A scarred lady, living in the outskirts of society. A hardened rogue brought up from the worst of humanity. One seeks revenge. One seeks redemption. Neither is prepared for a love that will defy all odds.A scarred lady, living in the fringes.Lady Alton knows she doesn’t fit into polite society. Her scars determined that long ago and marrying a viscount never helped the matter. Now a widow, Torrie … helped the matter. Now a widow, Torrie is adrift, knowing peace and a family will never be hers. Luckily, she has one hobby, obsessing on the man that helped kill her family nine years ago—Mr. Robert Lipinstein—who is back on English soil. When she discovers he is about to board a ship—still not accountable for his crimes—she follows him to the docks.
A hardened rogue brought up from the worst of humanity.
Roe Lipinstein has one thing on his mind—to get on his ship and catch the Minerva—the smuggling ship that holds the crew that killed half his mates. The ship—and the men aboard—need to sink to a watery grave and he’s now within striking distance. He has no time to save a fool woman from a hoard of sailors at the docks. Of course, what he should do, and what he actually does, have always been very different things.
A reckoning no one was prepared for.
When Roe yanks Torrie from the frothing band of ruffians, he’s faced with a reckoning he wasn’t prepared to have. He served seven years in Newgate Prison for killing Torrie’s family. A crime he didn’t commit. Not that she’ll believe him. Ever.
But the attraction between them cannot be denied. And if she manages to crack her heart open to this hardened rouge, a love that will defy all odds could be theirs.
Join the adventure today! You’ll love The Steel Rogue, the third in the Valor of Vinehill series and a can’t-miss enthralling regency romance by USA Today bestselling author, K.J. Jackson.
Note: The novels in the Valor of Vinehill series by K.J. Jackson are each stand-alone stories and can be read individually in any order. These historical romances are set in the Regency and Victorian eras, and do not shy away from scenes with steamy heat, occasional naughty language, and moments that might possibly make you squirm.
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I liked this, but it did not pull me in as books 1 and 2 did.
As with books 1 and 2, the prologue retells the story of the burning of Torrie’s family home. This time it is told from Roe’s perspective and both Torrie and Roe were deeply affected. It is this scene that drives Torrie to seek vengeance, and Roe redemption.
The story is well-paced. I liked that the Torrie was able to accept the truth from Roe without undue stubbornness. The author did not succumb to sidetracking into distracting, minute details between scene changes or interrupt dialogue. 🙂
I read an advanced reader copy; the thoughts are my own and voluntarily given.
Great book, characters, and series. Can be read alone, but such a wonderful series.
Looking for a pirate.
Pain, revenge and love are all mixed up in the mind of a Lady going after the man who gave her scars. Stranded on his ship, his protection is not what she expected. A man of secrets, Torrie discovers he has many layers. An adventure on the high seas and a passionate love that won’t be denied. Recommended read.
An incredible story told with such a depth of emotion and feeling. Two damaged souls, both damaged on the inside, emotionally and psychologically; one damaged physically by a fire. The h saw the H as her enemy and lived to make him pay for what she believed he was guilty of. The H’s character had made several significant changes since childhood but no matter what he still did not believe himself deserving of redemption or true love. In anonymity the H lived to make reparations to those he had let down. This is a must read. You will not be disappointed. I can’t wait for the story to continue in the next book “The Heart of an Earl, The Box of Draupnir”.
K.J. Jackson’s The Steel Rogue: A Valor of Vinehill Novel is a complexly wonderful romance. Two damaged souls seeking revenge, misplaced in the case of the woman as her target was wrongly accused. Thrown together they find out that there’s so much more than they’ve even suspected, in how things came to be … and where they can go. Definitely recommended.
I am always looking for interesting books to share with my readers. This book has some steamy scenes, but the heat was tasteful and did not bury the plot. The pathos of the story is what really drew me into the book. Sometimes the burned or crippled character is just a caricature so I was a bit hesitant, but that certainly was not the case with Torrie. She felt very real.
Ms. Jackson put me right into the scene with her characters and wrote scenes that helped me feel with them. That is the mark of a good author. I haven’t read books one and two, but rest assured I will go back and read them now. Roe and Torrie were vivid and dynamic characters who over came the obstacles to their love–both internal and external. I enjoyed cheering for their happily ever after.
I have loved all of KJ’s books. This one is 2 tortured souls who come to find out that they are perfect for each other through circumstances where they are unavoidably thrown together and have to learn things about each other. What is not to love?
He needed to pay. Needed to still be rotting in Newgate Prison instead of being out free while all her family had died and it was his fault. But Torrie’s decision to follow him on the docks, only ended her up on his ship as he rescued her from being brutally attacked by ruffians.
Now he was Captain of a ship and she was forced to be in close quarters with him. Robert Lipinstein, Roe, knew what she had suffered and although he was not guilty of burning her home that killed her loved ones, he did not help to save them.
An emotional, riveting story of two people who have suffered beyond endurance, each about the same tragedy, but from different perspectives and Roe had never intended to be this close to Torrie. She was physically scarred from the fire and inside, but Roe was just as well. As they became honest with each other and shared their past, it seemed maybe real healing and possibly love could come.
K.J. Jackson, one of my favorite authors, continues to write stories that keep all of the senses engaged and I think this series has been truly amazing. I sighed deeply as I turned the last page and cannot wait for more from this author!
I really loved the characters in this book. Emotions were strong and you could truly feel both Torrie and Roe’s sadness and anger. So much excitement throughout the story I didn’t want to put it down!
Set out a chunk of time to read this book because you are not going to want to set it aside for other things. The story starts intense and just continues. I think Roe may be one of my favorite male characters. In spite of his action or inaction at the beginning, he proves that that really wasn’t his personality. Torrie can hate and love with the same intensity. The heat level is sizzling and ignites with just a glance. They have true problems to overcome but thankfully Torrie is willing to open her heart and let Roe in. I loved this book.
Once again, K.J. Jackson has managed to craft an emotionally gripping, rollercoaster read about two souls whose lives cross path years before and years later cross path again. One survived with scars from a horrendous fire the other survived physical and mental anguish. I liked this book as well as others K.J. Jackson has written. Her characters are so internal that I get completely enwrapped in their stories. She always provides a specific setting that is critical to what is going on and happens to the characters. Character development is in-depth, not superficial. One may not find out until later what motivates them. From the beginning of this work, it was obvious our heroine, Torrie, was motivated by rage because of what had happened to her years before. It wasn’t so obvious with Roe, our hero of the story. It takes a while before his character and motivation are fully revealed. I was fortunate to receive an ARC from the author of this work which has in no way affected my honest review of The Steel Rogue. All opinions stated are my own. I recommend and rate this work: 4 ½ stars; heat level 3 ½ (it was an exquisite and sweet encounter.)
The Steel Rogue
A Valor of Vinehill
book 3
by K.J Jackson
There’s a fine line between love and hate, and Torrie balances between the two even though she is driven by the insatiable need to make Roe pay for every bit of pain she has felt, from the physical to the emotional. They both obsess after each other in a bid to find closure. For a time Torrie was content in living her life as Lady Alton, she married to bring some semblance of living to her life. Since her husband’s death she’s driven by revenge, to make Robert Lipinstein “Roe” pay for all the suffering in her life especially now that he’s been released from Newgate prison!
Robert “Roe” Lipinstein has been wrongfully accused of murder, sentenced to 7 years in Newgate prison, his life a living hell, and he’d gladly do more time if it would erase the pain his cowardice inflicted on Torrie. Fate has a way of mending hearts and bring forgiveness in the strangest way. When Torrie follows Roe to the docks and is caught up in a violent situation Roe doesn’t miss the opportunity to save her. The fateful day their eyes met his in cowardice hers in pain sealed their fate even though they had no idea!
“Tell me that you will fight with every fiber of your being to stay alive for me—always. Because I need you. I need you like nothing else in this world. You are the heart-pounding destiny that I always dreamed of, but never thought I could have.”
This is K.J Jackson at her writing best! She’s the BOMB at wrenching emotional stories and she’s the reason I read romance! These two had so much to grieve for and so so much healing and mending of emotions. Torrie’s scars were visible but Roe’s were just as deep and painful, I loved these two and I so enjoyed watching them find peace and the love they both deserved!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
This is my 11th story by this author and by far my favorite. I wish I could express all the levels of emotions I used in reading this unique story.
The opening scene was so emotional that my heart ached for both the H/h and for so many different reasons. The H feels like he is a coward because he didn’t help the h and her family. This feeling never left him and made him the person he was, which was to keep everyone at a distance. The h wanted revenge because she holds the H responsible. The way the story unfolds kept me reading until I finished it.
This isn’t just a cookie cutter story. It is filled with so much that I felt like I ran a marathon. I can’t even begin to tell you all the surprises this author has in this story. Surprises that I loved and didn’t see coming.
There is passionate lovemaking, outside of marriage and heat level 3 out of 5 and several times described. I found it filled with passion because I felt a connection to this couple. They were written with such depth, I felt I knew them inside and out. When the H tells the h something and crushes her, you knew he was doing it to save her. But, her feelings come through and it broke my heart.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance builds slowly and some spice. I hope Des gets his story (hint hint). I can’t improve on the blurb, just recommending this author and story.
I received an advanced copy and all opinions are my own and voluntarily given. (ljb)
There is a dramatic start to this book. And it doesn’t take too long to see why the title of this book is what it is. In fact, several reasons come to mind fairly early.
