It's 1650 and the Civil War in England is mostly over, there are still pockets of rebellion but mostly the Roundheads are in charge. Ireland has a complicated relationship with this period of time. AKA there was slaughter, there were forced relocations and there was a lot of structural damage, so it's not a period around which a lot of Irish people hold positive feelings about, so I was a little apprehensive about starting this. However the story while well rooted in the period it isn't as patronising as some I've read.
Kate Ashley is from a Parlementarian family, now she has to come to terms with her son being the heir to a Royalist estate. The Thornton family (not my family!). Jonathan Thornton is a Royalist loyalist and spy and has issues from his past that are hunting him, litterally. As they spend time together they find themselves attracted but being together is going to be a problem.
It's an interesting and complicated story with characters I liked, though the end felt a little forced, the problems were resolved a little too easily for the period. ( )

Another winner from Stuart!!! This woman stands almost without equal in being able to blend romance, historical detail, and three-dimensional characters into one cohesive whole. Her books are written as historical romances; however, they stand as so much more in my humble eyes.

First off, I love how careful she is to set her timeframe right, get the details correct, and bring her history to life. Not many historical romances are set during the English Civil War to begin with. But Stuart goes further by incorporating actual events, real details about daily life in the timeframe, and showing the devastating effects that a civil war would have on her characters. Her books could read almost as straight historical fiction and that’s not something that can be said for every romance novel.

Her leads and other characters are such scarred individuals, having experienced the horror of civil war, battle, and gore. They’ve seen death and loss up close, changing them fundamentally. I think this adds depth to them in the current age and in the relationships that develop. Both Kate and Jonathan are strong personalities that carry the story with ease. The reader can’t help but root for them as war variously tears them apart and brings them back together.

Jonathan and Kate create such a strong blend of courage, vulnerability, and love. Their romance is emotionally resonant and vibrant. Even though they come from opposite ends of the conflict, they find enough middle ground in family and common principles to create a strong foundation for their relationship, enough that it’s able to withstand disagreements and personality conflicts. By the time the end of the novel rolls around and we’ve reached our emotional apex, the reader has gone on a unique and incredible romantic journey.

This is just another example of why I love Ms. Alison’s romances. She creates strong characters and relationships, giving all a concrete strong basing in historical fact and detail. I experience every breathe and exchange, becoming invested in the romantic journey all the more. Highly, highly recommended for historical romance lovers everywhere!! ( )