Return to New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt’s signature drama and intrigue, where two enemies will discover if their marriage of convenience can survive — ‘til death do they part. Ambitious, sly, and lethally intelligent, Gideon Hawthorne has spent his life clawing his way up from the gutter. For the last ten years, he’s acted as the Duke of Windemere’s fixer, performing the … acted as the Duke of Windemere’s fixer, performing the duke’s dirty work without question. Now Gideon’s ready to quit the duke’s service and work solely for himself. But Windermere tempts Gideon with an irresistible offer: one last task for Messalina Greycourt’s hand in marriage.
When a Rogue Meets His Match
Witty, vivacious Messalina Greycourt has her pick of suitors, so when her uncle demands Messalina marry Mr. Hawthorne, she is appalled. But Gideon offers her a devil’s bargain of his own: protection and freedom in exchange for a true marriage. Messalina feigns agreement and plots to escape their deal. Only the more time she spends with Gideon, the more her fierce, loyal husband arouses her affections. But will Gideon’s final deed for Windemere destroy the love growing between them?
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This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, steamy, historical romance novel. It has likable, engaging characters, excellent chemistry between the male and female protagonists, intrigue, an adorable puppy, and a happily ever after ending. It is the second novel in Ms. Hoyt’s outstanding Greycourt series, and can easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this series with great anticipation. Ms. Hoyt never disappoints her readers!
Once again, Hoyt hits the mark with characters who are smart, vulnerable and unusual.
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.
When A Rogue Meets His Match, by Elizabeth Hoyt is available at booksellers on 12-1-2020. This is book 2 in Ms Hoyt’s The Greycourt series. The 2 main characters are perfect for each other despite being from totally different backgrounds. It’s a reverse trope, lowborn guy loves high born girl. It works, it’s difficult for them but love always finds a way. It’s a forced marriage but the male leader has loved this lady from the moment he first saw her. I found book 2 to be as well written and entertaining as the first. I have high hopes for the third.
#ElizabethHoyt #WhenARogueMeetsHisMatch #TheGraycourtseries #Netgalley #Forever #Romance #historicalromance
When a Rogue Meets His Match has everything I love in a story – romance, mystery, suspense, dynamic characters, and a well-layered plot. Much like Not the Duke’s Darling, the first book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s Greycourt series, this story gripped me from the first pages when Gideon and Messalina are pushed into an arranged marriage by Messalina’s dastardly uncle. Messalina determines not to fall for Gideon, one of her uncle’s most-feared henchmen and a man she loathes. Instead, she plans to obtain her dowry money and flee with her younger sister. However, as she gets to know this enigmatic man, Messalina finds him harder and harder to resist. Gideon is a man who knows what he wants, and he wants Messalina. However, what will Gideon do when Messalina’s powerful uncle charges him with a task that is sure to ruin his future with Messalina?
Something that I like about the series how dynamically developed the characters are. The main characters, in particular, learn from their mistakes and are willing to change. They are not flat, stagnant characters, and when they realize that they have misjudged a person or situation, they are willing to admit it, even if it is sometimes a bit begrudgingly. Messalina and Gideon are prime examples of characters whose opinions change, especially in regards to each other.
The enemies-to-lovers romance between Messalina and Gideon is chemistry-laden swoon-tasticness! It’s pretty clear from the start that Gideon desires Messalina, but Messalina does not like Gideon at all! They’ve known each other for a long time, but as they commit to each other and truly get to know each other, their connection deepens beautifully. Gideon listens to Messalina, and for the first time, she feels heard by a man. Gideon is also overly generous with Messalina, in his time, money, and patience, which is the opposite of what one would expect of a man with his reputation. I love that Messalina brings out the best in Gideon and helps him to let his guard down. I also love that Gideon teaches Messalina what it really means to be admired and loved.
Several of the minor characters in the novel are absolutely charming as well, including Messalina’s younger sister, Messalina’s new pup, and several of the men who work for Gideon. I also loved that a few of the characters from Not the Duke’s Darling make an appearance in this book. Though they don’t have large roles, they give Messalina support and confidence when she most needs it.
I’m also intrigued by the event that happened at Greycourt many years before the series starts. It’s fascinating and devastating to see how that tragedy affected so many characters in so many different ways. I like how the overarching story about Greycourt is slowly unraveled throughout the series. It makes for a well-layered and compelling story.
When a Rogue Meets His Match is a great enemies-to-lovers romance that I very much enjoyed, and though it is the second book in the Greycourt series, it can totally be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Forever, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a challenging forced marriage – beauty & the beast story. I found myself intrigued with how Ms. Hoyt was going to bring this to a happily ever after. Being the master storyteller she is, she did it wonderfully. The hero of this story came from the gutters of London to do the dirty work of an evil Duke and is rewarded with the Duke’s orphaned niece. How can a man prove to his wife he loves her above all and how can she believe that of a man with no heart who appears to be using her to attain only wealth and status.
Gideon Hawthorne is The Duke of Windemere’s Enforcer. Augustus has very dirty fingers and he rescued Gideon from the slums of St. Giles so he could keep his hands clean. Gideon has worked his whole life to rise above his beginnings and have money & success in life. He’s finally in a position with his side investments to be able to leave the Duke’s employ with one final job that will will the hand of the woman he has loved for years, Messalina Greycourt, Windemere’s niece. Messalina and her siblings stay as far away from Uncle Augustus after they reached their majority as he’s cruel and manipulative. She’s shocked when she’s drug home from the country and forced to marry Gideon immediately knowing who and what kind of man Gideon is. The story progresses as Messalina matches wits with Gideon learning the heart of the man in her uncle’s employ. The plot thickens when we discover Gideon’s last job is to murder Julian Greycourt, the Duke’s heir and Messalina’s older brother. Through all of this someone is trying to either kill Gideon or Messalina. This was such a complex story full of twists and turns and who’s attacking Gideon that it kept me reading to the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Engaging, seductive, and entertaining!
When a Rogue Meets His Match is set in London during the late eighteenth century and features the spirited, intelligent Messalina Greycourt who after reluctantly agreeing to wed the dangerous, yet roguishly handsome Gideon Hawthorne finds herself inadvertently falling for his hidden charms and tender nature.
The prose is witty and sharp. The characters are tough, feisty, and passionate. And the plot is a delightfully scandalous blend of familial drama, Georgian traditions, desire, deception, betrayal, danger, gossip, tricky situations, and titillating romance.
Overall, When a Rogue Meets His Match isx1b an adventurous, compelling, highly amusing tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the second title in the Greycourt series by Hoyt, and if you ask me this series just keeps getting better and better.
4.5 stars
And that’s why i love this author’s work so much.
Messalina ( such an interesting name for a heroine) is a strong female character that has a mind of her own and it’s not lead or let herself lead by anyone, not even by what her heart really desires. Her dreams and passion are stronger than the closed minded people around her and she stands her ground in front of the charming like a devil, Gideon. He put his foot in his mouth and boy, does he have to grovel for her love at the end.
Another lovely historical romance from a favorite author.
Get ready to swoon for Gideon!
I love a good bad boy story, though I rarely find one in a historical romance. Here, Gideon’s story arc is the whole reason for the book and the only reason you need. He’s more than a rogue (he’s nearly a villain when one considers his history) yet his love for Messalina becomes a driving force in his redemption.
And wow, does he love Messalina! It takes a while for even Gideon to realize the depth of his feelings, beyond the obvious attraction and amazing chemistry, and I loved every bit of the journey. Messalina, likewise, takes quite a while to see Gideon’s hidden layers and realize that he’s everything she’s ever wanted. Faced with absolutely no choice in her life, she fights to negotiate a set of terms that at least cedes a modicum of control over her choices.
Once the forced marriage takes place, the action really takes off. This is a complicated story with hidden motives, secret alliances, and tested loyalties. I was glued to the book all the way through and I cheered when they finally cemented their HEA. Still a few loose ends left for future books as far as the family dynamics and ongoing mystery are concerned, but this book works as a standalone romance for Gideon and Messalina. I’m looking forward to reading more in this intriguing series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Gideon Hawthorne has worked all his life to climb out from the gutter he was born in. At the service of the ruthless Duke of Windemere, he seems to be a man without morals or emotion with only his goals for money and power to guide him, but it will all change when he marries Messalina Greycourt in exchange for an unknown favor to Windemere, her uncle.
This story was unexpected. Messalina and Gideon are both strong characters, each pulling to get away with their respective goals and once her siblings arrive and start running interference the plot will take its fair share of twists.
I liked their relationship before and after the afore-mentioned interference and the intrigue surrounding the various murder plots at hand. Once again, the author brings a swoon worthy couple, a sensual romance and enough intrigue to keep the reader hanging until the very last page.
