i throughly enjoyed this well-written, entertaining historical romance. The main characters were strong, intelligent and interesting. The story was captivating and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Usually I find the standard 3rd act conflict really annoying, but this time I liked how it wasn’t the main characters relationship.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington publisher for an eArc to review.

Thorsay, although not a real place, sounds like somewhere that I would love to visit. A lover of wild storms since I was a child, it sounds perfect. Add ancient ruins, what more could one ask for? You could ask for a place where people care for each other, under the guidance of caring lairds. Kai Ramsay, the heir has not been home to Thorsay for a long, long time, more because he can't the thought of being there without his beloved who died when he was in university. However, he is now being summoned home. His grandfather, the current laird is dying. Signy Matheson, the laird's assistant who just happens to be the sister of Kai's love, also blames him for her death. As with othe Mary Jo Putney's tales, there is quite a bit going on. Love, death, debts due to be paid, discovery, a bit of intrigue, and a reunion of old friends. It may not have a lot of the action that is present in the other Rogues Redeemed series, but it is not needed to make this a very enjoyable read. But the again, I have never read a Mary Jo Putney book that i did not enjoy.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When Ramsay returns to Thorsay in the Orkney Islands to see his dying grandfather and assume the Lairdship, he is surprised that the young sister of his dead fiance has blossomed into an independent and beautiful woman. Signy is incredibly capable and knowledgeable about the island and their needs so he must rely on her in the early days of leadership. So they rekindle their friendship and, of course, eventually fall in love..

Usually I really enjoy this author's books but, unfortunately with this one I felt there was a lack of chemistry between the two characters. Although there was some history between them, there wasn't much of a bond. At times the romance felt a bit formulaic.

Having said that, I found the depictions of the island and its people very interesting and the mystery/Viking treasure plot kept me reading until the end.

while I wouldn't put this with the childhood romance, I would put it in the childhood friend catagory. Kai Ramsay comes home to take over as new laird only to find the "little girl" he left is now a young beautiful woman his life is about to get more complicated. This book is fun, steamy, and full of witty banter that leads to the most beautiful buildup. A must-read for anyone who loves a good highlander romance!

Loved Signy and Ramsay. Very strong characters - was reminded of characters in many contemporary romantic suspense books - this felt more similar - set 2 centuries ago.

Loved Odin and Fiona - they definitely need special mention.

We do get to see many of the characters from other books by the author - even if it's a brief glimpse, felt satisfied.

Many aspects of that period and several centuries were well researched and presented in the book.

Climax might seem a bit hurried but it is a HEA that has been neatly finished - readers will definitely be back to the real world with a big smile after virtually living in Thorsay and traveling with the MCs.

Wondering about and hoping for the book on Broc & Sophie (hope I haven't missed it out as a part of any other series).

This was a well-written, entertaining historical romance. The main characters were strong, clever and appealing. The story has very descriptive, clever and held my interest. I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

One thing I enjoyed about this entire series is the characters and their personalities. The heroines are women of strength and character who have often had to deal with some very difficult circumstances in life. They have not just learned to face and overcome them, but also grew from them. They are not shrinking violet princesses waiting to be saved by a knight on a white charger.

This is the case here with Signy Matheson, a woman who lost her family and is alone in the world, living on a remote island. She watched her last family, her sister, die from a miscarriage years before, and was alone after her death. The Laird of the Thorsay took her in, and she acted as his secretary and essentially his steward, up until his death, including calling back from abroad, his grandson, Kai Ramsey, his heir. Kai was also the fiance to Signe's sister, and the father of the child she carried. He was not aware that it was miscarriage that caused the fever, killing his fiance, and that Signy was carrying a lot of baggage and anger towards him because of that. In fact, after her death, he had not been back but was off travelling the world and focused on his studies of history in other parts of the world, as well as some mysterious work for the government.

However, as his grandfather is failing in health, he had to return to Thorsay, as he promised, to learn to be the new Laird. His grandfather states to him that he feels that Kai should marry Signy. Kai seems amenable to this, for many reasons, considering she is so capable and has managed affairs on the island so well and knowledgeably, but also he has realized that she has grown into a strong, beautiful woman and he has a growing attraction to her. But she has her own dreams and aspirations, which did not include staying on Thorsay, and she also has that deeply held anger towards Kai, over the death of her sister.

But she does agree to stay for a period of time to teach him how to manage being the Laird, on the death of his grandfather, and over that time, they learn more about each other and develop a growing attraction.

It is quite a lovely story because they develop a relationship that seems very much based on renewed/growing friendship, and respect for each other, as well as attraction and Kai seems to respect Signy's strengths, knowledge, and also wishes for her to make her decisions based on her wishes rather than any pressure or manipulation on his part. I like the character development and the development of the relationship between the two of them. They seem to grow together and become a team together - he is not a knight in shining armour, in fact they each get a chance to save each other in different circumstances.

I also enjoyed the background story of the Viking history as well and their shared experience of the discovery of ancient dwellings and a burial sites as well. Also, the cuteness of the two pets of the story - you add something warm, furry, with 4 legs and you pretty much have me hooked .

The one quibble I have is that the ending seemed a bit too sudden and tied too neatly together - a rather abrupt solution to the dilemma facing Kai in the story - no spoilers though, just a quibble.

But a solid and enjoyable addition/ending to this series. Definitely a 3.5 stars, if not more.

I received a free copy of this from NetGalley for preview and this is my freely given review.

Mary Jo Putney tells a Scottish islands tale in Once a Laird. Kai Ramsay has inherited the lairdship of Thorsay on the death of his grandfather. Unfortunately he owes a huge loan to his nasty relative; what can he do? Read about his adventures and his romance with Signy who helped his grandfather during his absence. Great romance.

A Cozy, Warm, & Beautiful Book

So, I would describe this as a cozy romance rather than a steamy one. For me, that's not a problem at all. I love a slow-build where the hero and heroine truly get to know one another--and that's absolutely what this is. Mary Jo Putney’s writing style reminded me of Julie Garwood and Mary Stewart—both authors I really enjoy.

Kai Ramsay returns from an Indiana Jones-esque career abroad to become the new laird when his grandfather passes away. Signy Matheson is a lovely, fiercely stubborn artist who has basically been the previous laird's right-hand-woman for the past decade. When the two meet, Kai falls first and hard. But Signy is tired of all of the unasked-for responsibilities she has carried on her shoulders for years and longs to experience what Kai already has--adventure and the wider world. She also wants to pursue her art by studying under other artists.

The struggle Kai faces as he comes to understand this is really interesting. In some ways, the book feels very modern because Kai is such an accepting, open man who fully agrees that Signy deserves to have what he did—freedom to explore the world and to pursue her passions. Of course, that also means she would have to leave him behind and that push and pull is one of the book's primary conflicts.

The setting of the Scottish islands of Thorsay are a character almost in and of themselves. Kai's refamiliarizing himself with his home is one of the main points of action in the story as he and Signy travel about the islands and as he comes to know his people and must solve the financial problems left behind by the old laird. Mary Jo Putney is a master of worldbuilding. You come to love the islands and their hard-working people. There are rich details of landscape, food, dress, and many carefully composed, rich backstories. Putney could set a multitude of stories in Thorsay as she has created a beautiful, old world that is both homey, comforting, and fascinating to visit.

There is not a lot of action, but it is an enjoyable read nonetheless. One to curl up with on a crisp autumn day.

Steam Level: Very Slow Burn

This title is the 4th title in the Rogues Redeemed series featuring Kai Ramsey, the final member of a group of men who found themselves facing imminent death in a cellar in Portugal before a miraculous escape. I think this book can easily be read as a stand-alone title. Ramsey has spent his adult life traveling the world undertaking missions for His Majesty's government. A letter from home catches up to him in Constantinople stating that his grandfather is dying and it is time for him to come home. When he arrives home, it is clear that his grandfather wasn't exaggerating his condition, and the two are able to say their good byes.

Ramsey finds himself overwhelmed by taking on his grandfather's responsibilities for the residents of Thorsay in Scotland, but luckily Signy who acted as his grandfather right hand the final few years is willing to help him get his bearings after so many years away. She agrees to accompany him on his travels to various points in Thorsay and help smooth the transition. What I always appreciate about Ms. Putney's books are that the main characters are always adults who act that way; no to stupid to live characters here. Signy and Ramsey find themselves attracted to each other, but the relationship development never feels rushed or forced. There is a bit of a mystery that added to my overall enjoyment of the story.

The publisher generously provided me an Advanced Reader Copy of this title; all opinions and thoughts are my own.

It's an ok story. Very gentle and sweet with not a lot of conflict. The romance was a little unbelievable and some passages are oddly phrased. But overall, a nice story.

While this is the sixth book in this series it can be read as a standalone.
Kai is off adventuring for years, ever since the death of his fiance.. When he gets a letter informing him that his grandfather, The Laird is dying and he needs to come home..
While this was a good story, there werent really any high stake moments to help move the story along.. Kai comes home, gets to see his grandfather before he passes, and begins his lessons with Signy to learn how to be a good laird.. Signy has been his grandfathers right hand for years ever since her sister, who was Kias fiance died..
Kai sees Signy in a new light after he returns home, and she is all grown up, and kind of immediatly decides that they should probably get married...
Throughout the story Kai is learning the ins and outs of his new position, working to make his island more prosperous.. The only real conflict comes at the very end and ends just as fast as it comes..
I did like the story and the characters I just wish there was more, drama, and action... and more chemistry between Signy and Kai

Kai Douglas Ramsay, antiquities researcher and diplomatic special operations section. After his teenage love, Gisela, dies he makes a deal with his grandfather. Kia gets to travel and do his antiquities finds until it was time to take over the Lairdship of Thorsay.

Signy Matheson has been teacher, school administrator, and right hand to the Laird Duncan Ramsay. Now with Kai home and the old Lord dead, she has more time to herself.

Kai is touring the islands to re-acquaint himself with the people and the ways of the island. Signy gives suggestions and information of past occurrences.

As the two work together things start to come out about all that Duncan did for everyone and the cost. A storm hits and two things happen.

So join the islanders for a discovery of what will be right for all and who is best. Meet some friends from the past, great witty banter with new friends, and visual details of island storms that put you right there. Secrets, adventure, exploration, and revaluation s abound in this recency romp

Signey has always been a tomboy and the old dying laird depends on her to help him run his lands until his successor, the battle-scarred and broken man, Kai Ramsay has to get over the past to live again and become the laird the people of the Highlands need.
I enjoyed the history, as well as the cultural history of Scotland during these times. Signey is a strong woman, and she and Kai make great allies.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because of its Scottish connections. There was a good story and interesting characters. The description of the islands and their people made it for me. Thank you for allowing me to read it.

Once a Laird, is book 6 of the Rogues Redeemed series and thus far my least favorite. I don’t know if perhaps it is I that have had a burnout of ‘guy and girl met and knew each other as youths but did not engage well or caused each other some pain that now needs fixing when they meet again’. Sadly, that is the book in almost a nutshell. But, hey that’s how I feel. Let’s skim the book by content and perhaps you my friend, may feel differently.
In this installment we meet Kai Douglas Ramsay, who mostly goes by Ramsay that is forced to return home since his grandfather is on his deathbed. He must return because he promised he would, to shoulder the responsibility of laird. We find out the back story for the rogues redeemed crew as the book tells us that as Ramsay wondered the world for over a decade, he had been held captive in a cellar in Portugal with four other men. Its these men who having banded together to escape a dawn execution as spies formed a lasting connection. They now use their new lease on life to atone for their past as the “Rogues Redeemed.” This connection is going to turn to be crucial for what happens with Ramsay upon his return to Scotland to claim his rightful place.

Now having met Ramsay in previous books I knew him to be of course, easy on the eye, honorable, and full of intelligence and wit. That being said, I expected him to be equally matched when he received his own novel. I was not disappointed in meeting Signy Matheson, I just wasn’t crazy about the back story and the why’s. Ramsay was the love interest of someone very near and dear to her and I will leave it at that, to not give anything much away. They had no romantic interest or spark before as they knew each other, while younger, but now suddenly, bam it’s there? Once again, I point out that this is entirely me. The story is well written, and Signy is a truly great heroine, with talent, strength, and spunk. Having said all that, it makes for a really good read, it was just me that wanted something different for his story.

I give it four stars because it was a slow read for me as I did not like the feel of been there, and read that, THAT I PERSONALY FELT. This review was given on the ARC copy I received from the Publisher via Netgalley in return for my honest opinion. Happy reading friends!

Ramsay and Signy are loved by all of the Island people. It shows throughout the book. My most favorite parts of this book were the archaeological aspects of it. I truly enjoyed reading, Once a Laird.

This book is a good glimpse into Scottish Island life. Kai comes back to Thorsay to take his place as Laird and falls for Signy, the girl from his past that was keeping the estate going while his grandfather was ill.

This book really brought the essence of the sea and the tough times experienced for so many in Thorsay. One of my favorite parts was each character's individual passions of art and discovering antiquities. The romance portion is a slow burn, but fits in well within the surrounding plot.

One aspect I would have liked a bit more was Kai and Signy's backstories including more insight into the members of the Rogues Redeemed. Their characters seemed to be just thrown in closer to the end.

I did throughly enjoy this book and became wrapped up in the story and couldn't put it down. I always love a good Scottish romance!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a digital copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Rogues Redeemed series continues. Kai Ramsay rushes home to honor his promise to his dying grandfather. He is allowed to travel and fulfill his dreams, but when the times comes he will return home and do his duty as the new Laird. He barely arrives home to say his goodbye when his grandfather passes away.
Signy was taken in along with her sister by the old Laird and was Kai playmate and future to be sister in law. He was engaged to Gisela, Signy older sister who passed away suddenly from a fever. Another reason Kai wanted to travel, but the skinny little girl from 12 years ago is now a Viking Goddess! Signy had because the old Laird right hand, taking on many of the responsibilities of being the Laird. She will be happy once Kai has been trained to finally have time to fulfill her dreams and pursue her passion for painting.
There is a little of everything in the story, a budding romance, following your dreams, new discoveries in one’s own backyard and old friends who are there to help you. Parts are predictable, one part to me seemed like a afterthought that really wasn’t needed, but I will not spoil it for you. Can be read as a standalone, there is a reunion of the previous Rogues which if you read the other books you would know their background. Not necessary to enjoy this book.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #OnceaLaird

I thank Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. However, I was unable to finish this book. It just didn't capture or maintain my interest.