A powerful handsome rogue finally meets his match in Gone With the Rogue, the second book in the First Comes Love series from bestseller Amelia Grey. She had an acceptable marriage of convenience. Now widowed, can this determined and beautiful mother find true and forever love? The sinking of the Salty Dove took her husband’s life–but it didn’t drown Julia Fairbright’s courage to endure. She … drown Julia Fairbright’s courage to endure. She creates a proper life for herself and her young son. But now, the ton’s most notorious rogue is back, and how he makes Julia feel is anything but proper. She can’t deny the desires he awakens in her, even though she knows that the handsome devil will surely break her heart.
Garrett Stockton owns a successful shipping company and is rumored to have a woman on every continent and half-a-dozen in England. The truth, however, is that Garrett has but one mistress: the wide open sea. That is, until he meets Julia, whose spirit of independence matches his own. What begins as a flirtatious battle of wits turns far more passionate than either of them could have imagined. Suddenly, Garrett’s only desire is to sail into the sunset with Julia as his wife and young Chatwyn his son. But she won’t take his hand–how can he convince her that his love is real and his heart is hers?
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Julia is strong and sensible and isn’t about to just give her trust to anyone…especially as she is dependent upon the good graces of her tyrannical in-law. When Garrett find her in an embarrassing predicament, he immediately comes to her aid. They are drawn to each other, but Julia doesn’t see anyway for then to be together.
Can Garrett gain her love and trust and also help free her from her tyrant?
Very entertaining book. The storyline and the characters were fun and interesting. I recommend this book.
Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
Widowhood hasn’t brought the freedom it should have for Lady Julia Fairbright. Though she mourned her husband, theirs was largely a marriage of convenience, but their elopement displeased her father-in-law, the Duke of Sprogsfield, and now, if she wants to stay with her son, Julia must abide by the duke’s staunch rules of propriety. When she meets handsome adventurer, Garrett Stockton, Julia finds a stir of attraction she’d thought long dead, but the only way she’ll ever have the freedom to pursue her own happiness, without losing her son, is if she can prove to the rest of society just how deplorable the duke really is behind his pious facade.
As the distant relation of an earl, Garrett Stockton has been welcomed to cling to the fringes of society, but unlike his father, Garrett was not content to depend on the charity of distant relatives for his living and instead delved into the institution scorned by the aristocracy: trade. Now the owner of a successful shipping company and exceedingly wealthy, Garrett remains somewhat of an enigma to society. Rumors constantly circulate about his roguish tendencies and reckless wanderings, but Garrett is thinking increasingly more about settling down and remaining in England, especially after he meets a lady whose thirst for independence matches his own. A light-hearted flirtation rapidly evolves into true feelings and soon Garrett is ready to claim Julia and her son as his own and determined to help her attain her freedom from a life under the duke’s thumb.
This book started out so very strong and I was tearing right through it and then somewhere around the 60% mark it just lost steam and became rather discombobulated. The characters were decently likable, the villain detestable, but the heroine quickly became rather vapid for me and the love scenes were extremely tame. Some scenes toward the end drug out too much and seemed irrelevant to the storyline, at least the story between Garrett and Julia. We mostly have instalove here with Garrett falling much harder for Julia than she did for him and I mostly felt like she was using him for much of the book and stringing him along, even after the threat of the duke was removed. I also felt like this was handled a bit too quickly as well. This was a fine read to pass the time, but nothing to really write home about.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Julia is a young widow whose young son and finances are controlled by her spiteful father-in-law. He is pious beyond bearing and expects all of society to follow his example. But Julia learns that some of his business dealings are not so pure and She is searching for evidence to prove it so she can get out from under his thumb.
Garrett is a man who made his fortune by owning and captaining a merchant ship. He is in London for a friend’s wedding and encounters Julia stuck in a tree. It is love at first sight for him but he doesn’t recognize it right away. He helps Julia find the documents she needs, but they still can’t prove anything because her father-in-law is using aliases for his seedy businesses.
You’ll have to read the book to see how this situation is resolved.
I enjoyed this book so much that I went back and bought the first book in this series. I received this book as an advanced reader copy from the publisher for my reading enjoyment.Z
While this is billed as book number two in a series, you do not need to have read the prior one in order for this one to make sense. In fact, aside from a brief mention of the characters from the first novel, this one focuses on the two remaining widows, both with life-altering choices ahead of them.
One of the things that felt completely off and unrealistic to me was Julia’s reactions to Garrett. We are told time and again that she is utterly under the thumb of her father-in-law. His word is the law and any deviation to that will result in a swift punishment (namely he will take her son away from her). And yet, she not only kisses Garrett where any nosy neighbor could see them, but she also has sex with him in her father-in-law’s house? On the floor? Granted the man isn’t there yet, but that is hardly the point. Time and again, she throws all caution to the wind to be with him even knowing what that will mean if she is caught. I just wasn’t buying that.
I enjoyed Garrett’s character only slightly more. He seemed to jump into wanting her/loving her pretty darn quickly (within a week if that), but I did enjoy the selfless way he was willing to do anything he could to help her (even if it came to doing something he was adamant that he didn’t want to do).
Together, they had their moments, but I much preferred reading about Julia’s friend Brina. I felt like her character’s story at times overshadowed the main story. She had her own choices to face, and I’m curious as to how the author is going to choose to resolve them.
In talking about the characters, I feel like I have given away enough of the plot that people can decide for themselves whether or not they want to read this one (although I have to add if you are familiar with the term hurry up and wait you will see a lot of that in the plot as far as getting things done).
Overall, I think the author has potential, and a lot of people will enjoy this story, it just wasn’t a favorite for me.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
I usually adore Ms. Grey’s books, but this one was just okay for me. I didn’t feel the deep connection I usually do with her other characters. Julia Fairbright is the widow with a young child, the current duke’s grandson. Unfortunately for Julia, the duke is tyrannical in his restrictions on what she can and cannot do. He keeps her in line with the threat of taking away her son which she had no doubt he would do if she strayed from his guidelines. She meets Garrett Stockton in the weirdest way–her bonnet is tangled in a tree and he helps cut her free. From there, Garrett is obsessed with her and seems to pop up every time she needs help. Even though Garrett is a good guy, I felt like I just being told what he was doing instead of being immersed in the story. There is a HEA, but I wished there was more to his character.
Lady Kitson Fairbright is a widow with a young son. She loves her little boy and will do anything to protect him from his overbearing grandfather. The high-nosed Duke constantly threatens Julia that he will take her son if she doesn’t obey his every command. I disliked his cruel tactics. However, he’s not aware that she overheard his secret. I wanted her to be free of this man and his hypocrisy. By chance she meets a rogue who will be her salvation. Garrett Stockton is a good person to have as an ally. He’s a man of action. Their attraction is immediate and fierce. Julia asks for his help and he promises his aid. Can they outwit the dastardly Duke? I felt a connection with the characters and wanted them together. This story kept me enthralled. Garrett is the perfect hero. Julia is no conventional Lady. They are an amazing team. Amelia Grey added a special twist to the romance that I enjoyed. Gone With The Rogue satisfied my need for a HEA now and for always.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and author Amelia Gray for giving me the opportunity to read and review this lovely romance.
Julia Fairbright became a widow after her husband was lost in a shipwreck. She has pulled her life together for her young son Chatwyn. She would like to be more on her own and move on with her life, but her father-in-law, referred to as the Duke, has her under his control by telling her that she cannot leave his home with his grandson. He is extremely controlling on many levels in how Julia is to live her life and how Chatwyn should be raised. The only thing Julia has on her own is a girls’ school that she and a couple of her widowed friends have established.
One day when Julia is in the park with her son, the butterfly net and part of her clothing become stuck in the branch of a tree. Garrett Stockton comes to her rescue. He has a reputation as a rogue and a scoundrel, but he is a true gentleman to Julia and her child.
Garrett, who is a successful businessman and on the edge of Society, could have and has had many women. He can’t understand his instant attraction to Julia, but is determined to get to know her better and help when he can.
