Ransom [Paperback]

Lee Rowan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2006

It's 1796 and not only is love between men taboo, it is punishable by death. Lt. David Archer is an officer in His Majesty's Navy and a gentleman of Regency Society. He is also hopelessly in love with his shipmate, Lt. William Marshall. David is certain that his feelings, if expressed, would be met with revulsion. Afraid of losing the strong friendship that he has forged with William, he vows to never speak of or act on his desire, promising himself to take the secret to his grave.

Although William is young, his innate talent has allowed him to quickly rise above his humble background and gain a reputation as a promising officer. The Royal Navy is his world, and in that world there is no room for anything as frivolous as romance.

Then, in a twist of fate, the two men are abducted by a ruthless pirate who finds pleasure in toying with his captives. Thrown together in close quarters and wondering if they will survive, they're are faced with some difficult choices. William struggles with his growing feelings for David and, try as he might to dismiss them, he can't. When David makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect the man he loves, the reason for it is clear and the passion that the men have denied for so long is realized for the first time. Before the lovers can have any sort of life together, they must first escape. After that, they face an even greater challenge-is their love strong enough to survive a clandestine life under the ever-present threat of the Navy's implacable Articles of War?

Editorial Reviews

Review

From Josh Lanyon

-Rich, historical detail, engaging characters, and tightly written scenes of action - both nautical and romantic - set this Age of Sail tale of love and lust on the high seas far ahead of the rest of the fleet.-

From Rainbow Reviews

-Rowan brought every scene to life so vividly and kept the pace of the plotting tight enough that I felt fully immersed in the story, which was a true joy.-

From Fallen Angel Reviews

-Ransom is a book that holds the reader-s attention...-

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: CHEYENNE PUBLISHING (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1905393709
• ISBN-13: 978-1905393701
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,079,673 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read, February 22, 2007

By 

E. Quon (Sunnyvale, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ransom (Paperback)

This book is a competently written erotic story of love between two English Navy officers in 1796. The plot and historical details are well constructed. The first half of the book is largely plot focused, with the relationship between the two men dominating the second half.

I found the characters a bit bland. The good guys are all good; the bad all bad. The two lovers had almost the same personality, though one's a bit more vulnerable. I was disappointed by the lack of sexual tension in the first 1/3 of the book. I prefer to see it evolve slowly instead of appear suddenly.

As you can see from other reviews, this book will be loved by some readers, especially women. It's very like hurt/comfort 'slash.' It's got the tender emotional bonding of two men under difficult circumstances and the thrill of forbidden love. Marketed as a "romance," it does not follow the formula for romance novels, but will probably be enjoyed by the same readers.

The explicit sex scenes are vanilla. Nothing too kinky or unexpected. Offered up gently enough for those who've never read explicit gay sex. Non-consensual sex with the evil captain is mostly implied. However, the book might push the buttons of readers who've experienced rape.

Most recommended for: readers seeking hurt/comfort homoerotic tales.

Least recommended for: readers seeking well-developed characters.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely !, September 19, 2006

By 

R.Parklane (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ransom (Paperback)

I read Ransom when it was first available as a e-book and am very please it is now available as a good old fashion paperback, which I have no qualm purchasing.
Below was my review when reading it as a e-book, some time back.

I have a weakness for historical gay romance/eroticas but they are few and good ones are rare indeed. I am glad to add Ransom to my short list. More than just a gay romance/erotica, Ransom has a tightly paced plot and the characters are amazingly well developed. The 2 young lovers, William and Dave, easily weave their way into my heart and all I could do was keep on "paging down" in one sitting hoping for a happy ending. And the ending is satisfying, despite the shadows hanging over the lovers due to the homophobic era they live in.
Most of the time the writing style in e-book is just average but not so for this writer. Lee Rowan has a flair and I will read any m/m romance from her. Is Ransom her debut?
Ransom begs for a sequel and I hope Lee Rowan will deliver.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!, January 18, 2007

By 

Jem (MD, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ransom (Paperback)

When I saw this was billed as a "romance," I was a little skeptical. Turns out I was right--this was so much more! First and foremost, this is an adventure story about three British Naval Officers kidnapped by pirates and their efforts to escape. Set in 1796, it is written more as historical fiction. Interspersed throughout the story are "log entries" from the acting commander of their ship while he searches for them. It's obvious Rowan did her research here - the story is chock full of historical deatils and facts that make the setting come to life. Secondary is the developing relationship between the two junior officers, Will and Davy. However, it's not just thrown in. These extraordinary circumstances have brought out their feelings, but what can be the result? What they desire is a hanging offense. And, how will this effect their escape attempts once Will discovers how Davy has been protecting him? These questions propel the plot as well as the romance.

One reviewer noted that he expected this to be more explicit and then it hit him on the head. This is true, but don't think you'll be bored waiting for that to happen The story is exciting and well-written. The sex is tasteful and touching. There is also a mystery about the identity of the pirate captain. Our heroes (all three!) examine evidence, and collect clues much like sleuths. All this keeps the reader involved. Buy this!

I highly recommend this, and the sequel, Winds of Change. Also check out Brethren: Raised by Wolves, another great historical adventure that features M/M relationships.