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Heroes of the Sea #4
Taken by Storm
Ex-naval captain Colin Lord has had his fill of hot-headed adventure. Now, he wants nothing more than to put his tragic past behind him and pursue his career as a London veterinarian.
Heiress Lady Ariadne St. Aubyn is on the run. She wants nothing more than to get the last of a rare breed of racehorse safely away from her wastrel brother, before he and every reward hunter in England can catch her.
But when the fiery noblewoman kidnaps the dashing veterinarian to oversee the health of her equally temperamental stallion, both Colin and Ariadne find themselves caught up in a wild chase across Regency England in which love, passion—and the Fastest Horse in the World—are all part of the stakes.
Heiress Lady Ariadne St. Aubyn is on the run. She wants nothing more than to get the last of a rare breed of racehorse safely away from her wastrel brother, before he and every reward hunter in England can catch her.
But when the fiery noblewoman kidnaps the dashing veterinarian to oversee the health of her equally temperamental stallion, both Colin and Ariadne find themselves caught up in a wild chase across Regency England in which love, passion—and the Fastest Horse in the World—are all part of the stakes.
348 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1995
233 people are currently reading
262 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 32 reviews
December 16, 2009
This is probably more of a 3.5/5.0, but I rounded up to a 4/5. I liked that the hero was a veterinarian, and he was a really sweet guy. You may not like the hoydenish heroine, but she really did have her reasons for running around in pants: She was trying to protect her horse from her brother's machinations, so she stole him and ran off with him, dressed as a boy. I liked Ariadne, and I felt that her actions were justified, even though she was going against social mores and codes for that time. She was between a rock and a hard place, and her brother was a lowlife. Good thing she encountered Colin, who protected her when she intervened when a jerk was beating a cart-horse to death.
I think my bar was set high because the first book I read by Ms. Harmon was The Wicked One, which I adored, so that's why I couldn't rate this one as high. However, this is a nice, enjoyable read, with a hero who is a working man--a veterinarian. He walks with a limp from an old war injury, and carries some emotional baggage from what he saw during the Napoleonic wars (another point in this book's favor). Yet, he is a very good man that I definitely fell for as a hero. Back in those days, veterinarians didn't have much social caliber (not that this has changed much), but they were very important due to the livestock industry, and the fact that people used animals as transportation. Veterinarians probably did a better job than human doctors at treating illnesses and diseases, because the educational process was better for animal medicine. When I read this, I was impressed, because you could tell that Ms. Harmon did research the horse-breeding and veterinary medicine archives for this period. Kudos to her. Pretty solid read, and worth your time, especially if you have an interest in animals, and beta heroes, for that matter.
I think my bar was set high because the first book I read by Ms. Harmon was The Wicked One, which I adored, so that's why I couldn't rate this one as high. However, this is a nice, enjoyable read, with a hero who is a working man--a veterinarian. He walks with a limp from an old war injury, and carries some emotional baggage from what he saw during the Napoleonic wars (another point in this book's favor). Yet, he is a very good man that I definitely fell for as a hero. Back in those days, veterinarians didn't have much social caliber (not that this has changed much), but they were very important due to the livestock industry, and the fact that people used animals as transportation. Veterinarians probably did a better job than human doctors at treating illnesses and diseases, because the educational process was better for animal medicine. When I read this, I was impressed, because you could tell that Ms. Harmon did research the horse-breeding and veterinary medicine archives for this period. Kudos to her. Pretty solid read, and worth your time, especially if you have an interest in animals, and beta heroes, for that matter.
October 26, 2020
Ok here it comes.I’m not giving this book les then three stars because of the very good writing by this talented author.The love story and plot was ok BUT:I don’t like what became of Captain Colin Lord.I mean come’n he’s the freakin son of Christian and Deirdre Lord! Are his parents that evil to him wtf? And then this all horse stuff please don’t get me wrong I love animals in books but that was really tooooooo much horse.Thats why I didn’t like this book as much the others.Ok next please
June 5, 2013
This story is a revision of the paperback version and the author herself had said that she had "extensively revised" it from the original. As I never read the earlier version, I can only comment on this one, and in my opinion, this is such a heartwarming, sweet and utterly cute romance story.
It truly melted my heart. Our hero Colin is such a mix of Alpha & Beta hero that comes of so human and likable that I just wanted to hug the guy!
Ariadne was a perfect little minx for him and someone with an enthusiastic, flirty and charming nature like hers was the only one that could draw him out of his suppressed state.
Their little adventure is a mix of expected to the unexpected [and no, I'm not going to tell you what that is!].
The author's knowledge of horses is clear and she makes even someone like me that knows nothing of horses, wishing to learn more of those scary beasts!
This is a lighthearted, fun and entertaining book, yet sensual as well. I loved the adventure, suspense and despite its predictability, it had some surprises and I loved the suspense built with it [not going to tell you that either!].
This should be a fun, fast-paced and steamy summer read and I highly recommend it to all, but animal lovers especially!
Book provided by the author
Melanie for b2b
It truly melted my heart. Our hero Colin is such a mix of Alpha & Beta hero that comes of so human and likable that I just wanted to hug the guy!
Ariadne was a perfect little minx for him and someone with an enthusiastic, flirty and charming nature like hers was the only one that could draw him out of his suppressed state.
Their little adventure is a mix of expected to the unexpected [and no, I'm not going to tell you what that is!].
The author's knowledge of horses is clear and she makes even someone like me that knows nothing of horses, wishing to learn more of those scary beasts!
This is a lighthearted, fun and entertaining book, yet sensual as well. I loved the adventure, suspense and despite its predictability, it had some surprises and I loved the suspense built with it [not going to tell you that either!].
This should be a fun, fast-paced and steamy summer read and I highly recommend it to all, but animal lovers especially!
Book provided by the author
Melanie for b2b
July 23, 2020
This is a regency book that you will like. It has a love story, drama and action. When veterinarian, Colin Lord agrees to accompany Heiress Lady Ariadne to help her get her rare breed of racehorse to safety he has no idea what he’s in for. Animals are drawn to Colin as is Lady Ariadne and the feeling is mutual. It’s a well written book that didn’t need the sex scenes to make it a page turner.
March 16, 2021
Sweet story
This is a sweet story. It didn't have much action as books 1-3, however, I still enjoyed it very much. The main Character, Colin Lord, is the son of the main characters of book one. I do wish there was a chapter to explain what took place with everyone immediately after the "race" (readers will understand what I mean when they read it.) The Epilogue explained what happened sometime in the future which was great. I highly recommend this book.
This is a sweet story. It didn't have much action as books 1-3, however, I still enjoyed it very much. The main Character, Colin Lord, is the son of the main characters of book one. I do wish there was a chapter to explain what took place with everyone immediately after the "race" (readers will understand what I mean when they read it.) The Epilogue explained what happened sometime in the future which was great. I highly recommend this book.
February 21, 2024
a page turner
Impelled to keep turning the pages to read how they’d get out of each predicament. Adriande and Colin are great.
I really liked how Colin’s naval crime was handled, as you could see both angles & understand his choice. Won’t say more than that.
Note - a 4 is a good rating from me these days, as I’m trying to get better about reserving my 5 for the books that excel in their genre.
Impelled to keep turning the pages to read how they’d get out of each predicament. Adriande and Colin are great.
I really liked how Colin’s naval crime was handled, as you could see both angles & understand his choice. Won’t say more than that.
Note - a 4 is a good rating from me these days, as I’m trying to get better about reserving my 5 for the books that excel in their genre.
February 20, 2018
Doctor Lord
Book 4 was great. I loved the 'understanding' of the horses. I loved the romance, the brother. I don't think there was a single loose end. It was a sweet love story. I look forward to more.
Book 4 was great. I loved the 'understanding' of the horses. I loved the romance, the brother. I don't think there was a single loose end. It was a sweet love story. I look forward to more.
June 10, 2021
The book kept me resding,suspense characterization of good and evi
what onderfuldialohue full of humor and fitting for the vharavters. I liked the surprises. tHey kept me reading. Even when the battery was lpw.
what onderfuldialohue full of humor and fitting for the vharavters. I liked the surprises. tHey kept me reading. Even when the battery was lpw.
November 1, 2022
Animal lovers must read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great characters including the animals who had their own personalities. Romantic, intense action, chivalry, evil villain, heroes and heroin. Even the animals were heroic. Definitely a good read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great characters including the animals who had their own personalities. Romantic, intense action, chivalry, evil villain, heroes and heroin. Even the animals were heroic. Definitely a good read.
August 20, 2020
Loved it all of them
July 22, 2021
Did not finish. Colin deserved a better heroine & a better plot. The historical anachronisms were also a distraction and irritation. Done with this author.
October 9, 2021
Lovely story
Lovely to hear more about young Colin Lord and read his story.
Now to find out if Tristan has his own story too!
Lovely to hear more about young Colin Lord and read his story.
Now to find out if Tristan has his own story too!
December 29, 2021
Too much fun...
Loved the detail given to all the characters , human and animal alike. The continuation of the story and its brave Sea Captain from the Pirate Queen was pure bonus.
Loved the detail given to all the characters , human and animal alike. The continuation of the story and its brave Sea Captain from the Pirate Queen was pure bonus.
May 23, 2022
Wonderful story
This book was very captivating. Characters were quite unique and the author used each one exceptionally to tell the story.
This book was very captivating. Characters were quite unique and the author used each one exceptionally to tell the story.
November 15, 2023
Skip half the book.
April 5, 2025
Loved it!
Of all your books, I loved this one. ❤️ It had a little of everything, romance, intrigue, humor, and most importantly, jealous tantrums. Good read. Thank you.
Of all your books, I loved this one. ❤️ It had a little of everything, romance, intrigue, humor, and most importantly, jealous tantrums. Good read. Thank you.
June 7, 2025
interesting turn of events
September 24, 2014
In the previous book, we saw Flag Captain Colin Lord's leg smashed by canon fire in battle. Fast forward several years, and Colin, now disgraced, is a land-bound veterinarian. He's drafted by runaway heiress Ariadne St. Aubyn, who has stolen her prized and much-beloved stallion from her wastrel brother. She needs to get from London to her fiance in Norfolk, and because the stallion is a truly expensive, last-of-his-kind stud, she needs a veterinarian to accompany them to make sure he remains healthy.
For 12,000 pounds (around $500k, modern American dollars), Colin isn't about to refuse the commission, even though he knows something isn't quite right.
With a bounty on Ariadne's head (and that of the stallion) that's only slightly less than the commission, there are plenty of obstacles and detours along the way, and, while the author makes no secret of the twist, it's still a good one.
Once again, my only issue is a certain dissatisfaction with the ending. 3.5 stars.
For 12,000 pounds (around $500k, modern American dollars), Colin isn't about to refuse the commission, even though he knows something isn't quite right.
With a bounty on Ariadne's head (and that of the stallion) that's only slightly less than the commission, there are plenty of obstacles and detours along the way, and, while the author makes no secret of the twist, it's still a good one.
Once again, my only issue is a certain dissatisfaction with the ending. 3.5 stars.
November 8, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Animal Lovers Don't Miss This One.....Magnificent Story!, July 6, 2013
By Barb114 (usa) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Taken By Storm (Kindle Edition)
Wow this book is incredible! Not only will you fall in love with heroine Lady Ariadne an Earl's neglected daughter and hero Collin a former ships Captain now lonely animal veterinarian, but also a few furry creatures by the names of Shareb-er- rehh, Bow, and Thunder. I definitely loved the cast of characters being an animal lover myself, but even if these adorable creatures are not your thing the love story itself is just so wonderful as it has all the elements that gave me goosebumps and had me at the edge of my seat. Ms. Harmon definitely has a way of drawing you in and wanting more. I was so in awe with this book with so much excitement, adventure and mayhem you really didn't know what was going to happen next in this book and I love about a really great story. Without giving away any spoilers I will share one of my partial favorite lines in this book...Little Bow standing on her hind legs to reach up and lick the ugly old nose. Well you will just have to read this magnificent book to find out what that's about..lol. So if you love historical romance and animals you really don't want to miss Taken By Storm as I would give it ten stars if I was allowed...awesome book. It will leave you wanting to read more from this wonderful writer! I know I do.