It has been quite a while since I have read a Regency romance, but author Amelia Grey brings all the right elements to a story that is both sensuous and uplifting. Historical romances take more research to be authentic and I always appreciate those who have done their homework and make you feel you are right there in that time and place.
Garrett and Julia are two wonderful characters who are easy to root for as they deal with the culture and customs that made Regency England often unfair to women. I loved that Julia was such a gracious person who used her money to help young girls while so many upper class women of that era lead lives of leisure.
Romances have been an important part of my life when things were difficult and dark. I write this during the Coronavirus pandemic and we do need love during this time to lift our spirits and escape from everyday worries.
This book was considered the second in a series, but it stands well on its own. Amelia Grey is a new to me author. I will definitely being looking to read more of hers.
Gone With The Rogue is the second title in the First Comes Love series and brings two intriguing, stubborn people together for a romance that will change their lives. I was easily drawn into Garrett’s and Julia’s story and while I didn’t over the top love this one I did enjoy the time spent I with them.
The first meeting between Garrett and Julia was definitely chuckle-worthy as he rescues her from a tree she was rescuing her son’s kite from – rather unsuccessfully. As a widow firmly under the control of her powerful father-in-law, Julia doesn’t have a lot of options in her attempts to free herself and her young son from the Duke’s influence. But she does have a plan – and that plan didn’t include the handsome rogue Garrett, yet it seems Garrett has other ideas.
Garrett’s and Julia’s romance is quite quick, and although a combination of sweet and sexy the more sizzling moments are fade to black… and there are only a few. Without giving away more than I want to, Gone With The Rogue is a good story with likable main characters. I like the idea behind this series of the doomed ship the Salty Dove going down and how that affects the lives of so many other people – and the women who come together to help the young daughters of those who died in the tragedy. Yet, Julia and Garrett were far too often overshadowed by the actions of the Duke who is really good at hiding his misdeeds and pushing his own agenda on his daughter-in-law and grandson. So, I liked the story, it moves the series along, but I didn’t fall in love with the characters. It happens sometimes. I would still recommend the series in general, and I do look forward to the next story – it’s just that this one fell a little flat for me, but you should make up your own mind.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from St. Martin’s Press 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.*
Gone With the Rogue is the second in the First Comes Love series but can be read as a stand alone, however I would recommend reading the first book to gain a little of the back story that is lightly mentioned in this book. Julia and her husband eloped, earning the contempt of his father the duke and now as a widow she has to live under the strict rules of her father-in-law in order to stay in her young son’s life. Julia is determined to find paperwork from the duke showing that he is not the upstanding, pious person that he portrays in public so that she can win her and her son’s freedom. Garrett, being a son of a younger son of an earl was determined to make his own way and not live off the allowance his father did. Now he owns a successful shipping company and has sailed to many exotic places but is now ready to put down roots. Julia and Garrett’s first meeting is up a tree and from there the relationship grows with many adventures, a few laughs and a beautiful love story. The secondary characters add to the development of the story.
I received an advance reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
I won a copy of this book from the author, I was not required to give a favorable review. This was a wonderful story of love, overcoming being a women raising a child in a time that it was not looked upon as ok. This has very strong characters written into it. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a great read.
Gone With the Rogue
First Comes Love #2
Amelia Grey
St. Martin’s Press, Apr 2020
290 pages
Historical Romance
Pub’s rep
The cover is great! It’s usually the woman who’s half undressed, but on this one, it’s the guy! I love the happy, relaxed looks on the couple’s faces. And I like the use of the blue and violet color palette for this, rather classy.
The story is the middle one of the three women who open the school for the sisters and daughters of the men who died in the sinking of the Salty Dove. Julia is busy being a proper widow and taking care of her young son. Garrett Stockton owns a shipping company and is in love with the sea. But the ton gossip would have it that he has a mistress in every port, with several in England.
As in the first book in this series, The Earl Next Door, he eventually talks her around to his way of thinking and it’s a really enjoyable journey getting there. The characters are well developed and interact very well. Ms. Grey has a way with these couples that really makes her romances fun and funny at times. Yes, they do struggle to get their HEA, but there are laughs along the way. The pace is brisk and the tension stays high in this one as these two seemingly mismatched individuals find their way to their own happiness despite what the ton may think. Recommended.
Full review appeared at Reader’s Edyn on 05/03/20
Julia had her life figured out. Married to a good friend for convenience, everything seemed to be working out fine. But a freak accident on a ship suddenly took her husband’s life. He would never know his son and she would be stuck under her father-in-law’s rule for several years to come. Threatening to take her son, his only heir to the Dukedom, Julia is forced to live properly without the slightest hint of scandal. But her inquisitive nature and strong spirit often have her walking a fine line between behaving as she’d like to and keeping just below the Duke’s radar. Living in his household with his staff proves most difficult. Still, she wishes no ill will toward the Duke, just her freedom. It’s a dream she will never attain until one fateful day when she overhears information that could change everything for her and her son. Springing into action, she sets out to find the evidence that will provide her freedom. But when Garrett Stockton happens along and finds her caught in a tree, suddenly taking risks becomes a regular occurrence. The rake tempts Julia to distraction. But with her son at risk, she cannot afford to completely lose herself in Garrett, despite how much she longs to. With little time to produce the proof, she enlists the aid of Garrett and together they work to uncover the mystery that surrounds the Duke.
Garrett is completely caught by the spirited beauty as soon as he discovers her up in that tree. A self-made success, he only stops in town for short periods before the sea once again beckons him away from dry land. But Julia quickly replaces the call of the sea with a siren call of her own and when she seeks his assistance, he has little choice but to help her. He wants much more from her and would do anything to be able to call her and her young son his. Discovering the evidence doesn’t prove to be too difficult, but deciphering it might prove impossible. Should Julia’s plan fail, he is not above absconding with her and her son out to sea to escape the dastardly clutches of the scheming Duke. But proving to Julia that his rakish days are behind him and that he is fully committed to both her and her son is going to be a challenge like he has never undertaken before. The risks are great, but the treasure to be obtained is worth the risk because losing Julia is not an option.
Picking up several months following the previous book, Julia is now keeping an eye on the school for girls. With Brina traveling for short spells and Adeline now living in the country with her husband (for now), the responsibility lies with Julia. Brina, however, returns with some news of her own, leaving Julia shocked while trying to be supportive and understanding. What I completely despised about this scenario is that Adeline and Lyon are absolutely NOWHERE within this book! What the heck? It’s the three women who started the school and brought about this series. All three are so different in nature and add something of value to the friendship, so for one of them to be completely absent was disheartening. I loved Adeline and Lyon and was looking forward to a chance to reconnect with them. Because of this awful turn of events, I took the rating down to a 4. This was my biggest problem with the book. For those of you who don’t read the series in order for some reason, it likely won’t affect you one iota. But for me, as one who tries to read in order whenever possible, I was very nearly heart-broken by Adeline and Lyon’s absence.
Much like the first book, Garrett knows exactly what he wants almost immediately, but Julia has several reasons to put him off. Her reasons are valid, of course. She is completely under the control of the Duke and her fear of losing her son keeps her from acting as she would if she were truly free in her widowhood. Given the fact that I am aware of Brina’s deep love for her departed husband, I would hazard a guess that in this respect, the third book will likely follow a similar course. What I did enjoy was Julia’s love for life and respect for living creatures. A respect that Garrett whole-heartedly shares. Had she not been full of so much spirit, she would never have been caught up in the tree, and would likely never have crossed paths with Garrett. Conveniently, when Garrett stumbles upon her, he is considering seriously courting a woman. And so the seduction begins. I also liked that Garrett is a bit of a rebel within the ton. Accepted but still somewhat shunned for making his own business a success, he tends to live life on the edge, taking risky chances, but seemingly always coming out on top. Also enjoyable is the kitchen disaster in which Brina and Julia decide to try their hands at cooking and baking, having never in their lives done such before. In my own estimation, that scene played out just about as real as it would have had it truly happened.
This book was an enjoyable read, but not quite as enjoyable as the first book in the series. Would I still recommend it? Absolutely. But I believe that many who start with the first book will have a similar feeling like my own in seriously missing Adeline’s presence. As far as the sexual chemistry, the passion was present and the couple of scenes in which anything actually occurred were respectful. Slightly tamer than the first book, I would say. Even those with delicate sensibilities would likely take little to no issue with the passion within these pages. I’m extremely curious to see what direction Ms. Grey takes with Brina in the next installment. As I recall, with the previous series I read from Ms. Grey, I adored the first book, enjoyed the second book, and felt the final book was the best. So far I am leaning toward similar feelings in this series. So perhaps the next book will be the best. I do not know, but I aim to find out. Despite my upset at the lack of one of the main characters within this series, I still found this book a pleasant experience. Ms. Grey did create a world in which I fully immersed myself and found a beautiful escape for a while. Julia and Garrett were a joy getting to know as they navigated through and uncovered a web of deceit all while finding the passionate love they each craved within one another. Even Chatwyn was a fun bit of willful child peppered throughout the story. I kind of wish he had a few more scenes as he was quite skilled in stealing them. For those of you who enjoy regency romance with a tamer side of romance, this is the book for you. Spirited widow, a reformed rake, strong-minded child, nefarious Duke, and even an aging rescue dog or two; this book is sure to immediately engage its readers from beginning to end.
Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.
I was hoping for a good story and Grey definitely produced one. I really liked the characters and the plot of this book. I don’t do a synopsis, ever. Just buy the book you won’t be disappointed. Looking forward to reading Briana’s’ s story.
Every time I see the series title I think of that ditty we used to say as kids but anyways another delight to go back in time to experience romance in a different way. Julia and Garrett take us on a journey that then everyone had a place and heat was kept in the covers lol. Misconceptions color the character but he has his work cut out for him when his heart wants a jewel. She hides the desire but that can only be for a time I would think, the heart wants what the heart wants. Interesting to see how the battle of wills will come out with giving a good read as it does.
I enjoyed reading this book. about Julia, Garrett, Brina and Chatwyn and the crazy situations they find themselves in. The book begins with Julia, a young widow, getting stuck in a tree in the park while trying to rescue her butterfly net. She sends her son Chatwyn and his nanny home to retrieve a pair of scissors and while they are gone Garrett stops his horse under said tree and discovers her. Garrett then proceeds to rescue Julia and in doing so, they become somewhat attracted to each other. Julia cannot do much about her feelings for she is under the strict control of her father-in-law, but she is trying to find a way to discredit the man in order to gain freedom for her and her son. Brina is Julia’s best friend and confidant as they were both widowed because of the same ship sinking. Brina, Julia and another widow founded a school for girls to help all the other daughters and sisters of the men who died with their husbands. Brina now thinks that she would like to join a nunnery and Julia is wanting to be free to live life the way that she wants without answering to any man. Garrett has just returned from a voyage on one of his ships and upon meeting Julia, he suddenly realizes that maybe this time he will remain in London. Once Julia enlists Garrett’s aid in helping her find information to discredit her father-in-law their attraction can no longer be denied. Garrett seems to keep having to rescue Julia and sometimes Brina from some of their ideas gone wrong. Read the book to see if Julia, Garrett, Chatwyn and Brina can overcome various calamities and finally capture their HEAs.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley I was able to read an advanced copy of this book. I am now leaving my freely given review and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.
He helped her down from a tree and through the most hilarious mess two ladies could make in the kitchen (it was their first cooking experience). Can he help her and her son escape her tyrannical father-in-law?
This is the second book in the First Comes Love Series and features Lady Julia Fairbright and Garrett Stockton. Since her husband’s death four years ago, his father, the Duke of Sprogsfield, has kept Julia under his control by threatening to take her son away from her if she doesn’t comply with his rules. Garrett is the owner of a successful shipping company. He is the son of a gentleman, but stays on the edge of Society. When he rescues Julia from the tree in St. James Park, their attraction is instant. Their chemistry is sizzling and their connection is strong. Julia is strong, independent, caring, and kind. Garrett is intelligent, independent, kind, and becomes immediately protective of Julia and Chatwyn. Julia wants more than anything to be free to live her life, raise her son, and be with Garrett, but she is afraid of the Duke’s reaction. When Julia tells him of her plan to deal with the Duke, he agrees to help. It turns out they have a common adversary. Gone with the Rogue is a charming and entertaining story. The characters are likeable (except the Duke and Mr. Pratt). Julia’s four-year-old son is absolutely adorable. The girls from the Seafarer’s School make a happy appearance. Brina is anxiously contemplating what she wants in her life. I enjoyed this one and look forward to her story.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Gone With The Rogue is a sweet regency romance.
I liked the strong and sassy heroine, Julia. I appreciated her desire both for freedom and to protect her child. I think I would have liked to see more scenes with her son because he was so adorable!
I like how Garrett was immediately taken with Julia and saw who she was as a person. How he was willing to do anything to help her, and not just to bed her.
I thought their meet-cute was just precious and different—swooping in to save the fair maiden from the evil clutches of the tree’s branches!
This was an easy read, and I enjoyed the book, but I was wanting a little more from the story. While I was reading it, I really, really wanted to love the book, and I never got quite there. There was just some “it” factor that was missing.
I enjoyed Garrett and Julia’s story. He’s never wanted the attachments of a wife and she doesn’t want a husband. She just wants to be free of her overbearing father-in-law. There’s just enough intrigue and excitement to keep you interested. I did feel like there was a lot of buildup and it sort of ended abruptly. But I am hoping there’s a next story about Julia’s friend, Brina! Who would be worthy enough to turn her head?
Gone With the Rogue gets 4 stars!
Once again, Amelia Grey brings together two disparate individuals who find their way to love despite the obstacles — in this case, an outwardly pious father-in-law who wants to run the life of his late son’s widow. And she has to listen, or else she will lose custody of her son. It’s another example of how little freedom women of the Regency Era had. But Lady Julia still can dream, and her meet up with the hero of the tale — she’s in a tree chasing a butterfly net — shows her spirit isn’t completely squished. Garrett Stockton is reputed to be a rake, but gossip isn’t always accurate. He turns out to be just the person Julia Fairbright can depend on to help her get the goods on her father-in-law and move along to a freer life. This is the second in the First Comes Love series, and it is a worthy successor to the enjoyable Earl Next Door. Grey has the ability to create characters whose problems capture our hearts and attention. Julia and Garrett are a lovely couple, and together with her son, get the HEA they deserve. ( I received an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions mine.) Most enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gone With The Rogue, by Amelia Grey, will be available at booksellers on 4-28-2020. Rogue is book 2 in Ms Grey’s First Comes Love series. Although a second series book there are different characters so it’s a fine stand-alone story. There’s only a tad bit of reference to the first book and that explains how the three ladies came together, became friends, and entered in an endeavor together. I read book 1, The Earl Next Door, in May of 2019, so the reminder was nice for me. I was able to concentrate on this couple without my mind being diverted. ,
Lady Julia Kitson Fairbright is a young widow with a 4 year old son to worry about and fuss over. Her father-in-law is a Duke and insist on keeping her under his thumb upon threat of taking away her child. She’s desperate to keep him appeased until she can get away. She’s spunky and not sure of her own strength, it’s never been tested. She has a meet cute moment with Garrett Stockton, that’s important to me in my romance stories. The attraction is so fast and strong that it reminded me of being struck by lightening. The odds aren’t good but it sometimes happens. Rogue is an interesting study in testing your limits, knowing your self, and finally deciding what you want in life. Goi.ng after it is the journey. My con with Rogue is the use of such strange names, some I wasn’t sure how to pronounce so I made it up. That was distracting and I thought unnecessary, although I understand all men are not named Sebastian.
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