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Tales of Dunham #4
Dunham
It’s 1780.
The Americans are losing their desperate fight for independence from the most powerful nation on Earth. Britain’s navy is crushing outposts up and down the eastern seaboard and the Americans’ pitiful navy consists mostly of small-vessel privateers on missions of profit.
“Captain Jack” Celia Bancroft is one of those privateers, whose list of debts of honor is a nautical mile long. Sailing for the Americans is the current project on her to-do list, and once she has finished all her tasks, she will then be free to sail on a tide of whimsy.
Commander Elliott Raxham, cashiered from His Majesty’s Royal Navy, is a newly made British earl who longs for his own independence — from the title he never expected to inherit and the country that has betrayed him time and again.
They meet in a Caribbean tavern where he steals a kiss that starts a brawl she finishes. In retaliation, he steals her ship’s figurehead and, if that isn’t a grave enough insult, proceeds to chase her across the Atlantic to collect on the promise in her kiss.
With that, the romance is on, but the adventure is only beginning as Elliott and Celia face obstacle after obstacle in their own fight for independence — a new life together on the American frontier.
The Americans are losing their desperate fight for independence from the most powerful nation on Earth. Britain’s navy is crushing outposts up and down the eastern seaboard and the Americans’ pitiful navy consists mostly of small-vessel privateers on missions of profit.
“Captain Jack” Celia Bancroft is one of those privateers, whose list of debts of honor is a nautical mile long. Sailing for the Americans is the current project on her to-do list, and once she has finished all her tasks, she will then be free to sail on a tide of whimsy.
Commander Elliott Raxham, cashiered from His Majesty’s Royal Navy, is a newly made British earl who longs for his own independence — from the title he never expected to inherit and the country that has betrayed him time and again.
They meet in a Caribbean tavern where he steals a kiss that starts a brawl she finishes. In retaliation, he steals her ship’s figurehead and, if that isn’t a grave enough insult, proceeds to chase her across the Atlantic to collect on the promise in her kiss.
With that, the romance is on, but the adventure is only beginning as Elliott and Celia face obstacle after obstacle in their own fight for independence — a new life together on the American frontier.
756 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2013
260 people want to read
About the author
Moriah Jovan
18 books85 followersMORIAH JOVAN writes what her imaginary friends tell her to write. Thus far, they have shown up in the novels Dunham, The Proviso, Stay, Magdalene, Paso Doble, We Were Gods, Black Jack, Lion’s Share, 1520 Main, Twenty-dollar Rag, and Black as Knight, published by B10 Mediaworx. They will, most likely, continue to order her around until she hits on the right drug and dosage. Fortunately, her husband is very understanding of all the other people in her life.
Moriah has been doing this self-publishing thing since 2008 and has the war wounds to prove it. She’s a fair-weather Chiefs and Royals fan, half-assed planner, avid cross stitcher, dilettante crafter, and aspiring odalisque. She regularly thumbs her nose at her to-do list as if it has any authority over her at all. Her goal is to finish all the craft projects she has begun in her life.
All of them.
Moriah has been doing this self-publishing thing since 2008 and has the war wounds to prove it. She’s a fair-weather Chiefs and Royals fan, half-assed planner, avid cross stitcher, dilettante crafter, and aspiring odalisque. She regularly thumbs her nose at her to-do list as if it has any authority over her at all. Her goal is to finish all the craft projects she has begun in her life.
All of them.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 7, 2014
DUNHAM by Moriah Jovan is a great romance during the time of pirates, privateers, soldiers, spies, patriots, and traitors in the American Revolution.
It is the best representation of what life might have been like during that particular time in human history. It was a violent time. And it was hard to know who you could trust.
And it is into this setting that we find the vivacious, seductive, and industrious Cecilia Bancroft, known in the pirate and privateering community as Captain Calico Jack. Just don't call her Calico Jack. And we also find the shrewd, always calculating, Elliott Raxham, known as the pirate, Captain Judas, who in actuality, is the heir to British nobility, who has a score to settle with old Union Jack for being wrongfully accused and imprisoned after having to take matters into his own hands against his commanding officer when he was a British naval officer during the early years of the Revolution. It is from these two would be lovers that we see that time for what it was. Hard living. But the rewards were life altering. But to get to that level the stakes had to be high.
DUNHAM is not for the squeamish at heart. It is better realized than most books of its genre. And that's why I love it. DUNHAM has the potential to be optioned as a late night television series on Cinemax, Showtime, or STARZ! On the level, or above, of the pirate series, BLACK SAILS. It would give that show a run for its money, and in many ways, would be the logical and spiritual sequel to that great series. And when it is optioned and greenlit, I want Christina Hendricks to play Cecilia Bancroft, Luke Evans to play Elliott Raxham, and for other accomplished actors to fill out the remaining roles. I'm serious. That's how much I loved this book.
Now DUNHAM is not your run of the mill usual romantic/erotic tale. It's very adult. And it has to be. Because DUNHAM is much more than a tale of lovers finding each other, losing each other, and finding each other again. It's a historical fiction on a level I wasn't expecting to find. And how people dealt with sexuality in the time of the American Revolution is as telling as what the fads and styles of the 18th century accepted or abhorred. I felt like a time traveler who was on the decks of Cecilia and Elliott's ships. As I read, I became all the more aware of the surroundings. That immersion is the byproduct of Jovan's great writing.
And as the story finally came to an end, I was interested in the new lives that Cecilia and Elliott embark upon.
If you are looking for a high stakes, winner takes all, realistic depiction of life as a privateer and pirate, with an equal amount of sexuality and sensuality for good measure, check out Moriah Jovan's DUNHAM. You won't be disappointed. I know I wasn't.
It is the best representation of what life might have been like during that particular time in human history. It was a violent time. And it was hard to know who you could trust.
And it is into this setting that we find the vivacious, seductive, and industrious Cecilia Bancroft, known in the pirate and privateering community as Captain Calico Jack. Just don't call her Calico Jack. And we also find the shrewd, always calculating, Elliott Raxham, known as the pirate, Captain Judas, who in actuality, is the heir to British nobility, who has a score to settle with old Union Jack for being wrongfully accused and imprisoned after having to take matters into his own hands against his commanding officer when he was a British naval officer during the early years of the Revolution. It is from these two would be lovers that we see that time for what it was. Hard living. But the rewards were life altering. But to get to that level the stakes had to be high.
DUNHAM is not for the squeamish at heart. It is better realized than most books of its genre. And that's why I love it. DUNHAM has the potential to be optioned as a late night television series on Cinemax, Showtime, or STARZ! On the level, or above, of the pirate series, BLACK SAILS. It would give that show a run for its money, and in many ways, would be the logical and spiritual sequel to that great series. And when it is optioned and greenlit, I want Christina Hendricks to play Cecilia Bancroft, Luke Evans to play Elliott Raxham, and for other accomplished actors to fill out the remaining roles. I'm serious. That's how much I loved this book.
Now DUNHAM is not your run of the mill usual romantic/erotic tale. It's very adult. And it has to be. Because DUNHAM is much more than a tale of lovers finding each other, losing each other, and finding each other again. It's a historical fiction on a level I wasn't expecting to find. And how people dealt with sexuality in the time of the American Revolution is as telling as what the fads and styles of the 18th century accepted or abhorred. I felt like a time traveler who was on the decks of Cecilia and Elliott's ships. As I read, I became all the more aware of the surroundings. That immersion is the byproduct of Jovan's great writing.
And as the story finally came to an end, I was interested in the new lives that Cecilia and Elliott embark upon.
If you are looking for a high stakes, winner takes all, realistic depiction of life as a privateer and pirate, with an equal amount of sexuality and sensuality for good measure, check out Moriah Jovan's DUNHAM. You won't be disappointed. I know I wasn't.
April 13, 2015
THE HAPPINESS OF PURSUIT DURING THE FIGHT FOR AMERICA'S INDEPENDENCE,
WARNING- this book has graphic violence and explicit sexual content---- that said i was riveted by this book- i became completely immersed in america's independence from the point of view of a very lusty lady pirate named fury - i was equally caught up with the pirate judas- who when meeting fury- gets in a sword fight with her , when he steals a kiss- this starts their romance that carries us through the end years of the american revolution from the us to the carribean == both of our pirates have alternative identities - which are unknown to most and even each other- both of our pirates have secret agenda's that they are trying to accomplish as pirvateer's -- there are plots with in plots and lots of humor as well as very bloody battle scenes as well as brutal murders and punishments ( we are at war after all) i found it a well researched - fascinating -fast paced- suspenseful- tale with complex characters- and lots of sizzling passion - even though almost a week has gone by since i finished reading this story - i still think about all of the characters and wonder what happened to them as time went on --it was an exciting read and i did not want it to end- that said --- there were a few grammar problems-- (nothing that interfered with the reading) and although i loved it- there were pages of what i felt was just too much dialogue explaining what was going on where i thought it could have been said or explained using fewer words- this was the first book i have read by m jovan and rest assured i will be reading more-- so if you are looking for a no holds barred - realistic depiction of life during the american revolution and some bloody battles and lusty sex scenes do not put you off- i think then you might enjoy this read...
WARNING- this book has graphic violence and explicit sexual content---- that said i was riveted by this book- i became completely immersed in america's independence from the point of view of a very lusty lady pirate named fury - i was equally caught up with the pirate judas- who when meeting fury- gets in a sword fight with her , when he steals a kiss- this starts their romance that carries us through the end years of the american revolution from the us to the carribean == both of our pirates have alternative identities - which are unknown to most and even each other- both of our pirates have secret agenda's that they are trying to accomplish as pirvateer's -- there are plots with in plots and lots of humor as well as very bloody battle scenes as well as brutal murders and punishments ( we are at war after all) i found it a well researched - fascinating -fast paced- suspenseful- tale with complex characters- and lots of sizzling passion - even though almost a week has gone by since i finished reading this story - i still think about all of the characters and wonder what happened to them as time went on --it was an exciting read and i did not want it to end- that said --- there were a few grammar problems-- (nothing that interfered with the reading) and although i loved it- there were pages of what i felt was just too much dialogue explaining what was going on where i thought it could have been said or explained using fewer words- this was the first book i have read by m jovan and rest assured i will be reading more-- so if you are looking for a no holds barred - realistic depiction of life during the american revolution and some bloody battles and lusty sex scenes do not put you off- i think then you might enjoy this read...
July 7, 2013
I loved reading this book. Elliott and Celia's wild romance set against the sweeping historical background of pirates, privateers and the American revolution was a great story full of twists and turns, laughter and tears, that swept me into their world and kept me hooked into a massive reading marathon.
September 15, 2013
I'm not good at reviews, but I am good at not liking, liking, or loving books. This one, as with the others in Tales of Dunham, was one I loved. The initial scene was a bit shocking, but it set the stage for Celia's character (or many facets of her character) and strength. A little history, a little romance, a little intrigue, some laughter, some tears. Nice work Mojo!
September 3, 2013
This was a wonderful story, although I'm not sure how to classify it. It's about 25% romance and 75% great historical fiction. There are gory parts, there are sexy parts, there are mysterious parts. This book has something for everyone.
September 16, 2013
So the author spent a quarter century writing this...well I believe it. Celia is uncommon because she is captain of a pirate ship after a mutiny...yes, it is violent, perhaps to be historically accurate though. The book is around the time of the American revolution. There is lots of sex.
September 22, 2013
This book was received as part of the GoodReads First Reads Program. Thanks for the book!!
There is only one word that can best describe this book: epic! From intense sea battles in the Atlantic and Caribbean to the political intrigue of Georgian London salons to dramatic thunderstorm rescues, every scene drives the action and character development forward at a rapid pace. There is not one scene where the reader is left wondering where things are going or gets bored. The scope of the book is massive and so much story is packed in that 700 pages almost doesn't seem large enough to contain it all.
The character development in this book is one of its best features. Every single individual breathes with life, both good and bad, victories and foibles. The characters adapt to the changing scenes and situations, sometimes changing loyalties as new information is added or revealing characters flaws or triumphs as the story progresses. By the end of the story, every person is a well rounded human that feels incredibly real. I felt like I knew every character down to the soul level almost.
Another feature I loved was the love story of Celia and Elliott. Even though most love/lust at first site scenarios aren't favorites of mine, Moriah makes it work here. The reader can literally feel the electricity in this pair; a static can be felt in the air each time they come together. And yet for all that intensity and passion, there's a gentle and caring side as well. The love seems to literally come off the pages. Even when they're separated by thousands of miles of ocean in some scenes, their first thought on waking and last thought before sleep is each other. Their ultimate goals are to make their dreams come true together on the American frontier and give the other what they want to the best of their ability.
I liked how the author wasn't afraid to go certain places, a multitude of subjects were explored where other authors would be afraid to tread. Rape, physical and emotional scarring, and intimate details of high risk pregnancies all make an appearance. Yet, everything is explored in a way that promotes thought and reflection. The times were a harsh period. For a historical novel to feel real to me, I like to know all the aspects, good and bad. I'm glad the author felt comfortable enough in her talent to include these features; she sure did her research and has a firm knowledge with which to write.
To lighten that harshness, there is some wonderful humor in these pages as well. The scenes in London were especially side splitting. I guffawed aloud at times at the scenes where this person knew the identity of that person, but that person was completely clueless to the identity of this person, and this person was pissed about that! The banter between the characters made them seem more human and made the times seem not so doom and gloom at times. Life was harsh, but there was light and laughter as well.
The only complaint I might have had, and it's a minor one, was that some of the sequences seemed a bit rushed over to get our two lovers back together faster. The Algiers sequence is a prime example of this. There just seemed like there could have been more story there. But that complaint is extremely minor. The objectives were met and the sequences that needed to be told were.
This book stands as a prime example of how historical fiction should be done. A grand story, characters that feel real, times that are reflected as both harsh and light, and a love for the ages. Everything is there that needs to be there. This is a book I will enjoy again and again. Destination: re-read shelf!
There is only one word that can best describe this book: epic! From intense sea battles in the Atlantic and Caribbean to the political intrigue of Georgian London salons to dramatic thunderstorm rescues, every scene drives the action and character development forward at a rapid pace. There is not one scene where the reader is left wondering where things are going or gets bored. The scope of the book is massive and so much story is packed in that 700 pages almost doesn't seem large enough to contain it all.
The character development in this book is one of its best features. Every single individual breathes with life, both good and bad, victories and foibles. The characters adapt to the changing scenes and situations, sometimes changing loyalties as new information is added or revealing characters flaws or triumphs as the story progresses. By the end of the story, every person is a well rounded human that feels incredibly real. I felt like I knew every character down to the soul level almost.
Another feature I loved was the love story of Celia and Elliott. Even though most love/lust at first site scenarios aren't favorites of mine, Moriah makes it work here. The reader can literally feel the electricity in this pair; a static can be felt in the air each time they come together. And yet for all that intensity and passion, there's a gentle and caring side as well. The love seems to literally come off the pages. Even when they're separated by thousands of miles of ocean in some scenes, their first thought on waking and last thought before sleep is each other. Their ultimate goals are to make their dreams come true together on the American frontier and give the other what they want to the best of their ability.
I liked how the author wasn't afraid to go certain places, a multitude of subjects were explored where other authors would be afraid to tread. Rape, physical and emotional scarring, and intimate details of high risk pregnancies all make an appearance. Yet, everything is explored in a way that promotes thought and reflection. The times were a harsh period. For a historical novel to feel real to me, I like to know all the aspects, good and bad. I'm glad the author felt comfortable enough in her talent to include these features; she sure did her research and has a firm knowledge with which to write.
To lighten that harshness, there is some wonderful humor in these pages as well. The scenes in London were especially side splitting. I guffawed aloud at times at the scenes where this person knew the identity of that person, but that person was completely clueless to the identity of this person, and this person was pissed about that! The banter between the characters made them seem more human and made the times seem not so doom and gloom at times. Life was harsh, but there was light and laughter as well.
The only complaint I might have had, and it's a minor one, was that some of the sequences seemed a bit rushed over to get our two lovers back together faster. The Algiers sequence is a prime example of this. There just seemed like there could have been more story there. But that complaint is extremely minor. The objectives were met and the sequences that needed to be told were.
This book stands as a prime example of how historical fiction should be done. A grand story, characters that feel real, times that are reflected as both harsh and light, and a love for the ages. Everything is there that needs to be there. This is a book I will enjoy again and again. Destination: re-read shelf!
September 23, 2013
"Dunham" which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a rollicking, emotionally-charged, adventure filled historical romance that begins in a tavern in Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius when Calico Jack, alias Captain Fury an American privateer is soundly kissed by Captain Judas Iscariot, a renegade British naval officer intent on seeking revenge for wrongs he suffered at the hands of the British Royal Navy. When his action starts a brawl and ends in his defeat, not only can't he get the vixen out of his mind, but mischievously steals her ship's figurehead, a nude replica of Jack's face and form.
As the novel progresses secrets from Jack and Judas's past begin to unravel as their romance ignites, and their exploits leave a British blockade destroyed, the ton admiring their daring, British careers in tatters and old alliances shattered. This is a story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from the first page to the last.
The plot of " Dunham" is well-written and evolves quickly, enhanced by characters that are as colourful as they are complex in personality. Calico Jack a.k.a Celia Brancroft is the tough, independent, scarred captain of the Thunderstorm. Her defiance, unbridled passion and spontaneity hides a woman's craving for security, permanence, and fidelity in love. Judas Iscariot a.k.a Commander Elliot Raxham, Lord Tavendish, a brilliant strategist is the tough, no-nonsense, shrewd captain of the Silver Shilling. He loves his family and Jack unconditionally, struggles against the sense of duty that shackles him to his title, and will challenge destiny for the love and future he desperately wants. Both characters are self-sufficient, strong-willed and determined; their laughter, sorrow and sexual proclivity binding them together.
Admiral Lord Hylton's a proud and selfish man who flounders under the guilt and weight of past mistakes while Rear- Admiral Lord Rathbone's respected for his integrity and denigrated for putting family before duty and loving an unfaithful wife who still mourns the loss of a daughter. Dunham, Jack's biological father, a landless Scottish noble and pirate is strong-willed and determined, a man whose callousness masks his need for the love of his wife and daughter. Lady Hylton, Dunham's clever, self-reliant, loving wife is haunted by a scandal from her past. The Spaniard Rafael Covarrubias is intelligent, self-indulgent, unpredictable, and possessive.
Add to these, notable minor characters like Lady Rathbone her loss overwhelming her common sense; Lady Tavenish and Lucy Kerr, clever women who stubbornly cling to their small display of independence; pretentious Camille who discovers life aboard ship more than she imagined, and youthful Georgina headstrong, adaptable and loyal. All these characters lend realism and an emotional intensity to the drama of this well-organized plot.
I didn't enjoy Fury and Judas's graphic sexual exploration or their perversions at the beginning and sprinkled throughout the novel, although I understand their relevance to the story. However, it does not deter from a skilfully written and riveting historical romance which I would highly recommend.
As the novel progresses secrets from Jack and Judas's past begin to unravel as their romance ignites, and their exploits leave a British blockade destroyed, the ton admiring their daring, British careers in tatters and old alliances shattered. This is a story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from the first page to the last.
The plot of " Dunham" is well-written and evolves quickly, enhanced by characters that are as colourful as they are complex in personality. Calico Jack a.k.a Celia Brancroft is the tough, independent, scarred captain of the Thunderstorm. Her defiance, unbridled passion and spontaneity hides a woman's craving for security, permanence, and fidelity in love. Judas Iscariot a.k.a Commander Elliot Raxham, Lord Tavendish, a brilliant strategist is the tough, no-nonsense, shrewd captain of the Silver Shilling. He loves his family and Jack unconditionally, struggles against the sense of duty that shackles him to his title, and will challenge destiny for the love and future he desperately wants. Both characters are self-sufficient, strong-willed and determined; their laughter, sorrow and sexual proclivity binding them together.
Admiral Lord Hylton's a proud and selfish man who flounders under the guilt and weight of past mistakes while Rear- Admiral Lord Rathbone's respected for his integrity and denigrated for putting family before duty and loving an unfaithful wife who still mourns the loss of a daughter. Dunham, Jack's biological father, a landless Scottish noble and pirate is strong-willed and determined, a man whose callousness masks his need for the love of his wife and daughter. Lady Hylton, Dunham's clever, self-reliant, loving wife is haunted by a scandal from her past. The Spaniard Rafael Covarrubias is intelligent, self-indulgent, unpredictable, and possessive.
Add to these, notable minor characters like Lady Rathbone her loss overwhelming her common sense; Lady Tavenish and Lucy Kerr, clever women who stubbornly cling to their small display of independence; pretentious Camille who discovers life aboard ship more than she imagined, and youthful Georgina headstrong, adaptable and loyal. All these characters lend realism and an emotional intensity to the drama of this well-organized plot.
I didn't enjoy Fury and Judas's graphic sexual exploration or their perversions at the beginning and sprinkled throughout the novel, although I understand their relevance to the story. However, it does not deter from a skilfully written and riveting historical romance which I would highly recommend.
November 5, 2013
Fury. Judas. Captain Jack. Lord Tavendish. Celia Bancroft. Elliott Raxham. The Simpleton. The Macaroni.
Pick up Dunham and forget about all the high seas pirate romance novels you've ever read. There is no feisty female thrust into the arms and at the mercy of a handsome pirate. Oh yes - there is a feisty female, but she doesn't need a pirate, handsome or otherwise, to rescue her. She is the pirate. Dunham starts with a mutiny and a beheading, led by Captain "Calico" Jack, known in the ballrooms of London as Celia Bancroft. She's nothing you'd expect from the heroine of a romance novel. Then again, I've never expected run-of-the-mill romance from Moriah Jovan.
As Captain Jack swaggers her way through a Caribbean tavern, Captain Judas Iscariot mistakes her for a whore and steals a kiss. She might enjoy it, but she cannot allow it in front of her peers, and a brawl ensues. He steals the figurehead from her ship, a lusty, bare-breasted likeness of herself, that he refits to his own ship, then pursues her to continue the promise he found in her kiss. And the game is on. Subterfuge, romance and an American revolution take them from the ports of the Caribbean and Boston to the ballrooms of London and the courts of Spain. They fight each other, they fight side by side, and they love as fiercely as they fight.
As is typical of a Moriah Jovan novel, there's nothing simple about this story and its characters; there are always unexpected depths in a Jovan novel. Celia and Elliott are embarking on both a literal and a figurative journey of exploration and Jovan takes the reader along, gradually exposing secrets and enticing us to love Celia and Elliott, cheer their successes and cry for their pain. Although Celia is lusty and lives life to its fullest, she has secrets and heartache that she conceals. For me, Elliott's pain is even more deep, and he has reason to bury it even deeper. In many ways, he is a broken man, and in Celia, he finds someone with the strength to hold him together. In these two characters, we see the glimpses of familial traits bestowed upon subsequent Dunhams - Giselle, Knox, and Sebastian.
Just by way of full disclosure, Dunham contains violence (as would be expected of pirates) and explicit sex.
I usually classify a book a really good read when I laugh, cry, can't stop turning pages and can't stop thinking of the story. It's taken me months to write this review because I wanted to make sure my review adequately conveyed how good this story is, and how much I enjoy the characters Jovan brings to life. I could read the whole book again tomorrow. I want to follow Celia and Elliott and watch the entire Dunham clan grow. I want to know each and every one of them because I'm certain their lives will be full of adventure.
Pick up Dunham and forget about all the high seas pirate romance novels you've ever read. There is no feisty female thrust into the arms and at the mercy of a handsome pirate. Oh yes - there is a feisty female, but she doesn't need a pirate, handsome or otherwise, to rescue her. She is the pirate. Dunham starts with a mutiny and a beheading, led by Captain "Calico" Jack, known in the ballrooms of London as Celia Bancroft. She's nothing you'd expect from the heroine of a romance novel. Then again, I've never expected run-of-the-mill romance from Moriah Jovan.
As Captain Jack swaggers her way through a Caribbean tavern, Captain Judas Iscariot mistakes her for a whore and steals a kiss. She might enjoy it, but she cannot allow it in front of her peers, and a brawl ensues. He steals the figurehead from her ship, a lusty, bare-breasted likeness of herself, that he refits to his own ship, then pursues her to continue the promise he found in her kiss. And the game is on. Subterfuge, romance and an American revolution take them from the ports of the Caribbean and Boston to the ballrooms of London and the courts of Spain. They fight each other, they fight side by side, and they love as fiercely as they fight.
As is typical of a Moriah Jovan novel, there's nothing simple about this story and its characters; there are always unexpected depths in a Jovan novel. Celia and Elliott are embarking on both a literal and a figurative journey of exploration and Jovan takes the reader along, gradually exposing secrets and enticing us to love Celia and Elliott, cheer their successes and cry for their pain. Although Celia is lusty and lives life to its fullest, she has secrets and heartache that she conceals. For me, Elliott's pain is even more deep, and he has reason to bury it even deeper. In many ways, he is a broken man, and in Celia, he finds someone with the strength to hold him together. In these two characters, we see the glimpses of familial traits bestowed upon subsequent Dunhams - Giselle, Knox, and Sebastian.
Just by way of full disclosure, Dunham contains violence (as would be expected of pirates) and explicit sex.
I usually classify a book a really good read when I laugh, cry, can't stop turning pages and can't stop thinking of the story. It's taken me months to write this review because I wanted to make sure my review adequately conveyed how good this story is, and how much I enjoy the characters Jovan brings to life. I could read the whole book again tomorrow. I want to follow Celia and Elliott and watch the entire Dunham clan grow. I want to know each and every one of them because I'm certain their lives will be full of adventure.
July 20, 2016
704 pages! It's a door stopper if ever I saw one, but don't let the size scare you off of this one! The pages of this book are filled with more twists and turns than any Indiana Jones movie! The first couple of chapters have a bit of graphic sex, enough to make even the "50 Shades of Gray" readers happy I would imagine; but, unlike "Shades of Gray" this book's sex actually does contribute to the plot line in some important and rather unlikely ways as the story develops. So, if you are like me and tend to skip over those bits (there are only so many ways one can do the deed after all and once you have read one or two of them they sort of tend to melt together for me) just don't! Read on through it because I found myself thoroughly enjoying the dialog in and around the sex encounters, and, I sincerely doubt if pirates in real life "tippy-toed" around anyone's sensibilities when it came to sex, so the baudiness, the sheer raunchiness of the language and the actions are probably more true to the period and the "pirateness" of the story than most folks would care to admit.
Once this story moves from the high seas to London I found myself reading as fast as I could to find out what happened next. This author, Moriah Jovan, truly has a knack for creating enough intricate plot lines to make the best of "Georgian period" authors squirm with jealousy; not to mention her ability to "talk the talk," "walk the walk" ... to be able to get those words on paper is a skill many authors would give their eye teeth to pull off as successfully as she does.
Pirates, audacious battles of wits, political machinations and rip-roaring battles on the high seas, good guys, bad guys, regency period London with its jaded (and not so very nice) nobility, with a judicious sprinkling of exotic locals, Marakesh, Spain, various and assorted Caribbean islands, well research pirate bolt holes and hidey places, it is all here in this book, and is just flat out fun to read. This is what I would call the perfect escapist novel that takes you far away from your everyday life and plops you right down in heart thumping excitement. This would make one heck of a movie :)
Once this story moves from the high seas to London I found myself reading as fast as I could to find out what happened next. This author, Moriah Jovan, truly has a knack for creating enough intricate plot lines to make the best of "Georgian period" authors squirm with jealousy; not to mention her ability to "talk the talk," "walk the walk" ... to be able to get those words on paper is a skill many authors would give their eye teeth to pull off as successfully as she does.
Pirates, audacious battles of wits, political machinations and rip-roaring battles on the high seas, good guys, bad guys, regency period London with its jaded (and not so very nice) nobility, with a judicious sprinkling of exotic locals, Marakesh, Spain, various and assorted Caribbean islands, well research pirate bolt holes and hidey places, it is all here in this book, and is just flat out fun to read. This is what I would call the perfect escapist novel that takes you far away from your everyday life and plops you right down in heart thumping excitement. This would make one heck of a movie :)
October 30, 2013
4.5 / 5
I’ve received a copy of Dunham in exchange for an honest, thoughtful review (thank you, Natasha Call, and Moriah Jovan!). Here it is:
I’ll start by saying that I’m not one for historical fiction; but this book, it had me from the very first page, when Celia, topless and covered in blood, decapitates the captain of her ship and takes control of it.
Meanwhile, miles away in London, Commander Elliot Raxham is locked away in a cell, awaiting his execution. Being trialed for treason, the last thing he expects is to be acquitted.
But he is, and so the story begins.
Four years later the two meet for the first time in a tavern in the Caribbean, where Elliot [Captain Judas], having mistaken Celia [Captain Fury] for a whore steals a kiss that changes the course of their life.
Bound by duty, their romance forces them to decide what it is they really want, and what they’re willing to do in order to get it.
I absolutely loved Captain Fury. I loved how well developed the characters were, how their choices made sense (which isn’t always a given, unfortunately). I loved how despite the fact that there are a lot of motives and players to consider, I didn’t get lost in the storylines.
One thing I found irritating was the constant reminder that Celia was a woman.
In my opinion, her actions spoke for themselves, and early on we are told that she’s quickly made a name for herself, and earned a great deal of respect. It was a shame, because it made it sound like she’s a great Captain despite her gender.
That said, everything else was great. The book is clearly well researched (it’s been in the works for 25 years, and it shows!).
What I’ve enjoyed most was the description of life at sea, and the information given at the start of the book- a list of the main characters, some information about the ships and a map- were very helpful.
It’s the first ever book by Moriah Jovan that I’ve read, and it definitely made me interested in reading the rest of the Dunham series (this is said to be the fourth in the series, but it stands alone), as well as her other works.
Pirates! I forgot to mention it’s about pirates!
I’ve received a copy of Dunham in exchange for an honest, thoughtful review (thank you, Natasha Call, and Moriah Jovan!). Here it is:
I’ll start by saying that I’m not one for historical fiction; but this book, it had me from the very first page, when Celia, topless and covered in blood, decapitates the captain of her ship and takes control of it.
Meanwhile, miles away in London, Commander Elliot Raxham is locked away in a cell, awaiting his execution. Being trialed for treason, the last thing he expects is to be acquitted.
But he is, and so the story begins.
Four years later the two meet for the first time in a tavern in the Caribbean, where Elliot [Captain Judas], having mistaken Celia [Captain Fury] for a whore steals a kiss that changes the course of their life.
Bound by duty, their romance forces them to decide what it is they really want, and what they’re willing to do in order to get it.
I absolutely loved Captain Fury. I loved how well developed the characters were, how their choices made sense (which isn’t always a given, unfortunately). I loved how despite the fact that there are a lot of motives and players to consider, I didn’t get lost in the storylines.
One thing I found irritating was the constant reminder that Celia was a woman.
In my opinion, her actions spoke for themselves, and early on we are told that she’s quickly made a name for herself, and earned a great deal of respect. It was a shame, because it made it sound like she’s a great Captain despite her gender.
That said, everything else was great. The book is clearly well researched (it’s been in the works for 25 years, and it shows!).
What I’ve enjoyed most was the description of life at sea, and the information given at the start of the book- a list of the main characters, some information about the ships and a map- were very helpful.
It’s the first ever book by Moriah Jovan that I’ve read, and it definitely made me interested in reading the rest of the Dunham series (this is said to be the fourth in the series, but it stands alone), as well as her other works.
Pirates! I forgot to mention it’s about pirates!
May 11, 2015
Piracy never seemed so sexy.
Here's the thing that we forget about the year 1780: no one cares about you except you.
Celia (Fury) knows this. She's the captain of her own ship, a pirate, a woman, and open to certain *particular* types of sexual dalliances with a handsome, repressed (but not really) debased Englishman named Judas.
Judas (Elliot) is a pirate by default; it isn't his calling, but he's been shamed in the stodgy morass that we call the British Empire during a time that the Americans are poised to actually kick Britain out of the Colonies.
The titular character Dunham is Fury's spiritual mentor/father/piracy trainer.
Now, on to the details:
The recipe for the book is complicated. There's a ton of high seas adventure (well written and accurate), and a nice feel for the ribald but structured life of pirates operating with Letters of Mark. We get to see exactly how women are treated like high class brood mares, and even more, we see the ocean as a sort of escape for all creatures great and small.
I snorted out loud at some of the sexual innuendo. Seriously. There's a great deal of humor, and violence, and casual loss, and love-- just like the world was in 1780.
This is not a novel for the faint of heart, because-- *gasp*-- people actually lived and loved and died, and along the way, had a lot of inventive sex. I loved it, and Fury's scars, both literal and physical, made her interesting to watch.
Here's the thing that we forget about the year 1780: no one cares about you except you.
Celia (Fury) knows this. She's the captain of her own ship, a pirate, a woman, and open to certain *particular* types of sexual dalliances with a handsome, repressed (but not really) debased Englishman named Judas.
Judas (Elliot) is a pirate by default; it isn't his calling, but he's been shamed in the stodgy morass that we call the British Empire during a time that the Americans are poised to actually kick Britain out of the Colonies.
The titular character Dunham is Fury's spiritual mentor/father/piracy trainer.
Now, on to the details:
The recipe for the book is complicated. There's a ton of high seas adventure (well written and accurate), and a nice feel for the ribald but structured life of pirates operating with Letters of Mark. We get to see exactly how women are treated like high class brood mares, and even more, we see the ocean as a sort of escape for all creatures great and small.
I snorted out loud at some of the sexual innuendo. Seriously. There's a great deal of humor, and violence, and casual loss, and love-- just like the world was in 1780.
This is not a novel for the faint of heart, because-- *gasp*-- people actually lived and loved and died, and along the way, had a lot of inventive sex. I loved it, and Fury's scars, both literal and physical, made her interesting to watch.
December 28, 2013
Full disclosure: I have received this book as a review copy directly from the author for a honest review. Thank you for the book.
This is an historical novel that is set during the time of the American Revolution. War is being fought on the high seas as well as on land, and here the emphasis is on the naval engagements. In particular, the pirate Captain Jack "Celia" Fury is a privateer fighting on behalf of the colonists. She is English born and bred, but she is now a wild, wanton pirate. She meets another pirate, Captain Judas Iscariot, and lust, love, and romance ensue. They are kindred spirits and soul-mates in so many ways. This complex tale is, at heart, a romance with history thrown in for good measure.
The list of the characters is extremely helpful as many of them go by various names depending upon the situation. Language is perfect for the time; attitudes, too.
My only complaint might be the ability of these captains and their boats to link up (and exchange missives) as easily as is seen throughout the novel. Having a sailboat on Lake Erie, I have seen how difficult it is to catch up with another boat especially if of a different size. I can only imagine how difficult it would be on the Atlantic Ocean, but that is a minor point.
Overall, highly recommended as a historic romance with lots of pirates thrown in for good measure.4.5 of 5 stars
This is an historical novel that is set during the time of the American Revolution. War is being fought on the high seas as well as on land, and here the emphasis is on the naval engagements. In particular, the pirate Captain Jack "Celia" Fury is a privateer fighting on behalf of the colonists. She is English born and bred, but she is now a wild, wanton pirate. She meets another pirate, Captain Judas Iscariot, and lust, love, and romance ensue. They are kindred spirits and soul-mates in so many ways. This complex tale is, at heart, a romance with history thrown in for good measure.
The list of the characters is extremely helpful as many of them go by various names depending upon the situation. Language is perfect for the time; attitudes, too.
My only complaint might be the ability of these captains and their boats to link up (and exchange missives) as easily as is seen throughout the novel. Having a sailboat on Lake Erie, I have seen how difficult it is to catch up with another boat especially if of a different size. I can only imagine how difficult it would be on the Atlantic Ocean, but that is a minor point.
Overall, highly recommended as a historic romance with lots of pirates thrown in for good measure.4.5 of 5 stars
October 21, 2013
I love a good historical fiction story. So why only 2 stars? I would not have classed this as historical fiction. Yes, the story does use the historical setting of the American revolution but the actual story had very little to do with that event. The piracy, privateering, treason, intrigue and romance could have been set anywhere. This, in my humble opinion, is more of a romance than historical novel. Some parts, especially part one, could almost be classified as a sex manual. Nothing wrong with sex, mind you, but these graphics don't add to the story. If you want to portray a strong character with ferocious appetites, there are other ways.
Having said all that, once I got over the disappointment of reading a romance rather than an epic historical novel about the American Revolution and fought my way through the first part, I did, surprisingly, find myself enjoying the STORY in the book.
I am sure Moriah Jovan did a lot of research, but some of the details of the story did not ring true to me. There were just enough discrepancies to annoy.
This book was sent to me as part of the first reads and I am grateful for having received it and getting the chance to review it.
Having said all that, once I got over the disappointment of reading a romance rather than an epic historical novel about the American Revolution and fought my way through the first part, I did, surprisingly, find myself enjoying the STORY in the book.
I am sure Moriah Jovan did a lot of research, but some of the details of the story did not ring true to me. There were just enough discrepancies to annoy.
This book was sent to me as part of the first reads and I am grateful for having received it and getting the chance to review it.
April 13, 2015
I want to be Fury! From the beginning of this book, the main characters jumped off of the page and fought, loved, lost and won in such vivid detail that I felt like I was watching them in my living room, rather than reading a book. The story will keep you riveted and you cannot help but feel everything right along with this cast of Pirates and Rogues. There is some graphic violence, but it was in context and totally descriptive of what life in the period surrounding the Revolutionary War in America and aboard a pirate ship would be. There is also steamy, passionate lovemaking....just what you would expect from lusty pirates. Moriah Jovan is a true favorite of mine and I hope that you will give this book (and the rest of her books) a try!
January 25, 2014
What an epic read! One of the best historicals I've read in a long time. At 300,000 words, it's not an easy read and it demands a lot of commitment from the reader, both in time and emotion.
Elliot and Celia are the kid of protagonists that stick with you, and you get to live with them through 10 years of amazing ups and downs.
The historical research is impressive, and the different settings pull the reader in to the reality of the times. The cast of secondary characters is a true supportive cast, and their individuality just adds more realism to the story.
I had a hope for the kind of ending I wanted to read, and I was very glad to see it come to fruition.
Elliot and Celia are the kid of protagonists that stick with you, and you get to live with them through 10 years of amazing ups and downs.
The historical research is impressive, and the different settings pull the reader in to the reality of the times. The cast of secondary characters is a true supportive cast, and their individuality just adds more realism to the story.
I had a hope for the kind of ending I wanted to read, and I was very glad to see it come to fruition.
October 17, 2013
Thanks Natasha! Thanks Moriah Jovan I absolutely Loved this book! It was action packed and adventure filled. The fact that the main character is a female pirate captain just threw the cherry on the top. A love story and pirate adventure who could ask for more. The best part of it was when I found out it was the 2nd book in a series! I had no idea. Moriah Jovan is a truly gifted and skilled author!
Want to read
September 19, 2014In honor of Talk Like A Pirate Day, Moriah Jovan is giving away one of her books for free.
Format of your choice: ePub, Kindle or PDF.
http://moriahjovan.com/talesofdunham/...
Coupon code: pirates! (don't forget the ! or it won't be free)
Ends at Midnight
Format of your choice: ePub, Kindle or PDF.
http://moriahjovan.com/talesofdunham/...
Coupon code: pirates! (don't forget the ! or it won't be free)
Ends at Midnight
August 30, 2015
You must be kidding. Tell me this book is a parody, like George MacDonald Frasier's Pyrates. It's the worst of sea adventures, pirate stories and Harlequin Romances in one extraordinarily long book.
I have no idea who --what? -- suggested it, but it's a wasted weekend. Do not read this book.
I have no idea who --what? -- suggested it, but it's a wasted weekend. Do not read this book.
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