The final, breathtaking novel in Elisa Braden’s Rescued from Ruin series is the story readers have been clamoring for: Fragile yet unbroken, Hannah Gray is embarking on a husband hunt … if only Lady Wallingham hadn’t invited a wolf to the party.All she wants is an ordinary lifeA cruel past left Hannah Gray with one simple longing—normalcy. Normal ladies ride and waltz without fear. They have … without fear. They have safe, normal husbands to give them safe, normal kisses. After years of healing, she’s ready to find “normal” for herself, and Lady Wallingham’s house party is the perfect place to begin. Perfect, that is, except for the cynical wolf-in-rogue’s-clothing whose every hungry glance threatens to crack her armor and pierce her fragile heart.
All he wants is to forget her
Bow Street runner Jonas Hawthorn vowed never to see the cold, haughty Miss Gray again. A year ago, he nearly died trying to protect her, only to be dismissed like a lowly servant. But soon, he’ll have land and servants of his own. He just has to locate an old dowager’s stolen goods, collect his prize, and avoid the beauty who haunts him like a moonlit sky.
All it takes is a single kiss
He never meant to touch her. She never meant to reveal the truth. But once he’s tasted the heat and longing hidden beneath her icy mask, the only mystery this Bow Street man burns to solve is how a roguish wolf might win the elusive Miss Gray for himself.
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Hannah Gray has been through hell and survived, but she bears the scars of evil, on her body and her soul. Through a lot of tenderness, healing and love, Hannah has decided that she wants a family of her own. Her sister in law Eugenia has conferred with her sisters and have decided that the house party being given by the dowager Marchioness of Wallingham it the perfect place for Hannah to meet her future husband.
Bow Street Runner, Jonas Hawthorne, has been summoned by the dowager to find a stolen trunk and she wants both the trunk and the thief brought to her. The reward for completing this mission is almost everything Jonas has ever wanted and he sets off without a backwards glance.
When he arrives, Lady Wallingham surprises him by insisting he stay at the castle and expects him to interact with her house party guests. He agrees and then sees her – the woman he cannot forget – the woman who will not look at him – the woman who haunts his dreams – the woman who is haughty and cold to him – the woman who will never be his – Hannah Gray.
Hannah is attracted to Jonas, but at the same time she is terrified of him. When she finally admits her feelings and decides that Jonas is the only man she could marry, she asks her brother for advice and when she is not satisfied with his suggestions, she gets more advice from Maureen Huxley. The scene in which she implements their advice is laugh out loud funny and Jonas’ reaction is priceless.
Can two damaged souls find a love that will heal them and make them whole? Or will they let their fears and past hurts steal their happy ever after?
This book was probably the most emotional, as well as one of the darker offerings and certainly one of the steamiest of the series. It is deep, dark, vivid read with scarred characters, tears (yours and theirs), triumphs, betrayals, pain, healing, laughter and the fabulous Lady Wallingham. I would strongly recommend read the series in order and while Ms. Braden gives a lot of background, to truly immerse yourself in this story, you will want to at the very least read the previous book in the series – A Marriage Made in Scandal. I loved this story and am so sad to know this is the final book in the series, but what a series it was! I highly recommend every single installment and cannot wait to see what Ms. Braden offers us next!!
Awesome Story
I’m thrilled with this author’s latest release, “A Kiss from a Rogue”. It’s brilliantly written and packed full of so many wonderful layers. A sweet and emotional love story of two wounded and lonely souls, Hannah and Jonas. And what better setting than a house party involving none other than Lady Wallingham herself, and attended by all those characters we’ve come to love in the Rescued from Ruin series.
New readers may wonder if this book can be read as a stand-alone, and yes, the writer does a marvelous job of introducing each and every guest to the party. But let me say, this will definitely pull the reader in and leave you with wanting all of the stories. I urge you to read them all!
The story…
It all began with an instant attraction, but she walked away. And though there was no hope, with him being so beneath her socially, the impact was felt and not easily shaken. And then years later, they meet again.
Hannah is a sweet and strong heroine who has overcome so much evil in her young life. She has built up emotional walls, finding it hard to trust and let others in. Jonas grew up surrounded by death as a young boy, and later as a soldier and then bow street runner. A fear grew within him that he was always the one who was left…alone.
