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American Pirate Romances #2
Commanding His Heart
In Jamestown, 1785, Emeline Winthrop dreams of marrying a dashing groom...
When Em's parents bestow her hand to a coldhearted widower three times her age, she's desperate. On the eve of her engagement, she escapes to the James River and stows away aboard an acquaintance's rigger. Little does she realize, she's found her way aboard a pirate ship.
Commander Miers Redding would never have dreamed of pirating in his naval days...
However, partnering with the unsavory Captain Crawley is the only way to complete his dangerous mission. When a young lady sneaks aboard The Black Rose, his cover is nearly blown, but the quick-thinking commander saves their skins by pretending to be her husband.
A façade as newlyweds during a dangerous, whirlwind voyage to the Caribbean is bound to convince not only the pirate crew of the couple's affections, but possibly each other. Yet the mystifying Virginia belle is hiding something from him... And what, exactly, is Commander Redding's mysterious mission? These secrets could end their love, their mission - and their lives.
Commanding His Heart is the second standalone novel in C.K. Brooke's American Pirate Romance series.
When Em's parents bestow her hand to a coldhearted widower three times her age, she's desperate. On the eve of her engagement, she escapes to the James River and stows away aboard an acquaintance's rigger. Little does she realize, she's found her way aboard a pirate ship.
Commander Miers Redding would never have dreamed of pirating in his naval days...
However, partnering with the unsavory Captain Crawley is the only way to complete his dangerous mission. When a young lady sneaks aboard The Black Rose, his cover is nearly blown, but the quick-thinking commander saves their skins by pretending to be her husband.
A façade as newlyweds during a dangerous, whirlwind voyage to the Caribbean is bound to convince not only the pirate crew of the couple's affections, but possibly each other. Yet the mystifying Virginia belle is hiding something from him... And what, exactly, is Commander Redding's mysterious mission? These secrets could end their love, their mission - and their lives.
Commanding His Heart is the second standalone novel in C.K. Brooke's American Pirate Romance series.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2017
About the author
C.K. Brooke
32 books122 followersC.K. Brooke is a multi-award-winning author of young adult fantasy and historical romance novels and novellas. She has worked as a bookseller, book blogger, publishing assistant, and copy editor on her quest to authorhood. Her works have been published by 48fourteen, Limitless, and Readict, as well as self-published, garnering accolades from the 2020 Best Indie Book Award in Young Adult Fiction to the Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Award.
She’s been a guest speaker and panelist for the Romance Writers of America, Rust City Book Con, and Barnes & Noble Teen Book Fest, and is an active volunteer and member of the Greater Detroit Romance Writers. She lives with her family in Rochester Hills, Michigan, where she owns and operates her imprint, Called by the Heart Publications.
She’s been a guest speaker and panelist for the Romance Writers of America, Rust City Book Con, and Barnes & Noble Teen Book Fest, and is an active volunteer and member of the Greater Detroit Romance Writers. She lives with her family in Rochester Hills, Michigan, where she owns and operates her imprint, Called by the Heart Publications.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 10, 2020
Black Sails⛵ in the Sunset🌅
ADULT Historical Romance💕 and Pirate💀🔪⛵Adventure.
Jamestown Virginia, 1785.
The book takes a while to get the scene set for Emeline💃💋, the main character in the book. Her family owned a dairy🐄 and made soap, too. They were poor after her father was injured, but they managed to scrape by.
Slaves were a fact of life in this time period in places where there was tobacco or cotton being raised. Don't read this book if you don't want to read about some facts of history concerning slaves. However, this part of the book is short lived, and the story moves on to the pirate💀🔪 ship⛵.
Emeline💃💋 meets a tall, handsome, friend of her sister's husband at dinner one evening. He is Commander Miers Redding🐺🍆⛲💪🔪. His ship⛵ is in town for only a day and is leaving on the tide.
During the dinner, Emeline's mother announces she is betrothing👰 her to the richest man in town. He is three times her age and she will be his second wife👰! He's a mean, violent, and creepy guy👺, and Emeline💃💋 suspects him of killing his first wife.
Rather than face that awful future, Emeline💃💋 steals away that very night and boards the ship that Commander Redding🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 serves on. Only it's a pirate💀🔪 ship, the Black Rose!
When Emeline💃💋 is discovered aboard after the ship sails, Commander Redding🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 declares she his new wife👰 in order to keep her safe!
ARC Provided by Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
There is also a sub plot as to why a naval officer is serving aboard a pirate ship💀⛵🔪. I really enjoyed this well written, interesting and very different ADULT historical pirate💀🔪⛵ romance💕.
ADULT Historical Romance💕 and Pirate💀🔪⛵Adventure.
Jamestown Virginia, 1785.
The book takes a while to get the scene set for Emeline💃💋, the main character in the book. Her family owned a dairy🐄 and made soap, too. They were poor after her father was injured, but they managed to scrape by.
Slaves were a fact of life in this time period in places where there was tobacco or cotton being raised. Don't read this book if you don't want to read about some facts of history concerning slaves. However, this part of the book is short lived, and the story moves on to the pirate💀🔪 ship⛵.
Emeline💃💋 meets a tall, handsome, friend of her sister's husband at dinner one evening. He is Commander Miers Redding🐺🍆⛲💪🔪. His ship⛵ is in town for only a day and is leaving on the tide.
During the dinner, Emeline's mother announces she is betrothing👰 her to the richest man in town. He is three times her age and she will be his second wife👰! He's a mean, violent, and creepy guy👺, and Emeline💃💋 suspects him of killing his first wife.
Rather than face that awful future, Emeline💃💋 steals away that very night and boards the ship that Commander Redding🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 serves on. Only it's a pirate💀🔪 ship, the Black Rose!
When Emeline💃💋 is discovered aboard after the ship sails, Commander Redding🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 declares she his new wife👰 in order to keep her safe!
ARC Provided by Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
There is also a sub plot as to why a naval officer is serving aboard a pirate ship💀⛵🔪. I really enjoyed this well written, interesting and very different ADULT historical pirate💀🔪⛵ romance💕.
Want to Read
May 18, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (5/18/2018)!💝
Blurb:
In Jamestown, 1785, Emeline Winthrop dreams of marrying a dashing groom...
When Em's parents bestow her hand to a coldhearted widower three times her age, she's desperate. On the eve of her engagement, she escapes to the James River and stows away aboard an acquaintance's rigger. Little does she realize, she's found her way aboard a pirate ship.
Commander Miers Redding would never have dreamed of pirating in his naval days...
However, partnering with the unsavory Captain Crawley is the only way to complete his dangerous mission. When a young lady sneaks aboard The Black Rose, his cover is nearly blown, but the quick-thinking commander saves their skins by pretending to be her husband.
A façade as newlyweds during a dangerous, whirlwind voyage to the Caribbean is bound to convince not only the pirate crew of the couple's affections, but possibly each other. Yet the mystifying Virginia belle is hiding something from him... And what, exactly, is Commander Redding's mysterious mission? These secrets could end their love, their mission - and their lives.
Commanding His Heart is the second standalone novel in C.K. Brooke's American Pirate Romance series.
Blurb:
In Jamestown, 1785, Emeline Winthrop dreams of marrying a dashing groom...
When Em's parents bestow her hand to a coldhearted widower three times her age, she's desperate. On the eve of her engagement, she escapes to the James River and stows away aboard an acquaintance's rigger. Little does she realize, she's found her way aboard a pirate ship.
Commander Miers Redding would never have dreamed of pirating in his naval days...
However, partnering with the unsavory Captain Crawley is the only way to complete his dangerous mission. When a young lady sneaks aboard The Black Rose, his cover is nearly blown, but the quick-thinking commander saves their skins by pretending to be her husband.
A façade as newlyweds during a dangerous, whirlwind voyage to the Caribbean is bound to convince not only the pirate crew of the couple's affections, but possibly each other. Yet the mystifying Virginia belle is hiding something from him... And what, exactly, is Commander Redding's mysterious mission? These secrets could end their love, their mission - and their lives.
Commanding His Heart is the second standalone novel in C.K. Brooke's American Pirate Romance series.
September 20, 2017
C.K. Brooke’s new novel, “Commanding His Heart” harks back to another era, with a distinct feel that brought to mind some classic women’s tales.
I’ve enjoyed other novels by Brooke, some with more contemporary stories and different kinds of heroines, but this one feels unique from the others with its pacing and language straight from the late 1700s, handled so deftly that I was reminded of some of my favorite classics such as “Little Women” and “Jane Eyre.”
I was given an ARC of this newest book and I was very much drawn into the story of Emeline, a young girl running away from an arranged marriage who follows a gentleman she has just met to the docks and stows away on a pirate ship that he has just boarded. The vessel carries them both to unexpected and dangerous challenges that help Em see what she is capable of as she considers taking a chance at love. I raced through to the story’s conclusion, reading late into the night and enjoying Emeline’s adventure right along with her.
I’ve enjoyed other novels by Brooke, some with more contemporary stories and different kinds of heroines, but this one feels unique from the others with its pacing and language straight from the late 1700s, handled so deftly that I was reminded of some of my favorite classics such as “Little Women” and “Jane Eyre.”
I was given an ARC of this newest book and I was very much drawn into the story of Emeline, a young girl running away from an arranged marriage who follows a gentleman she has just met to the docks and stows away on a pirate ship that he has just boarded. The vessel carries them both to unexpected and dangerous challenges that help Em see what she is capable of as she considers taking a chance at love. I raced through to the story’s conclusion, reading late into the night and enjoying Emeline’s adventure right along with her.
February 10, 2026
Shiver me timbers! There's a second book in this here American Pirate Romances, and what a swooning romance it is! Emeline Winthrop just found out she's to be engaged and the man is a brute! Her only chance to escape this unwanted fiance is to follow the handsome Commander Redding onto his ship and sail away. The only problem? It's a ship full of pirates and Commander Redding has his own agenda for working alongside them.
Cue a fake marriage, close proximity, misunderstandings, and of course, danger. This was another entertaining adventure! I really like how Em is resourceful and her refusal to marry a man who is an abuser. Miers Redding was dashing and conflicted with what he has to do and what his heart is telling him. It was another fascinating story in this duet.
Cue a fake marriage, close proximity, misunderstandings, and of course, danger. This was another entertaining adventure! I really like how Em is resourceful and her refusal to marry a man who is an abuser. Miers Redding was dashing and conflicted with what he has to do and what his heart is telling him. It was another fascinating story in this duet.
September 21, 2017
This second American Pirate Romance novel is another great advent-aaaaarrrr!
I voluntary read and reviewed this ARC book for a RWA friend! I love pirates and CK Brooke's writing is beautiful; simplistic, but yet poignant in its relevancy to relationships of today, though it's historical fiction.
The heroine, Emeline Winthrop, came across as a sweet, obedient daughter, but then she has this idea to run away and stowaway aboard a ship. It seemed like a jump in her thinking to take this action, since there was no indication earlier in the first two chapters of her adventurous side. Also, for not having ever been on a ship, Emeline sure knew the terminology for parts of a ship. I would have preferred this information coming from the hero Commander Miers Redding.
Miers Redding never fully committed to his admiration and love for Emeline. Well, not till the end when he realized that she no longer was betrothed to another; the perfect gentleman. He seemed to be always acting his part as her savior and protector.
I did appreciate Brooke's use of pirate troupes, such as making the pirate captain similar to Blackbeard in appearance. The smelly crew, who liked to drink, entertain with the fiddle, and are ruthless with their attacks. I was a little surprised that the pirates in this romance story were secondary characters, and not one of the main leads.
Brooke did well with the historical time period. At the beginning, with the description of the family's house and soapmaking day, I could really picture this place and the activity. She referenced the American Revolution as in the past by a couple years, giving me a frame of reference for other events happening in the world and for what the family lived through.
Very glad all ended well for Emeline and Miers; happily ever after!
Can't wait for another American Pirate Romance novel!
I voluntary read and reviewed this ARC book for a RWA friend! I love pirates and CK Brooke's writing is beautiful; simplistic, but yet poignant in its relevancy to relationships of today, though it's historical fiction.
The heroine, Emeline Winthrop, came across as a sweet, obedient daughter, but then she has this idea to run away and stowaway aboard a ship. It seemed like a jump in her thinking to take this action, since there was no indication earlier in the first two chapters of her adventurous side. Also, for not having ever been on a ship, Emeline sure knew the terminology for parts of a ship. I would have preferred this information coming from the hero Commander Miers Redding.
