This novel projects the life of the heir and that of the spare heir. Families are not always what they are my cracked up to be.

Sam is the younger brother to a Marquess. He has just returned from his travels and already making the gossips column. He tries to live up to his brother's standard, but somehow always reverts to his old ways. He has really done it this time and has landed himself in hot waters.

Julie is the youngest of three sisters. She lives a humble life with her adorable uncle Alistair. Her older sisters are happily married and she enjoys the role of caretaker to her uncle, even though he would like to see her married. She will get married. On her terms!

Sam's brother, Nigel sends him on the job of evicting Julie's family. His punishment! Julie is completely taken aback by the news and she will put up a fight. Sam soon becomes intrigued by her and finds that he quite likes her. She is surprised that such a rogue can show compassion towards her and her uncle who is ridiculed by the ton. It's an awkward situation and they go round in circles trying to get to an amicable conclusion. Nigel has his own agenda and keeps pushing for what he wants. Soon, Sam and Julie become aware of his manipulative intents. Can they find a solution to this problem, especially now that they are heads over heels with each other?

Sam might be a rogue, but deep down he is a decent person. Julie's loyalty to her family is commendable and when she loves, she loves with passion. Nigel is devious and calculated. Like a big kid who has to get his way! The interactions between Sam and Julie are hilarious at times, even when they are butting heads. The love and passion that they develop are palpable. It's a well balanced novel with humour, love, passion, compassion, rivalry and loyalty. It's a great storyline with interesting and well developed characters.

I was kindly issued with an eARC via NetGalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

This is my first Anna Bennett book and I must say that I had no idea what I was missing until I read this book. There are good books and then there are great books, the kind of books that you just can't put down. Even when you have a ton of things to do, you find yourself sneaking off to read a couple of more pages because you desperately want to find out what the hero and heroine will do next. Well, this is one of those books! I have to admit that the idea of a series based on heroines who are wallflowers doesn't exactly spell out exciting and sexy, but don't let the name of the series fool you. This wallflower is definitely not dull. She is sassy, smart and sexy!

Juliette Lacey is the youngest Lacey sister and is the only one who is still single and living with her eccentric uncle. An uncle who seems to be getting more and more unstable by the day. She desperately wants him to enter the Royal Society and share his research, but he is reluctant to do so. All uncle Alister wants is for Juliette to find a husband and be as happy as her two older sisters. So he makes her promise to find someone to marry, which is easier said than done. Juliette isn't willing to settle for anything less than the all consuming love that her two sisters have found with their husbands. She does have someone in mind, but it seems that it is going to remain just a crush. But her whole world turns upside down when a disheveled rogue comes to her door claiming that the only home she has ever known belongs to her brother and her and her uncle need to vacate as soon as possible.

Samuel Travis is one of the most infamous rogues in London. Hardly a day goes by where he isn't featured in the gossip rags with a new escapade. His older brother has had enough. He wants to teach him a lesson and sends Sam to evict one of his properties. A property which has been inhabited by a distant relative of their late father's. Samuel wants to make amends with his brother, his only remaining relative. But it seems that this errand isn't as easy as it seems. Juliette Lacey is no shrinking violet and isn't willing to go down without a fight.

This story may seem like an opposites attract kind of romance at first, but as the story progresses we come to get to know the characters better and see that Sam and Juliette bring out the best in each other. Sam may seem like an irresponsible womaniser at first, but we see another side of him too. We see a man who is compassionate, caring and loyal. A rogue like no other and one that we wouldn't mind showing up at our doorstep ;) I loved and enjoyed every page of this romance!

Hide your daughters and your maiden aunts…Lord Samuel Travis is back.
―The London Hearsay, special society edition.

However Sam has a problem, his brother (the Earl) is fed up of his rakish ways and gives him the task of taking possession of a tumbledown town house. A seemingly simple task, except the house is occupied—by an infuriating, whip-smart beauty who refuses to do his bidding. Miss Juliette Lacey’s wallflower days are over. She has a plan to turn her eccentric family into the toast of the ton—but the devilishly handsome rake trying to oust them from their home thwarts her at every turn. As the weeks pass their attraction for each other begins to change them both. Complications from Juliette's past concerning Sam's brother throw a spanner in the works and threaten any future they might have been able to carve out for themselves. Can they figure it out in time and end up together or ruin both their lives? This is a charming, well written, regency historical romance. The characters and storyline are both engaging and lovely to read. The witty back and forth dialogue between the two is spine tingling good. I could not put it down or read it fast enough. If regency romance is your thing, give this a try you will not be disappointed and with other books in the series there is plenty of reading to keep you coming back for more.

