ARC Review: When a Rogue Meets His Match by Elizabeth Hoyt

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My Review:

When a Rogue Meets His Match has everything I love in a story – romance, mystery, suspense, dynamic characters, and a well-layered plot. Much like Not the Duke’s Darling, the first book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s Greycourt series, this story gripped me from the first pages when Gideon and Messalina are pushed into an arranged marriage by Messalina’s dastardly uncle. Messalina determines not to fall for Gideon, one of her uncle’s most-feared henchmen and a man she loathes. Instead, she plans to obtain her dowry money and flee with her younger sister. However, as she gets to know this enigmatic man, Messalina finds him harder and harder to resist. Gideon is a man who knows what he wants, and he wants Messalina. However, what will Gideon do when Messalina’s powerful uncle charges him with a task that is sure to ruin his future with Messalina?

Something that I like about the series how dynamically developed the characters are. The main characters, in particular, learn from their mistakes and are willing to change. They are not flat, stagnant characters, and when they realize that they have misjudged a person or situation, they are willing to admit it, even if it is sometimes a bit begrudgingly. Messalina and Gideon are prime examples of characters whose opinions change, especially in regards to each other.

The enemies-to-lovers romance between Messalina and Gideon is chemistry-laden swoon-tasticness! It’s pretty clear from the start that Gideon desires Messalina, but Messalina does not like Gideon at all! They’ve known each other for a long time, but as they commit to each other and truly get to know each other, their connection deepens beautifully. Gideon listens to Messalina, and for the first time, she feels heard by a man. Gideon is also overly generous with Messalina, in his time, money, and patience, which is the opposite of what one would expect of a man with his reputation. I love that Messalina brings out the best in Gideon and helps him to let his guard down. I also love that Gideon teaches Messalina what it really means to be admired and loved.

Several of the minor characters in the novel are absolutely charming as well, including Messalina’s younger sister, Messalina’s new pup, and several of the men who work for Gideon. I also loved that a few of the characters from Not the Duke’s Darling make an appearance in this book. Though they don’t have large roles, they give Messalina support and confidence when she most needs it.

I’m also intrigued by the event that happened at Greycourt many years before the series starts. It’s fascinating and devastating to see how that tragedy affected so many characters in so many different ways. I like how the overarching story about Greycourt is slowly unraveled throughout the series. It makes for a well-layered and compelling story.

When a Rogue Meets His Match is a great enemies-to-lovers romance that I very much enjoyed, and though it is the second book in the Greycourt series, it can totally be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Forever, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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Rating:

Favorite Parts:

• The romance, of course! Messalina and Gideon have a swoon-tastic story!

• The well-developed and well-layered characters and plot.

Favorite Lines:

People in power tend to protect that power by excluding others.

I approve of your grace, your intelligence, and your strength, I don’t approve of your stubbornness, but I confess, I like it.

Recommendations:

Want to learn more about the Greycourt series? Check out my review for the first book:

Review: Not the Duke’s Darling