A Rogue for All Seasons

Weston Family #3

by Sara Lindsey

The seven Weston siblings have been blessed with Shakespearean names and an affinity for impropriety. Keep falling in love with this wild family in this story of a charming rogue who meets his match in the woman he always thought he’d never want…

Handsome, debonair and heir to his father’s title and wealth, Henry Weston leads a charmed life. Women want him, and men want to be him. Even so, Henry wants something more. For that, he needs the help of society’s reigning wallflower.

Diana Merriwether is shocked when Henry proposes a mutually beneficial sham courtship. She can’t resist the opportunity to be wooed by him and, having sworn off love, she’s certain her heart is safe. But when their charade plays out behind closed doors and passions escalate, Diana fears she’s really fooling herself.

Henry is captivated by the fiery spirit concealed beneath Diana’s prim exterior. Before long, he wonders if the woman he never thought he’d want is the one he can no longer live without. Wooing this wallflower may be the hardest thing he’s ever done, but can he tempt Diana to take a risk and love a rogue?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Family

316 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2013

About the author

SARA LINDSEY began writing during her senior year of college. The rest, as they say, is history... or rather, historical romance. A newly minted librarian, Sara lives in sunny Los Angeles. Having read a number of romances featuring librarians, Sara figures this profession bodes well for someday getting her own happily ever after. In the meantime, she plans to turn as many unsuspecting library patrons as possible into fellow romance addicts.

Reviews

[Rachel (BAVR) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Beware of GIFs and spoilers!

I don't know why I keep going back to these books. While I may not particularly enjoy all of them, they're like a cup of hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies on a frigid winter day. Comforting but bad for the waistline? I think I lost track of that simile ...


The point went somewhere that way.

A Rogue for All Seasons is an okay book. I didn't throw in the towel out of boredom, so 10 points to Sara Lindsey for building a well-paced narrative. There's quite a bit of sex, too, and I know that some people like that. While reading, I gladly took the sex over the heroine's angsty navel-gazing. It made the time go by faster.

Summary:
Henry Weston - heir to a viscountcy and golden-haired hunk - decides he needs some direction in his life. His sisters and best friend are all leg-shackled, their own love stories laboriously chronicled in the two other books in the series, and Henry feels unfulfilled with his aimless life. So he decides to start a horse stud to give him some direction. But no one wants to finance him because he has a scandalous reputation! What else is a historical romance hero to do but strike up a "pretend courtship" with the wallflower his mom makes him dance with at all the balls?

The lucky wallflower is Diana Merriweather, Keeper of the Feelz and grand-daughter of a duke. She adores Henry, of course, but doesn't want a love match because her mom once got an urge to bang the stable master, married him, and made children with him, only to see the marriage crumble when the kids were young. Diana agrees to Henry's masquerade because his attention might attract some boring suitors for her to spend a loveless life with in the future.

You see where this is going.

I wish Henry's character had more development. Every time I got the slightest glimpse into what causes him to change his outlook on life and DO something for a change, Diana gets all ...



... and scares the scene away.

When Diana's parents decided to split, she overheard and was heartbroken when her father said that he wanted to keep her brother and not her. Now, in adult-speak, her dad meant that he thought Diana would have more opportunities if she lived with her mother and grandparents, who were, after all, a duke and duchess. Understandably, Diana's child-brain translated that as "WAH! HE DOESN'T LOVE ME!"

And instead of comprehending the complexities of her parents' marital woes with maturity, Diana continues to perceive it EXACTLY THE SAME as an adult. Because she thinks all love is doomed to fail or whatever, she refuses to trust Henry. Characters with trust issues can be interesting and sympathetic, but not Diana. She sucked.

The story about Diana's parents is marginally more interesting, which explains why I was so disappointed when the conclusion of their story was tacked on in a rushed scene near the end. After ALL THOSE YEARS, they have one conversation and kiss and make up. Bullshit, I declare. BULLSHIT.

Here's a GIF that I just found today and HAVE TO USE. It sums up my impression of A Rogue for All Seasons ...



It has its charms, but I'm convinced it's mostly bad for me.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who enjoys reading regency-romance like I do, I'm sure you agree on how hard it is to find original stories that still stay true to the essential elements that make historical romances unique. We need a strong-minded heroine, a sweet yet roguish male, and a scandal that is both believable and is able to provide some obstacle for the young couple to overcome. A Rogue for All Seasons has all of these plus some. And, maybe best of all, there is no insta-love!!

I just cannot stress how much I truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The opening scene of this book was definitely a shock to read--it was so harsh and different from any other books I've read--and served its purpose of thrusting readers into Diana and Henry's world perfectly. Even though I haven't read the previous two books in the series (which are about Henry's sisters' courtships), I connected with the characters and storylines in no time and was emotionally invested in both.

Let's start with our heroine, Diana: she is so emotionally broken it is heart-wrenching. Because of an argument her parents unknowingly had in front of her as a child and how Society treats her as a result of the following scandal, Diana grows up believing that she is unloved by her father and thereby is unlovable. As a result, she has built up walls and carries around a facade that keeps people from getting too close to her, so that she will not suffer through what she and her family has been through again.

