The Merchant and the Rogue (Book 3) by Sarah M. Eden

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Book Review of The Merchant and the Rogue (Book 3) by Sarah M. Eden

I have absolutely loved this fun series by Sarah M. Eden! The Dread Penny Society (DPS) and all their secretive service makes my heart happy. Each of the characters in the previous books have found a way into my heart. In The Lady and the Highwayman, Elizabeth and Fletcher made such a great pair. Then, Hollis and Ana were super cute together in The Gentleman and the Thief. In her newest installment, The Merchant and the Rogue, Sarah M. Eden does not disappoint with this new couple. Which of the DPS members will fall in love this time? Keep reading to find out!

Blurb:

“London, 1865

Vera Sorokina loves reading the Penny Dreadfuls and immersing herself in tales of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her own days are filled with the often-mundane work of running the book and print shop she owns with her father. The shop offers her freedom and an income, and while she is grateful for the stability it brings to her life, she often feels lonely.

Brogan Donnelly was born and raised in Ireland, but has lived in London for several years, where he’s built a career as a penny dreadful writer. He has dedicated himself to the plight of the poor with the help of his sister. But with no one to share his life with, he fears London will never truly feel like home.

Brogan and Vera’s paths cross, and the attraction is both immediate and ill-advised. Vera knows from past experience that writers are never to be trusted, and Brogan has reason to suspect not everything at Vera’s print shop is aboveboard. When a growing criminal enterprise begins targeting their area of London, Brogan and Vera must work together to protect the community they’ve both grown to love. But that means they’ll need to learn to trust each other with dangerous secrets that have followed both of them from their home countries.”

My Book Review:

One of the things I love about these books are the names of the leading male characters. They’re so good! Fletcher, Hollis, and now Brogan. You want manly men? You can’t go wrong with these guys! Also, I love the cover art. I love how they’re very similar, yet different enough to know the difference. Each cover has its own little flair to it that sets it apart from the others. They are all great colors, too.

Let’s talk story line. As stories go, this one is fun! It’s got a hint of mystery to it, which is typical with these DPS members. Both Vera and Brogan each have a back story that hints at being a little less than legal. Neither knows the other’s story, and although it adds drama to the book, it also adds some drama to their relationship. How they deal with and handle that information will determine the course of their relationship. Will they give each other the benefit of the doubt, or will they move on to safer grounds?

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both Vera and Brogan. Vera’s hard work ethic, compassion for the children in the neighborhood, and love of reading make her relatable and lovable. Brogan’s dedication to his sister and the DPS, his big, strong personality, and his hatred of dishonesty also make him relatable. I would definitely want him in my corner if something bad were to go down!

One of the things I learned from this book was to not judge people by the rumors that surround them. Rumors are not the whole story. I loved the collaboration of the shops on Vera’s street. People need to help each other and look out for one another. By doing this we can help ourselves and those around us. I loved the selfless giving in this book. Brogan’s sister, especially, shows the power of selflessness. Another lesson I learned was to not judge people until we know the whole story. I felt so bad for some of the characters (No spoiling here!) whose intentions were misjudged.

If you enjoyed the first two books in this series, you need to read The Merchant and the Rogue! This book delves into a deeper and different kind of mystery than the previous books do, and I loved how it all played out. It is mostly stand-alone, so if you haven’t read the previous books, you will understand most of it. You won’t have the connection to the other characters or the DPS, but it’ll still be a fun story. I have really enjoyed these books, and this one does not disappoint!!