Phoebe Batten has been steadily losing her sight, and now is basically totally blind. No season, no balls, no dances for her. Her brother, the Duke of Wakefield, is fiercely protective, and has hired former soldier, Captain James Trevillion as her bodyguard. James has an injured leg which forced him to leave his career, but should not hinder his keeping Phoebe safe.

One would normally expect that the sister of a Duke would be spoiled and arrogant. Couple that with the loss of sight, and you'd expect Phoebe to be bitter and bad tempered, but she's none of those things. Phoebe is sweet tempered and determined to enjoy life. While she loves her brother dearly, she is being smothered by his over-protectiveness. James does his best to keep her safe, but she manages to wheedle him into taking her places and meeting people her brother wouldn't approve. When it becomes apparent that someone is out to kidnap Phoebe, James takes her to his own home and family for protection.

James has been besotted with Phoebe for a while, but he never lets it show. After all, he's just a soldier, actually employed by her brother, he's a decade older, and he's injured as well. There is no way there could be anything between them, even if Phoebe wished it. What James doesn't know is that Phoebe is starting to feel more than friendship for him. The trip to James' home will be the setting for James and Phoebe to explore their passion, and will cause James to confront his mysterious past.

Ironically, though Phoebe is the one living in darkness, she is the one who brings light to James' dark life. I love her spirit and determination, and I love James' honor and strength. This story is particularly poignant because both the hero and heroine are wounded. Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series has been amazing, and DEAREST ROGUE is a stellar addition, with plenty of emotion, excitement, and passion. It can be read as a standalone, but if you haven't read the earlier books, you don't know what you're missing.