The Right Kind of Rogue

Valerie Bowman

Oct 2017 · Playful Brides Book 8 · Sold by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About this eBook

Bestselling author Valerie Bowman sets the stage in Regency England for her Playful Brides series, where couples' misadventures on the way to the altar are witty, romantic romps based on some of the world's most beloved plays. The eighth installment, The Right Kind of Rogue, is inspired by William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Can two star-crossed lovers come together—until death do they part?

Viscount Hart Highgate has decided to put his rakish ways behind him and finally get married. He may adore a good brandy or a high-speed carriage race, but he takes his duties as heir to the earldom seriously. Now all he has to do is find the right kind of woman to be his bride—ideally, one who’s also well-connected and well-funded. . .

Meg Timmons has loved Hart, the brother of her best friend, ever since she was an awkward, blushing schoolgirl. If only she had a large dowry—or anything to her name at all. Instead, she’s from a family that’s been locked in a bitter feud with Hart’s for years. And now she’s approaching her third London season, Meg’s chances with him are slim to none. Unless a surprise encounter on a deep, dark night could be enough to spark a rebellious romance. . .for all time?

Valerie Bowman’s Playful Brides novels are:
“Wholly satisfying.”—USA Today
“Smart and sensual...readers will be captivated.”—RT Book Reviews “Smoldering.” —Booklist

Ratings and reviews

Full review appeared on Reader's Edyn on 11/03/17 I have just been falling in love with the latest Historical Romance authors I have experienced lately. Ms. Bowman is another new author for me. Initially, I was caught by the cover and after reading the blurb, I knew I needed to read this book. I am so happy that I did so. This book is truly fabulous with just the right amount of everything I look for in a book. The reluctant wallflower that knows it’s now or never and becomes somewhat emboldened in her quest to be noticed by the man she loves; the perfect rogue who is beyond disinclined to give up his bachelor status; a budding romance that said rogue resists; the undeniable chemistry between both; the hilarious, matchmaking Duchess; a best friend with the best intentions; a scandal that threatens to unravel all … I mean seriously, I could go on. I absolutely fell in love with these characters and never once put the book down until they reached their HEA. This book was a bit of a ride, slowly working toward the ending I desperately wanted for Meg and Hart, then beginning the roller coaster of the ups and downs. Progress was made, only have it ripped away by misunderstandings or stubbornness, within reach, then snatched away again, until I was fearful they might end up hurting one another and never reaching their full potential. But therein lies the beauty of HEA … despite the fear of the elusive love matches, somehow everything eventually comes full circle and the characters find everything they ever needed within one another. *le sigh* I really enjoyed the easy banter between Meg and Hart and how Meg behaved naturally when interacting with Hart. Hart kept finding the things Meg did adorable and even when they risked compromise, he still offered to stand up for her honorable heir and all that. Both were truly spectacular people and although things got rocky for a bit, neither compromised who they really were - what attracted one another. I was annoyed a bit by Sarah, but understood that she just didn’t want to see Meg get hurt. Given the information provided about her marriage though, I would have expected her to come around to Lucy’s way of thinking a bit sooner. It was almost comical, Meg’s inability to see Hart’s attraction to her. Admittedly, I didn’t quite understand the “Playful Brides” series title until a bit later – which was spectacular! 😊 Ms. Bowman will now be another of my go-to authors. She creates a beautiful world to get lost in filled with fun, fanciful, witty, clever, characters – both main and supporting – that you want to jump right back in with at the conclusion of the novel. Thankfully, this book is part of a series and you can bet I will be reading each and every book within. The added benefit that I was able to read the book out of order without losing any part of the story is also wonderful. In fact, knowing I have an opportunity to read more about these charters was thrilling. At this point, I’m toying with rearranging my review schedule to try and fit in another of the books. 😊 Lovers of HR are sure to be pleased with Ms. Bowman and her flawless world within the English ton. I know I was! Kindle version provided by St. Martin’s Press/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a deliciously adorable book! I absolutely loved Meg and Hart’s story. They are both set on marrying, Hart to a woman who could provide a healthy dowry, and Meg to Hart. With the help of a friend, Meg sets out to win Hart’s heart. Hart hasn’t had a very good example of what a healthy marriage looks like so he’s willing to settle. However, as he watches Meg move from being a wallflower to the main attraction of the ton, he finds himself falling more and more under her spell. Of course, he’s just trying to help her out. She’s not the kind of woman he’ll one day marry. And then in the midst of scheming and passion, the unthinkable happens…with help from Meg’s friend. This is a fast paced read with fun, sassy secondary characters and a great hero and heroine. Meg is learning to stand up for what she wants and Hart is learning, albeit slowly, what love and jealousy feel like. I haven’t read anything by this author before and I was quite entertained from beginning to end. The fact that he didn’t really see her until she became a butterfly doesn’t really play into this so don’t let that dissuade you. Read it and you’ll see. This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. Dual POV Safe – some ow/om drama but it’s not much No apparent triggers

This was a fun read. Meg is an interesting woman, very determined, although she was not prepared for what she got. Hart allowed his past hurts to color his views of woman. I wanted to smack him for not seeing what was right in front of him. Their coming together was well worth the read, and I found this a hard book to put down. This is my unsolicited review of a story that I received through Netgalley.

About the author

Valerie Bowman grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her mini-schnauzer, Huckleberry. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS. She is the author of the Secret Brides series, starting with Secrets of a Wedding Night, Secrets of a Runaway Bride, and Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage.