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Rescued from Ruin #9
A Kiss from a Rogue
The final, breathtaking novel in Elisa Braden’s Rescued from Ruin series is the story readers have been clamoring for: Fragile yet unbroken, Hannah Gray is embarking on a husband hunt … if only Lady Wallingham hadn’t invited a wolf to the party.
All she wants is an ordinary life
A cruel past left Hannah Gray with one simple longing—normalcy. Normal ladies ride and waltz without fear. They have safe, normal husbands to give them safe, normal kisses. After years of healing, she’s ready to find “normal” for herself, and Lady Wallingham’s house party is the perfect place to begin. Perfect, that is, except for the cynical wolf-in-rogue’s-clothing whose every hungry glance threatens to crack her armor and pierce her fragile heart.
All he wants is to forget her
Bow Street runner Jonas Hawthorn vowed never to see the cold, haughty Miss Gray again. A year ago, he nearly died trying to protect her, only to be dismissed like a lowly servant. But soon, he’ll have land and servants of his own. He just has to locate an old dowager’s stolen goods, collect his prize, and avoid the beauty who haunts him like a moonlit sky.
All it takes is a single kiss
He never meant to touch her. She never meant to reveal the truth. But once he’s tasted the heat and longing hidden beneath her icy mask, the only mystery this Bow Street man burns to solve is how a roguish wolf might win the elusive Miss Gray for himself.
All she wants is an ordinary life
A cruel past left Hannah Gray with one simple longing—normalcy. Normal ladies ride and waltz without fear. They have safe, normal husbands to give them safe, normal kisses. After years of healing, she’s ready to find “normal” for herself, and Lady Wallingham’s house party is the perfect place to begin. Perfect, that is, except for the cynical wolf-in-rogue’s-clothing whose every hungry glance threatens to crack her armor and pierce her fragile heart.
All he wants is to forget her
Bow Street runner Jonas Hawthorn vowed never to see the cold, haughty Miss Gray again. A year ago, he nearly died trying to protect her, only to be dismissed like a lowly servant. But soon, he’ll have land and servants of his own. He just has to locate an old dowager’s stolen goods, collect his prize, and avoid the beauty who haunts him like a moonlit sky.
All it takes is a single kiss
He never meant to touch her. She never meant to reveal the truth. But once he’s tasted the heat and longing hidden beneath her icy mask, the only mystery this Bow Street man burns to solve is how a roguish wolf might win the elusive Miss Gray for himself.
300 pages, ebook
First published July 30, 2019
286 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
Elisa Braden
25 books1,745 followersReading romance novels came easily to Elisa Braden. Writing them? That took a little longer. After graduating with degrees in creative writing and history, Elisa spent too many years in “real” jobs writing T-shirt copy ... and other people’s resumes ... and articles about giftware displays. But that was before she woke up and started dreaming about the very unreal job of being a romance novelist. Better late than never.
Elisa lives in the Pacific Northwest, where you're constitutionally required to like the colors green and gray. Good thing she does. Other items on the "like" list include cute dogs, strong coffee, and epic movies. Of course, her favorite thing of all is hearing from readers who love her characters as much as she does.
If you're one of those, get in touch on Facebook (@authorelisabraden), visit her website (www.elisabraden.com), and - most importantly - be the first to hear about new releases, price specials, and awesome free bonuses by signing up for her email newsletter (bit.ly/ElisaNewsletter). It's easy, quick, and FREE.
Elisa lives in the Pacific Northwest, where you're constitutionally required to like the colors green and gray. Good thing she does. Other items on the "like" list include cute dogs, strong coffee, and epic movies. Of course, her favorite thing of all is hearing from readers who love her characters as much as she does.
If you're one of those, get in touch on Facebook (@authorelisabraden), visit her website (www.elisabraden.com), and - most importantly - be the first to hear about new releases, price specials, and awesome free bonuses by signing up for her email newsletter (bit.ly/ElisaNewsletter). It's easy, quick, and FREE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
July 20, 2020
I was inspired enough by Lady Wallingham to post this pic:
Except Lady W has a heart of gold...
Sigh...again with the metaphors. The previous book's hero was a Griffin, and now this hero, Jonas, is a wolf...
Review:
4.25 stars rounded to 5. I wanted to give it a 5, I did. But I'm still annoyed by all the endless metaphors. - Wolf, snowfall and rose. Dragon with its treasure. Wolf with its I forget. Just on and on with the metaphors. Too much.
So, 0.5 off for that.
0.25 off for the cover. It's better than the last book, but not that great still. Am sure Jonas AND Hannah are a lot better looking than the ppl on the cover. Or maybe they weren't caught at the best angle.
I do like the love scenes quite a bit tho. All, right, I'll add 0.25 for those and round it back up to 5.
Passionate, sexy love scenes. Jonas is the MAN!
The emotional angst from Hannah I can understand given her background but how she could conflate her abuser with her husband in ANY WAY, I couldn't get.
The emotional angst from Jonas was a little strange at times. I get that he's always survived death and protected himself by being alone, but pulling away from Hannah repeatedly seemed...overdone.
Anyway, overall I am left with a relatively satisfied feeling, so I will stick with the higher rating. Maybe I'll even read more from this author.
Except Lady W has a heart of gold...
Sigh...again with the metaphors. The previous book's hero was a Griffin, and now this hero, Jonas, is a wolf...
Review:
4.25 stars rounded to 5. I wanted to give it a 5, I did. But I'm still annoyed by all the endless metaphors. - Wolf, snowfall and rose. Dragon with its treasure. Wolf with its I forget. Just on and on with the metaphors. Too much.
So, 0.5 off for that.
0.25 off for the cover. It's better than the last book, but not that great still. Am sure Jonas AND Hannah are a lot better looking than the ppl on the cover. Or maybe they weren't caught at the best angle.
I do like the love scenes quite a bit tho. All, right, I'll add 0.25 for those and round it back up to 5.
Passionate, sexy love scenes. Jonas is the MAN!
The emotional angst from Hannah I can understand given her background but how she could conflate her abuser with her husband in ANY WAY, I couldn't get.
The emotional angst from Jonas was a little strange at times. I get that he's always survived death and protected himself by being alone, but pulling away from Hannah repeatedly seemed...overdone.
Anyway, overall I am left with a relatively satisfied feeling, so I will stick with the higher rating. Maybe I'll even read more from this author.
July 31, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
To say that A Kiss from a Rogue is one of my most anticipated romances of 2019 would be the understatement of the year. I was practically salivating for Hannah and Jonas’s story ever since they met in A Marriage Made in Scandal. Not only did A Kiss from a Rogue give me everything I could have ever wanted for Hannah and Jonas, it is also a fantastic conclusion to the wonderful Rescued From Ruin series. As the lovely dedication states: this one is for the fans of the long running series. I highly recommend reading this series in order because A Kiss from a Rogue not only brings together the couples from every single book, but it also gives us a brilliant glimpse into the ever ubiquitous and indomitable Lady Wallingham’s past. Elisa Braden succeeded in giving us mini updates on the other couples of the series, while never ever taking away the spotlight from Hannah and Jonas. Those mini updates (mini epilogues of a sort) were seamlessly included in the story and they never overshadowed the principal love story. In fact, these characters were inserted in such a way that they propelled Jonas’s character development, which I think was cleverly written by the author. I am very impressed because very few authors know how to wrap up a long series in a way that satisfies the fans.
Jonas’s longing and pining for Hannah was so deliciously intense. I nearly swooned every time he expressed his need for her in his mind, through his words, and through his actions. I do love a pining hero, especially if the heroine unintentionally comes across as cold, when she’s in fact burning and pining for the hero as well. The tension was absolutely yummy. The chemistry was electrifying. I was literally holding my breath, waiting for them to meet again, a year after their parting in A Marriage Made in Scandal. I had butterflies every time they interacted and exchanged words because the pining was so damn palpable. I died every time Jonas expressed himself in words and in action – he was so damn sexy and he wanted her so damn much. And when Hannah eventually lets down her walls and actually takes action? Incredible. These two were burning for each other and made me burn myself in the process lol. Their first kiss is probably one of the most memorable kiss scenes I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I know I keep going on and on about the tension and chemistry, but the emotional intimacy was also exceedingly well done. Both Hannah and Jonas have a lot of scars, emotional and physical ones that come in between them. But trust me when I say that the relationship development is beautifully done. When a romance novel has a great mixture of chemistry, tension, and emotional development, then you know it will be an unforgettable romance that gives you all the damn FEELS.
If you are a hardcore fan of this series like me and you were absolutely dying for Hannah and Jonas to get together, then you are in for a delicious treat. If you’re new to Elisa Braden, I recommend you sign up for her newsletter so you can get the first book in this series for free. I highly recommend this series!!! It’s one of my favourite historical romance series of all time and I cannot wait to see what else Elisa Braden has in store for her fans!
To say that A Kiss from a Rogue is one of my most anticipated romances of 2019 would be the understatement of the year. I was practically salivating for Hannah and Jonas’s story ever since they met in A Marriage Made in Scandal. Not only did A Kiss from a Rogue give me everything I could have ever wanted for Hannah and Jonas, it is also a fantastic conclusion to the wonderful Rescued From Ruin series. As the lovely dedication states: this one is for the fans of the long running series. I highly recommend reading this series in order because A Kiss from a Rogue not only brings together the couples from every single book, but it also gives us a brilliant glimpse into the ever ubiquitous and indomitable Lady Wallingham’s past. Elisa Braden succeeded in giving us mini updates on the other couples of the series, while never ever taking away the spotlight from Hannah and Jonas. Those mini updates (mini epilogues of a sort) were seamlessly included in the story and they never overshadowed the principal love story. In fact, these characters were inserted in such a way that they propelled Jonas’s character development, which I think was cleverly written by the author. I am very impressed because very few authors know how to wrap up a long series in a way that satisfies the fans.
