Cover Image: The Risk of Rogues

The Risk of Rogues

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

The Risk of Rogues (The Sinful Suitors, #5.5)
by Sabrina Jeffries
A second chance only comes once in a lifetime. Anne and Hart were in love before, but life, families, and fear got in the way. When Hart approached Anne's father for her hand it all crumbled. They both were forced by their parents to go their separate ways, unfortunately they allowed this to happen. Now a decade latter, they are in the same house for the weekend celebration. Will they have a second chance at the love that overwhelms them, or will it all crumble again. This is a lighthearted look at love and courtship in 18th century England. Lords and Ladies have so much to live up to.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely adore the Sinful Suitors series, so I was excited to read this installment of same. I haven't read book 5 yet, but that in no way ruined my enjoyment of this one. This was a second chance romance for Hart and Anne. Many years ago they were young and in love, and planned to marry. However, both were thwarted by their fathers. Now they have run into each other again, and Hart knows he still wants Anne. Anne, though, is still hurt and afraid of losing her heart again. Hart convinces Anne to try a "re-courtship".

I really liked the characters of Hart and Anne, and greatly enjoyed watching them get to know each other all over again and to get past their prior heartbreaks. My only complaint was the length of this tale. It was more short story than novella. I would have loved a more in-depth book since Anne and Hart were so interesting. Still, it was a fun story and a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Eleven years ago, when Anne Barkley was just sixteen, she and Lord Hartley Corry fell in love and planned to marry. Anne's father didn't approve the match, so the couple planned to elope. Instead of a runaway marriage, Hart traveled to India, leaving Anne without a word. Over the years, Anne became Lady Anne, as her father unexpectedly inherited a title, and she became more straightlaced and concerned with propriety, unlike the vibrant girl Hartley fell in love with. Meanwhile, Hartley worked as a spy, and is now being groomed as a spymaster. He made some half hearted attempts at locating Anne, but never could find her. Besides, he's sure that by now she's undoubtedly married with several children.

This couple unexpectedly encounters each other at a social gathering. Hart is shocked, yet very happy to find Anne still single, while Anne only wants to get away from him. Old feelings never died between Anne and Hart, and he would like nothing better than to make a fresh start and court her, while she is initially determined not to be hurt again. They have to address their past, what really caused them to part, and whether they have a future.

I enjoyed watching the ice in Anne start to thaw, as Hart began to woo her in earnest. Although he could have done more to find Anne sooner, (he is a spy, after all) Hart is determined to not let this chance for reconciliation get away. THE RISK OF ROGUES is a short, but enjoyable and passionate second chance at love novella which satisfactorily concludes THE SINFUL SUITORS series.

Was this review helpful?

Honestly, I didn't know this was a novella until I finished it all too quickly. This story definitely could have been further developed into a full-blown novel. Due to its format, I was disappointed in the characters' thought processes and weak will. 

Despite that, it was a decent read. I definitely recommend Jeffries full-length novels.

Was this review helpful?

Lady Anne and Hartley Corry were once in love and wanted to marry, her father said no. Now eleven years they meet unexpectedly at a house party. Hart had been looking everywhere for Anne, he knew she was the only woman for him. Lady Anne is skeptical of Hart’s motives and he has to prove himself worthy of her affections before she give in to him. Anne feels he never fought for her hand or eloped with her as he promised so it’s hard to believe he really ever loved her. I loved this second chance at love novella it’s a fast paced book. Can Hart win over his lady love and will she be willing to marry him when she finds out everything there is to know of the new Hartley and his career choice. The author does an excellent job of bringing these two together to let nature take its course and their love will win the day if only they will reach out a grab their HEA!!!. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

Was this review helpful?

This is a very short, fast read that I enjoyed. Lord Hartley is an undercover spy for the English government. He's at the age where he should be settled down and married, but he can't have the one woman he loved in the past. He's sure that by now she's married with a bunch of children. Imagine his surprise to find out that Anne is now a Lady, and not married. He runs into her at a party for society elites. She's not married, and he's very interested in why. He wants to try and renew their love affair, but Lady Anne doesn't trust him. He left her many years ago, and has never bothered to look her up again. Can he convince her to forgive him and give him another chance? You'll have to check out the book to find out!

Was this review helpful?

Entertaining short historical novella; the final book in the series. Second chance romance where a young couple are separated by controlling parents and meet again years later. Fast moving story, nice plot and good characters. Story moved a little too quickly. Good, quick read.
Voluntarily read ARC, through Netgalley and publisher. for honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed the final installment in Sabrina Jeffries' Sinful Suitors series. Because it's a novella the story moves to the resolution extremely quickly, but that doesn't detract from the story. The characters are not as well-developed as if it had been a full-length novel, but I didn't feel like the characters were in any way flat. I really liked that the heroine was strong enough to look out for and stand up for herself, and that the hero understands and respects that. This was a quick and easy read, bringing closure to the series. Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoy novellas where the couple has a history because it really makes the short time span not be a big deal. That's very definitely the case with Hart and Anne. They most definitely have a history but things are not unicorns and rainbows - especially not from Anne's perspective. I enjoyed their week to get to know each other again and work through the misunderstandings and misconceptions that surrounded the last time they saw each other. They don't shy away from the real issues and at times I did wish there was a bit more fun but the intensity did make sense. I loved the end and I loved how it really did feel like they had worked through issues and nothing was swept under the rug. This is a couple that I feel was perfect for a novella. I enjoyed getting to know them but don't feel I was short changed by having a smaller page count with them. This was a sweet and serious novella and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

Was this review helpful?

The Risk of Rogues
Sinful Suitors Series - Book 5.5

By Sabrina Jeffries
Pocket Star - July 2018
Historical Romance


Captain Lord Hartley Corry had come to visit family. He wanted relaxation, enjoyment, and no interacting with unmarried young ladies whose families, as well as his own, would try to match them. He had no desire to marry. He'd already experienced the heartbreak of finding a lady he loved and circumstances preventing them from marrying. Now that he worked as a spy, and had the chance of a promotion, he flirted with the idea of using his skills to search for Miss Anne Barkley. But she likely had married in the intervening years so there was no point. Except that upon his arrival, he came face to face with the only woman he had ever loved.
Anne's circumstances had improved considerably since she had last seen Hart. She had no place in her future for a gamester and a man who had so blithely left her to pursue his own future, without her. Well Hart might have walked right back into her life, but she had no intention of falling for his words again. She might believe some of what he said, but in the end, all evidence pointed that he was a gamester, and she needed someone reliable that she could count on.
The Risk of Rogues was a fun postscript to Ms Jeffries' Sinful Sinners series. Readers finally see Hart reunite with the woman that he loves, but not without some difficulties. Hart realizes that to win Anne, he might have to walk away from his life of spying and return to law. He might not want that career, but there is little he won't do to prove to Anne that having her is the only future he wants.



Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

Was this review helpful?

A swoon-worthy second chance romance novella.

Lord Hartley Corry and Miss Anne Barkley had been young and in love but their fathers opposed their union. Hart left England for India. Several years later, Captain Lord Hartley Corry has returned. Lady Anne still felt the betrayal and abandonment. Both of their circumstances had changed but their palpable chemistry remained unchanged.

Their reunion was a mix of heated glances, scorching intimacies and a volley of harsh questions.

This is a perfect downtime read to unwind.

This is an eGalley copy from the publisher which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

Was this review helpful?

I love this author a lot and I'm always excited for her books.This is a quick,very sweet second chance romance.I like it from the beginning.Overall the romance was good and I liked the plot I just wish the book was a little longer.

“‘Do you want to know why I’m considered a confirmed bachelor? Because you were the only woman I’ve ever wanted to marry. Once there was no YOU…’”

Was this review helpful?

