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Adventurers' Club #3
Rules of an Engagement
For proper young ladies, good behavior has always been the rule...
Captain Bradshaw Carroway loves the seafaring life - though he'd rather be battling brigands than his current assignment of ferrying a boatload of spoiled aristocrats. One passenger, however, has caught his eye: a bewitching young minx who definitely distracts him from the rules of shipboard decorum . . .
Some rules, of course, are meant to be broken.
Miss Zephyr Ponsley has traveled the world, but she's completely innocent in the ways of love. She's never learned to dance or flirt. But scientific observation has taught her that the laws of attraction have no rules, and that no adventure, on land or sea, is more dangerous - or delicious - than passion!
Captain Bradshaw Carroway loves the seafaring life - though he'd rather be battling brigands than his current assignment of ferrying a boatload of spoiled aristocrats. One passenger, however, has caught his eye: a bewitching young minx who definitely distracts him from the rules of shipboard decorum . . .
Some rules, of course, are meant to be broken.
Miss Zephyr Ponsley has traveled the world, but she's completely innocent in the ways of love. She's never learned to dance or flirt. But scientific observation has taught her that the laws of attraction have no rules, and that no adventure, on land or sea, is more dangerous - or delicious - than passion!
375 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 26, 2010
139 people are currently reading
1158 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Enoch
101 books2,629 followersSuzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
June 14, 2011
The introduction to the heroine of this book basically put an anvil around her neck. She was immediately unlikable. How in the world was she going to pull it out and be an acceptable heroine for beloved Bradshaw Carroway?
Well, she does. She has an arc and it's drawn with nuance and charm by Enoch. Ultimately Zephyr Ponsley ends up being exactly the love interest Bradshaw needs and vice versa. She learns a lot and has the intelligence to realize it. Not your run-of-the-mill sharp tongued heroine.
The adventure is good. I find, however, that the vast majority of father figures in Enoch's work are selfish asses. Why is that? I've come to expect it. I suppose in this book it was necessary to ensure Zephyr's desire to leave her old way of life, but it might be a cheat.
Not a big deal, it's just something I've noticed.
I love Enoch's "Lessons in Love" trilogy and Bradshaw is a carry-over character from that. This is the third installment of the "Adventurer's Club" series but I never read the second one and did not feel lost at any point. So, it's probably more helpful to read the Lessons trilogy than it is to read the series attached to this book.
It was good to see the Carroways again. Just in short dashes, but I loved the development of Bradshaw's relationship with Robert.
If you're looking for a charming historical with some exotic locations you will probably enjoy this. And it was on sale for Kindle so get it while it's hot!
Well, she does. She has an arc and it's drawn with nuance and charm by Enoch. Ultimately Zephyr Ponsley ends up being exactly the love interest Bradshaw needs and vice versa. She learns a lot and has the intelligence to realize it. Not your run-of-the-mill sharp tongued heroine.
The adventure is good. I find, however, that the vast majority of father figures in Enoch's work are selfish asses. Why is that? I've come to expect it. I suppose in this book it was necessary to ensure Zephyr's desire to leave her old way of life, but it might be a cheat.
Not a big deal, it's just something I've noticed.
I love Enoch's "Lessons in Love" trilogy and Bradshaw is a carry-over character from that. This is the third installment of the "Adventurer's Club" series but I never read the second one and did not feel lost at any point. So, it's probably more helpful to read the Lessons trilogy than it is to read the series attached to this book.
It was good to see the Carroways again. Just in short dashes, but I loved the development of Bradshaw's relationship with Robert.
If you're looking for a charming historical with some exotic locations you will probably enjoy this. And it was on sale for Kindle so get it while it's hot!
March 17, 2016
Rules of Engagement was a fun adventure novel worthy of the Adventurers' Club series and its name. In fact, almost the entire novel takes place outside of England.
At first, I thought I was going to hate the heroine, Zephyr Ponsley (her weird name is explained, don't worry). She has lived most of her life outside of society, doesn't trust men because they never take her seriously, and hates gossip. While most of these qualities I enjoy in a heroine, at the beginning of the novel, she attacks Bradshaw at every turn with no provocation whatsoever. She came across as a bit of a judgmental, prickly snob. If this annoys you, never fear! As she realizes that Bradshaw is not who she expected, she softens up immensely and the development of their relationship is enjoyable. Bradshaw is funny, sexy, and clever. He acted like a competent sea captain and not an autocratic barbarian. Once Zephyr starts to see this, she falls under his spell as quickly as you will as a reader.
Bradshaw has never really been seriously interested in marriage. His brothers have lovely wives, but as a sea captain, he never saw that for himself. As he gets to know (and become fascinated) with the innocent, honest, and wildly adventurous Zephyr, he sees paths ahead for himself that he never thought would be possible.
What I liked about this novel was that each character was willing to compromise in order to be with the other. Becoming a couple is about caring for the other person and recognizing that your life may have to change to accommodate the other person, but if it is the right person, the change is a non-issue. Bradshaw and Zephyr become friends, then lovers, and see that a life with the other will be an adventure no matter where or how they live. This was refreshing and pleasant to read about. The couple is unconventional, but with their interests and life experiences, they wouldn't be happy any other way.
Most of the novel takes place on the high seas, with some tropical islands from the south Pacific thrown in. Zephyr is helping her father with his botany expedition doing sketches and collecting samples, while Bradshaw has been charged with transporting them and ensuring their safety. Also along are some stranded members of the haute ton, some salty pirates, and even a few cannibals. It makes for a colorful, adventurous, fun, and unconventional road to love.
At first, I thought I was going to hate the heroine, Zephyr Ponsley (her weird name is explained, don't worry). She has lived most of her life outside of society, doesn't trust men because they never take her seriously, and hates gossip. While most of these qualities I enjoy in a heroine, at the beginning of the novel, she attacks Bradshaw at every turn with no provocation whatsoever. She came across as a bit of a judgmental, prickly snob. If this annoys you, never fear! As she realizes that Bradshaw is not who she expected, she softens up immensely and the development of their relationship is enjoyable. Bradshaw is funny, sexy, and clever. He acted like a competent sea captain and not an autocratic barbarian. Once Zephyr starts to see this, she falls under his spell as quickly as you will as a reader.
Bradshaw has never really been seriously interested in marriage. His brothers have lovely wives, but as a sea captain, he never saw that for himself. As he gets to know (and become fascinated) with the innocent, honest, and wildly adventurous Zephyr, he sees paths ahead for himself that he never thought would be possible.
What I liked about this novel was that each character was willing to compromise in order to be with the other. Becoming a couple is about caring for the other person and recognizing that your life may have to change to accommodate the other person, but if it is the right person, the change is a non-issue. Bradshaw and Zephyr become friends, then lovers, and see that a life with the other will be an adventure no matter where or how they live. This was refreshing and pleasant to read about. The couple is unconventional, but with their interests and life experiences, they wouldn't be happy any other way.
Most of the novel takes place on the high seas, with some tropical islands from the south Pacific thrown in. Zephyr is helping her father with his botany expedition doing sketches and collecting samples, while Bradshaw has been charged with transporting them and ensuring their safety. Also along are some stranded members of the haute ton, some salty pirates, and even a few cannibals. It makes for a colorful, adventurous, fun, and unconventional road to love.
October 20, 2017
Has anybody ever not been fasinated by mermaids?
Time to move over unicorns
Time to move over unicorns
You can search the world for pretty girls
Till your eyes are weak and dim,
But don’t go searching for a mermaid, son,
If you don’t know how to swim.
“THE MERMAID”
Her face it was a work of art,
I loved that girl with all my heart.
But I only liked the upper part,
I did not like the tail.
“THE MERMAID”
July 3, 2022
This was a historical romance between Hermione Granger and Captain Draco Malfoy, minus the childhood bully backstory 😆 I’m only half joking—my original plan was to read this and a Dramione fanfic at the same time but the characters were so similar that I decided to pause the fanfic and get all my Dramione jollies from this Suzanne Enoch book alone.
I loved the setting of this one—on a ship, in the middle of the Pacific, visiting Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti, etc. for 18 months. It was so atmospheric! The ship was definitely not a tardis—you could feel the close quarters and the fact that they were stuck together for so long made this forced proximity trope extremely fun.
Our heroine Zephyr (she even had a weird name like Hermione) has spent most of her life exploring the globe as a scientific assistant to her botanist father. She was bookish, bossy, and completely unflappable. I loved her as a romance heroine! The hero kept doing super trope-y things like offering to give her schmex-lessons, because isn’t it so annoying that he knows more about something than her? But she just had such Hermione-ish “Is that what you think of me? That I’m a softheaded idiot who has no thought of anything but pleasing you?” responses that I was 💀 She was cool-headed in a crisis and she even had Hermione’s muggle-born, ‘fish out of water’ feeling because she was more comfortable in the jungle than interacting with the peerage.
And Captain Bradshaw Carroway was interesting too. Highborn and cynical but low-key honourable, he was so used to being a charming rogue that watching him try to seduce our girl was such a laugh. Their teasing banter was just adorable.
The plot had super chill, Jane Austen-y vibes again. The story was more about Zephyr and Shaw spending time together than anything overly dramatic. Could have been spicier but I still loved it!
I loved the setting of this one—on a ship, in the middle of the Pacific, visiting Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti, etc. for 18 months. It was so atmospheric! The ship was definitely not a tardis—you could feel the close quarters and the fact that they were stuck together for so long made this forced proximity trope extremely fun.
Our heroine Zephyr (she even had a weird name like Hermione) has spent most of her life exploring the globe as a scientific assistant to her botanist father. She was bookish, bossy, and completely unflappable. I loved her as a romance heroine! The hero kept doing super trope-y things like offering to give her schmex-lessons, because isn’t it so annoying that he knows more about something than her? But she just had such Hermione-ish “Is that what you think of me? That I’m a softheaded idiot who has no thought of anything but pleasing you?” responses that I was 💀 She was cool-headed in a crisis and she even had Hermione’s muggle-born, ‘fish out of water’ feeling because she was more comfortable in the jungle than interacting with the peerage.
And Captain Bradshaw Carroway was interesting too. Highborn and cynical but low-key honourable, he was so used to being a charming rogue that watching him try to seduce our girl was such a laugh. Their teasing banter was just adorable.
The plot had super chill, Jane Austen-y vibes again. The story was more about Zephyr and Shaw spending time together than anything overly dramatic. Could have been spicier but I still loved it!
July 24, 2012
I'm sad to say that I'm no longer interested in the lives of Zephyr Ponsley and Captain Bradshaw Carroway. Which is sad. Because I like their names (Zephyr: a warm, following breeze).
I neither liked nor disliked this book (although, I obviously didn't like it enough to continue reading it), hence the 3 stars. It was okay. Just okay. I had no possible chance of connecting to the characters because they were so flat a crepe has more dimension then those two. Which, again, is sad because I've read a couple of Enoch's previous novels and enjoyed them. But when you come off of reading one of the most fantastic historical-romance novels (Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord), anything less than extraordinary right now was unacceptable.
I got bored, to put it simply. And I was more than a little surprised by how fast they decided to start kissing. One minute they're just meeting and producing some - kinda - witty banter and the next, out of the damn blue, she kisses him? I had to read the entire paragraph to make sure I had actually read what I did indeed read. Also sad: I didn't even make to sexy times before I decided to put the book down.
I don't normally like this whole abandoned-book nonsense. Usually if I stop reading a book in the middle, I either don't tell anyone what's happened (it's like having your own sexy times before you get to the *good* part), or I'll eventually pick it back up. I don't intentionally say I can't read anymore, I'm done. But it seems as though there's a first for everything after all.
I neither liked nor disliked this book (although, I obviously didn't like it enough to continue reading it), hence the 3 stars. It was okay. Just okay. I had no possible chance of connecting to the characters because they were so flat a crepe has more dimension then those two. Which, again, is sad because I've read a couple of Enoch's previous novels and enjoyed them. But when you come off of reading one of the most fantastic historical-romance novels (Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord), anything less than extraordinary right now was unacceptable.
I got bored, to put it simply. And I was more than a little surprised by how fast they decided to start kissing. One minute they're just meeting and producing some - kinda - witty banter and the next, out of the damn blue, she kisses him? I had to read the entire paragraph to make sure I had actually read what I did indeed read. Also sad: I didn't even make to sexy times before I decided to put the book down.
I don't normally like this whole abandoned-book nonsense. Usually if I stop reading a book in the middle, I either don't tell anyone what's happened (it's like having your own sexy times before you get to the *good* part), or I'll eventually pick it back up. I don't intentionally say I can't read anymore, I'm done. But it seems as though there's a first for everything after all.
May 16, 2011
As excited as I was to find this book was about another Carroway brother, Shaw's story was a disappointment compared to Robert and Tristan's books. I'm being generous with 3 stars merely for the long awaited mentions of the rest of the Carroway clan. I absolutely adore that family; the "Lessons in Love" trilogy is one of my all time favorites that I've re-read over and over again.
July 14, 2023
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : Jij bent mijn kompas - Candlelight Historische roman 1066 .
Een heerlijk avontuurlijk verhaal wat zich voornamelijk op een schip afspeelt en op verschillende eilanden in de Pacific .
Een heerlijk avontuurlijk verhaal wat zich voornamelijk op een schip afspeelt en op verschillende eilanden in de Pacific .
August 28, 2016
Perhaps the most interesting thing to me about Enoch's Rules of Engagement is how much more interested she is in her hero than her heroine. Unlike most romances, we start off in the male lead's head, and while that's more common these days than it used to be, I can't remember the last time I read a romance where it took thirty pages to even bump into the female protagonist. (And it's another ten pages or so before we pop in to see what she thinks of everything.) Without having read the preceding entries in this series, I'm not sure if that's a standard here, or related to the fact that the male protagonist, Bradshaw Carroway, is related to a couple of previous Enoch heroes, and thus the sort-of familiar entree to this world.
Unfortunately, once we get past that one little narrative quirk, there's not much to say about the inoffensive but uninspiring Rules of Engagement. The story follows the progress of Carroway's ship as he transports Zephyr and her famous botanist father around the South Seas, and while there are a few seafaring contretemps tossed in, there's never any central conflict between the characters. Bradshaw likes Zephyr, Zephyr likes Bradshaw - there's absolutely nothing standing in the way of this relationship (unless it's the impossibility of generating a lyrical romantic portmanteau for the couple), which makes it a slightly dull fait accompli. Even the possibility of Zephyr being torn between her beau and familial duty is snuffed midway through the narrative when Enoch begins turning the latter into an insensitive git.
Enoch will forever remain toward the top of my list for her excellent Stolen Kisses, but her Rules weren't enough to really engage me.
Unfortunately, once we get past that one little narrative quirk, there's not much to say about the inoffensive but uninspiring Rules of Engagement. The story follows the progress of Carroway's ship as he transports Zephyr and her famous botanist father around the South Seas, and while there are a few seafaring contretemps tossed in, there's never any central conflict between the characters. Bradshaw likes Zephyr, Zephyr likes Bradshaw - there's absolutely nothing standing in the way of this relationship (unless it's the impossibility of generating a lyrical romantic portmanteau for the couple), which makes it a slightly dull fait accompli. Even the possibility of Zephyr being torn between her beau and familial duty is snuffed midway through the narrative when Enoch begins turning the latter into an insensitive git.
Enoch will forever remain toward the top of my list for her excellent Stolen Kisses, but her Rules weren't enough to really engage me.
April 9, 2016
What a completely unlikeable leading lady! I only made it to page 67, and stopped because I just couldn't understand how the hero could be as interested in her as I was reading about. It was a joke. On their first meeting of each other, she acted like a spoiled brat and treated him with complete disdain. After he admitted that he isn't interested in botany (like her father is) and that he is not an avid reader, she continued to call him a barbarian and such. I would have pushed her overboard if I was him, instead of trying to kiss her!!
May 6, 2011
3 1/2 stars. This one started out a little slow for me, but about 1/3 of the way through it either picked up the pace, or I just became more invested in the characters. I would give it four stars had it not had such a slow start.
I loved the bantering between Zephyr and Shaw, and how much they each throughly enjoyed pestering each other. There were many times when Zephyr thought to herself that she would save her insults for Shaw because he would better appreciate them.
Although this book is part of the Adventurers' Club series, it was actually more related to the Lessons in Love series. The Adventurers' Club played very little part in the book, with only a quick glance at it, and the only real carryover from the other two books was the Duke of Sommerset (who I hope will have his own book, unless I somehow missed it?). On the flip side, Shaw is one of the Carroway brothers - two of which were in the Lessons in Love series. Their wives and the other brother are also in this book (although fairly briefly, but more so than Sommerset). I would actually recommend that people read the Lessons in Love series before reading this book, although it is not essential for understanding the book, it helps to understand the Carroway family as their various misdeeds and happenings from their own books are mentioned in this one.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, as well as the others in this series. Suzanne Enoch has not let me down so far!
I loved the bantering between Zephyr and Shaw, and how much they each throughly enjoyed pestering each other. There were many times when Zephyr thought to herself that she would save her insults for Shaw because he would better appreciate them.
Although this book is part of the Adventurers' Club series, it was actually more related to the Lessons in Love series. The Adventurers' Club played very little part in the book, with only a quick glance at it, and the only real carryover from the other two books was the Duke of Sommerset (who I hope will have his own book, unless I somehow missed it?). On the flip side, Shaw is one of the Carroway brothers - two of which were in the Lessons in Love series. Their wives and the other brother are also in this book (although fairly briefly, but more so than Sommerset). I would actually recommend that people read the Lessons in Love series before reading this book, although it is not essential for understanding the book, it helps to understand the Carroway family as their various misdeeds and happenings from their own books are mentioned in this one.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, as well as the others in this series. Suzanne Enoch has not let me down so far!
