Review: The Hunter by Monica McCarty

 

 

 

The Hunter

By Monica McCarty

Book #7 in the Highland Guard series

I keep thinking that the next book in this series cannot possibly get any better and I continue to be wrong (thankfully!).


Ewen "Hunter" Lamont was perfectly matched with the fiery Janet of Mar and it was definitely a battle of wills. Ewen is a proud man of few words and is known as the most skilled tracker in all of Scotland. He's got something to prove and has been loyal to Robert the Bruce's cause from the outset. When he was asked to escort the nun Sister Genna back to the Priory after one of her covert courier runs, he doesn't question the assignment. Ewen is unaware of her true identity and is uncomfortably attractive to this holy woman. Sister Genna is really Janet of Mar who was believed to have been killed in the failed rescue attempt of her twin sister, Mary. Janet is a force and extremely independent, not seeing the need for his protection so the tug of war for control never ended.



The sexual tension between these two was heightened by their constant clashes and it helped create a perfect transition to their inevitable romance. They were a formidable team in the face of danger from the enemy English forces who were a constant throughout their journey. Janet dismantles this brooding warrior and he certainly disrupted her plans to really become a nun.


This story is outstanding primarily because of how wonderfully crafted Ewen and Janet are as characters and how well suited they are as a couple. She's exceptional and holds her own against any of Bruce's warriors and he provides her the challenge she never knew she was looking for. The adventures of the Highland Guard never disappoint in providing excitement and political intrigue in this series. The historical aspects of the era are finely woven into the wonderful storytelling, the result being a vivid portrayal of Scotland's fight for independence. But, the romance is the real jewel this time and made The Hunter a truly exceptional story.

Review: Let Love Find You by Johanna Lindsey

Let Love Find You 

by Johanna Lindsey 
(Reid Family #4)
Source: Purchased

London society has its very own Cupid. Renowned horse breeder and occasional matchmaker Devin Baldwin pairs eligible young ladies with suitable gentlemen based on his theory of animal magnetism. Unafraid of ruffling the ton’s feathers, this darkly handsome Cupid doles out tips for bettering one’s chances of meeting a mate that are as pointed as the love legend’s sharpest arrows!

Lovely Amanda Locke, the daughter of a duke, is everything a nobleman could desire, yet she enters her third Season still searching for a match. Gossipmongers’ tongues are wagging, and her mystified family is considering drastic measures to find her a husband. But the insufferable advice of this Cupid fellow is the last thing Amanda wants.

When an earl passionate about horses becomes the target of her husband hunt, Amanda knows it’s time to overcome her fear of riding. With her sister-in-law Ophelia hastening the romance along by arranging riding lessons, Amanda is soon taking instruction from infuriating Devin Baldwin. Astonishingly, in her daily encounters with Devin—who treats her as an ordinary young woman, not a prize to be won at the marriage mart—Amanda experiences passion for the first time. Now, her search for a match takes her in an unexpected direction as she finds herself falling in love with Cupid himself.

REVIEW

When I saw this book in the store I was so excited! I absolutely love Johanna Lindsey. Then I flipped it over and saw that the heroine's name is Amanda!

Amanda Locke has been looking for husband, two seasons have come and gone with no luck. Now, she is getting a bit desperate - not wanting to end up an old-maid (at 20 or 21). Fortunately, her comes from a family with means therefore she is able to wed for love, problem is, she finds all the men of the ton dull. That is until she meets Cupid. Devin Baldwin is a renowned horse breeder and has recently returned to London. Marriage is not on his mind, his interests lie within growing his business. However, he has gained the nickname of Cupid because he has helped a few couples find true love and happiness. He uses a practical approach when it comes to matching, for example, he finds pairs people who have similar interests (what a thought!). When Devin meets Amanda, he is struck by her beauty and it is plain to see that she is going about husband hunting all wrong. He agrees to help her, but soon finds that there is no man good enough for her, not even himself though he does start to fall for her. He is a bastard of an unknown nobleman and is currently being targeted by an unknown assassin.

