Enlightened

Rating: 4.5* of five

Yes indeed, this is the way to end a series/long book. A completely satisfying and inevitable ending that managed to come about in a logical and challenging way.

The lead-up to the ending ain't half bad, either, but it's this ending...won't spoiler it for y'all, the Despoilerization Brigade gets downright violent...that explains why I connected with this series of Regency-set books.

How to explain without giving the show away...geez...this is as rough as explaining what the fuss about non-masturbatory orgasms is to one who has never had one...okay, lemme see here, you know how your intimate loved one has this set of things you know they do and do well? Your Lovely Other, as a Kiwi friend of mine refers to her partner, show more operates in this expected way and you're happy with that (or you're the Remodeler and should be excoriated and shunned, if you don't like the house don't buy it), even proud of the high end of the range of behaviors.

Then comes the day when there's a lot at stake, the high end of the range that you love in them isn't going to solve all the problems but hey, pobody's nerfect, and...

...

...they come ripping through good enough and fly up to jaw-dropping otherworldly excellence-cum-terrifying gut-wrenching omigawd-we're-gonna-die recklessness...

...

...and there you are arms outstretched to catch them when the inevitable fall comes, praying you're strong enough to keep them at least alive...

...

...and they land light as a feather next to you, take your hand, smile and say, "shall we go home now, dear?"

And that, my friends, is that. You will never, ever look at another human being without thinking, "you poor miserable sod, My Very Own Love doesn't know you're alive but can't wait to get home to *me*," with a smug, superior smirk on your nasty little unfairly-lucky-rotter face.

Fortunately we have fiction to take us there. It's not the most common IRL experience, is it. This series/fairly long novel gave me that experience. Read the three main novels and it's just possible it might give you the same one. I encourage you to try at least volume 1, [Provoked].

*cue evil cackle and commence addictive reading in 3...2...1...* show less

Enlightened did a good job tying up this series. The only negative is it is the end!

... of a strong story and wonderful characters and the resolution of some thorny dilemmas like, would leave Murdo marry and leave David? and would David allow himself to be happy within his black and white view of doing the right thing? how would Elizabeth escape her abusive husband? Chambers reveals some clever footwork.

MC David, an Edinburgh solicitor, is not flamboyant - if he hadn't caught the interest of the dandy and talented businessman, Lord Murdo Balfour, he'd be far less interesting. The novels are told through David's POV and he does seem to be a faithful narrator of events, and certainly leaves us with a very positive impression of Murdo, who show more at first seemed arrogant even dissolute.

Murdo dreams of a happy ending for he and David - who is way too pragmatic to dream of such a thing. It makes their eventual HEA that much sweeter. They both prove to be honourable men, coming at it in different ways.

I would love a fourth novel! from Murdo's POV, as the two make a life at Murdo's estate of Laverock, a few hours carriage ride from Edinburgh.

By the end of #3, I am not just approving of narrator Hamish McKinlay but in awe of his talent. show less

Review by Karen, posted on ScuttlebuttReviews.com

I have to say that I approached this with trepidation. The first two installments of this trilogy are in my top ten reads of the last few years, and I wondered if the conclusion of David and Murdo’s story would be satisfying. Oh me of little faith. Enlightened is a fantastic read.

The storylines of both previous books are pulled together to form a coherent, loving and totally gratifying ending. If you’re reading this and haven’t read the first two books – then read them now! If you have read Enlightened then you will know how good it is, the blurb and all the other 5 star reviews will tell you enough of the plot. Suffice it to say that via the impending death of David’s mentor, show more Chalmers; promises made to him plus the appearance of Murdo’s father make the couple question their relationship- how and even if it will continue.

I am sure that there was a lot of research that went into ensuring that the Regency feel of this novel was accurate, the language the characters use, the detailing of clothing, food and all the little nuances reinforce it. There are definitive elements in some of the formality of the writing that remind me of Georgette Heyer.

The story line of the continuing dramatic situation of Elizabeth (Chalmers absconded daughter) provides tension and drama, and Chambers’ writing is pitch perfect, there isn’t a wasted line or an overblown cliché in sight, every word is used thoughtfully and with effect.

While this could be enough for most authors, the development of the characters of David and Murdo – individually and as a couple, is told so well. I was once told that only the strong know when to bend, but it is also true that the strong know when to stand firm. David – who started so sure and righteous in his beliefs bends, and Murdo, the man of pleasure and compromise finds his moral core; and this is the element of the book that really elevated it for me.

I cannot recommend this series enough, so please if you haven’t already, please read it. show less

So I have concluded my quarter long (?) listen to the Enlightenment series. I really enjoyed the historical setting, the romance, the heroes and the surrounding world. I do think her writing can be in turns beautiful and repetitive, her dialogues and emotions easy to buy. I'd give the series overall a 3.5, and book 2 might have been my favorite, though this was intensely satisfying as well. I wouldn't read them with great distance between them--or at least only between 1&2.

The narration was by and large delightful, man does he nail Murdo's aristocratic/commanding voice and David's idealism. Truly appreciated it.

Forgive the brief review, I'm buried under tissues, blankets, and if not that-toiling at my desk in my upright hours. There show more are weeks and there are weeks. show less

4.5 stars, and that's even considering the fact I did one of my biggest book order mix-ups ever and for some reason thought this was the second book. Don't ask me how, I don't know, but while I thought it odd major injuries had occurred, people had fled spouses, suddenly new properties were owned, I just assumed life had gone on... It definitely speaks to the quality of both the story and the writing that I didn't think to check, I just rolled with it. *headdesk.*

The focus of this series started being more on the sweet, emotional angle starting with the first book. The first delivered angst, drama, and emotional train wrecks impossible to look away from. The second jumped in time and showed developed characters who did their growing off page, coming together for a slower paced, calmer time. The third continues a few months where the second left off, David still injured yet recovering, living with Murdo who is his caretaker for the time being. The two are reluctant to part as their love has continued to bloom, and there is still that issue with solving Elizabeth's crisis.

Both characters are likeable. David has that small smidge of being unsure, which just makes him endearing. Murdo always rocked show more in his confidence and assurance, so now that he reveals some insecurities and hesitations, it's even more potent. Elizabeth will always be a likeable character - I'm glad the author didn't drop her from the first book and continues to wrap up her story here too. Such a sad moment with the father, who not only has David grown close to, but I did as well. I do wish he could continue on in their lives.

As with the second book, steam is not too hot but the moments are sweet and awe-inducing instead. The heart does flutter with emotion in tune to writer's talent.

Overall it was a worthy ending to the trilogy. We get happy endings, emotional moments, a little bit of hotness, devotion that works and something we all wish for. This book doesn't dig into the lure of new relationships with their excitements and their controversies; instead it take a couple that has now established routine together, comfort levels, and the magic of being together for awhile and being comfortable in their lives with each other. show less

I love Murdo's brazen courage and David's quiet bravery and kindness. The ending of this one made my heart swell two sizes.