What do you think?
Rate this book
First Comes Love #2
Gone With the Rogue
She had an acceptable marriage of convenience. Now widowed, can this determined and beautiful mother find true and forever love?
The sinking of the Salty Dove took her husband’s life—but it didn’t drown Julia Fairbright’s courage to endure. She creates a proper life for herself and her young son. But now, the ton’s most notorious rogue is back, and how he makes Julia feel is anything but proper. She can’t deny the desires he awakens in her, even though she knows that the handsome devil will surely break her heart.
Garrett Stockton owns a successful shipping company and is rumored to have a woman on every continent and half-a-dozen in England. The truth, however, is that Garrett has but one mistress: the wide open sea. That is, until he meets Julia, whose spirit of independence matches his own. What begins as a flirtatious battle of wits turns far more passionate than either of them could have imagined. Suddenly, Garrett’s only desire is to sail into the sunset with Julia as his wife and young Chatwyn his son. But she won’t take his hand—how can he convince her that his love is real and his heart is hers?
295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 28, 2020
About the author
Amelia Grey
36 books828 followersAmelia Grey (aka Gloria Dale Skinner) grew up in a small town in the Florida Panhandle. She has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over twenty-five years. She has lived in Alabama, Connecticut, New Hampshire and now lives in Florida.
Amelia has won the coveted Romantic Times award for Love and Laughter, the prestigious Maggie award for best historical and Affaire de Coeur's best American historical award. She has been a finalist for the Golden Heart and the Holt Medallion awards which are given by Romance Writers of America and numerous other awards. Her books have been sold to many countries in Europe, Russia and China.
Amelia likes flowers, candlelight, sweet smiles, gentle laughter and sunshine.
Amelia has won the coveted Romantic Times award for Love and Laughter, the prestigious Maggie award for best historical and Affaire de Coeur's best American historical award. She has been a finalist for the Golden Heart and the Holt Medallion awards which are given by Romance Writers of America and numerous other awards. Her books have been sold to many countries in Europe, Russia and China.
Amelia likes flowers, candlelight, sweet smiles, gentle laughter and sunshine.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
January 23, 2022
This is a Historical Romance Fiction, and this is the second book in the First Comes Love series. I have not read the first book in this series. I found it overall just ok. I did not love it and did not hate it. I did like the beginning more then the rest of the book. So, In this book Julia is trying to get from under the control of her late husband's father (The Duke). She does fall in love with Garrett in this book, but Julia does not know if he will make a good father for her son. So, she just wants to court someone. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author via NetGalley, booksirens, or goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2020
3.5 stars
Love always wins, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable. Time for a classic Regency romance!
Pacing: ★★★
Characters: ★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★
Gone with the Rogue is the second in the First Comes Love series, but like many other romances it can be read as a standalone—I, personally, can vouch for that as I'm a newbie to the series with this book.
Julia Fairbright's husband drowned at sea, leaving her with their young son and under the "protection" of her father-in-law, the duke. The duke is oppressive and controlling, and holds Julia's son over her head in order to make her follow his wishes. It's a black and white situation. Julia wants out, but she's stuck.
Garrett Stockton is the owner of a prominent shipping company and a bit of a scoundrel. He's dashing, he's independent, and he's always at the edge of polite society. So when he sees the beautiful Julia stuck in a tree, he's shocked at the surprisingly warm feelings towards her.
Obviously, these two characters are meant to fall in love—it's just Julia's pesky father-in-law and the societal norms of her status as a widow that stand in their way. Will their love find a way?
Now, please take my review with a grain of salt, because I'm pretty sure this was a case of "it's not you, it's me" reader syndrome. Gone With the Rogue was cute and filled with all of the right things, but for some reason I could not fully engage myself in the story. I found Julia hard to fixate on due to her similarity to other romance heroines, and Garrett too reactionary—he didn't seem to have much personality outside of his fixation on Julia. I feel like I might have enjoyed this story more on a different day, or even as a newer romance reader.
However, this story does deliver on its sweetness, so if sweet and chivalrous is your thing, give this one a try!
Thank you to St Martin's Press via NetGalley for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
Love always wins, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable. Time for a classic Regency romance!
Pacing: ★★★
Characters: ★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★
Gone with the Rogue is the second in the First Comes Love series, but like many other romances it can be read as a standalone—I, personally, can vouch for that as I'm a newbie to the series with this book.
Julia Fairbright's husband drowned at sea, leaving her with their young son and under the "protection" of her father-in-law, the duke. The duke is oppressive and controlling, and holds Julia's son over her head in order to make her follow his wishes. It's a black and white situation. Julia wants out, but she's stuck.
Garrett Stockton is the owner of a prominent shipping company and a bit of a scoundrel. He's dashing, he's independent, and he's always at the edge of polite society. So when he sees the beautiful Julia stuck in a tree, he's shocked at the surprisingly warm feelings towards her.
Obviously, these two characters are meant to fall in love—it's just Julia's pesky father-in-law and the societal norms of her status as a widow that stand in their way. Will their love find a way?
Now, please take my review with a grain of salt, because I'm pretty sure this was a case of "it's not you, it's me" reader syndrome. Gone With the Rogue was cute and filled with all of the right things, but for some reason I could not fully engage myself in the story. I found Julia hard to fixate on due to her similarity to other romance heroines, and Garrett too reactionary—he didn't seem to have much personality outside of his fixation on Julia. I feel like I might have enjoyed this story more on a different day, or even as a newer romance reader.
However, this story does deliver on its sweetness, so if sweet and chivalrous is your thing, give this one a try!
Thank you to St Martin's Press via NetGalley for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
March 20, 2020
Ameilia Grey is a new to me author and this is the second in this "First Comes Love" series that I was glad to get a copy to read and review as I enjoyed the first book.
Ms. Julia Fairbright has been in the state of a widow for about 4 years and is somewhat at the mercy of her father-in-law who has his own notions of what a prim and proper widow she should be. Essentially she is a prisoner to the man and it doesn't help that he is a Duke. In any case she has to walk on eggshells around his staff in order for them not to report her comings and goings. When she finds out some damaging information that could help her come from under his foot, she enlists a best friend and unintentionally drags Garrett Stockton into the picture.
Mr. Garrett Stockton is a wealthy owner of several shipping companies and has returned to England to attend a wedding. He unfortunately stumbles across Julia stuck in a tree and there the attraction ignites for him. As Garrett can't forget Julia his daily encounters turns their desire into a romantic relationship. Although the title sounds delicious, the book falls a bit short for me and was very fuzzy in places. I thought the relationship moved a bit too fast as they only knew each other for about a week. I'll admit that I like the sexual attraction and intimacy in the stories I read, but 4 or more in a week is a bit much. It was not clear why her father-in-law had such a hold on her and her son. Didn't think she owed him anything. I think that could have been expounded on a bit more instead of showing him as a villain early on the story.
At times, there was a bit of disconnect between Julia and Garrett but in other places it was oh so lovely. It could have been chalked up to their character portrayal...could have been more depth to them to make them a bit more interesting. The characters kind of fell a bit flat and there was alot of potential and development that could have been done to Garrett's character. Although the story kept up the repetitiveness of Julia's constant speaking of the Duke's control over her and her circumstances, at some point early on in the story she should have developed a backbone to break free.
In summary, was I blown over by this story...not so much as the first book but it was an enjoyable enough read. I did like the slight build on Brina's character and am hoping the next would be about her story.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3- Stars
Ms. Julia Fairbright has been in the state of a widow for about 4 years and is somewhat at the mercy of her father-in-law who has his own notions of what a prim and proper widow she should be. Essentially she is a prisoner to the man and it doesn't help that he is a Duke. In any case she has to walk on eggshells around his staff in order for them not to report her comings and goings. When she finds out some damaging information that could help her come from under his foot, she enlists a best friend and unintentionally drags Garrett Stockton into the picture.
Mr. Garrett Stockton is a wealthy owner of several shipping companies and has returned to England to attend a wedding. He unfortunately stumbles across Julia stuck in a tree and there the attraction ignites for him. As Garrett can't forget Julia his daily encounters turns their desire into a romantic relationship. Although the title sounds delicious, the book falls a bit short for me and was very fuzzy in places. I thought the relationship moved a bit too fast as they only knew each other for about a week. I'll admit that I like the sexual attraction and intimacy in the stories I read, but 4 or more in a week is a bit much. It was not clear why her father-in-law had such a hold on her and her son. Didn't think she owed him anything. I think that could have been expounded on a bit more instead of showing him as a villain early on the story.
At times, there was a bit of disconnect between Julia and Garrett but in other places it was oh so lovely. It could have been chalked up to their character portrayal...could have been more depth to them to make them a bit more interesting. The characters kind of fell a bit flat and there was alot of potential and development that could have been done to Garrett's character. Although the story kept up the repetitiveness of Julia's constant speaking of the Duke's control over her and her circumstances, at some point early on in the story she should have developed a backbone to break free.
In summary, was I blown over by this story...not so much as the first book but it was an enjoyable enough read. I did like the slight build on Brina's character and am hoping the next would be about her story.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3- Stars
April 9, 2020
This is my first Amelia Grey. This book reads fine as a standalone having not read book #1.
This book started out absolutely amazing. I was totally in love with everything. It starts with the heroine, Julia, playing in the park with her 4 year old son and getting stuck in a tree while trying to get his butterfly net out. She meets the hero, Garret, this way while waiting for her son and maid to go get help. I adored that scene. It was such a wonderful meeting, a bit silly and somehow built this beautiful tension between the characters. Established their personalities enough that you knew being a mother was important to Julia, as well as her reputation, yet she longed for more freedom and how Garret has been searching for something to help him settle down (he has been a sailor for many years) and thinks he finds it in Julia.
I really think you should try this book if you like
~not overly explicit sex scenes. There were 2 scenes I believe and while I prefer a lot more detail and explicitness, I couldn't deny some beautiful prose in them. Very focused on the feeling and emotions and not the mechanics of it. If you like sweet books or fade to black this might work for you as well, they were well done in that aspect.
~A solid hero. Not sure what word would be best to describe him. Devoted? He is wholeheartedly there for his heroine, no matter what. He's not casting off marriage for some awful reason we all roll our eyes at, he's not trying to dupe his dad with a sham marriage, he is just infatuated with Julia and it never wavers until it becomes a full love.
~The hero rescues heroine trope. While she's not totally defenseless, her sex and time period have left her little options to help herself. The hero helps save her from her troubles.
~You like a widow or a mother as a heroine. Julia was also a vegetarian and I found that unique.
If that is enough to intrigue you, I suggest you give it a try. I, however, am extremely picky and the book kept losing it's steam and my interest as I read on. Specific spoilers ahead regarding my dislikes, please avoid if you don't want to know!
Thanks netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All these opinions and thoughts are my own.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
This book started out absolutely amazing. I was totally in love with everything. It starts with the heroine, Julia, playing in the park with her 4 year old son and getting stuck in a tree while trying to get his butterfly net out. She meets the hero, Garret, this way while waiting for her son and maid to go get help. I adored that scene. It was such a wonderful meeting, a bit silly and somehow built this beautiful tension between the characters. Established their personalities enough that you knew being a mother was important to Julia, as well as her reputation, yet she longed for more freedom and how Garret has been searching for something to help him settle down (he has been a sailor for many years) and thinks he finds it in Julia.
I really think you should try this book if you like
~not overly explicit sex scenes. There were 2 scenes I believe and while I prefer a lot more detail and explicitness, I couldn't deny some beautiful prose in them. Very focused on the feeling and emotions and not the mechanics of it. If you like sweet books or fade to black this might work for you as well, they were well done in that aspect.
~A solid hero. Not sure what word would be best to describe him. Devoted? He is wholeheartedly there for his heroine, no matter what. He's not casting off marriage for some awful reason we all roll our eyes at, he's not trying to dupe his dad with a sham marriage, he is just infatuated with Julia and it never wavers until it becomes a full love.
~The hero rescues heroine trope. While she's not totally defenseless, her sex and time period have left her little options to help herself. The hero helps save her from her troubles.
~You like a widow or a mother as a heroine. Julia was also a vegetarian and I found that unique.
If that is enough to intrigue you, I suggest you give it a try. I, however, am extremely picky and the book kept losing it's steam and my interest as I read on. Specific spoilers ahead regarding my dislikes, please avoid if you don't want to know!
Thanks netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All these opinions and thoughts are my own.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
May 1, 2020
Risking a second chance!
A brilliant beginning had me on the edge of my seat waiting for more. Julia Fairbright is a widow laboring under the demands of a harsh father-in-law whose never forgiven her for marrying his son.
Her authoritarian father-in-law, the Duke of Sprogfield, a stickler for stringent etiquette and behavior forms, who relished the good opinion of society, a standing he basked in, has threatened to cut Julia off from her son if she ever deviates from his tyrannical demands around her code of behavior. Julia knows that he is not the honorable figure he presents to society and needs to find the proof that will give her leverage for her and her son to live independently.
Garrett Stockton meets Julia under unusual cumstances. He is immediately drawn to her, and as they see more of each other their regard deepens. Garrett is determined to pursue her and he does so by being the stalwart rock she can depend on.
There are some amusing situations that include the cooking episode with Julia and her friend Brina, which also serves as a comment on the expectations of what women in society should do.
An enjoyable story that surprisingly lost some of its energy as the story progresses. I'm unsure why because plenty of situations arise that should've been more charged.
A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley
A brilliant beginning had me on the edge of my seat waiting for more. Julia Fairbright is a widow laboring under the demands of a harsh father-in-law whose never forgiven her for marrying his son.
Her authoritarian father-in-law, the Duke of Sprogfield, a stickler for stringent etiquette and behavior forms, who relished the good opinion of society, a standing he basked in, has threatened to cut Julia off from her son if she ever deviates from his tyrannical demands around her code of behavior. Julia knows that he is not the honorable figure he presents to society and needs to find the proof that will give her leverage for her and her son to live independently.
Garrett Stockton meets Julia under unusual cumstances. He is immediately drawn to her, and as they see more of each other their regard deepens. Garrett is determined to pursue her and he does so by being the stalwart rock she can depend on.
There are some amusing situations that include the cooking episode with Julia and her friend Brina, which also serves as a comment on the expectations of what women in society should do.
An enjoyable story that surprisingly lost some of its energy as the story progresses. I'm unsure why because plenty of situations arise that should've been more charged.
A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley
Read
August 18, 2021Dnf 36% Insta-lust...Yawn... It's not bad, just can't see it stretch above adequate and right now, I need a more than adequate distraction.
February 14, 2020
Julia is a widow with a young son, but has to live under the strict rules of her publicly pious father-in-law. Since he happens to be a Duke, his decisions rule the roost so to speak and can I just say he was a jerk! Julia is trying to find a way to escape his clutches and keep her son with her, but her efforts are turning fruitless. Enter Garrett.
A chance encounter at the park, in a tree no less, Garrett is fascinated by Julia. Literally, all I could think was Garrett was like a moth to a flame. Time and time again he found himself in her company, content to do whatever she asked him to because 1) he got to spend time with her and 2) once he realized her predicament, he was determined to help her find an escape. It was nice, but Julia directed everything and Garrett just went along...okay, that drove me nutty. I wanted a little balance between the two.
To be honest, I didn’t connect with any of the characters. I felt like I was being told a story instead of being in the story, if that makes sense. Most of the story was Julia’s thoughts and wishes on what she would do-just her and son- when she was free. And Garrett could have been better developed as a character. I felt like he would pop up when something needed and /or would happen, and then we were back to Julia.
I wanted to feel something, but I just didn’t have a vested interest in Julia and Garrett’s relationship.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/St. Martins and this is my honest review.
A chance encounter at the park, in a tree no less, Garrett is fascinated by Julia. Literally, all I could think was Garrett was like a moth to a flame. Time and time again he found himself in her company, content to do whatever she asked him to because 1) he got to spend time with her and 2) once he realized her predicament, he was determined to help her find an escape. It was nice, but Julia directed everything and Garrett just went along...okay, that drove me nutty. I wanted a little balance between the two.
To be honest, I didn’t connect with any of the characters. I felt like I was being told a story instead of being in the story, if that makes sense. Most of the story was Julia’s thoughts and wishes on what she would do-just her and son- when she was free. And Garrett could have been better developed as a character. I felt like he would pop up when something needed and /or would happen, and then we were back to Julia.
I wanted to feel something, but I just didn’t have a vested interest in Julia and Garrett’s relationship.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/St. Martins and this is my honest review.
August 27, 2020
Just as in the first book of this series, we have another widow. This one is Julia Fairbright and she has defied convention and made a life for herself and her son. Meeting a notorious rogue soon begins to change Julia's outlook.
Garret Stockton may be a rogue with plenty of women in his past but there is one woman that just might change everything for him and that is Julia. They are a lot a like, and what is more they share an undeniable attraction to one another. Before long Garrett soon wonders if he will be ready to settle down, and not only become a husband, but a father as well.
Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Garret Stockton may be a rogue with plenty of women in his past but there is one woman that just might change everything for him and that is Julia. They are a lot a like, and what is more they share an undeniable attraction to one another. Before long Garrett soon wonders if he will be ready to settle down, and not only become a husband, but a father as well.
Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 19, 2020
Series: First Comes Love #2
Publication Date: 4/28/20
Number of Pages: 352
** 3.5 Stars **
In the first book of the series, The Earl Next Door, we learned about the sinking of the Salty Dove and the impact that had on the families of the passengers and crew. We also met and got to know the ladies who are featured in this series and their struggles to come to grips with what happened by creating a school to educate the young girls who were orphaned by the sinking. While this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. The writing was good, I liked the characters in general, the story had promise, but I did find myself skimming portions of it. If you like a lot of steam in your books, you won’t find it in this one. There are a couple of love scenes, but they are told more from an emotional standpoint than from a more graphic one. That part is fine with me as I’m happy with no steam or a lot of steam – as long as they are done well.
Julia was being forced into a vile marriage she didn’t want and Kitson’s father was trying to force him into an arranged marriage that would benefit both families. Kitson very much wanted to defy his nasty father and Julia wanted to avoid marriage to a man who was her father’s age – their solution was to run away and marry at Gretna Green. Theirs wasn’t a love match, but it worked well enough for them – until Kitson died on the Salty Dove and Julia was left expecting and under the very firm control of her father-in-law, the Duke of Sprogsfield. After four years of widowhood, she’s just as tightly under his control as she ever was – and she’s looking for a way out. The duke has told her she is welcome to leave any time she likes, but his grandson will remain with him. Now she has a plan for them to escape – can she pull it off?
Garrett Stockton wanted more from his life than living on a stipend doled out by a titled relative. His father was perfectly happy with that life and tried to raise Garett to be the same way, but it just didn’t sit well with Garrett. Garrett’s father was very good at reading people and he was very lucky. When Garrett tried to convince him to put those talents into a business, his father was appalled. Gentlemen didn’t work or engage in trade! So, when Garrett’s father died, Garrett took off in a ship that his father had won in a card game and turned that ship into a very successful shipping fleet. Now, the ton doesn’t know what to make of Garrett. Is he still a gentleman? Not by many standards, but he is very wealthy. After all these years, Garrett is getting restless and wants more in his life – he wants a home. Not just any home – he wants the one he was raised in, the one his father said they could never own because it belonged to the title. He just has to get his titled relative to sell it.
I loved the initial meeting between Julia and Garrett. It was witty and entertaining. They were instantly attracted to each other, but Julia knew she could never act on any attraction because that would go against the Duke’s dictates of how she should live her life. Garrett just wanted to be with her, to help her any way he could. As he wins her trust and they manage to spend time together, she comes to trust him and believe in him. If they can outwit the duke, will they have their HEA?
All-in-all, it was a cute story, but just didn’t have any real depth nor character growth. I think the duke overshadowed the romance because 99.9% of the conversations and interactions centered around him rather than them getting to know each other. Some things dragged on too long and if those had been shortened, then more time could have been spent developing the main characters and their relationship. I will be looking forward to seeing how the next book goes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 4/28/20
Number of Pages: 352
** 3.5 Stars **
In the first book of the series, The Earl Next Door, we learned about the sinking of the Salty Dove and the impact that had on the families of the passengers and crew. We also met and got to know the ladies who are featured in this series and their struggles to come to grips with what happened by creating a school to educate the young girls who were orphaned by the sinking. While this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. The writing was good, I liked the characters in general, the story had promise, but I did find myself skimming portions of it. If you like a lot of steam in your books, you won’t find it in this one. There are a couple of love scenes, but they are told more from an emotional standpoint than from a more graphic one. That part is fine with me as I’m happy with no steam or a lot of steam – as long as they are done well.
Julia was being forced into a vile marriage she didn’t want and Kitson’s father was trying to force him into an arranged marriage that would benefit both families. Kitson very much wanted to defy his nasty father and Julia wanted to avoid marriage to a man who was her father’s age – their solution was to run away and marry at Gretna Green. Theirs wasn’t a love match, but it worked well enough for them – until Kitson died on the Salty Dove and Julia was left expecting and under the very firm control of her father-in-law, the Duke of Sprogsfield. After four years of widowhood, she’s just as tightly under his control as she ever was – and she’s looking for a way out. The duke has told her she is welcome to leave any time she likes, but his grandson will remain with him. Now she has a plan for them to escape – can she pull it off?
Garrett Stockton wanted more from his life than living on a stipend doled out by a titled relative. His father was perfectly happy with that life and tried to raise Garett to be the same way, but it just didn’t sit well with Garrett. Garrett’s father was very good at reading people and he was very lucky. When Garrett tried to convince him to put those talents into a business, his father was appalled. Gentlemen didn’t work or engage in trade! So, when Garrett’s father died, Garrett took off in a ship that his father had won in a card game and turned that ship into a very successful shipping fleet. Now, the ton doesn’t know what to make of Garrett. Is he still a gentleman? Not by many standards, but he is very wealthy. After all these years, Garrett is getting restless and wants more in his life – he wants a home. Not just any home – he wants the one he was raised in, the one his father said they could never own because it belonged to the title. He just has to get his titled relative to sell it.
I loved the initial meeting between Julia and Garrett. It was witty and entertaining. They were instantly attracted to each other, but Julia knew she could never act on any attraction because that would go against the Duke’s dictates of how she should live her life. Garrett just wanted to be with her, to help her any way he could. As he wins her trust and they manage to spend time together, she comes to trust him and believe in him. If they can outwit the duke, will they have their HEA?
All-in-all, it was a cute story, but just didn’t have any real depth nor character growth. I think the duke overshadowed the romance because 99.9% of the conversations and interactions centered around him rather than them getting to know each other. Some things dragged on too long and if those had been shortened, then more time could have been spent developing the main characters and their relationship. I will be looking forward to seeing how the next book goes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 23, 2020
Lady Kitson Fairbright, widowed and mother of Chatwyn is at the mercy of her father in law, the Duke of Sprogsfield. He is control of the property that became her husband's upon their marriage and won't let her take her son and set up house elsewhere. He threatens her often with taking her child, so when she overhears a conversation that has the possibility of her escape from his prison, she is determined to make it work.
Garrett Stockton, a charming rogue is in town and spies her in a bit of a jam. He falls for her as he assists her out of it and continues to try to assist, even as she resists his efforts.
A charming historical romance, with a villain or two, a hero, and a few heroines. Skillfully crafted with vivid descriptions of the settings and characters.
Ms. Grey combines, intrigue, humor and romance in this tale chronicaling the difficulty of women in this era trying to do good.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion gratis.
Garrett Stockton, a charming rogue is in town and spies her in a bit of a jam. He falls for her as he assists her out of it and continues to try to assist, even as she resists his efforts.
A charming historical romance, with a villain or two, a hero, and a few heroines. Skillfully crafted with vivid descriptions of the settings and characters.
Ms. Grey combines, intrigue, humor and romance in this tale chronicaling the difficulty of women in this era trying to do good.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion gratis.
July 16, 2020
Enticing, witty, and seductive!
Gone With the Rogue is set in London during the early 1800s and features the independent, spirited widow, Julia Fairbright and the dashingly handsome, womanizer, Garrett Stockton as they navigate undeniable attraction, a mystery involving scandalous businesses and encrypted documents, and an overbearing, controlling, powerful father-in-law.
The prose is engaging and light. The characters are resolute, focused, and passionate. And the plot is a push-pull tale of familial drama, scoundrel behaviour, mystique, admiration, chemistry, friendship, tricky mishaps, danger, and steamy romance.
Overall, Gone With the Rogue is a fervent, amusing, alluring read by Grey that is an enjoyable, solid addition to the First Comes Love series.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Gone With the Rogue is set in London during the early 1800s and features the independent, spirited widow, Julia Fairbright and the dashingly handsome, womanizer, Garrett Stockton as they navigate undeniable attraction, a mystery involving scandalous businesses and encrypted documents, and an overbearing, controlling, powerful father-in-law.
The prose is engaging and light. The characters are resolute, focused, and passionate. And the plot is a push-pull tale of familial drama, scoundrel behaviour, mystique, admiration, chemistry, friendship, tricky mishaps, danger, and steamy romance.
Overall, Gone With the Rogue is a fervent, amusing, alluring read by Grey that is an enjoyable, solid addition to the First Comes Love series.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2020
I received a courtesy copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review. This has been an enjoyable read for me, a story that reflects the opinions of its time. Julia is a widow who is trapped by the hatred of her father in law. She has a mission, that is she wants to break free from the clutches of the Duke and the only way to do it is to find evidence against his respectability. When this strong and stubborn lady encounters the most unruly man of London, she decides to take the risk and thanks to his help lady Julia will finally have the chance to uncover the schemings of the Duke. A regency romance with hints of passion between the hero and the heroine that will inflame the heart of the reader.
July 29, 2020
Sweet book!
This story was very nice and sweet. I felt that is was a slow pace but I didn’t mind that. There was no OW conflict or jealousy. It was a clean read. So for those of you who love that, this historical romance is perfect!
I also want to add that I mostly read historical romance books and prefer explicit and steamy scenes. This book didn’t have that. I enjoyed the book but I also didn’t stay up late at night because I was eager to find out what happens next. It usually takes me 1-2 days to read a book. It took me about 6 days to read this one.
This story was very nice and sweet. I felt that is was a slow pace but I didn’t mind that. There was no OW conflict or jealousy. It was a clean read. So for those of you who love that, this historical romance is perfect!
I also want to add that I mostly read historical romance books and prefer explicit and steamy scenes. This book didn’t have that. I enjoyed the book but I also didn’t stay up late at night because I was eager to find out what happens next. It usually takes me 1-2 days to read a book. It took me about 6 days to read this one.
March 26, 2020
Gone With the Rogue is the second book in the First Comes Love series by Amelia Grey. It can be read as a standalone but I think you will enjoy it more if you have read the first book already.
Julia Fairbright is a widow with a young son. She lives with her controlling father-in-law who threatens to take her son away from her if she so much as thinks of courting another man. When she realises there is a way to blackmail him into letting her live her own life away from him without losing her son, she jumps at the chance. First, she needs some evidence.
Garrett Stockton owns a shipping business, his great love is the sea and he spends as much time on it as possible. His friend is getting married in London and for that reason, Garrett is on land once again. On his first day back he encounters Julia in, of all places, a tree! From the minute he sees her he is captivated.
After getting to know her Garrett convinces her to let him help her get the evidence she needs in order to win her freedom from her Father-in-Law. It's not going to be easy, if possible at all, but they are both determined to succeed. If at the same time they find themselves mutually attracted to each other and maybe sharing a kiss or two, well that's just a bonus for them both. Could it turn into more than a kiss? A future for them depends entirely on their mission being successful.
I thoroughly enjoyed Garrett and Julia's story. Garrett is the ultimate gentleman hero. He may have the reputation of a rogue, but he is far from it when it comes to Julia. I loved Julia's strength in trying to find a way to get away from her Father-in-Law. He is a terrible man who definitely goes the wrong way about trying to keep his grandson under his control.
There is only one thing that I wish was different in the story and that was how Julia at one point despite her feelings towards Garrett still chose her independence over anything else. I don't want to say too much about it, but I think the author might have been writing with political correctness in mind rather than romance being at the forefront. All ended well with the epilogue so that's the main thing.
I have read and enjoyed two books in this series now and am very much looking forward to the next one.
Julia Fairbright is a widow with a young son. She lives with her controlling father-in-law who threatens to take her son away from her if she so much as thinks of courting another man. When she realises there is a way to blackmail him into letting her live her own life away from him without losing her son, she jumps at the chance. First, she needs some evidence.
Garrett Stockton owns a shipping business, his great love is the sea and he spends as much time on it as possible. His friend is getting married in London and for that reason, Garrett is on land once again. On his first day back he encounters Julia in, of all places, a tree! From the minute he sees her he is captivated.
After getting to know her Garrett convinces her to let him help her get the evidence she needs in order to win her freedom from her Father-in-Law. It's not going to be easy, if possible at all, but they are both determined to succeed. If at the same time they find themselves mutually attracted to each other and maybe sharing a kiss or two, well that's just a bonus for them both. Could it turn into more than a kiss? A future for them depends entirely on their mission being successful.
I thoroughly enjoyed Garrett and Julia's story. Garrett is the ultimate gentleman hero. He may have the reputation of a rogue, but he is far from it when it comes to Julia. I loved Julia's strength in trying to find a way to get away from her Father-in-Law. He is a terrible man who definitely goes the wrong way about trying to keep his grandson under his control.
There is only one thing that I wish was different in the story and that was how Julia at one point despite her feelings towards Garrett still chose her independence over anything else. I don't want to say too much about it, but I think the author might have been writing with political correctness in mind rather than romance being at the forefront. All ended well with the epilogue so that's the main thing.
I have read and enjoyed two books in this series now and am very much looking forward to the next one.
May 12, 2020
After reading The Earl Next Door, I was eager to read Gone With the Rogue to get Julia's story.
Julia is a widow and is totally at the mercy of her father-in-law, who happens to be a duke. It's a situation which would have been very typical during that time where women had very little control over their own lives and were often at the mercy of the men in their families. In Julia's situation, her father-in-law wasn't treating her in the kindest manner and her situation was definitely not a good one. To make it more complicated she has a son and he is not above holding her son above her head. Basically he wants control over the boy. She needs to change her situation but she needs help to do so. At this point, enter the hero...Garrett Stockton. Even though he's known as a "rogue" in society...hence the title, he is chivalrous to Julia. Garrett proves himself to be a kind and caring man who is capable and willing to put others before himself.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Julia is a widow and is totally at the mercy of her father-in-law, who happens to be a duke. It's a situation which would have been very typical during that time where women had very little control over their own lives and were often at the mercy of the men in their families. In Julia's situation, her father-in-law wasn't treating her in the kindest manner and her situation was definitely not a good one. To make it more complicated she has a son and he is not above holding her son above her head. Basically he wants control over the boy. She needs to change her situation but she needs help to do so. At this point, enter the hero...Garrett Stockton. Even though he's known as a "rogue" in society...hence the title, he is chivalrous to Julia. Garrett proves himself to be a kind and caring man who is capable and willing to put others before himself.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2020
This is the second story in the series but can be read as a standalone. Lady Kitson ( Julia) is controlled by her father in law, the Duke of Sprogsfield. He dictates what she can do, where she can go and what to wear. She meets Mr. Garrett Stockton in an unusual circumstance. Garrett is a wealthy shipping merchant and has the reputation of a rogue. Garrett helps Julia to find evidence against her father in law, so that she can live her own life as she wants. As they work together, so their feelings for each other begin to grow. But will Julia want to marry again if she manages to be free from the duke’s control. They were two engaging characters. This story emphasises how little control women had in their life at this time. It was good to meet up with the other widows and the school. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 22, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this arc.
This was a light and easy read for me. While the author's intention seemed to be not just the romance but also to highlight the lack of women's rights during the Regency period, I did find the never ending repetitions of Julia's "abuse" at the hands of her father-in-law heavy handed. I found the main characters, Julia and Garrett to be somewhat one dimensional and less than fully developed/credible. BUT, character development and plot line credibility are reasons why I read Regency romances. I read them for entertainment and escape. Gone With the Rogue fulfilled with a short and sweet read.
This was a light and easy read for me. While the author's intention seemed to be not just the romance but also to highlight the lack of women's rights during the Regency period, I did find the never ending repetitions of Julia's "abuse" at the hands of her father-in-law heavy handed. I found the main characters, Julia and Garrett to be somewhat one dimensional and less than fully developed/credible. BUT, character development and plot line credibility are reasons why I read Regency romances. I read them for entertainment and escape. Gone With the Rogue fulfilled with a short and sweet read.
March 11, 2020
I enjoyed the second book in this series. Julia is a great heroine with a feisty spirit. She is being hindered by her dead husband’s father, the duke, because he rules her every move. If she doesn’t obey, she will lose her 4 year old son to him. She meets Garrett in the beginning of the book & sparks immediately fly. Garrett makes his living at sea & is only in London briefly. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens between this characters. I also look forward to the next book of the series!
August 20, 2021
Meh. This romance lacked the spark that makes me fall in love. The two main characters didn’t have a lot of chemistry together and never got to know them as a couple. I felt the story centered on Julia too much and not on the romance. Nothing remarkable about this book as a romance. Writing was good and I like this author, but this one is my least favorite from her.
May 3, 2020
I didn’t like The Earl Next Door, the first in this three book series about three widows finding new love, but I was convinced to give this one a try in hopes that I’d like the hero a bit better. And, thankfully, I did, because Garrett Stockton is a thoroughly decent man. Although he has the reputation of a rake, he doesn’t so much as look at any other woman than Julia in this book. From the first moment when he has to rescue her from being stuck up a tree, to his dedication to helping her out of an untenable circumstance, I liked him very much.
Julia, Lady Kitson Fairbright, liked her husband well enough but didn’t love him. She does, however, adore her four-year-old son Chatwyn, and will do anything for him. Unfortunately, she’s not her son’s guardian; that honour is held by her husband’s father, a duke who has definite ideas about how a widow should act and threatens Julia with the loss of her son to keep her toeing the line. When Julia discovers the duke’s pious act is a sham, she decides to find some proof in order to gain her leverage to escape his clutches with her son - and recruits Garrett to help her out.
The obvious solution to Julia’s problem, considering Garrett was a wealthy ship owner, was for them to just hop on board a ship with Chatwyn in tow, and defy the duke to do anything about it, and I really didn’t comprehend why Garrett didn’t suggest exactly that. Orders from an English court would have held exactly zero authority in America or Italy or any one of a number of other places Garrett was apparently familiar with and they could easily have defied the duke’s orders until Chatwyn came of age.
I did buy into the romance between Garrett and Julia - they had a rather charming meet-cute and honestly, when you’ve got two attractive people who are both honourable and decent, there’s no reason NOT to believe they could fall for each other quickly. However, we didn’t get a lot of character development, just repeated rehashes of Julia’s predicament and a couple of sex scenes - it didn’t even seem to occur to Julia that a pregnancy would REALLY mess up her situation when the duke found out. Logic and thinking through of consequences didn’t seem to be the strong point of either of these two.
This was pretty much just fluff, and the apparent inability of the characters to consider anything but the most obvious course of action was pretty frustrating. I didn’t hate it because I actually liked the two main characters, but it could have been so much better. Three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Julia, Lady Kitson Fairbright, liked her husband well enough but didn’t love him. She does, however, adore her four-year-old son Chatwyn, and will do anything for him. Unfortunately, she’s not her son’s guardian; that honour is held by her husband’s father, a duke who has definite ideas about how a widow should act and threatens Julia with the loss of her son to keep her toeing the line. When Julia discovers the duke’s pious act is a sham, she decides to find some proof in order to gain her leverage to escape his clutches with her son - and recruits Garrett to help her out.
