This was such a gorgeous conclusion to the trilogy, and so immensely satisfying. I'm in awe that Marske paid off everything that needed paying off with regard to the overarching plot whilst crafting a romance that is perhaps the most compelling of the whole trilogy, and I don't say that lightly. 

I was repeatedly wonderstruck by just how real Alan and Jack both felt- their inner psyches, their dialogue, their insecurities, their projections to the world around them- Marske's character writing is truly masterful. There's also a danger with romance series where characters begin to feel a bit samey as the author's proclivities for a certain "type" begins to shine through, but there's not a sign of that- these two felt so wholly original. Romance isn't my go-to genre, but I have read enough period romance to say that this was the most believable exploration of the power dynamic that comes along with a big class gap I have ever come across- which in retrospect, makes absolute sense from Marske. I can't find a better way to phrase it than to say that Marske wholly inhabits her characters- they could be doing the most mundane thing in the world, and she is still fully considering all their experiences and quirks and beliefs, and it colours her writing beautifully. 

The final confrontation was tense, enjoyable, and resolved in an interesting way, and the ending was genuinely so touching and sweet- I don't know if I've been as heartbroken to say goodbye to a group of characters since I was a teenager.

I genuinely can't praise this book highly enough- perhaps I would find the words if I was as talented a writer as Marske. This series has a special place in my heart, and will for years to come. 

I spoke at length about this book (and the rest of the trilogy) on The Hidden Bookcase- for my full(er) thoughts, listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/00qmzOfdNezNvXtZnM1YRm?si=7c43b8131aba4a39