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England's Perfect Hero (Lessons in Love #3)

4.1 of 5 stars 4.10 · rating details · 2,016 ratings · 99 reviews

Lucinda Barrett's best friends ended up married to the men to whom they delivered their 'lessons in love'. So Lucinda decides to choose someone who definitely needs lessons, but someone who will not complicate her life. And that person is definitely not Robert Carroway.

Robert is nothing if not complicated, and though he is the brother of a viscount, he rarely goes about so...more

ebook, 384 pages

Published October 13th 2009 by HarperCollins e-books (first published February 24th 2004)

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Apr 10, 2009 Eastofoz rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Readers looking for a severely emotionally scarred hero

Shelves: historical-regency

I was a bit leery about this story so it took me a while to finally decide to read it because the hero is a reclusive, severely emotionally scarred man due to the war. Robert pops up in the previous book “London’s Perfect Scoundrel” as a war hero who barely says two words to anyone and just doesn’t seem all that interesting. He’s impossible to categorize too as an alpha, beta or gamma hero which was interesting to see. Basically I had a hard time seeing how he could be hero material. Well he tur...more I was a bit leery about this story so it took me a while to finally decide to read it because the hero is a reclusive, severely emotionally scarred man due to the war. Robert pops up in the previous book “London’s Perfect Scoundrel” as a war hero who barely says two words to anyone and just doesn’t seem all that interesting. He’s impossible to categorize too as an alpha, beta or gamma hero which was interesting to see. Basically I had a hard time seeing how he could be hero material. Well he turns out to be not only an incredible hero, but a man with a beautiful soul. He has such emotional strength when all is said and done that you can’t help but adore him.

There’s no squabbling or love/hate or any of the standard lines you often find in historicals to make the characters interesting. This one was very different with an unlikely man slowly coming into his own with the help of Lucinda Barrett. The demons he fights just to stay sane really give you the shivers. You can feel the battle he wages on a constant basis when these panic attacks hit him, but he wants to help Lucinda because it somehow helps him leave his solitary world and make it through the day. That might sound hokey and typical but I didn’t think it was at all. His strength of character is amazing especially in the face of hellish odds as you see his story unravel. The two start off as acquaintances, turn into friends and then friends “with benefits” ;-)

Enoch is a master at dialog. She’s excellent at showing interruptions in conversation so that you feel like you’re right there listening to the characters speaking. This is the kind of book that moves along so smoothly you’re surprised that it’s already over. The sexual tension between the “friends” is very high throughout the book and though it could’ve used a smidge more ‘bedroom scenes’ (what is there is very good though) the emotional side made up for it –which is saying a lot about how good a writer she is. There are some very sad moments as well as very funny ones. The parallel drawn between Robert’s growing roses and how they bloom is very good. Something that could’ve turned out to be cheesy or predictable was actually a nice touch to the whole story adding even more feeling. At the start of each chapter there are also a few lines from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This sets the tone for the chapter so the reader knows if they should anticipate something good or bad as well as getting further insight into Robert who feels like he's a wretched outcast just as Frankenstein's monster felt --very well-done.

Previous characters from other books (the other ladies who taught their ‘lessons’, Tristan, Saint, the Duke of Wycliff) all make an appearance which was nice to see. If you like series’ books this adds a nice touch of familiarity making you feel like you ‘know’ something that others may not. You’ll find yourself smiling also from start to finish –it’s the kind of read that just makes you feel happy.

The “Lessons in Love” series was fantastic and this final one was a fitting end to some smart women and their sexy, if flawed men. Keeper material :)(less)

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Feb 24, 2011 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of emotional historical romance & tortured, scarred heroes

Shelves: historical-romance-regency, historical-romance, suzanne-enoch, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, hero-brooding, cop-bodyguard-govop-merc-military, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-celibate-virgin-virginesque, hh-limp-paraplegic-wheelchair, hh-physical-mental-disability-ill, hh-post-traumatic-stress-disorder, hh-deaf-mute-speech-disorder, series-lessons-in-love, favorite-romance-series, 2011-reads, 5-stars-or-higher, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, animals-matter, best-faves-of-2011, best-top-favorites, favorite-romance-couple-hh-pairings, favorites, friends-to-lovers, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-mix-of-alpha-beta, heroine-bluestocking-unconventional, heroine-kickass-spirited-strong, heroine-naïve-virgin-like-a-virgin, heroine-i-adore, hh-disfigured-injured-scarred-ill, hh-sweet-nice-paired-vs-gruff-cynic, i-read-own-faves-keepers, love-triangle-vying-courtships, steam-2-warm, made-me-cry, unrequited-love-crush, hero-beta, hero-besotted-so-smitten-its-sexy, mystery-intrigue-espionage-subplot, hero-nice-guy-gets-the-girl, hero-recluse-loner-lonewolf, hero-military-war-veteran, a-all-time-best-of-best-fave-dik, hero-silent-quiet-type-reticent, ending-abrupt-poor-epilogue-needed, hero-gentleman, hr-regency-napoleonic-era-wars, loved-you-from-afar-or-for-years

5+ stars – Historical/Regency Romance

As much as I enjoyed the love/hate banter of The Rake and swooned at devilishly wicked, sinfully charming rake Saint’s feet in London's Perfect Scoundrel, England’s Perfect Hero ended up being my favorite book in Enoch’s wonderful Lessons in Love trilogy. It’s a beautiful, touching romance between an emotionally and physically scarred hero suffering from PTSD and the woman whose friendship helps heal his wounded soul and bring him back into the light. I absol...more

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Aug 30, 2008 AzuresHeart rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Regency Era fans

I really liked the war veteran/PTSD issue that was brought up here and how the heroine really started bringing him back to society and life. His ruse in helping her find someone else was great because their love just snuck on them. Excellent end to the series!

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Nov 12, 2011 Jan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, z-2011, historical-romance

You guys, this was an amazing and delicious book. The hero and heroine were both such amazing endearing characters, I'm still reeling a bit.

Robert Carroway is a war hero who is suffering from a very severe case of PTSD. He's been almost a mute and a recluse for about 3 years, when he finally starts recovering enough to take baby steps back into Society. Lucinda is his sister-in-laws best friend, and when they have a discussion about her Lessons in Love plan, he sees her as a beacon of hope and h...more

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Apr 25, 2009 Verity rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: enoch-suzanne

Mayhap SE is just not my cuppa, 'cuz this book was simply ho-hum. The storyline was blah, the H/H & 2ndary characters weren't well-rounded. From the get-go, it's quite obvious who stole the papers from House Guards. Too much dialogue & too many characters were crammed in-between the covers, 'overcrowded' = the operative word here. Bit has been living w/ his sibling since his horrific captivity, so his clandestine meetings w/ Luce took place @ her home. When I think of a 'reclusive' hero,...more

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Jul 02, 2008 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

Enoch does a very good job of creating a realistic war veteran as her hero. I thought the lists part at the beginning was a little silly, but the rest of it was so good.

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Apr 08, 2013 Dangermousie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aaangst, hurt-comfort, perfect, period-romance, romance

Lucinda Barrett, the commonsense daughter of Gen. Barrett has decided on a life plan. With her two best friends married, she thinks it's time for her to settle down as well. She wants a peaceful life and a husband who is someone who is of the right rank, socially popular, and is also a military man who gets along well with her army-obsessed father. All of this leaves out Robert Carroway, brother-in-law of her best friend. Robert used to be a socially popular and liked army officer but that was b...more Lucinda Barrett, the commonsense daughter of Gen. Barrett has decided on a life plan. With her two best friends married, she thinks it's time for her to settle down as well. She wants a peaceful life and a husband who is someone who is of the right rank, socially popular, and is also a military man who gets along well with her army-obsessed father. All of this leaves out Robert Carroway, brother-in-law of her best friend. Robert used to be a socially popular and liked army officer but that was before he returned from the Napoleonic Wars almost dead. Even though it's been three years since Waterloo, he never comes into society, barely interacting even with his loving an anxious family. He has never mentioned what happened to him, but seeing his awful PTSD, it couldn't have been good. But somehow, he strikes a conversation, of sorts, with Lucinda and the story goes from there...

Both the heroine and hero are pretty unusual - heroine is full of common-sense (no silly misunderstandings for her) and knows what she wants. She is so very practical - even when she falls for the hero she takes time to think whether he is the one she wants to marry because she needs to make sure the life with him will be the kind she wants. A heroine who actually thinks things through *gasp*! Hero is someone who suffers from horrible PTSD (a potential trigger warning here - while I have never had PTSD, I used to be prone to panic attacks when I was much younger and both the symptoms and the ways of coping so you won't start screaming in public that Enoch describes are very very accurate for my experience - it brought back some unpleasant memories) but there is no wallowing in what caused it (I think there is about a half-a-page explanation - unlike other authors - coughKenyoncough - Enoch sees no need to lovingly describe torture type stuff) and it's quite lovely to read about him climbing out of the pit slowly and realistically. Plus, he is just such a good person. I think romance novels are dreadfully bereft of heroes who are just good people, not someone in need of any reform. The love story is just so satisfying and with a slow steady progression and lovely. Nothing gets magically fixed but it does get better. I wanted to squish my Kindle to me by the end. (less)

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Apr 03, 2013 Laurla2 added it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

"tristan kept offering to find him a valet, obviously not understanding how important it was that NO ONE have free access to him, his private rooms, or his things. dressing himself and tending to his own things was one of the few ways he had of demonstrating to himself that he could still function as a man."

"she felt like daylight after a very long, very dark night. he couldnt help stretching his wings a little, yet he still lingered in the shadows, afraid the sun would burn him to ashes."

"he co...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Oky Septya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, ebook

I love Robert - Bit - Carroway ever since Lessons in Love #1. Bit itu misterius, terluka, peka, dan.. cool. He's damaged, wounded.. tapi aku suka sejak di buku pertama karena auranya menonjol bgt. Trus waktu tahu kalo buku ke-3 dia jadi tokoh utamanya, jelas saya jadi subyektif duluan dong ya..