As desire and stronger feelings grow, will Hannah and Jonas be able to open their hearts and learn to trust? Can they release the fear and memories of the past, and look to a future that involves each other? Will love be enough?
It was great to see all the caring people at the house party nurture and protect Hannah, and accept and encourage Jonas in his relationship with her. A reunion of our favorite RFR families, a bit of mystery and intrigue, and some revealing tidbits from Lady Wallingham’s past are artfully woven within this sweet, tender and very emotional love story.
What an awesome wrap up to this series, and though I’ll miss these beloved characters, I’m anxiously awaiting the start of the next!
A Kiss from a Rogue is the tenth and final book in the Rescued from Ruin series. It is a wonderful ending to the series and I can’t wait to see what the author surprises us with next. It can be read as a stand-alone. I haven’t read all of the series yet but they are on my TBR list. Characters from the previous books do appear in this book since they are all friends and family of Lady Wallingham’s. I loved all the side characters that provided humor, love, support and (hilarious) marriage advice to Hannah and Jonas.
Hannah Gray has a tragic past but she is determined to overcome it, get married and have children. Lady Wallingham’s house party is her chance to find a “safe, normal husband”. Jonas Hawthorn is a Bow Street runner and he meet Hannah while investigating a murder that Hannah’s brother was a suspect in (in the previous book: A Marriage Made in Scandal #9). They each felt a connection to each other at their first meeting, but Hannah was weary of Jonas. Lady Wallingham hires Jonas to catch a thief and locate a stolen chest during her house party.
Can Hannah overcome her past and allow Jonas into her life? Can they solve the mystery of the stolen chest? I recommend this book and can’t wait to reread the entire series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Kiss From a Rogue by Elisa Braden is the tenth and last installment in her Rescued From Ruin series, all of which are unique and wonderful in their own ways. This is the third book in which Hannah Gray has played a pivotal part, and the second for Jonas Hawthorne. Braden kept all of her fans on edge by holding this story, which they were thirsting for, for so long. It is a lovely story that ties u p so many loose ends and well as revisiting all of the previous characters in varying degrees. The most famous of those is Lady Wallingham, who is known as the “dragon,” and has played a part in facilitating all the previous romances. In story, as well as Hannah and Jonah, we remember her romance, many years past. It is a fitting conclusion to a series in which she has played such an important part.
Hannah is a seriously damaged young woman who was help captive for may years by a man who had killed her mother, saw himself as her loving father, but was a deranged criminal who stole and killed without compunction. He did his best to keep her hidden from the woman who looked to kill her, but his methods of child-rearing left much to be desired. She has lived with her brother for 7/8 years now and is recovering, thanks in part to her sister-in-law, Eugenia, who realizes how strong she is a pushes her constantly to step-up and ask for what she wants. What is wants is Jonas Hawthorn. Her brother is not happy but she is. Now, to get him to see her. Jonas has been in thrall since the day he first saw her, but she is so far above him…what to do? I loved this book. I love this series. I am sorry to see it go, but looking forward to the new one. I highly recommend A Kiss From a Rogue. Read it and then start over on the series.
I received a free ARC of A Kiss From a Rogue. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
Hannah and Jonas – At Last!
I read the previous books in the Rescued from Ruin series and was curious to see how Hannah and Jonas’ story played out. It began in the previous book and unfortunately, this book doesn’t quite capture the depth of emotional tension of their previous involvement. Their love was so sweet, tender, and honest. I like how they faced challenges head-on and fought for each other despite the obstacles. The supporting characters, as always, enriched the plot (that Lady Wallingham is a hoot!). I finished reading this book with a smile and a sigh.
A stunning and beautiful story that will be the last in one of the best series in recent Historical Romance. This is book ten in The Rescued from Ruin Series. I have read and enjoyed all ten books. These are also wonderful stand-alone love stories.
This story is about a young lady who has endured ten years of physical and emotional torture. A man who has spent most of his life at war. They are brought together in a perilous journey that will test both their spirit and their hearts. Can they overcome the past and build a future together. Hannah and Jonas are unforgettable characters that will capture your heart.
You also get to catch up with the characters from all the previous books. This story is full of tear-inducing moments, along with witty banter that makes this story a must-read.
Elisa’s writing is incredible, right up there with some of the best in this genre. The depth of the emotions that she brings out in her characters and stories is the reason I will always read her novels.
This is the story of Hannah (illegitimate half-sister of Phineas Brand, Earl of Holstoke) and Jonas Hawthorn, the Bow Street Runner introduced in previous books in this series (he saved Hannah’s life). After she was kidnapped at age 5, Hannah endured a traumatic life for 10 years until rescued by Jonas and the other heroes of previous books in this series. She is reunited with Phineas and his bride, Eugenia – and begins the long process of healing. Lady Wallingham – or the “dragon” as she is referred to by all (a wise and magnificent character) invites all these wonderful people in the series to a house party – Jonas in included to find her missing treasure. At the gathering in the country the adventures unfold for both Hannah, who desperately wants to be “normal” and Jonas, who is also a wounded soul. Both bear physical scars of cruelty, but it is their souls that need to be mended. Together they discover that in spite of the evil they endured, darkness is dispelled by light. Everything passes away, but Love, the most important, always remains. Ms. Branden has outdone herself in the incredible series of evil and good, hate, greed, and love, strength, wisdom and devotion. This last book intertwined the 10 previous characters into the best Happily Ever After! You want to go back and enjoy it again and again!!
Emotional story of facing down demons from the past. Very sad that this is the last Rescued from Ruin series. Looking forward to Ms. Braden’s next endeavour.
This is the final book in a series of stories about an always interesting group of people, and it’s wonderful!
Miss Hannah Gray is the half sister, by means of being a ‘by-blow’, of a lord. She is a lovely young woman who quietly suffers extreme anxiety from a terrible experience earlier in her life. She wants very much to overcome this debilitating problem and to have a normal life with a husband, children, and the same things most of her contemporaries desire. Hannah’s friends are attempting to assist in this ‘husband hunt’ with a house party at the home of the infamous dragon of the ton, Lady Dorothea Wallingham.
It’s during this event she is reintroduced to a man from her past, an investigator who once saved her from harm, Jonas Hawthorn.
Jonas isn’t actually one of the marital candidates, but he’s the only man Hanna wants for her own. He’s not the kind of man she told her friends she was seeking, the safe, calm, tepid type either.
He’s present at the house party to perform a task of great importance for Lady Wallingham. Thus the intrigue begins….
The plot has a gripping mystery, fascinating characters, a strong heroine, heated romance, and of course: Lady Wallingham, who is perfection.
This book is one you cannot put down, but don’t wish to have it come to its conclusion. I can’t recommend this book or the series, and I’ve read each book, enough.
Even though I did not read every book in this series, I loved the series ending book! Hannah and Jonas are broken in different ways but clearly belong together because of it. It includes the other characters from the series and shows you insights into their lives. It also intrigued me to go back and read their stories. I actually checked on Jane and sure enough I did read her story but it was so long ago and I read a lot I hadn’t remembered. Will be nice to revisit those again.
But back to this book: it has mystery surrounding “The Dragon”, Hannah giving her all to be “normal”, and Jonas trying to attain his “dreams” so he no longer has to live like he does. It has plenty of tragedy yet different types of love finds its way throughout the book. The main characters have such a connection which started in the book prior to this one but is revisited here so you still understand their attraction to each other. And one of the best parts is you get to find out the story of the Dowager Marchioness of Wallingham/Dragon. When series end like this it is sad to see them go but looking forward to what’s next for Elisa Braden!
I have purchased and read 4 other books in this series, now its time to go get the rest. I was given an ARC of this book and chose to post a review.
Hannah Gray and Jonas Hawthorn both come with their own scars and burdens. As horrific as some of these experiences were, I appreciated their attempts to move beyond the bad. I found myself cheering for Hannah and Josh as they strove to push through barriers, and worked towards a better future and I felt the book was balanced in its portrayal of people significantly impacted by past events.
The romance between Hannah and Jonas was a wonderful mixture of passionate, sweet, awkward – that proposal – and hilariously funny – again that proposal.
As this is the final book in the series, many characters from previous books make an appearance. As welcome as they would have been by fans of the series, I never felt they overtook the storyline. They all played a needed role and provided both amusing and touching scenes when the question of relationships, love, and marriage arose.
Here’s where I need to confess. This is the first book in the series I have read. Do not ask me how I get myself into these situations, but never fear! The story never lost me and Braden does a good job in avoiding major spoilers from other books in the series. I may be slow to jump on the Elisa Braden bandwagon but at least I can look forward to reading the rest of the series.
A KISS FROM A ROGUE by Elisa Braden was an engaging and entertaining read. I really enjoyed it.
4.5 stars
Advance Review Copy courtesy of author
I was on book six of this series when I received the ARC for A Kiss from a Rogue and flew through the rest of the series. I loved Hannah and Jonas. A common hero and high born heroine is one of my favorite tropes.
Jonas is the Bow Street runner from the previous book who is in love with Hannah but thinks she would never want anything to do with him. Hannah is the illegitimate but beloved sister of Lord Holstoke who was held captive for ten years by a very bad man (who died in book three). Together they are perfect. This was an excellent end to the series. Every single couple from the previous books are at a house party given by Lady Wallingham. I loved catching up with everyone. I have always loved Lady Wallingham, she has always been good for comic relief but in this book she broke my heart, I’m crying again while writing this review. Her obvious love for her husband and for all her friends and family was perfect. I’m sad to see the end of this series but I’m looking forward to the next one.
This book was perfection. The last in the series and it rounds out everything seamlessly and gorgeously. Of course can be read as standalone. But honestly you will be depriving yourself if you do not read the others. I had longed for Hannah and Jonas to get their story told. Their HEA is a tale to be savored and their chemistry is volatile and scorching. I hate spoilers but will say all Braden’s characters love with a passion and love that is deep, stunning and all consuming. We should all be so lucky! I eagerly await the new series with characters we still know and love getting their tales told. Braden is one of my three go to authors. Read this and you will see why.
After her tortured past Miss Hannah Gray simply longs for a normal life as other girls have, without fears holding her back. She’s finally healed enough under the kind care of her half brother, Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke, to create her own normalcy. Her sister-in-law, Eugenia, encourages a husband hunt of sorts beginning with a house party hosted by the formidable Lady Wallingham. But when Hannah encounters Jonas Hawthorn there, her progress in healing and her fragile heart are threatened. The intimidating wolf of a man nearly died protecting her a year previously and desite her attraction for him, she pushed him away out of fear. Now his presence at the house party threatens everything she worked for.
Soldier turned Bow Street Runner Jonas Hawthorn had thought never to again cross paths with the icy Miss Gray. But no matter. He just needs to locate some stolen property for the Dowager Lady Wallingham and he’ll have enough money to set himself up with land and servants of his own. He just has to stop thinking of Hannah and avoid her at all costs. He fails spectacularly at this and soon realizes Hannah has no intention of staying out of his way either. But these two have more to contend with than just their feelings for each other. Both carry deep scars from their pasts and must work through them while deciding what is worth risking for love.
Y’all I loved this book. I’ve been through several lately that were just ehhh but this was fabulous. I love tropes like this where the main characters both have damage to deal with and must work and grow together. This was my first read from this author and I don’t even care that I started at the end of the series. I definitely can’t wait to read the rest now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
You can’t go wrong reading a book that Elisa Braden has written. She puts her heart and soul into all of the couples that she writes about. Hannah and Jonas are no different. Hannah is so strong and you can’t help but hope that she can overcome her battles. I love how Jonas really loves her. You can’t help but root them on to their HEA. I love how you get a glimpse of all the other couples you fell in love with in her other books. Once you start reading A Kiss From Rogue you won’t be able to put it down and then when you realize you have finished it you are a little sad knowing that this was the last book in the series and you wouldn’t be seeing any of the couples anymore or Lady Wallingham as she was instrumental in all of the couples love lives. I can’t wait to fall in love with her new series and all of the new couples that she will be writing about.
I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is about Hannah, who is stronger then people thought and Jonas who is a Bow Street Runner. Jonas love for Hannah is amazing, and he would do anything for her. Hannah also has loving family and fiends around her who will do anything to protect or help her be happy. Because of this I fell in love with a few of the other characters who are in this book. I also loved the little story of Lady Wallingham’s love for her husband and the letters of their relationship.
This is the last book in the series, which I have now added all the other books in the series in my to buy list. This is an excellent story and excellent writing, you will enjoy it.
This is a wonderful and fitting conclusion to what has been a spectacular series! This has everything you could want in a story! Hannah is such a strong heroine and over came so much mentally and emotionally to grasp hold of the life she wants and deserves. Jonas’ love for her is so all encompassing it was swoon worthy! And let me tell you there were plenty of steamy moments in this one, which I love!!! I was also so thrilled to get glimpses into the happiness of all our former couples! I’m sad the end has came for the Rescued from Ruin series, but thrilled to see the next series kicks off with John Huxley’s story and that we get to stay in this wonderful world Elisa Braden has created with these amazing characters!
I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily submitting a review.
« “Dragons need their treasure. Wolves need their moon.” »
It breaks my heart to have to say goodbye to all the fabulous characters created by Mrs Elisa Braden in her Rescued from Ruin series.
I came to love them all even the two men portrayed as vilains at the beginning of it.
If you love shy but strong and willful heroines and domineering men falling hard for their other half, this is the series for you.
In the previous book, we left Jonas and Hannah, heartbroken, unable to make their hopes come to life.
But it is without counting for a meddling friend and a scheming Lady whom will take their fate in their hands.
What a mess these two damaged souls will find themselves in, but such a sweet and fun-filled turmoil, with of course its dose of sorrows and grief.
With the manipulative Lady Wallingham involved, it is sure their road to their HEA will not be a slick and bland one.
What I love so much with Mrs Elisa Braden is she takes no prisoners, her characters despite their past and mistakes are strong willed, they might at time retreat but they never back off when facing an issue and here Hannah who is first presented as a broken woman, she is no wilting flower, she bends to the wind but does not break.
She tried and tries to be “normal”, but what is normalcy if it is to be bored.
Around her, she has everyday, proofs that all the women in her life are no ordinary beings, they all had to fight to be rewarded with love, their roads to their love was not slick.
So how I cheered when she decided to go out of her comfort zone to find her own deserved recompense.
« No man was more dangerous to her heart than Jonas Hawthorn. But no other man had seized her heart as his sole possession, either. »
At first Jonas was an enigma, a mystery to be solved. What lies beneath his mask, a wolf in hound’s clothing, a lone beast on the prowl. Ready to strike if needed.
His whole life, he has avoided to hang his heart in the balance, until her.
The Snow-Queen who awakens desires and needs he longs for but is afraid to experience.
Yet, when a shard of hope appears he is all set to engage his soul for the one woman who brightens his days and invades his nights.
« we are all damaged in one way or another. The ones who truly love us don’t judge us by our scars but by who we’ve become as a result.” »
Despite the pain and despair both suffered in the hands of the other, it was also a journey filled with affection and passion.
And lightened by their friends interferences and involvement.
(Oh my god, the scene with all the women giving advices of how to train a man to be a very obedient hound.)
« “Even when you feel silly about it. And tell him the truth, dearest. Trust is the soil. Love is the bloom.” »
One last thought before saying farewell to everyone.
Lady Wallingham has pervaded the life of so many characters during the narrating of these 12 stories with her sole existence and her correspondence, so this last foray in her epistolary exchanges closes the loop, sheds light on the extraordinary woman she is and the love she has received and given.
So, Bye to Annabelle and Robert, Victoria and Lucien, Jane and Harrison, Sarah and Colin, Charlotte and Benedict, Viola and James, Julia and Charles, Maureen and Henry, Augusta and Sebastian, Eugenia and Phineas, Julia and Charles, Hannah and Jonas, Lord and Lady Huxley and finally The fabulous and authoritarian Dowager Marchioness Of Wallingham and her hound Humphrey.
I was granted an advance copy by the author but also purchased my own copy. This is my true and unbiased opinion.