When the Rogue Returns: Volume 2 (Duke's Men, #2)

by Sabrina Jeffries

Victor Cale never imagined that his sweet, shy bride, Isabella, would use her talent for creating exquisite imitation jewels in a criminal way. But there's no denying that Isa's handiwork was used in the brazen heist of the Dutch royal family's diamonds after she disappeared into the night. Ten years later, still reeling from her betrayal and enraged that her duplicitous side was so undetectable, Victor is sent to Edinburgh to investigate a wealthy baron's mysterious bride-to-be. Simple enough, until the "fiance e" proves to be Isa, masquerading as an alluring young widow. No longer the meek and mild girl he once knew, the bold woman vehemently asserts that it was Victor who abandoned her after he helped steal the royal diamonds! Piecing together the truth of the past reawakens their volatile passion, which burns hotter than ever. But with a decade of secrets between them, Victor and Isa must trust each other in order to bring the real thieves to justice without getting burned themselves.

• ISBN10: 1451693486
• ISBN13: 9781451693485
• Publish Date: 21 January 2014
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Imprint: Pocket Books
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[Berls]

4.5 stars - this is a great second chance romance! I love the independent Isa and all the fun characters she's surrounded herself with in the years since losing Victor. The characters definitely made this story, though the romance and bit of action were also great. Looking forward to reading the next one. Will be sticking to audio - the narration is fantastic! Great accents and voice varieties!

[Cocktails and Books]

4.5 Cocktails

While I enjoyed this book very much, some parts of it were a little over the top and unrealistic. (Which made all the more fun.) It definitely kept my interest, and kept me on my toes. I absolutely loved this installment even though I do have to confess that I did not read the first book in the series. (Once again I jump in without reading the beginning of the series.) But I have loved all Sabrina Jeffries.

When the Rogue Returns, with its farfetched characters and plot twists made a very whimsical story. I enjoyed, Isabella a sweet young woman, turned into a strong woman, who co-owned a jewelry business, and raised her daughter on her own. Victor started out as a young man with not much going for him, then he was found by his family. And his life became better all he need was to find his wife. The fun begins when they found each other. I would definitely recommend reading When the Rogue Returns.

Reviewed by SammySosa for Cocktails and Books

[kimbacaffeinate]

4.5 Isa or Isabella is a strong character. When she first married Victor she was meek and naïve but hard times, abandonment and a broken heart have made her toughen up. I adored her and her wit. Victor is such a wonderful hero. Even when his wife abandoned him, a small part refused to believe, and he never sold her out. Jeffries really peeled back their layers and had me connecting with them emotionally. I loved their interaction and watching them piece together the events from the past. The attraction between them was intense, and I so wanted them to find their happy. Other characters added to the tale and gave us villains to loathe. The rest of the Dukes Men make an appearance, and I loved the scenes when they were all together. A young, feisty woman named Lady Zoe, asks the Duke’s Men for a favor, and I cannot wait to see how that unfolds.

When the Rogue Returns had such a delightful plot. Jeffries is a master storyteller, and I found myself intrigued from the very first pages. We traveled the continent and the story regarding imitation gems were such a fascinating thread. I would have enjoyed more details about the craft as Jeffries provided enough to make me curious. The Baron’s mother was positively ghastly making the tale a colorful one. The interaction, banter and romance of Isa and Victor was delicious. The shared history of the main characters really added to the tale and was brilliantly done. Jeffries creates just enough angst and twists to keep you enthralled. I could hardly believe it when I realized I had consumed this in just a few hours. The Netherland setting was wonderful as Jeffries continues to take us traveling in this series. I adore this blending of mystery and romance and cannot wait for the next book, How the Scoundrel Seduces.

Copy received in exchange for unbiased review​. Full review originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer​