The Education of Sebastian & The Education of Caroline: Combined Edition with Bonus Chapters

The Education of... #1-2

by Jane Harvey-Berrick

The Education of Sebastian

Trapped in a loveless marriage, thirty year old Caroline Wilson moves to San Diego after her military husband earns a promotion. Feeling lost and alone Caroline strikes up a friendship with young local surfer Sebastian Hunter.

Sebastian has more than friendship on his mind when he runs into Caroline on the beach. But when sparks fly friendship turns into an illicit love that threatens them both.

The Education of Caroline

Now a successful journalist, Caroline heads out to report from the front lines of the war in Afghanistan. Love is the last thing on her mind when she crosses paths with Chief Sebastian Hunter.

Will this chance encounter reignite the erotic passion of their past?

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Adult, Forbidden Love

712 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Author 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...

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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.

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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

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Reviews

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This combined edition continues to be my favorite in the reverse age gap category. There are multiple epilogues and bonus chapters with different POVs.

"I love you, I have always loved you, and where I go after this world, I will always love you. Sempre e per sempre.”

Yes, it has infidelity and underage sex (he’s 17, she’s 30), but it also is the story of of two lost souls. Not to mention, it’s smoking hot and deeply heartwarming.

Jane HB writing is an acquired taste. She has such a unique way of writing characters full of depth and growth. This isn’t a cheesy love story, it’s full of angst and pain and lust and ultimately a beautiful hea.

I can’t bring my self to regret the events of that summer, because Sebastian taught me how to love.

Original review:

*Slight spoilers*

Caroline is 30 and Sebastian is 17 (four months away from 18). There is something so endearing about their love affair. She’s married to a military doctor who is also much older than she is, very controlling and emotionally abusive. (She married him when she was 19, met him when she was 17).

He hated the way I dressed, the way I spoke, what I spoke about and the things that interested me to speak about… He wasn’t always an unkind man… we were just fundamentally unsuited to each other.

Caro knows nothing about being cared for, or what real love feels like until she meets Sebastian. This story is deeply romantic, but it also reads like high school love because Caro is almost as innocent as Sebastian is.

“I wish you wouldn’t say things like that, Sebastian. I’m a married woman. It makes me… uncomfortable.”

“I really like you, Caroline,” he said softly.

I felt his hand touch my arm; he was trembling.
I had to look up. His face held such an expression of longing, mixed with anxiety…

Sebastian is just SO PURE. There are moments when I felt very uncomfortable reading this. Not just because I was stressed out the entire time that they were going to get caught but also because the author writes in a way that allows you to feel Sebastian’s age and Caro’s insecurities. It’s awkward and uncomfortable, but I’m sure that was her plan.

Although Caro is unfaithful, it feels less like a betrayal and more like the path she was meant to travel. Sebastian shows her a part of the world that she’s never known.

“You’ve taught me everything I know. … You’ve taught me who I can be, you’ve made me stronger. You make me want to see the magic in the world. I didn’t know falling in love could be…like this.”

The second book, was even better than the first. They reconnect when Caro is 40 and Sebastian is 27. The love is less infatuation more real this time around. They’ve been through so much, each trying to survive what happened in book one. Sebastian is a supreme alpha in this book, but he still has that soft side that Caro fell in love with ten years ago. I applaud the author on a realistic portrayal of what wounded veterans go though. The struggle is real and Sebastian is incredibly lucky to have Caro at his side.

I purchased this monster paperback combining the two stories (over 700 pages), my only complaint is that it’s a clunker to hold.

All the extra epilogues and shorts at the end of this book are fabulous.

[Lady Vigilante (Feifei) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series rating: 4–4.5 STARS!!!

P.S. The bundle is LIVE!!!



There’s always a risk when I decide to re-read old favorites – what if they aren’t as good as the first time around? So after taking a few days to read The Education series I’m pretty happy to say that Sebastian and Caroline will always have that #1 spot as my favorite older woman/younger man romance. It’s unconventional, taboo, heartwarming yet heartbreaking and scorching hot – the perfect combination!

Though I’m a fan of taboo stories, I know that a lot of this series’s content will ward off readers. What makes this taboo: Sebastian is 17 and Caroline is 30 when they first engage in a relationship and Caroline is married. And as much as I love anything that goes against the grain, Sebastian’s age gave me a jolt – I didn’t want to read about a minor in an affair! But after reading this series, I can say that this is one of the rare exceptions where I was okay with infidelity and any society rules that were broken once Sebastian and Caroline were together. There was never a doubt in my mind that these two belonged together – their story is full of anguish, depth, loss, and an unparalleled connection that Caroline never has with her husband (who’s a big jerk by the way) or Sebastian with any of his ex-girlfriends.

What I loved a lot about this series is how well it spans the characters’ lives – Sebastian and Caroline first meet when she’s 21 and he’s 8 and by the time the series concludes, Caroline’s 40 and Sebastian’s 30. Again, don’t let the age difference frighten you; there’s so much more to these books than the taboo aspect. It’s hauntingly real, deeply passionate, and cleverly written – these characters (good or bad) will have you captivated and flipping the pages for more.



If you are interested in these books, then I’d recommend reading them when you can fully commit to the series and can read both books one after another! FYI, this review is for the complete book bundle that will be available on April 28: The Education of Sebastian, The Education of Caroline, bonus POV scenes from Sebastian, and extra scenes.

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[KAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 SPELLBINDING Stars*

I love to go into a book totally blind, selecting it only because of the author, as I love how Ms. Berrick can brilliantly weave a story so you feel you are part of it. I refrained from reading the synopsis and just allowed the story to reveal itself page by page, chapter by chapter. What unfolded left me spellbound!

This extremely talented author creates two wonderfully enchanting characters, who are twelve years apart in age. When they meet she is a young military wife and he is an eight year old child. A a decade later, they meet again, the attraction is overwhelming and a forbidden love story is born! It is an affair so wrong and yet feels so right. Together they learn what "true love" is really all about. They also learn, in the blink of an eye, your world can come crashing down around you.

Quite honestly if you don't fall in love with Sebastian, you don't have a pulse ;)

I did do some eye rolling though, which is why 4.5 stars and not 5. After about the twentieth very descriptive, but many beautiful, sex scenes, I was thinking 'Okay, got it. They love having sex, they have great sex, they enjoy discussing the sex they are about to have" and so on. But I digress ......

Book One ..... The Education of Sebastian

Caroline was raised by a mother who loathed her and a father who adored her. But Mommy Dearest ruled the roost and literally pushed Caroline out of the family nest and into the arms of a US Navy officer. She married David at age 19 and they moved from the east coast to San Diego Naval Base. Caroline realized quickly she was stuck in a loveless marriage long before their second anniversary. David tried to mold her into being just like "all the other officer's wives." He hated how she dressed, how she spoke and what she spoke about. Her input or thoughts on any subject were meaningless as far as he was concerned. So to keep the peace, she wore what he told her to wear and kept her mouth shut. The "domineering bully" gave out the orders and she complied. She was his "cook, cleaner, party organizer and occasional sexual toy."

