[Book Review]: WITHIN A CAPTAIN'S HOLD by Lisa A. Olech (Lyrical Press)

This was further down in my to-post list, but as it comes out today I really wanted to post this review now. It's the first in a new series by Lisa A. Olech, a new author to Kensington's digital-first imprint, Lyrical Press. And yes, it's a historical romance...at sea...with pirates!

WITHIN A CAPTAIN'S HOLD by Lisa Olech

Blurb:
Captain Jaxon Steele is a tall, sun-bronzed, fierce-fighting Pirate King. He and the notorious crew of the Scarlet Night are both feared and respected for their ruthless reputation. The Captain’s only love is the open sea and the ship he calls home. When it comes to women, he has three rules: never sleep with another’s wife, don’t take virgins into bed, and most importantly, never bring a woman aboard—that brings the worst luck of all.

Annalise Gatherone has to leave London—tonight! Usually her only concern is the color of her latest gown, but now she’s choosing between life and death. Desperate to escape the clutches of an evil Duke, she stows away aboard the Scarlet Night, hoping she’s bound for Port St. Maria. Winning Captain Steele's affections, she just might sneak by unharmed. But when her plans are altered in ways she never imagined, she must batten down the hatches for a journey into unknown waters…

Here's my review:


If you know me at all, you know I love pirates, so I was predisposed to like this book. Not to mention I'd met the author already and she's lovely. But that could make things tricky. What if it falls short of my piratical expectations? What if I'm disappointed that a wonderful author has an book I didn't enjoy?

Luckily, I didn't need to worry. WITHIN A CAPTAIN'S HOLD was exactly what I wanted it to be. The pirate, Jaxon, is not a softee, but neither is he unnecessarily cruel. Certainly dashing. The heroine grows to be strong by the end of the book, as she has had a sheltered life that she learned quickly was not going to help her out on the seas. But Olech doesn't shit away from the more bloodthirsty pirates with one of Jaxon's enemies, so there's definitely bloodshed. The fight scenes are well-described and awesome.

Also, you can tell Olech did her research. in fact, she's stated that if there's a ship mentioned in teh book, those ships actually sailed those seas during that time peried, so accuracy is definitely a thing.

Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!

Five topped-up full glasses of wine!

 


Check out buying options at Kensington Books! If you hurry, you might be able to win a copy!