When the Rogue Returns by Sabrina Jeffries

*ARC copy via Netgalley from Publisher in exchange for an honest opinion.*

Sabrina Jeffries never disappoints.  She always delivers an original storyline with interesting and dynamic characters.  I could not put this book down.

There were so many aspects of the story that I loved!  First, Isa (alias Sofia) although the first couple of pages she is young and vulnerable she realizes quickly that she needs to change.  1) Her family is trying to lead her to a life of crime and 2) her husband has abandoned her.

Victor Cale has some skeletons in his closet.  Although he was not a part of high society when he marries Isa he learns that he is cousin to the Duke of Lyons.  Because of his new found position in society he is able to travel and make connections.  One connection that he has fought to make for 10 years is finding his wife-Isa that is going by the alias-Sofia.  Victor wants to join the Duke’s Men and find her and find out why she ran off 10 years ago.  

The minute Victor hears about a woman that produces fake diamonds and is engaged to a baron he knows he has found her.  When Victor and Isa finally come face to face there are many different elements in place. 1) Mutual distrust for each other. 2) Anger and hurt on both their parts and 3) Indecision-what do they do now? As Victor and Isa communicate they start to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

Jacoba ( Isa’s sister)  and Gerhart (Isa’s husband) were vile characters that I could not help but hate.  They really had gall.  They provided a lot of tension and in the last scenes they provided many heroic opportunities for Victor and the Duke’s men.  (Ms Jeffries provided enough teasing for the next story of The Duke’s Men)

Ms. Jeffries’ also provided a great history!  She explained many interesting and unknown parts about “fake diamonds”.  She used the life of a real person to create Isa who was a “working” woman in her own right!  There are many secrets that come to light in this story and I don’t want to give them away.

My only issue was the title-When the Rogue Returns.  I assumed that the Rogue was Victor and he was anything but a Rogue.  He was actually a very sweet and dedicated husband.   Another great story by Ms. Jeffries!