Twice Tempted by a Rogue

<b>Update: second read.<br /><br />I ended up rounding down from 4.5 to 4. Honestly I skipped most of it after the first chapter. Felt like the plot was a lot more convoluted or complex than it needed to be. Felt like there could have been more development of love between the H/h, even though it's later revealed that <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="4b246c5e-77ca-4864-a811-0f23b2a12594" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="4b246c5e-77ca-4864-a811-0f23b2a12594">she's always loved him, followed him around as a little girl and built up a bunch of hopes</label>. I don't understand why she only focused on the physical with him, why she didn't try to get to know him better, understand what he's been through and what he felt. <br /><br />I still give the H 5 stars. I read all the "good bits." But the other stuff was meh. Doesn't flow as well as some of the other books I like by this author.<br /><br />Still a good read tho. Just prob wouldn't read it a 3rd time for a VERY long time.</b><br /><br />Original review:<br /><br /><i>I give this book 4.5 stars rounded to 5. The higher rounding is because I LOVE the hero Rhys!<br /><br />I'm a big fan of Tessa Dare's historical romances. This is one of her earlier works, and I didn't read it before because I like her later works better. Still do. Her recent works are more polished, more elegant, more witty and humorous. More subtle.<br /><br />But this book was still a great read for the rawness of emotions and the intensity, esp. the character development of the Hero, who essentially carried the book for me. Rhys is a HERO in every sense of the word. He's been abused as a boy, but he never abused others, always sought to protect. His bravery saved many lives in the wars he's fought, but he's too humble to credit those victories to himself. He's so self-effacing. He's a beautiful man with a big body and lots of power, just the way a man should be, but he doesn't even know it. <br /><br />I can't tell you how much I love beautiful men who don't even know it. Somehow, that makes them even more attractive. <br /><br />He feels everything so strongly and intensely but keeps his emotions locked deep inside. It takes a special woman to unlock them. But it's worth every effort. <br /><br />Besides the somewhat unpolishedness of the writing (I skipped over the subplots with side characters honestly), I'd also take some points off because of the heroine.<br /><br />She's a match for him, and she deserves him for having loved him so long, ever since she was a girl. She's the only one who saw everything he was and everything he'd hidden inside. <br /><br />BUT. Sometimes she annoyed me. Like getting jealous when another man was starting to pay attention to another girl. She had a possessiveness about everything, including Rhys, that was grating at times. But I liked her independence, her passion, her drive, and her loyalty. I liked that she told him first. And kept telling him even when he balked.<br /><br />Not a huge fan of the cover tho. <br /><br />But glad I gave this book a try. Yet another character with the name Rhys that I absolutely love :)</i>

at this point, this series could revive me from the dead<br /><br />i was so scared i wasn't going to like this one because in the beginning the guy leans very heavy into the trait of saying "you're gonna marry me but you just don't know it yet" which i find icky, but leave it to tessa dare to address it head on!! this book took me a minute to really get into which was more of a personal problem than anything, but once it grabbed me, i stayed up until 2 AM to finish it (while weeping slightly). i mean, childhood friends to lovers?? with a traumatized and recovering war hero who looks a brute but is deep down a big softie? i devoured this.<br /><br />if you want romance that also delivers on emotional depth and smut and plot twists and a bit of mystery, i highly recommend these.

I liked this book but I didn't all out love it. I don't know if I liked it more than the last one, but I did enjoy it. Rhys is a very lovable hero. Very tortured (yay for angsty heroes!) and Merry was an incredibly capable heroine. I completely believed their chemistry.<br /><br />What brings it down to a four star was one of the things I had a problem with in the first one. It takes forEVER to finally get the info out about Rhys's past. We get a smidgen of information and then that same smidgen is basically repeated with different words for most of the book. We finally get more details in the last 30%. We need more. Every time the issues are brought up -- for both characters -- we need a little more, not the same thing reworded. It made the story bog down a lot in the middle and that could easily have been avoided. We don't need to save <i>all</i> the revelations for the end. <br /><br />That said, they're a sexy, unique couple and I'm interested in their future. Merry, a stable master's daughter, is now a lady. Rhys has an uphill battle with everything pertaining to his title. Like the previous book, there are a lot of things I want to know going forward. There's this whole rebuilding thing and how they'll deal with societal pressures. It seems these things stop just when they're getting really interesting and we don't get an epilogue. <br /><br />One good thing is that Bellamy became more human in this story and there was a nice excerpt from the next book. There's also a mystery to be solved and I'm hoping all the couples can come together in some way so we can have that epilogue that we've needed so desperately in books 1 and 2.<br /><br />And, happily, the next one is only a month away. :D

