TEST
As both a former resident of Washington, D.C. and a European Historical enthusiast, I was excited by the contents of Redeeming the Rogue, being set in both London and Washington. Luckily, the book did not disappoint in any respect.
Lady Arianne Chambers is a consummate socialite; she is the master of etiquette and polite society, yet harbors a secret that would have her rejected by polite society: her ducal father was not, in fact, her father. Unable to father children, the duke used a local farmer to impregnate his wife and create heirs. When she confessed this to a suitor in Vienna, he slept with her and then left her. Now he’s coming to London, and Arianne knows her time is limited before the news gets out.
But then an unexpected escape presents itself. Michael Rafferty is a low-born Irishman that has, more or less, infiltrated the upper classes. He’s an advocate for Home Rule, but opposed to the violent methods taken by most Irish nationalists. His own family was killed in a bombing, and when the man who planted the bomb kills the British Minister in Washington, he accepts a position as the new minister to investigate the murder. However, without a hostess, he cannot expect to ingratiate himself with Washington’s political society. Therefore, Arianne agrees to travel with him to America to train him and his actress “wife” in the social graces. Neither, though, can anticipate the draw they feel to each other.
The development of Arianne and Rafferty’s relationship has wonderful pacing, developing gradually and evolving naturally from one of judgmental animosity to respect and caring. They are both interesting, intelligent, and flawed characters that find an equal and complement in each other.
The historical aspect of this novel was interesting and fresh; while Irish independence is not a wholly unheard of topic in historicals, focusing on the conflict through the Irish-American population in America was compelling and refreshing. The detail of historical Washington was not what I had hoped, but I could appreciate that Washington was still a relatively new city during the late Victorian era, whereas London had centuries to create its landmark neighborhoods and streets.
Redeeming the Rogue doesn’t quite reach DIK levels, but it’s still a really, really good book. The writing was well above average and the plot and character development made the reading experience a truly enjoyable one.
Grade: B+
Book Type: American Historical Romance
Sensuality: Hot
Review Date: 09/09/11
Publication Date: 2011/08
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.