I'm not rating this. DNF @ 12%. This isn't for me. I hated the lead male character. He was obnoxiously condescending and misogynistic, and I hated how he called Jane's companion "the African", and called Jane "woman" this and that like some caveman. Then the story seemed repetitive. I also hated the "banter" and the CONSTANT picking at each other. It wasnt even remotely cute. It was annoying.

Perhaps this is for someone else, who likes romance a lot more than me, and like grumpy grumpy characters.

Jane Charlesworth was the daughter of one of the most famous code breakers in England's history. He had died suddenly and Jane was convinced that he was murdered but she had no way to prove it, just a feeling. Her father had taught her all he knew about how to decode and to help in saving England in their war with France. She lost her father and then only two months after she married, her husband was killed, as well. She was all alone in the world, except for her friend and maid, Celine. The ship she was sailing on was boarded by Captain Adam Marston, captain of the Serena. His orders were to take Jane back to Malta where she would be trying to break her father's final coded message.

Jane didn't trust the Naval command. She had been brutally assaulted by one of their officers and had not been protected as she had been promised. She had no reason to trust that Captain Marston would be any different. She was determined to not ever let herself be violated again. She had taken measures to prevent but she had to be diligent and wary. The more time she spent in Captain Marston's company, the more they bickered and the more they began to admire and care for one another. But, with danger lurking around every corner, would they live long enough to see if there was a possibility for them to be happy together? Would they be able to escape the evil plots designed to destroy them both?

This book had intrigue, humor and romance. The violence was not super graphic but detailed enough to tell what happened. There were no graphic sex scenes between the H and h, either. I enjoyed the book very much.

I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a wonderful high seas story with loads of suspense, funny snarky humor and lovely romance. The story moves at a fast pace. The characters are interesting and entertaining. It has a bit of mystery and an unexpected twist that I really loved.

The heroine, Jane Charlesworth, is intelligent, strong and feisty. The hero, Captain Marston, is smart, strong and more than ready to try to control this strong woman. After all, she is on his ship and he is the captain!

Very well written. Very entertaining and enjoyable read. It pulled me right into the story and kept me there right up until the end. Highly recommended!