Scandalous indeed!
Scandalous (The Outcasts #3) by Minerva Spencer
I actually struggled with the character of Sarah Fisher first up. This outspoken missionary's daughter who had been captured by slavers along with the rest of her African village is a force to be reckoned with.
When Captain Martín Bouchard, ex slave turned privateer fires on the slaver ship freedom is at hand. At that moment some of the slave ship's crew mutiny against their captain. When the vicious mutineers are overthrown, thanks to a combination of Martín's forces and the slaves, Sarah has her own thoughts about what should happen to them as governed by her Christian responsibilities. I for one felt the mutinous crewman should walk the plank. After all this is the man who'd arranged such a cargo unbeknownst to his Captain. However, against Bouchard's better judgement the mutineer leaders were imprisoned, and the story became more complicated from that point forward.
What all came to expect, those that Sarah came in touch with, including your reader, was that Sarah would have an unusual response to any given situation. She never takes the easy road or even the wiser course. She muddies even the calmest waters.
Bouchard, much to his chagrin becomes absolutely enamoured with Sarah. To the point where he finds his manhood threatened. He can't function normally, even though he does try to forget Sarah in brothels. This part is ridiculously amusing. I for one am glad to see the rakish captain get his comeuppance. Martín is truly puzzled by his attraction for this woman with a mind of her own. After all he's 'bedded hundreds of women' he reminds himself. Welcome to a look into Bouchard's surface thoughts! His questioning of himself is rather hilarious, "Martín knew the frustration that came from a lack of sexual release was detrimental to a man’s mental processes." Oh how the mighty make excuses! But given Martín's past, the idea of love is painfully chancy.
It seems these two might love each other, they are certainly in lust with each other as their bed-sports indicate. (Just how did this straight-laced missionary find herself in this tangle? I don't know whether to applaud or be horrified). To get them to admit their feelings takes a highly dramatic episode.
Of course there's so much more. A complex plot, interesting characters, fascinating responses, a healthy dose of humour and irony.
An excellent novel based around the slavery background of Bouchard, as he faces some of the darkness and horrors he's had inflicted upon his being. A darkness that sears his soul.
An endearing read that had unexpected depths along with a lightening levity.
A Zebra/ Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
*****
When Captain Martín Bouchard, ex slave turned privateer fires on the slaver ship freedom is at hand. At that moment some of the slave ship's crew mutiny against their captain. When the vicious mutineers are overthrown, thanks to a combination of Martín's forces and the slaves, Sarah has her own thoughts about what should happen to them as governed by her Christian responsibilities. I for one felt the mutinous crewman should walk the plank. After all this is the man who'd arranged such a cargo unbeknownst to his Captain. However, against Bouchard's better judgement the mutineer leaders were imprisoned, and the story became more complicated from that point forward.
What all came to expect, those that Sarah came in touch with, including your reader, was that Sarah would have an unusual response to any given situation. She never takes the easy road or even the wiser course. She muddies even the calmest waters.
Bouchard, much to his chagrin becomes absolutely enamoured with Sarah. To the point where he finds his manhood threatened. He can't function normally, even though he does try to forget Sarah in brothels. This part is ridiculously amusing. I for one am glad to see the rakish captain get his comeuppance. Martín is truly puzzled by his attraction for this woman with a mind of her own. After all he's 'bedded hundreds of women' he reminds himself. Welcome to a look into Bouchard's surface thoughts! His questioning of himself is rather hilarious, "Martín knew the frustration that came from a lack of sexual release was detrimental to a man’s mental processes." Oh how the mighty make excuses! But given Martín's past, the idea of love is painfully chancy.
It seems these two might love each other, they are certainly in lust with each other as their bed-sports indicate. (Just how did this straight-laced missionary find herself in this tangle? I don't know whether to applaud or be horrified). To get them to admit their feelings takes a highly dramatic episode.
Of course there's so much more. A complex plot, interesting characters, fascinating responses, a healthy dose of humour and irony.
An excellent novel based around the slavery background of Bouchard, as he faces some of the darkness and horrors he's had inflicted upon his being. A darkness that sears his soul.
An endearing read that had unexpected depths along with a lightening levity.
A Zebra/ Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
*****
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