Veena’s review of The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd (The MacGregors: Highland Heirs, Book 3) by Paula Quinn
Historical Romance published by Forever 28 Oct 14
I haven’t read a swashbuckling pirate adventure complete with a treasure map and bounty hunters in forever, so this one came as a very refreshing change. Alexander Kidd is a full-fledged, card-carrying pirate complete with treasure map, ship, villainous crew, and beautiful stowaway. Hmmmm. Feels like old times with the right amount of adventure and romance.
Trina Grant is the daughter of a Scottish chieftain destined for a noble marriage and children. That sounds so boring to me, but imagine what it feels like to Trina, who craves adventure with all her being. So when Alexander Kidd, famous pirate, comes calling on her father, she boards his ship in search of adventure. Okay, so being on a pirate ship isn’t all roses, but thankfully her cousin is her fellow partner in crime and he can wield a sword and tell a person’s intentions by studying their face.
Captain Kidd is definitely not happy when the stowaways are discovered. Aside from the fact that he personally lusts after Trina, her family is definitely not one he needs for an enemy. Plus, he’s got to make double time toward his treasure before other hunters get on his trail. Fortunately for Trina, she’s able to hold her own and a rich prize that a pirate can’t pass up gets in the way of Alexander dumping her off in France. As they sail the high seas, she takes to ship life like one born to it, learning to develop callouses on her feet, climbing the rigging, and everything else pirate.
There are a lot of characters that leave an indelible mark on the reader. Her cousin, who can read faces and forecast intentions, is a great fighter to boot. His second mate, who came into his life as a spy and stayed on as a friend, and who’s also in love with Trina. I hope to see these two again in other books. If all that isn’t enough, there’s plots and counter plots and the future is pretty murky, given that Alexander is a pirate with a possible bounty on his head.
Ms. Quinn definitely hits all the bullets in what’s required of a pirate adventure, and we get to visit a beautiful tropical Caribbean island and hang out with the natives where women go topless. Or was that an African port? Regardless, this is an old-fashioned adventure the likes of which we don’t see much of today and as such has its own appeal.
Grade: B
Summary:
AN INNOCENT STOWAWAY
As the sheltered niece of a Highland chief, Caitrina Grant longs for adventure beyond the lush hills of Scotland. So when a pirate ship glides into the loch, tempting her with promises of exotic lands and hidden treasures, Trina sneaks aboard. But she is unprepared for the consequences-and the seductive captain who demands the ultimate price for her deception.
A SINFUL PIRATE
For Alexander Kidd, the sea is no place for a lady. Pursued by deadly enemies from every direction, Alex won’t rest until he claims the bounty of riches left to him by his father, the notorious Captain Kidd. A stowaway will not be tolerated-no matter how beautiful. But soon fighting his desire for Trina becomes his toughest battle yet, and he will have to make an agonizing choice: sacrifice his quest-or lose the woman who has stolen his heart.
Other books in this series:
