I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I really enjoyed reading it the plot was interesting and the characters made me want to know more about them. I highly recommend.

I absolutely adore Jessica James. I have read all her books previously and I can tell you she is like no one else. This trilogy is actually an expanded version of her first book Shades of Gray, which was actually one of my favorite books of all time. A book I would bring to a desert island so I could read it over and over again. This edition is actually actually better than the first because you get so much more from it. MORE romance (the romance is incredible), more history (Ms James knows her civil war history), and more characters and excitement. I was so glad to be back with these characters again, it felt like a family reunion (but a fun one!). This was so so very good and I highly encourage you to read it. Also an excellent book to read if you've read and loved Gone With The Wind!!!!

Shades of Gray by Jessica James is a suspenseful and moving historical fiction novel. My heart is still rapidly beating after finishing the last few chapters of the Shades of Gray trilogy. This is the best, most engaging, powerful, beautifully written book that I have ever read (and I read a lot of historical fiction). I was offered an advance copy of this story through NetGalley and am so glad that I discovered this treasure! Shades of Gray is a powerful and engaging story about Andrea Evans and Captain Alex Hunter. The story is laced with events filled with tension between Andrea and Alex that rise to a crescendo and then slowly ebb away, only to bring another exciting chase between the two of them!

Shades of Gray is filled with wonderful and engaging characters, from the patient Daniel to the whiny Victoria. You will fall in love with Justus, Andrea’s horse and smile and laugh at their antics and marvel at their courage. Each of the three books move seamlessly into the next and the adventures of both armies will leave you on the edge of your seat, literally. I would read the story while cooking dinner and this was the first book in a long time that was truly annoyed if someone disturbed me while reading!

From the introductory prologue to the final words of the concluding sentence, I was constantly holding my breath and wishing for more. Also readers, keep your eyes open for the ability to request the Epilogue. That was beautifully written and offered the reader another glimpse into Andrea’s heart and life during the American Civil War. I wanted to stand and applaud at the final conclusion and I guarantee you will too.

The premise of this story sounded interesting but unfortunately I was disappointed and a bit underwhelmed by this book. Maybe it’s just that the book didn’t live up to my idea of a strong woman outmaneuvering her male counterpart or that the dialogue didn’t seem to flow naturally and there didn’t seem to be much character growth as the book progressed. And ultimately, the idea that this book almost romanticizes slavery at time...I just couldn’t enjoy this book.

Excellent mix of fact and fiction in this epic tale of the lives and times of the Civil War (AKA War of Northern Agresion). The split allegiances and affections are addressed expertly.