Review: An Alleged Rogue by Sian Ann Bessey

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

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.

My Review

I felt so bad for Adam and his sister, to be suffering from malicious rumors, and not even being aware of the reason! I admired Phoebe's open-mindedness about Adam once she meets him and judging him accurately on actual evidence of his behavior and his relationship with his sister, rather than the gossip surrounding them. Phoebe and Emily's friendship is genuine and I enjoyed their interactions as much as Phoebe and Adam's. The romance develops gently and there wasn't much tension between them as it was was found more in the plot with the villain. We have several scenes from the villain's perspective which I am always in two minds about- it's not my favorite way of seeing that part of the story, although it can prove an effective method. The anticipation builds as the villain gets more arrogant and desperate, and Adam becomes more determined to bring him down. An exciting and dangerous climax brings the story full circle and I was glad to see Adam find closure.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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