I love this author a lot and I'm always excited for her books.This is a quick,very sweet second chance romance.I like it from the beginning.Overall the romance was good and I liked the plot I just wish the book was a little longer.

“‘Do you want to know why I’m considered a confirmed bachelor? Because you were the only woman I’ve ever wanted to marry. Once there was no YOU…’”

Was this review helpful?

<b>3.5 stars</b>

It's only after I started that I realized I haven't read the 5th book, so it took me a while to remember who's who,

but I reckon it won't interfere much with your enjoyment of the story if you've never picked up the previous books.

Anyway,

it's a second chance romance between Hart and Anne. They were in love some 10-11 years ago when they were very young, and planned to elope but that plan fell through due to circumstances. Now they were older and wiser, and found each other by chance, and dun dun <i>dun</i>...

I love Hart, he's so...earnest? is that the word? and quite hopeless in articulating his feelings. He just wanted a second chance with Anne, but first he had to clear the misunderstanding between them, especially about their failed elopement (Anne was under the impression that he left her for India because he didn't care to fight for her). Anne's a delight and I love that she didn't immediately fall into Hart's arms. I love me a bitter woman. Their re-courtship was funny and there were sexy moments,

and overall I really enjoyed this book.

Was this review helpful?

This is a second chance novella. There are about 4 scenes - a chance meeting, the reunion, a confrontation, and a reconciliation. It's interesting for what it is, but it's bite sized. I think Ms. Jeffries is very talented. The I've never read anything from her that I didn't enjoy. This one was just shorter than I was expecting. Had I expected a novella, this would hit all the right notes.

Was this review helpful?

This was good end to a great series! thank you so much for letting me review this,. My full review will be on my blog 7/4/18

Was this review helpful?

An entry in the Sinful Suitors series.
Captain Lord Hartley has returned from India and is still looking for love with Lady Anne his previous fiancé. Hart as a second son had no prospects for Anne so was rejected by her father for been a gambler and a wastrel. Anne is now a Lady due to her father inheriting a Earldom from a distant relative. Hart has secretly become a spy and is now ready to woo Anne again. Will his profession become a problem to true love. Will Anne’s outrageous hats play a part. This is a lovely lighthearted romance with a very unconventional couple looking to catch love the second time round.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Drat, I realized as I went to start this book that I have missed the last couple of releases in the Sinful Suitors series! I don't know how that happened! So now I have some catching up to do, because I have enjoyed the installments that I have read thus far.

The Risk of Rogues is a short story novella, which was a nice diversion and easy to get through as I have been recovering from surgery this week. I think it can be read fine as a standalone, though I do believe there was some character crossover from the past couple of books.

Captain Lord Hartley has returned home from his regiment and is endeavoring to lead the life of a spy. He certainly didn't expect to run into his former flame at his brother's house party, but doing so leads him to form a re-attachment to "the one who got away." But before Hartley can form a permanent attachment, he has to decide if she is still the woman he loves, and would make a good wife for his future endeavors.

Lady Anne was equally shocked to bump into Hartley, and it causes all kinds of feelings to surface. At 27 years old, Anne is viewed as "on the shelf" and likely to stay that way due to her diminutive dowry. She isn't sure that she can trust Hartley's affections, or whether he will give up (again) when things don't go his way.

I enjoyed watching these two circle each other, and I thought Hartley did a good job with his re-courtship of Anne. The two definitely had chemistry and were well-suited.

If you have an hour of down time and are looking for some historical entertainment, this book is a good choice. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Pocket Star.

Was this review helpful?

Lady Anne and Captain Lord Harley (Hart) Corry meet again after years of separation after Hart's offer of marriage was refused by her father. Now, there are years of change between them but Hart realizes that Anne is the only woman that he's ever loved or ever wanted. This is to be their second chance and they will try a period of "re-courting" during the week long house party.

Hart remembers how much Anne loves feathers for her hat creations and he gifts her a peacock feather and the romantic gesture is not lost on her. I am happy that the lovers did have a second chance at love.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?