This was a very enjoyable read. Gordon is hired to rescue a widow in America during the War of 1812. When he locates the widow he discovers it is his childhood friend. I thought how Putney weaved her story around two historical battles was very interesting. I did think the end was a bit drawn out and dragged when they got to England. I do love her writing style and how she tells stories. I really did enjoy this book and can't wait to read the 3rd one. I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for a review from Net Galley.

This was truly a fully fleshed out and wonderful read. To summarize the plot, Callie and Lord George are childhood best friends and neighbors with horrid fathers. Callie’s father decides to rid himself of her and announces he has found her a husband. He’s three times her age, a man she’s never met and will take her away to Jamaica to live. Callie runs to Lord George and they decide to run to Gretna Green; they stop to rest and the father’s alerted by one of Callie’s sisters, found them. In trying to save Lord Georges life who was being beaten to death by her father she promised she would marry the man and be a good and dutiful wife. Later Callie was told that George had been killed on his way to Botany Bay.

It’s fifteen years later, and Callie is widowed with two step-children and living in Washington, as the British are invading and trying to burn it down. She sends her family and retainers off to Baltimore fearing for their safety, while she remains behind to keep her home and dressmaking business safe from looters and approaching British soldiers. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to her some rebel snipers had such into her home and used the upper floors to try and assassinate the top British officer as he rode through town. They blamed Callie and just as she was about to be raped or worse, a hero came to her rescue.

The hero turned out to be Lord George, now calling himself Gordon who had survived and was sent on a mission by relatives to try to discover and save the missing widow, and/or provide for her if she wouldn’t come back to England. They both recognized one another and the friendship they once had allowed Callie to trust Gordon to see her to her step - family and decide whether to remain in America or go back to England.

This was a real adventure, packed with an enormous amount of American history and a wonderfully sensual romance. I can’t say much more about it other than it was on those hard-pout-down reads!
Highly recommended.

Marilyn Rondeau

Thanks Kensington Books and netgalley for this ARC.

You know when you read a Mary Jo Putney book you are getting quality. This so far surpassed my expectations. Reading about the early days of the United States is just a bonus background to this exciting, explosive romance.
Can't wait to see what the next book in the series will be.

A lot happened in this book. I felt exhausted after reading it. It reminded me a little bit of Old School romances, where A LOT HAPPENED IN THIS BOOK. It was also a little bit predictable, but I still enjoyed it. It was fun to see a book set during the War of 1812. It was nice to show people living in different parts of society. I enjoyed how different this was from what I normally read. I kind of want a book focused on the heroine's step-daughter. I enjoyed her step-family so much I'd like to spend more time with them.

Mary Jo Putney introduces us to a regency romance set in the War of 1812. George Audley is commissioned by the British government to recover a British widow from Washington while it is under British attack. The widow is his old flame Callie Stanfield whom he tried to elope with disastrously unsuccessfully in their salad days. Romance reignites and they embark for England after many adventures; treachery awaits. Read and enjoy.

Mary Jo Putney is one of the Historical Romance Authors that got me addicted to Historical Romance years ago. I have learned more about World and American History reading Historical Romance Novels than I ever did in school. This story takes place during The War of 1812. From England to the new United States of America and back to England.

Lord Richard Audley and Callie Brooke grew up as neighbors and are best friends. Fate has plans for them that will separate them as young adults and reunite them years later in America during a war.

Callie is in Washington when the British attack. She sends her family away and stays to protect her home. Just when she thought her life was over a hero emerges and saves her. Only her savior is not a stranger, it's the boy grown into a man and he isn't dead like she was told.

Richard is in America to rescue a British Widow and bring her back to her family in England. Only this is no ordinary woman, it's Callie, the only person he has ever loved.

This book is non-stop action from the very beginning. This story is about friendship, redemption, and a love that grows through life threatening acts of bravery and heart stopping danger. Mary Jo writes with a unique style that has made her one of the best in the Historical Romance Genre. Strong intelligent characters with honor ingrained are her hallmark. This is the 2nd book in the Rogues Redeemed Series and I cannot wait for the next one. I highly recommend this book.
Received Complimentary Copy for an Honest Review.

