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The Pirate Ruse
Abducted! Forcibly taken from her home in New Orleans, Cristabel Albay found herself a prisoner aboard an enemy ship-and soon thereafter, transferred into the vile hands of blood-thirsty pirates! War waged between the newly liberated United States and King George. Still, Cristabel would soon discover that British sailors were the very least of her worries-for the pirate captain, Bully Booth, owned no loyalty-no sympathy for those he captured. Yet hope was not entirely lost-for where there was found one crew of pirates-there was ever found another. Though Cristabel Albay would never have dreamed that she may find fortune in being captured by one pirate captain only to be taken by another-she did! Bully Booth took no man alive-let no woman live long. But the pirate Navarrone was known for his clemency. Thus, Cristabel's hope in knowing her life's continuance was restored. Nonetheless, as Cristabel's heart began to yearn for the affections of her handsome, beguiling captor-she wondered if Captain Navarrone had only saved her life to execute her poor heart!
300 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2010
42 people are currently reading
1926 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Lynn McClure
75 books1,365 followersBorn in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
September 21, 2011
Oh how I love Marcia's Books! Seriously love them. Today is my birthday which meant my husband got up and to get our 5 kids off to school so I could sleep in. But I'm used to waking up so I was wide awake. Since I didn't have to get up and couldn't sleep I decided I could spend my time how I wanted so instead of sleeping I chose to read a Marcia Lynn McClure book.
As is the case with all of Marcia's books, The Pirate Ruse did not disappoint. I loved this one! So much fun to read. It made me smile and laugh! How can you go wrong when you cross Marcia's writing with a pirate tale - You can't!
As is the case with all of Marcia's books, The Pirate Ruse did not disappoint. I loved this one! So much fun to read. It made me smile and laugh! How can you go wrong when you cross Marcia's writing with a pirate tale - You can't!
January 22, 2011
Well, I must admit, I adore a good pirate tale, especially a romantic one. I was a bit skeptical at first, since this wasn't labeled inspirational. The last thing I wanted to read was some salacious, corny, bodice ripper.
I'm happy to report this book was not at all like that. The characters were engaging, the story kept my interest (which is hard to do these days) and the romance was heart-throbbing. Recommended for any pirate lovers out there!
I'm happy to report this book was not at all like that. The characters were engaging, the story kept my interest (which is hard to do these days) and the romance was heart-throbbing. Recommended for any pirate lovers out there!
March 2, 2012
OH! OH! OH! I Loved this book,everything about it I loved! Cristabel, and the Pirate Navarrone, what a great love story. This book has adventure, mystery, and romance. I could hardly wait to get it then I consummed it in two days ( I have 5 children) or I would have been done in a day! I loved the dialoge between Cristabel and Navarrone their banter was great! I also really enjoyed hearing alot of Navarrone's inner feelings on their relationship! Marcia writes amazing romances her kissing scenes are the best!!! Thanks for another spectacular read!!
August 9, 2011
As war raged between newly liberated United states and King George,Cristabel Albay is abducted and forcibly taken from her home in New Orleans.Put upon a British ship which is then attacked by the vile pirate "Bully Booth",she soon discovers they or the British sailors are the least of her worries. Enter pirate Navarrone "Blue-Blade" who wants this prize for his own,and finds another prize as well for the taking! Here are Cristabels choices,stay with Bully Booth who takes no man alive..and let no woman live long or be taken by this other daring pirate who would take over a ship all ready engaged by other pirates! "Do you swim woman?" the pirate growled."Y-yes" Cristabel stammered.Her thoughts were muddled-for panic was her only ally.Turning her from him,he tore open the back of her dress. She screamed and tried to run from him. "Let me go!she screamed as she struggled."Oh you'll thank me one day,my love" he laughed as he hurled them both over the side of the ship into the sea.Now I know what your thinking..oh a Bodice Ripper here..no not in this one,but what a great plot/story! Great battle scenes,lots of adventure,a good clean (with some sexual tension)pirate romance.Loved the characters,they were engaging and I liked their interactions and thoughts about one another.Cristabel was sassy and stood up for herself and didnt fall for the "Blue Blades" charms..well not for awhile at least.One scene at the begining of the story was so funny. Navarrone locks Cristabel in his cabin without drink or food till she tells him why she was on that ship(he's not sure if she is a traitor)but he forgets that bottle of rum he stashed away...and returns to find a very "inebriated" giggling young lady! "Good evening,you naughty,naughty pirate!" Well needless to say the conversation from there had me laughing out loud!
This Author was a first for me,and I plan on hunting down more of her books. A pleasure to read!
This Author was a first for me,and I plan on hunting down more of her books. A pleasure to read!
August 16, 2016
Aug. 2016: Reading about Capt. Navarrone while sitting on the beach = Perfection. Still a favorite. ❤❤❤
Oct. 2015 : Still love it... Sometimes I just need to go to my happy place and Marcia Lynn McClure provides that on the Merry Wench with Capt. Navarrone.
April 2015 : Yes. Again. What can I say?? It's a favorite of mine!!!
Oct. 2013: Oh I melted everytime Navarrone called Cristabel "love" !!!!
Re-read January 2014: Seriously one of my top 2 favorite Marcia McClure books. I get giddy reading it. I heart Capt. Navarrone- big time. And Cristbel is stubborn and brave. <3
October 2014: I love this book. LOVE it. I bought it on my Kindle, even though I own the paperback, so I can have it with me when the mood hits to read about my hot Captain Navarrone. I love reading the whole book, and then rereading my favorite parts. I'm getting giddy just thinking about it! <3 <3 <3
Oct. 2015 : Still love it... Sometimes I just need to go to my happy place and Marcia Lynn McClure provides that on the Merry Wench with Capt. Navarrone.
April 2015 : Yes. Again. What can I say?? It's a favorite of mine!!!
Oct. 2013: Oh I melted everytime Navarrone called Cristabel "love" !!!!
Re-read January 2014: Seriously one of my top 2 favorite Marcia McClure books. I get giddy reading it. I heart Capt. Navarrone- big time. And Cristbel is stubborn and brave. <3
October 2014: I love this book. LOVE it. I bought it on my Kindle, even though I own the paperback, so I can have it with me when the mood hits to read about my hot Captain Navarrone. I love reading the whole book, and then rereading my favorite parts. I'm getting giddy just thinking about it! <3 <3 <3
January 9, 2012
I admit it. My name is Deb, and I am addicted to Marcia McClure books. If that is wrong, I don't want to be right! I loved this one. I really think this one is tied for my favorite of her books. This one was just so good and I loved all the tention. Great main characters and I loved the pirate fun.
GREAT book and fun author!
GREAT book and fun author!
January 12, 2026
The book opens with Captain Navarrone aka the pirate Blue Blade, entering into battle with a British war ship and a pirate ship (why not kill two birds with one stone, right?). During battle he finds a women in the clutches of the evil pirate Bully Booth. He of course swoops in and saves the girl and takes her captive himself. Cristabel has one adventure after another in this book, she is kidnapped from her home in the dead of night and put aboard a ship bound for England only to be taken captive by the pirate Bully Booth and then subsequently rescued and then held captive by the pirate Blue Blade.
I liked Cristabel quite a bit. She is innocent and vulnerable, yet strong and savvy. She sees the good in people and can overlook their hard exterior at times to see their worth within. I thought she had a good mix of being a “vixen” and still needing to be saved. Navarrone is of course very swoon-worthy, he carries some heavy burdens and doesn’t see his own worth. I loved his teasing banter with Cristabel, they have great chemistry. Navarrone is a flirt, as you can see…
“And this man on the shore…how is it that he could so easily mollify the rogue within him?” Trevon chuckled. “I did not say it would be done with ease…only that it could be done.”
”Conceive. Yet another interesting choice of word on your part…and you are right, there love,” he said, feigning thoughtfulness. “I cannot conceive. Buy you..you can. But only with my help, of course – though it would hardly be deemed a thing of decency.”
I really enjoyed their love story. I loved the scene at the end
I also loved the storyline with Navarrone’s sister Vienne and the different means for coins. It added a lot of depth to the story and I was glad to see how things wrapped up for her.
Overall, a very fun read. If you haven’t read McClure before this is a great one to start with. I just had to add, I loved James Kelley. He was a sweet boy and I would love for him to get his own book one day, I want to see what kind of man he grows into and to see him get his own happily ever after.
Content:
Romance: Clean, just some passionate kissing! ;)
Violence: Mild pirate fighting
I liked Cristabel quite a bit. She is innocent and vulnerable, yet strong and savvy. She sees the good in people and can overlook their hard exterior at times to see their worth within. I thought she had a good mix of being a “vixen” and still needing to be saved. Navarrone is of course very swoon-worthy, he carries some heavy burdens and doesn’t see his own worth. I loved his teasing banter with Cristabel, they have great chemistry. Navarrone is a flirt, as you can see…
“And this man on the shore…how is it that he could so easily mollify the rogue within him?” Trevon chuckled. “I did not say it would be done with ease…only that it could be done.”
”Conceive. Yet another interesting choice of word on your part…and you are right, there love,” he said, feigning thoughtfulness. “I cannot conceive. Buy you..you can. But only with my help, of course – though it would hardly be deemed a thing of decency.”
I really enjoyed their love story. I loved the scene at the end
I also loved the storyline with Navarrone’s sister Vienne and the different means for coins. It added a lot of depth to the story and I was glad to see how things wrapped up for her.
Overall, a very fun read. If you haven’t read McClure before this is a great one to start with. I just had to add, I loved James Kelley. He was a sweet boy and I would love for him to get his own book one day, I want to see what kind of man he grows into and to see him get his own happily ever after.
Content:
Romance: Clean, just some passionate kissing! ;)
Violence: Mild pirate fighting
October 15, 2016
I'm going against the grain on this review...I'm usually pretty long-winded and rambling but this one is going to be short due to time, so fingers crossed I can power pack it with the info you are looking for when you read it.
First off, when you read this book, make sure you continue reading and read the author's remarks at the end. I loved them, they were witty and shed a fun light on the story and bits and pieces of it. You definitely don't want to read it until after you read the story or you'll have some spoilers. I laughed right along as I was reading her remarks, don't miss out by closing the book once you've read the last page.
This was a very swoony, swashbuckling pirate tale. There were damsels in distress, smuggling, traitors, tyrants, heinous pirates, Brits, sea battles, sword fights, disguises, treasure, kisses, flogging, more kisses, kidnapping, steamy kisses, more kidnapping, witty banter, hidden islands, tree houses, ocean escapes, rum induced drunken speaking(it was a pretty great scene), sacrifice, heartache, murder, water, patriots, biscuits, mothers, taverns, pirates, pirates, and more pirates, villains, gentleman, pumpkins, leaves, and hidden secrets.
I've only recently discovered Marcia Lynn McClure and have many books of hers that I am slowly adding into my reading but have enjoyed them lots so far. She is named the Queen of Kissing for good reason. This one definitely has lots of kissing and Trevon, the main pirate does try to frighten Cristabel(he has good reason for it, which takes much of the story to slowly reveal and piece together) so there is quite a bit of innuendo throughout. He is(ok hopefully this isn't spoilerish) a good pirate and rescues her from several scary/bad situations and talks to her about ravaging her. He does this in hopes that she understands how important it is that she knows how to defend herself, and to scare her into realizing that she can't just ignore when someone warns her, and not with the true intent of really ravaging her. Hopefully that's not confusing. So all in all it is a more steamy read but nothing more than steamy kisses and the pirate Trevon's innuendos. Not squeaky clean but still could be labeled as a clean. I'd recommend it to older mature readers.
Now to decide which Marcia Lynn McClure book of mine that I want to read next....
Ok, I don't think I was a short winded as I was hoping to be. *.* I guess I just get carried away and can't help myself when it comes to talking about books.
I downloaded a free copy from Amazon(may not be free still but always worth checking, and check her other books because she usually has one or two free-if you're interested in reading her books).
Happy Reading!!!
First off, when you read this book, make sure you continue reading and read the author's remarks at the end. I loved them, they were witty and shed a fun light on the story and bits and pieces of it. You definitely don't want to read it until after you read the story or you'll have some spoilers. I laughed right along as I was reading her remarks, don't miss out by closing the book once you've read the last page.
This was a very swoony, swashbuckling pirate tale. There were damsels in distress, smuggling, traitors, tyrants, heinous pirates, Brits, sea battles, sword fights, disguises, treasure, kisses, flogging, more kisses, kidnapping, steamy kisses, more kidnapping, witty banter, hidden islands, tree houses, ocean escapes, rum induced drunken speaking(it was a pretty great scene), sacrifice, heartache, murder, water, patriots, biscuits, mothers, taverns, pirates, pirates, and more pirates, villains, gentleman, pumpkins, leaves, and hidden secrets.
I've only recently discovered Marcia Lynn McClure and have many books of hers that I am slowly adding into my reading but have enjoyed them lots so far. She is named the Queen of Kissing for good reason. This one definitely has lots of kissing and Trevon, the main pirate does try to frighten Cristabel(he has good reason for it, which takes much of the story to slowly reveal and piece together) so there is quite a bit of innuendo throughout. He is(ok hopefully this isn't spoilerish) a good pirate and rescues her from several scary/bad situations and talks to her about ravaging her. He does this in hopes that she understands how important it is that she knows how to defend herself, and to scare her into realizing that she can't just ignore when someone warns her, and not with the true intent of really ravaging her. Hopefully that's not confusing. So all in all it is a more steamy read but nothing more than steamy kisses and the pirate Trevon's innuendos. Not squeaky clean but still could be labeled as a clean. I'd recommend it to older mature readers.
Now to decide which Marcia Lynn McClure book of mine that I want to read next....
Ok, I don't think I was a short winded as I was hoping to be. *.* I guess I just get carried away and can't help myself when it comes to talking about books.
I downloaded a free copy from Amazon(may not be free still but always worth checking, and check her other books because she usually has one or two free-if you're interested in reading her books).
Happy Reading!!!
October 21, 2014
4.5 Stars
Pirates.. mystery.. adventure.. romance.. The Pirate Ruse has it all!
Captain Navarrone comes upon a battle between a British Ship and the Screaming Witch. He sees Cristabel and knows that, even though he is a pirate, that she would be better off on his ship and proceeds to steal her away! Upon further questioning he finds out that she has been keeping company with traitors! And if there's one thing that Captain Navarrone does not like it's traitors! And ya might want to hold on loves... here is where the adventures begin! ;)
Trevon and Cristabel are probably two of my favorite Marcia characters. I enjoyed their journey of self discovery and love. You got to see their relationship progress naturally and their banter is hilarious! Cristabel has spunk and even though she is afraid of Trevon at times, she still stands her ground and shows how strong she can be.
The moral of this story is absolutely amazing! Both have a lot to overcome but they do and they are that much better and stronger because of it. I really wish Marcia would write more books like this! It is probably one of my favorites of hers! :)
So why only 4.5 Stars? There were just two things that bothered me. One would be it was a bit too wordy at times. I did skip over some parts because I wanted to get to the meat of the story! And the other thing is something that bothers me throughout all her books... it's the constant use of not only the first BUT the last names as well! I can see using it in the beginning and maybe once or twice in the middle or the end but not throughout the whole book! It drives me nuts! Some are worse than others and I really try to overlook them but it's getting harder and harder to do.
Other than that this was an awesome read!! I would definitely recommend it to everyone!!
Pirates.. mystery.. adventure.. romance.. The Pirate Ruse has it all!
Captain Navarrone comes upon a battle between a British Ship and the Screaming Witch. He sees Cristabel and knows that, even though he is a pirate, that she would be better off on his ship and proceeds to steal her away! Upon further questioning he finds out that she has been keeping company with traitors! And if there's one thing that Captain Navarrone does not like it's traitors! And ya might want to hold on loves... here is where the adventures begin! ;)
Trevon and Cristabel are probably two of my favorite Marcia characters. I enjoyed their journey of self discovery and love. You got to see their relationship progress naturally and their banter is hilarious! Cristabel has spunk and even though she is afraid of Trevon at times, she still stands her ground and shows how strong she can be.
The moral of this story is absolutely amazing! Both have a lot to overcome but they do and they are that much better and stronger because of it. I really wish Marcia would write more books like this! It is probably one of my favorites of hers! :)
So why only 4.5 Stars? There were just two things that bothered me. One would be it was a bit too wordy at times. I did skip over some parts because I wanted to get to the meat of the story! And the other thing is something that bothers me throughout all her books... it's the constant use of not only the first BUT the last names as well! I can see using it in the beginning and maybe once or twice in the middle or the end but not throughout the whole book! It drives me nuts! Some are worse than others and I really try to overlook them but it's getting harder and harder to do.
Other than that this was an awesome read!! I would definitely recommend it to everyone!!
January 17, 2011
Oh! So good!! I loved the banter. I loved the mystery of the girl in the painting. I loved how Captain Navarrone seemed to get jealous over how easily the young man on the ship, James, and Cristabel could converse...One of my favorite scenes is where they are walking along and James is telling Cristabel some stories about Navarrone and they are laughing together, and Navarrone growls at him and says something like, "James, she is our prisoner!" I loved how Navarrone tries to have the image of a mean scoundrel, but things aren't quite as they appear, and yet he is the most well-known feared Captain out there and he can best anyone who tries to take him or his ship on! Loved it from beginning to end!!
January 2, 2011
Oh boy, do I love Pirate books...and did I love The Pirate Ruse??? A resounding YES, I LOVED IT! I love how Marcia writes her heroes: Tall, Dark and Handsome, always strangely self-deprecating, which makes you love them, yet at the same time, so full of constancy and ability. Awesome. The heroine was stronger than her others, and I really liked her "rum-filled" moment! Just a great read! Marcia's book never fail to deliver and I always want to re-read it cause I read it TOO fast...=) Enjoy!
July 28, 2011
I have read a couple McClure books and this is one of my favorite! Very fun, fast moving romance with a little history added in! The kissing is my favorite! The woman knows how to write a kiss without getting gross. Her writing is also improving witch is great, it's always better to read a book that flows well and is not bogged down with too much repetition. Keep it up Maria!
March 6, 2025
A strong warning to anyone with British ties, including Canada. There is one word frequently used that is offensive, and another word used only once or twice that isn’t a nice word anywhere, but is considered a very strong swear to anyone in this culture.
I’m not really sure what to rate this book. Parts of this book did deserve five stars, but the first half was so repetitive it was almost boring. She disobeys, he becomes gruffer to scare her into submission; she becomes too friendly with the crew, he becomes gruffer to scare her away from the crew; she speaks too boldly, he becomes gruffer to inspire respect; and on it goes.
