Two rivals join forces to solve a mystery, but might just find love, in One for the Rogue, the next thrilling novel in the Studies in Scandal series by Manda Collins. LOVE IS THE GREATEST DISCOVERY OF ALL Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance–and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle, an esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory. . … always honing in on her territory. . .annoyingly handsome though he may be. But when a shocking attack puts Gemma in very real danger, she may have to accept Lisle’s offers of protection. Even if that means entering into a dangerous flirtation. . .
Lisle was once amused by Gemma’s dedication to her work. But now that he understands how much he’s underestimated her–a woman whose beauty is matched only by her genius–Lisle is desperate to prove his respect…and prove himself worthy of her. But is he too late? A bitter rival, desperate to steal Gemma’s scientific findings, is still at-large. Can Lisle help uncover the culprit and keep her safe–forever, in his loving arms?
“Plenty of pleasure.”–RT Book Reviews
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I have been on pins and needles waiting for this book ever since Cam and Gemma met in the last book. WOW! What fireworks between them – it was an epic battle – he was rude, abrupt and condescending and she was highly insulted and stubborn. Oil and water – they just don’t mix. But you knew that they would and it was so much fun to see them blend together so seamlessly. No, it wasn’t easy, but they did it.
The book is a fun read with fun characters and, I hope, the epilogue left a tiny crack for further books in the series or perhaps a new series with Special Appearances by the characters from this series. I’d love to see Lady Serena get her HEA. Did we maybe see a set-up for that? Perhaps, but we’ll have to wait and see what Ms. Collins decides to do.
In case you don’t know the premise behind the series, I’ll give you the short version. In her will, Lady Celeste Beauchamp chose four young ladies for their intellectual capabilities to spend a year in residence at her house, Beauchamp House. It boasted one of the most impressive libraries in England, a much-envied fossil collection, painting studio, etc. Each young lady was given complete freedom and the tools to continue her education in her chosen field. Each young lady was also bequeathed a letter and a task/puzzle from Lady Celeste. At the end of the year, any young lady who was still unmarried and still living in the house would inherit the entire estate. If all of them married or if all of them remained unmarried, then they would all share the inheritance equally. The first three books saw Ivy (classics scholar), Daphne (mathematician), and Sophia (painter) solve their puzzles and find their HEA. This book deals with Gemma Hastings, a geologist, and sister to Sophia.
What an exciting beginning – Gemma is a bit of an insomniac and she’s gotten up in the wee hours of the morning and crept from her bedchamber to go on a midnight ramble about the house. Outside, she sees what appears to be a lantern bobbing along in the night. Heedless of the consequences, she dashes out to confront whoever is on their private property. As she observes, she sees that it is her brother-in-law – Lord Cameron Lisle. Cam’s brother is married to Gemma’s sister Sophia, but Gemma doesn’t like him even a little bit and is indignant that he’s roaming around on their property. After she calls out to him, and he shushes her, she realizes that there is someone else with another lantern further ahead of Cam. Cam is exasperated that Gemma has alerted the man he was following and who has now disappeared. What was Sir Everard Healy doing on that beach? Now, neither Cam nor Gemma would learn any time soon.
A couple of days later, Sir Everard is found dead at the base of the cliffs below Beauchamp House. He was murdered while trying to steal a geological find of Gemma’s. Gemma didn’t murder him, Cam didn’t murder him – so, who did and are they still skulking around? Gemma’s artifact is missing, so whoever murdered Sir Everard stole the artifact. Cam and Gemma must work together to find the artifact and also solve the murder. Of course, as they work together, they are attracted to each other and that grows – until they are discovered in a compromising position and have to become betrothed.
Somehow, between compromising positions, ‘temporary’ betrothals, unchaperoned road trips, pretending to be married and spending the night together at an inn as man and wife, they manage to solve the murder and find the artifact.
It was a lovely, interesting, well-written read and I’m sorry to see the series end. However, it did have a lovely epilogue with future plans for Beauchamp house and Lady Serena. So, that is what gives me hope that we might get to visit with all of these lovely ladies in a future series or additional books in this series.
I have seen several two and three-star reviews for this book and they all talk about the same issues. I actually agree with much of what they say, but I just thought the book, as a whole, was good enough that it offset those issues for me. The first thing is that there weren’t enough fireworks between Gemma and Cam given the argument from the previous book and Gemma’s continued dislike of Cam. I would have liked to see a few more epic battles before they came to a meeting in the middle. The second was the lack of character development for Gemma and Cam. I thought Cam grew and changed a lot – he actually did most of the changing and adapting to Gemma’s ways rather than the other way around. However, Gemma did grow and she had to learn that she could have love and her choice of vocation IF she chose the right man.
