카닐리언의 본모습을 알게 된 클로드는 그녀가 한없이 안쓰럽고 애정의 마음은 점점 더 깊어만 간다. 카닐리아는 사생아에 남장까지 한 자신의 처지가 한없이 초라하게 느껴지지만, 클로드를 향한 마음은 어쩔 수가 없다. 전쟁을 하러 떠나게 된 클로드와 그를 배웅하는 카닐리언. 두 사람은 숨겨 왔던 서로에 대한 마음을 조심스럽게 표현한다. 다시 만날 것을 약속하며 떠난 클로드, 하지만 카닐리아는 오랫동안 꿈꿔왔던 엄마와의 재회를 위해 떠날 준비를 하지만 그 역시 누군가의 훼방으로 이루어지지 않는데……. 게다가 후작의 타운하우스에서 다이아몬드가 사라지고 카닐리언이 유력한 용의자로 의심받게 된다. 그녀를 음모에 빠트린 세력을 찾으려다가 카닐리아는 예상치 못한 위험에 빠지는데……. 클로드를 향한 사랑이 깊어질수록, 사랑하는 사람 앞에서 자신의 본모습으로 당당히 서고 싶어진 카닐리아. 그녀의 이런 바람은 이루어질 수 있을까? 그동안 염원해온 엄마와 과연 재회할 수 있을까?
I genuinely went into this story with an open mind… and came out with full-blown Second Male Lead Syndrome, and honestly? I’m still not okay. Out of everyone in this chaotic kingdom, Ian walked away with my whole heart. He’s handsome, emotionally intelligent, understands situations without needing dramatic explanations, and consistently supports Camellia in ways no one else ever does. How is he not the male lead? Why, author… why?
Now let’s talk about Camellia. I wanted to root for her so badly, but she keeps letting people walk all over her. She cries, she sacrifices herself constantly, and never really stands up for her own worth. I kept hoping for that one moment of growth where she would snap, reclaim her power, and shock the entire cast—but it just never came. Girl, please… get a grip.
And then there’s Claude, the official male lead. I’m sorry, but my brain just refuses to accept it. He doesn’t have any exceptional abilities or compelling traits that justify his position. Most of the time he only shows up to “save” Camellia when she’s acting like a damsel, which somehow makes me root for him even less. The story tells me he’s the lead, but my heart disagrees with every fiber of its being.
Don’t even get me started on Camellia’s family or the whole kingdom. Every time they appeared, my irritation levels skyrocketed. If fictional arson were allowed, I’d have already burned the entire setting down—with the sole exception of Ian. The man is considerate, wise, patient, and even as a foreigner he shows more humanity than everyone else combined. And yet the author decided his role is to be the tragic, self-sacrificing second lead who gives up his love… to Claude. Claude! I’m offended on Ian’s behalf.
OK so I gave this a 3 star because honestly, I remember what the story is about but I don't remember loving it but I also don't remember hating it either. I remember there being some funny parts in it so I guess until I reread this, I'll keep it at a 3 star.
My favourite part of the series. I loved the ending and how in this part we got to see how much the characters have actually changed and how deeply they wee hurt.
Time passes in this installment of Finding Camellia. Several points of view, so I had to read this volume more diligently then the previous volumes. 3.5 out of 5
More and More I can't wait for the next book in this series! I can't put it down and just want to continue to know what else happens. Such a suspenseful love triangle. I hope Lia "Lius" and Duke Claude do find their HEA!