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Trade Wind #4
Terms of Trade
A daring bargain. A bold man. A woman whose wounded heart must be earned, not seized.
Helen Gray arrives in London with a Boston-built clipper and a courageous plan—racing to China for the first tea of the season, breaking speed records and earning a fortune. All Helen wants is her freedom, not the glory, but first, she must secure a shipload of silver to fund her venture. Alas, no one will negotiate with a woman, especially an American whose wickedly fast ship will scandalize the British fleet. Alas, no one except…
Nicholas Irons, born Nikolaos Sideris, a man who defied tradition to forge his own destiny. He’s known for his cool head in business until brilliant and mysterious Helen unlocks something within him, something unstoppable. He’ll fund her risky proposition…if she remains behind as collateral.
London was meant to be temporary, but finding a place in Nicholas’s loving, powerful family—and in his arms—threatens Helen’s resolve to sail away to a new life.
The tea venture could end with windfall profits or their precious cargo lost to the ocean’s depths, but will Helen and Nicholas's adventure last a lifetime?
Read the Trade Wind Series
Book 1: Trade of a Lifetime
Book 2: Finding Harmony
Book 3: Becoming Wanton
Book 4: Terms of Trade
Helen Gray arrives in London with a Boston-built clipper and a courageous plan—racing to China for the first tea of the season, breaking speed records and earning a fortune. All Helen wants is her freedom, not the glory, but first, she must secure a shipload of silver to fund her venture. Alas, no one will negotiate with a woman, especially an American whose wickedly fast ship will scandalize the British fleet. Alas, no one except…
Nicholas Irons, born Nikolaos Sideris, a man who defied tradition to forge his own destiny. He’s known for his cool head in business until brilliant and mysterious Helen unlocks something within him, something unstoppable. He’ll fund her risky proposition…if she remains behind as collateral.
London was meant to be temporary, but finding a place in Nicholas’s loving, powerful family—and in his arms—threatens Helen’s resolve to sail away to a new life.
The tea venture could end with windfall profits or their precious cargo lost to the ocean’s depths, but will Helen and Nicholas's adventure last a lifetime?
Read the Trade Wind Series
Book 1: Trade of a Lifetime
Book 2: Finding Harmony
Book 3: Becoming Wanton
Book 4: Terms of Trade
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2022
About the author
Rebecca Aubrey
11 books17 followersRomantic. Author.
Rebecca Aubrey’s mid-Victorian world is sumptuous without glossing over the grit, and features strong women, the men they find compelling, and the passion that ensues.
Her readers appreciate immersive emotional depth and sensual delights. Her characters learn to embrace love, even those who valiantly resist. Especially them.
It’s a journey driven by themes of found family, resilience, and healing. Those who try to go it alone find out there’s no such thing.
Oh, and clothes come off, whether corsets or clergy collars, gowns or gun holsters, breeches or business suits.
Between daydreams, Rebecca has plans for her next book, bake, and cocktail—and a vague notion of what’s for dinner. She’s also a mom, lawyer, proud Smith College alumna, and some other stuff.
For more, please visit her website and sign up for her newsletters at www.rebeccaaubrey.com.
Rebecca Aubrey’s mid-Victorian world is sumptuous without glossing over the grit, and features strong women, the men they find compelling, and the passion that ensues.
Her readers appreciate immersive emotional depth and sensual delights. Her characters learn to embrace love, even those who valiantly resist. Especially them.
It’s a journey driven by themes of found family, resilience, and healing. Those who try to go it alone find out there’s no such thing.
Oh, and clothes come off, whether corsets or clergy collars, gowns or gun holsters, breeches or business suits.
Between daydreams, Rebecca has plans for her next book, bake, and cocktail—and a vague notion of what’s for dinner. She’s also a mom, lawyer, proud Smith College alumna, and some other stuff.
For more, please visit her website and sign up for her newsletters at www.rebeccaaubrey.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 23, 2022
I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.
Terms of Trade by Rebecca Aubrey is the fourth book of the Trade Winds series. Helen Gray has arrived in London along with her brother in a Boston-built clipper and plans to race it in record time to China for the first tea of the season. Craving freedom, Helen knows the only thing standing between her and what she desires is a shipload of silver to fund the trip. As a woman, let alone an American, she struggles to find someone to strike a deal with. Nikolaos Sideris—who now goes by Nicholas Irons—has a past of defying the norm to get what he wants. The normally cool-headed businessman is drawn to Helen and her risky plans. In order for him to fund it, he demands that Helen must stay behind in London as collateral. This messes up her plans for a new start, but it eventually becomes clear to Helen that she might find the freedom she was looking for right here with Nicholas.
This book is a fun swashbuckling adventure and love story. Helen is a strong character and I liked her drive.
Terms of Trade by Rebecca Aubrey is the fourth book of the Trade Winds series. Helen Gray has arrived in London along with her brother in a Boston-built clipper and plans to race it in record time to China for the first tea of the season. Craving freedom, Helen knows the only thing standing between her and what she desires is a shipload of silver to fund the trip. As a woman, let alone an American, she struggles to find someone to strike a deal with. Nikolaos Sideris—who now goes by Nicholas Irons—has a past of defying the norm to get what he wants. The normally cool-headed businessman is drawn to Helen and her risky plans. In order for him to fund it, he demands that Helen must stay behind in London as collateral. This messes up her plans for a new start, but it eventually becomes clear to Helen that she might find the freedom she was looking for right here with Nicholas.
This book is a fun swashbuckling adventure and love story. Helen is a strong character and I liked her drive.
August 15, 2022
Elijah Miller and Helen Gray, young American siblings, need a ship full of silver in their race to obtain a load of first cut season tea. Their American Clipper, Alacrity, is one of the most advanced merchant ships ever built. Premium tea would generate public fervor and tremendous profit. They will never deal in opium which leaves them with few investors. Leaving London in May and returning mid-September would give them the edge over any other ships. Nicholas Irons is their last hope. Agreeing to his terms will give them the silver. Nicholas' attraction to Helen influences his terms. He will give them the silver in exchange for Helen staying in London for security.
What starts as an intense attraction between them, becomes a love affair. A complicated story of rejection, betrayal, pain and family dynamics.
Heat level 4
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
What starts as an intense attraction between them, becomes a love affair. A complicated story of rejection, betrayal, pain and family dynamics.
Heat level 4
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
July 25, 2022
A Glimpse Into the Past⛵, But Filled With Angst💔
ADULT Victorian Romance 💕and Adventure
The author did years of research to be able to write this story of an American brother and sister who take their specially built streamlined clipped ship⛵ to England. They need backing for a record breaking round trip to China where tons of high quality tea will be the only return cargo.
ARC Provided by Book📚 Sirens 💃
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU.
The novel is filled with angst from both widowed Helen💃💋 and Nicholas🐺🍆⛲ ,the man she comes to love 💘, but is afraid and unwilling to marry because she thinks she will be trapped in another marriage. She wants freedom above all else.
ADULT scenes are tastefully written.
ADULT Victorian Romance 💕and Adventure
The author did years of research to be able to write this story of an American brother and sister who take their specially built streamlined clipped ship⛵ to England. They need backing for a record breaking round trip to China where tons of high quality tea will be the only return cargo.
ARC Provided by Book📚 Sirens 💃
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU.
The novel is filled with angst from both widowed Helen💃💋 and Nicholas🐺🍆⛲ ,the man she comes to love 💘, but is afraid and unwilling to marry because she thinks she will be trapped in another marriage. She wants freedom above all else.
ADULT scenes are tastefully written.
July 20, 2022
A long book but lots of interesting happenings. I love the romantic relationships between the characters, different groups represented. It is an emotional read with highs and lows. Negatives didn’t like the placement of the first chapter, I like to read my books in chronological order. Look forward to reading more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2022
I received a copy of this story thanks to Booksirens and the author and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book four of the Trade Winds series by Rebecca Aubrey; a series with interconnected characters but can be read independent of each other as standalone novels for the most part. But on saying that, having read the other three, you do get greater understanding and depth of the story, especially of some secondary characters and their relationships by reading the others.
This is the story of a pair of brash and rather desparate American siblings coming to Britain on a bold adventure to find their fortunes, with the opening of British ports to the ships of other nations. Widow Helen Gray and her brother, Captain Elijah Miller, have a bold plan for the ship they co-own, to make their fortunes. Alacrity is a sleek and swift cutter, and they want to make their fortune based on Elijah's bold leadership and the sleek ships speed, to bring the freshest tea from China to Britain as fast as possible. They have the contract already and must find someone willing to supply them with silver in trade. For very personal reasons, the siblings will not deal with any tradesmen who will deal in the opium trade; and other than that, the Chinese will deal only in silver.
By the time they invade the offices of Nicholas Irons, they are nigh on desparate, having found no other investors in their plan. Nicholas Irons is the younger son of the Sedaris family; Greek shipping tycoons who fled to England 30 years prior after the Ottoman empire turned on the Greeks in Constantinople, slaughtering some of his family. Nicholas had separated from his family's shipping business, seeking to make his own way and take his own name, after a falling out. Now he is managing the business of the Earl of Anterleigh. He was sceptical of the enterprise proposed by the American siblings, and Anterleigh and his brother in law, the industrialist Robertson, had rejected the scheme. But Nicholas was enthralled by the bold, intelligent Helen. His father, after a near death experience, had reached out to Nicholas and set out to repair bridges in their relationship, including willingness to fund investments of Nicholas, even if it was outside his family business. Nicholas decides to invest in the tea venture with the Alacrity, but with some pretty steep terms of his own, including that Helen Gray stay in London as so-called collateral for the silver.
No woman likes to be treated as chattel, and Helen and her brother were initially quite offended by this, but Nicholas appeared to not only not see her or treat her as chattel, but wanted to keep her in England as a chance to get to know her better and foster a relationship with her, but also to keep her safe, knowing how dangerous such a voyage would be. Ultimately, she was not a great sailor and did not mind staying behind while her brother made the journey.
We also find out much about her and her brother's background. There is great complexity in their relationship and past relationships, including betrayal, loss, hurt, that has coloured Helen's perception of herself and relationships of others. She lost her mother at a young age, her father was a blockade runner in the war of 1812 and ended up a mal-treated prisoner of war for three years. He was never the same after his release and this tainted his relationship with his family, causing her older brother to leave the family when she was young. Then, with the death of her mother, there was no net of protection or love for Helen, and she was forced to face her father's neglect and lack of concern for her, and his business. She ended up running the business only to have her father turn around and give up half of it for gambling debts. Then, likely in searching for the love she no longer had, she ended up being taken advantage of by a lying rake, and in fear for herself and her future, accepting a marriage of convenience with her brother's friend, Robbie Gray. But their marriage was a lie on many levels. She then had to cope with managing her husband's business when he abandoned her, and her in-laws contempt as she failed to bring her husband in line... and ultimately further family betrayal when she found out her husband abandoned her for her brother. Everything in her life thus far has forced her to learn that she always had to fend for herself, and that others, especially those who are supposed to be there to love and support her, will either betray or abandon her, or both. Sad lessons to learn... but that is her life thus far.
The cutter Alacrity was commissioned by her brother and her husband on the sly, after they betrayed her, and on the death of her husband, she ends up owning half of it with her brother, considering it was her dowry/inheritance that funded half of it. She has a great deal invested in it beyond her dowry, since it was her management of the Gray's shipbuilding business when Robbie abandoned her that lead to it's build, and her knowledge of timber from her father's enterprises that funded their inheritance and lead to the knowledge that build the ship as well. Now she is depending on this tea run to China to bring her a fortune, to which she ties her future and the hope of independence. Helen is a remarkable women in her intelligence, strength, and fortitude, and Nicholas saw this and was drawn to this from the moment he heard her voice.
When in London, the rest of the Sedaris family embrace and bring Helen into their fold as a friend and hopefully future family. But because of Helen's lack of trust in others and their motivations, it is hard for her to accept this without questioning why they want a relationship with her. Is this charity? Is this because they want to gossip about her, or to hold themselves superior to her? It is just sad that her experiences have lead her to question any relationships this way. Regardless, thanks to persistence and stubborness on their part, and on the part of Nicholas, she finds her way to accepting, at least partly. Nicholas is supportive and loving and while he hopes for a future with this woman, she is open about her leeriness and wish for freedom. She was tied to unwanted and unbearable relationships before because her hand was forced and freedom of choice was taken away from her and she did not want to be forced to again. Nicholas gets her to accept his desire, support, and love, to a limited extent and he knows that to win her trust and love in the long term, to not corner and force her. However, his family, namely his overly opinionated and rather lumbering father at times works against him - they are sometimes overly exuberant in their love and expression at times, and while Helen needs it, it is also overwhelming and hard for her to accept it, so she fights back against it.
She feels her chances at freedom and and independence are lost again when she receives tragic news about the Alacrity and the possible loss of the ship and their investment, as well as the brother that she loves and has forgiven. Her losses make her withdraw from Nicholas and his family and he almost loses her. She still is not ready to accept that his love and his family's regard of her is not tied to her worth or investment. It takes an act of pure unselfish support from Nicholas for her to realize how strong his love is of her and that she almost loses it. In the end, she accepts that he loves her unconditionally and opens herself up to that love... and there is a much greater HEA for everyone than expected.
There are many aspects to this story I quite enjoyed. The mixture of the American and Greek history, melded with British history, and the tension of being an American in Britain, with the tinge of anger/bitterness with the relatively recent hostilities between the nations, and the sense of competiveness. The excitement and danger of the shipping trade, considering how dangerous it would have been to sail that distance back then was. Also the many levels of differing family dynamics, between the exuberant and passionately demonstrative Sedaris family, in the middle of the relatively cold and undemonstrative British, and in the context of Helen's fraught experience with family and relationships. I loved how Nicholas was demonstrative and open with Helen, about his regard and how he was supportive of her, even when she was fearful and rejectful. The male characters of this series are winning my heart each time. Not just the main characters... but also the side characters. The side story of Helen and Elijah's friend, Mr. Hughes and the love of his life were quite toughing and sad to read about.
On saying that, David, the Earl of Anterleigh... he seems a tough nut to crack, but who definitely needs cracking and I want to read his story desparately. Also, the eldest son of the Sedaris family - Adrian, there is a lot of curiosity on my part about his story as well since there is a lot of drama surrounding him so far, spread across two books.
This was an exciting and emotionally compelling story, as well as a romance and compells me to want to read more in the series. The characters are well written, fully developed, and provoke a lot of pathos. The story is well written with beautiful prose and imagery. I love also that the female leads are strong, intelligent women, who try to reach beyond the boundaries set by their society and times, and the expectations of the day. They feel limited and constrained, but rather than trying to live in those constraints, or after years of being forced to live in those constraints, they fight for more and better for themselves.
4.25 stars out of 5.
This is book four of the Trade Winds series by Rebecca Aubrey; a series with interconnected characters but can be read independent of each other as standalone novels for the most part. But on saying that, having read the other three, you do get greater understanding and depth of the story, especially of some secondary characters and their relationships by reading the others.
This is the story of a pair of brash and rather desparate American siblings coming to Britain on a bold adventure to find their fortunes, with the opening of British ports to the ships of other nations. Widow Helen Gray and her brother, Captain Elijah Miller, have a bold plan for the ship they co-own, to make their fortunes. Alacrity is a sleek and swift cutter, and they want to make their fortune based on Elijah's bold leadership and the sleek ships speed, to bring the freshest tea from China to Britain as fast as possible. They have the contract already and must find someone willing to supply them with silver in trade. For very personal reasons, the siblings will not deal with any tradesmen who will deal in the opium trade; and other than that, the Chinese will deal only in silver.
By the time they invade the offices of Nicholas Irons, they are nigh on desparate, having found no other investors in their plan. Nicholas Irons is the younger son of the Sedaris family; Greek shipping tycoons who fled to England 30 years prior after the Ottoman empire turned on the Greeks in Constantinople, slaughtering some of his family. Nicholas had separated from his family's shipping business, seeking to make his own way and take his own name, after a falling out. Now he is managing the business of the Earl of Anterleigh. He was sceptical of the enterprise proposed by the American siblings, and Anterleigh and his brother in law, the industrialist Robertson, had rejected the scheme. But Nicholas was enthralled by the bold, intelligent Helen. His father, after a near death experience, had reached out to Nicholas and set out to repair bridges in their relationship, including willingness to fund investments of Nicholas, even if it was outside his family business. Nicholas decides to invest in the tea venture with the Alacrity, but with some pretty steep terms of his own, including that Helen Gray stay in London as so-called collateral for the silver.
No woman likes to be treated as chattel, and Helen and her brother were initially quite offended by this, but Nicholas appeared to not only not see her or treat her as chattel, but wanted to keep her in England as a chance to get to know her better and foster a relationship with her, but also to keep her safe, knowing how dangerous such a voyage would be. Ultimately, she was not a great sailor and did not mind staying behind while her brother made the journey.
We also find out much about her and her brother's background. There is great complexity in their relationship and past relationships, including betrayal, loss, hurt, that has coloured Helen's perception of herself and relationships of others. She lost her mother at a young age, her father was a blockade runner in the war of 1812 and ended up a mal-treated prisoner of war for three years. He was never the same after his release and this tainted his relationship with his family, causing her older brother to leave the family when she was young. Then, with the death of her mother, there was no net of protection or love for Helen, and she was forced to face her father's neglect and lack of concern for her, and his business. She ended up running the business only to have her father turn around and give up half of it for gambling debts. Then, likely in searching for the love she no longer had, she ended up being taken advantage of by a lying rake, and in fear for herself and her future, accepting a marriage of convenience with her brother's friend, Robbie Gray. But their marriage was a lie on many levels. She then had to cope with managing her husband's business when he abandoned her, and her in-laws contempt as she failed to bring her husband in line... and ultimately further family betrayal when she found out her husband abandoned her for her brother. Everything in her life thus far has forced her to learn that she always had to fend for herself, and that others, especially those who are supposed to be there to love and support her, will either betray or abandon her, or both. Sad lessons to learn... but that is her life thus far.
The cutter Alacrity was commissioned by her brother and her husband on the sly, after they betrayed her, and on the death of her husband, she ends up owning half of it with her brother, considering it was her dowry/inheritance that funded half of it. She has a great deal invested in it beyond her dowry, since it was her management of the Gray's shipbuilding business when Robbie abandoned her that lead to it's build, and her knowledge of timber from her father's enterprises that funded their inheritance and lead to the knowledge that build the ship as well. Now she is depending on this tea run to China to bring her a fortune, to which she ties her future and the hope of independence. Helen is a remarkable women in her intelligence, strength, and fortitude, and Nicholas saw this and was drawn to this from the moment he heard her voice.
When in London, the rest of the Sedaris family embrace and bring Helen into their fold as a friend and hopefully future family. But because of Helen's lack of trust in others and their motivations, it is hard for her to accept this without questioning why they want a relationship with her. Is this charity? Is this because they want to gossip about her, or to hold themselves superior to her? It is just sad that her experiences have lead her to question any relationships this way. Regardless, thanks to persistence and stubborness on their part, and on the part of Nicholas, she finds her way to accepting, at least partly. Nicholas is supportive and loving and while he hopes for a future with this woman, she is open about her leeriness and wish for freedom. She was tied to unwanted and unbearable relationships before because her hand was forced and freedom of choice was taken away from her and she did not want to be forced to again. Nicholas gets her to accept his desire, support, and love, to a limited extent and he knows that to win her trust and love in the long term, to not corner and force her. However, his family, namely his overly opinionated and rather lumbering father at times works against him - they are sometimes overly exuberant in their love and expression at times, and while Helen needs it, it is also overwhelming and hard for her to accept it, so she fights back against it.
She feels her chances at freedom and and independence are lost again when she receives tragic news about the Alacrity and the possible loss of the ship and their investment, as well as the brother that she loves and has forgiven. Her losses make her withdraw from Nicholas and his family and he almost loses her. She still is not ready to accept that his love and his family's regard of her is not tied to her worth or investment. It takes an act of pure unselfish support from Nicholas for her to realize how strong his love is of her and that she almost loses it. In the end, she accepts that he loves her unconditionally and opens herself up to that love... and there is a much greater HEA for everyone than expected.
There are many aspects to this story I quite enjoyed. The mixture of the American and Greek history, melded with British history, and the tension of being an American in Britain, with the tinge of anger/bitterness with the relatively recent hostilities between the nations, and the sense of competiveness. The excitement and danger of the shipping trade, considering how dangerous it would have been to sail that distance back then was. Also the many levels of differing family dynamics, between the exuberant and passionately demonstrative Sedaris family, in the middle of the relatively cold and undemonstrative British, and in the context of Helen's fraught experience with family and relationships. I loved how Nicholas was demonstrative and open with Helen, about his regard and how he was supportive of her, even when she was fearful and rejectful. The male characters of this series are winning my heart each time. Not just the main characters... but also the side characters. The side story of Helen and Elijah's friend, Mr. Hughes and the love of his life were quite toughing and sad to read about.
On saying that, David, the Earl of Anterleigh... he seems a tough nut to crack, but who definitely needs cracking and I want to read his story desparately. Also, the eldest son of the Sedaris family - Adrian, there is a lot of curiosity on my part about his story as well since there is a lot of drama surrounding him so far, spread across two books.
This was an exciting and emotionally compelling story, as well as a romance and compells me to want to read more in the series. The characters are well written, fully developed, and provoke a lot of pathos. The story is well written with beautiful prose and imagery. I love also that the female leads are strong, intelligent women, who try to reach beyond the boundaries set by their society and times, and the expectations of the day. They feel limited and constrained, but rather than trying to live in those constraints, or after years of being forced to live in those constraints, they fight for more and better for themselves.
4.25 stars out of 5.
July 27, 2022
Wow! I had one of the most gut wrenching reactions I have ever had while reading this story! Hope and despair reign supreme on Helen’s journey to find herself. For her, the love of a family is the balm she didn’t know she needed, and Nicholas’ willingness to let her go, was what set her free to embrace love. This is a remarkable tale, and one of the most emotionally engaging books I have read this year. I highly recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2022
Terms of Trade quickly gained my sympathy for Helen Miller Gray, a brilliant under appreciated woman in a man’s world. Tricked, misused and undervalued in the past, Helen is determined to build a better future. She manages to persuade Nicholas Irons to invest in the plan her brother Elijah and she have to establish faster trade with China using Alacrity, a Clipper ship with an improved design. Her goal is independence, but their investor, Nicholas Irons wants Helen. The emotional journey in this book is heartrending. The characters are so believably depicted they are easy to identify with. Helen’s heart has been broken so many times that it’s easy to understand her reluctance to trust anyone new. The plot definitely takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster, but it is well worth the ride! ❤️❤️❤️ I thank the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
July 23, 2022
Nicolas Irons is Greek, his family escaped from the Ottoman Empire. His dad dealt with shipping and had been successful. But he could be harsh, and his two sons no longer lived with them. He was the second son and was doing well with investments, both for himself and his friends.
Mrs. Helen Gray was an American and a widow. She and her brother, Captain Elijah Miller, had come to England to try to get the money up for a beginning season in China. They wanted to buy the first harvested tea and be the first ones back to get the best price. Her brother had a clipper ship that was the most advanced merchant ship built. It was sleek and fast.
When they first saw each other, the attraction was there, and they both knew it. She was very intelligent and knew what she spoke of. She had been badly hurt but had remained sweet, kind, and loving but she did not trust. I loved the characters and enjoyed the interactions between them. The story was so engaging. There were a lot of twists and surprises. It was interesting how they solved them. I recommend this enchanting book.
I received this ARC from Book Sirens and voluntarily reviewed it.
Mrs. Helen Gray was an American and a widow. She and her brother, Captain Elijah Miller, had come to England to try to get the money up for a beginning season in China. They wanted to buy the first harvested tea and be the first ones back to get the best price. Her brother had a clipper ship that was the most advanced merchant ship built. It was sleek and fast.
When they first saw each other, the attraction was there, and they both knew it. She was very intelligent and knew what she spoke of. She had been badly hurt but had remained sweet, kind, and loving but she did not trust. I loved the characters and enjoyed the interactions between them. The story was so engaging. There were a lot of twists and surprises. It was interesting how they solved them. I recommend this enchanting book.
I received this ARC from Book Sirens and voluntarily reviewed it.
August 13, 2022
Family Angst, Tea, or Me?
Terms of Trade is a story about risks taken - in love, in business, and even with one’s life - and the spaces we inhabit between decision and outcome. We meet Helen Gray and Nicholas Irons in 1850, fairly early in the Clipper ship era, when Helen and her brother, Captain Elijah Miller, are making the rounds of London investors. They have a sleek new ship, fresh from the dockyards of Boston (MA), from where they hail, and are promising to bring the freshest crop of tea from China to the West India docks in an unheard one hundred days. Sounds promising, but the fact that they are American, stereotypically brash, and resistant to “dirty” money has led them nowhere. With time running out, Nicholas is their last real hope of securing funding for the voyage.
Against his employer, the Earl of Anterleigh’s advice, he invests his own funds into the venture, staking all that he has on this gambit. Why? Because he feels it deep in his gut. Nicholas is no ordinary Briton - in fact, he isn’t one at all. His real name is Nikolaos Sideris, an ethnically-Greek immigrant from Turkey. I found the passionate/intuitive Mediterranean vs stodgy Englishman trope to be wearying, but hey, we need an Alpha-male billionaire prototype. Readers, I promise you, insecure and retiring Greek/Italian/Mediterranean men *do* exist.
Anyhow, Nicholas knows what he wants more than cash and success - Helen. He’s entranced by her at first listen, being aroused by her voice - and her obvious deep knowledge of lumber. Yes, allusions abound. She has luscious beauty and body to boot, and both are instantly attracted. From personal experience, I hear you Nicholas and Helen. Sometimes it’s that hot out of the gate.
The two are thrown together when Nicholas insists Helen remain in London as living collateral. Enter the Sideris clan- mother Sirena, sister Penelope (or Pen), absent brother Adrian, and super pateras Vassilis . Sirena and Pen effectively love-bomb Helen with extravagant gifts - and use of the aforementioned Adrian’s townhome, gratis - activating the latter’s lack of trust and sense of unworthiness. She’s been ill-used by all of the men in her life - her immature brother, faithless late husband, and energy-vampire father. Add in ridicule and scorn from her in-laws and it’s no surprise that she’s forever waiting for the other shoe to drop when it comes to her new - and overwhelming - friends. It may also be that she senses Sirena’s matchmaking: from “let’s meet for tea” to “let me dress you as a goddess/bride and dangle you in front of my wayward son “ would set any reasonable woman en garde.
The rest of the book - with interludes about the actual sea voyage and a painful misunderstanding about its success, and Helen’s interactions with the Sideris family - focuses on Nicholas’ campaign to convince Helen that she is his forever heart and needs to stay in London. He wages war through cobra-like attention and making sweet, sweet love to Helen. Every day, in every way, and at all times of the month. The man is *legendary*. Still, being worn out by a virile man is not the best basis for a relationship. /Sigh . Much of the conflict is internal, with Helen arguing with the demons from her past, with people she will never see again, and still negotiating the difficult and complex connection with Elijah. Still, true love and passion overcome pain and all comes right in the end.
Terms wasn’t my favorite book by Rebecca Aubrey - I think my current is ‘Finding Harmony which is a short and steamy read. If anything, I thought there was too *much* sex between the H and h, and felt that in some scenes a show of emotional intimacy would have been far more romantic - and could have advanced the plot. Some of the lovemaking seemed to exist for its own sake - great in real life, but a lost opportunity in a novel.
On to some of my gripes:
Elijah is a caricature - Britons suck! America good! He’s been influenced by his Irish mother and rightly embittered English dad, but it seems more in line with a 16 year old’s convictions than that of a seasoned Captain. Immature and deceitful (sometimes by necessity), he’s high-handed and selfish in one breath imperiously caring in another - as evidenced by the plan B he makes on Helen’s behalf. His antics with the Admiralty would not have gone unpunished - in reality they probably would have seized his boat and tossed him in prison. As a side note, I find it surprising that an Irishwoman would have married an Englishman given her antipathy, but hey, when you find a good man in Boston, you hold on to him. I did the same thing, Mrs.Miller!
It’s always amusing to read a book with at least some of the plot set in a place I’m very familiar with - in this case, Boston (I live in the area). If you’re interested in clipper ships, do research the East Boston shipyards.
We’re also being introduced to characters who I think will be featured in later stories, and learning more about previously introduced ones, like the Earl of Anterleigh (Lady Clara’s brother, whom we meet in Book One of this series, Trade of a Lifetime), Mr. Hughes, a friend of Elijah’s, Mr. Macalester, and others. I look forward to reading their tales.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
3/5* (If I could have rated it 2.5*, I would have)
Terms of Trade is a story about risks taken - in love, in business, and even with one’s life - and the spaces we inhabit between decision and outcome. We meet Helen Gray and Nicholas Irons in 1850, fairly early in the Clipper ship era, when Helen and her brother, Captain Elijah Miller, are making the rounds of London investors. They have a sleek new ship, fresh from the dockyards of Boston (MA), from where they hail, and are promising to bring the freshest crop of tea from China to the West India docks in an unheard one hundred days. Sounds promising, but the fact that they are American, stereotypically brash, and resistant to “dirty” money has led them nowhere. With time running out, Nicholas is their last real hope of securing funding for the voyage.
Against his employer, the Earl of Anterleigh’s advice, he invests his own funds into the venture, staking all that he has on this gambit. Why? Because he feels it deep in his gut. Nicholas is no ordinary Briton - in fact, he isn’t one at all. His real name is Nikolaos Sideris, an ethnically-Greek immigrant from Turkey. I found the passionate/intuitive Mediterranean vs stodgy Englishman trope to be wearying, but hey, we need an Alpha-male billionaire prototype. Readers, I promise you, insecure and retiring Greek/Italian/Mediterranean men *do* exist.
Anyhow, Nicholas knows what he wants more than cash and success - Helen. He’s entranced by her at first listen, being aroused by her voice - and her obvious deep knowledge of lumber. Yes, allusions abound. She has luscious beauty and body to boot, and both are instantly attracted. From personal experience, I hear you Nicholas and Helen. Sometimes it’s that hot out of the gate.
The two are thrown together when Nicholas insists Helen remain in London as living collateral. Enter the Sideris clan- mother Sirena, sister Penelope (or Pen), absent brother Adrian, and super pateras Vassilis . Sirena and Pen effectively love-bomb Helen with extravagant gifts - and use of the aforementioned Adrian’s townhome, gratis - activating the latter’s lack of trust and sense of unworthiness. She’s been ill-used by all of the men in her life - her immature brother, faithless late husband, and energy-vampire father. Add in ridicule and scorn from her in-laws and it’s no surprise that she’s forever waiting for the other shoe to drop when it comes to her new - and overwhelming - friends. It may also be that she senses Sirena’s matchmaking: from “let’s meet for tea” to “let me dress you as a goddess/bride and dangle you in front of my wayward son “ would set any reasonable woman en garde.
The rest of the book - with interludes about the actual sea voyage and a painful misunderstanding about its success, and Helen’s interactions with the Sideris family - focuses on Nicholas’ campaign to convince Helen that she is his forever heart and needs to stay in London. He wages war through cobra-like attention and making sweet, sweet love to Helen. Every day, in every way, and at all times of the month. The man is *legendary*. Still, being worn out by a virile man is not the best basis for a relationship. /Sigh . Much of the conflict is internal, with Helen arguing with the demons from her past, with people she will never see again, and still negotiating the difficult and complex connection with Elijah. Still, true love and passion overcome pain and all comes right in the end.
Terms wasn’t my favorite book by Rebecca Aubrey - I think my current is ‘Finding Harmony which is a short and steamy read. If anything, I thought there was too *much* sex between the H and h, and felt that in some scenes a show of emotional intimacy would have been far more romantic - and could have advanced the plot. Some of the lovemaking seemed to exist for its own sake - great in real life, but a lost opportunity in a novel.
On to some of my gripes:
Elijah is a caricature - Britons suck! America good! He’s been influenced by his Irish mother and rightly embittered English dad, but it seems more in line with a 16 year old’s convictions than that of a seasoned Captain. Immature and deceitful (sometimes by necessity), he’s high-handed and selfish in one breath imperiously caring in another - as evidenced by the plan B he makes on Helen’s behalf. His antics with the Admiralty would not have gone unpunished - in reality they probably would have seized his boat and tossed him in prison. As a side note, I find it surprising that an Irishwoman would have married an Englishman given her antipathy, but hey, when you find a good man in Boston, you hold on to him. I did the same thing, Mrs.Miller!
It’s always amusing to read a book with at least some of the plot set in a place I’m very familiar with - in this case, Boston (I live in the area). If you’re interested in clipper ships, do research the East Boston shipyards.
We’re also being introduced to characters who I think will be featured in later stories, and learning more about previously introduced ones, like the Earl of Anterleigh (Lady Clara’s brother, whom we meet in Book One of this series, Trade of a Lifetime), Mr. Hughes, a friend of Elijah’s, Mr. Macalester, and others. I look forward to reading their tales.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
3/5* (If I could have rated it 2.5*, I would have)
February 29, 2024
She was never going to be a family’s scapegoat again and he is tired of his role as the family peacemaker. In the midst of their trade agreement, their attraction turned into true love that set them free.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2022
4 1/2 stars. Rebecca Aubrey's books just keep getting better.
Previously, my favorite entry in this series was the first, but I feel that this surpasses it in terms of the flow of dialog and characterization, attention to historical detail, and the wonderful Sideris family, in particular the MMC, Nicholas, who I'm going to come out and say is my new book boyfriend. I could just hear him in my head every time he spoke about worshipping the MFC, Helen. Steam level hot!
The writing style is so strong that I was swept away in these characters and the main conflict right away. The author did a ton of research into the ship-building process, but it's blended seamlessly into the narrative. Unlike some current historical romance authors who focus on the romance and give facts short shrift, there is an excellent balance between historical detail and the tension between Helen, Elijah-her brother, and Nicholas. Elijah and Helen are desperate to make a deal with Nicholas to transport tea to England from China in their ship, the fastest non-steamer ever developed. Nicholas has broken away from his father's business, wants to succeed on his own, and wonders whether the risk is of the venture is worth the possible reward. Each character has a different motivation and emotional/financial stake, and the writer does a fantastic job of building suspense while revealing his or her strengths and weaknesses.
I want to note that the first two chapters serve as attention-getters, and then chapters three through six are flashbacks, serving as the background for the rest of the plot and fleshing out Helen and Elijah. While this may feel a touch awkward at first, don't let it stop you from reading on.
This book is also unique in that the sexuality seems more of an organic part of the plot than some others in the genre. It's sensual but slow-burning, and if you're expecting things to move directly to consummation at the 60% mark, well, Helen is intelligent enough to have the discussion of possible consequences before she and Nicholas take that step.
I mentioned the Sideris family earlier, and they are truly endearing, in particular Nicholas's mother, Sirena, who steals almost every scene she's in. I say almost because Nicholas checks off all my hero boxes. Perceptive and intelligent, strong and loyal but not overbearing, warm and affectionate...the list goes on...swoon! And while I understood Helen's desire to make her own decisions about marriage, I'll admit I got a little frustrated when she dragged her feet, especially toward the end. I mean, what else does a guy gotta do?? Lol.
Only a couple of factors led me to round down to 4 stars instead of rounding up to 5. The first is the plot lagginess that occurred from about the 40% mark to the 70%. Just a little more focus on external rather than internal conflict would have been welcome. For example, things move very quickly between young Pen and her tutor, who really isn't well developed as a character. There could have been a minor complication, such as Nicholas or her family not wanting her to marry yet. Or maybe a secret might have emerged from the tutor's past?
Also, I know that realistically, a woman couldn't have taken charge of shipping trade in mid-1800's England, but I felt that Helen wasn't active enough in orchestrating her future once she was left behind with Nicholas. I was expecting her to become more involved in his business. She'd been forced to take over her father's trade in Boston, and obviously still harbored resentment, but it was clear that she still had a love for that line of work. Unfortunately, her business-related talents took a backseat after the first quarter of the book, and nothing about her future endeavors was mentioned in the epilogue, either.
The last thing I think I should mention (without giving away any spoilers) is the twist near the end. This may or may not be satisfactory to you, depending on the angst-level you enjoy in your books. The author is a pro when it comes to emotional scenes. However, while I like an HEA as much as anyone, I'm not as much a fan of pull-out-the-tissues angst.
Overall, though, this is definitely the strongest book in the series, and one of the better Historical Romances I've read this year (in my top 10). If you've never read a book by this fairly new author, give this one a try!
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
Previously, my favorite entry in this series was the first, but I feel that this surpasses it in terms of the flow of dialog and characterization, attention to historical detail, and the wonderful Sideris family, in particular the MMC, Nicholas, who I'm going to come out and say is my new book boyfriend. I could just hear him in my head every time he spoke about worshipping the MFC, Helen. Steam level hot!
The writing style is so strong that I was swept away in these characters and the main conflict right away. The author did a ton of research into the ship-building process, but it's blended seamlessly into the narrative. Unlike some current historical romance authors who focus on the romance and give facts short shrift, there is an excellent balance between historical detail and the tension between Helen, Elijah-her brother, and Nicholas. Elijah and Helen are desperate to make a deal with Nicholas to transport tea to England from China in their ship, the fastest non-steamer ever developed. Nicholas has broken away from his father's business, wants to succeed on his own, and wonders whether the risk is of the venture is worth the possible reward. Each character has a different motivation and emotional/financial stake, and the writer does a fantastic job of building suspense while revealing his or her strengths and weaknesses.
I want to note that the first two chapters serve as attention-getters, and then chapters three through six are flashbacks, serving as the background for the rest of the plot and fleshing out Helen and Elijah. While this may feel a touch awkward at first, don't let it stop you from reading on.
This book is also unique in that the sexuality seems more of an organic part of the plot than some others in the genre. It's sensual but slow-burning, and if you're expecting things to move directly to consummation at the 60% mark, well, Helen is intelligent enough to have the discussion of possible consequences before she and Nicholas take that step.
I mentioned the Sideris family earlier, and they are truly endearing, in particular Nicholas's mother, Sirena, who steals almost every scene she's in. I say almost because Nicholas checks off all my hero boxes. Perceptive and intelligent, strong and loyal but not overbearing, warm and affectionate...the list goes on...swoon! And while I understood Helen's desire to make her own decisions about marriage, I'll admit I got a little frustrated when she dragged her feet, especially toward the end. I mean, what else does a guy gotta do?? Lol.
Only a couple of factors led me to round down to 4 stars instead of rounding up to 5. The first is the plot lagginess that occurred from about the 40% mark to the 70%. Just a little more focus on external rather than internal conflict would have been welcome. For example, things move very quickly between young Pen and her tutor, who really isn't well developed as a character. There could have been a minor complication, such as Nicholas or her family not wanting her to marry yet. Or maybe a secret might have emerged from the tutor's past?
Also, I know that realistically, a woman couldn't have taken charge of shipping trade in mid-1800's England, but I felt that Helen wasn't active enough in orchestrating her future once she was left behind with Nicholas. I was expecting her to become more involved in his business. She'd been forced to take over her father's trade in Boston, and obviously still harbored resentment, but it was clear that she still had a love for that line of work. Unfortunately, her business-related talents took a backseat after the first quarter of the book, and nothing about her future endeavors was mentioned in the epilogue, either.
The last thing I think I should mention (without giving away any spoilers) is the twist near the end. This may or may not be satisfactory to you, depending on the angst-level you enjoy in your books. The author is a pro when it comes to emotional scenes. However, while I like an HEA as much as anyone, I'm not as much a fan of pull-out-the-tissues angst.
Overall, though, this is definitely the strongest book in the series, and one of the better Historical Romances I've read this year (in my top 10). If you've never read a book by this fairly new author, give this one a try!
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
July 8, 2023
Sailing from Boston to England on the fastest clipper the world has ever seen, Helen Gray, a widow, and her brother captain Elijah Miller are in search of an investor. They need silver to successfully complete their venture, bring London the freshest tea they’ve ever had and make a fortune.
Only, the smug, traditional and starchy English were not interested. Oh, they all craved the bounty, but none of them was willing to put up the funds. Barging in on Lord Anterleigh’s man of business was their final option. He was anything but ‘English’! Handsome, calculating, willing to invest and demanding she stay behind as collateral.
Being second son to an exuberant Greek shipping magnate, Nikolaos Sideris needed distance and the freedom to earn his own. A name change, a decade and a successful business partnership later, Nicholas Irons was awestruck by the spirited and capable redhead he found in his boardroom.
Common sense dictated it was madness to invest in the siblings, his gut said otherwise. Her brother may possess skill and arrogance in abundance, but she possessed wisdom, a keen mind and something else… her eyes, she was broken and desperate. He could not fathom sending her halfway across the world and back.
As long as her brother is out at sea, her future is uncertain. She won’t stay in London forever, so she might as well enjoy it… and he’s more than willing to oblige.
📚 A meeting of minds, hearts and souls as she slowly accepts the Sideris’ truly are the kind of family she craved, and he learns that in order to hold her, he needs to set her free.
An incredibly tender, touching and vulnerable romance! Captivating and complex characters, and their frail relationship just pulled me in and putting down this book became absolutely impossible! This series does not disappoint. Ever!
📚 Business partners to lovers, found family, steamy, open door, widow/second son, he falls first
Thank you to the author for this eARC! All opinions are entirely my own.
Only, the smug, traditional and starchy English were not interested. Oh, they all craved the bounty, but none of them was willing to put up the funds. Barging in on Lord Anterleigh’s man of business was their final option. He was anything but ‘English’! Handsome, calculating, willing to invest and demanding she stay behind as collateral.
Being second son to an exuberant Greek shipping magnate, Nikolaos Sideris needed distance and the freedom to earn his own. A name change, a decade and a successful business partnership later, Nicholas Irons was awestruck by the spirited and capable redhead he found in his boardroom.
Common sense dictated it was madness to invest in the siblings, his gut said otherwise. Her brother may possess skill and arrogance in abundance, but she possessed wisdom, a keen mind and something else… her eyes, she was broken and desperate. He could not fathom sending her halfway across the world and back.
As long as her brother is out at sea, her future is uncertain. She won’t stay in London forever, so she might as well enjoy it… and he’s more than willing to oblige.
📚 A meeting of minds, hearts and souls as she slowly accepts the Sideris’ truly are the kind of family she craved, and he learns that in order to hold her, he needs to set her free.
An incredibly tender, touching and vulnerable romance! Captivating and complex characters, and their frail relationship just pulled me in and putting down this book became absolutely impossible! This series does not disappoint. Ever!
📚 Business partners to lovers, found family, steamy, open door, widow/second son, he falls first
Thank you to the author for this eARC! All opinions are entirely my own.
July 23, 2022
Aubrey excels at both the "Historical" and the "Romance". With a rich background world and obviously well-researched historical details, she creates an amazingly well-rounded story filled with Victorian realism. Within that, she gives you characters with such heart that you feel every joy and sorrow along with them.
This one was just a bit slow in the romance for the first half. While I did wish for more one-on-one time with Nicholas and Helen, it was also time well-spent establishing the nuances of the familial relationships and the intricate plotlines. Aubrey gives you tons of engaging side characters, without it feeling like they are just there to introduce the next main character. They are integral to the emotional development and story. In particular here, you can really feel how Helen falls in love with the Sideris family as she also falls for Nicholas. And once they do come together, I loved how Nicholas gave her the time and support she needed. You can feel how much they care for each other and they have great chemistry.
Aubrey doesnt shy away from the difficult topics or moments. She knows how to draw you in, break your heart and then heal it in the best way.
I recommend this book and this whole series if you love full realistic world-building, tons of emotion that will take you on all the ups and downs, plus all the chemistry and heat you want in a Historical.
Side note: I loved having a Greek hero and having the dynamic of a Greek family and the histroy surrounding them. I learned something about Greek traditions and found that whole element different and interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one was just a bit slow in the romance for the first half. While I did wish for more one-on-one time with Nicholas and Helen, it was also time well-spent establishing the nuances of the familial relationships and the intricate plotlines. Aubrey gives you tons of engaging side characters, without it feeling like they are just there to introduce the next main character. They are integral to the emotional development and story. In particular here, you can really feel how Helen falls in love with the Sideris family as she also falls for Nicholas. And once they do come together, I loved how Nicholas gave her the time and support she needed. You can feel how much they care for each other and they have great chemistry.
Aubrey doesnt shy away from the difficult topics or moments. She knows how to draw you in, break your heart and then heal it in the best way.
I recommend this book and this whole series if you love full realistic world-building, tons of emotion that will take you on all the ups and downs, plus all the chemistry and heat you want in a Historical.
Side note: I loved having a Greek hero and having the dynamic of a Greek family and the histroy surrounding them. I learned something about Greek traditions and found that whole element different and interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 7, 2024
A spinster with secrets. A self-made industrialist. Forbidden passion.
Lady Clara Chadbourne quietly devotes herself to covert pursuits an earl’s sister shouldn’t even ponder in 1849. Her London charity opens her eyes and cements heart-warming friendships. She has a penchant for piano but doesn’t apply herself to virtuous pieces, oh no. Clara’s tastes run ardent.
James Robertson has built a commercial empire—and a fortress around his heart. Nobles like David Chadbourne judge his uncouth muscles and humble Scottish origins. Barging into the earl’s townhouse, James meets Lady Clara—opinionated, delectable, off-limits—and is knocked askew.
The chance encounter sparks an awakening, but Clara must refuse the liaison James proposes. Discovery risks her closeness with her brother and social ruination. It’s impossible…irresistible. With promises of secrecy and no sentimental entanglement, they indulge a passion that musses more than the bedsheets. It destroys their defenses, their plans.
Their arrangement will end in devastation...or in the trade of a lifetime.
Lady Clara Chadbourne quietly devotes herself to covert pursuits an earl’s sister shouldn’t even ponder in 1849. Her London charity opens her eyes and cements heart-warming friendships. She has a penchant for piano but doesn’t apply herself to virtuous pieces, oh no. Clara’s tastes run ardent.
James Robertson has built a commercial empire—and a fortress around his heart. Nobles like David Chadbourne judge his uncouth muscles and humble Scottish origins. Barging into the earl’s townhouse, James meets Lady Clara—opinionated, delectable, off-limits—and is knocked askew.
The chance encounter sparks an awakening, but Clara must refuse the liaison James proposes. Discovery risks her closeness with her brother and social ruination. It’s impossible…irresistible. With promises of secrecy and no sentimental entanglement, they indulge a passion that musses more than the bedsheets. It destroys their defenses, their plans.
Their arrangement will end in devastation...or in the trade of a lifetime.
July 23, 2022
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…
All Helen wants after a disastrous marriage in puritan Boston brought about by an ice-cold family to cover their son’s liaison with another man, is her independence. But then, she needs money. She convinces her brother to attempt the run to China on his brand-new clipper to get the first tea of the season and bring this precious cargo to London in record time, leaving in his wake the heavy chinamen of the East India Company.
Funding finally arranged, she remains in London as a collateral and nothing more despite Nicolas Irons efforts to entice her in a relationship.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All Helen wants after a disastrous marriage in puritan Boston brought about by an ice-cold family to cover their son’s liaison with another man, is her independence. But then, she needs money. She convinces her brother to attempt the run to China on his brand-new clipper to get the first tea of the season and bring this precious cargo to London in record time, leaving in his wake the heavy chinamen of the East India Company.
Funding finally arranged, she remains in London as a collateral and nothing more despite Nicolas Irons efforts to entice her in a relationship.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 29, 2024
I feel like I was dragged backwards through a knot hole. Helen is too hard-headed at times, and she frustrated me. The trials Helen faced and the strength she showed was a remarkable testament to her character and resilience. Nikolaos showed
patience , strength of character ,and perseverance, but can he win Helen over, above all her doubts??? Nikolaos's love was so absolute and all consuming, that he was willing to sacrifice all for Helen. But, will he have to give up Helen??? This author gives you unimaginable twists and turns at the end of the story. Suspense, hope, and a huge surprise- so worth all the agrivation!!
Evil genius author- mindblowing!!! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
patience , strength of character ,and perseverance, but can he win Helen over, above all her doubts??? Nikolaos's love was so absolute and all consuming, that he was willing to sacrifice all for Helen. But, will he have to give up Helen??? This author gives you unimaginable twists and turns at the end of the story. Suspense, hope, and a huge surprise- so worth all the agrivation!!
Evil genius author- mindblowing!!! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
July 26, 2022
Racing for a New Start . . .
Americans Helen Gray and her brother, Captain Elijah Miller, brought their Boston-built clipper to England with the idea of finding an investor to fund them for their risky race to get the first harvested tea in China to garner the highest price. No one wanted to negotiate with a woman, and especially not an American. But Nikolaos Sideris, known now as Nicholas Irons, was enamored by Helen at first sight. He would agree to the investment if she would remain behind as collateral. Would he win her heart? Or would he lose the monetary part of his investment?
Americans Helen Gray and her brother, Captain Elijah Miller, brought their Boston-built clipper to England with the idea of finding an investor to fund them for their risky race to get the first harvested tea in China to garner the highest price. No one wanted to negotiate with a woman, and especially not an American. But Nikolaos Sideris, known now as Nicholas Irons, was enamored by Helen at first sight. He would agree to the investment if she would remain behind as collateral. Would he win her heart? Or would he lose the monetary part of his investment?
July 29, 2022
I like a good, steamy historical romance but this one was way too long. I like to be enlightened as well as entertained when I read but the first few chapters of this book read like a ship's manual. Anyway, I persevered and ended up liking it. Nicholas was a dream and Helen was definitely a woman ahead of her time. The was book four in the series and though I've never read the preceeding books I am now inclined to do so.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2022
An unbelievable feat for its time.
When the Americans come to England all sorts of things happen. The Miller’s are not real fond of the English but they need their silver investment. There is a great deal going on in this book and it was an interesting book to read. I understood how Helen felt when she received the news about her brother but also the joy that would be hers later in the book. I believe a great deal of research went into this book because it really shows. I enjoyed the book. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
When the Americans come to England all sorts of things happen. The Miller’s are not real fond of the English but they need their silver investment. There is a great deal going on in this book and it was an interesting book to read. I understood how Helen felt when she received the news about her brother but also the joy that would be hers later in the book. I believe a great deal of research went into this book because it really shows. I enjoyed the book. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 28, 2022
Helen needs to deal to get financing for her ship. She knows that men will not deal with a woman. So she finds Nicholas who will deal with her and makes her stay behind as collateral. She has been hurt but Nicholas is impressed with her knowledge. She is happy with Nicholas and being with him and his family. This is well written and the characters are just wonderful and their interaction is amazing. I love this series and this book is now my favorite.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2023
The characters are both beautiful and fascinating!
I loved this book. From the first page to the last, it captured my interest. Helen and Nicholas are two likeable characters. This book focuses on the feelings of the two main characters, marked by their past life experiences. We uncover the characters' depth and complexities as we read. It makes us feel a wide range of emotions, from laughter to tears. A lot is going on in the novel, and it's hard to put it down. I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book. From the first page to the last, it captured my interest. Helen and Nicholas are two likeable characters. This book focuses on the feelings of the two main characters, marked by their past life experiences. We uncover the characters' depth and complexities as we read. It makes us feel a wide range of emotions, from laughter to tears. A lot is going on in the novel, and it's hard to put it down. I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 23, 2022
I loved the two main characters in this book. Honestly, kudos to Rebecca Aubrey for a job well done! Nicolas and Helen had an 'attraction at first sight' sort of thing going on, and I loved the buildup in this story! I also loved the plotline, and how it threw me in for a couple of twists and turns. Overall, I'm very happy with this story and will definitely check out some of her other books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2022
I haven’t been disappointed with this series and neither will you. Ms. Aubrey has done it again. She kept me so interested that I couldn’t put it down. I actually stopped reading a book just to finish this series!
So many feelings in this book it will make your head spin. But in a good way. Happy tears, sorrowful tears, and a mixture of both at the same time.
Well done Ms. Aubrey!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So many feelings in this book it will make your head spin. But in a good way. Happy tears, sorrowful tears, and a mixture of both at the same time.
Well done Ms. Aubrey!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2022
best laid plans
Life has a peculiar way of getting back at us, we may plan as meticulously as we want to, in the end life just happens. Helen and Nicholas are both ambitious, independent characters, striving for business success they both are gifted with a treasure, not all the money in the world could buy: true love and a person you can rely on, no matter what.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Life has a peculiar way of getting back at us, we may plan as meticulously as we want to, in the end life just happens. Helen and Nicholas are both ambitious, independent characters, striving for business success they both are gifted with a treasure, not all the money in the world could buy: true love and a person you can rely on, no matter what.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 12, 2024
This is the first time I got hooked up to a regency story with the hero and heroine not belonging to a noble family.when I reached the 25th chapter I could not help myself from reading the last chapter . But the funny thing is.even after knowing the end I went back to read from the 25th chapter. Such was the pull and I enjoyed the curiosity and adventure.kudos to the authoress for the beautiful and mesmerizing story .
August 12, 2022
Rebecca is a first time read for me. How did I miss such a wonderful storyteller? This story is a slow burn romance with the most steamy scenes saved for later in the story. The build up is fantastic. The main characters are both relatable and make you hope everything goes smoothly. Well written and very entertaining, I highly recommend both the story and the author.
July 20, 2022
This is a delightful story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good romance and strong and daring heroines and strong, independent heroes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2022
Very engaging characters. The Heroine is not a wallflower. She wants to be recognised for a worth and our Hero do just that. This was an enjoyable read. Steam level 3 explicit.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2022
This story was fantastic. I really enjoyed the banter between Nickolas and Helen. The storyline was great and the ending was perfect.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 6, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It was an exciting adventure. The tea venture could end with windfall profits or their precious cargo lost to the ocean’s depths, but will Helen and Nicholas's adventure last a lifetime? And am voluntarily leaving my review.
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