Several different factors affected my likability for this book. First, the writing style was just off for me. More than a few times, I didn't "get" what the author meant and wondered if the wrong word was used. That aside, the beginning (prologue) and first couple of chapters were incredibly boring. I try to give a book until page 60 to "hook me" and this one barely made it. By page 60, the two main characters were imitating rabbits! There was no build-up. It was a known "good time only" affair that morphed into "a little longer" as the book progressed. Another factor that I didn't like about this book was the excruciating detail of steam boats: history, how they operate, how to steer one, etc. AND the boring details of the poker games--except the strip poker game. ;-)
The hero, Hal, was severely beaten as a child by his father who thought he was teaching him "the right way." Hal's mother (Desdemona) was a selfish, cold, horny, adulterous who did nothing to protect her son from the abusive father. But, what riled me was Hal's continued respect for his worthless parents even though they disowned his sister, Viola (whom he had a brotherly relationship with).
There was a lot of screwing around by the characters in this one. Desdemona had a thing for giving oral sex. She had numerous affairs and her husband wasn't aware...please. She openly flirted with young men and hadn't had "relations" with her husband in YEARS. Duh!
Another thing about this book that I hated, were the flashbacks and one dream "forward" by Rosalind (heroine) that went on for too long, IMO.
Thought the plot was good, but it played such a minor role to the steamboat info and sex that it was almost nonexistent. When the story went back to the plot it didn't satisfy my need for resolution and restitution for past deeds enough. Very disappointed.
One last thing, the hero's description DOES NOT match the book cover image!