The Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke
League of Rogues #0.5

This prequel to the series provides context for that will be of interest to those who read the books that follow. I came in on the series late and was a bit lost and would have benefited from reading this first. I believe that the future books – the original series – deals with the heirs of Tavish and Elspeth and this is their story.

What I liked:
* The chemistry between Tavish and Elspeth
* Elspeth’s inner knowledge that she wanted to collect stories and would not settle into a marriage just to please her family
* Tavish’s family history, the sword that is part of that history and his interest in helping others
* The hint at the historical battle of Culloden
* The hint of magic and mystery surrounding a legend that includes the sword in this story along with other Arthurian items of value
* That it was a quick easy and fun story to read

What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that this time period was difficult for the Scots
* The “secret society” after the relics and the sword in this story

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars ( )

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.

The Legend Of A Rogue, by Darcy Burke, is available at booksellers on 12-1-2020. The story is set as a prequel to the Legendary Rogues series. The characters were likable, the story outlandish, and the reaction of everyone in the plot. unbelievable. In other words it was an enjoyable read on a Sunday afternoon.

#DarcyBurke #Netgalley #TheLegendOfARogue #LegandaryRogues #historicalromance #romance #mythologicalromance ( )

It has been six years since the first book in the Legendary Rogues series and a year since the last book in the series – now, we see the very beginning – and it is a rousing, action-filled adventure for sure. The characters are wonderful, and well developed – which is a hard thing to do in a novella. As always, the writing is excellent, the plot was tight and well-executed, and the introduction to “The Order” will suck you right into the series. If you have already read the series, you will still love this prequel – and if you haven’t read the series, you’ll be sucked right in and want to read the rest of the books.

Elspeth Marshall is a gifted storyteller. Not only does she tell the stories, but she actively seeks out and records old legends and stories. At the Lammas festival, she is entertaining a crowd of children and some adults by recounting one of her favorite tales, when she notices a handsome man paying close attention as well. He becomes a lively part of the discussion after the tale and adds some intriguing additions – some details Elspeth dearly wants to know and to record. She spends time with the man, Roy Williams after she is finished with the storytelling and thinks she might have just met the man of her dreams. When he leaves, he also leaves the impression that he’ll return – soon.

Roy Williams – aka John McLean and Tavish Crawford – is a man of many mysteries. He’s never forgotten the lovely lass he met at the Lammas festival two years ago. He was sorely smitten with her, but he couldn’t return to her. While he’s not a Jacobite, many in his family are – and he lost his sword at the battle of Culloden. He’s been looking for it ever since – he must find it. It is a centuries-old sword – a treasure – twin blade to the legendary Dyrnwyn which is one of the Thirteen Treasures of Britain sought by the Order of the Round Table. They must not learn of his sword Lann Dhearg.

A snowstorm reunites Roy/John/Tavish and Elspeth at a small inn. He is in search of Lann Dhearg and has heard stories that brought him here, and she is traveling with her aunt who stopped because of the snow. After a confrontation, she agrees to hear his tale and his excuses. Unbeknownst to them, dark forces are about to descend on that small inn. All who are there are in dire peril. Elspeth and Tavish will have to work together to find and protect Lann Dhearg and the other guests at the inn. While doing that, they discover each other and a love that will set your heart aflutter.

There are lots of things to love about this novella. Aside from the lovely characters and a wonderful romance, there is a great introduction to the Order of the Round Table and the Thirteen Treasures of Britain which is the focus of the remaining books in the series. Another fun thing is the Easter Eggs you’ll find within the book – the author paid a bit of an homage to Die Hard and you’ll find those Easter Eggs if you are a fan of the movie. If not, you’ll never notice.

I definitely recommend this fun and exciting novella and I hope you will love it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )