Customer Reviews

Ransom

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book was highly recommended to me by another avid reader. A story of love between two men who could be punished by death if found out. The story hooked me from the first page as we are given a glimpse into the tortured soul of Lt. David Archer, who had only know brutality and rape at the hands of lascivious men, but was secretly in love with Lt. William Marshall. He allowed himself to be used and abused by a by his captor in order to save William Marshall from punishment and death, although Marshall had no idea.
Excellent plot and character development and the amazing detail of ships of that era. Very realistic.
Such a gradual building of feelings, and action on board the pirate ship and the slow realization by Marshall of Archer's feelings for him.
I loved the tender,and caring feelings Marshall had for Archer and how Marshall tried to help him overcome his feelings of worthlessness,angst and self-hatred. I had to keep reading. Such a building of emotions layer upon layer throught the story kept me reading, wanting, hoping for the best for Archer. A man who always knew his duty and would lay down his life for another but especially William Marshall. It was so moving.

I simply adored this book. I won't recap for others have done that enough. This book is very emotional/relationship based. There are no real stunning action sequences. There's no real stunning sex scenes either, for that matter. What there is plenty of in this lovely book is ROMANCE! Pent up emotions, silent adoration, heartfelt love making and two lead characters that you root for all the way. There is some rough stuff, as in rape and brutalization. But the love story between the two protagonists is so heart rendingly lovely that it kind of makes up for all the unpleasantness. I was so invested in these characters that I read this book in one sitting, and yes, cried at the end. I don't know what guys thought of this book but it is divine for yaoi and homoerotica for women readers. Yummy!

Kidnapped by pirates, can two young officers of the Royal Navy find a way to free themselves before they give in to their growing desire for one another?

Ransom is a perennial favorite of mine, which I read over and over. It's not just because I love the period and the setting - so vividly brought to life here. Though I must say that the era of battles and bravery on the high sea has a romance all of its own, which Ransom perfectly captures. It's not just that Will and Davy are such splendid young men, each very different from each other, but each in their own way thoroughly admirable. I think what I love best about this book is that it has such a strong story. Even if you're not into gay romance for its own sake, watching Will and Davy - and Captain Smith's - attempts to escape; their plans, frustrations, sufferings and indomitable refusal to give up is page-turningly exciting in itself. Combine that with a mystery plot as the kidnapped officers' shipmates try to work out who has taken them and where to go for a rescue, and you could read this as a straight adventure and be delighted.

But add the slowly building tenderness of the m/m love story too - the beauty of this relationship forged out of hardship, which somehow redeems both lieutenants and helps them to grow into their strength - and you have a classic of the genre. One that you really ought not to miss.

Reviewed by Alex Beecroft [...]

Very interesting historical romance. When I was a child, I read my share of books about privateers and pirates, that's why I probably felt so cozy while reading this book. I can't tell if the terminology was accurate, but it was enough to make me feel like I was there with Davy and Will.

The love story is really beautiful. Even if there's a lot happening (especially Davy's abuse perpetrated by the pirate Adrian, a true sociopath), the angst never reached my limits, probably because the worst part happens off the page.

Davy is more sexually aware than Will and he's an unwilling magnet of attraction. He truly loves Will and he's ready to sacrifice himself for the welfare of his mate. The way Will discovers his attraction for Davy is pretty casual, but Will surrenders to his lust with no second thoughts. This is a little bit unbelievable, but Will is a practical and honest young man, he doesn't fuss over his feelings and that's why I liked him.

On the other hand, I loved Davy very much, because I am always rooting for the weaker ones, the designated victims. Davy is often self-deprecating but he's never whiny and I think he is much stronger than he thinks.

I really liked Captain Smith, he is a wonderful character, just and sympathetic.

The sex scenes were very passionate and not overly graphic and I think they really expressed the emotional connection between the main characters, the trust they had in each other and ultimately their love.

Both the characters have always in mind the risk of being lovers at a time when homosexuality could get you hanged and this aspect adds an additional layer to the depth of what Davy and Will feel for each other.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm going to read the second installment of the series, I'd like to know where Will and Davy are heading. Ahoy!

You really can't beat a well-written story of two Navy officers imprisoned by pirates. I had to read it all in one day... it was very satisfying!

As I write this I have only read the first book in the series. I am so glad I did not live in the time represented in this book. The things they had to do and conditions they lived in - whew.

Well written, interesting characters, nice story line!!

Ransom is a delightful light read. A romance novel that will keep you on edge as the two main characters are taken on an adventure that neither one was ready for. If you like "Romance" stories or even historical novels then this is the book for you. I also suggest the companion book (I guess part two) Winds of Change, also by Lee Rowan.