..and I'm not disapointed. Saya suka Bit disini. Sesuai ekspektasi awal. Emang sulit buat Bit utk normal kembali setelah you-know-what dan saya dibuat penasaran tiap lembarnya, apa sih yg bikin Bit trauma...more

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Feb 11, 2012 Huma Rashid rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: england, fiction, romance, 19th-century

While I've been studying for the Bar, I found myself moving away from all the super-serious nonfiction books I've been reading for the past year (books about politics and history and prison and the like), and toward fun romances. I'm no longer puzzled at my shift in interest; I think it's quite expected that I'd want something really fun and light to read after spending all day hammering subjects like wills and torts and constitutional law. I need the escapism, and the books I've been reading la...more While I've been studying for the Bar, I found myself moving away from all the super-serious nonfiction books I've been reading for the past year (books about politics and history and prison and the like), and toward fun romances. I'm no longer puzzled at my shift in interest; I think it's quite expected that I'd want something really fun and light to read after spending all day hammering subjects like wills and torts and constitutional law. I need the escapism, and the books I've been reading lately have delivered.

EPH is the third in Suzanne Enoch's Lessons in Love trilogy (I haven't yet read the first one, but I've read the second!), and it's just delightful. I enjoyed all of it. A nice, slow build based on friendship, tons of intrigue built around the Napoleonic wars, a lovely family built around the hero and heroine (the hero's actual biological relatives, and the heroine's closest friends), a sensible and charming heroine, and a very damaged and intriguing hero. Those are all the ingredients necessary for me to just adore a romance novel.

The male protagonist was probably my favorite aspect of this book. Not just a favorite character - a favorite *aspect,* because he informed so much of the novel, with his history in the war, and his relationship with the Carroway family. The entire book was built around him, but not in such a way that it felt like the female protagonist was being ignored. It was actually quite artfully done, and I love how Enoch structured it all. Aside from being a war hero, Robert Carroway suffered from severe PTSD. He had many war injuries (from being tortured - scars, basically), and a bad knee that caused him to limp slightly (but, of course, not TOO badly, not enough to sacrifice the romance novel staple of a capable, active hero). He suffered panic attacks. For a year after his return from France, he didn't speak a word to anyone. He cannot talk to people in polite society for more than a few minutes, if at all. He cannot stand being touched. He finds himself unable to understand or display the polite manners demanded by London society. He was, all in all, a great character, and he felt like the center of this novel in so many ways.

This was an absolutely delightful and enjoyable story. I liked the second book in this series quite well, but this was even better. I suppose now I have to find the first book in this series, and read it. Coincidentally, it stars Robert's older brother Tristan, and his now-sister-in-law (and the female protagonist's BFF) Georgianna. It should be quite fun.

Ah, thank you, Enoch, for making it just a little easier to deal with Bar stress. I don't like to whine about it (I know, I'm totally whining about it), and losing myself in a romance novel for a little over three hours is just the ticket to unwind. (less)

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Dec 08, 2011 TJ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, kindle-archives, military

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-l...more

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Aug 04, 2010 Tina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-rom

Heat: 2 out of 5 sweet

This book was taken off a list of a blogger I read. I liked the story and the main characters Robert and Lucinda. However I think that Robert was not alpha male enough for me. He was more a Beta in my opinion which is fine but I liked the hero to be more gritty/dark. I liked how the author talked about Robert's memories and responses to it and how his family and Lucinda react. The family relationships were really strong in this story and the romance was very light and sweet...more

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May 10, 2010 The Romance Reviews (Carole) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

"Heartwrenching and romantic"

A year or so has passed since the ladies have written down their "lesson plans" and both Georgiana and Evelyn have fallen in love and married their "students". Lucinda Barrett has watched from the sidelines with some envy, and so when it came her turn, she chose someone she wanted to marry, someone who would give her a simple, amicable life and who would also be in good terms with her father (a war hero), someone who was so gorgeous he turned young women's heads--the...more "Heartwrenching and romantic"

A year or so has passed since the ladies have written down their "lesson plans" and both Georgiana and Evelyn have fallen in love and married their "students". Lucinda Barrett has watched from the sidelines with some envy, and so when it came her turn, she chose someone she wanted to marry, someone who would give her a simple, amicable life and who would also be in good terms with her father (a war hero), someone who was so gorgeous he turned young women's heads--the Duke of Fenley's 4th son, Geoffrey Newcombe.

But then, there was Robert Carroway, the younger brother of Georgiana's husband, who'd been wounded in the war and who was so traumatized by his experiences that he shunned all contact with Society, because noise and crowds bother him. Yet, he was drawn to Lucinda, for her peace and serenity, and he decided if he wanted to become "normal" again, he needed help. So, he made a trade with her, and in exchange, he would help her snare her desired husband.

Robert Carroway is definitely not your typical historical romance hero. His scars and wounds go deeper than a past betrayal at love or a rakish reputation, and they are not the type to be easily solved with the magic of true love. Yet, love does help, for thoughts of Lucinda enable him to go through some of his worst times. I love how he overcame his own trauma in order to help Lucinda with her lessons. I think the scene wherein he danced with the other ladies at the ball is one of the nicest and heartwrenching scenes in the book. It would be so so so easy to fall in love with such a guy.

He also has his own lessons to learn, and one of these is to ask for help from family and friends, people who are concerned about him. I love the supporting cast that Ms. Enoch brings into this book, Georgiana and Tristan, Evelyn and Saint and the entire Carroway clan, especially Edward. I originally didn't like Bradshaw for the comment he made to Robert at the start of the book, though he was merely trying to help, but he more than redeemed himself later on in the story. I like how Ms. Enoch portrayed the dynamics of the Carroway family--realistic and heartwarming.

I like how he and Lucinda were friends first, and I like seeing how their friendship developed into something more, especially for Lucinda, who hadn't really set her sights on him. I like how Lucinda is a dutiful daughter, and most especially, I like how she sees Robert for what he is--a man tormented by his experiences of the war, yet a man nonetheless.

Lucinda was torn with her feelings for Robert and what she envisioned she wanted in her life, which includes providing her father with a son-in-law he could get along with. Yet, it is no secret that there was bad blood between Robert and her father. Despite Society's insinuations about Robert and even her father's admonition to stay away from him, I like how Lucinda never wavered in her estimation of Robert and how she was strong enough to stand with him at a time when most people wouldn't have.

Suzanne Enoch has truly penned a gem in this story that is both heartwrenching and romantic and that celebrates the power of love.(less)

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Apr 05, 2013 Dilla Nanditya rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, fiction, historical, romance

Mungkin aku bukan pecinta cowok berambut gelap (I prefer blondie guys), tapi aku juga gak akan mungkin bahwa Robert Carroway is sooooooo hot. He's like, way much hotter than his elder brothers. And Edward is sure cute. Mungkin tante Suzanne Enoch bisa membuat novel yang menceritakan tentang Carroway Brothers yang lain? Aku penasaran Edward akan tumbuh jadi lelaki seperti apa. Dengan pengaruh kakak-kakaknya kemungkinan ia akan menjadi seorang pria yang mampu memikat banyak wanita dan karena Georg...more Mungkin aku bukan pecinta cowok berambut gelap (I prefer blondie guys), tapi aku juga gak akan mungkin bahwa Robert Carroway is sooooooo hot. He's like, way much hotter than his elder brothers. And Edward is sure cute. Mungkin tante Suzanne Enoch bisa membuat novel yang menceritakan tentang Carroway Brothers yang lain? Aku penasaran Edward akan tumbuh jadi lelaki seperti apa. Dengan pengaruh kakak-kakaknya kemungkinan ia akan menjadi seorang pria yang mampu memikat banyak wanita dan karena Georgiana, Lucinda, dan Evie, well, mungkin juga akan tahu bagaimana memperlakukan wanita.

However, setelah melihat sahabat-sahabatnya menikahi murid-murid mereka sendiri tanpa direncanakan sebelumnya Lady Lucinda Barrett akhirnya mengubah prospek mengajari pria untuk memperlakukan wanita dengan baik dan benar menjadi prospek mencari suami dengan kedok mengajari pria tersebut bagaimana memperlakukan wanita dengan baik dan benar. Tentu saja, mengacu pada hasil-hasil sebelumnya ia akan menikahi pria tersebut. Karena itu Miss Barrett memilih seorang pria yang relatif 'aman' untuk hidupnya. Lord Geoffrey adalah pilihan teraman. Pria itu mendekati Lucinda karena ayahnya, Jenderal Barrett, dapat memberinya kenaikan pangkat serta tempat di India. Lucinda memilih pria itu karena tidak memiliki emosi yang melewati 'suka' dan menganggap Lord Geoffrey tidak akan menambah kerumitan dalam hidupnya.

Masalahnya, adik Viscount Dare--Tristan Carroway--yaitu Robert atau Bit sudah menaruh perhatian pada Lucinda sejak lima tahun lalu. Dan Lucinda adalah satu-satunya orang--selain Georgiana dan Tristan--yang ia percayai untuk berbagi kisah ketika ia perang. Bahkan ia tidak menceritakan banyak pada Georgiana, tapi Lucinda... Bit menceritakan seluruh kisahnya (walaupun seperti novel romance lainnya; setelah mereka melewati satu malam penuh gairah yang akhirnya terpuaskan-- AKHIRNYA!! ). Bit pada awalnya berharap Lucinda akan jijik, ngeri, dan menjauhi dirinya. Tapi dasar wanita (lah gue apa?), Lucinda justru semakin lengket pada Bit. Hal itu tentu saja mengundang rasa tidak suka Geoffrey (apalagi dia tipe prajurit narsis... ia menggembar-gemborkan tentang lengannya yang terserempet peluru seolah dengan itu ia telah menjatuhkan Bonaparte), dan membawa Bit pada kesimpulan yang sudah jelas dari awal bahwa ia mencintai Lucinda.

Begitulah. Setiap halamannya membawaku memasuki dunia mereka lebih jauh. Dan saat akhirnya aku menutup buku itu, perasaanku campur aduk antara puas dengan kecewa. Oh, aku yakin akan ada buku .5-nya, kau tahu kan semacam side story dari seri ini, terutama karena di endingnya (view spoiler) tapi aku ingiiiiin sekali tahu Robert menjadi Ayah macam apa.

