Forbidden

Company of Rogues, Book 4

By: Jo Beverley

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

The death of her husband freed Serena Riverton from life as an abused sex object. Now, her brother plans to sell her to another vile man.

This time, Serena flees, but finds herself stranded and near penniless. When a passing gentleman offers help, Serena accepts, and develops a new plan: become a rich man's mistress so she can leave at any time.

Believing herself barren, Serena initiates a passionate encounter with her rescuer. However, Francis, Lord Middlethorpe, is already committed to a sweet-natured lady. He finds Serena refuge with an elderly relative, and must return to his life. Then Serena discovers she's pregnant.

They have no choice but to marry, but assailed by Serena's scheming brothers, Francis's appalled relatives and Serena's painful past, is there any hope for the loving future they both seek?

Contains mature themes.

©2013 Jo Beverley (P)2022 Tantor

Touching

very interesting and shocking insights into the powerlessness and abuse of women of the Era still relevant today. Serena was so brave...

A book in the "Company of Rogues" series - excellent!

The company of Rogues had been formed years earlier when a dozen boarding school boys had made a collective choice to guard one another's backs from unjustified aggression from other students, and from unfair tutors and schoolmasters. Now age 25, as GB was deeply immersed in the Napoleonic wars in Europe, the young men have their individual lives, but are still close friends.

Excellent Narration

Thank you for bringing one of my favorite stories to life especially with such a sensitive scene and subject matter. Well done.

Good

I enjoyed this book more than some of the others in the series. The book got better as it got deeper into the storyline. The narrator was good.

Unconvincing ending

The main character, Serena, suffered horrible abuse in her first marriage. This book is relatively convincing and enjoyable until the final chapter or two, except that a main character that is kind and empathetic in other books is not in this one, although he is constantly described as gentle. The climactic scene I found disgusting and unconvincing. I wish I’d skipped over thus book.

Glad to see this one on audible.

I've had a paperback copy of this book for a long time, and I always enjoy it as a re-read. I was happy to get a copy on Audible and it's read by one of the best female narrators in the business. The story could have been slightly better, but it was entertaining enough to read all the books in the series. I enjoyed the rogues very much and was happy to see them all get their HEAs. All in all, it's a pretty good listen.