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The Razor's Adventures #1
The Blue Diamond
When four spirited young women find themselves orphaned and alone in an unforgiving world, they are forced to defend not only their honor but their very lives.
Ivory Shepard, has made a name for herself as the notorious pirate "Ivory Razor," while she and her handy cousins; Cass, Keara and Miranda are building a life in Port Royal, Jamaica. When she takes a merchant ship and finds a bag full of rare diamonds, including one very large blue one, she never imagined she'd end up captured and held prisoner by a rival pirate.
Maddox Carbonale aka "Blacksnake" intends to collect a fifty thousand pound bounty on her head and earn a pardon in the process, until a fiery attraction ignites between them. Regardless of their first passionate night together, by the time the sun rises the next morning, Ivory is reminded why she trusts no one and she's left wondering if her fate is sealed due to Blacksnake's greed or Maddox's wounded ego.
Ultimately unable to deny his feelings for her, Maddox offers his loyalty and his guns. but no one can take anything from Ivory Shepard that she doesn't want to give; certainly not her freedom, and most of all, her heart.
Will she prove she can have it all on her own terms; the man, the blue diamond and her freedom?
Ivory Shepard, has made a name for herself as the notorious pirate "Ivory Razor," while she and her handy cousins; Cass, Keara and Miranda are building a life in Port Royal, Jamaica. When she takes a merchant ship and finds a bag full of rare diamonds, including one very large blue one, she never imagined she'd end up captured and held prisoner by a rival pirate.
Maddox Carbonale aka "Blacksnake" intends to collect a fifty thousand pound bounty on her head and earn a pardon in the process, until a fiery attraction ignites between them. Regardless of their first passionate night together, by the time the sun rises the next morning, Ivory is reminded why she trusts no one and she's left wondering if her fate is sealed due to Blacksnake's greed or Maddox's wounded ego.
Ultimately unable to deny his feelings for her, Maddox offers his loyalty and his guns. but no one can take anything from Ivory Shepard that she doesn't want to give; certainly not her freedom, and most of all, her heart.
Will she prove she can have it all on her own terms; the man, the blue diamond and her freedom?
482 pages, ebook
Published October 3, 2014
42 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
P.S. Bartlett
18 books101 followersP.S. Bartlett (pen name), an award-winning author, was born on Valentine's Day in Baltimore, Maryland, near the historic sites of Fort McHenry and Federal Hill. As the youngest of eleven siblings, she was surrounded by history and enjoyed cycling to explore these national landmarks with her friends during her childhood.
She released her debut novel, Fireflies, in 2013 and has since self-published twelve books.
During the pandemic, Peggy used her writing skills to freelance in copywriting, editing, and beta-reading, which helped her regain lost income and grow her freelance business. Collaborating with authors has become a fulfilling passion, as she enjoys helping others achieve their writing goals. She has also added publishing and social media management to her list of offerings to her clients.
Alongside her literary endeavors, she loves reading, painting, drawing, and learning anything new. While writing and coaching other authors takes up much of her leisure time by choice, she treasures the moments spent with friends and family.
Currently serving as a full-time marketing director, Peggy hopes to transition into a full-time writing career upon her retirement in 2026, as well as continuing her work in support of authors.
Her motto is: "I'm taking a fantastic voyage. Won't you join me?"
She released her debut novel, Fireflies, in 2013 and has since self-published twelve books.
During the pandemic, Peggy used her writing skills to freelance in copywriting, editing, and beta-reading, which helped her regain lost income and grow her freelance business. Collaborating with authors has become a fulfilling passion, as she enjoys helping others achieve their writing goals. She has also added publishing and social media management to her list of offerings to her clients.
Alongside her literary endeavors, she loves reading, painting, drawing, and learning anything new. While writing and coaching other authors takes up much of her leisure time by choice, she treasures the moments spent with friends and family.
Currently serving as a full-time marketing director, Peggy hopes to transition into a full-time writing career upon her retirement in 2026, as well as continuing her work in support of authors.
Her motto is: "I'm taking a fantastic voyage. Won't you join me?"
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October 7, 2015
Celebrate the release of Jaded Tides with P.S. Bartlett!
Enter to win one of FOUR complete eBook sets of The Razor's Adventures Pirate Tales so far!
International where allowed - Click on Banner to Enter!
Long before the days of required floatation devices and multi-million dollar pleasure yachts, only the bravest of the brave would venture the seas, brave the storms and dare to cross paths with legendary pirates. Of these pirates one stands out, more cunning, slippery as an eel and already the object of seafaring history? I dare say, if Moby Dick had come upon this captain, that tale would have had a far different ending. Who is this brute of a pirate known as the Razor? Allow author P. S. Bartlett to introduce you to Miss Ivory Shepard, the oldest of four female cousins, each with their own special gift to bring to the table, and to the seas. Able to outwit, out manuever and overpower men twice her diminutive size, Ivory and her crew have become a force to be reckoned with, legends in a world that rarely gives way. Ivory has also become the object of a manhunt, with a bounty on her head for the theft of value diamonds and one man, a “gentleman” pirate known as Blacksnake is determined to win the prize. But was he prepared for the real Ivory? The brilliant woman behind the pirate façade is damaged, and grasping at a way to survive without being under the thumb or whip of any man. She also is beautiful, feisty and deadly poison for Maddox’s heart. He may be holding her captive, but she has made him a prisoner of his heart and his lust and he doesn’t’ even realize it until she manages to escape and return to the sea. The chase is on, who will win? Will the loser walk the plank?
Love it, love it, love it! The Blue Diamond by P. S. Bartlett, the flagship book in her new series, The Razor’s Edge is an historical romance lover’s dream! Ms. Bartlett has dared to create a tale of adventure and intrigue on the sea, shining the spotlight on a remarkable group of women that prove being a pirate isn’t a boy’s only club! Each character, no matter how brief their appearance is fully developed, uniquely displayed and often comically charming. No heaving bosoms here, unless it’s to trap a man! Fun, with some high action, history comes to life with a swashbuckling flare! Grab your gold earring and come aboard for some great reading where men are men and women are smarter!
Series: The Razor's Edge - Book 1
Publication Date: October 11, 2014
Publisher: Libertine Press/Ravenswood Publishing
Genre: Historical Romantic Fiction
Print Length: 482 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Enter to win one of FOUR complete eBook sets of The Razor's Adventures Pirate Tales so far!
International where allowed - Click on Banner to Enter!
Long before the days of required floatation devices and multi-million dollar pleasure yachts, only the bravest of the brave would venture the seas, brave the storms and dare to cross paths with legendary pirates. Of these pirates one stands out, more cunning, slippery as an eel and already the object of seafaring history? I dare say, if Moby Dick had come upon this captain, that tale would have had a far different ending. Who is this brute of a pirate known as the Razor? Allow author P. S. Bartlett to introduce you to Miss Ivory Shepard, the oldest of four female cousins, each with their own special gift to bring to the table, and to the seas. Able to outwit, out manuever and overpower men twice her diminutive size, Ivory and her crew have become a force to be reckoned with, legends in a world that rarely gives way. Ivory has also become the object of a manhunt, with a bounty on her head for the theft of value diamonds and one man, a “gentleman” pirate known as Blacksnake is determined to win the prize. But was he prepared for the real Ivory? The brilliant woman behind the pirate façade is damaged, and grasping at a way to survive without being under the thumb or whip of any man. She also is beautiful, feisty and deadly poison for Maddox’s heart. He may be holding her captive, but she has made him a prisoner of his heart and his lust and he doesn’t’ even realize it until she manages to escape and return to the sea. The chase is on, who will win? Will the loser walk the plank?
Love it, love it, love it! The Blue Diamond by P. S. Bartlett, the flagship book in her new series, The Razor’s Edge is an historical romance lover’s dream! Ms. Bartlett has dared to create a tale of adventure and intrigue on the sea, shining the spotlight on a remarkable group of women that prove being a pirate isn’t a boy’s only club! Each character, no matter how brief their appearance is fully developed, uniquely displayed and often comically charming. No heaving bosoms here, unless it’s to trap a man! Fun, with some high action, history comes to life with a swashbuckling flare! Grab your gold earring and come aboard for some great reading where men are men and women are smarter!
Series: The Razor's Edge - Book 1
Publication Date: October 11, 2014
Publisher: Libertine Press/Ravenswood Publishing
Genre: Historical Romantic Fiction
Print Length: 482 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 23, 2014
How do you write a review for your own book? I honestly don't know what to say other than I believe if you enjoy historical romance, and action and adventure, you will find what you're looking for in this book. Here is an article I wrote to explain how much this story means to me:
Ivory and Me by P.S. Bartlett
Ivory Shepard is the protagonist in my newest book, The Blue Diamond – The Razor’s Edge. I don’t know how she found me but oh I’m so glad she did. Ivory is what I suppose I’ll call, the walking wounded. She’s had a life of tragedy and struggle and has gone through an evolution in only a few short years, that most people could hardly imagine in a lifetime and yet she’s come out the other side…still wounded but bandaged up by a mission to keep moving forward.
You see Ivory and her cousins came to America when they were children, with their elder great aunt and uncle and settled in a lovely manor in what was Charles Towne, South Carolina. The town was just beginning to boom and develop but they were repeatedly under attack by the Spanish as well as privateers and pirates. Unfortunately, most of the town’s development took place on the peninsula, which was fortified and protected but Ivory’s aunt and uncle chose to stay in their lovely manor near the Ashley River and one night, they paid dearly for that choice.
Imagine if you will, four young girls under the age of fourteen, orphaned and alone. No home, no family and only each other to lean on in order to survive. Ivory being the eldest, took on the role of provider and protector. It was a role she was born to play. Being a resourceful group, they found work as housemaids and kitchen workers in the wealthier homes in Charles Towne but that wasn’t the life Ivory wanted for them. By the time they were in their late teens, they’d managed to save enough money to purchase a small farm, back over in the danger zone, away from the fortified peninsula but since the girls were already passing the age of when they’d be expected to marry and have children, they wanted to be as far from not so polite society as possible.
The last thing any of them wanted was the traditional life of a southern lady.
Ivory knew the risks. She’d been leading somewhat of a double life and prepared her cousins for what may come by arming them, teaching them to fight and constantly reminding them of what they stood to lose if they didn’t defend themselves. Although they were getting along well on the farm and pulling in a decent living, somehow she knew their days in Charles Towne were numbered and she was right.
You see, Ivory may have been born a pirate or the devastation she saw and went through the night of the Spanish raid flipped a switch in her, as tragedy often does, that pushed her protective instincts into overdrive. Maybe she was always destined to become a pirate? Maybe leaving Charles Towne and striking out on an adventure into a new life was their destiny? However, you can’t just wake up one morning, pick up a razor and slit someone’s throat who wants to slit yours. That kind of grit takes time and internal damage that no matter how well you hide it, it eventually finds its way out.
Ivory was my muse throughout this book. Finding all of the pain and strength from the pain inside of her and then looking deeper to find even more was like opening a gift every time I worked on this book. Unravelling her and finding those tender spots and that big, fat, pounding heart of hers was so satisfying that I didn’t think I would ever stop. Putting a man in her path who could finally be worthy of her love was no easy task either but he had to be just the right one. Attractive enough to catch her eye but he too had to have his own demons and hidden pain. She needed to be able to understand him and not just fall over at the sight of him. He had to prove himself worthy of her attention and above all, her love.
Ivory and I became very good friends and I absolutely adore her cousins as well. They might as well be sisters because they were raised as such but each one gives her something she is missing in return for her protection, loyalty and love. Sisterhood is a beautiful thing and unless you have those symbiotic relationships with other women, it may be hard to understand. I hope every woman who reads this book sees their friends or sisters in Miranda, Cass and Keara. They are all four so different but fit together perfectly. The real truth is, I know these three women in real life. They are the virtual embodiment of my three closest female “sisters.” Shhhh…don’t tell them! I often describe this story as Charlie’s Angels meets Pirates of the Caribbean but after catching an episode of Sex and the City recently, I’m inclined to think they more closely resemble these four ladies.
So, I suppose for a while, I was the virtual embodiment of Ivory. I wanted to be her. I climbed inside of her world and felt her pain, her passion, her vulnerability and above all her attachment to her cousins. I even felt her disappointment in the man she was falling in love with against her better judgment. The ties that bound her were more about the shackles in her own spirit than actual binds. Her nightmares were real and when taken away from her duties, she lost that part of herself for a while where she always had to maintain control but now I must stop because if I don’t, I’ll give too much of her away and leave you with no mystery at all.
I can’t wait to meet up with Ivory again soon. I’m anxious to find out what’s next for us—I mean her in the next book!
Ivory and Me by P.S. Bartlett
Ivory Shepard is the protagonist in my newest book, The Blue Diamond – The Razor’s Edge. I don’t know how she found me but oh I’m so glad she did. Ivory is what I suppose I’ll call, the walking wounded. She’s had a life of tragedy and struggle and has gone through an evolution in only a few short years, that most people could hardly imagine in a lifetime and yet she’s come out the other side…still wounded but bandaged up by a mission to keep moving forward.
You see Ivory and her cousins came to America when they were children, with their elder great aunt and uncle and settled in a lovely manor in what was Charles Towne, South Carolina. The town was just beginning to boom and develop but they were repeatedly under attack by the Spanish as well as privateers and pirates. Unfortunately, most of the town’s development took place on the peninsula, which was fortified and protected but Ivory’s aunt and uncle chose to stay in their lovely manor near the Ashley River and one night, they paid dearly for that choice.
Imagine if you will, four young girls under the age of fourteen, orphaned and alone. No home, no family and only each other to lean on in order to survive. Ivory being the eldest, took on the role of provider and protector. It was a role she was born to play. Being a resourceful group, they found work as housemaids and kitchen workers in the wealthier homes in Charles Towne but that wasn’t the life Ivory wanted for them. By the time they were in their late teens, they’d managed to save enough money to purchase a small farm, back over in the danger zone, away from the fortified peninsula but since the girls were already passing the age of when they’d be expected to marry and have children, they wanted to be as far from not so polite society as possible.
The last thing any of them wanted was the traditional life of a southern lady.
Ivory knew the risks. She’d been leading somewhat of a double life and prepared her cousins for what may come by arming them, teaching them to fight and constantly reminding them of what they stood to lose if they didn’t defend themselves. Although they were getting along well on the farm and pulling in a decent living, somehow she knew their days in Charles Towne were numbered and she was right.
You see, Ivory may have been born a pirate or the devastation she saw and went through the night of the Spanish raid flipped a switch in her, as tragedy often does, that pushed her protective instincts into overdrive. Maybe she was always destined to become a pirate? Maybe leaving Charles Towne and striking out on an adventure into a new life was their destiny? However, you can’t just wake up one morning, pick up a razor and slit someone’s throat who wants to slit yours. That kind of grit takes time and internal damage that no matter how well you hide it, it eventually finds its way out.
Ivory was my muse throughout this book. Finding all of the pain and strength from the pain inside of her and then looking deeper to find even more was like opening a gift every time I worked on this book. Unravelling her and finding those tender spots and that big, fat, pounding heart of hers was so satisfying that I didn’t think I would ever stop. Putting a man in her path who could finally be worthy of her love was no easy task either but he had to be just the right one. Attractive enough to catch her eye but he too had to have his own demons and hidden pain. She needed to be able to understand him and not just fall over at the sight of him. He had to prove himself worthy of her attention and above all, her love.
Ivory and I became very good friends and I absolutely adore her cousins as well. They might as well be sisters because they were raised as such but each one gives her something she is missing in return for her protection, loyalty and love. Sisterhood is a beautiful thing and unless you have those symbiotic relationships with other women, it may be hard to understand. I hope every woman who reads this book sees their friends or sisters in Miranda, Cass and Keara. They are all four so different but fit together perfectly. The real truth is, I know these three women in real life. They are the virtual embodiment of my three closest female “sisters.” Shhhh…don’t tell them! I often describe this story as Charlie’s Angels meets Pirates of the Caribbean but after catching an episode of Sex and the City recently, I’m inclined to think they more closely resemble these four ladies.
So, I suppose for a while, I was the virtual embodiment of Ivory. I wanted to be her. I climbed inside of her world and felt her pain, her passion, her vulnerability and above all her attachment to her cousins. I even felt her disappointment in the man she was falling in love with against her better judgment. The ties that bound her were more about the shackles in her own spirit than actual binds. Her nightmares were real and when taken away from her duties, she lost that part of herself for a while where she always had to maintain control but now I must stop because if I don’t, I’ll give too much of her away and leave you with no mystery at all.
I can’t wait to meet up with Ivory again soon. I’m anxious to find out what’s next for us—I mean her in the next book!
October 9, 2014
I will say here and now that a Historical Adventure Romance was not exactly on my radar, even though I have actually written Romance in the past year and am working on revisions and all of that as I get feedback. But still, I’m a guy, right? Romance? And then the cover? I loved the cover but it just looked so . . . so . . . ROMANCE!
Yeah, my bad.
I’m an idiot. I admit it. Think about it. I have written Adventure novels. I have written Romance novels. I have written novels with Historical elements in them, I am a certified History teacher after all. So you would have thought this would have been something I would have read with no problem. Two Pirate Captains meet and the adventure begins and thoughts and worlds begin to be questioned.
I mean you have Pirates, Adventure and a lot more, why would I not want to read it?
Yeah, my stereotype manly man side peeked out and tried to show itself.
I started reading it and right from the start it wasn’t what I had expected. The more I read the more I liked it. Being a former History teacher I definitely enjoyed the history aspects, which were not in your face. They were there for no other reason than a backdrop to enhance the story. That is one thing I appreciated about the novel. Some people make some historical thing THE reason for the book. Not in this one. I'm not saying a historical thing cannot be the point of a book, but it can be over done.
I also appreciated that Bartlett handled the romance scenes with what I think was an eye to all readers. In my own novels, yes novels, the Romance I am doing is a Trilogy, I am concerned about what I call the ‘scenes’, if you know what I mean. Bartlett handled these with taste and oddly, as I think about it, she lets your imagination do a lot of the work.
Was the book perfect?
There were some passages between face to face scenes that I could have seen just a little shorter as I got farther into the book. As I said in my Amazon Review, I think this might be partly because toward the end of the book I was ready for more of the action and seeing what was going to happen next.
I at first wondered about the character displayed by Ivory Shepard and her cousins. Ivory “Razor” Shepard is the pirate captain of a ship that is attacked and sunk. The aftermath is where we enter the story. Her cousins are also women pirates. But the truth is they could very well be based on actual women pirates that operated in the Caribbean, one of which particularly comes to mind.
Even if there was no historical basis for a female pirate, Bartlett does handle how Ivory becomes captain well. I do wonder about the final action that makes her captaincy possible, but it is a believable and not fantastical idea. It is just something I might have wanted to see handled in a slightly different way, yet I do understand why it happened the way it did.
What did I really like?
I enjoyed the character of Maddox “Blacksnake” Carbonale a lot. He is a slightly typical Romantic Hero lead type, but with a few extra layers of development added. I’m not one for the typical. Bartlett made Carbonale believable in many ways and as the story progresses you understand more and more.
The supporting cast, which in reality is more than that, was developed well and was given enough attention for you to care about them. There were no unnecessary characters thrown in. There are a few surprises along the way that I enjoyed, and one that I caught onto just in time before a reveal. Bartlett definitely can tell a story and give you just enough to tell you all you need to know if you pay attention.
So what's the score?
I gave The Blue Diamond: The Razor’s Edge 5 out of 5 stars at Amazon. I give it the same here. Why? I didn’t find the scenes overdone or unnecessary. The plot was excellent. The story was great. And it kept me wanting to read. I also liked the balance of the three genre elements. Historical enough to be scenery, Adventure enough to keep me wanting more, and Romance enough to make it believable and real. And one other big reason for a 5-I want to read the next book in the series. And isn’t that a sign of a successful piece of writing?
Yeah, my bad.
I’m an idiot. I admit it. Think about it. I have written Adventure novels. I have written Romance novels. I have written novels with Historical elements in them, I am a certified History teacher after all. So you would have thought this would have been something I would have read with no problem. Two Pirate Captains meet and the adventure begins and thoughts and worlds begin to be questioned.
I mean you have Pirates, Adventure and a lot more, why would I not want to read it?
Yeah, my stereotype manly man side peeked out and tried to show itself.
I started reading it and right from the start it wasn’t what I had expected. The more I read the more I liked it. Being a former History teacher I definitely enjoyed the history aspects, which were not in your face. They were there for no other reason than a backdrop to enhance the story. That is one thing I appreciated about the novel. Some people make some historical thing THE reason for the book. Not in this one. I'm not saying a historical thing cannot be the point of a book, but it can be over done.
I also appreciated that Bartlett handled the romance scenes with what I think was an eye to all readers. In my own novels, yes novels, the Romance I am doing is a Trilogy, I am concerned about what I call the ‘scenes’, if you know what I mean. Bartlett handled these with taste and oddly, as I think about it, she lets your imagination do a lot of the work.
Was the book perfect?
There were some passages between face to face scenes that I could have seen just a little shorter as I got farther into the book. As I said in my Amazon Review, I think this might be partly because toward the end of the book I was ready for more of the action and seeing what was going to happen next.
I at first wondered about the character displayed by Ivory Shepard and her cousins. Ivory “Razor” Shepard is the pirate captain of a ship that is attacked and sunk. The aftermath is where we enter the story. Her cousins are also women pirates. But the truth is they could very well be based on actual women pirates that operated in the Caribbean, one of which particularly comes to mind.
Even if there was no historical basis for a female pirate, Bartlett does handle how Ivory becomes captain well. I do wonder about the final action that makes her captaincy possible, but it is a believable and not fantastical idea. It is just something I might have wanted to see handled in a slightly different way, yet I do understand why it happened the way it did.
What did I really like?
I enjoyed the character of Maddox “Blacksnake” Carbonale a lot. He is a slightly typical Romantic Hero lead type, but with a few extra layers of development added. I’m not one for the typical. Bartlett made Carbonale believable in many ways and as the story progresses you understand more and more.
The supporting cast, which in reality is more than that, was developed well and was given enough attention for you to care about them. There were no unnecessary characters thrown in. There are a few surprises along the way that I enjoyed, and one that I caught onto just in time before a reveal. Bartlett definitely can tell a story and give you just enough to tell you all you need to know if you pay attention.
So what's the score?
I gave The Blue Diamond: The Razor’s Edge 5 out of 5 stars at Amazon. I give it the same here. Why? I didn’t find the scenes overdone or unnecessary. The plot was excellent. The story was great. And it kept me wanting to read. I also liked the balance of the three genre elements. Historical enough to be scenery, Adventure enough to keep me wanting more, and Romance enough to make it believable and real. And one other big reason for a 5-I want to read the next book in the series. And isn’t that a sign of a successful piece of writing?
December 16, 2015
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Wow. P.S. You have done it again!
I had no idea how much I missed this world until I cracked this book open. Oh, how I swoon at the language! It's just so witty with a hint of passion that it makes me blubber like a fool. Anyway, Ivory is honestly one of the best heroines I have ever read about. I mean, what is there not to like about a female pirate?! That's right, nothing. She is as badass as they come and I wish I could switch spots with her sometimes. Mostly on the times where a certain Blacksnake is present. Oh, baby! I won't dare break it off with my book husband (P.S. you know who) but this man is up there in my book boyfriend list. The things he said, jeez. I don't know how I'm not a puddle of mush right now. Pirates are without a doubt my weakness!! (one of the many) They are incredibly sexy.
The only slight negative comment I have is that I felt their attraction to be TOO insta-love. But, in the end, it didn't matter because I loved those two together. I couldn't stop smiling whenever they interacted. They brought me to tears with their cuteness.
This book was hilarious and has me eating out of its hand (if it had any). I want more! I can never get enough of Ivory and her adventured with her family. Talking about family, the loyalty and devotion that the 4 main girls show each other melts me! I can still feel the bond between them as strong as it was when I first met them. Maybe even stronger. I look up to them so much, they are such perfect characters that I think everybody should follow their examples.
This book is a beast. It's almost 500 pages but you know what? I didn't even feel like it was a beast. Once I cracked the spine, I didn't want to set it down for anything. This world is my own personal drug. The more I read, the more I yearn for it.
Wow. P.S. You have done it again!
I had no idea how much I missed this world until I cracked this book open. Oh, how I swoon at the language! It's just so witty with a hint of passion that it makes me blubber like a fool. Anyway, Ivory is honestly one of the best heroines I have ever read about. I mean, what is there not to like about a female pirate?! That's right, nothing. She is as badass as they come and I wish I could switch spots with her sometimes. Mostly on the times where a certain Blacksnake is present. Oh, baby! I won't dare break it off with my book husband (P.S. you know who) but this man is up there in my book boyfriend list. The things he said, jeez. I don't know how I'm not a puddle of mush right now. Pirates are without a doubt my weakness!! (one of the many) They are incredibly sexy.
The only slight negative comment I have is that I felt their attraction to be TOO insta-love. But, in the end, it didn't matter because I loved those two together. I couldn't stop smiling whenever they interacted. They brought me to tears with their cuteness.
This book was hilarious and has me eating out of its hand (if it had any). I want more! I can never get enough of Ivory and her adventured with her family. Talking about family, the loyalty and devotion that the 4 main girls show each other melts me! I can still feel the bond between them as strong as it was when I first met them. Maybe even stronger. I look up to them so much, they are such perfect characters that I think everybody should follow their examples.
This book is a beast. It's almost 500 pages but you know what? I didn't even feel like it was a beast. Once I cracked the spine, I didn't want to set it down for anything. This world is my own personal drug. The more I read, the more I yearn for it.
October 23, 2014
*This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
Great Story! full of adventure and pirates! P.S. Bartlett is a wonderful storyteller and her characters are full of life and woe and they go from ship to ship plundering and pillaging. I found myself caught up more and more by their story as I got to know more about them and I can't wait to read more! These are some of the mose interesting pirates I have come across in a long time!
Because this one is about Pirates everyone is the bad guys and everyone are the good guys at the same time which made everyone some one you couldn't trust. I thought this made the book quite the paradox as everyone was out to get each other which was brilliant! P.S. Bartlett is a marvel and I loved what she has done with this book and can't wait to see how the next books tie into this one.
My favourite character was the ships boy Robert. He was always helpful and twice as cunning as anyone else on the ship when he needed to be. No one seemed to notice him when he was around when he didn't want to be noticed and he saw and heard all the goings on.
If your a fan of the pirate way this is a book for you! or if you are just looking for adventure then look no further! TBR today!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
Great Story! full of adventure and pirates! P.S. Bartlett is a wonderful storyteller and her characters are full of life and woe and they go from ship to ship plundering and pillaging. I found myself caught up more and more by their story as I got to know more about them and I can't wait to read more! These are some of the mose interesting pirates I have come across in a long time!
Because this one is about Pirates everyone is the bad guys and everyone are the good guys at the same time which made everyone some one you couldn't trust. I thought this made the book quite the paradox as everyone was out to get each other which was brilliant! P.S. Bartlett is a marvel and I loved what she has done with this book and can't wait to see how the next books tie into this one.
My favourite character was the ships boy Robert. He was always helpful and twice as cunning as anyone else on the ship when he needed to be. No one seemed to notice him when he was around when he didn't want to be noticed and he saw and heard all the goings on.
If your a fan of the pirate way this is a book for you! or if you are just looking for adventure then look no further! TBR today!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
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November 22, 2014
This book should come with a warning label that says “you may develop a temporary pirate accent”. This is just one of the many side effects of reading ‘The Blue Diamond’. The other is the sleepless nights tearing through the pages, many many pages.
There’s a feisty pirate at sea and she’s not to be messed with. Swashbuckling Ivory “Razor” Shepard, with three of her equally fearless female cousins, set sail to escape the manhunt, err femalehunt. Forget damsels in distress, you won’t find them in here. Instead, you’re treated to a rampaging story dressed up in the trappings of pirate lore.
I rarely read a book in which the character moves the story forward – it’s usually the scenes and dialogues that do that. The amount of Ivory’s kick-assery could put Black Widow and Lucy to shame (there’s no synthetic drug involved but plenty of grog). It’s almost hard to believe this is a historical romance. It’s only when she’s with Capt. Maddox that she shows her vulnerability. It gets a little bit cheesy for my liking, but the kick-assery outweighs the cheesiness, so it’s all good. (Arrr, matey! Oops there it goes again).
There’s a feisty pirate at sea and she’s not to be messed with. Swashbuckling Ivory “Razor” Shepard, with three of her equally fearless female cousins, set sail to escape the manhunt, err femalehunt. Forget damsels in distress, you won’t find them in here. Instead, you’re treated to a rampaging story dressed up in the trappings of pirate lore.
I rarely read a book in which the character moves the story forward – it’s usually the scenes and dialogues that do that. The amount of Ivory’s kick-assery could put Black Widow and Lucy to shame (there’s no synthetic drug involved but plenty of grog). It’s almost hard to believe this is a historical romance. It’s only when she’s with Capt. Maddox that she shows her vulnerability. It gets a little bit cheesy for my liking, but the kick-assery outweighs the cheesiness, so it’s all good. (Arrr, matey! Oops there it goes again).
July 21, 2016
Wow awesome so much girl power! I loved Ivory and her girls their camaraderie was amazing, and I loved ivory's relationship with little Richard so adorable to see her nurturing side. Unfortunately since ivory's character was so well developed we got more of a one-dimentional hero definitely not one of my favourites I didn't really understand why ivory loved him so much aside from his apparently pretty face. I wish there was a more romance and that the ending wasn't so abrupt I would have appreciated an epilogue but despite al this I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved how strong and capable ivory was :)
January 8, 2015
Book Description.....
"When four spirited young women
find themselves orphaned and alone in an unforgiving world, they are forced to
defend not only their honor but their very lives. Ivory Shepard, has made a name for herself as the notorious pirate "Ivory Razor," while she and her handy cousins; Cass, Keara and Miranda are building a life in Port Royal, Jamaica. When she takes a merchant ship and finds a bag full of rare diamonds, including one very large blue one, she never imagined she'd end up captured and held prisoner by a rival pirate.
Maddox Carbonale aka "Blacksnake" intends to collect a fifty thousand pound bounty on her head and earn a pardon in the process, until a fiery attraction ignites between them. Regardless of their first passionate night together, by the time the sun rises the next morning, Ivory is reminded why she trusts no one and she's left wondering if her fate is sealed due to Blacksnake's greed or Maddox's wounded ego.
