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Caribbean Jewel
Sometimes a girl has to take what she can get.
When Jolie’s cloaked midnight rescuer ends up being the sexiest Spanish captain this end of the Caribbean, she figures a long ocean voyage to freedom on his brigantine might not be the worst thing that could have happened to a proper Englishwoman. Especially one who’s just been caught committing a crime and needs an escape route, fast.
Captain Gabriel Marcano’s not searching for love on Crab Island—he’s looking for Spain’s beloved national treasure, the Corazón de Isabela. So when he shows up back at his brigantine with a half-drowned English beauty instead of the famous gold nugget, he has some explaining to do. His only intention is the girl’s safe passage to Europe, he informs his crew, and her presence will have no effect whatsoever on his command of the ship.
All lies, Marcano admits to himself, especially when the fair-skinned wench stares at him with those innocent whisky-colored eyes…truth is, living in such close quarters with his little damsel in distress causes him far more trouble than he’d planned. And things only go from bad to worse when her violent past catches up with them, threatening to tear them apart forever.
When Jolie’s cloaked midnight rescuer ends up being the sexiest Spanish captain this end of the Caribbean, she figures a long ocean voyage to freedom on his brigantine might not be the worst thing that could have happened to a proper Englishwoman. Especially one who’s just been caught committing a crime and needs an escape route, fast.
Captain Gabriel Marcano’s not searching for love on Crab Island—he’s looking for Spain’s beloved national treasure, the Corazón de Isabela. So when he shows up back at his brigantine with a half-drowned English beauty instead of the famous gold nugget, he has some explaining to do. His only intention is the girl’s safe passage to Europe, he informs his crew, and her presence will have no effect whatsoever on his command of the ship.
All lies, Marcano admits to himself, especially when the fair-skinned wench stares at him with those innocent whisky-colored eyes…truth is, living in such close quarters with his little damsel in distress causes him far more trouble than he’d planned. And things only go from bad to worse when her violent past catches up with them, threatening to tear them apart forever.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2013
346 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Jayla Jasso
5 books25 followersJayla Jasso is a romance author and member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. Her first novel, Caribbean Jewel, is currently #15 on the Amazon Kindle Top 100 Bestseller List for Historical Fiction-Caribbean and Latin America.
Jayla knew she wanted to be a novelist at age 15. Her “what do you want to be when you grow up” dream was to sell a novel by senior year, move to California, go to UCLA, and marry David Lee Roth. Unfortunately that career path didn’t pan out, so her first job was working as a secretary at an egg farm in East Texas, where she learned that there is a right place and a wrong place to have the song “Kiss You All Over” by Exile on constant repeat on a boom box. After high school, Jayla’s mother made her join the Army to help pay for college, and she made it through basic training by some freak luck of the draw, because she is way more interested in manicures than M-16s. With the dream of being a novelist still intact, Jayla majored in English at the University of Oklahoma, then embarked on the fantastic adventure of Finding Work With An English Degree. It made her tough. And creative. And good at surviving on very little money if need be.
Jayla speaks fluent Spanish and has been known to salsa dance with the hotel staff at Costa Rican resorts upon occasion. She is an expert vegan soup chef and avid Xbox role-playing gamer. Her current work, The Omaja Stone, was inspired by too much time spent playing Assassin’s Creed, Dragon Age Origins, and Oblivion. You can find her at www.jaylajasso.com.
Jayla knew she wanted to be a novelist at age 15. Her “what do you want to be when you grow up” dream was to sell a novel by senior year, move to California, go to UCLA, and marry David Lee Roth. Unfortunately that career path didn’t pan out, so her first job was working as a secretary at an egg farm in East Texas, where she learned that there is a right place and a wrong place to have the song “Kiss You All Over” by Exile on constant repeat on a boom box. After high school, Jayla’s mother made her join the Army to help pay for college, and she made it through basic training by some freak luck of the draw, because she is way more interested in manicures than M-16s. With the dream of being a novelist still intact, Jayla majored in English at the University of Oklahoma, then embarked on the fantastic adventure of Finding Work With An English Degree. It made her tough. And creative. And good at surviving on very little money if need be.
Jayla speaks fluent Spanish and has been known to salsa dance with the hotel staff at Costa Rican resorts upon occasion. She is an expert vegan soup chef and avid Xbox role-playing gamer. Her current work, The Omaja Stone, was inspired by too much time spent playing Assassin’s Creed, Dragon Age Origins, and Oblivion. You can find her at www.jaylajasso.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 19, 2016
Wow, oh wow. This story grabbed my attention from the first moment the h jumped out that window and ran through the sugar cane. I love that she meets the H right away, and that he's kept a little mysterious at first because they are in the dark, fleeing for their lives.
