An Alleged Rogue by Sian Ann Bessey

An Alleged Rogue by Sian Ann Bessey

Isn’t that an intriguing cover?

Here’s the summary:

Lord Adam Dunsbourne is a tyrant. At least, that’s what everyone says. The tales are shocking: accounts of a man who gambled away the family fortune and keeps his younger sister, Emily, captive in their home at Dunsbourne Manor. So when Adam and his sister make an unexpected appearance at a dinner party, the scandalized whispers cannot be contained.

New to the town, Phoebe Hadford hears the condemning rumors and determines to do all she can to help the baron’s oppressed sister. Upon entering Dunsbourne Manor, however, she quickly discovers that all is not what she has been led to believe.

Adam, unsure of whether he can trust the intentions of his beautiful neighbor, is quickly drawn in by Phoebe’s genuine nature. But even as Adam and Phoebe’s connection deepens, a dangerous enemy from Adam’s past reemerges. For years, Adam has hunted for the man who betrayed him, not realizing he had only to wait. His foe has returned, and this time, he will threaten everything Adam cherishes most—including the woman he loves.

And now, my review:

I admit I was a little lost as this story opened, without a date. But my interest kicked in when I realized that both the hero and heroine have preconceptions about the other that are untrue. Of course, the plot throws them together, which means we got to watch them begin to unravel those falsehoods. I liked this aspect.

The hero runs an orchard, so we get to learn more about apple varieties. This was interesting as well. I’d rather focus on the relationships, and this apple preoccupation at times got in the way. We discover he’s likable and earnest, a noble nobleman.

The heroine is gracious socially. She takes the hero’s sister under her wing and eases her way into society. This made the sincere and kind heroine even more likable.

Admittedly, too, I read the ARC so these elements may have changed, but the plot occasionally meandered from a true course. There were a few places where I was no longer hooked into the story, and I ended up giving up about halfway through.

That said, I wish the author all the best. This is book three in the Georgian Gentlemen Series, but it seems to stand alone.