A Most Devilish Rogue by Ashlyn MacNamara-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2013

Years ago, when Isabelle Mears was still a young miss too infatuated to know better, she surrendered her innocence to a dishonorable man. Though ruined and cast out from society, she has worked hard to shelter her illegitimate son, Jack. Having sworn off men in her quiet but dignified life, Isabelle is unprepared for the deep longing that rips through her when a handsome stranger rescues her rambunctious six-year-old from the pounding ocean surf.

George Upperton is a man in trouble with debts, women, and a meddling family. He is, by all accounts, the last gentleman on earth Isabelle should be drawn to. But loneliness is a hard mistress, and caution gives way to desire . . . even though Isabelle is convinced that happiness can’t be found in the arms of such a devilish rogue. Only when Jack is kidnapped does Isabelle discover the true depth of George’s devotion—and how far a good man will go to fight for the woman whose love is all that matters.

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REVIEW

3 out of 5 for this reader folks

A Most Devilish Rogue by Ashlyn Macnamara is the first book I have ever read by this author. I have to say while it was a good read, it failed to draw me and captivate my at times. That being said, Ashlyn Macnamara is very good at writing descriptive details that paints vivid pictures in your mind as you enjoy her words.

We are introduced right away to our main man George Upperton, notorious rake, gambler and overall charmer extraordinaire. He has just discovered that his mistress is “with child”! Seeing as he lives a certain lifestyle, he has no idea how he is going to get himself out of this sticky situation. He is in debt, is treated like an older child by his overbearing mother who wants to marry him off already, and just generally doesn’t care to conform to his “polite society”

While visiting an old friend with his family, George comes across Isabelle Mears and her son playing at the beach. All of a sudden the son Jack is swept up in the waves and George plunges into freezing water to save him. After an uncomfortable “thank you” by Isabelle, he is somewhat confused by this woman as her dress and her appeared station in life doesn’t seem to match her flowery comportment and speech.

Isabelle you see was shunned and disowned by her family for her one night of discretion with a young man that resulted in Jack conception. Isabelle is from high standing and money but living like a pauper, the towns scandalous lady whom everyone pretends doesn’t exist (they are so mean to her at times I felt myself getting angry for her) and considered “The Scarlett Letter”.

Once again, Isabelle finds herself in peril when Jack is kidnapped (along with the only lady that has given her the time of day and took her in when no one would) and she turns to George for help. George recruits many of his gentleman friends to search for Jack. Through all of this, the attraction that George and Isabelle feel towards one another is hard to fight and they eventually give in to it be damned the consequence.

Through many trials and tribulations, these two ride a roller coaster of forming friendship, lust, understanding, secrets, betrayal and a town that is full of people who want to keep these two apart.

Okay … so I really wanted to fall in love with these two but there were times that I felt a little disengaged and I think it may be due to the over abundance of description in this book. I wanted to get to the meat and potatoes and I thought at times there was just way too much details and angst that was repeated over and over again. I did love the way that George fought his friends and family to be at Isabelle’s side and how he stuck up for her when others wouldn’t. He had no reason to do this other than pure respect and love. You also see Isabelle just reaching the point of enough is enough and she begins to get stronger and stronger despite the way she is treated. She rises above all the mess and still offers the town her kindness.

Again … so much more to this story, but I don’t do spoilers in my reviews … WINK! LOL

I do believe there was another book before this one, but it wasn’t listed as a series. I went back and read the synopsis of the first book and I believe that many characters from there return in this book! Overall, a good read, but not a book I will reread!

HAPPY READING!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.