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Brethren of the Coast #1
Enter the Brethren
Fate brings them together in a dimly lit cabin. He is looking for revenge, and she is taking a bath.
Heartbroken and desperate to escape another London Season, Caroline Elliott stows away aboard a friend's ship, never dreaming she'll be mistaken for a courtesan and abducted by a handsome mariner with wounds as deep as her own. Trevor Marshall, sixth Earl of Lockwood, is a battle-hardened sea captain out to settle a score. But the inexpressibly gentle heart and unschooled passion of his beautiful captive weaken his resolve, and soon the seducer finds himself seduced by an unbridled desire unlike any he's ever known.
Heartbroken and desperate to escape another London Season, Caroline Elliott stows away aboard a friend's ship, never dreaming she'll be mistaken for a courtesan and abducted by a handsome mariner with wounds as deep as her own. Trevor Marshall, sixth Earl of Lockwood, is a battle-hardened sea captain out to settle a score. But the inexpressibly gentle heart and unschooled passion of his beautiful captive weaken his resolve, and soon the seducer finds himself seduced by an unbridled desire unlike any he's ever known.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2013
234 people are currently reading
995 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Devlin
53 books516 followersBarbara Devlin was born a storyteller. A Texan, through and through, Barbara hasn’t been without a book in her possession since she was in kindergarten. She wrote her first short story, a really cheesy murder-mystery, in high school, but it was a Christmas gift, a lovely little diary with a bronze lock, given to her in the fifth grade that truly inspired her love for writing.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
February 18, 2016
First half significantly better than the second half. The writing is not bad either. The book could have been a 3 stars read but the plots are too predictable. I got bored at around 60% and skim-read from the point on. When I skim-read, the book cannot get 3 stars.
Trevor kidnapped Caroline from another's ship, thinking that she was some kind of a mistress. She wasn't. She was a duke's daughter, virgin through and through. But this virgin did not correct Trevor's assumption. She let him believe that she was someone's mistress and made a deal with the guy. As long as Trevor didn't do anything she didn't want him to do, she would sleep with him on the same bed. (Whaaaaaaat????)
OK see here, I understand that she didn't want to blacken her family's good name so had to hide her identity. And she was quick-witted so that she came up with this ruse. I could work with the story only if I chose to take the story at face value without questioning how a virgin of that time made peace with the fact she slept with this pirate in the same bed and kissed like there was no tomorrow. And I also had to believe that a rake that Trevor was would actually not try to sleep with her. But you know, this is fiction. It was not easy, but I would just take it as it is.
Trevor and Caroline of course slept together on the ship and Caroline's brother caught them in bed. Then they returned to London and the story became even more typical. Soirees, parties, courting, idle threats, tryst in the garden, female pretense of "I will not marry you", aka playing hard to get villain kidnaps heroine, and hero saves the day. THE END.
I think Barbara Devlin has potential as a writer but needs originality in her story. This book was too cutboard historical romance with some piraty elements. For someone starting out in the genre it is not a bad read at all. For experienced readers, this story is too predictable to be enticing. I will check out other books in the series and hope that they are more original than this first attempt.
Trevor kidnapped Caroline from another's ship, thinking that she was some kind of a mistress. She wasn't. She was a duke's daughter, virgin through and through. But this virgin did not correct Trevor's assumption. She let him believe that she was someone's mistress and made a deal with the guy. As long as Trevor didn't do anything she didn't want him to do, she would sleep with him on the same bed. (Whaaaaaaat????)
OK see here, I understand that she didn't want to blacken her family's good name so had to hide her identity. And she was quick-witted so that she came up with this ruse. I could work with the story only if I chose to take the story at face value without questioning how a virgin of that time made peace with the fact she slept with this pirate in the same bed and kissed like there was no tomorrow. And I also had to believe that a rake that Trevor was would actually not try to sleep with her. But you know, this is fiction. It was not easy, but I would just take it as it is.
Trevor and Caroline of course slept together on the ship and Caroline's brother caught them in bed. Then they returned to London and the story became even more typical. Soirees, parties, courting, idle threats, tryst in the garden, female pretense of "I will not marry you", aka playing hard to get villain kidnaps heroine, and hero saves the day. THE END.
I think Barbara Devlin has potential as a writer but needs originality in her story. This book was too cutboard historical romance with some piraty elements. For someone starting out in the genre it is not a bad read at all. For experienced readers, this story is too predictable to be enticing. I will check out other books in the series and hope that they are more original than this first attempt.
