This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words, for this ARC. Delightful story about loving souls that meet and help each other get through life's trials and tribulations. Well written and easy to read.

A truly delightful read! Author Amelia Grey has written an enchanting story of true love. True, Lady Julia and Garrett Stockton didn't have an easy path to their Happily Ever After, but for the reader it is a very interesting journey to read about. Garrett is a forward-thinking man and respects Julia's yearning to be free and independent. I really liked both characters. This is book #2 in Amelia Grey's First Comes Love series. It is a wonderful addition to the series.

I realize enjoyed this sweet historical romance. Garret and Julia’s characters captured my imagination from beginning to end. The writer has a unique talent of helping the reader visualize what’s happening in the story as you read it. The explanation of details that gave just enough information for you to connect more with what you’re reading. The plot to the story was great. This made me more intrigued to read the story as well as keeping wanting to read what will happen next. The build up of the passion and romance between Garrett and Julia was great. I was looking for a woman with a strong spirit who would be great for the male character and Julia fit that. Garrett, I loved his character. The man knows how to charm a lady and take care of her and well. All in all good book.
I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
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Grey's latest romance novel pairs a roguish businessman with a widow saddled with a controlling father-in-law. I enjoyed the novel, but wish that the characters had given more time for their relationship to grow, as it seemed a bit rushed. An enjoyable read!

If she is able to free herself from her shackles, will she accept his love ...

This is my second read by Mrs Amelia Grey, a lovely story about giving one’s trust and deserving it.
Julia is done with men controlling her every action, she longs for her freedom, to extract herself from her in-law clutches.
And for this, she needs leverage, but she might tread in lurking waters.
So when Garrett presents himself after rescuing her from an embarrassing issue if she had been caught, he seems the man of situation.

Garrett is her complementary soul. When he has refused the easy life stretching in front of him if he accepted his inheritance as a son’s peer. He wanted to be the master of his own life, be the hand and head behind his wealth and success.
Encountering Julia reawakens all he longed for. She fulfills all his dreams, if only she would trust him.

Julia and Garrett are twin minds, they want/wanted their freedom, and while he achieved it, she still struggles about it as there is no real independence for a woman in her time.
Their story is one of small gestures becoming grander, as they work together to free herself and in the meantime they fall for one another.
It is a tale of few actions, more about speculation as the only thing between them is the duke and his overbearing and controlling way.
And while they run after time to unearth a way to release Julia from her father-in-law’s grip, the story is interlaced with moving scenes and full of fun moments like the opening chapter and cooking attempt.

While I would have liked a bit more of actions, the sensual scenes were sweet and Garrett is a wonderful hero, from the very beginning he takes matter in hands and nothing will deter him from his path. I ready it quickly and easily, loving how the storyline unraveled with the growing of the main couple feelings, they really never doubted their sentiments, they just needed a few insights to accept them.
Now I am left curious about the third widow, what is awaiting her in Paris, or elsewhere.
I am dithering between 4 to 4.5 stars, as while I liked the characters, I missed a bit more of action, but the humorous moments also compensated for the lack of big drama.
So it will be a 4.5 stars as I had fun reading Julia and Garrett story, I just wish the next book will be less static.

A special mention for the cover, it reflects perfectly the light spirit of this story.

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher St Martin’s Paperbacks. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Julia thought that being a widow would give her the freedom she always desired however her ex-father-in-law, the Duke, has other ideas. He has very definite opinions on how Julia should look and act and as the paragon of Society his rules are ironclad. If it was just her it would not be so bad but there is no way that she’ll her adorable son behind do Julia is stuck, until she finds out the Duke is not so virtuous as he appears and so Julia is on a quest to find the proof that will set her free. Along the way she meets up with Garrett, a distant son of Society who didn’t want to be dependent on others so he made the “dreaded” choice of becoming a seafarer and getting a job. Garrett is usually out for adventure but one meeting with Julia changes his course. Along their adventures to get the truth they fall more in love with each other. This is a nice soft romance, not a lot of heat or tension between the two lead characters but if you like instaromance this one will be for you. The story also focuses a lot on Julia’s strength as a woman, more so than their relationship. Still a nice quick historical read. 4 stars. I received an arc copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley for my honest review.

Mr. Garrett Stockton met Lady Julia Kitson Fairbright when she was hanging out stuck in a tree. He managed to release her and they made it to the ground safe and sound. Julia had been a widow for four years. She had been forced to live in his father's house both when married and after he was gone.
Her father-in-law did not like her. She has a four-year-old boy, Chatwyn. She needs to get away from the duke.
Garrett owns a fleet of ships and has traveled the world while trading. He is very successful, but he came back for his friend's wedding. But when he met her around the tree he was very impressed. He thought she was lovely and he liked her personality. He just wanted to help her.
From the start, this book pulled me in. It was different but fun. There were some twists to the plot, it kept you interested and entertained. The characters were wonderful and warm. Julia and Garrett
were highly attracted to each other.
I received this Arc from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Lady Kitson finds herself up a tree clutching the onto its limbs waiting for her son's governess to return and her down. Garrett Stockton is taking a ride through the park altering his usual routine after being at sea.

They have an almost immediate attraction but Julia has to deal with, the Duke, her father-in-law's ideas of staying/being a proper widow otherwise he'll take her son away.

Julia is looking for evidence that the Duke isn't as pious as he appears to be. Garrett wants to gain her trust and to help her get out from under the Duke's thumb.

Julia and Garrett are likeable and I was rooting for them from the start.
The Duke turns out to be quite a despicable character. You'll see why towards the end.

This ARC provided by St.Martin's Press/NetGalley

Lady Julia Kitson had climbed the tree to retrieve the butterfly net and was all of a sudden is stuck. Julia tried to be quiet but when Mt. Garrett Stockton shows up under the tree Julia knows she must try to convince Garrett to leave. Of course the blasted man will not leave her alone and continues to stay wanting to talk to her. Garrett then climbs the tree his intent was twofold to not only get Julia out of the tree but to fetch the butterfly net too. Things don’t go as planned and as Garrett and Julia get to know each other while in the tree a strong attraction develops. Julia is also the daughter-in-law to the stiff unbending Duke of Sprogsfield. The relationship between Julia and Garrett is forbidden unless Julia finds something that would bring the perfect law-abiding Duke down. As the mystery thickens Julia finds out much more than she planned which could not only cost her son but everything she holds dear.
What a wonderfully told regency romance that is not just delightful with a captivating story and wonderful characters! This might be the second book in the First Comes Love series but can easily stand alone. The story starts off quite humorously with the heroine in a tree and with much funny episodes and holds your breath moments it truly holds you spellbound until the very last page! Sure, the hurried coupling has very little emotion in it which could just be attributed to physical lust so it is a little distasteful but unforgivable. Even the side sad story of Julia’s best friend makes you wonder what will happen to her and if she will ever recover. Julia the feisty strong-willed heroine is a fantastic heroine; loyal and caring to everyone whether they are friends or family makes you just want to get to know her. While Garrett is a truly swoon-worthy regency knight in shining armor who manages to save Julia but doesn’t impede her either. This is definitely a series that will be well worth reading and hopefully will have more books too!

They meet for the first time up a tree. Julia has gotten herself stuck. Garrett comes along and sees her so he saves her. His reputation is not the best but then he is rarely in London so how could it be from who he really is, Julia Fairbright is a widow with a young son. She is also under the thumb of her husband's father, the duke who thinks he can rule Julia's life by threatening to remove her son from her care if she does not do what he says, Garrett wants to help. She has the school for young ladies to think about too. Julia and her two friends who lost their husbands on the same ship as she lost hers have started the school to give the daughters of those who died the chance to do better with their life. Can Julia and Garrett get around the duke to find happiness?

A good Historical romance with good characters in Julia and Garrett.
Julia is a widow with a small son who is trying to live her own live but is being threaten with the lost of her child if she doesn,t do as her father-in-law say.
She get herself in some funny situations that is how she meets Garrett and the story gets interesting.
Enjoyed reading .
Voluntarily reviewed.

I really enjoyed this book. I've read from the author before and this did not disappoint. Both characters were intriguing and had good chemistry.

The author Amelia Grey created two very intriguing main characters to lead us on a merry chase in Gone With the Rogue book #2 of the First Comes Love series. Julia is looking for her freedom from a domineering controlling father-in-law, the Duke of Sprogsfield who threatens to take away her son if she ever marries. She is always getting in trouble and trying to not get exposed. Clearly, she is a lively woman who just lacks the desire to tow the line to the Duke. She loves her son and does everything possible to keep him with her and safe.

Garrett Stockton has more character in one finger then most men and the author does an outstanding job of portraying who he is integrity wise and socially. It is rather amusing how he reacts to Julia and his desire to assist her in her quest and keep her safe. Garrett is a very intelligent man and it doesn't take him long to figure out what driving Julia's quest.

The reader will find this a fun read that makes them laugh occasionally throughout the book. On the flip side it will also cause an occasionally chest pain for the hurt both these people have but don't share.

I give this 4 STARS for be a fun read.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of Gone with the Rogue by Amelia Grey.

The scene where Julia Fairbright and Garrett Stockton first meet is great. The attraction between them is evident in that first scene and throughout the book. The story focuses mainly on Julia. There is also focus spent on Brina’s, Julia’s friend’s, dilemma. While Brina is a likable character, it would have been nice to have gotten more of Garrett in the story and seen more of what his character is like without it revolving around Julia. I was a bit disappointed in how the situation Julia is up against turns out. There is build up to it but it resolves quickly without much conflict.

The story can be read as a standalone even though it’s part of a series.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable Regency romance.

This was an entertaining historical romance. Julia, a widow with a young son, wants to live an independent wife, but her father-in-law insists on continuing to oversee every aspect of his grandson's life. Garrett is a dedicated man of the sea - until he meets Julia. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is the second in a series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Gone With the Rogue by Amelia Grey is the second novel in the First Comes Love Series. Julia Fairbright just wanted to reach the net and free the butterfly. She didn’t expect to be caught by her collar in the tree. Garrett Stockton came by, saw her, saved her and now wants her.

Julia’s life is very circumspect as she has a young son and her son’s grandfather is very strict and is not allowing her any freedom. She knows that The Duke is not as good as he tries to make people believe. She overheard a tibbit and now is searching for proof.
Garrett Stockton is not willing to give up and agrees to help Julia. Together, the sparks fly and all starts to seem hopeless.

Gone With the Rogue was a fun read. The strictures around a widow’s life are pretty strong during this time period. I enjoyed Julia and her friends. Their determination to find a new way forward which is not expected was a key element in the novel. Gone With the Rogue by Amelia Gray was a good read.

Cute story, but nothing overwhelmingly special. Garrett and Julia fall for each other fast and I did really enjoy the way they met. After that, the rest of the story was just okay. This is a sweet read with a touch of angst!

I couldn't get past the first 9%. The whole stuck-in-the-tree incident was cringe-worthy and Garrett and Lady Kitson getting all hot and bothered while trying to get down was as unromantic and far-fetched as any plotline I've ever read. If you can't capture your reader at the introduction you are sunk, unfortunately.

While this is billed as book number two in a series, you do not need to have read the prior one in order for this one to make sense. In fact, aside from a brief mention of the characters from the first novel, this one focuses on the two remaining widows, both with life-altering choices ahead of them.

One of the things that felt completely off and unrealistic to me was Julia's reactions to Garrett. We are told time and again that she is utterly under the thumb of her father-in-law. His word is the law and any deviation to that will result in a swift punishment (namely he will take her son away from her). And yet, she not only kisses Garrett where any nosy neighbor could see them, but she also has sex with him in her father-in-law's house? On the floor? Granted the man isn't there yet, but that is hardly the point. Time and again, she throws all caution to the wind to be with him even knowing what that will mean if she is caught. I just wasn't buying that.

I enjoyed Garrett's character only slightly more. He seemed to jump into wanting her/loving her pretty darn quickly (within a week if that), but I did enjoy the selfless way he was willing to do anything he could to help her (even if it came to doing something he was adamant that he didn't want to do).

Together, they had their moments, but I much preferred reading about Julia's friend Brina. I felt like her character's story at times overshadowed the main story. She had her own choices to face, and I'm curious as to how the author is going to choose to resolve them.

In talking about the characters, I feel like I have given away enough of the plot that people can decide for themselves whether or not they want to read this one (although I have to add if you are familiar with the term hurry up and wait you will see a lot of that in the plot as far as getting things done).

Overall, I think the author has potential, and a lot of people will enjoy this story, it just wasn't a favorite for me.

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 my first Amelia Grey. This book reads fine as a standalone having not read book #1.

This book started out absolutely amazing. I was totally in love with everything. It starts with the heroine, Julia, playing in the park with her 4 year old son and getting stuck in a tree while trying to get his butterfly net out. She meets the hero, Garret, this way while waiting for her son and maid to go get help. I adored that scene. It was such a wonderful meeting, a bit silly and somehow built this beautiful tension between the characters. Established their personalities enough that you knew being a mother was important to Julia, as well as her reputation, yet she longed for more freedom and how Garret has been searching for something to help him settle down (he has been a sailor for many years) and thinks he finds it in Julia.

I really think you should try this book if you like
~not overly explicit sex scenes. There were 2 scenes I believe and while I prefer a lot more detail and explicitness, I couldn't deny some beautiful prose in them. Very focused on the feeling and emotions and not the mechanics of it. If you like sweet books or fade to black this might work for you as well, they were well done in that aspect.
~A solid hero. Not sure what word would be best to describe him. Devoted? He is wholeheartedly there for his heroine, no matter what. He's not casting off marriage for some awful reason we all roll our eyes at, he's not trying to dupe his dad with a sham marriage, he is just infatuated with Julia and it never wavers until it becomes a full love.
~The hero rescues heroine trope. While she's not totally defenseless, her sex and time period have left her little options to help herself. The hero helps save her from her troubles.
~You like a widow or a mother as a heroine. Julia was also a vegetarian and I found that unique.

If that is enough to intrigue you, I suggest you give it a try. I, however, am extremely picky and the book kept losing it's steam and my interest as I read on. Specific spoilers ahead regarding my dislikes, please avoid if you don't want to know!
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After all the tension and build up I was a little disappointed in the scenes. They were short and not descriptive, but I know that works better for some people.

The main problem is that Julia wants her freedom from the duke, her father in law. He is very controlling and won't give her any freedom unless she relinquishes her son to be raised by him. It was a good plot...at first. But it took over the whole book for me, it was always about the duke, worrying about the duke, talking about the duke, hypothesizing about the duke, plotting against the duke, planning to fight the duke, and the duke doesn't enter the book until the end. And the conflict is resolve in one short conversation. I was not expecting that and after all of that emotional drama it was rather a let down.

Julia bothered me quite a bit towards the end. I thought one of her choices with her son was ridiculous especially after all of her drama with the way her sons tutor acted. Not that she did the same things, but it all came down to the same logic – he was too young to be treated like that. I really disagreed with one of her decisions. I also felt like she truly didn't understand the hero's love by the end of the book. The fact that she assumed he was trying to take her away from her son after everything he had said and down to protect them made me feel like she knew him not at all. I will say I liked the epilogue and it made them seem like they really were having a happy ever after so that made me feel a bit better.