Not Always a Saint

The Lost Lords #7

by Mary Jo Putney

After the death of his sweetheart when he was at university, Daniel Herbert buried his grief in medical studies and his passion for healing. Viewed as a saint by those who know him, in his own mind, he never quite manages to live up to his own high standards.

Most men would be thrilled to learn they've inherited a title and estate from a distant relative, but Daniel is appalled because the burden of wealth will interfere with his medical calling. Warily he accepts that he must enter society and seek a wife—a sensible woman who can oversee his properties, leaving him free to continue his work. He does not expect to become intoxicated by a woman called the Black Widow, who is as mysterious as she is shockingly beautiful…

Jessie Kelham’s looks have always been a curse. Now alone with a young daughter and a perilous secret, she is in need of protection. But dangerously attractive Daniel Herbert is not the kind of husband she has in mind. If he recognizes her, the demons of her past will surely erupt. Yet they cannot keep apart—and soon they are drawn into a union that may bring joy—or shattering danger…

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Fiction, Regency Romance

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 28, 2015

About the author

She writes young adult fiction as M.J. Putney.

Mary Jo Putney was born on 1946 in Upstate New York with a reading addiction, a condition for which there is no known cure. After earning degrees in English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she did various forms of design work in California and England before inertia took over in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has lived very comfortably ever since.

While becoming a novelist was her ultimate fantasy, it never occurred to her that writing was an achievable goal until she acquired a computer for other purposes. When the realization hit that a computer was the ultimate writing tool, she charged merrily into her first book with an ignorance that illustrates the adage that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Fortune sometimes favors the foolish and her first book sold quickly, thereby changing her life forever, in most ways for the better. (“But why didn't anyone tell me that writing would change the way one reads?”) Like a lemming over a cliff, she gave up her freelance graphic design business to become a full-time writer as soon as possible.

Since 1987, Ms. Putney has published twenty-nine books and counting. Her stories are noted for psychological depth and unusual subject matter such as alcoholism, death and dying, and domestic abuse. She has made all of the national bestseller lists including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and Publishers Weekly. Five of her books have been named among the year’s top five romances by The Library Journal. The Spiral Path and Stolen Magic were chosen as one of Top Ten romances of their years by Booklist, published by the American Library Association.

A nine-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won RITAs for Dancing on the Wind and The Rake and the Reformer and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. She has been awarded two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, four NJRW Golden Leaf awards, plus the NJRW career achievement award for historical romance. Though most of her books have been historical, she has also published three contemporary romances. The Marriage Spell will be out in June 2006 in hardcover, and Stolen Magic (written as M. J. Putney) will be released in July 2006.

Ms. Putney says that not least among the blessings of a full-time writing career is that one almost never has to wear pantyhose.

Reviews

[Juliana Philippa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
The hero was promising. The heroine was promising. But together they just did not work for me.

The "instant lust" almost never works for me and that was DEFINITELY the case here. As I wrote in one of my status updates: "Lightning keeps shattering when he looks at her. Enough with the thunderstorm!!" The constant taking-breath-away and electrocution really got on my nerves.

I also felt like Putney threw in way too many twist and turns. Jessie was an overdone onion - layer after layer after layer of secrets and scandals and surprises and horrible experiences and abuse and on and on and on. It was almost unbelievable; this one character and plot had enough things to make up 7 separate books.

I got to 80%, but too many books, too little time - I can't even force myself to finish the last 20%. A great shame, because I know this author is able to turn out fantastic, character-driven books (see below). This series has not been a great hit for me so far (have only read 2 of them). Maybe next time.

Instead, read one of these Mary Jo Putney books (the first two are on my list of all-time favorite romance books):
- The Rake
- Thunder & Roses
- The Wild Child

*This review is of an ARC provided by Net Galley

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Those without integrity don’t usually understand those who have it

First Impressions
I will admit that I had decided to pick up this read solely based on the cover and the sample that I had read through the Libby app. This was one of those reads that were a spontaneous decision and when I started to read the sample, I began to be so hooked into the story and I just had to read more of this one. So I decided that I would pick this one up. I absolutely love it when an author can draw me so well into a story especially when it’s a historical romance as they don’t engage me quite as much as they used to. And I have to say that this book was such a fun well worth it of a read. It’s not an easy romance, and our couple definitely has to learn to overcome some true obstacles here, but I absolutely was hooked into the connection that they had with each other and the setup of their story was so well done. Both of our main protagonists are so interesting as individuals and they aren’t your typical members of the aristocracy and I really liked that this author wrote a story that just gave something different to the reader. If you are a fan of a regency historical’s than this is definitely a book for you.

Whether we share enough common ground, I don’t know. I think that marriage is always the triumph of hope over fear.

Summary
Our tale begins when our couple first meets. Our hero, Daniel, is a doctor and has a passion for helping others and the healing arts. Then he and his sister discover a woman hurt and abused and heals her wounds, and give her money to give her a fresh start from her current situation. Now its been years later, and Daniel has inherited a title when sickness spreads through a country estate party and all the heirs but he is killed. The last thing that Daniel wants is to have the responsibilities of a title and a lord but his goal is to find a wife, who can aid him in those responsibilities so that he can live his dream of being a doctor. Our heroine, Jessie, has become a widow and a single mother. When her brother-in-law threatens to take her daughter away, she is determined to protect her daughter no matter what and knows the best course of action will be to marry someone that is strong enough to stand up to her brother-in-law and prevent her from losing her daughter. Daniel and Jessie meet at a ball, and though there is instant chemistry between them, Jessie is determined not to marry someone that she is so attracted to. She wants someone more mature and older in years who will be a friend.. But Daniel is determined to show his genuine affection for Jessie, but Jessie fears that if she gives in to her desires and wants for this man, and then he will discover all of her secrets and hate her forever…

You have strength and vulnerability and the wisdom that comes of hard experience. Without those things, you would be merely beautiful, as a great statue is beautiful. A woman to be admired and forgotten. You, Jezebel Elizabeth Braxton Trevane Kelham Herbert, are unforgettable.

What I Loved
This is a story that I just got sucked into right away, and from their first meeting, I knew that this book would be one wild ride and it definitely was. It was NOT what I was expecting from a regency romance and this author definitely kept me on my toes. There are so many secrets that Jessie has, and she honestly doesn’t always treat Daniel so great, however, you definitely understand her fears and reservations. She is a mother wanting to protect her child at all costs, and she has been able to hide her past so well. Daniel has a determination of a heated bull in a rodeo, and he refuses to let go of Jessie, no matter what. He knows that what is between them is so real and he will fight to protect and nurture it. I absolutely adored having such a determined hero to win the affections of his lady, And once Jessie gives into Daniel, their romance really sparks fire and I absolutely was so endeared by their relationship and seeing them become both lovers but also best of friends. The plot was packed with so much intrigue and mystery, I was so fascinated to see what would be revealed and if they would overcome the intentions of the villains that rise up within the story. I was cheering our couple on all the way through.

Even more than passion, emotional closeness could bind two very different people together into a real marriage.

What I Struggled With
There were a couple of things to this story that I wasn’t a big fan of. I struggled with Jessie’s character and how she treated Daniel during their courtship. I really felt like Daniel didn’t deserve her cold attitude and while I understood where she was coming from, I absolutely felt like she could have gone about it differently. And also we see her daughter Beth, but hardly at all and I would have loved to see more interaction with her, especially from Daniel.

Overall View
Overall I found Not Always A Saint to be a spectacular read that kept this reader eager and endeared from beginning to end. I was so in tune with these characters and this was a highly engaging read that kept me thrilled, focused, and had a sense of magical wonder to the romance that was a WIN!

We can’t always have the relationship we want with another person because we can’t control how they feel.

Trigger Warnings:
Abuse of a animals, Domestic Abuse

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh. This book was very, very boring. And sort of generic. And...did Mary Jo Putney suddenly find Jesus? Not that that's a problem, but the last couple of her books have started to feel almost inspirational and it's just not for me. This book was just...cheesy. It's almost impossible for me to comprehend that this is the same writer who gave me The Rake. I didn't hate this like I did the last book in this series, but it was just so utterly forgettable with utterly forgettable characters and...sigh. I think this may be my last Mary Jo Putney book.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I enjoyed some of this book. I liked Daniel. Jessie was okay . But poor Daniel had his work cut out, trying to sort her problems out.

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Mary Jo Putney, and I guess I am overdue when you consider the fact that I am a historical romance fan and she has written something close to a hundred books in the genre. Obviously, she is doing something right. I didn’t love this one, though I liked it ok. It didn’t move me, but I didn’t have to force myself to finish or anything like that.

This is the 7th book in The Lost Lords series, though it holds up fine as a standalone. The hero is Daniel, a doctor and surgeon committed to helping those in need. He never dreamed he would become a peer, but a fever outbreak at a family reunion essentially wiped out everyone between him and the title of Lord Romayne. He wants to keep practicing medicine, but he’ll need a wife to help manage his new estates, which is where Jessie comes in.

Jessie wants to get married, but for very different reasons. She is newly widowed by her second husband and her daughter has inherited something that the next heir in line wants desperately. She worries that he will try to take her child away from her unless she finds a husband with more money and connections who can keep them safe. Daniel is the last man she expects to become a suitor. In fact, she actually tries to avoid him, afraid he will remember tending her after her first husband beat her nearly to death. But necessity throws them together and they try to make a real go of it.

I liked the characters well enough. Daniel is a good man, though kind of beta. I can see why Jessie likens him to a saint. He’s actually almost too good to be true at times. Jessie, meanwhile, isn’t nearly the horrible woman she considers herself. She has been through horrible times and survived. And she puts her child first, which I can respect. It’s just that the romance felt lukewarm. I am skeptical of Daniel’s need for Jessie after simply seeing her from across the room. I am even more skeptical of them marrying within days of meeting. And I am even more skeptical (and then some) of them falling in love in just a week or two after that.

I felt like I spent half the book being set up for the romance and then rushed through everything after that. There was one surprise at the end, but otherwise, the story played out exactly as you would expect after reading the first couple of chapters. And I felt like we really missed an opportunity to explore Daniel’s sexual awakening.

Again, not a bad story. It’s written well and delivers on what’s promised in the blurb. But for me, it could have been so much more.

Rating: B-

*ARC provided by publisher

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful love story for readers who like their romance on the tamer side. Charming characters make this book come alive. As part of The Lost Lords series, it is not necessary to read the others but far more enjoyable if you do. It's nice to have a heroine who is not an innocent miss and can hold her own. Perfect book to savor with no big mysteries here. Be sure to add this author to your summer reading list.

[Lark of The Bookwyrm's Hoard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Jo Putney has a gift for making even the most unlikely or incredible situations believable through the very real emotions her characters feel. In Not Always a Saint, Jessie’s past holds far more than her fair share of troubles, but I easily connected with her and even more with Dr. Daniel Herbert, now Lord Romayne – who may not always be a saint but is always a good, kind, and honorable man.

The book pulled me in from the very first scene, in which a battered, bleeding, half-strangled woman staggers into Daniel’s surgery in need of help. The descriptions of “Jane’s” injuries are horrifying and utterly realistic. It’s a compelling scene, and gives a lot of insight into Daniel’s character: kind, caring, generous, and progressive in his views about women.

When we next see the battered woman, she’s ten years older and wiser, the cherished wife of an elderly, dying baron and the mother of a little girl. Those scenes establish Jessie’s mature character: she loves her husband and adores her daughter, and she will do anything to protect little Beth… even remarry in a hurry after her husband dies, lest her odious nephew-by-marriage gain guardianship over the child. She isnt weak, but the fears of her past still haunt her.

Jessie tends to hide her feelings, and is extremely reticent about her past, which makes her hard to know. As I slowly learned more about her, I understand why. Putney does an excellent job of exploring the lasting trauma and emotions of an abuse survivor. In particular, she nails Jessie’s mingled fear/anger toward her father and her longing for some kind of tenderness/recognition from him, despite knowing how unlikely it is.

Daniel is a healer first and foremost. As a result, his dismay at inheriting a title and estates rings true, which gives him a much-needed touch of humanity. He’s a perfect match for Jessie, particularly because of his sensitivity toward women’s feelings and his understanding of the effects of abuse. It’s easy to see and appreciate the growing feelings between Daniel & Jessie even before they are able to identify and articulate them to themselves and each other, and I loved their developing relationship.

But where were Daniel’s flaws? If he had any, I couldn’t see them. The man really is almost a saint. I kept expecting him to lose his temper or pull away from Jessie or something, but he is superhumanly kind and patient, even when he discovers she lied to him by omission. And he remains true to his Hippocratic oath even when the patient has tried to harm him and those he loves.

I was a little bothered by the suddenness with which Daniel falls in love with Jessie. You can (and Putney does, a few times too many) call it coup de foudre – the thunderbolt, or love at first sight – but it’s essentially insta-love. I’m not saying that it doesn’t happen on occasion, but I would have preferred if Daniel had simply been drawn to and fascinated by her at first – infatuated, if you will – then found himself falling in love as he got to know her better.

Jessie’s love for her child is one of the best and most joyful things about her, and little Beth is a delight, so I was surprised and a little disappointed not to see more of the child. It made Beth’s presence in the book feel a little bit like a plot device on the author’s part. That said, her absence through much of the book is consistent with the way children were raised in the upper classes, and with the two adults being either at various social occasions or on their honeymoon – neither of them places you would expect to see a four-year-old. (A quick aside: Beth’s speech is surprisingly polite and advanced for a four-year-old, which detracts a little from her believability.)

The only real flaw in the book, though, is the aforementioned odious nephew, who is a thoroughly unlikeable villain. He does at least have motivation – plenty of it – for his actions, but he displays no redeeming features – not even charm. He’s truly despicable; the more I learned about him the more I hated him. But he’s so unrelievedly nasty that he comes across as two-dimensional and unbelievable.

The same could perhaps be said of the other supporting characters – that they are flat, I mean, not that they’re wicked. It’s mainly because they don’t get a lot of page time, and because for the most part their characters were already developed in previous books. That doesn’t mean you can’t start with this book, but you may enjoy it more if you’ve at least read the previous novel, Not Quite a Wife, which features Daniel’s sister.

