Anchor and Storm

Jan 12, 2011 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-kate-poole, ebook-own-have-read, 4-5-stars, 2011-reads, arrangements, cant-have-kids, caring-for-dying-relative, format-kindle-or-kindle-compatible, genre-erotica-historical, first-read-of-an-author, historical-erotica, highlanders, historical-romance, illness-physical, love-letters, menage, raising-someone-elses-kid, recd-by-kitty-maureen, review-needed, romance-menage, scarred-disabled-blind, sizzzzzle, starts-with-a-thru-d, thrown-together-by-arrangement, wants-to-get-pregnant, group-read-selection, reviewed-by-me

If you knew you would die without an heir, and your title would go to your nephew, a greedy, conniving man, how far would you go, in the name of love, to ensure that didn’t happen?

And what would you do to ensure that your wife, the love of your life, is taken care of after your death? How do you make sure she won’t be tossed from her home, or forced into being your nephew’s mistress just to survive?

Edgar Armstrong, Earl of Callander faced those questions and more. He’d never really worried abou...more
If you knew you would die without an heir, and your title would go to your nephew, a greedy, conniving man, how far would you go, in the name of love, to ensure that didn’t happen?

And what would you do to ensure that your wife, the love of your life, is taken care of after your death? How do you make sure she won’t be tossed from her home, or forced into being your nephew’s mistress just to survive?

Edgar Armstrong, Earl of Callander faced those questions and more. He’d never really worried about marrying and producing an heir until it became apparent that his health was quickly failing him. Now, at 42 years of age, he has resigned himself to the idea that his nephew, Randolph, would become the tenth Earl of Callander, but when he meets and strikes up a friendship with Miss Emily Sinclair, the governess of Randolph and Caroline’s children, he starts to think that maybe there is hope after all. Even though Emily is fond of him too, he wants more than friendship from her and he knows he’ll need to move slowly to win her heart. He isn’t even sure he can perform in the marriage bed and wonders if she’d be repulsed by his legs, weak and gaunt from illness. Emily, however, has fallen in love with Edgar and accepts him as he is, and the two of them will live happily ever after…

But when Edgar learns that his debilitating disease can be passed on to his children, he understands the kind of life he’d be condemning them to and isn’t willing to risk that. So he comes up with a plan to make sure that Emily is taken care of by seeing to it that she gives birth to an heir, even though the child won’t be of his blood… and when he presents his plan to Emily, and asks her to choose a man to sire his heir, how can their love survive it?

Anchor and Storm is a much deeper, more thought provoking and heart wrenching story than I had imagined it would be. Based on the cover synopsis, you might expect just another sexy, erotic ménage novel, but this story pulled at my heart strings and had me really thinking about what is acceptable in a marriage, between a husband and wife. While this never became a m/m relationship, it’s still a love story about three people, Edgar, Emily and Angus, who learned that unconditional love is sometimes about taking chances, and that true love spans this life, and the next.

And yes, I know this is a cheesy review, but frankly, it’s an emotional story that took me by surprise and I want to thank Maureen for choosing this book as part of our monthly group read because Anchor and Storm is one of those stories that will stay with me for a long time to come.

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Jan 02, 2011 I ♥ Bookie Nookie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-smut-historical-romance, theme-menage, i-love-this-new, zz-reviewed, 2011-read-in, tone-erotic

What a fantastic book! It was filled with emotion and a few twists and unexpected turn of events. When I was about 3/4 through with the book, my heart was aching for Edgar, Angus and Emily. I totally didn't foresee the path she eventually took us on. If you love a great romance with some drama, this is the book for you!

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✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews

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If you like this...more

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Apr 17, 2011 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: historical romance fans and erotica romance fans

Recommended to Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* by: Elena R a.k.a. Lunies R

Shelves: ebooks, genre-erotic-romance, keep-a-spare-pair-of-knickers, favorites, genre-historical-romance, menage-a-trois, books-i-go-rabid-over, the-hymen-club, read-in-2011

WOW. I wasn’t expecting to be so blown away by this read, but I was. The cover of the book is entirely misleading. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely hot, but there is so much more to it than just the sex in Anchor and Storm.

Edgar Armstrong is dying of a wasting disease and although he has found a loving wife in Emily, they wish to start a family before Edgar’s health declines even more. But when Edgar realizes his disease can be passed down to his young, he refuses to be the one to give Emily...more WOW. I wasn’t expecting to be so blown away by this read, but I was. The cover of the book is entirely misleading. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely hot, but there is so much more to it than just the sex in Anchor and Storm.

