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Dominick #2
Chance The Winds of Fortune
Fortune smiled on Dante Leighton, titled lord turned pirate. Sailing before the Sea Dragon's towering masts, he plundered hearts and cargoes from the Carolinas to Trinidad's turquoise lagoons. But one treasure always eluded him .... Until, a world away, at the English country estate of Lucien and Sabrina Dominick, a series of dazzling intrigues results in the abduction of their golden-haired daughter, Rhea .... And now, in a gathering wave of turbulent emotion, the fates of Rhea and Dante converge unforgettably -- in a quest for sunken Spanish treasure ... and a love worth a thousand fortunes.
505 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
118 people are currently reading
898 people want to read
About the author
Laurie McBain
17 books156 followersLaurie McBain was born on October 15, 1949. She was always passionate about art and history, and her father encouraged her and helped her write her first historical romance. At twenty-six, Laurie became a publishing phenomenon with her first historical romance. Her first novels "Devil's Desire" and "Moonstruck Madness" each sold over a million copies. She was one of the pioners of the new romance style with Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. But, after the death of her father, she decided to retire from the publishing world in 1985, with only seven romances written.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 8, 2017
3 Stowaway Stars
* Some Mild Spoilers*
"You, sir are beneath contempt. You are not fit to wallow with swine."
"What an insufferable man you are. And whether you are, as you would have me believe, a marquis, or whether you are a tinker, I would still find you the rudest, most vulgar individual I have ever had the misfortune to encounter."
Chance The Winds of Fortune is the 2nd book in the Dominick trilogy. I didn't read the first book, but that isn't a problem. This book can be read as a stand alone. This book has a slow start. There are a lot of details I feel could have been edited out, because they make the book drag, but once it got going it was a okay read.
What this book is about
Dante Leighton is the captain of the Sea Dragon and the Marquis of Jacqobi. He and his crew are after treasure on a sunken Spanish ship that Dante won the map to in a card game. With this treasure he hopes to fund his revenge. Dante finds Rhea Claire Dominick asleep in his cabin on his ship with the map to the treasure laying on his desk. So he believes she is a Spy for another ship wanting to steal the treasure. She tells him that she is Lady Rhea Claire Dominick daughter of the Duke of Camareigh and that she was kidnapped from her home and sold to a slaver ship headed for the colonies. Will Dante believe her? Will Lady Rhea Chaire ever see her family again?
"I shall remember your bravely spoken words, my lady," Dante said against her ear, " when I ask for payment very soon. I look forward to the transaction, for you are a woman of your word, are you not, my dear? You have proudly proclaimed that a dominick's word is never broken, so I foresee no difficulties involved,"
"but you are mine, Rhea, and I shall be the one to take what you have so enchantingly offered. And you have offered it to me, my sweet Rhea,"
While this book was a Decent read it could have been so much better. While I really liked Rhea and Dante. There wasn't enough of them in this book for my liking. I mean this is their book right? Because it doesn't feel like it. I didn't feel there was enough relationship development. They are not really the main focus of the book. They didn't even meet until I was almost 300 pages into a 500 page book. Come on!! There are so many tedious details in this book that it became a little boring at times. In one part of the book there is 2 pages of nothing but details of the things sold in the London markets. 1 whole page talking about what Rhea's room looks like. Giving the reader a mental picture is good, but some things are just overkill! I have to be honest and say what bothered me the most about this book is the main couple is only in this book like 25- 30 % of the book tops. I know more about Rhea's Parents Sabrina and Lucien and their love then I do about Rhea and Dante! The parts that do have Rhea and Dante together are very sweet and I enjoyed them enough to give this book a 3 Star.
Below I leave my favorite moment from this book:
"You sound surprised, my friend, that I should be so frail as to fall in love, and especially with one such as Rhea Claire, who is so different from me. We are like night and day, are we not? Devil and angel? Saint and sinner? We began on a note of mistrust, which still exists, but perhaps now it is because of our vulnerability to one another. I have been cruel to her, frightened her intentionally, played with her , seduced her." Then Dante added softly, "But the game has been well met, Alastair, for she has the power to hurt me far more than I have ever hurt her. I am in love with her."
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
* Some Mild Spoilers*
"You, sir are beneath contempt. You are not fit to wallow with swine."
"What an insufferable man you are. And whether you are, as you would have me believe, a marquis, or whether you are a tinker, I would still find you the rudest, most vulgar individual I have ever had the misfortune to encounter."
Chance The Winds of Fortune is the 2nd book in the Dominick trilogy. I didn't read the first book, but that isn't a problem. This book can be read as a stand alone. This book has a slow start. There are a lot of details I feel could have been edited out, because they make the book drag, but once it got going it was a okay read.
What this book is about
Dante Leighton is the captain of the Sea Dragon and the Marquis of Jacqobi. He and his crew are after treasure on a sunken Spanish ship that Dante won the map to in a card game. With this treasure he hopes to fund his revenge. Dante finds Rhea Claire Dominick asleep in his cabin on his ship with the map to the treasure laying on his desk. So he believes she is a Spy for another ship wanting to steal the treasure. She tells him that she is Lady Rhea Claire Dominick daughter of the Duke of Camareigh and that she was kidnapped from her home and sold to a slaver ship headed for the colonies. Will Dante believe her? Will Lady Rhea Chaire ever see her family again?
"I shall remember your bravely spoken words, my lady," Dante said against her ear, " when I ask for payment very soon. I look forward to the transaction, for you are a woman of your word, are you not, my dear? You have proudly proclaimed that a dominick's word is never broken, so I foresee no difficulties involved,"
"but you are mine, Rhea, and I shall be the one to take what you have so enchantingly offered. And you have offered it to me, my sweet Rhea,"
While this book was a Decent read it could have been so much better. While I really liked Rhea and Dante. There wasn't enough of them in this book for my liking. I mean this is their book right? Because it doesn't feel like it. I didn't feel there was enough relationship development. They are not really the main focus of the book. They didn't even meet until I was almost 300 pages into a 500 page book. Come on!! There are so many tedious details in this book that it became a little boring at times. In one part of the book there is 2 pages of nothing but details of the things sold in the London markets. 1 whole page talking about what Rhea's room looks like. Giving the reader a mental picture is good, but some things are just overkill! I have to be honest and say what bothered me the most about this book is the main couple is only in this book like 25- 30 % of the book tops. I know more about Rhea's Parents Sabrina and Lucien and their love then I do about Rhea and Dante! The parts that do have Rhea and Dante together are very sweet and I enjoyed them enough to give this book a 3 Star.
