Review: I swooned...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 20, 2014
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.This historical M/M pirate fantasy was a captivating read.Jon is an empathic young man. frail, and essentially alone--his stepfather acts as a guardian even though Jon is 22 because of Jon's infirmity. Jon is essentially shanghai-ed into piracy while on an errand to find the killer of a prostitute.Ship's captain, Baltsaros, had heard of Jon's skill in divining truth as an Interrogator, and felt his skills would be useful in his shady dealings. Of course, Baltsaros isn't only interested in Jon's mind. No, Jon's lithe frame is very attractive, too. Trouble is, Jon's ill--and Baltsaros will aid his recovery, if only Jon joins the crew. Baltsaros' consort, Tom, is a problem. This former slave has been Baltsoros' bunkmate for years--and he's not interested in being replaced by a whelp with no sea legs.Therein creates the dilemma--Baltsaros wants Jon, Tom wants Baltsaros, and Jon's a virgin--had pretty much been asexual before his kidnapping. Still, he's developing an interest--and Tom's anxious to turn the tide in his own favor.There is a lot of back and forth, with another kidnapping, a man lost at sea, and heartbreak tempered by true affection--time and again. See, Baltsaros is a bit of liar. And, while he may love Jon (perhaps) he's got a whole lot hidden that Jon can't divine. Jon and Tom develop an almost psychic link, and it is clear that there is so much more going on with these three men then lust and lies.I thoroughly enjoyed the times at sea--felt they were well-written. The sex scenes were HOO BOY hot, and involved a bit of bondage and (at times) multiple partners. I liked the alternating point-of-view--but I'm a teeny bit confused at the lion theme--Jon sees this lion over and over in his dreams--and I suspect this will be fleshed out in the second book as a possible magical element.The HEA is fun and sexy and a great resolution to an unconventional romance.