It took me quite a while to finish Beloved Captive. Unlike Beloved Castaway, this story had some slow spots and less action. It started out strong and even made me cringe in a few places, but I always like it when characters are stuck in situations they can't control. I just never got the same sense of peril in this story as I did in the first book. I enjoyed seeing some of the same characters from the previous book, but it did drag a bit, and the ending seemed kind of choppy to me. There was also less romance than in the first book. However, I loved the part where they were both on that island and when the hero named her Miss Crusoe and when he kissed her. I also loved how the author had a twist from what you'd expect every now and then. But one of the key plot points seemed like it was resolved as an afterthought, so that was a bit of a disappointment. Overall, it was a decent read. I hate to compare books, but it is part of a series, so it's hard not to do that. I do look forward to the third book in the series. ( )

As my first book that I have read by Kathleen Y'Barbo I am quite the fan. From several author buddies, Kathleen's books have been recommended and she has been called a great friend so I was excited when I was given the chance to review "Beloved Captive," the second book in the Fairweather Keys series, even though I have not read the first. But after reading this one, I do believe I will go back to find the first as this was quite enjoyable. The title is absolutely perfect and captures the entire story. Characters are individually fabulous and entertaining. At first what I deemed to be a predictable story was actually full of unforeseeable twists and turns. Action and adventure with romance and pirates! What could be better?! A perfect vacation or weekend read that I would recommend to anyone who wants a little pirate romance adventure. ( )

Set in 1836, this historical romance is the sequel to Beloved Castaway. Emilie returns to her father's sick bed and is shocked to learn that Elizabeth,the woman she always thought was her mother is not her parent. Rather, her father tells her that Sylvie, his concubine, a slave, is her mother. Emilie wrestles with this truth as she plans to return to her teaching. The author does a good job of portraying the feelings of a young lady receiving such a shock.

Meanwhile, Caleb Spencer, hates his mother's side of the family because they were pirates. He wants to forget that there's any part of him that is Benning. When challenged on the high seas, though, the Benning in him comes through. Once again, the author does a good job writing this character in a believable manner.

Romances are not my favorite genre, and the ending is predicable. However, if you like historical romance novels, this is one for you to enjoy. ( )