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Author Reviews
The Pirate Hunter
Jennifer Ashley
ISBN 0-8439-5280-6
Dorchester, May 2004, 324 pages
Historical Romance
U.S. $5.99 (CDN) $7.99
Reviewed by Maria
April 2005
The year is 1812 in England. James Ardmore lays face down in the sand wounded after the frigate that held him captive had broken up. The pirate hunter; once a pirate himself, can only hope that someone will find him on the beach where he has washed up. James lays semi-aware of his surroundings, drifting in and out of consciousness. When he finally comes to James is shocked to find the face of a familiar, beautiful woman staring at him. Surprised to find the man she hoped never to see again, Diana Worthing makes her feelings known in no uncertain terms - greeting James with a verbal string of obscenities.
The widow Diana Worthing is shocked to come in contact with the man that abducted her. At the time of her abduction, Diana had been married to the late Edward Worthing, an officer in the English navy. James had been searching for Edward when he encountered Diana. He abducted the fiery redhead, hoping to intimidate her into giving information about her husband. James soon finds that the officer's wife does not scare easily. He also finds himself wearing an entire tureen of soup - thrown at him in one of Diana's fits of rage. Passion flares and James kisses her, moving Diana into a whole new world of emotion and feelings. Soon James returns Diana to her home where her less than loving husband awaits her. Having never shown her affection before, a jealous, suspicious Edward blames Diana for the abduction - claiming that her lust had led the pirate to her.
Now the dreaded pirate and his comrade lay wounded at her feet. Although she despises him, Diana cannot let the man die. With the help of her father and house staff Diana nurses James and the man known as Captain Jack back to health. Once again James finds himself completely taken with the headstrong, beautiful Diana. He is pleased to find that Diana has a young daughter, Isabeau. Her hearing lost at 2 years of age, Isabeau soon steals James' heart- finally finding the love and attention that her father never gave her. Diana is touched to see the pirate has a soft side and soon finds that he is all she can think about. Soon the pair becomes inseparable, hoping to avenge the murder of James' brother Paul and trying to save Diana's father from being charged with treason. But there are some surprises and twist along the way that keep Diana and James from finding their 'happily ever after'.
Jennifer Ashley mixes light humour and suspense in this novel. Both James and Diana's characters were very well done. I like the fact that with all the hero's hardness, he gave Diana the love and passion she so desperately lacked during her marriage to the officer. And Diana's habit of throwing things at James is funny. Her temper lands her in more hot water than she bargains for though, adding some needed (light) comical relief to this old- fashioned high seas adventure story.
I found THE PIRATE HUNTER to be a more serious read than its companion THE CARE & FEEDING OF PIRATES. The writing style reminded me of a lot of the older historicals that I used to read and miss. It was emotional, romantic and suspenseful - something that veteran and novice writers alike seem to shy away from lately. I'm looking forward to reading more from this wonderful writer.