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The Wind and The Sea
This action-packed swashbuckling adventure is a classic tale of romance, revenge, and breathtaking exploits on the high seas. The time is 1804 and the U.S. Navy is attacking and destroying pirate strongholds on North Africa's infamous Barbary Coast. Courtney Farrow, daughter of one of the most feared and successful corsairs, is captured by Lt. Adrian Ballantine, proud, handsome, and determined to tame her spirit. Constantly battling their attraction, they must become reluctant allies in order to discover who is selling secrets to the corsairs, and who has sold out the Farrow stronghold. Says Publishers Weekly: "Packed with well-drawn characters, fiery sea battles... this book is a good read." Best Swashbuckler of the Year, Romantic Times Multiple award-winning USA Today bestselling author
480 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1986
62 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 9, 2015
3 Didn't Feel The Love Stars!
So I went and searched my paperbacks and found this baby and decided to read it. lol Damn what a long ass book!!
Lots of action! Not very steamy.
I hate to say that I didn't feel the love between Courtney and Adrian.
I also felt the ending was rushed. I wanted more:(
So I went and searched my paperbacks and found this baby and decided to read it. lol Damn what a long ass book!!
Lots of action! Not very steamy.
I hate to say that I didn't feel the love between Courtney and Adrian.
I also felt the ending was rushed. I wanted more:(
April 10, 2011
The intensity explodes off the block w/ guns blazing & MC nevah takes her foot off the pedal. As w/ all of her top-notch classics, MC shows her wide range by penning her best tale of high-octane derring-do w/ Barbary coast as the backdrop. Gritty, gruesome & there’s no sugarcoating in portraying the harsh life in high seas. The sweeping, 531-page, luv-hate romance is overflowing w/ fully-formed characters, surreal battles, tempestuous clashes of wills between H/h who show tru’ endurance & resilience by overcoming adversaries full-on w/ a “nevah give up, nevah surrender” attitude (yeah the same corny line from “Galaxy Quest” haha…), lush luv scenes, a plot that’s thicker than the choppy waters, a dash of espionage, sadistic treacherous villains + nutty villainess, supposedly-Xpired peeps miraculously rising from their graves, audacious escape, 1 terror after anotha w/ revenge @ its core. The sheer # of casualties alone is a neon-light indicator that this gorefest is not meant for the twitchy heart. I would give it a 10* rating if I could, but I gotta say that I could spot 1 of the moles from horizons away. Just when U think HEA is tantalizingly close for the long-suffering H/h, she throws anotha suspenseful wrench to pull ‘em apart, U feel sucka-punched again. W/ her signature vivid imagery, the story plays out like a 3-D cinema. Frolicking fun from start to finish. The hero has bigger balls than any pirates in romancelandia & paired w/ a nut-kicking (pun intended) heroine in britches, U got yourself an explosive match. The ending to this big ball of fire may be a bit too abrupt for my taste but I felt so exhausted mentally that it didn’t matter anyway. The moles are exposed, H/h finally get their bittersweet reunion amidst more bloodshed. Needless to say my ultimate fav pirate romance is still 1 of my most prized possessions.
Beware of possibly big turn-offs :
- Hero initially smacks heroine a bit, not knowing the lad is a lass when going mano-a-mano
- Slutty Villainess gives “fire in the gaping hole” a new meaning in unleashes her wickedness on her numerous conquests w/ the heady zest of a sex machine. I coulda done w/out the descriptive exploits tho'.
- Spare-no-details flogging, throat-slashing & various cracked-to-smithereens scenes
Beware of possibly big turn-offs :
- Hero initially smacks heroine a bit, not knowing the lad is a lass when going mano-a-mano
- Slutty Villainess gives “fire in the gaping hole” a new meaning in unleashes her wickedness on her numerous conquests w/ the heady zest of a sex machine. I coulda done w/out the descriptive exploits tho'.
- Spare-no-details flogging, throat-slashing & various cracked-to-smithereens scenes
September 2, 2017
Re-Read 1/16/14
Recently, I had a like on my original review, which had me pulling up the book. I remember I loved this book, loved it as in told everyone I knew to read it. But that was several years ago, and I had just fallen back into my obsession with reading. So I wondered if maybe I was naive in my ratings and standards, having read so few at the time. So I read the sample on B&N. One chapter in, my opinion was validated. I purchased the ebook (had the paperback originally), and literally disappeared into the story. This is just one of the best reads I have yet to come across. It plays like a timeless classic of high seas adventure and intrigue. It's absolutely not fluff, but a epic romance of the purest form. Romance not only of two people, but of time, long ago, a way of living long gone, and of the most basic and true heroics. Characters larger than life and so audacious they held me spellbound like a child. Writing that projects the story across the wide screen of my mind in high def. What an amazing writer. I also realize that rare authors like this are what raised my standards.
I can count on one hand the number of books I have re-read. Yep, true love for me then and now.
1st Review
This is the third book I have read from Marsha Canham and it will not be the last. She tells a story so articulately and descriptive I was lost in the motion picture it played in my head. Wind and the Sea was no exception. Wonderful characters that were deep and tangible, a story that was an amazing roller coaster ride. Generally I stick with romance novels, and this has great romance to be sure, the adventure is forefront and so compelling I defy anyone to not enjoy this book. Marsha Canham is now one of my favorite authors, up there with Diana Gabldon. I would whole hearted recommend this book.
Recently, I had a like on my original review, which had me pulling up the book. I remember I loved this book, loved it as in told everyone I knew to read it. But that was several years ago, and I had just fallen back into my obsession with reading. So I wondered if maybe I was naive in my ratings and standards, having read so few at the time. So I read the sample on B&N. One chapter in, my opinion was validated. I purchased the ebook (had the paperback originally), and literally disappeared into the story. This is just one of the best reads I have yet to come across. It plays like a timeless classic of high seas adventure and intrigue. It's absolutely not fluff, but a epic romance of the purest form. Romance not only of two people, but of time, long ago, a way of living long gone, and of the most basic and true heroics. Characters larger than life and so audacious they held me spellbound like a child. Writing that projects the story across the wide screen of my mind in high def. What an amazing writer. I also realize that rare authors like this are what raised my standards.
I can count on one hand the number of books I have re-read. Yep, true love for me then and now.
1st Review
This is the third book I have read from Marsha Canham and it will not be the last. She tells a story so articulately and descriptive I was lost in the motion picture it played in my head. Wind and the Sea was no exception. Wonderful characters that were deep and tangible, a story that was an amazing roller coaster ride. Generally I stick with romance novels, and this has great romance to be sure, the adventure is forefront and so compelling I defy anyone to not enjoy this book. Marsha Canham is now one of my favorite authors, up there with Diana Gabldon. I would whole hearted recommend this book.
April 11, 2011
LOVED IT, Marsha Canham sure know's how to write one heck of a adventure. All of her pirate stories are the best. I've been wanting to read this book for years and I'm so darn happy that Marsha's book's are being re released in ebook and that I finally had a chance to read it.
I have heard a rumor that Marsha will soon be releasing a new book. I certainly hope so because she is one of my favorite author's.
If you have never tried a Marsha Canham book, I highly recommend you give one a try.
I have heard a rumor that Marsha will soon be releasing a new book. I certainly hope so because she is one of my favorite author's.
If you have never tried a Marsha Canham book, I highly recommend you give one a try.
April 15, 2012
This ebook edition has been edited by the author. The rape scene has been modified but left in per the author. Wow…what a great romance…I just love Marsha Canham and her pirate books are the Best!!! The tension and sparing between Courtney and Adrian is explosive….and what a treat when they finally give in to their desires. This book is a Fun Sexy Adventure from beginning to end!!!
May 30, 2015
3.5/5
June 28, 2025
This is peak old school pirate romance. I went in eyes wide open for CWs and you should too. I ONLY recommend this for readers well-read in old school romances or are avid pirate romance readers.
Courtney Farrow is daughter of famed pirate Captain Duncan Farrow. For years she's lived on board the ship working alongside the crew and dressing like a boy. When the ship she and her uncle are on are caught running the US Navy blockade along the Barbary Coast, her savage tongue and sharp wit keeps her alive. Lieutenant Adrian Ballantine, demoted for an incident on his last ship, recognizes the value in holding the daughter of his enemy captive, only her stubbornness and fierce loyalty command as much respect as disdain ... and also lust.
There is a lot to unpack in this book. It's one of Marsha Canham's earlier novels, and I understand the ebook version has been edited. There is still significant on-page aggression between Adrian and Court that I would never want to see in a book published today. The "other woman" is also a major thread - Miranda Gold, Court's father's ex-mistress and key manipulator - plays a villainous role throughout. Adrian comes from a family that clearly owns enslaved people, which is never fully addressed, other than his disinterest in living on a plantation, and when Court flips the tables and captures Adrian, she threatens to sell him and his crew as slaves to the Pasha.
And yet. To the reader who can recognize that the plot and characters are entrenched in both 1986 and also 1804, this is a riveting tale of loyalty, spies, and desperate romance on the high seas. Court and Miranda are as different on paper as can be, and yet each choose their paths based on how they can survive. Adrian is gruff and starchy, as any naval captain should be, and he and Court are a perfect match of tempers and respect for order on board a ship.
Marsha Canham has this amazing ability to create sweeping historically placed romances paired with outstanding character progression. As someone who has read many of her later books, you can see Court as a prototype heroine for both Beau Spence and Juliet Dante, and even shades of Catherine Ashbrooke.
Bodices were ripped. Swashes were buckled. And if you can set aside problematic elements to their time and place, this one is worth the read. (But maybe don't start here with Canham's books...)
Courtney Farrow is daughter of famed pirate Captain Duncan Farrow. For years she's lived on board the ship working alongside the crew and dressing like a boy. When the ship she and her uncle are on are caught running the US Navy blockade along the Barbary Coast, her savage tongue and sharp wit keeps her alive. Lieutenant Adrian Ballantine, demoted for an incident on his last ship, recognizes the value in holding the daughter of his enemy captive, only her stubbornness and fierce loyalty command as much respect as disdain ... and also lust.
There is a lot to unpack in this book. It's one of Marsha Canham's earlier novels, and I understand the ebook version has been edited. There is still significant on-page aggression between Adrian and Court that I would never want to see in a book published today. The "other woman" is also a major thread - Miranda Gold, Court's father's ex-mistress and key manipulator - plays a villainous role throughout. Adrian comes from a family that clearly owns enslaved people, which is never fully addressed, other than his disinterest in living on a plantation, and when Court flips the tables and captures Adrian, she threatens to sell him and his crew as slaves to the Pasha.
And yet. To the reader who can recognize that the plot and characters are entrenched in both 1986 and also 1804, this is a riveting tale of loyalty, spies, and desperate romance on the high seas. Court and Miranda are as different on paper as can be, and yet each choose their paths based on how they can survive. Adrian is gruff and starchy, as any naval captain should be, and he and Court are a perfect match of tempers and respect for order on board a ship.
Marsha Canham has this amazing ability to create sweeping historically placed romances paired with outstanding character progression. As someone who has read many of her later books, you can see Court as a prototype heroine for both Beau Spence and Juliet Dante, and even shades of Catherine Ashbrooke.
Bodices were ripped. Swashes were buckled. And if you can set aside problematic elements to their time and place, this one is worth the read. (But maybe don't start here with Canham's books...)
July 17, 2025
This book kept me on my toes with the plot changing so quickly. While the swoony moments were so swoony, this isn't her most romantic book.
April 15, 2011
This is such a fabulous book. It is action-packed and A LOT happens, but it's written in such a way that you are not left confused or overwhelmed, or having to flip back pages to remember what happened in the last chapter (I mean, as much as I'd like to, I can't spend all day reading books from cover-to-cover in one sitting). There is also a lot of descriptive detail (e.g. details on ships such as rigging, firing cannons, and the Mediterranean politics of the time), but it's well-integrated with real clarity. The historical background is also very accurate, which I really appreciate. There was a real feeling of pirates, Americans, British and French all sailing around the Mediterranean chasing after each other, and there was clearly no need to embellish or make-up pseudo-history to suit the plot.
The hero and heroine are also great, great characters. They are what I would probably describe as "difficult people". Hard to get along with, hard to like really, but awe-inspiringly good at what they do. Their backgrounds are solid, and rich, but credible. They really suited each other.
The only minor thing which irritated me a little was that after they meet up again, they become all lovey-dovey and kind with each other. Now, I accept that he's probably going to stop smacking her, and she'll probably stop trying to kill him, but I just couldn't really see their relationship as being that docile. I can visualise them having big, heated arguments, and them steamy reconciliations, but not a contented relationship really.
