Her Billionaire Pirate of the Sea by Stephanie Fowers {Review}

Her Billionaire Pirate of the Cove by Stephanie Fowers

Kindle Edition, 344 pages

Published December 3rd 2019 by Gelato Publishing LLC 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

A Christmas wish—to be left alone.

Welcome to The Cove
With heavy iron gates, two security stations, and a groundskeeper's cottage, The Cove has everything a billionaire could ask for in a home. Dubbed Billionaire Bachelor Cove because of the resident's single status and income portfolios, The Cove is the perfect place to hide away from the world. But, as the residents soon find out, they can't hide from love.

Her Billionaire Pirate of the Cove


Ever since Ryker James’s testimony in court sent his more ruthless conspirators to jail, he’s been sequestered at The Cove.

Being a reformed “bad boy” is not what it’s cracked up to be. He no longer leads an aimless life filled with bored, fashionable women and questionable adventures. It’s oddly freeing.

His brother, Paris, heads out to a remote island getaway for his honeymoon, and Ryker might get his wish to spend Christmas by himself—his only company, his guilt.
 Unfortunately, his brother left him a parting gift: he set Ryker up with the “dog sitter.”


No way will Audrey Mack take over that dog sitting job from her sweet—though perhaps thoughtless—friend, Clara… until she meets up with trouble at home. Her brother, Michael, has tangled with the wrong people and they target her as a way to get to him.

Frightened and desperate, Audrey must go into hiding to save her brother from getting killed. What better place than The Cove, guarded by its fortress of security, to hide out? The last thing she wants or expects is to find love.


This Christmas, these two get exactly what they don’t want, and so much more.


My Review: 4 Stars

 

Stephanie Fowers is great at weaving a great romance with a spine-tingling, non-stop, perilous adventure! This story is well written and exciting, with many facets to the twists and turns, and left my head reeling as I tried to figure out who the bad guys were. 

Audrey finds herself entangled in this dangerous plot, as she, too, desperately tries to thwart the villains, while losing her heart to the many puppies in her care...and her pirate neighbor. *swoon* A modern-day pirate is sure fascinating--especially one such as Ryker.

I would've enjoyed this story more if I would have read the first book first. For some reason, I thought I had, but it took me awhile to grasp what was going on and who was who and I think those issues would've been resolved if I had that one under my belt, so I highly recommend reading that one first. 

Overall, the Christmas setting and sweet romance really set this suspense apart and I really enjoyed my time in the Cove.

Content: mild romance; mild-moderate danger/adventure/violence

A Pirate at Pembroke by Danielle Thorne {Review}

A Pirate at Pembroke by Danielle Thorne

Kindle Edition, 433 pages

Published April 25th 2018 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

   

 

Keeping company with a reputed pirate is one thing, but falling in love with him could ruin the eccentric Crestwood family for good...

Sophie Crestwood is never going to catch a husband. Her father is a gossip, her mother has her nose in a book, and little Jack has shamefully been dismissed from boarding school. Worst of all, a pirate moves next door into Pembroke Hall.

When Sophie's sent to a matchmaking party at a neighboring estate, the pirate from Pembroke arrives and distracts everyone from the summer festivities. Unguarded, her feelings about the mysterious Captain Murdock bloom into a trusted friendship that Sophie fears may come to mean more than anyone would ever suspect.

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

Sophie comes from a pretty non-traditional family and they're pretty quirky. It's her father (not her mother) who is the gossiping goose and her mother (not her father) who reads Gothic novels. It's fun to see those stereotypical roles reversed. Her little brother is a brat, especially when he leaves her in the rain and as for Sophie, she is clueless in her quest for a match. But...I liked the light-hearted (and at time, silly) feel that was brought to the story because of all of this. 

 

There were times when the story dragged a little and other times when it was just right. I have to admit--a 400+ page book is a little daunting when the kids are home for the summer and I would've been happy to just skip to the parts with Captain Murdock in them, haha.

 

Speaking of the good Captain, the surprises and mysteries that surrounded him were so much fun and completely made this book. I loved how they were gradually uncovered. This isn't a swashbuckling story, but it's still so much fun. I love the interactions with him and the slow burn romance really was sweet. I really enjoyed most of the goings on in this reminiscent-of-Jane-Austen style offering. 

