The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd by Paula Quinn (The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #2)
Released: October 28, 2014
Historical Romance
Forever

Reviewed by Sheena

Favorite Quote: “Think of me what you will Miss Grant. I would have ya live.” 

Living is more than just breathing, Captain.”

On me ship, livin’ is what I say it ’tis.”

Arrrrggg! Aye, allow me to tell you a tale of Alexander Kidd of the Seven Seas *waves peg leg*

Ohmigod!  This was such a fun read.  I completely lost myself in this pirate adventure and I was totally not expecting that!  Paula Quinn does an amazing job of bringing this story of sexy pirate captain, Alexander the Kidd and the beautiful Trina, with her wild, insatiable hunger for adventure.

Alexander Kidd is a man possessed and his latest adventure shows him after his dead father’s hidden ship, full of treasure, with nothing to follow but a map and the perils of the sea.  His quest takes him to a fierce land of Highland-esque warriors where he meets Trina, who nearly takes off his head with an arrow during their first encounter and they remain embattled from that moment on!

Trina was such a great heroine. Brave, bold, and adventurous.  She trained in battle with her cousin Kyle (whose book I need like I need my next breath I loved him so much) and is a master archress.  Trina has also been recently betrothed, an arrangement orchestrated by her father, an arrangement that drives her to make the most drastic decision of her life.

She decides to board Captain Kidd’s pirate ship. Luckily, Kyle follows.  Unluckily, they find themselves as stow aways when they find themselves at sea and at the mercy of a merciless Alexander Kidd.

Swashbuckling and dangerous and so damned funny. I absolutely enjoyed every minute.  Quinn depicts life aboard Alexander’s ship so well I felt like one of the deck hands watching it all unfold with my own eyes.  Hunted by enemies far and wide, sailing with Alexander is the thrill of a lifetime and more than Trina knew she could ever handle.  Their love affair was destiny.  Watching them crash together and break apart like the ocean waves they sailed on was beyond entertaining.  I loved that she challenged Alexander at every turn.  She was no shrinking violet. She fought for her safety and her right to live the life of her own choosing.  He protected her and soon his mates all grew to adore Trina as they no longer saw her as an annoying woman aboard or a damsel they could assault sexually but they saw her as a mate and valued her skill and (eventually, ha) her virtue.

I found this novel to be very character driven.  The recurring theme of following your own path and being brave and fearless while handling emerging love made this read quite enjoyable and  relatable.  Trina leaves the safety and security of her comfortable life to find herself and acknowledge the free spirit she carries within a quest to be beholden to no man.  Alexander wrestled with loyalty and obligation.  Friendship and duty were his crosses to bear all the while grappling with the notion that he could have it all.  A great love affair with his lass and the thrilling lifestyle he leads.  It was the moment when both characters realized they had within their grasp all they ever wanted and worked for, and dreamed about – only to toss it to the wind and simply choose one another. This moment is what made the journey that much more meaningful.

Packed with adventure and near death and a journey to a HEA that was believable and rewarding, The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd was my first novel by Paula Quinn but most certainly will not be my last.  It is a gem in its genre. Amazing adventure and delightful love affair!

 Grade: A

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