I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
I enjoyed this novel by Ms. Putney. It contained adventure and romance. I greatly enjoyed the characters and the subplot that went along with the story. Lady Aurora Lawrence, aka Roaring Rory, has avoided marriage and enjoyed her travels with her cousin, Constance. Both are working together to write stories about heroic woman and hope to one day publish them. However, when their ship is attacked and they are taken as hostages, a huge ransom is demanded. However, Rory's father cannot pay the amount and her mother gathers what she can and seeks help to save her daughter. Gabriel Hawkins "Vance", was dismissed from the navy based on the choices he made. He runs his own ship, doing both legal and illegal dealings. He agrees to the task of rescuing Rory from Barbary pirates. Gabriel is an honorable man and knows he will do what he can to save Rory even though he has not met her yet. Both are instantly attracted to the other when they meet. Gabriel meets with a man from his past and agrees to a deal with him in exchange for Rory and Constance as well others from their captured ship. Still, nothing ever goes according to plan. As they travel by sea, feelings become more complex. Rory will sacrifice herself if it means Gabriel stays alive. When the one who planned to use the women is betrayed, Gabriel will risk all to save Rory from being in the harem. A delightful read!

Once A Scoundrel takes the reader to an exciting adventure at sea. I really liked the hero, Gabriel Hawkins. He's a decent guy with an interesting background (the redeemed rogue part). Rory (the heroine), though, didn’t seem that bright and I couldn’t make myself care about her. The story is full of action - and I like that in a romance. It felt a bit rushed like the whole book, but overall this has been a decent read.