Once a Soldier
Series: Rogues Redeemed #1
Author: Mary Jo Putney
Published October 21st 2021 by Canelo Escape

Goodreads Synopsis
All's fair in love and war...
As heir to a title, Will Masterson should have stayed home and tended his responsibilities. Instead, he went to war. After years fighting the French, he intends his current mission to be his last. But all his plans are forgotten when he arrives in the small mountain stronghold of San Gabriel and meets her.

Knowing herself to be too tall, strong and unconventional, Athena Markham has always gloried in her independence. Yet for the first time in her life, she finds a man who might be her match.

Two of a kind, too brave for their own good, Athena and Will vow to do whatever it takes to vanquish San Gabriel's enemies, while finding a love deeper than they'd ever imagined.

A thrilling historical romance for fans of Mary Balogh and Stephanie Laurens.
Goodreads

Review
Finding her adopted country at war was a shock for Athena Markham, but her family in San Gabriel have done so much for her, and she will protect her cousin, and heir to the throne, with her life. Will Masterson is on his way home following Waterloo, ready to take his place in society as heir to his father's title, and takes a detour to the small kingdom of San Gabriel, where he meets the beautiful Athena. Thinking he was done with fighting the French, when an old enemy arrives, and lays siege. Will won't let Athena fight alone, but he's right by her side when she needs him.

Well, this was refreshing. I loved that the book first of all didn't take place in England, and it had a multitude of characters who were strong and ready to fight for those they love. The heroes in this series are all connected by an escape from the wicked French General Bodain, when they were facing certain death, and Bodain returns to play a role in the invasion of San Gabriel. The romance was sweet, and all of the drama was external to their relationship. Athena's parentage was questionable, and in England, she is ridiculed as illegitimate, though the people of San Gabriel embrace her as the beloved cousin of their princess. The fight to save the kingdom was epic, and gripping. A new author to me, but this is definitely a series I'm going to continue!

Dates Read:
May 15-17, 2022

Rating
4 Stars