The Rogue Is Back in Town

by Anna Bennett

Equal parts scoundrel and seducer, he's returned to London determined to mend the rift with his older brother. All Sam must do is take possession of a tumbledown town house. A seemingly simple task, except the house is occupied-by an infuriating, whip-smart beauty who refuses to do his bidding. Miss Juliette Lacey's wallflower days are over. She has a plan to turn her eccentric family into the toast of the ton-but the devilishly handsome rake trying to oust them from their home thwarts her at every turn. How can one man be so vexing and make her simmer with desire? As her attraction to Sam deepens, Julie's problems grow-she may have, once upon a time, secretly shared a kiss with his honorable older brother. Suddenly, Julie's caught between a rogue and a marquess, between passion and respectability. Torn between two brothers, what's a girl to do?

• ISBN13: 9781250100948
• Publish Date: 2 January 2018
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 4 April 2022
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: St Martin's Press
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 352
• Language: English

Reviews

[Lindsey Gray]

I received this book for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Second sons are notoriously too naughty or too nice. They always seem to be making up for the fact that they weren’t born first. It’s no different for Lord Samuel Travis. Always the life of the party, he’s a constant disappointment to his older brother. Their father was often there to mend the gap, but since his death, the brothers can’t seem to find a common ground. After one humiliation too many, big brother gives Lord Samuel a seemingly simple task, evict tenants in a crumbling town house.

The last unwed Lacey sister, Juliette, is making the best of life with her eccentric uncle in their slice of heaven. When Lord Samuel Travis bangs down her door claiming to be there at his brother’s instruction, Julie is shocked beyond belief. She had believed the house she’d spent most of her life in was owned by her uncle and wants proof that he doesn’t. Until that proof appears, Sam sets up house in the guest chambers because in truth, he has no where else to go.

At first, I really didn’t like Sam. I thought he was a spoiled brat who was used to getting his way. Gradually, Bennett brought to light what one could perceive as flaws were actually the best part of the man. Yes, Sam is a rogue of the first order, but he was forced into the position of naughty brother by his sadistically perfect older brother. Once he finds the woman worth putting it all behind for, his character seems rather charming.

As for Julie, I adored her in the previous two novels and found her even more amazing in this installment. She is completely selfless and maybe a little stubborn. When confronted with a man she can’t help but crave, she puts up a good fight and makes every challenge interesting.

Delightfully batty, Uncle Alistair, plays a huge part in this novel. His true nature is touched upon in the first two books, but we get a look at his brilliance and logic as he befriends Sam and shows his love for his niece.

There are so many aspects of this book I adored. Without giving any spoilers, I love how Bennett gave both Julie and Sam their own character building metamorphosis bringing the tale of the Lacey sisters full circle. While this may be the end of this series, I know Bennett has more stories to tell and I will be happy to devour every one!

[stacey_is_sassy]

I enjoyed half of this book.

Unfortunately, The Rogue is Back in Town left me disappointed. What makes it even worse is that I really enjoyed the first half. Quirky characters, Rogues finding enlightenment, and heroines showing their love and dedication to family put a smile on my face. What follows is sex…and getting to know one of the most despicable characters I’ve read about in ages. Luckily for our heroine, the douchewaffle that is despicable isn’t the hero. Unlucky for us, we still had to deal with a storyline that clearly showed the heroine’s stupidity, naivety and ignorance.

Look, I’m the first person to say that I prefer my books to have sexy times in them, but this was way OTT. The heroine couldn’t keep her hands off the hero, and he wasn’t one to miss an opportunity for a bit of slap and tickle. It did not convince me that they were in love, only that they were attracted to each other and decided to act on their lust. She was a little too eager to jump into bed and, for a rogue, he fell in love too quickly.

I did not enjoy seeing the conflict play out and it actually turned my stomach. Sure, I know there are evil, greedy and manipulative people out there, but I hate having them get away with it. I would have preferred that Lord Douchewaffle ended up with his name sullied and reputation in tatters. I know, I'm delusional looking for fairytale endings in every story. I know, I'm silly believing that every love story should have good conquering evil. But, I can hope and dream (sigh).

It didn’t sit right with me that the heroine was practically left unchaperoned and the sole carer for her elderly and mentally unstable uncle. Both of her elder sisters (who married well) left her vulnerable and easily manipulated. For such a “close” family, I found it hard to forgive the sisters and their husbands.

I am sorry to say that The Rogue is Back in Town wasn’t a winner for me. Don’t judge on my review alone, please take the time to check out other reviews and you may find that it works perfectly for you.

***Four stars for the first half and two stars for the second half - 3 stars overall.***

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.

[Cocktails and Books]

❤️ a good historical romance. This was everything I love with great characters and a romance I could get behind.