Book Reviews

Book Blurb

A summer fling just wasn’t enough for Kane…

It’s been four months since Josh Addison fell for Kane Kessler, the captain of his vacation cruise liner. He never thought to set eyes on him again but Kane’s come all the way to Anchorage to see him.

 

For Kane this is a casual hookup during his downtime. He wants to prevent his heart getting involved at all costs. But Josh, hopelessly in love, has different ideas…

 

 

NOTE: This book was previously published by Total-E-Bound in July 2011.

 

Book Review

'The Captain's Beloved' by Scarlet Blackwell is the sequel to 'The Captain's Man'. Since I had read and reviewed the first book, I was anxious to continue the story of Captain Kane Kessler and Josh Addison, especially since I was left hanging at the end of the first story. I wanted to see how Scarlet would bring these two quite complicated, difficult men into a loving, meaningful relationship, preferably with a happy ending. I wasn't particularly fond of Kane; he would often do whatever he pleased, regardless of what anyone else wanted. Seeing him show up unannounced on Josh's doorstep after four months with no word from him in between and picking up where he left off did not make me any fonder of Kane. It reaffirmed my original opinion of him as a selfish, conceited man whose behavior often borders on being a bully.

Fortunately for Kane, Josh is willing to fall right back into line with Kane's demanding, dominant manner and actually seems to be comfortable in his submissive role. Although there are some loving moments, most of the time seems to be spent in seeing how far Kane can push Josh before he's asked to stop. Their rough and tumble style of relating to each other also includes sex in public places and with other men setting the stage for many explicit carnal encounters. Through their escapades, Josh realizes that Kane is presenting these new activities to him in order to fulfill his wildest fantasies and actually is grateful. However, their relationship is filled with many explosive times in and out of bed as well. Due in part to their volatile tempers, propensity to jump to conclusions, and past lover baggage, I'm amazed that they are able to stay in a relationship, but somehow, they do. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that both men are quite stubborn and persistent. Since everyone needs someone to share their lives with, I am happy they work things out, but it's still a mystery to me as to how they accomplish it.

Freddie and Eric who are very naughty but often outrageous and hilarious in the first book, have a smaller and more serious part in the second book. They feel desperate and dissatisfied and it disappoints me to see them that way. They even become involved in Josh's sexual education which, although not totally surprising, but for me, it is quite disheartening because I feel that it upsets the balance of their friendship with each other.

One of the most important things for me is that the characters in a book are dynamic and, in this regard, Scarlet gets an A+. Her characters are definitely engaging. I read the book with a lump in my throat and my heart on my sleeve, trying my best to understand why they acted the way they did. Ultimately, I'm still not sure how I feel about a lot of things that happened. If you're looking for a loving, passionate story with a clearly happy ending, then you may want to skip this book. However, if you're someone who likes over-the-top, rough, hot sex including bondage, submission, multiple partners, and marvelously strong, albeit flawed characters, pick up a copy of 'The Captain's Beloved' because chances are, you will love it.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 176 pages/53247 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	16-February-2016
Price	$5.50 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/the-captains-beloved