Until Henry Weston begins to notice her, that is. The beginning of their relationship begins as a ruse in order for both of them to get what they want: he a property so that he may start his own business and she a husband. However, as it happens in all great love stories, the more time they spend with one another, the more Henry realizes that he wishes to court Diana for real. Even though he knows Diana will not make this easy for him, Henry is determined to convince her that he is the man for her. He brings out the lightness that used to radiate from her but has been stamped out by mistakes of her past.

The side characters were all equally entertaining and engrossing, each adding something different to the story. With the small glimpses we saw of Olivia and Isabella, I now want to go back and read their stories in order to get a better background on their relationships. Lady Linnet and Thomas had me rooting for them since the first chapter, and I'm glad we got to follow the progression of their relationship as well. The Duke and Duchess were the characters we loved to hate, while even Sir Samuel played a necessary if dull part in the story.

Overall, this was an absolutely fantastic story! Sara Lindsey where have you been all my life!? From the very first chapter I was so invested in all of these characters' stories and was glad when the lovely ending came around. Along the way, Lindsey had me laughing, smiling, giggling like a school girl, blushing, reading with tears in my eyes, and ultimately rooting for the wonderful characters she created. Great, original, and just plain lovely--this book is an absolute must-read!!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diana Merriweather likes to be invisible. It’s easier to be invisible then to be out there having a good time. If no one sees her she can’t possibly be hurt by them. However, being tall and a redhead doesn’t make it easy for this quiet beauty to hide. She has been running and hiding since she was a child. It was a game to hide and have her parents seek her out until one day her hiding led her to hear a conversation between her parents, that closed her off to anyone trying to get in. She has spend the last sixteen years believing she was not good enough for anyone and hid her true self. If her family couldn’t love her why would anyone else?

Henry Weston the golden boy of the Ton. He is all things charming and dashing. Henry knows how to get what he wants with a charming smile and everyone knows it. Hal as he is known to his friends and family is trying to find his purpose in life. There is more than just having fun. He must find purpose as he is heir to a Viscountancy; his father is no where near death (thankfully) and he needs to do more than spend his evenings doing unsavory, but fun things. He needs to have a purpose. Life is easy, but maybe it’s time to try something that might not be so easy. Henry wants to become a stud owner. He wants to start a breeding program. Though, his family is going to make him work for investors. At the same time is wonderful mother is trying to match make a match for him. He might be ready to invest in horses, but not in a bride or marriage.

Henry has known Diana Merriweather for years. His mother has made him dance with her at every ball for years now. However, at one particular ball he discovers behind the proper all rules facade that is Diana Merriweather there is a spitfire looming to be set free. Henry becomes fixated on this firery personality of hers and wants to know more about her. Diana is not sure why THE Henry Weston is seeking her out, but it isn’t so bad. It doesn’t mean anything. Striking a deal of a pretend courtship; Diana will help Henry recover his reputation making it easier for investors to invest in him and Henry will help Diana’s reputation as being a notable chit for men to show interest for marriage. It’s a win-win what could go wrong? By the end of the courtship Henry will have his horses and Diana will have a husband. Though, the plans begin to go astray when Henry realizes that the only husband Diana should have is himself. Diana may want Henry, but has a very hard time believing his actions are sincere. After all if her own father didn’t want her, why would the ever charming Henry Weston want her?

“She’s everything I never knew I wanted, never knew I needed. She’s the part of me I didn’t know was missing, but fi I lose her now, I’ll forever have a Diana-shaped hole in my heart. There’s something comfortable, something enduring between us. I lust after her, God Knows, but it’s different with her.” -Henry Weston

This was such an enjoyable read. I was happy to read Henry get his happy ending. It’s always interesting to read about the happy go lucky ones and what really lurks beneath that facade of happiness. Of course, what was great about the Westons is the family themselves. The large clan that is the Westons are very entertaining with their sneaky ways of getting what they want. It’s hilarious as they all know someone with the name Weston is usually involved when something seems just a bit strange. Diana is Henry’s perfect match and he hers. He helps her overcome some self worth issues and that is really what is at the heart of this story; understanding ones own self worth. It was beautiful and I am so happy that Ms. Lindsey finished this series. She delivered a wonderful happily ever after.

See Full Review on my blog: http://romancereadergirl.com/

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been impatiently waiting for the third book in the Weston series and Sara Lindsey did not disappoint. If you look at my profile, you will notice that I read hundreds of books a year and while I rate them all, I write very few reviews. I had to stop after reading this book and take a moment to praise not only the beautifully written story of Henry and Diana, but Sara Lindsey for having such commitment to her series and her fans to self publish when her initial publisher made the idiot move of not opting for the third book. Sara has mastered the craft of balancing the historical with the romance in a way that few authors can match. Her characters behave in ways you can relate to and identify with, and the passion between her heroes and heroines is never in doubt. If you have not read the first two books in the Weston Series, "Promise Me Tonight," and "Tempting the Marquess," I implore you to read them first. You will not be disappointed. Brava, Ms. Lindsey, Brava!

