I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Chance The Winds of Fortune by Laurie McBainSeries: Dominick #2
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca, Avon on January 1st 1970
Genres: Historical Romance, Pirates, Nautical, Regency Era
Pages: 505
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
ISBN: 0380757966
Fortune smiled on Dante Leighton, titled lord turned pirate. Sailing before the Sea Dragon's towering masts, he plundered hearts and cargoes from the Carolinas to Trinidad's turquoise lagoons. But one treasure always eluded him .... Until, a world away, at the English country estate of Lucien and Sabrina Dominick, a series of dazzling intrigues results in the abduction of their golden-haired daughter, Rhea .... And now, in a gathering wave of turbulent emotion, the fates of Rhea and Dante converge unforgettably -- in a quest for sunken Spanish treasure ... and a love worth a thousand fortunes.
Summary
Lady Rhea is the oldest daughter, of Duke and Duchess of Camareigh. Rhea has only known safety and security, living on her family’s estate and surrounded by her family. Rhea is drawn into a dangerous world of treachery and adventure when she is kidnapped by her father’s enemy. She is shipped off to the colonies as an indentured servant. Rhea manages to escape and straight into the arms of mysterious Captain Dante Leighton. Dante is a pirate captain and is in search of a hidden treasure so that he and his men can live the rest of their lives comfortably. Dante has British connections, but he lived much of his life on the sea. Dante doesn’t trust women, especially since the last one betrayed him and aborted his child without his knowledge. Now he is fighting to get to the treasure before his adversary gets to it. But he suspects that Rhea is working with his enemy. But the truth stands against any mistrust Dante has for Rhea, and soon he is captured by her grace and spirited nature
Plot and Story Line
Chance The Winds Of Fortune is the second book in the Dominick Trilogy. This is an author that is considered to be a “classic romance author” from the time of Johanna Lindsey and Kathleen Woodiwiss. But this is the first time I have had the opportunity to read her. This book is a re-release and I really got involved into this story. Now what is different about this book from other historical romances I have read lately, is that it has three sub plots, and the main one with Rhea and Dante doesn’t truly begin until about halfway through the story. It begins with setting up the story with both Dante and his ship and crew. Then we switch to Rhea and her family. Now her parent’s are the main characters in the first book in the series, but I never felt like I had to read that one before trying this book out. Although after seeing her parents together, I definitely want to read their story…I have a feeling it would be lively and entertaining.
The Parents, Lucien, and Sabrina fell in love despite how much conflict was against them. They have built a wonderful life together, with three children: Rhea, Francis, and Robin. Rhea is more like her father, not as spirited as her mother, she tends to keep things bottled up inside until she explodes in emotion. Francis is a mix of the good between the two, he is level headed and intelligent. The youngest, a mere child, Robin he is his mothers child for sure. Then we have the twins that Lucien and Sabrina have recently had, toddlers. Wild and spirited and keeps his parents on their toes with his antics. He was by far one of my favorite secondary characters to watch. Then we have the twins that Lucien and Sabrina have recently had, toddlers.
The villain in the story is two fold. We have the main one that is the focus of the story, Kate Anders. She is the cousin to Lucien. She has just lost her twin, living in Italy, but was exiled and blames Lucien. Kate is wanting revenge and wants to destroy Lucien and take everything from him including his precious family. Kate is vindictive and quite cruel at times. She is a villain, cunning and crafty. The other villain we have is on the other side with Dante, we have Bertie Mackay. Bertie is after treasure and is willing to do whatever it takes to snatch it before Dante can. He isn’t as big of a threat as Kate is in the story, but he does create some treachery to the plot.
We see two romances in this story. We have the continued story of Lucien and Sabrina and seeing how their relationship is tested when they lose their daughter and there is an enemy in their midst. This is where we see how much they are committed to each other and stand firm by each other. I loved the way these two were together, in their forties, have a boat load of children, but still as much in love as they were twenty years previous. The other romance that we have is Rhea and Dante. This is more of an enemies to lover trope with these two with a bit of angst rolled into it. These two really don’t like each other, mostly based on mistrust.
You are mine, Rhea, and I shall be the one to take what you have so enchantingly offered. And you have offered it to me, my sweet Rhea,
Rhea is upfront and honest with Dante, but Dante doesn’t believe anything that she says. Despite how much they dislike each other, Dante eventually sees reason and realizes his mistake and seeks to gain Rhea’s respect and love.
I really had a ball with this book, because even though there wasn’t one MAIN romance, I feel like books 2 and 3 could probably be one book. Since from what I know the third book opens up right after this one ends. (which I will be reading soon..yay) And we see more of Dante and Rhea when they return back to England. So their story hasn’t ended yet, so I am curious to see what happens to them next along with the delightful and colorful cast of Dante’s pirate crew here. Even though this is the first I have read this author, I am eager to read her other books. She doesn’t have too many out there, but I hope to try out her other books since I just soaked this one up like a sponge.
The Cover
There are two covers, but the other is was made in the 70’s, so its one of those Classic covers. This cover I like more, and even though I love those couple poses, I just adore this one. I love the ship setting and his stance with his gorgeous body showing through the half-open shirt. And that hair….I wish I could jump right in and run my fingers through it hehe
Overall View
Chance The Winds Of Fortune is a double romance story that kept me captivated….a plot that has a delightful mix of depth, passion, dangerous villains and adventures on the high seas and on land. TRULY DELECTABLE!!
Whatever we may have to face in England, we shall be together. No one can take me away from you.
always wanted to try a classic romance author, so this is exciting and it’s pirates, so definitely need it.