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allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
If I didn't strongly believe that the universe exists to kick us when we're down, I'd suggest that it sent me this book for the good it would do my being in this exact moment. My number one request for romance is emotional journey, and A Rogue to Remember got its hooks in my feels and didn't let go.
It started with a compelling premise. A weirdly specific bonus for me given its pervasive hold on the genre is that very little of the book takes place in England. Instead, the book opens in Italy with Lottie, who hopes she's managed to ruin her reputation, another departure from genre tropes that left me intrigued. Childhood friend and confidante Alec shows up to save her at the orders of her uncle, not knowing it was all an orchestrated ruse by our supposed damsel. The motivations of both leads are partially obscured in the beginning, and hints of a long and storied past between them add to the intrigue.
This is probably the best second chance romance I've ever read. It's a trope I generally just muddle through at best. But this book brought the ANGST. The PINING. I think it helped me that an outside party is keeping them apart rather than previous internal combustion. Also, we get enough flashbacks and detailed emotion to feel included in the whole story rather than feeling like late arrivals to an ongoing drama.
And hi there's ~espionage~ afoot because why not? It's just enough to add color and drama without detracting from the romance.
How to sum up? I loved the characters, was enamored with the plot, was left as a swoony mess with all the sexual tension and spice, and felt real live feelings as I became obsessed with the couple. So I guess you could say I'd recommend it.
It started with a compelling premise. A weirdly specific bonus for me given its pervasive hold on the genre is that very little of the book takes place in England. Instead, the book opens in Italy with Lottie, who hopes she's managed to ruin her reputation, another departure from genre tropes that left me intrigued. Childhood friend and confidante Alec shows up to save her at the orders of her uncle, not knowing it was all an orchestrated ruse by our supposed damsel. The motivations of both leads are partially obscured in the beginning, and hints of a long and storied past between them add to the intrigue.
This is probably the best second chance romance I've ever read. It's a trope I generally just muddle through at best. But this book brought the ANGST. The PINING. I think it helped me that an outside party is keeping them apart rather than previous internal combustion. Also, we get enough flashbacks and detailed emotion to feel included in the whole story rather than feeling like late arrivals to an ongoing drama.
And hi there's ~espionage~ afoot because why not? It's just enough to add color and drama without detracting from the romance.
How to sum up? I loved the characters, was enamored with the plot, was left as a swoony mess with all the sexual tension and spice, and felt real live feelings as I became obsessed with the couple. So I guess you could say I'd recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Infidelity, Forced institutionalization, and Sexual harassment