The Pirate Ruse by Marcia Lynn McClure

An instant before the sea swallowed her, Cristabel Albay gasped her last breath. She was certain it would truly be her last breath… Yet, mere moments later, her head broke the surface of the sea and she exhaled the breath she had been holding—the one that had not been her last—gasping for another.

“Do you swim, woman?” the pirate Navarrone growled.

“Y-yes,” Cristabel stammered. Her thoughts were muddled—for panic was her only ally. Yet, she was cognizant enough to know that her life was still in danger—not from pirates perhaps—but from the sea.

“Then swim!” the pirate growled. “If you want to live to see another sunrise, then swim for The Merry Wench.”

…She glanced up to the Chichester where pirates and British sailors yet battled. The Screaming Witch was already sailing, and Cristabel would rather have died than be the victim of the atrocities that would have met her aboard it.

Yet, to abandon one pirate ship for another? It was madness! Still, she could not fathom drowning—for drowning terrified her more than any other fate of death. Her only hope in surviving was to do as the pirate ordered. …She had heard tales of The Blue Blade Navarrone—tales of mercy. …Perhaps he would take pity on her… Thus, with no other venue to follow, Christabel began to swim—to swim for The Merry Wench and whatever fate awaited her there.



I read and review Young Adult books, and I love them. But every once in a while, I really just want to read a romance novel. I'm not talking about any "bodice-ripping, heaving bosoms, yearning...you get the point" romance novels, but a "clean" romance novel. That's where Marcia Lynn McClure comes in. I seriously love her books. There are often (lots of) stolen kisses in darkened hallways or alleys, there is usually some kind of forbidden love, and there is always a strong willed heroine and a sexy man that should most definitely be off limits.

 

In this book, that sexy man just happens to be a pirate. Which leads me to the question, Why are there not more pirate books?? I love pirates. Holy cow, talk about your ultimate off-limits bad boy. What is it about pirates that I love so much? And don't say Johnny Depp, because I loved them long before him. He just kind of....cemented....my love for them. (haha) Which leads me to a new question, Why are there not more YOUNG ADULT pirate books? Someone please write a really awesome YA pirate book with romance. Actually, write two or three. Or if you know of any, please let me know!! Thanks.

 

Anyways.... (I digress), I have a TON of Marcia Lynn McClure books that I am slowly working my way through. They are always quick reads, and although they are usually a little cheesy at times, I haven't read one of her books that I didn't love. Who knew someone could write "clean" romance novels, right? Well, it can be done. And they are awesome! Although I must say, this is definitely my very favorite. If you want to start reading her books, start with this one. I loved everything about it. 

 

Happy Reading!