 

Content: clean

How to Become a Pirate Hunter by Marty Reeder {Blog Tour Review}

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How to Become a Pirate Hunter by Marty Reeder

Paperback, 208 pages

Published March 1st 2017 by Sweetwater Books

Not everyone is special. Or at least that's what Eric believes. But when the new girl Charlotte tells him he's a natural at hunting pirates, and offers to prove it, Eric can't resist the adventure. Thrown in the middle of the Spanish Main, Eric must quickly accept his skills, or else succumb to the horrors of the dreaded Willard Pirate Twins.

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My Review: 4 Stars

Sometimes I feel just as Eric does--I don't have any special talents. I have a few interests and hobbies, but I don't excel at any of them--I'm just mediocre. I love the idea that everyone has a natural talent and that it might not be something that is consistent to the time period you live in. When Charlotte, a new girl at school, tells Eric that he's born to be a pirate hunter, he almost scoffs. But when he's thrown back in a time where he has to fight off twin pirates, his true talents emerge.

This swashbuckling tale is full of adventure, danger, pirates, and more, which is entertaining. My imagination was sparked and I found myself wondering what my talent would be--I'm so curious!

I love the creative names of the towns and camp, as I grew up near the area that I believe the author is talking about and I could really visualize the setting well. Well...until Eric became a pirate. I could still picture it in my mind, but I haven't been on a ship like that before. However, the descriptions really are fun. They make me *almost* want to try my hand at pirate hunting.

Content: mild violence

*I received a copy through the publisher, which did not affect my thoughts and opinions in any way.*

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Buy Links:

  

About the Author:

Marty Reeder lives in Smithfield, Utah, with his wife and five children where he teaches Creative Writing and Spanish at the local high school. Though not a natural born pirate hunter, he taught sailing at Scout camps for many years and uses his history degree to fuel worlds of piracy and compensate for perhaps being born in the wrong time and place for his passions!

A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore

Paperback, 224 pages

Published 2016 by Covenant Communications 

Miss Diana Snow is everything a British chaperone should be—she finds satisfaction in order and depends wholly upon the rules of decorum as she negotiates the isle of Greece with her young charge. But Miss Snow's prim and proper exterior masks a disquieting past: orphaned and alone in the world, she has only her stiff upper lip to rely on. When a brief encounter with a handsome stranger challenges her rules of propriety, Diana is unwittingly drawn into an adventure that will turn her ordered world upside down.

Alexandros Metaxas is a Greek spy working to recruit individuals to the cause of revolution. His mission seems to be going perfectly until he encounters Diana Snow, a captivating—if slightly cold—beauty. When their paths cross again, the ill-fated reunion threatens all Alex has been fighting for. But more importantly, it places Diana's life in jeopardy. There is only one way to save her: they must put themselves at the mercy of the most powerful pirate family in the Mediterranean. Soon, Diana is plunged into a fantastic world of gypsy curses, blood feuds, and unexpected romance. But when a bitter vendetta places her in mortal danger, will she have the courage to fight for life and love?

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My Review: 4 Stars

I love a good Regency romance and when the traditional formula is changed a little, it makes for a very enjoyable story. Diana is a chaperone, not a genteel woman, yet her straight-laced ways are every bit as proper as society demands. It's hard to judge a book by the cover, for the reader knows not what lies within the pages, and that's exactly how things are with Diana--there's much more to her than what she chooses to show on the surface. 

Can you imagine being dragged into the middle of an adventure involving pirates, curses, and other misfortunes? Diana finds herself in the thick of a thrill of a lifetime and manages to make the most of her peril. I love her character and the way she positively spins the world around her through her attitude and determination. Alex is a great, swoony, and slightly mysterious character and I adored him.

This book begins quite intensely, but I found myself muddling through the inner portions just a bit. I've never considered what Greece was like during the Regency period and found myself getting stuck on all of the Greek terms, names, and pronunciations, as there are many, rather than enjoying the flow of the story in this fascinating setting. Of course, things picked right back up again, once I got over it, and I finished with a satisfied sigh. Yes, there's more to Regency life than impressing "the ton."

