Cover Image: The Legend of a Rogue

The Legend of a Rogue

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Elspeth love the retailing of stories. She made it her life work she’d write down every story she heard. Elspeth was telling a story about tThe Thirteen Treasures of Britain.  One day  Elsepth  is telling the story of the thirteen treasures when a handsome strange interrupts her story. They talk and he kisses her she finds out his name Roy Williams he has business to attend else where and says he will return.    It’s been two years and he hasn’t returned and Elsepth has married because she can’t let go of  Roy Williams.                              On a trip with her aunt Leah they stop at an inn for the night on their return home and who does Elsepth see but Mr Williams  but he act like he doesn’t know her . Later she confronts him and finds his name isn’t Roy Williams but is Lord Stathclyde  and that he’s a descendant Rhydderch younger brother Constantine  the Lann Dheargh sword  which he lost at Culloden  she offers to help him find. Will they find the sword and will they find the live they both want. Amazing read
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Elspeth and Roy are like a dream that you never want to end. Burke guides emotions through an imaginative fantasy that refuses to let go. Step into a world where the impossible becomes real and the lines of reality blur. The Legend of a Rogue is a spellbinding adventure laced with captivating intrigue and unpredictable romance.  There is no turning back once the spell has been cast.
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As always, Darcy Burke knows how to bring to life great characters in a novella, which is no easy feat. This is the prequel to the Legendary Rogues series, making connections to the battle at Culloden and a few of the characters in the book. Being the prequel, this is a standalone book, but it will definitely make you want to read on. I thought the magical sword known as Lann Dhearg, that has been lost in battle, was a clever way to connect the two main characters of Elspeth and Tavish. 
The book begins with Elspeth Marshall, telling a story to a group of children about a mystical sword. As she enthrals her listeners, a handsome stranger called Roy, appears to also know more about the sword and soon she is captivated by him. After a glorious day spent with him and a kiss, he then leaves, and Elspeth does not see him again for another two years. Roy, who is truly known as Tavish Crawford, has lost the sword, and in his efforts to recover the sword, he meets Elspeth again and soon decides that he will never let her leave his side again. 
A great novella, filled with action and passion, and a clever twist.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
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A storyteller and a warrior meet at a fair. No promises are given, but implied. Months later after Culloden, they meet again. He goes by yet another name and in disguise. He's looking for a sword, she's looking for the story. A secret society is a threat not to be taken lightly. When the warrior realizes love wins over anger, he'll take love. 
Entertaining tale of a legend. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
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It has been six years since the first book in the Legendary Rogues series and a year since the last book in the series – now, we see the very beginning – and it is a rousing, action-filled adventure for sure. The characters are wonderful, and well developed – which is a hard thing to do in a novella. As always, the writing is excellent, the plot was tight and well-executed, and the introduction to “The Order” will suck you right into the series. If you have already read the series, you will still love this prequel – and if you haven’t read the series, you’ll be sucked right in and want to read the rest of the books.

Elspeth Marshall is a gifted storyteller. Not only does she tell the stories, but she actively seeks out and records old legends and stories. At the Lammas festival, she is entertaining a crowd of children and some adults by recounting one of her favorite tales, when she notices a handsome man paying close attention as well. He becomes a lively part of the discussion after the tale and adds some intriguing additions – some details Elspeth dearly wants to know and to record. She spends time with the man, Roy Williams after she is finished with the storytelling and thinks she might have just met the man of her dreams. When he leaves, he also leaves the impression that he’ll return – soon.

Roy Williams – aka John McLean and Tavish Crawford – is a man of many mysteries. He’s never forgotten the lovely lass he met at the Lammas festival two years ago. He was sorely smitten with her, but he couldn’t return to her. While he’s not a Jacobite, many in his family are – and he lost his sword at the battle of Culloden. He’s been looking for it ever since – he must find it. It is a centuries-old sword – a treasure – twin blade to the legendary Dyrnwyn which is one of the Thirteen Treasures of Britain sought by the Order of the Round Table. They must not learn of his sword Lann Dhearg.

A snowstorm reunites Roy/John/Tavish and Elspeth at a small inn. He is in search of Lann Dhearg and has heard stories that brought him here, and she is traveling with her aunt who stopped because of the snow. After a confrontation, she agrees to hear his tale and his excuses. Unbeknownst to them, dark forces are about to descend on that small inn. All who are there are in dire peril. Elspeth and Tavish will have to work together to find and protect Lann Dhearg and the other guests at the inn. While doing that, they discover each other and a love that will set your heart aflutter.

