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The Education of... #3
Semper Fi
One life, one love
Sempre e per sempre
“I’m falling in love with Seb and Caro all over again.” E Craig
* * * *
Ten years ago US Marine Sebastian Hunter was a teenager in love with a married woman—a woman who broke his heart.
Kicking his heels in a desk job in Geneva, he’s given the chance to get back to the action. Life just might be worth living again … until he meets the woman who broke him 10 years earlier.
Now she’s back, but he’ll do anything to keep her at arm’s length. Temptation doesn’t come much stronger, but he’d be a fool to fall for her again…
Caroline Venzi is a successful journalist, preparing to head 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 Marine Sebastian Hunter.
Will this chance encounter reignite the erotic passion of their past?
* * * * *
This story is a re-telling of the best-selling contemporary romance 'The Education of Caroline', now told from US Marine Sebastian Hunter’s point of view.
Profits of this book support the military charities Felix Fund (UK) and EOD Warrior Foundation (USA)
* * * * *
18+ only
Sempre e per sempre
“I’m falling in love with Seb and Caro all over again.” E Craig
* * * *
Ten years ago US Marine Sebastian Hunter was a teenager in love with a married woman—a woman who broke his heart.
Kicking his heels in a desk job in Geneva, he’s given the chance to get back to the action. Life just might be worth living again … until he meets the woman who broke him 10 years earlier.
Now she’s back, but he’ll do anything to keep her at arm’s length. Temptation doesn’t come much stronger, but he’d be a fool to fall for her again…
Caroline Venzi is a successful journalist, preparing to head 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 Marine Sebastian Hunter.
Will this chance encounter reignite the erotic passion of their past?
* * * * *
This story is a re-telling of the best-selling contemporary romance 'The Education of Caroline', now told from US Marine Sebastian Hunter’s point of view.
Profits of this book support the military charities Felix Fund (UK) and EOD Warrior Foundation (USA)
* * * * *
18+ only
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2015
62 people are currently reading
902 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)
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
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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
February 24, 2017
4.5 'Per Sempre' Stars!
I recently discovered Semper Fi around Goodreads. I didn't even know Jane wrote this book but I was so happy to find it! I loved Sebastian and Caroline's love story and it was great to read some of it in Sebastian's POV. I really enjoyed his side of the story and the bonus scenes at the end are EVERYTHING! <3
Highly recommend this, especially if you loved The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline!
I recently discovered Semper Fi around Goodreads. I didn't even know Jane wrote this book but I was so happy to find it! I loved Sebastian and Caroline's love story and it was great to read some of it in Sebastian's POV. I really enjoyed his side of the story and the bonus scenes at the end are EVERYTHING! <3
Highly recommend this, especially if you loved The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline!
November 5, 2015
4 Stars****
Ok where do I start, this is
story but in Sebastian's POV, now I haven't read Caro's side of things this is completely new material for me, so if you haven't read the original story like me then this can be read as a STANDALONE. But being most people know this story I'm going to just explain some of my book thoughts.
I love male POV's I love to understand their feelings, their cockiness and its also great to read the naughty.
Jane is a storyteller and knows how to create something out of the box per-se. She takes you to a place you haven't been to, she enables you to see into Sebastian's eyes, and what he was going through. She created a story with Intrigue and helped you gain some perspective concerning what the marines do, but to also understand what a man will do to protect his woman, his life and fight for what he believes in.
To begin with Seb wasn't in the best frame of mind yet when he bumps in Caro 10 years after loosing her and he missed the hell out of her by using sex and alcohol as a way to numb the pain. Therefore he was in shock when he saw her for the first time at a meeting he wasn't expecting her to be attending. He deals with his life with the drink and that was something that Caro was scared of when they met, who was this man that be became because it wasn't the man she left back when he was a teenager. But he wants a chance to make it up to her and so they go back to where Caro is from, they travel Italy. I will say I really enjoyed this part where they are getting to know each other again, Seb sure knows how to wine and dine his lady and how to let her take her time to forgive his recent angry tone. His short fuse which is something that is easily sparked when he gets frustrated with Caro. But more so with himself, and how his vulnerability comes through, how he feels with her and how she's older so what does he have to offer her, when he's 'just a marine,' his words not mine.
The heart that loves is always young.
But time is of essence and they gradually creep up to the time where he has to leave and go back into the Marines for his last two years of service. This part for me was educational, yet I did struggle with this bit as it dragged slightly for me. I just felt that the amount of information of what happens there in the midst of war was a tad too much at times, that's just me though you may not agree so don't let that stop you from reading. Saying that it did give some insight and as a whole made me understand the tonne of the story. I suppose when things turned slightly crazy I could understand Sebs Heartbreak, his emotions, need, feelings and depression but ultimately his nightmares. I felt every pain with him in the latter end of the book because I have been through the middle with THEM.
The end was what I loved most because I truly felt all the emotions concerning where they came from to where they are now as a couple, and as individuals, concerning their careers and as a family. To me this was a story about LIVING and LOVE and how two people from separate ends of the world find a place for them. Find love within each other and I loved feeling Sebs full heart, he has been through a lot yet Caro helped him breathe again. He had a short fuse at times but he sure knew how to make it up to Caro. He loves easily and he never gave up.
Overall I enjoyed this story, if you've read Caro's side you will most likely adore this story and if your like me and want to try it I feel you'll enjoy it for different reasons. Jane as per the norm knows how to write a good story just be ready for one hell of a ride.
"Sei tutto per me." You mean the world to me.
Enjoy Xo
Reading order if you wish to read them all but this is a STANDALONE.
ARC generously gifted via the author in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and blog posts
Ok where do I start, this is
story but in Sebastian's POV, now I haven't read Caro's side of things this is completely new material for me, so if you haven't read the original story like me then this can be read as a STANDALONE. But being most people know this story I'm going to just explain some of my book thoughts. I love male POV's I love to understand their feelings, their cockiness and its also great to read the naughty.
Jane is a storyteller and knows how to create something out of the box per-se. She takes you to a place you haven't been to, she enables you to see into Sebastian's eyes, and what he was going through. She created a story with Intrigue and helped you gain some perspective concerning what the marines do, but to also understand what a man will do to protect his woman, his life and fight for what he believes in.
To begin with Seb wasn't in the best frame of mind yet when he bumps in Caro 10 years after loosing her and he missed the hell out of her by using sex and alcohol as a way to numb the pain. Therefore he was in shock when he saw her for the first time at a meeting he wasn't expecting her to be attending. He deals with his life with the drink and that was something that Caro was scared of when they met, who was this man that be became because it wasn't the man she left back when he was a teenager. But he wants a chance to make it up to her and so they go back to where Caro is from, they travel Italy. I will say I really enjoyed this part where they are getting to know each other again, Seb sure knows how to wine and dine his lady and how to let her take her time to forgive his recent angry tone. His short fuse which is something that is easily sparked when he gets frustrated with Caro. But more so with himself, and how his vulnerability comes through, how he feels with her and how she's older so what does he have to offer her, when he's 'just a marine,' his words not mine.
The heart that loves is always young.
But time is of essence and they gradually creep up to the time where he has to leave and go back into the Marines for his last two years of service. This part for me was educational, yet I did struggle with this bit as it dragged slightly for me. I just felt that the amount of information of what happens there in the midst of war was a tad too much at times, that's just me though you may not agree so don't let that stop you from reading. Saying that it did give some insight and as a whole made me understand the tonne of the story. I suppose when things turned slightly crazy I could understand Sebs Heartbreak, his emotions, need, feelings and depression but ultimately his nightmares. I felt every pain with him in the latter end of the book because I have been through the middle with THEM.
The end was what I loved most because I truly felt all the emotions concerning where they came from to where they are now as a couple, and as individuals, concerning their careers and as a family. To me this was a story about LIVING and LOVE and how two people from separate ends of the world find a place for them. Find love within each other and I loved feeling Sebs full heart, he has been through a lot yet Caro helped him breathe again. He had a short fuse at times but he sure knew how to make it up to Caro. He loves easily and he never gave up.
Overall I enjoyed this story, if you've read Caro's side you will most likely adore this story and if your like me and want to try it I feel you'll enjoy it for different reasons. Jane as per the norm knows how to write a good story just be ready for one hell of a ride.
"Sei tutto per me." You mean the world to me.
Enjoy Xo
Reading order if you wish to read them all but this is a STANDALONE.
ARC generously gifted via the author in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and blog posts
December 30, 2015
This was even better than I dared hope for. Seb and Caro blow me away. This wasn't just a retelling, I've completely lived inside Seb' s head for the last couple of days. Beautiful story, great writing. Full review now posted.
Releases 10 November, all proceeds to the Felix Fund, the bomb disposal charity. An amazing book for an amazing cause.
Pre-order here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Semper-Fi-Edu...-
1&keywords=semper+fi+jane
I'm melting after this one. A big puddle of contented goo. Thanks to this retelling of my favourite ever book through the eyes of my number one BBF Sebastian, not only have I lived inside his head but also I got to enjoy the beautiful and emotional story of Sebastian and Caroline with lots of fresh perspectives and insights all over again. Absolute reading bliss.
I read The Education of Sebastian, and its sequel, The Education of Caroline, before I even had a kindle. Sebastian was the book that forced me to download the kindle reading app onto my laptop and register an account with Amazon because, at that time, it was the only format it was available in. Up until that point, I'd been convinced that those e-reader gadgets were the work of Satan and not for me, a proper book reader. Ahem.
Yeah, so that changed. This author has much to answer for.
So as anyone who has read Caroline will know, it's an emotional and poignant read. Picking up ten years after the killer, tear-you-apart-and-leave-you-sobbing ending of the first book, both Caroline and Sebastian haven't seen one another for ten years. Ten years!! Neither have truly moved on, but they're both doing what they love, Seb a US Marine and Caroline, a photographer specialising in military pics that tell a story for the media. Seb is bitter and jaded about women, but still with an eye for the older woman. He's also learned lots of new moves. Caroline is kind of defeated and empty, going through the motions, but never having found anyone to repair the hole Sebastian left in her soul.
