Gone With the Rogue

April 13, 2020
Grey’s talent for characterization elevates the mediocre premise of the second romance in her First Comes Love series (after The Earl Next Door). Widow Julia Fairbright’s tyrannical father-in-law, the hypocritical Duke of Sprogsfield, constantly threatens to take her son away if she does not conform to every rule of proper society. When Julia ends up in the entirely unladylike position of being trapped up a tree while playing with her son in London’s St. James Park, help comes in the unexpected form of Mr. Garrett Stockton, a self-made merchant known for his rakish ways and nonconformist attitude. This memorable meet-cute kindles an intense but risky attraction. But when Garrett agrees to help Julia expose her father-in-law as a villain, his appeal proves too powerful for Julia to resist. Garrett and Julia are far more convincing than the exaggerated, almost cartoonishly evil Duke, and the chemistry and immense respect between them more than makes up for the contrived conflict. Readers will find plenty to hold their attention.

May 1, 2020

Julia Fairbright has been under the thumb of the noxious Duke of Sprogsfield ever since she became his daughter-in-law. Now a widow, Julia is terrified the duke will take her son away unless she obeys his strict rules, including not remarrying. A chance encounter with handsome shipping owner Garrett Stockton, who rescues her from a tree, tempts Julia into passions of which the duke surely wouldn't approve. When an opportunity to bring down the duke appears, Julia reluctantly enlists Garrett's help, as they've already fallen hard for each other. Their relationship moves surprisingly quickly (making love on the floor just days after meeting), so the suspense lies not in will-they-or-won't-they but in how Julia will break free of the duke. A side plot involving Julia's friend wanting to join a convent, while interesting, takes up much of the last third of the book and detracts from the central romance. VERDICT Though the romance starts promisingly, the characters never quite feel well-rounded enough to make the story emotionally engaging. An optional purchase for most libraries and for fans of traditional Regencies.--Kathryn Howe, Saint John Free P.L., NB

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