Once a Rogue
Author: Allie Therin
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: A-
What I’m Talking About:
Wesley and Sebastian are on a boat bound for New York when they receive a cryptic cable from Jade. However, when they arrive, they discover that Jade, Zhang, Arthur, and Rory have all mysteriously left town. Additionally, an acquaintance of Wesley’s who is loosely linked to paranormal artifacts is in town, causing Wesley and Sebastian to worry for their missing associates.
Once a Rogue not only continues Wesley and Sebastian’s romance, but carries forward the paranormal intrigue which began in the original Magic in Manhattan series. Sebastian and Wesley need help understanding the brooch relic which seems to be draining Sebastian, and they look to Jade for answers. Ties to old enemies are surfacing and present a terrible danger to our heroes. The story is an exciting adventure from beginning to end as the pair follows bread crumbs to uncover what is going on with their friends. It’s a journey of discovery – finding out more about themselves, about love, and finding true friendships. I was engaged the entire time and love how it all worked out.
After not exactly liking Wesley, Lord Fine, in the original series, I absolutely ADORE him now. He’s wormed his way into my heart. He and Sebastian are so lovely together. Both are sweet and kind-hearted, even when Wesley protests he’s not. They care about one another and therefore each wants to be the best version of himself for the other. That means compromise and going outside comfort zones, and I love that both are willing to do so openly for the other.
Other than some awkward scenes regarding an obvious miscommunication surrounding Arthur being Wesley’s ex, Once a Rogue flowed well. I was engaged the entire time and love how it all worked out. I hope the author writes a follow up story with the whole gang working together (and maybe capped off with a wedding!)
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Jen
About the Book:
New York, 1925
Cranky and jaded Lord Fine—Wesley, now, to the kindhearted lover he cynically doubts life will let him keep—arrives in Manhattan with one goal: find the American paranormals and get their help with the relic burdening Sebastian. His plans are upended when the other paranormals seem to have vanished, and a mysterious letter warns Wesley that he’s in danger.
Sebastian has no doubts when it comes to his feelings for Wesley, but he’s still haunted by the time he spent enthralled by blood magic right here in New York. And now, his magic is unstable, bolstered by a relic that seems to drain energy from his very blood. But there is a threat to Wesley, and Sebastian needs control of his magic to protect him—even if former Great War captain Wesley wants Sebastian to rely on him for a change.
Chasing a trail that leads from Fifth Avenue’s bootleggers to a Halloween masquerade at a Tarrytown mansion, they must race to find their friends before devastation is unleashed on New York—and on magic everywhere.
Release Date: August 22, 2023
Publisher: Carina Press
Series: Roaring Twenties Magic #2
Genre: Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, LGTBQ, m/m romance
Format(s): paperback (336 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)
Reviews in the Series:
Spellbound by Allie Therin (Magic in Manhattan #1) – Audiobook Review
Starcrossed by Allie Therin (Magic in Manhattan #2) – Audiobook Review
Wonderstruck by Allie Therin (Magic in Manhattan #3) – Audiobook Review
Proper Scoundrels by Allie Therin (Roaring Twenties Magic #1) – Audiobook Review