"Any Rogue Will Do" is a delightful, new book from Bethany Bennett that I devoured, because I loved the story so much. Lady Charlotte Wentworth went to London for her first season only to be mocked and given a horrible nickname from one of her suitors, Lord Amesbury. Due to an undesired suit, she comes to London years later to find her own husband who will agree to a marriage in name only and leave her to run a household without interference.

It goes awry when Lord Montague, the unwanted suitor with her father's blessing, tries to press her to move up their engagement due to him being in debt up to his ears (not that he admits it to Charlotte). Determined not to marry him, she hatches a plan with Lord Amesbury who rescues her after a carriage accident and it turns out that he is not only older and wiser, but genuinely sorry for his drunken rant that led to her getting that awful nickname years ago. Ethan knows he made a lot of mistakes when he unexpectedly inherited the title, but he's been diligently working to make amends and he jumps at the chance to help Charlotte, because he's always regretted how his carelessness ruined her reputation.

You will root for these characters to get their HEA! I highly, highly recommend this book and look forward to the rest of the series.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I refuse to accept that this was Bethany Bennett's first book because it was SO GOOD!

Brief Synopsis: After ruining Lady Charlotte's reputation years before with a cruel joke, Ethan finds himself thrust back into her life. Charlotte has been given an ultimatum by her father and she must find a husband soon, or her father will pick for her. Charlotte doesn't want a traditional husband or a love match, but instead, wants someone who will agree to live separately, while she enjoys building and running her own estate. To buy time, and to make amends for his past behavior, Ethan agrees to be her fake fiancee. Various conflict and sexy times ensue. HEA.

I was continuously struck by the fact that although there was a lot of action in this story, it felt more gentle than angsty. Which I think is in part due to the mental maturity of the hero and heroine. As I read, I truly felt like I was watching a friendship form and then a relationship. I love reading a super tropey trope so it was so great to get enemies to lovers AND then friends to lovers. And then a fake engagement. And then a kidnapping. You can tell Bethany Bennett is a romance novelist who loves reading romance novels and I am dying to read the second one!

Lady Charlotte (Lottie) and Lord Amesbury (Eathan) were friends to begin with. Then became enemies just as fast as they were friends, when he had said harsh untrue words about her that left her embarrassed and ruined. Years they reunite through unforeseen circumstances due to lottie being in a carriage accident. She was on her way to london to find her own husband after her father gave her a ultimatum. Marry who her father had picked out or find a suitable husband. That's where Ethan comes to play and they form a fake engagement in retaliation of an evil suitor. That's when they fall in love and save eachother.

This book has well developed character background and great emotional feels. The sex scenes were great too. This book falls into 3 tropes in my opinion: enemy to lovers, fake relationships, and second chances at love. This was my first book by this author and I will continue to read her work as I thought this book was great.

I always love reading the debut books for new authors, as it's like going on a blind date. You are excited, intrigued, and have absolutely no clue what you're going to get, because you don't have any references to tell you what to expect. The synopsis drew me in, and I immediately knew that the story had potential. Bethany Bennett truly delivered with this book, and the way I know it is this - I want there to be another book in the series. As soon as I finished reading this book, my mind immediately went to, "Okay, who's next? I hope it's Cal." When I get excited like that, I know I have found an author watch.

Ethan Ridley, Lord Amesbury, and Lady Charlotte Wentworth have a history, and even seven years later, the ruination of Charlotte is still burned into their brains. Ethan used to be a drunken reprobate who was more focused on enjoying himself than giving any thought to how his actions affected others. However, after a drunken evening led to his friend badly injured, Ethan gave up alcohol, and he desperately wishes he could prove that to Charlotte. After years away from society, managing her father's estate while he mourned the loss of her mother and brother, Charlotte has been given an ultimatum. Find someone suitable to marry or her father will make her marry a man of his choosing. Unwilling to give up the independent life she has had all these years, she sets out to do just that but runs into Ethan on the way to London. Sparks fly but old hurts keep them apart. When they find a mutual understanding, will it be enough to mend the rift and lead to love again?

Charlotte was an admirable woman for all that she put up with from Ethan, society, and her own family. I found myself wishing she had more support from friends, as she desperately needed it. Ethan had made a mistake, and without knowing the other side of the story, she assumed he never wanted to be with her at all. However, as she got to know a new side to him, she learned that he is worthy of redemption and her forgiveness. I loved the contrast in their personalities and felt they made a great couple. There was quite a bit of drama towards the end of the book that seemed odd - I questioned why Charlotte would be so concerned with how her father felt about Ethan, given how terrible her father had treated her. I know I certainly wouldn't care, but these are different times, I suppose! Ethan's friend, Cal, stole the show every time he entered into the story. I wanted to learn more about him, and I'm hoping that teaser of his character means he's getting his own story next...or at least soon!

I am eager to see what comes next with this author! I am definitely going to read it as soon as I can get my hands on it.

This was an all around fun read! I love historical romances that hit my favorite tropes and this combination of “fake relationship” and “enemies to lovers” did the trick. The characters are well developed, show some growth and have some reasonable conflict. The cast of supporting characters are funny, smart and devoted to the protagonists. This helps create a very well rounded world for the series. The romance was hot, aided by the characters being older (at least by historical standards) and therefore a bit more ready to cast off the rules of society that has done them no real favors. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

When Lottie's father intends to force her to marry the man of his choosing, she takes matters into her own hands and heads to London to find her own husband. Along the way, she meets up with Ethan, the man who made her the object of ridicule years before. Ethan has changed his ways and sets about making amends to Lottie for his past mistakes. When the man her father wants her to marry tries to force Lottie's hand, she recruits Ethan to be her fake fiance, but the feelings do not remain fake for long. I'm generally not a fan of second-chance romances as they have a tendency to be angsty, but I felt it was handled really well in this instance. Ethan is genuinely contrite and is now a hero worth swooning over. Lottie is a strong woman who knows what she wants. Add in a cast of wonderful secondary characters and you getting a winning read. I'm looking forward to reading Cal's book when it is available.

Charlotte is heading back to London after years running her father's estate. Her goal is to marry someone that leave her to run her own estate and he'll be happy to live on her dowry in London. She meets up with Viscount Ethan Amesbury on route to London. He was the cause of a disastrous first season on the marriage mart. She and Ethan quickly become allies when her father gives approval for her to marry another man who is in debt and needs her money. A fake engagement might hold off the unwanted suitor.

I enjoyed a lot of this first book of a new series. A lot of time is given to Ethan, his thoughts and his interactions with his friends. I felt I knew him and his motivations almost more than I knew Charlottes. Charlotte also has a godmother and maid who are supporting and helpful to her and they add to the story as well. Charlotte is driven by her motivation for independence but she seemed clueless too long to her own feelings. Others could see who well they were to each other.

The steamy scenes were uneven to me. Their first time together was set up by a wonderful moment of her cutting his hair. The chapter ended leaving things to the imagination. That is a fine choice but it made their next encounter jarring as to why she felt she could act so boldly. It didn't fit for me. But to each their own. I also felt the ending dragged on a bit with one too many moments of are they getting together or not. Will she make up her mind? Will her father give permission?

Overall I liked the book and look forward to more from the author. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I believe this is my first book from Bethany Bennett (thanks to NetGalley). It did not disappoint.

The hero and heroine had a history where the hero insulted her character and never got the chance to make up for it. Then after a couple of years they meet again and the hero sincerely apologizes. Through a series of events the hero and heroine were thrown together Nd eventually decided to fake an engagement which led to their intimacy. The hero had to spend a lot a of time and effort trying to win the heroine and make her fall in live with him. The heroine is torn between her goals and her feelings for the hero. It was fun reading how they reconnected and developed into mature individuals then fell in love.

I received an ARC of "Any Rogue. Will Do" written by Bethany Bennet from Netgalley. This is the author's debut novel and the story of Lady Charlotte and Ethan, Lord Anesbury. The author has done a commendable job in describing scenes and situations. The storyline is interesting with some nice twists and turns. A good read!

Lady Charlotte "Lottie" Wentworth spent exactly one season playing the perfect demure debutante and all it got her was mockery splattered all over the gossip rags. After being dubbed the "Paper Doll Princess" by Ethan Amesbury, a dashing new viscount who causes his own stir in society, Lottie decides to leave London for a quiet life in the country. Now, five years after her humiliating debut, all she wants is a home of her own to manage the way she sees fit, but her father has other plans. He's arranged engagement to a most unpleasant man, but Lottie can't be engaged to one if she's already engaged to another. Ethan has made loads of mistakes in his life, one of the biggest being ruining Lady Charlotte's reputation. He'll do whatever it takes to get back into her good graces, even if that means pretending to be engaged. He may have agreed to this ridiculous plan in order to win back her favor, but when feelings start to grow more complicated, could he win her affections for real?

I've become a big fan of historical romances lately, so I was immediately drawn to this. There were a lot of things I enjoyed: I liked how determined Lottie was, though she could be a bit too headstrong at times, Ethan was extremely swoon-worthy and I liked how he really did care for Lottie, and I'm always here for any time of fake dating situation. The secondary characters in this also shined, and I loved Aunt Agatha, Darling, and Cal. My only issues with this were it felt too long on occasion and slightly repetitive. We get that Lottie is torn between life on her own and Ethan, it doesn't need to be repeated every other page. Aside from that, I did enjoy this and it wrapped up in a satisfying way. I'm not sure if this will be one that sticks with me and is super memorable, but I'm still interested to see what the next one brings.

