SIREN'S SONG

Author: Trish Albright ISBN: 9780843960860 7/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: DORCHESTER
Time Period: Georgian, late 1780's, early 1790's

Alexandra Stafford always considered herself an adventurous sort. Escaping slave traders—no problem. Captaining a ship on storm-tossed seas—piece of cake. But putting on a gown and attending a ball for the crème de la crème of London Society—now that terrified her. Especially if she had to dance with the new duke of Worthington. He held her way too close, made her heart beat way too fast, muddled her thoughts with his silken kisses. Worthington knew Alex was trouble the minute he laid eyes on her. She was stalked by a relentless enemy and enmeshed in a powerful prophecy, but even that couldn't keep him away from the captivating heiress. To earn her love, he'd risk his life—again and again—and completely surrender himself to the... SIREN'S SONG.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Trish Albright sets her historic romance (with a mythological twist), SIREN'S SONG, in Morocco, England, and the high seas of 1787 and succeeding years where Alex Stafford is a sea captain of renown—because of both her talent and beauty. Unfortunately, there are family secrets regarding her role in a sea-going myth that she doesn't know about, and is caught up by a white slaver bent on finding her secrets as well as selling her to a sultan in Morocco. Luckily for her, dashing sea captain Joshua Leigh rescues her from the auction block, escaping over rooftops, both of them with guns blazing and knives shining. He loses track of her after the rescue, only to find her at the country estate next to his three years later. This time, she isn't asking for the help he wants to give.

Albright creates the most rollicking adventure romance I have read in ages! Alex may be captain of her own ship in the family transport business, but she's drowning in the ballroom scene of polite society. She just can't be trusted to put on a fancy gown without tucking a knife up her sleeve and strapping a pistol on her ankle. Joshua, now Duke Worthington (upon the recent death of his older brother), attempts to help Alex by doing things for her instead of with her. Their pride gets each of them nearly killed or kidnapped—or both—several times while she comes to grips with the fact that she may actually play a role in a legend about saving the world.

And that white slaver is part of the bigger scheme of things, having stolen numerous artifacts relating to the legend, participating in the death of Alex's mother and the disappearance of her father. While there is explicit violence and mayhem, the romance is confined to some hot kissing and swimming unclothed in a cold lake.

I recommend SIREN'S SONG to any reader who loves adventure, legend, and romance all rolled up into one. I'm glad that this looks to be the beginning of a series, as I definitely want to see what other sea adventures Alex and Joshua will sail into.

Susan Barton