The Heiress at Sea
Twenty-one and still unmarried, Lady Cassia McQuoid feels doomed to life as a spinster. Dreading a dull existence of doing ladylike things like needlepoint and painting, she plans an adventure on the high seas. Disguising herself as a boy, she intends to stow away on a family friend’s ship, but accidentally boards Lord Nathaniel Ellsby’s vessel.
After the death of his older brother, Nathaniel’s father ordered him to give up the sea, get married, and prepare for his role as the future Duke of Roxburghe. Allowed one last sailing mission, he is less than thrilled to find that his new swabbie isn’t who he appears to be.
Caldwell creates a delightful Regency romp filled with crackling dialog and steamy love scenes. Her characters feel genuinely torn between their prescribed lives and true desires, and there is plenty of drama and adventure aboard the ship to keep the story moving quickly. Though a stand-alone novel, fans will recognize Cassia as a sister to Myrtle from the author’s previous book, The Duke Alone. A fun, fast read for those looking for a satisfying escape.