She is introduced to one of the "other wives," her vile husband and their eight year old son named Sebastian. Totally ignored by his parents, aka monsters, Caroline feels sorry for the boy and started spending time with him talking about books, listening to opera and teaching him Italian, which was the language of her father. A sweet and innocent friendship develops between them. When Sebastian learns Caroline is moving across the country to Camp Lejeune, NC, because her husband is being reassigned to another naval unit, he cries for days. She had become his refuge. An escape from his alcoholic mother and his abusive father.

At age 30, and surprised she is still married to David, Caroline finds herself back in San Diego. While on the beach enjoying the warmth of the sun, Caroline is greeted by the voice of a surfer, belonging to none other than Sebastian, who has grown into a very handsome young man.

What transpires between them is like nothing I have ever read before. I was transfixed by their friendship, their attraction for one another, their affair, their dilemma, and their ultimate demise.

Book Two ..... The Education of Caroline

You need to read "The Education of Sebastian" first ;)) But gracious sakes, talk about taking it up a notch or two! You get pulled even deeper and more passionately into their lives and their love for each other. You cheer for them, you smile for them, you hurt for them. As much as I enjoyed the first book of this fascinating duo, it was the second book which really grabbed hold of my heart and has yet to let go. I highly recommend!

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Education Series is definitely something special. It’s one of those series where you live and breathe the characters and everything they go through. It’s one of my absolute favorites!

The Education of Sebastian really took me by surprise the first time I read it. I haven’t read many books about older woman and a younger man but I feel like this book really did it right. Caroline is a 30 year-old military wife, trapped in a loveless marriage. She married at the young age of 19 to an older man, a Navy medical officer who quickly charmed her, but she has been unhappy ever since – completely losing herself in her unhealthy relationship.

He hated the way I dressed, the way I spoke, what I spoke about and the things that interested me to speak about.

When 17 year-old Sebastian comes into her life, he completely brightens her world with his kind, sweet heart. I could not have loved him more! He’s loving, open hearted, honest, and vulnerable. He just broke my heart over and over with how sweet, genuine and raw he was with his emotions.

What was it about that boy? He really got under my skin. It had been simple when he was a child, and I’d enjoyed his uncomplicated company. Things had certainly changed.

Things between Caroline and Sebastian move quickly and it’s not long before they are acting on their attraction for one another.



I have to admit, I was surprised by how fast everything happens but as the story moves forward there was never any doubt that it was much more than lust. Their feelings completely consumed each other and it always felt incredibly genuine.

“Is it always like this?” he said, suddenly looking lost and vulnerable. I knew what he was asking me and I didn’t have an answer. I shook my head. “Not for me … not until now, until you.” What did I know of the kind of love that made it hard to breathe, where your body ached day and night for that connection with another, physically, mentally, spiritually? It was utterly new and terrifying and exhausting and wonderful.

I think the way the affair was handled was done really well. I never for one minute was even remotely mad at Caroline for having the affair or carrying on the way she did. I’m glad I never questioned if he would leave David and she didn’t really either, it was more of when and how to go about it. There were some cheesy moments because it’s a very sweet romance, but even with that it was mostly just endearing. I had a lot of anxiety while reading, just waiting and waiting for them to get caught, but it did make the experience that much more exciting and made me that much more invested in the story. And then THAT ENDING! Wow, talk about explosive! It really took my breath away and left me reeling. Then I read the blurb for The Education of Caroline and about passed out….

4.5 stars.

+++

The Education of Caroline picks up 10 years, yes, TEN YEARS after the ending that separated Sebastian and Caroline in the previous book. When I read that in the blurb, there was no doubt that I had to continue immediately to see what happened and why these two were not together after all this time.

Ten years ago, Caroline was living a life she didn’t want with a man she didn’t love. She was pretty lost and didn’t do anything for herself. When we see Caroline now, she is strong, independent, and has become an incredibly successful journalist who is taken very seriously in her profession. I couldn’t have been more proud, I just wanted to give her a high five and say,“You go girl!” But, of course one thing was missing. I love how Caroline and Sebastian are introduced to each other again in the book. Caroline hasn’t spoken to or seen Seb since the night all hell broke loose and their affair was made public. So, traveling to Geneva for a ‘hostile environment’ training program for journalists before making her way to the Middle East was the last place she thought she’d be seeing the love of her life again.

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.

Saying it’s rocky between them is an understatement. So much has happened and changed. Sebastian is very different from the young man Caroline used to know, he’s still brutally honest but a little less gentle and much more angry.

“I really want to hear this, Caro. I really want to hear how hard you tried to find me,” he jeered. “You knew my fucking father was forcing me to enlist because of you, but you didn’t even bother to make a few fucking phone calls. Three years I waited for you, Caro. Three fucking years, while you were off building your career and having a great life traveling all over the world. So yeah, I fucked some women who deserved it, because I’d already been fucked over once and I wasn’t going to let it happen again.”

There is a lot more up and down in this book and I think that’s just because their emotions are so intense. Not only is there that desperate love that has always been there, but now they have to deal with the repercussions of their choices over the last ten years. They have to get to know each other again and fight for what they had.

It never occurred to me that you… that you’d be waiting for me.” He leaned forward, his eyes intense and angry. “But I said I’d wait for you. I promised I’d wait. Hell, Caro, it was the last thing I got to say to you. And you… you said…” he bit his lip, hesitating. I’d promised to love him forever.

I thought they both acted immature at times in this, but in a way I could empathize with that because things were so strained, so much time had passed, so much had happened, and there was a lot of hurt. They were bound to piss eachother off and get into it. But underneath it all they are still the same people and are just meant to be together.

“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.”

I loved this book, even more than the first. Even though it was heartbreaking at times, their struggles only brought them closer. Things progress really beautifully and there is great closure from the past book. My one complaint was that I wanted a bit more from the end. Don’t get me wrong, I was really happy with how things were, but because I love these characters so much I didn’t want to let them go yet, I wanted more. AND, that is EXACTLY what I got from the new bonus epilogues and chapters in this combined edition. I couldn’t be happier with the ending, it’s perfect for Sebastian and Caroline.

5 stars for The Education of Caroline and the series as a whole! ♥

See this review & others at No BS Book Reviews.
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[Romance Readers Retreat · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTE: This volume contains two complete books, so this review may be longer than a normal review. I will be focusing on each book separately. Because of that you may not want to read the second half of this review until you've read the first book. Otherwise you may find some spoilers to the first book within the second book's review.


BOOK ONE: The Education of Sebastian:

Well, my mind has been blown.
This is a beautiful book about a beautifully unorthodox relationship between an unhappily married 30 year old woman and a 17 year old boy. Right away I know you may be thinking to yourself, ugh. I did too when I first realized what was going on. But if you have the guts to stick it out, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find here.
Caroline is just sleepwalking through life, and through her marriage with David, a military doctor. They have been married for 11 years now, and Caroline has always put forth the happy front that is expected of a military wife. But she is not happy, not at all. If she is anything it's numb and defeated.
They recently move back to the west coast, as military families are wont to do. Caroline has no real family, and what few friends she had were left behind when they moved. She is virtually alone. David is not physically abusive to Caroline, but he is mentally abusive. She can do nothing right in his eyes. He is constantly belittling her, talking down to her, and treating her as hired help, and not as a true partner in their relationship. Caroline has put up with it because she feels she has no other choice. Her self esteem is shot, and she has come to believe the things her husband says about her.
Until she meets Sebastian again. You see Caroline used to babysit little 8 year old Sebastian when they were last on the west coast. He is no longer a little 8 year old boy. Sebastian has grown up, but he still remembers the beautiful woman who had such a positive influence on his life so many years ago.
Sebastian's home life is horrible and abusive. His alcoholic mother and father are just as bad as you'd imagine them to be. They care for nothing, except for getting drunk. His father is sleeping around with everyone on the base, and his mother drowns herself in liquor just so she doesn't have to feel anything. As a result, Sebastian has had to grow up much faster than he should have.
Everything changes for both of them when they see each other again. There is obvious chemistry immediately, but Caroline knows this is wrong, and struggles to keep some distance between them. Inevitably, things happen, and they ultimately give in to the temptation. It is only afterwards that Caroline discovers Sebastian is not yet 18 as she had believed, but he is still 17, not turning 18 for four more months. Caroline is devastated, knowing she has broken the law by sleeping with this underage kid. But in spite of every instinct telling her this is wrong, the stronger instinct is to enjoy the love they share for each other.
The book is perfectly written and sucked me in from the very beginning. The characters are well drawn and believable. I could not put the book down. I wanted to feel judgmental toward a wife who would cheat on her husband with a 17 year old boy, but I couldn't. I felt so sad for Caroline. Sebastian is the first person to ever show her real love. Even her own mother was hateful to her when she was growing up. I began rooting for a happy ending for both of them, but I just knew this could not end well.
I won't give anything away, but I can tell you that their story continues in The Education of Caroline, which is also included in this double volume. Continue reading for my review of Book Two, but only after you have read Book One.


BOOK TWO: The Education of Caroline:

Do not read any further until after you've read The Education of Sebastian. There will be spoilers for Sebastian from this point on.
You must read the Education of Sebastian before starting this book. It picks up 10 years after the events of the first book. Caroline and Sebastian have both picked up the pieces of their lives and moved on as best they could.
Sebastian is now a 27 year old hot headed Chief Warrant Officer in the Marine Corps, and Caroline is now 40 years old and a successful writer and press correspondent being sent to war torn areas to write about what she witnesses.
They meet up again in Geneva Switzerland when Sebastian is tasked with teaching some journalists basic survival techniques in Afghanistan before they are deployed there. As you can imagine, seeing each other again was quite a shock for both of them.
Sebastian is a bitter man, thinking that his beloved Caro had abandoned him. He waited for her for 3 years after she had been run out of town, but she never contacted him. He is angry with her, but he still loves her and no other woman has ever lived up to his memory of her. Although he has certainly tried to find one. He now has a well deserved reputation as a ladies man.
Caroline, on the other hand, has never forgotten Sebastian. She has had a few flings in the last 10 years, but nothing serious. It turns out she had tried to contact Sebastian when he turned 21, but her letters were returned unopened. She figured Sebastian had already moved on, so she never tried to contact him again.
The old spark is still there, however, even if it does sputter at first. The story of them getting to know each other again is beautifully written and very believable. I love these two. They were simply made for each other.
I will not tell you how it turns out, suffice it to say there are large hurdles to overcome, but they come out on the other side closer than ever before.
These are not your typical billionaire romance books. There is no BDSM here, no submissives, no red room of pain. What we have here is a much more realistic view of two people who are fated to be together in spite of overwhelming odds. They love each other unconditionally, and despite being torn apart at one point, love ultimately conquers all.
This combined volume also contains a couple of beautiful epilogues, and several very interesting alternate chapters. There are so many wonderful extras that it's almost like getting a third book for free.
I highly encourage you to try out The Education Series. I loved it, and I think you will too.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a link to my reviews of The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline.
TEoS review.
TEoC review.
In summary, this series is one of my favourite. With a mixture of forbidden love and second chance love, The Education of.. series is a brilliant blend of the angsty sort of series' that I love. The troubles and pain that Seb and Caro went through over the course of their relationship is both heartbreaking and joyful. The series is a truly enjoyable read.
With the two books easily being 5 stars for me, this book was easily going to be the same, thanks to the original story and bonus chapters.

I love the stories that Jane has created here, and reading extra material was such a treat. Not only do we get a deeper look in to the future of Seb and Caro, but we are also treated to extra chapters in Seb's POV, right from the beginning of their story.

"But the truth is, home could be anywhere, as long as I'm with Caro. I am one lucky bastard."

If you loved the series already, there is no way you aren't going to love this, thanks to the added material. If you haven't read if yet, prepare to go on a journey. A journey of growth, heart break, a ton of pain, but eventually a beautifully ending love story.

*Reviewing for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog as part of the 'The Education...' blog tour.*

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** Edited

5 stars for all time favorites books and all time favorite couples***

TEoS/TEoC are two books that found my self hard to easily forget. Hell, these books stays with me forever!
I adore Jane's writing, and when it came to Sebastian and Caroline, what was seemed so wrong felt so right.

I was about 35 years old when a young man 9 years younger than me asked me for a date, and we're together for awhile. I was worried in the beginning (so I really did understand Caro's feeling about the age differences, and all)...but this man I date, he was so determine, just like Sebastian.

It's hard to love an older woman, our culture okay with older man dating younger woman..but why not being fair? Why not equal?
I think this is what Jane tried to tell all of us.

"When you love someone, let it be just love. Don't let anything come between you, including age differences"

I loved the series so much, I own the e-copy, paperback and definitely waiting for this bundle to arrive on my doorstep..Just can't get enough of Seb and Caro...!

Well done Jane Harvey-Berrick!

[Angela Ruble Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 5 star review for The Education of Sebastian and Caroline as a set with bonus material by Jane Harvey-Berrick for Eskimo Princess Book Reviews.

This series follows the steamy love affair between young, Sebastian Hunter, and an older, Caroline Verti Wilson. These two embark on a secret journey of love and lust when Sebastian is only 17 and Caroline is 30. These two books span over many years and give us such an emotional ride. There is fear, love, lust, anger, hurt, pain, and forgiveness. Will these two ever find their HEA?

I really liked this series and it will definitely go on my favorites list. There was just something about this forbidden love that sucked me in. I really didn’t know what to think going in, but with an open mind and a willing brain I dived right in. I can say I have no regrets. I laughed, I cried, I hurt when they hurt, and I wanted to throw a punch through the kindle a time or two. The writing was excellent and the editing was great! The plot line kept me hooked and I found myself reading way later than I should have been. I just couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved the bonus material. Being able to read from Sebastian’s POV was refreshing and helped me see him in a different, deeper light. I loved the extended epilogue as well!

If you are looking for a second chance romance between two people that are meant for one another then this one is for you! If you love to read books where the military is involved then this one would fill that bill as well. Great Job Jane, I am a fan!

[Milot · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 INTENSE BEAUTIFUL PASSIONATE STAR


“You are my world Caro. And you’re MINE”- Sebastian


First let me just say that this is my first book about forbidden love and about older woman and younger man and I was a little hesitant going into it because of a huge age gap. This book had been on my TBR for so long and when I got to know that the author will release a bundle of this series which include a bonus chapters and epilogue I just dive in reading it. And WOW! I’m hooked…..it’s simply CAPTIVATING.


I gottta say that I had a hard time reading the first part of this book because my HEART is beating so fast with every scene. Every single thing between them is forbidden and dangerous and I always held my breath when I thought they were going to get caught.


“Everything had a price; every glance, every kiss, every stolen touch…”


I really adore Sebastian and Caroline’s love. It’s not all about physical connection BUT it’s all about what they saw in each other that made their life complete. They both longed for love and found it with each other. Their journey had been a tough one; there had been a lot of factors that always made them pull apart and some life circumstances that is unexpectedly happened.


I have to say that I’m madly l in love with Sebastian because of how intense his love for Caro it….he’s a young guy but at some point he’s been actually the adult making the best decisions with their relationship. He’s the sweetest, kind, loving guy I ever know even if he’s life and parents sucks.


The writing style of the author is AMAZING. She made me FEEL every emotion that just made me wrapped up into the story. The fear, worries, uncertainty, jealousy and possessiveness is too much to bear while reading it. It’s making me freak out sometimes.


I actually cried at the end of the first part and at the middle part of the part two because of some intense moments that broke my heart. I didn’t see it coming how painful this book could be.

And what I really love about this book bundle is the added EPILOGUE and bonus chapters. I don’t want to say more about it but I assure you that you’ll love it so much.


Over all this book simply PHENOMENAL. The angst, romance, heart ache is all worth it. I love the writing style of the author and I love Sebastian and Caroline get the happy ever after they deserved.

[Kirsten P · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Vale198 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+

Un libro da leggere assolutamente. La storia di Carolina e Sebastian, lui più piccolo di lei nemmeno diciottenne ma che si innamora di lei ad appena 8 anni e sa che lei sarà la sola donna della sua vita. Carolina una donna di 30 anni sposata in giovane età ma con un uomo che non ama, suo marito la tratta come un soprammobile, un marito padrone. Caroline con Sebastian ritrova la sua spensieratezza e soprattutto si sente amata, una storia impossibile ed illegale ma piena d’amore 😍. Le storie dove si ritrovano anni dopo mi affascinano e sapevo in fondo che sarebbe finita così. Sebastian mi è piaciuto dal primo momento, ho amato il suo modo di amare e la sua tenacia nonostante la sua giovane età. Unica pecca l’epilogo, insomma un libro tanto lungo, ore ed ore per leggerlo e poi mi pecca l’epilogo ☹️, speravo in qualcosina in più per il resto assolutamente perfetto ❤️.

[KC -- Reading Is My Superpower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow.... I was not sure what to expect with this one, but am I ever glad I took the chance!

I love to read books that are out of the box. Not your normal when John meets Jane. And this bundle delivered! Now, I must warn you, if you are sensitive to taboo reads, then this one is not for you!

Caroline is a 30 year old married woman. Married to a high ranking military man, locked in a loveless marriage. She has no real life of her own, and her days consist of tending to her husbands every need and dancing around his moods. Living with a bully of a husband, Caroline is sad and lonely. She has resigned herself to a life of servitude and feeling unappreciated.

Sebastian is a 17 year old high school student. The son of the commander, he has expectations put on him, goals created for him, and a life planned out by a domineering father and a drunk mother. With ideas and wants of his own, he is a constant disappointment to parents that care little about him, and endures physical abuse from his overbearing father.

When Sebastian is 8 years old, he meets 22 year old Caroline. As Caroline introduces him to Italian, and Opera, and the love of reading, his 8 year old self decides that there is no other woman for him besides Caroline. But fate takes her across country, and all he is left with is memories. 10 years later, Caroline returns. And she runs into a grown up Sebastian. As they begin a friendship, feelings become involved, love blooms, and life changing choices explode and alter the paths of everyone involved.

This is such an amazing story. The feelings that coursed through me raged from one extreme to another. I found myself cheering for Caroline and Sebastian to finally get together. I wanted them to have their Happily Ever After. There was just enough angst to keep you on the edge of your seat and turning pages. And the twists and turns and road blocks that showed up had me chewing my nails and talking to the pages. And I shed a few tears.

Caroline was a fantastic leading lady. She had strength hidden in the depths of her soul that she didnt know existed. And when push came to shove, she persevered and did what she had to do. When her world exploded, she found a way to put the pieces back together and move on.

Sebastian was amazing. His ability to love and his loyalty were unbelievable. He was his own person, not afraid to go after what he wanted, and didnt care what the rest of the world thought. He started out shy, and unsure, but as he grew up, he grew into a self assured, take charge man. I adored him.

Even though this was not a cliff hanger, it left me wanting more. I want to know how the rest of their lives play out. The epilogue tied everything together, and there were no loose ends. But I have a major book hangover right now, and I want more.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars....HELL NO!

5 isn't enough for these amazing books!

OMG I don't even know where to begin. These books totally caught me off guard when I first read them. I had just finished reading 50 Shades and was so in love with Christian Grey. And then along came Sebastian Hunter and completely stole my heart!

Holy Smokes!!! It's not your average love story. This story goes against everything that society says is right. First he's a minor and in love with a 30 year old woman. Second, she's married. But, their love is so strong, so passionate, so deep and so real they can't fight it. As society goes they shouldn't be in love but the heart wants what it wants. And man does it want this!

The entire series is so emotional and it really makes you feel everything the characters are feeling. It is so well written, the characters are so well developed and the writing is so graphic and detailed you feel like you are a part of their story, like you are their friend!

I absolutely fell in love with Sebastian. I will say I didn't fall in love right away. It did take me a few chapters!! In the first book he is very young, but only in age. He is very mature, smart, intelligent, and wise beyond his years. He has had to grow up pretty fast with the horrific parents he has. But as old and wise as he is, he is still a young man and sometimes it shows. I love that the writer was able to make you see that although he is very mature for his age he is very young in the love department.

Caroline is a 30 year old woman and shouldn't be falling in love with him. But she is in a loveless, controlling marriage and is very unhappy. Sebastian comes along and shows her what love really is. He may be young but he teaches her she deserves to be loved and treated like a woman. I could totally relate to how she was feeling. She didn't want to love him, it was wrong. It went against everything she thought was right. It was forbidden. But if there is one thing Sebastian is, it's persistent.

Fast forward 10 years and their love has not disappeared. But it is filled with anger and hurt. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster. The second book was so intense and emotional...there were times I had to put it down just to catch my breath. There were times when I was afraid to turn the page because I was so afraid of what was going to happen, but yet I couldn't put it down.

I loved these books and Sebastian so much I declared every Sunday is Sebastian Sunday!!!! and I completely forgot all about Christian Grey! Nobody comes close to my man Sebastian! I love him!

[Kelsey's Korner Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers here and not a lot of talk about the storyline, I'm going with my feelings and talking about the writing. Jane is one of my go to authors without reading the synopsis, she's an expert in her field in my opinion and that will never change I'm certain of it. Jane just gets better with age, like fine wine or is that cheese? Well you know what I mean! The taste gets better and you devour every drop. Her writing is tangible, solid and never lets you down.

This has to be one of my all time favourite book series'. I love angst and I love uncertainty. I love forbidden and I love a tale of woe. The Education Series gave me everything I needed, including a self assured slightly older heroine who's strength was beyond belief, and a very young boy who grew into a fine figure of a man. Yes she's an older woman and yes he's quite young but there is nothing at all seedy about this whatsoever. The sacrifices Caroline made in her life were heartbreaking and I admired her greatly. The pain Sebastian suffered was torturous.

The story takes many unexpected twists and turns, and Jane is quite adventurous. This is why I admire Jane for her remarkable research into areas of devastation, the attention to every detail is excellent. Jane can tell a story, she can make you laugh and she can certainly make you cry. You will also find your knickers may need a change every now and again, which was all good by me.

This is a long story about survival, about separation about grief! The plot has so much depth there's no time to get bored, once you start you will be enthralled as I was. I was satisfied with the ending but I don't think it needs to be the end, I am sure Sebastian and Caroline will be talked about for many years to come. I recommend this highly and I'm certain it will blow your mind and leave you with a huge book hangover.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow. I absolutely loved these two books. This is a fantastic book bundle that u totally loved. This bundle will stay on my kindle in the hope I can re-read again soon. Yes I loved it that much. It is definitely one of my favourite series I've ever read.

As this is a review for both books I'm not going into the storylines just in case I spoil the books for you.

This series is about a taboo subject. The relationship between an older woman, Caroline and a younger man Sebastian. If your okay with taboo subjects then get clicking this now. This series is a rollercoster of a story. I was biting my nails one minute and smiling the next minute. I was an emotional mess reading this.

I'm so so glad I waited and read this series one after the other. I've never read anything by this author before but after reading these that will be changing. Awesome books that I'll certainly be re-reading. If I could give this more than five stars I certainly would.

Received complimentary copy in return for an honest review.

[Sheena Lumsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much more than 5 Stars

The first time I read these books I loved them, they left such an impact on me that when I had the opportunity to re read them for the re-release I jumped at the chance.

These books are full of emotion, good and bad and will keep you reading until the small hours of the morning.
Jane Harvey-Berrick is a remarkable writer, she takes a story and writes it from her heart and soul but more than that she makes you feel what the characters are feeling and in these books she deals with some serious issues, such as PTSD, The War, and Love between two people who want to be together but because of circumstances and ages they had to hide their relationship from everyone and ultimately pay the price.

There is so much in these books, laughter, love, emotion but also knowledge of what people have to suffer when they return from the War and what they deal with while being there. That in itself was so emotional for me to read but also remarkable to read what people do over there to keep our countries and citizens safe.

The Education of Sebastian is based on an Army Base and everyone in this book is either an officer or family member of an army personnel. The Education of Sebastian:- I felt we got the first insight into Caroline and her feelings in the prologue
“I’ve often wondered why brides-to-be speak with such excitement of their wedding day – the best day of their lives, Doesn’t that imply that it’s all downhill from then on"?

Sebastian is a young boy when Caroline first meets him and you can tell he is such a lonely boy, his parent's don’t love him, he is an only child that has never felt loved.

Sebastian is in awe of Caroline and her father’s interaction and love her father has for her, you can see he wants that for himself and it is so lovely to see that Sebastian is so taken by the way Caroline's father is with him.

Sebastian's father is a bully and an abuser, he frequently beat up on Sebastian and my heart broke everytime we heard about it, from the beginning of the book until the end of book one there are signs all the way through of how Sebastian’s father treated him
“ I fucking warned you what I’d do if you did that again when you should be studying”

Sebastian loves to surf, he wants to go to colleage to study but his father wants him to enlist and join the army like him

Caroline and her mother also do not have the best of relationships as you can see when on Caroline’s wedding day her mother’s comments cut her to the bone, never one to compliment her own daughter
“He’s too good for you, of course, Caroline, but we’ll do the best we can. Well, I shall do my best to make you attractive, although ‘pretty’ is too much to hope for you. Oh you look so much like your father”

Caroline adores her father and he in return loves her no matter what and is so full of life and love for his daughter and cannot help but show it to her everytime he is with her.

David – Caroline’s husband, well he is complex, he basically wants to keep Caroline in the home doing everything for him, everything has to be done in a certain way at a certain time and to his specific instructions, even when they are making love, it is on David’s terms and on his say so. He is very controlling and likes order but when he brings that into a marriage it makes everyone around him sad.
“ I hated it when he ordered me around – which was most of the time, admittedly. But it was really grating on me”

The feelings between the two of them is not only powerful but also scary to both of them, however, Sebastian has no fear, he knows he wants to be with Caroline no matter what, he knows he loves her, but Caroline is different, she is married, yes it is a loveless marriage but married all the same, she has trepidations and feelings she cannot understand
“why the hell did he have such an effect on me”?

'Uncertain of so many things about myself, about my life, I knew that I wanted Sebastian. I wanted him very badly'

The hardest thing either of these two can do is love each other it is difficult for both of them but they do the best they can.
“It amo tanto, Sebastian sepmre e per sempre”

I could write so much about this first book but it would give into too many spoilers and I will not consciously do that, let me say this though that the ending to this first book may take people by surprise, I know that the first time I read this book I was shocked and I just had to read The Education of Caroline to find out what happened so that is where I will now pick up from.

The Education of Caroline:

We catch up with Caroline 10 year later, she has a career, she has a lovely home on Long Island, she is doing what she wanted to do, but is she happy?

Caroline is now a freelance journalist and reports from war zones for news papers and she is amazingly good at it. She has her own voice, her own opinion and in this book we see a very different Caroline, she is independent, she is her own person.
“Despite what happened that day, despite what happened later, I can’t bring myself to regret the events of that summer, because Sebastian taught me how to love”

Caroline is sent to Geneva by her paper before going to Afghanistan to report on the troops behind the enemy lines but first she has to do a safety course, of which she has done many times It is here that she runs into…. Sebastian or Chief Hunter to be precise

I was both angry and sad at them at the beginning of the second book. Sebastian has become an angry man over the years, but why???. I would never have thought that these two who loved each other so much could be so distant from each other and at odds with each other. These two have so many unresolved issues in this book that they need to sit and discuss and eventually Caroline gives in when Sebastian asks to talk to her.
“His voice sounded so desolate, my resolution bean to waver, buck and give way entirely”

At one point it is clear that Sebastian has given Caroline cause to fear him and this is devastating to him, mortified with himself as he still loves Caroline . As they begin to talk Sebastian opens up about his life and realizes that Caroline has got on with her life like she wanted to do, however, through their talking you can tell he wanted to know more, he wants to know if Caroline still loved him.

As time goes on the easier these two are around each other and Caroline and Sebastian takes this opportunity to travel around Italy it is clear that these two still have feelings for each other, they just can’t hide the attraction between them but can they get back what they had??.

‘As the sun set, sinking into the sea beneath us. It was a perfect and poignant end to a magical few days’.- I loved this to me it showed not only the sadness these two felt after being together for some magical days but also the dread they had of being apart from each other yet again.

The way Jane has described the places that Sebastian and Caroline visit is brilliant, she is so descriptive you can imagine yourself there which makes the book come alive and so real.

Jane wrote so realistically about the camps, the transport, the armour and the weapons, the atmosphere, it made you appreciate what everyone did over there for us all.

Life was not easy out there for either of these two and the drama that followed was so emotional, I cried and cried yet again, no matter how many times I read these books I cry at the same point each time.

What happened once Caroline got back to Kabul was devastating and emotional to say the least all I will say is that you get a real insight into people's lives after returning from these places. This was difficult to read but so lovingly written.
I loved it when Sebastian said to Caroline “Caro, I don’t understand. Why do you love me”? and Caroline's reply “Just because….. because the sky is blue and the sea is green”
This is my favorite phrase in the whole book, so loving and heartfelt.

The epilogues and extra chapters that Jane wrote in this edition were brilliant, the insight she put into all these extra’s was truly amazing, it was like reading missing bits of their lives and gave new meaning to the words that were written and the feelings of both Sebastian and Caroline. You really need to read them yourself to know everything for yourself but I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

I loved the new epilogue that took place three years after the original epilogue everything about it spoke volumes to me, and what was truly important……. Family!!!!

This book and bonus chapters and epilogue area truly amazing to read.

We have been given a truly amazing book with such insight into everything that this couple have endured and into some aspects that people who have had loved ones in the war and come back from the war have to deal with.

Jane Harvey-Berrick is a brilliant author whom more people should know about.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS ✨

I read this series in 2015 and I just discovered a combined edition with EXTRA CONTENT. I am so excited to read this series again. This new paperback combined edition is beautiful and now I have an excuse to reread this wonderful, heartbreaking series. This is definitely a hidden gem and should be more talked about!

If you love ...
- steamy romance
- intense scenes
- age difference
- second chance romance
- New Adult
- Roadtrip (second book)

This is the perfect series for you!

Please read this! It's one of my favourite romances (NA/Adult) and you won't regret picking this up!
‼️Trigger Warning: Physical abuse

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE EDUCATION OF SEBASTIAN


I loved this book, I loved Sebastian and I loved Caroline too.
I know that the age difference is meant to shock, but for me Sebastian is over the legal age limit here in the UK (and also some states in the US) so I didn’t feel so much that this was forbidden and something wrong, even though technically and legally in California it was.
For me this was a beautiful love story, two people who are desperately unhappy, find each other but through their circumstances are unable to be together.
Caroline is lost, she has no purpose in life. She’s a Navy wife, in an unhappy marriage to an ungrateful husband. Sebastian is neglected by his alcoholic parents, who only notice him when they have something horrible to say to him.
Caroline had been a young wife when she first met Sebastian – she was 21 and he was only 8. This is where the taboo issue comes in for some people – but I didn’t see it like that. Yes she knew him as a child, but she wasn’t there constantly as he grew up from a child into a young man. She moved away when her husband was given a new posting, and didn’t see him again until nearly 10 years later. By this point Sebastian is a young man, although he clearly has never forgotten her kindness towards him. What starts as a rekindling of a friendship soon develops into something more, but not before Caroline has an inner war with her conscience.
I couldn’t put this down – I was desperate to see how the story would pan out – would they stay together? would they get caught? what would happen to Caroline if they did?
The end had me heart-broken – and I’m so glad that I have the next book ready to go!


THE EDUCATION OF CAROLINE

As the blurb states, its 10 years since the end of their affair and Caroline has just turned 40. She stuck with the plan to head to New York when her marriage ended, and is now working as a freelance reporter, covering military stories. She is preparing for an assignment in Afghanistan when we first meet up with her again, and hasn’t seen or heard from Sebastian since that terrible day when everything came crashing down around them.
It comes as a shock to Caroline when she is suddenly in the same room as Sebastian again, and its also clearly as much of a surprise to him too.
Now 27, Sebastian is a US Marine, and working in Geneva whilst waiting for his next deployment. He clearly harbours some pretty mixed feelings for Caroline, and when they first meet up again he is not the sweet young man that she fell in love with. He has a reputation for womanising and drinking and Caroline fears that the sweet boy she fell in love with has gone forever.
After a few soul baring discussions, it becomes evident why Sebastian has changed and Caroline has to work to persuade him that she never stopped loving him.
As they are both in Europe and hanging around waiting permits to fly out to Afghanistan, they decide to take the road trip to Italy that they planned on taking years ago, and re-discover each other.

I love the story of this couple, I was rooting for them to get the break that they deserved. When they both got deployed, my heart couldn’t take it. I was scared to read any further. They were both being sent to dangerous war zones, with no idea when they would see each other again, and tried not to think the unthinkable, IF they would see each other again.

I love Jane Harvey-Berricks writing style, I was sucked into the story from the very beginning and the characters worked their way into my heart, oh and she can’t half write a steamy sex scene!
I loved this conclusion to their story and the bonus scenes at the end were great. I loved reading about events from the first two books through Sebastians eyes, and the extended epilogue was the perfect end to this beautiful passionate story.

[Kelly O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Education of Sebastian
I'm going to do the review as two book as it might get confusing, and I'll probably forget what I want to write.

If you can get over the fact that there is infidelity and the the male lead is quite young, then you are in for an amanzing treat.
I adored forbidden love stories where they shouldn't be together but they can't keep their hands off each other no matter what the conquences might be!
I really like the character of Caroline, yes she cheats on her bully of a husband but she also realises her marriage is long over, but has she the confidence to go it alone after 11years of marriage and constant put downs ?

She embarks on an affair that will rock her and Sebastian worlds.
The title of the book implies that it's Sebastian that gets the education, and boy he does from a young virgin to a competent lover who knows how to please a woman. He gives Carolline the love she's craved all her life enabling her to crave a new life for herself.

It's a story of love growth and finding yourself.

The ending is a little abrupt and I'm really glad I've book 2 to dive straight into because I need to meet Sebastian ten years older.
This is a very well written forbidden love story, I can't wait for more !

The education of Caroline

This book took me on one hell of a ride, my emotions were all over the place. I fell in love, suffered heartbreak and prayed for a happily ever after.

It's been ten years since the summer of their love affair, Caroline has spent this time working her way from a penniless thirty year old to a successful journalist. Relationships over those years have have been few and far between, no one measured up to Sebastian Hunter.

A shocking chance meeting brings the two ex lovers back together. At first Sebastian is seething at Caro, he can't bring himself to forgive her for the life he now has.

Eventually Sebastian thaws towards Caro,he believes that their relationship will just carry on as if the last ten years didn't happen. Caroline has other ideas, Sebastian isn't the the young man she left behind, he's bitter, angry, drinks a lot and has a reputation of being a ladies man especially liking the older ladies.

While waiting to be shipped out to Afghanistan, they enjoy their down time trying to rekindle the love, but this is interrupted by news that Sebastian will go to back sooner then they first thought.
Again they are fighting against being apart, will their love survive this separation ?

Again they have to keep their relationship a secret which leads to some hot sex in small spaces!!!

I loved Jane's description of the raging war in Afganistan, it brought to life and had me sobbing into my kindle late into the night, I can't put into words how much I enjoy this book, from the first word right down to the last it had me hooked. The love that these characters shared was phenomenal and they have become my favourite book couple.Thank you Jane for writing about a love that will never end.

Epilogue and bonus scenes

These were real bliss to read, hearing Sebastian voice on certain chapters brought a real depth to the story and for the first time we knew his thoughts and fears, it made me love him a little bit more !

This years must read !

[Rumpled Sheets Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will want to lose yourself in this story!

I did. And loved every second of it.

It was truly remarkable and so damn good! I did not want it to end.

A unique storyline. Amazing dialogues. Deliciously flawed, combustible and sizzling chemistry between the two main characters made the story so real and very believable.

Sebastian and Caroline´s journey was written to perfection. Their journey does not let you go and has you thinking about it days after the last page was read and is one of those books that will stay with you.

Jane does an amazing job creating a vivid picture in your mind that has you even more addicted and gripped. I loved that she put a lot of depth and soul into her characters and gave them amazing, interesting and intriguing personalities.

LOVE doesn’t even begin to describe my feelings for this book. For me, this the perfect romance.

I recommend it without reservation. It is an absolute must read. The marvelous journey for romantics out there.


≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦

>>>Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review<<<

[Funzee Shu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The new cover is just....PERFECT !!!
An EPIC !!!!

LOVE IT SO MUCH.....

Just finished re-reading this series in bundle version.

Every time I read it, it feels like "the first time" for me.
I love this forbidden love story between Sebastian and Caro. I even cried exactly at the same part again and again.
Sebs always be my top 1st book boyfriend ever!

Love the epilogues and all the bonus chapters.

[Vanitiromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capita che due persone si incontrino più volte nel corso della vita, in età e momenti diversi e che tutte le volte lascino un segno, un ricordo, un’emozione che riscalda il loro cuore. Sebastian e Carolina i protagonisti di questo romanzo – in realtà sono due libri uniti insieme, un continuum che ci permette di seguire il corso delle loro vite – si rincontrano più volte a distanza di anni, riprendendo un filo mai interrotto…

La prima volta Sebastian ha otto anni e trova in Carolina, giovane ventunenne di origini italiane sposata da qualche anno, un’amica dolce e gentile che gli racconta fiabe e lo tiene allegro, accogliendo e riempiendo la sua solitudine.

Nove anni dopo, il marito di Carolina medico della Marina militare, viene trasferito nuovamente in California e i due protagonisti si incontrano nuovamente. Carolina è delusa dalla vita matrimoniale e dal marito, mentre Sebastian è un quasi diciottenne figlio di genitori pessimi e maltrattanti. Entrambi non hanno mai sperimentato cosa vuol dire amare ed essere amati. Sebastian è giovane e inesperto e l’esempio negativo del rapporto tra i genitori non gli ha mai suggerito la ricerca di un legame e Carolina si è sposata giovanissima trascurando gli studi e la realizzazione di sé illudendosi di trovare nel matrimonio attenzione e stima mai ricevuta da una madre accentratrice e svalutante – ed è inevitabile attaccarsi ad un legame pulito, semplice e mai dimenticato e farlo fiorire in un desiderio dirompente.

“La tensione saliva sempre più tra noi due. Il destino ci aveva messi insieme: chi ero io per oppormi? Non era giusto. Non me ne importava più. Avevo scelto volontariamente, consapevolmente, deliberatamente.”

Un desiderio che, pur meraviglioso, non ha le ali per poter volare libero davanti agli occhi di tutti. È illegale e ci sono troppe persone intorno a loro che non capirebbero mai questa scelta. La società spesso addita e condanna le relazioni “diverse”, che non rientrano negli standard comuni. Sono così obbligati a separarsi di nuovo.

L’autrice termina con questo avvenimento la prima parte e apre la seconda dieci anni dopo….

Lee (Carolina) Venzi è diventata una giornalista e inviata di guerra, che a breve dovrà partire per lavoro in Afghanistan, dove le truppe americane sono impegnate nel conflitto. Va in Svizzera con altri colleghi e amici giornalisti per un breve addestramento prima di partire e chi ritrova come Comandante dei Marines, sciupafemmine e persona capace di parlare diverse lingue, comprese quelle afghane in procinto di partire anch’egli per una missione? Proprio lui, Sebastian Hunter.

“Ma, ancora una volta, mi trovai a considerare che la vita è ciò che succede senza che tu te lo aspetti.”

Lo so, sembra scontato, ma la storia non lo è per nulla. Da qui si riparte con dieci anni di vuoto perché entrambi non sanno niente di ciò che è accaduto in questo lungo tempo, ma con il cuore ancora pieno di quell’amore condiviso che ha riempito ogni fessura lasciata aperta dai soprusi e da una vita densa di insoddisfazioni e solitudine.

La vita li riunisce un’altra volta, con una maturità più piena dove si trovano a riscoprirsi e a conoscersi in una nuova dimensione, in un’altra pelle… per sperimentare insieme momenti tragici e intensi. Ora sono liberi di amarsi ma le circostanze non sono delle più semplici e spensierate.

Carolina e Sebastian seguono un percorso che ogni persona dovrebbe fare almeno una volta nella vita: incontrare l’altro, sentirsi attratti e lasciarsi andare alle emozioni più profonde condividendo tutto insieme scoprendo che a mano a mano che il tempo passa, l’altro ci sta aiutando, con spontaneità e naturalezza, a cambiare per stare meglio con noi stessi e con gli altri. Il mio stare vicino deve permettere all’altro di andare lontano, nel senso più pieno della realizzazione di sé.

Jane Harvey-Berrick è bravissima a descrivere i cambiamenti che avvengono nella protagonista femminile, la sua capacità di aprirsi all’amore nonostante le avversità e i pregiudizi, prendere decisioni scomode per gli altri ma buone verso sé stessa, comprendere le sue attitudini e portarle avanti, ma soprattutto affidarsi all’amore incondizionato e mai sopito che Sebastian nutre per lei.
Continua su: https://www.vanitiromancebook.com/boo...

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored these books. Right now it has been rereleased as a set and it is the first time I have read them. I haven’t read anything by Jane until now, though I knew of her and have her on my TBR list, I hadn’t seen these two particular books.

I am so glad I had a chance to read them now.

