The Pirate Bride

by Shannon Drake

Those who survive the wrath of Red Robert would never guess the pirate's secret --- Red Robert is a woman, masquerading as a man. Yet though the swift steel of her sword has spread her reputation to the farthest corners of the map, there is only one treasure she seeks --- the blood of her lifelong nemesis ... Blair Colm.

Shipwrecked on a desert isle with the handsome Logan Hagarty, she soon rediscovers her femininity in the irresistible captain's arms. But their paradise skies darken with the appearance of their common enemy. Now the two must summon all their strength and cunning to best the evil Colm, and protect the fierce love that has grown between them.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Pirates, Historical, Historical Fiction, Adult, Fiction

378 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

About the author

Heather Graham Pozzessere
aka Heather Graham, Shannon Drake

Heather Graham was born on March 15, 1953 and grew up in Dade County, Florida, and attended the University of South Florida at Tampa, majoring in theater arts and touring Europe and parts of Asia and Africa as part of her studies. After college, she acted in dinner theaters, modeled, waitressed, and tended bar. She married Hershey Dennis Possezzere, and after the birth of her third child, she was determined to devote her efforts to her writing: her dream. She sold her first book in 1982.

Today, this author's success is reflected not just by reader response and the over 20 million copies of her books in print, but in many other ways. In addition to being a New York Times bestselling author, Heather has received numerous awards for her novels, including over 20 trade awards from magazines such as Romantic Times and Affaire de Coeur, bestseller awards from B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, and BookRak, and several Reviewers' Choice and People's Choice awards.

Heather has appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Romantically Speaking, a TV talk show that aired nationwide on the Romance Classics cable channel, and CBS Sunday News. She has been quoted in People and USA Today, been profiled in The Nation, and featured in Good Housekeeping. Her books have been selections for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild. She has been published across the world in more than 15 languages and has published over 70 titles, including anthologies and short stories.

Now, she had five children. Somehow, this prolific author manages to juggle it all - family, career, and marriage - while reaching a level of success to which few can aspire.

Reviews

[Erin]

29/12/2011 I was just think who i would cast as Red Robert...and who arises in my mind : Maureen O'Hara

[Jane Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ok as a formulaic romance novel, but I wasn’t entertained enough or emotionally drawn in.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
It felt like another “churned out book” using a standard romance formula. There was nothing witty or interesting about the conversations. Nothing surprised or delighted me. A few times, I wished it were over. There is nothing specifically wrong with it. It’s just that this book is similar to so many other books. I’m looking for novels with something to set them apart or with strong emotional pulls for me. On the positive side the love scenes were sensual and passionate - nicely done.

STORY BRIEF:
Blair is a pirate who fought for William III. William won and became king of England. During the fighting, Blair killed Roberta’s parents who opposed William and then sold Roberta as an indentured servant to Ellen in Charleston. Ellen later sold Roberta to a Count in France to be his mistress. On the way to France, the ship was seized by pirates and Roberta escaped. She becomes captain of a ship and dresses as a man called Red Robert. Her cousin Brendan is with her. Her goal in life is to seek revenge by killing Blair. Logan is the captain of another ship. Roberta and Logan become stranded on a deserted island which is where their romance begins.

REVIEWER’S THOUGHTS ON POSSIBLE STORY CHANGES:
The story started out interesting with two sides fighting to rule England. It made Blair sympathetic since he fought on one of those sides. Roberta’s parents were on the other side. I wish the author had further developed that picture of Blair. Instead, the story proceeded as a typical romance novel with Blair as the bad pirate and Roberta as one of the good pirates. The story of fighting in England wasn’t needed to support the plot. It could have been simply bad pirate Blair kills Roberta’s parents and sells her. Further development of some sympathy or other interest for Blair through his relationship with the King of England might have made the story more interesting for me and a little less formulaic.

DATA:
Story length: 370 pages. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 7. Length of sex scenes: from 0.5 to 3 pages. Total number of sex scene pages: 12. Setting: 1689 to 1716 Scotland, Charleston, Virginia, and various locations in the Caribbean. Copyright: 2008. Genre: historical romance.

OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other books by this author, see my 3.5 star review of “Deadly Night” posted under 3 stars 10/25/08.

[Siobhan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was totally digging this book--secret identities, sea battles, sword fights, romance--all the way up to the last ten pages, when it all came crashing down. The reason for the heroine's battle is made moot and she has many options for what she might go on to do with her life, and what does the fearsome female pirate say? "I want whatever you want." not just once, which I could excuse, but THREE times. If it weren't my kindle, I would have thrown it across the room.

[Neus Gutiérrez · Rating 2 out of 5]

En parte la nota es mi culpa.
No me gustan los libros de piratas. Ni siquiera en plan La isla del tesoro y cosas así "guays".
Me ponen bastante nerviosa, suelen tener bastante machismo y sólo de pensar en estar en alta mar con lo que me mareo, se me quitan las ganas de seguir leyendo.
Ahora hablando en serio -más allá de mi odio a los barcos- no pillo la mayoría de libros en que el romance está en el pirateo/alta mar y de más. No me cuadran. No me convencen.
Hay demasiados que se llenan de violaciones, abusos y de más toxicidades que te ponen de los nervios. Otros que tienen unos plots que son incomprensibles. Y luego los que te cuentan las maravillas de las américas y luego acaban volviendo a l sociedad londinense como si nada. Plis.

En este tenemos a unos personajes bastante típicos que no aportan ninguna novedad al género. Gracias a dios no exhuda machismo por todos los poros, aunque sí hay algunos momentos de damita en apuros, pero me ha dicho lo que viene siendo: nada.
No me he creído la trama. No me han caído bien los personajes. No me ha parecido interesante.
Lo siento, pero no.
Probaré con otro de la autora a ver si así mejor.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naufragio manco degno dell'Isola dei famosi e tormenti giovanili da spasso!

Quasi la solita tiritera contornata da pirati, camuffamenti e torride notti ben camuffate dall'orgoglio e dalla passione.
Lei Roberta che per sfuggire al suo destino ignobile diventa un feroce ma nobile pirata alla ricerca della sua vendetta...Lui Logan nobile d'origini decaduto e risanatosi in cerca anch'egli per mare della stessa vendetta.
Un nemico comune che all'inizio nelle prime pagine dava molto di "vita parallela alla Gabaldon" per poi perdersi per strada in una storia tutta a se stante fatta di tira e molla e di un naufragio talmente agiato che nemmeno una manna dal cielo occorreva in aggiunta a tutto il ben di dio capitato a riva di quell'isoletta della morte che era.
Insomma, non mi interessava leggerlo ma poi il consiglio e l'occhiata di sfuggita hanno avuto la meglio sull'acquisto ma non è che sia poi tutto questo piacere di lettura, rasenta stentatamente le tre stelline di gradimento anche se mi è piaciucchiata la natura caparbia di Red/Roberta ma poteva andare molto meglio come anche molto peggio.
Inizio a pensare che trovare un GRS Special del livello di "Ballo in Maschera" sia davvero un'impresa stoica che abbandonerò immediatamente!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable historical romance based around pirates and the open sea!

The main female MC was focused on revenge and often made terrible choices because of this, however I think it added to her development and her reasons were justified.

The love interest Logan was perfect and logical, I really loved his character and the interactions between him and Red/Roberta. The romance was angsty, steamy, and I liked the enemies to lovers vibe, plus their banter was so amusing.

There was action but it was mostly subdued due to the pacing, which I did find a little off, but this could be due to the mix of POVs. The plot was simple but wrapped up well and I liked the HEA.

Overall, a great read for fans of pirate adventures with romance!

Other books you might enjoy; To Catch A Pirate, Daughter of the Pirate King, Tides of Mutiny, Oceanswept.

[Cloudy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance de época sumamente entretenida con sus toques de erotismo dentro de esta aventura por los mares en búsqueda de saldar cuentas con el pasado💜🏝

Unas escenas en una isla paradisiaca me recordaron mucho a la película de La laguna azul (1980) con Brooke Shields jeje☺ con sus momentos de discusiones y tensión entre ambos protagonistas.

Muy buena🍭 salvo una escena con tachita❌ que no me agradó que hiciera Logan con Bobbie💔 y también el villano principal que era super malo jaja😆

La recomiendo principalmente para quienes gusten de romances en altamar, se inicien en la novela de época romántica/erótica o busquen chicas protagonistas que destaquen por su valentía y perseverancia😎

[Anica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

I love me a girl pretends to be a boy trope, but this one just didn't hit it. Perhaps I should clarify and say I love when a girl is pretending to be a boy, and then keeps acting the same? Once she finds out the hero knows she's a woman she acts completely different, and completely stupid.

One of the few romances where I liked and understood the hero more than the heroine. She was bloody inconsistent and it was annoying.

There are better romances out there, this was just very mediocre.

[Taylyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok first real pirate novel here we go...

Tropes/Character types: Pirate, Revenge plot, isolation/stranded, Cross dressing,

Decent book over all I was a fan of the male lead he was cheeky but honest. The female lead annoyed me but I think she was supposed to so it's all good. Also Cassandra and Brendan ;)

Yes I would read this again but would have to be in a real pirate mood 4 stars and 7.5/10

[Niki (nikilovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading Heather Graham's books years ago and have been meaning to read more of them along with those published under her pseudonym, Shannon Drake. I randomly chose The Pirate Bride and it ended up being a fun read. It wasn't one of my favorites from Graham, but it was certainly better than many of the recently published historical romance books I've read over the last couple years.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful pirate romance.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow going at first. Last quarter of the book was much more interesting and everything wrapped up in a neat little bow.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun novel! Entertaining and a page turner until the end!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story about Red Robert the pirate that’s a girl. To avenge her family’s death she becomes a pirate, and finds the love of her life. This book had action and was a great read

[Tapa in lovezone]

woman masquerading as a man pirate.

[Fangirl Musings · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know, I know...it is very rare that I actually JUST 'like' a book. In fact, it's practically unheard of since I either absolutely love a book or absolutely hate a book. But, this one was actually middle-of-the-road enjoyable. While I wasn't overwhelmingly impressed with the book, I actually was entertained in reading it.

The story is actually really simple in its makeup. Red Robert (Roberta), or Bobbie as she is nicked named, sails the seas under the guise that she is a he, and more importantly, a pirate. Fearsome. But, in truth, while she maintains that guise, she is in reality looking for the man who murdered her family and destroyed her life. In spending years looking for Blair Colm, one fine day she manages to take Laird Logan captive. The ensuing story takes many turns- from prisoner and pirate, to the two being abandoned on a deserted island, to a full-on raging battle at sea. There are many elements to this story and a lot of interplay among the multitude of characters.

I truly loved how Drake changed POVs rather often within the story, utilizing Brendon's (Bobbie's cousin), Cassandra's (Logan's supposed fiancee), Logan's and Bobbies. There was also the surprising twist of Blackbeard, aka Edward Teach, appearing within the story a few times. I LOVE when an author incorporates historical peoples within a fictional work.

My criticisms sadly come within a few scenes where dialogue just seemed...well, forced, speedy, and random. This criticism is really difficult to explain and one must simply read the respective scenes to know just what I mean. Although, while I do have these few issues with the story, overall it didn't dampen my view of the book. I really was able to enjoy it cover to cover.

Thankfully enough, the ending- which most authors now-a-days seem to screw up somehow or another- was done very well. Overall, NOT a waste of my time, this book.

[Shiran · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story follows the dreaded Pirate Red Robert who is feared by many and respected by more, but Red has a secret... she is a woman. Her crew know she is a woman and are very loyal to her. When Red was a child her family was brutally murdered by Blair Colm and she spends her life hunting him down to kill him. When Red comes across a Merchantman she meets the captain of the ship Logan Hagarty. Red decides to take Logan as a prisoner for ransom. Logan is very intuitive and knows there is something different about Red, but when he discovers that she is a woman he doesn't say anything. When a storm leaves Red and Logan stranded on an island they begin to from a relationship which quickly turns to love.

I love pirates and I could think of nothing better than a book about a woman pretending to be a male pirate so this book was a no brainer when I came across it. I found that is started off slow but did pick up eventually.

I loved the story but I have to admit I found a few flaws that bugged me a little. Red is supposed to be this feared pirate who has killed and fought brave men but the site of a dead body bothers her. For me she was a true pirate on her ship but almost the second she lands on the island with Logan she suddenly turns into nagging girl mode. Nudity bothers her and she orders Logan around like a lady of leisure. Also Logan treats her like she is a dainty lady and not a pirate who can fight for herself.

But still I enjoyed the story, the characters were well written for the most part and the last 100 pages really redeemed the rest of the book.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than I expected I would. The plot is formulaic (if convoluted) and the writing got pretty spotty at times, but overall I had a good time while reading. Granted, I have a soft spot for swashbuckling pirate adventures, so that likely made me more forgiving of the flaws than usual.

The pacing worked well even when the plot threads seemed to get a little lost or repetitive. The characters could be inconsistent, but they were sympathetic and the writer had the good sense to distract from these inconsistencies with a fresh scene or the entrance of a new character at just the right moment. The sex scenes were relatively hot, if a bit vague, and they were (mostly) free of the worst sorts of purple prose and wretched metaphors that can so easily plague the genre. There were quite a few times when I felt that either the writing or the editing was too rushed: backstory that felt unnecessary or only half explained, actions and subplots that were left hanging and forgotten, leading nowhere.

The most annoying shadow over the whole book was the heroine's ultimately passive role in her own story. Her final decisions seemed largely removed from her hands and that felt inconsistent with the woman who'd been a spitfire in command of her own choices up until that point. For most of the plot, she played a fairly active role, but by the end, she felt diminished. I found that mildly annoying, but not enough to completely ruin my overall enjoyment. This was a nice, fluffy, fun little romp that fit the bill for a light vacation read.

[Bird · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had pretty high hopes for this one, and I was mostly disappointed. I liked the characters, and there was a surprisingly good plot, with quite a bit of action at the end.

So why the low rating? Sex. Let's be honest - you read Harlequin romances because of the hot and heavy relationship that develops between the main characters. But the sex in this book was rushed and very unromantic. (Um, foreplay, anyone?) There were only a few paragraphs dedicated to the sex scenes, and they were comprised of obnoxious, flowery prose.

Example: "It burst through her and took her breath away, momentarily stilled the thunder of her heart, then burst like a million flares across a velvet sky, and finally the soft, midnight feel of wonder came sweeping down upon her as she trembled in the aftermath." (Yes, that is an orgasm being described. Enough said.)

Additionally, (and this is a criticism of the editor, not the writer) there were so many typos that I wondered if this book even had an editor. There were actually 2 typos in the sentence I typed above (yes, 2 in one sentence) but I corrected them.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was it badly written? Not particularly. But the plot was cliche, and the dialogue was not great, and there was really no reason to read this over any of the other mediocre romance novels out there.
And the word 'pirate' was used a LOT, like the author was trying to hammer home the fact that these are really tough, bloody pirates even though they don't do a single pirate-y thing after the very beginning of the novel.
What I'd really like is a book about a female crossdressing pirate who isn't secretly longing for a tough man to take care of her. One who could have actually survived across the seven seas. Bobbie did a LOT of protesting that she was tough and independent and cool, but there wasn't much actual evidence of it. (Although to give some credit where credit is due, she would likely survive longer than a lot of the other "tough and independent" romance heroines I've read.)

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first i thought this book was totally boring. Like pages 30-100 were not that interesting, and had to force myself to read them. But once i got to the part where they were stranded on the island, the book was really good. The characters developed really well, but it took me forever to find out who was the child that they were talking about in the prologue.
The ending was a little bit of a happyily-ever-after, everything is absolutely perfect, but i like those endings so it's okay. I'm really glad that they didn't rush the end like i feel that most author sometimes do.
Anyway, if you like pirate romance. This is definately a good one. And i like the twist in this by having the woman be the pirate instead of the man.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. The reason why I didn’t give it 5 stars is because the summary on the back of the book states that Red Robert is in fact a woman who has lost her femininity. What I found lacking was the fact that, for a pirate, Red was too soft. This is the strongest heroine I have ever read by Ms. Drake and I commend her for finally writing a strong heroine. However, with that said, she wasn’t that strong. Red is a strong character for Ms. Drake- but not in general. She is on the right track from getting away with the submissive, weak willed women she usually writes about, but she has a little more to go if she truly wants to write about a strong heroine.

[Sheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given this book so I decided to give it a try. It was okay.

I liked the story idea of a lady pirate in disguise and the first part of the book, the writing was really good. By the end of the book, it felt as thought the author was trying to hurry up and finish the story and the "head hopping" began. No longer was each chapter from one POV, it would switch back and forth several times with no warning.

I also can't recommend it because of the bed scenes, but even that could have been skipped if the story was spectacular. It started out with great promise, but fell a little short for me.

Just my opinion...

[Anne Patkau · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** "The Pirate Bride", Roberta, captures Lord Logan, in a slashing dashing romance, set in 1716 Caribbean. Author Shannon Drake could omit the first chapter and more, because outer action explains motivation better than inner description. We eventually learn that both lovers need to avenge viciously murdered kin. Washed overboard in a storm, onto an idyllic unknown isle, daggers near, Logan builds shelter, and Roberta pours tea. Sex leads to love, or vice versa. Even Blackbeard intervenes to suitably resolve a key dispute.

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the action and adventure. I thought that Logan had a good Christian faith, because yoiu see glimpses of it in the beginning, but it's as if the author forgot about this and just wrote all sex scenes from the time Logan saves Red's life. I'm never going to read this book again because of this. I was really disappointed.

I did like the action and the way that the whole plot line played out. Thank you so much that they actually get married at the end.

[Tammra]

I didn't finish it it was to hot and heavy for me, which given the picture on the front combined with the kind of book it shouldn't have come as any surprise and Goodreads doesn't give the choice of just deleting a book from the currently reading list(at least not that I know of). Besides we just moved and the book is in a box somewhere. She has the chance to make this book about more than sex, but it was ignored so I stopped reading it long ago, but I like this author just not this book.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una lectura entretenida de principio a fin.
Bobbie es una pirata y de lo más aguerrida
Logan es un personaje con una fuerza escondida qué la sacó a flote cuando fue necesario.
Me gustó como fue su relación, como esta creció y al final tuvieron esa venganza a la vida que sin saber tenían en común.
No me salté ni un página. Los personajes secundarios, como su primo fueron importantes, la tripulación y hasta Cassandra. Nadie de relleno.
Sin duda disfruté de este libro.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not realize this was a romance book until I started to read it, and usually I do not like to read them, but I actually enjoyed this one. I liked that the roles were reversed with a female Pirate and a male prisoner. I also liked that even though it was a romance novel it wasn't really heavy on the romance.

[Jenifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read, but the main problem was I felt like I had read it before.

I know I haven't read this particular book before, but it had the same feel that another book I've read has. I couldn't name the book but I felt like this one reminded me of another and I wanted a unique experience when reading.

Other than that, it was a good book.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love pirates and picked this book hoping it would be good. I was not disappointed. Captain Red Robert is a girl, (not a shocker ;) and is after revenge for what happened to her as a child. She meets a Laird who suffered a similar childhood and he discovers she's really a woman pirate. We all know how the story is going to end, but it was a good story.