Review of When the Rogue Returns

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When the Rogue Returns (The Dukes Men, #2)
by Sabrina Jeffries
3.5 Stars of 
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Description: 
Victor Cale never imagined that his sweet, shy bride, Isabella, would use her talents for creating exquisite imitation jewels criminally. But there's no denying that her handiwork was used in the theft of the Dutch royal diamonds-- right after Isa disappeared into the night.

Ten years later, Victor is sent to Edinburgh to investigate a wealthy baron's mysterious bride-to-be... who turns out to be Isa, masquerading as an alluring widow. No longer the meek girl he once knew, Isa boldly asserts that it was Victor who abandoned her, after he helped steal the royal diamonds!

Piecing together the truth of the past reawakens their volatile passions, which burns hotter than ever. But with a decade of secrets between them, Victor and Isa must trust each other to bring the real thieves to justice-- without getting burned themselves.
(From Goodreads) 

Review: 
The plot was a classic historical storyline with a typical historical romance misunderstanding between the main characters.

Ten years prior, Isabella thought her husband had abandon her after helping her sister and brother in-law steel from the jewelry store she worked at. However, Victor was under the impression that Isabella had run off with her criminal family and framed him for the theft. This confusion breed mistrust and bruised their love.
When they meet up again, they know they must figure out the truth, swallow they pride, and push aside their hurt feelings.
My biggest issue with the book was connecting with the characters. They didn't draw me in and I wasn't emotionally involved with their romance. I also didn't like how there were so many side characters, I felt there as a lot of  other things going on.
I also didn't like how suspicious Victor was, even before he was officially assigned the job that helped him find Isabella...It's difficult to explain his thought process without spoilers...
I liked the writing, I really enjoy Ms. Jeffries's style. Her books flow very well. I did like reading about the past characters of her series. 
This was an enjoyable read with likable characters. I would recommend this series as well as the Hellions of Halstead Hall by Sabrina Jeffries to all lovers of historical romance. However, for me, this book fell a little short, I didn't become invested in the characters. Overall, it was a good book.