This is a serious problem, but it's about to get worse. As David, Will, and their captain return from dinner at an inn, brigands seize their coach and drive it to the waterfront. The three officers fight back. But they are subdued and taken aboard a pirate ship. In unknown waters, they ... http://www.obsidianbookshelf.com/rans... ( )

This book came highly recommended to me for both the plot and the love story involved. Although I don't usually read gay romances (this would be the first) I have recently found that I do like historical romances and I like to think I have an open mind so I decided to give "Ransom" a try.

I will say that in comparison with many romances I've read lately this one had a far more detailed storyline than most. Basically this book tells the tale of three British Navel Officers who have just returned from claiming two French vessels as war prizes. While waiting for their ship to be repaired the Captain takes his two top officers Lt. William Marshall and acting Lt. David Archer to a meeting. On route to the meeting the three of them are kidnapped by a nefarious pirate named Adrian with a history of kidnapping and holding people for ransom. This pirate is familiar with the financial holdings of the captain and has concluded that he can get an astronomical price for him and his two officers. While the captain is kept separate from his lieutenants Adrian does his best to drive a wedge of distrust through the three officers.

What William Marshall is unaware of is the fact that David Archer has been in love with him for years, ever since William killed in a duel a man who had abused David and other young men under his command. David has no hope that William could ever have reciprocating feelings for him and given the penalty should his affection ever be revealed, David contents himself with being William's friend. However, while they are held for ransom Adrian's threats against William spur David into making a painful sacrifice for the protection of his fellow officers. When William discovers by accident what David is suffering on his behalf he finds that not only does he greatly admire his friend and fellow shipman, but that his feelings are more than friendship.

I had thought, knowing how much detail of this book is given to the historical/nautical theme, that I might get a little bored. This did not happen. The "romance" part of this book does not really get introduced until a little over halfway through but the writing, storyline and excellent characterization more than carries the book in a most satisfying fashion. I never had the feeling I was waiting for something more interesting to happen. The romance wasn't tawdry or sickly sweet and although some of the scenes did get a bit graphic towards the end of the book, which I did feel a little uncomfortable with (but that's just me), overall I have to say I really, really enjoyed this story. I found William and David to be very likable characters and am considering reading the sequel to this book, "Winds of Change". ( )

Set in 1796 at a time when love between two men was not only considered and abhorrent aberration but was punishable by death, Lt William Marsha and acting Lt David Archer are officers in the Royal Navy, and very good friends. Both are young and keen to progress in the Service, and their abilities seem certain to promise they will. However David has a problem, he has fallen in love with his friend Will, but fearing the consequences of any such admission he chooses to quell his desires.
But events intervene when along with their captain the two friends are abducted and held hostage for ransom. Imprisoned on an unknown ship their captain is held in one cell while the two young sailors are held in another. To make matters worse the good looking blond haired David proves too attractive for their captor, Captain Adrian, and is regularly taken from his cell to suffer his unwanted advances.
In their attempts to keep up their moral and maintain unity against their captor David and Will are drawn ever closer until the inevitable happens and they end up in each others arms, and more. Despite their uncertainty, they cannot deny their feelings, but how can they pursue such a relationship when the slightest hint of anything improper between them would bring ruin or worse? And if they do escape their captors, what will it mean for David if Captain Adrian’s abuse of him becomes known?
The developing relationship between the two unsuspecting lovers is beautifully told, and the dangers they face as captives along with their attempts at escape keep one on the edge of ones seat, reading as fast as possible as the tension rises. But one will not want to hurry the subtly handled passages of passionate yet tender moments between the two officers; their expressions of love and concern for each other, particularly in the face of all David has endured at the hands of selfish uncaring brutes, are most endearing and moving. ( )

Historical m/m romance that reads like published Hornblower (I think) fanfic. Still, it's readable. ( )

I bumped this book up on my reading list when I found out that one of the few (sane) people who didn't love A Strong And Sudden Thaw really liked this book. Though less aimed at my particular interests, it is better than Thaw, but I guess I'm not as impressed. Sadly T_T

I can't believe I'm saying this, but the pr0n scenes were actually the best part of this book. Not that they were terribly interesting or creative, but they were competently written, and that's more than you can say for a lot of pr0n scenes, methinks.

Really, that's the feel of most of the book. Competently written, nothing too interesting. Nothing too bad. But of course, 'nothing too bad,' can be a real compliment in this genre, sometimes. The characters weren't completely void of personality, but they were pretty bland. The supporting characters are very weak, but the main characters are the focus anyway. Unfortunately, while they had more personality than the others, they didn't really have any particularly interesting traits or quirks. Through the beginning, I had a terrible time keeping who was talking straight, continually having to remind myself which name went with which character, as their actions and dialogue didn't much hint at the answer. When the lower self-esteem of one of them becomes more apparent, I was finally able to keep them straight, but it was a token difference. They're just both terribly good, slightly snarky, talented people. The only time there's much sexual tension is a few paragraphs before any of teh pr0n starts.

Almost all of the book is spent with the characters locked in a cell together. None of the small revelations about their situation or their captors make it much more interesting. They sit around, and plot escape, every once in a while coming across something that might help. You'd think that'd mean it's more about a psychological battle then, and it is more of that than anything else, but it's nothing spectacular on that area, either.

All the same, there's nothing really eye-roll inducing. I imagine the easier-to-please types (and I mean that in a positive way ^^ ...this time ^_^) would be quite happy with this book. At first I was even thinking about keeping it on my shelf, but I think I'll release it... Will probably be better appreciated somewhere else.

Though it did certainly surprise me with a smile every once in a while:

"We're giving you a razor, but you 'ave to put it back out before we opens the door."
"They're afraid we'll leap out and shave them, " Marshall said.

****

By that point they were playing chess on a board they'd drawn with a bit of chalk Archer had found in his pocket. Pawns, single stalks, were no trouble, but the other chessmen tended to fall to pieces. This element of unpredictability made the game more interesting.

****

"There. I'm sneering. Think it's repulsive enough?"
"Davy, it's pitch-black in here."
"Well, I can't sneer any louder." ( )