There are lots of things to love about this novella. Aside from the lovely characters and a wonderful romance, there is a great introduction to the Order of the Round Table and the Thirteen Treasures of Britain which is the focus of the remaining books in the series. Another fun thing is the Easter Eggs you’ll find within the book – the author paid a bit of an homage to Die Hard and you’ll find those Easter Eggs if you are a fan of the movie. If not, you’ll never notice.

I definitely recommend this fun and exciting novella and I hope you will love it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Darcy Burke and the Legendary Rogues never disappoint! This is the prequel to the series. 

Our heroine, Elspeth, loves to write stories of legends and is now on the hunt for a particular legend...a flaming sword that was last seen in the Battle of Culloden. Our hero Tavish, who is a master of disguise and goes by many different alias', is also looking for the same sword.  This novella has adventure and mystery .  I love how well developed the characters were and it was an enjoyable, fast paced read. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my true and honestreview.
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If you love historical romance with legends, mystery, action, and great characters, then this the book for you! The characters were well-written and I loved their personalities and connection. Elspeth and Tavish's romance was steamy but still sweet and swoonworthy. I loved the added action and adventure all centered around a legend. Even though this wasn't Darcy's best romance, it was still really enjoyable and I highly recommend it!
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Elspeth, a storyteller, hears a tale of a mysterious sword that is told to her by a mysterious man. A few years later, Travis is searching for his family’s sword when he again comes across Elspeth, a woman he hasn’t been able to forget. He must fight for the sword as well as Elspeth. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Darcy Burke Publishing for my honest review.
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This is the first book I have read in the rogue series and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Filled with intrigue and romance it had me captured from the very first page.
Can’t recommend it enough
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I love how the author based the names in this story after the "Die Hard" movie! There's also nothing more exciting than searching for actual objects mentioned in legends.

Elspeth loves to write stories of legends that people tell her about and is now on the hunt for a particular legend...a flaming sword, Lann Dhearg, that was last seen in the Battle of Culloden. She meets the mysterious Tavish who goes under different names and who is also looking for the same sword. Quite the adventure follows with plenty of danger surrounding them. Amidst all of that, love blossoms and passions flare.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
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Ms. Burke gives readers another delightful read in the Legendary Rogue series. A sword that is twin to one of legend and there are those who are after it for its ability to produce flames. The sword feeds off evil and only one man is able to handle it, but it has been lost. Tavish has been looking for the sword lost to him on the battlefield before in falls into the wrong hands. He is shocked to see Elspeth again, whom he has had a tender for since they met. Elspeth has never forgotten Tavish, but he lied to her about who he is. Elspeth loves to weave and write stories based on facts and legends. This sword peaks her interest and she finds herself with Tavish to find the sword. Feeling buried emerge, but those of a secret society are desperately seeking the sword, which puts them both in danger. Can they find the sword before the others discover its location and use it for evil deeds?
I received this novel as an ARC from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Elspeth Marshall thinks she has met the man of her dreams when she meets Roy Williams at the Lammas Fair.  A storyteller and collector of stories, Elspeth is captivated by the handsome stranger who tells her the tale of the sword Lann Dhearg, which is purported to be the twin of Dyrnwyn, the sword given to Gareth of King Arthur lore, but what steals her heart is the kiss they share and his promise to return.  Two years later, Elspeth is traveling with her aunt when they are forced to make an unplanned stop at an inn due to the snowy weather.  In the common room hears bits and pieces of a story that sounds familiar, of a sword that flames red-orange – Lann Dhearg, in an effort to hear more, she moves closer to the men talking, explains she records stories and would like to include theirs.  When the English soldiers begin to harass the men, another man intervenes – a man that has haunted her dreams for two long years, Roy Williams.  But this man doesn’t seem to recognize her, a slight she is not willing to let pass. 

Tavish Crawford, Lord Strathclyde, aka John MacLean aka Roy Williams is on a mission to find Lann Dhearg, his family’s sword, which he lost while fighting at Culloden.  He sees Elspeth and hopes she doesn’t remember him, at least not in front of the English soldiers – Tavish is a Jacobite sympathizer and is wanted by the English.  Unfortunately, Elspeth does remember him and confronts him while he is conversing with the English.  He tells her she is mistaken; he is not Roy Williams; he is John MacLean.  Confused and angry, she leaves the room, he smooths things over with the soldiers and then tracks down Elspeth, hoping to smooth things over with her as well.

Elspeth agrees to hear Tavish’s story and even offers to help him find his lost sword.  It is clear that connection they had is just as strong today as it was two years ago and she is not willing to walk away from the possibly of a future with him.  But Tavish is not the only one looking for the sword – members of the Order of the Round Table are hot on its trail as well mistakenly believing it is one the Thirteen Treasures of Britain.  So before Elspeth and Tavish can even think about HEA – they will have to reclaim Lann Dhearg and defeat the members of the Order – a feat easier said than done.

I really enjoyed this prequel to the Legendary Rogues series, it is a well written, fast paced novella with a nod to the movie “Die Hard”.  This book has it all, wonderful characters, action, steamyish love scenes, a bit of mystery, some intrigue and finally a great HEA complete with an epilogue!  If you have read the series, this is a great addition and introduces “The Order” – if you haven’t read it, this novella is a great introduction to the series – but let me warn you to be prepared to be sucked into the “Thirteen Treasures” and the Heroes and Heroines who seek them!! 

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me upon request – all opinions are my own.*
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Lovely historical romance full of intrigue, adventure and a mystical treasure. A joy to read, this novel really satisfies.
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A well written and engaging story by Darcy Burke. The Legend of a Rogue is filled with great story telling, action, passion and romance. Elspeth and Roy are great characters and you are easily caught up in their world.
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This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words for this ARC.  I do enjoy Darcy Burke's books.  I probably have most, if not all.  This one did not move me.  The normal spark and wit and NEED to finish the book were just not there for me.
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Elspeth Marshall hasn’t forgotten the enthralling man she met at a fair two years ago.  They may have only spent an afternoon together, but they bonded over their shared love of legends and their connection was undeniable.  When she meets him by chance at an inn in the Highlands, she’s surprised to find that his name isn’t really Roy, as she knew him, and the legend he told of an ancient sword may be all too real.  Angered at first, Elspeth demands answers from him and quickly settles down to learn the truth about this unforgettable man and the sword.

Tavish Crawford, Lord Strathclyde, has been cursing his foolishness in taking the legendary sword to Culloden with him.  He lost it when he was wounded and now word of its power has spread, leaving Tavish scrambling against a nefarious secret society to find it.  At the same time, he seeks to further his relationship with Elspeth, whom he’s never forgotten.  When the inn is overtaken by a band from the society, Tavish will do anything necessary to protect the sword and, more importantly, the woman he has come to love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story.  Elspeth and Tavish had an instant connection to be sure, but they’d never have overcome all the obstacles facing them if they hadn’t communicated so openly.  This happened almost right from the start and that made this delightful to read.  I always love it when the main characters work together against an outside force rather than conflict being derived from their relationship, so this was just right in that regard, no game playing here.  This was an utterly charming prequel and I also loved the introduction of Welsh legends.  I’ve only read one of the books in this series, but I definitely want to go fill in the gaps now.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Not her best but enjoyable still.
Interesting characters that make the storyline enjoyable.
Elspeth and Tavish story is interesting.
Darcy Burke writes a good tale.
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I really enjoyed this book! The Legend of a Rogue is the story of Elspeth, a young lady who researches and writes legends. She meets Roy one day as she is telling some village children a legend of a sword. She thinks Roy is the one but when he leaves he doesn't contact her. Two years later she meets up to him in a Highland inn, but his real name is Tavish Crawford and he is looking for his family's legacy. The problem is there are some bad guys looking for it too. This book mixes romance with mystery, an unbeatable combination. I would definitely recommend it!
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I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review 

This one was just meh. It was literally bland and middling. You could do better on here.
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Will their reunion bring them together or tear them apart...

You do not need to have read the series linked to this novella to appreciate it.
After a two years hole between their first and second encounter, Tavish and Elspeth renew easily their acquaintance, the sparkle still there, enlighted by the tale of an unknown and mysterious sword.
Together they must learn to trust one another, share secret, all the while hunting an obscur weapon and battling evil beings.
Tavish learns from his mistakes and woes to never fail again, especially if it might protect the woman who has come to count more than any other.
Elspeth is looking after a new tale to narrate, also after something new. Until she stumbles against the very man who has shaken her world two years ago, and never left her thought since.
A quick and fast paced read.
4 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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