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Roaring Twenties Magic #2
Once a Rogue
Two reformed scoundrels have renounced the battlefields and scandals for one another, but their troubled pasts could destroy everything they hold dear…
New York, 1925
Cranky and jaded Lord Fine—Wesley, now, to the kind-hearted 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.
New York, 1925
Cranky and jaded Lord Fine—Wesley, now, to the kind-hearted 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.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 22, 2023
43 people are currently reading
938 people want to read
About the author
Allie Therin
12 books855 followersAllie Therin is a bicultural author of award-winning romance and urban fantasy. She also is, or has been, a bookseller, an attorney, a Parks & Rec assistant, a boom operator, and a barista for one (embarrassing) day.
A longtime fan of romance, mystery and speculative fiction, she now strives to bring that same delight to her readers. Allie grew up in a tiny Pacific Northwest town with more bears than people, although the bears sadly would not practice Spanish with her.
A longtime fan of romance, mystery and speculative fiction, she now strives to bring that same delight to her readers. Allie grew up in a tiny Pacific Northwest town with more bears than people, although the bears sadly would not practice Spanish with her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
June 12, 2025
AHHH even better on the re-read 🩷 so excited for book three!!!
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"Once a Rogue" was freaking marvellous.
I enjoyed the hell out of every single second I got to spend with Sebastian and Wesley on their second, even more epic and magical, adventure together.
"Proper Scondrels" was one of my favourite reads when it came out, quite possibly one of my favourite Allie Therin books at the time, but I think this second book takes that top position: Wesley and Sebastian managed to absolutely steal my heart and obliterate my soul for a second, glorious time, and I seriously cannot explain how much they meant to me.
Misunderstood ex-villains finding love was already one of my reading catnips, and two ex-villains finding love and understanding with one another, despite each of them being convinced that they're undeserving of any sort of affection whatsoever? Now, brand that on my soul please.
< Wesley so rarely found himself at a loss for words. But for all he claimed to think with cold rationality, he’d forgotten that kind didn’t mean gullible, that soft wasn’t sheltered and sweet wasn’t naïve. >
I LOVE Sebastian and Wesley so damn much.
Wesley has been my absolute favourite since the very first time he appeared: he's cranky and standoffish and commanding, darkly funny and deliciously competent, but he can also be unbelievably, delightfully understanding, vulnerable and open-minded and so damn ready to move the world for Sebastian, come hell and high water.
And Sebastian? Gah, he's the sweetest. The most precious marshmallow to ever exist, and he deserves every single good thing in the world.
And together, oh god. They're so perfect for one another: both of them are incapable of asking for help, but either one of them would sacrifice themselves for the other, no questions asked. They show up for each other, they care for each other, and they listen and fight and joke around with one another; they won't accept any sort of self-loathing nonsense from the other, and they even talk about consent and boundaries; and I'm freaking obsessed with them.
Their dynamic gave me life and it was so damn perfect, fueled by love and respect and chemistry. I'd seriously read a dozen novels about them, and I know I would never get tired.
< “I mean, really,” Wesley said, picking up his empty glass. “A man could almost get the impression you only want him for his lectures.”
“They’re such good lectures,” Sebastian mumbled, which put a bigger smile on Wesley’s face. >
And the plot? Absolutely epic. It's fun and mysterious and clever, filled with twists, discoveries and magical curses and relics, and I couldn't keep away.
And it also features some very welcome faces from Allie Therin's previous trilogy: Jade and Zhang, of course, and even our favourite sourly brat Rory and his overprotective, mother hen lover. I ADORED seeing them all again, and I loved their group interactions even more: I desperately need book three so I can see more of Rory and Wes bonding over their respective crankiness and their big softy boyfriends.
The found family vibes were impeccable, and Wes and Sebastian DESERVE to have lots of overprotective friends fussing over their well-being and happiness.
The only thing better than scondrels finding love with each other, is them finding a big family of friends who fuss over them as well: I don't make the rules, but found family is THE superior trope.
Allie Therin has gifted us with another gem of a book, and I seriously cannot wait to read book three. I feel like I'll spend the next few months in an enormous book hangover because of "Once a Rogue" and the only way to get over it will be re-reading it, and all of Allie's entire backlist as well.
Please, do yourself a favour and read this series! It's magical, pun intended.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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"Once a Rogue" was freaking marvellous.
I enjoyed the hell out of every single second I got to spend with Sebastian and Wesley on their second, even more epic and magical, adventure together.
"Proper Scondrels" was one of my favourite reads when it came out, quite possibly one of my favourite Allie Therin books at the time, but I think this second book takes that top position: Wesley and Sebastian managed to absolutely steal my heart and obliterate my soul for a second, glorious time, and I seriously cannot explain how much they meant to me.
Misunderstood ex-villains finding love was already one of my reading catnips, and two ex-villains finding love and understanding with one another, despite each of them being convinced that they're undeserving of any sort of affection whatsoever? Now, brand that on my soul please.
< Wesley so rarely found himself at a loss for words. But for all he claimed to think with cold rationality, he’d forgotten that kind didn’t mean gullible, that soft wasn’t sheltered and sweet wasn’t naïve. >
I LOVE Sebastian and Wesley so damn much.
Wesley has been my absolute favourite since the very first time he appeared: he's cranky and standoffish and commanding, darkly funny and deliciously competent, but he can also be unbelievably, delightfully understanding, vulnerable and open-minded and so damn ready to move the world for Sebastian, come hell and high water.
And Sebastian? Gah, he's the sweetest. The most precious marshmallow to ever exist, and he deserves every single good thing in the world.
And together, oh god. They're so perfect for one another: both of them are incapable of asking for help, but either one of them would sacrifice themselves for the other, no questions asked. They show up for each other, they care for each other, and they listen and fight and joke around with one another; they won't accept any sort of self-loathing nonsense from the other, and they even talk about consent and boundaries; and I'm freaking obsessed with them.
Their dynamic gave me life and it was so damn perfect, fueled by love and respect and chemistry. I'd seriously read a dozen novels about them, and I know I would never get tired.
< “I mean, really,” Wesley said, picking up his empty glass. “A man could almost get the impression you only want him for his lectures.”
“They’re such good lectures,” Sebastian mumbled, which put a bigger smile on Wesley’s face. >
And the plot? Absolutely epic. It's fun and mysterious and clever, filled with twists, discoveries and magical curses and relics, and I couldn't keep away.
And it also features some very welcome faces from Allie Therin's previous trilogy: Jade and Zhang, of course, and even our favourite sourly brat Rory and his overprotective, mother hen lover. I ADORED seeing them all again, and I loved their group interactions even more: I desperately need book three so I can see more of Rory and Wes bonding over their respective crankiness and their big softy boyfriends.
