The Rogue’s Bride is the second book in LaFoy’s trilogy about the three illegitimate daughters of a deceased duke who had arranged for the girls to be ennobled by the Queen and made wards of his heir. The eldest daughter married the new duke in Her Scandalous Marriage, so this book tells the story of the second daughter, Simone. Simone was an angry, reckless, worldly-wise and wise-cracking fourteen-year-old when we last saw her – she was immediately appealing. I looked forward to her story and, for the most part, was not disappointed.

Six years of pampering have softened Simone a little, but not much. She still sees herself as the illegitimate daughter of a prostitute who was raised in a brothel and did “mudlarking” (scavenging for sellable items along the Thames) to earn a few coins. She has no illusions about her desirability on the marriage mart, nor does she wish to marry. She only agreed to a Season because her brother-in-law the duke promised her a new horse if she did. She didn’t reckon with meeting someone the likes of Tristan Townsend.

Tristan owns a very successful importing company in San Francisco. He returns after a year at sea to learn that his father and two elder brothers are dead, leaving him the new Marquess Lockwood, complete with a bankrupt estate, a half-sister, and a stepmother whose amorous advances, paired with his father’s drunken rampages, caused him to leave England twelve years ago.

Simone befriends Tristan’s timid sister Emmaline, trying to instill some confidence in her. Tristan spies Simone at a ball and is fascinated at first sight. He then becomes enthralled with her spirit, courage, and humor when a fire breaks out and they work together to save Emmaline and others. It is a serious situation, but a very fun scene to read as Simone and Tristan calmly go about doing what needs to be done, sizing each other up, nonchalantly exchanging quips to lighten the mood and recognizing a kindred spirit in the other. Tristan decides right then that he must have Simone.

Simone is a unique character. Unlike other heroines who when called “feisty” are really just selfish and stupid and make me want to slap them silly, Simone is the true definition of “feisty:” full of animation, energy, or courage; spirited (dictionary.com). Her appreciation for her new life, while maintaining her independent spirit and her zest for life, is engaging. While she tries hard not to embarrass her sister and brother-in-law, she recognizes the inherent shallowness of society and is just biding her time, gleaning such amusement as she can from the ton events by renaming to herself its more silly members – Lord Puff and Fluff, Lady Tinkle, and Little Lord Lumpy. She is instantly drawn to Tristan, who is as irreverent as she and a bit untamed, which quite naturally speaks to her.

Upon arriving in England, Tristan learns that his stepmother Lucinda had taken out insurance policies on his father and brother shortly before their deaths. Tristan is sure she killed them, but he has no proof. He assumes he is next, and as his fortune would then go to his sister Emmaline, he knows that she would not be long for this world either. Tristan and Simone plan a fake betrothal in order to force Lucinda to show her hand and make an attempt on Tristan’s life, however, before the plan can be implemented, Simone’s family discovers that they are lovers and they find themselves in an all too real compromising position.

Up until this point, I adored this book. Simone and Tristan are fabulous, engaging characters, and their interactions are fun, sexy and a delight. They are scrupulously honest with each other, discussing the attraction between them and what to do about it, building trust, while enjoying those moments when their passions get the better of them. However, when they find themselves in the perfect situation to trap Lucinda – a scenario they themselves had worked out – Tristan goes all noble and refuses to put Simone in danger of becoming another target for Lucinda. He acknowledges that Simone is perfect for the job; she has pluck, can take care of herself and is a bit ruthless – the perfect partner in crime. However, now that he loves her, even if he doesn’t name the emotion to himself, suddenly Simone can’t take care of herself? I’m not a big fan of the “I’m breaking your heart for your own good” plotline. I understand the impulse to protect the one you love, but his rejection of Simone in order to keep her safe took an otherwise original story and characters and made them more commonplace.

Unfortunately, a few more romance novel clichés pop up, but thankfully LaFoy’s always excellent writing and her vivid characters remained a joy to read. I eagerly turned the pages even if I rolled my eyes once or twice while doing so.

While there are a few bumps along the road, The Rogue’s Bride’s intriguing characters and gentle humor still made it a journey worth the taking.