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Swept Away
When a woman who's ready for love meets a dangerous, passionate man, she can easily get Swept Away ....
Bestselling, award-winning author Marsha Canham's breathtaking new novel transports readers to Regency England as a young woman rescues a mysterious man, only to find love, danger, destiny....
"They have to know the truth. Before it is too late." Those were the half-naked stranger's only words as he opened his eyes, looked into her soul, then lost consciousness in the shallow tidal pool. Annaleah Fairchilde, heiress and noblewoman, soon learned the identity of the man she Emory Althorpe, adventurer, accused traitor, and Napoleon's spy. Even as she bound the dangerous scoundrel's wounds, she fell deeper under the spell of a man handsome as the devil, sent to her by fate.
He remembered nothing. Only the need to escape. Emory Althorpe was wanted for treason, yet his only hope was a shadowy memory hovering just beyond his grasp, and beautiful Anna, who aroused unexpected passions. He had no choice but to abduct her, needing her to gain access to London's ballrooms, where he could prove his innocence. Together they raced into the face of danger, determined to find the key to his past and live--or die--together, as destiny decreed....
Bestselling, award-winning author Marsha Canham's breathtaking new novel transports readers to Regency England as a young woman rescues a mysterious man, only to find love, danger, destiny....
"They have to know the truth. Before it is too late." Those were the half-naked stranger's only words as he opened his eyes, looked into her soul, then lost consciousness in the shallow tidal pool. Annaleah Fairchilde, heiress and noblewoman, soon learned the identity of the man she Emory Althorpe, adventurer, accused traitor, and Napoleon's spy. Even as she bound the dangerous scoundrel's wounds, she fell deeper under the spell of a man handsome as the devil, sent to her by fate.
He remembered nothing. Only the need to escape. Emory Althorpe was wanted for treason, yet his only hope was a shadowy memory hovering just beyond his grasp, and beautiful Anna, who aroused unexpected passions. He had no choice but to abduct her, needing her to gain access to London's ballrooms, where he could prove his innocence. Together they raced into the face of danger, determined to find the key to his past and live--or die--together, as destiny decreed....
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
May 11, 2021
3.5 Amnesiac involved in the Napoleonic Era finds love stars
This was a good story with a lot of history intertwined in the plot line as the H was an English spy embedded in the affairs of Napoleon Bonaparte following his first arrest and prison break. In fact, the H (Emory Althorpe) is the one whose ship provided the escape for Bonaparte, but the French general's closest advisors realize that Emory is working for the other side; thus Napoleon orders his death after he is tortured to discover where the documents he absconded with are located. But during the process of being questioned, Emory manages to escape his captor by falling into the nearby harbor and "disappearing." He turns up on the shores near Torquay in Devon, England where an earl's rebellious daughter (Annaleah Fairchilde) has been sent to spend time with her eccentric great-aunt as punishment for refusing to fall in line with her mother's desire to wed her to a Marquess that has offered for her, Lord Barrington. And that's just the outcome of the first couple of chapters!
Anna wants to fall in love, and her mother doesn't seem to understand that she is not settling for less, so she is sent to the coast (about 3 days' journey from London) to spend time in a small, remote town with her great-aunt until she "comes to her senses," but Anna finds her aunt endearing and charming, and she is able to relate to her aunt's choices in life in that she never married because the man she loved was not of the nobility; thus, she remained a "spinster" to be with him on her own terms. As Anna begins her morning stroll along the coast line, she literally stumbles across a young man who has seemingly washed up from nowhere. She drags him away from the rising tide so that she can run back for help, and her great aunt identifies him as a local boy who left many years ago for adventures on the high seas: Emory Althorpe.
Emory awakens in a small room where he can hear the ocean nearby, but that is his only clue as to his location and identity. He cannot recall his name nor how he came to be in the weak condition he is in. When the elderly lady hosting him tells him of his childhood and what she knows of his family, it still comes up blank in his mind. And when he learns he considered to be a fugitive and traitor to the Crown, he is baffled. But what he does know for certain is that the young woman that saved him and has been looking after him is beautiful, kind, and passionate, and he can't help but want to learn more about her even if he doesn't know anything about himself. As his memories slowly begin to emerge from the depths of his mind, he realizes he is placing those that would protect him in danger, and he decides to leave to discover the truth of his circumstances and to clear his name. But he can't seem to walk completely away from Anna. Will she help him find out what happened to him and why he is a wanted man? Can he keep her safe from the many threats that seem to come at him from all directions? And if he can manage to uncover the truth about his involvement with the French general that continues to challenge the Crown?
What I liked:
--- There was a lot of action and intrigue that kept me interested in what was happening; I thought I knew what was what, and then things were changed up on me! I like being on my toes
--- The H/h were likeable and had great chemistry
--- STEAMY GOODNESS (once it took off, it was ON)
What I didn't like as much:
--- There were some places where things moved too slowly for my taste, especially at the beginning, but it picked up significantly around the 30% or so mark
--- There were some inconsistencies (ex, the great aunt called Emory "Rory," but no one else did) and some half-stories in there; maybe things come out in later books, but I felt there were some unresolved story lines
--- There was a LOT of history... I had to skim through some of it because it felt like I was sitting in 10th grade AP European history class again (no offense, Mrs. Riley!); some might feel that is a plus; it's just not my fave to wade through
Overall, this was an engaging story steeped in history with a steamy romance, spies, intrigue, villains, and surprising reveals galore! If you are a history buff, this will definitely meet that need as there is a lot of that involved in the telling of this romantic tale.
Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- yes (the H is found after having been tortured; flashbacks to torture; sword fight; gun fight.... not overly graphic, but there are some details; no violence of the domestic variety)
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
This was a good story with a lot of history intertwined in the plot line as the H was an English spy embedded in the affairs of Napoleon Bonaparte following his first arrest and prison break. In fact, the H (Emory Althorpe) is the one whose ship provided the escape for Bonaparte, but the French general's closest advisors realize that Emory is working for the other side; thus Napoleon orders his death after he is tortured to discover where the documents he absconded with are located. But during the process of being questioned, Emory manages to escape his captor by falling into the nearby harbor and "disappearing." He turns up on the shores near Torquay in Devon, England where an earl's rebellious daughter (Annaleah Fairchilde) has been sent to spend time with her eccentric great-aunt as punishment for refusing to fall in line with her mother's desire to wed her to a Marquess that has offered for her, Lord Barrington. And that's just the outcome of the first couple of chapters!
Anna wants to fall in love, and her mother doesn't seem to understand that she is not settling for less, so she is sent to the coast (about 3 days' journey from London) to spend time in a small, remote town with her great-aunt until she "comes to her senses," but Anna finds her aunt endearing and charming, and she is able to relate to her aunt's choices in life in that she never married because the man she loved was not of the nobility; thus, she remained a "spinster" to be with him on her own terms. As Anna begins her morning stroll along the coast line, she literally stumbles across a young man who has seemingly washed up from nowhere. She drags him away from the rising tide so that she can run back for help, and her great aunt identifies him as a local boy who left many years ago for adventures on the high seas: Emory Althorpe.
Emory awakens in a small room where he can hear the ocean nearby, but that is his only clue as to his location and identity. He cannot recall his name nor how he came to be in the weak condition he is in. When the elderly lady hosting him tells him of his childhood and what she knows of his family, it still comes up blank in his mind. And when he learns he considered to be a fugitive and traitor to the Crown, he is baffled. But what he does know for certain is that the young woman that saved him and has been looking after him is beautiful, kind, and passionate, and he can't help but want to learn more about her even if he doesn't know anything about himself. As his memories slowly begin to emerge from the depths of his mind, he realizes he is placing those that would protect him in danger, and he decides to leave to discover the truth of his circumstances and to clear his name. But he can't seem to walk completely away from Anna. Will she help him find out what happened to him and why he is a wanted man? Can he keep her safe from the many threats that seem to come at him from all directions? And if he can manage to uncover the truth about his involvement with the French general that continues to challenge the Crown?
What I liked:
--- There was a lot of action and intrigue that kept me interested in what was happening; I thought I knew what was what, and then things were changed up on me! I like being on my toes
--- The H/h were likeable and had great chemistry
--- STEAMY GOODNESS (once it took off, it was ON)
What I didn't like as much:
--- There were some places where things moved too slowly for my taste, especially at the beginning, but it picked up significantly around the 30% or so mark
--- There were some inconsistencies (ex, the great aunt called Emory "Rory," but no one else did) and some half-stories in there; maybe things come out in later books, but I felt there were some unresolved story lines
--- There was a LOT of history... I had to skim through some of it because it felt like I was sitting in 10th grade AP European history class again (no offense, Mrs. Riley!); some might feel that is a plus; it's just not my fave to wade through
Overall, this was an engaging story steeped in history with a steamy romance, spies, intrigue, villains, and surprising reveals galore! If you are a history buff, this will definitely meet that need as there is a lot of that involved in the telling of this romantic tale.
Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- yes (the H is found after having been tortured; flashbacks to torture; sword fight; gun fight.... not overly graphic, but there are some details; no violence of the domestic variety)
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
September 5, 2021
I love Marsha Canham. This cover is so bland, it does not do justice to this fun little fantasy of what would happen if you came across a half-naked, completely handsome, unconscious man that's happened to wash to shore while you are talking a solitary walk during your social banishment at your eccentric spinster aunt's seaside home for refusing to entertain a marriage proposal from a very eligible my Lord Barrimore.
"You liked it better when I had no memory... Well, I liked it better when I had no conscience."
I don't love the hero with amnesia trope but Emory Althrope was so dreamy. Is he a traitor who helped Napoleon escape? Is he an English spy? Was he double-crossed? Who cares? Emory and Annaleah have chemistry with each other, and that's what kept me reading. I loved how Annaleah's POV is initially dominated by thoughts of how she can't stop staring at him.
What I loved about Swept Away is that although Emory washes up on shore, it's Annaleah that's swept away on an adventure. In less than a fortnight, she's been really kissed, escaped English troops and evil French henchmen hunting for them, wore pants in disguise as man, and crashed a masquerade ball - all of these things where she's ready for the ride.
Some heroines will moan and gripe but when push comes to shove, will moan and gripe some more. Annaleah steps up to the challenge, shooting off the villain's fingers, and refusing to stay put at home where it's safe. That being said, Annaleah is also realistically portrayed. She's not perfect at this subterfuge stuff, but she is determined, and luck is on her side. I loved the scene when Emory says she's not going in to a dangerous situation with guns when Seamus offers them to her, and then when Emory's back is turned for half a second, she quickly takes them.
Annaleah never has any major qualms about her attraction to Emory or her bedtime adventures with him. She never worries about silly things like her virginity or what people would think.
Some of Canham's heroines have this "I don't care about my life, all I care about is take me away with you!" vibe that I don't care for. The complete devotion to the man in expense of her own life is never something that sits well with me.
And there is a streak of that in Annaleah in how she is always loyal to him. I felt like I read the sentence, "she ran back, flinging herself into his arms" not a few times before the end of the novel.
But ultimately I wasn't annoyed or at least it made sense to me because 1) Annaleah was an adventurer at heart. She craved something more than being an obedient and docile wife. She was attracted to Emory because of his nature and 2) Annaleah's loyalty was expressed through physical bravery. She used her voice to argue for the justice of clearing Emory's name, and she also physically tried to shield him from harm. It all made sense for her character in how that loyalty strengthened her rather than debased her, something which I feel can happen to very loyal heroines.
Overall, fun read!
"You liked it better when I had no memory... Well, I liked it better when I had no conscience."
I don't love the hero with amnesia trope but Emory Althrope was so dreamy. Is he a traitor who helped Napoleon escape? Is he an English spy? Was he double-crossed? Who cares? Emory and Annaleah have chemistry with each other, and that's what kept me reading. I loved how Annaleah's POV is initially dominated by thoughts of how she can't stop staring at him.
What I loved about Swept Away is that although Emory washes up on shore, it's Annaleah that's swept away on an adventure. In less than a fortnight, she's been really kissed, escaped English troops and evil French henchmen hunting for them, wore pants in disguise as man, and crashed a masquerade ball - all of these things where she's ready for the ride.
Some heroines will moan and gripe but when push comes to shove, will moan and gripe some more. Annaleah steps up to the challenge, shooting off the villain's fingers, and refusing to stay put at home where it's safe. That being said, Annaleah is also realistically portrayed. She's not perfect at this subterfuge stuff, but she is determined, and luck is on her side. I loved the scene when Emory says she's not going in to a dangerous situation with guns when Seamus offers them to her, and then when Emory's back is turned for half a second, she quickly takes them.
Annaleah never has any major qualms about her attraction to Emory or her bedtime adventures with him. She never worries about silly things like her virginity or what people would think.
Some of Canham's heroines have this "I don't care about my life, all I care about is take me away with you!" vibe that I don't care for. The complete devotion to the man in expense of her own life is never something that sits well with me.
And there is a streak of that in Annaleah in how she is always loyal to him. I felt like I read the sentence, "she ran back, flinging herself into his arms" not a few times before the end of the novel.
But ultimately I wasn't annoyed or at least it made sense to me because 1) Annaleah was an adventurer at heart. She craved something more than being an obedient and docile wife. She was attracted to Emory because of his nature and 2) Annaleah's loyalty was expressed through physical bravery. She used her voice to argue for the justice of clearing Emory's name, and she also physically tried to shield him from harm. It all made sense for her character in how that loyalty strengthened her rather than debased her, something which I feel can happen to very loyal heroines.
Overall, fun read!
September 5, 2021
Okay to good read. It was a clever, different plot. It started out real slow but did finally get interesting.
July 8, 2021
I like Marsha Canham. This is the third story I have read from her. Whereas this story takes place during Regency times and the other two were Medieval romances, I can't help compare this author to Theresa Weir if she had written historical fiction (she didn't).
What I found were MCs imbued with imperfection. The author is not afraid to take her characters into some dark places. There is a decent plot (spies, a vicar, amnesia, a villain or not- it is for you to discover who is the real traitor- and the heroine is expected to marry well). And it is a romance written in the 1990s, not a favorite of many readers. In Swept Away, I have to admit the sexual incidents have a 1990s ambiance.
In the case of Miss Annaleah Fairchilde and Emory Althorpe, their relationship was founded on memory loss. His recovery from amnesia is very slow and I know that Emory (now) would not appreciate Annaleah if he were Emory from the past. As bits and pieces are recovered he knows this, too. It was interesting to watch their relationship sputter, creak and blossom.
I hope I have not confused too many readers with this review. I read this story weeks ago and hesitated writing anything because I wasn't sure how to come across. All I know is I liked this couple's story.
What I found were MCs imbued with imperfection. The author is not afraid to take her characters into some dark places. There is a decent plot (spies, a vicar, amnesia, a villain or not- it is for you to discover who is the real traitor- and the heroine is expected to marry well). And it is a romance written in the 1990s, not a favorite of many readers. In Swept Away, I have to admit the sexual incidents have a 1990s ambiance.
In the case of Miss Annaleah Fairchilde and Emory Althorpe, their relationship was founded on memory loss. His recovery from amnesia is very slow and I know that Emory (now) would not appreciate Annaleah if he were Emory from the past. As bits and pieces are recovered he knows this, too. It was interesting to watch their relationship sputter, creak and blossom.
I hope I have not confused too many readers with this review. I read this story weeks ago and hesitated writing anything because I wasn't sure how to come across. All I know is I liked this couple's story.
February 13, 2011
I picked this as my next book from Marsha Canham's writing because Goodreads showed it rated as one of the lowest. I was very curious to see if in fact MC had a book that was mediocre, as I would suspect all authors must have at least one, be it an early attempt or a burnt-out one. I hold Diana Gabaldon is very high regard for her talent but her fifth book in the Outlander series is a testament to my theory.
While this one did start out rather slower than the ones I have already read,I was still not disappointed. While I think Anna's character could have shown just a bit more evidence of her transformation, her character was still strong enough to enjoy. Emory was our typical rogue totally dreamy and what's more, I love how his character was strong enough to carry off a bit of fun at his expense with two costumes he was forced to wear during a two occasions when he needed to be disguised. My favorite character through out was Florence and I wish there was more of her in the story. I loved how when she became animated, she began waving her hands around and due to her body withering with age, her rings would fly off, shooting through the room like bullets.
All in all, it was another wonderful adventure with a rich historical base. My only regret is I am whittling away at the small collection of my now most favorite author. I will be hard-pressed to find another with her talent and amazing ability to create adventure in so many different time periods.
While this one did start out rather slower than the ones I have already read,I was still not disappointed. While I think Anna's character could have shown just a bit more evidence of her transformation, her character was still strong enough to enjoy. Emory was our typical rogue totally dreamy and what's more, I love how his character was strong enough to carry off a bit of fun at his expense with two costumes he was forced to wear during a two occasions when he needed to be disguised. My favorite character through out was Florence and I wish there was more of her in the story. I loved how when she became animated, she began waving her hands around and due to her body withering with age, her rings would fly off, shooting through the room like bullets.
All in all, it was another wonderful adventure with a rich historical base. My only regret is I am whittling away at the small collection of my now most favorite author. I will be hard-pressed to find another with her talent and amazing ability to create adventure in so many different time periods.
October 29, 2015
This is my third book in a row to read by Marsha Canham, and I love how she weaves historical fiction into her romances. As a fan of Regency romance, I thought she did a great job incorporating language, dress and mannerisms of the times and yet told a tale of adventure that takes place from mansions to warships. The heroine is a lady who is innocent yet has a rebellious streak I loved, and the hero is a man who ran from sadness to seek adventure. A historical figure even makes a brief cameo. A great tale of romance, mystery and adventure.
July 15, 2023
Canham's only Regency but it's more pirate romp than drawing room. This book has all the marks of her adventure romances but for me, it isn't as engaging as her other books. Still, it's a wild ride with an amnesiac hero and with the external conflict involving Napoleon, intrigue, pirating, spying, and sex on a desk 🔥
Tropes:
Amnesia
Kidnapping
Spies
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Amnesia
Kidnapping
Spies
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🔥🔥/5
August 16, 2009
This was a real page turner for me, and parts of it had me laughing out loud. I just adored the characters, especially Aunt Florence. :0)
The story revolves around Annaleah Fairchilde who has been banished to her great Aunt Florence's house, as punishment until she can see reason in her mothers setting up a marriage between herself and Lord Barrimore. Aunt Florence is quite the eccentric old lady and teaches Annaleah about being true to herself and not settling for what others want her to be.
One day during her walk along the cliffs Annaleah finds a man washed up on shore, with a nasty bump on his head. He says "They have to know the truth before it is to late" before passing out again. When Emory Althorpe wakes again he has no memory of who he is or how he got there.
What follows is a romantic adventure as Emory tries to remember what lead up to him being washed up on a beach. The story is full of mystery, deceit, chases, battles, hot love scenes and Napoleon Bonaparte. That's right what story would be complete without the French Emperor. ;op
The story revolves around Annaleah Fairchilde who has been banished to her great Aunt Florence's house, as punishment until she can see reason in her mothers setting up a marriage between herself and Lord Barrimore. Aunt Florence is quite the eccentric old lady and teaches Annaleah about being true to herself and not settling for what others want her to be.
One day during her walk along the cliffs Annaleah finds a man washed up on shore, with a nasty bump on his head. He says "They have to know the truth before it is to late" before passing out again. When Emory Althorpe wakes again he has no memory of who he is or how he got there.
What follows is a romantic adventure as Emory tries to remember what lead up to him being washed up on a beach. The story is full of mystery, deceit, chases, battles, hot love scenes and Napoleon Bonaparte. That's right what story would be complete without the French Emperor. ;op
March 18, 2021
After having been sent into exile to her great aunt for refusing to marry a man of her mother's choosing, Annaleah Fairchilde soon finds herself embroiled in an adventure. Having found a half-drowned (and half-naked) man, a man her great aunt have known since he was a boy, on the beach, she learns he's wanted for treason, having sold his country to France. But there's just something about this man, who remembers nothing, not even his own name, that makes her believe he's innocent. And she's determined to help him prove it.
Though it lagged in places, the plot was intriguing, the hero was dashing, the twists and turns kept coming (I especially loved the big reveal about the real traitor, which I didn't see coming), the action was fast paced and the supporting cast was a hoot (I loved great aunt Florence and her "teachings"). Pity the heroine was an idiot at worst and annoying at best for the better part of the book.
Not Marsha Canham's best effort, but not shabby either. I much prefer her medievals, though.
Though it lagged in places, the plot was intriguing, the hero was dashing, the twists and turns kept coming (I especially loved the big reveal about the real traitor, which I didn't see coming), the action was fast paced and the supporting cast was a hoot (I loved great aunt Florence and her "teachings"). Pity the heroine was an idiot at worst and annoying at best for the better part of the book.
Not Marsha Canham's best effort, but not shabby either. I much prefer her medievals, though.
July 31, 2023
Finishing a book at 4am while you have insomnia isn't the best way to get the emotional impact from a romance...
That said, I always love Marsha Canham's history and romance blend, and this was interesting, fun, satisfying, and perfect for the beach.
That said, I always love Marsha Canham's history and romance blend, and this was interesting, fun, satisfying, and perfect for the beach.
January 23, 2025
3.5 eh. I think i just don't like the amnesia trope.i couldn't even get behind McNaughts Until You. I feel like the amnesiac always falls in love with their touch stone (ie the other MC) and that person then has the savior complex. I felt like Anna was "unfinished" to me. She swung from Mary Jane to difiant loke a whim. These two are hot for each other, but i was like blah, just bc I didn't get Anna and Emerson was just latching on to her.
Marsha Canham is still a goddess. This trope just makes the whole story flat for me.
Marsha Canham is still a goddess. This trope just makes the whole story flat for me.
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April 13, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/13/2021)! 🎁
May 22, 2021
More history than I like - I liked the characters and the basic storyline but too much about napoleon and way too long.
April 25, 2021
Don't give up with the prologue!
I have to admit that when I started reading this book I almost stopped. I am so glad I did not. Emory and Anna's story is one to be read. It takes an important part of history and puts a wonderful spin on it. You won't see it coming. That is what I love about a well written story you don't know how it ends till it does. Keeps one reading all night and you can't put it down.Enjoy!
I have to admit that when I started reading this book I almost stopped. I am so glad I did not. Emory and Anna's story is one to be read. It takes an important part of history and puts a wonderful spin on it. You won't see it coming. That is what I love about a well written story you don't know how it ends till it does. Keeps one reading all night and you can't put it down.Enjoy!
April 15, 2021
Intrigue and Romance
This fast paced novel contained enough plot twists to satisfy the most discerning reader. The characters were well developed, scenes set to delight those loving the period and the excitement of chase scenes ( yes, many chase scenes) as well as romance provides grand entertainment for several rainy afternoons.
This fast paced novel contained enough plot twists to satisfy the most discerning reader. The characters were well developed, scenes set to delight those loving the period and the excitement of chase scenes ( yes, many chase scenes) as well as romance provides grand entertainment for several rainy afternoons.
October 23, 2013
The book started off with promise when the heroine finds the man washed up on shore. I was hoping she would nurse him back to health, but within a few pages he's fine except that his memory is lost. Their initial romance and attraction is well done and believable, but I found myself quickly losing interest. I just didn't care about the guy's past or the Napoleon part. The Napoleon tie in is the sort of thing that must have seemed like a good idea when proposed, but fell flat in execution. It was a struggle to get myself to finish the last half of the book. I did like that the heroine had a spine and stood up for herself. Also enjoyable was the intertwined story of the heroine's great aunt. Overall, I liked the characters, but the second half killed it for me.
November 14, 2018
What could be better than finding a devilishly handsome man swept onto your local beach like a message in a bottle?
Unlike most of Canham's novel that impacts from the first page, this tightens with intensity into a crescendo. Set just after the Battle of Waterloo and the capture of Napoleon Bonaparte, peppered with enough action, mystery, romance to tick all the boxes, with one unparalleled bonus; this regency romance has one of the most ingenious high octane carriage chases that will get your heart racing like no other.
Unlike most of Canham's novel that impacts from the first page, this tightens with intensity into a crescendo. Set just after the Battle of Waterloo and the capture of Napoleon Bonaparte, peppered with enough action, mystery, romance to tick all the boxes, with one unparalleled bonus; this regency romance has one of the most ingenious high octane carriage chases that will get your heart racing like no other.
May 4, 2020
Outstanding!
I couldn’t put this read down .. the story was dynamic .. the characters vast with amazing chemistry .. just the right amount of romance with a delicious hero and independent heiress ... I would recommend this book.
I couldn’t put this read down .. the story was dynamic .. the characters vast with amazing chemistry .. just the right amount of romance with a delicious hero and independent heiress ... I would recommend this book.
June 21, 2011
*sigh*
takes me back to being 17 and discovering the world of swashbuckling romance novels for the first time.
takes me back to being 17 and discovering the world of swashbuckling romance novels for the first time.
September 23, 2011
Entertaining for sure; it had it all, pirates, swashbuckling, amnesia, carriage chases, the ol' switch-er-roo, masquerade ball, beautiful girl, even Napoleon Bonaparte. You name it, it had it.
June 7, 2015
I love all of Marsha Canham's books! I think she's a fabulous author!
April 19, 2021
Anna finds a mysterious man on the beach one morning while out on a walk. She saves him and gets him brought up to her aunt's house, who she is visiting, and the man has amnesia. No idea anything about himself. Conveniently, he grew up not far from where he came ashore and the aunt recognizes him. Turns out that auntie, who was an awesome side character, knew him and liked him when he was a young man. But as an adult, he has had a more mysterious life and is wanted by the Crown for treason. But Auntie doesn't believe it and neither does Anna.
This is a long book. The first half I really enjoyed. Good character development, interesting action, believable love interest and relationship development. Anna is very attracted to him, but she also has backbone and stands up to Emory. She doesn't pass off and ignore every mistake. Emory slowly recovers his memories, but I never doubted his good character. But then latter portions of the book dealt more with the treason charge, Napoleon and other military/spy stuff. Even the H/h interactions got dull. I got bored. It drug out for too long. I skimmed a good bit in the last third of the book.
This is a long book. The first half I really enjoyed. Good character development, interesting action, believable love interest and relationship development. Anna is very attracted to him, but she also has backbone and stands up to Emory. She doesn't pass off and ignore every mistake. Emory slowly recovers his memories, but I never doubted his good character. But then latter portions of the book dealt more with the treason charge, Napoleon and other military/spy stuff. Even the H/h interactions got dull. I got bored. It drug out for too long. I skimmed a good bit in the last third of the book.
September 24, 2023
Swept Away by Marsha Canham (1999), with a bland cover and a sensual Pino stepback, is a totally enthralling espionage mystery HR. It’s rich with passion and romance, set around Napoleon’s capture by the British before he’s sent to St Helena.
Anna discovers a nearly naked, unconscious man on a beach near her aunt’s house in Devon. She rescues him and soon learns his identity.. an accused traitor. Emory suffers from amnesia tho he slowly and painfully recalls his past. Together they race thru danger determined to find the key to his past.
An HR with plenty of historical details that do not overwhelm the romance between two strong and independent people … plenty of scorching sex scenes, desk onboard a ship included. Plus it’s a mystery with plenty of plot twists.
It’s so refreshing to read such a great story these days when so many newer HRs lack these aspects.
Anna discovers a nearly naked, unconscious man on a beach near her aunt’s house in Devon. She rescues him and soon learns his identity.. an accused traitor. Emory suffers from amnesia tho he slowly and painfully recalls his past. Together they race thru danger determined to find the key to his past.
An HR with plenty of historical details that do not overwhelm the romance between two strong and independent people … plenty of scorching sex scenes, desk onboard a ship included. Plus it’s a mystery with plenty of plot twists.
It’s so refreshing to read such a great story these days when so many newer HRs lack these aspects.
January 22, 2025
Great hero, average heroine; great idea for a plot, average execution of idea for a plot. To be fair, I'm not entirely sure how good this book really was since I could only read it over the space of several weeks and I missed the momentum of it. But I do know that it didn't quite hit the level of perfection that the first book I read of hers did.
April 17, 2021
More than frills.
As much a romance as you'd want, but also a ripping yarn and swashbuckling tale filled with a gorgeous pirate and the crystal chandeliers of London. This was certainly a different kind of historical romance, the heroine grew a backbone and the hero grew a heart
As much a romance as you'd want, but also a ripping yarn and swashbuckling tale filled with a gorgeous pirate and the crystal chandeliers of London. This was certainly a different kind of historical romance, the heroine grew a backbone and the hero grew a heart
April 19, 2021
Riveting plot
First book I've read of this author and I'm hooked. The twisting plot, unpredictability, surprises and humour are worth burning the midnight oil for. Will follow Ms. Canham from now on.
First book I've read of this author and I'm hooked. The twisting plot, unpredictability, surprises and humour are worth burning the midnight oil for. Will follow Ms. Canham from now on.
April 23, 2024
While it lacked some of the polish (and editing, lots of missing words) of a later book I read by this author, I wasn’t disappointed. Wonderful characters (loved Great Aunt Florence) and an exciting plot. This author has already become a favorite.
March 23, 2018
3,5 stars
April 15, 2021
Captivating
Awesome book couldn't put it down. It was such a good story. You feel like your right there the whole time watching the story unfold.
Awesome book couldn't put it down. It was such a good story. You feel like your right there the whole time watching the story unfold.
April 18, 2021
Lovely read. Leaves u on a cliff hanger waiting to get next in series.
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