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The Education of... #2
The Education of Caroline
Ten years after their broken affair, Sebastian and Caroline meet again: this time in very different circumstances, against the background of the war in Afghanistan.
Now a successful journalist, Caroline meets Chief Sebastian Hunter, US Marine. Will this chance encounter rekindle the erotic madness of her passionate affair with a younger man?
Now a successful journalist, Caroline meets Chief Sebastian Hunter, US Marine. Will this chance encounter rekindle the erotic madness of her passionate affair with a younger man?
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2013
194 people are currently reading
4760 people want to read
About the author
Jane Harvey-Berrick
80 books2,029 followersAuthor also writes under Jane H. Berrick
Writing is my passion and my obsession. I write every day and I love it. My head is full of stories and characters. I'll never keep up with all my ideas...
All through 2021, I'll be including a new and original short story in my monthly newsletter. You'll get a FREE copy of my little heartbreaker PLAYING IN THE RAIN when you do.
http://janeharveyberrick.co.uk/newsle...
I live in a small village by the ocean and walk on the beach every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas.
Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.
I've just published my first ever historical romance - partly set in Britain during World War Two, and partly set in Iowa and Las Vegas today: THE LILAC CADILLAC
Did you know that I also write books with STUART REARDON, talented, kind AND handsome!
UNDEFEATED
MODEL BOYFRIEND
GYM OR CHOCOLATE?
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO VINCE
THE BABY GAME (Nov 24th 2021)
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Amazon US http://amzn.to/1M3cFuw amazon.com/author/janeharveyberrick
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FB Author page https://www.facebook.com/JHBWrites/
My Reader Group Jane’s Travelers https://www.facebook.com/groups/74596...
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Don’t want to miss a discounted book or a freebie? Follow me on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-...
Email jharveyberrick@gmail.com
Youtube https://goo.gl/YBjWdd
Website www.janeharveyberrick.com
Writing is my passion and my obsession. I write every day and I love it. My head is full of stories and characters. I'll never keep up with all my ideas...
All through 2021, I'll be including a new and original short story in my monthly newsletter. You'll get a FREE copy of my little heartbreaker PLAYING IN THE RAIN when you do.
http://janeharveyberrick.co.uk/newsle...
I live in a small village by the ocean and walk on the beach every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas.
Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.
I've just published my first ever historical romance - partly set in Britain during World War Two, and partly set in Iowa and Las Vegas today: THE LILAC CADILLAC
Did you know that I also write books with STUART REARDON, talented, kind AND handsome!
UNDEFEATED
MODEL BOYFRIEND
GYM OR CHOCOLATE?
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO VINCE
THE BABY GAME (Nov 24th 2021)
Find me!
Amazon US http://amzn.to/1M3cFuw amazon.com/author/janeharveyberrick
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1PdO987
FB Author page https://www.facebook.com/JHBWrites/
My Reader Group Jane’s Travelers https://www.facebook.com/groups/74596...
https://twitter.com/jharveyberrick
https://instagram.com/jharveyberrick
http://www.pinterest.com/jharveyberrick
Don’t want to miss a discounted book or a freebie? Follow me on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-...
Email jharveyberrick@gmail.com
Youtube https://goo.gl/YBjWdd
Website www.janeharveyberrick.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 665 reviews
February 20, 2013
5***** emotional stars. The Education of Caroline is the sequel as well as a beautiful conclusion to The Education of Sebastian. A-mazing!
When a woman turns 40 she is no longer young, but not yet old. It's true, life is what happens when you least expect it.
Carolina Venzi works as a freelance journalist, and her current assignment is taking her to Afghanistan. She'd been hired by The New York Times to write about US servicemen and women being deployed to Afghanistan. Before entering the dangerous country, however, she has to attend a 'hostile environment' training program for journalists arranged by the military. This particular training will take place in Geneva, Switzerland (my home country, Baba is thrilled). Once arrived in Geneva, Caroline is in for a huge surprise because she has to face her former lover Sebastian Hunter, now Chief Hunter, language expert and member of the US Marines.
Good and happy memories…
Sebastian has enough connections to interfere temporarily with Caroline's application to enter Afghanistan. He did it because he wanted to spend much needed time with Caroline to sort things out. Caroline never wanted to get involved with another man in the military and she'd been very determined never again to be attracted to a younger man either. But. Life happens. Life and love do not ask for permission. Despite her objections she agrees to go on a road trip with Sebastian and they are spending a few magical days in Italy. Besides the magic, however, there are sudden bursts of anger that are flaring up and they are forced to deal with their tragic past.
After their road trip came to an abrupt end, Sebastian had to head out to Afghanistan. But shortly after Caroline followed him to report from the war zone. Suffice it to say that's the moment when things came thick and fast.
I loved the whole story and of course the characters but the very best part began at 62 %. It was romance at its finest. Love, action, excitement, fear, drama, and Everything led to one mighty fine and utterly emotional and painful climax. Life is just too short not to make the best of it, you have to live every day to its fullest.
So, yeah, then Baba lost it too. Cry me a river...
The Education of Caroline displays wonderfully that true love is not perfect. It is, however, strong and steadfast. Through all those years Sebastian's love for Caroline was powerful and intense. Sometimes you just have to be brave enough to take a chance on love a second time. And true love is strong enough to weather any storm, insecurities and shortcomings that life is throwing at you.
To be honest, I was quite stunned that Caroline did not try harder to find Sebastian. She let him down. On the other hand, I can understand her point of view. She felt so much guilt at the devastation she left behind her. Hence, she didn't want to remind him of all the drama, and she didn't want to affect his life any more. Plus, she didn't want him to feel obligated towards her, and she never thought that he would be waiting for her in the first place. Well, was she ever wrong though. Sebastian may have f@@@ed every woman he could get between the sheets. The one and only reason he did it, however, was the devastation he felt over losing the love of his life. Caroline.
While Sebastian is grown up now, he isn't perfect--not by a long shot. He is overly jealous, very possessive and full of anger. Besides, he is a choleric hothead and foul-mouthed. I'll admit that he annoyed me quite often when he acted like a jerk and I felt the urge to smack him. But then again, I know that I have to cut him some slack. It saddened me to see that he was absolutely clueless how to deal with all those different and complex emotions of a relationship. He never learned it after all. What I loved though was his sweet, gentle, and tender side. There is no doubt at all that he really loved Caroline with heart and soul, and his love was unyielding.
In any event, reading this book pushed all the right buttons, it made my heart ache and my throat closed up more than once. It made me cry. While the dialogue was funny and light-hearted at times, it could take a turn into serious and tragic waters in no time flat. In consequence, you will experience a whole range of different emotions while reading this story--the good, the bad, and the ugly. You will laugh and cry. Isn't that the purpose of a great romance novel? I want to be swept off my feet by intriguing and authentic characters. Also, I want to be swept away by my emotions. And last but not least I want to see a HEA.
It goes without saying that The Education of Caroline is one steamy read; the sex/love scenes are numerous and well-written. They might even leave you a little bit breathless. Mmm…Sebastian has been a very good and talented student, that's for sure. :)
If you don't feel at ease reading The Education of Sebastian due to the hero being a minor, then I'd like to encourage you to give this book a try. It's a beautifully as well as compellingly written love story that will cut straight through your heart. Keep your tissues at the ready.
After they had to endure a separation of ten years filled with longing, hopes, and doubts, fate struck again--this time in a good way. They have come full circle.
He held his weight on his forearms, and gradually increased the speed. I felt the cool metal of his dog tags on my skin over my heart, which was beating furiously fast, as my body began to respond again and again.
Death by orgasm--what a way to go.
When a woman turns 40 she is no longer young, but not yet old. It's true, life is what happens when you least expect it.
Carolina Venzi works as a freelance journalist, and her current assignment is taking her to Afghanistan. She'd been hired by The New York Times to write about US servicemen and women being deployed to Afghanistan. Before entering the dangerous country, however, she has to attend a 'hostile environment' training program for journalists arranged by the military. This particular training will take place in Geneva, Switzerland (my home country, Baba is thrilled). Once arrived in Geneva, Caroline is in for a huge surprise because she has to face her former lover Sebastian Hunter, now Chief Hunter, language expert and member of the US Marines.
Good and happy memories…
Sebastian has enough connections to interfere temporarily with Caroline's application to enter Afghanistan. He did it because he wanted to spend much needed time with Caroline to sort things out. Caroline never wanted to get involved with another man in the military and she'd been very determined never again to be attracted to a younger man either. But. Life happens. Life and love do not ask for permission. Despite her objections she agrees to go on a road trip with Sebastian and they are spending a few magical days in Italy. Besides the magic, however, there are sudden bursts of anger that are flaring up and they are forced to deal with their tragic past.
My God, the feelings that burned through me, scorching away every sorrow, every moment of regret. Instead, I remembered how his hands had learned every curve and hollow of my body, how our love had melded us into one, how his body had fit inside me. He pressed himself into me, his mouth hungrily devouring every breath.
"I haven't changed how I feel. I still love you--I've always loved you. It's only ever been you."
I thought my heart would stop beating.
"You don't want me to use her?" he said, glancing towards me. "Well, Nicole, I was planning on taking her to bed and using her in ways that aren't even mentioned in the Kama Sutra, but now you've told me that, I think I should go take a cold shower instead."
"Sebastian, you just f@@@ed me while you were talking to your CO!"
"What, you think men can't multitask?"
I stared up at him in astonishment.
"I can't believe you did that!"
He laughed. "Felt good! Don't tell me you didn't enjoy that because either it was you moaning, baby, or my CO had a stomach ache."
After their road trip came to an abrupt end, Sebastian had to head out to Afghanistan. But shortly after Caroline followed him to report from the war zone. Suffice it to say that's the moment when things came thick and fast.
I handed him a tiny pebble of polished quartz.
"I found it the first time I went to Long Beach."
He closed his eyes and kissed my hair.
"I've never had something to come back to before, Caro. Don't worry about me--just take care of yourself."
He kissed the little pebble and slipped it into his pocket.
I loved the whole story and of course the characters but the very best part began at 62 %. It was romance at its finest. Love, action, excitement, fear, drama, and Everything led to one mighty fine and utterly emotional and painful climax. Life is just too short not to make the best of it, you have to live every day to its fullest.
Then he told us that a typical answer to a question an Afghan couldn't answer would be for them to say, 'because the sea is green and the sky is blue'.
"Tell them that and they'll think you're clever," he said, gazing condescendingly at me. --Chief Hunter
******
"This is mine--You kept it--all these years?"
"Yes, tesoro. It was all I had of you."
He closed his eyes, holding
"Caro…I don't understand--why do you love me?"
"Just because…because the sky is blue and the sea is green."
And then he started to cry. He fisted his hands over his eyes and sobbed into my arms. And, at last, I could hold him.
So, yeah, then Baba lost it too. Cry me a river...
The Education of Caroline displays wonderfully that true love is not perfect. It is, however, strong and steadfast. Through all those years Sebastian's love for Caroline was powerful and intense. Sometimes you just have to be brave enough to take a chance on love a second time. And true love is strong enough to weather any storm, insecurities and shortcomings that life is throwing at you.
To be honest, I was quite stunned that Caroline did not try harder to find Sebastian. She let him down. On the other hand, I can understand her point of view. She felt so much guilt at the devastation she left behind her. Hence, she didn't want to remind him of all the drama, and she didn't want to affect his life any more. Plus, she didn't want him to feel obligated towards her, and she never thought that he would be waiting for her in the first place. Well, was she ever wrong though. Sebastian may have f@@@ed every woman he could get between the sheets. The one and only reason he did it, however, was the devastation he felt over losing the love of his life. Caroline.
While Sebastian is grown up now, he isn't perfect--not by a long shot. He is overly jealous, very possessive and full of anger. Besides, he is a choleric hothead and foul-mouthed. I'll admit that he annoyed me quite often when he acted like a jerk and I felt the urge to smack him. But then again, I know that I have to cut him some slack. It saddened me to see that he was absolutely clueless how to deal with all those different and complex emotions of a relationship. He never learned it after all. What I loved though was his sweet, gentle, and tender side. There is no doubt at all that he really loved Caroline with heart and soul, and his love was unyielding.
