When The Rogue Returns by Sabrina Jeffries

The Basics:
When The Rogue Returns by Sabrina Jeffries
Pocket Books
Book Two in the Duke's Men series
Romance
Published Jan 21, 2014
Amazon.ca Kobo.com

Why I picked up this book:

I recognized the author's name, and liked the idea of a meek wife lost only to be found much more confident later in life.


I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb:

They are the Duke’s Men: an investigative agency born from family pride and irresistible passion, risking their lives—and sometimes their hearts—as they unravel shocking deceptions and scandalous transgressions!

Victor Cale never imagined that his sweet, shy bride, Isabella, would use her talent for creating exquisite imitation jewels in a criminal way. But there’s no denying that Isa’s handiwork was used in the brazen heist of the Dutch royal family’s diamonds—after she disappeared into the night.

Ten years later, still reeling from her betrayal and enraged that her duplicitous side was so undetectable, Victor is sent to Edinburgh to investigate a wealthy baron’s mysterious brideto- be. Simple enough—until the “fiancée” proves to be Isa, masquerading as an alluring young widow.

No longer the meek and mild girl he once knew, the bold woman vehemently asserts that it was Victor who abandoned her after he helped steal the royal diamonds! Piecing together the truth of the past reawakens their volatile passion, which burns hotter than ever. But with a decade of secrets between them, Victor and Isa must trust each other in order to bring the real thieves to justice—without getting burned themselves.

Why I picked up this book:

I recognized the author's name, and liked the idea of a meek wife lost only to be found much more confident later in life.

My thoughts:

Quite an enjoyable historical romance, this book was pretty light and easy to read.

I was a little worried about what would happen when Victor and Isa reunited - I didn't want to read page upon page of them hurting each other as revenge for past wrongs (true or not). Fortunately, the book didn't keep me on edge for long, though there's definitely lingering trust issues and that I appreciated.

The jewelry side of this was interesting - it's a trade I haven't read about in this type of fiction before. Isa's expertise with fake jewels seemed unusual (in a positive way). I'd like to learn more about it within the real historical context and I appreciated the author's note explaning her inspiration for the story.

Loved the Baron, and his troubles. His mother was a real handful, and I'd kind of like to see how Lochlaw deals with her in the future. It seems to me like she should have another scheme or two up her sleeves.

Victor is a proper historical romance hero. His backstory was a little unusual - really, there were enough unusual elements in this story to have it come together into something that felt kind of new and fun.

Bottom line:

This was a solid historical romance that I can happily recommend to fans of the genre. There's nothing really new here, but there are some unusual bits and pieces that come together into a fun read.

4 stars
For fans of historical romance, investigation agencies, love lost and found again, Sabrina Jeffries