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Heroes of the Sea #7

Heir to the Sea

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HERO OF THE SEA:
His life devastated by tragedy, privateer Captain Kieran Merrick, youngest son of a famed New England seafaring family, sets sail for his childhood home to confront bittersweet memories. When he encounters a merchant ship adrift in the Caribbean, he discovers something he never expects ... a red-haired, pistol-wielding virago hiding in its cabin.

BALTIMORE'S SCANDALOUS BEAUTY:
Rosalie McCormack can sail a ship, shoot a gun, and run a business. But she's fleeing scandal, and now savage pirates who seized her family's merchant ship have something both she and her handsome rescuer want. Through their unexpected attraction, can these two wounded souls overcome danger, deceit and the cold wrath of a brutal pirate to discover a love that could heal them both?

498 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2017

164 people are currently reading
141 people want to read

About the author

Danelle Harmon

42 books472 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Danelle Harmon has written seventeen critically acclaimed and award-winning books, with many being published all over the world. A Massachusetts native, she has lived in Great Britain, though these days she and her English husband make their home in New England with their daughter Emma and numerous animals including five dogs, an Egyptian Arabian horse, and a flock of pet chickens. Danelle enjoys reading, spending time with family, friends and her animals, dog showing, plane-spotting, and sailing her reproduction 19th century skiff, Kestrel II. She welcomes email from her readers and can be reached at Danelle@danelleharmon.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,277 reviews36 followers
January 21, 2024
If you're looking for an exciting high seas adventure, this is the story for you!! Omigosh, I had a hard time putting this book down once I started reading it. This author sure knows how to keep you attention!! When Kieran and Rosalie first meet, she shoots at him....so right there, you know this will be quite the story! lol

I absolutely loved both their characters....Kieran is such a sensitive soul and yet when he needs to be tough, he does so with no problem. Rosalie is a sea faring lass and although she can steer a ship, she has no confidence in herself as a woman. Kieran is about to change all that! I loved their passion and their committment to each other. There are some parts in the story that had me reaching for tissues, my heart cried for Kieran in his quest to avenge his parents' death.

The Officers and Gentlemen series is one that I will definitely read every book in it!
Profile Image for Carolyn.
2,233 reviews
September 10, 2017
There is nothing I like better than a long series. You become invested in the characters, falling in love with them, reveling in meeting them again from book to book, enjoying visiting with them and seeing with they have been up to from the last book. It is like visiting with family members you haven't seen in a while and catching up. Watching the beloved family grow with the addition of more characters. And, it is always sad when that favored series comes to an end. But, you know you can always go back and visit those favored characters again. And, as most readers who enjoy historical romances, HEA is always the name of the game. No matter what tribulations occur, the angst and tension of the ride, there is always a HEA. That was not the case with the book before this last book in the series. That is not what Danielle Harmon did in "Lord of the Sea."

I completed "Lord of the Sea" shortly after it was published. December 29, 2013. That book upset me so much and I was so devastated that I never thought I would ever pick up another book by this author, as much as I loved the series up to that point. Heavily vested people. I was very angry. Still, to this day, I haven't forgotten the feelings I experienced and how upset I was. So, there was only one reason I purchased this last book in the series. Because I have to end the series in my mind.

And, of course, revisiting all the things that happened in "Lord of the Sea" again was not a enjoyable experience. Much of it is covered here. Nope. I did not like that one bit. Get the picture that I'm still angry about it? Yep! Even after four years, I'm still upset about it. Vested people! Beloved characters. Got it?

I gave this book five stars because it was very well written and the story line itself was excellent (despite rehashing again painful moments). However, I will NEVER purchase and read another book by this author again. I can never trust her again. I'm certain she won't care. But, for me, reality is hard enough. What was done in this series is not why I read these books.
162 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2017
Heir To The Sea is the 3rd book by Danelle Harmon that i ve read....i liked it but her other 2 books were better...it was very lengthy ...the pace was good so u dont feel bored...
Privateer Captain Kieran Merrick, youngest son of a famed New England seafaring family is grieving for d loss of his beloved parents, has a grudge
against his elder brother Connor as he feels him responsible for the loss of his parents...he is returning home & on d way mets Rosalie under unusual circumstances...
Rosalie McCormack is running away from a scandal back home and is more than happy to be at sea with her brother and his men onboard his ship. Unfortunately, the ship is taken by pirates & she is rescued by Kieran who unknowingly captures her ship back from d pirates... Rosalieis a strong character who can run a business, shoot guns, sail a ship , bold, daring ...
Kieran & Rosalie r both attracted to each other but dey ve a love and hate relationship... from here d story begins... there is adventure ,romance, thrill, excitement, sword fights, fisticuffs, pistols and cannons firing, kidnapping in dis book, it has all d ingredients needed to captivate areader...
a very well written story , the characters all developed well & suit d plot in d story...