This book had intense emotions in it from both of the main characters. As time goes on, the reader gets to see more and more of their past. It kept me involved all the way through and I enjoyed the depth and complexity of their personalities. They’d be the first ones to tell you that they have some pretty big flaws. I liked how it was explained about how each in their own ways had been existing in the “in-between.”
The secondary people in the story added even more depth to the story. Roe had more people backing him that he ever realized. And when they were needed they weren’t shy about showing up.
There is all the action that you could want in the story too. Surprises, Danger, strong desires for vengeance, friendships, romance, long held secrets being exposed.
The story races to a dramatic ending with a good Epilogue to finish things off.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Driven by guilt, Roe makes it his mission to keep tabs on the family he was responsible for hurting many years before, not realising that Lady Torrie has been investigating him as well, which leads to her having to be rescued at the docks and placed on board his ship. With time, the pain, the regrets and confessions from the past make their way into the light bringing a certain amount of healing in its wake. However, the danger is far from over and there is more than one enemy that has to be decimated. The plot is suspenseful and full of action, but not easy to read. Being of a squeamish disposition there were large tracks of storyline that I found intensely difficult to read. The growing understanding and attraction between Roe and Torrie bring healing to both characters, but I cannot say that I enjoyed the book, although it is well written and has a good plot. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This was an intense read full of emotion. Torrie is consumed with hate, while Roe is consumed with guilt. When the two come together, their story begins to unfold. The sparks between them are so bright you can almost see them. Neither of them seems to be able to hold back their attraction, or their secrets, from the other. They are both such strong characters. If they can move forward together, and live long enough, they just might find that HEA together. Heartache and pain might be what brought Torrie and Roe to one another, but love and acceptance can keep them there. A romance that is explosive and all consuming. Just like the emotions in these two people. I have loved all of Ms. Jacksons books. I’m not sure if I could pick a favorite, but this one, I will definitely remember. I received an advanced copy and I am providing you with my honest opinion. Read this as a standalone, or read the series. Either way, you will not be disappointed.
Profiles of Courage and Pain
When grief turns into hatred, at what point does reason return?
Torrie’s obsessive hatred of Roe seems to be where their epic story begins. Which is why appearances are often deceiving. In The Steel Rogue by K.J. Jackson, all of Torrie and Roe’s secrets and truths are revealed, but not before a few lessons are learned.
Both Torrie and Roe are very strong personalities. They have an undeniable sizzling chemistry, but both are physically and even emotionally damaged. Their strengths and their weaknesses are what makes them a perfect match, if they can stay alive long enough to have a happily-ever-after. In addition to a well written character-driven story (which I love), Ms. Jackson has also constructed a tightly woven plot with plenty of good-verses-evil danger, and even some swashbuckling action. I also enjoyed the cameo appearances of lead characters from previous novels in this series. All in all, this stand-alone novel is both an engrossing and heart pounding step back into early nineteenth century England, where endings were not always happy. Thankfully, the ending of Roe and Torrie’s story is a happy one.
Content alert: In addition to a few appropriate placed vulgarities, there is also some descriptive sexual content.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
This book started off with a bang & never slowed down until the very last page. Ms. Jackson’s story had me feeling so many emotions & I felt so connected to the characters in this wonderful read.
Lady Alton, Torrie, has never fit in to society, never will after the fire that left her scarred, even after marrying a viscount – now she is a widow. The only thing on her mind these days is revenge against the last man alive who was released from prison for starting the fire that killed her family & scarred her for life.
Robert “Roe” Lipinstein had served 7 years for the murder of Torrie’s family but he did not do it. He has been consumed with guilt for being at the fire 9 years ago & not helping save Torrie from her burns but he will never convince her of the truth.
Torrie sees him from her hotel room & chases after him, only to see him boarding a ship but in her rush, she failed to see the group of ruffians surrounding her to take turns with the fancy lady. Roe & his first mate, Des are loading up & suddenly hear a fracus going on at the dock & they go to investigate. What they find is a fine lady be harrassed by seven ruffians & they go in to help. Torrie is trying to fight them off but someone pushes her & she is knocked out cold. Roe goes to her & recognizes that it is Torrie & carries her onto the ship & sets sail.
Once she gains consciousness, after Roe’s doctoring, the first eye contact between the two of them is a violent one with anger from her, aloofness from him. As they spend more time & past experiences, the revenge Torrie has & the guilt Roe feels trying to convince her of his innocence is starting to wane as they have an absolute attraction to one another.
Roe has one more thing he must do before he gives up the sea & that is to pay back the ship’s captain & crew of the Minerva who killed many of his crew mates, tortured the captain’s wife & killed her & slit his captain’s throat. Can they survive this battle & send the Minerva to a watery grave? Can they find love with so much dark in their pasts & will she ever believe in him. I highly recommend this historical, action packed, romance – it will keep you turning pages as fast as you can read.
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.