The obvious solution to Julia’s problem, considering Garrett was a wealthy ship owner, was for them to just hop on board a ship with Chatwyn in tow, and defy the duke to do anything about it, and I really didn’t comprehend why Garrett didn’t suggest exactly that. Orders from an English court would have held exactly zero authority in America or Italy or any one of a number of other places Garrett was apparently familiar with and they could easily have defied the duke’s orders until Chatwyn came of age.
I did buy into the romance between Garrett and Julia - they had a rather charming meet-cute and honestly, when you’ve got two attractive people who are both honourable and decent, there’s no reason NOT to believe they could fall for each other quickly. However, we didn’t get a lot of character development, just repeated rehashes of Julia’s predicament and a couple of sex scenes - it didn’t even seem to occur to Julia that a pregnancy would REALLY mess up her situation when the duke found out. Logic and thinking through of consequences didn’t seem to be the strong point of either of these two.
This was pretty much just fluff, and the apparent inability of the characters to consider anything but the most obvious course of action was pretty frustrating. I didn’t hate it because I actually liked the two main characters, but it could have been so much better. Three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
May 10, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and author Amelia Gray for giving me the opportunity to read and review this lovely romance.
Julia Fairbright became a widow after her husband was lost in a shipwreck. She has pulled her life together for her young son Chatwyn. She would like to be more on her own and move on with her life, but her father-in-law, referred to as the Duke, has her under his control by telling her that she cannot leave his home with his grandson. He is extremely controlling on many levels in how Julia is to live her life and how Chatwyn should be raised. The only thing Julia has on her own is a girls' school that she and a couple of her widowed friends have established.
One day when Julia is in the park with her son, the butterfly net and part of her clothing become stuck in the branch of a tree. Garrett Stockton comes to her rescue. He has a reputation as a rogue and a scoundrel, but he is a true gentleman to Julia and her child.
Garrett, who is a successful businessman and on the edge of Society, could have and has had many women. He can't understand his instant attraction to Julia, but is determined to get to know her better and help when he can.
It has been quite a while since I have read a Regency romance, but author Amelia Grey brings all the right elements to a story that is both sensuous and uplifting. Historical romances take more research to be authentic and I always appreciate those who have done their homework and make you feel you are right there in that time and place.
Garrett and Julia are two wonderful characters who are easy to root for as they deal with the culture and customs that made Regency England often unfair to women. I loved that Julia was such a gracious person who used her money to help young girls while so many upper class women of that era lead lives of leisure.
Romances have been an important part of my life when things were difficult and dark. I write this during the Coronavirus pandemic and we do need love during this time to lift our spirits and escape from everyday worries.
This book was considered the second in a series, but it stands well on its own. Amelia Grey is a new to me author. I will definitely being looking to read more of hers.
Julia Fairbright became a widow after her husband was lost in a shipwreck. She has pulled her life together for her young son Chatwyn. She would like to be more on her own and move on with her life, but her father-in-law, referred to as the Duke, has her under his control by telling her that she cannot leave his home with his grandson. He is extremely controlling on many levels in how Julia is to live her life and how Chatwyn should be raised. The only thing Julia has on her own is a girls' school that she and a couple of her widowed friends have established.
One day when Julia is in the park with her son, the butterfly net and part of her clothing become stuck in the branch of a tree. Garrett Stockton comes to her rescue. He has a reputation as a rogue and a scoundrel, but he is a true gentleman to Julia and her child.
Garrett, who is a successful businessman and on the edge of Society, could have and has had many women. He can't understand his instant attraction to Julia, but is determined to get to know her better and help when he can.
It has been quite a while since I have read a Regency romance, but author Amelia Grey brings all the right elements to a story that is both sensuous and uplifting. Historical romances take more research to be authentic and I always appreciate those who have done their homework and make you feel you are right there in that time and place.
Garrett and Julia are two wonderful characters who are easy to root for as they deal with the culture and customs that made Regency England often unfair to women. I loved that Julia was such a gracious person who used her money to help young girls while so many upper class women of that era lead lives of leisure.
Romances have been an important part of my life when things were difficult and dark. I write this during the Coronavirus pandemic and we do need love during this time to lift our spirits and escape from everyday worries.
This book was considered the second in a series, but it stands well on its own. Amelia Grey is a new to me author. I will definitely being looking to read more of hers.
April 28, 2020
Lady Julia Fairbright, widow, mother of little Chatwyn, wanted to break free from the yoke of her father-in-law, the Duke of Sprogsfield, who never forgave her for misrepresenting his youngest son and preventing him from marrying a more influential family lady. It would not do to explain to the duke that the marriage between her and Kitson, when they eloped, was precisely because they both wanted to escape the future plans of those who had raised them.
The duke, a man raised to be a priest, but who ended up inheriting the title, was an uncompromising man, who saw sin in everything.
But Julia had overheard a conversation and discovered that her father-in-law was not that holy. He had illegal businesses whose documents were hidden in his London town house.
Determined to find the documents and show the world the duke's real nature, Julia travels to London.
But her free-spirited and impetuous demeanor puts her in an awkward situation when she is trapped on a tree branch.
To Julia's dismay, she is helped by one of London's biggest rakes, Mr Garrett Stockton, also very wealthy, who built his company in St James, Stockton Shipping Company by himself.
Garrett had just docked, after a long voyage by ship, and had two goals: to ride in Hyde Park and to be accompanied by a beautiful woman.
Total surprise when he sees a lady trapped in the top of a tree. As he helps her, he is increasingly fascinated by her personality (and luckily, she was a widow, she was available). But he also realizes that she up something for no good.
He immediately makes himself available to assist her in her plans for freedom, while at no time does he hide from her the interest he has in getting to know her more intimately.
Julia knows Garrett's bad reputation, but can't resist the strong attraction between them...
5 stars
The duke, a man raised to be a priest, but who ended up inheriting the title, was an uncompromising man, who saw sin in everything.
But Julia had overheard a conversation and discovered that her father-in-law was not that holy. He had illegal businesses whose documents were hidden in his London town house.
Determined to find the documents and show the world the duke's real nature, Julia travels to London.
But her free-spirited and impetuous demeanor puts her in an awkward situation when she is trapped on a tree branch.
To Julia's dismay, she is helped by one of London's biggest rakes, Mr Garrett Stockton, also very wealthy, who built his company in St James, Stockton Shipping Company by himself.
Garrett had just docked, after a long voyage by ship, and had two goals: to ride in Hyde Park and to be accompanied by a beautiful woman.
Total surprise when he sees a lady trapped in the top of a tree. As he helps her, he is increasingly fascinated by her personality (and luckily, she was a widow, she was available). But he also realizes that she up something for no good.
He immediately makes himself available to assist her in her plans for freedom, while at no time does he hide from her the interest he has in getting to know her more intimately.
Julia knows Garrett's bad reputation, but can't resist the strong attraction between them...
5 stars
April 29, 2020
This is the second book in this series and I recommend reading the first book, you could probably get away with it but I still recommend to get the whole picture. So we met Julia who is one of the widows that lost their spouses in the salty dove, so between her and her two other friends they started a school for the kids of the workers who lost their life in the salty dove (ship that sank). Julia had lost her husband and now she was a single mother who was under her husband fathers thumb, he was a stickler and had threatened that if she was caught in any scandal he would take her son away, she was miserable. She gets stuck in a tree and is saved by Garret Stockton and they immediately get attracted to each other, I mean immediately but I guess that happened in the last book too. She is intrigued but knows she has to stay away do to the duke, but she is hoping on finding info on the duke that she could blackmail her freedom from and Garrett is insisting on helping since he wants Julia for his own, but Garet has never been known on sticking around since he is a captain. but will he, I enjoyed reading about Brina but I have to say I was sad that we didn't get anytime with Adeline and I didn't like that considering they were supposed to be such good friends and always there for each other, and at no time did we get anything..Hope we get a little of both couples in next book.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
February 23, 2020
“I’m not going to leave you. I’ll be here waiting for you when you are ready for us to make a home together”... She had no doubt he was settling his claim on her and leaving no room for anyone else.
Julia is a young widow held captive by her father in laws threats to take her son if she doesn’t do exactly as he commands. His requests are oppressive and constant. She longs to be free to make her son and live a build a new life of her own. An overheard conversation leads her to believe her pious father in law isn’t all that he seems to be.
Garret has long loved the sea. Priding himself on running his own shipping company and being a gentleman, he had never let London hold him in its grasp. When a chance meeting at the park leads to him rescuing a woman from near disaster, he wonders if the sea will even hold the same appeal again.
This was an interesting read. I thought it was more a modern romance that happened to be set in the Regency era. A few of the main character’s qualities were just a little too modern for me. While it was cute, the love story left me wanting a little more depth between Julia and Garret.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the advance reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Julia is a young widow held captive by her father in laws threats to take her son if she doesn’t do exactly as he commands. His requests are oppressive and constant. She longs to be free to make her son and live a build a new life of her own. An overheard conversation leads her to believe her pious father in law isn’t all that he seems to be.
Garret has long loved the sea. Priding himself on running his own shipping company and being a gentleman, he had never let London hold him in its grasp. When a chance meeting at the park leads to him rescuing a woman from near disaster, he wonders if the sea will even hold the same appeal again.
This was an interesting read. I thought it was more a modern romance that happened to be set in the Regency era. A few of the main character’s qualities were just a little too modern for me. While it was cute, the love story left me wanting a little more depth between Julia and Garret.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the advance reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 22, 2020
I often think I would have loved living in the Regency era but then I read stories like this one and it reminds me how little say women had back then. To be ruled by men like the old Duke (her father in law) would make me want to run away like Julia wants to do!!
Happy is the day when Julia meets Garrett and the attraction is immediate and mutual. He's so different than the men she's had in her life, he doesn't want to rule her but to help her. Passions flare and the chase is on to find the proof she needs to uncover the truth about the old Duke who threatens to take her son away if she doesn't do and act as he demands.
The story is a bit slow in some places but then you have hilarious scenes like when Julia and her best friend Brina decide to try to bake bread and make soup:)
I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Happy is the day when Julia meets Garrett and the attraction is immediate and mutual. He's so different than the men she's had in her life, he doesn't want to rule her but to help her. Passions flare and the chase is on to find the proof she needs to uncover the truth about the old Duke who threatens to take her son away if she doesn't do and act as he demands.
The story is a bit slow in some places but then you have hilarious scenes like when Julia and her best friend Brina decide to try to bake bread and make soup:)
I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 20, 2020
Widowhood hasn't brought the freedom it should have for Lady Julia Fairbright. Though she mourned her husband, theirs was largely a marriage of convenience, but their elopement displeased her father-in-law, the Duke of Sprogsfield, and now, if she wants to stay with her son, Julia must abide by the duke's staunch rules of propriety. When she meets handsome adventurer, Garrett Stockton, Julia finds a stir of attraction she'd thought long dead, but the only way she'll ever have the freedom to pursue her own happiness, without losing her son, is if she can prove to the rest of society just how deplorable the duke really is behind his pious facade.
As the distant relation of an earl, Garrett Stockton has been welcomed to cling to the fringes of society, but unlike his father, Garrett was not content to depend on the charity of distant relatives for his living and instead delved into the institution scorned by the aristocracy: trade. Now the owner of a successful shipping company and exceedingly wealthy, Garrett remains somewhat of an enigma to society. Rumors constantly circulate about his roguish tendencies and reckless wanderings, but Garrett is thinking increasingly more about settling down and remaining in England, especially after he meets a lady whose thirst for independence matches his own. A light-hearted flirtation rapidly evolves into true feelings and soon Garrett is ready to claim Julia and her son as his own and determined to help her attain her freedom from a life under the duke's thumb.
This book started out so very strong and I was tearing right through it and then somewhere around the 60% mark it just lost steam and became rather discombobulated. The characters were decently likable, the villain detestable, but the heroine quickly became rather vapid for me and the love scenes were extremely tame. Some scenes toward the end drug out too much and seemed irrelevant to the storyline, at least the story between Garrett and Julia. We mostly have instalove here with Garrett falling much harder for Julia than she did for him and I mostly felt like she was using him for much of the book and stringing him along, even after the threat of the duke was removed. I also felt like this was handled a bit too quickly as well. This was a fine read to pass the time, but nothing to really write home about.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As the distant relation of an earl, Garrett Stockton has been welcomed to cling to the fringes of society, but unlike his father, Garrett was not content to depend on the charity of distant relatives for his living and instead delved into the institution scorned by the aristocracy: trade. Now the owner of a successful shipping company and exceedingly wealthy, Garrett remains somewhat of an enigma to society. Rumors constantly circulate about his roguish tendencies and reckless wanderings, but Garrett is thinking increasingly more about settling down and remaining in England, especially after he meets a lady whose thirst for independence matches his own. A light-hearted flirtation rapidly evolves into true feelings and soon Garrett is ready to claim Julia and her son as his own and determined to help her attain her freedom from a life under the duke's thumb.
This book started out so very strong and I was tearing right through it and then somewhere around the 60% mark it just lost steam and became rather discombobulated. The characters were decently likable, the villain detestable, but the heroine quickly became rather vapid for me and the love scenes were extremely tame. Some scenes toward the end drug out too much and seemed irrelevant to the storyline, at least the story between Garrett and Julia. We mostly have instalove here with Garrett falling much harder for Julia than she did for him and I mostly felt like she was using him for much of the book and stringing him along, even after the threat of the duke was removed. I also felt like this was handled a bit too quickly as well. This was a fine read to pass the time, but nothing to really write home about.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 31, 2020
I have been a fan of Amelia Grey for a long time. I enjoyed this book but it was not my favorite. The story is about Julia Fairbright’s who is trying to create a proper life for herself and her young son after her husband died. Garrett Stockton owns a successful shipping company of course his likes Julia. The characters and the story were well developed.
April 19, 2020
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
Gone with the Rogue is the second installment in the First Comes love series. It can be read independently of the series with little to no confusion as a standalone.
As the daughter-in-law of a duke, a widowed Julia Fairbright is left to raise her son without a father. Under the duke's protection, Julia struggles as her son is used as a leash to keep her under control. Imprisoned by society as a woman, trapped due to her circumstances, after many years, Julia is willing to do anything to gain some independence while keeping her son. An animal cornered.
Julia resonated deeply with me, her emotions were spot-on in the beginning, the eggshell walking, the hopelessness of being trapped in a way of life that she didn't want to lead, while feeling as if there was no way out.
In walks in Garrett Stockton, the roguish charming shipping scoundrel. As a prominent business owner, he's always on the fringes, catching sight of Julia. Always getting what he wants, and he wants Julia. Instant attraction, instant need and want, leads to instant love.
As a reader, I'm more prone to believe in the romance if it's more on the slower-building side. If it's too instant, I have a hard time connecting. While a faster pace keeps me engaged while reading, the emotions don't necessarily ring true for me. I enjoyed both characters independently of one another, wanted them to find their HEAs with one another, the journey there left me wanting more, maybe wanting something else.
I was confused, because there were scenes were I adored the banter, but other times I felt a disconnect, as if reading different characters with the same names. Sometimes the characterization was rich and alive, other times it came off as one-dimensional, shallow, with forced interaction.
I enjoyed the story, but was confused by how sometimes it felt like I was reading a different book from one scene to the next. The vibe. The way Julia and Garrett interacted with one another and others around them.
A worthy addition to the series, I do look forward to more, and do recommend to fans of the author and historical romance.
Gone with the Rogue is the second installment in the First Comes love series. It can be read independently of the series with little to no confusion as a standalone.
As the daughter-in-law of a duke, a widowed Julia Fairbright is left to raise her son without a father. Under the duke's protection, Julia struggles as her son is used as a leash to keep her under control. Imprisoned by society as a woman, trapped due to her circumstances, after many years, Julia is willing to do anything to gain some independence while keeping her son. An animal cornered.
Julia resonated deeply with me, her emotions were spot-on in the beginning, the eggshell walking, the hopelessness of being trapped in a way of life that she didn't want to lead, while feeling as if there was no way out.
In walks in Garrett Stockton, the roguish charming shipping scoundrel. As a prominent business owner, he's always on the fringes, catching sight of Julia. Always getting what he wants, and he wants Julia. Instant attraction, instant need and want, leads to instant love.
As a reader, I'm more prone to believe in the romance if it's more on the slower-building side. If it's too instant, I have a hard time connecting. While a faster pace keeps me engaged while reading, the emotions don't necessarily ring true for me. I enjoyed both characters independently of one another, wanted them to find their HEAs with one another, the journey there left me wanting more, maybe wanting something else.
I was confused, because there were scenes were I adored the banter, but other times I felt a disconnect, as if reading different characters with the same names. Sometimes the characterization was rich and alive, other times it came off as one-dimensional, shallow, with forced interaction.
I enjoyed the story, but was confused by how sometimes it felt like I was reading a different book from one scene to the next. The vibe. The way Julia and Garrett interacted with one another and others around them.
A worthy addition to the series, I do look forward to more, and do recommend to fans of the author and historical romance.
March 12, 2020
Julia has been widowed for four years after her husband died in a shipwreck. Since her husband's death, she has been effectively a prisoner of her father-in-law, who is a Duke. The Duke refused to allow her to move on or out without leaving Julia's son behind. When she finds out information that can show the world the Duke isn't the pious, upstanding man they think he is, she thinks she can use it to get from under his thumb.
Garrett owns a shipping company and hasn't stayed put in England for many years. He has returned to England for the wedding of his closest friend. He has also returned because the allure of adventure isn't as strong as it had been.
A chance encounter at the park brings Julia and Garret together and sets them on a path to love.
I so so so wanted to love this book. And there were moments where I did love it - basically any scene where it was just Julia and Garrett. But there were a lot of things that didn't work so well for me. For example, Julia and Garrett have sex literally the fourth time they see each other, which couldn't have been more than a week since the first time they meet. Their connection was clearly very strong, and I'm not judging them for jumping in bed together - but it seemed kind of out of character for both of them. Plus during that encounter they both profess to have been "waiting" for each other. Garrett says that he hasn't been interested in another woman since he saw Julia for the first time - what like 7 days ago? Wow give the man a medal.
I think there just wasn't a lot of depth to either Julia or Garrett's character. There were hints about it - but they never really came to anything.
Overall - this might be the book for you, it just wasn't for me.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are my own.
Garrett owns a shipping company and hasn't stayed put in England for many years. He has returned to England for the wedding of his closest friend. He has also returned because the allure of adventure isn't as strong as it had been.
A chance encounter at the park brings Julia and Garret together and sets them on a path to love.
I so so so wanted to love this book. And there were moments where I did love it - basically any scene where it was just Julia and Garrett. But there were a lot of things that didn't work so well for me. For example, Julia and Garrett have sex literally the fourth time they see each other, which couldn't have been more than a week since the first time they meet. Their connection was clearly very strong, and I'm not judging them for jumping in bed together - but it seemed kind of out of character for both of them. Plus during that encounter they both profess to have been "waiting" for each other. Garrett says that he hasn't been interested in another woman since he saw Julia for the first time - what like 7 days ago? Wow give the man a medal.
I think there just wasn't a lot of depth to either Julia or Garrett's character. There were hints about it - but they never really came to anything.
Overall - this might be the book for you, it just wasn't for me.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are my own.
May 4, 2020
Widow Julia Fairbright wants nothing more then to be free of her overbearing father-in-law, the Duke of Sprogfield. To avoid unwanted marriages, Julia and the duke’s son Kitson, ran away to Gretna Green and married. Theirs was not a love match, but they were happy together and all was well until Kitson died when the Salty Dove went down. Widowed and pregnant, Julia had no choice but to submit to the duke’s will. Four years later, the duke is still dictating and has made it clear, Julia can do as she wants, but if she wants to raise her son, she will abide by the duke’s rules. Julia may have found a way to escape the duke and keep her son, she just needs to find the evidence to bring him down.
Garrett Stockton was born a gentleman, but unlike his father, he is not content to be dependent on his titled relative. He takes a ship his father won in a card game and built a successful shipping empire. While rumored to have a woman in every port, the truth is Garrett has been happily married to the sea, but now he is back in England and longs for a home of his own. And when he meets Julia, he knows any home he has must include her and her son, so he agrees to help her find a way to outsmart the duke and gain her freedom, but once she is free, will she be willing to give up that freedom for a chance at true love?
This was a decent story that starts out strong, but loses steam as the story progresses. It is well written with likable characters, some amusing moments, a nasty villain, a wonderful hero, very mild love scenes and a HEA complete with an epilogue. I enjoyed this book, but I don’t think I would re-read it. The book is the second in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Garrett Stockton was born a gentleman, but unlike his father, he is not content to be dependent on his titled relative. He takes a ship his father won in a card game and built a successful shipping empire. While rumored to have a woman in every port, the truth is Garrett has been happily married to the sea, but now he is back in England and longs for a home of his own. And when he meets Julia, he knows any home he has must include her and her son, so he agrees to help her find a way to outsmart the duke and gain her freedom, but once she is free, will she be willing to give up that freedom for a chance at true love?
This was a decent story that starts out strong, but loses steam as the story progresses. It is well written with likable characters, some amusing moments, a nasty villain, a wonderful hero, very mild love scenes and a HEA complete with an epilogue. I enjoyed this book, but I don’t think I would re-read it. The book is the second in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews