About the Book:

LOVE IS THE GREATEST DISCOVERY OF ALL

Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance—and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle, an esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory. . .annoyingly handsome though he may be. But when a shocking attack puts Gemma in very real danger, she may have to accept Lisle’s offers of protection. Even if that means entering into a dangerous flirtation. . .

Lisle was once amused by Gemma’s dedication to her work. But now that he understands how much he’s underestimated her—a woman whose beauty is matched only by her genius—Lisle is desperate to prove his respect…and prove himself worthy of her. But is he too late? A bitter rival, desperate to steal Gemma’s scientific findings, is still at-large. Can Lisle help uncover the culprit and keep her safe—forever, in his loving arms?

Click on title below for direct Amazon buy link:                                                   One for the Rogue (Studies in Scandal)

My Review:                

Gemma Hastings, along with fellow scholars Ivy, Daphne, and Sophia, were bequeathed equal shares in Beauchamp House by the late Celeste Beauchamp, provided they meet the terms.  Although the four women began somewhat as competitors, they soon became fast friends, each one having a passion for a different type of art or field of study.  Over the last several months, amidst murder, mystery, and mayhem, Ivy, Daphne, and Sophia have fallen in love and married, leaving Gemma alone in the house with her chaperone, Serena.  Celeste left each of the four women a task to perform, along with clues.  However, she died before completing Gemma’s, so Gemma has been searching Celeste’s records, hoping to find more information.

Lord Cameron Lisle is a duke’s son, and is brother-in-law to Sophia, who happens to be Gemma’s sister.  Cameron is also a geologist, and editor of Annals of Natural History.  He rejected an article that was submitted by Gemma, causing some initial hostility between them.  Since their respective siblings are now married, and they have a family connection, they are trying to maintain civility.

When a gathering of all male geologists in the neighborhood of Beauchamp House brings to life a twenty year old rumor concerning a possible significant find by Celeste, the villain(s) crawl out of the woodwork.  Yet another murder happens, and a mysterious fossil is stolen.  Gemma is furious at the theft, and is determined to take part in the investigation.  Cam finds himself very eager to protect Gemma, as all his entreaties will not keep her away from the danger at hand.

Though Gemma is determined to remain unmarried, she’s not blind to Cameron’s appeal.  A few stolen kissed surely won’t cause any harm.  As for Cam, he quickly became impressed with Gemma’s intelligence and knowledge, though he was aware of her beauty all along.  Their shared kisses lead to a temporary betrothal while they try to solve the mystery.  Though both Cam and Gemma would have to be considered stubborn, I love how they rationalized things out in their own minds, changing their thoughts about love and marriage.  I like how their liking of each other grew along with their passion.

ONE FOR THE ROGUE is the finale of the STUDIES IN SCANDAL series, one that I enjoyed very much.  I like Cam and Gemma, who were alike in many ways – strong, determined, intelligent, stubborn, yet willing to be flexible.  Their romance had a shaky start, but developed nicely.  Author Manda Collins has a smooth and lovely writing style that is so easy to read, and always leaves me smiling.    ~Rose