, especially Framlington. There was a stretch around the middle of the book where things began to come together—I even found myself tearing up, moved by the emotional depth and the portrayal of Mary’s family. It felt like the story might turn around. But just as quickly, Framlington’s childish outbursts and inability to grow sabotaged any real development.

While the book explores trauma, abandonment, and the desire for love, it ultimately left me frustrated. Framlington’s brief moments of vulnerability weren’t enough to offset how unlikable he remained through to the end. I finished the book disappointed, feeling that Mary deserved better and that the ending lacked the satisfying closure I was hoping for.

If you’re looking for a romance where the rogue is convincingly redeemed, this might not be the one. It had its emotional moments, but they were overshadowed by a hero who simply didn’t earn the love he was given.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was originally written in 2015 and unfortunately it still shows. Despite fresh editing the hero is mean in a way that modern histrom heroes aren’t. Consent seems to be non existent.

Thank you Boldwood and Netgalley for the chance to read this book..
This was a DNF for me.
I couldn’t warm to Drew’s character at all; the way he coveted Mary’s innocence while also trying to pursue and corrupt was totally cringe. Her naivety bugged me.
The quality of the writing itself was fine.

Lord Andrew Framlington is a rogue of the worst kind: actively looking for a wealthy wife that will fix his enormous debt issues. Miss Mary Marlow is that woman that he has set his sights on. She has been warned by family and friends that Lord Andrew should be avoided at all costs, yet she becomes smitten and falls head first.

Though I have enjoyed many of Jane Lark’s previous novels, unfortunately, this one was not for me. While I do appreciate a redemption arc, I never really warmed up to Drew’s character. And Mary was too naive for me.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

First of all, a huge thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC of The Dangerous Love of a Rogue by Jane Lark.

I just want to start by saying how beautifully written this book is—it felt so lyrical and immersive. As far as I know, this isn’t the first time the book has been published (it originally came out 10 years ago), but this edition has been re-edited. I’m not familiar with the earlier version, but I can confidently say that this one is clearly polished and flows effortlessly from start to finish. I really appreciate the care that went into bringing it to life again.

The story follows Lord Andrew Framlington, a 25-year-old rake with hazel eyes and a troubled past. He’s burdened by debt and chasing the idea of a peaceful life in the countryside. He’s very much the classic “broken hero”—at times even poetic in his despair (lines like “born in sin and raised in sin”). He’s flawed and raw, and I can absolutely see readers who enjoy redemption arcs really connecting with his journey.

Then we have Mary Marlow, just 19, the sweet and intelligent half-sister of the Duke of Pembroke. Coming from a noble, loving, and protective family, she’s searching for a love story of her own. I truly adored her character—elegant, grounded, and so pure of heart.

The dynamic between Mary and Andrew is full of emotional tension, passion, and high stakes—especially on his side. He’s on the hunt for a wealthy, innocent, and obedient wife whose dowry can help him escape his burdens. While I found their connection compelling, I’ll admit that the relationship didn’t sit right with me. At times, Andrew’s behavior genuinely frustrated me. I understand what the author was going for—and while it wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, I know readers who love the “I can fix him” trope will absolutely devour this.

That said, I really enjoyed the overall reading experience. The atmosphere, pacing, and emotional depth were all there. Plus, I appreciated the relationship between Mary and her family, and the little found-family moments happening with Drew and his friends. The ending caught me by surprise, too, so I’m definitely planning to continue with the Marlow Family Secrets series.

If you’re looking for an atmospheric, beautifully written historical romance full of passion, I definitely recommend giving this one a try—but keep in mind, it doesn’t follow the typical happily-ever-after.

Release date: 05/31/2025

This felt like the first part of a series. The book is definitely a fast read, i was expecting more of Julia Quinn or Elousa James vibes, but the tale hung on to a hasty courtship abd elopement between Lord Drew Framlington and Miss Mary Marlow. She's the half sister of a Duke, while his family is known for its fast and furious morals.. i struggled to complete this book because it did not provide enough background on the lead characters and the courtship itself felt forced..

The first chapter is full of Miss Marlow's "innocence" and how charming her "innocence" is and oh how nice if her "innocence" could rub off on Drew's sinner self and maybe he'll lock her "innocence" away just for himself. Like... Wtf? The writing is plodding, I could barely stand to finish the first chapter. Not real pleased to see Drew forcing molesting kisses on Mary, whose "body wants it" but whose mind freaks. That's...hot. 😒

Thanks to the publisher for giving me access to this title, but I'm not going to read it.

Unfortunately, I really struggled to connect with the main characters in this book, and as a result wasn’t invested in their story or their love. I believe this is the first in a series, which explains the unresolved ending, but sadly I don’t think I’ll be searching out of the rest of the books. A shame as I love finding a new regency romance series!

1* disappointing

I've not read an historical romance for a long time and anticipated a light, amusing read. Unfortunately the author’s knowledge of the Regency period is glaringly uninformed with inaccuracies filling the pages. Described as a 'passionate Regency romance', remove the passion, which was borderline sexual assault, there’s very little romance in the meaningless jumble of words.

Drew has rejected his family (sketchy reason given for this), has run out of money and is now living on the benevolence of his wealthy friends. Amassing massive debts, facing the likelihood of a debtor’s prison, his solution is to marry a rich woman, pay his bills, buy a small estate and live quietly in the country. Upon catching sight of Mary, and knowing of her immense wealth, he decides, she'll do.

Mary's father and brother order her to stay away from Drew, her friends warn of his dangerous reputation, yet after one dance she's in love. She willingly allows herself to be pulled into his web as he becomes obsessed with her - and her money. Whilst he intended to marry her, with bailiffs and debt collectors pursuing him, he resolves to compromise Mary, forcing an instant marriage.

1* might possibly be a bit harsh but Drew was offensive throughout the book and Mary had the sense of a tadpole.

First published in 2015, four editions, three publishers, this latest release ends at the marriage, earlier versions continued with their life together.

With thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

I liked the premise of this book, but I thought it was not quite there in the end. I liked Mary, and could identify with her emotions, close family life, and struggles within their relationship. However, Drew was harder to sympathize with, and came off as immature and not willing to grow or learn from their relationship. It was also a little disturbing how his pursuit of her was more one-sided, with him telling her how she felt. He kept saying he cared for her (and later that he loved her), but never vocalized why or explained any of his actions. Mary and Drew both had communication issues, and while I assume they will eventually work them out, none of these issues were resolved within the pages of this book.

Overall, it was an entertaining story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review.

This was a funny book to read and I was torn whilst reading it. Mary and her family are lovely and caring and there is a real bond between them that comes out of the pages and is lovely to read. I never warmed to Drew and struggled in their brewing romance because of it. The adventures of the couple and their friends is entertaining although the ending left me wanting a little.

This book was EXCELLENT. It just finished too soon. Certainly as intriguing as Bridgerton and Sanditon. I could have read pages and pages more. A wonderful way to spend a lazy Saturday

I was initially drawn to The Dangerous Love of a Rogue because I usually love a good reformed rake story. Jane Lark can write. Her prose flows well, the pacing keeps the story moving, and the Regency setting is always fun to escape into. The chemistry between Andrew and Mary had its moments, and I appreciated the tension and scandal that surrounded their relationship.

That said, I really struggled to connect with the male main character in this one. While the book was well-written overall (a few typos here and there, but nothing major), Andrew never really felt like a truly reformed rogue to me. He loved Mary, sure, but he consistently put his own needs first and couldn’t seem to understand her feelings. His emotional immaturity and lack of consideration made it hard for me to root for him, and, honestly, I found myself agreeing with Mary’s family more than I expected to. Especially with his initial interest in her being so focused on her innocence and how it could help him. Maybe if his backstory had been more fleshed out, I’d have had more empathy for him, but as it was, he came off as frustrating rather than endearing.

Still, the book was enjoyable overall and worth a read if you like characters that are flawed and not totally redeemed in the end.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the chance to review this ARC. All opinions are my own.