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Nottinghamshire #3
The Rogue Returns
THE ONLY THING LESS TRUSTWORTHY THAN A ROGUE...
Lady Helen Gladstone has siblings to protect and creditors at her door. There's only one way to stave off disaster—to find the fabled fortune that her deceased brother buried years ago. Her experience with her lying father and gambling brother has left her able to spot a scoundrel at ten paces. Unfortunately, the scoundrel she encounters is a lot closer than that...and he's planning to make off with her treasure.
…IS A LADY WITH NOTHING TO LOSE
After years of exile, Roane Grantham is eager to begin a new life without the law on his heels. First, he needs gold—his gold, buried one drunken night long ago. But he doesn't count on a petite, bold-as-brass blonde laying claim to his hoard.
Forming an uneasy alliance, Helen and Roane adventure through the high peaks of England, battling treasure hunters, violent storms, and dangerous terrain. But can they escape the growing passion that lays claim to their hearts?
Lady Helen Gladstone has siblings to protect and creditors at her door. There's only one way to stave off disaster—to find the fabled fortune that her deceased brother buried years ago. Her experience with her lying father and gambling brother has left her able to spot a scoundrel at ten paces. Unfortunately, the scoundrel she encounters is a lot closer than that...and he's planning to make off with her treasure.
…IS A LADY WITH NOTHING TO LOSE
After years of exile, Roane Grantham is eager to begin a new life without the law on his heels. First, he needs gold—his gold, buried one drunken night long ago. But he doesn't count on a petite, bold-as-brass blonde laying claim to his hoard.
Forming an uneasy alliance, Helen and Roane adventure through the high peaks of England, battling treasure hunters, violent storms, and dangerous terrain. But can they escape the growing passion that lays claim to their hearts?
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2014
446 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
About the author
Leigh LaValle
8 books259 followersLeigh LaValle is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical romance. She lives in Montana with her family. When she is not chasing kids, bemoaning the laundry, or carving out time to do yoga, she is sneaking away to write. She would rather read than sleep, and cannot imagine a better job than writing romance. She is also a certified yoga teacher, but is not nearly as flexible as she once was.
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March 16, 2014The Rogue Returns is now available! Read an excerpt here.
Line edits are done! The Rogue Returns is ready to be sent out into the world. I can't wait for you all to read Roane and Helen's story. It's a fun action/adventure in the vein of Romancing the Stone and The Electric Horseman.
January 9th update- galleys are done! As is a special HEA scene for the entire Trilogy.
Line edits are done! The Rogue Returns is ready to be sent out into the world. I can't wait for you all to read Roane and Helen's story. It's a fun action/adventure in the vein of Romancing the Stone and The Electric Horseman.
January 9th update- galleys are done! As is a special HEA scene for the entire Trilogy.
February 12, 2014
I don’t know how I missed the first two book s in this series, but I must go back and read them after the reading thoroughly enjoyable, The Rouge Returns!
I adored Helen and Roane from the beginning to the end of this wonderfully crafted tale. I loved that most of the story was set outside of the expected ballrooms and salons too; it was refreshing change and made for some interesting scenes!
When this mismatched couple, him a convicted criminal and her, a privileged lady of society, pair up to find the gold her dead brother hid, you can expect all sorts of misunderstandings. There was sweetness about Roane and a pluckiness about Helen that made for a fabulous read.
I enjoyed every page!
I adored Helen and Roane from the beginning to the end of this wonderfully crafted tale. I loved that most of the story was set outside of the expected ballrooms and salons too; it was refreshing change and made for some interesting scenes!
When this mismatched couple, him a convicted criminal and her, a privileged lady of society, pair up to find the gold her dead brother hid, you can expect all sorts of misunderstandings. There was sweetness about Roane and a pluckiness about Helen that made for a fabulous read.
I enjoyed every page!
January 13, 2014
I have waited patiently for Roane's story. I first met him in The Runaway Countess, this was Leigh't debut book. If you missed my review you can find it here in goodreads.
This story begins after Roane's three year return from isolation. He has paid for his time, now he has plans, big plans and all he needs is the gold he and a friend buried. But it is not as easy as it sounds, you mix in a high spirited woman and missing gold and you have a action packed adventure. As they partner up to follow the clues left by her brother, Roane and Helen start a journey that will be filled with humor, suspense and some very seductive romance. I couldn't have picked a better heroine for our leading man. She is spunky and tenacious.
This is a must read, you don't necessarily need to read the first two in the series, but I think it will help with building the background. Leigh writes characters that are believable and have depth. Why not take the journey with them.... Will Roane give up the girl and walk away when he finds what he is looking for?
This story begins after Roane's three year return from isolation. He has paid for his time, now he has plans, big plans and all he needs is the gold he and a friend buried. But it is not as easy as it sounds, you mix in a high spirited woman and missing gold and you have a action packed adventure. As they partner up to follow the clues left by her brother, Roane and Helen start a journey that will be filled with humor, suspense and some very seductive romance. I couldn't have picked a better heroine for our leading man. She is spunky and tenacious.
This is a must read, you don't necessarily need to read the first two in the series, but I think it will help with building the background. Leigh writes characters that are believable and have depth. Why not take the journey with them.... Will Roane give up the girl and walk away when he finds what he is looking for?
August 19, 2016
Writing a treasure hunt novel can be tricky. It's hard to leave clues without makeing it sound childish, but LaValle makes it look easy. With fun characters and moments when you just want to hit them because they're so obvious, this novel is a great romp of an adventure.
January 3, 2014
Arc from Net Galley of honest review.
Review to come closer to release date, if you enjoy historical set romance o adventure Romance you will like this one!
Review to come closer to release date, if you enjoy historical set romance o adventure Romance you will like this one!
September 16, 2014
The Rogue Returns: Nottinghamshire Series by Leigh Lavalle
Overview by Amazon:
THE ONLY THING LESS TRUSTWORTHY THAN A ROGUE...
Lady Helen Gladstone has siblings to protect and creditors at her door. There's only one way to stave off disaster--to find the fabled fortune that her deceased brother buried years ago. Her experience with her lying father and gambling brother has left her able to spot a scoundrel at ten paces. Unfortunately, the scoundrel she encounters is a lot closer than that...and he's planning to make off with her treasure.
...IS A LADY WITH NOTHING TO LOSE
After years of exile, Roane Grantham is eager to begin a new life without the law on his heels. First, he needs gold--his gold, buried one drunken night long ago. But he doesn't count on a petite, bold-as-brass blonde laying claim to his hoard.
Forming an uneasy alliance, Helen and Roane adventure through the high peaks of England, battling treasure hunters, violent storms, and dangerous terrain. But can they escape the growing passion that threatens to steal their hearts?
This book was such an amazing adventure. I adored reading every moment of it and couldn’t put it down. The story has it all – treasure, danger, follies along the way, lust and love. It’s the third book in the series, but it was so masterfully told that I didn’t feel that I needed to read the other two to enjoy the amazing adventure Roane and Helen undertake.
We meet Helen first. At times she seems a contradiction. She is a London miss who loves her clothing and fripperies and clings to etiquette when all you want to do is laugh at her. However, she battles for her inner fortitude to continue on this adventure, when really all she wants to do is sit down and cry at times. As we get to know her we learn that she cares deeply for the properties attached to the Earldom in her family. She cares about their maintenance and the people who rely on the Earldom for their lively hoods. She is a budding feminist, no longer content to be at the whim of men, as she has vast experience that the men she should rely on let everyone down. She also longs for an adventure. Not just one on galloping horses chasing treasure, but one of the heart and body.
Roane meets Helen as she is slightly disrobed and washing. He declares himself a rogue right off the bat. But like Helen, we get to learn there is oh so much more to his story. Roane has been many things in his life – bastard son, criminal, gambler, seducer, prisoner and loving nephew and brother. He is just the kind of man you’d want to set out on this type of adventure with. He is handsome, capable and smart. I love how he called Helen ‘buttercup’. At first it was just to annoy her, but later it was such a tender term of endearment.
The two of them are on an adventure to find over 16,000 pounds in gold hidden by her deceased brother James. He leaves them a map and the chase is on. They are to share the gold equally. Both desperately need the money. Roane to finally purchase land and start his horse farm and Helen to return her family and homestead to its rightful place. Roane has serious misgivings about bringing Helen along. He vehemently argues with her that she needs to return to London and he will send along the money. Even after almost being robbed, Helen demonstrates her tenacity and declares she is in for the chase.
And what a chase it is. They sleep in caves, under pine boughs, in the forest. Prim Helen has to find worms to use as bait for fishing. It is a totally different world than she is used to. As her wardrobe becomes tattered and useless it is replaced by sturdy practical clothing. This is a mirror to what is happening to Helen as a person. The things she delighted in like ribbons and lace now can’t compare to the beauty of the English countryside.
The love story between the two was so well written. I loved that Roane declared himself first and gave her the choice. As a somewhat sheltered young woman, she has little sexual experience, but a healthy interest in what happens between a man and a woman. Roane becomes her tutor. Things move slowly – they don’t consummate their lust immediately. Rather it’s like a titillating dance between the two as they slowly pleasure each other. For a rogue, Roane gives her amble and abundant opportunities to walk away from this growing intimacy. But Helen knows that he is the one she wants to experience. He ignites her blood and her heart. The sex scenes are well developed. It didn’t matter that they were on the forest floor. They could have been in the most exclusive hotel in London. The passion and lust they explore is primal the relationship they build.
They meet strangers along the way to find the gold. Some helpful and some not so much. Roane realizes they are being tracked after the first incident the night he meets Helen. It is his past coming back to haunt him and he loathes putting Helen in danger. This plot development adds urgency to their quest to finding the gold and getting to their respective destinations.
James left some tricky clues with his map, but they figure them out and find the secret hidden place. It was such a satisfying ending to a beautiful adventure. They both get what they long for, as well as their families. We read these stories because we want that happily ever after and I loved the epilogue because it just made everything feel right.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com
Overview by Amazon:
THE ONLY THING LESS TRUSTWORTHY THAN A ROGUE...
Lady Helen Gladstone has siblings to protect and creditors at her door. There's only one way to stave off disaster--to find the fabled fortune that her deceased brother buried years ago. Her experience with her lying father and gambling brother has left her able to spot a scoundrel at ten paces. Unfortunately, the scoundrel she encounters is a lot closer than that...and he's planning to make off with her treasure.
...IS A LADY WITH NOTHING TO LOSE
After years of exile, Roane Grantham is eager to begin a new life without the law on his heels. First, he needs gold--his gold, buried one drunken night long ago. But he doesn't count on a petite, bold-as-brass blonde laying claim to his hoard.
