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Perils of the Heart
Sent to seduce the captain of the merchantman Aurora, the English governess trembled in her innocence. Her stepbrother’s life--and the life of the rugged sailor she must tempt--depended on her success. Evangeline swore to surrender her body, her virtue . . . anything Austin Blackwell demanded. But she never expected to relinquish her heart. On a mission for the American colonies, Austin suspected the timid temptress was a skilled spy ordered to sabotage his plans. She played the part of an untried miss to perfection, her inexperienced fumbling driving him wild with desire. But after sampling her sweetness, after one harrowing night fraught with passion and peril, the commander vowed to navigate any course to discover the truth. For his soul mutinied at the prospect of sailing into the future without the courageous lady by his side.
343 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2002
12 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ashley
210 books7,329 followersNY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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January 7, 2013My very first novel, written lo, these many years ago. I wrote it as a romp, and a spoof of pirate romances, but with a true romance wrapped in its pages. This book launched my career, which has ended up in an entirely different place from where it began. Kick back, enjoy, and don't take this one too seriously. :-)
July 10, 2010
I got this book because I loved The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie and this is, apparently, Ashley's first foray into romance. You can definitely see the talent, although the romance itself is a little weak.
I had problems with the hero. He was bossy, as most of them are, but he never quite seemed to get a handle on the heroine. She was beyond naive, but still likable enough. But they never really talked to each other. I was always wondering where the chemistry came from. And to have him always ordering her around ... where was the joy in their getting to know one another?
I give it four stars because Ashley is an author worth reading. She's got an impressive way with words and her love scenes are sensual and meaningful. And it's nice to see the roots when I've been so recently blown away.
The story is ludicrous, but that's what makes it fun. Occasionally one of the main characters will go back over everything that's happened and pretty much say "good Lord!" It's a pretty fun ride.
I was hoping for a sequel, but I haven't found it so far. I'd be glad for a heads up if anyone knows of one. Otherwise, I'll read some more of her back list. They're fabulously affordable. This one was only $2.99 on e-book!
I had problems with the hero. He was bossy, as most of them are, but he never quite seemed to get a handle on the heroine. She was beyond naive, but still likable enough. But they never really talked to each other. I was always wondering where the chemistry came from. And to have him always ordering her around ... where was the joy in their getting to know one another?
I give it four stars because Ashley is an author worth reading. She's got an impressive way with words and her love scenes are sensual and meaningful. And it's nice to see the roots when I've been so recently blown away.
The story is ludicrous, but that's what makes it fun. Occasionally one of the main characters will go back over everything that's happened and pretty much say "good Lord!" It's a pretty fun ride.
I was hoping for a sequel, but I haven't found it so far. I'd be glad for a heads up if anyone knows of one. Otherwise, I'll read some more of her back list. They're fabulously affordable. This one was only $2.99 on e-book!
July 25, 2012
What the hell am I reading? Seriously think of every single cliché romance sentence and you have the first two chapters in this book. This seemed like something a highschooler would write in her notebook while sitting on her bed dreaming of becoming an author.
Ridiculous. I mean I've read books were the lead couple "desperately needed" each other before but holy molely this book takes the cake! There seems to be no previous interaction between Austin and Miss Clemens but suddenly he can' t get the thought of her breasts, even though they are soo small and she is soo plain, out of his mind even while there is mutiny on his ship. Dude, I'm all for losing your head a bit while falling in love, but get your priorities straight!
I thought the story was winding down at page one hundred and looked to see there was still two hundred pages to go, oh the excite and wonder I feel as to where this story could go! (she said with sarcasm)
This book is suppose to be set in the 1790's, hmm, I'm thinking the editor was asleep on the job because the vernacular used here seemed pretty modern to me.
The book got a little better towards the end, less hokey, but for the life of me I never could fathom why Austin and Evangeline were in love. There was absolutely no development of relationship or really of the characters themselves. Evangeline was plain, small breasted, and stubborn (in a very stupid way) while Austin was controlling and lonely. These descriptions are written over and over. Plus the main villain Anna was ridiculous, waaaaay over played.
There were a couple, maybe 3, lines or moments between Austin and Evangeline which struck a cord for me and showed a hint of talent from the author. Those moments and the way the story and writing improved toward the end saved this book from being a totally failure.
A review site gave this book a B+, I have no idea how they gave such a high grade. If I had never read a romance book before, sure I would have thought this was a good book but having read tons it's easy to see how sophomoric this writing was to the greats I have read. I can see highschool girls liking this book but adult educated, intelligent women? No way. I possibly think the author was going for a story like "The Windflower" by Laura London but I would call this one that books red-headed step-child.
D
Ridiculous. I mean I've read books were the lead couple "desperately needed" each other before but holy molely this book takes the cake! There seems to be no previous interaction between Austin and Miss Clemens but suddenly he can' t get the thought of her breasts, even though they are soo small and she is soo plain, out of his mind even while there is mutiny on his ship. Dude, I'm all for losing your head a bit while falling in love, but get your priorities straight!
