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Rogues Redeemed #4
Once a Spy
Love and survival in the shadow of Waterloo
Wearied by his years as a British intelligence officer, Simon Duval resigns soon after Napoleon’s abdication. Returning to England, he discovers his cousin’s widow working as a seamstress and living in reduced circumstances.
Suzanne is done with love. So when Simon proposes a marriage of companionship, she accepts. Not expecting a true marriage, Suzanne can’t help but be drawn to Simon, until news from France shatters their happiness.
Napoleon has escaped and Simon must once again help prevent war. Only this time, he does not go into danger alone. He and Suzanne will face deadly peril together.
A heart-racing Regency romance for fans of Mary Balogh and Georgette Heyer.
Wearied by his years as a British intelligence officer, Simon Duval resigns soon after Napoleon’s abdication. Returning to England, he discovers his cousin’s widow working as a seamstress and living in reduced circumstances.
Suzanne is done with love. So when Simon proposes a marriage of companionship, she accepts. Not expecting a true marriage, Suzanne can’t help but be drawn to Simon, until news from France shatters their happiness.
Napoleon has escaped and Simon must once again help prevent war. Only this time, he does not go into danger alone. He and Suzanne will face deadly peril together.
A heart-racing Regency romance for fans of Mary Balogh and Georgette Heyer.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2019
759 people are currently reading
2890 people want to read
About the author
Mary Jo Putney
167 books2,256 followersShe 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
September 15, 2019
I have to stop doing this to myself. I have got to stop picking up Mary Jo Putney books. When I first started reading romance openly, I loved Mary Jo Putney because her characters had conversations with each other and talked about mental health issues in historical romance. I have changed and grown in the last 20 – 25 years and Mary Jo Putney’s books have not. If you are looking for the comfort of a familiar Putney narrative – Once A Spy delivers. If you are looking for anything else, you should probably not read this. I received this as an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, the titular spy is Simon Duval. During the Napolianic Wars, he was an officer in the British Army and often did reconnaissance work. He is half British and half French. His cousin by marriage, Suzanne, is a now impoverished Comtesse who in a previous book escaped from years of enslavement in a Turkish harem. Yeah, we’ll get into that in a bit. They meet and Simon immediately proposes marriage to save her from poverty and so they can provide each other with companionship. Suzanne was emotionally abused by her late husband and sexually abused while in the harem. She is uninterested in a sexual relationship and wary of putting herself in a man’s power again. It seems quite reasonable to me. Naturally they enter into a marriage of friendship and convenience.
I stand by my assertion in my review for Sometimes A Rogue that Putney doesn’t actually know what a rogue is. Like Sometimes A Rogue, I found this book boring. Putney’s characters, with the exception of a few designated antagonists and all good people who work things out through long, thoughtful conversations. My issue isn’t that long conversations between characters are boring, it’s that there is nothing challenging or interesting in these conversations. This is a book dedicated to upholding a polite, respectful patriarchy without understanding that patriarchy is fundamentally impolite and disrespectful. There is an actual #NotAllMen conversation early in the book.
In the previous book in the series, which I did not read, Suzanne and another character escape from a Turkish harem ruled by a cruel man. Suzanne talks occasionally about the abuse she suffered, and it’s one of the major struggles for her. I don’t feel qualified to talk about how one recovers from sexual assault, I can only say that Suzanne recovers in the most Mary Jo Putney way possible, with lots of conversation and the love of a good man. That’s fine. I find the whole idea of the Turkish harem problematic. It’s problematic in and of itself, but also in terms of the way Putney treats violence against women. Violence against women is a thing only committed by foreigners and monsters.
Putney has repeatedly had issues with dabbling on Orientalism and fetishizing ethnicity in her books. By placing Suzanne in a Turkish harem, Putney taps into the racist fantasies around the harem. It’s a place where women exist as sex objects, which is both titilating and repulsive to the Western reader. It’s an exotic sex that’s degrading to the dignity of women. Other characters assume that Suzanne’s time in a harem have given her fantastical sex skills that no European woman would have. We know that instead, the harem has given her an aversion to sex. It’s just layers of unexplored ick. I guess it could be worse. Putney engages in polite racism – trotting out stereotypes and having her characters agree in conversation that stereotypes are bad without actually looking beyond them. As in many of Putney’s books, her characters perform ethnicity and identity. We know that Simon is part French and Suzanne is French because they use French endearments repeatedly.
One of the reasons I stopped reading historical romances was the issue of class. In too many books, the lower classes are happy to serve so long as there is a “good master.” In Putney’s universe, all that is required is that you not be a dick. The people who work your land and keep your house will be happy to continue to do so as long as you aren’t rude and abusive.
I think one of the things that frustrates me is that Putney almost asks questions about how men and women interact in society. She almost questions the heteronormative patriarchy, but she doesn’t. She reinforces it and advocates that if we were all more polite to one another everything would be fine. There was an opportunity here to explore what a happily ever can look like without sex and children, but Putney needed to take the road most traveled. If that’s what you are looking for in a romance. This is the book for you.
In this book, the titular spy is Simon Duval. During the Napolianic Wars, he was an officer in the British Army and often did reconnaissance work. He is half British and half French. His cousin by marriage, Suzanne, is a now impoverished Comtesse who in a previous book escaped from years of enslavement in a Turkish harem. Yeah, we’ll get into that in a bit. They meet and Simon immediately proposes marriage to save her from poverty and so they can provide each other with companionship. Suzanne was emotionally abused by her late husband and sexually abused while in the harem. She is uninterested in a sexual relationship and wary of putting herself in a man’s power again. It seems quite reasonable to me. Naturally they enter into a marriage of friendship and convenience.
I stand by my assertion in my review for Sometimes A Rogue that Putney doesn’t actually know what a rogue is. Like Sometimes A Rogue, I found this book boring. Putney’s characters, with the exception of a few designated antagonists and all good people who work things out through long, thoughtful conversations. My issue isn’t that long conversations between characters are boring, it’s that there is nothing challenging or interesting in these conversations. This is a book dedicated to upholding a polite, respectful patriarchy without understanding that patriarchy is fundamentally impolite and disrespectful. There is an actual #NotAllMen conversation early in the book.
In the previous book in the series, which I did not read, Suzanne and another character escape from a Turkish harem ruled by a cruel man. Suzanne talks occasionally about the abuse she suffered, and it’s one of the major struggles for her. I don’t feel qualified to talk about how one recovers from sexual assault, I can only say that Suzanne recovers in the most Mary Jo Putney way possible, with lots of conversation and the love of a good man. That’s fine. I find the whole idea of the Turkish harem problematic. It’s problematic in and of itself, but also in terms of the way Putney treats violence against women. Violence against women is a thing only committed by foreigners and monsters.
Putney has repeatedly had issues with dabbling on Orientalism and fetishizing ethnicity in her books. By placing Suzanne in a Turkish harem, Putney taps into the racist fantasies around the harem. It’s a place where women exist as sex objects, which is both titilating and repulsive to the Western reader. It’s an exotic sex that’s degrading to the dignity of women. Other characters assume that Suzanne’s time in a harem have given her fantastical sex skills that no European woman would have. We know that instead, the harem has given her an aversion to sex. It’s just layers of unexplored ick. I guess it could be worse. Putney engages in polite racism – trotting out stereotypes and having her characters agree in conversation that stereotypes are bad without actually looking beyond them. As in many of Putney’s books, her characters perform ethnicity and identity. We know that Simon is part French and Suzanne is French because they use French endearments repeatedly.
One of the reasons I stopped reading historical romances was the issue of class. In too many books, the lower classes are happy to serve so long as there is a “good master.” In Putney’s universe, all that is required is that you not be a dick. The people who work your land and keep your house will be happy to continue to do so as long as you aren’t rude and abusive.
I think one of the things that frustrates me is that Putney almost asks questions about how men and women interact in society. She almost questions the heteronormative patriarchy, but she doesn’t. She reinforces it and advocates that if we were all more polite to one another everything would be fine. There was an opportunity here to explore what a happily ever can look like without sex and children, but Putney needed to take the road most traveled. If that’s what you are looking for in a romance. This is the book for you.
September 9, 2019
Series: Rogues Redeemed #4
Publication Date: 9/24/19
Number of Pages: 368
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I thought the hero, Simon Duval, was a heroic man every sense of the word. He was protective, honorable, kind, considerate, a leader who was respected by his men and his superiors and most of all very caring. The heroine, Suzanne Duval, Comtesse de Chambron, is free from slavery, but she’s been living in poverty in London. Suzanne is not the fragile woman you’d think her to be after enduring the things she has, but, she can’t stand any man’s overtures.
