I was wondering if it was worth trying again with Brenda Joyce and the de Warenne series.

This story is mostly set in the southern seas, and its protagonists (vaguely Salgarian) are absolutely fascinating.

One can easily forgive the author for some minor inconsistencies.

And indeed, this time the author manages to hold the story in her grip until the last page, without any concessions or weaknesses.

The vivid descriptions of the maritime settings add a sense of adventure and mystery to the narrative.

The characters are well-developed, with their own unique personalities and motives.

The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

Overall, it is a captivating read that I would highly recommend to fans of historical romance and adventure.

The reading order of the DeWarenne Dynasty series is as follows:

1. Gönülçelen

2. Gülün Sözü

3. Oyun

4. Bir Avuç Aşk

5. Maskeli Balo

6. Kaçak Gelin

7. Aşka Yelken Açanlar

8. Kusursuz Gelin

9. Tehlikeli Aşk

10. İmkansız Aşk

11. Yemin

The majority of the book takes place at sea. During the 2018 Popsugar Reading Challenge event, I couldn't find a book for the category of a book set at sea. If it had come to my mind, I would have read Aşka Yelken Açanlar.

In the book, we read about Cliff's falling in love. Cliff was already one of my favorite characters in the series. It was also nice to read about him.

https://suleuzundere.blogspot.com/201...

Of all the novels that I have read, I think this one in particular is very original. It is the first one that I have read which is set in the sea, on a ship, with storms, and so on. It makes it exciting. The description of the sea and the ship is so vivid that it feels as if you are actually there. The characters are also well-developed and their relationships add depth to the story. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves adventure and mystery. It is a great read that will transport you to another world.

Another great addition to the de Warenne Dynasty series.

I was once again thoroughly charmed by the personalities of the characters. Brenda Joyce has a knack for creating highly likeable characters in her novels. So far in this series, the girls have all known early on in each story that they love the hero. However, the heroes seem to be resistant for various reasons. It's truly heartwarming to watch them all eventually succumb to love.

In this particular story, "A Lady at Last", it wasn't a particularly steamy book. Nevertheless, it was still very sweet. My absolute favorite part was towards the end when Cliff chased her across the sea to confront her on the boat she had "borrowed". It was such a sweet and romantic moment.

Overall, this installment in the de Warenne Dynasty series was a delightful read, filled with charming characters and a heartwarming romance. I can't wait to see what Brenda Joyce has in store for us next.

As soon as I knew that the young girl was 17 years old and Warenne was 28 years old, I couldn't ignore the fact that she was a minor. After reading 150 pages, and learning several details about Warenne's desire for the adolescent, I gave up on the book. However, I really liked the aspects regarding piracy, the boat journey, and the customs of the era. But that wasn't enough.

The age difference between the two main characters made me feel uncomfortable. It seemed inappropriate and unethical. I understand that the story might have been trying to explore complex emotions and relationships, but the fact that the girl was a minor overshadowed everything else for me.

Despite my enjoyment of the other elements in the book, such as the exciting descriptions of piracy and the interesting insights into the mores of that time, I just couldn't get past the issue of the age difference. It made it difficult for me to fully engage with the story and appreciate it as a whole.

A death of a pirate occurs, yet the promises that were made surely must be adhered to, don't you think?

Unless, of course, the promise loses its necessity to be kept because of a lack of feelings.

But how does one manage to become a lady and hold onto the man she loves?

Well, one way to discover the answer is to pick up and read this book.

The trials and tribulations of love, work, and friendships are all packed into this engaging read, offering a wallop of entertainment.

It's truly a great book that I highly recommend.

Whether you're looking for a light-hearted escape or some valuable insights into the complex world of relationships, this book has something for everyone.

So don't hesitate, give it a try and see for yourself!

The protagonist is the daughter of a pirate who is sentenced to the gallows. She is helped by an aristocrat who is immediately impressed by her upon seeing her and takes her to London to look for her mother, whom she has never seen before. And on the way, they fall in love.

I thought the story was a bit dull and very predictable. From the beginning, you know what is going to happen and the narration bored me many times. The best part is the end of the book which is more exciting and hooks you more. The relationship between the two didn't quite fit for me because she is very young and there are many moments when he sees her as a child. She has been raised wild among pirates, but quickly learns to live like the nobility and hardly rebels. She has character but doesn't show it much. He doesn't want to get married, but he has 2 children from other women. There are things that didn't sit well with me. It's a pity because I'm eager to find a good pirate novel.

Since "A Handful of Love", there hadn't been a Brenda book that I would give a full score to, but with "Those Who Set Sail for Love", this situation changed. I was very hopeful from the beginning of Cliff's story, and the author didn't disappoint my hopes. He wrote amazingly, by Allah. Next is Rex, I think. Rex is one of the brothers I'm curious about. I will read it soon, Inshallah :)

This Brenda book really stands out. The story of Cliff is so engaging that it keeps you hooked from start to finish. The author's writing style is excellent, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind. It's not just a simple love story but also has elements of adventure and mystery. I can't wait to read about Rex's story. I have a feeling it's going to be just as good, if not better. Brenda has once again proven herself to be a talented author, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her works in the future.

Amanda's character was most definitely spirited and loveable.

She was a young girl who had seen better days and was down on her luck. But then, she comes across a knight in shining armour in the form of Cliff.

Cliff was just a wonderful caring hero. He really tried to do right by Amanda, and much respect is due to him for that.

My favourite scene in this story is when Cliff confronts Amanda on the boat. His choice of words was unexpected and further enhanced his loveable character. I had expected fury, but not necessarily a sense of ownership.

Cliff's family also played a significant role in this story. They gave the heroine a sense of belonging that she had never had before, a taste of a normal family existence.

This added an extra layer of depth to the story and made it even more engaging.

Overall, it was a heartwarming tale of love, redemption, and finding one's place in the world.

He pointed at her, his eyes glittering savagely. “I have two things to say to you, madam.”

“You are coming home with me. And we are getting married.”

And with a final stare, he stormed out.

I was completely captivated. This, along with The Game, are my two favorite novels in the amazing DeWarrene Dynasty series. Cliff is like a pirate-knight in shining armor.

I had a hunch from his rare appearances in the previous books that his story was going to be something special. He reminds me of my favorite hero from this series, Liam O'Neil from The Game. A swoon-worthy pirate who would move heaven and earth to protect, cherish, and be by his heroine's side, and one who doesn't take no for an answer.

Amanda was raised as a pirate's daughter. Cliff rescues her from a mob during her father's hanging and takes it upon himself to protect her and transform her into a lady in order to launch her into London society.

There's also a great deal of humor in this book as Amanda's language is far from polished, and Cliff's character is quite amusing.

Cliff is the kind of hero we all cheer for.

She was a lady at last, and she had Cliff’s heart.

What does it mean to be a lady? Pygmalion stories are a common plotline in the romance world. Whether it's elevating the guttersnipe thief or the rat-catcher to the status of a lady or a gentleman and having the Lordy Lord or the Fancy Lady inevitably falling in love with their creation. Typically, the past life is erased, all the rough uncouthness is removed from their thought and speech. Perhaps it comes in a heated argument through a colloquial saying but for the most part, the transformation is complete and there is no looking back. But what does it mean to be a lady when one does not want to be a lady?

A Lady At Last is one of the BEST books in Brenda Joyce's de Warrenne Dynasty series for its unique take on Pygmalion and its sizzling chemistry between Amanda Carre AKA Le Sauvage and Cliff de Warrenne.

With Brenda Joyce, you can expect the hero to be an alpha male but whether the heroine will have a spine is a little more dicey. However, Amanda Carre is one of the rawest heroines to duke it out with an alpha male. Like, I'm so impressed by Amanda and the things she says and does.

Amanda is a breath of fresh air. She is a perfect blend of vulnerability and toughness. Amanda is called the Savage because her father, Rodney, allowed her to run wild in Jamaica. She is brave and independent. She loves to sail on the open sea, has no fear of thunderstorms, and the girl can use a dagger to flirt, goddamn. Like that knife scene ALONE. Amanda Carre is a queen. Her toughness is also a source of vulnerability. Her father was an absent and physically abusive presence in her life and she never knew her mother.

Cliff is the lone wolf adventurer who does not want to lead a conventional life and settle down. He spends most of his time sailing and he has two children that he is raising by himself. Rachel, the mother, was put to death. She was a Jewess enslaved in a Barbary prince's harem and after it was discovered she had been with Cliff, she had been sentenced to death.

Now, you'd think Cliff would be very domineering as most romantic heroes who are pirates or captains are, and you'd expect Amanda to put up a good show but eventually be cowed because that is what typically happens in these plotlines.

It is a great pleasure to read what actually unfolds. Amanda holds her own when she is so honest and blunt with Cliff and Cliff, despite trying to push her away, has a softer and more nurturing side come out. It is so sweet to see how Cliff loves to protect and take care of Amanda. At one point, Amanda informs Cliff of her plans to be independent. Cliff being confused is one of the most hilarious highlights of the story: "Why can't I take care of you." [Cliffe] tried. "It's a pleasant task." Cliff grovels so well he literally begs to take care of Amanda.

And the HEAT between the two. It was hot. That tension you could cut like a knife through butter. The role reversal was amazing too; Cliff played defense to Amanda's offense. Yes booty call his butt on the boat!

The cherry on top was the relationship between the two - Cliff feels for Amanda's life story, and he loves her originality. He may have been shocked at her speech or her use of bartering her body but he never judges her for how she was raised. All Cliff wants is to protect her and make sure she has a happy life. Amanda, meanwhile, is continually surprised by how Cliff behaves like a gentleman, and his care and interest in her makes her fall gradually in love with him. The romance made sense, and it was one of those romances where they were both able to elevate each other's higher selves. Cliff is caring and supportive when he is with Amanda and Amanda is trusting and safe.

A Lady At Last will play on your heartstrings from the romance between Cliff and Amanda but also for Amanda's plight. I felt for Amanda all by herself and having each illusion about her life broken, and when she confronts her mother for the last time about how changing herself will never be enough, just wow.

If you are looking for similar character dynamics, Amanda reminds me of Julia in Loving Julia by Karen Robards. Julia is a guttersnipe with a foul mouth and temper who says what she wants. Julia is also in a guardian-ward relationship with Sebastien that creates crackling tension, similar to Amanda and Cliff.

A True Cinderella Story with a Honorable Prince

This is a fast-moving story that is filled with both heartache and an abundance of love and desire. It tells the tale of two souls who are brought together by fate and are about to embark on a journey that will take them through the waves of a love that is destined to last forever.

The story begins with a young woman who is living a life of hardship and neglect. She is treated poorly by her stepmother and stepsisters and is forced to do all the chores around the house. However, despite her difficult circumstances, she remains kind and gentle at heart.

One day, a prince comes to town and throws a grand ball. The young woman dreams of attending the ball, but she knows that her stepmother and stepsisters will never let her go. However, with the help of a kind fairy godmother, she is able to transform into a beautiful princess and attend the ball.

At the ball, the prince is immediately smitten with the young woman and they spend the entire night dancing and talking. However, when the clock strikes midnight, the young woman must flee the ball and in her haste, she leaves behind a glass slipper.

The prince is determined to find the woman who fit the glass slipper and he searches far and wide for her. Finally, he finds her and they are reunited. The two fall deeply in love and live happily ever after.