The found family vibes were impeccable, and Wes and Sebastian DESERVE to have lots of overprotective friends fussing over their well-being and happiness.
The only thing better than scondrels finding love with each other, is them finding a big family of friends who fuss over them as well: I don't make the rules, but found family is THE superior trope.
Allie Therin has gifted us with another gem of a book, and I seriously cannot wait to read book three. I feel like I'll spend the next few months in an enormous book hangover because of "Once a Rogue" and the only way to get over it will be re-reading it, and all of Allie's entire backlist as well.
Please, do yourself a favour and read this series! It's magical, pun intended.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2023
I was all in on Allie Therin after Liar City, to the extent that I revisited my original negative review of Spellbound and was less put off by the historical inaccuracies than I had been on first reading. I hadn't read Proper Scoundrels, the first Roaring Twenties book, when I requested the ARC of Once a Rogue, so I borrowed it from the library and ... oh dear.
But the errors in Proper Scoundrels didn't swamp the story. (Or I missed many of them given the British setting.) Unfortunately, with Once a Rogue, the balance tipped. Most infuriating for me was the running theme of Wesley's WWI service and the allusions to his torture of captive enemies for the sake of getting information about his own soldiers being held prisoner "behind enemy lines."
1. As I said in the first review: (a) where the hell else would they have been? (b) at least prisoners were out of combat, and they were not treated notably badly.
2. Also, LOL at the whole idea of habitually rescuing POWs especially under conditions of trench warfare.
3. Also, I instantly lose sympathy for torturers, besides which how, after all the US discussions of "enhanced interrogation" during the "war on terror," does any halfway alert adult human not know that torture does not elicit truthful responses, because the victim will tell the torturer anything in order to get the pain to stop? Yes okay this might not have been common knowledge among military interrogators during WWI, but it's never exactly been a secret either, and if you're not giving a damn about historical or military accuracy anyway, why not have Wesley object to torture on such practical grounds?
3a. You want Wesley to feel bad about his WWI service, fine, but even as an ordinary officer he could have done more than enough to feel bad about -- such as, you know, sending young soldiers over the top into mass slaughter. That should do it, no?
4. Sebastian lets Wesley off the hook at one point because he tortured at the behest of a superior officer. Heeeeeeeeeeeey, hello there Nuremberg Defense avant la lettre! Good to see you!
So I was fuming pretty much throughout, and then I happened across this geographical humdinger: Wesley and Sebastian have just left City Hall in Manhattan. City Hall sits just off the Brooklyn Bridge, south of Chinatown and north of the financial district, and from where our MCs stand they can see the Woolworth Building: fair enough. Only, wait ... the sun has set behind it? Which is odd, because the Woolworth Building is slightly southeast of City Hall. To make matters even more confusing, Wesley and Sebastian are somehow on Park Avenue, which originates at Union Square, about a mile north of City Hall. This took me a minute to work out, until I realized that apparently neither Therin nor her copy editor knows the difference between Park Avenue and Park Place.
And, you know, at this point I don't care about the characters or the story anymore, because the author has demonstrated that she doesn't care about her readers. 1.5 stars, rounded up for no good reason.
Thanks to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC.
But the errors in Proper Scoundrels didn't swamp the story. (Or I missed many of them given the British setting.) Unfortunately, with Once a Rogue, the balance tipped. Most infuriating for me was the running theme of Wesley's WWI service and the allusions to his torture of captive enemies for the sake of getting information about his own soldiers being held prisoner "behind enemy lines."
1. As I said in the first review: (a) where the hell else would they have been? (b) at least prisoners were out of combat, and they were not treated notably badly.
2. Also, LOL at the whole idea of habitually rescuing POWs especially under conditions of trench warfare.
3. Also, I instantly lose sympathy for torturers, besides which how, after all the US discussions of "enhanced interrogation" during the "war on terror," does any halfway alert adult human not know that torture does not elicit truthful responses, because the victim will tell the torturer anything in order to get the pain to stop? Yes okay this might not have been common knowledge among military interrogators during WWI, but it's never exactly been a secret either, and if you're not giving a damn about historical or military accuracy anyway, why not have Wesley object to torture on such practical grounds?
3a. You want Wesley to feel bad about his WWI service, fine, but even as an ordinary officer he could have done more than enough to feel bad about -- such as, you know, sending young soldiers over the top into mass slaughter. That should do it, no?
4. Sebastian lets Wesley off the hook at one point because he tortured at the behest of a superior officer. Heeeeeeeeeeeey, hello there Nuremberg Defense avant la lettre! Good to see you!
So I was fuming pretty much throughout, and then I happened across this geographical humdinger: Wesley and Sebastian have just left City Hall in Manhattan. City Hall sits just off the Brooklyn Bridge, south of Chinatown and north of the financial district, and from where our MCs stand they can see the Woolworth Building: fair enough. Only, wait ... the sun has set behind it? Which is odd, because the Woolworth Building is slightly southeast of City Hall. To make matters even more confusing, Wesley and Sebastian are somehow on Park Avenue, which originates at Union Square, about a mile north of City Hall. This took me a minute to work out, until I realized that apparently neither Therin nor her copy editor knows the difference between Park Avenue and Park Place.
And, you know, at this point I don't care about the characters or the story anymore, because the author has demonstrated that she doesn't care about her readers. 1.5 stars, rounded up for no good reason.
Thanks to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC.
August 22, 2023
WHAT A CRACKING SECOND INSTALMENT IN THIS MAGIC ALT HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Book one in this offshoot of Allie’s Magic In Manhattan series was exceptional but Once A Rogue takes things to the next level!
Sebastian and Wes are back in New York and expecting to meet up with Jade and the rest of the paranormal gang but when they arrive, there’s no sign of them, or of Arthur and Rory.
Plus Wes has received a strange telegram warning him that he’s in danger.
Of course, there’ll be no spoilers in my review, but I will just say that everything about the plot in this book worked beautifully for me.
The pacing is exceptional, it lulls you into a false sense of security before heading off into heart-thumping adrenalin charged territory.
But, the absolute best thing about this book is watching Wes catching feelings he doesn’t know what to do with the more he falls for Sebastian.
“His ice-cold heart didn’t know what to do with this damned tropical sunbeam, this kind-hearted darling who saw the world through the figurative rose-colored glasses, ignoring the ugliness of reality and choosing instead to see only beauty in mangy strays and beastly viscounts.”
With the usual sparkling dialogue that you’d expect from this author, the narrative cracks on and takes the reader on a strange journey through the upper classes of New York and out to Tarrytown, where things aren’t quite so gilded.
There’s just the right amount of threat to make you feel the consequences of Sebastian and Wes’ investigations and the ultimate denouement comes in with a crash and a bang that leaves you reeling.
I’m pretty sure there’s a book three still to come which will draw all the remaining loose threads together and wrap up what’s been an outstanding duo of books so far!
Book one in this offshoot of Allie’s Magic In Manhattan series was exceptional but Once A Rogue takes things to the next level!
Sebastian and Wes are back in New York and expecting to meet up with Jade and the rest of the paranormal gang but when they arrive, there’s no sign of them, or of Arthur and Rory.
Plus Wes has received a strange telegram warning him that he’s in danger.
Of course, there’ll be no spoilers in my review, but I will just say that everything about the plot in this book worked beautifully for me.
The pacing is exceptional, it lulls you into a false sense of security before heading off into heart-thumping adrenalin charged territory.
But, the absolute best thing about this book is watching Wes catching feelings he doesn’t know what to do with the more he falls for Sebastian.
“His ice-cold heart didn’t know what to do with this damned tropical sunbeam, this kind-hearted darling who saw the world through the figurative rose-colored glasses, ignoring the ugliness of reality and choosing instead to see only beauty in mangy strays and beastly viscounts.”
With the usual sparkling dialogue that you’d expect from this author, the narrative cracks on and takes the reader on a strange journey through the upper classes of New York and out to Tarrytown, where things aren’t quite so gilded.
There’s just the right amount of threat to make you feel the consequences of Sebastian and Wes’ investigations and the ultimate denouement comes in with a crash and a bang that leaves you reeling.
I’m pretty sure there’s a book three still to come which will draw all the remaining loose threads together and wrap up what’s been an outstanding duo of books so far!
August 17, 2025
NO ONE is more surprised than I that I loved Joel Leslie’s narration for this. I normally avoid his books as I’ve found his voice and my ears not compatible. But I loved this! The pompous, arrogant English voice of Wesley matched his character perfectly and the accents for Sebastien and a secondary Irish character felt nicely done. The 3 books in this series are available on audio in a 3 for 1 credit deal which was just too attractive to miss.
Here we have OODLES of extremely cozy romance with lots of fun, paranormal and magical elements. Sebastien and Arthur are so lovely together. I adored all of their interactions and even more so the interactions between the members of the group when they meet up. SO GOOD
The pacing is not particularly urgent, we get lots of relationship time and the plot feels a little secondary until things peak towards the end. This finishes nicely, no cliffhanger but plenty to look forward to in the next book.
The first series has fade to black sex scenes but I’d say this has a nice amount of spice.
This could be read as a standalone but I strongly recommend reading the first series, starting with Spellbound as there are background storylines and a whole lot of characters and relationship arcs that started in the first series. Knowing the characters from the very start and seeing them grow through this series is a huge part of my enjoyment.
Here we have OODLES of extremely cozy romance with lots of fun, paranormal and magical elements. Sebastien and Arthur are so lovely together. I adored all of their interactions and even more so the interactions between the members of the group when they meet up. SO GOOD
The pacing is not particularly urgent, we get lots of relationship time and the plot feels a little secondary until things peak towards the end. This finishes nicely, no cliffhanger but plenty to look forward to in the next book.
The first series has fade to black sex scenes but I’d say this has a nice amount of spice.
This could be read as a standalone but I strongly recommend reading the first series, starting with Spellbound as there are background storylines and a whole lot of characters and relationship arcs that started in the first series. Knowing the characters from the very start and seeing them grow through this series is a huge part of my enjoyment.
August 24, 2023
I love these two!!! Stop giving me feelings 🥹
Allie Therin can do no wrong! So far all her books slapped and this one was no different.
I absolutely loved the first book about Lord Fine and Sebastian after being super sceptical at first because Wesley wasn’t my favourite in the Magic in Manhatten series.
But let me tell you, said Lord Fine stole his way into my heart in no time. He’s a grumpy piece of work, but secretly a sweetheart who would fight to the death for his friends and his lover.
So when I saw that it will also be a trilogy I did a little happy dance!
Once a Rogue now officially joined the club of favourites.
Lord Horny and his cinnamon roll boyfriend make me melt into a puddle every time and their adventures are always gripping and often hilarious.
I loved meeting our little band of misfits again and I can’t wait to read the next book!
Allie Therin can do no wrong! So far all her books slapped and this one was no different.
I absolutely loved the first book about Lord Fine and Sebastian after being super sceptical at first because Wesley wasn’t my favourite in the Magic in Manhatten series.
But let me tell you, said Lord Fine stole his way into my heart in no time. He’s a grumpy piece of work, but secretly a sweetheart who would fight to the death for his friends and his lover.
So when I saw that it will also be a trilogy I did a little happy dance!
Once a Rogue now officially joined the club of favourites.
Lord Horny and his cinnamon roll boyfriend make me melt into a puddle every time and their adventures are always gripping and often hilarious.
I loved meeting our little band of misfits again and I can’t wait to read the next book!
August 18, 2023
Considering my current state which is not optimal, I can say that I loved the second book as well.
Wes and Seb continue to grow as does the story. The pacing starts slow and easy and gathers speed to a fierce and intense finale. So I could very well go in for another installment, after all grouchy sunbathing must be a thing to see.
An ARC kindly given by author/publisher via Netgalley.
Wes and Seb continue to grow as does the story. The pacing starts slow and easy and gathers speed to a fierce and intense finale. So I could very well go in for another installment, after all grouchy sunbathing must be a thing to see.
An ARC kindly given by author/publisher via Netgalley.
September 30, 2023
4.5 stars
Allie Therin returns to New York City in the 1920s with Once a Rogue, the follow up to Proper Scoundrels, a spin-off from her Magic in Manhattan series. In that book, centre stage belonged to Wesley Collins, Lord Fine, a cantankerous aristocrat and cynical, self-confessed arsehole, and powerful magic-user and dangerous marshmallow Sebastian de Leon, who team up to discover who is behind a series of thefts of powerful magical artifacts which has led to murder. They’re an odd couple if ever there was one, Wesley’s prickly, stiff-upper-lipped arrogance and rudeness a complete contrast to Sebastian’s quiet sweetness and consideration, but somehow they just fit, both of them damaged and believing themselves unworthy of love or affection; and watching them slowly growing closer and allowing themselves to be vulnerable with one another made for a very charming and poignant romance.
Note: Once a Rogue does not stand alone as it shares characters and situations with the previous book and with the Magic in Manhattan series. There may be spoilers for those titles in this review.
Once a Rogue opens around a week after the climactic events in Paris at the end of Proper Scoundrels, and we catch up with Wesley and Sebastian just after their ship has docked in New York, where they’ve travelled in response to cryptic message from Jade Robbins:
While Sebastian immediately heads off to call Jade to find out what’s going on, Wesley waits not too patiently on the pier with Mateo, Sebastian’s younger brother, who accompanied them across the Atlantic and is due to return to college in Ohio the following day. Like Sebastian, Mateo is a magic-user – his magic so powerful that it had almost killed him until Sebastian was able to channel his own enervation magic through a relic – a fifteenth-century Spanish brooch – to bind Mateo’s powers and keep him safe. But Wesley is concerned – he’s noticed the dark circles under Sebastian’s eyes, how, no matter how much sleep he gets, he always seems fatiguted – and how the brooch is interfering with Sebastian’s magic and destabilising it.
When Sebastian returns, it’s to inform them that he wasn’t able to get in touch with Jade or with Zhang – and that one of the staff at the Dragon House restaurant said he hasn’t seen Zhang for several days. It’s a little odd that Jade would ask them to come to New York and then not be there to greet them, but maybe she’s just out for a while and will be back later. After arriving at their hotel, Wesley suggests they should go to see Arthur Kenzie and “his surly little antiquarian” – then round up Jade and Zhang and all go out for dinner. But more disappointment awaits when he and Sebastian arrive at Arthur’s apartment building to find out that Arthur left town over a week earlier – and that his nephew hasn’t been around for a while either. (Sebastian’s cluelessness about the true nature of Arthur and Rory’s relationship is quite sweet, really!)
Before they have much time to dwell on the fact that their friends seem to have disappeared, Wesley receives another terse message, this one from his former commanding officer, who basically demands a meeting, and the next morning, he receives an anonymous letter telling him he’s not safe in New York and to “Beware the company you keep.” None of it makes sense, and Wesley’s hope that their paranormal friends will be able to help ease Sebastian’s burden is superseeded by concern for their safety. A handful of cryptic messages doesn’t give them much to go on, but someone is most definitely up to no good, and as the story barrels towards an exciting and nail-biting climax, our heroes find themselves enmeshed in a deadly plot involving magic, murder, and madness.
Once a Rogue is another terrific read with a clever, high-stakes plot and a romance that continues to be both delightful and heartfelt as Wesley and Sebastian fall deeper and harder for each other – despite their hang-ups about not being good enough or deserving of love. Wesley is as wonderfully curmudgeonly and sarcastic as ever, and I simply loved watching him stubbornly trying to insist that feelings are things that happen to other people even as he’s so obviously toast when it comes to Sebastian. He’s spent so long keeping people at arms’ length and believing he’s the cold-hearted, remorseless bastard he’s reputed to be that he struggles to believe there’s any good in him; he insists Sebastian is just seeing him through rose-tinted glasses and is waiting for the day when Sebastian realises it, too, and decides a disagreeable, caustic English aristocrat is not the man for him.
Sebastian’s blood terrors have eased thanks to Wesley’s nightly presence in his bed, but he is still haunted by his past trauma and burdened by guilt over the things he was forced to do while under the blood magic. He’s also worried that Wesley will soon become tired of him – of (what he sees as) his clinginess and the upheaval his life has undergone since becoming associated with the paranormal world. But while there’s an element of ‘he can’t love me because I’m a bad person’ going on on both sides, there are no silly misunderstandings or miscommunication; much as Wesley hates the idea that he actually has feelings, he and Sebastian actually do talk about them and about their expectations of each other and their… whatever is going on between them. I love the way they truly see each other – even if they don’t quite see themselves through such a favourable lens, and that they’re learning to be vulnerable and open with one another; and just as I enjoyed watching Wesley coming to terms with having all those pesky feelings, so I enjoyed Sebastian finally lettimg himself admit that he’s allowed to have good things in his life.
I have a few very tiny niggles, mostly to do with the plot – namely that it takes Wesley and Sebastian so long to clue into the fact that something is really wrong. Some of the Americanisms that creep in are jarring (no English person in the 1920s would use ‘already’ as in ‘come on already’ – we don’t even use it that way today) and Sebastian’s obliviousness about the nature of Wesley’s former relationship with Arthur and Arthur’s current one with Rory is a bit of a stretch – although it’s just about believable (if you squint) given that Sebastian was magically enslaved for three years.
But none of those things impacted my overall enjoyment of Once a Rogue, which is magical, sweet, funny, gripping – and highly recommended. Wesley and Sebastian are compelling, well-drawn characters; their chemistry crackles, their banter amuses and their growing love for and steadfast support of one another is totally swoonworthy and wonderful to read. I love the magical 1920s world Ms. Therin has created and although, at time of writing (in June), nothing has been announced, there are enough questions left unanswered here for me to be hopeful there’s a third book in the works. Fingers crossed!
ETA: A few weeks after I wrote this review, the author confirmed that there will indeed be a third book featuring Wesley and Sebastian – although we’re going to have to wait until 2025!
This review originally appeared at All About Romance.
Allie Therin returns to New York City in the 1920s with Once a Rogue, the follow up to Proper Scoundrels, a spin-off from her Magic in Manhattan series. In that book, centre stage belonged to Wesley Collins, Lord Fine, a cantankerous aristocrat and cynical, self-confessed arsehole, and powerful magic-user and dangerous marshmallow Sebastian de Leon, who team up to discover who is behind a series of thefts of powerful magical artifacts which has led to murder. They’re an odd couple if ever there was one, Wesley’s prickly, stiff-upper-lipped arrogance and rudeness a complete contrast to Sebastian’s quiet sweetness and consideration, but somehow they just fit, both of them damaged and believing themselves unworthy of love or affection; and watching them slowly growing closer and allowing themselves to be vulnerable with one another made for a very charming and poignant romance.
Note: Once a Rogue does not stand alone as it shares characters and situations with the previous book and with the Magic in Manhattan series. There may be spoilers for those titles in this review.
Once a Rogue opens around a week after the climactic events in Paris at the end of Proper Scoundrels, and we catch up with Wesley and Sebastian just after their ship has docked in New York, where they’ve travelled in response to cryptic message from Jade Robbins:
MAY WE SEE YOU IN NEW YORK STOP CLOCK NEEDS CURSE TO TICK CAN’T SAY MORE HERE STOP
While Sebastian immediately heads off to call Jade to find out what’s going on, Wesley waits not too patiently on the pier with Mateo, Sebastian’s younger brother, who accompanied them across the Atlantic and is due to return to college in Ohio the following day. Like Sebastian, Mateo is a magic-user – his magic so powerful that it had almost killed him until Sebastian was able to channel his own enervation magic through a relic – a fifteenth-century Spanish brooch – to bind Mateo’s powers and keep him safe. But Wesley is concerned – he’s noticed the dark circles under Sebastian’s eyes, how, no matter how much sleep he gets, he always seems fatiguted – and how the brooch is interfering with Sebastian’s magic and destabilising it.
When Sebastian returns, it’s to inform them that he wasn’t able to get in touch with Jade or with Zhang – and that one of the staff at the Dragon House restaurant said he hasn’t seen Zhang for several days. It’s a little odd that Jade would ask them to come to New York and then not be there to greet them, but maybe she’s just out for a while and will be back later. After arriving at their hotel, Wesley suggests they should go to see Arthur Kenzie and “his surly little antiquarian” – then round up Jade and Zhang and all go out for dinner. But more disappointment awaits when he and Sebastian arrive at Arthur’s apartment building to find out that Arthur left town over a week earlier – and that his nephew hasn’t been around for a while either. (Sebastian’s cluelessness about the true nature of Arthur and Rory’s relationship is quite sweet, really!)
Before they have much time to dwell on the fact that their friends seem to have disappeared, Wesley receives another terse message, this one from his former commanding officer, who basically demands a meeting, and the next morning, he receives an anonymous letter telling him he’s not safe in New York and to “Beware the company you keep.” None of it makes sense, and Wesley’s hope that their paranormal friends will be able to help ease Sebastian’s burden is superseeded by concern for their safety. A handful of cryptic messages doesn’t give them much to go on, but someone is most definitely up to no good, and as the story barrels towards an exciting and nail-biting climax, our heroes find themselves enmeshed in a deadly plot involving magic, murder, and madness.
Once a Rogue is another terrific read with a clever, high-stakes plot and a romance that continues to be both delightful and heartfelt as Wesley and Sebastian fall deeper and harder for each other – despite their hang-ups about not being good enough or deserving of love. Wesley is as wonderfully curmudgeonly and sarcastic as ever, and I simply loved watching him stubbornly trying to insist that feelings are things that happen to other people even as he’s so obviously toast when it comes to Sebastian. He’s spent so long keeping people at arms’ length and believing he’s the cold-hearted, remorseless bastard he’s reputed to be that he struggles to believe there’s any good in him; he insists Sebastian is just seeing him through rose-tinted glasses and is waiting for the day when Sebastian realises it, too, and decides a disagreeable, caustic English aristocrat is not the man for him.
Sebastian’s blood terrors have eased thanks to Wesley’s nightly presence in his bed, but he is still haunted by his past trauma and burdened by guilt over the things he was forced to do while under the blood magic. He’s also worried that Wesley will soon become tired of him – of (what he sees as) his clinginess and the upheaval his life has undergone since becoming associated with the paranormal world. But while there’s an element of ‘he can’t love me because I’m a bad person’ going on on both sides, there are no silly misunderstandings or miscommunication; much as Wesley hates the idea that he actually has feelings, he and Sebastian actually do talk about them and about their expectations of each other and their… whatever is going on between them. I love the way they truly see each other – even if they don’t quite see themselves through such a favourable lens, and that they’re learning to be vulnerable and open with one another; and just as I enjoyed watching Wesley coming to terms with having all those pesky feelings, so I enjoyed Sebastian finally lettimg himself admit that he’s allowed to have good things in his life.
I have a few very tiny niggles, mostly to do with the plot – namely that it takes Wesley and Sebastian so long to clue into the fact that something is really wrong. Some of the Americanisms that creep in are jarring (no English person in the 1920s would use ‘already’ as in ‘come on already’ – we don’t even use it that way today) and Sebastian’s obliviousness about the nature of Wesley’s former relationship with Arthur and Arthur’s current one with Rory is a bit of a stretch – although it’s just about believable (if you squint) given that Sebastian was magically enslaved for three years.
But none of those things impacted my overall enjoyment of Once a Rogue, which is magical, sweet, funny, gripping – and highly recommended. Wesley and Sebastian are compelling, well-drawn characters; their chemistry crackles, their banter amuses and their growing love for and steadfast support of one another is totally swoonworthy and wonderful to read. I love the magical 1920s world Ms. Therin has created and although, at time of writing (in June), nothing has been announced, there are enough questions left unanswered here for me to be hopeful there’s a third book in the works. Fingers crossed!
ETA: A few weeks after I wrote this review, the author confirmed that there will indeed be a third book featuring Wesley and Sebastian – although we’re going to have to wait until 2025!
This review originally appeared at All About Romance.
August 27, 2023
Insanely swoony.
The PNR’s not all that,
but the romance rocks.
The PNR’s not all that,
but the romance rocks.
May 3, 2025
Dangerous characters that are the softest inside are one of my weaknesses. Sebastian is a powerful paranormal but he's also the sweetest human being ever, oblivious to most things, lover and saviour of stray kittens. Whi can't resist him when you also add that he is handsome af? Definitely not Wesley, he can't resist Sebastian no matter how much he tries. And he tries hard. In Once a Rogue Wesley fights emotions for Sebastian that are trying to make it to his grumpy surface. He has a reputation to maintain, he cannot be swayed by the sweetest man that looks at him like he means so much more than how he sees himself. A man who makes him want to - you wouldn't believe this - cuddle, of all things.
<<“You really are sweet sometimes.”
“None of that,” Wesley said.>>
While in New York where they were called by their paranormal friends, not only feelings arises, but also a million questions. Their friends are nowhere to be found and new suspicious characters are being quite insistent and Wesley wants them to just leave him and his man alone. But alas, they find themselves involved in something way bigger than they expected and they have nobody to help them.
I loved this book so much and I want to blink and fast forwards time so that I can read the third one right now. Cranky Wesley and marshmallow Sebastian are just two cuties, often thirsty, can't really keep their hands to each other, and they just fit together perfectly. They complement each other, they help see in the other what they can't, or won't. They have come a long way since their first meetings. They deserve all the love! And cuddles. And kitties!
This has Thor's cat-seal of approval!!
<<“You really are sweet sometimes.”
“None of that,” Wesley said.>>
While in New York where they were called by their paranormal friends, not only feelings arises, but also a million questions. Their friends are nowhere to be found and new suspicious characters are being quite insistent and Wesley wants them to just leave him and his man alone. But alas, they find themselves involved in something way bigger than they expected and they have nobody to help them.
I loved this book so much and I want to blink and fast forwards time so that I can read the third one right now. Cranky Wesley and marshmallow Sebastian are just two cuties, often thirsty, can't really keep their hands to each other, and they just fit together perfectly. They complement each other, they help see in the other what they can't, or won't. They have come a long way since their first meetings. They deserve all the love! And cuddles. And kitties!
This has Thor's cat-seal of approval!!
July 25, 2025
I needed this book to be longer. I was enjoying it so much I actually slowed down my reading to make it last. Picking up very soon after the first book, I had forgotten that this thing between Wesley and Sebastian was still very new. We see them returning to New York at the request of Jade Robbins, but as is typical of paranormals, they become embroiled in a larger conspiracy with ties to Wesley’s past. The plot was fast-paced and exciting, but the star of the show is really Wesley’s absolute infatuation with Sebastian. Wesley, who constantly says that he has never felt an emotion and who insists that his heart is made of stone, is so obviously falling very hard for Sebastian and it was glorious. Sweet, precious Sebastian who was a delight in any scene he was in. They could not be more different but they were incredible together. I really like Allie Therin and I sincerely hope she carries on with this series because I cannot get enough.
October 18, 2023
OMG - so much talking, talking, talking! Given almost all characters from the previous book/series have gone 'missing' from the very start (or sidelined away to another city - Mateo), readers are kinda stuck with ongoing bantering, teasing, innuendoes & hinting, self-talk between these two 'rogues'- surly Wesley and mercurial Sebastian. Seriously, skip forward to the 60% mark to get to any action momentum and you'll find things get progressively better from then on!
September 4, 2023
I loved revisiting not just Wesley and Sebastian but all the characters from the Spellbound series. It just took a very long time for anything to happen so I felt like the book took forever to read. Once the actual action started happening I enjoyed this much more.
August 30, 2023
very much enjoyed this one!
Sebastian and Wesley are very swoony together.
I enjoyed all their interactions and I very much appreciate how their relationship is surely but slowly progressing
I would love for the PNR to be MORE though.
Audio brilliantly narrated by Joel Leslie!
Sebastian and Wesley are very swoony together.
I enjoyed all their interactions and I very much appreciate how their relationship is surely but slowly progressing
I would love for the PNR to be MORE though.
Audio brilliantly narrated by Joel Leslie!
June 18, 2023
A fantastic return of our favorite danger-marshmallow paranormal and his viscount with the personality of a wet cat (sorry Wesley, but the wet cat energy is strong).
Thrown back into the American paranormal world, Wesley and Sebastian find themselves tangled in a mystery involving some figures from Wesley’s darker past and the notable lack of our American paranormal gang. Which, you really must have read the original series (Spellbound Magic in Manhattan) that centers around Rory Brodigan to really appreciate the chaos that is ensuing here as we really do get the band back together, so to say.
Wesley and Sebastian had a great dynamic in their first novel Proper Scoundrels and this followup did a wonderful job of balancing their still opposing personalities while emphasizing how they have made that work for them. I am happy to report there is no “will they won't they work out” as I often see in second novels. They have both been all in since the beginning and I’m immensely happy that this still rang true without a doubt as this story progressed (ok maybe Wesley has some “will they won't they” thoughts but they are entirely self destructive and the fault of the aforementioned wet cat part of his personality.)
I adored the plot of this, seeing our old favorites as well as getting that good old hurt/comfort angst between Sebastian and Wesley to balance out the chaos (honestly Wesley, why must your boyfriend have to nearly die to get some cuddles?). The entire Magic in Manhattan series are comfort reads for me and this newest edition to the paranormal world is no different!
Thank you to Netgalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
Thrown back into the American paranormal world, Wesley and Sebastian find themselves tangled in a mystery involving some figures from Wesley’s darker past and the notable lack of our American paranormal gang. Which, you really must have read the original series (Spellbound Magic in Manhattan) that centers around Rory Brodigan to really appreciate the chaos that is ensuing here as we really do get the band back together, so to say.
Wesley and Sebastian had a great dynamic in their first novel Proper Scoundrels and this followup did a wonderful job of balancing their still opposing personalities while emphasizing how they have made that work for them. I am happy to report there is no “will they won't they work out” as I often see in second novels. They have both been all in since the beginning and I’m immensely happy that this still rang true without a doubt as this story progressed (ok maybe Wesley has some “will they won't they” thoughts but they are entirely self destructive and the fault of the aforementioned wet cat part of his personality.)
I adored the plot of this, seeing our old favorites as well as getting that good old hurt/comfort angst between Sebastian and Wesley to balance out the chaos (honestly Wesley, why must your boyfriend have to nearly die to get some cuddles?). The entire Magic in Manhattan series are comfort reads for me and this newest edition to the paranormal world is no different!
Thank you to Netgalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
August 9, 2023
I think I wanted to enjoy this one a lot more than I did.
I need to start off with the fact that Sebastian and Wesley literally have my heart and I love them so much. I could read endless stories about their lives and interactions. I just want to see them live and be happy together forever:
“Wesley was the one who talked about suddenly stumbling into a world of magic, and it was true in the literal sense. But there was a kind of magic in a person who carried you when you couldn't walk, who stayed by your side during a dark night and saw you through to the dawn.” What is there not to like about cute and sappy stuff like this? 😫
That being said, the plot line for this one was really not it for me. I didn’t really care about our “missing” characters, and the entirety of the first 60-70% is spent aimlessly wandering around without any direction at all. We meet characters that don’t really matter, and the characters that do matter don’t develop enough to make much of an impact.
The spice in this book was much better than the first and really deepened Wesley and Sebastian’s relationship. I truly do love these characters. I recommend this for anyone looking for a more character driven story.
I need to start off with the fact that Sebastian and Wesley literally have my heart and I love them so much. I could read endless stories about their lives and interactions. I just want to see them live and be happy together forever:
“Wesley was the one who talked about suddenly stumbling into a world of magic, and it was true in the literal sense. But there was a kind of magic in a person who carried you when you couldn't walk, who stayed by your side during a dark night and saw you through to the dawn.” What is there not to like about cute and sappy stuff like this? 😫
That being said, the plot line for this one was really not it for me. I didn’t really care about our “missing” characters, and the entirety of the first 60-70% is spent aimlessly wandering around without any direction at all. We meet characters that don’t really matter, and the characters that do matter don’t develop enough to make much of an impact.
The spice in this book was much better than the first and really deepened Wesley and Sebastian’s relationship. I truly do love these characters. I recommend this for anyone looking for a more character driven story.
August 17, 2023
“Of course I’m not making it easy. You have met me, haven’t you?”
If there is any one line in the entirety of Allie Therin’s outstanding Once a Rogue that typifies who Wesley Collins (aka Lord Fine) is at heart, it’s this. Wesley is a rogue. Until he isn’t. He’s the hard man who has quite unexpectedly gone soft for Sebastian de Leon. Cuddle? Wesley scoffs at the mere idea. Feel an emotion? Never. But then, he’s never met anyone like Sebastian before, either, and watching Wesley cope with, then accept it all as his destiny is a thing of beauty.
This world is rife with dangers around every corner. Its magic is both a wonder and a peril. Its characters both valiant and dangerous, and some in particular, downright dastardly. Sebastian is in possession of an artifact that taxes him physically, and somebody wants it for his own nefarious purposes. This story is a race against the clock to locate old friends and new acquaintances, and Therin transports readers through time and trouble with an endearingly cheeky flair.
Ardent fans will welcome old friends from the Magic in Manhattan series. Arthur, Brody, Jade, and Zhang take their hard-earned and rightful place amongst the mayhem. The best part is that this book is nowhere close to the end. There’s more to come, and that’s excellent news for readers.
If there is any one line in the entirety of Allie Therin’s outstanding Once a Rogue that typifies who Wesley Collins (aka Lord Fine) is at heart, it’s this. Wesley is a rogue. Until he isn’t. He’s the hard man who has quite unexpectedly gone soft for Sebastian de Leon. Cuddle? Wesley scoffs at the mere idea. Feel an emotion? Never. But then, he’s never met anyone like Sebastian before, either, and watching Wesley cope with, then accept it all as his destiny is a thing of beauty.
This world is rife with dangers around every corner. Its magic is both a wonder and a peril. Its characters both valiant and dangerous, and some in particular, downright dastardly. Sebastian is in possession of an artifact that taxes him physically, and somebody wants it for his own nefarious purposes. This story is a race against the clock to locate old friends and new acquaintances, and Therin transports readers through time and trouble with an endearingly cheeky flair.
Ardent fans will welcome old friends from the Magic in Manhattan series. Arthur, Brody, Jade, and Zhang take their hard-earned and rightful place amongst the mayhem. The best part is that this book is nowhere close to the end. There’s more to come, and that’s excellent news for readers.
February 10, 2025
Perfection. No notes. Laugh out loud funny. The snark and sarcasm were completely unmatched. One bajillion stars.
September 1, 2023
Che bello che è tornare a leggere di Wesley & Sebastian 😍😍😍 sono sempre stupendi, con le loro personalità, il loro legame così dolce, i loro scambi e battibecchi ❤️ (Wesley è fantastico con il suo carattere e le sue battute, mi ha fatto ridere e sorridere più e più volte 😍)
Mi è piaciuto un sacco che in questo secondo volume si assiste ad uno sviluppo e maturazione della loro bellissima storia d’amore ❤️❤️❤️ amo che Wes e Sebastian si supportino sempre, che tengano così tanto l’uno all’altro, che abbiano una buona comunicazione e formino un team fantastico. E sono così dolci e romantici nei loro momenti insieme e in quello che sono disposti a fare l’uno per l’altro! 🥹❤️
(Sono anche molto hot! Ho adorato le loro scene insieme in tal senso 😍😏)
Mi fa sciogliere quanto amore ognuno dei due nutra verso l’altro, e anche se non se lo sono ancora detto a voce, traspare da tutto quello che fanno, pensano o dicono 🥹❤️❤️❤️
E in più, è stato fantastico rivedere determinati personaggi già conosciuti in passato! 😍 e mi è piaciuto un sacco vedere vecchi e nuovi protagonisti interagire tra loro e leggere di come i rapporti tra loro sono cambiati e maturati nel tempo e con quello che è successo ❤️
❤️
Mi è piaciuto un sacco che in questo secondo volume si assiste ad uno sviluppo e maturazione della loro bellissima storia d’amore ❤️❤️❤️ amo che Wes e Sebastian si supportino sempre, che tengano così tanto l’uno all’altro, che abbiano una buona comunicazione e formino un team fantastico. E sono così dolci e romantici nei loro momenti insieme e in quello che sono disposti a fare l’uno per l’altro! 🥹❤️
(Sono anche molto hot! Ho adorato le loro scene insieme in tal senso 😍😏)
Mi fa sciogliere quanto amore ognuno dei due nutra verso l’altro, e anche se non se lo sono ancora detto a voce, traspare da tutto quello che fanno, pensano o dicono 🥹❤️❤️❤️
E in più, è stato fantastico rivedere determinati personaggi già conosciuti in passato! 😍 e mi è piaciuto un sacco vedere vecchi e nuovi protagonisti interagire tra loro e leggere di come i rapporti tra loro sono cambiati e maturati nel tempo e con quello che è successo ❤️
“But I hope you now unequivocally understand that the next time you think you might have a blood terror, or any other kind of trouble, and you’re wondering ‘should I go to Wesley for help’, the answer is always yes. Actually, let’s just make the question ‘should I go to Wesley’, because the answer to that is also always yes.”
“I want to talk,” he said. “So I can tell you that you make everything better. That you make my demons disappear. That my life was so bad, but now I have you, and it’s so good, Wes, you’re so good.”
“You have to get used to it,” Sebastian whispered. “Because we both made it tonight. And someday we will be eighty, and who knows where in the world we will be together—” Wesley’s sharp inhale filled his ears, and then they were kissing again, the angle awkward and messy and perfect, Wesley overwhelming every one of his senses, and he was falling apart, feeling Wesley fall apart too.
But then, he’d been convinced there was no place in his heart for anything at all, before Sebastian had come into his life and changed everything.
❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2023
The follow up to Proper Scoundrels, the second book picks up a few weeks after the conclision of the first one, and maybe it's because this book opens up with a different premise in comparison to the first book (where we already know all of the characters, even if you haven't read Therin's previous trilogy that is set in this world.
Wesley and Sebastian are coming to America to meet up with their friends in NYC to tackle the issue of magical artifacts that was somewhat covered in the first book. One of my critiques of the first book was that for readers who had never picked the companion series, there would be some world building and magical rules that Therin, even when introducing new characteres that have no connection to the magical world (like the reader), would not be able to understand.
The second book read a bit like "A Marvellous Light", both in how the two characters interacted with each other, and also how they approached to magic with their relationship. However, of the similarities, that is where it ends as I would point out that while Markse puts the romance between her two characters as coupled with the plot to a secondary degree, Therin keeps in primarily with the plot, as this is a PNR - where the romance between Wesley and Sebastian plays a role in how the de Leon magic reacts to the presence of Wesley.
While the ending veered a bit too cliched for me, and I would argue stalled with the buildup that Theirn gave us for much of the book (and I did enjoy it wholeheartedly), overall I would say that this book is a definite improvement in comparision to the first book, and I can't wait to see how the trilogy ends and Therin wraps it all up.
Wesley and Sebastian are coming to America to meet up with their friends in NYC to tackle the issue of magical artifacts that was somewhat covered in the first book. One of my critiques of the first book was that for readers who had never picked the companion series, there would be some world building and magical rules that Therin, even when introducing new characteres that have no connection to the magical world (like the reader), would not be able to understand.
The second book read a bit like "A Marvellous Light", both in how the two characters interacted with each other, and also how they approached to magic with their relationship. However, of the similarities, that is where it ends as I would point out that while Markse puts the romance between her two characters as coupled with the plot to a secondary degree, Therin keeps in primarily with the plot, as this is a PNR - where the romance between Wesley and Sebastian plays a role in how the de Leon magic reacts to the presence of Wesley.
While the ending veered a bit too cliched for me, and I would argue stalled with the buildup that Theirn gave us for much of the book (and I did enjoy it wholeheartedly), overall I would say that this book is a definite improvement in comparision to the first book, and I can't wait to see how the trilogy ends and Therin wraps it all up.
May 26, 2024
Rounded up, this one had some real pacing issues and didn’t manage to provide a sense of dread or urgency until the shit hit the fan in the second half, but I really enjoyed all the characters and interactions.
July 24, 2024
I’m so excited it left open a big plot point at the end, hoping that means another book in the world will happen!
August 5, 2025
so good lord fine i am yrs
April 15, 2025
4.5 stars for both story and narration
My original review of the ebook is HERE
Am revisiting this one before I get stuck into book 3; another excellent performance from Joel Froomkin (Leslie) really brings the story to life.
My original review of the ebook is HERE
Am revisiting this one before I get stuck into book 3; another excellent performance from Joel Froomkin (Leslie) really brings the story to life.
July 14, 2025
REREAD IN JULY 2025
Rating remind the same since yes, I still felt annoyed with Sebastian's constant questioning his worth. ALTHOUGH, again, at the same time, he just found out that Arthur was Wesley's ex, and Sebastian was involved in that holding Arthur in gunpoint in the first book.
Sebastian guessing Wesley's age was SO FUN to read (again)
“Then how old are you?”
“How old am—you don’t know how old I am?”
“Twenty-six?” Sebastian guessed.
Wesley’s gaze flicked up, staring at Sebastian over his hand with an extremely unimpressed expression. “You cannot believe I’m younger than you. You better not believe that.”
“Well—”
“I went to war. In 1914.”
Sebastian did some quick math. “So you’re twenty...nine?”
Wesley’s unimpressed expression didn’t budge.
“Thirty-nine?”
Wesley’s eyebrow went up.
-------------
I don't know how many books are planned in this Roaring Twenties Magic series (a spin-off of Therin's Magic in Manhattan) ... I assume it will be another trilogy. So by that assumption, this book's focus is to cement Wesley and Sebastian's relationship. As they chased trail of their friends in America, from New York to Tarrytown, both learned further about the other.
I think the core of the story is to make Sebastian realized that his Wesley would not go anywhere. Yes, Wesley might not be a paranormal. Yes, Wesley was thrust into this dangerous world without any magic of his own. Yes, he was a Lord compared to Sebastian who not at all near the definition of aristocracy. But all those worries Sebastian had about bringing problems into Wesley's life, were never be Wesley's concerns. Sebastian was it for Lord Fine, and Wesley was sticking with his marshmallow til the end.
I should've been a bit annoyed with Sebastian's constant questions about Wesley's wanting to be with him... but at the same time, Sebastian was SUCH A MARSHMALLOW, I COULDN'T FEEL AT ALL ANNOYED!! He was sooo adorable. Like when he was trying to guess Wesley's age (that brought laughter in me). No wonder cantankerous Wesley was smitten.
The book offered some exciting fights with the bad guys too... and again, I wonder if there's another book waiting in the horizon. I guess I just have to wait for news.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Rating remind the same since yes, I still felt annoyed with Sebastian's constant questioning his worth. ALTHOUGH, again, at the same time, he just found out that Arthur was Wesley's ex, and Sebastian was involved in that holding Arthur in gunpoint in the first book.
Sebastian guessing Wesley's age was SO FUN to read (again)
“Then how old are you?”
“How old am—you don’t know how old I am?”
“Twenty-six?” Sebastian guessed.
Wesley’s gaze flicked up, staring at Sebastian over his hand with an extremely unimpressed expression. “You cannot believe I’m younger than you. You better not believe that.”
“Well—”
“I went to war. In 1914.”
Sebastian did some quick math. “So you’re twenty...nine?”
Wesley’s unimpressed expression didn’t budge.
“Thirty-nine?”
Wesley’s eyebrow went up.
-------------
I don't know how many books are planned in this Roaring Twenties Magic series (a spin-off of Therin's Magic in Manhattan) ... I assume it will be another trilogy. So by that assumption, this book's focus is to cement Wesley and Sebastian's relationship. As they chased trail of their friends in America, from New York to Tarrytown, both learned further about the other.
I think the core of the story is to make Sebastian realized that his Wesley would not go anywhere. Yes, Wesley might not be a paranormal. Yes, Wesley was thrust into this dangerous world without any magic of his own. Yes, he was a Lord compared to Sebastian who not at all near the definition of aristocracy. But all those worries Sebastian had about bringing problems into Wesley's life, were never be Wesley's concerns. Sebastian was it for Lord Fine, and Wesley was sticking with his marshmallow til the end.
I should've been a bit annoyed with Sebastian's constant questions about Wesley's wanting to be with him... but at the same time, Sebastian was SUCH A MARSHMALLOW, I COULDN'T FEEL AT ALL ANNOYED!! He was sooo adorable. Like when he was trying to guess Wesley's age (that brought laughter in me). No wonder cantankerous Wesley was smitten.
The book offered some exciting fights with the bad guys too... and again, I wonder if there's another book waiting in the horizon. I guess I just have to wait for news.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
June 19, 2023
Allie Therin is on fire this year! Once a Rogue is another brilliant instalment of Lord Fine and his danger marshmallow. With laugh out loud moments, plenty of adventure, sweetness, and heat, Therin makes magic yet again.
June 1, 2025
4.25 stars. Interesting to discover who is behind all of this skulduggery.
August 23, 2023
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-
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by Netgalley
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-
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by Netgalley
dnf
January 1, 2024Looks like I am getting an early start on my resolution to DNF more in 2024. I have confirmed that these two related series are not for me. When I strip the story down to the primary relationship, it has a lot of the things I like in quiet novels, with almost ordinary and mundane interactions that happen in a developing relationship. The thing is, the book is supposed to be exciting and suspenseful and that part doesn't always quite work for me in these two series.
Ultimately I recommend this book if you are already into the author's style and world building - because she offers that pretty consistently. I DNFed at 13% but I could see this heading to a similar 3ish stars as book one.
I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Carina Press in exchange for an honest review.
Ultimately I recommend this book if you are already into the author's style and world building - because she offers that pretty consistently. I DNFed at 13% but I could see this heading to a similar 3ish stars as book one.
I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Carina Press in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2023
This book was amazing I am hoping for more or even another book with a similar theme a really well written story. The characters are great and so well written I loved the romance between Wesley and Sebastian one who really looks down on myself and is mostly just nice to Sebastian while the other is a bit insecure about many things and blames himself for things that are not his fault. I loved the romance between them and how each of them tackled the issues that have about themselves. The plot was interesting it starts with the MCs going to America and trying to what happened to the group. Other things happened the relationship is really interesting things are found out people are saved and there is a happy for now ending.
September 2, 2023
I fell in love with the Magic In Manhattan trilogy and am thrilled we keep company with those characters in this series, but I also love this obstinate vs sunshine dynamic for its own sake. Therin is excellent at creating engaging characters and compelling plots. I am a devoted fan.
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