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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A different sort of historical romance
I really enjoyed this one because of its originality. The characters had a lot of depth and worked extremely well together. Having a divorced heroine in a Regency romance is not a simple task to pull off and I think Mary Jo Putney did a remarkable job with it. The hero also had an intriguing background as an escaped POW. When the two meet and start working together, both find the trust and love they never believed could be theirs. A wonderful story of fighting back against the strictures condemning them both, of restoring reputations, and finding happiness against all odds.
The fifth book in the Rogues Redeemed series, Once Dishonored is a story of redemption. Lucas has returned to London after years away. Struggling with a tarnished reputation, Lucas immediately connects to Kyla Douglas, a recently divorced woman whose reputation is even more sullied than Lucas’. When Lucas learns that the cause of her dishonor is her greedy and vicious ex-husband, he determines to help this vulnerable woman regain her reputation, her child, and her life. Will Lucas and Kyla restore their reputations and find a way to be together?
I love the romance in this story! Lucas and Kyla are characters that have gone through so much in their lives, and both struggle to find themselves in a judgmental and rigid society. Shunned and judged by others, Lucas and Kyla feel a connection almost instantly. What develops is a slow-building relationship built on trust and admiration. I love that Lucas and Kyla have such respect for each other. They share their deepest shame and darkest secrets, and it only makes them grow closer to each other. They are unflinching in their resolve to help each other, and their chemistry is fantastic!
I also found it interesting that, even though they are two of the most honorable people in the story, they are disrespected and judged by less honorable people. Kyla fled an abusive relationship and is persecuted for it, and Lucas gave his life for his country and is judged harshly for escaping when he was a prisoner of war. This says a lot more about the conditional society in which they live than is does about Kyla and Lucas.
Further, it frustrated me that women had no voice and no legal rights during this time. Kyla’s husband does some terrible things to her, and there are no ramifications because Kyla has no voice. The men hold all of the power. Putney brings to light important messages about the rights of women and the oppression of women and children, which I appreciated.
Another aspect of the story that I liked was the representation of strong, independent women and forward-thinking men. Lucas and Kyla find themselves embraced by people who accept them and appreciate them. This lovely group of people not only aid Kyla in exposing her ex for the liar he is, but they also provide unwavering support and understanding.
A story laced with dynamic characters and strong messages about gender inequities, Once Dishonored is a great novel for readers who enjoy strong historical romance. Though this is the fifth book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Kensington Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Just an enjoyable read escape!
I have read many books by this author, including the previous series.
I always enjoy Mary Jo Putney’s books and this one was another winner.
MaryJo Putney brings impeccable research and great wit to everything she writes. Once Dishonored is no exception, so for a needed “Time Out” from your troubles, grab ia copy!
Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, fought many battles during the war but now he faces the biggest one – the battle he fights with himself. He is sure someone will call him on his actions after years of imprisonment during the war. He is sure this will happen at the ball he is attending. Instead, he meets a young woman who appears just as scandalous as he considers himself.
Kendra Douglas knows she should not have come to the ball but she needs more in her life, more than just some help to clear her name. Lucas comes to her aid at the ball and after hearing her story vows to help her. While they investigate the horrible conspiracy against her, they find danger and more importantly love.
Once Dishonored really showcases how women were treated in the past. Kendra had no rights and could not even testify on her own behalf. Men were readily believed while women were not. She also had to endure all the humiliation of the lies her ex-husband told. The beauty of the story is the reality that not all men are created equal – some are so much better. Kendra finds one and now must find a way to keep him. Lucas, too, has suffered for something that should never have caused him such distress. With the help of some friends and the love of Kendra, he too may find his way into the light.
This story will really touch your heart and your soul. Your heart will go out to these two individuals who should never have been considered disgraced. They can be admired for how they carried on and did not allow their circumstances to defeat them.
The fifth book in the Rogues Redeemed series a well written story with a very good storyline, I was not putting this book down until I had finished reading it. Royal Navy officer, Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, and divorcee Kendra Douglas’ story of adventure as they search for the truth and redemption for both of them. I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book via Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am one that likes a variety to read with this genre being one that at one time I inhaled them. This author used to be a go to so when I seen this one I jumped to get it. Lucas is very uncomfortable where he is but he is even going to be more in the eyes of everyone when he dances with scandal. Kendra also gets his aid which as it is happening something else builds. Oh those times and the things that could set a room on fire with talk. I was so glad he helps her. Oh and danger comes their way also which makes this one you hang on to tight to find out the answers along with the heart.
Once Dishonored by Mary Jo Putney
An Empowering & Thrilling Historical Regency Romance Book (Rogues Redeemed 5)
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?
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.
risonment. 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.
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 t
cked 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
This is Kendra Douglas and Lucas Mandeville’s story.
The dim lighting showed that Lady Denshirewas graceful with dark chestnut hair and her head raised high. In the lift of her chin, Lucas saw pride, anger, defiance, and terror. She was a female version of himself, in fact, and he saw her posture change as defiance was assaulted by fear and humiliation. She slowly turned, her gaze sweeping over the retreating guests as if looking for a friendly face. She was beautiful and haunted and desperately alone.
high. In the lift of her chin, Lucas saw pride, anger, defiance, and terror. She was a female version of himself, in fact, and he saw her posture change as defiance was assaulted by fear and humiliation. She slowly turned, her gaze sweeping over the retreating guests as if looking for a friendly face. She was beautiful and haunted and desperately alone.
alone. On impulse, he crossed the empty ballroom and smiled at the woman in black. “I’m Foxton, Lady Denshire.
Lucas Mandeville hesitated at the entrance to the ballroom and thought of cannonballs crushing masts and setting sails ablaze. Bellowing sailors and hand-to-hand combat with pistols and cutlasses. In his Royal Navy days, he’d fought his share of sea battles with the French, had almost died in one. And he’d rather be on a burning deck than in this ballroom.
But he’d made a private pledge to do his best to reestablish himself in the world he’d been born into despite the number of people who would give him the cut direct, or worse. He cast his mind back to his one youthful season in London, when he was an eager young midshipman.
He cast his mind back to his one youthful season in London, when he was an eager young midshipman.
Once Dishonored by Mary Jo Putney is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Mary Jo Putney.
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
I loved everything in this book from the characters to the romance to the mystery and justice. The characters were strong and wonderful and their banter was awesome. Their romance was sweet and steamy and swoonworthy and perfect for the characters. There was some drama in their relationship. The writing was smooth and had great pace and was wonderful. There was fencing, fighting, and fun and I loved it all. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romance with great characters.
My first contact with Mary Jo Putney’s writing and I really liked it.
Lucas and Kendra are considered two outcasts in London society. She for being accused of adultery and he for treason. Right at the beginning of the book, they meet at a ball and Lucas is able to see beyond her appearance and realize that he can help her recover everything that she unjustly lost.
They live many adventures among swords, fights, discoveries in the countryside and finally find love in each other’s arms.
I found the way the story was built quite interesting but I think it ended up getting a little warm for me because everything was resolved in a simple and too fast way taking some of the emotion out of the twists.
But that did not take the highlight off the focus on female strength with Kendra choosing how she wanted to dress for fighting classes and how she set the right tone in the fight against the prejudices she had been suffering. Lucas was also not behind, along with Simon and Kirkland, form a defense and support squad for the women in their lives.
3,5/5 stars
Kendra Douglas, Lady Denshire was divorced by her husband on false charges. Unable to get the money in her trust, he takes their son to blackmail her for money. Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton is considered to be dishonorable for escaping a French prison during the Napoleon War. After the war, he stayed in France and lived a Franciscan life following a priest who was a bonesetter. Returning to England, he and Kendra work together to find her son and restore her reputation. For Lucas he needs forgiveness. The right hero and heroine combination for an interesting book and a passionate romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
ONCE DISHONORED, book 5 of the Rogues Redeemed series by Mary Jo Putney is an intense tale about Kendra Douglas, falsely accused and divorced by her husband, is befriended by Lord Lucas Foxton, a man who has lost his honor in the eye of the Ton. Together they set out to prove Kendra’s innocence with the help of influential friends. Mary Jo Putney delights her readers by bringing a supporting cast of characters we all know and love in her Rogues Redeemed series. ONCE DISHONORED is a compelling journey for Kendra in finding passion and startling truths in her quest.
Not as good as her other novels. Hard to stay focused as so slow.
Another wonderful story of courage, redemption, and of course love by Mary Jo Putney. I love The Rogues Redeemed Series. Mary Jo’s stories glide along at a wonderful pace, her characters are first-rate. She knows how to pull the reader into her stories with action, adventure, and surprises that will leave you gasping and satisfied to the very end. Her love scenes are erotic and sensual without being crude or offensive. I have been reading her books for a long time and will always anticipate the next in her wonderful series. My favorite is The Fallen Angels Series and The Silk Trilogy. I have never read a book by her that I wouldn’t recommend. She is one of my go-to authors and the diversity and volume of her work stand the test of time.
Kendra Douglas is living as a disgraced divorcee after a scandalous past she did not commit. She needs to prove the scandal did not happen in order to get her son back. Royal Navy officer, Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton has faced his own share of scandal and a dishonorable past. He feels for Kendra and offers to help her unravel the mystery and replace her standing and reputation in society so she can regain custody of her young son. The two are perfect for each other, both are wounded by society but are unwilling to give up and live a life of shame as society dictates. They fight together to right the wrongs and find a love worth fight for too. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.
Lucas Mandeville, Baron Foxton, served admirably as an officer in the Royal Navy, but that all ended when his ship was captured, and he was taken prisoner by the French. Given the fact that he broke his parole, his honor is now in question and his first attempt at braving a London ballroom isn’t going so well. Lucas would rather be anywhere else, in fact.
When a lovely lady enters the ball dressed all in black and bringing with her not so subtle whispers of scandal, Lucas comes to her aide by asking for a dance. Lucas realizes he met the now divorced Kendra Douglas before he left for the Navy. He offers to help her in any way he can as she seeks to clear her blackened reputation and find the beloved son her former husband has hidden from her. As they work together to uncover the truth of what happened on the night that brought about her ruin, Lucas and Kendra develop a close relationship and a trust that could see them through a happy life together, if they can ever clear the way forward in the midst of such disaster.
This is only my fourth read from this author, but I can safely say it is my favorite of her works. We have a mature hero and heroine communicating openly with each other and helping each other through their respective issues and hurts. There was something lovely in that, especially when added to the great chemistry they had together. The rallying of friends and allies around Kendra and Lucas was also quite delightful, as was the fact that this felt like a hard-won second chance for both of them. The plot took us all over the place, but somehow it always felt purposeful, rather than discombobulated. This story held my attention and I loved that Lucas and Kendra stood up for themselves and each other. I’m hoping this series continues.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I so like this series and I really liked this tale. I felt like I could be friends with this group of people that Putney imagined for us. The plot was very interesting and had me wondering where it would go besides a happy ending. I am so looking forward to reading the next installment.
My favorite part of this book was the hero, Lucas. He is sweet and supportive and decides to help an almost stranger with an unbelievable story, to recover her son and restored her reputation.
Kendra is intelligent and strong. She has suffered a lot during her marriage and when his husband made her look like an unfaithful wife and obtained a divorce in order to control her money, she stands up for herself.
The plot seems a bit slow and hard to believe in some parts but I really like most of it.