This novel takes place in England, then crossing the Atlantic Ocean and finally in America. The backdrop is the unrest before and the opening of the American Revolution.
Ashley Lynne is the illegitimate ward of an evil duke, who plans to marry her off to an old man. Nevil, the duke, seems to have a love-hate relationship with Ashley. When she refuses his plan and declares that she will have the marriage annulled (because of the old mans impotence), Nevil decides to have someone rape Ashley so she cannot plead non-consummation.
Salem McClellan is the innocent Colonial bystander selected for the deed; he is at the Dukes home trying to purchase one of the Dukes fine horses. After the Duke thinks the deed has been done, he plays Svengali again by having McClellan accused of piracy, getting him arrested to Newgate and convicted. Now, Salem is awaiting his hanging.
Ashley and Salem are caring, committed and likeable characters who are tested sorely by their circumstances. My only problem with the book is that the book roared through crisis after crises and then seemed to fizzle at the end. The end of the story seemed abrupt because the next installment was about to begin (SEASWEPT ABANDON).
McClellan Family
1. Crystal Passion (1985) At Sea London and US
2. Seaswept Abandon (1986) At Sea London and US
3. Tempting Torment (1989) England and US
4. Tidewater Promise (1991) -- Historical (in Christmas Rendezvous)
Ashley Lynne is the illegitimate ward of an evil duke, who plans to marry her off to an old man. Nevil, the duke, seems to have a love-hate relationship with Ashley. When she refuses his plan and declares that she will have the marriage annulled (because of the old mans impotence), Nevil decides to have someone rape Ashley so she cannot plead non-consummation.
Salem McClellan is the innocent Colonial bystander selected for the deed; he is at the Dukes home trying to purchase one of the Dukes fine horses. After the Duke thinks the deed has been done, he plays Svengali again by having McClellan accused of piracy, getting him arrested to Newgate and convicted. Now, Salem is awaiting his hanging.
Ashley and Salem are caring, committed and likeable characters who are tested sorely by their circumstances. My only problem with the book is that the book roared through crisis after crises and then seemed to fizzle at the end. The end of the story seemed abrupt because the next installment was about to begin (SEASWEPT ABANDON).
McClellan Family
1. Crystal Passion (1985) At Sea London and US
2. Seaswept Abandon (1986) At Sea London and US
3. Tempting Torment (1989) England and US
4. Tidewater Promise (1991) -- Historical (in Christmas Rendezvous)
