I received this book for free from Pocket in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When the Rogue Returns by Sabrina Jeffries Also in this series: What the Duke Desires, 'Twas the Night after Christmas, How the Scoundrel Seduces, If the Viscount Falls
Series: The Duke's Men #2
Published by Pocket Books on January 21st 2014
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 400
Format: eARC
Source: Pocket
ISBN: 1451693486
Victor Cale never imagined that his sweet, shy bride, Isabella, would use her talents for creating exquisite imitation jewels criminally. But there's no denying that her handiwork was used in the theft of the Dutch royal diamonds-- right after Isa disappeared into the night.
Ten years later, Victor is sent to Edinburgh to investigate a wealthy baron's mysterious bride-to-be... who turns out to be Isa, masquerading as an alluring widow. No longer the meek girl he once knew, Isa boldly asserts that it was Victor who abandoned her, after he helped steal the royal diamonds!
Piecing together the truth of the past reawakens their volatile passion, which burns hotter than ever. But with a decade of secrets between them, Victor and Isa must trust each other to bring the real thieves to justice-- without getting burned themselves.
My Review
Victor Cale was once betrayed by Isabella, his young sweet wife who he trusted with his life. But when she used her talent to create imitation jewels, to steal authentic jewels, then she disappeared from his life. Now ten years later he has found a family, a job in a investigation business called the “Dukes Men”. Victor is sent on a job, up to Edinburgh, to investigate a woman who is involved with a young man, whose mother is concerned for his welfare. So when he learns that her description fits the exact image of his wife, he knows he must head up to Edinburgh, and discover the truth. Isa believes that it is Victor who abandoned her. Isabella has always loved Victor, but years ago, her family coerced her into working for them, but she never stole the jewels Victor believed her to have stolen. Isa believes that Victor betrayed her, and then abandoned her and their daughter. Now ten years later, with a new life and changed identity, she has a place here in Edinburgh, until the husband that abandoned her shows up asking all sort of question and demanding explanations. Victor and Isabella will have to learn to let go of mistrusts and learn to trust in each other and the love they share to defeat the enemy that is just beyond their reach and could threaten their future and their daughter.
When The Rogue Returns is the second in the Dukes Men series. I was given a ARC of this title in return of a honest review through Edelweiss and Pocket Books. Now I have to say that after reading this I don’t know which book in the series is my favorite, I feel like ripping my hair in frustration, how to choose? Well I think I am at a impasse! When The Rogue Returns was so amazing!!! I still can’t believe how much I actually enjoyed this one. I really love the second chance themed romances, especially when Sabrina Jeffries is at the helm. This story was so romantic and sweet and suspenseful and plenty of steamy action to satisfy any romance lover. When The Rogue Returns is a story that begins with beginning glimpse of Isabella and Victor when they were newly married and young, and full of love not knowing what future awaited them or that they would be torn apart for ten years. Then it jumps ten years into the future, and you see both sides, and what each has suffered and struggled with over the past years. Secrets abound, and suspension rise when they see each other again. When they both eventually learn the truth of how they were both betrayed and lost ten years together, they join forces both in rediscovering each other and discovering the truth and finding a way to be together once again. This plot is definitely packed full of action and mystery and intrigue. I enjoyed the way the author seemed to put this story together in such a way that it enthralls the reader until you have finished the story and are left aching for more and more from this author.
There is quite a bit that goes on in this story, much more than I ever expected to find. We see a suspenseful portion to the story, a small side romance of a friend of Isa’s, more involvement from Dom and others in the Duke’s Men, and more history on Victor Cale. Even though this story takes place in Scotland, its in the Regency era, so you don’t see too much of culture or countryside of Scotland or the irresistible brogue. It definitely has more of a regency theme to the story, however this would probably be one of my top favorite regency romances yet. This unique story is somewhat different than most other regency style romances, and I loved the ups and downs and unique flips this story takes on. Definitely can hardly wait until the third installment comes out.
Overall a thrilling paced romance that is going to drive you wild!! A love story that is tender and sweet, yet suspenseful and intense at times. A tale to give you a thrill and bring a few surprises to your doorstep. A hands down unforgettable story of betrayal, sacrifice, and love. REMARKABLY WRITTEN!!
First Line
Darkness had fallen a while ago, Eighteen year old Isabella Cale clung to her new husband Victor’s neck as he carried her into her old room at her sister Jacoba’s house.
Favorite Quotes
“Don’t want you?” he said incredulously before he could stop himself. His eyes fixed on her mouth, his heart began to thunder in his chest. “Now you really are a fool,” Then driven by the rampant need that had been boiling up in his blood ever since he’d seen her this afternoon, he seized her mouth with his.
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“You belong in a man’s bed, not a boy’s. You belong in my bed”
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“You called me a stranger. But I’m the same man I was then–the husband who could never hurt you, the lover who never forgot you. Not for one second. You can trust me, Lieveke” When her breath quickened and her eyes filled with longing, he murmured huskily “So you know me better than you think.” Then he cover her mouth with his.
My Grade
5 Blossoms
Heat Rating
Steamy
Other Books In Series
Twas The Night After Christmas
What The Duke Desires
How The Scoundrel Seduces
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