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By Heart and Compass
Lacey Whitman is obsessed with a forgotten pirate of the Golden Age. When she discovers a hidden diary, she never dreams it will lead her back to the sea and into the arms of the dive bum she’d rather forget. Max Bertrand is jaded, conceited, and riddled with trust issues. He’s easy on the eyes, but hard on the heart. Unfortunately, he’s the only man in the Caribbean that has the answers she needs.
Lacey’s habit of living in the past comes to an abrupt halt when Max and the diary of his ancestor take her on the quest of a lifetime: to discover and raise the lost privateer ship, Specter, and bring the treasure and legacy of a true hero home again.
But will finding it cost her heart?
Lacey’s habit of living in the past comes to an abrupt halt when Max and the diary of his ancestor take her on the quest of a lifetime: to discover and raise the lost privateer ship, Specter, and bring the treasure and legacy of a true hero home again.
But will finding it cost her heart?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2010
14 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Thorne
54 books506 followersDanielle Thorne is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational small town romance. She also writes historical romance and YA non-fiction. A graduate of BYU-Idaho and Ricks College, she has over twenty-five years of experience in her wordcraft. Danielle lives south of Atlanta, Georgia, with family, friends and felines. Find out more about her and her books at daniellethorne.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 13, 2011
4.5/5.0
Figure this... a contemporary romance filled with pirates, buried treasure, adventure, and (sigh)....love, with no sex, cursing (well, ok, there an occasional "hell") or overt violence. How can that be good? Well, it's not just good, it is on-the-edge-of-your-seat GREAT! Although starting out, Ms. Thorne kept the sentences a little elementary, once the story takes off, there is no looking back. The author weaves a tale that is cohesive and a romance that is believable and filled with enough nail-biting sexual tension to keep anyone turning pages. This story doesn't stop at romance, however, any reader that enjoys a good treasure hunt will be delighted.
Lacey, a genealogist who is so secretly obsessed with the life of 17th century pirate, Juluis Bertrand, that she sinks all her savings into buying one of his descendants house, discovers an old diary that opens all kinds of possibilities. When she approaches Max Bertrand with the discovery, however, she encounters only cynicism, disgust and rejection. Seems he has had more than his share of disappointments in this arena and does NOT want anything to do with her or her ideas. How these two navigate the waters as rivals, then partners, enemies then lovers as they search for the truth behind a pirate's life is an absolute delight to read.
* Clean read!*
Figure this... a contemporary romance filled with pirates, buried treasure, adventure, and (sigh)....love, with no sex, cursing (well, ok, there an occasional "hell") or overt violence. How can that be good? Well, it's not just good, it is on-the-edge-of-your-seat GREAT! Although starting out, Ms. Thorne kept the sentences a little elementary, once the story takes off, there is no looking back. The author weaves a tale that is cohesive and a romance that is believable and filled with enough nail-biting sexual tension to keep anyone turning pages. This story doesn't stop at romance, however, any reader that enjoys a good treasure hunt will be delighted.
Lacey, a genealogist who is so secretly obsessed with the life of 17th century pirate, Juluis Bertrand, that she sinks all her savings into buying one of his descendants house, discovers an old diary that opens all kinds of possibilities. When she approaches Max Bertrand with the discovery, however, she encounters only cynicism, disgust and rejection. Seems he has had more than his share of disappointments in this arena and does NOT want anything to do with her or her ideas. How these two navigate the waters as rivals, then partners, enemies then lovers as they search for the truth behind a pirate's life is an absolute delight to read.
* Clean read!*
April 9, 2024
I read this book straight through on a Saturday, I liked it that much.
An old house which hints of a hidden treasure, a hero descended from pirates, treasure hunting on the high seas in the midst of danger and a heroine who is an adventurous bookworm.... what's not to like about this book?
Heart and Compass carried me away like many books of my childhood did. A fun, enjoyable read.
This was the first I had read Danielle Thorne's work. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
An old house which hints of a hidden treasure, a hero descended from pirates, treasure hunting on the high seas in the midst of danger and a heroine who is an adventurous bookworm.... what's not to like about this book?
Heart and Compass carried me away like many books of my childhood did. A fun, enjoyable read.
This was the first I had read Danielle Thorne's work. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
December 31, 2010
I don’t read much contemporary romance—I’m more of a historical romance buff—but I thoroughly enjoyed By Heart and Compass by Danielle Thorne. By Heart and Compass is a very sweet romance, just the way I like them. (Not sappy, just sweet.) The author’s writing shows a deep love of her subject (the search for a long lost pirate ship) and Ms Thorne writes with an authenticity that rooted me firmly in her world. There were several moments of intensity towards the end that had me biting my nails, and I found myself looking eagerly forward to each dialogue exchange between Lacey and Max. (Dialogue is my absolute favorite thing to read, so a writer that does that well earns big points from me.)
And the best part of all? Ms Thorne has written a prequel, a historical romance (ah, right up my alley!), called The Privateer, that is being reissued in January 2011. This, I am told, tells the story of Max’s pirate/privateer ancestor, and By Heart and Compass included enough wonderful teasers about this character that I’ve already got The Privateer on my “to buy” list!
And the best part of all? Ms Thorne has written a prequel, a historical romance (ah, right up my alley!), called The Privateer, that is being reissued in January 2011. This, I am told, tells the story of Max’s pirate/privateer ancestor, and By Heart and Compass included enough wonderful teasers about this character that I’ve already got The Privateer on my “to buy” list!
December 14, 2010
I enjoyed this book TREMENDOUSLY! By Heart and Compass made me feel like a kid out on a grand adventure. It reminded me of the Goonies, without being a copycat. It was just plain ole fun, with intrigue and romance mixed in to boot. I read this book fairly quick, and upon finishing discovered that the author had written a prequel about the pirate whose treasure Lacy and Max seek. So what did I do? Went and bought it straight away. I just wasn't ready for the adventure to end.
Danielle Thorne did everything write with this book. The pacing is perfect, the characters are likable AND believable. Her research is spot on, and she placed me so thoroughly into the book's setting that I donned scuba gear for the last half of the story.
Okay, maybe not, but I wanted to. I'm telling you, By Heart and Compass doesn't disappoint!
Danielle Thorne did everything write with this book. The pacing is perfect, the characters are likable AND believable. Her research is spot on, and she placed me so thoroughly into the book's setting that I donned scuba gear for the last half of the story.
Okay, maybe not, but I wanted to. I'm telling you, By Heart and Compass doesn't disappoint!
August 24, 2010
Outstanding Romantic Adventure!
By Heart and Compass is a fast moving romantic adventure that is sure to keep you turning the pages. I love her characters Lacey and Max, and the plot is well developed and never lagging. Ms Thorne has a natural ability to draw the reader in from the beginning, keeping them spellbound until the very end. I highly recommend you pick up a copy! You won’t be disappointed!
By Heart and Compass is a fast moving romantic adventure that is sure to keep you turning the pages. I love her characters Lacey and Max, and the plot is well developed and never lagging. Ms Thorne has a natural ability to draw the reader in from the beginning, keeping them spellbound until the very end. I highly recommend you pick up a copy! You won’t be disappointed!
January 21, 2012
I really loved this book. Lots of adventure, fun, romance, and it was clean, and well written! Lacey is a geneologist, who loves researching pirate families, as her father was a diver and loved searching for old sunken ships. She comes across a family line, and then an old journal. She tries to share it with the last remaining of the pirate line, and sparks fly. This book even has a sequil! Yeah!
September 26, 2023
(3.5 stars) - a little rough but good
The story's narrative is a little rough & doesn't flow quite smoothly. More importantly though, the romantic relationship isn't as well supported as it needed to be, so in that respect, it almost comes across as though they were mainly attracted by their looks + usefulness to each other. That detracted somewhat from the happily-ever-after. It's still a good read that I enjoyed; it just could have been better.
*Romance level: passionate kisses, but nothing graphic
The story's narrative is a little rough & doesn't flow quite smoothly. More importantly though, the romantic relationship isn't as well supported as it needed to be, so in that respect, it almost comes across as though they were mainly attracted by their looks + usefulness to each other. That detracted somewhat from the happily-ever-after. It's still a good read that I enjoyed; it just could have been better.
*Romance level: passionate kisses, but nothing graphic
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July 30, 2010
"By Heart and Compass" has a little bit of everything in it - friendship, romance, adventure, and a healthy dose of pirate treasure. Lacey Whitman is a genealogist who has traced the descendants of privateer Julius Bertrand down through the decades. This research has led her to the Goss House. When she discovers an amazing find on the property, she's in for the adventure of a lifetime.
The novel opens with Lacey returning to Newton, GA, where she grew up. Lacey has bought an old house, the Goss House. Her friend, Jeanine welcomes her back. Lacey is excited about the purchase because Molly Goss was a descendant of Julius Bertrand, pirate turned privateer in the 1720's.
While exploring her new house, Lacey discovers clues which leads her to a secret - she uncovers Kate Bertrand's diary, (Julius's wife) and several uncut diamonds. Kate's diary reveals the location of her husband's prized ship, The Specter.
With Jeanine's support, Lacey reaches out to Max Bertrand, a great, great grandson (many times over) of Julius. Max is a good looking guy, but as crusty as an old salt and rather abrupt and distrustful of Lacey. Lacey, however, manages to convince him to enter into a partnership to salvage The Specter.
Lacey travels to Antigua and meets Max's crew. They take Max's boat, Layla, out to the coordinates and find a sunken ship. Max comes to trust Lacey.
Unfortunately, Lacey held back the fact she found diamonds with the diary. When Max finds out, he's livid. Can Lacey build the shattered trust that took so hard to earn from Max?
Thorne's plot is tight. The story never lingers, moving ahead at a good clip, keeping the reader engaged. Thorne's research and personal knowledge gives the story authenticity. The novel uses a good economy of words to paint a clear, crisp setting for the reader.
Lacey and Max are both dynamic characters. Through Jeanine's eyes we learn that Lacey was picked on in high school earning the nickname "goober." Now, she's blossomed into a clever, intelligent woman full of optimism and has a can-do attitude. She's just what Max needs.
Max has had a difficult childhood. His mother proved herself a gold-digger after leaving his father and taking all of his money. Since, then, Max does not give his trust easily or quickly, it has to be earned through deeds.
The story is sensual for romance readers with Max and Lacey sharing kisses and tender embraces. By Heart and Compass demonstrates the power of following the heart's compass.
The novel opens with Lacey returning to Newton, GA, where she grew up. Lacey has bought an old house, the Goss House. Her friend, Jeanine welcomes her back. Lacey is excited about the purchase because Molly Goss was a descendant of Julius Bertrand, pirate turned privateer in the 1720's.
While exploring her new house, Lacey discovers clues which leads her to a secret - she uncovers Kate Bertrand's diary, (Julius's wife) and several uncut diamonds. Kate's diary reveals the location of her husband's prized ship, The Specter.
With Jeanine's support, Lacey reaches out to Max Bertrand, a great, great grandson (many times over) of Julius. Max is a good looking guy, but as crusty as an old salt and rather abrupt and distrustful of Lacey. Lacey, however, manages to convince him to enter into a partnership to salvage The Specter.
Lacey travels to Antigua and meets Max's crew. They take Max's boat, Layla, out to the coordinates and find a sunken ship. Max comes to trust Lacey.
Unfortunately, Lacey held back the fact she found diamonds with the diary. When Max finds out, he's livid. Can Lacey build the shattered trust that took so hard to earn from Max?
Thorne's plot is tight. The story never lingers, moving ahead at a good clip, keeping the reader engaged. Thorne's research and personal knowledge gives the story authenticity. The novel uses a good economy of words to paint a clear, crisp setting for the reader.
Lacey and Max are both dynamic characters. Through Jeanine's eyes we learn that Lacey was picked on in high school earning the nickname "goober." Now, she's blossomed into a clever, intelligent woman full of optimism and has a can-do attitude. She's just what Max needs.
Max has had a difficult childhood. His mother proved herself a gold-digger after leaving his father and taking all of his money. Since, then, Max does not give his trust easily or quickly, it has to be earned through deeds.
The story is sensual for romance readers with Max and Lacey sharing kisses and tender embraces. By Heart and Compass demonstrates the power of following the heart's compass.
January 21, 2012
By Heart and Compass by Danielle Thorne is a sweet, contemporary novel published by Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. in July 2010. If you love the sea, the ocean, nature, boats, hidden treasure, old homes, pirates, and their ships, this novel is the read for you! Did I mention diving and the beautiful turquoise water? Not to mention the dive bum, Max Bertrand, who has eyes as deep and turquoise as the water. Lacy Whitman lives in the past, loves history, and is picking up where her father left off, trying to discover a missing pirate ship. She restores an old Victorian home in Georgia and discovers an antique diary. Will it lead her back to the sea and the dive bum she once encountered and has tried to forget? Lacy is a determined character who follows her father's advice of letting her heart be her compass.. I love the vivid description, and the ending was glorious and unexpected. What hidden treasure will Lacy Whitman ultimately discover? I loved the title and how it fits perfectly with this story. Check out TURTLE SOUP by Danielle. I loved it, too. I highly recommend this book for teens who love adventure.
January 13, 2011
When Lacey Whitman buys a restored Victorian home, she never dreams discovering an antique diary will lead her back to sea and into the arms of the dive bum she’d rather forget. Her habit of living in the past comes to a screeching halt as diver Max Bertrand and the diary of his ancestor take Lacey on the quest of a lifetime: To discover and raise the privateer ship, Specter, and bring the treasure and legacy of a true hero home again. But will finding it cost her heart?
This was a sweet book and completely clean. The beginning was a bit slow and I found myself getting irritated with Lacey's thought process and while I knew that there needed to be some meat to the H/H attraction it was unrealistic that Lacey would have held such strong feelings for someone that blew her off on her first meeting (after seeing him once). The rest of the story was great and I got over any irritation I felt at the beginning. I would recommend this book to everyone.
This was a sweet book and completely clean. The beginning was a bit slow and I found myself getting irritated with Lacey's thought process and while I knew that there needed to be some meat to the H/H attraction it was unrealistic that Lacey would have held such strong feelings for someone that blew her off on her first meeting (after seeing him once). The rest of the story was great and I got over any irritation I felt at the beginning. I would recommend this book to everyone.
May 11, 2011
This was a great mystery and adventure book that really keeps you on the edge of your seat. Though it starts off a little slow, it picks up the pace quickly and keeps you going until the very end. Lacey is a dedicated and slightly obsessed character who really portrays the"nerdy" kid who grew up to do just what they loved to do. Max, though a bit rough around the edges, was a wonderful character that really grows on you. A little lighter on the actual romance side, it's still a sweet love story and the adventure makes the rest of the plot wonderful. Great read.
http://cleanromancereviews.blogspot.com
http://cleanromancereviews.blogspot.com
July 29, 2019
Lacy Whitman is passionate about history, especially that of pirates during the Golden Age. Continuing her father's search for a particular pirate turned privateer, Lacy studies anything and everything about Captain Julius Bertrand, including buying a house owned by his descendants. When she discovers a diary left behind by the descendants, she knows it's a huge discovery that could lead to finding Captain Bertrand's lost ship, Specter. However, when she shares her discovery of the diary with Max Bertrand, she finds a guy who is angry, bitter, and suspicious of everyone. Can Lacy learn enough to get his attention? And when he decides to act on her discovery, can she keep up with him and hold onto her heart at the same time?