We first met Suzanne in the third book, Once a Scoundrel, when she helped to rescue the heroine, Lady Aurora Lawrence, from the harem in which they were both imprisoned. Suzanne had spent years enduring torture in the harem where she was owned by one of the cruelest men alive. Before that, she had been married, at fifteen, to a cold, unfeeling aristocrat who took her young, tender love and promptly cheated on her and treated her with disrespect and disdain. She went from that directly into slavery where she did what she had to in order to survive. Suzanne is native French, but with the Napoleonic wars going on, she asked to be returned to England when she was rescued. Even the French émigré’s won’t accept her when she returns – in their eyes, she is ruined – a whore – not fit for polite company. So, she supports herself by taking in piecework.
Colonel Simon Duval had met Suzanne at her wedding when she was marrying his much, much older cousin. He was seventeen and she was fifteen and they became friends. All these years later he has learned about Suzanne’s life and her return to London. He plans to find her and assure that she is well – and maybe even help her if he can. Simon has seen years of war and cruelty – death beyond measure – including the woman he loved. He thinks he’s unfeeling, he doesn’t even feel desire anymore.
When Simon visits Suzanne at her boarding house and they talk a bit, he surprises himself by asking her to marry him. It will be totally in name only with no physical intimacies at all. He wants a friend, someone to spend his life with, but no romance. That should work out for both of them because she cannot bear the idea of any man touching her. It takes a bit, but he manages to convince her that it can work - and even gives her an out and stability if it doesn't. Poor man -- he doesn't count on his desire reawakening -- now what is he going to do!
I’ve seen some reviews that said the first part of the book was too slow – at least the part about coming to physical intimacy. I disagree. I think Simon was wonderful in the way he dealt with Suzanne and I think if you put yourself in Suzanne’s shoes – having had unspeakable sexual tortures visited upon her by a sadistic man – you’d realize that Simon has to be very slow in reawakening her desire. Frankly, it is a wonder it ever happened. The other parts of the story beginning-to-end weren't slow at all.
Once they traveled to Brussels, the action really picked up. The very real danger in Belgium and France comes across in the actions and descriptions in the book. Suzanne shows her bravery – as does Simon. Each makes their own significant contributions to the war effort after Napoleon escapes from Elba.
I loved that this book wasn’t about insta-lust. I loved that the love and intimacy grew over time until they were both ready for it. That made the romance so very believable.
One thing that came out of the blue and just threw me – one of those 'Say-What' kinds of things – had to do with Lucas and his ‘gift’. I didn’t see a need for it in the story – but – I can only assume that it will have something to do with a future book focusing on Lucas. We’ll just have to wait and see.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 9/24/19
Number of Pages: 368
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I thought the hero, Simon Duval, was a heroic man every sense of the word. He was protective, honorable, kind, considerate, a leader who was respected by his men and his superiors and most of all very caring. The heroine, Suzanne Duval, Comtesse de Chambron, is free from slavery, but she’s been living in poverty in London. Suzanne is not the fragile woman you’d think her to be after enduring the things she has, but, she can’t stand any man’s overtures.
We first met Suzanne in the third book, Once a Scoundrel, when she helped to rescue the heroine, Lady Aurora Lawrence, from the harem in which they were both imprisoned. Suzanne had spent years enduring torture in the harem where she was owned by one of the cruelest men alive. Before that, she had been married, at fifteen, to a cold, unfeeling aristocrat who took her young, tender love and promptly cheated on her and treated her with disrespect and disdain. She went from that directly into slavery where she did what she had to in order to survive. Suzanne is native French, but with the Napoleonic wars going on, she asked to be returned to England when she was rescued. Even the French émigré’s won’t accept her when she returns – in their eyes, she is ruined – a whore – not fit for polite company. So, she supports herself by taking in piecework.
Colonel Simon Duval had met Suzanne at her wedding when she was marrying his much, much older cousin. He was seventeen and she was fifteen and they became friends. All these years later he has learned about Suzanne’s life and her return to London. He plans to find her and assure that she is well – and maybe even help her if he can. Simon has seen years of war and cruelty – death beyond measure – including the woman he loved. He thinks he’s unfeeling, he doesn’t even feel desire anymore.
When Simon visits Suzanne at her boarding house and they talk a bit, he surprises himself by asking her to marry him. It will be totally in name only with no physical intimacies at all. He wants a friend, someone to spend his life with, but no romance. That should work out for both of them because she cannot bear the idea of any man touching her. It takes a bit, but he manages to convince her that it can work - and even gives her an out and stability if it doesn't. Poor man -- he doesn't count on his desire reawakening -- now what is he going to do!
I’ve seen some reviews that said the first part of the book was too slow – at least the part about coming to physical intimacy. I disagree. I think Simon was wonderful in the way he dealt with Suzanne and I think if you put yourself in Suzanne’s shoes – having had unspeakable sexual tortures visited upon her by a sadistic man – you’d realize that Simon has to be very slow in reawakening her desire. Frankly, it is a wonder it ever happened. The other parts of the story beginning-to-end weren't slow at all.
Once they traveled to Brussels, the action really picked up. The very real danger in Belgium and France comes across in the actions and descriptions in the book. Suzanne shows her bravery – as does Simon. Each makes their own significant contributions to the war effort after Napoleon escapes from Elba.
I loved that this book wasn’t about insta-lust. I loved that the love and intimacy grew over time until they were both ready for it. That made the romance so very believable.
One thing that came out of the blue and just threw me – one of those 'Say-What' kinds of things – had to do with Lucas and his ‘gift’. I didn’t see a need for it in the story – but – I can only assume that it will have something to do with a future book focusing on Lucas. We’ll just have to wait and see.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 4, 2020
After years working for British intelligence, Colonel Simon Duval resigns his commission upon the abdication of Napoleon and begins to seek peace for himself. He returns to his home in England and finds his cousin's widow, Suzanne Duval, Comtesse de Chambron, whom he'd thought dead. Suzanne is now struggling to make ends meet as a seamstress and has a story as complex as Simon's. Both believe they are beyond love and desire, but they've always had a connection and enjoyed each other's company so when Simon proposes a marriage of friendship, Suzanne accepts his offer.
Neither Simon nor Suzanne expected theirs to be a true marriage, but as they venture together to Belgium and then France in search of Simon's missing cousin, their relationship continues to strengthen. Then news reaches them that Napoleon has escaped his prison on Elba and is marching on France once more. When Wellington himself asks Simon to help the war effort, he reluctantly agrees to return to war, but this time he'll have Suzanne along to help him and they'll have to pray they survive to enjoy their ever-growing love.
This book had so much going on and despite that, or maybe because of it, I felt the pace lagged a bit, especially toward the middle. This was definitely more history heavy than romance, though the healing and development between Simon and Suzanne was great and felt natural, especially because of their honesty with each other. The pace and suspense level picked up toward the end and got my attention again and I was happy with the ending, though I want more of the secondary characters now that so much time was spent on them. I especially want Lucas' story now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Neither Simon nor Suzanne expected theirs to be a true marriage, but as they venture together to Belgium and then France in search of Simon's missing cousin, their relationship continues to strengthen. Then news reaches them that Napoleon has escaped his prison on Elba and is marching on France once more. When Wellington himself asks Simon to help the war effort, he reluctantly agrees to return to war, but this time he'll have Suzanne along to help him and they'll have to pray they survive to enjoy their ever-growing love.
This book had so much going on and despite that, or maybe because of it, I felt the pace lagged a bit, especially toward the middle. This was definitely more history heavy than romance, though the healing and development between Simon and Suzanne was great and felt natural, especially because of their honesty with each other. The pace and suspense level picked up toward the end and got my attention again and I was happy with the ending, though I want more of the secondary characters now that so much time was spent on them. I especially want Lucas' story now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 21, 2019
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, she’s almost destitute & is working as a seamstress. While both believe they are beyond love, their sympathetic bond leads him to propose a marriage of companionship, and Suzanne accepts. Their journey takes them to Belgium searching for Lucas who grew up with Simon & who became a naval officer before his boat sank & he was feared dead. However he previous year an acquaintance thought he saw Lucas dressed as a friar in Belgium. The couple also visit the Chambron estate & met Phillippe the natural son of Suzanne’s first husband. They are then caught up in the Battle of Waterloo.
We met Suzanne in the previous book when she escaped a harem, she's not had an easy life but a marriage of companionship seems a way out of her loneliness & poverty. I loved Suzanne, a weaker woman would have crumbled under all she had suffered but she emerged stronger & immensely brave. Oh Simon so caring & patient everything you want in a hero. I’ve loved the earlier books in the series, apart from the previous one where I didn't warn to the heroine, & this I think is my favourite, a slow burn story that set out slowly but gradually the pace increased until I was furiously reading to the climax. The relationship between Simon & Suzanne also began slowly, no flashes of lightning but two people getting to know each other, learning to trust each other & falling deeply in love. A captivating, enthralling read & I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
We met Suzanne in the previous book when she escaped a harem, she's not had an easy life but a marriage of companionship seems a way out of her loneliness & poverty. I loved Suzanne, a weaker woman would have crumbled under all she had suffered but she emerged stronger & immensely brave. Oh Simon so caring & patient everything you want in a hero. I’ve loved the earlier books in the series, apart from the previous one where I didn't warn to the heroine, & this I think is my favourite, a slow burn story that set out slowly but gradually the pace increased until I was furiously reading to the climax. The relationship between Simon & Suzanne also began slowly, no flashes of lightning but two people getting to know each other, learning to trust each other & falling deeply in love. A captivating, enthralling read & I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
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August 30, 2023Much of the book was too slow and there was insufficient tension.
She is a poor French emigre. He is a half-French veteran of the Peninsular war. They are distant cousins and knew each other briefly when they were young. He looks her up in London when he leaves the military and immediately proposes marriage because they are both lonely and got along so well when they were young. They also have shared experiences and backgrounds.
After agreeing to a white marriage because he has lost desire and she never recovered from being brutalized as a slave in a harem, they have a perfect relationship except for the sex thing. He is the most kind, considerate, understanding and caring man on the face of the earth. He had not a single flaw. She is strong and brave and kind and understands people and horses.
They get married and go to Brussels to try to find his missing cousin but a spymaster asks him, while he is there, to gather info on anything to do with Napoleon possibly escaping from Elba. There are some side plots about his cousin, some relatives of hers, other people, but actually the only other thing that happens to them is his desire returning and her trying gradually take back her sexuality. Until the last third of the book.
The pacing finally picks up then and we have encounters with French soldiers, some battles he’s in and some harrowing experiences they have. Up to then I was pretty bored. After that I was rolling my eyes—it is unclear whether the war could have been won without their many brave exploits. There are books of MJP’s that i love. This was not one of them.
She is a poor French emigre. He is a half-French veteran of the Peninsular war. They are distant cousins and knew each other briefly when they were young. He looks her up in London when he leaves the military and immediately proposes marriage because they are both lonely and got along so well when they were young. They also have shared experiences and backgrounds.
After agreeing to a white marriage because he has lost desire and she never recovered from being brutalized as a slave in a harem, they have a perfect relationship except for the sex thing. He is the most kind, considerate, understanding and caring man on the face of the earth. He had not a single flaw. She is strong and brave and kind and understands people and horses.
They get married and go to Brussels to try to find his missing cousin but a spymaster asks him, while he is there, to gather info on anything to do with Napoleon possibly escaping from Elba. There are some side plots about his cousin, some relatives of hers, other people, but actually the only other thing that happens to them is his desire returning and her trying gradually take back her sexuality. Until the last third of the book.
The pacing finally picks up then and we have encounters with French soldiers, some battles he’s in and some harrowing experiences they have. Up to then I was pretty bored. After that I was rolling my eyes—it is unclear whether the war could have been won without their many brave exploits. There are books of MJP’s that i love. This was not one of them.
January 18, 2020
4.5 stars
I have read all four of the Rogues Redeemed books, and this one was my favorite. I'm not sure it is really worthy of the 5-star rating, but I decided to round up just because it made me happy.
This is a story about two characters who have experienced much disappointment, heartache, and sadness in their lives. She was married to his second cousin. He has never been married because his fiance died before the wedding took place. When they first reacquaint themselves with each other, neither has any sexual drive or attraction to members of the opposite sex; but both feel lonely. She also has much to gain financially through marriage; so after a very short courtship, they agree to a marriage of convenience without the sharing of a bed.
Many things happen throughout the story. The search for the missing cousin and Napoleon getting off the island and heading his troops to Brussels were both interesting, but the real thing that made me enjoy the story was the growth in the development of the characters and their relationship. These two help heal each other.
I have read all four of the Rogues Redeemed books, and this one was my favorite. I'm not sure it is really worthy of the 5-star rating, but I decided to round up just because it made me happy.
This is a story about two characters who have experienced much disappointment, heartache, and sadness in their lives. She was married to his second cousin. He has never been married because his fiance died before the wedding took place. When they first reacquaint themselves with each other, neither has any sexual drive or attraction to members of the opposite sex; but both feel lonely. She also has much to gain financially through marriage; so after a very short courtship, they agree to a marriage of convenience without the sharing of a bed.
Many things happen throughout the story. The search for the missing cousin and Napoleon getting off the island and heading his troops to Brussels were both interesting, but the real thing that made me enjoy the story was the growth in the development of the characters and their relationship. These two help heal each other.
July 23, 2022
A slower start but more character development in the first third of the book. Then it is back to romance with espionage in Brussels before Waterloo.
July 8, 2021
A very interesting book. This is a VERY slow burn story, loaded with history (including historical figures). A great deal of research went into the book. The main characters were both imminently likeable and the reader wants to cheer them on from beginning to end. The audiobook was well done. Overall, the story was not particularly compelling, but it definitely kept my interest.
February 2, 2024
Probably best enjoyed after reading the previous book to understand the character of Suzanne and her backstory. I loved how patient and understanding Simon was with her. All the drama in this book came from the setting and situations they were in, not really from the couple. They had honest conversations with each other and the respect was obvious, as well as the attraction.
September 24, 2019
Complicated!
When Lady Aurora "Rory" Lawrence was rescued from the harem of a corrupt and powerful Turkish official by Captain Gabriel Hawkins, Suzanne Duval, the widowed Comtesse de Chambron, another imprisoned harem slave escaped with her. (Once a Scoundrel, Rogues Redeemed #3) )
As a sexual slave Suzanne suffered much at the hands of her master, Gürkan. This violation left Suzanne with a distrust of men and an obhoreance for intimate relations.
Simon Duval, a half French, British intelligence officer, and Suzanne's cousin by marriage has found Suzanne working as a seamstress in a poorer part of London. After hearing some of her story he offers to teach her how to use a knife and some defensive moves to protect herself. I particularly enjoyed the scene where Suzanne defended herself from a drunken lout at a gathering of upper class French Emigres.
Up until her marriage to Simon, Suzanne has been treated by the emigre community as some sort of exotic creature. She is a woman who has experienced unspeakable horrors, a survivor who deserved sympathy and respect. As it were many of the men tried to catch her unawares and the women gossiped about her. The stain of the harem talked to their suspicions and repressed desires, to their insatiable curiosities and prejudices. Unfortunately we as readers to some degree feed into that frenzy.
Simon is looking for a wife and it seems a marriage of convenience is a better idea than facing up to some immature débutante. He proposes to Suzanne and after further thought and consultation she accepts. All very prosaic and calculating.
The timeline is just prior to Napoleon escaping from Elba. Suzanne and Simon have already left for Brussels and from there intend to journey into France to look for Simon's foster brother who was presumed to have died in a naval engagement. Ostensibly they are on their honeymoon and taking the opportunity to check on Suzanne's dead husband's holdings and matters pertaining to the late Comte's will. Secretly they are also looking for Napoleonic sympathizers within the Emigre community.
Throughout all this, Simon and Suzanne venture towards full marital relations despite the sexual traumas that Suzanne's suffered through. I have questions about the reality of all of this aspect of the storyline, which I guess throws the whole novel off balance for me. The predictability of an HEA given Suzanne's history is suspect.
However as is originally posited, Suzanne has always been a woman of strength and as part of that trait. As true to the storyline, as she faces the future and events that unfold before and after Brussels that strength grows in many areas.
With Napoleon having escaped, Simon is recalled to continue his reconnaissance duties for Wellington. All of this, together with them finding a relative at Chambron, the continued spying in France, and then Waterloo, the story became so much more complicated. I struggled to finish. There were just too many threads that watered things down and affected the flow.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
When Lady Aurora "Rory" Lawrence was rescued from the harem of a corrupt and powerful Turkish official by Captain Gabriel Hawkins, Suzanne Duval, the widowed Comtesse de Chambron, another imprisoned harem slave escaped with her. (Once a Scoundrel, Rogues Redeemed #3) )
As a sexual slave Suzanne suffered much at the hands of her master, Gürkan. This violation left Suzanne with a distrust of men and an obhoreance for intimate relations.
Simon Duval, a half French, British intelligence officer, and Suzanne's cousin by marriage has found Suzanne working as a seamstress in a poorer part of London. After hearing some of her story he offers to teach her how to use a knife and some defensive moves to protect herself. I particularly enjoyed the scene where Suzanne defended herself from a drunken lout at a gathering of upper class French Emigres.
Up until her marriage to Simon, Suzanne has been treated by the emigre community as some sort of exotic creature. She is a woman who has experienced unspeakable horrors, a survivor who deserved sympathy and respect. As it were many of the men tried to catch her unawares and the women gossiped about her. The stain of the harem talked to their suspicions and repressed desires, to their insatiable curiosities and prejudices. Unfortunately we as readers to some degree feed into that frenzy.
Simon is looking for a wife and it seems a marriage of convenience is a better idea than facing up to some immature débutante. He proposes to Suzanne and after further thought and consultation she accepts. All very prosaic and calculating.
The timeline is just prior to Napoleon escaping from Elba. Suzanne and Simon have already left for Brussels and from there intend to journey into France to look for Simon's foster brother who was presumed to have died in a naval engagement. Ostensibly they are on their honeymoon and taking the opportunity to check on Suzanne's dead husband's holdings and matters pertaining to the late Comte's will. Secretly they are also looking for Napoleonic sympathizers within the Emigre community.
Throughout all this, Simon and Suzanne venture towards full marital relations despite the sexual traumas that Suzanne's suffered through. I have questions about the reality of all of this aspect of the storyline, which I guess throws the whole novel off balance for me. The predictability of an HEA given Suzanne's history is suspect.
However as is originally posited, Suzanne has always been a woman of strength and as part of that trait. As true to the storyline, as she faces the future and events that unfold before and after Brussels that strength grows in many areas.
With Napoleon having escaped, Simon is recalled to continue his reconnaissance duties for Wellington. All of this, together with them finding a relative at Chambron, the continued spying in France, and then Waterloo, the story became so much more complicated. I struggled to finish. There were just too many threads that watered things down and affected the flow.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
May 25, 2022
Ecco un libro su cui non avrei scommesso più di tanto e che, invece, si è rivelato forse il migliore della serie (di cui è il quarto volume).
In effetti, leggendo il precedente non ero stata colpita in modo particolare da Suzanne, già contessa di Chambron, vedova, rapita dai pirati e finita a languire in un harem di Costantinopoli come schiava.
Dopo la liberazione, la (comunque giovane) nobildonna decide di trasferirsi a Londra, dove campa facendo la sarta e contando sul proprio orgoglio pur di non mendicare aiuti tra i nobili francesi finiti in esilio dopo la rivoluzione e l'ascesa di Napoleone.
Qui viene ritrovata da Simon Duvall, giovane cugino del marito, che le propone un matrimonio di apparente convenienza: lui è sempre stato innamorato di lei e ha ereditato i beni di famiglia, mentre lei ha bisogno di protezione e, forse, di una vera ragione per ritornare a vivere.
Tuttavia, non è un'unione felice fin da subito: Suzanne ha subito abusi per anni, prima da un marito egocentrico e viziato, poi per le crudeltà dell'harem, per cui ha un forte blocco fisico e psicologico ad accettare la vicinanza di Simon. Per contro, lui è dolcissimo e di una premura ammirevole.
I due intraprendono un viaggio nel continente, un po' per far luce sull'eredità di famiglia, un po' per ritrovare amici e parenti scomparsi durante la guerra e un po' per assecondare la carriera ufficiosa di Simon, al servizio della Corona. Senonché all'improvviso Napoleone fugge dall'isola dell'Elba e tutto ripiomba nel caos.
La Putney ha tratteggiato due bei caratteri, senza grandi qualità e già segnati dall'esistenza precedente, ma comunque ancora pieni di spirito e voglia di fare: vorrebbero provare a darsi compagnia l'uno l'altra e che vengono invece travolti dagli imprevisti storici.
Ne deriva una trama ricca di eventi, con tanto di apparizione di personaggi illustri, e con una interessante ricostruzione del contesto della celebre battaglia di Waterloo.
In effetti, leggendo il precedente non ero stata colpita in modo particolare da Suzanne, già contessa di Chambron, vedova, rapita dai pirati e finita a languire in un harem di Costantinopoli come schiava.
Dopo la liberazione, la (comunque giovane) nobildonna decide di trasferirsi a Londra, dove campa facendo la sarta e contando sul proprio orgoglio pur di non mendicare aiuti tra i nobili francesi finiti in esilio dopo la rivoluzione e l'ascesa di Napoleone.
Qui viene ritrovata da Simon Duvall, giovane cugino del marito, che le propone un matrimonio di apparente convenienza: lui è sempre stato innamorato di lei e ha ereditato i beni di famiglia, mentre lei ha bisogno di protezione e, forse, di una vera ragione per ritornare a vivere.
Tuttavia, non è un'unione felice fin da subito: Suzanne ha subito abusi per anni, prima da un marito egocentrico e viziato, poi per le crudeltà dell'harem, per cui ha un forte blocco fisico e psicologico ad accettare la vicinanza di Simon. Per contro, lui è dolcissimo e di una premura ammirevole.
I due intraprendono un viaggio nel continente, un po' per far luce sull'eredità di famiglia, un po' per ritrovare amici e parenti scomparsi durante la guerra e un po' per assecondare la carriera ufficiosa di Simon, al servizio della Corona. Senonché all'improvviso Napoleone fugge dall'isola dell'Elba e tutto ripiomba nel caos.
La Putney ha tratteggiato due bei caratteri, senza grandi qualità e già segnati dall'esistenza precedente, ma comunque ancora pieni di spirito e voglia di fare: vorrebbero provare a darsi compagnia l'uno l'altra e che vengono invece travolti dagli imprevisti storici.
Ne deriva una trama ricca di eventi, con tanto di apparizione di personaggi illustri, e con una interessante ricostruzione del contesto della celebre battaglia di Waterloo.
September 30, 2019
An enduring story of survival at it's basic level, one through war and one through abuse and violence. Mary Jo Putney has written a story of trying to come back to life and live again with companionship that has no choice but to turn into more once these two wounded souls come together.
Simon Duval, is resigning his commission and seeks out his cousin's widow, Suzanne Duval. To me Simon was mainly all that was good. Honorable, a well respected leader and he had a kind heart. But he he had also suffered from the war and had seen so much death including a woman he loved. He just wanted to get on with life.
Suzanne had suffered years of cruelty and poverty but had been trying to maintain as a seamstress in London. She had met Simon years ago when she had married his much older cousin. They had become acquainted and formed a friendship
Both felt they would never feel desire or love, so Simon asks her to marry him in a moment that even suprises himself but feels they can have companionship and nothing else.
Sigh. This is a special story of love building when there seemed there was never any hope and the journey they took. Adventure, intrigue and a love that can hopefully blossom and endure! I highly recoemmend!
Simon Duval, is resigning his commission and seeks out his cousin's widow, Suzanne Duval. To me Simon was mainly all that was good. Honorable, a well respected leader and he had a kind heart. But he he had also suffered from the war and had seen so much death including a woman he loved. He just wanted to get on with life.
Suzanne had suffered years of cruelty and poverty but had been trying to maintain as a seamstress in London. She had met Simon years ago when she had married his much older cousin. They had become acquainted and formed a friendship
Both felt they would never feel desire or love, so Simon asks her to marry him in a moment that even suprises himself but feels they can have companionship and nothing else.
Sigh. This is a special story of love building when there seemed there was never any hope and the journey they took. Adventure, intrigue and a love that can hopefully blossom and endure! I highly recoemmend!
August 29, 2019
Simon Duval is tired after his years as a British Intelligence officer. Resigning his commission after Napoleon's abdication, he returns to England where he finds his cousin's widow, Suzanne, working as a seamstress even though she is the Comtesse de Chabron. With both suffering, they agree to a marriage of convenience. As they work together on the search for Simon's foster brother, the two find an unexpected bond. Then news comes that Napoleon has escaped Elba and Wellington asks Simon for help. This time he is not alone. Suzanne will be with him.
Mary Jo Putney does an excellent job bringing to life an era which was fraught with danger. Simon and Suzanne work together and we feel as if we are there feeling the same things as them. Both prove to be brave and resourceful and it is not long before we are so engrossed in the story that each page becomes a new adventure in danger and desire. If you enjoy historical romance then Once a Spy is Perfect for you.
Mary Jo Putney does an excellent job bringing to life an era which was fraught with danger. Simon and Suzanne work together and we feel as if we are there feeling the same things as them. Both prove to be brave and resourceful and it is not long before we are so engrossed in the story that each page becomes a new adventure in danger and desire. If you enjoy historical romance then Once a Spy is Perfect for you.
August 23, 2019
Terrific, slow-burn, Regency romance!
