It took me a long time to read this book; I struggled with the first third or so. After that initial struggle, I really enjoyed this book. I loved Max and Bianca; the evolution of their relationship was well done. I loved the side characters in the story, the cricket match, and Perusia; they added a richness to the book I quite enjoyed. The bonus story was delightful.

I enjoyed the 1st book in Caroline Linden's new series. I thought Max was a wonderful character. I loved his interactions with Bianca. This was an intriguing premise for a series. I love when a historical author takes readers out of the ballroom and explores other faucets of life in this time period. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

Linden did a masterful job of setting the stage for her latest series, Desperately Seeking Duke.

About a Rogue tells the story of one of the potential heirs to the Dukedom of Carlyle, Maximilian St. James. Ever the gambler, Max decides to use his newly found connection to the Duke of Carlyle to propose an advantageous marriage to the daughter of a successful pottery factory owner, Samuel Tate. His intended marriage to Tate’s oldest daughter did not go as planned leaving him with Tate’s other daughter, Bianca, as his new wife. Not the gentle, docile lady like her sister, Bianca’s quick wit and open disdain for St. James creates an interesting marriage and business relationship to say the least. About a Rogue brings readers along for the ride of how a passionate dislike for someone can quickly turn into a passionate love.

Bianca and Max's is a great love story. It's very much a slow burn story so be prepared, but it's worth the wait once it gets steamy. I really enjoyed the main characters story arcs. Max learning to value himself and Bianca learning to trust. I'll definitely read more from this author. A five star read!

There's also a cute novella at the end with Jeannine and Kit, the lady's maid and valet's, love story.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Amazing read and truly deserving of 5 Full Teacups! We first meet Lady Carlyle at the death of yet another son, the last heir to the Carlyle estate. She realizes there must be an heir to take over Carlyle estate and since her son has died she is left to chose from three distant cousins. So, she decided to summon them all to Carlyle estate. One is a soldier, who is the most promising of the three, another who is a Frenchman, the least promising as they aren't even sure if he can be located, and then there is Maximillian St. James a gambler. After being summoned only the soldier and Max show up. She gives them each a sum of money and they have six months to prove themselves worthy of earning that money and they also must get married. Max has in mind exactly who he'll marry, he goes to the Tate's where he offers to marry Mr. Tate's daughter Cathy but Cathy doesn't love Max, she loves another and her sister Bianca is outraged that her father would pair her with such a rogue. So, she offers to take Cathy's place instead and let Bianca marry her love. The fake marriage goes off without a hitch that is until Bianca feels very drawn to the rakish Maximillian St. James. Will she allow herself to love him? Will he gain the Carlyle Dukedom in the end or end up gambling his life away?


This story was just riveting and kept me glued to the pages, sipping tea long into the wee hours of the morning! I absolutely loved Lady Carlyle, she reminded me of my grandmother, all decked out with her rings, fancy gowns, and sassy spirit. She definitely added a lot to this great tale and I'd love to see more characters like her! A remarkable story and one I would most highly recommend!

When Bianca helped her sister elope with someone other than her intended, she never imagined that she would end up married to the man that should have been her sister's husband. Never having thought to marry, Bianca plans to carry on just as she always has working in the family ceramics business and ignoring the man she has married.

Finally finding a way to make something of himself, Max jumps at the chance to join the Tat family and be part owner in their family business. It didn't matter to him which sister he married, so when he is suddenly facing a different bride at the alter, it didn't phase him. He knows his new wife has a low opinion of him, so he sets out to show her that he is more than his past.

While Bianca and Max try navigating their marriage, they soon learn there is much more to the other than they had previously thought. Can this marriage of convenience turn into one of true love?

I really enjoyed Max and Bianca's story. It was a nice change of pace to have most of it set away from the antics of the to as well of both the H/H have jobs. I like watching Max and Bianca come to see who the other truly was and to watch their love grow from that. This was a great start to a new series and I can't wait to see what Linden comes up with next!

About a Rogue by Caroline Linden is a delightful read. It has a deep, rich storyline with well developed characters who grow and develop throughout the story. Love the female lead and her feisty personality. And the leading man is also not what everyone expects, or at least not all the time. Put some time aside for this one as you won’t want to put it down.