Readers looking for American historical romance with a pirate background should go for it ...itsa worthy read..
“I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book”
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
September 15, 2017
Heir To The Sea (Heroes Of The Sea Book 7)
5 STAR
ByM,WHITWORTHon September 15, 2017
Danelle has a gift for describing the high seas that is second to non . Finding yourself on the deck of a ship during a battle with pirates is something not to be missed , and she does it so well . Love this series the characters just leap off the page and are so alive x
Here's to the next instalment
Profile Image for SuperWendy.
1,099 reviews268 followers
October 20, 2017
Stands alone well and ties in well to previous books in the series, making this appealing both for newcomers and fans. I liked the bones of the story and the action scenes were my favorite. The sprinkles of humor didn't always work for me, but I liked the heroine's feisty-ness (I know, I hate that word too) juxtaposed against her vulnerability. I also liked the "outside the box" nature of the hero's conflict with his brother. It's the kind of thing we don't always see in romance, especially when their parents were a past romantic couple in an earlier book in this series.
Profile Image for Eileen Dandashi.
542 reviews17 followers
October 7, 2017
Memorable Quote:

“The thing about grief is how it moves at its own pace. Comes when it will, stays longer than a houseguest whose departure is long overdue.”

My Thoughts:  I can’t fathom why I haven’t read more of this series.  I caught the first two books and then got sidetracked. So I have some catching up to do!

When you want sea battles that make it difficult to catch your breath, when you want heroines and heroes who make you believe in humanity, when you need treachery and despicable antagonists to be eliminated, you’ll find it and more in this book.

I enjoy how Harmon sets up the chapters, using Captain Kieran Merrick’s journal/ship’s log to know Kieran, his wit, his kindness and his frustration.

I totally love the way Liam Doherty, first lieutenant, is steadfast in his loyalty and need to protect Kieran.  He bowls me over with his strength and determination to keep Kieran safe. He is very much hurt when his old friend, Brendan, lost his life.  (This is where I need to make sure I catch the preceding books. Connor, Kieran’s brother, is somehow responsible for his parents’ deaths.)

The Kestrel, the famous sloop Brendan designed, faster and lighter than anything on the seas, has been sunk by a pirate with his parents on board.  It has left a deep gouge of hurt in Kieran’s heart, which keep on deepening, until he explodes.  Kieran is the sort of man who is soft-spoken, cool-tempered and logical.  Hurt can only be held in for so long, however; pain of losing his parents is crushing him. He doesn’t realize how much anger he holds until he sees his brother again.

If it hadn’t been for Rosalie McCormack, he may have lost it long before seeing his brother.  Harmon creates a relationship between the two which gives Kieran a headache, Rosalie’s chatter is constant and she badgers him to help find her brother.  It made me laugh with the humor of it all.  The situation is complicated because on the seas, privateers and pirates are looking to gain goods and supplies belonging to another.  The pirates are treacherous, kill without qualm, as we find when the Sandpiper, Kieran’s ship, is taken.  Rosalie’s brother’s ship was taken and retaken so many times, it makes my head spin.  Eventually, Kieran holds claim to it, finding Rosalie locked in the Captain’s cabin.

Rosalie sees beyond what the captain wishes to show her.

Captain Merrick. Her glance moved surreptitiously to her right. He had left the helm to Liam Doherty, glanced aloft to gauge his crew’s progress in setting the studding sails and, apparently satisfied, had gone to lean against the rail, his face tight as he gazed off over the rolling blue sea. Rosalie was keenly aware of him. Indeed, it was impossible to not be aware of him, and she wondered why the best-looking men were either the most unsuitable, the worst in character, or the biggest breakers-of hearts. Captain Merrick though, with his distant eyes and preoccupied manner, his handsome mouth and unruly dark hair, did not see life a breaker of hearts.

He seemed like a man who had, instead, had his heart broken.

 
Harmon creates heroes easy to fall in love with.  I’d like to take Kieran home!

If you haven’t read Harmon, it’s time to start.  Her books are delightful, with characters to lighten your heart, with battles which leave you breathless, and with extended families and communities ready to squash evil.
Profile Image for Penny  Mooney.
189 reviews9 followers
October 9, 2017
A suspenseful and romantic story set in 1814.
Wonderful story about the lives of two families in the ship building business. Rosalie is the second mate on a schooner captained by her brother. They are bound to Baltimore with their goods. They are becalmed at sea. Rosalie decides to fish and pulls something out of the ocean. The wind begins to blow. Kieran is the Captain of the sloopSandpiper and is an American privateer. He is bound home to report the deaths of his Mother and Father. They come up Rosalie’s ship that has been damaged and taken. They retake her ship and he takes her to find the pirates who had taken her brother and shipmates and who had killed his Mother and Father. This story is filled with action, suspense, lust, demons from the past, and love. Will they be able to free Rosalie’s brother and crew? Will Kieran get revenge? What did Rosalie pull from the ocean? Read this book to find out the answers and get pulled into this story. I read the book in one setting it was so intriguing.
Danelle is an excellent author. She has studied the times and taken her plot of intrigue then added her two dimensional characters to form an awesome book. I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Jane.
404 reviews22 followers
November 10, 2020
The further I go in this books the more I get connected to the characters.It’s a dynasty and great to read about all the family members Merricks, Ashotns, Lords all of them .Still I’m sad by Brandan and Mira’s fate and Danelle Harmon tries to put a band aid at our hearts to somehow make it ok what happened.And there’s still poor Connor and like u said in my review to the previous book I think to understand this story you need to read the others
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,198 reviews22 followers
October 10, 2017
*** I am voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book***
This is my first book by Danelle Harmon and it was an enjoyable read. Even though this book is 8th in a series and some characters reappear, it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. Kieren and Rosalie's story is well written, interesting, and they have depth. This storyline has emotional ups and downs and flows well. Overall, an OK read.
Profile Image for Kim F.
2,873 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2017
Another amazing book. I was blown away with the story, I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want more.....I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for AnnMarie.
1,304 reviews34 followers
September 4, 2017
Heir To The Sea is the seventh and concluding book in the Heroes Of The Sea series by Danelle Harmon. It can be read as a stand-alone but if you were to go back and read the other books you would have had some huge spoilers in this last book. My advice if you want to read other books in this series, is to at least read the previous book, Lord of the Sea, before reading this one.

Privateer Captain Kieran Merrick is grieving, he has been putting off sailing home because he doesn't want to face everybody, least of all Connor, his brother, who he believes is the very reason for the grief he is suffering now.

Rosalie McCormack isn't your normal 'Miss'. She loves to sail, shoot guns, and she can run a business. She is running away from a scandal back home and is more than happy to be at sea with her brother and his men onboard his ship. Unfortunately, the ship is taken by pirates, not once, but 3 times. Fortunately the third time it was done by none other than Kieran who found her locked in the Captain's cabin for her safety.

It was lust and hate at first sight for them both. But it didn't stop Rosalie demanding he help her look for her kidnapped brother. He might have said no, but when he found out that he too has a vested interest in finding these pirates he is quick to agree to come to her aid.

What follows is a fabulous story full of swashbuckling excitement, sword fights, fisticuffs, pistols and cannons firing. The quest for justice sometimes sees Kieran, Rosalie and his men in a fight for their lives, breathtaking scenes are written so well that you won't be able to put the book down until you know the outcome of each fight. A blossoming romance also takes place between our couple as they begin to see each other's real personality rather than the facade they present to each other. They like what they see and their steamy moments are just that, steamy! Steamy but not x-rated so it shouldn't harm anybody's sensibilities.

There was never a dull moment in this book, I had no idea how things were going to end, or if Kieran's reason for sadness turned out to be an untruth. I had to keep reading to find out, and I wasn't disappointed. The book ended in the best way possible in order to keep true to something from Lord of the Sea. It was definitely a fitting end to a wonderful series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader's copy of this book.
Profile Image for Maria Dariotis .
783 reviews17 followers
September 7, 2017
Heir to the Sea
by Danelle Harmon


Lust or love?

A fantastical story, the seventh book in the Heroes of the Sea.
This is Kieran’s story. The youngest son of the famous Revolutionary Hero. His parents were legends that stories are made of. Tragically they perished at sea, they went to a watery grave with their beloved ship the Kestrel. His brother, Cameron the captain made a decision that would end tragically for all. Against his better judgment he went after a larger pirate brigantine, Cameron was the risk taker, Kieran the one that was meticulously thoughtful.... the quiet one.
Setting sail for home Kieran comes across a ship that will forever change his life.

Rosalie McCormack is running away from her Baltimore home, away from the scandal that her broken betrothal created. She's a spitfire, she's adept at all things nautical and can shoot as well as any man. Locked in the Captains cabin by her brother Stephan. Their ship has been taken by pirates not once but three times and her brother kidnapped by the fearsome pirate Escobar.
What follows is a fabulous story full of swashbuckling excitement, sword fights, pistols and mayhem. Kieran’s need for the truth and vengeance will take them on a journey full of peril. His first impression of Rosalie was maddeningly irritating, bossy, domineering and highly argumentative. He couldn't wait to get rid of her! So why does the air and his senses sizzle every time he touches her? Never a dull moment between the hero and heroine. This was an adventure of breathless proportions, life and death battles fought with evil pirates, of family forgiveness and absolution. Finding your soulmate and the healing of hearts.
An epic love story that will leave you wanting more of Danelle Harmon stories!

I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Stephanie (Between the Coverz).
578 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2017
An adventurous and entertaining love story!

Heir To The Sea is another well-written book from Danelle Harmon that will keep you entertained from the beginning to end. The story is full of everything you come to expect in her romance books – love, lust, action, and a happy ending full of love. Danelle Harmon does a splendid job of weaving romance with lots of excitement and intrigue. I know when I see her name on a book that I will be entertained and will not be able to put the book down. I thought the ending was perfect for this book. I was hoping for another ending to the book but thought it was a really nice touch with the hat.

Danelle Harmon is one of my top favorite authors that I have been reading for many years now. This is an extremely talented author that writes remarkable stories that captivate you and will have you not wanting to put the book down. Definitely an author that you will want to have on your go-to list. If you enjoy reading a fun and passionate romance, then you definitely want to give this book (and series) a read.
Profile Image for Anna Bowling.
Author 5 books19 followers
September 8, 2017
Readers looking for an unusual American historical romance, this is your book. Not only does our heroine, Rosalie, have a head for business and a wicked aim with a firearm, but she is proud of her Maryland roots, as much as hero, Kieran Merrick, is of his New England roots. How often do we get to see inter-state rivalry in early federal period historicals? Not nearly enough, but, in the hands of a mistress of the genre, the distinction becomes important, as two strong-willed characters butt heads, fall in love, heal wounds of the past, and fight for a better future.

Fans of Harmon's Heroes of the Sea series will have a special connection to Kieran's emotional baggage at the beginning of this story, but this is also an accessible point for new readers to come aboard. When the ship Rosalie sails, along with her brother, is becalmed, she fishes a battered tricorn hat from the deep, which starts off an adventure she had never expected. She's turned her back on the life she might have had, intent on carrying out her business plan, but the whims of the sea had other ideas. Throw in a deliciously dastardly villain, some thrilling maritime adventure, and you-are-there period feel, a dash of philosophy, some nail-biting family conflict, as two beloved heroes from this series face off against each other, and allow the winds of change to blow.

Danelle Harmon always delivers historical romance with heaping helpings of both, and this latest installment of Heroes of the Sea is a worthy addition to the fleet.
Profile Image for Karen Whooley.
Author 37 books33 followers
September 16, 2017
Lovely story

I've been reading Danielle's books since the first de Montfort story. She never disappoints. I couldn't put the book down!
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,480 reviews17 followers
September 8, 2017
Wonderful

I sit here with tears running down my cheeks, hating to close the book! Excellent next part of the stors. I so wanted them to find someone but knew it wasn't possible. These last two books have both so heartbreaking, but written so well. Having lost my parents, I could relate to all Keiran's feelings and cry with him. Loved it!!!!!!
51 reviews
November 6, 2017
Amazing & fantastic.

