Strangers who enter their marriage of convenience with no romantic illusions. The perfect marriage of convenience Deborah needs a husband to protect her and Christopher Halland needs a wife to get at his receive his inheritance, his fortune and Gosmere Hall. She soothes the angry beast of a husband as he argues with his grandfather, he sees she is the perfect lady of Gosmere Hall. They both thrive in the marriage, but will it remain a marriage of convenience as they grow closer and the attraction grows between them? I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story.

Caught up in a scandal engineered to bring about her downfall, Deborah Shelby returns home to take cover before the explosion takes place. Whilst her mother is shocked, her sister is enraged as Deborah's shame will reflect on her. However, she is just what Christopher Halland needs in a wife: she is self-contained and genteel, but above all, she does not expect love. A marriage of convenience is what they both need. In this fast-paced romance, where plots become interlinked, the reader is kept engrossed and interested throughout. I loved both the main characters and even some of the secondary characters. Christopher is a level headed gentleman and comprehends Deborah's situation even before she fully recognises it herself, whilst Deborah manages to stay calm and collected even in the most trying circumstances. Her impulsiveness when it comes to rescuing others leads her into trouble, but her heart is good and she wins most people over. I thoroughly enjoyed this engrossing book and look forward to seeing the villain of the piece getting his comeuppance. I received a copy of this book as a gift through NegGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Married to the Rogue by Mary Lancaster is the third in the Season of Scandal series in which a rogue has ruined four ladies by innuendo and now is working to blackmail each of them. Deborah is the only of the four who is not nobility, although she is of good blood. Her father, now deceased, had been a clergyman and it was through his friend, the bishop, that Deb obtained her post as a lady-in-waiting to the Princess of Wales. With her compensation from that post she supported her family, who were on the edge of destitution. Now that is all over. Her sister, Lucy, has a good prospect but who would hire Deb as a governess now, mired in scandal as she was. Christopher Halland has just finished yet another argument with his grandfather, who was the trustee administering his inheritance. He was two years from his thirtieth birthday and had no wife, either of which were stipulations for coming into his own. He recognized, in Deborah, someone as in need of a quick and good marriage as he. He proposed after knowing her for less than a half hour and she accepted.

This is a well-plotted, well-paced novel full of interesting people. Deborah is a kind and gentle young woman, determined to live up to her agreement with Chris. He is a rake and a rogue, but seems to be maturing past that. His grandfather is a bully and extremely opinionated, and his two cousins are both interesting fellows, if a bit difficult to understand. In fact, this is a book full of miscommunication and misinterpretations. It seems very realistic compared to many of this ilk and was very engaging. The story captures the imagination and roots for everything to work out as it should. Love blossoms and then is at risk of dying, or rather, being killed. It was a marvelous read. One I would sincerely recommend.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Married to the Rogue by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #marriedtotherogue

The third book in the series ‘Season of Scandal’ follows Deborah and Christopher who meet by chance, when Christopher nearly collides with Deborah, whilst out riding. Within a short time, he proposes marriage and she accepts, as he requires a wife in order to gain his fortune, whilst she requires a marriage to prevent a scandal.
This was a sweet romance between a couple who find romance fairly quickly into their marriage. What did make this believable is the friendship that was evident from the start. Together their romance faces some challenges, but it is their family, that adds a bit of interest to the story. Another great addition to an enjoyable series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

"Orgy at C. Place" in London. Deborah Shelby has fled scandal to return home to Coggleton. Christopher Halland needs a wife to gain access to his trust. 1.Meeting under less than normal circumstances the first day.
2.Proposal the next day. 3.Married in two days. A marriage of convenience with possibilities.
Throw in a villain, a duel/murder, smuggling, blackmail and family with their own set of problems. Never a dull moment and closer to finding resolutions to scandals.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Book 3 in the series linking 4 ladies in waiting to the Princess of Wales, they have been set up by the unpleasant Lord Barden for his own nefarious ends. Trapped in the princess's apartments whilst an orgy takes place, their reputations are blackened in the press, and have cast a blight over their futures and families

Deborah is an anomaly in the 4, in that she is the daughter of an impoverished widow, who has gained the position due to her connection to a bishop. Travelling home as quickly as possible in order to avoid the scandal, her presence affects her younf=ger sisters budding relationship with a local aristocrat, and Deborah feels unfairly blamed.

When Christopher Halland almost injures her when riding in a royal temper after being thwarted by his unreasonable grandfather, he has threatened to marry the first woman he meets to get at his fortune and house. He feels a connection to Deborah, and thinks why not.

Kit wants to start a radical school for poor children, and to pursue his political career, and needs ownership of Gosmere Hall and his inheritance to do so. Deborah needs to marry to save her reputation, so they enter into a marriage of convenience. Shy Deborah comes into her own as hostess and chatelaine of Gosmere, and is quietly composed and capable in the face of poor behaviour from Kit's grandfather, smugglers, the appearance of a banished cousin hidden in the cellar, and the local gossipmongers. Christopher is full of admiration for his serene and unflappable wife , and certain that someone has set her up for a fall. when the villainous Barden tries to blackmail Deborah will she be able to confide in Kit, or will secrets and misunderstandings keep them from realising their feelings for each other.

i always love Mary Lancaster's books, and this was a lovely read with likeable and interesting protagonists and an exciting plot.

Recommended

I voluntarily reviewed and advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

While she trust him, will her lack of faith threaten their future...

A lovely addition to this entertaining series with four very different misses fleeing a scandal.
Upon her return home, Deborah discovers her situation followed her, even in the country. Why she agreed to Christopher’s proposal. Nothing romantic, everything pragmatic.
They truly are strangers when they enter their marriage of convenience. Outside what personality’s traits they showed on their very short acquaintance are the only particularities they know about one another. Thus they have to dig from the very beginning.
Deborah is a quiet and soothing personality, outside some actions on impulse, she is rather a thoughtful person.
Why I did not understand why she did hide being threatened. If she had confided in her husband, they could have tricked the culprit.
Christopher is one trustworthy hero, he cares et acts to put words in actions.
And while in a fit of temper he can made harsh decisions, he also knows to wait yo cool off before take true stands.
He is comprehensive and forgiving, traits not often seen in main characters.
Deborah is lucky to have meet such a heroic husband, he wants to do goods to others, and on his way, he rescues her from a life of service and shame.

Their romance is one of explorations, of studying the other to appreciate the complexity of their soul.
While the third in the series, this one stands quite out of the two first, and can be appreciated without struggles.
4.5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This book was so sweet. Both the characters are easy to follow and relatable.
Deborah is the oldest sibling so she has a lot of responsibilities that are not value by the other siblings, especially Lucy. But she does everything she can to make their life better, including marrying a stranger. She was strong and lively. Her falling in love was a delight to read.
Chris is what I supposed a typical man from the 1800s to look like, after money and women in their beds. But he has a cause, he wants to improve lives through education. I thought that was such a novelty in a historical romance. Usually, the female protagonist is the one that care about such things and the man helps her after to show her he is a sensible person. That change was great. He is funny, protective and goes after what he wants.
The overall plot was interesting and it was left open so that the author can continue with the story. The story had a touch of seriousness to it, no the drama or havy kind, it was just the tone the author put it. It was nice to read a romance, not a romance comedy.

Enjoyed this book. Had drama and romance in balance.
The word 'murmured' is being repeated many times, just a silly observation, though.
Since Barden has not been dealt with completely, a sequel seems likely.

The Author brings us an endearing love story with twists and turns that keeps you wanting to read this book!
Deborah is your typical girl from a good family that is now in a difficult situation that she is at a loss at how to resolve. Enters Christopher who is also in a position where he also is being forced into a position as well. Can the two people come together and and beat the odds against all the forces that are against them?

The author has done a fantastic job with the growth of the characters and the flow of the book is amazing!

I truly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

4.5 Stars
Deborah returns home fleeing from a scandal not of her making & which she & her three friends have been set up in order to be blackmailed. He younger sister Lucy believes her own chances of a happy marriage are ruined. Christopher Halland, a radical and ambitious member of parliament, needs a wife to get at his fortune and Gosmere Hall. When Chris & Deborah meet it seems a marriage of convenience solves both their problems. She thrives as the lady of Gosmere Hall and her calm soothes her volatile husband throughout quarrels with his grandfather, and even when his black-sheep cousin, accused of murder, turns up wounded in the cellar.
This is the third book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I’d recommend reading the books in order to fully appreciate the villainous Barden & to also realise his timing is definitely running out. I loved both Chris & Deborah who of course quickly fell in love with each other but misunderstandings & lack of communication made the road to their HEA a rocky one even though it was highly entertaining. I was engrossed from cover to cover & look forward to the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A marriage of convenience becomes so much more in this story. I really enjoyed the characters of Christopher and Deborah. The secondary characters became a bit confusing. The story came to a happily ever after conclusion.

This was the first book I've read by Mary Lancaster and I enjoyed it! I'll definitely be going back to pick up the first two books of this series and even some of her backlist.

The story was focused on the marriage of convenience and for the two main characters, Christopher and Deborah, this changes fairly quickly. What starts out as a friendship quickly turns to something more for them. As they get to know each other, they are also trying figure out how they truly want their relationship to be. There are some bumps along the way - she has a scandal in her (not so distant) past that could impact his role in parliament and opening the school he has planned and he has a family that has some interesting things to work through.

All of that aside, I thought the relationship between the characters developed nicely and the story kept me turning the pages. And while the title implies that Christopher is a rogue, I didn't really get that from the story I read.

I found this to be a fairly quick read and will be looking for more books by Lancaster to pick up while I wait for the next one in this series.

It was a nice written story, Christopher is a real gentelman & Deborah is a sweetheart.
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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

Realising her reputation is potentially in tatters, Deborah Shelby returns home, hoping that the fall out from the infamous orgy held at the Princess of Wales' residence doesn't harm her family. Unfortunately, it seems that her name, and the names of her three fellow ladies-in-waiting, have been leaked to the press, and Deborah's younger sister, Lucy's, engagement, may never come to fruition. When Christopher Halland, the owner of the run down Gosmere Hall, arrives in the village, and needs a wife, it seems perfect: he'll receive his inheritance and fortune, and Deborah will have a husband to help weather the storm. It's completely a marriage of convenience, but soon it seems that both are flourishing in their relationship, and in becoming the master and mistress of the Hall. What may have started as a simple marriage of convenience, soon blossoms into more.

I have really enjoyed each of the books in this series, so as soon as I saw this one was available to review, I dove right in. Again, this book takes place at the same time as the previous ones, Pursued by the Rake & Abandoned to the Prodigal, as the four main characters are trying to beat the scandal before it strikes. Deborah is the oldest of her siblings, and her widowed mother is relying on her to work and help support the youngsters. It's only because of her late father, a vicar, having a relationship with a bishop that got Deborah the position with Princess Caroline in the first place, and now that seems to be the downfall of them all. Deborah is such a caring character, and would do anything to help her family, even marry a near stranger - which she does. Christopher and Deborah have a bit of a rocky start, but their mutual affection and admiration for each other, easily develops into a love for one another, which they hide from each other. They were really sweet, and I definitely felt like their relationship was real. I also liked the way the wicked Barden was incorporated into the story, and how he got his comeuppance - I can't wait to see the final book and conclusion of the whole tale.

4.5 stars

Great story and the third part of a series. I've read the others but I think you could quite happily join at this point. Deborah has been ruined by circumstances and as she travels home she desperately hopes the bad news doesn't follow her. Her younger sister is about to marry the local aristocrat. She meets the hero who is in a huge temper as his grandfather has refused to give him his inheritance early. Kit has philanthropic reasons for wanting the money. He realises that if he's married, the money comes his way so he proposes to Deborah. She has told him of the situation and as he's had a history of roguish behaviour he's not too fussed. They agree on a marriage of convenience. Life becomes complicated as his grandfather and his cousin, the heir turn up and then another cousin, who's backstory includes a duet and a link with the same villain who treated Deborah poorly is also forced to seek sanctuary at Deb and Kit's house.

The villain turns up and manages to sneak away yet again. I do hope he gets punished properly in the last book.

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

An absolutely delightful read, it had good character development and I especially liked the fact that it wasn’t at an insta love plot line and we actually got to see the H and h fall in love and get to know each other. Although I wanted to see Barden pay for his crimes but I’m guessing it will be covered in the next book, definitely looking forward to Ruperts story.

This sweet historical romance pulled me right in! I really enjoyed both Christopher and Deborah. I think their relationship blossomed quite nicely and I was intrigued to see where the storyline went. The entire cast of characters gave some additional fun and kept the page turning.

I definitely prefer more banter, sass and sizzle in my Regency romance novels than 'Married To The Rogue' offered. It was a sedate and enjoyable read but it didn't set my world alight.

The romance was well-developed but I found it lacked any real depth of emotion.

There was a huge build up to this scandal and blackmail plot and yet it was actually quite insipid in the end. I had to read it a couple of times because I couldn't understand the reason for the blackmail. It was weak and underdeveloped. I was disappointed.

I didn't mind Deborah or Christopher as leading characters though I don't think I will remember them in a few weeks. Christopher is presumably the rogue in the title but he wasn't overly roguish.

I think it was an okay read, I definitely wanted to finish it and I read it in 24 hours but I do prefer a bit more vibrancy.  And sizzle. Did I mention the lack of sizzle?