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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It is no surprise that is book is about Lucas Manderville, Lord Foxton, who is introduced in the previous book in this series. First cousin and ‘almost brother’ to Colonel Simon Duvall, one of the original “rogues’, Lucas has been traveling with a Franciscan priest, skilled as a bonesetter. A member of the Royal Navy, Lucas is captured by the French and given parole – meaning he is treated decently, to be exchanged when possible, but must not escape. However, the French military man in charge despises Lucas for his place in society and continued a torturous mind game of cruelty, determined to hold Lucas captive till death. Realizing the French colonel was not honoring the parole, Lucas escapes wounded but cared for by Frere Emmanuel . He travels with the elderly cleric helping all who need it and discovers a healing touch. But the time comes when Lucas decides to take up Simon’s offer and returns to England and his responsibilities. Cut by many for his dishonor, Lucas meets Kendra Douglas again – except now she is Lady Denshire – a disgraced divorcee. Her husband, a fortune hunter, arranges for an adulterous situation with a look alike – and is granted his suit. Kendra lost her 9 year old son Christopher but retains all her money inherited from her grandfather who made sure no one could control it but her. Now back in a society who turns their back on her, Lucas comes to the rescue. When she pours out the true story, he enlists the help of not only his cousin Simon, but Lord James Kirkland (Lost Lord Series) along with the help of various ladies of high society to help Kendra not only regain her son, but expose her deceitful husband. It is amazing how Ms Putney can weave other prominent characters not only from this series, but from previous LOST LORD SERIES. I love it! And they take a prominent role in seeking justice Kendra needs (Duchesses Ball) Kendra refuses to wallow in misery and takes charge of her life. Lucas has learned the dishonor he is falsely accused of does not define the man he is. Together they help each other face their troubles and heal. There are so many aspects of this story, so many threads not only in clearing Kendra’s name and restoring her son, but the memory of a twin when her son was born, the evil way her husband devised his plan to name her an adulterer and try to steal her money, his cruelty to his son – but most of all the awful disgraceful laws of females having no voice, of women and children considered possession like a pair of shoes to be used as men wished.
As usual, this talented author blends historic fact with the magic of her characters and the endless adversities they face – and deal with. Honor, courage, strength, friendship and loyalty are evident in each chapter. An enchanting story of second chances, faith and hope all leads to the most precious gift in life – Love! This can be read as a stand alone, but it is so much richer as a series.
Once Dishonored by Mary Jo Putney
The Rogues Redeemed #5
This book resonated and educated all in one story. I loved the idea of two people coming together that had both experienced situations that gave them insight into how the other was thinking and feeling. The two were mature, insightful, caring, and wise. They came together over a cause that gave them both purpose and achieved the goal they set out to achieve…and in the process they found affection, friendship, and abiding love.
What I liked:
* That the story felt “real” and I could see myself within the story
* The writing
* Lucas: a good man with gifts that included more than his ability to heal – I liked him
* Kendra: a good woman done wrong – I loved her strength, empathy, and wisdom
* Learning more about divorce laws of the time
* Learning about the “parole” system during war
* The connection between Lucas & Kendra
* That the villain was dealt with
What I did not like:
* Kendra’s husband
* The laws of the time…
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? I think so
NOTE: This author seems to either wow me or not connect with me. On this book the connection was immediate and strong and I was definitely wowed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
This is a wonderful romance about two people who are ostracized from society who find kindred spirits in each other. Lucas Mandeville had been a prisoner of war and held in France. He escaped when he realized that the man who held him would never allow him to leave alive but as he was on parole it was considered dishonorable.
Kendra Douglas was a heiress whose inheritance is held by and can not be touched by her husband. As a result, her husband sets her up so he can divorce her and use their son as leverage for funds.
Kendra and Lucas had met years ago but he was on his way to war so nothing came of it. When she appears at a ball and is “cut” and gossiped over, he comes to her rescue and learns her story.
I will admit that both the setup of the means for divorce as well as the denouement were over the top and a bit unbelievable. I did cheer when the villain got his comeuppance but still….
It is a lovely romance and if you’re not a stickler about the some elements being a bit unbelievable you’ll enjoy.
I won Once Dishonored through a Goodreads contest and in return I promised an honest review.
Lucas Madeville, Lord Foxton, a former Royal Navy officer who was a POW and escaped is now considered dishonorable. He is at a ball trying to re-establish himself when a woman in all black arrives, she raises her chin proudly to all the slander thrown her way, she is the disgraced divorcee, Kendra Douglas and since they have something in common Lucas asks her to dance.
Kendra and Lucas remember each other from their younger years and can easily confide to each other about how they lost their reputations. Lucas offers Kendra his help in finding proof against the false accusations against her and in regaining custody of her son.
Together and with friends they investigate the conspiracy that ruined her life, and while searching for evidence their attraction to one another grows into a deep, consuming love that will last a life time while claiming redemption simultaneously.
Once Dishonored continues the Rogues Redeemed series from veteran romance author Mary Jo Putney. The series features strong, interesting women and a variety of situations. The hero and heroine of this book have both been dishonored in completely different ways. Kendra Douglas finds herself a social pariah after a sensational divorce and loss of her son, none of which was her fault. Lucas Mandeville, now Lord Foxton, has a complex past as a naval officer, military prisoner, assistant to a traveling monk, and bonesetter/healer. He sympathizes with Kendra’s plight and vows to help clear her name with the help of his friends.
Kendra and Lucas were both intriguing characters. Despite their troubles they weren’t bitter. They just wanted to right the wrongs done to them and move on to a better life. Their attraction grew slowly, but steadily. Their relationship was based on genuine affection and respect, with plenty of steamy stuff thrown in. The story had many twists and turns before the HEA.
While this is not Ms. Putney’s strongest book, she is such a solid writer that every story makes a worthwhile read. There were some unusual elements in Once Dishonored: the divorce (a rarity in Regency England), women fencing, Lucas’s power of hands-on healing. The tone of the book was definitely feminist in nature. Overall, a well-written book that keeps the reader’s attention.
ARC provided through Netgalley.
I’m a big fan of the author’s books and this is one of those stories that made me fall in love all over again with historical romance.
It’s hard to believe that in regency era , a woman was allowed to divorce but it happened and we get a happily ever after with this one.
I enjoyed their banter, their friendship and romance, the slow burn and acceptance as who they are as they both had a rough past that didn’t define them.
It’s a more unusual setting but if you love historical romance , give it a try and i’m sure you’ll fall in love with this story as i did.
When Lucas Mandeville was introduced in Once a Spy (Simon’s story), the previous book in this series, He was an embattled man, considered dishonored because he escaped from a French prison instead of waiting to die there. Back in England, Lucas is trying to piece his life together. At Simon’s encouragement, he attends a ball. There he sees Lady Kendra Denshire, a dishonored divorcee. In her he sees a kindred spirit. She tells him her side of the very sordid story of her marriage and its end. They are able to enlist Simon and Suzanne, gathering others along the way to help win her cause. How they end up righting the wrong done her is a wonderful display of Mary Jo Putney’s. talent. I Ioved this story and these characters. A must read for fans of Ms. Putney. I received this ARC eBook from NetGalley. This are my own opinions and ideas.
Review of audiobook version of a wonderful, heartfelt, Regency romance
Kendra Douglas, formerly Lady Denshire, was brutally dishonored by her venal, corrupt husband when he divorced her on the grounds of trumped up charges of adultery. Being unfairly shunned by society is a horrendous burden to bear, but it is as nothing to the pain of her ex-husband taking away her beloved son, a child of nine, and sneeringly informing her she will never see him again.
Disgraced naval officer, Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, spent almost 10 years abroad living under an assumed name, and after his first seven years away from home, with no word to his family, he was declared legally dead. He did not feel worthy of coming home due to breaking parole when captured by the French, even though there were extreme, extenuating circumstances involved. As a form of atonement for his perceived unforgivable sin, he spent those long years working as a humble, vows-of-poverty novice, apprenticed to a Franciscan friar who was very skilled as a type of healer called a “bonesetter.” Lucas might never have come home at all if not for the intervention of his first-cousin Simon, with whom he was raised as a child, and whom he regards as his “almost-brother.” (These events between Lucas and Simon occur in Once a Spy, Book 4 in this series, in which Simon is the hero. Though it is not essential to read that book before reading this one, it is a wonderful book which is well worth reading. It also adds a crucial dimension to this story by allowing the reader to get to know Lucas’s, history of Simon tracking him down and convincing Lucas to return home, by directly experiencing it, rather than just hearing about it via a short narration of the basic facts in this book.)
In the opening scene of the novel, Kendra and Lucas meet unexpectedly at a society ball, when he boldly steps forward to rescue her from the “cut direct” that she is receiving from everyone else at the ball. Lucas recognizes a kindred spirit in Kendra, as they are two dishonored individuals.
Kendra is amazed and extremely grateful when Lucas freely offers her his assistance—and that of his network of powerful friends—in order to find the necessary evidence to restore her reputation and regain custody of her son.
I very much admired Kendra. She is a strong, determined, brave, and active protagonist. I especially enjoyed her connecting and bonding with multiple other wonderful heroines from previous books in this series and from the Lost Lords series, forming with them a loving, supportive sisterhood. The scenes with her learning fencing together with these ladies were especially entertaining.
I absolutely adored Lucas. He is a shining exemplar of the archetypal Positive Warrior who protects and defends. As such, he is a beacon of compassion and generosity, in his relationship with Kendra, in his male friendships, and as a gifted healer.
It was a pleasure for me to encounter, in brief cameos that are crucial to the plot of this novel, various heroes from previous books in this series and from the Lost Lords series who are friends of Lucas. It is refreshing and very fulfilling to read about men forming a family of affiliation with each other, which is one of my all-time favorite themes in a romance novel, but which is almost always only done for the heroines and not the heroes. Ms. Putney offers both.
As always with this talented author, the sex scenes are not included just for the sake of raunchy titillation. Instead, there is always tenderness as well as passion in the lovemaking, and these events are always plausibly motivated within the context of the constricting social mores of the Regency era.
Finally, all loose ends of the main plot and the subplots are tied up completely in the satisfying HEA, and there is also a lovely epilogue. I look forward to checking in on these wonderful protagonists in future books in this series, in which I’m hopeful they will, in their turn, have important cameo appearances.
I have had the opportunity to experience this terrific novel twice, first in Kindle format and recently in audiobook format. The narrator is Beverley A. Crick, a New York based British actress who is an award-winning audiobook narrator. She does an excellent job narrating this novel. Her voice is melodious, and she convincingly portrays both genders, all ages, and many different national and regional accents.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Friendship Plots: 5 stars
Historical Setting: 5 stars
Audiobook Narration: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
Mary Jo Putney is never a dull read, and in Once Dishonored she brings together two people in need of healing and love — with a man back from the dead and a woman ruined by a dissolute ex-husband who wanted nothing but her fortune and managed to steal it.
Kendra Douglas and Lucas Manderville, Baron Foxton, met years ago before she married and he became a soldier. Their second meeting — at a ballroom in front of the ton — is one of the best reunions ever. She walks in, wearing black, and the whispers become a near roar. He, a baron upon whom the elite look askance at (he walked away from a French prison when supposedly honor bound to remain) dances with her. He recognizes someone in need of assistance, someone also being shunned.
Their dance is a wonderful start to a book with adventure, romance and villainy. The two become friends. he’s determined to help her regain custody of her son and recover her reputation and she wants to help him recover from guilt and shame.
In the book — part of the Rogues Redeemed series — Putney is near the top of her game, creating a poignant story that showcases the power of love. Kendra doesn’t trust men. Lucas doesn’t trust, period.
Yet together, the spurned wife and the healer — after escaping from prison, he traveled Europe as the companion to a monk who cared for people — find a way to rescue both their good names and start over,
(I received an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions are mine.)
A woman’s, Kendra’s, husband engineers a scandal to be able to divorce and disgrace her as well as hide their son from her. A damaged war hero, Lucas, comes to her aid. I enjoyed the inventive way they told the ton of her husband’s misdeeds. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books for my honest review.
Once Dishonored by Mary Jo Putney is the fifth book in her Rogues Redeemed series, but the first book of hers that I’ve read. It works well enough as a standalone, although there is quite a bit of backstory that is missing, but Putney does an admirable job of filling in the gaps enough to follow the story.
Once Dishonored focuses on Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, who has returned to London after the war in dishonor. There he immediately meets Kendra Douglas, a recent divorcee’ whose scandalous trial has made her a pariah. Lucas recognizes a kindred soul, and sets out to help Kendra regain what is most important to her – her son.
Overall this book was enjoyable. There was a twist midway through the book that was unexpected and felt a little shoehorned, and I really felt the romance between Kendra and Lucas wasn’t given enough room to breathe, I had a hard time believing they were truly in love as for most of the book they just seemed like friends. The book was very plot-driven, and featured lots of characters from previous books.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
I received an advance reading copy of this book from Kensington Books via Netgalley. These are my honest opinions of the book.
This book takes place after the Napoleonic Wars, and is book 5 in the Rogues Redeemed series. The two main characters are Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, and Kendra Douglas, Lady Denshire. Lady Denshire was divorced by her husband for adultery in unusually scandalous circumstances and is being ostracized by polite society. Her husband has custody of their child and refuses to let her see their son. Lucas is also in disgrace for breaking parole, although his escape was a matter of life or death.
Kendra is desperate, and goes to a ball, where she meets Lucas. Before he went to war, they had met at social occasions and been attracted to each other. Lucas approaches her when everyone else at the ball has drawn away from her, and asks her to dance. He escorts her home, and later takes her to meet some of his friends who also accept her and offer their help.
I have read other series by Mary Jo Putney and enjoyed them. I enjoyed reading this book as it has an unusual cast of characters with experiences not usually found in a Regency romance. However, there were several things in the book that stretched my credulity, beginning with Kendra’s reason for attending the ball. This book can be read as a standalone book but readers will probably enjoy it more if they have read other books in the series.
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, until dark-haired beauty Kendra Douglas arrives, a whisper of scandal ripples through the ton. The disgraced divorcee’s entrance is an act of daring. So Lucas asks her to dance. Kendra finds herself telling Lucas of her downfall & unexpectedly & surprisingly Lucas offers his aid in finding the evidence to help her regain her good name and her beloved young son Christopher. 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
This is the fifth book in this lovely series, it could easily be read on its own, however I love series & personally have to read from the start. We met Lucas in the previous book, which was Simon’s story when Lucas has been presumed dead but he’s now back in London but still feels he’s dishonoured, the reasons as to why are gradually revealed. I loved Lucas who was so calm & caring. Kendra has suffered through a divorce where, as was the law, she couldn’t defend herself, my heart went out to her & the book brought out very succinctly how women & children were the property of the husband no matter how cruel he was. I loved how the chemistry between the pair grew & how they placed their trust in each other. There were some surprises on the way to their HEA & at times I really did wonder whether they would find it. I also loved that there were cameo appearances not only from other characters from this series but also from the Lost Lords series. A well written engrossing read that I found very hard to put down & I look forward to the next in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Fantastic book. I have looked forward to Lucas’s story since his appearance in Once a Spy. Lucas is Simon’s cousin and foster brother, and it was because of Lucas that Simon and Suzanne were on the Continent when Napoleon broke loose. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen once Lucas returned to England.
It hasn’t been easy for him. First, he had to regain his health, which he did under the watchful eyes of Simon and Suzanne. Then he had to resume his place in Society. This was difficult to do with many people disapproving of his actions during the war. Lucas himself feels guilty over his breaking parole to escape, even though his captors had already broken those rules. As the book opens, Lucas is drifting, unsure of his place in the world of his birth, and missing the healing work he did with Friar Emmanuel. But all of that changes when a woman in black enters the ballroom.
Kendra attended the ball in a desperate attempt to repair her reputation. Her husband accused her of infidelity, divorced her, and took her son away from her. Her bravado quickly fades as whispers circle the ballroom, and no one will look at or speak to her. Just as she’s ready to retreat, one man comes forward and asks her to dance.
I loved this scene between Kendra and Lucas and its immediate insight into both characters. Kendra is brave, independent, and determined. Lucas is kind, compassionate, and gentlemanly. I loved how they bonded over both having “dishonorable” reputations, ready to support each other. Then they realized that they knew each other years before and connected over their shared memories of that carefree Season. I liked how they made their escape and continued their conversation. When Lucas heard Kendra’s story of what happened to her, he immediately offered to help.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lucas and Kendra as they worked to discover and reveal the truth. Both are fully conscious of the rules of society and are careful in their actions. Kendra needs to restore her reputation to gain custody of her son, so she and Lucas are careful to maintain the proprieties. I liked that they first expanded on the friendship of their youth, comfortable with being honest with each other. The more time they spent with each other, though, the sparks of attraction began to complicate matters. I liked the way that they supported each other. Lucas introduced Kendra to people who could help her, people who quickly became friends. Kendra helped Lucas see that he needed to continue his work to feel whole. I ached for them as their feelings for each other grew stronger because they could see no possibility of being together.
I loved following the progress of Kendra’s quest. The abuse that she suffered and the humiliation of her husband’s actions could have broken her, but she was stronger than she knew. It was satisfying to see the support and help she received from Lucas’s friends and family. It was grand to see so many characters from earlier books as they joined the search for justice. I especially liked the ladies’ fencing group and the eyebrows they raised. These women played a pivotal role later in the book. There was an unexpected twist regarding Kendra’s son that added extra complications to her quest. There were also several appearances by Kendra’s ex-husband, a nasty piece of work whose threats were frightening. I liked how the search for answers began to get results, instilling hope that Kendra would succeed. The plan that she and the others devised was beautiful in its simplicity and theatricality. I was on the edge of my seat as they carried it out and cheered at its success. I especially loved what it meant for Lucas and Kendra.
In addition to Kendra’s problem, Lucas also had his cross to bear. The guilt he felt over his escape made him particularly sensitive to the way other people viewed it. I ached for him every time someone made a comment or accusation. There was one man who was especially vitriolic every time he saw Lucas, but would never come out with any details about why he felt that way. I had to laugh when Kendra intervened, accusing them both of acting like children and forcing them, at swordpoint, to settle the matter. It’s amazing what a little communication can do. I loved that not only did Lucas not hold a grudge, but he also used his healing talents to help the man. It was also a turning point for Lucas, who finally let go of his guilt.
I also LOVE this cover.
Lucas Manderville, Baron Foxton is back from the dead and trying to reacclimate himself into society, but by escaping his parole while a prisoner of war has brought his honor into question and made him a bit of a pariah. He is floating on the edges of the ballroom when a beautiful woman in black arrives and the whispers start. Feeling a kinship to her, he asks her to dance and realizes that he knows her or rather knew her years ago when he was getting ready to ship out with the navy.
Kendra Douglas, formerly Kendra Hawthorne, Lady Denshire is a divorcee and out for justice. Her ex-husband George, Lord Denshire told vile lies about her to gain a divorce and has taken her son from her all because her grandfather left her fortune in her hands and she refused to give him free reign. She wants to clear her name and get her son back, but has no idea where to begin. Dancing with Lucas opens a world of opportunities and when he offers to help her, it is a godsend!
While they are trying to clear her name, he too will have to face his past and come to terms with his actions. As they work together and shocking secrets are uncovered and memories are recovered, they grow closer, but thanks to her divorce decree, Kendra cannot remarry while Denshire lives, so HEA many not come for years – if ever.
This was a great slow burn, friends to lovers romance, with wonderful lead characters and lots of cameos from the Lost Lords and Redeemed Rogues and their wives. The book has a bit of everything, lies, scandal, intrigue, surprising twists and turns, familiar faces, grudges, forgiveness, a dash of paranormal, warm love scenes and a wonderful and sweet ending. And if that wasn’t enough, I found the author’s notes about Regency divorce and POW parole absolutely fascinating. This is the fifth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title. I really enjoyed this installment and am happy to recommend this title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
What a totally wonderful read from (I’m embarrassed to admit) a new author to me. I was hooked from the beginning of this enchanting story. There is so much to tell but I don’t want to give away spoilers. The scenes were vivid. The characters evolved so dynamically. The storyline was a powerful one.
When disgraced divorcée Kendra Douglas shows up at a ball, whispers begin as the ballroom attendees clear a path for her.
Royal Navy officer Lucas Mandeville, (Lord Foxton) would rather be on the burning deck of a ship than in a ballroom, he knows it’s just a matter of time before someone challenges him again.
Can Lord Foxton help Kendra restore her good name and get her son back? Will all this closeness find them falling in love?
Oh, this is such a gripping story of deception, lies, abuse, redemption, forgiveness, and love. It runs you through it all. I even had tears in my eyes.
I will definitely be reading more books from this author.
Thank you to #ZebraBooks and #NetGalley for the copy of this book.
Lady Phoebe Francesca Maitland read an advertisement of a man looking for a wife. She could not believe what she read and found that he was not a gentleman It would cause a scandal. So she wrote to him, several times.
She thought she was in love with George Hastings, her music teacher. He was coming today to ask for her hand.
She had been compromised. The duke, her father, paid him off and sent him on his way.
Hugh Winthrope, the future Earl of Albury, was busy being nagged about finding a wife. His father is very sick and believed to be dying. He lost so much weight. He wanted to see his son settled before that came to be. His secret is he can’t speak. He uses sign language. But he is still ruthless and takes nothing for granted.
Every book I have read of this author has never disappointed. This one included, Phoebe and Hugh have some very rough spots to make it through. The characters are fun, endearing, and witty. The storyline is entertaining and covers all the questions you might have about the book. I loved the book and was glad I could read it.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
It’s been a few years since I’ve read Mary Jo Putney. In fact, the last book of hers I read was the first book of the Rogues Redeemed series, so I was looking forward to reading Once Dishonored.
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me, and I was quite surprised by that. I remember thoroughly enjoying many of Mary Jo Putney’s books in the past, so I’m not sure what happened here. I feel like it might be a change in my personal reading preference.
I didn’t feel a connection TO either of the main characters, nor did I feel much of a connection BETWEEN any of the characters. I even found the conversations to be stilted and awkward, with an excess of exclamation points thrown in. Also, the storyline itself didn’t play out like I imagined it would, and it didn’t keep my attention at all.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***
A Fight for Justice
Mary Jo Putney jumps right into Lucas and Kendra’s story. They find a kindred spirit in each other’s loss of reputation, and Lucas promptly offers to help Kendra regain custody of her son. Simon and Suzanne Duval, from Once a Spy, are eager to help. Kendra’s experience is tragic, as she is a woman during a time of patriarchal law in English history. Thankfully Lucas has the rank, persistence, healing knowledge, and friends to help her. Friends such as Lord and Lady Kirkland from Not Quite A Wife. It was nice to see how wonderful these families are doing, and how kind they are to their extended family. Kendra’s bravery and fortitude in her situation is admirable. I was genuinely happy that she finally got her happy ending. Lucas and Kendra’s love is the quiet dependable type, with a strong root of trust and mutual understanding. A great read for Mary Jo Putney fans!
Lucas and Kendra could have their own soap opera show with the amount of baggage they each carried and I was positively hooked on what the final outcome would be! There’s a little bit of everything happening-reputations at stake, divorce law-fascinating business there, high society…the good, the bad, and definitely the ugly, a dashing bit of romance, a women’s fencing club! information merchants, and an extended family you’ll wish to have over for holiday dinners just to hear about their colorful pasts!
I haven’t read previous books in this series, the matter of which will be rectified sooner rather than later, and had no trouble following along.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/Kensington and this is my honest review.