Below I leave my favorite moment from this book:
"You sound surprised, my friend, that I should be so frail as to fall in love, and especially with one such as Rhea Claire, who is so different from me. We are like night and day, are we not? Devil and angel? Saint and sinner? We began on a note of mistrust, which still exists, but perhaps now it is because of our vulnerability to one another. I have been cruel to her, frightened her intentionally, played with her , seduced her." Then Dante added softly, "But the game has been well met, Alastair, for she has the power to hurt me far more than I have ever hurt her. I am in love with her."
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
February 21, 2023
A Shipboard Romance from the 18th Century: Pirates, Privateers and Sea Captains!
For those of you who read and loved McBain’s Moonstruck Madness, as I did, this is the next book in the Dominick trilogy. The first was set in England and this one begins there but soon takes off for America and the Caribbean. You should read all three, as they comprise one story. This one begins the romance of Dante and Rhea which concludes in book 3.
Set in 1769, it tells of Dante Leighton, captain of the Sea Dragon and Marquis of Jacqobi who is hoping a buried treasure will return him the wealth he needs for revenge against the man who took from him Merdraco, his family estate in England, and Rhea Dominick, the beautiful and sweet oldest child of Sabrina and Lucien, Duchess and Duke of Camareigh, who we met in the first book. Rhea is now seventeen and the object of revenge by the Duke’s cousin. Abducted and sent aboard a ship to the Colonies, Rhea escapes one man’s evil plans for another’s.
McBain weaves many threads together for an exciting tale of betrayal, revenge and love wrapped around a hunt for a sunken treasure ship. Actually it is a very long but very absorbing introduction to the third novel, Dark Before The Rising Sun. I could not put it down and so appreciated McBain’s command of the English language and her attention to vivid detail. It is superbly written. You will soon be lost in the world of Dante’s ship the Sea Dragon and feel Rhea’s intense longing to return home to Camareigh even as her desire grows for the brooding ship’s captain. Rhea is a courageous, unselfish heroine with a fondness for God’s creatures and those in need of help. Dante is a self-absorbed aristocrat turned hardened American privateer and smuggler who is not beyond taking a duke’s daughter.
I promise you will love it but get the next one for the end of the story!
The Dominick trilogy:
• Moonstruck Madness (1977) Sabrina and Lucien
• Chance The Winds Of Fortune (1980) their daughter, Rhea and Dante
• Dark Before The Rising Sun (1982) Rhea and Dante (cont’d.)
For those of you who read and loved McBain’s Moonstruck Madness, as I did, this is the next book in the Dominick trilogy. The first was set in England and this one begins there but soon takes off for America and the Caribbean. You should read all three, as they comprise one story. This one begins the romance of Dante and Rhea which concludes in book 3.
Set in 1769, it tells of Dante Leighton, captain of the Sea Dragon and Marquis of Jacqobi who is hoping a buried treasure will return him the wealth he needs for revenge against the man who took from him Merdraco, his family estate in England, and Rhea Dominick, the beautiful and sweet oldest child of Sabrina and Lucien, Duchess and Duke of Camareigh, who we met in the first book. Rhea is now seventeen and the object of revenge by the Duke’s cousin. Abducted and sent aboard a ship to the Colonies, Rhea escapes one man’s evil plans for another’s.
McBain weaves many threads together for an exciting tale of betrayal, revenge and love wrapped around a hunt for a sunken treasure ship. Actually it is a very long but very absorbing introduction to the third novel, Dark Before The Rising Sun. I could not put it down and so appreciated McBain’s command of the English language and her attention to vivid detail. It is superbly written. You will soon be lost in the world of Dante’s ship the Sea Dragon and feel Rhea’s intense longing to return home to Camareigh even as her desire grows for the brooding ship’s captain. Rhea is a courageous, unselfish heroine with a fondness for God’s creatures and those in need of help. Dante is a self-absorbed aristocrat turned hardened American privateer and smuggler who is not beyond taking a duke’s daughter.
I promise you will love it but get the next one for the end of the story!
The Dominick trilogy:
• Moonstruck Madness (1977) Sabrina and Lucien
• Chance The Winds Of Fortune (1980) their daughter, Rhea and Dante
• Dark Before The Rising Sun (1982) Rhea and Dante (cont’d.)
August 28, 2022
When Rhea Claire, the daughter of Sabrina and Lucien, is kidnapped, she never imagined she would be shipped off to the colonies and become tangled up with a smuggler.
This is more of that classic bodice ripper formula, complete with sunken treasures and a ship captain hero who also happens to be a marquis - which is useful in this class-conscious era. We also get more of the stereotypically pure, virginal heroine and dark, angry hero - and Rhea is definitely less compelling a heroine than Sabrina.
And the ending! It's a happily ever after, sure, but it wraps up so fast! I was waiting for more conflict, I suppose, but instead we get an odd time skip that glosses over some fairly important events, as well as plenty of plot unresolved. I get the impression that this book and its sequel had been originally written as one great doorstopper, and then split up.
Despite the plot being somewhat thin - the hero and heroine don't even meet until halfway through the book! - the engaging writing carries the day, as well as the vivid scenery and the sense of adventure.
This is more of that classic bodice ripper formula, complete with sunken treasures and a ship captain hero who also happens to be a marquis - which is useful in this class-conscious era. We also get more of the stereotypically pure, virginal heroine and dark, angry hero - and Rhea is definitely less compelling a heroine than Sabrina.
And the ending! It's a happily ever after, sure, but it wraps up so fast! I was waiting for more conflict, I suppose, but instead we get an odd time skip that glosses over some fairly important events, as well as plenty of plot unresolved. I get the impression that this book and its sequel had been originally written as one great doorstopper, and then split up.
Despite the plot being somewhat thin - the hero and heroine don't even meet until halfway through the book! - the engaging writing carries the day, as well as the vivid scenery and the sense of adventure.
September 10, 2018
Chance the Winds of Fortune is the sequel to Laurie McBain's Moonstruck Madness, a romance about a gender-bending highwayman (girl) who falls for an arrogant, scarred Duke, notorious for his dueling skills. I LOVED Moonstruck Madness... The follow-ups to that wonderful book about their daughter, Rhea Clare, Chance the Winds of Fortune & Dark Before the Rising Sun, though...uggh. They suck.
The two books combine to over 1000 pages of the tale of the vanilla-bland perfect daughter of the protagonists of one much more compelling story. CtWoF was over 500 pages and Rhea and Dante don’t meet until well over halfway through it. Dante's an exiled noble who has turned to piracy to make his way in life. Rhea's fleeing from being kidnapped by a dangerous family enemy who wants her dead.
It’s one of those pirate books where the entire crew is filled with softies who just love the baby-ish innocent violet-eyed heroine who farts potpourri. Just like Moonstruck Madness there's a treasure hunt for gold, but the real treasure is true love.
*Sigh*
It gets better at the end with the evil villains, but at that point who cared?
Then there are another 500 pages in the sequel to their stupid, boring love story, no cheating, no bodice-ripper craziness, just “Oh looky here, meet my great family and let's get your titles and estates restored now that you're not a pirate anymore. And oh, years ago you once saw my mother at a party when you were a young man and had a crush on her? Neat-o.”
Maybe Moonstruck Madness was an aberration for Laurie McBain, or maybe her novels are fine, and it's just me. I do have weirdly perverse tastes in books. But those Tom Hall covers sure fooled me (they often did, sadly. Avon knew what they were doing having him illustrate so many covers. That man's art could sell a pamphlet and convince some readers that anything with his work just had to be epic.)
2 generous stars from me, mostly for the parts with the characters from Moonstruck Madness
The two books combine to over 1000 pages of the tale of the vanilla-bland perfect daughter of the protagonists of one much more compelling story. CtWoF was over 500 pages and Rhea and Dante don’t meet until well over halfway through it. Dante's an exiled noble who has turned to piracy to make his way in life. Rhea's fleeing from being kidnapped by a dangerous family enemy who wants her dead.
It’s one of those pirate books where the entire crew is filled with softies who just love the baby-ish innocent violet-eyed heroine who farts potpourri. Just like Moonstruck Madness there's a treasure hunt for gold, but the real treasure is true love.
*Sigh*
It gets better at the end with the evil villains, but at that point who cared?
Then there are another 500 pages in the sequel to their stupid, boring love story, no cheating, no bodice-ripper craziness, just “Oh looky here, meet my great family and let's get your titles and estates restored now that you're not a pirate anymore. And oh, years ago you once saw my mother at a party when you were a young man and had a crush on her? Neat-o.”
Maybe Moonstruck Madness was an aberration for Laurie McBain, or maybe her novels are fine, and it's just me. I do have weirdly perverse tastes in books. But those Tom Hall covers sure fooled me (they often did, sadly. Avon knew what they were doing having him illustrate so many covers. That man's art could sell a pamphlet and convince some readers that anything with his work just had to be epic.)
2 generous stars from me, mostly for the parts with the characters from Moonstruck Madness
October 19, 2015
3.5 stars
I'm sure you're wondering why only 3.5 stars. Well, when I read a romance book, I expect the couple to meet before the 60% mark. We had the heroine, Lady Rhea Claire, and we had the hero, Captain Dante Leighton, but we didn't have them together until 60%. There was also a lot of other points of view....Rhea's mom, Rhea's dad, Lady Kate, Aunt Mary, even some of the men on the Sea Dragon. Honestly, I thought it was a bit much and would have preferred more Rhea and Dante together. I loved the plot, it just took too long for me for them to get there. On the up side, Laurie McBain writes so descriptively that you have no trouble seeing what she's describing. Sometimes I feel like the books I read aren't descriptive enough. Not so here.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
I'm sure you're wondering why only 3.5 stars. Well, when I read a romance book, I expect the couple to meet before the 60% mark. We had the heroine, Lady Rhea Claire, and we had the hero, Captain Dante Leighton, but we didn't have them together until 60%. There was also a lot of other points of view....Rhea's mom, Rhea's dad, Lady Kate, Aunt Mary, even some of the men on the Sea Dragon. Honestly, I thought it was a bit much and would have preferred more Rhea and Dante together. I loved the plot, it just took too long for me for them to get there. On the up side, Laurie McBain writes so descriptively that you have no trouble seeing what she's describing. Sometimes I feel like the books I read aren't descriptive enough. Not so here.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
January 10, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Lady Rhea is the oldest daughter, of Duke and Duchess of Camareigh. Rhea has only known safety and security, living on her family's estate and surrounded by her family. Rhea is drawn into a dangerous world of treachery and adventure when she is kidnapped by her father's enemy. She is shipped off to the colonies as an indentured servant. Rhea manages to escape and straight into the arms of mysterious Captain Dante Leighton. Dante is a pirate captain and is in search of a hidden treasure so that he and his men can live the rest of their lives comfortably. Dante has British connections, but he lived much of his life on the sea. Dante doesn't trust women, especially since the last one betrayed him and aborted his child without his knowledge. Now he is fighting to get to the treasure before his adversary gets to it. But he suspects that Rhea is working with his enemy. But the truth stands against any mistrust Dante has for Rhea, and soon he is captured by her grace and spirited nature
Plot and Story Line
Chance The Winds Of Fortune is the second book in the Dominick Trilogy. This is an author that is considered to be a "classic romance author" from the time of Johanna Lindsey and Kathleen Woodiwiss. But this is the first time I have had the opportunity to read her. This book is a re-release and I really got involved into this story. Now what is different about this book from other historical romances I have read lately, is that it has three sub plots, and the main one with Rhea and Dante doesn't truly begin until about halfway through the story. It begins with setting up the story with both Dante and his ship and crew. Then we switch to Rhea and her family. Now her parent's are the main characters in the first book in the series, but I never felt like I had to read that one before trying this book out. Although after seeing her parents together, I definitely want to read their story...I have a feeling it would be lively and entertaining.
The Parents, Lucien, and Sabrina fell in love despite how much conflict was against them. They have built a wonderful life together, with three children: Rhea, Francis, and Robin. Rhea is more like her father, not as spirited as her mother, she tends to keep things bottled up inside until she explodes in emotion. Francis is a mix of the good between the two, he is level headed and intelligent. The youngest, a mere child, Robin he is his mothers child for sure. Then we have the twins that Lucien and Sabrina have recently had, toddlers. Wild and spirited and keeps his parents on their toes with his antics. He was by far one of my favorite secondary characters to watch. Then we have the twins that Lucien and Sabrina have recently had, toddlers.
The villain in the story is two fold. We have the main one that is the focus of the story, Kate Anders. She is the cousin to Lucien. She has just lost her twin, living in Italy, but was exiled and blames Lucien. Kate is wanting revenge and wants to destroy Lucien and take everything from him including his precious family. Kate is vindictive and quite cruel at times. She is a villain, cunning and crafty. The other villain we have is on the other side with Dante, we have Bertie Mackay. Bertie is after treasure and is willing to do whatever it takes to snatch it before Dante can. He isn't as big of a threat as Kate is in the story, but he does create some treachery to the plot.
We see two romances in this story. We have the continued story of Lucien and Sabrina and seeing how their relationship is tested when they lose their daughter and there is an enemy in their midst. This is where we see how much they are committed to each other and stand firm by each other. I loved the way these two were together, in their forties, have a boat load of children, but still as much in love as they were twenty years previous. The other romance that we have is Rhea and Dante. This is more of an enemies to lover trope with these two with a bit of angst rolled into it. These two really don't like each other, mostly based on mistrust. Rhea is upfront and honest with Dante, but Dante doesn't believe anything that she says. Despite how much they dislike each other, Dante eventually sees reason and realizes his mistake and seeks to gain Rhea's respect and love.
I really had a ball with this book, because even though there wasn't one MAIN romance, I feel like books 2 and 3 could probably be one book. Since from what I know the third book opens up right after this one ends. (which I will be reading soon..yay) And we see more of Dante and Rhea when they return back to England. So their story hasn't ended yet, so I am curious to see what happens to them next along with the delightful and colorful cast of Dante's pirate crew here. Even though this is the first I have read this author, I am eager to read her other books. She doesn't have too many out there, but I hope to try out her other books since I just soaked this one up like a sponge.
The Cover
There are two covers, but the other is was made in the 70's, so its one of those Classic covers. This cover I like more, and even though I love those couple poses, I just adore this one. I love the ship setting and his stance with his gorgeous body showing through the half-open shirt. And that hair....I wish I could jump right in and run my fingers through it hehe
Overall View
Chance The Winds Of Fortune is a double romance story that kept me captivated....a plot that has a delightful mix of depth, passion, dangerous villains and adventures on the high seas and on land. TRULY DELECTABLE!!
Summary
Lady Rhea is the oldest daughter, of Duke and Duchess of Camareigh. Rhea has only known safety and security, living on her family's estate and surrounded by her family. Rhea is drawn into a dangerous world of treachery and adventure when she is kidnapped by her father's enemy. She is shipped off to the colonies as an indentured servant. Rhea manages to escape and straight into the arms of mysterious Captain Dante Leighton. Dante is a pirate captain and is in search of a hidden treasure so that he and his men can live the rest of their lives comfortably. Dante has British connections, but he lived much of his life on the sea. Dante doesn't trust women, especially since the last one betrayed him and aborted his child without his knowledge. Now he is fighting to get to the treasure before his adversary gets to it. But he suspects that Rhea is working with his enemy. But the truth stands against any mistrust Dante has for Rhea, and soon he is captured by her grace and spirited nature
Plot and Story Line
Chance The Winds Of Fortune is the second book in the Dominick Trilogy. This is an author that is considered to be a "classic romance author" from the time of Johanna Lindsey and Kathleen Woodiwiss. But this is the first time I have had the opportunity to read her. This book is a re-release and I really got involved into this story. Now what is different about this book from other historical romances I have read lately, is that it has three sub plots, and the main one with Rhea and Dante doesn't truly begin until about halfway through the story. It begins with setting up the story with both Dante and his ship and crew. Then we switch to Rhea and her family. Now her parent's are the main characters in the first book in the series, but I never felt like I had to read that one before trying this book out. Although after seeing her parents together, I definitely want to read their story...I have a feeling it would be lively and entertaining.
The Parents, Lucien, and Sabrina fell in love despite how much conflict was against them. They have built a wonderful life together, with three children: Rhea, Francis, and Robin. Rhea is more like her father, not as spirited as her mother, she tends to keep things bottled up inside until she explodes in emotion. Francis is a mix of the good between the two, he is level headed and intelligent. The youngest, a mere child, Robin he is his mothers child for sure. Then we have the twins that Lucien and Sabrina have recently had, toddlers. Wild and spirited and keeps his parents on their toes with his antics. He was by far one of my favorite secondary characters to watch. Then we have the twins that Lucien and Sabrina have recently had, toddlers.
The villain in the story is two fold. We have the main one that is the focus of the story, Kate Anders. She is the cousin to Lucien. She has just lost her twin, living in Italy, but was exiled and blames Lucien. Kate is wanting revenge and wants to destroy Lucien and take everything from him including his precious family. Kate is vindictive and quite cruel at times. She is a villain, cunning and crafty. The other villain we have is on the other side with Dante, we have Bertie Mackay. Bertie is after treasure and is willing to do whatever it takes to snatch it before Dante can. He isn't as big of a threat as Kate is in the story, but he does create some treachery to the plot.
We see two romances in this story. We have the continued story of Lucien and Sabrina and seeing how their relationship is tested when they lose their daughter and there is an enemy in their midst. This is where we see how much they are committed to each other and stand firm by each other. I loved the way these two were together, in their forties, have a boat load of children, but still as much in love as they were twenty years previous. The other romance that we have is Rhea and Dante. This is more of an enemies to lover trope with these two with a bit of angst rolled into it. These two really don't like each other, mostly based on mistrust. Rhea is upfront and honest with Dante, but Dante doesn't believe anything that she says. Despite how much they dislike each other, Dante eventually sees reason and realizes his mistake and seeks to gain Rhea's respect and love.
I really had a ball with this book, because even though there wasn't one MAIN romance, I feel like books 2 and 3 could probably be one book. Since from what I know the third book opens up right after this one ends. (which I will be reading soon..yay) And we see more of Dante and Rhea when they return back to England. So their story hasn't ended yet, so I am curious to see what happens to them next along with the delightful and colorful cast of Dante's pirate crew here. Even though this is the first I have read this author, I am eager to read her other books. She doesn't have too many out there, but I hope to try out her other books since I just soaked this one up like a sponge.
The Cover
There are two covers, but the other is was made in the 70's, so its one of those Classic covers. This cover I like more, and even though I love those couple poses, I just adore this one. I love the ship setting and his stance with his gorgeous body showing through the half-open shirt. And that hair....I wish I could jump right in and run my fingers through it hehe
Overall View
Chance The Winds Of Fortune is a double romance story that kept me captivated....a plot that has a delightful mix of depth, passion, dangerous villains and adventures on the high seas and on land. TRULY DELECTABLE!!
Whatever we may have to face in England, we shall be together. No one can take me away from you.
October 13, 2015
Chance the Winds of Fortune by Laurie McBain is a 2015 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
“The Fire which seems extinguished often slumbers beneath the ashes- Pierre Corneille
With diabolical villains plotting revenge, Rhea Claire, the daughter of Sabrina and Lucien, is kidnapped, then manages a daring escape, only to find herself on board the Sea Dragon with Marquis Dante Leighton, who believes she is a spy, so once more she finds herself being held captive.
“The bright Day is done, And we are for the dark.- Shakespeare.
Thus begins the epic tale of Dante and Rhea, which is filled with treasure seeking, privateers, pirates, and high seas adventure. While Rhea is not quite as fiery as her mother, she holds her own against the stubborn captain of the Sea Dragon, without losing the tender, gentle part of herself that made her unique. Rhea is most certainly a lady, and one I felt so bad for while she struggled with homesickness, against Dante's hardened heart, and with her feelings for him.
Dante was a man on a mission, seeking sunken treasure, and is a little bit bitter, and cynical, but, eventually, the sweet Rhea Claire slowly chips away at this rough exterior and wins his heart.
I am so excited to see Laurie McBain's books being brought back to life in the digital world. Originally published in 1980, the younger crowd reading these books, might struggle a little with the slower pacing and yes, the writing is a lot different from what many of you are accustomed to, but I for one truly believe this author's style is exemplary, because she puts me right there in the story, vividly describing the scenery and action, which blocks out all distractions for me and keeps me completely absorbed in the story.
Times go by turns, and chances change by course.
From foul to fair, from better hap to worse- Robert Southwell
There is a lot going on in this story, with Lucien's horrible cousin, Kate, who is basically a psychopath, and Dante also has a few enemies to contend with. With so much going on, I began to wonder when Rhea and Dante were going to finally face each other, as their story doesn't get off the ground until after the half way mark of the story. But, stick with it, because this is only the beginning for this couple, who will go through a great many trials before they finally get to the truth.
Sadly, epic sagas, such as this one are a thing of the past, and I really miss them. It is so fun to return to these classic romance novels again, and I sincerely hope these stories capture the imagination of a whole new generation of romance readers!
Also, you will want to be sure to catch “Dark Before the Rising Sun” , the conclusion of the 'Dominick” series, also featuring Rhea and Dante, which is is also available in digital format.
4 stars
“The Fire which seems extinguished often slumbers beneath the ashes- Pierre Corneille
With diabolical villains plotting revenge, Rhea Claire, the daughter of Sabrina and Lucien, is kidnapped, then manages a daring escape, only to find herself on board the Sea Dragon with Marquis Dante Leighton, who believes she is a spy, so once more she finds herself being held captive.
“The bright Day is done, And we are for the dark.- Shakespeare.
Thus begins the epic tale of Dante and Rhea, which is filled with treasure seeking, privateers, pirates, and high seas adventure. While Rhea is not quite as fiery as her mother, she holds her own against the stubborn captain of the Sea Dragon, without losing the tender, gentle part of herself that made her unique. Rhea is most certainly a lady, and one I felt so bad for while she struggled with homesickness, against Dante's hardened heart, and with her feelings for him.
Dante was a man on a mission, seeking sunken treasure, and is a little bit bitter, and cynical, but, eventually, the sweet Rhea Claire slowly chips away at this rough exterior and wins his heart.
I am so excited to see Laurie McBain's books being brought back to life in the digital world. Originally published in 1980, the younger crowd reading these books, might struggle a little with the slower pacing and yes, the writing is a lot different from what many of you are accustomed to, but I for one truly believe this author's style is exemplary, because she puts me right there in the story, vividly describing the scenery and action, which blocks out all distractions for me and keeps me completely absorbed in the story.
Times go by turns, and chances change by course.
From foul to fair, from better hap to worse- Robert Southwell
There is a lot going on in this story, with Lucien's horrible cousin, Kate, who is basically a psychopath, and Dante also has a few enemies to contend with. With so much going on, I began to wonder when Rhea and Dante were going to finally face each other, as their story doesn't get off the ground until after the half way mark of the story. But, stick with it, because this is only the beginning for this couple, who will go through a great many trials before they finally get to the truth.
Sadly, epic sagas, such as this one are a thing of the past, and I really miss them. It is so fun to return to these classic romance novels again, and I sincerely hope these stories capture the imagination of a whole new generation of romance readers!
Also, you will want to be sure to catch “Dark Before the Rising Sun” , the conclusion of the 'Dominick” series, also featuring Rhea and Dante, which is is also available in digital format.
4 stars
January 18, 2016
ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Originally published in the 1980's at the height of the Bodice Ripper genre, Chance the Winds of Fortune is still a wild, adventurous tale of destiny romance. You readers of Lisa Klypus and Julia Quinn should read these re-issued books by Laurie McBain and see how a grand master of the historical romance genre gets it done.
From the first with the introduction of Dante and then with the introduction of Rhea Claire the book takes us on a journey of revenge and betrayal even before the H/h meet. I usually don't like it when an author rehashes the storyline from the pervious book, but this time it just felt entirely different. As the characters from "Moonstruck Madness" play pivotal parts in this book, it was necessary. The layers of description that are a stable of Laurie McBain make you really feel and experience the time and setting. It gives a depth to the story that few other author can achieve. Add to that the feeling of impending doom that overlays the book and you have a book that is impossible to put down.
Originally published in the 1980's at the height of the Bodice Ripper genre, Chance the Winds of Fortune is still a wild, adventurous tale of destiny romance. You readers of Lisa Klypus and Julia Quinn should read these re-issued books by Laurie McBain and see how a grand master of the historical romance genre gets it done.
From the first with the introduction of Dante and then with the introduction of Rhea Claire the book takes us on a journey of revenge and betrayal even before the H/h meet. I usually don't like it when an author rehashes the storyline from the pervious book, but this time it just felt entirely different. As the characters from "Moonstruck Madness" play pivotal parts in this book, it was necessary. The layers of description that are a stable of Laurie McBain make you really feel and experience the time and setting. It gives a depth to the story that few other author can achieve. Add to that the feeling of impending doom that overlays the book and you have a book that is impossible to put down.
June 11, 2010
I almost gave up on this book about 100 times, but for some reason I kept trudging towards the end. I had really enjoyed the prequel to this novel, "Moonstruck Madness" figured that at some point the story would pick up and it would get good, but it just never did. McBain spent countless page after page detailing mundane subplots and only dedicated about 20 pages to any dialogue or interaction between the hero and heroine. Overall the romance was very underdeveloped and anticlimactic and the story was just plane boring.
June 11, 2010
Dante Leighton is the Captain of a cargo ship that sails from the Caribbean to the Carolinas. He won a map to a sunken Spanish ship in a card game. He is used to seeing treasure maps, but this time it appears to be the real thing. He crosses paths with Lady Rhea Claire Dominick when he finds her asleep in his cabin on his ship. She had been kidnapped from her family and shipped from London to the colonies to be sold as an indentured servant. Dante can’t just let her go because she has seen the map and he believes her to be a spy, not the daughter of a Duke as she claims.
Let me be frank. If I had not chosen this book as one for my fall book challenge, I never would have finished it. The biggest problem I had with the book is that Dante and Rhea don’t meet until page 281. Yes, that’s right page 281!!!! What kind of nonsense is this? The first part of the book is devoted to recapping everything that happened between Rhea’s parents. Apparently, they had a book. Sure enough, I look up the information and yes their book was Moonstruck Madness.
Okay, so for 27 pages we have Dante and Rhea interacting and it’s good. The book has finally grabbed my attention. Then what does the author go and do? Yep, you guessed it. She jumps back to Rhea’s family for another 60 pages. So out of a total of 500 pages, 340 of them are spent on other plot points not devoted to Rhea and Dante’s relationship. That is more than half of the book. How is this book even considered a romance? I know it is, just look at the cover.
