I Kissed a Rogue by Shana Galen

Once she spurned the man...

When the Duke of Lennox hires Sir Brook Derring, England's best investigator, to find his daughter, Brook intends only to rescue the lady and return to his solitary life. He deals with London's roughest criminals every day of the week; surely he should be able to endure seeing his first love again-the perfect girl who broke his heart...

Now her life depends on him

Lady Lillian-Anne Lennox has always done her best to live up to her father's standards of perfection-at the cost of following her heart. When she's kidnapped and her perfect life is shattered, Lila has another chance. Together, Lila and Brook navigate not only the dark and deadly side of London, but the chasm of pride and prejudice that divides them.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
5 Adventurous, Amorous Stars

I will admit, I was slightly hesitant to begin I Kissed a Rogue. The first in the Covent Garden Cubs was an epic 5 stars from me, with me finding book 2 a bit lackluster. I will say, all hesitancy flew out the window on the very first page of I Kissed a Rogue.

I was hooked from the very beginning of this page-turner historical romance. Lila & Brook's narration offered that push-pull type of romance that I crave. Tons of witty banter, some love/hate push-pull, and smoking hot, lusty between-the-sheets actions.

I will say, there was a LOT of action in this novel, both in an adventurous aspect, as well as in the bedroom. However, the abundance of scenes didn't feel repetitive or redundant (which is a pet peeve of mine). I found it a gradual progression to the final climax – crescendo.

What a reader shouldn't expect is the tedium of balls and gowns, and an endless stream of description. I Kissed a Rogue has fast-pacing as it dives into the underbelly of London. Our damsel in distress is strong enough to attempt to protect herself/save herself, without complaint, offering the perfect balance to the investigator in Brook. Combined with an intriguing backstory, which creates the love/hate push-pull that I find so addicting.

The mystery/suspense elements can get a bit confusing, especially in the beginning. I found the same issue in the previous books in the series. Galen writes as if 2 + 2 = 5, and the reader either just goes with the flow by turning the page, hoping eventually it will be explained or a plot hole is filled, or be confused on how the author came to that conclusion with the words written on the page. With that being said, I did surmise the 'who done it,' but the knowledge didn't lessen my enjoyment.

The mystery is the vehicle to bring the characters together, then it takes the backseat as the romance drives the story.

Do I recommend this series: To fans of modern historical romances, but not to those who love the classic, stuffy fade-to-black flowery, over-descriptive novels.

I personally look forward to reading more by this author, as well as continuing on with the series. Fingers crossed there will be more.


Jacki – ☆☆☆☆
I awaited this one with a slight bit of trepidation. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but the second I struggled with reading. I knew this one had a 50/50 chance for me to enjoy it. Having said all of that, I did indeed enjoy it.

Right from the start, this book was fast paced and full of action alongside the fun and sexy romance. Brook and Lila aren't the typical historical romance characters living everyday average lives, going to balls, having a few conflicts, and then falling in love. Their story was full of adventure and intrigue with Lila being strong and independent from the beginning and Brook being the dashing and strong male.

I really enjoyed their fun and witty exchanges that lead up to their sexy and fast paced romance.

Overall, this was a nice read for me and I would recommend to His/Ro fans.

Also Available in the Covent Garden Cubs Series

Book 0.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes

For reviews & more info, check out our Viscount of Vice blog post.

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Earls Just Want to Have Fun Blog Tour.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on The Rogue You Know Blog Tour.

Shana Galen is the bestselling author of passionate Regency romps, including the RT Reviewers' Choice The Making of a Gentleman. Kirkus says of her books, “The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun,” and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching.” She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers, so send her an email or see what she's up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

Connect with Shana

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  tsū

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of I Kissed a Rogue (Covent Garden Cubs #3) by Shana Galen to read and review.

The Rogue You Know by Shana Galen Spotlight Tour

She's beyond his reach...

Gideon Harrow has spent his life in London's dark underworld-and he wants out. A thief and a con, he plans one last heist to finally win his freedom. But when everything goes wrong, he finds himself at the tender mercies of one of Society's most untouchable women-Lady Susanna Derring.

...and out of her depth.

Susanna has spent her life in London's glittering ton, under the thumb of a domineering mother-and she wants out. When a wickedly charming rogue lands at her feet, she jumps at the chance to experience life before it's too late. But as she descends into London's underworld, she finds that nothing- not even Gideon-is as it seems. As excitement turns to danger, Susanna must decide what price she's willing to pay...for the love of a reformed thief.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes

Bad Boy Inspiration by Shana Galen

When we think about Regency England, we tend to think of the balls, the carriages, the gowns. We forget that for every duke or marquess, there were hundreds of thieves and pickpockets living in the slums of the city. Covent Garden was an area of London with plenty of rookeries, and the thieves who lived there often banded together because there’s protection in numbers. My fictional gang called the Covent Garden Cubs is made up of the leader Satin, his second-in-command Beezle, and an assortment of pickpockets and house-breakers with names like Gap, Racer, and Stub. The gang also has one girl, Marlowe, and I wrote about her in Earls Just Want to Have Fun. Her best friend in the gang in Gideon, and he’s the hero in The Rogue You Know. Gideon is the ultimate bad boy who can cheat, lie, and steal with the best of them. He was orphaned at a young age and had no choice but to steal to survive. Now Gideon wants a different life for himself, and if he can just complete one last job, he’ll have it…or die trying.

When writing about my bad boy hero, I had plenty of inspiration.

1) Flynn Rider from Tangled
Yes, I know Flynn is animated, but he is the main inspiration for Gideon. Like the Disney bad boy, Gideon is charming, funny, and self-deprecating. Flynn makes no apologies for his lifestyle, and while he may try to hide his sensitive side, his love for Rapunzel brings it out.

2)  George Gordon Byron, Baron Byron
Byron was a poet, nobleman, and ultimate bad boy. Described as “mad, bad, and dangerous to know,” Byron titillated the Regency world. He generated enormous debts, had numerous affairs and liaisons, and ultimately died young and tragically abroad. A bad boy with the heart of a romantic is always an inspiration.

3)  Danny in Grease
We’ve all seen Grease so many times we forget that Travolta’s character was really a bad boy. He’s dangerous for Sandy’s reputation and just plain dangerous, period. But like any bad boy we love, love wins Danny over and he’s willing to change to be with the woman who means everything.

4)  Patrick in 10 Things I Hate About You
I love a bad boy who sets out to corrupt the good girl and then is corrupted by her instead. Heath Ledger is fabulous as the new kid in school who agrees to date the heroine…for a fee. “How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways.” The banter between Patrick and Kat makes this bad boy movie memorable.

5)  Nick Gentry in Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas
While Gideon may be on the wrong side of the law and Nick Gentry a Bow Street Runner, Nick definitely serves as an inspiration. He’s a man with a dark past and much to hide, but Charlotte is able to peel away the layers one by one. Her love for him, and his for her, redeems this bad boy and makes us love him all the more.

I enjoyed taking inspiration from each of these bad boys and creating the character of Gideon. He may be a thief and a rogue, but he is also capable of deep love. And that’s what my books are about—characters for whom love changes everything.

Who are your favorite redeemed rogues?

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆
The Rogue You Know is a well-written Historical Romance adventure spanning 48-hours. With any book, you need to suspend belief as it's fiction. This book, however, took that to a whole 'nother level. A mile a minute, the H & h experienced death-defying action on all the pages that weren't filled with romance and smexy time scenes.

I felt mixed emotions while reading this title.

There were parts I absolutely adored: Beauty the dog was by far my favorite character of the story. The mother and her new friend were a good addition. I enjoyed their side story immensely. When the dog and the side story capture you more than the main story thread...

There were parts I was meh on: The plot of Susanne thinking with blinders on about getting to Vauxhall Gardens with no thought to other's needs (Yet she was saving widows, toddlers, and pups while facing off with bad guys which was contradictory). She wanted to be trusted, to have her mother respect her as an adult, but acted as if she were TSTL on dozens occasions, like a 12 year old girl, not her age. Innocent and sheltered is one thing; acting without thought of consequence is another. Acting pushy doesn't make you a strong heroine; it just makes you annoying to read. She was the reason Gideon was in constant danger by putting him into the lion's mouth at all times for her frivolous needs. (It was his responsibility for his actions, but then she just kept him in danger on every page when he should have gotten to safety.) Other than the truth falling into Susanne's lap, I'm not entirely sure what she thought she'd 'find' at Vauxhall 20+ years after the fact. She was one of the most irrational characters I've ever read. While cute in a child or pet... How short of a time frame the book entailed, falling in love with Gideon by the 24-hour mark.

The parts I was entertained by not blown away: The mother's past. Suzanne & Gideon's chemistry. The first few smexy time scenes were well-written and highly evocative. The tied up with a tidy bow ending. I did enjoy the resolution.

All in all, The Rogue You Know was an entertaining read that just didn't work for me. I do recommend this series, as book #1 with Marlowe was utterly unique. I look forward to book #3 in this series.

