Marrying The Captain (Harlequin Historical) [Mass Market Paperback]

Carla Kelly (Author)

Book Description

Series: Harlequin Historical | Publication Date: January 1, 2009

Ever since her father tried to sell her as a mistress to the highest bidder, Eleanor Massie has chosen to live in poverty. Her world changes overnight when Captain Oliver Worthy shows up at her struggling inn. Despite herself, Nana is drawn to her handsome guest....

Oliver planned to stay in Plymouth only long enough to report back to Lord Ratliffe--about Nana. But he soon senses that Lord Ratliffe is up to something, and Oliver will do anything to keep this courageous, beautiful woman safe--even marry her!

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (January 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373295286
• ISBN-13: 978-0373295289
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #410,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Carla Kelly is back and it is a keeper!, December 29, 2008

By 

Cilla (upstate NY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Marrying The Captain (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

I hesitated to get this book because I did not like Carla's last one, but I'm glad I bought it because it is definitely a keeper! Nana is the poor, illegitimate offspring of a cowardly Lord of the Admiralty. She feels that marrying an honorable man is out of her reach and has been brought up to distrust all Naval men. Nana struggles to make a living helping her grandmother run an old inn. Captain Oliver Worthy is an honorable Naval officer who has vowed never to marry and risk leaving his wife a widow. When they meet, their long-held views are challenged as they fall in love even though the match is "unsuitable." Carla Kelly excells at depicting true love that survives hardship, and is an expert at showing how friendship can become romance over time. The story takes place during the Napoleonic Wars and she has clearly done a lot of research to make the story accurate and interesting. There is an underlying theme of mystery and adventure to move the story along, yet the author takes care to flesh out the secondary characters. The secondary characters are likeable, with the exception of the truly horrible villain, Nana's father. I would describe this as generally a traditional regency, although it doesn't take place in the social world of the "ton." As far as sensuality is concerned, it is "warm," but in the context of marriage, and tastefully done. Carla's best books can be re-read time and again without growing old and this is one of her best!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like Finding a Vintage Carla Kelly Book, December 30, 2008

By 

Alice (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marrying The Captain (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

I was pretty excited in August to see that Carla Kelly was coming out with another book, and of course ordered it staight away. Like Cilla, "Beau Crusoe" is not my favorite CK book (that would be either "Libby's London Merchant" or "Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand"). However, any book by CK is so much better than most of the Regencies out there. "Marrying the Captain" is wonderful, reminds me a little of "The Wedding Journey", though the story of Nana and Oliver does not feel old or "recycled" in any way. I think it is just the feel of the the story, where the characters are realistically drawn, with both flaws and admirable characteristics. This story does a good job of accurately portraying the sacrifices we make when we get married - which is to willingly tie ourselves to someone else. And clearly there is a huge benefit, to love and be loved by someone so incredible. To have a relationship like Nana and Oliver develop over time is rare and valuable. But not impossible ;) The only thing better than getting Carla Kelly's new book in the mail today and devouring it is finding out that she has another new book coming out in May! "The Surgeon's Lady", I've already ordered it.....

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilled that Kelly is back!, January 9, 2009

By 

Kathy Kaiser - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Marrying The Captain (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

Like the other reviewers, I couldn't be more pleased that Carla Kelly has found a publisher and is writing again. I've read everything she's written and am a big fan. I even enjoyed 'Beau Crusoe', her last book. Kelly is the queen of the early nineteenth century British lower and middle classes as Mary Balogh is of the aristocracy. Kelly's characters are wholly unique in the Regency genre. I loved that Oliver Worthy struggled with the reconciliation of his love for Nana with his love of the sea...so realistic. Kelly's nautical detail and knowledge are astounding as are her facts about the difficult era of war in England. You can feel the female characters' agony as the men are home for a day or two at a time and then shipped off again for another mission. The tension lasts throughout the novel. But, Kelly never ignores the love story. Nana and Oliver's romance is the heart of the novel. Their story never drags, and the ending is thoroughly satisfying. This is Kelly at her best.