I’m not sure if this is the end of the Lost Lords series. If so, I’ll be sorry to say goodbye to the characters – but I’m not sure there are any of this group left unmarried. I’ve really liked most of the books and loved several. But then, Putney is one of my go-to historical authors. It will be fun to see what she comes up with next.


Read for #COYER Scavenger Hunt #12 - read any type of romance novel

Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.

[Rose Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since Daniel Herbert lost his young love, Rose, before they could ever marry, he has dedicated his life to being a doctor and helping people. He's a serious man (also a vicar) and isn't the least bit frivolous. When he unexpectedly inherits a barony, instead of being overjoyed, he's unhappy with the burden, as it will take away from his life's calling. He decides that he needs to find a wife, one who can help run his estate, leaving him time to focus on being a doctor and establishing clinics where needed. When Daniel sees Jessie Kelham, he feels an attraction that he's not felt since Rose was alive.

Jezebel (Jessie) Kelham is recently widowed, and is not looking to marry again, but she has no choice, because her late husband's nephew is threatening to take guardianship of her daughter. Jessie knows he has no love for the girl, but is enraged because she was named heir when he was expecting that he would be named. He wants control of her fortune, and possibly even worse.

Daniel wastes no time in meeting, and then proposing to Jessie. She refuses him at first, then changes her mind as her daughter's situation becomes more threatening. Jessie calls Daniel a saint, and tells him that he's far too good a man for the likes of her, but they marry anyway. Their marriage begins with the two of them being little more than strangers, but with a passionate attraction for each other. It would seem that they may be at the start of a happy ever after, but the action is just beginning.

Jessie has a very colorful past, to say the least. To her credit, she did tell Daniel part of it before they married, but she left out some very important details. Those details come back to haunt the newlyweds with a vengeance. Jessie is a beautiful woman, but she was also a victim of men's cruelty, and more than once. It's surprising to me that she was able to trust at all. She's also remains a very sexual being, despite the abuse she has suffered. She is a good mother, determined to protect her daughter, yet I don't feel that I got to know her all that well. There were lots of pieces to her puzzle, yet I was left with the feeling of missing one or two. Daniel is truly a good man, and I really liked him. He is intelligent, strong, capable and honest. It surprised me that he fell so hard and fast for someone so unlike him, but I guess that is the old "opposites attract" rule. I do have to admit that Jessie brought some fun to his life, along with a scorching passion. NOT ALWAYS A SAINT is a quick, enjoyable read, with some page turning twists and turns. If you're following the Lost Lords series, this is definitely a must read for you.

3.5 Stars
As Reviewed for Roses Are Blue http://wp.me/p3QRh4-df

[Ash]

DNF at 15%
The writing felt so stilted and off, which is so odd for a Putney novel, if I hadn't read and loved so many of her other books I would have assumed this is a debut author who has yet to find her voice.

Can anyone give me a reason to give this book another shot? Does it get better after a plodding beginning?

[Kathie (katmom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Release Day!!!

This is the 7th book in the Lost Lords Series. I've only read the 6th...and loved it. I enjoyed this one even more.

I liked Daniel a lot. He's a vicar, he's a surgeon, he's a healer...and now he's a lord. This last isn't something he's ever wanted. It seems like it will take a lot of time from his vocation of doctor. He begins to see some hope in the title when his brother-in-law (Lord Kirkland from the last book) mentions all the good his newly acquired wealth can do. But...he's going to need a very helpful wife to organize and run his life...and all those houses and properties. He has a short of things he's looking for in a spouse...and while he wants her to be somewhat attractive, a Diamond of the First Water is not on that list. So when he sees Jessie across a crowded room and is immediately hit with lust...well, he figures he needs to just walk away.

Jessie, for her part, has just lost her very elderly husband. They both love their four year old daughter and he left her the title of Lady. This is not good news for the nephew that thought he would get nearly everything. He makes threats and Jessie realizes she's going to need another husband to keep her daughter safe. That would be husband #3. When she and Daniel lock eyes across that room and then meet, she is in lust, too. It has been a very long time since she's felt that way, but Daniel just can't be the husband she needs. He's much too attractive...and young.

When things come to a head with that nasty nephew, the only way to find safety for Beth is a marriage between her mother and Daniel.

That's when the real fun begins. These two aren't in love, even though the lust is thick. They have to come to know each other...and I truly enjoyed their path to happiness.

Ms. Putney adds twists and turns, bad guys, and people showing up from the dead. It was quite the journey for these two...and I loved it and I highly recommend it.



Thank you, Kensington and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book.

[Olga Godim · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was an enjoyable read, set in regency England, although the timing doesn’t play an important role in the story. In fact, it’s unrecognizable. No details except the subtitles under the chapter headings suggest the era. The events of the plot could’ve happened any time during the 19th century.
Daniel, the protagonist, is a doctor. Recently, he inherited a few profitable estates and a title from his suddenly deceased cousin. He doesn’t want to abandon medicine – healing people is his vocation – but the demands of the title might force him to... unless he finds himself a sensible wife who could manage the estates for him. So he goes to London to look for such a wife. He doesn’t need a beauty, but an experience in managing a large estate is paramount.
3.5 stars
Jessie just lost her husband to old age. He was much older than her, but she is grieving for him. Her late husband was a kind and generous man and he left her and their four-year-old daughter Beth well provided for. During her husband’s long illness, Jessie managed his estates on her own and did it rather well. She doesn’t want and doesn’t need to marry again ever.
Unfortunately, her late husband’s nephew Frederick is furious that most of the inheritance has gone to Beth. He wants to rectify the situation somehow. Terrified by Frederick’s menacing promises, Jessie decided her daughter and herself need protection. In regency England, that meant one thing only: another husband powerful enough and rich enough to neutralize Frederick’s threat. She goes to London to look for a husband.
Jessie and Daniel’s romance has its share of complications, mainly stemming from Jessie’s murky past, but of course, love prevails in the end, and it was fun to read their story. The writing was professional, and the antagonist villainous enough to add spice to the romantic idyll.

[Diane Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest installment from Putney's well-established Lost Lords series offers another solid romance. Our hero, Daniel Herbert, is a very decent guy. He lost his fiancee when younger so he has compensated by devoting himself to medicine. The book begins when the hero and heroine have a brief encounter. They meet again later after Daniel learns that he has inherited a title and estate. Overwhelmed by new responsibilities he confronts the need to take a new direction, such as marrying and producing an heir, when all he really wants to do is practice medicine. Daniel experiences a love-at-first-sight moment when he encounters the beautiful Jessie Kelham at a society event. Jessie is seeking an alliance a powerful gentleman that will help her protect her young daughter. She is attracted to Daniel, but avoids a relationship because he is such a good man and she has a very questionable past.

I enjoyed the story of Daniel and Jessie on their way to their happily ever after. There are not many beta heroes in romance today and the ones that appear are often just too good, too perfect. Daniel was a genuine man, a very good one, but not a perfect one. I loved his single-minded focus on winning Jessie's love. Jessie was a survivor and an excellent mother. Yes, her past came back to haunt her. At one point in the story I thought we were experiencing an old soap-opera cliche, but Mary Jo Putney was too smart for that and threw in an unexpected twist. Good for her.

Not Always a Saint was a well-written, solid historical romance. The plot held my attention and the characters were extremely sympathetic. The Lost Lords series has many strong installments and this one holds its own as part of a strong series.

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher for an honest review.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

My goodness. How does one woman attract this much bad luck? Who knew that beauty could be such a burden?

I don’t agree with the title of this book: Daniel is OBVIOUSLY a saint for staying with Jessie while suffering one revelation after another. I believe I would have jumped ship sometime between finding out her mother was a possible bigamist and she was possibly wanted for murder. Not that she was to blame for her sad story, but perhaps she should have been more forthright from the beginning. Then the contretemps at the end with Trevane was a jump-the-shark moment that was more ridiculous than dangerous, and he accepted her story and shrugged off his revenge plot—also more ridiculous than dangerous—far too quickly to be credible.

Overall, this was an entertaining but not very believable read. One might even say it was fascinating… in a train wreck kind of way.

[〰️Beth〰️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice ending to the series

Extremely melodramatic, but hey it’s a romance novel! One crazy subplot after another. I read the Rouge’s Redeemed series before this on and props to Ms Putney for he wonderful world building and use of secondary characters that cross over.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I fully acknowledge that the plot and all its twists and turns are ridiculous. Worthy of several seasons of soap operas.

However, at the heart of it are two good and kind people that I enjoyed and cared for and thoroughly liked reading.

[Adria's Musings · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews

* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for the purpose of an honest review.

I’m not sure what went wrong with this book because up until now I’ve enjoyed this series by Mary Jo Putney so Not Always a Saint was a bit of a letdown and to me seemed like it was part of a totally different series.



The plot revolves around Daniel Herbert, a doctor who still grieves for the woman he lost when he was in medical school. When Daniel inherits a title and estate he is less than thrilled at what he sees as an interference with his passion for healing. He reluctantly accepts that he must now find a wife and his plan is to find someone who won’t interfere and who will oversee his properties. His plans are quickly ruined when he meets Jessie Kelham, who is known as the Black Widow. Jessie needs protection for her and her young daughter from the secret she carries and her attraction to Daniel makes him the last man she should consider for a husband, she doesn’t have much of a choice.

It sounds like a good read but the reality of it for me was that Not Always a Saint was too stiff in both plot execution and characters. I’m such a fan of the Lost Lords series and was looking forward to Daniel’s story but I really felt like this book just wasn’t up to par with what I was used to from previous books.

I don’t like perfect characters. At all. They’re boring and do nothing to push a story forward, nor do they keep my interest for long. Daniel was that character which caught me off guard because in the previous book he was anything but boring. Daniel was just too good of a character, heck, he was a goody two shoes parading as a doctor and I just needed more from him in order to see him as a flesh and blood man. I didn’t think he was going to take the “Saint” part of the title to heart! To me, Daniel pretty much remained the same guy at the end of the book as he was in the beginning.

Jessie was the more interesting of the two but I did feel like she came with an unbelievable amount of baggage for just one character and made the balance between her and Daniel feel one sided. She was more like a tornado, all chaos and turbulence. The resolution of her conflicts was done rather quickly and without a feeling of real effort from Jessie or Daniel. I did like how she brought disorder to Daniel’s quiet, boring existence and in a small way, made him a bit more believable as a character as he tried to sort out his feelings towards Jessie.

Final Verdict: Not my favorite read by Mary Jo Putney, I kept having to put this one down and pick it up again much later because it couldn’t really hold my interest for long. There are a few little gems in the book but they’re few and far between. Not Always a Saint didn’t feel like a Lost Lords novel to me and the characters lacked that spark that previous characters in the series had.

[Jaci · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seventh Book in The Lost Lords series is amazing!! Daniel is a Doctor and a Vicar who has just inherited a title and estates that he has no real interest in. His sister, Laurel, who is the heroine in "Not Quite A Wife" suggests he go to London for the little season to find a wife. Daniel is a honorable man who's passion is helping his fellow man not attending social functions, but he now has a responsibility to his tenants and his heritage to find a wife and take his place in the House of Lords. He is worried that he will not have time to be a doctor.

Jessie is a woman with a past and recently a widow with a young daughter to protect from her dead husband's nephew, who is furious with the contents of his uncles will and feels he has been cheated.
The only way to protect her daughter is to go to London and find a husband with a title and influence to protect herself and her daughter. Jessie has had a very troubled life and has many secrets that she will need to keep from her next husband.

So of course at the first event Daniel attends with his sister he sees Jessie. He has never seen such a beautiful alluring woman like her and is immediately intruigued. When they are introduced there is an instant spark that they both are aware of. Daniel cannot stop thinking about Jessie and eventhough Jessie likes Daniel and is attracted to him, he is not the kind of husband she is looking for.

Jessie tries to avoid him but it seems every where she goes, he is there. They share a passionate kiss that shocks them both. Daniel has never felt this kind of passion and wants Jessie badly. He asks Jessie to marry him and she refuses. She feels that she is not good enough for him.

I do not do spoilers in my reviews, you have to read this book!!! Mary Jo's writing is wonderfully descriptive, the plot moves at a great pace with lots of surprises and adventure. Daniel and Jessie are admirable characters that you will love. Her writing is intelligent and intricate and if you are looking for a sweet easy read this book may not be for you. Her love scenes are stunning and are always appropriate to the story. I have read all of her books and have kept them all and read them again and again. This is a splendid love story with secrets, plenty of action and a great ending. Do Not Miss This Book!!!

[Elis Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated the presentation of the hero as a Christian. Non-judgmental, not holier-than-thou, actually the kind of person a Christian SHOULD be. And I loved the take on prayer on page 86: "He couldn't pray for deliverance from his desires, because he didn't want to be free of them. But he could pray for the best possible outcome for himself and the woman who was fast becoming his obsession." This is not, per se, a Christian book, and the characters' faith is pretty incidental to the storyline, but it was just refreshing to see a person of faith not being presented as preachy, overly pious, and hypocritical (tho we do run into one or two of those in this book as well). This one hits the trifecta.

[Debra Elsner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read that many historical novels, but I still read Ms. PUtney's books. This is the next installment in The Lost Lords series. You don't read much about Doctors in the 1800's especially not ones who inherit a title and have to learn how to balance his lives. Jessie is a "black widow" who has survived 2 husbands and marries Daniel to protect her daughter from her late husband's nephew,who is trying to take over her fortune.

[Frances · Rating 1 out of 5]

I believe the problem with my favorite authors is their reliance on sequels which go on and on and on. A sequel implies an ending, this author has beat this series into the ground. Unappealing characters, a tired plot, and no end in sight.

[Stirbu Luiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.delicateseliterare.ro/adem...

[Carolyn Payne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jessie was irritating. I would have dumped her.

[Tin · Rating 4 out of 5]

We often think that virtue and beauty as things to aspire for -- that they are means towards a certain end.

We often see in romance novels that it is the hero who is in need of redemption, and, like Dante's Beatrice, it is the heroine who guides him towards salvation.

But, what if this wasn't the case? What if we flipped everything over its head?

This seems to be Mary Jo Putney's intention when she wrote Daniel and Jessie's story.

Daniel Herbert lost his one and only love to fever when he was a younger man, and he has devoted his life to his medical practice -- saving as many lives as possible. He wasn't certain he would fall in love again, but, when he meets Jessie Kelham, something that he had thought had died all those years ago sparks back to life, and he wants Jessie.

But Jessie would not have him, because he is, literarlly, too good for her. Daniel has lived a saintly life, and he's about to realize that being virtuous isn't always it's own reward.

Jessie, Lady Kelham, was born too beautiful (if there is such a thing). Her father, a minister, had thought Jessie's looks to be too sinful and punished her accordingly. While many ladies would wish for half of Jessie's looks, Jessie, herself, does not.

Between the two, Jessie's journey was more arduous -- out of spite and (misplaced) anger, her father named her Jezebel. It's difficult to explain, but I thought it was tragic how Jessie was left with no other recourse in life and ended up living up to her historical namesake. At a young age, she married an abusive Ivo Trevane, then escaped that marriage and became an actress and kept woman, then became the wife of a much, much older gentleman. From the outside, it seems that Jessie had manipulated and slept her way to the top -- but there is always, always more to the story.

We see how loving and devoted Jessie was to her late husband. We see how terribly she suffered under Ivo. We see a woman who is just desperately trying to live a good and quiet life with her daughter. I thought it was sad how the world never gave Jessie a chance and looked beyond the surface. I thought it was sad how Jessie was quickly pegged into a category and never given a chance to be anything more.

It's strange, and a bit curious, how Mary Jo Putney decides to highlight the negative aspect of such positive traits. Daniel is too good and too kind. And Jessie is too beautiful. In themselves, they are wonderful, but, viewing it from a more global perspective, Jessie's beauty makes it difficult for her to relate to other people in an authentic way, and Daniel's goodness is too much for Jessie.


Putney does an amazing job of juxtaposing lives:
Daniel vs Jessie --

Daniel and Jessie have, surprisingly, similar family backgrounds: Daniel's parents had wanted Daniel to enter the Church and (forcibly) drilled into him the need for goodness and moral rightness. Daniel tried his best to abide by his parents' wishes, and even got ordained. But, he found the breaking point and walked away from his family's suffocating rule.

Jessie vs Mariah, the Golden Duchess --
Once again, there are similarities between Jessie and Mariah, and, it was, I think, comforting for Jessie to discover that she wasn't the only one who thought her appearance was a problem -- that there was someone in the same position, and had found a way to handle it

Daniel vs Frederick, Jessie's nephew by marriage --

The whole double-edged sword theme is amplified when Daniel discovers he has inherited a title, an estate, and a fortune -- in contrast to Jessie's nephew by-marriage (and former lover), who would, literally, lie, cheat, steal, and kill to inherit his uncle's estate, Daniel doesn't know what to do with his new-found position and wealth. He is happy to continue his simple, comfortable practice. Daniel had never expected to be anything more than a small-town doctor, so, when he inherits the title, Lord Romayne, and the barony, it confounds him -- and Daniel wishes, more than anything, to be released from such a "gift." Frederick, on the other hand, had expected to inherit his uncle's title -- had lived his life towards it. When he discovers that his uncle, Jessie's late husband, had found a loophole and transferred the title to his daughter, instead, it enrages Frederick -- and he threatens Jessie.

"I feel as if Atlas just dropped the world on my shoulders. You were raised knowing you were the Kirkland heir, but I barely knew Romayne existed, much less that I had any chance of inheriting." His father would have known, and would have been delighted if the inheritance had fallen to him.
- loc 176

Daniel vs Jessie's father --

Both are ordained by the Church of England, and both have a very good knowledge of the Holy Book, but one uses it to help and heal others -- and the other uses it to persecute and torment those who believes are morally less than he is (= everyone else).

There are two obstacles in the story: the minor one is that Daniel must overcome his reputation, and the major one is Jessie must resolve the loose ends of her past. (There's the

This novel starts and develops really well and Putney really made a compelling, compelling case for why Daniel and Jessie should be together, and why they should not. It's when Daniel and Jessie decide to take the risk and be together that it loses momentum (and direction) -- I still don't understand what Jessie had hoped to accomplish when she decides to return home and confront her father. I felt the ending didn't match the intensity of the rest of the story.

Final note: I loved when the boys from Westerfield all come together.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2021 bk 230. I had read but not reviewed this. This is a segue book - after the close of the Lost Lords, but containing many of its character and before Rogues Redeemed. Beware - do read this book before you start on the Rogues Redeemed series - it will help your understanding of side characters. Daniel (Surgeon, ordained minister, baron, brother, creator of free clinics and village hospitals) finds himself in need of a wife. Enter Jezebel, widow, killer (in self-defense), Lady, mother and desperately in need of a husband. The two are introduced thanks to the Lost Lords group and tentatively, then in a rush find their way to marriage - but the book doesn't stop there - the best is yet to come.

[Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much drama, which bogged down the story and the romance a lot. Honestly, the Fredrick plot line should have been enough. All that with Jessie's ex and the brother plot was unnecessary. I was so irritated half the time because it was too much for no good reason. The ending is sweet and what I've come to expect from this author, but the drama caused a massive down turn in my enjoyment. I will definitely be picking up other books by this author! She's a great writer.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect. Everything you want in a Regency romance.

[Lassarina Aoibhell · Rating 2 out of 5]

The last book in the series, and packed with so much melodrama. Murder! Secret pasts! Schemes to steal inheritance! Planting seeds for a future series!

I didn't find either of the main characters especially likable, and once again with the fucking rape backstory. There are other ways to cause people trauma!

Sigh.

[pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

not bad but not good

[Sheila Melo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Woman Tempts Saintly Man

“I don’t belong with a man who is almost a saint!”
“I am no saint.”

FINAL DECISION: Complex, mature characters (and a woman with a shady past) enliven the story of two people who on the surface are completely wrong for one another and yet fit together perfectly. I love stories where the characters talk and manage their relationship as adults and this one fits the bill. Twists and turns in the plot kept me guessing as to what the ultimate outcome would be.

THE STORY:
“Inheriting wealth, influence, and a seat in the House of Lords is enough to drive any man to despair.”
Daniel Herbert unexpectedly inherits a title and an estate and fears that it will destroy his life. He is devoted to his medical work after the death of his sweetheart, but reluctantly enters society to seek a wife to secure his obligations. He is seeking a wife who is more mature (perhaps a widow), able to manage his estates allowing him to continue with his medical work, and not a beauty.

Then he meets Lady Kelham who simply takes his breath away because of her beauty.

Jessie Kelham is known as the Black Widow. Her elderly husband has recently died and she is forced to find a husband in order to protect their young daughter from her nephew who seeks to control her daughter’s inheritance. She wants a man who is “old and unhandsome” and will be kind to her and her daughter.

She is attracted to Daniel but he doesn’t meet her requirements for a husband. Even worse, she has met Daniel before even though he doesn’t remember her. She has dark secrets and is afraid that Daniel will remember her and expose her.

Even though Jessie doesn’t meet his requirement for a wife, Daniel knows that something special is between them and is determined to court Jessie.

OPINION: NOT ALWAYS A SAINT is filled with complex, multifaceted characters. The saint and sinner dichotomy is explored here in a thoughtful way where the choices and challenges of life have helped shape these characters.

Daniel is responsible, dedicated and kind. Readers and Jessie first see him as almost saintly as a dedicated doctor and ordained vicar, but he is not moralistic or condemning. His characters is contrasted with that of Jessie’s vicar father. Daniel has seen a lot as a doctor and has a more nuanced view of the foibles of people than might be expected. Jessie doesn’t expect the acceptance she receives from Daniel.

Jessie is a survivor. She has been an abuse victim and has managed to create a good life for herself. Vicar’s daughter, runaway bride, abuse victim, actress, mistress, dedicated wife and mother, widow. Jessie’s life might brand her a wicked woman to others – and perhaps to herself as well. Daniel recognizes in Jessie strength and loyalty and determination and the ability to survive and make the most of what she has been given in life. From Daniel, Jessie receives acceptance and the strength to confront the demons of her past.

The love between these two is adult and mature and responsible even while they have an incredible sexual attraction. I love that these two discuss their problems and manage their lives together. I am fan of couples who work together and build a partnership where they can discuss problems and fears and where the story doesn’t depend solely on dramatics in the story. By the end of the book, I had no question that Jessie and Daniel had built a relationship that would bring happiness for the rest of their lives.

The intriguing story of the threatening nephew and the secrets from Jessie’s past lend intrigue and drama to the story without overwhelming the relationship. This book is filled with historical details and intriguing twists based on real historical events that might surprise readers because of its reality. (Putney has an afterword which gives some real historical information).

Readers who are looking for complex characters who deny easy characterizations and who enjoy relationships built on respect and understanding rather than mere drama will enjoy this book.

WORTH MENTIONING: One of the secondary characters Gordon is one of the schoolmates of Daniel and the other men in the series. He seems to have an interesting story that I hope will be explored in the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: NOT ALWAYS A SAINT is the seventh book in the Lost Lords series. This book can be read as a standalone. I have not read the prior books in the series and did not feel that I missed anything although the book made me interested to read the other couples’ stories.

STAR RATING: I give NOT ALWAYS A SAINT 4.25 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from the author and Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.