Review: Cat O' Nine Tails

Cat O’ Nine Tails by Patricia Leever

Series: None

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Adventure (Pirates), Erotic

Published:  August 2011

Pages: 206

My rating: 

The Blurb: When Orrin and his brother Kale are hired by Queen Winifred to hunt down Aeron and her band of miscreants, Orrin never dreamed he’d fall in love with the beautiful she pirate, or the kind, accepting people of her island hideaway. As they grow closer, Aeron reveals her jaded past with Queen Winifred to Orrin; he doesn’t hesitate to offer his help to bring Winifred’s evil reign to an end. Aeron and Orrin soon discover that the strongest weapon in their combined arsenal is the love they have for each other.

After shamelessly offering a review in exchange for a paperback copy of  ‘Cat O’ Nine Tails’ -to the woman who happened to marry a man with the same last name as my own husband, Patti was kind enough to send me not only a (signed) copy of her book, she added a bookmark and some trading cards as well! So thanx once more, Patti!

Thus began my journey through the hungry  eyes of Aeron and Orrin. (Yup, I’ll gladly admit I had some trouble separating them at first, because of their names…) Now, I’m all for sexual tension, don’t get me wrong, but Aeron and Orrin weren’t the only ones who felt relieved once that tension was eased. Because besides some minor world building (serving more as a drop-dead gorgeous background for the sexy fantasies lived out in this novel) the first 50 pages were oozing with cravings from Aeron for Orrin, and the other way around. Old-fashioned ‘Candlelight’ romance novels is probably what ‘Cat O’ Nine Tails’ compares to best. LOTS of lovin’, little plot. A feel-good book of which you already know the ending, then still end up with a big smile on your face because of said ending.

Once Aerons secret connection to Queen Winifred was revealed I had a hard time believing all of it. However, when Aeron was faced with the Queen, the way she froze and went completely catatonic was understandable and heart wrenching. So yes, Patricia Leever knows how to write, how to convey feelings.

Perspectives in this novel change from Aeron to Orrin, to William, to Kale, to Maura even. It’s written in a pleasant, fluent prose, suiting the era. The island, castle, ships and fight scenes are very well envisioned, despite the lack of descriptiveness.

Aeron is a pretty believable character, as far as female Pirate Captains are believable. She’s kick-ass, but too flawless at times and OOC in NOT taking the upper-hand when it comes to love-making, no matter how feministic she is supposed to be. It took me some time, but then Aeron really grew on me, especially when she showed her vulnerable side. I sympathized with her a lot.

I had some trouble with Orrins feelings/thoughts sometimes, he came off just a teensy bit too perfect. He seems a bit too much like the men one usually only encounters in fantasies and books, never in the real world. Yes, he’s dreamy, but he could never be existent. He’s written the way a woman thinks a fantasy guy should be, not the way a real man is.

Honestly, the romantic moments were too sweet (and frequent) for my taste, but if that’s your sort of thing you cannot go wrong with this book! Don’t expect too much action (except between the sheets) and anticipate a slowly paced plot. This book is about romance and location, about lovers finding each other.

You will be left with the exact feeling the blurb promises you: An escape to a place where love is the strongest bond people can share against a mutual enemy. Easy peasy if you ask me, when they’re both gorgeous and inhabit a dreamy fantasy island… ;)

Have a nice day! :)