Touch of a Rogue

Overall enjoyable read, but I didn't love it. ~~~ For full review including excerpt and dialogue highlight, please visit Reader's Edyn at: readersedyn (dot) blogspot (dot) com ~~~ Review: ~~~ >>>Overall, I enjoyed this book, but it did have a couple of faults. I liked both main characters, but I didn’t fall in love with them. Their wit and humor was absolutely fabulous and is possibly the component that made the book for me. I love snark and Ms. Marlowe excelled at it. ~~~ The problem, I think, is that there was just too much going on in the book to make it flow seamlessly. First, Julianne used to be an actress. She married an older man, but she had no title what-so-ever. While marrying below station is not outside the realm of possibility, I don’t know that her status as a former star of the stage served any purpose other than to mention it here and there. I was also a bit taken back by Jacob’s power. I read the blurb, but his power is more so in the genre of paranormal ability. I wasn’t expecting an entire paranormal component as this book is listed as a historical romance. Not that I didn’t enjoy Jacob’s ability. It was out-of-the-box and added a bit of excitement to the story. It was just unexpected. ... I think the book blurb just barely touched on the contents of the book and so a lot is left to discover within the book. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it could be slightly misleading to the readers as far as expectation. ~~~ Another thing I found odd was that there was no resolution to the step-son issue. He just kind of dropped out of the story. He was mentioned a few times and then, POOF, nothing. He is, quite possibly, an unnecessary character. In the end, other than a few missives sent to tell Julianne to get her butt back to the estate to marry his friend, he served very little purpose. And finally, the ending. The book worked up to this final “battle” if you will and then just ends. There could have easily been another chapter or two or even an epilogue. Anything to keep the book from ending to suddenly. I felt a bit let down with the abrupt ending. In fact, abrupt is even too long in meaning to describe the ending as it was only a matter of a few paragraphs. The showdown of sorts between good versus evil and about five paragraphs following. The ending was actually unfortunate because even with the pointless past and character, I still didn’t count my time spent reading the book as wasted. With the rushed ending, I have to re-evaluate my feelings. I only hope that as an uncorrected proof, the ending was given a bit of a makeover. ~~~ So here is what I think. If you are a fan of the author, you are probably going to like the book regardless. If you have read the first book, you will know what to expect with this one and not be in store for any unexpected aspects. If I had the chance for a do-over, I would definitely read the first book prior. Hindsight from book one may have given be a bit better understanding before beginning this book. If you enjoy historical romance with a paranormal slant, you will very possibly find this book to your liking. For those who dislike abrupt endings and details that could be interpreted as superfluous, I caution you: You may well enjoy the read until the end. Like I said, I did enjoy the book for the most part, but it could have been better. ~~~ (Uncorrected paperback proof provided by Kensington for review.)

Reviewed by Jen Book provided by the publisher for review Review originally posted at Romancing the Book I went into reading this book not knowing it was the second in a series. I realized it about 1/3 of the way in. However, it completely stands on it’s own. The reading experience may have been enhanced if I’d read it’s predecessor, Touch of a Thief, as it’s stars end up playing a prominent role in this story. But on to Touch of a Rogue. This is the story of Jacob, a brother of an earl who is quite the rogue with an unusual sensitivity to metals. And then there is Julianne, an actress turned countess, who has gone to Jacob to help her prove her husband’s death wasn’t suicide. This is a very solid historical read with a touch of paranormal. As Jacob and Julianne investigate her husband’s death, the reader is pulled into an interesting and dangerous underbelly of London society. Druids, a nasty bad guy with magic abilities and mystery to solve, I was drawn in and held captive by these pages. Add into the mystery and intrigue a solid romance between two headstrong characters, and I found this to be a very enjoyable read. The chemistry between Jacob and Julianne is well developed and smoking hot. I had fun watching the two circle each other, clash, retreat and do it all over again. I’ll admit that I had some misgivings over Jacob’s ability in the beginning. But Ms Marlowe won me over by the end of the book as it, as well as all the magic displayed by the characters fit seamlessly in the story. I’m going to have to get my hands on books one and three to see where this trilogy is going to go. This is a good series for those who love historical with a small taste of the paranormal.

He has the magic touch! Mia Marlowe’s jauntily amusing and arousing tale mixed with magic, sharp wit and the supernatural comes as a big surprise to a first time reader of her books, definitely a highly enjoyable read! Touch of a Rogue is the second installment in Mia’s “Scandal” series! Jacob Aubrey Preston has a way with women, known as a rogue of the highest sort with the looks to match. In some circles, Jacob also has the reputation for solving cases that have baffled the best of Bow Street. His methods are unprecedented and his success in recovering items of value is nothing short of impressive. Jacob is just the man that Lady Julianne Tyndale, the Dowager Countess of Cambourne needs to solve a very important case of her own. Everything Julianne has and hopes to keep, rests in solving the mystery of her husband’s death and locating the missing artifact the late Earl had spent most his time whole-heartedly searching for. Somehow, Julianne knows the Duke’s search is the cause behind his sudden death currently documented as suicide, and she will do anything to prove it false, even if that means an alliance with a very questionable (and single), Jacob Preston. Time is of the essence; however, as not only does the Duke’s heir have other ideas in mind for Julianne, but a deadline to deliver the much needed artifact imposed by mysterious buyer who is willing to pay a small fortune for it looms all the closer.

TOUCH OF A ROGUE by Mia Marlowe is an exciting Regency Historical Romance. It is the second in “Touch of Seduction” series,but can be read as a stand alone. See,”Touch of A Thief”. This is the story of Jacob Preston,and Lady Julianne Cambourne’s they struggle to happiness,their secrets will be revealed as they find passion,danger,and love. A truly wonderful historical with a bit of paranormal twist. Jacob,has a mysterious command of touch. Lady Julianne needs his help,what she finds to the love of her life. Ms. Marlowe knows how to draw the reader into her stories as they journey with the characters through their troubles,passion and desire. I enjoy this author’s stories.I can hardly wait for the next installment in this delightful series. Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at Brava,published by Kensington Publishing Corp,the author’s website,and My Book Addiction and More. RATING: 4.5 HEAT RATING:Mild: Mild detailed scenes of intimacy,mild violence or profanity REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More

Most Excellent! Lady Julianne Tyndale, the Countess of Cambourne, needs to hire Jacob Preston for two things: to prove her husband didn’t kill himself and to find the mysterious sixth and final dagger in a matching set. Financial security is her goal because if she can find the sixth dagger she can sell the set to a buyer for a great sum of money and live comfortably in her widowhood. She has no intention of giving up her independence for a man. Jacob Preston doesn’t bandy about that he has a special ability. He can hear metals. They call to him and tell him things which can be pretty handy, but it’s more of a curse. The ability to hear metals means he’s constantly bombarded by them and usually dealing with nasty headaches. Until he meets Julianne. When he uses his ability and comes away with a screaming headache, somehow her touch takes away the pain. Plus, she’s one hot lady and, surprising himself, the rogue finds himself thinking of settling down. First he has to find the blasted dagger then he needs to convince Julianne that he’s worth giving up her widowhood. Let the hunt(s) begin. This second book in the Touch of Seduction series does not disappoint. Smooth-flowing, interesting characters, great plot, excellent villain and smoking sex scenes, I enjoyed every minute of it. I look forward to Book 3 Touch of a Scoundrel. Book 1 was gems, book 2 metals…I wonder what it will be in book 3? *The publisher provided a copy of this book to me for review. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.

Touch of a Rogue is a delightful new story from Mia Marlowe. This romance has a light touch of paranormal that binds together the rogue, the lady, and the villain in a satisfying journey of conflict. Jacob is my kind of hero. He may not know what hit him when Julianne enters his life, but he knows how to go after what he wants. Sensuality is woven throughout the story, as is a subtle sense of humor that sets this story apart from other historical romances. If you love a rogue with a heart, and a lady with both heart and determination, this will be a fun read for you.