Lud, this book gave me heart palpitations and anxiety. It's truly one of those old-school romances that I love so much. They just don't write books like this anymore, so I am happy to see some of them being re-released (without being turned into the fluff reads that most historicals are today).

I was chatting with someone recently who compared these books to the current trend of "dark romance." I agreed with her somewhat, the historical romances written in the 60s-80s did often have darker events happen. Many of them were classified as bodice rippers for that very reason. However the dark aspects of those stories are not what really draws me in... it's the action and adventure and the feeling that you have just read a sweeping saga by the end of one little book. You have these characters that you love and they are experiencing tragedy and betrayal and love and I get caught up in the moment with them. Hence, the heart palpitations and anxiety. I would love to see more authors today produce books in this style... but I'm sure they would get bashed by all the modern feminists much as has happened to E.L. James and even Diana Gabaldon. I cringe every time I see someone complain about that spanking scene. (I mean why should they give a fig about historical accuracy, right?) Ack, I need to get off my soapbox and get on with the review.

Our heroine in this installment of the Dominick Series is Lady Rhea Claire, eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Camerleigh from the first book, Moonstruck Madness. Everyone loves Rhea Claire (myself included) as she is truly a kind soul who could win over even the most unlikely individuals.

Rhea is kidnapped from her home by old enemies of the Duke. The majority of the story focuses on the dastardly plot, kidnap and ensuing events, and the family's search for their missing member. It was all very detailed and drawn out, and I loved every minute of it. The story really had very little romance. Indeed, by 85% there had still been no tender feelings or grand passion. And strangely enough, I was fine with it.

I would not really class our hero as such... he didn't do anything so heroic. Dante, Marquis of Jacqobi is somewhat of a pirate and treasure hunter. He and Rhea Claire are thrown together in the midst of his quest, and he does not act very charitably toward her. (This is usually the theme in the good old bodice ripper if you haven't read one before.)

The villains in this story were great! I hated them with a passion and got nervous whenever they were in the picture. As for the story itself, like I said, there wasn't a lot of romance - it was mostly the hills and valleys of the plot conflict. While I was fine with it, I can see where others might want that grand passion. It would have added something to the story, I admit. As much as I loved the story, there was a plot hole that caused me to deduct a star. Many references are made to Dante's revenge and elude to some betrayal from his past... but we never learn what it is and it's never resolved. The end was abrupt and left me wanting. A epilogue reuniting the family would have been nice, or showing that Dante gave up his revenge for love maybe? Who knows, maybe that happens in the next installment, which I will be reviewing soon. So, stay tuned!

Update: I just read the blurb for the next book, Dark Before the Rising Sun, and see that Rhea and Dante's story continues! So yay, ignore anything I said about their being no resolution. I noticed the last book of the trilogy was published 2 years after this one... so happy I don't have to wait that long. It would've made me cranky.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / 2 flames.

Full review posted at http://bambi-unbridled.blogspot.com. ( )

Chance the Winds of Fortune by Laurie McBain is a 2015 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

“The Fire which seems extinguished often slumbers beneath the ashes- Pierre Corneille

With diabolical villains plotting revenge, Rhea Claire, the daughter of Sabrina and Lucien, is kidnapped, then manages a daring escape, only to find herself on board the Sea Dragon with Marquis Dante Leighton, who believes she is a spy, so once more she finds herself being held captive.


“The bright Day is done, And we are for the dark.- Shakespeare.

Thus begins the epic tale of Dante and Rhea, which is filled with treasure seeking, privateers, pirates, and high seas adventure. While Rhea is not quite as fiery as her mother, she holds her own against the stubborn captain of the Sea Dragon, without losing the tender, gentle part of herself that made her unique. Rhea is most certainly a lady, and one I felt so bad for while she struggled with homesickness, against Dante's hardened heart, and with her feelings for him.

Dante was a man on a mission, seeking sunken treasure, and is a little bit bitter, and cynical. The sweet Rhea Claire slowly chips away at this rough exterior and wins his heart.

I am so excited to see Laurie McBain's books being brought back to life in the digital world. Originally published in 1980, the younger crowd reading these books, might struggle a little with the slower pacing and yes, the writing is a lot different from what many of you are accustomed to, but I for one truly believe this author's style is exemplary, because she puts me right there in the story, vividly describing the scenery and action, which blocks out all distractions for me and keeps me completely absorbed in the story.

Times go by turns, and chances change by course.

From foul to fair, from better hap to worse- Robert Southwell

There is a lot going on in this story, with Lucien's horrible cousin, Kate, who is basically a psychopath, and Dante also has a few enemies to contend with. With so much going on, I began to wonder when Rhea and Dante were going to finally face each other, as their story doesn't get off the ground until after the half way mark of the story. But, stick with it, because this is only the beginning for this couple, who will go through a great many trials before they finally get to the truth.

Sadly, epic sagas, such as this one are a thing of the past, and I really miss them. It is so fun to return to these classic romance novels again, and I sincerely hope these stories capture the imagination of a whole new generation of romance readers!

Also, you will want to be sure to catch “Dark Before the Rising Sun” , the conclusion of the 'Dominick” series, also featuring Rhea and Dante, which is is also available in digital format.

4 stars ( )

...revenge, rescue and romance!

Old quarrels and revenge reach out after years and strike at Lucien Dominick's family.
The focus of these attempts is his daughter Lady Rhea Claire, sold as an indentured servant and incarcerated in the bowels of a ship bound for Charles Town.
Rhea, a breath of golden jessamine, manages to escape but in the hue and cry of the chase hides out in a dangerous place--the cabin of privateer Dante Leighton, Marquis of Jacqobi and captain of the Sea Dragon.
Dante might be sceptical that this isn't some complex ruse but everyone from the cabin boy to the first mate, including the turncoat cat Jamaica are won over by Rhea.
Of course the sparks fly between the two, those of temper and those of attraction.
However Dante will not be gulled and Rhea will not be deterred from charting her course for home.
An enthralling story that stretches across oceans, colourful in its telling and beguiling in its imagery.
Multilayered and guaranteed to captivate!

A NetGalley ARC ( )