Cover Image: Once Dishonored

Once Dishonored

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Member Reviews

I have been enjoying this series and this book is no exception. In fact our so very modern Kendra Douglas of the direct speech and the fencing practice in breeches is one of the more appealing regency heroines that I have met between the pages of a book in quite some time. She definitely needs a friend when she braves a ton party dressed in black and it is her good fortune to find the courageous man who despite battling with his own acceptance reaches out to hold her hand.
Kendra has been a an innocent party in an evil plot hatched by her husband to get rid of her while acquiring her fortune. She however is made of sterner stuff and determined to get back her son who has been spirited off by her mean spirited husband takes stand. Fortunately for her Lucas Mandeville stands up for her and introduces her to his friends who have strong connections with like minded couples who hold a lot of influence in the ton.
This is a slow sweet romance that brings us into contact with quite a few couples that we've met in the pages of Ms. Putney's regency romances. Lucas fascinated me when we first met him traveling as a bone setter and then his magical healing hands after the battle of Waterloo. We get to read more about Lucas's back story, his strong faith and the healing that he can perform through his faith and his strong desire to give back to the community.
Thanks to Kendra's story we get a history lesson on the power men wielded during that time period and how powerless women were to hold their own of course that was changing since Mary Wollstonecraft is working on the emancipation of women. This story is well paced with the personal, the history and the plot to win Kendra's freedom all absorbing.
This book is a definite winner for me.

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A delightful Regency romance! Lord Foxton (Lucas) and Lady Kendra are both pariahs in polite society, he for his actions during war and she because of allegations made by her rotten husband. She's lost custody of her son, Christopher and getting him back is what she wants more than anything. Lucas' cousin Suzanne hears her story of abuse and agrees to help her. This is a slow burn romance (it's a Regency after all) where friendship and respect turns to love. I liked that this incorporated a look at domestic abuse and divorce during the time frame. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read for fans of the genre. These are wonderful characters.

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Book 5 in the Rogues Redeemed series.
First, the cover is amazing.
Kyla Douglas, was a divorcee, this was not heard at this time. Women couldn't even defend themselves. Lucas, Lord Foxton was shamed for running away on parole.
I loved that these list souls found each other to fight for each other.
Characters from previous books involved. Kit and Katie are too cute

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I received a copy of this title for an honest review. Once Dishonored can be easily lead as a stand-alone and features the story of Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, and Kendra, Lady Denshire. Lucas was presumed dead for several years during the Napoleonic wars, but has recently returned home. Suffering from guilt over his escape, he spent his past years wondering the Europe working as an assistant for a bone setter. Now that he is home, he struggles with society's and his own view of his loss of honor over his escape after giving his word that he would not and receive parole. Kendra, is a notorious divorcee who is trying to deal with society's opinion of her in addition to trying to be re-united with her son.

Once Dishonored features two wounded individuals trying to come to terms with their lives while finding a new version of normal. I liked both Kendra and Lucas overall and appreciate as always Ms. Putney's portrayal of adults who act as such within the confines of the time period. I also appreciate the emotional depth of the story, but there were a couple of elements of the story that strained my credibility and prevented me from rating this 4 stars as I did previous books in the series. Overall, I did enjoy the story and found it a good way to spend an afternoon; I'll be reading the next entry in the series.

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What a wonderful read. The list of friends continues to grow in the Lost Lords series. This story is of Kendra who has been abused and divorced by her husband. Which was almost unheard of during that time period. Women had no rights and couldn’t even defend themselves. Basically a open and shut deal for the husband. Mary Jo Putney was very good at giving details, but not overwhelming the reader with proceedings of the divorce.
Lord Foxton, Lucas, also has his issues, being that he broke parole in France as a prisoner of war. He escaped, but in doing so is dishonored for breaking his word. The two meet again by chance at a ball, both outcasts by the Ton. Lucas makes it his mission to help restore Kendra life back to normal and she in turns helps Lucas realize that he honorable.
There are a few twists and turns, and many of the previous characters make a return appearance. Which makes me want to reread the series again, and eagerly awaiting the next book.
 I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

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How could I not give this novel 5 stars? Two lost souls finding each other is one of my favorite tropes. Mary Jo Putney knows how to put together a fast moving plot, and she writes memorable characters. I read a lot of Regencies, and rarely do I remember the people a few days after I finish the book. It’s been a while since I read a Putney novel, so what fun to meet up with some characters again in “Once Dishonored.” Now I plan to go back and reread her earlier works.

Mary Jo Putney’s writing style is effortless, though I wince saying that, knowing it must takes much effort to bring her works alive. This one hooks you in the first couple of pages, so give yourself a block of free time, because you won’t want to put it down. “Once Dishonored” can definitely be read as a stand-alone, and I give it a solid 5 stars.

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A disgraced lord and a disgraced lady join forces to redeem her blackened character and get her son back, in the latest of the Rogues Redeemed series.

Two characters who fit well together, a lot of surprises, and an organic romance. Worth reading.

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3.5/5 Stars

I was really excited for Lucas’s story after he was finally found and brought home in the last instalment in the Rogues Redeemed series (Once a Spy), but I was not able to invest in his redemption as much as I have with past rogues.

Lucas Madeville, has been retuned to London and his rightful place as earl, now he must find a way to regain his honour after breaking his parole with the French in the Napoleonic wars. He is looked down upon by the men and women of society, until a woman also as reviled shows up and he finds kinship and a purpose.

Kayla is a disgraced and divorced woman. Her honour has been taken away from her by the lies spread by her ex-husband. He has not only taken away her life and standing, eh has taken her son… she would do anything to get him back.

Allied by a kinship of their lost hour and a mutual like a they shared when they were younger, Lucas and Kyla band together to restore their honour and get Kyla her son back.

**SPOILER**
I found the at the solution to the return of their honour unsatisfying. For Lucas it. Was too simple, just finally owing up to what happened and the circumstances righted his slight. While, for Kyla her solution was overly dramatic and only got more so by her accusers actions in the aftermath.

In general I found this story had a slow start and picked up well in the middle, but the ending while entertaining wasn’t what I had hoped for and wrapped it up too neatly. In general, the book was good, but it didn’t rank as highly as some of the other Rogues for me.

The fifth book in the Rogues Redeemed series, Once a Spy by Mary Jo Putney is due to release September 29th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books and Zebra Romance through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#OnceDishonored #MaryJoPutney #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

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It’s perfect in every way! It’s a sort of friends to lovers romance, but not quite. They dance several times when they were younger and always enjoyed spending time together. Now they’re both dishonored and shunned, but they’re also each other’s path to salvation. I really loved it.

I also love when a great read ends with an author’s note. All the added period details and proof of all the research that went into creating a wonderfully crafted read, gives me more reasons to appreciate the talent that is Ms. Putney.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Poor Kendra is a shunned woman, she is divorced and her husband made her out to be an adulteress. Kendra is stubborn and shows up to party for the ton. While there she almost turns to fell but Lucas saves her.. He is not comfortable with the ton either an after hearing her story, he and his friends decide to assist and while at each getting a chance at happiness, which they both truly deserve

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Once Dishonored by Mary Jo Putney is the 5th book in the series Rogues Redeemed. The series is all about soldiers and spies. Her theme that love conquers all, makes the books even more enjoyable. Each book in the series can be read as a stand alone.

Honor is an interesting element to the tonne of London and England. A man’s word is his honor and no matter why it might be broken, once broken all honor is lost. Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton knows this and feels it keenly. As a soldier, he needed to make a decision to save his life at the expense of his honor and people are slow to forgive him.

Kendra Douglas also is without honor, but for a different reason. She refused to give her husband any more money for his “pastimes”. To punish her he put on an elaborate scheme to deprive her of her son and her standing in the tonne. Kendra wants her son back, so faces the ugliness the tonne dishes out to her.

Lucas and Kendra end up helping each other along with characters from previous books. The story line and the characters are what makes this book so much fun. I quite enjoyed several of the scenes where Kendra finally tells her secrets to find out other women will care and help her! Once Dishonored by Mary Jo Putney was a good read.

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Lucas Mandeville now Lord Foxton danced with the divorcee Kendra Douglas, Lady Denshire. She had stood in the middle of the dance floor, alone, being whispered about and no one moving to dance. He walked up to her and asked her to dance but then he had his own scandal. When the music stopped, he asked her if she was ready to go and offered to walk her home. When they arrived he began to tell his story, then she told hers and had very strong feelings about getting her son back. There are a few things going on in this story. Both of them need help to overcome their scandals. He introduces her to his almost- brother and Suzanne his wife. They start to talk and also try to figure out a way to help them.
I was so engaged in the story, I couldn't stop reading. The characters were amazing. The storyline was exciting. The generosity of some of these people and how they go out of their way to help them. The steps they had to take to get the problems, hopefully, resolved was surprising. I am glad I got a chance to read this novel.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

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I’ve never read a Mary Jo Putney romance before but I’m really glad the Netgalley gods decided to approve this title for me. I had a pretty fun time with this romance and enjoyed the main characters and the chemistry between them. I love a good story about societal outcasts. The romance progresses fairly slowly but it is incredibly satisfying to see them together. Also love a divorced heroine in the regency era!

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Can love overcome scandal for two scarred souls? Kendra & Lucas have both been unfairly accused and treated horribly by their peer. Lucas who was a hero and battle scarred worn escapee from France was accused of acting dishonorably without knowing all the facts! Kendra’s husband divorced her for allegations of sexual misconduct of an orgy with his friends in a court of law , but she was not allowed to defend herself. Of course it never happened, he wanted to obtain her fortune and control of their son!

Now that the two have met they were going to try and sort out the lies and fix the problem of Kendra’s never seeing her son or being allowed to get married.

The author has done a tremendous amount of time to twist together a campaign to guide a wonderful blend of characters and humor and spice to make this book attention-grabbing and refreshing!
I was enamored with the storyline and how captivating the characters were for me.

Thank you to the authors and publishers who work diligently for us the readers.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

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A good story with well-written characters that I definitely enjoyed.

As I read this book, I realized that I really like when the main characters meet in the first chapter, just like in this story. We meet Kendra and Lucas in the first chapter, and we learn about the tragic events in their past. I liked the main characters straight away.

They are multi-dimensional and interesting. Lucas is a strong man, but not your typical imperious alpha male that romance now abounds. He is an excellent example of how you can create a really strong male character that supports the heroine but does not impose his will on her. I also love that Lucas appreciates Kendra for her character and how she handles problems, not just for her beauty. Kendra deserves it, she is indeed a strong woman, fully capable of independent decisions. Together, Kendra and Lucas make a remarkably successful couple. I think they fit together perfectly, and you definitely feel it.

The fact that they become friends before becoming lovers also contributes to this impression. There is no insta-love or even insta-lust here. They are unquestionably attracted to each other, but they don't play on it right away. I appreciate it for sure, it’s refreshing. The sex scenes aren't very explicit. Kendra and Lucas had known each other in the past but are now reconnecting. And although they only spend a few weeks together, you don't get the feeling that everything is happening too fast. There is something very comforting and heart-warming about their relationship. And these are the vibrations that persist throughout the book, even though there are some rather serious and even dark topics.

I really like it when there is also an extensive non-romance thread in my romances. This is the case here. Kendra and Lucas's developing feelings are intertwined with their efforts to solve Kendra's problems. It works for me very well. I was really interested in this plot.

The author also did a great job of letting the events and actions of the characters show their stories and their personalities. This is especially true of Lucas, who is often ostracized in the society and this is how we learn what his situation is and how he reacts to it. We can also see it in the case of Kendra, where, in addition, in her reaction, we observe how she slowly regains self-confidence and takes control of her life. Great job.

The only thing I didn’t like was a minor paranormal thread. It was unnecessary in my opinion. I think it could be easily avoided by relying on the normal skills of the characters.

So far, I have only read the older books by this author, published in the 90s. This one I undeniably liked the most and I will undoubtedly look at other books in this series. I also recommend this book to people who like endings in Shakespearean style.

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Mary Jo Putney entertains with this gothic regency romance Once Dishonored. Kendra Douglas is a divorced dishonored woman who has been totally wronged by her lying divorced husband. Lord Foxton has a similar spotty past. Both engage to work together to right their reputations. Read and enjoy the romp.

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Thanks to netgalley for this ARC. This was the fifth novel in the rogues redeemed series and as always the novels in this series are well writen. The historical backdrop of the novel was unique. Overall a great read.

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Once Dishonored is the fifth book in the Rogues Redeemed series by Mary Jo Putney. This is the first book I've read in this series, and I feel it can hold well as a stand alone.

I love this cover! And yes, there are fencing scenes, which are descriptive and well done.

The concept is so unique and interesting dealing with the divorce laws during the the Regency period. I did enjoy that part of the book. Kendra Douglas is a divorcee, scandalous for the time, whose ex-husband did a lot of horrible things to get her out of the picture, and as the story opens, Kendra feels she is out of resources to find her young son, who the ex-husband has hidden away. Enter noble Lucas Mandeville, Earl of something, who stands up for her during a ball where she is being shunned. I loved this opening scene, where Lucas immediately becomes Kendra's hero.

But right off the bat, there's just so much talk. We learn both Lucas and Kendra's life histories in a chapter or two. Lucas had a lot going on -- war hero, prisoner of war, Friar's companion, bonesetter. He said he did so much it became unbelievable because he was just so good. Now look, I like good characters, but Lucas should be considered for sainthood. In fact, the lines were deeply drawn in this book, most main characters were either completely good or very, very bad. There wasn't much gray, which can make them more interesting.

I was confused a bit about this book. I honestly thought at first that this was an inspirational or Christian book. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, I just hadn't thought this author wrote in that genre.

There is a lot of talk of religion and prayers, even laying of hands for a "miracle" to occur. So it was a bit jarring going through almost 50% of the book thinking this was an inspirational story, only to have the leads do the deed rather quickly, and unromantically, right after the "healing" occurs. It was just an odd place for a sex scene, these characters hadn't even kissed up to that point.

Because there was so much talking, the dialogue was pretty unrealistic. I just couldn't get the character's distinct voices in my head, because their words just felt too forced. Even the children, who where around nine years old, sounded like the adults.

Too many things happened in this book that were way too convenient. Lucas makes a big show talking about his dirk. Uh oh, next thing he's being attacked and needs that dirk. Finding the child also happened way to conveniently.

I did like the comradery between all the women of different classes and how they were intelligent and fiercely protective of their friends and families.

So, overall, I was conflicted about this book. There were parts that I really enjoyed, and parts not so much.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel, my opinions are freely given.

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I didn't know when I request this book, that it belongs in the "Rogues Redeemed" serie. Th'at''s bad luck because Simon the predessor heros appeared a lot in this book and his book tells the search of Lucas during the Napoleon War period. I'm sure I missed a lot.
Nevertheless "once dishonered" is the story of Lucas Folcox and Kendra Dale, a divorcee. That's something quite rare in historical and offers the possibility to the author to make us aware of the woman's rights evolution. The book is well written, but for me lack of sparkle. The two heroes are really nice, but maybe too much. Lucas is really the white knight in shining armor and Kendra a mistreated woman who had really bad luck. They were acquainted before Lucas departure to the Navy durint the Season of Kendra, but no more, and connect again quite quickly
T.hey don't argue that could lead to witty conversations. Buth the supporting characters are interesting, and I'm sure the one who read the previous volumes will be happy to find them back.
I just blocked at the end of the book during the Duchess event, who could people go on after the shooting and eat !

To conclude I'ms sure that previous lectors of the serie will enjoyed this book but for the others one, I will recommand to read at lead the previous volume "Once a spy" (the stoy of Simon).

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From Goodreads: Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this book. This was a pleasant read with very clear distinction between the good guys and the bad guys. It did feel that almost everyone was little too nice and that everything always turned out so well. But, maybe that's not a bad thing in the crazy world we live in today.

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