One Perfect Rose Mary Jo Putney Review

Hi everyone
This is an Allison review!

When I first started reading One Perfect Rose by Mary Jo Putney, I wasn’t aware that it was part of a series. In fact, my copy did not have any hint at it being part of the “Fallen Angel” romance series but honestly I think it didn’t harm my view as a reader at all. In fact, I can honestly say that I feel that One Perfect Rose can be read as a stand alone book. It is filled with just enough details and characterization where you can understand the previously developed relationships between characters without feeling confused or overwhelmed. In fact, you may just find yourself falling in love with the characters and the romance, just like I did.

One Perfect Rose

One Perfect Rose tells the story of Stephen Kenyon, Duke of Ashburton, who is escaping the trappings of his rank and position for the first time in his life. An unplanned trip into the English countryside brings him into the lives of a troupe of actors whose warm family affection draws him in, even as he fights his growing attraction for their elder daughter, Rosalind. Of course, Stephen also has a secret, and his secret is the reason for his sudden need to escape the trappings of his rank and position. But what happens when his secret comes to light? Will Stephen and Rosalind be able to live happily ever after?

First of all, I loved Stephen and Rosalind together. I loved their almost instant understanding of each other, and how they are almost immediately drawn together as partners from the first moment they meet. They had really good chemistry together. Another plus for me with One Perfect Rose was the theatrical background and the references to all the historical plays. As someone who was involved in the musical theatre department in high school, and someone who just generally enjoys musicals and plays, I really liked seeing all the references. Especially with the funny and lovable tight knit Fitzgerald family, and Stephen’s venture into the world of acting and stage production. It was nice to read about, and it kept the story vital and interesting

One Perfect Rose is not just filled with fluff, romance, and theatre productions though. Stephen’s secret looms throughout the entire book, and although you find out what the secret is quite early on, the ramifications of the secret are long lasting. Watching Stephen, Rosalind, and their respective families deal with the secret kept me very immersed with the story.  There were parts that made me laugh and shake my head, and there were parts that made me get a little teary eyed. I would recommend One Perfect Rose to anyone who is looking for some romance with more than just fluff and “sexy times” (to quote April) but instead historical romance with raw emotion and powerful themes. I don’t think you will be disappointed!

Disclosure: Purchased copy.