In a “splendid Regency-set debut” for fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton series and bestselling authors Sarah MacLean, Lenora Bell, and Kerrigan Byrne, the rogue who once ruined Lady Charlotte’s reputation is now the only one who can save her (Publishers Weekly, Starred Review). For exactly one season, Lady Charlotte Wentworth played the biddable female the ton expected–and all it got her was … all it got her was society’s mockery and derision. Now she’s determined to be in charge of her own future. So when an unwanted suitor tries to manipulate her into an engagement, she has a plan. He can’t claim to be her fiancé if she’s engaged to someone else. Even if it means asking for help from the last man she would ever marry.
Ethan, Viscount Amesbury, made a lot of mistakes, but the one he regrets the most is ruining Lady Charlotte’s reputation. Going along with her charade is the least he can do to clean the slate and perhaps earn her forgiveness. Pretending to be in love with the woman he’s never forgotten is easy. What isn’t easy is convincing her to give him a second chance.
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A riveting start to a new series by a debut author!
This story starts off with a bang when Lady Charlotte Wentworth rides hell for leather into Ethan, Lord Amesbury’s, life. Her carriage has crashed and the coachman needs help. Ethan wastes no time in launching a rescue. What he does not realize, is that he has met Charlotte before, years earlier when he chased after her (or rather her dowry) before proceeding to ruin her reputation. She recognizes him first and is far from ready to forgive and forget. But when they arrive in London and an unfavorable suitor won’t let her be, she reluctantly forms an alliance with her former foe.
Ethan’s only intention is to make amends for his past transgression. He owes Charlotte and wants to help. But pretending to be her fiance gradually leads him straight into temptation. And before he knows it, he’s desperate to marry a woman whose only goal is to be independent. Changing her stubborn mind will be a challenge – one Ethan is more than happy to embrace when the prize to be won is Charlotte’s heart.
The ending made this story for me. I absolutely loved Charlotte’s growing awareness of her emotions and the ability this gave her to be completely open and honest with Ethan – to finally fight for him and the happily ever after they both deserve. Great descriptions, lovely supporting characters, and a horrid villain who gets his just desert in the best way possible at the end, add to this wonderful tale.
During a drunken evening Ethan Ridley, Lord Amesbury, ruins Lady Charlotte Wentworth’s first season with a scathing moniker. Unfortunately, Charlotte fled London after the scandal and has not returned for 5 years. Ethan realizes his mistake, but the damage is done. He spends the next 5 years trying to improve himself and be a better man and lord to his tenants. When their path crosses again, Ethan will do anything to make up to Charlotte for his bad behavior, but she’s not quick to forgive him until she needs his help escaping from an ardent suitor. Can these two forget the past and forge a new path forward with each other.
I enjoyed this debut novel by Ms. Bennett. I loved Ethan. He was such a generous hero and works so hard to make up for past mistakes. Charlotte was a strong and independent young woman and I was happy to see she didn’t just melt in Ethan’s arms and lose her personality. The antics of the villain and the lengths he’d go to claim Charlotte for his own added to story. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I’ve voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
“I love you…I’m so sorry I hurt you…go ahead and be angry with me. I deserve it…I’ll still love you when you’re done with the mad.”
Lady Charlotte “Lottie” Wentworth was dubbed the “Paper Doll Princess” during her first Season. Fleeing the gossips of London, she finds solace in taking over the running of her father’s estate. But when circumstances change, and Lottie is faced with an ultimatum to keep her independence, she enlists the aid of her Godmother to seek a husband that will allow her to keep her freedom. Never would she dream the very man that ruined her all those years ago with the nickname “Paper Doll Princess” would become the very savior she needed…
Ethan Ridley, Lord Amesbury and known as “Mac” to his friends, can’t believe his good fortune, or mayhap it is a curse, but he finds himself once again in the company of the beautiful Lady Charlotte. Years ago, in a drunken stupor he unintentionally hurts Lady Charlotte by calling her a “Paper Doll Princess”, and it was just too good for the gossip rags not to publish and completely ruin her. With hat in hand, Ethan apologizes, and while not overwhelmingly accepted, Lady Charlotte and Ethan come to a truce…which blossoms into a budding friendship…and friends do tend to make the best of lovers…
Lottie and Ethan’s story is a wonderfully written second chance romance I could not put down! There is so much happening within these pages, and I don’t want to give away too much in a review! Dear Reader, be ready to add this smexxy Scot to your boyfriend list! Highly recommend and look forward to the next installment to the Misfits of Mayfair!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett is an excellent historical fiction romance that is the first book in a new series titled: Misfits of Mayfair.
I loved everything about this book. The main characters: Lottie and Ethan were perfect. Both characters had interesting backstories, pasts, and yet were realistic, like able, and were good people that learned from their pasts. Both evolved, grew, and improved themselves as the book goes on. Both improved for not only their own happiness, but also for each other. Lottie and Ethan may have come from different backgrounds, but they complemented each other perfectly and seemed to bring out the best in one another. And did I mention the chemistry? The chemistry is definitely there and radiating off of the page.
I also loved the cast of secondary characters: Cal, Connor, Darling, Patrick (hopefully we can see more of them as well), and Agatha. The humor, one-liners, and quick dialogue made this story fun, witty, entertaining, and enjoyable. There is so much more here that could be used for material in the future.
I enjoyed the plot, pacing, and the suspense thrown in. The obstacles were creative and gave the novel an extra element of complexity that kept me entertained. I also truly loved the ending. It could not have been more perfect.
5/5 stars enthusiastically
I truly, truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end and I am so excited to see that there will be more books in the future. The next book, West End Earl, will feature Ethan’s best friend Cal. I cannot wait to visit my favorite characters again!
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
4.5 stars, as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1mY
Lady Charlotte “Lottie” Wentworth is returning to London after a seven year absence to try to find a suitable husband. Lottie’s first season turned into a disaster when the man she believed to be courting her ended up causing her to become a caricature and an object of ridicule. After that, the deaths of her mother, then her brother, then her father spiraling into depression kept Lottie at her country home, managing the estate. Now that Lottie’s father is finally starting to return to the living, he is anxious to regain control of his property, and to see his daughter married. He has already picked out a groom, James Montague, the younger son of a friend of his. Though Lottie would prefer not to marry, but to have her own little home to manage, her father is insistent. She has a limited time to find a husband he deems suitable, or she will be forced to marry his choice of groom.
Ethan “Mac” Ridley, Viscount Amesbury, has struggled for years to make his estate profitable. He is a former Scottish sheep farmer, and was ill prepared when he unexpectedly inherited the title eight years ago. The initial heady experience of being a titled young man in London caused him to drink too much, act too reckless, and behave more cruelly than he ever had. He was initially attracted to Lottie, but had mixed emotions about his feelings. He found her to be too dull and proper, yet he saw occasional glimpses of a spirited woman underneath, enough so that he decided to offer for her. When her father sent him packing in no uncertain terms, Mac was hurt, insulted, and angry. He drank too much, and in his rambling to his friends, he belittled Lottie, something his friends found extremely amusing, and were more than willing to share with the rest of society. His cruel nickname for her stuck, and she quickly grew to despise the man she once hoped to marry.
The years Lottie spent managing her family estate have given her a confidence and a sense of self worth that she lacked as a young debutante. Now she’s not afraid to speak her mind, and has no desire to be a demure proper society miss. It’s inevitable that she would encounter Mac, and when she does, she lets him know exactly how she feels about his treatment all those years ago. Mac also has changed. His youthful actions have caused not only the hurt to Lottie’s reputation, but a serious accident to befall a family member. He has tried to atone for his sins by stopping his drinking and his shenanigans, and concentrating on improving his finances and his properties. After Lottie verbally lashes him, he gives her a sincere, long deserved apology, which she accepts.
Lottie and Mac see the changes in each other — she sees that he’s now a serious, hard working man, who is genuinely sorry for the pain he caused her, and he sees the fiery and outspoken woman who now attracts him more than ever. A slow friendship develops between them, one comfortable enough that Lottie confides her real reason for coming back to town. Mac offers to be her temporary fiancé, for as long as she needs, hoping to cool the ardor of James Montague, who has also conveniently shown up in town, shadowing Lottie’s every step.
ANY ROGUE WILL DO takes off at full speed, with Lottie and Mac discovering passion and then love. While both would like nothing better than to make their engagement real, there are obstacles abounding. A villain shows his true colors, sabotaging Lottie’s reputation once again, then taking aim at Mac where it will hurt the most – financially. Lottie’s father still refuses to accept Mac, feeling that he is beneath their family, and he refuses to allow the marriage. If they marry against his wishes, he will not release Lottie’s dowry. It seems that this couple is star-crossed, no matter how much time has passed. I really like the strong woman Lottie has become, and how she’s determined to be her true self. I applaud her willingness to forgive and let go of her grudge. Mac genuinely made some poor choices years ago, and needed to make some serious changes. His self examination and the improvements he made to his own character make him a hero I could admire and root for. The villain in this story is truly odious, and, happily, he receives just what he deserves. ANY ROGUE WILL DO is an excellent first book. The writing is well done and entertaining, as well as touching on emotions. I greatly enjoyed reading this first book in the Misfits of Mayfair series, and anxiously look forward to upcoming offerings from Bethany Bennett. Recommended to all historical romance fans who simply enjoy reading a book which is solid, passionate, and well written.
Ethan Ridley, Viscount Amesbury and his friend, Calvin, the Earl of Carlyle, are working together to have their own brewery business. They are staying at a inn on their way to London when a bloodied young woman rides up saying that her coach has overturned and her servants are injured. People immediately help. That’s when she and Ethan recognize one another.
Miss Charlotte (Lottie) Wentworth had met Ethan many years ago when she was a debutante. He had rescued her from the middle of a mob. He then promised to call upon her and never did. Instead, he calls her witless, adding that he has a pretty face and a large dowry. He nicknames her a Paper Doll Princess. His comments were made into cartoons and posted in the paper. Undeserving of his cruel comments, she hates him. She then headed home when her brother died and her mother followed not long after. When her father went into a depression, it was up to Lottie to take over things.
Today, Lottie’s father wants her to marry Mr. James Montague, the youngest son of a Marquess. A handsome young man, she soon finds that he is smooth-talking drunkard and after he tries to accost her, she wants nothing to do with him.
Lottie is staying with her godmother. Lady Agatha Dalrymple. It so happens that Ethan is living just next door. They see one another in London and soon become friends leaving past hurts behind them. Now, Montague has send Lottie a note saying that he will be putting their engagement announcement in the paper. Furious, she tells Ethan who decides that they will put their own fake engagement announcement in the paper before him to foil the man’s endeavors.
This story is delightful and funny. Ethan and Lottie pair well together as both are strong characters. I also loved Aunt Agatha. Boo Hiss to Montague! (Read the book and you’ll see what I mean.) A bit long is my only complaint. I do have to tell the author how much I laughed in her opening remarks about her school teacher who said she wouldn’t amount to anything. What a hoot!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was a great historical romance featuring so many of my favorite tropes. There was some fake engagement, enemies to friends to lovers, and even some second chance romance thrown in. The writing was really engaging and I loved the secondary characters, like Cal and Lady Agatha, just as much as Ethan and Lottie.
Lottie was a wonderfully strong and fierce heroine and I loved how steadfast and all in Ethan was. I really enjoyed watching the sparks fly between them as they began to see each other in a new light. They challenged and brought out the best (and sometimes worst) in each other. Their chemistry was scorching hot and I have one word for you – balcony. As much as I loved Ethan and Lottie though, they did frustrate me towards the end because of their inability to communicate and all the misunderstandings. The pacing of the book also stalled at certain points for me and I felt the drama at the end was a bit contrived and unnecessary. I appreciated that it was solved almost as quickly as it began however, and that it showcased again how resourceful, intelligent, and determined Lottie was. The epilogue brought things full circle and left my heart happy. I’m really looking forward to Cal’s story next.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett is the First book in the Misfits of Mayfair Series. This is the story of Ethan Ridley, Viscount Amesbury and Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Wentworth. Lottie had a very embarrassing first and only outing to the town due to the fault of Ethan. So she escape to the country and helping her family with the estate. Now several years later her brother has died and her father who is very sad has turned his attention to finding Lottie a husband. Lottie who isn’t happy with her father decision or choice in a husband, thinks to find her own..or a pretend engagement at the least. Ethan has grown since his incident with Lottie and has regretted it ever since. So, when Lottie needs help he feels compelled to help her. Of course nothing goes as planned and feelings start to become to real. Loved their story and this second chance at love. I would recommend this book and this author’s writing.
4.5 Stars!
Any Rogue Will Do was an amazing read featuring a fantastic fake dating romance with a touch of enemies to lovers.
During her first season, Lady Charlotte Wentworth was the perfect society girl which only led to the ton’s mockery. Now, Charlotte plans to find a husband who is happy to live separate lives allowing Charlotte control over her own estate and fortune. But first, she needs to get rid of an unwanted suitor who is trying to force her into an engagement. Her plan? To enter into a fake engagement as the man can’t claim to be engaged to someone who is already betrothed. But when her plan leads her to request the help of the man who ruined her reputation all those years ago, Charlotte finds herself questioning everything she thought she wanted.
After her first season, Charlotte retreated from London with the hope to come back the next season better than ever, but then her brother died followed shortly after by her mother. With her father lost in his own grief Charlotte was left to take care of the estate, something she discovered she enjoyed and was good at. I loved that Charlotte found something she wanted in life and set about making it happen, not letting anyone sway her from what she wanted. Ethan wasn’t prepared when he inherited his title as he was so far down in the line of heirs that it was never considered a possibility he’d inherit. At first Ethan struggled in his new station, but after stepping back from those who clearly didn’t have his best interests at heart, he found what he was good at and focused on that.
Charlotte and Ethan’s relationship doesn’t get off to a good start in this book as Charlotte harbors a lot of resentment over the way Ethan treated her and how his comments led to her being ostracized by society. But Ethan, as well as Charlotte, have changed a lot since they knew each other several years ago and neither of them is who the other thinks they are. I loved watching these two get to know each other again and seeing how they’ve changed. Plus once they stop being stuck on the past, their relationship starts to progress wonderfully. Not to mention, the chemistry between them is simply fantastic and I loved the scenes where they got to be alone together. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, so I expected to love their romance and I am happy to say that I did. Their banter and openness with each other is wonderful and I was happy with the way they worked through the obstacles to their relationship.
Overall Any Rogue Will Do was a very enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, West End Earl, when it releases next year. I highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of the fake dating trope or are just looking for a great historical romance to read.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
I’m always excited to read a new-to-me author, especially when I’m enjoying a debut novel from an author who will go far if this first book is any indication. Any Rogue Will Do is the beginning of the Misfits of Mayfair series and quickly captured both my interest and my undivided attention. Charlotte and Ethan felt very real, I could easily imagine these events happening to them (for the most part), and watching how their unusual romance would play out was a fascinating adventure.
Years ago, a younger Ethan would find himself a newly-inherited Viscount from a family branch he knew nothing about. To go from a sheep farmer to the land of the ton in London was quite a shell-shocking experience. Of course, it all went to his head and he indulged in all the things he knew better than getting involved with. One changed the life of his friend, the other ruined the reputation of a woman who had done him no harm… but he had done so much damage with a few words carelessly spoken, words neither she nor the ton would easily forget. Once again, Ethan became a changed man overnight. He could not undo the damage he’d done to either his friend or the young woman, but he could walk the straight and narrow from that day onwards. He never thought to run into Charlotte again as he avoids London these days, but a quick trip to the city for estate business will have them crossing paths once again with far different results.
In her first season, Charlotte had been humiliated and essentially ruined by a man she soon came to despise for his words that took away her possible future so carelessly. She retreated to her family’s estate where after her brother’s death, soon followed by their mother’s death Charlotte took control of the estates from her grief-stricken father. It turns out she has a knack for managing things and would have continued without regret if her father hadn’t suddenly set grief aside and proclaimed he was arranging her marriage to an odious, vile person. Charlotte was having none of that, and with her newfound skills sets out to find herself a fake betrothed – for it’s impossible to accept an engagement when one is already spoken for. Her logic seemed perfect until she once again ran into Ethan under the most unusual circumstances. It didn’t make sense, he should be her last choice but Ethan owed Charlotte, he was perfect for her fake relationship, and she was about to set events in motion that she’d be unable to change, nor would want to… eventually.
I adored Ethan, even when he was behaving badly I understood why he was taking such risks. And does this man ever know how to give a proper apology! Charlotte I liked but it took longer for me to warm up to her. Perhaps some of that was how she needed to be portrayed, but I really needed to see some emotional growth from her before I really came into her corner of this story. Watching them, years later, slowly come together was quite the adventure. And talk about adventure – the dangers that will be faced are quite real, and the villain most vile. There is definitely a lot of steam between Charlotte and Ethan, and I’ll admit that was the part that I didn’t really believe for Charlotte’s reactions seemed (to me) unlikely in that time period from a woman who’d never even been kissed. Yet, each reader will view that differently so it’s simply an opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed Any Rogue Will Do very much and look forward to returning to this world again in 2021.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennet is a delight! This debut album is a great historical romance that pays homage to some favorite tropes in the genre.
Charlotte is in need of a husband so she can get her dowery and property from her father. Lottie goes to London to stay with her godmother and find a man to fit the bill. Lottie is an excellent heroine. She is funny, witty and won’t sit around waiting to be rescued. Lottie believes in second chances, but will she grant one after a Chance meeting with a Scottish, rogue from her past? Ethan is working on building a brewery at his estate and righting past wrongs.
There is action, adventure real depth of emotion and second chances . This story isn’t a second chance romance but it is full of second chances that feel so heart felt. So much witty banter, longing and serious conflict! Parts of this are quickly paced and read like a page-turner. I found myself so agitated putting the book down!!
Highly recommend. Thank you #Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy. #anyroguewilldo #bethanybennet
First off, I love the cover. The colors are gorgeous. Since I love second chance stories I was anxious to dive in this story. I loved Ethan and thought he tried really hard to take back his horrible actions from years ago. I also like Lottie to a point. Hell, I even liked Montague at first but beautiful does not make a person good. The story kind of meandered for me and was a bit slow but you know some people like slow and low angst (I call this book low angst). Maybe it was just me and not the story. understand it is the debut book of Bethany and I thought it was a great one.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Disgraced many years ago, spinster Charlotte is given a few months to find a husband or she will be wed to a man she has never met. Ethan, the man who disgraced her years ago, ends up staying right next door to her in London. Together they help fight off her unwanted suitor. I love an enemies to lovers trope! Great first book I can’t wait to read the next one! I received an ARC from NetGalley and Forever for my honest review.
Any Rogue Will Do is a brilliant debut. I call this book “trope-tastic” because it takes so many of the classic favorite tropes and mashes them into a single package. Ethan and Lottie go from enemies to friends to fake engagement to lovers. Throw in an extra villain-y villain, humorous banter, lots of sexy fun, and enjoyable side characters. A fully-modern historical that also draws on old-school favorites, this book leaves you ready for more in the series.
For exactly one season, Lady Charlotte Wentworth played the biddable female the ton expected — and all it got her was society’s mockery and derision. Now she’s determined to be in charge of her own future. So when an unwanted suitor tries to manipulate her into an engagement, she has a plan. He can’t claim to be her fiancé if she’s engaged to someone else. Even if it means asking for help from the last man she would ever marry. Ethan, Viscount Amesbury, made a lot of mistakes, but the one he regrets the most is ruining Lady Charlotte’s reputation. Going along with her charade is the least he can do to clean the slate and perhaps earn her forgiveness.
A very well written accomplished debut novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though fake engagement isn’t one of my favourite tropes but enemies to lovers is my favourite trope & the mix worked beautifully. The characters were well portrayed & had depth. I really like both Ethan & Charlotte & how their relationship change throughout the book. I look forward to more books by this exciting new author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett, book one in her Misfits of Mayfair series, is a second chance story between Lady Charlotte “Lottie” Wentworth and Ethan, Viscount Amesbury. The season Lottie came out was a disaster. She attempted to play the obedient lady the ton expected but all it got her was society’s ridicule and scorn. Ethan was rebuffed when he asked her father if he could call on Lottie; afterward, drunk, he called her a paper-doll princess. It had been a few years and now she is determined to take charge of her future. Lottie returns to London in search of an in name only husband. When an unwanted suitor refuses to accept Lottie’s no for an answer and attempts to manipulate her into an engagement, she creates a plan; asking Ethan to be her fake fiancé. Ethan has always regretted ruining Lady Charlotte’s reputation and makes sure to apologize to her; asking not just her forgiveness but for a clean slate to start over. So when Lottie asks him, Ethan has no qualms playing her fiancé. As these two spend time together, they not only set the sheet aflame, but create fireworks with the chemistry and electricity they share. I really liked these two characters and was amazed at the strength and perseverance they possessed in dealing with adversity. I also admired that they emulated kindness and understanding towards those in lower positions than themselves.
Ms. Bennett wrote an emotional, second chance story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, intelligent banter, and the amazing characters who assisted Lottie and Ethan in discovering their love for each other and the possibility of a future together. I highly recommend Any Rogue Will Do to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Employing some of my favorite tropes of second-chance romance, enemies-to-lovers, and fake engagement in her debut Any Rogue Will Do, Bethany Bennett offers a well-crafted historical romantic fiction with an engaging storyline, fully fleshed-out characters, and steamy sexy times.
The full review is on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles.
Lady Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Wentworth is determined to be in charge of her own future, so when an unwanted suitor, James Montague, tries to manipulate her into an engagement, she has a plan. He can’t claim to be her fiancé if she’s engaged to someone else even if it means asking for help from the last man she would ever marry―Lord Amesbury, Ethan Ridley. Better off known as MacBrute, he regrets ruining Lady Charlotte’s reputation years prior during a previous courtship, so he goes along with her charade is the least he can do to clean the slate and perhaps earn her forgiveness, and if he’s lucky, her love too.
‘Any Rogue Will Do’ was a positive start to a series I am sure to love. A strong-willed heroine and a hero looking for redemption, the enemies turned lovers (brief) historical romance didn’t exactly have a strong plot and was a tad bit slow on the second half but the steaminess and the chemistry between the characters was engaging enough to peak my interest.
All in all, it was good and I look forward to Calvin and hopefully Conner’s story in the near future.
This sparkling debut was exactly what I was looking for! 4.5 Stars!
Lady Charlotte Wentworth lived through a young society lady’s worst nightmare. During her first season, one of her suitors opened his big drunk mouth and said some unkind things about her, which were taken as fact, and reported on ad nauseum by the papers. It was mortifying, and she’s never forgiven the man. But, after returning home to the country, a lot of other things happened with her family that changed her life forever. She never returned to London to participate in a season again. But now, seven years later, her father has given her an ultimatum. She needs to find a husband, (hopefully one that will agree with her master plans to run her own estate without any input) and she has to do it with a relatively short deadline, or she’ll have to marry the man her father has chosen for her. She has NO INTENTION of allowing that, so she’s off to London to stay with her godmother and enact her plans.
Ethan Ridley, Viscount Amesbury, has been in a bit of a rut. Years ago, after running his drunken mouth and ruining poor Lady Charlotte’s reputation, and then drunkenly almost killing his Clansman, Connor, who lost his leg, Ethan cleaned up his act. He hasn’t been with a woman, or had more than 1 beer or glass of wine at a time, in many years. He didn’t expect to inherit this title, growing up a shepherd in Scotland, but now he’s trying to make the most of it. He’s even going into trade, starting a brewery on his land. He hopes it will be a success, to help keep the estate flush with cash, and help all his tenants as well. When he runs into Lady Charlotte again after all these years, he’s grateful for the chance to finally apologize to her properly. But, when they continue to end up at the same events, they start to become friends. When she needs help, he’s glad to be able to be there for her. But, he doesn’t expect to lose his heart.
Ethan and Lottie’s chemistry was so strong, even when she was busy telling him off! They both finally got the chance to say their piece, and once they did, they were able to communicate with each other in a different way. I thoroughly enjoyed their banter, and how much Ethan loved it when Lottie got smart with him. He loved finally seeing her true personality, and she couldn’t believe how much she came to like him. It was magic, and everyone around them could see it too.
Speaking of the people around them, I LOVED the side characters in the story, especially Lottie’s maid Mrs. Darling, and her godmother Lady Agatha, and Ethan’s best friend Calvin, Earl of Carlyle. I loved how Lottie was always finding less fortunate people who needed help, and hiring them. Her maid Mrs. Darling had previously turned to prostitution when her husband died. Her coachman Patrick is a recovering alcoholic. The way Lottie cared for people was lovely, even when they didn’t deserve it, like her father. Mrs. Darling obviously was much more wise about the world than a virgin, almost-spinster, so Lottie would constantly ask for her advice, which was often funny. Lady Agatha was the perfect character of an old lady who has been around the block and does things her own way. I enjoyed the caring grandmother-type relationship she had with Lottie. Cal will be the hero of book 2, and I’m very much looking forward to his story!
This story was all about the main couple’s journey, of course, but it also took a few surprising twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. There was quite the villainous side character that snuck up on me a bit, and that storyline was a good addition, though unexpected. Lottie was a manager, and a planner, and that came in handy each time she found herself in a pickle. I liked the way her brain worked, though sometimes it was frustrating that she wouldn’t just tell Ethan what she was feeling. Though usually, he wasn’t much better about doing that either. But, he was so clear with his actions that his love was unmistakable, and I don’t think the same could always be said of Lottie. Ultimately though, the love between them was clear to all, and I adored watching them each realize they didn’t want to live without each other, regardless of whatever social or monetary consequences they might face.
This book was fantastic and I enjoyed it SO very much. For a debut it was doubly impressive! I will be anxiously awaiting Cal’s story next!
I loved this so much, it was exciting to read and I never wanted to put it down! It was so entertaining and witty with the perfect mix of swoon-worthy and sexy mixed in! Ethan with his Scottish accent made me melt and Lottie was a force to be reckoned with. Any Rogue Will Do had a bit of everything I love in a story and I adored it all.