I am a fan of Mary Jo Putney. I’ve read at least 23 of her books and enjoyed many of them immensely, often refreshing a few times. Unfortunately, this book just did not grab my attention. Usually I can speed through a book in a couple days, but with this one, I struggled to read more than a chapter at a time. The dialogue between the hero and heroine felt stilted, and I just didn’t feel the chemistry like I have for her other books. Overall, while the book is fine, it fell a little flat.

Once a Laird continues with the last of the Rogues Redeemed series with Kai Ramsay as he returns home to Thorsay to meet the commitment he made while in prison. He immediately has to face a reminder of his lost love from her younger sister. Signy and Kai have an unusual relationship due to his courtship of her sister. This lends itself to a few possible problems, but the blowup and time have helped to heal.

The bad guy in this last book is Kai’s cousin who could call in a loan and ruin Kai’s ownership of lands on Thorsay. Said cousin, Roald, is just not nice. He is not horrible, just arrogant and self-interested over everything and everyone else.

The discovery of the ancient ship added to the relationship as Signy and Kai found more in common than their love for each other and for Thorsay. Without a spoiler, the way in which these two treated their cousins, was kind and generous – loved it! Kai seems to be continuing the tradition begun by his grandfather of helping islanders, not hurting them.

Signy expressed many times of wanting to travel away from the island. My hope (although fictional) is that Kai will truly honor her wishes and take her on that adventure fairly soon following the resolving of the issues plaquing their island and them.

I loved this series and this book. It flowed smoothly and Laird was a bit more light-hearted than previous books. In addition, Ms. Putney brought characters from prior books forward helped to end the series on a good note, letting us know they are still doing well in spite of how the rogues met. This is definitely a stand-alone and enjoyable when read in sequence, too.

The story of a young mans return to his remote island home after years travelling the world. Heartache after the death of his fiancé had stopped him returning home years ago, but now his grandfather, the local laird, is dying, he must come home to do his duty. Island life is not nearly as dull as he had expected. It presents him with a series of challenges - including his growing attraction to his dead fiancé's sister.
The story is set on the mythical Island of Thorsay with its idiosyncratic was of life, we are forever being told how far superior everything is on Thorsay to everywhere else. I say mythical rather than fictional as no Island like this every could or would exist. Loosely based on Orkney, but better obvs, (it has its own version of Scara Brae with its own version of sutton hoo next door), it is as if Scottish history never happened in this place. The Old Laird is benevolent beyond reason, he loves his island and yet gives no thought to its future survival. The inhabitants are good honest people fully without vice (except the baddy of course - he is mean and grasping) and supremely happy with their feudal existence . There are many many aspects of this plot that just don't add up. Then new characters are introduced - I assume that they have featured in a previous book that I have not read, because their entry onto the page had the air of the fanfare heralding the victorious return of the hero and heroine of a previous story, rather than the introduction of a couple of rounded characters. I have touched on the issues that I had with the plot, but my main issue was that it was tepid and limp. Any conflict is resolved in a trice with a calm word, there are no difficult characters - it is all very straight forward, everyone is generous, kind and loving, even if they have good reason not to be. I found it numbing.
Perhaps I sound a little harsh - The writing style is generally good, this is an accomplished author can create an atmosphere and drive a story, but it is the plot and the characters that let this book down.
I am sure that there is a good story to be had of romance in the far north at this difficult time in the history of the highlands and islands, where the needs of the landlords and there tenants were not always in such harmony. This is not that book.
Many Thanks to Net Galley and Mary Jo Putney for the chance to read this book

Kai Douglas Ramsay receives a letter from one of his childhood friends, Signey Matheson, calling him home from his explorations of Constantinople. Signey is the little sister to Gisela, who was Kai’s first and only love. Gisela is dead, so Kai has been exploring the world and ancient ruins for the past dozen years or so. However, his grandfather is dying, and it is time for him to take over the duties as the Laird on the Scottish Isle of Thorsay. It is a rugged existence, and the islanders have been stressed with storms and disease in the recent past, so Kai returns to multiple challenges. His first challenge is to soothe Signey, who blames Kai for the death of her sister. Since Gisela died, Signey has stored up her anger and sadness and aims it all at Kai when he returns from abroad. He reacts beautifully, and Signey starts to come to terms with Kai. She has been acting as his grandfather’s advisor for several years, and once she teaches Kai all he needs to know to be a good laird, she plans to head out to explore the world herself.

This story is beautifully written and rendered. The main characters are multi-dimensional and complex, yet seem genuine and relatable. Readers can visualize the storms and the shoreline as described by the author, and can see the various actions as they occur. There are some good characters and a few not-so-good characters, and it is easy to tell them apart. The horses sound amazing and are fun to read about as well. The Island of Thorsay seems like a place where life is pared down to the essentials, and there’s not a lot of waste. The people around these characters make their life worthwhile, and their friends make a huge difference in their lives. This is a book readers will remember long after the final page is turned.

Ramsey and Signy were childhood friends. He has returned from traveling due to his grandfather’s illness. Ramsey becomes the laird and inherits everything including the debts. How they work themselves out of this predicament and find their HEA is sweet.

A good book and one that I'm sure will make many readers very happy. There wasn't enough emotional tension for me, but that might just be a personal preference. The characters are finely drawn, but could do with a little more depth, for my taste.

I really enjoy books that teach, as well as entertain. This book tells the story of Kai Ramsay, who leaves home after the death of his fiancee' to roam the world in search of ancient ruins. Just before his grandfather passes away he must return home to take his place as laird. When Kai returns he finds his dead fiancee's sister, Signy Matheson, is now beautiful, matured, and indispensible to the laird. Signy helps Kai become reacquainted with the Thorsay islands. In the process, they find ancient ruins right at their own front door. Once a Laird has romance, mystery, suspense, and memorable characters. It is an enjoyable read that will leave you entertained and enlightened.

I would like to thank Netgalley for allowing me to review Once a Laird by Mary Jo Putney.

Final book in the Rogues Redeemed series. Kai Ramsey has spent a number of years wandering the world and investigating ancient ruins. Now he is called home by word that his grandfather, laird of Thorsay (a fictitious groups of islands between the Hebrides and the Shetlands) is dying. Ramsey's childhood friend Signy Matheson, who had been acting as the old laird's assistant, helps him learn his new role. His grandfather wanted him to marry Signy. Ramsey thinks that that is a fine idea. Signy isn't so sure. She longs for the freedom to travel and to pursue her art.

A fairly gentle romance, between two people who are well-matched. There is a suspense plot, but it is rather low-key.

A fine note to end the series on.

I have been (impatiently) waiting for a new offering from Mary Jo Putney for some time. I found her books about a year and have since read every single one. I mean each book of each series. This book is the latest in the Rogues Redeemed series. I was thrilled to see
the latest volume. This is the story of Signy and Ramsay. I just love them. Our heroine lives on Thorsay—a Scottish island with a diverse cultural history. She works for the dying Laird—all the time. She’s alone in the world, since her sis passed away years before. She would love to travel and have more time to dedicate to her artwork, but she is strong, efficient, and dedicated to her job with the old Laird and serving her community. Well, the old Laird is dying, so she sends for his grandson. Ramsay has be traveling the world, and getting over the death of the love of his life (late sis of Signy). He has also been working as a spy… and that’s how he becomes one of the Rogues-to-be-redeemed. He loves all things old and adapts to his surroundings. Now, he has to become the new Laird. Signy is going to help him, then leave to live her life. So, how do they get to love? How does Ramsay get redeemed? Will we see our favorite characters from the series—Rogues and their wives? I could not put this one down! Please don’t miss this series. The author takes us to the Scottish isles for us to experience the culture, scenery, and culture in the setting of this beautiful love story. These 2 feel the pull right away, but it takes some compromise, communication, and opening up for them to get there. I loved it!!!

Once a Laird is a romantic and exciting addition to the Rogues Redeemed series. After twelve years away, Kai Ramsay returns to Scotland’s Thorsay Islands to take on the role of laird. There he reconnects with Signy Matheson, the younger sister of the young woman he was once engaged to. Signy has spent the years dedicated to helping the laird and the people of Thorsay, but she is excited to leave and pursue her dream of painting. However, upon Ramsay’s return, she commits to helping him transition into his new role. As they begin to work together, dangerous weather, financial troubles, and their developing feelings for each other cause unexpected complications. Can Ramsay and Signy work together to solve the problems that weigh over Thorsay Islands? Will they give in to their feelings and take a chance on love?