This is a great read for those who enjoy the Regency time period, with a twist, and a sweet, gentle story (with pirates). 

Content: mild violence; mild romance. Clean!

* I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Links
 

 

About the Author

  

  

Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world that includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that is anything but romantic. Jennifer has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family, but most of the time wishes she was aboard a British frigate during the age of sail.

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Caribbean Rescue by Cami Checketts {Review with Giveaway}

Caribbean Rescue (Destination Billionaire Romance)
by Cami Checketts

Kindle Edition

Published July 29th 2016 by Gelato Publishing

Just in time for the Summer Olympics, bestselling sweet romance author, Cami Checketts, brings you a new Destination Billionaire Romance.

Superstar runner Zack Tyndale was the easy favorite to win gold in the Olympic Games, but a stupid decision shatters his dreams the night before the big race. Unable to face his shame, he escapes to the Caribbean and a life of blissful solitude ... until Madeline Panetto crash lands on his pristine private beach, trying to outrun a gang of pirates with nothing but a fancy evening gown and a flash drive hidden in her bra. Zack finds himself sucked into Maddy's world of mutiny and murder.

Madeline might find refuge from the pirates, but Zach is battling pirates of his own. When sparks fly between them, they're forced to look to their hearts for the answers and that could be more frightening than facing a mutinous crew.

Can these two find refuge from the pirates and with each other?

Find Caribbean Rescue -  

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*Enter below to win a $50 gift card and a copy of The Independent One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance

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My Review: 5 Stars

This author has such a great way of weaving a tale of suspense, mingled with some very swoony romance, and this one is no exception!


Maddy is a beautiful girl with a father that she doesn't really know. When he invites her sail around the Caribbean to celebrate receiving her master's degree, she takes him up on it but finds out that he's not who she thought he was and now her life is in danger.

This book immediately starts out with a gripping scene and the danger and suspense persists throughout the story. I love a book that makes me feel a little on edge, while still delivering some toe-tingling romantic scenes. The characters are fantastic! Maddy is so sweet and brave, while Zack steps up out of seclusion to protect this stranger at all costs. As much as I love these characters, Zack's best friend, Brooks, almost steals the show with his boisterous, over-the-top personality and wit. I would love to see him get his own story.

I love the setting and feel as if I was the one racing through the Caribbean for my life. I would enjoy exploring these places in a little closer detail someday, as the details were so vivid in my mind.

I recommend this to readers who enjoy a fast-paced, exciting, clean romance with some suspense woven in.

Content: mild innuendo, mild romance (kissing--swoony, but clean); mild violence (death, moments of peril); mild religious elements (a few brief mentions of a character praying). Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Excerpt of Caribbean Rescue:

A few steps from the French doors he heard the high whine of a motor. Zack whipped around and searched the ocean beyond. There were no lights, but the motor sound was unmistakable. What kind of an idiot would be out on the water with no lights on and in what sounded like a small boat? 

Zack raced past his pool and gardens, and took the steps to the beach two at a time. He could just make out a small boat, hurtling through the water. He didn’t even have time to be angry someone was invading his sanctuary as he saw the angle they were coming at. “No, not that way!” he yelled, though they couldn’t possibly hear him.

Zack sprinted through the sand and onto his dock. He kept one eye on the boat as he ran the length of the dock, waving his arms and yelling, “Turn! Turn!” Large boulders and a former shipwreck resided just under the water, exactly where that boat was heading. Any other angle into the harbor was deep and safe to take even in his yacht, but this idiot was coming straight for the shallow waters of the dock instead. Why weren’t they slowing even though they were within a hundred feet of the dock?

“Stop!” he screamed. “Turn!”

The sickening crunch was louder than the howling wind and rain. The rear of the boat flung into the air, and the lone passenger flew forward then disappeared into the water. Zack dove off the dock, surfacing quickly, and using strong strokes to cross the distance. Water from the uneven waves splashed into his face, making it hard to see. The person bobbed up out of the water and started swimming his direction. That was a relief. From the hair streaming around her, he assumed it was a woman.

They came within a few feet of each other and Zack slowed and treaded water. “Are you okay?”

“I-I think so.”

“Can you make it to the dock?” His lights reflecting from the beach showed a mop of dark hair and a beautiful face.

In answer, she started slowly swimming that direction, but she hadn’t gone four strokes before she swayed and rolled over onto her back. That’s when Zack noticed the cut on her head. The water turned the blood a watery pink. She’d definitely hit her head on one of the rocks or maybe the old shipwreck.

“You’re not okay.”

“I can make it.” She started to kick. A wave rolled over her face and she jerked up, coughing and spluttering, but bravely kept trying to stay afloat, beating at the water with her arms and legs.

She was tough and not a complainer. Nice.

“I’ve got you.” Zack looped his arm under her armpit and over her chest and tugged her back to the dock. She had a small build, but her clothes must’ve been waterlogged because she seemed to weigh a ton. Zack was in shape, but he tired quickly. Finally, they made it to the dock and the woman clung to the edge. Zack grabbed hold and heaved himself out of the water then helped lift her up. She collapsed onto her back and released a loud breath. “Oh, thank you, I thought it was time to reacquaint myself with Saint Peter.”

“Saint Peter?” She’d hit her head hard or she was crazy. He looked over her fancy, waterlogged dress and the diamonds sparkling at her throat. She’d been out in the ocean like that, without a lifejacket? Crazy it might be, or with quite a good story to tell.

“You know—the angel at the pearly gates.”

 Zack let out a surprised laugh. “Glad you put that off for a little while.”

“Me too.” She sat up and touched the small gash in her head. Blood trickled between her fingertips.

“Ouch.”

“I bet.” Zack pushed his way to his feet and offered her a hand. The wind whipped his wet t-shirt around him. He was glad he shaved his head and didn’t have hair whipping in his face like she did. “Let’s get you up to the house and cleaned up.”

She placed her hand in his, but wavered as he helped her up. Zack wrapped his other arm around her waist and lifted her onto her feet. She swayed.

“Can you walk?”

Her eyes filled with stubborn pride. “Of course I can walk.”

She pulled away from him, took one step, teetered off the dock, and splashed back into the water. 

“Oh, boy.” Zack shook his head. He hadn’t smelled alcohol on her breath, but that had to be the explanation. Fancy dress, alone on a boat in the ocean at night. He’d have to help her tonight then load her onto his yacht tomorrow and get her to Belize. If she had any money it was probably sunk with her little boat. He’d get her to where she needed to go and be done with this mess. Oddly enough, he didn’t mind the excitement. It was a good contrast to his normally sedate lifestyle.

She came up to the surface sputtering and flailing. Zack knelt down, put his hands under her armpits, and hefted her back onto the dock. He stood slowly, supporting both of them then swung her off her feet and into his arms. Despite himself, he noticed how nicely she fit against him. It had been a long while since he’d been around an attractive, unrelated woman. “Shall we try this again?”

“Good plan.” Her voice rumbled against his chest and he kind of liked it. “I must’ve thumped my head harder than I thought.”

“Or something,” he muttered.

Her head whipped up. Brown eyes full of fire. “I’m not drunk, if that’s what you’re thinking, I’m…” She quickly looked down again, not meeting his gaze.

“You’re…” he encouraged. He’d like to hear her story and he did believe her that she wasn’t drunk. Her speech was too lucid and her breath smelled too clean.

“I can’t. I don’t know who to trust.” She grabbed onto his arm. “Oh, holy monkey balls!”

Zack jerked in surprise and almost dropped her as she squirmed in his arms. “What are you doing now? You want to fall in the water again?” They’d reached the end of the dock, but she could still fall in the shallow water.

“I’ve got to find something. Please. Can you help me look in the water? Back where my boat is?” Her eyes were wide and frantic.

“Right now?” Zack gestured to the waves building as the storm increased in intensity. “No! You’re hurt. It’s dark. And there’s a storm.” His four-year-old niece had more common sense than this woman, and Chalise hadn’t spoken a word in two years.

The woman deflated and burrowed herself into his arms. Zack liked this quite a bit better than her struggling. He tightened his hold on her. Hmm, her shape was really… shapely. 

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Review: Betrayed by the Ocean (Ocean Series Book 2) by Christine Steendam

Betrayed by the Ocean (Ocean Series Book 2) by Christine Steendam

240 pages, January 9th 2015 by Hazelridge Press
My Rating: 4 Stars
Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

Description: Brant Foxton won the girl, gained a legitimate life, and created a family for himself. But when his happily-ever-after comes crashing down he turns to the only thing he knows to try and find himself: the ocean. 

Cutting ties with everyone he ever cared about, Brant begins a journey that he hopes will bring him back to the path he once walked, only to become more lost than ever.
Now he must learn to trust again and look for hope outside of his beloved ocean or his life may just come to an abrupt close at the end of a noose.

 

My Review: This is Book 2 in the series, but can stand alone. Personally, I enjoyed reading the first book before this one. I understood the background and the characters better because of it, but I don't think a reader would be lost if Book 1 wasn't read first.

I was a little distressed about how Book 1 ended and wondered what was in store for these characters in the next installment. Things didn't end up the way I wanted them to and I wondered if they would be resolved in a satisfactory way. This author has a great way of weaving twists and turns into a story that leave a reader reeling, yet looking for more. I was once again surprised by some of the events.

Brant is a very passionate character and when things fall down around him, he turns to his one true and first love--the ocean. He has a lot of struggles and I enjoyed the journey he took, from hitting rock bottom, to finding hope, to seeking redemption.

It was great to see glimpses of characters from the first book and to see where they are in their lives. I found the new characters to be just as likeable. This adventurous pirate story is great!

Content: very mild romance; moderate religious elements (faith and finding God play a big role in the journey, but it's not preachy); mild-moderate violence (pirate activities--murder, plunder, fights, etc); no language. Clean!

Buy Links:

 

About the Author:

 

Christine Steendam is the award-winning romance author of the Foremost Chronicles and the Ocean Series. She also flirts with sci-fi and comic book writing and is a yearly participant in NaNoWriMo.
Christine makes her home in Manitoba, Canada on a sprawling 15 acre ranch with her husband, two young sons, and a brood of animals including Guinness, her beloved chocolate quarter horse, Beau, her St Bernard/Golden Retriever cross, and a gaggle of barn kittens. 

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Review: Heart Like an Ocean by Christine Steendam

Heart Like an Ocean by Christine Steendam
316 pages, 2013
My Rating: 4 Stars
Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

Description:  In a society where she doesn't belong, Senona Montez, a strong-willed and free-spirited woman refuses to follow the path expected of a Don’s only child.
On the eve of her marriage to a stranger, she saddles her horse and flees everything she knows, only to discover the petty concerns of society did not prepare her for the harsh life on the open sea. She finds an unlikely protector in a reckless privateer, Brant Foxton.

Straddling the worlds of independence and privilege in 1600′s Europe, this captivating man challenges her in ways she never thought possible, shows her what living to the fullest really means, and allows her to follow her heart wherever it leads.

My Review: Pirates are dangerous men, yet I can't help but find a fascination with them--especially with the "good" ones. The story begins with Senona fleeing Spain the night before her arranged marriage. She finds a pirate who will take her and her horse and get them away quickly. Brant, a privateer, knows this evil pirate's reputation and kidnaps Senona in order to help and protect her.

Of course, I was intrigued by their journey on the ocean. I came to really enjoy the characters and their strengths and weaknesses. Brant is brave, commanding, and strong, but he really made me mad. He has a past and can't quite get over it. He comes across as so indecisive and fickle about love throughout most of the book and I wanted him to really think about where his decisions were leading and who they were affecting, especially where his younger brother, James, is concerned. James--I really enjoyed him and the battles he faced as he tried to do what he wanted to do, but still come across as "cool" to those around him. Senona is a woman of privilege, but she really works hard to prove herself and to earn her keep. We don't always belong in the box we're placed into and Senona really tries to find her place in life. I couldn't stand the housekeeper, but loved her children.

I really liked the way the story went from the tropical seas to England and back again. The societies at this time were vastly different and it was fun to be immersed in each one for awhile. This alone set the story apart from others in the same genre. I'm curious--were balls a big thing in England in the 1600s? I always thought they came later, but they were still fun to read little snippets about. I really enjoyed this one.

Content: a few mild swear words; mild violence (pirates--murder, plunder, etc but not graphic); mild romance. Clean!

Buy Links: 

 

About the Author: 
Christine Steendam is the award-winning romance author of the Foremost Chronicles and the Ocean Series. She also flirts with sci-fi and comic book writing and is a yearly participant in NaNoWriMo.
Christine makes her home in Manitoba, Canada on a sprawling 15 acre ranch with her husband, two young sons, and a brood of animals including Guinness, her beloved chocolate quarter horse, Beau, her St Bernard/Golden Retriever cross, and a gaggle of barn kittens. 

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Review: The Legend of Abuela Rose: Pirates and Legends by D. Ann Nadeau

 

The Legend of Abuela Rose: Pirates and Legends - Book One by D. Ann Nadeua

Kindle Edition, 133 pages

Published November 16th 2014 by LJM Publishing, LLC 

Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

Description:

Heart broken and afraid, Gabriella – the beautiful granddaughter of Abuela Rose – stands atop a windy mountain wondering what will become of her and the life she has always known.

At the same time, floating on the ocean, surrounding that windy mountain, is a ship captained by a pirate with designs on both Gabriella and the seaside village she calls home.

When the two collide, Gabriella must fight to save all that is important to her even if it means disguising herself to face down the evil Captain Eduardo.

Written with purpose and heart, The Legend of Abuela Rose is the first in D. Ann Nadeau’s Pirates and Legends series. This first book tells the tale of a young girl, who after great loss, finds her life’s purpose. Young readers will enjoy the humor and adventure as they come to understand the importance of both kindness and service to others. 

My Review:
What a sweet little story! Although it's short, it really packs a punch. Gabriella is now alone, since her beloved grandmother has passed away. As she's standing on the mountain, mourning her loss, a pirate captain, Eduardo, spots her through his spyglass while at sea, and is determined to make her his wife.

There are many poignant moments, as well as many humorous ones. I love the growth and the circumstances surrounding that growth. The story progresses in a natural way; it never fee;s rushed--it feels complete.

Grizzly, one of Eduardo's crew members really stole my heart. He's often thought of as stupid, but he has such a big heart and is a great character, one who really understands what matters. He knows more than others think he does. The characters really are great and the descriptions made them easy to visualize. As in any great story, some are easy to love and others are easy to hate.

Content: Clean!

About the Author:

D. Ann Nadeau is the best-selling author of So Many Miracles and The Legend of Abuela Rose, Pirates and Legends Book One.

The recipient of a four-year acting scholarship, D. Ann Nadeau attended Suffolk University where she won multiple awards including the Helen Hayes Award. As a performer, she has appeared in such productions as The Glass Menagerie (as Amanda) and Annie (as Mrs. Hannigan). In addition to stage, D. Ann has worked in movies including the award-winning short Retirement Rehearsal for The American Film Institute.

Believing humor is the best medicine, D. Ann studied at L.A.'s famed Groundlings School and performed stand-up at venues including The Improv, Catch a Rising Star and The Comedy Store.

Her favorite job has been that of wife, mom, grandma and teacher. D. Ann and her husband, Jerry, divide their time between Arizona and Ecuador and enjoy traveling.

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Review: Proper Attire: A West Indies Proper Romance by Danielle Thorne

Proper Attire: A West Indies Proper Romance by Danielle Thorne

Kindle Edition, 150 pages

Published September 25th 2014 by Kindle Direct Publishing 

Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

Description: Pressured to marry for money, Julia Scott flees England and a cruel stepmother to determine if the West Indies is the paradise of her dreams. Attacked by pirates and desired by island natives, the only person she can trust is John Smith -- if that's her rescuer's true name. Reaching her uncle's station in English Harbor, Julia must find a way to face her feelings and deal with her traitorous family, a dashing new suitor, and the guardian angel, John Smith, who has no qualms sporting counterfeit names and less than what is proper attire.

