Here's One in Honor of "Talk Like A Pirate Day" !My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bride of the Wind by Heather Graham/Shannon Drake was originally published in 1992. This one of the wonderful historical romances that Open Road Integrated Media is reissuing in digital format. Rose Woodbine, from Virginia, is at the court of King Charles. Her father is hoping to marry her to a titled gentleman. Rose just wants to go home. She is aware there are rumors that her father would really like her to marry Pierce Deforte. When the two of them literally collide with one another while out riding, they both blame the other and start bickering right away. Pierce loves the beautiful Lady Anne. He is also aware that rumors are swirling about a possible arrangement with Rose. He is not interested in her at all. He is quite content with Lady Anne. Even though he can't deny Rose was beautiful and he was attracted to her, but he did. not. like her. However, there are evil forces at work that cause Rose and Pierce to find themselves doing the very thing they swore they never would- get married. Naturally, things don't get off to a great start. Rose believes she has married a man still in love with another woman. Pierce is furious at the position Lady Anne was placed in and feels he must defend her honor, even though he is married to Rose. Pierce is beginning to think that marriage to Rose might not be so bad after all and Rose is responding to him a little bit at a time. However, their fragile truce is disrupted when Pierce gets word of Lady Anne's whereabouts and he takes off to find her. Things are never the same from that day on. Pierce will be accused of a terrible crime and will come to believe Rose was in on the frame up. We know from the very beginning that Pierce will become a Pirate. Yes, a pirate. The first part of the book could be like many regency historical romances, where two incompatible people are forced to marry. But, keep reading because at about the half way mark, things really start to take off. Non stop action, suspense, hot, sensual romance, and finally justice. The last couple of chapters were swashbuckling at it's finest. I love pirate historical romances. You don't see these being written all that much anymore. I wish they would make a comeback. I mean, really, how many regency period romances can one person read? Don't get me wrong, I love those too, but I really miss the edge that these older romances had. Rose was smart, brave, strong willed and loyal to a fault. She ran businesses and fought against evil men and at times even against Pierce when need be. She didn't take any crap. Pierce was a conflicted man. He was angry at the sneaky way he and Rose had been forced together and the very tragic outcome that had on others. His character was flawed and he had trust issues, but Pierce more than redeems himself. This was a fiery hot romance set on both British and American soil. Since this book is now available in e book format, I hope you will check it out. I think this one stands the test of time. Thanks to Open Road Media, Netgalley and the Goodreads Group- Retro Romance for the DRC of this book. A good solid A.
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