A great addition to the Rogues Redeemed series. Very likable characters and an interesting exploration of the northern Scottish island culture as the setting. Of course Putney has a strong, capable heroine and a hero looking for redemption. It all works well..

I LOVE a Mary Jo Putney historical romance. She knows her craft so well and never disappoints. Like all of her books, the heroine in Once a Laird shines and is exactly what the hero needs in a spouse. The hero thinks he knows what’s best, but soon realizes that he wants the heroine for himself. It’s delightful!

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

I loved so much about Once a Laird by Mary Jo Putney.

Let me start with the characters. They were well drawn and suited to their time and place. Their mutual interest in antiquities and ruins added to the story. They had a past to overcome, but that was handled with grace and forgiveness. Well done.

The setting was so unique. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in these northern islands. The life, the weather, and the commerce were all fascinating to me. Putney made me want to go to Thorsay or its real life counterpart. A beautiful unique setting.

This is book #6 in the series, something I didn't know until I finished the book. Although I wondered about the other couple encountered toward the end and their stories, this book is an excellent stand alone. I will go look for the first books though.

I highly recommend Once a Laird. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #OnceaLaird #NetGalley

I have followed Mary Jo Putney and this series for a long time, and I am always looking forward to the next.

I was looking forward to the story of Ramsay and Signy. It was a great story full of intrigue, but i felt like it dragged just a bit! It was probably just me wanting to get to the good parts!

All in all, even though it did meander towards the end, it was a good story.

World traveler Kai is called to return to his home on a remote Scottish Island. The current laird is dying and Kai will be the next laird. He is pleasantly surprised by the changes he finds in his childhood friend Signy. Together they work together to find an archaeological treasure and, in doing so, each other. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington books for my honest review.

I usually love this author but I couldn't get into this book. I'm sure that others will love this book but I had a hard time concentrating.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. This did not affect my rating.
*3/5*

This *could* have been amazing. The premise was there. But sadly the writing just wasn't. There was a lot of telling. The writing and dialogue did feel too modern for a historical romance.. it almost felt like I reading a contemporary besides them not having contemporary conveniences.

Kai Ramsay is summoned home to Thorsay, a (fictional) Scottish island where his grandfather, the Laird is dying. Kai promised to return home from his travels abroad to take up the Laird mantle. Going home is not easy though - his parents and the girl he was courting have all passed away and his heart is with antiquities and searching ancient ruins.

Signy is the sister of Kai's fiancée.. and she is holding a lot of pent-up anger. Unfortunately, this doesn't last long - one outburst, a conversation, and a hug later.. everything is 'fine'. By 13% they are already contemplating being together. It all felt rushed, even though they didn't actually get together until the 84% mark (besides some kissing) - their connection just didn't seem genuine. I wanted more passion! Where was it?! Because they didn't get together until closer to the end there was no 3rd act break-up with over the top dramatics.. which was a nice change.

I wanted to see Kai struggle in his role of Laird. He hasn't been around for YEARS. There should be some kind of animosity and strife.. but there wasn't. Everyone was happy to have him home.

The conflict with Roald felt forced. He truly felt like a mustachioed twirling villain from a cartoon that was hard to take seriously. But it was also wrapped up neatly in a bow so nothing really came from it either? Roald's kids Axel and Annabelle also were insufferable - I get that their dad is awful but get your nose out of the air. UGH! They were frustrating and entitled. <spoiler> and even after being horrible and attempting to loot a Viking ship that Kai and Signy found, Kai still hands them an out on a silver platter! </spoiler>

I might check out the previous books in the series because you do get a connection with the 'rogues' at the end.. but we will see. I am interested in reading more Mary Jo Putney in the future though!

I had a little trouble getting into the book, I liked it well enough, but it didn't inspire me to keep on reading. It was a fine read, and I'm sure others will find it more to their taste. I will try other books by this author to see if I find one I'll love :)

4 stars

Part of the Rogues Redeemed Series and I've read quite a few of these Books: 1, 3.5, 4 & 5. This is book 6. They are all virtually standalone. The heros met in bad circumstances and occasionally the couples make an appearance helping out in the later books.

Kai returns to take up his role as Laird and returns to find that Signy has been helping his grandfather, Duncan run the estate. She's also a talented artist that would have liked to travel and experienc the world as Kai had in his diplomatic life.

There is a bad character but he is squashed with the help of the other rogues leaving his children to escape and perhaps have interesting lives themselves. Not a bad series, passion within marriage for those that care!

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

Kai Douglas Ramsey lost his first and only love, he thought, to fever. He was heartbroken and the pain was unbearable. His grandfather told him to appease his wanderlust until he died or was near death. Ramsey left and spent years away from home. Until he was called. He did many things in his life and he even got the chance to dig
in the ruins, he came across.
Signy Matheson was the sister of Gisela, she had been helping the laird. As he continued to get sick she took over more of his duties. When Ramsey came home she would be very happy to give it up and finally have time to herself. She painted and was very good at it. But she wanted some professional painting. Also, she had become interested in ruins, like Ramsey.
They did a little arguing at first, but he was a diplomat. He could charm the socks off an eskimo. I loved the attraction they had for each other. When a problem arose they thought about it and when they came to a decent conclusion, then the decision was made. They really were amazing. They were intelligent, listened to others, and compassionate. A wonderful story that is sure to please even the pickiest taste.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

After the death of his fiancée, Gisela, Kai Douglas Ramsey left Scotland to roam distant lands. He has searched ancient ruins, collected priceless antiquities, and escaped certain death after being imprisoned in Portugal as a spy during the Napoleonic War. Ramsay has lived on the edge of danger for years—but everything changes the day a letter arrives for him from Scotland asking him to return. Signy Matheson has dedicated her life to the people of Scotland’s remote Thorsay Islands. With a fiery spirit and agile mind, she is a faithful ally to the aging laird. But now their leader is near death, and Signy must summon his successor at once. When Ramsay returns to Thorsay, he’s shocked to find that Signy has blossomed into an alluring beauty, and a force to be reckoned with. Their complicated past interferes with their unspoken desire as they work together for their people.
The sixth book in the series & the final Redeemed Rogue to have his story. I loved both Kai & Signy, the chemistry between them sizzled, they complemented each other beautifully. I also loved the fictional island of Thorsay, the descriptions were so vivid. I was drawn into the book from the start & engrossed until the end & it was well into the night when I finished it. My only quibble was there was no epilogue, the final chapter did tie most things up but I love an epilogue, there was also at least a couple of secondary characters whose stories I’d love to read so maybe there will be a spin of series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

The latest entry into Mary Jo Putney’s Rogues Redeemed series is a lovely tale set in Thorsay, a fictional island in remote Scotland.

Kai Ramsay becomes laird of Thorsay when his grandfather dies shortly after Kai returns in response to a letter from Signy Matheson telling him that grandfather is failing. Signy is the younger sister of Kai’s first love, Gisele, whose death sent Kai wandering to exotic locales like Constantinople, where he combined his interest in antiquities with some spying.

Although there is some dramatic tension from the villain of the piece, Kai’s cousin Roald, the focus of the book is on how Kai adapts to his new situation and his growing relationship with Signy. Roald is handily dispatched thanks to some assistance from the other Rogues. Readers of the series will enjoy the reunion of all the main characters from the previous books in the series.

Thanks to #NetGalley and Kensington books for providing an advance copy of the book

Title: Once a Laird
Author Mary Jo Putney
Series: Rogues Redeemed #6
Publication Date: July 27, 2021
Publisher: Kensington

Never wanting to return to the island that hold so many memories of his beloved. Ramsay has wandered the world since he left his childhood home on Thorsay.
Informed that is grandfather is on deaths door, he must return and take up his responsibilities as Laird.
The sister of his long lost love Signy, has called back Ramsey from Constantinople.
She is all grown up and Ramsey is stunned by the this change. She has proven herself indispensable to the late Laird, and is able to help Ramsey to adjust into his new role.

This was such a lovely historical romance, one that proved to be a much needed escape from reality.
Set to the backdrop of Orkney island, along with the rich detailed imagery makes for the perfect romance. The romance was everything I hoped it would be!
I also enjoyed the addition of the animals that makes this such a lively experience.
Definitely a lovely addition to Mary Jo Putney, Rogues Redeemed book series!

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FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

#OnceaLaird #maryjoputneybooks #historicalromance #historicalromance
#gwendalynbooks

A well crafted story with wonderful characters set in Scotland it gives you an entertaining journey between Kai and Signy. Past and future come together, ancient treasures and passion lead to a lovely happily ever after.

I think the thing that I loved most about the book was the fact that the characters had a mature dialogue and that their romance was slow to blossom. Also, the Thorsay Island background was described beautifully and the idea of finding long-lost and ancient treasures put some interesting pace to the story. Kai was ready to come home in my opinion, he just needed to push and assurance to do it. Signy was a dreamer and wanted to do something with her life, that put together made the two characters likable. There were no historical problems between them, aside from Kin being engaged to Signy's sister, that aside, they were both straightforward and sincere with each other. Overall a great book with likable characters, a beautiful background, and an entertaining storyline.

I really have enjoyed reading this series and I found this book to be a great addition. I would recommend to others.

Once a Laird (Rogues Redeemed, #6)
by Mary Jo Putney

I enjoyed reading Once a Laird (Rogues Redeemed, #6) by Mary Jo Putney. It is a simple and sweet romantic fiction set in the fictional Scottish Isle of Thorsay.

Kai Ramsey is called home due to his grandfather’s failing health and impending death. He is greeted by Signey Matheson, the sister of Kai’s deceased girlfriend. Their romance blooms slowly and thrives through some expected problems.

This is the type of book I would take to the beach and read as the waves pound the sand and the seagulls squawk overhead.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am a fan of Mary Jo Putney. I’ve read at least 23 of her books and enjoyed many of them immensely, often refreshing a few times. Unfortunately, this book just did not grab my attention. Usually I can speed through a book in a couple days, but with this one, I struggled to read more than a chapter at a time. The dialogue between the hero and heroine felt stilted, and I just didn’t feel the chemistry like I have for her other books. Overall, while the book is fine, it fell a little flat.

Once a Laird continues with the last of the Rogues Redeemed series with Kai Ramsay as he returns home to Thorsay to meet the commitment he made while in prison. He immediately has to face a reminder of his lost love from her younger sister. Signy and Kai have an unusual relationship due to his courtship of her sister. This lends itself to a few possible problems, but the blowup and time have helped to heal.

The bad guy in this last book is Kai’s cousin who could call in a loan and ruin Kai’s ownership of lands on Thorsay. Said cousin, Roald, is just not nice. He is not horrible, just arrogant and self-interested over everything and everyone else.

The discovery of the ancient ship added to the relationship as Signy and Kai found more in common than their love for each other and for Thorsay. Without a spoiler, the way in which these two treated their cousins, was kind and generous – loved it! Kai seems to be continuing the tradition begun by his grandfather of helping islanders, not hurting them.

Signy expressed many times of wanting to travel away from the island. My hope (although fictional) is that Kai will truly honor her wishes and take her on that adventure fairly soon following the resolving of the issues plaquing their island and them.

I loved this series and this book. It flowed smoothly and Laird was a bit more light-hearted than previous books. In addition, Ms. Putney brought characters from prior books forward helped to end the series on a good note, letting us know they are still doing well in spite of how the rogues met. This is definitely a stand-alone and enjoyable when read in sequence, too.

Kai Douglas Ramsay receives a letter from one of his childhood friends, Signey Matheson, calling him home from his explorations of Constantinople. Signey is the little sister to Gisela, who was Kai’s first and only love. Gisela is dead, so Kai has been exploring the world and ancient ruins for the past dozen years or so. However, his grandfather is dying, and it is time for him to take over the duties as the Laird on the Scottish Isle of Thorsay. It is a rugged existence, and the islanders have been stressed with storms and disease in the recent past, so Kai returns to multiple challenges. His first challenge is to soothe Signey, who blames Kai for the death of her sister. Since Gisela died, Signey has stored up her anger and sadness and aims it all at Kai when he returns from abroad. He reacts beautifully, and Signey starts to come to terms with Kai. She has been acting as his grandfather’s advisor for several years, and once she teaches Kai all he needs to know to be a good laird, she plans to head out to explore the world herself.

This story is beautifully written and rendered. The main characters are multi-dimensional and complex, yet seem genuine and relatable. Readers can visualize the storms and the shoreline as described by the author, and can see the various actions as they occur. There are some good characters and a few not-so-good characters, and it is easy to tell them apart. The horses sound amazing and are fun to read about as well. The Island of Thorsay seems like a place where life is pared down to the essentials, and there’s not a lot of waste. The people around these characters make their life worthwhile, and their friends make a huge difference in their lives. This is a book readers will remember long after the final page is turned.