A Rogue at Stonecliffe by Candace Camp

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Stoncliffe, #2

Release Date: June 27, 2023

Once upon a time, Annabeth Winfield and Sloane Rutherford were in love and had plans for a rosy future that included marriage and children.  But when Sloane is approached by a stranger and learns that Annabeth’s life would be ruined by her father’s actions, Sloane steps up to save her that humiliation, but the cost is high, his reputation, and Annabeth’s love.

Twelve years later, the war is over, and Annabeth has finally moved on and is engaged to her dear friend Nathan.  But before she can settle into her new life, Sloane reappears convinced that Annabeth is in danger.  It isn’t until she is kidnapped that she admits that Sloane might be right, and they will have to work together to find something her late father wrote naming the English traitor before the villains looking for it either find it or kill her.  The assignment is dangerous, not just to her person, but more so to her heart.  Because being around Sloane again congers up old feelings, and she must resist him because Annabeth knows two things for certain; he is still keeping things from her, and she won’t be able to survive losing Sloane twice.

This was a well-written, nicely paced, second-chance love story that also featured an interesting mystery.  I was impressed by the growth of these characters, especially Annabeth, who when from a starry-eyed teenager in the throes of love to a mature and admirable young woman who has lost her first love (and still doesn’t know why) as well as her beloved father yet has found a way to move on and to be happy.  This book is filled with secrets, heartbreak, betrayal, wonderful secondary characters, lots of sexual tension, a bit of angst, danger, surprising revelations, adventure, puzzle boxes, traitors, and finally a second chance at HEA.  I enjoyed the story, but I must agree with my blog partner, the story needed an epilogue that gave the reader a glimpse into their HEA, because as is, it felt unfinished.  This is the second book in the series, but they are very loosely tied together and can easily be read as standalone titles.  All in all, this was a good addition to the series and an enjoyable read that I am happy to recommend.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*