Susanna Craig
⭐️⭐️⭐️/🔥 (maybe 2…I don’t remember
Yet again, I find myself torn on how to best review a book that I so want to love. Every Rogue Has His Charm is one of those books. Overall, it’s a fairly decent book; but, I can’t find myself loving it no matter how much I want to. After reading the ARC from beginning to end, I decided to set it aside and revisit it again before writing my review. Probably because I do so love a good, scarred hero, and Maximilien has scars abundantly. Unfortunately, after skimming for a second time, my feelings remain unchanged. It’s entertaining enough to read and there are parts of the book that I really like, but then there are parts that puzzle me and leave me feeling conflicted.
For example, we first encounter our MCs in the first chapter and are instantly invested in their relationship. Their banter is witty and engaging and immediately pulls you in. You really want to root for them, but then find yourself pulled in a different direction by the growing number of subplots that are not really needed…especially for a book with such a low page count. The secondary characters themselves, sure, they aid in the telling of the story but there is absolutely nothing added by giving them their own stories. It makes the entire plot feel watered down.
I do so love a book with lots of intrigue and every rogue has a fair amount of it. And it’s good intrigue. The villain is a worthy foe, he/she is also obvious. The romance between our main characters is tepid at best. I would have loved to see more interaction between the two of them. It would have made their budding romance more believable. The heroine’s strong disdain for her husband to almost immediate forgiveness was a big leap considering the unmitigated pain he caused her. Which gets me to the main plot…
Maximilien Grant, Marquess of Chesleigh is alone and broken and has one focus and that’s to serve his country. When duty requires that he investigate a peer during a house party, he encounters a woman who not only intrigues him but also awakens feelings that he long thought him unable to possess.
Caroline Grant, Marchioness of Chesleigh has spent a total of four whole days with her new husband when he ups and walks away from their marriage. No explanation…nothing. Hurt and confused, Caroline decides its best to move forward, since clearly she was wanted. Forging ahead, Caroline carves out a place for herself far from wagging jaws of society and the outstretched hands of her selfish family.
When Maxim finally returns six year later to claim his dukedom, he finds a completely different woman than the one he left behind. And as danger closes in and he is believed a traitor to his country, Maxim must do whatever it takes to clear his name and keep the woman he begrudgingly cares about safe.
Overall, it’s a solid read. Susanna Craig is a talented writer, just not my cup of tea. Am I sad I read this book…not at all. Yes there are plot points that felt a bit out of place, but there are also scenes between Maxim and Caro that are absolutely heartwarming. As always, I’d recommend you judge for yourself whether this piece is for you…these are just my thoughts…and what works for one will not work for all.
Tropes: Ruined heroine, Marriage of convenience, prodigal hero returns, spies
Kesha Young 