The heroine, Serena MacGregor, is a redheaded, hot-tempered shrew who is at the same time a stereotypical redhead and a character based on the freedoms of more modern women. Stuck in a rut of hating the English for most of the book, she lacks the depth of Brigham's character. Only at the end does Serena start to blossom from child to woman.

Brigham Langston, fourth earl of Ashburn, is a strong character who steadily develops over the course of the book. His initial portrayal as an English dandy, supported by his immaculate clothing and lace cuffs, is offset by the quiet strength of his convictions and his sword arm. He looks past the labels that trip up Serena, sees the woman who will haunt his dreams for the rest of his life, and goes after her. He is constantly in forward motion waiting for Serena to...