REVIEW: Once a Soldier by Mary Jo Putney

In Once a Soldier (Rogues Redeemed #1) by Mary Jo Putney, Major Will Masterson has spent long years fighting alongside his fellow countrymen against the French and now that the war is finally ending he can think of nothing better than to go home to England and relax. But one last mission sends him to the tiny mountain country of San Gabriel. Will is shocked to find the land ravaged by armies…and to meet a woman who takes his breath away. Lady Athena Markham is one of the bravest and most caring souls he’s ever encountered. And Will intends to prove the depth and sincerity of his feelings to Athena before his time in San Gabriel is done.

“Do you always want to kiss women who aim rifles at you?” she asked curiously.
“No, you’re the only one,” he said. “Though if the truth be known, women seldom greet me with weaponry.”

Athena is sure she made quite a spectacle of herself, aiming a rifle at Will when he entered the castle unannounced. But her first duty is to protect Princess Maria Sofia. She needn’t have been worried, though, for thankfully the Major doesn’t hold a grudge. Athena is not used to men approving of her unconventional ways. But, if anything, it only makes Will more interested in her. Given her background, she’s not sure she could ever go home to her native England with him and be accepted into society. Although as they make plans to fight back against the remaining French soldiers, Athena begins to realize that she may not be able to let Will go if they make it through the upcoming battle unscathed.

“Are we going to end up as two old men mourning over our glasses of port about the girls who got away?”
“Quite possibly,” Will said as he started back toward the camp. “I haven’t entirely given up hope yet, though.”

Once a Soldier was an interesting historical romance (as always) by Mary Jo Putney where we had not one, but two romances to enjoy. With women just as brave and integral to solving the plight of San Gabriel as the men were, this was not your typical Napoleonic war tale.

This was a very solid start to the new Rogues Redeemed series which is based around five men who were thrown together during the end of the Napoleonic war and vowed if they got free, they would change their ways and make up for past slights. This particular book was mainly about Will Masterson who found himself in love with the beautiful little (fictional) country of San Gabriel as well as in love with Lady Athena. A woman who was his match in every way. Putney did a nice job of describing the background, creating a perfect picture of time and place so it was easy for readers to follow along with Will, Athena and the other characters on their tough journey.

There were two things that stood out, as I mentioned before. The first was that we had not only war veteran Will and feisty but levelheaded Athena falling in love, but also the lovely Princess Maria Sofia and charming wine merchant Justin Ballard. Justin himself has appeared in some of the books in the Lost Lords series as a background character in regard to Ballard Port, so it was nice to get to know him better here. To make it a bit more complicated, there was something holding back both couples from feeling as though they would ever have a chance at a HEA. And it wasn’t just that the French were threatening San Gabriel. So needless to say they all had things to work through in order to be together.

The second interesting part was how strong Athena and Sofia were portrayed. At a time when women were fairly meek and followed the lead of the men around them, these two women were strong, capable and warriors in their own way. Athena fought in the skirmishes and battles waged on San Gabriel’s land and Sofia had the weight of the country on her shoulders in her father and brother’s absence. I loved that these heroines were equals to the men they fell for and that Will and Justin didn’t demean them for it. In fact, their strength was actually a plus in their heroes eyes. *happy sigh*

You can always count on Mary Jo Putney for a heartfelt, dependable story that will capture your attention and take you on a fun ride. Once a Soldier was exactly that. I think historical fans will fully embrace this newest series with open arms.

Book Info:

 Published June 28th 2016 | by Zebra | Rogues Redeemed #1

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…