Title: The Lady Rogue
Author: Jenn Bennett
Genre: YA Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Publication Date: Sept 3rd, 2019
eARC provided by publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.



Synopsis: "Some legends never die…

Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.

Until Huck arrives from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.

Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it." (Goodreads)



My Review:
When it came to this book, it mentioned Vlad and Dracula so I was sold! I've been obsessed since a teen and will not hesitate to pick up a book if their names are in the synopsis. With that said, this book wasn't what I was expecting plot-wise but I did find myself enjoying it.

Theodora is a character that I didn't connect with but didn't find myself hating reading about. She is spunky, smart, passionate, loyal and adventurous. Family comes first even when danger, like murder, is involved. As for Huck, he is at times cocky, more cautious than Theo, and loyal. He really tries to look out for her even when it doesn't seem like it. He wasn't my favorite but I still enjoyed his character. Theo and Huck banter throughout and it was fun to see it play out.

I have not read any of the author's other books and so I didn't know that a relationship would be a large part of the book. It did make the book more light than I would have liked, but I still didn't find it to be overwhelming. There was history between them and I can get behind that.

When it comes to the plot, it was an interesting take on Vlad the Impaler. It was unique and brought in magic. Other famous murderers for blood were also mentioned so overall that was a win for me. As stated before, I thought it would be a bit darker because of the people mentioned. The plot still kept me intrigued so I won't complain.

I am glad I was able to read this book as it was exciting, thrilling, and felt like an Indiana Jones kind of adventure! If that is something up your alley, definitely check this one out!

**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Title The Lady Rogue

Author Jenn Bennett

Description from Amazon

Some legends never die…

Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.

Until Huck arrives from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.

Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it.

Initial Thoughts

Please see my hype post for all of my pre-reading excitement. This book has everything I could ever want in a historical fiction. History, New York and Europe in the late 1930s, romance, treasure hunting. I liken this book to a cross between Lara Croft and Downton Abbey.

Cover Art

I love the cover of this book. I hope the ARC cover is the final cover. It probably is since that’s what Amazon is advertising it with. But, I think the designs and the color scheme is super cool. It’s different from anything else I have.

Favorite Part

I loved all of the wit and humor this book utilizes. I thought it was light and perfect. The characters were all so engaging and I can’t wait to read more about them in what I hope will be future books about them.

Series Value

While there is no evidence to support that this is not going to be a series, there is also no evidence to suggest that it is. The Lady Rogue could very easily be a perfect standalone novel, but, it also has so much potential to turn into an amazing series. I would love to read more about Theo, Huck, and Fox’s adventures.

Final Thoughts

So, funny story about this book. I came home after Book Con 2019 Day 1 and had not obtained an ARC of this book. Slightly bummed, I decided to browse NetGalley. I saw this book was available and immediately applied for it. At least there was a glimmer of hope that I might get to read this beauty early. As luck would have it, I actually got my hands on a physical ARC of The Lady Rogue on Day 2. I was thrilled! My luck actually hadn’t run out because of course, on Monday morning, I was also approved for this book on NetGalley. I have to assume this was a sign that I was meant to read this book.

Sign or not, I absolutely loved it. It is by far my favorite read of 2019 so far and it will take a lot to top it. It had romance, history, humor, and just about everything I worship in good writing.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommendations for Further Reading

Romanov by Nadine Brandes — if you like historical fiction with a bit of magic, you will love Romanov. Nadine Brandes is truly a master of historical fiction and this book has a similar early 1900s eastern European setting.
The Veronica Speedwell Series by Deanna Raybourn — I loved the relationship between Huck and Theo in The Lady Rogue because it reminds me so much of Veronica and Stoker. Once again, set in a semi-similar setting, these books are filled with wit, adventure, and are not to be missed.
Game of Secrets by Kim Foster — this is a less recognized title and I thought it merited some recognition. If you liked the magical adventure aspects of The Lady Rogue along with the copious historical references, you will definitely enjoy Game of Secrets.

I love Jenn Bennett’s YA contemporary romances, so when I saw she was doing one with a comp to Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, I was SO excited!! It absolutely lived up to expectations. The Lady Rogue crosses genres with an engaging story, compelling characters, and as much kissing as you hope for in a Jenn Bennett novel. Really excited for this one to be on shelves and perhaps draw new readers to this super talented author!

Thanks to NetGalley, author, and publisher for an advance copy of this book. 

I have a lot to say about this book...so I think a different post format is in order. 

SPECS

Author: Jenn Bennett

Release Date: September 3, 2019 

Page Count: 384

Summary: 

Some legends never die…

Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.

Until Huck arrives from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.

Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it.

A Calculated Risk

I won't sugarcoat the fact that I've avoided this author's books in the past because a lot of reviews have indicated that it is has much more sexual content than I am comfortable with. Most of her books have stories I'd otherwise probably love, but I don't really enjoy books where...that stuff...is a major part of the plot. So when I requested this book from NetGalley, I knew I might come across some content I didn't want to read and have to DNF. However, I decided it was a risk worth taking because a) I though an adventure story would be a lot less sexually-charged than a high school contemporary and b) THE SUMMARY SOUNDED AMAZING. I was willing to risk it. Was it worth it? Mostly. 

The Pros: Rich Settings, Adventure, and History 

On the plot side, The Lady Rogue was absolutely superb. The treasure hunt aspect of the story was as tense, compelling, and fun as I expected it to be. The various European settings were richly described and I learned a lot about the history and geography of Romania, which I have never known much about, through reading this book. And I loved the way it turned remnants of real history into a compelling fictional storyline - though the author's note explains that the ring never actually existed, it fits into the unedited history of Romania, which Bennett also incorporates, very naturally. The adventure, travel, and treasure hunting were wonderful - no complaints there. Theo and Huck were relatable and fleshed-out characters and the people they met along the way - even their adversaries - were all compelling as well. And the twists! All of the many plot twists were held close enough to the chest to be surprising, but not so close that an observant reader couldn't pick them up. Having somewhat predicted a twist while getting enough wrong to be caught off-guard when the truth was revealed made for a very satisfying reading experience. 

The Cons: As Expected (HEAVY SPOILERS) 

So, let's talk about the romance. 

Huck and Theo were cute, but it was hard to get behind them, for me, because of the way their relationship was set up. Given my intro, it's pretty clear that if there was any sex in this book, I wasn't going to appreciate it. Well, there was, and I didn't. Not on page, mind you (I would have stopped reading if there was, as is my practice), but a previous incident in which Huck and Theodora were caught in the act by her father was the driving force behind most of their interactions, romantic or otherwise. This could have been okay with me if the two had realized that spontaneously getting scandalous was not a good idea for any reason and been able to rekindle their relationship while agreeing not to do so again. But, of course, that wasn't what happened. 

Nope. The ultimate lesson learned? "There was nothing wrong with our irresponsible and ill-advised fling and we should do so again if we ever want to." 

Sigh. 

Yes, Theo's father was wrong to throw Huck out of the house, so they have a point there, but...sigh. I really, really don't like the glorification of the idea that happiness = doing whatever you want without regard for the consequences that this subplot perpetuates. The two were drunk when it happened, for heaven's sake! That in and of itself should be telling. But the book never acknowledges that doing what Huck and Theo did could have had consequences for both of them. It did for Huck, for that matter, but the two both state that the risk was worth it. In coming to that conclusion, the book gives teenagers the green light to act without thinking, believing it's okay as long as it feels good. (Another pervasive modern philosophy I vehemently disagree with.) 

Generally speaking, the sexual content here wasn't explicit (the worst thing in the book was really the profanity), but it's a driving force behind the plot, and the message it sends is one that potentially validates immature decision-making in regards to sex. Not my kind of moral.

Conclusion: Mixed Feelings

This was such a good story - it even made me not mind magic, which I almost always hate! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Really, it would have been easy for this to be a five-star book. It's right up my alley. But I put a lot of stock not only in what a book is, but what it says to its reader; in that area, "The Lady Rogue" wasn't a winner. For that reason, I'll give it a final rating of 4/5.

This is actually my first Jenn Bennett book. I know, I am a little late to the game. But better late then never, right? Jessica loved Jenn's contemporaries works so when I saw that she was going to be releasing a young adult fantasy I was super excited. Plus, look at the detailing on that cover? It is simply stunning and I love it. Long story short I was real excited for this one and I am really sad that I didn't love it as much as I was hoping to.

I always talk about how my biggest thing in a book is being able to connect to the main character or at least the main character being likable, and in all honesty? I didn't find Theo to be relatable or likable at all. I found her to be extremely entitled with no respect for rules or her elders. Theo doesn't even take into account the reasons why Huck had to leave after that night in her room or how they effected him. She only cared about how she was hurt and betrayed and how he left to run away from her. Not that there was a possibility of it being something more.

I was expecting The Lady Rogue to be dark and mysterious and a little heavier on the fantasy aspect then it was. I found it to be more or less a "fluffy fantasy with a witty romance aspect?" If that would be the correct way to characterize it? If you are looking for a fantasy novel with a fun romance aspect that is going to make you laugh and want to re-read parts, The Lady Rogue is going to be perfect for you.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster, the publisher for approving me this title and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I absolutely adored this book! There was literally not a thing about it I did not enjoy. I was swept away from the beginning and loved Theo from the start. Then entered Huck and I found myself in love with the pair. They very much remind me of Audrey Rose and Thomas Cresswell from the Stalking Jack The Ripper Series. That being said I believe anyone who enjoyed that series will love The Lady Rogue! It was filled with adventure and humor and it was so much fun! It definitely gave me Indiana Jones vibes which I loved. There was a brave heroine, magic, folktales, a cursed artifact and explosions. What more could one ask for when hunting for Vlad The Impalers ring? (And Richard Damn Fox) I was absolutely swept away by this book and hope others will be as well when it is released September 3! Also I hope this isn't a standalone because I would love more Theo and Huck adventures!