Smitten by Books

SEDUCED BY A PIRATE
Author: Eloisa James
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon Impulse
Genre: Historical
Release Date: October 30, 2012
Digital Price: $.99
Pages: 69

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In Eloisa James’s companion story to The Ugly Duchess, Sir Griffin Barry, captain of the infamous pirate ship The Poppy, is back in England to claim the wife he hasn’t seen since their wedding day . . . but this is one treasure that will not be so easy to capture.

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REVIEW

We all know Griffin Barry is a betting man, and he’s determined to win or at least give it his best shot at trying. He left a life where he felt unwanted and dejected by his family, and a wife only one evening old, taking to the high seas and making a fortune. He doesn’t expect a hero’s welcome, but he certainly doesn’t expect to greet a wife with a passel of children.

The Ugly Duchess is where readers first get a glimpse of the man we know as Griffin Barry, captain of the Flying Poppy the most fearsome ship in the seas. He seems like a rough and tumble man, not easily brought to shock nor defeated. Yet Griffin’s on the mend from a near death injury. He’s ready to face the music and return to his home for a chance at a normal life with a wife he left behind. I liked Griffin. He’s rough, a little more crude than most, but he’s honorable. I especially enjoy how he comes to terms with the way his wife presents the household to him.

Now to the wife, whom we all thought was named Poppy. Come to find out her name is Phoebe. She’s a woman more suited to the country. She prefers the solitary life, and doesn’t care for the pleasures of town. Not a frivolous woman, she’s supported herself and is raising a small brood. The last thing she wants is to be saddled with a husband. Phoebe is a sweet, but strong woman who isn’t afraid to face a world without a man in her life, at least until she realizes having a man around may not be a bad thing when he’s as handsome and nice as Griffin.

The hijinks that ensue as Phoebe seeks to snag a pirate rather than have him walk the plank are humorous and endearing. Phoebe is older than Griffin so she’s afraid her less than youthful looks won’t work, and whether Griffin will fall her charms and the children is a question only reading the book will answer.

This story is good because it has two happy endings, and it shows how the misunderstandings and interpretations of a young man’s mind can easily lead down a less-than-perfect path.  It’s a light, quick read that will have you cheering for a HEA. Since both Phoebe and Griffin have gone through too much in the last 14 years to deserve anything less. This is the Eloisa James I love and enjoy, and while it’s not as angsty as some of her other stories it’s still a very good read.

Heat Level: 4 (Hot)

Rating: 4 (Very Good)

Reviewed by Landra