READY SET ROGUE is book one in the Studies in Scandal series by Manda Collins. This is a wonderful book that will appeal to fans of Amanda Quick's quirky bluestocking heroines. All four main female characters who are introduced in this first book are extremely erudite and excel in their chosen field of study. In READY SET ROGUE, Manda Collins balances the introductory information that is expected in the first book of a series, with the romance and mystery that gives this book life.

Readers who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope will definitely like watching the initial sparks between the slightly haughty yet attractive Quill Beauchamp, Marquess of Kerr and the spirited academic Ivy Wareham. Being strangers to each other, and being placed in a highly unusual situation, creates an atmosphere of doubt between the two. Thankfully the prickly quality of their relationship comes down a notch as the story progresses, but these two strong-willed characters still clash every so often. Although their occasional bickering sometimes obscures their real feelings and true character, Quill and Ivy grew on me. Quill's misplaced guilt over not protecting the women in his life is revealed as the real reason he initially gave Ivy a bit of a hard time about her strange inheritance. As they get to know each other better, the romance runs a little more smoothly and becomes more enjoyable for readers.

I love mysteries that have a poisoner on the loose, and READY SET ROGUE satisfies my craving for the lurid and the sinister. As with their romance, Quill and Ivy have an easier time as co-investigators after understanding each other more. It's not long before Ivy's fellow lady scholars and Quill's cousins join the investigation. I like the way the mystery draws all the main characters together and creates a feeling of comradery. I was perplexed until the very end trying to figure out who the villain is and the motivation for the crimes.

READY SET ROGUE has an assortment of bold, brilliant female characters and showcases the strength and resourcefulness of women. I look forward to watching the friendships between this group of ladies develop with each book. I am especially eager to read about oblivious mathematician Daphne's foray into romance.

Book Summary

WHO WILL WRITE THE BOOK OF LOVE?

When scholarly Miss Ivy Wareham receives word that she’s one of four young ladies who have inherited Lady Celeste Beauchamp’s estate with a magnificent private library, she packs her trunks straightaway. Unfortunately, Lady Celeste’s nephew, the rakish Quill Beauchamp, Marquess of Kerr, is determined to interrupt her studies one way or another...

Bequeathing Beauchamp House to four bluestockings—no matter how lovely they are to look at—is a travesty, and Quill simply won’t have it. But Lady Celeste’s death is not quite as straightforward as it first seemed…and if Quill hopes to solve the mystery behind her demise, he’ll need Ivy’s help. Along the way, he is surprised to learn that bookish Ivy stirs a passion and longing that he has never known. This rogue believes he’s finally met his match—but can Quill convince clever, skeptical Ivy that his love is no fiction?

Don't miss Ready Set Rogue, the first in Manda Collins' new series set in Regency England!

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