By Barb114 (usa) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Taken By Storm (Kindle Edition)
Wow this book is incredible! Not only will you fall in love with heroine Lady Ariadne an Earl's neglected daughter and hero Collin a former ships Captain now lonely animal veterinarian, but also a few furry creatures by the names of Shareb-er- rehh, Bow, and Thunder. I definitely loved the cast of characters being an animal lover myself, but even if these adorable creatures are not your thing the love story itself is just so wonderful as it has all the elements that gave me goosebumps and had me at the edge of my seat. Ms. Harmon definitely has a way of drawing you in and wanting more. I was so in awe with this book with so much excitement, adventure and mayhem you really didn't know what was going to happen next in this book and I love about a really great story. Without giving away any spoilers I will share one of my partial favorite lines in this book...Little Bow standing on her hind legs to reach up and lick the ugly old nose. Well you will just have to read this magnificent book to find out what that's about..lol. So if you love historical romance and animals you really don't want to miss Taken By Storm as I would give it ten stars if I was allowed...awesome book. It will leave you wanting to read more from this wonderful writer! I know I do.
March 19, 2015
A Gentle Hero- Colin Lord!
This unlikely story of a sea hero turned veterinarian- turned hero- grabs the reader from the first page. If you have read any of the previous stories featuring the heroic Captain Colin Lord, the reader wants to know what caused his fall from grace. This question follows you throughout the book.
Colin Lord, with his gentle and authoritative manner, has a special way with animals. They trust him. Lady Ariadne St. Aubyn witnesses him saving a dog for a little boy and decides that he is the perfect escort for her and her stallion. She needs to 'escape' with the prize stallion before her brother sells her pet stallion to pay his gambling debts. He needs redemption and a reason to once again believe he is worthwhile to society. They both get what they bargain for and so much more. She agrees to pay the veterinarian to take her across England to where she believes she and her stallion will be safe. But it is that journey that turns her world upside down as Ariadne finds the love of her heart; and by winning Colin's heart, threatens his very hope for any outcome of happiness. And it is this journey that sweeps the reader along on a story unlike many other regency romances.
Danelle Harmon has written another great story- and another amazing hero and heroine will be forever etched in your heart and mind.
This unlikely story of a sea hero turned veterinarian- turned hero- grabs the reader from the first page. If you have read any of the previous stories featuring the heroic Captain Colin Lord, the reader wants to know what caused his fall from grace. This question follows you throughout the book.
Colin Lord, with his gentle and authoritative manner, has a special way with animals. They trust him. Lady Ariadne St. Aubyn witnesses him saving a dog for a little boy and decides that he is the perfect escort for her and her stallion. She needs to 'escape' with the prize stallion before her brother sells her pet stallion to pay his gambling debts. He needs redemption and a reason to once again believe he is worthwhile to society. They both get what they bargain for and so much more. She agrees to pay the veterinarian to take her across England to where she believes she and her stallion will be safe. But it is that journey that turns her world upside down as Ariadne finds the love of her heart; and by winning Colin's heart, threatens his very hope for any outcome of happiness. And it is this journey that sweeps the reader along on a story unlike many other regency romances.
Danelle Harmon has written another great story- and another amazing hero and heroine will be forever etched in your heart and mind.
July 14, 2013
This review is from: Taken By Storm (Kindle Edition)
If you read one of Ms. Harmon's books, you will want to read all of them. She has a way of making her characters come to life on the page, and every page requires that you read on and on....
She really captures her character's personalities, whether it be man, beast, or dog, and some of them are quite hillarious.
There were some parts of the story that were a bit odd, but somehow she made those parts fit and become necessary.
When I read a story, I want to be taken to another time or place, and I don't want it to be all morbid,sexy, and sappy. The conversations between Collin and Ariadyne were lively, and in the conversations was where you really learned the nature of the characters.
He was a brooding veterinarian with a sordid past and she was one spunky, determined girl. Just what he needed.
I love to see injured people take control of their past and move forward in a positive manner. Ms. Harmon is a master at making this happen with her characters.
Well done!
If you read one of Ms. Harmon's books, you will want to read all of them. She has a way of making her characters come to life on the page, and every page requires that you read on and on....
She really captures her character's personalities, whether it be man, beast, or dog, and some of them are quite hillarious.
There were some parts of the story that were a bit odd, but somehow she made those parts fit and become necessary.
When I read a story, I want to be taken to another time or place, and I don't want it to be all morbid,sexy, and sappy. The conversations between Collin and Ariadyne were lively, and in the conversations was where you really learned the nature of the characters.
He was a brooding veterinarian with a sordid past and she was one spunky, determined girl. Just what he needed.
I love to see injured people take control of their past and move forward in a positive manner. Ms. Harmon is a master at making this happen with her characters.
Well done!
August 28, 2013
I have been waiting for Colin's story to be published in kindle format since I finished reading Wicked at heart ( my favorite book by Ms Harmon)
I absolutely loved Colin - he is a wonderful hero. He is kind and generous. He isn't a rake or a "bad boy". He is just a really nice man, who carries a lot of guilt.
Ariadne on the other hand was not my favorite heroine - she was young ( only 19 to Colin's 33) but she was a brat and didn't really change until the last 25% of the book. She redeems herself at the end - but I never really warmed up to her
The villain was perfectly vile - you really love to hate this guy!!!
I am hoping Ms. Harmon will write a book about Ariadne's brother Tristan (hint, hint)
I would definitely recommend this series. Ms. Harmon is a wonderful writer and really draws you into the story!
I absolutely loved Colin - he is a wonderful hero. He is kind and generous. He isn't a rake or a "bad boy". He is just a really nice man, who carries a lot of guilt.
Ariadne on the other hand was not my favorite heroine - she was young ( only 19 to Colin's 33) but she was a brat and didn't really change until the last 25% of the book. She redeems herself at the end - but I never really warmed up to her
The villain was perfectly vile - you really love to hate this guy!!!
I am hoping Ms. Harmon will write a book about Ariadne's brother Tristan (hint, hint)
I would definitely recommend this series. Ms. Harmon is a wonderful writer and really draws you into the story!
December 12, 2013
Colin Lord is a veterinarian with an emotionally unresolved past when Lady Ariadne hires him to care of her horse. She desperately
needs to get it to safety to ensure it can establish a superior lineage - a project her family has worked on for decades. (Author educates
reader on all things equine but in a painless and entertaining way.) There's more going on here but it's Ariadne's youthful curiosity
about the fascinating (& sexy) vet that inevitably stirs their passionate natures. Lord know (Dr. Colin Lord!) he's trying to protect her
virtue but she isn't making things easy for him.
needs to get it to safety to ensure it can establish a superior lineage - a project her family has worked on for decades. (Author educates
reader on all things equine but in a painless and entertaining way.) There's more going on here but it's Ariadne's youthful curiosity
about the fascinating (& sexy) vet that inevitably stirs their passionate natures. Lord know (Dr. Colin Lord!) he's trying to protect her
virtue but she isn't making things easy for him.
July 8, 2016
A SOLID 3.5 STARS.
What's intriguing about this story is the hero's occupation as a vet, because you can hardly find the a hero like that, and from the working class. I enjoyed his character very much and Ariadne was a delightful and sassy heroine who has a way of teasing Colin out of his shell. I think that they both make a very cute couple.
There is attraction and very mild sexual tension but story wise, it isnt that much of a page turner.
What's intriguing about this story is the hero's occupation as a vet, because you can hardly find the a hero like that, and from the working class. I enjoyed his character very much and Ariadne was a delightful and sassy heroine who has a way of teasing Colin out of his shell. I think that they both make a very cute couple.
There is attraction and very mild sexual tension but story wise, it isnt that much of a page turner.
February 17, 2008
Lady Ariadne steals her father's prized racehorse, the last of his breed, from her brother to try to save the species. Along the way, she meets sexy veterinarian Colin Lord.
Kind of weird. Not that great.
Kind of weird. Not that great.
July 26, 2013
I just love this series and was so pleased to see Colin Lord get his own book! The romance was very sweet and these two people were made for each other. On a side note, if you are an animal lover, you will thoroughly enjoy it.
August 26, 2012
A nice rainy day read.
August 14, 2013
By page 73 I still hated the female lead.
February 25, 2014
I truly enjoyed this entire series. fun and witty heroines and gentlemen heros.
March 14, 2015
Great book, by a talented author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews