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# 1 New York Times bestselling author Johanna Lindsey draws readers into the sparkling world of nineteenth-century London aristocrats with a captivating story of an innocent young lady whose first brush with royal court intrigue lands her at the altar alongside one of London’s most notorious rogues.
Lady Rebecca Marshall fulfills her mother’s fondest wish when she becomes a maid of honor at the court of Queen Victoria. Having been disappointed two years ago when the Duke of Norford’s heir Raphael Locke married another woman, Rebecca’s mother sees this court appointment as a golden opportunity for Rebecca. At court, Rebecca meets the charming marquis Rupert St. John, whom Rebecca knows as the devastatingly handsome n’er-do-well cousin of Raphael Locke, the man she was once infatuated with. What Rebecca doesn’t know is that Rupert is a secret agent of the crown who leads a double life.
Rebecca strikes up a lively flirtation with Rupert, but when Rupert realizes she’s spying on him he seduces her. He hardly suspects that she’s an innocent and he’s horrified when she reveals she is pregnant! Forced to the altar by their families, Rupert believes that Rebecca has set a trap of the worst sort in order to marry into the powerful Locke family. And he vows that theirs will not simply be a marriage in name only; he plans to enjoy many passionate nights with his beautiful, scheming wife.
With her trademark humor, memorable characters, and passionate storytelling style, it’s no wonder that Johanna Lindsey has more than sixty million copies of her novels in print.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE. REBECCA MARSHALL still couldn't believe she was going to be living there. She'd known for a week, but the reality of it simply hadn't sunk in. But now here she was.
Becoming a maid of honor at Queen Victoria's court was the biggest surprise she'd ever had in all of her eighteen years. Her mother, Lilly, had been hoping for this elite position to be bestowed on her daughter, but Lilly hadn't told Rebecca that she'd called in a few favors to obtain it. She hadn't wanted Rebecca to be disappointed if it didn't come to pass.
Rebecca wouldn't have been disappointed. She'd never even considered being a maid of honor at the royal court. But she knew that it was something her mother had aspired to. Lilly often spoke of her lost chance to be a maid of honor, or even a lady of the bedchamber once she'd become a married woman. Her family had been staunch Tories like her husband. And with the Whigs in power, controlling all of the court appointments, Lilly had been unable to achieve her fondest wish and had finally given it up. After all, the Whig political party had retained power for a long time.
But now the Tories, more recently called Conservatives, were finally back in office, with Sir Robert Peel as the new prime minister. Out with the old, in with the new, as it were. With new appointments being made, Lilly had quickly petitioned party officials for an appointment for Rebecca. There was no guarantee that Rebecca would receive one as there weren't many appointments to be had. But the letter had arrived ast week. And like an excitable young girl, Rebecca's mother had actually shouted for joy after reading it,she had been so thrilled. And her excitement had been contagious.
The last week had been a whirlwind. Mother and daughter had only just started planning for Rebecca's come-out in London during the next winter Season, which was still months away. They were still in the early stages of having her new wardrobe designed, with nothing created yet! So many extra seamstresses had to be hired, and decisions had to be made quickly. There were trips back and forth to the nearby town of Norford, sometimes two or three trips a day. And underlying it all was the excitement and Lilly's nonstop chatter about this being the most golden opportunity of Rebecca's life.
It was also going to be the biggest change in Rebecca's life since her father's passing. The Earl of Ryne had died when she was only eight. Lilly had never entertained the idea of remarrying. The earl's title had gone to a male relative of his, but the manor near Norford where Rebecca had grown up wasn't entailed. She'd spent her whole life there, hadn't even gone off for her schooling as had some of her closer friends. Lilly hadn't been willing to part with her, so she had arranged for Rebecca to have the best teachers right there at home.
Rebecca had loved that arrangement. It allowed her and her mother to spend a lot of time together. Both adept horsewomen, they rode nearly every day when the weather was good. Rebecca was going to miss that. With both of them having so many friends in Norford, there was always someone stopping y to visit, or some social gathering to attend. Rebecca was going to miss that, too. But they wouldn't be so far apart. Norford was only a few hours' ride north of London. However, Lilly was determined to give Rebecca some time to get settled in and used to her position, before she visited. She didn't want to appear to be an overprotective mother, even if she was!
Actually, this appointment to the queen's court would be the second golden opportunity for Rebecca that mother and daughter had extensively discussed. The first had arisen five years ago when they were in complete agreement on their first choice for Rebecca's future husband. No need for a Seasonal launch if she could catch his eye, and he was a neighbor, too, Raphael Locke, the Duke of Norford's heir. So convenient! But the esteemed fellow had up and married someone else before Rebecca was old enough to put herself forward, and that had ended that.
