Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 7/26/2024 + 2620 more book reviews

Good conclusion to the series. In this story, we have Catriona, the quiet one of the four women. She is an introvert who can only handle being around people for so long before she needs some alone time. This can be difficult when you serve as a hostess for your father, are involved in the women's rights movement, and have activities you are committed to at Oxford. As the book opens, Catriona enjoys the solitude of the family estate in Scotland despite the imminent arrival of one of her father's colleagues, which adds to her stress. She's horrified when she emerges from a swim in the loch and finds herself exposed to that same colleague.

Elias came to Scotland on a mission. He wormed his way into Professor Campbell's life to get access to some ancient artifacts from his homeland. He is determined to return them to their rightful place by any means necessary. Elias doesn't need Catriona's distraction, but he can't get her off his mind. Matters become complicated when they are forced to work together at Oxford.

Catriona is an interesting character. While she would like a chance at love, her romantic history has her convinced it isn't in the cards for her. She must also balance her idea of love with the realities of relationships in her time, which don't seem compatible. She struggles with balance in her life with competing activities of her writing, her suffragette work, her friends, and her studies. I could feel her stress when her life became too "peopley."

I liked Elias. He's a good man who loves his family and his homeland but is also frustrated by the limits placed on him. I liked his determination to resolve the issue of the stolen artifacts. Elias has also been burned in a romantic relationship.

I enjoyed the development of Catriona and Elias's relationship. The sparks of attraction are present from the moment they meet, but both are determined to resist them. At first, they try to avoid each other whenever possible, but Fate continues to throw them together. I liked watching them get to know each other. I loved how in tune Elias was with Catriona and how he understood when she needed space and when she needed him. I liked seeing Catriona's connection with Elias grow and deepen. It was sweet to see her attempt to cook for him. When she discovered his real reason for being in London, not only did she understand, she wanted to help. There is trouble when her desire to help runs up against his pride, especially when Elias's heart is also involved. Catriona must face her fears before she can open her heart, but the results are terrific when she does.

I enjoyed the continuation of the suffragette storyline from the other books in the series. The behind-the-scenes look at the activities and work that went into changing the laws was interesting. A few times, it felt a bit heavy-handed and slowed the story's pace. I loved the epilogue and seeing our intrepid ladies admiring their handiwork years in the future. I liked that it included all of the couples, but I would have liked more about Catriona and Elias's lives. I was slightly disappointed that there was no follow-through about the woman they encouraged to sue her husband. I would have liked to see how that turned out.

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