Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Shipwrecked and Seduced by Amanda McCabe
Historical romance eBook released by Harlequin Historical Undone 1 Nov 08

One of the things I really love about Harlequin Historicals is that they’re not afraid to publish stories that take place outside of England. For her new story for the Undone line, Amanda McCabe takes readers back to 1535, when Spain was a major player in the New World.

Maria Gonzales was a lowly tavern maid in Spain, so when the opportunity arose for her to accompany Contessa Isabella de Valadez to the New World, she jumped at it. Certainly she’s heard the tall tales, but faced with the unknown or staying in Spain for a life of getting pawed by drunken louts, she figures she’ll take her chances with the savages. Then their ship runs into a storm, with Maria being the only one to survive. Naturally everyone assumes she’s the Contessa, and Maria, wanting a better life and protection, doesn’t dissuade them.

That is until she arrives in Santo Domingo and meets Carlos de Alameda. Carlos works for the governor, and isn’t a man to be trifled with. He has his suspicions about the shipwreck survivor, and he’s determined to uncover her secrets. So how come all he can think about is getting her out of her clothes?

Normally I’m not fond of heroines who spend the majority of the story lying through their teeth, but it’s easy to understand where Maria is coming from. On one hand, being honest gets her a one-way ticket back to scrubbing floors for a living. On the other, she has the chance to be a pampered, spoiled Contessa living in the lap of luxury. Unfortunately she soon finds herself hopelessly in love with Carlos. The question isn’t if her conscience will get the better of her, but when.

Carlos is a smart man, driven to distraction by a beautiful woman. When these two succumb to their passion, it’s enough to set the wall tapestries ablaze! I did think the declarations of love were a bit on the hasty side, but with so much passion between them, I think they’ll make a go of it. Especially if they never stray too far from the bedroom.

Grade: B-

Summary:
Maria Gonzales had hoped for a fresh start in the New World as a contessa’s servant, far away from her old life as a tavern maid in Seville. That hope is shattered when a storm destroys the ship off the coast of Hispaniola. The lone survivor, Maria sees no harm in pretending to be the contessa and enjoying a little luxury for once in her life…especially if it brings her closer to the irresistibly attractive governor’s aid, Carlos de Alameda.

Dedicated to his career and to regaining his family’s honor, Carlos has gone too long without the comforts of a woman. He instantly feels a powerful connection to the beautiful young survivor…and an overwhelming lust. Yet he also harbors suspicions about the contessa. First he will explore her body…then he’ll uncover the truth…