"A Rogue of One's Own" is an enjoyable sequel to "Bringing Down the Duke." Like the previous book in this series, it follows another member of a group of women suffragists in 1870s England. This novel centers around Lucie, who appeared briefly in "Bringing Down the Duke." She is the partial owner of a publishing house and focused on women's rights. A childhood acquaintance, Tristan Ballentine, becomes another owner, angering Lucie and bringing them back into each others' lives. Tristan is a wealthy bachelor with a reputation, and they have a love/hate relationship. Their romance is one of antagonism, banter, and a battle of wits, and it is well done. My favorite part of this book was the character of Lucie, who lives life on her own terms and struggles with her independence, intelligence, and loneliness.

Is it possible I loved this even more than I loved Bringing Down the Duke? Yes, yes it is. Something about Lucie’s fierce independent spirit just spoke to me on such a deep level.

To Lucie, there is nothing more important than the Cause. Gaining rights for women: the right to vote, the right to move about freely as a man can, the right to not be treated as property if married.

Tristan, on the other hand, cares about very little save his mother and maintaining his independence from his father. He’s allowed his reputation as a rogue to run rampant through the streets of London, and across the UK.

Lucie and Tristan have known each other for years, and their interactions have always left something to be desired.

But then, by chance these two collide, and the results? Fireworks. But fireworks can be dangerous, and their connection has the power to explode both of their lives in spectacular fashion. Or, it could end up being the thing that saves them both from themselves.

A Rogue of One’s Own was the most perfect follow up to Bringing Down the Duke. Dunmore does such a fabulous job of transporting the reader into late-1800s Britain and making them feel as if they are walking right alongside the characters through their highs and lows.

While I really enjoyed most of the writing, the characters and the story in the book, as an Indian reviewer I can’t ignore the blatant disrespect of a Hindu god within the text and the use of my religion as an exotic plot point by a British colonizer.

3.5 stars

I'm still fairly new to the historical romance genre, but it's fast becoming one of my favorites. I love all the pining, yearning, and meaningful glances. A Rogue of One's Own definitely delivered on these fronts, but it was also a much more emotional and heavy novel than I was anticipating.

What I liked:
- Lucie and Tristan's banter. These two gave as good as they got and I loved their witty jabs and comebacks. It's a slow burn between these two, but I loved their shared history and that they knew each other as children.
- The information and insight about the Women's Suffrage Movement. It was enlightening and truly heartbreaking. It seems worlds away to how I am currently able to live my life, but it's hard to believe that it actually wasn't that long ago in history.
- The strong female friendships. I love this group of women and how they rally and come to each other's aid. It was especially wonderful to see Annabelle and Sebastian again and get a little update on how they're doing.

What didn't quite work:
*****SPOILER*****





- Some of the secondary characters were very cookie cutter and not really explored/fleshed out. The sexuality of one specific character was a plot point and I'm not really sure why it was relevant or necessary to the story. He was portrayed in a very contrived and negative way. The author did try to draw parallels to the similar challenges and constraints his sexuality and women's suffrage share, but it really left me more confused than anything.
- The use of Hindu deities. I do not know very much at all about Colonial India or the Hindu religion, but what occurs in the book was enough to make me question why it was necessary to include this in the story and why it needed to play such a pivotal role in the final conflict. After discussing it with a friend and hearing her personal perspective, I definitely feel it was unnecessary and in poor taste to have this in the book.
- The pacing of the book. It was a slow start for me and took a while to feel invested in the characters/story. Things definitely picked up in the second half, but I think that might be too late for some readers.
- I'm never a fan of the reformed manwhore and it took time for Tristan to win me over. He ended up being a great anti-hero though and my heart definitely broke for him a few times throughout the book. He also gave some pretty good grovel, so that's a plus too ;)
***** END SPOILER*****



Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I was rooting for Tristan and Lucie to find a way to overcome all the obstacles in their lives. I'm looking forward to Hattie's story next!