Edgar Armstrong is dying of a wasting disease and although he has found a loving wife in Emily, they wish to start a family before Edgar’s health declines even more. But when Edgar realizes his disease can be passed down to his young, he refuses to be the one to give Emily a child. Instead, he proposes that she take a lover.

They don’t have much time to wait because Edgar’s nephew, Raymond and his bitch wife Caroline are trying to steal Edgar’s title away from him so it is imperative that Edgar produces an heir before he dies. After attempts on both his life and Emily’s, Edgar believes having a surrogate child would be best.

But the question is, who will Emily choose to take as a lover?

Angus works for Edgar and they get along fine, but when Angus develops a deep love for his boss’ wife, Angus finds himself in a difficult spot. Emily and Angus fight their feelings for one another, but even Edgar can see the sparks between them. Soon, a deep bond forms between the three and I was surprised to find myself loving all three characters equally. Edgar is confident in his love for Emily and her love in him while Emily is capable of so much love that she can find true love in two different men, and Angus is so devoted to Emily that he would do anything to ensure her happiness.

I wasn’t expecting the heart that is in this little book. There were many parts where tears were threatening to spill and it really broke my heart to read some of these pages. But I loved every moment of it and I can’t recommend it enough!

Anchor and Storm is definitely not your average ménage novel! Though deeply sensual and highly erotic, there’s heart and romance that some other eroticas lack. I can truly say that this is how all historical-eroticas should be done! Beautifully written and an intensely romantic read, I think Anchor and Storm will be one of my favourites for a long time to come.
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Apr 13, 2011 Elena R a.k.a. Lunies R rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Elena R a.k.a. Lunies R by: Holly

Shelves: will-make-your-body-parts-quiver, historical-romance, favorites

This novel is one of my All Time Top Favorite Historical Romance novels,with a kick of permanent Ménage!

If anyone is wondering "Huh?" Let me explain.Don't let the cover fool you.It's an HR and although I'm not into kinky ménage novels. This one wasn't kinky at all.It's totally Worth it!!!!!!!!!! I LOVED IT!

Edgar Armstrong,Earl of Callander,never thought he could find someone as beautiful,smart,kind hearted and loving as Emily Sinclair.In return Emily,shows Edgar,she sees the man that he truly is...more This novel is one of my All Time Top Favorite Historical Romance novels,with a kick of permanent Ménage!

If anyone is wondering "Huh?" Let me explain.Don't let the cover fool you.It's an HR and although I'm not into kinky ménage novels. This one wasn't kinky at all.It's totally Worth it!!!!!!!!!! I LOVED IT!

Edgar Armstrong,Earl of Callander,never thought he could find someone as beautiful,smart,kind hearted and loving as Emily Sinclair.In return Emily,shows Edgar,she sees the man that he truly is, where he might think he's a useless old cripple,she sees otherwise.Sometime ago Edgar had a terrible accident while riding a horse,which he still now suffers from,and because of it he walks around with a cane.He will never be able to ride a horse again and do many other physical entertainments most men enjoy.Walking day after day with a cane,makes him feel immobile.He doesn't feel this way when he falls madly in love Emily and marries her.Sharing a life with her makes him see there's more of his life he can experience.

Because of Edgar's short life span,that was caused by his accident and the illness that is spreading,he knows he doesn't have much time to waste.He needs Emily to bare a child of their own.He needs a child to pass his inheritance down to,so none of his assests gets passed down to his incompetent bastard nephew,which doesn't deserve a dime!

Edgar would do anything to keep his wife happy and full of joy.Now that their love for one another has bloomed.They try their hardest to conceive a child.Then they finally come to realize it's impossible.Edgar is incapable of giving his wife a child of his own.

*Rubs hands together* This is when the novel gets GOOD! It's impossible not to love the characters!Sexy Angus MacNeill *sighs* which is Edgar's employee.He takes care of Edgar's horses,stalls etc.There's more to Angus,but you need to read the story and find out the juicy details.I refuse to let my flowing thoughts to ruin the story.Anywhoo,if you haven't already guessed. Angus plays a huge role in this novel. I really thought it was a BAD idea. But I loved the devotion Edgar and Emily took to accomplish what they were thriving for.There was no one so trusting and loveable to involve but Angus MacNeill.

As time passes,the love between these three remarkable people took my breath away! The love they shared in the confinements of their own bedroom was all passion.I didn't have an awkward feeling at all while reading the sex scenes,it was nothing but Love!

All in all,if you read this review and I made you think " WOW,a novel beyond kinky ménage? Really?" I'm gonna say "Heck Yes" Go get yourself a copy! You will,with all honesty LOVE IT!!!

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Feb 20, 2011 Angela the Fair ~Lusty Lace~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Angela the Fair ~Lusty Lace~ by: Elena R a.k.a. Lunies R

Shelves: read-in-2011

*In tears*. 5 Stars!!!
Best Romantic Mènage a Trois!
(not that I've read many but this is really good)

I have no words to explain this book but my feelings for it.
It made me cry, it made me fall for two men, and it made me cry again!!!
I soooo want my own Anchor and my own Storm.

I highly recommend this book!!!

Thank you Elena!!! You got any more books like this to recommend?

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Nov 27, 2012 Sammy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Sammy by: Holly Leffler

Shelves: historical-romance, her-eggo-is-prego, tear-jerker, lendable, menage, smokin-hot-drippin-wet, virgins-like-sex-too

What an aweful cover for such a sweet love story. This book was absolutely nothing like I had expected. I only bought this book because the reviews were so good but the cover made it seam like it was "just another menage" story. I was so wrong about that.

This was a historical love story and I truly felt the love from all parties involved. It is rare when reading a menage to feel that all parties have a deep heartfelt love but Kate Poole did an excellent job. I will not give a synopsis, but high...more

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Aug 02, 2011 Tammy Walton Grant rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-or-ebook, calibre, 2011-july, hr-georgian, hr-oh-so-steamy, romance-angsty

Well, she says (she being me, what the heck, let's try this in the third person), this one was a little different. And so much more than I expected.

This book showed up on my updates recently (I know, I said third person, but that POV switch is hard!) when some friends started talking about it so I snagged a copy to see what was up.

The cover itself is a little deceiving - contrary to what I would have thought from the image this is actually a historical romance. An erotic historical, to be sure,...more

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Jun 01, 2011 Jodie Riverina Romantics rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: on-kindle, on-blog, historical, erotic, on-amazon

Wow. This was such a lovely, heart wrenching and thought provoking story....and yes, it is erotica.

It is a rare occurrence for me to find an erotica that is equally matched in heart warming romance as it is in erotica sex scenes. Kate Poole definitely did a fantastic job, but in saying that - the sex scenes weren't the bow-chica-wa-wa, sort, they were sultry, sexy, but extremely sweet. The sort of sex scene where you think to yourself "Boy, does this guy love me love the heroine".

The story itse...more

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Dec 19, 2012 Tai rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: corsets-and-swooning, favorites, menage-o-3

Oh. My. Gosh.

I absolutely loved this story! So much so that I feel like I could walk around in a t-shirt declaring how much I “heart” it. I started reading, and could not stop until it was finished.

The story was so beautiful, from start to finish. Sammy Loves Books was absolutely right in her review when she said they put the wrong cover on it. There were no cheap, tawdry thrills (though I do enjoy that) as the cover would imply, just a pure sweet romance. I could even go as far as to say that t...more

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Dec 22, 2012 Elaine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Elaine by: Sammy

Shelves: great-plot, historical-romance, m-f-m, pg-or-baby, romance, re-read-worthy, super-satisfying, sweet-story, verklempt-moment

What a beautiful, well written love story! The author Kate Poole spun a historic romantce tale that pulled me in immediately and I read this book in one sitting.

Early in the story Edgar Armstrong, Earl of Callander, who has a muscle wasting disease, pulls Emily out of an increasingly bad employment situation and she acts as his traveling companion. They fall in love and marry.

It is imperative than an heir is produced, or the Edgar's fortune will go to an ingrate of a relative. But he does not w...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Shawna rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of thought-provoking, emotional, erotic historical romance

Shelves: historical-romance, menage-multiple-partners, erotic-romance-erotica-romantica, elloras-cave, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, pregnancy-fertility-baby-kids-drama, hh-physical-mental-disability-ill, historical-romance-georgian, heroine-commoner-lower-class, hh-limp-paraplegic-wheelchair, heroine-chaperone-governess-teacher, hh-aristocracy-nobility-royalty, heroine-country-lass, hh-social-class-wealth-matters, hh-servant-serving-working-class, historical-romance-scottish, heroine-companion, hero-alpha‎, captive-kidnapped-hostage-slave, hero-brooding, hero-commoner-self-made, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-titled-wealthy-lord, highlanders-hunks-in-kilts-scots, hh-disfigured-injured-scarred-ill, heroine-naïve-virgin-like-a-virgin, romance-doesnt-end-at-40, made-me-cry, married-couples-married-convenience, love-triangle-vying-courtships, steam-3-hot, sizable-packages, heartbreaking-gutwrenching-romance, tearjerker-tugs-at-heartstrings, friends-to-lovers, 2012-reads, 4-to-5-stars, editing-nightmare, favorite-romance-couple-hh-pairings, hero-beta, hero-gentleman, hero-im-gaga-over, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, heroine-curvy-plump-not-stick-thin, heroine-i-adore, hh-across-the-tracks, hh-post-traumatic-stress-disorder, hh-rags-to-riches, i-read-no-longer-own-sold-swapped, villain-uber-bad-nasty, steam-4-smokin, hh-phobia-disorder

4 ½ stars – Historical Romance

The writing isn’t perfect and the third part of the book and ending are somewhat choppy and rushed, but it’s such an emotionally powerful, touching story about the various depths of love with wonderful characters. I just adored sweet, gentlemanly, caring Edgar and gruff, rugged alpha Angus, and Emily was a loyal, loving heroine. It’s such an evocative, romantic story and had me tearing up, so definitely worthy of solid 4 ½ stars.

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Jan 19, 2012 Kitt rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, smexy, dnf, read-2011, books-i-own, ebooks-i-own

I stopped reading around 67% ( In Kindle version, so I don't know the actual page number)

Authors, despite what ever delusions you may garner, forcing your Heroes on your Heroines is NEVER hot, sexy or romantic.

"No" and "stop" mean "NO".

This was my first by this author and will be my last.

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Jan 05, 2012 Ina rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this one! A real page turner. Impossible to put down. I had to force myself to take a break. An extremely emotional ride is what it was. Edgar and Angus... such lovely men! And Emíly was a real sweet girl.

The cover may give you the impression of a book mainly focusing on sex, but I have to say that is not the main thing here. There certainly are some very tasteful sex scenes, but the main focus is on the beautiful love between Emily and her Edgar.. and of course Angus is in there too. :...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Marissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic, historical, romance, menage-multiple-partners

Wow, I loved Edgar, Emily, and Angus.
Tender and sweet, beautifully emotional and sad altogether. I wasn't sure how this would all work out in the end, but somehow it molded into this exquisite family of three, plus some, in a varied of pleasing ways. Just beautiful.
I was a little sad that after all we went through with Emily, Edgar, and Angus, we didn't get as much closure as I would have liked in the end. It seemed a bit hurried, which kind of took away from some of the emotional aspect for me....more

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Sep 28, 2010 Jane Stewart rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-historical-romance

3 ½ stars. Sweet, lovely romantic story, not wildly erotic. Caution: some tears at the end.

STORY BRIEF:
Emily lost her father and brothers in battles with the English. She found a job as a governess for Raymond’s children. Raymond’s wealthy uncle Edgar is visiting. Raymond informs Emily that they no longer need her services since they are sending the children to boarding schools. Raymond threatens to ruin Emily’s chances for other employment unless she has sex with him. She refuses. Edgar hears t...more 3 ½ stars. Sweet, lovely romantic story, not wildly erotic. Caution: some tears at the end.

STORY BRIEF:
Emily lost her father and brothers in battles with the English. She found a job as a governess for Raymond’s children. Raymond’s wealthy uncle Edgar is visiting. Raymond informs Emily that they no longer need her services since they are sending the children to boarding schools. Raymond threatens to ruin Emily’s chances for other employment unless she has sex with him. She refuses. Edgar hears this and chastises Raymond. Edgar offers an escape for Emily as his traveling companion – no sex involved. She agrees. Edgar walks with a cane due to an inherited disease. Edgar and Emily fall in love. They want children but Edgar doesn’t want a child to suffer by inheriting his disease. So they ask another man to get Emily pregnant with the resulting children to be claimed as Edgar’s. A second motivation for the pregnancy is that if they don’t have a child, Raymond would inherit Edgar’s property upon Edgar’s death. Raymond would then force Emily into poverty unless she submitted to his demands.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
A requirement of romance novels is a happy ending. This book straddles that fence. The ending is sad for one of the main characters – causing tears for some readers. It didn’t bother me that much because that character did experience a lot of happiness. But some readers won’t like it.

Based on the cover picture and being an Ellora’s Cave publication I was expecting strong erotic scenes, but the sex scenes were more of a passionate and loving nature. There was more emphasis on story than sex. It was a sweet, lovely, romantic story. It was typical romance, with typical characters, good guys and whining, obnoxious, bad guys. It’s not a must read, but if you’re in the mood for light pleasant reading, this is good. It’s shorter than typical novels. Sex scenes include ménage a trios (two men and one woman).

DATA:
Story length: 201 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 10. Total number of sex scene pages: 29. Setting: 1750 and 1756 mostly Scotland. Copyright: 2007. Genre: erotic historical romance.(less)

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Apr 21, 2013 Kay rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 4 Stars ~ In 1750 Scotland, Edgar rescues Emily from his lecherous nephew by inviting her along on his travels through Europe as his companion. Edgar has a debilitating illness that has weakened his legs and he knows that he won't enjoy a long life. Soon their fondness for each other develops into a deep love and they marry. Edgar is eager to give Emily a child and for a heir to his title. But when his nephew learns of their marriage, suddenly Edgar has a trip down the stairs. For days he lay un...more 4 Stars ~ In 1750 Scotland, Edgar rescues Emily from his lecherous nephew by inviting her along on his travels through Europe as his companion. Edgar has a debilitating illness that has weakened his legs and he knows that he won't enjoy a long life. Soon their fondness for each other develops into a deep love and they marry. Edgar is eager to give Emily a child and for a heir to his title. But when his nephew learns of their marriage, suddenly Edgar has a trip down the stairs. For days he lay unconscious, and when he awakens the doctor asks him if anyone in his family has had a similar illness. Edgar is shocked to realize that yes his father and grandfather also suffered and that he may pass on this illness to a child of his own, something he is determined shall not happen. But an heir and a child for Emily is still needed, so Edgar proposes they find a surrogate. Emily is shocked but agrees. Angus is from the Highlands of Scotland and knew Emily's father during the battles with England. He's been indentured to Edgar as his groom. From the moment they'd met, Emily and Angus sparked. He felt she had married Edgar for his money and position but when Edgar had lain unconscious in his bed, he'd seen how devoted and much she actually loved her husband. While he's shocked by Edgar's proposal, he's also intrigued and he can't deny that he desires Emily. After Angus and Emily share a night of passion, Edgar worries if he's done the right thing and decides that should more nights be needed he'll also be a participant.

This is Ms. Poole's first published work and she pulled me into Emily's story from the first pages. Neither hero really dominates this story, rather they complement each other. As Emily declares to Angus, Edgar is her anchor and he is her storm. I found the dynamics of this relationship to be really well written, with all the characters emotions ringing true. Though the HEA is a bittersweet one, we are forewarned early in the book that Edgar was Emily's for but a short time. I enjoyed this lovestory very much and would definitely read more from this author(less)

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Sep 24, 2011 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romantica-erotica, tear-jerker, angsty-emotional, 4-star, infidelity-issues, may-to-december, fabulous-characters, historical-romance, m-f-m-pairing

4/5 stars

First, I'll start out by saying the cover of this book is very misleading. Anchor and Storm is a thought-provoking and deeply emotional historical romance. And while there's a strong undertone of erotica, the story's focus is mainly on the meaning of unconditional love and all it encompasses.

Anchor and Storm is emotional, angsty, and heartbreaking, as well as sweet, romantic, and heartwarming. It's a true love story.

The three wonderfully flawed but endearing characters, Edgar, Emily, an...more

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May 14, 2011 Elenariel rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: who likes very emotional plots, doesn't mind a HEA painted with a shade of melancholy and sadness

Shelves: highlanders, historical, smut

After surviving Culloden slaughter, Emily tried to reinvent herself as a governess, but now that the children she was teaching to are going to boarding school, her employer brokes every restraint and assault her.
Fortunately, Edgar Armstrong, Earl of Callander and Raymond's uncle, comes to her rescue, freeing her from the horrible situation, and more: he offers Emily to join him in his trip across Europe. After clearing the misunderstanding that she won't be his mistress, Emily gladily accept, 'c...more After surviving Culloden slaughter, Emily tried to reinvent herself as a governess, but now that the children she was teaching to are going to boarding school, her employer brokes every restraint and assault her.
Fortunately, Edgar Armstrong, Earl of Callander and Raymond's uncle, comes to her rescue, freeing her from the horrible situation, and more: he offers Emily to join him in his trip across Europe. After clearing the misunderstanding that she won't be his mistress, Emily gladily accept, 'cause she love the older man company, and little by little she comes to love the man himself, despite his degenerative disease.
Edgar finds Emily lovely and refreshing: she's beautiful and intelligent, sweet and honest, and being with her gives him back the will to live. They eventually marry each other, and to save her future, and that of the Callander estate's workers from Raymond's lecherous and evil hands, Edgar suggests to concieve a son, an heir. While he's secretely planning and working to find her a worth protector.
Despite their wonderful lovemakings, Emily doesn't seem to become pregnant so, when they discover Edgar's disease to be hereditary, the only apparent solution is to find a surrogate father. The perfect candidate for Edgar is his groom, Angus MacNeill: an highlander survivor just like his Emily, Angus can love her just like Edgar does, and protect her from harm with the phisical strenght Edgar doesn't have anymore.
But how can a husband ask his beloved wife to lie with another man? And maybe to join them?

What are you willing to do in the name of L ove?

This is the big question all the book revolves about.
It's a story about human feelings: the sweetness of a romance and the ugliness of greed, the happiness of finally finding love and the sadness of knowing you have to leave her/him behind, the sorrow of losing everything and the excitement of finding the only person you ever wanted.
The erotica theme is the side dish, the accompaniment to the main theme, sex not only to show sex, but a turmoil of emotions.
I didn't know what to expect from this book: it was a casual try, but I have to say I really liked it this way. Don't know why they choose that cover, though...
The plot builds up with the right pace, we're able to know the characters as they learn to know each other, we can see how they think and what they feel as they make their decisions, they feel real. The historical atmosphere is bound to the Culloden battle references, the landscapes, to Emily's clothing, to the way the side characters think and act, that aside, the three main characters could live in this century

There's a deep meaning in the story and in the relationship the characters build, the little spirit that comes out here and there lightens nicely up the mood that would be extremely serious otherwise.
It's difficult to completely connect with the characters so it's a bit strange but somewhat beautiful seeing them grow in this situation: Edgar may seem a bit too happy and eager to send his wife to Angus, and maybe Angus and Emily fall in love a bit too quickly, but then, we see Edgar having afterthoughts, Emily feeling guilty and trying to avoid another intercourse with Angus, and when we discover the reason behind Angus attraction it remembers a fairytale. Even the final scene with the three of them together, (view spoiler) shows a kind of beauty without sounding creepy.
Even if you start absolutely sure that their outcome is impossible, going on with the story the reader is pushed to think, to reflect, to try to understand every character point of view; you don't have to agree with them, but you can't avoid to be angry, and hopeful, and regretful, and happy with/for them, and to think "What I would do in his/her place?"

I liked the sentence that inspired the title, but I'd prefer my anchor and storm in the same man!(less)

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Apr 23, 2013 Victoria Paige rated it 4 of 5 stars

A historical erotica with a great story. Here is the blurb:

Edgar Armstrong, Earl of Callander, had not given much thought to marrying and producing an heir…until he meets Emily Sinclair. When their easy companionship grows into love, they learn that Edgar’s progressively debilitating disease could be passed on to his children. As their joy turns to despair Edgar finds a solution. If he can’t get her with child he knows just the man who can. But will Emily agree to his plan?Angus MacNeill, Lord C...more

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Aug 09, 2010 Slavena rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: best-romance-books, historical-romance, historical-erotica, steamy-historical-romance

I read this book in 4-5 hours. I could not put it down. Kate Poole has now become one of my favorite romance authors. I was in a mood to read erotic historical romance and this one had great reviews. I am unfamiliar with what exactly is considered erotica and what not since some books considered just romance are as hot as those considered erotica and vice versa. I think the book cover on this one misleads a little.

Setting is 5 years after Jacobite rising and the main heroine Emily is a chieftain...more

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Jan 16, 2011 Joy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, romantica

Set in the 1750s. An earl discovers his nephew/heir sexually harassing the governess, and jumps in to rescue and eventually marry her. This is the romance part. When it turns out that the earl's degenerative disease is probably hereditary, they resort to finding another father for their children--no one wants the nephew to inherit because he's an asshole. The man they both end up having in mind turns out to be connected to the heroine in an unexpected way. This is the menage a trois romance part...more

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Jul 02, 2010 Kris (KindleRomance) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amazing, favorites

This was a beautiful, romantic story that really hit the heart. All of the characters were wonderful and had a great chemistry. Misunderstandings or concerns were addressed quickly so negative feelings never dragged on. The story covers a very long period of time with an almost extended epilogue.

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Dec 06, 2009 ♡KarLynP♡ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2009, genre-historical, genre-erotica, steam-sizzling

This one really surprised me as you rarely find a really good erotica/romantica story with so much depth and reality. Nothing about this story felt contrived, false or forced. It was a beautiful, if not different (m/f/m), historical love story. I typically prefer the more mainstream m/f romances, but this one really made me think twice. It takes place in 1750 England, and through an array of believable circumstances the Earl must produce a child, yet he cannot be the biological father. Many live...more

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Oct 01, 2011 Karla rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Karla by: Kristen, Kris and Kathleen

Shelves: awesome-alpha, emotional, menage, passionate, scorching-hot, strong-willed-heroine, sweet-romance, terrific-dialogue

What a sweet and fiery love story. Edgar was so charming, kind, and the perfect gentleman. Angus was the total opposite, hot -headed, infuriating, the perfect alpha male. They both endured hardship and my heart ached for them. Even though they were of different social status, they had a mutual respect for one another. Two men so different, with opposing lifestyles, but the one thing they had in common was their passionate desire and love for Emily. What one couldn’t give her the other one could,...more

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Dec 05, 2011 Dianne rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm speechless! Sitting here in silent awe as I reread the ending of this incredibly good book! It was such a beautiful love story the ending both sad and lovely (I'm finding it hard to find the perfect words to describe the ending). What I can say is don't allow the cover to turn you off reading this book...I say this because I put off reading it for a while because of the cover. I wrongly thought another menage story, same theme/storyline. I was so wrong! Yes, it is erotica, yes it has a menag...more

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Jul 16, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Jen by: Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust*

Shelves: menage, historical-romance

I'm not usually a big fan of menage stories for anything more than a dirty diversion. But Anchor and Storm is more than just a sexy romp. It's a love story. --I know, I know, I've seen the cover too. But I promise, there is more to this book than meets the eye.

Emily was governess to Edgar's nephew's children when he met her. Even though he was older and in poor health, the two of them fell for each other and married. To an outsider, it may have looked like Em married him for his money and title,...more

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Mar 11, 2010 VampFanGirl rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-historical-romance

Emily Sinclair, once the daughter of a powerful laird, is now a governess for a wretched family in the English countryside. On the brink of being turned out on the streets, Emily is saved by Edgar Armstrong, Earl of Callander. Born of a suspicious lot, Emily is at first appalled by Edgar's proposal to travel the Continent with him as his companion. Having nearly been raped by her employer, Emily is initially disgusted by his suggestion but she soon changes her mind after learning all the facts.

A...more Emily Sinclair, once the daughter of a powerful laird, is now a governess for a wretched family in the English countryside. On the brink of being turned out on the streets, Emily is saved by Edgar Armstrong, Earl of Callander. Born of a suspicious lot, Emily is at first appalled by Edgar's proposal to travel the Continent with him as his companion. Having nearly been raped by her employer, Emily is initially disgusted by his suggestion but she soon changes her mind after learning all the facts.

After suffering a riding accident long ago, Edgar's health has continually depleted to the point that he can only walk with the help of a cane for short distances. His life was close to the end until he met Emily at his nephew's home. Having slowly gotten to know Emily during his stay, he finds in her a remarkable woman. One who looks past his useless body to the strong heart of his soul. Disgusted by his nephew's foul treatment of her, he knows that Emily is out of options and he hopes to take her away with him. In his youth, Edgar always believed he would have time to marry and sire an heir, but that dream has scattered to the winds and he can only hope for solace and perhaps love and his heart is set on Emily.

After agreeing to accompany Edgar as his companion, Emily finds herself yearning deeply for the man that has given her so much. Her feelings are far more than just gratitude and when Edgar makes his advances, Emily is more than happy to comply to sooth the ache that has built inside her. And when Edgar offers her marriage, her heart soars. But as love grows strongly between the newly weds, so does the hope for a child and despite the odds, Edgar and Emily make a concerted effort to conceive. Where once Edgar wanted an heir to ensure Emily's future after his inevitable death, he now longs to see her swell with his life, to see her happy because truly, that's all he desires for his wonderful bride.

Returning to England after their travels, Edgar and Emily continue their increasingly desperate attempts to have a child when a possibility arises that neither can overlook. It's becoming painfully obvious that their attempts are not working and that they must look to another source. Enter the smoldering alpha, Angus MacNeill, Edgar's virile groom.

Angus is a man deeply scorned and his initial reaction to Emily is angry disgust. Unbeknownst to Emily, she's was once Angus's betrothed. He's known all along that she was his intended but he never thought her to be a conniving woman willing to do anything for the riches she's now gained by the side of his invalid employer. But as time goes by, he soon recognizes the deep love that Emily holds for Edgar and Angus is both shamed and jealous.

Knowing his resigned acceptance of Emily's love for Edgar, Angus never would he have thought that the two would approach him to help in their conception of a child. At first appalled by their suggestion, Angus is soon lured by his one promised night to own Emily, to drink her up to his body's content. But when the sun arises after their night of passion, both Angus and Emily recognize their wrongful love for one another in light of Emily's and Edgar's marriage.

Unfortunately, as if the inconvenience of Angus's and Emily's love wasn't enough, Edgar's nephew and Emily's former employer make haste for the Callander seat with disastrous and potentially deadly intentions.

ANCHOR AND STORM was a nice read with the love making between Angus and Emily as stimulating as it was beautiful. Unfortunately, it came late in the book. I felt that the build up was a bit tedious for an Ellora's Cave novel. With a publisher known for its ability to deliver highly erotic stories, I was disappointed that the fun didn't start until near the end. The hussy in me wanted her fix!

Also, in comparison to the highly complex plots of my recent reads, A&S read as more elementary when I was in the rhythm of high intensity combined with sweeping epics. This wasn't the book's fault by any means but it did effect my overall enjoyment of what it had to offer.

For historical romance lovers that have been pining for more manege plots in their genre of choice, ANCHOR AND STORM is the novel for you.
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Mar 02, 2013 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-romance, historical-romance, imperfect-injured-scarred-tortured, kate-poole

My first from this author, and while the writing didn't flow as smoothly as some, the story certainly captured and held my attention.

Edgar Armstrong, Earl of Callander has a progressive debilitating disease and had not given much thought to securing his title with a wife and heir until he meets Emily Sinclair, a governess to his nephew's children. They fall deeply in love (too quickly at first to be believable) and marry but when Edgar finds out his disease can pass on to their children he pe...more

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Feb 14, 2012 Lana Torres rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a book you can't judge by the cover, because (finally)this is a ménage romance book that it's not just about the sex. It's about a lot more. I think it was so sweet the way that the caracters envolves with each other... I don't know what to say anymore, you just have to read it. You'll love the three of them.

It's good to mention that the males caracters don't envolve with other sexually or romantically speaking (and they're not brothers), so there is not M/M romance in this book, if that...more

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Apr 16, 2013 Erica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, menage, owned-ebook, georgian, adultery, borrowed-and-returned, four-and-five-star-reads, outlander-lovers, scottish-or-irish-character, v-card, highlander-genre

What a great read! I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started this book but I sure wasn't expecting two of the main characters to be Scottish Highlanders, the third a Scottish Lowlander, and for this book to be set in Scotland. Which, of course, heightened my enjoyment of it since I love Highlander accents and Gaelic to be used. This book reminded me a lot of parts of The Reluctant Dom and parts of Voyager. It is set in the Lowlands of Scotland shortly after the Rising and the final battle...more What a great read! I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started this book but I sure wasn't expecting two of the main characters to be Scottish Highlanders, the third a Scottish Lowlander, and for this book to be set in Scotland. Which, of course, heightened my enjoyment of it since I love Highlander accents and Gaelic to be used. This book reminded me a lot of parts of The Reluctant Dom and parts of Voyager. It is set in the Lowlands of Scotland shortly after the Rising and the final battle at Culloden...and Emily has escaped the only home she has ever known to be a governess and Angus was sold into servitude as a stable groom whereas if things HAD been different and the Scots were victorious at Culloden, Angus would have been a chieftain laird and Emily probably would have married a chieftain laird of a clan. But...as we know from history and from the Outlander series, the battle at Culloden changed everything for the Highland Clans in the late 18th century. So...here we are...Emily and Edgar fall deeply in love even though Edgar is much older than she is and suffers from a debilitating disease that we never discover the name of but suspect that it is passed down genetically. Edgar is a saint. In order to protect the future of his love and all that live at his estate, he encourages an affair between Emily and Angus. And...doesn't get mad AT ALL when they admit that they are in love too. It's quite a tale. There is intrigue with Edgar's smarmy relatives who don't want Emily to get pregnant, there is a lot of romance and beautiful imagery, and yes, even though it's illegal as hell after Culloden, there is a hot man in a kilt. Now...this is not really your typical menage. If you are expecting a book of the normal thread of "we share women and that's what we do and you're the one for us" with lots of double penetration, that's not what this is. That's where it resembles more of The Reluctant Dom; Edgar is being realistic that he is going to die before Emily and is taking precautions to ensure her survival, her future, the care of his children and her happiness. It's a wonderfully sweet and sad story, very romantic and loving, and truly a treasure for menage lovers who want a break from the normal menage formula, love books with Scottish characters, and just are in the mood for a book that will make you smile, both happily and sadly.

Did I mention that Edgar is a saint? Truly a selfless husband for the love of his wife. (less)

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Anchor and Storm

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