October 2, 2013
This book was hard for me to rate. I would describe the characters as being flat but on the other hand, the dialogue between the flat characters was fantastic snappy witty banter, which I liked a lot. The storyline had a tendency to be meandering and an oddball "bad" guy who was a jerk, isn't a jerk? Not sure if author wants to use him in a future book or what but strange either way. The author had something here but I feel like she was maybe writing several books at one time or was somehow distracted while she wrote this.
I know I'm giving the impression I didn't like it but I did, solely on the two main characters banter and interactions, seriously, read it if you like a feisty lady and a man willing to accommodate that passion.
Story takes place on a ship with occasional stops on islands, not great with describing the settings but will provide a nice break from London ballrooms if you're tired of that.
I know I'm giving the impression I didn't like it but I did, solely on the two main characters banter and interactions, seriously, read it if you like a feisty lady and a man willing to accommodate that passion.
Story takes place on a ship with occasional stops on islands, not great with describing the settings but will provide a nice break from London ballrooms if you're tired of that.
April 3, 2019
I am becoming a great fan of Mrs Suzanne Enoch’s work, work I discovered with her latest release and since in between all the books I preordered I try slowly to catch up my tardiness.
Why I do instantly loved Shaw, I needed much more time to warm up to Zephyr.
Shaw is a hero as I love them, alpha but not too overbearing nor overwhelming. He knows what he must do but he does not use his position to be too dictatorial, he can compromise.
Of course he is a kind of a scoundrel when back to civilization but never he tells lies or falsehood to gain some favors.
Zephyr is quite a very peculiar young woman, awkward among society, her unusual upbringing is probably the cause but her way of killing first then asking questions after separates her really from the others.
At first I thought her rather haughty and condescending, but her bickering with Shaw was very entertaining and it unsettled him. So with time, I do think she had built a wall around herself, a facade she shows to others as she has nobody to guid her. She overthinks everything, having difficulties letting her control on things go.
So even if she is far from my favorite among Mrs Enoch’s heroines, I came to like her because she accepts who Shaw is and his rules and was not afraid to assert her feelings for him in front of strangers.
A very entertaining and enjoyable journey around the world.
Why I do instantly loved Shaw, I needed much more time to warm up to Zephyr.
Shaw is a hero as I love them, alpha but not too overbearing nor overwhelming. He knows what he must do but he does not use his position to be too dictatorial, he can compromise.
Of course he is a kind of a scoundrel when back to civilization but never he tells lies or falsehood to gain some favors.
Zephyr is quite a very peculiar young woman, awkward among society, her unusual upbringing is probably the cause but her way of killing first then asking questions after separates her really from the others.
At first I thought her rather haughty and condescending, but her bickering with Shaw was very entertaining and it unsettled him. So with time, I do think she had built a wall around herself, a facade she shows to others as she has nobody to guid her. She overthinks everything, having difficulties letting her control on things go.
So even if she is far from my favorite among Mrs Enoch’s heroines, I came to like her because she accepts who Shaw is and his rules and was not afraid to assert her feelings for him in front of strangers.
A very entertaining and enjoyable journey around the world.
October 21, 2023
While I love a leading man who is not emotionally constipated and is a good communicator of his wants and feelings, it was not enough to carry the book. I found the leading lady to be lackluster and wishy washy and thought the whole plot felt stilted and disjointed.
March 6, 2019
3.5 Stars
The book started out slow and the heroine was a but annoying at first. But the story progressed well and toward the end I was smiling along with the happy couple.
The book started out slow and the heroine was a but annoying at first. But the story progressed well and toward the end I was smiling along with the happy couple.
May 6, 2022
Nice fast paced.
November 8, 2025
A fun, swashbuckling adventure with a little danger and all the feels. I enjoyed this novel from start to end and highly recommend it for the romance on the high seas combined with a little spice and a lot of adventure.
October 9, 2020
Captain Bradshaw (Shaw) Carroway is a naval hero. But, in his most recent battle with French pirates, his best friend was killed. It has made him look closely at his life and his future. He is re-evaluating everything.
When it is time for him to return to sea, he finds that his new assignment is not exactly what he expected.
Shaw and his crew of the ship Nemisis, are going to be traveling to Australia. Following their stop in Australia, they will be touring the Pacific Ocean with a famous botanist and his daughter. Just as they are about to set off from Australia, a group of the “better” people from London are brought to the ship by an Admiral. This cruise is becoming the last thing Shaw ever expected.
Sir Joseph and his daughter Zephyr are experienced in searching for plants previously unknown in England. This time they are also looking for unusual animals, birds and insects. This is all in the name of science.
Shaw is a hero. He is a man of integrity and kindness. He has intelligence and humor. His loyalty to his crew means that his crew admires him and will do just about anything for him. He also has admirers in the upper echelons of the British Navy. He embodies every quality of a true hero.
Sir Joseph is a talented botanist but as a father and a human being he fell short for me. I was not a fan. His only thoughts were for himself and his reputation. Everything was more important to him than his daughter. As long as he had her assistance and she was there to make his life easier, he had no interest in her.
Zephyr has been traveling around the world since she was 15. She has not had the chance for a normal life. She has not had the opportunity to learn all the important things about being a young lady. Her unusual life has given her an unusual attitude toward people. And she has no problem speaking her mind to anyone. She does not consider herself to be rude, she considers herself to simply be honest.
It took me awhile to become a fan of Zephyr.
I admired her intelligence, her sense of humor and her innate curiosity. She had courage which helped her survive some of the adventures on this cruise. After she softened around the edges, I could see why Shaw was so attracted to her.
This story has cannibals, and pirates, and there are French sailors who have guns. There are also ladies of the ton who are snarky. And there is even a man who is really no gentleman.
Ms Enoch is a terrific author. She creates characters who are fun and likable.
The secondary characters added a great deal of depth to the story. The crew members and all their personalities were a wonderful addition to this book. The people from the ton added a great deal of snobbery as well as a lack of commons sense. All this made the story even more entertaining.
This plot is filled with action. Things move along at a good pace and hold the reader’s interest..
This is a romance but it is also an adventure story. I enjoyed this book very much.
Ms Enoch does not disappoint.
When it is time for him to return to sea, he finds that his new assignment is not exactly what he expected.
Shaw and his crew of the ship Nemisis, are going to be traveling to Australia. Following their stop in Australia, they will be touring the Pacific Ocean with a famous botanist and his daughter. Just as they are about to set off from Australia, a group of the “better” people from London are brought to the ship by an Admiral. This cruise is becoming the last thing Shaw ever expected.
Sir Joseph and his daughter Zephyr are experienced in searching for plants previously unknown in England. This time they are also looking for unusual animals, birds and insects. This is all in the name of science.
Shaw is a hero. He is a man of integrity and kindness. He has intelligence and humor. His loyalty to his crew means that his crew admires him and will do just about anything for him. He also has admirers in the upper echelons of the British Navy. He embodies every quality of a true hero.
Sir Joseph is a talented botanist but as a father and a human being he fell short for me. I was not a fan. His only thoughts were for himself and his reputation. Everything was more important to him than his daughter. As long as he had her assistance and she was there to make his life easier, he had no interest in her.
Zephyr has been traveling around the world since she was 15. She has not had the chance for a normal life. She has not had the opportunity to learn all the important things about being a young lady. Her unusual life has given her an unusual attitude toward people. And she has no problem speaking her mind to anyone. She does not consider herself to be rude, she considers herself to simply be honest.
It took me awhile to become a fan of Zephyr.
I admired her intelligence, her sense of humor and her innate curiosity. She had courage which helped her survive some of the adventures on this cruise. After she softened around the edges, I could see why Shaw was so attracted to her.
This story has cannibals, and pirates, and there are French sailors who have guns. There are also ladies of the ton who are snarky. And there is even a man who is really no gentleman.
Ms Enoch is a terrific author. She creates characters who are fun and likable.
The secondary characters added a great deal of depth to the story. The crew members and all their personalities were a wonderful addition to this book. The people from the ton added a great deal of snobbery as well as a lack of commons sense. All this made the story even more entertaining.
This plot is filled with action. Things move along at a good pace and hold the reader’s interest..
This is a romance but it is also an adventure story. I enjoyed this book very much.
Ms Enoch does not disappoint.
January 8, 2011
This was an enjoyable sea worthy tale, and while I didn't love it, it is still a fun, easy read. This is the third installment in The Adventurers Club series and we get the swash buckling, dashing Captain Bradshaw Carroways story. (Just a side note...I think this could be read as a stand alone as almost the entire book takes place at sea so the previous characters make only brief appearances). Shaw is tasked in taking Miss Zephyr Ponsley and her father, Sir Joseph, around to islands so that Sir Joseph may collect new plants and animals for his discoveries. Even though Shaw is in the marines and this is not exactly what he signed up for, he accepts as he also has a secondary secret mission given to him from the Duke of Sommerset (who was hardly in the book this time around, sigh).
Now, Zephyr has been her fathers assistant for years, traveling the world helping him collect his botany and drawing sketches to accompanying his findings. She was not brought up in London and therefore does not know all the proper rules of society and is very free with her thinking and her opinions. Upon her first meeting with Shaw, she snorts at some comment he makes and he is immediately intrigued and drawn to her. He takes it upon himself to always accompany her about the islands as they travel, to protect her from unknown dangers, and they continue their sparring back and forth. Shaw tells her he wants to bed her and she tells him that he must court her properly....and he does. There are some wonderful, tender moments as their courtship progresses. Oh and the ending on the ship, so sweet it brought a sigh to my heart.
Overall, this was a good book. A few things dragged it down a bit for me though. Shaw is forced to take on some more passengers who need to get back home immediately and I felt they added a layer of unnecessary chatter that wasn't needed. I can not really imagine ladies and gents and maids willingly go aboard a naval ship versus a passenger ship...the comforts are far different! Also, once again, was the overuse of the word chit. I don't know why it bothers me but I just do not like seeing it on almost every single page! Then of course, we barely see Lord Sommerset and I really hope Ms Enoch is working on his book next! But for this book, if you like a strong, snappy (in a good way) heroine and a strong, passionate hero who fall in love over the high seas with a bit of danger, this is a great book for you! Oh, and of course, the talking parrot makes an appearance to add a bit of chuckles! :) 3 1/2 stars
Now, Zephyr has been her fathers assistant for years, traveling the world helping him collect his botany and drawing sketches to accompanying his findings. She was not brought up in London and therefore does not know all the proper rules of society and is very free with her thinking and her opinions. Upon her first meeting with Shaw, she snorts at some comment he makes and he is immediately intrigued and drawn to her. He takes it upon himself to always accompany her about the islands as they travel, to protect her from unknown dangers, and they continue their sparring back and forth. Shaw tells her he wants to bed her and she tells him that he must court her properly....and he does. There are some wonderful, tender moments as their courtship progresses. Oh and the ending on the ship, so sweet it brought a sigh to my heart.
Overall, this was a good book. A few things dragged it down a bit for me though. Shaw is forced to take on some more passengers who need to get back home immediately and I felt they added a layer of unnecessary chatter that wasn't needed. I can not really imagine ladies and gents and maids willingly go aboard a naval ship versus a passenger ship...the comforts are far different! Also, once again, was the overuse of the word chit. I don't know why it bothers me but I just do not like seeing it on almost every single page! Then of course, we barely see Lord Sommerset and I really hope Ms Enoch is working on his book next! But for this book, if you like a strong, snappy (in a good way) heroine and a strong, passionate hero who fall in love over the high seas with a bit of danger, this is a great book for you! Oh, and of course, the talking parrot makes an appearance to add a bit of chuckles! :) 3 1/2 stars
August 25, 2011
Redonk Nutshell: Navy Captain battles his growing attraction to intellectual female passenger
I had previously had my eye on this title, and I only recently nabbed it because the eBook was on sale. I'm really glad I got it when I did because I really enjoyed this story. Rules of an Engagement is the 3rd book in Suzanne Enoch's Adventurer's series. I have not read any others in this series, so Rules was the first for me.
