The Patriot and the Loyalist (Hearts at War #2) by Angela K. Couch

It's spring, sort of.  With the weather bouncing up and down here it's a good time to stay inside, curl up with some hot tea and homemade brownies, and a good book.

From one of my favorite historical writers, Angela K. Couch, the second book in her Hearts at War series was a great read.  From the back:  Completing his three years in the Continental Army, Daniel Reid still has no desire to return home—not after losing the woman he loves to a British Captain—so he volunteers to ride south through enemy lines and deliver a message to Colonel Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox. With his temper needing a release and a dark haired beauty finding her way into his broken heart, Daniel decides to join the Swamp Fox’s efforts against the British. Little does he know the British still have the upper hand.

Lydia Reynolds has learned that love comes at a price, and she refuses to pay. Better to close her heart to everything and everyone. When her brother-in-law won't grant her passage to England, where she hopes to hide from her pain, New Englander, Daniel Reid, becomes her only hope—if she can induce him to give her information about the notorious Swamp Fox and his troops. When the British grow impatient and Daniel evades her questions, Lydia must decide how far to take her charade. The poor man, already gutted by love, hasn’t grown as wise as she. Or so she supposes…

Until the truth is known, the muskets are loaded…and it is time to decide where true loyalties lie.

I'm picky about historical fiction.  My dad taught history and my husband is a history buff.  I'm happy to say that The Patriot and the Loyalist stayed very true to the time period.  The characters were strong and well developed.  Lydia is a strong and determined woman and Daniel is noble.  These two seem an unlikely pair but at the skilled hands of Ms. Couch, the impossible may be possible.

The book was full of twists, turns, and surprises kept me guessing!  The series keeps getting better and better.  I'm already stoked for the third book.

I would recommend that you read The Scarlett Coat before you pick up this one.  Even though this book can stand alone, this is a really great series and it sets a nice tone for the series.  So pick up your copy and find out what will happen when two sides clash!  Happy Reading!