And can we talk about Marcano? Rarely do I fall as deeply in love with a H as I did with him! Sweet LORD he was hot. And funny, and vulnerable, and tough all at the same time. The story is, in some ways, his story more than Jolie's, because you get to spend so much time in his head, and it's a wonderful place to be. I was hanging on his every single word and movement by chapter 8 or so, panting a little, to be honest. :-)
In my head, Marcano be like
Ok, and we need to talk about the ending, which got me so stressed out I bawled. Like a baby. But like a baby who's snuggling in the author's capable arms, trusting there must be a good ending in there somewhere. I was not disappointed. It gets pretty violent toward the end, and the villain is so hateful and horrible I wanted to crawl into the book and kill him myself. The resolution was so good and so satisfying. It never let me down, not even for a second.
In short, I absolutely loved this romance novel start to finish. One of the best I've read.
And can we talk about Marcano? Rarely do I fall as deeply in love with a H as I did with him! Sweet LORD he was hot. And funny, and vulnerable, and tough all at the same time. The story is, in some ways, his story more than Jolie's, because you get to spend so much time in his head, and it's a wonderful place to be. I was hanging on his every single word and movement by chapter 8 or so, panting a little, to be honest. :-)
In my head, Marcano be like
Ok, and we need to talk about the ending, which got me so stressed out I bawled. Like a baby. But like a baby who's snuggling in the author's capable arms, trusting there must be a good ending in there somewhere. I was not disappointed. It gets pretty violent toward the end, and the villain is so hateful and horrible I wanted to crawl into the book and kill him myself. The resolution was so good and so satisfying. It never let me down, not even for a second.
In short, I absolutely loved this romance novel start to finish. One of the best I've read.
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May 5, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/5/2020)! 🎁
March 20, 2017
I love everything pirates. And that includes this book. What a fantastic sexy protagonist, and his lady is a character you find yourself becoming for the time it takes to read the book. Take to the high seas for an excellent Golden Age of Piracy romance!
September 27, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
June 26, 2018
The Call of The Sea⛵
1734....Puerto Rico
Jolie💃💋 is at the mercy of her cruel guardian, Lord Hauste👹, a sugar cane plantation and slave owner. After her parents were killed at sea in a battle with a Spanish Pirate ship⛵, she is forced to live with Hauste👹.
Finally she can take no more and after freeing some of his poorly treated slaves, she decided to flee herself.
In the middle of the 🌙night she runs right into the arms of a tall, gorgeous blue eyed Spanish Pirate Captain, Marcano🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫. He offers to take her aboard his ship, where she can earn her passage as a cooks helper.
The book is a wonderfully written adventure into love💘 and piracy.
Highly recommended!
1734....Puerto Rico
Jolie💃💋 is at the mercy of her cruel guardian, Lord Hauste👹, a sugar cane plantation and slave owner. After her parents were killed at sea in a battle with a Spanish Pirate ship⛵, she is forced to live with Hauste👹.
Finally she can take no more and after freeing some of his poorly treated slaves, she decided to flee herself.
In the middle of the 🌙night she runs right into the arms of a tall, gorgeous blue eyed Spanish Pirate Captain, Marcano🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫. He offers to take her aboard his ship, where she can earn her passage as a cooks helper.
The book is a wonderfully written adventure into love💘 and piracy.
Highly recommended!
July 31, 2016
A bit of a bore
Thus could have been a decent book but for the ridiculous white girl who saves the slaves heroine! It is just over the top with all her goodness. And all the slaves love her so much because she's so good to them... .yeah! One slave actually takes her beating for himself to protect her! It's just too much! Its as bit over the top and melodramatic, much to much four my taste and not believable at all. I wouldnt recommend it to anyone I know. Thumbs down!
Thus could have been a decent book but for the ridiculous white girl who saves the slaves heroine! It is just over the top with all her goodness. And all the slaves love her so much because she's so good to them... .yeah! One slave actually takes her beating for himself to protect her! It's just too much! Its as bit over the top and melodramatic, much to much four my taste and not believable at all. I wouldnt recommend it to anyone I know. Thumbs down!
July 31, 2019
I loved this story.
I was so entranced I couldn't put it down....this author is so gifted to draw a person into the story and hold them there. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and will definitely be rereading this. It is by far one of my favorites. My only wish in this life is to write like his.
Thank you so much for your gift....
I was so entranced I couldn't put it down....this author is so gifted to draw a person into the story and hold them there. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and will definitely be rereading this. It is by far one of my favorites. My only wish in this life is to write like his.
Thank you so much for your gift....
June 16, 2018
Captain Gabriel Marcano and Jolie
Black haired and blue eyed pirate Gabriel is just about the epitome of dashing hero while Jolie is a resourceful hero in her own right. Their adventurous story is good reading and I recommend it.
Black haired and blue eyed pirate Gabriel is just about the epitome of dashing hero while Jolie is a resourceful hero in her own right. Their adventurous story is good reading and I recommend it.
July 8, 2019
Nice story
Pirates, ships, Caribbean ocean, gold, plantation, rum, romance... Oh yes!
Great escape material, really a perfect vacation read.
Loved it!
Pirates, ships, Caribbean ocean, gold, plantation, rum, romance... Oh yes!
Great escape material, really a perfect vacation read.
Loved it!
May 9, 2020
Insipid heroine.
May 24, 2020
Great book
Really good enjoyed this book. Great story. Held my interest thru the entire book. Wish there was a sequel to follow the story.
Really good enjoyed this book. Great story. Held my interest thru the entire book. Wish there was a sequel to follow the story.
June 19, 2021
Entertaining!
Caribbean Jewel by Jayla Jasso reminds me of the historical romances I used to read in my youth. It is full of swashbuckling adventurers, damsels in distress, edge of your seat action and swoon worthy love scenes. Georgette Heyer would be proud to share a bookshelf with Jayla Jasso!
Ms. Jasso's characters come alive as you read, and through her masterful storytelling you feel as though you are there on the high seas. I read to escape from reality, if only for a brief moment. To me, a really good book, magically transports me to another World, another time. If I get lost in a good story, time slips away and before I know it the sun is setting, the day is gone. Caribbean Jewel by Jayla Jasso, is that kind of a novel!
I especially loved Ms. Jasso's sub-story of the cruelty to slaves and the evil slave master who rules by violence. That her heroine grows stronger as she conquers her own fears to save the lives of others is a masterpiece of storytelling. There a are plenty of twists and turns in this book, times that you hold your breath as you think all is lost, and times when the hero rides in at just the right moment. Swords clash and cannons fire, interspersed with passionate love scenes that remind the reader what the fighting has been all about. Finally, the story ends with true love conquering evil and the hero and heroine live happily ever after. And with a sigh, I closed the book and considered reading it all over again!
Well done, Jayla Jasso! Well done!
Caribbean Jewel by Jayla Jasso reminds me of the historical romances I used to read in my youth. It is full of swashbuckling adventurers, damsels in distress, edge of your seat action and swoon worthy love scenes. Georgette Heyer would be proud to share a bookshelf with Jayla Jasso!
Ms. Jasso's characters come alive as you read, and through her masterful storytelling you feel as though you are there on the high seas. I read to escape from reality, if only for a brief moment. To me, a really good book, magically transports me to another World, another time. If I get lost in a good story, time slips away and before I know it the sun is setting, the day is gone. Caribbean Jewel by Jayla Jasso, is that kind of a novel!
I especially loved Ms. Jasso's sub-story of the cruelty to slaves and the evil slave master who rules by violence. That her heroine grows stronger as she conquers her own fears to save the lives of others is a masterpiece of storytelling. There a are plenty of twists and turns in this book, times that you hold your breath as you think all is lost, and times when the hero rides in at just the right moment. Swords clash and cannons fire, interspersed with passionate love scenes that remind the reader what the fighting has been all about. Finally, the story ends with true love conquering evil and the hero and heroine live happily ever after. And with a sigh, I closed the book and considered reading it all over again!
Well done, Jayla Jasso! Well done!
May 25, 2020
A solidly good story
I appreciate that this is the author’s first book; it is rather good for a first book. The main characters are multidimensional and likable. There are some secondary characters that are sketched out fairly well. The setting details are sufficient to add atmosphere and believability. The plot moves along without lagging, and there are some plot complications toward the end that add extra suspense. However, there are some higher level elements that are missing that would make the book excellent: setting details that render the scenes in 3-D, emotional depth to the characters to indicate a deeper level of understanding into human nature, and loose ends tied off at the end. For example, the author could add more smell, temperature, and lighting details to convey nuances of mood. She could add more history to the male friends’ relationship through dialog. She could explain what happens with the inheritance and the gold at the end.
There are grammatical errors here and there, and the story seems a bit immature or naively told at times, but the sex scenes seem to fit the innocence of the heroine in spite of all the details. The HEA is mostly off the page, but the story ends well with key folks surviving. This is more of an adventure romance than a literary romance.
I appreciate that this is the author’s first book; it is rather good for a first book. The main characters are multidimensional and likable. There are some secondary characters that are sketched out fairly well. The setting details are sufficient to add atmosphere and believability. The plot moves along without lagging, and there are some plot complications toward the end that add extra suspense. However, there are some higher level elements that are missing that would make the book excellent: setting details that render the scenes in 3-D, emotional depth to the characters to indicate a deeper level of understanding into human nature, and loose ends tied off at the end. For example, the author could add more smell, temperature, and lighting details to convey nuances of mood. She could add more history to the male friends’ relationship through dialog. She could explain what happens with the inheritance and the gold at the end.
There are grammatical errors here and there, and the story seems a bit immature or naively told at times, but the sex scenes seem to fit the innocence of the heroine in spite of all the details. The HEA is mostly off the page, but the story ends well with key folks surviving. This is more of an adventure romance than a literary romance.
January 14, 2021
A fun swashbuckling read with great main characters in Gabriel and Jolie as well as a cast of secondary characters that make the story interesting, intriguing and sweet at times. It's been a while since I have read a period piece that takes place on the open sea, but was taken in by Gabriel's and Jolie's strong characters and ethics in a time where there was little of that present. The growing love story between the two was enough to keep any reader of romance engaged while having plenty of sexual attraction and lust when it came to the love scenes.
It was well done and a nice change from some of the more dark genre's that are very popular now. There is plenty of angst, adventure and predators to keep the reader engaged; even for someone like me that reads dark romance novels.
Enjoy
It was well done and a nice change from some of the more dark genre's that are very popular now. There is plenty of angst, adventure and predators to keep the reader engaged; even for someone like me that reads dark romance novels.
Enjoy
May 10, 2020
This story was such a fun read. It really had everything I love. I thought the characters were very well-written and the pacing was perfect. I really appreciated that it had a developed plot that didn't just revolve around the romance. There were other things going on in the story and it made it feel really authentic. I really love how this author writes her heroes. I've also read Sweet Barbarian and the hero was similar in that story too. Strong but not egotistical, protective but not overly possessive or controlling. Overall this story was a joy and I'll be looking forward to more by this author.
September 19, 2022
Another pirate book I’ve had in my library for quite some time. I’ve been on the Pirate theme since I watch a Netflix documentary.
A first read for me from author Jayla Jason . Enjoyable plot, the main character Jolie was kind hearted and selfless. Her live interest Gabriel was a true knight and shining armor. If anything I was a bit disappointed that some of the “why’s” were not quite answered to my liking. Why did Jolie end up being Haust’s ward? Did he know her parents? Was there no other living family for her? How did Haust know about her history? Did I just miss that part? Also the connection between Gabreil’s first mate? I thought there would be more to cement their bond.
A first read for me from author Jayla Jason . Enjoyable plot, the main character Jolie was kind hearted and selfless. Her live interest Gabriel was a true knight and shining armor. If anything I was a bit disappointed that some of the “why’s” were not quite answered to my liking. Why did Jolie end up being Haust’s ward? Did he know her parents? Was there no other living family for her? How did Haust know about her history? Did I just miss that part? Also the connection between Gabreil’s first mate? I thought there would be more to cement their bond.
July 30, 2025
A great read
I loved this book. The story was just the right length. And no cliff-hangers. There are a lot of issues addressed in this tale, subtle sub-plots that were all tied up nicely towards the end at a natural pace. My only negative point would be the length of the chapters which appeared quite long sometimes. There were some times I wanted to read ‘just one more chapter’, but my Kindle was telling me it would take 25 minutes. The characters were all totally imaginable from their descriptions and it was easy to love who the author wanted you to love, and hate who the author wanted you to hate. Totally recommended.
I loved this book. The story was just the right length. And no cliff-hangers. There are a lot of issues addressed in this tale, subtle sub-plots that were all tied up nicely towards the end at a natural pace. My only negative point would be the length of the chapters which appeared quite long sometimes. There were some times I wanted to read ‘just one more chapter’, but my Kindle was telling me it would take 25 minutes. The characters were all totally imaginable from their descriptions and it was easy to love who the author wanted you to love, and hate who the author wanted you to hate. Totally recommended.
January 6, 2019
Surprisingly good, superbly written and hot!
I loved this novel and found the characters wonderfully brought to life. The story is very engaging and moves quickly and smoothly along. I realize that this genre is not exactly what one would normally describe as “superbly written” but this is the first time I can confidently assert the term.
I hope to see more from this author soon, she seems to have a unique gift for writing romance novels that are woven together rather masterfully!
I loved this novel and found the characters wonderfully brought to life. The story is very engaging and moves quickly and smoothly along. I realize that this genre is not exactly what one would normally describe as “superbly written” but this is the first time I can confidently assert the term.
I hope to see more from this author soon, she seems to have a unique gift for writing romance novels that are woven together rather masterfully!
May 23, 2020
Amazing story! I loved it so much got so involved in the story that I read so quickly but times my anxiety of what was going to happen I just had put it down for a second to slow down. Just when I thought things were ok something would jump out that you didnt expect. I just love the characters but you really had to hate the Villians. Great Job Jayla This will be one of my favorite stories to keep.
May 9, 2020
A pirates tale, indeed
A wonderful adventure awaits you as you read this story. It's full of descriptive pirates, their mannerisms and a terrible slaveholder. So many caring people in this story and lots of adventures. I did not care for the love scenes it they are easily skipped over
A wonderful adventure awaits you as you read this story. It's full of descriptive pirates, their mannerisms and a terrible slaveholder. So many caring people in this story and lots of adventures. I did not care for the love scenes it they are easily skipped over
December 29, 2021
A Spanish privateer falls in love with a young English girl he has come to rescue from her wicked guardian. A slow-burn romance set in the Caribbean islands and waters, with lovely characters and full of adventure, perfect for those who have watched the Pirates of the Caribbean movies for the love story between Will and Elizabeth (like me...)
June 17, 2018
4 stars
Great love story. A cruel, abusive uncle after his nieces fortune. A handsome pirate who is more than meets the eye. A storm and pirate attack at see. Slavery written from a negative perspective. Drug some the first few chapters.
Great love story. A cruel, abusive uncle after his nieces fortune. A handsome pirate who is more than meets the eye. A storm and pirate attack at see. Slavery written from a negative perspective. Drug some the first few chapters.
July 4, 2018
GOD love a pirate!
Every woman's fantasy has a Captain Malano that's, tall, dark and handsome. Piercing blue eyes, with silky black hair. I'm getting excited just writing about it. Jolie suffered dearly for her love of Malano, as well as humanity's suffering. A fantastic book.
Every woman's fantasy has a Captain Malano that's, tall, dark and handsome. Piercing blue eyes, with silky black hair. I'm getting excited just writing about it. Jolie suffered dearly for her love of Malano, as well as humanity's suffering. A fantastic book.
May 15, 2020
It was a wonderful read
I could not put it down .. I t evoked all kinds of different emotions.. it was a good paced booked, never boring. I strongly recommend to any one read this book
I could not put it down .. I t evoked all kinds of different emotions.. it was a good paced booked, never boring. I strongly recommend to any one read this book
May 16, 2020
A jewel of a tale
This is a remarkable jewel of a tale of greed, adventure, and love. From pirates to plantation life, this story weaves the lives of two people who overcame terrible, loveliness childhoods to find love while overcoming great obstacles. This was a great read.
This is a remarkable jewel of a tale of greed, adventure, and love. From pirates to plantation life, this story weaves the lives of two people who overcame terrible, loveliness childhoods to find love while overcoming great obstacles. This was a great read.
May 26, 2020
Would recommend
Good story line, exciting, steamy. Handsome leading man, beautiful leading lady. Love pirate stories. Glad the bad guy got what was coming to him. Felt unsettled, left hanging about future of characters.
Good story line, exciting, steamy. Handsome leading man, beautiful leading lady. Love pirate stories. Glad the bad guy got what was coming to him. Felt unsettled, left hanging about future of characters.
November 5, 2020
Great book!
I loved this story. It kept me on the edge of my seat, anxiously waiting to turn the next page to see what would happen next with Gabriel and Jolie. I was not disappointed, this book really delivers a great story line! Definitely recommend!!!
I loved this story. It kept me on the edge of my seat, anxiously waiting to turn the next page to see what would happen next with Gabriel and Jolie. I was not disappointed, this book really delivers a great story line! Definitely recommend!!!
October 7, 2017
Couldn't put it down,excellent book. I love Pirate books and this didn't disappoint.I hope to read more piracy from this author.
June 27, 2018
Wow
Great read and unexpected plot. Unpredictable twists and turns. Refreashing. I very much enjoyed the journey through the page's. Difficult to put down.
Great read and unexpected plot. Unpredictable twists and turns. Refreashing. I very much enjoyed the journey through the page's. Difficult to put down.
April 1, 2019
Great book. Full of surprises and suspense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews