Four and a half stars. I loved the first part of the book, I really liked Camille trying to be a good teacher and building her new life. I had a lot of problems with the second part of the book - the sex scenes were not good and I didn't like that the hero got the fortune; as if they couldn't be happy without all the money. Still, it was a good book and I enjoyed it very much. ( )

3.5 stars. I did not enjoy this one as much as the first book, but Mary Balogh is always worth the read ( )

For some reason, this one was a little harder to get into than the first book in the series. I like the characters, I like the story arc, it just took a while to get into. Also, for all that Camille is celebrating her freedom as a single, independent woman, I feel like her casual willingness to go to Joel's rooms is a pretty scandalous choice for the time period. ( )

Well, I'm a little concerned. I quite enjoyed the Bedwyn Saga, and then the Simply Quartet a bit less, but still overall quite good. And now I'm two books into this series and haven't really enjoyed either one very much. Usually writers improve as they go and we have a book history together and I like each later series more than the ones before. But this is going in reverse! I hope this is just a two book trend, or at least that it's specific to this particular series and I'll love the next one. I really hate to lose any author I enjoy!
I tend to like side characters decently when they're introduced, but then appreciate them more when they later star in their own book, but, though I suppose I do like the heroine more in this book (only because she was absolutely horrid in the first one!), I actually had liked the hero more in his side role as friend in the first book than I did here. During their first time together I sat aghast thinking 'do you care *nothing* for her??' I don't expect to see a 'slam-bam-thank you ma'm' from the hero in a **romance**! lol. And maybe end your two year hookup relationship *before* casually deflowering someone new? Just a thought! And as with the first book, the entire romance seemed sort of wishy-washy. It's fine if they have to grow on each other a bit of course, but surely by 3/4 in they should at least admit their feelings to themselves! Not be questioning 'do I have feelings for this person?? Should I do anything about it? Maybe at least mention something about my feelings to the other person? Meh!'. And, like the first book, all events were super convenient! The very first time they mentioned he had no idea of his parentage I knew he would inherit a fortune. What are the chances that the only two adult orphans we know in the series each inherit huge fortunes you ask? Gee! That's a good question! Just don't think about it! And, like a dolt he tosses the offer of the fortune back in their face of course 'he has his dignity!' (ignore the fact that he's lived off their dime from birth to adulthood, as well as being put through art school, all without batting an eye.), but, don't worry, he won't suffer any consequences for that action or anything! It'll be forced on him even against his will. Magically good fortune finds them at every turn, no character growth required! Nothing really keeps these two from having a relationship, no great hurdle to challenge their true feelings and ultimately overcome. They pretty much just drag their feet through hundreds of pages. =/ One small good thing- I did like that they adopt! ( )

This was amazing and what a journey for Camille. I haven’t been reading this series in order so started with the later ones and knew Camille was happy, but when I finally read the first book she seemed pretty irredeemable. I loved reading about her new life and really figuring herself out. Joel had quite a journey too, and I truly adored their HEA. Mary Balogh is going on my faves list right now. ( )