Never Rescue a Rogue: ARC Review
June, so far has been a month of advance reviews! And pals, I am here once again (happily) with my review of Virginia Heath’s historical romance Never Rescue a Rogue. Book 2 in her Merriwell sisters series, featuring the headstrong, grammar forward, and independent Diana and the not-at-all-who-he-seems rogue, turned Duke, Giles Sinclair.
As always a huge thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the advance copy, thoughts below are my own.
I started this book with zero expectations, having never (gasp incoming) read a Virginia Heath story, and wow was I pleasantly surprised. This slow-burn, friends to lovers historical was so sweet and featured some completely swoon (sorry Diana) inducing moments for me.
The depth of chemistry and connection Giles and Diana have is wonderful to read. And friends we have HUGE boy-falls-first energy and actions throughout, that were chef’s kiss perfect for me. I knew the moment when she reached for his hand under the table, to offer her physical support that these two were going to really beat the sh*t out of my heart.
I loved the romance, of course, but I loved so much of the story that underpins these two finally figuring out their feelings for each other. The adventure, wit, and suspense will appeal to fans of Tessa Dare’s Week To be Wicked and Amanda Quick’s Ravished.
The found family, and roasting you is my love language, so deeply appealed to me. Especially in watching how Giles not only connected and cared for Diana but also Dalton, who my lord really just stole so many scenes. BUT friends, I think what really stood out for me is how the declaration of love unfolded.
So often in hist-roms we have the love-bomb coming after the smushing / aligning of body parts, and its 99% of the time the declaration of the FMC. So to not only have Giles openly, vulnerably and repeatedly give her the words that just cracked my heart open, was a refreshing change of scenery.
However, friends if you are looking for a book with high steam or many sex scenes I would encourage you to not expect that here. While there are many moments of intimacy (hand holding, face touching, kisses) there is one culminating bedroom scene that while I found poetic and not overly descriptive, may have folks feeling a little let down. Especially after reading 80% of the way through the book to finally get to this point.
For me though, it didn’t detract or hinder my ability to enjoy the crap out of this funny, heartfelt, exciting and deeply romantic trip to Shropshire. And we can ALL agree its going to be Venus and Galahad for the next book right (insert padme anakin meme)?
Grab your copy of Never Rescue a Rogue wherever you get your books when it lands in store and online November 2, 2022.