What happens when a ruthless pirate meets the woman who warms his dark heart?
Ruairí MacNeill is one of the most feared pirates sailing the British Isles, but when he rescues a woman from attack, not once but twice, he discovers he can’t resist her when she matches wits without fear. Tempted by a future he never considered before, Ruairí makes an impetuous offer to the widow he discovers working … discovers working in a tavern. Can Ruairí offer this mystery woman a better life aboard his ship than she has on the tiny island of Canna? Can he protect her from outside danger while he surrenders his heart?
What happens when a widow puts her trust in a notorious pirate known for a heart as merciless as his deeds?
Senga MacLeod Sorley didn’t expect a chance encounter with a pirate to lead to a kiss and an adventure on the high seas. A widow with little to her name, Senga provides for herself by working in a local tavern, but she refuses to earn her living by doing anything other than serving food and ale. When men from the village demand more than she’s willing to give, she discovers the menacing pirate has a protective side he only reveals to her. Will Senga seize a chance at love after one kiss with a brooding pirate? Will she submit to his dominant nature when his form of discipline is anything but expected?
A new life aboard a pirate ship brings Senga an independence she never imagined, but along with that comes danger that puts her life and Ruairí’s at risk. When foreign enemies threaten their burgeoning love, Senga must choose between life as a pirate queen or life as a lonely but safe widow. Ruairí refuses to give up on happiness he never thought possible after running away from home. He must fight to show Senga her past doesn’t have to determine her future when she fears history repeating itself. Can the Dark Heart convince the one woman who brightens his life to stay? Can Senga trust herself enough to accept the love Ruairí offers?
Pirates of the Isles is a STEAMY series where lust and love become tangled when pirates and their ladies toe the line between pain and pleasure. Travel to the Hebrides and the coast of Scotland as these pirates pillage and plunder not only villages and ships but the women fearless enough to take them on. Each book can be read as a standalone, but many characters appear throughout the series.
This passionate love story is ready to go up in flames. It contains scenes with spanking, light bondage, and anal play. If this content offends you, please do not download.
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Dark heart of the Sea is a wonderful story of unlikely love! This is worthy of reading, and a definitely must read on my list! Take a journey of adventure and love with this story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A steamy voyage with a pirate leads to all kinds of adventure as two broken people come together and work to heal each other. Ruairi, is a truly dark hearted pirate but there is a past and reasons that have shaped him. Senga is a widow just trying to survive working in a tavern, and she has her own demons from her past. As these two come together, look out because there is an explosive passion. Danger, intrigue and romance pull this all together for a another great one by Celeste.
I really enjoyed this book as much as I did the first one “The Blond Devil of Sea”. Ruairi and Senga are an amazing couple and their spiritual connection began from the very moment they laid eyes on each other. Although their physical attraction was evident the more, they got to know each other the more they fell in love. Ruairi being known as the pirate captain known as the Dark Heart knew he was meant to be with Senga. She soothed him and brought him a peace he never thought he would feel. His icy heart began to melt but not in regard to being the feared captain. Senga’s emotional journey was fascinating to read about. Having to deal with her past was painful but with Ruairi by her side she had no fear. Ruairi was a hot head when it came to anyone or any threat towards Senga but he was a gentleman through and through with Senga. I appreciated the fact that both Senga and Ruairi could see the errors of their ways after a situation or argument. Senga however garnered my high praise for being a petite woman who knew how to fight and was not afraid to go at the enemy. She also was a sassy, outspoken woman who learned to temper herself with Ruairi’s spanking justice. Throughout the story the couple went from one dangerous situation to another. Surviving all that, the time came for Ruairi to face his past. An excellent story. I do recommend.
The Dark Heart meets his match
—>>> Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars – The book’s synopsis will describe what you can expect to find within the pages of this story much better than I can endeavor to explain, and I was thrilled with the development of the historical aspects of the plot, when they engage with their Irish and Scottish pirate counterparts. An enjoyable read on the high seas of old, with well developed main and supporting characters!
Ruairi and Senga are definitely not a cookie cutter romance novel couple. Each has a past filled with pain and ugliness from a harsh world. The H is a handsome nobleman, thrust into piracy by events in his life that were not of his own making. A decade of terrible, violent experiences have left him bitter and cold-hearted. The h has had to learn to survive terrible betrayals and the trauma of tragic loss, the pain of which has forged her into a being a woman who does not allow herself to really feel anything anymore. A chance meeting brings these two together, and they both recognize that an unexpected but compelling force connects them. The path to their HEA is tumultuous to say the least! The plot is complex but not at all confusing, which is a testament to the skill of the author.
To describe the relationship of the H and h as passionate would be too mild. They revel in their physical attraction to one another and fall naturally into a D/s dynamic. Senga is willingly submissive to her pirate, but she is also fierce and capable in all that she does. Ruairi is strong and dominant, but unafraid to admit his softer feelings to Senga. He describes them as being partners and clearly that is the truth. They have a deep understanding of one another. And isn’t that what everybody wants in life – to find a person who understands you so well and so completely that life without that person is unimaginable? I thought this was a very well-written book that really goes much deeper than expected into the thoughts, feelings and motivations that make us human.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also pre-ordered a copy.
One of the most exciting moments in a series that has made me laugh and want to buy more of these authors books. A wonderful read.
Wow! Action and sparks fly right from the start. Ruairi is seasoned pirate known as Dark Heart, as he knows no fear and shows no emotions as he has killed many. When his ship comes to port he meets Senga working as a waitress at a pub. He immediately feels protective of her as he watches the drunken sailors paw at her. In the course of the evening he must save her from harm two times and she sees a caring and gentle side to him that no one has ever seen. They are instantly drawn to one another. He knows that he can’t leave her in this dangerous place and offers to take her with him aboard ship. Thus begins an adventure sizzling with passion and danger that will keep you glued to the very end
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this swashbuckling pirate adventure that reminded me so much of the books I used to devour when I was much younger and authors were very explicit with their sex scenes. Ms. Barclay did an excellent job in keeping to the same time period as that of her previous book also set on the high seas and I personally hope that she will be bringing us more of them in the future. The characters were so very well-developed and the emotion rang true for every one of them with a HEA at the end! I have no complaints about this at all!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book 2 in the Pirates of the Isles Series was a wonderfully well-written story of love, honor and duty. These characters are very well crafted and you feel you know them and feel their feelings, frustrations, and victories. Their Adventure over the seas grew as their trust, compassion, and ability to heal each other was amazing and full of love. This is the a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I rarely read a pirate romance, just because I never seek them out. This won’t be my last. This was a lot of swashbuckling adventure with a wonderful love story intertwined. I truly enjoyed the main characters journey. Epilogue was the frosting on the cake!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The second book in the Pirate of the Isles series another very good story in this series. This is mainly Ruairí MacNeil and widow Senga MacLeod Sorley’s story but there is also more of Rowan MacNeil and Caragh Pedrick both couples together and alone will have a lot to get through. I enjoyed seeing this story come together.
I love a great pirate story
by WJT
The book contains adventures and characters that draw you and hold your attention. The passion between Ruairi and Senga was sudden and intense, but realistic. The book had numerous explicit sex scenes and graphic language. Writing intimate scenes that are sensual and not vulgar can be tricky, but Ms. Celeste does a good job of pairing emotions and physical details. Some events in The Dark Heart paralleled or referenced events in The Blond Devil. The events were correctly referenced in each book. Great read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the “Pirates of the Isles” series, by Celeste.
This series,is a selection of books for ADULTS.
I am delighted to see that Ruairi MacNeill has a book of his own.
We met Ruari in book , the blond devil of the sea, he is cousin to Rowan.
Ruari, is a pirate, with his own past problems, that caused him to runaway from home.
One night in port, Ruairi has dinner at a tavern, where the waitress is being bullied, with sexual demands.
Senga is a widow, with no money, or anyone to be kind to her, whilst working as a waitress at the local taverns to support herself.
However many of the village men, are after more than a drink.
One night, things get a little out of hand, Senga is distressed.
Ruairi decides to come to her rescue.
Safely aboard the pirate ship with Ruairi, or so she thought, until danger presents itself again.
There is a lot to overcome for these two, weighted down with their own insecurities.
These two make an awesome couple.
The book is another success for Celeste.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Dark Heart of the Sea by Celeste Barclay is the second book in her Pirates of the Isles series. This adult novel is SIZZLING!!!
Pirate captain Ruairí MacNeill, known as the Dark Heart for being cold, aloof, uncaring and ruthless, rescues Senga MacLeod from attackers twice in one night. Senga is beautiful but fierce and Ruairi knows he must have her. Senga no longer has ties to her homeland so she agrees to go aboard ship with Ruairi. He introduces Senga to a world of carnal delights beyond what she could ever imagine. The couple embark on a life of passion and adventure. There are battles to be fought and conflicts to be faced as they seek to live life on their own terms.
This is another winner for Ms. Barclay. The Dark Heart of the Sea is a well-written romance novel. Though part of a series, it reads well as a standalone, with some character crossover. The plot is engaging and will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The details and dialogue are vivid. The characters are completely developed, strong and vibrant. The sometimes complex interpersonal relationships between the characters are smoothly integrated and add depth to the story. The novel is well balanced; romance and plot are equally valued. This is definitely a non-traditional romance, but it is interesting and completely engaging. Be aware there is some very explicit content that might not be appropriate for all readers. I give The Dark Heart of the Sea 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to readers of steamy historical romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. The opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
This is turning out to be a great series. I absolutely loved the Blond Devil and I enjoyed Dark Heart almost as much. There was plenty of action and steam Togo around. The only reason this is a 4 star read and not a 5 is that the dramatic tension just isn’t as high this time around. The main characters come together fairly early. Most of the drama is external. It’s still a great story it just didn’t have the tension the Blond Devil had between the main characters for most of the book. I still highly recommend the story and hope there are more pirate stories from Celeste Barclay to come!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Celeste Barclay has packed a lot of action and romance in Ruairí & Senga’s story. Once Ruairi rescues Senga from an attack, he keeps her. He finds that Senga is no shrinking violet and can hold her own, even with a man like himself as one of the most ruthless pirates to sail the seas. A sexy read with lots of action, makes this a great afternoon of sensual reading. I was gifted a copy of “The Dark Heart Of The Sea” by Booksprout, and leave my review voluntarily based on my reading. 4.5 Stars!
The story line was great and the book had a smooth flow to it. The character work was terrific. I was hooked from beginning to end. I look forward to more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ruairi was thrown into the life of a pirate by deception. He and his cousin Rowan were deceived into thinking they were to work on a merchant ship. Ruairi was sold to another pirate captain where he mutinied and gained control of the ship. Senga was a Lairds daughter whose father and mother were killed by her wicked Uncle. She was to be given to an evil laird who mistreated and killed his prior wives. Senga ran away and married a childhood friend and for a few years was happy until her husband and infant child died of a fever. She went to work in her father-in-laws tavern where she met Ruairi who saved her life Twice in one night. Senga feels lost and lonely and agrees to go with the pirate captain. Passion ignites between the two and together they face adventure and danger. This story was as exciting as book 1 with Rowan and Caragh. Two cousins who fall in love with two cousins and their HEA stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enjoy a voyage with this hero and heroine.
The question is can a pirate give a widow the freedom and love she graves? Ruairí MacNeil is our dark-hearted pirate and Senga MacLeod our lovely widow along with them there are some additional characters that make up the cast of this splendid piece. I love pirates and this one has passion and just the right amount of steam for any romance reader. Yes, there is danger and challenges that they face but it is written so well you will get lost in the tale. I know that some of the scenes may not be for everyone but I enjoyed the tale a great deal and I am happy to recommend it to all my friends. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Another great pirate adventure from Celeste Barclay. If you want a very steamy, romantic, adventurous, page turner with two great characters that you will fall in love with than Celeste will not disappoint you. Ruairi is a feared pirate who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it and will settle for nothing less. Senga is a beautiful widow who has been alone for 5 years and leading a lonely existence. When Senga is attacked by ruthless men, Ruairi is there to save her. Can she trust him and what are his intentions? This is a fast paced adventure story both at sea and on land with many twists, turns and surprises. If you love pirates and their adventures, you will love this. I highly recommend this book. Warning: the book is packed with lust, lots of steam and explicit sex.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.