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The Black Wind
From much-beloved Marsha Canham comes a brand-new, never-before published tale of breath-taking adventure, including treachery, betrayal, exhilarating sea battles and romance.
The year is 1814 and a British fleet is on its way to engage in the final battle to capture New Orleans. Standing in its way is Rose St. Clare, descendant of the infamous Pirate Wolf, and the brilliant, fearless captain of the blockade runner, Cygnet.
Chasing her in his notorious ship, the Black Wind, is Sebastien Fonteyne, the extremely dangerous and successful privateer who reigns over Barataria Bay with Jean Lafitte.
The year is 1814 and a British fleet is on its way to engage in the final battle to capture New Orleans. Standing in its way is Rose St. Clare, descendant of the infamous Pirate Wolf, and the brilliant, fearless captain of the blockade runner, Cygnet.
Chasing her in his notorious ship, the Black Wind, is Sebastien Fonteyne, the extremely dangerous and successful privateer who reigns over Barataria Bay with Jean Lafitte.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
39 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 26, 2025
Marsha Canham is far and away my favourite romance writer. Over the span of 41 years, I’ve devoured all 20 of her historical novels—and loved every single one.
Her heroines are strong and resilient, and her heroes? Absolutely to die for. But what truly sets her apart is the richness of her storytelling. These are not fluffy romances; they have depth, grit, and often a wonderful touch of humour, especially through her well-drawn supporting characters.
The Black Wind is no exception—it continues the fabulous Pirate Wolf saga with all the passion, drama, and adventure fans have come to expect. One of the things I love most about Canham’s work is how she seamlessly weaves real historical figures and events into her fiction. In this book, she brings the Battle of New Orleans to life in such a vivid, engaging way that I couldn’t put it down. I finished the novel feeling not only entertained, but also like I’d learned something new.
My only complaint? I always read her books too fast—and I’m left wishing for more.
There is no other author whose books I’ve reread so many times. They never get old. While I used to own them all in e-reader format (a lifesaver for aging eyes!), some formats are no longer supported—so I couldn’t be more thrilled that her books are being re-released in paperback!
If you’ve never read a Marsha Canham book, do yourself a favour and start now. If you're already a fan, The Black Wind won’t disappoint.
Her heroines are strong and resilient, and her heroes? Absolutely to die for. But what truly sets her apart is the richness of her storytelling. These are not fluffy romances; they have depth, grit, and often a wonderful touch of humour, especially through her well-drawn supporting characters.
The Black Wind is no exception—it continues the fabulous Pirate Wolf saga with all the passion, drama, and adventure fans have come to expect. One of the things I love most about Canham’s work is how she seamlessly weaves real historical figures and events into her fiction. In this book, she brings the Battle of New Orleans to life in such a vivid, engaging way that I couldn’t put it down. I finished the novel feeling not only entertained, but also like I’d learned something new.
My only complaint? I always read her books too fast—and I’m left wishing for more.
There is no other author whose books I’ve reread so many times. They never get old. While I used to own them all in e-reader format (a lifesaver for aging eyes!), some formats are no longer supported—so I couldn’t be more thrilled that her books are being re-released in paperback!
If you’ve never read a Marsha Canham book, do yourself a favour and start now. If you're already a fan, The Black Wind won’t disappoint.
August 24, 2025
The first two books in this series are keepers so I was super excited to read more about the descendants of those MCs. I'm also really grateful that MC is still writing and publishing new books because no one does adventure romance like she does. This one fell kind of flat for me, I felt the romance was buried under the historical details and while I adore an emphasis on the H part of HR I need it to be balanced. there were too many pages of battle planning and minutae that really slowed down the pace and they did so much sailing in circles, it was resembling the plot 😅 As always the research and writing are immaculate, as historical fiction this is probably a 5 star.
TL;DR enjoyed but didn't love, would have liked more character and relationship development and less war planning.
⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥/5
Tropes:
Rivals to Lovers
Second Chance
Only One Berth
TL;DR enjoyed but didn't love, would have liked more character and relationship development and less war planning.
⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥/5
Tropes:
Rivals to Lovers
Second Chance
Only One Berth
July 11, 2025
1814.
Rose St Clare is descended from the glorious Dante-St Clare line of infamous pirates, stretching back to when her ancestors sailed with Sir Francis Drake. She too grew up on the decks of ships, much to her mother's chagrin when it came time to introduce her to society, and five years ago, she took it in her mind that she was ready to become a captain. Now, as the British and Americans fight over the former colonies, Rose is ready to offer her ship, the Cygnet, to the services of Jean Lafitte, pirate kind of Barataria, in the New Orleans Bayou. Lafitte mocks Rose, who in turn decides to steal his flagship, the Pride. An enraged Lafitte sends Captain Sebastien Fonteyne after her, and while Fonteyne is all too willing to bring Rose and the Cygnet to helm, memories of a passionate night from five years ago have never left his memory. As tempers and authority clash, Fonteyne is torn between bringing Rose back to Lafitte and aiding in her wild plan to help the American army defend New Orleans.
Marsha Canham has the perfect balance for me between romance and historical fiction. Set during the lead up to the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815, she uses several historical figures and invented ones to weave a detailed and believable love story on the high seas. Any time I read a book by Canham, I find myself in a deep historical dive afterwards to learn more about the setting, and become immersed in the era. (Plague bonus: she gives General Andrew Jackson dysentery.)
Because life on board a ship exists in the margins of societal manners, Canham has room to play with the cast of characters and crew. While a female captain may be outside of reasonable sensibilities to Jean Lafitte, Rose St Clare commands her decks with the same authority of her many times great grandmother Juliet. Rose and Sebastien have excellent alpha-vs-alpha chemistry, with neither wanting to yield command. It's a fun tension as a reader, because they basically immediately admit that they are attracted, but anything resembling love and an HEA are hard-earned. But while the romance is the primary focus of the novel, the conflict is external from the romance, which makes the relationship portion surprisingly low-angst. I found that this worked really well for Rose and Sebastien.
This is the same sweeping style I've come to love in Canham's writing. And what a treat that we have a brand new book from her in 2025. This is technically the 5th book in the Pirate Wolves series, but it's set 200 years after the events of The Iron Rose, Following Sea, and Far Horizon. There are references to previous books, and a potential spoiler for Far Horizon, but you do not need to read the first four in order to enjoy The Black Wind. This is perfect for readers who love a healthy dose of history and adventure (and maybe some detailed descriptions of ships), alongside their feisty heroines and brooding heroes.
Rose St Clare is descended from the glorious Dante-St Clare line of infamous pirates, stretching back to when her ancestors sailed with Sir Francis Drake. She too grew up on the decks of ships, much to her mother's chagrin when it came time to introduce her to society, and five years ago, she took it in her mind that she was ready to become a captain. Now, as the British and Americans fight over the former colonies, Rose is ready to offer her ship, the Cygnet, to the services of Jean Lafitte, pirate kind of Barataria, in the New Orleans Bayou. Lafitte mocks Rose, who in turn decides to steal his flagship, the Pride. An enraged Lafitte sends Captain Sebastien Fonteyne after her, and while Fonteyne is all too willing to bring Rose and the Cygnet to helm, memories of a passionate night from five years ago have never left his memory. As tempers and authority clash, Fonteyne is torn between bringing Rose back to Lafitte and aiding in her wild plan to help the American army defend New Orleans.
Marsha Canham has the perfect balance for me between romance and historical fiction. Set during the lead up to the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815, she uses several historical figures and invented ones to weave a detailed and believable love story on the high seas. Any time I read a book by Canham, I find myself in a deep historical dive afterwards to learn more about the setting, and become immersed in the era. (Plague bonus: she gives General Andrew Jackson dysentery.)
Because life on board a ship exists in the margins of societal manners, Canham has room to play with the cast of characters and crew. While a female captain may be outside of reasonable sensibilities to Jean Lafitte, Rose St Clare commands her decks with the same authority of her many times great grandmother Juliet. Rose and Sebastien have excellent alpha-vs-alpha chemistry, with neither wanting to yield command. It's a fun tension as a reader, because they basically immediately admit that they are attracted, but anything resembling love and an HEA are hard-earned. But while the romance is the primary focus of the novel, the conflict is external from the romance, which makes the relationship portion surprisingly low-angst. I found that this worked really well for Rose and Sebastien.
This is the same sweeping style I've come to love in Canham's writing. And what a treat that we have a brand new book from her in 2025. This is technically the 5th book in the Pirate Wolves series, but it's set 200 years after the events of The Iron Rose, Following Sea, and Far Horizon. There are references to previous books, and a potential spoiler for Far Horizon, but you do not need to read the first four in order to enjoy The Black Wind. This is perfect for readers who love a healthy dose of history and adventure (and maybe some detailed descriptions of ships), alongside their feisty heroines and brooding heroes.
July 4, 2025
I've read every Marsha Canham novel so welcomed this new arrival to the Pirate Wolf series. There's the same passion between her leading characters, Rose and Sebastien as in all her other books. The same sharp detail to historical events and realistic descriptions of life on board a sailing ship, but for me it lacked an antagonist - someone out to do the couple harm and put them in danger. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the read and would recommend anyone who has not read her back catalogue, to do so. She is a great writer of historical fiction.
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September 11, 2025When Canham MCs make declarations, they Make Declarations. I love how romantic Canham can make a scene.
But there was, unfortunately, very little of that in this book. It is Very battle heavy. I never read battle, flight, dueling scenes. I skim to find out who has survived through it. So the second half of this book was very skimmy for me.
I really hope Canham continues to write stories in this series, as the last sentence (hopefully) alludes to. I would just love it to be more lovey dovey focused.
But there was, unfortunately, very little of that in this book. It is Very battle heavy. I never read battle, flight, dueling scenes. I skim to find out who has survived through it. So the second half of this book was very skimmy for me.
I really hope Canham continues to write stories in this series, as the last sentence (hopefully) alludes to. I would just love it to be more lovey dovey focused.
August 19, 2025
The Black Wind is an enthralling blend of romance, adventure, and raw emotion that sweeps you away from the very first chapter. Marsha Canham crafts a story that is both fiercely passionate and richly atmospheric, where danger and desire move side by side like a storm on the horizon.
What makes this novel stand out is the sheer intensity of its characters. Each one is layered, flawed, and utterly human, which makes their triumphs and heartbreaks resonate on a deeper level. The heroine is not simply there to be saved; she is a woman of strength, courage, and wit, capable of meeting challenges head-on. The hero, equally compelling, embodies both the wildness of adventure and the vulnerability of love, which makes his journey all the more satisfying. Together, their relationship brims with tension, sparks, and tenderness, making it one of the most memorable pairings I’ve read in a historical romance.
Canham’s writing is lush and cinematic, drawing vivid pictures of windswept seas, perilous battles, and intimate, soul-baring moments. The pacing is spot-on—never lagging, always building momentum—so you feel constantly drawn forward, eager to see what lies ahead. There’s just the right balance between sweeping action scenes and quiet, emotional beats that make you stop and savor the story’s depth.
This book is everything a historical romance should be: adventurous, passionate, and deeply satisfying. It is the kind of story that lingers after the final page, leaving you both breathless and yearning for more. Marsha Canham proves once again why she is a master of the genre.
What makes this novel stand out is the sheer intensity of its characters. Each one is layered, flawed, and utterly human, which makes their triumphs and heartbreaks resonate on a deeper level. The heroine is not simply there to be saved; she is a woman of strength, courage, and wit, capable of meeting challenges head-on. The hero, equally compelling, embodies both the wildness of adventure and the vulnerability of love, which makes his journey all the more satisfying. Together, their relationship brims with tension, sparks, and tenderness, making it one of the most memorable pairings I’ve read in a historical romance.
Canham’s writing is lush and cinematic, drawing vivid pictures of windswept seas, perilous battles, and intimate, soul-baring moments. The pacing is spot-on—never lagging, always building momentum—so you feel constantly drawn forward, eager to see what lies ahead. There’s just the right balance between sweeping action scenes and quiet, emotional beats that make you stop and savor the story’s depth.
This book is everything a historical romance should be: adventurous, passionate, and deeply satisfying. It is the kind of story that lingers after the final page, leaving you both breathless and yearning for more. Marsha Canham proves once again why she is a master of the genre.
July 9, 2025
I have waited and waited for the next book in this series, and now it's here!! The writing is spot on, the historical details are well researched, and the whole book was just so good! Pretty much all of Ms. Canham's books have these attributes!
Set during the War of 1812, Sebastian Fonteyne in his ship The Black Wind is perfectly matched with Rose St. Clair in her ship The Cygnet. After Rose steals John LaFitte's ship right out from under his nose, Sebastian knows he'll have his hands full!
Wonderful characters and some historical perspective regarding Rose's forebears who were The Pirate Wolves! A very satisfying read.
Set during the War of 1812, Sebastian Fonteyne in his ship The Black Wind is perfectly matched with Rose St. Clair in her ship The Cygnet. After Rose steals John LaFitte's ship right out from under his nose, Sebastian knows he'll have his hands full!
Wonderful characters and some historical perspective regarding Rose's forebears who were The Pirate Wolves! A very satisfying read.
August 18, 2025
Black Wind
Oh my gosh! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I found the series several years ago and read right through it. What a nice surprise to find book 5! It certainly didn't disappoint. 😊 The characters were engaging and definitely interesting. I look forward to more of Martha's stories.
Oh my gosh! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I found the series several years ago and read right through it. What a nice surprise to find book 5! It certainly didn't disappoint. 😊 The characters were engaging and definitely interesting. I look forward to more of Martha's stories.
July 8, 2025
Fantastic new book by the incomparable Marsha Canham
This book was well worth the wait. The h was admirable in her own right as she and the H fought together to save New Orleans from the British during the war of 1812. A book I will come back to!
This book was well worth the wait. The h was admirable in her own right as she and the H fought together to save New Orleans from the British during the war of 1812. A book I will come back to!
August 12, 2025
The black wind
Thisstory was a great story and well written.for me, author the ability to bring the story to life and imagination.great battle scenes with witty banter,sass, more❣️💃🏻😻🙀
Thisstory was a great story and well written.for me, author the ability to bring the story to life and imagination.great battle scenes with witty banter,sass, more❣️💃🏻😻🙀
July 7, 2025
Great reading
As always, a winner! What a storyteller.
She has not lost her touch. Truly magnificent. Thank you. Waiting for more
As always, a winner! What a storyteller.
She has not lost her touch. Truly magnificent. Thank you. Waiting for more
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews