My Enemy, My Heart
The war of 1812 has begun, unbeknownst to the American crew of the Maid of Alexandria. Part of the Baltimore clipper’s crew, Deirdre has lived on the sea for 22 of her 23 years. Her father is the captain, but when he dies of apoplexy during their ship’s capture by British privateers, she will do anything in her power to free her crew, which ultimately leads her to marriage with Kieran Ashford, owner of the British ship. Meanwhile, Kieran sees a chance with Deirdre to return to his family without a scandal on his heels while also protecting Deirdre, a woman he’s inexplicitly drawn to. Upon their arrival in England, Deirdre’s crewmates are sent to Dartmoor Prison. But Deirdre isn’t going to wait until the end of the war. Her crew is her family, and she will do whatever it takes, even betraying her new husband, to free them. However, as the days pass, Deirdre sees Kieran less and less as her enemy. When her bonds of love and loyalty collide, which side will win over her heart?
My draw to this book was headstrong Deirdre, living as a sailor beyond the social restraints of her time. The early chapters set on the ship are great and include fascinating historical references and impressive maritime details. The focus of the romance, early on, is mostly on physical attraction instead of building emotional connections. Thus, I found it a challenge to connect to these characters and their developing relationship. For instance, as soon as Kieran realizes Deirdre is female, he touches her cheek several times, runs his thumb over her lips, and even kisses her. This seems a little forward for 1812. For me, this was a slow read. Recommended for fans of romance novels with a light sprinkling of adventure.