I really like Devin but Amanda's character was a bit annoying, which was disappointing. She was...a little annoying and very hot tempered. She over sensitive. I also felt that the romance was lacking, it just didn't feel real...or maybe if the book were a little longer the romance would have grown more naturally. It was also strange that there was only one "love scene" which is odd for this author's style.

Though this book was okay, I still maintain my love for her books and writing style. Her older works are amazing! And I have reread so many countless times. Perhaps I am judging this book harshly since her earlier books were so dame awesome!

Anyway, I did enjoy the book. It was a fast and simple read, something good for laying on the beach or by the pool.

Review: Highlander Unmasked by Monica McCarty

Highlander Unmasked 

by Monica McCarty

(MacLeods of Skye Trilogy #2)

Source: Purchased

Alex MacLeod’s virile physique, fearsome reputation, and renowned fighting skills have helped him master to perfection the role of a hardened mercenary. On a secret mission to protect his clan, he must keep his true purpose well hidden. But his dangerous endeavor is threatened by a beautiful woman he saves from outlaws, never dreaming she will appear at court and put his plans in jeopardy.

Meg Mackinnon needs a strong husband by her side to defend her clan’s holdings, but her search has been hampered by burning fantasies of the midnight rescuer whose smoldering blue eyes and raw sensuality left her breathless. Alex pretends to be a mercenary with no loyalties, yet he is clearly much more. As Meg challenges Alex to reveal all his secrets, the stakes grow perilously high, especially for the bold woman who dares to unmask a highlander.

REVIEW

Highlander Unmasked is the second installment in the MacLeods of Skye Trilogy.

The hero, Alex, has come to the king's court in the hopes of discovering his enemy's plans to invade and "colonize" his family and ally's island, Skye. He has lived as an outlaw for the past few years and is trying to keep that a secret, but there is one person at court that could out him.

Meg Mackinnon and her mother were rescued by a band of outlaws - one of which had striking features and she knew he would never forget him. Meg has come to court searching for an honorable, strong man that can help her and her clan. She hasn't had much luck, but then Alex arrives and she instantly is interested him. Even though he has shaved and cleaned up, she recognizes him as one of the outlaws that saved her.

I gave this book 3 of 5 stars for a couple of reasons.

The hero and heroine were cute together, but there were times when I did not feel their relationship was...natural, for lack of a better word. There were times when the character's personalities did not seem to match/compliment each other. Also, I had really enjoyed Alex Mac Leods's character in the first book. He was funny and fun loving, he was a joker, but his character changed - completely! I was seriously disappointed. Now, I know tortured heroes are "in" and I LOVE heroes that have dark pasts, but it is not necessary. I really would have enjoyed this book so much more if Alex was the same man he was in the first book and not some too serious warrior.

However, the book as whole was good and I'm looking forward to Highlander Unchained.

Review: Highlander Untamed by Monica McCarty

Highlander Untamed 

by Monica McCarty

(MacLeods of Skye Trilogy #1)

Source: Purchased

Rory MacLeod is a bold and powerful Highland Chief with only one allegiance—to his clan. He vows revenge against the rival MacDonald clan, though duty demands a handfast marriage to Isabel MacDonald—a bride he does not want and has no intention of keeping. But Rory couldn't have anticipated the captivating woman who challenges his steely control, and unleashes the untamed passion simmering beneath his fierce exterior.

Blessed with incomparable beauty, Isabel MacDonald is prepared to use every means possible—including seduction—to uncover her husband's most guarded secrets. Instead Rory awakens Isabel's deepest desires and her sweetest fantasies. Now Isabel has found the happiness she's always dreamed of with the very man she must betray, and discovers that passion can be far more dangerous than revenge.

Fantastic historic highlander read!!!

This book has everything a Scottish romance needs.

Highlander Untamed is a great start to this trilogy. It begins with the eldest MacLeod brother, Rory, who is chieftain of the clan. In order to appease the king and to settle a feud, he agrees to handfast with his enemies daughter for a year. Rory has every intention for picking up the feud when the year is out and has created an alliance with a fellow clan - he is set to wed another.

Isabel MacDonald arrived at Rory's home intent on not only acting/living with him as his wife for a year, but also betraying him . She desperately craves the love of her family and is willing to do anything to gain it. But as time passes, Isabel begins to have doubts and her feelings for Rory grow. She is strong and determined to follow her heart.

The romance and slow relationship building was great. The side characters were very interesting. Rory's sister, Margaret, was great. Her back story really tugged at my heart. While Rory's brother, Alex, had a fun loving teasing personality.

What kept me from giving this book a perfect 5 of 5 stars was the pacing. At times it really captured and held my attention, but it also dragged and slowed to a crawl in some sections. The romance was wonderful, I really liked how hard Rory fought not to give into his attraction for Isabel.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of highlander romance novels. And, I have to add, I've already begun reading book 2, Highlander Unmasked.

Review: Highlander Taken by Juliette Miller

Highlander Taken

By Juliette Miller

Clan Mackenzie Trilogy #2

 

The Set Up
Stella Morrison and her four sisters accompanied their father to the Clan Mackenzie keep, prepared to form an alliance through the marriage of Laird Mackenzie's brother Wilkie and her younger sister Maisie. After their arrival plans quickly change and in the blink of an eye, Stella was chosen to marry the youngest MacKenzie, Kade, a notorious fierce warrior. Her heart was still with Caleb, the young blacksmith in her clan who was exiled when her father learned of her feelings.

The Issues
Stella suffered much physical abuse at the hands of her father and his first officers and expected the same from the intimidating Kade. She was terrified and was distraught at the idea of a loveless marriage. Kade actually chose Stella as soon as he realized Wilkie needed to break his agreement and then he saw her for the first time. He had no intention of forcing his marital rights until she was ready, willing and begging. There was also much dissension in the Morrison clan and resentment that Kade was now the Laird-in-waiting to the ailing Laird Morrison.

What I liked About the Story
It's a really interesting and compelling story that sucked me in from the start. The dance between Kade and Stella was pretty sensual and it didn't take long for her to emerge from her shell and gain strength from her new husband. The lifestyle is gritty, appropriate for the period and you always sensed the danger and brutality just beneath the surface. There was quite a bit of action and the romance between Kade and Stella was pretty wonderful. The ending was harrowing, keeping me on edge to the very end.

What I Didn't Like As Much
The first person narrative was often a challenge as alternate points of view would likely have improved the pacing of the story. The flowery language, heavy at times with endless description of the same thing or emotion, also bogged down the narrative. I often just skimmed over all that prose.

Bottom Line
Despite some of the issues, I really liked this story and Stella's courage and spunk. She took some risks and opened herself to Kade in the midst of her fear. I loved Kade, a brawny and brainy warrior who was absolutely fearless and quite the lover. You'll be pleasantly surprised at his creativity under the furs. The action and suspense was the real highlight, making for a very satisfying Highlander tale and addition to the series. Bring on Knox's story!

Review: Lover Be Mine by Nicole Jordan

Lover be Mine

(Legendary Lovers, #2) 

by Nicole Jordan

From New York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan comes this Romeo and Juliet-like story-the scorching second book in her wickedly sexy Legendary Lovers regency romance series, following Princess Charming.

When Lord Jack Wilde's cousin tries to match him with Lady Sophie Fortin, he isn't too thrilled by the prospect since Sophie's family has long feuded with the Wildes. Nevertheless he attends a masquerade ball in disguise and when he meets Sophie, he's drawn to her. The attraction is mutual-until she learns who he is. Angry that Jack has tricked her into lowering her guard under false pretenses, Sophie declares she doesn't ever want to see him again. But then Jack shows up in unexpected places, driving her crazy with his seductive advances. She doesn't want her parents finding out that she even knows him, let alone succumbed to his passionate kisses. If her father discovers Jack courting her, blood could be shed. Yet, Sophie still wants him and realizes that in order for the star-crossed lovers to be together, they must try to somehow settle the bitter feud between their families once and for all.

Lord Jack Wilde has absolutely no interest in marriage, but he just has to see the woman his sister and his cousin insist is perfect for him. Once he sets his eyes on Sophie Fortin he is captivated, spellbound by her beauty.

Sophie Fortin is as honorable as they come. She is dutifully doing exactly what her parents expect of her - marrying a man with a title who can elevate their rank. Jack has money but no title, unless he claims estranged fathers throne. That's right, he is an illegitimate son of a Prince. This book is a journey not only for the characters as they discover who they are and what they really want (which is each other) but for the reader. Nicole Jordan's take on Romeo and Juliet was sweet and new. The romance as well as the relationship grows slowly over time between the couple, which is something I enjoy. I have never read Nicole Jordan before and I found her writing style to be smooth and the story flowed well. However, I felt that the hero and the heroine spent too much time in their own minds and did not converse as much as I would have liked - they spent too much time thinking but came to conclusions slowly. For a man that is against marriage, Jack is bent on proving to Sophie and her family that he can be worthy of her hand. He even goes so far as to travel from London to Paris then on to his father's county to claim his estranges father's throne so that he may have a title to present to Sophie's father, but all through his travels he has no intention of actually posing marriage.

The ending was sweet, but the epilogue did not fit well. It would have been better off as a finally chapter.

Overall, I liked the book and I look forward to the next. The Wilde family is quite large and I'm interested to see which of the Wilde members will lead the next book and which legendary romance they will portray.

Review: Forbidden Angel by Megan D. Martin

Forbidden Angel 

By Megan D. Martin 

When captured by the Nazi's, Sarah finds herself in a concentration camp that not only brings her closer to death...but closer to love.

Sarah Brenner, a young Jewish woman, is terrified when she finds herself in the heat of a railcar bound for a work camp in Nazi Germany. For years she, along with her mother and sister, had hidden from the SS, but no one could hide forever. Her hatred for those who have enslaved them is ever-growing, especially when they arrive and she encounters the shockingly handsome Nazi doctor who can’t seem to keep his eyes—or hands—off her.

Aurel Rothstein is not your everyday concentration camp physician. The endless prisoners and lack of care he's allowed to give have made him numb to the work he so coveted. It isn’t until he comes face to face with a beautiful prisoner that his heart becomes involved with his job—a forbidden and fatal move to any Nazi. When a vile soldier takes direct interest in Sarah, she will be forced to make a choice that will change her life forever: ignore the pull toward the handsome doctor or give in to the forbidden passion he awakens with only a look. Either way they both risk everything...

This is a short story that packs a lot of emotion in a few pages. It begins in July 1945, right before the Allied occupation. I have to admit I cringed initially at the idea of a Nazi soldier being the hero of the story paired with a Jewish heroine. Aurel Rothstein was the head doctor at the camp, which made me even more nervous.

Sarah is beautiful but she's no shrinking violet and is destined for trouble once she reaches the camp. She and Aurel have an immediate connection at first sight and both take incredible risks.

It's a haunting story, complete with the reality of the horrors of the concentration camps as a backdrop for a touching romance. By the end, Aurel emerged as a more honorable man than I believed but no excuses were made for his contribution to the Nazi effort. He's not quite an Oskar Schindler but nor is he a Josef Mengele. Sarah is his redemption and he's her future.

Martin has written a provocative story that serves as an excellent discussion about redemption, forgiveness and the blindness of love. I'm still thinking about it.

Review: Slightly Wicked by Mary Balogh

Slightly Wicked 

(Bedwyn Saga #2)  

by Mary Balogh

With his laughing eyes and wild, rakish good looks, Lord Rannulf Bedwyn is a hard man to resist. To Judith Law, a woman in need of rescue when her stagecoach overturns, Rannulf is simply her savior, a heroic stranger she will reward with one night of reckless passion before she must become a companion to her wealthy aunt. Imagine Judith's shock when the same stranger turns out to be among England's most eligible bachelors...and when he arrives at Harwood Grange to woo her cousin. Certainly, they had made no vows, no promises, but Rannulf never did forget his uninhibited lover...nor did she forget that one delicious night. And as scandal sets the household abuzz, Rannulf proposes a solution...but when Judith refuses to have him-in love or wedlock-Rannulf has only one choice: to wage a campaign of pure pleasure to capture the heart of the woman who has already won his.

Mary Balough is a new to me author and I think she is one of my new favorite historical romance writers.

Slightly Wicked is the second book within this series, which I did not know when I picked it up in the store. However, this book read as if it were a standalone, which I love.

This book had me hooked from the start.

The beginning was strong - Judith Law is a woman whose family has fallen on hard times. On her way to her to her aunt's home (to live amongst them as a poor relation) her stagecoach crashes.

Lord Rannulf is a carefree rake (the best kind for Regency novels). He comes upon the over turned coach on his way to his grandmother's home. Judith ensnares his attention from the start. Judith decides to embrace the moment, she knows that once she enters her aunt's home her life is over. So, why not share a passionate night with an attractive stranger - oh!- and why not pretend to be an actress?

After their night, the two go their sperate ways and were shocked to find out their true identieis when Rannulf shows up to court Judith's irritaing, self-centered cousin.

As I said, the book started off strong, but it fell off and became unnecessarily long. I began to lose interest. The character development was slow and it was nice to see how the hero and heroine changed over time. Some of the drama was typical for a historical romance, which added to my lowered interest level. All that being said, I greatly enjoyed the book! And I'm going to pick up the first book. The side characters were fantastic and I'm interested in the upcoming books.

If you like Regency romance, be sure to check out Mary Balough

Review: Mail-Order Bride by Sandra Donovan

Mail-Order Bride 

by Sandra Donovan 

Desperate to escape an arranged marriage, Charleston belle Camille Sinclair answers an ad for a mail-order bride which will lead her all the way to San Francisco. Taking a husband sight-unseen is better than marrying the old lech her aunt had suggested -- and may give her the freedom she needs to find her long-lost brother. But when Camille arrives, she discovers handsome logger Seth Braden has absolutely no desire to marry...until she charms him with her sweet nature -- and even sweeter kisses.

This book has been sitting on my shelf for years...probably since high school...WOW!

Anyway, I really wanted to like this book, especially since it has been in my To Read pile for so long. I struggled through this book and I don't usually have the problem.

The book started off well then fell off.

Camille Sinclare is a desperate woman, she wants nothing more than to escape an arranged marriage to a old lech. To get away, she answers an ad from the paper and moves from Charleston out to San Fransisco to marry a stranger and to search for her brother. Seth Braden was not interested in getting married and was a bit peeved when his friend, Cooper, sent for a mail-order bride for him. So, Camille and Seth did not hit it off right away, but they could not deny their attraction for each other.

I did enjoyed Camille's character. She was not the typical historical heroine, but there were times when she (and some of the other characters) did not seem to fit the time period. As for the relationship, I felt that it was slow and lacking substance. I also thought the plot was slow and dragged. However, I did like her writing style - her voice. So, I may look into another book from this author.

Review: A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn Macnamara

A Most Scandalous Proposal 

By Ashlyn Macnamara 

Two childhood friends in Regency England discover love with the most unlikely of partners: each other. After watching her beloved sister, Sophia, pine over the ton’s golden boy for years, Miss Julia St. Claire has foresworn love and put herself firmly on the shelf. Unfortunately, her social-climbing mother and debt-ridden father have other ideas, and jump at the chance to marry Julia off to the newly named Earl of Clivesden . . . the man of Sophia’s dreams.

Since resigning his cavalry commission, Benedict Revelstoke has spent his time in London avoiding the marriage mart. But when he discovers that the Earl of Clivesden has his sights set on Julia, Benedict tries to protect his childhood best friend from the man’s advances—only to discover that more than friendship is driving his desire to defend her. He surprises them both with the force of his feelings, but when Julia refuses him, and her father announces her betrothal, Benedict fears he’s lost her forever—until Julia approaches him with a shocking scheme that will ruin her for all respectable society and lead them into an exquisite world of forbidden pleasures.

Julia and Sophia St. Claire have resisted suitors for their hands in marriage for the past few seasons, Julia because she doesn't believe that love matches are possible and Sophia because she's pined for gorgeous William Ludlowe the last five years. Julia's best friend since childhood, Benedict Revelstoke, wants to protect her from a nefarious plan devised by golden boy Ludlowe but her parents have different plans altogether.

This is actually two separate stories combined as one. It makes sense to do this because the sisters’ issues and stories were interconnected. However, the result was Julia’s character (our true heroine of the story) was not developed as fully as I thought it could and should be and she came across rather soulless and less sympathetic. Sophia, her older sister, was the more tragic of the two and her story ended up being the most interesting. Ludlowe, the man she’s wasted the last five years of her life over, is the character everyone gets to hate as he spurns her ruthlessly for Julia and it was fun seeing him eventually defeated. The real men in these women’s lives, Benedict and Rufus, are deliciously crafted and make the story work. Benedict is sexy and gorgeous; Rufus is scarred physically and emotionally but shares a past similar to Sophia’s current woes.

Despite not being able to connect really well with Julia, I enjoyed the story. The intimate scenes for both Julia and Sophia are extremely well done (picture a carriage ride for one and a cabin in the woods for the other). I recommend the book and look forward to the next one that is connected to this story.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley)

Review: Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

Highlander Most Wanted 

By Maya Banks 

Book #2 in The Montgomerys & Armstrongs series 

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead, nor bring herself to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her longing to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

Genevieve McInnes was abducted by Ian McHugh over a year ago and suffered unspeakable degradation and cruelty at his hands during that time. When he had the audacity to kidnap Eveline, the wife of powerful laird Graeme Montgomery, he was killed when they came to rescue her. Genevieve helped them locate Eveline and it brought an end to her own suffering. They were unaware that she was the daughter of an infamous laird with ties to the king and she hides her identity for a time. Now she wants to just be allowed to join an abbey and live out the rest of her life rather than have her parents experience the shame of her experience…they believe she’s dead and she wants to keep it that way.

I must admit I fell in love with this series from the first sentence in the first book, with it’s highly appealing warriors and intriguing women. This story has less action than the first but is packed with highly charged emotion and romance. Genevieve’s situation was really tragic and Bowen Montgomery’s sensitivity to her having been abused by not only Ian but the members of the McHugh clan helped transition this into a love story. Their romance was a tough one given her circumstances (yes, you’ve got to suspend reality a bit to accept her quick recovery, but why not). I loved their story, Genevieve’s courage and Bowen’s honor. There are also secrets that threaten to upend both Genevieve and Bowen, which only served to make it more interesting.

While it lacked some of the spark of the first book, this was still a great story with lots of conflict, steamy romance and interesting characters. I had a hard time walking away from it until I finished. There’s an interesting set up for the next book and I am already anxious to read it. I don’t ever want the series to end.

Review

Review: The Dragon Lord by Connie Mason

The Dragon Lord 

by Connie Mason

London 1215 …

The Dragon … Renowned for his prowess on the battlefield and in the bedroom, the Dragon Lord had no desire to wed an heiress he had never before seen. But a landless knight had few opportunities to win a barony, and a faithful subject had no choice but to obey his king. Yet how to select a wife from the three women offered him? He had no taste for the grieving widow or the sharp-tongued shrew, so the meek virgin it must be.

The Rose … Confronted by their new lord and master, the women of Arydale prepared to accept their destiny. But high-spirited Rose knew she was no thornless blossom just waiting to be plucked. Her gentle twin longed for a cloistered life, whereas Rose had never been known as a shrinking violet and was more than capable of standing up to a dragon. A clever deception would allow her sister to enter the nunnery while an unexpected bride awaited her unsuspecting husband.

Review:

I enjoy historical romance novels from all different time periods. This one takes place in England 1215. Lord Dominic Dragon is a champion knight, trusted by King John, who has order him to go to Arydale and marry one of the women of the keep. Dominic does his duty, even though he had desired to marry his mistress, Lady Veronica.

Lady Rose is a very strong female, but is also extremely stubborn and hard-headed to the point of annoying (at times). She blames King John for the death of her father (who was rumored to be a trader to the crown) and wants nothing to do with the Dominic. Unfortunately, she has to marry him.

This is the typical "I hate you - Now, I love you" kind of historical romance. There is plenty of drama that keeps the booking going, such as the problems Lord Dragon faces against the Scots and King John, plus his mistress tends to show up at unescorted times causing trouble. The chemistry between Rose and Dominic is sweet and at times sizzling. There is also a nice touch of actual history to the novel.

Review: The Notorious Lady Anne by Sharon Cullen

The Notorious Lady Anne 

By Sharon Cullen 

Historical Romance 

Nicholas Addison, celebrated captain of the Blackwell Shipping Fleet, has agreed to take Mrs. Emmaline Sutherland aboard the Pride and ferry the raven-haired beauty across the Atlantic on what he imagines will be a routine trip. But when the ship is attacked by pirates, the seemingly innocent passenger is revealed to be none other than the infamous marauder Lady Anne, whose name strikes fear in the hearts of sailors everywhere—and whose seductive wiles commandeers Nicholas’s affections.

Lady Anne, a legend of the high seas, has spent the last eleven years plotting revenge against her father, the owner of Blackwell Shipping. She’s targeted the Pride in hopes of plundering its captain’s company secrets. But beneath her fierce courage and bitter determination, Anne has the delicate heart of a woman—a heart that cannot help falling for Nicholas. Now Anne must make a difficult choice: bring down Blackwell or surrender to love. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Reluctant Countess, Wild Rain, and Silk on the Skin.

REVIEW:

Nicholas Addison, captain in the Royal Navy, has been sidelined for two years recovering from an injury he suffered from an attack at sea when he’s asked to take on as captain for Blackwell Shipping’s merchant ship, the Pride. While he sees this as a way to get back to his career, Blackwell’s ships have been beset by pirates and it’s slim pickings to get a crew together. Stories of a formidable female pirate called Lady Anne being behind the attacks run rampant and she’s now legend, which Nicholas believes to be a myth.

Emmaline Sutherland makes it her mission to meet Nicholas at a ball given by her aunt as she’s aware he plans to captain Blackwell’s ship back to Boston. She wants to get a read on him and sparks fly between them, but he cools when she tells him she’s married. The day he sets sail, she boards his ship, having arranged passage without his knowledge. He also doesn’t know that she’s the infamous pirate Lady Anne and she’s definitely no myth.

I’m really not into pirates but was intrigued by the idea of a female one in during the Regency period. Emmaline/Lady Anne turns out to be an utterly fascinating character and I fell in love with her. She’s not only formidable but she commands respect of her crew and is fearless. Nicholas is also perfectly paired for this independent and feisty rogue captain as he respects her skills and doesn’t take her for granted. Both have histories that explain their motivations and peeling back their layers was even more interesting.

What’s really done well here is the romance. Nicholas and Emmaline have an immediate attraction but they each pull back for good reasons. What follows is a clever dance, sometimes erotic, always sexy and never annoying, as they fall for each other….the people they really are as opposed to how the world sees them. They are both passionate, driven and strong-willed and Nicholas comes to respect the captain in Emmaline, once he got past her deception. The action is exciting and when they finally become intimate, their scenes are HOT. There’s one in particular that was just…well, I’ll call it the waterfall and you’ll have to read it for yourself.

The story is genuinely a good blend of high seas action, romance and suspense, which I enjoyed immensely. I wasn’t disappointed and this is one pirate story that I’ll remember fondly.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley)