Once Dishonored by Mary Jo Putney

Lucas Mandeville was once an officer in the Royal Navy. Then he became an apprentice to a Franciscan friar who was a bonesetter. Now, he is Lord Foxton and just reemerging into society. He is cautious because he is known as a deserter from the Navy. He was captured by the enemy and tortured but he was not supposed to escape and he finally couldn't take any more so he did. Now everyone in society looks at him askance. So he understands scandal because he sails so close to it himself. He is not afraid to approach the infamous divorcee, Lady Kendra Douglas. 

Kendra is trying to repair her reputation so that she can regain her son. She is astonished that Lucas wants to help but she accepts it readily.

We then get to see many characters from other Putney books. This book was very much in the vein of those other books but moved more quickly from meeting to bedding. This is also one of her books that leans into religion hard, like Lucas-performing-miracles hard. And I don't mind if a whole series does that but it's very disconcerting when it's every five books or so and all of the other books are so rooted in realism. 

Two stars

Follows Once a Spy

This book came out September 29th, 2020
Borrowed as ebook from Libby

Opinions are my own