Rebel Rogue

Trying to obtain information about Bonnie Prince Charlie from captive Captain Francis O’Neill, English General Henry Hawley convinces young Lady Mary Buchanan to befriend the Irish officer. Although Scottish herself, Mary does not sympathize with the rebels, feeling that if the “Pretender’s Son” would just surrender, all the country’s confusion would end. Mainly to earn the General’s affection, as well as a possible marriage proposal, Mary agrees to the deception. But as she spends more time with him, Mary begins to admire Francis. He is arrogant and deluded about the “Pretender’s Son”, as well as the English, but he is also smart, funny and let’s not forget devastatingly handsome. She sees the charismatic pull he has over those around him and is unwillingly attracted to him. Yet she knows there can be no future with a captive rebel, especially one who also seems to harbor affection for female rebel Flora MacDonald.

Captain Francis O’Neill is fiercely loyal to his true Prince and will not betray him, even if it means surrendering his own life. When Lady Mary enters his cell and offers him tea, conversation, and some comforts, he sees through her unenthusiastic hospitality. And although he also sees her innocence, he knows she’s been sent to get any information about the Prince’s whereabouts from him. He is therefore determined to seduce the beautiful and inexperienced lady into assisting him in escaping, regardless of what his conscience is telling him to do. Thus begins an unusual courtship between Mary and Francis. Despite all the obstacles, can their reluctant feelings develop into something more?

Inspired by historical events, Rebel Rogue is a complex story of love, loyalty and intrigue. Ms. Rose weaves an intricate tale of two people struggling to be true to their sense of right and wrong, as well as to their own hearts and feelings. Mary is a product of her environment and often feels pulled in several different directions. Her brother is a British officer, charged to capture Prince Charlie. Her mother is a Scotswoman with an unwavering loyalty to Charles and the rebels. Her own beliefs are actually rather undecided. Until she met Francis, Mary had really only wanted to stay out of trouble and make a good marriage. Francis, on the other hand, is a fanatical follower of Bonnie Prince Charlie and will use any means necessary to ensure his continued safety. Until he met Mary, Francis had always believed that he could never truly care for someone with the same fanatical beliefs. Their journey to discover their feelings is one that you will enjoy taking with them. Although rich with historical events, Rebel Rogue is a true romance that is easy to follow. Even if historical romances are not your usual genre, read this one. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!

Reviewed by: Trang