Signy and Ramsay are great protagonists, both honorable, admirable, and intelligent. They have a strong connection to their home and each other, and their shared losses draw them even closer. Since they haven’t seen each other in a dozen years, both have grown and changed. However, their core beliefs and good intentions remain the same, and as they become reacquainted with each other, their connection deepens. Childhood friends, their relationship is built on admiration and respect, and I love how they slowly grow into something more. They have a long and complex history, which gives way to a deep and beautiful love story. Ramsay and Signy are alike in their desires, morals, and more, and they fit together well. And I love Ramsay’s feelings toward Signy! He is so impressed by her, and he values her strength, intellect, and sincerity. He often compares her to a goddess and seems quite awe-inspired by her, which is lovely.

Ramsay is not thrilled about returning home to take on the role of laird. His dreams and ambitions do not include remaining on the islands forever. However, much like Signy, he puts his own wants on hold to do what is right by his family and people. Ramsay has an adventurous and sometimes dangerous life that takes him all over the world, and he is unhappy with the idea of being stagnant. Signy, in turn., longs for the freedom to travel and experience the world. She wants to explore and go on grand adventures while honing her craft as an artist. I love that both characters learn that their dreams and their duties don’t have to be separate things. They can be responsible and dedicated to Thorsay while still achieving their goals.

Thorsay is a beautiful backdrop for the story. Putney creates such a vivid setting, which is shown as Ramsay visits all the places he hasn’t seen in years. Terrible storms have changed his childhood home and continue to wreak havoc and endanger the lives of its inhabitants. The harsh weather also reveals the profound and fascinating history of the islands, much to the delight of Ramsay. I love the descriptions of the island, the mix of Viking and Scottish history, and the wonderful people who live there. The imagery adds so much to the story and makes it easy to see why Ramsay and Signy are so attached to the land.

I also need to mention two other fabulous characters in the novel – Fiona and Odin! Fiona, Signy’s loyal and intelligent dog, is a life-saver in more ways than one. Odin, the one-eyed cat who belonged to Ramsay’s grandfather, is equally unique and entertaining. Both add so much to the story, have dynamic personalities, and act as strong symbols in the story. These, as well as other symbols, enhance the character development and strong messages of forgiveness, love, and starting over throughout the novel.

This is a slow-building, slow-burning, historical romance and wonderful ending to the Rogues Redeemed series, though the introduction of some new and intriguing characters opens up the potential for further books or a spin-off series. Like the other books in the series, this one can easily be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Mary Jo Putney, and Kensington Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

(Will add links closer to up. date)

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed Once a Laird. It was a sweet love story set in a fictional Scottish Orkney-esque island. This set it apart from the usual Scottish-laird story, as it had many Viking influences woven into the island's history. Once a Laird is the 6th book in the Rogues Redeemed series. I had not read any of the previous books, but never fear reader, they were not necessary to enjoy this tale.

I found our Laird, Kai Ramsay, to be a suitably dashing gentleman whose love of antiquities made him interesting. I hesitate calling him the hero, because I believe the real hero of this story is the heroine, Signy Matheson. Signy, Viking Goddess extraordinaire, is always ready to save the day (and Kai...).

I hate to call this book low on plot, because there is some plot, but the love story is really what shines here. The final act gave me "It's a Wonderful Life" vibes, but that's one of my favorite films... so it appealed to me.

Once a Laird's Kai & Signy share a sweet romance amidst the wild weather of fictional Thorsay Island. a place I hope Mary Jo Putney decides to explore more of. Overall, I'd recommend this book if you're looking for a charming low-stakes love story that will transport you to another land and another time for a brief while and leave you with a smile on your face.

This story was good, but the pace was a little slow. I found the temperament of the main characters to be at odds, but somehow they live happily ever after. I didn't really understand the attempt on the laird's life either. Especially when the conflict was paying the debt.....

Other than that, a very tender love story.

Title: Once a Laird
Author: Mary Jo Putney
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥/5 (Warm on the Smut-O-Meter)
Series: Rogues Redeemed #6
Tropes: Historical-Regency-Scotland, Returning Home, Childhood friends to Lovers, MC-Scholar/Academic, Romantic Suspense
Content Warning: Death of loved one, Past death of sibling (childbirth), Financial instability, Abuse by a parent

The setting was especially intriguing for me. Scotland has been on my travel list since watching Shetland, a Scottish crime drama set on the country's northernmost archipelago. Putney sets Once a Laird on Thorsay, a fictional island, in between Orkney and Shetland. I loved getting to dive deeper into the unique culture of the Scottish archipelagos — a mix of English, Celtic, and Norse traditions. If you love romances in unique settings this is definitely worth checking out.

Signy Matheson has been Duncan Ramsay’s faithful helper for most of her adult life. Now that Duncan’s health is failing she writes to his grandson, Kai, to return home and take up the duties of Thorsay’s Laird. Kai has been travelling the world working as spy, diplomat, and historian since his heart was broken when his fiancee, Signy’s sister, died. While Kai returns home in time to say goodbye to Duncan, Signy is the one to teach him how to be a Laird.

On Thorsay, Kai and Signy have an instant attraction. While the pair grew up together, the many decades they’ve been separated has made them different people. I liked seeing them learn about each other as adults. Obviously Kai’s adventures are more interesting on the surface, but the hard work and care Signy has put into Thorsay is truly remarkable.

Mary Jo Putney is a prolific historical romance writer. I’ve read some books from her Lost Lords and Fallen Angels series, but this was my first from the Rogues Redeemed. Once a Laird works as a standalone, I really enjoyed it. But I feel like the ending might have hit more emotional cues if I’d read some of the related books.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a typical well written historical romance. Lots of drama, heated exchanges and passions running wild - normally not my cuppa but Mary Jo Putney always writes so well that I make an exception for her and just enjoy the ride. Anyone who loves historical romance set in Scotland (Outlander fans, I mean you) - I think you will enjoy this.

4.5 out of 5 stars. This book was a great addition to the Rogues Redeemed series. It has a slow burn romance that is perfect for this story. Kai returns to the islands of Scotland to take up the mantle of laird. He reconnects with Signy. The two have more in common than they thought. I loved the descriptions of the island and the people. I could picture the sea and wild storms. It rekindled my desire to visit Scotland again. Not to mention the interesting undercurrent of exploring ancient ruins and finding treasure. Really enjoyed the novel.

This story is part of the Rogues Redeemed series. Ramsay has wandered the world since he left his childhood home on Thorsay. Now his grandfather is near death and he must return to take on the responsibilities as laird. His first love died when he was at university and he can't imagine the island without her but he has to return when he receives a letter from Signy, her sister. He returns to find that Signy blames him for her sister's death and a host of other challenges that must be overcome. The island has suffered furious storms that created hardship for many of the residents and his grandfather has gone into debt to help the people of Thorsay. Ramsay and Signy travel the island together reacquainting him with the people and his duties after his grandfather dies. There is romance and adversity and a Rogues Redeemed reunion.

This story was unique and shared a lot of information about the Orkney Island which I always find interesting. I enjoyed the way the island life called to the two MC as I imagine it is a life that is not for everyone. The relationship between Kai & Signy just seemed a little fast for me, I would have liked to see a little more angst. Unfortunately this story does not have an epilogue which is one of my pet peeves with stories…just a personal preference, I like seeing a glimpse of the future and how the MCs are “doing”. There was quite a bit of inner monologue and a lot of repetitive phrasing in relation to Thorsay. It didn’t seem natural to me and unfortunately almost caused me to stop the story. Overall, 3 stars.

I was a little surprised how the first piece of conflict was in the first couple of chapters. Signy exploded at Ramsay, and then the air was cleared between them pretty quickly. The hurt Signy had towards him seemed to run deep, so I thought it was pretty unrealistic how quickly they made up and everything was fine. After that, it was hard to get attached to the characters, and then in turn, their relationship. I’m always down for a good highland romance, but their story didn’t draw me in unfortunately. Ramsay kept kissing her without any indication that she wants it or permission. There was less romance than forced proximity. Ramsay could also be considered manipulative. Signy repeats many times that she’s not ready to marry and that she wants to travel since she never had the opportunity to (being female and employed full-time). Instead of honoring her wishes (despite vocally saying he would), Ramsay continues to pursue her, hires the art teacher to come to the island, and marries Signy. I’m sorry, but none of that was romantic.
Additionally, there were so many mini conflicts throughout the story, that it was difficult to gage how serious they were and how they would shape the characters. I didn’t see character development or progression as much as I would have liked. I’ve read other books by this author and have always enjoyed them, so overall this book was a bit of a letdown. Ramsay’s interest in archeology was an interesting side story, and the author went into depth about his passion for history, but this still fell short for me. The ending was ok, but very much predictable.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
This was not an all time favorite for me. I am not sure if it was the time period or something else that was off for me.
I do enjoy this author though and will try a different book or genre.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

And we have a winner!

I am a sucker for slowburn.
I love Mary Jo Putney's books and I always get lost in her stories.

Last book in the series ,Scottish hero,slowburn,amazing writing. What else could you ask for .
I've been reading MJP for years and her writing never ceases to amaze me
5 stars from me