Cat O’ Nine Tails by
Patricia Leever
Series: None
Genre: Fantasy,
Romance, Historical, Adventure (Pirates), Erotic
Published: August 2011
Pages: 206
My rating: 
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! :)
