One for the Rogue by Manda Collins ~ A Review

by MK French

Gemma Hastings, one of the four scholars that Lady Celeste had bequeathed her estate to, is determined to further her studies into geology and fossils. She has no interest in marriage, and especially not with her brother-in-law, Lord Cameron Lisle. But rumors of a fantastic fossil skull on the grounds of the estate leads to death and danger for everyone involved.
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June 2018; St. Martin's; 978-1250109927
ebook, print (320 pages); Regency romance

One for the Rogue is the fourth in the Studies in Scandal series. You can read this as a standalone, as there are explanations enough for the setup woven into the story. It's obvious from the start that Gemma and Cameron are attracted to each other, so being "forced" into a betrothal due to convention after they're caught kissing is a familiar trope to have them spend time together and really get to know each other. Cameron does develop respect for Gemma's intellect as well as her physical beauty, and Gemma realizes that she was perhaps a little hasty in being so angry with him for rejecting her article from his publication.

There is the mystery of where the fossil had disappeared to and the murder investigation that Gemma dives into despite the constable's orders not to. This, of course, complicates the fake betrothal with more misunderstandings and does feel rather contrived. While Gemma isn't one to heed convention closely, it seems to be that she's forced to completely stop thinking in order to let the complications happen. Is it fun to see? Sure, but also feels a disservice to her character even though wisdom and intelligence are two completely different traits. Still, the mystery is neatly wrapped up as all romance novel mysteries are, and the series itself is concluded in a fitting way. Overall, this is another fun Regency romance and a fitting conclusion to the series.

Buy One for the Rogue at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and golden retriever.

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