When I started reading Allie Therin a few years ago, I didn’t expect that she would become one of my go to authors for banter. She has though. Wesley, Lord Fine, and Sebastian de Leon give good banter as they try to find out what’s happening in the paranormal world. I enjoyed this so much and there’s so much I can’t talk about because it’s spoilery.
Once a Rogue, is the second book in the Roaring Twenties Magic series, which is itself a spinoff of the Magic in Manhatten series, and you should really read that first. So no, this isn’t a good place to start. However, this is good incentive to start. I highly recommend Allie Therin of you enjoy m/m romance, especially of the paranormal variety. If you like Cat Sebastian and KJ Charles, Therin’s sensibilities will fit right in.
While we got to spend a lot of time with the extended crew in Proper Scoundrels, they are missing for a good chunk of this book. Instead, Wesley and Sebastian must navigate finding their friends while hiding both the paranormal world and their relationship from people from Wesley’s past. The antagonists aren’t hard to figure out, and while this book has a satisfactory ending, it’s also clearly a middle book. A lot is left unfinished, and my appetite is whetted for book 3.
Wesley and Sebastian are still feeling their way with each other. They are lovers, but neither thinks they have a long term future with the other. Sebastian is still the most dangerous marshmallow you will meet. He loves animals and will gladly manipulate Wesley for the benefit of animals in a way he will not for his own benefit.
CW: poisoning, night terrors, homophobia, kidnapping, discussion of torture in past, threat of murder, murder, gun violence.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Carina Press and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
