The Redemption of a Rogue

<img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1562516835i/27786387.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><blockquote> <a href="https://ohthesheenanigans.tumblr.com" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1561932027i/27748078.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a> </blockquote><blockquote> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1563486793i/27849836.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </blockquote>‘The Redemption of a Rogue’ begins by introducing Imogen Huxley who is seeking out a lover at a notorious brothel for protection but accidentally witnesses a murder before fleeing for her life and runs right into the arms of Oscar Fitzhugh (literally), a rival club owner, who unknowingly is investigating the death of his former mistress. She has no choice but to take his offer of protection due to danger lingering at every turn and the passion that comes with that protection is just a bonus.<br> <br>This epic, sexy and engaging romance will leave you wanting more because...<br> <br>Wowza.<br> <br>This was <i>goooooood~!</i><br> <br>The allure, passion, and energy surrounding Oscar and Imogen were untouchable. I was all for this couple and was so upset when I reached the conclusion of their story. <br> <br>The only let down were the sex scenes. They were hot, don’t get me wrong, but Oscar periodically will claimed that he enjoyed rough sex—spanking, choking, dominating his partner in bed and there was little of that in this novel. Nonetheless I will still highly recommend this for all historical romance lovers out there. It had the perfect blend of drama, damaged characters, broken familial ties, steaminess, hot chemistry and scenes that will have you saying <i>woo-wee!</i><br><blockquote> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1547398849i/26911196.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1561852569i/27744577.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ohthesheenanigans/" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1561852569i/27744578.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/ayoshina" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1561852569i/27744579.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AG232ED52SOWC664X5O5PQCH3QCA?preview=true" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1561852569i/27744580.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> <a href="https://www.librarything.com/profile/ayoshina" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1561852569i/27744581.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> <a href="https://www.snapchat.com/add/smm070791" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1561852569i/27744582.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> <a href="https://booksirens.com/reviewer/8OUVR8G" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1561852196i/27744558.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> </blockquote>

The Redemption of a Rogue <br />The Duke's By-Blows Series #4<br />Jess Michaels <br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/JessMichaelsBks/">https://www.facebook.com/JessMichaels...</a> <br />Release date 10/13/2020<br />Publisher Passionate Pen LLC<br /><br />?????<br /><br />The next steamy historical romance from USA Today Bestseller Jess Michaels. <br />Imogen Huxley was already questioning her decision to seek out a lover at a notorious brothel, but never more so than after she witnesses a murder! She flees for her life and runs right into the arms of Oscar Fitzhugh, a mysterious club owner. She has no choice but to take his offer of protection while he tries to save her life. The passion that comes with that protection is just a bonus.<br />Oscar Fitzhugh was at the brothel investigating the death of his former mistress. He’s one of the infamous by-blows of the Duke of Roseford, but he cut himself off from that life long ago. Now he lives his life, trying desperately to keep everyone around him at arm’s length. But Imogen is too intriguing not to protect and seduce.<br />Danger is at every turn, pleasure in each touch. But as they circle ever closer to a future that could be everything they’ve ever needed, the murderer looking for Imogen is also coming nearer. If he finds them, all will be lost. <br />Heat Level: Very sexy and a little frisky. <br />Length: Full Length Novel<br /><br />This book is part of the Duke’s By-Blows series but can be read as a stand-alone novel.<br /><br />?? ??????<br /><br />Will he let his father continue to keep hold on his feelings because of old scars ...<br /><br />Since he was named then introduced, I was curious about Oscar. And while this is a standalone tele, I would recommend to read the previous too as it is the other side of the story.<br />He is far from the cold and full of temper man presented in the last book.<br />As his mother described him, he is broken. Like all his siblings, he was left by his uncaring sire to deal with his lineage without the wealth that came with blood and title.<br />He wants to atone for what he sees as his sins, he is devoured by guilt, blaming himself for his late paramour’s demise. And whatever went wrong with her, he is a protector of women, a man who will never abuse of his strength or power over them.<br />Imogen took the path to become a fallen woman with all the knowledges she has been able to find. She is not afraid of working on her back if it can save her from destitution. She is just unaware of all the dangers lurking around women in the oldest trade of the world. <br />She is no shy nor demure woman, she assumes her sexuality. Eager to learn more of the ways in the bedroom. With Oscar, she reveals a different side of herself. She is a free spirit and slowly drills a hole in the walls he has built around his heart. He thought by protecting his heart, he would be able to avoid to get hurt. But Imogen will show him nothing is truly assured in life. But rejecting love, he is guaranteed safety nor happiness. Sometimes taking a bit of risk can lead to bliss.<br />Imogen and Oscar are good together, they enhance one another’s sensuality and reach part of the other they have kept protected for so long.<br />4 stars <br /><br />I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/721411298448044/?extid=0&amp;d=n">https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...</a>

Series: The Duke’s By-Blows #4<br />Publication Date: 10/13/20<br />Number of Pages: 246<br /><br />From the exciting first page through the final sigh-worthy epilogue, this book kept me riveted to the page. You get excitement, romance, steam, and characters you’ll be happy to get to know. I loved that our lead female, Imogen, wasn’t one of those flighty heroines whose first solution to a problem with the lead male is to run away. She was a plucky lady who held her ground and didn’t let him get the best of her.<br /><br />Thirty-two-year-old Imogen Huxley has been a lady all of her life. First, she was the daughter of a second son, and then she was the wife of a third son. Her marriage was an arranged one, it wasn’t abusive, but it wasn’t a happy one either. At her husband’s death a year ago, she was shocked to find that he had made no arrangements for her care – no money, no home – nothing. His family allowed her to live in an older London property during her mourning period, but after that – she had to leave. With no family of her own, destitution loomed large and quickly in her future. To support herself, she decided she’d be a courtesan and find a protector – but she had no idea how to do that. Her husband’s family would put her out immediately if they found she was looking for a protector at some of the nicer establishments, so she ended up at The Cat’s Companion, a brothel of the worst sort. What a huge mistake that was! After witnessing the disposal of a dead body, she flees directly into the arms of a man entering the brothel. Uh-Oh. <br /><br />Oscar Fitzhugh is the oldest son of the Duke of Roseford – but as a by-blow, he certainly isn’t the heir. Roseford was somewhat in his life until Oscar was about six when Roseford made it very plain that he had no use for Oscar and wouldn’t be seeing him again. (If you’ve read the other books, you will know what a heinous individual Roseford is.) Oscar learned that lesson well – and the many other lessons that came after it. He walled himself off from those around him – he loved his mother, but he’d never, ever, love anyone else. He has a huge sense of guilt though. His last mistress left him because he couldn’t love her – and she ended up being killed at The Cat’s Companion. He makes regular visits to the brothel – not for the ladies there, but to see what, if anything, he can learn about Louisa’s death. The woman who just flew out of the brothel and into his arms may be able to provide the information he needs.<br /><br />While I loved Oscar, Imogen was the one to watch. She was strong and determined. She wasn’t going to let Oscar get away with anything. I just really liked her. However, I didn’t understand her choices. She was unquestionably a lady – born and bred. So why would being a courtesan be her first choice for earning a living? Why wouldn’t she consider being a companion or a governess, etc. before she’d ever consider being a courtesan?<br /><br />Now, I loved the book and I’m so glad I read it. I am okay with most levels of steam in a book, but at times I felt as if the danger to Imogen was just there to provide a couple of filler scenes between the sex scenes. Very little happened with the investigation until right at the end. Other than that, it was mostly sex scenes where Oscar was in domination mode. I also don’t appreciate the latest trend in using ‘shock’ language – the favorite word seems to be ‘fuck’. I expect to see that in contemporary reads, but I honestly don’t expect to see it in Regency books. I’m sure it was used, but I’m also sure it wasn’t used as freely as it seems in some of the new historical romances I’m reading – and I’m also sure it isn’t used as freely in mixed company. <br /><br />I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.<br />

