I really loved the first book in this series, but the way the American Civil War was discussed, among other things, took away some of the magic of the story. It was written in the 90s, and it’s obvious. This book does mention the war, but it’s barely touched upon. I’ll admit that the name by which they refer to the war is very problematic, so know that going in. Yet I was able to immerse myself in this story in a different way, since the war wasn’t a major focus. Surprisingly, with the way Dallas is said to reference the war, he is very forward-thinking when it comes to women and what they can and/or should do. Especially for a book written in the 90s. Now, Dallas also has a bee in his bonnet about having a son to pass on his legacy. It’s always about him having a son…not a baby, not a daughter, a son. And somehow he still dives in to laud women and their skill and aptitude for business. Dallas is such a champion for Dee, all while keeping it on the down-low so she can gain confidence. It’s beautiful. I was shocked by how far into the book I was before Dallas and Dee were intimate. There is such a burn between the two of them. Even Dee, who is terrified because of things she saw as a child, and what her brothers told her about the “marital act.” There is no doubt these two want each other; everyone seems to know it but them. They destroy each other in little ways, without meaning to, throughout the story. But they also build each other back up, stronger than before. It was wonderful to see all of the brothers getting along like they weren’t able to in the first book. They now go to each other for emotional support, not just physical help on their land. They defend each other with love and ferocity, which also gets them in trouble more than once. I’m looking forward to Austin’s story as much as I’m dreading it. He loves with his whole heart, and I know his book will begin with heartache.