Captain Bradshaw Carroway is an accomplished navy man at the point in his career when he is contemplating what life has next in store for him. When he's sent to a mission in the South Pacific, he expects adventure. What he gets is a request to ferry a scientific expedition of civilians to collect and study field specimens of plants (and eventually animals). Though it baffles him, he accepts. In the process he inherits several passengers, including the scientist Joseph Ponsley and his intriguing daughter and assistant, Zephyr Ponsley. He's immediately attracted to Zephry, but he soon comes to realize she's unlike any other woman he's ever met.
Zephyr Ponsley is smart, carefree, and independent. She's completely clueless about society's proprieties, and when she finds herself in close proximity to women of the ton she's reminded of her, er, coarseness. When her father's project takes them onto Captain Carroway's ship, she finds herself initially put off by the strict and imposing Captain. But before long she begins to warm to him.
After several adventures onto never-before-explored islands, Zephyr and Bradshaw develop an easy going friendship that soon blossoms into something more. Throw in a dash of humor, and you've got a most excellent set up for a wonderfully fun romance story.
It's always refreshing to read a regency romance that doesn't take place in a ballroom. While both of our main characters are headstrong, they actually get along quite well, thanks to their equal intelligence. It's really fun to watch them figure one another out and see how they maneuver in such close quarters.
Rules of an Engagement is a fun, swashbuckling adventure story with a healthy dose of sensuality. I giggled out loud several times from humorous exchanges between characters.
Rules of an Engagement by Suzanne Enoch, 384 pgs, pub 2010
Rating: B
Romance: 3/5 Raunch: 3/5
I had previously had my eye on this title, and I only recently nabbed it because the eBook was on sale. I'm really glad I got it when I did because I really enjoyed this story. Rules of an Engagement is the 3rd book in Suzanne Enoch's Adventurer's series. I have not read any others in this series, so Rules was the first for me.
Captain Bradshaw Carroway is an accomplished navy man at the point in his career when he is contemplating what life has next in store for him. When he's sent to a mission in the South Pacific, he expects adventure. What he gets is a request to ferry a scientific expedition of civilians to collect and study field specimens of plants (and eventually animals). Though it baffles him, he accepts. In the process he inherits several passengers, including the scientist Joseph Ponsley and his intriguing daughter and assistant, Zephyr Ponsley. He's immediately attracted to Zephry, but he soon comes to realize she's unlike any other woman he's ever met.
Zephyr Ponsley is smart, carefree, and independent. She's completely clueless about society's proprieties, and when she finds herself in close proximity to women of the ton she's reminded of her, er, coarseness. When her father's project takes them onto Captain Carroway's ship, she finds herself initially put off by the strict and imposing Captain. But before long she begins to warm to him.
After several adventures onto never-before-explored islands, Zephyr and Bradshaw develop an easy going friendship that soon blossoms into something more. Throw in a dash of humor, and you've got a most excellent set up for a wonderfully fun romance story.
It's always refreshing to read a regency romance that doesn't take place in a ballroom. While both of our main characters are headstrong, they actually get along quite well, thanks to their equal intelligence. It's really fun to watch them figure one another out and see how they maneuver in such close quarters.
Rules of an Engagement is a fun, swashbuckling adventure story with a healthy dose of sensuality. I giggled out loud several times from humorous exchanges between characters.
Rules of an Engagement by Suzanne Enoch, 384 pgs, pub 2010
Rating: B
Romance: 3/5 Raunch: 3/5
August 14, 2012
This one was a little interesting in the details of sailing and the Pacific, but I found the characters a little blah.
In fact, I really wasn't sure why the hero was so gaga for Zephr at all. As a character, she was very inconsistant. She managed to be both free spirited AND uptight, which was a strange combination for a young woman who's been maturing in a very irregular set of circumstances.
She constantly refers to Shaw as a barbarian, based ONLY on the fact that he's a ship captain and he doesn't like to read as much as she does. Now, if he was a regular joe in those circumstances (say, non-peerage), maybe I'd see it better. But he's just as much "Mayfair" as the others on the ship. They don't say so, but I'd bet money he went to Eton or one of the other public schools that rich boys attended. He's in fact a better representative of society than SHE is and yet, he's the barbarian. After a while, I think it was supposed to be more playful and affectionate, but the context didn't always imply that.
So....For a young woman who supposedly knows nothing about society because she's been tramping around exotic climes with her botanist father, she certainly puts on a lot of airs. And this background is supposed to be why she's uneducated about the ways of protecting one's complexion with a parasol, BUT she didn't leave England to travel like this until she was 15. There was no governess in evidence before that? She had absolutely no education whatsover? You don't learn the rules of society when you come out for the Season. It's instilled since birth. Seems like the dead mother (the one who insisted the girl's first name was Patricia) might have had a say in that.
I liked that she was intelligent. I like that she wanted to make her own decisions in life after a while, and I enjoyed that she wasn't afraid to try new things. But man..... I wish she made more sense as a character.
In fact, I really wasn't sure why the hero was so gaga for Zephr at all. As a character, she was very inconsistant. She managed to be both free spirited AND uptight, which was a strange combination for a young woman who's been maturing in a very irregular set of circumstances.
She constantly refers to Shaw as a barbarian, based ONLY on the fact that he's a ship captain and he doesn't like to read as much as she does. Now, if he was a regular joe in those circumstances (say, non-peerage), maybe I'd see it better. But he's just as much "Mayfair" as the others on the ship. They don't say so, but I'd bet money he went to Eton or one of the other public schools that rich boys attended. He's in fact a better representative of society than SHE is and yet, he's the barbarian. After a while, I think it was supposed to be more playful and affectionate, but the context didn't always imply that.
So....For a young woman who supposedly knows nothing about society because she's been tramping around exotic climes with her botanist father, she certainly puts on a lot of airs. And this background is supposed to be why she's uneducated about the ways of protecting one's complexion with a parasol, BUT she didn't leave England to travel like this until she was 15. There was no governess in evidence before that? She had absolutely no education whatsover? You don't learn the rules of society when you come out for the Season. It's instilled since birth. Seems like the dead mother (the one who insisted the girl's first name was Patricia) might have had a say in that.
I liked that she was intelligent. I like that she wanted to make her own decisions in life after a while, and I enjoyed that she wasn't afraid to try new things. But man..... I wish she made more sense as a character.
March 24, 2013
Captain Bradshaw Carroway, has a passion for living a life on the see, and loves the excitement and danger that comes from being Captain of his own ship, however when he is ordered by to be a babysitter to a load of Aristocrats, he would rather cut his own tongue out. However there is one passenger that has caught his eye, daughter of a well known historian, Zephyr Ponsely, has been by her fathers side ever since her mother passed away and been all over the world, and is eager to learn how to a lady and learn how to flirt and learn about life and passion. Zephyr is blunt and the desire between Shaw and Zephyr explodes after sharing a sensual embrace, Zephyr keeps breaking all sorts of rules of decorum and such, but would much rather be in Shaw's embrace, than follow all the rules and be miserable, but what she never counting on was learning that giving into personal desires, can lead to matters of the heart, something she isn't prepared for but then ...neither is the confident rogue of a Captain...Bradshaw Carroway. Rules of an Engagement is the third in the Adventure Club Series by Suzanne Enoch. I just fell instantly in love with this story and the characters. The characters alone were full of wit and passion. The story itself wasn't that incredible, however there was a sense of flirty fun throughout the story, that kept me engaged throughout the whole of it. At the beginning both the main characters hate each other, and had me laughing at their interactions with each other, but we see from the moment that they share that memorable first kiss, that things change for them both, and they realize how much alike they truly are. I truly haven't enjoyed such a romance in a while, and it was good to have one that was carefree and full of laughs...plus the cover is utterly charming
January 18, 2016
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
Rispetto alle costanti che continuano a rincorrersi nelle trame dei romance, questo episodio conclusivo della saga del Club degli Avventurieri (che però si può leggere da solo senza problemi, come ho fatto io) è una vera boccata d'aria, con un cambio di prospettiva a tutto tondo. Finalmente un libro senza lord malvagi/belle senza dote e i soliti appuntamenti della Stagione londinese.
Partiamo dal protagonista, un figlio cadetto, un capitano abituato alla guerra e al sangue, ma anche stanco di una vita sempre sul baratro, alla ricerca di un angolino dove trovare finalmente casa, stabilità sotto i piedi e meritato riposo.
Insomma, un eroe intrepido ma con una vena di malinconia e di ricerca d'altro.
In vista dell'ultima missione nell'emisfero australe (circa altri tre anni lontano dalla terra e da casa) gli appioppano varie "commissioni": saldare un vecchio patto e scongiurare una maledizione; scortare un noto botanico con scontrosa figlia al seguito a recuperare reperti esotici; accompagnare un gruppetto di giovinastri viziati ad assicurarsi un'eredità.
Ed eccoci quindi con una nave da guerra trasformata in nave da crociera, con tanto di passeggiate sul ponte e feste notturne, e con una sfida continua di esplorazioni, tra specie rare, cannibali, e i soliti odiosi francesi, sconfitti eppure ancora in agguato. Con in più il jolly della figlia del botanico che è partita presto dall'Inghilterra ed è del tutto digiuna di buone maniere (sociali e amorose).
Devo dire che è stata una lettura divertente, briosa, con una certa atmosfera stile "Bounty" in sottofondo e un gran bel capitano coraggioso sempre all'erta.
Consigliato per chi, oltre alla storia d'amore, cerca un pizzico d'avventura e una trama non scontata.
Rispetto alle costanti che continuano a rincorrersi nelle trame dei romance, questo episodio conclusivo della saga del Club degli Avventurieri (che però si può leggere da solo senza problemi, come ho fatto io) è una vera boccata d'aria, con un cambio di prospettiva a tutto tondo. Finalmente un libro senza lord malvagi/belle senza dote e i soliti appuntamenti della Stagione londinese.
Partiamo dal protagonista, un figlio cadetto, un capitano abituato alla guerra e al sangue, ma anche stanco di una vita sempre sul baratro, alla ricerca di un angolino dove trovare finalmente casa, stabilità sotto i piedi e meritato riposo.
Insomma, un eroe intrepido ma con una vena di malinconia e di ricerca d'altro.
In vista dell'ultima missione nell'emisfero australe (circa altri tre anni lontano dalla terra e da casa) gli appioppano varie "commissioni": saldare un vecchio patto e scongiurare una maledizione; scortare un noto botanico con scontrosa figlia al seguito a recuperare reperti esotici; accompagnare un gruppetto di giovinastri viziati ad assicurarsi un'eredità.
Ed eccoci quindi con una nave da guerra trasformata in nave da crociera, con tanto di passeggiate sul ponte e feste notturne, e con una sfida continua di esplorazioni, tra specie rare, cannibali, e i soliti odiosi francesi, sconfitti eppure ancora in agguato. Con in più il jolly della figlia del botanico che è partita presto dall'Inghilterra ed è del tutto digiuna di buone maniere (sociali e amorose).
Devo dire che è stata una lettura divertente, briosa, con una certa atmosfera stile "Bounty" in sottofondo e un gran bel capitano coraggioso sempre all'erta.
Consigliato per chi, oltre alla storia d'amore, cerca un pizzico d'avventura e una trama non scontata.
November 28, 2010
I really enjoyed this story. I probably enjoyed it more than it's predecessors in the trilogy.
