Never Rescue a Rogue might just be one of the exceptions to the rule of a sequel not being as good as the original. I loved the banter between the characters (specifically between Giles and Diana). I didn't want the book to end, I hope Virginia Heath will be writing Vee's story soon.

Thank you #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #NeverRescueaRogue by Virginia Heath for an honest review of the book.

This was my first book my Virginia Heath and it's part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed getting to know Diana and Giles. They both have some big secrets and have to decide if they trust the other with the burden of those secrets. Ms. Heath does a great job of telling this story that is heavy on plot and low on steam. I really enjoyed Diana and her sisters, especially Vee and I'll be on the lookout for her book when it comes out.

I loved the banter between Diana and Giles through this story. I also loved that Diana was fierce and Giles did not want to change anything about her. I love the mystery that Giles brought into the story and how developed. While I enjoyed Minerva and Hugh’s story more, I did enjoy Diana and Giles as well. Dalton was also wild and was such a great side character. I also can’t wait to see Vee’s story.

I enjoyed the dialogue between the H and H, however it was all a bit too predictable. Diana, the heroine, is interesting as she doesn’t have the standard upper-class background that most Regency heroines do. And she works as an anonymous newspaper columnist taking on both society reporting as well as investigative journalism exposing the wealthy crooks who are cheating people. It’s not clear how she discovers any of that information; it’s just basically thrown in as a detail to make her more interesting. I would have liked more about that.

But now she turns her investigative skills, such as they are, to help Giles find out more about the secrets behind his parentage. Knowing that this was a romance novel, it wasn’t any surprise to find out the truth that will make their HEA possible.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

An absolute delight of whimsical wordplay, charming shenanigans and witty banter. I adored the taunting, verbal sparring and combative love language that is Giles & Diana. Though seeming to be oil & vinegar, they are actually the perfect compliment to one another. The convoluted ways Giles’ ‘Dirty Secret’ evolved was highly entertaining and kept you on your toes, Fearless ‘Hunter of the Truth’ Diana was fabulous in her self-reliant glory. Proving again and again that she can stand on her own, but finally coming to understand that it even better to stand as one with someone you love. This story completely charmed me. I loved these two characters immensely in Minerva’s story and am happy to say, they lived up to all their potential in this story. I cannot wait to read Vee’s story, and look forward to hopefully seeing the match I expect.

3.5 stars, rounded up.

Miss Diana Merriwell and Giles Sinclair are not friends and most certainly are not infatuated with each other, but since her brother-in-law is his best friend, they must spend time in each other’s company and pretend to tolerate each other for the sake of familial harmony – yep – that’s their story and they are sticking to it.

Diana has trust issues thanks to her vile father and has no desire to marry and be “owned” by a man. She has worked hard and has earned her position at The London Tribune, a job she hopes will ultimately support her dream to live independently as a spinster. But for now, she resides with her sister and brother in law, her family knows she works at the paper, and despite her insistence that she is just a copy editor, they all think they know her secret – that she writes for the gossip column - which she does and is happy to let them believe that is her secret, but the truth is she also writes serious, investigative exposes under the nom de plume of the Sentinel.

Since the death of his mother, Giles has known the family’s “Dirty Secret”, but his father never expressed any concern about it, until recently when out of the blue he decides to remarry. But when he dies just days before his wedding, Giles learns why his father was in such a rush to wed when someone threatens to expose the secret and destroy everything Giles has worked for as the new Duke of Harpenden. He isn’t sure how to thwart the villain, that is until he figures out Diana’s secret and wonders if she would be willing to put aside their animosity and help him find out the truth, without revealing his growing regard and desire for her.

This was a well-written, nicely-paced romance story that happened to have a really great mystery. This book is supposed to be a “enemies to lovers” trope, but I don’t feel like that is accurate, I never believed that they disliked each other. Distrusted? Yes. Hated? No. I also found Diana’s constant denial of her true feelings to be a bit too much – to quote the Bard “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” and she doesn’t stop until almost the very end of the book. I understood the reason for her mistrust, but Giles proved himself time and again, and yet, she still refused to let it go, Sigh – I love strong heroines, but Diana’s refusal to even consider any future other than being alone got tiresome. For me, the best part of the story was when they began to investigate Giles’ “Dirty Secret”, it was really well done, very touching, and stuck it to the villain. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. Bottom line; This book was a fun read that is light on the romance, and heavy on the mystery story that ends with a HEA.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Never rescue a rogue

The second book in the series, set right after the regency era, has Diana and Giles as the protagonists.
Diana is just a commoner in the eyes of society especially since she is the third sister out of three and her father was a criminal. She is strong and resilient as her life hasn’t been so easy. But she knows how to make a life for herself. She’s a secret columnist for the newspaper. Now that her sister is married into the high society, she has access to the big gossips and it’s taking all the advantages out of it.
Giles is a man that is maybe too good for himself. His family is not who he thought they were and his right to inherit the next ducat is in danger as the actual duke doesn’t care about it and only spends the money left and right.

I loved how much banter and feelings go behind this story. They are true to themselves at all times and while they recognise their feelings towards each other , the whole situation is not so easy at may seem.

There are however some moments where I felt the book is stalling and made me skip a few pages to be honest. It felt like going on and on on the same page and nothing is moving.
But overall it’s a nice read that many historical romance lovers will enjoy.

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley.

This book is filled with intrigue, romance and humor from the first page to the very last. I didn't want to stop reading it. A wonderful sequel to Never Fall For Your Fiancé, you a treated to glimpses into the lives of all the characters from the first novel while delving deeper into the lives of Giles and Diana. I love how even though this is a regency romance, the female characters are strong and independent - especially Diana. Giles is your typical regency rogue but he has a soft heart and makes a great hero in the story.
If you love Regency rom-coms with a bit of intrigue rolled in, you're going to adore every minute of this one.

This historical Regency romance series just keeps getting better and better!! I loved that this book sees a playboy heir with a secret philanthropic heart teaming up with a strong, independent newspaper investigator to dig into his past and stave off a blackmailer.

The banter between Giles and Diana is top notch and the cameos from the first book made me so happy. Unapologetically feminist with great steamy scenes, this book truly had it all. Highly recommended for fans of Martha Waters or Evie Dunmore and great on audio! Much thanks to NetGalley and @prhaudio for early digital copies in exchange for my honest review!

Never Rescue a Rogue is an absolutely delightful story about Giles and Diana trying to solve a mystery that threatens to ruin Giles if it goes unsolved. Reminiscent of Bridgerton, this regency romance is one that has plenty of laughs, tension, and love in it. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I can't wait to see where the adventure goes from here!

I love the cover art. Virginia Heath has a winner in this wonderfully witty and charming story. Giles and Diana are friends who find great fun in trading barbs. Giles is a Duke in waiting and a rogue. Diana is a writer and also a Commoner. The author does a marvelous job of bringing all the characters together. There is tension as well as funny moments as they investigate and seek the truth. Throughout it all we see the sweetest love story unfold between Giles and Diana.

I was so happy when I got the opportunity to read this book being that I LOVED the first one. I always liked Diana, she is so headstrong and she is a no nonsense type of woman and very independent, I love that! And I knew when her book came along her I would love it, especially with Giles involved. Giles is the fun and wild one and Hugh’s best friend, he’s a family friend and the words they use for each other? It was too funny to read. I truly enjoyed this book. But of course, this book is MORE than just the romance, Giles has a huge family secret that can ruin his reputation, and Diana is also keeping a little secret of her own. I loved how effortless it was for them to fall in love, and how they worked together, I just love these characters, I can’t wait for the next book already. Thanks Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

Never Rescue a Rogue by Virginia Heath is the second book in The Merriwell Sisters series. I haven’t read book one, but this novel stands well on its own. It’s set in 1826, so just after the Regency period, but it reads the same as a Regency Romance.

Miss Diana Merriwell is a commoner who works incognito as a gossip columnist and investigative reporter. She’s the middle daughter (of three) of a criminal, and her difficult upbringing has made her strong and independent. Her older sister recently married an earl, thrusting Diana into a new social circle. She adapts to it easily and is pleased that it affords her ready access to the subjects of her gossip column.

One of these subjects is Giles Sinclair, son of a duke. Giles has a very big problem. Four years earlier, he learned from the dying duchess that he is actually illegitimate. So he is not heir to the dukedom. This is terrible, because Giles has always wanted to eventually right the wrongs of his father. The current duke is a penny-pinching, cruel man who neglects his estates and tenants. Giles and his father have never gotten along because Giles is good to the core, even if he pretends to be a reprobate to irritate the duke.

Giles intends to one day set things to right in the dukedom, but knows that if his father’s secret comes out, the actual heir, his uncle, will inherit. And this man is even more morally bankrupt than Giles’ father.

At the novel’s opening. Giles learns that something or someone is threatening to reveal the duke’s secret. Then, abruptly, Giles’ father dies and Giles inherits. He’s in a quandary. He’s a little afraid he’ll go to jail for impersonating a duke, but he’s mostly afraid of his uncle inheriting and causing more harm to innocents.

The only one he trusts to go to for help is Diana. The two have known each other for a while and they enjoy verbally sparring. They pretend to dislike each other, but deep down what they feel is attraction. However, Diana refuses to entertain the notion that she cares for Giles because her life lessons have taught her that men are not to be trusted. Giles recognizes that he’s attracted to Diana, but he refuses to woo and marry anyone since he knows he’s not the peer of the realm he must pretend to be.

The two embark on a quest to discover the truth and maybe break the law to continue hiding it, all for the greater good. On the way, they fall ever more deeply in love.

This is a quick, entertaining romance in the enemies-to-lovers trope, or maybe frenemies-to-lovers is a better description. The dialogue contains some jarring modernisms, and Diana’s journalistic fact-finding adventures are glaringly lacking in credibility, but it remains a fun love story with two likeable protagonists.

This is fun and fast paced historical romance with two characters with witty dialog and full backstories. Both Giles and Diane are great and I enjoyed getting to know them both (especially their secrets).

My problem is mostly that I just read Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLean and it has a very similar plot and I just liked that one better. If I hadn't read the other book first I think I wouldn't have any notes, but instead I was a little let down that it wasn't one notch better and it felt a little to angsty in comparison.

I love a good historical romance and this one did NOT disappoint! For some reason I thought I had read the first in the Merriwell sisters series, but I was mistaken. Despite that, I had no trouble picking up on the characters and immediately requested the first from the library. Diana is truly one of my favorite characters from a HR novel that I've read in a long time. She was funny, headstrong, and whip smart, but she also was flawed. The characters felt human and yet comical in that larger-than-life way you'd want from a rom-com novel.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the historical romance world.
I wasn't sure how the plot was going to wrap up but it was so satisfying, I was so happy for Giles and Diana. If the little hints I was picking up on towards the end are true, I can't wait for Vee's book.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Will the truth strip him from more than his sire’s legacy…

I remember while reading the first book not being entranced by Diana, she was the suspicious one, not always shown under the best light compared to her mother hen of an older sister.
Yet here, I loved her, the dynamic of her relationship with Giles is sweet and amusing.
So for readers who are new to this series, there is no need to read the first book (outside wanting to learn more about Minerva and Hugh’s courtship) to appreciate this one.

Diana is determined to make way to the sun, even if it is in the shadow, she is more than the copy editor she lets “everyone” believe her to be. She is a righter of injustice, a dust’s digger and skeleton’s hunter. She searches among the worst of the ton to reveal the cheater or abuser of the weaker, all because her trust in the male side of humankind has been chattered by her feckless and shameless of a sire, a man ready to sell his blood to settle his debts without a backward thought.
Giles is the opposite of what he lets society believes. His outrageous parties have only one purpose, to chock his frosty sire. When he hardly drinks and really cares of those who have not the same power than him. As he knows he lives his present life on borrowed time, he has assured himself his pecuniary avenir, but what of his name.
His future becomes even more unsure when he inherits much earlier than he assumed his father’s title. From there he has only one purpose assure the best possible outcome for those depending of the dukedom.
Yet when threats appear to come true, he knows of only one person to sort of the truth, the torn in his backside, the woman who haunts his dreams and the one he can confide his darkest secrets.

Opposite to the first book, Diana’s relatives are more a faire-valoir and appear only here and here along the narrative, not really except for the younger Merriwell sister part of the investigation nor its resolution.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher and the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This book is absolutely for fans of Brigerton. Although, I have not read the previous book in the series, I was able to follow along with the Merriwells. I am a sucker for friends/enemeies to lovers and this book served it well. The added bit of mystery with Giles thrown in there, really added to the story. I also loved the found family of it all. To say the least, I willbe reading the previous book and following the series for what comes next.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and reviewed it voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book was just not for me. The writing, plot and characters were fine, I just wasn’t connected to any of them. It’s not a bad book, just not for me.

This book is absolutely for fans of Evie Dunmore or Bridgerton. It definitely lives up to its predecessor in that it had everything we loved about the first one thrown in but still uniquely its own. I loved the bit of mystery thrown in there. I also loved the found family of it all. Add Never Rescue a Rogue to your TBR now to scratch that Bridgerton itch!

This is a delightful frenemies-to-lovers romance between a newly-inherited duke and his BFF's younger sister-in-law. Giles is one of those feckless-rakes-on-the-outside, charity-do-gooder on the inside HR heroes. Proof?

1. He hosts lavish parties to piss of his dad the duke, but he pays for them using his own money earned on the stock market. His allowance is donated in-full to charities. (Also he rarely even drinks alcohol.)

2. He wants to inherit, but not because he wants his dad to die. No, he just wants to put right all of the depredations caused by an absentee landlord.

3. He falls so hard for Diana that he hasn't even considered another woman since they met.

Virginia Heath takes a simple premise and pulls it off perfectly. Giles has a secret! But don't worry, he tells Diana PDQ. Diana is a newshound! But don't worry, she'd never capitalize on her friends' private lives.

We liked the first book in the series, but we LOVED this one. Highly recommended!

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.