From Publishers Weekly
Set in England and Madeira in 1844, Becnel's (When Lightning Strikes) latest romance is a beautifully constructed, entertaining story marred only by the occasional wimpiness of its otherwise appealing heroine. Eliza Thoroughgood is a shy, sheltered young Englishwoman who convinces her family to let her take her 10-year-old cousin, Aubrey, to Madeira to recuperate from a riding injury. What Eliza and her family don't know is that Aubrey is being hunted by his bastard half-brother, Cyprian Dare, captain of the rogue ship Chameleon. Cyprian intends to kidnap Aubrey to get revenge on their father, who ruined his mother and abandoned him. On Madeira, Cyprian's men capture both Aubrey and Eliza. Although Cyprian tries to release Eliza, she refuses to leave her crippled cousin. When Cyprian decides to seduce her, Eliza doesn't provide much of a challenge. Not only is her resistance to Cyprian feeble, but she accepts his statement that his mother-who lost everything and was forced into prostitution because of her seduction by an irresponsible aristocrat-had no regrets. Eliza eventually concludes, "When you loved a man there could never be regrets"-at which point many readers will conclude that Eliza needs to get a grip. Still, these unfortunate characterizations aside, Heart of the Storm is a well-written and enjoyable read. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Literary Times
It was the perfect plan, guaranteed to give Captain Cyprian Dare the revenge he seeks. Driven to destroy Sir Lloyd Haberton, Cyprian sets out to kidnap Sir Lloyd's only acknowledged son, Aubrey. But the plan goes awry when the kidnappers bring back not only their prey, but Aubrey's frail cousin, Eliza Thoroughgood. Quickly deciding to turn Eliza's presence to his advantage, Cyprian charges her with the responsibility of delivering a message to Sir Lloyd, but Eliza refuses to leave the 10 year old Aubrey on his own with the despicable Captain. It was a miserable plan, guaranteed to ruin Eliza's reputation as well as her quiet nature. Desperate to protect Aubrey, Eliza agrees to more and more of the Captain's demands, and as the time passes, she finds that it is less and less difficult to comply. Confused by Cyprian's lack of a ransom demand, Eliza is unsure of his motives. If only she could understand what it is that drives Cyprian to commit this outrageous act against her Uncle Lloyd, maybe she could help him overcome his lifelong hatred. From the high seas, to an island paradise, and back to London's respectability, Cyprian struggles to deny the love he feels for Eliza, convinced that she could never care for a common sea Captain, and a bastard at that. Eventually, Eliza must overcome Cyprian's misguided objections, as well as those of her family members, in order to win the man who first held her captive against her will, and then captured her heart with his determined seduction. Rexanne Becnel captures the heart of the reader with Heart of the Storm. Cyprian and Eliza overcome his lifetime of neglect and distrust, and while doing it, they manage to fall in love, while the reader falls in love with them. Add to that some steamy love scenes, and Heart of the Storm becomes an historical romance not to be missed.Ms. Becnel captivates the reader! Rexanne's stories stay with the reader, long after the final page is turned! Rexanne Becnel has the ability to leave the reader satisfied when the book is finished, while at the same time, yearning for the next one!Gerrie Shepard -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved
Review
"Rexanne Becnel combines heartfelt emotions with a romance that touches readers with the magic and joy of falling in love. Destined to be a bestseller from a star of the genre!" --Romantic Times
"Tempestuous and seductive, this winner from Rexanne Becnel will enthrall fro the first page to the last." --Deborah Martin, author of Stormswept
"Great characters, a riveting plot and loads of sensuality...A fabulous book, I couldn't put it down!" --Joan Johnston, author of Maverick Heart
Book Description
A bid for freedom...
The lush, misty island of Madeira seemed a perfect escape from an unwanted bridegroom for shy, bookish heiress Eliza Thoroughgood.
Ambushed by desire...
But barely have they arrived when she and her frail young cousin Aubrey find themselves captive on the exotic vessel of Cyprian Dare-a man whose bold hands and even bolder mouth arouse a tiny, wicked part of Eliza.
An exquisite revenge...
Cyprian never forgave the man who abandoned his mother and made him a bastard. Now that man's heir, the boy Aubrey, will be his instrument of revenge-however furiously the beautiful Eliza guards him.
Foiled by an ecstatic love...
For Cyprian, it will be an easy matter to tame this lovely innocent in the sweet, dark seaswept night...until Eliza's passionate heart challenges him to a choice he could never have foreseen.
About the Author
Critically acclaimed romance author Rexanne Becnel has written eight previous novels, including When Lightning Strikes, Where Magic Dwells, A Dove at Midnight, The Rose of Blackword and Thief of My Heart. For her work, My Gallant Enemy, Becnel received the Waldenbooks 1991 First Time Romance Author Award and the Romantic Times Best Award for Best Medieval Romance by a New Author. She lives in New Orleans with her family.
Heart of the Storm, Vol. 1 ANNOTATION
Madeira seemed a perfect escape from an unwanted bridegroom to Eliza. But barely have they arrived when she and her frail young cousin Aubrey find themselves captive on the vessel of Cyprian Dare, who had never forgiven the man who had left his mother and made him a bastard. Now that man's boy, Aubrey, will be his instrument of revenge--however furiously Eliza guards him. Original.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Madeira seemed a perfect escape from an unwanted bridegroom to Eliza. But barely have they arrived when she and her frail young cousin Aubrey find themselves captive on the vessel of Cyprian Dare, who had never forgiven the man who had left his mother and made him a bastard. Now that man's boy, Aubrey, will be his instrument of revenge--however furiously Eliza guards him.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Set in England and Madeira in 1844, Becnel's (When Lightning Strikes) latest romance is a beautifully constructed, entertaining story marred only by the occasional wimpiness of its otherwise appealing heroine. Eliza Thoroughgood is a shy, sheltered young Englishwoman who convinces her family to let her take her 10-year-old cousin, Aubrey, to Madeira to recuperate from a riding injury. What Eliza and her family don't know is that Aubrey is being hunted by his bastard half-brother, Cyprian Dare, captain of the rogue ship Chameleon. Cyprian intends to kidnap Aubrey to get revenge on their father, who ruined his mother and abandoned him. On Madeira, Cyprian's men capture both Aubrey and Eliza. Although Cyprian tries to release Eliza, she refuses to leave her crippled cousin. When Cyprian decides to seduce her, Eliza doesn't provide much of a challenge. Not only is her resistance to Cyprian feeble, but she accepts his statement that his mother-who lost everything and was forced into prostitution because of her seduction by an irresponsible aristocrat-had no regrets. Eliza eventually concludes, ``When you loved a man there could never be regrets''-at which point many readers will conclude that Eliza needs to get a grip. Still, these unfortunate characterizations aside, Heart of the Storm is a well-written and enjoyable read. (Nov.)
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