Sparks fly in the page-turning new read from mistress of the Regency genre and historical romance legend, Mary Jo Putney. Will a disgraced former soldier and a beautiful brazen woman determined to regain custody of her son from her devious former husband make the perfect match…even as they are shunned by the London ton? “Enthralling…Putney again proves why she’s a star of the genre.” —Publishers … why she’s a star of the genre.”
—Publishers Weekly
The romantic Rogues Redeemed series features soldiers, spies—and the special redemption only love can bring . . .
A man who has lost his honor has nothing . . .
London, 1816. As a Royal Navy officer, Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, has fought his share of battles on the high seas, followed by long years of imprisonment. But on this night, he’d rather be on the burning deck of a ship than in a ballroom, where it is just a matter of time before someone challenges him because of what happened on the Continent.
A woman who has lost her reputation is nothing . . .
When dark-haired beauty Kendra Douglas arrives, a whisper of scandal ripples through the ton. The disgraced divorcee’s entrance is an act of daring. Which is exactly why Lucas asks her to dance . . .
A couple who stands together has everything . . .
Unexpectedly, Lucas offers Kendra his aid in finding the evidence to regain her good name—and her beloved young son. Together they investigate the wicked conspiracy that destroyed her life, and in the midst of danger, find a deep love that will redeem them both—if only they can live long enough to build a future together.
“An intense, dramatic love story…a thoroughly enjoyable read.”
—All About Romance
“Impeccable.”
—Library Journal STARRED REVIEW
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Once Dishonored by Mary Jo Putney is an excellent historical romance that is the fifth book in the series titled Rogues Redeemed.
I have to admit that I have not read any books by Ms. Putney before, but this book has definitely made me a fan. I have not read any of the previous books in this series and I was easily able to follow along, however with some of the characters arcing from the previous into this novel, I am most definitely going to read up on the previous books.
This novel has it all: historical fiction, friendship, romance, mystery, suspense, and villainous characters that experience well-deserved outcomes. I enjoyed the fact that some characters were inherently good such as the main characters: Kendra and Lucas, his cousin Simon and wife Suzanne. These characters were likeable, realistic, still imperfect, yet had a moral compass. The love, compassion, foregiveness, acceptance, and loyalty between these two couples was enjoyable to read. I can’t wait to check out the previous book to read up on Simon and Suzanne’s stories. I really enjoyed Kendra. She was stronger then she realized. The friendships and relationships she acquired during the course of this book added to my interest. I truly enjoyed both Kendra and Lucas’s complicated past stories, their flaws, and how they were able to finally love and trust again.
I thought the plot was creative, intricate, complex yet interesting. It kept drawing me in. Just when I thought I knew it all and could see where this was going, the author added in just enough to keep things realistic as well as addictive. I enjoyed the pace, the well-thought out dialogue, and I enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters. I also truly enjoyed the ending. It was definitely theatrical in nature, and finishing with quite the bang. These characters truly deserved the wonderful (and rightful) ending that was presented.
If you like regency romance, creative plots, wonderful characters, romance, and great endings, then this book is for you.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.