Twice Tempted by a Rogue: The Stud Club Trilogy, Book 2

This is the first book by Tessa Dare that wasn't a page turner for me, it was a struggle to finish the book. The story was flat and the characters were just too weak to hold my attention. Their passion was all contained in the first 2 chapters and after that the fire just seemed to go out between the hero and heroine and it didn't really seem to matter if they ever got together. It's a pity really as Tessa Dare is one of my favourite writers.

I almost don't know what to say. I'm a fan of Tessa Dare. I've enjoyed her historicals and I was looking forward to this next book in the Stud Club story. But this book was almost painful to listen to. Even the fabulous Rosalyn Landor's narration may have added to my discomfort. Her interpretation of Rhys' voice made him seem always grumpy and curt. I don't know if I would have understood him to be that way if I were reading the words instead of listening. In any case, he was not at all likeable and I almost stopped reading. I found the story dull and the characters flat. It was very disappointing. This was a 2.5 in my opinion. Even the best author can have a bad day.

Pleasant book to listen to but obviously a second in the trilogy. Narration was fine and easy to listen to. I hope the third book is available soon!

I have read/listened to all of Ms. Dare's books but this one was slow going. The very few steamy scenes were alright but not as good as they normally are in her books. Storyline wasn't bad but didn't keep my interest at all times.

Now I love an arrogant Rogue story who are always changed by the one woman he feels differently about and she tames his wicked ways (Mmmm delish). But with this book? well, I really don't know why it's got 'Rogue' in the title because Rhys is a scarred and battle weary Lord who has come home to rebuild his life however the demons of his childhood always haunts him as he walks through life and now they're also present as he revisits the ashes of his ancestral home. When he arrives he sees beautiful Meredith and 'instinct' takes over.... especially when he finds out she's a widow.

Meredith is a strong independent character who owns the local Inn and is trying to 'upscale' the look despite her brawling patrons. Her Dad worked for the family in the Stables and, even as a child, she has always been attracted to Rhys so when he walks into her Inn it brings back good and bad memories and stirs up her passions too. Despite secrets, Rhys suddenly has a new purpose in life - to start over, to rebuild his home, to refresh the village and to get married to Meredith but she has different plans..... and secrets of her own.

A nice, instant-connection type of romance with likeable characters but did it hold my attention.... sadly not. It was just all ok, nice, a bit of angst, a few dramas, a couple of surprises along the way, some sex and a bitter-sweet romance that gets tested by the truth. R.L.'s narration was, as always, spot on but not even she could stir much enthusiasm to this listen.

Worth a credit? Sadly No, I think I'll leave the Trilogy here.