The Rogue Not Taken (Scandal & Scoundrel, #1)

by Sarah MacLean

[kimbacaffeinate]

The Talbot sisters are the talk of the ton, but the youngest Sophie has managed to avoid scandal, mostly because she detests the aristocratic snobs. She is not interested in the tabloids and much prefers to lose herself within a book. While attending the Liverpool Summer Soiree she stumbles upon her pregnant sister’s husband having a romp with someone other than his wife. Outraged she lashes out, shoving the Duke into a pond before the ton. He vows to ruin her. Determined to make her escape she flees and finds herself on quite the adventure.

Sophie was a pure joy. She is smart, and mischievous. I found myself giggling aloud and wondered what she would do next. She is also brave, a little naïve and has a knack for getting herself into trouble. She is not without flaws and MacLean did a wonderful job of allowing her to grow.

At first glance Kingscote, the Marquess of Eversley is a dirty scoundrel, racing about the countryside in his carriage and deflowering engaged woman. We soon discover his flaws and the past that has affected him. He seems carefree and selfish but as MacLean peeled back, his layers I slowly fell for this sensitive man. The rode was a rough one, as I sometimes wanted to give him a sound smack on the back of the head but alas, he wooed me with his charms.

Sophie began her journey seeking to reach her home in Mayfair, and ends up instead traveling to the town she and her family left some ten years ago. She plans to build a life far from the ton and open a bookstore. She wants to open a bookstore!! How could I not connect and adore her?

The romance was slow building and began with each being annoyed by the other. The banter and witty dialogue was delicious and I soon became caught up in the adventure. Danger, tender moments and conflict soon led to passion and painful moments as these two had to overcome their own issues. Once we reached the midway point of the book, it was painful to set it down despite wanting to savoir it.

The families, servants, and folks we met along the way all added to the story while helping us both understand and connect to our characters.

We do experience some angst as we enter the final stages of The Rogue Not Taken, but it was well done and made the road to our HEA all the sweeter. The story wrapped up wonderfully and MacLean even provided a lovely epilogue.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer