"Exciting early nineteenth century romance"
In 1798 Ireland ten years old Devlin O'Neill watches
English Captain Harold Hughes cut off the head of his
father and burn his family property. He vows to one day
avenge his sire's murder. In 1812 with her parents recently dead, her aristocratic
English uncle sends eighteen years old Virginia Hughes to
finishing school for the next three years before he plans
to marry her off. She hates the school so she leaves and
returns to her family's Virginia plantation Sweet Briar
where she learns the place is bankrupt and will be sold to
pay off debts. Virginia decides to visit her Uncle Harold
to obtain funding for her plantation. Also in 1812, Devlin is the best of "His Majesty's
Pirates" so Lord Liverpool reassigns him and his crew of
the Defiance from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic to
frighten American ships into turning around. Though he
has had much success financially destroying Harold, he
learns that his enemy's niece is sailing from America.
Devlin abducts Virginia on the high seas to use as a
pawn. However, her courage and conviction begins to mend
his heart as they fall in love, but Uncle Harold stands
between them. This is an exciting early nineteenth century romance
starring two terrific protagonists with different agendas
that converge over the same man that both detest. The
storyline provides insight into the beginnings of the War
of 1812, but clearly focuses on Devlin's thirst for
revenge dampened as he gets to know Virginia. Harold is
too vile of a villain to matter, but the lead couple and
the intrigue her abduction brings to the highest levels of
government make this novel a prize for historical readers. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 24, 2004
SummaryVENGEANCE RULED HIS DAYS...AND NIGHTS
An Infamous sea captain of the British Royal Navy, Devlin
O'Neill is consumed with the need to destroy the man who
brutally murdered his father. Having nearly ruined the
Earl of Eastleigh financially, he is waiting for his
moment to strike the final blow. And it comes in the form
of a spirited young American woman, the earl's niece, who
is about to set his cold, calculating world on fire.
PRIDE INFLAMED HER SPIRIT
Born and raised on a tobacco plantation, Virginia Hughes
is determined to rebuild her beloved Sweet Briar.
Daringly, she sails to England alone, hoping to convince
her uncle to lend her the funds. Instead, she finds
herself ruthlessly kidnapped by the notorious Devlin
O'Neill. As his hostage, she will soon find her best-laid
plans thwarted by a passion that could seal their fates
forever.
LOVE CONQUERED THEM BOTH
Against the backdrop of a turbulent war between England
and America, Devlin and Virginia are torn apart by duty,
pride and honor. Their private battle is one that Virginia
must win—for at stake is Devlin's heart. But as the
war rages ever closer to Sweet Briar, each must make the
ultimate sacrifice—and surrender to the healing power
of their consuming love.
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