I received a signed copy through a giveaway on GoodReads and the following is my honest opinion for this novella.

I’m a romance author and the main reason I don’t venture into writing Regency or Historical Romances is the amount of research needed to make sure the things written about are correct. While errors in regards to editing are “acceptable”, factual errors aren’t.

Ms. Evans has basically done a decent job in this regards, however there are times in which the language being used is not appropriate for the time the story takes place, which some editing should be able to resolve.

The storyline deals with a shipwreck, in which two young sisters [Atia and Livia] survive and wind up in the worst city possible during the years the story takes place, 1869 in Port Royal, Jamaica. It is here they get kidnapped, separated and wind up in the slavery system which is prevalent at this time.

This first novella is essentially about Atia since she doesn’t get reunited with her sister Livia until towards the end.

When they get separated Atia becomes the prize in a card game. When the scorned French pirate, Gator Gar, becomes enthralled by the sheer beauty she possesses he quickly sets out to free her from her predicament. With a price on both of their heads they make their way to the Blue Mountains after which the attraction they have for each other becomes intense. There is unexplained outbreak of scarlet fever in the city which aids them in their escape.

While I enjoyed the premise for this volume of the serious, the storyline itself could be tighten up a bit. All-in-all, with all things considered, I’m giving this first volume of the series 4 STARS. ( )