What do you think?
Rate this book
Brethren of the Coast #0.5
Loving Lieutenant Douglas: A Brethren of the Coast Novella
It is the Age of Sail, and First Lieutenant Mark Douglas of the Royal Navy has set his sights on a fiery society miss with a spirit to match his own. What happens when Lady Amanda Gascoigne-Lake's father rejects the sailor's suit, and an ancient brooch with mystical power portends doom?
148 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2014
241 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Devlin
53 books516 followersBarbara Devlin was born a storyteller. A Texan, through and through, Barbara hasn’t been without a book in her possession since she was in kindergarten. She wrote her first short story, a really cheesy murder-mystery, in high school, but it was a Christmas gift, a lovely little diary with a bronze lock, given to her in the fifth grade that truly inspired her love for writing.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 25, 2016
Oh I am so disappointed! With all the fab reviews for this series I thought I had found a new author.
Sadly no, I thought I was maybe getting fussy as I got older, but than I thought about it and I have decided it is not me at all. There is no excuse now days not to do research and be accurate in your writing. It literally took me 5 minutes to research Ie: google when the waltz became popular (at the earliest 1810 in England and than certainly not in the country) in the 1780's when this is set they would have been dancing "the country dance", the cotillion, and the scotch reel. If your going to spend all that time and effort to write a novel why would you not take the time to make it accurate?
This was in the first chapter I didn't bother reading after that just deleted it and the author's other book I had bought (luckily they were cheap) from my library.
The Georgian and Regency era is such a fascinating period in history and there is so very many really fun, well written and well researched books why waste your time on poorly written and researched books?
Sadly no, I thought I was maybe getting fussy as I got older, but than I thought about it and I have decided it is not me at all. There is no excuse now days not to do research and be accurate in your writing. It literally took me 5 minutes to research Ie: google when the waltz became popular (at the earliest 1810 in England and than certainly not in the country) in the 1780's when this is set they would have been dancing "the country dance", the cotillion, and the scotch reel. If your going to spend all that time and effort to write a novel why would you not take the time to make it accurate?
This was in the first chapter I didn't bother reading after that just deleted it and the author's other book I had bought (luckily they were cheap) from my library.
The Georgian and Regency era is such a fascinating period in history and there is so very many really fun, well written and well researched books why waste your time on poorly written and researched books?
February 24, 2015
I totally enjoyed reading Loving Lieutenant Douglas by Barbara Devlin. It is a very well written book. The characters are fun and sassy. Loving Lieutenant Douglas is a short read, perfect for those with limited available reading time. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. I look forward to reading more from Barbara Devlin.
September 27, 2016
I really loved this novella. Barbara Devlin was an unknown author to me, but she now has a new fan!
I loved her writing style, it reminds me of my much loved 1980's bodice ripper type authors like Bertrice Small and Virginia Henley - I wouldn't go as far as to say her prose is purple, but it is definitely lilac!
Mark and Amanda are wonderful characters, they are both likeable, honorable and loyal. When they first meet, it is most definitely not love at first sight! Mark is rude to Amanda due to a misunderstanding and Amanda repays the slight in kind when Mark realizes his error.
Once the two of them get past this misunderstanding, they find in each other a kindred spirit and a relationship soon forms.
As these two grow closer, the reader is able to feel the emotion between them and their heartache and joy becomes yours. To me, that is the sign of a great author, one who can pull you into her story and make you become emotionally invested in the outcome.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mark and Amanda's story and can't wait to read her "Brethren of the Coast" series!
I loved her writing style, it reminds me of my much loved 1980's bodice ripper type authors like Bertrice Small and Virginia Henley - I wouldn't go as far as to say her prose is purple, but it is definitely lilac!
Mark and Amanda are wonderful characters, they are both likeable, honorable and loyal. When they first meet, it is most definitely not love at first sight! Mark is rude to Amanda due to a misunderstanding and Amanda repays the slight in kind when Mark realizes his error.
Once the two of them get past this misunderstanding, they find in each other a kindred spirit and a relationship soon forms.
As these two grow closer, the reader is able to feel the emotion between them and their heartache and joy becomes yours. To me, that is the sign of a great author, one who can pull you into her story and make you become emotionally invested in the outcome.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mark and Amanda's story and can't wait to read her "Brethren of the Coast" series!
September 1, 2018
An Enthralling Novella
I had purchased this novella a couple of years ago because I was curious about a romantic novel based on a nautical setting. When I read the first chapter I was enthralled with the story and plot. I loved the fact that their relationship wasn't as easy as I have read in others. There were hardships and the hero, Mark had to prove to his beloved 's father that he was worthy and was going to move up rank by working hard. Some intimate parts of the story were silly, but I loved the ending and now I'm curious to see if their daughters have their own story as they are mentioned. Got a glimpse of the first novel and now I'm seriously looking forward Devlin's Brethren series.
I had purchased this novella a couple of years ago because I was curious about a romantic novel based on a nautical setting. When I read the first chapter I was enthralled with the story and plot. I loved the fact that their relationship wasn't as easy as I have read in others. There were hardships and the hero, Mark had to prove to his beloved 's father that he was worthy and was going to move up rank by working hard. Some intimate parts of the story were silly, but I loved the ending and now I'm curious to see if their daughters have their own story as they are mentioned. Got a glimpse of the first novel and now I'm seriously looking forward Devlin's Brethren series.
December 18, 2014
I have loved this series and the Back story to Lady Amanda and at the time Lieutenant Mark Douglas Was a wonderful tale to read. Ms. Devlin has gone out her way to captivate the history and breath taking words and speech in her tales. This is a great work and can be truly appreciated by those of us who like a good historical read. I loved this short novella and read it after the other 5 books in the Brethren series. Join the adventures found in these books and amazing plots and twist. Enjoy being swiped away with the wonder and words of the author.....
“I would wager from the moment I saw you.” In an affectation of unimaginable tenderness, he massaged her gloved knuckles with his thumb, as was his way. “You struck a vicious blow from which I may never recover.”
Lady Amanda the bell of the ball but she has a thing for men in uniform and when she sees the handsome Lt. Mark Douglas she is captivated until they dance and he is rude to her and she has no idea why? But later after he finds out who her father is he acts different which means she must retaliate and pawn him off on her aunt and chaperon for the night.. which she winds up liking him and causes Amanda to re think things.
Lt. Mark Douglas after hear some debutantes put down the military he arranges him self to see the lady's involved only he sees lady Amanda among the lady's speaking. when later he dance with the lady he is quite rude later after finding out her father is a Admiral he knows he has made a mistake and attempts to make amends.
The more time the spend together the more they want to share there life together.
What happens when her father says no to his request?
what does Mark have to do to win his Lady?
Will her father understand the all his daughter wants in life is
Loving Lieutenant Douglas!!!!
“But if you do—well, you just try it, and see what happens. And if you wish to punish me, I shall be delighted to present my bottom for your inspection.
“I would wager from the moment I saw you.” In an affectation of unimaginable tenderness, he massaged her gloved knuckles with his thumb, as was his way. “You struck a vicious blow from which I may never recover.”
Lady Amanda the bell of the ball but she has a thing for men in uniform and when she sees the handsome Lt. Mark Douglas she is captivated until they dance and he is rude to her and she has no idea why? But later after he finds out who her father is he acts different which means she must retaliate and pawn him off on her aunt and chaperon for the night.. which she winds up liking him and causes Amanda to re think things.
Lt. Mark Douglas after hear some debutantes put down the military he arranges him self to see the lady's involved only he sees lady Amanda among the lady's speaking. when later he dance with the lady he is quite rude later after finding out her father is a Admiral he knows he has made a mistake and attempts to make amends.
The more time the spend together the more they want to share there life together.
What happens when her father says no to his request?
what does Mark have to do to win his Lady?
Will her father understand the all his daughter wants in life is
Loving Lieutenant Douglas!!!!
“But if you do—well, you just try it, and see what happens. And if you wish to punish me, I shall be delighted to present my bottom for your inspection.
July 19, 2015
I have loved the Brethren of the Coast series from book #1. If you've read any or all of the books in the series, (and I'm trying not to give anything away), you'll remember the closeness that Mark and Amanda shared and the cherished way in which Mark always treated his Amanda. Barbara Devlin really outdid herself in bringing their amazing love story to life! I knew when I saw she wrote this book, Mark & Amanda's story, that it would be good, but I never dreamed in my own imaginings that it would be like this. The ancient brooch is a brilliant addition to this story, and makes their romance all that more exiting, and magical. Amanda's father, the Marquess and Admiral of the Royal Navy he is certainly not giving his daughter into the hands of just any suitor, the gentleman must measure up. The well developed characters throughout the series have been adventurous, fun, lively, the ladies are all spitfires, daring, independent minded and loving. The gentlemen are all strong, brave, loyal, and loving heroes. It's hard to choose one favorite couple, especially after reading Loving Lieutenant Douglas. I truly hope you will read all the books in the Brethren of the Coast series, as I have enjoyed them all, and added them to my "keeper" shelf.
May 19, 2015
(I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.)
This is more classic Devlin romance, and I’m happy for it. I’ve been rather in an anti-romance reading phase of late, but Devlin can certainly break through that. Although her flair could not be as fully unleashed in a novella as a novel, it’s still a wonderful romantic, saucey, racy read.
One thing I will always love about Devlin’s romances more than any other’s is her way to achieve conflict without making her characters stupid or do truly stupid things. The Big Misunderstandings are never held onto for too long, because her romantic interests actually talk and communicate with one another. That’s refreshing compared to most, and Loving Lieutenant Douglas was no different.
It’s another happy 5 Fireballs from me, and I particularly loved the epilogue.
This is more classic Devlin romance, and I’m happy for it. I’ve been rather in an anti-romance reading phase of late, but Devlin can certainly break through that. Although her flair could not be as fully unleashed in a novella as a novel, it’s still a wonderful romantic, saucey, racy read.
One thing I will always love about Devlin’s romances more than any other’s is her way to achieve conflict without making her characters stupid or do truly stupid things. The Big Misunderstandings are never held onto for too long, because her romantic interests actually talk and communicate with one another. That’s refreshing compared to most, and Loving Lieutenant Douglas was no different.
It’s another happy 5 Fireballs from me, and I particularly loved the epilogue.
October 1, 2016
Let Me Tell You A Secret
I Love Cheese (Not The Dairy Version)
I Also Love Double Entendre's
This Book Is Full Of Them
“He shifted his weight to conceal his discomfit, as the woman worked on him in ways he could not have anticipated, and his Jolly Roger had just run up the colors. ”
Cute Story
No OW/OM Drama
Quirky Heroine
Charming Sailor Hero
Ballrooms
Duels Of Honor
Battles At Sea
Mushy Dialogue
Endearing Side Charaters
July 2, 2015
I love how this author has transported me back in time. Lieutenant Douglas and Lady Amanda have captured my heart. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am simply amazed at her talent to pull a reader into the story and keep them captivated throughout the whole book. This is a shorter story but it is filled with a powerful story line with love, action and adventure. I love the obstacles the author has created for the couple to overcome. Most of all I love the authors writing style, she is truly an amazing artist and I can not wait to read the rest of her books.
June 27, 2016
While I'm a huge fan of historical romance, this one just didn't do it for me. It's a quick story about a Lieutenant Douglas attending a social event of the ton and runs into a "fiery" Lady Amanda. They immediately fall in love after a small misunderstanding. It's sunshine and roses from there on out. There was no real drama or turmoil. But it was well written (even though for ME, it was a bit too sappy) and anyone who reads it should be done in a few hours. I do understand that I am in the minority in the team's, but different strokes for different folks. Give it a try, you may enjoy it.
November 11, 2016
The author has done an amazing job at writing this novel. It has so much impact and such great writing throughout. The way the characters spoke, the knowledge of the military early on, and the emotions it evokes are spectacular. The characters, Amanda and Mark, have great chemistry. Both are smart, kind, and respectable, but whose love has no waver. They fall fast and hard, and even when it seems as if they may not get their happily ever after, still their love grows and continues. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
September 22, 2018
I know the hero is a HMS Navy officer but the nautical sexual euphemisms are excessive and over the top. For example, "Jolly Roger" is used seven times, and not to refer to a pirate ship flag. The Lt's penis is also compared to a loaded cannon five times. And the heroine's "VJ" is described as a harbor four times, in overly descriptive passages (ex. 1 ...'his Jolly Roger...was overly jolly and only too ready to plow her uncharted harbor.' 2 ...'her honey harbor' 3...'he sailed right into her harbor' 4...'he was a vast deal more than ready to weigh anchor in her harbor, again.' Yikes!
January 21, 2015
An avid reader of historical romance I'm always glad when Barbara Devlin releases another book. The magic of her words bring you back to the time with beautiful detail. You will not be disappointed with this Novella which gives you the back story of the parents who sired all the children who star in the Brethren of the Coast Series. Thank you for managing to stay true to the period and inject plenty of humor and sensuality into the story lines!
January 21, 2015
I loved reading this book as it shared the story of Lieutenant Douglas and his Lady Amanda! This was a story that I couldn't help but wonder about and I found all the answers I wanted about their relationship and how it came to be. I will read this and the other brethren books time and time again!
May 28, 2015
I was absolutely swept away by this book. Leiutenant Douglas is very swoon worthy. He has his eye on Lady Amanda. Don't want to give anything away but you will love this book.
Barbara will make you fall in love with Leiutenant Douglas. You might just have a new book boyfriend
Barbara will make you fall in love with Leiutenant Douglas. You might just have a new book boyfriend
June 7, 2015
The author gave me this book for an honest review! This was one awesome book! A refreshing historical romance full of laughter and lust! You don't want to miss it!
October 7, 2015
*4.5 novella stars. Thoroughly enjoyable!! The pacing and prose brought so much depth to this quick read. Animated Jolly Rogers Ahoy!!
August 6, 2016
I've always been a fan of Regency romance and Deviln doesn't disappoint.
July 7, 2019
I would give the book a 4.2 or 4.3.
I enjoyed this tale and learned something of the naval life during the Napoleonic Wars. Ms. Devlin is an excellent researcher and is very adept at adding the right measure of authenticity to story while not drowning it in the history.
One thing I loved about the story is Ms. Devlin's vocabulary. It is refreshing to have an author used such words as chasmal, probity, appurtenances, tympanum, ingress, costard, puerile, amity, prurient, tenderhooks, miasma, evinced, effete, adventitious, etc. Bravo!
The author says the heroine's father would secure a special license for them, which would be possible, as he was a marquess, but then there is the mention of having the banns called. Unless the marquess wished to "advertise" his daughter's wedding, having the banns called were not necessary with a special license.
I enjoyed this tale and learned something of the naval life during the Napoleonic Wars. Ms. Devlin is an excellent researcher and is very adept at adding the right measure of authenticity to story while not drowning it in the history.
One thing I loved about the story is Ms. Devlin's vocabulary. It is refreshing to have an author used such words as chasmal, probity, appurtenances, tympanum, ingress, costard, puerile, amity, prurient, tenderhooks, miasma, evinced, effete, adventitious, etc. Bravo!
The author says the heroine's father would secure a special license for them, which would be possible, as he was a marquess, but then there is the mention of having the banns called. Unless the marquess wished to "advertise" his daughter's wedding, having the banns called were not necessary with a special license.
August 25, 2020
A Confusing Historical Read
I was hoping I had found a new historical romance author to enjoy, but this missed it's mark. From the start, I felt the book was rushed and yet some of the dialog seemed to never end. I really didn't care for either main character and found both rather immature and lacking. The more amorous scenes seemed clumsy and the 'creative' anatomical names were so ridiculous it ruined what was there. The best written parts of the book were the last chapter, or so, and the epilogue (& honestly almost seemed like a different author). Do not see myself reading more of the series.
I was hoping I had found a new historical romance author to enjoy, but this missed it's mark. From the start, I felt the book was rushed and yet some of the dialog seemed to never end. I really didn't care for either main character and found both rather immature and lacking. The more amorous scenes seemed clumsy and the 'creative' anatomical names were so ridiculous it ruined what was there. The best written parts of the book were the last chapter, or so, and the epilogue (& honestly almost seemed like a different author). Do not see myself reading more of the series.
November 6, 2018
I love finding a new author!
I love historical romances. I grew up in them. I was so happy to find a new to me author that writes about the past. A young lieutenant, makes an appearance at a ball. He over hears a group of Debs, speaking about how military men are no good. So he moves to get a better look at these charming girls. Little does he realize, his life is about to change.
I love historical romances. I grew up in them. I was so happy to find a new to me author that writes about the past. A young lieutenant, makes an appearance at a ball. He over hears a group of Debs, speaking about how military men are no good. So he moves to get a better look at these charming girls. Little does he realize, his life is about to change.
June 19, 2019
This book was way too romancey for me! (If that is a word) it did move quickly, but the naval descriptions and architecture were boring, and I'm not sure totally accurate historically. If you want the usual love story, misunderstandings, and passionate love go for it. I'm glad this book was afree download.
February 13, 2019
Wonderfully written
The descriptions of the homes and places made a great background but the characters and their relationship were the best. A willful young lady and a reserved disciplined man made a perfect combination.
The descriptions of the homes and places made a great background but the characters and their relationship were the best. A willful young lady and a reserved disciplined man made a perfect combination.
April 22, 2018
3 1/2 to 4 stars
September 5, 2018
Fun read.
Mark and Amanda are a fun couple to follow the path to true love. Pretty much formula regency romance. Great escape reading.
Mark and Amanda are a fun couple to follow the path to true love. Pretty much formula regency romance. Great escape reading.
September 16, 2018
Uplifting story for these days
Enjoyable read. Well written and no errors. Keep writing books like this one. But make them longer for sure. Great job. ☺☺
Enjoyable read. Well written and no errors. Keep writing books like this one. But make them longer for sure. Great job. ☺☺
September 16, 2018
Stimulating
As a lover of both the period and the sea. I absolutely loved this tale and the way it was weaved through the waves.
As a lover of both the period and the sea. I absolutely loved this tale and the way it was weaved through the waves.
September 21, 2018
A navy man and an admiral’s daughter
I love Devlin’s series and I’m reasonably certain I’ve read them all including this one. It was a treat to return to her stories.
I love Devlin’s series and I’m reasonably certain I’ve read them all including this one. It was a treat to return to her stories.
October 28, 2018
Loved it!
This was a wonderfully written historical romance. I really enjoyed it. Finished it in one day. Can't wait to read more from this author.
This was a wonderfully written historical romance. I really enjoyed it. Finished it in one day. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews