Early Book Review: The Rogue You Know by Shana Galen

The Rogue You Know is the second book in the Covent Garden Cubs series by Shana Galen. This historical romance is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2015. I do not remember reading the first book in the series, but did not feel lost in the story because of that lack. Gideon Harrow has spent his life in London's dark underworld-and he wants out. He plans one last heist to finally win his freedom. When everything goes wrong, he finds himself at the tender mercies of Lady Susanna Derring. Susanna has spent her life under the thumb of a domineering mother, and she wants out. When wickedly charming Gideon lands at her feet, she jumps at the chance to experience life before it's too late. But as she descends into London's underworld, she finds that nothing is as it seems. Excitement quickly turns to danger and  Susanna must decide what price she's willing to pay.

The Rogue You Know is a very nice example of fun and action in a historical romance. Susanna is naive, but also smart and great at getting in and out of trouble. Gideon is a thief, but has the expected good heart of the hero of a romance. The pair has some grand adventures, hiding from thieves and killers and finding other thieves and fences that have good hearts and are in their positions in spite of it, mostly because of the lack of options in the world. I had to chuckle at one scene, that struck me as particularly reminiscent of a moment in Disney movie Tangled. In fact, some of the character interactions reminded me of the movie, but in a good way. The innocent joy of freedom, even in the less pleasant moment as well as our hero thief's good deeds and steady progression towards completely good guy are well done in both. I think the real fun in this novel is the characters, I really liked both Susanna and Gideon and was rooting for them through the entire book. They did have one (or two) moments when I was a little frustrated with their decision making skills- the almost expected getting busy when it is definitely not a good idea, but the rest of the story and characterization made up for it.

The Rogue You Know is a solid read with great characters and action. I really enjoyed the main characters, and the secondary characters that readers met along the way. I fully expect to go back and read the book I missed, and to continue on with this series. Characters are usually what makes or breaks a book for me, and that was certainly the case here.