Reviews

3.5 Many of the same strengths as Burrowes' first book (strong writing, convincing dialogue, tender as well as strong hero), and many of the same weaknesses (overly long, easily guessed secret, balance of narrative to dialogue off). The strengths make the reading worthwhile; here's hoping that as the author continues to publish, she and her editor will work on polishing away those weaknesses...

bettybumpkins's review

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challenging emotional

3.5

Tough story where both had to work to overcome past trama.

meowmeowkitty_reader's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

With a name like the soldier, there will no doubt be PTSD. The plot twist could be seen a hundred pages in, but the story flowed nicely regardless. Definitely some tears shed but generally heartwarming

sleepiebear's review

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3.0

a bit secret keepie, although that does seem to be the way of things in these books.

bookloverchelle's review

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4.0

Grace Burrowes writes an exceptional historical novel. Between this and her first, The Heir, she doesn't shy away from what may be a little different in the world of historicals. Devlin St. Just is the oldest son of a duke but born on the wrong side of the blanket. After he inherits an earldom for service to the crown after fighting Napoleon, he retreats to his new country estate only to find it comes with not just the land, but the responsibility of a little girl, Winnie. Emmie is Winnie's cousin living in the dower house but moves into the estate to help care for the little girl. I love that there seems to be almost complete honesty and openness between Emmie and Devlin. He suffered so much living through the war and coming out with no physical injuries but he's extremely open about sharing his emotional ones. He has no problem opening up to Emmie, his brother, or his best friend about the pain he's going through. His honesty leads to a wonderful relationship developed with Emmie. I loved their connection and how their relationship grew not just physically, but emotionally too. There will be some more great stories coming from Ms. Burrowes and I can't wait to read the rest!