A winter's heart... "Debonair, handsome and with a devil's smile. How could any woman resist?"
The Marquess of Winterbourne has long been guided by his Rules of the Rogue, but as emissary for the Crown, his next mission will break every single one. Sent to the wilds of Cornwall to beguile secrets from a country miss, the last thing this rogue expects is to unearth his own buried heart.
A taste of spring... "A rogue and a fribble. How could any woman succumb?"
Miss Tamsyn Penrose remains far from impressed by charming London scoundrel Lord Winterbourne, preferring a wild gallop over the moors to flashing black eyes and fulsome flattery. But as danger lurks and prejudice ebbs, she uncovers a complex man who awakens her hidden strength and arouses her forgotten fire.
Seasons collide...
Desire sparks and passion flares in this Cornish land of cove and tor. Can Tamsyn step from the shadow of her past? And will Jack Winterbourne tear up the rules for a woman who maddens his senses and thaws his heart?
A sensual Regency Romance with warmth and wit, this story also includes a fusty valet with a secondary love story, picnics, swordplay, peacocks and...piskies.
Emily grew up in the north of England on a diet of historical romance and strong tea.
Unfortunately, you couldn’t study Regency slang, so she did the next best thing and gained a degree in Classics and History instead. This ‘led’ to an eight-year stint in engineering.
Having left city life, she now lives in a dilapidated farmhouse where her days are spent writing, fixing the leaky roof, battling the endless vegetation and finding pictures of well-tied cravats.
For details of new releases or to get in touch, find Emily on:
4.25/5. A lovely book to finish off the 2020 reading year for me.
For years, the Marquess of Winterbourne has been shamelessly using his good looks and plentiful charms to cut a swath through the ladies of the ton - and to accomplish his clandestine missions for the Crown by seducing secrets out of the female targets. So when his next mission is to get information from a cloistered, innocent young lady in God-forsaken Cornwall, he got his long-suffering valet to pack his extravagantly flashy wardrobe, his embellished boots and and arsenal of weapons and he ready to is conquer and return back to town in almost no time (for Cornwall is not exactly a hop, skip and jump away).
Little does Jack know that the country lass targeted is no timid, fragile miss as assumed from his superior's brief. Six years ago, Tamsyn Penrose endured horrific trauma at the hands of a notorious outlaw, who remains on the run. The terrifying ordeal left her scarred and unable to speak for years and it is only recently, with the patient support and friendship of her companion, that she is finding her voice again. She still has not been able to speak about the events that day, but she is definitely not reticent in telling the stuffy lord that he and his bright waistcoats are most unwelcome. Jack utilises every come-hither line in his repertoire, every trick in his book of seduction, but Tamsyn remains closed-lipped and her secrets as closely guarded as ever. Turns out he needs to open up to her in order for her to reciprocate, and that's not something he is used to doing.
The writing and humour is delightful. Up to the halfway mark, it was going to be a five-star read. Let down somewhat by the ending. I adore the interactions between Jack and his valet aka his half-brother, witty and also affectionate as much as two men unused to showing affection are capable of expressing. The other secondary characters are wonderful as well and the strange Cornish sayings are quite funny. Jack is hilarious as the confident and just a tad vain marquess, who was shocked to come across a female immune to his masculine perfection. Tamsyn is a great balance between strength and vulnerability, who despite her trauma refuses to remain a victim. I skipped the first 2 books and had no trouble getting into this story.
"I don’t believe I’ve the capacity for love. My heart never beats faster or louder, just swings along like a pendulum.”
The marquess had removed his jacket, revealing enough billowing muslin to clothe two Penrose household maids and a footman. A pale-lemon waistcoat, which wouldn’t remain pale for longer than a gull’s squawk, had shielded his broad chest, and surely a bootjack and fork would be required to prise him from those cream buckskins at night.
“I couldn’t live in the countryside – such silence would drive me to Bedlam.” “And I couldn’t live in the city – such noise would silence me.”
“You appear impeccable, my lord.” Jack picked at his elegant attire. “I’m beginning to think that might not be the best approach where the daughter of the house is concerned. Can’t you rumple me a tad?��
He waded toward them, cerulean sea lapping his waist, white shirt clinging to an array of muscles. She knew he was substantial in the chest area, but things…rippled with every stride in the heavy water. “Oh my,” sighed Mrs Tripconey again. “I ought to faint, but then I’d miss the spectacle.”
"Good grief, did no one sleep in this house? ’Twas worse than Covent Garden at three in the morn."
“In that case, my friend,” said the duke, clapping a hand to Jack’s shoulder, “you are nothing like your father. Merely the produce of his loin discharge.” Words were not the duke’s forte.
The story starts off with a bang. I think it is hard to write the rogue sidekick character's story. This is the second series where I highly anticipated their story and it ends up being nice. The heroine has suffered a PTSD type illness and the hero comes to investigate and it does have a HEA.
Wasn't this wholesome and sweet and adorable? There's almost no angst and the plot, despite starting from a 'deception' point follows the least toxic path it could've taken.
I'm a bit sad this took place so far from the other characters, especially our cold duke and sassy duchess.
However, it was still entertaining. It's been a while since I read a good lovable rogue. Most are either not real rogues or change too unrealistically. Jack is lovable before he was a rogue so it went well with his character.
As sweet as it was, the lack of moving plot during most of the middle and last part of the book make this a one time read sort of book.
Story starts our fast and gripping you. Tamsyn Penrose age 16 is riding along the country side with her hopeful future husband Jonathan. They are both very young and best friends. The two are attacked by a Frenchman terrorizing the English countryside his name is La Chauve-Souris. Tamsyn fights back and he loves it so he spares her life but take his knife to her just above the breast and he vows to come back for her if she speaks a word of him. Tamsyn nearly dies from her wounds. She doesn't speak for 6 years.
I can tell you right now this is were the book loses one star. I don't like abuse to young girls or women and to cut her like that was awful. The killing of a young man mad it worse. Six Years Later!
Jack the Marquess of Winterbourne and spy for the crown has been sent to seduce Tamsyn in to telling him who had attacked her and young Johnathan. The Crown needs to know if this French Terrorists La Chauve still lives.
Of course during Jacks time with Tamsyn they grow to love each other. There is only one sex scene and that comes at the end. Jack does a good job at slowly wooing her. I liked both Jack and Tamsyn and the side characters Oliver and Lodi. There is a side romance going on between the two of them. The ending was really good with both couples getting there HEA
My, oh my! What a wonderful book, I have been so looking forward to this story; Jack’s story since I was first introduced to him and this series in the previous book; Let Sleeping Duke Lie and I am so happy to say that this doesn’t just live up to my expectations but it surpasses them. I am a late arrival on to the Emily Windsor bandwagon, as ‘Let Sleeping Duke Lie’ was the first of her books that I read, but from then I was hooked by her writing – I love it when that happens, don’t you?
Marquess To A Flame is book three in ‘Rule of The Rogue’ series, for those who haven’t tasted this fine authors work yet then this one just as the following can be read very easily as a stand-a-lone as well as apart of the series. I just love this series, and I am hoping for more – Emily, please you can’t leave me without any rogues, I need more! 😉 this series basically follows a bunch of aristocratic ‘rogues’ who are also secret agents to the crown and lets just say they don’t only investigate skulduggery, but they are more then willing to investigate a ladies petticoats too – Oh, I say!
In this ‘Rules of the Rogues’ book it is all about gorgeous, sinful, mysterious and rakish Jack; Marquess of Winterbourne or ‘The Moth’ as he is called by his agent brothers, much to his embarrassment – my goodness, how much do I love this man! He is really a rake in the first order, a notorious bed hopper with a silky mesmerising, devilish aura which will make any women weak at the knees – well not all, our heroine is the odd one out, at first. He has been handed his next mission, he must travel out to the wild, rugged Cornwall coast to gain the knowledge that has been hidden in the mind of a young girl who for the past seven years has been silent. Information about England’s greatest enemy, the French spy; La Chauve-Souris – who only goes by ‘The Bat’ he is elusive, notorious, deadly with a brutal reputation of never leaving anyone who meets him alive, so what’s so special about this girl? Jack has been ordered that he must find out what she knows about ‘The Bat’ why she was left alive and everything and anything else of use that is lurking within her once closed off head. Easy, right? How wrong you are Jack!
Tamsyn has spend the last seven years silent, scared and haunted by the nightmares which have followed her since the dreadful day which changed her life. As a young girl of sixteen, Tamsyn and her good friend Jonathan accidentally stumbled across none other then ruthless French spy; ‘The Bat’ proving to be as ruthless as his reputation claims him to be, he instantly kills Jonathan. Tamsyn shows far more gusto and bravery in the face of her killer and stares him down, ‘The Bat’ is fascinated by her so he leaves her alive; marking her in more than one way, with the threat that she must never say a word and with the promise that he will come back for her. Since that day Tamsyn has been silent, until now!
He Jack and his faithful valet and general dogs-body and half-brother Miggens – you need to read the book to find out all about this funny, stubborn and loyal man, he’s brilliant! When they arrive in Cornwall Jack is there undercover, he charms and woos her and acts the more or less, proper gentleman, but Tamsyn is no fool, she is a highly intelligent and perceptive young woman, who knows here is much more to the devilishly handsome, uber stylish and entirely intoxicating Jack then he would have people believe and soon she finds the truth about him. But, can she really entrust the smooth talking agent with her inner most secrets, fears…and her heart?
As this is an agent/spy story there is a fair it of that lurking in the background and life doesn’t run smoothly for our endearing couple. They have personal trials and fears to face, they both must learn; to not just to trust another, but allow another into their hearts. I love how their relationship develops throughout the story, she is very taken with him but being a women with secrets, fears and an acidly intelligent tongue which she uses to great effect with him – calling him a fribble, is just the beginning of her mutterings of him. She isn’t like all other woman who fall at his feet, he has to work tat much harder to gain her trust and I think Jack really responds to that, he admires her for how she doesn’t swoon at the sight of him. Yes, he too has his personal issues about not being worthy of true love, and Tamsyn is the balm to his unsettled soul. They are attracted to one and other, even though that mutual desire for one and other is very well hidden, but there are some brilliant moments where the reader is given an insight into the character’s thoughts – I particularly love when Tamsyn thoroughly admires Jack’s riding breeches clad, rear end as he bends over to adjust his boots. Very funny! 😉
The story is fast, thrilling, imaginative, sexy, engrossing, highly addictive and will keep the reader hooked from the onset. I love the character’s and it is so good to see my favourite Duke turn up, with his gleaming green eyes, evil looking cane and with ruthless, sex on legs attitude in-tow. Jack is such a complex, multi layered, sensual man and my goodness, is he hot!! Phew, he would make the polar caps melt with a mere dark eyed glance, love him – did I mention that already? Then there is Miggen’s I won’t say too much about him, but he is such a fantastic character and if the story didn’t end as it did I would so want his story. For the ending, beautiful and so fitting for Jack and Tamsyn!
All in all, a fantastic book! Utterly romantic and brilliantly written, I adore Ms Windsor’s writing, she really is a hugely talented writer who has a real gift.
I’ve loved Jack since the first book in the series, so I was very excited to read his story. I am happy to say it didn’t disappoint. This was a great book and I love Tamsyn and Jack so much!
This entire series has been a delight and I highly recommend it to all HR fans.
Jack Winterbourne, the Marquess of Winterbourne is attending Viscount Rainham’s wedding, a marriage he takes full credit for, number 4 if anyone is counting, when Rainham tells him he has a new mission for him. Jack has been working as a spy for Rainham and is known as the “Moth” – much to his dismay. He is a rogue and a rake, his missions usually include seducing information, so he is upset to learn that the woman he must “woo” is an innocent and in Cornwall! But she may hold information that will help them find La Chauve-Souris – The Bat
Tamsyn Penrose survived an attack by La Chauve-Souris 6 years ago and did not speak for almost five years – the attack left her childhood sweetheart dead and her cut and broken. She lived in fear that he would return and kill all those she held dear. Thanks to her loving father, Sir Jago and her dear friend/companion Lowdy, she has finally regained her voice, but she is just a shadow of her former self, she is quiet, wears grey clothing and does her best to blend into the background. When she learns Jack is coming to visit her father, she is suspicious – even in Cornwall she has heard of his exploits and doesn’t believe for a second that he is coming to discuss business. She wonders if he is coming for her, but dismisses the idea after meeting him – he is a fribble!
Jack is a bit stunned by his reaction to Tamsyn, she is lovely, but she is an innocent and he may be a rogue, but he has hard-fast rules – no innocents or married women! He isn’t sure how to proceed, especially when it is clear she doesn’t like him. He is used to women falling over themselves to claim his attention and is at a loss with how to deal with one how doesn’t. Matters are further complicated by his valet (who is also his illegitimate half-brother) who seems to know Tamsyn’s companion Lowdy and possible competition in the form of a suitor for Tamsyn’s affections.
Tamsyn and Jack seem to be complete opposites and she doesn’t like him, but soon she begins to realize that Jack is not all that he seems. She tries her best to wheedle information about his true purpose for visiting, but he manages to evade answering for several days. But while trying to glean her secrets, Jack finds himself sharing his own with her. When she learns the truth about his visit, she shocks him by agreeing to tell him everything that happened. Too long has she lived in fear and she wants to be free again. She shares her story with him and he holds her, encouraged, she shares her with him her final shame. Jack is angry, not at Tamsyn, but at the monster who hurt her, he swears to keep her safe and kisses her. He cares for her, but doesn’t believe that it is in his nature to truly love someone, he is a Winterbourne and they are all rogues, he will only end up breaking her heart and he cares too much to let that happen.
This is a well written, fast paced, complex tale that is both emotional and entertaining. Jack and Tamsyn are both incredibly easy to like and your heart will break as you learn of their pasts, you will laugh with them, cry with them and want to smack them both for being fools, but more than anything, you will love them and root for their HEA. They are complimented by a wonderful cast of secondary characters, who add a lightness to the story and keep our hero and heroine grounded. There is action, secrets, steamy love scenes, cameos from the previous heroes and heroines as well as Lord Byron, a truly evil villain, sword fights, a drunk companion writing hilarious letters, spies, surprises, ogling ladies, a peacock and probably the best declaration scene I have ever read. This book is the third in the series and it can easily be read as a stand-alone title without any problem, but do yourself a favor and read the series in order!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
A vicious attack left Miss Tamsyn Penrose hiding in silence for years, too terrified to say a word about who hurt her. Now she is starting to recover with the help of her friend. Jack, the Marquess of Winterbourne works as a spy for the Crown. His best friends and fellow spies have one by one found love, usually with a little matchmaking from him. Now he is being sent to the wild coast of Cornwall to get information on a particularly vicious French spy. He is much more used to the hustle and bustle of life in the city, he is sure to be bored so far from anything remotely exciting. Our heroine is much stronger than she ever believed, and she will need every ounce of that strength. Our hero is a very well known rogue. Nobody knows better than him that a persons reputation doesn't always reflect the truth. A very exciting story full of danger and fun. All characters have lots personality. This is part of a series but each book can be read on it's own. It will probably tempt you to read the rest in the series. They are all well worth reading. I loved it.
When Tamsyn Penrose was just sixteen years old, she and her dearest friend, Jonathan, stumbled upon the notorious French spy known as “The Bat.” Unfortunately, Jonathan was immediately killed, but the spy was enchanted by Tamsyn’s defiance and apparent fearlessness. Though The Bat never leaves any loose ends, he chooses to let Tamsyn live, but threatens the lives of her, her family and friends if she ever speaks about him. Then he brutally injures her and lets her know he’ll be back for her someday. Though Tamsyn showed bravado, she is terrified, and, in fact, loses her ability to speak for many years.
Jack, Marquess Winterbourne, is known as a stylish, charming, superficial rake and rogue. Jack purposely cultivates that image so that no one suspects he is also secretly a government agent, who, much to his chagrin, has been dubbed, “Moth.” When it appears that The Bat is still alive, and that Tamsyn has regained her voice, Jack is assigned to charm her, and to find out what information she remembers from her attack six years ago.
Jack initially is undercover, posing as a guest of Tamsyn’s father, as he tries to earn her trust and friendship. Though stories (many exaggerated or downright false) of Jack’s escapades have reached Tamsyn, she can’t help but like him. And being an intelligent young lady, she soon figures out Jack’s real purpose and decides to confide to him all she remembers from that horrible night.
I loved the developing relationship between Jack and Tamsyn. She was badly scarred, both physically and mentally, by The Bat, and has let her fear deprive her of much of her joy in life. Jack’s acceptance of her scars, and his means of helping her to accept them is truly beautiful. Though Jack greatly desires Tamsyn, his own code doesn’t permit him to ruin an innocent. He truly feels he’s the shallow man his reputation labels him. When they finally succumb to the passion they are both feeling, Tamsyn is determined not to try to trap or tie down Jack in any way. She plans to enjoy their brief time together and cherish the memory. A strangely sad Jack returns to London, not realizing that he’s leaving his heart behind in Cornwall.