Also Available in the Covent Garden Cubs Series

Book 0.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes

For reviews and more info, check out our Viscount of Vice blog post.

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Earls Just Want to Have Fun Blog Tour.

Shana Galen is the bestselling author of passionate Regency romps, including the RT Reviewers' Choice The Making of a Gentleman. Kirkus says of her books, “The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun,” and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching.” She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers, so send her an email or see what she's up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

Connect with Shana

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  tsū

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Rogue You Know (Covent Garden Cubs #2) by Shana Galen to read and review for this tour.

Earls Just Want to Have Fun by Shana Galen Spotlight Tour

His heart may be the last thing she ever steals...

Marlowe is a pickpocket, a housebreaker-and a better actress than any professional on the stage. She runs with the Covent Garden Cubs, a gang of thieves living in the slums of London's Seven Dials. It's a fierce life, and Marlowe has a hard outer shell. But when she's alone, she allows herself to think of a time before-a dimly remembered life when she was called Elizabeth.

Maxwell, Lord Dane, is intrigued when his brother, a hired investigator, ropes him into his investigation of the fiercely beautiful hellion. He teaches her to navigate the social morass of the ton, but Marlowe will not escape so easily. Instead, Dane is drawn into her dangerous world, where the student becomes the teacher and love is the greatest risk of all.

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes

“While I do not usually object to a woman in this position,” Dane said quietly, “I must confess something about the dagger between your lips is less than romantic.”

Marlowe reached for the dagger, but he was faster, grasping her hands and pinning them at her side. She lost her balance and settled on top of him, and he pushed her down so that she would fall forward if she tried to swing her legs out from under her.

“What, exactly, are you doing?”

She couldn’t answer, not with the dagger in her mouth, and she shook her head, shaking her arms to indicate she wanted to be freed from his hold.

“What’s the matter? Can’t speak with a knife between your lips? Hazard of your profession, I assume.” He began to rise, sliding her along his body, as he did so. Even beneath the layers of bedclothes, she could feel the strength and power of him. His hands, remarkably strong, held hers at her sides. Nothing she did would free them. He was far too strong. It was times like this she hated being a woman. Gideon would have freed himself easily. He was also tall enough that he wouldn’t have needed to climb onto the bed.

When the swell was sitting, with Marlowe conveniently in his lap, he leaned forward so his face was inches from hers. “Drop the knife.”

She wanted to tell him it was a dagger, a subtle but important distinction, but she couldn’t speak and hold on to her weapon. And she couldn’t think very well with her body pressed against his. Something about their positions made her skin tingle and her belly flutter. She should want to pull away. Instead, she fought the urge to push closer, to rock against him. What the bloody hell was wrong with her?

“Drop the knife or I’ll take it.”

She laughed. Just let him try.

“Very well.”

To her surprise, he leaned closer, his lips moving so near to hers she could smell his breath. Like the rest of him, it smelled clean. She was so intent upon smelling his breath, so intent upon the heat of his body pulsing against hers, she forgot to move her head back, and she jolted in shock when his lips touched hers. What was he doing? Kissing her?

But then his teeth flashed and closed on the dagger’s blade, and she reacted too slowly. He yanked it from her mouth, and she had no choice but to let it go or risk the blade cutting the corners of her sensitive flesh.

“Bastard!” she yelled. He released her hands then, allowing the dagger to drop into one of his. She swung at him, and her fist collided with a satisfying thunk against his cheek. But her satisfaction was short-lived as he recovered easily and flipped her over. Suddenly, she was beneath him on the bed, and all the warmth from the bedclothes and his body were covering her. She bucked immediately, trying to throw him off, but he was solid and heavy, and when his hands grasped her wrists and pinned them to the pillow, she knew she was trapped.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
5 stars.
Earls Just Want to Have Fun was a surprisingly deep read, when I thought it would be light-hearted and comedic as suggested by its title. The main characters were fully fleshed out and three dimensional. The side cast made you long to read their stories. The main premise showed the heartbreak, pain, and poor quality of life of the lower classes, while showing their courage to do anything to survive, as well as the upper class's ignorance of the situation. Fast-paced, packed with suspense, and 100% story-driven, I was engrossed from page one until the end.

I feared a formulaic, clichéd book, but it broke the mold from the beginning. Time after time, I worried that it would fall into the trap. I waited for the Heroine to run off for the simplest thing and need the assistance of the Hero. I was so thankful I was wrong. There weren't any miscommunications, or misunderstandings, which could be solved with a simple conversation.

The Heroine didn't need to be saved, and she didn't turn TSTL and run off to get harmed. She fought, used her street-smarts to get them all out of danger, and the largest surprise, she asked the Hero for help. Instead of pulling apart as a plot device, the Hero & the Heroine joined forces and worked together, showing their deep connection and lending to a lifelong partnership.

As for the romance? It wasn't in your face. The author took the time to develop a connection the reader could believe. There was still plenty of witty banter, smoldering bed-sports, and heart-felt moments.

Would I recommend this book: Yes, especially to those who read Historical Romance and are a stickler for the facts of the era, and for those who want to feel the gamut of emotions on the path to an HEA. With plenty of lusty thoughts and several highly detailed ‘romantic’ scenes, Earls Just Want to Have Fun is definitely story-driven.

Will I read more by this author: As soon as I was finished, I messaged my fellow Wicked Readers joining me on this read and said, “5 Star. I hadn't realized I read the night away. I'm going to check out the author's backlist when I wake in the morning.”


Jacki – ☆☆☆☆
I am happy to say that I was impressed by this book. The characters were very developed and not singular in their ways. I really enjoyed how the author showed the depth of differences in social classes as well as the major problems of the impoverished.

The story was deep and different than I had expected. I was intrigued by the storyline and enjoyed how the story unfolded and climaxed. The mild humorous mixed with the suspense kept things free flowing.

I also appreciate that the romance wasn't rushed. It was developed and grew with the characters. I enjoy when the author balances the romance without throwing it in the reader's face.

I would recommend this book the historical romance fan that enjoy a unique read with great references to the times and just the right amount of romance. I will be looking into reading more by this author.

Also Available in the Covent Garden Cubs Series

Book 0.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes

For reviews and more info, check out our Viscount of Vice blog post.

Shana Galen is the bestselling author of passionate Regency romps, including the RT Reviewers' Choice The Making of a Gentleman. Kirkus says of her books, “The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun,” and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching.” She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers, so send her an email or see what she's up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

Connect with Shana

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  tsū

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Earls Just Want to Have Fun (Covent Garden Cubs #1) by Shana Galen to read and review for this tour.

Wicked Reads Reviews – Viscount of Vice by Shana Galen

Whispers and secrets are no match for love...

Henry Flynn, the new Lord Chesham, still blames himself for the disappearance of his younger brother when they were children. That incident destroyed his family, and now he's on a path of self-destruction that no one can interrupt...

Lady Emma Talbot can't stand watching the man she secretly loves destroy himself little by little. She's determined to show him that no one holds him culpable, before it's too late. But Emma doesn't know what really happened to Flynn on that fateful day long ago, so what chance does she have of saving him from himself?

This sparkling novella introduces award-winning author Shana Galen's brand new series, Covent Garden Cubs. Galen mixes London's glittering ballrooms with the gritty underworld in her exciting new Regency romance series.

Book 0.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
From Viscount of Vice to Viscount of Virtue.

The novella started off mid-scene, with V of V being a naughty boy indeed. Over the course of the story, he slowly evolved into a man of respectability.

While the 'love' may seem instant, there is a good backstory shown in glimpses of inner monologue, making a believable connection. Fast-paced, sweet and endearing, with bursts of mystery and suspense, Viscount of Vice is an entertaining read, guaranteed to put a smile on your face while delving into the deeper issues of the human condition- addiction.

I would describe this novella as a 'clean' story. While there is sexy, witty banter, and a few instances of many liberties being taken, the reader is never privy to the coupling between the H/h.

I was highly entertained by this little gem, and look forward to reading more from this author.

NOTE: Even knowing this is a prequel in the series, it felt as if the heroine's brother somehow has a book out there, with all the details of his life that were shown, as if the reader should just know- like jogging our memories. It was as if I was missing an entire story arc, that I sensed was intriguing with the mention of how he had obtained his wife, and is now a new father.

Also Available in the Covent Garden Cubs Series

Book 1
Coming February 3^rd

Pre-Order Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

Shana Galen is the bestselling author of fast-paced adventurous Regency historicals, including the RT Reviewers' Choice The Making of a Gentleman. Booklist says, "Galen expertly entwines espionage-flavored intrigue with sizzling passion," and RT Bookreviews calls her "a grand mistress of the action/adventure subgenre." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers, so send her an email or see what she's up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

Connect with Shana

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  tsū

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Viscount of Vice (Covent Garden Cubs #0.5) by Shana Galen to read and review.