This was a delightful series ended. It follows an A and B romance plot, in addition to the overarching “spies in love” conceit. There’s not a huge amount of spice, but the characters do get space to develop. I’m sad to see the series end!

This book is just not for me. Have I read too many romances? Maybe. The hero and heroine seem way too blasé. They enter into a marriage of convenience, both pretty dispassionately. They have a few days together where they realize they are sexually compatible. And then the hero effs off for no clear reason. I guess the heroine is embarrassed but neither of them seems that invested in making a marriage work. And then the book seems much more interested in a romance between side characters. I just found this to be really uneven and the characters not engaging. Maybe good for someone who has read less romance, but I feel like I’ve read this done better.

The perfect conclusion to a great series, with - in a way - three happy endings for the price of one.

The main focus is on Caroline and Maxim, who had been forced to marry six years earlier. Believing his new wife would be much happier without him around, Maxim left for France to resume his activities as a spy for the British Crown. Caroline, humiliated and heartbroken, left London society and settled in a house on the coast, far away from her awful family and the London gossips. But then her husband returns to her.

General Scott, the matchmaking leader of the intelligence officers Maxim used to belong to, isn't sure that Maxim hasn't crossed sides during his prolonged stay in France. He sends Fanny, a fallen officer's widow, and Fitz, recovering from torture by the French, to the coast to keep an eye on Maxim. Fanny befriends Caroline to get closer to Maxim, but Fitz is mainly preoccupied by his crush on Fanny.

There was quite some angst, with both Caroline & Maxim and Fanny & Fitz dealing with the ghosts from their past. Although the majority of the story follows Caroline and Maxim, the snippets of Fanny and Fitz we get are just enough to make you start rooting for them to get their happy-ever-after. The second-chance romance between Caroline and Maxim goes hard. He comes back and it doesn't take long for him to start grovelling to get his wife to fall back in love with him. Both Caroline and Maxim had a lot of growing up to do, but it's clear pretty quickly that they'll eventually find their way back to each other and be stronger than ever.

The spying aspect is woven through the entire story, just enough to keep you turning pages so you can find out what exactly is going on. And with every separate storyline twisting together, the ending is pretty dramatic.

It's not necessary to have read the previous books in the series. All of the books work perfectly fine as standalones, but there's an epilogue in which we get to see General Scott and his wife of many years get their own little happy-ever-after, with him finally - officially - retiring. The couples from the previous books in the series put in an appearance, giving us a little glimpse into the happy lives they now have thanks to General Scott's romantic meddling. It's a nice little bonus for readers who have devoured the entire series, or maybe an incentive for others to pick up the other books.

I just love it when a series comes full circle at the end and I could not have been happier with with this series finale!

This book delivers not one, but 2 HEA’s and we get a cute story line on the Spymaster/ matchmaker himself along with lovely wife.

For those not familiar with the series, it follows an underground spy English intelligence unit during the time of Napoleon, that just so happens to have a spymaster that sets his officers on assignments that end in matrimonial results!

In ERHHC we get a well done beauty and the beast marriage reconciliation story as the central storyline.

Caro is saved from scandal and her terrible father by the monstrous agent to the Underground Maxim, only to be abandoned by him days after their wedding. 6 years later he returns after an inheritance and not only his loyalty to his wife is in question, but that of England! Now the spy is being spied!

Absolutely loved this book and this series!

Every Rogue has his Charm by Susanna Craig was released August 2nd, 2022.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


#EveryRogueHasHisCharm #SusannaCraig #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

A variation on the Beauty and a Beast tale. Strangers at a house party, Caroline and Maxim are discovered alone in a locked library. Consequences follow. Maxim proposes. Caroline accepts. Shortly after their wedding night, Maxim goes off to France as an undercover agent for General Zebediah Scott who works in the Home Office and is a matchmaker extraordinaire.

Six years later, upon the death of his grandfather, Maxim inherits a dukedom and returns to England. He discovers his wife, Caro, is living quite independently in Brighton. After a couple of unusual accidents that force them to spend time together, affection begins to blossom.

I was utterly charmed and could not get enough of Caro and Maxim's relationship. What didn't work was the periodic insertion of Fanny and Fitz's romance. Other than a physical attraction, I wasn't feeling any romantic connection, and it threw off the narrative's pacing.

The epilogue was all chocolate and roses. It's a must for anyone who read the series, or want short introductions to the characters in books they missed.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an Advanced Readers Copy. All opinions are my own.

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Amazon Review: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RASOYUCKQA7N9/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B09L5F3V2K

ICYMI GR Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4838001217?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

Spymaster and matchmaker General Scott is at it again. He tells spy, Maxim, he should really go to this house party. What happens? He's discovered in the middle of the night in the library with Caro. She was only looking for a book and he was only spying a little, but they were discovered so he proposes to stop her from being ruined. There's a Beauty and the Beast vibe at work here as Maxim was trampled by a horse at the age of ten and is badly scarred with a damaged leg. He had a horrific childhood and avoids anyone being close to him. After their first days of marriage, Caro seems to like him and is planning a future. He's feeling too much so he runs. For SIX years. He's been embedded with the French for so long General Scott orders him home but needs to find out if he's a traitor. Here's where a second romance comes in. General Scott orders Fitz to act as footman and widow Fanny (from previous books) to befriend Caro. No one will suspect a woman to be a spy! Mysterious illness, attempted murder, Caro's atrocious family, all make it hard to rekindle a marriage but it makes for an excellent book! There is a sweet epilogue bringing all the former characters together to celebrate General Scott.

I was looking forward to reading this as it it contains all my favourite tropes. Estranged spouses, beauty and the beast. I enjoyed this book when I read it but I forgot about it pretty quickly which has affected my rating. A good book stays with you.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a fast and stunning read. The plot was interesting, engaging and the writing was something I absolutely clicked with. Such a joy to read.

Every Rogue Has His Charm by Susanna Craig
Love & Let Spy #4

Great story of love delayed but oh so worth waiting for! I fear this is the end of the series but what a wonderful series filled with spies and love it proved to be!

What I liked:
* Maximilien “Maxim” Grant: Marquess in line to be a Duke, spy, raised by his abusive grandfather, terrible accident when young, difficult backstory, has visible and invisible scars, perfect for and with Caro
* Caroline “Caro” Brent: daughter of an abusive Lord, loves to read, eager to get away from her father, stronger than she thinks, caught in a compromising position with Maxim, intriguing woman, perfect for and with Maxim
* Fanny & Fitz: spies sent to keep an eye on Maxim and Caro
* The way Maxim offered for Caro and their first days together
* General Scott: spy master, matchmaker, married for years to the woman he loves, cares about the people working for him.
* The story, writing, plot, and pacing
* The intrigue
* That I cared about Caro and Maxim and hoped they would get their happily ever after
* The second love story and how the couple opted to move forward together
* The epilogue: saw all the couples from previous books in the series and learned how they are doing

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Caro’s father, Maxim’s grandfather, and the traitor

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Lyrical for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Susanna Craig knows how to deliver a well paced, engaging romance, and Every Rogue Has Its Charm is no exception. A married enemies-to-lovers is a classic trope, and Maxim and Caroline exemplify the very best of this.

The Marquess and Marchioness of Chesleigh are forced to marry, but before they become emotionally entangled, Maxim disappears for the next six years while Caroline is left to forge a life for herself sans husband. When Maxim returns, Caroline resists the feelings she maintains for her husband, and what happens next are two scarred people falling in love against both their wills.

With intrigue and a well-crafted plot, Every Rogue Has Its Charm is a standout.

Maxim and Caro are caught in a compromising situation, so they must wed. But a few days after the wedding, Maxim leaves for France and doesn't return for six years.
Caro goes on without him. Her family, in the mean time, used her for money.
When Maxim returns upon his father's death, he plans on briefly checking in on his wife and then going his own way.
But plans change and so does Maxim.
I thought this was just an okay story. I didn't like Maxim and I thought Caro was too easy to forgive.
I thought the best part of the book was the epilogue, which brought all the characters of the previous books of this series together for a send off to their beloved leader .
3 1/2 stars rounded up.
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Lost husband and other bothers!

Dark and ruined Maximilian Grant, Lord Chesleigh, Marquess, and unwanted heir to a dukedom, (Duke of Hartwell) has spent his life vanquishing his country’s foes. His latest assignment, as a spy for the crown, is to discover what he can about the Earnshaw household.
At a house party he lets himself into the library only to confront a wayward daughter of the house who’s crept downstairs to read a novel. This doesn’t bode well, and bodes even less when they’re discovered together, Lady Caroline Brent, in barefeet and nightgown after midnight. Well he does what most gentleman would do (and why our hero should do what any man does is rich?) and declares his interest.
Within four days Maxim’s left the country and is not heard of until six years later, upon his grandfather’s death. When he returns has a wife to confront, a role to take up (Duke of Hartwell), papers to deliver and a spy to uncover. Caro finds she is now Duchess of Hartwell just as her family is threatening to blackmail her in order to feather their own nest. What a conundrum!
A rather enjoyable read!

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

4 stars

"The scarred villain who fancies himself a hero."

Every Rogue Has His Charm is a Beauty and the Beast themed romance with a twist, and the last installment of this series. It centers around Maxim, the disfigured and spymaster Duke who leaves his young bride Caro after days of their union, to "resumed his life of espionage in France", believing Caro was better off alone. After six years, Caro is no longer the young bride Maxim left behind, will she be able to forgive? Or will she cower in fear of the dangerous man and his secrets?

"Maxim." She could not make up her mind whether to comfort or to scold. "Your scars are a sign to the world that the past has shaped who you are. But you don't have to be done changing, becoming the man you could be."

What a charming little book! I throughly enjoyed Maxim and Caro's relationship. Maxim is broody yet sweet. Caro is a beauty with patience and understanding. I have not read any of the other books in the series but I feel like this could be read as a stand alone.

Not only do we get a peek of Maxim and Caro, we get another glimpse of a romance blooming - Mrs. Drummond and Fitz. Their relationship is sweet with steam. Drummond is 7 years older than Fitz! What a different trope to stumble upon - an older female with a younger male!

Grab a copy of this book, I plan on reading the rest of the series! Fast paced and delicious. Thanks to Netgalley and it's publisher for a free copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Filled with charm, this was a satisfying conclusion to the series. In fact, I almost wished there was an extra book so that one of the couples here could have had their separate book! The main story is between Caro and Max and while I enjoyed it, I felt slightly dissatisfied with how Caro abandonment by max ultimately played out. I wanted more groveling for forgiveness from him.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this.

Thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.

Maximilien Grant, Lord Chesleigh, hates house parties. Sent by General Scott to Lord Earnshaw's house party, the Earl must be hiding something Maxim is meant to find. All he finds is Lady Caroline Brent alone in the library. Through no fault of their own, the door knob is broken and neither can leave. Witnesses on an open door sees Maxim and Caro married. Four days after their marriage he disappears with no contact for six years. A spy in France, Maxim has his ear to Napoleon's plans and keeps England in the know. When his grandfather dies, Maxim must return to England to take up the reins as the Duke of Hartwell and most important, to see his wife, now living in Brighton. Caro's sudden illness, a sinking boat and the near death of his father-in-law, are signs that France does not trust him and to some extent England doesn't either. It seems a French spy has followed him to Brighton. Maxim must catch a spy to keep his wife safe and hope for a second chance at love. It was sad to read the last book in the "love and let spy" series, but included a very charming epilogue.
Heat level 3
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book

Yet again, I find myself torn on how to best review a book that I so want to love. Every Rogue Has His Charm is one of those books. Overall, it’s a fairly decent book; but, I can’t find myself loving it no matter how much I want to. After reading the ARC from beginning to end, I decided to set it aside and revisit it again before writing my review. Probably because I do so love a good, scarred hero, and Maximilien has scars abundantly. Unfortunately, after skimming for a second time, my feelings remain unchanged. It’s entertaining enough to read and there are parts of the book that I really like, but then there are parts that puzzle me and leave me feeling conflicted.

For example, we first encounter our MCs in the first chapter and are instantly invested in their relationship. Their banter is witty and engaging and immediately pulls you in. You really want to root for them, but then find yourself pulled in a different direction by the growing number of subplots that are not really needed...especially for a book with such a low page count. The secondary characters themselves, sure, they aid in the telling of the story but there is absolutely nothing added by giving them their own stories. It makes the entire plot feel watered down.

I do so love a book with lots of intrigue and every rogue has a fair amount of it. And it’s good intrigue. The villain is a worthy foe, he/she is also obvious. The romance between our main characters is tepid at best. I would have loved to see more interaction between the two of them. It would have made their budding romance more believable. The heroine’s strong disdain for her husband to almost immediate forgiveness was a big leap considering the unmitigated pain he caused her. Which gets me to the main plot…

Maximilien Grant, Marquess of Chesleigh is alone and broken and has one focus and that’s to serve his country. When duty requires that he investigate a peer during a house party, he encounters a woman who not only intrigues him but also awakens feelings that he long thought him unable to possess.

Caroline Grant, Marchioness of Chesleigh has spent a total of four whole days with her new husband when he ups and walks away from their marriage. No explanation…nothing. Hurt and confused, Caroline decides its best to move forward, since clearly she was wanted. Forging ahead, Caroline carves out a place for herself far from wagging jaws of society and the outstretched hands of her selfish family.

When Maxim finally returns six year later to claim his dukedom, he finds a completely different woman than the one he left behind. And as danger closes in and he is believed a traitor to his country, Maxim must do whatever it takes to clear his name and keep the woman he begrudgingly cares about safe.

Overall, it’s a solid read. Susanna Craig is a talented writer, just not my cup of tea. Am I sad I read this book…not at all. Yes there are plot points that felt a bit out of place, but there are also scenes between Maxim and Caro that are absolutely heartwarming. As always, I’d recommend you judge for yourself whether this piece is for you…these are just my thoughts…and what works for one will not work for all.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/🔥

Susanna Craig is a talented writer, and this book is an effective wrap-up to the "Love and Let Spy" series, which has low-key been one of the better Regency romance/spy series published in recent years. Although this entry can be read as a standalone, I think it's best to read at least a couple of the previous entries. That way, you're somewhat familiar with the secondary characters, who play a pretty prominent role in this plot.

Speaking of secondary characters, Fanny and Fitz, the operatives who are involved with spying on Maxim and Caro, nearly steal the show. With more character development and humorous banter, they could have easily been the stars of the book. Unfortunately, the MC's themselves weren't as charming as I'd expected. Caro was a fairly realistic h, and I found it easy to sympathize with her, but I was honestly surprised that it took her so long to discover her husband's line of work. And I'm just going to come straight out and admit I didn't care for Maxim. He'd had a terrible childhood, but I'm so tired of that being the excuse for H's to treat h's poorly. I would have felt different if he'd had a legit reason to stay away from Caro for six years--if he feared his presence would endanger her, for example, or if he'd been captured--but he's just selfish. He does apologize, but I still felt there was warmth and humanity missing in their relationship.

And that's the reason for the 4 stars instead of 5. Maxim spends too much time after he returns wallowing in his self-pity, while Caro is forced to remain the morally pure martyr. I just didn't find this dynamic sexy. When her family descends upon them, it gives him the opportunity to become her protector, but this felt rather contrived.

There is a satisfying epilogue, though, and as mentioned, I enjoyed the relationship between Fanny and Fitz. I wish they could have been featured in a separate novella, because they're fun together.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity. Reviews left on Bookbub, Goodreads, and Amazon.

Maxim and Caro’s story was especially intriguing in Every Rogue Has His Charm, but what the synopsis does not mention is the extra romance that we finally get to see in the Love and Let Spy series that we have been waiting for, which is that between Fanny Drummond and officer Fitzsimmons. Fanny and Fitz’s story is definitely a major plot point in this and intertwines beautifully with Caro and Maxim’s.

Maxim and Caro are found in a compromising position when Caro goes to visit the library in the middle of the night to borrow a book from their mutual host. Maxim, an enigmatic man with beastly scars on his body from an accident when he was a lad, is on a mission at the time and happens to also be in the library when they are both caught by Caro’s father and mother. Maxim has a lowly opinion of Caro’s father and chooses to do right by the smart, bright eyed young Caro. When he marries her, he makes it very plain to her family that he will care of Caro but her relations will not get a single cent from him. However, Maxim soon after departs for France to spy for the crown (unbeknownst to his wife), Caro is left on her own to fight the vultures that are the members of her family. Caro is also left entirely alone for six years (with the exception of her loyal staff), at which point she moves to Brighton to create distance from her money grubbing relations who have slowly guilted her into sending all of her pin money to them over the years and to also find solace in the vast ocean and small house, which makes her feel less alone.

When Maxim’s grandfather, who was also quite the piece of work, dies and leaves Maxim a title, he makes haste to England to both report back to General Scott and to check on his wife. What Caro also doesn’t know about Maxim is that is deeply self-conscious about his scars and the treatment he received from his grandfather when he was a boy. He has convinced himself over the years that he is undesirable aside from his abilities as a spy for the crown. However, in his own struggles within himself, he does not realize that Caro feels just as undesirable as he does. This is definitely a story where the characters should have discussed their feelings to begin with, but that doesn’t make the best story, does it?

General Scott has become less sure of Maxim’s loyalties over the years he has spent in France and decides to send Fanny Drummond to play companion to Caro both as protection and as a spy in her own right. Naturally, ever the matchmaker, General Scott also sends Fitz.

As Maxim is reunited with a distant Caro, dangerous things begin to happen. Maxim is concerned that someone has found out who he is and has followed him to Brighton, putting his wife in danger, while Fanny and Fitz believe it’s him. When Caro’s family shows up gripping about their money issues and insisting they stay for the next month, it’s the last thing they could possibly need. But through all of these issues, Caro and Maxim find that the passion that was held on both ends of their relationship has not died and that even though they have been far apart from one another for years, neither one wants to experience that again.

I really loved this closing to the amazing Love and Let Spy series. I wanted so badly for Mrs. Fanny Drummond and Fitz to find loves of their own. I definitely enjoyed watching Fitz break down her icy walls. The book closes in such a beautiful way and I may have shed a few tears. I can’t wait to see what Susanna Craig has for us next!

Thanks to Kensington books and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for this fair and honest review.

Every Rogue Has His Charm by Susanna Craig is the fourth and final book of Love and Let Spy. Caroline, Marchioness of Chesleigh, got married six years ago. She hasn’t seen her husband since the early days of their marriage. Maxim is scarred and very reclusive. When he discovered he had feelings for his wife—and she had feelings for him—he ran. He resumed his life of espionage in France, believing Caro was better off without him. Feeling abandoned, Caro does whatever she can to convince herself her husband means nothing to her. When Maxim returns to inherit the Dukedom, she is surprised to see him again. He sees Caro has hardened her heart against him. But the pair cannot deny that passion they felt six years ago burns just as bright. Danger lurks as strange incidents occur as Maxim and Caro make up for lost time.

I really loved Maxim and Caro. They are both so strong and resilient in different ways that complement each other so well. I am very eager to go back and read the earlier books in this series.

This was a wonderful ending to this series! I've enjoyed the series so much, and this one was my favorite!

Caroline has been the Marchioness of Chesleigh for 6 years, but she hasn't seen the man she married since the first week. He abruptly left her and ran off to France, and hasn't returned. She moved from London to Brighton, and has been trying to be content with her comfortable, but lonely, life.

Maxim is coming home from France, as his grandfather has finally died, and he's inherited the Dukedom. He could just go straight to London, but he can't resist visiting his wife in Brighton. He left her to protect her from his beastliness, both in looks and in manor, and to protect himself from his growing feelings for her. But one day back in her presence, and he realizes he made a TERRIBLE mistake. Could she possibly forgive him?

Caro and Maxim had chemistry like whoa, but there was so much pain and longing between them. He tried to leave her once, for both their own good, and now he can't imagine living another day without her. She's not sure she can forgive him, or trust him. But their connection is undeniable, and as truths come out about Maxim's family and his past, she starts to understand him a lot better. She also finds herself willing to try again. This was a very interesting twist on a second chance romance, and it really worked for me.

There was also a secondary couple in the story, Fanny & Fitz. Fanny is the widow of one of the General's spies, and Fitz was fairly new to the spy game, when he was captured, and tortured by the French. They've both been recovering and rediscovering themselves, and they've developed a massive attraction to each other. It was fun to watch them trying to carry out their assignments, while also falling in love.

As always General Scott & his wife, were hilarious side characters. He's an amazing spymaster, but he also cares deeply about his people, and their happiness. His turns at playing matchmaker have been wildly successful, and as he gets closer to retirement, he's proud of all the wins he's had, both in his work, and with his matches.

This book, and this whole series, have been massively enjoyable for me, and I look forward to what the author does next!