This book was absolutely better than the first part of the series. It had a stronger plot, better characters and the overall quality was better.
The main couple's chemistry was top notch, I liked how the author described their attraction in the beginning, the concept of how a tendril of hair coming out of a coiffure can look sensual if you're attracted to someone was just so beautiful to read. It wasn't insta love, but rather insta connection, which is what normally happens in the real world.
One thing that stood out though was their intimate scenes. They weren't badly written or too frequent, which are usually my complaints in this area. However, the problem was their timing. The FMC was in the midst of searching for her brother, who she shared a special bond with, knowing that he was kidnapped by perverts, and through all of this she chose to be intimate with the MMC. There were parts where she seemed not even thinking about anything apart from her feelings and desires. It made her brother's problem's only purpose to be connecting the two characters.
Also, I didn't like how the business endeavors the MMC was connected to were romanticized. Brothels and gaming hells were part of this era, no denying that, but that doesn't mean they were good establishments. The way the owner of these businesses was depicted as a savior and overall as a saint was just super uncomfortable.
Lastly, it's not only this book, but I don't know what started the trend of every historical fiction having homosexual representation. Every book I've read this year had a character, or multiple characters, who was gay and they were always treated with acceptance and love. Seriously, it felt like authors trying to modernize the book, and adding these characters just to fill a quota or express their agenda.
Overall, I liked it, but I didn't love it.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Take an aged spinster firmly on the shelf, throw in a Lord on the cusp of an auspicious betrothal, add a little intrigue and top it off with explosive chemistry and you have a bang-up great read! Loved the characters and the well-written story. Highly recommended!
Thank you Abigail Bridges, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really really liked this book.
Eloise is a spinster at 30. Robert is a rake that is determined to marry Lydia, the daughter of a duke.
When Eloise's brother Timothy goes missing, she teams up with Robert to find him.
This book is different then most in the genre that I have read.
I liked Eloise but I loved Robert. Their relationship was only over a few days but it was great and their connection was perfect.
I look forward to the next book in the series.

An Excellent Historical Romance with Suspense, Mystery, and Secrets

Eloise and Robert are drawn to one another despite all the obstacles in their way. He is nearly betrothed, and she is a spinster not intending to marry. They start out on two different paths, but the kidnapping of a young man unites them. London’s underground is full of danger, and it is no place for a noblewoman. However, Eloise would brave the gates of hell to save her brother. As she ventures into Campion’s disguised as a lad, her perilous journey begins. Robert cannot deter her from her goal, so he joins her in her endeavor. Will the two be able to rescue Eloise’s brother? It will be a dangerous mission, and the kidnappers are willing to kill to stop Robert and Eloise. This story grabbed me from the very first page and held my interest until the very end. I loved it and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical romance filled with suspense, mystery, secrets, and scandal. The story might have triggers because it addresses the topic of sexual abuse.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

As she approaches thirty, Lady Eloise Surrey finds herself acting as chaperone to her spoilt cousin, witnessing her courtship with Lord Robert Ashton, the rakish son of the Duke of Kennet. Eloise has perfected the art of appearing as a spinster on the shelf, but she has a secret, and when Robert discovers the true Eloise, sparks begin to fly. Then Eloise's brother, Timothy, is abducted, apparently from the gentleman's club where Robert works and co-owns, and they need to work together, uncovering a cruel and twisted underground, to find Timothy and come out the other side unharmed.

I wanted to know more about Robert/Robbie when we met him in To Stop a Scoundrel and started to see how multi-faceted he was. And, I wanted him to get a happy ending, especially as Rose's marriage to his brother Thomas broke his heart. What we found in A Rogue Like You just blew me away. I knew that there was something motivating Robert, but never expected what he had faced in his life, nor just how strong both he and Eloise were. I loved their camaraderie, initially, which quickly turned to love and affection - to the extent they were willing to do just about anything to save the other person. Again, just like in book 1, some very difficult topics are discussed (tw for rape/sexual abuse) but in a way which explained a lot, and was dealt with in a delicate way. Now that we know this family more, I can't wait for the remaining Ashton siblings to find their own love and happiness.

Lady Eloise Surrey was a chaperone to Lady Lydia Rowbotham who was being corted by lord Robert Ashton. By day Lord Robert was a second son by night he's Robbie Green, who owns half a Campion's Gentleman's Emporium, a notorious gaming hell, who helps people. When Lady Eloise's bother who we all find out is actually her son goes missing she finds Robbie Green with help of a friend of her's who runs a dress shop. Eloise and Robert go under ground together to find her son. I just reviewed A Rogue Like You by Abigail Bridges. #ARogueLikeYou #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Lord Robert Ashton stood by while his brother married the woman he had loved for years. Deciding on an advantageous respectable marriage, Robert starts courting Lady Lydia Rowbotham. Lady Lydia is the daughter of a Duke, and is completely shallow, selfish, and self-absorbed.
Lady Eloise is Lady Lydia's chaperone on occasion. When Lady Eloise's brother, Timothy, is kidnapped Lady Eloise goes to Lord Robert for help, as she knows he is the most likely person to help her find her brother.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Lord Robert and Lady Eloise. So many facets to this story from the rigid ton events to a gaming establishment, and everything in between.

Robbie and Eloise are nothing alike. A dangerous and a spinster. But neither are what they seem. Can the exist between the two worlds? I did not know that this was a second book until I left the review. So it can stand alone.
The book deals with an underworld that is ugly and hardly gets attention. Written about in a tasteful manner. With a few sensual scenes. Both characters are determined on their goals and compliment each other in their endeavors. However, Robbie's family is unique and I loved them as soon as they were described. I hope she continues to write about them.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

I have not had the opportunity to read anything by Ms. Bridges before and I was excited to try this book out. I was not disappointed! This is the second installment of the Ashton Park series. The story was intriguing and suspenseful and pulled me in from the beginning and kept my interest till the end. Robert has lived the life of a rogue for too long and is now ready to redeem himself. In an effort to do just that, he has attached himself to a Duke's daughter. Not a love match by any means, but it will certainly go a long way in helping to restore his reputation. There is one more connection to his scoundrel past that he must take care of, his association with the Campion's Gentleman's Emporium, a notorious gaming hell.
Eloise acts as chaperone to Robert's soon to be bride. When her younger brother is kidnapped, she finds herself at the Emporium, in an effort to trace his last steps. She meets with Robert and the two embark on a quest to find her brother. The story kept me on the edge of my seat with many twists and turns that had me glued to the pages to find out what happens next. Mystery, intrigue, drama, and of course romance had me completely captivated. The novel was cleverly written with the suspense and drama carrying till the end. A well-written book that I very much enjoyed! Would love to read more by this author!

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

After years of living the life of a rogue, Lord Robert fought his way back into the good graces of Society and an elaborate wedding awaits. It’s not the love match, but a duke’s daughter is the perfect solution to his profane past. The only obstacle remaining to the marriage contracts is his long association with Campion’s Gentlemen’s Emporium, a notorious gaming hell. Lady Eloise Surrey, on the other hand, is at the end of her time in Society. A lace-capped spinster, Eloise acts as a chaperone to Lady Lydia Rowbotham, the soon-to-be betrothed of Robert, and she plans to exit to the country after the wedding. Then her younger brother Timothy is kidnapped, and Eloise, determined to track her brother’s last movements, is drawn into London’s dark underworld—starting with Campion’s, the last place Timothy was seen. Disguised as a man, Eloise heads to the emporium, bringing her face-to-face with Robert.
The second book in the series & it’s an edge of the seat read which drew me in from the start & I found it very hard to put down. There are secrets, suspense & not everyone is as they seem. I loved both Robert & Eloise, their chemistry sizzles & I loved their road to a HEA. I read this delightful book in two sittings, roll on book three
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Lord Robert is the heartbroken second son of a Duke, with some secrets and something of a double life. Lady Eloise is the unassuming chaperone of the woman he is courting. When Eloise's brother goes missing she asks Robert to help her with his knowledge of the London underworld.

I really enjoyed this book. It had some very dark undertones but the two main characters held it together with an interesting supporting cast and some genuine love.

Lord Robert Ashton is the second son of a Duke and has just watch the woman he has always wanted, marry his brother. Our hero has many secrets that sometimes weigh on him, but the one that pleases him is his alter ego Robbie Green.
Lady Eloise is well past looking for a husband. Now she plays chaperone to others and has a little side business that nobody including her parents know about.
Less than happy pasts have given both our characters a depth that most don't have. They have a horrendous battle ahead of them.
This is a wonderful historical romance that covers a difficult story. It will draw you in from the first to last page. You can't help but fall in love with all the characters. This is part of a series but each book can be read alone.
I loved it.

Robert Ashton has had to accept that his older brother, Lord Newbury has married a woman, Lady Rose whom he had long desired. Yet with Rose believing herself to be unable to have children, Robert has found that he must marry in order to provide an heir to the title. He believes that Lady Lydia Rowbotham is the person, who best suits. She is an earl’s daughter with all the right connections, plus a determined father. Yet when he meets Lady Eloise, who is chaperoning Lady Lydia, he finds himself captivated. When Eloise encounters Robert at the modiste, she soon realises that he is hiding who he truly is, the owner of a gambling den, and someone who helps those in need. When her younger brother is kidnapped, Eloise believes that Robert is the only person who can help. Yet, as they spend more time together, both wonder how their lives will be changed forever, from their association and how they will ever be able to live without the other.
Another amazing book in a great series. Whilst this is a standalone book, I would encourage any reader to seek out book 1. Both Eloise and Robert are two passionate and determined characters who could survive alone, but together are marvellous. Their passion is intense, making this story all the more memorable. Without revealing too much of the storyline, this was a story that moved quickly with events that felt would prevent them ever being together. What a ride!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Rogue Like You by Abigail Bridges took us on a trip through the underbelly of London. Lord Robert Ashton has just attended the wedding of his brother, Thomas, and Lady Rose Timmons, the lady he had loved for years. This lady was hurt and so will never bear a child so it is up to Robert to provide the heir. In light of that he has been courting the most noble lady available, Lady Lydia Rowbotham, daughter of the Duke of Makendon. He didn't like her, in fact he loathed her voice, but she could provide the necessary heir and he could be done with her. In effect, he was sacrificing himself for his family. They were nearly betrothed with just the contracts to be signed, when he became aware of Lady Eloise Surrey, her chaperone. He ran into her at the modiste's when he was sent on an errand by Lady Lydia-a test to see if he would measure up (toady up). She had ink on her hand and a strand of hair loose and he was enthralled. Lady Eloise was interesting; when she was 15 her cousin, a man whom her parents intended her to wed, had raped her. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son who had been raised by her parents and was now the heir. Obviously no one knew. Now she was thirty and a chaperone. Such is life. Timothy, her "brother" was eager to prove himself a man and so went into the bowels of London to drink, gamble, and find a whore. There is so much more to this story; so many details.

Eloise is an independent woman difficult as her father is an earl. She is a bookkeeper and actually has a small business, which is obviously a secret. She doesn't like the rules, but is careful about flaunting them. Robert is kind of the same, but on a much larger scale. He is a partner in the largest gaming establishment in London, and actually works there in disguise. There is so much more to this story as well. This is a fabulous book: raw and real and complicated. So much worry about reputations and so much dirty dealing away from prying eyes. The plot was excellent, full of twists and turns and things one would not expect at all. I kept me fully engaged and eager for more. True love won, despite there being everything against it. If I could give it more than five stars, I would. I LOVED it!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Rogue Like You by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #dragonblade #aroguelikeyou #abigailbridges

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

A really well written mystery adventure, one with great characters that grow on you and you become very attached to.

Robert we met in the first book but Eloise is new to the series, the two become embroiled in a search for her brother, there’s tension and passion in every chapter and it’s a book that keeps your attention throughout.
So glad I read this.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

London 1825

So excited to read the second in this series and it did not disappoint! Now we have the second Ashton brother, Robert. Since his brother has just married the woman he had admired for so long, he knew it was time for him to marry. But the woman he had chosen was.... um, very trying.

Eloise was that woman's chaperone, just as a favor and really she was now a spinster, with no thoughts on marrying. But then, she actually talks to Robert and needs his help in finding her younger brother.

Full of secrets, angst, suspense and wonderful characters, all not as they seem! Seriously I could not put this one down once I started. Cannot wait for the next!

Lord Robert Ashton, the second son of the Duke of Kennet, was recovering from the marriage of his older brother, Thomas to Lady Rose. However, Rose could not bear a child, so he felt the duty to provide a high ranked child himself. Lady Lydia seemed to be the chosen one, as a daughter of a well-placed duke. Lady Eloise was her chaperone that accompanied her to each society happening. She sat and watched each endless evening as Lady Lydia chattered endlessly and treated her suitors as if they were nothing. This novel provides interesting characters, a look into the sordid side of London and an awareness into how society treated their own. I found that I could not put it down. I kept reading to find out how each situation would end and what would happen to Lord Robert and Lady Eloise. Thank you for an interesting read and a glimpse into a different side of society.

A compelling tale full of tragedy, scandal & a love to overcome all obstacles. And there are ALOT of obstacles. I was on the edge of my seat, and thankfully the ending held just as much emotion as the turmoil throughout this tale, I could not put it down!
Lady Eloise Surrey is a spinster of the truest definition. After 10 seasons, she now serves as a chaperone to a Duke’s daughter. She is resigned to remove from society and live the quiet life of a spinster. But this season will not be like the others and she will learn the determination he spirit she holds within.
Lord Robert Ashton is a rake he needs to marry to beget an heir for his family. Though a second son to the Duke of Kenet, this responsibility has fallen to him. In pursuit of the highest society has to over, he is determined to win the hand of Lady Lydia, a duke’s daughter. But one fateful night on a mission to retrieve Lady Lydia’s dress from the modiste, he discovers her quiet mouse of a chaperone assisting the modiste with her books. He learns that behind that quiet exterior exists a woman of incomparable strength & determination. That chance meeting will change the course of the future for both Lady Eloise & Lord Robert. They will come together to battle through scandal and pain, a seemingly neverending string of turmoil. Just when you think nothing more can happen to these two, it does. Prepare for a wild ride, as this author does not disappoint.

This suspenseful Regency romance drew me in from the opening chapters and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. First of all, there was Lord Robert. Having met him in the first book of this series, my heart went out to him as he had to watch as his brother married the woman he had loved for so many years. In response, making a match with the unattainable Lady Lydia, a shallow and self-absorbed daughter of a Duke, may have seemed a way of redeeming himself, but he is regretting the choices he has made. When Lydia's companion, a seemingly colorless spinster approaches him for his help in finding her missing brother, presumably kidnapped, Robert is filled with dread, knowing full well what may have happened to him. Robert quickly discovers hidden depths in Eloise and the more time he spends with her, trying to protect her from her own investigations into the case, the more she piques his interest. They are in fact the perfect match but with so much happening at once, Robert does not have the advantage of the time to sort through his motives and feelings, let alone appeasing his betrothed's arrogant father. As feelings develop between Robert and Eloise and become more heated, one can feel the anguish and frustration they both experience, knowing that if they are successful in meeting their objective, a future together is very slim indeed. There was so much going on in this book that I felt my head spinning, but with clever planning, both Eloise and Robert win the day. This novel is well written and the suspense is carried all the way through. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This is book # 2 in the Ashton Park Historical romance series by Abigail Bridges; however, it works as a standalone, with no cliffhanger, and can be read independently.

Lord Robert Ashton decides it's time to stop playing around and settle down with a respectable member of the London society, one who, preferably, will give him the heir his family needs to continue on the Ashton name. Instead of finding love and admiration with his intended bride, he becomes quite enamored with her chaperone, "spinster" Lady Eloise. Their mutual attraction becomes heightened with Lord Timothy, Eloise's 15-yr old brother disappears on a boys' night out with his friends and only Robert, who has ties to the seedy underbelly of London's most nefarious circles, can help her find out what happened to her beloved brother.

I found this to be a quick read, if a little underwhelming. I liked the plot as far as touching on human trafficking and illegal gaming halls, but the rest of it was a touch lackluster. The relationship between Eloise and Robert was rushed, in my opinion, considering she had been his fiancee's chaperone for awhile, and he had never noticed or been attracted to her before. Then, during one meeting, all of the sudden, they have unavoidable desires for each other and have fallen in love, over the course of 3 days. Hmm...ok. I have to admit, "bodice-rippers" are not my usually book of choice but I have been wanting to give them a shot so this may be normal for this genre but I was expecting a bit more storyline and plot.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.