MARQUESS TO A FLAME is a charming, heartwarming, and delightful read. I love the gentle humor that flows throughout the book, causing smiles without hitting you over the head. Little details, like some of the character’s names, for example, Rufus Sewell, and Lady Cooch, are brilliant, as was Tamsyn’s fascination with moths. I truly adore Emily Windsor’s writing, and MARQUESS TO A FLAME has everything I desire in a historical romance, particularly, a lovable hero and heroine who discover their own self worth, and find a warm and satisfying happy ever after.
I wanted to love this book. I tried really hard to love this book. But - it just didn't hold my attention well.
I haven't read any of the others in the series, I don't think. So I am going to do that eventually and then come back to this and see if that makes a difference.
I did love how the hero loved his brother and how the heroine worked so hard to overcome her fears.
I really liked this. Ended with a smile on my face. While book 2 is full of inventive "Irish" curses, here there are numerous -and confusing - Cornish sayings. I have no idea if any are real or stem from the author's imagination, but they're certainly entertaining. The prologue brought on an "Oh, no!" and is sobering. Quick change to London and Jack gets his next assignment in the Crown's service. I enjoyed the subtle humor as Jack meets his match.
Witty and Suspenseful I loved this witty and suspenseful Regency Romance, penned by Emily Windsor. In it, the quintessential London rake, Jack Winterbourne, is brought to his knees by a country miss, Tamsyn Penrose. We met Jack in previous books in the series and I have been eagerly awaiting his story as he appeared to be a rogue beyond redemption! Although it is not necessary to read the other books in the series, I’d urge you to do so as they are equally as enthralling as this one. I loved both the hero and heroine. Indeed, I went through the whole gamut of emotions when reading this novel – a number of scenes had me recoiling in horror, whilst others had me laughing and crying with laughter – the antics of Jack, Tamsyn and the cast of supporting characters kept me entertained throughout. The read contains a secondary romance between Jack’s valet and Tamsyn’s companion and this added to my enjoyment. The book refers to moving events from both Jack and Tamsyn’s past, events which have shaped their characters. The author does an excellent job of illustrating how both the hero and heroine need to overcome their inner conflicts to ensure their HEA. It is not an easy path but throughout the read I was rooting for them to be together, although at times I did want to shake them and give them a good talking to! Emily Windsor skillfully weaves romance coupled with sparkling and witty dialogue with danger and suspense which kept me guessing throughout. Will Jack and Tamsyn overcome issues from their past and take a chance on love before it’s too late? Will dangers from Tamsyn’s past come back to ruin her future happiness? Can a rogue’s heart finally thaw? All in all a super read for fans of sensual Regency Romance which contains wit, charm and romance in spades. Thoroughly recommended. Please note, an ARC of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
I was waiting longingly for Jack's story. I have loved him in the previous books and was so excited when I found out he was next.
So many things to love about this book, where do I start: It was set in Cornwall, which excited me because I've also been watching Poldark that is set there. Ms. Windsor's descriptions of the countryside, rocky beaches and coves let me feel like I was there. Jack has lots of defense mechanisms, humor being his most used one, but he truly does love to see people happy and we get to know why here-why he is so intense in finding joy in every day life. And then we have the heroine, Tamsyn, who has been through quite the ordeal and has not been the same since, but she has such strength, character and loyalty.
I thought the pairing of Jack and Tamsyn was perfect. They had an instant connection, attraction, utter honesty with each other, and more than that-actual love and respect for each other. No silly arguments or misunderstandings which is so old in romance novels nowadays.
Anyway, I loved this book and it's a Keeper. It has friendship, romance, strong family ties, mystery, suspense and healing. Thank you Ms. Windsor for another wonderful book.
A winter's heart... "Debonair, handsome and with a devil's smile. How could any woman resist?"
A taste of spring... "A rogue and a fribble. How could any woman succumb?"
Seasons collide...
Desire sparks and passion flares in this Cornish land of cove and tor. Can Tamsyn step from the shadow of her past? And will Jack Winterbourne tear up the rules for a woman who maddens his senses and thaws his heart?
