Along Came a Rogue

Anna Harrington brings readers the second book in her Secret Life of Scoundrels series, Along Came a Rogue. This one is quite the steamy read even from the first paragraph! It's easy to see why Harrington is quickly becoming an author to keep an eye on in the historical romance genre. Compelling characters with plenty of secrets, a touch of mystery and tons of action both in the bedroom and out. A great new book from Anna Harrington!

What I liked:

Regency romances are all about the splendor and opulence of the ton. It's about decorum and the proper way to do things. Anna Harrington's writing adheres to a lot of those norms that readers expect from a Regency author, but she isn't adverse to taking a few risks either. I thought this story showed a lot of confidence in the author's ability to sell her story to her audience. She may be writing about earls and marque's and the like, but she also writes about rogues and orphans. The balance between what the ton expects and what the ton gets was just perfect in this one.

Emily has a big secret, that may determine her future in every way. Nathaniel has a big secret that could deter everything he has ever worked for in his life. This story is about secrets and how they define the characters in the book. Grey is a rogue that operates on the outskirts of the ton, enjoying the benefits, but not really being a part. I loved the fact that Harrington makes the reader think he doesn't really care about that, but then shows that he does. Emily is his best friends little sister. A stolen kiss sets her life in a spiral, and now her life is threatened. She is not longer the brat, Grey once knew. But a strong and capable woman. Great characters all around! Multi-faceted and intense.

Thomas is practically on his death bed and all he wants is his sister. Grey takes it upon himself to retrieve the young widow, but gets a whole lot more than he bargains for. There was plenty of action in this one, in the bedroom and out. Emily and Grey are instantly reminded of a kiss they shared when she was just a girl. The intensity of their attraction ramps up throughout the book and gives the reader a lot of swoon worthy moments. But, there is a touch of mystery here as well. Emily's husband was murdered and she is in danger. Grey wants to protect her but his station in life is nothing compared to hers. I loved the balance and the way the author was able to focus on the romance, but still keep the mystery alive, throughout.

Something to remember:

This one starts off racy from the get go. The opening paragraph is somewhat graphic even for a romance. But I think the author had to establish Grey as a real rogue right off the bat. Someone who doesn't care about the conventions of the ton or about the feelings of the women he entertains. I liked that spicy start. I was intrigued and wanted to know more about this man. I was amazed at how he went from scoundrel to attentive lover throughout the book. Even if the first page makes you blush... don't stop reading... it's a good thing.

Bottom Line:

This is a great book by Anna Harrington. I had not read the previous book in the series and still felt right at home with this one. It was engaging and a bit naughty. The hero and the heroine have a lot of secrets that could change everything for them and that makes for an intense read. The big secrets are handled well and the reader will find this one very satisfying. Great balance and complex characters. A great addition to this series!

I received my copy of Along Came a Rogue in the mail. Once I started reading and couldn't put the book down. I loved it.
The book was full of romance and suspense. I loved the pace of the book and the unexpected twists. It has me anxious to read book 3 of the series. Great job!!

I loved the story of Nathaniel and Emily. Nathaniel was left at an orphanage as a baby, so can never truly be part of society. When he comes to fetch the widowed Emily to her brother, Thomas’, bedside and ends up rescuing her in the process, she quickly claims his jaded heart. The “brat” has become an enchanting and brave young woman. Emily had a crush on Nathaniel as a teenager and now, as an adult, her feelings quickly grow much deeper. She sees beneath Nathaniel’s roguish exterior to see the loyal and loving man underneath.

Nathaniel believes that he is not worthy of marrying Emily, but he soon realizes that he cannot live without her and begins a campaign for Emily to accept his proposal. Emily refuses, not because she sees Nathaniel as not worthy or because she doesn’t love him, but because she fears he would not be happy being “tied down” to her and forced to abandon his foreign service.

As these two navigate their feelings for each other and the danger surrounding Emily and her unborn child, we will find out if both can overcome their past to build a future together.

This is the first book of Anna Harrington’s that I have read and certainly won’t be the last. Her characters are well-developed and strong. Their struggles are realistic and it is easy to become invested in the story. It is fast-paced and there is never a dull moment. I would highly recommend this, especially if you are a fan of Regency-era romances.

Pulled me in from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. I loved Emily, loved Grey, and loved their relationships with Thomas, Edward and Kate. Can't wait for #3 in the series!

Fantastic read! I could not put it down!

Loved this book so much I later purchased the other books in the series. One book set before and the other after this particular story. Who can resist a "naughty" man? ;-)

I loved watching Emily and Grey's romance develope.

I was wrong when I didn't think Anna Harrington could get any better. The book far surpasses anything she's ever written! Unrequited love, arrogance, and pride makes this book a page turner. I absolutely loved Emily and Nathaniel. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!!

You know the sex scenes are going to be steamy and plentiful when the book opens with oral sex being performed in a public setting. And that’s just the beginning! So many hot scenes, especially the one in the carriage.

But if you’re looking for more than just super hot sex scenes, this book also had a great story and well developed characters, along with a mystery that plays throughout the book. And I really enjoyed that Anna Harrington didn’t play much into the trope of: I love him, but I can’t let him know. There is a little bit of that later on in the book, but for the most part, Nathaniel and Emily are very attracted to each other, and they just go for it.

Harrington’s descriptions of the architecture, landscape, and fashion of the times was wonderful to read. The details she describes are titillating, and made me want to be alive during that era. This is the first book of Harrington’s that I’ve read, and I see many more in my future. Although this is the second book in The Secret Life of Scoundrels series, I don’t think you need to read them in order.

I won a copy of Along Came a Rogue from The Reading Room.

The story was okay & I probably would have enjoyed it much more if I haven't already read a ton of books with the same plot line. Girl has crush on brother's friend. Life happens. Wife becomes estranged from family. Brother is ill. Friend is sent to retrieve sister before brother dies. Hunky man finds beautiful girl all grown up. They don't want to become involved. They become involved. Man's not good enough for the woman. They separate. Love conquers all. Happy ending.