I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I struggled with Any Rogue Will Do. I kept picking it up due to having nothing else to do, hoping it would spark something. And while I found myself flipping pages, nothing really clicked, and eventually, I was doing more skimming and fighting temptation to flip to the end, until I eventually did.

And that’s a shame, as there are some elements here that, typically, I’d be into, like a reformed rogue on a path of redemption or an assertive heroine. However, while everything was attractive in theory, it never came to life for me. The characters were all right, but I wasn’t particularly drawn to either of them, or anyone else.

While it’s definitely a “me” thing, based on the amount of positive praise the book has received, it could be down to any number of issues, like my occasional apathy toward historicals that means I typically shy away from new authors who aren’t bringing new things to the table, only magnified by the fact that Bennett is someone I know from romance book groups (the reason I made an exception) or it just not being for me at the moment. I’m definitely not opposed to trying more from Bethany Bennett going forward, as I do feel she has a lot of promise as a writer, and do encourage anyone who does love historicals without restraint to give it a chance, in the hopes that it will work for them better.

One of my favorite historical romances outside of Tessa Dare. I had so much fun with this book! The romance was steamy and felt long overdue when actually it had only been a couple of months. The main characters were easy to love, with a headstrong and able woman, and a stubborn, but flexible man who loves her very much. The marriage of convenience actually felt smooth and realistic instead of ridiculous like I find in a lot of cases. The side characters were great and well flushed out too. It did fit into a lot of historical romance tropes, but they made sense and worked really well in the story. I'm excited to read the sequel when it comes out, and any other books by this author.

4.5 Stars!

Lady Charlotte Wentworth hasn’t had an easy time. Her reputation was ruined years ago, but it didn’t happen the way she originally thought. When in a carriage accident and desperate for help, she rides to an inn where the man who ruined her years before is there to lend a hand.

At first, Ethan, Lord Amesbury, doesn’t recognize the woman beneath the swollen and bloodied face. Once he realizes she is Lady Charlotte, he apologizes for the problems he caused so many years ago. Ethan was never meant to become Lord Amesbury, but after his cousin and his heir perished at the same time, Ethan went from sheepherder to Lord over night. His first year in society, he made many mistakes. Unfortunately, his dealings with Charlotte was one of them.

Throughout the novel, Bennett shows us rich, layered characters surrounded by a fascinating plot. Charlotte and Ethan agree to be friends, but when she needs to separate herself from an annoying suitor, Ethan agrees to a fake engagement. The two soon realize their initial physical attraction from years before was still there. Then as they progressed, they found they could be exactly the partners they each needed.

While it took a while for the pair to get there, the happily ever after was definitely worth the journey. This was my first read from Bennett and I’m excited to read what comes next in this new and exciting series.

I received Any Rogue Will Do for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

An overturned carriage accident lands Lottie in an inn waiting for help for her and her staff’s injuries. And there he is. She hasn’t seen him in years. Not since he branded her the Paper Doll Princess to the ton. Ethan ruined her with a few careless words. He never gave thought to her reputation until he realized how truly he’d ruined it. She was hurt and betrayed and now, seeing him in the dining room of the inn, she’s still just as mad.

But now she’s found her voice. And she won’t let him get away with humiliating her again.

But…

He apologizes. Sincerely and perfectly. (Authors: THIS is an apology!)

Ethan was never meant to be a peer, but as soon as he got the title, he wound up drinking and partying non-stop. A drunken carriage accident, a hurt friend, and Ethan as the driver shaped him up. He dedicated his life to his lands and tenants. He’s in London to find a brewer for his new brewery and that’s when he runs into Lottie. The girl who he ruined without ever touching. He is intrigued by her newfound voice and he finds her incredible.

As she reenters society, from her couple of years in hiding, she realizes that she’s going to have a hard road ahead of her, made worse by people pretending to care about her. She and Ethan are invited to a dinner, in the hopes that drama will ensue. However she realizes immediately what’s going on and they are able to nip that in the bud. The problem is then, that Lottie begins to like Ethan. These two will have to navigate the ton together, and while the title is Any Rogue Will Do, really it’s Only Ethan Will Do 😉

I really enjoyed the characters, the plot and the writing. I look forward to more from this author!

I seem to be on an enemies to lovers kick lately, but I really liked how this one developed. I loved how the heroine Charlotte decided to take charge of her own destiny, and she also decides not to let her history with Ethan keep her from attaining her dream. It was great watching Ethan realize that they are perfect for each other. And he does not try to change her or take away her dreams.

The writing was great, with lots of witty banter and creative scenes. I really enjoyed this book and want to read more from this author in the future. It does not feel like a debut at all. She definitely understands the tropes and tone of a good historical romance.

Trigger warnings for discussion of alcoholism and sexual assault,

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley in return for a fair review.

A fun and light romance with classic - enemies to lovers and fake engagement tropes.
The hero, Ethan, is a misfit and is trying to create his own place within the society and the heroine, Lottie has been ridiculed with nasty nicknames and caricatures due to her past with the hero. Can he redeem himself now when he is back in her life after years when she needs help with her marriage situation?

I liked that Lottie was such a spirited character even after going through terrible circumstances in life and continued to have major future plans. Once the author threw in an evil and annoying villain, it just helped Ethan and Lottie get closer and unravel their true feelings. They are both such likable characters that you will want to root for them right away. Their chemistry was instantaneous, cute and hilarious too. I will definitely read the authors next books!

A fun, trope-tastic debut. Ethan and Lottie go from enemies to friends to fake engagement to lovers. Throw in an extra villain-y villain, humorous banter, lots of sexy fun, and enjoyable side characters, and you get a lovely package. Our misfit hero and heroine do a lot of over-thinking and fretting and second-guessing themselves along the way, but eventually they figure out what they really want and need in life., leading to a conclusion that is both amusing and touching. Looking forward to book 2.

*** 4.5 Stars rounded up ***

This book is a GREAT start for debut author Bethany Bennett. Her writing is smooth, the story is well-plotted and well-delivered, and the characters (for the most part) are delightful and robust. I am so happy to have found Bethany Bennett and am looking forward to more books by her.

Seven-or-so years ago, Ethan Ridley was a Scottish sheep farmer. Then, the unthinkable happened to the twenty-one-year-old, he inherited a title, Viscount Amesbury. He didn’t even know that branch of the family existed. To say he was totally overwhelmed by the new responsibilities – especially a debt-ridden estate with ill cared for tenants and lands. Then, he went to London where he was even more of a fish-out-of-water and went wild as he was trying to fit in. Of course, being a huge Scot with no refinement whatsoever, he was never going to be accepted. Then, he made two huge, life-changing mistakes – he drove in a race that ended up costing his friend a leg and almost his life and he ruined Lady Charlotte Wentworth, daughter of the Earl of Brinkley. Ethan has spent the last seven years trying to make amends for his mistakes. He’s not that scared, irresponsible young man he once was.

Lady Charlotte Wentworth, Lottie, has spent the last seven years at her father’s estate because there have been several tragedies in her life. First, she was completely and totally ruined during her first (and only) season, then her brother died, then her mother died, and her father went into such deep mourning that he never left his library. Once Lottie realized that the estate was going to ruin and the tenants were suffering, she began to take the reins and turned things around. Turns out, she has a real knack for and interest in managing an estate – and people. After all of those years, her father is finally coming out of mourning and wants to take over the estate again. One of the things he demands is that Lottie marry – and he has decided who she’ll marry – James Montague, youngest son of the Marquess of Danby. NO! If Lottie has to marry, she’ll do it on her own terms. What are those terms? Well, she’ll never, ever, have love enter into the marriage. She wants a man who will be happy to live in London and leave her alone to manage the estate. Totally separate lives. It is off to London for her – to find a man who will meet her needs.

When Ethan and Lottie cross paths again, it is under stressful circumstances – Lottie’s carriage has had a terrible accident. At least he has the opportunity to apologize to Lottie before they go their separate ways -- until they discover they are neighbors in London. With trouble-makers galore in the ton, a very troublesome potential suitor, abuse, a kidnapping – well – you name it – finding their HEA seems almost impossible.

