Disclaimer: This is book #3 in the Ladies of Accomplishment series. However, it can be read as a standalone. Content Warning for suicidal ideation, depression and domestic violence(there is one fight between a married couple that resulted in both individuals getting hurt). For my reviews on book #1 and #2 please go to: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/brideal

Summary: After a failed engagement, Catherine Thornton is lost and needs to escape from the pressures of London society. While she is on vacation, she bumps into an old acquaintance, Captain Alexander Bainbridge. Captain Alexander Bainbridge is shocked to see the beautiful blonde and even more shocked when she asks him to be her escort. Captain Bainbridge is scarred from a horrible accident but Catherine will soon learn that his scars run deeper than his skin. Can Catherine and Alexander find each other through their brokenness or will they be lost forever?

Review: As someone who is not a huge fan of regency romances, I have to say that I really enjoy this series so far. Unlike many others, I did not hop on the Bridgerton train that has swept through most of the world over the last few years. I tried the first two seasons, and while I didn’t think they were too bad, I still lost interest. It also didn’t help that the seasons took forever to come out but let’s not get into that, let’s get back to the book. 

This book is darker and more serious than the prior books, which I did not expect. Catherine’s viewpoint on marriage and the well-meaning but negative advice that she received from her late mother was interesting. She understood that due to societal expectations, she needed to be married but the lessons that her mother taught her and past experiences did not leave her any room to find a love-match. Catherine followed everything that she was taught to a tee with the expectation of getting married but when the engagement falls through, she is left trying to figure out what she has to do next. Catherine had to grow up and leave her mother’s issues in the past and figure out what she wants for her life. I liked seeing her growth as a character and getting to see a deeper side of her. A side that was willing to stand up for what was right in her own way and seeing the fierce protectiveness that she felt towards Captain Bainbridge. The way she cared for him when he was in his darkest moments, the bravery that she showed knowing that he might snap at her was sweet.

Captain Alexander Bainbridge added to the emotional turmoil of this book. His back story, guilt and the way he thought of himself was heartbreaking. It was already bad enough that he went through that accident but when the truth is revealed and we find out who played with his mental health, it was shocking to say the least. It was cruel for someone to kick our wounded captain when he was already down and drowning in guilt. That is what made Catherine and Alexander’s connection that more special and important. It felt like they both showed each other that they were both worthy and deserving of love regardless of their physical, emotional or mental scars.
I enjoyed the author’s writing and the fact that her books are told in dual perspectives. To me it makes the story feel authentic over romance books with only one perspective. Unlike the previous books, it does not put a highlight on the artistic talents of the characters but I guess it wouldn’t fit in this story or for this couple. I do believe that this is a good series for anyone who loves regency romances or for people who want to start this genre, just without the smut.

Rating: 3.75/5

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