By 1862 the Union had blockaded all Confederate ports. Just across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas, Matamoros was the only harbor where the South could ship its cotton to Europe, and smuggle in arms for the rebellion. So it was a haven for Yankee and Rebel spies and diplomats, gunrunners and cotton smugglers, runaway slaves, bandits, Texas Rangers, and rogues of every stripe.
But Matamoros was also full of French Foreign Legionnaires—because that same year, Napoleon III had invaded Mexico, to install Archduke Maximilian of Austria as Emperor.
Set against the backdrop of two wars, this is the story of Clay—an expatriate Southern gentleman running a gambling hall—and Allie, his ex-con artist partner, bringing her cotton train to market—in a star- crossed affair that may or may not survive their conflicted allegiances amidst the tides of battle.
‘An in-depth view of the machinations surrounding the Civil War battle for Texas.’ ~ Kirkus Reviews
Readers’ Favorite Reviews - Excerpts:
‘…a rollicking Civil War adventure with strong hints of romance…’
‘The prose is beautiful and highly descriptive, and readers will enjoy the social commentaries that punctuate the narrative.’
‘…an awesome read, fast-paced and filled with action.’
‘Kahn mixes his fictional characters with real historical figures, and ably presents an accurate picture of racial attitudes and tensions on the East Texas border and the low regard for human life during the savagery of the Civil War. But what makes this book particularly special is the author’s skilled development of Clayton, a character readers will like despite his many unsavory qualities.’
Two maps and a lengthy cast of characters are presented at the book’s beginning. Readers might refer to the maps occasionally, but they won’t need the character list. Kahn makes each one memorable as his engrossing tale progresses, and readers will enjoy every bit of the journey.’
~ BlueInk Review
Genre: Romantic Suspense
But Matamoros was also full of French Foreign Legionnaires—because that same year, Napoleon III had invaded Mexico, to install Archduke Maximilian of Austria as Emperor.
Set against the backdrop of two wars, this is the story of Clay—an expatriate Southern gentleman running a gambling hall—and Allie, his ex-con artist partner, bringing her cotton train to market—in a star- crossed affair that may or may not survive their conflicted allegiances amidst the tides of battle.
‘An in-depth view of the machinations surrounding the Civil War battle for Texas.’ ~ Kirkus Reviews
Readers’ Favorite Reviews - Excerpts:
‘…a rollicking Civil War adventure with strong hints of romance…’
‘The prose is beautiful and highly descriptive, and readers will enjoy the social commentaries that punctuate the narrative.’
‘…an awesome read, fast-paced and filled with action.’
‘Kahn mixes his fictional characters with real historical figures, and ably presents an accurate picture of racial attitudes and tensions on the East Texas border and the low regard for human life during the savagery of the Civil War. But what makes this book particularly special is the author’s skilled development of Clayton, a character readers will like despite his many unsavory qualities.’
Two maps and a lengthy cast of characters are presented at the book’s beginning. Readers might refer to the maps occasionally, but they won’t need the character list. Kahn makes each one memorable as his engrossing tale progresses, and readers will enjoy every bit of the journey.’
~ BlueInk Review
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Used availability for James Kahn's Matamoros