I am giving my fair and honest review as agreed for being allowed this ARC. This story has all the necessary ingredients! A villain, a rogue, a befuddled scientist, a lovely damsel and a plot to turn them all upside down.

Publisher's Description:
Hide your daughters and your maiden aunts…Lord Samuel Travis is back.
—The London Hearsay, special society edition

Equal parts scoundrel and seducer, he’s returned to London determined to mend the rift with his older brother. All Sam must do is take possession of a tumbledown town house. A seemingly simple task, except the house is occupied—by an infuriating, whip-smart beauty who refuses to do his bidding.

Miss Juliette Lacey’s wallflower days are over. She has a plan to turn her eccentric family into the toast of the ton—but the devilishly handsome rake trying to oust them from their home thwarts her at every turn. How can one man be so vexing and make her simmer with desire?
As her attraction to Sam deepens, Julie’s problems grow—she may have, once upon a time, secretly shared a kiss with his honorable older brother. Suddenly, Julie’s caught between a rogue and a marquess, between passion and respectability. Torn between two brothers, what’s a girl to do?

My Thoughts:

This is my favorite book of this series and that's saying a lot!

When the second son, Lord Samuel Travis returns to London, he starts out rather badly by resuming his Roguish and debauched ways.
Mistaking his neighbors home for his own, he ends up in the bed of an elderly spinster. This was the straw that broke the camel's back resulting his brother ousting from his home.

This was just the excuse his older brother needs. He wants Sam to oust the people residing in a house that belonged to their father that he has inherited.

Julie lives in the house with her elderly uncle who is somewhat eccentric and who may well be having senior moments.
Sam's brother wants Julie as his mistress and thinks to force the issue by threatening eviction from their home.

Will Julie and Sam get past their beginning to form a lasting love?

This at times humorous and sometime heartbreaking story is one I couldn't put down. I finished it in one day. After I started reading it I simply couldn't put it down.

I gave this book 5.0 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character and a sensual rating of 4.0 of 5.0 flames. The intimacy is a wonderfully written part of this book. A five out of five star rating is very unusual for me to give but this book was simply delightful.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book three in the Wayward Wallflower series. I did enjoy this a great deal. It was a pretty well done series. I loved how the guy finally stood up for himself.

The last Lacey sister is content to stay home and take care of her eccentric uncle. Sam only wants to redeem himself in his older brother’s eyes, and in order to do that, all he needs to do is evict Alister and Juliette from their long time home. Juliette’s first impression of Sam is definitely not flattering and she hates him on site for barging into her home telling her she and her uncle need to move out looking like he had just fallen out of bed after a long night of drinking. A reluctant bargain is set that allows Sam to stay at the home, while Julie looks for proof that her uncle owns the house and not Sam’s brother. Sparks fly really quickly but Julie resists because she can’t trust the words of the notorious rake, Sam, and she holds secret feelings for his brother and thinks everything is just a big misunderstanding. But when Nigel proves to be far more the villain and Sam less the scoundrel, Julie can’t help but fall in love with Sam and he with her. The conflict was complicated and interesting. Which brother would she choose? And which brother was the real scoundrel and villain? I enjoyed their story and how everything ended well. I would have loved to hear of something befalling Nigel as poetic justice but I am glad how the story ended for Sam and Juliette. It was entertaining, passionate, had intense moments, and heartwarming moments.

This author writes such fun and witty heroines and fun loving rogues.

The Rogue is Back in Town is the first book I have read by Anna Bennett and has inspried me to read more of her stories, especially the stories of the other two Wayward Wallflowers about Juliette's two sisters. The author's characters are very likeable and this story flowed very well. I always enjoy reading about characters redeeming themselves and Lord Samuel Travis definitely needed redemption. I also really enjoy female heroines who are strong, steady and indepentdent. Juliette Lacey is those things and more. Author Anna Bennett added lots of fun and interest with her characterization of Juliette's Uncle Alistair. He is such a quirky, yet lovable character. The interaction between Sam and Juliette kept me turning the pages and I adored them as a couple.

The Rogue Is Back in Town ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️by Anna Bennett
(The Wayward Wallflowers #3)

A charming novel about a scoundrel Lord Samuel Travis.
Sam has been put to the test by his brother Nigel to have a tenant vacate a house Nigel owns. He has instructed Sam if he does not complete this task he in will be cut off financially.
Sam has the reputation of being a gambler and Rogue thus deserving this treatment by his brother.

When Sam goes to the house in question he is confronted with Miss Juliette Leary and her absentminded Uncle Alistair.
Juliette has been long since named a wallflower and takes care of her uncle. She tries everything to oust Sam from the house saying she is sure this house was bequeath by her dead aunts brother to Uncle Alistair to live in for life not being burdened by bills. Juliette,however, has no proof of ownership by her uncle and Sam refuses to leave the house.

As they argue back and forth over a course of days the handsome rake begins to win her heart. I enjoyed this story but the ending was quite predictable. This story just did not challenge the reader. There was no edge to the story.

*I was given an ARC copy in NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

What I liked about this book: I enjoyed the plot and the main characters. Both Sam and Juliette are well rounded characters. The way they meet and challenge each other each step of the way shows a balanced interaction between them. I also enjoyed Alistair's character and Sam's growth in the book.

What could have been better: I feel a little bit of insta-love from Sam and Juliette, as they seem to move from attraction to care to love fast. I understand that the circumstances in which the author brings them together doesn't allow for a long time to pass, a few parts felt rushed. I also would have liked a villain a little better fleshed than Nigel.

Overall, it was a highly entertaining book to read and I'd recommend it to others.

The third in a Series, sad to say, it is not up to the first two. Beautiful Juliette let's herself become ensnared by The Marquess of Carrington. She thought herself in love with him, until she meets the younger brother, Lord Samuel, a Rogue, that of course, only she can tame! The Marquess wants her as a Mistress!? Yet, one sister is married to a Duke, and the other to an Earl!? The Marquess is threatening to remove her Uncle, and herself from the house they have lived in, since her parents deaths. Her Uncle loves the home, due to the fact, he came there with his beloved bride, years before. I understand this, what I don't understand, is why she let's herself get trapped by the threats of the Marquess, when all she had to do was write her sisters, and let their husbands take care of this vile Marquess?! I guess if you want to finish the series, this is your opportunity. I found it, too silly, to take it seriously.
Thanks!
Carolintallahassee👒

The Rogue Is Back in Town by Anna Bennett was a fast paced read for me. I feel this romance novel is lacking something overall a good read that just does not hold up.

I love to read books by Anna Bennett. She is talented and creates characters who are fun and funny and charming and terrific. This is not my favorite book by Ms Bennett.

Sam has been a trial for his elder brother. His brother is a marquess, a responsible man and admired all over London. Sam is a rogue with a reputation for being a waste of space.

So, Sam is sent to recover a home which belongs to his brother. He must evict the people who live there as quickly as possible.

The house has been occupied for years by Juliette, her Uncle who is a scientist, and two sisters. Her sisters have married very well and moved away.

Julie has become the caretaker for her eccentric Uncle. When she finds that they are about to be evicted, she makes a deal with Sam to give her time to find the deed or a lease to allow him to stay in his home.

Sam agrees because he has immediately fallen in lust for Julie. He also becomes a researcher for her Uncle. Sam is neither a true rogue, nor is he thoughtless and inconsiderate. His previous actions and reputation seem to vanish.

The plot is well developed and Ms Bennett has created a plausible story about society's treatment of people who are not wealthy nor average.

Julie and her sisters were once considered wallflowers who were saddled with an eccentric guardian as well as not enough money. Thus their standing in society is not valued.

I had issues.

Julie who is a nice young woman loses her sense of propriety very quickly. She finds it difficult to refuse valuable jewelry and and offer to become a mistress from a man so oily he could slip under a door. She enters a physical relationship with Sam without much persuasion needed.

All in all, I would have felt better if Julie and Sam had stayed true to character a little longer.

I am not against lust, but it seemed to happen a wee bit too soon on both sides.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

Third book in The Wayward Wallflowers series, The Rogue Is Back in Town is a good light reading, very enjoyable although personally I didn't liked it as much as the previous books. Don't get me wrong I had a great time reading, but I simply wasn't as hooked as with other ones.

Our main characters definitely don't have the best start, and the circumstances they're in hardly provide room for our heroes to fall for each other. But there's an immediate attraction and despite appearances there's more to them than meets the eye. While Sam is tasked with evicting Juliette and her uncle from his family's property; this is not something he takes pleasure in doing, but he has to in order not to be left out of his own family.
Now of course Juliette wouldn't just go, and so as he tries to bide his time hoping that they leave, they start spending time together and become allies in trying to figure out a way so she and her uncle don't have to leave. And besides working together, they also start to develop feelings for each other, and this was one of my favorite things from the book; how their relationship starts to develop.

I sure wasn't a fan of Sam's brother Nigel, he may be one of the reasons I couldn't completely connect with this book; also the heroine Juliette was a a bit too naive. But I repeat those were personal issues and overall I consider this book to be a great read for fans not just of this series but of historical romance or romance in general.

Second sons are notoriously too naughty or too nice. They always seem to be making up for the fact that they weren’t born first. It’s no different for Lord Samuel Travis. Always the life of the party, he’s a constant disappointment to his older brother. Their father was often there to mend the gap, but since his death, the brothers can’t seem to find a common ground. After one humiliation too many, big brother gives Lord Samuel a seemingly simple task, evict tenants in a crumbling town house.

The last unwed Lacey sister, Juliette, is making the best of life with her eccentric uncle in their slice of heaven. When Lord Samuel Travis bangs down her door claiming to be there at his brother’s instruction, Julie is shocked beyond belief. She had believed the house she’d spent most of her life in was owned by her uncle and wants proof that he doesn’t. Until that proof appears, Sam sets up house in the guest chambers because in truth, he has no where else to go.

At first, I really didn’t like Sam. I thought he was a spoiled brat who was used to getting his way. Gradually, Bennett brought to light what one could perceive as flaws were actually the best part of the man. Yes, Sam is a rogue of the first order, but he was forced into the position of naughty brother by his sadistically perfect older brother. Once he finds the woman worth putting it all behind for, his character seems rather charming.

As for Julie, I adored her in the previous two novels and found her even more amazing in this installment. She is completely selfless and maybe a little stubborn. When confronted with a man she can’t help but crave, she puts up a good fight and makes every challenge interesting.

Delightfully batty, Uncle Alistair, plays a huge part in this novel. His true nature is touched upon in the first two books, but we get a look at his brilliance and logic as he befriends Sam and shows his love for his niece.

There are so many aspects of this book I adored. Without giving any spoilers, I love how Bennett gave both Julie and Sam their own character building metamorphosis bringing the tale of the Lacey sisters full circle. While this may be the end of this series, I know Bennett has more stories to tell and I will be happy to devour every one!

I received this book for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Anna Bennett’s The Rogue is Back in Town finagled her way into the trope of lust conquers all. There was a lack of emotional buildup between the main protagonists, as well as just plain lack of believability throughout the entire novel. The displacement of reality in the writing (stemming from Juliette—the heroine’s—circumstances as a sister-in-law to members of the peerage while living in destitution) made this an extremely slow read that I had to force myself to finish. There were so many head shaking moments due to breach of etiquette for the time period in Juliette’s behavior that it tarnished the story.

Stories are great when they have action and heart and development in characters that allow the reader to root for or empathize with a fleshed out human. Unfortunately, when a book falls short on these stabilizers, it is redundant and boring.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I DARED THE DUKE, the second book in the WAYWARD WALLFLOWERS trilogy is one of the best books I've read this year, so I was so excited to dive into the last book of the trilogy when it became available here. I did like THE ROGUE IS BACK IN TOWN but it lacked some of the wit and depth that I so loved about I DARED THE DUKE. Enjoyable, but not my favourite. Still, a good and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, I'll miss these characters and I'm looking forward to see what this author writes next. :)

This was an uneven read for me. I really liked the characters and was instantly on-board with their romance from their first meeting. I loved Julie's uncle and watching the three of them interact. I did not really like the rest of the plot though. It all seemed heavy handed to me with the ridiculous villain and Julie's intensely silly actions. The end seemed really thrown together for me as well, Overall I had a good time reading this one and was glad I was given a copy in an exchange for an honest review. I am not sure if I will read the first books in the series or just wait to see what the author comes out with next.

I love this series by Anna Bennett and I loved this book. I really enjoy the London Hearsay it is a special touch. All Sam wants to do is mend fences with his brother and take possession of a town house. Miss Juliette Lacey’s was a wallflower and she now wants to be the toast of the town. Julie likes Sam but she may have kissed his brother once upon a time. I really enjoyed Julie's character in the book.