The plot, the setting, the hero, the heroine and the secondary characters are all exactly what I look for in a Regency romance. The story is set around the explorations of the Pacific, when scientific discoveries were really becoming de rigeur. The heroine is a botanist's daughter, who is also his assistant. She's not a wallflower, she has her own opinion, but also shows real affection for her father and his work. The hero is a bona fide hero - a naval captain who has lost his taste for blood.
Well, it all just worked for me. The romance develops at a measured pace, but I like that the hero and heroine don't fall in love, get married and conceive the son and heir within 48 hours, as they seem to in quite a lot of romances. I also have a personal weakness for the naval setting, so it gets an extra star right up-front!
Can't wait for the next installment. 5 stars.
The plot, the setting, the hero, the heroine and the secondary characters are all exactly what I look for in a Regency romance. The story is set around the explorations of the Pacific, when scientific discoveries were really becoming de rigeur. The heroine is a botanist's daughter, who is also his assistant. She's not a wallflower, she has her own opinion, but also shows real affection for her father and his work. The hero is a bona fide hero - a naval captain who has lost his taste for blood.
Well, it all just worked for me. The romance develops at a measured pace, but I like that the hero and heroine don't fall in love, get married and conceive the son and heir within 48 hours, as they seem to in quite a lot of romances. I also have a personal weakness for the naval setting, so it gets an extra star right up-front!
Can't wait for the next installment. 5 stars.
May 11, 2016
This book had a lot of potential: the characters seem remarkable, Miss Zephyr who has traveled the world and seen may unusual sights and Shaw, a captain who is war-wary and jaded, and a setting that is absolutely fascinating, some remote, uncolonized islands. It could have been absolutely delicious and sensual and adventurous but it isn't. The author loses the story to too much detail that don't directly relate back to the two main characters and/or that do nothing to move the plot (their romantic relationship) along. But what was absolutely dreadful was the stiffness of the two main characters (so somber) that the author sprinkled with spontaneous kisses and sex. It felt a lot like the author forced the story on characters rather than having the characters lead the story.
I honestly gave up on this book halfway through this story.
I honestly gave up on this book halfway through this story.
October 19, 2021
well, this was disappointing because Zep and Shaw barely had time onscreen to build their romantic relationship with one another, with the traveling taking up most of the time. they do have some banter though and i liked Shaw for being humorous about bantering with Zep. Zep was not so nice to Shaw to me, and i couldn't seem to really like her even till the end.
i remember briefly the plot of this book as i can count the number of traveling on sea books with my one hand that i'vs read. but this was not what i expected. yes, it can be interesting to some people who like the sea and adventures, but the main genre of this book is still romance, which was not focused on at all, with adventure taking over the majority of the book. hence, the romance was unbelievable/not convincing to me. a disappointing end to a series because i quite liked Shaw.
i remember briefly the plot of this book as i can count the number of traveling on sea books with my one hand that i'vs read. but this was not what i expected. yes, it can be interesting to some people who like the sea and adventures, but the main genre of this book is still romance, which was not focused on at all, with adventure taking over the majority of the book. hence, the romance was unbelievable/not convincing to me. a disappointing end to a series because i quite liked Shaw.
May 23, 2011
This was so cute.
I think the author must have been gorging on "Bones" while writing this, because Bradshaw and Zephyr are the 19th century model of Seeley Booth and Temperance Brennan. Since I like that show, I didn't mind one bit. This was a sweet story, with little to no angst and lots of good banter. Zephyr's dad was a total jerk, in my humble opinion.
This is the third story by this author that features a lead character with at least a touch of post-traumatic stress disorder... I would say Bradshaw is the least affected of the three. I find this a worthy cause. Sometimes heroes have to do things and witness things, for the good of all, that are scarring.
Nicholas was hardly in this book at all... this means he'll probably be the last book in the series.
I think the author must have been gorging on "Bones" while writing this, because Bradshaw and Zephyr are the 19th century model of Seeley Booth and Temperance Brennan. Since I like that show, I didn't mind one bit. This was a sweet story, with little to no angst and lots of good banter. Zephyr's dad was a total jerk, in my humble opinion.
This is the third story by this author that features a lead character with at least a touch of post-traumatic stress disorder... I would say Bradshaw is the least affected of the three. I find this a worthy cause. Sometimes heroes have to do things and witness things, for the good of all, that are scarring.
Nicholas was hardly in this book at all... this means he'll probably be the last book in the series.
January 19, 2016
This wasn't one of my favorites of the series. I could understand at first setting Zepher and Bradshaw up as enemies. I got that, but didn't always understand where it was coming from in the latter part of the book. I can understand calling someone a "barbarian" as a term of endearment. I didn't always feel that Zephyr was being that nice. Or understand why Brad was mad at Zepher half the time or vice versa. So this book didn't really work for me as well I wanted it to. I still look forward to the next book and see if SE can recover to the same as A Lady's Guide.
December 29, 2010
I'm not generally a fan of ship-board romances or historicals written in bad dialect and this, with it's lackluster humor and even more lackluster character interactions*, isn't going to change my mind. It didn't take me long to start skimming and I ended up entirely skipping whole sections in the middle, so this might even be a DNF depending on how you look at it.
*I hesitate to say romance because it was all so very meh.
*I hesitate to say romance because it was all so very meh.
February 7, 2012
Half way into this book I was tempted to give up. I thought the story was extremely boring, the chemistry between the H/h...well there wasn't any, and romance beyond just a brief kiss here or there didn't even occur until mid way through, however I'm glad I stuck it out because the second half was much better. I didn't care for the ending I would have much preferred an Epilogue delving a bit more into their future
August 27, 2012
Considering how annoying the heroine was at the start of the book, she really redeems herself by the end. I really liked her by the end, more so than I do many other heroines in the romance genre. The relationship between our protagonists developed in a very straightforward and healthy manner. There were no nonsense twists or misunderstandings. It took a little while for the story to get started, though.
As far as the girl's dad goes ... what the heck is wrong with him?
As far as the girl's dad goes ... what the heck is wrong with him?
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