Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The high seas setting of Caldwell's swashbuckling latest Regency romance (after A Duke Alone) makes for a standout tale of love and adventure. Lady Cassia McQuoid has no interest in the life of a duchess, despite her parents' best efforts to find her a titled match. Longing for freedom, independence, and education in "Worldly Matters," she disguises herself as a deckhand to stow away on her brother's next sea voyage--but she inadvertently boards the wrong ship. Lord Nathaniel Ellsby, the fourth Marquess of Winfield and captain of the Flying Dragon, prefers life at sea to stuffy aristocracy, finding solace on the water as a privateer for the Crown. When he discovers Cassia's true identity, he feels inexplicably drawn to the beautiful Scottish heiress but worries her presence will distract from his mission. Indeed, as he works to protect her from his rogue crew and preserve her noble reputation, he falls for her fierce independence, intelligence, and beauty. Now he must choose between his heart and his duty. Cassia and Nathan's passionate romance will captivate readers. This is a winner. (Mar.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Lord Nathaniel Ellsby's beloved life as a privateer in service to the War Office is threatened after his older brother's sudden death turns Nathaniel into the Duke-apparent. Quickly embarking on one last voyage before he must marry and take up his responsibilities, his clandestine mission is almost immediately put in jeopardy as one of his hastily hired crew members turns out to be a woman. Lady Cassia McQuoid, neglected by suitors through two seasons and constantly by her loving but large family, has taken it upon herself to see the world by sneaking onto her brother's ship. However, she mistakenly ended up on Nathaniel's instead. Between the intricacies of a vital mission, a crew of superstitious sailors already on edge, and Cassia's penchant for getting into trouble, Nathaniel moves her into his cabin for her own safety. But the close quarters quickly cause a new, more distracting prospect that will further complicate the reputations of both--if they make it back to shore. VERDICT Caldwell, following The Duke Alone, continues the stories of the chatty and charming McQuoid sisters butting heads with reluctant members of the ton, with some added swashbuckling for good measure.--Kellie Tilton
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