The Millionaire Rogue
The Hope Diamond Trilogy, Book #2
By Jessica Peterson
ISBN# 9780425272084
www.jessicapeterson.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Description:
In an age of stately decorum, the Hope Diamond was a source of delicious intrigue and a font of unimaginable adventure…
Though not of noble birth, Thomas Hope has a skill in banking that’s made him one of the richest, most trusted men in London. Still, he keeps his dubious past hidden. So when an old acquaintance calls on Hope to help acquire the infamous French Blue Diamond, he’s desperate to be discreet. He never expects that his biggest concern shouldn’t be losing his reputation, but his heart,
Sophia Blaise is determined to make a brilliant match with this season’s most eligible, most titled bachelor, but her true passion has been ignited by the incredible stories she hears while secretly transcribing the memoirs of a notorious Madam. After a night of clandestine writing ends with Sophia caught up in a scandalous adventure of her own with an alluring banker, she begins to question whether she’s suited to the proper life she’s always known.
Caught up in a thrilling exploit and unexpected romance, Sophia must make a choice between what her head knows is safe and what her heart desperately desires, before both slip from her grasp forever.
Review:
The Millionaire Rogue tells the story of Thomas Hope, a banker who comes to possess the Hope Diamond and subsequently loses it and Sophia Blaise a debutante whose sole purpose in life is to marry well so that her family will be relieved of their financial woes. How the Hope Diamond is recovered brings adventure and merging of two plots.
The two meet under rather unconventional circumstances and discover chemistry between them that neither can resist.
Sophia comes across as rather a daredevil for the times as she, unbeknownst to her family, has consented to write the memoirs of a rather notorious madam. Certainly this is not proper behavior of someone who is being groomed for a prestigious marriage and scandal must be avoided at all costs. After meeting Thomas and having a whirlwind of adventures with him she has to decide whether she will do her parents bidding or marry the man she truly loves. When her cousin marries the Duke Sophia’s problems seem solved. Sophia shows throughout the adventures with Thomas that she is not just a pretty face but has character as well, and, will definitely be loyal to those she loves.
Thomas Hope is living with baggage from his past. He is alienated from his family and is a self- made rich person which leaves him wealthy but without a title. This prevents him from having stature in the aristocratic society of the times. When he loses the diamond his financial world comes crashing down. The last thing he needs in such turbulent times is to fall in love with a debutante but, there is a pull to Sophia that he can’t resist. At times he tries without success to live without her but somehow their paths always cross. He realizes that she should not be put in these dangerous situations but Sophia seems to have a problem obeying his orders. When faced with certain death suddenly all becomes clear and Thomas suddenly sees the importance of love and family. His only question becomes Will Sophia have him without money or a title?
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed The Gentleman Jewel Thief the first book of this trilogy, I was skeptical on how Jessica Peterson would integrate the two stories while still giving this book its own stand-alone story plot. I was not disappointed and again truly enjoyed Peterson’s writing style. It has a love story, enough intrigue and excitement to keep the reader turning pages and if you have read the first book it ties the first story to the second. A must read for those who love historical romance, I know I am now waiting in anticipation for the last book of the trilogy.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
