Captured by the Pirate Laird by Amy Jarecki
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Highland Force #1
Publication Date: January 23rd 2014
ISBN: 9780615953670
Page Count: 374
Rating: ★★★★
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Lynsey
Buy Link: AMAZON
Synopsis: Wed by proxy to a baron old enough to be her grandfather, Lady Anne trudges up the gangway of a galleon that will deliver her into the arms of a tyrant. Crestfallen, she believes her disastrous life cannot get worse—until she awakes to the blasts of cannon fire.

Facing certain death, Anne trembles in her stateroom while swords clash and the chilling screams of battle rage on the deck above. When a rugged Highlander kicks in her door, she prays for a swift end.

But Laird Calum MacLeod has a reason for plundering the ship—and it’s not a stunning English lass. With no other choice, he takes Anne to his crumbling keep on the isle of Raasay and sends a letter of ransom to her husband. In time, Anne grows to understand MacLeod’s plight and finds it increasingly difficult to resist Calum’s unsettling charm—until the baron sends a reply agreeing to terms.

Ripped from passion that will be forever seared into their souls, will Anne and Calum risk everything for love?

REVIEW

I have three words for you: Adorable, adorable, adorable!

This has got to be my favourite début in this genre for quite some time. I simply loved both main characters and their irresistible, star-crossed romance!

You might be forgiven for being unsure about Calum MacLeod at first. He is, after all, a marauding pirate. But is he also ruthless, wicked, depraved, corrupt, and all other words that might usually go with pirate? Absolutely not. He's an exceptionally honourable man just trying to feed his starving clan any way he can.

And what about Anne? Well she was a delightful heroine. Not valued as she should be by her family, we join her just as she's being parcelled off to marry someone old enough to be her grandfather to further her family's fortune and status. Could it be that being attacked by pirates was the best thing that could have ever happened to her? Well, if it means you get a Calum, then my answer to that is yes!

Of course, Calum, being an honourable man, and Anne, being a dutiful daughter, don't see themselves as free to act on their growing feelings, and instead, Calum plans to ransom her off - just as any good pirate would - to the husband she married by proxy. Even though it's becoming increasingly obvious that's not what either of them really want. This all leads to an exiting, action-filled conclusion that was highly entertaining to read.

The relationship that developed between Calum and Anne was absolutely delightful. Not just sensual, but truly romantic. I loved it! If you're a fan of Scottish Romance, then this is absolutely one to add to your TBR. I can't wait to read whatever's next from this author.

4.5 Stars ★★★★1/2
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.