This is the first time I have read a historical with this sort of storyline. I have to admit at first I was a little skeptical and I couldn't figure out why. I realized that it was because I simply didn't like the situation they were in. I felt really terrible for all of them because it was just a bad situation :(  Even though I had these feelings I continued reading and wow...it sure did turn into an amazing story! I was actually crying by the end. I do however feel like there are unanswered questions and that the story is not quite concluded. Ms Haymore does have two more books coming so maybe those questions will be answered with those. The writing was amazing and characters were interesting. I truly felt connected to them and I sympathized for them. Above all else, I enjoyed the story. It had enough suspense, emotion, and heat to keep you interested the whole way though. Wonderful story that I would recommend to everyone!!!