*Romance, historical fiction, adventure*
"Once more, you are a victim of the powerful effect of Society gossip."
4.5 stars
This theme and many more can be found in this highly satisfying novel set in Georgian England.
Sian Ann Bessey has created characters that are beautiful and varied, as well as just enough poetic lines to create the image I need in my mind as I read and feed my desire to visit England.

Adam has spent the last five years attempting to bring his family's finances out of ruins, while simultaneously hunting down the man that swindled his father out of a fortune. His mother and father have both since passed and he is the guardian to his sixteen year old sister, Emily. He is protective, kind, but extremely frugal due to their empty coffers. His frugality has led him to dismiss almost all of the servants, avoid social gatherings because of their expense, and made him an easy target for rumors due to his sudden change in circumstances.

Phoebe is nearly perfect, but in a way that endears her to the reader. She hears rumors about Adam and Emily and is concerned that the sister is essentially being held captive in her home. This leads her to befriend her young neighbor and she is glad that she withheld judgement as she gets to know the siblings.
I loved so many of the relationships in this book! Adam and Emily, Adam and Phoebe, Phoebe and her parents, the gentry and the commoners at Dunsbourne Manor.

Both Adam and Phoebe grow in this book, but Adam's character arc was more significant to me. He is slow to trust due to his father being tricked by Freddie Payne the great forger, but also because of Society's hypocritical ways. He also thinks he needs to protect his father's reputation and care for his sister and thinks it is too late for him to have happiness. Phoebe helps him to see he is missing out on a lot of positive interactions and your heart will melt as you see these two discover what a perfect fit they are for each other.
I loved the setting of this book and learning about the production of apple cider in the 18th century. Hard-working people are my favorite, and this book is full of them. I was rooting for them when things were going well, and biting my lip when obstacles appeared. I was fully invested in the ups and downs caused by nature and villains alike!

The romance was sweet and I wanted these two together so much!!

I loved how this book ended. The resolution was succinct and had everything tied up beautifully. Well done!

This review is already too long, and I don't want to accidentally add in any spoilers, but I truly enjoyed it and cannot wait to read another book by this author!
4.5 stars (It would have been five if the details surrounding the criminal's elusiveness had been tighter.)

A great continuation of the Georgian Gentlemen series that is sure to entrance readers - even if they haven't yet had a chance to read the first two books in the series (though they should)!

I will always pick up historical novels with an air of mystery and intrigue and this story fit the bill!

Sian Ann Bessey has done it again! What a great story that captured me from the first page. This story is filled with suspense that keeps you on your toes and yet the budding relationship between Pheobe and Adam is so sweet and genuine that it melts your heart.

Lovely, sweet, and clean, with a bit of duplicity and action thrown in. This was a highly enjoyable story, with the romance and redemption rolling out at just the perfect speed. And we also received the villain’s POV, which doesn’t always work for me, but I thought was used perfectly here.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

An Alleged Rogue is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone book. I haven't read the other two books and even though the previous story and characters are mentioned, it didn't take away or add confusion to this book.
Sian Ann Bessey created an interesting story with a bit of mystery, intrigue, romance and a lot of heart. I typically read stories in the Regency era, so it was fun to read about a slightly earlier time period. It seemed like each of the characters, from the main ones to the most of the side characters all had an important role and each developed in different ways as the story went on. Typically you don't see every character undergo change but each seemed to improve and find themselves better at the end of the story. It was nice to see others happy and not just the hero and heroine. The romance was more of a steady and slow-burn pace but their trust and friendship developed consistently throughout the novel and developed in such a way that it was real through and through and left the reader in no doubt of their happily ever after for the future.

When I saw this book was available for request, I didn't even think before requesting it. It's true, I had never read anything by the author, but the title and description seemed to be just the way I love my historical romance novels. And I have to say I was right. It's been a delightful read!

At first, the rhythm was a little slow, but it's natural to be this way, as we are introduced to different characters and their daily lives, getting to know their motivations and what's really happening behind what they show to others. But when we get to know the characters properly, the story launches itself in an interesting-paced narrative and you just can't put it down.

The different points of view were one of the best additions to the story, especially the one from the antagonist. It was very important to enhance the suspense feeling and give us a little insight to what could happen, making it impossible to stop reading in the last chapters.

Overall, this was a very fun and interesting read, especially the romance. It was good to see the relationship building up and how the characters got closer day by day. I will for sure be looking for more of he author's works.

#AnAllegedRogue #NetGalley

Sian Bessey is good at keeping me turning pages. I loved the main characters in this book, I was caught up in the story from the first page..
Lord Dunsbourne, lost his inheritance and along with trying to save his estate,he is also trying to find the man, who swindled his father years earlier. Each time he gets close the man-Freddie Payne is able to get away.
Phoebe Harford, is new in town, she won't take anyone's word when hearing about someone, she wants to form her own opinion. When the gossip starts around the Dunsbourne siblings, she decides to watch and wait, to see if the gossip, she's heard is true.
A well written book, that I so enjoyed reading.

I loved these characters. Adam ( Lord Dunsbourne) and his sister, Emily are loving and kind to each other. They were dealt a serious blow when their father was conned into losing most of his estate. The forger and master of disguises has been on the lam ever since, living off of Lord Dunsbournes' fortune. Adam spent the next 5 years trying to rebuild the estate to earn a living and trying to find the man responsible for his misfortunes. Emily is shy and oh so sweet. Adam realizes that Emily is of age to enter into society and decides to attend some neighborhood functions after refusing any invitations for 5 years. He is unaware of the gossip that casts him as a gambler and a reprobate.
Phoebe is beautiful with a bit of spunk. She doesn't quite no what to make of her new neighbors. The more time she spends with them the more she refuses to believe the gossip. She befriends Emily and in turn befriends Adam.
This is a wonderful story with intrigue, wit and romance.

Sian Ann Bessey is a new-to-me author, and I can't wait to catch up on her other books. Her writing style is very descriptive and brings the characters and settings to life. She includes many interesting historical details, especially about the process of making cider. Although An Alleged Rogue is the third book in a series, I had no trouble jumping in with this story (though I do want to go back and read more about other characters that are mentioned briefly here).

The central romance between Phoebe and Adam is very well done. Phoebe and Adam initially distrust each other based on first impressions (a la Pride and Prejudice) and false rumors spreading about Adam's character, but as they spend time together and slowly chip away at their original assumptions about each other, their friendship and romance grows. I like that both Phoebe and Adam are level-headed people and open to being proven wrong about their initial opinions. Their romance may be on the quieter side compared to many over-the-top historical romances these days, but I found that change of pace refreshing. This allowed the romance to develop organically and gave more room for their emotions and the tension to build.

I also enjoyed the action and intrigue woven in as the villain of the story -- a forger and con man who stole Adam's family's money -- attempts to pull off another fraud and is hunted by Adam and a Bow Street Runner. Adam's struggle between his near-obsession with catching the con man while balancing the interests of his sister and their estate made him an even more interesting and appealing character.

Thank you to Covenant Communications and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

4.5 stars

A good story. I'm not keen on jeopardy and we meet the villain fairly early on. Adam has focused on his estate and hunting the baddy. The local gossips have had a field ay with his reputation but he doesn't realise because he and his sister haven't been out and about.
The heroine, Phoebe, is respectful of her parents even when she doesn't agree with her mother. She eventually takes Emily, the sister under her wing. She's bright enough to realise that the rumours don't match up with her own impression of Adam and starts to act to sort out truth from fiction.

This is a new author to me and I'll look out for more of her work. I dropped a star as I'd have liked a bit more passion!


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

Besides knowing that I like this author, one look at the cover of this book and I knew I wanted to read it.
This romance mixed with suspense was an enjoyable read for me. I loved the main characters. I loved that Adam was willing to roll up his sleeves and work to fix the estate problems he inherited and that he was willing to see his shortcomings in caring for his sister etc... And I loved that Phoebe was unwilling to judge someone based on gossip. I also loved that she didn't fear hard work to help out even though it was far from her norm in life. I loved that she had a relationship with her father to be able to discuss things to see them more clearly. I thought her father and other side characters were well written.
It gave us so much more insight to add the villain's point of view through out the story. It made it easier to understand what he was up to. And he was so awful that I found my heart pounding in the more intense parts of the story.
Well written, intriguing and romantic, I enjoyed this book.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: some
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

This was an exceptional read! I am such a fan of regency romances, and this one had the sweet romance with mystery and intrigue as well as deep characters and I loved every minute! Phoebe's character was so kind and thoughtful. She was a girly girl, who loved fashion, but who also goes out of her way to make others feel welcome, including Emily and Lord Adam Dunsbourne, about whom she has heard some disturbing rumors. I enjoyed the focus on the hurt that gossiping can bring, as well as, the way Phoebe and her family navigated loving others in a society where favor was easily lost. Adam was a great hero. I loved learning about how they would harvest apples and the cider making process. It also made the book feel like an excellent read for the Fall/Winter season! The villain of this story was written so well, and I was so intrigued to find out how he would be hopefully discovered! You won't want to miss this wonderful Regency story!

I loved the first two books in this series and this one was just as great. The author did such a wonderful job of grabbing my interest from the beginning and keeping me turning page after page. The characters were multifaceted and endearing and suited each other so well. I'd definitely recommend this book!

Oh my goodness!!!!! PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!!!! It is absolutely stunning! Sian Ann Bessey weaves incredible tales and this is no exception! I have been a fan of Sian Ann Bessey for a while now, but this book still blew me away! This book (and series) stands out because they are loosely based on true events. I love when historical fiction is more historical than not. I loved both of the main characters! Phoebe is delightful and it was fun learning more about her after her appearance in The Uncommon Earl. Adam may be one of my top five heroes now! This story stands out among Sian's books because it brings into the villains perspective along with her hero and heroine. It was super interesting having the villains perspective and it worked really well in this story. Not many authors are able to weave three perspectives in such a flawless way! You truly do not want to miss this book! It is an absolute delight!

Rumors say Lord Adam Dunsbourne is a degenerate, a gambler who ruined his family, an evil brother who has imprisoned his sister in the crumbling family home. Phoebe Hadford hears the rumors when the baron and his sister make a surprise entrance into a dinner party. Could they be true? Adam has, since his father’s death, labored to restore the family’s fortunes plus track down the wily swindler his father naively trusted.
Newcomer Phoebe might be the ton’s ideal lovely young woman, but she has an unfortunate independent streak her mother simply cannot train out of her. She quickly finds that all the gossip isn’t accurate. For his part, Adam is sure the beautiful blonde is a featherheaded female who only cares for fashion. Phoebe and Emily quickly become friends, leading Adam to find out for himself how kind and thoughtful their neighbor is. As their regard for each other deepens, Adam shares the true reason for his situation. Phoebe soon is presented with an opportunity to help rectify Adam's family tragedy, with disastrous results. No spoilers! A delightful read with feisty, clearly-drawn characters and a compelling plot. Sweet, uplifting, positive. I’m reading more of Sian Ann Bessey’s books!

Another out of the park hit for Sian Ann Bessey! This books has everything: a heartwarming love story, a suspense ridden climax, a well written villain, a swoon worthy hero. What more could you ask for? Sian Ann has such a clam and thorough writing style that makes the reader feel right at home with her characters and immerses the reading into the story. I could not help but feel like the entire story was playing out right in front of me!

Lord Adam Dunsbourne has avoided society for five years, focusing all of his attention on finding and bring the man who stole his family's fortune to justice. But his avoidance of society has come at a great cost. Rumors spread like wildfire: Adam is a tyrant, keeping his poor sister hostage, and swindled the family fortune away in gambling ventures that led to his father's death. Though nothing could be further from the truth, Adam's avoidance of society has only increased the rumors. So when Adam decides it is in his sister, Emily's, best interest to be introduced into society, he does not understand why the two of them are being snubbed other than his avoidance to society. Phoebe Hadford is new the the area and when the rumors about Lord Dunsbourne reach her ears, she struggles with whether or not to believe them. That is until she gets to know Emily and Adam. Phoebe makes a point to befriend poor Emily and help from her tyrant of a brother until she finds she was wrong to believe the rumors.

An Alleged Rogue is an excellent tale about Adam, a young man that has been trying for five years to get the family finances back in order after a villain tricked his father into investing in a bakery that was non existent. The family fortune was lost, so Adam and his sister Emily,. have been surviving on very little since. During the past five years they have avoided all social events, therefore rumors have painted a very dark picture of Adam. Phoebe, a neighbor that has never met them, soon becomes a great friend to Emily, and eventually she befriends Adam, and finds that he is actually a respectable gentleman. He has an apple orchard he is using to make cider for selling to the public, in hopes of regaining the family fortune. The villain that stole away the family's fortune has returned, trying to steal money from Phoebe's father, but when his plan is foiled by Adam, he retaliates by setting his orchard on fire, causing Adam to lose about a third of his trees. He attempts to kidnap Phoebe, but Adam rescues her, then saves the life of her father. It's a wonderful and clean tale I enjoyed very much!

The charm of this book is unmatched. I loved seeing what gossip could do when used for bad, which I have seen in my own life, and for good, which I have tried to use for the benefit of those around me. The characters are well thought out and so lovable. The love that develops from a friendship is beautiful to follow.

The Alleged Rouge is a clean historical romance. It is the third book in Bessy’s Georgian Gentleman series, but is only loosely connected to the characters from the earlier books. It could easily be read as a stand alone.
I have loved all of the books in this series and The Alleged Rouge is no exception. It was such a fun read. The main characters Adam and Phoebe were like-able. They both had to learn to look past rumors and past prejudices to see a persons true character. I loved watching their relationship develop between friendship to romance.
This book had the perfect blend of romance and suspense to keep me invested in the characters and the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romances.

AN ALLEGED ROGUE by SIAN ANN BESSEY is a truly delightful read and one I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical romance novels.
The story takes place in Berkshire, with several forays into London. I love the descriptions of life in eighteenth century England and the unforgettable characters.
Adam Norton, Lord Dunsbourne, has become a virtual hermit after his father’s entire fortune was stolen by notorious forger and thief, Freddie Payne. He is determined to catch the villain and has a Bow Street Runner, Mr Toole, looking out for him as well. His younger sister Emily has lived with him since she was eleven and he has finally realised, now that she is sixteen, that he needs to return to society for his sister’s sake. We see the danger that gossip can cause, as stories are passed around about him and his supposed addiction to alcohol and gambling.
Phoebe Hadford befriends Emily, who she feels should not suffer because of the rumours about her family. Phoebe’s friendship has made Emily blossom into a confident young lady and the two of them become really good friends. The stories about him make Phoebe afraid of Adam initially, but she takes her father’s advice and gives him the benefit of the doubt. She is not afraid of standing up to society, although her mother warns her that “As women our role is to excel within the bounds society sets, not push through them.”
I like to see Adam’s passion for making cider, his hard work in his orchard and his kindness towards his few remaining servants, who are in turn very loyal to him.
The story is exciting and I am not telling you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Covenant Communications. The opinions in this review are completely my own.