In any event, reading this book pushed all the right buttons, it made my heart ache and my throat closed up more than once. It made me cry. While the dialogue was funny and light-hearted at times, it could take a turn into serious and tragic waters in no time flat. In consequence, you will experience a whole range of different emotions while reading this story--the good, the bad, and the ugly. You will laugh and cry. Isn't that the purpose of a great romance novel? I want to be swept off my feet by intriguing and authentic characters. Also, I want to be swept away by my emotions. And last but not least I want to see a HEA.
It goes without saying that The Education of Caroline is one steamy read; the sex/love scenes are numerous and well-written. They might even leave you a little bit breathless. Mmm…Sebastian has been a very good and talented student, that's for sure. :)
If you don't feel at ease reading The Education of Sebastian due to the hero being a minor, then I'd like to encourage you to give this book a try. It's a beautifully as well as compellingly written love story that will cut straight through your heart. Keep your tissues at the ready.
This man, lying in my arms, had told me over and over again that he loved me--that he'd always loved me. And, despite everything that fate had thrown in our path--time, distance, and age difference--we were in love.
After they had to endure a separation of ten years filled with longing, hopes, and doubts, fate struck again--this time in a good way. They have come full circle.
February 2, 2013
Oh my goodness, where to begin??? Even better than The Education of Sebastian. A really really really fantastic book!
This comes out in less than two weeks and I urge everybody to read the first book now and get ready to buy the second book as soon as it hits the internet. It's awesome. So captivating.
Perhaps life is what happens when you least expect it.
The Education of Caroline picks up ten years on from the ending of the first book. That in itself tore me apart. But it worked so brilliantly. And whilst 17 year old Sebastian was adorable, ten-years-older Sebastian is frickin' hot! Sexy, hench, brooding bad boy US Marine... errr, yeh please!!!
I reminded myself that according to the consensus of opinion, a forty-year-old woman was in her sexual prime, while a man's was at the age of 19. Which meant Sebastian was already past his prime: although there was no evidence that anyone had told him that.
I love it so much when I am completely enthralled by a book... when the words on the page disappear and make me forget that I am reading at all... sucking me in. Sebastian and Caroline totally do that, over and over again.
Their story is unique and captivating. Sebastian is impossible not to fall in love with and Caroline is down to earth and relate-able.
"Caro... I don't understand - why do you love me?"
"Just because... because the sky is blue and the sea is green."
There is so much to this book... the story follows this unlikely couple to Geneva, numerous locations in Italy, the hell of Afganistan, home to Long Beach. Through romantic vacations, heart breaking separations, terrifying warfare, the darkest internal battles and with everything stacked against them.
He'd asked me once if I was brave enough to take a chance on love. I finally knew the answer.
"I love you, too, Sebastian. More than you'll ever know."
The sex scenes, and there are a fair few, are super hot and sensuous. I loved that every single one had a point... it wasn't sex for the sake of sex... every intimate scene was necessary and relevant to the plot. To Sebastian and Caroline's reconnection. But damn, they were delicious!
"I'm going to make you so hard, I'm going to get you so wound up, I'm going to turn you on so much, that all I'll have to do is touch you with one finger to make you come."
"Fuck!"
Fuck indeed!
It is such a powerful, emotive tale. I cried, I laughed, I contemplated a cold shower on numerous occasions, I grinned like an idiot and I fell hopelessly in love. I can feel a huge book hangover coming on. I felt like I know Sebastian and Caroline and I didn't want The Education of Caroline to end.
Be happy, Caro, because that's what you deserve.
I love you, I have always loved you, and where I go after this world, I will always love you.
Sempre e per sempre.
The Education of Sebastian merits much more attention that it has so far received, and I hope, with the release of The Education of Caroline, it will get the recognition it deserves... I strongly recommend that you all add this to your TBR lists and check it out asap! I'm putting it on my favourites list for sure. I promise you, Sebastian will sweep you off your feet! Could he be any cuter?...
"Every man in this room wants you, Caro. I'm so fucking proud, I can't stop smiling."
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December 3, 2016
★★★★★5 Stunning Stars★★★★★I can't stop loving you, I made up my mind
To live in memory of all lonesome times
I can't stop loving you, it's useless to say
So I just live my life in dreams of yesterday
Those lonely hour that we once knew
Though long ago, still made me blue
They say that time heals a broken heart
But time has stood still, since we've been apart
I can't stop loving you, there's no use to try
Pretend there's someone new, I can't live a lie
I can't stop watching you the way that I do
There's only been one love for me, that one love is you...
Speechless....in all seriousness.I'm absolutely left speechless right now.<3
THIS BOOK ? JESUS CHRIST, most epic sequel EVER.No other sequel has ever surpassed my expectations and gotten a higher rating than it's initial book.
But this book? This defiantly squeal?
Defiantly did because the writing,deserved it.
The Education of Caroline is a beautiful , conventional and forbidden love story filled with various emotions ranging from love,romance,angst and humor..a variety of genres that you would rarely find penned down in a single book.
And the plot ? Oh my,The author pulled that off magnificently.
"Do you know how crazy that sounds ?"
"That's our love story , Caro. Crazy in love..."
Sebastian and Caroline's was a beautiful love story that stayed strong beautiful and forbidden until the very end...At first glance, well because of the cover,I expected this to be just another hot,erotic,one time read that would be filled with affairs,secrets and more lies...BUT I was wrong, dead wrong. And I couldn't have been MORE happier about it !
This debut series turned out to be about passionate,beautiful & blind love...
A type of love that knew no boundaries..
A type of love that knew no wrong..
And a type of love that ALWAYS stay strong....
From the charming villas by the bay of Italy's plaza..to the muddy dark battle fields of Afghanistan , Sebastian and Caroline stayed so strong..so true,so realistic that I could help but admire the way their relationship grew and developed from book 1..
I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink
I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink
I wonder should I get up and fix myself a drink
No,no,no....
I'm so tired I don't know what to do
I'm so tired my mind is set on you
I wonder should I call you but I know what you would do..
The emotional depth from the novel,as I said,was very unexpected.And I loved how the plot remained strong,solid and surprisingly unpredictable as it revolved around the lives of marine militants that stay up guarding the borders at the frontiers while sacrificing all that they have,for the safety of someone's family,someone's friend and their one true love....
“I love you, Sebastian, please don't push me away. I love you."
The emotional scars that our two leads seemed to carry,litterly broke my heart.
How could the world be so cruel to them ? :'( I loved the way they stood strong for each other while never realizing how broken the other seemed to be,the emotions this book evoked caught me off guard and left me amazed by the end.
Hats off to the author,Jane,for pulling of such a complex plot so beautifully.This series left my heart racing and my emotions churning by the end...
Just Brilliant.
Would I recommend the read ?
Defiantly ! To everybody and anybody..If this is not on your TBR,please do add it ! It's a Great read !
But make sure you do read Book 1 Before you pick this one up !
March 31, 2015
5 stars
Forward 10 years later and Caro is a successful journalist. Never been in touch with Sebastian, haven't seen him or heard from him. She's been in New York since the day her ex-husband found out about the affair. Now she is getting ready to go to Afghanistan for her new assignment, but first she has to go overseas to get some training from military men, but there's only one particular trainer that Caro sees and that's Sebastian. Our broken and innocent boy. But he isn't a boy anymore, he's all man, and he's a total different person.
“I didn’t know who Sebastian was any more – he was a stranger.”
He was now full of hatred towards Caroline, but would you blame him?
He was nothing but cold, but then he shows up at her door, drunk, telling her why he's treating her that way....
So everything's said and done, and Caroline's travel permeant is being delayed(may or may not have to do something with Sebastian) they decided to do something they said they would do ten years ago, go to Italy....on a motorcycle.
Is this their second chance?
Can they see past the past and the age difference and make this work?
“Is that what this was, a second chance? But a second chance at what? A second chance to rip ourselves apart again?”
This book was amazing!
Sure they have their ups and downs but at the end of the day they still love each other. Love will conquer anything.
“And you are mine, tesoro. We’ll find a way; we always do.”
Forward 10 years later and Caro is a successful journalist. Never been in touch with Sebastian, haven't seen him or heard from him. She's been in New York since the day her ex-husband found out about the affair. Now she is getting ready to go to Afghanistan for her new assignment, but first she has to go overseas to get some training from military men, but there's only one particular trainer that Caro sees and that's Sebastian. Our broken and innocent boy. But he isn't a boy anymore, he's all man, and he's a total different person.
“I didn’t know who Sebastian was any more – he was a stranger.”
He was now full of hatred towards Caroline, but would you blame him?
He was nothing but cold, but then he shows up at her door, drunk, telling her why he's treating her that way....
So everything's said and done, and Caroline's travel permeant is being delayed(may or may not have to do something with Sebastian) they decided to do something they said they would do ten years ago, go to Italy....on a motorcycle.
Is this their second chance?
Can they see past the past and the age difference and make this work?
“Is that what this was, a second chance? But a second chance at what? A second chance to rip ourselves apart again?”
This book was amazing!
Sure they have their ups and downs but at the end of the day they still love each other. Love will conquer anything.
“And you are mine, tesoro. We’ll find a way; we always do.”
February 9, 2013
“You are an ocean wave, my love Crashing at my bow…”
5 BIG SEQUEL ★★★★★
What the hell did I just read???
You know how you read so many books (or at least I do) and you wish you knew what happened to the MC’s years later… well, guess what!! This is IT- finally a sequel that delivered everything I have ever fantasized about. Not to say it is free of angst, heartache, misunderstanding, conflict and devastation.
But…. What A Story, a journey across countries, from the beauty of Italy to war torn Afghanistan. This sequel delivers more than I could have asked for.
Caroline walked out of Sebastian’s life ten years ago and now they meet again. He is Chief Hunter in the US Marine Corp, a womanizer, a drinker and angry. Caro has moved on with her life; a successful journalist living in New York with a new name, Lee Venzi.
“I never dreamed that my past would catch up with me, and that I’d be drawn back into the erotic madness of a decade ago."
Caro did try to make contact with Seb when he turned 21 but her letters were returned and she decided that it was for the best, for him. So when she encounters him in Switzerland while preparing for an assignment, he will not even speak to her until one drunken night when he comes to her hotel room.
“Why didn’t you come back?” he sobbed. “I waited and waited for you, like I said I would, but you never came back! Why? Why didn’t you come back? I love you I love you I love you.”
When Sebastian wakes up from his drunken stupor, he goes back to being the cold and callous Chief Hunter and walks out of Caro’s room with just a “see you around, Caro”
My heart is breaking at this point and I am thinking this is just not going to end well. Sebastian has too much pain and resentment to let go of and Caroline has become the women she was meant to become without Sebastian.
Can they try to be friends and get to know one another again? Sebastian wants to try and find out so he pulls a few strings to postpone Caroline’s assignment- the situation takes on a whole new angle when he convinces her to take a road trip with him on the back of his motorcycle.
The trip is not without it’s bumps and twists and turns. There is so much hurt to repair and ten years worth of catching up to do.
Sebastian and Caroline are not the same people as they were ten years ago.
“What do you want me to say, Caro? I fucked everything I could get my hands on when I realized you weren’t coming back. It was years before I trusted a woman enough to be able to make love to her, and even then...”
So… can Sebastian and Caroline trust each other now? Can they love again? Will they truly get a second chance?
“That’s how you make me feel, Caro, like the world just goes away and it’s just you and me.”
What I loved most about this book was the story of rediscovery, of memories and of sharing what has happened in their lives without one another.
The intimate moments were plentiful and so full of emotion-
“It’s been ten years, Caro,” he said, seriously. “I’ve waited long enough.”
And the moments of shocking heartache were equally painful-
“Be happy, Caro, because that’s what you deserve. I love you, I have always loved you, and wherever I go after this world, I will always love you. Sempre e per sempre.”
That is all I am going to write as I want all of you to experience every moment, every emotion to it’s fullest and I do believe you will be happy in the end.
“Despite the difficulties we had been through, despite the difficulties we had yet to face, I had never been happier in my whole life”
I am going to leave my pre-review tease gifs as I still feel the same way!!!
I just love when a sequel surpasses all of my expectations!
Big Thumbs UP
February 14, 2013
4.5 stars
“I love you, I have always loved you and… I will always love you. Sempre e per sempre.”
Ohhh I had so much anticipation going into this one!! After the brutal cliffhanger at the end of book one that had my heart in knots and my heart in my throat I just NEEDED more!
I will keep this review as spoiler-free as possible but if you read it, you will see some general details about the story – but no major plot twists or anything.
But, if you haven’t yet read book #1, The Education of Sebastian, you should definitely read that first :)
We know from the blurb that this book takes place 10 years after the events of book #1 so there was the huge worry – what happened to them during those years apart? Why were they kept apart?? Literally just a million questions were pouring through my mind so off I went to find the answers.
Ten years later, Caroline has made it on her own in the world as a military journalist – she has basically made her dream come true. I was very happy for her but my heart was fluttering all over the cuz I neeeeeded to see Seb again! What happened to him? Where was he?? God, I MISSED him!!
We don’t have to wait for too long though because soon into the story, Caroline is sent on assignment to report and in walks Sebastian Hunter, US Marine… *dreamy sigh* my heart pretty much just leapt into my throat when he showed up.
He’d changed, life had hardened him and he was all grown up and badass. But yet at the same time, he was still just Seb and ohhhh my God, I swear I just wanted to hug him!!
I have to say that I really just felt all out bad for him. The poor guy was really just fucked over by life. If you think about it all from his perspective, he really, from the start of his life played all his cards right and yet just got continually screwed over by fate. I can see how that would have changed him. The poor guy. Really made my heart hurt for him.
It also made me happy to learn that he didn’t just spiral downward from the end of the last book – he waited for her but when the twists of fate kept them apart again, only then was it that he began to change.
I was relieved though that neither of them ever was in a committed relationship so, just like in the first book, there was thankfully no love triangle here. No cheating, nothing.
When they meet, he’s got 17 days before he deploys again and she has 2 weeks before her assignment so they decide to take the trip through Europe they always talked about.
I loved watching them reconnect. They were an interesting blend of functional and disfunctional. It was clear that their feeling for each other hadn’t changed but with so much history and missed opportunities, things were just not exactly the same.
“It was as if nothing’s changed, but everything’s changed.”
But despite the years of separation, they were still just Caro and Seb. Meant for each other against all the odds of the world.
After all the “trauma” of the last book, I appreciated that the author gave them a fair bit of ‘together’ time to reconnect and just ‘be’ … you know? Without the huge constant angst that the last book had brought on by the intense fear of them being caught. This book definitely took its time to give them the swoony, happy, romantic time together that you just craved for them.
I have to say in many ways it felt like they had never been separated. Do any of you have the kind of best friend where you can not talk for ages but then suddenly send them a text and you’re instantly chatting as though you’d never been apart? Well Seb and Caro felt like that as a couple. They had their ups and downs, anger, hurt, love, loss, everything – but it never changed the way they felt about each other deep down. Not really.
But despite the swoon of first half of the book, things weren’t all rosy and it seemed that, as always, just when they almost had things under control, something worked against them to tear them apart.
“I really fucking hate this, Caro. We’re always running in different directions, we’re always running out of time. I just want to wake up with you in my arms every day.”
In the first book they were separated by age and the rules of society. But now, ten years later, their lives have taken them in dangerous directions that have the potential to tear them apart again. There were scenes where my heart ached – it just absolutely just plain HURT for them.
There is a bit of separation and there are some heart-stoppingly scary things that happen but these are the two main things that personally I need to know to get me “through” a book, so I’ll tell you in case it helps you too:
First and most importantly, there is a HAPPY ENDING to the series – they are happy, together, and free to live out the rest of their lives together. Okay?
Secondly, despite there being some separation in the book, it never lasts more than a few pages so, again, rest easy. And also, there is NO cheating in the entire series! This doesn’t count whatever they both did in their 10 years apart, but even then, if you read the story, it still to me was absolutely not cheating given the information they both had about each other.
There were a few things that bothered me a little but nothing major that stood out. Things like how, in some ways, it felt like Caroline was still treating him like a kid, and for whatever reason, I found myself almost wanting to skim a few of the sex scenes (shocking, right?? I’m still not entirely sure why), and a few other small niggling things, but really, I have very little in the way of complaints.
I actually cried in this book. I found that this book pulled stronger non-angsty emotions out of me than the last book did. There were some very swoony romantic moments, a few worrying ones, and one that just totally made my heart DROP (that’s the one that made me cry) but over all, I had to say I found it to be a calmer book because I wasn’t reading every single page in fear quite like the last one. I guess his age brought with it a certain relief, you could say.
Overall though, I can say that I really enjoyed these two books. There was swoon, angst, romance and heart ache. I connected with the characters, enjoyed the flow of the writing style and loved finally seeing Seb and Caro get the happily-ever-after that they deserved.
“I want to have a life with you, Caro, for the rest of my life… Just as long as we’re together. This time, forever.”
♥
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE READ THE BOOK, there is a bonus scene from Seb's POB of his 21st birthday here: http://aestasbookblog.com/the-educati...
Review requested by author.
CASTING (see above image also) - its the same casting as book #1 because I really liked them for the roles... just age 'em up 10 years in your mind when you look at them to match this book:
For more of my reviews, visit Aestas Book Blog
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February 25, 2013
So… YEAH, sweet Sebastian is now BLOODY HOT & EXPERIENCED Sebastian.
I want to start my review apologizing for my feelings about book #1. I am not deleting my review because I am trying to be honest and those were my feelings after reading the book. I started this book thinking I was NOT going to like it and this is the first time I start reading something thinking I am going to hate it and then SURPRISE! I ended up LOVING this book. The characters were soooo different. Sebastian was cocky, funny, more attractive. Caro proved she was able to live by her own and she is a strong woman now and David was a GREAT surprise. I would love to read more about him, he is not Gargamel anymore.
The Education of Caroline starts 10 years later. Sebastian is Chief Hunter and Caro is a war journalist. They met in Geneva and it was a huge surprise for both. Sebastian doesn’t want to talk to her (apparently) and she tries to be normal, talk to him and see how things are going for him but he is in shock.
During these 10 years, Sebas has been with a few girls (more than a few) and Caro has had two short relationships and one night stand. They hadn’t forgotten each other, that’s more than obvious.
Life is what happens when you least expect it
Thing is Sebas is trying to ignore her but what they shared 10 years ago is very strong. Caro is the person who taught him a lot of important things and he cannot forget that.
Sebas finally convinces her to spend time together, as “friends” for old times and she accepts his offer.
”If I get killed on this thing, I’m going to come back and haunt you!”
“Promise?”
“Oh, you’d better believe it, Hunter!”
They constantly flirt when they are together and it’s really sweet and funny and hot! And he is such a tease.
”I love it when you tell me what to do Caro. Brings back memories”
Caro is trying to avoid the inevitable but she knows it’s going to be very difficult because she still has feelings for him.
They decide to give them a try, see how things can work out between them so they go to Italy for a few days. They still love each other but can you forget the last 10 years and start from zero? Things are not easy for them and for the ghosts of their pasts.
”I love you, Caro, so much”
I couldn’t believe he was saying these words to me.
“I haven’t changed how I feel. I still love you – I’ve always loved you. It’s only ever been you”
Sweet Sebas comes back to the story but this time he’s different, he wants to be with Caro no matter what and he is going to do as much as he can to spend all his life with her.
”That’s our story, Caro. Crazy in love”
”You’re my family now”
After some AMAZING days they have to separate their paths for a while because Sebas has to go to Afghanistan. They don’t want to but they have to be apart. Caro gives him something to protect him.
”Ti amo tanto Sebastian”
“Sempre e per sempre”
They met again in Afghanistan for a few days and Caro sees David, her ex husband who is a new person now. I loved this character and I also felt sorry for him, he was not the horrible guy I met in book one.
Unfortunately Caro has to leave Afghanistan because she is in danger so Sebas has to say goodbye one more time…
”Sei tutto per me”
I cannot keep talking about the story because I don’t want to spoil it for you but I would recommend this book to everyone. It’s a great LOVE STORY.
You are an ocean wave my love
Crashing at the bow
I am a galley slave my love
If only I could find out the way
To sail you...
Maybe I'll just stow away...
“She taught me everything I know”
March 13, 2013
5 Fantastic Stars!!!!!
Even better than the first!
It’s been 10 years. 10 years since Sebastian and Caroline were forced apart. 10 years since they have seen each other. Caroline made it to New York. She has spent the last 10 years relatively alone. She has a few close friends, but no relationships to speak of. After putting in a lot of time, she is now a successful journalist. She is getting ready to go on an assignment to Afghanistan to do a piece.
When Caroline goes overseas, she has some mandatory training to attend before she can get in the action. There are several military men teaching this training. One familiar face shows up...
Sebastian is no longer that 17 year old sweet and innocent guy. He is a marine. He is cocky, sexy, and experienced. At first, he is more than a little cold to Caro. He won’t really speak to her. Then he shows up at her door. Drunk. And confesses why he is being that way...
“Why didn’t you come back?” he sobbed. “I waited and waited for you, like I said I would, but you never came back! Why? Why didn’t you come back? I love you I love you I love you.”
Caroline doesn’t know what to think about Sebastian’s admission. Is this a second chance for the two of them?
Caroline’s papers end up getting delayed, and she won’t be able to leave for another week or two. Sebastian still has several weeks on leave. He talks Caro into what they always dreamed about doing. Going on a road trip through Italy.
Their trip is a little rocky at first. A lot of time has past and both of them are very different. There is one thing that is apparent. After all this time, they both are very much in love with one another.
Their time in Italy is so beautiful. Couldn’t keep the smile off of my face. Sebastian was new and improved! Not only did we see glimpses of the old sweet and caring Seb, we also get tough, arrogant, sexy as hell Sebastian. Added bonus... There are some super steamy scenes between Caro and Sebastian... If you thought the first book was hot- you haven't seen anything yet!!!
Loved that they finally got to take their trip!!! One scene in particular in Italy made me cry some happy tears...
Sebastian and Caro get called back earlier than expected. They are both leaving to go to Afghanistan. Then they find out the big news... Caroline is stationed to go with Sebastian's group. It makes things interesting.
From here, SO MUCH happens... I don’t want to give the whole book away, but there is a lot of romance, intensity, drama, smiles and tears! READ THIS ONE!!!!!!!
These two books have been such a pleasant surprise for me. Both are on my favorites shelf! I just love Sebastian and Caroline. And I was 100% satisfied with the ending. Such a moving and beautiful story of true love conquering all. A truly powerful read that will captivate and mesmerize you! Read these, you won’t be disappointed!!!
“I will always love you. Sempre e per sempre.”
It’s been 10 years. 10 years since Sebastian and Caroline were forced apart. 10 years since they have seen each other. Caroline made it to New York. She has spent the last 10 years relatively alone. She has a few close friends, but no relationships to speak of. After putting in a lot of time, she is now a successful journalist. She is getting ready to go on an assignment to Afghanistan to do a piece.
When Caroline goes overseas, she has some mandatory training to attend before she can get in the action. There are several military men teaching this training. One familiar face shows up...
Sebastian is no longer that 17 year old sweet and innocent guy. He is a marine. He is cocky, sexy, and experienced. At first, he is more than a little cold to Caro. He won’t really speak to her. Then he shows up at her door. Drunk. And confesses why he is being that way...
“Why didn’t you come back?” he sobbed. “I waited and waited for you, like I said I would, but you never came back! Why? Why didn’t you come back? I love you I love you I love you.”
Caroline doesn’t know what to think about Sebastian’s admission. Is this a second chance for the two of them?
Caroline’s papers end up getting delayed, and she won’t be able to leave for another week or two. Sebastian still has several weeks on leave. He talks Caro into what they always dreamed about doing. Going on a road trip through Italy.
Their trip is a little rocky at first. A lot of time has past and both of them are very different. There is one thing that is apparent. After all this time, they both are very much in love with one another.
Their time in Italy is so beautiful. Couldn’t keep the smile off of my face. Sebastian was new and improved! Not only did we see glimpses of the old sweet and caring Seb, we also get tough, arrogant, sexy as hell Sebastian. Added bonus... There are some super steamy scenes between Caro and Sebastian... If you thought the first book was hot- you haven't seen anything yet!!!
Loved that they finally got to take their trip!!! One scene in particular in Italy made me cry some happy tears...
Sebastian and Caro get called back earlier than expected. They are both leaving to go to Afghanistan. Then they find out the big news... Caroline is stationed to go with Sebastian's group. It makes things interesting.
From here, SO MUCH happens... I don’t want to give the whole book away, but there is a lot of romance, intensity, drama, smiles and tears! READ THIS ONE!!!!!!!
These two books have been such a pleasant surprise for me. Both are on my favorites shelf! I just love Sebastian and Caroline. And I was 100% satisfied with the ending. Such a moving and beautiful story of true love conquering all. A truly powerful read that will captivate and mesmerize you! Read these, you won’t be disappointed!!!
“I will always love you. Sempre e per sempre.”
February 22, 2013
"Sebastian: the reason my marriage had ended; the catalyst for my becoming a journalist. The man I’d loved more than any man, before or since. The man I hadn’t seen for ten long years. My beautiful boy, my lover, my friend. The man I thought I’d never see again. Sebastian."
This book takes place ten years after the first book ended. Sebastian is all GROWN up and hot damn he is a MAN!!! I fell in love with him....all I can say is he is smoking hot!
So its 10 years later, Sebastian is in the military he's Chief Hunter now and our lovely Caroline is a journalist living in NYC. She is finally living independent and she has grown a backbone, I was very thankful for that small fact!
They are reunited in Geneva and what a lovely and intense reunion it was..all those feelings pent up for 10 years comes to the surface and it's beautiful and explosive!
They both had issues regarding the other and all the things that happened during there 10 year separation, but wouldn't we all?
Yes eventually:) This book takes you on that journey to the "eventually."
The ending of this book was a treat, it was beautifully written. Bottom line is I loved this book, it was great from start to finish:)
"I felt grateful to be here, enjoying this moment with this man: second chances didn’t come any better.
This book takes place ten years after the first book ended. Sebastian is all GROWN up and hot damn he is a MAN!!! I fell in love with him....all I can say is he is smoking hot!
So its 10 years later, Sebastian is in the military he's Chief Hunter now and our lovely Caroline is a journalist living in NYC. She is finally living independent and she has grown a backbone, I was very thankful for that small fact!
They are reunited in Geneva and what a lovely and intense reunion it was..all those feelings pent up for 10 years comes to the surface and it's beautiful and explosive!
They both had issues regarding the other and all the things that happened during there 10 year separation, but wouldn't we all?
Yes eventually:) This book takes you on that journey to the "eventually."
The ending of this book was a treat, it was beautifully written. Bottom line is I loved this book, it was great from start to finish:)
"I felt grateful to be here, enjoying this moment with this man: second chances didn’t come any better.
November 17, 2015
I was devastated by the gut-wrenching and heartbreaking ending of The Education of Sebastian that I had to read this book immediately, hoping that Sebastian and Caroline would get together at last.
I loved the first book and was a bit apprehensive about the follow-up – I have been disappointed so many times with sequels before…but I so need not have worried. This is a brilliant sequel and I loved it just as much as TEOS
I always felt that Sebastian and Caroline were destined to be together – no matter what heartbreak, sadness, misunderstandings, angst, pain they experienced in the past, would keep them apart.
This is a beautiful and moving love story, of two people who have never forgotten that are given a second chance to be finally together. But will they be able to face the challenges that will be thrown at them? Can they overcome the pain, anger and misunderstandings from the past? : How will the events in war-torn Afghanistan affect them and will it be at all possible to deal with the aftermath or will they be torn apart again?
There were so many heartrending moments in this story – Sebastian’s feelings of Caroline’s betrayal when she left him years ago and never contacted him again – the scene where he takes her to his apartment in Geneva filled me with such sadness, imagining him living in this sparse and cold place, all alone.I felt he was the one who truly suffered the most, who lost the most. The part when they both return to Caroline’s home in America and what they both were faced with was truly heartbreaking.
“There were so many things Sebastian and I had to work out: we'd both been single for so long that blending our lives together wasn't going to be easy.
I'd promised Sebastian we'd find a way. He deserved to be loved for everything he was. And for whatever crazy reason he had, he loved me, too.”
But then there were also those many beautiful and passionate moments – Sebastian taking Caroline on a motorcycle to Italy to visit the place where her father had been born – something that had spoken about wanting to do so many years ago. Surfing the waves on an Italian beach, riding the Amalfi Coast[image error] [image error] and just rediscovering their love again.
I fell in love with Sebastian right from the beginning and even more as I got to know the man he has become. His love for Caroline never wavered, never changed……..it was always there!!! A strong and never-ending love that could never keep two people apart.
I haven't changed how I feel. I still love you - I've always loved you. It's only ever been you.
– Sebastian[image error]
Heartbreaking…..even in dark times, Sebastian’s love for Caroline shone through so so brightly.
"Be happy, Caro, because that's what you deserve. I love you, I have always loved you, and wherever I go after this world, I will always love you. Sempre e per sempre."
-Sebastian
“It's always been you, Caro. The first time I saw you, I thought you were the most beautiful girl that I'd ever seen. I thought you must be a princess like Cinderella. It's only ever been you.”
[image error]
And if you think Sebastian was hot at 17….be prepared!!! He has learnt a lot since then!! Sensual, sexy, hot and beautifully written sex scenes. Passionate,loving,caring….oh I could go on and on[image error]
I liked Caroline, though it took me a while to warm up to her….she seemed so cold and distant to Sebastian at first but as their journey progressed, I began to really like her. Their fun and happy road trip. Spending days at his side in Afghanistan and being there for him when they returned to her home was so great….never giving up on him like she had done before.
It was the most extraordinary feeling, riding that wave together. In some ways it was a metaphor for the life we were starting on. Who knew when we'd we fall. But by trusting each other and moving as one, the ride would be longer.
- Caroline
A touching, stirring and beautifully written story that will have you laughing, crying and that uplifts and warms your heart.
Some of my favourite quotes:
“Caro… I don’t understand – why do you love me?”
“Just because… because the sky is blue and the sea is green.”
“He’d asked me once if I was brave enough to take a chance on love. I finally knew the answer.
“I love you, too, Sebastian. More than you’ll ever know.”
“They say there are no atheists in foxholes. I say there are no atheists when you're begging God to keep alive the person you love.”
“But he interrupted me.
"None of that matters. And I think you're wrong anyway — I can't imagine not wanting you — note ever. You're smart and funny and I enjoy being with you even when we don't... when we're not... making love. When I was eight years old, I used to imagine that you were my girlfriend and that we'd run away together. And then you left and I'd lost my best friend, too. I used to dream about you coming back. As I got older, I... I began to understand the... the nature of my feelings for you better. I didn't think dreams could come true — but they have for me, Caro. Why are you so scared? I mean, forget all that legal bullshit... why do you keep trying to... I don't know, make me change my mind? What do you think I've got here that I wouldn't give up in a heartbeat to be with you? There's nothing to keep me here: I'll go anywhere, do anything to be with you." He sighed. "I know you have more to lose and I hate, hate that I'm responsible for that, but... Do you want to be with me? Forever. Sempre.”
I LOVED THIS STORY!!!!!
I loved the first book and was a bit apprehensive about the follow-up – I have been disappointed so many times with sequels before…but I so need not have worried. This is a brilliant sequel and I loved it just as much as TEOS
I always felt that Sebastian and Caroline were destined to be together – no matter what heartbreak, sadness, misunderstandings, angst, pain they experienced in the past, would keep them apart.
This is a beautiful and moving love story, of two people who have never forgotten that are given a second chance to be finally together. But will they be able to face the challenges that will be thrown at them? Can they overcome the pain, anger and misunderstandings from the past? : How will the events in war-torn Afghanistan affect them and will it be at all possible to deal with the aftermath or will they be torn apart again?There were so many heartrending moments in this story – Sebastian’s feelings of Caroline’s betrayal when she left him years ago and never contacted him again – the scene where he takes her to his apartment in Geneva filled me with such sadness, imagining him living in this sparse and cold place, all alone.I felt he was the one who truly suffered the most, who lost the most. The part when they both return to Caroline’s home in America and what they both were faced with was truly heartbreaking.
“There were so many things Sebastian and I had to work out: we'd both been single for so long that blending our lives together wasn't going to be easy.
I'd promised Sebastian we'd find a way. He deserved to be loved for everything he was. And for whatever crazy reason he had, he loved me, too.”
But then there were also those many beautiful and passionate moments – Sebastian taking Caroline on a motorcycle to Italy to visit the place where her father had been born – something that had spoken about wanting to do so many years ago. Surfing the waves on an Italian beach, riding the Amalfi Coast[image error] [image error] and just rediscovering their love again.
I fell in love with Sebastian right from the beginning and even more as I got to know the man he has become. His love for Caroline never wavered, never changed……..it was always there!!! A strong and never-ending love that could never keep two people apart.
I haven't changed how I feel. I still love you - I've always loved you. It's only ever been you.
– Sebastian[image error]
Heartbreaking…..even in dark times, Sebastian’s love for Caroline shone through so so brightly."Be happy, Caro, because that's what you deserve. I love you, I have always loved you, and wherever I go after this world, I will always love you. Sempre e per sempre."
-Sebastian
“It's always been you, Caro. The first time I saw you, I thought you were the most beautiful girl that I'd ever seen. I thought you must be a princess like Cinderella. It's only ever been you.”
[image error]
And if you think Sebastian was hot at 17….be prepared!!! He has learnt a lot since then!! Sensual, sexy, hot and beautifully written sex scenes. Passionate,loving,caring….oh I could go on and on[image error]I liked Caroline, though it took me a while to warm up to her….she seemed so cold and distant to Sebastian at first but as their journey progressed, I began to really like her. Their fun and happy road trip. Spending days at his side in Afghanistan and being there for him when they returned to her home was so great….never giving up on him like she had done before.
It was the most extraordinary feeling, riding that wave together. In some ways it was a metaphor for the life we were starting on. Who knew when we'd we fall. But by trusting each other and moving as one, the ride would be longer.
- Caroline
A touching, stirring and beautifully written story that will have you laughing, crying and that uplifts and warms your heart.
Some of my favourite quotes:
“Caro… I don’t understand – why do you love me?”
“Just because… because the sky is blue and the sea is green.”
“He’d asked me once if I was brave enough to take a chance on love. I finally knew the answer.
“I love you, too, Sebastian. More than you’ll ever know.”
“They say there are no atheists in foxholes. I say there are no atheists when you're begging God to keep alive the person you love.”
“But he interrupted me.
"None of that matters. And I think you're wrong anyway — I can't imagine not wanting you — note ever. You're smart and funny and I enjoy being with you even when we don't... when we're not... making love. When I was eight years old, I used to imagine that you were my girlfriend and that we'd run away together. And then you left and I'd lost my best friend, too. I used to dream about you coming back. As I got older, I... I began to understand the... the nature of my feelings for you better. I didn't think dreams could come true — but they have for me, Caro. Why are you so scared? I mean, forget all that legal bullshit... why do you keep trying to... I don't know, make me change my mind? What do you think I've got here that I wouldn't give up in a heartbeat to be with you? There's nothing to keep me here: I'll go anywhere, do anything to be with you." He sighed. "I know you have more to lose and I hate, hate that I'm responsible for that, but... Do you want to be with me? Forever. Sempre.”
I LOVED THIS STORY!!!!!
June 8, 2013
I love Sebastian more in this book then the last. In the last book he was very sweet and innocence. Now he is 27 and cocky, funny and full of anger, but then love. My goodness he is full of love.
It has been 10 years since Caro and Sebastian have seen or talked to each other. They left off in a painful separation. Seeing each other again Sebastian is mad. He waited 3 years for Caro to come look for him and she never did. He's sure has been a busy man, women dropping their panties to get into bed with him. Man I sure can not blame them.
The sparks are flying between them and the sexual connection is unreal. They love each other still after all these years, they are made for each other. I never thought I wanted something to happen more then anything, but for them to work it out.
