Smitten by Books

Ten Reasons to Love a Rogue

 It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a girl in possession of a romance novel, must be in want of a rogue.

What is it about rogues that make us love them so? Their charm? Their devil-may-care attitude? Their sense of adventure? I say all of these…and more.  In fact, I’ve compiled a list of the top ten reasons to love a rogue. Add you own reason in the comments below and enter to win a digital copy of THE ROGUE RETURNS!

1. Rogues have more fun

Always on the lookout for the next good time, rogues have a way of bringing the party with them.

2. Rogues have a tender side

Behind their silver tongues, rogues posses a creative spirit and keen observation skills. Where else do all those flirtatious comments and double entendres come from?

3.Rogues are bad boys 

Often troubled by a painful past, rogues are the best kind of tortured heroes. They are smart, tough and secretly vulnerable.

4. Rogues are often the most handsome.

Even when rogues are not classically good looking, their confidence and comfort within themselves lends them an undeniably evocative air.

5. Rogues have mastered the art of the perfect smile.

Adept at charming their way through life, rogues have a number of different smiles and know just when to use them. From slow and sultry to fast and dimpled, their smiles are a weapon in themselves.

6. Rogues know how to please a lady- in more ways than one

They’ve spent time watching women, learning what thrills them and what offends them. Don’t be fooled by their careless demeanor, these men aim to satisfy. And they are no strangers to pleasure.

7. Rogues are Dangerous

Watch out! Rogues follow their own rules and they don’t play fair.

 8. Rogues can be redeemed

A reformed rogue is a man who embodies the best of both worlds. Sensual and playful, he’ll also be loyal and kind.

9. Rogues are charming

Known for their creative compliments, rogues can make anyone feel special.

10. Rogues are dreamers and adventurers

Living outside the box has taught these heroes how to dream big. And they aren’t afraid to take risks for what they want

Roane, my hero in THE ROGUE RETURNS, doesn’t deny his dangerous ways. He is playful, observant, and hardened from his past. On a quest to find a horde of gold he buried years ago, the last thing he needs is a London-bred lady standing in his way and claiming the treasure as her own.

 * * *

Excerpt: THE ROGUE RETURNS by Leigh LaValle

Roane reappeared thirty minutes later, strolling across the darkening clearing toward Helen, the two bedrolls tucked under his arm. He had shaved, and the bones of his face were cast in sharp angles by the firelight. He looked…different. Intent, like he had something on his mind.

Frankly, he looked dangerous.

Helen watched his approach, her heartbeat thick and fast. She should look away, she really should, but found she could not. At some point, perhaps while he’d been shaving, Roane had unbuttoned his shirt. The white fabric gaped open, revealing the banded, rough-hewn muscles of his chest. Powerful. Raw. Golden.

The man was magnificent.

Dazzling, really.

And not good for her at all.

Best she turn away, yes, give him her back so she wouldn’t be tempted to look again.

“Where would you like to sleep tonight, buttercup?” He stopped behind her and leaned close enough the heat of his skin shivered up her spine. “Will you sneak into my blankets again?”

She jerked her chin to the side. “Certainly not.” Her voice lacked conviction. She lacked conviction. The truth was, she hadn’t minded sleeping beside him last night. His hot, firm body pressed against the length of her. His arm resting just below her breasts—

Goodness, these thoughts were not helping.

“Don’t be absurd,” she said harder this time, speaking both to herself and to him.

“Are you certain?” She could hear the smile in his voice, could imagine the sparkle in his amber eyes. “I could put our blankets together and address that ill temper of yours.”

Helen did not trust herself to answer. She held the knotted string up to the light of the fire. She was making a muddle of the task, trying to open the food bag Mittens had played with. Her palms were damp and her mouth parched, as if her body could no longer balance such a simple thing. Moisture. Dryness. Attraction. Reason. Teasing. Truth.

“You didn’t seem to mind sharing my warmth last night.” He stroked his fingers down her long braid and she closed her eyes.

At once, she was exhausted. Worn out and sore from the long ride that day. Fatigued from deflecting Roane’s teasing and flirtations.

Helen dragged her eyelids open, pulled her braid from Roane’s fingers and turned to face him. Well, face his chest, anyway, and the deep V of tanned skin exposed by his open shirt. She tilted her head back and looked up over the strong column of his throat, over his sharp jaw and smiling mouth to his watching eyes.

She took a small step back. “Last night was an exceptional evening. We were in a cave, if you recall.” A dark, dank, creepy, crawly cave. “And we had only one blanket.”

Roane tossed the two bedrolls onto the flat rock beside them. “I should have claimed they hadn’t any blankets for sale in Bakewell this afternoon.”

“An English village out of wool?”

“Anything to keep you close, buttercup.” Their eyes met, then he dropped his gaze down to her lips. “I’ve wanted to kiss you all day.”

It was a simple glance, but it left her hot.

Hot and achy and full of want.

This was ridiculous. She was ridiculous. She arched away from his touch. “And why would I let you kiss me?”

“Because I could make you feel wonderful. Exceptionally wonderful. ”

---

 

THE ONLY THING LESS TRUSTWORTHY THAN A ROGUE…

Lady Helen Gladstone has siblings to protect and creditors at her door. There’s only one way to stave off disaster–to find the fabled fortune that her deceased brother buried years ago. Her experience with her lying father and gambling brother has left her able to spot a scoundrel at ten paces. Unfortunately, the scoundrel she encounters is a lot closer than that…and he’s planning to make off with her treasure.

…IS A LADY WITH NOTHING TO LOSE

After years of exile, Roane Grantham is eager to begin a new life without the law on his heels. First, he needs gold–his gold, buried one drunken night long ago. But he doesn’t count on a petite, bold-as-brass blonde laying claim to his hoard.

Forming an uneasy alliance, Helen and Roane adventure through the high peaks of England, battling treasure hunters, violent storms, and dangerous terrain. But can they escape the growing passion that threatens to steal their hearts?

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