My Thoughts:
This is a sensual Regency romance with just a bit of humor and a lot of fun. With picnics, peacocks and a valet who is a bit fusty and arrogant, this book includes his secondary love story.
The characters are amusing and the story is a page turner. I devoured this third book in a three book series in two sittings. The only reason for the second day was need of sleep. Although it is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone title. I have read two previous books in this series although this is the first one I have reviewed.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
I absolutely love Emily Windsor’s writing, and this book did not disappoint! I often find myself skimming mundane parts of books, but not with this author (because those mundane parts don’t exist!). This book, Marquess to a Flame, has it all - lovable characters, suspense, laugh-out-loud witty dialogue, a blossoming romance, a rogue who discovers his heart, and a swoon-worthy HEA! I have read several, several hundred HR books and would liken Emily Windsor’s writing to that of Tessa Dare, Julia Quinn, and Sarah MacLean. I anticipate Ms Windsor’s new work, as I do the previously mentioned authors. If you have not read a book by this author, you are truly missing out!
I absolutely loved this book. Jack has always been a fun character in this series but he's taken to another level in this book. The hilarious one line comments are so frequent in the first half of the book that I felt like I was constantly laughing and smiling. Tamsyn is a wonderful and complex character who is very endearing. I loved watching her change and grow through the book. I read a lot and this book is one of my favourite books of all time. Loved it!
4.5 Stars It is such a perfect novel, mysterious and romantic. I loved the Moth's story and I think Miss Tamsyn is perfect for him. After facing death, she survived but lost her voice. Now, she is finally coming back towards life. Unfortunately, she is still in danger because she might know something that could put the enemy at a disadvantage. The Marquess of Winterbourne must find out what Tamsyn knows. But when he meets her and gets to know her, he starts falling in love. She is such an amazing and brave woman. He must save her and in the process find her happiness.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Emily Windsor’s newest book, Marquess to a Flame is the third book in the Rules of the Rogue. I have to start with stating I really enjoy her Emily Windsor’s stories! I find her characters interesting and her plotlines are not run of the mill. This historical romance focuses on Marquess of Winterbourne, another man that follows the rules of the rogue. He also is a man on a secret mission to help find a murderer. He is sent to Cornwall to find Miss Tamsyn Penrose and what happened to her when she was 16.
Miss Tamsyn Penrose, after a tragic incident when she was 16, has recovered her voice and is beginning to regain her confidence. After all it has been over five years, since the incident, and then the Marquess of Winterbourne appears. Tamsyn is finds the complex Jack intriguing and before she knows it, they are intertwined in the mystery from the past and the present.
I enjoyed this book even more than I did the prior books. I think the plotline and the characters were fun to imagine in a story. I liked how the story slowly revealed both of the love stories, as well as the mystery from years past. Marquess to a Flame by Emily Windsor is a great historical romance read.
There was a lot to like in this book. Interesting plot and characters, an evil french spy, scarred heroine, and an H with a passion for waistcoats. She was kind and sweetly funny, he too had some great lines, also kind and a good friend to both men and women. There was issue for me, the repetitious reference to him being a rogue. Once, twice but come on, it was threaded all through the story and almost ruined what could have been a 5 star review. Not even sure I can trust this author again, where is her editor?
I loved all the books in this series, but Jack and Tamsyn's story was beautifully written. There were moments that had me laughing ("words were not the Duke's forte") and scenes that made me sigh with sorrow (but good redemption-style sorrow, not the bad kind). Long live the regency romance!
Oh, how the mighty rogue has fallen. From the moment they met when she almost trampled him you know he’s met his match. She needed him to bring back the fire and he needed her to find his heart. They surprise you and each other at every turn with how they interact and understand each other. The scene with the months just has all the feels and you know they are soul mates.
You will be shocked with just how close the danger lurks and not seeing coming or who it is. I couldn’t decide between two people throughout the story and was still surprised in the end. I love a good sword fight and this one does not disappoint.
The added second love story of Oliver and Lowdy was also amazing. They were meant for each other and both just needed a little push.
Tamsyn survived a terrifying event and is just starting to live again when it all comes back to haunt her. I loved her from the start because that spark in her was waiting to fully come back. She saw the real him that others didn’t and knew she wanted him even if she would have to let him go.