Masterful!

The research by Putney gives a solid background to a story that spans some years and encompasses betrayal, heartache, the 1812 British Invasion of Washington and Baltimore, race relations, slavery and courage.
When sixteen year old Catherine Callista Brooke was being forced into marriage with a man old enough to be her father, her best friend "Lord George Gordon Richard Augustus Audley, third and most worthless son of the Marquess of Kingston", suggested elopement to Scotland.
What followed was a horrendous tale that forced the two apart and set them upon very different paths.
Now, fifteen years and many life changes later, Gordon, called Richard by Callie (one of two people only ever to do so) is asked to go to America to find a Mrs. Audley. Curiously he wonders if they are related somehow as Audley is his name. Richard arrives as the British are attacking Washington, and just as Mrs. Audley is being seized upon by looters. A kindly death seems the best of options being presented her.
Imagine his surprise when the mysterious Mrs. Audley is the Callie of his youth. Callie is even more astonished when the friend she'd been told had died appears back from the dead effecting a dramatic rescue.
And this is less than a quarter of the way into the story.
I found the moments throughout of Callie dealing with what the future might hold for her and the letting go insightful.
This a gripping tale that had me reading over breakfast, on the subway and in between various appointments until I'd finished.
Explosive stuff! A fitting follow up in the Rogue Redeemed series.

A NetGalley ARC
(August 2017)

FINAL DECISION:  Childhood friends who become lovers, this story takes place in an under-represented time period which makes the events interesting. The story is a slow burn and the romance develops more slowly than I would like.

THE STORY: Callista Brooke is in the middle of the burning of Washington in the War of 1812. Widowed from the man her father forced her to marry, Callista is now raising her husband's illegitimate children. In danger, a man rides up to save her. Lord George Gordon Audley has taken the job of bringing Callista back to England. What Gordon didn't know is that Callista is his childhood friend. Callista is shocked by the appearance of her friend Richard who she believed died after being transported for "kidnapping" her. What had actually happened was the Richard had attempted to rescue Callista from her forced marriage, but the two had been caught by their fathers. Now Richard and Callista must make their way to safety during a war.

OPINION:  I enjoyed the relationship between the hero and heroine here, but the actual ending seemed a bit wanting for me. This is a story of two people who are friends, are apart for almost half their lives and then find one another again. For Richard and Callista, there isn't a "wow, my friend is now a hottie that I want and love" moment. That was not only okay for me but felt natural. The two begin a relationship based on respect and friendship as they navigate the dangers that surround them both from the war and also the personal problems. But I really wanted something to click with them sooner than it did and something more passionate and exciting to happen between them personally.  Instead, this is a "we gradually realize that we must be in love" story.

I was a bit disappointed by this, because I liked there characters. They both have had difficult lives since they parted, but have made themselves survivors. This is an opportunity for them to finally find something joyous with one another.

I especially liked the time and place of this book as it begins because not many romances are set in America during the War of 1812. This book gives a glimpse into a different time period. The characters also manage to move back to more familiar England and a whole new set of issues arise.

Although the action in the last portion of the book happens really quickly, I ended up loving the relationship between Richard and Callista at that point. The two have found some joy and peace with one another and the drama is the catalyst that brings them finally to the realization that they truly love one another. (But the relationship never seems like a deeply passionate one).

WORTH MENTIONING: One thing that bothered me about this story is how Callista's step-children are so important to her but they characters are jettisoned part way through the book. I felt the story should have committed to them or excised them completely.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  ONCE A REBEL is the second book in the Rogues Redeemed series. While there are overlapping characters, this book can be read as a standalone without missing anything at all.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 3 stars.

NOTE:  I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

I really liked this historical fast-paced read. The story has plenty of drama, suspense and Callie and Richard have a huge history together. I liked the characters and I found the story entertaining.

I really enjoy Ms Putney's books and this one was no different. I love to get various historical details along with a good plot and engaging characters. The references to the war of 1812 from the US as well as British viewpoints, with the context of the Napoleonic wars, were very interesting, very well done. I highly recommend this book.

**** 3.5 stars: Loved it and probably stayed up all night reading and developing real feelings for fictional people.

This Middle-Ages romantic drama will keep you up all night reading. Another great Heather Graham historical romance.





Recommended readers:

If you like Mary Jo Putney
If you like a mix of English and American historical fiction
If you like rekindled love stories
Here's my Rankings:

5/5 for characters
4/5 for plot
4.5/5 overall
REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER:

After escaping - albeit not with scars - her challenging English childhood, Callista finds herself in Washington DC as the city burns from Revolutionary War struggles. At a time when desperation was near, she encounters someone from her childhood. As she struggles with her country of old and adopted country, Callista must overcome many pasts. A sweet romance and interesting Revolutionary War plot make Mary Jo Putney's latest an enjoyable read. While the passion may be a little lacking, like many historical romances you'll enjoy the plot as it weaves through fictional and factual events in history.

Available Aug 29: Once A Rebel by Mary Jo Putney

Reads as story within a story, within a story. Callie and Gordon/Richard share a childhood which ends abruptly. She's headed for marriage in the West Indies while he's headed on a prison ship for Australia. Years later they chance to meet again, after numerous personal life changes...
Good historical romance, better historical novel. Interesting mix of American and English history in same book. Characters buildup was good though sometimes missed the mark. Still enjoyed the stories. Would like to read more of Molly, Trey and Joshua's family and Peter and the Carroll family.
Voluntarily read ARC, through Netgalley and publisher, for honest review.

This was a very good read by one of my favorite authors. MS Putney writes so realistic, emotional and intriguing romance that had me at first page. I really enjoyed this book of Rogues Redeemed #2 in the series. You don't have to read the first to enjoy this stand alone copy.
Callie Brooke and Lord Richard Audley have been childhood friends a long time. They could depend on each other for support growing up at neighboring estates. Now Callie being sixteen has come to Richard for help. She is being made to marry a man her father has chosen. Callie and Richard will slip away from her family and get married. But they are caught by respective fathers and Richard is shipped away on a prison ship. Callie didn't want her friend hurt, but now she's married and Richard died on ship.
Several years later, Callie is living in Washington, DC as a widow with her two step children. They are hiding from relatives, and trying to get out of the city where a war is happening.
One day, Callie is almost assaulted by a British solider, and Richard Audley saves her. He claims her as his wife to help her get out the city by any means possible.
I like Callie who survived by any means even with a husband who was not faithful and taking care of her step children. Now Richard and Callie have a chance to get to know each other on their way to England. Richard now has now the time to make Callie believe in happy ever after with love is the key.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

Once a Rebel
by Mary Jo Putney
Callie & George's story

Callie and George have been childhood friends, best friends through thick and thin. When Callie found out that her father had sold her off in marriage to a man old enough to be her father, to far away Jamaica no less! She turns to her best friend to save her, George decides to runaway to Greta Green and marry unfortunately they never made it, they were betrayed and the repercussions were grave! Forced to marry the old plantation owner to save George. Callie departs for Jamaica thinking that George was safe, but the cruelty of their fathers knew no boundaries, being the third son he's shipped off to Australia's penal colony.....one way ticket. She was led to believe that he died!

Fifteen years later Callie is now a widow and has moved to Washington with her "family", war has erupted and the country is in turmoil. Civil unrest becomes violent and her life and those of her family is in grave danger until a handsome Englishman claims her as his wife. Stunned to see that her childhood friend is the man who laid claim on her and is truly very much alive!

Lord George Gordon Richard Augustus Audley are some of the names he's used and finds his childhood sweetheart at the heart of Washington during the fires and unrest. Realizing that she's the widow he's supposed to bring back to England, believing that this is fate giving him a second chance at love.

This is one none stop action packed story. A story full of intrigue with lots of historical information and well researched on The War of 1812. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves some intrigue and suspense in their stories and of course a hero who will never give up on the woman he loves!
I look forward to the next Rogue Redeemed story.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion.

I just wasn't a fan of this book. It couldn't keep my attention and couldn't read it all so I am not reviewing this book

This friends-to-lovers story is another entertaining historical romance from Mary Jo Putney.

Lord Gordon Audley has done things in his life he’s not proud of, so when he is offered a job rescuing an Englishwoman from the war raging in the United States, he’s willing to take the risk. Upon his arrival in Washington as the British are burning the city, Gordon saves the woman from mistreatment at the hands of soldiers and is surprised to find that she his childhood friend, Callista Brooke. Separated by their cruel fathers as teenagers, they are happy to find each other again. But Gordon quickly decides he wants more from Callie than friendship and begins wooing her to be his bride. A widow, Callie is reluctant to consider marrying again, but as affection deepens to passion, she realizes that a marriage with her best friend could be a wonderful thing. But their growing relationship has its trials, as they deal with both military battles and battles with their pasts.

The setting of the novel—the United States during the War of 1812—makes this book special. Not many historical romances are set during the early republic, and it’s nice to read one that explores the period. Putney lives near Baltimore, and she incorporates the pivotal 1814 Battle of Baltimore into the plot of her story. That’s the battle immortalized in “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and Francis Scott Key himself makes a cameo appearance in the novel.

As a friend-to-lovers story, the romance described here is more gentle than tumultuous and fiery, which may not be to every reader’s taste. I enjoyed the way their relationship developed, though, as their feelings evolve from their youthful friendship and affection to passion and then to love. I think it’s an excellent example of that particular trope. There’s plenty of action surrounding other aspects of Gordon and Callie’s personal lives to add excitement to the story, too.

I’d recommend this book for Putney’s fans or for any reader who enjoy stories about friends falling in love.

An eARC of this novel was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

'Once a Rebel' by Mary Jo Putney is Book Two in The "Rogues Redeemed" series. This is the story of Catherine Callista 'Callie' Brooke and Lord George Gordon 'Richard' Audley. I have read the other book in this series but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Callie and Richard have been childhood best friends until one day when she was sixteen her father informed her that she will marry and older man. Callie's father never really liked her, he beat her and was happy to be rid of her. The same with Richard, his father never had any use for him since he was the third son of Marquwss of Kingston. So they had build a closeness that each went to the other for help and advice. So when Callie needed away out of this up and coming marriage she ran to Richard for help. Richard suggested they run off and get married. Scotland allows a 16 girl to marry and Richard was 21. But they were caught midway there and Callie was forced to go through with the marriage to save Richard from her father trying to kill him. His father didn't care if he was killed but Callie stood firm that she would only go through this marriage if her father didn't hurt Richard. But her father did ship him off and she thought he had died on the prison ship. Now years later, Callie is a widow with two step-children on the run from her former husbands family member. This has her in Washington DC where there is a fight brewing and she just got placed in the middle of it. Richard is an Captain now and has been asked to help find a former English Women by her family. It seem that she is thought to be in danger and they also want to make sure that she is well off. But when Richard finds this women he sees it Callie who he hasn't seen since that faithful night they were separated. Callie is using a false name to protect herself and her step children. But Richard claimed her as his wife to save her from the headed seen he found her in. But can these two pickup where they left off or are they meant to be more than best friends?
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Once a Rebel by Mary Jo Putney
Rogues Redeemed #2

I was expecting so much more from this book and though it is well researched and the writing fine the story seemed more a way to give a history lesson or two that included the evils of slavery, the war between England and America, the power of men through law over women, children and slaves and other such things. There was much violence, attempted rape, war, sibling rivalry and a bit of romance. The fifteen years without seeing one another was glossed over in some ways as Callie and Richard picked up almost as if nothing happened in between their last encounter and his trip to find Callie in America.

This was a full length novel that will appeal to some more than others and a solid read but not what I was looking for today – I had trouble relating to either of the characters and can’t put my finger on why… Anyway, thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – this is my honest review. AND, though I rate this lower than the five I gave the first book in the series I would gladly read book three when it comes out.

