This is such a sweet story. An Alleged Rogue showcases how gossip can destroy a persons life. It also shows how not listening to gossip and forming your own opinions can change your life. Phoebe is seen as a belle, everyone loves her, but no one knows her. Adam is seen as a villain and captor of his sister. As Adam's life seems to be crumbling around him, Phoebe takes the time to get to know Adam and his sister, Emily. When Phoebe has made her decision about his character, a man comes and tries to take it all away. I really enjoyed this book and loved all the little things I learned about making cider!


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

I loved getting to know Adam and Phoebe. This story is so well written. It has varied points of view so you see the events unfold from many angles. The evil villain is truly evil and very clever. I could not put the book down because I was so invested in the story. I highly recommend this book.

Alleged Rogue is the 3rd book of the Georgian series but can be read as a stand-alone. Though, I'm not sure if this is the last of the series. The heroine, Phoebe, is the sister of the previous book's main character. There was a snippet of how Phoebe was, and she was the complete opposite of her sister. Phoebe likes socializing, and now she's going to be paired up to a recluse. I think this is a typical pairing: the recluse and the sociable. However, the author made the plot enjoyable because there was another mystery character. I didn't know the "dangerous enemy" (to avoid spoilers) was already a thing during the Georgian Era. Best for anyone who loves the Georgian Era and a bit of a mystery during that time.

Thank you to Covenant Communications for allowing me to give an honest review of this arc. Got this from Netgalley. :)

A proper Georgian Romance. It is 1788 and Lord Adam Dunsbourne is accused of everything from gambling away his family fortune to imprisoning is younger sister Emily. They have been virtually reclusive for five years. New neighbor, Phoebe Hadford, after meeting the Lord and his sister decides to take Emily under her wing preparing her to be out in society. She quickly realizes that all the rumors can't be true. Phoebe is kind in nature not like the women Adam knew from the ton.

I enjoyed the story and learning about apple cider and presses. It is surprising to me that Adam isn't aware of his reputation. I was genuinely surprised to have a villain and get his thinking. But it works in this story. And I like that he was actually based on a real person in history. The romance is proper and I would have enjoyed a few more conversations between the two. I did like hearing Adam's thoughts as he watches Phoebe interact with his sister. Phoebe is a little too perfect but that is hardly a criticism. I am new to the author and will look for other books from her including the two previous books in the Georgian Gentleman series. Squeaky clean with only a few kisses. Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC ebook.

An Alleged Rogue by Sian Ann Bessey, 250 pages. Covenant Communications, 2021. $17.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Adam has been busy chasing down the man who ruined his family instead of preparing his sister for her coming out. His time away from Society has allowed rumors to swirl -- rumors that paint him as a villain. When Phoebe hears the rumors, she becomes determined to save his sister from him, sure that his moments of kindness are merely a facade.
Bessey has crafted a story to keep readers on edge as the pressure builds by reading from both the protagonists’ and the antagonist’s points of view. The villain schemes while the protagonists think they are resolving all their issues. Somehow, Bessey strikes a balance between giving her main characters enough hardship to wade through that their good fortune feels like a relief, not cheesy. The more I read, the more fun the story became to read.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

I always love a book with a roguish male character! Overall, I loved this book. It was a great story of wrong first impressions. I love Phoebe for her kind, compassionate sense of morality. I love Adam for his loyalty to family. The story moved at a great pace, and kept me wanting to read more. The villain of the story fascinated me, because I hadn't really thought much about forgery/identity theft in the past.

The setting took me back to my childhood when we would go to apple orchards in the fall and get apples, fresh apple cider, and my favorite - apple cider donuts! It made this a great autumn read!

Probably my only complaint was that it took a big stretch of imagination that Phoebe and Emily could handle days of hard labor when they are accustomed to a lifestyle of never having to lift a finger. But I can't fault Phoebe for her desire to help!!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves clean historical romance!!

Thanks to NetGalley, Covenant Communications, and Sian Ann Bessey for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my honest opinion!

Lord Adam is considered a tyrant by the ton's society but is he? His love for his sister is a sacrificial love! Phoebe Hadford learns he is not the man people believe him to be...he is so much more. The friendship between Adam and Phoebe grows into a sweet and meaningful relationship. Throw in some mystery with romance and you have a winning combination. This is a wonderful addition to the series!

Sian did it again. I have read the other two in this series, and I'd have to say this is my favorite. I love them all honestly, but this one just spoke to me.

Based on what I know of the other two books in this series, I should have known to expect a gripping tail that left me on the edge of my seat. I did not want to put this down. I read this at every spare moment I had.

