Jess Granger knew the mean spirited captain not only hated him because his father was a general, but also loved to force women to do his nasty bidding. Jess’ only chance to save Catey, the first woman to catch his attention, was to take her for his own. He hoped that would force the captain to leave her alone. Jess could not imagine this beautiful girl having to live through the brutality which always followed Captain Leroy Clemens’ arrival.

Ms. Ainsley Abbott has written a brutally honest accounting of what must have happened when the Civil War was going on. No one was safe from the enemy. The Allendale plantation had been hit hard. After the death of her parents and the defection of slaves, Catey and Sarah were barely surviving before the soldiers invaded them. The novel covered more area than usual in the affects of war on innocent civilians.

These characters were well matched. Both carried baggage that caused friction and lies on the part of each of them. The sensuality of the storyline was explosive and felt as if I was watching it on screen. The differences between the North and South were, as we know, magnified even though there were many similarities. The supporting characters were well developed and added much to the many actions developed throughout the story.

This book was fabulous—an accounting of a love story normally forbidden. The ending was a big surprise with (maybe) a hint of a follow-up. I highly recommend it.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
December 20, 2008