Review: Once a Spy (Rogues Redeemed #4) by Mary Jo Putney
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Series: Rogues Redeemed #4
Author: Mary Jo Putney
Published December 9th 2021 by Canelo Escape
Goodreads Synopsis
Love and survival in the shadow of Waterloo
Wearied by his years as a British intelligence officer, Simon Duval resigns soon after Napoleon's abdication. Returning to England, he discovers his cousin's widow working as a seamstress and living in reduced circumstances.
Suzanne is done with love. So when Simon proposes a marriage of companionship, she accepts. Not expecting a true marriage, Suzanne can't help but be drawn to Simon, until news from France shatters their happiness.
Napoleon has escaped and Simon must once again help prevent war. Only this time, he does not go into danger alone. He and Suzanne will face deadly peril together.
A heart-racing Regency romance for fans of Mary Balogh and Georgette Heyer.
Goodreads
Review
Simon Duval has worked as an officer for British Intelligence throughout the Peninsula War. Half British and Half French, his loyalties were tested, but he's always been true to England. Even so, he discovers that one of his cousins has recently died, and his widow is in London, working as a seamstress. Suzanne was a Comtesse, but recent years have been hard, and she was lucky to be rescued from the Harem in which she had been a prisoner for so long. Her time in London so far has been far from perfect, and when Simon arrives to 'rescue' her, she's confused but drawn to him nonetheless. A marriage of convenience would work well for the pair, but when companionship grows to more, and then Napoleon escapes, will Simon and Suzanne be able to stay together?
When we met Suzanne in the previous book, there was clearly a story behind her captivity, and I'm glad we saw another side to her in this book. All throughout her life she has suffered abuse - mentally, physically, and sexually - and she can never imagine being open to another man again. Even so, Simon compels her to trust him, and it's worth it in the long run. Because of that past, and her French heritage, she's unwelcome in England, but only a few people are kind. Simon's friendship is a boon, and he understands why she only wants a marriage in name, and doesn't push. They really became friends first, and that was great to the plot line. After Napoleon's escape, the action ramped up, and I couldn't put the book down. A solid story in an enjoyable series.
Dates Read:
June 6-8, 2022
Rating
4 Stars
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