As for the secondary characters, they are all rounded in their own right, and although the evil ones are really evil, there is a huge amount of ambiguity about most of the characters in the book. Are they really as bad as they appear? Or are they less good than they appear?
Yes, there is more blood and gore than HRs generally seem to have now (more's the pity IMO), but apart from the God-awful cover (will you check out that terrifying blusher on the poor heroine!), there is really nothing cheesy about it. It's incredibly convincing, after all, pirates were incredibly vicious, and the navies of the times were also pretty horrendous.
So, solid 5 stars, fabulous read, will definitely check out her other recent ebook re-releases.
The hero and heroine are also great, great characters. They are what I would probably describe as "difficult people". Hard to get along with, hard to like really, but awe-inspiringly good at what they do. Their backgrounds are solid, and rich, but credible. They really suited each other.
The only minor thing which irritated me a little was that after they meet up again, they become all lovey-dovey and kind with each other. Now, I accept that he's probably going to stop smacking her, and she'll probably stop trying to kill him, but I just couldn't really see their relationship as being that docile. I can visualise them having big, heated arguments, and them steamy reconciliations, but not a contented relationship really.
As for the secondary characters, they are all rounded in their own right, and although the evil ones are really evil, there is a huge amount of ambiguity about most of the characters in the book. Are they really as bad as they appear? Or are they less good than they appear?
Yes, there is more blood and gore than HRs generally seem to have now (more's the pity IMO), but apart from the God-awful cover (will you check out that terrifying blusher on the poor heroine!), there is really nothing cheesy about it. It's incredibly convincing, after all, pirates were incredibly vicious, and the navies of the times were also pretty horrendous.
So, solid 5 stars, fabulous read, will definitely check out her other recent ebook re-releases.
February 24, 2012
Great High Seas Romance!
No one weaves a high seas romance better than Marsha Canham and this is a great one. Originally published in 1986, it is set in 1804 along the Barbary Coast. It’s is a story of great emotions--of courage, hatred, passion, jealousy, betrayal and revenge.
Courtney Farrow's parents' marriage had been a love match until the guillotine took her mother. Her father, Duncan Farrow, a handsome red haired Irishman, became a famous Barbary Coast pirate taking his revenge on French ships and raising the daughter his beloved wife gave him—raising her like a son. Courtney can fight as well as a boy even dressing the part and cutting her hair short.
Duncan Farrow became good at his game, amassing a huge fortune he secreted away in America for Courtney. But then he was betrayed, and an American warship came after his ships and his men. Among the spoils the American officer claimed was "Court," who at 19, still passed for a boy, even with her large green eyes and auburn hair.
Tall, sandy-haired American 1st Lieutenant Adrian Ballantine believes Court's father is a murderer and he believes Court is a lad so he takes her as his cabin boy. He is her enemy and the hatred is strong between them until he discovers she is a woman. Add passion to hatred and you get an explosive mix. Meanwhile, Court vows to find the traitor who betrayed her father and have her revenge.
I loved the length of this tale, a good long romance, but even then, I didn't want it to end. So, it's another great romance for all who love adventure on the high seas and who want a change from the usual fare—and from an author who knows how to do it well!
No one weaves a high seas romance better than Marsha Canham and this is a great one. Originally published in 1986, it is set in 1804 along the Barbary Coast. It’s is a story of great emotions--of courage, hatred, passion, jealousy, betrayal and revenge.
Courtney Farrow's parents' marriage had been a love match until the guillotine took her mother. Her father, Duncan Farrow, a handsome red haired Irishman, became a famous Barbary Coast pirate taking his revenge on French ships and raising the daughter his beloved wife gave him—raising her like a son. Courtney can fight as well as a boy even dressing the part and cutting her hair short.
Duncan Farrow became good at his game, amassing a huge fortune he secreted away in America for Courtney. But then he was betrayed, and an American warship came after his ships and his men. Among the spoils the American officer claimed was "Court," who at 19, still passed for a boy, even with her large green eyes and auburn hair.
Tall, sandy-haired American 1st Lieutenant Adrian Ballantine believes Court's father is a murderer and he believes Court is a lad so he takes her as his cabin boy. He is her enemy and the hatred is strong between them until he discovers she is a woman. Add passion to hatred and you get an explosive mix. Meanwhile, Court vows to find the traitor who betrayed her father and have her revenge.
I loved the length of this tale, a good long romance, but even then, I didn't want it to end. So, it's another great romance for all who love adventure on the high seas and who want a change from the usual fare—and from an author who knows how to do it well!
March 18, 2023
Would you get a load of that cover? So airbrushed...the sky, the ship, the sculpted waves of his--ahem, the sculpted waves of the sea.
I normally don't review romance books. Despite writing them, I actually read terribly few, especially historical romances. I have found that they are very tepid, very Bridgerton-esque. Lots of costumes and word play without historical substance. A fellow writer put me onto Marsha Canham many years ago and I read one (I forget the title) and liked it. So recently when I was on the prowl of another epic historical romance and once again coming up short on current titles, I called up Marsha Canham's website and picked this one on the author's recommendation.
At one point, early on, our hero, Adrian Ballantine, punches our heroine, Courtney Farrow, in the face. He thinks she's a boy, but the instant contact was made, I thought, "Finally!" A story that literally pulls no punches. Violence is not shirked from in a setting where death is at once commonplace and heroic. And then, the twists and turns of the plot drawn from the greed and resentments of the villians amid the growing lust and love of our heroes kept me stealing over to my e-reader when my duties lay elsewhere.
Great worldbuilding, high stakes, well-rendered characters. Decades after its original publication, this romance still holds its own. I wish more like these were published today.
I normally don't review romance books. Despite writing them, I actually read terribly few, especially historical romances. I have found that they are very tepid, very Bridgerton-esque. Lots of costumes and word play without historical substance. A fellow writer put me onto Marsha Canham many years ago and I read one (I forget the title) and liked it. So recently when I was on the prowl of another epic historical romance and once again coming up short on current titles, I called up Marsha Canham's website and picked this one on the author's recommendation.
At one point, early on, our hero, Adrian Ballantine, punches our heroine, Courtney Farrow, in the face. He thinks she's a boy, but the instant contact was made, I thought, "Finally!" A story that literally pulls no punches. Violence is not shirked from in a setting where death is at once commonplace and heroic. And then, the twists and turns of the plot drawn from the greed and resentments of the villians amid the growing lust and love of our heroes kept me stealing over to my e-reader when my duties lay elsewhere.
Great worldbuilding, high stakes, well-rendered characters. Decades after its original publication, this romance still holds its own. I wish more like these were published today.
April 24, 2015
My copy of The Wind and the Sea is the most expensive second hand paperback book I have ever owned. Bought this out of print book for USD 100 including shipping. I had to have it. And I got it and 15 years ago, I read this book back to back in one night. A couple of days ago, I purchased it for my Kindle as my copy is tattered and boxed up somewhere with my other keepers and re-read this again. Oh the swashbuckling adventures on the high-seas! This book should be made into a movie! Hollywood is ready for some old fashioned swashbuckling adventure like in the old days when Errol Flynn would command the genre and the silver screen. As was the case 15 years ago, I couldn't put it down, I was reading this in the plane, in the taxi, when I was out of meetings, I could care less when the plane landed home all I wanted to know was how Court and Adrian were doing.... I wanted to be a pirate! Ar! Ar!! I want to swing my imaginary scabbard into the air and sail away to an adventure somewhere in the Mediterranean... Oh Miz Canham... thank you for writing this WONDERFUL book! Thank you for taking me back to Gibraltar and soon I will be going to Marrakech and will be thinking of the Barbary Corsairs when there..... ARRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!
June 19, 2011
It has been a LONG time since I have read a pirate adventure such as The Wind and the Sea. The adventure, passion, danger, and betrayal that swirled throughout the pages gave this reader a sense of what life on the high seas must have been like during the nineteenth century. Ms. Canham uses great depictions to describe the battle scenes, making me feel as if I were reading a true historical account instead of a historical romance. Then you have a truly vicious vixen that goes out of her way to use her body to try and destroy the one person she loathes the most…Courtney. Beautifully written, The Wind and the Sea is a swashbuckling tale that calls to the pirate in all of us.
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
November 6, 2016
3.5 stars
Marsha Canham's writing is as excellent as always.
It was a long book and even though I skipped details about the pirates and their enemies blah blah, I wasn't bored at all. This e-copy had many errors but I wasn't deterred at all.
I just didn't get as much tension from the romance as I'd have wanted. Adrian and Courtney spent too much time apart and angry at each other.
I still liked it a lot.
Great read.
Marsha Canham's writing is as excellent as always.
It was a long book and even though I skipped details about the pirates and their enemies blah blah, I wasn't bored at all. This e-copy had many errors but I wasn't deterred at all.
I just didn't get as much tension from the romance as I'd have wanted. Adrian and Courtney spent too much time apart and angry at each other.
I still liked it a lot.
Great read.
June 1, 2011
Picked this book up for my Kindle iPad app based on a blog I read talking about unusual pirate books. While I liked the heroine, and occasionally the hero, this just didn't work for me. I mainly kept reading it to see who was Seawolf and if her father would still be alive. Too much talk about rape and violence for me, just not my cuppa.
September 22, 2023
How have I previously missed this wonderful old skool author? Great story-teller, her writing is so vivid and exciting, with excellent character development. The heroes and heroine are noble and heroic, the villains despicable (although I couldn’t help feeling sorry for and admiring Miranda, who just played the hand she was dealt, and very well at that). The details and emotions were so strong, I could hardly get out of the story, even when I did manage to put it down. Lots and lots of action (battles, hand-to-hand, etc.) and no small amount of blood, violence, torture, etc., some of it pretty graphic, and a mystery (two actually). Not a lot of love scenes, but the chemistry was intense and the romance believable, as it built so very slowly. Large cast of characters, each developed to the point needed for the story. A long, delicious escape. I’m adding Marsha Canham to my favorite authors sublist on my TBR.
November 14, 2018
This surpasses the majority! If you haven’t read Marsha Canham and love historical romance, then let me have the pleasure of introducing this exceptionally accomplished writer!
Gritty piracy off the Barbary Coast staring blazing characters takes us for an adventure of epic movie proportions until the very last word. A rare treat in stand-alone books; from the first explosive words, it sweeps us along with gale-forced winds and holds no broadsides. SUPERB!
Gritty piracy off the Barbary Coast staring blazing characters takes us for an adventure of epic movie proportions until the very last word. A rare treat in stand-alone books; from the first explosive words, it sweeps us along with gale-forced winds and holds no broadsides. SUPERB!
September 17, 2023
Soooo this book was published in the 80s, did not know that prior to reading. So all the misogyny, racism, and multiple instances of interpersonal violence have a little more context. I hated the female antagonist in this. Went in expecting Iron Rose badass lady pirate vibes, got multiple beating scenes, being locked in cages, and an asshole MMC who magically falls in love only after getting sick.
September 15, 2023
Another Marsha Can ham triumph!
What amazing twists and turns in the plot of The Wind and The Sea there are! The hero and heroine are unlikely , and yet their passion overwhelms them. Who is the mysterious Sea wolf or the other spy known as the Englishman? The stakes are high with stolen treasure, pirates being hunted as never before, and treachery on both land and sea.
What amazing twists and turns in the plot of The Wind and The Sea there are! The hero and heroine are unlikely , and yet their passion overwhelms them. Who is the mysterious Sea wolf or the other spy known as the Englishman? The stakes are high with stolen treasure, pirates being hunted as never before, and treachery on both land and sea.
March 18, 2024
This author is the best
If you don't read her books you will be missing out of adventures, romance, amazing characters with surprising twists and turns you will not see coming. Pirates, solders, battles galore and intense moments. ENJOY!
If you don't read her books you will be missing out of adventures, romance, amazing characters with surprising twists and turns you will not see coming. Pirates, solders, battles galore and intense moments. ENJOY!
October 27, 2023
Swashbuckling goodness! I love it from start to finish and the tumult between them was more truthful and less fairytale.
maybe
June 28, 2025Again a girl disguising as a boy. Cabin boy for the pirate H.
September 3, 2025
started for the disguised as a boy, stayed for the plot and very good writing. the heroine is a catch and hero is a good man, savannah. nice, 3,5-4/5 ( a lot of angst tho and tiny bit dark).
June 2, 2024
Was this perfect? No. Was it problematic most of the time? Yes. But I enjoyed the hell out of it. It even had one of my favorite tropes that was a pleasant surprise toward the end.
May 20, 2025
Primary Subgenre:
⚔️ Historical Romance (Napoleonic Era) (1804 Barbary Coast, naval warfare, pirate intrigue)
Secondary Subgenres/Tags:
🏴☠️ Pirate Romance (corsair heroine, naval officer hero)
🌊 High Seas Adventure (ship battles, secret missions, betrayals)
🔥 Enemies-to-Lovers (captor/captive, forced alliance)
💔 Revenge Plot (stronghold betrayal, hidden traitors)
🖤 Fiery Passion (clashing wills → undeniable chemistry)
Bonus Tropes/Themes:
✔ "Taming the Wild Corsair" (spirited heroine vs. disciplined lieutenant)
✔ "Who Betrayed Us?" (dual mystery: secrets & stronghold fall)
✔ "Touch Her and Die" (possessive naval hero vibes)
✔ "Reluctant Allies" (enemies forced to work together)
✔ *Found Family (pirate crew/loyal sailors)
Comparable Books/Authors:
Johanna Lindsey (Gentle Rogue – pirate heroine + naval officer)*
Lisa Kleypas (Devil in Winter – fiery chemistry + revenge)*
Adrienne Basso (How to Be a Scottish Mistress – captor/captive tension)*
Beverley Jenkins (Destiny’s Captive – high-stakes sea adventures)*
⚔️ Historical Romance (Napoleonic Era) (1804 Barbary Coast, naval warfare, pirate intrigue)
Secondary Subgenres/Tags:
🏴☠️ Pirate Romance (corsair heroine, naval officer hero)
🌊 High Seas Adventure (ship battles, secret missions, betrayals)
🔥 Enemies-to-Lovers (captor/captive, forced alliance)
💔 Revenge Plot (stronghold betrayal, hidden traitors)
🖤 Fiery Passion (clashing wills → undeniable chemistry)
Bonus Tropes/Themes:
✔ "Taming the Wild Corsair" (spirited heroine vs. disciplined lieutenant)
✔ "Who Betrayed Us?" (dual mystery: secrets & stronghold fall)
✔ "Touch Her and Die" (possessive naval hero vibes)
✔ "Reluctant Allies" (enemies forced to work together)
✔ *Found Family (pirate crew/loyal sailors)
Comparable Books/Authors:
Johanna Lindsey (Gentle Rogue – pirate heroine + naval officer)*
Lisa Kleypas (Devil in Winter – fiery chemistry + revenge)*
Adrienne Basso (How to Be a Scottish Mistress – captor/captive tension)*
Beverley Jenkins (Destiny’s Captive – high-stakes sea adventures)*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2025
5+ stars. This was a first Canham book for me and within one chapter I was absolutely hooked. The description is apt this was a swashbuckling sea adventure. I came for the historical romance, stayed for the thrilling adventure. I would say to readers expecting the conventional historical romance with romance after romance scene and a character driven plot with few if any developed side characters that this book does not fit within that category. There are few romantic scenes between the leads for a 530 page book. So manage your expectations. However, the romance that is there is very good. What this perhaps lacks in a the romantic genre elements it makes up for in other ways. This is a robust read that I think has a larger market than the typical mostly female driven HR audience. The side characters are fully developed and fully integrated into the story. Even the villainess I would say is somewhat understandable in her desperate need to be loved and to survive by using her wits and charms. The female heroine was not a wilting flower which I loved but there is a great scene where she comes into her own as a woman that is so heartfelt and well written. I do wish there was an epilogue. The end kind of leaves you reeling. We waited a lonnnng time for Adrian and Court to no longer be enemies and it would be nice to have a few pages where they are truly free of suspicion of one another. We also definitely need to be assured that Duncan survived, dickies leg is ok and Matt gets the ending he deserves. The original cover art from 1986 is horrific. I printed my own art from Google and taped it over top. This is such a good read. Highly recommended. Just prepare for an adventure story with a through line enemies to lovers romance that isn’t actually the main focus of the book.
November 10, 2017
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Pirate stories are usually a hit or miss with me, but this one had the kind of fast-paced action that I love, the inevitable romance and the delicious intrigue.
I was immediately interested after seeing Ashley's review, so I started reading it. I do not regret it one bit, this book was amazing! Super well written and entertaining, I had such a great time with it.
Adrian and Courtney were everything, I loved their chemistry and how their attraction just simmered until they couldn't get a hold of it anymore. Their scenes and dialogue still gives me shivers.
Courtney was a strong, kick-ass heroine, who never backed down and never let Adrian have the last word, even when she was at his mercy. She was everything a heroine ought to be.
As for Adrian, even having led such a privileged life he never hesitated in taking matters into his own hands, not caring if it meant getting them dirty.
The fact that there was an actual plot and it wasn't all about the romance made it even more appealing. I kept trying to guess who was who until the very end.
There was one character I definitely did not care for- Miranda. She was a whore in every sense of the word. I kept hoping that if anyone had to be thrown overboard it would be her. Sadly, that didn't happen.
Overall, a truly wonderful, well written book! I can definitely see myself re-reading it soon!
Pirate stories are usually a hit or miss with me, but this one had the kind of fast-paced action that I love, the inevitable romance and the delicious intrigue.
I was immediately interested after seeing Ashley's review, so I started reading it. I do not regret it one bit, this book was amazing! Super well written and entertaining, I had such a great time with it.
Adrian and Courtney were everything, I loved their chemistry and how their attraction just simmered until they couldn't get a hold of it anymore. Their scenes and dialogue still gives me shivers.
Courtney was a strong, kick-ass heroine, who never backed down and never let Adrian have the last word, even when she was at his mercy. She was everything a heroine ought to be.
As for Adrian, even having led such a privileged life he never hesitated in taking matters into his own hands, not caring if it meant getting them dirty.
The fact that there was an actual plot and it wasn't all about the romance made it even more appealing. I kept trying to guess who was who until the very end.
There was one character I definitely did not care for- Miranda. She was a whore in every sense of the word. I kept hoping that if anyone had to be thrown overboard it would be her. Sadly, that didn't happen.
Overall, a truly wonderful, well written book! I can definitely see myself re-reading it soon!
April 5, 2022
Just a seriously fun, romantic, well-written book. I probably would never have found it without it having been recommended to me by Celeste, so thanks to her for suggesting it to me. I do love my pirate novels and this is one of the best high seas historical romances I've ever read. Granted, it's more of an action-adventure tale with strong romantic elements than an out and out romance, but either way it was wonderful.
At nearly 600 pages this is a long read, but I was always on the edge of my seat and the dynamic between the hero and heroine was wonderful. Those two did not pull their punches, literally, and the heroine was strong in a way that actually meant something. It wasn't just a "she can any man's ass" sort of veneer; she could fight but more often what you saw shine through were her intelligence, cunning, and self-respect.
Are books like this still being published today? If so, just point me in the right direction and I will buy them. I just love how bizarre, epic, and interesting so many of these older historical romances are. I also like that we usually get a lot more time to see the characters change and grow in them. By the end of this long ass book, you really have seen the hero and heroine's love for each other tested in so many ways and believe that they've earned their happy ending.
At nearly 600 pages this is a long read, but I was always on the edge of my seat and the dynamic between the hero and heroine was wonderful. Those two did not pull their punches, literally, and the heroine was strong in a way that actually meant something. It wasn't just a "she can any man's ass" sort of veneer; she could fight but more often what you saw shine through were her intelligence, cunning, and self-respect.
Are books like this still being published today? If so, just point me in the right direction and I will buy them. I just love how bizarre, epic, and interesting so many of these older historical romances are. I also like that we usually get a lot more time to see the characters change and grow in them. By the end of this long ass book, you really have seen the hero and heroine's love for each other tested in so many ways and believe that they've earned their happy ending.
October 15, 2011
4.5/5.0
If looking for a realistic, gritty, exciting, historically correct, yet swashbuckling pirate story, this should be the absolute definitive!
Ms. Canham intertwines historical realism with romantic fiction so deftly that one is hardly aware they are experiencing what was reality in the early 19th century, they are too busy biting their nails and wanting to cover their eyes! It's a bigger than life, sweeping love-story that is somewhat harsh but most assuredly memorable!
*The sex scenes are not graphic but the subject is realistic to the subject matter. Canham doesn't sugar coat but she doesn't glorify either.*
If looking for a realistic, gritty, exciting, historically correct, yet swashbuckling pirate story, this should be the absolute definitive!
Ms. Canham intertwines historical realism with romantic fiction so deftly that one is hardly aware they are experiencing what was reality in the early 19th century, they are too busy biting their nails and wanting to cover their eyes! It's a bigger than life, sweeping love-story that is somewhat harsh but most assuredly memorable!
*The sex scenes are not graphic but the subject is realistic to the subject matter. Canham doesn't sugar coat but she doesn't glorify either.*
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