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The Senator's Wife #0
The Colonel's Daughter: Prequel to the Senator's Wife
Before the world knew her as Catharine Cleveland—a leader of industry, a pillar of polite society, a steward of philanthropy, she
A scholar.
A rower.
A promising pianist.
A dutiful heir.
But above all, she was a girl who fell in love.
From the ancient halls of Oxford to the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux, and across the Atlantic to the political circus of D.C., meet Cate Brooks in The Colonel’s Daughter—the prequel to the best-selling series, The Senator’s Wife.
For a list of content warnings, please see CW page on the author's website.
A scholar.
A rower.
A promising pianist.
A dutiful heir.
But above all, she was a girl who fell in love.
From the ancient halls of Oxford to the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux, and across the Atlantic to the political circus of D.C., meet Cate Brooks in The Colonel’s Daughter—the prequel to the best-selling series, The Senator’s Wife.
For a list of content warnings, please see CW page on the author's website.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
207 people are currently reading
3262 people want to read
About the author
Jen Lyon
5 books972 followersJen Lyon is an avid lover of sports, travel, theatre, and the ocean. When she isn’t writing, Jen can be found sailing, browsing the shelves of her local bookstore, cheering ardently at an NWSL soccer match, or training horses at her Southern California horse ranch, where she lives with her wife, Donna, and their dogs and horses.
Follow Jen on IG @jenlyonauthor where she unapologetically spams her page with photos of her corgis, dachshund, horses and obscenely large Maine Coon cats.
Follow Jen on IG @jenlyonauthor where she unapologetically spams her page with photos of her corgis, dachshund, horses and obscenely large Maine Coon cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
November 27, 2025
Oh, Catharine...
When Jen Lyon said she was thinking of writing a prequel to The Senator's Wife series focusing on Catharine's college years at Oxford, I encouraged it with a very enthusiastic, "Yes, please!" Catharine is one of those tragic characters that never leaves you - one of my all-time favorites in sapphic fiction.
At just 17, Catharine was a brilliant prodigy at Oxford studying to take over her family's global shipping business. Growing up, she was not allowed to be like other children - she was expected to train in languages, business and economics. Her father, cruel and ruthless, only cared about how her actions affected the family business. He determined who she could associate with. Who was worthy of a match that would support her role in business, happiness be damned.
When she meets wild, free, beautiful French theater aficionado Nathalie Comtois at a nearby Oxford college, the actress opens her eyes to a whole different world. Catharine falls completely under her spell and begins to experience true happiness for the first time in her life. But as their college years come to a close, both realize as much as they wish otherwise, their time together is finite.
Those that read The Senator's Wife series know how their romantic relationship ends, but this story focuses on their time together and what happens between the heartbreak and the years when they become the best of friends. If you haven't already, you should read the Senator's Wife series to truly appreciate the history of these characters.
Lyon is an absolutely gorgeous writer and I loved revisiting this world - as much as I loathe Colonel Brooks and Carlton Cleveland. I am beyond thrilled that she is working on one more book in this series called Duplicity that will focus on Catharine and Alex, but as we know - Lyon loves to torture us, so goodness knows what she has in store. But I'd bathe in any and all words she publishes, so bring it on, Jen!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Jen Lyon said she was thinking of writing a prequel to The Senator's Wife series focusing on Catharine's college years at Oxford, I encouraged it with a very enthusiastic, "Yes, please!" Catharine is one of those tragic characters that never leaves you - one of my all-time favorites in sapphic fiction.
At just 17, Catharine was a brilliant prodigy at Oxford studying to take over her family's global shipping business. Growing up, she was not allowed to be like other children - she was expected to train in languages, business and economics. Her father, cruel and ruthless, only cared about how her actions affected the family business. He determined who she could associate with. Who was worthy of a match that would support her role in business, happiness be damned.
When she meets wild, free, beautiful French theater aficionado Nathalie Comtois at a nearby Oxford college, the actress opens her eyes to a whole different world. Catharine falls completely under her spell and begins to experience true happiness for the first time in her life. But as their college years come to a close, both realize as much as they wish otherwise, their time together is finite.
Those that read The Senator's Wife series know how their romantic relationship ends, but this story focuses on their time together and what happens between the heartbreak and the years when they become the best of friends. If you haven't already, you should read the Senator's Wife series to truly appreciate the history of these characters.
Lyon is an absolutely gorgeous writer and I loved revisiting this world - as much as I loathe Colonel Brooks and Carlton Cleveland. I am beyond thrilled that she is working on one more book in this series called Duplicity that will focus on Catharine and Alex, but as we know - Lyon loves to torture us, so goodness knows what she has in store. But I'd bathe in any and all words she publishes, so bring it on, Jen!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2025
Well, I'll be damned, but Jen Lyon has done it again.
Oh yes—the torture of the soul, the longing, the wishful thoughts, the anticipation, the hope… and then the reality of it all crashing down, reducing your poor heart to scattered glass on the cold ground. It’s up to the reader to pick up all those small shining crystals and piece the heart together again. Stitched, not by romantic love, but by a friendship whose roots run so deep into the earth that not even a tsunami of events could ever shake or dissolve them.
Through a beautiful hommage to many classic masterpieces of literature and theatre, we get the retelling of a young love destined to succumb to society’s customs, to the relentless patriarchy dictating a woman’s life and fate.
The Colonel’s Daughter is a full immersion into the making of Catharine Brooks/Cleveland’s character—who she was before, and who she became after a path in life was forced upon her.
I don't think I have ever wanted so much to intervene in a book as I did while reading this one. I hadn’t forgotten how Jen Lyon can create despicable human beings, but the anger I felt… I was about to explode.
It was like holding on to a thin thread of hope, cheering for Nathalie… even though we all knew the ending. Like watching Romeo and Juliet, right? You still wish for that “What if?”
It’s not normal how Catharine and Nathalie’s love story made me ache. Because it is a beautiful and romantic love story, full of wit, banter, adventure and… eroticism. I think this might be the most erotic and explicit book Jen Lyon has written… and damn, she did an outstanding job.
I loved every minute of it, and now I’m going to speed-read the three books of The Senator’s Wife, because I need karma to wash away the bile I taste in my mouth.
P.S. I know what you did in those few lines you wrote. They broke my heart all over again. You did not!!!
A nerdy, nerdy novel, written so lyrically, with settings so vividly detailed it felt like being there. And the French? It was the cherry on top. Absolutely ad hoc.
I swear these books need to go to a production agency. They would make a heck of a TV series.
This is going to be another paperback I keep on the shelf forever.
Awesome read! More than 5 stars.
So ready for the next ride 😆.
Oh yes—the torture of the soul, the longing, the wishful thoughts, the anticipation, the hope… and then the reality of it all crashing down, reducing your poor heart to scattered glass on the cold ground. It’s up to the reader to pick up all those small shining crystals and piece the heart together again. Stitched, not by romantic love, but by a friendship whose roots run so deep into the earth that not even a tsunami of events could ever shake or dissolve them.
Through a beautiful hommage to many classic masterpieces of literature and theatre, we get the retelling of a young love destined to succumb to society’s customs, to the relentless patriarchy dictating a woman’s life and fate.
The Colonel’s Daughter is a full immersion into the making of Catharine Brooks/Cleveland’s character—who she was before, and who she became after a path in life was forced upon her.
I don't think I have ever wanted so much to intervene in a book as I did while reading this one. I hadn’t forgotten how Jen Lyon can create despicable human beings, but the anger I felt… I was about to explode.
It was like holding on to a thin thread of hope, cheering for Nathalie… even though we all knew the ending. Like watching Romeo and Juliet, right? You still wish for that “What if?”
It’s not normal how Catharine and Nathalie’s love story made me ache. Because it is a beautiful and romantic love story, full of wit, banter, adventure and… eroticism. I think this might be the most erotic and explicit book Jen Lyon has written… and damn, she did an outstanding job.
I loved every minute of it, and now I’m going to speed-read the three books of The Senator’s Wife, because I need karma to wash away the bile I taste in my mouth.
P.S. I know what you did in those few lines you wrote. They broke my heart all over again. You did not!!!
A nerdy, nerdy novel, written so lyrically, with settings so vividly detailed it felt like being there. And the French? It was the cherry on top. Absolutely ad hoc.
I swear these books need to go to a production agency. They would make a heck of a TV series.
This is going to be another paperback I keep on the shelf forever.
Awesome read! More than 5 stars.
So ready for the next ride 😆.
January 26, 2026
4.5 Stars
If you’ve read the previous books, you are aware of the shape of Catherine’s life. Walking into The Colonel’s Daughter, you carry a foreknowledge of the heartache and emotional attrition that awaits. On that front, I was not mistaken.
The author’s storytelling prowess has markedly matured since the first novel, and The Colonel’s Daughter stands as clear evidence of that growth. The imagery is assured, the characters finely wrought, and the manipulation of the reader’s emotions handled with deliberate precision. The author’s fleshing of Catherine is both torturous and impressive. I knew exactly what I was signing up for, yet I couldn’t deny Catherine Brooks’s pull. She remains one of those rare, unforgettable characters who linger well beyond the first book.
If you’ve read the previous books, you are aware of the shape of Catherine’s life. Walking into The Colonel’s Daughter, you carry a foreknowledge of the heartache and emotional attrition that awaits. On that front, I was not mistaken.
The author’s storytelling prowess has markedly matured since the first novel, and The Colonel’s Daughter stands as clear evidence of that growth. The imagery is assured, the characters finely wrought, and the manipulation of the reader’s emotions handled with deliberate precision. The author’s fleshing of Catherine is both torturous and impressive. I knew exactly what I was signing up for, yet I couldn’t deny Catherine Brooks’s pull. She remains one of those rare, unforgettable characters who linger well beyond the first book.
January 5, 2026
As a reader, I want visceral, fervent, and indelible marks. I have arrived (yet again). Cate is a complex character who has been devastatingly abused, caged, controlled, stripped of life and love. Reader beware, for I cannot isolate the "feels" to just this book, this story, since Catharine (Cate) Brooks lives rent free in my head from the stories of three other books.
Reader beware: Spoilers everywhere...
It is undoubtably well understood how Catharine’s life is governed by rigid expectations: she is groomed to inherit her father’s company, her behavior tightly controlled, her brilliance acknowledged but subordinated by her father and the men around her. Polished, exceptionally intelligent, and emotionally restrained, she is denied agency over her own future. Her soul crying to be seen, to be heard, to be freed. And it is Nathalie’s love that touches Catharine’s soul and ignites life into it. Her first great love and now her closest friend. Their three-year affair, which unfolds while Catharine is studying at Oxford, is abruptly and forcibly ended when Catharine’s father discovers the relationship. Catharine is sent to America and coerced into marrying an unethical, abusive, and politically powerful man. It is here and in her previous books, Lyon reminds us romance and love stories aren’t the same thing. Pretty Woman is romance; Romeo & Juliet is a love story. Lyon writes the latter. She doesn’t follow the romance script, doesn’t protect the reader with tidy resolutions, and doesn’t promise a satisfying happily-ever-after. Instead, she drags you through every emotion, leaves you unsettled, and dares you to sit with it. You may feel cheated. You may want more. You may argue it’s unfair. And you’ll still be thinking about it long after you close the book. She wins. As the reader, you cannot help but want so desperately to wish away the tragic scene we all know is coming. You prepare (once again), for the wrecking of Catharine’s (and now Nathalies) soul -way deeper than their bleeding hearts. It happens, injured and anguished you persist.
Until then, you are taken through their journey. Lyon wrapping words rich in music, poetry, theatre, language and love. Catharine awakened by desire. “It wasn’t a demand, something only to be taken, but a sensation shared in equal measure. Given freely – with hands, with lips, with unadulterated devotion” (Page 156). Nathalie by lust “Ne t’ arête pas” (Page 189). Both spellbound. But then the Colonel arrives home where Catharine and Nathalie are visiting from university break. “If I’m – if I seem different tomorrow…will you promise to forgive me?” (Page 192). The truth, the reality of Catharine’s life – past, present, and future (which we are aware of) torture and strip us of our HEA fantasy. But they survive his ungodly brute and you, tense, remember to breathe again, and push on to enjoy whatever Lyon has left to give to these two. You declare, no beg for some reprieve. As you franticly move through the pages, the evil is coming and it hits harder then it did the first time. “Whatever came next, she would have to face it alone. She held her gaze, entreating. Nathalie stood and ran out the door” (Page 305). The visceral feeling has been achieved. You are left desperate to accept their future. Something I found myself internalizing and exercising with exhaustion to set aside while clinging on to all the moments that were given to these two. I’m going mad with one emotion changing after another with each page that is turned. With a few chapters left, acceptance settles in – although, I’m not sure I’m fond of it. And yes, I do get to return to Catharine and Alex; but the shift from lovers to friends (the reverse of a well-adapted, well-loved trope) is forced upon us. Alas, the love story.
Catharine: “I cannot pretend to know all the ways in which I hurt you. Yet I cannot also help but hope one day you will find it in your heart to show me grace I do not deserve” (Page 345).
And Nathalie, 15 years later – the loyal friend who promised never to leave her. The “catalyst or course, the axis who, since the day they’d met, had held her together” (Page383) is once again “the catalyst” to the end of a horrible life with Senator Cleveland and a beginning with Alex.
I’m going to say it – Nathalie deserves more. I know its coming.
There is mention of music throughout the book. When a piece is mentioned, find it. Play it. Continue to read. The pieces they both choose during the development of their relationship tips the experience for the reader in unknown territory. It moves from intense to earthshattering - we all know music can and does evoke emotion. Lyon alone can do that (along with one other author). Imagine the experience you have when playing a piece of music representing the feelings of each of these characters. The last of their love (although they suspect it is coming, they don’t realize it is within hours), Lyons words, coupled with the sounds of the music (YouTube offers!) their dance haunted by the melody of Ne me quitte pas – “If you go away” break you into a realism not often experienced in books.
I may be a “gentle reader” but in no way are these stories “gentle.” They are visceral. Tu es Magnifique! So, thank you Jen but I don’t accept your apology.
Reader beware: Spoilers everywhere...
It is undoubtably well understood how Catharine’s life is governed by rigid expectations: she is groomed to inherit her father’s company, her behavior tightly controlled, her brilliance acknowledged but subordinated by her father and the men around her. Polished, exceptionally intelligent, and emotionally restrained, she is denied agency over her own future. Her soul crying to be seen, to be heard, to be freed. And it is Nathalie’s love that touches Catharine’s soul and ignites life into it. Her first great love and now her closest friend. Their three-year affair, which unfolds while Catharine is studying at Oxford, is abruptly and forcibly ended when Catharine’s father discovers the relationship. Catharine is sent to America and coerced into marrying an unethical, abusive, and politically powerful man. It is here and in her previous books, Lyon reminds us romance and love stories aren’t the same thing. Pretty Woman is romance; Romeo & Juliet is a love story. Lyon writes the latter. She doesn’t follow the romance script, doesn’t protect the reader with tidy resolutions, and doesn’t promise a satisfying happily-ever-after. Instead, she drags you through every emotion, leaves you unsettled, and dares you to sit with it. You may feel cheated. You may want more. You may argue it’s unfair. And you’ll still be thinking about it long after you close the book. She wins. As the reader, you cannot help but want so desperately to wish away the tragic scene we all know is coming. You prepare (once again), for the wrecking of Catharine’s (and now Nathalies) soul -way deeper than their bleeding hearts. It happens, injured and anguished you persist.
Until then, you are taken through their journey. Lyon wrapping words rich in music, poetry, theatre, language and love. Catharine awakened by desire. “It wasn’t a demand, something only to be taken, but a sensation shared in equal measure. Given freely – with hands, with lips, with unadulterated devotion” (Page 156). Nathalie by lust “Ne t’ arête pas” (Page 189). Both spellbound. But then the Colonel arrives home where Catharine and Nathalie are visiting from university break. “If I’m – if I seem different tomorrow…will you promise to forgive me?” (Page 192). The truth, the reality of Catharine’s life – past, present, and future (which we are aware of) torture and strip us of our HEA fantasy. But they survive his ungodly brute and you, tense, remember to breathe again, and push on to enjoy whatever Lyon has left to give to these two. You declare, no beg for some reprieve. As you franticly move through the pages, the evil is coming and it hits harder then it did the first time. “Whatever came next, she would have to face it alone. She held her gaze, entreating. Nathalie stood and ran out the door” (Page 305). The visceral feeling has been achieved. You are left desperate to accept their future. Something I found myself internalizing and exercising with exhaustion to set aside while clinging on to all the moments that were given to these two. I’m going mad with one emotion changing after another with each page that is turned. With a few chapters left, acceptance settles in – although, I’m not sure I’m fond of it. And yes, I do get to return to Catharine and Alex; but the shift from lovers to friends (the reverse of a well-adapted, well-loved trope) is forced upon us. Alas, the love story.
Catharine: “I cannot pretend to know all the ways in which I hurt you. Yet I cannot also help but hope one day you will find it in your heart to show me grace I do not deserve” (Page 345).
And Nathalie, 15 years later – the loyal friend who promised never to leave her. The “catalyst or course, the axis who, since the day they’d met, had held her together” (Page383) is once again “the catalyst” to the end of a horrible life with Senator Cleveland and a beginning with Alex.
I’m going to say it – Nathalie deserves more. I know its coming.
There is mention of music throughout the book. When a piece is mentioned, find it. Play it. Continue to read. The pieces they both choose during the development of their relationship tips the experience for the reader in unknown territory. It moves from intense to earthshattering - we all know music can and does evoke emotion. Lyon alone can do that (along with one other author). Imagine the experience you have when playing a piece of music representing the feelings of each of these characters. The last of their love (although they suspect it is coming, they don’t realize it is within hours), Lyons words, coupled with the sounds of the music (YouTube offers!) their dance haunted by the melody of Ne me quitte pas – “If you go away” break you into a realism not often experienced in books.
I may be a “gentle reader” but in no way are these stories “gentle.” They are visceral. Tu es Magnifique! So, thank you Jen but I don’t accept your apology.
November 20, 2025
Oh man where do I even begin? This was everything and more I wanted in a prequel. Anyone that has talked to me for more than 5 minutes knows that I am positively obsessed with The Senator's Wife so having a closer look into Catharine's life before the events that landed her married to Carlton was a real treat.
The story starts us off with a 17 year old Catharine Brooks in her first year of university where we also meet 19 years old Nathalie. Nat is my most favorite character and she did not disappoint here. The banter between the two of them was everything.
We knew that Catharine's story would be rough and angsty and it is. But Jen brings a lightness and amount of humour that I was not expecting. There were parts that were laugh out loud funny, which I appreciated. It helped to cut some of the tension. As like with her other books, there are tough topics and scenes. But they are handled with tact and care.
I don't want to spoil anything so I will cut off this rant before it fully derails. But buckle up for some angst we knew was coming and lightheartedness and teenage shenanigans that we didn't.
I would like to note that while this is a prequel it is critical it is read after you read The Senator's Wife series to really get the full effect.
I cannot thank Jen enough for providing me with an ARC and I can't wait for the rest of the world to experience this story.
The story starts us off with a 17 year old Catharine Brooks in her first year of university where we also meet 19 years old Nathalie. Nat is my most favorite character and she did not disappoint here. The banter between the two of them was everything.
We knew that Catharine's story would be rough and angsty and it is. But Jen brings a lightness and amount of humour that I was not expecting. There were parts that were laugh out loud funny, which I appreciated. It helped to cut some of the tension. As like with her other books, there are tough topics and scenes. But they are handled with tact and care.
I don't want to spoil anything so I will cut off this rant before it fully derails. But buckle up for some angst we knew was coming and lightheartedness and teenage shenanigans that we didn't.
I would like to note that while this is a prequel it is critical it is read after you read The Senator's Wife series to really get the full effect.
I cannot thank Jen enough for providing me with an ARC and I can't wait for the rest of the world to experience this story.
December 7, 2025
Wow.....Still processing it all ...but suffice to say as with some other Jen Lyon's books prepare your emotions for some 'twisting'.
Its been a wee while since I read the 'Senator's wife trilogy' and I was worried I may have forgotten Catherine. By the end of chapter one in this prequel I need not have worried.
The desperate love story of Catherine and Nathalie is at the heart throughout.
Its emotional, descriptive, drama driven writing at its very best.
The narrative of their surroundings was done with such care and detail. Oxford, Bordeaux, Edinburgh at Hogmany. The Scottish Highlands where they come across a familiar Welsh family. Nice touches.
I think in the 'trilogy' I felt I did not truly understand Nathalie's feelings for Catherine. The context is all here! and makes me respect them both so much more as characters.
As in the foreword to appreciate this fully, sorry you do need to have read the trilogy first.
Which I may now have to read again.. again..thanks to Jen Lyon.
Its been a wee while since I read the 'Senator's wife trilogy' and I was worried I may have forgotten Catherine. By the end of chapter one in this prequel I need not have worried.
The desperate love story of Catherine and Nathalie is at the heart throughout.
Its emotional, descriptive, drama driven writing at its very best.
The narrative of their surroundings was done with such care and detail. Oxford, Bordeaux, Edinburgh at Hogmany. The Scottish Highlands where they come across a familiar Welsh family. Nice touches.
I think in the 'trilogy' I felt I did not truly understand Nathalie's feelings for Catherine. The context is all here! and makes me respect them both so much more as characters.
As in the foreword to appreciate this fully, sorry you do need to have read the trilogy first.
Which I may now have to read again.. again..thanks to Jen Lyon.
January 26, 2026
⋆˙✮ 5
No words of mine could possibly do this book justice, but I certainly am going to try. My heart still kind of aches when I think about it.
Where do I even begin? Poor, sweet Catharine. From the main series, you get bits and pieces of just how devastating her background is, but no matter how prepared you think you are to read it, you’re not. She’s always been brilliant and talented, which is highlighted throughout the entire prequel, but she was also 𝘴𝘰 young. Every authority figure in her life absolutely failed her, and the transition from being under her father’s roof to Carlton’s was just trading one prison for another. She was just a girl— literally not even of legal drinking age in the United States when she was wed to Carlton, and as a reader, I mourned her youth alongside her. It really makes you appreciate Catharine’s bravery all the more in The Senator’s Wife to reclaim her life after experiencing enough abuse and hardship to last multiple lifetimes.
And Nathalie… I really thought I couldn’t love her more, but this book proved me wrong. She is everything good in the world— so selfless, confident, and caring— and it killed me to see her get her heart broken. She poured all of herself into her relationship with Catharine knowing there was an expiration date on it and didn’t regret a single thing. My heart ached for her the entire time; I was crying while reading her last letter to Catharine and their reunion after many years. She loved so freely, and frankly, deserved so much better than what she got. I desperately need Nathalie to get her own book and find her HEA.
As the author mentions herself at the beginning of this book, she writes love stories, not romances, and that’s exactly what The Colonel’s Daughter is. It was messy, tragic, and painful, but it was also beautiful, intimate, and emotionally rich. This is, without a doubt, Jen Lyon’s best work. Trust me, I love Catharine and Alex to pieces, but this was so good that it had me rooting for Catharine and Natalie even though I knew what would inevitably happen. I’ll be thinking about this one for days to come.
If you’re wanting to read this, I strongly suggest reading all 3 installments of The Senator’s Wife first— you really won’t regret it.
No words of mine could possibly do this book justice, but I certainly am going to try. My heart still kind of aches when I think about it.
Where do I even begin? Poor, sweet Catharine. From the main series, you get bits and pieces of just how devastating her background is, but no matter how prepared you think you are to read it, you’re not. She’s always been brilliant and talented, which is highlighted throughout the entire prequel, but she was also 𝘴𝘰 young. Every authority figure in her life absolutely failed her, and the transition from being under her father’s roof to Carlton’s was just trading one prison for another. She was just a girl— literally not even of legal drinking age in the United States when she was wed to Carlton, and as a reader, I mourned her youth alongside her. It really makes you appreciate Catharine’s bravery all the more in The Senator’s Wife to reclaim her life after experiencing enough abuse and hardship to last multiple lifetimes.
And Nathalie… I really thought I couldn’t love her more, but this book proved me wrong. She is everything good in the world— so selfless, confident, and caring— and it killed me to see her get her heart broken. She poured all of herself into her relationship with Catharine knowing there was an expiration date on it and didn’t regret a single thing. My heart ached for her the entire time; I was crying while reading her last letter to Catharine and their reunion after many years. She loved so freely, and frankly, deserved so much better than what she got. I desperately need Nathalie to get her own book and find her HEA.
As the author mentions herself at the beginning of this book, she writes love stories, not romances, and that’s exactly what The Colonel’s Daughter is. It was messy, tragic, and painful, but it was also beautiful, intimate, and emotionally rich. This is, without a doubt, Jen Lyon’s best work. Trust me, I love Catharine and Alex to pieces, but this was so good that it had me rooting for Catharine and Natalie even though I knew what would inevitably happen. I’ll be thinking about this one for days to come.
If you’re wanting to read this, I strongly suggest reading all 3 installments of The Senator’s Wife first— you really won’t regret it.
December 6, 2025
This book is about Cate and Nat, as always when Jen Lyon is the author a love story, not a romance. In this case no surprise about the outcome of this special first love not meant to be, it is a prequel after all, but still so painful and angsty, my favourite feeling when I read a book. This book gave me so much to think about, I now understand Catharine and Nathalie a bit better, and I must reread The Senator’s Wife series once more to get even more of them.
Cate and Nat come from different worlds and at this stage in life Catherine is not strong enough to break free from her father, the Colonel, that has such power over her. As a reader, even though you know what will happen, you still really want Catharine’s choice to be different this time, choose Nathalie over the life her father dictates. I truly believe they could have lived a happy life together if only Catharine had been brave and strong enough. Now they never get a chance at romantic love, but their friendship is so special and what makes Catherine find a way to find love again and finally break free both from her father and husband. Nathalie is so amazing and after what she has endured I really hope we will get a book about her one day that shows us her finding a new chance at true love just like Catharine did with Alex.
Another masterpiece by the author, if you have loved her previous books run and buy this book!
Cate and Nat come from different worlds and at this stage in life Catherine is not strong enough to break free from her father, the Colonel, that has such power over her. As a reader, even though you know what will happen, you still really want Catharine’s choice to be different this time, choose Nathalie over the life her father dictates. I truly believe they could have lived a happy life together if only Catharine had been brave and strong enough. Now they never get a chance at romantic love, but their friendship is so special and what makes Catherine find a way to find love again and finally break free both from her father and husband. Nathalie is so amazing and after what she has endured I really hope we will get a book about her one day that shows us her finding a new chance at true love just like Catharine did with Alex.
Another masterpiece by the author, if you have loved her previous books run and buy this book!
January 22, 2026
Jen Lyon doesn’t write light and fluffy romances. She writes these heart wrenching love affairs that are both beautiful and devastating. Reading this made me wish Cate and Nathalie ended up together.
Apparently there’s a fourth book coming for this series, (not including this prequel), not sure what it will entail but I’m here for it.
Apparently there’s a fourth book coming for this series, (not including this prequel), not sure what it will entail but I’m here for it.
December 8, 2025
I really wasn’t expecting to love this. Still, it’s just so raw and painful. From her father to the senator, switching one set of chains for another. No one should have to endure that level of constant control, brutality and violence. More and more, I admire Catherine’s bravery in even starting something with Alex, to choose someone for herself, finally. And Nathalie is just amazing; her patience, love, support, and guidance in Catherine’s life are invaluable. I couldn’t even begin to think of what would happen otherwise. Anyway, now I’m going to re-read the senator’s wife with a new and layered perspective.
December 9, 2025
A young love that is carried forever!
Jen Lyon brings us the love between Catherine Brooks and Nathalie Comtois to full perspective in this beautiful book! Cat shackled by wealth and a cruel father and Nathalie a free spirit fall in love. This is their story, the prequel to The Senator's Wife. As with the series before it, this is a FAVORITE!! I LOVE THIS BOOK! More than 5 stars!
Jen Lyon brings us the love between Catherine Brooks and Nathalie Comtois to full perspective in this beautiful book! Cat shackled by wealth and a cruel father and Nathalie a free spirit fall in love. This is their story, the prequel to The Senator's Wife. As with the series before it, this is a FAVORITE!! I LOVE THIS BOOK! More than 5 stars!
December 29, 2025
Anytime anyone asks me what my favorite book is, the answer is always the same: The Senator’s Wife trilogy. And since Catharine is my all-time favorite book character, there was no way I wasn’t going to read the prequel. That said, it took me longer than I expected to finish it - for the same reason I initially hesitated to pick it up. I dreaded turning the pages, knowing what was coming. I always skip that awful scene when I reread the original book. I just can’t put myself through it again because I love Catharine so much. And honestly, that speaks volumes about what an incredible writer Jen Lyon is, to create a character who feels this real and this deeply loved.
What came after that scene was even worse. I knew it would happen, I thought I was prepared, I imagined how it might unfold. And somehow it was still so much more painful. I cried with Catharine, which rarely happens to me when reading (except with Jen Lyon’s books, apparently).
Because of that, I really wanted to savor the moments before everything came crashing down. Seeing Catharine genuinely happy, watching her relationship with Nathalie develop through all these sweet scenes gave so much depth to their bond. The prequel adds so much insight into their relationship and makes it completely clear why it was Nathalie, not Alex, that Catharine turned to after the Fairmont Hotel events.
I liked Nathalie well enough before the prequel, but I don’t think I ever truly understood her until now. After this book, I desperately need a happy ending for her. It’s so clear she never stopped loving Catharine, even after twenty-three years.
I also loved how Catharine’s internal struggle, the weight of expectations and coming to terms with her feelings, mirrored Alex’s and gave new meaning to her words: “I understand far more than you will ever know.” This book also had more intimate scenes, which I appreciated, and Dillon’s cameo absolutely made me cry all over again.
More than anything, this book stayed with me. I kept thinking about it and feeling for these characters long after I finished. It’s incredible how real they feel.
The Colonel’s Daughter is an absolute must-read for any fan of The Senator’s Wife trilogy. Please don’t skip it. And now I’m off to reread the trilogy because I desperately need that happy ending. Can’t wait for Duplicity!
What came after that scene was even worse. I knew it would happen, I thought I was prepared, I imagined how it might unfold. And somehow it was still so much more painful. I cried with Catharine, which rarely happens to me when reading (except with Jen Lyon’s books, apparently).
Because of that, I really wanted to savor the moments before everything came crashing down. Seeing Catharine genuinely happy, watching her relationship with Nathalie develop through all these sweet scenes gave so much depth to their bond. The prequel adds so much insight into their relationship and makes it completely clear why it was Nathalie, not Alex, that Catharine turned to after the Fairmont Hotel events.
I liked Nathalie well enough before the prequel, but I don’t think I ever truly understood her until now. After this book, I desperately need a happy ending for her. It’s so clear she never stopped loving Catharine, even after twenty-three years.
I also loved how Catharine’s internal struggle, the weight of expectations and coming to terms with her feelings, mirrored Alex’s and gave new meaning to her words: “I understand far more than you will ever know.” This book also had more intimate scenes, which I appreciated, and Dillon’s cameo absolutely made me cry all over again.
More than anything, this book stayed with me. I kept thinking about it and feeling for these characters long after I finished. It’s incredible how real they feel.
The Colonel’s Daughter is an absolute must-read for any fan of The Senator’s Wife trilogy. Please don’t skip it. And now I’m off to reread the trilogy because I desperately need that happy ending. Can’t wait for Duplicity!
January 25, 2026
Finishing a really good book is like finishing a great bottle of wine , you want to savour it for a while. You want to linger in that world just a little longer, to stay with the characters because somewhere along the way you grew to love them. The thing is, I already loved Catherine, having first met her in The Senator’s Wife series. What I didn’t realize was that it would be possible to love her more , but this book has accomplished exactly that.
Once again, Jen Lyon proves she isn’t afraid to tackle tough subjects. As she says, she writes love stories, not romance. While some writers wane after a few books, Jen Lyon manages to get better with each one and that’s saying something, because her debut was an excellent read.
The Colonel’s Daughter is meticulously researched and beautifully crafted , filled with English colloquialisms and French expressions that make the world feel vivid, authentic, and fully lived-in. It’s an emotionally resonant story that will linger long after the last page.
Once again, Jen Lyon proves she isn’t afraid to tackle tough subjects. As she says, she writes love stories, not romance. While some writers wane after a few books, Jen Lyon manages to get better with each one and that’s saying something, because her debut was an excellent read.
The Colonel’s Daughter is meticulously researched and beautifully crafted , filled with English colloquialisms and French expressions that make the world feel vivid, authentic, and fully lived-in. It’s an emotionally resonant story that will linger long after the last page.
December 2, 2025
I loved reading the story of Catharine and Nathalie! After reading The Senator’s Wife series I wondered about their back story. Jen Lyon filled in the gaps with another consuming story that is raw and engaging. The sweetness of their connection throughout the years is heartwarming and it left me wishing they had found a way to be together.
The story was well written and continued to ignite my contempt of the colonel and her forced marriage to Carlton (a true and complete asshole).
The Colonel’s Daughter is a must read for those that enjoyed The Senator’s Wife series.
Thank you, Jen Lyon, for the arc. I am happy to leave this honest review.
The story was well written and continued to ignite my contempt of the colonel and her forced marriage to Carlton (a true and complete asshole).
The Colonel’s Daughter is a must read for those that enjoyed The Senator’s Wife series.
Thank you, Jen Lyon, for the arc. I am happy to leave this honest review.
December 7, 2025
I’m a mess.
Cate and Nat stole my heart. Strangely, I think this is the most romantic book Jen has written out of the entire series, perhaps to depict the urgency, passion and rawness of first love.
Don’t get me wrong, I adore Catharine and Alex but after reading this masterpiece, I almost wish Jen would make an AU where these two end up together. Can a woman have two loves of her life? I think this series’ answer is simply: yes, she can.
Cate and Nat stole my heart. Strangely, I think this is the most romantic book Jen has written out of the entire series, perhaps to depict the urgency, passion and rawness of first love.
Don’t get me wrong, I adore Catharine and Alex but after reading this masterpiece, I almost wish Jen would make an AU where these two end up together. Can a woman have two loves of her life? I think this series’ answer is simply: yes, she can.
January 4, 2026
Another amazing book by Jen Lyon! This book deserves every bit of 5 Stars! Warning… just like her other books, it leaves you wanting more. The story feels real with a lot of emotions packed in it. It will be a reread and I will listen to it when the audio version comes out! Thank you, Jen, for getting me out of my reading funk!
December 7, 2025
As always, Jen Lyon delivers another an amazing story. I loved getting to see the start of Catherine and Natalie’s friendship and love story. Their relationship was beautifully depicted and while parts were tragic, there was such a sweetness and intensity to them that broke my heart open. If you haven’t read The Senators Wife series yet, do yourself a favor and read them. The way Jen Lyon writes love stories is unmatched.
December 7, 2025
I get a book hangover every time I finish a Jen Lyon book. EVERY TIME.
December 28, 2025
Prequels aren’t my usual read but I was totally enamoured with The Senator’s Wife series so... But I was reticent for reasons, and okay it took me a chapter or two to relax into the read for just those reasons. Then I was hooked. Yet I knew it was no contest. I’d been fooling myself because I knew all along I couldn’t not read it. OMG! It didn’t even begin to disappoint.
It tied up a few, not loose ends exactly, but sort of almost endearing bits and pieces, for example, how Catharine met Malcolm. I also liked that JL was expansive when she needed to be but restrained with other things. Nothing was over or underdone.
I’ll admit I choked up so many times and my heart ached for Catharine. (Yes, I do have a thing for Catharine, and there’s a particular buffoon who is probably my most hated character, coupled with the horrible hypocrite on the other side of the ocean, that could tip anyone over into ‘homicidal’.) No spoiler, but the gift of the Jane Eyre book with margin comments almost undid me.
Read this book with confidence, especially if you’ve been as taken with The Senator’s Wife series as I was.
It tied up a few, not loose ends exactly, but sort of almost endearing bits and pieces, for example, how Catharine met Malcolm. I also liked that JL was expansive when she needed to be but restrained with other things. Nothing was over or underdone.
I’ll admit I choked up so many times and my heart ached for Catharine. (Yes, I do have a thing for Catharine, and there’s a particular buffoon who is probably my most hated character, coupled with the horrible hypocrite on the other side of the ocean, that could tip anyone over into ‘homicidal’.) No spoiler, but the gift of the Jane Eyre book with margin comments almost undid me.
Read this book with confidence, especially if you’ve been as taken with The Senator’s Wife series as I was.
December 24, 2025
I can’t really explain what this series means to me. Whatever I say will never be strong enough for everything it makes me feel. These characters live in my head rent free.
I even went to London because of these books — to walk the same streets, see the places from the story, and understand it better. Now London is my favorite city I’ve ever visited. That’s how much this series means to me.
I think about these characters all the time, especially Catharine, and The Colonel’s Daughter only made that love stronger. Reading this was painful in the best way. Knowing where her story is going, knowing what awaits her, and still hoping with everything in me that she would somehow fight back, free herself from her father, from the abuse, the trauma, the control that defined her entire life… It felt like watching a car crash — knowing exactly what will happen and being completely powerless to stop it.
What surprised me the most was how much I cared about Catharine and Natalie together. I knew they wouldn’t end up as a couple, that their story leads back to friendship — and yet I rooted for them so hard. By the end, it felt perfect. Not a romance, but a real love story about healing, forgiveness, and finding your way back to each other.
Now I want Natalie’s story more than ever. I need her book. And I need her happy ending.
The Colonel’s Daughter broke my heart and somehow made this series even more special to me.
I even went to London because of these books — to walk the same streets, see the places from the story, and understand it better. Now London is my favorite city I’ve ever visited. That’s how much this series means to me.
I think about these characters all the time, especially Catharine, and The Colonel’s Daughter only made that love stronger. Reading this was painful in the best way. Knowing where her story is going, knowing what awaits her, and still hoping with everything in me that she would somehow fight back, free herself from her father, from the abuse, the trauma, the control that defined her entire life… It felt like watching a car crash — knowing exactly what will happen and being completely powerless to stop it.
What surprised me the most was how much I cared about Catharine and Natalie together. I knew they wouldn’t end up as a couple, that their story leads back to friendship — and yet I rooted for them so hard. By the end, it felt perfect. Not a romance, but a real love story about healing, forgiveness, and finding your way back to each other.
Now I want Natalie’s story more than ever. I need her book. And I need her happy ending.
The Colonel’s Daughter broke my heart and somehow made this series even more special to me.
December 7, 2025
OK, it's official. Jen Lyon has proven everything she writes is gold.
When I first saw on her insta she was writing a prequel, I was bummed. That didn't hold my interest. I love Catharine and Alex too much.
But after reading the first three books in the series, I certainly wasn't going to NOT read it. So, I did.
And what! This book may be even better than the first three. and I don't say that lightly. Because Caught Sleeping holds my HEART.
But whatever this was, I couldn't put it down. It was NOTHING of what I expected. I thought it would be redundant and boring. A retelling of everything we already knew. And I was SO FRICKING WRONG.
Thank you, Jen Lyon, for making a believer of me. This story was seriously everything I didn't know I needed. You are a genius. Never stop writing, ok?
But also.... you promised us a 4th book for Catharine and Alex. Don't forget that, ok???
If you love the series, this book is a MUST READ. It makes the entire series better. If that's even possible.
Ok, I'm done.
READ IT!
When I first saw on her insta she was writing a prequel, I was bummed. That didn't hold my interest. I love Catharine and Alex too much.
But after reading the first three books in the series, I certainly wasn't going to NOT read it. So, I did.
And what! This book may be even better than the first three. and I don't say that lightly. Because Caught Sleeping holds my HEART.
But whatever this was, I couldn't put it down. It was NOTHING of what I expected. I thought it would be redundant and boring. A retelling of everything we already knew. And I was SO FRICKING WRONG.
Thank you, Jen Lyon, for making a believer of me. This story was seriously everything I didn't know I needed. You are a genius. Never stop writing, ok?
But also.... you promised us a 4th book for Catharine and Alex. Don't forget that, ok???
If you love the series, this book is a MUST READ. It makes the entire series better. If that's even possible.
Ok, I'm done.
READ IT!
December 11, 2025
Just beautiful. I wasn’t too sure what to expect, obviously wanting and needing more insight into Catharine’s life growing up. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be enchanted with Catharine’s and Nathalie’s love story, knowing how it already ends, not wanting their story to over cloud how I already feel about Catharine with Alex. Even though Alex pissed me off sometimes🙄.. I ship their relationship so hard and I didn’t want reading ‘The Colonels Daughter’ to make me feel otherwise, in wishing Catharine ended up with Nathalie instead. Nonetheless as always, Jen blew my expectations out of the water (iykyk) and into a new dimension. I am no writer and can’t even begin to articulate how lovely yet heart breaking this story is. I will say it is exactly what’s ‘missing’ and what this series needed. It answers so many questions about Catharine… why she made the ‘choices’ she did, not only why she wasn’t with Nathalie but why it made sense, why Catharine couldn’t stay away from Alex, why Alex indeed is who Catharine needs. Alex not only saw Catharine the way only one other person had, but she healed her inner young adult; the heart broken young woman who was too worried about the consequences to choose love. For that I always had a love/ hate relationship with Nathalie, sometimes it seemed she was projecting her jealously onto Alex.. maybe because Alex was worth the consequences and she wasn’t, but it is so so SO much more than that and I was clearly off base. This book really shows insight on both woman so well it makes you see why Nathalie is the way she is with Catharine throughout the series with new eyes. I now not only love Nathalie, have a new love for Catharine but understand both woman so much more now.
Ugh.. thank you Jen for another stupidly amazing book🥹 now I have to read the first three all over again with my renewed perspective.
Please, just do yourselves a favour if you haven’t already and read the books in this beautiful series (in order of release) and thank Jen later ❤️
Ugh.. thank you Jen for another stupidly amazing book🥹 now I have to read the first three all over again with my renewed perspective.
Please, just do yourselves a favour if you haven’t already and read the books in this beautiful series (in order of release) and thank Jen later ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2025
Jen Lyons can’t publish books fast enough. The way she writes her love stories, with deep character development is truly so special.
December 15, 2025
now i have the biggest urge to reread the series🫠
December 17, 2025
this series is my Heated Rivalry
December 30, 2025
Jen has done it again. Perfection. Makes me want to re read the series
December 5, 2025
Another masterpiece from Jen, which is an expectation at this point. I’m not sure she could produce anything but gold. I fell in love with Catharine in the Senator’s wife series, but to have to privilege to know Cate, is something else entirely. This is a story you think you know from the glimpses you see in the original series, but it’s so much more than could have been imagined. I have a renewed respect for Nathalie and an admiration for the role they played in one another’s life. The emotional journey was splendid! 10/10
December 9, 2025
5/5
i will come back later with a full review but i’m just speechless and i cried a lot and i need to drink like 10 liters of water to recover.
— /4 hours later/
if a book has catharine in it, i’ll cry. but if the book has young catharine, living her first love while navigating her father’s suffocating expectations, I’LL CRY EVEN HARDER. this was just… wow. i can’t stress enough how deeply i love catharine, and how this book somehow made me love her even more (like if that was remotely possible). she’ll live in my mind and heart RENT FREE for the rest of my life.
i adored reading about her relationship with nathalie🥹 even knowing it would end in a tragedy, i couldn’t stop myself from falling in love with them. seeing them together at this stage of their lives was both beautiful and devastating. their love, their tenderness, the way nathalie cared for cate(❤️) and wanted nothing but her happiness… it all felt so raw and hopeful. so incredibly sweet and naive and so so real. they were so young, so in love, so convinced that there could be a future where they didn’t have to hide, where catharine could finally be free from the life chosen for her.
and even after the most catastrophic thing happened to them (still have my whole face swollen from crying so much btw), they still carved out space for each other in their lives. even when it hurt. even when it meant accepting that the future they dreamed of would never be theirs. “giving up” on their relationship as a couple to be friends and support each other through life.
and as shakespeare wrote:
“love is not love which alters when it alteration finds”, no matter what, true love stays constant, even when everything around it falls apart.
p/s: i’m a natharine/cathalie— or whatever you wanna call it — shipper. i can’t help it. sorry alex xoxo
jen lyon did it again (give me a break, PLEASE!!!)
i will come back later with a full review but i’m just speechless and i cried a lot and i need to drink like 10 liters of water to recover.
— /4 hours later/
if a book has catharine in it, i’ll cry. but if the book has young catharine, living her first love while navigating her father’s suffocating expectations, I’LL CRY EVEN HARDER. this was just… wow. i can’t stress enough how deeply i love catharine, and how this book somehow made me love her even more (like if that was remotely possible). she’ll live in my mind and heart RENT FREE for the rest of my life.
i adored reading about her relationship with nathalie🥹 even knowing it would end in a tragedy, i couldn’t stop myself from falling in love with them. seeing them together at this stage of their lives was both beautiful and devastating. their love, their tenderness, the way nathalie cared for cate(❤️) and wanted nothing but her happiness… it all felt so raw and hopeful. so incredibly sweet and naive and so so real. they were so young, so in love, so convinced that there could be a future where they didn’t have to hide, where catharine could finally be free from the life chosen for her.
and even after the most catastrophic thing happened to them (still have my whole face swollen from crying so much btw), they still carved out space for each other in their lives. even when it hurt. even when it meant accepting that the future they dreamed of would never be theirs. “giving up” on their relationship as a couple to be friends and support each other through life.
and as shakespeare wrote:
“love is not love which alters when it alteration finds”, no matter what, true love stays constant, even when everything around it falls apart.
p/s: i’m a natharine/cathalie— or whatever you wanna call it — shipper. i can’t help it. sorry alex xoxo
jen lyon did it again (give me a break, PLEASE!!!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 11, 2025Jen Lyon has become an auto buy author for me. This book was amazing. Knowing how it would end having read the Senator’s Wife series didn’t detract at all. And the cameos of other characters in her world was masterfully done. (If not a little heartbreaking with little Dillon and Seron)
It was tough reading Catharine without much of a backbone at all. By the time we meet her in The Senator’s Wife she is freer than she felt at any point in this book.
Selfishly I admit to wishing this wasn’t the first book of Jen to not having an alternating POV each chapter. I would have loved to see this through Nathalie’s eyes as well, not just the three journal entries. This wish is just me being greedy, I love the French woman she steals the scene always. And I eagerly await a novel in which Nathalie is the main character, hopefully with Elle at her side.
It was tough reading Catharine without much of a backbone at all. By the time we meet her in The Senator’s Wife she is freer than she felt at any point in this book.
Selfishly I admit to wishing this wasn’t the first book of Jen to not having an alternating POV each chapter. I would have loved to see this through Nathalie’s eyes as well, not just the three journal entries. This wish is just me being greedy, I love the French woman she steals the scene always. And I eagerly await a novel in which Nathalie is the main character, hopefully with Elle at her side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2026
Alert spoiler
I dreaded to start The Colonel’s Daughter.
How could have I not? We all know how Cate’s first love would have ended, but the journey has been unparalleled. Beautifully crafted and perfectly delivered. Jen Lyon, you have my gratitude. You gave us another magnificent love story and an everlasting caring friendship.
I loved seeing Catharine Brooks chose herself for once in her young life, despite a violent, abusive, manipulative, patronizing, chastising father, what a bastard of a man. How poorly Catharine has been treated, belittled, threatened and beaten by the Colonel? A million times, but for once Cate has chosen herself, letting herself love and be loved by the most impressive and supportive woman I’ve ever read about. Nathalie Comtois, the one who told Cate “I don’t want you to be sorry. I want you to be happy”… “I don’t want you to stand up for me. I want you to stand up for yourself”. The one who loved so much and so deep Catharine Brooks to write down that “She’s going to be the death of me, I swear… I know I can’t save her. But I don’t know how to walk away”.
I loved seeing an untamed, unrestrained, fearless Cate. “You don’t kiss like an English girl” stated Nathalie after their first kiss under Magdalen Bridge. “She understood, now, the full meaning of desire. Of want. Of need. Of urgency and the reverent ache of anticipation. It wasn’t a demand, something only to be taken, but a sensation shared in equal measure. Given freely – with hands, with lips, with unadulterad devotion” thought Cate after the first time with Nathalie at Wytham chapel. “Deliberately, resolutely, she raised her bound wrist above her head… A reserved part of her… wanted to shrink from Nathalie’s gaze, from the unabashed way her body, unsheltered in the flicker of ember firelight. But there was an opposing side that found it strangely freeing, this relinquishment of control. Feeling the taut tug of silk, her arms stretched above her – a tactile reminder: she was no longer in position to set the terms to which she was accostumed… She was unfamiliar with the powerlessness of the situation, the inability to respond with equal measure” felt Cate when she trusted Nathalie to make love to her at Honour Stone, under the same roof where the Colonel was, on new year’s day.
All of that and so much more (the summer vacation in Bordeaux with Nat’s maman? Perfect. The Christmas vacation in the Scottish Highlands where I swear I’ve seen a young Dillon, yes my dear, “that” Dillon Fucking Sinlclair? Chef’s kiss. The Penguins puns? OMG, how I laughed), while both Cate and Nathalie were perfectly aware about the precariousness nature of their relationship.
I like to think, just for a moment, that what Cate said to Nathalie after the night spent in her bedroom, at the dawn of the new year, could come true: “We could do it, you know,” Catharine said, trying to silence the prison erected around her. “A life in Paris.” She turned into Nathalie, seeking comfort in her warmth. “Just you and me.”. What a fool I’ve been, haven’t I? “We could.” Nathalie folded her in her arms, her lips against her forehead, but the sight that followed was deep and unmistakably lade with melancholy. “But I think we both know this is the closest I’ll ever come to having you completely”… “Maybe not all of me,” she finally whispered, her cheek pressed to Nathalie’s chest, consoled by the steady rhythm of her heartbeat “But the only parts of that matter are unreservedly yours”.
And in a blink of an eye all come tumbling down. No more kisses, no more hands mapping each other body and soul, no more tender words whispered at night. No more comfort. No more life to live wholesome for Catharine. No more love at all. Only another bastard of a man, Representative Carlton Cleveland. Thank you very much Colonel Benjamin Brooks.
Almost four years, almost four fucking years before Catharine was granted to meet Nathalie again, the only person keeping her afloat, keeping the desire to fill her coat with stone and wading herself in the ocean away. “I miss my dearest friend” wrote Catherine, “I miss you, Cate. I miss you in my life” said Nathalie the first time they saw each other. And then “Nathalie stopped in the middle of the pavement and wheeled around… now they were face-to-face, with no space between them. No space to think. No space to breathe. No space to temper foolish longings. And then Nathalie was kissing her. Kissing her in a way Catharine hadn’t been kissed in years. Kissing her in a way she wanted more than anything. A way she could never steer her thoughts from as she drifted to sleep each night… Kissing her in a way she shouldn’t. Kissing her in a way Catharine couldn’t allow.” And so Cate said “We can’t”, even if Nathalie pleaded, whispered “No one is you-”. So, so much love here, Nathalie Comtois, isn’t it? And so, so much self-restrain there, Catharine Brooks, isn’t it? Until she met the only daughter of the famed architect Alexander Grey - dead together with her wife Martha, somewhere in Alaska due to a seaplane crash into the Blyng Sound -, Alex Grey (only ten year old at the time, if I’ve done my math exactly).
I loved every single word, every single moment, every single emotion pouring from The Colonel’s Daughter. And I’m proud of it.
Just one last thing. Let me be a bit of a romantic.
In year 1994 Cate asked Nathalie “If I’m – If I seem different tomorrow”, she says for lack of a better word, “will you promise to forgive me?” “Hey.” Nathalie squeezed her hand. “You should know by now – I love you every way you are, Cate Brooks. I wish you could see that”. Again, so, so much love here, then turned in an everlasting beautiful friendship.
In year 2018 Catharine asked Alex “You must promise me this: there are things that will get hard ahead of us – difficult things – things that will test us both… promise me you’ll not hate me for them? And promise you’ll forgive me if I ever seem cold or uncaring?” “I could never hate you,” was all Alex could find to say, her voice tremoring with emotion.”. A blooming love turned in a forever, together “no longer facing life 1v1” there (From The Senator's Wife and Whistleblower)
As Jen Lyon suggest, read the trilogy before reading The Colonel's Daughter: Prequel to the Senator's Wife. and please, keep it in your mind, Jen Lyon writes love story, not romance.
Please, read the TW.
I dreaded to start The Colonel’s Daughter.
How could have I not? We all know how Cate’s first love would have ended, but the journey has been unparalleled. Beautifully crafted and perfectly delivered. Jen Lyon, you have my gratitude. You gave us another magnificent love story and an everlasting caring friendship.
I loved seeing Catharine Brooks chose herself for once in her young life, despite a violent, abusive, manipulative, patronizing, chastising father, what a bastard of a man. How poorly Catharine has been treated, belittled, threatened and beaten by the Colonel? A million times, but for once Cate has chosen herself, letting herself love and be loved by the most impressive and supportive woman I’ve ever read about. Nathalie Comtois, the one who told Cate “I don’t want you to be sorry. I want you to be happy”… “I don’t want you to stand up for me. I want you to stand up for yourself”. The one who loved so much and so deep Catharine Brooks to write down that “She’s going to be the death of me, I swear… I know I can’t save her. But I don’t know how to walk away”.
I loved seeing an untamed, unrestrained, fearless Cate. “You don’t kiss like an English girl” stated Nathalie after their first kiss under Magdalen Bridge. “She understood, now, the full meaning of desire. Of want. Of need. Of urgency and the reverent ache of anticipation. It wasn’t a demand, something only to be taken, but a sensation shared in equal measure. Given freely – with hands, with lips, with unadulterad devotion” thought Cate after the first time with Nathalie at Wytham chapel. “Deliberately, resolutely, she raised her bound wrist above her head… A reserved part of her… wanted to shrink from Nathalie’s gaze, from the unabashed way her body, unsheltered in the flicker of ember firelight. But there was an opposing side that found it strangely freeing, this relinquishment of control. Feeling the taut tug of silk, her arms stretched above her – a tactile reminder: she was no longer in position to set the terms to which she was accostumed… She was unfamiliar with the powerlessness of the situation, the inability to respond with equal measure” felt Cate when she trusted Nathalie to make love to her at Honour Stone, under the same roof where the Colonel was, on new year’s day.
All of that and so much more (the summer vacation in Bordeaux with Nat’s maman? Perfect. The Christmas vacation in the Scottish Highlands where I swear I’ve seen a young Dillon, yes my dear, “that” Dillon Fucking Sinlclair? Chef’s kiss. The Penguins puns? OMG, how I laughed), while both Cate and Nathalie were perfectly aware about the precariousness nature of their relationship.
I like to think, just for a moment, that what Cate said to Nathalie after the night spent in her bedroom, at the dawn of the new year, could come true: “We could do it, you know,” Catharine said, trying to silence the prison erected around her. “A life in Paris.” She turned into Nathalie, seeking comfort in her warmth. “Just you and me.”. What a fool I’ve been, haven’t I? “We could.” Nathalie folded her in her arms, her lips against her forehead, but the sight that followed was deep and unmistakably lade with melancholy. “But I think we both know this is the closest I’ll ever come to having you completely”… “Maybe not all of me,” she finally whispered, her cheek pressed to Nathalie’s chest, consoled by the steady rhythm of her heartbeat “But the only parts of that matter are unreservedly yours”.
And in a blink of an eye all come tumbling down. No more kisses, no more hands mapping each other body and soul, no more tender words whispered at night. No more comfort. No more life to live wholesome for Catharine. No more love at all. Only another bastard of a man, Representative Carlton Cleveland. Thank you very much Colonel Benjamin Brooks.
Almost four years, almost four fucking years before Catharine was granted to meet Nathalie again, the only person keeping her afloat, keeping the desire to fill her coat with stone and wading herself in the ocean away. “I miss my dearest friend” wrote Catherine, “I miss you, Cate. I miss you in my life” said Nathalie the first time they saw each other. And then “Nathalie stopped in the middle of the pavement and wheeled around… now they were face-to-face, with no space between them. No space to think. No space to breathe. No space to temper foolish longings. And then Nathalie was kissing her. Kissing her in a way Catharine hadn’t been kissed in years. Kissing her in a way she wanted more than anything. A way she could never steer her thoughts from as she drifted to sleep each night… Kissing her in a way she shouldn’t. Kissing her in a way Catharine couldn’t allow.” And so Cate said “We can’t”, even if Nathalie pleaded, whispered “No one is you-”. So, so much love here, Nathalie Comtois, isn’t it? And so, so much self-restrain there, Catharine Brooks, isn’t it? Until she met the only daughter of the famed architect Alexander Grey - dead together with her wife Martha, somewhere in Alaska due to a seaplane crash into the Blyng Sound -, Alex Grey (only ten year old at the time, if I’ve done my math exactly).
I loved every single word, every single moment, every single emotion pouring from The Colonel’s Daughter. And I’m proud of it.
Just one last thing. Let me be a bit of a romantic.
In year 1994 Cate asked Nathalie “If I’m – If I seem different tomorrow”, she says for lack of a better word, “will you promise to forgive me?” “Hey.” Nathalie squeezed her hand. “You should know by now – I love you every way you are, Cate Brooks. I wish you could see that”. Again, so, so much love here, then turned in an everlasting beautiful friendship.
In year 2018 Catharine asked Alex “You must promise me this: there are things that will get hard ahead of us – difficult things – things that will test us both… promise me you’ll not hate me for them? And promise you’ll forgive me if I ever seem cold or uncaring?” “I could never hate you,” was all Alex could find to say, her voice tremoring with emotion.”. A blooming love turned in a forever, together “no longer facing life 1v1” there (From The Senator's Wife and Whistleblower)
As Jen Lyon suggest, read the trilogy before reading The Colonel's Daughter: Prequel to the Senator's Wife. and please, keep it in your mind, Jen Lyon writes love story, not romance.
Please, read the TW.
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