  I expected better from an MJP novel, 2006-06-02
I know I'm in the minority here, but I didn't get what I expected from ANGEL ROGUE, and not in a good way. Up until recently MJP was an auto-buy author, but no more. Though I may read more of her books in the future, I'm going to borrow, not buy. There were no big glaring problems with this book, just a bunch of little complaints that added up to a big negative by the end of the book.
While MJP does create well-rounded characters, I didn't really feel like I connected with them by the end of the book. I knew what drove them, what their inner fears and desires were...and yet for some reason, I didn't really care. I felt like I was far removed from the story, as if I was only catching glimpses of their lives, rather than an inside look. This might have something to do with the fact that ANGEL ROGUE used to be a shorter Regency romance, entitled THE ROGUE AND THE RUNAWAY. Regardless of the author, revamped books usually do not work as well as books that were never in a short from to begin with. (An exception to this is of course MJP's very excellent THE RAKE, which used to be THE RAKE AND THE REFORMER.)
I just didn't feel the romance between the two characters, especially on Robin's part. I just couldn't really see why he should fall in love with Maxie. I kind of wondered if he only thought he was in love with her because they spent so much time together, not for compelling reasons. It felt like more of a rebound thing, since when the book started he was still pinning for his lost love Maggie from PETALS IN THE STORM. And since I'd felt in that book that Maggie should have chosen Robin instead of Rafe, it was hard to cheer for Robin to be with Maxie.
There was a secondary romance, involving Maxie's aunt, Desdemona, and Robin's older brother, Giles. It was not very well developed, either. It felt very tacked-on. While I never read the book in its original form, it left me to wonder if this secondary romance was one of the things that had been added to expand the book.
After the first half, the story really dragged, and I started skimming and skipping as much as I could. I finally gave up 50 pages from the end. Both romances were boring, and the mystery just wasn't compelling enough to keep me reading.
If you must complete the Fallen Angels series, borrow this book rather than buy it. It's not MJP's best effort. For something truly excellent by Putney, I recommend THE WILD CHILD, SILK AND SHADOWS, or THE RAKE. Those were all five-star books. Sadly, ANGEL ROGUE is not.
Really, all the "Fallen Angels" books are excellent., 2004-08-15
I don't know how I had not discovered this author sooner. I have been reading romance novels for about 3 years now and never before had I read a book by Mary Jo Putney. The first one I read "Dearly Beloved", was so beautiful that I went back for more, and after reading "One Perfect Rose" which is part of the Fallen Angels series, I was hooked. I knew I had to read the whole series, and so far none of the books I have read have dissapointed me.
In the case of this book, I have not yet read "Petals in the Storm", so I did not have any background knowledge about Lord Robert Andreville, but he is a fascinating character. His dazzling personality was so well portrayed that it leaps from the pages and you feel like you know him. I loved his sense of humor, his charm, his varied and amusing talents, the fact that under all that fancy facade there was a core of steel. Maxima was an exceptional heroine too, even though I can't really say that I feel a strong conection with her (I would never even dream of embarking on a trip of over 200 miles on foot, on a strange land and with almost no money) But that is what makes her extraordinary besides, she is also very kind, courageous and intelligent and those are qualities I admire.
The only thing that I found that was a little unbelievable and incomprehensible is the fact that Robin would embark on this trip with her with no money, and no provisions whatsoever. That he felt the need to accompany her, I can understand, but why didn't he make a small detour to the house first to fetch money, and two horses or a carriage to make the trip more confortable? I know he is an adventurer and an excentric, but my practical and comfort-liking mind just rebelled at the thought that someone would deliberately choose the hard path when there was an easier and more efficient way to accomplish things. I guess I'm not very adventuresome.
I connected more with Robert's brother Giles (which doesn't mean that I liked him better than Robin, just that I find his personality easier to relate to) He and Maxima's aunt Desdemona are great secondary characters. I wish they had gotten their own novel instead of just being a sub plot of this one. But their story definitely enriched this book.
All in all, I think this book is excellent. I would recommend this and all the books in this series to anyone who likes a well written story, with strong lovable characters and a mix of passion and adventure to make it all more interesting.
The Indian and the Spy, 2003-03-26
This is a great story, Maxie and Robert are two of the best characters Ms. Putney has ever created! A story of east meets west and the differences that make each other fall in love with the other. This is also a very humorous story, a chase a crossed the length of England and two lovers who don't want to be found. This story has all the makings of a good merry romp! Curl up in you favorite blanket, and let Ms. Putney sweep you away!! Definately worth the reading time!
Must add to your collection, 2002-08-06
The third in the Fallen Angel Series, we finally see Robin enjoy happiness. Robin was such a sweetheart to Margot in Petals on the Wind, you really did feel bad that Rafe ended up with her. However, while Maxima is strong like Margot, she has the determination needed to help Robin deal with his demons over what he has done in the name of loyalty for his country. Together as the two of them travel by foot to London while avoiding hitmen and their own families, they become more passionate and the healing of both their wounded hearts enhanced by their growing love for one another. This book again is not as good as the first in the series, but has an emotional quality that the others don't have in that we see many character reuniting and healing over past hurts than we saw in others. This books is the turning point in which Lucien (one of the actual Fallen Angels) begin to understand the torture his soul has endured by his part in the spy ring. Robin while not part of the Fallen Angels (Nick, Rafe, Lucien and Michael), is a worthy character and one that I liked immensely. It's really his character that pulls this book into the level of romance reading that I enjoy.
mjp at her best, 2002-06-19
I have never read a MJP book that wasn't simply wonderful. Even her contemporaries (which I don't really care for) deserve five stars. Angel Rogue is no exception, it is an unusual, beautiful love story that will leave you sighing long after you turned the last page.Lord Robert Andreville (Robin) has returned to England after a dozen years of spying for the British crown in the fight agaisnt Napoleon. He is weary in mind and spirit and tortured by memories of the past when he meets Maxima Collins. Maxie is an American with an unique heritage: she's half Mohawk and half English and she has come to England with her father who died shortly afterward. Maxie feels all alone in the world, she feels like an alien among her aristocratic English family. She also has reason to suspect foul play in her father's sudden death. So she decides to leave the country manor where she was staying with her uncle and travel to London masquerading as a boy to learn what she can about her father's last hours. She meets Robin on the way by literally falling over him. He is immediately taken by her exotic looks and unconventional ways. He decides to appoint himself her guardian and together they embark on a perilous journey during which Maxie teaches Robin to trust and let go of the past while falling irrevocably in love with him. Maxie is a delightful heroine, she is strong,intelligent and independent. No chin lifting, blushing, simpering heroines for MJP. She creates characters that are real, with credible issues and feelings that the reader can relate to. Robin is adorable and
even though he's extremely drool-worthy I found it interesting that he's of average height. I had never before read about a hero in a romance novel that was less than a six footer so this was a refreshing change and made him seem more real to me. In short, this a great book and certainly another winner in MJP's long list of excellent romances. :)
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