Such a shame. She had been looking forward to being a part of that interesting family. Preston Locke, the duke, had five sisters, all married and living elsewhere now, but they often returned to Norford for visits. Lilly had told stories about the days when most of those ladies had still lived at home and how the Lockes had quite dominated the local society, and in fact some of the grander parties Rebecca had attended had been at Norford Hall when she was a child. She had almost got closer to that family when she became friends with the youngest daughter of the house, Amanda Locke. It was too bad they had lost touch with each other after Amanda was sent off to private school.
The duke hadn't entertained much after that because it was only him and his elderly mother in that big house. His wife had died years ago, and while every available lady in the neighborhood had probably tried to catch his eye over the years, he remained a widower. But Ophelia Locke did the entertaining there now, the woman who had captured Raphael's heart before Rebecca could!
Two lost opportunities in that illustrious family, a best friend and a husband. But this new opportunity was upon her. A maid of honor at Queen Victoria's court! Rebecca knew all the benefits. Holding the position was comparable to attending the most elite finishing school in the world. She'd be meeting the most important people in England and royalty from across the Continent. There was no reason to wait for a Season if you were part of a court with a queen who loved to entertain. If Rebecca was lucky, the queen might even have a hand in picking her future husband. Anything was possible.
Miraculously, Rebecca's wardrobe was finished in time for her departure for London and was much grander than it would have been for a mere Season. Lilly had spared no expense. And she accompanied Rebecca and her maid, Flora, to London.
It wasn't the first time Rebecca was seeing London. There had been a few shopping excursions over the years, a horse race Lilly just had to attend since the sire of her mare was racing that day, the wedding of an old friend Lilly had been invited to, and, of course, Rebecca had joined her on all of those trips. But this was the first time she was seeing Buckingham Palace. There had been no reason to visit it before when no monarchs had made it their home until now.
Alighting from the coach with her mother and Flora, Rebeccastood there in awe of the grand structure that she wouldbe living in for months, possibly years. It was so much biggerthan she had imagined! Even the marble arch of the ceremonialentrance was stories high! Palace guards were marching nearbyin their brightly colored uniforms. Other people passed underthe huge arch that Rebecca would be walking through.
Her feet wouldn't move. Nervousness nearly overwhelmedher. She already knew Lilly wasn't going to escort her inside,but she wasn't ready to say good-bye! She'd never had to saygood-bye to her mother before, not like this.
Lilly took her hand and squeezed it. She understood. Inthat simple gesture, she gave Rebecca courage.
"Your father would have been so proud, had he lived to seethis."
Rebecca glanced at her mother. It was a poignant moment.Lilly was so happy for her daughter, and yet she was no doubtrecalling her own missed opportunities. It was in her expression,close to tears yet smiling.
"You two aren't going to cry, are you?" Flora asked in acomplaining tone.
Lilly laughed. Rebecca managed a grin. Flora was good atrelieving tension with her candor.
Unfortunately, Flora wouldn't be living in the palace withRebecca. She would only stay long enough today to get Rebeccasettled in. They both knew that Rebecca wasn't going toget a room to herself. There simply weren't enough rooms forall the members of the court, let alone for their servants. SoLilly had rented a flat for Flora nearby so she could come to thepalace each day to maintain Rebecca's wardrobe and performher usual duties.
Lilly had been entertaining the idea of buying a town housein London for Rebecca's first Season. But now that Rebecca's"Season" had begun under a completely different set of circumstances,Lilly was more hesitant about the idea. While some ofthe ladies at court owned homes in London where they spenttheir nights instead of sharing a room at the crowded palace,Lilly wanted Rebecca to experience every aspect of court, andthe surest way to do that was to live there. If the Marshalls hada town house, Rebecca might be tempted to go home to it eachnight.
Lilly gathered Rebecca into her arms for a long hug. "I'll seeyou in a few weeks, darling. At least I will try to stay away thatlong."
"You don't have to -- "
"Yes, I do," Lilly cut in. "This is your time, not mine. You'regoing to enjoy every minute of it. But you must write me everyday. I want to hear about everything."
"I will."
"But most of all, Becky, enjoy yourself. Wonderful thingsare going to happen for you. I just know it."
Rebecca really wished she had more of her mother's enthusiasm,but her own excitement had waned now that their separationwas imminent. This was her mother's dream. She wishedLilly could have had it instead of her.
But for Lilly's sake, she put on a bright smile, gave hermother one last hug, and hurried inside the palace.
Copyright © 2009 by Johanna Lindsey
Anonymous
Posted June 19, 2009
I Also Recommend:
I read two romance authors religiously---Johanna Lindsay and Julia Quinn. Every year I eagerly await the newest Lindsay novel. I like the earlier novels of Jude Deveraux, Julia Garwood, Nora Roberts and the like, but they have all changed their style---adding mystery or thriller to the plot that overshadows the love story. Johanna Lindsay has never changed her formula---which is what I love best about her work. Her novels always deliver exactly what I want----a sweet historical love story with a spicy heroin and an intriguing hero. Over the past few years, however, her novels have been adequate, but not very memorable. A Rogue of My Own was a blast from the past! A battle of the sexes at it's best! Becca and Rupert gave as good as they got and Lindsay proved once again that Love Conquers All.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.starcross
Posted April 3, 2009
Anonymous has it wrong. The Devil Who Tamed Her is about Raphael and Ophelia. This one is about Rupert and Rebecca.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 15, 2009
Silly little book with a not so great plot. Good for the beach. Light read. Don't have to think. Easy and quick.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.For Johanna Lindsey's works I don't even read the synopsis. I go into the Barnes & Noble see her name on the book and just buy it. I can't say that about all authors. So A ROGUE OF MY OWN was a real let down. Okay, where is the REAL Johanna Lindsey? When reading this book, I felt like I was reading the work of substitute writer! I have been reading Johanna Lindsey's works for decades and I am a long time fan. Usually her story lines are tight and the characters are well fleshed out. This story was flat and the ending definitely was rushed. To Johanna Lindsey, PLEASE let your next story be the great writing you usually deliver. Everyone is allowed a bad one. I am still a fan. Keep writing and I'll keep reading!
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.REyeRR
Posted June 16, 2010
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I've read over 500 romance novels (all it takes me is 1 day, except for Kathleen Woodiwiss works) and a good number of them are by Lindsey. This work cannot be hers - it must be a ghost writer's attempt. While the lovemaking portions are reminiscent of her work, the remainder is dull, boring and quite a huge departure from her previous works. Rupert has the looks of an angel and supposedly has bedded almost every female in London yet for some unknown and undisclosed reason, he loses control with our heroine. The only reason to which we are privy is that she is smart. Later he comes to value her honesty but this was not a character trait he believed when he was first drawn to her. Her attraction to him seems to be skin deep and she sleeps with him and gets pregnant because she is fascinated with the perfection of his body. In Lindsey's earlier work, Man of my Dreams, we also have a case where the Duke was so handsome everyone's mouth fell open, but then again, so was the heroine and it was entertaining to see these two pitted against each other when they were used to special treatment by the masses. Sorry, but I don't recommend this book. If you never experienced Lindsey's better works, you may not realize the distinction, but being very familiar with her earlier works, this one is a colossal disappointment.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I am fairly new to Johanna Lindsey and romantic novels altogether, but what a great way to start off in the genre. This author is highly regarded by many , so when I chose to continue reading books within this genre (after reading And only to deceive by tasha alexander), this was the next book I picked up. It took me a few days to get motivated pass the first 2 chapters, but once I sat down and went past chapter three and was introduced to Rupert St.John , I was instantly hooked and finished the entire book that same night! The story was compelling, I couldn't put it down. I appreciated the variety of settings, and the thrilling and unexpected scenes towards the end. I wish the ending played out a little more then it was. it would of been nice to see Rupert make amends a little more thoroughly, work towards forgiveness. but overall, this book is going to be a fixture in my personal library. / my suggestion to anyone is before you really get involved with a series or start a new one, try to start with the first book. A rogue of my own is the third in the Locke family series and the two before it provide excellent back story to a lot of different characters you may come across. READ THIS BOOK!!!!! its worth it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.VerociousReader
Posted October 16, 2009
Lame, boring, predicatble, no imagination
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.anonymousMW
Posted July 4, 2009
I've always been a Lindsey fan but this one let me down. The voice seemed too much like the Malory books rather than standing on its own. I thought the plot was mediocre as was the romance angle. The characters were not believable and I found myself anxious for the book to end.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 27, 2009
For me, this book was really just alright. I didn't think it had a very good story line and I was disappointed. I was so happy when this book come out because Johanna Lindsey is one of my favorite authors, but this book just didn't measure up. I thought that for one the main character, Rebecca, was really too young for me and I felt the ending was rushed. It could have been drawn out a liitle bit longer and if it had, it would have been a lot better. So, overall this was just an okay book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.It took me an hour at the store to finally convince my mom to buy this for me but it was worth it.
This book wes a really fast read for me but i really loved it. R ight after finishing it I quickly found out i couldn't get it out of my head.
i loved the main plot and i loved how i always had me anticipating for what would come next. It was full of surprises in every chapter and the perfect romance. It was just perfect!
i completly recomend it!!!
Definetly one of my favorite books.
Everyone should read it!
Perfect!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 20, 2009
I have read every book Johanna Lindsey has ever written. While this book is entertaining, it is very predictable. I do enjoy when she carries characters over from other books because you feel like you know them. The story line is intriguing; however, it has many similar plot characteristics of others and is resolved too quickly without many twists or turns...it only took me about 6 hours to read this book.
I look forward every year to a new Lindsey novel and will be anxiously awaiting next years...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Lethy
Posted September 23, 2011
Poor Rebecca I couldnt even finish it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.5218338
Posted August 5, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
herinfiniteeyes
Posted June 16, 2011
I'm really surprised. Johanna Lindsey is a bestselling author, but this book is very poorly written. I gave it a star for a promising premise, but there were too many things I didn't like.
First of all, Rebecca is annoying. I found her unlikable.
Secondly, I was immediately turned off when Rupert St. John got totally homophobic toward his boss. Very unattractive. People are welcome to their opinions, but I personally don't think it's necessary and only serves to make the hero look unappealing through exhibiting negative and hateful judgments.
Overall, I was severely disappointed with this book. I'm only glad I bought it on clearance, or I'd demand my money back.
JLLo
Posted April 5, 2011
Johanna Lyndsey is great at creating passion and tension while keeping it respectable at the same time. I enjoyed this book as much as her others.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 14, 2011
This book is well written and conforms nicely to the style and format of a Lindsey romance, but as most of her die hard fans have noted, some of her heroes are reprehensible and self absorbed to the point of misogynistic characteristics and tendencies. In other words: the main male character in this book was just mean. I enjoyed every aspect of the meeting the main female character featured in this story and all of the relationships that developed throughout the book,with the exception of the main male character, I actively winced each and every time the so called hero of this story made an appearance. The hero was verbally abusive, demeaning, and derogatory-in the modern world,social services should have intervened in this relationship.If this nookbook left you with a hallow feeling and grave dissatisfaction please see Christina Dodd's (Almost Like Being In Love)-really a gem that brought me out of the doldrums after reading this dysfunctional romance-unfortunately not a downloadable book-yet, but exceptional to a battered Lindsey reader.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 14, 2010
Rupert St. John, just might be one of my favorite Johanna Lindsey characters. I loved his sense of humor, intelligence, and cockiness. Very sure of himself in a good way. As for the character Rebecca Marshall, she played off him very well and I could understand her having an infatuation with him. She was intelligent also and didn't back down to him. Overall this story was just what I look for in a romance novel.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 24, 2010
I Also Recommend:
The characters are believable as they circle each other with one believing the other is a skillful liar and the other tries to make light of her situation.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Micki85
Posted May 13, 2010
Johanna Lindsey continues to entertain her audience with A Rogue of My Own. Lindsey's characters are witty and humurous. Her words weave the scene in vivid detail as if you were watching a play. You will not be disappointed when you read this book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.wishywash27
Posted May 3, 2010
This book, like all books of its genre, are for light, quick, and easy entertainment and it was highly enjoyable in that capacity.
I never go into a Regency Romance or period romance for women thinking I am going to be enriched intellectually, and as long as that isn't your goal, you won't be disappointed.The characters and plot are mostly unoriginal and sterotypical for this genre as well, and you essentially know how the story is going to end before you open the book.
It would be great for an "escapism" read, say, on a beach with fruity umbrella-ed drink in hand and "A Rogue" in the other! (Wear sunscreen)
Overview
# 1 New York Times bestselling author Johanna Lindsey draws readers into the sparkling world of nineteenth-century London aristocrats with a captivating story of an innocent young lady whose first brush with royal court intrigue lands her at the altar alongside one of London’s most notorious rogues.
Lady Rebecca Marshall fulfills her mother’s fondest wish when she becomes a maid of honor at the court of Queen Victoria. Having been disappointed two years ago when the Duke of Norford’s heir Raphael Locke married another woman, Rebecca’s mother sees this court appointment as a golden opportunity for Rebecca. At court, ...