Once Dishonored: An Empowering & Thrilling Historical Regency Romance Book (Rogues Redeemed 5) Kindle Edition

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.

There is an abundance of heartfelt emotions being displayed by the main couple in the fifth Rogues Redeemed story, and each time a feeling is demonstrated, I felt further connected to Lucas Mandeville and Kendra Douglas. Their current lives are definitely filled with uncertainty, and one shocking revelation after another only adds to the turmoil each often suffers. Mary Jo Putney has certainly put her characters through a lot in order for them to be “redeemed” in this series, and what these two have to endure is more than many people could withstand without giving up. I really enjoyed seeing whether Lucas and Kendra would let their emotions rule their actions or if inner strength would prevail.Although Lucas Mandeville has a title, many of his peers look down on him because of what happened while he served in the Royal Navy, but he is taking steps to be accepted in society once again. While at a ball, a woman unknown to him arrives, and it is quickly apparent that those in attendance also do not approve of Kendra Douglas. Feeling a deep understanding of what the divorced woman is going through when out in public, Lucas and she form a surprising association based on what each has gone through in their pasts. Kendra now needs truths to come out, and perhaps the shunned former soldier can actually help in giving her a better future.With actual historical events scattered throughout ONCE DISHONORED along with a very intriguing romance, the Regency period is compellingly depicted with entertaining situations. I never knew what would happen next in the story, as numerous unanticipated events arose without any warning, some suspenseful while others dealt more with personal issues that greatly affected Kendra and Lucas. Neither of their lives have gone very well lately, and what both have to face from time to time is portrayed with honest reactions which are frequently touching.I really liked Lucas and Kendra when first met, and as I got to see how each would respond to the many developments which they had to experience, I found them to be even more appealing. Quite a few characters from previous releases by Ms. Putney make an appearance, and their roles in the storyline had me cheering them on while also discovering the status of how their lives have turned out. When I pick up a book written by Mary Jo Putney, I know there will always be plenty of cleverly plotted circumstances taking place plus distinctive characters. Rating – 4.5 Stars

I have been buying and reading this author’s books for many years. Her storylines are always strong and her characters colourful.To be fair, I continued reading this book, even after I had begunto realise the plot was pretty unbelievable. From, the start, the dialogue and manners of the Kendra and Lucas were lacking in historic detail and it just got less period correct and lacked any sense of reality as the book progressed.Add to the picture, some pretty unlikely coincidences, such as key characters, “turning up” when the story needed to move along. These included, a missing maid, lost children and a kind hearted courtesan. But the most silly part of the book was at the end, where the evil husband was exposed during a play at an upper class ball, then shot himself.All in all, it filled a few hours of lockdown during the current pandemic. But I honestly don’t think this is one of the author’s best books.

I enjoyed this book very much. It's a story of a woman very much wronged by her ex husband. A story of friendship,turning to love. Excellent read

I loved this book could not put it down a very good READ

Full of interest and a page turner

I thought the divorce, public shame, etc., themesmade an interesting storyline. The characters were warm and intelligent. As already mentioned, the writing was of good quality.The problem for me is that the H&M’s are simply too good to be true. They just seemed to be born that way. Yes, they suffered a great deal, but I prefer it when the protagonists are a little more flawed, so you get to see an inner struggle taking place before doing the right thing or becoming better people. It would make the characters more relatable, more interesting, to watch them learn from mistakes like pretty much all human Must. Had they been portrayed more realistically, I would have become more involved with the h&h, and perhaps learned something myself from their struggles. Instead, they are already perfect, not people made of flesh and blood.Most of the women in this book are saintly, warm, beautiful, and interchangeable. The plot was rather far-fetched and implausible, so this is not a keeper for me.