His for the Taking Book

Pirates, adventure and romance...oh my! Sarah Parr's latest novel His for the Taking is a classical romance with action that will have you on the edge of your seat and a love story sure to capture your heart. This is a novel not to be missed!

Karly is on a simple mission to reclaim a small token of hers in Warrick Barry's home. He thinks her a criminal, one of the many smugglers on the open sea that he is working to capture. When he discovers that she is the daughter of an infamous pirate, he makes a bold and daring decision. He writes the King to demand they marry in order to use her and her knowledge in his investigation. After his investigation is concluded, they will seek an immediate annulment. He senses Karly is deeply involved and knows the only way to obtain more time and avoid her being immediately sent to the gallows is to become his wife. He also knows that she has a volatile sailor seeking to make her his mistress and a commander who treated her poorly seeking her out. Warrick believes the marriage will not only entitle him to Karly's information, but also keep her safe from those who wish her harm. While their unusual partnership gains them information about the real smugglers, their mutual attraction sets them both off guard.

Karly is very unique character, full of spunk and fight. She is beautifully feminine, but underneath lies a true tom boy. She has spent most of her life on a ship being one of the guys, but her recent experiences have weakened her. She needs a shoulder to rest her burdens on and Warrick is more than willing to support and protect her. In the beginning, he has alternative motives, but you discover he really is a gentle soul and kind man. He displays a timid and calm disposition and rarely displays any anger. Especially when Karly gives him ample reason to. He is smart, reliable and cunning. He soon realizes he may not be able to let Karly go and he is never more charming than when he tries to capture her heart.

These characters have such a tough exterior that they display to each other and to the world. Yet Parr exposes their weaknesses through their thoughts and inner dialogue. They are both clueless as to matters of the heart and you cannot help but fall completely in love with their story and struggles. Through their work together, they become closer and learn more about one another. While their marriage is ultimately forced shortly after they have met, their love is one that slowly grows. On the other hand, the excitement and intrigue in this novel are the complete opposite. The action starts right away in this story and the novel captures you from the first page. Actually there may be too much action. There is so much going on in this novel and so many villains they are working against, the books just goes from one problem after another. Luckily, Parr fits Karly and Warrick's charming story in at every available moment to keep you wrapped up in the beauty of it all.

"Do you really think I'm worth all this trouble?"

Warrick cursed to himself. "You heard that?"

Karly nodded as color darkened her cheeks. "I regained my wits quickly."

"Your ego seems quiet well fed after your demonstration on deck. Things won't always go your way. When they don't, what will happen?" Her gaze flickered, and then fell. He scooped her to him, "In answer to your question, yes, you are worth it," he said softly against her hair.

Karly looked absently around the cabin. "I don't understand why you even want to try."

Warrick took her hand and placed it over his heart. "Is this reason enough?"

His for the Taking is an exciting, emotional story that will hold you in its grip from page one until the last. It is full of action and adventure with characters that will dig their way into your heart. Parr writes a beautiful story full of thrills and passion that you will never want to end. The novel is splendidly well written with vibrant description and witty dialogue that historical romance fans will love. This novel is not only a keeper, but I greatly look forward to any of Parr's future work. It is going to be nothing short of fantastic if it is anything like His for the Taking.

Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 3/5

Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter