Early Review of While the Duke Was Sleeping (The Rogue Files #1) by Sophie Jordan

Title: While the Duke Was Sleeping
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Rogue Files
Format: Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (October 25, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062222546
ISBN-13: 978-0062222541
Author's Website: http://www.sophiejordan.net/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.

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Poppy Fairchurch works for Barclay's Fine Flowers. One of her favorite customers is the dashing Duke of Autenberry. Truth be told, she fancies herself in love with the man. She often daydreams that one day he'll realize they were meant to be and sweep her off her feet. They'd marry and live happily ever after. Hey, it happened to Cinderella. Oh, right that was a fairy tale, but a girl can dream, can't she? Unfortunately, he's never noticed her, but she still can't stop hoping.

Then one day she witnesses something that will change everything. Instead of passively standing by, like most people would, she takes action and saves the man's life. Unfortunately, he still doesn't notice her as he's been knocked unconscious. Then due to a series of events and misunderstandings, his family thinks she's his fiance, and she finds herself living a life she'd only ever dreamed. The problem is that once her Prince Charming, or rather Duke, awakes things will go back to the way they were or will they?

I have to confess, while I enjoyed the story, it was way too similar to the movie 'While You Were Sleeping'. This made the story extremely predictable. Basically, Ms. Jordan took the movie and changed things so it would fit into a historical setting with a Duke. There are some differences, but if you've watched the movie, you'll be itching to watch it again just too see what exactly she did change. The relationship between family members is different. The main character, Poppy, has a sister, and there are other differences--some subtle while others are not. While she didn't copy anything word for word, it rings so close to the original that I was a little surprised.

I'm torn between giving this one a 2 or a 3 rose rating, therefore, I'm settling for 2 1/2 out of 5 roses. If you've never seen the movie 'While You Were Sleeping' you'll absolutely love this one. If you've watched it, however, you'll be experiencing a strong sense of déjà vu. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.