Customer Reviews

Perils of the Heart

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Taking place in 1790 PERILS OF THE HEART takes the reader on whirlwind journey with debut author Jennifer Ashley on the Atlantic, to Havana, to Boston, and finally to China. Political intrigue, evil villains and innocents caught in the plot set the stage for this fun romp. Meet spinster Evangeline Clemens, told by the evil Anna Adams, her brother's lover, that she is anything but appealing but she will have to do in her role as seductress. Threatened with violence Evangeline finds herself cast as seductress. Evangeline is coerced into participating in a mutiny by Anna Adams, who plans to rescue her lover being held captive in a Spanish prison. Faced with the very appealing and dangerous Captain Blackwell, Evangeline kinds herself over her head and completely disarmed by the appealing man.
No dowdy spinster under the unbecoming clothes, Captain Austin Blackwell finds himself entranced by the luscious Evangeline, spectacles and all! Many sweet and amusing scenes fill the pages of Jennifer Ashley's first book. Often times I found myself smiling as Evangeline found her spectacles askew on her face after thoroughly being kissed by the captain of the merchantman Aurora.

Realizing he's been duped, Captain Blackwell confines Evangeline but finds his thoughts straying time and time again to her. Is she a British spy or is she being used by Anna Adams? On a mission for the American Colonies Austin believes her to be a saboteur. Carrying precious documents, Captain Blackwell can't be too careful.

This is a fun and enjoyable story. Jennifer Ashley introduces lively adventure, wonderful characters and a satisfying story. I look forward to reading more stories by this new author.

This is a roller coaster ride of a novel and a great first book by Ms. Ashley. The herione, Evangeline, gets into one scrape after another, but this heroine is not faint of heart. She is strong and well matched with the hero. A really loved the chemistry between Evangeline and Austin. The sexual tension fairly sizzled between them. If you love high seas adventures, I highly recommend Ms. Ashley's debut novel. I can't want until her next book comes out!

In 1789 on a cross-oceanic voyage of the merchant ship Aurora, Anne a fellow passenger, forces Evangeline Clemens to cause a distraction so she can commandeer the ship. The blackmailer uses Evangeline's brother as a hostage to insure cooperation. Evangeline tries everything including innocent seduction to occupy Captain Austin Blackwell's mind though she gets the body too.

Anne succeeds even as Austin thinks Evangeline must be a spy. In spite of mistrusting her and regaining control of his ship, Austin begins to fall in love with Evangeline who knows he has had her heart from the moment she first saw her captain. However, the adventures are just beginning for this duo sailing in perilous waters.

PERILS OF THE HEART is a fun diversion as the Georgian romance reads like the serials as the Pauline heroine lands in one predicament after another. The story line is so jammed with action mindful of Groucho's room on the ship in Night at the Opera that the audience never fully meets any of the cast including the lead couple and the villains, though her motives are explained. Still Jennifer Ashley shows such a flare for high adventure that those Georgian romance readers who prefer 200 proof activity need to use a seat belt as they feast on this ultra non-stopper.

Harriet Klausner

I thoroughly enjoyed this marvellous books from first time Dorchester writer, Jennifer Ashley. This charming writer gives you non-stop action from page 1 and does not let up the pace.

In 1789, Evangeline Clemens is on board the sailing ship, the Aurora, heading for a new life in Boston. But it's no pleasure voyage, as she is immediately jumped by another passenger, Anne Adams, bent on rebellion. Evangeline wants nothing to do with the plot, but has little choice as Anne says Evangeline's brother's life is in the balance. Anne insists Evangeline must seduce the Captain of the Aurora, Austin Blackwell. Anne is determined to stir up enough trouble to arrange a mutiny and take over the Aurora to use it to rescue her lover in Havana.

Austin immediately mistrusts Evangeline. A shy woman suddenly turning siren causes bells to ring in his head. He is convinced she is an English Spy sent to fetch secret documents he is carrying to the Americas. But he cannot resist seeing how far Evangeline will go. She reaches the Captain, more than he knew, and he finds himself falling in love with her, though still believing she is a spy. Thus begins a breakneck pace of Austin trying to get his ship back and deliver the documents.

So many young writers have trouble with their first movel, they have a super idea for a book, but cannot sustain the action all the way through. That is NOT the case with Jennifer's wonderful book. She has breathtaking, nonstop action, with charm, wit and humour...the characters are so real they reach out and make a place in your heart. The historical element is wonderful, and a period rather neglected in the current market, makes this one great read!!

Congrats on your first Book, Jennifer, and look forward to your next, The Pirate Next Door. You are a welcome new voice in the romance market!

This novel can best be described as action packed. There is barely time to catch one's breath before another mishap or adventure occurs. This made the story move fast but it hindered the intimate feelings and thoughts of the leads.

On her way to Boston, Evangeline is forced to seduce Captain Austin Blackwell so a mutiny can take place aboard his ship. Evangeline believes she must occupy the Captain during this mutiny to save his life from mutineer Anna Adams. This seduction scene is probably the best written and most intimate scene in the book. It reveals Evangeline's uncertainty and Austin's fascination for her.

The mutiny is thwarted, Anna is in the brig, Evangeline is sailing toward Boston, and Austin is in charge of the ship when these two leads begin to really know each other. This peace does not last long as Anna has managed to commandeer a rowboat and again Evangeline is forced to her bidding. This time an English frigate is awaiting them. Anna has convinced the British Captain that she has to save her brother (really lover) in Havana. Again, Evangeline is forced into actions that she would never commit but peoples' lives are at stake. Anna is a ruthless killer.

Fortunately, Austin is there to rescue both Evangeline and one of the prisoners Evangeline frees from a Havana jail. Now Evangeline must decide between a life with Austin or a life with her rescued prisoner, an English aristocrat.

There is a lot more adventure as they sail to Boston. When he arrives Austin has to report back to American officials. He has important documents the Brits would love to have about the newly established America. Evangeline is uncertain if Austin really loves her and this is mainly because they have little time to engage in any deep conversation. Austin's point of view is revealed but not nearly enough to show his emotional side. All in all this is an exciting but not a deep emotional romance.

Jennifer Ashley is one of my very favorite writers and this book did not disappoint!
From passion,prinson breaks,kidnapping and attempted murder this story is fast paced.
Austin is the perfect captain and Evangeline is made just for him. I loved both characters as well as 2 others Lord Rudolph and Seward.
I couldnt put this book down.
I highly recommend it!