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kacelaface's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. This one was a creeper for me. I was slow to warm, but man did I enjoy it once I was on board! Truly lovely.
jackiehorne's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Burrowes' writing reminds me a lot of Mary Balogh's, in that all her protagonists turn out to be goodhearted and kind. Even the "Traitor Baron," an English lord who ended up fighting for the French during the Napoleonic Wars. The villain of the first book in the Captive Hearts series, Sebastian, our hero here, turns out to be not so bad after all (despite physically torturing the hero of book #1); all of the Englishmen who keep challenging him to duels now that the war is over have to eat their insults during the book's climax, when all the details of Sebastian's whys and wherefores are surprisingly revealed. Could have done with a bit more character nuance, myself, but I can see how the "misunderstood bad guy who's really squeaky clean good underneath" appeals to others.
Seemed a bit improbable that Sebastian's love interest, the woman his aunt hires as her companion, isn't a bit more taken aback by the knowledge of Sebastian's interrogation methods at first; she gives him the benefit of the doubt pretty early on. But their developing relationship, written with Burrowes' trademark wit, kindness, and intelligent prose, progresses convincingly.
Did not care for all the scenes from the pov of this book's villain, during which we had to be in his nasty head, hearing his rude comments about the people he's manipulating (and of course, the heroine's cruel relative is fat and flatulent—the really evil people always look the part, don't they?)
Seemed a bit improbable that Sebastian's love interest, the woman his aunt hires as her companion, isn't a bit more taken aback by the knowledge of Sebastian's interrogation methods at first; she gives him the benefit of the doubt pretty early on. But their developing relationship, written with Burrowes' trademark wit, kindness, and intelligent prose, progresses convincingly.
Did not care for all the scenes from the pov of this book's villain, during which we had to be in his nasty head, hearing his rude comments about the people he's manipulating (and of course, the heroine's cruel relative is fat and flatulent—the really evil people always look the part, don't they?)
bookloverchelle's review against another edition
4.0
I loved, loved, loved this story! Ms. Burrowes did a really good job of making the villain in the previous story a forgivable hero this book. Sebastian is British born but when he finds himself in France with relatives when war broke out he suddenly becomes a French officer. With war over he’s back in London to reclaim his title but with the horrors of war hanging over his head. Millicent needs the job as a paid companion but can’t help falling for rule #1, falling for her companion’s nephew. Sebastian may be attracted to Millicent but with danger still lurking he knows he cannot let her in to his life. His good intentions are thrown out the window when they can’t seem to keep their hands off each other and Sebastian finds something new to fight for, love. Really good read but cannot be enjoyed as a standalone, you really should start with the first in the series. Can’t wait for the last in this series!
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
4.0
Good book. Sebastian first appeared in the previous book, The Captive, as the man who carried out the torture on the English prisoners. The truth of who he is was revealed at the end of the book. Now Sebastian is back home in England, trying to put his life back together. Unfortunately for him, some of the men he dealt with during the war are challenging him to duels. He comes home from his latest duel to find his aunt interviewing a new companion.
Milly has gone into service to escape a miserable home life. She is the "poor relation" and has been relegated to unpaid drudgery in her cousins' home. Following the advice of her late aunt, she applies to be the companion of Lady Frederica St. Clair. I loved the interview, as Milly is pretty unflappable, and Lady Freddie is one of those outspoken old ladies who loves to shock people. In mid-interview, Sebastian arrives.
Their first encounter is brief but quite interesting, He wonders if she is all that she seems, she notices that in looks and attitude he seems to be the opposite of her. The next morning Sebastian finds her working on a flower arrangement and swoops in for his investigation. I loved their conversation, as he pries and she answers in her own way. In spite of his abilities as an interrogator, Milly holds her own quite well, and he accepts her presence in his aunt's life. They don't see each other much until Sebastian accompanies Milly, at his aunt's orders, when her aunt dies. I loved seeing them exchanging stories, as they got to know each other. Besides what was on the surface, each of them sensed some of the other's inner turmoil. Milly aches for the circumstances that made Sebastian the man he is now. Sebastian continues to be impressed by Milly's intelligence and strength. He also senses that there is something she is hiding and is determined to discover what it is.
I loved how Sebastian figured out her secret and, rather than condemning her for it, instead makes a point of helping her. I loved watching him stand up for her against her nasty cousin when he came to try to take her away. Spending time together as he helps her, the two of them grow closer. The attraction between them also grows, to the point where Sebastian has trouble concentrating when she is around.
Milly turns out to be quite ferocious in her attitude about Sebastian. She sees how he is haunted by his actions during the war and can't help being moved by it. She is adamant in her opinion that he has nothing to be ashamed of, as it was all part of being at war. I loved the way that she saw the good in him, even when he couldn't.
I had wondered at the end of the last book how the author was going to turn a pretty terrible villain into a hero. In this one we see how he is haunted by the memories, to the point where he accepts the challenges of all that accuse him. He fully expects that one of them will succeed in killing him, and almost looks forward to it happening. I ached for him and his desire to move on with his life, while at the same time believing that he doesn't deserve it.
I loved the development of their romance. When a passionate kiss between them is witnessed, Sebastian does the right thing and marries Milly. He doesn't feel that he is worthy of anything as wonderful as what their marriage could be. Suddenly he has much to lose if he is killed, and he becomes determined to find out who is behind the constant attacks on him. He also worries that he has put Milly in danger. Milly throws herself into their marriage, determined to do whatever she must to make Sebastian happy. She doesn't believe that she has what it takes to be his baroness, but she is willing to try. I loved seeing her stand up to him and for him in her efforts to show him that he doesn't deserve the hate he has for himself. His protectiveness towards her has him keeping secrets from her, wanting to shield her from the more unsavory parts of his past. But Milly doesn't want protecting, and lets him know in no uncertain terms. I loved the scene on the dueling field as she comes to save him. It was pretty funny to see both men's reactions to her presence. It takes some effort, but both Sebastian and Milly let go of their own self doubts and embrace the love they have for each other.
The identity of who is behind the attacks is not a surprise as we get his point of view several times during the book. However, the full scope of his vendetta against Sebastian isn't known until the end. There is a very interesting twist involving Wellington that comes to light at the end. I loved the confrontation at Wellington's dinner party and how the truth sets Sebastian free.
I am looking forward to reading Brodie's story.
Milly has gone into service to escape a miserable home life. She is the "poor relation" and has been relegated to unpaid drudgery in her cousins' home. Following the advice of her late aunt, she applies to be the companion of Lady Frederica St. Clair. I loved the interview, as Milly is pretty unflappable, and Lady Freddie is one of those outspoken old ladies who loves to shock people. In mid-interview, Sebastian arrives.
Their first encounter is brief but quite interesting, He wonders if she is all that she seems, she notices that in looks and attitude he seems to be the opposite of her. The next morning Sebastian finds her working on a flower arrangement and swoops in for his investigation. I loved their conversation, as he pries and she answers in her own way. In spite of his abilities as an interrogator, Milly holds her own quite well, and he accepts her presence in his aunt's life. They don't see each other much until Sebastian accompanies Milly, at his aunt's orders, when her aunt dies. I loved seeing them exchanging stories, as they got to know each other. Besides what was on the surface, each of them sensed some of the other's inner turmoil. Milly aches for the circumstances that made Sebastian the man he is now. Sebastian continues to be impressed by Milly's intelligence and strength. He also senses that there is something she is hiding and is determined to discover what it is.
I loved how Sebastian figured out her secret and, rather than condemning her for it, instead makes a point of helping her. I loved watching him stand up for her against her nasty cousin when he came to try to take her away. Spending time together as he helps her, the two of them grow closer. The attraction between them also grows, to the point where Sebastian has trouble concentrating when she is around.
Milly turns out to be quite ferocious in her attitude about Sebastian. She sees how he is haunted by his actions during the war and can't help being moved by it. She is adamant in her opinion that he has nothing to be ashamed of, as it was all part of being at war. I loved the way that she saw the good in him, even when he couldn't.
I had wondered at the end of the last book how the author was going to turn a pretty terrible villain into a hero. In this one we see how he is haunted by the memories, to the point where he accepts the challenges of all that accuse him. He fully expects that one of them will succeed in killing him, and almost looks forward to it happening. I ached for him and his desire to move on with his life, while at the same time believing that he doesn't deserve it.
I loved the development of their romance. When a passionate kiss between them is witnessed, Sebastian does the right thing and marries Milly. He doesn't feel that he is worthy of anything as wonderful as what their marriage could be. Suddenly he has much to lose if he is killed, and he becomes determined to find out who is behind the constant attacks on him. He also worries that he has put Milly in danger. Milly throws herself into their marriage, determined to do whatever she must to make Sebastian happy. She doesn't believe that she has what it takes to be his baroness, but she is willing to try. I loved seeing her stand up to him and for him in her efforts to show him that he doesn't deserve the hate he has for himself. His protectiveness towards her has him keeping secrets from her, wanting to shield her from the more unsavory parts of his past. But Milly doesn't want protecting, and lets him know in no uncertain terms. I loved the scene on the dueling field as she comes to save him. It was pretty funny to see both men's reactions to her presence. It takes some effort, but both Sebastian and Milly let go of their own self doubts and embrace the love they have for each other.
The identity of who is behind the attacks is not a surprise as we get his point of view several times during the book. However, the full scope of his vendetta against Sebastian isn't known until the end. There is a very interesting twist involving Wellington that comes to light at the end. I loved the confrontation at Wellington's dinner party and how the truth sets Sebastian free.
I am looking forward to reading Brodie's story.
serialbookstarter's review
4.0
The story of war and its aftermath. Who is really accountable for the atrocities we perpetrate on one another in the name of war… woven into the fabric of life after war is the love story of Sebastian- formerly Girard the inquisitor/tormentor of Mercia from book one- and Millie. Thus unfolds a tale of redemptive unconditional love and forgiveness. A worthy read❤️
digitlchic's review against another edition
4.0
4++ not an easy read but the ending was beautiful and unexpected ❤️
readingwithemmett's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: 3.5 stars
I liked this book. I did. I wasn't sure about Sebastian after the last book. I really didn't think I could like his character, BUT I ended up liking him. I really like how he was with Milly. And that was honestly the whole book. If it wasn't for how those two were with each other, I would not have liked this one. I felt like the plot was meh. Especially the ending and how similar it seemed to the first book. The writing was good, and the redemption for Sebastian was good. But I just wanted a little more from the plot of this one. This was a good read overall, and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
I liked this book. I did. I wasn't sure about Sebastian after the last book. I really didn't think I could like his character, BUT I ended up liking him. I really like how he was with Milly. And that was honestly the whole book. If it wasn't for how those two were with each other, I would not have liked this one. I felt like the plot was meh. Especially the ending and how similar it seemed to the first book. The writing was good, and the redemption for Sebastian was good. But I just wanted a little more from the plot of this one. This was a good read overall, and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
jennifer_jennifer's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
planetarypan's review against another edition
4.0
One of the best Burrowes novels, yet, which is saying something since I've loved everything I've read so far (and it's a lot). St. Clair is a complex character with a very complicated situation, and Millicent is a wonderfully strong woman dealing with her own baggage. I love how the women in this series have been their own characters with interesting stories. Burrowes is definitely exploring the flawed hero/heroine dynamic of late, and I approve. Not everyone is a titled noble with an impeccable background and some minor foible. These characters have survived war, abuse, loneliness, loss and pain. I applaud Burrowes' efforts and look forward to reading the third in this set.