A Reader's Opinion: STORMY PERSUASION by Johanna Lindsey

The Book (blurb from Amazon)

#1 New York Times bestselling author Johanna Lindsey returns to the dazzlingly passionate world of the Malorys, an aristocratic family of rakehell adventurers and spirited ladies, in a thrilling new tale of unbridled desires.

James Malory sets sail for America to honor a promise he made to his in-laws: His and Georgina’s daughter, Jacqueline, will have her come-out in America. Judith and Jacqueline Malory are not simply cousins; they are inseparable best friends. Refusing to miss Jacqueline’s come-out in Connecticut, Judith convinces her parents to let her delay her London debut by a few weeks so she can accompany her cousin. Neither girl intends to fall in love during her first Season. But Judith’s plans are overturned when aboard ship she comes face-to-face with the ghost who has been haunting her dreams.
Unknown to the Malorys, deckhand Nathan Tremayne is a smuggler with a noose around his neck. Determined to carry out a covert mission in America that could gain him a pardon, Nathan senses that beautiful Judith Malory is trouble. Somehow the minx knows his secret—and now she’s blackmailing him into doing her bidding. While passions can soar on the high seas, Nathan knows this aristocratic beauty is merely amusing herself with a scoundrel like him.
When the unthinkable happens in Connecticut and the elder Malorys’ hands are tied, Nathan takes command of a dire situation. Captaining his own ship, he turns the tables on Judith, as he steers them into some intense Caribbean heat where he will fight with all his mettle to win the right to her heart.

A Reader's Opinion

The blurb does an excellent job of summarizing the story, so you know what you're getting without spoiling the fun. The Malory family is one of my all-time favorite fictional families of historical romance, and I jumped at the chance to read a new installment. I will admit that my favorites in this series are books 1-6. The others are still great Lindsey books, but not quite up to the usual Malory caliber--in my opinion. I was a little worried as I started this book, but after the first few chapters, Lindsey's trademark Malory brilliance began to shine through. After that, I was hooked on the characters, the sea-worthy adventure, and the romance. 

I simply adored Nathan as he slowly revealed little bits about himself and his history. His personality unfolded in a way that made me feel I was getting to know a friend over time. I didn't care for Judith in the beginning of the book, but I think that's more because too many young and chatty female characters can give one a headache. Once she got a little distance from Jacqueline, and the story focused more on Judith and Nathan, I was able to appreciate and enjoy Judith's character. 

I would recommend this and all of Johanna Lindsey's Malory books. If you haven't read any of them, I strongly recommend you start with the first one, LOVE ONLY ONCE, and work your way through in order. Each can be read as a stand-alone, but you can adore the family more this way. 

This review is on the hardcover edition, and it is from my own collection. Although, I will admit that I didn't care for the cover so I removed the jacket before putting it on the shelf.