Review: The Right Kind of Rogue (Playful Brides #8) by Valerie Bowman

Print Length: 305 pages

Publisher: St.Martin's Press (October 31, 2017)

From Goodreads.com: Can two star-crossed lovers come together―until death do they part? 

Viscount Hart Highgate has decided to put his rakish ways behind him and finally get married. He may adore a good brandy or a high-speed carriage race, but he takes his duties as heir to the earldom seriously. Now all he has to do is find the right kind of woman to be his bride―ideally, one who’s also well-connected and well-funded. . .

Meg Timmons has loved Hart, the brother of her best friend, ever since she was an awkward, blushing schoolgirl. If only she had a large dowry―or anything to her name at all. Instead, she’s from a family that’s been locked in a bitter feud with Hart’s for years. And now she’s approaching her third London season, Meg’s chances with him are slim to none. Unless a surprise encounter on a deep, dark night could be enough to spark a rebellious romance. . .for all time? 

                                                         *******************

My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

To begin with, you should not let the thought of this being book #8 in the series be a deterrent. I will be the first to admit that I have not read all of the books in this series, however, I feel that this one gives just enough background on previous ones that it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel. Of course, for those of you who have read the others, I think you will be pleasantly surprised to see some old, familiar favorites pop up, and as I did, enjoy seeing them again. 

Just focusing on this story however, I have to admit that there were some things that I just could not get into. Sure Meg claims to have been in love with him since she was sixteen (and with valid reasoning for someone of sixteen don't get me wrong), but I saw very little in an actual connection with them aside from friendship or lust. Sure he enjoyed her company. Sure he wanted her, but he told himself time and again he couldn't marry her. She was completely inappropriate for him. And why? One reason was because she lacked a dowry. And let's be honest here, when reading a romance, that should have been an easy thing to overlook considering how much money he apparently had. But it wasn't enough for him to offer for her at first. I can't say I put too much stock in the excuse of his parents not liking her since he seemed to enjoy doing the exact opposite any other time.

I guess the problem lies within the way these characters were presented. I wish they would have been more open to each other. I wish Hart hadn't been so hard-headed. Don't get me wrong, I love a bit of drama and angst, but not when it could be as easily remedied as theirs could have been. But then again, this story was likened at times to Romeo and Juliet, and I think a lot of their story could have been improved upon with more communication as well.

Overall, I am sure this story may still appeal to those who enjoy historical romance novels. I do enjoy this author's writing style immensely, and I will be reading more from this author!  

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

                                                         *******************

                                
                      The Right Kind of Rogue is available from Amazon.com