Michelle Beattie has penned a superb romance and adventure with a strong female lead player. The things Samantha saw and suffered watching her family killed at sea helped make her a woman determined not to see others harmed. Rape and the treatment she and others were subjected to at the hands of plantation owner Oliver Grant helped drive her to help them escape and have a life on the sea. Even as a pirate she prefers wit and cunning over bloodshed. The romance between her and Luke is one battle after another as they fall in love against all odds. She's determined not to let him usurp her place as Captain and leader while he's willing to use any means to win her, even if it means training her parrot to speak for him!

Ms. Beattie writes an action packed story as Sam chases down Dervish while being pursued by Grant. The parrot Carracks steals the scenes whenever he can. Samantha, Luke, and Joe her first mate are the central characters but many others share an important place in keeping the tale moving and often emotional. From first page to last the author had my attention and interest. She knows how to get us on the edge of our seat wondering what will happen because we start looking at the characters as people we care about. Not every author does that but Ms. Beattie seems to do it naturally and well.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Dee Dailey
November 20, 2008