Forming an uneasy alliance, Helen and Roane adventure through the high peaks of England, battling treasure hunters, violent storms, and dangerous terrain. But can they escape the growing passion that threatens to steal their hearts?
This book was such an amazing adventure. I adored reading every moment of it and couldn’t put it down. The story has it all – treasure, danger, follies along the way, lust and love. It’s the third book in the series, but it was so masterfully told that I didn’t feel that I needed to read the other two to enjoy the amazing adventure Roane and Helen undertake.
We meet Helen first. At times she seems a contradiction. She is a London miss who loves her clothing and fripperies and clings to etiquette when all you want to do is laugh at her. However, she battles for her inner fortitude to continue on this adventure, when really all she wants to do is sit down and cry at times. As we get to know her we learn that she cares deeply for the properties attached to the Earldom in her family. She cares about their maintenance and the people who rely on the Earldom for their lively hoods. She is a budding feminist, no longer content to be at the whim of men, as she has vast experience that the men she should rely on let everyone down. She also longs for an adventure. Not just one on galloping horses chasing treasure, but one of the heart and body.
Roane meets Helen as she is slightly disrobed and washing. He declares himself a rogue right off the bat. But like Helen, we get to learn there is oh so much more to his story. Roane has been many things in his life – bastard son, criminal, gambler, seducer, prisoner and loving nephew and brother. He is just the kind of man you’d want to set out on this type of adventure with. He is handsome, capable and smart. I love how he called Helen ‘buttercup’. At first it was just to annoy her, but later it was such a tender term of endearment.
The two of them are on an adventure to find over 16,000 pounds in gold hidden by her deceased brother James. He leaves them a map and the chase is on. They are to share the gold equally. Both desperately need the money. Roane to finally purchase land and start his horse farm and Helen to return her family and homestead to its rightful place. Roane has serious misgivings about bringing Helen along. He vehemently argues with her that she needs to return to London and he will send along the money. Even after almost being robbed, Helen demonstrates her tenacity and declares she is in for the chase.
And what a chase it is. They sleep in caves, under pine boughs, in the forest. Prim Helen has to find worms to use as bait for fishing. It is a totally different world than she is used to. As her wardrobe becomes tattered and useless it is replaced by sturdy practical clothing. This is a mirror to what is happening to Helen as a person. The things she delighted in like ribbons and lace now can’t compare to the beauty of the English countryside.
The love story between the two was so well written. I loved that Roane declared himself first and gave her the choice. As a somewhat sheltered young woman, she has little sexual experience, but a healthy interest in what happens between a man and a woman. Roane becomes her tutor. Things move slowly – they don’t consummate their lust immediately. Rather it’s like a titillating dance between the two as they slowly pleasure each other. For a rogue, Roane gives her amble and abundant opportunities to walk away from this growing intimacy. But Helen knows that he is the one she wants to experience. He ignites her blood and her heart. The sex scenes are well developed. It didn’t matter that they were on the forest floor. They could have been in the most exclusive hotel in London. The passion and lust they explore is primal the relationship they build.
They meet strangers along the way to find the gold. Some helpful and some not so much. Roane realizes they are being tracked after the first incident the night he meets Helen. It is his past coming back to haunt him and he loathes putting Helen in danger. This plot development adds urgency to their quest to finding the gold and getting to their respective destinations.
James left some tricky clues with his map, but they figure them out and find the secret hidden place. It was such a satisfying ending to a beautiful adventure. They both get what they long for, as well as their families. We read these stories because we want that happily ever after and I loved the epilogue because it just made everything feel right.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com
February 21, 2014
After reading The Runaway Countess and encountering The Midnight Rider, Roane Grantham, I was happy to learn that this latest book is Roane’s story. He has returned from time served in the penal colony of Australia to pay for his crimes and is ready to find a new start with the gold his friend James Gladstone and he buried before he left England. When he arrives at the hiding spot, he encounters James’ sister Helen, who is desperately seeking the gold to repair the family’s fortunes after her brother’s death. After finding not the gold, but a treasure map left by James, the two decide to work together to follow the map and search for the gold. On a cross country road trip, having to ride a horse, sleeping outdoors, her clothes in ruins, and none of the amenities a lady is used to, Roane was sure Helen would give up and ask to return to London. She is one determined young lady with nothing to lose and surprises him with her tenacity. There was a bit of action with some thieves in the beginning, a former nemesis of Roane’s chasing them, and a few encounters with other minor characters, but mostly the story rests on just the interaction between the two main characters. I enjoyed the road trip, although a few of the situations Helen gets in and the way she responds sounded a bit unusual for the daughter of an Earl, I think her desperate straits made them plausible. Over all it was a fun story with two characters that made me care about things turning out well for them. I look forward to reading more stories by this author.
February 11, 2014
This was the ultimate road trip romance! The writing is great and the love scenes steamy and the characters very likable.
I loved Helen and Roane! They were perfect together. I loved that Helen was a girly girl who screamed when she thought there was a spider on her (been there, done that). I loved that Roane teased her about it!
Roane was a great hero - he has a past and he has done his time and wants to move beyond his past. He learned from his his past but it doesn't define him. He is not wallowing in self pity - he is just trying to make his dream come true.
Helen is a fixer - she has been hurt by all the men in her life and has learned to be the caregiver. She is afraid to trust a man with her future (can't say I blame her, all things considered).
I LOVED watching these two fall in love - it was beautiful! I loved that Roane said the I love yous first - that is so rare. I also loved that Helen didn't immediately return the words - it made it all the more meaningful when she finally did.
I liked the epilogue - I would have liked more - kids? I would have also liked a bit more about Cat and Jamie but it was nice to see that Maize and Trent had a boy and a girl. I wish there were more family members to write about!! I really enjoyed this series and am sad that it is over.
I loved Helen and Roane! They were perfect together. I loved that Helen was a girly girl who screamed when she thought there was a spider on her (been there, done that). I loved that Roane teased her about it!
Roane was a great hero - he has a past and he has done his time and wants to move beyond his past. He learned from his his past but it doesn't define him. He is not wallowing in self pity - he is just trying to make his dream come true.
Helen is a fixer - she has been hurt by all the men in her life and has learned to be the caregiver. She is afraid to trust a man with her future (can't say I blame her, all things considered).
I LOVED watching these two fall in love - it was beautiful! I loved that Roane said the I love yous first - that is so rare. I also loved that Helen didn't immediately return the words - it made it all the more meaningful when she finally did.
I liked the epilogue - I would have liked more - kids? I would have also liked a bit more about Cat and Jamie but it was nice to see that Maize and Trent had a boy and a girl. I wish there were more family members to write about!! I really enjoyed this series and am sad that it is over.
February 11, 2014
Book three in the Nottinghamshire series. I broke my own rule about reading books in order, but the plot sounded like so much fun. Thankfully, it can be read as a standalone.
My thoughts:
I’ve read a few road trip stories in historical romance—the brilliant and hilarious A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare and Bride by Mistake by Anne Gracie come to mind. I think it’s a great plot device for a hero and heroine to get to know one another in the most trying of circumstances. After all, you don’t really know someone until you take a trip with them, right? With all its possibilities of inconvenience, discomfort, and unfamiliarity, a road trip is the perfect way to see if you and another person are compatible.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1m1D6pB
My thoughts:
I’ve read a few road trip stories in historical romance—the brilliant and hilarious A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare and Bride by Mistake by Anne Gracie come to mind. I think it’s a great plot device for a hero and heroine to get to know one another in the most trying of circumstances. After all, you don’t really know someone until you take a trip with them, right? With all its possibilities of inconvenience, discomfort, and unfamiliarity, a road trip is the perfect way to see if you and another person are compatible.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1m1D6pB
September 24, 2014
H: Roane Grantham
h: Lady Helen Gladstone
This is book 3. I didn't read the other two yet. (after reading this I now wanta go back and read them) But that being said I don't feel I missed anything by not read the other first.
So you got Lady Helen who is at the bottom and need to save her family. Then she remember the story that her dead brother buried a hidden treasure and she has the perfect plan to save her family. Find the money and her problem are over. simple right? No because Roane has the same idea.
I really enjoyed this book. The Hand h go though a lot to finally get love in the end. I liked the heat between them and I was very satisfied when they finally got their HEA!
I will be recommend this book to my girls! Great Read!
h: Lady Helen Gladstone
This is book 3. I didn't read the other two yet. (after reading this I now wanta go back and read them) But that being said I don't feel I missed anything by not read the other first.
So you got Lady Helen who is at the bottom and need to save her family. Then she remember the story that her dead brother buried a hidden treasure and she has the perfect plan to save her family. Find the money and her problem are over. simple right? No because Roane has the same idea.
I really enjoyed this book. The Hand h go though a lot to finally get love in the end. I liked the heat between them and I was very satisfied when they finally got their HEA!
I will be recommend this book to my girls! Great Read!
February 12, 2014
Finally, a book which I couldn't get out of my head during the day while I was not reading. And feel good when I thought about it. It was fun,intense too. Most importantly, I felt something. I was tingling all over when he has declared his love. My heart has physically ached :) I love it,when a book does that. That is the sole reason I even read. Like an addict I can't seem to be get enough of the feeling.
August 31, 2014
This book was a delight from start to finish. It hooked me and kept me pinned to my seat for two days. Such a wonderful, fun, romantic adventure. It's like a historical Romancing the Stone only with a better hero. I will also admit that the angsty part made me cry which RARELY happens. I'm just not a crier. Any book that makes me cry is an auto-keeper for me. Oh, and Roane is my new book boyfriend. Will read this again!
September 13, 2017
"The Rogue Returns " by Leigh LaValle is my 1st book by d author...
i thoroughly enjoyed it .... it has all d ingredients ... romance, action , thrill & most important treasure hunt... i ve always been fascinated of treasure hunt subjects...
i absolutely fell in love with Helen & Roane .... wat an adorable couple... the story is woven around dis 2 characters who ve a treasure to hunt which will be shared by dem... so d adventure dey ve on d way to find d treasure is quite funny, sizzling at times & very interesting...
leigh has presented d story very well ... the plot is fast paced not boring ...a very well written story ....
Lady Helen Gladstone is the daughter of an earl, but everything that isn’t entailed has been spent frivolously by her irresponsible brothers...she desperately decides to dig up a fortune in gold that her deceased brother allegedly buried in a field.so she can fend of away creditors..
Roane Grantham is the unacknowledged bastard son of a nobleman, just returned to England after three years’ exile in Australia. He had been friends with Helen’s brother James ,has a stake in d said treasure and he’d like to find the buried gold to establish a horse farm...
Their journey through the mountains of England allows Helen to shed her fancy clothes and her fancy attitude. Roane falls desperately in love with her. I loved the development of their relationship, Helen is practical. a feminist but still falls in love with Roane for all d good qualities she finds in him...wat i loved about d book was there is a lot of humour...
i can say it was one of d best books ive read ...keep it up Leah good work... thank u ...
i thoroughly enjoyed it .... it has all d ingredients ... romance, action , thrill & most important treasure hunt... i ve always been fascinated of treasure hunt subjects...
i absolutely fell in love with Helen & Roane .... wat an adorable couple... the story is woven around dis 2 characters who ve a treasure to hunt which will be shared by dem... so d adventure dey ve on d way to find d treasure is quite funny, sizzling at times & very interesting...
leigh has presented d story very well ... the plot is fast paced not boring ...a very well written story ....
Lady Helen Gladstone is the daughter of an earl, but everything that isn’t entailed has been spent frivolously by her irresponsible brothers...she desperately decides to dig up a fortune in gold that her deceased brother allegedly buried in a field.so she can fend of away creditors..
Roane Grantham is the unacknowledged bastard son of a nobleman, just returned to England after three years’ exile in Australia. He had been friends with Helen’s brother James ,has a stake in d said treasure and he’d like to find the buried gold to establish a horse farm...
Their journey through the mountains of England allows Helen to shed her fancy clothes and her fancy attitude. Roane falls desperately in love with her. I loved the development of their relationship, Helen is practical. a feminist but still falls in love with Roane for all d good qualities she finds in him...wat i loved about d book was there is a lot of humour...
i can say it was one of d best books ive read ...keep it up Leah good work... thank u ...
February 13, 2014
Disclosure: I received a review copy from the author. Yes, this is an honest review.
* * *
The last we saw Roane Grantham, he had willingly surrendered to the Earl of Radford (his own brother in-law) and was on his way to the penal colonies in Australia. Roane is back and ready to start over, but, first, he must locate the stash of gold that he and his friend, James Gladstone, buried many years before. He isn't the first person searching for the treasure: when he arrives at the location, he finds a young woman with a hundred holes dug up around her already.
When her brother was alive, Helen never gave a second thought to his story of buried treasure, but desperate times call for desperate measures and she is desperate enough not only to believe the story, but also desperate enough to go digging for it. With her brother's death, and her second brother's own dissipation, it falls unto Helen to come up with a solution to their financial problems.
When I found out this was another journey story, I was a bit worried. I'm not fond of the trope because of all the traveling and stopping at inns and such, but, Leigh LaValle's The Rogue Returns has opened my heart up a little bit. The story begins with the hero and heroine finding the X and the treasure chest -- but the treasure isn't there! Helen's brother (and Roane's friend) moved sixteen thousand pounds-worth of gold without them knowing it, and all he left behind was a cryptic poem telling where he buried it.
I loved the poem that LaValle wrote and thought it foreshadowed the relationship that would result from Helen and Roane searching for the treasure together. Did James intend for his sister and Roane to go off on an adventure and find the treasure together? I know it is not possible because of Roane's incarceration, but the romantic in me likes to think that the treasure is both literal (sixteen thousand pounds in gold) and figurative (love!).
Character growth is very clear in this story, especially in Helen's case. She started out as a bit of a spoiled London lady, cringing at the idea of sleeping in a cave or riding wearing inappropriate attire. But Helen is not a one-note character: from the very first chapter, we see that this is a lady who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty. She single-handedly found the treasure site and had been digging, albeit unsuccessfully, for the treasure. It's so easy to hate her and her behaviour in the early part of the book gives us a reason to: when she starts complaining about her lack of dresses and her insistence on keeping her reticule -- but I feel sorry for her instead.
It's a heartbreaking side to Helen's character and story, because she's clearly used to more comfortable circumstances but she has fallen from her stellar position and is reduced to following her brother's tale about treasure and hoping, hoping that it would be true. It is not her job to save the family, but, if she doesn't, then who will?
Roane is an unusual hero. We've read about convicts being shipped off to Australia and we never hear about them again, but Roane has returned to England -- scarred and changed. His body contains the story of the past three years -- the hard labor and difficult circumstances that he was in while serving time. He's brooding and mysterious, but Roane is innately kind and it shows in how he deals with Helen. There's also a bit of reflection in having an ex-convict be the hero of the story. In Roane's case, he was not wrongfully-accused and innocent all along. He truly did the crime he was convicted of and actually voluntarily surrendered himself for his sister's sake. What I like about Roane is that his change was not a result of falling in love with Helen -- he had made the choice to live his life differently even before he met her, and this was the reason why he has returned to England and is seeking out the treasure. He needs the money to start his new life.
LaValle planned, wrote and paced this story so well. I actually lost track of time reading about Roane and Helen and enjoyed their interaction. I was worried when they were getting closer and closer to finding the treasure, because I didn't want their journey to end! They were learning so much of each other and of themselves and I wondered how they would be when they find the treasure and returned to their normal lives.
When I finished reading this, I really wanted to read more of Leigh LaValle, so I downloaded The Misbehaving Marquess and will be reading it soon!
My one small, small complaint? Pallet is the small bed. Palate is what's inside your mouth. ^_^
* * *
The last we saw Roane Grantham, he had willingly surrendered to the Earl of Radford (his own brother in-law) and was on his way to the penal colonies in Australia. Roane is back and ready to start over, but, first, he must locate the stash of gold that he and his friend, James Gladstone, buried many years before. He isn't the first person searching for the treasure: when he arrives at the location, he finds a young woman with a hundred holes dug up around her already.
When her brother was alive, Helen never gave a second thought to his story of buried treasure, but desperate times call for desperate measures and she is desperate enough not only to believe the story, but also desperate enough to go digging for it. With her brother's death, and her second brother's own dissipation, it falls unto Helen to come up with a solution to their financial problems.
When I found out this was another journey story, I was a bit worried. I'm not fond of the trope because of all the traveling and stopping at inns and such, but, Leigh LaValle's The Rogue Returns has opened my heart up a little bit. The story begins with the hero and heroine finding the X and the treasure chest -- but the treasure isn't there! Helen's brother (and Roane's friend) moved sixteen thousand pounds-worth of gold without them knowing it, and all he left behind was a cryptic poem telling where he buried it.
I loved the poem that LaValle wrote and thought it foreshadowed the relationship that would result from Helen and Roane searching for the treasure together. Did James intend for his sister and Roane to go off on an adventure and find the treasure together? I know it is not possible because of Roane's incarceration, but the romantic in me likes to think that the treasure is both literal (sixteen thousand pounds in gold) and figurative (love!).
For that, there's this, a game to end and begin
You, a new start, me, a laugh, and all of us a sin.
You will find the end of your rainbow, that I do swear
And mine as well, for my kin, but I will not say where.
- loc 379
Character growth is very clear in this story, especially in Helen's case. She started out as a bit of a spoiled London lady, cringing at the idea of sleeping in a cave or riding wearing inappropriate attire. But Helen is not a one-note character: from the very first chapter, we see that this is a lady who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty. She single-handedly found the treasure site and had been digging, albeit unsuccessfully, for the treasure. It's so easy to hate her and her behaviour in the early part of the book gives us a reason to: when she starts complaining about her lack of dresses and her insistence on keeping her reticule -- but I feel sorry for her instead.
It's a heartbreaking side to Helen's character and story, because she's clearly used to more comfortable circumstances but she has fallen from her stellar position and is reduced to following her brother's tale about treasure and hoping, hoping that it would be true. It is not her job to save the family, but, if she doesn't, then who will?
"And who shall keep me safe in Cromford? The servants who abandoned me for fear they'd never be paid? Or shall I return to London, and the ruffians stalking my front door? Oh no," she held up her hand, "of course, my brother Harry shall keep me safe. Harry, who looks for every answer in a bottle. Indeed, it has been some time since I have been safe. I think I shall take my chances and protect my half of the gold."
- loc 214
Roane is an unusual hero. We've read about convicts being shipped off to Australia and we never hear about them again, but Roane has returned to England -- scarred and changed. His body contains the story of the past three years -- the hard labor and difficult circumstances that he was in while serving time. He's brooding and mysterious, but Roane is innately kind and it shows in how he deals with Helen. There's also a bit of reflection in having an ex-convict be the hero of the story. In Roane's case, he was not wrongfully-accused and innocent all along. He truly did the crime he was convicted of and actually voluntarily surrendered himself for his sister's sake. What I like about Roane is that his change was not a result of falling in love with Helen -- he had made the choice to live his life differently even before he met her, and this was the reason why he has returned to England and is seeking out the treasure. He needs the money to start his new life.
LaValle planned, wrote and paced this story so well. I actually lost track of time reading about Roane and Helen and enjoyed their interaction. I was worried when they were getting closer and closer to finding the treasure, because I didn't want their journey to end! They were learning so much of each other and of themselves and I wondered how they would be when they find the treasure and returned to their normal lives.
Their parting was inevitable. They were from different worlds, had different futures ahead of them. He wanted to build a life for himself in the hills, to breed and train horses and ride carefree across the sunlit meadows.
- loc 3050
When I finished reading this, I really wanted to read more of Leigh LaValle, so I downloaded The Misbehaving Marquess and will be reading it soon!
My one small, small complaint? Pallet is the small bed. Palate is what's inside your mouth. ^_^
September 11, 2017
It had a good beginning, but I simply could not relate to anything or anyone in this book. It felt like the story is just an excuse for the sex, though I should have more empathy for the former Midnight Rider's plight: his bastardy and his life as an outlaw plus his deportation. The same is true with the cultured well~bred Helen who had to learn quickly how to adjust to poverty and penury. But, nothing. I also had a hard time trying to finish it, it just did not and could not hold my attention. This book or this author and I just do not gel well. So I will leave her to others who can relate to her style of writing.
May 15, 2017
Hmmm. It was not a bad book. The writing was solid (although writing "mommy" for an English setting kind of threw me, and there were a few Americanisms/modernisms) and the story ok, although reading it as a stand alone may have meant I missed some of the back story. All I can say is it did not move me. I finished it because that's what I try to do, but I didn't really invest in the characters or the outcome. Maybe I was looking for more passion and tension, a feeling that something was at stake. It was really just a treasure hunt. 2.5 stars from me.
November 8, 2017
Forget your Christian Greys and Edward Cullens, none of them can hold a candle to Roane Grantham! Here is a hero strong and sexy without being brutish or bullying. And Helen is no shrinking violet to wilt before an alpha male either. She is bright and brave and fierce enough to go toe-to-toe with any man. The HEA is a bit heavy-handed, and perhaps a bit rushed, but it's forgivable. There are moments of truly beautiful prose. Great characters, exciting plot, and lovely writing make The Rogue Returns a memorable gem in a vast field of forgettable romances. I may even read it twice!!
September 23, 2017
The Rogue Returns
This is a true love story with the evil (every romance should have an evil person chasing them, or was it 3 evil people??). The story of Helen digging all those holes for naught then Roane comes along and seems to know exactly where to dig? But what do they find but an empty wooden box with a map of sorts and a little poem. Helen and Roane head off together to find the gold. What happens next, well read the book and follow their journey.
This is a true love story with the evil (every romance should have an evil person chasing them, or was it 3 evil people??). The story of Helen digging all those holes for naught then Roane comes along and seems to know exactly where to dig? But what do they find but an empty wooden box with a map of sorts and a little poem. Helen and Roane head off together to find the gold. What happens next, well read the book and follow their journey.
July 26, 2018
The Rogue Returns: Nottinghamshire Series
You will greatly enjoy this Regency Romance. Rogue has returned from exile in Australia and is going on search of his gold that he and his friend James won at the horse track before he was deported. James has died and hidden the money but left a letter for Rogue with his sister Helen. She insists on going on the treasure hunt with Rogue! Great story and love story. Enjoy!
You will greatly enjoy this Regency Romance. Rogue has returned from exile in Australia and is going on search of his gold that he and his friend James won at the horse track before he was deported. James has died and hidden the money but left a letter for Rogue with his sister Helen. She insists on going on the treasure hunt with Rogue! Great story and love story. Enjoy!
July 23, 2018
The Rogue Returns: Nottinghamshire Series
The love story of Roane and Helen. Roane has return to England after three years in Australia and find Helen digging for his treasure. Helen is his friend's sister and she want the treasure so save her family. Can they find the treasure or will they find love? Great syory.
The love story of Roane and Helen. Roane has return to England after three years in Australia and find Helen digging for his treasure. Helen is his friend's sister and she want the treasure so save her family. Can they find the treasure or will they find love? Great syory.
July 20, 2017
The Rogue
This book is fabulous! A wonderful series. I enjoyed the first book and this the third book the best. The characters were entertaining even the villains. Helen and the rogue were perfect for each other. I did not want to this book down.
This book is fabulous! A wonderful series. I enjoyed the first book and this the third book the best. The characters were entertaining even the villains. Helen and the rogue were perfect for each other. I did not want to this book down.
August 4, 2017
Exciting
I loved this book!! For me, it was the best one of the series. What a captivating rogue Roane turned out to be and so romantic. Always saying the most delightful things. Plenty of adventure too.
I loved this book!! For me, it was the best one of the series. What a captivating rogue Roane turned out to be and so romantic. Always saying the most delightful things. Plenty of adventure too.
September 30, 2017
The Rogue Returns
A historical romance with your not so typical heroine. I love strong woman. A rogue with a good a good heart. Both searching for gold her brother hid, both desperate for the money. A good story with a good ending.
A historical romance with your not so typical heroine. I love strong woman. A rogue with a good a good heart. Both searching for gold her brother hid, both desperate for the money. A good story with a good ending.
October 1, 2017
The Rogue Returns
Author Leigh LaValle, weaves a wonderful story of adventure with the building tensions of two people thrown together in suspense and the search for lost treasure. Great story line keeping your interest to the end.
Author Leigh LaValle, weaves a wonderful story of adventure with the building tensions of two people thrown together in suspense and the search for lost treasure. Great story line keeping your interest to the end.
September 10, 2017
Loved this Story!!!!
A page turner from the first chapter. Could not put it down . Roane Gratham is devilish ,handsome, irresistible and is funny as well . Great Read.
A page turner from the first chapter. Could not put it down . Roane Gratham is devilish ,handsome, irresistible and is funny as well . Great Read.
January 27, 2018
I love this Book
It was Fantastic Keeps you Guessing and oh how I Love Roane and Helen Their Love for one another and their Journey
It was Fantastic Keeps you Guessing and oh how I Love Roane and Helen Their Love for one another and their Journey
July 25, 2018
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
April 2, 2019
Very good
July 13, 2021
Redeeming
This was a Cute and sexy yet intriguing romantic tale of redemption. I liked it a lot and recommend the story. The cups at the end also sound good.
This was a Cute and sexy yet intriguing romantic tale of redemption. I liked it a lot and recommend the story. The cups at the end also sound good.
January 22, 2014
I do so enjoy a good roadtrip-on-horseback novel if it’s done well, and this book is done very well. Lady Helen Gladstone is the daughter of an earl, but everything that isn’t entailed has been spent frivolously through the generations, on buying horses and clothing mistresses and the like. Her father and older brother are dead, and her younger brother is more interested in drinking and gambling than in saving the earldom. Helen spends her days chasing away creditors and wealthy, unappealing suitors, until she desperately decides to dig up a fortune in gold that her deceased brother allegedly buried in a field.
Roane Grantham is the unacknowledged bastard son of a nobleman, just returned to England after three years’ exile in Australia. He happened to be friends with Helen’s brother and he’d like to find the buried gold to establish a horse farm. He has a colorful past, clearly identifies himself as a rogue, and he calls Helen “buttercup” all the time, mainly to annoy her. In my mind, he looks like Sawyer from Lost. If you need a visual.
Helen and Roane meet in the field, but instead of treasure, they find a map. And then they’re set upon by thieves. Helen forces Roane to allow her on the treasure hunt simply by refusing to leave. He tells her that she won’t be safe, especially from him, but she won’t give up her only chance to be free from a terrible marriage.
Later that evening, they share one of the best first kisses I’ve read in a while. It’s a “kiss her to shut her up” type of kiss, and she responds, and Roane gets to second base, and Helen is not the type to slap him. She knows her way around a rogue, and she teases and torments him. Imagine her speaking this in a bored, flat voice:
“I’m raising the white flag of defeat. I’m charmed by your roguish ways. I’m awash with desire. Your flirting and pretty words have hit their mark. Kiss me.”
In truth, Helen is very intrigued by Roane, even though she really should know better. Who hasn’t thought this about a guy?
All his blond gorgeousness was distracting. He was wet. And muscly.
I loved the development of their relationship. Roane has been abandoned by everyone he loves, and so he is hesitant to open up to Helen, although he wants to. When he finally does, she can see his fear of rejection, and it’s so sweet. Helen, meanwhile, is practical. She’s fed up with men ruining things for women, because it falls to women to feed the children and pay the bills when the men have mucked everything up. She’s a budding feminist, noting that women are told to be quiet, to be good, and are made powerless, yet they pick up the pieces anyway.
Their journey through the mountains of England allows Helen to shed her fancy clothes and her fancy attitude. Roane falls desperately in love with her. They kiss a lot and share physical intimacy, but don’t actually have sex until nearly the end. I have to say that the author tied the physical journey with the emotional journey so beautifully. Roane especially was kind of heartbreaking.
This is a third in a series which I haven’t read, but I’m going to read it as soon as I get a chance because it sounds just as awesome. Did I mention this book was awesome? And delicious? I’m not giving it an A because Helen fell back on the old “he’s a rogue” excuse a few too many times, and then her worries about ending up with Roane weren’t addressed at the end (I thought they were silly concerns and she could have dismissed them easily), so I am just a teensy bit nitpicky. But if you like historicals, or opposites-stuck-on-a-road-trip stories, or Regencies without ballrooms and parlors, definitely give this book a try.
Rating: A-
This review was originally posted on Red Hot Books at: http://redhotbooks.com/2014/01/review...
Roane Grantham is the unacknowledged bastard son of a nobleman, just returned to England after three years’ exile in Australia. He happened to be friends with Helen’s brother and he’d like to find the buried gold to establish a horse farm. He has a colorful past, clearly identifies himself as a rogue, and he calls Helen “buttercup” all the time, mainly to annoy her. In my mind, he looks like Sawyer from Lost. If you need a visual.
Helen and Roane meet in the field, but instead of treasure, they find a map. And then they’re set upon by thieves. Helen forces Roane to allow her on the treasure hunt simply by refusing to leave. He tells her that she won’t be safe, especially from him, but she won’t give up her only chance to be free from a terrible marriage.
Later that evening, they share one of the best first kisses I’ve read in a while. It’s a “kiss her to shut her up” type of kiss, and she responds, and Roane gets to second base, and Helen is not the type to slap him. She knows her way around a rogue, and she teases and torments him. Imagine her speaking this in a bored, flat voice:
“I’m raising the white flag of defeat. I’m charmed by your roguish ways. I’m awash with desire. Your flirting and pretty words have hit their mark. Kiss me.”
In truth, Helen is very intrigued by Roane, even though she really should know better. Who hasn’t thought this about a guy?
All his blond gorgeousness was distracting. He was wet. And muscly.
I loved the development of their relationship. Roane has been abandoned by everyone he loves, and so he is hesitant to open up to Helen, although he wants to. When he finally does, she can see his fear of rejection, and it’s so sweet. Helen, meanwhile, is practical. She’s fed up with men ruining things for women, because it falls to women to feed the children and pay the bills when the men have mucked everything up. She’s a budding feminist, noting that women are told to be quiet, to be good, and are made powerless, yet they pick up the pieces anyway.
Their journey through the mountains of England allows Helen to shed her fancy clothes and her fancy attitude. Roane falls desperately in love with her. They kiss a lot and share physical intimacy, but don’t actually have sex until nearly the end. I have to say that the author tied the physical journey with the emotional journey so beautifully. Roane especially was kind of heartbreaking.
This is a third in a series which I haven’t read, but I’m going to read it as soon as I get a chance because it sounds just as awesome. Did I mention this book was awesome? And delicious? I’m not giving it an A because Helen fell back on the old “he’s a rogue” excuse a few too many times, and then her worries about ending up with Roane weren’t addressed at the end (I thought they were silly concerns and she could have dismissed them easily), so I am just a teensy bit nitpicky. But if you like historicals, or opposites-stuck-on-a-road-trip stories, or Regencies without ballrooms and parlors, definitely give this book a try.
Rating: A-
This review was originally posted on Red Hot Books at: http://redhotbooks.com/2014/01/review...
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