The first time I read this story, about six months ago, I didn't really like it. I think it was partly due to rushing to get through to the end and the idea of Will exhibiting any sort of fondness for anyone other than Davey. Reading this story again I have to say it was much better the second time around. My impatience really did a number on my reading enjoyment (note to self, take time to read.)

If you're not familiar with the prior two stories of the series, Ransom and Winds of Change I would certainly say stop here and read those first. For those that are familiar with the tale to this point this one picks up immediately after the events at the end of WoC. I love these characters and seeing them together again was most gratifying. Will, as always, has an incredibly angsty personality but it is easy to see why. I've never seen someone so tied up in their emotions. I also like that Davey put his foot down, hard, about exactly how he felt about Will's incommunicado act and that he would not overlook the same again. In the end what makes the story really work is the love that they have for each other in a time that did not merely frown on homosexuality but actively sought to eradicate it.

This is quite a good entry into the series and I certainly wouldn't object to seeing more of these characters, while at the same time I am rather happy where they ended up here. ( )

Two of the most dear heroes of the historical gay romance fiction have in this novel their third adventure. From the discovery of their love under dangerous situation in the first book, passing through the climax of an almost separation in the second, the third book is almost an aftermath. Nor William or David never doubted their love, but the fear is always there and they need to find a way to stay together.

William thought to be able to leave David to a normal life, a wife and possible a son, but David was not of the same idea. And despite the fact that David could seem the weaker of the two, it's upon him to find a way to change William's mind. The bait is a secret mission to rescue a frenchman in France territory; the tool a wonderful and fast little yacht which William has to command with a small crew and with David in the fake role of a canadian trader and yacht's owner.

The book starts in a very nice way, with a much waited reunion between William and David, who finally share a bed in a country inn. But the day after they are draw apart, even if not physically, since in the narrow space of the yacht, without possible intimacy, they have to restrain themself. And then David, who never doubted William's love, found out soon before their leave, that William was set out to really severe any communication with David; David still doesn't put in question their love, but maybe the wish of Will to commit himself to find a way to work through the odds to stay together. On the other hand, Will can't see a way for them to be together, even if David suggests a marriage of convenience for Will (don't worry, it's only a suggestion, and there is not even a woman around to accomplish it...).

And then Will has the chance to meet 'another' man: again don't worry, there is not a betrayal behind the corner, but still, Will has the chance to understand that what he feels for David is not so strange or forbidden, it's something that he could well have felt for someone else if David was not around. It's not that David turned William, it's Willam's nature. I don't know, but in a way, William's mind finds absolution. In all the books I read on this series, I always found that David was the one who was willing to take more risks for their relationship; it's not that Will is a coward, but sometime he is too cautious.

With this book Lee Rowan introduces as to Etienne, a character that I'd like to see in the future, maybe with his own story.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0979777356/?tag=elimyrevandra-20