cover image The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd

The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd

Paula Quinn. Grand Central/Forever, $8 mass market (400p) ISBN 978-1-4555-1946-0

Quinn’s vivid second Highland Heirs novel (after The Seduction of Miss Amelia Bell), set in 18th-century Scotland, captures some of the most popular elements of historical romance: a beautiful stowaway, a dangerously sexy pirate, and the search for an elusive treasure. Caitrina Grant has no desire to wed any of the suitors who have vied for her hand, but she is intrigued by the pirate who arrives at her home. Capt. Alexander Kidd is clearly the sort of man that virtuous young women should avoid. When Caitrina sneaks aboard Alex’s ship with her cousin Kyle, she just wants to explore, not become one of the pirate’s romantic conquests. But the ship heads to sea before Kyle and Caitrina can disembark, and they must face the formidable captain. The ever-present sexual tension between Caitrina and Alex is creatively woven into story of battles at sea, the romance of foreign ports, and the secret good deeds of the pirate captain, who wonders whether he can learn to trust Caitrina and open his hardened heart to the possibility of love. Quinn’s steamy and well constructed romance will appeal to fans and newcomers alike. (Nov.)