Stevie‘s review of Once a Rebel (Rogues Redeemed, Book 2) by Mary Jo Putney
Historical Romance published by Zebra 29 Aug 17

I like the set-up of this historical series about a group of men bound together by their narrow escape from execution as enemy spies and the strong-willed women they subsequently fall for, especially since their adventures take us all around the world as they become involved in new plots and are able to help each other out by means of their individual skills and professions. This time we find ourselves in the newly independent America, at war with Great Britain once again as the two powers grapple for control of the Canadian provinces, and one of the Rogues Redeemed finds himself face to face with a woman he’d never expected to see again.

Lord George Gordon Audley grew up an unloved younger son, who spent much of his free time on the neighbouring estate with his best friend Callie. When Callie learns of her father’s plans to marry her off to an aging widowed plantation owner, the pair hatch a plan to elope together, but are discovered. Gordon is convicted of theft and kidnapping, for which the penalty is transportation, while Callie’s dreaded marriage goes ahead. Over a decade later, Gordon is tasked with travelling to Washington to enquire into the whereabouts of a British woman whose family are worried for her, and ideally bringing her back. Meanwhile, the widowed Callie has made a new life for herself with her husband’s mixed-race children by his former mistress, and their maternal grandparents, although all worry what might happen to them should either the warring armies or Callie’s legitimate stepson encroach on their property.

Gordon discovers that Callie is the woman he has been sent to find when he encounters her fending off a gang of marauding soldiers. The pair seek refuge together and make plans to meet up with Callie’s adopted family, who have already left the city. The path to happiness is littered with obstacles, but others of the Rogues Redeemed are on hand to help out, and even the eventual arrival of Callie’s stepson to claim the property he believes to be his by right does not impede our heroes for too long.

All in all, an excellent continuation of the series, that also works well as a story in its own right. I’m greatly looking forward to seeing where the next novel will take us and what adventures will beset the Rogues Redeemed next.

Grade: A

Read Sandy’s review here.

Summary:

As Washington burns, Callista Brooke is trapped in the battle between her native England and her adopted homeland. She is on the verge of losing everything, including her life, when a handsome Englishman cuts through the violent crowd to claim that she is his. Callie falls into her protector’s arms, recognizing that he is no stranger, but the boy she’d once loved, a lifetime ago.

Lord George Gordon Audley had been Callie’s best friend, and it was to Gordon she turned in desperation to avoid a loathsome arranged marriage. But the repercussions of his gallant attempt to rescue her sent Callie packing to Jamaica, and Gordon on a one way trip to the penal colony of Australia.

Against all odds, Gordon survived. Finding Callie is like reclaiming his soul, and once again he vows to do whatever is necessary to protect her and those she loves. But the innocent friendship they shared as children has become a dangerous passion that may save or destroy them when they challenge the aristocratic society that exiled them both…

Other books in this series: