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!!

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!

This is a fun book to read with interesting, likeable characters. Poor Lottie is trying to live down a moniker bestowed on her in her first season. All she really wants now is a biddable husband who will let her live a separate life managing the estate her father will give her. Ethan is the culprit who ruined her first season with that unfair nickname. Years of hard work and not really being accepted by the ton has turned him into the most contrite and patient Scotsman ever as he works to earn Lottie's forgiveness.

A riveting start to a new series by a debut author!

This story starts off with a bang when Lady Charlotte Wentworth rides hell for leather into Ethan, Lord Amesbury's, life. Her carriage has crashed and the coachman needs help. Ethan wastes no time in launching a rescue. What he does not realize, is that he has met Charlotte before, years earlier when he chased after her (or rather her dowry) before proceeding to ruin her reputation. She recognizes him first and is far from ready to forgive and forget. But when they arrive in London and an unfavorable suitor won't let her be, she reluctantly forms an alliance with her former foe.

Ethan's only intention is to make amends for his past transgression. He owes Charlotte and wants to help. But pretending to be her fiance gradually leads him straight into temptation. And before he knows it, he's desperate to marry a woman whose only goal is to be independent. Changing her stubborn mind will be a challenge - one Ethan is more than happy to embrace when the prize to be won is Charlotte's heart.

The ending made this story for me. I absolutely loved Charlotte's growing awareness of her emotions and the ability this gave her to be completely open and honest with Ethan - to finally fight for him and the happily ever after they both deserve. Great descriptions, lovely supporting characters, and a horrid villain who gets his just desert in the best way possible at the end, add to this wonderful tale.

I want to thank the author and the publisher for the chance to review this book.

First time reading a book by this author for me. An historical romance with interesting characters and good story line. I would recommend this book and will be reading others by this author.

There is a lot to like about this book. Charlotte is a very capable young lady - she has been running her father's estate while he has been grieving the death of her mother. Charlotte's first season was ruined after she received a very unflattering nickname at the hands of Ethan, Viscount Amesbury. Since that time, her family has endured a lot of grief. Charlotte's father is coming out of his grief and has demanded that she marry the younger son of a Marquess. Charlotte has her own plans, and doesn't want to be under the thumb of a husband. She wants to be fully in charge of her own life. So she makes a deal with her father to go to London and find a husband of her own choosing. She plans to find someone she can live separately from - and make her own life from there.

On the way to London, after a bad carriage accident, she encounters Amesbury again - and finds maybe he isn't quite as much a villian in her story as she originally thought. She and Ethan quickly find a connection again and end up embroiled in a fake engagement. Ethan was one of those distant cousin's who inherited unexpectedly when everyone up the line from him died unexpectedly. He was a sheep herder in Scotland who took a long time to adjust to the changes in his life. The original interaction with Charlotte happened as part of that. He is now very devoted to his family land and the people in his community. Everything he does and is working for is part of a self-imposed penance for past wrongs.

Charlotte and Ethan are really good together. The only person who doesn't see that clearly is Charlotte. She is truly focused on her end goal of independence - and doesn't see a lot of value in a partner to share that with. Charlotte truly dreams of a home of her own - but a family is not really part of that dream.

I loved the supporting characters in the story - especially Cal and Darling. I also adored Ethan. As the book moved along, I got more and more annoyed at Charlotte. I loved how forthright and take charge she was - but I was irritated by her lack of self-awareness when it came to her emotions. I know she needed to grow as a character, but I am still not 100% convinced that she really did. Even at the end, she still felt pretty mercenary - and less confident and goal focused.

I love strong women in stories, but I don't always like the ones that bulldoze everyone around them to focus only on their own goals and needs - and I kinda felt like that was what Charlotte was doing.

Overall this is a great first book!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.