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Potions and Passions #3
Once a Rake, Always a Rogue
He’s mended his ways.
Dr. Ernest Montford has left behind his rakish youth for a respectable life mixing medicinal potions and helping patients. So when his best friend's sister is threatened with incarceration in an asylum, he rushes to help. But Lady Astrid Wembley isn't keen to heed Monte's medical advice. Worse, she's part of his wild past: the mysterious girl he could never forget.
But the woman he can’t forget…
Astrid has fond memories of her long-ago passionate encounter on the beach, but the Monte who kissed her so thoroughly that day shows little resemblance to the stuffy, abstemious doctor with his absurd health advice. Still, she has little choice but to put up with him until her sanity is proven and she can return to her life of scientific study.
Might be his undoing.
Dangerous potions and unethical experiments await Astrid if she fails, and only with Monte's help can she expose the true horrors of the asylum and thwart the plans of the men controlling it. But the longer Astrid and Monte are together, the more their old passion sparks, and the more she longs to unleash the rogue that still lurks inside him.
Dr. Ernest Montford has left behind his rakish youth for a respectable life mixing medicinal potions and helping patients. So when his best friend's sister is threatened with incarceration in an asylum, he rushes to help. But Lady Astrid Wembley isn't keen to heed Monte's medical advice. Worse, she's part of his wild past: the mysterious girl he could never forget.
But the woman he can’t forget…
Astrid has fond memories of her long-ago passionate encounter on the beach, but the Monte who kissed her so thoroughly that day shows little resemblance to the stuffy, abstemious doctor with his absurd health advice. Still, she has little choice but to put up with him until her sanity is proven and she can return to her life of scientific study.
Might be his undoing.
Dangerous potions and unethical experiments await Astrid if she fails, and only with Monte's help can she expose the true horrors of the asylum and thwart the plans of the men controlling it. But the longer Astrid and Monte are together, the more their old passion sparks, and the more she longs to unleash the rogue that still lurks inside him.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2020
1 person is currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Stein
28 books166 followersAward-winning author Catherine Stein believes that everyone deserves love and that Happily Ever After has the power to help, to heal, and to comfort. She writes sassy, sexy romance set during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Her books are full of action, adventure, magic, and fantastic technologies.
Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.
Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 6, 2020
Clever, imaginative, fun, and funny with unforgettable characters.
Full review at maidamalby.com on 3/23.
Full review at maidamalby.com on 3/23.
June 8, 2020
“Once a Rake, Always a Rogue” is an enjoyable and steamy historical romance. The story starts out slowly but gains speed as the characters investigate the asylum and the danger to Astrid.
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 22, 2020
I received an ARC from the author and event organizers (Enticing Journey Book Promotions) in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
With this third installment in the Potions and Passions series, Catherine Stein has another winner. And while this one did feel like a slower start for me in terms of investment, I soon found myself swept up again in her quirky, yet relatable characters and her infusion of magic into Victorian society.
That aspect of how the potions fit in remains my favorite part of the series, as it is such a unique element I don’t think I’ve seen other authors use, at least not in the same way. And with heavy discussion of the medical field as it was in the Victorian era, I loved seeing potions that worked as birth control, as well as fearing the possibilities of what they could do when dosing people in asylums.
Monte is a great example of a reformed rake to root for, who still has the best parts of his roguish side that come out when he’s around Astrid. And I deeply admired his reasoning for trying to be a better person, given he is a man with a vocation and needs to establish trust with his patients.
I adored Astrid. She comes from an eccentric family, and is in danger of being confined to an asylum unless her sanity can be proven, which, given what I know about what women were confined for in history, seems like an impossible situation. I loved her interplay with Monte as she lowers his defenses while they’re working together.
This book is absolutely wonderful, and the only thing I hated was that it ended. If you love any variation of historical paranormal, steampunk, or gaslamp fantasy, I recommend picking this up.
With this third installment in the Potions and Passions series, Catherine Stein has another winner. And while this one did feel like a slower start for me in terms of investment, I soon found myself swept up again in her quirky, yet relatable characters and her infusion of magic into Victorian society.
That aspect of how the potions fit in remains my favorite part of the series, as it is such a unique element I don’t think I’ve seen other authors use, at least not in the same way. And with heavy discussion of the medical field as it was in the Victorian era, I loved seeing potions that worked as birth control, as well as fearing the possibilities of what they could do when dosing people in asylums.
Monte is a great example of a reformed rake to root for, who still has the best parts of his roguish side that come out when he’s around Astrid. And I deeply admired his reasoning for trying to be a better person, given he is a man with a vocation and needs to establish trust with his patients.
I adored Astrid. She comes from an eccentric family, and is in danger of being confined to an asylum unless her sanity can be proven, which, given what I know about what women were confined for in history, seems like an impossible situation. I loved her interplay with Monte as she lowers his defenses while they’re working together.
