Enjoyable finish to the series that offers a brief glimpse of prior MCs. ( )

This was okay, but the hero was just so entirely obsessed with his old injury. It started to feel ridiculous, and like he apparently had several much larger problems, like overwhelming pride and cowardice, that wouldn't necessarily resolve themselves as well, just because he eventually forced some vulnerability at the very end. It didn't ruin the whole book, but it was an awfully large part of the book and, for me, it kept it from being a higher score. ( )

I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but I've read other authors who've written the same type (survivors of the Napoleonic wars). Nicholas's legs were crushed when his horse fell on him during battle. He's become a recluse, once a fine horseman, but unable to deal with the repercussions from his injuries. Amelia is his neighbor who has spent the last decade caring for her grandmother and father and is now finally free to pursue social activities. Her sudden freedom leads to some missteps, and she and Nicholas are forced to marry when they're caught together in a passionate kiss.
Nicholas is a little whiny but otherwise fine as the 'Beast' in this relationship. Amelia is a different story. I really didn't care for her and didn't feel any chemistry between her and Nicholas, only lust. And don't get me started on Sweetie, the pig.
It's a quick and forgettable read. ( )

The last of our Survivors from Draven’s Dozen has finally found his HEA. Nicholas St. Clare lived for horses before the war. He rode them, he trained them, he groomed them – he just loved them. Then, during the heat of battle, he lost it all. He nearly died when his beloved warhorse fell on him, but his fellow survivors found him and saved him – at least they saved most of him. His legs were horribly crushed and the doctors were sure he'd never walk again. He did manage to walk again – very slowly and very painfully – but walk he did. What he cannot do – and will never be able to do is ride again. He’s ashamed of his horrible scars and deformed legs, so he thinks everyone pities him and would run in horror if they ever saw his scars. He doesn’t ever want to marry, but his mother is on a crusade and she’s wanting to parade all of those typical ton misses before him. He can’t do it – he just can’t do it – and then, he doesn’t have to because he inadvertently compromises a local gently born lady. Hmmm – so he finds himself presented with the opportunity for a marriage in name only that will perfectly suit both the lady and himself. Yep – we all know how well that is going to work.

Amelia Blackstock has spent her life nursing one ill family member or another. She’s loving, dutiful, and finally has at least a little freedom since her father’s death. Well, maybe a tad too much freedom or maybe it is a bit of poor judgment. Now, she’s in a spot of bother, and being compromised by Lord Nicholas might not be a bad thing at all.

I really liked Amelia and I loved how she saw Nicholas as more than his injuries. From the very beginning, she defended him and protected him – and that was before she even really knew him at all. I liked Nicholas as well and I could understand his insecurities – but I thought they went on a bit too long.

I loved the house party with all of the survivors and their wives. It was great to catch up with them and see them all with their families. Rafe Beaumont was particularly entertaining, but I would have liked to see some grand epiphany that allowed him and his family to live in England.

All-in-all, it was a lovely read and a sweet farewell to the Survivors. Nicholas’s sister Fortensia could certainly use her own HEA, so maybe we’ll get that in another series. I really liked her and how well she cared for Nicholas.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )