Book Spotlight: Oceanswept - Lara Hays

Pirates are my one weakness.  Well, pirates and books.  Okay, pirates and books and chocolate.  Anyway.  Something about the whole bad boys of the sea thing just gets me all fluttery and so I was very excited to hear about Oceanswept by author Lara Hays.  I haven't received my copy of yet (review forthcoming), but I thought I'd put this out there for any historical romantic fiction fans who are looking for something to read during the holidays.  It's adventure, action, and (clean) romance -- the trifecta of reading for entertainment.  I know I'm looking forward to it!  Note to self: Must fix lock on bedroom door, so as not to be disturbed by pesky relatives seeking leftovers.

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Summary:  The sway of playful palm trees and never-ending sunshine seem like a fantasy compared to the smog and filth of 18th century London. Thrilled for a new life in the exotic West Indies, privileged seventeen-year-old Tessa Monroe eagerly embraces her father’s reassignment to the fledgling Caribbean colony of St. Kitts where she can stake her claim as an up-and-coming socialite.

But that dream unravels when a hurricane downs their ship on the passage from England, leaving Tessa as the sole survivor. Rescued by a passing ship, Tessa’s grief soon turns to terror as she realizes she isn’t a passenger—she’s a captive.

With a future of slavery in the offing, Tessa joins forces with Nicholas Holladay, a charismatic sailor ready to break free from a life of piracy. Mutiny is in the air. Tessa and Nicholas will either win their freedom or earn a spot at the gallows.

Excerpt:  My heart raced at the sound of approaching footsteps. I was eager to get out of the cabin but hated the idea of another long night being judged by the arrogant sailor. As if he had the right to judge me! It would serve him right if I refused him my company tonight.

I sighed and slouched against the door. I was too bored, too hungry, and too anxious to see that through.

A tap sounded on the door.

My hands fluttered as I smoothed my disheveled hair. I quickly pinched my cheeks.  

Why was I so worried about my appearance?  

“Miss Monroe?”

The door creaked as I gingerly opened it. I winced at the sound. Nicholas stood before me wearing a broad smile. My breath caught in my throat.

“Found your dress,” he noticed.

I looked down at the tattered gown and shrugged.

“Ready for your nightly recess?

“My nightly recess?” I repeated indignantly.

“Shh!” He hissed, throwing a stealthy glance over his shoulder.

“Why are you acting so suspicious?”

“I told you. I am protecting you. Now, c’mon. Supper’s ready in the galley.”

I crossed my arms. “No. This isn’t normal. I refuse to leave this cabin until you tell me what you’re hiding from me.”

“All right, luv. If that’s what you want, I won’t force my company on you.” Nicholas began to walk away, his sinewy figure disappearing in the darkness.

I sighed in exasperation and scurried after him.

“First,” I said, “I am not your luv. Second, I am only coming with you because I am famished. And finally, I will discover what you’re hiding from me, even if I have to go to the captain himself.”

Nicholas stopped abruptly. “Don’t do that,” he said darkly without bothering to look at me.

“The idea worries you,” I said proudly. “You know you’ll be punished. Chided, at least. Finally, I have some leverage over you.”

“Listen here, luv,” he emphasized the pet name deliberately as he looked into my eyes, “go to the captain. Be my bloody guest. It’ll actually improve my standing with that codger. I told you once and I’ll tell you again—if you do that, you’ll wish you were dead by morning.”

The warning was so bombastic, I nearly laughed aloud. Nicholas didn’t laugh, though. I stared at him through narrowed eyes, trying to sense a joke. Or at least derision. But I only sensed sincere passion.

“I won’t go to the captain,” I said.

“Thank you,” Nicholas answered with a slight curl of his lip.

“Yet,” I added. “I will find out what you’re hiding from me. You can tell me yourself, or I will find out on my own.”

Nicholas shrugged. “You’re treading in dangerous waters, lass. But do what you must.

For the sensitive reader:  I asked the author and she said this book contains some situational intensity and violence of the pirate variety.

Interested?  Get a 50% discount when you purchase the e-version of Oceanswept from Smashwords.  That's only $1.50, people!  Just use the coupon code  ZJ92X at checkout and enjoy! (code expires 12/23/12)

Or you can get it here (minus the coupon code) for your Kindle.