Gabriel Conlan has gone from living on a small Kansas farm to being a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy Seabees. He is proud of his career, and serving the USN, and won’t let a little thing like his sexual preference destroy what he has worked so hard to gain. He arrives on the island of Ile Dorée as a representative in hopes of negotiating with the proprietor for an upcoming project. Frenchman René Dubois sees Gabe and recognizes him as his angel. Regardless of how much Gabe denies the attraction, René refuses to allow their connection to fizzle out of existence. Is it possible for Gabe to have his career and his lover?

I love authors like Samantha Kane who don’t just bring you a strong plot, a wonderful writing style, and characters that make you swoon, but also a knowledge of history that brings a certain amount of authenticity to historical romance novels. Then, she tops it off by making the book a period gay romance, oh be still my heart! When I see the name Samantha Kane I read the blurb second, and grab the book first. Ms. Kane has never let me down with a story. Gabe’s military background and understanding of what the military deems “acceptable behavior” has squashed any hopes of sharing a future with another man. René embraced his sexuality at a young age, and knows no other way to be. Their feelings for one another are clear, and even while Gabe’s mind was shouting no, his body clearly recognized René as it’s other half and bellowed YES! I love the passion they bring to this book, their willingness to sacrifice for one another, and ultimately their sheer determination to fight for their right to love openly and freely.

Reviewed by: NeNe