Well Indigo, I'm glad to have finally read you. What an absolutely perfect historical romance. Between the slow burn simmering build up of Galen and Hester's love and the riveting historic details, I was absolutely captivated. No one writes a description like Ms. Bev, and I just sunk into this story like it was the softest cushion from Galen's epic carriage.

Galen as a hero was both gallant and frustrating in the best ways, a man who gets what he wants but never makes you hate him for it because his kindness and love are so apparent. I adored how he slowly seduced Hester, letting her set the pace to their relationship with just the right pushes along the way. His backstory is so heartbreaking, and I loved reading about his Aunt Racine and the other friends he had to help him become the man good enough for Hester.

And oh Hester, I'd fight for you too. Her story is also heartbreaking but because I know I can trust Ms. Bev I knew everything would end up okay. Her work with helping fugitive slaves and her role in her community was so inspiring, and her ability to stand up to Galen too.

I'm going to be hunting for a copy of this book to put on my keeper shelf. I highly recommend the audio if you can listen to it as well, the narrator was A+.

I do have to note this is the first romance I've read where a heroine has used a fainting couch for its intended purposes, swooning. Heck yes.

CW: gun violence, kidnapping, physical violence