I demolished this book, I read it within a day and couldn't put it down. I thought the first one sucked me in, no Sir, this one made me it's bitch. I was taking my kindle everywhere with me so I can get a few minutes in with these two at any chance I got.
You love them, that's all there is. But I will say I love Sebastian a little more. Just saying it again... Sorry Lili but he needs to come home again.
This is the type of book I would have no problems re-reading over and over again. My heart was beating out of my chest because this book tore me into pieces and picked me back up like I never fell. Their love for each other is so mind blowing that you have to read this book, there is nothing more to say then,
I LOVE YOU SEBASTIAN. Your my heart!
March 18, 2013
5 BEAUTIFUL STARS.
Anyone who has read 'The education of Sebastian' will understand my eagerness to get started on this book. It is impossible to read this story and not be consumed by it. Caroline's Education is the sweetest, most heartfelt round up of a series, I dare you not to fall in love.
From the first few pages till the end, my heart was firmly in my mouth. This was an intense, beautiful story ~ the best kind of second chance at love, that their is.
There are so many amazing reviews so I won't bore you with the in's and out's. But I will say what I loved ~ This is undoubtably one of the sweetest love stories, it takes you on an up and down journey that is relentless up until the last chapter. ~ I cried, laughed, blushed, fell hopelessly in love and cried again. If possible I fell more in love with the characters. Caroline and Sebastian's journey was gorgeous. I'm unable to put into words how swept up I was with this story. Bravo author you managed to evoke all kinds of emotions in my reading experience ~ none of which were negative.
Love, lust, passion, desire ... Forever, this story will stay in my heart, long after the last page and epilogue.
"sempre e per sempre."
5 gorgeous love story stars.
Anyone who has read 'The education of Sebastian' will understand my eagerness to get started on this book. It is impossible to read this story and not be consumed by it. Caroline's Education is the sweetest, most heartfelt round up of a series, I dare you not to fall in love.
From the first few pages till the end, my heart was firmly in my mouth. This was an intense, beautiful story ~ the best kind of second chance at love, that their is.
There are so many amazing reviews so I won't bore you with the in's and out's. But I will say what I loved ~ This is undoubtably one of the sweetest love stories, it takes you on an up and down journey that is relentless up until the last chapter. ~ I cried, laughed, blushed, fell hopelessly in love and cried again. If possible I fell more in love with the characters. Caroline and Sebastian's journey was gorgeous. I'm unable to put into words how swept up I was with this story. Bravo author you managed to evoke all kinds of emotions in my reading experience ~ none of which were negative.
Love, lust, passion, desire ... Forever, this story will stay in my heart, long after the last page and epilogue.
"sempre e per sempre."
5 gorgeous love story stars.
February 16, 2013
"Because the Sky is Blue and the Sea is Green" .... Yep, it has been quoted to death but when she said it in this book, I fell apart crying. I read the first one with a bit of trepidation - the age thing bothered me - and probably would not have read it if the sequel was not readily available. Wow - what a talented author - and she is not even American - a bloody Brit, as Liz might have said (just back from a few days in London and where I was staying was mentioned in the book, St Bride's in Fleet Street). Karma. It was a wonderful conclusion to a great love story. Yes, life can begin at forty. Sebastian did come across as a bit immature sometimes but then again he was a good bit younger than Caro. Loved the description of life in Italy - love my Italian food. Glad it wasn't all coming up roses and they did move to the War Zone.... that was a tough read - the author definitely did her research. Thanks to all the recommendations from friends. Definitely worth it. It is not all happy go lucky, there is plenty of angst, anger, tears and frustration. But they do get there - would have loved if the Epilogue was a bit further down the line ...... to see what life was like a couple of years later. Felt a bit sorry for the ex-hubby in the end - well not really but kinda..... Now need to stay off Goodreads for a while as I have totally blown the budget AGAIN!
January 21, 2016
I'm glad I kept reading. I truly enjoyed the way Caroline and Sebastian's story played out.
My suggestion: READ!
My suggestion: READ!
February 24, 2013
10 years later..
Caroline has picked up the pieces of her broken life and now at age 40 she finds herself in New York, working as a journalist who writes for the New York Times. She is chosen on a story.. About war in Afghanistan.
Enroute to Afganistan she fins herself in Geneva for some training where the most unexpected this happens... She sees him standing across the room... Sebastian... Who also works in the military now.
“My beautiful boy, my lover, my friend. The man I thought I'd never see again."
“Perhaps life is what happens when you least expect it.”
At first they are angry at each other, resisting each other,fighting with each other than offcourse as expected they rekindle their relationship.
The first book was all about sex, I was impressed that Caro atleast had some better sense this time around because it really isn't possible to have soooo much sex. As it is, they go through condoms like tissues. Hahah!!
“I’m going to make you so hard, I’m going to get you so wound up, I’m going to turn you on so much, that all I’ll have to do is touch you with one finger to make you come.”
“Fuck!”
Sebastian convinces Caro to go with him to Italy. They share some beautiful moments and Sebastian also steals my heart in the process :)
Caroline irritates me a bit with her back and forth behaviour about the relationship, I think she is just fighting her feelings and she wants him as much as he wants her.
“He’d asked me once if I was brave enough to take a chance on love. I finally knew the answer.
“I love you, too, Sebastian. More than you’ll ever know.”
After being together for a week, Sebastian proposes!
But in life... All good things must come to an end.
Sebastian is called back for duty and so is Caroline.
With promises made to each other they go back to their reality..
In Afganistan, Caroline meets her ex husband David, I think it's bizarre how on one trip she meets the two men in her life that she walked away from 10 years ago and that David is so nice to her.
Seb and Caroline are in the same unit where they must keep their relationship a secret. The conditions are bad there and dangerous.
Offcourse they find a few moments of stolen kisses and rough sex! This was expected!
With the war going on around them, just Sebastian being close makes Caroline feel safe.
Caroline is told to leave the unit as she is being targeted and she has to say goodbye to Sebastian.
Hoping and praying he will be safe and come back to her...
Once she leaves she finds out that Sebastian has been hurt and might not survive, I still Cannot believe David tells her!!
She pulls all the strings she has and finds her way to him at the hospital..She . Prays for him to heal.... Not to leave her again...
He writes her a beautiful letter.. Meaning he thought he wouldn't make it.
“Be happy, Caro, because that’s what you deserve.
I love you, I have always loved you, and where I go after this world, I will always love you.
Sempre e per sempre.”
Finally Sebastian is okay, but he is no longer a US marine. He is too hurt. Sebastian moves with Caroline to her home in New York, but he is bitter and broken, feeling less of a man because he can't walk properly...
Their relationship is strained, but Caroline refuses to give up on the man she loves so much and he doesn't want her too..
“And, at last, I could hold him. I wrapped my arms around him and held him tightly, willing the darkness away, trying to heal him with my body, with my touch.
“I love you, Sebastian, please don't push me away. I love you."
"Oh God, Caro. I just don't know what I'm doing anymore; I'm so fucked up - I feel like I can't fucking breathe. Don't give up on me, Caro. Please don't give up on me. I need you, baby. I love you so much. I'm so sorry.”
I could forgive anything now that he'd let me touch him."
And she doesn't... Slowly he opens up his feelings to her and work through everything..
“Caro... I don't understand - why do you love me?"
"Just because.. because the sky is blue and the sea is green."
And finally they get married...
Caroline has picked up the pieces of her broken life and now at age 40 she finds herself in New York, working as a journalist who writes for the New York Times. She is chosen on a story.. About war in Afghanistan.
Enroute to Afganistan she fins herself in Geneva for some training where the most unexpected this happens... She sees him standing across the room... Sebastian... Who also works in the military now.
“My beautiful boy, my lover, my friend. The man I thought I'd never see again."
“Perhaps life is what happens when you least expect it.”
At first they are angry at each other, resisting each other,fighting with each other than offcourse as expected they rekindle their relationship.
The first book was all about sex, I was impressed that Caro atleast had some better sense this time around because it really isn't possible to have soooo much sex. As it is, they go through condoms like tissues. Hahah!!
“I’m going to make you so hard, I’m going to get you so wound up, I’m going to turn you on so much, that all I’ll have to do is touch you with one finger to make you come.”
“Fuck!”
Sebastian convinces Caro to go with him to Italy. They share some beautiful moments and Sebastian also steals my heart in the process :)
Caroline irritates me a bit with her back and forth behaviour about the relationship, I think she is just fighting her feelings and she wants him as much as he wants her.
“He’d asked me once if I was brave enough to take a chance on love. I finally knew the answer.
“I love you, too, Sebastian. More than you’ll ever know.”
After being together for a week, Sebastian proposes!
But in life... All good things must come to an end.
Sebastian is called back for duty and so is Caroline.
With promises made to each other they go back to their reality..
In Afganistan, Caroline meets her ex husband David, I think it's bizarre how on one trip she meets the two men in her life that she walked away from 10 years ago and that David is so nice to her.
Seb and Caroline are in the same unit where they must keep their relationship a secret. The conditions are bad there and dangerous.
Offcourse they find a few moments of stolen kisses and rough sex! This was expected!
With the war going on around them, just Sebastian being close makes Caroline feel safe.
Caroline is told to leave the unit as she is being targeted and she has to say goodbye to Sebastian.
Hoping and praying he will be safe and come back to her...
Once she leaves she finds out that Sebastian has been hurt and might not survive, I still Cannot believe David tells her!!
She pulls all the strings she has and finds her way to him at the hospital..She . Prays for him to heal.... Not to leave her again...
He writes her a beautiful letter.. Meaning he thought he wouldn't make it.
“Be happy, Caro, because that’s what you deserve.
I love you, I have always loved you, and where I go after this world, I will always love you.
Sempre e per sempre.”
Finally Sebastian is okay, but he is no longer a US marine. He is too hurt. Sebastian moves with Caroline to her home in New York, but he is bitter and broken, feeling less of a man because he can't walk properly...
Their relationship is strained, but Caroline refuses to give up on the man she loves so much and he doesn't want her too..
“And, at last, I could hold him. I wrapped my arms around him and held him tightly, willing the darkness away, trying to heal him with my body, with my touch.
“I love you, Sebastian, please don't push me away. I love you."
"Oh God, Caro. I just don't know what I'm doing anymore; I'm so fucked up - I feel like I can't fucking breathe. Don't give up on me, Caro. Please don't give up on me. I need you, baby. I love you so much. I'm so sorry.”
I could forgive anything now that he'd let me touch him."
And she doesn't... Slowly he opens up his feelings to her and work through everything..
“Caro... I don't understand - why do you love me?"
"Just because.. because the sky is blue and the sea is green."
And finally they get married...
February 16, 2013
They say there are no atheists in foxholes. I say there are no atheists when you’re begging God to keep alive the person you love.
I really don't have a lot of things to say, the rating is explicit.
What started as a torrid affair, evolved into a breathtaking love, and ended with absolute heartbreak only to spark that little hope of reconciliation and mending.
You can follow Sebastian and Caro around their journey to Italy and their journey to discover themselves again. You can laugh with them, get mad at them, fall in love with them, all over again. You can feel their joy and their pain, their anguish, their anger and their utter hopelessness. You can see the war through their eyes, and know that the desperation they suffer is not so far from reality.
“War with its terrible shadow following behind: death.”
— L’Argonnaute | February 1917
My hands shook as I tore open the envelope. There was a single sheet of lined paper with a ragged edge inside, probably torn from a
notebook. One side contained a short message in Sebastian’s careful handwriting.
Caro, my love,
Just writing these words makes me happier than I can remember being for a very long time – ten years, in fact.
I’m not one for words – I leave that to you – my beautiful, talented Caro. But we’ve had the news we were waiting for and soon we’ll be
heading out.
I hope you never read this letter, but if you do, it means I’ve gone on to the next big adventure.
Knowing that you are in the world and wearing my ring, makes me the happiest man alive, and the last few weeks have been the best and
happiest of my whole life.
Be happy, Caro, because that’s what you deserve.
I love you, I have always loved you, and wherever I go after this world, I will always love you. Sempre e per sempre.
