Oh the FEELS….. I think that phrase can best sum up this book. The emotional content of this historical romance is off the charts. For most of this book, I was in tears, both happy and painful; the other half was spent fist pumping when our hero and heroine came out happily in the end over obstacles small and large. That right there is my favorite part of this novel: the ability to move me to tears and make finish this puppy in 24 hours.

The romance in this book is to die for. Two very damaged souls who find comfort in each other and heal at the same time. I ask you, what’s not to love?! Any romance lover worth their salt will love this book for that element alone. James and Eleanor are a beautiful couple and balance each other out so well. The added twist that it’s the guy and not the girl who’s the prostitute is a nice element. But Lori’s ability to pack this much emotion into the pages would make this book worth reading despite that unique twist.

I also liked that the author wasn't afraid to draw in some pretty heavy subject matter to off balance some of the gentle sweet romance, all the while giving that romance some more depth. Domestic violence, slavery, betrayal, and rape all play a very tragic part to the story and makes the reader think about what Victorian morality is really all about. The author draws in all these bleak circumstances to set her romance against, and I have to admit that she’s able to balance the horrific and the romantic very well.

What results is a beautifully historical romance that I enjoyed immensely. The emotions are beautiful, the characters are ones I can pull for, and the author isn’t afraid to write about the dark as well as the light. To me, folks, this is what a historical romance should be. Highly, highly recommended! ( )