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tinyflame4's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.5
bookish_kristina's review against another edition
5.0
Not really five stars on the reread, but probably four.
This was a highly emotional read, but also a very slow moving one. It didn’t really pick up and I didn’t feel invested in the characters until after the half way point. It was still a very scenic and lyrical read, as per Balogh’s usual style, and had all the trappings she usually puts into her books. There were many similarities though to the first two books in the series: villainous and disapproving extended family on the heroine’s side, a rescue by the hero, tormented past on behalf of both main characters etc. All in all it was a good read but I think reading these back to back to back just highlights the formula a bit too much for me. Still really enjoyed them and will probably continue back to back to back
This was a highly emotional read, but also a very slow moving one. It didn’t really pick up and I didn’t feel invested in the characters until after the half way point. It was still a very scenic and lyrical read, as per Balogh’s usual style, and had all the trappings she usually puts into her books. There were many similarities though to the first two books in the series: villainous and disapproving extended family on the heroine’s side, a rescue by the hero, tormented past on behalf of both main characters etc. All in all it was a good read but I think reading these back to back to back just highlights the formula a bit too much for me. Still really enjoyed them and will probably continue back to back to back
sarah_moynihan's review against another edition
5.0
This book serves as the third installment of Mary Balogh's The Survivor's Club Series and can also be read as a stand alone novel. For me, this is the last of the series that I am reading. Even though this book is only a few years old, I couldn't seem to find it anywhere in store, so I purchased it online and waited for it to be shipped to me. It was worth the extra effort though because I am so glad that I have now read the entirety of the series. Before going into this book, I felt like Ben was the character I knew the least of from the Survivor's Club, not only because I hadn't read this book focused on him, but because it felt like he was talked about and described in the least detail by other characters. I knew that his legs had been injured in a life-altering way during the war, but that he was still mobile with the aid of canes despite being told he would never walk again. I also knew he was proud and independent, that was about the extent of what I knew. I hadn't known enough about him to endear him enough to me to send me rushing to read his book, but after reading it he is probably the member of the Survivor's Club that is the dearest to me of them all, after Imogen.
What I loved most about this book is that it didn't solely focus on the romance between them. To me at least, it seemed that the book was just as much about them learning to be independent and take charge of their own lives as it was about them falling in love with one another.
Samantha hasn't had much reassurance in the affection or acceptance of others throughout her life, and she has spent her last several years beholden to the whims and demands of others, regardless of her happiness. So when her chance for escape presents itself, she persues it. She is willing to turn from the life planned for her with and by her in-laws on the possiblity that she may be able to find her own independence and happiness. It was a terribly risky choice for her to make, there was a good chance of failure and a large threat to her reputation at stake. But she was willing to bravely risk all of that on the slim chance of success and a life of her own making in place full of strangers.
As for Ben, he aspired the entirety of his life to be a career military officer, but after being injured and left without the complete use of his legs in the Penninsular Wars that avenue is closed to him. He has worked tirelessly for the last several years to recover and retain as much strength, mobility, and independence as he can, despite the pain. Now that he has gotten to a good place in his recovery, to a place where he can re-enter into his life and responsibilities, he finds that life hasn't waited for him and he doesn't know what his direction or purpose is anymore. He must find his own place in the wold again. He is willing to work, even though for a peer this would be unnecessary and, to many, distasteful. He doesn't let society dictate to him what kind of man he should be, which I really admired.
I think this is the first book in the series in which I admired both lead characters equally. I was so glad they had the time apart before they decided upon a life together. I would have been so disappointed were they to so quickly give up on their pursuit of independence. But with time apart they were both able to establish their independence and now their life together can be one of equals instead of one giving up everything they've worked for to be with the other. I was so happy with this book, I highly recommend it.
This edition also includes The Suitor which is meant to take place before the book written abut Vincent, The Arrangement.
What I loved most about this book is that it didn't solely focus on the romance between them. To me at least, it seemed that the book was just as much about them learning to be independent and take charge of their own lives as it was about them falling in love with one another.
Samantha hasn't had much reassurance in the affection or acceptance of others throughout her life, and she has spent her last several years beholden to the whims and demands of others, regardless of her happiness. So when her chance for escape presents itself, she persues it. She is willing to turn from the life planned for her with and by her in-laws on the possiblity that she may be able to find her own independence and happiness. It was a terribly risky choice for her to make, there was a good chance of failure and a large threat to her reputation at stake. But she was willing to bravely risk all of that on the slim chance of success and a life of her own making in place full of strangers.
As for Ben, he aspired the entirety of his life to be a career military officer, but after being injured and left without the complete use of his legs in the Penninsular Wars that avenue is closed to him. He has worked tirelessly for the last several years to recover and retain as much strength, mobility, and independence as he can, despite the pain. Now that he has gotten to a good place in his recovery, to a place where he can re-enter into his life and responsibilities, he finds that life hasn't waited for him and he doesn't know what his direction or purpose is anymore. He must find his own place in the wold again. He is willing to work, even though for a peer this would be unnecessary and, to many, distasteful. He doesn't let society dictate to him what kind of man he should be, which I really admired.
I think this is the first book in the series in which I admired both lead characters equally. I was so glad they had the time apart before they decided upon a life together. I would have been so disappointed were they to so quickly give up on their pursuit of independence. But with time apart they were both able to establish their independence and now their life together can be one of equals instead of one giving up everything they've worked for to be with the other. I was so happy with this book, I highly recommend it.
This edition also includes The Suitor which is meant to take place before the book written abut Vincent, The Arrangement.
bean27's review against another edition
4.25
I really liked Samantha, I think she’s one of my fave Balogh heroines. And I loved this couple together.
This book was slightly spicier than her books usually are and I think that really helps build the relationship between the characters.
This book was slightly spicier than her books usually are and I think that really helps build the relationship between the characters.
lifeand100books's review
4.0
Loved this for the simple fact that it didn't try to shove the hero and heroine together before they were ready. They each needed to grow individually before they could grow together. Such a wonderful journey.
crownoflaurel's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Ableism
Minor: War
bookloverchelle's review against another edition
4.0
For years Samantha has nursed her husband after he returned injured from the war. Now that he has passes she’s ready to open up her life some and let others in. Except her husband’s family has very strict ideas of how a widow should be living. Ben has spent years re-learning how to walk after returning from the war. He may be the oldest but he feels out of place on his own estates. As he attempts to reevaluate his life he becomes an ally to Samantha, something she didn’t realize she’d need until her father-in-law tries to further curtail her freedom. As Samantha escapes to Wales to a property left to her by her mother, Ben serves as an escort. As the miles pass they find more and more that they enjoy about each other. But Samantha is weary of marriage after the disaster of her first and Ben does not feel that he could offer anything to Samantha. Will they be able to let love conquer their fears? Another fun read in The Survivors’ Club series. I’m excited for what comes next!
pattydsf's review against another edition
3.0
It has been awhile since I read Mary Balogh. Too many books, not ever going to be enough time. I needed a break from the real world and as always a romantic novel was just what I needed.
So glad there are so many types of romance to pick from.
So glad there are so many types of romance to pick from.