[Senli Marliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great hisrom.
Aku sukaaaaa.
Malah cerita tentang orangtua mbak-nya yang bikin ku 'mak cesss' berkesan. Sering re-read pas mereka bertemu kembali pada waktu hampir ending. Pokoknya berkesan banget buat aku bag itu.
.
.
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Masnya tokoh utama sendiri favorit saya, tipe-tipe bucin gitu lah.
Selera✌️

[Dailyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be honest and say that I did not read the prior books in this series. I did love Henry's wicked ways. I knew where their sham courtship was going to go of course, but it was so much fun getting there. I thought this was fine as a stand alone book. Very good romantic read.

[Yunita Taman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pokoknya ya Mas Henry Weston aku padamuuh... Bujangan ter-love banget. Walaupun dia bukan cowok yang cerdas dan agak cenderung berandalan tapinya dia jelas tahu cara mencintai, juga total dalam mengejar cita-citanya. Si Mbak Diana-nya kebanyakan drama, tapi disinilah kita bisa melihat seberapa besar Henry Weston mencintainya. Super pokoknya, aku suka banget. Pokoknya lima bintang. Titik. Hehehe.
(berdasarkan selera pribadi)

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I understand that it is the third book in a series but it read as a stand alone and I didn't feel as if I had missed anything not having read the prior books.

This book was about Henry (Hal), total catch and player and Diana, wallflower. Henry's mother likes Diana and always makes Henry dance with her whenever she can. Henry resents this. The two begin anew at a ball thrown by Henry's parents. Henry realises that there is an interesting person beneath the very proper facade that Diana portrays. Then his new found direction in buying a stud farm is somewhat thwarted, as his father says he first needs to prove his change of direction is lasting (he has a history of trying and discarding things) and he needs to become more respectable. It is here that Diana comes in to play. Henry offers her a deal. He will court her, other men will notice her giving her some options and he gets to be thought of as more respectable. Win Win. Except Henry falls in love.

Diana doesn't co-operate.

The two end up married (of course) but this isn't the end of the drama as Diana has her own issues. Henry has to step up to help her deal with these.

I liked these two together. At points in the book I was wondering what direction it would take and predicting some very dire and dramatic outcomes. I was wrong. The author wrote these two characters and the events they go through to get to their HEA well.

I'm not sure if I would go back and read the two prior books, given the characters they are about feature in this book, but I would definitely pick up any new titles by this author.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Perfect

This is my first Sara Lindsey book and I must say I am hooked.

The hero is charming, honorable and just overall likable. The heroine is your typical virginal wallflower but the difference is that she is the one with the emotional baggage, usually it is the hero who has issues. No angst. No cheating between the hero and heroine. No stubbornness bordering on irrational behavior. Their love story was so well-written that it just captivated me until the very end. There is also the second chance love story of the heroine’s parents. The book would have been perfect for me if not for the heroine’s father’s mistake. The storyline is emotionally gripping enough but not too heavy. It has humor and passion (yes, hot lovemaking scenes). It has a satisfying HEA and epilogue.

[DemetraP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like the first 2 books in the series so feel free to skip them. (They had too much angst)

This book was fun. The heroine is a wallflower in her 7th season and hero wants to start a horse farm and needs to be respectable.

So he asks her to have a pretend courtship to make her more attractive to other guys and him look more respectable to investors.

Naturally, he falls in love with her and has to convince her he really means it.

There is a bit of sadness with her parents having a troubled marriage and being separated but it all works out ok.

The love scenes were hot, the hero said some beautiful things to the heroine, and I really enjoyed this book.

[Mey Buentipo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book that I read from this author. Since I am sucker for wallflower and rogue theme; I got intrigued with this story. I like the hero very much. He is not afraid to express does feelings. Although, I can't say I like the heroine. It is just the reason she is afraid is not deep enough for me. I understand what she is going tru but, it is too much.

This is a simple story that there are no complications. I liked the witty banter of the h/h. Honestly, while I am reading this story I am going for a 4 stars, but as it progress if came down to 3 stars.

I am little bit interested about the 2 first books, but I can't say if I will be jumping into it already.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning of the book, I felt like I didn't like Henry because of how silly he was portrayed in the previous books, but he's actually not bad. I guess the author hadn't planned on writing his story or something...possibly, so I actually understand how in the other books, he'd be a little uninteresting. Diana is intriguing, especially with her anxiety. Makes her relatable, I think. Kudos to the author for self-publishing as well as welcoming both good and bad reviews!

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had a great complicated plot but then it dropped dead at the end.

Follow me!

[Dawn Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

review to come

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[*MariaA* · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5***

[Yackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved how the story showed that Diana's parent's marriage had affected her outlook on life. And I also loved how Sara incorporated their story into this book also.

[Lindi Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Diana and Henry's story was rich and full of life. Great read.

[Jolene · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable read. The story line I found most intriguing was Diana's parents. Unfortunately she didn't spread their story out well and it ends up rushed at the end. -