I received this book through Librarything Early Reviewers.

Gillian, the Jundi-born daughter of the late colonel of the Ambrith base in Jundi, marries Max, a captain in the Ambrith army, to get back to Jundi which she feels is her real home. Their marriage of convenience becomes something deeper as Gillian faces how she has idealised and romanticised Jundi and comes to terms with her role in Jundi as it was and Jundi as it could be. At the same time, through his growing love of his wife, Max learns that there is more to Jundi and its people than he realised and discovers that the military's role there is questionable. As they fall in love, both learn to compromise and take up their role in brokering a lasting peace between Jundi and the colonising Ambrith.

The novel is a well-written slow-burn romance with some fascinating questions about colonisation. Gillian is a strong protagonist, especially as she loses her naivete, and Max is very likable with his development from an obedient non-questioning military man to a man who can see beyond the "them" and "us" of colonising. The romance is satisfying to read and the setting is beautifully fleshed out. The background of colonisation adds extra depth to the romance and makes the resolution of the story very satisfying. It's a great weekend read. ( )