It starts with The Education of Sebastian, which in my mind, I know I should have been repulsed by the taboo elements that came with their relationship, and it isn’t just the affair that normally would have my head saying no no no!, but in my heart, man, this couple tore the emotion from me. In their first love scene, I actually had tears running down my face. It was beautiful. They both have been shoved down, ignored, beat on (in one of their cases), bullied, hurt, held back, then they come together, each with another person who finally shows them actual love. Seriously, tears.

I was rooting for them. I wanted them to hold off for 3 months and then follow their dreams. I wanted everything to work out for them. I hurt for them when one or both of them hurt, I smiled so big when things were going their way, I adore this book.

As you can see from the blurb for The Education of Caroline, they did separate for a bit, like 10 years.

Then they were both at the same training seminar for journalists going into enemy territory (that is not the exact term). Sebastian was there as a marine who was a linguist, Caroline as the journalist.

Sebastian was so angry with her.

Understandably so until Caroline gets to give her reasoning. Even so, I would have been just as hurt as Sebastian was. Sebastian has changed from the sweet boy he was to the hardened marine that Caroline now has in front of her. Caroline is no longer the docile housewife, but has turned into the woman she wanted to be. They both really have been through so much. I wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to work through his broken heart that he had carried with him all of those years.

No matter how hurt either of them were, the chemistry between these two was still there, they still were drawn to each other. They were/are amazing together. I can’t tell you if they can get through the hurt they have both caused each other in the past and present, but I will say the journey to finding out is more than worth it. I loved this book just as much as I loved The Education of Sebastian. I ended up reading 2/3 of this in 1 day and the rest the next and these two books are over 900 pages put together. I did not want to put them down.

Thank you Jane Harvey-Barrick for such a beautiful story between the two. This is one of those moments where I feel honored to have read a certain book.

I was given a copy of the book to facilitate this review.

[Shamika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series will definitely be listed in my top favorites! I enjoyed every minute of it and found myself anxious to continue anytime I had to put it down.

This story is about an unconventional steamy romance between Caroline and Sebastian. The fact that Sebastian is 17 years old when this affair began with Caroline who is 30, did have me a little leary. But quickly all uneasiness is wiped away as I was caught up in their love affair and story.

Caroline is stuck in an unhappy marriage with a ranking military husband who treats her like crap. It wasn't surprising that Caroline was able to be enticed by Sebastian. It was evident that he liked her more than on a friend level. He's a nice young man who showed her attention, respect and kindness. As these two embark on this forbidden affair, you can't help but feel the passion between them. Sebastian is only 17, but has had to deal with a crappy home life and awful parents. He is in love with Caroline and makes that known to her. As Caroline develops feelings for Sebastian, she is also having an inner struggle with doing what's right. There are obviously great consequences for Caroline if she is caught in an affair with a minor.

These two books span over many years and the first book ends at a pivotal moment for Caroline and Sebastian as their affair is discovered and they abruptly forced apart. Book two, The Education of Caroline, begins 10 years later and that summer affair is long gone, but not the memories. Both Caroline and Sebastian are very different people. Caroline has somewhat found herself and has a developing career as a journalist that she loves. Sebastian is now a Marine who is serving his country and has experienced wars. He has an edge to him and is hardened. He's not the person Caroline knew all those years ago.

A surprise second chance meeting between these two brings out many emotions surrounding their past love affair. Seeing each other again is a shock to both. They have many issues to work out. Sebastian is angry and hurt and he feels like Caroline didn't try to find him or fight for what they had. This surprises and hurts Caroline because over the years, she has never experienced what she had with Sebastian. I felt like their personal fan, cheering them on and wishing for a happy second a chance.

The way this author writes is beautiful. The passion, love, anger, along with the descriptions throughout the story were vivid. I felt them all and had a clear picture in my mind of all the scenes especially in Italy and Afghanistan. It truly brought the story to life. Jane Harvey-Berrick does an amazing job which kept me completely invested in Caroline & Sebastian's story.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Education of Sebastian

I started to read this and I was so unsure about this book. You will read about a military wife who clearly is unhappy. She goes behind her husband back to see someone who clearly to young for her. They have to go and hide from everyone because one she is married and two he was underage. There was one person who know and clearly was not happy with his friend. The day that Caroline was telling her husband it was over her whole world had ended and so did the book. That is where I was mad because I wanted to know what was going to happen from there. I hope book two pick up where it left off. Her marriage to David was not a marriage. She did everything for him only to be treated badly.

The Education of Caroline

I have to say at first I was so upset that it was 10 years later when the book had picked up at. Then once you got over that fact the book was so emotional. You have them back together again. It was not easy they fought alot and then there life and started over. There was alot that happened that made you mad, cry, and be happy. They never happened at the same time. I have to say this book was better then the second one.

[Mary S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened to stumble across Lifers, and went wow. I really like the style of writing, the emotion and the ability to draw me so much into the story. So as I went to the authors page I found out that Jane Harvey-Berrick has written others books. Of course I read then all with the same feeling. Wow. She's really good!! I couldn't wait until these two books were released. I read many reviews and waited patiently until it appeared on my Kindle. After three days of laughter tears and sighs of happiness, I am so sad to see the story end. I am glad I was able to get the updates. They were great POV from Sebastian. I cannot stress enough that everyone needs to read these two emotional, and heart wrenching stories of two soul mates caught in a forbidden love that no matter what, nothing could keep them apart. Jane, you rock!! I laughed and cried throughout. There is a lot going on in these two stories, just buy them,sit back and enjoy. You will be glad you did:):)

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these books so much that I gifted this new and improved version to a friend. They are gut-wrenchingly and heartbreakingly beautiful! I originally read these last year. The Education series is a story that will stick with you long after you're finished reading it. It's an epic romance, friendship, and journey for Sebastian and Caroline that spans over many years and several continents.

Also, I adore the stunning new cover.

[Christine ~ LoveCellos · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 Stars.

I've already owned the separate copies but the extended epilogues and bonus chapters are so worthy of buying this combined version (there are 2 parts that you won't see on the author's website). I re-read the whole book. I just fell in love with Sebastian and Caro again.

This is such an epic forbidden love story. A must read! Sempre e per sempre!!!

[Dana ~ The Dirty Smut'atter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that I finally made time to tackle this series and I couldn't be more excited with outcome for both Sebastian and Caroline. Age is a huge thing in this series and well I know several people have commented about how wrong it was..............I can help thinking how right it was for both of them.

Oh Sebastian you are quite an amazing character and I can't get enough of you!!



I will not say that their journey isn't without struggle, but they have so many amazing moments that will just knock your socks off. Watching them both grow as individuals was quite a treat and the bonus chapters in the combo set from Sebastian's POV are incredible!!

Favorite Quotes:

“Caro… I don’t understand – why do you love me?”
“Just because… because the sky is blue and the sea is green.”

“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.”



“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.”

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1
Gahhhh!!! OMG, what an ending! I knew it was coming, but still. Ouchy, my heart! On to book 2.

Loved it! Review to follow.