A LADY’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND PIRATES, by Jennifer Moore, Shadow Mountain Publishing, Aug, 4, 2024, Hardcover, $24.99 (Young Adult/ New Adult/ Adult Fiction)
The goddaughter of a legendary pirate undertakes a perilous rescue mission in A Lady’s Guide to Love and Pirates, by Jennifer Moore.
Annabelle Bradford was born on the sea and, as an infant, was claimed by pirate captain Reid Courtney as part of the spoils of seizure. Though she lives in London, she spends every summer aboard her godfather’s ship, exploring the ocean and embracing the freedom the horizon offers.
But when her godfather is kidnapped by a rival captain who is hunting for lost Spanish treasure, Annabelle must set sail on the most dangerous mission of her life—but first she’ll have to break a pirate out of prison.
Captain Hawke has vowed to never return to the cursed Isla de Plata, not even if the lovely but arrogant Lady Bradford practically demands it of him in exchange for his freedom. When she also promises him a ship of his own once Captain Courtney is rescued, Hawke reluctantly agrees to sail with her and her crew.
Though Annabelle and Hawke initially clash over who will captain the ship, as they travel through storms and dangers toward the mysterious Devil’s Triangle, the lady’s heart begins to soften toward the charismatic pirate captain. But what if he doesn’t love her back? What if when they are done, he simply sails over the horizon without her?
Annabelle knows how to navigate both the ballrooms of London and the waves of the ocean, but finding her way to true love may prove to be the most difficult journey of all. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain Publishing
A Lady’s Guide to Love and Pirates is a nice surprise. This Proper Romance historical read sparkles with adventure, romance and a bit of mystery.
At the center of the story are Annabelle and Hawke. Annable is a lovely mix of refined and daring. She’s spent every summer at sea and loves it. Hawke has rouge-ish qualities, but is deeper than he first appears (think Westley from The Princess Bride). The two have a good chemistry and are a couple you want succeed.
What makes Annable and Hawke shine, though, is a strong supporting cast of eclectic characters that energy and heart throughout the novel.
Author Jennifer Moore’s writing is smooth and comfortable. And her tone feels modern and approachable while still fitting in a historical setting.
A Lady’s Guide to Love and Pirates is a fast read, perfect for a weekend or beach read.
*While not specifically a young adult novel, A Lady’s Guide to Love and Pirates is a chaste romantic adventure suitable for YA and adult readers alike.
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