DNF: Once a Soldier by Mary Jo Putney

Rogues Redeemed, Book 1

Synopsis: Rogues Redeemed

As heir to a title and great wealth, Will Masterson should have stayed home and tended his responsibilities. Instead he went to war. Now, after perilous years fighting the French, he intends his current mission to be his last. But all his plans are forgotten when he arrives in the small mountain stronghold of San Gabriel and meets her.

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

Two of a kind, too brave for their own good, Athena and Will vow to do whatever it takes to vanquish San Gabriel’s enemies. For neither will back down from death, and only together can they find happiness and a love deeper than any they’d dared imagine…

Review: I was quickly drawn to this novel when I saw that it was featuring a strong young woman who for once could defend herself against the world. It’s pretty rare in historical romances to have such characters and the atmosphere is confirmed by the very pretty cover presented. How can you resist it?

Yet when I started the story, I quickly realized that this was not the novel I had expected … Not that it was a concern but it’s true that I got a little destabilized out. By cons I loved the historic ambiance of this first volume. It’s rare enough in the novels I read to see a political context marked both with the end of the war and the fall of Napoleon. Of course, this drop causes a lot of consequences, including for San Gabriel where our heroes will meet. The fact that we speak of the history of France was very interesting, and it’s true that it’s not something that I often see but it was really fascinating. I think that’s what I liked the most here. But as for the rest, I struggled to get into the story or to become interested in what was going on exactly. The two characters are good and interesting as well as full of differences but they failed to carry me. Even though I tried to continue to progress to finally achieve the book, I preferred to let it down after half the story. I just think it was not the kind of novel I expected but it surely will be for others.

mellianefini

28 thoughts on “DNF: Once a Soldier by Mary Jo Putney

  1. Ohh, such a shame you wasted your time on this! It’s awful when you expect one thing, only to find something else entirely.

  2. Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a DNF review from you before, this really must not have been your cup of tea. I think you did a good job outlining some of its strengths though, but if the story doesn’t capture you, nothing will help.

  3. Too bad this one didn’t really reach out and grab you Melliane! Hate it when that happens. I’ve been getting better about setting books like this aside and not forcing myself to finish them, so I’m glad you gave it due time but didn’t push yourself to muddle through.

  4. My aunt had a few of her books on the shelf back in the day. I only read one, about an heiress marrying a man with no money. It wasn’t a great one, and that’s why I didn’t read her others. I’ve had my eye on this one for a while now. Sorry you had to DNF it.

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