The Redemption of a Rogue is the fourth oh-so-steamy and romantic book in The Duke's By-Blows series by Jess Michaels. I think this is the last book in the series; I'm hoping perhaps the Duke has more by-blows that haven't yet come to light! I believe that Ms. Michaels does erotic historical romance better than almost anyone. She perfectly blends steam and romance into the perfect recipe.

Widowed Imogen Huxley is desperate...her husband died leaving her penniless and her in-laws refuse to help her. That's how she ends up in a seedy brothel searching for a protector. As if that wasn't bad enough, she witnesses a murder! She escapes in a panic and runs straight into mysterious club owner Oscar Fitzhugh, who is at the brothel investigating the death of his former mistress. He bundles her into his carriage and takes her to his home, vowing to protect and help her. Oscar is one of the numerous by-blows of the late Duke of Roseford, and he avoids his step-siblings at all costs. He also keeps everyone else from getting close to him, but he cannot resist the alluring Imogen. Will Oscar be able to save Imogen from the murderer who is searching for her? And more importantly, will he let Imogen into his heart?

I loved every book in this series, but this was a particular favorite. Both Oscar and Imogen were fascinating characters. Imogen went from being fairly secure in the world to running for her life. Even so, she was a strong woman. Oscar was intimidating, but she refused to cower before him. Though terrified for her life, she remained sweet, funny, teasing, charming and passionate. Then there was Oscar, he of the wounded soul. He was horribly hurt when as a child, his father told him he no longer needed Oscar since he now had a legitimate child. He watched his mother dealing with being a courtesan, plus he had guilt over his former mistress being murdered after she left when Oscar told her he could not love her. He wanted to keep himself distant from Imogen but just could not. Their lovemaking was the steamiest in this series. I mean off-the-charts steamy! Oscar liked to be dominant and a little rough, and Imogen had NO problem with that! But as with other books by Ms. Michaels it wasn't just about sex; emotions were a huge part of their intimate relations. I just loved this installment as I did all the others in this wonderful series!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed were entirely my own.

Oscar is up there as a favorite of Jess’s heroes. Okay, I have lots of favorites but who’s counting? Oscar and Imogen are both very intelligent people who are fighting their demons. They cling to each other out of desperation. It is great to see characters that have loved before and learn to trust each other with their emotions. The story was subtle but told a lot about feelings. I thought it was amazing. The secondary characters in this story are just as interesting as the main characters (Will and Joanna, Oscar’s mother).

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

The Redemption of a Rogue is unfortunately my least favorite of the Duke’s By-Blows series. I do blame myself in part, as some of my issues were suggested by the blurb, but even so, the extent of it was not as I expected, even keeping that in mind. I’m not opposed to the setup of a woman seeking a lover, not even in a sex club. I’m not opposed to a man (or anyone, really) taking part in the running of a sex club. I’m not opposed to some good consensual kink. But I still felt something was missing to bring it all together.

The characters are fine. Imogen in particular is fairly likable, striking that perfect balance between damsel in distress and sassy, independent woman. I found Oscar a bit too closed-off, and while I could empathize with his reasons for it, it just led to more issues I had with it by the end, and I never felt like he fully opened up in a way I found believable (although his bond with his mother is lovely).

This book is obviously very sexy, and if that’s your cuppa, that’s great. But I didn’t feel a ton of emotional development, so at the black moment, when she feels more, and he’s like, “It’s just sex,” I 100% believed him and didn’t feel like he was holding anything back, making the speedy 180 he does toward marital bliss at the end bit awkward. I understand the high stakes escalating things, but I feel like the sexiness was more arbitrary, and less about conveying the transition to passionate, HEA-worthy undying love.

While not my favorite from the author, I still think this a fun read, especially in continuing the world Michaels has created. And if you love super-hot, melt-your-clothes-off historical romances, maybe this one will be more of a winner for you.

What I liked about this book:
- Riveting, action-packed opening
- Non-virginal heroine who's not afraid to take charge of her sexuality
- Caring, ethical hero who enjoys dominating in the bedroom
- Hot, hot, hot sex scenes

The pacing was a little uneven IMO, but if you like super-sexy Regency, you'll enjoy this book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

This book is a little bit of a continuation of the previous book in the series. Imogen popped in that book and it was good to read about her own story. She was strong, passionate, very sassy.
This is another good story. It has Suspense and a lot of sexiness.

From the exciting first page through the final sigh-worthy epilogue, this book kept me riveted to the page. You get excitement, romance, steam, and characters you’ll be happy to get to know. I loved that our lead female, Imogen, wasn’t one of those flighty heroines whose first solution to a problem with the lead male is to run away. She was a plucky lady who held her ground and didn’t let him get the best of her.

Thirty-two-year-old Imogen Huxley has been a lady all of her life. First, she was the daughter of a second son, and then she was the wife of a third son. Her marriage was an arranged one, it wasn’t abusive, but it wasn’t a happy one either. At her husband’s death a year ago, she was shocked to find that he had made no arrangements for her care – no money, no home – nothing. His family allowed her to live in an older London property during her mourning period, but after that – she had to leave. With no family of her own, destitution loomed large and quickly in her future. To support herself, she decided she’d be a courtesan and find a protector – but she had no idea how to do that. Her husband’s family would put her out immediately if they found she was looking for a protector at some of the nicer establishments, so she ended up at The Cat’s Companion, a brothel of the worst sort. What a huge mistake that was! After witnessing the disposal of a dead body, she flees directly into the arms of a man entering the brothel. Uh-Oh.

Oscar Fitzhugh is the oldest son of the Duke of Roseford – but as a by-blow, he certainly isn’t the heir. Roseford was somewhat in his life until Oscar was about six when Roseford made it very plain that he had no use for Oscar and wouldn’t be seeing him again. (If you’ve read the other books, you will know what a heinous individual Roseford is.) Oscar learned that lesson well – and the many other lessons that came after it. He walled himself off from those around him – he loved his mother, but he’d never, ever, love anyone else. He has a huge sense of guilt though. His last mistress left him because he couldn’t love her – and she ended up being killed at The Cat’s Companion. He makes regular visits to the brothel – not for the ladies there, but to see what, if anything, he can learn about Louisa’s death. The woman who just flew out of the brothel and into his arms may be able to provide the information he needs.

While I loved Oscar, Imogen was the one to watch. She was strong and determined. She wasn’t going to let Oscar get away with anything. I just really liked her. However, I didn’t understand her choices. She was unquestionably a lady – born and bred. So why would being a courtesan be her first choice for earning a living? Why wouldn’t she consider being a companion or a governess, etc. before she’d ever consider being a courtesan?

Now, I loved the book and I’m so glad I read it. I am okay with most levels of steam in a book, but at times I felt as if the danger to Imogen was just there to provide a couple of filler scenes between the sex scenes. Very little happened with the investigation until right at the end. Other than that, it was mostly sex scenes where Oscar was in domination mode. I also don’t appreciate the latest trend in using ‘shock’ language – the favorite word seems to be ‘fuck’. I expect to see that in contemporary reads, but I honestly don’t expect to see it in Regency books. I’m sure it was used, but I’m also sure it wasn’t used as freely as it seems in some of the new historical romances I’m reading – and I’m also sure it isn’t used as freely in mixed company.

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

‘The Redemption of a Rogue’ begins by introducing Imogen Huxley who is seeking out a lover at a notorious brothel for protection but accidentally witnesses a murder before fleeing for her life and runs right into the arms of Oscar Fitzhugh (literally), a rival club owner, who unknowingly is investigating the death of his former mistress. She has no choice but to take his offer of protection due to danger lingering at every turn and the passion that comes with that protection is just a bonus.

This epic, sexy and engaging romance will leave you wanting more because...

Wowza.

This was goooooood~!

The allure, passion, and energy surrounding Oscar and Imogen were untouchable. I was all for this couple and was so upset when I reached the conclusion of their story.

The only let down were the sex scenes. They were hot, don’t get me wrong, but Oscar periodically will claimed that he enjoyed rough sex—spanking, choking, dominating his partner in bed and there was little of that in this novel. Nonetheless I will still highly recommend this for all historical romance lovers out there. It had the perfect blend of drama, damaged characters, broken familial ties, steaminess, hot chemistry and scenes that will have you saying woo-wee!

I usually enjoy Ms. Michaels' books, but this one spent too much time on the sex scenes. I get it that Oscar Fitzhugh is dark and dangerous who exerts control over every aspect of his life, that is, until Imogen Huxley literally falls into his arms. She's running because she witnessed a murder by an important earl at a brothel. Oscar decides to protect Imogen because she could be at the center of solving a murder of his former mistress. Imogen has fallen far when her husbands dies and his family rejects her and the only reason why she was at the brothel at all. Oscar offers her safe haven which includes sexual relations.

If you took out all the dominating sex scenes, this book would be a lot shorter. I don't mind them, but it seemed that's all there was to this. I just skipping large sections of the book to get to the end and find out if they could trap the earl into confessing. Ms. Michaels is a talented storyteller, but this book was not one of my favorites.

Jess Michaels never disappoints! With both an unconventional hero and heroine, who are each broken in their own ways, it was a nice change of pace from the usual "damsel in distress" scenario so often found in historical romances. Imogen and Oscar, instead save each other and in the process find the happily ever after they both deserve. There is, of course, with most Ms. Michaels books, a high level of steamy goodness but it's her insights into the deepest hearts of the characters that inevitably make this story shine.

Imogen Huxley’s husband passed without leaving her any money to survive. His parents are kicking her out of their family home and she has no where to turn. The only thing she can think to do is to become a mistress to a wealthy gentlemen but her family has barred her from going to any reputable establishments. As she goes into a notorious brothel, she has second thoughts about her whole plan and tries to make a run for it. Unfortunately, instead of finding a door to the outside she walks onto a balcony where she witnesses the body of a dead girl and the discussion of what to do with her. Fleeing for her life she runs straight into the arms of Oscar Fitzhugh, a mysterious, but very handsome club owner.

Oscar is sure that the woman he loved was murdered by someone at that same brothel and believes that by helping Imogen he can figure out who is murdering innocent girls.

Imogen and Oscar have a connection from the start. This book is the last in the series and these two characters haven been mentioned in previous books but this can also be a stand-alone novel. It is a fast, fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

The final instalment in The Duke's By-Blows series, we now follow the eldest Roseford Bastard, Oscar Fitzhugh, as he uncovers a plot to kidnap and kill women, with an important Earl at the forefront, and literally runs into a young woman in need of his protection. Imogen Huxley doesn't want to be in the notorious Cat's Companion brothel, but following her husband's death, and her mistreatment by her in-laws, she needs to find a protector somehow, and this seems to be the only option open to her. When she witnesses one of her late husband's noble friends admitting to murdering a prostitute, and being involved in more heinous crimes, she needs to hide, and Oscar is just the person to help her. Both want something out of the arrangement, and stopping the Earl is just one step towards that. However, they need to have their heads straight, and not let emotions run riot, otherwise both might lose more than they are willing to give.

I have loved each and every one of these books, and as soon as we met Oscar and Imogen in the previous book, The Matter of a Marquess, I knew I needed to read their own story. Imogen has been dealt a hard path in life, and is falling more and more as the days go by. She has no one to turn to, not even her best friend Lady Aurora Lovell, and being a witness to a murder makes life so much worse. Meeting Oscar is like a dream, and even though she sometimes feels like a prisoner under his protection, she knows he means well, and the chemistry between them is a soothing balm to it all. Oscar, on the other hand, is gruff and aloof, keeping his true self hidden behind thick walls. He's been hurt by love in the past, and doesn't want to suffer again, but there's something about Imogen that intrigues him, and he doesn't know if he can stay away from her. They were truly perfect for each other, and the way their chemistry developed into lust and romance was everything I could've asked for. Seeing them both before and after the events we witnessed in book 3 really helped us to understand their characters, and the conclusion to this series was wonderful! I can't wait for Jess' next work!

I am going to pass on giving a review of this title. Boring, with too many characters, and just a long drawn out story had me skimming. Very disappointing.

Left destitute by her late husband and under pressure from his family to vacate her home, Imogen Huxley sees no other option but to seek out a lover to protect her. She was never comfortable with her decision to seek such a man at a notoriously seedy establishment, but when she sees a dead body and recognizes the two people discussing the murder, she flees for her life. Desperate to escape, Imogen runs right into the arms of enigmatic club owner Oscar Fitzhugh. He offers to help her and she has no choice but to go with him if she hopes to survive. It’s an added incentive that she finds herself wildly attracted to him.

Oscar Fitzhugh has been returning frequently to that notorious brothel to investigate the disappearance and presumed death of his former mistress. As one of the many infamous illegitimate children of the late Duke of Roseford, Fitzhugh has tried to distance himself from that life, determined to keep a wall around himself and not let anyone get too close. Imogen soon has him breaking all his own rules as he finds himself unable to resist her.

While telling himself that his relationship with Imogen is purely physical, only for mutual pleasure, Oscar must soon face his true feelings as the murderer hunting Imogen draws near.

This was an excellent conclusion for this series. Oscar spent so much time hiding and running from his feelings, it was lovely to see him finally give in. Imogen certainly had more patience with him than I would have, but she also wouldn’t let him continue to run from her when she knew his true feelings. She was so bold about it and I loved that. The character development and chemistry here was strong and their steamy scenes were varied and part of that development, not just there for gratification. I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from previous books as well and I’d recommend reading this series in order. I loved the pairing of an alpha hero and a damsel in distress who winds up saving him as well. This was an excellent conclusion, but I’m sad to see the series end.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a way to end a series! Or is it the end! Jess Michaels has introduced three of the illegitimate children of the late Duke of Roseford with Oscar Fitzhugh being the last. Each comes with their own set of problems and Oscar is no different. In this story Oscar is investigating the death of his friend when a lady runs out of a brothel straight into his arms. Imogen Huxley, the widow of the Earl of Huxley, was fleeing for her life after witnessing a murder. Oscar takes her home with him but what he provides may be more than what she expected. Be warned this book will steam up your glasses! Let's hope there are more siblings in the woodwork. I love this series.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review. They in no way influenced my opinions.

Jess Michaels has done it again with a phenomenal historical romance. The characters were so well-developed as was the plot . Loved it!

4 stars (enjoy Kate Pearce, Jess Michaels, Victoria Vale, K.J. Jackson)

4th book in the series.

my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.

This book was sexy hot good, worth reading in a few days.

The development and interest in main characters, H/H well paired. Most of the book is the interactions of the H/H. There are a few moments throughout the book with secondary characters (Oscar mother; thumbs up).

humorous moments. The give and take dialogue was enjoyable enough. Action and

I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock.

Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging. Not a lot of historical accuracy (no big deal to me), not a lot of internal character dialogue and not a lot of descriptive scenery written out.

Romantic /sexual content (kissing, oral and love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top and was intertwined rightly in the story telling. 4/5 rating hotness and steam...Jess Michaels really made having a beard arousing...may find myself my own Oscar 😉

I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series). You get past book characters in this story towards the very end which was disappointing for me, was looking forward to seeing how Oscar would interact with his other siblings (as we saw the interaction from the 3 previous books in the series)

recommend the book and the series. you don’t have to read the series in order however you’ll miss the true telling of the story around the series.

recommend the book and series as well as other books by the Author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This series is everything. 5 stars for every book individually, and together. I cannot get over it. 

Oscar Fitzhugh is one of the good ones. Rough, sexy, dark and broody, every good thing, and Imogen isn't taking any of it! Their chemistry is off the charts! I adore everything about Oscar and Imogen coming together and finding love. Somebody fetch me a fainting couch! 

There was exactly zero chance I was not going to love this book after the last one. I absolutely NEEDED to know after what took place in Oscar's club. *swoon* If you haven't already, start at the beginning of the series. Totally worth it. You'll want the full context.


This story takes place mostly in parallel to the last book. This one is a bit darker than the previous stories in the series, but only in the absolute best way.

This is pretty much a part 2 to the last book in, The Duke's By-Blows, series. I was glad to get the other have of the story from, The a matter if a Marquess. It was a very enjoyable book to read.

The best book in the series!
******
Overall Rating: 5 stars
Kindle Unlimited: No
Standalone: Yes, but there is an underlying arc from previous stories. Ms. Michaels does a great job backfilling the storyline, but I think the book would be more enjoyable if you have read the series.
Steam: 4 flames
Triggers: No
******
In "The Redemption of a Rogue", we get to see what was happening in Matter of a Marquess, from Imogen and Oscar's points of view. Imogen is in dire straits, her husband died and left her nothing, his family is about to kick her out of her home. She has hit rock bottom, and now she needs to figure out how she will survive. She decides her only option is to become a mistress and find herself a protector.

However, because of her husband's family...she winds up in a brothel of the lowest order. As she is trying to get her nerves up to walk into the room where a man waits for her, she hears the man and he is angry and drunk. She becomes afraid and flees, trying to find her way out she stumbles across a murder and the murderers.

As she tries to sneak away, she makes a noise, and everyone sees her. The chase is on, she has seen their faces and now she is in mortal danger. She has seen the face of a titled man and heard him confess to murder. Oscar is a man hidden behind all the walls he has built up over a lifetime. As the first illegitimate son of the dastardly former Duke of Roseford, he has baggage, walls, issues, and his heart is sealed up like Fort Knox. He is broken. That is until a beautiful woman comes running out of a brothel right into his arms.

Oscar takes Imogen to his home and promises her safety and vows to return her life back to normal. But how will he accomplish this when the murderer is protected by his title? Imogen is frightened, but not of Oscar... there is some chemistry brewing between these too.

Needless to say, there is suspense, steam (OMG is Oscar hot!), romance, and a great deal of growth for the characters in this book. Both have walls up, but to watch each of those walls fall is fantastic. The secondary characters are fabulous, and I just fell in love with Oscar's mom Joanne. Not to mention we get to hear from some of our fave characters from previous books. I will admit, this is my FAVORITE book of this series. I truly fell head over heels for Oscar and Imogen's tale! I definitely recommend this book, and this series! I simply cannot wait for the next book!!!

I knew I would love this book once I met Imogen and Oscar in the prior book. They have this wonderful chemistry between them. I feel their pain and love. We see them through their highs and lows. Danger is calling for Imogen but Oscar will do whatever he can to keep this lovely stranger safe.

After Imogen discovers murder at a brothel she literally runs into Oscar Fitzhugh, one of the half siblings to the Duke of Roseford. She has to trust this stranger with her life when she has no where else to go. Oscar’s last mistress is dead and his guilt for not protecting her drives himself to be Imogen’s temporary protector. They are brought together by mere chance and use their time together to explore passions and to solve a crime as well.

There is so much passion between them. I could feel their connection from the beginning. Imogen doesn’t really have anyone else to turn to for help or protection. Oscar is feeling guilt for sending his late mistress away when she wanted more from him which he felt he wasn’t able to give. I love that they had time together and then time to work on the case of the disappearing women. Oscar was absolutely fighting his love for Imogen but after some gunshots and a few talks with his wise mother, he figured out to not ignore love when the opportunity knocked right into him.

I also loved seeing other characters from the prior books and also just the mention of the Donville Masquerade brings back old memories from my first Jess Michaels’ books. I think that is the great thing about reading many (almost all) books from a single author. There is a history and characters to be seen and heard from again as new romances are created.

This series was really good and I enjoyed them all. I’m excited to see what is in store next.