Love is a Rogue audiobook

4.5 starsOkay, this was so precious. This is a different social class romance with a bookish heroine that revolves around renovating a crumbling bookstore. Beatrice is a wallflower and only cares about her books, and is definitely intrigued by the handsome carpenter working on her estate. When she inherits a bookshop from her aunt, Beatrice is ecstatic and hires Ford to help. I loved how they were forced to be around each other and Ford would flirt with Beatrice and push her buttons. But then he builds her a bookshelf?!? Their romance was just adorable. I loved how Beatrice would do anything for her bookshop and the books, which meant dealing with her mother and having to try to find a suitable husband in society. Ford's family has already dealt with a different social class romance as her mother was cut off after she married a man below her in society. The ending was adorable and I just had so much fun reading this book!

Love Is a Rogue checked all the boxes for me. This witty, smart, sweet & sometimes down right smoldering story, kept me rapt from start to finish.Ford the carpenter, a formidable titan of masculinity, strength and a cocksure smile; had me imagining exactly what he may look like in real life. Feeling & placing oneself in the story and admiring him from afar, inside that high window.Beatrice, booksmart and precise, she wields her words like that of a swordsman wields his blade. Books and her intellect her insulator and armor to protect her from the outside world, the name calling and the ton. Never to love. Never to marry.All of her future carefully outlined in her mind...until this carpenter...until Ford.This is book 1 in the new Wallflowers vs Rogues series and I cannot wait for book 2, it couldn't get here fast enough. Huzzah Lenora, your best book yet!

Review originally published at Romancing Romances.I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.I absolutely loved this book. A hero that’s a carpenter and a heroine who is an etymologist – perfect combination!One of the things that always makes my heart flutter is acts of service. Because acts of service mean that you’ve been paying attention to your partner (or your friend, or whoever the other person is in this situation) and it just makes me so happy that the characters listen to each other’s needs *swoon*.This book is a bit of a Beauty and The Beast retelling, since our heroine “was born with palsy of the facial nerve caused by damage from the instruments the doctors used” (in Love is a Rogue, by Lenora Bell) during her birth, which means one side of her face does not move “normaly”, and her smile is lopsided.Lady Beatrice Bentley, this beautiful, rich lady, who prefers a comfortable blue dress than the somewhat growing and starting to be exaggerated creations of the 1830’s, can’t help but feel the attraction to Stamford Wright, the roguish carpenter working on her brother’s estate.I loved falling in love with Ford and Beatrice, and seeing their love develop and overcome what would be thought of as a barrier for the time, or if not a barrier, at least a strong detriment for their union.Beatrice loves words, and she is fascinated with the words that disappear from our language, and the ones that are almost “chosen” to remain, and for Ford this is not an interest, but he becomes fascinated with how happy Beatrice is when she’s talking about writing her dictionary, and how caring he is for her and her love of books. I mean… he built her BOOKSHELVES!Also, this book is full of feminism, sisterhood, all the things we want to see in this world. As I was reading this book, I found myself mirrored in the women of The Mayfair Ladies Knitting League, with the same wishes and desires: “Why should being female preclude me from being an entrepreneur? I say, smash down the barriers” (Love is A Rogue, by Lenora Bell). One of my favourite quotes from this book is exactly related to women (women as in anyone that identifies as female), and how we see ourselves in the world and society: “We women are all so critical of ourselves. We’re too plump, or too thin. Too tall, or too short. Our hair is too curly, or too straight. We live in a society that rewards conformity to a strict set of physical standards and an even more rigid set of rules for proper behaviour. We have these unpleasant thoughts running round and round in our minds. Wouldn’t it be revolutionary if we decided to love ourselves exactly the way we are?” (in Love is a Rogue, by Lenora Bell). Apologies for the long quote, but I loved it so much, that I remember shedding a tear when I read this. Self-love, and supporting ourselves and others, shouldn’t that be the ultimate goal?Anyway, this book was also a love dedication to all of us readers, as I’m sure you can understand from the above mentioned love of books and words. As I was reading this book, I found myself highlighting these sentences that put into words a feeling that I’m sure most readers relate to: “But I can’t possibly read all of them [books]. It keeps me up at night sometimes, knowing that I can’t read every book I own. You should see how many books are stacked beside by bed just waiting to be read. And I don’t have the time to read them all” (in Love is A Rogue, by Lenora Bell).Of course, this book is a romance, and the love story is the main element. But in this case, for me, it felt like there was more than ONE love story – there was the love between Beatrice and Ford, but also the love between these women supporting each other’s endeavours, and the love for words, and for your own passions!All in all, I loved this book. It is romantic, sexy, powerful, all you want in a good book.P.S. Make sure you read the acknowledgements at the end!

4.5 starsLady Beatrice Bentley has been squirreled away at the family estate in Cornwall researching words for her etymological dictionary, but is constantly being distracted by Stamford “Ford” Wright, the carpenter hired by her brother Drew, Duke of Thorndon to make improvements to the estate while he is on his honeymoon. She tries to ignore him, but he is just so handsome – um – annoying! She tells herself to focus, she doesn’t have much time left before she has to return to London for the season – hopefully her last. Her time in society has not been enjoyable and due to complications at her birth, she suffers from palsy that has causes a slight drooping to the right side of her face and got her dubbed Beastly Beatrice. Now all she wants is to Beatrice just wants to retire to the country, live in solitude and complete her dictionary.Ford has come to Thornhill to help out his father who was injured, his father is the estate carpenter, but Ford has not followed in his footsteps, Ford is a ship’s carpenter in the Navy. While working at the estate, he has uncovered some disturbing information about this steward and wants to bring the information to the Duke’s attention so his father is not accused of theft. So far, he has had no success in learning when Thorndon is due to return and must return to London soon to report to his ship. So, when the opportunity to speak to Lady Beatrice literally knocks him in the head – he takes it. His interaction with Beatrice doesn’t go as planned and they both are more than a little shocked by the encounter. They part ways assuming they will never cross paths again.But fate is not done with these two and when she returns to London and learns she has inherited a bookstore from an aunt she never met, she is overjoyed – until she learns that the property is in disrepair and her mother has gone behind her back and put it up for sale! She is visiting with her friends, Viola Beaton and Isobel Mayberry from the Knitting League, when Ford calls for her brother – who still has not returned. The ladies decide to visit the shop and convince Ford to join them to give his professional opinion. While at the shop, Beatrice falls in love with place and decides to keep it, it needs a lot of work – but before she can even begin to form a plan, Foxton, the buyer her mother lined up shows up and makes it clear that he wants the property and will stop at nothing to get it. He makes assures her that no carpenter in London will work for her and she might as well sell to him. Ford recognizes Foxton – he is Ford’s estranged grandfather – the man who disowned Ford’s mother for falling in love and marrying “beneath” her. Ford wants to thwart him and steps up to say he is working as her carpenter and the shop is not for sale – much to Beatrice’s shock.After trying to hire another carpenter, Beatrice admits defeat and asks Ford to do the work. They form a friendship of sorts and slowly begin to fall in love, but there will be many things keeping them apart – the difference in their social stations, a very determined duchess, a greedy earl and secrets. Their road to HEA is not easy – but it is entertaining!I really enjoyed this book, it is well written, flows nicely and is just a fun read. I would have to agree with other reviewers that the ending did wrap up too easily and there were a couple of plot points that seemed to have gotten dropped – but overall, it was a highly entertaining read with lots of amusing banter, cameos from characters in previous the series, great secondary characters, a slow burn romance with some warmish love scenes and a HEA complete with an epilogue. It is the first book in a new series and while it does have ties to the School for Dukes series – but you don’t have to read that series to enjoy this book. I am happy to recommend this novel and am really looking forward to Viola & Isobel’s stories!*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley, Edelweiss and the publisher. All opinions are my own. *

this one PLEASANTLY surprised me. it's an overall uplifting and feel-good historical romance about a bookish/nerdy girl who was born with palsy and has been sheltered by her mother ever since. Her mother is stifling and overbearing and rude most of the times but plow through it because the sweet romance between our heroine and our gruff commoner hero is so good. Our hero has some lineage/broken family issues but he likes the simple life of being a carpenter and repairing the book shop she inherited. I just really enjoyed it!!!I ALSO REALLY ENJOYED THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN THIS ONE!!

Love Is a Rogue: Wallflowers vs. Rogues Wallflowers Vs Rogues Series #1Lenora Bellhttps://www.facebook.com/lenorabellau... Release date 10/27/2020Publisher Avon𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯Once upon a time in Mayfair a group of wallflowers formed a secret society with goals that had absolutely nothing to do with matrimony. Their most troublesome obstacle? Rogues!  They call her Beastly Beatrice. Wallflower Lady Beatrice Bentley longs to remain in the wilds of Cornwall to complete her etymological dictionary. Too bad her brother’s Gothic mansion is under renovation. How can she work with an annoyingly arrogant and too-handsome rogue swinging a hammer nearby?Rogue. Scoundrel. Call him anything you like as long as you pay him. Navy man Stamford Wright is leaving England soon and renovating Thornhill House is just a job. It’s not about the duke’s bookish sister or her fiery copper hair. Or the etymology lessons the prim-yet-alluring lady insists on giving him. Or the forbidden things he'd love to teach her.They say never mix business with pleasure. But when Beatrice and Ford aren't arguing, they're kissing. Sometimes temptation proves too strong to resist…even if the cost is a heart.𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄Will she let life pass by her or fight for more than she expected from it...« “I’m not docile, or decorous, or obliging.” With each word she blasted the wall. »I am not sure I liked Beatrice at first, she has with certainty excuses for her longing to a lonesome existence but none to be so blunt and rude with Ford.Plus there is nothing I dislike more than an addle-brained miss when confronted to a yummy male specimen. Weak knees and tongue tied do not endeavour a character to me.But it is the modern me that cringe at these flaws. Beatrice has forgiving circumstances, firstly she has known nothing else, more ready to look down than stand for one’s self, they have no voice in their fate, the sheltered upbringing of ladies does not prepare them to stand emotionless when they sight male skin.Then she grews in me, reflecting on her future path, acknowledging she chooses to hide instead of living her dreams. By coming out of her chrysalid, she demonstrates her strength and fortitude.Stamford or Ford, I have few things to tell so wonderful he is. He is the sole man who sees, really sees Beatrice, he needs no dowry nor enticement to appreciate the real woman under the haughty demeanor. He does not belittle her dreams, he might not agree or understand them, but they are hers, so she should have the right to try to reach them.Their romance is one of trust given, wishes shared and hopes made to not be lived alone.A terrific lively tale of going for one’s dream and finding the power in oneself to live them whatever the price.5 starsI was granted an advance copy by the author and publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.4.5 stars. I wanted to give this 5 stars, but I did think that the resolution with Ford’s grandfather was a little too easy. That said, in general, I appreciated that Beatrice and Ford didn’t hesitate to discuss their problems openly, even though Ford did keep a secret from her because of a promise to his mother. Whenever there was angst, it was short-lived, which did my heart good. Their relationship is so sweet and heartwarming. When Ford built her the bookshelves from the floorboards they pulled up together, my heart absolutely melted. The overall message of the book is that love conquers all—a classic in the romance genre. While that may be hard to believe during these trying times, it’s nice to read it coming true on the page.Beatrice and I would be the best of friends. I loved her love of words and how she takes charge of herself and her life. I’ve never seen a heroine born with palsy before, and, though I can’t quite relate myself, I appreciate the representation. Ford is a wonderful working-class hero. Not only that, but he respects Beatrice and women’s opinions and abilities. I don’t know how anyone could not love him.I’m very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series when it comes out and appreciated the glimpses we get into future books in the epilogue (at least, if I’m correct in my guesses). I’ve actually only read one other of Bell’s books, but now I want to tackle that backlog. I enjoyed the cameos from previous novels, even though I haven’t properly met those characters yet.I love Bell’s writing style. It’s humorous, witty, and savory all at once.

