What do you think?
Rate this book
Heart of the Corsairs #1
Captive of the Corsairs
Bluestocking Sophia Green’s future is uncertain. Orphaned as a child and raised by the wealthy Cappleman family, she has become the companion to her attractive younger cousin, Laura, while harboring to her breast an unrequited love for Laura’s diffident brother. Sea captain Kit Hardacre’s past is a mystery – even to him. Kidnapped by Barbary Coast pirates at the age of 10, he does not remember his parents or even his real name. All he recalls are things he would rather forget. When Laura’s reputation is threatened by a scandal, Sophia suggests weathering the storm in Sicily with their elderly uncle, a prominent archaeologist. Their passage to Palermo is aboard Hardacre’s ship, but the Calliope, like its captain, is not all it seems. Both have only one mission – to rid the world of the evil pirate slaver Kaddouri or die in the attempt. Initially disdainful of the captain’s devil-may-care attitude, Sophia can’t deny a growing attraction. And Kit begins to see in her a woman who could help him forget the horrors of his past. Sophia allows herself to be drawn into the shallows of Kit’s world, but when the naive misjudgment of her cousins sees Laura abducted, Sophia is dragged into dangerous depths that could cost her life or her sanity in a living hell.
358 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2017
212 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Ellen Carter
58 books354 followersUSA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Ellen Carter is an award-winning historical romance writer who pens richly detailed historical romantic adventures. A former newspaper journalist, Carter ran an award-winning PR agency for 12 years. She lives in Australia.
On the publication of her debut novel in 2013, Carter was heralded by critics as ‘a writer worth keeping an eye on’ with a style reminiscent of classic suspense novelist Daphne du Maurier. This impression has been borne out in her subsequent work.
Her full-length novels frequently feature psychologically complex relations between the central characters and often delve into dark themes.
Nonetheless, she also occasionally turns her hand to sweet romance (always with a touch of adventure) suitable for younger readers as well as older fans looking for a change of pace.
Elizabeth Ellen Carter’s full-length titles and several novellas have been published by Dragonblade Publishing since 2017. She also regularly contributes to various multi-author anthologies and is a member of The Bluestocking Belles group of Regency romance authors.
On the publication of her debut novel in 2013, Carter was heralded by critics as ‘a writer worth keeping an eye on’ with a style reminiscent of classic suspense novelist Daphne du Maurier. This impression has been borne out in her subsequent work.
Her full-length novels frequently feature psychologically complex relations between the central characters and often delve into dark themes.
Nonetheless, she also occasionally turns her hand to sweet romance (always with a touch of adventure) suitable for younger readers as well as older fans looking for a change of pace.
Elizabeth Ellen Carter’s full-length titles and several novellas have been published by Dragonblade Publishing since 2017. She also regularly contributes to various multi-author anthologies and is a member of The Bluestocking Belles group of Regency romance authors.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 13, 2017
I've become quite a fan of Elizabeth Ellen Carter in recent years. She has a talent for combining adventure in far flung places with smouldering romance. Plus, her stories are all set within an historical era and locale that I've usually never come across before, making each adventure an enlightening experience all round. Each of her novels has a serious issue at its core and she orbits the story around it to perfection. Meticulously researched yet never overly laden with detail, her novels are an escapist treat and I look forward to each new release.
Captive of the Corsairs was everything I've come to expect from Elizabeth and it had me 'captivated' from start through to finish. Sophia was an excellent heroine: smart, self aware, not a hint of the weeping willowy damsel about her at all. And Kit, well, he was what every hero should be. Fiercely driven by his demons, he was witty, brave, strategic, and completely undone by Sophia. What I loved most about their romance was the way Kit was attracted initially to Sophia because of her intelligence, rather than her looks. An appreciation for brains over beauty is valuable within any era, historical or present, and a mutual respect for intelligence forming the basis of a relationship is a very fine thing to have portrayed in a romance novel.
At the heart of this story is a fight against kidnapping for slavery. Elizabeth doesn't shy away from telling it like it is, which is one of the reasons why I like her novels so much. They're an honest historical account which have a great deal of research evidenced throughout the story. I enjoyed the historical anecdotes woven into the narrative; they gave an authenticity to Captive of the Corsairs that firmly grounded it within its setting.
I have to say that Sophia's cousins were idiotic fools. So rude to Sophia at times, they really didn’t deserve her loyalty. They were probably fairly typical though of the era and their position within society. I really felt for Sophia, the poor orphaned cousin, at the mercy of the generosity of others. And despite her contributions to her uncle's work, as a woman she couldn't receive any credit. Thank goodness there are some things we have improved on over the centuries!
If you enjoy a book series then you'll be pleased to know that Captive of the Corsairs is a 'book one', so there is more to come for these characters. I am certainly pleased about this and will be first in line for a copy of the next instalment!
Thanks is extended to Elizabeth Ellen Carter for providing me with a copy of Captive of the Corsairs for review.
Captive of the Corsairs is book 45 in my 2017 Australian Women Writers Challenge. #aww2017
Captive of the Corsairs was everything I've come to expect from Elizabeth and it had me 'captivated' from start through to finish. Sophia was an excellent heroine: smart, self aware, not a hint of the weeping willowy damsel about her at all. And Kit, well, he was what every hero should be. Fiercely driven by his demons, he was witty, brave, strategic, and completely undone by Sophia. What I loved most about their romance was the way Kit was attracted initially to Sophia because of her intelligence, rather than her looks. An appreciation for brains over beauty is valuable within any era, historical or present, and a mutual respect for intelligence forming the basis of a relationship is a very fine thing to have portrayed in a romance novel.
At the heart of this story is a fight against kidnapping for slavery. Elizabeth doesn't shy away from telling it like it is, which is one of the reasons why I like her novels so much. They're an honest historical account which have a great deal of research evidenced throughout the story. I enjoyed the historical anecdotes woven into the narrative; they gave an authenticity to Captive of the Corsairs that firmly grounded it within its setting.
I have to say that Sophia's cousins were idiotic fools. So rude to Sophia at times, they really didn’t deserve her loyalty. They were probably fairly typical though of the era and their position within society. I really felt for Sophia, the poor orphaned cousin, at the mercy of the generosity of others. And despite her contributions to her uncle's work, as a woman she couldn't receive any credit. Thank goodness there are some things we have improved on over the centuries!
If you enjoy a book series then you'll be pleased to know that Captive of the Corsairs is a 'book one', so there is more to come for these characters. I am certainly pleased about this and will be first in line for a copy of the next instalment!
Thanks is extended to Elizabeth Ellen Carter for providing me with a copy of Captive of the Corsairs for review.
Captive of the Corsairs is book 45 in my 2017 Australian Women Writers Challenge. #aww2017
April 26, 2020
This is a different sort of book for me , but so glad i went with my instincts .
The story is about Sofia who is brought up in a convent , then removed from there to take care of her cousins Samuel,who she falls for and Laura who she becomes more of a sister to.
They all take a trip on a ship to foreign parts ,meeting the captain of the ship Kit ,hes had a very troubled life, being kidnapped as a child and forced into service and prostitution , he escapes to buy his own ship, and with a very loyal crew
sets out to stop slavery and rescue those who cant help themselves.
Sofia and Kit have a rough start to they're relationship, but eventually get together , however Kit seems to have something of a deathwish .
He has to rescue both sofia and Laura from a fate worse than death .
Ive read many books ,and some ,not many ,ive had problems putting down .This was one of those books .
I also dont feel the pull to review many, again this one i felt i had to .
Its a real gritty tale,from the first couple of pages you really are gripped by the story.The emotions and the descriptive scenes keep you entranced the whole way through,i loved every page and cant wait for more.
Its now going on my favorite list . Wonderful book.
The story is about Sofia who is brought up in a convent , then removed from there to take care of her cousins Samuel,who she falls for and Laura who she becomes more of a sister to.
They all take a trip on a ship to foreign parts ,meeting the captain of the ship Kit ,hes had a very troubled life, being kidnapped as a child and forced into service and prostitution , he escapes to buy his own ship, and with a very loyal crew
sets out to stop slavery and rescue those who cant help themselves.
Sofia and Kit have a rough start to they're relationship, but eventually get together , however Kit seems to have something of a deathwish .
He has to rescue both sofia and Laura from a fate worse than death .
Ive read many books ,and some ,not many ,ive had problems putting down .This was one of those books .
I also dont feel the pull to review many, again this one i felt i had to .
Its a real gritty tale,from the first couple of pages you really are gripped by the story.The emotions and the descriptive scenes keep you entranced the whole way through,i loved every page and cant wait for more.
Its now going on my favorite list . Wonderful book.
August 5, 2017
This book surprised me, but not in a good way. I was taken off guard by the direction in which the plot developed. It disturbed me and I didn't necessarily want to read something about . I definitely wouldn't have chosen to read this book had I known about the heavy subject matter.
I will instead review the other aspects of this book, namely writing style and character development. The writing wasn't bad and there were certain passages where an image or turn of phrase were very pretty , but overall it just wasn't for me. The language was also too modern for the time period during which this story occurred and would sometimes jar me out of the narrative. The character development was fair, but the development of feelings between the MCs felt rushed and too simplistic.
Overall, my eyes were opened to the evils of . However the story telling wasn't for me and the story itself was just too sad for me to enjoy.
I will instead review the other aspects of this book, namely writing style and character development. The writing wasn't bad and there were certain passages where an image or turn of phrase were very pretty , but overall it just wasn't for me. The language was also too modern for the time period during which this story occurred and would sometimes jar me out of the narrative. The character development was fair, but the development of feelings between the MCs felt rushed and too simplistic.
Overall, my eyes were opened to the evils of . However the story telling wasn't for me and the story itself was just too sad for me to enjoy.
July 18, 2017
Captive Of The Corsairs, book one in Elizabeth Ellen Carter's Heart of the Corsairs series, is an absolutely riveting read. Set largely in the Mediterranean during the regency period, this story kept me on the edge of my chair throughout and had me dreaming about Kit and Sophia after I'd finished.
Ms Carter clearly loves her history, and her meticulous research is evident throughout this story, but I think it is her characters who really drew me in. Sophia and Kit are beautifully rounded, complex and utterly believable. I warmed to the crew of Kit's ship, the Calliope, too, while feeling slightly sickened by Sophia's cousin Samuel.
While I had a good idea how the story would end — it is a romance, after all — I loved the twists and turns along the way that kept me wondering what would happen next. For my money, this is Elizabeth Ellen Carter's best story yet. I can't wait to read book two.
Ms Carter clearly loves her history, and her meticulous research is evident throughout this story, but I think it is her characters who really drew me in. Sophia and Kit are beautifully rounded, complex and utterly believable. I warmed to the crew of Kit's ship, the Calliope, too, while feeling slightly sickened by Sophia's cousin Samuel.
While I had a good idea how the story would end — it is a romance, after all — I loved the twists and turns along the way that kept me wondering what would happen next. For my money, this is Elizabeth Ellen Carter's best story yet. I can't wait to read book two.
July 20, 2017
Look closely at the book cover. That is, look behind the couple. The backdrop takes the reader into the wiles of the Mediterranean, discovering the Barbary Coast with its exotic mosques, and its perils of the time for the unsuspecting. A beautiful, enticing cover for an equally riveting read!
I’ve read one other book by this author, Dark Heart, about two months ago. The cover also drew me in. The story dealt with the injustices in the hands of the greedy. It has a much darker tone than this one, but no less emotionally compelling.
The storyteller drops us into a scene which happens 18 months after meeting Sophia. So we know somewhat bad things happen, but we don’t know when or how or why. So this scene acts as a teaser, always pushing me along to find how it all fits together.
Sophia Green is a bit shy, has put herself on the shelf and has accepted her spinsterhood. She fell in love with her cousin, Samuel, years ago, or so she thinks. In Sophia’s mind the man is obtuse. He can’t see what a lovely wife she would make.
Taken as a young girl from a convent by her cousin, she is companion to Laura, Samuel’s sister. Sophia is the one who looks out for herself and Laura. Laura loves to live life, reads novels which spurs her eagerness to find her one true love. Ah, romance! Laura’s nature and willingness to trust what she perceives finds her in some rather type spots. Luckily, Sophia is there to pick up the pieces. After one encounter, Sophia urges Samuel to let her accompany Sophia, who is going abroad, with their uncle. Hopefully, enough time to let the rumor mill cool.
Excerpt:
The fact Laura was beautiful and an heiress turned Sophia’s role of companion into a full-time chaperone, swatting away men who buzzed about like pesky flies.
*****
Sophia is excited to join her elderly Uncle Jonas Fenton, historian and antiquarian as well as archaeologist, travelling to Palermo*, and Laura will be accompanying her. Samuel, taking his continent tour, will be joining them at a later date.
Sophia is a bit of a bluestocking. She wears spectacles, but with or without she is a stunning woman. She is not aware of it. She pays no mind to fashion, wears drab colors, none that suit her coloring. Her world lies in books, and unearthing, cataloguing and illustrating her uncle’s and her finds. She has a keen intelligence and most determined in manner, that is, when she isn’t a fish out of water.
Kit, once he sees the lovely Sophia, listening to her rapturing on about ancient Greece, his mind wanders to the lovely lady before him.
Excerpt:
While she spoke to him of ancient Greece, he imagined dressing her in the style of a Spanish maja.
One painting, La maja vestida by Francisco de Goya, came to mind—Sophia had the same coloring. That thought was immediately followed by the recollection of the painting’s companion—La maja desnuda.
Kit mentally shook his head. What the hell was he doing? Sophia Green wasn’t his type.
*****
Ah, they all say that, don’t they? It’s apparent, men really don’t know their type. It’s up to us readers and writers to show them the way!
Kit struggles with a past addiction with opiates. Kit’s past hasn’t been kind. There is a reason he focuses all his attention on killing Kaddouri, a pirate and slaver. Kit isn’t waiting for a government to put him down. You see, Kit was once a slave, enslaved by Kaddouri, and made to do things no child should be obliged to do. His saving grace happens when a man takes him under his wing for six years, educating him, while Kit continues his ‘other’ duties.
Luckily, Kit escapes and turns his rage to aid those which find themselves enslaved. He has saved many. His well-trained men, ship and keen intelligence leaving nothing to chance are his strengths. This story shows us these attributes time after time. But, Kaddouri wants him dead, too. Kit has sabotaged many of Kaddouri’s campaigns. Who will be the keener, the stronger, the more determined?
Elias Nash, Kit’s first officer, knows Kit well, knows the demons which plague him, worries over him, protects him with his life. You’ll come to love this character. As things stand, it’s apparent he will have a story of his own, most likely, book two of the series.
I love the history woven into the story. So many places highlighted on my Kindle, I went back to look at them more closely on Google. I love the use of Turkish and Arabic words and intrigue of the moving parts of this exciting and dangerous story. At one point, Kit said a very back word in Arabic, and I wasn’t expecting it. I laughed hard. You see, I’ve lived in the Middle East for 18 years and the bad, nasty words are some of the first you learn! The author leaves the reader needing to know what is said. Later, Kit explains it to the ever-curious Sophia. A wondrous, entertaining scene!
Between the sea battles, the harems, the slavers, and the storm, this story just pumps my blood. I, must say, even as a Regency, Carter brings ancient civilization into her stories. I love it!
*Palermo is located on the island of Sicily at the southern tip of Italy. Before reading the book, take a look at its proximity to Tunis. Syracuse is on the other side of the island, also an ancient city. Civilization spans back 2,700 years, well before the Romans built their Temple to Apollo on Syacuse.
Publisher provided an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve read one other book by this author, Dark Heart, about two months ago. The cover also drew me in. The story dealt with the injustices in the hands of the greedy. It has a much darker tone than this one, but no less emotionally compelling.
The storyteller drops us into a scene which happens 18 months after meeting Sophia. So we know somewhat bad things happen, but we don’t know when or how or why. So this scene acts as a teaser, always pushing me along to find how it all fits together.
Sophia Green is a bit shy, has put herself on the shelf and has accepted her spinsterhood. She fell in love with her cousin, Samuel, years ago, or so she thinks. In Sophia’s mind the man is obtuse. He can’t see what a lovely wife she would make.
Taken as a young girl from a convent by her cousin, she is companion to Laura, Samuel’s sister. Sophia is the one who looks out for herself and Laura. Laura loves to live life, reads novels which spurs her eagerness to find her one true love. Ah, romance! Laura’s nature and willingness to trust what she perceives finds her in some rather type spots. Luckily, Sophia is there to pick up the pieces. After one encounter, Sophia urges Samuel to let her accompany Sophia, who is going abroad, with their uncle. Hopefully, enough time to let the rumor mill cool.
Excerpt:
The fact Laura was beautiful and an heiress turned Sophia’s role of companion into a full-time chaperone, swatting away men who buzzed about like pesky flies.
*****
Sophia is excited to join her elderly Uncle Jonas Fenton, historian and antiquarian as well as archaeologist, travelling to Palermo*, and Laura will be accompanying her. Samuel, taking his continent tour, will be joining them at a later date.
Sophia is a bit of a bluestocking. She wears spectacles, but with or without she is a stunning woman. She is not aware of it. She pays no mind to fashion, wears drab colors, none that suit her coloring. Her world lies in books, and unearthing, cataloguing and illustrating her uncle’s and her finds. She has a keen intelligence and most determined in manner, that is, when she isn’t a fish out of water.
Kit, once he sees the lovely Sophia, listening to her rapturing on about ancient Greece, his mind wanders to the lovely lady before him.
Excerpt:
While she spoke to him of ancient Greece, he imagined dressing her in the style of a Spanish maja.
One painting, La maja vestida by Francisco de Goya, came to mind—Sophia had the same coloring. That thought was immediately followed by the recollection of the painting’s companion—La maja desnuda.
Kit mentally shook his head. What the hell was he doing? Sophia Green wasn’t his type.
*****
Ah, they all say that, don’t they? It’s apparent, men really don’t know their type. It’s up to us readers and writers to show them the way!
Kit struggles with a past addiction with opiates. Kit’s past hasn’t been kind. There is a reason he focuses all his attention on killing Kaddouri, a pirate and slaver. Kit isn’t waiting for a government to put him down. You see, Kit was once a slave, enslaved by Kaddouri, and made to do things no child should be obliged to do. His saving grace happens when a man takes him under his wing for six years, educating him, while Kit continues his ‘other’ duties.
Luckily, Kit escapes and turns his rage to aid those which find themselves enslaved. He has saved many. His well-trained men, ship and keen intelligence leaving nothing to chance are his strengths. This story shows us these attributes time after time. But, Kaddouri wants him dead, too. Kit has sabotaged many of Kaddouri’s campaigns. Who will be the keener, the stronger, the more determined?
Elias Nash, Kit’s first officer, knows Kit well, knows the demons which plague him, worries over him, protects him with his life. You’ll come to love this character. As things stand, it’s apparent he will have a story of his own, most likely, book two of the series.
I love the history woven into the story. So many places highlighted on my Kindle, I went back to look at them more closely on Google. I love the use of Turkish and Arabic words and intrigue of the moving parts of this exciting and dangerous story. At one point, Kit said a very back word in Arabic, and I wasn’t expecting it. I laughed hard. You see, I’ve lived in the Middle East for 18 years and the bad, nasty words are some of the first you learn! The author leaves the reader needing to know what is said. Later, Kit explains it to the ever-curious Sophia. A wondrous, entertaining scene!
Between the sea battles, the harems, the slavers, and the storm, this story just pumps my blood. I, must say, even as a Regency, Carter brings ancient civilization into her stories. I love it!
*Palermo is located on the island of Sicily at the southern tip of Italy. Before reading the book, take a look at its proximity to Tunis. Syracuse is on the other side of the island, also an ancient city. Civilization spans back 2,700 years, well before the Romans built their Temple to Apollo on Syacuse.
Publisher provided an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2017
The scourge of the Mediterranean - Islam.
This book really pissed me off. Not because of the writing, editing, or storyline. All of that was really great. The problem I have, at the risk of sounding like a bigot, is the IDEOLOGY that is Islam. This book deals with slavery, more specifically the Islamic slave trade, and the trauma it inflicted on it's victims. The characters are obviously fictitious, but the historical reality of it is very accurate. There was a nod at the American Navy, the means of which the hero was able to escape captivity, which I appreciated. So, hats off to the author for keeping it real.
As for the romance: both Captain Hardacre and Miss Green have their own unique demons, but in spite of their issues, find happiness and fulfillment in each other. The road wasn't easy, and at times it seemed impossible for them to continue, but their love for each other made them stronger together, and brought them both peace.
I love it when villains are crushed and a good HEA. That earns it 4 stars.
*I received an ARC from Dragonblade Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
This book really pissed me off. Not because of the writing, editing, or storyline. All of that was really great. The problem I have, at the risk of sounding like a bigot, is the IDEOLOGY that is Islam. This book deals with slavery, more specifically the Islamic slave trade, and the trauma it inflicted on it's victims. The characters are obviously fictitious, but the historical reality of it is very accurate. There was a nod at the American Navy, the means of which the hero was able to escape captivity, which I appreciated. So, hats off to the author for keeping it real.
As for the romance: both Captain Hardacre and Miss Green have their own unique demons, but in spite of their issues, find happiness and fulfillment in each other. The road wasn't easy, and at times it seemed impossible for them to continue, but their love for each other made them stronger together, and brought them both peace.
I love it when villains are crushed and a good HEA. That earns it 4 stars.
*I received an ARC from Dragonblade Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
July 28, 2017
Exciting new voice
Who does not like brave, tormented hero's and loyal, steadfast heroines?
Add to that high sea adventures, pirates and evil men set in the 18th century mideast and you have a marvellous page turner. The authors knowledge of detail made this a great and satisfying read.
Who does not like brave, tormented hero's and loyal, steadfast heroines?
Add to that high sea adventures, pirates and evil men set in the 18th century mideast and you have a marvellous page turner. The authors knowledge of detail made this a great and satisfying read.
July 18, 2017
Sophia Green has been invisible most of her life orphaned as a young child, she's become a companion to her attractive cousin Laura. She holds a secret longing and does all in her power to show Samuel her feelings for him, she tries to be indispensable.
When Laura is caught in a compromising situation Sophia suggests travelling to Sicily with their uncle until the scandal has passed.
Christopher-Kit-Hardacre abducted by Barbary pirates at the age of 10 he doesn't remember his roots. When Sophia and her cousin are passengers aboard his ship he can't help the attraction between himself and Sophia.
Kit can't allow any distraction from his mission and Sophia is proving to be the very thing that can put his demons to rest. All his life has been a struggle for survival escaping from the unimaginable torture he was subjected to from the very man that has ruined his life and bring justice to the many that haven't escaped his clutches. For Sophia 's protection Kit marries her knowing deep in his heart that she's the only woman to make wish he wasn't so broken.
Through unfortunate circumstances Laura has been abducted by pirates and puts Sophia in danger. This is just the beginning of a harrowing nightmare for the two women their lives forever altered.
This was a sensational read full of suspense frightening circumstances no person should ever know a nail biting edge of your seat ride. Very well written the author weaves her magical story and draws you into the lives of the characters you feel every nuance of emotion. My very first story by Elizabeth Ellen Carter but it will definitely not be the last! I highly recommend her.
I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
When Laura is caught in a compromising situation Sophia suggests travelling to Sicily with their uncle until the scandal has passed.
Christopher-Kit-Hardacre abducted by Barbary pirates at the age of 10 he doesn't remember his roots. When Sophia and her cousin are passengers aboard his ship he can't help the attraction between himself and Sophia.
Kit can't allow any distraction from his mission and Sophia is proving to be the very thing that can put his demons to rest. All his life has been a struggle for survival escaping from the unimaginable torture he was subjected to from the very man that has ruined his life and bring justice to the many that haven't escaped his clutches. For Sophia 's protection Kit marries her knowing deep in his heart that she's the only woman to make wish he wasn't so broken.
Through unfortunate circumstances Laura has been abducted by pirates and puts Sophia in danger. This is just the beginning of a harrowing nightmare for the two women their lives forever altered.
This was a sensational read full of suspense frightening circumstances no person should ever know a nail biting edge of your seat ride. Very well written the author weaves her magical story and draws you into the lives of the characters you feel every nuance of emotion. My very first story by Elizabeth Ellen Carter but it will definitely not be the last! I highly recommend her.
I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
July 24, 2017
Captivating!
I just loved the story of bluestocking spinster Sophia Green and Captain Kit Hardacre! The plot was terrific -filled with pirates, harems, antiquities, intrigue, and English society all tied together in a thoroughly engrossing tale. The locations described in the story were fascinating and the additional characters were well written and colorful. I am curious to know what the future holds for Laura. This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely be looking for more from her. I highly recommend this book for historical romance readers who like some action and intrigue with their HEA.
I just loved the story of bluestocking spinster Sophia Green and Captain Kit Hardacre! The plot was terrific -filled with pirates, harems, antiquities, intrigue, and English society all tied together in a thoroughly engrossing tale. The locations described in the story were fascinating and the additional characters were well written and colorful. I am curious to know what the future holds for Laura. This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely be looking for more from her. I highly recommend this book for historical romance readers who like some action and intrigue with their HEA.
July 21, 2017
A Dark, Brooding Captain, a very accomplished Lady-with a crush on another-meet and life is not the same. Sophia is the orphaned cousin of Laura and Samuel. After a disastrous evening at the ball, Sophia suggest that they leave in order for the scandalous actions of Laura to quieten. Sophia believes that Samuel will declare his love, as she and Laura board the ship-but no, Captain Hardacre is a very damaged soul. His interactions with Sophia open both their eyes to love and to the betrayal of others. A bit heartbreaking at times, when you realize how the Captain and others suffered, but with the acceptance and love of Sophia, he is able to forgive himself. This was a wonderful story of unconditional love for each other.
July 24, 2017
Great book
It was a really good romance . But I celebrant into much about the war on and on.I also felt there was a book missing like a who l e story about kit before now but I did enjoy the book
It was a really good romance . But I celebrant into much about the war on and on.I also felt there was a book missing like a who l e story about kit before now but I did enjoy the book
July 21, 2017
Love Heals
I enjoyed reading this book. It dealt with things that happened to Kit when he was a young boy. Then there is Sophia She was being raised in a convent after the death of her parents. Sophia was taken from the convent and lived with her cousins. This is a great book and so much happens that to understand the lives of the people it should be read. I don't think any one would be disappointed!!
I enjoyed reading this book. It dealt with things that happened to Kit when he was a young boy. Then there is Sophia She was being raised in a convent after the death of her parents. Sophia was taken from the convent and lived with her cousins. This is a great book and so much happens that to understand the lives of the people it should be read. I don't think any one would be disappointed!!
Want to read
February 26, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/1/2020)! 🎁
February 23, 2018
Okay
The story could be so much better. The plot is decent, but the characters lack depth. The writing is uneven and the storytelling is rather clumsy at times.
I did enjoy the little history and geographical additions, but too much can be boring. Descriptions of scenery and architecture were good. But description of life in captivity are stilted and lacking.
The character Kit was hard to understand. His early years of abuse in captivity are added here and there, and his tormented mind as well as Sophia's status as a "not beautiful like her cousin" got old. It made the plot a bit stale as there was no depth to either of these main characters. The same problem is evident with secondary characters.
The book could be so much better if it was not so long and time taken to give at least the main characters more description, depth and personality.
I plan to read the next book in this series and hope it has better structure than this first book.
Recommend to readers of historical romance fiction.
The story could be so much better. The plot is decent, but the characters lack depth. The writing is uneven and the storytelling is rather clumsy at times.
I did enjoy the little history and geographical additions, but too much can be boring. Descriptions of scenery and architecture were good. But description of life in captivity are stilted and lacking.
The character Kit was hard to understand. His early years of abuse in captivity are added here and there, and his tormented mind as well as Sophia's status as a "not beautiful like her cousin" got old. It made the plot a bit stale as there was no depth to either of these main characters. The same problem is evident with secondary characters.
The book could be so much better if it was not so long and time taken to give at least the main characters more description, depth and personality.
I plan to read the next book in this series and hope it has better structure than this first book.
Recommend to readers of historical romance fiction.
April 26, 2021
Steamy swashbuckling pirate romance
The trope is old-school: former slaveturned vengeful privateer, Captain Kit Hardacre has beaten back PTSD and poof addiction, and now submerged his anguish in a dedication to killing the pirate who enslaved and abused him from the age of ten. His obsession can no longer blunt his emotions after he meets Miss Sophia Greene. She’s an orphaned Spanish-English wallflower, a poor companion hired by distant relatives to care for her wealthier, prettier cousins. She’s a linguist, a scholar, and a misfit in British society. Kit can’t hold off his admiration or his desire, but fate throws more pirates, betrayal, hidden enemies, kidnapping, slavery, Greek fire, cannonballs, and every form of cutlery intended to carve human flesh, at the lovers before they manage HEA. Blood and guts, action aplenty, brave maidens and ruthless Barbary pirates all add to the high adventure and the steamy love story. Read this!!
The trope is old-school: former slaveturned vengeful privateer, Captain Kit Hardacre has beaten back PTSD and poof addiction, and now submerged his anguish in a dedication to killing the pirate who enslaved and abused him from the age of ten. His obsession can no longer blunt his emotions after he meets Miss Sophia Greene. She’s an orphaned Spanish-English wallflower, a poor companion hired by distant relatives to care for her wealthier, prettier cousins. She’s a linguist, a scholar, and a misfit in British society. Kit can’t hold off his admiration or his desire, but fate throws more pirates, betrayal, hidden enemies, kidnapping, slavery, Greek fire, cannonballs, and every form of cutlery intended to carve human flesh, at the lovers before they manage HEA. Blood and guts, action aplenty, brave maidens and ruthless Barbary pirates all add to the high adventure and the steamy love story. Read this!!
August 30, 2024
Wow, I really enjoyed this one! I thought I was settling in for a fun, pirate-themed regency romance, but that is absolutely not what this story is. The themes are far too heavy and real for this to be called "fun", but the writing is so beautiful! The horrors mentioned, and there are A LOT of them, are kept just vague enough to not cross any of my own trigger lines while still honoring the fact that they are very real horrors. This book is an example of why I still peruse Stuff Your Kindle Day lists!
June 9, 2018
This was so good! For a troubled man who claims he can't do romance, Kit Hardacre still has a way with words that made me swoon! Sophia Green proves just how strong she really is when the chips are down. For me this Historical had it all! Romance, intrigue, evil bad guys everywhere! I felt though that I needed a bit more of Kit and Sophia, like their story wasn't completely finished at the end. Maybe they will get revisited in book two which I look forward to reading.
March 10, 2025
Start of the Corsairs series
Kit and Sophia must overcome pirates, slavers and being held captive in a harem before finding their HEA.
Elizabeth Ellen Carter does not flinch in the experiences endured by both Kit and Sophia.
Despite this I enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series - this series comes after The King’s Rogues and involves the now adult Christopher (Kit).
Kit and Sophia must overcome pirates, slavers and being held captive in a harem before finding their HEA.
Elizabeth Ellen Carter does not flinch in the experiences endured by both Kit and Sophia.
Despite this I enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series - this series comes after The King’s Rogues and involves the now adult Christopher (Kit).
April 7, 2021
An exciting romance.
Definitely one for the grownup romantics! There is great evil in one man being able to hold the fate of others in his hand. Life or death struggles abound in this story. On land and sea, there’s swashbuckling heroes ready to fight for the enslaved and bring them to freedom. There’s love as well but not on a simple path. But oh the ending!
Definitely one for the grownup romantics! There is great evil in one man being able to hold the fate of others in his hand. Life or death struggles abound in this story. On land and sea, there’s swashbuckling heroes ready to fight for the enslaved and bring them to freedom. There’s love as well but not on a simple path. But oh the ending!
December 3, 2022
Magnificent
When I first started this reading I wasn't sure I was going to finish it. But, after the first chapter I was intrigued. I couldn't stop reading until I came to the end. My thoughts wondered from time to time at all the work that went into this beautiful take. Well done!
When I first started this reading I wasn't sure I was going to finish it. But, after the first chapter I was intrigued. I couldn't stop reading until I came to the end. My thoughts wondered from time to time at all the work that went into this beautiful take. Well done!
May 10, 2023
I thought it was one of the best historical romance novels I've read recently, combining a lot of adventure with a very nicely developed romance. I don't know if they were accurate, but it certainly appeared that the author has really researched the boats of the early 1800s and the area in which the story is set.
December 15, 2017
What’s not to love about a dashing sea Captain? He is confident, suave, debonair and oh-so-sexy!
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 21, 2018
Great storytelling. Ms. Carter really makes her characters and places come alive. I was totally swept along with Sophie and Kit as they navigated the stormy seas of their romance and their lives. I look forward to reading more my this author.
May 15, 2019
An Adventurous Read
Captive of the Corsairs was an adventurous tale that was both exciting and educational. It was great fun and at time gut wrenching. I loved it! A truly fascinating story with interesting characters.
Captive of the Corsairs was an adventurous tale that was both exciting and educational. It was great fun and at time gut wrenching. I loved it! A truly fascinating story with interesting characters.
August 19, 2019
Wow-What a marvelous adventure story!
I’m amazed at how easily the author lures you into the setting and flow of this time in history. You come to love the characters and cheer for their triumphs.
I’m amazed at how easily the author lures you into the setting and flow of this time in history. You come to love the characters and cheer for their triumphs.
July 2, 2021
No Real Surprises…
Sophia Green loves Samuel Cappleman – & has served as his sister Laura's chaperone ever since her cousins rescued her from the convent to which she had been relegated. But when Laura's indiscretions with a non-gentleman demand a retreat, Sophia suggests she join their uncle on an archaeological dig, in Palmero. What follows is a semi-standard Romance including dastardly Ottomans, a hint of white slavery … & a "merchant sea-captain" with a heart of gold.…
Sophia Green loves Samuel Cappleman – & has served as his sister Laura's chaperone ever since her cousins rescued her from the convent to which she had been relegated. But when Laura's indiscretions with a non-gentleman demand a retreat, Sophia suggests she join their uncle on an archaeological dig, in Palmero. What follows is a semi-standard Romance including dastardly Ottomans, a hint of white slavery … & a "merchant sea-captain" with a heart of gold.…
April 25, 2023
Good historical love story
This was a good book. It has taken me longer because I can’t read as fast as I used to. I have read in history where all races were stolen and made slaves. It is even going on in this time.
This was a good book. It has taken me longer because I can’t read as fast as I used to. I have read in history where all races were stolen and made slaves. It is even going on in this time.
August 13, 2017
Captive
A great book that I didn't want to put down. It was very intense at times, but in the end a wonderful story of love and loyalty.
A great book that I didn't want to put down. It was very intense at times, but in the end a wonderful story of love and loyalty.
November 17, 2017
Captivating
Slow to start then develop well
good characters
was disappointed not to see a book about Laura
Timeline was not clearly stated
Slow to start then develop well
good characters
was disappointed not to see a book about Laura
Timeline was not clearly stated
May 2, 2018
Superb
I just loved this story. It was so intense in all senses. I could not put it down. I will recommend it. Great story!
I just loved this story. It was so intense in all senses. I could not put it down. I will recommend it. Great story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews