CARIBBEAN SPLENDOR

Author: Tracy L. Ranson ISBN: 1586084399 4/2004 HISTORICAL Publisher: New Concepts Publishing

Love and danger collide when the mysterious pirate, Raven, arrives in Martinique five years out of Blaze Montgomery's past. It was the last thing she had expected, especially since the brutal murder of her husband. She soon finds herself drawn to Raven and entangled in his web of desire...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

This book, CARIBBEAN SPLENDOR, was sent to me to review in a version that was new to me, an e-book that I read with Adobe Acrobat. I thought to myself, "Wow! That sure is a bunch of paper and ink to expend. I sure hope that this book is worth all of that time and effort."

Well, I have to admit it was well worth the time and effort—in spades, as a matter of fact! This book, written by Tracy L. Ranson, was right up there with the best of the books that I have read in this sub-genre (pirate/gorgeous bad boy). I have never read anything written by this author before, but, Wow! She breathes so much life into her characters that, if you aren't careful, you'll think that you are right there, like a fly on the wall, observing everything that they do.

We meet Blaze (who was aptly named for her fire-red waist-length hair) in the lair of the dreaded Raven. Just saying his name would ignite a world of fear into the hearts of other good citizens, and other pirates, as well! It seems that Raven has accosted the beautiful Blaze, and kidnaps her. Well, by the end of the three days that she is in his "clutches", blaze is no longer a kidnap victim, but a willing participant in this very passionate game that she and Raven are playing. Blaze does have one wish that Raven won't grant her, however: He refuses to take off her blindfold, because if she saw his face, it could place Blaze in grave danger. But, by this time, Blaze was desperately in love, and it seems that our dashing pirate Raven is, as well. When he rises up out of their bed, Blaze gets panicked. She's afraid that Raven is abandoning her. Raven turns to his beloved Blaze and explains to her that now, after the blissful three days that they have spent together, his heart beats only for her. Although Blaze is betrothed to Daniel, Blaze and Raven take an oath with each other that they will never again be parted, as their love is just too strong to deny! Shortly after, Raven leaves his lair, which turns out to be a cave that is right on the seashore. Blaze decides that Raven has been gone too long, and starts to worry. Where has he gone off to? Has Raven abandoned her, after all? As soon as Blaze leaves her sanctuary, she is found by Daniel, who forces her to come with him, against her will. It seems that Daniel must wed before he can inherit his father's estate. Daniel has hidden the fact that he despises Blaze quite well up to this point, but before we know what has happened, everything in Blaze's life is changed...and not for the better, to say the least!

This story is very well written, and you will find yourself turning page after page, not being able to put this book down until you find out what happens next. And, once you get there, you are going to just repeat the cycle, and burn dinner (so please, ladies, plan on this being a night at McDonald's for the kids!). Ms. Ranson has a wonderful grasp on exactly what every romance reader's heart is just waiting for, and she has created a perfect world for her readers to escape to. I'm hoping that another book in the Pirate Genre isn't far behind!

Ahem. Yes, Ms. Ranson, that would be a plea from this reader *G*.

Geni