I received an ARC of this book to read through Edelweiss+. All opinions are my own. Love Is A Rogue by Lenora Bell is the first book in what looks to be a captivating new series, Wallflowers vs Rogues. Wallflower Lady Beatrice Bentley wants nothing more than her mother to give up trying to find her a match so that she can retreat to the family estate in Cornwall and work on her etymological dictionary and not have to attend all the balls, routs and musicals that her mother insists are necessary. The unexpected inheritance of a bookshop specializing antiquarian volumes and manuscripts is a dream come true, but her mother wants her to sell it, a nasty developer wants the property and surprisingly, her nemesis, carpenter Stamford Wright volunteers to help her in her quest to repair the bookshop building and turn it into a ladies clubhouse. This enemies to friends to lovers story is full of humour balanced by angst and the perfect amount of steam. I enjoyed it very much. Steam Level: Medium. Publishing Date: October 27, 2020. #LoveIsARogue #LenoraBell #HistoricalRomance #WallflowerRomance #KissingBooks #AvonRomance #HarperCollinsCanada #BooksOfHCC #bookstagram #mybookpledge #bookstagrammer

This was very fun, light hearted, low angst. Very sweet romance with a nod to beauty and the beast.

I was excited when I learned that Lady Beatrice, the bookish younger sister of the Duke of Thorndon (hero of Bell's last book, One Fine Duke) was slated to be the heroine of Love is a Rogue and even more excited when I discovered her hero would be that deliciously handsome, but annoyingly pesky, carpenter working at their family's country estate. I'm happy to report that these two gave me everything I could have hoped for...and more. As the author has stated, Love is a Rogue is a gender-flipped Beauty and the Beast meets HGTV (pick your favorite renovation show) story and it totally works. It's also a cross-class romance which is one of my favorite tropes. And I'll toss one more trope in. It's a bit of a coming of age story for Beatrice. She's never been allowed to show her true self to the world, either verbally or physically. Books have been her best friends and though she has established close relationships with fellow wallflowers, her interactions with men are awkward at best. It was such a delight to watch her learn to spread her wings, stand her ground, and open her heart to the possibilities of life and love. Her masquerade party entrance may have had me cheering out loud. And then there's Ford. Man, did I fall hard for this hero. He's not really a rogue but he does have roguish tendencies, such as being an incorrigible flirt. But he's an honorable man. And he sees Beatrice for who she really is. He protects her, motivates her, desires her, celebrates her. I love how he doesn't allow her to push him away, how he communicates with her, and encourages her to explore all the possibilities life has to offer. Love is a Rogue launches Lenora Bell's Wallflowers vs Rogues series with a story that's brimming with sparkling banter, sensual passion, laugh-out-loud humor, heart-tugging emotion, and a happy ending. If you're looking for a historical romance mood lifter, don't miss Love is a Rogue. *ARC received via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review

Bluestocking wallflower Lady Beatrice Bentley wants to be left alone to work on her etymological dictionary, but she’s distracted by the construction at her brother’s estate and the too-handsome contractor, Stamford Wright. When they reconnect in London, Beatrice needs Ford’s help and the line blurs between work and play.This is the first book in a new series and it checked a lot of boxes for me. The characters were relatable, the banter was clever, and attraction built nicely. I was smiling most of the way through the book. I did think the ending wrapped a little too easily but I still give it 4.5 stars rounded up to five. I’m already looking forward to the next one!* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #LoveIsARogue #NetGalley