Review excerpted from my blog post over at Titillated Termagant Romance Reviews (https://titillatedtermagant.wordpress.com/2022/01/28/the-merchant-and-the-rogue-by-sarah-m-eden/)

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.

Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.

_____________

Number of titles I have read by this author: 1

Love story speed: Medium burn

Relationship dynamics: The Penny Dreadful Author (H) / The Print Shop Girl (h)

Physical descriptions: Brogan is described as having a muscular build, broad shoulders and “hair the color of burning embers.” Vera is described as being tall, with “Russian” features (although no elaboration is given on what this means, exactly).

Sexual content: None. A smidge of kissing.

Triggers: Gang violence; murder; blackmail; child neglect and abuse

Grammar/Editing: My ARC mostly had formatting issues that have hopefully been resolved in the final, published version.

Review: This is a very interestingly structured book, comprised of the main story and two penny dreadful serials interspersed throughout, one of which is attributed to the hero as author. Essentially, it is three stories in one volume: there are three different sets of characters and three different plots to follow, which means that the book becomes hard to follow if you aren’t reading it in one sitting or taking notes. If you are a “one-book-at-a-time” type of reader (as I am), this book may not be your cup of tea. That being said, it is set in a working class part Victorian London and the characters of the main story are lower middle class/working class people, which is a refreshing departure from the usual gentry and aristocracy featured in most historical romances.

Brogan and Vera are the main characters in the central story. They meet as Brogan is sent into her print shop undercover, and this secrecy really drives the tension in their relationship. They are otherwise an easy-going couple who take what comes at them from a position of strength (i.e. together). The real downside for these characters is that the structure of the narrative, as described previously, distracts from the focus on their relationship. I often found myself wishing to simply skip over the penny dreadfuls and go back and read them afterward so that I could keep focused. In terms of supporting characters, there are many who clearly appeared in previous books in the series. We receive enough information about these characters to understand their roles, but I suspect that the reading experience would be enriched if this series were read in order. The supporting characters unique to this story are well-enough developed, particularly Móirín (Brogan’s sister), although there were some obvious archetypes at play.

Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sarah Eden has done it again! I loved this series and eagerly looked forward to the release of "The Merchant and the Rogue" and I am happy to report that it didn't disappoint! Great romance, great plot, just overall another awesome story!

Oh I love this series! I love that there is a secret society of writer who help those who can’t help them selves. I love the stories between each chapter, they are the stories people in the society write. I love the fun adventure this book takes you on. I highly recommend this book and the ones before it!

I don't feel this is a standalone novel; you should read them in order. This one was a slow start for me, but couldn't put it down by the end. I didn't understand why the other Dreadfuls were making such a big deal about Brogan leaving. I just felt like, it's not that serious. If he wants to move on or needs a change or WHATEVER the reason, him leaving the group is not a betrayal. Felt like a big overreaction to me.

Also, even though this book's main character was Brogan Donnelly, I agreed with Vera that Mr. King's stories were still my favorite. :)

Based on the ominous ending, it seems like book 4 will have the series conclusion that everything has been driving toward. I hope it's Serena's story!

I absolutely love this series by Sarah Eden! All the books center around a group called the Dread Penny Society. This group of authors, who all write Penny Dreadfuls, also fight for the rights of the less fortunate. Each story focuses on a different member of the group, so they can be read as stand-alone’s, but they are all so good that I would start at the beginning and read all three.

This story was a bit different from the first two in that Brogan sort of went “undercover,” so the members of the society did not play as prominent of a role. While I missed that interaction, I still really enjoyed this story. Brogan and Vera are both great characters and I loved their story. I also really enjoyed the added additions of the Penny Dreadfuls throughout the story.

I actually listened to this and the narrator is fabulous, so I highly recommend the audiobook. I am really hoping Ms. Eden continues this series! I’d love to read Stone’s story next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This is a clean read.

I love this series. It’s so fun to have 3 stories in one. I don’t know how The author keeps everything straight.
I have read the other books in the series and they all build upon each other but I do think you could read this as a stand alone and still enjoy it.
It had lots of intrigue and plenary of action. There is romance but not so much that the story is sappy.
The story is mostly wrapped up in the end, but it’s has a few things left to be solved- just enough to make me excited for the next book in the series.

I really enjoyed this story. I do love a Penny Dreadful myself and to read a romance story based around authors of them in Victorian England, was such a refreshing change of pace. While I didn't read the first or second of the series, this book makes me want to go back and read those now.

I love this series! I love the premise and the characters are lovable and relatable. I also really enjoy the penny dreadful story.

This book wasn’t for me. I kept getting distracted while reading it since the plot couldn’t hold my interest and I couldn’t bring myself to care about any of the characters.

In this new installment of the Dread Penny Society series, we get to know more about Brogan Donnelly, who we were introduced to in a previous book. Brogan is from Ireland and has a few secrets about why he left his homeland. But he has carved a life for himself in London, writing penny dreadfuls and being part of the Dread Penny Society. When the mysterious head of the society asks him to go undercover, Brogan isn't entirely sure of the assignment, but does as he's asked. He gets a job at a print shop that has had a lot of suspicious comings and goings. While there, he meets Vera, who is the daughter of the print shop's owner. Vera has a hard time trusting others, and it takes time for Brogan to earn her trust, and the scenes they have together are full of wit and charm as they begin to know each other and perhaps have feelings that are more than friendship. But when Brogan's undercover work begins to bear fruit, and the reason for the suspicious activities come to light, can Brogan and Vera overcome the obstacles that might snatch away their chance for happiness?

I really enjoyed this story that is so detailed with characters who are so vivid and relatable. Brogan has lived through some really difficult trials and the stakes that are first presented at the beginning of the book get even higher as his past comes back to haunt him and threaten his future. His romance with Vera is sweet and sigh-worthy. I loved that Vera was such an intelligent character, strong, yet still vulnerable. She also has left her home country and has a past that rears its ugly head. The author shines in her ability to intertwine lives and events with deep emotion that draws you in and holds you captive in between the pages. My only complaint is that there are two penny dreadful stories interspersed within the actual book and it stalls the pacing and pulls me out of the spell the book weaves around the reader. While I do enjoy the shorter penny dreadful stories, I wish they would put them at the end of the book. Other than that one tiny thing, this is a wonderful addition to the series and one you won't want to miss!

The Merchant and the Rogue was a fun book. The characters are fun and flawed (as any good character should be). The story is interesting enough to keep you reading. All in all, it's another solid book by Sarah M. Eden and one her fans will enjoy.

London, 1865: Vera Sorokina runs a print shop with her father. Though her father doesn’t like writers, she sells and reads the Penny Dreadful stories. Brogan Donnelly is a member of the secret Dread Penny Society, a group of writers who write Penny Dreadful stories and help those who need saving. Brogan had been questioning his membership in the group because he felt guilty about lying to his sister about it. The Dreadmaster gives Brogan permission to leave the group, so that he is no longer lying to his sister, and go investigate what is really going on at Vera’s print shop. Brogan works there under a pseudonym and must help Vera to figure out who is threatening her community.

Advertisements

REPORT THIS AD

This is another fun story in the Dread Penny series. Vera and Brogan were both immigrants with mysterious backgrounds. They both kept secrets, and they didn’t necessarily know everything that had happened in their pasts that led them both to London. Though they were from different cultures, Russian and Irish, their circumstances as immigrants to London drew them together.

One of my favourite parts of these books is that there are penny dreadful stories included throughout the novel. There are always two stories, one written by Mr. King, one of the best penny dreadful authors, and another by one of the protagonists. These stories relate to the main romance plot, but they’re also very entertaining in themselves. I really enjoy reading these stories within the novel.

The Merchant and the Rogue is a great Victorian novel. I hope there will be more in the series!

Thank you Shadow Mountain for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Nice cover wich give it a little plus.
This book was just not for me. I was just bored and lost mostly.

It was ok... but maybe not the best one of the series. I just found myself wanting more from this book and felt cheated.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an e-galley of The Merchant and the Rouge.

I love a good historical fiction novel, especially one with a strong female lead. Complete with a mysterious love interest, a secret society, and a plot determined to ruin everyone's life, The Merchant and the Rouge was a wild adventure from start to finish. I absolutely loved the world that Sarah built and the journey they took us on. I loved the intrigue of the mystery in this novel and the unity displayed by the cast of characters. From start to finish, this was an enjoyable read.

This book follows the story of a bookstore owner and a novelist falling for each other and dismantling a conspiracy. Both of them have moved to London from two different countries because both have a relative on the run from the law in their respective home countries. One of their family member's past catches up to them and they both have to solve the mystery and save their bookstore.

Overall, it is a sweet novel which was different than what I expected because it is between two working class people instead of two aristocrats like most historical romance. It was refreshing to read about working people, especially a working woman. Even though the story line was interesting, the author didn't really flesh out the romance. I could barely feel the romance between the two, especially after the main characters start to focus on solving the crimes. While I liked the crime aspect, I felt disappointed that the romance was neglected.

Another great installment of The Dread Penny Society from one of my all time favorite authors Sarah M. Eden. We get introduced to some new characters and of course, get to know some old characters a little bit more as well. One thing that I have loved about these series is the stories within in the stories! They are so fun to read. I love the heroic acts and the do-gooding of the society. If you are a Sarah M Eden fan and haven't read this series I would highly recommend them.

I LOVE Sarah Eden's books-- but this series is my favorite. I love the penny dreadful additions. This sequel is equally as great as the original book in the series. So, so fun!

Sarah M. Eden has crafted another winning book. It is so much fun to read. The authors of the Penny Dreadfuls are still out saving others. This time it is Brogan with his own story. He shares it with Vera, her father owns a publishing shop and she runs it while he runs the printing press.




Vera is in her own right amazing. She takes the street children under her wing by giving them odd jobs to do around the shop and help provide them a way to purchase their very own installments of the penny dreadful publications. She does this although the shop is struggling.

This is where Brogan comes on the scene. He is under assignment for the Dread Master and is investigating on his own. Fortunately, this brings him in contact with Vera. Their effortless banter and work ethic make them mighty main characters. They both like to help unfortunate children.




There is a villain on the scene who is threatening the livelihood of the community. He uses extortion and threats to cause mayhem. Together Brogan and Vera work to bring down the villain and save the businesses in the district. They have help from family and friends. It reminds me that people can make a difference when they unite in a common cause.

The insert of the Penny Dreadful stories is wonderful. The stories go right along with the book. It adds another dimension to the story and is a nice interlude from the main story.

This is the third installment of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. I would highly recommend all of the books. They are well written and fun to read.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

P.S. I also purchased a copy for my personal library.

In the third installment of Sarah M. Eden's The Dread Penny Society. This story follows Vera Sorokina, a woman who along with her father, runs a print shop, She also spends her days falling into new Penny Dreadful stories. Meanwhile, Brogan Donnelly, a writer of Penny Dreadfuls himself, is trying to decide if London is really his home when his path crosses with Vera. Soon sparks are flying between the printer and the writer and when danger threatens their home they must join forces and lay out all their secrets.

Another fun story from Sarah M. Eden! This series is a lot of fun and a different take on Victorian London than the usual Lord/Ladies/Duke/Duchess books.

*I was provided an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for my honest review.