A review by readwithde
A Rogue of One's Own by Evie Dunmore

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.
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