Once Dishonored
Series: Rogues Redeemed #5
Author: Mary Jo Putney
Published December 9th 2021 by Canelo

Goodreads Synopsis
He lost his honor. She lost her reputation. Together, will they find redemption?
As a Royal Navy officer, Lucas Mandeville has fought his share of battles on the high seas, followed by long years of imprisonment. But he'd rather be on the burning deck of a ship than in this ballroom, where it is just a matter of time before someone calls him out for what happened during the war.

When dark-haired beauty Kendra Douglas arrives, a whisper of scandal ripples through the ton. The disgraced divorcee's entrance is an act of daring. Which is exactly why Lucas asks her to dance...

Lucas offers Kendra his aid in finding the evidence to regain her good name - and her beloved young son. Together they investigate the wicked conspiracy that destroyed her life. But will helping Kendra be enough to atone for Lucas's dark past?.

A thrilling and gorgeous Regency romance for fans of Lisa Kleypas and Mary Balogh.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Following her divorce, Kendra Douglas is disgraced. She has lost everything, including her child, and the scandal follows her wherever she is. At ton events, she is unwelcome, and ignored, though Lucas Mandville recognises her strength and bravery, and asks her to dance. For his own part, Lucas would rather be anywhere but a ball, and his time in the military has changed him. Working together, they fight to return Kendra's good name, and prove that her former in-laws are lying. If they also happen to fall in love, well, that's just a bonus.

When we meet Lucas in the previous book, there's so many questions surrounding his time acting as a healer, and Once Dishonoured really covers just why that came to be. He broke parole while a French prisoner, and as a gentleman, broke his oath and vow. He's full of grief over it, and just waiting to be called out for his actions, and seeing Kendra's strength in the face of scandal, he wants to help her, and perhaps atone for his sins. Kendra's own story is far more tragic, and I'm glad she was able to find someone who believed her, and had the connections to truly help. She was capable herself, but with Lucas' support, it was easier to face her tormentors. Another great book!

Dates Read:
June 9-12, 2022

Rating
4 Stars