Jack is very much the peacock that loves attention. But as soon as he interacts with Oliver you know there is more to him. He knows how to lift someone up and never lies. I loved that he thought he had caught something because he didn’t believe he could love. He’s been a favorite of mine since the other books he’s been in.
I loved how her father and so many others could see what was between them and kept pushing them to admit it. The scene in the ballroom said it all to everyone that he had fallen. I’m so glad that the weddings were included because everything that happened there made me smile.
It did drag just a bit, but I admire that Windsor doesn't just cut things off pat - there's a reason it goes several chapters past the denouement with the villain. And she was very good at wrapping it up emotionally for the characters.
Very entertaining writing - as with some of the others, the language occasionally does seem out of place, but it was far less noticeable with this book than a couple of the earlier pieces in the series.
If there's anything to complain about, it is that I got a little tired of Jack's silly blindness to his own, true, character. But fear makes people do odd things, and Windsor makes that point with Tam's situation, so I can see the parallel, even though I wanted to smack Jack in the noggin' a few times.
They were a good match for each other, and in that, Windsor maintains her standard of creating likeable, interesting, and likely pairings. Some regencies, you can't feel the chemistry or the sense of why one person would appeal to the other, but Windsor's ability to bring those two things together has impressed me through all of the books in the Rules of the Rogue series. Well done!
I have been reading historical romances for 48 years now. My first book was "Uncertain Magic" by Laura Kinsale. It has stood the test of time as my favorite. But now, thanks to this wonderful book "Marquess to a Flame" by Emily Windsor, it has now ranked as equal to my favorite book. Miss Windsor has such a superb writing style that has been missing in the world of historical romances. Such depth in the development of the characters & in building the plot, inspiring my hope for an hea. Such dastardly villains that instigate fear in the reader. Such humor that constantly had me lol. Such action that had me breathless with worry. And an epilogue too! I adored Tamsyn; she embodied the perfect h to Jack's H. Jack shone as a stunning character that strived every day to be better; he took his pain & fear & channeled it toward being good, kind, & joyful. Tamsyn & Jack were perfect. And a bonus was cheering for Oliver's & Lowday's relationship! Thank you Miss Windsor! I'm going to read all your books!
Absolutely amazing story of Jack, Marquess of Winterbourne, a rogue of the first order and spy for the Crown, and Miss Tamsyn Penrose, a strong but vulnerable woman who was once the victim of the villain that Jack is looking for. The journey these two take, one to find her voice and her strength, and the other to find his heart, was one of the best I have read. It's a slow burn for sure, but if I'm not mistaken, this was on purpose by the author, to show how the usual quick to bed to bed Jack was, was changing for Tamsyn. Loved the side characters and the setting, as well. Can't recommend enough.
We love to see a reformed rake 😍 Oh this was just perfect!!
Jack (the notorious rake Lord Winterbourne) is sent to extract information from Tamsyn Penrose, who had a tragic encounter with La Chauve-Souris (the villain we've been following from An Earl In Wolf's Clothing), which has left her lifeless and deprived of joy. Jack's strategy is to use his charm to woo her and get information from her but both of them completely misjudge each other and begin to fall for one another.
Character development was way above my expectation, both characters show wholesome changes and the Jack we saw in the first two books finally accepts that he is a good man and worthy of a loving relationship (and finally chucks out his bloody rules 😂). Tamsyn sees past her tragic previous life experiences and opens herself up to happiness, vulnerability, and love. *sigh* As I said previously, perfect.
Chemistry was there, characters were there, action was there, I was 100% here for it!!!
Out of all the heroes in the series, I admit I was least looking forward to Jack's story, and it ended up becoming my favourite 😂
Jack has been introduced in the previous books in the series. He’s always offering helpful advice on wooing but claims love is not for him. He’s sent on assignment to Cornwall to gather info from Tamsyn Penrose on an attack she survived 6 years ago. I really enjoyed the Cornish colloquiums, Jack’s joie de vivre, and the return of Tam’s spirit. There’s also a sweet second romance.
I would recommend everyone to get the complete series of Rules of a Rogue!, to take the enchanted rides of these heart warming, humorous and wonderful adventures, characters that feel like old friends, stories that are hard their down !!!
What I most like about books in these series is that heroines are not afraid to call heroes on their bullshit.
Technically it's suspense but it's not heavy on angst. You know that villain will be dealt with swiftly in order to leave a lot of room for the sexy times. As it should be!