This one was a winner! I was never a fan of Rosemary Rogers' earlier novels (too crude and graphic) but her later ones have come a long way from that. This story, set in the start of the Civil War, is not your typical romance where the southern belle is shouting "Damn the Yankees" every five seconds. In fact, she's on their side, as she's devoted to her "servants" and wishes to free them all, in accordance with her late father's wishes. Cameron Campbell is a likeable leading lady, as she's a bit more mature (twenty three, rather than the usual late teens), independent, and headstrong, but not in an overbearing way, and has a kind, unselfish nature. But the story is not just focused on Cameron and her thoughts and feelings, it takes others into consideration, and not just the leading man, Jackson Logan, a captain and blockade runner, who is a lot more than he seems. The story also focuses on Taye, a biracial freed slave, whose mother, Sukey, had a lifetime love for Cameron's father. There's also Grant, Cameron's jealous, vengeful brother, whose dark side compels him to commit a horrible crime, Naomi, a young slave woman who uses her beauty and charm to her advantage, and Thomas, a young lawyer who falls for Taye. The author makes you aware of their thoughts and feelings, which gives the book more of a well rounded perspective, instead of being continually focused on the romantic couple.

In this book, you get plenty of sparks, fire and passion between Cameron and Jackson, but there's also adventure, suspense, and some history thrown into the bargain. It's a real page turner, and you'll find yourself turning pages until you finish, and then be glad that there's a sequel (which I plan to read ASAP). ( )