Didn’t finish. Too much soap opera and just a little too much misery for me to enjoy in my romance. I like Putney’s work in the past but it’s a little to hard to get into this one.

3.5 stars

I liked the writing but there were a lot of things, that for me didn't collate. There seems to be a very modern vibe to the attitudes of the heros. It's possible that there were some well adjusted men in olden times but I think it would be very rare. So enjoy this book for it's characterisations and plot but view it, on some level, as a positive fantasy of the era. I found it unbelievable that with 'laying on of hands' a young woman would have recovered from consumption.

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

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.

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.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.