Search - Marrying the Captain (Harlequin Historical, No 928)

Awww... How wonderful it is to experience a sweet, quiet, emotion-filled romance reminiscent of the classics! There are no loins burning desperately the moment the characters meet or wild dangerous intrigues with villains lurking behind every door. There is, however, instant attraction that over time blossoms into deep and passionate love, the kind of love that the reader can believe will truly last forever. The premise is also delightfully different. An illegitimate daughter of a Viscount, working at the failing Inn of her grandmother and a navel Captain in the midst of the Napoleanic Wars. By the end of the story the reader is not just titillated but truly touched.

This romance has the most relentlessly nice protagonists I think I've ever seen, and Nana is the belle of Plymouth. She really has no faults, everyone loves her soon after meeting her, and it is only testament to Carla Kelly's writing that the story is as effective and heart-touching as it is. I thoroughly enjoyed it and liked the mix of social commentary, action, intrigue, and romance. 4 out of 5.

This is the first Carla Kelly book I have ever read. The story has more depth than standard regency type novels and the people more middle class than dukes and such. Not that I do not enjoy regency novels I do but I liked the way this book developed the characters.You get a perspective from both the view of the Captian and our leading lady. Entertaining, spiced with a little mystery, a bit romance, and a peek at the workings of the Nelson era Royal Navy. A good read.

Really sweet love story.