Thursday, January 30

Audiobook Review: Once a Rebel by Mary Jo Putney

Once a Rebel (Rogues Redeemed, #2)Author: Mary Jo Putney
Narrator:  Beverley A. Crick
Title: Once a Rebel
(Rogues Redeemed #2)
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published:  May 30th 2017
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



As Washington burns, Callista Brooke is trapped in the battle between her native England and her adopted homeland. She is on the verge of losing everything, including her life, when a handsome Englishman cuts through the violent crowd to claim that she is his. Callie falls into her protector's arms, recognizing that he is no stranger, but the boy she'd once loved, a lifetime ago.

Lord George Gordon Audley had been Callie's best friend, and it was to Gordon she turned in desperation to avoid a loathsome arranged marriage. But the repercussions of his gallant attempt to rescue her sent Callie packing to Jamaica, and Gordon on a one way trip to the penal colony of Australia.

Against all odds, Gordon survived. Finding Callie is like reclaiming his tarnished soul, and once again he vows to do whatever is necessary to protect her and those she loves. But the innocent friendship they shared as children has become a dangerous passion that may save or destroy them



Picked this up for a couple of reasons. One because it is book 2 of this series and second, it fits in with a couple of challenges. 

The story follows Callie and Gordon. The two had been childhood besties. Things happen and they are ripped apart by their evil dads. Years pass and Callie is now a widow living in America where war is coming. Gordon escaped death and is now a spy for England. He is hired by an aristocrat to find their family member in America. No shocker here, but Callie and Gordon are reunited. Could there be love? Or has it been to long?

Been a looooong time since I've done this format of review....I am feeling meh today, so I shall divide and conquer. 

The Good
- Loved Callie and Gordon. They were good characters and their chemistry was instant even when they couldn't see it themselves. 
- I loved our side characters especially Callie's stepdaughter and her beau. I hope we get at least a short story!
 - There was insta-lust of course, but I am glad the love took forever. Lots of wounds and years to get by. 
- The twist at the end got me good! Did NOT see that coming. 
- The narrator was fantastic. 

The Bad and the Ugly
- The historical name dropping was annoying. Yes, Callie...I get it. Your lawyer is the famous Francis Scott Key. Mention it one more time I shall scream. 
- The quick resolutions made the drama seem not so dramatic. All that build-up...sighs. 
- How did those fathers not get in trouble??? I am not happy they pretty much got away with everything. Grrr
- I felt like we really didn't get to see Callie make up with her siblings. There needed to be more there. We spent too much time in America.

Conclusion
I did enjoy this. Some good, some meh. I felt like we needed more resolution on things. We spent too much time in America dealing with that. I WANT MORE! More redemption, please. But I liked the characters and I could be biased. I shall stamp this with 3 stars. 











Challenge(s):
- #4 on Bingo sheet for Historical Romance



- #3 for Audiobook Challenge




3 comments:

Melliane said...

I used to read her books but it's been a while

Blodeuedd said...

Name dropping ugh, of course I would not get it ;)

Carole Rae said...

Melliane, you should read more. ;)

B, loll hate name dropping.