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Heroes of the Sea #1
Master of My Dreams
Sweeping from the shores of England to Boston on the eve of the American Revolution, this is the emotional and unforgettable story of a tough Royal Navy captain and the beautiful Irish stowaway who teaches him how to love again.
England, 1775: When nobly-born Captain Christian Lord is given command of the Royal Navy frigate HMS Bold Marauder, the disciplined and highly-esteemed English officer never dreams that a crew on the brink of mutiny will be the least of his troubles, as he heads to Boston to subdue pirates and rebels. Haunted by nightmares and a tragic past, Christian is loyal to King and Country... never imagining that his gravest danger could come in the form of a beautiful stowaway who secretly plots his destruction.
For also on board is sensuous Irishwoman Deirdre O’ Devir... determined to avenge her brother’s forced enlistment into the Royal Navy, and now, as near as a whisper to the blackguard responsible. But the best laid plans go awry, and when Deirdre realizes that behind Christian’s haughty, aloof façade beats a tender heart, she finds herself falling in love with her handsome enemy in this tender, emotional, and unforgettable tale of love and passion by the bestselling author of the critically acclaimed de Montforte Brothers series.
England, 1775: When nobly-born Captain Christian Lord is given command of the Royal Navy frigate HMS Bold Marauder, the disciplined and highly-esteemed English officer never dreams that a crew on the brink of mutiny will be the least of his troubles, as he heads to Boston to subdue pirates and rebels. Haunted by nightmares and a tragic past, Christian is loyal to King and Country... never imagining that his gravest danger could come in the form of a beautiful stowaway who secretly plots his destruction.
For also on board is sensuous Irishwoman Deirdre O’ Devir... determined to avenge her brother’s forced enlistment into the Royal Navy, and now, as near as a whisper to the blackguard responsible. But the best laid plans go awry, and when Deirdre realizes that behind Christian’s haughty, aloof façade beats a tender heart, she finds herself falling in love with her handsome enemy in this tender, emotional, and unforgettable tale of love and passion by the bestselling author of the critically acclaimed de Montforte Brothers series.
402 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1993
1078 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
About the author
Danelle Harmon
42 books472 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Danelle Harmon has written seventeen critically acclaimed and award-winning books, with many being published all over the world. A Massachusetts native, she has lived in Great Britain, though these days she and her English husband make their home in New England with their daughter Emma and numerous animals including five dogs, an Egyptian Arabian horse, and a flock of pet chickens. Danelle enjoys reading, spending time with family, friends and her animals, dog showing, plane-spotting, and sailing her reproduction 19th century skiff, Kestrel II. She welcomes email from her readers and can be reached at Danelle@danelleharmon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 26, 2013
Unusual 18th Century Romance with an Irish Heroine
This is part of Harmon’s Heroes of the Sea series (and the first if you’re reading them in chronological order). It begins in Ireland in 1762, but then moves to the British colonies in America (Boston) on the eve of the Revolutionary War in 1775.
It’s the story of Deirdre O’Devir, who as a young girl in Ireland, witnessed an English lieutenant (our hero, Christian Lord) press her brother into service in the British Navy. She vowed she would kill the lieutenant and bring her brother back to Ireland as she swore to her dying mother. Thirteen years later, on her way to Boston to enlist the aid of her cousin who is in the British Navy, she ends up on a ship captained by the same Christian Lord she has vowed to kill.
All that seemed a pretty straight historical setting until I encountered Lord’s crew on the “Hell-Ship.” Captain Lord has been sent out to straighten out a crew right out of McHale’s Navy, who are committed to driving all their captains mad. Among others, there’s a Scot who wears a kilt and plays the bagpipes, and a young woman from Boston, who is hidden away by his men and aspires to be a French whore. She calls herself Delight Foley (as in delight-fully) and her one goal in life is to become the woman of the “Irish Pirate.” In the meantime, she is servicing all the crew. There’s also a marine guard who habitually sleeps at his post, and a spaniel who is having puppies in the captain’s cabin. Not your average British Naval warship and not your classic historical romance.
With all that, there is some great action with a battle at sea. Eventually the story settles into a very well written historical romance that gives us a glimpse of the early days of the Revolutionary War in America with the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Minutemen. Throughout the story we experience the heroine’s love for her native Ireland. A multifaceted, worthy tale with a bit of fancy.
Heroes of the Sea series:
Captain of My Heart (1992)
Master of My Dreams (1993)
My Lady Pirate (1994)
Taken By Storm (1995)
Wicked at Heart (1996)
This is part of Harmon’s Heroes of the Sea series (and the first if you’re reading them in chronological order). It begins in Ireland in 1762, but then moves to the British colonies in America (Boston) on the eve of the Revolutionary War in 1775.
It’s the story of Deirdre O’Devir, who as a young girl in Ireland, witnessed an English lieutenant (our hero, Christian Lord) press her brother into service in the British Navy. She vowed she would kill the lieutenant and bring her brother back to Ireland as she swore to her dying mother. Thirteen years later, on her way to Boston to enlist the aid of her cousin who is in the British Navy, she ends up on a ship captained by the same Christian Lord she has vowed to kill.
All that seemed a pretty straight historical setting until I encountered Lord’s crew on the “Hell-Ship.” Captain Lord has been sent out to straighten out a crew right out of McHale’s Navy, who are committed to driving all their captains mad. Among others, there’s a Scot who wears a kilt and plays the bagpipes, and a young woman from Boston, who is hidden away by his men and aspires to be a French whore. She calls herself Delight Foley (as in delight-fully) and her one goal in life is to become the woman of the “Irish Pirate.” In the meantime, she is servicing all the crew. There’s also a marine guard who habitually sleeps at his post, and a spaniel who is having puppies in the captain’s cabin. Not your average British Naval warship and not your classic historical romance.
With all that, there is some great action with a battle at sea. Eventually the story settles into a very well written historical romance that gives us a glimpse of the early days of the Revolutionary War in America with the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Minutemen. Throughout the story we experience the heroine’s love for her native Ireland. A multifaceted, worthy tale with a bit of fancy.
Heroes of the Sea series:
Captain of My Heart (1992)
Master of My Dreams (1993)
My Lady Pirate (1994)
Taken By Storm (1995)
Wicked at Heart (1996)
March 14, 2023
I wasn't too sure about this book at first. Deirdre was out for revenge and yet all her attempts were pathetic. I would have liked to see real anger in her for what happened, instead, we got words with no actions to back them up. We saw her motivations and yet it never felt like there was any real emotion behind it, especially given how fast she gave up on her plan.
Despite this, I still enjoyed this read quite a bit. Although I found that to be annoying, as the story developed, I caught myself warming up to it more. I really liked the way we got to see things from the Bold Marauder Crew's POV and that the story wasn't fully centred around the romance but rather whipping those sailors into shape. It definitely added some charm to an otherwise everyday story.
On the whole, I enjoyed this read but cannot see myself exploring the rest of the series.
Despite this, I still enjoyed this read quite a bit. Although I found that to be annoying, as the story developed, I caught myself warming up to it more. I really liked the way we got to see things from the Bold Marauder Crew's POV and that the story wasn't fully centred around the romance but rather whipping those sailors into shape. It definitely added some charm to an otherwise everyday story.
On the whole, I enjoyed this read but cannot see myself exploring the rest of the series.
December 20, 2020
Mistress💃💋 of His Heart💘
ADULT Historical Revolutionary War Era Romance💕 and Epic Sea Adventure⛵🔪💣💥.
1762 Ireland
This absolutely wonderful epic adventure begins in rural Ireland🍀, where seven year old Deirdre, sees Roddy, her older brother, gang pressed into the Royal British Navy. His captor is Lieutenant Christian Lord,🐺🔪 a man just doing his duty. Deirdre💃💋 vows to find her brother and kill Lieutenant Lord🐺🔪.
1775.
After her mother dies, Deirdre💃💋 sets out to accomplish her two goals....Christian🐺🔪 is now a ship Captain, and captain of the HMS Bold Marauder⛵💣....
Wow! What an epic tale of the sea, duty, and finally, true 💘love.
The author is quite knowledgeable about how the old ships⛵ were rigged and sailed, which really added to the authenticity of the tale. Recommend for all lovers of Historical Romance!
ADULT Historical Revolutionary War Era Romance💕 and Epic Sea Adventure⛵🔪💣💥.
1762 Ireland
This absolutely wonderful epic adventure begins in rural Ireland🍀, where seven year old Deirdre, sees Roddy, her older brother, gang pressed into the Royal British Navy. His captor is Lieutenant Christian Lord,🐺🔪 a man just doing his duty. Deirdre💃💋 vows to find her brother and kill Lieutenant Lord🐺🔪.
1775.
After her mother dies, Deirdre💃💋 sets out to accomplish her two goals....Christian🐺🔪 is now a ship Captain, and captain of the HMS Bold Marauder⛵💣....
Wow! What an epic tale of the sea, duty, and finally, true 💘love.
The author is quite knowledgeable about how the old ships⛵ were rigged and sailed, which really added to the authenticity of the tale. Recommend for all lovers of Historical Romance!
August 17, 2018
This was the first book I have read by this author, but will not be the last. Story was so good I did not want to put it down. Set just before the American Revolution, it contained shipboard romance, pirates, and ship battles, as well as the unrest and skirmishes around Boston right after the Boston Tea Party. Gives another insight into the thoughts and feelings of both revolutionists and the British solders sent to Boston.
February 12, 2024
Update: I felt guilty about giving such a low rating to a book I didn’t finish, so I finished it. I raised my rating to 2 stars as the last half of the book was marginally more interesting than the first half, although equally silly.
Original review:
***spoilers***
1.5 stars, the half star awarded because random paragraphs here and there are nicely written. But those paragraphs are surrounded by the cheesiest, most painfully melodramatic cartoon characters and storyline imaginable. The female main character is some kind of crazy, vowing to kill the captain then climbing into bed with him then accusing him of molesting her then jeering him for impotence. The male main character is some kind of crazy, vowing eternal love to his dead, cheating wife who blamed him for her cheating right before dying in a fire started by her lover. The crew of the ship are shoplifted from “To Sir With Love,” complete with sophomoric rebellion.
I quit at the 50% mark, after the female main character dug a musket ball out of the captain’s shoulder with her fingers, infection be damned, after the surgeon failed while digging around with a knife while the captain had a lucid conversation with the heroine while biting down on a piece of leather while she clutched his fingers while…you get the picture.
Original review:
***spoilers***
1.5 stars, the half star awarded because random paragraphs here and there are nicely written. But those paragraphs are surrounded by the cheesiest, most painfully melodramatic cartoon characters and storyline imaginable. The female main character is some kind of crazy, vowing to kill the captain then climbing into bed with him then accusing him of molesting her then jeering him for impotence. The male main character is some kind of crazy, vowing eternal love to his dead, cheating wife who blamed him for her cheating right before dying in a fire started by her lover. The crew of the ship are shoplifted from “To Sir With Love,” complete with sophomoric rebellion.
I quit at the 50% mark, after the female main character dug a musket ball out of the captain’s shoulder with her fingers, infection be damned, after the surgeon failed while digging around with a knife while the captain had a lucid conversation with the heroine while biting down on a piece of leather while she clutched his fingers while…you get the picture.
October 16, 2020
My new favorite author is Danelle Harmon.I don’t no why I never have read her books before but her writing is amazing that’s for sure.Love love this books of hers 😂
February 7, 2024
I had to skim to the end. It just kept going on and on and I'm done with it.
February 17, 2024
i read this for the cover
January 10, 2013
This is now I believe the seventh book I read from this author in one year. That is very rare for me. The main reason for that is because the books from the same author are usually years apart. With the self-publishing and republishing, authors like Ms. Harmon are giving their earlier works a second life and in the process finding new fans, like myself. Before last year, I am sorry to say, I never heard of her. Thanks to Christine, she was the one to introduce her work to me; I am now anxiously awaiting each one of Ms. Harmon's books and looking forward to the new ones she'll be gifting her new and old fans with.
The above blurb is the perfect summary and a perfect hook for all the romance lovers out there.
The first time we meet the heroine, Deirdre O'Devir, she's just a little girl full of mischief and very feisty; loving and daring; strong and fearful yet fearless. Even after a decade passes and Deirdre is on her own embarking on a voyage to fulfill her mother's last request, we can see that she's still one strong female. Despite the loneliness and longing for her beloved land, this now young woman is still fearful, yet fearless at the same time. I thought it a stroke of genius for Deirdre to have her canvas bag filled with her mementos from Ireland.
Christian Lord was such a great hero. From the moment we lay our eyes on this young Lieutenant, we're hooked because ...I appreciate you jumping over to RCJR eZine to finish reading the rest of my review....
http://rcjrezine.com/?page_id=20&...
Melanie for Romantic Crush Junkies Reviews eZine.
ARC provided by the author.
The above blurb is the perfect summary and a perfect hook for all the romance lovers out there.
The first time we meet the heroine, Deirdre O'Devir, she's just a little girl full of mischief and very feisty; loving and daring; strong and fearful yet fearless. Even after a decade passes and Deirdre is on her own embarking on a voyage to fulfill her mother's last request, we can see that she's still one strong female. Despite the loneliness and longing for her beloved land, this now young woman is still fearful, yet fearless at the same time. I thought it a stroke of genius for Deirdre to have her canvas bag filled with her mementos from Ireland.
Christian Lord was such a great hero. From the moment we lay our eyes on this young Lieutenant, we're hooked because ...I appreciate you jumping over to RCJR eZine to finish reading the rest of my review....
http://rcjrezine.com/?page_id=20&...
Melanie for Romantic Crush Junkies Reviews eZine.
ARC provided by the author.
June 1, 2014
This is the first book for me by this author. I found the characters endearing and liked them very much also the secondary characters were great also. I found Ms. Harmon's style for writing exactly what I look for in a romance, strong characters, believable story, great and sizzling passion. She writes her characters with emotional dimensions that at times makes you feel you are there in the room with them.
The premise of the story is set in England, 1775: When nobly-born Captain Christian Lord is given command of the Royal Navy frigate HMS Bold Marauder, the disciplined and highly-esteemed English officer never dreams that a crew on the brink of mutiny will be the least of his troubles as he heads to Boston to subdue pirates and rebels. Haunted by nightmares and a tragic past, Christian is loyal to King and Country . . . never imagining that his gravest danger could come in the form of a beautiful stowaway who secretly plots his destruction. For also onboard is sensuous Irishwoman Deirdre O’ Devir . . . determined to avenge her brother’s forced enlistment into the Royal Navy, and now, as near as a whisper to the blackguard responsible. But the best laid plans go awry, and when Deirdre realizes that behind Christian’s haughty, aloof façade beats a tender heart, she finds herself falling in love with her handsome enemy.
This is a tender, emotional, and unforgettable tale of love and passion. I highly recommend this book for a good read.
The premise of the story is set in England, 1775: When nobly-born Captain Christian Lord is given command of the Royal Navy frigate HMS Bold Marauder, the disciplined and highly-esteemed English officer never dreams that a crew on the brink of mutiny will be the least of his troubles as he heads to Boston to subdue pirates and rebels. Haunted by nightmares and a tragic past, Christian is loyal to King and Country . . . never imagining that his gravest danger could come in the form of a beautiful stowaway who secretly plots his destruction. For also onboard is sensuous Irishwoman Deirdre O’ Devir . . . determined to avenge her brother’s forced enlistment into the Royal Navy, and now, as near as a whisper to the blackguard responsible. But the best laid plans go awry, and when Deirdre realizes that behind Christian’s haughty, aloof façade beats a tender heart, she finds herself falling in love with her handsome enemy.
This is a tender, emotional, and unforgettable tale of love and passion. I highly recommend this book for a good read.
January 7, 2013
I fell in love with the first book I read by this author and knew I had to have them all. I have yet to be disappointed or left unsatisfied by any of them. This book comes full circle. I was brought to tears, I laughed out loud, and had a jaw dropping moment. I will not ruin the book for anyone with details but no this it is a wonderful historical romance about English, Irish, and American History. It is also very well written with excellent descriptions and characters. I absolutely love this author's work and am really looking forward to her next book.
January 20, 2013
A wonderful pre Revolutionary story. No one does it better than Danelle Harmon. I love how the hero is so stern and hard, yet so tender with the puppies and eventually his lady love. I am a sucker for a tortured hero and this book is an excellent example of one. Although I did guess who the Irish Pirate was, I enjoyed how the story was concluded. All in all another terrific read from Ma Harmon!
August 17, 2017
This author is excellent at setting a scene. She obviously does her research, but avoids the dreaded info-dump, instead weaving the historical details into the background of the story. I liked both of the main characters, and there were a lot of good secondary characters as well.
I also did not see that plot twist coming, which doesn't happen all that often!
I also did not see that plot twist coming, which doesn't happen all that often!
May 14, 2020
Confusing Heroine
The heroine waffled back and forth so much it was absolutely maddening. She had run of the ship and so very many opportunities to carry out her oath of revenge yet each and every attempt was half-hearted at best. She was supposed to be seething with anger, but nothing about her character or motivation rang true.
The heroine waffled back and forth so much it was absolutely maddening. She had run of the ship and so very many opportunities to carry out her oath of revenge yet each and every attempt was half-hearted at best. She was supposed to be seething with anger, but nothing about her character or motivation rang true.
February 7, 2013
I love this book! It has all the combination of fun, drama and romance!
July 23, 2013
Oh, this is a VERY good series!
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February 4, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/18/2020)! 🎁
October 8, 2023
WHOLESOME!
May contain tiny spoilers. Proceed with caution!
I ADORED BOTH MCs! DEIDRE WAS A SENTIMENTAL INNOCENT WHILST OUR CAPTAIN WAS A STRAITLACED, DISCIPLINED MILITARY MAN TORMENTED BY THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE.
CHRISTIAN was a man to be respected. I absolutely liked what he represented - discipline, honor and compassion. Despite his kind heart, his unfailing loyalty to crown and duty ruined his marriage when his wife took a lover in his absence and later died in a fire. Wrecked by guilt, Christian has been punishing himself over her death for 5 long years, which causes him to be somehow...impotent. Well, he can't get it up long enough to do anything else. 😅😅
I'm used to reading about pirates or captains who are feared, ruthless and a bit promiscuous, so it's refreshing to read one who is all about upholding England's reputation. He was stuffy but patriotic. Christian first met Deidre when she was a little girl, and sort of charmed her, until she realized he was there to gang press bodily abled young Irishmen to fight England's war with France. 13 years later, they meet again when she boards his ship disguised as a lad.
The story was filled with humor, camaraderie and a motley crew who gave it their best shot to traumatize and antagonize Christian into giving up on taming them - the whole reason why he was assigned as their new Captain. It was entertaining to see how the uncouth crew was slowly won over by their no nonsense Captain, who believed in fairness and ruling with a firm yet gentle hand.
DEIDRE was endearing. A young, impulsive creature who ventured from home to avenge her family, and find her lost brother, only to fall in love with her enemy. I must say her attraction to Christian wasn't riddled with much animosity or angst. It didn't take her long to like him, especially when she witnesses his nightmares. How could she hate a tortured man who dotes on his pregnant dog, wasn't an ass and made firm decisions and sound punishments befitting the crime, not to mention tolerated the two women who crept onto Her Majesty's ship, when they should have been thrown into jail? I say Christian was a very patient man, because he took everything that was thrown his way without staggering. Deidre may be clumsy and silly or immature at times, betraying her sheltered youth and upbringing, but she was loyal, honest and loved without reservations.
OVERALL this was a wonderfully pleasant love story. I'm head over heels for Christian who is absolutely just my type - a clearly reliable man. I haven't had much luck with Danelle Harmon's books, but I think this was one of the better stories she'd ever written that I have enjoyed.
May contain tiny spoilers. Proceed with caution!
I ADORED BOTH MCs! DEIDRE WAS A SENTIMENTAL INNOCENT WHILST OUR CAPTAIN WAS A STRAITLACED, DISCIPLINED MILITARY MAN TORMENTED BY THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE.
CHRISTIAN was a man to be respected. I absolutely liked what he represented - discipline, honor and compassion. Despite his kind heart, his unfailing loyalty to crown and duty ruined his marriage when his wife took a lover in his absence and later died in a fire. Wrecked by guilt, Christian has been punishing himself over her death for 5 long years, which causes him to be somehow...impotent. Well, he can't get it up long enough to do anything else. 😅😅
I'm used to reading about pirates or captains who are feared, ruthless and a bit promiscuous, so it's refreshing to read one who is all about upholding England's reputation. He was stuffy but patriotic. Christian first met Deidre when she was a little girl, and sort of charmed her, until she realized he was there to gang press bodily abled young Irishmen to fight England's war with France. 13 years later, they meet again when she boards his ship disguised as a lad.
The story was filled with humor, camaraderie and a motley crew who gave it their best shot to traumatize and antagonize Christian into giving up on taming them - the whole reason why he was assigned as their new Captain. It was entertaining to see how the uncouth crew was slowly won over by their no nonsense Captain, who believed in fairness and ruling with a firm yet gentle hand.
DEIDRE was endearing. A young, impulsive creature who ventured from home to avenge her family, and find her lost brother, only to fall in love with her enemy. I must say her attraction to Christian wasn't riddled with much animosity or angst. It didn't take her long to like him, especially when she witnesses his nightmares. How could she hate a tortured man who dotes on his pregnant dog, wasn't an ass and made firm decisions and sound punishments befitting the crime, not to mention tolerated the two women who crept onto Her Majesty's ship, when they should have been thrown into jail? I say Christian was a very patient man, because he took everything that was thrown his way without staggering. Deidre may be clumsy and silly or immature at times, betraying her sheltered youth and upbringing, but she was loyal, honest and loved without reservations.
OVERALL this was a wonderfully pleasant love story. I'm head over heels for Christian who is absolutely just my type - a clearly reliable man. I haven't had much luck with Danelle Harmon's books, but I think this was one of the better stories she'd ever written that I have enjoyed.
April 28, 2020
Exceptional writing! Amazing imagery and great story
I loved the realism conveyed through the details. The reader can immerse in the story and smell the ocean air, feel the tacky salt-limned rails, hear the endless dripping of sea spray, and taste the malodorous sailors’ breath as they peer into the protagonist’s face.
The heroine is spunky, curious, naive, loyal and stubborn. The hero is wonderfully complex as he overcomes the loathing of his new crew and the heartbreak of his past failures.
There are only a few complaints about the story. First, the fight at the beginning that results in a near whipping was confusing for its lack of motivation. Why do the men turn against the new recruit? The collision of ships also seems too easily remedied. Toward the end, when the protagonist falls into the cliched misunderstanding that separates the lovers, why does she assume the worst and leave her man injured on the ground? This does not fit her character at all. Other than these details, the story is fantastic.
The sex scenes are very graphic, though, but also very sensual. The HEA is finely rendered and quite satisfying. I would recommend this book to adult romance readers who enjoy the language of classic literature and a longer story with steamy parts mixed in.
I loved the realism conveyed through the details. The reader can immerse in the story and smell the ocean air, feel the tacky salt-limned rails, hear the endless dripping of sea spray, and taste the malodorous sailors’ breath as they peer into the protagonist’s face.
The heroine is spunky, curious, naive, loyal and stubborn. The hero is wonderfully complex as he overcomes the loathing of his new crew and the heartbreak of his past failures.
There are only a few complaints about the story. First, the fight at the beginning that results in a near whipping was confusing for its lack of motivation. Why do the men turn against the new recruit? The collision of ships also seems too easily remedied. Toward the end, when the protagonist falls into the cliched misunderstanding that separates the lovers, why does she assume the worst and leave her man injured on the ground? This does not fit her character at all. Other than these details, the story is fantastic.
The sex scenes are very graphic, though, but also very sensual. The HEA is finely rendered and quite satisfying. I would recommend this book to adult romance readers who enjoy the language of classic literature and a longer story with steamy parts mixed in.
May 12, 2020
This may be my favourite Danelle Harmon book. Master of My Dreams has it all—humour, drama, romance, and a tad bit of history. The story revolves around the opening days of the American Revolution and a young Irish woman, Deirdre, and a Royal Navy sea captain, Christian.
Deirdre’s murder attempts are priceless. The crew’s sabotage of the ship and Harmon’s descriptions of it, darkly funny.
Harmon’s description of the British troops marching through Menotomy is full of sound, horror, and earth shaking movement. I found it well done. It gave the day the gravity history required of it. In fact, history, and the sides it makes the main characters chose, is the villain of the novel.
It is a book I would recommend to anyone looking for a well-written regency romance.
Deirdre’s murder attempts are priceless. The crew’s sabotage of the ship and Harmon’s descriptions of it, darkly funny.
Harmon’s description of the British troops marching through Menotomy is full of sound, horror, and earth shaking movement. I found it well done. It gave the day the gravity history required of it. In fact, history, and the sides it makes the main characters chose, is the villain of the novel.
It is a book I would recommend to anyone looking for a well-written regency romance.
December 28, 2020
An English captain and an Irish stowaway lass
Christian Lord is haunted by his wife’s death five years before. Diedre O’Devir is driven by hatred of the English lieutenant Lord who impressed her brother Roddy 13 years ago. Two strong, wounded people come together when Dierdre stows away aboard Christian’s ship of miscreant misfits, and is discovered by him. Their love story, set at the beginning of the American revolution is gripping, touching and exciting. The insights into the real events of history struck a qualm into my heart, here on the eve of such divisiveness in our own times. There are good people on both sides, and I pray for a HEA for us all, as that achieved by Christian and Diedre.
Christian Lord is haunted by his wife’s death five years before. Diedre O’Devir is driven by hatred of the English lieutenant Lord who impressed her brother Roddy 13 years ago. Two strong, wounded people come together when Dierdre stows away aboard Christian’s ship of miscreant misfits, and is discovered by him. Their love story, set at the beginning of the American revolution is gripping, touching and exciting. The insights into the real events of history struck a qualm into my heart, here on the eve of such divisiveness in our own times. There are good people on both sides, and I pray for a HEA for us all, as that achieved by Christian and Diedre.
February 13, 2024
warning - lost sleep ahead
Pushed through in 2 days, by sacrificing sleep and perhaps good sense, but oh what a story!
Christian & Deidre are both great characters that are well developed, and you want their HEA. The crew of the Marauder ship is a bonus: a truly colorful lot that come alive on the pages.
Loved it!
Sex & Plot - there’s some sex and it’s explicit, but easy enough to flip past, if you’ve no interest. If you have an interest and I rarely do, but sheesh she writes good scenes, though didn’t read all. The book isn’t just one sex scene after another like some authors - those books bore me to tears and I don’t bother with them these days.
There’s actually a well developed plot - Ms Harmon can write! :)
Pushed through in 2 days, by sacrificing sleep and perhaps good sense, but oh what a story!
Christian & Deidre are both great characters that are well developed, and you want their HEA. The crew of the Marauder ship is a bonus: a truly colorful lot that come alive on the pages.
Loved it!
Sex & Plot - there’s some sex and it’s explicit, but easy enough to flip past, if you’ve no interest. If you have an interest and I rarely do, but sheesh she writes good scenes, though didn’t read all. The book isn’t just one sex scene after another like some authors - those books bore me to tears and I don’t bother with them these days.
There’s actually a well developed plot - Ms Harmon can write! :)
November 13, 2021
This is my first novel from this author which I was really excited to discover, but unfortunately this book was such a disappointing read for me.
I started off loving it! The prologue was superb, and the first few chapters were great. I loved the whole plot and the characters, but it started going down hill slowly.
The character's, one by one started getting on my nerves, then by the time I reached the middle of the book, I really wanted to put it down and not pick it back up. Don't get me wrong, I did like this book, but for some reason I felt as though from the middle point onwards just dragged on and on.
2.5 Stars from me.
I started off loving it! The prologue was superb, and the first few chapters were great. I loved the whole plot and the characters, but it started going down hill slowly.
The character's, one by one started getting on my nerves, then by the time I reached the middle of the book, I really wanted to put it down and not pick it back up. Don't get me wrong, I did like this book, but for some reason I felt as though from the middle point onwards just dragged on and on.
2.5 Stars from me.
August 18, 2022
3.5, maybe 4 stars.
I made the mistake of reading this book at the same time as “the other miss Bridgerton”, and the parallels in tropes & theme are the get together really took away from the experience of each for me.
I really enjoyed the characters, and normally love a good regency era sailor plot. The nuance of the beginning meeting and later in life reconnecting is a theme I love, and was well done here, though is did make me do some mangel math on the main characters likely age gap 👀
In general, interesting story, good chemistry, and charming characters and secondary.
Not the kind of book that will linger with me, but enjoyed it nonetheless.
I made the mistake of reading this book at the same time as “the other miss Bridgerton”, and the parallels in tropes & theme are the get together really took away from the experience of each for me.
I really enjoyed the characters, and normally love a good regency era sailor plot. The nuance of the beginning meeting and later in life reconnecting is a theme I love, and was well done here, though is did make me do some mangel math on the main characters likely age gap 👀
In general, interesting story, good chemistry, and charming characters and secondary.
Not the kind of book that will linger with me, but enjoyed it nonetheless.
August 19, 2020
I should've known with the headless, beefy chest on the cover that this was a story that included pages of graphic sex descriptions. Which I could, fortunately, skip ahead. The base story is good and I learned a lot of ship's terms. I appreciated the research that led to historically accurate place and people names and willingly overlooked the "impossible" events that transpired to advance the story. Very good descriptions made the scenes easily relatable. I won't be pursuing this series further.
February 17, 2017
Should be a romance between the green and the captain
I've really enjoyed previous works from this author but this one left me skipping from chapter 22 to the last chapter in the book. I found dear Dre kind of annoying in the captain irritating. I actually wanted to find out more about the crew than the actual romance in the book. I would recommend this book to others. Just because I didn't like it doesn't mean you won't like it .just wasn't my favorite
I've really enjoyed previous works from this author but this one left me skipping from chapter 22 to the last chapter in the book. I found dear Dre kind of annoying in the captain irritating. I actually wanted to find out more about the crew than the actual romance in the book. I would recommend this book to others. Just because I didn't like it doesn't mean you won't like it .just wasn't my favorite
April 24, 2020
A marvelous historical romantic adventure.
Reading historical sea adventures helped me to decide to join the Navy in 1951. I am a proud navel veteran from the Korean War. This book was a pure pleasure to read. The characters delightful and heroic. My grandmother was Irish so I felt a strong affection for her and a good feeling for him. Altogether a wonderful book. Thank you, Jack.
Reading historical sea adventures helped me to decide to join the Navy in 1951. I am a proud navel veteran from the Korean War. This book was a pure pleasure to read. The characters delightful and heroic. My grandmother was Irish so I felt a strong affection for her and a good feeling for him. Altogether a wonderful book. Thank you, Jack.
February 9, 2024
Deirdre is on a quest to find her brother and to kill Christian, the man who impressed him into the Navy 13 years ago. She found a ship heading to America where her Cousin is stationed knowing that he will help her find her brother. The ship that she wants to sign onto dressed as a boy turns out to be Christian’s new post. She recognizes him and tries to kill him. It is a delightful story with lots of danger and misunderstandings. I enjoyed it.
June 22, 2020
Master of my dreams
This book is a very different take on Pirates, basically covering only one. Roddy is taken from Ireland to work on an English ship. The Englishman responsible for taking him is kind to his baby sister, though both hate and resent him. Deidre insects throwing away on Christians ship and the story is about how they come together and forgive
This book is a very different take on Pirates, basically covering only one. Roddy is taken from Ireland to work on an English ship. The Englishman responsible for taking him is kind to his baby sister, though both hate and resent him. Deidre insects throwing away on Christians ship and the story is about how they come together and forgive
July 31, 2022
Nice surprise
I read the de Monteforte series first and was surprised to find this story about Nerissa's husband's family. We barely got to know Captain Lord and his wife in that series, and there was not a hint at what a character the wife was. This story is all about that. The ship that brought them together was an enjoyable character in itself.
I read the de Monteforte series first and was surprised to find this story about Nerissa's husband's family. We barely got to know Captain Lord and his wife in that series, and there was not a hint at what a character the wife was. This story is all about that. The ship that brought them together was an enjoyable character in itself.
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