I loved being able to rea from Freddie's point of view. I don't mind reading books from multiple point of views. I read a lot of romance novels that have that in them. But I also really like having that third point of view for the person who is going to cause the trouble. Having the perspective allows you to know that something nefarious is going to happen, but you don't necessarily know how it's going to unfold. I like that. I was definitely surprised by how this turned out.

Adam and Phoebe are just absolutely adorable. I love that she is willing to forgo societies gossip and moves forward to really get to know someone for who they are and not others say. I loved that Adam puts so much passion mine and things he cares about. I love that he was able to really see where the priorities of his life need to be.

Cannot wait for everybody to get their hands on this book. I may say this a lot, but this is a really good one. If you haven't read the other two in this series, run and get them. You will not be disappointed.

Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved everything about this book! Characters, setting, the mystery, the romance, the VILLAIN—everything was SO well done!! There was nothing for me to do other than allow myself to be immersed in Phoebe and Adam’s world and enjoy it! I also loved Emily’s character. She was such a delight!

Sweet Georgian HR
Synopsis:

1788
Freddie Payne, a skilled forger and master of disguise, has kept a low profile the last few years in Amsterdam, enjoying the fruits of his scams.

His return to England is necessitated by his exhaustion of funds from his making away with a titled families- the Dunsbourne's- fortune. Payne has lived up to his surname; he is a real ‘Catch me if you can type,’ awfully clever & as slippery as an eel, so much so he has evaded facing punishment for his numerous crimes for nigh 20 years. Crime portfolio aside, he is perhaps most infamous for his remarkably colored eyes.

Adam Norton- aka Lord Dunsbourne- has been searching the last 5 years for the scoundrel who robbed his family. He has also been trying to recuperate his fortune by small investments that were slowly, but surely paying off, as is his farming. All in the effort to keep his estate afloat and provide a better dowry for his 16 year old sister, Emily, and hopefully a London season, though he hasn't a clue how one goes about it.

Adam has declined all social invitations the last 5 years, since his father's death. When he decides it is high time he and his sister stop secluding themselves from society, Emily is unsure she is equal to conducting herself as a proper lady, much less what one wears. In fact Adam himself is so out of touch he shows up wearing a powdered wig to his first appearance, which by then was not the height of gentlemen's fashion.

Unknown to Adam is the spurious scuttlebutt that has festered in his absence regarding him: that he himself gambled away the family fortune, and that he keeps his sister prisoner.

Phoebe Hadford recently moved to the neighborhood, as her father inherited an estate. Phoebe is beautiful, generous, and a fashionista. She is intrigued by the Nortons and unsure what to believe of the rumors purported of them. When she decides to befriend Emily she will get to know the recalcitrant Baron better, who never learnt you’re not to shoot the messenger.

What Pickled my Fancy:

♡I enjoyed the villain and his whole counterfeit scam, and that he was based on a real historical figure.

♡The details about the apple cider business I found interesting.

♡The pace flowed well.

♡Phoebe is an active protagonist.

What Ruffled my Feathers:
✗Light on the romance, could have used more development, conversations/ interactions.

✗Dialogue very middle of the road, not particularly clever or distinguished.

✗Not enough conflict between characters, things went fairly smooth.

✗Needs more character development, for instance Phoebe. She could have used some faults to spice her up, she was so perfect, I couldn't get a read on her edge wise beyond how pretty and generous she was.

The Brass Tacks:
This kept me engaged, though it is light on romance & character development it was nevertheless seamless to scarf down. I liked the details on forgery, that it was based on a real historical scoundrel was dope, and the cider business. However, I read novels not for the details to stand out most, but rather the characters, the situations they are placed in, and the tangible emotion the sum of that delivers; that is where this novel fell short for me.

Simply put, nothing jumped out. I didn't laugh, or swoon, or get emotionally invested- and that is what keeps me from a higher rating.

I finished this book with the feeling I had only waddled in a story, in the shallow end. As if I had received but a taster, a food court nibble, but never descended into the guts, into it's trenches; it left me intrigued but unsatiated.

It is my first tryst with this author, but I did enjoy it enough to be game to try another installment in this series.

P.S. The bow street runner had quite the unfortunate name:Hugh Toole! Sometimes it is good to sound out a name first ;P

This series is one of my favorites! I love how the author balances the romance and suspense so wonderfully. Phoebe is so optimistic and confident and Adam is so independent and wary. The progression of their relationship felt natural and it was so sweet!

I loved this book!! I thought the characters were extremely well-written and likable. I understood Phoebe’s desire to be seen as more than just a pretty face. I really liked her. Adam was dreamy, and everything I love in a hero. Supporting characters were fantastic as well, and the plot showcased them nicely.

November can’t come soon enough to get this book out there! Even though I received an arc from the author, I’ve already preordered a hard copy. This is a must own.

*review copy provided by the author and in n way influenced my opinions*

Due to his father being swindled out of his fortune by Freddie Payne. Adam a Baron, Lord Dunsbourne has led a very frugal and hermit existence. What breaks him out of this is that his sister is now of marriageable age. Poverty is deep and only a few servants remain as the Baron attempts to return his estate to profitability. Rumors' were started that he gambled away his inheritance. With no idea how to launch his sister into society he meets Phoebe and she becomes friends and helps her. The story is clean and sweet with a growing relationship that I enjoyed. We also see the story through the eyes of Freddie. I think it could have been a bit tighter in the middle but was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the other books in the series. .
I tried to have the first 2 books ordered from my library as I enjoyed this one and was told "We are sorry to inform you that we will not be purchasing the item you suggested because we are unable to obtain it from our regular library suppliers".

I was not sure where this book was going as I started it. I was trying to figure out how the characters were related. But as the story progressed it become clear who was on what side. I love the character of Adam, his work ethic, his desire to fix and make things right. Phoebe has such a good heart and wants so much more than society does. Her relationship with Emily is so sweet.

This was a good read, clean, sweet and redeeming of character.

This is my first time reading a book by this author, and I was happy to find a new author whose writing I enjoyed! I was little worried starting this book in the middle of a series and not having read the previous book, but I found no problems there. The author created a intriguing story that captured and keep my interest throughout. I loved Phoebe's goodness and her ability to see the best in others and circumstances. Adam was another good soul, though clueless about societal matters at times. I did wish there was little more romance in the story. The only other thing I found at all negative was that the story seemed somewhat formulated and wrapped up a little to perfectly. But I can't complain about a happy ending!

I have not read any other book by Sian Bessey before, but now I know I need to read all of them! I loved the writing; it kept me hooked from the first page. I could not put it down. Lord Dunsbourne is unaware of the rumors around him when he finally returns to society, years after the death of his father, to launch his beloved sister Emily into society. They meet their kind neighbor Ms. Phoebe Hadford who comes to the rescue and becomes friends with Emily and reluctantly her brother as well. What follows is an entertaining story filled with sweet romance and plenty of adventure.
#anallegedrogue #netgalley

An Alleged Rogue. Georgian Gentlemen, #3 by Sian Ann Bessey. Covenant Communications, 2021.

Set just west of London, in Georgian-era Berkshire in the upper 1700’s when wealthier English people were still wearing wigs and powdered hair, this is a story about Phoebe and her neighbours, young Emily and her older brother Adam, Lord Dunsbourne.

After Emily appears at a social event in her late mother’s very unfashionable gown, Phoebe steps in to help Emily prepare to enter society. Having spent the last five years trying to catch the swindler who cheated his late father out of the family fortune and setting up an apple cider business, Adam is unaware of the rumours that circulate and flourish in their community though Phoebe questions these as she gets to know Adam.

This is a well-written, entertaining sweet romance is loaded with appealing characters that readers will enjoy, and one nefarious crook. Descriptions of the story settings, particularly the apple orchard, are particularly vivid. The easy-to-follow plot unfolds in the sequence in which things happen. I had not previously heard of Sian Ann Bessey, but have since read and enjoyed the first two books in the Georgian Gentleman series, enjoyed them and look forward to more.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of An Alleged Rogue for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #AnAllegedRogue #NetGalley.

6 stars! Such a charming book. The characters are very likeable and the story plot is quite interesting with parallelly growing suspense originating from the villain. It was lovely to watch the protagonists to get to know each other, and there was a growing dread whether the villain will succeed. Last but not least thank you for not revolving the whole book around the protagonists' sexual attraction. So refreshing to read a proper story plot with the proper character development rather than having the full plot to be around their physical attraction and steamy sex scenes.

This is the first time I came across this author and I cannot wait to check out her other books.

Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy in exchange of the honest review.

I don't know if this will be the last book in the series, but it's a great addition to the other two books.

Following his father's death, Adam and his younger sister became a sort of social recluses and his reputation has suffered for it.

Phoebe is shocked by the rumors when she first meets them, but the more she gets to know Adam, the more convinced she is he's nothing like society makes him out to be.

I liked how generous Phoebe is with her friendship to him and being a good friend and mentor to his sister. The sweetness of the relationship between Adam and Phoebe was a treat to read.
The villain's POV made for added tension as I waited to see how that would resolve.

Would love to see more books in this series.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Sian Ann Bessey has created an exciting story with a unique conflict.  Her characters are believable and the romance is gently inserted into the story, perfectly fitting their styles.  I loved reading about the Georgian era fashions and culture.  This story stands alone, though there are references to characters from other books in the Georgian Gentlemen Series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.