I've read all your books, & I've never felt the characters so alive & real as those that are in your novels.
When Mira & Brendan were on board the Kestril at the end, I openly wept. Through all these novels, you made these people come alive in everything they did & said. I'm so glad you continued the story, & I'm hoping that perhaps brendan & mira could've somehow survived. Stranger things in life have happened. Perhaps Pedro knows of their whereabouts?
Please continue with the story line of this family with their lives encompassing the building of Kestril II & III & the children of Mauve, Connor, & Kieran.
You knowledge of ships & sailing fascinates me as my knowledge of such is limited. I have found that learning about many aspects of sailing & ships of this era has expanded beyond belief, due to your writing.
I so look forward to your next book. Thank you for a great reading & learning experience.
Sincerely,
Ms. Alvie Hoffmann
A122500@gmail.com
Profile Image for Candy Briggs.
649 reviews23 followers
October 12, 2017
What a story, Rosalie McCormack was from Boston and were on their way home from the Caribbean, where she had spent time at her uncles and getting trade goods. Captain Kieran Merrick stopped and found the ship full of drunk sailors and a hold full of pirates. Her brother had locked her in a cabin and she almost shot the Captain while he was trying to figure out what was going on.
It is a complicated tale and there is humor, murder, cruel men, and innocent people hurt. There are so many threads and how the author has managed to keep them straight is wondrous. It is a great book about the love of parents, grieving sons and daughters also the love of family and friends. There is several superb sea battles and the action gets hot. There is so much danger and intrigue you can't put the story down, you have to keep reading to see what happens next. I loved this tale.
I received this ARC for free and voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Dee Archer.
664 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2017
A lovely story, beautifully crafted. The author builds a world of a seafaring life style in the 1700's in early America. The nautical terms and details of the ships brought to life the sloop as it raced in the wind so vividly that this reader could almost feel the salt spray on her face. Then there is the wonderful love story of Rosalie & Captain Kieran, who in the beginning could not stand each other. Rosalie had a temper to match her fiery red hair. She was talkative, bossy, could shoot a gun, run a business and could sail a ship as good as any man. Kieran, however, had a cold exterior, silent, brooding and kept his feelings bottled up. He has incredible grief over a loss buried deeply in his heart. Add a gang of blood thirsty pirates and we have a fantastic story of excitement, action, adventure and sweet romance. It is heart felt and will bring tears to one's eyes by its telling. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Five Star PLUS!!
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
October 16, 2017
This is romantic, amusing, suspenseful and captivating. Kieran is a chivalrous, shy and vulnerable man when Rosalie meets him. She's a fiery, independent and stubborn woman. The spark they feel when they touch confuses both if them. She thinks she's fat, he thinks he's boring. And they bring out the best and the worst of each other. The storyline is exciting and somewhat sad, Kieran pulls at your heartstrings. The characters are amusing and entertaining, especially Liam.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
28 reviews
August 17, 2018
I love love love Danelle Harmon's books. I go through so many emotions reading her stories that it is amazing. I cry at the sad parts and I laugh at the high points. The love scenes are steamy. The plots are substantial and the intertwining between the different books really brings life to these stories so much so that you believe you are a part of these families. I look forward to reading more of Danelle Harmon's books in the future.
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews30 followers
October 16, 2017
I liked this story. It is true to its time period. It is well written and has great chemistry. It is a story about two persons that could not stand each other but ends up being in love. A very sweet and beautiful story. Sometimes you feel your are right there.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for C. Roberts.
109 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2018
Number 7

I think I liked this one the best. Ms. Harmon dealt with grief as if she had experienced it herself. Liam was not the only 'loose end'. What happened to Escobar's brother? Dear readers , read this whole series in order. You don't have to, but you will be glad you did. After some time has passed, I will read this one again.
60 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2018
Best ship and pirate stories ever

This is the best series i have ever read on family ,friends ,pirates and ships. Its made me cry, laugh and rejoice. I love the Merrick family and there relatives the Lords...but best of all the Kestril. If you love the 1700 to 1800 s and love ships heros and heroines you wont be disappointed.
189 reviews
March 16, 2018
This was awesome. I have absolutely loved each and everyone of this author’s books. They never disappoint. This one brought out a lot of tears. Highly recommend to all historical romance lovers both her series. They are some of the best!
81 reviews4 followers
September 14, 2017
Awesome

Another great book. The story was perfect .there are pirates there are romance. It was a just a greAt book to read
Profile Image for Jacki.
1,044 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2020
Enjoyed it!

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Heroes of the Sea
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Marcie Whiting.
22 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2021
Touching

This book was filled with action, sorrow laughter and live. Had a hard time putting this book down . Kept my attention through out the whole book. A must read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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