CW: death of a child/sibling, PTSD, depression, child and domestic abuse

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

3.5 stars!

Should I start with the bad and end with the good?

Cons:
The pacing of the book was relatively slow. I remember thinking that I could probably skip a chapter or two and not lose the thread of the story. On Kindle, I would say that I was invested at about 55% through.
The drama didn't seem all that dramatic. I didn't feel the angst. I think it was because I was trying to follow all the sufferage movement aspects of the book.
Lucie seemed irrationally angry at times. I couldn't quite pinpoint what she was so mad about other than she was a woman that wanted rights.

Pros:
LOVED our hero. I liked that he was described as irresistible and also had a little bi-sexual vibe going on. It made him seem more sexually fluid, and that worked for what the character needed to be.
Evie Dunmore is fast becoming an author that I would automatically buy from in the future. She knows how to weave a story, but where she excels is dialogue and banter. She also writes a fantastic sexy time scene. When reading romance, sometimes words get used that makes me go, "Ew!" So far, not happening in these books! Ding dong, well done!

Overall, I enjoyed it and am excited for book #3 next year!

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this as a follow up to the first book. The characters were smart and easy to like. The romance was believable and very well done. I would be happy to read more from this author. I bought myself a copy on preorder.

I loved the love story, but really struggled with Lucie. While I understand that she was meant to be dealing with personal insecurities and past experiences, I had a hard time liking her and was frustrated with her for most of the book. The love story was great. The cause is so important, but found that the book was more about the cause than the rom com I was expecting.

I really enjoyed Bringing Down the Duke last year, and A Rogue of One’s Own was just as fantastic. What I like about these books is that though they have a historical setting there is a very modern feminist message.

Lucie is a formidable woman, cast out because of her radical suffrage ideals. She has no trouble making it on her own, and resigned herself to life as a spinster, acknowledging that taking a husband could be construed as a bit hypocritical. I liked that this book sort of took on the whole “having it all” idea just in a historical setting.

While Lucie is certainly a trailblazer in some respect Tristan is even more so. Yes, he is a bit of a playboy, and I did think he’s intentions may not have been entirely honorable, he respects Lucie. And she certainly believes in her and her ideals. I also liked that this book did a good job of showing that while many women, especially historically, were basically sold off into marriage, their arrangements weren’t always what the men wanted either.

What kept me from giving this book a 5 was the handling of the gay character. That whole storyline just didn’t sit well with me, and honestly, I think the book would have been better without it.

If you enjoy historical romance, and smart feisty women this book is for you!

Lady Lucie has decided that her suffragists need to stage a coup against Parliament! One way to accomplish that is to buy a publishing house and Lucie does just that. What Lucie doesn't anticipate is that Lord Tristan Ballentine owns half of the publishing house. Lord Ballentine would gladly give over reign to Lucie on one condition - a night in his bed.

From the beginning I enjoyed the banter between Lucie and Tristan. There was such great chemistry every time they were on the same page. I love how strong and confident Lucie was and that she didn't back away from a challenge - especially not one put forth by Tristan.

Both Tristan and Lucie have such deep hurts inflicted upon them. They both seem in charge and in control, but they've been hurt badly in their past from people that were supposed to love them unconditionally. When Lucie and Tristan show their vulnerabilities to one another - I loved them even more!

While I did enjoy the romance aspect of A Rogue of One's Own I do feel like it was a very slow start to their relationship. I understand that Lucie is a suffragist and working on her movement is very important to her, but I still felt like there was a lot of inner monologue from both her and Tristan. There were some aspects of the book that didn't really work for me or felt off. While I enjoyed the romantic aspect of the book - enemies-to-lovers is definitely my favorite trope - I do feel like there was a lot of other stuff going on in the book that took away from it some.

I'm looking forward to Hattie's book next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

3.5 stars rounded up

In an effort to gather support for the British suffragist movement, the leader, Lady Lucinda “Lucie” Tedbury has finally bought into a publishing house, hoping to use the publications to further their cause. Lucie is passionate about women’s rights and won’t let anyone or anything stand in her way. But her well-ordered plans hit a road block in the shape of Tristian Ballentine, Viscount Ballentine. A man that has been the bane of her existence for years and apparently her new publishing partner.

Tristian is an unrepentant rake, who wants Lucie and is not shy about using her desires to obtain his own – but there is more to Tristian than meets the eye and the reader will be surprised by his depth. Tristian offers Lucie a deal – he will let her have control of the publishing house – if she is willing to spend a night in his bed. Lucie is no wilting violet and is willing to “sacrifice” herself for her cause – but is it really a sacrifice and when Tristian needs saving, will she be willing to surrender her power to save him?

I thought this was a well-written, nicely paced novel. Tristian and Lucie are complex characters and have an undeniable chemistry. The book is very history and fact heavy and at times I felt the “romance” got pulled under by the strong political current. I loved Tristian and despite being a man-ho, I found him to be easy to like, but Lucie was a little harder for me to warm up to – I like strong, empowered heroines, but sometimes they are a bit too much and that was how I felt about Lucie, I admired her dedication to her cause, but she did come across as a bit caustic. Overall, I enjoyed this story and would recommend it. It is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand-alone title.

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

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was funny, romantic, and still stood out against the rest. I was hesitant that the second book in the series could be as good as the first was, but Evie Dunmore surprised me.

This enemies-to-lovers installment in the series was witty, sexy, and funny. I was truly charmed by all of it, and really enjoyed my time with the book.
Lucie and Tristan were steam with a little bit of forbidden love, and that was like catnip to me! I couldn't get enough of them!
As always with the series, it has a huge focus on women's rights, and that is always nice to see in historical romances, as for a long time it wasn't the case. These books are empowering in a way that was unexpected for me, and I love the series a lot.
Please check this one out! I am intentionally being vague, because I feel like the less you know, the more enjoyable it will be for you! If you enjoyed the first book, Bringing Down the Duke, I think you will enjoy this one as well.

This is hands down one of my new favorite historical romances. A whip-smart, sizzling enemies to lovers affair with strong female driven characters, a rakishly handsome anti-hero, and villains you love to hate!

A lively and entertaining novel with lots of steam! I loved every second of it! This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

Blurb: Lucie has been working hard for the suffragist cause with her fellow female friends and bought a major publishing house to help move along the cause. Little does she know, her childhood archenemies has also bought shares in the company and the two go head to head trying to take control.

The banter and steam is off the charts between these two and I was rather surprised I enjoyed a historical romance for once. Most of the historical romances I’ve been reading as of late are either cheesy or unbelievable, but this is neither. The characters are downright adorable, the plot is action driven, and I really fell in love with this whole group of women.

Most of all, Tristan won me over hardcore. There’s really something to be said for a book boyfriend who is both devoted and continuously enraptured over a life time. The reveals in this book are downright swooney and my heart was physically hurting because I was deeply invested in this love scandal. A delicious and exciting romance that is page-turning and binge worthy!

Book Two in the series follows the story of Lady Lucie, the leader of the Oxford suffragettes. I loved the story of this strong woman, and the “hate to love” story with Tristan, her nemesis from youth. After finishing book one recently, I was certain I couldn’t like book two as much with a new set of main characters. I was wrong - I enjoyed it just as much. I recommend reading the first book first, however, this could be read as a stand alone. Another winner by Evie Dunmore! Now I can’t wait until 2021 when the next installment in the series is published.

Lady Lucie is the estranged daughter of an earl who has dedicated her life to promoting the rights of women. She is busy and passionate, and has no time for romance. When the purchase of the majority shares of a publishing house that is going to be used for women's suffrage is thwarted by a viscount, she now has to consider the feelings of the opposite sex. She is on a mission, and takes no prisoners. This book was delightful, romantic, and features smart women. This romance has got it all.

This hate to love romance was so much fun! Lucie was an enjoyable protagonist that you just want to root for, and Tristan is such a sweet cinnamon roll. The details of 19th century London were phenomenal.

With each one having its own special goal to reach, do they have room for an affair ...

During the early half of my reading I was unsure of my feelings about this second book. I liked Tristan but had more reservations about Lucie.
She is not an easy person to love, she is brash, impertinent, jaded and quite bitter. Then slowly like someone peeling an oignon, layer after layer she is explained, dissected under Mrs Dunmore’s inked scalpel. Each side of her character is explained and makes sense. She is a warrior, a fighter, the soldier battling an enemy’s army with the sole purpose of winning, not for herself but on behalf of a cause she deems right. She takes no prisoners but is as harsh with herself.
While Tristan is presented in a brighter light at first until his flaws are displayed along the storyline, what some of his personality’s traits were endearing him in everyone’s eyes, in fact they also enhanced his faults and failings. He is an engaging and charming character but his carelessness at time hurt many people.
Sure his lasting infatuation for Lucie showcases him as a victim, wrongly faulted by her ire, and in some way, he was her fall guy, the public image of everything she loathed in a man. And even if he never caused her true harm until he is, he also hurt others because he is someone who enjoys then discards.
Mrs Dunmore narrates a wondrous and wholesome tale of two very different persons, each with its own agenda but who meet halfway. Until it is not enough. But trust must be earned, and when it is challenged, can forgiveness be won.
5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Berkley, Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

What a gloriously fun and passionate book. Historical romances so rarely work for me, but this was exquisite. I adored Lucie as she was so passionate and was willing to fight for women's rights when it was not popular to do so. Tristan was a rogue after my own heart. I cannot believe how happy this book made me. I really need to read the first book now.

This was an absolutely fabulous read. Dunmore is excellent at writing layered, nuanced characters, that don't seem foreign in the time period that this book is taking place. The plot is solid, the romance has an amazing build up, and the other characters in the novel are well thought out as well.

Also, unlike a lot of historical romance, Dunmore does her research on the time period in relation to the suffrage movement of the last Victorian era. I enjoy that she throws little historical easter eggs into the story line in order to give her story more weight.

I would recommend this book to any historical romance/fiction fans, because Dunmore, to me, seems to be one of the genres rising stars.

Lucie is considered an “old spinster”. She’s a headstrong woman and spends most of her time working hard for the suffragist movement. She has finally scraped together enough capital to buy one of London’s major publishing houses with one goal in mind - use it in a coup against Parliament. But one person stands her in way, her nemesis - the charming Lord Ballantine. He’s willing to hand over the publishing house on one condition - Lucie spend the night in his bed. While Lucie tries to resist Tristan and outwit his games, she minds herself wondering how much longer she can keep the game up before it becomes reality.

Tristan is the hero of this story. He’s such a bad boy with a scandalous past. But behind every bad boy is someone with a rough past and the potential to be true gentleman - just a little misunderstood. I found myself wanting more and more from his POV. I just couldn’t get enough and I loved reading about how his compassion for Lucie as a child as well as as adult. I liked that Lucie is so independent, smart, and sure of herself. She is fiercely strong and not afraid to stand up for what she wants. She doesn’t just backdown when things get hard and refuses to compromise. She is well written and multidimensional (all the characters are). Lucie and Tristan are such a great couple and challenge each other in all the best ways.

The banter in this book is so completely on point. You could also cut the tension like a knife between Tristan and Lucie. The sex scenes, while toned down from Bringing Down The Duke, are still wowing! And there is A TON of sexual tension to make up for the lack of sex scenes. Another well written book where I really enjoyed the history tidbits woven through the story line. I am so excited for Hattie’s story to come next because she definitely deserves some love.

Thank you to Netgalley, Evie Dunmore, and Berkley Publishing for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. A Rogue Of One’s Own is out September 1st!