<br />The second installment of the Stud Club series almost didn’t feel like part of the series at all due in part to the fact that we really hadn’t gotten to know Rhys St. Maur very well at all in <i>One Dance With A Duke</i>, so in this book he seemed <i>to me</i> to be a totally new character. In addition to that, the continuing storyline revolving around Leo’s death didn’t really come into play until the latter part of the book. I didn’t mind any of this because Rhys’ and Meredith’s story was strong enough to stand on its own merit and kept me interested from start to finish. <br /><br />Meredith is, unfortunately for me, my least favorite type of historical romance heroine. She was annoyingly independent and bossy. She basically ran the whole village and that just didn’t set well with me…however, that’s <i>my</i> problem and no reflection on the story or the author’s writing… it was just who she was. But as the story progressed and I learned more about her background, I began to understand her better and could see that her “in charge” attitude was more of necessity than just a desire to be the boss.<br /><br />Rhys St. Maur, on the other hand, is my favorite kind of hero – scarred both physically and emotionally. Eleven years spend in the service of the Crown can really take its toll on a man and it surely did on Rhys. When he finally decided to return to his ancestral home, Buckleigh-in-the-Moor in Devonshire, to face the demons of his past and take up the responsibilities he’d ignored for all those years, he did so knowing that he wouldn’t be very popular and likely not welcomed at all. He was right. But he had no intention of allowing the less than warm welcome to dissuade him from what he knew he had to do. He was a man who’d faced and defeated death over and over, despite his best efforts to the contrary. So, if he <i>had</i> to live, he’d decided he’d go home and do what he could to right the wrongs done by his family.<br /><br />It was quite an interesting twist to watch Meredith and Rhys butt heads when it came to marriage – he wanted to marry her, she just wanted sex. Smart man, Rhys – he held out for marriage! Well… he held out for a good long time, anyway!<br /><br />Now, I can’t tell you how excited I was to finally read a book where the “deep, dark secret” really was deep and dark and worthy of a tormented character. All too often authors fail their readers by writing characters whose brooding nature and sexual intensity are due to some horrific event or events in their past. We become invested in these characters as people and forgive their brutish and oft times uncivilized behavior because we know they had it rough and need to be loved until they are all better – well, that is until we actually learn what said “deep, dark secret” is, only to become really miffed because it doesn’t fit the circumstances at all. I mean, these men are really, really messed up! I expect to find out that whatever screwed them up is really, really bad and not just that they didn’t get the black pony they wanted for Christmas when they were 12 and we’re expected to believe that’s why they’re dark and brooding! This is not the case with <i>Twice Tempted by a Rogue</i>, and in fact, both Rhys <i>and</i> Meredith have “deep, dark secrets” that, in my humble opinion, vindicate them both from their intolerable behaviors and even made me more understanding of Meredith’s desire to single handedly save the entire village. What surprised me was that her secret was every bit as compelling as Rhys’ and made her refusal to marry him understandable. I loved how the author created a “blame” that was powerful enough to make their guilt and self deprecation believable. <br /><br />I enjoyed this story very much and was truly surprised by the revelation that leads us into the third and final book, <i>Three Nights with a Scoundrel.</i> I’m truly looking forward reading more by Tessa Dare.<br />

Well kids, today I will teach you all a lesson about books. It is very important that you listen carefully to each word, because after reading this review you'll discover something very important. LOL.<br /><br />I have always read each and every single book in a series. Never in my life have I not follow the reading order, not even if the book had the worsts reviews. But I'm ashame to let you all know that in this case I was about to do just that. It was said that books 1 and 3 were actually the good ones, and this one just a passage. So I thought ... "WTH?, let's just go to book 3". But luckily for me my conscience did not let me do this. I was going through this over and over again ... "Maybe it really is a good book and I'm just going to be sorry for not reading it..." Many other thoughts like that one crossed my mind, so I decided to read it.<br /><br />And I am extremely happy about that. This was a terrific read. I loved this book, even more than the first one. I don't know why many did not, but I know I would definitely read it again. I had a great time with this book and I just loved to get to meet Rhys better. He's such an amazing hero, a soul that needs someone to care about him. Brutally abused as a child by his own family, the same people who should have taken care of him. Nevertheless, he became such a strong person with the strongest will to live that I have ever seen. Loved this character. I thought he would be boring, but he had so many layers, and I loved to discover them all.<br /><br />Then there's Meredith Maddox, our lovely widow. I must admit I thought she would be a boring character as well, the typical widow, afraid of life and shy. Well those are definably not the words that describe this incredibly strong and hard working woman. She was just what he needed. And all those things made a very interesting read.<br /><br /><b>So here goes the lesson: You know that little voice in your head that tells you:"Why read this book? Look at those ratings, it is not worth it. So many amazing books out there and you will loose your time with this one? No you wont! Just leave it there and pick the next, nothing wrong is gonna happen, you wont even notice you didn't read it".<br />Well guys, don't ever listen to it because it could make you loose some terrific books. Sometimes you just have to try it. Maybe if you don't like it afterwards you have started it that's just fine, but don't just skip it because you really could regret it. </b><br /><br />Can't wait to read the next. Wow, that was long! Sorry about that,LOL.

<b>4 STARS</b><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1599459466i/30072879._SY540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b> <blockquote>"The pain of an injury is over in seconds. Everything that comes after is the pain of getting well.” He gave her a heartfelt look, full of apology. <br><br>“I’d forgotten that, you see. Coming back to life … It hurts.”</blockquote> </b><br><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1599459466i/30072880.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Well considering that this book didn't really seem to get going until about two-thirds in, I still ended up loving it. Rhys was a difficult character not to love. Taking on so much blame and hardship, it took him an eternity to find his own worth. <br><br><b> <blockquote>He said calmly, “If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that fate doesn’t care what we want.”</blockquote> </b><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1599458817i/30072870._SY540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b> <blockquote>Her voice shook. “I have loved you for as long as I can remember, ever since I was a girl."</blockquote> </b><br><br>I still have a few issues with Meredith, but I can't really disclose those... spoilers lurk there. So I will let you discover your own feelings about her. I was charmed though, seeing how this book ended. No one could be more deserving of a HEA than Rhys St. Maur. <br><br>

Some of my thoughts in no particular order:<br />• Sweeeet. Simply sweet. Not as entertaining and funny as Tessa Dare’s other books IMO, but it’s good. <br />• Rhys is such a decent guy. No complaints here.<br />• Meredith is hardworking and strong.<br />• I thought I wasn’t going to like this because I’m not a fan of “pining heroines.” However, for a pining heroine, she sure didn’t act like one. It was pretty even footing. <br />• I think more could have been done with the inn plot. More involvement with the townspeople, more plot in general, more focus. The plot ends up feeling a bit stagnant and boring at times because of how uneventful it seems.<br /><br />I’m giving it <b>3 stars</b>. It is a solid read. It is not as good as Tessa Dare’s other books, but also better than some of them too. It goes right in the middle in my rankings. I see Rhys and Meredith as very decent people with a sweet romance, but I’m not in love them.<br /><br /><u>Things that you might want to know <b>(WARNING: Spoilers below)</b></u><br />Happy/satisfying ending? <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="e01893ac-7128-4ae0-9e24-72bbf0427d04" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="e01893ac-7128-4ae0-9e24-72bbf0427d04">Yes.</label><br />Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="46165f2b-ee4d-497a-8b54-144661eb90dd" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="46165f2b-ee4d-497a-8b54-144661eb90dd">No, no, low.</label><br />Tears-worthy? <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="b9e915fe-6fb2-4a67-ba79-f3787e8fb633" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="b9e915fe-6fb2-4a67-ba79-f3787e8fb633">No.</label><br />Humor? <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="d4485f74-fa7b-4cd2-aca0-74081693942b" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="d4485f74-fa7b-4cd2-aca0-74081693942b">Some bits.</label><br />Favorite scenes? <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="79114fae-8bb0-4257-b83d-c465446d0b8a" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="79114fae-8bb0-4257-b83d-c465446d0b8a">When Rhys goes to the inn after a long day of work on the house, and he spends time with Meredith.</label><br />What age level would be appropriate? <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="99b32630-5b9d-4574-972f-e46419ca887c" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="99b32630-5b9d-4574-972f-e46419ca887c">Mature audience. Explicit details on sex. Mentions of prostitution/kidnapping (of a side character).</label><br />--------<br />When I’m looking for something with just the right amount of humor and amusement, I choose Tessa Dare ☺️☺️

DNF at 42%.<br />I just can’t get into this book. I’m not sure if it’s the main characters, lack of chemistry or the plot seems pretty damn boring.<br />Something is lacking for me.

Spindle Cove and Castles Ever After are both much lighter in tone than the Stud Club, despite its ridiculously amusing name. And I definitely started out this binge for the amusement. But this and the Wanton Dairymaid and the Girl/Duke series have really grown on me. I like the sadder and wiser women, that the tone is more deeply rooted in darker backstories, that they aren't so much about first love. Mostly I am thrilled to not have to sit through so many deflowering scenes, which the Bridgerton books put me off of for the rest of my life. <br />Speaking thereof though, I do credit the Bridgerton show for these attractive covers. While there's nothing wrong with women in ball gowns, and I love the saturated colors, I have never cared for the scantily-clad embrace school of cover images. This one in particular makes me think of an art director saying "I want to go for that Colin Firth straight out of the lake look," which, obviously this isn't but it is evocative.<br /><br />Library copy<br /><br />

5 stars.<br /><br />Loved this book. Loved it, loved it, loved it.<br /><br />Loved the heroine, who had watched and wanted the hero from afar since she was a girl. Loved how she found him beautiful, how she lusted after him, how she tried and tried to wear him down.<br /><br />But most of all I loved Rhys. He is one of my favourite hero types -- strong, silent, tortured. Reserved and quiet, but with wit and humour and depth that he shows only to the heroine. Determined, almost dogged in his pursuits - most of his life seeking death, and more recently seeking the hand of Meredith. He won't settle for a simple toss, he wants it all. Oh yes, and completely gorgeous. Tall, muscular, battle-scarred and wondrously handsome.<br /><br />Here is what Rhys says to Meredith as to why he won't sleep with her:<br /><br /><i>"Meredith, you're my future wife. When I make love to you for the first time, it is damn well going to mean something. To me, at least."<br /><br />"I've torn apart a lot of things in my life. Too many. I've been in the business of death for years now, and there's only been one thing I've never successfully managed to destroy. You're looking at it....This body has survived blows, musket balls, bayonets, grenades and whatever else God and Napoleon could find to hurl at it. I'm simply fated to live. There's no other explanation. And now that I've come to terms with that, I'm done tearing things apart."<br /><br />....<br /><br />He reached for her hand. "It's the same with us. I mean to build something with you. Something that will last. Much as I want you, I don't want to rush and bollocks it up. We're meant to be together, and -"<br /><br />"Rhys..."<br /><br />"And I know you don't believe that yet." He squeezed her hand. "It's all right. I'll keep building - stone by stone, plank by plank, kiss by kiss - until you do. And yes, I'll wake up stiff and aching for you each morning. But it's worth it." He heached out and tilted her face to his. "You're worth it."<br /><br />Her eyes went wide. "You're unbelievable."<br /><br />He stood and reached for his waistcoat. "What I am is indestructible. And I'm not going anywhere, Meredith. You're stuck with me now."</i><br /><br />Tessa Dare is becoming one of my favourite authors -- I like her style immensely. She writes an engaging story with compelling characters. She doesn't do fussy physical descriptions of them, her historical details ring true and add to the atmosphere of her books, and her love scenes.....oh, her love scenes. They are vividly written, full of chemistry and sexual tension, and you are <b>right there</b> for them (if that makes any sense).<br /><br />This book is a bit darker and more angsty in tone than <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/6809488.One_Dance_with_a_Duke__Stud_Club___1_" title="One Dance with a Duke (Stud Club, #1) by Tessa Dare" rel="noopener">One Dance with a Duke</a>, the first book in the trilogy. It suits the characters and their story - Rhys and Merry would not have been well-served with a light, frothy book. <br /><br />The other thing I liked about this book was that it could have been a stand-alone; the Stud Club was only mentioned peripherally throughout and Leo's murder didn't really come into play until the end of the book. I mention that because the endless series that abound in romance fiction drive me crazy. Give me a love story with 2 characters - don't give me a book that is 1/4 recap, 1/2 love story and 1/4 setup for the next book. This book is the former.<br />