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The Winds of Fate
HER INDEPENDENCE COMES AT A COST…
CLAIRE HAMILTON will do anything to escape an arranged marriage. Desperate to thwart her uncle’s plan to marry her off to a repugnant duke, she does the unthinkable: she marries a convicted felon before he is hanged, hoping the social stigma will sully her name enough to call off the official wedding. The one thing she didn’t plan on was her imprisoned husband demanding his wedding night. To make matter worse, her plan works too well. Not only does the duke call off the wedding, her uncle banishes her to the island outpost of Jamaica to avoid scandal.
HIS FREEDOM CAN’T BE BOUGHT…
DR. DEVON BLACKMON angered the wrong men, powerful men. Wrongly accused of treachery against the king, Devon is imprisoned and sentenced to hang. He never expected a prison wedding to an auburn-haired beauty−nor to be sold as a slave instead of hanged, nor his owner to be none other than his wife. But despite her kindness, Devon is unwilling to accept Claire is different than any other London aristocrat and is determined to scorn her.
His only chance at freedom comes with escape. But though he rises as the notorious Black Devil pirate, commanding his Caribbean kingdom, striking fear in the crowned heads of Europe…Devon cant’ forget Claire. When he takes her captive aboard ship, his lust for vengeance becomes an uncontrollable desire for the beauty who boldly challenges him.
LOVE MUST PAY THE HIGHEST PRICE…
With enemies all around them, Devon and Claire must risk their lives and learn to trust each other−or lose their hearts forever.
The Winds of Fate Reviews:
The Winds of Fate “…captivating romance that takes us to the world of seventeenth-century London...Sexual tension and legal and familial intrigue ensue with the reader cheering on the lovely pair.”
−Publishers Weekly
The Winds of Fate “has everything…full of passion, betrayal, mystery and all the good stuff readers love.”
−ABNA Expert Reviewer
“Original…strong-willed heroine…I love all of it…the unlikely premise of a female member of the aristocracy visiting a man who is condemned to die and asking him to marry her.”
−ABNA Expert Reviewer
CLAIRE HAMILTON will do anything to escape an arranged marriage. Desperate to thwart her uncle’s plan to marry her off to a repugnant duke, she does the unthinkable: she marries a convicted felon before he is hanged, hoping the social stigma will sully her name enough to call off the official wedding. The one thing she didn’t plan on was her imprisoned husband demanding his wedding night. To make matter worse, her plan works too well. Not only does the duke call off the wedding, her uncle banishes her to the island outpost of Jamaica to avoid scandal.
HIS FREEDOM CAN’T BE BOUGHT…
DR. DEVON BLACKMON angered the wrong men, powerful men. Wrongly accused of treachery against the king, Devon is imprisoned and sentenced to hang. He never expected a prison wedding to an auburn-haired beauty−nor to be sold as a slave instead of hanged, nor his owner to be none other than his wife. But despite her kindness, Devon is unwilling to accept Claire is different than any other London aristocrat and is determined to scorn her.
His only chance at freedom comes with escape. But though he rises as the notorious Black Devil pirate, commanding his Caribbean kingdom, striking fear in the crowned heads of Europe…Devon cant’ forget Claire. When he takes her captive aboard ship, his lust for vengeance becomes an uncontrollable desire for the beauty who boldly challenges him.
LOVE MUST PAY THE HIGHEST PRICE…
With enemies all around them, Devon and Claire must risk their lives and learn to trust each other−or lose their hearts forever.
The Winds of Fate Reviews:
The Winds of Fate “…captivating romance that takes us to the world of seventeenth-century London...Sexual tension and legal and familial intrigue ensue with the reader cheering on the lovely pair.”
−Publishers Weekly
The Winds of Fate “has everything…full of passion, betrayal, mystery and all the good stuff readers love.”
−ABNA Expert Reviewer
“Original…strong-willed heroine…I love all of it…the unlikely premise of a female member of the aristocracy visiting a man who is condemned to die and asking him to marry her.”
−ABNA Expert Reviewer
ebook
First published September 10, 2014
82 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth St. Michel
12 books115 followersWelcome aboard! I enjoy children, cats, dogs, gardening and writing award-winning and bestselling historical romance. The Winds of Fate is a swashbuckling tale of love lost and retribution. I also have a great fondness for the American Civil War period as shown in my Surrender Series. For American Revolution fans there is my International Book Award Winning, The Duke of Rutland Series about a Duke and his four strong-willed offspring. My latest International Hemingway Award-winning novel, On Prevailing Winds is an enthralling WWII love triangle that spans the globe. Half of my year is spent in New York and the other half in the Bahamas where I obtain so much inspiration for my work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 10, 2016
A Caribbean Adventure
The first thing I noticed as I began to read this was that I recognized the plot. Then it came to me... Shanna! It is one of my favorites by Kathleen Woodiwiss. So I grabbed Shanna off the shelf and discovered I was right. This is from the back cover blurb of Shanna: "Behind the walls of Newgate Prison a secret pact is sealed, as a condemned man consents to wed a beautiful, free-spirited heiress thereby rescuing her from an unwanted arranged union."
While the plot is similar to Shanna (both heroines end up on a Caribbean isle where the hero, who has survived Newgate, is sold as a slave and demands his conjugal rights from the heroine), this is a very different book in the writing style, the characters’ personalities and in some of the later story developments. It is set in the late 17th century, but reads more like a Regency with glib banter and lots of hyperbole. The heroine, Claire Hamilton, is flighty and impulsive. (She is balanced by her wise, bookish cousin, Lily.) The hero, Devon Blackmon, is a London physician of Irish origin who gets swept up in the king’s raid on a nest of rebels.
Most of the book takes place in the Caribbean and for most of that the hero and heroine are squabbling. There are lots of twists and turns as Devon turns pirate and becomes wealthy, commanding his own ship. A plague strikes the island, the Spanish attack and a French pirate tries to capture Claire. It’s a wild ride to be sure.
The first thing I noticed as I began to read this was that I recognized the plot. Then it came to me... Shanna! It is one of my favorites by Kathleen Woodiwiss. So I grabbed Shanna off the shelf and discovered I was right. This is from the back cover blurb of Shanna: "Behind the walls of Newgate Prison a secret pact is sealed, as a condemned man consents to wed a beautiful, free-spirited heiress thereby rescuing her from an unwanted arranged union."
While the plot is similar to Shanna (both heroines end up on a Caribbean isle where the hero, who has survived Newgate, is sold as a slave and demands his conjugal rights from the heroine), this is a very different book in the writing style, the characters’ personalities and in some of the later story developments. It is set in the late 17th century, but reads more like a Regency with glib banter and lots of hyperbole. The heroine, Claire Hamilton, is flighty and impulsive. (She is balanced by her wise, bookish cousin, Lily.) The hero, Devon Blackmon, is a London physician of Irish origin who gets swept up in the king’s raid on a nest of rebels.
Most of the book takes place in the Caribbean and for most of that the hero and heroine are squabbling. There are lots of twists and turns as Devon turns pirate and becomes wealthy, commanding his own ship. A plague strikes the island, the Spanish attack and a French pirate tries to capture Claire. It’s a wild ride to be sure.
August 11, 2018
I was in the mood for a moc story so I came upon this by chance, I didn’t read any reviews before I started reading this. And I’m glad I didn’t because usually I get a little wary of pirate and adventure stories as I am not a fan of bodice rippers, so boy was I glad that this wasn’t a bodice ripper.
The story starts off with our h, Claire, who is an orphan and has been living with her cook (named Cookie 😊) and her cousin,Lily.
Her cousin from her mother’s side was sadly orphaned as a child and started living with her and unfortunately the h was ophaned shortly after when her parents passed away due to a carriage accident.
Our h and her cousin were then thrown into a horrid part of London when her Uncle Jarvis inherited the title of Baron that previously belonged to her father. She had nothing of her own and her uncle threw the 9 year old h and her cousin out.
The cook, Cookie, found the girls and took them under her wing until the Uncle returned to their horror. He put the h into the ton in order to marry her off to the highest bidder. The highest bidder turned out to be the nasty duke who was old enough to be her grandfather and he also had a penchant for young women and each one that he married, somehow wound up dead.
So this is where the story begins with the h racinf to the Newgate prison in order to wed a tried felon so that she could get his name and become a widow.
When she met the H who is an innocent man convicted and tried in prison prior to the wedding, she did not see his face but he did through a hole in the sheet that seperated them. She was upset that she had to resort to this and did feel horrible for the H at this point but then again he was a criminal and she could not do anything to help although she had asked him if anything could be done to save him.
Little did she know that he would not be hanged and instead would be sent to the camps in Jamaica as a slave. The h was beaten by her uncle for disobeying him and marrying someone else and then he took her to Jamaica with him, Lily and Cookie followed her to Jamaica.
After 3 months of mourning as a widow she pulls off not marrying anyone, she then finally lays eyes on the H who is brought as a slave, feeling sad for him, she buys him for 11 pounds. He, on the other hand , recognises the h immediately and feels hatred for the aristrocacy and he feels hatred for her as she hadn’t even fulfilled her promise. Oh yeah in the prison, he had asked for one night to consumate their wedding and she had promised she would grant him that but she didn’t find him again when she went back to Newgate and thought him as dead and he thought she shirked her promise.
There in Jamaica, things start heating up, turns out the H is a doctor as well and starts working to heal the people living there. He is, however, scorned and treated as a slave and I really did feel his misery.
A lot of things happen in Jamaica finally leading to yhe ultimate escape of the prisoners along with Ames, another slave, who fell in love with Lily.
The h doesn’t see the H for a year and knows that he has become an outlaw and even worse, a pirate.
From here, the story I feel gets far more interesting from pirates attacking pirates to gettinf kidnapped, almost getting raped (okay that wasn’t fun) and ultimately declaring their love for eachother. It was really heartwarming.
But, I removed one star from this because even though the h was traumatised by her past, which I understand but she took far too long to realise she loved the H and couldn’t live without him, it took her cousin Lily to explain things to her for her to finally realise love was worth everything. Sometimes she really did irritate me so much that I kept rolling my eyes, I think I got a headache because of her stubbornness 🤨😑.
All in all, I loved the H in this novel and to some extent the h too. There was no serious ow or om drama (there was a small bit about a Sir Teackle who was nasty and wanted to marry the h and a small bit about a brothel woman who sort of sexually attacked the H, lol that was funny). But the H and h were true to eachother. H was celibate since he met the h, in fact since 6 months before he met her since he was imprisoned. She was a virgin and she was not a mary sue.
So a lovely read. Highly recommended, definitely something different than the other historicals.
The story starts off with our h, Claire, who is an orphan and has been living with her cook (named Cookie 😊) and her cousin,Lily.
Her cousin from her mother’s side was sadly orphaned as a child and started living with her and unfortunately the h was ophaned shortly after when her parents passed away due to a carriage accident.
Our h and her cousin were then thrown into a horrid part of London when her Uncle Jarvis inherited the title of Baron that previously belonged to her father. She had nothing of her own and her uncle threw the 9 year old h and her cousin out.
The cook, Cookie, found the girls and took them under her wing until the Uncle returned to their horror. He put the h into the ton in order to marry her off to the highest bidder. The highest bidder turned out to be the nasty duke who was old enough to be her grandfather and he also had a penchant for young women and each one that he married, somehow wound up dead.
So this is where the story begins with the h racinf to the Newgate prison in order to wed a tried felon so that she could get his name and become a widow.
When she met the H who is an innocent man convicted and tried in prison prior to the wedding, she did not see his face but he did through a hole in the sheet that seperated them. She was upset that she had to resort to this and did feel horrible for the H at this point but then again he was a criminal and she could not do anything to help although she had asked him if anything could be done to save him.
Little did she know that he would not be hanged and instead would be sent to the camps in Jamaica as a slave. The h was beaten by her uncle for disobeying him and marrying someone else and then he took her to Jamaica with him, Lily and Cookie followed her to Jamaica.
After 3 months of mourning as a widow she pulls off not marrying anyone, she then finally lays eyes on the H who is brought as a slave, feeling sad for him, she buys him for 11 pounds. He, on the other hand , recognises the h immediately and feels hatred for the aristrocacy and he feels hatred for her as she hadn’t even fulfilled her promise. Oh yeah in the prison, he had asked for one night to consumate their wedding and she had promised she would grant him that but she didn’t find him again when she went back to Newgate and thought him as dead and he thought she shirked her promise.
There in Jamaica, things start heating up, turns out the H is a doctor as well and starts working to heal the people living there. He is, however, scorned and treated as a slave and I really did feel his misery.
A lot of things happen in Jamaica finally leading to yhe ultimate escape of the prisoners along with Ames, another slave, who fell in love with Lily.
The h doesn’t see the H for a year and knows that he has become an outlaw and even worse, a pirate.
From here, the story I feel gets far more interesting from pirates attacking pirates to gettinf kidnapped, almost getting raped (okay that wasn’t fun) and ultimately declaring their love for eachother. It was really heartwarming.
But, I removed one star from this because even though the h was traumatised by her past, which I understand but she took far too long to realise she loved the H and couldn’t live without him, it took her cousin Lily to explain things to her for her to finally realise love was worth everything. Sometimes she really did irritate me so much that I kept rolling my eyes, I think I got a headache because of her stubbornness 🤨😑.
All in all, I loved the H in this novel and to some extent the h too. There was no serious ow or om drama (there was a small bit about a Sir Teackle who was nasty and wanted to marry the h and a small bit about a brothel woman who sort of sexually attacked the H, lol that was funny). But the H and h were true to eachother. H was celibate since he met the h, in fact since 6 months before he met her since he was imprisoned. She was a virgin and she was not a mary sue.
So a lovely read. Highly recommended, definitely something different than the other historicals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
March 8, 2016My mom loved this and if there's one thing I trust, it's my mom's love for HR novels. Old ladies know good romance stories.
November 4, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. Other reviews will tell you about the plot. I have to say what I think is most important. How I felt. I was hooked from the beginning. I love the way the author weaves the story. There was a point where I said to myself, "NO! This is too much. It's not fair. You've gone too far!"
However, by the time I finished the book I was completely satisfied and it totally made my day. Now isn't that what a book should do?
I think so.
However, by the time I finished the book I was completely satisfied and it totally made my day. Now isn't that what a book should do?
I think so.
September 24, 2017
An enjoyable, mesmerizing and educational debut read.......
This was my first novel by Ms. St. Michel....I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The setting begins in London during the Georgian era, under the realm of King James..... Dr. Devon Blackmon is about to be executed for a crime he didn't commit. When a lovely young woman is brought to him in the Newgate Prison. She has a strange request of him, but he ends of acquiescing to her request, as he's hours away from death.
Claire Hamilton is punished for her action at Newgate Prison. Her cruel and mean spirited Uncle Jarvis quickly whisked her away to Jamaica after discovering she had gone behind his back, and consequently, put a halt to his plans, of marrying her off to a Duke. From this point, the plot thickens with lots of betrayal, cruelty, passion, tension, and family legal issues. Finally, a war with pirates ensues through a wonderfully told sea adventure.
Ms. St. Michel engages her reader with her tantalizing tale of adventure and mayhem. Her characters are well developed and the historical tribulations of prisoners endured during this time frame is daunting. It was apparent the plot of the story-line, during the time period, was thoroughly researched.
I highly recommend this novel to all those who enjoy a captivating read!
This was my first novel by Ms. St. Michel....I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The setting begins in London during the Georgian era, under the realm of King James..... Dr. Devon Blackmon is about to be executed for a crime he didn't commit. When a lovely young woman is brought to him in the Newgate Prison. She has a strange request of him, but he ends of acquiescing to her request, as he's hours away from death.
Claire Hamilton is punished for her action at Newgate Prison. Her cruel and mean spirited Uncle Jarvis quickly whisked her away to Jamaica after discovering she had gone behind his back, and consequently, put a halt to his plans, of marrying her off to a Duke. From this point, the plot thickens with lots of betrayal, cruelty, passion, tension, and family legal issues. Finally, a war with pirates ensues through a wonderfully told sea adventure.
Ms. St. Michel engages her reader with her tantalizing tale of adventure and mayhem. Her characters are well developed and the historical tribulations of prisoners endured during this time frame is daunting. It was apparent the plot of the story-line, during the time period, was thoroughly researched.
I highly recommend this novel to all those who enjoy a captivating read!
April 5, 2018
I've read a number of these reviews, and will agree that there are a number of cliches and poor editing, but I didn't feel they distracted me from the story much. As I read, the plot seemed new and exciting to me. Admittedly, I have never read Shanna, so might read that soon. It's been so many years since I've watched Captain Blood, that I can't remember any similarities there either.
For me, the book started a bit slow, but soon picked up. Sometimes I laughed at their antics, and I have to admit I cried quite a bit, too. I loved Ms St. Michel's character development. Even the tertiary and beyond characters were developed and held place in my heart. As far as I'm concerned, I could easily see this as a beginning of a series. In fact, I would love that! I would definitely read it!!!
For me, the book started a bit slow, but soon picked up. Sometimes I laughed at their antics, and I have to admit I cried quite a bit, too. I loved Ms St. Michel's character development. Even the tertiary and beyond characters were developed and held place in my heart. As far as I'm concerned, I could easily see this as a beginning of a series. In fact, I would love that! I would definitely read it!!!
January 8, 2015
Great book
This is a really good book. I loved the story from beginning to the end. It is about a pirate captain and the woman he loved. It is about over coming great obstacles in life for both the hero and his lady. This story has it all, action, fast paced and the finding of true love. This is the first book I have read by Ms. St. michael, but will not be the last. I highly recommend.
This is a really good book. I loved the story from beginning to the end. It is about a pirate captain and the woman he loved. It is about over coming great obstacles in life for both the hero and his lady. This story has it all, action, fast paced and the finding of true love. This is the first book I have read by Ms. St. michael, but will not be the last. I highly recommend.
August 6, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed The Winds of Fate and can't wait to read more by Elizabeth St Michael! I found the plot to be very intriguing and the characters, Clair and Devon, to be well rounded and likable. I don't want to risk giving any spoilers so I will leave it at this: I could not put this book down! It had a bit of everything, passion, adventure, intrigue... Just go get a copy, you won't regret it!
July 9, 2017
The Winds of Fate held my interest captive.
Characters were vivid and strong, even the evil were well defined. The plot, though predictable, (it is a romance novel) was interspersed with twists and turns that kept the story fresh. I was hooked from page one. If you like strong characters, independent women and thoroughly manly men, you will love this book. Oh, did I mention, not one typographical error. Refreshing!
Characters were vivid and strong, even the evil were well defined. The plot, though predictable, (it is a romance novel) was interspersed with twists and turns that kept the story fresh. I was hooked from page one. If you like strong characters, independent women and thoroughly manly men, you will love this book. Oh, did I mention, not one typographical error. Refreshing!
November 11, 2015
Great Read
I found this book to be a great read The characters are strong and very believable. The plot was moved by the action of the characters and story. The love story between the two characters drew me into the plot and kept me on the edge of my seat. All in all a great read.
I found this book to be a great read The characters are strong and very believable. The plot was moved by the action of the characters and story. The love story between the two characters drew me into the plot and kept me on the edge of my seat. All in all a great read.
April 23, 2018
The Winds of War
This book was suggested to me by a friend who knows I love historical romance.
We find Claire trying to escape her fate of betrothal to a mean skeleton of a man arranged by her uncle.
At the same time we find Devon, awaiting execution for crimes he never committed.
How are they able to cross paths at such a juncture?
You must read their story! Enjoy!
This book was suggested to me by a friend who knows I love historical romance.
We find Claire trying to escape her fate of betrothal to a mean skeleton of a man arranged by her uncle.
At the same time we find Devon, awaiting execution for crimes he never committed.
How are they able to cross paths at such a juncture?
You must read their story! Enjoy!
November 6, 2015
Whew, This was Great
I loved this. It was full of all kinds of action. If You like, historical fiction, pirates, cruelty, slavery, lost love and romance, you need this book!
I loved this. It was full of all kinds of action. If You like, historical fiction, pirates, cruelty, slavery, lost love and romance, you need this book!
May 14, 2023
Full review to follow- short review below
1.5 stars overall
Sigh .. this book 🤦♀️
Pretty meh read for me overall, hampered by some awkward writing and plotting which never reached the zaniness and drama promised by the blurb. There was not enough focus in the plot for this to be compelling.
But - it be fair I kept reading and hoping to I am giving this an extra half star. I mean that may be just for my stubbornness because this did give me a bit of a headache - I kept waiting for the romance and steam to jolt me but was disappointed.
1.5 stars overall
Sigh .. this book 🤦♀️
Pretty meh read for me overall, hampered by some awkward writing and plotting which never reached the zaniness and drama promised by the blurb. There was not enough focus in the plot for this to be compelling.
But - it be fair I kept reading and hoping to I am giving this an extra half star. I mean that may be just for my stubbornness because this did give me a bit of a headache - I kept waiting for the romance and steam to jolt me but was disappointed.
August 29, 2016
This book turned me on to another great author! It takes place in 1685, a period that I don't usually read, but I was intrigued based on some reviews that I read on the book.
Claire Hamilton races to find a husband to get out of the 'clutches' of her greedy Uncle, who has sold her into marriage to a withering aged Duke. The Duke has the reputation of having had many young wives that mysteriously disappeared after just a couple of years. As is the custom in the day, nobility were above the law; he was never suspected of any crime. Yet the stories were there. Not only does Claire not want to risk the danger, but she cannot even think of what marriage to a husband old enough to be her grandfather would be like. He has cold beady black eyes and scares her. (He sounds horrid to me.) Claire and her cousin Lily head into Newgate Prison for an already arranged meeting with the very greedy King's Head Guardsman - Mr. Goad. Claire is determined to wed a condemned prisoner. In her mind, she weds, he dies, and she becomes an instant widow. Based on the information she has been given, she will be safe from her Uncle's clutches.
Devon Blackmon reflects on his life of goodworks as a physician and his hatred for the gentry of England. Doing service for the gentry landed him in Newgate as a condemned man. Dragged from his bed to perform surgery on the Duke of Monmouth, a rebel leading a war against the King, he is cast into a sea of bad luck. The King's men crush the rebellion while he is working on the Duke and he is captured by the King's men and sentenced to die - no one believes his innocence. Mr. Goad arbitrarily picks Devon as the one Claire will take as her 'husband.' When Claire is ushered to his cell and given an opportunity to ask her favor, and she asks to speak to him alone. A sheet separates them so neither will see each other -- but Claire doesn't realize a hole in the sheet permits Devon to see her. Devon is blown away by her innocence and her beauty, and ultimately agrees to her request. He makes her agree to one night as her husband as his price. She agrees. Unfortunately - the agreement never is fulfilled. She marries and becomes Madame Blackmon.
Claire announces to her Uncle that she has defied him. Her solicitor tells him that she gets two years of mourning - and the Duke is put off because of the scandal. But things don't work out in Claire's favor completely. Her Uncle beats her severely and then moves the family to the Caribbean island of Jamaica -- to the family home to get away from the 'scandal' that Claire created. Unbeknownst to Claire, King James II decides to line his pockets on the lives of the rebels. He stays the executions on many of the condemned rebels and he sells them into slavery. Their destination? Jamaica. And, you guessed it. Devon Blackmon is among them.
This book uses the trope of marriage to the condemned prisoner. I love it because the only time I have seen this used before is with Shanna (Katherine Woodiwiss). Both books use the condemned prisoners; both books have their executions stayed and have them sent to the Caribbean Islands to work on sugar plantations. That is because if you are writing about this trope during that period - THAT is where the condemned prisoners were sent. James II sent the rebels there - those he didn't boil in tar or behead - to live in either Barbados or Jamaica. But the similarities for the books end there. St. Michels provides a wonderful story with rich characters, and a fascinating storyline. It's full of adventure, pirates, romance and a fast-paced plot. All of the characters are strong. Even St. Michels' secondary characters are fascinating - almost as much as the H and h. In Claire she gives us a strong heroine that thinks of others before herself. Our hero, Devon Blackmon, wants to live life. He is a resourceful man. He is also full of passion, honest and honorable - even as he chooses to become a pirate. A pirate, you say? Yes - and that is ALL I am going to tell you. I will not spoil it for you. But I will tell you that this book will resonate. Their story will touch your heart - if you are a romantic. Her story pulled all kinds of emotions from me as I read their story - anxiety, happiness, laughter, and sadness. I loved their story. I want to read more of Devon and Claire! FIVE STARS. *****
Claire Hamilton races to find a husband to get out of the 'clutches' of her greedy Uncle, who has sold her into marriage to a withering aged Duke. The Duke has the reputation of having had many young wives that mysteriously disappeared after just a couple of years. As is the custom in the day, nobility were above the law; he was never suspected of any crime. Yet the stories were there. Not only does Claire not want to risk the danger, but she cannot even think of what marriage to a husband old enough to be her grandfather would be like. He has cold beady black eyes and scares her. (He sounds horrid to me.) Claire and her cousin Lily head into Newgate Prison for an already arranged meeting with the very greedy King's Head Guardsman - Mr. Goad. Claire is determined to wed a condemned prisoner. In her mind, she weds, he dies, and she becomes an instant widow. Based on the information she has been given, she will be safe from her Uncle's clutches.
Devon Blackmon reflects on his life of goodworks as a physician and his hatred for the gentry of England. Doing service for the gentry landed him in Newgate as a condemned man. Dragged from his bed to perform surgery on the Duke of Monmouth, a rebel leading a war against the King, he is cast into a sea of bad luck. The King's men crush the rebellion while he is working on the Duke and he is captured by the King's men and sentenced to die - no one believes his innocence. Mr. Goad arbitrarily picks Devon as the one Claire will take as her 'husband.' When Claire is ushered to his cell and given an opportunity to ask her favor, and she asks to speak to him alone. A sheet separates them so neither will see each other -- but Claire doesn't realize a hole in the sheet permits Devon to see her. Devon is blown away by her innocence and her beauty, and ultimately agrees to her request. He makes her agree to one night as her husband as his price. She agrees. Unfortunately - the agreement never is fulfilled. She marries and becomes Madame Blackmon.
Claire announces to her Uncle that she has defied him. Her solicitor tells him that she gets two years of mourning - and the Duke is put off because of the scandal. But things don't work out in Claire's favor completely. Her Uncle beats her severely and then moves the family to the Caribbean island of Jamaica -- to the family home to get away from the 'scandal' that Claire created. Unbeknownst to Claire, King James II decides to line his pockets on the lives of the rebels. He stays the executions on many of the condemned rebels and he sells them into slavery. Their destination? Jamaica. And, you guessed it. Devon Blackmon is among them.
This book uses the trope of marriage to the condemned prisoner. I love it because the only time I have seen this used before is with Shanna (Katherine Woodiwiss). Both books use the condemned prisoners; both books have their executions stayed and have them sent to the Caribbean Islands to work on sugar plantations. That is because if you are writing about this trope during that period - THAT is where the condemned prisoners were sent. James II sent the rebels there - those he didn't boil in tar or behead - to live in either Barbados or Jamaica. But the similarities for the books end there. St. Michels provides a wonderful story with rich characters, and a fascinating storyline. It's full of adventure, pirates, romance and a fast-paced plot. All of the characters are strong. Even St. Michels' secondary characters are fascinating - almost as much as the H and h. In Claire she gives us a strong heroine that thinks of others before herself. Our hero, Devon Blackmon, wants to live life. He is a resourceful man. He is also full of passion, honest and honorable - even as he chooses to become a pirate. A pirate, you say? Yes - and that is ALL I am going to tell you. I will not spoil it for you. But I will tell you that this book will resonate. Their story will touch your heart - if you are a romantic. Her story pulled all kinds of emotions from me as I read their story - anxiety, happiness, laughter, and sadness. I loved their story. I want to read more of Devon and Claire! FIVE STARS. *****
February 16, 2016
I'm being generous with two stars, I think.
The premise of this story sounded intriguing: a woman in 17th century London tries to escape an unwanted marriage by instead marrying a convict who is going to hang that same evening. By a stroke of luck, said convict is instead transported to Jamaica (and slavery) where his wife, unknowingly, buys him for the total sum of 11 pounds. After a Spanish attack on the colony, the convict escapes and becomes the Black Devil pirate captain, feared and respected by many, and eventually secures his wife in his hold again, only this time she's at his mercy.
I mean, it's history, and romance, and the Caribbean, and I really thought I'd love it.
Instead, I'm on the fence.
The scenery was picturesque and the historic depictions (even if sometimes inaccurate) were entertaining. The heroes ... a little less so.
The heroine, Claire, begins as a strong-willed woman (because who would dare marry a convict?), but it quickly becomes apparent the author couldn't decide how to write her, as a damsel in distress, or an actual heroine, which results in a rather distressing damsel and my headache from her constantly shifting personality.
The hero, Devon, is basically just an idiot; he shows almost zero kindness to his wife and it doesn't even occur to him that a little flattery and some romance would get him waaaaay farther than antagonizing her. Plus, how stupid can you be when she tells you her brief history and you don't figure out she has abandonment issues?
Enter the villains, a conniving uncle and an Earl who wants to marry her, and her thinking she's not beautiful but she actually is, and you get a clusterbleep of epic proportions. The fact that they added in a French pirate and the English vs. French debate only added to me trying to figure out what's going on, and ending up asking why is the rum gone?
The premise of this story sounded intriguing: a woman in 17th century London tries to escape an unwanted marriage by instead marrying a convict who is going to hang that same evening. By a stroke of luck, said convict is instead transported to Jamaica (and slavery) where his wife, unknowingly, buys him for the total sum of 11 pounds. After a Spanish attack on the colony, the convict escapes and becomes the Black Devil pirate captain, feared and respected by many, and eventually secures his wife in his hold again, only this time she's at his mercy.
I mean, it's history, and romance, and the Caribbean, and I really thought I'd love it.
Instead, I'm on the fence.
The scenery was picturesque and the historic depictions (even if sometimes inaccurate) were entertaining. The heroes ... a little less so.
The heroine, Claire, begins as a strong-willed woman (because who would dare marry a convict?), but it quickly becomes apparent the author couldn't decide how to write her, as a damsel in distress, or an actual heroine, which results in a rather distressing damsel and my headache from her constantly shifting personality.
The hero, Devon, is basically just an idiot; he shows almost zero kindness to his wife and it doesn't even occur to him that a little flattery and some romance would get him waaaaay farther than antagonizing her. Plus, how stupid can you be when she tells you her brief history and you don't figure out she has abandonment issues?
Enter the villains, a conniving uncle and an Earl who wants to marry her, and her thinking she's not beautiful but she actually is, and you get a clusterbleep of epic proportions. The fact that they added in a French pirate and the English vs. French debate only added to me trying to figure out what's going on, and ending up asking why is the rum gone?
July 24, 2018
This is the story of Claire Hamilton and Dr Devon Blackmon, and what an adventure it is! Claire's fate is in the hands of her wretched, evil uncle Jasper, until she takes matters into her own hands by marrying a convicted prisoner set to hang later that evening. But fate steps in and they find themselves face to face in Jamaica.... and so this twisting and turning tale of deception, trust, romance, love, hate and betrayal begins! Strap yourselves in, because it certainly will be a bumpy ride!! Claire cannot let herself love or trust, it is the only way she has stayed ahead of all the trials and tribulations life and her uncle have thrown at her. She is beautiful, feisty and lonely, but now she is the wife of Dr. Devon Blackmon. He is handsome, intelligent, kind, heroic and in love with Claire. They both have many obstacles to pass before true love finds it's way and they realise how much they do love each other. What a great tale it is out on the open seas!!
August 8, 2015
This book has it all suspense, pirates, love, passion and romance. The author does a really good job of bringing the characters to life and keeping you engaged.
November 19, 2015
Amazon review
This was one of the best books I have read. It was full of excitement, love, mystery, battles, hate, every thing you can imagine.
This was one of the best books I have read. It was full of excitement, love, mystery, battles, hate, every thing you can imagine.
August 3, 2020
This book was a hot mess but I still enjoyed it. Also needs editing and the forms of address are all wrong (which is a big pet peeve of mine).
February 9, 2016
Read this in paperback . This is a historical romance . It takes part during the Irish Rebellion. Our heroine is Clair and our hero is Devon .
Clair is desperate her uncle has promised her to a Duke . The Duke is old enough to be her grandfather and the Duke values Virgins . You find out why the uncle promised the Duke Clair during the story . Clair has no choice but to go to prison and pick out a man that she knows he will not live . Clair picked a man named Dr Devon Blackwell . He was going to hang for being at the wrong place at the wrong time . Clair marries Devon and goes back to her uncles home and tells both the Duke and her uncle . Clair gets banished to the island of Jamaica . During a slave auction he buys a slave . Unknown to her she buys her husband . Devon recognize her but she doesn't recognize Devon .
Devon is wondering why Clair bought him . How will he escape the uncle . The uncle has Devon and his men working the field and he whips them . Clair is starting to have feelings for Devon but she still doesn't know who she is .
Devon escapes on a ship with some help ... Is it with Clair's help ???
Devon becomes a pirate one that puts fear to others heart .
Devon and Clair meet up . Find out how ??? There are a few suprises for both of them but the biggest is to Clair .
Clair is desperate her uncle has promised her to a Duke . The Duke is old enough to be her grandfather and the Duke values Virgins . You find out why the uncle promised the Duke Clair during the story . Clair has no choice but to go to prison and pick out a man that she knows he will not live . Clair picked a man named Dr Devon Blackwell . He was going to hang for being at the wrong place at the wrong time . Clair marries Devon and goes back to her uncles home and tells both the Duke and her uncle . Clair gets banished to the island of Jamaica . During a slave auction he buys a slave . Unknown to her she buys her husband . Devon recognize her but she doesn't recognize Devon .
Devon is wondering why Clair bought him . How will he escape the uncle . The uncle has Devon and his men working the field and he whips them . Clair is starting to have feelings for Devon but she still doesn't know who she is .
Devon escapes on a ship with some help ... Is it with Clair's help ???
Devon becomes a pirate one that puts fear to others heart .
Devon and Clair meet up . Find out how ??? There are a few suprises for both of them but the biggest is to Clair .
historical
December 20, 2018Claire Hamilton will do anything to avoid marrying the vile duke to whom her uncle has her betrothed—including marrying convicted felon Dr. Devon Blackmon, a prisoner in Newgate Prison.
In retaliation, Claire is banished to the wild outpost of Jamaica, where on impulse she buys a slave of her own, only to discover that she has inadvertently bought her own husband—a move that does anything but endear him to his new “wife.”
Forced together in order to fight the deadly plague ravaging the island, Claire and Blackmon slowly develop a forbidden friendship that neither expected. Wildly untrusting on both sides, they struggle to navigate their newfound positions—until Blackmon seizes a chance to escape, soon rising to fame as the Black Devil Pirate, commanding his Caribbean kingdom and striking fear in the crowned heads of Europe.
But the outlaw is not finished with Claire yet, as their paths eventually cross once again and Blackmon takes her captive.
Caught in a war between France, England, and their own hearts, will Claire and Blackmon survive?
In retaliation, Claire is banished to the wild outpost of Jamaica, where on impulse she buys a slave of her own, only to discover that she has inadvertently bought her own husband—a move that does anything but endear him to his new “wife.”
Forced together in order to fight the deadly plague ravaging the island, Claire and Blackmon slowly develop a forbidden friendship that neither expected. Wildly untrusting on both sides, they struggle to navigate their newfound positions—until Blackmon seizes a chance to escape, soon rising to fame as the Black Devil Pirate, commanding his Caribbean kingdom and striking fear in the crowned heads of Europe.
But the outlaw is not finished with Claire yet, as their paths eventually cross once again and Blackmon takes her captive.
Caught in a war between France, England, and their own hearts, will Claire and Blackmon survive?
August 5, 2023
I can’t believe I wasted hours reading this. Even if I could ignore the horrible editing, I can’t ignore the overly convulted plot and annoying characters. Hero was so horrible to heroine I ended up skimming it. There was no romancing or really any groveling to make up for the awful way Devon treated Claire. Devon kept antagonizing Claire at every turn and assumed the worst of her, yet he’s angry and offended that she won’t succumb to him? And shame on Claire for allowing that man to walk all over her and forgiving him so easily.
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August 17, 2016Just couldn't finish it.
While the opening scene of 'The Winds of Fate was promising, it quickly gave way to a below average story rife with historical inaccuracies, clunky dialog and awkward shifts in POV, all of which might be forgivable if the story was interesting and the characters likable. I tried to finish but stopped at the 50% mark on my Kindle.
While the opening scene of 'The Winds of Fate was promising, it quickly gave way to a below average story rife with historical inaccuracies, clunky dialog and awkward shifts in POV, all of which might be forgivable if the story was interesting and the characters likable. I tried to finish but stopped at the 50% mark on my Kindle.
November 12, 2015
A tale of a man whose life has been hard who meets a woman whose life has been harder. They marry in a prison cell and part forever. Then fate takes over.
November 24, 2015
The winds of fate
This was one of the best books I've read.action from front to back.a great love story for all to enjoy
This was one of the best books I've read.action from front to back.a great love story for all to enjoy
August 14, 2016
This one really kept me going. Well done for the genre.
November 11, 2015
London, 1685: Woman marries condemned Irish Prisoner to escape forced marriage; Prisoner ends up transported to Jamaica and sold as a slave instead of hanging; Woman also ends up in Jamaica, takes pity and buys Slave unawares; lots of bad shit happens; Slave escapes and becomes Pirate King...
This might have been a good story, but not the way it's told. The writing style is irritating: the purple prose; the stilted language; the MCs' mercurial moods and the constant and never-ending flip-flopping between love and hate; the over-blown "wittiness." There are many instances where the punctuation is a mess and an abundance of confusing passages. In fact, the whole book is a mess. I feel my time has been completely wasted.
This might have been a good story, but not the way it's told. The writing style is irritating: the purple prose; the stilted language; the MCs' mercurial moods and the constant and never-ending flip-flopping between love and hate; the over-blown "wittiness." There are many instances where the punctuation is a mess and an abundance of confusing passages. In fact, the whole book is a mess. I feel my time has been completely wasted.
November 27, 2017
I was very disappointed in this novel although I held high hopes it would deliver in the end. Nope. First of all Devon was more of a soldier than a doctor. I was not convinced of his role as doctor and notorious pirate. it was poorly portrayed and rushed. I felt that he tried to enslave and control Claire while she meekly apologized for his misunderstandings. he treated her roughly and disrespected her. Their constant indecision and rejection towards each other was annoying and made the story drag. Disappointed.
November 29, 2015
Couldn't finish it
I looked forward to an interesting story in a time setting that was promising. I enjoyed the locations and storyline but got tired of the heroine whining about the hero's actions and good deeds. She became too self-centered for me.
I looked forward to an interesting story in a time setting that was promising. I enjoyed the locations and storyline but got tired of the heroine whining about the hero's actions and good deeds. She became too self-centered for me.
December 24, 2014
Fast read. It was just okay.
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