Ultimately unable to deny his feelings for her, Maddox offers his loyalty and his guns. but no one can take anything from Ivory Shepard that she doesn't want to give; certainly not her freedom, and most of all, her heart.
Will she prove she can have it all on her own terms; the man, the blue diamond and her freedom?"
Title: The Blue Diamond: The Razor's Edge
Author: P.S. Bartlett
Publisher: Libertine Press/Ravenswood Publishing
Series: The Razor's Edge #1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"The Blue Diamond: The Razor's Edge" By P.S. Bartlett
What I liked from this novel.....
"The Blue Diamond: The Razor's Edge" was captivating from all of its historic adventures and pirates and even a women pirates in this romantic story. This author really knows how to hold and keep your attention turning the pages as you will be caught up in this storyline about what is going on with these pirates. You will find some were good and some weren't good pirates. You will have to pick up this good read to see just who is who! I found all of the characters for the most part being so well developed, well portrayed as well as believable especially the heroine and hero when these two pirates captains meet and their adventure begins. I only wished the ending would have had an epilogue so we could have known what was going to happen next for these two Pirate Captains but I guess that will be for another read. Would I recommend? If you are into romantic pirate reads....YES, this one would be recommended for YOU!
January 10, 2015
Four female cousins (Miranda, Ivory, Cassandra, and Keara) are determined to maintain their independence. The four become pirates and when one of their own is lost the girls won’t stop until they are reunited. The captain of their group, Ivory, has been captured by Captain Maddox Carbonale. When the two of them meet a test of wills ensues. Ivory aka “the razor” won’t back down from a fight with anyone, but she is surprised when she has to fight the feelings she has for Captain Maddox aka “blacksnake”.
I liked all of the girls. Miranda was my favorite. Miranda wasn’t afraid to be a woman and a pirate. She fought as hard as any of the others, but she definitely had her share of adventure and fun. Ivory was the main female character, but I felt like she was just too emotional. One minute she was fighting “Blacksnake” and the next minute she was in his bed. Then she cried and broke down when the girls went back to their home where it all began.
The male characters weren’t the least bit interesting. Captain Carbonale was a cat (Lasher) carrying alcoholic. He had a lot of emotional baggage. He was stubborn to a fault and foolish. I just didn’t see any redeeming qualities in him nor did I see any reason that a woman would feel attracted to him. The dialogue for Master Green (Captain Carbonale’s friend and shipmaster) was terrible. I couldn’t count how many times the author had him pleading with Captain Carbonale to change his mind about how he was treating Ivory. Maybe I didn’t care for his dialogue because I just didn’t care for the union between Ivory and Captain Carbonale, and I felt like Master Green was begging Captain Carbonale to save Ivory.
I don’t think the author did enough to develop the relationship between Ivory and Captain Carbonale. It was just awkward from beginning to end. I also think that throwing in romances with the other three cousins made the book more difficult to follow. I felt like my loyalty was being split. I liked Miranda so much I really wanted to read more about her and her romance instead of Ivory. I wish the author would have done a series and let each girl’s relationship develop over time instead of trying to squeeze 4 relationships into one book with a side of suspense.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
I liked all of the girls. Miranda was my favorite. Miranda wasn’t afraid to be a woman and a pirate. She fought as hard as any of the others, but she definitely had her share of adventure and fun. Ivory was the main female character, but I felt like she was just too emotional. One minute she was fighting “Blacksnake” and the next minute she was in his bed. Then she cried and broke down when the girls went back to their home where it all began.
The male characters weren’t the least bit interesting. Captain Carbonale was a cat (Lasher) carrying alcoholic. He had a lot of emotional baggage. He was stubborn to a fault and foolish. I just didn’t see any redeeming qualities in him nor did I see any reason that a woman would feel attracted to him. The dialogue for Master Green (Captain Carbonale’s friend and shipmaster) was terrible. I couldn’t count how many times the author had him pleading with Captain Carbonale to change his mind about how he was treating Ivory. Maybe I didn’t care for his dialogue because I just didn’t care for the union between Ivory and Captain Carbonale, and I felt like Master Green was begging Captain Carbonale to save Ivory.
I don’t think the author did enough to develop the relationship between Ivory and Captain Carbonale. It was just awkward from beginning to end. I also think that throwing in romances with the other three cousins made the book more difficult to follow. I felt like my loyalty was being split. I liked Miranda so much I really wanted to read more about her and her romance instead of Ivory. I wish the author would have done a series and let each girl’s relationship develop over time instead of trying to squeeze 4 relationships into one book with a side of suspense.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
October 9, 2014
My Review
The Blue Diamond The Razor's Edge is a compelling story of love, loss and second chances. Ivory is a strong willed and determined pirate who will stop at nothing to protect the ones she loves, but when romance is thrown in the mix anything can happen.
Orphaned at a young age, Ivory is left with only her cousins and their will to survive. They settle into a life on a farm away from the evils of the time, but life has other plans which becomes evident the night pirates arrive.
Transformed into a ruthless pirate, Ivory sails the seas. Her life now filled with adventure and freedom, that is until her ship, The Blue Diamond is attacked. Narrowly escaping with her life, Ivory ends up adrift in the sea until someone plucks her from it. Eluding to a rescue, Captain Carbonale tries to convince Ivory his only desire is to see her survive. Buying none of the pleasantries Captain Carbonale is selling, Ivory demands to be freed. When Carbonale refuses, Ivory finally discovers there is a bounty on her head and Captain Carbonale plan to collect it. Can Ivory escape or will Captain Carbonale win this battle that doesn't require a pirate ship?
I am a fan of historical fiction as well as of the author, P.S. Bartlett. The Blue Diamond is yet another success as she spins a thrilling tale of adventure and love. The characters and setting are developed in such a way that draws readers in and the quick pace and continual action left me with a need to read on. The Blue Diamond The Razor's Edge is a well written satisfying read.
I recommend grabbing a copy.
The Blue Diamond The Razor's Edge is a compelling story of love, loss and second chances. Ivory is a strong willed and determined pirate who will stop at nothing to protect the ones she loves, but when romance is thrown in the mix anything can happen.
