A review by hsumanityreads
An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole

challenging emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

A difficult read because of the setting, the humiliation of enslaved folks, and the violence to the FMC and MMC. But Cole has really done a thing here and done it well. She has inserted an unlikely but beautiful love story into a plot of turmoil (the MCs are spies for the union, but acting like a rebel soldier/enslaved woman, respectively). You expect that it won’t turn out well, and it almost doesn’t, but it also paves the way for another story to come after it.

It makes sense that lovers of HR are reaching for this to diversify the genre, and I’m glad it’s a popular pick for how well-done it is.