Miers Redding never fully committed to his admiration and love for Emeline. Well, not till the end when he realized that she no longer was betrothed to another; the perfect gentleman. He seemed to be always acting his part as her savior and protector.
I did appreciate Brooke's use of pirate troupes, such as making the pirate captain similar to Blackbeard in appearance. The smelly crew, who liked to drink, entertain with the fiddle, and are ruthless with their attacks. I was a little surprised that the pirates in this romance story were secondary characters, and not one of the main leads.
Brooke did well with the historical time period. At the beginning, with the description of the family's house and soapmaking day, I could really picture this place and the activity. She referenced the American Revolution as in the past by a couple years, giving me a frame of reference for other events happening in the world and for what the family lived through.
Very glad all ended well for Emeline and Miers; happily ever after!
Can't wait for another American Pirate Romance novel!
September 24, 2017
I loved this different take on a Pirate story with a twist.
A combination of running away, arranged marriage, Pirates, intrigue and lots more.
This is the second book in The American Pirate Romances and I can't wait for more.
Well done C.K. Brooke!
A combination of running away, arranged marriage, Pirates, intrigue and lots more.
This is the second book in The American Pirate Romances and I can't wait for more.
Well done C.K. Brooke!
July 12, 2020
Romance and Adventure on the High Seas
This is not a pirate romance in the truest sense, although there are pirates! Much of the story takes place on a pirate ship. Our heroine is fleeing her home because she does not want to marry the man her parents have promised her to. He's a bad guy much older than her, so we can't blame her. She is certainly one tough cookie and a very strong heroine, which I always love and historical romance. But she unknowingly flees onto a pirate ship! When our hero discovers her, he pretends she is his wife so he can protect her from the pirates. He himself is on the ship as a part of a secret mission. I like this twist on the fake marriage trope, and of course, it provides a great way for a couple to actually get to know each other and develop actual feelings. The author actually did surprise me, which doesn't happen often since I read a lot of fiction. His secret mission is one that I did not imagine. These are outstanding characters thrown into a bizarre circumstance, making the story fun to watch unfold.
NOTE: The first part of the story takes place in the American South in the 1700s, and the author does show us some scenes of the heroine's life before she left. That does include slaves, which is historically accurate. This becomes a moot point once our heroine is on the pirate ship. But if you don't like reading stories that include slavery, you might want to bypass this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This is not a pirate romance in the truest sense, although there are pirates! Much of the story takes place on a pirate ship. Our heroine is fleeing her home because she does not want to marry the man her parents have promised her to. He's a bad guy much older than her, so we can't blame her. She is certainly one tough cookie and a very strong heroine, which I always love and historical romance. But she unknowingly flees onto a pirate ship! When our hero discovers her, he pretends she is his wife so he can protect her from the pirates. He himself is on the ship as a part of a secret mission. I like this twist on the fake marriage trope, and of course, it provides a great way for a couple to actually get to know each other and develop actual feelings. The author actually did surprise me, which doesn't happen often since I read a lot of fiction. His secret mission is one that I did not imagine. These are outstanding characters thrown into a bizarre circumstance, making the story fun to watch unfold.
NOTE: The first part of the story takes place in the American South in the 1700s, and the author does show us some scenes of the heroine's life before she left. That does include slaves, which is historically accurate. This becomes a moot point once our heroine is on the pirate ship. But if you don't like reading stories that include slavery, you might want to bypass this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
November 27, 2020
In Jamestown 1785 Emeline is delivering eggs when she learns what kind of man Lawrence Grady was and vowed to stay away from him. Her sister Pru is married and he invites and introduces his best friend Commander Miers Redding, during the dinner her father announces that she is to wed - to none other than the man she vowed not to step foot on his property again. To escape her fate, she runs away, and follows the Commander to his ship. Emeline plans to stow away, get away from Jamestown and thats where her plans stop. Its not long before shes discovered. Almost immediately the men try and assault her. Saved from that fate, Miers Redding informs the Captain that she is his bride. Play along, he whispers....
Swashbuckling adventure filled with action intrigue, drama, suspense and mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this engaging entertaining, and compelling story. The story really captures what life at sea was like. The story is told from dual POVs and reveals the thoughts, feelings and emotions as Emeline and Miers explore their relationship and navigate through the many twists and turns of being on a pirate ship. Theres a sweet HEA ❤️
Swashbuckling adventure filled with action intrigue, drama, suspense and mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this engaging entertaining, and compelling story. The story really captures what life at sea was like. The story is told from dual POVs and reveals the thoughts, feelings and emotions as Emeline and Miers explore their relationship and navigate through the many twists and turns of being on a pirate ship. Theres a sweet HEA ❤️
December 5, 2021
I enjoyed this historical romance story with all of the characters within. The two main characters were Emeline Winthrop and Commander Meirs Redding.
Emeline Winthrop lives on a farm with her family in Jamestown. But when her parents tell her that she is bestowed to a widower that is way to old and is also very coldhearted to his slaves. She decides to run away so that she doesn't have to marry him.
Commander Meirs Redding has partnered with a captain pirate to complete a dangerous mission. While boarding the ship he did not expect to be followed by a young woman.
This was a fun story to read with all the action and adventure that takes place. There are a few laughs throughout the story that had me laughing.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Emeline Winthrop lives on a farm with her family in Jamestown. But when her parents tell her that she is bestowed to a widower that is way to old and is also very coldhearted to his slaves. She decides to run away so that she doesn't have to marry him.
Commander Meirs Redding has partnered with a captain pirate to complete a dangerous mission. While boarding the ship he did not expect to be followed by a young woman.
This was a fun story to read with all the action and adventure that takes place. There are a few laughs throughout the story that had me laughing.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
July 6, 2020
A swash buckling romance. Emeline followed her brother-in-law’s friend on board a ship. She was destined to marry an abusive, murderous, unscrupulous man and could not bear it. So, she ran away. Emeline for being nineteen had guts and despite her fear got away. When Miers Redding found her stowed away, he told the captain she was his bride. This kept her safe from the pirates aboard ship. Miers was on a secret mission and now was complicated with Emeline's arrival. I enjoyed how they got to know each other and grew to care for each other. But danger was lurking around every corner when on a pirate ship. A very good read. I only wished there had been an epilogue showing the future for these two.
June 30, 2020
The Winthrop family has fallen on hard times. But they have managed to stay afloat with Em making and selling soap. Being of age to marry, her family has arranged for her to marry a neighbor. Unhappy with the situation, Em runs away. Taking a chance on a stranger, she sneaks away on a ship. Only this lands her in more trouble than she thought possible.
A wonderful tale on how running away from a bad situation turns into a chance of happiness. Witty and romantic. Loved how the characters develop and hide their true nature. Read it in 2 days. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wonderful tale on how running away from a bad situation turns into a chance of happiness. Witty and romantic. Loved how the characters develop and hide their true nature. Read it in 2 days. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2020
Who is in command?
I just finished this book and I was so looking forward to it. I must say I was not disappointed in any respect. This book was a splendid addition to the author’s series. It is 1785 and Emeline runs away and becomes a stow-a-way. Commander Miers Redding is in a bit of a bind when Emeline is found and what does this gentleman do but pretends to be her husband to save their skins. Why is the commander on a pirate ship? There are secrets and dangers in this gem of a tale and I loved every minute I spent reading it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I just finished this book and I was so looking forward to it. I must say I was not disappointed in any respect. This book was a splendid addition to the author’s series. It is 1785 and Emeline runs away and becomes a stow-a-way. Commander Miers Redding is in a bit of a bind when Emeline is found and what does this gentleman do but pretends to be her husband to save their skins. Why is the commander on a pirate ship? There are secrets and dangers in this gem of a tale and I loved every minute I spent reading it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 1, 2020
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. It's the second American Pirate Romance book in the series and is Em and Mieres's story. Em's parents give her hand to a cold widower and rather than go through with it on the eve of her engagement she escapes to the James River and stows away on the Black Rose, a Pirates ship. This leads her to even more trouble and Mieres needs to pretend to be her husband. It's a great story line with a great cast of characters that I enjoyed reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2020
This is my first time reading something by this author. It was an entertaining and enjoyable read. The story was well-written and flowed nicely. The plot was interesting and had some plot twists and turns that made this an interesting and intriguing story. The characters were strong and well-developed. The author did a nice job of bringing this story to life with her vivid descriptions and well-developed scenes. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story with great e, romance and intrigue. Emeline's fa.i!y had gotten poor after the was since her father was disabled and her older brother was killed. She and her sister made soap to sell. Her sister married a nice man and she wanted that. However, her parents engaged her to the richest man who had a plantation and was evil. She left and had a big adventure. The ending was great
July 5, 2020
In 1785, Emaline Winthrop is about to be wed to an objectionable older man when she stows away on a rigger with Miers Redding, who has secrets of his own. Commanding His Heart is a well written romance with characters I enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2022
Good and funy book!
Is not just a romance. Not those soapy stories. It has adventure, fun and a nice love story. All of them well mixed in a good text.
A good way to sped a Saturday evening.
Is not just a romance. Not those soapy stories. It has adventure, fun and a nice love story. All of them well mixed in a good text.
A good way to sped a Saturday evening.
July 29, 2020
Another great pirate romance novel done by C.K.Brooke! She is truly a gifted writer and I love her novels!
October 3, 2017
In Jamestown, 1785, Emeline Winthrop dreams of marrying a dashing groom...
When Em's parents bestow her hand to a coldhearted widower three times her age, she's desperate. On the eve of her engagement, she escapes to the James River and stows away aboard an acquaintance's rigger. Little does she realize, she's found her way aboard a pirate ship.
Commander Miers Redding would never have dreamed of pirating in his naval days...
However, partnering with the unsavory Captain Crawley is the only way to complete his dangerous mission. When a young lady sneaks aboard The Black Rose, his cover is nearly blown, but the quick-thinking commander saves their skins by pretending to be her husband.
A façade as newlyweds during a dangerous, whirlwind voyage to the Caribbean is bound to convince not only the pirate crew of the couple's affections, but possibly each other. Yet the mystifying Virginia belle is hiding something from him... And what, exactly, is Commander Redding's mysterious mission? These secrets could end their love, their mission - and their lives.
Commanding His Heart is the second standalone novel in C.K. Brooke's American Pirate Romance series.
Rating: 4/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: a few squirmy (though accurately-portrayed) moments; I didn't feel as connected to these characters as past books; the romance was steamy, though a BIT rushed; YAY for pirates!; captivating, adventure-filled plot
Huge thanks to C.K. Brooke and Limitless Publishing for sending a free egalley of this title my way in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
And this was, as all C.K. Brooke novels seem to be, SUCH an exquisitely romantic, entertaining, and fascinating read! The plot was filled with drama, tension, and just a hint of reputation-ruining potential. Every page was wrought with action, which I absolutely adore--I was, from page one, sucked straight into the heart of the story and held captivated throughout! The horrifying realities that Em is running from put chills down my spine from the start--I was screaming for her to stand her ground, to find a way out. It's safe to say that I connected almost instantly with her plight...though I didn't, unfortunately, feel quite so much for most of these characters.
"Mr. Redding," she murmured, "the only man I intend to kiss is my husband on my wedding day."
"Kiss me," was all he repeated, at the bottom of his voice, a low, thirsty plea.
"You are commanding me?"
"My heart," he uttered, "commands me."
While the romance between our pair is just as steamy and butterfly-inducing as all of C.K. Brooke's couples, I felt there was a bit of something off about the relationship all the same. There was, in this instance, almost too much "insta-love" for me to swallow...and I didn't feel as if quite as much time or care went into crafting their relationship as I've so adored in the other novels I've read from this author. Perhaps this was a time constraint issue; this read was admittedly much shorter than I'm used to from C.K. Brooke, and I feel this might have played a small part in why I couldn't fully believe the romance--it wasn't given enough time on the stove, so to speak. Still, I really adored these characters, and was thoroughly entertained by the journey they undertake together!
I am really digging this new pirates series from a well-loved author, and can't wait to see where the next installment (if there is one) will lead! I'd definitely recommend this to lovers of life at sea, shady characters/happenings, and the discovery of love in unexpected places. I tip my hat to the captain of MY heart, C.K. Brooke; if you haven't picked her up yet, Penguin readers, you definitely should!
September 27, 2017
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book.**
Swashbuckling fun on the high seas!
Emeline wants to find a loving husband to call her own, a marriage like her sister has. But when her parents announce her engagement to a man who is nothing like the husband she desires, Em is stuck with a difficult decision to make. To stay and be at the mercy of a violent man or to flee and put her safety into a stranger's hands.
Miers has no choice but to lie when a familiar woman is found stowing away on the ship. Pretending to be Em's husband is a small price to pay to keep her safe from the clutches of the pirates. Yet, having her there is dangerous to his mission. One he's given up everything for.
Being on board a pirate's vessel isn't what Em had been imagining when she made her escape. She tries to make the best of the situation and the awkward marriage she now has to fake. When Miers realizes he may be falling for his false wife, he knows there is no way they could ever make their marriage real. Not with the future he's bound to have after consorting with pirates.
This was a quick and easy read. Out of the two books in this series, I think this one is my favorite so far. Mostly because I loved the fake wife angle. It's always a fun way for a couple to get to know one another, while pretending to already be a pair. This one was made even more interesting with the addition of pirates and a mysterious mission.
Em was a great character and well developed. We meet her first and get to see into her life and family. She's put into a tough spot and I loved her backbone. No weak-willed heroine found here. Then we're introduced to Miers, and I was a little confused at first, wondering how a member of the Royal Navy was going to fit into this story about pirates. It doesn't take long for us to learn how.
The pacing was steady and it only took me a few hours to read the whole thing. Once we board the ship and the story really gets started, I didn't want to put the book down. I love the way this author's writing weaves a story that just sucks you right in. Every one of her books that I've read have done the same. You can see the scene and feel the emotions.
The romance is pretty tame but doesn't disappoint. If anything, I think I enjoyed this couple's love story more than some I've read with all the steam. Here, we can really see the struggle between our pair as they try to come to terms with their developing feelings despite the circumstances. When the secret mission is finally exposed, I think my mouth literally dropped open. And Eliza was a surprisingly great character.
In closing...
A fun pirate romance! I can't wait to see what adventure we go on next. Five suns!
Full review on blog: https://uptildawnbookblog.blogspot.com/2017/09/review-commanding-his-heart-by-ck-brooke.html
September 24, 2017
I have received an ARC of this book for my full and honest review.
Commanding His Heart was a refreshing read for me. It was a sweet romance between the two main characters, their romance was a slow burn that I found great. For someone who reads a lot of smut ( and I know I do) a book that doesn't 1000% focus on the characters banging every 5 pages was so nice to read. C. K Brooke brought a great read to life. It very much reminded me of Patricia Cabot's Portrait of My Heart which I loved! I'm so excited to see what she writes next!
This book is about American pirates ( yes, sir you read that right!) the story moves along a lot a good pace while delivering on details but not overly explaining minor things. I am truly stocked to see where C. K Brooke's takes this set of books cause I really hope she plans on writing more.
Commanding His Heart was a refreshing read for me. It was a sweet romance between the two main characters, their romance was a slow burn that I found great. For someone who reads a lot of smut ( and I know I do) a book that doesn't 1000% focus on the characters banging every 5 pages was so nice to read. C. K Brooke brought a great read to life. It very much reminded me of Patricia Cabot's Portrait of My Heart which I loved! I'm so excited to see what she writes next!
This book is about American pirates ( yes, sir you read that right!) the story moves along a lot a good pace while delivering on details but not overly explaining minor things. I am truly stocked to see where C. K Brooke's takes this set of books cause I really hope she plans on writing more.
October 28, 2017
This is perhaps the most wholesome pirate romance I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The sweet, simple love affair between Em and Mr. Redding is darling though fulfilling; it's truly a connection of the heart. The heroine, Emeline, is ahead of her time, longing for freedom and relevancy. An entire cast of sword-carrying characters lend to the story as a whole, none of them lacking. Of course, as you'll find with all of C.K. Brooke's books, the time period accuracy is without fault. Another job well done!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily offered my honest review.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily offered my honest review.
September 22, 2017
It's be a long time that I have picked up a historical romance but I received an advanced copy so I thought I would give it a go. It was a really enjoyable read. After resting this book, I now question why I stopped reading historical books. I will defenitely be reading more from this author.
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