When Maximilian “Max” St. James learns that he is now the spare to the heir for the Duke of Carlyle, a title he never expects to inherit, he gladly take the money the Duchess offers and sets out to change his life. After years of scraping by as a gambler, he has been presented with an opportunity to marry into the very profitable Tate Family Pottery Works. He likes Samuel Tate, his future father in law and his bride to be, Catherine is lovely, demure and will be the perfect wife for a marriage of convenience. For the first time in as long as he can recall – things are going his way – until they aren’t!

Bianca Tate is the younger Tate sister and knows that Catherine “Cathy” doesn’t want to marry Max and helps her run away with Robert Mayne, a curate, when their father won’t listen to reason. Mr. Tate likes Max and likes his connection to the ton even better, so when he learns that Cathy ran off and Bianca helped her, he tells her that if she doesn’t marry Max, they will probably lose a quarter of the business that he promised Max. Unwilling to let a fortune hunting rake take her inheritance, she agrees to marry him. And when Max is informed of the bride change, he too agrees. But he quickly realizes, marriage to Bianca will be nothing like being married to the Cathy!

Bianca is determined to dislike Max and to prove that he is just a fortune hunter, but at every turn Max surprises her. He is clever, intelligent, handsome and motivated. As much as she hates to admit it, she is beginning to admire him and there is no denying that she is attracted to him. For his part, Max has been lusting for Bianca since the wedding, but he wants more that a dutiful wife, he wants the passion he see burning in her and won’t settle for anything less than her complete surrender. Things begin to change for the better between them when they travel to London, but Max is keeping secrets and just when it seems like life is perfect, his world comes crashing down and he may lose the woman he has come to love with his whole heart.

I really enjoyed this story, it is well written, flows nicely and is hard to put down. The book has likeable characters, steamyish love scenes, secrets, surprises and a twist or two that you won’t see coming, as well as a bonus novella featuring Max’s valet and Bianca’s maid. If I could change anything, I would have liked a bit more finality to his aunt’s situation, but overall, it is a fantastic read and a great start to a new series that I am happy to recommend.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by the publisher.*

About a Rogue is the first book in a series called Desperately Seeking Duke by Caroline Linden. Each book will be stand-alone and it will end with a happy ending.

It's been a while since I read a historical romance that I actually enjoyed. When it comes to Bianca and Max's relationship the first thing that pops in my mind is how natural their relationship felt and that it was true romance. As I was reading the book I thought that their romance was realistic and that's how it should be done.

Neither Max nor Bianca are perfect, but also, they are not bad. They have flaws that only made their character growth more prominent. Their relationship doesn't begin in an ideal way, they got married under some weird circumstance and at first glance, they are not a good couple together. Yet, looks can be deceiving and after they got to know each other better they found they have many things in common.

The book had some good and some bad things happening. I didn't really like having women from Max's past speak to Bianca and I am a firm believer that past lovers should not be mentioned. I cannot mention the good events because they are spoilery which is sad. Another thing I liked was that little angst in the end that was the cherry on top of this cake.

Overall, I enjoyed this book very much and I would recommend it!

Review originally posted at Romancing Romances.

I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.


So, I read a few contemporaries before this (some very good, one not so good), and I was in need of a historical that you bring me the will to read again. This book definitely did it.

About a Rogue is an enemies to lovers story, and I have to say I really enjoyed it, as usual with Caroline Linden’s books.

I really liked the main couple, Bianca was just the right amount of fiery, and Max was a wonderful man trying to win his bride over.

There’s a bit of mystery at the end of the story, and I have to be honest – I did not expect that! Which is good, in case anyone is wondering.

Bianca fierce love for her sister and her work was very amazing, and even if her decision to marry Max was made in the spur of the moment, she kept to it, and even if she didn’t want to fall in love, and actually trying to prevent it, she also realized when it was time to just let go, which I really enjoyed, as I prefer stories where people are not so stubborn that they only realize they love one another in a death or life situation.

Max was indeed a rogue, but he’s so much more than that. He’s an intelligent man, with a head for figures, and he’s very good at business adventures. And he also knows how to best engage with Bianca, without ever forcing her or imposing on her, he simply makes himself known, and actually does the work for both the business and the love relationship.

The conflict at the end could have spiralled out of control if handled differently, but I think the author did just the right thing. Yes, Max hid something from Bianca (and her family), but he had a good reason for it, and I like that Bianca is slightly sad that he didn’t trust her, but not exactly hurt, because she understands him and his reasons.

The book ended up being a quick read, and was just right for my mood.

Looks can be deceiving, especially when feelings enter the equation. Linden has a flair for the dramatic that tends to draw readers in by the heart. About a Rogue is a fairytale in training that outshines even the most classic of them all.

This was such a wonderful book. I love Caroline Liden's historical romances. This is an enemies to lovers romance.

Biance marries Max(the duke) so that her sister can marry the man she loves. Bianca never wanted to get married but she wants her sister to be happy. Max doesn't care which sister he marries.

Bianca has put her whole life into her fathers poetry shop. She isn't going to just let Max take it over with out a fight. Max was more level headed than Bianca. She was fire and passionate. While Max was more patient and willing to wait to win in the end. I really loved both of these characters. Both are headstrong and aren't afraid to go after what they want. I loved watching them come together.

What I really loved about this book and alot of Linden's books is that it didn't take place in ballrooms. It gives you a taste of the world outside of the ton.. I mean Max is a duke so the ton is there there but it wasn't the focus of this book and I loved that.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I adore Ms Linden and this book was so much fun to read. Bianca is an amazing heroine. She’s a bit prickly, extremely smart and very busy savvy. If you like strong females then this book is for you as she helps run her father’s very successful business. Her family has money but they are not ‘society’.

Max, our hero, is a potential heir to a duke dome and has to prove he can marry well/marry money. He’s after Bianca’s older sister but ends up with Bianca instead!

Max grows on you fairly quickly and he’s got a past he’s not proud of. The romance is a slow burn sort of hate to love. There’s a mystery and a bit of danger involved which are done perfectly in my opinion.

Everything about this book was satisfying. It flowed well, excellent characters development and some side characters I’ll be eager to hear more from.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book very much and cant wait to read something else by Caroline Linden.
Max has just found out that he is 2nd in line for a dukedom. He knows that the chances of him actually becoming duke are slim since the heir is young and healthy but he can leverage his new connections into a marriage.
The only problem is the Carherine does not want to marry him because she is in love with the local curate.
So Bianca decides to marry him instead. Her sister will get to marry the man she loves and Bianca can protect her company from Max.
Max quickly demonstrates that he wants to work with her in the factor and will not be satisfied with a chaste marriage.
Bianca was a strong character and her anger and frustration was understandable. Max is a great character who wants to better himself when he gets the opportunity and desperately wants a home and family.
This book has elements and is reminiscent of The Taming of the Shrew. You wont regret reading it.

I thought that this was a really wonderful read and an excellent way to start this new series. The story is fun and engaging and the characters compelling. I loved how well balanced these characters were. Each of them were strong and interesting enough to more than carry their weight of the story and go toe-to-toe with each other and make you believe it! Bianca was fierce and firmly her own woman. I sympathized with her and found her refreshing. I adored her spunkiness, intelligence, talent, and determination. Max was a charming rogue with multiple layers to discover and explore. I thought he was clever and had a good guy heart. Together these two made a couple that was fun to watch and so easy to root for. I eagerly look forward to more from this series.

About a Rogue is the first book in the new series Desperately Seeking Duke and it was a hit! It had an interesting storyline, wonderful characters, and it was easy to read. The series is based the Duchess of Carlyle had lost a son and did not think the potential heirs were up to the task of taking care of the Carlyle heritage. Therefore, she takes steps to ensure they can.
Bianca Tate’s family had owned Perusia, a manufacturer of pottery for several generations. When her father announces he had arranged a marriage between her sister, Cathy, and Mr. Max St. James, Bianca could not believe it. She helped Cathy to elope before the wedding, never dreaming she would become the bride.
Max was impressed by Perusia and he saw an opportunity for a successful business partnership. Max was a known gambler, but he had contacts in Society that would help him improve the business. He agreed to the change in bride knowing that was the only way he could be a part of Perusia.
Max knew Bianca thought the worse of him but he was determined to win her affection and respect. Bianca might have married Max but she had no plans of their marriage ever being real. Bianca is impressed with Max’s ideas to grow the company and slowly comes to know and admire him. I really enjoyed the book and I cannot wait for the next book. The ending of this book leads you right into the next book.

3.5 Stars

Slow start with a rewarding finish.

A reminder to readers, I typically don’t read blurbs before I select books for review. I often select by author and title alone and sometimes get to see a cover. Therefore, having enjoyed Linden’s books in the past I went into this one without having a clue about the story — I almost DNF’d it.

Thankfully, I made myself a note give this book one more chapter and I’m glad I did.

Maximillian St. James has just found out that he’s second in line to a dukedom. He’s a rogue and always on the hunt for money, so imagine his good fortune when the Duchess of said dukedom is willing to give him an allowance to improve his behavior, get married, and lead a life worthy of a duke. Setting his sights on at least the middle one, St. James seeks a marriage with biddable bride who will get him a stake in a successful business. Only problem, the bride elopes leaving St. James to marry her sister, Bianca.

A shrew with keen business sense and a temper to match, Bianca never thought to marry. She’s too focused on what she loves the most her family’s ceramics business, which is why she agrees to marry St. James in the first place, to save the family business from being lost due to breach of contract.

This right here is where I got hooked. Enemies to loves, bring it on. Of course, it was less enemies and more stubborn parties to lovers. St. James is the rogue with a heart of gold, he’s not what he seems on the surface and I enjoyed it; a breath of fresh air from the typical rogues and rakes who own their monikers. Bianca was a bit harder to adjust to, but that’s probably because I got to live inside St. James head. This made me contemplate unlikable heroines, and honestly, it’s not that I disliked Bianca, it’s that I wanted to give her a chance.

As for subplots, there are a couple, including one from St. James that caught me off guard and a villainous jerk that I absolutely enjoyed hating. Everything does come together in the end, and there is little surprise or twist to how things work out. Though I will say there seemed to be a double black moment, and I enjoyed this alternative ending to the romance.

Bianca and St. James falling for each other is delightful and it’s kicked off with St. James and this enjoyable tidbit.

“Of course it won’t be,” he said. “Someday you’ll come to me—” She gasped in fury. “—and when you do, it will be for pleasures that most women only dream of.”

Pleasures that most women only dream of is the phrase that keeps Bianca up at night and as the story unfolds this is what replays in her mind as she falls for St. James, who unlike Bianca’s other male figures in her life, wants to be a partner to Bianca, not a restraint.

I could probably unpack this story a bit more, but I’ll say that it’s worth the slog through the slow start to get to the meat. I’m interested to see how the rest of the series plays out and a bonus, there’s an extra short story at the end. For readers who enjoy Lenora Bell and Miranda Neville.

~ Landra

This was a good historical romance with some tiny twists and turns. I like the main heroine. I liked the plot. I was thinking at times the book progressed slow, but that did not discourage me because by next chapter the plot quicken and things were going good! I liked it.

About a Rogue by Caroline Linden is book One in the Desperately Seeking Duke Series. This is the story of Maximilian St. James and Bianca Tate. Max had proposed marriage to Cathy which her father agreed along with getting some parts of the family pottery company. But Cathy was in love with another which lead Bianca to help Cathy elope with her love. Bianca wants to inherit the family business so she is totally upset that her father had given a portion to his 'son-in law'. So Bianca steps in to be the wife to Max. Max didn't think one sister or the other would matter but now that he gets to know Bianca he is finding that she is everything he could ever want. Enjoyed their story. I will be reading more from this author.

Caroline Linden has a wonderful talent for writing beautiful stories that are easy and entertaining to read, this one is no exception.The two main characters are very well developed and I found my heart breaking and healing right along with them.

There is great chemistry and tension between them. I loved both Bianca and Max, even though Max was a bit of a mystery through the story. I loved that Bianca was so outspoken, always bubbly and witty. And then there is Max, her husband, who is cool as a cucumber and seems to hide his inner feelings. But what is refreshing is most times they are honest with each other even though it is a contractual relationship. Their story is not a case of insta-love, or even insta-attraction. It took time for them to feel and believe in their couple. The slow, but gradual change in both of them, was believable and wonderful to read.

Maximilian St. James is the distant cousin of a duke. Without a direct heir, the dukedom will pass to one of the distant cousins of the duke, with a considerable fortune attached to the estate. Max has a short period of time to establish himself as the person capable of preserving the dukedom’s legacy and to find a suitable bride. Bianca’s father has built a successful business and his daughter’s marriage to a gentleman would consolidate his new status in society. Neither of them wants to be married to the other, their marriage is a business arrangement. At first, Bianca enjoys letting Max know she thinks little of him, but he provokes her curiosity and her antipathy slowly weakens. She comes to realize he is not the person she imagined him to be. I loved watching their interactions and I was invested in their story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's the romantic journey of two strangers walking into a situation by obligation and ending up being a perfect match. It ended rather abruptly in my opinion, but I am sure there is more to come in this new series.