This was a delightful read and I didn’t want to put it down once I’d read the first page. Well, actually, I didn’t put it down — I read it straight through and enjoyed every minute of it.
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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
Fitting End to a Series.
Bluestocking Miss Gemma Hastings love is fossils and stones but she is despondent that her benefactress at Beauchamp House appears not to have left her any clues as to where she can find her “greatest fossil-hunting find”. That however is about to change, along with her opinion of Lord Cameron Lisle, her new brother-in-law. A fitting end to a series of books about four heiresses but can be read as a standalone.
Manda is a new author for me and I’m having a great time reading her books!
Gemma Hastings is the last unmarried heiress in the Beauchamp house and she plans to stay that way! Gemma earned her spot in the house for her knowledge of geology and fossils. She is also the only heiress who has not completed the “quest” Lady Celeste gave each woman. Gemma is frustrated by this, but her letter was incomplete and she is not sure what Lady Celeste meant for her to find.
She is preparing for bed when she spots lantern light on the beach, she rushes out and finds Lord Cameron Lilse – her nemesis! Cam is covertly following Sir Everard Healy to the beach – but Gemma’s shouts scare him off. She confronts Cam and he agrees to tell her what he was doing, but inside the house. They go in and find her aunt there, so the conversation is put off. The next morning he asks if he can bring Sir Everard and Lord Paley to visit her fossil collection and she agrees, hoping it will show the men that she is just as intelligent and learned as they are. She takes special care of her appearance at Sophia & Serena’s urging – so much so, that Cam doesn’t even recognize her! They form a truce of sorts and the afternoon passes without event. The men were hoping the “Beauchamp Lizard” would be in the collection, but they never mention it to Gemma. Cam agrees to take Sir Everard back the next day to search the beach.
That night there is a terrible storm and Gemma decides to check the shore for unearthed finds and she finds what appears to be a huge fossilized skull – unable to retrieve it by herself, she returns to the house for help and is sidetracked by the arrival of Ivy and Daphne. When she finally returns, she finds Cam, Lord Paley & Sir Everard trying to unearth her find. She is livid and thinks Cam betrayed her. He tells Sir Everard that it is Gemma’s discovery, but the man refuses to concede. Cam gets Gemma to pretend to let him claim it and promises to help her get it the next morning before he can return. Cam also begins to think that Gemma might be the right woman for him and decides to consider her for his bride.
The next day, they set out for the beach and find Sir Everard murdered and the fossil missing. The magistrate is called and clearly thinks Gemma is the murderer, until Cam shows him the note he found near the body, warning that Gemma will be next if she continues to seek the fossil. The magistrate tells them to stay out of the investigation and leaves. Gemma is upset and Cam promises to help her find the skull – he comforts her when she sheds angry tears and they kiss – things become heated and the are interrupted by Serena. She agrees to let Sophia handle the matter and Gemma knows her sister will not force a wedding over a few kisses and she doesn’t – but her husband (also Cam’s brother) Ben is not as forgiving and punches Cam. They talk and Cam says that Gemma is not what he envisioned for a wife, he thought someone like Serena would be the perfect bride – he hears a gasp and turns to see Gemma. She runs off and he knows she heard him. He finds her and tells her he has no intention of wooing Serena and they agree to a temporary betrothal – it will give them the freedom to spend time together and search without ruining her.
They investigate Sir Everard, but continually find themselves in compromising situations – Gemma also has decided that Cam is the perfect man to be her lover – since she doesn’t plan to marry. They spend more time together and both begin to have a change of heart – when a lead sends them to Leeds and a storm forces them to pretend to be married – everything changes.
They decide they will marry and when Gemma has a realization and needs to see Cam, it looks like she will find her fossil and solve the murder – but the villain is prepared and Cam may not be able to save his love in time.
This was not my favorite book in the series, I found Gemma to be annoying and at times irrational and I really didn’t “feel” the chemistry between them. But it is well written, the mystery was good, the love scenes steamy-ish and the ending exciting. I also enjoyed the epilogue and have to wonder if there is going to be a spin off series. This was the final book in the series and while it could be read as a stand alone, I would strongly suggest reading the series in order!
One for the Rogue by Manda Collins is book Four in the Studies in Scandal series. This is the story of Gemma Hastings and Lord Cameron Lisle. Gemma and Cam did first meet in the previous book. Also there is the underline story of four ladies (one being Gemma) living in Lady Celeste Beauchamp house and solving a puzzle that she left each lady in her will with the stipulation if of who would get the estate if it was solved, if the ladies married or stayed single. These are just a few reason why you might want to read the previous books but with those things said, you can easily make this a standalone book. This author is great in catching you up with the current timeline.
Grace and Cam don’t get along at all when they first meet and it stays that way for a while until they settle into solving the mystery that is plaguing who is after Gemma and her work.
Their bickering / snips were fun to read for sure and I enjoyed them working to find out what was really going on.
This has been a great series and I hope that the little tease in the Epilogue would entail another book along the way in the future.
Overall Loved this book and series!
Another excellent read from Ms. Collins. The story is bright, the heroine is smart and the hero is a dream. I love that mysteries are always a part of Ms. Collins’ stories. Cam and Gemma are both fossil hunters who get in each other’s way but with that comes working together to solve the mystery…with romance as a side dish. Again the culprit was not who you might think.
I have not seen anything but am hoping that Serena gets a story. She definitely deserves it after putting up with all of the lady scholars.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Loved the story! Gemma was the kind of heroine I prefer to read about. Extremely strong willed and able to handle herself in most situations. Cam was the perfect hero for me, strong alpha type but able to bend a bit to work with his lady. The story line was great. I had thought I knew who the villain was, but that changed about 3 times through to the end. It was a slight surprise and I loved how it was all tied up! I’ve read the other 3 stories, but this one is still a great stand alone! Thank you NetGalley for the advance book, I was glad I got to read it!
One For The Rogue by Manda Collins is a phenomenal historical romance. Ms. Collins has once again delivered a book that is not only well-written but populated with outstanding, lovable characters. Gemma is the last heiress of Beauchamp House and is a geologist and loves digging for fossils. Cam is also a geologist and is the brother of Gemma’s brother-in-law. The last thing either of them desires is an entanglement with the other. Gemma and Cam’s story is packed with drama, humor, action, suspense and sizzle. I enjoyed every page of this book and can’t wait to read my next book by Manda Collins. One For The Rogue is book 4 of the Studies In Scandal Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Miss Gemma Hastings despairs of ever being taken seriously as a geologist. It’s a world run by men who never believe a woman to be capable of serious work. As one of the Beauchamp heiresses she has no need to marry, and has made up her mind to dedicate her life to serious study. All the other heiresses have been left a clue by their benefactor to something special for them. It seems the Lady died before doing the same for Gemma.
Lord Cameron Lisle is attending a meeting of fossil hunters. As it is near to his brother’s home, he must visit. His personal history with his brother’s, sister in law is about to cause a lot of tension.
An exciting murder / mystery to solve in this last book in the series. You could read any of the books alone but they are better read in order. Wonderful stories full of intelligent and independent young women and the men who love them.
I have read and loved all of them.
Amanda Collins creates fun and complex characters who fall in love in realistic ways. Her stories never disappoint!
I received One for the Rogue by Manda Collins from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is the forth in her Studies in Scandal series but can be read as a standalone. However the entire series is quite enjoyable and this story is more closely related to book 3 since Gemma is Sophia sister and met Cameron during book 3.
Gemma Hastings is the final heiress in the group that received a home to stay in in order to future their studies. In her quest, she finds a wonderful in fossil that is stolen. Lord Cameron Lisle is in the area attending a geologist house party and visiting his brother, whom is married to Gemma’s sister. When Cameron meets up with Gemma again, sparks fly. However, when her fossil is stolen and a note is left threatening her, his protective side kicks in and he refuses to leave Gemma’s side and struggles to with feelings.
Manda Collins has another hit!! Wonderful story with a little mystery. Cameron and Gemma admit their attraction to one another early on but it takes time for the relationship to go full cycle. Also, both Cameron and Gemma struggle with their assumptions that they either wouldn’t marry or marry someone “more manageable” (like that ever happens!) Add the fact that both are fossil collectors and begin to wonder if they might be competing with each other.
Now, I just need Serena’s story!
I enjoyed watching very intelligent woman build a place for themselves in the 1800’s. You get action romance and forgiveness all rolled into a wonderful story. This was the first time I had read anything by this author, I plan to get more of her work.
Finally! This is the fourth in a series of books about four young women, all standouts in their areas of study, who have inherited an estate from an older, educated woman, but with a special caveat. In this fourth novel, Gemma is an aspiring geologist and she is searching for fossils on the seaside estate. She has a run in with the brother-in-law of one of her fellow heiresses, as he controls a published magazine of sorts with articles written by educated fossil hunters. Unfortunately though, Lord Cameron has declined to publish Gemma’s written work. Gemma sees this as an affront to her abilities based solely on her gender. The two seem to be at constant odds with each other- but could it be attraction? It’s actually the start of a wonderful romance and mystery filled with intrigue and heat.
Several characters from the three previous books appear and add color and humor to the tale. The reader is thrown into a series of events, including a murder, that keep the pages turning. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the entire series and highly recommend it. I do hope that the heiresses’ chaperone, Lady Serena, someday has her story told as well.
The last book in this fun series finds Gemma Hastings, geologist, and Lord Cameron Lisle, fossil hunter, searching for a stolen fossil and falling in love. She has no desire to be married as she thinks a husband will interfere with her work. Cam’s attracted to her but not planning to marry.
After a storm, they discover what they believe to be the famous Beauchamp Lizard. They must wait til daylight to dig it out safely, but when they go to do so, it’s missing and someone’s dead! Gemma decides they must consult an expert who is not too far away. They are caught in a storm and must spend the night in an inn. Cam’s brother, the vicar, makes sure he understands they must marry.
The bad guy was not who I suspected and there are other things going on. Gemma and Cam decide maybe marriage wouldn’t be a bad thing as they could work together finding fossils. I enjoyed this series very much and think you will too.
Aha! The “Battle of the Sexes” is alive and well in Regency England! It seems that Lord Cameron Lisle, well-regarded fossil hunter and geologist, is not quite ready to accept geologist Gemma Hastings as his peer. Gemma is one of four young ladies, considered bluestockings, who has inherited Lady Celeste Beauchamp’s estate. It takes Cam getting to know Gemma better as well as threats to her to enlighten him enough to appreciate Gemma’s personality and abilities. Both of these two characters initially declare that they plan to never marry. Will they feel the same by the end of the story?
This is the fourth book in author Manda Collin’s A Studies in Scandal series. Manda Collins delivers a clear plot along with action and suspense and some sweet love scenes. Her characters are very likeable and remain consistent throughout the series. This is a fun read and one I definitely recommend.
The last of the young ladies of the Studies in Scandal series does not disappoint. Gemma Hastings was an intelligent bluestocking and devoted to her study in geology and fossils. Of course, this was not a popular role for women at the time but she persevered. Lord Cameron Lisle is her counterpart who follows his passion for hunting fossils and is happy with his life. Having met one time before, they had been at loggerheads over an article he refused to print of Gemma’s. Now, meeting again, Gemma has found a great fossil which could prove a historical milestone and she gains Cam’s help in proving it.
Of course nothing is ever that easy and as another fossil hunter is found murdered and things go missing, they begin to work together to find the culprit. Filled with humor and conflicting emotions between Gemma and Cam, this is a fun story to follow through the end and see what happens. I really enjoyed this story and looking forward to reading many more books by Manda Collins.
Murder, mystery, and a stolen fossil, O My!!
When I did my Amazon search of the stories in the Studies in Scandal books, they did not appear to be numbered or even linked together. I have listed them according to their publication dates. Although they are stand-alone books, they continue a central theme of the ladies having a quest/problem to solve that will involve their inheritance.
This is book 4 in the series and characters from the previous books are on hand and are involved with the current story line. The author did an excellent job of filling the reader in on the previous stories in case they had not read them. It was very helpful in setting the foundation for this story.
Ready Set Rogue: Pub date Jan 3, 2017 [Ivy and Quill]
Duke with Benefits: Pub date June 27, 1017 [Daphne and Dalton]
Wallflower Most Wanted: Pub date Jan 30, 2018 [Sophia and Benedick]
One for the Rogue: Estimated Pub date June 26, 2018 [Gemma and Cameron]
Book blurb: “Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance –and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle, and esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory…”
Rating: MA: mature audience: graphic sex scenes.
What I liked: bluestocking maidens thrown together in a society of intellect and genius, who sometimes acted as Bow Street Runners when they had to solve problems [OK… murder, mayhem and mischief], while finding their true love. These ladies were a menace to themselves and to any unsuspecting male of fortune or title. O my!!
We have societal constraints on women of this era as they fight for recognition within their various fields. Each lady had her own field of study and we were entertained as she fought for her right to be independent and not be forced to marry because society said that was what a woman should do. In this book 4, Gemma fought for her rights in the field of geology and the natural sciences.
There were many scenes that were hilarious as Gemma, who was supposed to be so intelligent, was ditzy as all get out and was constantly getting herself and Lord Cam in trouble. She blazed head long into situations without thinking through the steps necessary to complete her mission. That seemed incongruous as she was methodical in her fossil research and note taking, yet at times, she couldn’t think her way out of a paper bag. Several times I was, once again, pulled away from the story due to her stupid antics. What the heck???
What I didn’t like: the blasé manner in the discussions of sexual intimacy. The sexual tension was palpable as they discussed and talked about it all-through-the-book. At one point they were even discussing how the previous couples hooked up. Really? What era was this? It sounded awfully modern to me. In fact, the era lines became more and more fuzzy as the story progressed. It was like every scene was propelling us toward that eventual bedroom scene. At one point, they were driving down the road in a curricle and it could have easily been a Trans Am convertible and I wouldn’t have known the difference. The lines were that blurred. It was distracting and was constantly pulling me from the story as they talked on and on about propriety and consequences, yet the whole time they continued to push the boundaries toward the inevitable… anticipating their vows. It did not come across as sexy and I resented it. When you plan, scheme, and maneuver… that’s not sexy or romantic.
Note: I volunteered to read an Uncorrected Digital Galley of this book. The views expressed are my own. I wish to give special thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me this privilege. Estimated publication: date June 26, 2018.
Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle, an esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory. But when a shocking attack puts Gemma in very real danger, she may have to accept Lisle’s offers of protection. Cam was once amused by Gemma’s dedication to her work. But when he sees her coiffured & in a stunning dress he realises there’s so much more to her.
This is the fourth book in the series & whilst it could be read by itself the whole series is very good & to fully appreciate this book I’d recommend reading the three earlier ones. Gemma & Cam have always been at loggerheads but there’s also been a spark between them, so it was entertaining & enjoyable to see the spark flare into a fire. The characters are well developed & the story flows extremely well, I’d been looking forward to Gemma’s story & I wasn’t disappointed, I was immediately drawn into the book & was engrossed all of the way through, a fitting finale to the series.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Miss Gemma Hastings was the last of the four heiresses to solve the riddle Lady Celeste Beauchamp had left for her. Alas, her benefactress had died before the note was completed. One evening when Gemma couldn’t sleep, she went outside and saw a man sneaking away, then Lord Cameron Lisle behind him. It turns out that there is a fossil on the beachfront, but someone other than Gemma is prepared to go to great lengths for her not to have it. Gemma and Cameron are both interested in geology and fossils, and in the past, they’d had a disagreement about an article Gemma wanted to submit for his scientific journal. But when Gemma needs his help, Cam doesn’t hesitate.
ONE FOR THE ROGUE is the conclusion to Manda Collins fabulous series Studies in Scandal, and it certainly can be read as a standalone book, although having read the previous ones will add to the reader’s enjoyment, catching up with the other three heroines. It’s never until I open a new book by Ms. Collins that I am reminded of the excellence of her prose and her sparkling dialogues, ever so British in the tone and the vernacular. I liked that Gemma and Cam were rivals, not enemies; they bickered, but more playfully than antagonistically, and it I think it made for a more realistic romance. Both are very engaging characters, they share a chemistry that is at the same time physical and intellectual, and they make a terrific team.
The murder mystery is excellent, and I was stunned at who got murdered, because I thought the victim would have been the killer of whoever was dispatched into eternity. The romance is lovely, but I could have done without the seemingly obligatory “caught in a storm” literary device; sometimes I feel it occurs in one out of two historical romances. Anyway, ONE FOR THE ROGUE is yet another enchanting romance brought to us by the very talented Manda Collins and I cannot wait what she has in store for us next.
I give 4 ½ stars
One for the Rogue by Manda Collins
Studies in Scandal #4
In the fourth book of this series Gemma and Cam find love…eventually. Both are big into fossil finding and with rumors that there might be a huge “lizard” somewhere on the estate bequeathed to Gemma and three of her friends the two are in search of the dinosaur BUT so are some other people. Gemma is a woman and “put down” by more than one man in the book. She is also pursued by more than one man. There is a murder, some thievery and skullduggery before the puzzle is solved and true love is found. This was an okay read but not one that had me enthralled. I had trouble relating to the characters and seeing them together or in the situations they found themselves in.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars