Despite Tobin O’Neill’s humble origins, he finds himself a lieutenant in His Majesty’s army, serving on Wellington’s staff. When the roguish Irishman strikes up an unlikely friendship with a general’s daughter, they somehow become enmeshed in navigating the perils of the greatest battle of their age.Bridget Murphy had grown up following the drum. Left motherless when a child, she knows no other … no other life and has found purpose in nursing the wounded. The conflict at Waterloo having no regard for rank or fortune in the course of its destruction, they find themselves leaning on each other as they slowly recover from the aftermath.
When they return to Ireland, Bridget’s family betrays her, while Tobin’s unexpectedly wants to be a part of his life. In a stroke of irony their situations then become reversed, and Tobin now has to convince Bridget that they were meant for each other.
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Of the A Brother in Arms series Ms Johns has saved the best for last. The first half of the book centers around Waterloo. It is difficult to read, no war is pleasant, and Waterloo was one of the worse. The second half of the book advances the romance between Tobin and Bridget. Bridget is in mourning and Tobin is the walking wounded with PTSD. Once they are Ireland, very much in !ove, things take a turn for the worse. The story is twisty-turny from that point on. An adventure chasing a romance. There were times when I wanted to shake one or the other of them. Tobin was what every Irish hero should be even though his Gaelic phrases were a bit annoying since I didn’t know what they meant. My heart broke for Bridget who kept trying to do the right thing even when it wasn’t. The epilogue was so satisfying. Not a stand-alone, best when read with the series. Recommended.
An Officer Not A Gentleman by Elizabeth Johns
Brethren in Arms Series Book Three
Lieutenant Tobin O’Neill, previously batman for the now Duke of Waverley. The army is gathering its forces together to face war with Boney, who escaped imprisonment off the island they had held him on, once again. He’s staying with the Duke and Duchess of Waverley as they have taken a house in Brussel’s.
Bridget Murphy has followed the drum with her father and brother since she was fourteen. She’s learned to work as a nurse. War is sure to happen, and she must prepare. Taking Lady Amelia Elliot under her wing, as she has chosen to be with her husband, Philip.
The Waverley’s held a ball before the war and Tobin was introduced to the sister of one of the men he worked closely with. From Ireland, as was he. But she was above him and he had nothing to offer her. Love often conquers all obstacles in the end…thankfully. Great story. It is heart-wrenching at times with the reality of war.
**Tissue alert
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I found this story to be a tender, touching story taking place during the final push against Napoleon’s army.
The emotive pull of scenes dealing with war and loss were recounted realistically— but we’re not gory or overly dramatic. I was appreciative of this finesse in writing.
The plot was believable and the main characters were lovely.
If you are looking for a good read that’s not too heavy and has endearing characters, then this latest from Elizabeth Johns is for you!
An Officer Not a Gentleman was another wonderful book by Elizabeth Johns! I really enjoyed the characters and the way they related to each other and their obvious and immediate interest and attraction. I also enjoyed the twists and turns of the storyline as well as the glimpse of the reality of war. I thought it very well written and thought provoking. The sweet and clean love story and wonderful ending also helped to make this a book I definitely recommend.
Intense! This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster. There were a few parts I felt like crying. Quitr a few made me smile. Tobin is quite witty and sarcastic after all. Elizabeth has such emotion and details in her writing that it really draws me into the book. I could not put the book down and read it in one sitting. I was thrilled that Tobin got his own story. I have liked Tobin since he first appeared as the Duke of Waverly’s batman. Tobin was always interesting and loveable. This book made that more so. Bridget was likable from the first moment. A little daring and witty made her perfect for Tobin. It was wonderful to have past characters like the Duke and Duchess of Waverly and Phillip Elliott and Amelia make appearances in the book. Thank you Elizabeth Johns for creating a story for a lesser, but important character. This is a series I want to reread from the start. Now I wonder if Thackeray will get a book.
I highly recommend this book and all others by Elizabeth Johns. The Loring-Abbott series is an all time favorite of mine.