Review: A Rogue of One’s Own

Title: A Rogue of One’s Own
Author: Evie Dunmore
Genre: Historical Romance
Page Count: 448
Published by: Berkley Books
Date Published: September 1, 2020
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

Synopsis

When Lady Lucie and her group of suffragists successfully band together to purchase a 50% stake in a London Publishing House, they are ecstatic. Now they can publicly publish their missives in a stand to persuade Parliament to address women’s rights.

Until Lord Balentine purchases the other 50%. Lucie’s childhood nemesis now has the authority to deny any publications, but he has a deal for Lucie … one night with him in exchange for his shares.

As these two childhood foes spar, clash, outmanoeuvre and learn more of each other’s pasts, they might just find their greatest enemy might be their greatest ally.

Overall Thoughts

I really appreciate what Evie Dunmore is attempting in her League of Extraordinary Women series – grounding the historical romance within the suffragist fight creates an excellent atmosphere of tension and brings great validity and weight to a sometimes “flighty” genre. A Rogue of One’s Own delivers another intelligent romp with a fiery, bright young heroine fighting for women’s rights against The Women’s Property Act of 1865 and, of course, the “rogue” with a secret heart of gold. I wasn’t crazy however about the chemistry of these two characters and the glacial, uneven pacing (which was my major criticism of book one as well) really failed to launch this romance for me. I took issue with the handling of the bisexual character as it was seemingly used as a minor plot point rather than a genuine character story arc, bordered on bi-erasure, and was used only as the platform to launch the other gay character into the role of “evil, scorned villain.” It was … messy. I liked Lucie and enjoyed the premise of exploring what it would look like if a strong woman fighting for women’s autonomy actually fell in love … but I think the whole work needed more thought and sensitivity readers.

(On the topic of requiring sensitivity reading, I have seen the criticism of this novel with respect to the fetishizing of Indian culture. As a non-Indian reader, I feel it best for you to research some Own Voices reviews of the novel.)

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