Title: Heart's Ransom
Author: Sara Reinke
Published in 2006 by Sara Reinke
Genre: Historical Adventure Romance
ISBN: N/A
Other books by Sara: An Unexpected Engagement, Book of Day: Volume One in the Chronicles of Tiralainn, Book of Thieves: Volume Two in the Chronicles of Tiralainn, Tethers, Book of Dragons Vol 1: Volume Three in the Chronicles of Tiralainn, Book of Dragons Vol 2: Volume Three in the Chronicles of Tiralainn
Only one man has escaped Captain Ransom’s custody, Evarado Serrano Pelayo. Their last meeting leaves both men severely wounded, but alive. Senor Pelayo’s sons, Rafe and Cristobal exact revenge against Captain Ransom, on their father’s behalf. Kidnapping his daughter, Catherine will bring the famous Hawk of the High Seas to his knees. Although, one son looses his heart in the skirmish.
This captivating story, Heart’s Ransom is set during seventeen hundred’s England as unlawful privateers and the country’s military battled over who rules the oceans. Catherine “Kitty” Ransom is a privileged woman when kidnapped from her home. Though blind she is quite clever and independent as the daughter of Captain John Ransom, who earned the moniker, Hawk of the High Seas during service in the English Royal Navy.
Rafe Serrano Beltran was not keen about kidnapping Ransom’s daughter, but went with his brother, Cristobal’s plan anyway. Her being blind, as well as beautiful, makes Rafe to treat her with kindness and courtesy. A trained physician, he still attends Kitty’s injured feet as they exchange angry words with each other. In the evening he brings her a meal and redresses her wounds. Angered by her defiance, Rafe leaves the room to compose himself, but forgets to lock up his medicinal supplies. Kitty scourges through his medical bag and closet, finding a pair of manacles. Upon his return she slaps one cuff on his wrist while in their struggle the other encloses upon her wrist. Rafe is furious, moaning about there being no key. They are chained together until reaching Lisbon where a blacksmith can free them. The next morning Rafe is not doing well, having consumed a lot of wine the night before. With him hung over and Kitty worrying about her virtue, they struggle to use the facilities with some amusing results. Rafe steals a peek, enjoying her unclothed legs and butt. Kitty is appalled knowing her cuffed hand is so close to his naked anatomy. Cristobal visits the pair expressing his approval regarding their situation; Rafe can keep her out of mischief as he commands the ship. Tiring of her accusations about him being a pirate, Rafe lashes out at Kitty. Telling her how his father, a noble privateer sanctified by the King of Spain, helps keep his town’s people fed and wealthy. Also that revenge is being plied by him and Cristobal not his father, since dying from his wounds inflicted by Kitty’s father. Afterwards, their evening is spent with Rafe apologizing in a drunken stupor.
As a new day commences, Kitty suggests a truce where they manage an air of familiar propriety. Rafe thinks she’s up to no good but concedes to her suggestion; though keeping his guard up. When Rafe comments about her lack of decorum and stimulating conversation, Kitty entertains him with her knowledge of politics. At the same time, disclosing how his father sailed without order from the King, which is confirmed by Cristobal; who proudly admits supporting and participating in their father’s illicit activities. Feeling betrayed, Rafe sends his brother below deck and addresses his boatswain, Claudio; who sailed with his father long before he was born, trusts the man explicitly. Claudio confirms what Rafe has learned but ensures that his father only intended to provide them a comfortable life; since Spain’s new king retracted all permissions. Rafe is not eased by his words, still feeling ashamed with his father’s choices, though still believing he is wholly responsible. Another wine induced sleep has Rafe dreaming of his former lover, Isabel. Kitty is stunned by his sleepy murmurings and even more so when her hand falls on the bulge in his pants. She’s never been this close to a man. Rafe dreamily responds to Kitty’s touch, while gently kissing her. His desire mounts as he caresses Kitty’s body with an easy intimacy. Suddenly Rafe awakens conscious about what he has done. With the dawn neither comments about last nights events. Still, Kitty ponders, who is Isabel?
They land by the coast of La Coruna to repair the ship’s bowsprit while seeking out a blacksmith to remove the manacles. With the chain broken, Kitty fears the intense heat of the smithy’s coals, ending all possible escape from the manacle bracelets; only a locksmith can remove them. As they leave the smithy, Rafe’s brother Cristobal approaches with Isabel on his arm. Rafe is not thrilled but consents to stay in Isabel’s home. Leaving Kitty in her room, he and Isabel go to the garden where she declares wanting Rafe back in her life; since her husband is dead. Still, he graciously declines. Returning to Kitty, Rafe no longer holds back his need to possess her. He’s gentle since it’s her first time, bringing them both to a splendid fulfilling completion. As Kitty’s ecstasy dampens she realizes that she has fallen in love with Rafe, but worries what will her father say? At the same time, Rafe takes in the same however, worries that her father will kill him.
Ms. Reinke delivers enchanting and powerful characters. Kitty is an intelligent woman, unusual for her period of time but astute to people’s sensitivities. She understands, without having the story fully told, Rafe’s loyalty to Cristobal stems from guilt in causing his brother’s lameness. Rafe is an honorable man as he insures Kitty’s safety and well-being; protecting her against his brother Cristobal’s advances. Though he shows a greater emotional wound when believing his father stopped loving him the moment of Cristobal’s accident. A free read on Ms. Reinke’s web site, Heart’s Ransom continues with more adventurous suspense as Rafe and Kitty are torn apart by greed and deceit.
A dedicated reader,
Pamela Jenewein
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