A review by allingoodtime
When a Rogue Meets His Match by Elizabeth Hoyt

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Oh, the butterflies I got while reading this story! Gideon’s upbringing was drastically different from Messalina’s and, at first glance, it shows. Yet these two have a lot more in common than they could imagine. For them to fully realize this fact, they both need to learn to trust one another. Gideon isn’t as dastardly as he makes himself out to be, although he’s done plenty of bad things. The things he has done have been for his survival and, eventually, for the well-being of others who have the same type of life he led as a child. In other words, Gideon Hawthorne is fantastically morally grey!

It’s not a secret I’m not a fan of a big secret in my romance books, but since Messalina already despises and doesn’t trust Gideon I didn’t look at this story the same way. Plus, Messalina had some secrets of her own. In many ways, these two already knew each other’s secrets…or at least anticipated them.

Back to that chemistry. This story is a roller coaster ride. As a couple, Messalina and Gideon take two steps forward and one step back. Even when they are moving backward, their chemistry is palpable. Everyone around them, even those who strongly disagree with the marriage, can see their connection like it’s a tangible thing when they are together.

I hate the way these two hurt each other, but I love the way they learn and grow from each misstep. I’d almost say Messalina learns even more than Gideon does regarding the ways of the world. She was forced to look at the world outside of her usual bubble while Gideon was already aware of the highs and lows of society. Yes, he had more trust issues, but she had more growing up to do than she realized.

This story pulled me in and didn’t let go until the very end. 
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