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readwithde's review
challenging
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I spent quite a lot of time trying to find something I disliked about this book, any reason to give it 3 or 4 stars, but the truth is I absolutely adored it.
Lucie is completely different than what I remember from Bringing Down the Duke, but of course her strong exterior shrouds her vulnerability -- her loneliness and sacrifices made for the Cause.
Likewise, Ballentine reads much differently when you realize his reputation is a facade, a way to numb his pain and provide space from entanglements that may jeopardize his plans to free himself from his father.
Childhood connection plus this passion for freedom inevitably turn their indecent proposal into love (Ballentine's long-term crush on Lucie notwithstanding). Every choice they make seems real, and Dunmore gives them both space to think through these choices: when Ballentine realizes he waited too long to tell Lucie his plans, he knows she will be angry, possibly hate him, so he chooses to remain silent on the matter, clinging to as much time as possible.
They both grow and change so much through the process; in the end, Ballentine is right -- love makes them stronger. The challenges faced are truly considered and managed, not brushed aside for whim or fancy or "being in the moment." They are two serious people with real stakes; the respect that grows between them is tangible.
Though Cecily and Arthur tried various ways to disrupt the couple, neither had truly wrong intentions and neither truly paid for their involvement or insolence. In the end, Arthur actual gets what he wants from Ballentine (though he doesn't realize it); he is seen and heard and understood for his feelings, without judgment or shame. It's a rare case where everyone wins, though not how they planned to. And it's beautiful in the making.
Lucie is completely different than what I remember from Bringing Down the Duke, but of course her strong exterior shrouds her vulnerability -- her loneliness and sacrifices made for the Cause.
Likewise, Ballentine reads much differently
Childhood connection plus this passion for freedom inevitably turn their indecent proposal into love
They both grow and change so much through the process; in the end, Ballentine is right -- love makes them stronger. The challenges faced are truly considered and managed, not brushed aside for whim or fancy or "being in the moment." They are two serious people with real stakes; the respect that grows between them is tangible.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Sexual harassment, and War
jacksandthebeanstalk's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this read! Honestly probably more so than the first in the series. I loved Tristan's development throughout the book and Lucie's eventual understanding that she doesn't have to sacrifice her feminism just because she is in love . My biggest issue with the series is that although it covers important topics, I still think there could be a way to include the intersectional feminism that we need to be promoting now into the current stories. The romances are all powerful women and powerful men trying to understand one another. I recognize the time period is a bit of an obstacle but I still think Dunmore could include intersectionality and help for women of color, rather than staying focused on the white woman's plight. With all of that being said, I still really enjoyed this read. I will absolutely pick up the next one in the series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Homophobia, Child abuse, Misogyny, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Incest
meganpbennett's review
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.25
A Rogue of One's Own sees Lady Lucie, a suffragette who has just bought half of the shares of London Print, going head to head with the notorious rogue Tristan. Who owns the other half of the shares of London Print. It's hate at first sight, since there's no way that a nobleman would ever support the suffragette cause, or help repeal the married women's property act. And there's no way he'll let her publish anything radical in their co-owned newspaper, would he? Until, he offers her a deal to become the majority stakeholder in London Print. But will she take it, and what will happen if she does?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Sexism, Domestic abuse, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Confinement, Homophobia, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Forced institutionalization
stargoddess's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Charming romance mixed with interesting historical facts, not quite as heart rending as the first one, still plenty sexy
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, and Mental illness
Minor: Forced institutionalization
shoesforall's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This book is a lovely and well paced romance that is also homophobic trash. I would like to scrub my brain of this book. I want my money back and also the time I spent reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Homophobia
alingtori's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"She had not yet truly comprehended power then, and how treacherously easy it was to side with it, and to ask that the downtrodden ones change before one demanded the tyrant change."
What I love about this book is that while it is a historical romance novel, it also unflinchingly tells a story of those who suffer injustice. Maybe this is why the characters all seem so real.
It's so easy tell a story of a suffragette falling in love. But in A Rogue of One's Own, Dunmore elevates it further by making us see for ourselves the horrendous treatment experienced by women—from prostitutes like Ann, to aristocrats like Lady Rochester—and even to a gay man like Lord Arthur. We're even treated by a discussion about imperialism!
Lucie's story is not just hers, it is also the story of the suffragist movement. The book is not looking at the world with rose colored glasses. It does not shy away from the ugly side of fighting for a cause, the sacrifices and the fears of those who are at the front lines. Fighting for a cause can be lonely, especially when you've been doing it all your life.
Thankfully, we also have people around to give us love and friendship.
Lucie and Tristan complement each other. I can just imagine the strategizing that they will do to further their advocacy, what a power couple! (Also, I definitely love me some enemies to lovers + friends with benefits + domesticity!) I was happy to see that they didn't magically agreed to get married the moment they make it clear that they love each other.
Of course, I love them too as individuals. Lucie is fiery and tough. She doesn't run from any fight and always move forward. (Which is why it did not make sense to me that she wanted to run to Tuscany after her confrontation with Tristan, effectively leaving behind her responsibilities to the cause.)
And Tristan, oh Tristan. I perfectly understand why any lady would swoon before him. I'm not really a fan of poetry but I turn into mush every time he recites one. He is definitely a simp for Lucie from day one. He even drew up a list so he can convince her to take him. So cute. And I knew he and Boudicca are connected the moment he mentions it in Bringing Down the Duke!
I lowkey wish that Lucie's story was placed last in the series because it feels like a great book to end a series that tells the story of suffragists.
What I love about this book is that while it is a historical romance novel, it also unflinchingly tells a story of those who suffer injustice. Maybe this is why the characters all seem so real.
It's so easy tell a story of a suffragette falling in love. But in A Rogue of One's Own, Dunmore elevates it further by making us see for ourselves the horrendous treatment experienced by women—from prostitutes like Ann, to aristocrats like Lady Rochester—and even to a gay man like Lord Arthur. We're even treated by a discussion about imperialism!
Lucie's story is not just hers, it is also the story of the suffragist movement. The book is not looking at the world with rose colored glasses. It does not shy away from the ugly side of fighting for a cause, the sacrifices and the fears of those who are at the front lines. Fighting for a cause can be lonely, especially when you've been doing it all your life.
Thankfully, we also have people around to give us love and friendship.
Lucie and Tristan complement each other. I can just imagine the strategizing that they will do to further their advocacy, what a power couple! (Also, I definitely love me some enemies to lovers + friends with benefits + domesticity!) I was happy to see that they didn't magically agreed to get married the moment they make it clear that they love each other.
Of course, I love them too as individuals. Lucie is fiery and tough. She doesn't run from any fight and always move forward. (Which is why it did not make sense to me that she wanted to run to Tuscany after her confrontation with Tristan, effectively leaving behind her responsibilities to the cause.)
And Tristan, oh Tristan. I perfectly understand why any lady would swoon before him. I'm not really a fan of poetry but I turn into mush every time he recites one. He is definitely a simp for Lucie from day one. He even drew up a list so he can convince her to take him. So cute. And I knew he and Boudicca are connected the moment he mentions it in Bringing Down the Duke!
I lowkey wish that Lucie's story was placed last in the series because it feels like a great book to end a series that tells the story of suffragists.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Sexism
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, and Infidelity
dominikag's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Animal cruelty
amalia997's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I'm such a sucker for historical romance. Especially a long-unrequited romance finally being requited, and a pair of people who have flaws and make mistakes but communicate and generally handle things as best they can. Also, doesn't hurt that there's a bit of quality smut and at least one of the characters isn't straight.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism and Domestic abuse
Minor: Forced institutionalization
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