Veena’s review of When the Rogue Returns (The Duke’s Men, Book 2) by Sabrina Jeffries
Historical Romance published by Pocket Books 21 Jan 14
I have to admit that I’m disappointed in this book. I find the pacing slow, the story predictable and I missed the clever dialog between the protagonists, which is the hallmark for Ms. Jefferies’ writing. I have thoroughly enjoyed her stories in the past and hope to enjoy more in the future, but this one just does not do it for me.
Victor Cale’s life has been transformed from a poor, impoverished army officer, barely holding body and soul together, into a wealthy nobleman. He’s now a member of a family which not only consists of his cousin the duke but also the duke’s men. Before he can open up fully and share the secrets of his past, he takes on an assignment to investigate the background of a woman who might be leading on a young and impressionable Scottish peer.
Upon arrival in Edinburgh he finds that his past is ready to be exposed and is converging into his present. The woman whom he is here to investigate is his estranged wife Isabella. Due to his experiences with her, he knows she has to be guilty of all that she’s accused of, so all he has to do is to gather some current facts and expose her, thus putting an end to her schemes with her wealthy boyfriend.
Poor Victor, life is not that simple. Try as he might he’s unable to prove any wrongdoing on Isabella’s part. It’s clear that she has secrets; otherwise, why would he be foiled in his queries by her housekeeper and business partner. She’s surprisingly popular, and the picture that’s emerging from his investigation is quite different from his imagination and memories.
Could he be wrong about her? Was the incident in his past not of her making? Horrors of horrors, have they lost ten years, duped by someone else? Also, the red hot chemistry that had first brought them together is still there, though Isabella is no longer the shy, innocent miss of his memories. Can they solve all the roadblocks and find their happiness together?
I did enjoy learning about gems and how different stones spell out different ways of expressing one’s undying love, but the story itself is fairly predictable with little or no excitement. In my humble opinion, this one falls short of the author’s usual wonderful work.
Grade:C
Summary:
They are the Duke’s Men: an investigative agency born from family pride and irresistible passion, risking their lives—and sometimes their hearts—as they unravel shocking deceptions and scandalous transgressions!
Victor Cale never imagined that his sweet, shy bride, Isabella, would use her talent for creating exquisite imitation jewels in a criminal way. But there’s no denying that Isa’s handiwork was used in the brazen heist of the Dutch royal family’s diamonds—after she disappeared into the night.
Ten years later, still reeling from her betrayal and enraged that her duplicitous side was so undetectable, Victor is sent to Edinburgh to investigate a wealthy baron’s mysterious brideto- be. Simple enough—until the “fiancée” proves to be Isa, masquerading as an alluring young widow.
No longer the meek and mild girl he once knew, the bold woman vehemently asserts that it was Victor who abandoned her after he helped steal the royal diamonds! Piecing together the truth of the past reawakens their volatile passion, which burns hotter than ever. But with a decade of secrets between them, Victor and Isa must trust each other in order to bring the real thieves to justice—without getting burned themselves.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
