I loved this book but I could just wack Hart over the head with a parasol for being so blind and stubborn when it came to Meg. I thought that Meg was a bit too obedient to awful parents. i would like to hear the story about the parents almost marrying and if Meg's mother and Hart's father still have feelings for each other.

The Playful Brides series has been fun and light hearted for me. I have found something or another to keep me coming back and making an excuse to revisit old friends and make new ones. This time around things have a little turn of events. I loved visiting the old couples that have come before. Their antics have been fun to watch. Now with Hart and Meg there seems to be a new precedent set for me. Hart was not just a reluctant future husband. He was doing all because his friends were married or marrying starting families.

I had my fun with watching how things would fall in to place since Hart of course wanted a future wife with money, good family and beautiful. Instead he finds the one woman that he should probably stay away from. No money. A family his family has a feud with. She no dogg, but she is on her third season. Something is not right.

I could not muster the strength to battle my hero through the book. I got my fun and light hearted read but I did not connect with Hart.

I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I quite liked Meg's tenacity and resolve to keep fighting for herself and trying to carve a life of her own away from her parent's mistakes. She reminded me of Elizabeth Bennett from Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice: out but over looked, smart, and ready to forge ahead on her own.

Overall I enjoyed the story; my reason for 4 stars and not 5 is I predicted the entire plot and occurrences from beginning to end. It would have been nice to have a plot twit or an unexpected event.

This was my first book from Valerie Bowman and it will not be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed Meg and Hart and all of the wonderful side characters that made this story so enjoyable.

Aided by a matchmaking Dutchess, Meg Timmons has a short time to get the love of her life, Viscount Hart Highgate, to notice her. That may be difficult enough for the wallflower but added to it is her family’s debts, scandals and feud with the Highgate family, oh, and the fact that Hart putting his roguesish ways behind him is look for a perfect polished wife. Meg may think her chances are dire but she has no idea a stolen kiss they shared has never been far from Hart’s thoughts.

I loved the story of Hart and Meg. They somehow were warm and caring people despite the homes they were raised in. Meg was a joy and I do wish for there was a lot more groveling from Hart (or she didn’t accept him back so quickly each time he tore at her heart). That said, it did go along with her honest and kind character that made her a refreshing heroine and perfect for a stubborn man.

This book is a sweet story about Meg, who has been in love with her friend's brother Hart forever and about Hart who, thanks to some manipulations by Meg's friends, finally realizes that she might be the right woman for him. Or not.


Even though it was a sweet story that I'll probably reread every now and then and that I enjoyed reading, I was missing the chemistry between the hero and the heroine. They are sweet and nice with each other, mostly, but even Meg's attraction for him seems to be rather superficial. In the end, it all works out and they just click and feel like a real couple in love but it takes them (and me as a reader) some time to get there.

Concerning those friends that I mentioned, well, if you have read other books in this series, you will probably be rather familiar with Lucy and her antics, especially with the way she keeps helping her friends by playing the matchmaker whether they want her to do it or not. And, lets' face it, her methods are very often somewhat questionable. You could say that if somebody falls in love despite Lucy's efforts at matchmaking, they must have been truly destined to be together.Honestly, though, sometimes her manner is a little bit annoying as she always knows best and tricks her victims into falling in line with her ruses and tricks. Again - no matter what they want or what they risk by it.

On the whole, it is a nice story and those of you who have read any of the other books in this series, will be happy to reacquaint yourself with some of the characters from the other books as well.

To begin with, you should not let the thought of this being book #8 in the series be a deterrent. I will be the first to admit that I have not read all of the books in this series, however, I feel that this one gives just enough background on previous ones that it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel. Of course, for those of you who have read the others, I think you will be pleasantly surprised to see some old, familiar favorites pop up, and as I did, enjoy seeing them again.

Just focusing on this story however, I have to admit that there were some things that I just could not get into. Sure Meg claims to have been in love with him since she was sixteen (and with valid reasoning for someone of sixteen don't get me wrong), but I saw very little in an actual connection with them aside from friendship or lust. Sure he enjoyed her company. Sure he wanted her, but he told himself time and again he couldn't marry her. She was completely inappropriate for him. And why? One reason was because she lacked a dowry. And let's be honest here, when reading a romance, that should have been an easy thing to overlook considering how much money he apparently had. But it wasn't enough for him to offer for her at first. I can't say I put too much stock in the excuse of his parents not liking her since he seemed to enjoy doing the exact opposite any other time.

I guess the problem lies within the way these characters were presented. I wish they would have been more open to each other. I wish Hart hadn't been so hard-headed. Don't get me wrong, I love a bit of drama and angst, but not when it could be as easily remedied as theirs could have been. But then again, this story was likened at times to Romeo and Juliet, and I think a lot of their story could have been improved upon with more communication as well.

