Featuring New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries’ “hallmark humor, poignancy, and sensuality” (Romantic Times), this entry in the Sinful Suitors series inspires you to risk all for love. Lady Anne is shocked when Captain Lord Hartley Corry–her former fiancé who left for India after her father forbade their marriage–returns to England and acts as if everything is all water under … everything is all water under the bridge. He never fought for her hand or eloped with her as he promised and he thinks she’d still be willing to marry him? Not a chance.
Hartley is equally shocked to literally run into his past love upon arriving at his brother’s house. Though he yearns to take advantage of this second chance to woo his beloved, he can hardly admit that he is secretly a spy–at least not until he can be sure he trusts her. But convincing Lady Anne to let him prove his sincerity by courting her respectably all over again might be his undoing. Because all he wants is to show her how much of a rogue he can be when the right woman is in his arms…
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Series: Sinful Suitors #5.5
Publication Date: 7/2/18
Lord love a duck – save us all from those all-knowing, omniscient parents who wreak havoc on their children’s lives – even after said parents are dead and gone! Those parents created havoc on the lives of our lovely hero and heroine in this delightfully written, very short novella. I thoroughly enjoyed the novella and that is why I would have really liked it to be a bit longer than it was. However, it did tie up the Sinful Suitors series nicely.
Captain Lord Hartley (Hart) Corry is the spare heir to a cold, unfeeling, uncaring marquess. When Hart fell in love and wanted to marry, his father flatly refused to allow it. Not only that, he pulled him out of school and bought him a commission with a unit that was leaving for India very quickly. Hart sent his beloved a note telling her what had happened, where he was going, why he was going and asked her to wait for him. Then, while he was gone, he wrote her letter after letter – and never got anything in return.
Lady Anne Barkley’s father was a very rich merchant – then, later in life, inherited an earldom. When Hart asked for Anne’s hand, she was only sixteen years old and her father thought him to be a fortune hunter – not to mention that her father hated the aristocracy – so he refused to allow the marriage. What is Anne to think when the man she loves and plans to marry abruptly leaves for India? Is it because what her father said about him being a fortune hunter was true? Why didn’t he at least write to her? Why did she have to learn of his leaving through an article?
Fast forward about eleven years and you have Hart arriving at his brother’s hunting lodge for a week-long gathering of male friends to hunt, drink and play billiards. To his great surprise, there is a ball in progress when he’s greeted at the door. Now, will he stay or will he go? He tells his sister-in-law “I know a matchmaking scheme when I see one, dear lady.” He decides he won’t go into the ball, but he will go into the card room and find his brother and friends.
Whoops – he runs smack-dab into a lady – wearing a wild turban. Shock, it is Anne. He has never forgotten her and has always loved her. Now, he can find out why she never answered any of his letters, why she didn’t wait for him and maybe, just maybe, they can find their way back to each other.
It is a delightful, but very short path for them to find their HEA. I loved Hart from the beginning but had a harder time warming up to Anne. I did come to like her, but she just had way too much self-doubt and angst.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and certainly recommend it. It was a wonderful story and a great wrap-up for the series.
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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.”
3.5 stars–THE RISK OF ROGUES is instalment 5.5 (and final?) in Sabrina Jeffries SINFUL SUITORS historical romance series – a spin off from Jeffries’ ‘The Duke’s Men’ series. This is Lady Anne Barkley and Captain Lord Hartley ‘Hart’ Corry’s story line. THE RISK OF ROGUES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Anne and Hart) THE RISK OF ROGUES is a second chance romance between Lady Anne Barkley and Captain Lord Hartley ‘Hart’ Corry. Eleven years earlier Hart asked a then sixteen-year old Anne to be his wife but without her father’s permission Hart disappeared without a trace. Fast forward to present day wherein a much more mature Anne but secretive Hart must face the truth about what happened years before-a truth that is much different than the stories they know.
Captain Lord Hartley Corry is a man of secrets whose current position with Baron Fulkham keeps our hero in the shadows as a spymaster for the government. Loyal to a fault, it is these secrets that keep Anne at a distance when Hart offers up his heart, once again. Lady Anne considers herself an oddity, and hides behind her flamboyant hats that are the talk of the ton. Never married, Lady Anne pines for what was, and what will never be, again.
THE RISK OF ROGUES is a very quick read; a fast paced, second chance story line with a feisty and stubborn heroine, and passionate hero. The back and forth rhetoric between our leading couple is both comedic and sad, as Anne refuses to accept the truth that is shrouded in secrets. The premise is engaging; the romance is intimate and sweet; the characters are familiar and charming.
I absolutely adore the Sinful Suitors series, so I was excited to read this installment of same. I haven’t read book 5 yet, but that in no way ruined my enjoyment of this one. This was a second chance romance for Hart and Anne. Many years ago they were young and in love, and planned to marry. However, both were thwarted by their fathers. Now they have run into each other again, and Hart knows he still wants Anne. Anne, though, is still hurt and afraid of losing her heart again. Hart convinces Anne to try a “re-courtship”.
I really liked the characters of Hart and Anne, and greatly enjoyed watching them get to know each other all over again and to get past their prior heartbreaks. My only complaint was the length of this tale. It was more short story than novella. I would have loved a more in-depth book since Anne and Hart were so interesting. Still, it was a fun story and a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Eleven years ago Hart left behind Anne and their plans of elopement. Seeing her again stirs a desire to make her his wife if they can get past all their bad decisions and current obstacles.
I found this story to be just ok. Anne does a lot of pushing away but considering what happened years ago, as well as events that have changed her during the past decade, it’s understandable. Hart was playing his cards close to his chest, unsure how much he could share about his current status. Both of them struggled with trust. I struggled a bit with both of them.
Due to its length we don’t get a ton of goodness but we do get a look at the re-courtship between these two characters as well as the chemistry they share. Secondary characters are minimal, the pace is fast, and there is no skimming required here.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Gallery Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Risk of Rogues by Sabrina Jeffries is book 5.5 in The Sinful Suitors. This is the story of Anne and Hartley. This was easily a standalone book.
Hart and Annie were in love and wanting to get married but she was a young women around 16 years of age with a wealthy father who didn’t approved nor did his family go for the marriage. Annie’s father told her that Hart was a gambler and other things also to put doubts in her mind. Hart didn’t show up when they had spoke of running away together but just left her. Hart had joined the military to work toward having something for Annie but later when he returned she was no longer in town. Hart moved forward with his career that took him to becoming a spy. But now their paths has crossed again while he is working on assignment but he doesn’t want to loose this chance to reopen their relationship why she didn’t answer his letters.
A great second chance at love….quick easy novella read.
4.5 stars
Years ago Lord Hartley Corry fell in love with Miss Anne Barkley, but when their father’s refused to approve a marriage between them, he left to join the army – hoping to make a living to support her. But when he returns to England five years later, Anne has disappeared. He is devastated and returns to India, but he has never forgotten her. When he returns to England again, six years later and takes a position spying for Lord Fulkham, he doesn’t use his connections to find her, because he doesn’t want to learn that she married and will never be his. He makes it clear to family and friends that he is a confirmed bachelor, because if he can’t marry Anne, he won’t marry.
So imagine his surprise when he arrives at his brother’s hunting lodge for a week of manly pursuits and finds not only a house party in full swing but his lost love Anne! But she is no longer Miss Barkley, she is now Lady Anne. He convinces her to meet him alone and is ready to pick up where they left off – but Anne has other ideas.
Anne was heartbroken when Hart left her with no word, he promised to elope with her if her father refused and instead he just up and left. It was probably for the best, her father told her that he was a gambler and a wastrel and the rumors she has heard over the years have only confirmed what her father said. She insists that they don’t know each other and she doesn’t trust him. He asks if he can court her, give them time to reacquaint themselves and see if marry is possible.
Anne is still in love with Hart, but old fears and new secrets keep her from fully committing to him. He is sweet and woos her with gifts and kisses, but she can’t seem to accept him – especially when he is so closemouthed about his prospects. Hart wants to tell her, but he needs her to trust him and commit before he can. When they finally make love and she still refuses to marry, he knows what he has to do to prove that he loves her for her and not for what she brings to a marriage.
This is a very sweet second chance at love story, it is very short, but it is well written, flows without feeling rushed and has wonderful characters, warm love scenes and a very lovely ending. It is part of the Sinful Suitors series, but it can be read as a stand alone title with no issues.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
A Short and Absorbing Read.
Two people reconnect after a period of eleven years. Can Anne trust him with her heart again, after he abandoned her and can he trust that the sixteen year old girl who he fell in love with, still lives within the twenty-seven year old woman. Thought this was a lovely story and though it was complete in itself, it would have been nice if it had been made into a longer book (perhaps with some spying involved, leading to misunderstandings and Anne’s mother being involved in the storyline)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Risk of Rogues (The Sinful Suitors,…by Sabrina Jeffries I have read all the other books in the THE SINFUL SUITORS series and this novella was short but as enjoyable to read… Thanks to #NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. Hart (Captain Lord Hartley Cory …spy) Lady Anne ( of the fancy hats) This is a second chance love story.. with laughs, fears and insecurities…some steam and a HEA. I hope there will be more books in this series.
What I love about Ms. Jeffries’ stories is the humor. Hart is hilarious and Anne keeps up with his sarcasm. A short but lovely tale of second chance love. My only wish, it was longer. I wanted more Hart.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Captain Lord Hartley Corry arrives at his brothers estate expecting a relaxing time with friends, hunting & fishing only to find his sister in law has invited lots of people including unmarried debutantes. Lady Anne is shocked when Captain Lord Hartley Corry, her former fiancé who left for India after her father forbade their marriage, arrives at the house party. He never fought for her hand or eloped with her as he promised. Hart is equally shocked to literally run into his past love upon arriving at his brother’s house.
I’ve been waiting for Hart’s story for a while & although I thoroughly enjoyed the read, how I wish it had been a full length novel not a novella, I wanted more. I love the author’s books & the whole Sinful Suitors series has been delightful it was a shame it finished with a short story. Don’t get me wrong the characters were well rounded & the story flowed very well I just wanted to be able to prolong the final instalment. This was a lovely read of second chances, both Hart & Anne had never loved anyone else but had been torn apart at an early age & now eleven years later Anne especially wonders if she can trust Hart.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Sabrina Jeffries always brings interesting characters together in delightful stories. Hart and Anne are strong characters with flaws but they compliment each other. Ms Jeffries knows how to bring all the elements together to make the reader fall in love.
The Sinful Suitors is a fabulous series. The characters overcome many obstacles to be together. They earn their happy ending.
I recommend this story and many more by Sabrina Jeffries!
I’m a big fan of Jeffries but I’m sorry to say this book did not impress me as her other books do. I did not connect with the H/H and the flow of the book moved a little slow and it fell a little flat, IMO. I’ve read to many books by this author to let my disappointment of this book deter me from being a fan!
I love old loves finding each other again and this one is no smooth ride. This is a fast-paced story that will keep you on your toes. I loved how they found each other again and that they got to know each other again. They have changed over the years, but are still drawn to each other. I loved the ending and how everyone was there to see it.
Anne never knew the full truth of what happened when he left. She is ready to be on the warpath with him, but her heart can’t let go that easily. I loved that wasn’t afraid to question his boss, but she was still scared.
Hart is all heart and did what he thought best years ago. I loved him from the start with how he wasn’t going to stop and wanted to tell her the truth. He didn’t realize how many had his back.
Publisher’s Description:
Featuring New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries’ “hallmark humor, poignancy, and sensuality” (Romantic Times), this entry in the Sinful Suitors series inspires you to risk all for love.
Lady Anne is shocked when Captain Lord Hartley Corry—her former fiancé who left for India after her father forbade their marriage—returns to England and acts as if everything is all water under the bridge. He never fought for her hand or eloped with her as he promised and he thinks she’d still be willing to marry him? Not a chance.
Hartley is equally shocked to literally run into his past love upon arriving at his brother’s house. Though he yearns to take advantage of this second chance to woo his beloved, he can hardly admit that he is secretly a spy—at least not until he can be sure he trusts her. But convincing Lady Anne to let him prove his sincerity by courting her respectably all over again might be his undoing. Because all he wants is to show her how much of a rogue he can be when the right woman is in his arms.
My Thoughts:
You can always count on Sabrina Jefferies to entertain her readers.
This book is a short read. It can easily be completed in one sitting. The characters are interesting and well developed in spite of the shortness of this book.
Hartley’s one wish in life was to marry the love of his life, Anne. When her father refused his offer of marriage he was determined to change the man’s mind by proving he could and would support them so he purchased a commission in the army and left for India. He wrote to Anne constantly but she never received his letters which were intercepted by her father.
Now Anne’s father is dead and Hartley has returned to England with no idea where she has disappeared to.
Imagine his surprise when literally running into her at his brother’s house party.
Will he be able to convince Anne of his undying devotion?
Read this enjoyable read of less than two hours and find out for yourself.
I gave this novella 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a high sensual rating of 4.25 of 5.0 flames. Although Anne is still a virgin the intimacy ran very hot indeed.
I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
A short and super charming conclusion to a great series
I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency romance novella. It has vivacious characters with sizzling chemistry, smart dialogue, a few secrets, and lots of fashionable hats!
This is a second chance romance between Hart and Lady Anne, whose desire to get married in their youth was thwarted by both of their families. I am so glad that Hart got his own novella. He was jovial minor character in this series’ previous book, “The Secret of Flirting”, which got 5 stars from me. Hart was employed as a spy for the English Foreign Office, and now he has the chance to get a promotion to Undersecretary since his boss just got promoted. Hart encounters Lady Anne at his family’s house. Unfortunately, he can’t tell his first love about his secret career until he can trust her. Meanwhile, Anne can’t commit to a relationship with Hart until she know that he can bring in a reliable salary to provide for future children. What a pickle!
This novella was everything I could hope for, and it serves as a nice cherry on top of this fantastic Regency romance series. I recommend it for all historical romance fans who like a little steaminess. I received a free advanced reading copy from the publisher via Netgalley, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
Hart has been living a secret, but when he runs into his past love, it finally believes it has become a hinderance. He wants to put right what he should have long ago but there’s only so much he can explain and the lady isn’t too eager anyway.
A great fast read, just right for an afternoon. Nice little plot with engaging characters. A well written novella, lots of detail for a short read. Loved it!
Entertaining short historical novella; the final book in the series. Second chance romance where a young couple are separated by controlling parents and meet again years later. Fast moving story, nice plot and good characters. Story moved a little too quickly. Good, quick read.
Voluntarily read ARC, through Netgalley and publisher. for honest review.
FINAL DECISION: Nice little story that wraps up the series but isn’t particularly deep. I enjoyed it and seeing the characters from the series.
THE STORY: Captain Lord Hartley Corry lost the woman he loved years ago when her father refused his suit and he joined the army. On the verge of getting a promotion to spymaster, Hart meets Lady Anne at a houseparty with his friends. Hart is determined to claim that woman he has never forgotten but he has to convince her that he is not the reckless and irresponsible man her father believed he was. And he has to do it while keeping secret his work as a spy.
OPINION: This is a nice little story. It isn’t particularly deep and there aren’t many surprises, but I enjoyed the characters — especially the quirky Anne with her hats. This second chance at love story springs from youth and misunderstanding, but these two are so clearly meant for one another that I knew that they would always work things out. I think this story works best as a wrap up to the series because knowing all the characters makes this little story more meaningful. I liked that we get to see Hart having his happy ending. I enjoyed the story and I recommend that those who have followed the series read this little coda.
WORTH MENTIONING: This is a short story.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE RISK OF ROGUES is book 5.5 of the Sinful Suitors series. The story can be read as a standalone although there are lots of characters from the series that a new readers might be puzzled by.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
Drat, I realized as I went to start this book that I have missed the last couple of releases in the Sinful Suitors series! I don’t know how that happened! So now I have some catching up to do, because I have enjoyed the installments that I have read thus far.
The Risk of Rogues is a short story novella, which was a nice diversion and easy to get through as I have been recovering from surgery this week. I think it can be read fine as a standalone, though I do believe there was some character crossover from the past couple of books.
Captain Lord Hartley has returned home from his regiment and is endeavoring to lead the life of a spy. He certainly didn’t expect to run into his former flame at his brother’s house party, but doing so leads him to form a re-attachment to “the one who got away.” But before Hartley can form a permanent attachment, he has to decide if she is still the woman he loves, and would make a good wife for his future endeavors.
Lady Anne was equally shocked to bump into Hartley, and it causes all kinds of feelings to surface. At 27 years old, Anne is viewed as “on the shelf” and likely to stay that way due to her diminutive dowry. She isn’t sure that she can trust Hartley’s affections, or whether he will give up (again) when things don’t go his way.
I enjoyed watching these two circle each other, and I thought Hartley did a good job with his re-courtship of Anne. The two definitely had chemistry and were well-suited.
If you have an hour of down time and are looking for some historical entertainment, this book is a good choice. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Pocket Star.
The Risk of Rogues is a very satisfying novella of the second chance at love trope. Anne and Hart were in love as young people but both their fathers opposed the match. Hart’s father was so against it he purchased a commission in the army and sent Hart off to India as soon as possible. Hart wrote to Anne, explaining and asking her to wait for him. Anne’s father intercepted the letters and convinced her that Hart was a rogue not to be trusted. Ten years later their paths cross. Hart still wants her. Anne wants him but is afraid of his reputation as a gambler and a womanizer. Hart embarks on a “re-courtship” to win her trust. Anne interviews everyone who knows Hart to get the true picture of his character. Their story is a quick and pleasant read.