February 10, 2023
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (The scenes were a bit light with the explicitness)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
There is a prequel novella titled Loving Lieutenant Douglas: A Brethren of the Coast Novella that I didn't pick up before starting this (book 1) but I didn't feel like I missed anything
Basic plot:
Revenge drives Trevor to steal away Caroline onto his own ship, not knowing her true identity.
Give this a try if you want:
- Georgian time period (1810)
- half this book takes place in London, half on the ship
- Kidnapped heroine (Hero takes the heroine and keeps her aboard his ship)
- Forced proximity
- Compromised heroine
- Captain/Earl hero
- Revenge plot – the hero uses the heroine in his revenge
- Heroine nurses hero to health
- Surprise virgin
- Secret identity
- Medium steam (3-4 scenes though the explicitness is light)
My thoughts:
So I’ll admit this book wasn’t for me. I never warmed up to the hero and was ultimately disappointed in him right up until the end. I won’t reread this book – BUT this book had a number of things I really liked in romance and I will definitely try her again to see if I like another by Devlin more.
This book featured so many tropes I’m into – kidnapped (pretty much) heroine taken by a sea captain. Lots of time spent on the ship. Surprise virgin. Compromised heroine. Those are MY JAM. And I liked a lot of parts of this story, but kept wanting the hero to just….suck a little less and be worth the heroine.
I will say I immensely appreciated a super angsty, gut wrenching all is lost moment towards the end of the story that stems from a bit of secret keeping/miscommunication. I gosh, I loved it. I. LOVED. IT. It touched my heart so bad and kicked it around a bit which is what I always want in romance since I’ve been a bit deranged in this way since reading Judith McNaught when I was 12 haha. So I bumped it to a solid 3 for me.
I think if you like these tropes and are tolerant of heroes that definitely need to work their way to loving their heroine you might enjoy this one!
Quotes/thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (The scenes were a bit light with the explicitness)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
There is a prequel novella titled Loving Lieutenant Douglas: A Brethren of the Coast Novella that I didn't pick up before starting this (book 1) but I didn't feel like I missed anything
Basic plot:
Revenge drives Trevor to steal away Caroline onto his own ship, not knowing her true identity.
Give this a try if you want:
- Georgian time period (1810)
- half this book takes place in London, half on the ship
- Kidnapped heroine (Hero takes the heroine and keeps her aboard his ship)
- Forced proximity
- Compromised heroine
- Captain/Earl hero
- Revenge plot – the hero uses the heroine in his revenge
- Heroine nurses hero to health
- Surprise virgin
- Secret identity
- Medium steam (3-4 scenes though the explicitness is light)
My thoughts:
So I’ll admit this book wasn’t for me. I never warmed up to the hero and was ultimately disappointed in him right up until the end. I won’t reread this book – BUT this book had a number of things I really liked in romance and I will definitely try her again to see if I like another by Devlin more.
This book featured so many tropes I’m into – kidnapped (pretty much) heroine taken by a sea captain. Lots of time spent on the ship. Surprise virgin. Compromised heroine. Those are MY JAM. And I liked a lot of parts of this story, but kept wanting the hero to just….suck a little less and be worth the heroine.
I will say I immensely appreciated a super angsty, gut wrenching all is lost moment towards the end of the story that stems from a bit of secret keeping/miscommunication. I gosh, I loved it. I. LOVED. IT. It touched my heart so bad and kicked it around a bit which is what I always want in romance since I’ve been a bit deranged in this way since reading Judith McNaught when I was 12 haha. So I bumped it to a solid 3 for me.
I think if you like these tropes and are tolerant of heroes that definitely need to work their way to loving their heroine you might enjoy this one!
Quotes/thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
May 10, 2016
GIPE. Good idea, poor execution.
Terrible. Who edited this? This book could be great. I couldn't enjoy the book for the interesting "bretheren" angle because I was too frustrated by the writer.
1: It needs a vicious trim of the bloated language.
2: the characters need consistant personality
3: cut the number of scenes by 2/3
1- throwing 5 point words into 20th century verbage is irritating. Either write in the convoluted sentence structure of the time and use your florid language, or throw a few in here and there as a nod to the time.
2: Caroline is totally cool with premarital sex -knowing it will turn her into a pariah when she returns home- with a sexy captain who kidnapped her, naked, from her childhood friends boat in Jamaica - wtf was her plan in Jamaica btw? She tells him she's a prostitute, but throws a tantrum when the truth comes out and she believes he only had sex with her because she was a prostitute... Does that sentence make sense? No? Neither did that scene. He agrees to marry her to save face but she does everything in her power to keep him away and be contrary- why? Not because she doesn't like him- but because she's still upset that he thought she was a Doxy (get ready to see that word a zillion times) because he wasn't "in love" with her- but her Doxy persona. W.T.F. She calls her mother a "traitor" for taking Trevor's side and helping him court her... Are you even trying? When was it ever in your mothers interest, a grand dame in good stead in the ton, to allow it to be known that her daughter 1: ran away from home- 2: boarded a ship and sailed to Jamaica unaccompanied 3: was kidnapped and deflowered by a man she TOLD she was a prostitute, 4: had the nerve to come back to London. The Ton love to hate that kind of drama- she essentially set out to ruin her entire family and all their associates because some mean guy used her to make acquaintance with a friend of hers. Yea you're totally thinking straight and your mom is crazy not to want to smooth all this over by marrying you to the man who ruined you- who agreed to marry you and is putting on a good show of being earnest about it. Yea, traitor mom. Honestly when I read that line I almost quit.
On to Sexy captain Trevor. Poorly described- all I took away was that he has green eyes and a big main mast. Strong when he needs to be, weak when it's convenient. He's got some mom/dad issues that are fully explained during the first chapters but it takes the rest of the book to get back around to them. It felt like the writer realized he was a shallow character so slapped this backstory on him without really thinking about how an upbringing like his would change his personality. He grew up in boarding schools, a gauntlet for the strongest of boys but his mom was a runaway.. You don't think he caught serious hell for that from cruel classmates? That's the kind of thing that really, tangibly changes a life. His parents are out of his life at such a young age, yes- abandonment should be an issue, but she missed the mark on the legions of other personality problems that could have flanked it.
3: this book needs to lose weight. So many scenes that did not move the story forward- and I'm not talking about gratuitous sex scenes. The marriage scene is so flaccid it may as well have been omitted. I find myself skimming whole pages instead of just to the end of the paragraph. Some scenes, like the marriage scene- just need a rewrite- or the book needs a rewrite to give them more gravitas.
My general consensus is that this is a good idea wasted on a writer whose style did not do it justice.
July 12, 2016
Nope. this book didn't do it for me. The hero was an emotionally scarred prick and the heroine annoyingly put up with his BS. Whether he was treating her light trash, demanding sex because he thought she was the mistress of a rival or trying to fight off his growing affections for her, his chauvinistic arrogance was unacceptable. And the whole Brethan subplot was just silly. I could go on and on but I don't want to waste anymore time on this book.
October 22, 2014
Fun Regency romance full of action and adventure. The amazing title was what grabbed me, and the beautiful cover, but the story held me. Great job by this author. Will definitely be continuing the series. Particularly hoping brother Blake gets his own story.
January 19, 2016
When I first started reading this book I thought I was going to put it away at the first chapter. Then I realized that all the "thou" words and such were a look into the past of where the families had come from and not the story! Once the story of Trevor and Caroline started I was hooked! Not your normal romance story, this one was full of twists and reading it was a delight! Now to just get the next in the series!
January 21, 2016
Read as part of the boxed set "Romantic Beginnings."
What a FABULOUS book! The main characters stole my heart. I just picked up the rest of the "Brethren of the Coast" books and can't wait to start reading them. What a great beginning to a series.
Grab this boxed set. So far, the stories have been spot on and earn the title "Romantic Beginnings."
What a FABULOUS book! The main characters stole my heart. I just picked up the rest of the "Brethren of the Coast" books and can't wait to start reading them. What a great beginning to a series.
Grab this boxed set. So far, the stories have been spot on and earn the title "Romantic Beginnings."
October 5, 2018
First time reader of this author and now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative series. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
January 4, 2016
Loved it! This book held my attention. I think all the characters were well written and likable. The book not only tells the story of Caroline and Trevor, but introduces the other members of the brethren has the reader wanting to know more about each. I am excited to read the entire series.
August 6, 2018
Good fun read!
This was a great romance/adventure. It mixed pirates with gentry. Strong female character and it wasn’t predictable. The love scenes weren’t graphic or over the topic which made the story even better. I look forward to reading the rest of this series!
This was a great romance/adventure. It mixed pirates with gentry. Strong female character and it wasn’t predictable. The love scenes weren’t graphic or over the topic which made the story even better. I look forward to reading the rest of this series!
February 1, 2016
Fanciful Regency with an Earl who is a ship’s captain
An early Regency set in 1810 mostly in London, with a prologue set in 1307, this is the first in a series of stories about a secret order of mariner knights who serve the Crown.
The story begins as Trevor Marshall, Earl of Lockwood, breaks into the cabin of Dalton Randolph, whose ship is anchored off Jamaica. Trevor is intent on revenge as Dalton once stole Trevor’s mistress. At first I assumed Trevor was planning to steal his old mistress back, but no. I realized later that that the woman Trevor intends on stealing is Dalton’s new mistress. However, Trevor doesn’t realize the woman he abducts is not Dalton’s mistress but highborn Caroline Elliott, an innocent who stowed away on Randolph’s ship in an effort to escape her London Season.
Caroline is not like any other Regency debutante you will have encountered. When Trevor names her a courtesan and a paramour, she does not correct him but readily agrees to be his mistress on the condition she can call the shots. Trevor agrees to that unlikely arrangement and they sail away on his ship to London where she shares his bed and her recipes with his cook. Oh yes, she also mends sails and is good at fencing (good enough to take on pirates).
Caroline thinks she is plain yet Trevor tells her she’s a great beauty. How she missed her looks was a bit puzzling. Yes, the man she thought she loved married another but still. Caroline is also naïve. She thinks if she has sex with Trevor she will be “ruined”. Surly she would have known the rules of London society: she was ruined the minute she stowed away on Dalton’s ship. Then sleeping in the same bed with Trevor for weeks with all his crew aware makes her twice ruined—even without any sex. Clueless might be a good description of this heroine. Oh yes, and she is clumsy, often tripping over her own feet.
Trevor is a handsome rake who had no thought of marriage until Caroline came along. Even then, it took the prodding of her brother, the duke, to get him to do the right thing after Trevor took her innocence. The author did that part rather well, I thought.
The abduction scene at the beginning was enticing and there are a few more as the pirates return. The dialog is often witty banter (there are some good one-liners as Caroline and Trevor get to know each other). But there are some improbable moments, too, where one must suspend belief entirely. Apparently he never noticed her highborn speech, either that or his doxies and courtesans (and Dalton’s) were an educated lot. And the ship must be large (to have stern windows) and steady as there wasn’t much movement, even in the storm.
I did think it odd that the dukes and earls called themselves by their first names and they invited Caroline to do the same. Peers in the Regency used their titles, not their first names except with close family like a wife or sister but not with a buddy. And a lady would not be treated so casually. There were some other deviations from the Regency era, but if you like witty, somewhat fanciful Regencies, this may be the one for you.
The Brethren of the Coast series thus far:
Enter the Brethren
My Lady, the Spy
The Most Unlikely Lady
One-Knight Stand
Captain of Her Heart
The Lucky One
An early Regency set in 1810 mostly in London, with a prologue set in 1307, this is the first in a series of stories about a secret order of mariner knights who serve the Crown.
The story begins as Trevor Marshall, Earl of Lockwood, breaks into the cabin of Dalton Randolph, whose ship is anchored off Jamaica. Trevor is intent on revenge as Dalton once stole Trevor’s mistress. At first I assumed Trevor was planning to steal his old mistress back, but no. I realized later that that the woman Trevor intends on stealing is Dalton’s new mistress. However, Trevor doesn’t realize the woman he abducts is not Dalton’s mistress but highborn Caroline Elliott, an innocent who stowed away on Randolph’s ship in an effort to escape her London Season.
Caroline is not like any other Regency debutante you will have encountered. When Trevor names her a courtesan and a paramour, she does not correct him but readily agrees to be his mistress on the condition she can call the shots. Trevor agrees to that unlikely arrangement and they sail away on his ship to London where she shares his bed and her recipes with his cook. Oh yes, she also mends sails and is good at fencing (good enough to take on pirates).
Caroline thinks she is plain yet Trevor tells her she’s a great beauty. How she missed her looks was a bit puzzling. Yes, the man she thought she loved married another but still. Caroline is also naïve. She thinks if she has sex with Trevor she will be “ruined”. Surly she would have known the rules of London society: she was ruined the minute she stowed away on Dalton’s ship. Then sleeping in the same bed with Trevor for weeks with all his crew aware makes her twice ruined—even without any sex. Clueless might be a good description of this heroine. Oh yes, and she is clumsy, often tripping over her own feet.
Trevor is a handsome rake who had no thought of marriage until Caroline came along. Even then, it took the prodding of her brother, the duke, to get him to do the right thing after Trevor took her innocence. The author did that part rather well, I thought.
The abduction scene at the beginning was enticing and there are a few more as the pirates return. The dialog is often witty banter (there are some good one-liners as Caroline and Trevor get to know each other). But there are some improbable moments, too, where one must suspend belief entirely. Apparently he never noticed her highborn speech, either that or his doxies and courtesans (and Dalton’s) were an educated lot. And the ship must be large (to have stern windows) and steady as there wasn’t much movement, even in the storm.
I did think it odd that the dukes and earls called themselves by their first names and they invited Caroline to do the same. Peers in the Regency used their titles, not their first names except with close family like a wife or sister but not with a buddy. And a lady would not be treated so casually. There were some other deviations from the Regency era, but if you like witty, somewhat fanciful Regencies, this may be the one for you.
The Brethren of the Coast series thus far:
Enter the Brethren
My Lady, the Spy
The Most Unlikely Lady
One-Knight Stand
Captain of Her Heart
The Lucky One
February 9, 2015
This novel wasn't what I thought it was. It isn't bad yet it isn't all that good, if that makes sense. The premise was what intrigued me. The cheesiness sometimes made me internally cringe. The relationship romanticised was all about possessing the other.
It was interesting. I couldn't help but laugh at the characters. I know it was supposed to be serious but, come on. Everything just fell into place too conveniently. There was no doubt in my mind that there was no real peril. It became really sappy and whiny. I'm willing to dismiss that because the novel was making it an effort to make this a period romance. The whole sex part and losing her virginity did make me uncomfortable. Again, it was all about possession to the point of raising red flags.
The more the novel went on, the more red flags were raised over how controlling and possessive this relationship is. The way they depended on each other instead of trying to make an identity of oneself outside of their spouse made me cringe.
The story line is still interesting. This whole 'secret' Knight order was intriguing if a tad out of place. It's like, hey! Welcome to married life. Join our order or die. Lol Again, cheesy. The pirate out for revenge sub plot was glossed over and often ignored. It seemed kind of pointless to bother with it unless it'll come into play throughout the book series.
In the end, I would continue the series. I'd only recommend to friends who are interested in the speech patterns of sea fairing folk during the time period. Of course, it's not entirely accurate but it is a good basis to see it written in modern novels. The characters have me invested to see what happens next.
It was interesting. I couldn't help but laugh at the characters. I know it was supposed to be serious but, come on. Everything just fell into place too conveniently. There was no doubt in my mind that there was no real peril. It became really sappy and whiny. I'm willing to dismiss that because the novel was making it an effort to make this a period romance. The whole sex part and losing her virginity did make me uncomfortable. Again, it was all about possession to the point of raising red flags.
The more the novel went on, the more red flags were raised over how controlling and possessive this relationship is. The way they depended on each other instead of trying to make an identity of oneself outside of their spouse made me cringe.
The story line is still interesting. This whole 'secret' Knight order was intriguing if a tad out of place. It's like, hey! Welcome to married life. Join our order or die. Lol Again, cheesy. The pirate out for revenge sub plot was glossed over and often ignored. It seemed kind of pointless to bother with it unless it'll come into play throughout the book series.
In the end, I would continue the series. I'd only recommend to friends who are interested in the speech patterns of sea fairing folk during the time period. Of course, it's not entirely accurate but it is a good basis to see it written in modern novels. The characters have me invested to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2015
This was unexpected considering I just bought the entire series by an author I've never read before.
I thought the prologue made little sense and in fact it had a bit of an amateur feeling to the writing. I rather wish it was not there as the story stood well upon its own.
I love sailing/romance adventures like this but I have not come across many. It is possible there are more out there I just have not seen them yet.
Trevor is a captain of the sea that is not like other captains. He cares about his crew, and his ship. He has long been a young man that escaped to the sea in order to escape a painful childhood. He is always looking for a place to belong, to call home, but that seems to elude his grasp.
Caroline at first seems like a spoiled little rich girl stowing away for a bit of fun but she is much more than that. She is a young woman exposed to the ton of the day and she is hurt by a man who breaks her heart. She is expected to weather another Season of the Ton but Caroline cannot bear to face it. Her heart not only aches but she resents having to do what everyone else tells her she must do in order to conform. Thus, she runs away.
Fate stirs the pot and Trevor, mistaking Caroline for the Captain's mistress on another ship, takes her to be his own. He is struck, nearly immediately, by the inexplicable spell this woman has cast upon him. Caroline herself is caught under a spell and before they know it the web is one neither can escape.
There are mistakes made, there are pirates, beautiful ships, strong men, beguiling women. This is a great adventure.
Just excuse that prologue.
I thought the prologue made little sense and in fact it had a bit of an amateur feeling to the writing. I rather wish it was not there as the story stood well upon its own.
I love sailing/romance adventures like this but I have not come across many. It is possible there are more out there I just have not seen them yet.
Trevor is a captain of the sea that is not like other captains. He cares about his crew, and his ship. He has long been a young man that escaped to the sea in order to escape a painful childhood. He is always looking for a place to belong, to call home, but that seems to elude his grasp.
Caroline at first seems like a spoiled little rich girl stowing away for a bit of fun but she is much more than that. She is a young woman exposed to the ton of the day and she is hurt by a man who breaks her heart. She is expected to weather another Season of the Ton but Caroline cannot bear to face it. Her heart not only aches but she resents having to do what everyone else tells her she must do in order to conform. Thus, she runs away.
Fate stirs the pot and Trevor, mistaking Caroline for the Captain's mistress on another ship, takes her to be his own. He is struck, nearly immediately, by the inexplicable spell this woman has cast upon him. Caroline herself is caught under a spell and before they know it the web is one neither can escape.
There are mistakes made, there are pirates, beautiful ships, strong men, beguiling women. This is a great adventure.
Just excuse that prologue.
August 31, 2014
Revenge is a dish best served cold-- or so the saying goes.Were she the meal he would return to feast again and again....
The lady bird found Dalton Randolph's cabin would be the perfect revenge.
The lady Caroline Elliot stow away with her life long friend and Brethren brother Dalton to escape another Season in London. He Brother had failed to keep his promise after the disaster. So the lady in question ran to have a adventure.
Trevor Reed - Marshall Sixth Earl of Lockwood sees the beautiful women bathing in Dalton's cabin and assumes her to be his latest mistress.
So he kidnaps the lady in questions leaving a not so nice note. Once aboard his ship he offers for the lady bird to become is Mistress for the journey to London.
Caroline agrees but at her pace. He can not do more then she allows him the privilege. She never tells him who she is but over time she has yet again fallen in love with another man. What ever is she to do.....
Trevor will not tell the lady bird in question he is of the realm so she can't come back and fleece him for money after there time together.
Read this awesome book to find out what happens when Pirates attack and the most dangerous one sets his sights on the lady?
What happens when Caroline's brother and other Brethren members enter the fray?
This really is a amazing adventure is a wonderful read. This series needs to be on every want to read wish list or e-reader. Barbara Devlin is a delight and the historical accuracy a awesome. I have returned to lords and lady's thanks to this series you will thoroughly enjoy....
The lady bird found Dalton Randolph's cabin would be the perfect revenge.
The lady Caroline Elliot stow away with her life long friend and Brethren brother Dalton to escape another Season in London. He Brother had failed to keep his promise after the disaster. So the lady in question ran to have a adventure.
Trevor Reed - Marshall Sixth Earl of Lockwood sees the beautiful women bathing in Dalton's cabin and assumes her to be his latest mistress.
So he kidnaps the lady in questions leaving a not so nice note. Once aboard his ship he offers for the lady bird to become is Mistress for the journey to London.
Caroline agrees but at her pace. He can not do more then she allows him the privilege. She never tells him who she is but over time she has yet again fallen in love with another man. What ever is she to do.....
Trevor will not tell the lady bird in question he is of the realm so she can't come back and fleece him for money after there time together.
Read this awesome book to find out what happens when Pirates attack and the most dangerous one sets his sights on the lady?
What happens when Caroline's brother and other Brethren members enter the fray?
This really is a amazing adventure is a wonderful read. This series needs to be on every want to read wish list or e-reader. Barbara Devlin is a delight and the historical accuracy a awesome. I have returned to lords and lady's thanks to this series you will thoroughly enjoy....
November 17, 2014
Popcorn alert! "Enter the Brethren" by Barbara Devlin is a delightful mix of seafaring adventure, ribald rogues and Regency romance. I'm fairly new to reading romance, but I've read quite a few Regencies recently, and this one stood out for its assured use of historical detail as well as delicious period vocabulary ("demirep"!) that helped build the tapestry of this world. The story opens on a ship - I'm a sucker for historical sailing stories - and while the seafaring bits are only a fraction of the tale - perhaps just enough - they add richness as well. I like the Brethren motif; maybe it's an excuse to write books about all the men who are part of this secret fellowship, but it also adds dimension, as does the mysterious, vengeful pirate who lends a tiny element of danger - one that really could have been developed further. And then there's the romance - an innocent lady who's handy with a sword, a victim of mistaken identity, who dearly wants to give in to her desires and heart and must win over the dashing sea captain who thinks she's a doxy (another one of those great words). When their games shift to the drawing rooms of London, they're even more fun. Of course, there's heat here, too, and sex, nicely done. The couple's misunderstandings don't drag on so long as to be painful, and we all know it will come out right in the end, anyway. Pure pleasure.
September 1, 2014
I very rarely read historical romances for one very huge reason. Not because I don’t enjoy history, but for the complete opposite. I am a lover of all things historical. I just prefer my history to have some sort of semblance of accuracy. This brings me to Enter the Brethren and my take on it. My enjoyment of this novel has not been matched by other period romances in a very long time.
The romantics in us will love the romance. I felt it was heartfelt and practically leapt off the pages. With it’s historically accurate scenes and terminology this novel would appeal to a wide range of readers including the historians in us. Please don’t get me wrong; although it is historically accurate, Enter the Brethren is far from dry or boring, as some would assume history is. There is quite a bit for everyone. Perhaps it’s my own strange sense of humor, but I found myself chuckling at some of the situations.
Devlin gives us romance, history, laughs and a dashing sea captain, all the ingredients for a great novel. I can’t wait to lose myself in book 2 of the Brethren series. My enjoyment was so great that I’ve actually already purchased the next 3 books as well as pre-ordered book 5.
The romantics in us will love the romance. I felt it was heartfelt and practically leapt off the pages. With it’s historically accurate scenes and terminology this novel would appeal to a wide range of readers including the historians in us. Please don’t get me wrong; although it is historically accurate, Enter the Brethren is far from dry or boring, as some would assume history is. There is quite a bit for everyone. Perhaps it’s my own strange sense of humor, but I found myself chuckling at some of the situations.
Devlin gives us romance, history, laughs and a dashing sea captain, all the ingredients for a great novel. I can’t wait to lose myself in book 2 of the Brethren series. My enjoyment was so great that I’ve actually already purchased the next 3 books as well as pre-ordered book 5.
April 6, 2015
I've been on a historical romance kick lately because of a need for fluffy fun, but this one didn't work for me. The hero was too class conscious for my taste. I know that's far more realistic than the "damn the consequences" anachronism that I tend to prefer, but I don't read the occasional romance for historically accurate relationships.
It's the kind of thing I'd look past in a story I liked better, but I could never settle in enough to get past it thanks to an awkward pace that made me feel as if I was reading several entirely different books. A heap of barely differentiated characters were thrown in, and most served little purpose apart from introducing them for the sake of sequels. Some of the twists felt underdeveloped, possibly thanks to all the series set-up.
The first two books were free on Amazon when I picked them up, but I doubt I'll go on to reading the second.
It's the kind of thing I'd look past in a story I liked better, but I could never settle in enough to get past it thanks to an awkward pace that made me feel as if I was reading several entirely different books. A heap of barely differentiated characters were thrown in, and most served little purpose apart from introducing them for the sake of sequels. Some of the twists felt underdeveloped, possibly thanks to all the series set-up.
The first two books were free on Amazon when I picked them up, but I doubt I'll go on to reading the second.
January 20, 2015
Fantastic book
This is the first book I've read from this author I believe. I was thoroughly engrossed in this book and did not put it down until I finished. Our heroine, Caroline, shows away on her friend's ship to get away from her season on the "marriage Mart" however her plans go awry when the captain of another ship, Trevor, kidnaps her thinking she's the captain's mistress. The story is funny, romantic and touching in places. I really enjoyed it and after I finished I went on to another book by this author. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys recency romance with an interesting story
This is the first book I've read from this author I believe. I was thoroughly engrossed in this book and did not put it down until I finished. Our heroine, Caroline, shows away on her friend's ship to get away from her season on the "marriage Mart" however her plans go awry when the captain of another ship, Trevor, kidnaps her thinking she's the captain's mistress. The story is funny, romantic and touching in places. I really enjoyed it and after I finished I went on to another book by this author. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys recency romance with an interesting story
April 1, 2015
wonderful
I must begin by explaining I read book 2 before this one. I loved it so much, I had to back track and was a bit worried I would not enjoy the first installment and might find it repetitive. Such was not the case. This book is as wonderful as 2 and not to be missed. I enjoy how each book is a stand alone, but works perfectly together. As the characters develop you grow to care for them, but you are not tossed adrift in the other episodes. While the new characters are explored the previous ones are not ignored, but beautifully integrated into the plot line.
I'm ready to get to #3.
