The pacing for this particular book was super weird. And while they were physically compatible, I cannot for the life of me see how they are mentally or emotionally compatible at all. They never even really... talk? I don't know. There's better mentor/mentee & stolen bride options out there if that's your jam.

4.5

* * * * * * * I believe this is Really a 4.5. * * * * * *

The ending felt rushed compared to the introduction.

I just got bored to be honest. I don't think the tone matched the subject matter and I stopped caring after the characters left to elope.

The best in the series so far.

I practically inhaled this book. I started reading at 10:30 PM, thinking I'd just read 20 pages before bed.... 3 hours later I was over 200 pages in...

The final 3 books in the Rogue Files revolve around the Langley sisters. Marian (the "governess" from the prior book) returning to her hometown after the death of her father the town's doctor to take care of her 3 younger siblings. Her father left them with no money and in the process of hiding from one of these debt collectors she encounters the "Depraved" Duke of Warrington. When the debts pile too high she is faced with the decision to marry the creepy local blacksmith who has offered continually or start work as a courtesan. As a virgin she knows she can auction herself for a good amount and she asks the Duke who often has companions visit to teach her how to be of service. Lessons turn hot and they grow to understand each other this book was probably the steamiest in the series and I really loved Marian as a pragmatic and intelligent heroine 4⭐

I always read Sophie Jordan in hopes that I will like the next book better, and I always leave a tad disappointed, wishing something was better, but it wasn't a complete waste of time reading. I like them, and they are well written, but there is something I can't pinpoint yet about why she is never an author I recommend right away.

Storywise: A tad far-fetched in regards to Marian is desperate to take care of her family since she is the oldest daughter and head of the household and needs to make more money than she is currently making. She is also keeping the blacksmith at arm's length, but even that isn't working anymore. So, she decides (rather quickly, which made me give an eyebrow raise while reading) to do the oldest profession - prostitution. She goes to a former mistress in town and asks her questions about the business. The mistress more or less dismisses but tells her to find a man to practice on but don't fall in love. I wondered why couldn't the former mistress set this up and not Marian. So Marian goes to the one handsome and is a Duke of a man to ask. He accepts, and the rests follow the plot and trope to a HEA.

I think I had a hard time entirely liking the Hero and Heroine. There was some witty banter.

I received a d-arc from Edelweiss for an honest review.