After many long, hazardous years as a British spy, 31-year-old Simon Duval is thoroughly burned out. Half-French and half-English, and an inheritor of great wealth on his English side, rather than joining the French Royalist army to fight Napoleon, he believed he could do more good for the cause of liberating France—and Europe—from Napoleon by serving in the British Army. After Napoleon’s abdication in 1814, Simon is finally free to resign his commission and return to England. Once in London again, he is delighted to discover that his cousin’s widow, Suzanne, is alive and well, though living in poverty while working as a low-paid seamstress to support herself.
Suzanne Duval, the Comtesse de Chambron, met and became friends with Simon 12 years earlier, just prior to her marriage at age 15 to Simon’s 30-something cousin, Jean-Louis Duval, the Comte de Chambron. In the intervening years, Suzanne’s husband fled France taking Suzanne with him. Their ship was attacked by pirates, Jean-Louis was killed, and Suzanne was captured and sold into a harem in Constantinople. (Her eventual escape from the harem occurs during Book 3 of this series, Once a Scoundrel, but it is not essential to read that story in order to get a complete picture of how her harrowing harem experiences have adversely affected her life. That is fully revealed in this book.)
Simon and Suzanne both believe they are incapable of sexual response, Simon because of burnout and Suzanne because of being sexually abused in the harem. In spite of her determination to never be controlled by any man again, when Simon proposes a marriage of comfortable, platonic companionship, Suzanne finds his generosity, warmth and kindness impossible to resist, and she accepts.
As Suzanne and Simon settle into their unconventional marriage, news comes that Napoleon has escaped from Elba and has headed to France to reconstitute his army. Simon and Suzanne are called upon, as a native-French-speaker spying team, to enter perilously unstable France, both to gather intelligence for General Wellington and to try and locate Simon’s long-missing cousin, Lucas, who has been spotted in France.
Once a Spy is Book 4 in the Rogues Redeemed, Regency romance series by award-winning, historical romance author, Mary Jo Putney. Chapter 1 of Once a Soldier, Book 1 of this series, sets the stage for these interlinked, standalone novels. In Portugal, in 1809, five English spies have been captured by Bonapartist soldiers and have been condemned to be executed in front of a firing squad the following dawn. When they manage to escape from the cellar, each of the five men vows to redeem their formerly roguish existence, and they make a pact to reconnect with each other in London after the war is over. Will Masterson is the hero of Book 1, Once a Soldier. Lord George Gordon Audley is the hero of Book 2, Once a Rebel. Gabriel Hawkins is the hero of Book 3, Once a Scoundrel. Simon Duval is the hero of Book 4, this book, Once a Spy. Chantry is a subcharacter in Book 3, whom Gabriel Hawkins meets in Constantinople working as an aide to the British ambassador there. Gabriel recognizes his fellow escapee, though he is using a different name, Ramsay. It is my understanding that Ramsay will be the hero of Book 6 in this series. Simon's cousin, Lucas, was not in the basement in Portugal with the five others, but he is introduced in this book as another fascinating and very sympathetic “rogue” who wants and needs redemption, and I was intrigued to learn that he will be the hero of Book 5.
I am a big fan of “slow burn” romances, and this heart-warming romance is an excellent example of that approach. Simon and Suzanne are both strong, honorable, compassionate, and very attractive protagonists, and it was a pleasure to read about their growing friendship, love, and mutual, sexual healing. Ms. Putney is extremely skilled at writing sex scenes that are both highly emotional and deeply passionate, which talent is on full display in this book. The unique sexual situation of both Simon and Suzanne brings an additional layer of sensitivity and compassion to their eventual lovemaking that is very moving.
There are many scenes of exciting action-adventure in this book which are connected to Napoleon’s 1815 Hundred Days of restoration to power before his final defeat at Waterloo. All of these scenes are impressively written with great historical accuracy, and they are given compelling immediacy as we experience electrifying events through the eyes of Simon and Suzanne.
I also enjoyed the cameo appearances of the wonderful protagonists from the previous three books in this series when members of the Rogues Redeemed fellowship reconnect with Simon in London.
I have very much enjoyed every one of the Rogues Redeemed novels so far, and I greatly look forward to the upcoming books in this marvelous series.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Action-Adventure Spy Plot: 5 stars
Historical Settings: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
After many long, hazardous years as a British spy, 31-year-old Simon Duval is thoroughly burned out. Half-French and half-English, and an inheritor of great wealth on his English side, rather than joining the French Royalist army to fight Napoleon, he believed he could do more good for the cause of liberating France—and Europe—from Napoleon by serving in the British Army. After Napoleon’s abdication in 1814, Simon is finally free to resign his commission and return to England. Once in London again, he is delighted to discover that his cousin’s widow, Suzanne, is alive and well, though living in poverty while working as a low-paid seamstress to support herself.
Suzanne Duval, the Comtesse de Chambron, met and became friends with Simon 12 years earlier, just prior to her marriage at age 15 to Simon’s 30-something cousin, Jean-Louis Duval, the Comte de Chambron. In the intervening years, Suzanne’s husband fled France taking Suzanne with him. Their ship was attacked by pirates, Jean-Louis was killed, and Suzanne was captured and sold into a harem in Constantinople. (Her eventual escape from the harem occurs during Book 3 of this series, Once a Scoundrel, but it is not essential to read that story in order to get a complete picture of how her harrowing harem experiences have adversely affected her life. That is fully revealed in this book.)
Simon and Suzanne both believe they are incapable of sexual response, Simon because of burnout and Suzanne because of being sexually abused in the harem. In spite of her determination to never be controlled by any man again, when Simon proposes a marriage of comfortable, platonic companionship, Suzanne finds his generosity, warmth and kindness impossible to resist, and she accepts.
As Suzanne and Simon settle into their unconventional marriage, news comes that Napoleon has escaped from Elba and has headed to France to reconstitute his army. Simon and Suzanne are called upon, as a native-French-speaker spying team, to enter perilously unstable France, both to gather intelligence for General Wellington and to try and locate Simon’s long-missing cousin, Lucas, who has been spotted in France.
Once a Spy is Book 4 in the Rogues Redeemed, Regency romance series by award-winning, historical romance author, Mary Jo Putney. Chapter 1 of Once a Soldier, Book 1 of this series, sets the stage for these interlinked, standalone novels. In Portugal, in 1809, five English spies have been captured by Bonapartist soldiers and have been condemned to be executed in front of a firing squad the following dawn. When they manage to escape from the cellar, each of the five men vows to redeem their formerly roguish existence, and they make a pact to reconnect with each other in London after the war is over. Will Masterson is the hero of Book 1, Once a Soldier. Lord George Gordon Audley is the hero of Book 2, Once a Rebel. Gabriel Hawkins is the hero of Book 3, Once a Scoundrel. Simon Duval is the hero of Book 4, this book, Once a Spy. Chantry is a subcharacter in Book 3, whom Gabriel Hawkins meets in Constantinople working as an aide to the British ambassador there. Gabriel recognizes his fellow escapee, though he is using a different name, Ramsay. It is my understanding that Ramsay will be the hero of Book 6 in this series. Simon's cousin, Lucas, was not in the basement in Portugal with the five others, but he is introduced in this book as another fascinating and very sympathetic “rogue” who wants and needs redemption, and I was intrigued to learn that he will be the hero of Book 5.
I am a big fan of “slow burn” romances, and this heart-warming romance is an excellent example of that approach. Simon and Suzanne are both strong, honorable, compassionate, and very attractive protagonists, and it was a pleasure to read about their growing friendship, love, and mutual, sexual healing. Ms. Putney is extremely skilled at writing sex scenes that are both highly emotional and deeply passionate, which talent is on full display in this book. The unique sexual situation of both Simon and Suzanne brings an additional layer of sensitivity and compassion to their eventual lovemaking that is very moving.
There are many scenes of exciting action-adventure in this book which are connected to Napoleon’s 1815 Hundred Days of restoration to power before his final defeat at Waterloo. All of these scenes are impressively written with great historical accuracy, and they are given compelling immediacy as we experience electrifying events through the eyes of Simon and Suzanne.
I also enjoyed the cameo appearances of the wonderful protagonists from the previous three books in this series when members of the Rogues Redeemed fellowship reconnect with Simon in London.
I have very much enjoyed every one of the Rogues Redeemed novels so far, and I greatly look forward to the upcoming books in this marvelous series.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Action-Adventure Spy Plot: 5 stars
Historical Settings: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
September 14, 2019
Once a Spy is the fourth book in The Rogues Redeemed Series. An experienced soldier who is tired of war and a woman who spent years as a slave in a harem. Suzanne Duval is a woman of extraordinary strength who has lived at best would be called an eventful life so far. Simon Duval is a Gentleman in every sense of the word. His integrity is unassailable. He is also weary and lonely. When they meet again years after he attended her wedding to his cousin, she is a poor widow struggling to get by. Simon remembers her as a beautiful vivacious young woman who was in love and happy. He has a proposal for her that could change both their lives if she is brave enough to take it.
A beautiful story of two people who need each other and find that the road to happiness is paved with obstacles, emperors and war. Can they heal each other and find the peace they are striving for. This is quintessential Mary Jo Putney. She knows how to touch your heart with characters that have complicated lives and find that the simple pleasures in life are the best. I have all of her books and was lucky enough to meet her once at a book signing. She is a wonderful person and an amazing writer. This is an exciting lovely series that is a must-read.
Merged review:
Once a Spy is the fourth book in The Rogues Redeemed Series. An experienced soldier who is tired of war and a woman who spent years as a slave in a harem. Suzanne Duval is a woman of extraordinary strength who has lived at best would be called an eventful life so far. Simon Duval is a Gentleman in every sense of the word. His integrity is unassailable. He is also weary and lonely. When they meet again years after he attended her wedding to his cousin, she is a poor widow struggling to get by. Simon remembers her as a beautiful vivacious young woman who was in love and happy. He has a proposal for her that could change both their lives if she is brave enough to take it.
A beautiful story of two people who need each other and find that the road to happiness is paved with obstacles, emperors and war. Can they heal each other and find the peace they are striving for. This is quintessential Mary Jo Putney. She knows how to touch your heart with characters that have complicated lives and find that the simple pleasures in life are the best. I have all of her books and was lucky enough to meet her once at a book signing. She is a wonderful person and an amazing writer. This is an exciting lovely series that is a must-read.
A beautiful story of two people who need each other and find that the road to happiness is paved with obstacles, emperors and war. Can they heal each other and find the peace they are striving for. This is quintessential Mary Jo Putney. She knows how to touch your heart with characters that have complicated lives and find that the simple pleasures in life are the best. I have all of her books and was lucky enough to meet her once at a book signing. She is a wonderful person and an amazing writer. This is an exciting lovely series that is a must-read.
Merged review:
Once a Spy is the fourth book in The Rogues Redeemed Series. An experienced soldier who is tired of war and a woman who spent years as a slave in a harem. Suzanne Duval is a woman of extraordinary strength who has lived at best would be called an eventful life so far. Simon Duval is a Gentleman in every sense of the word. His integrity is unassailable. He is also weary and lonely. When they meet again years after he attended her wedding to his cousin, she is a poor widow struggling to get by. Simon remembers her as a beautiful vivacious young woman who was in love and happy. He has a proposal for her that could change both their lives if she is brave enough to take it.
A beautiful story of two people who need each other and find that the road to happiness is paved with obstacles, emperors and war. Can they heal each other and find the peace they are striving for. This is quintessential Mary Jo Putney. She knows how to touch your heart with characters that have complicated lives and find that the simple pleasures in life are the best. I have all of her books and was lucky enough to meet her once at a book signing. She is a wonderful person and an amazing writer. This is an exciting lovely series that is a must-read.
September 22, 2019
Once A Spy by Mary Jo Putney
The Rogues Redeemed #4
This historical romance is one that is definitely fiction. If you are willing to suspend reality and read about a time when Napoleon and Wellington were about to battle at Waterloo then this book might be for you. That said, the beginning was rather slow and dealt with the mundane world of two people marrying for convenience and companionship and getting to know one another over a period of time. Everything was very cerebral and open and dull with some social engagements, a lot of talking and nothing to really engage the mind. I almost gave up but plodded on
Suzanne and Colonel Duval first met when she married his cousin. In the years apart he has been a soldier and she ended up in a Turkish harem. Both are a bit tired and jaded. The fact that they married was strange enough if perhaps believable. The idea that they would not have sex was also believable after hearing all that she had endured. And yet, after hearing a bit about her life in the harem it made me question much of what she was willing to do at various points in the story. Simon was very patient and caring and eventually the two did fall in love but it was a rather torturous process and took a long time...and a lot of words.
When they ended up going to France the story became even more iffy in my mind. A long lost relative is found, war occurs, a near rape takes place, another illegitimate relative is found and helped, inheritances are sorted, some spying takes place, famous men are encountered and miraculous healing occurs that will make the HEA of Simon and Suzanne even better than a marriage of convenience would have done.
Did I enjoy this book? Not so much
Would I read more in this series? No (although I did enjoy the first book)
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest revieww.
2-3 Stars
The Rogues Redeemed #4
This historical romance is one that is definitely fiction. If you are willing to suspend reality and read about a time when Napoleon and Wellington were about to battle at Waterloo then this book might be for you. That said, the beginning was rather slow and dealt with the mundane world of two people marrying for convenience and companionship and getting to know one another over a period of time. Everything was very cerebral and open and dull with some social engagements, a lot of talking and nothing to really engage the mind. I almost gave up but plodded on
Suzanne and Colonel Duval first met when she married his cousin. In the years apart he has been a soldier and she ended up in a Turkish harem. Both are a bit tired and jaded. The fact that they married was strange enough if perhaps believable. The idea that they would not have sex was also believable after hearing all that she had endured. And yet, after hearing a bit about her life in the harem it made me question much of what she was willing to do at various points in the story. Simon was very patient and caring and eventually the two did fall in love but it was a rather torturous process and took a long time...and a lot of words.
When they ended up going to France the story became even more iffy in my mind. A long lost relative is found, war occurs, a near rape takes place, another illegitimate relative is found and helped, inheritances are sorted, some spying takes place, famous men are encountered and miraculous healing occurs that will make the HEA of Simon and Suzanne even better than a marriage of convenience would have done.
Did I enjoy this book? Not so much
Would I read more in this series? No (although I did enjoy the first book)
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest revieww.
2-3 Stars
December 27, 2022
Simon Duval has worked as an officer for British Intelligence throughout the Peninsula War. Half British and Half French, his loyalties were tested, but he's always been true to England. Even so, he discovers that one of his cousins has recently died, and his widow is in London, working as a seamstress. Suzanne was a Comtesse, but recent years have been hard, and she was lucky to be rescued from the Harem in which she had been a prisoner for so long. Her time in London so far has been far from perfect, and when Simon arrives to 'rescue' her, she's confused but drawn to him nonetheless. A marriage of convenience would work well for the pair, but when companionship grows to more, and then Napoleon escapes, will Simon and Suzanne be able to stay together?
When we met Suzanne in the previous book, there was clearly a story behind her captivity, and I'm glad we saw another side to her in this book. All throughout her life she has suffered abuse - mentally, physically, and sexually - and she can never imagine being open to another man again. Even so, Simon compels her to trust him, and it's worth it in the long run. Because of that past, and her French heritage, she's unwelcome in England, but only a few people are kind. Simon's friendship is a boon, and he understands why she only wants a marriage in name, and doesn't push. They really became friends first, and that was great to the plot line. After Napoleon's escape, the action ramped up, and I couldn't put the book down. A solid story in an enjoyable series.
When we met Suzanne in the previous book, there was clearly a story behind her captivity, and I'm glad we saw another side to her in this book. All throughout her life she has suffered abuse - mentally, physically, and sexually - and she can never imagine being open to another man again. Even so, Simon compels her to trust him, and it's worth it in the long run. Because of that past, and her French heritage, she's unwelcome in England, but only a few people are kind. Simon's friendship is a boon, and he understands why she only wants a marriage in name, and doesn't push. They really became friends first, and that was great to the plot line. After Napoleon's escape, the action ramped up, and I couldn't put the book down. A solid story in an enjoyable series.
September 25, 2019
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Once A Spy by Mary Jo Putney is the fourth book in her exhilarating Rogues Redeemed Series. This book could be read as a stand-alone but it’s an excellent series so I recommend reading them all. Napoleon has been captured and is in exile on Elba when Simon Duval makes his weary way home after the war during which he served as a reconnaissance officer while in uniform and a spy while not in uniform. Suzanne Duval, Comtesse de Chambron, widow of his cousin, also suffered greatly during the war, having made it safely to England she is supporting herself as a seamstress when Simon offers her a marriage of convenience, comfort and companionship between two who understand each other better than people who have not had the experiences that they have had would. Simon’s search for a long lost missing foster brother and Suzanne’s need to see what has happened to her estate leads them to Brussels just as Napoleon escapes and the war begins again leaving them in the thick of it. The story contains much adventure and excitement but at the heart of it is the love that grows between two people who had thought that such a thing was no longer possible and their marriage of convenience becomes something more. Medium Steam. Publishing Date September 24, 2019
#NetGalley #OnceASpy #MaryJoPutney #KensingtonBooks #ZebraRomanceNovels #historicalromancenovels #bookstagram #roguesredeemedseries
#NetGalley #OnceASpy #MaryJoPutney #KensingtonBooks #ZebraRomanceNovels #historicalromancenovels #bookstagram #roguesredeemedseries
May 1, 2020
I think this is really 3.75 stars. I was looking for a book with a strong woman in the historical vein and was not disappointed. Suzanne is a strong woman who has come through the trials of slavery to return to the halls of nobility during the time of the Napoleonic Wars. she meets up with an equally heroic man who turns out to be a cousin by long ago marriage and a spy to boot. There is quite a bit of action in this book that seems to happen most fortuitously always to the benefit of our two love birds but it helps to make this a fun read. During this time of Coronavirus, it makes for lighter escapist fare. It would be fun to see Suzanne and Simon continue their story and their partnership. They could make a dynamic spy duo.
November 2, 2019
Very interesting story with great main characters, both of whom have a variety of emotional baggage. Both are committed to trying to overcome their pasts and to hope for a better future.
The hero, Colonel Simon Duval, has appeared in several of the previous books. The heroine, Suzanne Duval, a widowed comtesse, played a prominent role in the previous book. Their romance and wedding are atypical, but readers will be hoping that they get the happy ending they deserve.
Brava!
The hero, Colonel Simon Duval, has appeared in several of the previous books. The heroine, Suzanne Duval, a widowed comtesse, played a prominent role in the previous book. Their romance and wedding are atypical, but readers will be hoping that they get the happy ending they deserve.
Brava!
November 19, 2019
The slow-burn romance really worked for me. Putney's heroes and heroines are always so warm-hearted and reasonable you just want to give them a hug.
September 30, 2019
This was a terrific entry in the Rogues Redeemed series. Simon is a war-weary colonel of intelligence who resigned his commission once Napoleon was exiled to Elba. He returns to England hoping to find peace in his new life and discovers that his cousin's widow, Suzanne, is alive after all. He tracks her down to check on her and finds her in reduced circumstances. Suzanne came to England after being rescued from a harem (Once a Scoundrel) and tries to make ends meet by sewing. Her life isn't easy, but she's free.
Simon and Suzanne met when she was fifteen and he was seventeen, just before she married his much older cousin. The only people there close in age; they became good friends in the weeks before the wedding. When they met again, they discovered that their connection was just as strong. Though Simon believes that his ability to feel has been destroyed, and Suzanne's experiences make the thought of love impossible, Simon proposes a marriage of friendship instead. After thinking about it, and receiving some unexpected motivation, Suzanne accepts.
I really liked both Simon and Suzanne. The first part of the book covers the beginning of their marriage and getting to know each other again. Both enter the marriage expecting only friendship and companionship. Simon is sensitive to Suzanne's fears and is gentle and understanding when he is with her. Suzanne feels safe around Simon, his declared disinterest in physical intimacy putting her at ease. My heart broke for Suzanne when she had her nightmare, and I loved Simon's efforts to comfort her. Imagine both their shock when morning revealed the unexpected revival of Simon's ability to feel! Poor Suzanne felt terribly betrayed. I loved Simon's acceptance of her feelings and determination to be as patient as necessary to woo Suzanne. Luckily, Suzanne's trust in Simon helps her face her fears. The slow reawakening of her desire is believable and moving. I loved how the love and intimacy between Simon and Suzanne grew over a credible amount of time, enabling both to overcome the fears and obstacles of their pasts. I loved seeing them both open their hearts fully at the end.
But this story is about more than just the romance of two wounded and lonely people. As a former intelligence officer, Simon still has contacts in the community. Because he is half-French and half-English, and Suzanne is French, they agree to test the temperature of the French émigré community regarding the possibility of Napoleon's escape. That was an interesting evening, as Suzanne's previous experience with these people hadn't been a pleasant one. I loved seeing her get back a little of her pride as the evening progressed, capped off with a marvelous example of righteous anger.
The action moves to Belgium when Simon receives word that his favorite cousin, Lucas, who was believed dead, may have been spotted in Brussels. The sense of impending danger is palpable as they search for Lucas. With Napoleon's escape, Wellington himself asks Simon to lend his talents to the war effort, and Suzanne insists on being part of it. The very real danger that they experience is vividly described, keeping me glued to the pages. Each of them makes significant contributions, though I feel like Suzanne's may have won the prize for unexpectedness. The descriptions of the Battle of Waterloo were such that I could almost smell the cannon smoke and mud as I read.
Underneath it all was the theme of family. Both Simon and Suzanne were lonely, and initially their marriage was about having someone special who could alleviate that loneliness. Also on Simon's side was his grief over the loss of his cousin, and then the revival of hope that he was still alive. I ached for Lucas when they found him and the pain that he was in because of his past. I had to laugh a little at the lecture he received from Suzanne regarding "wallowing" and how she gave him another way of looking at things. Suzanne believed herself to be without any family at all until a visit to her husband's estate revealed otherwise. There were some tense moments, but in the end family ties won the day. In both cases, "family is family" was the most important thing to remember.
I also liked the cameo appearances of characters from earlier books. After Suzanne's unpleasant reception from the émigré community, her trepidation over meeting the Rogue's wives was understandable. It was fun to see these ladies together and their easy acceptance of Suzanne. Lord Kirkland, of course, had additional motivations.
I look forward to the next book and seeing who it will be. The last of the cellar Rogues, who briefly appeared in the previous book? Or will it be Lucas, who feels a need for redemption of his own? It can't come soon enough!
Simon and Suzanne met when she was fifteen and he was seventeen, just before she married his much older cousin. The only people there close in age; they became good friends in the weeks before the wedding. When they met again, they discovered that their connection was just as strong. Though Simon believes that his ability to feel has been destroyed, and Suzanne's experiences make the thought of love impossible, Simon proposes a marriage of friendship instead. After thinking about it, and receiving some unexpected motivation, Suzanne accepts.
I really liked both Simon and Suzanne. The first part of the book covers the beginning of their marriage and getting to know each other again. Both enter the marriage expecting only friendship and companionship. Simon is sensitive to Suzanne's fears and is gentle and understanding when he is with her. Suzanne feels safe around Simon, his declared disinterest in physical intimacy putting her at ease. My heart broke for Suzanne when she had her nightmare, and I loved Simon's efforts to comfort her. Imagine both their shock when morning revealed the unexpected revival of Simon's ability to feel! Poor Suzanne felt terribly betrayed. I loved Simon's acceptance of her feelings and determination to be as patient as necessary to woo Suzanne. Luckily, Suzanne's trust in Simon helps her face her fears. The slow reawakening of her desire is believable and moving. I loved how the love and intimacy between Simon and Suzanne grew over a credible amount of time, enabling both to overcome the fears and obstacles of their pasts. I loved seeing them both open their hearts fully at the end.
But this story is about more than just the romance of two wounded and lonely people. As a former intelligence officer, Simon still has contacts in the community. Because he is half-French and half-English, and Suzanne is French, they agree to test the temperature of the French émigré community regarding the possibility of Napoleon's escape. That was an interesting evening, as Suzanne's previous experience with these people hadn't been a pleasant one. I loved seeing her get back a little of her pride as the evening progressed, capped off with a marvelous example of righteous anger.
The action moves to Belgium when Simon receives word that his favorite cousin, Lucas, who was believed dead, may have been spotted in Brussels. The sense of impending danger is palpable as they search for Lucas. With Napoleon's escape, Wellington himself asks Simon to lend his talents to the war effort, and Suzanne insists on being part of it. The very real danger that they experience is vividly described, keeping me glued to the pages. Each of them makes significant contributions, though I feel like Suzanne's may have won the prize for unexpectedness. The descriptions of the Battle of Waterloo were such that I could almost smell the cannon smoke and mud as I read.
Underneath it all was the theme of family. Both Simon and Suzanne were lonely, and initially their marriage was about having someone special who could alleviate that loneliness. Also on Simon's side was his grief over the loss of his cousin, and then the revival of hope that he was still alive. I ached for Lucas when they found him and the pain that he was in because of his past. I had to laugh a little at the lecture he received from Suzanne regarding "wallowing" and how she gave him another way of looking at things. Suzanne believed herself to be without any family at all until a visit to her husband's estate revealed otherwise. There were some tense moments, but in the end family ties won the day. In both cases, "family is family" was the most important thing to remember.
I also liked the cameo appearances of characters from earlier books. After Suzanne's unpleasant reception from the émigré community, her trepidation over meeting the Rogue's wives was understandable. It was fun to see these ladies together and their easy acceptance of Suzanne. Lord Kirkland, of course, had additional motivations.