Desperate times call for desperate measures, at least that is what widowed Imogen Huxley believes. When her husband died and left her penniless, his family was far from sympathetic, they told her she could stay in their care for her year of mourning and then they were done with her, so with no family and no skills, Imogen decides that she has no choice but to become a courtesan. Terrified her husband’s family will learn of her actions before she can find a protector and kick her out, she looks for a man in some of London’s seedier brothels, including the Cat’s Companion. It is there where her life takes a turn from bad to worse, when she sees the madame, Maggie and the Earl of Roddenbury standing over the body of a dead woman and overhears them discussing the fact that the earl killed her and that she wasn’t the first, Imogen gasps and draws their attention to her – she takes off and runs out into the alley, where she runs right into the arms of Oscar Fitzhugh.<br /><br />Oscar is the first of the late Duke of Roseford’s illegitimate children and the owner of Fitzhugh’s a popular men’s club. He is in the alley behind the Cat’s Companion looking for answers, his former mistress went missing and is presumed dead and Oscar wants answers. He and Louisa parted ways when she fell in love with him and wanted him to love her in return, when he made it clear that he was not capable of love, she left him and not long after, he got word she was dead. Now he wants to know why and has come to the brothel looking for answers, but instead what he finds in another woman in trouble. Unable to turn his back on her, he whisks her away to his home and when he learns what she witnessed, he knows her life is in danger and believes the Roddenbury is likely responsible for Louisa’s demise as well. <br /><br />He offers to help her and keep her safe, but makes it clear that no one – including her dearest friend Aurora – can know where she is. With no options, Imogen gratefully agrees. They both try to fight the intense attraction they feel, but soon they give into desire and become lovers. Oscar makes it clear that he only wants a physical relationship, love is not in the cards for him and he doesn’t want to hurt her as he did Louisa. Imogen agrees but it is obvious that neither one of them is going to be able to abide by the terms, especially when things with Roddenbury escalate and Oscar is forced to face his feelings not only for Imogen, but for Louisa and his siblings as well.<br /><br />This was well written, fast moving, intense story with wonderful characters and very steamy love scenes. Oscar might be one of the most emotionally suppressed heroes I have ever read, he has such a good heart and cares deeply, but he refuses to name his emotions thinking that if he doesn’t admit to them, they can’t hurt him, but once he meets Imogen, the wall he has always used to keep his feelings in check begins to fall apart. The story is full of mystery, emotion, great secondary characters, including cameos from Selina, Derrick and Nicholas and well as Lucas and Diana from the 1797 club, a really nasty villain, steamy love scenes and finally a very touching declaration scene leading to HEA. This is the fourth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. I enjoyed this book and would happily recommend this title.<br /><br />*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*<br />

I knew I would love this book once I met Imogen and Oscar in the prior book. They have this wonderful chemistry between them. I feel their pain and love. We see them through their highs and lows. Danger is calling for Imogen but Oscar will do whatever he can to keep this lovely stranger safe. <br /><br />After Imogen discovers murder at a brothel she literally runs into Oscar Fitzhugh, one of the half siblings to the Duke of Roseford. She has to trust this stranger with her life when she has no where else to go. Oscar’s last mistress is dead and his guilt for not protecting her drives himself to be Imogen’s temporary protector. They are brought together by mere chance and use their time together to explore passions and to solve a crime as well. <br /><br />There is so much passion between them. I could feel their connection from the beginning. Imogen doesn’t really have anyone else to turn to for help or protection. Oscar is feeling guilt for sending his late mistress away when she wanted more from him which he felt he wasn’t able to give. I love that they had time together and then time to work on the case of the disappearing women. Oscar was absolutely fighting his love for Imogen but after some gunshots and a few talks with his wise mother, he figured out to not ignore love when the opportunity knocked right into him. <br /><br />I also loved seeing other characters from the prior books and also just the mention of the Donville Masquerade brings back old memories from my first Jess Michaels’ books. I think that is the great thing about reading many (almost all) books from a single author. There is a history and characters to be seen and heard from again as new romances are created. <br /><br />This series was really good and I enjoyed them all. I’m excited to see what is in store next. <br /><br />*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Left destitute by her late husband and under pressure from his family to vacate her home, Imogen Huxley sees no other option but to seek out a lover to protect her. She was never comfortable with her decision to seek such a man at a notoriously seedy establishment, but when she sees a dead body and recognizes the two people discussing the murder, she flees for her life. Desperate to escape, Imogen runs right into the arms of enigmatic club owner Oscar Fitzhugh. He offers to help her and she has no choice but to go with him if she hopes to survive. It’s an added incentive that she finds herself wildly attracted to him.<br /><br />Oscar Fitzhugh has been returning frequently to that notorious brothel to investigate the disappearance and presumed death of his former mistress. As one of the many infamous illegitimate children of the late Duke of Roseford, Fitzhugh has tried to distance himself from that life, determined to keep a wall around himself and not let anyone get too close. Imogen soon has him breaking all his own rules as he finds himself unable to resist her.<br /><br />While telling himself that his relationship with Imogen is purely physical, only for mutual pleasure, Oscar must soon face his true feelings as the murderer hunting Imogen draws near.<br /><br />This was an excellent conclusion for this series. Oscar spent so much time hiding and running from his feelings, it was lovely to see him finally give in. Imogen certainly had more patience with him than I would have, but she also wouldn’t let him continue to run from her when she knew his true feelings. She was so bold about it and I loved that. The character development and chemistry here was strong and their steamy scenes were varied and part of that development, not just there for gratification. I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from previous books as well and I’d recommend reading this series in order. I loved the pairing of an alpha hero and a damsel in distress who winds up saving him as well. This was an excellent conclusion, but I’m sad to see the series end.<br /><br />I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Brilliant story about Oscar Fitzhugh, a man so closed to any feelings, even his mother calls him broken. He has been so badly hurt that he has built walls so high no one can climb. Imogen Huxley is in trouble and has seen things that she was not meant to see. She runs into Oscar and he insists on helping her. Oscar is an amazing character that will have your heart hurting for him from the start. Imogen is a very strong woman, and you'll wish you could be her friend for real. Couldn't put this down. Definitely a book you will want to re-read many times.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.<br /><br />The final instalment in The Duke's By-Blows series, we now follow the eldest Roseford Bastard, Oscar Fitzhugh, as he uncovers a plot to kidnap and kill women, with an important Earl at the forefront, and literally runs into a young woman in need of his protection. Imogen Huxley doesn't want to be in the notorious Cat's Companion brothel, but following her husband's death, and her mistreatment by her in-laws, she needs to find a protector somehow, and this seems to be the only option open to her. When she witnesses one of her late husband's noble friends admitting to murdering a prostitute, and being involved in more heinous crimes, she needs to hide, and Oscar is just the person to help her. Both want something out of the arrangement, and stopping the Earl is just one step towards that. However, they need to have their heads straight, and not let emotions run riot, otherwise both might lose more than they are willing to give.<br /><br />I have loved each and every one of these books, and as soon as we met Oscar and Imogen in the previous book, The Matter of a Marquess, I knew I needed to read their own story. Imogen has been dealt a hard path in life, and is falling more and more as the days go by. She has no one to turn to, not even her best friend Lady Aurora Lovell, and being a witness to a murder makes life so much worse. Meeting Oscar is like a dream, and even though she sometimes feels like a prisoner under his protection, she knows he means well, and the chemistry between them is a soothing balm to it all. Oscar, on the other hand, is gruff and aloof, keeping his true self hidden behind thick walls. He's been hurt by love in the past, and doesn't want to suffer again, but there's something about Imogen that intrigues him, and he doesn't know if he can stay away from her. They were truly perfect for each other, and the way their chemistry developed into lust and romance was everything I could've asked for. Seeing them both before and after the events we witnessed in book 3 really helped us to understand their characters, and the conclusion to this series was wonderful! I can't wait for Jess' next work!

