A Captain for Caroline Gray
(A Proper Romance)
By Julie Wright
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 336 Pages
March 2, 2021 by Shadow Mountain
Summary
Caroline Gray would rather be daring and intelligent than demure and insipid, which is why she is still unmatched after her third season in London. Her family’s threadbare finances leave Caroline with only one choice to secure her future: sail with the Fishing Fleet to India, where the son of a family friend is willing to consider an engagement to her.
Captain Thomas Scott loves the open sea as much as he despises the three-month, twice-yearly trip his ship makes as he ferries young English girls across the ocean. He can’t imagine what family would allow an innocent young woman to be matched up with the Englishmen of questionable reputation who work and live in India.
But when Miss Gray boards the HMS Persistence, all of Captain Scott’s plans are upended. Miss Gray’s fiery spirit can’t be contained, and he is shocked and secretly delighted at her boldness—and her beauty. But the rest of his passengers aren’t so kind.
Caroline finds herself an outcast among her peers, but Captain Scott becomes an unlikely ally. They share the same passions and interests, creating an undeniable attraction. But they both know any relationship between them is impossible. After all, Caroline has obligations to fulfill in India.
Caroline has until the end of the voyage to decide if she is going to marry a man she has never met or be brave enough to love a sea captain who just might break her heart.
My Review
A CAPTAIN FOR CAROLINE GRAY is a story of one woman's disappointment and her journey across the sea to India in the hope of finding happiness. Its a story of friendship, betrayal, navigating English society, a chance of love, but also a chance to be loved for oneself. Highly recommended to historical romance readers as well as fans of the Proper Romance line.
I loved these characters! Caroline is just such a wonderful character and easy to relate to! She is brilliant, educated, wishes to speak her mind and find someone who can love her for who she is. I loved her heart most of all, with all its bravery, but also in that she cares for others and makes friends with those of all stations of life. She is humble and kind. Of course society sees her as unpolished and acting as she shouldn't. She doesn't have much choices as a woman and is without any prospects until an opportunity arises in India. Captain Scott is a man who is on the verge of making his future. He is fair, hardworking and intelligent. He is also a good captain, brave and kind. He has never had any interest in any woman on his ship and on principle refuses to. No woman has ever turned his head besides, but then Miss Gray comes aboard. She stirs things up among his crew and the other passengers, but especially within his heart. What ensues is a journey full of challenges for these two, especially among the society on board.
I felt like the story moved at a really good pace. There was a good balance of humor mixed with delightful conversation as well as some very heartbreaking moments. There were also moments of adventure and danger. It was enjoying seeing Miss Gray and the Captain circle each other, avoiding each other and some points and inseparable at others. Their relationship develops naturally and it was sweet and dear.
My only complaint would be that I didn't like the reason for the tension that caused issues between the Captain and Miss Gray. It felt overly dramatized. I think I needed it to be less dramatic or a stronger reason.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! It was a story full of friendship, romance and heart. Definitely a book to grab if you're looking for a romantic adventure that will keep you turning the pages and equally warm your heart. I'm looking forward to more from this author, be it in a contemporary or historical setting!
Content: Some innuendo and mild violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary advanced copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
She has one husband, three kids, one grandbaby, one dog, and a varying amount of houseplants (depending on attrition).
She loves writing, reading, traveling, hiking, snorkeling, playing with her family on the beach, and watching her husband make dinner.
Other Proper Romance Books
(Books linked to my review or an Amazon affiliate link.)
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