A Kiss from a Rogue by Elisa Braden

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Rescued from Ruin, #9

Release Date: August 2, 2019

Hannah Gray has been through hell and survived, but she bears the scars of evil, on her body and her soul. Through a lot of tenderness, healing and love, Hannah has decided that she wants a family of her own. Her sister in law Eugenia has conferred with her sisters and have decided that the house party being given by the dowager Marchioness of Wallingham it the perfect place for Hannah to meet her future husband.

Bow Street Runner, Jonas Hawthorne, has been summoned by the dowager to find a stolen trunk and she wants both the trunk and the thief brought to her. The reward for completing this mission is almost everything Jonas has ever wanted and he sets off without a backwards glance.
When he arrives, Lady Wallingham surprises him by insisting he stay at the castle and expects him to interact with her house party guests. He agrees and then sees her – the woman he cannot forget – the woman who will not look at him – the woman who haunts his dreams – the woman who is haughty and cold to him – the woman who will never be his – Hannah Gray.

Hannah is attracted to Jonas, but at the same time she is terrified of him. When she finally admits her feelings and decides that Jonas is the only man she could marry, she asks her brother for advice and when she is not satisfied with his suggestions, she gets more advice from Maureen Huxley. The scene in which she implements their advice is laugh out loud funny and Jonas’ reaction is priceless.

Can two damaged souls find a love that will heal them and make them whole? Or will they let their fears and past hurts steal their happy ever after?

This book was probably the most emotional, as well as one of the darker offerings and certainly one of the steamiest of the series. It is deep, dark, vivid read with scarred characters, tears (yours and theirs), triumphs, betrayals, pain, healing, laughter and the fabulous Lady Wallingham. I would strongly recommend read the series in order and while Ms. Braden gives a lot of background, to truly immerse yourself in this story, you will want to at the very least read the previous book in the series – A Marriage Made in Scandal. I loved this story and am so sad to know this is the final book in the series, but what a series it was! I highly recommend every single installment and cannot wait to see what Ms. Braden offers us next!!

Ever Yours, Annabelle by Elisa Braden

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Rescued from Ruin: Prequel

Release Date: April 30, 2019

I would give this book 10 stars if I could – it was that good!

Lady Annabelle Huxley has loved Robert Conrad her entire life and is sure they are destined to marry and live happily ever after. Robert has always been her protector and her champion – saving her and defending her, always patient with her and calling her Bumblebee – she cannot imagine a life that doesn’t include him. So when she panics at the thought of him dying in the war, her actions set into motion a tragedy of epic proportions. An accident that costs Robert his dreams and costs Annabelle her heart.

When Robert wakes after the accident and realizes his life has changed, he banishes Annabelle from his life. He remains friends with Annabelle’s brother John, but refuses to let him speak her name. For the next seven years, Robert struggles to heal. He is a second son and lives with his grandfather, the Marquis of Mortlock. When his hopes of a military career are dashed, he takes over the estate management at his grandfathers urging, throwing himself into it almost to the exclusion of all else. But everything changes when his grandfather insists that Robert needs to find a wife. He sends him to London and tells him to heed the advice of his friend, The Dowager Marchioness of Wallingham, she will find him a wife. He goes and doesn’t meet any woman who interests him, until he hears a voice that sparks something in him, he searches for the source and is desperate to see her face – but when he does, he is shocked to see Annabelle – his Bumblebee – but not the girl he knew 7 years ago, no, this Annabelle is a woman.

Annabelle has tried to live without Robert, she writes him letters that she never sends, has enlisted spies to keep her informed of his progress and tried to find another man that she could love. To distract herself, she draws and has turned it into a bit of a career – using gossip and turning them into amusing caricatures, which she sells to a publisher under a false name. Her life is not empty, but she not longer feels alive. When she sees Robert at the ball, it was like her heart started beating again. But she is still hurt and tells herself to keep her distance. However, Lady Wallingham has other ideas – she proposes that Annabelle help Robert find a wife!

What follows is a touching love story that will make you laugh, cry and sigh in equal measure. Wonderful characters, secrets, murder, steamy love scenes, amusing banter, tragedy and soul-mate love combine together in an amazing and unforgettable story that will stay with you long after the last word is read.
This is the prequel to the series, but doesn’t have to be read first – in fact if you have been following the series, you will see many familiar faces!! I loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough!!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*