Overall, I am sure this story may still appeal to those who enjoy historical romance novels. I do enjoy this author's writing style immensely, and I will be reading more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

This is a fun and playful book like the series name says. I really enjoyed all the characters. My favorite was Lucy who is the matchmaker. She was so devious. I loved reading how Meg and Hart grow to love each other and grow up in many ways. I received this book from Netgalley for a blog tour for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Predictable plot, but well written and overall an enjoyable read.

This was an easy and fast read.I did have some issues with The Right Kind of Rogue mainly with the heroine and with some things that happening through the story.I was a little bit annoyed with the situation and I couldn't enjoy it as much as I wanted.

Meg is used to being overlooked and easily forgotten. With a father more interested in gambling away what little the family has and a mother bitter from years of a loveless marriage, Meg knows her own marriage prospects are slim.

It doesn't help that she's been in love with her best friend's brother for years and he doesn't even know she exists. Oh yeah, and his parents have been in an angry feud with hers for years.

When Meg learns Hart has finally decided to actively look for a wife, she realizes she can't sit on the sidelines anymore and watch the man she's loved for so long, choose another. Throwing caution to the wind, Meg enlists the help of some friends, to woo Hart.

What follows is a story of funny antics, a reluctant Hero, a determined heroine and a bumpy road to their HEA.

What I liked:
The Right Kind of Rogue had some cute light hearted moments that charmed me and it also had some funny instances that kept things on line with a romantic comedy. The romance was a slow build up so I did feel that the pacing dragged a bit but it didn't keep me from reading without skimming the whole way through.

What I didn't like:
I'm not a huge fan of the mistaken identity trope so it was a bit off putting that Meg's first kiss was given to her only because Hart mistakenly thought she was his current mistress. When he finds out its Meg and not the OW, he freaks out and runs. I wish that the scene would have showed Hart instantly recognizing Meg and maybe feeling something stronger with her than any OW but that doesn't happen. Not after that accidental kiss. Not even after weeks of flirting and a budding friendship between the two starts to grow. After everything, Hart is still 100% committed to finding a wife, but Meg is never a contender. I grinds my gears to hear an H plan his marriage to someone that is not his h. If that's going to happen, then I need to see drastic change in H's personality and some major emotional growth where he prioritizes love for his h over everything.

I would still recommend this read because Meg deserved her HEA and I really grew to like her.

Meg has been crushing on Hart for years, if only she had a dowry...and he wasn't her best friend's brother. Hart is looking for a wife, but his family demands one with a marriage portion. Friends try matchmaking, but Meg wants a marriage of love, if possible, if not she'll settle for someone who will take her for her title and without means to avoid going to the Continent. Hart and Meg keep finding themselves in compromising situations, but they manage to escape with no one the wiser...until one night alone in a garden and caught together in the dark. A hasty marriage ensues. Can this marriage survive a misunderstanding, will Meg and Hart admit their feelings and affection for each other before it's too late? This star-crossed pair must decide to avoid the paths of their parents' horrible marriages to find a forever love. A wonderfully woven tale!

**received an ARC on Netgalley**

I’m relatively new to the Playful Brides series, having started at book 7, NEVER TRUST A PIRATE and loved it. So when I was invited to read and review the latest installment, I jumped at the chance. I was not disappointed!

I would describe this story as ROMEO AND JULIET (ish) with a very different ending. Enemy parents and a scheming matchmaker make for a very interesting and captivating story. Even though we get glimpses of characters from previous books, it can be read as a stand-alone with no problems.

Withering wallflower Meg Timmons is compassionate, devoted and unmarried. Sadly enough, she’s also very lonely. She is definitely a very likable heroine.

Viscount Hart Highgate is reckless, drinks too much and has been avoiding the marriage mart like the plague. He’s also kind, witty and charitable. When he stood up for Meg.... he gained my admiration. I would’ve fell in love with him too!

The secondary characters play an integral part in this story. Poor Meg doesn’t stand a chance with Lucy and Sarah acting as matchmakers….. calamity (and a possible scandal) ensues.
This book is a well balanced dose of wit, drama and romance. Finding out how the story unfolds had me turning the pages up to the end.

Valerie Bowman has done it again! Her Regency Rogues series continues with the story of Meg and Hart. The series matchmaker, Lucy, describes the two as "Romeo and Juliet, but without the poison." Mrs. Bowman has a wonderful sense of humor that comes through her writing. This story is paced well with fully developed characters. The conflict of personal desires versus family demands and expectations is believable. I definitely recommend any of Mrs. Bowman’s novels.

Book # 8 brings the story of Viscount Hart Highgate (Lady Sarah's brother) and Meg Timmons (Sarah's best friend).

Meg has been in love with Hart since she was 16. As Sarah's old brother, he always treated Meg - her best friend - with the consideration she deserves, even though her parents, especially her mother, do not think Meg deserves to be treated well.
Hart is recognized as a rogue. After suffering a disappointment (not exactly loving, but one that made him move away from schemers female), he decides it's time to find a wife.
His preference is for a beautiful woman, rich, with good connections, and he wouldn't fall in love with her.

Meg did not fulfill these requirements, especially in the matter of being "heirs."
Her father, Baron Tifton, was a well-known gambler and owed a lot of money, including to Earl of Highfield, Hart's father.
She, too, did not have a classic beauty, to make other men pursue her.

But Meg had her sincere feeling to offer Hart, and looking for the Duchess of Clarington for help, a well-known matchmaker, Meg will do her impossible to win the heart of her rogue.
Despite all the plans of the duchess, a mess is what makes Hart and Meg stay together. In the worst possible way. And not satisfied with his newly married status, Hart is shown to be the right kind of rogue.

When I think I can't fall in love with an upcoming book, Valerie Bowman proves I was wrong and brings another masterpiece of the historical romance.
5 stars

This story was fast-paced with short chapters, which made it an easy read. I think for many it would be a fun, diverting read. My issues with it stem from the superficial characters and the cavalier attitude toward drinking problems. Also, the makeover-a-wallflower-to-get-the-hero-to-notice-the-heroine trope is one I need to be well-convinced of the merits of the plot before I buy-in.

Honestly, the way most of the characters dealt with their problems through over indulgence of drink dropped this a star. It was a major turn off for me. Both fathers of the hero and heroine are drunks. The heroine's mother is a drunk and the hero's valet is a drunk. Then there is the hero, who is turns to the battle at every difficulty. Even the heroine has a moment of over indulgence. This is all treated as acceptable behavior. There's a moment toward the end where the hero think maybe he drinks too much and decides to restrain his inclinations. It was much too little too late for me.

The character development was average, and I found most of the secondary characters annoying. All in all, this just wasn't a very satisfying read.

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

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

The story kind of gives you a Romeo and juliet vibe but it took awhile for Hart to notice Meg as more than his best friend's sister. It makes you wonder how they will be able to resolve their problems because Hart's ideal woman is nothing like Meg but yet he really likes her.

Meg needs to marry well for her family and feels that pressure and yet she has loved Hart for years. At some point, you would think Meg would wonder what she sees in Hart as he only concerned for himself.

I have not read any previous books but it was easily read as a stand alone but I think if you had read the previous books in the series, it always is fun to see the couples again and what is going on in their lives.

Really enjoyed this book! I really like the siblings best friend love story and who doesn't love a good rogue!! I love love loved Hart!! He is funny, caring, and has the best cure for hiccups! Meg knows she wants Hart and gets in a little over her head while Hart knows Meg is nothing he can have but cannot stop wanting her. Ton rules, family dramas, and meddling friends made for a fun passionate read!!

aways with Bowman’s Playful Bride series, this is another satisfying and highly charged Romance, Bowman’s charm ng wit con s through and her writing is strong, highly addictive and intelligently done. She makes you genuinely care and fall head over heals in love with the characters, The Right Kind of Rogue is fun and exhilarating and so romantic..

Bowman has done it again, I have really come to live this series and I cannot recommend it enough

The Right Kind of Rogue had the right kind of mixture of playful and cute with a dash of exasperating which made this a fun read.
Being the 8th book in the Playful Brides series. Each book can stand on it's own, which I really like. There are several characters, who reappear however. I haven't read all of the books yet. I will most likely read them all at some point.
The main one in this book is Lucy Hunt, Duchess of Clarington (from Playful Brides #1). I do like her, though she is terribly meddlesome. And frankly while I find it funny and entertaining to read, in this issue I just wanted to tell her to back the hell off.

The storyline is kinda (okay pretty much) predictable, it the same as many historical romances with this type of heros. And I found myself exasperated with the MCs at times, especially Hart. But all in all I did enjoy it, not matter how cliche or exasperating.

The reason for this is the writing style. Bowman has it down to an art, to throw in just the right amount of annoyment, the right amount of chemistry, and ties it all up in her playful and effervescent writing style. It's fun to read. Thoroughly entertaining.

My only issue is that Hart was a bit spineless.. and I wanted to shake some action into him. He behaves like a spoilt child half of the book. I couldn't really see what Meg saw in him at first. I did change my mind about him and most of all I enjoyed their chemistry.
Meg is sweet and very likable. She has integrity and is very loyal. She made reading the book a pleasure.

I should mention that these books aren't historically very accurate. But for me this doesn't really matter. They are my historical cute & fluffy romp, well written and thoroughly entertaining.

Looking forward to the next installment, which will be about Grimaldi (woot woot)
Sadly it's due only in May 2018 - guess until then I can catch up with the rest of the books in the series...