/Fangirling/
But I found it funny in this book bagaimana masing-masing dari mereka--Lucinda dan Robert--berusaha keras meyakinkan diri mereka bahwa mereka masih berteman, bahkan setelah beberapa ciuman ber-ahem-gairah-uhuk yang mereka lakukan. Dan bahkan setelah Robert (view spoiler) Lucinda, demi Tuhan! Dan ketika Robert mengakui masa penahanannya.... oh my GOD!!! xD #cant

Suzanne Enoch berhasil mengambil hatikuuu *tebar confetti*(less)

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Feb 25, 2013 Tiko Telia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: crime, damned-funny, historical-romance, made-me-cry

it was so sweet that i was on the verge of tears when it ended! what a great book it was!

the hero was truly a person whom youd call tortured... it was so very sad... he was a man broken... you could see the potential of a great young gentleman, maybe even a rake, inside of him, but it was just that, a potential... he thought that he didnt deserve to live... i want to tell you more about him and his pains, but im afraid that ill disclose his secret if i go on... and you dont want to be spoiled ab...more it was so sweet that i was on the verge of tears when it ended! what a great book it was!

the hero was truly a person whom youd call tortured... it was so very sad... he was a man broken... you could see the potential of a great young gentleman, maybe even a rake, inside of him, but it was just that, a potential... he thought that he didnt deserve to live... i want to tell you more about him and his pains, but im afraid that ill disclose his secret if i go on... and you dont want to be spoiled about that because i myself enjoyed the suspence very much xD all you need to know is that he was a soldier, still is a great spy, can vanish in a second, some ppl think that he can read minds, he doesnt talk much (again it has to do with his tortures...) and has beautiful azure eyes that can see thrue you...

now about Lucinda... i loved that girl :D as her friends say she is someone who likes everyone and whom everyone likes :D Robert wasnt the person whom she wished to give her lessons, he was more like a companion in crime :D she is so kind and compassionate, it feels like she knows exactly what to say to a person not to hurt his feeling and not to look like she feels pity toward that person. Luci didnt really decide to help Robert recover it simply happened. she was curious at first, then friendly and after that kissing him full on and letting him climb to her windows in the dead of a night :D i didnt really like Lucinda in other books, maybe because i didnt see much of her, but here she was captivating xD

their relationship was witty, funny and sweet... i loved seeing changes in Robert after every talk with Luci... he was determined to learn all of her lessons even if they wernt for him to learn xD he didnt think that he could get her for himself. he even tryed to help her with Geoffrey, but in the end was thinking about eliminating him :D

i loved to see Saint and Evei in here... love that pair!!! saint is one of my favorite heroes :D his episodes were so cool :D the guy is simply great :D and still a rake by the way :D

oh and i cant forget to mention Edward (the youngest brother) he was so sweet and hilarious :D i loved the kid!!!!

here are some of the quotes:

(view spoiler)

thats it xD

(less)

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Jun 17, 2011 Babyfishmouth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the first book I've read by Suzanne Enoch. I wish I had read the first two in this series first, though. I found myself getting confused with all the characters from the previous books and had difficulty keeping track who was a brother or an in-law or a sister.
That aside, I loved this book.

I thought the hero was great. His journey from being a scarred ad scared recluse to falling in love with the heroine was well done. Each time he conquered another fear in order to be with Lucinda had...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Rolyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It was good. Really, really good. And I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I don’t want to be super analytical about the way it was written or the flow of the story. When I am reading a book, I just want to enjoy it. Even if it was done in poor taste based on everyone’s standards (not that this book was done in poor taste I can assure you), as long as I will be able to comprehend it and that I can connect with the characters it will be enough for me. That I won’t even mind turning each page or scrol...more It was good. Really, really good. And I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I don’t want to be super analytical about the way it was written or the flow of the story. When I am reading a book, I just want to enjoy it. Even if it was done in poor taste based on everyone’s standards (not that this book was done in poor taste I can assure you), as long as I will be able to comprehend it and that I can connect with the characters it will be enough for me. That I won’t even mind turning each page or scrolling down in case of ebooks no matter how late I will be able to sleep and damn the consequences of being like a zombie while working the next day. This book did it for me. I took a long time reading this book because of tight schedule and no matter how much I want to finish reading it as soon as possible even if that means that I wouldn’t be able to sleep during work week, my eyes would just close on its own accord.
I liked the lead characters. As well as the other characters aside from Geoffrey (he was a professional asshole, damn him). Robert was flawed. I also liked that he was silent and preferred to observe people. That he only talks if he had to say something important instead of talking just to hear the sound of his own voice. He was damaged but he survived. He was able to escape his self-inflicted prison with the help of Lucinda who was intelligent, strong and knows when she was needed and when to shut up (that alone could make me give this book 5 stars since it drives me mad when I am reading a book and the lead female just keeps on blabbering even if the most logical course of action is to shut the hell up). I also appreciated Robert’s family. His family is always there to support him. They give Robert the space and time that he needed but is always ready to support him whenever he needed them (even when Robert himself doesn’t even realize he needed one). Same goes with their friends. And as for the general, I liked his sense of loyalty and honesty. It is not always easy to do the right thing but he still chose to do what is right even though he might suffer some repercussions.
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Aug 17, 2011 Lady Darcie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: romance lovers

Recommended to Lady Darcie by: Lesson in love series #2

Shelves: historical-romance, favorites

Lucinda Barrett is the last of her friends to deliver a lesson to a man who needs it but she only wants to use this for a way to gain a marriage in which her husband wont mind that she will be taking care of her father but she never thought that the one man nobody would have thought to help her does and that's something she just can't have.
Robert "Bit" Calloway has been suffering for 3 years since his return from the war and the only thing that seems to help him is when lucinda is around. There...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 03, 2010 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, historical-romance

This is the third book in Enoch’s “Lessons in Love” series and ties as my favorite with The Rake (Book 1). This book stars the beautiful yet practical Lucinda Barrett, daughter of General Augustus Barrett. Since her friends have “taught” and married the men who were the subjects of their particular lessons in love, Lucinda is left with choosing the subject to set her attentions on. Thinking of her father’s happiness, while looking for a man that could use some much needed humbleness thrown his d...more This is the third book in Enoch’s “Lessons in Love” series and ties as my favorite with The Rake (Book 1). This book stars the beautiful yet practical Lucinda Barrett, daughter of General Augustus Barrett. Since her friends have “taught” and married the men who were the subjects of their particular lessons in love, Lucinda is left with choosing the subject to set her attentions on. Thinking of her father’s happiness, while looking for a man that could use some much needed humbleness thrown his direction, she sets her sights on a duke’s fourth son and military officer, Lord Geoffrey Newcombe. After all of her visits to the Carroway estate, Robert Carroway becomes fascinated with Lucinda Barrett’s kindness and when she accidently barges into the room he’s reading in, to set herself to rights, he finds himself speaking to her. (If you read The Rake, you know Robert was a victim of war torture and does not speak much at all and especially not to beautiful young ladies) Lucinda is surprised to learn that Robert knows all about the “Lessons” the three women have been inflicting on the men of their interest. Surprisingly Robert offers Lucinda a trade, for her to teach him to plant a rose garden, for his help in assisting her with Lord Geoffrey Newcombe. Lucinda, not quite sure Robert can help her, nevertheless agrees to his trade. However the more time Lucinda spends with Robert, the more she starts to care for him and wants to rescue him from his past. Once important political/governmental documents are stolen and Robert is accused, Lucida had to decide whether to follow her heart, betray her father, and help Robert, or listen to her head and make her father and Lord Geoffrey happy. I enjoyed reading this book because my familiarity with Robert Carroway in The Rake. Other than the two main characters of that book, Robert was my favorite and I had hoped to be able to read his love story. I always like reading stories about people who have something to overcome to live a day to day existence. Everyone considered him a shell of a man when he returned from the war and it took him bravery and courage and his obsession with Lucinda as incentive to come fully back to his family and start to truly live again. This was a great finish to the “Lessons in Love” trilogy.(less)

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May 30, 2012 Nicol Althea rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: worth-re-reading, hero-injured-scarred, hero-military-veteran, heroine-virgin-naive-inexperienced, narrative-mode-3rd-person, ebooks, gnr-historical-romance, hero-badass-tough, hero-love-commitment-phobic, hero-recluse-lonewolf, hero-awful-tortured-traumatic-past, hero-titled-wealthy, heroine-badass-tough, all-time-favorites, favorite-heroines, favorite-heroes, sex-b4-marriage, 2012-reads

Now this book is so much better! In my previous reviews, i have had objections with regards to the titles of the first two installments and the entire series as a whole. However, my objections doesn't extend to this last one. The title "England's Perfect Hero" is perfect for this book! Thank you Enoch for finally getting it right!

I admit I wasn't expecting this but I'm actually extremely pleased that Robert "Bit" Carroway got his own book! I never suspected that he would be the one to capture ou...more Now this book is so much better! In my previous reviews, i have had objections with regards to the titles of the first two installments and the entire series as a whole. However, my objections doesn't extend to this last one. The title "England's Perfect Hero" is perfect for this book! Thank you Enoch for finally getting it right!

I admit I wasn't expecting this but I'm actually extremely pleased that Robert "Bit" Carroway got his own book! I never suspected that he would be the one to capture our dear Lucinda's heart. Indeed, it was brilliant of the author for coming up with this pair up! I'm so grateful! Of all the installments in this series, i would rate this one as the best! Unlike the first two, this book had more substance, the conflict presented was more believable and the characters were very much admirable!

Robert was very easy to love. He actually left an impression when i read the first book in this series. For me, he was easiest to connect with among all the characters. With his dark and troubled past, i couldn't resist but be drawn to him. That is why i couldn't thank the author enough for granting him his own book. Among all the characters in this series, his story is the one that really deserves to be read. Bit is such a strong character, i'm glad the author paired him up with an equally strong heroine. I couldn't imagine seeing him happy with any girl other than Lucie!

I love how he considers Lucie as his light and salvation. His strong determination to be human again just for her. He even went out of his way to endure society just to please her even though every fiber of his being screamed to escape them. I'm glad because of Lucie, he was able to summon the courage to come out of his shell and finally triumphed over his nightmares.

Moving on to our dear Lucinda Barrett, she is truly admirable! I'm so glad she took a chance on Robert. To be honest, at first i was kinda annoyed at her poor judgment in choosing Geoffrey Newcombe. But as the story progressed, i understood her reasons for choosing an "amiable" man. I admire her for her strong loyalty and steadfastness towards her loved ones. How she was brave enough to defy her dad and stood by her friends. I love her penchant for growing roses. I'm glad she gave Robert hope and drew him out into light not just to be alive but to truly live again. Such a sweet picture. *dabs tears with hanky*

Although i had a hard connecting with her first two books, this one is definitely another favorite! Lucinda and Bit breezed their way into my heart before i even knew it! Truly had a wonderful time reading their story. So to those who are hesitating to pick up this book, DON'T! I definitely recommend it. For sure, you'll have a grand time and fall immediately in love with characters as i did! As i bid farewell to this series, i applaud and offer my deep thanks again to Suzanne Enoch for bringing us such brilliant cast of characters! Will definitely pick up her other books. :)(less)

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Jan 02, 2013 Courtnie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, romance, historical-romance, reviewed

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Jun 26, 2010 Yaseena rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

I loved the first in this series "The Rake" and Robert the hero in this story was a minor character but I was eagerly waiting to read his book when I read the few passages he was in. I would rate this a 4 mainly because although I thought this book had great intrigue and played to the final "showdown" well, it lacked a little in the gut-wrenching romance the premise required. Robert is a former soldier who for the past 3 years has been a recluse, shell-shocked and mentally destroyed from what he...more

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Feb 22, 2009 Dina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, to-blog

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May 20, 2013 Felita rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, historical-romance

komen :

#ga kukira, Lucinda dipasangin dg Robert. Yeiiii.... sejak kemunculannya di buku pertama, sudah ga sabar gmn cerita Robert.

#masa lalu Robert dibuka. kejadian yg membuat dirinya menjadi tertutup baik dari kalangan ton ampe keluarganya sendiri. Robert memilih diam sampai tiga tahun semenjak dia pulang dari perang. keluarganya termasuk pasangan Tristan-Georgina (cerita di buku pertama) ga bisa membuat Robert keluar dari cangkangnya.......sampai Robert mendengar rencana Lucinda

#suka....ama r...more

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Jul 04, 2011 Tai the Lioness rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Scarred hero fans, Historical Romance, Light Read

Shelves: historical-romance, summer-11, ptsd-suffering-scarred-heroes, low-steam, instant-chemistry, military-hero, setting-europe

3 Stars

Quick thoughts I actually liked this book quite a bit. It had many great things going for it that I was happy Suzanne Enoch decided to explore upon. It took me a day to finally figure out how to explain what kept this book from being a great romance read for me (4-5 star)

Hero: Robert Carroway is just the type of hero that I adore in Romances in general. He is a suffering soul who is dealing with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Heroes dealing with PTSD is probably my favorite Histori...more 3 Stars

Quick thoughts I actually liked this book quite a bit. It had many great things going for it that I was happy Suzanne Enoch decided to explore upon. It took me a day to finally figure out how to explain what kept this book from being a great romance read for me (4-5 star)

Hero: Robert Carroway is just the type of hero that I adore in Romances in general. He is a suffering soul who is dealing with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Heroes dealing with PTSD is probably my favorite Historical Romance topic because it creates for a truly vulnerable and redeemable character. I enjoyed him and his thought process alot.

Heroine:Lucinda Barret definitely had her refreshing moments. She is pretty and educated as well as loyal. She was indeed a cute little historical romance cliche heroine. Too bad she was a two dimensional character with a habit of being infernally annoying. She did not have much depth to her thought processes. The way she came off was so contradictory to the way Enoch tried to protray her.

What I didn't like...

When dealing with PTSD in a book the coupling is very important. The hero has gone through something so traumatic that it causes him to lose the ability to function regularly in society. They are a danger to those near them and themselves even though they mean no harm. This calls for a special type of heroine. The heroine must be strong as well as fiercely loyal...from the beginning. Fainting and sensitive little misses dont quite have a place for a man dealing with PTSD. A heroine strong enough to love the man back to life is needed. Lucinda Barret was not that. She took too long to be champion for her hero. The man who she was hanging on did not have any draw that should have stolen her attention away. Suzanne Enoch made a tiny love triangle in this book ( its tiny in that the other man does not love the heroine and she does not love him, however he is a contender for her hand in marriage) Love triangles do not fit well into books where the hero is scarred badly. A hurt person needs lots of attention and a heroine who is spreading it thin is not doing the hero justice. The plot was juvenile also. The "lessons in love" became very tiring, jaded, and trivial when paired with a man who survived months of torturing and a woman who is dang near twenty five. The love scenes were soooo very very dull. Passion was non existent. This really saddened me because usually the scarred heroes have some of the strongest and most poignant passion ever. I do believe that this book missed the mark on successful books with scarred heroes. It reminds me of a not so good version of Galen Foley's Lord of Ice(less)

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May 04, 2013 Karen Wilson rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ptsd, tortured-hero

The hero was fine, the PTSD was fine, but I don't really care for the heroine. She's ok.... maybe I just didn't feel the chemistry. I'm not a big fan of mystery and intrigue with the whole cast of 2ndary characters having a cameo and of course no one would know the wiser that they're all in for the same cause; forget the fact that they are good friends -- no one would be suspicious of their actions. And again, who would be the most likely suspect.... I wonder.....

The mystery felt too contrived....more

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Sep 05, 2009 Cynthia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The first half of this book was really enjoyable, and quite clever. The lesson theme, though a bit corny, ended up being really well crafted in Lucinda's and Robert's story.

Robert was a PTSD afflicted beta hero with a manly limp, huge baggage, an almost annoying willingness to please Lucinda, and a endlessly patient (if not always too perceptive) and helpful family. He was the most interesting and noble part of the book. The Frankenstein quotes/parallels were well selected and appropriate.

The on...more The first half of this book was really enjoyable, and quite clever. The lesson theme, though a bit corny, ended up being really well crafted in Lucinda's and Robert's story.

Robert was a PTSD afflicted beta hero with a manly limp, huge baggage, an almost annoying willingness to please Lucinda, and a endlessly patient (if not always too perceptive) and helpful family. He was the most interesting and noble part of the book. The Frankenstein quotes/parallels were well selected and appropriate.

The only good things about Lucinda were that she was able to help him (by just being her, and not really doing much else), and that she didn't betray him TWICE.

Lucinda is trying to teach 4 lessons to Geoffrey (the golden boy of the ton, her chosen fiancee, and her general father's lackey). Robert strenuously pulls himself out of his dark hole of a life to rise to the challenge of the lessons. If Lucinda was passing out grades, Robert would get an A++, and Geoffrey (after cheating off Robert and turning in the test late), would get a C-. The great thing was how Robert taught Lucinda how misguided her lessons were.

The two are lured into a sweet, slow, and in Robert's case, arduous courtship hiding behind the guise of friendship. It was all going great, until...

God, the 2nd half was all downhill ending in a abyss. With sharp jagged rocks at the bottom. Lucinda finally gets Robert to open up a tiny bit about his obviously painful past, and she doesn't wait a day before she's betrayed him utterly and stupidly. I couldn't get past what a twit she was, and at the first chance to show some real personality/grit. And it took her so freaking long to get over her ridiculous bias towards Geoffrey and admit to wanting only Robert.

And then, all that great PTSD and war wound build up just up and disappeared. It was like, one night of awkward painful dancing and I am suddenly cured of all blinding panic! Woot. And then at the end, when suddenly his knee was cured (after being in a fight!), I almost gagged.

And then it was obvious that Geoffrey stole the papers as soon as the crime was announced, but it took the whole rest of the book and the Scooby Doo gang to figure it out. God, the end was just such a trainwreck, it was painful to read. All these superfluous characters running to and fro, especially straight into a known dangerous person's clutches (at 8 months pregnant no less!). Mysterious crimes are definitely not Enoch's strong point.

I couldn't even appreciate what a great guy Robert was for going to the dad and being all honorable, I was just trying to get to the end.

The villain Geoffrey and the dad were really 1-D characters. Geoffrey's motives aren't even sensible, really. He just has to be the bad guy. I found the secondary characters mostly distracting/annoying. Except Tristan with the water bucket and Shaw with his offer to run away. Those were brilliant (if stupid).

Ugh, talk about great beginnings going to waste. I feel like the book was written by two people.(less)

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May 06, 2013 ies rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

Dibandingkan ke 2 buku sebelumnya, konfliknya jauh lebih banyak Robert - Lucinda hehehe... meski tadinya aku ngarep hero buku ke 3 ini Victor kakaknya Eve yg jerk abis.. fyuh!

Yang baca buku 1 pasti ude kenal si hero deh, Robert Carroway, mantan prajurit yg bermasalalu kelam (pasti settingnya Waterloo deh, aku jg sedikit penasaran seperti apa si masalalunya itu? ternyata oh ternyata... baca saja lah, ntar spoiler hehehe

Lucinda Barret, sisa terakhir dr trio Goergina-Eve-Lucinda, karakternya baek...more

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Mar 06, 2012 steph rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-2012

This book started off really strong with five stars but the last one hundred pages were TOO coincidental for me to take in and knocked the rating down to four stars (boo!). I really liked Lucinda and Robert and the PTSD he has from the war was something that I don't think is explored often enough. I didn't read the other previous books in the series but apparently everyone makes appearances and they are lovely and fantastic and I love the love the Carroway boys have for their brother Robert, the...more

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About Suzanne Enoch

Suzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most po...more Suzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.

She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.

When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.

In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.

In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.

Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.

www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
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More about Suzanne Enoch...

Books by Suzanne Enoch

London's Perfect Scoundrel (Lessons in Love, #2)

The Care and Taming of a Rogue (Adventurers’ Club, #1)

After the Kiss (Notorious Gentlemen, #1)

Sin and Sensibility (Griffin Family, #1)

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Quotes from England's Perfect Hero

“I had a thought," Bradshaw said into the silence.
"Amazing," Tristan returned dryly.” — 3 people liked it

“I'll be back at sea by then," Bradshaw put in, "so I'll comfort myself with the knowledge that you'll name
the infant after me."
"I don't think 'Half-wit' will pass muster with Georgie, but I'll let her know that's your suggestion.” — 3 people liked it

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England's Perfect Hero (Lessons in Love #3)

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