A cruel duke, a feared henchman and a determined niece …. What can come of this mixture?
Messalina is taken out of the carriage in which she travels with her younger sister by order of her uncle and goes to his home accompanied by the dangerous and lethal Gideon. She has no idea what her uncle wants but she already imagines the worst and the worst can be even more complicated when she discovers that she will have to marry the murderous henchman.
Gideon is a man who grew up in adversity, saw his brother die and after gaining fame in the fight with knives he becomes the duke’s fixer. On the contrary, Messalina was born in a golden cradle but lost her parents and found herself and her siblings at the mercy of the duke’s will and cruelties. Both she and Gideon want to get rid of the bonds that bind them to the duke and when Gideon convinces her to accept the marriage to have the freedom she wants and for her to help him approach the aristocracy to have good investors for his business everything seems to fit in. What both did not expect was that this union would yield much more than their freedom.
Messalina, initially angry with the whole situation, does not move a finger to help Gideon, but little by little she gets to know the crude man she married and realizing that there is more to him than she can imagine. She convinces him that he needs to improve the house he bought, wear appropriate clothes to walk around the aristocracy and have good manners to get the position he wishes to occupy with the nobles.
Between walks, shopping, secrets, hot moments and attacks, these two stubborns will realize how much strength they have and what they really want for the future. But is it simple to get rid of the duke and find out who wants to see our protagonists dead?
I loved too much how the two characters matured over the course of the plot and how it was noticeable to see the desire turn into love. I just found the beginning a little slurred and a little repetitive but when Messalina’s siblings arrive and the confusion begins to unfold the book takes off. The ending was surprising and the revelation left my jaw dropping because I spent much of the reading weaving theories about who was behind the attacks on Gideon and Messalina.
4/5 stars
The first chapter hits the ground running and doesn’t stop. The Duke of Windemere keeps a tight rein on his family manipulating them for his pleasure. Messalina, her oldest brother, Justin, the Duke’s heir, another brother, Quintas and sister Lucretia are the Greycourts. Their “dear” uncle’s puppets. Gideon Hawthorne is a puppet, too. The Duke’s fixer since he was hired off the dirty streets of London at seventeen. Gideon has always wanted Messalina, but knows he’s not good enough. Ahh the Duke. He offers Messalina in marriage …for a price. Is Gideon willing to accept the bargain and risk losing Messalina after their marriage? Complex relationships with several different people. Unexpected beginnings and endings. A darkness that sits in the background. Don’t expect to put this book down, even when you finish. A reminder of why reading a book by Elizabeth Hoyt is a good choice.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
When A Rogue Meets His Match is the second title in the Greycourt series and Messalina and Gideon quickly drew me into their unique story. We pick up almost at the ending of Not The Duke’s Darling, and because of that (and my own preferences) as well as references back to events that happened previously I’d strongly suggest beginning with the first story. There is a lot going on in this world beyond the Greycourts and de Morays feud/suspicions, so without the base world-building of the first story, you might feel as if you’re missing something. You do what works best for you, always – but if you need the background to enjoy a world then read this series in order.
While there was so much happening in the previous book, When A Rogue Meets His Match tones that down a bit, and we focus mostly on Messalina and Gideon’s unexpected marriage of convenience between at least one person falling into the enemy to lover trope.
Gideon grew up on the streets, he’s a man who survives and does that well since his intelligence is almost as strong as his cunning ways. He’s been in the employ of a rather odious man doing the shaky things that the members of the ton would never ever touch. But he’s planned, and invested, and learned over the years and now he’s ready to go out on his own, forge his own destiny… except for one final offer and a reward he cannot turn down. The hand in marriage of the woman he’s always held a special affection for… Messalina. Too bad she didn’t feel the same way.
Messalina hates her uncle with a passion, one that is also held against his henchman, Gideon. When her uncle hands her over as wife to Gideon, with the threat of making her sister the bride instead, she has no choice… but that doesn’t mean she has no options. With Gideon agreeing to a marriage of convenience, at least for a time, he gets what he wants in an acceptance into society through his marriage. He also wants his wife to agree to a true marriage and will work his considerable charms to hurry that aspect along. Messalina gets time and eventually access to her dowry which she plans to use for an escape to America with her sister. Yet, neither counted on the sparks between them changing all of their plans.
I had such a good time with When A Rogue Meets His Match. There is a smoothness that was missing from the previous book where so much was happening. And the sexual tensions, discovering true love, and bantering between this couple are simply off the charts. I liked them, even when they did something foolish (which every hero or heroine eventually does). There are dashes of danger, some secondary characters that I’d like to know more about, and the woven thread of the Greycourts and de Morays situation to keep us on our toes. In all, a delightful read, and I’m already looking forward to my next trip to this world.
*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.*
Wow! This book is fantastic! It is romantic, gripping, unique, and so much more! Whenever I picked up “When a Rogue Meets His Match”, I was whisked away on an adventure, and had such a difficult time putting this book down.
This is the first book I have read by Elizabeth Hoyt, and the second in her “Greycourt” series. Oh how I can’t wait to read more books by her! Her storytelling is simply spectacular! She brilliantly brings the world of her story, as well as her characters, to life, and as the reader, you feel like you are right there witnessing everything occur. Ms. Hoyt’s characters all feel like such real people: some you will adore from the start, some will grow on you, and some you will despise, or come to do so. All of their interactions and conversations are written vividly and honestly. Many had me on the edge of my seat holding my breath, nervous to see what would happen, and many had me simply swooning.
Messalina is such a strong, courageous, spunky, intelligent, and kind woman who is unafraid to speak her mind. She truly wants the best for those she loves, as well as happiness for those around her.
Gideon is often seen as arrogant and hard-hearted, but he truly has a heart of gold, and is very protective of those he cares about. While he is more along the lines of an anti-hero at first, the reasons for his actions begin to shift, and he changes as his world does.
(Possible Spoilers!)
Both of these characters grow throughout the book, and help bring out the best in each other as the story progresses. Watching their relationship develop through the good, bad, and everything in between was special, and I really feel like they learned from one another. Though seemingly not compatible at first, I think they come to flatter one another beautifully, and their love blossoms so much.
If you enjoy Historical Romance, I highly recommend this book. It had me hooked from the first page to the last, and there are quite a few twists and turns I was not at all expecting. I found myself reading into the early hours of the morning to see what would happen next, and how everything would work out.
Thank you so much to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of this book, I really enjoyed it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Gideon Hawthorne has raised himself from the gutters of St. Giles. He is ambitious, cunning, and ruthless in his quest to better his life. Messalina Greycourt is the daughter, and now the niece of a Duke. She is bright, outgoing, intelligent, and independent. Marriage between these two opposites proves to be an interesting journey.
This is an action-packed story with a dark, brooding hero and a smart, independent heroine. There are painful memories, secrets, and murder plots. Falling in love will not be easy for Gideon and Messalina. Lucretia is a sassy little thing. Gideon’s men, as tough as they are, are like family. Sam and Daisy the puppy are sweet. The intrigue is tense, and romance develops slowly. Together it makes this one you can’t put down. Good read. I recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This was an entertaining, well-written book. Messalina Greycourt is forced by her guardian to marry Gideon Hawthorne, something he wants more than anything. There are twists, turns, secrets and plots. The story is humorous and steamy, and the characters are wonderful, I couldn’t put it down, yet didn’t want it to end. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Wow, what a story!! It was outrageously, out of the ordinary good! But for me , this book is a keeper! I will want to read it again.
It had fascinating main characters, especially Gideon Hawthorne. I was prepared to hate him especially when the opening chapters began. I have to admit it made for quite an unusual chapter. Messalina’s uncle, the Duke of Windermere was without a doubt rotten to the core. He shows it throughout the book starting with the forced marriage between Gideon and Messalina. He is gleeful when he can harm someone or make their lives miserable. People have learned to keep their expressions blank in front of him so that he can’t see anything to use against them.
I liked that we got both of the main characters points of views. It also helped the reader see some of the motives that Gideon kept hidden. The cost that Gideon must pay to wed Messalina is a surprise and a nasty one at that. He isn’t told what it is until after they marry. It was quite the shocker.
This story kept me involved every step of the way. It was intense with dangers, plots and lies but also a developing affection between the two main characters. That affection blows up in their faces more than once though. People are so busy interfering in their business. But some of it was because they cared about her. Her sister is one of those people. They are tight and have always had each others back. Her sister Lucretia was quite the bold, mischievous young woman, who I hope gets her own story.
There is dangers that come at Gideon and Messalina. One of those dangers come from an unexpected person in a surprising twist. But both of our main characters get their H.E.A. When you think throughout the story how in the world could that happen?
Many things are solved but there is one person who has caused problems is only stopped for now. Looks like more book could be in the offing which I will be looking for.
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The Bonus Novella was “Night of the Scoundrel” by Kelly Bowen and was really an excellent addition. This book was full and didn’t feel like a novella at all.
King was a dangerous man, with a lot of underworld lackeys and contacts. He also auctions off priceless goods to a certain, select wealthy clientele.
Adeline Archambault is just as dangerous in her own ways. She made quite the worthy opponent to King. Both main characters were compelling, with each carrying their own pain.
The story had depth, attraction, resistance to a romance especially on King’s part. People had taught him not to trust anymore. There were only a select few who got that close to him.
The whole thing comes to a good conclusion.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
When A Rogue Meets His Match by Elizabeth Hoyt is the second book in A Greycourt Novel series. It is a great historical fiction romance that can easily be a stand-alone novel, but is best savored if one has read its predecessor: Not The Duke’s Darling.
I enjoyed this second book even more then the first. I really liked Messalina and Gideon’s characters. Yet again Hoyt does what she does best, an enemy to lover plot line with a bit of a marriage of convenience plot thrown in for good measure. I enjoyed this specific plot, the steamy chemistry that is clearly felt between the two characters, and I like how they evolved and their journeys in this book unfolded. I also continue to enjoy the overarching theme that is tying the series together with the mystery regarding the families. It will be very interesting to see where the series goes after this…and of course I will find out!
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, Bookbub, Amazon, and B&N accounts accounts immediately. Published on 12/1/20.
Opposites attract in Hoyt’s latest Historical Romance.
She comes from the upper echelons of Aristocratic Society.
He comes from the gutters of St.Giles.
She is outgoing, vivacious, witty, and wants to make her own decisions.
He is ambitious, sly, and willing to do whatever it takes to better his life.
She has a plan.
So does he…and it includes taking her for his wife whether she wants to be his or not.
Told with her characteristic and witty writing style, Hoyts. Brings the characters of Gideon Hawthrone and Messalina Greycourt to life on the page. As they discover what makes the other tick, their hearts can’t help but become involved.
Hoyt has the knack for making heroes one wouldn’t ordinarily fall for – fallable! Gideon, at first, appears more villain than hero. His actions, though, towards Messalina and those around him belie his rough words and poor beginnings. By chapter three I was routing for him to get Messaline to love him.
Another great book by a fabulous and one-click author for me. I was given an Arc of this book prior to publication and am offering a totally honest opinion of its worth to readers.
I wasn’t sure I was going to like this at first, but was bawling and involved with the hero/heroine by the end! Gideon was cold and unemotional at the beginning. All he wanted was Messalina. He slowly changed through the book and I didn’t even realize it until the end, it was so involved. Messalina just wanted to get her sister away from her uncle and would do anything she had to do. I loved how her feelings for Gideon go through to him and changed him, as well as the people who worked for him. I just wait now for the uncle to get in the end and I hope Messalina’s brother, Justin, deals it! Thank you for the advanced copy, it’s an amazing story!
I love Elizabeth Hoyt. She writes some of my favorite historical romances and this is one of them! I loved this book.
This is the second book in the Greycourt series although it can be read as a stand alone. This book is about Messalina Greycout(a truly awful name btw) and Gideon Hawthorne. Gideon has been working for Messalina’s uncle, the Duke of Windemere, since he was 17. And he isn’t doing honest work.. he is doing all of the Duke’s dirty work. Gideon longs to be accepted by society so they can help fund his side business. He makes a deal with the duke.. Gideon can marry Messalina as long as he does one more dirty tase for the duke.
Messalina is appalled. She doesn’t want to marry her uncle’s henchman. But she goes along with it to save her sister. Messalina agrees to help Gideon fit in to society in exchange for part of her dowery. I liked Messaline for the most part. I think she made the best of a terrifying situation. She was very positive and I think that was good for Gideon’s darker personality. I think it’s no surprise that I loved Gideon. I love a dark hero. I loved that we got Gideon’s thoughts. He was so conflicted about Messalina and I liked that we got to hear his inner battle.
I also want to point out that this book was steeeeeamy! And I am all for that. Seriously I don’t remember the first book being as steamy. It made me love Gideon even more.
There was only one thing I didn’t like about the book. All Messalina wants from Gideon is the truth. She begs the whole books for it.. and when he finally gives it to her she runs away. She doesn’t hear him out. I didn’t like that Gideon was punished for giving her what she wanted. Everything else I loved though. 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.