" I liked this book much better than the first one in the series. Why? well because In the first book Tristan was the most lighthearted of the brothers and he sort of flitted in and out of Sebastians story like a butterfly. Hiding the depth of his scars from his uncle's attempt to kill off the heirs and steal their legacy and inheritance. Sebastian's story kind of plodded along until almost 1/2 way through the book but Tristian's story starts off at a perky pace and keeps that pace up throughout. Also as this is a romance book we don't have to wait too long before the central characters (Anne and Tristan) hit the sheets and hit them repeatedly. Not in a overkill sort of way but in a way that was nice and shows that yes! Regency era folks did get it on. Did lust after each other and given the history of the brothers there would be no longing glances across a room and desires that went unfilled. Tristan is still much of restless butterfly. Heading to sea because that is where he feels freest and that is where part of his unexpected journey as a youth took him when he and his brothers were forced to split up. He thinks that the seafaring life is the life for him... Until he meets Anne. Anne has lost something precious in a distant land and cannot move on until she has a cathartic "come to Jesus" with her loss. Tristan, smitten on sight is the one to take her on this cleansing journey and the one to fall in love to her almost unbeknownst to himself. Anne for her part is no silly Miss. She knows her mind and barges through the story in a very self-confident way that had me smiling. She knew her place and her duty in society but tried her best to live life on her terms and honor her familial commitments in a way that was honorable. Truly a good pairing.
There are a few twists and turns in the book that keep the pathway to lasting love from getting stale and boring and a few secondary characters were pretty fun, especially Chetwyn and Hermoine. While not fully blown up as secondary characters, if this author wanted to she could do 2 quick novellas on these two that might be a hoot to read. Rafe's story is next and I quite feel my heart will break for him in his story because while the other brothers were able to get far away he was forced to exist in a workhouse and I fear his scars may be deepest of all..
a good, fast read, enjoyable and worth a look. "
— Christine, 12/8/2013