Kidnapped by the Pirate Paperback – October 23, 2017

I don’t understand. I’ve seen other books with thousands and thousands of reviews and find that their stories are toxic, full of red flags, about mistreatment and abuse. Apparently a lot of women nowadays like that. I for one love to harken back to the bodice rippers (in this case breeches rippers) of old. This book was a welcome reprieve. It was elements of those old romances but it’s so beautifully written. The world coming to life and a love story so heartwarming. I missed this. I haven’t written a review in a long time. Don’t let the cover of this book dissuade you. It’s a wonderful book full of sexy angst, a great story, world building that makes you feel you are there. I read this in one evening. There’s everything you want in a romance that will give you the butterflies. I will keep this author in my reading list.

4 starsThis was a very good story. I liked both Nathaniel and Hawk and enjoyed their story and how they came together in the end.Nathaniel is the son of a Governor over an island colony in the new world. He grew up in England and had schooling but always had issues with reading and always prefered a more physical lifestyle than what was considered proper for someone of his station. Nathaniel has always had a longing for men but kept his preference hidden because it's considered a sin (as well as a crime punishable by death).Hawk used to be a good man and Captain of a Privateer ship, legally operating under contract from the crown. Hawk and his crew were screwed over by a evil man (Nathaniel's father) that wrongly invalidated his contract and proclaimed him a criminal to steal his bounty. Hawk and his crew were forced to become pirates because of this treachery.The book description gives a pretty good rundown of how the story begins so I wont give more details that might spoil the story. I will say that although Nathaniel was Hawk's prisoner, he wasn't forced into anything...it was more a matter of him deciding take advantage of his situation before he is ransomed back to his father and forced to marry a woman for her dowry. Hawk is tough but it is partially an act because of his position and he has a soft side that Nathaniel brings out. There's some angst because of the fact that Nathaniel is a bounty and Hawk's crew want their share of the ransom but that plays out well, if a bit suspenseful. In the end, things turn out well all around and Nathaniel and Hawk are able to find a place they can be together and have their HEA.This was a very enjoyable story. Nathaniel was a very good MC and I liked him a lot. Hawk was gruff and I didn't always like his actions but I liked him as a character. Together, Hawk and Nathaniel made a great couple and I was happy with how things worked out. Overall, I really liked the characters and I though the story was very good and engaging so I'd recommend it. :)* note - I listened to the audio version of this story and I thought the narrator did a very good job. I did find the narration a bit slow though so I turned the playback speed up to 1.20% and it worked really well.

I went in with low expectations, mostly because of the premise. But this is now one of my all time favorite MM reads. The characters are well developed, the plot exciting, the romance hot as hell. Highly recommend.

Keira Andrews is an auto-buy author for me, but I honestly think this might be her best book yet. I've always enjoyed her writing style, but period writing is in a class of its own, and Ms. Andrews doesn't disappoint. It takes real talent to write a period romance that is historically accurate and authentic (dialogue especially can be tricky), but she manages it beautifully. Her rich prose flows easily, the words painting a vivid, emotionally resonant picture.In this book, the author uses popular tropes: alpha male, shy virgin, pirates, a tyrannical parent, enemies to lovers - but her take is fresh and highly enjoyable. The dynamic between the two characters is believable, and so is the pace of their romance. Despite it taking place over the course of just a few weeks, it never feels rushed. The progression from initial animosity to powerful attraction to eventual love and devotion between the two men feels real and believable. Both characters were nuanced and multi-faceted, and both underwent a profound transformation through their love for each other, each in his unique way. I'm not sure whose journey was more touching: Hawk's, with his carefully constructed walls slowly crumbling, and with his mask of cruelty and indifference falling to reveal a tender and protective man; or Nathaniel's, the shame and feelings of inadequacy due to his hidden desires and secret dyslexia giving way to a strong, assertive spirit who refused to be ashamed and finally found the courage to go after what he wanted.In addition to all of the above, the sexual connection between the two men is raw, passionate and real, which is another huge plus in my book. The settings feel authentic and vividly depicted; you really get a sense of the places, the time period, and the intricacies of naval life. The plot is suspenseful and full of intrigue and adventure. The secondary characters are compelling, three-dimensional people. The conclusion feels both just and incredibly satisfying. Honestly, this is as close to perfect as it gets. Please do yourself a favor and read this marvelous book.

And I’m here for it! I would of rated it higher but I’m not into these type of fantasy books, felt the same about wed to a barbarian. I do really enjoy this author so I gave it a try. It’s good, healthy amount of steam, nice relationship progression, and the sweetest HEA.