Do the mysterious pearls with the red-gold color of the burning sun hold the key to love... or to a curse?
Emma Langdon’s life was changed by a kiss that never happened. Hugh Le Brecque, the handsome viscount meant to do the kissing never showed up, and Emma has been trying to forget him ever since. But when thieves break into her elegant home to steal a family heirloom known as the Pearls of Fire, a necklace she believes is cursed, Emma knows she must turn to Hugh for help. Her father, driven mad with grief, has run off after the thieves and Emma fears his life is now in danger. Can she trust Hugh to find her father? Or will he betray her for those mysterious pearls that shine with the brilliance of a red-gold flame and seem to hold a dark power over men?
Hugh Le Brecque, once a respected privateer in service of the Crown and English peer known as Viscount Brixham, is now a convicted pirate with no intention of hanging for a crime he did not commit. He has already made plans to seek revenge on the men who framed him when Emma Langdon storms back into his life, entering his cell and offering a bargain he cannot refuse - take her to the East Indies to help her find her father, and she will use her powerful connections to see his conviction overturned. A two hundred year old journal written by Emma’s ancestor who first acquired the Pearls of Fire is the only clue to her father’s whereabouts.
Will Hugh fall under the spell of these mysterious pearls? Or is Emma’s enchanting innocence the greater danger to his heart?
Meara Platt is happily married to her Russell Crowe look-alike husband, and they have two terrific children. She lives in one of the many great towns on Long Island, New York, and loves it, except for the traffic. She has traveled extensively, occasionally lectures and finds time to write. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award winning story.
THIS is the pirate novel I've been waiting for! I can't remember the last five-star pirate story I read, which is a tragedy since pirates are one of my favorite tropes. This book had it all. Great characters, lots of action, a search for an elusive treasure, and a heck of a love story. There was never a dull moment and I loved every second of it.
Emma Langdon's father has fled the country after the death of her mother. He's gone a little mad and Emma is worried about him and thinks she knows where he's gone, but she needs help getting to the little island. She pays Captain Hugh Le Brecque former Viscount Brixham , a visit in prison. She needs his help to find her father and the Pearls of Fire.
Hugh and Emma knew each other from the season two years ago. He'd done her wrong back then and was surprised to see her in his cell, asking for his help. He's a pirate now and she knew it, but it didn't stop her from asking. She knew if anybody could find her father, it was Hugh.
I liked that these two knew each other before she asked him to help. I liked that she didn't treat him like a second-class citizen--ever. I liked that they believed in each other and were open with their feelings. I loved that they got a second chance at love and were willing to do anything for each other. She was courageous and protective. He was protective and chivalrous. They threw down for each other and sincerely believed in each other with no doubts. That was so refreshing and made this book an epic read.
Solid five stars!
This book is part of the Pirates of Britannia series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 💋💋 Totally perfect and a prime example of Meara Platt at her best . I’ve loved every one of this authors books and this is no exception, a great addition The Pirates if Britannia collection . This is Hugh and Emma’s book, Hugh Is a pirate , formally a viscount and gentleman, who is now in prison for crimes that he didn’t commit . Emma has mislaid her father and only Hugh can help her , he’s an old flame , and although it’s two years since they last met , the flame is burning brighter and hotter than ever before. I loved this book and I’m sure you will too , it’s one you really won’t want to put down . I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
Pirates of Britannia and Meara Platt. What more could you ask for? Oh yes, a cover to sigh over which made me want to quickly read this story picturing our hero. The Pearls of Fire, a family heirloom has been stolen from Emma's home. Her father has gone over the edge with them being gone and sets out to find the thieves. Did I mention they seem to be cursed? With fear that he is in danger, Emma contacts Hugh Le Brecque, former peer turned privateer. But Hugh has been convicted and is in prison for a crime he did not commit and may hang. When Emma enters his cell and offers him a bargain to take her to find her father in exchange for his release, he cannot refuse. Finding an ancient journal written by Emma's ancestor may be the only help in finding her father and understanding the possible danger of the pearls. Did I mention there is a history of this couple from two years past? Emma has never forgotten him and in their quest it seems the attraction is still there. But can they find her father and the thieves? What an adventure that I could not put down until the end. You will not either and I recommend that you read as soon as you can!!!
I discovered Meara Platt‘s work with her regency rom-com Farthingales series, which I adored, I’m now half way in her paranormal regency Dark Gardens series, so when I saw this new release, I did not hesitated, I had to read it. Pirates reads are not my favorite but I do loved this one, the author created a bunch of great characters, with plenty of adventures, some actions and a mystery to solve with a bit of fantastic. Emma is a great character, despite her youth, she is very determined with a strong will, her only weakness is her attraction to Hugh. Meara Platt creates a kind and caring woman who stands her ground when needed, she does not hesitate voice her opinions but is able to recognize when she must retreat. Her main problem is to trust Hugh, she felt betrayed when he did not show up, since she doubts him. Plus the events which occurred after tested her faith in people. She lost everyone, and is now quite alone in the world.
«He jerked his gaze away. “Go away, Emma. You don’t belong here.” She turned to go, then paused to stare at the sunrise. “That’s my problem, Hugh. I don’t belong at Langdon Heath either. There are too many painful memories for me there. So where do I belong? I don’t know yet. But right now, it’s here. With you.” »
But whatever she told herself, he is still a man she can count on, he is not the same man she felt in love but he is still a good soul.
Hugh Le Brecque was stripped from everything when he found himself imprisoned, beaten with a death sentence awaiting him. Emma becomes his road to freedom, but he is torn between helping her to find her father or clearing his name by confronting his enemies. The more the story progressed, the more I learned to love him, he appeared long at first to comprehend Emma’s constant demand, but his acts redeemed his words.
« I wanted to come to you with my head held high and offer you all that was mine to give. But that time may never come. I might never clear my name. I might never hold you in my arms like this again. But whatever else happens, know that I love you, my sweet Emma. This pirate loves you with all his heart and always will.” »
This book is a beautiful story of acceptance, forgiveness and letting the past go to face a new future.
Now I do wonder if Lucifer’s story is the next in line and if the Meara Platt will be its author?
I’m so excited to have found the Author. I’ve read at last count 23 of her books a little be ever single one of them!!!!! Please keep writing them!!!!!!! So good.
Overall it was an engaging story, a bit redundant on occasion (not too bad), and gave us some nice "bodice ripper" energy in the spicy scenes. The two main characters were interesting and had their own small growths along the way to finally unit at the end of the story.
Details: A few issue in feeling redundant. Scene with them on the ship sailing to the island destination seemed a bit repetitive. It was several pages of the same song and dance. Hugh demands Emma's trust but doesn't (imo) prove it while Emma secretly wants to trust Hugh but assumes he is only after the treasure/money. I dunno...the scenes just seemed a bit wasteful. With some of the dialogue being repetitive.
Profound moments on repeat - In one scene on the ship Hugh told Emma he would've proposed that night two years ago and it seemed like a big profound moment but near the end of the book he says it again like it's some big revelation.
Stolen thunder - even the big ending was sorta spoiled because we find out Hughs sister back in England essentially did all the work and got Hugh freed. Dare, so Hugh didn't even get the feel of victory for solving who framed him...nope his sister already did it he just didn't know cause he'd escaped prison.
Despite my few grumblings it was a quick, easy story to pick up and enjoy. It did make me curious about Hughs sister and what she had to do to save her brother so I might go read that book.
Emma Langdon was in love with the handsome Viscount Brixham, Hugh Le Brecque who was supposed to meet her for a kiss but never showed up; that was 2 years ago & she is still trying forget him. Thieves break in to their home & steal the Pearls of Fire, a family heirloom necklace believed to be cursed by some people & Emma believes they are.
Emma's Father has been driven mad by the theft & has disappeared to chase after the thieves & Emma knows he has gone to Buru - she also knows there is only on man who can help her, Hugh Le Brecque, who was once a successful privateer in service of the Crown but has since been convicted of a crime he did not commit. He was framed & when Emma waltzes into his prison cell & offers a deal he cannot refuse; he agrees to take her to the East Indies to help find her father & she will use her powers to have conviction reversed. The only clue they have as to her father's whereabouts was written in a 200 year old journal by an ancestor of Emma's, Stefan Landon who wrote about the island of Buru.
In summing ups this book, I will just say if I was 50 years younger & lived a couple of hundred years ago, I would spend the rest of my days on Buru with Hugh the handsome, funny, wickedly suggestive, sexy, wildly adventurous, brave Captain & Viscount - I think Meara Platt just wrote about my perfect hero! I highly recommend this story to everyone!
Pearls of Fire: Pirates of Britannia, by Meara Platt is a story filled with swashbuckling fun! Emma Langdon is crushed when her mother is murdered by thieves who stole the family jewels, the Pearls of Fire, and now her father has sailed away in search of them. So Emma turns to the only man she’s ever loved, the man who broke her heart, Hugh LeBreque. Hugh is in Portsmouth prison on charges of piracy and murder, just the person to help her find her father. But Hugh has a plan of his own and that includes claiming they Pearls of Fire and using them to clear him of the charges against him. Just as the Pearls of Fire are legendary for their flaming color, so to are the sparks that fly between Emma and Hugh. As always with Platt’s books, the story is driven by her characters and Emma and Hugh are strong and passionate, but also have a soft side, and as their relationship rekindles, they will have to learn to trust if either hopes to succeed. The secondary characters provide not only an integral part of the story, but they provide a rich and vibrant backdrop that enhances the story. Whether it Angus and Lucifer and the members of Captain LeBreque’s crew, or Chief Tono, the natives on the island of Wamsisi, and the Pearls of Fire themselves. I loved this book, and am intrigued to see what will follow??
It began two years before with a stolen kiss at a ball.
Lady Emma needs to find her father, since her mother’s murder, he is all that remains of her family. In his grief over the loss of his wife he has left England to search for a missing family heirloom that Emma believes is cursed. The only way to find, and hopefully save, her father is by making a deal with a jailed former privateer named Hugh. Hugh and Emma have a past. They were once enthralled with each other, and he was on the edge of proposing marriage. Being pushed together on this adventure has brought those feelings of attraction and need back to the forefront, for both of them. Once known as Viscount Brixham, now as an exiled pirate, Hugh has a quest of his own. He must save his own family and avenge the monster who framed him for the murder of his friend. But will Hugh do this at the expense of a possible future with Emma? Can he survive his own desperate drive for vengeance? Will he choose his revenge over Emma? Fun romance filled with secrets, intrigue, danger and daring along with heat from their travels and each other. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it. I think there may be another story to follow and an looking forward to that as well!
Pearls of Fire is a beautiful heirloom necklace (that everyone thinks has been stolen)that Lady Emma Langdon feels is cursed. Her brother and mother have died and now her father has gone missing and quite possibly mad. She knows the general area where her father is but has know way of getting to him. She knows of only one man who can help her; old flame Hugh Le Brecque. He once was an old flame who broke her heart, but she trusts (as well as any person) him. The problem he is in prison for killing another man when he sailed the seas. Now she must arrange his release and broker a promise from him. Find her father. Hugh wants to find the Pearls. Emma thinks that is all he wants so she only gives him bits of information that she feels he needs. In order to keep both safe, Hugh needs her to trust him and give him all the information Emma possesses. When the two (and Hugh's crew) are attacked they are stranded on an island (while Hugh's ship is repaired), there they both come to know the truth and learn to trust and love each other. Will it be enough to save Hugh from the gallows and Emma's father, not to mention where are those Pearls...Quite the adventure/mystery from Meara Platt!! One you will enjoy!
A wonderful and well written story of a disgraced noble and the woman he loves. Accused of a crime he never committed, Hugh has been languishing in the dungeons for the past 2 years when he is visited by his lady love. The task is simple - help her find her father, who has taken off searching for a family heirloom in exchange for freedom and great riches. Thus begins the story, that takes us to the high seas and pirates, and to the island known as the origin of the Pearls of Fire. Non-stop action and adventure. Lots of twists and turns, loaded with insecurities, mystery, secrets, cruelties, loyalties, greed, and vengeance. A story of love, forgiveness, and hope when everything and everyone is against you. A real page turner. Love this book. Fantastic story line.
I could kick myself for not having read this book when it first came out! Oh my goodness, what a brilliant story that involves pirates, high seas adventures, intrigue and a passion that will make your heart melt. Meara Platt sure knows how to write, her stories have brought me numerous hours of pleasure through the years. The characters she writes about become so real and you can't help but feel like they're part of your family.
Hugh and Emma...what can I say about these two except I absolutely adored them! Hugh is the pirate all men wish they could be and Emma is a true sweetheart in every way. The story starts with Hugh in a stinking prison, Emma offering him a deal and that's when the adventure begins. In search of her father and the Pearls of Fire, they must overcome so many obstacles before they can finally find their happily ever after. High seas at its greatest!!
Oh my! Am a great fan of this authors books and can quote from some of them, and have had this a while and not read it as it looked too different from her others. What a mistake to make, this is another triumph from the author. Am never sure about pirate books (or books that could be about pirates) as they're usually too ooooh-arrrrrrr and not a night story telling,but this breaks the mold. A little pirating against a book with several strands, murder of a wife and mother, father/husband losing his sanguinity and disappearing off to find a missing neckless. A loud Viscount whose father has been charged with treason, and he thrown in jail - possibly in error.
Also a link to the Brayden family and this the Farthingales.
Suspect I'll read this again and again and find something new each time.
Lady Emma Langdon needs someone to search for her father, who is hunting for the thieves who murdered her mother and stole the Pearls of Fire. What her father didn't know is the pearls were never stolen. The only man who can help her is locked in prison accused of murder. Hugh Le Brecque is a pirate. He has been sentenced to hang for a crime he did not commit. A young lady from his past life as an English Viscount offers him a way out, he will use her for his own reasons. Both our hero and heroine are keeping big secrets. What will be most important to them both, the pearls or the people that depend on them to right the wrongs???? An exciting story with wonderful characters, and a journey to a faraway land. Great fun.
Emma Langdon was desperate to find her father and there was only one person that would help. Unfortunately Hugh Le Brecque is in prison as a convicted pirate for a crime he did not do. First priority for Emma is to get him out of jail, then use his ship to find her father. Hugh and Emma have a past and she thinks that he only wants the Pearls if fire which she believes are cursed. This one had me from the start! I really enjoyed this story, the mystery, the romance I loved it. I loved both Hugh and Emma’s characters. Hugh is definitely swoon worthy! This was my first book that I have read by Meara Platt and I it wont be my last! This was such a enjoyable book to read I definitely recommend it!
After the murder of her mother, Lady Emma is faced with the disappearance of her father and the theft of her family’s prized possession. Deciding on an unconventional approach, she offers the imprisoned Hugh Le Brecque a sum of money and his freedom to assist in locating her father and the family heirloom. Hugh agrees to assist the woman he has loved for years, as it would also allow him revenge on the person that arranged his capture. Their adventure allows them to discuss and understand what happened in their past and to realize they might still be in love. There is more than one villain in the story-one was easy to guess, the other: a complete surprise. This was a very enjoyable addition to the Pirate Series!
I've read a few of Meara Platt's books and they are generally quite enjoyable. This one is a little different to most of them, being about a Pirate. As a rule, I'm not a huge fan of Pirate books, but being by an author that I enjoy, I thought that I'd give it a go. I enjoyed the relationship between Hugh and Emma as it developed. They had a history between them, that we don't actually see in the book and it is this past connection that drives the relationship between them. I enjoyed the book, both their relationship and the 'adventure' that they were on. In all honesty, it was a little bit on the long side. I think that it could have wrapped up a little sooner, but that didn't really matter. Overall, it was a good read.
A great story written by Meara Platt!! This story is about the Pearls of Fire which has led to the murder of Lady Emma Langdon’s mother and her leaves on a ship going after the thieves. She knows that her father is sick and needs her. Emma knows that the only person that can help her is Hugh Le Brecque, a pirate in prison for killing his friend. Emma believes that her father is headed to the East Indies island. Now the adventure begins for Hugh and Emma. This is a story that I would recommend to be read. G
Emma Langdon’s life had always been centered around the mystery of the Pearls of Fire; discovered by an ancestor in her family. They are believed to embrace the color of the burning sun and hold the key to love or worse; a terrible curse. After they are stolen, and her mother killed, her father goes mad and follows who he believes are the persons responsible. That leaves her with no one to turn too, but the person she once loved, Hugh Le Brecque. Meara Platt has given us an enjoyable, mysterious adventure, delightful characters and an outstanding read.
Pearls of Fire 🔥 Great Adventure Have been enjoying this author’s Farthingale and Book of Love series for some time, and had this one in my TBR file. Wow! So glad I finally started Hugh and Emma’s story. Absolutely loved it! Journey on the high seas, pirates, murder, mystic powers, pearls of fire, love and romance. True to her style, great writing, captivating storylines, and amazing characters.
Lady Emma is on a quest to save her father so she must travel to the island of Buru although before she makes the dangerous journey she must get help from Hugh Le Brecque who is in Portsmouth prison. Hugh is in prison for a crime he did not commit although prison has changed him he will help Lady Emma for a chance at freedom and to find those that framed him.
Humorous characters, wonderful action, and a touch of suspense are up to a typical Meara Platt adventure. A haunted necklace is running (or ruining) the show, and a pair of lovers must date to embrace their love to succeed. The doing of that is the stuff of magic, well tossed in the salad that is this book.
Another great book by an amazing author. Vivid scenes, characters you’ll fall in love with. If you love a sexy pirate and a strong-willed heroine you’ll love Pearls of Fire.
The villians are truly despicable and the cast of supporting characters are worth remembering. A story with danger, secrets, laughter and intrigue, all in a well-paced story that will keep the reader turning the pages. A great addition to the Pirates of Britannia shared world. Reviewed by Cyrene
Because that is what itdeserves. I liked it very much. It held my interest. It was hard to put down. It had some fantastic times in it. I would recommend it very highly to anyone who would be interested in it.
This was a great book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were well-written and delightful. The plot was interesting and had me turning he pages. Meara Platt is an exceptional author and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Wow! What a journey and what an adventure!this one is a bit different than the usual books by the author! But still has the fun, humorous characters and the twists that keep you guessing all the way through! Great read!
I really liked this story, although it left you hanging at the end. I did like that Hugh got exonerated and cleared of all charges against him. I really liked how Emma stood up to Hugh and for Hugh, she was his little fierce goddess. 👍👍👍❤❤❤