This book is absolutely wonderful, and the only thing I hated was that it ended. If you love any variation of historical paranormal, steampunk, or gaslamp fantasy, I recommend picking this up.
January 11, 2021
I absolutely loved ONCE A RAKE ALWAYS A ROGUE!
ONCE A RAKE, ALWAYS A ROGUE by Catherine Stein is a “Brothers Best Friend”, “2nd Chances” Steampunk intrigue/romance with delightfully quirky characters and a positive message - it’s okay to be yourself!
This is book 3 in the POTIONS AND PASSIONS series. ONCE A RAKE, ALWAYS A ROGUE can be read as a standalone title but I highly recommend them all. Ms. Stein is one of the few authors I still auto-buy on preorder without hesitation. She does not disappoint! Stein’s main characters are often the underdog, the unusual, or the misunderstood - people I would welcome as friends (or fight to protect from harm). 😉 Her books are fun, unique, quirky & clever! with HEAs. ❤️
SUMMER 1877. SEPTEMBER 1884 and LATER.
Dr Ernest Montfort/MMC once had a reputation as a flirtatious and fun loving rogue, and has been a good friend of Lady Astrid’s twin brother, Cal, since their Cambridge days. But a number of years have passed and as the 2nd son of titled peer, Monte now practices in London as a respectable physician.
Unbeknownst to anyone else, 26yr old brilliant and unusual Lady Astrid Wembley once enjoyed a memorable yet interrupted romantic tryst near her isolated beach property with the (then) flirtatious rake, Ernest (Monte) Montfort. Neither Astrid nor Monte knew the others actual identity at the time. Seven years pass. Astrid has applied for acceptance into a renown scientific London society, an oddity for a woman. Just as it appears she may be confirmed, a number of anonymous yet formidable complaints are filed against her character. The unknown party goes so far as to question her sanity and charges her of being a threat to the general public. Fearing Lady Astrid’s safety and personal freedom, Cal (newly the Marquess of Montfort) urgently requests his dear friend from Cambridge, Dr. Earnest Montfort, to speak in her defense as a doctor. Can Monte keep Astrid from being committed to an asylum? Who wants Astrid committed, and Why? Will Astrid’s reputation as a knowledgeable scientist and as a lady be totally ruined by the gossip and charges? After 7 years of separation, yet both still single, will either Astrid or Monte even recognize the other? And could the spark still remain?
READER CAUTIONS -
*PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used occasionally.
VIOLENCE - Minimal. PG movie level in violence.
*SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. On-scene adult intimacy occurs several times. Each is somewhat brief in nature and could be skipped while enjoying this delightfully positive adventure.
*Due to the aforementioned, young readers and those who would be offended should consider looking elsewhere.
ONCE A RAKE, ALWAYS A ROGUE by Catherine Stein is a “Brothers Best Friend”, “2nd Chances” Steampunk intrigue/romance with delightfully quirky characters and a positive message - it’s okay to be yourself!
This is book 3 in the POTIONS AND PASSIONS series. ONCE A RAKE, ALWAYS A ROGUE can be read as a standalone title but I highly recommend them all. Ms. Stein is one of the few authors I still auto-buy on preorder without hesitation. She does not disappoint! Stein’s main characters are often the underdog, the unusual, or the misunderstood - people I would welcome as friends (or fight to protect from harm). 😉 Her books are fun, unique, quirky & clever! with HEAs. ❤️
SUMMER 1877. SEPTEMBER 1884 and LATER.
Dr Ernest Montfort/MMC once had a reputation as a flirtatious and fun loving rogue, and has been a good friend of Lady Astrid’s twin brother, Cal, since their Cambridge days. But a number of years have passed and as the 2nd son of titled peer, Monte now practices in London as a respectable physician.
Unbeknownst to anyone else, 26yr old brilliant and unusual Lady Astrid Wembley once enjoyed a memorable yet interrupted romantic tryst near her isolated beach property with the (then) flirtatious rake, Ernest (Monte) Montfort. Neither Astrid nor Monte knew the others actual identity at the time. Seven years pass. Astrid has applied for acceptance into a renown scientific London society, an oddity for a woman. Just as it appears she may be confirmed, a number of anonymous yet formidable complaints are filed against her character. The unknown party goes so far as to question her sanity and charges her of being a threat to the general public. Fearing Lady Astrid’s safety and personal freedom, Cal (newly the Marquess of Montfort) urgently requests his dear friend from Cambridge, Dr. Earnest Montfort, to speak in her defense as a doctor. Can Monte keep Astrid from being committed to an asylum? Who wants Astrid committed, and Why? Will Astrid’s reputation as a knowledgeable scientist and as a lady be totally ruined by the gossip and charges? After 7 years of separation, yet both still single, will either Astrid or Monte even recognize the other? And could the spark still remain?
READER CAUTIONS -
*PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used occasionally.
VIOLENCE - Minimal. PG movie level in violence.
*SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. On-scene adult intimacy occurs several times. Each is somewhat brief in nature and could be skipped while enjoying this delightfully positive adventure.
*Due to the aforementioned, young readers and those who would be offended should consider looking elsewhere.
August 20, 2021
I love this steam punk series, with its zany characters and interesting take on issues. Astrid was a delightful eccentric and played off of the stuffy Ernest to a tee. This opposites attract romance had them getting on each others last nerve in the most amusing way possible. I really enjoyed the themes of self-acceptance and breaking gender norms, as well as the creative but not overpowering world building.
March 24, 2020
This is another home run for Catherine Stein! I adore Astrid, the sassy scientific woman. I love Monte, the reformed rake. Together, they’re magic. Stein weaves a tale of love, delicious lust, enticing potions, and just enough dastardly deeds to keep me turning pages. This cements it for me: I’ll read anything Catherine Stein writes.
April 2, 2020
I received a copy of the ARC to review before the Corona 19 virus hit my state. I was a little distracted by work and an overwhelming worry over the Corona 19 virus, so I was really slow in reading before the lock down. Since the lock down started, I have started reading Once a Rake, Always a Rogue more.
The book was excellent. I loved Astrid and her adventures. Who doesn't love cheese? Even if they're lactose intolerant (Like me I love cheese and I'm lactose intolerant). Apparently Monte doesn't. But that's ok He has other redeeming qualities. Like he's smart, and intelligent, and handsome, and funny at times. The book has a whole host of wonderful characters. There's Lady Astrid, Lord Ernest Montford (Monte), Lord Whitehaven (Cal), Grace (Astrid's assistant), and Lord Smythe. The butler is also pretty amazingly awesome.
The book has wonderful pacing. It does not move too fast, nor does it move too slow. It's just like a wizard in that it arrives perfectly on time where it needs to go.
If you enjoy romance, intrigue, a plot to get someone murdered, or to get someone locked up in an insane asylum against their will, this is the book for you.
The book was excellent. I loved Astrid and her adventures. Who doesn't love cheese? Even if they're lactose intolerant (Like me I love cheese and I'm lactose intolerant). Apparently Monte doesn't. But that's ok He has other redeeming qualities. Like he's smart, and intelligent, and handsome, and funny at times. The book has a whole host of wonderful characters. There's Lady Astrid, Lord Ernest Montford (Monte), Lord Whitehaven (Cal), Grace (Astrid's assistant), and Lord Smythe. The butler is also pretty amazingly awesome.
The book has wonderful pacing. It does not move too fast, nor does it move too slow. It's just like a wizard in that it arrives perfectly on time where it needs to go.
If you enjoy romance, intrigue, a plot to get someone murdered, or to get someone locked up in an insane asylum against their will, this is the book for you.
May 11, 2020
Lady Astrid Wembley is not your conventional Victorian woman. She is outspoken, intelligent, independent and a scientist who studies Trilobites. Although she is a beautiful heiress, she is seen as eccentric by society and there are some plotting to have her put in an asylum.
Dr Ernest 'Monte' Montford, is her brother's life long best friend and has been tasked with proving her sane and socially acceptable, but many years ago, this handsome doctor with his dashing smile, had an encounter with a beautiful young woman and a kiss that he cannot forget, and it just so happens that this kiss was with Lady Astrid.
This book is absolutely delightful, it is very well written by Catherine Stein, who understands the Victorian era, capturing it superbly.
Plots, murder, potions, experiments and cruelty abound, but so does love, passion and cheese!
Highly recommended. I couldn't put it down.
Dr Ernest 'Monte' Montford, is her brother's life long best friend and has been tasked with proving her sane and socially acceptable, but many years ago, this handsome doctor with his dashing smile, had an encounter with a beautiful young woman and a kiss that he cannot forget, and it just so happens that this kiss was with Lady Astrid.
This book is absolutely delightful, it is very well written by Catherine Stein, who understands the Victorian era, capturing it superbly.
Plots, murder, potions, experiments and cruelty abound, but so does love, passion and cheese!
Highly recommended. I couldn't put it down.
March 26, 2020
3 1/2 stars. This was my first read in the series. It took a bit for me to get into the story. I felt there was too much description regarding food and potions, and the arguments between Astrid and Monte seemed a bit forced. It improved when the element of danger entered and continued with the investigation of asylums and who could be the threat to Astrid. I enjoyed Astrid's independent spirit and love for fossils and geology. Monte was a bit of a stick-in-the-mud when it came to healthful eating, but I loved how he wanted to protect Astrid and the lengths he went to. Overall, I felt the story was entertaining.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
April 26, 2020
such a fun read!
I love books that involve strong women who don't fit societal norms and asylums, and this book has both! Stein has a great flair for language and story, and I found I couldn't put it down! I will definitely read her other books in this series!
I love books that involve strong women who don't fit societal norms and asylums, and this book has both! Stein has a great flair for language and story, and I found I couldn't put it down! I will definitely read her other books in this series!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews