About a Rogue by Caroline Linden is the first book in her Desperately Seeking Duke series. It’s also the first book I’ve read by her, but it definitely won’t be the last.

This series is about finding the heir to the Carlyle dukedom. Two of the most likely candidates are introduced in this book. The current duke’s mother tells them she will provide them each with an annual income if they can prove that they are worthy of the title and maintain their respectability.

Maximillian St. James, a notorious rogue and gamester, is charming and clever, but no one has ever given him a chance, so he immediately seizes this opportunity to prove that he is capable. Max proposes a business partnership with Samuel Tate, who owns successful pottery business, and offers to marry Tate’s older daughter.

Strongly opposing her father’s decision, Bianca Tate helps her sister elope and ends up having to take her place at the altar with Max. She is passionate about producing high quality and unique pottery wares with her carefully formulated glazes and is extremely protective of her family’s thriving business. She thinks Max is a foolish fortune hunter and really hates him. The sparks and chemistry between these two are apparent right from the start.

This story begins as enemies-to-lovers, but that quickly becomes one-sided as Max is just a cinnamon roll behind his roguish façade, and he is completely smitten with Bianca. Bianca, on the other hand, isn’t as certain about Max and his intentions and takes some time to warm up to him.

Max and Bianca’s slow-burn romance is completely swoonworthy. I love that Max never pressures Bianca. However, he’s not opposed to being as charming and enticing as possible and using every opportunity to flirt with his wife. He admires and respects her and makes every effort to get to know her, making it clear that he wants their marriage to be more than just a business deal. It’s so satisfying to see Bianca slowly realize how wrong she has been about Max and how good they are together. While Bianca is a creative genius, Max shows an affinity for business.

This book, with its entertaining romance and unique plot, was just what I needed to help me get out of a reading slump!

Some things you can expect to find in this book:
Competence Kink
Marriage of Convenience
Consent is Sexy
Prickly Heroine
Slow Burn
Hero Sees Her as His Equal
Protective Younger Sister
Banter
Hero Who is Gone for Her
Enemies to Lovers
Vauxhall Gardens Tryst
STEM Heroine
TVWLM Vibes
Sparkling Chemistry

Content Warnings:
On page sex scenes using explicit
language
Off page death by accident of minor character described
Character with past depression
Discussion of abuse of mental health patients