The Passion of a Marquess

The Sisters of the Aristocracy, Book 2

De: Linda Rae Sande

Narrado por: Michael Troughton

They say you learn from your mistakes...but what if they're not your own?

After four Seasons and no prospects, Lady Samantha is resigned to life as a spinster. Her aunt, Caroline Fitzsimmons, Viscountess Chamberlain, has another option in mind - she insists they set sail to Italy for a tour she hopes might allow her charge to meet and marry a European aristocrat.

His coal mines having suffered a multitude of disasters, Ethan Range, Marquess of Plymouth, is determined to secure a recent invention from an Italian count to alleviate the danger of fires. He's none too happy to discover Lady Caroline traveling on the same ship as he is to Rome. He knows her secret and is rather incensed she's been able to hide Samantha's true past from the ton.

While taking a late-night stroll on deck, Samantha is confronted by the scowling marquess. Incensed by his assertion that Caroline is really her mother, Samantha barely has time to slap the man before a sudden storm sends a wave of water onto the ship, washing them both overboard.

Forced to save each other, the two end up as castaways on a deserted island in the Mediterranean. Although they face perils a plenty during the week they're stranded, they have far more to fear from one another than from hunger, weather, and pirates. Can the two overcome their circumstances and realize the mistakes of the past are not their own? Or will their week on the island lead to more turbulence? The heart may be the best life preserver in The Passion of a Marquess.

©2015 Linda Rae Sande (P)2016 Linda Rae Sande

4 stars

I have to say, I've read my fair share of historical romances and this is one of the few I've read with a shipwrecked on an island theme. I found the story to be well done, although from time to time I really questioned what the characters were doing. And felt that it probably could have been edited down a bit. A lot of what felt like unnecessary characters were introduced or had scenes that it got a touch overwhelming. It's entirely possible that these folks were in book 1, but since I haven't read it, I don't know since there wasn't much history given.

As for the narration, Mr Troughton did a fine job. A few times I kinda did a double take with the pronunciation of some words, but that's probably a British vs American issue. I did get a bit thrown by the special effect that happened during the internal musings of the characters, which happened a lot. I found it more distracting than helpful.

All in all, my first listen (and read) of a Linda Rae Sande book was a success and I'll most likely hunt out more from her in the future.

Every Woman's Fantasy

Hasn't every woman fantasized about being shipwrecked on a tropical island with a sexy handsome man. That's exactly what happens to Samantha. This begins her and Ethan's  adventure of love. When they are rescued, the author presents them with several different challenges to their relationship. The narrator does an amazing job of portraying the emotions and desires of these characters. He makes this Audible book a listening adventure. I asked to receive this Audible book and voluntarily wrote this unbiased review. I highly recommend this Audible book. It brings one's fantasies out.

Wordy

This book was about twice as long as it needed to be. Writing was bit all over the place with a lot of characters getting page time that was very unnecessary. Story was not a bad one just took too long to come to the very obvious conclusion. Also the narrator voice was not bad just not appealing.

An Adventure

Thrown overboard and stuck on a smugglers island are two people who can't stand each other. Falling in love was not part of the plan. Neither was being saved by pirates. He has a title and she is not quite sure of her parentage. Will that keep them apart or will love conquer all. A great adventurous tale. I received a complimentary audio and this review is voluntary.

Hero was a moron

The hero is one of the worst I’ve read in a while. He just jumped to conclusions way too fast! Who leaves a lover on a pirate ship?? The narrator’s voice sounded too old for the hero. Oddly enough, I thought he did Samantha’s voice really well.