The Beachcomber’s Buccaneer Bounty: Moon Mist Manor Book 3 (Cat’s Paw Cove 14)

First, prepare to fall in love with the characters. Leda Bellini, a swan-shifter and former detective escapes from her restrictive witness protection program. She’s heard of this place called Moon Mist Manor on an island in Cat’s Paw Cove and decides it would be the perfect place to sort out a new life. Before she’s barely unpacked, she follows Davy, a persistent cat, back 303 years, and right into the arms of an English sea captain.

Darkly handsome Captain Drake Reid has seen many things in his life, but never a half-dressed woman coming out of the sea. He has no idea if she a witch, a siren, or a figment of his imagination. Once he determines she’s a genuine woman, their love kindles. Each realizes they can’t live without each other, but how could either of them fit into the other’s world? What will it take for each one to follow their heart?

But there’s more! If you’ve kept up with Kerry’s Moon Mist Manor series (if not, why not?), you’ve come to love this special place. I won’t spoil it for you, but there’s a dangerous threat to the Manor’s very existence. It takes a wee little fairy to put some sense into Leda’s head. But will the fairy’s warning come too late?

I couldn’t put this book down until I finished the whole enjoyable story. I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

Light and fun romance. I laughed out loud in several spots. I love the uniqueness of a swan-shifter. Leda is smart and funny and adapts pretty quickly to living on an 18th-century ship. Drake’s willingness to accept Leda made the story so sweet!

Fun mixture of time-travel and magic. Leda is a former detective who has been in witness protection for several years. She decided that she wants her life back and slipped away from those guarding her. Her destination is Moon Mist Manor on a island in Cat’s Paw Cove, a place she heard about from her former partner. During a brief stop in the Cove itself, she makes the acquaintance of a very special cat named Davy, who follows her to the Manor. Though she made her reservation under an assumed name, everyone at the Manor seems to know her real name, something that disturbs her. Then, while exploring the island, she finds a compass which whisks her back in time 300 years when she opens it.

Captain Drake Reid is a Royal Navy captain who is on a secret mission for the king. A storm forced him to stop at Cat’s Paw Cove for repairs. He is frustrated at the delay, and also by his sister. Eleanor traveled with him so she could stay with an aunt In Charles Town and look for a husband. Instead, she spends way too much time with the son of the local Indian chief. While trying to track her down yet again, Drake spots a woman sitting on the rocks.

I enjoyed the first meeting between Drake and Leda. He is determined to keep her from being seen by his crew and takes her onboard his ship. Leda isn’t happy about being there at first, especially after she learns WHEN she is. If she’s going to get back to her own time, she thinks she should stay put. But Drake is in a time crunch and insists she goes along. He’ll bring her back when he has what he needs. Drake was amazingly accepting of Leda’s time travel claim, thanks to stories heard from his grandmother. He’s a little warier of her other secret, an ability to shape-shift into a swan, and fears she’d be burned as a witch if anyone else discovers it.

I liked seeing the relationship develop between Drake and Leda. There were sparks from the beginning, and an undeniable fascination with each other. But both were also aware that Leda would likely return to her own time. A fun twist enabled Drake to get a taste of Leda’s world, however, the question remained. Would they find a way to be together in the past or the future, or would fate separate them forever? Both Drake and Leda had some serious soul searching to do to discover what was meant to be. I loved Leda’s conversation with one of the fairies, who gave her some pretty blunt advice. The ending was sweet and romantic.

I also enjoyed the mission that Drake had to complete. He has some secrets himself, one of which adds complications to his plans. Though he and his partner-in-crime thought they had everything covered, an unexpected appearance threw those plans into disarray. There were some very tense moments when the success of the mission and their safety were in doubt. It was fun to see how the mission was saved and the unexpected and important results of it.

Amazing book by Kerry Evelyn! I had so much fun reading Leda and Drakes story and going into the past! Kerry did a great job with this one!

So many fascinating elements! Time travel, magic, history, accents, and of course love! I loved reading about Leda and Drake’s relationship and enjoyed the differences in the centuries and how well they were developed. A fun afternoon read!