cupcakegirly's review against another edition
4.0
That was fun! I enjoyed the writing, the characters, the banter (Brynn and Archer give as good as they get) and the romance. The Robin Hood vibe gave it a uniqueness I have yet to come across in my historical romance reading. My Rogue, My Ruin weaves the best of both of these authors' talents together to deliver an entertaining start to a new series.
Bring on the rest of the Lords of Essex!
*I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Bring on the rest of the Lords of Essex!
*I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
storieswithsoul's review against another edition
5.0
It's an intriguing historical novel, full of mystery, adventure, and romance. I loved it. The story is quite good and well-written. I loved Archer and Briannon. Both are unconventional and looking for adventure, which they find soon enough.
Archer doesn't agree with his father on anything. He has made his own life, away from the ton. But he is not ready to share this life with anyone. He is considered aloof and rude. He likes it that way, he likes to keep everyone at arm's length. But Brynn is different. She is unlike any Lady he knows, and she intrigues him.
Brynn doesn't like Archer at all. Although he is very handsome and she cannot deny the attraction she feels but she knows that he is not good enough for her. Her brother agrees. So when Archer decides to keep an eye on her, it annoys her to no end. She doesn't want to spend any time with him, yet they constantly find themselves in each others company.
But soon things become serious and may be even dangerous for them. There is someone out there who doesn't have Archer's best interest at heart. He must find that person before things get out of hand.
I quite enjoyed reading it and would recommend to all historical fiction fans.
http://www.mineofbooks.blogspot.com/
Archer doesn't agree with his father on anything. He has made his own life, away from the ton. But he is not ready to share this life with anyone. He is considered aloof and rude. He likes it that way, he likes to keep everyone at arm's length. But Brynn is different. She is unlike any Lady he knows, and she intrigues him.
Brynn doesn't like Archer at all. Although he is very handsome and she cannot deny the attraction she feels but she knows that he is not good enough for her. Her brother agrees. So when Archer decides to keep an eye on her, it annoys her to no end. She doesn't want to spend any time with him, yet they constantly find themselves in each others company.
But soon things become serious and may be even dangerous for them. There is someone out there who doesn't have Archer's best interest at heart. He must find that person before things get out of hand.
I quite enjoyed reading it and would recommend to all historical fiction fans.
http://www.mineofbooks.blogspot.com/
laura03's review against another edition
3.0
Wait, what was that ending?
Should I have been less surprised than I was? Probably. But, like—that threw me. For all the metaphorical loops. Also, it made me kind of sad, quite honestly. It felt like Eloise was made to be the villain solely because she was there and kind of fit the role. If you squinted. I know it's also pretty obvious and easy to make her the simple spinster and all that, but I was kind of hoping she'd get her own story at some point and, seriously, the loops. I was, so ridiculously thrown. I just felt like there was so real build-up to that reveal.
She was evil! She'd hated Archer this whole time! Resented the ton her entire life!
And, like, yeah, fair. But I wish there'd been little allusions to that throughout the book. Instead of making it seem like Eloise adored her brother. It didn't have to be big! Just enough that when it all fell into place, my brain could have gone: Oh, yeah, that checks. Instead of: Wait, what did I just read?
All in all, though, the romance was mostly good. The kissing was definitely good. I appreciated the different sort of historical romance plot. By the end, I was mostly into what was going on with Gray and Lana. I'd like to read about Gray and Lana now. I will probably go read about Gray and Lana.
Should I have been less surprised than I was? Probably. But, like—that threw me. For all the metaphorical loops. Also, it made me kind of sad, quite honestly. It felt like Eloise was made to be the villain solely because she was there and kind of fit the role. If you squinted. I know it's also pretty obvious and easy to make her the simple spinster and all that, but I was kind of hoping she'd get her own story at some point and, seriously, the loops. I was, so ridiculously thrown. I just felt like there was so real build-up to that reveal.
She was evil! She'd hated Archer this whole time! Resented the ton her entire life!
And, like, yeah, fair. But I wish there'd been little allusions to that throughout the book. Instead of making it seem like Eloise adored her brother. It didn't have to be big! Just enough that when it all fell into place, my brain could have gone: Oh, yeah, that checks. Instead of: Wait, what did I just read?
All in all, though, the romance was mostly good. The kissing was definitely good. I appreciated the different sort of historical romance plot. By the end, I was mostly into what was going on with Gray and Lana. I'd like to read about Gray and Lana now. I will probably go read about Gray and Lana.
shuffmcpuff's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars. This is a perfectly fine historical romance novel - very engaging at times! - but... that twist at the end. Fucking oof.
circe813's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Infidelity
nononanette's review against another edition
2.0
There were things I liked about this book but there were inconsistent behaviors and attitudes that I found distracting.
vervain's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
fainting_couch's review against another edition
Fun, they really said we are here for Melodrama and Melodrama only though I wish we would’ve then gone a little more ham on the mysterious lung illness. There’s something about Eloise as a character that I don’t love; like it’s the madness and the scarred face it’s all just playing a little too much with the beauty as goodness thing. Which yes her scars are from a fire she set but it almost implies that they are the righteous consequence to her actions but idk. Maybe I’m overthinking.
booktineus's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
the_cover_contessa's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book for an honest review.
Oh my, oh my, oh my! Have I said I don't read historical romance? Oh and I don't read adult, did you know that? Not really, anyway. BUT I know both these authors and had to give this one a shot. Not only that but the premise and the blurb just sounded great. So I really wanted to give it a try. And I was not in the least unhappy with doing so!
Lady Briannon is, well, fabulous. I love that she's got huge amounts of spunk, she's feisty and fiercely independent. And she's super intelligent. So much more so than her parents or the society surrounding her gives her credit for! Always the lady in public but with an underneath she keeps well hidden. She likes to ride horses and sword fight, so unladylike. But I love that she has those qualities because it makes her so much more than the society lady everyone makes her out to be!
Archer is a study in opposites. What he wants versus what he thinks he wants. He is aloof and distant to most. But he has this soft underside that he keeps well hidden. He's passionate about one thing and that's making sure those in need get just what they need. And he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens. He doesn't allow anyone in. Well, anyone except Brynn, who somehow breaks down all the walls he's managed to put up!
I love the banter and passion between the two main characters in this book. Their exchanges were truly humorous as well and sexually charged. It made for a perfect match. Their slow burn was definitely something I looked forward to watching throughout the book. And I will say I loved the level of sexy the authors brought to the relationship.
The underlying plot was certainly a favorite, as well. I am a true Robin Hood fan, so watching this unfold in the story was great. This part of the plot made it fun and suspenseful! Plus finding out who the villain was was a great surprise to me. I loved how the authors were able to keep it hidden! The mystery aspect was truly wonderful.
I really enjoyed this read. I look forward to more from these two authors who seamlessly created a story where I could not tell there were two authors writing!
Oh my, oh my, oh my! Have I said I don't read historical romance? Oh and I don't read adult, did you know that? Not really, anyway. BUT I know both these authors and had to give this one a shot. Not only that but the premise and the blurb just sounded great. So I really wanted to give it a try. And I was not in the least unhappy with doing so!
Lady Briannon is, well, fabulous. I love that she's got huge amounts of spunk, she's feisty and fiercely independent. And she's super intelligent. So much more so than her parents or the society surrounding her gives her credit for! Always the lady in public but with an underneath she keeps well hidden. She likes to ride horses and sword fight, so unladylike. But I love that she has those qualities because it makes her so much more than the society lady everyone makes her out to be!
Archer is a study in opposites. What he wants versus what he thinks he wants. He is aloof and distant to most. But he has this soft underside that he keeps well hidden. He's passionate about one thing and that's making sure those in need get just what they need. And he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens. He doesn't allow anyone in. Well, anyone except Brynn, who somehow breaks down all the walls he's managed to put up!
I love the banter and passion between the two main characters in this book. Their exchanges were truly humorous as well and sexually charged. It made for a perfect match. Their slow burn was definitely something I looked forward to watching throughout the book. And I will say I loved the level of sexy the authors brought to the relationship.
The underlying plot was certainly a favorite, as well. I am a true Robin Hood fan, so watching this unfold in the story was great. This part of the plot made it fun and suspenseful! Plus finding out who the villain was was a great surprise to me. I loved how the authors were able to keep it hidden! The mystery aspect was truly wonderful.
I really enjoyed this read. I look forward to more from these two authors who seamlessly created a story where I could not tell there were two authors writing!