Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden had a somewhat slow start. However, in taking the time to describe the main character's history and personality the author created a very sympathetic character whom you want to succeed against any odds. Lydia grows up to be a very hard working and moral filled woman who has put her whole life into building a secure livelihood and creating a safe haven in a home for herself. Any young woman trying to carve out a niche for herself in this world would root for Miss Lydia Pallas as she becomes entrenched in the world of opium deals and kidnapping scandals. She puts herself in grave danger to go to war against against the valueless underworld of the black market of early 20th century Boston.
The love interest, a mysterious man nicknamed "Bane" must also overcome his own demons in his history with this world underground drug deals. Through a budding relation with Miss Lydia Pallas he learns he can find forgiveness for his sins and also earn the right to love.
This was a very compelling albeit slow starting novel. Once I got into the story and learned about the characters I did not want to put the book down until I finished the last page.