Will any rogue do? Lottie thinks so as she sets off to find a husband who will have nothing to do with her and leave her to the managing ways she has learned to love. But fate intervenes, sending to her a man who left her a laughing stock a decade earlier and a man whom her father intends to have her wed. Desperate to escape her father’s choice, she consents to the subterfuge of a time-limited false engagement with her former nemesis. Slowly she learns to lust for him, then trust him, then is absconded to Scotland where all the ends of her life first unravel then bind in love and commitment. Despite using some well-worn tropes like kidnap, Greta Green, and revenge, Bethany Bennett crafts a compellingly fresh tale with unique characters whose lives hang in the balance before the HEA arrives. Lottie exercises her powers of intelligence and creativity to win her own happy ending, reading to pass the time until her ‘rescuer’ arrives. #AnyRogueWillDo. #NetGalley

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is only the second time an ARC manages to sweep me off my feet and give five stars. The book is compliant with general historical romance norms (it's an enemies to lovers with some fun, banter, adventures and a breath-holding towards the end of the story). The voice of Bethany Bennett and the way she builds characters and narrative are wonderfully unique. It's the kind of book you can re-read and find new tiny beautiful things like small turns of phrases or lovely language humor bits.
The writing is closes to old school romances (no dubious consent of overbearing alpha male) as it deals a lot with the thoughts and feelings of the characters. Who, by the way, are absolutely brilliant and unforgettable. I loved the H and h as well as the funny and handsome friend (can't wait to read him falling in love) and the opinionated older aunt (reminiscent of Lady Danbury from Julia Quinn's novels).
And then there are the naughty scenes. Boy oh boy are they hot and marvelously done! Honestly, the story starts a bit slow (reminded me of Mary Balogh) and I thought the intimate interactions will be rather mellow. They're not. We have two characters who know what they want and a heroine who is not ashamed to ask for it. I loved her for the way she demanded satisfaction (pun intended).

I love, love, loved this book. It was warm and so witty and sweet. The pacing was excellent and the characters were lovely (with the exception of the villain who gets what he deserves). Beautiful!!

Bethany Bennett's regency debut, Any Rogue Will Do is a great start to a new series!

The hero, Ethan, was a Scottish sheep farmer who unexpectedly inherited a title and estate in his early 20's. As a new fish-out-of-water Lord in London, he carouses about and is generally irresponsible. He causes a season-ending scandal for debutante Lottie that neither have lived down, some 7 years later.

After her disappointing first season, Lottie returns to London 7 years later to find a marriage of convenience. She meets Ethan, who has changed his ways and is determined to make amends for his past transgressions. Soon they join forces against the scandal sheets and fake an engagement. Of course, this leads to more, because this is romance we are talking about here! But their road to HEA had plenty of bumps - including a nasty villian suitor.

Things I liked:

Ethan is a fantastic hero. He clearly has learned from his mistakes and earns his hero status. Plus, he's a big brawny Scot and Bennett writes his accent perfectly. It's not too over the top but clearly paints the picture of him.

Cal, Ethan's friend, is so delightful! He comes off as a charmer, but clearly he has hidden depths. I can't wait to read his story in the next book!

Aunt Agatha is the perfect maternal/mentor figure for Lottie. I love when the heroine has a sassy older relative who is there to enable her true happiness, mostly by bending and breaking all the rules of propriety.

Some minor dislikes:

Lottie is a really interesting heroine - I would call her an Alpha if she was a hero. She's called "managing" here, and she is very capable, independent, and also anti-love. So I'm torn on her - she honestly annoyed me at times - but I can't fault the author here because those characteristics are part of what drives the story and her growth as a character. She's well written in that regard even if I personally wanted to shake some sense into her.

The book felt a little too long, but the page count itself wasn't unusually long for the genre. Perhaps it's a pacing issue that made it feel that way.

I didn't really buy a lot of their sexual encounters. Lottie was pretty forward and adventurous for a person who had never even been kissed before. Not that I would expect or want her to be a typical simpering virgin type - thank goodness she wasn't - it just didn't work for me, but YMMV.

Overall, I think this is an excellent first book and I'll definitely be waiting for Cal's story next!

I received an ARC for personal review, which does not impact my opinions here.

Disgraced many years ago, spinster Charlotte is given a few months to find a husband or she will be wed to a man she has never met. Ethan, the man who disgraced her years ago, ends up staying right next door to her in London. Together they help fight off her unwanted suitor. I love an enemies to lovers trope! Great first book I can’t wait to read the next one! I received an ARC from NetGalley and Forever for my honest review.

Ethan Ridley, Viscount Amesbury, wasn’t meant to be a lord…he was just a Scottish sheep farmer on a low-hanging family branch. When he inherited, he was young, impetuous, and didn’t mind his tongue. Lady Charlotte Wentworth has been out of society for years due to a nasty comment from Ethan and running her father’s estate since the death of her mother. But now that her father is taking control back, he’s given her an ultimatum: find a suitable husband or marry his choice. Lottie sets off for London, but a carriage accident leads to a chance reunion with Ethan. He’s the last man she’d want to ask for help, but letting go of the past and forging a friendship with Ethan might become the solution Lottie needs in order to control her own future.

This is the debut novel for author Bethany Bennett and, if this effort is an indication of what’s to come, I can’t wait to read everything she writes in the future! It took a little bit to get going, but then I felt like it was a sail catching the wind and taking off. The characters really pulled me in, and the relationship-building and tension were wonderful. I loved every kiss and touch…and boy was there plenty of steamy payoff!

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #AnyRogueWillDo #NetGalley

Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett is an excellent Regency debut.

Lady Charlotte Wentworth’s reputation was ruined during her first season. She was expecting a proposal from the dashing Scottish Viscount Amesbury, but instead she was christened with a new moniker, “Paper Doll Princess,” and dragged through the scandal sheets. Seven years later her father tries to force her hand and marry her to the no-good son of one of his friends, so she returns to town on a mission to find a husband and gain control of her future. A chance encounter re-unites Lottie and Ethan, Viscount Amesbury, and she realizes that the man who ruined her once might be the man that can save her now.

I really enjoyed Bennett’s writing style, it was engrossing and full of rich detail. I had a few issues with the book overall, but they aren’t big enough issues that I wouldn’t read any of her future work. In fact, I am eagerly looking forward to the sequel that focuses on Amesbury’s best friend Cal. I just think it has some first book issues, and I imagine that’s just a bit of a growing and learning thing as an author. Bottom line is there is a lot of potential here!



~SPOILERS~



My main beefs where sometimes I found Lottie a little whiny and irritating, and not completely believable. She fell a bit flat for me. Especially in the sex scenes, they just didn’t ring true for me, and it took a lot to suspend my disbelief that Regency woman would have such modern views about sex, pretty much out of no where. So that really was the main issue.

Other than that I found it to be charming and delightful, and I can’t wait to see what Bethany Bennett does next!!!



Any Rogue Will Do will be out October 13th!!

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I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review this is book on in the Misfits of Mayfair series. I actually enjoyed the story but I have to say I wasn’t a huge fan of Charolette. I mean I understand wanting to be independent but she was a little fanatical about it. Then when look came around she wasn’t even open to it. Other than that it was a pretty good read.

“I love you…I’m so sorry I hurt you…go ahead and be angry with me. I deserve it…I’ll still love you when you’re done with the mad.”

Lady Charlotte “Lottie” Wentworth was dubbed the “Paper Doll Princess” during her first Season. Fleeing the gossips of London, she finds solace in taking over the running of her father’s estate. But when circumstances change, and Lottie is faced with an ultimatum to keep her independence, she enlists the aid of her Godmother to seek a husband that will allow her to keep her freedom. Never would she dream the very man that ruined her all those years ago with the nickname “Paper Doll Princess” would become the very savior she needed…

Ethan Ridley, Lord Amesbury and known as “Mac” to his friends, can’t believe his good fortune, or mayhap it is a curse, but he finds himself once again in the company of the beautiful Lady Charlotte. Years ago, in a drunken stupor he unintentionally hurts Lady Charlotte by calling her a “Paper Doll Princess”, and it was just too good for the gossip rags not to publish and completely ruin her. With hat in hand, Ethan apologizes, and while not overwhelmingly accepted, Lady Charlotte and Ethan come to a truce…which blossoms into a budding friendship…and friends do tend to make the best of lovers…

Lottie and Ethan’s story is a wonderfully written second chance romance I could not put down! There is so much happening within these pages, and I don’t want to give away too much in a review! Dear Reader, be ready to add this smexxy Scot to your boyfriend list! Highly recommend and look forward to the next installment to the Misfits of Mayfair!




**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

I feel face first into Any Rogue Will Do and just devoured it. It took a little time in the beginning to set up the backstory of Lottie and Ethan. They have a pretty complicated history and some family issues that needed explained, but once their fake relationship got going, it was a page turner for me! The tension between the two was great. I loved watching Ethan work through his past behaviors and find some growth. It was so fun to watch their love develop over the course of the book and with all the twists and turns in the plot and the fun side characters, I can't wait for the next book!