To Tame the Wind by Regan Walker is a 2015 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A High seas adventure with romance at the ship's helm!

It as been a very, very long time since I have read a romance set at sea and I must admit I have missed these highly entertaining tales of romantic adventure.

Claire Donet was once an adventurous, lively, mischievous, and spirited girl until a tragic event at her convent school doused the fire in her soul. Now Claire is much more serious, ridden by guilt, and determined to become a nun.

However, if her father has any say in the matter, he will see to it she marries the man he has chosen for her. But, before either step can be taken, Simon Powell thwarts them both by kidnapping the innocent Claire and declaring he will hold her captive until he gets back what is his.

Simon is a British Privateer whose schooner was taken by Claire's father, a notorious pirate. Having been sent away to convent school after her mother's death, Claire is totally oblivious about her father's life.

Soon she finds herself torn between her French heritage, her father, and Simon, “The Golden One” as the revolutionary war continues to rage. With each passing day she gains more and more respect for Simon and begins to fall in love with him, despite the circumstances.

Simon's one objective is to get back his schooner and once that goal is accomplished he will turn Claire back over to her father. But, he will do so reluctantly, for he will miss her terribly. However, his feelings for her are forbidden and Claire has already committed herself to the convent.

Are Claire and Simon really two ships that pass in the night? Star crossed lovers? Will Claire really join the convent or will she marry the man her father has picked for her? Or… will Simon refuse to let her go?

The revolutionary war presented from the British and France perspective was a unique spin, and looking at it from that angle gave me a new outlook and made for some titillating suspense.

I loved Simon! He is the perfect romantic hero, protecting Claire by honoring her with his respect, and being the perfect gentleman, most of the time. () He is fierce, but kind and loyal and knows his mind.

Claire is a lady, highly principled, sympathetic, but strong, and sensitive. She is a bit more conflicted, but her character develops very nicely as the story progresses, and I was proud to see some of her fire rekindled by Simon.

One thing I really appreciate about Regan Walker is her dedicated research and attention to detail. How I wish all historical romance authors took the time to do this! There is no substitute for authenticity when reading historical fiction, because the dress, the conduct, vernacular and dialogue is what sweeps me into the past, literally bringing the pages to life.

What fun it is to follow along on the high seas, with swashbuckling adventure, danger, epic romance, intrigue, action and suspense! I loved every minute of this fast paced novel. This story was full of surprises and the secondary characters were well drawn adding another layer of depth. This was a romantic, exciting and fun read!

As always Regan Walker has gone all out for her readers by putting together maps, a list of characters for reference, and she has put together a Pinterest board dedicated to this novel, which you simply must see to believe. ( https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker...)

5 stars ( )