I look forward to the next book and seeing who it will be. The last of the cellar Rogues, who briefly appeared in the previous book? Or will it be Lucas, who feels a need for redemption of his own? It can't come soon enough!
August 22, 2019
While many storylines with a Regency setting are centered on attending balls and staying respectable, the fourth book in the Rogues Redeemed series is focused on relationship challenges and political turmoil. Although a man and woman are not looking to marry, circumstances would make their union advantageous. But there are personal issues that could keep the couple from ever being truly close. With the French not willing to give up fighting surrounding countries, the lives of these two individuals are thrown into increasing dangerous chaos. I have always liked when my romances are filled with historical information, and whether the details are fact or fiction in the story, I always believed in the possibility of the events actually occurring. Mary Jo Putney makes scenes in ONCE A SPY entertaining with captivating realism.
After the many battles with France ended when Napoleon resigned as its ruler, Colonel Simon Duval is ready to live more peacefully in England. Upon meeting the widow of his cousin, he immediately thinks they should marry. It would benefit them both, as Suzanne Duval has little funds and he is lonely yet is not seeking a loving relationship. Although she had not considered getting married again, the proposition is too good to reject. As Simon and Suzanne begin a new phase of their lives as husband and wife, they also agree to do their part in making certain the French never fight the English again.
Though Simon and Suzanne knew each other years ago, both have drastically changed because of several incidents in their lives, which caused them to think there could never be more than friendship between them. I really liked how they seldom let the past dictate them in the present, which proved just how resilient they had become. Simon is one of five men who escaped after being captured during a battle, and he ends up helping the English even after getting out of their army. What previously happened to Suzanne was a terrible ordeal, yet she has not let it keep her from trying to be content. I really admired both of them for how they persevered even when a new obstacle arose, and their reactions are always honest.
From London to Brussels and other less known places, Simon and Suzanne faced quite a few threats, and I felt as though I experienced each event. Anything dealing with real historical episodes seemed very true-to-life, and I though Ms. Putney skillfully wove her own imaginative thoughts in with specific facts. Background is given to let the reader know what took place in any prior books, and I was thrilled for the glimpses of couples who have been featured in the series. Rating – 4.5 Stars
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion
After the many battles with France ended when Napoleon resigned as its ruler, Colonel Simon Duval is ready to live more peacefully in England. Upon meeting the widow of his cousin, he immediately thinks they should marry. It would benefit them both, as Suzanne Duval has little funds and he is lonely yet is not seeking a loving relationship. Although she had not considered getting married again, the proposition is too good to reject. As Simon and Suzanne begin a new phase of their lives as husband and wife, they also agree to do their part in making certain the French never fight the English again.
Though Simon and Suzanne knew each other years ago, both have drastically changed because of several incidents in their lives, which caused them to think there could never be more than friendship between them. I really liked how they seldom let the past dictate them in the present, which proved just how resilient they had become. Simon is one of five men who escaped after being captured during a battle, and he ends up helping the English even after getting out of their army. What previously happened to Suzanne was a terrible ordeal, yet she has not let it keep her from trying to be content. I really admired both of them for how they persevered even when a new obstacle arose, and their reactions are always honest.
From London to Brussels and other less known places, Simon and Suzanne faced quite a few threats, and I felt as though I experienced each event. Anything dealing with real historical episodes seemed very true-to-life, and I though Ms. Putney skillfully wove her own imaginative thoughts in with specific facts. Background is given to let the reader know what took place in any prior books, and I was thrilled for the glimpses of couples who have been featured in the series. Rating – 4.5 Stars
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion
November 21, 2020
If I hadn't read Putney's earlier books like "Thunder and Roses" I would have never considered that she might be a good writer. Because this book here, folks, is a total snooze.
To be fair, she starts off with some good material. Marriage of convenience plot between two friends, Simon and Suzanne, more than a decade after they first met. She married a distant cousin of his. She then had a miserable marriage, followed by sexual slavery in a Turkish harem. He's a former spy who has lost many friends and family members, and is looking to rebuild his life. A promising start, right?
Unfortunately, it's all downhill from here. Part of the problem, I think, is that Putney has got it into her head that the way to show more of a partnership between the pair involves having the woman dominate decisionmaking, and for the man to defer to her constantly. It doesn't feel like a partnership. It's unbalanced, much as the books I hate where the man is domineering, and the woman just submits in martyr like fashion (also known as most Judith McNaught books). At any rate, this book isn't the reverse-McNaught, it's just dull. The dialogue is dull, stilted, overly modern. The chemistry between the two seems nonexistent-- they seem pleasantly bound together, but not really connected. There's no spark, humor, or anything memorable. I don't get it. Is Putney phoning it in, because she's lost the spirit to write well, and her contract obligates her to write? If she wants inspiration for capable heroines and the men who live them, go read some Loretta Chase, MJP! Or better yet, go read your old books, which were far better than this snooze-o-rama.
3 stars. I skimmed the second half of this.
To be fair, she starts off with some good material. Marriage of convenience plot between two friends, Simon and Suzanne, more than a decade after they first met. She married a distant cousin of his. She then had a miserable marriage, followed by sexual slavery in a Turkish harem. He's a former spy who has lost many friends and family members, and is looking to rebuild his life. A promising start, right?
Unfortunately, it's all downhill from here. Part of the problem, I think, is that Putney has got it into her head that the way to show more of a partnership between the pair involves having the woman dominate decisionmaking, and for the man to defer to her constantly. It doesn't feel like a partnership. It's unbalanced, much as the books I hate where the man is domineering, and the woman just submits in martyr like fashion (also known as most Judith McNaught books). At any rate, this book isn't the reverse-McNaught, it's just dull. The dialogue is dull, stilted, overly modern. The chemistry between the two seems nonexistent-- they seem pleasantly bound together, but not really connected. There's no spark, humor, or anything memorable. I don't get it. Is Putney phoning it in, because she's lost the spirit to write well, and her contract obligates her to write? If she wants inspiration for capable heroines and the men who live them, go read some Loretta Chase, MJP! Or better yet, go read your old books, which were far better than this snooze-o-rama.
3 stars. I skimmed the second half of this.
July 8, 2021
2021 bk 2021. Duval has returned home to London after many years serving England as a spy in the Napoleonic Wars. In London, he learned of a Suzanne Duval who might be the wife of his cousin, the Comte. When he visits the now poverty stricken woman, he learns that his cousin died early in the war, that Suzanne was held captive in a harem until rescued, and was now considered not fit to be in with the other French nobility in exile. Having carried a tenderness for her ever since meeting her in his youth, Duvall offers marriage - a marriage of partnership and working together to locate his missing 'almost brother'. A very interesting tale of the years immediately following the first surrender of Napoleon.
April 12, 2023
About the first half is an interesting establishment of a unique relationship between a couple who were friends when young, have each had a hard life, and now find themselves together. Many thoughtful discussions and deep introspection.
Then the rest is Manny and Mary Sue having improbable adventures. Lots of skimming but inoffensive.
Then the rest is Manny and Mary Sue having improbable adventures. Lots of skimming but inoffensive.
February 17, 2020
This book is set in 1815 in England but also goes to Brussels. The story centers around two people who met years ago but have just met again. The woman feels she is unworthy of love while the man wants to protect her. The book is romance but with adventure. It was a quick easy read.
December 11, 2021
3.50 / 3 Stars
***HOOOPLA Audio***
MC's: Suzanne & Simon
Won't go into the description of the story because there are a lot of good ones already posted.
I enjoyed the storyline itself but the beginning dragged with daily things. It was a slow build up to Suzanne & Simon's marital relationship. I get that because of her background, especially since in those days abuse counseling wasn't a norm, if at all. I liked that Simon didn't push her.
The big thing for me was Lucas's "healing hands"...that was a stretch. Pulled me out of the story when those scenes came up.
***HOOOPLA Audio***
MC's: Suzanne & Simon
Won't go into the description of the story because there are a lot of good ones already posted.
I enjoyed the storyline itself but the beginning dragged with daily things. It was a slow build up to Suzanne & Simon's marital relationship. I get that because of her background, especially since in those days abuse counseling wasn't a norm, if at all. I liked that Simon didn't push her.
The big thing for me was Lucas's "healing hands"...that was a stretch. Pulled me out of the story when those scenes came up.
September 21, 2020
Excellent read!
Well written and well researched story. Loved Suzanne and Simon. They healed each other's wounds. Looking forward to reading Lucas 's story next.
Well written and well researched story. Loved Suzanne and Simon. They healed each other's wounds. Looking forward to reading Lucas 's story next.
May 6, 2021
Mary Jo Putney excells at creating unusual but realistic heroes and heroines. I enjoyed this entry in the series immensely.
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