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Highland Force #1
Captured by the Pirate Laird
Wed by proxy to a baron old enough to be her grandfather, Lady Anne trudges up the gangway of a galleon that will deliver her into the arms of a tyrant. Crestfallen, she believes her disastrous life cannot get worse—until she awakes to the blasts of cannon fire.
Facing certain death, Anne trembles in her stateroom while swords clash and the chilling screams of battle rage on the deck above. When a rugged Highlander kicks in her door, she prays for a swift end.
But Laird Calum MacLeod has a reason for plundering the ship—and it’s not a stunning English lass. With no other choice, he takes Anne to his crumbling keep on the isle of Raasay and sends a letter of ransom to her husband. In time, Anne grows to understand MacLeod’s plight and finds it increasingly difficult to resist Calum’s unsettling charm—until the baron sends a reply agreeing to terms.
Ripped from passion that will be forever seared into their souls, will Anne and Calum risk everything for love?
Facing certain death, Anne trembles in her stateroom while swords clash and the chilling screams of battle rage on the deck above. When a rugged Highlander kicks in her door, she prays for a swift end.
But Laird Calum MacLeod has a reason for plundering the ship—and it’s not a stunning English lass. With no other choice, he takes Anne to his crumbling keep on the isle of Raasay and sends a letter of ransom to her husband. In time, Anne grows to understand MacLeod’s plight and finds it increasingly difficult to resist Calum’s unsettling charm—until the baron sends a reply agreeing to terms.
Ripped from passion that will be forever seared into their souls, will Anne and Calum risk everything for love?
270 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2014
991 people are currently reading
2095 people want to read
About the author
Amy Jarecki
113 books1,713 followersKnown for her action-packed, passionate romances, USA TODAY Bestselling Author Amy Jarecki has received reader and critical praise throughout her writing career. She won the prestigious RT Reviewers' Choice award for THE HIGHLAND DUKE and a RONE award from InD’tale Magazine for Best Time Travel for her novel RISE OF A LEGEND. In addition to being a USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Amy has earned the designation as an Amazon All Star Author. She holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and now resides in Wisconsin with her husband where she writes immersive historical and contemporary romance novels.
Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com!
Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
July 19, 2015
I'm the outcast on this one but it felt like a 1990s historical romance, to me. There was insta-love (
"Calum’s manhood jutted from his loins, a testament of how deeply he loved her…how much
he must have her in this moment." Boners=True Love), 58 yr old villainous husband-to-be, and a hero and heroine who loved to play the martyr. Our heroine was sheltered and so good hearted, our hero, well, so heroic and good doing and together they became the couple who give to the poor, cure cancer, and have a lot of groping teenager non-sex sex. A lot of people liked this book and if you're missing the tone of '90s romance and want to read about people who fall pretty much in love at first sight of each other's sapphire eyes, goody two shoes, and angst-y angst ("I love you but we must part for the greater good!", torture, and almost rape but the old hubby can't get it up) the writing is technically solid with a few things that are little head scratching, like how the English heroine suddenly seemed to know Gaelic.
*The cover, however, is truly on point ;)
"Calum’s manhood jutted from his loins, a testament of how deeply he loved her…how much
he must have her in this moment." Boners=True Love), 58 yr old villainous husband-to-be, and a hero and heroine who loved to play the martyr. Our heroine was sheltered and so good hearted, our hero, well, so heroic and good doing and together they became the couple who give to the poor, cure cancer, and have a lot of groping teenager non-sex sex. A lot of people liked this book and if you're missing the tone of '90s romance and want to read about people who fall pretty much in love at first sight of each other's sapphire eyes, goody two shoes, and angst-y angst ("I love you but we must part for the greater good!", torture, and almost rape but the old hubby can't get it up) the writing is technically solid with a few things that are little head scratching, like how the English heroine suddenly seemed to know Gaelic.
*The cover, however, is truly on point ;)
July 29, 2014
This was a great Scottish romance. The characters were excellent and the story kept you interested throughout. Well recommended! I hope the second one is as good then it will be a real pleasure to look forward to.
February 16, 2014
Captured by the Pirate Laird is a 2014 Rapture Books publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Poor Anne has been wedded by proxy to an English Baron who is nearly 60 years old. He has children older than Anne. What's worse is she's never even been formally introduced to him. Supposedly they had met once, but Anne had no memory of him. Traveling to England to meet her new husband the ship is taken over by pirates.
Calum Macleod has his reasons for plundering the ship( Galleon) where he finds the beautiful Anne. She is a complication he wasn't counting on. Not knowing what else to do he brings her back to his keep and sends a ransom note to her husband.
Anne finds herself more than relieved to have been sidetracked from having to meet her new husband. Truth be told Calum is very easy on the eyes and Anne is quite taken with him. Calum scolds himself for his lusty attraction to Anne. After all she is wed to his arch enemy. When he learns of how she came to be married to the Baron and realizes she has no real allegiance to him, Calum feels bad for her. He wants her and she wants him, but the situation is a no win. Anne's husband agrees to the terms of the ransom and so now Calum must turn her over to him.
I love priate novels , I always have, but these days there aren't as many to chose from. Anytime I see one I have to read it. This was a really good one! Scottish Lairds are also a weakness and so we have pirates and men in kilts, oh my! The story though is Romeo and Juliet type story that is deeply romantic and sensual. Anne is not a shrinking violet even though she is from an aristocratic family. She is well bred but finds herself falling in love with Scotland and feeling empathy for their situation. If she had a choice she wouldn't have any problem at all staying there forever. But, she doesn't have a choice and she will have to face her husband and hope he will not mistreat her because he has a bit of a nasty reputation. Calum was a true gentleman, torn between the love of his life and his duty to his country. He respected Anne and treated her very well. He also took very good care of her when she found herself a few sticky situations. As sweet as he was, he could be quite fierce when it came anyone trying to hurt Anne. Anne was not only a smart, strong woman, she was also very funny. She and Calum made a great couple. I enjoyed the comraderie the couple had as much as the sexy scenes. Naturally, you can't have a pirate novel and not have adventure, so of course an epic battle will be fought. It's tense and exciting and thankfully all is well that ends well.
A very fun and entertaining romance. This one is an A.
Poor Anne has been wedded by proxy to an English Baron who is nearly 60 years old. He has children older than Anne. What's worse is she's never even been formally introduced to him. Supposedly they had met once, but Anne had no memory of him. Traveling to England to meet her new husband the ship is taken over by pirates.
Calum Macleod has his reasons for plundering the ship( Galleon) where he finds the beautiful Anne. She is a complication he wasn't counting on. Not knowing what else to do he brings her back to his keep and sends a ransom note to her husband.
Anne finds herself more than relieved to have been sidetracked from having to meet her new husband. Truth be told Calum is very easy on the eyes and Anne is quite taken with him. Calum scolds himself for his lusty attraction to Anne. After all she is wed to his arch enemy. When he learns of how she came to be married to the Baron and realizes she has no real allegiance to him, Calum feels bad for her. He wants her and she wants him, but the situation is a no win. Anne's husband agrees to the terms of the ransom and so now Calum must turn her over to him.
I love priate novels , I always have, but these days there aren't as many to chose from. Anytime I see one I have to read it. This was a really good one! Scottish Lairds are also a weakness and so we have pirates and men in kilts, oh my! The story though is Romeo and Juliet type story that is deeply romantic and sensual. Anne is not a shrinking violet even though she is from an aristocratic family. She is well bred but finds herself falling in love with Scotland and feeling empathy for their situation. If she had a choice she wouldn't have any problem at all staying there forever. But, she doesn't have a choice and she will have to face her husband and hope he will not mistreat her because he has a bit of a nasty reputation. Calum was a true gentleman, torn between the love of his life and his duty to his country. He respected Anne and treated her very well. He also took very good care of her when she found herself a few sticky situations. As sweet as he was, he could be quite fierce when it came anyone trying to hurt Anne. Anne was not only a smart, strong woman, she was also very funny. She and Calum made a great couple. I enjoyed the comraderie the couple had as much as the sexy scenes. Naturally, you can't have a pirate novel and not have adventure, so of course an epic battle will be fought. It's tense and exciting and thankfully all is well that ends well.
A very fun and entertaining romance. This one is an A.
December 30, 2014
Could not complete this book. I got about halfway through Chapter 2 and decided 'oh well, it was a cheap amazon pick,' and gave up. How my progress went:
-[heroine]... 'caught the wiff of rosemary.' - Wait, what? She's fearing for her life, not sure if she'll be raped and murdered, but she notices rosemary? REALLY?!
-...'A sharp pain wrenched her wrist and the knife dropped'. Where do I begin? A sharp pain would not wrench her wrist, it would cause her wrist to wrench. The action done would cause a sharp pain and- thus- force her wrist to wrench, while this implies the pain did it itself out of context of what caused the pain in a new paragraph. Second, she's holding a knife like she knows how to use it, only to discover she doesn't. Shouldn't we, the readers, be given more information here? Like "Father failed to teach Sara-Beth use of a knife, but as her only protection it would have to do." And why attack so quickly if she has no idea how to use it? Seriously, the heroine is already being painted as an idiot.
-...character speaks gaelic, she comments back to him... - Ok, hold up again. Narrator mentions heroine knows gaelic but she didn't understand them earlier talking about her. But gaelic swear words she knows? In the 1500's England they're teaching noble daughters gaelic swear words? A little context here, author?
-... And she's talking back to her hero's, but she was afraid to wave to her mother a few chapters ago? Either she is withdrawn to be a proper lady- which no proper lady would argue back with a man; she is beneath him, or she is a strong independent woman, who would have no problem embarrassing her mother with a wave. Is she meek or strong here, author? Make up your mind!
No wait, forget it. You've lost my interest. Try again, and next time think a little more on quality of read instead of quantity of production. I want my $0.99 back.
-[heroine]... 'caught the wiff of rosemary.' - Wait, what? She's fearing for her life, not sure if she'll be raped and murdered, but she notices rosemary? REALLY?!
-...'A sharp pain wrenched her wrist and the knife dropped'. Where do I begin? A sharp pain would not wrench her wrist, it would cause her wrist to wrench. The action done would cause a sharp pain and- thus- force her wrist to wrench, while this implies the pain did it itself out of context of what caused the pain in a new paragraph. Second, she's holding a knife like she knows how to use it, only to discover she doesn't. Shouldn't we, the readers, be given more information here? Like "Father failed to teach Sara-Beth use of a knife, but as her only protection it would have to do." And why attack so quickly if she has no idea how to use it? Seriously, the heroine is already being painted as an idiot.
-...character speaks gaelic, she comments back to him... - Ok, hold up again. Narrator mentions heroine knows gaelic but she didn't understand them earlier talking about her. But gaelic swear words she knows? In the 1500's England they're teaching noble daughters gaelic swear words? A little context here, author?
-... And she's talking back to her hero's, but she was afraid to wave to her mother a few chapters ago? Either she is withdrawn to be a proper lady- which no proper lady would argue back with a man; she is beneath him, or she is a strong independent woman, who would have no problem embarrassing her mother with a wave. Is she meek or strong here, author? Make up your mind!
No wait, forget it. You've lost my interest. Try again, and next time think a little more on quality of read instead of quantity of production. I want my $0.99 back.
February 19, 2019
I've been on a pirate romance reading frenzy this month and I simply loved this one. Jarecki thrusts the reader into the action with plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
February 9, 2014
WOW 5+ stars!!! Captured by the Pirate Laird is amazing! This is the first book I have read by Amy Jarecki but it sure won't be the last!! Captured by the Pirate Laird is about a sweet, independent and caring woman, Anne, who is wed by a proxy marriage. She is dreading meeting her husband for the first time. Not only does she not like that she does not know him, he is old enough to be her grandfather. Anne is put upon a ship to meet her new husband, but her journey quickly takes a detour. Calum MacLeod is a strong, sexy highland laird who is trying to provide for his starving clan. He has resorted to pirating a ship in order to feed and clothe his clan. What he does not bargain for is Lady Anne. I was captivated by Amy's writing from page one. From the time I picked up Captured by the Pirate Laird, I finished reading it a day later. This story will pull you right in and you feel as if you are apart of the book and it's characters. I laughed and cried along with the characters and not only loved the main characters but all of the characters who played a part in the book. This book has it all, romance, love, sexy scenes, action, adventure and lots of twists. The twists and turns of this book will have you on the edge of your seat and ready to jump into the book to shake some of the characters. There were a couple of parts I was ready to throw my kindle. I was so happy with the ending of this book and hope there will be another book to follow. Thank you Amy for a wonderful book and I look forward to reading more of your work!
January 31, 2015
Exciting Battle Scenes in this Scottish pirate adventure
Set in England and Scotland, beginning in 1559, this is the story of Anne, Baroness Wharton, an earl’s daughter who was married by proxy to Baron Wharton and sent via galleon ship to join her husband in the far northwest of England. But before she could get there, Scottish pirates capture her ship. They are led by Calum MacLeod from Raasay in the Hebrides who needs the cargo to feed his starving people.
Calum did not expect to find a woman on board the ship, much less the wife of the dreaded Baron Wharton who the Scots well remembered as having defeated them at Solway Moss. Calum decides to ransom the baroness, but soon regrets his decision when he becomes very fond of her.
I never thought of the Scots as pirates but that’s what Calum is albeit with good motives. And, of course, the baron was such an evil villain one could not help but hate him. Some exciting action scenes await you in this tale from the Highlands as the Scots in the Hebrides battle the English. Jarecki does an excellent job in keeping you on the edge of your seat.
There are a few issues with forms of address, ship terminology and historical details but the story is otherwise a good one and very enjoyable.
This is book 1 in the Highland Force series:
Captured by a Pirate Laird
The Highland Henchman
Beauty and the Barbarian
Return of the Highland Laird
Set in England and Scotland, beginning in 1559, this is the story of Anne, Baroness Wharton, an earl’s daughter who was married by proxy to Baron Wharton and sent via galleon ship to join her husband in the far northwest of England. But before she could get there, Scottish pirates capture her ship. They are led by Calum MacLeod from Raasay in the Hebrides who needs the cargo to feed his starving people.
Calum did not expect to find a woman on board the ship, much less the wife of the dreaded Baron Wharton who the Scots well remembered as having defeated them at Solway Moss. Calum decides to ransom the baroness, but soon regrets his decision when he becomes very fond of her.
I never thought of the Scots as pirates but that’s what Calum is albeit with good motives. And, of course, the baron was such an evil villain one could not help but hate him. Some exciting action scenes await you in this tale from the Highlands as the Scots in the Hebrides battle the English. Jarecki does an excellent job in keeping you on the edge of your seat.
There are a few issues with forms of address, ship terminology and historical details but the story is otherwise a good one and very enjoyable.
This is book 1 in the Highland Force series:
Captured by a Pirate Laird
The Highland Henchman
Beauty and the Barbarian
Return of the Highland Laird
Want to read
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dnf
January 16, 2020Sorry, but I have to dnf it. I don't think the book is bad, but I don't feel it's original enough. More importantly, although I find scottish accent and idioms charming irl, it's a pain to read ye everytime they want to say you and other scottish words.
February 27, 2014
"Captured by the Pirate Laird" by Amy Jarecki is the first book in her new series The Highland Force and believe me you do not want to miss this one it was absolutely wonderful. It has all the elements I look for in a Historical Scottish romance and believe me this one did not not disappoint and the plot has so many twists and turns as I couldn't wait to turn each page to see what would happen next.
It is the story of about an English girl whose family is from a nobility as she is an Earl's daughter and her Uncle whose has made an a arranged marriage to a man old enough to be her Grandfather. This man has seen her from across a ballroom as she did not even remember meeting the man and without her knowledge she is told she has been married by proxy to Lord Wharton, Baron of Wharton. To say Anne is not only shocked, but also unhappy is an understatement and she is to be packed up and ready to sail ship the very next day! Oh and the kicker was she was not aloud to being her dearest and best friend her serving maid Hannah under the tyrant unknown husband of his orders.
This story is also about Laird Callum MacLeod who is trying to save and protect his starving clan of Herbride Isle of Raasay and he has heard through informers that this fast beautiful new English racing galleon would be out with full to the the hilt with cargo his people needed desperately. He was going to seize it and what he didn't expect to see was the most beautiful girl he every laid his eyes on and soon he finds out this was The devil Whartons wife! One of Scotland's worst enemies! Of course in the beginning there is a lot of rough water but you can feel the attraction as well, once Ann realizes he is not really a tyrannt pirate but tying to help his people survive and Callum realizes she was only sold to the highest bidder by her family and not the aristocratic stuck up English self centered Lady Ann the sparks really sizzle.
So many emotions pulled out of me as I read this book, another sign to me this was really a fabulous book. I also enjoyed the secondary character's in this book such as the friendship that bond between Mara and Anne, the love between Mara and her husband John. Even the man of the cloth, the Friar Pat made me laugh I adored twelve year old Bram as well. The scenes between he and Anne were just so precious, I really love that!
Actually Amy Jarecki's next book is going to be Bram's story ten years later which has an April 28th release date called "The Highlanders Henchman" which will book two in The Highland Force series. I can't wait to read it...SQUEE!!!
I want to thank Amy Jarecki a special thank you for gifting me with this fabulous ARC as I enjoyed this book so very very much and look forward to future books by this special author.
Happy Reading Everyone and I recommend to give this book a read you will be as enchanted as I was guaranteed!
Barbee's Personal Note: Raasay ( Ratharsair in Scots Gaelic) is an Island part of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Skye and the mainland of Scotland. It is separated by the sound of Raasay and Applecross by the Inner Sound. Even though this is a fictional book the islands and places do exist in Scotland. :)
It is the story of about an English girl whose family is from a nobility as she is an Earl's daughter and her Uncle whose has made an a arranged marriage to a man old enough to be her Grandfather. This man has seen her from across a ballroom as she did not even remember meeting the man and without her knowledge she is told she has been married by proxy to Lord Wharton, Baron of Wharton. To say Anne is not only shocked, but also unhappy is an understatement and she is to be packed up and ready to sail ship the very next day! Oh and the kicker was she was not aloud to being her dearest and best friend her serving maid Hannah under the tyrant unknown husband of his orders.
This story is also about Laird Callum MacLeod who is trying to save and protect his starving clan of Herbride Isle of Raasay and he has heard through informers that this fast beautiful new English racing galleon would be out with full to the the hilt with cargo his people needed desperately. He was going to seize it and what he didn't expect to see was the most beautiful girl he every laid his eyes on and soon he finds out this was The devil Whartons wife! One of Scotland's worst enemies! Of course in the beginning there is a lot of rough water but you can feel the attraction as well, once Ann realizes he is not really a tyrannt pirate but tying to help his people survive and Callum realizes she was only sold to the highest bidder by her family and not the aristocratic stuck up English self centered Lady Ann the sparks really sizzle.
So many emotions pulled out of me as I read this book, another sign to me this was really a fabulous book. I also enjoyed the secondary character's in this book such as the friendship that bond between Mara and Anne, the love between Mara and her husband John. Even the man of the cloth, the Friar Pat made me laugh I adored twelve year old Bram as well. The scenes between he and Anne were just so precious, I really love that!
Actually Amy Jarecki's next book is going to be Bram's story ten years later which has an April 28th release date called "The Highlanders Henchman" which will book two in The Highland Force series. I can't wait to read it...SQUEE!!!
I want to thank Amy Jarecki a special thank you for gifting me with this fabulous ARC as I enjoyed this book so very very much and look forward to future books by this special author.
Happy Reading Everyone and I recommend to give this book a read you will be as enchanted as I was guaranteed!
Barbee's Personal Note: Raasay ( Ratharsair in Scots Gaelic) is an Island part of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Skye and the mainland of Scotland. It is separated by the sound of Raasay and Applecross by the Inner Sound. Even though this is a fictional book the islands and places do exist in Scotland. :)
February 21, 2014
A wonderful, lovely, thrilling romance, Captured by the Pirate Laird was a fantastic read. I loved this book and I really enjoyed reading it. From the romance, to the battles, this book was amazing.
Anne was a lovely heroine. She started off seeming a bit meek and resigned to doing her duty. But, as the book went on, she found her strength and began to take things into her own hands. By the end, she was a strong heroine who was truly likable. I thought she was great.
Calum was also wonderful. He was determined to take care of his people, no matter what he had to do in order to accomplish that. He was very loyal and a total sweetie. I adored him. He was a delightful hero.
The romance was great. Anne and Calum were so sweet together. It was always clear that they were meant for each other, despite the obstacles in their way. The attraction between them was steamy and there was definitely some hotness with them, too. I thought they were lovely together.
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. There were thrills along the way, as Anne and Calum had to defy a powerful baron to be together. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this series.
Captured by the Pirate Laird was a fantastic historical romance. It was a thrilling, romantic, lovely read. Romance lovers, this book is one you'll definitely want to check out.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Anne was a lovely heroine. She started off seeming a bit meek and resigned to doing her duty. But, as the book went on, she found her strength and began to take things into her own hands. By the end, she was a strong heroine who was truly likable. I thought she was great.
Calum was also wonderful. He was determined to take care of his people, no matter what he had to do in order to accomplish that. He was very loyal and a total sweetie. I adored him. He was a delightful hero.
The romance was great. Anne and Calum were so sweet together. It was always clear that they were meant for each other, despite the obstacles in their way. The attraction between them was steamy and there was definitely some hotness with them, too. I thought they were lovely together.
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. There were thrills along the way, as Anne and Calum had to defy a powerful baron to be together. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this series.
Captured by the Pirate Laird was a fantastic historical romance. It was a thrilling, romantic, lovely read. Romance lovers, this book is one you'll definitely want to check out.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
November 21, 2015
Well, I must admit this was a difficult one to review. I would have given 4 stars if the plot took a more believable turn.
THE GOOD: The hero was perfect. Sigh. The herione was meh, didn't love her didn't hate her. The author gave proper and equal time "inside the H & h's head." The writing was descriptive and detailed, adding to the atmosphere.
THE BAD: Too many lulls, not enough insight regarding the antagonist. No other mention of the h's family, mother or best friend & maid Hanna. Love scenes were meh.
THE UGLY: Believability. Ok how many times can one stop oneself from passion (to put it politely) for the sake of honor? Calum had amazing self control to the point of ridiculous. Anne also was ridiculous in that she would toss away this amazing man for "honors sake" to marry a man old enough to be her grandfather who is also known as a evil tyrant? No, no no. I am sorry just couldn't buy it.
I did like the story enough to finish. This could have been a great novel if the author chose a few different paths for the characters. A bit more character development is needed as well. They were all a bit flat.
THE GOOD: The hero was perfect. Sigh. The herione was meh, didn't love her didn't hate her. The author gave proper and equal time "inside the H & h's head." The writing was descriptive and detailed, adding to the atmosphere.
THE BAD: Too many lulls, not enough insight regarding the antagonist. No other mention of the h's family, mother or best friend & maid Hanna. Love scenes were meh.
THE UGLY: Believability. Ok how many times can one stop oneself from passion (to put it politely) for the sake of honor? Calum had amazing self control to the point of ridiculous. Anne also was ridiculous in that she would toss away this amazing man for "honors sake" to marry a man old enough to be her grandfather who is also known as a evil tyrant? No, no no. I am sorry just couldn't buy it.
I did like the story enough to finish. This could have been a great novel if the author chose a few different paths for the characters. A bit more character development is needed as well. They were all a bit flat.
April 29, 2015
This was a whirlwind of a story. I loved how Anne and Calum were willing to give their all for each other and Calum's clan. Not being consulted on whom one is to marry AND being married by proxy did not please Anne, but she accepted her fate until she met Calum, the pirate laird who burst into her quarters on board the ship sailing her to her husband. As they fall in love and try to respect her married status, I fell in love with them. They showed great strength in trying to come together for their happily ever after.
