London 1818. Lady Isabel Morrow is in need of help. Not just any help but the kind if not carefully handled might ruin her name and thus her ward's chances of a good marriage. Widowed and left a home, money and a ward, she discovers her late husband, a respected art dealer was selling forged paintings and keeping the originals. What to do? Calling on Bow Street Runner, Callum Jenks, she hoped he might help replace the forged paintings with the originals before they were found. What, a reserve burglary? Well yes and after she and Jenks had a brief fling when he was helping her investigate the death of her husband, he was the logical person to trust! Would a respected officer help her with her scheme? Could he stay away from the emotions Isabel pulled out of him when he was around her? Filled with surprises and unexpected turns, I could not wait to find out what happened. A well written story about two people from different classes that are brought together. Although part of a series, but this can be read as a standalone!

London - 1818

Lady Isabel Morrow is the widow of Andrew Morrow, an art dealer and man about town. He had been shot to death in what was believed to be an accident.

Officer Callum Jenks had been the one to investigate the death. Today, Isabel has summoned Callum because she has received some letters from a man named Butler. It appears that Andrew had been dealing in art forgeries. Before his death, Andrew was responsible for a ward named Miss Lucy Wallace, age 18. Now, Isabel needs Callum’s help to ensure that Lucy is not tainted by any scandal or fallout from Andrew’s art forgery business. She also knows that a forged painting is to be sold and she needs Callum’s help to steal it before it can be sold.

Callum is part of a family in London that owns and runs a grocery store. Not wanting to join the family business, he chose to be a policeman. His brother, Harry, had been one of four guards assigned to protect a shipment of gold. However, the guards had been attacked, killed, and the gold stolen. Later, the gold was found and returned to the Royal Mint, but Callum is determined to find the killer and revenge Harry’s death.

Isabel and Callum join up to learn more about the art forgeries and in doing so, find an attraction to one another. While Isabel do not care that they are from different levels in society, Callum’s pride just won’t let him be with her. Is there any hope for a future for them?

This is certainly a different type of plot for this time period. I found it difficult to keep up with some of the characters as they must have been introduced in previous books in this series. I liked Isabel because she is a sweet and genuine person. Callum is filled with too much pride which has destroyed many a relationship. Not a favorite book by this author, but I know that she writes very well and I’m sure future books will be more to my liking.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

It's a real bummer when you find that your late art dealer husband has more than art fraud against his soul. It's another bummer when you realize his death might not have been an accident, but a suicide or a murder. His death could put a crimp into launching your ward in her upcoming season.
So it comes as a relief to the widowed Lady Isabel Morrow that Callum Jenks, the Bow Street Runner who originally investigated her husband’s death, and for one night became her lover, is still interested in investigating both the death and the crimes committed by her husband. It’s even better when Isabel realized that Callum is still captivated by her.
This is very different from other Regency Romances. First off, the romance is secondary to the various crimes taking center stage. Who doesn't like a good caper? Always amusing until the true venality of the crimes and some of the characters is revealed ever so slowly and ever so cunningly. Class differences were not something easily glossed over in Regency times. Romain written has several books where the main characters were far from being Dukes and Ladies. So refreshing! It’s the same with this one where the two lovers have serious class obstacles to face; obstacles that may not be overcome. The class difference aren’t a one-sided problem. Callum’s family aren’t that thrilled with Isabel either. Upsets the natural of things, as they have been taught.
These are characters to care about, to forget that is all they are-characters in a charming Regency book. Their charm, their intelligence, their bone-deep honesty draw the reader so deeply into their world.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Another historical romance that I couldn’t get into. The author has a nice writing style and the words flowed easily. Unfortunately, there were too many nuances that made the characters and story feel out of place. I understand that widows are afforded a certain freedom that other females from the era were not granted. However, there are just too many instances that felt out of place.

Despite that, the plot is detailed and the characters are realistic with depth as well as personalities. If you are looking for a regency romance that is entertaining despite not being totally historically accurate, this would be a good read for you.

As far as London’s high society knows, Lady Isabel Morrow is above reproach. Though the young widow’s passionate fling with dashing Bow Street Runner Callum Jenks ended amicably months ago, she now needs his expertise. It seems Isabel’s late husband, a respected art dealer, was peddling forgeries. If those misdeeds are revealed, the marriage prospects of his younger cousin, Lucy now Isabel’s ward will be ruined. For the second time, Isabel has upended Callum’s well-ordered world. He’s resolved to help her secretly replace the forgeries with the real masterpieces, as a friend.
This book had everything to be a five star read, mystery, blackmail, suspicious death but for me it just fell a little flat. I found it hard to relate to Isabel, she was a widow who had always behaved impeccably & in many ways was almost downtrodden. She’d started to throw away the shackles that had bound her all her life but falling for a grocer’s son just didn’t sit right with me for a Regency novel. I liked Callum having met him briefly in the previous books in the series & glad that he had his HEA.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Publisher's Description:

HER SECRET SCANDAL

As far as London’s high society knows, Lady Isabel Morrow is above reproach. But the truth is rarely so simple. Though the young widow’s passionate fling with dashing Bow Street Runner Callum Jenks ended amicably months ago, she now needs his expertise. It seems Isabel’s late husband, a respected art dealer, was peddling forgeries. If those misdeeds are revealed, the marriage prospects of his younger cousin— now Isabel’s ward—will be ruined.

For the second time, Isabel has upended Callum’s well-ordered world. He’s resolved to help her secretly replace the forgeries with the real masterpieces, as a . . . friend. A proper sort of friend doesn’t burn with desire, of course, or steal kisses on twilight errands. Or draw a willing lady into one passionate encounter after another. Isabel’s scheme is testing Callum’s heart as well as his loyalties. But with pleasure so intoxicating, the real crime would be to resist . . .

My Thoughts:
This second chance romance is full of suspenseful moments and keeps the reader wondering what will happen next.
This is a well written book with characters that intrigue and keep the readers attention. It is a page turner and although a part of the Royal Rewards Series it stands easily on it's own and need not be read with the other books or in any particular order.
Lady Isabel Morrow has recently discovered her deceased husbands perfidy. As a procurer of fine art he has sold forgeries to unknowing members of the ton.
Bow Street Runner Callum Jenks was once Isabel's lover. Now she needs his help to exchange the forgeries for the real thing without the owners being the wiser.
I enjoyed this read and in fact read it twice before leaving my review.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.25 of 5.0 flames. Iintimacy is not what this book is about but is a necessary part of this romance.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book by invitation from the publisher to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I wanted, so much, to love this book, the characters, the story, etc. but I just couldn’t get there. The characters just weren’t believable nor were their actions, but I think that is mostly because of the time the author chose to set the story within. The setting is the Regency (1818) period but absolutely none of the societal norms of the times are present and that just makes it all totally unbelievable. If the story were set at a later time when Callum (son of a grocer) really could have been referred to as an ‘Officer of the Police’, or Isobel (daughter of a Marquess) really could have received him in the drawing room after he entered through the front door, or she really could have visited (happily chatting) with his family in their grocery store, or she could have freely visited him at his rooming house unaccompanied, etc., well, then maybe the story would have worked. This author writes well, but this story was so non-Regency that I just couldn’t get into it.

Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages…
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview

“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”

This is the third in the “Royal Rewards” series, but is easily read as a stand-alone novel. The aristocratic Lady Isabel Morrow had a brief affair with police officer Callum Jenks after he investigated her husband’s death. Now she wants to enlist him for a little bit of crime in a good cause. Jenks has a lot to adjust to, what with falling in love with a woman well above his class, and deciding if justice is more important than the law. As ever, there is a happily ever after for our hero and heroine, with some interesting plot twists and some steamy romance along the way.

Nice read, with a bit of a mystery, a caper and a romance woven through. I read the prior book, but this stands well on its own. And I honestly remembered little of this couple from the other, not sure if it’s just me, or if their mention as a couple was just fleeting.

Here we have a rather unique premise, which is most welcome. A titled, beyond reproach, Lady and an “Officer of the Police”, hook up to commit breaking and entering. Not for any monetary gain but to right a wrong committed by Isabel’s deceased husband. A necessary heist to ensure Isabel’s ward, Lily's reputation with the ton remains scandaless.

I liked this book, a lot. But I do wish I had read the book prior to this one in the series. I think if I had, then I would have a stronger feel for the connection between Isabel and Callum. This book took quite awhile to get to the end and then it was a bit rushed. Along the way we were treated to the ups and downs of Isabel and Callum’s romance. Two people in love in very different social classes.

I recommend this book but encourage you to read the beginning two books in the series first.

I really enjoyed Isabel and Callum's story!! Stories where the H/H are of different classes tend to add another level to the story that isn't there when they are of the same class.

I loved that Isabel and Callum worked together to right the wrongs of her husband. Not many men of that time period would have done that, but it probably can be contributed to the fact that he was of a lower class and the woman he knew did much more with their lives than those that spent their time in society. They were soon working together to figure out who had killed Isabel's husband.

I'm excited to see what Romain has in store for use with the next book in the series!

Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare! Which unfortunately means that it's just not for me.

I love Theresa Romain. Her books are always well-written and feature nice, normal characters you can relate to. But for me, this sadly hasn't been the case with her latest books.
This book is the third in a series, but it works as a stand-alone because it's set one year after the events of the first two books, which were more connected. This book's hero features in the first two as a minor character.

I really enjoyed the first half of it. I admired both main characters for the way they just wanted more from life than society would let them have. After her husband's death, Lady Isabel tries to rediscover who she really is when no one expects her to be nothing but a pretty ornament. After a night of passion with the Bow Street Runner who investigated her husband's death, Isabel again turns to him when she discovered the highly illegal mess her husband has left her, trusting him to help right the wrongs her husband did. They both grow a lot over the course of this book, and I really liked the emotional journey.

My main problem with this book is that I couldn't see why this had to be a historical romance, a problem I've been having a lot lately (think Tessa Dare). If you don't mind a Lady roping a respected Bow Street Runner into breaking into a Duke's house (and drugging the Duke's dogs), a Lady visiting an unmarried man in his apartment where his landlady serves her tea (with no repercussions of course), a young Lady publically admitting to being abused and shooting someone (again, with no repercussions), and lots of Drama, then go for it. It's really not a bad book, it just didn't work for me.

Callum Jenks and Lady Isabel Morrow had a short affair months ago. And now she's asking to see him again. This time it's not for romance; she needs help. Her deceased husband, it appears, was selling forgeries. And she needs to make things right before anyone finds out and her ward is ruined.
As they start investigating, it opens questions about how Isabel's husband died. Was it really a suicide?
This was a good book for some world building. While it didn't hold my attention for long periods of time, I don't think regular Romain readers will be disappointed.

Three stars
This book comes out April 24
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

I loved the relationship between Callum and Isabel. Callum was very much worth the wait for Isabel. He is kind, honest, generous, sign-worthy and everything a hero should be. I liked their fun and flirty retorts. They really grew to understand and appreciate each other. His family and their interactions are a fantastic addition to the story. There is a little mystery thrown in that, honestly, I was shocked at the “villain” but also horrified at what happened. I wanted more of their interactions. A lovely couple.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to Read in exchange for a fair review. Lady Rogue by Theresa Romain is loosely tied to her first two Royal Rewards novels and can be read as a stand-alone. Widowed Lady Isabel Morrow has discovered that her art dealer dead husband had a habit of selling copies of paintings and keeping the real ones locked in a secret room. When she hears the Duke of Ardmore is about to sell one of the fakes to a notorious Crime Lord to settle his gambling debts, she decides to switch out the fake for the real in order to avoid a big scandal and destroy her wards chances on the marriage mart. She enlists the help of Callum Jenks a Bow Street Runner whom she met during the investigation of her husbands death. Wonderful characters and dogs, stealthy capers, several mysteries with unexpected twists and a satisfying HEA make for a very enjoyable read. Medium Steam, publishing date April 24, 2018 #LadyRogue #NetGalley

Fantastic historical romance. The relationship between Isabel and Callum, particularly their early friendship, was wonderful, and the story of Isabel discovering what she wanted her life to be was really the best part. Highly recommended.

When I requested this ARC, my promise was to give a fair and honest review in exchange. Really well written story. Great cast of characters and rather unique tale. You will NEVER figure out the mystery. Consider this for your reading list.

Lady Isabel Morrow is a widow. She is trying to find a solution for a problem her husband left her. Since the problem is one which involves criminal activities she calls police officer Callum Jenks for help.

After her husband's death,in a completely out of character encounter, Isabel had a fling with Callum. It has been a wonderful memory for both Isabel and Callum.

This is a mystery as much as romantic history. Isabel's late husband was selling forgeries as original art. These forgeries were excellent copies of paintings by classical artists. Not only are these paintings in the house when they should not be there, but there are questions about how her husband died. Was it suicide, did someone murder him or was it an accident? Callum investigated the death and he does not believe he found the truth. The investigation was closed much to quickly to suit him.

Isabel has not only inherited the original paintings but she also inherited a young lady who is now her ward. It is paramount that the criminal activities never come to light. Any whiff of wrong doing would ruin any chance of a good marriage. Isabel's sense of duty makes it important that she do the right thing.

Ms Romain has created characters who are very human. Isabel and Callum have many layers to their personalities. And every time the reader finds new depth to the characters, it adds to the story.

Isabel is just at the beginning of feeling freedom for the first time in her life. She is a wealthy widow who has realized she is in charge of her own destiny. That is a very heady idea. She has lived in a house she hates for years. The house is filled with paintings she hates and decorated in a manner she hates. It is a time for changes.

Callum is a wonderful investigator. His brother was murdered during a robbery and now the man who was responsible for the robbery is going to walk free. Callum wants to bring criminals to justice. But, he can admit to himself the law does not always equal justice for the right people. He is a man who has honor, integrity, intelligence and a wicked sense of humor.

The secondary characters are terrific. Callum's family have put him in a slot and are unwilling to see him in any other way. Isabel's brother is fearful that anything she does will reflect on his very important self image. Some of the criminal element are more honorable than members of the ton. In other words, this book is filled with characters who add great depth to the story.

The plot is filled with unexpected turns. Doing the right thing can cost a great deal. But, there is never any question of doing anything but the right thing. Finding solutions to puzzles can happen at the most unexpected times. And those solutions can be heart rending.

Ms Romain has created a book that held my interest from beginning to end. I hoped for the best for everyone involved. And only a happily ever after would do for me.

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