It reminds me a bit of the Stockholm syndrome where a kidnapped victim falls in love with her captor. From there it seems to lead towards hero worship. Of course the difference is that her captor is first her rescuer and a fairly honorable man. In the end though, he proves he would do any thing to protect her.
AI narrative was okay, but again too literal with stuttered words spoken as each stuttered letter followed by a the word.
I’m not really sure what to rate this book. Parts of this book did deserve five stars, but the first half was so repetitive it was almost boring. She disobeys, he becomes gruffer to scare her into submission; she becomes too friendly with the crew, he becomes gruffer to scare her away from the crew; she speaks too boldly, he becomes gruffer to inspire respect; and on it goes.
It reminds me a bit of the Stockholm syndrome where a kidnapped victim falls in love with her captor. From there it seems to lead towards hero worship. Of course the difference is that her captor is first her rescuer and a fairly honorable man. In the end though, he proves he would do any thing to protect her.
AI narrative was okay, but again too literal with stuttered words spoken as each stuttered letter followed by a the word.
January 31, 2011
An instant before the sea swallowed her, Cristabel Albay gasped her last breath. She was certain it would truly be her last breath… Yet, mere moments later, her head broke the surface of the sea and she exhaled the breath she had been holding—the one that had not been her last—gasping for another.
“Do you swim, woman?” the pirate Navarrone growled.
“Y-yes,” Cristabel stammered. Her thoughts were muddled—for panic was her only ally. Yet, she was cognizant enough to know that her life was still in danger—not from pirates perhaps—but from the sea.
“Then swim!” the pirate growled. “If you want to live to see another sunrise, then swim for The Merry Wench.”
…She glanced up to the Chichester where pirates and British sailors yet battled. The Screaming Witch was already sailing, and Cristabel would rather have died than be the victim of the atrocities that would have met her aboard it.
Yet, to abandon one pirate ship for another? It was madness! Still, she could not fathom drowning—for drowning terrified her more than any other fate of death. Her only hope in surviving was to do as the pirate ordered. …She had heard tales of The Blue Blade Navarrone—tales of mercy. …Perhaps he would take pity on her… Thus, with no other venue to follow, Christabel began to swim—to swim for The Merry Wench and whatever fate awaited her there.
This was a very good book. I am not a pirate story kind of girl but would still recommend this. Trevon and Cristabel were a very sweet couple and I absolutely loved their interactions and thoughts about one another . .
The kisses were as wonderful as ever and VIRTUE was still upheld. . . so 5 stars!!
“Do you swim, woman?” the pirate Navarrone growled.
“Y-yes,” Cristabel stammered. Her thoughts were muddled—for panic was her only ally. Yet, she was cognizant enough to know that her life was still in danger—not from pirates perhaps—but from the sea.
“Then swim!” the pirate growled. “If you want to live to see another sunrise, then swim for The Merry Wench.”
…She glanced up to the Chichester where pirates and British sailors yet battled. The Screaming Witch was already sailing, and Cristabel would rather have died than be the victim of the atrocities that would have met her aboard it.
Yet, to abandon one pirate ship for another? It was madness! Still, she could not fathom drowning—for drowning terrified her more than any other fate of death. Her only hope in surviving was to do as the pirate ordered. …She had heard tales of The Blue Blade Navarrone—tales of mercy. …Perhaps he would take pity on her… Thus, with no other venue to follow, Christabel began to swim—to swim for The Merry Wench and whatever fate awaited her there.
This was a very good book. I am not a pirate story kind of girl but would still recommend this. Trevon and Cristabel were a very sweet couple and I absolutely loved their interactions and thoughts about one another . .
The kisses were as wonderful as ever and VIRTUE was still upheld. . . so 5 stars!!
February 9, 2011
Move over Cap'n Sparrow, there's a new pirate on my mind!!!! :)
I cannot even tell you how much I loved this book! I think Mr. Highwayman is going to have to share the top spot in my heart of Marcia's heroes with Cap'n Navarrone! I think my head is still spinning from the sheer deliciousness of him... I have a thing for Pirate's too- so I was so happy to hear about The Pirate Ruse. I like to think she took my sister-in-laws encouragement to make this fine tale of adventure and romance. :) I knew it would be worth the wait. For as always my Marcia never fails to disappoint!!!
I have to admit I did not care for Cristabel as I had in other books loved the heroine right from the start. That was pretty much because I was jealous of a fictional character... Yep, sad to admit it is true... You know it's good when I wish to be not simply reading the book, but in it! (I'm pulling for a Melody character one of these times! ;) And a Patriot Pirate to boot, what could ever be better than that?!?
I cannot even tell you how much I loved this book! I think Mr. Highwayman is going to have to share the top spot in my heart of Marcia's heroes with Cap'n Navarrone! I think my head is still spinning from the sheer deliciousness of him... I have a thing for Pirate's too- so I was so happy to hear about The Pirate Ruse. I like to think she took my sister-in-laws encouragement to make this fine tale of adventure and romance. :) I knew it would be worth the wait. For as always my Marcia never fails to disappoint!!!
I have to admit I did not care for Cristabel as I had in other books loved the heroine right from the start. That was pretty much because I was jealous of a fictional character... Yep, sad to admit it is true... You know it's good when I wish to be not simply reading the book, but in it! (I'm pulling for a Melody character one of these times! ;) And a Patriot Pirate to boot, what could ever be better than that?!?
August 20, 2014
After finishing Becoming Lady Lockwood, I just had to read another high sea regency romance. I've seen this one around a few times, but for some reason I just kept passing it over. It didn't quite satisfy my desire after BLL, but it helped.
So here's the thing with MLM books. You always know what you're going to get. There is a always a bit of a cheese factor, and the voice is similiar from book to book, but generally I always love her stories. And even if I don't buy into the story, the woman writes a mean kiss scene without ever crossing the line. I really appreciate that!
And I LOVE the author's note at the end of her books. It's one of my favorite parts to read as an aspiring author. I love learning about how other author's dream up the stories they write. I love how she talked about her inspiration for characters and what they symbolize to her.
Thanks for another great book Marcia!
So here's the thing with MLM books. You always know what you're going to get. There is a always a bit of a cheese factor, and the voice is similiar from book to book, but generally I always love her stories. And even if I don't buy into the story, the woman writes a mean kiss scene without ever crossing the line. I really appreciate that!
And I LOVE the author's note at the end of her books. It's one of my favorite parts to read as an aspiring author. I love learning about how other author's dream up the stories they write. I love how she talked about her inspiration for characters and what they symbolize to her.
Thanks for another great book Marcia!
May 11, 2011
4.5-5 stars! I want to buy this one! O if only I wasn't so poor! haha This one had me on the edge of my bed gripping the book freaking out! My father walked into my room took one look at me and just walked back out because he knew I wasn't even coherent to anything else around me! Seriously my favorite hero that Marcia has written! I don't know if it is because he's a pirate or if her writing is getting more developed but I was in love with him! O wait he's fiction! ALSO bless my soul a fiesty heroine at last!!! The dialogue in this is hilarious because even though she is a hostage it's like she doesn't care and will say whatever she likes! Bravo to strong girls! :)
May 9th-Reread this last night! Still in love with it!
May 9th-Reread this last night! Still in love with it!
August 3, 2010
I don't know what it is about handsome, dashing pirates and romance....but I LOVED IT!!! I've been dying for a pirate book, Marcia style, for awhile now and I was NOT disappointed!! This book is definitely in my top three (favorites) of hers.
Cristabel Albay was kidnapped from her home and taken to an enemy ship in the dead of night. Then she was captured by an attacking pirate ship, only to be rescued by yet another pirate--Trevon Navarrone the Blue Blade. I loved the rum-filled night, the adventures, the meeting with the governor, etc. Very gripping, entertaining, and romantic story. Good job, Marcia!!!
Cristabel Albay was kidnapped from her home and taken to an enemy ship in the dead of night. Then she was captured by an attacking pirate ship, only to be rescued by yet another pirate--Trevon Navarrone the Blue Blade. I loved the rum-filled night, the adventures, the meeting with the governor, etc. Very gripping, entertaining, and romantic story. Good job, Marcia!!!
March 1, 2011
Marcia, Marcia, Marcia...(I just love saying that)
Wow oh wow has she done it again. Swashbuckling, pirates, plundering, pillaging, wenches and a whole lot of kissing is what you'll find here. I loved the rough and tough Blue Blade "Do you swim woman"? from the get go and was head over heels with the pirate by the end of the book. Cristabel was strong, brave and just a little sassy and never allowed herself to be a helpless victim. I love how she readily accepted blame for her mistakes, yet forgave others so easily. Great supporting characters who had me giggling throughout. (Please oh please give James Kelley his own story) Loved.This.Book. :)
Wow oh wow has she done it again. Swashbuckling, pirates, plundering, pillaging, wenches and a whole lot of kissing is what you'll find here. I loved the rough and tough Blue Blade "Do you swim woman"? from the get go and was head over heels with the pirate by the end of the book. Cristabel was strong, brave and just a little sassy and never allowed herself to be a helpless victim. I love how she readily accepted blame for her mistakes, yet forgave others so easily. Great supporting characters who had me giggling throughout. (Please oh please give James Kelley his own story) Loved.This.Book. :)
July 12, 2017
I'm sorry, I just could NOT get my head around this one. Rather than finding any of the characters or moments swoon-worthy, I found most of them (at best) laughable and (at worst) repulsive. I felt downright dirty after the author tried to make the idea of our hero "ravishing" (aka raping) our heroine sound romantic and justified for the twentieth time. That's not my kind of "clean" romance.
Sloppy story, repetitive language, and a disturbing attitude toward women...just not my cup of tea.
Sloppy story, repetitive language, and a disturbing attitude toward women...just not my cup of tea.
January 23, 2012
I absolutely LOVED this story!! If good reads offered a 6th star This one would definitely get it! One of my favorites!! I loved this swashbuckling story of the handsome Pirate Navarrone and his pretty prisoner Cristabel. With Marcia's writing you can only imagine the story! It's great! I so loved the ending and the special message left there! Wonderful! Wonderful, Wonderful!!
August 20, 2012
Arrr, I do think I'd like to be a pirate's wench. Super good, loved every minute of it.
Moral Note: Passionate kisses, violence, mild talk of ravaging women, a few language spots (heck, dang and son of a motherless goat once)
Moral Note: Passionate kisses, violence, mild talk of ravaging women, a few language spots (heck, dang and son of a motherless goat once)
December 21, 2010
A favorite!! Captain Navvarone is so delicious!! I gotta read this a couple more times!!
January 19, 2011
Yep, another "cant keep the smile off my face" love story from Mcclure.
March 29, 2011
I really enjoy all of Marcia Lynn McClure's books, but I think this one might be my favorite! I love pirates!!
May 10, 2011
Marcia Lynn McClure is one of my favorite authors, especially for clean romance. I really enjoyed adding this book to my collection!
June 25, 2012
I have given 5 stars to every Marcia Lynn McMclure book I have read I think! And this one did not disappoint me! I really liked the story and the 'feel good' ending it offered.
November 11, 2012
Rating: Average / Good (3 stars)
I have heard several people say that Marcia Lynn McClure is THE best clean romance novelist around, so I decided to read one of her books to find out for myself. I had trouble finding one with a blurb that interested me until I came across The Pirate Ruse; after all, who doesn’t like pirates and swashbuckling romantic adventure?!
So I parted with my hard-earned moolah and picked up a copy online then settled down to read it. The first few chapters were certainly a disappointment as I felt I had read the same scenario a hundred times before: Dominant male attempts to intimidate female lead whilst making suggestive comments about her personal attributes but is secretly impressed by her stubborn and tenacious nature in trying to stand up to him even though she is actually terrified of what he’ll do to her. Pleeeeeeease! Save me from such a fate as having to read the same thing over and over again. I had to put it down and contemplated never picking it up again, but I had paid for it, so I decided to give it another go the next day.
Now knowing what I was in for, I came back to it without any expectations of greatness and was gradually able to actually like it. Yes, he was still tyrannical and far too unbelievably handsome, and yes, she was still stubbornly resistant in a foolishly naive way, and the plot appeared to make very little sense, but I ploughed through nonetheless and actually ended up caring what would happen to them.
Granted, this will never be one of my favourite books, and the author isn’t instantly going on my ‘must read all their books’ list (although I will give her another chance just in case this was not an example of her best work) but there were some things about it I did like:
1. In the beginning the hero is actually frightening, and the reader and the heroine both are unsure exactly what his intentions are and what actions his anger may rouse him to. I’m not saying I find that attractive in a man (I certainly don’t!) but it was refreshing to find a hero who is actually as fierce as he is first made out to be and doesn’t suddenly become all soft and gooey once the heroine wears away the hard exterior of his emotional armour (it’s sooooo overused and makes me cringe). But here is a hero who not only seems frightening, he actual IS. He means what he says (for the most part) or says it only to intimidate her for her own good and make her toe the line when her actions (which tend to be too stubborn and outrageous) put her or his crew at risk. At first he does genuinely see her as the enemy and treats her accordingly. Not only that, his characterisation stays fairly true throughout the entire book. He doesn’t suddenly become all puppy dog eyes and trail after he skirts everywhere she goes. True, he does mellow a little (otherwise how could we or she ever like him?) but his core person seems to essentially remain the same.
2. The gradual reveal of information pertinent to the hero and to the plot. We start out under the impression he is a bloodthirsty pirate (because that is how the heroine sees him) and only gradually as the book progresses do we learn who/what he truly is. In the beginning the mysterious circumstances surrounding the heroine’s arrival on the British ship seemed chaotic and unexplained (and frankly, unimportant and annoying), but as the story progressed it became apparent why it was important and what it meant. Another example was the portrait hanging in the captain’s cabin; right up until it was actually disclosed exactly what his relationship with the lady was I never even suspected the truth. I just blindly accepted the heroine’s assumption and didn’t bother to think about it myself, so I was surprised when the reveal came.
3. James Kelley was a minor character but I liked him anyway. There wasn’t really anything distinctive about him, or any particular traits that set him apart from any other lovable side character from any other book, but I liked him anyway. I guess he was a breath of fresh air amid all the romantic tension and patriotic intrigue.
4. The author used unusual names for some of the characters. Not fantastical obviously-made-up names, but subtle variations on common names. (Or perhaps they were French names and I just didn’t realise?) Cristobel Albay, Trevon Navarrone, Lisette, Vienne; they’re all distinctive yet not so unusual that I can’t remember them.
Things I didn’t like:
1. Cristobel. She was too stubborn, too resistant, too naïve, too foolishly impetuous and her attraction to the hero (at least in the beginning) seemed to be entirely physical. I did like that she stuck to her guns and refused to allow herself to be ‘ravaged’ (someone should count exactly how many times that word is used in the book; it was certainly a LOT!) even when she was quite sure she actually wanted to be.
2. The constant change in viewpoint. I got used to it after a while, but to begin with it was a bit disjointing. It constantly changed back and forth between the hero and the heroine (and towards the end the adorable James Kelley even gets a brief turn in the limelight), sometimes as much as three times on the one page. I’m used to books where it changes for a whole chapter, but this one didn’t have any qualms in changing for one or two paragraphs! It did have the advantage of being able to show both characters’ feelings during a scene as it was occurring (rather than retrospectively as you would have to do with a viewpoint that only changed with each new chapter) but it did disrupt the flow a little.
3. The villains barely got a look in at all. Richard did actually get two scenes, but the supposedly super-evil step-dad who started all the trouble only got one scene, and I can’t recall that he even had very much dialogue in that one! Their presence was felt in a distant slightly threatening way, but they certainly didn’t make up-close and scary threats to the hero or heroine. I guess in part because for a while the hero himself was the threat to the heroine, but even so, there was a decided lack of true danger, which is often what pushes a story forward.
4. Romantic drivel. A LOT of the book’s main fodder is the typical romance novel nonsense I dislike. He ogles her and restrains himself from doing anything further than passionately kissing her and she silently drools over his handsomeness and wishes he would ravish her but knows she can’t possibly let him. That last bit is the reason this is a clean romance and not a regular romance novel. The two of them never actually ‘do the deed’ (if they did I wouldn’t have read the book) but they certainly skirt around the issue a LOT and discuss it a great deal. In fact, for a large portion of the book the hero uses the possibility of his ravishing her as a threat in an attempt to control her and get the information he wants from her. Hardly noble hero sentiments, but at that point he isn’t really a noble hero. So, they make out a great deal, and when not actually making out, they’re thinking about making out, or talking about making out. I really don’t know how many times romance authors think we want to read the same ‘he kissed her and she kissed him back with equal passion’ scene in all its thinly veiled and rehashed versions, but it’s obviously far more than I prefer!
5. Both the mothers were too perfect. And the hero’s personality didn’t transition well from when he was the terrifying captain of the Merry Wench to being the dutiful and loving son whilst on land. I couldn’t reconcile the change from one to the other, but I guess that’s partly because the act he puts on whilst captain at sea is exactly that, an act, and one that he stops when he comes ashore to see his mother. But with the heroine along, who has only seen him as the fierce captain, he has to try to maintain his act whilst also conforming to his mother’s expectations of him. I think it came back together again once he relaxed and allowed the heroine to see his true self, once he realised he no longer needed to put on the act for her benefit because she’d seen through most of it anyway.
6. I’ve never been a fan of overly-historical historical fiction, and whilst this book certainly couldn’t be accused of that, I never really got a good sense of the exact setting and political situation either. So, in fact, it could’ve perhaps done with a little more history for the non-American readers unfamiliar with all the events in that country’s history. It’s not a big grumble as I prefer too little history rather than too much, but just the right mix is always best and this was a little lacking.
I’m sure there’s a whole bunch more I could say but I can’t think of it at the moment and to be honest it’s unlikely anyone will even read as much as I’ve already written so I’ll just so straight to the summary.
Overall the book was fairly average (I neither disliked it nor particularly liked it) but I will probably never read it again and certainly wouldn’t instantly proclaim the author the best clean romance author out there (as many others have done). Lynn Kurland writes novels with a very similar feel but more humour, although you do have to be careful as not all her romance novels are clean!
Is there a Happy Ending?
Content Rating: Mature PG/M
There is considerable episodic violence, but it’s very matter-of-fact and not disturbing. Pirates get run through with cutlasses, but that is about the exact level of description you will find, the literal action, no gory details or descriptions.
There is some sexual content, but no bedroom scenes. There are numerous references to rape, but it doesn’t happen to anyone during the timeframe in which the story takes place (although one of the secondary characters was in her past). The hero and heroine kiss passionately repeatedly throughout the book, but again the description level is fairly low and more generalised rather than every action described.
Foul language may have been present in a minor way but I don’t actually recall any.
There is very little Christian or religious content, except for one tiny scene towards the end when the heroine speaks generically about god to another woman. It’s not in-your-face Christian, but rather the sort of thing anyone who believes in a loving god would generally believe or say to another person in trying to convey to them that all people are created and loved equally. I know that sounds very Christian, and probably is, but it was a very minor scene and the only one of its kind in the whole of the book.
On the whole, the content isn’t really inappropriate for teenagers, but the general tone and focus of the book lead me to suggest that nonetheless it would best be an adult read.
Romance Rating: Clean Harlequin
I’ve already mentioned the romance aspect in my ranting above so I won’t go into it again very much here. The romance is clearly the main focus of the book and the interactions between the hero and heroine comprises almost all the word count. I wasn’t particularly fond of either of them (she was too impetuously foolish and he far too angsty and blaming himself for the past) but by the end they did seem to make a good match. If you like lots of passionate kissing scenes and flirting around the edges of dalliance without ever actually crossing the line, then this may be the book for you. I prefer a more subtle romance in my favourite books, but this one was ok once I realised what kind it was going to be and accepted it as that.
I have heard several people say that Marcia Lynn McClure is THE best clean romance novelist around, so I decided to read one of her books to find out for myself. I had trouble finding one with a blurb that interested me until I came across The Pirate Ruse; after all, who doesn’t like pirates and swashbuckling romantic adventure?!
So I parted with my hard-earned moolah and picked up a copy online then settled down to read it. The first few chapters were certainly a disappointment as I felt I had read the same scenario a hundred times before: Dominant male attempts to intimidate female lead whilst making suggestive comments about her personal attributes but is secretly impressed by her stubborn and tenacious nature in trying to stand up to him even though she is actually terrified of what he’ll do to her. Pleeeeeeease! Save me from such a fate as having to read the same thing over and over again. I had to put it down and contemplated never picking it up again, but I had paid for it, so I decided to give it another go the next day.
Now knowing what I was in for, I came back to it without any expectations of greatness and was gradually able to actually like it. Yes, he was still tyrannical and far too unbelievably handsome, and yes, she was still stubbornly resistant in a foolishly naive way, and the plot appeared to make very little sense, but I ploughed through nonetheless and actually ended up caring what would happen to them.
Granted, this will never be one of my favourite books, and the author isn’t instantly going on my ‘must read all their books’ list (although I will give her another chance just in case this was not an example of her best work) but there were some things about it I did like:
1. In the beginning the hero is actually frightening, and the reader and the heroine both are unsure exactly what his intentions are and what actions his anger may rouse him to. I’m not saying I find that attractive in a man (I certainly don’t!) but it was refreshing to find a hero who is actually as fierce as he is first made out to be and doesn’t suddenly become all soft and gooey once the heroine wears away the hard exterior of his emotional armour (it’s sooooo overused and makes me cringe). But here is a hero who not only seems frightening, he actual IS. He means what he says (for the most part) or says it only to intimidate her for her own good and make her toe the line when her actions (which tend to be too stubborn and outrageous) put her or his crew at risk. At first he does genuinely see her as the enemy and treats her accordingly. Not only that, his characterisation stays fairly true throughout the entire book. He doesn’t suddenly become all puppy dog eyes and trail after he skirts everywhere she goes. True, he does mellow a little (otherwise how could we or she ever like him?) but his core person seems to essentially remain the same.
2. The gradual reveal of information pertinent to the hero and to the plot. We start out under the impression he is a bloodthirsty pirate (because that is how the heroine sees him) and only gradually as the book progresses do we learn who/what he truly is. In the beginning the mysterious circumstances surrounding the heroine’s arrival on the British ship seemed chaotic and unexplained (and frankly, unimportant and annoying), but as the story progressed it became apparent why it was important and what it meant. Another example was the portrait hanging in the captain’s cabin; right up until it was actually disclosed exactly what his relationship with the lady was I never even suspected the truth. I just blindly accepted the heroine’s assumption and didn’t bother to think about it myself, so I was surprised when the reveal came.
3. James Kelley was a minor character but I liked him anyway. There wasn’t really anything distinctive about him, or any particular traits that set him apart from any other lovable side character from any other book, but I liked him anyway. I guess he was a breath of fresh air amid all the romantic tension and patriotic intrigue.
4. The author used unusual names for some of the characters. Not fantastical obviously-made-up names, but subtle variations on common names. (Or perhaps they were French names and I just didn’t realise?) Cristobel Albay, Trevon Navarrone, Lisette, Vienne; they’re all distinctive yet not so unusual that I can’t remember them.
Things I didn’t like:
1. Cristobel. She was too stubborn, too resistant, too naïve, too foolishly impetuous and her attraction to the hero (at least in the beginning) seemed to be entirely physical. I did like that she stuck to her guns and refused to allow herself to be ‘ravaged’ (someone should count exactly how many times that word is used in the book; it was certainly a LOT!) even when she was quite sure she actually wanted to be.
2. The constant change in viewpoint. I got used to it after a while, but to begin with it was a bit disjointing. It constantly changed back and forth between the hero and the heroine (and towards the end the adorable James Kelley even gets a brief turn in the limelight), sometimes as much as three times on the one page. I’m used to books where it changes for a whole chapter, but this one didn’t have any qualms in changing for one or two paragraphs! It did have the advantage of being able to show both characters’ feelings during a scene as it was occurring (rather than retrospectively as you would have to do with a viewpoint that only changed with each new chapter) but it did disrupt the flow a little.
3. The villains barely got a look in at all. Richard did actually get two scenes, but the supposedly super-evil step-dad who started all the trouble only got one scene, and I can’t recall that he even had very much dialogue in that one! Their presence was felt in a distant slightly threatening way, but they certainly didn’t make up-close and scary threats to the hero or heroine. I guess in part because for a while the hero himself was the threat to the heroine, but even so, there was a decided lack of true danger, which is often what pushes a story forward.
4. Romantic drivel. A LOT of the book’s main fodder is the typical romance novel nonsense I dislike. He ogles her and restrains himself from doing anything further than passionately kissing her and she silently drools over his handsomeness and wishes he would ravish her but knows she can’t possibly let him. That last bit is the reason this is a clean romance and not a regular romance novel. The two of them never actually ‘do the deed’ (if they did I wouldn’t have read the book) but they certainly skirt around the issue a LOT and discuss it a great deal. In fact, for a large portion of the book the hero uses the possibility of his ravishing her as a threat in an attempt to control her and get the information he wants from her. Hardly noble hero sentiments, but at that point he isn’t really a noble hero. So, they make out a great deal, and when not actually making out, they’re thinking about making out, or talking about making out. I really don’t know how many times romance authors think we want to read the same ‘he kissed her and she kissed him back with equal passion’ scene in all its thinly veiled and rehashed versions, but it’s obviously far more than I prefer!
5. Both the mothers were too perfect. And the hero’s personality didn’t transition well from when he was the terrifying captain of the Merry Wench to being the dutiful and loving son whilst on land. I couldn’t reconcile the change from one to the other, but I guess that’s partly because the act he puts on whilst captain at sea is exactly that, an act, and one that he stops when he comes ashore to see his mother. But with the heroine along, who has only seen him as the fierce captain, he has to try to maintain his act whilst also conforming to his mother’s expectations of him. I think it came back together again once he relaxed and allowed the heroine to see his true self, once he realised he no longer needed to put on the act for her benefit because she’d seen through most of it anyway.
6. I’ve never been a fan of overly-historical historical fiction, and whilst this book certainly couldn’t be accused of that, I never really got a good sense of the exact setting and political situation either. So, in fact, it could’ve perhaps done with a little more history for the non-American readers unfamiliar with all the events in that country’s history. It’s not a big grumble as I prefer too little history rather than too much, but just the right mix is always best and this was a little lacking.
I’m sure there’s a whole bunch more I could say but I can’t think of it at the moment and to be honest it’s unlikely anyone will even read as much as I’ve already written so I’ll just so straight to the summary.
Overall the book was fairly average (I neither disliked it nor particularly liked it) but I will probably never read it again and certainly wouldn’t instantly proclaim the author the best clean romance author out there (as many others have done). Lynn Kurland writes novels with a very similar feel but more humour, although you do have to be careful as not all her romance novels are clean!
Is there a Happy Ending?
Content Rating: Mature PG/M
There is considerable episodic violence, but it’s very matter-of-fact and not disturbing. Pirates get run through with cutlasses, but that is about the exact level of description you will find, the literal action, no gory details or descriptions.
There is some sexual content, but no bedroom scenes. There are numerous references to rape, but it doesn’t happen to anyone during the timeframe in which the story takes place (although one of the secondary characters was in her past). The hero and heroine kiss passionately repeatedly throughout the book, but again the description level is fairly low and more generalised rather than every action described.
Foul language may have been present in a minor way but I don’t actually recall any.
There is very little Christian or religious content, except for one tiny scene towards the end when the heroine speaks generically about god to another woman. It’s not in-your-face Christian, but rather the sort of thing anyone who believes in a loving god would generally believe or say to another person in trying to convey to them that all people are created and loved equally. I know that sounds very Christian, and probably is, but it was a very minor scene and the only one of its kind in the whole of the book.
On the whole, the content isn’t really inappropriate for teenagers, but the general tone and focus of the book lead me to suggest that nonetheless it would best be an adult read.
Romance Rating: Clean Harlequin
I’ve already mentioned the romance aspect in my ranting above so I won’t go into it again very much here. The romance is clearly the main focus of the book and the interactions between the hero and heroine comprises almost all the word count. I wasn’t particularly fond of either of them (she was too impetuously foolish and he far too angsty and blaming himself for the past) but by the end they did seem to make a good match. If you like lots of passionate kissing scenes and flirting around the edges of dalliance without ever actually crossing the line, then this may be the book for you. I prefer a more subtle romance in my favourite books, but this one was ok once I realised what kind it was going to be and accepted it as that.
January 29, 2019
This book is the most basic cheesy mom fiction I've ever read and not in a good way. I don't understand how it has so many 5 star ratings but to each their own I suppose. I guess it may be due to the fact that this is what is considered a light read but even so it should at least be decent.
pros:
-sometimes the characters would say something funny
-trevon's mom is adorable
-pirates kinda
- I like the privateers idea
cons:
- lacklustre writing
- cheesy plot
- cristabel is so stupid, naive, annoying and even arrogant at times. Her entire character screams entitlement under the façade of a tragic past herione.
- navarrone is no better
- stupid love misunderstanding that isn't really that big of a deal
- characters aren't really dynamic at all
- side characters are mostly bland and uninteresting
- altogether just a very under average read and unmemorable.
pros:
-sometimes the characters would say something funny
-trevon's mom is adorable
-pirates kinda
- I like the privateers idea
cons:
- lacklustre writing
- cheesy plot
- cristabel is so stupid, naive, annoying and even arrogant at times. Her entire character screams entitlement under the façade of a tragic past herione.
- navarrone is no better
- stupid love misunderstanding that isn't really that big of a deal
- characters aren't really dynamic at all
- side characters are mostly bland and uninteresting
- altogether just a very under average read and unmemorable.
June 12, 2023
“I am as much yours as the treasure in the house boat…for you have plundered my heart as you plundered the Chichester’s riches.”
This was a fun read, even if it was highly unbelievable. I’m sorry, but there is absolutely no way a pirate can be good enough with a cutlass to be able to gut every man that opposes him in battle without getting hurt.
This was my first book by Marcia Lynn McClure and I will say she has a very interesting writing style. I’ve never read anything quite like it before. While I overall enjoyed it, the excessive exclamation points and the overuse of the word moist got a bit annoying.
The romance aspect of the story kept my highly captivated. I do love me a good pirate romance! The kisses were plenty steamy at times but there was no spice, which I appreciated. Overall a super fun read!
This was a fun read, even if it was highly unbelievable. I’m sorry, but there is absolutely no way a pirate can be good enough with a cutlass to be able to gut every man that opposes him in battle without getting hurt.
This was my first book by Marcia Lynn McClure and I will say she has a very interesting writing style. I’ve never read anything quite like it before. While I overall enjoyed it, the excessive exclamation points and the overuse of the word moist got a bit annoying.
The romance aspect of the story kept my highly captivated. I do love me a good pirate romance! The kisses were plenty steamy at times but there was no spice, which I appreciated. Overall a super fun read!
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