What do you think?
Rate this book
Rebellious Cargo
Spring 1803
Jane Charlesworth, daughter of England’s foremost code breaker, is the only person thought capable of deciphering a vital government document. But when a naval frigate is sent to enlist her services and transport her to Malta, Jane is horrified. Haunted with terrible memories of an earlier voyage, she has no intention of putting herself under the protection of the Admiralty ever again.
Anxious to be at the forefront of the action as the peace with France crumbles, Adam Marston is livid when his ship is diverted to collect a reluctant blue-stocking whose accusing eyes and insolent manner hold nothing but contempt for him and his orders. Sparks fly when captain and code breaker find they have different ideas on how to handle a French attack, a malicious chaplain, and boisterous midshipmen.
Duty and desire collide as they approach Malta, but Jane is determined that her judgment will not be clouded by Adam who, once he has despatched his Rebellious Cargo, will sail out of her life again. But, as the ship docks, Jane’s life becomes a nightmare and she is forced to gamble that Adam is the only person she can trust.
As passion battles with duty, will future orders throw them together or tear them apart?
Jane Charlesworth, daughter of England’s foremost code breaker, is the only person thought capable of deciphering a vital government document. But when a naval frigate is sent to enlist her services and transport her to Malta, Jane is horrified. Haunted with terrible memories of an earlier voyage, she has no intention of putting herself under the protection of the Admiralty ever again.
Anxious to be at the forefront of the action as the peace with France crumbles, Adam Marston is livid when his ship is diverted to collect a reluctant blue-stocking whose accusing eyes and insolent manner hold nothing but contempt for him and his orders. Sparks fly when captain and code breaker find they have different ideas on how to handle a French attack, a malicious chaplain, and boisterous midshipmen.
Duty and desire collide as they approach Malta, but Jane is determined that her judgment will not be clouded by Adam who, once he has despatched his Rebellious Cargo, will sail out of her life again. But, as the ship docks, Jane’s life becomes a nightmare and she is forced to gamble that Adam is the only person she can trust.
As passion battles with duty, will future orders throw them together or tear them apart?
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2015
6 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Susan Lodge
7 books30 followersSusan Lodge writes historical romance set against the backdrop of Nelson’s navy and injects a fair dose of humour into her stories.
If someone asked Susan for her wish list it would start with a Star Trek holodeck.
A great admirer of the works of Patrick O’Brian and Georgette Heyer, her destinations would start with a voyage on Jack Aubrey’s frigate (preferably avoiding times of conflict). Next would be dinner with some of Heyer’s memorable characters; Hugo Darracott and The Marquis of Alvertsoke, would be among them.
Susan has a science degree and always wanted to be an astronaut but settled for a career in the Civil Service. She loves old sailing ships, chocolate, spell checks and tinkering on her piano.
If someone asked Susan for her wish list it would start with a Star Trek holodeck.
A great admirer of the works of Patrick O’Brian and Georgette Heyer, her destinations would start with a voyage on Jack Aubrey’s frigate (preferably avoiding times of conflict). Next would be dinner with some of Heyer’s memorable characters; Hugo Darracott and The Marquis of Alvertsoke, would be among them.
Susan has a science degree and always wanted to be an astronaut but settled for a career in the Civil Service. She loves old sailing ships, chocolate, spell checks and tinkering on her piano.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 16, 2016
No puedo terminarla. Esta historia me ha descolocado desde el principio pero parecía tener buena pinta y quería saber qué pasaría. Pero ha llegado un momento en el que se ha vuelto predecible y simplona y, la verdad, no estoy de humor para continuar.
El título de la historia es, como poco, acertado. Mrs. Jane Charlesworth es insubordinada, impertinente, deslenguada, atrevida y no tiene la más remota idea de cómo se comporta una dama. Demasiado “contemporáneo” para mi gusto. Si esta historia hubiese estado situada en el S.XX, esta chica estaría en mi galería de “heroínas preferidas”, pero la historia se sitúa en 1803, no en 2016, así que es imposible que una mujer se pudiese comportar así y no haber consecuencias.
Otro problema que he tenido es que sólo hay dos tipos de personajes: los muy malos y los muy buenos. No hay matices y es muy aburrido. Como también es perturbador que la autora sólo sea capaz de someter a sus féminas a un tipo de crimen: la violación. Parece ser que los malos sólo saben y quieren violar y maltratar a las mujeres (alguno por ahí tenía unos mal explicados y vagos asuntos sin resolver con su madrasta) y parecer ser que todas las féminas de esta historia (he llegado hasta el 60%) han sufrido y van a sufrir (o al menos existe la amenaza) una violación.
Entre esto y que el malo, un milisegundo después de auto declararse como el malo nos cuenta absolutamente todo lo que va a hacer (pero no nos cuenta cómo ha conseguido llegar hasta aquí, y sinceramente, no confío en que me vaya a parecer interesante)no tengo por donde coger a la historia.
Imposible terminarla. Lo siento.
ARC provided by Crooked Cat Publishing via Netgalley.
I can´t finish it. This story has bothered me from the start but it seemed to look interesting and I wanted to know what would happen. But it has come a time when it has become predictable and simplistic and, frankly, I'm not in the mood to continue.
The story´s title is, at least, accurate. Mrs. Jane Charlesworth is insubordinate, disruptive, foul-mouthed, bold and is totally oblivious to how a lady behaves. Too "contemporary" for my taste. If this story would had been settled in the twentieth century, this girl would have been in my gallery "favorite heroines," but the story is set in 1803, not in 2016, so it is impossible that a woman could behave like this and get with it.
Another problem I've had is that there are only two types of characters: the very bad ones and very good ones. There are neither nuances nor shades on them and is very boring. As it is also disturbing that the author only is able to submit her females to a type of crime: the rape. It seems that the bad guys only want to rape and mistreat women (one baddie out there had a vague, poorly explained and unresolved issues with his stepmother) and it seem that all the women in this story (I reached up to 60%) have suffered and will suffer (or at least there is a hint that it would happen) a rape.
Between this and that the bad guy, a millisecond after he declared himself as the bad guy, tells absolutely everything he is going to do and to whom (but he does not tell us how he managed to get here, and I honestly do not trust that it will be interesting), I can´t care about the story.
I can´t finish it. I am sorry.
El título de la historia es, como poco, acertado. Mrs. Jane Charlesworth es insubordinada, impertinente, deslenguada, atrevida y no tiene la más remota idea de cómo se comporta una dama. Demasiado “contemporáneo” para mi gusto. Si esta historia hubiese estado situada en el S.XX, esta chica estaría en mi galería de “heroínas preferidas”, pero la historia se sitúa en 1803, no en 2016, así que es imposible que una mujer se pudiese comportar así y no haber consecuencias.
Otro problema que he tenido es que sólo hay dos tipos de personajes: los muy malos y los muy buenos. No hay matices y es muy aburrido. Como también es perturbador que la autora sólo sea capaz de someter a sus féminas a un tipo de crimen: la violación. Parece ser que los malos sólo saben y quieren violar y maltratar a las mujeres (alguno por ahí tenía unos mal explicados y vagos asuntos sin resolver con su madrasta) y parecer ser que todas las féminas de esta historia (he llegado hasta el 60%) han sufrido y van a sufrir (o al menos existe la amenaza) una violación.
Entre esto y que el malo, un milisegundo después de auto declararse como el malo nos cuenta absolutamente todo lo que va a hacer (pero no nos cuenta cómo ha conseguido llegar hasta aquí, y sinceramente, no confío en que me vaya a parecer interesante)no tengo por donde coger a la historia.
Imposible terminarla. Lo siento.
ARC provided by Crooked Cat Publishing via Netgalley.
I can´t finish it. This story has bothered me from the start but it seemed to look interesting and I wanted to know what would happen. But it has come a time when it has become predictable and simplistic and, frankly, I'm not in the mood to continue.
The story´s title is, at least, accurate. Mrs. Jane Charlesworth is insubordinate, disruptive, foul-mouthed, bold and is totally oblivious to how a lady behaves. Too "contemporary" for my taste. If this story would had been settled in the twentieth century, this girl would have been in my gallery "favorite heroines," but the story is set in 1803, not in 2016, so it is impossible that a woman could behave like this and get with it.
Another problem I've had is that there are only two types of characters: the very bad ones and very good ones. There are neither nuances nor shades on them and is very boring. As it is also disturbing that the author only is able to submit her females to a type of crime: the rape. It seems that the bad guys only want to rape and mistreat women (one baddie out there had a vague, poorly explained and unresolved issues with his stepmother) and it seem that all the women in this story (I reached up to 60%) have suffered and will suffer (or at least there is a hint that it would happen) a rape.
Between this and that the bad guy, a millisecond after he declared himself as the bad guy, tells absolutely everything he is going to do and to whom (but he does not tell us how he managed to get here, and I honestly do not trust that it will be interesting), I can´t care about the story.
I can´t finish it. I am sorry.
December 21, 2016
This one, provided by the publisher in exchange for a review, is just the sort of naval romance that I love. An easy read, but with several well-developed characters (not just the hero and heroine), a plot that is exciting and a writing style that keeps things moving along nicely.
I liked that the heroine wasn't some winsome no-hoper, but a woman with experience of life, determination and vulnerability. The hero is her perfect foil - an excellent officer, but rather out of practice in dealing with civilians.
Yes, sparks fly, and the romance is excellent, but this story, while a lovely entertaining read, is also full of action and character.
4 stars. I really liked it.
I liked that the heroine wasn't some winsome no-hoper, but a woman with experience of life, determination and vulnerability. The hero is her perfect foil - an excellent officer, but rather out of practice in dealing with civilians.
Yes, sparks fly, and the romance is excellent, but this story, while a lovely entertaining read, is also full of action and character.
4 stars. I really liked it.
October 12, 2016
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I very much enjoyed this tale of Jane: a brilliant, code-cracking, business running, ship captain, bluestocking. She’s witty, intelligent, and very real as a person.
Adam was difficult to warm up to, but he grew on me as he showed honour and integrity in how he handled Jane’s verbal assaults on his person and the reactions of his crew to having women on board.
My only fault with this book is how neatly the end was tied up with a big ribbon bow and served on a silver platter. I get romances are meant to end with the Happily Ever After, but this one was just too perfectly aligned for the realism displayed in the rest of the story.
I very much enjoyed this tale of Jane: a brilliant, code-cracking, business running, ship captain, bluestocking. She’s witty, intelligent, and very real as a person.
Adam was difficult to warm up to, but he grew on me as he showed honour and integrity in how he handled Jane’s verbal assaults on his person and the reactions of his crew to having women on board.
My only fault with this book is how neatly the end was tied up with a big ribbon bow and served on a silver platter. I get romances are meant to end with the Happily Ever After, but this one was just too perfectly aligned for the realism displayed in the rest of the story.
September 13, 2016
A buy book...
Courage, adventure, passion and more. While it was perhaps a little too graphic in places for me, I enjoyed the story and the writing. The author does a good job catching your attention as well as holding it. I like the characters an the flow. I can say that for many this book with so many different elements as well as the twists in the story will make it well worth the read. For me, I can say I was engrossed most of the time and only skipped a little when I thought the graphic content was not to my taste. So it is definitely a buy book for romance, passion, adventure and the twists in the plot line. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
Courage, adventure, passion and more. While it was perhaps a little too graphic in places for me, I enjoyed the story and the writing. The author does a good job catching your attention as well as holding it. I like the characters an the flow. I can say that for many this book with so many different elements as well as the twists in the story will make it well worth the read. For me, I can say I was engrossed most of the time and only skipped a little when I thought the graphic content was not to my taste. So it is definitely a buy book for romance, passion, adventure and the twists in the plot line. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
September 22, 2016
Jane Charlesworth's father is the top code breaker for the British. He has died but he has taught his daughter, Jane to do the same work he is able to do. The admiralty has sent Adam Marston to bring Jane to Malta to decode a document but there are more than one incident that gets in their way. It is the story of heroes, villains, and several twists to keep your interest.
March 17, 2018
There comes a time when a person wants a tale that romps along with the added ingredients of a swashbuckling naval captain who takes no prisoners and an intelligent woman who can decode top secret papers (who also takes no prisoners).
The setting is on the high seas and the author’s skill allows the reader to hear the grinding of the ropes, the smash of the waves, the odour of unwashed sailors... A great adventure with memorable characters and a feisty heroine who’s had more than her fair share of hard times. Ms Lodge has a new book coming out soon and I’m looking forward to reading more of her enjoyable story-telling.
The setting is on the high seas and the author’s skill allows the reader to hear the grinding of the ropes, the smash of the waves, the odour of unwashed sailors... A great adventure with memorable characters and a feisty heroine who’s had more than her fair share of hard times. Ms Lodge has a new book coming out soon and I’m looking forward to reading more of her enjoyable story-telling.
January 12, 2019
Not quite sure why the main female character being a rape victim added to the story. Especially as the rapist was (near the end) pronounced dead by robbery. Other than that, this was a good story.
I was expecting the rapist to re-appear later on and for the main female character to get retribution.
I was expecting the rapist to re-appear later on and for the main female character to get retribution.
April 18, 2019
Captain Adam Marston meets his match.
Really solid story. Well written with an authentic feel for life at sea on-board a navy frigate. Marston is an unyielding hero yet one of integrity and understanding. Jane is a woman who was taught by an over indulgent father about encryption and ciphers and as a result needs 'retrieving' to aid the war effort. The high romance really hits as our crew make landfall as Captain Marston seems all to aware of how harmful an Ill judged romance might prove at sea. The heroine certainly does prove a rebellious cargo though.
Really solid story. Well written with an authentic feel for life at sea on-board a navy frigate. Marston is an unyielding hero yet one of integrity and understanding. Jane is a woman who was taught by an over indulgent father about encryption and ciphers and as a result needs 'retrieving' to aid the war effort. The high romance really hits as our crew make landfall as Captain Marston seems all to aware of how harmful an Ill judged romance might prove at sea. The heroine certainly does prove a rebellious cargo though.
November 28, 2018
A well written and novel storyline. I loved the two main characters and how their relationship developed. I didn't want the story to end, I was enjoying it so much.
September 14, 2016
Jane Charlesworth, daughter of England’s foremost code breaker, is the only person thought capable of deciphering a vital government document. But when a naval frigate captained by Adam Marston is sent to enlist her services and transport her to Malta, Jane is horrified & haunted with terrible memories of an earlier voyage, she has no intention of putting herself under the protection of the Admiralty ever again.
Adam is livid when his ship is diverted to collect a reluctant blue-stocking whose accusing eyes and insolent manner hold nothing but contempt for him and his orders. Sparks fly continually between the pair but also does a growing attraction. They have very different ideas on how to handle a French attack, a malicious chaplain, and boisterous midshipmen.
As the ship docks, Jane’s life becomes a nightmare and she is forced to gamble that Adam is the only person she can trust after she is kidnapped.
The first book I’ve read by the author & I thoroughly enjoyed it, there was plenty of mystery & intrigue as well as romance. Jane was likeable but very forthright & outspoken. Adam was used to commanding so sparks were always going to fly. It kept my interest throughout & I’ll be looking for more of the author’s work
I received an ARC copy
Adam is livid when his ship is diverted to collect a reluctant blue-stocking whose accusing eyes and insolent manner hold nothing but contempt for him and his orders. Sparks fly continually between the pair but also does a growing attraction. They have very different ideas on how to handle a French attack, a malicious chaplain, and boisterous midshipmen.
As the ship docks, Jane’s life becomes a nightmare and she is forced to gamble that Adam is the only person she can trust after she is kidnapped.
The first book I’ve read by the author & I thoroughly enjoyed it, there was plenty of mystery & intrigue as well as romance. Jane was likeable but very forthright & outspoken. Adam was used to commanding so sparks were always going to fly. It kept my interest throughout & I’ll be looking for more of the author’s work
I received an ARC copy
February 8, 2016
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Following the escapades of Jane Charlesworth was an easy task as the independent woman of the early 1800s proves to be a resourceful woman. I liked that her companion/friend, Celine, is probably even more courageous as they both become embroiled in the intrigues and dangers caused by rapacious, dangerous men. Captain Adam Marston ticks all the romantic hero boxes as he finds solutions to the problems caused by his disappearing charge - Jane Charlesworth
April 11, 2016
Great, fun adventure story romance
August 18, 2016
Great book
I enjoyed this book great story romance pirates bad men this book had a lot going on but real easy to follow story
I enjoyed this book great story romance pirates bad men this book had a lot going on but real easy to follow story
October 24, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up. Surprisingly good for a Kindle Unlimited historical romance. The usual grammar and editing errors abounded, but not so much as to take you out of the story. And a pretty decent story, too. While some storylines were wrapped up too easily, it was a quick and low stakes enough read.
Read
March 24, 2024I'm not rating this. DNF @ 12%. This isn't for me. I hated the lead male character. He was obnoxiously condescending and misogynistic, and I hated how he called Jane's companion "the African", and called Jane "woman" this and that like some caveman. Like what the hell? I also hated the "banter" and the CONSTANT picking at each other. It wasnt even remotely cute. It was annoying as hell.
September 22, 2020
Adventure and romance
A really good story with exciting adventures, interesting characters and suspense with a lovely romance , would love to read more on a similar vein.
A really good story with exciting adventures, interesting characters and suspense with a lovely romance , would love to read more on a similar vein.
Read
October 12, 2016***copy provided by publisher through NetGalley***
Couldn't be bothered, really. I didn't like the narrative style, jumping from one character to the next every few paragraphs, the story didn't pull me in, I couldn't be bothered to care what happened, and the heroine was all over the place, acting a shrew one moment, while disliking drawing attention to the herself the next, then rude, and the next second angry that someone called her on it.
I got to 65% by skimming pages, and then simply couldn't be bothered anymore.
Couldn't be bothered, really. I didn't like the narrative style, jumping from one character to the next every few paragraphs, the story didn't pull me in, I couldn't be bothered to care what happened, and the heroine was all over the place, acting a shrew one moment, while disliking drawing attention to the herself the next, then rude, and the next second angry that someone called her on it.
I got to 65% by skimming pages, and then simply couldn't be bothered anymore.
February 23, 2016
I was a bit disappointed in this book. The author's first book was better, in my opinion. I just didn't care for the details that were pushing somewhat towards more graphic.
September 15, 2016
via netgalley
an ok read.
an ok read.
October 3, 2016
an ok read i quite liked this book would try more by this author worth a read
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews