Audiobook Review: Once a Scoundrel by Mary Jo Putney

Author: Mary Jo Putney

Narrator:  Beverley A. Crick

Title: Once a Scoundrel

(Rogues Redeemed #3)

Genre: Historical Romance, Adventure

Format: Audiobook

Published: 2017

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

An outcast on the high seas . . .

The son of a proud naval dynasty, Gabriel Hawkins was born to command the sea, until he leaves the Royal Navy in disgrace and is disowned by his family. As captain of his own ship, he's earned his living in ways both legal and illegal, and his experience makes him the best choice to ransom an aristocratic beauty captured by Barbary pirates.

Having avoided the traps of convention and marriage, Lady Aurora Lawrence is horrified by the prospect of spending her life as a harem slave. Her only hope of escape is a quiet, steely captain who has a history with her captor--and who will do anything to free Rory. Together they undertake a dangerous mission through troubled waters--and encounter another kind of danger as attraction burns hot within the close confines of his ship. But even if they endure the perils of the sea and enemy lands, can their love survive a return to England, where the distance between a disgraced captain and an earl's daughter is wider than the ocean?

Review:

This book has been elusive! I got tired of waiting for or looking for it (I even skipped over it to read the rest of the series) so I decided to bite the bullet and use my free monthly Audible credit on it. 

We follow the disgraced Gabriel Hawkins. He was born to a proud dynasty of naval officers, but he was disgraced from the Royal Navy and disowned by his family. To make his way in the world, he became a captain of his own ship and finds ways to make money. Be it in legal or even illegal adventures. Due to his experience, he is given the chance to rescue an aristocratic beauty who was captured by Barbary pirates and try to ransom her freedom on behalf of the family. Lady Aurora has dodged marriage for a long time, but being captured by pirates and possibly spending her life as a harem slave makes her wish for freedom and to return back home. Her only hope of escape is Gabriel and his crew. 

This was a lot of fun. I think this was my favorite of series so far. I think there are a couple of more left in the series. *does research* Yes, there is a short story and a new one coming out next week. WAIT...WHAT? OMG I MUST READ IT!!!!! 

ANYWAYS...SEE? Some things are worth waiting for I guess ;) 

I loved how eccentric Rory was and how adorable her cousin was. 

I loved Gabriel. Poor guy got dealt a shitty hand. Grrrrr to his family and to the Royal Navy! 

Oooooo and the side romance between Rory's cousin and the 1st mate was adorable! I'm so happy that the cousin found love. She deserved it just as much as Rory and good ol' Gabriel. 

What I really love about this author is that I typically buy these couples. Sure, they had a spark of insta-love here, but they talked and became friends and then lovers. I love that! And it made sense. I mean...they spent a couple of weeks at sea with nothing better to do. I really loved watching them fall in love. 

Now, I will say the resolution seemed a bit...easy and quick. I knew what was going to happen based on what I read in later books, but I expected more...drama? Mmm. Hard to explain without spoiling here...but yes, I thought I was going to be worried. I wasn't at all. I think I was more worried about the poor animals they had to drag along. Poor things crossing the ocean TWICE. Gah! I can't imagine how scared they were. 

The narrator was good! Her voices fit well. I will say Rory's and the cousin's voice were very similar so when it would flip to a different POV I did have rewind because it started not making sense. I really had to focus here. But everyone else's voices were different...even the guys.

In the end, I am so glad I finally got a chance to read/listen to this! It was worth the wait. I adored this couple or our side romance. I loved watching them all fall in love on the open sea. The ending was a little easier than I imagined, but it was nice to see them beat the odds and free Rory and her cousin. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #42 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Once a Spy by Mary Jo Putney

Author: Mary Jo Putney

Narrator: Beverley A. Crick

Title: Once a Spy

(Rogues Redeemed #4)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 24th 2019

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Love and survival in the shadow of Waterloo...

Wearied by his years as a British intelligence officer, Simon Duval resigns his commission after Napoleon’s abdication. Hoping to find new meaning in his life, he returns to England, where he discovers his cousin’s widow, Suzanne Duval, the Comtesse de Chambron. Working as a seamstress, living in reduced circumstances, Suzanne has had a life as complicated as Simon’s. While both believe they are beyond love, their sympathetic bond leads him to propose a marriage of companionship, and Suzanne accepts.

She didn't want or expect a true marriage, but as Suzanne joins Simon in a search for his long-missing foster brother, warmth and caring begin to heal both their scars—and a powerful passion sparks between them. Then news from France threatens to disrupt their happiness. Napoleon has escaped from Elba and Wellington personally asks Simon to help prevent another devastating war. Only this time, Simon does not go into danger alone. He and Suzanne will face deadly peril together and pray that love will carry them through...

Review:

 Accidently read the book after that which was okay. It was nice to backtrack to see Suzanne and Simon fall in love. 

The story follows Suzanne and Simon. Tired by all his years in the British army as a spy, Simon resigns his commission after Napoleon abdicates. Hoping to find new meaning in his life, he returns to England where he discovers his cousin's widow. Suzanne Duval was the Comtesse de Chambron. Now she is working as a seamstress in England. The two decide to marry because they both believe they are beyond love and lust. A nice friendship and a marriage of convenience will work. They didn't expect or want a true marriage, but as Suzanne joins Simon in searching for his long-lost friend and foster brother, they realize that love and passion are possible. However, Napoleon's escape from Elba will bring peril to Europe and this couple. 

A little bit of the mystery was ruined since I did read book 5 before this one. I for sure say read this one before, but this does stand well as a standalone from the rest of the series.

I liked this couple. One of my favorite couples in the series 100%. They went through some terrible things. He was a spy during a bloody war. She was in France during the Reign of Terror. Lost her hubbie, title, lands, and freedom. On the way to escaping her boat was taken over and she was taken to be a whore in a harem. They are both really damaged. I loved watching them rekindle their friendship, get married, fall in love, and then lust. It was sweet. I loved how much they talked to each other and trusted each other. 

I adored the side characters as well. They were very well-rounded and I wanted them to be safe and happy too. 

However, I struggled a little bit because the pacing was all over the place. Things would drag to the point of me wanting to fall asleep and then jump to heart-racing fast where I couldn't listen fast enough and then it would drop to slow and tedious.

Also, I felt the treatment and recovery that Suzanne went through after her terrible experiences....seemed wrong. It felt like all she needed was a good man. True, Simon is awesome and patient and kind...but I feel like she needed a therapist or something. Love can't always fix deep-rooted issues and traumatic experiences.

The narrator was fantastic as per normal. I could sing her praises. 

In the end, I liked many parts of this, but there were some things I struggled with for sure. The series was fun and I enjoyed it overall. But for this, I will give it 3 stars.   

Challenge(s):
- #34 for Audiobook challenge

- #19 for Romance Bingo - Horse on the cover

Audiobook Review: Once Dishonored by Mary Jo Putney

Author: Mary Jo Putney

Narrator: Beverley A. Crick

Title: Once Dishonored

(Rogues Redeemed #5)

Genre: Historical Romance & Mystery

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 29th 2020

Where I got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

A man who has lost his honor has nothing . . .

London, 1816. As a Royal Navy officer, Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, has fought his share of battles on the high seas, followed by long years of imprisonment. But on this night, he'd rather be on the burning deck of a ship than in a ballroom, where it is just a matter of time before someone challenges him because of what happened on the Continent.

A woman who has lost her reputation is nothing . . .

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 . . .

A couple who stands together has everything . . .

Unexpectedly, 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, and in the midst of danger, find a deep love that will redeem them both--if only they can live long enough to build a future together.

Review:

Whoops. Accidently skipped book 4. 'Tis okay though. This did well as a standalone. 

Lucas, Lord Foxton, has fought in his fair share of battles and then spent a long time in prison. However, he lost his honor by escaping and hiding for a long time. He regrets going to the ball until he re-meets Kendra Douglas. Her husband divorced her and now she is dishonored and surrounded by scandal and also regrets coming to the ball. After a dance and spending a long evening of talking and learning about each other, Lucas offers Kendra his aid in finding the evidence to regain her honor and find her beloved young son. Together they investigate the wicked conspiracy that destroyed her life and they discover love that will redeem them both. 

I honestly really adored how these two started their romance. It was refreshing. They had danced together years previous but he went to war and she married a jerkface. They come together again with their honor in shambles. They join forces to bring justice and maybe find peace for him. I loved it! It was so sweet. They had insta-lust, but there was friendship right away. The love was there but they had a lot to deal with and fix before they could be with each other. It was really nice. No drama between them. They had amazing communication and worked well together. 

Poor Kendra....poor Lucas. I do wish we could've seen more with Lucas fixing his honor. We got to see some resolution but Kendra had huge problems. 

I did accidently skip book 4, but this did well by itself. There was only one couple we missed, but it was fine. I loved seeing all the past characters team up to help Kendra and Lucas! It brought a tear to my eye. 

The narrator was good. Loved her voices. Some did sound similar so you have to pay attention to context, but overall, I liked her and she did justice. 

In the end, I liked this. There was love and danger and drama and mystery. I can't wait to backtrack and read Simon's story. I'll give this 4 stars.   

Challenge(s):
- #30 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Once a Rebel by Mary Jo Putney

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

Audiobook Review: Never Less Than a Lady by Mary Jo Putney

Author: Mary Jo Putney
Narrator:  Simon Prebble

Title: Never Less Than a Lady
(The Lost Lords #2)

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: May 1st 2010
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



As the sole remaining heir to the Earl of Daventry, Alexander Randall knows his duty: find a wife and sire a son of his own. The perfect bride for a man in his position would be a biddable young girl of good breeding. But the woman who haunts his imagination is Julia Bancroft—a village midwife with a dark secret that thrusts her into Randall's protection.

Within the space of a day, Julia has been abducted by her first husband's cronies, rescued, and proposed to by a man she scarcely knows. Stranger still is her urge to say yes. A union with Alexander Randall could benefit them both, but Julia doubts she can ever trust her heart again, or the fervent desire Randall ignites. Yet perhaps only a Lost Lord can show a woman like Julia everything a true marriage can be…

Book 2! Finally decided to check this out. Couldn't find the print version, but Audible had the audio version ;) Why not?!

In this one, we follow Alexander and Julia. Alexander is the sole remaining heir to the Earl of Daventry. Julia has been abducted by her first husband's cronies due to what she had done to save her own life. Alexander saves her and in order to protect her, they get married. 

I really enjoyed this. I remember liking the first book, but I really liked this one. The story plot was intriguing. A little unrealistic...but works still. Hard to explain. It is so unrealistic that it is realistic. 

I do love how Julia and Alexander are both broken souls who find each other. They both have loads of demons that steam from the same man (and Alex's wartime). The marriage happens quickly and the love is there but the trust is limited and they both have a foot out of the door. An interesting way for our couple to realize they need each other and are soulmates. 

The drama was good. I wanted to shake Julia's father and the Earl! UGGGHHH! ASSHATS!!!!!!!! I am so glad Julia has her grandma who helped keep her secrets. Bless her heart. 

The twist was good and it made me smile. 

The ending was good. I hope to see more in the next book. I know it'll follow another couple, but I really want to see Julia and Alexander in the next one visit our next couple. 

The narrator was really good. I may see if the next book will have the same narrator ;) He was fun. 

Overall, this was better than book 1. I didn't have any issues. Loved the characters. Loved the story. The narrator was really good. I'll give this 5 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Once a Soldier by Mary Jo Putney

Author: Mary Jo Putney
Narrator: Beverley A. Crick

Title: Once a Soldier
(Rogues Redeemed #1)

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: June 28th 2016
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



As heir to a title and great wealth, Will Masterson should have stayed home and tended his responsibilities. Instead he went to war. Now, after perilous 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 to appeal to a man, Athena Markham has always gloried in her independence. But 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. For neither will back down from death, and only together can they find happiness and a love deeper than any they'd dared imagine...

Forgot how much I like this author. I need to read more! But yes, this was a random find on Audible and I'm glad I picked it up. 

The story follows Athena and Will. Will is an heir to a title and a great wealth, but due to a tragedy, he decided to run off and join the war effort. After years of war, he has one last mission before he can go home to redeem himself and pick up his responsibilities. Athena is too tall and the daughter of a fallen woman so she is living her best life as an independent woman and advisor/protector of a princess. 

It is always a touch risky having a made-up country interacting with real-world things like the Napoleonic War, but it worked her. I want to learn more about this country. I wish it was real! Yummm wine. 

But I liked Will and Athena right away. They were perfect for each other. I felt SO bad for both of them. They went through some big trauma in their pasts. I am so happy Will is a good man even though he is an heir to a title and can easily look past Athena's parentage. They did a lot of talking and getting to know each other. This really fit for them and I wasn't bored for a moment. Sometimes too much talking is boring, but it wasn't for this one. We learned a lot about our characters. 

I also adored our side characters! Murphy and Justin! I am so happy they get to have love too. I liked the princess too. She was adorable.

There was a lot of unbelievable things that did happen. Not 100% historically accurate with how people talk, but it didn't bug me too much. It wasn't annoying or too obvious. Like the princess letting a wine merchant call her by her first name. Or the princess, Athena, Will, and Jusin go alone to have a picnic. Really? Not a single guard? Okay...

The narrator was really good! I hope she reads book 2. 

Overall, this was a fun story. We get to really understand our characters. I loved our characters and I was happy our side characters got to have a HEA too. Some inaccuracies and unbelievable parts, but it didn't completely hinder me enjoying the story. I want to read the next book. I'll give this 3 stars.  

Set during Wartime

Book Review: Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney

Author: Mary Jo Putney
Title: Loving a Lost Lord (The Lost Lords #1)
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 350
Published: 2009
Where I Got It: My shelf (Dollar General)

In the first of a dazzling series, Mary Jo Putney introduces the Lost Lords--maverick childhood friends with a flair for defying convention. Each is about to discover the woman who is his perfect match--but perfection doesn't come easily, even for the noble Duke of Ashton. . .
Battered by the sea, Adam remembers nothing of his past, his ducal rank, nor of the shipwreck that almost claimed his life. However, he's delighted to hear that the golden-haired vision tending his wounds is his wife. Mariah's name and face may not be familiar, but her touch, her warmth, feel deliciously right. . .

When Mariah Clarke prayed for a way to deter a bullying suitor, she didn't imagine she'd find the answer washed ashore on a desolate beach. Convincing Adam that he is her husband is surprisingly easy. Resisting the temptation to act his wife, in every way, will prove anything but. And now a passion begun in fantasy has become dangerously real--and completely irresistible. . .

A random find at the store that my pal got for me. I've read some by this author in the past and I enjoyed her works. This sounded good. 

The story follows Ash and Mariah who are both lost and find each other. Mariah is lost without her father and Ash is legit lost. His boat exploded and he hit his head and has amnesia. Mariah saves him and realizes he might be the answer to her prayers for protection against an ahole who want to take advantage of her now that her dad is gone/missing. Sooooo she lies and tells Ash that he is her hubbie. 

Sighs...I get why Mariah did what she did. I would've done the same, BUT once the issue with the nasty man was taken care she should've come clean. He would've understood, but she held onto the lie for so long. Poor Ash.

There was a huge lull midway through the book. I was yawning for a couple of chapters, but finally, things happened and I was invested again. It was so worth the lull.  

Things happen and they fall in love, but it was not easy at all for them. Love is great and all, but sometimes it is not enough. It is a historical romance so you know they find their HEA, but it took forever and a little bit of luck. 

I liked Ash's friends. I want them to have some love too.They deserve it after all they did to help find Ash and help Mariah. Good men. 

Now, there were two big twists. The one with Mariah's family was meh. The other one with the "baddie" was good. I had my guess but I was wrong. It all makes sense though why the baddie did what the baddie did. I was upset that there was little action taken. There needed to be more of a punishment. Sighs. 

In the end, this was good. I enjoyed all the drama and love. It wasn't an easy love, but it was nice to see things end happily for them. They really deserved it and I excited to read the next one in the series.  I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Book Review: The China Bride by Mary Jo Putney

Author:  Mary Jo Putney
Title: The China Bride (The Bride Trilogy #2)
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 439
Published: 2000
Where I Got It: My Shelf (B&N)

Born to a Scottish father and now living in China, Troth Montgomery grew up speaking several languages and thinking of faraway England as home. Enduring life as a concubine, she never imagined that one day she would leave the Orient, arriving in bitter winter at the estate of a stranger--the brother of the man who had briefly been her husband. Kyle Renbourne, Viscount of Maxwell, had taken Troth as his bride shortly before his apparent execution in a Chinese prison. Now, as his widow, she is entitled to the home she always dreamed of but remains haunted by the memory of a dashing husband and the brief, forbidden love they shared.

Then Kyle seemingly returns from the dead. Though he has survived, his mind and body are badly wounded. He needs time to heal and retreats from the exotic wife he barely knows. Bitterly aware that she will never be a fitting English wife, Troth defiantly embraces her foreign traditions, hoping that the ancient arts of her ancestors will restore Kyle's spirit and her own battered heart. Together they embark on a miraculous journey of hope and faith as Kyle becomes enchanted with the intimate tranquility he shares with his bewitching Troth. But before he can win back his China bride, Kyle must first face a deadly menace that has followed them halfway across the world. . . .

This book two in the series. I read book one an eon ago and I enjoyed it. The first book followed Dominic and Meriel. This one follows Kyle, Dom's twin brother, and Troth who meet in China. Kyle is heartbroken from his old mistress dying and Troth is now orphaned and being forced to be white person escort and a spy on the side.

I liked the first book. I liked Kyle's side-story so I was excited to read forward...however...I was let down. Kyle was different than what I remembered in the first book. He was an idiot and annoying. Troth was interesting, but she bugged me too overall.

The beginning was really good but then it was downhill. I think the scene that marked my downfall with this book was the scene when Kyle discovers Troth is a woman. It was really forced and really kind of silly how Kyle went about it. He had no decorum or class. He was kind of offensive and overly blunt. Troth had an interesting complex about her but she was boring overall. 

I wasn't a huge fan of the jumping between time. It didn't flow well.

After the one scene, I started skimming. The ending got a hair better with all the drama, but I just didn't get into it like I did the first book.

The first book wasn't amazing, but it was good. This one? A super bummer. I couldn't connect with the characters and I couldn't stay on track with the story. Maybe if the story didn't time jump and I liked the characters even an ounce more could've made this better? Out of five stars, I'll give this one. 

Book Review: The Wild Child

Author:  Mary Jo Putney
Title: The Wild Child (1st of The Bride Trilogy)
Genre: Historical Romance, Drama
Pages: 365
First Published: 1999
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon)


"Bribed by Kyle, his twin brother, Dominic Renbourne agrees to take his twin's place for a few weeks at Warfield Manor, where he is to pay court to Lady Meriel Grahame, the orphaned heiress Kyle intends to marry. The last thing Dominic expects is to be entranced by a silent sprite whose ethereal beauty is as intoxicating as the flowers and trees that surround her. 


For much of her life Meriel has lived outside normal society, finding joy and peace in her garden, safe from the nightmare that nearly destroyed her as a child. She is content with solitude until the handsome intruder begins to inspire dreams of life beyond her sanctuary. Despite his longing, Dominic's sense of duty keeps him away from his brother's future bride, but Meriel's untamed spirit proves more powerful than Dominic can resist . . ."

Not only is this the first of The Bride Trilogy, but this is also my first book by Mary Jo Putney. I've heard countless applauds from this author, so I decided to check her out! The first book I stumbled across was The China Bride, which I really wanted to read until I realized that it was the second book of three, so of course I had to read the first on first. Luckily for me it was on sale, so I snatched it up! I will say it here and now...Mary Jo Putney lived up to her good reviews.

This was an interesting tale of love. Meriel (the heroine) was a little anti-social and slightly mad, whilst the hero, Dominic, was a charming younger son, who was a twin. I will admit it...the love story was very out-there and it seemed impossible. However, as time went on the story blossomed into a slightly believable romance. 

The first quarter of the book bored me too tears, but as the story trudge on it instantly had me hooked! I really wanted to know how everything was going to be resolved and this couple would get their happily ever after. C'mon, its a historical romance! Of course they get their happy ending! *mutters* I wish real life was like that. ANYWAYS, the last 3/4 of the book was a spiral of emotion, action, gasping moments, heartbreak, hope, and finally utter joy. I could barely put the book down.

I also must applaud Mary Jo Putney for being able to write a romance where one of the lovers was mute for the majority of the book. She made it work very well...it takes real talent to do such. I also must give her credit for her ability to give a wonderful male POV, at times I felt like it was really written by a man. Sometimes when a woman writes in male POV (or vice versa) it seems forced and sometimes rather cheesy , however MJP did a wonderful job with creating Dominic's and Kyle's voices. 

Which brings me to the point that I really enjoyed the sub-plot of Kyle and his dying mistress. I hate to say I "enjoyed" it, but I did. I really liked Kyle and his little part of the story. I can't wait to read his story in The China Bride. The author did a wonderful job intertwining the major story and the sub-story. It flowed nicely.

Okay...I hinted at this at the beginning, but the romance seemed rather impossible and at times not at all realistic. In reality these two would never had come to fall in love. It seemed like it was to easy for them to be together. This girl, Meriel, had went through some terrible experiences in India and she enfolded herself into her own mind. She hadn't talked to anyone since she was a child and was, well, wild. She did what she wanted, when she wanted. There wasn't much struggle for the two to find love with each other. After a few days, Dominic pretty much had her eating out his hand (and vice versa). It just seemed to happy WAY to FAST and it seemed to easy. It's hard to explain.

All-in-all, I liked this book. It may have been a little impossible, but it seemed to work. The characters were wonderfully displayed, the dialogue was good, and I really enjoyed riding along with this story. I am dying to read the next in the series!  I will, of course, be reading more of Mary Jo Putney's books. She seems like a wonderful author. I'll be granting this book 3 stars...it's more like 3.4, but since I don't give decimals I had to round. 

Favorite Character(s): Dominic (a great man, a girl would be lucky to find such a loving and patient man), Kyle (he may express his feelings less than his twin, he seems like a wonderful guy), Jena, and Lucia.

Not-so Favorite Character(s):  Uncle/General Grahame (he seemed slimy to me...and I was right)

Favorite Quote(s): "She wanted to kiss him for his perception, but refrained rather than risk offending his gentlemanly modesty." -Meriel's thoughts on page 180. This had me snorting and laughing like a loon. 

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<3CaroleRae