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The Colonel’s Contraband
Seraphina, modern nurse and creole guérisseur collapses during a tour of The Weld Museum Civil War medicine exhibit. She wakes in 1862 Virginia a contraband of the Union Army under the orders of Colonel Dr. Aaron Weld. A romance with a blend of magic, love, and history. The Colonel’s Contraband. Colonel Aaron Weld, Union Surgeon, is fighting for every soldier in his care. Fate answers with Seraphina Laurent, a Creole woman with a knowledge of the healing arts, only rivaled by her beauty. He conscripts her to fight in the bedside trenches and soon finds himself fighting for his heart.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
About the author
Adrianne Summer
2 books10 followersAdrianne Summer is an award-winning novelist and the author of The Colonel’s Contraband, a 2025 Finalist in the International IAN Book of the Year Awards.
Her stories blend history, culture, and romance with an emotional depth and a unique cinematic style, all her own.
She loves crafting characters who fight for love against all odds and across impossible distances, including time itself.
When she’s not writing, she’s surrounded by her plants, reading, researching, or exploring ideas for her next book.
Her stories blend history, culture, and romance with an emotional depth and a unique cinematic style, all her own.
She loves crafting characters who fight for love against all odds and across impossible distances, including time itself.
When she’s not writing, she’s surrounded by her plants, reading, researching, or exploring ideas for her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 8, 2025
Adrianne Summer has crafted a beautifully immersive story in The Colonel’s Contraband. From the very first page, I was drawn into Seraphina’s journey—a modern nurse who suddenly finds herself in 1862 Virginia, entangled in a world of war, healing, and unexpected love.
The historical detail is rich, and the blend of magic adds an enchanting layer to the story. Colonel Aaron Weld is a compelling character, and his dynamic with Seraphina is both heartfelt and intense. Their romance is woven seamlessly into the backdrop of the Civil War, making this novel both a page-turner and an emotional ride.
Summer’s storytelling is mesmerizing, with vivid descriptions and well-researched historical elements that bring the era to life. If you enjoy historical romance with a touch of the supernatural, this book is a must-read. I highly recommend it!
April 12, 2024
Wow. This is truly one of the best books I've read in the last year.
The Colonel's Contraband is a dual-perspective look at the concept of soulmates. Seraphina Laurent is a doctor in modern-day Maryland who barely has time to cultivate her friendships let alone find romance. When she helps a friend with a local historical museum tour, she suddenly finds herself transported back in time to the Civil War. As a Black lady, she struggles to find her footing in this world that no longer sees her as an equal, but as contraband of war. Luckily, she finds acceptance in Colonel Dr. Aaron Weld, a field surgeon who is instinctively drawn to Seraphina and believes in her talent as a doctor, though he does not understand how she knows so much. Will they be able to make their romance work, despite racial tensions and the harsh realities of their different worldviews?
Adrianne Summer was able to craft a romance that felt equal in every way, despite the history of the time and strict adherence to precedent. Her attention to detail, the hard work, and effort she put into not only immersing the reader into the Civil War but also viewing modern life and making Seraphina's world believable was second to none. This is legitimately the best person plucked out of their time story that I have ever read.
The cherry on top was that it was written so well, with such pretty language that it elevated my thoughts and the craftmanship of the novels that I write. If I could spend the rest of my life reading Adrianne Summer's work, I'd be all the better for it.
Do not skip out on this!
The Colonel's Contraband is a dual-perspective look at the concept of soulmates. Seraphina Laurent is a doctor in modern-day Maryland who barely has time to cultivate her friendships let alone find romance. When she helps a friend with a local historical museum tour, she suddenly finds herself transported back in time to the Civil War. As a Black lady, she struggles to find her footing in this world that no longer sees her as an equal, but as contraband of war. Luckily, she finds acceptance in Colonel Dr. Aaron Weld, a field surgeon who is instinctively drawn to Seraphina and believes in her talent as a doctor, though he does not understand how she knows so much. Will they be able to make their romance work, despite racial tensions and the harsh realities of their different worldviews?
Adrianne Summer was able to craft a romance that felt equal in every way, despite the history of the time and strict adherence to precedent. Her attention to detail, the hard work, and effort she put into not only immersing the reader into the Civil War but also viewing modern life and making Seraphina's world believable was second to none. This is legitimately the best person plucked out of their time story that I have ever read.
The cherry on top was that it was written so well, with such pretty language that it elevated my thoughts and the craftmanship of the novels that I write. If I could spend the rest of my life reading Adrianne Summer's work, I'd be all the better for it.
Do not skip out on this!
February 6, 2023
As a retired Registered Nurse I loved the medical aspects interwoven into the historical context, not to mention going back in history! No spoilers..French Creole is fascinating and spiritual as well. I’d say “Well done and hats off!” This author knows her stuff. I’d highly recommend it
November 12, 2022
This is my review on Amazon. Is there somewhere else I need to put it?
“The Colonel’s Contraband is a beautiful love story from start to finish. I love the way Adrianne Summer’s writing literally envelopes you into the story where you actually feel like you are there in person watching the action unfold. This book whisk you away to a time that shall never be forgotten; a time of slavery, war, breaths of freedom and reminders of hatred and racism. Almost to perfection, the story does a great job on overshadowing a horrific event with a story of true love and sacrifice. Great job Adrianne Summer!”
“The Colonel’s Contraband is a beautiful love story from start to finish. I love the way Adrianne Summer’s writing literally envelopes you into the story where you actually feel like you are there in person watching the action unfold. This book whisk you away to a time that shall never be forgotten; a time of slavery, war, breaths of freedom and reminders of hatred and racism. Almost to perfection, the story does a great job on overshadowing a horrific event with a story of true love and sacrifice. Great job Adrianne Summer!”
April 27, 2023
I loved this book! The historical bits really drew me in and felt well researched, the relationship was hot and had me rooting for them to make it even as I wondered how, with the challenges they faced, could they find that HEA.
I would reccomend this to anyone who enjoys historical romance or time travel romance.
I will definitely read more from Adrianne Summer.
I would reccomend this to anyone who enjoys historical romance or time travel romance.
I will definitely read more from Adrianne Summer.
October 30, 2022
This book was everything I hoped it would be. It had Civil War history, accurately written. It had romance. It had mystery. It had action. It was full of raw emotion. I’d could not put this book down. Adrianne has created a literary work of art. I can’t wait for her next book!
January 1, 2023
I read it in 3 days! Couldn't put it down. Amazing book!
April 8, 2025
BUY THE BOOK
This book blows ACOTAR out of the water. I wish all of the hype and fandom migrated from there to this book so I could talk about it with more people. But man where do I begin?
Saying this book is amazing is an understatement.
Seraphina and Aaron’s story is a timeless classic.
A world full of believable characters and setting. One that is noticeably well researched and thought out. The romance is beautifully written and had me giggling and kicking my feet like a teen girl. The book is incredibly detailed and paints a beautiful picture of the scenes and characters that beckons you into its world. Once I started I couldn’t put it down. It was a roller coaster of emotions; I fangirling over the romantic scenes, cried over the sad ones, felt the anger of Seraphina’s character from all of the racism she experienced, and rejoiced over the happy scenes.
My only complaint is that it ended.
Will definitely be reading again. +♾️/10.
If you’re considering whether to read it or not go ahead and buy the book. You won’t regret it.
This book blows ACOTAR out of the water. I wish all of the hype and fandom migrated from there to this book so I could talk about it with more people. But man where do I begin?
Saying this book is amazing is an understatement.
Seraphina and Aaron’s story is a timeless classic.
A world full of believable characters and setting. One that is noticeably well researched and thought out. The romance is beautifully written and had me giggling and kicking my feet like a teen girl. The book is incredibly detailed and paints a beautiful picture of the scenes and characters that beckons you into its world. Once I started I couldn’t put it down. It was a roller coaster of emotions; I fangirling over the romantic scenes, cried over the sad ones, felt the anger of Seraphina’s character from all of the racism she experienced, and rejoiced over the happy scenes.
My only complaint is that it ended.
Will definitely be reading again. +♾️/10.
If you’re considering whether to read it or not go ahead and buy the book. You won’t regret it.
April 15, 2025
Fantastic, Forbidden Love Beyond Time
An old mansion, an enigmatic portrait, and a forbidden love that endures beyond time - this is the Colonel's Contraband! Battlescarred, Bloody Barbarism meets Sassy, Spicy Sweetness in a tangled heap of passion and historically accurate scenes, with all the sweeping grandeur and gruesome reality of the great romantic Civil War Sagas of yore. Adrianne Summer weaves a sultry tale of Love and War with a modern twist. If you loved North and South, you'll love the Colonel's Contraband!
An old mansion, an enigmatic portrait, and a forbidden love that endures beyond time - this is the Colonel's Contraband! Battlescarred, Bloody Barbarism meets Sassy, Spicy Sweetness in a tangled heap of passion and historically accurate scenes, with all the sweeping grandeur and gruesome reality of the great romantic Civil War Sagas of yore. Adrianne Summer weaves a sultry tale of Love and War with a modern twist. If you loved North and South, you'll love the Colonel's Contraband!
July 10, 2025
I have never read a romance novel prior to this book and let me tell you this book has now hooked me! I met the author, Adrianne, and feel so grateful that I did, otherwise I probably would have never come across this amazing read. I was hooked from the very beginning; I simply loved everything about this book! I felt like I was watching it unfold from a birds eye view and I was so engulfed that I couldn't put it down (like a show you can stop binging), I just had to know what happened next. And how the story came full circle at the end, just wow, I didn't want it to end!
April 3, 2025
The colonel's Contraband is a beautiful love story from start to finish. Adrianne Summer did an amazing job with this book! I loved this book so much it was hard to put down! Everything from the plot and to the characterizations were spot on! The book was written so well that it becomes an immersive experience! Aaron and Seraphina were truly meant to be together. If you haven't read this book you need too!
July 26, 2025
A Love Story That Transcends Time and Oppression.
Adrianne Summer weaves a compelling tale that bridges two centuries, reminding us that love can bloom even in the most brutal chapters of history. The Colonel’s Contraband is more than a romance; it’s a soulful meditation on healing, identity, and defiance. Seraphina is the kind of heroine we rarely see: gifted, wounded, and powerful in ways no era can contain.
Adrianne Summer weaves a compelling tale that bridges two centuries, reminding us that love can bloom even in the most brutal chapters of history. The Colonel’s Contraband is more than a romance; it’s a soulful meditation on healing, identity, and defiance. Seraphina is the kind of heroine we rarely see: gifted, wounded, and powerful in ways no era can contain.
November 9, 2022
Awesome read!! Couldn't put it down!! Characters well developed. Great plot. Historically and culturally accurate. Draws you in and makes you gasp, hold your breath, and cry. Loved the surprise ending.....I reread the last 5 chapters at least 5 times!! Then went back and reread the first 5 chapters. It was well worth missing a day of chores. Way to go, Adrianne!! Can't wait for your next book!!!
April 1, 2025
Beautiful!!!
I am such a sucker for time-travel/star-crossed romances and this one delivered. I loved so much about this story, not only the romance itself but the complexity of the characters. Aaron and Seraphina were truly meant to be.
I really just stumbled upon this novel when I wasn’t looking, and I am so glad I did. I wasn’t ready for it to end.
I am such a sucker for time-travel/star-crossed romances and this one delivered. I loved so much about this story, not only the romance itself but the complexity of the characters. Aaron and Seraphina were truly meant to be.
I really just stumbled upon this novel when I wasn’t looking, and I am so glad I did. I wasn’t ready for it to end.
July 26, 2025
Where Medicine, Magic, and Morality Collide:
This book stunned me with its poetic juxtaposition of 19th-century war medicine and Creole folk healing. Through Seraphina, we see the beauty and burden of carrying ancestral knowledge in a world that doesn’t recognize its worth. Her relationship with Colonel Weld grows not just from attraction but mutual healing and shared mission
This book stunned me with its poetic juxtaposition of 19th-century war medicine and Creole folk healing. Through Seraphina, we see the beauty and burden of carrying ancestral knowledge in a world that doesn’t recognize its worth. Her relationship with Colonel Weld grows not just from attraction but mutual healing and shared mission
July 26, 2025
Time travel often feels like a gimmick but not here. Summer uses it as a tool to explore cultural memory, racial trauma, and ancestral power. Seraphina isn’t lost in time, she’s found. And in Colonel Weld, she discovers a partner who sees all of her, not just what the world permits. I had a great time reading this book.
July 26, 2025
The Kind of Romance That Heals More Than Hearts.
The chemistry between Seraphina and Aaron sizzles, but what truly moved me was the emotional intimacy. Their love isn’t rushed or overblown it’s deliberate, built on trust, learning, and shared sacrifice. I cried more than once watching them fight for each other against impossible odds.
The chemistry between Seraphina and Aaron sizzles, but what truly moved me was the emotional intimacy. Their love isn’t rushed or overblown it’s deliberate, built on trust, learning, and shared sacrifice. I cried more than once watching them fight for each other against impossible odds.
July 26, 2025
A Forgotten History Made Luminous.
Rarely have I read historical fiction that shines such a light on the complex realities of the Civil War era especially from the eyes of a Creole woman. The cultural richness of Seraphina’s background makes this novel both educational and emotionally immersive. I will surely recommend this for everyone around me.
Rarely have I read historical fiction that shines such a light on the complex realities of the Civil War era especially from the eyes of a Creole woman. The cultural richness of Seraphina’s background makes this novel both educational and emotionally immersive. I will surely recommend this for everyone around me.
July 26, 2025
A Story as Medicinal as It Is Magical.
Adrianne Summer, you masterfully combines the rational world of medicine with the mystical realm of guérisseur traditions. Seraphina doesn’t have to choose between the two, and that’s what makes this book feel revolutionary. Healing here is both physical and spiritual. Thank you for bringing this to life. I recommend this book.
Adrianne Summer, you masterfully combines the rational world of medicine with the mystical realm of guérisseur traditions. Seraphina doesn’t have to choose between the two, and that’s what makes this book feel revolutionary. Healing here is both physical and spiritual. Thank you for bringing this to life. I recommend this book.
July 30, 2025
Transporting, Transformative, Timeless
This isn’t just a historical novel it’s a portal. Summer’s writing transported me to 1862 with astonishing realism and emotional weight. The war scenes are vivid, the hospital moments harrowing, and the small acts of compassion between characters absolutely unforgettable. It is satisfactory.
This isn’t just a historical novel it’s a portal. Summer’s writing transported me to 1862 with astonishing realism and emotional weight. The war scenes are vivid, the hospital moments harrowing, and the small acts of compassion between characters absolutely unforgettable. It is satisfactory.
July 30, 2025
A Deeply Human Tale of Resistance and Redemption
At its core, this novel is about two people resisting the roles society handed them Seraphina as “contraband,” Aaron as a Union officer torn between duty and conscience. Their love story is beautiful, but it’s their individual arcs that left me breathless.
At its core, this novel is about two people resisting the roles society handed them Seraphina as “contraband,” Aaron as a Union officer torn between duty and conscience. Their love story is beautiful, but it’s their individual arcs that left me breathless.
July 30, 2025
A Quiet Feminist Masterpiece:
Don’t be fooled by the romantic packaging, The Colonel’s Contraband is fierce in its feminism. Seraphina doesn’t wait to be rescued. She chooses. She fights. She heals. And in doing so, she reshapes the world around her. Wow, It is a must read guys.
Don’t be fooled by the romantic packaging, The Colonel’s Contraband is fierce in its feminism. Seraphina doesn’t wait to be rescued. She chooses. She fights. She heals. And in doing so, she reshapes the world around her. Wow, It is a must read guys.
May 3, 2025
Great read. I liked how the author intertwined historical to present day. I could relate to the characters which made it a fun read.
July 29, 2025
A Powerful Tribute to Unsung Women of War
Most Civil War stories forget the women, the ones who nursed, resisted, and survived. Seraphina’s journey into the past isn’t just fantasy; it’s reclamation. She becomes the voice for thousands of forgotten “contrabands,” speaking truth and love into a history that rarely made space for either. I love this, truly a treasure to readers.
Most Civil War stories forget the women, the ones who nursed, resisted, and survived. Seraphina’s journey into the past isn’t just fantasy; it’s reclamation. She becomes the voice for thousands of forgotten “contrabands,” speaking truth and love into a history that rarely made space for either. I love this, truly a treasure to readers.
October 27, 2025
Must read
This book was so good! Loved the ending. Adrianne's writing bringing everything and everyone together. Not going into details so there's no spoilers here. Enjoy!
This book was so good! Loved the ending. Adrianne's writing bringing everything and everyone together. Not going into details so there's no spoilers here. Enjoy!
December 6, 2025
I didn’t want to put the book down! The story and historical details were beautifully crafted. Spice level is about 3/5. I met the author at a book signing at Barnes and Noble and Adrianne was lovely.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews