When The Rogue Returns by Sabrina Jeffries-a review

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WHEN THE ROGUE RETURNS ( The Duke’s Men #2) by Sabrina Jeffries

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 21, 2014

Victor Cale never imagined that his sweet, shy bride, Isabella, would use her talents for creating exquisite imitation jewels criminally. But there’s no denying that her handiwork was used in the theft of the Dutch royal diamonds– right after Isa disappeared into the night.

Ten years later, Victor is sent to Edinburgh to investigate a wealthy baron’s mysterious bride-to-be… who turns out to be Isa, masquerading as an alluring widow. No longer the meek girl he once knew, Isa boldly asserts that it was Victor who abandoned her, after he helped steal the royal diamonds!

Piecing together the truth of the past reawakens their volatile passions, which burns hotter than ever. But with a decade of secrets between them, Victor and Isa must trust each other to bring the real thieves to justice– without getting burned themselves.

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REVIEW: WHEN THE ROGUE RETURNS is the second full length storyline in Sabrina Jeffries historical romance series focusing on the men (and women) who work for Max Cale (aka the Duke of Lyons) and Manton Investigations. Victor Cale’s, the Duke’s half brother, latest assignment will have him come face to face with his past-a past he wanted to forget but needed answers to- before he could move on.

The premise focuses on Victor as he begins to uncover the mystery surrounding his latest investigation. To his surprise his target is his wife; the woman who walked away ten years earlier leaving him heart broken, penniless and running from the law. Hoping for an explanation, Victor realizes that he is still in love with his wife and her story defies everything he thought he believed. As the couple begin to search for the truth, a surprising revelation will bring Victor full circle with the woman that he has never stopped loving.

The relationship is a second chance at love. We know very little about our couple in the beginning and the storyline takes shape a decade after the initial disappearance of Isabella. Ten years later, their attraction to one another is palpable but acting on their feelings would admit that there is still something there. Isabella and Victor continue to harbor anger and resentment for the perceived betrayal but the love they once shared is stronger than the lies and deceit brought about by greedy family and knowing relations. Trust must be something that is earned and to our storyline hero, trust is something he does not give easily. The romance and sexual side of the storyline is limited. Our couple ruminate about the past; blame one another; and Isa is continually self-deprecating. But Isa has a secret and one that will affect Victor in more ways than one.

WHEN THE ROGUE RETURNS is a fast paced storyline that follows Victor’s investigation into the woman he once knew. There is a little bit of mystery and suspense; betrayal and lies; forgiveness and love. Our storyline couple has missed ten years together; newlyweds and virtual strangers in the beginning, but a decade later-maturation and a world of experience –will open their eyes to the reality that love does sometimes conquer all.

Reading Order
What The Duke Desires (Jun 2013)
When The Rogue Returns (Jan 2014)
How the Scoundrel Seduces (Aug 2014)

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy