Review: The Millionaire Rogue – Jessica Peterson

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…

Series: The Hope Diamond Trilogy #2
Release Date: January 6th 2015
Publisher: Berkley
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Michelle
Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

2.5 Cocktails

The author was truly well-intentioned when writing this very long book.  However, it felt like she was writing at least 3 different books and trying to combine all of them.  I think I was confused and remained confused from the beginning to the end of the novel.

The characters were lackluster, boring, and had absolutely no chemistry.  I think what frustrated me the most about the characters is that I never felt like I had a chance to get to “know” them.  The hero “Thomas Hope” was billed as a staid banker and conversely also a rogue/spy.  He was also a supporter to ne’er do well brothers and apparently a consummate lover.  It was just never believable for me.  Sophia Blaise was the heroine.  Her family was destitute with their only hope being her marriage to an eligible bachelor, preferably a Lord.  Sophia’s character started out being very interesting.  I think the overdramatic plot and writing style of the author just killed all of her fire.  By the time I made it to the end of the novel I couldn’t have cared less whether she and Thomas were together.  I just wanted it to be over.

The plot was full of twists and turns.  I really tried to follow all of them.  However, it just made no sense.  The plot surrounded a very expensive jewel that was stolen—to their surprise.  It made no sense because why would someone allow the jewel to be paraded around without being guarded at all times.  When the jewel is stolen the lady wearing the jewel is kidnapped at least twice and shot once.  So I kept wondering how many more things are going to happen to this one character.  The author alternatively used the names Thomas and Hope throughout the novel.  I had to go back several times just to be sure that she was talking about the same person.  His supposed sidekick that dragged him back into the adventure climbed in windows and had a pronounced limp.  I kept trying to imagine someone with a weakened leg trying to climb into windows on the second floor and dropping down onto the ground to leave.  That never quite clicked for me.  There were just too many twists and turns that led to nowhere combined with the nonsensical actions of the characters—I just lost interest in the story.

If the author would take more time to develop the characters and plot that this could actually make a great series.  She is very talented.  I think she tried to do too much with one book, and it just didn’t work for me.