Like the first book in this series, the romance isn't the primary plot, so it reads a little more like a historical fiction with a romantic subplot. Unlike the first book in the series though, I didn't feel that the main plot was enough to carry the novel for the whole length. This would have been much stronger as a novella, as the first section set in Washington DC and Baltimore during the War of 1812 is well researched and historically very interesting. It's not without its flaws, as sometimes the dialogue falls a bit bluntly and the characters display a bit too modern attitudes (though I'm very grateful not to have any slavery-accepting main characters). That said, it was the last 100 pages or so that weren't great. It seemed to be a bit of wish fulfillment as we visit characters from previous novels series and check in on things at home. It could have been done with just an epilogue, so I did feel the ending dragged. That said, I'm still interested in reading on in this series, as I like how the characters have been laid out and I really enjoyed the first book.

4.5 stars

If you like friends to lovers stories - you will love this book.

Catherine Callista Brooke (aka Callie) and Lord George Gordon Richard Augustus Audley (aka Richard aka Gordon) have been the best of friends since they were children. So when Callie's father tells her that he has arranged her marriage to a much older widowed plantation owner and that she will be married immediately and go with him to Jamaica, she is frantic and turns to Richard for help running away. Richard is the rebellious third son of the Marquess of Kingston, when Callie comes to him for help, he doesn't hesitate, he suggests that they go to Scotland to marry. When they are caught by their fathers, Callie agrees to marry the man her father has chosen if he will spare Richard's life. Her father agrees, but trumps up charges and has Richard transported to New South Wales.

Fifteen years later, Richard is back in London (if you read the Lost Lords series, you might remember him as Gordon - a classmate and minor character in those books) and Lord Kirkwood has an assignment for him. He needs him to go to America and find the widow Audley and either return her to her family in England or ensure her wellbeing in America. This task will be dangerous as England is at war with America - but helping people is what Richard does best and he accepts the mission.

Callie is now widowed and has moved her "family" to Washington and assumed the identity of the widow Audley to escape her vile step-son Henry. When her husband died, he made no final provisions for his two illegitimate children with his mistress. His children are quadroons and Henry considers them slaves and wanted to sell them, Callie has grown to love the children and fled to America rather than let Henry sell them. She has worked hard and established herself as seamstress, all is going well until the British invade Washington. Fearing for her family, she sends them to Baltimore and stays behind to protect the house. She is inadvertently caught up in skirmish, her house is burned to the ground and she is in grave danger when Richard arrives and claims that she is his wife.

Callie and Richard are shocked to see one another again, Callie had been told that Richard died en route to New South Wales. Richard is overjoyed to find Callie and again offers to marry her. Callie politely declines but agrees to act the part of his wife to get to Baltimore. Richard decides that Callie is the woman for him and plans to use the time to woo her. They risk life and limb to get to Baltimore and arrive to find that Callie's extended family is safe and sound - however Baltimore is preparing for the British to attack - so there will be no easy escape for them. As they spend more time together, the more they begin to fallback into their easy friendship and Callie begins to realize that everything is changing, she is no longer quintessential to her "family" and she begins to think that marrying Richard and returning to England might be exactly what she needs. Just when it seems that her life might finally be looking up, she is faced with yet another challenge - her stepson Henry has found them. After a horrifying encounter with Henry and surviving the Battle of Baltimore - Callie agrees to marry Richard and return to England.

Once they return to England, there are more shocks in store for our lovers, such as the identity of the sister that betrayed them 15 years and the discovery that both their fathers have passed and through the fickle hand of fate - Richard is now the Marquess of Kingston. Determined to make the best of their newly rewritten future, Callie and Richard venture to the Kingston family estate to confront Richard's younger brothers. All seems to be falling into place, when another tragedy strikes them and secrets are revealed and Richard is forced to do the unthinkable to save the woman he loves more than life itself.

This book was really well done, it has an almost epic feel to it and flows perfectly. It has a lot of history, surprising cameos, steamy love scenes, life and death moments, lighthearted moments and a truly lovely soulmate type of love. My only complaint is this book really needed an epilogue - I was left wondering what happened to her family in America and what became of her unresolved feelings with her sister. Other than that, which admittedly is very minor - I enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it. It is the second book in the series, but they are very loosely connected and there would be no reason this book could not be read as a stand alone title.