The thing that I adored in this series is still here in spades - that forbidden, secret affair vibe really ramps up the sexual tension and makes the story sizzle and burn. When you add in the fact that they're in a dangerous, war torn location where they don't know who can be trusted, it really makes for an intense, edge of the seat reading experience. Oh and it's as hot as fuck too. I mean, really, steamy and erotic, but so beautifully romantic.
I think that's one of the reasons why The Education of Caroline remains one of my favourite books of all time; it's a perfect blend of gripping story, romance, searing smut and with a touch of sweet sadness and belly churning angst to balance all of the goo along the way. I was so pleased that this wasn't just a retelling with a change of pronoun; I actually feel like I've been inside Sebastian's head and enjoyed a fresh perspective and new information that made reading this as enjoyable as it was the first time.
Then there's a new epilogue, ten years on, at the end. It's worth buying for that alone.
If you haven't read The Education of Sebastian or The Education of Caroline yet then you're in for a treat. My advice, if you're asking, is read them first then wallow in this. You'll love it, really.
**I received an arc from the author in return for my honest opinion. Thanks to Jane Harvey-Berrick for making my day**
Releases 10 November, all proceeds to the Felix Fund, the bomb disposal charity. An amazing book for an amazing cause.
Pre-order here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Semper-Fi-Edu...-
1&keywords=semper+fi+jane
"I love you more than air, Caro. Always. Sempre. And I'll do everything I can to come home to you. I promise you that."
I'm melting after this one. A big puddle of contented goo. Thanks to this retelling of my favourite ever book through the eyes of my number one BBF Sebastian, not only have I lived inside his head but also I got to enjoy the beautiful and emotional story of Sebastian and Caroline with lots of fresh perspectives and insights all over again. Absolute reading bliss.
I read The Education of Sebastian, and its sequel, The Education of Caroline, before I even had a kindle. Sebastian was the book that forced me to download the kindle reading app onto my laptop and register an account with Amazon because, at that time, it was the only format it was available in. Up until that point, I'd been convinced that those e-reader gadgets were the work of Satan and not for me, a proper book reader. Ahem.
Yeah, so that changed. This author has much to answer for.
So as anyone who has read Caroline will know, it's an emotional and poignant read. Picking up ten years after the killer, tear-you-apart-and-leave-you-sobbing ending of the first book, both Caroline and Sebastian haven't seen one another for ten years. Ten years!! Neither have truly moved on, but they're both doing what they love, Seb a US Marine and Caroline, a photographer specialising in military pics that tell a story for the media. Seb is bitter and jaded about women, but still with an eye for the older woman. He's also learned lots of new moves. Caroline is kind of defeated and empty, going through the motions, but never having found anyone to repair the hole Sebastian left in her soul.
The thing that I adored in this series is still here in spades - that forbidden, secret affair vibe really ramps up the sexual tension and makes the story sizzle and burn. When you add in the fact that they're in a dangerous, war torn location where they don't know who can be trusted, it really makes for an intense, edge of the seat reading experience. Oh and it's as hot as fuck too. I mean, really, steamy and erotic, but so beautifully romantic.
I think that's one of the reasons why The Education of Caroline remains one of my favourite books of all time; it's a perfect blend of gripping story, romance, searing smut and with a touch of sweet sadness and belly churning angst to balance all of the goo along the way. I was so pleased that this wasn't just a retelling with a change of pronoun; I actually feel like I've been inside Sebastian's head and enjoyed a fresh perspective and new information that made reading this as enjoyable as it was the first time.
Then there's a new epilogue, ten years on, at the end. It's worth buying for that alone.
If you haven't read The Education of Sebastian or The Education of Caroline yet then you're in for a treat. My advice, if you're asking, is read them first then wallow in this. You'll love it, really.
**I received an arc from the author in return for my honest opinion. Thanks to Jane Harvey-Berrick for making my day**
November 10, 2015
***ARC received in exchange of an honest review***
Review also posted at: https://beautyandthebeastlybooks.word...
First of all, you should know Semper-Fi is The Education of Caroline (TEOC) in Sebastian's POV (with additional scenes). Even though TEOC is the second book it can be read as a standalone. I only read the first book, The Education of Sebastian (TEOS) YEARS after I've read TEOC. I regret that, because I couldn't believe I waited so long, but I thought the age difference between Caroline and Sebastian, when he was a teen, would bother me. IT DIDN'T.
The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline are two of my favorite books of all time. This love story is beyond epic, it touches us deep in our souls! And reading it through Sebastian's POV is such a priviledge! It honestly felt like coming home, after a long period of absense.
Sebastian Hunter is EVERYTHING!!! One of the best book boyfriens out there, since he was a teenager to when he transformed into a HOT man. I love his trasformation. He has this edge about him, but deep down he is still the same romantic, Sebastian. Chief Hunter comes to play and we swoon and fan ourselves for SURE, but Sebastian? Sebastian is sweet and amazing as well!!!
Even though I have read the story before, Semper-Fi brought a whole new perspective to it for me! I related to Caroline in both the previous books and specially The Education of Caroline (I know some people couldn't relate to her), but I have to admit I was surprised at how much I related to Sebastian!!!
Through his mind I could really see how much Caro made him suffer. I knew it, but to experience it with Sebastian was a very intense and angsty thing. Even through everything that happened to him through the years, Sebastian still doesn't think he is worthy of Caro. Semper Fi deals with Sebastian's frustrastions in a much deeper way than The Education of Caroline did and I loved it. We could really feel what was happening in his mind. Both his frustration when he reencounters Caroline and later in the story...I have to say I didn't like Caroline very much for the first half of the book and that is one of my favorite things in Semper- Fi! It really solidifies Jane's talent and abilities to change the perspective in her own story!
Another thing I like about Jane's books is that I don't particularly care for male POVs, I usually prefer not to read them, but in this case I really, really got into Sebastian's mind.
As I said, reading Semper-Fi was like coming home. To this amazing love story and to my HAWT Chief Hunter as well! The man is ALWAYS "loaded"! I (I mean, Caroline) am a lucky woman! hehehe
Story-wise it's the same as The Education of Caroline, with the additional angsty, sometimes funny, and desperate pointers from Seb's mind. BUT, it also have bonus chapters into their future and those I will leave for you to discover. <3
Jane is such a generous writer, giving us this gift that is knowing more of our Seb! Plus, ALL the profits of Semper-Fi's sells go to two military organizations Jane supports: Felix Fund and EOD Warrior Foundation which is something BEAUTIFUL of hers to do!
I have read 98% of Jane's Books and most of them are favorites of mine, they are amazing! Always such different stories, but at the same time with her characteristic way of weaving magic from her words! It's hard to describe what books like TEOS, TEOC and Semper-Fi make you feel. They are so meaninful, so beautiful to read and just so MUCH! It's more than most books and yet it doesn't need any additional drama or anything remotely "over". Semper Fi was truly beautiful to read. A feeling very feel books bring to me.
Let me try describing what is to read an epic love story by Jane Harvey-Berrick: first of all you can believe how beautiful her words are. Then, you are immediately transported to the world Jane creates, a world that has nothing of unreal, a world that could be there where you live. Then you will forget you are reading a book and will be reminded because her words are transcendent, they can both make you forget you are reading them, but then they remind you what a special thing it is to read them. And after you finish you will want to cry. Not because the stories are sad (some might be or might have some sad and angsty moments), but because you just feel SO MUCH, you don't even know how to deal with all the emotions playig with you. They are the perfect combination of love and bittersweetness. They can make the hairs on your arms stood out, they can make you question any and everything and they can, above any (and every) thing, make you FEEL.
Once in a while you find a story that truly speaks to your heart. It may have nothing to do with your real life or what you have been through in your life, but even so you hear the calling of the story, of the characters. The Education of Sebastian and Caroline, and now Semper-Fi, are these kind of stories to me. They are filled with realness even though their reality is so different from my own. The love story between Sebastian Hunter and Caroline Venzi is beyond amazing. It's beyond this world! It's undoubtly one of those love stories that stay marked in our hearts and minds. You will not forget these two and their story!
I love the way Jane describes things and the story itself. Her way with words is so beautiful, she can make poetry from the simplest of things. And the way she makes us relate to her characters and their stories? Uncanny and wonderful! She is a true storyteller!!! A words magician!
Thank you for this book Jane. You're amazing! This story is one of my all time favorites, sempre and per sempre!!!!
November 10, 2015
*** 5 'SEMPRE E PER SEMPRE' STARS!***
Reading Semper Fi was like coming home and falling in love all over again. Being inside Sebastian Hunter helped me much of understanding him, his demons, his sadness, his anger, and his true feeling about Caro all the years they separated .
And I'm falling for him all over again, just like Caro did.
And besides, who can resist that bad boy charm inside of him?
Definitely not Caro, and not me.
I can see so many of you would agree with me.
It's retelling , but doesn't feels like a retelling. What's in Hunter's head is totally different from Caro's. And I know why did I love him from the beginning. Actually, Sebastian Hunter is genuine, naive and so like an open book. He is what he is.
His love for Caro, is one of the best love I have ever read in a book.
It's pure and unconditional. Age gap, people?
Over all, this is a worth waiting for, worth re-reading all over again. And like I said earlier, worth to falling in love all over again.
Well done Jane !
Posted my review here
http://myreviewbookblog.blogspot.co.i...
February 21, 2016
*ARC received from author*
Well then...
Lemme just put a few things out there before I go any further. First, I haven’t read the first 2 books in The Education series. Second, while this is the third book in the series, like Jane advised me in the beginning, this is a standalone. This is Sebastian and Caro’s story, or I believe, the 2nd book to be more specific, told from Sebastian’s POV. I completely concur. Duh, since Jane wrote this, of course she’s right! Third, I usually enjoy reading this trope, guess this is Dec-May? And fourth, call me pervy but that kiddo in the cover is yummy. If he’s Sebastian, so be it!*g*
On to the story… 10 years have gone by since the Sebastian and Caro have started their thing. Sebastian is now in the Marines, Caro is now a journalist. It’s about reuniting, getting their second chance, resolve any lingering issues from the past and moving forward. I knew the biggest thing about this story is the age difference b/w Sebastian and Caroline. He’s 13 years younger to be exact. I’m aware they have a long history that started from when Sebastian was young. And as they’re trying to look towards the future, things happen that can make or break their relationship.
Seeing this all from Sebastian’s POV, I’m a lil ambivalent about these 2. Sebastian, being 27 that he is, didn’t feel like he acts or thinks like his age at times. Or have I just forgotten how 27-year olds act and think? Or am I reading this all from the context of a 40-something-year old mind? Especially seeing that Caro is also 40? On the other hand, I’ve read enough NA H’s in the same age bracket and Sebastian sounded younger… hmmm… And Caro, for the 40-year old woman that she is, sometimes acted and talked like she’s in her 20’s. At least that’s what it felt like to me.
Sebastian almost always had his d!ck in his mind, and Caro’s doubts were not easy to relate to, to a degree. I suppose it’s an aftermath of having the kind of relationship they had at the time they did. Whether anyone liked it or not, there are life-changing events that shape a person and whether that messes one up or not, consequences out of that must be faced.
Here’s the thing. Because I know there were 2 books before this, told from Caro’s POV I’m guessing, I was wondering the whole time I was reading this whether I would be more enamored with this couple seeing it from Caro’s eyes or not. Did Caro understand the depth of Sebastian’s feelings or the impact that she had on him at such a young age? After all, for all my grumble about what kinda didn’t work for me here, Sebastian did kinda hook me in. For all the emotional instability he exhibited, one thing he didn’t waver about is his feelings for Caro, if that makes sense at all… And, I totally appreciate the details of what it means to be out in the field for the people who serve their country. It’s not an easy life, to say the least, and dangerous, at worst.
Plus: A personal bonus for me here, if I may add, is Sebastian having a copy of The Alchemist, an all-time fave, and, call me nutters, his birthday/wedding date is the same as mine (wedding, that is). That made me smile, for sure!
I don’t think this will be a fave Jane read for me, but it still made me curious enough to want to read the first 2 books… I think… And hey, for what it’s worth, this is supporting a very good cause. Good on Jane for doing that!
Well then...
Lemme just put a few things out there before I go any further. First, I haven’t read the first 2 books in The Education series. Second, while this is the third book in the series, like Jane advised me in the beginning, this is a standalone. This is Sebastian and Caro’s story, or I believe, the 2nd book to be more specific, told from Sebastian’s POV. I completely concur. Duh, since Jane wrote this, of course she’s right! Third, I usually enjoy reading this trope, guess this is Dec-May? And fourth, call me pervy but that kiddo in the cover is yummy. If he’s Sebastian, so be it!*g*
On to the story… 10 years have gone by since the Sebastian and Caro have started their thing. Sebastian is now in the Marines, Caro is now a journalist. It’s about reuniting, getting their second chance, resolve any lingering issues from the past and moving forward. I knew the biggest thing about this story is the age difference b/w Sebastian and Caroline. He’s 13 years younger to be exact. I’m aware they have a long history that started from when Sebastian was young. And as they’re trying to look towards the future, things happen that can make or break their relationship.
Seeing this all from Sebastian’s POV, I’m a lil ambivalent about these 2. Sebastian, being 27 that he is, didn’t feel like he acts or thinks like his age at times. Or have I just forgotten how 27-year olds act and think? Or am I reading this all from the context of a 40-something-year old mind? Especially seeing that Caro is also 40? On the other hand, I’ve read enough NA H’s in the same age bracket and Sebastian sounded younger… hmmm… And Caro, for the 40-year old woman that she is, sometimes acted and talked like she’s in her 20’s. At least that’s what it felt like to me.
Sebastian almost always had his d!ck in his mind, and Caro’s doubts were not easy to relate to, to a degree. I suppose it’s an aftermath of having the kind of relationship they had at the time they did. Whether anyone liked it or not, there are life-changing events that shape a person and whether that messes one up or not, consequences out of that must be faced.
Here’s the thing. Because I know there were 2 books before this, told from Caro’s POV I’m guessing, I was wondering the whole time I was reading this whether I would be more enamored with this couple seeing it from Caro’s eyes or not. Did Caro understand the depth of Sebastian’s feelings or the impact that she had on him at such a young age? After all, for all my grumble about what kinda didn’t work for me here, Sebastian did kinda hook me in. For all the emotional instability he exhibited, one thing he didn’t waver about is his feelings for Caro, if that makes sense at all… And, I totally appreciate the details of what it means to be out in the field for the people who serve their country. It’s not an easy life, to say the least, and dangerous, at worst.
Plus: A personal bonus for me here, if I may add, is Sebastian having a copy of The Alchemist, an all-time fave, and, call me nutters, his birthday/wedding date is the same as mine (wedding, that is). That made me smile, for sure!
I don’t think this will be a fave Jane read for me, but it still made me curious enough to want to read the first 2 books… I think… And hey, for what it’s worth, this is supporting a very good cause. Good on Jane for doing that!
December 7, 2016
I could not get enough of Sebastian in "The Education of Sebastian" & "The Education of Caroline" duo.
This is the companion book which is Sebastian's POV. While it is pretty much a re-read of book two of the duo, it was so much fun hearing his side of things!
FYI, all three books are available for free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers ;)
This is the companion book which is Sebastian's POV. While it is pretty much a re-read of book two of the duo, it was so much fun hearing his side of things!
FYI, all three books are available for free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers ;)
December 4, 2015
4.5 Stars
Jane Harvey-Berrick delivers another beautiful, sexy story. Her books have a depth and connection between the characters that I love.
I absolutely adore an older woman-younger man story. I was worried that I would be lost, having not read The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline first. These books have been on my Kindle since they were released and now I am dying to read them. I followed this story with no problem at all, and fell in love with Sebastian and Caroline.
Years before, Sebastian and Caroline had a passionate and forbidden affair. He was just a teenager and she was married. They were torn apart but he never got over her. He has spent years trying to forget her and Caroline has not been able to forget him either. The depth of their love for each other is evident in this book and in Sebastian's stubbornness in trying to break through Caroline's emotional barriers.
He has now a Marine stationed in Switzerland in a safe but boring desk job. Caroline is now a journalist, waiting for approval to travel to Afghanistan. Sebastian jumps at the chance to spend time with Caro but his years of wild drinking and partying plus his temper put barriers between them.
It was so clear to me that these two belong together! The European setting is wildly romantic and the scenes between Caroline and Sebastian are wonderfully erotic and steamy. If you love a second chance love story, then Semper Fi is a must-read. Jane Harvey-Berrick is an author whose books I will automatically read. She never disappoints with her beautiful, sexy writing and deeply-felt characters. As an added bonus, proceeds from this book go towards military charities. And now, I can't wait to dive in to The Education of Caroline and The Education of Sebastian!
(A copy was provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
Jane Harvey-Berrick delivers another beautiful, sexy story. Her books have a depth and connection between the characters that I love.
I absolutely adore an older woman-younger man story. I was worried that I would be lost, having not read The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline first. These books have been on my Kindle since they were released and now I am dying to read them. I followed this story with no problem at all, and fell in love with Sebastian and Caroline.
Years before, Sebastian and Caroline had a passionate and forbidden affair. He was just a teenager and she was married. They were torn apart but he never got over her. He has spent years trying to forget her and Caroline has not been able to forget him either. The depth of their love for each other is evident in this book and in Sebastian's stubbornness in trying to break through Caroline's emotional barriers.
He has now a Marine stationed in Switzerland in a safe but boring desk job. Caroline is now a journalist, waiting for approval to travel to Afghanistan. Sebastian jumps at the chance to spend time with Caro but his years of wild drinking and partying plus his temper put barriers between them.
It was so clear to me that these two belong together! The European setting is wildly romantic and the scenes between Caroline and Sebastian are wonderfully erotic and steamy. If you love a second chance love story, then Semper Fi is a must-read. Jane Harvey-Berrick is an author whose books I will automatically read. She never disappoints with her beautiful, sexy writing and deeply-felt characters. As an added bonus, proceeds from this book go towards military charities. And now, I can't wait to dive in to The Education of Caroline and The Education of Sebastian!
(A copy was provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
November 18, 2015
4,5 stars
I can’t help myself…….
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and The Education of Caroline https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
by Jane Harvey Berrick are two of my favorite books and I was so happy that I would get more about the couple I fell in love with. And let me just say……I fell in love with them all over again!
Sempre Fi is the retelling of The Education of Caroline through Sebastian Hunter’s POV. I didn’t know what to expect…what more could I get about these two? But seeing their love story through his eyes was so amazing.
Such a beautiful and touching story that leaves you feeling that no matter what stands in the way of two people who truly love each other…..nothing is more true that..
I loved reading their touching and beautiful love story all over again and seeing it from Sebastian’s eyes. How he has over all those years never forgotten or stopped loving Caroline. It’s always been her.
How after being apart all those years………heartbreaking!!!! And being given a second chance……
His vulnerability.....the feelings that he may not the right person for Caroline……and how much Caroline loved him….had never forgotten or stopped loving him………..
I loved going on their trip to Italy……seeing their time together again…..rediscovering their love all over again……….the fear that something will stand against them again…..
Afraid to lose each other again……facing the danger in war torn countries…..never wanting to be apart…
The sadness and sorrow they both face after Sebastian is injured and how they both deal with the fall-out. The patience, love and care that Caroline showed him during the most difficult times in their lives….and coming through it together.
I loved these two characters and there were some secondary characters that were so unforgettable. One of those being Signora Carello, the owner of the b/b that Sebastian and Caroline stayed in the Amalfi Coast, whilst looking for Caroline’s father’s family in the village nearby. Her words said it all……
The author’s beautiful and evocative writing captures the everlasting power of love….there were so many words that touched me…and here’s one of those…
You know the saying….TRUE SOULMATES??? I believe that so deeply, because I had my own soul mate and understand the depth of true love never dying.
If you haven’t read these books…..please, I beg you to do. They will leave you with a feeling of hope and inspiration.
These are 3 books I will be reading again and again!!!
I can’t help myself…….
The Education of Sebastian
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and The Education of Caroline https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
by Jane Harvey Berrick are two of my favorite books and I was so happy that I would get more about the couple I fell in love with. And let me just say……I fell in love with them all over again!
Sempre Fi is the retelling of The Education of Caroline through Sebastian Hunter’s POV. I didn’t know what to expect…what more could I get about these two? But seeing their love story through his eyes was so amazing.
Such a beautiful and touching story that leaves you feeling that no matter what stands in the way of two people who truly love each other…..nothing is more true that..
I loved reading their touching and beautiful love story all over again and seeing it from Sebastian’s eyes. How he has over all those years never forgotten or stopped loving Caroline. It’s always been her.
How after being apart all those years………heartbreaking!!!! And being given a second chance……
It was incredible reading how vulnerable and lost Sebastian was as a 17 year old…..losing Caroline, dealing with his cruel father and disconnected mother….living day by day…struggling in finding his way through life…..when all he had ever wanted was to love and be loved by Caroline….
His vulnerability.....the feelings that he may not the right person for Caroline……and how much Caroline loved him….had never forgotten or stopped loving him………..
I loved going on their trip to Italy……seeing their time together again…..rediscovering their love all over again……….the fear that something will stand against them again…..
Afraid to lose each other again……facing the danger in war torn countries…..never wanting to be apart…
The sadness and sorrow they both face after Sebastian is injured and how they both deal with the fall-out. The patience, love and care that Caroline showed him during the most difficult times in their lives….and coming through it together.
I loved these two characters and there were some secondary characters that were so unforgettable. One of those being Signora Carello, the owner of the b/b that Sebastian and Caroline stayed in the Amalfi Coast, whilst looking for Caroline’s father’s family in the village nearby. Her words said it all……
The author’s beautiful and evocative writing captures the everlasting power of love….there were so many words that touched me…and here’s one of those…
You know the saying….TRUE SOULMATES??? I believe that so deeply, because I had my own soul mate and understand the depth of true love never dying.
If you haven’t read these books…..please, I beg you to do. They will leave you with a feeling of hope and inspiration.
These are 3 books I will be reading again and again!!!
October 27, 2015
“I was looking at her. I felt grateful to be here: this woman, this time, this place. Second chances didn’t come any better.”
3.5 stars.
The Education of Sebastian / The Education of Caroline is one of my favourite and most cherished love stories. What started off as a forbidden affair between a 30 year old married woman and a 17 year old boy became an epic love story when they fell into soul-deep, life-changing love and were brutally torn apart, only to reconnect 10 years later. Now, Jane Harvey-Berrick has given us the story of that reconnection from a different perspective, and this book is the retelling of book 2, The Education of Caroline from the POV of Sebastian.
Sebastian has lived a wild life since he was left absolutely shattered by his separation from Caroline. Devastated and full of anger that she made no effort to contact him after he spent years waiting for her, he joined the US Marines, and is now a bitter and detached (semi-alcoholic) 27 year old, working a desk job in Geneva, Switzerland as a form of disciplinary rehabilitation for his wild behaviour. And then Caroline, now a journalist and war correspondent, walks back into his life.
If you’ve read the original two books then you will know exactly what to expect going into this book. If you haven’t read them, then stop reading this review and go off and make a start on them now, because this is one highly emotional, steamy and stunningly beautiful story.
The Education of Caroline is a clusterfuck of emotions as Sebastian and his Caro find themselves thrust back together after 10 years apart, and I loved the chance to be inside of Sebastian’s head as he experiences the shock, anger, hurt and regret of all that he has lost, and then the depth of his love for the woman he has been unable to forget and his firm determination not to let her get away again.
The love story is beautiful, and I always love a story told by a desperately-in-love-man, but don’t expect too much new content. Honestly, I was hoping for something a bit more, but this book is exactly what it is advertised as – a retelling of the original story, with the same events and dialogue as appears in the original book, just with a different twist.
It has been a while since I read the original books so the repetitiveness wasn’t a huge issue for me, but this book did feel a little rushed. I especially wanted more details towards the end of the book where Sebastian’s story takes a dramatic turn. In the original books I felt that I wanted more from the end of the story, and I was hoping to get that here, but I still feel it wasn’t explored as much as it could have been – especially considering the detail of the romance earlier in the book. But again, I appreciated Sebastian’s POV so we could see exactly what he was feeling, and it was heartbreaking in places. .
The ending finishes off exactly where the original book did – which I honestly thought felt unfinished, but I did have a copy of the more-recently-released The Education of Sebastian & The Education of Caroline paperback on my bookshelf which contains additional content, including an epilogue which finishes everything off beautifully. So I sat and read the end of that after finishing this book in order to give myself some closure.
I wouldn’t consider this book a must-read, and I admit it wasn’t as epic as I was hoping, but my love for these two characters and their story was enough to carry me through, and I enjoyed the different perspective on a book duet which remains very close to my heart.
3.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars.
The Education of Sebastian / The Education of Caroline is one of my favourite and most cherished love stories. What started off as a forbidden affair between a 30 year old married woman and a 17 year old boy became an epic love story when they fell into soul-deep, life-changing love and were brutally torn apart, only to reconnect 10 years later. Now, Jane Harvey-Berrick has given us the story of that reconnection from a different perspective, and this book is the retelling of book 2, The Education of Caroline from the POV of Sebastian.
Sebastian has lived a wild life since he was left absolutely shattered by his separation from Caroline. Devastated and full of anger that she made no effort to contact him after he spent years waiting for her, he joined the US Marines, and is now a bitter and detached (semi-alcoholic) 27 year old, working a desk job in Geneva, Switzerland as a form of disciplinary rehabilitation for his wild behaviour. And then Caroline, now a journalist and war correspondent, walks back into his life.
She walked towards me and my heart started pounding in my chest again. Christ, it hurt so fucking much. How could it hurt so much if I wasn’t dying? Or maybe I was. I didn’t know anymore. Because when she came towards me, it was just her and me again. Just us. No one else. She wove her magic and the world went away.
If you’ve read the original two books then you will know exactly what to expect going into this book. If you haven’t read them, then stop reading this review and go off and make a start on them now, because this is one highly emotional, steamy and stunningly beautiful story.
The Education of Caroline is a clusterfuck of emotions as Sebastian and his Caro find themselves thrust back together after 10 years apart, and I loved the chance to be inside of Sebastian’s head as he experiences the shock, anger, hurt and regret of all that he has lost, and then the depth of his love for the woman he has been unable to forget and his firm determination not to let her get away again.
I watched her for the longest time, scared by the depth of emotion I felt for her, that I’d always felt for her. I knew she thought that a 17 year old boy couldn’t understand adult love, but she’d been wrong about that: nothing had changed for me. She was still the only woman who’d ever owned my heart.
The love story is beautiful, and I always love a story told by a desperately-in-love-man, but don’t expect too much new content. Honestly, I was hoping for something a bit more, but this book is exactly what it is advertised as – a retelling of the original story, with the same events and dialogue as appears in the original book, just with a different twist.
“I love you, Caro, so much. I haven’t changed how I feel. I still love you – I’ve always loved you. It’s only ever been you.”
I stopped breathing as she gazed back at me, her lips moving wordlessly. And then she spoke.
“I love you, too, Sebastian. More than you’ll ever know.”
That was all I needed to hear.
It has been a while since I read the original books so the repetitiveness wasn’t a huge issue for me, but this book did feel a little rushed. I especially wanted more details towards the end of the book where Sebastian’s story takes a dramatic turn. In the original books I felt that I wanted more from the end of the story, and I was hoping to get that here, but I still feel it wasn’t explored as much as it could have been – especially considering the detail of the romance earlier in the book. But again, I appreciated Sebastian’s POV so we could see exactly what he was feeling, and it was heartbreaking in places. .
The ending finishes off exactly where the original book did – which I honestly thought felt unfinished, but I did have a copy of the more-recently-released The Education of Sebastian & The Education of Caroline paperback on my bookshelf which contains additional content, including an epilogue which finishes everything off beautifully. So I sat and read the end of that after finishing this book in order to give myself some closure.
I wouldn’t consider this book a must-read, and I admit it wasn’t as epic as I was hoping, but my love for these two characters and their story was enough to carry me through, and I enjoyed the different perspective on a book duet which remains very close to my heart.
3.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2020
"Semper Fi" is the sequel story of "The Education of Caroline" told from Sebastian`s POV.Reading the events from "The Education of Caroline" through his head was something entirely new,and it only got better with a bonus chapter.This book showed me the way Sebastian REALLY got broken after Caroline left him 10 years ago.How he lost himself into the fierce anger and hatred,and got through life with numb existence of sex,booze and unnececary risks of death.His thoughts was much cynical in which the light inside of him had faded away a long time ago.He hated everything and anything...until he reunites with his Caroline whom he calls his Caro.Only his everlasting love for her made him redeemable in my eyes.I both hated and loved the man he becomes,but there is still that tormented,uncertain teenager lurking hidden behind his cynical arrogance everytime he faces Caroline.He didn`t..couldn`t understand why she did what she did.Why she never came back for him despite him waiting and looking for her,and his anguish in all those 10 years lost because of that.He truly felt like he had been fucked over,and i simply couldn`t blame him for that.Being haunted by the ghost of the love of your life even when you do everything you can to forget her for over 10 years-any man would get crazy about that.
All the three books "The Education of Sebastian","The Education of Caroline" and "Semper Fi" are amazing,angsty and sexy,Sebastian Hunter finally gets his much deserved second-chance and happy ending with his beloved Caro,and i couldn`t be more happier for them!
All the three books "The Education of Sebastian","The Education of Caroline" and "Semper Fi" are amazing,angsty and sexy,Sebastian Hunter finally gets his much deserved second-chance and happy ending with his beloved Caro,and i couldn`t be more happier for them!
December 17, 2015
Some books are too close to your heart to review. But I'll always remember these lines that make me cry whenever I think of them:
“The answer? Because I know I’m loved. My skin will wrinkle and my hair will go gray, my body will bend with age—and I will be loved. In this life and in the next. I will be loved. Whatever the world throws at us, wherever the next adventure leads, I will be loved.
Sempre e per sempre."
“The answer? Because I know I’m loved. My skin will wrinkle and my hair will go gray, my body will bend with age—and I will be loved. In this life and in the next. I will be loved. Whatever the world throws at us, wherever the next adventure leads, I will be loved.
Sempre e per sempre."
November 2, 2015
I'm not usually drawn to alternate point of view stories. However, I loved The Education of Caroline (the original telling of this story) so much, and found it so richly layered that I wanted to see the layers from the other side. Sebastian has such a wildly emotional, intense journey I knew that I needed to read his story and experience the book through his eyes. I wasn’t disappointed.
If you haven't read The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline first, you should. You'll for sure want to read The Education of Sebastian before starting Semper Fi as it provides important backstory, and an understanding of the history and intensity of Sebastian and Caro’s feelings.
Semper Fi follows the same timeline as The Education of Caroline. Thus, after a torrid and intense love affair ended with a devastating blow, Sebastian and Caroline have spent ten years apart before being unexpectedly reunited. A lifetime has passed since they last saw each other, and the time apart changed each of them in such profound ways that they are now essentially strangers. That is, strangers who still feel a connection to each other, a deep pull toward one another. Even after all the years and miles and emotional devastation that separated them, once they are reunited, there is no turning back.
This is the story of Sebastian and Caro’s journey back to each other, and of their fierce love that never lets go. No time, no distance, no career assignments or any other curveball that life throws at them (and there are many) can keep them apart. Their reunion is slow, and agonizing—but also intense, beautiful, scorching, and heartbreaking, and so incredibly emotional, I don't even know what to do with these feels.
The most emotionally charged pieces of this book revolve around Sebastian's experiences as a Marine. Jane Harvey-Berrick put us right inside his head and we experienced everything with him—the good, the bad, the lusty, the breathlessly romantic, and the ugly. It felt authentic and left me feeling a little bruised and weary—and I loved every moment of it. It's fitting, then, that profits of this book support the military charities, Felix Fund (UK) and EOD Warrior Foundation (USA). It's the most beautiful, touching, and appropriate epilogue that Ms. Harvey-Berrick could ever have given this book. ~ Shelly, 4 stars
If you haven't read The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline first, you should. You'll for sure want to read The Education of Sebastian before starting Semper Fi as it provides important backstory, and an understanding of the history and intensity of Sebastian and Caro’s feelings.
Semper Fi follows the same timeline as The Education of Caroline. Thus, after a torrid and intense love affair ended with a devastating blow, Sebastian and Caroline have spent ten years apart before being unexpectedly reunited. A lifetime has passed since they last saw each other, and the time apart changed each of them in such profound ways that they are now essentially strangers. That is, strangers who still feel a connection to each other, a deep pull toward one another. Even after all the years and miles and emotional devastation that separated them, once they are reunited, there is no turning back.
This is the story of Sebastian and Caro’s journey back to each other, and of their fierce love that never lets go. No time, no distance, no career assignments or any other curveball that life throws at them (and there are many) can keep them apart. Their reunion is slow, and agonizing—but also intense, beautiful, scorching, and heartbreaking, and so incredibly emotional, I don't even know what to do with these feels.
The most emotionally charged pieces of this book revolve around Sebastian's experiences as a Marine. Jane Harvey-Berrick put us right inside his head and we experienced everything with him—the good, the bad, the lusty, the breathlessly romantic, and the ugly. It felt authentic and left me feeling a little bruised and weary—and I loved every moment of it. It's fitting, then, that profits of this book support the military charities, Felix Fund (UK) and EOD Warrior Foundation (USA). It's the most beautiful, touching, and appropriate epilogue that Ms. Harvey-Berrick could ever have given this book. ~ Shelly, 4 stars
November 22, 2015
4 "The Other Side of a Second Chance at Love" Stars.
For those of you who read The Education of Caroline, Semper Fi is the hero, US Marine Sebastian Hunter's side of the story. Lovers of forbidden love and second chances will enjoy this romantic tale. Having fallen in love with Jane Harvey-Berrick's Traveling Man Series, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read more of her writing. While arguably, Semper Fi does have a very different feel, particularly given that it is told from a marine's perspective--and his past experiences as a marine, not too mention his prior forbidden encounters with the heroine as teenager, necessarily color the way he has lived, and how he views life--this story nonetheless shares with the Traveling Man Series that angsty feeling between two lovers who are constantly trying to fight the polar opposite forces that coming from two different walks of life necessarily exposes them to.
Ten years ago Sebastian fell in love with a married woman, Caroline, 13 years his senior. Their undeniable attraction came to an abrupt halt once their secret was exposed, but Caroline has continued to be a preeminent presence in Sebastian's heart and thoughts throughout the past decade. A decade that he has spent as a marine and engaging in wild debauchery in an angry attempt to get over Caroline.
Now a marine stationed at a desk job in Geneva (as a punishment of sorts for his wild behavior), he comes across none other than Caroline, who is working as a reporter and is ready to travel to Afghanistan. Caroline is now long divorced, but married to her job as a military correspondent. As Caroline waits for her clearance to travel, Sebastian finds it his perfect opportunity to see what might have been. But can you ever truly get a second chance at true love?
At first I was worried that I might be a bit lost without reading the first two books. No doubt I imagine that reading the first two books would have been helpful to help frame the tragic circumstances that led to their initial separation, but I had no trouble following the story line without this prior experience.
All in all, if you are looking for an emotional journey of the hard road to second love glory, then Semper Fi may be a good choice for your next read.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
For those of you who read The Education of Caroline, Semper Fi is the hero, US Marine Sebastian Hunter's side of the story. Lovers of forbidden love and second chances will enjoy this romantic tale. Having fallen in love with Jane Harvey-Berrick's Traveling Man Series, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read more of her writing. While arguably, Semper Fi does have a very different feel, particularly given that it is told from a marine's perspective--and his past experiences as a marine, not too mention his prior forbidden encounters with the heroine as teenager, necessarily color the way he has lived, and how he views life--this story nonetheless shares with the Traveling Man Series that angsty feeling between two lovers who are constantly trying to fight the polar opposite forces that coming from two different walks of life necessarily exposes them to.
Ten years ago Sebastian fell in love with a married woman, Caroline, 13 years his senior. Their undeniable attraction came to an abrupt halt once their secret was exposed, but Caroline has continued to be a preeminent presence in Sebastian's heart and thoughts throughout the past decade. A decade that he has spent as a marine and engaging in wild debauchery in an angry attempt to get over Caroline.
Now a marine stationed at a desk job in Geneva (as a punishment of sorts for his wild behavior), he comes across none other than Caroline, who is working as a reporter and is ready to travel to Afghanistan. Caroline is now long divorced, but married to her job as a military correspondent. As Caroline waits for her clearance to travel, Sebastian finds it his perfect opportunity to see what might have been. But can you ever truly get a second chance at true love?
At first I was worried that I might be a bit lost without reading the first two books. No doubt I imagine that reading the first two books would have been helpful to help frame the tragic circumstances that led to their initial separation, but I had no trouble following the story line without this prior experience.
All in all, if you are looking for an emotional journey of the hard road to second love glory, then Semper Fi may be a good choice for your next read.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2015
I want a Seb in my life. Is that too much to ask?
-------
4 estrelas
Eu li o livro A EDUCAÇÃO DE CAROLINE – na versão original – em 2013, pela primeira vez. E, assim como o primeiro livro, eu curti. Essa história é linda. É sofrida. É um romance maravilhoso sobre superação e sobre duas pessoas que se amam de verdade, apesar de tudo.
O livro A EDUCAÇÃO DE SEBASTIAN foi lançado no Brasil e eu ganhei o físico e reli. Como eu estava com saudade desses dois!! E coincidentemente a autora estava relançando o livro 2, só que agora pelo ponto de vista do Sebastian. E ai resolvi, dessa vez, estar dentro da cabeça desse loiro lindo já que estava tudo fresco na minha cabeça.
Esse livro aqui, o SEMPER FI, foi escrito para agradar os fãs da série e para angariar fundos para instituições de caridade de soldados que sofreram e sofrem até hoje algum problema psicológico ou físico devido à guerra.
SÓ CONTINUE LENDO SE JÁ TIVER LIDO OS LIVROS ANTERIORES.
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SEMPER FI é basicamente a mesma história do A EDUCAÇÃO DE CAROLINE. Não muda muita coisa, já que os dois personagens passam o livro praticamente todos juntos. Ou sendo amigos, ou brigando ou reconciliando rs.
Não são muitas autoras que conseguem diferenciar a escrita quando mudam a voz do personagem. E a autora Jane Harvey-Berrick aqui foi bem sucedida, já que conseguimos ver que realmente são pensamentos de um homem.
Eu já era apaixonada pelo Seb antes, agora então... muito mais. Foi legal saber o que ele estava pensando, o quanto sofreu com a distância dos dois. E, principalmente, o quando ele amava a Caro.
Sério, esse livro é pra deixar qualquer mulher frustrada porque não encontrou um cara desses. O Seb não era perfeito. Era teimoso, muitas vezes era chato. Entretanto, em nenhum momento você duvidava do amor dele. Que ele pode ter se tornado um “puto” e ter saído passando o rodo na cidade - ou melhor, no mundo, né – mas no momento que ele estava com a Caro, o mundo dele era ela. Pra proteger e tudo mais. Em nenhum momento a duvidas sobre onde está o coração do Seb. E isso, meu povo, me deixa super frustrada!
Valeu super a pena estar com esses dois novamente. Continuo achando a história maravilhosa. E adorei como o final foi mais detalhado que o primeiro livro, inclusive há uma cena bônus pra deixar qualquer um com um sorriso bobo no rosto. Eu queria mais. E pode ser que daqui uns dois anos novamente, eu venha a reler... e me encontrar – e me frustrar – com o Seb novamente.
PS: Segundo o Google: Semper fi ou semper fidelis é uma expressão em latim que significa “sempre fiel”, na tradução para o português. Esta frase é conhecida por ser o lema do Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais dos Estados Unidos da América – United States Marine Corps.
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4 estrelas
Eu li o livro A EDUCAÇÃO DE CAROLINE – na versão original – em 2013, pela primeira vez. E, assim como o primeiro livro, eu curti. Essa história é linda. É sofrida. É um romance maravilhoso sobre superação e sobre duas pessoas que se amam de verdade, apesar de tudo.
O livro A EDUCAÇÃO DE SEBASTIAN foi lançado no Brasil e eu ganhei o físico e reli. Como eu estava com saudade desses dois!! E coincidentemente a autora estava relançando o livro 2, só que agora pelo ponto de vista do Sebastian. E ai resolvi, dessa vez, estar dentro da cabeça desse loiro lindo já que estava tudo fresco na minha cabeça.
Esse livro aqui, o SEMPER FI, foi escrito para agradar os fãs da série e para angariar fundos para instituições de caridade de soldados que sofreram e sofrem até hoje algum problema psicológico ou físico devido à guerra.
SÓ CONTINUE LENDO SE JÁ TIVER LIDO OS LIVROS ANTERIORES.
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SEMPER FI é basicamente a mesma história do A EDUCAÇÃO DE CAROLINE. Não muda muita coisa, já que os dois personagens passam o livro praticamente todos juntos. Ou sendo amigos, ou brigando ou reconciliando rs.
Não são muitas autoras que conseguem diferenciar a escrita quando mudam a voz do personagem. E a autora Jane Harvey-Berrick aqui foi bem sucedida, já que conseguimos ver que realmente são pensamentos de um homem.
Eu já era apaixonada pelo Seb antes, agora então... muito mais. Foi legal saber o que ele estava pensando, o quanto sofreu com a distância dos dois. E, principalmente, o quando ele amava a Caro.
Sério, esse livro é pra deixar qualquer mulher frustrada porque não encontrou um cara desses. O Seb não era perfeito. Era teimoso, muitas vezes era chato. Entretanto, em nenhum momento você duvidava do amor dele. Que ele pode ter se tornado um “puto” e ter saído passando o rodo na cidade - ou melhor, no mundo, né – mas no momento que ele estava com a Caro, o mundo dele era ela. Pra proteger e tudo mais. Em nenhum momento a duvidas sobre onde está o coração do Seb. E isso, meu povo, me deixa super frustrada!
Valeu super a pena estar com esses dois novamente. Continuo achando a história maravilhosa. E adorei como o final foi mais detalhado que o primeiro livro, inclusive há uma cena bônus pra deixar qualquer um com um sorriso bobo no rosto. Eu queria mais. E pode ser que daqui uns dois anos novamente, eu venha a reler... e me encontrar – e me frustrar – com o Seb novamente.
PS: Segundo o Google: Semper fi ou semper fidelis é uma expressão em latim que significa “sempre fiel”, na tradução para o português. Esta frase é conhecida por ser o lema do Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais dos Estados Unidos da América – United States Marine Corps.
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December 10, 2015
A beautiful story told through the eyes of a beautiful man. Semper Fi deptics a tale of enduring love in the face of adversity and it’s one book that you won’t want to miss.
I loved The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline and this book simply draws together the emotions experienced when reading those stories as we re-live Caroline's book from Seb's perspective.
It's a while since I've read the first two books but it didn't take me any time at all to remember why I loved them so much. For me, this series is perfectly written and the characters are brought to life in a way that enables you to connect with them on the same level. You feel their pain, you experience their emotion, and you share their hopes and fears, but most importantly, you share their love,
I can't imagine it being easy to write a book from another point of view and to ensure it reaches the same heights as the book's predecessor but for me, Semper Fi in some ways surpasses The Education of Caroline. The rawness that Seb brings to the story is tangible especially as it draws readers deeper into the life of Seb the marine, and that just makes it all the more memorable. From a sweet love story following Caro and Seb's reconnection, to life in the face of the danger, this book really does emphasise the horrors of war and the emotional side effects that comes with it.
Jane Harvey-Berrick is an unsung hero in my eyes. She works tirelessly to support charities such as the Felix Fund and the EOD Warrior Foundation and through her books she is able to draw attention to the hard work and the tremendous sacrifices of those involved with these charities.
Remember, sales of Semper Fi supports these charities:
Felix Fund www.felixfund.org.uk &
EOD Warrior Foundation www.eodwarriorfoundation.org
Both charities support the brave men and women who work or have worked in bomb disposal.
This book was provided by the author in return for an honest review.
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October 15, 2015
Jane Harvey-Berrick may not have known it at the time, but I’m not a fan of alternate POV’s, I’m easily bored by them. I thought I was up against another ‘roll my eyes’ moment. Well, there’s always a first, and JHB I proudly stand corrected - I was riveted from the word go.
Semper Fi picks up from where The Education of Sebastian finished, and if you’ve read both books you’ll know that Seb in The Education of Caroline has lived and… fought a full life. He’s not that naïve teenager anymore – its 10 years later and Seb is an angry man, and unfortunately that had a lot to do with Caroline.
Semper Fi shocked me. Yes, I say shocked, but for all the best reasons. Yes, Jane did write the same love story but Jane wrote this POV as if I was ‘hearing’ it for the first time.
How is it that Jane had me reading an alternate POV, to the very end, when so many others have failed?
How was it that I ‘felt’ I was reading a different story.
Two reasons:
(1) Jane is one of the very few quality writers out there that can pull this off, and;
(2) Jane has given Sebastian Hunter a strong voice, so much so I felt I was ‘physically’ there with him.
Hmm. Hearing! Felt! Physically! Well Jane, being a very factional person you had me totally sucked into your fictional world.
I fell in love with Seb and Caro all over again, and YOU need to do the same. Diarise this one or you’re going to miss out on a 2015 Top 5.
Oh… and Jane’s given us a bonus chapter, a GENEROUS sized bonus chapter: ‘Sebastian & Caroline’s Tenth Wedding Anniversary’
November 14, 2015
“You’ve always been so sure. I don’t understand why.”
“I told you, Caro. It’s only ever been you.”
*****************************************
“Caro, I don’t understand. Why do you love me?”
“Just because … because the sky is blue and the sea is green.”
I loved the the original two books, The Education of Sebastian/The Education of Caroline. They were one of my top favorite reads when originally published. I also loved reading they're extended epilogues and getting a glimpse into their future. And of course, I absolutely loved reading their story in Sebastian's POV (even though there were times I wanted to physically jump into my Kindle and throttle him!)
“I told you, Caro. It’s only ever been you.”
*****************************************
“Caro, I don’t understand. Why do you love me?”
“Just because … because the sky is blue and the sea is green.”
I loved the the original two books, The Education of Sebastian/The Education of Caroline. They were one of my top favorite reads when originally published. I also loved reading they're extended epilogues and getting a glimpse into their future. And of course, I absolutely loved reading their story in Sebastian's POV (even though there were times I wanted to physically jump into my Kindle and throttle him!)
November 10, 2015
“Sempre e per sempre.”
This lady always blows my mind away. Every story she writes just gets better and better. Let me tell you if you haven't read one of Jane Harvey-Berrick's books, you are missing a lot.
“Then what? Because you know that you’re the only woman I’ve ever looked at. "
If you have read 'The Education of Sebastian' and 'The Education of Caroline' you MUST pre-order this bad boy NOW! This time we get to be inside Sebastian's mind and dear lord of everything hot and sexy, what a ride!
When Jane writes a story from the male's POV, you know your feelings will be all over the place! Sebastian will show you how his love grew through obstacles, imperfection and differences. You already knew it, but now Sebastian will make you feel it. When you are in love: miles, years and age are just a number. True Love lasts forever
'Semper Fi' goes LIVE 11/10/2015
By the way, The sales of Semper Fi support the Felix Fund www.felixfund.org.uk and EOD Warrior Foundation
www.eodwarriorfoundation.org. We all have a friend or family member in the armed forces, in my case my brother, cousins and BF, so by buying 'Semper Fi" you will read an amazing story and at the same time support these charities.
not-in-this-lifetime
March 3, 2019I'm not interested in reading about a hero who is constantly recalling his past sexual exploits while with the heroine. I am a fan of devoted hero's not man whore's who can't keep it in their pants. Just FYI to the author, it makes the heroine not so special. You don't get my money. Sorry.
November 10, 2015
It seems it was yesterday I finished reading The Education of Caroline, because the story was still so alive!
Thanks Jane for this incridible story, I know this will be unforgettable!
Thanks Jane for this incridible story, I know this will be unforgettable!
November 9, 2015
Sempre Fi is an epic love story retold by the beautiful Sebastian Hunter, and even though male POV books are becoming more popular as of late, this is certainly one of the best rewrites out there!
Sebastian and Caro's journey is a remarkable story that will stand the test of time. To this day, even after reading hundreds of books, the Education series remains one of my absolute favourites, but I'll be honest here and say that I was a little worried when Jane Harvey-Berrick announced that there would be an Education of Caroline POV rewrite. I've read a few lately and even though I enjoy them, I don't feel that they necessarily add much to the story. The first time around was amazing enough, to have experienced such an epic love story is a true gift and one that I treasured, but the idea of change scared me. I wasn't sure if the characterisation and the dynamics would be hindered, but I didn't have anything to worry about because Sebastian, in his own words not only revisited some important scenes that were missed in the Education of Caroline, but made me fall deeply in love with my favorite book all over again.
From the devistation and heartbreak that Caro left in her wake, Sebastian goes through the motions, of his feelings of abandonment when his woman never returned on his 21st Birthday. The betrayal and anger ate him up, turning him from a sweet surfer with dreams to a broken young man placating his controlling Father as he joined the marine core.
10 years is a long time to be estranged from the love of your life, but when their paths meet again it makes for an explosive and restless reunion.
I actually forgot how volatile Sebastian was in the second book. Gone was the sweet young man we fell in love with, in his place was a dark soul, eaten up with bitterness, a life unfulfilled, a sole part of himself missing ever since the day she walked out of his life and never returned... until now, and even then it is completely accidental.
With their reunion comes answers, dreams, hope for the future but doubt always lingers, insecurity constantly banging on the door; can Caro be trusted again with his heart or will she leave it in tatters when she goes back to the new life she has successfully made for herself?
Experience Seb like never before as his character is flayed open, giving us more of the marine, the man, and Caro's one and only true love as we experience the highs and lows of what is love, in its truest form. Sempre per Sempre.
Intense, passionate, beautifully intricate, Sempre Fi is a love story to rival all... it is quite simply a book journey of a lifetime.
5 'Tesoro' Crowns
Sebastian and Caro's journey is a remarkable story that will stand the test of time. To this day, even after reading hundreds of books, the Education series remains one of my absolute favourites, but I'll be honest here and say that I was a little worried when Jane Harvey-Berrick announced that there would be an Education of Caroline POV rewrite. I've read a few lately and even though I enjoy them, I don't feel that they necessarily add much to the story. The first time around was amazing enough, to have experienced such an epic love story is a true gift and one that I treasured, but the idea of change scared me. I wasn't sure if the characterisation and the dynamics would be hindered, but I didn't have anything to worry about because Sebastian, in his own words not only revisited some important scenes that were missed in the Education of Caroline, but made me fall deeply in love with my favorite book all over again.
From the devistation and heartbreak that Caro left in her wake, Sebastian goes through the motions, of his feelings of abandonment when his woman never returned on his 21st Birthday. The betrayal and anger ate him up, turning him from a sweet surfer with dreams to a broken young man placating his controlling Father as he joined the marine core.
10 years is a long time to be estranged from the love of your life, but when their paths meet again it makes for an explosive and restless reunion.
I actually forgot how volatile Sebastian was in the second book. Gone was the sweet young man we fell in love with, in his place was a dark soul, eaten up with bitterness, a life unfulfilled, a sole part of himself missing ever since the day she walked out of his life and never returned... until now, and even then it is completely accidental.
With their reunion comes answers, dreams, hope for the future but doubt always lingers, insecurity constantly banging on the door; can Caro be trusted again with his heart or will she leave it in tatters when she goes back to the new life she has successfully made for herself?
Experience Seb like never before as his character is flayed open, giving us more of the marine, the man, and Caro's one and only true love as we experience the highs and lows of what is love, in its truest form. Sempre per Sempre.
Intense, passionate, beautifully intricate, Sempre Fi is a love story to rival all... it is quite simply a book journey of a lifetime.
5 'Tesoro' Crowns
November 9, 2015
Book Review - Semper Fi by Jane Harvey Berrick - 5 Oh Sebastian Stars
It’s always a very nervous moment, when you get the other point of view from a story. Imagine my trepidation then when one of my favourite ever tomes got it’s companion.
Seriously, before I go into Semper Fi, I really must talk about The Education Series, being the two parts The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline. When I read the original books I was spellbound, such was the incredible story woven, and I could literally see with my minds eye the places and people they met. And their love story gripped me, tore me into pieces and then put me back together again.
Roll forward a few years, and we now have the second half of the story as told from Sebastian’s point of view.
I did something very strange with this book. I kept reading a good portion, putting it down and reading a short story and then going back to it. I think I know why.
Whilst part of me I’m sure was wanting to savour being in Seb’s head, the other part of me very much knew what was coming, and was dreading being inside the man at a certain stage in the book. You know why? Because I love the man. To me, he’s a living, breathing entity. And to be honest, during that time in his life, I knew he acted like an ass. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see inside his head whilst he was being one, because I didn’t want anything to taint the feelings I have for him.
Luckily, I had no need to worry, my misgivings were unfounded. My love for Sebastian is still strong. Like his love for Caro.
I loved how throughout it all he was pretty unwavering in that what he and Caro shared was genuinely love, no matter what stage of his life you caught him at. And of course I loved the cheeky, filthy side of him, who wouldn’t?
I hurt for him whilst I watched him rollercoaster through his emotions of never being quite enough. He never saw what Caro saw in him, and when life got really hard, he even more questioned what he could offer her as the man in her life. And my heart ached for both of them, for the injustice and hardship they had to endure to get to where they were. In a life of ups and downs, someone tossed a mortar bomb into theirs and gave them a massive hill to climb. And they learnt eventually, that they were stronger together, helping each other over the hurdles. Life eventually allowed them to get there, and settle.
I love an epilogue and this one was especially sweet, because it gave me what I hoped for, for them as a couple. And there is a wonderful bit of role reversal in this, which is very cleverly written. Not that anything Jane writes isn’t ever that way. I don’t call her ‘The Poet’ for nothing.
This wonderful tale was written, no doubt partly because of the voices of the Seb lovers (Yay, go us!), but also as a way to raise money for two armed forces charities. Jane is an amazing ambassador for these charities which just makes me love her even more. Please buy a copy and help give something back to those who give so much to ensure that we can live and breathe free.
If you want to know more about the charities, please visit:
www.felixfund.org.uk
www.eodwarriorfoundation.org
It’s always a very nervous moment, when you get the other point of view from a story. Imagine my trepidation then when one of my favourite ever tomes got it’s companion.
Seriously, before I go into Semper Fi, I really must talk about The Education Series, being the two parts The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline. When I read the original books I was spellbound, such was the incredible story woven, and I could literally see with my minds eye the places and people they met. And their love story gripped me, tore me into pieces and then put me back together again.
Roll forward a few years, and we now have the second half of the story as told from Sebastian’s point of view.
I did something very strange with this book. I kept reading a good portion, putting it down and reading a short story and then going back to it. I think I know why.
Whilst part of me I’m sure was wanting to savour being in Seb’s head, the other part of me very much knew what was coming, and was dreading being inside the man at a certain stage in the book. You know why? Because I love the man. To me, he’s a living, breathing entity. And to be honest, during that time in his life, I knew he acted like an ass. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see inside his head whilst he was being one, because I didn’t want anything to taint the feelings I have for him.
Luckily, I had no need to worry, my misgivings were unfounded. My love for Sebastian is still strong. Like his love for Caro.
I loved how throughout it all he was pretty unwavering in that what he and Caro shared was genuinely love, no matter what stage of his life you caught him at. And of course I loved the cheeky, filthy side of him, who wouldn’t?
I hurt for him whilst I watched him rollercoaster through his emotions of never being quite enough. He never saw what Caro saw in him, and when life got really hard, he even more questioned what he could offer her as the man in her life. And my heart ached for both of them, for the injustice and hardship they had to endure to get to where they were. In a life of ups and downs, someone tossed a mortar bomb into theirs and gave them a massive hill to climb. And they learnt eventually, that they were stronger together, helping each other over the hurdles. Life eventually allowed them to get there, and settle.
I love an epilogue and this one was especially sweet, because it gave me what I hoped for, for them as a couple. And there is a wonderful bit of role reversal in this, which is very cleverly written. Not that anything Jane writes isn’t ever that way. I don’t call her ‘The Poet’ for nothing.
This wonderful tale was written, no doubt partly because of the voices of the Seb lovers (Yay, go us!), but also as a way to raise money for two armed forces charities. Jane is an amazing ambassador for these charities which just makes me love her even more. Please buy a copy and help give something back to those who give so much to ensure that we can live and breathe free.
If you want to know more about the charities, please visit:
www.felixfund.org.uk
www.eodwarriorfoundation.org
November 10, 2015
Sebastian and Caroline have completely stolen my heart. Semper Fi is essentially The Education Of Caroline in Sebastian's point of view. So we got Caroline's point of view now we get Sebastian's. Their story starts 10 years earlier in The Education Of Sebastian. If you don't know what Semper Fi means, it's short for Semper Fidelis, which means 'Always Faithful' in Latin. It is most recognized as the United States Marine Corps motto. Just by the title I knew I was in for a wickedly great read.
Sebastian and Caroline come face to face after ten years after their relationship tragically ended. They are both completely shocked when they see each other and neither one of them knows how to react. What do you do when the person you thought was your forever comes back into your life? Sebastian has been harboring so much anger towards Caroline for seven years and all of their memories come rushing back. But once he sees her he knows that their story isn't finished, and just like ten years ago their passion for each other cannot be stopped. This is the second chance that he was was never foolish enough to hope for. The only problem is that Caroline is a journalist who goes to the front lines for her stories and Sebastian is a United States Marine. They will both be putting their lives on the line very soon when they go on their new missions, Sebastian especially!
"I told you, Caro. It's only ever been you."
Sebastian is struggling with something that a lot of service men and women deal with and that's PTSD. Caroline is so strong the entire time. She is not giving up without a battle, and having lived her last ten years without him, she won't do it again. It was hard seeing Sebastian struggle the way he did! Having a sister and brother-in-law in the United States Marine Corps, I understand the struggles that soldiers face when coming back from deployment. Military life is not civilian life and it's hard to acclimate, so my heart went out to Sebastian.
The Education Of Sebastian made me fall in love with the 17 year old boy, but Semper Fi made me fall head over heels for the man! I had ALL. THE. FEELS! I now know where we got that 'tingling feeling' saying from, it came from reading books like this one! It started in my chest and ran all the way to my fingertips! This book is LOVE! I mean real earth shattering love! I wept when they were trying the feel out the relationship again, I wept when Sebastian was struggling with his body and mind, I wept when Caroline was coping with Sebastian lashing out, but I sobbed because I knew I wanted them together!
"Thank God for you, Caro."
"And you, Sebastian, semper fidelis."
They were indeed, always faithful.
Every time Jane Harvey-Berrick writes a book she kills me, figuratively of course. The writing is exceptional, the characters are perfection, and the story is absolutely spectacular! Pick up a Jane Harvey-Berrick book and you won't regret it!
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Sebastian and Caroline come face to face after ten years after their relationship tragically ended. They are both completely shocked when they see each other and neither one of them knows how to react. What do you do when the person you thought was your forever comes back into your life? Sebastian has been harboring so much anger towards Caroline for seven years and all of their memories come rushing back. But once he sees her he knows that their story isn't finished, and just like ten years ago their passion for each other cannot be stopped. This is the second chance that he was was never foolish enough to hope for. The only problem is that Caroline is a journalist who goes to the front lines for her stories and Sebastian is a United States Marine. They will both be putting their lives on the line very soon when they go on their new missions, Sebastian especially!
"I told you, Caro. It's only ever been you."
Sebastian is struggling with something that a lot of service men and women deal with and that's PTSD. Caroline is so strong the entire time. She is not giving up without a battle, and having lived her last ten years without him, she won't do it again. It was hard seeing Sebastian struggle the way he did! Having a sister and brother-in-law in the United States Marine Corps, I understand the struggles that soldiers face when coming back from deployment. Military life is not civilian life and it's hard to acclimate, so my heart went out to Sebastian.
The Education Of Sebastian made me fall in love with the 17 year old boy, but Semper Fi made me fall head over heels for the man! I had ALL. THE. FEELS! I now know where we got that 'tingling feeling' saying from, it came from reading books like this one! It started in my chest and ran all the way to my fingertips! This book is LOVE! I mean real earth shattering love! I wept when they were trying the feel out the relationship again, I wept when Sebastian was struggling with his body and mind, I wept when Caroline was coping with Sebastian lashing out, but I sobbed because I knew I wanted them together!
"Thank God for you, Caro."
"And you, Sebastian, semper fidelis."
They were indeed, always faithful.
Every time Jane Harvey-Berrick writes a book she kills me, figuratively of course. The writing is exceptional, the characters are perfection, and the story is absolutely spectacular! Pick up a Jane Harvey-Berrick book and you won't regret it!
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2015
SEBAS DE MI CORAZÓN
Lo Sabia, este libro Fantastico Como lo esperaba, Jane Harvey Berrick es mi autora favorita de Romance! Su escritura es fluida y bien estructurada y aún cuando se suponía era la misma historia desde los ojos de Sebas, se sintió diferente, muy emociónate saber qué pasaba por su cabeza mientras vivía su historia de amor con Caro, todas las estrellas posibles para este libro, su autora y para esta serie!
December 27, 2015
I had loved this series, so it was great to catch up with these two and re-live their experience from Seb's POV. His enduring, fierce love never wavered, bless him.
The epilogue 10 years later was great..can we have more, Jane..you know..the bit in-between?
The epilogue 10 years later was great..can we have more, Jane..you know..the bit in-between?
own-to-be-read-pile
February 20, 2016Profits of this book support the military charities Felix Fund (UK) and EOD Warrior Foundation (USA)
This story is a re-telling of 'The Education of Caroline' from Sebastian’s POV.
This story is a re-telling of 'The Education of Caroline' from Sebastian’s POV.
October 27, 2015
OUTSTANDING!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once upon a time...
In late 2012, I decided to choose another book on Amazon to read, something that sounded juicy good. I read a blurb about a teenage boy falling in love with a married woman, enough said, one click!
I was so extremely glad I chose to read "The Education Of Sebastian" because it was a fantastic read. Then a little later came its counterpart, "The Education Of Caroline" - WOW! Big difference in the two and both stories were 5 star reads for me. It was because of these 2 books that I started to become a huge Jane Harvey-Berrick fan! Her writing is over the top outstanding and she leaves no corners unturned and continues her consistency with Sempre Fi.
In Sempre Fi, you get to read Sebastian's POV from "The Education Of Caroline" - because of the way JHB writes with great detail, yes, you could technically read this as a standalone although if you want the full experience then may I suggest reading the set. These two characters stole my heart nearly 3 years ago and 3 years later I've read so many books since but one thing remains, my love for Sebastian and Caroline.
"Whatever the world throws at us, wherever the next adventure leads, I will be loved.
Sempre e per sempre."
There are many books that have been written prior and the authors have decided to write a separate POV novel for the opposite character. That alone is truly gracious of the author because they technically don't have to do this. Some have been beaten up though and have been said that there is not much of a difference between the original and the new version - this is NOT the case. In TEoC, you see Caroline go through her life and how she perceives it which is totally different than Sebastian's perception especially from the first book and now you see much more from this one. The author thoroughly rewrote this whole book and put you into Sebastian's head so much so that I had both books opened in my Kindle because I wanted to see how both were feeling at that very time. Needless to say, my beautiful rainy and quiet weekend turned into endless happiness of reading and getting reacquainted.
I can't say enough about the original books let alone Sempre Fi - Must Read!!
2 words = BONUS CHAPTER!
OUTSTANDING 5 STAR READ!
*This review is affiliated with FMR Book Grind
November 17, 2015
Like so many other JHB fans, I fell hard for Sebastian and Caroline in the Education series. Their love story is one for the ages and unlike any I've ever read before or since. With Semper Fi, I was once again with this beloved couple, only this time, getting inside Sebastian's head for a retelling of The Education of Caroline. And oh how I have missed them.
The book pretty much follows the same course as TEOC. However, we get to experience for the first time, all the hurt and sorrow that Seb has endured all the years he spent apart from his one true love. Getting his POV was at times insanely heartbreaking. With all the bravado he shows as a Marine, deep down he's still that 17 year-old boy who so desperately wanted to be loved. For his Caro to find a way to stay with him. To find him when he was finally of age. The hardness he had to cover himself with, in order to survive both his military training and his reluctant hate for his woman, was so sad to read at times. But the glimmer of hope, the small window of light that was thrust upon him when he and Caro reunite in the most unlikely of ways, began a healing process that was glorious to witness.
I enjoyed this book immensely and was grateful the author gave us Sebastian's POV. Moments I wanted to know how he felt from the original series are here, present and accounted for and it truly makes their journey complete. The extras at the end certainly satisfy my curiosity as to their lives now and I for one can now let them go.
The insight into the horrors of war and the frustration and utter heartache of PTSD is represented well here. I had a bit of trouble with Sebastian's failure to grow up at times but understood how his psyche was still very much stuck inside that 17 year-olds' head. Not to mention his anger at feeling like a failure for his woman. Caro is outstanding in her patience and never-ending love of her man, no matter what the circumstance. THAT is what will always stay with me: this is first and foremost a love that was meant to be despite everyone thinking otherwise. One that will be in my heart forever.
A solid 4 stars for one last ride with some old friends.
The book pretty much follows the same course as TEOC. However, we get to experience for the first time, all the hurt and sorrow that Seb has endured all the years he spent apart from his one true love. Getting his POV was at times insanely heartbreaking. With all the bravado he shows as a Marine, deep down he's still that 17 year-old boy who so desperately wanted to be loved. For his Caro to find a way to stay with him. To find him when he was finally of age. The hardness he had to cover himself with, in order to survive both his military training and his reluctant hate for his woman, was so sad to read at times. But the glimmer of hope, the small window of light that was thrust upon him when he and Caro reunite in the most unlikely of ways, began a healing process that was glorious to witness.
I enjoyed this book immensely and was grateful the author gave us Sebastian's POV. Moments I wanted to know how he felt from the original series are here, present and accounted for and it truly makes their journey complete. The extras at the end certainly satisfy my curiosity as to their lives now and I for one can now let them go.
The insight into the horrors of war and the frustration and utter heartache of PTSD is represented well here. I had a bit of trouble with Sebastian's failure to grow up at times but understood how his psyche was still very much stuck inside that 17 year-olds' head. Not to mention his anger at feeling like a failure for his woman. Caro is outstanding in her patience and never-ending love of her man, no matter what the circumstance. THAT is what will always stay with me: this is first and foremost a love that was meant to be despite everyone thinking otherwise. One that will be in my heart forever.
A solid 4 stars for one last ride with some old friends.
October 18, 2015
Every one that knows me, KNOWS! my love of anything JHB but my favourite series of all time is The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline. So when I heard we were getting the Education of Caroline told from Sebatian's POV I pee'd just a little.
I was worried as I had read the story before I would maybe get a bit bored as I have in the past with re telling from his POV. It...didn't happen. It was awesome being in Sebastian's head, He is some man. I love how Jane captures his vulnerability when it comes to Caro. The passion between them is still as hot as it has ever been and it just shows as the saying goes True love never dies.
Tell your heart that your fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.
These words rang true to myself. As always with Jane there are a lot of note worthy lines. a few of my favourite came from Signora Carello Who owns a place where they stayed on their Italian travels
Amor regge senza legge- Love rules without Laws
and this one, I just adored.
L'amore mantiene giovani - The heart that loves is always young.
That's an excuse to stay as young as you like ;)
Knowing what you know from TEOC you'll all be prepared for a certain time in their lives, in TEOC I wanted to give him a good old slap! but now all I want to do is give him a hug. To hear his thought was heart breaking and you can see why Jane is so passionate in helping her chosen charities. All in all a must read for me, especially if you are a fan of the previous books.
Take a bow Jane you've wowed us again.
Peace out - Rose
I was worried as I had read the story before I would maybe get a bit bored as I have in the past with re telling from his POV. It...didn't happen. It was awesome being in Sebastian's head, He is some man. I love how Jane captures his vulnerability when it comes to Caro. The passion between them is still as hot as it has ever been and it just shows as the saying goes True love never dies.
Tell your heart that your fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.
These words rang true to myself. As always with Jane there are a lot of note worthy lines. a few of my favourite came from Signora Carello Who owns a place where they stayed on their Italian travels
Amor regge senza legge- Love rules without Laws
and this one, I just adored.
L'amore mantiene giovani - The heart that loves is always young.
That's an excuse to stay as young as you like ;)
Knowing what you know from TEOC you'll all be prepared for a certain time in their lives, in TEOC I wanted to give him a good old slap! but now all I want to do is give him a hug. To hear his thought was heart breaking and you can see why Jane is so passionate in helping her chosen charities. All in all a must read for me, especially if you are a fan of the previous books.
Take a bow Jane you've wowed us again.
Peace out - Rose
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