What follows is a modern day adventure - not of pirates, but of sleuthing what the pirates did and how they did it. Taking cues from the diary, Lacy and Max start to piece together the final days of the Specter and what happened to it. The risks are huge and the danger is real - not only physically, but emotionally as well when Lacy realizes that her heart is in danger of falling in love with Max.
Character development is excellent even though it's only told from Lacy's perspective. I fully understood who Max is and why he acted the way he did. And, the friends are a great support system.
In addition to the adventure, there's a steady theme of trust through the book. Can Lacy trust Max? Can Max trust Lacy? Can they trust each other's friends? Trust is important to each of them.
Finally, be sure to dedicate enough time to read this. The further I read, the more involved and absorbed I became in the story.
Romance - PG / kissing
Language - PG / nothing offensive
POV - Single - Lacy's
My rating - 5 stars
What follows is a modern day adventure - not of pirates, but of sleuthing what the pirates did and how they did it. Taking cues from the diary, Lacy and Max start to piece together the final days of the Specter and what happened to it. The risks are huge and the danger is real - not only physically, but emotionally as well when Lacy realizes that her heart is in danger of falling in love with Max.
Character development is excellent even though it's only told from Lacy's perspective. I fully understood who Max is and why he acted the way he did. And, the friends are a great support system.
In addition to the adventure, there's a steady theme of trust through the book. Can Lacy trust Max? Can Max trust Lacy? Can they trust each other's friends? Trust is important to each of them.
Finally, be sure to dedicate enough time to read this. The further I read, the more involved and absorbed I became in the story.
Romance - PG / kissing
Language - PG / nothing offensive
POV - Single - Lacy's
My rating - 5 stars
September 30, 2019
This was a fun read with some adventure, treasure hunting and pirate lore. Sometimes I did feel as if the h was too timid in reaction to the H. I think the author did well to turn it around and make the reader happy. I first read the Prviateer and thought this book was a great little epilogue to the h & H of that book. The book mostly focused on the modern couple though so it wasn't as if this book rehased or retold the 1st book. Just a few details that added to each book. The ending was nice and the book held my intrest and quickly turning pages to see what would happen next.
October 10, 2019
Exciting Treasure Hunt
Combining history with a modern day treasure hunt. Using personal histories to figure out where treasure lies. Exciting, fast paced, heart stopping adventures await you in this wonderful story if you dare. Plus a little romance on the side. I highly recommend this book. Happy reading!
Combining history with a modern day treasure hunt. Using personal histories to figure out where treasure lies. Exciting, fast paced, heart stopping adventures await you in this wonderful story if you dare. Plus a little romance on the side. I highly recommend this book. Happy reading!
September 5, 2019
I liked it!
You will have fun reading it. Cute story with a mystery twist. Wish Max had been a little more worthy of Lacey.
You will have fun reading it. Cute story with a mystery twist. Wish Max had been a little more worthy of Lacey.
May 31, 2025
First book I’ve read from this author! Enjoyed it!
July 29, 2019
Lacy Whitman is passionate about history, especially that of pirates during the Golden Age. Continuing her father's search for a particular pirate turned privateer, Lacy studies anything and everything about Captain Julius Bertrand, including buying a house owned by his descendants. When she discovers a diary left behind by the descendants, she knows it's a huge discovery that could lead to finding Captain Bertrand's lost ship, Specter. However, when she shares her discovery of the diary with Max Bertrand, she finds a guy who is angry, bitter, and suspicious of everyone. Can Lacy learn enough to get his attention? And when he decides to act on her discovery, can she keep up with him and hold onto her heart at the same time?
What follows is a modern day adventure - not of pirates, but of sleuthing what the pirates did and how they did it. Taking cues from the diary, Lacy and Max start to piece together the final days of the Specter and what happened to it. The risks are huge and the danger is real - not only physically, but emotionally as well when Lacy realizes that her heart is in danger of falling in love with Max.
Character development is excellent even though it's only told from Lacy's perspective. I fully understood who Max is and why he acted the way he did. And, the friends are a great support system.
In addition to the adventure, there's a steady theme of trust through the book. Can Lacy trust Max? Can Max trust Lacy? Can they trust each other's friends? Trust is important to each of them.
Finally, be sure to dedicate enough time to read this. The further I read, the more involved and absorbed I became in the story.
Romance - PG / kissing
Language - PG / nothing offensive
POV - Single - Lacy's
My rating - 5 stars
What follows is a modern day adventure - not of pirates, but of sleuthing what the pirates did and how they did it. Taking cues from the diary, Lacy and Max start to piece together the final days of the Specter and what happened to it. The risks are huge and the danger is real - not only physically, but emotionally as well when Lacy realizes that her heart is in danger of falling in love with Max.
Character development is excellent even though it's only told from Lacy's perspective. I fully understood who Max is and why he acted the way he did. And, the friends are a great support system.
In addition to the adventure, there's a steady theme of trust through the book. Can Lacy trust Max? Can Max trust Lacy? Can they trust each other's friends? Trust is important to each of them.
Finally, be sure to dedicate enough time to read this. The further I read, the more involved and absorbed I became in the story.
Romance - PG / kissing
Language - PG / nothing offensive
POV - Single - Lacy's
My rating - 5 stars
September 30, 2019
Wonderful Sequel!
A dual time line in two books is an interesting concept. It worked well for this story. I highly recommend this book.
I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
A dual time line in two books is an interesting concept. It worked well for this story. I highly recommend this book.
I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
December 25, 2018
Lacey Whitman's quest to locate Specter, a sunken ship has swelled to new heights as she purchases an ancestral home owned by the family of the captain. It's not until she discovers information that leads her to locate a missing journal with cryptic clues to the whereabouts of the Specter, that her research shifts into high gear. This new information puts her right back in the path of a descendant of the captain of the privateer ship.
Max Bertrand has taken his family's journals from his small museum on the island of Antigua on a travelling tour - first stop Savannah, GA. When Lacey finds out that the journals are on display, she rushes to the location to see them and comes face-to-face with a member of the Bertrand family; one who refused to take her research seriously in a previous encounter. Lacey then decides to make a deal with Max about the journal, the Specter, and other details. Will Max and Lacey find what they have been desperately searching for in life?
Lacey is a very determined genealogist. Whether she's working with a client or doing personal research, Lacey leaves no stone unturned. As you read the book you will realize that this line of work for her is an obsession, which sometimes alienates her. She's also very personable, easy going, and passionate. Max, on the other hand, has built up a wall that, at first glance, seems impenetrable. He's gruff, rude, and automatically assumes that people are trying to use him. His views of Lacey are no different. The dialogue between these two is explosive at times, gentle at others.
Danielle Thorne is an excellent storyteller. Her enthusiasm for the subject matter is felt in her writing. I love the blending of historical fiction with contemporary romance. The story is fast-paced and the plot is solid. I was able to get fully invested in the book and felt the excitement, anticipation, and sadness conveyed within the page. By Heart and Compass really resonated with me. I grew up cemetery hopping with my mother as she traced her family's genealogy. I was never really involved in my mother's work but, to this day, love cemeteries. I love them in a historical, non-morbid way and prefer the parts of local cemeteries with the markers from the 1800's.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read By Heart and Compass!
I voluntarily reviewed an author provided copy of this book.
Max Bertrand has taken his family's journals from his small museum on the island of Antigua on a travelling tour - first stop Savannah, GA. When Lacey finds out that the journals are on display, she rushes to the location to see them and comes face-to-face with a member of the Bertrand family; one who refused to take her research seriously in a previous encounter. Lacey then decides to make a deal with Max about the journal, the Specter, and other details. Will Max and Lacey find what they have been desperately searching for in life?
Lacey is a very determined genealogist. Whether she's working with a client or doing personal research, Lacey leaves no stone unturned. As you read the book you will realize that this line of work for her is an obsession, which sometimes alienates her. She's also very personable, easy going, and passionate. Max, on the other hand, has built up a wall that, at first glance, seems impenetrable. He's gruff, rude, and automatically assumes that people are trying to use him. His views of Lacey are no different. The dialogue between these two is explosive at times, gentle at others.
Danielle Thorne is an excellent storyteller. Her enthusiasm for the subject matter is felt in her writing. I love the blending of historical fiction with contemporary romance. The story is fast-paced and the plot is solid. I was able to get fully invested in the book and felt the excitement, anticipation, and sadness conveyed within the page. By Heart and Compass really resonated with me. I grew up cemetery hopping with my mother as she traced her family's genealogy. I was never really involved in my mother's work but, to this day, love cemeteries. I love them in a historical, non-morbid way and prefer the parts of local cemeteries with the markers from the 1800's.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read By Heart and Compass!
I voluntarily reviewed an author provided copy of this book.
January 12, 2011
Danielle Thorne takes us on a sweet, light tale of pirates and privateers and decades-old mysteries. It's easy to empathize with Lacey's childhood stigma that brings her insecurity as an adult and you can't help but root for her to get what she wants and needs. The plot was well-thought-out with several intricacies that all meshed together. Her best friend is an admirable antagonist who doesn't understand her well but loves her, anyway.
I think Max could have been deepened. We see a lot of anger and have a hint as to why he is, but we don't see inside him well, which leaves us a bit unsympathetic. At times, Lacey is a little overemotional, but then, many real heroines are.
Overall, it was a fun read, nice for kicking back after a long day and letting your mind dissolve into their fantasy pirate world.
I think Max could have been deepened. We see a lot of anger and have a hint as to why he is, but we don't see inside him well, which leaves us a bit unsympathetic. At times, Lacey is a little overemotional, but then, many real heroines are.
Overall, it was a fun read, nice for kicking back after a long day and letting your mind dissolve into their fantasy pirate world.
January 10, 2014
By Heart and Compass is a sweet romantic adventure. Lacy (sometimes referred to as Goober - a name she detests) is a genealogist with a secret love for pirate history. She discovers a diary that may lead her to a great treasure, if she can work with the distrustful Max Bertrand, a beach bum with a famous family history. Like other reviewers mentioned, it starts out a little slow, but picks up as Lacy jets back and forth between Newton, Georgia and the Caribbean. The book had a great sense of setting and plot, but I did not love the romance so much. I thought Max was dismissive at best, and Lacy invested in him too early. Overall, a fun read, and different than anything I'd read before. $2.99 for the Kindle version. I was given a copy in return for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at http://racheljohnreviews.blogspot.com/
See more of my reviews at http://racheljohnreviews.blogspot.com/
April 2, 2013
This is a beautiful story of love, trust, and perseverance. The sweet romance is tucked away in a story of adventure and the importance of following one's dreams. I loved the characters. They seemed very real to me. I want to learn more of them. I can't wait to get my hands the "Privateer" by Danielle Thorne and read the back story to this intriguing story!
July 8, 2010
I just finished this book and I LOVED it. I loved the characters and the way Danielle Thorne describes the scenes makes you feel like you were apart of it. Every time I had to put the book down I couldn't wait to get back to it to find out what happens next.
January 11, 2011
The best part of this book was the climax at the end. The rest of it was pretty boring and didn't capture my interest.
April 6, 2011
Refreshing!!! It was wonderful to enjoy a sweet romantic book that wasn't filled with smut. I would recommend this book to all who are looking for a feel-good romance to lift your spirits!
October 4, 2011
Such a fun clean love story!
July 9, 2012
Loved it!!! I wanna read the privateer now! It tells about Max Bertrand's ancestors story!
July 22, 2022
This was a fun contemporary pirate story!
May 17, 2019
Wow!
I loved this modern-day pirate story! The characters were endearing and the plot moved right along with each page turn. So so good!
I loved this modern-day pirate story! The characters were endearing and the plot moved right along with each page turn. So so good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews