Sandy M’s review of Anchor and Storm by Kate Poole
Historical Erotic Romance published by Ellora’s Cave 4 Apr 07
There’s a particular reason I usually don’t reread books, especially those that I read years before – there’s always something I don’t quite recall correctly and also I know as I age and change, so does my reading. So does Anchor and Storm live up to my original review from twelve years ago?
It does and it doesn’t. After I finished reading the book this time, I read my prior review. This time around I didn’t have the tears I mentioned before. However, the story is still emotional, but the rocky initial meeting I referenced years ago stands out now. And the title, Anchor and Storm, and its meaning sunk in this time around.
Emily is a nanny to the children of the Earl of Callander’s devious nephew and niece by marriage. Those two are complete pieces of work. He’s the next earl, so doesn’t do a thing but spend money and try to make sure his uncle doesn’t procreate to usurp his place in the family. But Edgar is much stronger than his diseased body. Though his relationship with Emily begins as friendship, they slowly fall in love and marry – dashing all the nephew’s dreams.
Edgar is determined to make sure Emily is taken care of when he’s gone. He knows he doesn’t have a lot of time – both his father and grandfather died from the same malady ravaging his body day by day. Then when he discovers his children could also be afflicted, he hatches a plan involving his groom, Angus MacNeill, his indentured servant.
Angus is a former laird, stripped of everything after surviving Culloden. He’s currently fine with his lot in life, at least being treated fairly by Edgar. Then there’s his animosity toward the man’s wife. Marrying for money doesn’t sit well with Angus, so Emily, a Highlander like himself, usually gets his anger and disgust when they meet. But little by little Angus does see the love Edgar and Emily have and he realizes she isn’t as bad as he’s painted her, which he’s glad of, since he himself has been in love with her since fighting with her father and brother during the uprising and learning all about Em.
So you can imagine his stance on Edgar’s ridiculous plan – using Angus as a stud (Angus’ word) because the earl refuses to pass his disease on to his children. Angus wants to be a father to any children he may have, not let another man step into that role. But he eventually comes around and has Emily in his bed. Emily herself is also, at first, a bit confused about the plan, but her attraction to Angus and Edgar’s sincere desire this work out calms her fear.
I do like the dichotomy of the love scenes between Emily and the two men. Edgar is sweet, sensitive, and loving because their love has grown over time, but with Angus, who is fierce, strong, and combustible when it comes to Emily, their loving is fast and furious, sizzling and explosive. The sex is right in line with the story line, not gratuitous in any way, which is a much welcome way of story telling when it comes to erotica.
The ending is quite emotional, no doubt about that. I’m apparently in a different stage of life that it doesn’t affect me like it did before. But those are still well-written scenes that do pull the heartstrings.
It’s unfortunate that Kate Poole didn’t continue with her writing after this book. I don’t know what happened, but it is definitely a loss for romance readers. She would have honed her craft and gotten better over time, so I can just imagine what emotions she’d drag out of me if she were writing today.
So will I read any other favorite books from years gone by? That’s still iffy, but after rereading this one, the odds are better that I might.
Grade: B
Summary:
Edgar Armstrong, Earl of Callander, had not given much thought to marrying and producing an heir…until he meets Emily Sinclair. When their easy companionship grows into love, they learn that Edgar’s progressively debilitating disease could be passed on to his children. As their joy turns to despair Edgar finds a solution. If he can’t get her with child he knows just the man who can. But will Emily agree to his plan?
Angus MacNeill, Lord Callander’s groom, thinks Emily married Edgar for his title, his money and the security he can give her. And when Edgar approaches him with a very unusual request Angus questions his master’s motives. Still, it doesn’t stop him from accepting Callander’s terms – it’s the only way he can be with Emily, even if only until she conceives.
Deeply in love with Edgar, Emily will do anything he asks of her. But she never suspected he’d ask something like this! Despite Edgar’s reassurances she worries that his plan could destroy their marriage rather than strengthen it. And when she makes her choice, Emily wonders if there’s room enough for two men in her heart – and in her bed.
No excerpt available.
