Okay— I need to talk about The Rogue by Roxanne Tully because this book? Had. Me. On. Edge. I’m talking white-knuckling my Kindle at 2 a.m., heart racing, needing to know what happens next but also lowkey dreading it because the tension was that intense. You know how some single dad/nanny romances are kind of sweet and predictable? Well, throw that idea out the window because The Rogue takes that trope, wraps it in a whole lot of small-town drama and deep, messy secrets, and delivers a story that’s so much more than your typical comfort read.
Let me set the scene: We’ve got Levi — rugged, brooding single dad who works on a ranch — and Tessa — the new nanny who’s not just some random girl looking for a fresh start. Except… is she really who she says she is? From the very beginning, you can feel that tension bubbling under the surface. It’s not just about forbidden attraction; it’s about the weight of what they’re both carrying. The stakes feel real because there’s actual history and damage behind both of their walls. Let’s really get into the heart of why this book works so well — the two main characters. Roxanne Tully didn’t just create a hot single dad and a pretty nanny and call it a day. No, these characters are layered, and what makes their romance so gripping is how much their personalities and backstories bleed into the way they act around each other.
Let's get into Levi — and listen, the man is textbook rugged single dad, but Tully gives him so much more depth than that. Levi isn’t just guarded because of past heartbreak — this man has scars. He’s been burned before, and not just in the romantic sense. He’s carrying guilt and responsibility for things that happened long before Tessa showed up, and you can feel the weight of that on him in every interaction.
Levi’s main priority is his kid — always. He’s fiercely protective, but not in a toxic, possessive way. He’s careful. He keeps his emotions locked down because he knows what it feels like to be hurt and to have his son caught in the fallout. And that guarded exterior? It’s not just for show — it’s survival.
But the magic happens when Tessa gets under his skin. He starts to soften around her — not in a cheesy, rom-com way — but in the quiet, subtle moments. The way his eyes linger on her a little longer than they should. The way his jaw clenches when someone else gives her attention. The way he automatically reaches for her hand when she’s stressed, even though he knows he shouldn’t. And when his walls finally start to come down? Oh my god — it’s not immediate relief; it’s scary for him. You can feel how much he’s struggling with the idea of letting someone in again.
And let’s talk about how protective he is. Not just when it comes to his kid, but with Tessa. When things start to unravel and danger creeps in (because oh yes, there’s danger), Levi’s instincts kick in hard. He’s the kind of man who will throw himself into harm’s way to protect the people he loves — even if he hasn’t fully admitted he loves her yet. That moment when he finally stops fighting it and just lets himself feel? Literal chills.
And then there’s Tessa — and can I just say how refreshing it is to have a nanny character with real agency? Tessa isn’t some helpless girl looking to be saved — she’s got a story. She’s running from something, but it’s not in the "damsel in distress" way — it’s layered and complicated.
But here’s the kicker — Tessa doesn’t know the first thing about being a nanny. Seriously. She takes this job out of desperation, not because she has some deep love for childcare. From the very beginning, you can feel that tension — she’s out of her depth. She’s googling stuff at night, trying to figure out how to handle tantrums and bedtime routines without looking like a complete fraud. And yet, somehow, she starts to get it. Not because she’s a natural, but because she cares.
Tessa builds trust with Levi’s son not through some magical "maternal instinct" but through effort and patience. She messes up — badly, at times — but she keeps trying. And Levi sees that. He sees how hard she’s working, how much she’s trying to create stability for his son, even though it’s clear she’s not exactly comfortable in the role. But why does Tessa take this job if she’s so inexperienced? That’s where things get juicy. She didn’t just stumble into this position — she needed it. Her past is catching up with her, and taking this job in Levi’s home might have been the only way to protect herself from it. So while Tessa is figuring out how to keep Levi’s son from eating crayons, she’s also looking over her shoulder — waiting for her past to catch up with her. And when it does? Oh, it changes everything.
Let’s really get into the romance though — because this slow burn? Absolute torture in the best way. You know they’re going to get together. You know the way Levi looks at her when he thinks no one’s watching means something. And you know that the way Tessa keeps stealing glances at him — the way her breath hitches when his hand brushes against hers — isn’t just in your head. But the way Roxanne Tully stretches it out had me on edge. They spend so much time almost crossing the line — the lingering glances, the accidental touches, the late-night conversations that are so loaded with tension you could cut it with a knife. And when they finally do give in? It’s not just UTTERLY DELICIOUS — it’s emotional. It’s relief and fear and vulnerability all wrapped into one moment that feels so well-earned you practically want to cheer.
And let’s not forget the secrets — because the emotional payoff when those finally unravel is so satisfying. Tessa’s past? Absolutely not what I expected. The connection to Levi’s past? Even more explosive. When the truth comes out, it changes everything — not just for them as a couple, but for the entire town. And the fallout isn’t brushed over or tied up neatly in a bow — it’s raw and painful, but that’s why it works.
The moment when Levi finds out the truth about why Tessa is really there? My jaw was on the floor. He’s furious — and rightfully so — but underneath the anger is fear because what Tessa was hiding has the potential to unravel everything. And the way they both have to fight to rebuild that trust? Gut-wrenching and beautiful.
What makes The Rogue stand out is that it’s not just a romance — it’s a story about trust, healing, and letting yourself be vulnerable even when it’s scary. It’s about breaking down walls that were built for protection and taking a risk on love, even when the past has taught you that love isn’t always safe. That emotional depth, combined with the electric chemistry and heart-pounding twists, makes this book an experience — not just a read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Highly recommend, but be prepared for a few sleepless nights because you won't be able to put it down. 😏
Have you read this one? Let me know your thoughts because I NEED to discuss these plot twists with someone!!
Commenti