Jonas’s longing and pining for Hannah was so deliciously intense. I nearly swooned every time he expressed his need for her in his mind, through his words, and through his actions. I do love a pining hero, especially if the heroine unintentionally comes across as cold, when she’s in fact burning and pining for the hero as well. The tension was absolutely yummy. The chemistry was electrifying. I was literally holding my breath, waiting for them to meet again, a year after their parting in A Marriage Made in Scandal. I had butterflies every time they interacted and exchanged words because the pining was so damn palpable. I died every time Jonas expressed himself in words and in action – he was so damn sexy and he wanted her so damn much. And when Hannah eventually lets down her walls and actually takes action? Incredible. These two were burning for each other and made me burn myself in the process lol. Their first kiss is probably one of the most memorable kiss scenes I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I know I keep going on and on about the tension and chemistry, but the emotional intimacy was also exceedingly well done. Both Hannah and Jonas have a lot of scars, emotional and physical ones that come in between them. But trust me when I say that the relationship development is beautifully done. When a romance novel has a great mixture of chemistry, tension, and emotional development, then you know it will be an unforgettable romance that gives you all the damn FEELS.
If you are a hardcore fan of this series like me and you were absolutely dying for Hannah and Jonas to get together, then you are in for a delicious treat. If you’re new to Elisa Braden, I recommend you sign up for her newsletter so you can get the first book in this series for free. I highly recommend this series!!! It’s one of my favourite historical romance series of all time and I cannot wait to see what else Elisa Braden has in store for her fans!
July 26, 2021
I have the sad.
This was the final book in this series, whatever shall I do with myself now? Probably read book 6 I decided to skip because I was too eager to read about Augusta and Reavers then, lol!
In all seriousness, I've adored my binge read of this series these past couple of weeks, I discovered a new author that became a solid source of happiness and comfort, no doubt she made it to my auto-buy list of romance authors.
Once again Braden gave us a perfect pairing of two contrasting and complex characters, opposed in spirits and upbringing but perfect for each other. Hannah Gray is finally getting a happily ever after with her wolf, the strong and honorable Bow Street Runner and former soldier, Jonas Hawthorn.
I am trash for angst in my romance novels, so I was particularly gleeful to witness the hero—for reasons unbeknownst to him—unintentionally and repeatedly hurting the heroine. Hurting myself in the process, knowing all too well the author would mend my heart—and the heroine's, back to function come the end of the story. And she did. Brilliantly so.
Although the books in this series can be read as standalone (I've myself read them out of order—save me your OCD judgment please) this one should definitely be read last and most importantly not before the previous book "A Marriage Made in Scandal" where Hannah and Jonas actually meet. We're finally getting some hindsight to our dear Dowager Dragon Wallingham and many cameos from previous couples.
A Kiss From A Rogue ties up the series pretty nicely with humor, angst, heartache, steamy moments and a very satisfying HEA in true Elisa Braden style.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
This was the final book in this series, whatever shall I do with myself now? Probably read book 6 I decided to skip because I was too eager to read about Augusta and Reavers then, lol!
In all seriousness, I've adored my binge read of this series these past couple of weeks, I discovered a new author that became a solid source of happiness and comfort, no doubt she made it to my auto-buy list of romance authors.
Once again Braden gave us a perfect pairing of two contrasting and complex characters, opposed in spirits and upbringing but perfect for each other. Hannah Gray is finally getting a happily ever after with her wolf, the strong and honorable Bow Street Runner and former soldier, Jonas Hawthorn.
I am trash for angst in my romance novels, so I was particularly gleeful to witness the hero—for reasons unbeknownst to him—unintentionally and repeatedly hurting the heroine. Hurting myself in the process, knowing all too well the author would mend my heart—and the heroine's, back to function come the end of the story. And she did. Brilliantly so.
Although the books in this series can be read as standalone (I've myself read them out of order—save me your OCD judgment please) this one should definitely be read last and most importantly not before the previous book "A Marriage Made in Scandal" where Hannah and Jonas actually meet. We're finally getting some hindsight to our dear Dowager Dragon Wallingham and many cameos from previous couples.
A Kiss From A Rogue ties up the series pretty nicely with humor, angst, heartache, steamy moments and a very satisfying HEA in true Elisa Braden style.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
August 5, 2025
Ending a long-running, beloved series is always bittersweet but it’s downright disappointing when the finale falls flat. Unfortunately, that was the case here.
The romance felt forced and unearned, more a collection of dramatic moments than genuine emotional development. For a couple supposedly haunted by their past connection, there was shockingly little actual chemistry or depth.
Worse, this book leans heavily on previous characters, making it near-impossible for a new reader to jump in. If you haven’t followed the series from the beginning, you’ll likely feel lost or uninterested. But even as a returning reader, I found the constant cameos more distracting than heartwarming.
Sadly, this was a flop.
🎶"Breathe Me" – Sia
The romance felt forced and unearned, more a collection of dramatic moments than genuine emotional development. For a couple supposedly haunted by their past connection, there was shockingly little actual chemistry or depth.
Worse, this book leans heavily on previous characters, making it near-impossible for a new reader to jump in. If you haven’t followed the series from the beginning, you’ll likely feel lost or uninterested. But even as a returning reader, I found the constant cameos more distracting than heartwarming.
Sadly, this was a flop.
🎶"Breathe Me" – Sia
August 2, 2019
I was on book six of this series when I received the ARC for A Kiss from a Rogue and flew through the rest of the series. I loved Hannah and Jonas. A common hero and high born heroine is one of my favorite tropes.
Jonas is the Bow Street runner from the previous book who is in love with Hannah but thinks she would never want anything to do with him. Hannah is the illegitimate but beloved sister of Lord Holstoke who was held captive for ten years by a very bad man (who died in book three). Together they are perfect. This was an excellent end to the series. Every single couple from the previous books are at a house party given by Lady Wallingham. I loved catching up with everyone. I have always loved Lady Wallingham, she has always been good for comic relief but in this book she broke my heart, I’m crying again while writing this review. Her obvious love for her husband and for all her friends and family was perfect. I’m sad to see the end of this series but I’m looking forward to the next one.
Jonas is the Bow Street runner from the previous book who is in love with Hannah but thinks she would never want anything to do with him. Hannah is the illegitimate but beloved sister of Lord Holstoke who was held captive for ten years by a very bad man (who died in book three). Together they are perfect. This was an excellent end to the series. Every single couple from the previous books are at a house party given by Lady Wallingham. I loved catching up with everyone. I have always loved Lady Wallingham, she has always been good for comic relief but in this book she broke my heart, I’m crying again while writing this review. Her obvious love for her husband and for all her friends and family was perfect. I’m sad to see the end of this series but I’m looking forward to the next one.
December 11, 2021
A beautiful, intriguing, and heartsoaring end to a series that is a treasure to the genre of historical romance.
Two willful and strong kindred spirits who have endured painful darkness in their lives and who finally find each other. A poignant, sensual, deep, and original story through the rocky path of healing and awareness to true love, security and passion💗
This book so beautifully ties up the series it is a joy to experience.
I will re-read this series again and again and I know many others who say the same.
I could not recommend more highly...essential HR reading.
Two willful and strong kindred spirits who have endured painful darkness in their lives and who finally find each other. A poignant, sensual, deep, and original story through the rocky path of healing and awareness to true love, security and passion💗
This book so beautifully ties up the series it is a joy to experience.
I will re-read this series again and again and I know many others who say the same.
I could not recommend more highly...essential HR reading.
December 9, 2019
..
A Kiss from a Rogue is the ninth book in the 'Rescued from Ruin' series written by Elisa Braden. The final, breathtaking novel in Elisa Braden’s Rescued from Ruin series is the story readers have been clamoring for: Fragile yet unbroken, Hannah Gray is embarking on a husband hunt… if only Lady Wallingham hadn’t invited a wolf to the party.
The prime focus of the conclusion to this engrossing Historical romance series settles on the two wounded souls of Hannah Gray and Jonas Hawthorn, a Bow Street runner, who delivers a swoon-worthy performance. The magnetism between them pushes and pulls alternately and sometimes at the same time. These two are more alike than they can possibly imagine, both having survived excruciating horrors.
This series is an engrossing, heart-pumping, steamy romance. and is intended for ***MATURE AUDIENCES ***
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Wanted: All she wants is an ordinary life
A cruel past left Hannah Gray with one simple longing—normalcy. Normal ladies ride and waltz without fear. They have safe, normal husbands to give them safe, normal kisses. After years of healing, she’s ready to find “normal” for herself, and Lady Wallingham’s house party is the perfect place to begin. Perfect, that is, except for the cynical wolf-in-rogue’s-clothing whose every hungry glance threatens to crack her armor and pierce her fragile heart.
All he wants is to forget her
Bow Street runner Jonas Hawthorn vowed never to see the cold, haughty Miss Gray again. A year ago, he nearly died trying to protect her, only to be dismissed as a lowly servant. But soon, he’ll have land and servants of his own. He just has to locate an old dowager’s stolen goods, collect his prize, and avoid the beauty who haunts him like a moonlit sky.
All it takes is a single kiss
He never meant to touch her. She never meant to reveal the truth. But once he’s tasted the heat and longing hidden beneath her icy mask, the only mystery this Bow Street man burns to
The biggest con I want to point out is that the cover on the book does not resemble the hero or the heroine in this book. It is indeed misleading and fails to fulfill the precise descriptions throughout the book in any close detail at all. I would really appreciate a book cover that reflects a view of the particular color of eyes that the main characters of the book have described so succinctly.
This is NOT a clean series. Those who actually prefer steamy to clean and sweet might not view it as flawed. Due to this aspect, I recommend it with reservations. If you prefer clean and sweet reads, avoid this book. It is not fair to an author when readers provide bad reviews about steamy scenes if they know they are included in advance. I have been guilty of this offense myself, and take this opportunity to apologize for doing so. It takes a lot of time and effort for an author to research and write each book. And there are readers who prefer the material included in this one to a clean and wholesome read. However, I actually prefer the latter. This does have steamy sex scenes, so if you like a sex-free book this is not it. If you enjoy steamy reads, jump into this book looking forward to the pleasures painted here in words.
We now reach the end of the Rescued from Ruin series. Many of the characters from previous installations were touched upon in this one, most notably a more delicate peek into the personality of Lady Wallington.
(Ms. Braden has indicated that the characters from this series may make "guest appearances" in another series she will be writing. The Huxleys make at least an appearance in Ms. Braden's upcoming book The Making of a Highlander.)
------------------------
A Kiss from a Rogue
(Rescued from Ruin Book 9)
. . . Kindle Edition
by Elisa Braden (Author)
Print Length: 342 pages
In Goodreads, this book is listed as #9 in the series.
In Amazon, this book is listed as #10 in the series.
These discrepancies quite confuse the reader trying to view the books in this series in the correct order. This probably is not a direct result of the author, but those entrusted with promotion.
..
A Kiss from a Rogue is the ninth book in the 'Rescued from Ruin' series written by Elisa Braden. The final, breathtaking novel in Elisa Braden’s Rescued from Ruin series is the story readers have been clamoring for: Fragile yet unbroken, Hannah Gray is embarking on a husband hunt… if only Lady Wallingham hadn’t invited a wolf to the party.
The prime focus of the conclusion to this engrossing Historical romance series settles on the two wounded souls of Hannah Gray and Jonas Hawthorn, a Bow Street runner, who delivers a swoon-worthy performance. The magnetism between them pushes and pulls alternately and sometimes at the same time. These two are more alike than they can possibly imagine, both having survived excruciating horrors.
This series is an engrossing, heart-pumping, steamy romance. and is intended for ***MATURE AUDIENCES ***
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Wanted: All she wants is an ordinary life
A cruel past left Hannah Gray with one simple longing—normalcy. Normal ladies ride and waltz without fear. They have safe, normal husbands to give them safe, normal kisses. After years of healing, she’s ready to find “normal” for herself, and Lady Wallingham’s house party is the perfect place to begin. Perfect, that is, except for the cynical wolf-in-rogue’s-clothing whose every hungry glance threatens to crack her armor and pierce her fragile heart.
All he wants is to forget her
Bow Street runner Jonas Hawthorn vowed never to see the cold, haughty Miss Gray again. A year ago, he nearly died trying to protect her, only to be dismissed as a lowly servant. But soon, he’ll have land and servants of his own. He just has to locate an old dowager’s stolen goods, collect his prize, and avoid the beauty who haunts him like a moonlit sky.
All it takes is a single kiss
He never meant to touch her. She never meant to reveal the truth. But once he’s tasted the heat and longing hidden beneath her icy mask, the only mystery this Bow Street man burns to
The biggest con I want to point out is that the cover on the book does not resemble the hero or the heroine in this book. It is indeed misleading and fails to fulfill the precise descriptions throughout the book in any close detail at all. I would really appreciate a book cover that reflects a view of the particular color of eyes that the main characters of the book have described so succinctly.
This is NOT a clean series. Those who actually prefer steamy to clean and sweet might not view it as flawed. Due to this aspect, I recommend it with reservations. If you prefer clean and sweet reads, avoid this book. It is not fair to an author when readers provide bad reviews about steamy scenes if they know they are included in advance. I have been guilty of this offense myself, and take this opportunity to apologize for doing so. It takes a lot of time and effort for an author to research and write each book. And there are readers who prefer the material included in this one to a clean and wholesome read. However, I actually prefer the latter. This does have steamy sex scenes, so if you like a sex-free book this is not it. If you enjoy steamy reads, jump into this book looking forward to the pleasures painted here in words.
We now reach the end of the Rescued from Ruin series. Many of the characters from previous installations were touched upon in this one, most notably a more delicate peek into the personality of Lady Wallington.
(Ms. Braden has indicated that the characters from this series may make "guest appearances" in another series she will be writing. The Huxleys make at least an appearance in Ms. Braden's upcoming book The Making of a Highlander.)
------------------------
A Kiss from a Rogue
(Rescued from Ruin Book 9)
. . . Kindle Edition
by Elisa Braden (Author)
Print Length: 342 pages
In Goodreads, this book is listed as #9 in the series.
In Amazon, this book is listed as #10 in the series.
These discrepancies quite confuse the reader trying to view the books in this series in the correct order. This probably is not a direct result of the author, but those entrusted with promotion.
..
August 2, 2019
« “Dragons need their treasure. Wolves need their moon.” »
It breaks my heart to have to say goodbye to all the fabulous characters created by Mrs Elisa Braden in her Rescued from Ruin series.
I came to love them all even the two men portrayed as vilains at the beginning of it.
If you love shy but strong and willful heroines and domineering men falling hard for their other half, this is the series for you.
In the previous book, we left Jonas and Hannah, heartbroken, unable to make their hopes come to life.
But it is without counting for a meddling friend and a scheming Lady whom will take their fate in their hands.
What a mess these two damaged souls will find themselves in, but such a sweet and fun-filled turmoil, with of course its dose of sorrows and grief.
With the manipulative Lady Wallingham involved, it is sure their road to their HEA will not be a slick and bland one.
What I love so much with Mrs Elisa Braden is she takes no prisoners, her characters despite their past and mistakes are strong willed, they might at time retreat but they never back off when facing an issue and here Hannah who is first presented as a broken woman, she is no wilting flower, she bends to the wind but does not break.
She tried and tries to be “normal”, but what is normalcy if it is to be bored.
Around her, she has everyday, proofs that all the women in her life are no ordinary beings, they all had to fight to be rewarded with love, their roads to their love was not slick.
So how I cheered when she decided to go out of her comfort zone to find her own deserved recompense.
« No man was more dangerous to her heart than Jonas Hawthorn. But no other man had seized her heart as his sole possession, either. »
At first Jonas was an enigma, a mystery to be solved. What lies beneath his mask, a wolf in hound’s clothing, a lone beast on the prowl. Ready to strike if needed.
His whole life, he has avoided to hang his heart in the balance, until her.
The Snow-Queen who awakens desires and needs he longs for but is afraid to experience.
Yet, when a shard of hope appears he is all set to engage his soul for the one woman who brightens his days and invades his nights.
« we are all damaged in one way or another. The ones who truly love us don’t judge us by our scars but by who we’ve become as a result.” »
Despite the pain and despair both suffered in the hands of the other, it was also a journey filled with affection and passion.
And lightened by their friends interferences and involvement.
(Oh my god, the scene with all the women giving advices of how to train a man to be a very obedient hound.)
« “Even when you feel silly about it. And tell him the truth, dearest. Trust is the soil. Love is the bloom.” »
One last thought before saying farewell to everyone.
Lady Wallingham has pervaded the life of so many characters during the narrating of these 12 stories with her sole existence and her correspondence, so this last foray in her epistolary exchanges closes the loop, sheds light on the extraordinary woman she is and the love she has received and given.
So, Bye to Annabelle and Robert, Victoria and Lucien, Jane and Harrison, Sarah and Colin, Charlotte and Benedict, Viola and James, Julia and Charles, Maureen and Henry, Augusta and Sebastian, Eugenia and Phineas, Julia and Charles, Hannah and Jonas, Lord and Lady Huxley and finally The fabulous and authoritarian Dowager Marchioness Of Wallingham and her hound Humphrey.
I was granted an advance copy by the author but also purchased my own copy. This is my true and unbiased opinion.
It breaks my heart to have to say goodbye to all the fabulous characters created by Mrs Elisa Braden in her Rescued from Ruin series.
I came to love them all even the two men portrayed as vilains at the beginning of it.
If you love shy but strong and willful heroines and domineering men falling hard for their other half, this is the series for you.
In the previous book, we left Jonas and Hannah, heartbroken, unable to make their hopes come to life.
But it is without counting for a meddling friend and a scheming Lady whom will take their fate in their hands.
What a mess these two damaged souls will find themselves in, but such a sweet and fun-filled turmoil, with of course its dose of sorrows and grief.
With the manipulative Lady Wallingham involved, it is sure their road to their HEA will not be a slick and bland one.
What I love so much with Mrs Elisa Braden is she takes no prisoners, her characters despite their past and mistakes are strong willed, they might at time retreat but they never back off when facing an issue and here Hannah who is first presented as a broken woman, she is no wilting flower, she bends to the wind but does not break.
She tried and tries to be “normal”, but what is normalcy if it is to be bored.
Around her, she has everyday, proofs that all the women in her life are no ordinary beings, they all had to fight to be rewarded with love, their roads to their love was not slick.
So how I cheered when she decided to go out of her comfort zone to find her own deserved recompense.
« No man was more dangerous to her heart than Jonas Hawthorn. But no other man had seized her heart as his sole possession, either. »
At first Jonas was an enigma, a mystery to be solved. What lies beneath his mask, a wolf in hound’s clothing, a lone beast on the prowl. Ready to strike if needed.
His whole life, he has avoided to hang his heart in the balance, until her.
The Snow-Queen who awakens desires and needs he longs for but is afraid to experience.
Yet, when a shard of hope appears he is all set to engage his soul for the one woman who brightens his days and invades his nights.
« we are all damaged in one way or another. The ones who truly love us don’t judge us by our scars but by who we’ve become as a result.” »
Despite the pain and despair both suffered in the hands of the other, it was also a journey filled with affection and passion.
And lightened by their friends interferences and involvement.
(Oh my god, the scene with all the women giving advices of how to train a man to be a very obedient hound.)
« “Even when you feel silly about it. And tell him the truth, dearest. Trust is the soil. Love is the bloom.” »
One last thought before saying farewell to everyone.
Lady Wallingham has pervaded the life of so many characters during the narrating of these 12 stories with her sole existence and her correspondence, so this last foray in her epistolary exchanges closes the loop, sheds light on the extraordinary woman she is and the love she has received and given.
So, Bye to Annabelle and Robert, Victoria and Lucien, Jane and Harrison, Sarah and Colin, Charlotte and Benedict, Viola and James, Julia and Charles, Maureen and Henry, Augusta and Sebastian, Eugenia and Phineas, Julia and Charles, Hannah and Jonas, Lord and Lady Huxley and finally The fabulous and authoritarian Dowager Marchioness Of Wallingham and her hound Humphrey.
I was granted an advance copy by the author but also purchased my own copy. This is my true and unbiased opinion.
January 14, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔 (If you read the series in order you’ll get more emotional depth)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (There might be more, this is a minimum here – I listened on audio and get lazy with notes)
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? probably plot
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to me
When mains are first on page together: It took a little bit – background is given on both mains first. They are on page together around 16% in I think
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, a few years later?
Format: listened to audiobook from library (Hoopla)
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
Ideally, yes. These characters are established throughout the series with Hannah (our heroine) being introduced in book 6. There is also mention of most of the characters from throughout the series and you won’t know who they are, as well as some series culmination reveals, children, etc. There is some minor review for things though if you choose to pick this up alone.
Basic plot:
Jonas and Hannah have a history – he saved her life and she treated him like nothing. So when he comes across her again a year later, he just wants to the job he was hired for and get out. Hannah has been hiding her longing though...
Give this a try if you want:
- Late Regency (1826)
- former soldier/bow street runner hero
- Dorsetshire setting
- well endowed hero
- heroine proposes
- bit of unrequited longing
- second chance (their story begins in one of the prior books)
- medium steam – I have it at 3 scenes but it might be more than this. I get lazy with audio notes.
Ages:
- Heroine is 22 at their first meeting. Didn’t catch hero but would guess around 30?
First line: (taken from audio, probably butchered it)
She was floating here in a bedchamber swathed in red.
My thoughts:
I liked this one okay but it isn’t a favorite for me in the series. Their story does start in prior books, and I’m glad I read those fairly recently so their story was fresh in my mind.
This one has some second chance vibes and animosity between the mains. I overall liked both characters but I think there was a bit of slowness here that I got a bit bored with. And I was not a fan of the overall mystery/villain that happened in this one.
I liked the steam and protective heroes that Braden always brings, but I just didn’t end up with any strong feelings about this story. It was a pleasant enough read but not one I would return to.
There is quite a bit of character time in the first half for various other couples from the series (this being the series ‘ender’) so that probably got on my nerves a bit since I am whiny and don’t like being pulled away from the main couple/story.
I think Hannah did get on my nerves a bit with the whole ‘I can help you’ – and where did that get her but in trouble of course. ..
Endearments
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: It’s possible I missed something here, I get lazy with audio
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔 (If you read the series in order you’ll get more emotional depth)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (There might be more, this is a minimum here – I listened on audio and get lazy with notes)
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? probably plot
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to me
When mains are first on page together: It took a little bit – background is given on both mains first. They are on page together around 16% in I think
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, a few years later?
Format: listened to audiobook from library (Hoopla)
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
Ideally, yes. These characters are established throughout the series with Hannah (our heroine) being introduced in book 6. There is also mention of most of the characters from throughout the series and you won’t know who they are, as well as some series culmination reveals, children, etc. There is some minor review for things though if you choose to pick this up alone.
Basic plot:
Jonas and Hannah have a history – he saved her life and she treated him like nothing. So when he comes across her again a year later, he just wants to the job he was hired for and get out. Hannah has been hiding her longing though...
Give this a try if you want:
- Late Regency (1826)
- former soldier/bow street runner hero
- Dorsetshire setting
- well endowed hero
- heroine proposes
- bit of unrequited longing
- second chance (their story begins in one of the prior books)
- medium steam – I have it at 3 scenes but it might be more than this. I get lazy with audio notes.
Ages:
- Heroine is 22 at their first meeting. Didn’t catch hero but would guess around 30?
First line: (taken from audio, probably butchered it)
She was floating here in a bedchamber swathed in red.
My thoughts:
I liked this one okay but it isn’t a favorite for me in the series. Their story does start in prior books, and I’m glad I read those fairly recently so their story was fresh in my mind.
This one has some second chance vibes and animosity between the mains. I overall liked both characters but I think there was a bit of slowness here that I got a bit bored with. And I was not a fan of the overall mystery/villain that happened in this one.
I liked the steam and protective heroes that Braden always brings, but I just didn’t end up with any strong feelings about this story. It was a pleasant enough read but not one I would return to.
There is quite a bit of character time in the first half for various other couples from the series (this being the series ‘ender’) so that probably got on my nerves a bit since I am whiny and don’t like being pulled away from the main couple/story.
I think Hannah did get on my nerves a bit with the whole ‘I can help you’ – and where did that get her but in trouble of course. ..
Endearments
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: It’s possible I missed something here, I get lazy with audio
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
June 14, 2023
⭐⭐
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Somewhat interesting main characters.
➖ What I disliked:
Annoying side characters (Lady Wallingham and Lady Eugenia.)
Too much focus on the side characters (other couples etc.) from previous books in the series and not enough focus on the main characters or their romance.
Some parts of the story felt kind of recycled from the other books/stories in the series.
The heroines trauma is more or less glossed over….. and 10 years of trauma and torture is all of a sudden magically healed.
The romantic build up and chemistry was underdeveloped and unconvincing but also rushed.
Too little backstory about the hero and his issues.
Thin plot and mystery.
Weird obsession about age and being “old” (the heroine is 23) even for that time period it is over the top.
Somewhat disjointed.
September 3, 2019
It’s not about the telling, it’s about the feeling.
Braden reminds me of why even great books are not equal to Braden great books.
Fantastic story telling, but only a payoff really if you start from the beginning and experience the agony and the ecstasy.
How envious I am of anyone who has never read this series and one day will begin.
Braden reminds me of why even great books are not equal to Braden great books.
Fantastic story telling, but only a payoff really if you start from the beginning and experience the agony and the ecstasy.
How envious I am of anyone who has never read this series and one day will begin.
August 5, 2019
3.5 stars.
Hannah Gray has been through hell. Disciplined (tortured) by a sadistic man who kept her captive and assumed the role of her father for many years. Rescued and now living with her half-brother, Phineas, she is very damaged. In particular, she struggles with touching people, and cannot bear to have them touch her. Aware of this, her brother and those who know of her past treat her gently and never challenge her to move on.
Eugenia, her sister-in-law, is not inclined to do this anymore, and pushes Hannah to acknowledge that she would like a husband- or rather, a family, especially children. So a decision is made to host a house party where eligible men (kind, unthreatening types- blancmange) would be invited for Hannah to make a selection. Well, the house party is at Lady Wallingham's estate, and we all know how that is going to go. That old bag never met a problem she couldn't fix!
Jonas Hawthorn is a Bow Street Runner, and despite being drawn to Hannah (in a previous book) knows he is not good enough for her. He finds himself invited to the house party, ostensibly to solve a crime and receive a huge reward, but with Lady W in the picture, ulterior motives are always on the cards.
This was a sweet story, with two good people struggling to overcome their feelings of low-self-worth and emotional scars. Hannah also has the physical scars that were a legacy of her brutal treatment by the villain in previous books, and she is very self-conscious about them. But Eugenia - and several others- have worked out how Hannah feels about Jonas, and they all unite to push the reluctant pair together. Her brother is not on Team Jonas, however, and warns him off.
I tend to get a bit frustrated with HR where one of the MCs is of a different class. I know that the rigid class system was a reality for those times, but it always comes across as this immoveable impediment to happiness, and the underlying snobbery irritates the hell out of this egalitarian Aussie/European. In this case, I can't help but wonder how a by-blow (Hannah was the illegitimate daughter of a lord and his mistress) can be so much higher on the social scale than an honest, hard-working Runner.
So Hannah makes an effort to like her blancmange suitors, and Jonas stews on the sidelines. It was bit annoying, tbh. Then she decides she wants Jonas. Bam. Decision made. We witness her sad attempts at flirting. I know they were meant to be awkward, but she just came across as a bit hard, somehow. Well, I guess she had been tortured....
What ultimately put me off a bit was So the tension sort of dropped and with it, the intensity of my interest in the outcome. I must be stupidly old-fashioned or something!
Not my favourite in the series, but a solid contribution.
Hannah Gray has been through hell. Disciplined (tortured) by a sadistic man who kept her captive and assumed the role of her father for many years. Rescued and now living with her half-brother, Phineas, she is very damaged. In particular, she struggles with touching people, and cannot bear to have them touch her. Aware of this, her brother and those who know of her past treat her gently and never challenge her to move on.
Eugenia, her sister-in-law, is not inclined to do this anymore, and pushes Hannah to acknowledge that she would like a husband- or rather, a family, especially children. So a decision is made to host a house party where eligible men (kind, unthreatening types- blancmange) would be invited for Hannah to make a selection. Well, the house party is at Lady Wallingham's estate, and we all know how that is going to go. That old bag never met a problem she couldn't fix!
Jonas Hawthorn is a Bow Street Runner, and despite being drawn to Hannah (in a previous book) knows he is not good enough for her. He finds himself invited to the house party, ostensibly to solve a crime and receive a huge reward, but with Lady W in the picture, ulterior motives are always on the cards.
This was a sweet story, with two good people struggling to overcome their feelings of low-self-worth and emotional scars. Hannah also has the physical scars that were a legacy of her brutal treatment by the villain in previous books, and she is very self-conscious about them. But Eugenia - and several others- have worked out how Hannah feels about Jonas, and they all unite to push the reluctant pair together. Her brother is not on Team Jonas, however, and warns him off.
I tend to get a bit frustrated with HR where one of the MCs is of a different class. I know that the rigid class system was a reality for those times, but it always comes across as this immoveable impediment to happiness, and the underlying snobbery irritates the hell out of this egalitarian Aussie/European. In this case, I can't help but wonder how a by-blow (Hannah was the illegitimate daughter of a lord and his mistress) can be so much higher on the social scale than an honest, hard-working Runner.
So Hannah makes an effort to like her blancmange suitors, and Jonas stews on the sidelines. It was bit annoying, tbh. Then she decides she wants Jonas. Bam. Decision made. We witness her sad attempts at flirting. I know they were meant to be awkward, but she just came across as a bit hard, somehow. Well, I guess she had been tortured....
What ultimately put me off a bit was So the tension sort of dropped and with it, the intensity of my interest in the outcome. I must be stupidly old-fashioned or something!
Not my favourite in the series, but a solid contribution.
July 27, 2019
This final book in the Rescued from Ruin series is Hannah and Jonas's story, but not just theirs. In part it is an 'homage' to a favourite character from the series - the elderly, outspoken and politically powerful Dowager Marchioness of Wallingham. The device of using a 'Dragon' female to stir along the plot and add spice and levity to a story is certainly not uncommon in Historical Romance, but this Dragon is one of the best. We get to know her complexities as more of her is revealed in subsequent books through the series, and for this reason and because much of the Heroine's back story is told through several of the previous episodes, it is probably best not to read "A Kiss From a Rogue" as a stand-alone. If you have not yet read Ms Braden's Rescued From Ruin series, I strongly advise that you immediately access the book-seller of your preference and get started!
I thoroughly enjoyed the entirety of this novel. It dealt with the issues that needed wrapping up for the lead characters with a deft hand and , although there was character development, it stayed true to the personalities that we had come to know in the series. As usual, there was just the right mix of pathos and humour and the secondary characters helped significantly with this.
Ms Braden's characters are presented as people with full and interesting lives. They have real and sustained friendships and the characters are multi-dimensional. The shy girl isn't just shy. She also has a wicked sense of humour and is loyal and strong-minded. The damaged woman is resilient and uses her resources to make things better for herself. The men aren't just domineering and competitive (although there's certainly a bit of that!). They also interact over mundane, ordinary issues and these elements of side-play really add depth and interest to already intriguing storylines.
As most of the important characters from previous novels make an appearance, the whole novel also acts as an epilogue for the series in a very satisfying way. In fact, 'satisfying' is a term that comes to mind a great deal when I think of this novel. I am sad to see this series wrap up, but it was done with such finesse that I feel satisfied that all the characters are off happily being involved in their families and friendships in Romancelandia. I am also glad that Ms Braden has let her readers know that there is another series soon to come, the first book of which deals with and oft-mentioned but never seen character from this series.
In summary, I thoroughly recommend this book and the entire series. If you enjoy the likes of Tessa Dare, Lisa Kleypas and Eloisa James, then Elisa Braden will become a must-read author for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed the entirety of this novel. It dealt with the issues that needed wrapping up for the lead characters with a deft hand and , although there was character development, it stayed true to the personalities that we had come to know in the series. As usual, there was just the right mix of pathos and humour and the secondary characters helped significantly with this.
Ms Braden's characters are presented as people with full and interesting lives. They have real and sustained friendships and the characters are multi-dimensional. The shy girl isn't just shy. She also has a wicked sense of humour and is loyal and strong-minded. The damaged woman is resilient and uses her resources to make things better for herself. The men aren't just domineering and competitive (although there's certainly a bit of that!). They also interact over mundane, ordinary issues and these elements of side-play really add depth and interest to already intriguing storylines.
As most of the important characters from previous novels make an appearance, the whole novel also acts as an epilogue for the series in a very satisfying way. In fact, 'satisfying' is a term that comes to mind a great deal when I think of this novel. I am sad to see this series wrap up, but it was done with such finesse that I feel satisfied that all the characters are off happily being involved in their families and friendships in Romancelandia. I am also glad that Ms Braden has let her readers know that there is another series soon to come, the first book of which deals with and oft-mentioned but never seen character from this series.
In summary, I thoroughly recommend this book and the entire series. If you enjoy the likes of Tessa Dare, Lisa Kleypas and Eloisa James, then Elisa Braden will become a must-read author for you.
September 4, 2019
This is essentially an extended send off for all the characters of this series as we learn of their prolific contributions to England and Scotland's populations. This is made possible by setting the majority of the plot at a house party at the formidable Lady Wallingham's estate. There is new romance in the midst between Jonas Hawthorn, the rugged and tenacious Bow Street runner, and the emotionally fragile Hannah Gray, whom he had rescued from a killer a year earlier and nearly forfeited his life in the process. Back then, the jaded Hawthorn, who had previously lead an unencumbered life, unexpectedly fell hard and fast for the the beautiful but very aloof young lady he had met during a murder investigation. For the briefest of moments, there was a hint of a connection between them, and then she cruelly disassociated herself from him and made it clear his attentions were not welcomed.
They meet again at the Dragon's lair, he in his investigative role lured there by the promise of a massive reward if successful, while she is persuaded there to select a suitable husband. Once Hannah sets eyes on Hawthorn again, she knows she cannot settle for a blancmange spouse, not when Hawthorn promises strength and passion in just one searing glance. He scares her but magnetically attracts her at the same time. She is a very damaged soul who has to relearn to tolerate physical contact after a traumatic childhood, raised by a sadistic monster. She has massive psychologically barriers to overcome before she can be a wife in any shape or form, especially to a man like Hawthorn who is anything but the mild-mannered gentleman she had thought would suit her purpose as a co-procreator.
This is where my problem with this book lies. It has the potential to be wonderfully angsty and to showcase Hawthorn as a man capable of endless patience and tenderness. And he probably is this man, only he never got a chance to show us this side of him much, because Hannah did a 180 once she decided that he was the only one. Almost before you can say WTH, she miraculously overcame her aversion to touch and her fear of exposing herself emotionally and physically to him, proceeded to propose to him and never looked back. The romance subsequently got truncated and sidelined for the crime subplot and the perpetual parade of past characters. While it's nice to touch base with them all and verify that they were all happy and settled, it should not be at the sacrifice of the main story line. I don't begrudge Lady Wallingham her part as the 3rd main character in this book however. She had been a recurring looming presence in all the other books, so it is only fitting that we finally get some of her backstory.
They meet again at the Dragon's lair, he in his investigative role lured there by the promise of a massive reward if successful, while she is persuaded there to select a suitable husband. Once Hannah sets eyes on Hawthorn again, she knows she cannot settle for a blancmange spouse, not when Hawthorn promises strength and passion in just one searing glance. He scares her but magnetically attracts her at the same time. She is a very damaged soul who has to relearn to tolerate physical contact after a traumatic childhood, raised by a sadistic monster. She has massive psychologically barriers to overcome before she can be a wife in any shape or form, especially to a man like Hawthorn who is anything but the mild-mannered gentleman she had thought would suit her purpose as a co-procreator.
This is where my problem with this book lies. It has the potential to be wonderfully angsty and to showcase Hawthorn as a man capable of endless patience and tenderness. And he probably is this man, only he never got a chance to show us this side of him much, because Hannah did a 180 once she decided that he was the only one. Almost before you can say WTH, she miraculously overcame her aversion to touch and her fear of exposing herself emotionally and physically to him, proceeded to propose to him and never looked back. The romance subsequently got truncated and sidelined for the crime subplot and the perpetual parade of past characters. While it's nice to touch base with them all and verify that they were all happy and settled, it should not be at the sacrifice of the main story line. I don't begrudge Lady Wallingham her part as the 3rd main character in this book however. She had been a recurring looming presence in all the other books, so it is only fitting that we finally get some of her backstory.
July 28, 2019
Perfect.
That one word describes it all.
I was very upset when I found out that this book was going to be the last in the series, I was looking forward to its release and dreading it at the same time. I was not ready to part with all these characters.
But Elisa just completely delivered with this book, she just had me enthralled. The characters from the previous books are all here with new additional family members and getting to see all the characters I loved just made me so happy and their interactions are just as crazy and heartwarming as one would expect it to be.
We get to know Lady Wallingham's story and I was very curious to see who the dragon loved and though we don't get a complete story, it was perfect for the Dragon.
Hannah and Jonas's story is just amazing. Both have struggled and grown and their love for each other is beautiful. It was tender and steamy and it was everything I had hoped it would be.
The book was beautifully written, the characters were amazing, their struggle, their love and their growth was written very well. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book.
Though I am very sad to see the series end, I am extremely happy with how Elisa brought it all together and am completely satisfied with this book.
I would recommend that you read the whole series and get to this book in the end, you will not be disappointed.
And now I am looking forward to John Huxley's story in the making of a highlander.
* I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me. *
That one word describes it all.
I was very upset when I found out that this book was going to be the last in the series, I was looking forward to its release and dreading it at the same time. I was not ready to part with all these characters.
But Elisa just completely delivered with this book, she just had me enthralled. The characters from the previous books are all here with new additional family members and getting to see all the characters I loved just made me so happy and their interactions are just as crazy and heartwarming as one would expect it to be.
We get to know Lady Wallingham's story and I was very curious to see who the dragon loved and though we don't get a complete story, it was perfect for the Dragon.
Hannah and Jonas's story is just amazing. Both have struggled and grown and their love for each other is beautiful. It was tender and steamy and it was everything I had hoped it would be.
The book was beautifully written, the characters were amazing, their struggle, their love and their growth was written very well. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book.
Though I am very sad to see the series end, I am extremely happy with how Elisa brought it all together and am completely satisfied with this book.
I would recommend that you read the whole series and get to this book in the end, you will not be disappointed.
And now I am looking forward to John Huxley's story in the making of a highlander.
* I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me. *
June 16, 2022
“The man looks at you like you’re the first meal he’s seen in a decade of famine. Make marriage the price to dine.”4.25 stars, raised to 4.5 stars on third reading
Elisa Braden has some fantastic books and it's a shame more romance readers haven't discovered her! This is the last book in the series, and while I haven't read them all yet, I have really enjoyed most of the ones I've read (she seems to be a big hit or complete miss for me):
Loved: The Devil Is a Marquess (4-4.5 stars), The Truth About Cads and Dukes (4 stars), Twelve Nights as His Mistress (4 stars)
Umm ... didn't: Anything but a Gentleman (2 stars)
This book was absolutely lovely. The couple meets in the one just prior, which at the time of my first reading (yes, I've read this twice now) I had not yet read; having read the previous one before rereading this one, I can tell you that the flashbacks in this book are quite detailed enough that you're not missing TOO much, but still, always better to get a full picture. The book can still be greatly enjoyed without though, not to worry.
Hannah has lived a really tough life and suffered terrible abuse at the hands of a madman who kept her captive for 10 years and tormented her mentally and physically. He killed her mother, was supposed to kill her, but instead kidnapped her and started to see her as his own daughter (in a very, VERY twisted way; there was no sexual abuse, but there was both physical and emotional abuse). All of this has made physical contact for her challenging (particularly with men) and also very uncomfortable with love, because the psycho, in his own obsessed unhealthy way, loved her, so that type of emotion and strength of feeling frightens her.
From the first, she reacted to Jonas (and he reacted to her). He frightened her—he's imposing, direct, brash—but also because her reaction to him frightens her. And for his part, Jonas was struck by Hannah from the beginning as well, and even though he's coined her the Snow Queen in his mind and thinks that she looks down on him, he hasn't stopped thinking about her in the year (and 13 days—she's been counting, much to his delight) since they last saw each other.
I like to see the couple fall in love—I know, who doesn't, but I mean I like to watch the slow development from 0 to 100, which is one of the reasons I don't like instant-lust stories. Once this book starts, they've already got the serious feels for one another, so it is a shame to miss out on that by not reading the book before, BUT I still loved the two of them together and watching their relationship develop. They were so cute, sweet, oddly funny, and super hot together.
They're kind of a two-odd-ducks-get-together couple, and I loved it :-D.
SERIES. I recommend reading the series in order, though I honestly would say to skip the two books that I didn't like; of course it's always completely subjective, but the fact that I'm saying skip them while also saying read the whole series in order ... well, that tells you something about how much I disliked them. The others were GREAT!!
#0.5 — Ever Yours, Annabelle (TBR)
#1 — The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne (DNF)
#2 — The Truth About Cads and Dukes (4 stars)
#3 — Desperately Seeking a Scoundrel (TBR)
#4 — The Devil Is a Marquess (4-4.5 stars)
#5 — When a Girl Loves an Earl (TBR)
#5.5 — Twelve Nights as His Mistress (4 stars)
#6 — Confessions of a Dangerous Lord (TBR)
#7 — Anything but a Gentleman (2 stars)
#8 — A Marriage Made in Scandal, this book (4 stars)
#9 — A Kiss from a Rogue (4 stars)
“What should I be called, then?”
“Your name.”
“And what is my name?” He was only half teasing. He wanted to hear his name on rosebud lips.
Her eyes, for all that they stopped a man’s heart with their beauty, gave him nothing. In all his days, he’d never seen a woman so opaque. She was as cool and pristine as mirrored glass in a moonlit room. But for a split second, something flickered beneath the surface. A shadow, then a spark. Fear followed by defiance.
“Jonas,” she whispered. “Jonas Bartholomew Hawthorn.”
He couldn’t speak. Couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. Bloody hell, in three words, she’d lit him afire.
Her gaze slid to his chin, his neck, his waist. “I am glad you are well,” she said, her voice small and tight. “I have never been so glad of anything.”
Her maid came to fetch her. A light breeze blew across his skin as she gave him a polite nod and walked toward the castle. Distantly, he heard the fountain splashing. Birds calling. Guests chatting. Lady Wallingham crowing.
But all he could do was stand there with the sun warming his back.
She knew his name. He’d never told her the middle one. Perhaps she’d learned it from her brother or Lord Dunston. Perhaps the physician had mentioned it. One thing was clear—a woman who bothered to learn his middle name and speak it back to him was not as indifferent as she’d have him believe.
July 30, 2019
TLDR: A must-buy romance, preferably after you have read the preceding 9 books and the prequel.
**I was given an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.** I also purchased my own copy when the book was first put up for pre-order.
The technical stuff:
A Kiss from a Rogue is the 10th (or 11th, if you choose to count the prequel) and final book for the Rescued from Ruin (RFR) series by Elisa Braden. This is a period romance, set in the early 1800s. The book can be read as a stand-alone novel, but much of the nuance may be lost since all the main characters from the previous 9 books put in at least a "cameo" appearance. (Ms. Braden has indicated that the characters from this series may make "guest appearances" in another series she will be writing. The Huxleys make at least an appearance in Ms. Braden's upcoming book The Making of a Highlander.)
The story is written in third person, and is reasonably historically accurate. A Kiss from a Rogue begins with a prologue detailing the experiences of Hannah Gray going back 5 years prior to when she makes her first appearance in the RFR book #7 Confessions of a Dangerous Lord. The book generally runs linearly in time, with discussion of prior history and memories to fill in any backstory. The book's epilogue ends approximately 5 years after RFR #9, A Marriage Made in Scandal.
Less technical stuff and opinions:
I love the dedication from Ms. Braden to those of us who are fans of the RFR series... we get the "shorthand" of the dedication from the pet names of each of the characters.
I've always loved that Elisa Braden's characters are not carbon-copies of each other, nor is it the same story being told multiple times. Pet names, fears, conflicts, anxieties, mannerisms aren't all the same (or even the same at all) across characters, which makes the stories feel much more authentic. The fact that she doesn't "end" the story at the wedding, but shows the work that still needs to be done to build a marriage is perhaps singular among romance writers. I also love her insights that speak to the heart, among them: "Trust is the soil. Love is the bloom", "the ones who truly love us don't judge us by our scars, but by who we've become as a result", developing attachment [a relationship] takes time, patience, and bravery.
Phineas Brand, Earl of Holstoke is the half-brother to Hannah Gray, as we discover in RFR #7. Holstoke is one of my favorite (perhaps the favorite) character in the RFR series, so I have enjoyed "getting to know" him and Hannah in their initial appearance in RFR #7, their ongoing story of his marriage to Lady Eugenia Holstoke in RFR #9 A Marriage Made in Scandal, and on into this book. I am delighted that Hannah gets her own story, and that Phineas and Genie Brand are significant supporting characters to Hannah's and Jonas's story.
Jonas Hawthorne, a wolfish Bow Street runner, also makes his first appearance in RFR #9. He returns to RFR world, invited to Grimsgate at the request of Lady Wallingham, when he is offered a substantial reward for finding a box that has been stolen and bringing the thief to her.
The story is compelling; overcoming misunderstandings and faulty assumptions (as is generally the case in romances) but also overcoming--working through--significant trauma, and how that trauma affects people both differently and similarly. There are both interpersonal conflicts between the couple, external challenges, and intrapersonal struggles of self-doubt and confusion. It challenges (as do all the RFR books) what it means to be "normal", how obstacles sand off our rough edges, what it is we think we want may not be what we really want, and how our idiosyncrasies are what make us a good fit for those that come to love us. There is also a lot of humor -- the men discussing how they make their wives happy, the women discussing husbands both physically and how to bring him to heel, the advice Hannah gets from all and sundry about how to approach this relationship, and how Jonas and Hannah finally get around to becoming engaged.
The book is bittersweet for fans of RFR in two ways: first, that this is the conclusion to a wonderful romantic series, and we get a deeper insight into the dragon, the dowager Lady Wallingham. It is also a celebration--it feels like coming to a reunion of friends you've not seen in a while and love wholeheartedly, and the affirmation that "Dragons need their treasure. Wolves need their moon."
**I was given an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.** I also purchased my own copy when the book was first put up for pre-order.
The technical stuff:
A Kiss from a Rogue is the 10th (or 11th, if you choose to count the prequel) and final book for the Rescued from Ruin (RFR) series by Elisa Braden. This is a period romance, set in the early 1800s. The book can be read as a stand-alone novel, but much of the nuance may be lost since all the main characters from the previous 9 books put in at least a "cameo" appearance. (Ms. Braden has indicated that the characters from this series may make "guest appearances" in another series she will be writing. The Huxleys make at least an appearance in Ms. Braden's upcoming book The Making of a Highlander.)
The story is written in third person, and is reasonably historically accurate. A Kiss from a Rogue begins with a prologue detailing the experiences of Hannah Gray going back 5 years prior to when she makes her first appearance in the RFR book #7 Confessions of a Dangerous Lord. The book generally runs linearly in time, with discussion of prior history and memories to fill in any backstory. The book's epilogue ends approximately 5 years after RFR #9, A Marriage Made in Scandal.
Less technical stuff and opinions:
I love the dedication from Ms. Braden to those of us who are fans of the RFR series... we get the "shorthand" of the dedication from the pet names of each of the characters.
I've always loved that Elisa Braden's characters are not carbon-copies of each other, nor is it the same story being told multiple times. Pet names, fears, conflicts, anxieties, mannerisms aren't all the same (or even the same at all) across characters, which makes the stories feel much more authentic. The fact that she doesn't "end" the story at the wedding, but shows the work that still needs to be done to build a marriage is perhaps singular among romance writers. I also love her insights that speak to the heart, among them: "Trust is the soil. Love is the bloom", "the ones who truly love us don't judge us by our scars, but by who we've become as a result", developing attachment [a relationship] takes time, patience, and bravery.
Phineas Brand, Earl of Holstoke is the half-brother to Hannah Gray, as we discover in RFR #7. Holstoke is one of my favorite (perhaps the favorite) character in the RFR series, so I have enjoyed "getting to know" him and Hannah in their initial appearance in RFR #7, their ongoing story of his marriage to Lady Eugenia Holstoke in RFR #9 A Marriage Made in Scandal, and on into this book. I am delighted that Hannah gets her own story, and that Phineas and Genie Brand are significant supporting characters to Hannah's and Jonas's story.
Jonas Hawthorne, a wolfish Bow Street runner, also makes his first appearance in RFR #9. He returns to RFR world, invited to Grimsgate at the request of Lady Wallingham, when he is offered a substantial reward for finding a box that has been stolen and bringing the thief to her.
The story is compelling; overcoming misunderstandings and faulty assumptions (as is generally the case in romances) but also overcoming--working through--significant trauma, and how that trauma affects people both differently and similarly. There are both interpersonal conflicts between the couple, external challenges, and intrapersonal struggles of self-doubt and confusion. It challenges (as do all the RFR books) what it means to be "normal", how obstacles sand off our rough edges, what it is we think we want may not be what we really want, and how our idiosyncrasies are what make us a good fit for those that come to love us. There is also a lot of humor -- the men discussing how they make their wives happy, the women discussing husbands both physically and how to bring him to heel, the advice Hannah gets from all and sundry about how to approach this relationship, and how Jonas and Hannah finally get around to becoming engaged.
The book is bittersweet for fans of RFR in two ways: first, that this is the conclusion to a wonderful romantic series, and we get a deeper insight into the dragon, the dowager Lady Wallingham. It is also a celebration--it feels like coming to a reunion of friends you've not seen in a while and love wholeheartedly, and the affirmation that "Dragons need their treasure. Wolves need their moon."
July 28, 2019
A Kiss From a Rogue ends Elisa Braden’s superlative ‘Rescued From Ruin’ series. As an avid reader of Elisa’s works and having been a huge fan of the whole series so far, I was unaccountably nervous about this one. It is the long awaited happy ever after for Hannah Gray and final book in a series I have taken to my heart. I needn’t have worried. As always, Elisa has produced an outstanding story that not only does justice to Hannah but also leaves the reader with a profound sense of satisfaction and the closure we needed in regard to all the beloved characters in this series.
Hannah Gray has had a brutal and cruel past which has left her with scars both physical and psychological. It has taken a long time for her to slowly accept and attempt a measure of normalcy in her life. With the love, patience and understanding of her family, she is finally ready to try and find a love of her own with whom she can raise a family. To do this though, she would have to meet a man that would not frighten her - a normal, safe man. Persuaded by her sister in law, Genie, she agrees to attend Lady Wallingham’s house party - the ideal place to begin her search. But is it chance that she meets again the only man her heart has ever yearned for?
Jonas Hawthorn has never forgotten Hannah from the turbulent events of a year ago. He had fallen hard and risked his life for her – only to have been cruelly rebuffed. Summoned by Lady Wallingham, he is tasked to recover a stolen trunk – after which he will be richly rewarded. But can he protect his heart from being destroyed a second time or will he finally be able to claim Hannah for his own?
This story absolutely blew me away – both Hannah and Jonas are emotionally guarded people who find it difficult to let people in and share emotions but are confronted with a passion so strong they almost do not know how to cope with it. Their journey - sensitively guided by their loving friends is an emotional and uplifting one.
Hannah’s story could have taken a dark turn given the horrors she lived through but Elisa manages to balance perfectly the dark with the light. Hannah as a heroine is beyond compare. Her journey, her anxieties, her self doubt are balanced with her hope, her determination, her awakening to love and her sweet pursuit of Jonas. Elisa writes her story with great sensitivity and understanding interlaced with sweet humour. She is definitely Phineas’ sister and her attempt at ‘wooing’ Jonas made me laugh.
Jonas is an equally amazing hero. He has suffered a lot of loss in his life and is scared to let anyone too close. Even though he gets his heart’s desire, he finds it difficult to truly be open with his feelings. The typical lone wolf hero, he has to learn to trust and open his heart to not just Hannah but the concept of friends, family – people he can depend on. He needs equally to be rescued from his solitary existence and Hannah and her family and friends teach him that it is not a weakness to need other people.
Interwoven amongst the central love story we have the mystery of who stole Lady Wallingham’s trunk. Elisa uses this and the house party to realistically give the reader an opportunity to catch up with all the previous characters in the ‘Rescued from Ruin’ family. Everyone plays a valid part in the story and we are given a glimpse of their lives as it is now which is wonderful. It is great to pick up on their little idiosyncrasies and share the joke. We even finally meet Lady Wallingham’s scapegrace nephew Cecil.
What I truly treasure also are the small snippets which preface each chapter highlighting the relationship between Lady Wallingham and her husband. We gain an insight into the rollercoaster their lives would have been and the deep love they shared. It was truly poignant.
Although this story is in part a culmination of the series, you would not flounder if you read as a standalone. Elisa gives enough explanation so new readers are not confused but also not too much that previous readers find it repetitive. I would of course recommend that you do read the previous books as it will give a greater understanding of Hannah’s journey and because they are all fabulously written.
Elisa is a master storyteller and this book left me speechless, teary but with a definite smile in my heart.
I have been given an ARC by the author but I have ordered a copy of my own.
Hannah Gray has had a brutal and cruel past which has left her with scars both physical and psychological. It has taken a long time for her to slowly accept and attempt a measure of normalcy in her life. With the love, patience and understanding of her family, she is finally ready to try and find a love of her own with whom she can raise a family. To do this though, she would have to meet a man that would not frighten her - a normal, safe man. Persuaded by her sister in law, Genie, she agrees to attend Lady Wallingham’s house party - the ideal place to begin her search. But is it chance that she meets again the only man her heart has ever yearned for?
Jonas Hawthorn has never forgotten Hannah from the turbulent events of a year ago. He had fallen hard and risked his life for her – only to have been cruelly rebuffed. Summoned by Lady Wallingham, he is tasked to recover a stolen trunk – after which he will be richly rewarded. But can he protect his heart from being destroyed a second time or will he finally be able to claim Hannah for his own?
This story absolutely blew me away – both Hannah and Jonas are emotionally guarded people who find it difficult to let people in and share emotions but are confronted with a passion so strong they almost do not know how to cope with it. Their journey - sensitively guided by their loving friends is an emotional and uplifting one.
Hannah’s story could have taken a dark turn given the horrors she lived through but Elisa manages to balance perfectly the dark with the light. Hannah as a heroine is beyond compare. Her journey, her anxieties, her self doubt are balanced with her hope, her determination, her awakening to love and her sweet pursuit of Jonas. Elisa writes her story with great sensitivity and understanding interlaced with sweet humour. She is definitely Phineas’ sister and her attempt at ‘wooing’ Jonas made me laugh.
Jonas is an equally amazing hero. He has suffered a lot of loss in his life and is scared to let anyone too close. Even though he gets his heart’s desire, he finds it difficult to truly be open with his feelings. The typical lone wolf hero, he has to learn to trust and open his heart to not just Hannah but the concept of friends, family – people he can depend on. He needs equally to be rescued from his solitary existence and Hannah and her family and friends teach him that it is not a weakness to need other people.
Interwoven amongst the central love story we have the mystery of who stole Lady Wallingham’s trunk. Elisa uses this and the house party to realistically give the reader an opportunity to catch up with all the previous characters in the ‘Rescued from Ruin’ family. Everyone plays a valid part in the story and we are given a glimpse of their lives as it is now which is wonderful. It is great to pick up on their little idiosyncrasies and share the joke. We even finally meet Lady Wallingham’s scapegrace nephew Cecil.
What I truly treasure also are the small snippets which preface each chapter highlighting the relationship between Lady Wallingham and her husband. We gain an insight into the rollercoaster their lives would have been and the deep love they shared. It was truly poignant.
Although this story is in part a culmination of the series, you would not flounder if you read as a standalone. Elisa gives enough explanation so new readers are not confused but also not too much that previous readers find it repetitive. I would of course recommend that you do read the previous books as it will give a greater understanding of Hannah’s journey and because they are all fabulously written.
Elisa is a master storyteller and this book left me speechless, teary but with a definite smile in my heart.
I have been given an ARC by the author but I have ordered a copy of my own.
July 29, 2019
What a good read this was! In the last of the series( I didn’t want it to end!) we have Hannah and Jonas’ story. There is also the mystery of the missing trunk from Lady Wallingham’s room. Hannah and Jonas were such complex characters, both had experienced hardship and trials in their earlier life. I loved the way Eugenia gradually brought Hannah out of her shell and this made her stronger. Jonas and Hannah’s growing connection was tender and heartfelt. I loved that all the other characters had gathered at the house party. There was the usual friendly banter and of course the advice from Lady Wallingham! This was a thoroughly engaging read as is usual from this author.
July 28, 2019
What an ending to a fabulous series! While this can be a stand alone, it is so much richer if you know the other players! Hannah had been the pet captive of an evil man. She was abused physically but not sexually. She cannot bear to be touched. Jonas is the man who saved her years ago and she has secretly loved him since then. Hannah decides it is time for her to marry and overcome her fears. And while a few men are introduced at a house party, only Jonas interests her. Jonas has his own demons, and as a Bow Street Runner, he knows Hannah can never be anything more than a dream. How they marry and come together is a lovely tale!
I received an ARC of this book.
I received an ARC of this book.
July 27, 2019
A lovely conclusion to Elisa Braden’s Rescued from Ruin series.
July 28, 2019
An absolutely fabulous story. The rags to riches story for one and for the other being able to face her demons because of her love for A man. A psychological study of working in happen when a person is so tortured it taste almost split their personality. The story also the man who is been trying to make some of himself. As with all romances this one has a happy ending. But it’s the clever, very good author who , bring that ending
In the way that does not let you put the book down. You cannot wait to read more. This is definitely a book you do not want to miss.
In the way that does not let you put the book down. You cannot wait to read more. This is definitely a book you do not want to miss.
April 29, 2024
Not my favourite in this series but a decent read nonetheless. I’m a bit bereft that this series has finished as it’s been so enjoyable.
July 29, 2019
It took me a couple of days to open this book once it was delivered to my kindle, simply because I knew that it was the last in the most wonderfully written Rescued from Ruin series and that would be it - for now. I was really looking forward to it, having been introduced in earlier books in the series to Hannah and Jonas. I knew that I could rely on Elisa to deliver another wonderful love story with characters so beautifully created and this lovely story certainly lived up to my expectations. No it did more.
Readers of the earlier books in the series knew that Hannah had been forced to undergo the most awful of experiences as a girl, having been kidnapped by the cruel, evil Snyder. Physical and psychological abuses together left poor Hannah a wreck, but time and the love of her brother and his wife Genie have helped to bring her emotionally towards normalcy and at the start of the book she even begins to consider the idea of marriage.
Jonas Hawthorne, a wonderful man and Bow St runner, is familiar to Hannah, but he also bears the scars of his youth. No wonder he has learned to rely only on himself and to limit his trust in others. Elisa brings them together as Hannah visits Lady Wallingham with her family and at the same time the old dragon (and I call her this with extreme affection) has summoned Jonas to help find her stolen trunk. As Lady W has also invited previous story characters who have found their own loves with her help, we are able to see with joy how their lives are progressing together.
Elisa is such a talented writer in crafting this book so that we rejoice in Hannah and Jonas’s love, while ensuring that our favourite characters from previous books in the series add to the richness of the story. But what an absolute joy to have some insight into the love that Lady Wallingham had for her beloved husband. No wonder she interfered in the romances of the younger generation, wanting her own son to experience such a depth of love for another and to be so equally loved.
This was a wonderful book to complete the series. Thank you so much, Elisa, and please, please hurry with John Huxley’s story!
Readers of the earlier books in the series knew that Hannah had been forced to undergo the most awful of experiences as a girl, having been kidnapped by the cruel, evil Snyder. Physical and psychological abuses together left poor Hannah a wreck, but time and the love of her brother and his wife Genie have helped to bring her emotionally towards normalcy and at the start of the book she even begins to consider the idea of marriage.
Jonas Hawthorne, a wonderful man and Bow St runner, is familiar to Hannah, but he also bears the scars of his youth. No wonder he has learned to rely only on himself and to limit his trust in others. Elisa brings them together as Hannah visits Lady Wallingham with her family and at the same time the old dragon (and I call her this with extreme affection) has summoned Jonas to help find her stolen trunk. As Lady W has also invited previous story characters who have found their own loves with her help, we are able to see with joy how their lives are progressing together.
Elisa is such a talented writer in crafting this book so that we rejoice in Hannah and Jonas’s love, while ensuring that our favourite characters from previous books in the series add to the richness of the story. But what an absolute joy to have some insight into the love that Lady Wallingham had for her beloved husband. No wonder she interfered in the romances of the younger generation, wanting her own son to experience such a depth of love for another and to be so equally loved.
This was a wonderful book to complete the series. Thank you so much, Elisa, and please, please hurry with John Huxley’s story!
August 1, 2019
After her tortured past Miss Hannah Gray simply longs for a normal life as other girls have, without fears holding her back. She's finally healed enough under the kind care of her half brother, Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke, to create her own normalcy. Her sister-in-law, Eugenia, encourages a husband hunt of sorts beginning with a house party hosted by the formidable Lady Wallingham. But when Hannah encounters Jonas Hawthorn there, her progress in healing and her fragile heart are threatened. The intimidating wolf of a man nearly died protecting her a year previously and desite her attraction for him, she pushed him away out of fear. Now his presence at the house party threatens everything she worked for.
Soldier turned Bow Street Runner Jonas Hawthorn had thought never to again cross paths with the icy Miss Gray. But no matter. He just needs to locate some stolen property for the Dowager Lady Wallingham and he'll have enough money to set himself up with land and servants of his own. He just has to stop thinking of Hannah and avoid her at all costs. He fails spectacularly at this and soon realizes Hannah has no intention of staying out of his way either. But these two have more to contend with than just their feelings for each other. Both carry deep scars from their pasts and must work through them while deciding what is worth risking for love.
Y'all I loved this book. I've been through several lately that were just ehhh but this was fabulous. I love tropes like this where the main characters both have damage to deal with and must work and grow together. This was my first read from this author and I don't even care that I started at the end of the series. I definitely can't wait to read the rest now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Soldier turned Bow Street Runner Jonas Hawthorn had thought never to again cross paths with the icy Miss Gray. But no matter. He just needs to locate some stolen property for the Dowager Lady Wallingham and he'll have enough money to set himself up with land and servants of his own. He just has to stop thinking of Hannah and avoid her at all costs. He fails spectacularly at this and soon realizes Hannah has no intention of staying out of his way either. But these two have more to contend with than just their feelings for each other. Both carry deep scars from their pasts and must work through them while deciding what is worth risking for love.
Y'all I loved this book. I've been through several lately that were just ehhh but this was fabulous. I love tropes like this where the main characters both have damage to deal with and must work and grow together. This was my first read from this author and I don't even care that I started at the end of the series. I definitely can't wait to read the rest now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 29, 2019
This is a wonderful and fitting conclusion to what has been a spectacular series! This has everything you could want in a story! Hannah is such a strong heroine and over came so much mentally and emotionally to grasp hold of the life she wants and deserves. Jonas' love for her is so all encompassing it was swoon worthy! And let me tell you there were plenty of steamy moments in this one, which I love!!! I was also so thrilled to get glimpses into the happiness of all our former couples! I'm sad the end has came for the Rescued from Ruin series, but thrilled to see the next series kicks off with John Huxley's story and that we get to stay in this wonderful world Elisa Braden has created with these amazing characters!
I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily submitting a review.
I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily submitting a review.
August 27, 2022
I liked this !! I only read one other book in the series but I just HAD to jump on this delicious bow street runner romance!!! it did not disappoint. Now to go back and finish some of the others lol
July 10, 2024
3.5 rounded down to 3 stars.
This was very well written. It's very much an insta-lust (granted, they meet for the first time in a previous book that I haven't read yet. I'm not at ALL good at reading series in order. I read whichever ones peak my interest the most and go from there, not always the smartest way to go about it). Both Jonas (H) and Hannah (h) are likeable. Both have pretty traumatic pasts (Hannah especially--though in this book it was very glossed over, which I was disappointed. I'm guessing it goes into greater detail in the previous books...but whatever, I wanted more angst). There was, imo (as someone who knows very little about it, so take it with a grain of salt), really good descriptions of disassociating from trauma.
The romance was sweet and I felt like both characters behaved in ways that made complete sense. All of their conflicts between each other was solved way too quickly, imo. I wanted there to be more longing, more emotions...everything got resolved to quickly to really FEEL. That is the only reason this isn't 4 stars (maybe even 5?) for me.
This was very well written. It's very much an insta-lust (granted, they meet for the first time in a previous book that I haven't read yet. I'm not at ALL good at reading series in order. I read whichever ones peak my interest the most and go from there, not always the smartest way to go about it). Both Jonas (H) and Hannah (h) are likeable. Both have pretty traumatic pasts (Hannah especially--though in this book it was very glossed over, which I was disappointed. I'm guessing it goes into greater detail in the previous books...but whatever, I wanted more angst). There was, imo (as someone who knows very little about it, so take it with a grain of salt), really good descriptions of disassociating from trauma.
The romance was sweet and I felt like both characters behaved in ways that made complete sense. All of their conflicts between each other was solved way too quickly, imo. I wanted there to be more longing, more emotions...everything got resolved to quickly to really FEEL. That is the only reason this isn't 4 stars (maybe even 5?) for me.
June 8, 2024
I feel like I’m being a bit harsh with this rating, but I had high hopes for these two characters and their story; gotten a preview of them together in the previous book & Hannahs life throughout the entire series so I was really excited.
The beginning got me hooked, and then it really dropped off for me, to the point I was actually finding it a “drag” to read. And bringing in all the characters from the past books really did end the series nicely, but it felt a rushed and just in there to “appease” the readers.
Hannah and Jonas deserved way more, but I’m happy for their cute epilogue ending!
The beginning got me hooked, and then it really dropped off for me, to the point I was actually finding it a “drag” to read. And bringing in all the characters from the past books really did end the series nicely, but it felt a rushed and just in there to “appease” the readers.
Hannah and Jonas deserved way more, but I’m happy for their cute epilogue ending!
February 2, 2021
This was the final book of the series, and I was slightly disappointed. Hannah and Jonas didn't quite click for me. I thought their romance wasn't as gaspingly breathless as others in the series. I also figured out very early what was in the stolen trunk.
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