What I especially liked in this novel are the historical points used here: the existence in this period of parole prisoners, who agreed to wait for a prisoners’ exchange and enjoyed as such more liberty, the conditions of the rare divorces in England, that is a civil trial for adultery for the male lover then a religious trial for the wife – because only husbands could ask for a divorce, and their wives never had the right to defend themselves as their word didn’t exist for the period laws -, the first fencing club open to women in London, and the beginning of the shelters of women in distress.

Our main characters are both victims of scorn from the Ton: Lucas was a parole prisoner, but because of the mental tortures and the repeated blows he preferred to escape, which is considered as a serious moral sin. As he feels guilty himself for finally fleeing he doesn’t do anything to defend himself. As for Kendra, her husband divorced her by making believe she was unfaithful with three of his friends, and if she doesn’t lower her eyes in front of the surrounding scorn, she doesn’t know how to prove her innocence. Their fortuitous encounter is going to boost them both, Lucas especially being very understanding and empathetic, and allow them to improve first their self-confidence and then both their situations.

Lucas is a kind hero, who after his evasion traveled with an itinerant bonesetter monk, and though learned his methods. We see him accept his past through the heroine’s influence, and jump on the occasion to work in a women shelter to use his therapeutic knowledge – and this healing power by laying on of hands that he already possessed before…
Kendra is a strong heroine who refuses to bow to the society diktats. She wants more than anything to get her son back, as he was kidnapped by her husband, and to restore her reputation, and we see her straighten her spine with the help of the hero and the friends he brings in.

These friends are numerous, more than volumes in the series or so it seems, and some probably come from other series from the same author, but as I already said that doesn’t disturb the story’s understanding. At most the reader will be intrigued and will aim to know more about them – more books to read!! Lol. And if the men are looking for witnesses allowing to refute the husband’s sayings, the women surround Kendra with their kindness and their friendship, taking her with them to the fencing club to help take her mind out of things (hence the woman’s clothes on the cover).

The instant friendship from all these women for the heroine, and the fact everyone believes her without doubting for a second, and bend over backward to help her – good for her, but it seems a bit Carebears-land -, are part of the points that bothered me a little, like the hero’s healing power because having learned bone-setting methods clearly weren’t enough, or the heroine suddenly remembering something that happened to her when her son was born 9 years before and the discoveries that ensue, or lastly the fact that actually the search for witnesses is done by other people so we’re waiting for things to progress just like she is.

I must say I was still more interested by how them would vanquish the husband than by the love story in itself. Not that it’s badly done, on the contrary the characters look good together, they resist just right and for good reasons, and the love scenes are well written, but I thought it flowed too easily, and what’s more it’s lacking steaming passion.

However I had a good reading time with this novel even if I wasn’t completely hooked, and as one previous couple intrigued me, I’m going to read their book.

Lucas Mandeville, Baron Foxton, served admirably as an officer in the Royal Navy, but that all ended when his ship was captured, and he was taken prisoner by the French. Given the fact that he broke his parole, his honor is now in question and his first attempt at braving a London ballroom isn’t going so well. Lucas would rather be anywhere else, in fact.

When a lovely lady enters the ball dressed all in black and bringing with her not so subtle whispers of scandal, Lucas comes to her aide by asking for a dance. Lucas realizes he met the now divorced Kendra Douglas before he left for the Navy. He offers to help her in any way he can as she seeks to clear her blackened reputation and find the beloved son her former husband has hidden from her. As they work together to uncover the truth of what happened on the night that brought about her ruin, Lucas and Kendra develop a close relationship and a trust that could see them through a happy life together, if they can ever clear the way forward in the midst of such disaster.

This is only my fourth read from this author, but I can safely say it is my favorite of her works. We have a mature hero and heroine communicating openly with each other and helping each other through their respective issues and hurts. There was something lovely in that, especially when added to the great chemistry they had together. The rallying of friends and allies around Kendra and Lucas was also quite delightful, as was the fact that this felt like a hard-won second chance for both of them. The plot took us all over the place, but somehow it always felt purposeful, rather than discombobulated. This story held my attention and I loved that Lucas and Kendra stood up for themselves and each other. I’m hoping this series continues.

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

This book, although an easy read, is quite quick in resolution. The solution to the main character's dilemma is almost too easy and the rapidity of the switch of their tormentors' views made for a nice story, but there was little conflict to make the story exciting.

My favorite part of this book was the hero, Lucas. He is sweet and supportive and decides to help an almost stranger with an unbelievable story, to recover her son and restore her reputation.
Kendra is intelligent and strong. She has suffered a lot during her marriage and when his husband made her look like an unfaithful wife and obtained a divorce in order to control her money, she stands up for herself.
The plot seems a bit slow and hard to believe in some parts but I really like most of it.

Once Dishonored by Mary Jo Putney
The Rogues Redeemed #5

This book resonated and educated all in one story. I loved the idea of two people coming together that had both experienced situations that gave them insight into how the other was thinking and feeling. The two were mature, insightful, caring, and wise. They came together over a cause that gave them both purpose and achieved the goal they set out to achieve…and in the process they found affection, friendship, and abiding love.

What I liked:
* That the story felt “real” and I could see myself within the story
* The writing
* Lucas: a good man with gifts that included more than his ability to heal – I liked him
* Kendra: a good woman done wrong – I loved her strength, empathy, and wisdom
* Learning more about divorce laws of the time
* Learning about the “parole” system during war
* The connection between Lucas & Kendra
* That the villain was dealt with

What I did not like:
* Kendra’s husband
* The laws of the time…

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? I think so

NOTE: This author seems to either wow me or not connect with me. On this book the connection was immediate and strong and I was definitely wowed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

After reading most of the books in the Rogues Redeemed series, I was pretty excited for this book. However, I was a little disappointed. I did like the way the book dealt with darker themes and trauma; however, I didn't find there to be enough meat to the rest of the story or enough chemistry between the main characters to balance that off well. I felt that the story fell a little flat at points and didn't really do justice to its predecessors.

I liked the main characters separate from their relationship with each other, which is a thing the book has going for it. Putney pulled off having a divorced woman who lived through an abusive relationship very well, and for that I applaud her. Lucas' journey with himself and his plotline was also very interesting. Where the book fell flat is when the romance aspect of the book was happening.

I would suggest reading the books in the series before coming to this one because it helps to feel more attached to these characters and understand the contexts of the story and the stories that came before it.

Overall ok read, I had higher hopes for it but I still enjoyed it.

-3 stars-

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC for my honest opinion in exchange.

The premise of Once Dishonored is intriguing, bringing together two people who are both unfairly ostracized by London society. Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, escaped French imprisonment by breaking his parole and escaping, an act that is considered dishonorable. Kendra Douglas has suffered through a scandalous divorce lodged by her husband, and as a result has lost her son. When they meet in a ballroom, where Kendra has shown up inescorted, Lucas senses her humiliation and asks Kendra to dance.

Kendra shares the story of her husband’s abuse and betrayal, and Lucas finds himself offering to help. He introduces her to his friends, Simon and Suzanne (from Once a Spy) and they also offer their assistance in finding her son and clearing her name.

So far, so good. Two wounded people with troubled pasts meet and work together to right a wrong. But from there, the plot turns on one coincidence after another, to the point where it just becomes silly. Caution: spoilers ahead.

Kendra wants to learn fencing so she can defend herself. Lucas just happens to belong to a fencing club that admits women, and Suzanne just happens to have a circle of friends (from the previous books in this series) that includes several women who fence there. Lucas just happens to know Lord Kirkland, a former British spymaster (from a previous Putney series) with contacts everywhere, and he is happy to lend a hand. All of the people Kendra meets accept her without reservation, even though we’re told that a divorcee is one step above a leper. When the evil ex-husband reappears, as readers know he must, it’s to accuse Kendra of hiding their son, who has run away from boarding school. The boy turns up on Kendra’s London doorstep that very night even though he’s only nine years old and the boarding school is several hundred miles away. And of course, Lucas just happens to know the headmistress of school for misfit sons…

The nadir was a scene where Lucas, who after his escape from a French prison spent several years assisting a travelling bonesetter, manages to cure a secondary character of an incurable disease by performing a laying on of hands. This was just ridiculous.

And on and on. There really isn’t a lot of conflict or danger in this story, and the path to Kendra’s redemption is miraculously smoothed whenever the smallest obstacle appears. Smoothing obstacles takes the place of any deep chemistry between these two and I didn’t feel their attraction. Dragging in so many character from previous books just cluttered up the landscape and took time away from Kendra and Lucas, which didn’t serve their romance at all.

Once Dishonored was a miss for me - an interesting premise that never got off the ground. Mary Jo Putney is usually a reliable go-to when I’m looking for a new read, which makes this one a sad disappointment.

This review has been posted at Amazon.com.

This is a wonderful romance about two people who are ostracized from society who find kindred spirits in each other. Lucas Mandeville had been a prisoner of war and held in France. He escaped when he realized that the man who held him would never allow him to leave alive but as he was on parole it was considered dishonorable.

Kendra Douglas was a heiress whose inheritance is held by and can not be touched by her husband. As a result, her husband sets her up so he can divorce her and use their son as leverage for funds.

Kendra and Lucas had met years ago but he was on his way to war so nothing came of it. When she appears at a ball and is "cut" and gossiped over, he comes to her rescue and learns her story.

I will admit that both the setup of the means for divorce as well as the denouement were over the top and a bit unbelievable. I did cheer when the villain got his comeuppance but still....

It is a lovely romance and if you're not a stickler about the some elements being a bit unbelievable you'll enjoy.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This book ran a whole range of drama, plot twists, and romance as Kendra and Lucas each fought their own troubling past issues. Lucas is being shunned because he had the audacity to escape when he was being held as a prisoner of war. Kendra had the worst problems as her ex-husband dreamed up a plot so evil that she is separated from her son and mistakenly blamed for marital infidelity.

The two meet at a ball and from there work to figure out how to redeem each of their lives as they fall deeper and deeper in love. Yet, Kendra wonders if they can ever have a future as she cannot legally remarry since her divorce (strange law at that time) and he needs to marry and have legal heir to carry on his title.

It is fun to read their story and the things that they find a long the way - one big surprise! Since I have not read any of this author's previous books, I wonder if some of the characters were in previous books as there were a lot of them. If you read a series, it is fun to see the previous book's characters but since I had not, I think I lost some background on all these people and their relationships. Not a deal breaker as this is easily read as a stand alone book but probably adds to the enjoyment if you have previously encountered the friends that they share.

Once Dishonored continues the Rogues Redeemed series from veteran romance author Mary Jo Putney. The series features strong, interesting women and a variety of situations. The hero and heroine of this book have both been dishonored in completely different ways. Kendra Douglas finds herself a social pariah after a sensational divorce and loss of her son, none of which was her fault. Lucas Mandeville, now Lord Foxton, has a complex past as a naval officer, military prisoner, assistant to a traveling monk, and bonesetter/healer. He sympathizes with Kendra’s plight and vows to help clear her name with the help of his friends.
Kendra and Lucas were both intriguing characters. Despite their troubles they weren’t bitter. They just wanted to right the wrongs done to them and move on to a better life. Their attraction grew slowly, but steadily. Their relationship was based on genuine affection and respect, with plenty of steamy stuff thrown in. The story had many twists and turns before the HEA.
While this is not Ms. Putney’s strongest book, she is such a solid writer that every story makes a worthwhile read. There were some unusual elements in Once Dishonored: the divorce (a rarity in Regency England), women fencing, Lucas’s power of hands-on healing. The tone of the book was definitely feminist in nature. Overall, a well-written book that keeps the reader’s attention.

I'm a big fan of the author's books and this is one of those stories that made me fall in love all over again with historical romance.
It's hard to believe that in regency era , a woman was allowed to divorce but it happened and we get a happily ever after with this one.
I enjoyed their banter, their friendship and romance, the slow burn and acceptance as who they are as they both had a rough past that didn't define them.
It's a more unusual setting but if you love historical romance , give it a try and i'm sure you'll fall in love with this story as i did.

Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, is considered an outcast for breaking his prisoner parole, from a torturing French officer. Kendra Douglas, Lady Denshire is a divorced outcast whose manipulative abusive husband has taken her son and is determined to break the ironclad trust which protects her money. But after a chance meeting at a ball, Lucas and Kendra and his many friends join forces to clear her name and find her son.
Putney grabs the reader from the start and provides a good story with engaging characters and clever plot twists and turns. Even though this is the fifth in the Rogues series it can be read as a stand-alone, but the back stories of the other characters are hinted enough to entice the reader to. reading the previous books. 4🌟🌟🌟🌟. I was given this book to review by Netgalley

I think this book just wasn’t for me! The heroine felt like a damsel in distress & I wanted to se more of who she actually was, rather than hear about her relationships with various men in her life (son, ex, love interest ect.) i also think there *really* should’ve been a trigger/content warning for the heroine losing her child— I found that to be jarring for me and that’s not even a trigger I have. The authors writing was compelling & easy to follow, this just wasn’t my cup of tea🤷🏼‍♀️

Their names are ruined, their lives marred by scandal. Kendra Douglas’ life has been ruined by her ex-husband’s ugly lies, and she doesn’t know where she can turn for aid. When Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, appears before her, she doesn’t realize that he’s the perfect man to help her. With Foxton’s connections and solid, unwavering support, Kendra might reverse the unthinkable fate that her former husband has brought bearing down upon her – the loss of her inheritance, and worse, the loss of her son.

Once Dishonored is a story rife with emotion and tension. The circumstances that Kendra finds herself in are those any woman would find intolerable, but at that time women had no recourse to challenge their former husbands and regain property that was stolen from them. As a modern reader, what she faces is nothing less than an infuriating nightmare. Lord Foxton’s arrival and his potential solutions for her problems are a breath of fresh air, and you find yourself rooting for them to win and defeat the evil Lord Denshire’s schemes. Remarkably, despite the nonstop agony that Kendra suffers – an agony that Putney effortlessly paints for the reader – the influential friends that Foxton introduces her to are both interesting and intriguing. (Also, despite the fact that so many faces from previous linked novels appear, the book stands strongly on its own!) Only a deft hand could achieve the dual plot of uplifting romance and tense period drama as effortlessly as Putney does in this compulsively readable Regency romance, and it’s a thoroughly engaging read from start to finish. (And it definitely makes one want to read the other books in the Rogues Redeemed books, as well as the novels in the linked Lost Lords books.) Once Dishonored is another excellent read from one of my favorite authors of Regency-set romance.

When Lucas Mandeville was introduced in Once a Spy (Simon's story), the previous book in this series, He was an embattled man, considered dishonored because he escaped from a French prison instead of waiting to die there. Back in England, Lucas is trying to piece his life together. At Simon's encouragement, he attends a ball. There he sees Lady Kendra Denshire, a dishonored divorcee. In her he sees a kindred spirit. She tells him her side of the very sordid story of her marriage and its end. They are able to enlist Simon and Suzanne, gathering others along the way to help win her cause. How they end up righting the wrong done her is a wonderful display of Mary Jo Putney's. talent. I Ioved this story and these characters. A must read for fans of Ms. Putney.

Once Dishonored is the story of a wronged divorcée, and a man trying to redeem his honor after disgrace. It’s an intense, dramatic love story with improbable twists and turns, adventure, and visits from old friends. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable read, though readers may have trouble suspending their disbelief at the plot twists.

Following spousal cruelty and the traumatic birth of her son, Kendra Douglas has resigned herself to living separately from her husband, Lord Devonshire, and is happy to raise her son in the country. However, her husband isn’t happy with that arrangement, especially given that Kendra has legal control over her own fortune.

When Devonshire comes to the realization that Kendra will never relinquish her funds to him, he puts together a scandalous divorce. He accuses her of a night of debauchery with four of his friends – a night that (of course) never happened. Unable to speak for herself in court, and condemned by the testimony of Devonshire’s allies, Kendra becomes a pariah amongst the ton; her husband is granted a divorce, and takes custody of their son. While she has financial resources, Kendra is all alone in the world, with no sure path forward to regain her child and her reputation.

Lucas Mandeville is a titled gentleman recently returned to society after years of self-imposed exile. Haunted by what he perceives to be a dishonourable action in his past, he feels himself out of place in – even ostracised by – the world he left years before, and when he encounters Kendra, he feels the need to help her, saving her from social humiliation and offering his assistance in restoring her reputation.

At first, neither sees the space for romance. Lucas is still finding his feet in England, while Kendra is forbidden to ever remarry after her divorce, and is focused on the retrieval of her son. The two of them work together to uncover the truth about Kendra’s divorce trial, her husband’s schemes, and where her son is being kept. Throughout their travels, they grow closer, despite an uncertain future, and discover many secrets that will change Kendra’s life forever. With the help of some characters from Putney’s previous works, our heroes seek the truth and to put things right.

Kendra is an independent, interesting lead, with a plucky attitude despite the dire straits in which she finds herself. She’s not too proud to ask for help, or to accept people’s kindness when they offer it. While her situation feels improbable, she handles it with aplomb and it doesn’t take the reader out of the story too much. Lucas is a winning leading man, with admirable courage and empathy for a fellow outcast. His wish to help another comes across as both selfless and honorable, while his love is unselfish and derived from mutual respect. They are a great couple and fun to read about. Both characters have excellent internal conflicts, and are motivated by regaining what has been taken from them, and restoring their honor.

There are, however, a lot of improbable moments in this story. The circumstances around Kendra’s divorce are unlikely to say the least, and the ending is a little too neat and easy. Her problems all get resolved without too much trouble, despite how byzantine they appear at the beginning of the book. It’s fun to visit old friends from previous books in the series and in the Lost Lords series, but it’s a little gratuitous. There are too many characters making cameos, and it just gets distracting and feels unnecessary. These issues do detract a little bit from the book – but speaking as a Putney fan, it still works. All of the things readers love about her books are present here, and while the premise is a tad busy, it’s still one of the best historical romances out this year. One of the hallmarks of Putney’s books is the somewhat idealized happily ever after – not an ordinary HEA, but one where absolutely everything turns out perfectly for our heroes. While elements are exaggerated and the callbacks to previous works are a little gratuitous, I would still recommend this book to any reader who loves historical romance. If you can suspend your disbelief slightly, Once Dishonored will provide you with a wonderful read.

Mary Jo Putney is never a dull read, and in Once Dishonored she brings together two people in need of healing and love — with a man back from the dead and a woman ruined by a dissolute ex-husband who wanted nothing but her fortune and managed to steal it.
Kendra Douglas and Lucas Manderville, Baron Foxton, met years ago before she married and he became a soldier. Their second meeting — at a ballroom in front of the ton — is one of the best reunions ever. She walks in, wearing black, and the whispers become a near roar. He, a baron upon whom the elite look askance at (he walked away from a French prison when supposedly honor bound to remain) dances with her. He recognizes someone in need of assistance, someone also being shunned.
Their dance is a wonderful start to a book with adventure, romance and villainy. The two become friends. he's determined to help her regain custody of her son and recover her reputation and she wants to help him recover from guilt and shame.
In the book — part of the Rogues Redeemed series — Putney is near the top of her game, creating a poignant story that showcases the power of love. Kendra doesn't trust men. Lucas doesn't trust, period.
Yet together, the spurned wife and the healer — after escaping from prison, he traveled Europe as the companion to a monk who cared for people — find a way to rescue both their good names and start over,
(I received an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions are mine.)

Fantastic book. I have looked forward to Lucas's story since his appearance in Once a Spy. Lucas is Simon's cousin and foster brother, and it was because of Lucas that Simon and Suzanne were on the Continent when Napoleon broke loose. I couldn't wait to see what would happen once Lucas returned to England.

It hasn't been easy for him. First, he had to regain his health, which he did under the watchful eyes of Simon and Suzanne. Then he had to resume his place in Society. This was difficult to do with many people disapproving of his actions during the war. Lucas himself feels guilty over his breaking parole to escape, even though his captors had already broken those rules. As the book opens, Lucas is drifting, unsure of his place in the world of his birth, and missing the healing work he did with Friar Emmanuel. But all of that changes when a woman in black enters the ballroom.

Kendra attended the ball in a desperate attempt to repair her reputation. Her husband accused her of infidelity, divorced her, and took her son away from her. Her bravado quickly fades as whispers circle the ballroom, and no one will look at or speak to her. Just as she's ready to retreat, one man comes forward and asks her to dance.

I loved this scene between Kendra and Lucas and its immediate insight into both characters. Kendra is brave, independent, and determined. Lucas is kind, compassionate, and gentlemanly. I loved how they bonded over both having "dishonorable" reputations, ready to support each other. Then they realized that they knew each other years before and connected over their shared memories of that carefree Season. I liked how they made their escape and continued their conversation. When Lucas heard Kendra's story of what happened to her, he immediately offered to help.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lucas and Kendra as they worked to discover and reveal the truth. Both are fully conscious of the rules of society and are careful in their actions. Kendra needs to restore her reputation to gain custody of her son, so she and Lucas are careful to maintain the proprieties. I liked that they first expanded on the friendship of their youth, comfortable with being honest with each other. The more time they spent with each other, though, the sparks of attraction began to complicate matters. I liked the way that they supported each other. Lucas introduced Kendra to people who could help her, people who quickly became friends. Kendra helped Lucas see that he needed to continue his work to feel whole. I ached for them as their feelings for each other grew stronger because they could see no possibility of being together.

I loved following the progress of Kendra's quest. The abuse that she suffered and the humiliation of her husband's actions could have broken her, but she was stronger than she knew. It was satisfying to see the support and help she received from Lucas's friends and family. It was grand to see so many characters from earlier books as they joined the search for justice. I especially liked the ladies' fencing group and the eyebrows they raised. These women played a pivotal role later in the book. There was an unexpected twist regarding Kendra's son that added extra complications to her quest. There were also several appearances by Kendra's ex-husband, a nasty piece of work whose threats were frightening. I liked how the search for answers began to get results, instilling hope that Kendra would succeed. The plan that she and the others devised was beautiful in its simplicity and theatricality. I was on the edge of my seat as they carried it out and cheered at its success. I especially loved what it meant for Lucas and Kendra.

In addition to Kendra's problem, Lucas also had his cross to bear. The guilt he felt over his escape made him particularly sensitive to the way other people viewed it. I ached for him every time someone made a comment or accusation. There was one man who was especially vitriolic every time he saw Lucas, but would never come out with any details about why he felt that way. I had to laugh when Kendra intervened, accusing them both of acting like children and forcing them, at swordpoint, to settle the matter. It's amazing what a little communication can do. I loved that not only did Lucas not hold a grudge, but he also used his healing talents to help the man. It was also a turning point for Lucas, who finally let go of his guilt.

I also LOVE this cover.

A question of honor!

All this should have made for a mezmerizing read and yet for me the electricity just wasn't there. The opening scene promised that. A strange woman sweeping into a ton ballroom dressed in black and for some reason the center of the ton's disdain. She's rescued by a gentleman of uncommon empathy.
What follows is a story of Revenge and Second Chances, with strong aspects of women in Abusive Marriages, and the problems surrounding divorce. Themes of friendship and education in 1816 are present with the school, Westerfield Academy, the Rogues attended making a reappearance.
Both Kendra Douglas and Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, have ghosts to bury, the theme being honor.
Kendra, a victim of her husband's perfidy has been divorced under shameful and awful circumstances. But even worse revelations about her husband will be exposed.
Lucas has been the subject of speculation around parole from the French and circumstances that forced him to break that parole. He spent his time making amends, hiding out with a French Franciscan healer, a trained bone setter. I found this part of Lucas' life, his bone setting abilities, that border on gifted, intriguing.
However there were so many themes bouncing around I felt quite giddy.
An interesting read but I didn't quite feel the continuing electricity between Kendra and Lucas that the opening promised.

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

A pact between pariahs.

Kendra Douglas and Lucas, Lord Foxton have both had spectacular falls from grace, orchestrated by other people, yet they are paying the painful price of things beyond their control. So, a pact is made between these tow battered allies. Lucas will help Kendra get her son back. It will give him purpose.

What I liked? Kendra is wounded, but determined to regain custody of her son, Christopher. She has face unthinkable adversity and is still willing to fight. The help Lucas provides brings them closer. Lucas is very much a dishonored soul, on parole, but still within his prison walls to a certain extent. I rather liked Lucas, a kind man, a good man.

Highly recommend. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was engaged from the first with two great character.s.