The Redemption of a Rogue by Jess Michaels<br />The Duke’s By-Blows #4<br /><br />Imogen Huxley is in dire straits hoping to find a protector when her situation becomes even more difficult. Running for her life she ends up in the arms of Oscar Fitzhugh who offers to keep her safe. And thus begins a tale that kept me reading without stop to find out how it would all play out. <br /><br />What I liked: <br />* Imogen: a woman true to herself, willing to do whatever necessary to keep body and soul together, bright, attractive, seductive, honest, forthright and a delight. I liked her.<br />* Oscar: a businessman, owner of a club, wise, wealthy, separate, aloof, fiery, with a backstory that makes him seem cold. As I got to know him, I liked him more and more. <br />* The story, writing, series, and that I could see this happening. <br />* I cared about the main characters and hoped they would find their HEA<br />* Will &amp; Joanna<br />* Seeing some of the other characters from previous books<br />* The steamy scenes<br />* That the murderer was taken down<br />* Love this author, book, and series <br />* All of it really except…<br /><br />What I did not like: <br />* The evil murderer and his colleagues<br />* Knowing that the evil in the story still occurs today<br /><br />Did I enjoy this book? Yes<br />Would I read more in this series? Definitely<br /><br />Thank you to NetGalley and the Passionate Pen, LLC for the ARC – This is my honest review.<br /><br />5 Stars<br />

4 stars<br /><br />Good story, though normally I'm not that keen on beards. Oscar is the eldest of the Duke's illegitimate children and the most solitary. He hasn't wanted to associate with any of his siblings. He broods away in his elite club, though he's tortured by being unable to rescue one of his lovers. He's waiting outside of a notorious brothel when he rescues the heroine. Imogen has been let down by her husbands relations and is now almost destitue. She has decided to become a courtesan and is looking for a protector but in the wrong place. She sees the aftermath of a murder and is then on the run for her life. Oscar protects her. The passionate scenes are well written and we get a very good idea of both view points. Oscar's mother was an interesting character and its a shame there wasn't a bit more of her and Will's romance, perhaps this is another book. <br /><br />I think you will enjoy this book if you enjoy lots of passionate encounters. You don't have to have read the rest of the series but I think it helps. <br /><br />I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own