Since Dante and Rhea were given so little time to develop their relationship I didn’t buy into their love for each other. It felt extremely rushed considering this book is 500 pages. Rhea was super sweet. Think Snow White with the dwarves. She is like that with Dante’s crew. She could do no wrong in anyone’s eyes. Dante is very hard to pin down. I don’t feel like I got to know him at all. The good news about this book is that for a bodice ripper, no bodices were harmed. Rhea is never raped by anyone, nor does Dante ever “forcibly seduce” her.
Let me be frank. If I had not chosen this book as one for my fall book challenge, I never would have finished it. The biggest problem I had with the book is that Dante and Rhea don’t meet until page 281. Yes, that’s right page 281!!!! What kind of nonsense is this? The first part of the book is devoted to recapping everything that happened between Rhea’s parents. Apparently, they had a book. Sure enough, I look up the information and yes their book was Moonstruck Madness.
Okay, so for 27 pages we have Dante and Rhea interacting and it’s good. The book has finally grabbed my attention. Then what does the author go and do? Yep, you guessed it. She jumps back to Rhea’s family for another 60 pages. So out of a total of 500 pages, 340 of them are spent on other plot points not devoted to Rhea and Dante’s relationship. That is more than half of the book. How is this book even considered a romance? I know it is, just look at the cover.
Since Dante and Rhea were given so little time to develop their relationship I didn’t buy into their love for each other. It felt extremely rushed considering this book is 500 pages. Rhea was super sweet. Think Snow White with the dwarves. She is like that with Dante’s crew. She could do no wrong in anyone’s eyes. Dante is very hard to pin down. I don’t feel like I got to know him at all. The good news about this book is that for a bodice ripper, no bodices were harmed. Rhea is never raped by anyone, nor does Dante ever “forcibly seduce” her.
August 11, 2015
I struggled to finish this book, i think because i started reading it thinking I'm getting into an old fashioned bodice ripper - not so!
It probably because this is the second book in the series that a lot of attention was given to characters that I didn't want to read about were as our H and h only met in the second half of book by then i was already frustrated by the meaningless scenes, too much descriptions and very long conversations all of which could have been summarized and we still would get the plot.
If I have read the first book it probably would have been different because i would have connected with the H and h from the previous book and probably wanted to read how badass our heroine's father is and how wonderful her mother.
Might not be a fair review but its what i think at the moment.
Copy provided by Netgalley.
It probably because this is the second book in the series that a lot of attention was given to characters that I didn't want to read about were as our H and h only met in the second half of book by then i was already frustrated by the meaningless scenes, too much descriptions and very long conversations all of which could have been summarized and we still would get the plot.
If I have read the first book it probably would have been different because i would have connected with the H and h from the previous book and probably wanted to read how badass our heroine's father is and how wonderful her mother.
Might not be a fair review but its what i think at the moment.
Copy provided by Netgalley.
Read
March 23, 2009I read this one a while ago. I believe I liked it a lot.
September 6, 2015
I'm so sorry. I was really looking forward to reading this book. Kept putting the book down after a few pages. There were lovely descriptions and details. I had high hopes this was going to be an amazing story but I couldn't push on after four chapters. This isn't one that I would recommend since I wasn't able to finish.
October 6, 2015
...revenge, rescue and romance!
Old quarrels and revenge reach out after years and strike at Lucien Dominick's family.
The focus of these attempts is his daughter Lady Rhea Claire, sold as an indentured servant and incarcerated in the bowels of a ship bound for Charles Town.
Rhea, a breath of golden jessamine, manages to escape but in the hue and cry of the chase hides out in a dangerous place--the cabin of privateer Dante Leighton, Marquis of Jacqobi and captain of the Sea Dragon.
Dante might be sceptical that this isn't some complex ruse but everyone from the cabin boy to the first mate, including the turncoat cat Jamaica are won over by Rhea.
Of course the sparks fly between the two, those of temper and those of attraction.
However Dante will not be gulled and Rhea will not be deterred from charting her course for home.
An enthralling story that stretches across oceans, colourful in its telling and beguiling in its imagery.
Multilayered and guaranteed to captivate!
A NetGalley ARC
Old quarrels and revenge reach out after years and strike at Lucien Dominick's family.
The focus of these attempts is his daughter Lady Rhea Claire, sold as an indentured servant and incarcerated in the bowels of a ship bound for Charles Town.
Rhea, a breath of golden jessamine, manages to escape but in the hue and cry of the chase hides out in a dangerous place--the cabin of privateer Dante Leighton, Marquis of Jacqobi and captain of the Sea Dragon.
Dante might be sceptical that this isn't some complex ruse but everyone from the cabin boy to the first mate, including the turncoat cat Jamaica are won over by Rhea.
Of course the sparks fly between the two, those of temper and those of attraction.
However Dante will not be gulled and Rhea will not be deterred from charting her course for home.
An enthralling story that stretches across oceans, colourful in its telling and beguiling in its imagery.
Multilayered and guaranteed to captivate!
A NetGalley ARC
February 13, 2016
This is book two in the series "Dominick" by Laurie McBain. Also this is the second release of this book, which I am glad. I did not get the book the first time it came out and I like it too when they update the cover's. Not to mention its about 570 pages long...so you get your money worth in this book!
The hero is Dante Leighton, titled lord turned pirate. The heroine, Lady Rhea Claire, who was kidnapped and shipped out to the Colonies as an indentured servant, Lady Rhea Clair manages to escape. This sets the story as this leads her to our hero, Dante.
The hero is Dante Leighton, titled lord turned pirate. The heroine, Lady Rhea Claire, who was kidnapped and shipped out to the Colonies as an indentured servant, Lady Rhea Clair manages to escape. This sets the story as this leads her to our hero, Dante.
October 25, 2021
I have a soft spot for old school romances but this one is too long and boring and didn't have the same impact it had fifteen years ago. The MCs still make a lovely couple and I will definitely read their second book sometime but this book definitely lost its favourite status. C
Want to read
July 10, 2019NTS: Accessible via my town library via Overdrive.
June 30, 2012
long. je me suis ennuyée... l'auteur passe trop de temps à nous parler des parents :((((
August 11, 2020
WOW
This book 2 of this trilogy is dynamic. I was held captive and spellbound by the different characters, the story lines and the romantic love story. I can not believe I am just now reading this book. I only discovered this author last January 2019, when I read book 1 of this series. I absolutely love sweeping long novels and this one was well worth reading. I thought chapter one was entirely to long but in the end I understood why. I prefer my historical romance to be about romantic love and sizzling, steamy, sweaty hot sex. I have made an exception on this book, because it was so suspenseful and full of mystery, mayhem and murder, and those type stories I prefer not to read in historical romance. What a great story. It will not take me a year to read book 3. Loved this story.
This book 2 of this trilogy is dynamic. I was held captive and spellbound by the different characters, the story lines and the romantic love story. I can not believe I am just now reading this book. I only discovered this author last January 2019, when I read book 1 of this series. I absolutely love sweeping long novels and this one was well worth reading. I thought chapter one was entirely to long but in the end I understood why. I prefer my historical romance to be about romantic love and sizzling, steamy, sweaty hot sex. I have made an exception on this book, because it was so suspenseful and full of mystery, mayhem and murder, and those type stories I prefer not to read in historical romance. What a great story. It will not take me a year to read book 3. Loved this story.
March 24, 2021
Skimmed till the end. Rhea and Dante's story wasn't holding my interest. I read it mostly for the main characters from the first book and the first book I feel was much better. The first book was about Rhea's parents and their enemies to lovers plotline.
June 28, 2019
Read bits of this one to see if it was about "The Wave of Destiny" from HaBO, sadly, it wasn't.
August 3, 2020
I loved this one too!
September 10, 2023
Altijd genieten, zo'n historische romance.
January 25, 2024
The story took forever to progress, with hardly any pirate adventures. It followed the family and not the love story.
dnf
August 28, 2025The Hh not even meet till some 50% mark.
Skip.
Skip.
October 19, 2016
ARC provided in exchange for review.
DNR. I could not finish it. I've gone back a couple times and couldn't get interested.
DNR. I could not finish it. I've gone back a couple times and couldn't get interested.
October 7, 2015
Lud, this book gave me heart palpitations and anxiety. It's truly one of those old-school romances that I love so much. They just don't write books like this anymore, so I am happy to see some of them being re-released (without being turned into the fluff reads that most historicals are today).
I was chatting with someone recently who compared these books to the current trend of "dark romance." I agreed with her somewhat, the historical romances written in the 60s-80s did often have darker events happen. Many of them were classified as bodice rippers for that very reason. However the dark aspects of those stories are not what really draws me in... it's the action and adventure and the feeling that you have just read a sweeping saga by the end of one little book. You have these characters that you love and they are experiencing tragedy and betrayal and love and I get caught up in the moment with them. Hence, the heart palpitations and anxiety. I would love to see more authors today produce books in this style... but I'm sure they would get bashed by all the modern feminists much as has happened to E.L. James and even Diana Gabaldon. I cringe every time I see someone complain about that spanking scene. (I mean why should they give a fig about historical accuracy, right?) Ack, I need to get off my soapbox and get on with the review.
Our heroine in this installment of the Dominick Series is Lady Rhea Claire, eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Camerleigh from the first book, Moonstruck Madness. Everyone loves Rhea Claire (myself included) as she is truly a kind soul who could win over even the most unlikely individuals.
Rhea is kidnapped from her home by old enemies of the Duke. The majority of the story focuses on the dastardly plot, kidnap and ensuing events, and the family's search for their missing member. It was all very detailed and drawn out, and I loved every minute of it. The story really had very little romance. Indeed, by 85% there had still been no tender feelings or grand passion. And strangely enough, I was fine with it.
I would not really class our hero as such... he didn't do anything so heroic. Dante, Marquis of Jacqobi is somewhat of a pirate and treasure hunter. He and Rhea Claire are thrown together in the midst of his quest, and he does not act very charitably toward her. (This is usually the theme in the good old bodice ripper if you haven't read one before.)
The villains in this story were great! I hated them with a passion and got nervous whenever they were in the picture. As for the story itself, like I said, there wasn't a lot of romance - it was mostly the hills and valleys of the plot conflict. While I was fine with it, I can see where others might want that grand passion. It would have added something to the story, I admit. As much as I loved the story, there was a plot hole that caused me to deduct a star. Many references are made to Dante's revenge and elude to some betrayal from his past... but we never learn what it is and it's never resolved. The end was abrupt and left me wanting. A epilogue reuniting the family would have been nice, or showing that Dante gave up his revenge for love maybe? Who knows, maybe that happens in the next installment, which I will be reviewing soon. So, stay tuned!
Update: I just read the blurb for the next book, Dark Before the Rising Sun, and see that Rhea and Dante's story continues! So yay, ignore anything I said about their being no resolution. I noticed the last book of the trilogy was published 2 years after this one... so happy I don't have to wait that long. It would've made me cranky.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / 2 flames.
Full review posted at http://bambi-unbridled.blogspot.com.
I was chatting with someone recently who compared these books to the current trend of "dark romance." I agreed with her somewhat, the historical romances written in the 60s-80s did often have darker events happen. Many of them were classified as bodice rippers for that very reason. However the dark aspects of those stories are not what really draws me in... it's the action and adventure and the feeling that you have just read a sweeping saga by the end of one little book. You have these characters that you love and they are experiencing tragedy and betrayal and love and I get caught up in the moment with them. Hence, the heart palpitations and anxiety. I would love to see more authors today produce books in this style... but I'm sure they would get bashed by all the modern feminists much as has happened to E.L. James and even Diana Gabaldon. I cringe every time I see someone complain about that spanking scene. (I mean why should they give a fig about historical accuracy, right?) Ack, I need to get off my soapbox and get on with the review.
Our heroine in this installment of the Dominick Series is Lady Rhea Claire, eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Camerleigh from the first book, Moonstruck Madness. Everyone loves Rhea Claire (myself included) as she is truly a kind soul who could win over even the most unlikely individuals.
Rhea is kidnapped from her home by old enemies of the Duke. The majority of the story focuses on the dastardly plot, kidnap and ensuing events, and the family's search for their missing member. It was all very detailed and drawn out, and I loved every minute of it. The story really had very little romance. Indeed, by 85% there had still been no tender feelings or grand passion. And strangely enough, I was fine with it.
I would not really class our hero as such... he didn't do anything so heroic. Dante, Marquis of Jacqobi is somewhat of a pirate and treasure hunter. He and Rhea Claire are thrown together in the midst of his quest, and he does not act very charitably toward her. (This is usually the theme in the good old bodice ripper if you haven't read one before.)
The villains in this story were great! I hated them with a passion and got nervous whenever they were in the picture. As for the story itself, like I said, there wasn't a lot of romance - it was mostly the hills and valleys of the plot conflict. While I was fine with it, I can see where others might want that grand passion. It would have added something to the story, I admit. As much as I loved the story, there was a plot hole that caused me to deduct a star. Many references are made to Dante's revenge and elude to some betrayal from his past... but we never learn what it is and it's never resolved. The end was abrupt and left me wanting. A epilogue reuniting the family would have been nice, or showing that Dante gave up his revenge for love maybe? Who knows, maybe that happens in the next installment, which I will be reviewing soon. So, stay tuned!
Update: I just read the blurb for the next book, Dark Before the Rising Sun, and see that Rhea and Dante's story continues! So yay, ignore anything I said about their being no resolution. I noticed the last book of the trilogy was published 2 years after this one... so happy I don't have to wait that long. It would've made me cranky.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / 2 flames.
Full review posted at http://bambi-unbridled.blogspot.com.
October 5, 2015
Epic Saga That Depends Upon Reading the Whole Series
FINAL DECISION: This book suffers from the middle book syndrome. If a reader hasn't read the first book in the series then it will feel incomplete and it needs the third book in the series to complete the story. As a family saga, I enjoyed the characters and the sweeping story. I ended up liking the first book in the story better after reading this and liked this book better after reading the third.
THE STORY: The Dominick family saga began with the story of Sabrina and Lucien. Now seventeen years later their past has come back to haunt them as an old enemy ends up orchestrating the kidnapping of their oldest daughter Lady Rhea. Rhea is sent as an indentured servant to the Americas. There she ends up meeting Captain Dante Leighton, lord turned privateer. Dante doesn't believe Rhea's story of kidnapping and instead believes she might be acting as a spy for those who want the treasure he and his crew are seeking.
OPINION: I ended up liking this book even more than the first book in the Trilogy. I really ended up liking the saga and epic feel of this book. It is not a standard romance where the hero and heroine meet and the spend the book working out their romance. Instead the book chronicles how the lives of these two end up intersecting. The book feels like a transition between the first book and the third and I recommend reading all three to get the best sense of this family. I liked the romance between Dante and Rhea although it was more abbreviated than I expected. There is still more to their romance as the third book works itself out. Rather than thinking of this series as three separate books, readers would be better served by thinking of them as three parts of the whole.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book is more epic than mere romance. It is the saga of this family and thus Rhea and Dante don't even meet until halfway through the book.
CONNECTED BOOKS: CHANCE THE WINDS OF FORTUNE is the second book in the Dominick Trilogy. It is an overlapping book with Sabrina and Lucien and Rhea and Dante. Readers should read MOONSTRUCK MADNESS before this book.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.25 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
FINAL DECISION: This book suffers from the middle book syndrome. If a reader hasn't read the first book in the series then it will feel incomplete and it needs the third book in the series to complete the story. As a family saga, I enjoyed the characters and the sweeping story. I ended up liking the first book in the story better after reading this and liked this book better after reading the third.
THE STORY: The Dominick family saga began with the story of Sabrina and Lucien. Now seventeen years later their past has come back to haunt them as an old enemy ends up orchestrating the kidnapping of their oldest daughter Lady Rhea. Rhea is sent as an indentured servant to the Americas. There she ends up meeting Captain Dante Leighton, lord turned privateer. Dante doesn't believe Rhea's story of kidnapping and instead believes she might be acting as a spy for those who want the treasure he and his crew are seeking.
OPINION: I ended up liking this book even more than the first book in the Trilogy. I really ended up liking the saga and epic feel of this book. It is not a standard romance where the hero and heroine meet and the spend the book working out their romance. Instead the book chronicles how the lives of these two end up intersecting. The book feels like a transition between the first book and the third and I recommend reading all three to get the best sense of this family. I liked the romance between Dante and Rhea although it was more abbreviated than I expected. There is still more to their romance as the third book works itself out. Rather than thinking of this series as three separate books, readers would be better served by thinking of them as three parts of the whole.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book is more epic than mere romance. It is the saga of this family and thus Rhea and Dante don't even meet until halfway through the book.
CONNECTED BOOKS: CHANCE THE WINDS OF FORTUNE is the second book in the Dominick Trilogy. It is an overlapping book with Sabrina and Lucien and Rhea and Dante. Readers should read MOONSTRUCK MADNESS before this book.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.25 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
September 26, 2015
I received a complimentary book from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
One of the first historical romances I read was Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain which was written in 1971. I remember that I enjoyed that book very much. Therefore, when I saw that this book was a sequel, I decided to read it and revisit some of my favorite characters.
Chance the Wind of Fortune was written in 1980 and is the second book in a trilogy. This is the story of Rhea Dominick, the daughter of Sabrina and Lucien, Duke and Duchess of Camareigh. They were the hero and heroine of Moonstruck Madness. Even though Rhea is closely connected to the first book, it is not necessary to have read Moonstruck Madness to understand this book, This book has been re-released.
Rhea was kidnapped by Lucien’s cousin as a form of revenge, and she was sent to America to be sold as an indentured servant. She runs away and ends up on Dante Leighton’s ship. He is the Marquis of Jacqobi, and is looking for treasure to replenish his money so he can revenge the man who stole his family estate.
I definitely found this story interesting because I am amazed at how much has changed in the romance book world since I had read the first book in this series. The first few chapters set up the scenes and the background for the book. There was a lot of description and very little of the characters. I hurried through those pages since I found them boring.
Rhea is feisty and a perky 17-year old who is adored by everyone on the ship except for Lucien. He is a mean, bitter, much older man who trusts and likes no one. In fact, for most of the book Lucien and Rhea fight because they hate each other so much. In spite of this, Rhea falls in love with Lucien.
Laurie McBain is an excellent writer with a comprehensive knowledge of England and the Caribbean. Her writing is flawless and her plot is very well-thought out. I enjoyed the book because it is a nostalgic look back at the way books used to be. I recommend this book to readers who still enjoy the old-fashioned type of books. The ending is abrupt but prepares us for the final book in the trilogy which is also available.
One of the first historical romances I read was Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain which was written in 1971. I remember that I enjoyed that book very much. Therefore, when I saw that this book was a sequel, I decided to read it and revisit some of my favorite characters.
Chance the Wind of Fortune was written in 1980 and is the second book in a trilogy. This is the story of Rhea Dominick, the daughter of Sabrina and Lucien, Duke and Duchess of Camareigh. They were the hero and heroine of Moonstruck Madness. Even though Rhea is closely connected to the first book, it is not necessary to have read Moonstruck Madness to understand this book, This book has been re-released.
Rhea was kidnapped by Lucien’s cousin as a form of revenge, and she was sent to America to be sold as an indentured servant. She runs away and ends up on Dante Leighton’s ship. He is the Marquis of Jacqobi, and is looking for treasure to replenish his money so he can revenge the man who stole his family estate.
I definitely found this story interesting because I am amazed at how much has changed in the romance book world since I had read the first book in this series. The first few chapters set up the scenes and the background for the book. There was a lot of description and very little of the characters. I hurried through those pages since I found them boring.
Rhea is feisty and a perky 17-year old who is adored by everyone on the ship except for Lucien. He is a mean, bitter, much older man who trusts and likes no one. In fact, for most of the book Lucien and Rhea fight because they hate each other so much. In spite of this, Rhea falls in love with Lucien.
Laurie McBain is an excellent writer with a comprehensive knowledge of England and the Caribbean. Her writing is flawless and her plot is very well-thought out. I enjoyed the book because it is a nostalgic look back at the way books used to be. I recommend this book to readers who still enjoy the old-fashioned type of books. The ending is abrupt but prepares us for the final book in the trilogy which is also available.
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