Lady Arianne Chambers is seeking a life of perfection. She wants to react properly to every situation and never let a breath of scandal touch her life, but she trusts the wrong "gentleman" and ends up losing her virginity. Upon her return to London, she encounters the rakish Michael Rafferty and ends up agreeing to help the rough-edged Irishman; he's assisting the Crown as an agent. She agrees to help polish Rafferty's brashness into a gentlemanly façade so that he can move about in society with ease, and soon they embark upon a ship to America, where Rafferty is to pose as a diplomat. What she doesn't count on, however, is the appeal this unconventional man has for her. Can Lady Arianne guard her heart against falling for him?

Michael Rafferty is a commoner and agent who, in the course of his assignment, must pose as an envoy for the British government during a visit to America. He is seeking vengeance on the man who killed his family, and suspects that the man behind the unrest and violence stemming from Ireland's struggle for independence is that same man. His travels to America put him in close contact with the lovely and untouchable Lady Arianne, but soon he finds that she is isn't as frosty and unattainable as he once thought her to be. Quickly, the two find that they can't fight the attraction they have for each other, but danger looms large. Will they be able to make it out of this mission alive?

Redeeming the Rogue is a classic example of a Regency novel, but with a decidedly American twist as some of the story is set here. The characters are very likeable and dramatic, and Lady Arianne's cool exterior hides a wounded soul. Rafferty is a brawler, an Irish native doing his best to serve the Crown faithfully; he is also brash and exciting. These two together are a bit like fire and ice, but quickly work out their differences in the eternal language - love. Many mishaps befall them along the way, but the author crafts the tale in such a way as to use the experiences to bring them closer together. Secondary characters are full of life and personality without detracting from the lead couple. My only criticism is that the story seemed a bit convoluted at times, with some bunny trails taken in the plot that weren't necessary for the story to reach a conclusion. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Arianne and Rafferty and their proof of the adage that opposites do, in fact, attract. Four Angels.

Reviewed by: Michelle B.