Member Reviews
This book was ok. I found some of the characters to be immature. The story moved slowly and at times I wished more was happening.
4 Stars!
I enjoyed this so much. The pace of the romance, the setting, and the mystery b-plot were all so great. This was my first book by Sian Ann Bessey and I was extrmeely impressed. Super writing, and good character developement. I especially enjoyed Phoebe's arc, and her characterization. It was a little sweet for me taste, but still great!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
This one was a fantastic read! I haven't read the other books in the series (yet) but I wasn't lost at all.
A case of misconceptions, swoony interactions, a dastardly villain, and the sweetest cast of characters complete this Georgian romance perfectly. Adam is seen as a grumpy man, hiding from society and rumored to have gambled away his family's fortune. Phoebe is very fashionable and a bright, happy ray of sunshine, who comes across (according to Adam) as self absorbed. Sweet Emily, Adam's younger sister, is so naive and tries so hard to fit into society, with the not-so-helpful but good-intentioned former governess navigating her way.
Apple trees and cider, accidental meetings, and the desire to help launch Emily bring Adam and Phoebe together in oh-so-swoony ways. I couldn't get enough of their interactions and the ways their reputations and first impressions melted away into something beautiful.
Dangerous moments and another chance to lose everything solidified all I had hoped for with this delightful story. I loved it from start to finish!
Content: mild romance; mild moments of danger/peril/violence
*I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I admit I was a little lost as this story opened, without a date. But the intrigue kicked in when I realized that both the hero and heroine have preconceptions about the other that are untrue. Of course, the plot throws them together, which means we got to watch them begin to unravel those falsehoods. I liked this aspect.
The hero runs an orchard, so we get to learn more about apple varieties. This was interesting as well. I’d rather focus on the relationships, and this apple preoccupation at times got in the way. As the story goes on, we discover he’s likable and earnest, a noble nobleman.
The heroine is gracious socially. She takes the hero’s sister under her wing and eases her way into society. This made the sincere and kind heroine even more likable.
Admittedly, too, I read the ARC so these elements may have changed, but the plot occasionally meandered from a true course. There were a few places where I was no longer hooked into the story, and I ended up giving up about halfway through.
That said, I wish the author all the best. This novel is the third in her Georgian Gentlemen series, and it seems to stand alone.
I felt so bad for Adam and his sister, to be suffering from malicious rumors, and not even being aware of the reason! I admired Phoebe's open-mindedness about Adam once she meets him and judging him accurately on actual evidence of his behavior and his relationship with his sister, rather than the gossip surrounding them. Phoebe and Emily's friendship is genuine and I enjoyed their interactions as much as Phoebe and Adam's. The romance develops gently and there wasn't much tension between them as it was was found more in the plot with the villain. We have several scenes from the villain's perspective which I am always in two minds about- it's not my favorite way of seeing that part of the story, although it can prove an effective method. The anticipation builds as the villain gets more arrogant and desperate, and Adam becomes more determined to bring him down. An exciting and dangerous climax brings the story full circle and I was glad to see Adam find closure.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
An Alleged Rogue, by Sian Ann Bessey. I am on cloud nine after reading this book. I found this book to be the most, sweetest, charming, and wonderfully written love story. I couldn’t help but get swept away by Adams, sincere, boyish charm. Phoebes big heart and ability to look beyond the material things and see into the soul of a person binds her to Adam.
I enjoyed the excitement of Phobe’s and Adam’s story. The hunt and pursuit of Freddie was the entertaining part of the book. The narrative and dialogue amongst the characters, I thought were flawless. For me, I was very impressed by how the telling of the story reads with ease. I didn’t lose track in the story. I was able to understand what was happening in the story.
The characters dialogue was clear and understandable. The details and descriptions of surrounding environment was clear. These details provided me with a great visualization of what was happening in the story. I really loved how the dialogue among the characters could move through the characters emotions, making the story more believable and real. The book almost reads like a soap opera, but with the real meat of a good soap opera.
The romance between Adam and Phoebe was very sweet and gentle. I recommend this book with two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
I really enjoyed this fast paced and fun story. The characters had such depth and wonderful chemistry. I love this author's style and I look forward to reading anything she writes.
I love regency romance, but had trouble getting invested in the main hero of this story. However, I had many friends who adored this book! Not all books are for everyone and that's okay. If you're a big fan of regency romance, this is still an author to check out!
This was a thrilling and amazing read
The romance, intrigue, banter, and historical period elements were spot on!!
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves a good romance 🥰
A not to miss, gimme good time read
Too often books either skim over the small realistic details of life, or bore you to tears with them. Sian doesn't do either. She uses those details to fascinate you and pull her story along.
Though her transitions weren't clearly marked as they are sometimes in books, that added very little confusion and a whole lot of delicious tension. The pacing was marvelously done.
She is so good at drawing out the tension and only giving you little bits until you think you might explode with a "watch out behind you!"
Her writing is compelling and she always leaves her readers wanting. More from the characters they've fallen in love with. More from the world they can't wait to be apart of again. And more of her wonderfully written balance of romance and suspense.
This delightful historical romance has wonderful characters. The story is based loosely on a real person--a forger and heinous villain. Once the setup is complete, the plot moves swiftly with many twists and turns. The suspense kept me reading way later than I usually read but I could NOT put the book down.
I loved the main characters in this well woven story, their growth and the changes they face as their worlds become more intertwined. The villain was also so well written! Just the right amount of suspense and wondering what would happen next for me. Great book!
This was a sweet and very enjoyable romance with a dash of intrigue and danger. It is the third book in the Georgian Gentlemen series and I was able to read it as a stand alone novel just fine, even though I had not read the previous two books.
I really liked the main characters in this story. I felt sorry for Adam, Lord Dunsbourne, with all of the loss he and his sister had endured. He was doing his best to help them survive after his family lost nearly everything and it was frustrating to hear the unkind rumors that some people were circulating about him.
I appreciated that Phoebe was not quick to judge others. When she realized that what she was hearing about Adam and his sister, Emily, did not match up with the people she was getting to know, she was able to realize that there was more going on than she was aware of.
The romance was sweet and light, yet satisfying. The danger was exciting and the villain was quite menacing. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I definitely enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Romance, sweet, period; series but stand alone read.
Adam and Phoebe's story is a sweet lovely romance, and a lovely story of neighbors helping each other. Phoebe is very much a part of society, but she doesn't approve of some of the gossip and slander. Her helping Emily with her coming into their local society, and helping Adam with his farm and connecting him with her father was a lovely read. Adam's determination to better his inheritance and save his family property along with helping his sister enter society in as dignified a manner as possible, was so sweetly drawn. Freddie's part in this, a sharp contrast to Adam with his desire to get gain from those around him to live the life of luxury by swindling others.
Lovely sweet romance, two honest hearts determined to do the best they could for themselves and others and sweet, lovely fall for them both as they worked alongside each other and interacted in their small society. Lovely sweet period romance, and great addition to this series. I think my favorite so far!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
This book is so good!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The characters are amazing! Phoebe is so cheerful and optimistic and sweet; she was a joy to read! And I loved that she looked beyond the gossip and rumors and was willing to form her own opinions and she didn't back down!
Adam is hard-working, loyal and sweet, and I was loooooving him fall for his sister's new best friend 🥰 I loved the sweet teasing between the two of them and the scenes in the apple orchard!
This book was also intriguing because it included the villains POV in the story! Very cool! Sian Bessey's books are amazing because of all the research she does - the villain in her story is based off of a real-life person and actual events!
This is book 3 in the Georgian Gentleman series but can be read as a stand-alone!
This book has it all - great plot, mystery, suspense, danger, a heroic rescue, great character growth, and a sweet, sweet romance! I enjoyed it so much!
Well, my Dear Lady Bessey,
I say, do you see what is happening here? Three books, three letters. I do believe you are the first author to whom I have written a letter for each book in a series. This feels deserving of an award of some kind, but as I write letters better than I create awards, I fear this shall have to suffice.
It is unfathomable how you have written books that started out strong and only got better from there. Because they truly have. This story is really incredible and I am consider it a gift to have been able to read it.
Adam and Phoebe are the best characters. It was positively refreshing to read of characters who not only didn’t engage in local gossip, but actively sought to ascertain the truth. I was also quite happy to read of those in positions of influence and rank unafraid to get their hands dirty.
I adored Phoebe’s friendship with Emily. Phoebe is so genuine and kind. I loved how she used her talents to find something she could serve Emily with and then developed a deep connection with her. She is discerning and was able to form her own opinions about Adam, as well as figure out how to help others warm up to her.
I admired Adam’s tenacity and resourcefulness in making due with what he has. The rumors in town about him were so unfair and damaging. It baffles me how prevalent that was! But I loved that he just put his nose to the grindstone and wasn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty.
The perspective from the villain was so well done! He was a creepy dude! But it added a unique, suspenseful element to the book that I quite enjoyed.
As in your previous books, I think you do so well writing in history, making me feel like I’m learning, but not having historical information poured over my head like a waterfall. I thought the bits of information about apple orchards and cider production were fascinating, as well as the additions of forgeries and con men. Your ability to infuse a well-crafted story with timely historical nuggets is something I sincerely admire about your writing.
I have been so pleased by these books and their stories. You can count me among your literary admirers and know that any book which bears your name, I will gladly read.
Much love,
Jessica
**Many thanks to the publisher and author for the advance copy, which I was offered with option to review. These are my very own thoughts.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I knew I was going to love Phoebes story! This book was wonderful. The main characters were amazing and the plot line held my interest the whole time.
I loved how it started out as 2 separate stories (the main characters and Freddie Payne) and they slowly merged together.
There was a little bit of everything in this story- humor, romance, mystery, action, suspense…. It was so good!
I’ve read the other books in this series but this could be enjoyed as a stand-alone for sure.
I was able to listen to the audio of this book as well and it was fantastic. The narrator did an amazing job with voices and accents- it was very enjoyable.
Lord Dunsbourne’s wealth is taken from him, he is completely misunderstood, and his reputation is damaged by gossip, but he doesn’t let it get him down. This is the third book in the Georgian Gentlemen Series, but it can be read entirely alone and isn’t dependent on the previous books.
Everyone thinks Adam/Lord Dunsbourne gambled away his inheritance and has been holding his sister Emily captive since their father’s death because they haven’t attended any social gatherings. In reality, their father was tricked out of his wealth by Freddie Payne. Adam is a hard worker and came up with the idea of cultivating the apples in their orchard, then making and selling cider from them in an effort to improve their situation. He cares about his sister and wants to help her succeed in society but struggles to do so. Not only do they not have the means to buy her the dresses required, but their ideas of fashion are out of date. Phoebe becomes a true friend to Emily and teaches her what she needs to know to fit into society.
This book has less mystery than the previous two books in the series and is more the story of overcoming fraud, but I enjoyed it. Thanks to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for a temporary digital copy to use for my review.
Swoon worthy gentlemen, apple orchards, & masters of disguise.
Oh are you in for a treat with this read! It’s the third in the Georgian Gentlemen series by the lovely Sian Ann Bessey.
She’s one of those authors who writes a great story that you’ll enjoy every time!
“An Alleged Rogue” is a delightful story! It paced fairly well but most of the excitement does happen towards the end if that’s what you’re looking for. I enjoyed the characters immensely and how they all fit into the plot.
I did want there to be a nice long epilogue at the end because I wanted more. The end of a good book is always bittersweet. You know it can’t continue forever but you aren’t quite ready to say goodbye.
I was so excited to read the next book in Sian Bessey's Georgian Gentleman series, An Alleged Rogue. The back copy sounds so good!
Lord Adam Dunsbourne is rumored to have been keeping his sister Emily nearly captive in their country manor, so when they make an appearance at a local dinner party, everyone is shocked. Phoebe Hadford has such a good heart and when she sees the ghastly gown Emily is wearing, she decides to help her. And the more she helps Emily and comes in contact with Lord Dunsbourne, the more she realizes those rumors might not be true about him. Adam has been keeping secrets, however, and as he sees the sincerity in Emily's eyes and how she truly wants to help, he must decide if he can trust her enough to be her friend and maybe more. But when his past threatens his future, Adam and everyone he loves is in grave danger. Can he save them or will he lose everything?
I loved our hero Adam. He is working so hard to be a good brother and neighbor, but it carrying a heavy burden of guilt and wanting justice for the wrongs that have been done to his family. His interactions with Phoebe were sweet and proceeded at just the right pace. Phoebe also evolved during the story to someone who started out with a good heart, and added more goodness to her character as she saw a need and did her best to fill it. She was easy to like and root for and her developing feelings for Adam were so sweet! The secondary cast with the beloved servants at Dunsbourne Manor and Phoebe's family really added depth and made the story feel fully developed. (I hope that Emily will get her own book!) There is an element of suspense in the book that really kept me turning pages at the end to see how it would all turn out. It was so well done and very well-researched. This is one book that will go on my keeper shelf!