January 30, 2015
This is an audiobook review
Book Synopsis: Wed by proxy to a baron old enough to be her grandfather, Lady Anne trudges up the gangway of a galleon that will deliver her into the arms of a tyrant. Crestfallen, she believes her disastrous life cannot get worse—until she awakes to the blasts of cannon fire. Facing certain death, Anne trembles in her stateroom while swords clash and the chilling screams of battle rage on the deck above. When a rugged Highlander kicks in her door, she prays for a swift end. But Laird Calum MacLeod has a reason for plundering the ship—and it’s not a stunning English lass. With no other choice, he takes Anne to his crumbling keep on the isle of Raasay and sends a letter of ransom to her husband. In time, Anne grows to understand MacLeod’s plight and finds it increasingly difficult to resist Calum’s unsettling charm—until the baron sends a reply agreeing to terms. Ripped from passion that will be forever seared into their souls, will Anne and Calum risk everything for love?
My Thoughts: The story itself was an excellent one. This is the first book I’ve read from Amy Jarecki. She engaged me from the first few pages. Her choice of words depicting the scene only engrossed me further. I absolutely KNOW when I’m so drawn in, the author has the right of it. She smoothly moves from scene to scene with plenty of action, suspense and with a swoonable alpha hero, keeping me flipping the pages, however I 'read' it by audiobook.
I loved the fact that the Laird Calum MacLeod didn’t want to be a pirate, but to save his clan from starvation he did what he had to do. Wouldn’t we all do that if we were honorable? He was quite an honor-bound man. He would not take a woman not his, even when it was offered him. He was duty-bound to his clan, and would not have them starve the winter. The English had taken MUCH from his Highland neighbors. As far as he was concerned, they needed to stay in England where they belonged.
But with his determination to save his clan he found his destiny, the Lady Anne, Baroness to Lord Walton. Having captured and plundered the Flying Swan, he found the lady within the captain’s cabin.
Lady Anne, even though married by proxy to a baron almost three times her age, and still a virgin, she found herself face to face with the most amazing masculine specimen she had seen in her life. Yes, my friends, she had encountered our alpha hero Laird Calum MacLeod. She was drawn to the Laird as he was to her.
You could say that the Laird was an honorable pirate. He took what he had to and restrained himself when it was only for his own benefit. (What man can do that?) Our fair Lady Anne, saw life a bit differently and here we have the tug of war between what is honorable, what is right, and what is absolutely necessary to keep breathing and living.
This was a wonderfully exciting story and made more so by the excellent narrator Paul Woodson. When a male voice reads dialog for a woman, most are able to carry it well. Paul Woodson, in my opinion, takes it further. Women, not only speak differently than men, but think differently. As Paul was narrating what was going through Anne’s head, he kept me within character, using the cadence of speech that depicts a woman’s thoughts. I was quite impressed. And…completely captivated.
Paul got inside the heads of the main characters with this thrilling tale. He WAS Anne, he WAS the Laird. His voice only enhanced this exiting story as the emotional tone of the characters flowed exquisitely through the telling.
I love connecting with authors and narrators who make a great team in producing an audiobook. Narrator Paul Woodson records, edits, and master audiobooks commissioned by authors and publishers through Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX). He’s been an AEA and SAG actor for almost 20 years, with most of his work in Theater. He studied theater at Boston University’s BFA program with work in classical theater, dialect and vocal training. When he was a lad (love that word) his family lived in England where he did graduate work at Cambridge. I asked Paul how he had such great accents in this reading. His answer was thus:
“Perhaps the immersion at a young age, plus my frequent portrayal of Englishmen and Scotsmen has kept my dialects sharp over the years.”
Here is a wonderful partial list of his accomplishments he shares with us.
http://home.earthlink.net/~mistermoos...
He has narrations of 23 books presently on Amazon. If you are a medieval romance historical romance reader, check out his narrations of books from Ceci Giltenan and Lily Baldwin. If any of my author friends need a narrator who speaks French and German among other talents, seek him out.
About the Author: Amy loves Scotland! She holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and now resides in Southwest Utah with her husband where she predominantly writes historical romance.
Amy is the president of the Heritage Writers Guild, and a member of the Celtic Hearts Chapter of the Romance Writers of America and lectures on writing topics.
Amy’s first published novel, now titled Boy Man Chief, won the League of Utah Writers award for Best Manuscript, and the St. George Spark Book Award. Since then, she has won many other writing awards. Her novels, Captured by the Pirate Laird, The Highland Henchman and Beauty and the Barbarian achieved bestseller status on Amazon's Scottish Historical Romance genre list.
Book Synopsis: Wed by proxy to a baron old enough to be her grandfather, Lady Anne trudges up the gangway of a galleon that will deliver her into the arms of a tyrant. Crestfallen, she believes her disastrous life cannot get worse—until she awakes to the blasts of cannon fire. Facing certain death, Anne trembles in her stateroom while swords clash and the chilling screams of battle rage on the deck above. When a rugged Highlander kicks in her door, she prays for a swift end. But Laird Calum MacLeod has a reason for plundering the ship—and it’s not a stunning English lass. With no other choice, he takes Anne to his crumbling keep on the isle of Raasay and sends a letter of ransom to her husband. In time, Anne grows to understand MacLeod’s plight and finds it increasingly difficult to resist Calum’s unsettling charm—until the baron sends a reply agreeing to terms. Ripped from passion that will be forever seared into their souls, will Anne and Calum risk everything for love?
My Thoughts: The story itself was an excellent one. This is the first book I’ve read from Amy Jarecki. She engaged me from the first few pages. Her choice of words depicting the scene only engrossed me further. I absolutely KNOW when I’m so drawn in, the author has the right of it. She smoothly moves from scene to scene with plenty of action, suspense and with a swoonable alpha hero, keeping me flipping the pages, however I 'read' it by audiobook.
I loved the fact that the Laird Calum MacLeod didn’t want to be a pirate, but to save his clan from starvation he did what he had to do. Wouldn’t we all do that if we were honorable? He was quite an honor-bound man. He would not take a woman not his, even when it was offered him. He was duty-bound to his clan, and would not have them starve the winter. The English had taken MUCH from his Highland neighbors. As far as he was concerned, they needed to stay in England where they belonged.
But with his determination to save his clan he found his destiny, the Lady Anne, Baroness to Lord Walton. Having captured and plundered the Flying Swan, he found the lady within the captain’s cabin.
Lady Anne, even though married by proxy to a baron almost three times her age, and still a virgin, she found herself face to face with the most amazing masculine specimen she had seen in her life. Yes, my friends, she had encountered our alpha hero Laird Calum MacLeod. She was drawn to the Laird as he was to her.
You could say that the Laird was an honorable pirate. He took what he had to and restrained himself when it was only for his own benefit. (What man can do that?) Our fair Lady Anne, saw life a bit differently and here we have the tug of war between what is honorable, what is right, and what is absolutely necessary to keep breathing and living.
This was a wonderfully exciting story and made more so by the excellent narrator Paul Woodson. When a male voice reads dialog for a woman, most are able to carry it well. Paul Woodson, in my opinion, takes it further. Women, not only speak differently than men, but think differently. As Paul was narrating what was going through Anne’s head, he kept me within character, using the cadence of speech that depicts a woman’s thoughts. I was quite impressed. And…completely captivated.
Paul got inside the heads of the main characters with this thrilling tale. He WAS Anne, he WAS the Laird. His voice only enhanced this exiting story as the emotional tone of the characters flowed exquisitely through the telling.
I love connecting with authors and narrators who make a great team in producing an audiobook. Narrator Paul Woodson records, edits, and master audiobooks commissioned by authors and publishers through Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX). He’s been an AEA and SAG actor for almost 20 years, with most of his work in Theater. He studied theater at Boston University’s BFA program with work in classical theater, dialect and vocal training. When he was a lad (love that word) his family lived in England where he did graduate work at Cambridge. I asked Paul how he had such great accents in this reading. His answer was thus:
“Perhaps the immersion at a young age, plus my frequent portrayal of Englishmen and Scotsmen has kept my dialects sharp over the years.”
Here is a wonderful partial list of his accomplishments he shares with us.
http://home.earthlink.net/~mistermoos...
He has narrations of 23 books presently on Amazon. If you are a medieval romance historical romance reader, check out his narrations of books from Ceci Giltenan and Lily Baldwin. If any of my author friends need a narrator who speaks French and German among other talents, seek him out.
About the Author: Amy loves Scotland! She holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and now resides in Southwest Utah with her husband where she predominantly writes historical romance.
Amy is the president of the Heritage Writers Guild, and a member of the Celtic Hearts Chapter of the Romance Writers of America and lectures on writing topics.
Amy’s first published novel, now titled Boy Man Chief, won the League of Utah Writers award for Best Manuscript, and the St. George Spark Book Award. Since then, she has won many other writing awards. Her novels, Captured by the Pirate Laird, The Highland Henchman and Beauty and the Barbarian achieved bestseller status on Amazon's Scottish Historical Romance genre list.
November 30, 2018
Extra star because I went into this expecting a stereotypical romance novel, and that's what I got.
September 3, 2016
Originally reviewed for: Historical Romance Lover blog
This is book one in the Highland Force series.
Lady Anne is on the way to meet her husband (whom she wed by proxy and has never met) when the ship carrying her is attacked by pirates. Laird Calum MacLeod has attacked the ship to get much needed supplies to feed his starving clansmen. He never imagined that he would find a well-born English lady on board.
With no other choice to make, Calum takes Anne back with him to the isle of Raasay where she will stay until her husband ransoms her. As they spend more and more time together, they realize their growing attraction for the other is mutual. But as Anne is married to Calum's enemy, they can do nothing about it. Anne must honor her vows even as the disgust for her husband increases with each tale of his misdeeds.
Anne's husband has finally agreed to the ransom terms. They must come up with a plan to get her back to him without Calum being caught for kidnapping. Will they both find the happiness they deserve?
I really enjoyed this novel. Being on a ship is one of my favorite settings as the characters are in such a confined space they have to interact with each other! I love when the hero is a very dominant male, but is not afraid to show his softer side. Calum is one such man and I fell in love with him!
Jarecki did a wonderful job of keeping me intrigued with the storyline which included many plot twists. She did an outstanding job of pulling my heartstrings throughout the story. I was laughing and crying throughout.One aspect that will always keep me coming back to an author is one that has me falling in love with not just the h/h of the story but the secondary characters as well. Jareck sure pulled me into this little bunch of characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series, The Highland Henchman, which features Bran whom was Anne's chaperone throughout most of the story.
Jarecki did an outstanding job of pulling my heartstrings throughout the story. I was laughing and crying throughout. She definitely has a new fan in me!
Thanks go to NetGalley and Rapture Books for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
This is book one in the Highland Force series.
Lady Anne is on the way to meet her husband (whom she wed by proxy and has never met) when the ship carrying her is attacked by pirates. Laird Calum MacLeod has attacked the ship to get much needed supplies to feed his starving clansmen. He never imagined that he would find a well-born English lady on board.
With no other choice to make, Calum takes Anne back with him to the isle of Raasay where she will stay until her husband ransoms her. As they spend more and more time together, they realize their growing attraction for the other is mutual. But as Anne is married to Calum's enemy, they can do nothing about it. Anne must honor her vows even as the disgust for her husband increases with each tale of his misdeeds.
Anne's husband has finally agreed to the ransom terms. They must come up with a plan to get her back to him without Calum being caught for kidnapping. Will they both find the happiness they deserve?
I really enjoyed this novel. Being on a ship is one of my favorite settings as the characters are in such a confined space they have to interact with each other! I love when the hero is a very dominant male, but is not afraid to show his softer side. Calum is one such man and I fell in love with him!
Jarecki did a wonderful job of keeping me intrigued with the storyline which included many plot twists. She did an outstanding job of pulling my heartstrings throughout the story. I was laughing and crying throughout.One aspect that will always keep me coming back to an author is one that has me falling in love with not just the h/h of the story but the secondary characters as well. Jareck sure pulled me into this little bunch of characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series, The Highland Henchman, which features Bran whom was Anne's chaperone throughout most of the story.
Jarecki did an outstanding job of pulling my heartstrings throughout the story. I was laughing and crying throughout. She definitely has a new fan in me!
Thanks go to NetGalley and Rapture Books for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
October 31, 2016
I somehow knew this wouldn't be for me, but I still tried and hoped that this freebee would be ok. But I caved after only 4%. The entire premise felt very wrong and I was rolling my eyes at all that happened. But if you're curious, don't let me stop you. I might just be having a bad mood.
- the heroine walked up a gangway to a ship, side by side with her maid. Well, that would have been a pretty wide gangway. Eye roll #1
- the heroine promises to write often. To her maid? So her maid, in the 16th century, could read? It's possible I guess, but I needed an explanation for it. Eye roll #2.
- the hero, the pirate, set all people off the ship... but somehow didn't check the rooms for other persons? So this pirate had never experienced that people could want to hide? Eyeroll #3.
Then I checked the goodreads reviews instead of just the overall rating, and sadly the fate was sealed for me: instalust: yuck.
This screamed bodice-ripper type story to me, and the only reason I'll read one of those is to get a feel for the history of the romance genre and those types of books were all the rage in the 1980-1990's. But reading a newly written one. No thanks.
- the heroine walked up a gangway to a ship, side by side with her maid. Well, that would have been a pretty wide gangway. Eye roll #1
- the heroine promises to write often. To her maid? So her maid, in the 16th century, could read? It's possible I guess, but I needed an explanation for it. Eye roll #2.
- the hero, the pirate, set all people off the ship... but somehow didn't check the rooms for other persons? So this pirate had never experienced that people could want to hide? Eyeroll #3.
Then I checked the goodreads reviews instead of just the overall rating, and sadly the fate was sealed for me: instalust: yuck.
This screamed bodice-ripper type story to me, and the only reason I'll read one of those is to get a feel for the history of the romance genre and those types of books were all the rage in the 1980-1990's. But reading a newly written one. No thanks.
March 8, 2014
Wow!!! I seriously enjoyed this book. From the characters being well developed to the villains, to the twists and turns, to the description. It did take me a few days to read (thanks to work) but if I had time I prolly would have read it in one sitting.
I love Pirates and I love stories about the Highlanders. Add them together and I couldn't wait to read this book. Calum has been given his own keep to take care of and being the second son it's more than he could ever wish for. However its' not prosperous, the crop season isn't great so he must pillage ships to get his keep to survive. Sort of a Robin Hood.
Anne is a lady who is taking care of her family estate since her father passed away and her uncle has become guardian. She's been married by proxy to a Baron whom she has seen before but doesn't remember, didn't consent, and well she is less than thrilled.
From kidnapping and ransoming, to battles to love. This book has it all and it flows so well. I insanely loved it and can't wait for the next one.
I love Pirates and I love stories about the Highlanders. Add them together and I couldn't wait to read this book. Calum has been given his own keep to take care of and being the second son it's more than he could ever wish for. However its' not prosperous, the crop season isn't great so he must pillage ships to get his keep to survive. Sort of a Robin Hood.
Anne is a lady who is taking care of her family estate since her father passed away and her uncle has become guardian. She's been married by proxy to a Baron whom she has seen before but doesn't remember, didn't consent, and well she is less than thrilled.
From kidnapping and ransoming, to battles to love. This book has it all and it flows so well. I insanely loved it and can't wait for the next one.
February 9, 2014
As soon as I saw the cover and read the description of Captured by the Pirate Laird (Highland Force) by Amy Jarecki I knew I was going to love it, but I didn't know how much until I started to get to know Calum Macleod, the Pirate Laird and his band of highland Pirates who set out on the seas to ravish the ships of the english, to take care of their clan. But when they besieged the flying swan their gain was more then these sexy highland pirates bargained for when they find Lady Ann hiding in a room below deck. And she is more then just a spirited witty English Lady she is wed by proxy to Laird Macleod's worst foe Lord Baron Wharton.
It was fun to read the inner conflict Calum had with with to do with Ann and what he really wanted to do with Ann.
The author has done a marvelous job writing this book and will have you laughing, crying and falling in love with these pirates and the Lady Ann, And most of all wanting for more, I was sad to see this book end becuz it was that good..
It was fun to read the inner conflict Calum had with with to do with Ann and what he really wanted to do with Ann.
The author has done a marvelous job writing this book and will have you laughing, crying and falling in love with these pirates and the Lady Ann, And most of all wanting for more, I was sad to see this book end becuz it was that good..
March 10, 2016
I downloaded the book and realized that I have tried to read this book before. Kindle reopened the book for me at about 26%. I started reading from the beginning and knew why the last time I stopped at 26%.
The writing is very promising. I just found the plots and characters bland. There was no buildup for the relationship. They just met and all of a sudden found each other irresistible. Instant appreciation of physique and beauty, I get. Instant lust and "oh I cannot be lusting after him/her", I don't understand the appeal. I get bored if the characters already have the hots for each other just like that. The story has to show a little more tension to warrant such intense attraction. I did not get that in this story. Calum has to be the most tamed tough highlander I have read about. He does not sound like a brawny highlander at all. I was yawning reading about him. Sorry I like my highlanders hot. lol
The writing is very promising. I just found the plots and characters bland. There was no buildup for the relationship. They just met and all of a sudden found each other irresistible. Instant appreciation of physique and beauty, I get. Instant lust and "oh I cannot be lusting after him/her", I don't understand the appeal. I get bored if the characters already have the hots for each other just like that. The story has to show a little more tension to warrant such intense attraction. I did not get that in this story. Calum has to be the most tamed tough highlander I have read about. He does not sound like a brawny highlander at all. I was yawning reading about him. Sorry I like my highlanders hot. lol
March 12, 2014
This book deserves Five Stars plus. Amy Jarecki immerses the reader into the sights and sounds of mid-fifteenth century Scotland by vividly and historically placing the reader in Lady Anne's world. Anne lives in a world were woman are used as pawns to enrich the family's coffers. Even though Anne managed the family's estate, her uncle was in charge of the family's money and personal decisions. One day, He triumphly arrived unannounced at the estate proclaiming Anne was married by proxy to a man "eight and fifty" years older than her.
This book is beautifully written. You feel the conflicts of heart and soul of the clan leader Laird Callum McMacLeod. Jacrecki is our 21st Century reincarnation of D.H. Lawrence. Her pen writes about love, duty, and loyalty with honesty and conviction. Thank you Amy Jerecki for a Very Good Read.
This book is beautifully written. You feel the conflicts of heart and soul of the clan leader Laird Callum McMacLeod. Jacrecki is our 21st Century reincarnation of D.H. Lawrence. Her pen writes about love, duty, and loyalty with honesty and conviction. Thank you Amy Jerecki for a Very Good Read.
November 23, 2018
Steamy Highlander Story
Callum stole an English ship in order to feed his clan and ended up kidnapping Lady Anne, the new bride of the all powerful Lord Warthon.
Lady Anne married by proxy and had never seen her husband. The only thing she knew was that he was almost 40 years older than her and that he was a cruel warrior and hated the Scots.
They fall in love but she is married to his worse enemy and things get quite complicated.
Callum stole an English ship in order to feed his clan and ended up kidnapping Lady Anne, the new bride of the all powerful Lord Warthon.
Lady Anne married by proxy and had never seen her husband. The only thing she knew was that he was almost 40 years older than her and that he was a cruel warrior and hated the Scots.
They fall in love but she is married to his worse enemy and things get quite complicated.
February 6, 2015
This was my first of Jarecki's books and I devoured it. Listened to the audiobook in just two days!! Now I'm listening to her Beauty and the Barbarian and LOVING it too!! I love the way she developers her characters and how I really get emotionally choked up on parts of the books where the conflicts are the strongest.
March 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️
InstaLove is the main theme here because Lady Anne pretty much falls head over heels at first sight of this long haired red Scottish pirate taking over the ship she currently occupies. This has a Robin Hood feel to it. The pirate being not so villainous as he takes over ships to pillage what he needs for his poor starving people. Making Lady Anne swoon even more over him. It doesn’t help that her soon to be husband is old and ugly.. making readers more than welcome this instant love connection. Forget the husband! Run away with the pirate!
The story is honestly overkill in “good” vibes. The author set it all up - squeezing the life out of the instant love trope. The writing is smooth sailing - pun intended - making this book easy to read.. but I rolled my eyes repeatedly at how over the top the good guy antics are. I’ve never heard of such a GOOD pirate. I needed more darkness+conflict. Where are my bad boy vibes?
The spice scenes were spicing. Kept me entertained.
Overall- I liked this story but it’s simply.. just okay. Again, I needed more conflict and dark stormy vibes. The story she created is great! Just missing something for me.
Beautiful book cover. I love the MMC descriptions. I originally bought this because of his illustration.
I love pirate romances now. 🏴☠️
InstaLove is the main theme here because Lady Anne pretty much falls head over heels at first sight of this long haired red Scottish pirate taking over the ship she currently occupies. This has a Robin Hood feel to it. The pirate being not so villainous as he takes over ships to pillage what he needs for his poor starving people. Making Lady Anne swoon even more over him. It doesn’t help that her soon to be husband is old and ugly.. making readers more than welcome this instant love connection. Forget the husband! Run away with the pirate!
The story is honestly overkill in “good” vibes. The author set it all up - squeezing the life out of the instant love trope. The writing is smooth sailing - pun intended - making this book easy to read.. but I rolled my eyes repeatedly at how over the top the good guy antics are. I’ve never heard of such a GOOD pirate. I needed more darkness+conflict. Where are my bad boy vibes?
The spice scenes were spicing. Kept me entertained.
Overall- I liked this story but it’s simply.. just okay. Again, I needed more conflict and dark stormy vibes. The story she created is great! Just missing something for me.
Beautiful book cover. I love the MMC descriptions. I originally bought this because of his illustration.
I love pirate romances now. 🏴☠️
September 20, 2017
I have to say this story completely blew me out of the water, that is how good it is! I was kept on the edge of my seat from one location to the next with how she was able to describe the scenes of this story. From the foul breath of a outlaw to the Baron who was a evil man. She will not leave you disappointed!
The hot chemistry between the leads burns the pages, and makes it a read well worth the purchase of this book! Now, it does have some scenes that could cause a issue with those who can not take women, children and other such getting hit. So be warned, it does happen in this book. But in the end the bad guys gets what they are asking for!
A super nova Read!! Must Purchase, read and review!
The hot chemistry between the leads burns the pages, and makes it a read well worth the purchase of this book! Now, it does have some scenes that could cause a issue with those who can not take women, children and other such getting hit. So be warned, it does happen in this book. But in the end the bad guys gets what they are asking for!
A super nova Read!! Must Purchase, read and review!
October 16, 2018
Be Mine💘, Be My Little Baby
England and Scotland, 1559
Historical Adult Romance💕
I loved this unusual book that has the heroine, Anne💃💋, a young Noble English woman, married by Proxy, or in absentia, to a naaasssty, vicious old Duke, three times her age. While she is beingTaken by ship along the coast to his castle, she is captured by Scottish Laird and Pirate, Calum🐺🍆🌋🔪.
A love💘 grows between them, but what to do about the proxy marriage, which btw, is to Calum's biggest enemy!
A lot goes on in this book📑 with sword fights🔪 and abductions, etc. This is A Good example of the historical adult romance💕 genre.
England and Scotland, 1559
Historical Adult Romance💕
I loved this unusual book that has the heroine, Anne💃💋, a young Noble English woman, married by Proxy, or in absentia, to a naaasssty, vicious old Duke, three times her age. While she is beingTaken by ship along the coast to his castle, she is captured by Scottish Laird and Pirate, Calum🐺🍆🌋🔪.
A love💘 grows between them, but what to do about the proxy marriage, which btw, is to Calum's biggest enemy!
A lot goes on in this book📑 with sword fights🔪 and abductions, etc. This is A Good example of the historical adult romance💕 genre.
September 9, 2019
This book was awesome! I loved it 😁 I just wish that the dirt scenes would’ve been longer and well dirtier 😏 it had so much hype with the whole are they gonna do it or not!? And when they did it was like bam done 😩
June 8, 2021
Oh my stars twas good.
May 10, 2018
For me, it has some flaws but my overall enjoyment was enough and I liked most of the pace used to move the story along.
Read
January 14, 2020i just can't get into it.
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