 

My Review: Julia is an orphaned girl with a mean step-mother. When she is shipped off to the West Indies to visit her uncle after refusing a marriage offer, all craziness happens. While aboard a naval ship, they are attacked by pirates and Julia is rescued and carried off by one of them--a Mr. John Smith. And that's just the beginning of the adventures.

Julia is a sweet girl, who really doesn't want to make waves. She is eager and accepting, yet she knows her mind and doesn't want to settle in life. I can't even imagine the terror I would feel in some of the situations she found herself in, yet she handled herself quite well.

John Smith is a heroic rescuer...or is he? I loved discovering the mystery surrounding him.

This is a very enjoyable clean romance, set in fun period of time.

Content: no language; mild violence (pirate attack, fighting, etc)--not graphic; mild kissing. Clean!

 

Amazon

About the Author:

Danielle Thorne freelanced for online and print magazines from 1998 through 2001, adding reviewing and editing to her resume. She has published poetry, short fiction and novels. Danielle is the author of sweet romantic adventure books, both historical and contemporary.

Other work has appeared with Espresso Fiction, Every Day Fiction, Arts and Prose Magazine, Mississippi Crow, The Nantahala Review, StorySouth, Bookideas, The Mid-West Review, and more. She won an Honorable Mention in Writer’s Digest’s 2006 annual writing competition and won the 2008 Awe-Struck Short Novel Contest. In 2009, Danielle won Classic Romance Revival's Work in Progress Contest, which resulted in another contract for her fiction.

Danielle currently writes from south of Atlanta, Georgia. She was the 2009-2010 Co-Chair for the New Voices Competition for young writers, is active with online author groups such as Classic Romance Revival and EPIC and moderates for The Sweetest Romance Authors at the Coffee Time Romance boards. Danielle reviews for online review sites and edits for two publishing houses and Romance Junkies. She has four sons with her husband, Rob. Together they enjoy travel and the outdoors.  

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Book Review: Swept Up by the Sea by Tracy & Laura Hickman

Publication: Shadow Mountain/ July 2, 2013
Length: 320 pages/924 KB
****--4 Stars

Book Description off of Amazon: Determined to seek his fortune, Percival Taylor leaves behind his sleepy hometown and sets out to become a legendary pirate—only no one at the roguish seaport of Blackshore will allow him any- where near a ship! Percival must find other means to win the heart of the beautiful Tuppence Magrathia-Paddock, who has mistaken him for a pirate rogue out of one of her romantic tales. She is entirely willing to swoon into his arms if he can prove his buccaneer soul—and she is willing to arrange her own kidnapping to prove it. Percival eventually finds himself captain of a broken-down ship, complete with a crew of pirates who make their living selling fake treasure maps, a jilted fiancee, a reclusive Master Shipwright, and an old professor with a secret that could kill them all. It’s Pirates of Penzance meets Princess Bride as this motley group of characters sets sail for treasure and romance. 

My Review: I was expecting something a little more serious and was pleasantly surprised at how funny this story was! The humor was subtle in places and the overall tone was pure fun.

Percival Taylor is told he's a dead pirate's long-lost son and must go on an adventure. He sees the beautiful Tuppance, the governor's daughter, and decides to make her part of his fate, even though he's expected to marry a local girl. Vestia, the local girl, is sent by her mother to try to win him back, with the help of the Dragon's Bard. Total chaos, adventure, romance, unique and eccentric characters explode to life in the course of this adventure.

I loved how each new character was introduced. It was done in a way that gave a little background, yet tied things together. I loved how the fantasy parts of the story were not over the top, but blended into something that could be construed as real life. Why shouldn't I see a naiad the next time I'm at the beach?

It's hard to pick a favorite--I think my two favorite parts were the hidden treasure and the kidnapping. Both had me laughing.

For a light-hearted, delightful adventure with all the fixings--pirates, comedy, fantasy creatures, adventure, and romance, be sure to check this one out!

**I received this from NetGalley for review and this in no way influenced my review.**

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