A Pirate’s Tantalizing Passion: A Historical Regency Romance Book

Perfectly charming and heartwarming characters. Interesting plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Another reviewer pointed out that the book needed better proofreading and editing. I concede to that fact. It was somewhat of a small detraction. Then there were some questionable inconsistencies in the story that made me stop and try to figure things out. But again, it did not detract from the over excitement of reading this story. The overall story, characters, plotline, subplots were excellent. I like that the H/h were from two different countries. Our hero is a swarthy handsome pirate who has lived a hard life. Yet in his core he is a kind compassionate, intelligent, observant young man who was completely respectful of our heroine. (up to a point Ooh la la) Our heroine is a debutante that is outspoken. She speaks her own mind. Which in many eyes of the ton is not a desirable trait. She loves charity work. She tries to bring happiness to those unfortunate orphans by singing and playing the pianoforte often for them. On an outing with her brother and his best friend, she was kidnapped by pirates while at the market at the harbor. The story continues aboard the pirate ship, all that she had to endure, how she was able to gain the respect of some of the pirates. But the captain was the most devious person. He had plans to sell her into slavery instead of ransoming back to her parents. She learned to work hard, clean decks, even help in the kitchen sometimes cooking. Never once did she complain, she stood up to any that challenged her despite the trembling and fear she felt within herself. She did face all sorts of danger. The captain had lascivious intent towards her but she managed to somehow stand her ground. During a private dinner with the captain, he divulged some eye-opening, damaging information of those in high ranks of the navy, of formerly wealthy lords and others and how he accomplished those feats. One of the names shocked her. It was her brother’s best friend. What would her family think of him when they found out the truth? Another time she accidentally tossed into the dark ocean and our hero jumped in and saved her. The compassion he felt for her grew as did his feelings. She resided in his chamber recuperating. Our heroine finally indulged into the desire and passion she felt for our hero. They fell in love. This did not escape the captain’s notice and he devised a sinister way to throw her in the dungeon and keep her away from our hero. While the captain was putting on his arrogant angered display accusing our heroine of stealing our hero stepped forward and called the law of the pirates. He demanded proof. Half the crew was on his side and the other half were on the captain’s side. Fighting broke out and then all of a sudden, they were under attack by an English naval vessel. There were cannon shots, rifle shots, screams and cries of hurt and dying men. All our heroine could think of was the safety of her hero. When it quieted down, she stepped out of the room she hid in and witnessed such carnage. The remaining pirates were disarmed and guarded. Then out of the crowd the heroine’s brother steps forth and embraces her. A touching reunion. When the Admiral wanted a recount of what she went through during the two months she was kept captive she kept some things back. She tried to slip back into her societal role but found it difficult. She became melancholy thinking of what fate the hero faced. Hanging till dead. She managed to sneak down to the dungeon to see the hero. They held each other, kissed and declared their love for each other knowing that was the last time they would ever see each other. Her brother knew there was more going on in our heroine’s mind but did not want to pressure her into sharing. They arrived in England to a tearful reunion with her parents and her best friend. Her parents took her to their country estate to recuperate from her ordeal. But just thinking of the loss of her beloved she could not hide. She was irrevocably disconsolate by some miracle increasing. She took comfort in having her beloved’s baby and would not let her parents or anyone take him or her away. Now the hero’s background is a little sketchy but somehow in the back of my mind him knowing his father was English made me suspect it may crop up later in the story. At one point he was an orphan, then all of a sudden, he had an aunt, his mother’s sister. This was a little difficult to imagine because he was a baby when he was separated from his parents. How and who made the connection between him and his aunt and how did she find him in the orphanage? How did he get mixed up with the pirates? There were a few unsettling questions/inconsistencies in the story. But it goes on. Our heroine knew of the court date for the pirates and knew they would shortly thereafter be hung. She became severely downcast. She was still having nightmares of things she went through and witnessed. The only thing that gave her any comfort was her unborn child. Now back in London I still have a hard time putting the pieces together of how our hero’s father found him and his effort to save his life. All I can tell you is despite the questions and inconsistencies, poor proofreading and editing this is one exciting romance. I know you will enjoy riding the high seas as the story unfolds. The characters were not only well written but were very realistic. The ending was a little surreal. But hey, what is a regency romance without it? I really loved the story and do recommend it.