I thought the story was winding down at page one hundred and looked to see there was still two hundred pages to go, oh the excite and wonder I feel as to where this story could go! (she said with sarcasm)
This book is suppose to be set in the 1790's, hmm, I'm thinking the editor was asleep on the job because the vernacular used here seemed pretty modern to me.
The book got a little better towards the end, less hokey, but for the life of me I never could fathom why Austin and Evangeline were in love. There was absolutely no development of relationship or really of the characters themselves. Evangeline was plain, small breasted, and stubborn (in a very stupid way) while Austin was controlling and lonely. These descriptions are written over and over. Plus the main villain Anna was ridiculous, waaaaay over played.
There were a couple, maybe 3, lines or moments between Austin and Evangeline which struck a cord for me and showed a hint of talent from the author. Those moments and the way the story and writing improved toward the end saved this book from being a totally failure.
A review site gave this book a B+, I have no idea how they gave such a high grade. If I had never read a romance book before, sure I would have thought this was a good book but having read tons it's easy to see how sophomoric this writing was to the greats I have read. I can see highschool girls liking this book but adult educated, intelligent women? No way. I possibly think the author was going for a story like "The Windflower" by Laura London but I would call this one that books red-headed step-child.
D
October 30, 2008
My first book by this author and the start of a beautiful relationship with Jennifer's books. Emmaline is a sweet, shy, spinster who has to seduce the tough captain hero. The seduction scene was so well written, cute, and funny, but steamy. I was hooked. This is a great book.
January 5, 2021
Nothing special
May 18, 2019
First off turn around if you have managed to pick up this book and are going to read it for some serious historical romance. We say managed because though this book is not expensive, at the time, you can only buy it in physical form. As for the serious we feel that you may jump just as fast as this book jumps into complete wacky and zaniness.
Mom and I were looking forward to that exact zaniness when we started the book. The author bows what she wrote and has made to give complete warning before hand. Oh we could not be this book down. The plot has on a ship, than at a prison in Havana, and than back on to England in less than 1/4 of the book. All in good fun might we add. As for the romance it is sweet and steamy. The hero is a Captain and keeps threatening to lock up the heroine because she keeps managing to find trouble. It really is an maxing fun romance and a ship worth adventure for anyone looking for a spot of fun.
Mom and I were looking forward to that exact zaniness when we started the book. The author bows what she wrote and has made to give complete warning before hand. Oh we could not be this book down. The plot has on a ship, than at a prison in Havana, and than back on to England in less than 1/4 of the book. All in good fun might we add. As for the romance it is sweet and steamy. The hero is a Captain and keeps threatening to lock up the heroine because she keeps managing to find trouble. It really is an maxing fun romance and a ship worth adventure for anyone looking for a spot of fun.
March 7, 2019
A little slow in the beginning. A little frustrating - it never seems to end with the challenges in Evangeline's life. A good ending and a twist at the end. Who would have known?
Every Captain should have a mistress like Evangeline. I know my husband would agree :-D
Every Captain should have a mistress like Evangeline. I know my husband would agree :-D
June 13, 2024
This was the author's first book, but imo it didn't show. It reminded me of Johanna Lindsey's type of romance with romance as the focus and some parts which were OTT, but the pacing and plotline were different, somewhat less typical/predictable.
February 24, 2019
Great plot, very steamy,
May 10, 2016
Evangeline Clemens knew she tread in dangerous waters. Sent to seduce the captain of the merchantman Aurora, the English governess trembled in her innocence. Her stepbrother's life--and the life of the rugged sailor she must tempt--depended on her success. She swore to surrender her body, her virtue . . . anything Austin Blackwell demanded. But she never expected to relinquish her heart.
On a mission for the American Colonies, Austin suspected the timid temptress was a skilled spy ordered to sabotage his plans. She played the part of an untried miss to perfection, her inexperienced fumbling driving him wild with desire. But after sampling her sweetness, after one harrowing night fraught with passion and peril, the commander vowed to navigate any course to discover the truth. For his soul mutinied at the prospect of sailing into the future without the courageous lady by his side.
Lots of promise but fell short for me. It was just an average read for me.
On a mission for the American Colonies, Austin suspected the timid temptress was a skilled spy ordered to sabotage his plans. She played the part of an untried miss to perfection, her inexperienced fumbling driving him wild with desire. But after sampling her sweetness, after one harrowing night fraught with passion and peril, the commander vowed to navigate any course to discover the truth. For his soul mutinied at the prospect of sailing into the future without the courageous lady by his side.
Lots of promise but fell short for me. It was just an average read for me.
October 8, 2013
4.5 stars
This book was a pleasant surprise. It's a great swashbuckling high seas adventure. Well actually, there weren't any buckles being swashed but it was great fun.
Evangeline finds herself on a merchant ship bound for Boston after discovering her fiance in bed with her maid, and disowned by her stepfather and mother when she refuses to marry him. She starts out as a very naive young woman who does some pretty stupid things. Austin is the captain of the ship and a typical tortured hero. After a failed attempt at a mutiny and a seduction, Austin suspects Evangeline of being a spy. The action takes off and there was never a dull moment. I enjoyed seeing the gradual change in Evangeline to a courageous plucky heroine and Austin is a yummy hero. POTH was a fast paced romantic adventure laced with humor and some steamy love scenes. The cast of characters were well done especially Lord Rudolph. After checking Ashley's website I see that she plans to write his book eventually.
This book was a pleasant surprise. It's a great swashbuckling high seas adventure. Well actually, there weren't any buckles being swashed but it was great fun.
Evangeline finds herself on a merchant ship bound for Boston after discovering her fiance in bed with her maid, and disowned by her stepfather and mother when she refuses to marry him. She starts out as a very naive young woman who does some pretty stupid things. Austin is the captain of the ship and a typical tortured hero. After a failed attempt at a mutiny and a seduction, Austin suspects Evangeline of being a spy. The action takes off and there was never a dull moment. I enjoyed seeing the gradual change in Evangeline to a courageous plucky heroine and Austin is a yummy hero. POTH was a fast paced romantic adventure laced with humor and some steamy love scenes. The cast of characters were well done especially Lord Rudolph. After checking Ashley's website I see that she plans to write his book eventually.
May 10, 2012
I just happened to pluck this one off the shelf in my local library. I was in the mood for a little pirate adventure, and wasn't expecting anything too spectacular, but was surprised to find it a good romp. I've never read a book by Jennifer Ashley and now want to find more if she's got it. The description Goodreads gives it doesn't do it justice, and if I'd come across it here first instead of at the library, I'd honestly have to say I would have passed it over.
It's not too over the top, and pretty believable in general with romantic love scenes. I definitely recommend this to lovers of pirate novels and sweet (slightly desperate) love.
It's not too over the top, and pretty believable in general with romantic love scenes. I definitely recommend this to lovers of pirate novels and sweet (slightly desperate) love.
August 23, 2014
When I started reading this book the first chapter didn't grip me but very quickly I was suck into story. The tension between Austin and evangline was great they didn't do much other then kissing touching, it wasn't till 70% in book that things got more serious. The building to was tense and steamy. The action in book was great the story, was very gripping. This book was different to other pirate book as Austin wasn't a pirate but a strict captain with sexy dark eyes and lovely long dark reddish hair. Great HEA.
October 10, 2012
I did not feel the romance throughout the story. The sexual attraction was there from the start but lacked merits of romance. Sadly to say romance came only at the end of the story. I had to force myself to read through the book hoping the story will redeem itself......sifting through pages hoping to get the feel of romance.
November 7, 2014
One star for the sexual attraction and one because it was so unbelievable it was somehow funny. I'm sure the author loves to read inspirational/motivational quotes and sayings on love, all things cliché, I liked the MacKenzies in "The Madness..." though, that's what lead me to this book.
September 20, 2010
Pleasantly surprised at this novel. Picked it up in a bargin bin and really enjoyed.
September 26, 2010
More like 1.5 stars. It had its moments, and I was tempted to stop several times but persisted. I had expected more after enjoying 2 books from the Nvengaria series.
January 6, 2017
eBook
March 16, 2013
a very good book to read. i love historical books. this was action packed, romantic, and filled with so much passion it burned pages.
December 7, 2013
better than I expected good love story
June 19, 2016
Couldn't even finish it. J. Ashley is able of the best, but also the worst!! This book is the living proof of it.
September 3, 2018
Fun and funny voyage at sea - with all the requisite parts - pirates, villains, live and ace ture!
October 30, 2017
DNF AT 3/4.
I know you must be wondering why I gave up when I was almost at the end!!
Well since I abandoned this partway, I am just going to say that the characters while I like the hero, the heroine seemed bland to me despite being a spinsterish woman. She falls into the hero's arms too easily and frankly the plot was a snoozeville that made me bored midway.
In other words ~ not exciting at all.
Normally I do enjoy a good J.A book but this was probably the worst. Oh, its not BAD by the way, I just didn't find myself absorbed with the story and I only flipped and skimmed the pages.
I know you must be wondering why I gave up when I was almost at the end!!
Well since I abandoned this partway, I am just going to say that the characters while I like the hero, the heroine seemed bland to me despite being a spinsterish woman. She falls into the hero's arms too easily and frankly the plot was a snoozeville that made me bored midway.
In other words ~ not exciting at all.
Normally I do enjoy a good J.A book but this was probably the worst. Oh, its not BAD by the way, I just didn't find myself absorbed with the story and I only flipped and skimmed the pages.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews