The Rogue You Know by Shana Galen

Publisher & Release Date: Sourcebooks Casablanca, September 1, 2015

Time and setting: Early 19^th century, London, England

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Length:  352 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

She's beyond his reach...
Gideon Harrow has spent his life in London's dark underworld-and he wants out. A thief and a con, he plans one last heist to finally win his freedom. But when everything goes wrong, he finds himself at the tender mercies of one of Society's most untouchable women-Lady Susanna Derring.

...and out of her depth.
Susanna has spent her life in London's glittering ton, under the thumb of a domineering mother-and she wants out. When a wickedly charming rogue lands at her feet, she jumps at the chance to experience life before it's too late. But as she descends into London's underworld, she finds that nothing- not even Gideon-is as it seems. As excitement turns to danger, Susanna must decide what price she's willing to pay...for the love of a reformed thief.

 Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/Rogue-Know-Covent-Garden-Cubs-ebook/dp/B00W3WTUQI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1439479259&sr=1-1&keywords=the+rogue+you+know

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24296177-the-rogue-you-know?ac=1

Vikki’s Musings

I am a huge fan of Shana Galen’s wonderful, adventurous tales of love and mayhem. When I received an invitation from the publisher to read and review The Rogue You Know in exchange for an honest review, I eagerly accepted. Out of all of Ms. Galen’s books that I have read, I have yet to read one that did not fulfill my historical romance fetish. This book is another great romp through the streets of regency England.

Lady Susanna feels so suffocated by her mother’s domineering attitude that she finds it hard to breathe. Her overprotective ways are so bad, she cannot even go to the retiring room on her own. When she finally escapes her mother’s watchful eye, a chance encounter with Lady Litton, gives her a clue to why her mother is so determined to shelter her.

Gideon Harrow is a thief and on the run from Beezle, the new arch rogue of the Covent Garden Cubs, a band of thieves and pickpockets, a group he is a member of. He takes shelter at his friend, Marlowe’s new residence and is discovered by Susanna.

Susanna is determined to visit Vauxhall Gardens, that is where Lady Litton tells her, her mother’s secret is. She grabs the precious gem necklace from Gideon and hides it, then tells him she will not give it back until he takes her to the famous garden.

This starts Susanna’s fantastic journey through the underbelly of London. Will Susanna and Gideon band together to outrun their pursuers and along the way find a love to last a lifetime?   

When Lady Susanna is first introduced, I was not sure I would like her because she seemed so timid, but let me tell you, SHE IS NOT TIMID! Once she starts on her grand adventure, she becomes fearless, a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. I fell in love with her character and really wanted her to gain what she desired, truly a delightful heroine. Ms. Galen writes strong female characters and Lady Susanna is certainly that.

Gideon Harrow seems like the most unlikely hero for Susanna, but he is the perfect man for her. His character’s loyalty, determination and honor comes through loud and clear. In this case, a rogue truly can be true to his own code of conduct, and a gentleman, although his birth is far below genteel. I loved how he tried to protect Susanna from her madcap ways.

While the romance happens between Gideon and Susanna incredibly fast--theirs is a true case of love at first sight--I still found it very believable. The chemistry between this great couple sizzles from their first meeting and throughout the rest of the book. Their wild adventure is so intense, it allows for the romance to develop very fast. They are a wonderful hero and heroine and fantastic together as a couple.

I highly recommend this exciting, action-packed tale of love between two amazing characters. If you like stories very fast-paced that keep you on your toes, then you will delight in this great read. If you have never read any of Shana Galen’s books, you are missing out. The Rogue You Know is a stellar example of all that I love about her writing. Happy reading!