Elle Burns has an eidetic memory, a trait that not only proves that a former slave can have superior intelligence but that serves the Loyal League well in her work as a spy for the abolitionist cause. Malcolm McCall is an attractive Scotsman who can charm anyone, a helpful asset in his work as a Pinkerton Detective gathering intelligence for the Union cause. When the two meet at the home of an important Southern senator’s mansion hoping to overhear information that will benefit the Union their roles couldn’t be more different. She is posing as a mute house slave to the Senator’s daughter, he is posing as a Rebel officer there to woo the Senator’s daughter. While sparks fly at their first meeting, Elle is not about to enter into a hopeless relationship, but their work for the Union keeps throwing them together. Will they both, and their love, survive this war?
It was really interesting to read a romance about the love story between a freedwoman and a white man. She is, understandably, wary of his advances and nervous about being seen with him, a situation he is unprepared for but over time begins to understand. These two care for each other, as evidenced by the very steamy scenes between the two, and you can only hope that love will truly conquer all once they settle in north of the Mason-Dixon line.
