Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Published: 2017
Genre: Historical Romance | Mystery Romance | Bluestocking Romance
Book Blurb
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?
My Review
If you love clever heroines, slow-burning mystery, and a swoon-worthy romance set against the backdrop of Regency England, Ready Set Rogue is the perfect cozy read. This is the first book in Manda Collins’s Studies in Scandal series, and it blends intellectual charm with romantic tension in all the best ways.The story kicks off when Ivy Wareham, a fiercely intelligent scholar, is named one of four young women to inherit Beauchamp House — a grand estate left to them by the late and eccentric Lady Celeste Beauchamp. Each of the chosen “bluestockings” has a specialty, and for Ivy, it’s classical philosophy. The inheritance is meant to support their studies, but there’s a catch: not everyone is thrilled with this arrangement.
Enter Quill Beauchamp, Marquess of Kerr — Lady Celeste’s handsome but skeptical nephew. He's convinced these young women have no business occupying his aunt’s estate, especially not his beloved retreat in the country. What begins as irritation soon turns into unexpected attraction when Quill realizes Ivy is far more than a nuisance — she’s brilliant, bold, and quickly unraveling a mystery that might explain his aunt’s sudden and suspicious death.
As Quill and Ivy reluctantly team up to uncover the truth, sparks fly. There’s tension, banter, and undeniable chemistry, but what makes their romance stand out is how rooted it is in mutual respect. Ivy isn’t dazzled by titles, and Quill isn’t used to women who challenge him intellectually. Their partnership is satisfying on every level — from sleuthing to stolen glances.
Manda Collins delivers her signature blend of wit, warmth, and intrigue in this fast-paced romance. The writing feels fresh even within the classic Regency framework. Each character feels layered, and Ivy is a heroine readers will root for — not just because of her romantic arc, but because of her strength, intelligence, and heart.
Final Thoughts
Ready Set Rogue is a delightful launch to what promises to be a stellar series. It’s perfect for readers who love historical romance with a side of mystery, and especially for fans of the “bluestocking heroine” trope. If you're looking for a smart, satisfying read to curl up with on a winter weekend, this is it.
Manda Collins strikes the perfect balance between romance and suspense — and proves once again that brains and passion make a powerful pair.
Book Excerpt
Despite her discomfort and distress at being drenched, Ivy was in possession of the sort of temperament that did not allow the petty annoyances of life to dampen her spirit. Quill couldn’t think of a single other lady of his acquaintance who would meet such a situation with such equanimity.
“If you wish,” he said over his shoulder, “you may remove your gown and wrap up in one of the blankets…”
He trailed off as he saw that she was already in the process of doing just that. He swallowed at the sight of her gown clinging to her curves as she tried to reach behind to unbutton it.
“I am trying to do just that, but I’m afraid this gown requires the assistance of another pair of hands,” she said, not flirtatiously, but with quiet, practical honesty.
By the time she asked, “Would you mind helping me?” Quill was already moving toward her.
As he stood behind her, unfastening her gown, he was acutely aware of the warmth of her skin, the scent of rosewater, and the intense awareness blooming between them. The moment was charged—dangerously so.
Pulling back a little, he looked up to find her green gaze lingering on his mouth. And unable to stop himself, he gave in to the temptation that had dogged him ever since they set out together that morning…
Want to find out what happens next? You’ll have to read Ready Set Rogue!
About the Author
Manda Collins spent her teen years wishing she’d been born a couple of centuries earlier, preferably in the English countryside. Time travel being what it is, she resigned herself to life with electricity and indoor plumbing, and read lots of books. An affinity for books led to a graduate degree in English, followed by another in Librarianship. By day, she works as an academic librarian at a small liberal arts college, where she teaches college students how to navigate the tangled world of academic research. A native of coastal Alabama, Manda lives in the house her mother grew up in with two cats, sometimes a dog, sometimes her sister, and
0 comments
Thanks for coming by, it means alot to me. Since you're here, I would love to hear from you, please leave a comment.