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Reluctant Brides #3

Waiting For a Rogue

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Lady Caroline Rowe is determined never to marry. After the disastrous end to her last Season, she wants nothing more than to live quietly with her aunt in the country. But her resistance starts to slip when an exasperating new neighbor, The American, begins to invade not just her land, but her life. And, of course, he is the last man who should ever tempt her...

Inheriting an estate across the Atlantic has proven more difficult than Jonathan Cartwick ever expected. Avoiding his infuriating neighbor is tougher still, especially once he finds himself drawn to the ravishing beauty. Living a life he never wanted has been hard enough, but soon he fears losing his sanity, and his heart, to Lady Caroline...

When Caroline's parents threaten to marry her off to the first lord who will take her, she is devastated. And against all odds, Jonathan finds himself wanting to prove to the troublesome minx that he might just be the man she has been waiting for.

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First published July 2, 2019

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About the author

Marie Tremayne

4 books113 followers
Marie Tremayne graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in English Language and Literature. While there, a copy of Pride and Prejudice ended up changing her life, and she decided to study the great books of the Regency and Victorian eras. Now she enjoys writing her own tales set in the historical period she loves.

Marie lives with her family in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

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5 stars
70 (27%)
4 stars
95 (36%)
3 stars
74 (28%)
2 stars
17 (6%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Somia.
2,065 reviews159 followers
September 2, 2019
3.5 Likable Stars

After a terrible season, Lady Caroline Rowe is determined never to marry, she is happy living in the country with her aunt, but when her new neighbour – The American starts to invade her life, she finds herself conflicted, surprised by a desire for a man she feels she should stay from. For his part Jonathan Cartwick finds Caroline frustrating and is determined to avoid her, but such determination is matched by his unwanted fascination with her – and he quickly finds himself ensnared. I loved how Jonathan is always there for her in her times of need, e.g. with her aunt and her parents.

There is a fair bit of push and pull – primarily coming from Caroline, it almost got a tad too vexing, but once the author reveals why she is so stand-offish (her family history) it’s understandable. Although I have to say Caroline’s initial distaste for Jonathan simply because of him inheriting the home next door to her meant her widowed friend had to leave, felt extreme until Caroline’s backstory was given.

Caroline’s parents, well they’re the type that prove that not everyone should be parents – they’ve been emotionally neglectful and distant for her entire life; her paternal aunt has been more of a parent to her than them, and yet the Duke and Duchess decide they have a right to determine who their daughter marries. To say they are callous in their desire to rid themselves of her would be no understatement. The dinner party near the end, yikes, I was hoping Jonathan and/or Caroline had given everyone but their allies/friends a big set down (although with her parent’s it would have flown over their heads).

Book 3 in the Reluctant Brides series was overall an enjoyable HR read, whilst it was clear as I read that some events that occurred in book 2 are relevant to this book, it was fine reading this out of order. I see myself re-reading this at some point.
Profile Image for Stacee.
2,905 reviews751 followers
July 4, 2019
I had read the previous book in this series and was eager to read this one.

I loved Caroline and Jonathan. She’s set in her life from being neglected by her parents and he’s back in England after being raised in America. Together they’re stubborn with loads of chemistry and the button pushing was absolutely fabulous. I truly enjoyed reading their relationship change.

Plot wise, it was good. There’s a good amount of push and pull, but in this instance I was here for it. There were scenes that felt a little repetitive and I definitely wanted more of the two of them together. The entire thread about entailment was especially maddening because of her hideous parents, but her reaction to their demands might have been one of the best I’ve read.

Overall, it was a fun read and a group of characters that were super easy to root for.

**Huge thanks Avon Impulse for providing the arc free of charge**
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,519 reviews145 followers
August 2, 2019
I know it never the best way to discover an author’s work by beginning by the last installment in a series, but it worked wonderfully for many of the historical authors I have read so for.
So as I told above, I haven’t read the previous books in this series, I know I might not be able to understand at first Lady Caroline’s resentment about The American, but my first impression is does it excuse her to be so spiteful ?
She makes assumptions and wronged him for simply receiving what was his by right.
I was at the beginning very irritated by her constant refusal of help, even when freely offered with nothing to give in return.
Why being so stubborn?
Then smoothly her past and the issues she faced are revealed, then I did understood why she is so weary of men and so determined to protect those who cared for her, even if it unsettles her.
Jonathan Cartwick is such a wonderful specimen of a man, of course when insulted he takes offense but he does not hold a grudge for it. He is even the first to tempt Caroline to offend him, as it amuses him. And by poking her, he makes her react and she even enjoys their confrontations.
Lady Caroline is a complexe character, she is torn between a rank as a duke’s daughter, the society’s whispers and what she really longs for but also her loyalty to the few persons who count for her and on her. At time, I was upset but she has no freedom to do as she wishes, she only has her friends, now far away and her aunt, so her allegiance goes to them first. Why she is so tormented when her anger against Jonathan moved to a more tender sentiment. She feels so untrustworthy while she has only found someone else to care for.
Jonathan accepted easily his feelings for Caroline but he is not wavering between etiquette and hopeless desires when Caroline knows she has few chances to be able to choose her own path for herself when her selfish kin sees her as only a nuisance.
She had a lot of grew up to do in order to be able to reach for her unsuitable love and face her parents.
A lovely tale of acceptance when love moves beyond ranks and social standards.
4.5 stars
Profile Image for Aly.
2,767 reviews88 followers
October 15, 2019
Lady Caroline Rowe is a Duke's daughter. So why doesn't see have suitors? Could it be because of the way she suddenly and mysteriously left the last season, with a man? Nobody but her, her aunt, her friend and the man in question know the real reason why she didn't stay. But her new neighbor is about to discover the truth.

Even before meeting the man, Caroline already disliked him. His presence disrupted her friend's life so she decided that she doesn't have to be polite to him. She calls him the American and doesn't hesitate to tell him what's on her mind.

Jonathan Cartwick is not a fan of the aristocracy and see the hypocrisy behind it. He's not a fan of his new neighbor either. Not just because she's a part of it but the infuriating woman can't stop browbeating him and mistake all his attemps at being helpful as arrogance on his part. But despite the animosity between them, both feels a physical attraction that is too powerful for their own good. But Caroline can't let herself feel something for the man when it would be a betrayal for her friend, can she? And there's her problems at home she have to deal with. But Jonathan will become a precious ally she didn't know she needed.

In the previous book, we met Caroline and already knew some of the things that were happening with her and could guess that it would cause trouble for her eventually. It was sad to see how little she meant to her parents, who decided to hide her away in the country with her aunt (even if we can see it would have been a more stifling life under their care). But for a very long part of the book, she was being so stubborn, too stubborn and temperamental. But maybe it didn't bother me as much as it usually would for the simple reason that the first scene when Caroline and Jonathan meet reminded me of Anne of Green Gables (which I adore obviously!). When she have to walk a long distance and she's too proud to accept his offer or help and how despite the irritation he feels for her, he's always trying to be nice but she's much too proud and stubborn again. I guess it worked too because I've always been partial to the nemesis trope. The hero's mother was such an endearing character and I loved seeing the obvious affection between mother and son.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,910 reviews16 followers
July 6, 2019
Waiting for a Rogue by Marie Tremayne is book Three in The Reluctant Brides Series. This is the story of Caroline Rowe and Jonathan Cartwick. I have read the previous books which I think did help me to enjoy their story more but if you wish you could make this a standalone book.
Caroline didn't have a good end to the season and now only wants to settle in with her Aunt in the country. Caroline's best friend and neighbor has been displaced due to Jonathan taking over the area which puts her off of him to start. But then they meet and try to keep up their feeling of disliking each other but they feel more than that...they are attracted to each other.
Of course Caroline's parents are not giving up on her marring off which adds to the drama.
Loved their story and home to read more from this author!

Profile Image for Michelle Rupe.
366 reviews25 followers
August 2, 2021
This was meh for me. I didn't love it or hate it. I'm indifferent to it. I wish there was a bit more romance between Caroline and Jonathan. They didn't like each other then they were in love. I just think it was too short for their relationship to really move from enemies to true love, and there were not enough interactions where they weren't bickering to actually know when they fell in love. Poof, it just happened.
Author 2 books8 followers
July 6, 2019
I've followed the series from the beginning, and so far this one has been my favorite! Well done descriptions (the fashions especially are fun), compelling characters (who can make you want to pull out your hair sometimes but you love them regardless) and plenty of witty one-liners from our girl Caroline. A great read - I eagerly await what Tremayne does next.
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 6 books220 followers
June 26, 2019
Marie Tremayne solidifies her place in the Regency romance genre with another solid read. Her skillfully-dropped tidbits gave me great insight into the characters' backgrounds without overwhelming the unfolding story, which immersed me much more completely than when authors' info-dump it all in a soliloquy. :)

I loved how sensitive she wrote Lady Caroline's aunt, who is suffering from dementia. This is such a deeply traumatizing disease for not only the sufferers, but also those who have to witness it, and we see the fierce loyalty of Caroline shine through. I found this subplot to be the most moving part of the story, and John's reactions to it made me love him.

