One for the Rogue
By Manda Collins
Publisher: St. Martin’s
Release Date: June 26, 2018
Reviewed by Janga





In the fourth novel in her Studies in Scandal series,
Manda Collins gives her readers the story of Gemma Hastings, a geologist and
the only remaining single bluestocking among the four young women to whom Lady
Celeste Beauchamp bequeathed her estate, and Lord Cameron Lisle, another
younger son of the Duke of Pemberton and the fossil-hunting brother of Reverend
Lord Benedick Lisle (Wallflower Most
Wanted, Studies in Scandal #3).
Gemma has determined that she will fulfill her own
ambition and the expectations of her aunt, Miss Dahlia Hastings, and her
benefactor, Lady Celeste, and win respect as a geologist despite her gender.
Remaining unwed seems a necessary part of her plan. So too does unraveling the
incomplete letter Lady Celeste left her concerning the Beauchamp fossil
collection. Plagued by insomnia, Gemma is on her way to the workroom late one
night to try once again to puzzle out the meaning of the letter when she
notices an unexplained light bobbing about on Beauchamp property. The intrepid
Gemma, armed only with a lantern, decides to investigate on her own and
interrupts Lord Cameron trailing a suspicious figure.
Lord Cameron is attending a gathering of geologists
and collectors at nearby Pearson Close where he meets Sir Everard Healy, a
pompous bore with an inflated idea of his own importance. Cameron instinctively
distrusts Sir Everard, and his distrust prompts him to follow the collector to
the Beauchamp estate. Cameron is dismayed to be discovered by Gemma. Not only
does her shout of recognition frighten off his prey before he learns anything,
but his relationship with Gemma began in animosity because Gemma believes it
was his prejudice against women that led to his rejecting an article she
submitted to his journal. Although things have become calmer since his brother
married her sister, feelings are still far from cordial.
Despite his unease, Cameron finds himself making more
frequent visits to Beauchamp House, and his admiration for Gemma’s intelligence
grows even though he still considers her far from the softly feminine woman he
prefers. Gemma also begins to revise her opinion of Cameron. His good looks are
harder for her to ignore, and she cares about his opinion of her. When Sir
Everard lays claim to an interesting skull that Gemma discovered embedded in
the cliffs on Beauchamp property, Cameron defends her rights. When they find
the body of Sir Everard on the site, they become co-conspirators as they work
at solving the murder and finding the missing skull. The friendship that
develops soon includes an attraction they can no longer ignore. When they are
caught indiscreetly kissing, a betrothal they agree will be temporary seems the
best solution to protect Gemma’s reputation. But their hearts may prove wiser
than their heads if they can only survive the threat of the murderer who is
still at large.
Manda Collins completes her bluestocking tales with a
strong showing. Gemma’s struggles to be recognized and respected as a scientist
are engaging and credible as they play out against the strictures imposed on
women. Even as she wins Cameron’s respect as a geologist, Gemma finds her
choices limited by the social realities of a woman’s life in the nineteenth
century. The stages of Cameron’s acceptance of Gemma as a fellow scientist and
friend were far more convincing than the sudden epiphany that sometimes sparks
such a change of heart. I liked these characters, and I wanted to see them achieve
their HEA.
Collins offers her usual splendid balance between
mystery and romance. Although this book can be read as a standalone, fans of
the series will take greater pleasure in the appearances of the other three
heiresses and their husbands, with Sophia and Ben playing the largest role. Lady Serena has become more interesting with each book in the series, and I
hope she will get at least a novella so that she too wins an HEA.
If you like smart historical romance with a moderate
degree of sizzle and an ideal blend of mystery, I highly recommend this book.
I love romance, sizzle and mystery in a book, so this sounds just like my cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds good to me - thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou got it - this is a terrific book. I wish there were a Lady Serena book in my future to go with all the others.
ReplyDeleteSounds like another great book. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI will have to add this series to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteloved this story!
ReplyDeletedenise
Loved this book and every book of this series!
ReplyDelete