Helpful Score: 2
A sweet and touching romance about an emotionally, physically, and mentally wounded ex-soldier who suffers from extreme PTSD. He connects with a woman whose father is a top General and whom, we eventually learn, had an unwitting hand in the hero's capture and torture by the enemy. The "Lessons in Love" theme is very peripheral in this book of the series, thankfully.
The story is well told and well paced. It isn't very steamy. Suzanne Enoch is a fan of love scenes that are told quickly and where women feel no pain, embarrassment, or fear. So unrealistic that it takes you out of the story, but fortunately (unfortunately?) she spends very little space on this part of the tale.
The story wrapped-up very quickly and had no epilogue, which was a little disappointment.
3.5 stars
The story is well told and well paced. It isn't very steamy. Suzanne Enoch is a fan of love scenes that are told quickly and where women feel no pain, embarrassment, or fear. So unrealistic that it takes you out of the story, but fortunately (unfortunately?) she spends very little space on this part of the tale.
The story wrapped-up very quickly and had no epilogue, which was a little disappointment.
3.5 stars
Helpful Score: 1
Very good romance. From Publishers Weekly:
With Enoch's latest (after London's Perfect Scoundrel), which ties up her Lessons in Love series, she delves beneath the superficialities of glittering balls and perfectly tied cravats to focus on the wounds borne by Robert Carroway, a supposed hero of Waterloo but in reality a former prisoner of war who can barely steel himself to converse with his family, much less waltz with debutantes. But a chance encounter with Lucinda Barrett, easy conversationalist as well as regular waltzer, leads him to hope that he could have a normal life. Lucinda, who has her sights set on a duke's fourth son, is surprised when Robert offers to help her gain him, and even more surprised when her encounters with Robert grow more important than the success of her campaign. But her beloved father's dismissal of Robert as "damaged goods," followed by implications that Robert may be a traitor, could stunt his recovery as well as their relationshipunless Lucinda listens to her heart and trusts him. Lucinda's refusal to treat Robert as less than a whole man and Robert's sharp sense of humor give this charming tale depth, and Enoch balances it well with a hearty dose of screwball fun.
With Enoch's latest (after London's Perfect Scoundrel), which ties up her Lessons in Love series, she delves beneath the superficialities of glittering balls and perfectly tied cravats to focus on the wounds borne by Robert Carroway, a supposed hero of Waterloo but in reality a former prisoner of war who can barely steel himself to converse with his family, much less waltz with debutantes. But a chance encounter with Lucinda Barrett, easy conversationalist as well as regular waltzer, leads him to hope that he could have a normal life. Lucinda, who has her sights set on a duke's fourth son, is surprised when Robert offers to help her gain him, and even more surprised when her encounters with Robert grow more important than the success of her campaign. But her beloved father's dismissal of Robert as "damaged goods," followed by implications that Robert may be a traitor, could stunt his recovery as well as their relationshipunless Lucinda listens to her heart and trusts him. Lucinda's refusal to treat Robert as less than a whole man and Robert's sharp sense of humor give this charming tale depth, and Enoch balances it well with a hearty dose of screwball fun.
Almost anything Suzanne Enoch writes is wonderful. This book had a twist--the hero was not self-confident, but neither he nor the heroine were saccarhine.
Christina C. (mommybookwom) reviewed England's Perfect Hero (Lessons in Love, Bk 3) on + 73 more book reviews
This was a great book. I fell in love with Robert and Lucinda.
Karin A. (Jerseygirltoo) -
Fantastic book, I really loved it. Beautifully drawn characters, with more depth than you usually find in a romance, especially Robert, who is not your typical romance hero to put it mildly. For one thing, he's obviously suffering from PTSD and has panic attacks. Lucinda is also a wonderful heroine with great strength of character. They've got great chemistry. I loved the way Enoch shows Robert and Lucinda's relationship building slowly, and using non-verbal communication (because Robert is not much of a talker). It was so sweet and funny the way he communicated very abruptly, using as few words as possible with his family(who are also all great characters) because it's so atypical for the era and yet they all seemed to take it in stride because they love him and accept him as he is. Lucinda's relationship with her father was also complex and nicely done, he is against her relationship with Robert, yet he is a good man who means well and you can see that father and daughter love and respect each other. I guess I am late to the party, because I have just started reading Suzanne Enoch, and look forward to more of her books, especially the first book in this trilogy, "The Rake", after meeting and enjoying Georgiana and Viscount Dare in this book.
In conclusion, 5 stars! I finished it and wanted to read it all over again to pick up the nuances I missed the first time around.
In conclusion, 5 stars! I finished it and wanted to read it all over again to pick up the nuances I missed the first time around.
What a wonderfully, delightful book! I just love it when an author breaks away from the pack and actually creates an original twist and this one is absolutely perfect!
Robert Carroway came back from the Napoleonic war damaged and unable to function in society. No one knows that the reason stems from 7 months of extreme torture in a French prison, unbeknownst to anyone. His loving family are supportive but at wits end as to how to help bring him back to life. Enter Lucinda Barrett, his sister-in-law's best friend and the only person whose calm, peaceful personality draws him in.
Oh, it is just sigh worthy! While Lucinda is looking to catch another man's eye, she is surprised, yet flattered that the recluse Robert actually choses her to be the one person he talks to, however little that is. As events unfold, one can't help but fall in love with both these characters, crying and applauding right along with each as they struggle and grow until love finally overcomes. It drags just a little in places and the steam seems a little clumsy in others but for a sheer, unique, heart-warming read this one is just delicious!
Robert Carroway came back from the Napoleonic war damaged and unable to function in society. No one knows that the reason stems from 7 months of extreme torture in a French prison, unbeknownst to anyone. His loving family are supportive but at wits end as to how to help bring him back to life. Enter Lucinda Barrett, his sister-in-law's best friend and the only person whose calm, peaceful personality draws him in.
Oh, it is just sigh worthy! While Lucinda is looking to catch another man's eye, she is surprised, yet flattered that the recluse Robert actually choses her to be the one person he talks to, however little that is. As events unfold, one can't help but fall in love with both these characters, crying and applauding right along with each as they struggle and grow until love finally overcomes. It drags just a little in places and the steam seems a little clumsy in others but for a sheer, unique, heart-warming read this one is just delicious!
Shelley C. (sdgirl) -
This is the 3rd book in the Lessons of Love series. You have felt for the hero in this book since the first time you met Dare's family. I really enjoyed this series.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed England's Perfect Hero (Lessons in Love, Bk 3) on + 1728 more book reviews
Having fun reading this series. A really great read.
Melissa S. (MissyAnn) reviewed England's Perfect Hero (Lessons in Love, Bk 3) on + 29 more book reviews
This is the first book by Susan Enoch that I have read. I couldn't put it down!!!
Loved this final book in the Lessons in Love trilogy about Robert and Lucinda!!
Barbara F. (daylilylover) reviewed England's Perfect Hero (Lessons in Love, Bk 3) on + 768 more book reviews
Great book! Missed the middle one, now I have to go back and order it!!
Good read, little bit of mystery altho not hard to figure out the bad guy. A shell shocked non-hero brought around by the friendship and heart of another.
Nancy E. (neckrote) reviewed England's Perfect Hero (Lessons in Love, Bk 3) on + 119 more book reviews
I read this book in the past, was part of a lot purchase so offering it on PBS. Good book.
Very hard book to get rid of...
Lynn K. (ChWriter) reviewed England's Perfect Hero (Lessons in Love, Bk 3) on + 20 more book reviews
shows a little wear, but in very good shape
