3.5 stars rounded up. This kept my interest and entertained me. It meandered sometimes, but also took me on a journey, so I still feel pretty good about it. ( )

This is one of those books saved by the characters. The story was very soap-operatic and a bit over the top for me, but Daniel and Jessie are a nice couple though they seemed mismatched at first. Daniel especially was a sympathetic figure, wanting to follow his medical profession and hampered by the sudden inheritance of a barony. Jessie's story was more melodramatic, but there was a nice twist at the end that helped save it. An okay read. ( )

I really wanted to like this book, and I did like the two main characters. However, the story was rather implausible and lackluster to me. I think Putney could have made a marriage of convenience work, but the instant chemistry made no sense. And the heroine's past was rather convoluted. Not sure where else the author can go with the series at this point. ( )

ON SALE 8/25: NOT ALWAYS A SAINT BY MARY JO PUTNEY  
 
NOT ALWAYS A SAINT BY MARY JO PUTNEY
 
Release Date:  August 25, 2015
 
SYNOPSIS 
 
 
“Adventure, passion and pure reading pleasure!”  --Jo Beverley
 
After the death of his sweetheart when he was at university, Daniel Herbert buried his grief in medical studies and his passion for healing. Viewed as a saint by those who know him, in his own mind he never quite manages to live up to his own high standards. 
Most men would be thrilled to learn they've inherited a title and estate from a distant relative, but Daniel is appalled because the burden of wealth will interfere with his medical calling.  Warily he accepts that he must enter society and seek a wife—a sensible woman who can oversee his properties, leaving him free to continue his work. He does not expect to become intoxicated by a woman called the Black Widow, who is as mysterious as she is shockingly beautiful…
 
Jessie Kelham’s looks have always been a curse. Now alone with a young daughter and a perilous secret, she is in need of protection. But dangerously attractive Daniel Herbert is not the kind of husband she has in mind. If he recognizes her, the demons of her past will surely erupt. Yet they cannot keep apart—and soon they are drawn into a union that may bring joy—or shattering danger…
 
BUY LINKS--(PRE-ORDER NOW)
 
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Always-Saint-Lost-Lords-Book-ebook/dp/B00QDYVA8S/
 
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/not-always-a-saint-mary-jo-putney/1119983015?ean=9781420127201
 
Google Play Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Mary_Jo_Putney
_Not_Always_a_Saint?id=GwVjBgAAQBAJ&hl=en
 
Ibooks:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/not-always-a-saint/id946772392?mt=11
 
Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/not-always-a-saint
 
 
REVIEW:  NOT ALWAYS A SAINT BY MARY JO PUTNEY
 
Not Always a Saint by Mary Jo PutneyMy rating: 3 of 5 starsNot Always A Saint gave me a chance to get reacquainted with Mary Jo Putney. I have always liked her ability to focus on her characters frailties and gradually ease her readers into their strengths. By doing this it allows the reader to look at both characters with a more empathetic eye and not become judgmental too quickly. That is a great quality for any writer. The complexity of this story makes that skill a lot more noticeable. Daniel's strength is being a doctor and helping people . His weakness is blaming himself for events that can't be changed. Doing this causes him to miss out on remarkable experiences. Jessie weakness is her ability to trust people. Her lot in life has caused her undeniable pain because of her looks. Beneath her beauty lies an insecure individual. There were times I found the story to be wordy, but I still believe Not Always a Saint to be a well defined regency read. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.View all my reviews ( )

Very interesting and suspenseful novel. I always like Putney's work.. It's a good take on the Regency period but very original at the same time. Her characters aren't just the usual rich lord and lady. They face adversity and don't give up. The characters in this one are a doctor who turns out to be a lord and a widow who was raised by an awful father and was left on her own with a child. ( )