I must begin by explaining I read book 2 before this one. I loved it so much, I had to back track and was a bit worried I would not enjoy the first installment and might find it repetitive. Such was not the case. This book is as wonderful as 2 and not to be missed. I enjoy how each book is a stand alone, but works perfectly together. As the characters develop you grow to care for them, but you are not tossed adrift in the other episodes. While the new characters are explored the previous ones are not ignored, but beautifully integrated into the plot line.
I'm ready to get to #3.
July 19, 2015
I have had this book on my TBR list for a while. I wish I knew how GREAT it is. I would have read it sooner. The characters are so lief like I felt they could come off the page and talk to me. The author writes in such a way that you feel you can feel the wind blowing and smell the salt spray. This story takes place on a ship on the high seas and in England. There is some sexual content but not overt and not graphic. I also love the way she uses appropriate language of the time. I can't stress how much I love this book. I need to get busy on the others. My recommendation, BUY this now, begin reading then get the rest in the series. You're welcome. Myself, I am off to book 2.
July 10, 2014
Well written historical books are hard to find and Enter the Brethren is definitely a great find. I love the characters Caroline and Trevor; it's refreshing to see a female lead written with sass and courage and a male character that isn't perfect (due to a bad childhood). You meat a lot of characters and it does get a little confusing but it gets easier as the book goes on. We get to meet a lot of really cool characters and I was thrilled to find out some of the other books have already been released;I immediately grabbed book two and have already started!
January 16, 2015
I could not put this down, I ran out of battery on my tablet so I ran upstairs to the computer just to keep reading. There were a couple of frustrating moments, but that was on purpose, I didn't get angry with the characters because of unplanned character flaws. The rest of this series is going on my to-read list.
January 24, 2015
Great Read
This was a great read. I so enjoyed this book and could not put it down. I can not wait to read the 2nd book in the series. This was a fast pace read, and made me laugh out loud a number of times. Very well written. A joy to read and will recommend to a great number of friends and fellow readers as a Must Read.
This was a great read. I so enjoyed this book and could not put it down. I can not wait to read the 2nd book in the series. This was a fast pace read, and made me laugh out loud a number of times. Very well written. A joy to read and will recommend to a great number of friends and fellow readers as a Must Read.
July 6, 2015
Beautiful
I greatly enjoyed this story as it reminded me of the tales that drew me first into romance novels. Historical romances remain my favorite genre and Barbara Devlin secures her place in my library with a wonderful tale of love, hope and brotherhood. I look forward to following the Brethren on their journey.
I greatly enjoyed this story as it reminded me of the tales that drew me first into romance novels. Historical romances remain my favorite genre and Barbara Devlin secures her place in my library with a wonderful tale of love, hope and brotherhood. I look forward to following the Brethren on their journey.
October 1, 2024
"At his caustic remark, she emitted a plaintive cry and ran after him. 'Trevor, if you involve yourself with another woman, your ship will never again dock in my harbor.'"
If you enjoy writing like this, you will enjoy this book.
In a case of mistaken identity, Lady Caroline is abducted by a seafaring Lord who thinks she's his rival's mistress. Completely mediocre at every level.
If you enjoy writing like this, you will enjoy this book.
In a case of mistaken identity, Lady Caroline is abducted by a seafaring Lord who thinks she's his rival's mistress. Completely mediocre at every level.
December 8, 2014
Amazing read!!!!
First time I read a book by this author and I was so glad I did!!! The story had me holding my breath since page one! Captivating, fast paced, intriguing, heart warming,and full of passion!!! Moving on to book number 2!! Don't miss out on this great story!!
First time I read a book by this author and I was so glad I did!!! The story had me holding my breath since page one! Captivating, fast paced, intriguing, heart warming,and full of passion!!! Moving on to book number 2!! Don't miss out on this great story!!
April 1, 2015
enjoyable. well written
Overall a good book. The language and writing style fit the time period. The story kept me mostly interested. It seemed long, and I started to get bored toward the end, but overall it was a good book.
Overall a good book. The language and writing style fit the time period. The story kept me mostly interested. It seemed long, and I started to get bored toward the end, but overall it was a good book.
January 26, 2015
Good story
Good story of golden times long gone. Cannot wait for next book. Brethren stand together in good times and bad.
Good story of golden times long gone. Cannot wait for next book. Brethren stand together in good times and bad.
April 1, 2015
I loved this story. Caroline and Trevor were great together. I liked all the trouble the caused each other and how they managed to get out of it.
May 17, 2015
Couldn't stop reading!
Awesome book. I could not stop reading form page 1 to the end. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Awesome book. I could not stop reading form page 1 to the end. Can't wait to read more from this author.
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