The Pirate's Tempting Stowaway

The Dukes of War #6

by Erica Ridley

Captain Blackheart leads a simple life of roving the seas, wenching and treasure-hunting. He steers clear of romantic entanglements that could tie him to land. He shouldn't have any trouble keeping his hands off the gently-bred lady he's commissioned to abduct—except his cargo turns out to be feisty and passionate! She'd be a prize worth treasuring, if having her aboard didn't jeopardize everything...

Clara Halton thought the worst loss she could suffer was to be stripped of her family, stricken with consumption, and left to die alone. Then she meets Blackheart. Their attraction is ruinous...and irresistible. When he delivers her like so much plunder, his mission is over — but hers has just begun. She'll force him to acknowledge their connection, even if she must storm his ship to do it!

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Pirates, Historical Fiction, Regency, Regency Romance

202 pages, ebook

First published December 1, 2015

About the author

Get freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip

Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?

In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!

Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.


➕ What I liked :


“Older” heroine. (39)👏👍

Mature couple.
(Both main characters are 35+)👍

Interesting main characters.


Good romantic build up and chemistry.


Good and interesting plot.


Is set mostly at sea.


Widow heroine.


Not a aristocrat hero or heroine.
(Hero is privateer turned pirate… heroine has rich parents but they are not part of the aristocracy.)

Sweet moments.

Interesting side characters.



➖ What I disliked:


The ending was a tiny bit rushed.

The story was too short.

Some parts were a little too rushed…. Like the almost 2 week time jump when they were at sea… it would have been great if the story was longer and more time and focus was on the time they spent at sea and in the captains cabin.

Believability/plausibility issues‎.
(The heroine forgave her parents way too easily and too quickly… they disowned her for what happened when she was 17… and they really did not care whether she was alive or dead… they were rich and could have sent many people to look for her over and over and more thoroughly.
They cared more about status/standing and money and were/are snobbish… so things would not have gonna that smoothly.)



Kind of vague character description of both the main characters.

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC of The Pirate's Tempting Stowaway from Intrepid Reads via Netgalley in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*

The Pirate's Tempting Stowaway is delightful - filled with fun, adventure and an epic romance between two very unlikely characters.This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like historic romances with a privateer turned pirate and a feisty, forty-year old widow adventuring the seas, this is a great story for you!

This is the sixth book in this regency romance series and, whilst it may be read as a standalone, it is great to reconnect with characters from earlier books in the series and understand the back story. It started with stories about four friends returning from war but this one concerns bringing home from America the mother of the bride of one of those four, the Earl of Carlisle (from The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower). The Earl hires Mr Gregory Steele, who is more notorious as the privateer turned pirate Captain Blackheart, to escort Mrs Clara Halton back to his wife, Grace, who had been born and brought up in America before her very sick mother sent her to England. Blackheart is dismayed to find Mrs Halton living in total isolation, supposedly dying of consumption - but he’s not convinced that’s what ails her and still takes her to his ship to sail her home. The journey shouldn’t be too onerous and the pay is good but he finds that whilst she is a lady, she’s also strong willed, stubborn - and passionate! Their attraction is mutual but he’s promised to protect her and deliver her safely home. Will they part never to see each other again? Can they resist each other? Now she’s been given a taste for adventure, will she seek more? Can he make room in his heart for love?

This is a superb and possibly superior addition to the series. It is great to have the romance developing between a more mature couple who have had very different but traumatic histories. A lawyer, he was press ganged into the navy. As a seventeen year old innocent she was violated and abandoned before finding a love who was tragically killed soon after they arrived in America, leaving her to raise her daughter disowned by her parents and alone in the new world. It is a thrilling, swashbuckling tale with pirates, passion, problems and puzzles, a great story to escape into and one I highly recommend!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.

[Ingie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review written May 26, 2017

2.8 Stars - A bit too light maybe but romantic enough



I listened to another of these The Dukes of War audiobook novellas, #1-The Viscount's Christmas Temptation (3.4 stars), by Erica Ridley in 2015. Another quickly done quite sweet story as I liked. Maybe nothing really unique or very memorable story or characters but enjoying when 'doing'. Worth $2 was my conclusion then. — It was time for older MC's and a pirate gentleman...

* 4 hours audiobook narrated by Stevie Zimmerman *

**********************************************

Older characters, she 38 with a grownup daughter and he, the dangerous pirate, a true hero with some grey in his hair. Short and hopefully sweet.

« Captain Blackheart (aka Gregory Steele) leads a simple life of roving the seas, wenching and treasure-hunting. He steers clear of romantic entanglements that could tie him to land. He shouldn't have any trouble keeping his hands off the gently-bred lady (Clara Halton) he's commissioned to abduct - except his cargo turns out to be feisty and passionate! She'd be a prize worth treasuring, if having her aboard didn't jeopardize everything. »

A bit silly in a traditional simple romance style. Most things that happens are very easy to predict, as often in this (quickly done novella romance) genre, but after all, enough sweet and intriguing characters to make me finish the four hour audiobook. Okay, Probably completely forgotten in a few days, but nice while it lasted. Impeccable narration and audiobook edition as well.

Worth two bucks? ... Mmmm!?! ... Yes, I enjoyed while doing house chores like ironing summer dresses and stuff.

**********************************************

I LIKE - a sexy older pirate with whiskers. Ha ha!!

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kobo + Mad About Series Challenge HRBC 2024. HR. Tropes: Regency Romance, Friends/Family, Mature Romance, Knight in Shining Armour, Widow.
MC's Clara Halton,39, mother of Grace & Gregary Steele,39+,Captain Blackheart, Pirate (Privateer)
former Barrister.
A fun Pirate tale, with treasure maps and treasure and even a parrot. Who doesn't love a Pirate?
The pirate tale was a little corny but the love scenes were hot a steamy. Who doesn't like a mature adult romance? Blackheart is Daphne's cousin, Bartholomew Blackpool's wife and Clara Halton is Grace's mother. Grace is Oliver York's, Earl of Carlisle's wife. Oliver and Bart are all friends with Duke of Ravenwood, Edmund Blackpool, Bart's twin and Xavier Grey.
*****************************************
Books in order and couples:
1. The Viscount’s Tempting Minx- Lady Amelia Pembroke & Lord Benedict Sheffield (Amelia sister of Duke of Ravenwood)
2. The Earl's Defiant Wallflower- Grace Halton & Oliver York, Earl of Carlisle
3. The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress- Jane Downing & Xavier Grey
4. The Major's Faux Fiancee- Daphne Vaughn & Bartholomew (Bart) Blackpool (twin Edmund)
5. The Brigadier's Runaway Bride- Sarah Fairfax & Edmund Blackpool ( twin boys Noah & Timothy)
6. The Pirate's Tempting Stowaway- Clara Halton (Grace's mother) & Captain Blackheart (Privateer)
7. The Duke's Accidental Wife-
8. A Dukes of War Holiday Reunion-
******************************************************************

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

The Dukes of War continues with the delightful story of Clara Halton and Captain Gregory Steele aka Blackheart. This story runs parallel with book two The Earl's Defiant Wallflower and book three The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress. I'm so happy that Clara got her HEA, her daughter Grace found hers and now that Grace has her own life to live Clara deserves one of her own. I love Erica Ridley's writing, it's always such a pleasure to get one of her ARCs especially this series.

Captain Blackheart was paid by an earl to bring to London his soon-to-be-wife's mother, Blackheart expecting a old woman accepted the job gladly; but when he got to America and the small town outside of Philadelphia where she was residing her finds a beautiful woman who thinks she is dying of consumption. Clara sent her daughter to London to claim her inheritance; Clara married beneath her station and her mother had a fit and disinherited her. Clara believing she has consumption didn't tell her daughter because she knew Grace wouldn't leave if she knew. It took some convincing on Blackheart's part to get her to leave, but as soon as Clara was on the open seas she got better. Clara also discovered she loved being on The Dark Crystal, she enjoyed being razzed by the sailors, the fresh open air and mostly she loved sleeping in Blackheart's arms each night.

Once in London, Clara was delivered safely to her family and the past forgiven should have been happy with her daughter, but she doesn't want to be one of those mothers who spends all her time with her daughter, she wanted a life of her own. She sees her chance when she sees The Dark Crystal docked in port. Clara takes a risk and stows away. Blackheart thought he left Clara behind, thinking he could never have her as much as he has fallen in love with her she would have no place in his life. But here she is a stowaway, and now that she is no longer the cargo there is nothing stopping him from seducing her. Blackheart is worried about Clara's safety, he is going after his nemesis, The Crimson Corsair. Clara however proves she isn't just safe but helpful too.

Overall this was a great addition to the Dukes of War series and I look forward to the next one.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gregory Steele is the notorious Captain Blackheart. Mrs. Clara Halton is a widower. Blackheart is hired to bring Clara from America to London, England. She is to be reunited with her daughter, Grace. Love grows between Gregory and Clara. Captain Blackheart is pursuing the Crimson Corsair, a blood-thirsty pirate. Gregory's home is his ship. Clara wants to put down roots near her daughter. Will Gregory and Clara's love survive different viewpoints? Will Captain Blackheart succeed in capturing the Crimson Corsair?

I kept turning the pages to discover what happens next. This reader came to care about the characters. The plot is simple and familiar. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thoroughly delightful read!!! The writing was excellent, the characters well developed and the story plot line was unique. I loved both of the main characters from the very beginning. There wasn't any of the angsty, Oh Woe Is Me sorts of themes that we see so often. One of the very best things is that the H/h are both older than usual. I really liked them and the book!

[HR-ML · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story took place in 1816. DNF.

Gregory Steele was a privateer then became the #2 pirate
in the world, feared & known as "Captain Blackheart." He
chased and wanted to steal gold/ other treasures from #1
pirate The Crimson Corsair (TCC).

Overbearing and swaggering hero Greg received promise
of payment from an earl to transport, unharmed, an ill
lady (H assumed elderly) Mrs. Clara Halton from Phila-
delphia to England.

Reportedly Clara had consumption x 6 months. The ship's
surgeon examined Clara & concluded she had pneumonia.
Or a respiratory infection from breathing dirty air and
having insufficient nutrition. Pneumonia and respiratory
infections BOTH involve an infection which could spread
throughout the body. There is no way Clara would have
lived 6 months with an infection! She'd be dead.

I stopped reading at 74%. Slightly ahead of this, Clara made
a TSTL decision to leave the ship of the "good pirates" Greg
etc in order to help battle the "bad pirates" TCC and his
comrades. Huh?? She wanted to partake of a pirate war?

This author has written much better books- please see
Dukes of War series #2 through #4.

[~Book Reviews by Trish~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first audiobook I have ever listened to all the way through. I am not sure if it was the person narrating it or if it was the author of the book. Either way I did enjoy this quick read.

I loved the characters and the story, I just wished it would've lasted longer. Most of Erica Ridley's books are short reads which does help me get out of a slump in reading.

I would recommend this book to anyone in need of a quick read and if they needing to get out of a slump.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining pirate adventure/romance.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one, provided by the publisher in return for a review, was just an absolutely wonderful romp with a naughty, fun-loving pirate who doesn't stop swaggering from beginning to end, and an independent heroine, a born survivor and expert in making do, who finds herself tempted to adventure.

I loved reading this one. It was an exhilarating mixture of romance, excitement and high-seas shenanigans, which managed, however, to never stray beyond parody into silliness. I could honestly visualize Blackheart leaving a trail of exhausted yet happy women of every shape, size and nationality in his wake.

4 stars. I really liked it.

[Book Gannet · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is ridiculous. Sorry, but it is. I’ve been a fan of this series right from the start, and since both of these characters make appearance in earlier books (The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower and The Major’s Faux Fiancée) I was really looking forward to this one. Especially as it contained an older couple.

And the first section was just what I’d expect from this author and this series, with Blackheart/Steele travelling to pick up Clara. Her situation is desperate, he proves himself to have a heart beneath his piratical reputation and as they sail back to England together a tentative relationship forms. Sure, the whole idea that he has to share the bed with her every night – without anything actually happening – was pretty tenuous, but it was all sweet and promising.

Then they got home. Once the threads connecting their stories to the other books were tied off this book went bonkers. It didn’t just jump the shark, I think it leapfrogged a mammoth, tap danced across a blue whale, waltzed with a colony of penguins and declared itself King of the World! Because everything that happened afterwards was just… ridiculous.

Firstly, given its name Carlisle Manor is an estate, which normally has a few tenant houses hanging around and maybe a dower house, which would be perfect for Clara to move into. Since that isn’t the case, and her lungs are obviously damaged, why is living in London a good idea? Obviously it isn’t, but if she wants to stay near her daughter, why move down to Somerset? Don’t get me wrong, Somerset is a lovely county, I’m very fond of it, but it’s a fair trek from London, especially in the 19th century. None of those plans made sense. Nor did the fact that she sets off house hunting alone. I know she’s been away for a long while, but I’d have expected someone – a maid, her daughter, perhaps a solicitor or some sort of secretary to go with her. Yes, she’s a widow, but it would have been extremely bold for her to have been travelling alone. And potentially dangerous.

Of course, if she’d had company it would have made stowing away rather difficult, so I guess that’s why. Speaking of that stowing away moment… I know she hides for a bit, but since they’re sailing out of London, that means they have to get down the Thames first. Which was about 30+ nautical miles along a busy stretch of tidal river, until they reached the North Sea. I have to admit I’m not sure where the map actually led them, but I got the impression that they then sailed down the English Channel, which meant they passed the entire length of southern England, and there wasn’t one single place where they could have dropped off the stowaway, rather than take her into a potentially perilous fight with a bunch of pirates?

Apparently not. Instead Clara acts like a fifteen year old, Steele just wants to get her naked and the next thing we know it’s Treasure Island meets Pirates of the Caribbean. I have serious doubts about Clara’s rowing abilities, as a woman with bad lungs and no need for upper body strength, but all that bothers her is that it makes her arms ache. Add in the whole island adventure and I gave up on this book ever making any real sense.

Then comes they childish expectations, the demands, the refusal, the upset, the sudden seeing of the light and immediate u-turn on all previous thoughts. And then the enemy is sighted in Whitby. Whitby? When did the Crimson Corsair turn into Dracula? (No offence meant to Whitby, but it’s not quite the first place I associate with pirates. Well, not since the Vikings anyway.)

Also, was I the only person who was distracted by the ship’s name – Dark Crystal? I kept expecting Fizzgig to show up and bite someone. Which would definitely have improved everything for me. I also had my doubts about just how easily that ship sailed everywhere. He’s supposed to be a pirate! Yet he swans into London without a care.

As I said, ridiculous. The idea that Steele is a pirate is completely unbelievable from the start – then again, a real, genuine pirate isn’t really romance material. I never quite understood how he turned from a press-ganged lawyer into a privateer with his own ship either. The sailing happens in an eye-blink without any kind of weather getting involved, Clara has moments of really irritating childishness, the action is farcical, the romance is pretty boring and the whole Crimson Corsair plot line is a massive disappointment that doesn’t actually go anywhere.

Which all makes me kind of sad. The rest of the series has been fun and enjoyable, a little silly here and there perhaps, but romantic and sweet. This was just too silly for me, especially after it started so promisingly. If you’re looking for an adventurous romp that’s more fantastical than historical and definitely takes its idea of pirates from a certain Johnny Depp/Disney franchise, then you’ll probably enjoy this. There is adventure here and romance, but the silliness of both undermined the whole thing and it barely held my attention let alone won me over. Sorry, but I think I’ll be glossing over this one in future while I enjoy the rest of the series.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/24/2019)! 🎁

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from this series! I really liked the feel of adventure these two felt with one another. They just had wonderful chemistry and it was a real treat to watch them fall in love.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Buckle down yer chinstraps, matey, cause yer goin' on a rollicking high seas adventure with a genuine pirate!" Meet Gregory Steele, AKA Captain Blackheart, who was forcibly conscripted into the royal navy as a teenager. Blackheart has made the most of his naval life as a privateer for the English crown, amassed wealth from the spoils of war, and created a legendary personna that strikes fear and awe in all who encounter him. Commissioned by the Earl of Carlisle to kidnap his dear wife's mother from illness and destitution in Pennsylvania, it begins as just another task for him but he's never met a woman quite like Mrs. Clara Halton! Expecting to rescue a little old lady, Blackheart instead encounters a lovely, intoxicating and very-much-alive 39 year old woman who charms the captain and his entire crew on the return voyage to England. Clara initially wants nothing more than to settle into the quiet English countryside with her daughter and new son-in-law. Blackheart wants nothing to do with dry land as he roams the sea in quest of the next adventure in his swift schooner The Dark Crystal. But an enormous emotion called LOVE looms between these two and throws their lives into a delightful turmoil. How on earth will they reconcile this wonderful feeling? Can they? The author has fashioned an outrageously improbable romantic adventure full of "swash and buckle," overflowing with all of the clichés found in this genre. What a page-turning delightfully entertaining romantic read this is. Get your pirate fix with this 6th installment of The Dukes of War series.

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a Historical Romance book 6 in the series . This was a great read by the great author . This story is about Clara Halton our Heroine and Captain Blackheart our Hero .

Clara lives in the New World (the USA ) as it was known back then. She thought she was dying of Consumption. So she sent her daughter back to England. Clara had a huge disagreement with her parents so she found a good man to take in her and her daughter . They moved to America

We have Captain Blackheart who is a pirate . His given name is Gregory . Captain Blackheart use to be a Barrister until he was forced to join the Navy during the war . Once the war ended he decided to go into business for himself . . The Captain was paid to go to America and find Clara by an Earl . The said Earl was Marrying Clara daughter . When the Captain arrived at Clara doorstep she pulled a gun on him.
Once the Captain sees the living conditions Clara was living in he knew it wasn't Consumption. He took her on his ship and they went on their way to England . There was a few funny moments and lovely moments on the ship.
The Captain did tell Clara that he needs water to live. There was no way that the Captain can stay on dry land.

Clara made up with her parents and her father had a surprise for her . Grab it and find out what the surprise was.
Clara went to stay with her daughter in the dowerges house but Clara kept on thinking about the Captain. Clara thought after so much time he must have left port
She was in London for a visit . Then trying to find a place of her own. She was at a place to eat and sure enough .... Surprise surprise she saw the Captains boat . She thought that was a sign from above ... She got on the boat . And after a while she realized the ship had sailed . She was stuck as a stowaway.
How did Captain Blackheart react to her being on the boat . What kind of adventure did Clara have . Grab it and find our

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take a well-educated pirate, send him to pick up the mother of your new wife and then transport her back to England from America on his pirate ship and you end up with this fun romance, Captain Blackheart and Clara Halton are both around forty, from completely different backgrounds, have faced adversity, want adventure and are definitely attracted to one another. How can a woman who wants what she wants and a man who does not want to give up his way of life ever come to terms? Can they find a workable compromise? This romance is definitely more fun than fact BUT we all need a bit of escape from time to time, right? Great fun, great dialogue, interesting characters and fun around every corner – if you are in the mood for a quick escape this might be the one for you.

3.5 Stars

[Krys · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story danced a thin line between being cute and being utterly ridiculous. Which was a shame because I normally enjoy this author's stories a lot more than I did this one.

To begin with, I found it hard to believe anyone as sick as Clara had been for the period of time she had been ill for, was not only still alive when Captain Blackheart found her, but still able to get out and tend her small garden for what few vegetables she had apparently been growing for six months. And then, she seemed to have a pretty miraculous recovery over the span of a couple of weeks (at most).

I also found it rather odd that once she was reunited with her daughter and new son-in-law, instead of finding a new home closer to them, she was willing to travel such a far distance to live on her own (something that wasn't normally done during this time period, to begin with). I understand wanting to get out of London, but why so far away? It didn't add up, especially when you take into consideration the expense her son-in-law paid to have her brought to England in the first place.

The final issue I had with this story was the absurd "pirate clash" at the end. Not only did I find it a bit preposterous that Clara was able to row, by herself to the shore (you know considering the severe illness she was battling when we first met her and the weakness that came from it). But the fact that it all ended up being for nothing made it more anti-climatic than the ending I would have liked. In fact, I was very annoyed that one of the main conflicts (Blackheart against the Crimson Corsair) wasn't resolved.

On the plus side, I did enjoy the banter between Clara and Blackheart, and the obvious attraction that they tried so hard to fight (at least on the original trip from the Americas back to England). I also thought it took a lot of courage on her part to sneak back onto the ship after she had been safely delivered to her daughter.

On the whole, I am convinced that this story will appeal to not only fans of her Dukes of War series, but those who enjoy a well-written pirate story (if you are able to overlook the things I mentioned above).

I would read more from this author!

[Heike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notorious pirate brings a lady from America to England as "paid cargo". They reluctantly fall for each other, but struggle with their different lifestyles. Sweet story, yet the notorious pirate was too much of a push over to be really believable. Good read nevertheless that almost made it to four stars if I would not have started skimming a bit over their struggles.
I liked that both protagonists were in their late thirties, and that they didn't jump each other in a matter of 20 pages. Yet the story was sometimes a bit all over the place. I thought the story-line was very predictable but was surprised with a different outcome. HEA, of course, all around.
Narration: 3rd person; one fairly explicit sex scene, but not very long; lots of kissing and holding.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read anything from Erica Ridley ... i think? I better go check, yes, she is a new author to me, love finding new authors, I will be checking out more of her very very soon, great read!! ... I didn't realize this is #6 ... eight books in this series. Love the cover. historical romance. Not a heavy read, great read for the summer or really any time ... just to escape the normal every day life... Fun great read! ( ;

[Joann Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Fabulous Stars for The Pirate's Tempting Stowaway. This is the 6th book in the Dukes of War series, and is one of my favorites. There were so many things I loved about this book. Having an older couple for the main characters was wonderful. I enjoyed the chemistry between Blackheart and Clara. Erica Ridley style of writing is heartwarming!

[Elsbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice story with adventures, romance and interesting characters. Namely a strong independent woman and a strong independent pirate. Until they become dependent on each other. For their happiness.
I really enjoyed this wonderful story!

[Mum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the series, liked the older heroine, still don’t like a woman on a yacht stories, although this one have a few good quirks.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love on the high sea is what the sixth book of the 'Dukes of War' is all about. Don't let the title confuse you. This is a regency romance novel. There are no pirates fighting and plundering. The ship's captain is hired to retrieve a woman from America and deliver her to her family in England. That being said the book is a lot of fun to read. Our hero treats the heroine like all of his cargo. Something she does not appreciate. I enjoyed following both characters and watching/reading how they react to each other. I love the book. The author always delivers and this one is no exception.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - Voto
.
" L’uomo si esprimeva come un gentiluomo inglese di buona famiglia, ma aveva il corpo tonico e muscoloso di un contadino… o di un lottatore. Non solo si muoveva con la grazia di una tigre, ma i suoi occhi non restavano mai fermi: scrutavano costantemente l’ambiente circostante in cerca di… cosa, esattamente? Il signor Steele aveva lasciato cadere la pistola di Clara nella sua sacca, ma il rigonfiamento sotto il gilet suggeriva che avesse portato con sé almeno un’arma propria. In casa di un’invalida. Cosa si era aspettato di trovare, esattamente? La lettera di Grace non menzionava alcun signor Steele, ma conteneva un riferimento al conte di Carlisle, il cui sigillo era stato impresso nella cera. Grace sosteneva che, sebbene provasse sentimenti affettuosi nei confronti dell’uomo, questi non fosse assolutamente un corteggiatore adatto a lei. Il che, probabilmente, significava l’esatto contrario.
Clara chiuse gli occhi. Aveva mandato Grace in Inghilterra nella speranza di salvarle la vita… e assicurarle un futuro. Se la ragazza aveva anche trovato l’amore, la situazione si era evoluta meglio di quanto Clara avesse mai potuto sperare. In verità, lei sapeva che così era stato. Era già accaduto l’impossibile: i genitori che l’avevano disconosciuta quando era giovane le avevano scritto una lettera, cosa a cui Clara aveva rinunciato anni prima. E non solo: alla lettera, scritta nella grafia sottile di suo padre, era stato allegato un biglietto per una nave passeggeri. La madre di Clara non sapeva della lettera. Né del biglietto. E non lo sapeva nemmeno il signor Steele."

Abbiamo fatto la conoscenza del capitano Cuornero nel capitolo, di questa serie, “Il conte proibito”, quando separandosi da qualcosa di molto prezioso per lui, pur di ottenere il denaro necessario, il Conte di Carlisle lo aveva mandato a prendere in America una donna malata, per riportarla in Inghilterra. Lo abbiamo poi rivisto come improbabile tutore nel capitolo “Il maggiore incantevole”, quando grazie ai suoi maneggi era riuscito a fare in modo che Daphne, la sua pupilla, si sposasse in breve tempo. Da subito era parso un personaggio interessante, ma non avrei mai creduto che sarebbe stato il suo, il libro più bello di questa serie, che fino a questo momento, pur rivelatosi piacevole, non ha avuto capitoli di grande rilievo. In queste pagine scopriamo come sono andate le cose fra lui e Clara Halton, la donna che deve recuperare in America. Era convinto che fosse una vecchia signora, per scoprire poi che, invece, è una donna bella, affascinante e molto combattiva, anche se debole e malata. Il loro incontro è scoppiettante, e Clara si rivela il personaggio femminile più bello e originale della serie. Fuggita appena diciassettenne, perché incinta, è stata ripudiata dai genitori, che una volta pentitesi non sono stati più in grado di ritrovarla. Ora Clara desidera solo poter vivere in pace vicino alla figlia ma, una volta conosciuto l’affascinante pirata, non potrà fare a meno di anelare un po’ di avventura. Scoprirà che la vita di mare, con la libertà che conferisce, sta cominciando ad ammaliare anche lei. Tuttavia, un pirata non è esattamente l’uomo con cui ha pensato di vivere il resto della sua vita.

Questo libro è divertente, avventuroso, pieno di dialoghi brillanti e con un’eroina forte e volitiva, che non si scoraggia mai, nonostante il rifiuto del pirata nel riconoscere i sentimenti che entrambi provano, e il suo continuo tentativo di starle lontano. Belli e interessanti anche i personaggi secondari, come l’equipaggio di Cuornero, che si rivela fonte di sorrisi, con le superstizioni che l’avere una donna a bordo comporta, e non manca anche una caccia al tesoro.

In questo libro troviamo un uomo che pensa che niente potrà mai superare l’amore che sente per il mare e la libertà, e che considera il massimo della romanticheria regalare una pistola, e una donna che non esita a rimettersi in gioco, nonostante le vicissitudini della sua vita, per amore e per quel desiderio di avventura che non può più negare. Molto, molto carino e divertente, sicuramente al momento il più bello dell’intera serie. E adesso non rimane che vedere chi sarà la donna in grado di ammaliare il gelido Duca di Ravenwood.
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Lucia63 - per RFS

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erica Ridley has knocked another one out of the ball park!
" The Pirates Tempting Stowaway" , put a smile on my face from the very beginning . Why? Beachside it is not your typical historical romance; afterall how many son In laws would send a famous pirate to collect his mother-in -law? Well the unconventional Earl of Carlisle did just that. Too add to that we get to revisit some characters from previous books , kind of a homecoming!
Blackheart the pirate accepted a bounty from Carlisle to retrieve his ailing mother in law from Anerica and transporter back to London unharmed, how hard could it be, easy money! So he thought! What Blackheart ( Gregory Steele ) did not expect was to find a women in her forties in a run down cottage left to fend for herself by her neighbors, who believe that she had consumption, he expected a frail old women not the beautiful and yes sickly one pointing a three barrel pistol at him! From the start Clara Halton has his attention and Interest .
However will he keep his hands off her on the trip back to England!
Over the two week voyage keeping his hands to himself becomes more challenging especially when it is obvious the lady would be more than agreeable to any advances. However as promised he delivers her to her families door and
Departs for months with Clara unfortunately never from his mind, Clara finds herself living with her daughter in dowagers quarters but feeling like a third wheel and dreaming of adventure with Blackheart! Feeling like a third wheel she decides to seek out a property of her own to give the love birds space , someplace close however while doing so she spots Blackhearts schooner and on a whim boards the ship and stowsaway!
Blackheart is floored, no one would ever dare think of stowing away on his ship, angry that she got away with it and elated at the same time his decision to not turn around and return her to London immediately is his down fall; because this women will make him fall in love and consider things he never considered before , such as settling down!
Love the little twist and turns in the story and our heroine Clara was wonderfully foward for her time period!
Arc copy graciously provided by Intreped Press and Erica Ridley via Netgalley for an honest review .

[D Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: R for sex
Sex: one scene
Language: some Lord's name in vain
Violence: gunshot, sword fight (nothing gory or scary)
HEA or Cliffhanger: HEA
Do I need to read books before this one: don't think so (I've read book 2)
Would I read more of the series: yes

Loved Clara as soon as I met her! She's snarky, smart, tidy, independent. Steele is an alpha with a sweet heart. Fantastic character development, especially because they're over 40 and not waffling on decisions or personality. Great pacing with fun irony. I just died laughing aloud at parts!

----SPOILERS----
Steele, a barrister turned pirate named Blackheart, has been hired by the Earl of Carlisle to bring Clara to London (see book 2). He goes to her house and she threatens him away with a pistol. She has consumption. He's intrigued because she owns a pistol, would use the pistol, it's a big pistol, *and* she knows how to use it. His parents died of consumption, and Clara has been sick for 6 months but no blood when coughing. It begins to rain, he sees all the mold on the ceilings, and he decides to take her and quarantine her with him. He's determined to see her recover her health and her daughter.

Clara had gotten pregnant with Grace at 17, and had to grow up fast. She moved to America and fell in love with a young doctor who got killed in the Whiskey Rebellion.

She rides behind him on a horse until she falls asleep. Then she rides in front. They share a room at the inn, with him sleeping on the floor. The next morning he threatens a carriage, which will take twice as long to get to the ship, so, after many ideas, she finally promises she will sit in front of him again so that they can get to the ship that night. No carriage was being prepared.

She finds out that he's the most infamous pirate between here and England. He asks her to please write the newspapers because they think the Crimson Corsair is. Corsair is a lawless madman who turns the water bloody.

The boat doctor agrees with Steele's assessment of Clara's health. She's nervous about sharing a room with him, and he loves how feisty she is, even ill.

Two weeks later, she awakens feeling alive. She was quarantined for a week. She loves being at sea and feeling a part of the pirate family. She finds out Steele gives up his sugar ration so she can enjoy her tea, and she finds it romantic. The men tell her about Steele's rules when robbing others (nothing sentimental, only what they can afford, self defense only). She's not sure she wants a stable, secure life anymore.

Steele can't get right back to pirating after this job, though. He's inherited since land and a ward, a 20yo bluestocking, Daphne. He explains to Clara that the sea is his life. They kiss passionately the last night they sleep together, and only Land Ho stopped it going further.

London air isn't good for Clara. Steele delivers her to her parents's home, and leaves. She faints from illness. She awakens, her father tells her Grace is getting married today, reveals that they've been trying to find her for 22 years, and he had invested her dowry. She is stunned by the amount, asks him to reserve 10% for her and give the rest to Grace. They go to Grace's new house, give them the gift, and she accepts their invitation to live with them.

Six weeks later, Clara is lonely, feels like a third wheel, and thinks of her pirate often. She wants adventure. Steele's cousin is finally wed, and he's off to find Corsair with a map they'd intercepted, wishing Clara were with him.

Clara is house hunting, and goes to an inn by the Thames, where she sees the Dark Crystal, Steele's ship. She becomes a stowaway. Steele alerts her that she was protected from touching before, but not now.

They find land, and he kisses her, telling her to be safe. The scouts come back reporting treasure, and all but two swabs leave. The crew doesn't come back. The swabs go to get them, leaving Clara by herself on the ship. She arms herself and waits. Then she realizes she's a sitting duck, and rows to shore. She finds the cave and goes in by a small entrance, not the main entrance. She comes into the main part of the cave two stories up. She sees Steele and the crew walking into a trap. Corsair had not only set booby traps, but some of his men had remained. Ironically, one of them is missing part of his arm, the other is missing part of his leg, and they have a talking parrot.

When they get back to the ship, he fires the swabs for disobeying, and makes love to her. He's in love with her.

The next day, they open the treasure chests. Rocks. It had been a true trap. She rallies their morale, and Steele vows that he will get Corsair. She realizes he means without her.

Steele loves teaching her nautical stuff. He feels around her like he does when pirating. She tells him what happened to her at age 17 until her husband died. She tells him she wants a home, a place where she can belong. She'll never step foot on a boat again because she fears for losing his life, not hers. It took her years to get over the loss of her husband, and sending Grace away broke her heart. She just can't face that again, and Steele will definitely end his life on a high adventure.

Her last night on board, she goes into the cabin and finds all the animals he's carved. He learned to do it when pressed into the Navy. She tries to talk him into opening a shop in a village near the sea. He doesn't try to convince her to stay with him. He takes her to her daughter's estate. They confess their love to each other, but neither is willing to compromise. She wants be with her daughter and have a home. He's living his dream.

Weeks later, he realizes he isn't in love with the sea. She realizes she's already lost him because she was afraid to be with him. Grace says they both always have a home with her, and if Clara has another home too, that's okay. Her bag was already packed, and he already bought her a pistol. She'd been trying to carve squirrels, and he has carved her loads of monkeys because he couldn't find a talking one.

They agree to a month at sea, then a month on land. They get married on board by the quartermaster. She's given away by the crew. Grace and Oliver got a special license and brought a preacher, too, to make it legal. Steele forged Clara a ring from gold taken from every treasure he'd procured because she's his greatest treasure. Then he lifts her in his arms, and heads straight to his cabin.

Epilogue: They saw monkeys at Gibraltar. He donated all his carvings to Daphne to auction for charity. The dead pirate Blackheart is going to be a grandfather in a few months. They're after Corsair, and have recruited 6 other schooners to help. I loved this: "He would never admit it aloud, but what he loved the most about days like this was not the thrill of the chase or the dazzle of sunlight sparkling across blue-green waves, but rather enjoying all those things with Clara at his side. Or in his arms. Or in his bed. Married life suited him, indeed."

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep sea romance!

This starts with quite a ruckus! Captain Blackheart, Gregory Steele, ex privateer and lately of a more dubious high seas occupation--namely pirating, has been employed by Oliver York, the Earl of Carlisle, to locate and bring back to England from Philadelphia, his wife's mother, Clara Halton. Steele arrives to find Clara abandoned by the small community she lives in, left to die of consumption. Despite her protestations, Steele bundles Clara up and takes her with him.
On the return voyage, Clara discovers that Blackheart is more Goldenheart. The journey back to England is filled with delightful and sometimes hilarious occasions. Clara worms her way not only into the captain's affections, but those of the entire crew. Clara and Steele find themselves strongly attracted to each other and the enforced intimacy of the Captain's cabin becomes the stage for their tempestuous and passionate encounters.
Blackheart has a job to do though and he delivers Clara as commissioned, despite his feelings for her. Not to be deterred, Clara sneaks back on board the ship to confront Blackheart, to force him to acknowledge the connection they have for each other. Unfortunately the ship sets sail before Clara realizes it and she finds herself headed for adventure and a treasure hunt involving the dreaded Crimson Corsair. An unexpected turn of events!
I found the ending and the treasure hunt somewhat difficult. Indeed I kept looking around for Johnny Depp and the Pirates of the Caribbean during the cave incident. For some reason, although treasure hunting is part of a pirate's lot, the later actions are not as forceful as the beginning. Still, I enjoyed Steel and Clara's story and their interactions. This is a a pleasing and unexpected addition to the Dukes of War series. I loved it that Clara was no simpering young thing and that Ridley has included more mature characters within her romantic genre.

A NetGalley ARC

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review written: June 13, 2016
Star Rating: ★½☆☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☼☼☼

An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.

In keeping with the "Never let the facts get in the way of a good story" attitude this whole series has had, The Pirate's Tempting Stowaway sees Clara and Blackheart engage in an affaire d'amour. Blackheart has been hired by Carlisle (I swear, it always comes back to Carlisle) to rescue Clara and he does. He's quite good with what passed for medical knowledge in those days while he is at it too. He also managed to be in the law and impressed into servitude on a ship. I'd say that's pretty, well, impressive.

Clara is a victim of stupidity all the way around - her own and her parents'. At least, a victim of stupidity and an insane amount of stiff-necked pride. Her mother is still a bitch, but what can you do?

Now that Blackheart is a pirate, he's free. And he's a good, conscientious pirate too, just in case anyone was wondering. He has to stop the really bad pirates. Really and truly! Clara loves the "adventure" of being on a pirate ship. What adventure? There wasn't any when she was aboard. No, the only adventure we get is Clara stowing away and then saving them all. Really? Really?

I keep reading these books because I got them from Netgalley. If I didn't, I'd have stopped with Book 1. At least I only have one left and then I can bleach my mind.

This review is ©June 2016 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.