Orphaned at a young age, Ivory is left with only her cousins and their will to survive. They settle into a life on a farm away from the evils of the time, but life has other plans which becomes evident the night pirates arrive.
Transformed into a ruthless pirate, Ivory sails the seas. Her life now filled with adventure and freedom, that is until her ship, The Blue Diamond is attacked. Narrowly escaping with her life, Ivory ends up adrift in the sea until someone plucks her from it. Eluding to a rescue, Captain Carbonale tries to convince Ivory his only desire is to see her survive. Buying none of the pleasantries Captain Carbonale is selling, Ivory demands to be freed. When Carbonale refuses, Ivory finally discovers there is a bounty on her head and Captain Carbonale plan to collect it. Can Ivory escape or will Captain Carbonale win this battle that doesn't require a pirate ship?
I am a fan of historical fiction as well as of the author, P.S. Bartlett. The Blue Diamond is yet another success as she spins a thrilling tale of adventure and love. The characters and setting are developed in such a way that draws readers in and the quick pace and continual action left me with a need to read on. The Blue Diamond The Razor's Edge is a well written satisfying read.
I recommend grabbing a copy.
March 4, 2015
Welcome aboard oh, wait we are not aboard anything. The ship has been wrecked and our Heroine Ivory is floating on a longboat in the middle of no where. Her long blond hair is in a mess blown apart by the wind; her delicate skin has been roasted red by the heat of the sun. In her hand she clutches a pocket knife famously known as the razor’s edge. In the other she has a bottle of rum.
This is how we first meet Ivory. Set at the in a time at the height of the slave trade, where Kings, Lords and Ladies still promenaded about. Or beautiful Ivory does not fancy the pretty ball gown dresses her fellow ladies do, no. This is woman with a mind of her own and a fierce instinct to protect her own, being her three cousins and crew.
You see, unlike other women of that time these four ladies will not be treated like pieces of meat. They each have a strong will, desires and instincts to survive in the cut-throat mans world that is piracy. What we have here, are four women who kick some serious behind.
Oh, did I mention that this is a romance? Well it is. And in any good romance there has to be a good looking man. This one has dark hair and beautiful green eyes. I don’t want to give away too much of the tale, but it is certainly worth coming aboard this one to see this story of Lust, Betrayal, Love and war set sail.
As they say in Love and war….
The book itself is well written, the characters well developed and the story is easy to follow. I give it a 4 star out of 5 rating.
This is how we first meet Ivory. Set at the in a time at the height of the slave trade, where Kings, Lords and Ladies still promenaded about. Or beautiful Ivory does not fancy the pretty ball gown dresses her fellow ladies do, no. This is woman with a mind of her own and a fierce instinct to protect her own, being her three cousins and crew.
You see, unlike other women of that time these four ladies will not be treated like pieces of meat. They each have a strong will, desires and instincts to survive in the cut-throat mans world that is piracy. What we have here, are four women who kick some serious behind.
Oh, did I mention that this is a romance? Well it is. And in any good romance there has to be a good looking man. This one has dark hair and beautiful green eyes. I don’t want to give away too much of the tale, but it is certainly worth coming aboard this one to see this story of Lust, Betrayal, Love and war set sail.
As they say in Love and war….
The book itself is well written, the characters well developed and the story is easy to follow. I give it a 4 star out of 5 rating.
October 11, 2014
Not only you would encounter the daggers, cutlass fights, treasures, ships, but also encounter the pirate, and not any pirate, but the only one- Razor, a she-pirate, who holds more that a hidden treasure and mates’ lives in her hand, she holds the most precious treasure on sea and land- love. With her cousins on her side, there is nothing to stop them or is there…?
Dip into the adventure of sea life, pirate greed and love chase. Will she be sold to hang the gallows, after the bounty on her head? Or will she escape to be trapped again into the hands of love?
Where she will find her end? Or peace? Or….?
Read it to find out.
PS. Proceed with caution: the book is filled with lots of descriptive scenes, and smooth reading. Beautiful story to the last page.
*The book was given by author for this review. My review is based solemnly on my opinion.
Dip into the adventure of sea life, pirate greed and love chase. Will she be sold to hang the gallows, after the bounty on her head? Or will she escape to be trapped again into the hands of love?
Where she will find her end? Or peace? Or….?
Read it to find out.
PS. Proceed with caution: the book is filled with lots of descriptive scenes, and smooth reading. Beautiful story to the last page.
*The book was given by author for this review. My review is based solemnly on my opinion.
August 1, 2016
Hooray for strong female relationships taking front-and-center of a pirate/action book!
The balance of their relationships with each other, action *and* romance felt good to me. I don't like reading romance novels for action because there never is any, but sometimes I want a romance with my action and this book delivered on that.
Some of the dialogue was on the clunky/soapy side and didn't feel particularly natural, but that could be just a style choice on my part.
I also never got fully invested in Maddox as a character, but the parts are all there for a well-rounded, well-developed character. Some of Maddox and Ivory's interactions were just so good and real, and others felt disconnected for me. Again, this could be just personal preference (like the fact that I don't really get the attraction to someone who is that obsessed with his appearance).
Very entertaining!
The balance of their relationships with each other, action *and* romance felt good to me. I don't like reading romance novels for action because there never is any, but sometimes I want a romance with my action and this book delivered on that.
Some of the dialogue was on the clunky/soapy side and didn't feel particularly natural, but that could be just a style choice on my part.
I also never got fully invested in Maddox as a character, but the parts are all there for a well-rounded, well-developed character. Some of Maddox and Ivory's interactions were just so good and real, and others felt disconnected for me. Again, this could be just personal preference (like the fact that I don't really get the attraction to someone who is that obsessed with his appearance).
Very entertaining!
December 12, 2014
I enjoyed the character of Captain Ivory Shepherd. For a female pirate she is not overly flamboyant and unrealistic. Attention is drawn because she is female. She is strong willed, spirited, logical and cunning, though her frailties show and the hidden emotions. You see the survivor and she makes no apology. As with all pirate books you have adventure, twist and turns.
The only con to the story was at times I felt we in the past with the appropriate dialog for a pirate and then it would change to a more current updated dialog. It teeter tottered back and forth. Though the story outweighed the con and I liked the fact this was a romance they had to work for, not a whirlwind. The ending caught me off guard, nice job.
This book was given to me for my honest opinion.
The only con to the story was at times I felt we in the past with the appropriate dialog for a pirate and then it would change to a more current updated dialog. It teeter tottered back and forth. Though the story outweighed the con and I liked the fact this was a romance they had to work for, not a whirlwind. The ending caught me off guard, nice job.
This book was given to me for my honest opinion.
September 5, 2019
Great reading, love all her books, can't wait for the next one
Five star's ,p.s. Bartlett keeps you guessing till the end. Great reading. Thank you for sharing your love of writing.
Five star's ,p.s. Bartlett keeps you guessing till the end. Great reading. Thank you for sharing your love of writing.
February 19, 2018
Did I miss a book?
The series is great. Very disappointed that after 3 books and prequel, this final book fails to mention or even acknowledge Gabriel's existence. Prior to this book, the 3 cousins were supposedly kidnapped and another adventure awaited...disappointed and confused.
The series is great. Very disappointed that after 3 books and prequel, this final book fails to mention or even acknowledge Gabriel's existence. Prior to this book, the 3 cousins were supposedly kidnapped and another adventure awaited...disappointed and confused.
March 1, 2015
Although this story begins with much promise, a lack of focus in the plot detracts from the potential of the novel.
Read full review in the 2015 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.
August 3, 2018
Razors adventures
I liked this book and i read it last and it seams to start in the middle. I read the other prequel books but they are going to be hard to tie in . But its worth the read if you like pirate books.
I liked this book and i read it last and it seams to start in the middle. I read the other prequel books but they are going to be hard to tie in . But its worth the read if you like pirate books.
Read
February 5, 2019While this was still a good book, I cannot for the life of me figure out why there was no continuity from the previous books. For that reason alone (just sheer frustration) I gave it a 3 star. WHY DID WE DELETE RASMUS FROM THE CAST OF CHARACTERS???????
January 16, 2016
2.5 stars
I'm sort of disappointed by this one. I really wanted to like it (or at least, like it more)
There aren't many books where it involves a female pirate, and I'm a sucker for books where the female lead is a swashbuckling voyageur, but this one... it wasn't as nice as I expected it to be.
The plot outline, from the very start, was vague and annoying, with all these hidden meanings behind the intentions and speech that made me feel (as a reader), confused, since I had no clue what was going on and why.
There's a lot of scenes that I felt were unnecessary. I even skipped parts of the book because I just couldn't give a damn about the events of those other characters.
Whilst the characters themselves were rather interesting, the drama in their lives were so long-winded that even after finishing the book, I don't feel like there was a loss for not reading the parts I skipped.
The relationship between Maddox and Ivory... meh. Certain scenes were okay, some were quite touching, but for the most part, I don't buy their relationship. I felt as though there was something missing, something that didn't make me believe in their story because it didn't feel real. There wasn't any real connection between the two that displayed the makings of a great romance: trust, vulnerability, hope or security.
It just seemed like they both found each other interesting and with the help of their close proximity (and physical "activities"), they just so happened to "fall in love with one another"
---
It is unlikely that I will re-read this one. I still like Ivory's spunk and the world of pirates, I just wished I didn't have such high expectations in the beginning since I might have enjoyed it more if so.
I'm sort of disappointed by this one. I really wanted to like it (or at least, like it more)
There aren't many books where it involves a female pirate, and I'm a sucker for books where the female lead is a swashbuckling voyageur, but this one... it wasn't as nice as I expected it to be.
The plot outline, from the very start, was vague and annoying, with all these hidden meanings behind the intentions and speech that made me feel (as a reader), confused, since I had no clue what was going on and why.
There's a lot of scenes that I felt were unnecessary. I even skipped parts of the book because I just couldn't give a damn about the events of those other characters.
Whilst the characters themselves were rather interesting, the drama in their lives were so long-winded that even after finishing the book, I don't feel like there was a loss for not reading the parts I skipped.
The relationship between Maddox and Ivory... meh. Certain scenes were okay, some were quite touching, but for the most part, I don't buy their relationship. I felt as though there was something missing, something that didn't make me believe in their story because it didn't feel real. There wasn't any real connection between the two that displayed the makings of a great romance: trust, vulnerability, hope or security.
It just seemed like they both found each other interesting and with the help of their close proximity (and physical "activities"), they just so happened to "fall in love with one another"
---
It is unlikely that I will re-read this one. I still like Ivory's spunk and the world of pirates, I just wished I didn't have such high expectations in the beginning since I might have enjoyed it more if so.
Read
February 12, 2016 In the final installment of The Razor's Adventures Pirate Tales, Ivory finds herself with a bounty on her head and a tugging at her heart! I admit, I was thrown off with the storyline and I feared I'd read the books out of order. Then I realized there was a significant change- and I won't say how or why for fear of giving SPOILERS! I am, however, thinking things in the world of pirates don't last!
Anyway, the story begins with Ivory, sunburned and dehydrated. She's found and nursed back to health... for a reason and by a mysterious man... a well-known man. She is to be turned over for a large amount of money due to her activity and the taking and remodeling of The Blue Diamond, her grand vessel.
This book was huge and full of new adventures. The cousins are running men on another ship and things seem to be where the females are running it! But at a cost and none of it seems to consistently play in their favor. AND there's a bit of humping around! This story is different from the others but still a great story! I also felt the romance between Ivory and her new love happened really fast- considering I was just reading of her with Rasmus and how she'd fallen in love with the greatest man on the high seas!
Anyway, the story begins with Ivory, sunburned and dehydrated. She's found and nursed back to health... for a reason and by a mysterious man... a well-known man. She is to be turned over for a large amount of money due to her activity and the taking and remodeling of The Blue Diamond, her grand vessel.
This book was huge and full of new adventures. The cousins are running men on another ship and things seem to be where the females are running it! But at a cost and none of it seems to consistently play in their favor. AND there's a bit of humping around! This story is different from the others but still a great story! I also felt the romance between Ivory and her new love happened really fast- considering I was just reading of her with Rasmus and how she'd fallen in love with the greatest man on the high seas!
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