What did I like? Well, the characters were absolutely wonderful. It seems that both Ethan and Lottie were collectors of misfits. I adored Mrs. Darling, Lottie’s lady’s maid. She is a very plain-spoken former fallen woman who is both a friend and maid. Then, there is Aunt Agatha – goodness – everybody needs an Aunt Agatha, who is sassy and totally devoted to your happiness. For Ethan, I loved Cal, Earl of Carlyle, who is a true friend in all ways. His is the next book in the series and I’m totally looking forward to it – West End Earl, scheduled for release in June of 2021. Then, there is Ethan himself – I absolutely adored Ethan. He’s a wonderful hero – loving, giving, caring – you name it, he is all of the things a hero should be.

Dislikes – well – I’m not sure dislikes is the appropriate word, but – I had a harder time warming up to Lottie. She is an intriguing heroine in that she found her spine of steel after her season and the other tragedies. The trouble is, that spine of steel is unyielding and unbending. She annoyed me so often that I was torn about her for most of the book. She’s a fully capable, smart lady, but she is just so hell-bent on her goal that she can’t see the forest for the trees. I definitely appreciated her growth as a character and was glad to see her final epiphany – but – it was after she had caused a great deal of hurt and pain to others - especially Ethan.

Overall, I LOVED the book and I’m so happy to have found a new ‘favorite’ author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had no expectations going in and was pleasantly surprised by this debut novel. Several of the notes I made while reading are just “lol” or “mood” so you know I was enjoying and relating to the book. I liked both Lottie and Ethan. Of the two I found Ethan’s character and motivations to be more clearly defined. I love a good redemption arc and Ethan definitely has that. IMHO there could have been a bit more groveling for forgiveness, but I did just reread some grovel heavy historicals that may have influenced this.

This book tackled a few different tropes including enemies to lovers and fake engagement. While I didn’t mind the various tropes aspect, it could have used a bit of editing. The ending dragged with a few too many will they won’t they moments and by the time I got to the climax of the story with the we’ll call it a “carriage trip” to avoid spoilers I had already forgotten who her companion for that journey was. That being said, I enjoyed the book enough that I will happily keep an eye out for the next in the series and any other books the author writes.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My favorite quotes from the book with no context:

“A man she hated so thoroughly shouldn’t smell so comforting.”

“I’ll accept nothing less than ‘Your Highness’ from the likes of you.”

“The need to rant hammered at her composure.”

“I promised I would send a note. Behold! my note.”

Two words to describe this book: fun and enticing.

Lottie doesn't want a husband - she wants an estate. Unfortunately, the husband has to come first. While in London to find a husband who will ignore her for duration of their lives, Lottie finds Ethan - the man who ruined her reputation years before. The two have an adversarial relationship that quickly becomes tense and . . . passionate.

This book is great for historical romance lovers like myself. The writing is funny, there is plenty of drama, and enough steam to make a sauna. I liked both of the characters - especially seeing a historical woman being portrayed as such an independent person. I also adored the build up of the romance between Lottie and Ethan. It was very dramatic - excellent for this type of novel.

Overall, great book for historical romance lovers. If you don't like saucy steam, do not read. If you do like saucy steam, read several times and tell your friends.

Any Rogue Will Do is my first novel to read by author Bethany Bennett. Overall the book was filled with romance, but with a twist of action--especially in the beginning. I really enjoyed this historical romance. It was not as steamy as some of the historical romances I have read, but it was enough to really show the attraction of the main characters to each other. If you love historical romance, you will really enjoy this book!

"Lady Charlotte Wentworth, will you do me the honor of being my faux fiance?"

Six years ago, Charlotte Wentworth entered London for her first Season as the perfect debutante... only to leave in shame after the cruel words of Ethan, Lord Amesbury turned her into a laughing stock known as the "Paper Doll Princess". Tragedy has kept her at home, managing her father's estate, until he finally emerges from his grief-induced stupor to declare that Charlotte marry a man of his choosing. Lottie refuses.

The son of Scottish shepherds who unexpectedly inherited a title, Ethan has spent the last several years trying to become the Lord Society expects and his tenants need. He's also been trying to make up for past mistakes--the two biggest regrets of his life, both done under the copious amounts of alcohol. The last thing he expects is to cross paths with Lady Wentworth. No, scratch that, the last thing he expects is to not be able to stop thinking about Lottie. Nope, the very, very, very last thing he ever expected... is to propose that they become fake-fiances to ward off a vile suitor.

This brilliant Regency rom-com is a delightful debut from Bennett, full of banter, wit, and plenty of swoony moments! The characters practically come to life off the page, to the point that you can almost hear their voices and see them. They're all well-rounded, loveable (with a couple of notable exceptions--whom you're supposed to hate), and the reader can attach to them quickly. I particularly adored Lady Agatha, Lottie's godmother, who does no small amount of matchmaking and urging the two lovebirds together with equal parts sass, sarcasm, and truth. I need a Lady Agatha in my life...

"Any Rogue Will Do" for me, and for you!

Any Rogue Will Do is Bethany Bennett's debut romance novel - which is a little hard to believe because it's just so great. As I was reading I kept thinking to myself that she was doing all of the things I love about romance. The character building is on point, and the tropes are executed perfectly.

Lady Charlotte Wentworth is a spinster after a disastrous first Season years ago at the hands of Ethan, Viscount Amesbury. Now, she has to find a husband or her father will force her to marry their neighbor, a notorious rake. On her way to London she has a carriage accident and is thrust into the company of Ethan, who she has vowed to hate forever. Ethan is remorseful for his past behavior and proposes a fake engagement to placate Charlotte's father.

This book is wonderful, the hero and heroine start as enemies, become friends, and then turn in to lovers, and it all just works so well. There is a lot that happens in this book plot-wise, but it doesn't seem to be too long.

I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to read more from Bethany Bennett!

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever / Grand Central Publishing for the ARC! This book is available October 13

NOTE TO PUBLISHER: This review will be posted to social media/blog/etc the week before publication, and retail sites upon publication.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for letting me read this book.
As a debut book, this is spectacularly written. The language and dialogue do a wonderful job of reminding you that it's a period piece, and that life was different then.
Ethan is a lovely male lead, and his actions when he first met Lady Charlotte can be excused, once he's apologised to her. I'll admit it took me a little while to understand what was happening at the start, with the accident and the dynamic between the two main characters. Once I got to know Lottie, I appreciated her strong feminist views and relationship with her aunt and maid.
The plot and side characters added depth to the story, and allowed Lottie and Ethan to become friends first, which I found rather endearing.
4.5 stars

Bethany Bennett’s Any Rogue Will Do has so much catnip:

A fantastic opening scene where the heroine gets to live out many of our fantasies by lobbing insults at the man (the hero) who wronged her years earlier. Who’s the Paper Doll Princess now, hero?!!! It 👏🏻 is 👏🏻 so 👏🏻 good 👏🏻.

Unforgettable 🔥 scenes. I’ll just leave this here: balcony 🤭🥵.

A “managing” heroine with a strong IDGAF energy tempered by recognition that she has to play the game some to get what she wants.

A huge, brawny hero who was supposed to be a shepherd but unexpectedly became lord. He made bad decisions when he first became titled—see first point—but now he works hard for his people & is prepared to help the heroine out however he can 😉.

In short, this is such a great debut & I was impressed time & time again.

If I haven’t convinced you yet, I’ll say: it’s Tessa Dare-ish; the conflict is thoroughly built up & I love love love how the book explores standards for “ladyhood” & how women are judged for not acting like a Lady & in this heroine’s case—as the hero reveals—for acting like a Lady 🙄. There’s a fake dating situation & frank, open discussions between characters, including about sex. Oh, and a curvy heroine who has such confidence in how the hero responds to her body.

Pick this one up!

Any Rogue Will Do is available on 10/13. I think this is a tiny bit below 5⭐️ for me but I’m rounding up to 5! Thanks to Forever Pub, Grand Central Pub, & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

I loved this so much, it was exciting to read and I never wanted to put it down! It was so entertaining and witty with the perfect mix of swoon-worthy and sexy mixed in! Ethan with his Scottish accent made me melt and Lottie was a force to be reckoned with. Any Rogue Will Do had a bit of everything I love in a story and I adored it all.

I loved Lottie and Ethan, learning their history and how he “ruined” her and all that she was going through in her life. Lottie was strong and determined and I loved her perseverance. I felt so much for Ethan trying to right past wrongs and how sweet he was to her. She's in a crazy predicament so I loved the fake fiancé scenario that was set up. I loved their growing attraction and flirtation, these two had such a pull between them. There were so many fun scenes that were sweet and flirtatious and everything had a great build. I liked the emotion, want, and need between them too. It was awesome!

The writing was excellent and I felt so pulled in while I was reading. There was a great flow and I enjoyed the dual POVs. I loved the humor; it was so engaging and clever. There were fantastic secondary characters involved and I’m already looking forward to future stories. I loved Lottie’s maid and Agatha was priceless. I really liked Carlyle and Conner as well and loved what they brought to the story. I loved the conflict that was presented thanks to her father and the tension building with her would-be suitor. All the different elements and scenes had me invested the entire time.

This story was everything I needed and I can't say enough good things. It was a heck of a debut from a new author. I'm excited for what's to come from Bethany Bennett! A must-read for sure!

OH MY GOODNESS!!
Another historical romance I loved this year!
Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett is her debut novel and I'm so happy that I got the chance to read it early.
This book is about Lady Charlotte (Lottie) Wentworth and Lord Amesbury (Ethan).
Both met in the past. Ethan wasn't the best gentlemen and called Lottie the Paper Doll Princess. From now on she had a lot of trouble because of HIM. Then... years later both meet again and everything seems to turn around when Lottie needs Ethan's help and Ethan needs Lottie's help.
At first Lottie really hates Ethan and then.... everything changes... but you'll haveto find out for yourself what'll happen next! ;) I won't spoil you!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK! I had a great connection to Lottie and instantly fell in love with Ethan! The perfect way to love a story! Although I honestly prefer 1st person POV it totally fit better to have the 3rd person! I really like the writing style of Bethany Bennett.
OMG and the whole story line!!! God! What a great love story! And so much suspense and drama! I really didn't see it coming but it was a great surprise! Damn! Their story was so exciting! But also sooooo romantic and OMG! HOT AS HELL!
Okay of course I wouldn't be able to resist Ethan - the HOTTEST SCOTTISH GUY EVER!!! BE STILL MY BEATING HEART! I still have a HUGE CRUSH on him! Thank you for Ethan Bethany Bennett! I'm honestly grateful for this brilliant character! It was so enjoyable to see how Lottie and Ethan deal with each other after a not so good start years ago! It felt like a great TV show in my mind!
Awesome! I can't wait to read more by Bethany Bennett! ♡♡♡

Thanks to Forever Publishing for the ARC via Netgalley.

During a drunken evening Ethan Ridley, Lord Amesbury, ruins Lady Charlotte Wentworth's first season with a scathing moniker. Unfortunately, Charlotte fled London after the scandal and has not returned for 5 years. Ethan realizes his mistake, but the damage is done. He spends the next 5 years trying to improve himself and be a better man and lord to his tenants. When their path crosses again, Ethan will do anything to make up to Charlotte for his bad behavior, but she's not quick to forgive him until she needs his help escaping from an ardent suitor. Can these two forget the past and forge a new path forward with each other.

I enjoyed this debut novel by Ms. Bennett. I loved Ethan. He was such a generous hero and works so hard to make up for past mistakes. Charlotte was a strong and independent young woman and I was happy to see she didn't just melt in Ethan's arms and lose her personality. The antics of the villain and the lengths he'd go to claim Charlotte for his own added to story. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such an enjoyable historical romance

I would recommend if you're looking for

-enemies to lovers
-second chance romance
-slow burn
-fake engagement
-some great pining moments
-A scottish hero
-so much steam

This book was all about second chances. There was the right amount of angst and romance. I loved how Charlotte went after what she wanted both in looking for a husband and then with things between her and Ethan. It was very sex positive and well executed. I'm all for that feminist historical romances. There were even discussions of ableism.

Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 3
Trigger warnings: mentions of alcoholism, sexual assault, grief

Well this book kept me up reading until after 1 a.m. because it was just great! I loved Ethan...a man who was swept into becoming an Earl, didn't deal with it very well and ended up hurting a young woman's reputation, and hurting a good friend, and who repented. And then we have Lottie, who wants independence not love. Her parents had love and ignored her because of it...she thinks! I won't every write a spoiler review but the effort on Ethan's part to make things right from all his mistakes is so heartbreaking. The manipulation by Lottie's father causes so much pain and trouble. I love that Lottie forgave Ethan and started to see what a man he was. This is a great read with some very interesting secondary characters. I just couldn't put it down.

I received a complimentary read from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I honestly loved this story!