Addicted To Romance

I received a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review, thanks to Netgalley…this does not alter my view of this title 

Summary 

Lady Phoebe, has known for most of her life, that she was losing her vision, and she knows that soon she won’t be able to see anything at all…not even the light. Phoebe is a woman of strength, and is determined to not let her very over protective brother, smother her in safety, she wants to live and experience life even if she is blind, she knows that there is much she can do. Her bodyguard, James Trevillion, is a prime example of the over protectiveness, but they have a friendship or sorts, and she does trust James. But when she is almost kidnapped, she knows her desire to explore and gain freedom, is about to be gone…because James and her brother are about to get even worse than before. But it soon becomes apparent, as she convinces to let James take her about town, that someone wants her, and badly, When there is a attempt to kidnap her, at her own home, James rescues her and takes her away from her family and London, back to his own roots, but there James will have to face his past, and a passion erupts between James and Phoebe, and even though James has nothing to offer Phoebe except heartache…he would give anything to have her in his life…

The Hero 

James, has been on the run from his past for years. After serving in the military, he came back to London, and lost his precious horse in an accident, that damaged his leg, and double fractured it, and he has never healed, and has to use a walking stick to walk. James views himself as not good enough for Phoebe due to his injury. But there is more to James past than a lame leg, he has a father, a sister and a niece, and he hasn’t seen them in many years. James was a hero you just ache to give a hug to. He is quite tortured at times, and when you learn everything about his past, you begin to understand why he is the way he is portrayed in the story. I really admired his character, because he is protective, but he also is understanding and empathetic to Phoebe’s situation. He lets her breathe, and explore the world despite her blindness.

The Heroine 

Now Phoebe is what makes this story entertaining and lively and full of zest. I can’t even begin to express how much I adored her, and I have ever since the book “Duke of Midnight” which is her brother Maximus’ story, but that is where we first meet Phoebe and I loved her from that moment and I was so excited to get her story here. Phoebe deals with blindness, but most of her light she can see some things if they are in the light or bright enough. She keeps a garden with only white flowers…so that she can see them. (which just about broke my heart), you see her love for her family, her passion to live life to its fullest, and even though we see her struggle with her blindness, you see her courage and strength of will too. I love how she battles her fears and is determined to battle her brother if necessary to gain some sense of normalcy and freedom. She is quite endearing and admirable.

Plot and Story Line 

Dearest Rogue, is a story to enchant and delight. And it’s not just about the romance here, we see also a story of facing your fears and battling inner demons. There is also a mystery at work here in the plot, and with the attempt kidnapping, a sense of danger. The danger isn’t super heavy, like some of her previous books we have seen, it is more that it adds a bit more depth and perception to the story. And it also introduces us to a side character…that just may get her own story soon. The majority of this story we see how characters grow due to circumstances and face challenges. The romance that blossoms between James and Phoebe is slow to begin…its more of a comfortable friendship and bond at the beginning, but when they are alone and together more, you see a change in their relationship, and I found myself captivated by this story, the plot developments, and the way that we see the characters come together when its the pivotal moment in the story. I loved the balance and the even pace, and how the story just seemed to flow like water for this reader. If you are a fan of Hoyt, and love this series, you will have quite a fun time with this story.

The Cover 

I love both the front cover and the step back!! I love the spring theme to the cover, with the sky blue color of her dress, and the white roses and the pose of the pair…very warm and sensual.

Overall View 

Dearest Rogue is a fantastic installment to the Maiden Lane Series. It’s a story of determination, of battling your inner demons and gaining strength from your challenges, and embracing the fullness of what life offers. Zesty and Passionate!!