The Royal Rogue - A Deep Dive Review

by Sarah Honey (Author)

Updated at: 28/02/2025

In Sarah Honey's "The Royal Rogue," Captain Thomas Malone finds his life as Captain of the Guard at Lilleforth Castle a tad too demanding. His frustration mounts with the return of the King's charming but chaotic cousin, Duke Evan Devere. Evan, despite his undeniable attractiveness, is a walking disaster, constantly needing rescuing. Their forced proximity, however, ignites an unexpected attraction. When a plot against the crown emerges, Thomas and Evan must set aside their differences and collaborate, revealing hidden depths in each other. Their burgeoning relationship, initially intended as a casual fling, challenges Thomas's carefully constructed walls, leaving him questioning whether this royal rogue might be more than just a temporary distraction.

4.7 / 13 ratings

Review The Royal Rogue

Oh my goodness, The Royal Rogue completely charmed me! I went into this third installment of Sarah Honey's Tales of Lilleforth series already a fan, having fallen for the world and its characters in the previous books, but this one? This one solidified my love. From the moment Thomas Malone, the steadfast and secretly yearning Captain of the Guard, is introduced grappling with his attraction to the infuriatingly charming (and possibly utterly useless) Duke of Ravenport, Evan Devere, I was hooked.

I adored the slow burn. Thomas's internal conflict – his dedication to duty versus his burgeoning feelings – was so realistically portrayed. He's a man of unwavering loyalty and responsibility, and watching him slowly unravel under Evan's mischievous influence felt both exhilarating and deeply satisfying. And speaking of Evan…what a delightful disaster! He’s the quintessential chaotic good character, a whirlwind of wit, charm, and surprising depth that unfolds beautifully throughout the story. The banter between these two is simply phenomenal; sharp, witty, and laced with a palpable sexual tension that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The mystery surrounding the threat against the crown provided a thrilling counterpoint to the blossoming romance. While some reviewers felt the plot itself was slightly less intricate than other aspects of the book, I found the suspense well-paced and effective in keeping the stakes high. It allowed for more delightful scenes of Thomas and Evan forced into close proximity, their interactions both professionally competent and personally charged. It cleverly intertwined the romantic and suspenseful elements, so neither overshadowed the other. The moments of shared peril only served to deepen their connection, forcing them to rely on each other in ways that went beyond simple physical attraction.

While the climax of their relationship did feel a tad abrupt – a jump from “I love you” to happily ever after that some might find rushed – I felt it was entirely appropriate for the overall tone of the story. The swiftness mirrors the whirlwind nature of their connection; after all the tension and unspoken longing, the declaration felt earned and incredibly sweet. The focus really remained on the joy of their newfound love and the promise of a future together. I loved that the happy ending felt hopeful and genuine rather than overly romanticized.

Beyond the central romance, the supporting characters continued to shine. The world of Lilleforth itself is wonderfully realised, a place teeming with well-developed personalities, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making The Royal Rogue the perfect escapist read – a delicious blend of humor, romance, and intrigue. If you're looking for a fun, lighthearted, yet engaging read with a dash of royal intrigue and plenty of swoon-worthy moments, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment in this delightful series!