3.5

As a teen, I fell in love with romance novels. Opulent royal lives filled with forbidden romance that somehow wins. As I got older, I stopped reading them, deeming them silly but a few years ago I began occasionally reading again. Regency romance is my guilty pleasure - formulaic but also comforting and fun.

Love is a Rogue follows Lady Beatrice who eschews marriage and dreams of writing a etymological dictionary. Ford Wright is a rogue (aren’t they all) working for Beatrice’s brother but planning to leave on a navy ship. The two have instant attraction that they’re both determined not to acknowledge.

What I liked: Ford is a flirt that’s clearly smitten and a good guy. I loved that Beatrice was a strong smart female that wasn’t necessarily looking for love. The story and plot moves at a good pace with just the right amount of drama thrown in the lovers path.

What didn’t work for me: Beatrice constantly using little-know words is a bit exhausting. She could have been an intelligent character without sounding like she’s reading a dictionary. The ending felt rushed and too easily wrapped up.

Who should read it: this is typical what I call drugstore romance - it follows a familiar path with plenty of steamy explicit sex scenes. If you’re not into romance steer clear.

This book sets up a series and I am here for Isobel and Rafe’s story.