Sebastian
February 12, 2013
4.75 Stars
Sebastian & Caroline
**If you have not read The Education of Sebastian, there are a few spoilers below**
Life is what happens with you least expect it.
I was so freaking ecstatic when I heard this book finally came out because so eager to start this fantastic series. As soon as I finished The Education of Sebastian, I immediately jumped to this book. Book one ended so abruptly and on such a sad note, that I wanted more. I craved it! It’s been ten years since Sebastian and Caroline were forced apart. They haven’t seen each other since that heartbreaking day. What happens when fate intervenes and they are thrust into each other’s lives once more?
I saw Sebastian’s eyes flicker across to me, then widen with shock as recognition set in, and for the briefest of moments, he looked like the 17 year old I had known.
After all these years, Caroline never thought he would ever see the love of her life come back into her life. Her life has changed so much since she upped and left her husband, her life and Sebastian. After struggling the first few years, she has now built a new life as a journalist. Her next assignment took her abroad as a war correspondent. It is during one of these training courses is where she runs into Sebastian again. Gone is the sweet and innocent 17 year old and in his place is a 27-year-old, tough and sexy tattooed Marine. He’s multi lingual and his talents are often used on the field, but he’s also built quite a reputation as a womanizer. When she attempts to speak with him, he gives her nothing but a cold reception. What has happened to her beloved Sebastian?
“Why didn’t you come back?” he sobbed. “I waited and waited for you, like I said I would, but you never came back! Why? Why didn’t you come back? I love you I love you I love you.”
For three years, Sebastian waited for Caroline to come back. He waited until the statute of limitations was over; when it would be safe for Caroline to come back to him, but she never came back. He was devastated. From then on is when he started with the womanizing, but no one ever came close to replacing his beloved Caroline. Seeing her again, after all these years, is more than he can handle. He doesn’t know what to do. He still loves her, but he’s so pissed off that she never came back. Now that she’s back, he knows he can’t stay away from her. Is this the second chance they’ve been waiting for?
“That’s how you make me feel, Caro, like the world just goes away and its just you and me. I… I didn’t thinking I’d ever feel like that again. All those other women, I know it bothers you, but it was just sex. It wasn’t… this.”
Sebastian and Caroline have their second chance and, boy, did they make the most out of it. They have a limited time together before she leaves for her assignment and he for duty. Not only did they re-kindle their physical relationship, which by the way, was off the fucking charts HOT, but they also wanted a chance to a chance to get to know each other again. They’re in Europe; Geneva to be exact, close enough to Italy. Their plan of touring Italy is about to become reality.
I love this plan! They mentioned it quite a bit in the first book, while their relationship was just a dream. I loved how their relationship blossomed again. It happened pretty fast, but I didn’t care. These two deserved every ounce of happiness that comes their way. I LOVED partaking in their journey and I’m sad that’s it’s over. I will definitely add this to my must re-read shelf. Just LOVED it!
He frowned. “You’re not having second thoughts, are you, Caro?”
I shook my head. “No, Sebastian, I’m not. But you have to admit, it’s all been pretty fast.”
“It’s been ten years, Caro,” he said, seriously. “I’ve waited long enough.”
Sebastian & Caroline
**If you have not read The Education of Sebastian, there are a few spoilers below**
Life is what happens with you least expect it.
I was so freaking ecstatic when I heard this book finally came out because so eager to start this fantastic series. As soon as I finished The Education of Sebastian, I immediately jumped to this book. Book one ended so abruptly and on such a sad note, that I wanted more. I craved it! It’s been ten years since Sebastian and Caroline were forced apart. They haven’t seen each other since that heartbreaking day. What happens when fate intervenes and they are thrust into each other’s lives once more?
I saw Sebastian’s eyes flicker across to me, then widen with shock as recognition set in, and for the briefest of moments, he looked like the 17 year old I had known.
After all these years, Caroline never thought he would ever see the love of her life come back into her life. Her life has changed so much since she upped and left her husband, her life and Sebastian. After struggling the first few years, she has now built a new life as a journalist. Her next assignment took her abroad as a war correspondent. It is during one of these training courses is where she runs into Sebastian again. Gone is the sweet and innocent 17 year old and in his place is a 27-year-old, tough and sexy tattooed Marine. He’s multi lingual and his talents are often used on the field, but he’s also built quite a reputation as a womanizer. When she attempts to speak with him, he gives her nothing but a cold reception. What has happened to her beloved Sebastian?
“Why didn’t you come back?” he sobbed. “I waited and waited for you, like I said I would, but you never came back! Why? Why didn’t you come back? I love you I love you I love you.”
For three years, Sebastian waited for Caroline to come back. He waited until the statute of limitations was over; when it would be safe for Caroline to come back to him, but she never came back. He was devastated. From then on is when he started with the womanizing, but no one ever came close to replacing his beloved Caroline. Seeing her again, after all these years, is more than he can handle. He doesn’t know what to do. He still loves her, but he’s so pissed off that she never came back. Now that she’s back, he knows he can’t stay away from her. Is this the second chance they’ve been waiting for?
“That’s how you make me feel, Caro, like the world just goes away and its just you and me. I… I didn’t thinking I’d ever feel like that again. All those other women, I know it bothers you, but it was just sex. It wasn’t… this.”
Sebastian and Caroline have their second chance and, boy, did they make the most out of it. They have a limited time together before she leaves for her assignment and he for duty. Not only did they re-kindle their physical relationship, which by the way, was off the fucking charts HOT, but they also wanted a chance to a chance to get to know each other again. They’re in Europe; Geneva to be exact, close enough to Italy. Their plan of touring Italy is about to become reality.
I love this plan! They mentioned it quite a bit in the first book, while their relationship was just a dream. I loved how their relationship blossomed again. It happened pretty fast, but I didn’t care. These two deserved every ounce of happiness that comes their way. I LOVED partaking in their journey and I’m sad that’s it’s over. I will definitely add this to my must re-read shelf. Just LOVED it!
He frowned. “You’re not having second thoughts, are you, Caro?”
I shook my head. “No, Sebastian, I’m not. But you have to admit, it’s all been pretty fast.”
“It’s been ten years, Caro,” he said, seriously. “I’ve waited long enough.”
February 9, 2013
"Caro... I don't understand - Why do you love me?"
"Just because... because the sky is blue and the sea is green."
And this is me after reading that part:
I don't think I have the words to truly express the powerful emotions I felt while reading this amazing book. I just literally go crazy SOBBING. I think my pillow was soaked in tears but I didn't care. I just pour all my emotions in this book. Even better than Education of Sebastian.
Full of love, faith and steaming hot passion and earth-shattering sex. This is one brilliant story that I will never forget. If I can put 10 more 'Marine style' stars just how amazing the story is, I would do it. It will surely taunt me for days. It's indescribable. My feelings while reading this book is full of ups and downs then later I was just gross sobbing. Ugly crying would be an understatement of the year. I was so deep in this story I never even realize I missed two meals already. I love everything about this book. I love how they meet again, their Italian escapades and hotel living.. it feels like I was also in their road trip. Sebastian and Caroline's love for each other is blooming like I can also feel how much they will never be apart again. How they express their feelings for one another.. it's so surreal and I envy that kind of love.
I was also scared to death when they were in Afghan. I was praying the whole time that please let there be a happy ending. No matter where they are, even if its in the middle of a war zone, they always find their way to be together. I cried the whole time when Sebastian was struggling for his healing. It felt good to see that my prayers are granted and indeed it was a happy ending ;)
Be happy, Caro, because that's what you deserve.
I love you, I have always loved you, and where I go after this world, I will always love you.
Sempre e per sempre.
Sebastian and Carolina Hunter will always be in my list of 'favorites' forever.
Sempre e per sempre.
February 7, 2017
I'm happy for the reunion. And happy ending.
But...Caro and Sebastian both acted childish.
Ten years apart didn't help them grow.
Carolina is the same insecure person (jealous and mean spirited considering any woman interested in Sebastian as a bitch, or wants to smack them, etc)
Sebastian is demanding, possessive, jealous and sometimes OTT. He acted like the same jealous 17 year old when other men deemed to look at Carolina.
And they acted like teenagers when together.
And yet I couldn't stop reading.
Even after rolling my eyes.
I even read the 2 extra epilogues.
The writing isn't world moving but I guess a good thing I'd say is that both main characters were consistent in characterization.
Carolina was a doormat when step away from the romantic haze. She gave in, rolled over for anything Sebastian came up with.
Still.
Sebastian loved her. Carolina loves him. Never doubted it but the time apart didn't seem to help them grow...much.
3.5 stars
(I'll most likely cave and read the companion piece too.)
Despite my gripes.
I can't seem to be able to let this couple go.
But...Caro and Sebastian both acted childish.
Ten years apart didn't help them grow.
Carolina is the same insecure person (jealous and mean spirited considering any woman interested in Sebastian as a bitch, or wants to smack them, etc)
Sebastian is demanding, possessive, jealous and sometimes OTT. He acted like the same jealous 17 year old when other men deemed to look at Carolina.
And they acted like teenagers when together.
And yet I couldn't stop reading.
Even after rolling my eyes.
I even read the 2 extra epilogues.
The writing isn't world moving but I guess a good thing I'd say is that both main characters were consistent in characterization.
Carolina was a doormat when step away from the romantic haze. She gave in, rolled over for anything Sebastian came up with.
Still.
Sebastian loved her. Carolina loves him. Never doubted it but the time apart didn't seem to help them grow...much.
3.5 stars
(I'll most likely cave and read the companion piece too.)
Despite my gripes.
I can't seem to be able to let this couple go.
February 24, 2013
Mesmerizing ~ Captivating ~ Passionate ~ Romantic
The Education of Caroline begins ten years after the ending of Book #1. Once again the reader is thrust into the passionate, turbulent lives of Sebastian Hunter and his Caro.
Ten years have brought many changes in the lives of these complex characters and they are slowly revealed throughout much of the first half of the story. The young, innocent Sebastian is now twenty-seven and a hardened U.S. Marine. He’s extraordinarily beautiful and with his muscular physique and all that golden skin, the ladies are drawn to him like bees to honey. His sexual exploits have easily earned him his bad-boy reputation.
Caro, now forty and divorced, has completed her college courses and is a foreign correspondent, working freelance for several major newspapers. For the past six years she’s happy to be doing a job she’s passionate about.
Neither one would ever have dreamed that a chance meeting would draw them back into the “erotic madness of a decade ago.”
I happily became lost in Sebastian and Caro’s emotional journey of re-discovery and renewal. The passion throughout is palpable and the mixture of angst, jealousy, tenderness, joy and heart-ache makes for a most engaging read and one of the best I’ve read this year.
This is a passionate, erotically charged romance with enough heat to scorch the pages. It's also tender, poignant and includes enough angst for a perfect balance. The only minor quibble I had would be the somewhat abrupt ending, but the author appeases my desire for more with an enlightening Epilogue.
JHB has produced another well crafted, evocative story that is impossible to put down. While the characters may not be perfect, they are certainly “perfect for each other.”
Thank you Babs and Ellen for the push to read this series!
My Rating:
5/5 stars
Steam factor: 5/5
The Education of Caroline begins ten years after the ending of Book #1. Once again the reader is thrust into the passionate, turbulent lives of Sebastian Hunter and his Caro.
Ten years have brought many changes in the lives of these complex characters and they are slowly revealed throughout much of the first half of the story. The young, innocent Sebastian is now twenty-seven and a hardened U.S. Marine. He’s extraordinarily beautiful and with his muscular physique and all that golden skin, the ladies are drawn to him like bees to honey. His sexual exploits have easily earned him his bad-boy reputation.
Caro, now forty and divorced, has completed her college courses and is a foreign correspondent, working freelance for several major newspapers. For the past six years she’s happy to be doing a job she’s passionate about.
Neither one would ever have dreamed that a chance meeting would draw them back into the “erotic madness of a decade ago.”
I happily became lost in Sebastian and Caro’s emotional journey of re-discovery and renewal. The passion throughout is palpable and the mixture of angst, jealousy, tenderness, joy and heart-ache makes for a most engaging read and one of the best I’ve read this year.
...My God, the feelings that burned through me, scorching away every sorrow, every moment of regret. Instead, I remembered how his hands had learned every curve and hollow of my body, how our love had melded us into one, how his body had fit inside me. He pressed himself into me, his mouth hungrily devouring every breath.JHB is a very talented storyteller. Not only has she penned a hero who is so lovable the reader is left wanting more but she also gives a heroine whom you’ll admire. Her descriptive settings enhance the tale and early on the plot draws you in until very soon you find yourself totally invested. And don’t forget to have those tissues handy for not only will you find yourself laughing out loud, but there are scenes that are heart-rending.
"I haven't changed how I feel. I still love you---I've always loved you. It's only ever been you."
I thought my heart would stop beating.
This is a passionate, erotically charged romance with enough heat to scorch the pages. It's also tender, poignant and includes enough angst for a perfect balance. The only minor quibble I had would be the somewhat abrupt ending, but the author appeases my desire for more with an enlightening Epilogue.
JHB has produced another well crafted, evocative story that is impossible to put down. While the characters may not be perfect, they are certainly “perfect for each other.”
Thank you Babs and Ellen for the push to read this series!
My Rating:
5/5 stars
Steam factor: 5/5
February 17, 2013
WOOHOO, NOW LIVE!
US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Education-o...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Education...
SW: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
The Education of Caroline was an incredible way to finish up the series. I fell in love with Caroline and Sebastian in the first book and was devastated when it ended and I couldn't wait to get back in to their world. Jane delivered, and in a big way!
The Education of Caroline takes place a shockingly long ten years after the ending of The Education of Sebastian. After their dramatic parting both Sebastian and Caroline haven't heard a word from each other, much less seen each other. Half of Caroline's dreams had finally come true and she was currently a well respected journalist, on her way to Afghanistan to write a series of papers on servicemen and women being deployed to Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Sebastian is 9 years into the marines having signed up as soon as he reached 18.
A chance meeting at training program for journalists in Geneva caused Caroline and Sebastian to finally face the hurt that was their past and see what, if anything they could salvage from it. Unfortunately for Caroline it wasn't as easy as that, their first few meetings were less than easy and she began to think maybe nothing could come of their second chance meeting - Sebastian was far too angry and hurt.
What started off as a drink in a Switzerland hotel soon turned in to more and before we knew what was happening Sebastian and Caroline were off on the road trip of a life time - travelling across France and Italy on the back of Sebastian's motorbike.
The first half of this book was absolutely wonderful for me. I loved seeing the new, sexy, older Sebastian trying to win back the love of his life and rekindle some form of relationship with her. I also liked how Caroline wasn't quick to jump in to anything without really thinking about it first. It would have been so easy to just say yes and let it be, but then there wouldn't be much of a story.
The last half of the book was where it really got interesting and nail biting for me. Caroline and Sebastian are both in Afghanistan together, on the same team, facing the hard war together. Both for very different reasons. I was completely glued to my Kindle for the last 50% of the story and I couldn't have put it down if you begged me. Everything they went through, I felt, everything that tore them and made them grow closer was completely believable. My heart broke for them at times and I couldn't try and predict the ending if I wanted to, but it was the uncertainty that kept me glued the whole way through.
There is so much I could say about this book and the series but the bottom line is it is wonderful and I highly recommend them. The series has a great mix of all my favourites - forbidden love, second chance love, military and most importantly real and honest characters. The author had done an amazing job and I can't wait to read more by her.
US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Education-o...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Education...
SW: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
The Education of Caroline was an incredible way to finish up the series. I fell in love with Caroline and Sebastian in the first book and was devastated when it ended and I couldn't wait to get back in to their world. Jane delivered, and in a big way!
The Education of Caroline takes place a shockingly long ten years after the ending of The Education of Sebastian. After their dramatic parting both Sebastian and Caroline haven't heard a word from each other, much less seen each other. Half of Caroline's dreams had finally come true and she was currently a well respected journalist, on her way to Afghanistan to write a series of papers on servicemen and women being deployed to Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Sebastian is 9 years into the marines having signed up as soon as he reached 18.
A chance meeting at training program for journalists in Geneva caused Caroline and Sebastian to finally face the hurt that was their past and see what, if anything they could salvage from it. Unfortunately for Caroline it wasn't as easy as that, their first few meetings were less than easy and she began to think maybe nothing could come of their second chance meeting - Sebastian was far too angry and hurt.
"My beautiful boy, my lover, my friend. The man I thought I'd never see again. Sebastian."
What started off as a drink in a Switzerland hotel soon turned in to more and before we knew what was happening Sebastian and Caroline were off on the road trip of a life time - travelling across France and Italy on the back of Sebastian's motorbike.
The first half of this book was absolutely wonderful for me. I loved seeing the new, sexy, older Sebastian trying to win back the love of his life and rekindle some form of relationship with her. I also liked how Caroline wasn't quick to jump in to anything without really thinking about it first. It would have been so easy to just say yes and let it be, but then there wouldn't be much of a story.
The last half of the book was where it really got interesting and nail biting for me. Caroline and Sebastian are both in Afghanistan together, on the same team, facing the hard war together. Both for very different reasons. I was completely glued to my Kindle for the last 50% of the story and I couldn't have put it down if you begged me. Everything they went through, I felt, everything that tore them and made them grow closer was completely believable. My heart broke for them at times and I couldn't try and predict the ending if I wanted to, but it was the uncertainty that kept me glued the whole way through.
"Caro... I don't understand - why do you love me?"
"Just because... because the sky is blue and the sea is green."
There is so much I could say about this book and the series but the bottom line is it is wonderful and I highly recommend them. The series has a great mix of all my favourites - forbidden love, second chance love, military and most importantly real and honest characters. The author had done an amazing job and I can't wait to read more by her.
"Thank God for you, Caro."
February 15, 2013
BECAUSE THE SEA IS GREEN AND THE SKY IS BLUE
Is 4:00 am and I'm sleep deprived but so worth it. I enjoyed this emotional journey very much. I need to catch up with some sleep before I come back sometime today and write a review.
I LOVED, LOVED THIS BOOK!
October 21, 2015
5 Beautiful Stars!!!
"Caro... I don't understand, why do you love me?"
"Just because... because the sky is blue and the sea is green."
“It’s been ten years, Caro,” he said, seriously. “I’ve waited long enough.”
It has been ten years, since that day where their lives were shattered. Where they were forced to be apart. Caroline is now a military journalist, writing under the name Lee Venzi, and living the life she had always planned with Sebastian, just ten years earlier. The only thing missing... is Sebastian. Sebastian is now a Chief of the US Marines, a well-known womanizer and a heavy drinker. He is hard, bitter, and doesn't remotely resemble that youth that was full of life, he once was.
"Did you mean it, Caro? Did you mean it when you said you loved me?"
"Yes, tesoro, I did. I loved you very much. But you're not the person I knew ten years ago. The Sebastian I knew was sweet and gentle and loving,... but your anger scares me... I can see that you think I let you down badly, but I can't fix it either - I can't change the past."
After that terrible cliffhanger, I had to dive quickly into this one. I couldn't believe so much time had passed. I wanted to know why they never contacted each other, when they had agreed to meet again in three years. Caroline is hired to write about those US soldiers, who fight for their country in Afghanistan. She is sent to Geneva, Switzerland first, where she will learn the basics to self preservation. To her shock, one of the instructors is none other than Sebastian Hunter, who is the language expert.
"Why didn't you come back?" he sobbed. "I waited and waited for you, like I said I would, but you never came back! Why? Why didn't you come back? I love you, I love you, I love you."
After a not so happy reunion, Caroline just wants to get away from Sebastian, but has trouble getting her papers to go to Afghanistan. Sebastian doesn't want her to go, so he prevents her papers from going through too quickly by pulling a few strings. Instead of just staying in Geneva, he suggest they go on the Italian adventure that they talked about doing all those years ago. Caroline may want to resist him, but finds she can't, so she agrees to go with him.
"I really fucking hate this, Caro. We're always running in different directions, we're always running out of time. I just want to wake up with you in my arms every day."
Unfortunately, not everything goes smoothly as expected, and soon Caroline learns that Sebastian is feeling resentful towards her because he thinks she never loved him enough to look for him. It takes a while, but they finally work together and accept that they love each other and can't stay away. Suddenly, they find they don't have much time, because Sebastian is being sent to Afghanistan. The separation is short lived, and Caroline ends up embedded with Sebastian's team. But they must keep their relationship a secret, or their careers will be damaged.
"I haven't changed how I feel. I still love you - I've always loved you. It's only ever been you."
David makes an appearance and I was surprised with him in this book. He was very kind and without a semblance to the man I had seen and thought he was. I had hated him in the first book. But I have to say, he was a bigger man than I had initally thought of him. I know that everything he did was completely wrong, but I ended up forgiving him.
"I love you, Sebastian, please don't push me away. I love you."
"Oh God, Caro. I just don't know what I'm doing any more; I'm so fucked up - I feel like I can't fucking breathe. Don't give up on me, Caro. Please don't give up on me. I need you, baby. I love you so much. I'm so sorry."
The events after Afghanistan, were utter painful for me. No matter what I did, the tears would not stop. As I was reading how much Sebastian was struggling, now that he was back in the US, it totally broke my heart. I was feeling every bit of pain and frustration that Caroline was feeling. I couldn't stand my emotions. I didn't know if he would ever heal or if their relationship could take that kind of a strain. I am so GLAD that Caro never gave up on him. She proved to me how strong of a woman she has become. Especially, after being so mistreated by Sebastian, when it was reminiscent to her life with her ex-husband.
'Despite the difficulties we had been through, despite the difficulties we had yet to face, I had never been happier in my whole life, full of hope gazing through tears at the man I loved. We were beginning again, or, perhaps, adding a new chapter to our story.'
The ending was beautiful, and just, so them. I loved it! As well as the whole story. It was a long journey, but I enjoyed every moment of it. I Highly recommend this wonderfully written book.
"Caro... I don't understand, why do you love me?"
"Just because... because the sky is blue and the sea is green."
“It’s been ten years, Caro,” he said, seriously. “I’ve waited long enough.”
It has been ten years, since that day where their lives were shattered. Where they were forced to be apart. Caroline is now a military journalist, writing under the name Lee Venzi, and living the life she had always planned with Sebastian, just ten years earlier. The only thing missing... is Sebastian. Sebastian is now a Chief of the US Marines, a well-known womanizer and a heavy drinker. He is hard, bitter, and doesn't remotely resemble that youth that was full of life, he once was.
"Did you mean it, Caro? Did you mean it when you said you loved me?"
"Yes, tesoro, I did. I loved you very much. But you're not the person I knew ten years ago. The Sebastian I knew was sweet and gentle and loving,... but your anger scares me... I can see that you think I let you down badly, but I can't fix it either - I can't change the past."
After that terrible cliffhanger, I had to dive quickly into this one. I couldn't believe so much time had passed. I wanted to know why they never contacted each other, when they had agreed to meet again in three years. Caroline is hired to write about those US soldiers, who fight for their country in Afghanistan. She is sent to Geneva, Switzerland first, where she will learn the basics to self preservation. To her shock, one of the instructors is none other than Sebastian Hunter, who is the language expert.
"Why didn't you come back?" he sobbed. "I waited and waited for you, like I said I would, but you never came back! Why? Why didn't you come back? I love you, I love you, I love you."
After a not so happy reunion, Caroline just wants to get away from Sebastian, but has trouble getting her papers to go to Afghanistan. Sebastian doesn't want her to go, so he prevents her papers from going through too quickly by pulling a few strings. Instead of just staying in Geneva, he suggest they go on the Italian adventure that they talked about doing all those years ago. Caroline may want to resist him, but finds she can't, so she agrees to go with him.
"I really fucking hate this, Caro. We're always running in different directions, we're always running out of time. I just want to wake up with you in my arms every day."
Unfortunately, not everything goes smoothly as expected, and soon Caroline learns that Sebastian is feeling resentful towards her because he thinks she never loved him enough to look for him. It takes a while, but they finally work together and accept that they love each other and can't stay away. Suddenly, they find they don't have much time, because Sebastian is being sent to Afghanistan. The separation is short lived, and Caroline ends up embedded with Sebastian's team. But they must keep their relationship a secret, or their careers will be damaged.
"I haven't changed how I feel. I still love you - I've always loved you. It's only ever been you."
David makes an appearance and I was surprised with him in this book. He was very kind and without a semblance to the man I had seen and thought he was. I had hated him in the first book. But I have to say, he was a bigger man than I had initally thought of him. I know that everything he did was completely wrong, but I ended up forgiving him.
"I love you, Sebastian, please don't push me away. I love you."
"Oh God, Caro. I just don't know what I'm doing any more; I'm so fucked up - I feel like I can't fucking breathe. Don't give up on me, Caro. Please don't give up on me. I need you, baby. I love you so much. I'm so sorry."
The events after Afghanistan, were utter painful for me. No matter what I did, the tears would not stop. As I was reading how much Sebastian was struggling, now that he was back in the US, it totally broke my heart. I was feeling every bit of pain and frustration that Caroline was feeling. I couldn't stand my emotions. I didn't know if he would ever heal or if their relationship could take that kind of a strain. I am so GLAD that Caro never gave up on him. She proved to me how strong of a woman she has become. Especially, after being so mistreated by Sebastian, when it was reminiscent to her life with her ex-husband.
'Despite the difficulties we had been through, despite the difficulties we had yet to face, I had never been happier in my whole life, full of hope gazing through tears at the man I loved. We were beginning again, or, perhaps, adding a new chapter to our story.'
The ending was beautiful, and just, so them. I loved it! As well as the whole story. It was a long journey, but I enjoyed every moment of it. I Highly recommend this wonderfully written book.
May 13, 2013
One of the best series I've read as far as the relationship is concerned.
Sebastian and Carolina have such a relationship that it is one for the ages. I can't express how taken I was with it. I don't want to give the story away.....
I was a little put off with how they basically blew off Sebastian's PTSD. Working with Vets, that deserved a good amount of attention, it isn't something that cures itself. It doesn't just go away with love and support as this book portrayed. I wish it did.. so do all the Vets. that is what dropped my rating. PTSD is such a consuming issue that it really deserved to be told the way it really is. The author took so much care with other details, it was disheartening to me that this was a blip on the radar so to speak.
I felt the epiloge was a little rushed as well. I'm thinking 3.5/4 stars.
Sebastian and Carolina have such a relationship that it is one for the ages. I can't express how taken I was with it. I don't want to give the story away.....
I was a little put off with how they basically blew off Sebastian's PTSD. Working with Vets, that deserved a good amount of attention, it isn't something that cures itself. It doesn't just go away with love and support as this book portrayed. I wish it did.. so do all the Vets. that is what dropped my rating. PTSD is such a consuming issue that it really deserved to be told the way it really is. The author took so much care with other details, it was disheartening to me that this was a blip on the radar so to speak.
I felt the epiloge was a little rushed as well. I'm thinking 3.5/4 stars.
February 10, 2013
I don’t know if I can put into words how much I loved this series. The first book was amazing and I can honestly say this one was just as good. I loved Sebastian and Caroline with all my heart and they will be on my “favorites” shelf forever!
February 21, 2013
5 solid stars!!! I love it!!! I actually liked this book better than the first book. An excellent read and a must read.
February 28, 2013
5+ Stars! Emotional, Heart Wrenching, but Full of Hope!
Once in awhile a book comes along that absorbs me. I slip between the covers and the journey becomes my own. I live it, breath it, and dream it. This book devoured me whole but spit me out in pieces. I survived the story of Sebastian and Caro, but not without heartache. However, anything deserving of love, is worth the pain to see it through.
TEN FUCKING YEARS LATER!
Chief Sebastian Hunter is a broken man. Bitter and cold, using women as he felt he'd been used, trying so hard to forget the hurt that was caused by the only woman he ever loved. What we never understand or expect is what fate has in store for us...
Lee Venzi, formerly known as Caroline Wilson, is a forty year old, divorced, military journalist. Living her dream of being a writer, she travels the world reporting from the core of a godforsaken war. However content as she seems, she's lonely...missing something she once had, true love.
Now they face new problems while dealing with past scars. Their passion ignites, lust takes over, but will love prevail?
"Caro...I don't understand - why do you love me?"
"Just because...because the sky is blue and the sea is green."
This book will stay with me for a long long time. I'm sad to see it end, to watch them go on without me. Hopefully one day we'll hear more of Sebastian and Caro, but until then I wait and hope, that their love never falls short...and that they get their well deserved HEA.
Once in awhile a book comes along that absorbs me. I slip between the covers and the journey becomes my own. I live it, breath it, and dream it. This book devoured me whole but spit me out in pieces. I survived the story of Sebastian and Caro, but not without heartache. However, anything deserving of love, is worth the pain to see it through.
TEN FUCKING YEARS LATER!
Chief Sebastian Hunter is a broken man. Bitter and cold, using women as he felt he'd been used, trying so hard to forget the hurt that was caused by the only woman he ever loved. What we never understand or expect is what fate has in store for us...
Lee Venzi, formerly known as Caroline Wilson, is a forty year old, divorced, military journalist. Living her dream of being a writer, she travels the world reporting from the core of a godforsaken war. However content as she seems, she's lonely...missing something she once had, true love.
Now they face new problems while dealing with past scars. Their passion ignites, lust takes over, but will love prevail?
"Caro...I don't understand - why do you love me?"
"Just because...because the sky is blue and the sea is green."
This book will stay with me for a long long time. I'm sad to see it end, to watch them go on without me. Hopefully one day we'll hear more of Sebastian and Caro, but until then I wait and hope, that their love never falls short...and that they get their well deserved HEA.
February 8, 2013
4.5 STARS
This book just blew it right out of the water. It should be a perfect 5 but I had a different picture of Sebastian 10 years after. He's not so bad here, just not what I was expecting. Early chapters were a bit ho-hum. But the second half, right down to the end, was perfect. Caroline amazes me, how far she's gone from her character in the first book was so evident, I think I'm girl-crushing on this woman. The version I read was still getting minor tweaks, but was already beyond words. Jane Harvey-Berrick writes so beautifully and the emotions her words evokes are just so gut-wrenching.
I'm glad she cut down on the sexytimes on this one. Though there were more of those in the first book (understandably with the nature of their relationship) here it wasn't heavy handed or relentless (though giving phone sex a new twist was VERY welcome).
Come for the sex, stay for the story.
Or stay for this at 75%:
The sun was just beginning to appear behind the mountains, weaving pink and purple clouds around the summits, when, like a gift from heaven, I saw a row of Marines, naked above the waist, who were washing outside in the cool air.
Did I say I loved it? Just in case I missed out on that one: I LOVED IT.
Advanced copy from Lisa Ashmore (thanks, Lisa!) in exchange for nothing. Isn't that awesome?
This book just blew it right out of the water. It should be a perfect 5 but I had a different picture of Sebastian 10 years after. He's not so bad here, just not what I was expecting. Early chapters were a bit ho-hum. But the second half, right down to the end, was perfect. Caroline amazes me, how far she's gone from her character in the first book was so evident, I think I'm girl-crushing on this woman. The version I read was still getting minor tweaks, but was already beyond words. Jane Harvey-Berrick writes so beautifully and the emotions her words evokes are just so gut-wrenching.
I'm glad she cut down on the sexytimes on this one. Though there were more of those in the first book (understandably with the nature of their relationship) here it wasn't heavy handed or relentless (though giving phone sex a new twist was VERY welcome).
Come for the sex, stay for the story.
Or stay for this at 75%:
The sun was just beginning to appear behind the mountains, weaving pink and purple clouds around the summits, when, like a gift from heaven, I saw a row of Marines, naked above the waist, who were washing outside in the cool air.
Did I say I loved it? Just in case I missed out on that one: I LOVED IT.
Advanced copy from Lisa Ashmore (thanks, Lisa!) in exchange for nothing. Isn't that awesome?
March 13, 2013
I think it was well written, emotional and evocative book. I smiled for the most part. My imagination, provoked. And yeah it made me weep. It's my second time reading an adult fiction that really had me emotionally hooked. :)
I am actually contemplating on reading it again, relish the story. I didn't want it to end. The emotions I felt were simultaneous. My heart simply went out to the characters. Felt their love, guilt, tension, the joy, sadness, their qualms and squabbles. It all seemed so real to me :)
it's as though I could smell the sea, feel the waves sa part 1. I cud even taste the limoncello hehe. most of all, the feelings the author wanted to convey were so vivid. fears, excitement, tension, the adrenalin rush, the overwhelming feeling of love and passion within the close parameter of danger or death. (part2)
there was this scene that I even prayed along with Caroline. even though I knw it's not gonna end that way but oh pls don't let him die, after all that they've been thru? becuz if he did, I wud definitely be crushed! hahaha
basta maganda. I was so blown away. amazing characterization. romantic at it's best. two thumbs up along with my toes! :) it's gonna be a while before I could forget this epic lovestory. or maybe not..
sempre e per sempre...
I am actually contemplating on reading it again, relish the story. I didn't want it to end. The emotions I felt were simultaneous. My heart simply went out to the characters. Felt their love, guilt, tension, the joy, sadness, their qualms and squabbles. It all seemed so real to me :)
it's as though I could smell the sea, feel the waves sa part 1. I cud even taste the limoncello hehe. most of all, the feelings the author wanted to convey were so vivid. fears, excitement, tension, the adrenalin rush, the overwhelming feeling of love and passion within the close parameter of danger or death. (part2)
there was this scene that I even prayed along with Caroline. even though I knw it's not gonna end that way but oh pls don't let him die, after all that they've been thru? becuz if he did, I wud definitely be crushed! hahaha
basta maganda. I was so blown away. amazing characterization. romantic at it's best. two thumbs up along with my toes! :) it's gonna be a while before I could forget this epic lovestory. or maybe not..
sempre e per sempre...
February 12, 2013
The Education of Caroline
The Education of Caroline takes place ten years after Caroline and Sebastian were torn apart. Sebastian is now in the marines and Caroline is a journalist. At first, Sebastian was hurt and angry believing Caroline had never searched for him- as he had searched for her.
I never hated you, Caro, although I tried, I really fucken tried. But I just couldn't do it. - Sebastian
They decided to give their love another chance. They began their journey in Switzerland and finished in Italy as they had planned 10 years earlier. There, they realized that their love for one another had never waned.
I haven't changed how I feel. I still love you - I've always loved you. It's only ever been you. - Sebastian
The second half of the book takes place in Afgahnistan and together they face a violent world.
It was the most extraordinary feeling, riding that wave together. In some ways it was a metaphor for the life we were starting on. Who knew when we'd we fall. But by trusting each other and moving as one, the ride would be longer.
- Caroline
Their love scenes were fiery, scorching, sultry, but also loving.
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And left me:
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By the end of the story I was I was gushing-
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I loved it so much.
The story of Caroline and Sebastian is one I will always treasure. It's a story of forbidden love and second chances. This is simply a must read.
Well done Ms. Harvey-Berrick.
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The Education of Caroline takes place ten years after Caroline and Sebastian were torn apart. Sebastian is now in the marines and Caroline is a journalist. At first, Sebastian was hurt and angry believing Caroline had never searched for him- as he had searched for her.
I never hated you, Caro, although I tried, I really fucken tried. But I just couldn't do it. - Sebastian
They decided to give their love another chance. They began their journey in Switzerland and finished in Italy as they had planned 10 years earlier. There, they realized that their love for one another had never waned.
I haven't changed how I feel. I still love you - I've always loved you. It's only ever been you. - Sebastian
The second half of the book takes place in Afgahnistan and together they face a violent world.
It was the most extraordinary feeling, riding that wave together. In some ways it was a metaphor for the life we were starting on. Who knew when we'd we fall. But by trusting each other and moving as one, the ride would be longer.
- Caroline
Their love scenes were fiery, scorching, sultry, but also loving.
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And left me:
[image error]
By the end of the story I was I was gushing-
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I loved it so much.
The story of Caroline and Sebastian is one I will always treasure. It's a story of forbidden love and second chances. This is simply a must read.
Well done Ms. Harvey-Berrick.
[image error]
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