I don't think I can adequately convey how very good this book, and the sequel, The Iron Rose, are. Both are on my top ten most highly recommended historical romances list. I've never been much of a fan of pirate romances - especially lady pirate romances. Just the thought sort of calls to mind more than one cheesy & cliched swashbuckling bodice-ripper of yesteryear, I'd rather not admit to having read. I'll always be willing to stop and take another look since reading Marsha Canham's books, however. She's definitely made a believer out of me.

Isabeau Spence is the daughter of privateer Captain Jonas Spence, and an amazingly gifted ship's pilot and cartographer. When they come across a disabled and sinking ship, they stop to help the injured crew, completely unaware that they, and their ship, have just fallen into the hands of one Simon Dante, the infamous Pirate Wolf. Dante informs Jonas and Isabeau that he means to commandeer their ship to seek revenge on the man who betrayed him to the Spanish.

This book is set during the Elizabethan period - not my favorite period for historical romance, but Ms. Canham handles it deftly, with great (and accurate) attention to historical detail, and that genuinely old-time swashbuckling feel, more than a little reminiscent of old Errol Flynn films. The naval battles are so incredibly well-written, you'd almost swear she had been in a few herself. The developing romance between Simon and Isabeau is signature Marsha Canham engrossing and H-O-T; the lovemaking scene in the rigging steamed up my glasses and melted my iced tea...
The secondary characters are, as always, well-written, quirky, funny, very real, and serve to greatly enrich the story overall.

Highly recommend picking up this book (and the sequel), even - especially - if pirate-themed romances have left you somewhat disappointed in the past. This series is everything good pirate romances should be. And as an aside - Marsha Canham has recently announced via her myspace page that she's come out of indefinite hiatus, and is in the process of writing the next installment in this series, about (you guessed it) the "Hell Twins": Simon and Isabeau's sons, Gabriel and Jonas. Can't wait to read it!

Canham can do no wrong in my eyes. This is a quintessential swashbuckler romance. They don't get any better than this.

Beau is the strongest heroine I've ever read about and Simon literally took my breath away. They were well-matched in courage and passion. Read this book, then run out and get The Iron Rose, which is about their daughter, Juliet, who's a female pirate!

Not into pirate romances, but this was a very good one. The sequel is "The Iron Rose" & I enjoyed that one too.

When he is betrayed by a fellow Englishman and left to die at the hands of the Spaniards, Simon Dante survives, bent on revenge. With his ship sinking he captures and commandeers Captain Spence's ship, but not without a fight from the captain's daughter, Beau.

The finest pilot and navigator on the high seas, Beau can use a cutlass and her sharp tongue with equal skill. Simon must somehow tame and woo the insolent wench, convincing Beau to help him claim his revenge.

Beau has never met a man like Dante, and though she is a strong-willed woman she falls in love with the rakish, devilishly handsome captain. Together they make a team few can equal.

This was a surprisingly good book! It's been a bit hard for me to find really good, interesting romance books, but I decided to order this because of a glowing review from another member. The romance parts of the book were pretty much what you'd expect from any romance, but the action and adventure had me finishing up this book in 2 days! I'd absolutely recommend this book and I'll probably read the sequel.

I am enjoying this book right now - she has been one of my favorite writers for a long time. Great book!

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wonderful story!

This is a great swashbuckling high seas pirate adventure. Marsha Canham writes a wonderful story.

A great read!

Read All Book Reviews of "Across a Moonlit Sea Dante Pirates Bk 1"