I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and are in no way influenced by the receipt of this eARC.

Four stars.
December 7, 2019
The storytelling and writing itself was done very well, I just happen to intensely dislike the heroine. Man, she was a raging bitch. I totally get why she is supposed to be coming across cold (background family-life hurts, etc.) but that doesn't make it any more enjoyable to read her spew insults at the hero. I thought he was refreshing as a hero. With his somewhat direct, to-the-point (but not rude) American ways about him was nice to read in the otherwise restricted society rules of the ton. I just didn't get why he even bothered with the heroine, she was a little shrew to him. I haven't read the first two books in the series, but I will attempt to, as long as the characters are likeable....
Profile Image for Sharon Wagner.
473 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2019
Wonderful book

What a wonderful journey both Caroline and Jonathan had,from him loathing the ton,and Caroline hating him. Lol when in reality they were both fighting their feelings for each other. Loved the all the characters in this book! Witty,intriguing and romantic. A truly wonderful ending.
Profile Image for Norah Gibbons.
837 reviews7 followers
July 3, 2019
I received an ARC of this book to read through Edelweiss+ in exchange for a fair review.
Waiting for a Rogue is the third book in Marie Tremayne’s series The Reluctant Brides. I do think that you should read the books in order as certain events in this story would make more sense if you had. Waiting for a Rogue is an enemies to lovers story. Lady Caroline Rowe had already decided she disliked Jonathon Cartwick even before she met him because he had inherited the estate next to her families and displaced her best friend from the estate. Jonathon had no use for the ton who had treated his father so poorly and was not going to be impressed by a duke’s daughter no matter how lovely, but with a little matchmaking between her aunt and his mother these two don’t stand a chance. Medium Steam. Publishing Date July 2, 2019 #Edleweissplus #AvonRomance #AvonImpulse #MarieTremayne #WaitingforARogue #HarperCollinsCanada
Profile Image for Dorinda Dorn Kopp.
3 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2019
Fabulous writing again in Book 3 by Marie Tremayne. Truly don't think I've ever experienced an author that gets better with each new book she writes. Waiting for the paperback to be released soon. Very excited to hear what her next trilogy will be. Love Marie's writing style and voice. If you love historical romance...Waiting For a Rogue hits all the right notes. Soooo good.
Profile Image for Kris.
543 reviews11 followers
August 4, 2019
Best book yet! Tremayne is growing into her own as a writer in one series and claiming her place among Victorian romance authors with the conclusion of her first series. She excells at displaying the deeper, internal conflicts of the characters that precipitate their outward conflicts. Her characters are deeply (humanly) flawed, but also intelligent and strong enough to overcome those flaws.

I promise I will be looking for more from Tremayne in the future.
Profile Image for Kristi.
11 reviews
July 19, 2020
Reluctantly, I have come to the end of the Reluctant Bride series. The tension between Lady Caroline and that rogue American (Cartwick) is better than anything on television. Marie Tremayne has mastered how to keep readers turning pages. Her character development and dialogue are top notch -- just enough, never laborious, and never a need to skip pages. Austen would be pleased, and so am I.
Profile Image for Carrie.
1,009 reviews25 followers
October 8, 2019
I found Caroline a tad irritating. She was seriously prejudiced against 'The American,' she hated him because she believed he gladly evicted her friend from his house. Her friend is remarried and never seemed to upset about it to me, so I wasn't sure what Caro's issue was.

Tags: Location- Hampshire, England 1847
Profile Image for J.
87 reviews
August 1, 2019
Excellent book. Marie Tremayne is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine.
Profile Image for Kait.
268 reviews54 followers
July 13, 2021
4.5 stars! This was SO close to being a 5-star read! A steamy, fun, enemies to lovers story with an incredible cast of characters and compassionate disability rep (see CW below).

This was my first time reading this author and it was a wildcard but I already ordered her other books and am so excited to read Eliza and Clara’s stories!

I loved every character except the ones I was supposed to hate (our heroine’s parents who are The Worst)! The slow burn is SO STEAMY and well done: The first kissing scene lasts for like an entire chapter. 🥵

This made it all the more disappointing when the *ahem* climax of their passion (and journey together) felt rushed. It also felt a bit OOC with how it happened although not entirely what happened. WHAT happened felt like it woulda been a second time or later situation versus a first time.

Overall this is one of my favorite books and upon retreading I’ll probably skip the PIV part of their lovemaking.

CW: anxiety, panic attacks, dementia
Sex tags: PIV, kissing, fingering, cunnilingus, minor power play
Profile Image for Becky Schwartz.
163 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2021
Wow. Just, wow. It wouldn’t be dramatic to say that I loved this book. From start to finish, everything happened the way I wanted it to. Caroline and Jonathan’s relationship is a phenomenal example of semi-enemies to lovers, with believable and mostly fun drama. I enjoyed reading this SO much. Their banter is perfect, their feelings were clear and there was none of the typical confusion of feelings. Caroline’s parents were unpleasant, but not in any way brought down the book. And the way Caroline gets them on board with her marriage is shocking in the best way. This was a library book but I think I’d buy it.
301 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2024
Lady Caroline Rowe is living in the country at risk of being a spinster after being jilted by the man she was expecting to marry. She has a chance encounter with Johnathan Cartwick, the American who inherited the house next door causing one of her best friends to lose the house she had lived in with her husband, child and his parents. Caroline had no respect for Johnathan as he was the reason for Eliza having to move. There was also a property dispute that Jon has been trying to resolve since he took over the property. Waiting for a Rogue is a cute story of enemies to lovers that can be read in one sitting.
Profile Image for Rosie Read.
236 reviews11 followers
August 12, 2019
There was nothing wrong with Waiting for a Rogue it just took me several days to finish, unusual for me, and a few days after finishing I can't remember anything about it.

I appreciated that there was no outlandish plot, no regency spies or random kidnapping, to boost the book along. There were, however, some poetic licenses with history that were a little hard to get over and some poor editing throughout.

I am intrigued to read the rest of the series and see if this was just a wee dud.
Profile Image for carrietracy.
1,461 reviews23 followers
October 26, 2019
Very enjoyable. Caroline and Jonathan meet over a property dispute. He has recently inherited the neighboring property and she is reluctant to be friendly in part due to loyalty to her friend who is the previous owner's widow. But with her beloved great-aunt ailing, Caroline finds her neighbor is not the villain she believed him to be.
34 reviews
April 11, 2021
3.5-4 stars. Unique plot, great characters. Tackling the issue of dementia was a brave choice. Main and secondary characters all were well-developed, even the duke & duchess who were just horrible. Only downside with this book is that I found the pace a tad slow. It dragged a bit in the middle. But, overall, a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Corinne.
15 reviews3 followers
August 28, 2019
At first it was difficult to read through the character's terrible personalities and I had thought to abandon it, but I gave it another try. They eventually became likeable, though it took a while. The sexy scenes are a bit cringey at times, but I still had fun!
384 reviews8 followers
August 28, 2024
This may be my favorite in the series! Love watching how the characters truly grow and come into their own, fighting for what they want. Such a lovely story!
Profile Image for Laurie.
999 reviews51 followers
November 24, 2021
I plan to add to this review, but need to say just how much I loved Waiting for a Rogue. This book is the bow on the gift that is the Reluctant Brides Series. Caroline and Jonathan were everything I wanted and more.

I loved getting more insight into Caro and as I did, she quickly grew from friend of Eliza to a Heroine that had my admiration. She is loyally devoted to those who have loved her without boundaries and will sacrifice much to protect them.

Jonathan Cartwick is supposed to be the enemy, but his devotion to his own family makes it impossible. While his bias towards the nobility that snubbed his family is completely understandable, he is not immune to Lady Caroline’s razor sharp wit and tongue. It was just pure delight witnessing his heart being captured by Lady Caroline.

Waiting for a Rogue is fabulous slow burn romance that will set your heart smoldering. It certainly did mine. Even more, it stole my heart with it’s amazing Heroine and the man who not only loves her, but treasures her.
502 reviews14 followers
July 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this book.
though I found the heroine to be irritating in the beginning, her behaviour was understandable once her backstory was explained.
Jonathan was just brilliant, I really liked him and thought he was a fantastic hero.
Enjoyable read and they had some seriously sizzling chemistry.
Profile Image for Audrey.
38 reviews8 followers
Read
December 2, 2019
While predictable, this was an entertaining and quick read. I enjoyed the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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