Romancing the Rogue
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4.4 • 37 Ratings
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- $3.99
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- $3.99
Publisher Description
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Olivia Drake, a steamy Regency romance…
Raven-haired beauty, Vivien Thorne has been raised by a devoted and loving Romani couple, who she believed to be her parents. But when the Rosebuds, three elder noble ladies who rule the ton, visit her palm-reading shop to reveal she's the illegitimate daughter of a governess, long since passed, Vivien's entire world is turned upside down.
The Rosebuds convince her to accompany them to the Marchioness's estate, Stokeford Abbey, where she is to be taught how to be a proper lady. As Vivien learns the rules of how to be a lady, she develops a natural bond with the aging Marchioness, who is easily charmed by the pretty and sincere newcomer.
When Michael Kenyon, the current Marquess of Stokeford, and reigning rogue of the ton, arrives home, he's certain that this stunning young woman with the dark hair and fiery eyes is here to con his grandmother. But as Michael and Vivien spend more time together, Michael confronts his preconceived notions about the Romani and begins to see Vivien for who she really is—a kind-hearted beauty who is devoted to others…
Just when Vivien begins to feel comfortable in this strange new society, another secret comes to light, one that will challenge everything she ever knew about herself—and her newfound love with a wicked Marquess…
"A dramatic tale that puts tears in your eyes one moment, then has you chuckling the next. ROMANCING THE ROGUE is a fast-moving tale with plenty of wit and intrigue that'll keep you guessing till the end." –Old Book Barn Gazette
"The charming characters make it a more-than-satisfying read…A delight to read and a pleasure to savor." –Romantic Times, Excellent rating
"Fast, fascinating reading. The sex scenes fairly sizzle off the page!" –Affaire de Coeur
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set in Regency England, Smith's follow-up to Seduced by a Scoundrel features Gypsies and aristocracy. The romantic Gypsy hero or heroine is a staple of historical romance, almost a clich , but Smith does well with the often-used device, saving it from over-familiarity by introducing a charming trio of elderly women called The Rosebuds. These three cunning strategists maneuver Vivien Thorne, a reluctant Gypsy beauty (who in reality, as one might suspect, is of noble blood, complete with the requisite birthmark), into a love affair with Lady Lucy Stokeford's widowed grandson, Michael Kenyon, Marquess of Stokeford. Kenyon refuses to have anything to do with what he considers to be lying, thieving Gypsies, although he's immediately smitten by dark-haired, flashing-eyed, full-bodied Vivien--who, of course, steals his heart. It takes a while to get engrossed in the story, but plots and subplots contrive to make this an entertaining novel. Smith's writing is smooth, and her characters lusty and likable.
