Ransom: Volume 1

When I saw this was billed as a "romance," I was a little skeptical. Turns out I was right--this was so much more! First and foremost, this is an adventure story about three British Naval Officers kidnapped by pirates and their efforts to escape. Set in 1796, it is written more as historical fiction. Interspersed throughout the story are "log entries" from the acting commander of their ship while he searches for them. It's obvious Rowan did her research here - the story is chock full of historical deatils and facts that make the setting come to life. Secondary is the developing relationship between the two junior officers, Will and Davy. However, it's not just thrown in. These extraordinary circumstances have brought out their feelings, but what can be the result? What they desire is a hanging offense. And, how will this effect their escape attempts once Will discovers how Davy has been protecting him? These questions propel the plot as well as the romance. One reviewer noted that he expected this to be more explicit and then it hit him on the head. This is true, but don't think you'll be bored waiting for that to happen The story is exciting and well-written. The sex is tasteful and touching. There is also a mystery about the identity of the pirate captain. Our heroes (all three!) examine evidence, and collect clues much like sleuths. All this keeps the reader involved. Buy this! I highly recommend this, and the sequel, Winds of Change. Also check out Brethren: Raised by Wolves, another great historical adventure that features M/M relationships.

I read Ransom when it was first available as a e-book and am very please it is now available as a good old fashion paperback, which I have no qualm purchasing. Below was my review when reading it as a e-book, some time back. I have a weakness for historical gay romance/eroticas but they are few and good ones are rare indeed. I am glad to add Ransom to my short list. More than just a gay romance/erotica, Ransom has a tightly paced plot and the characters are amazingly well developed. The 2 young lovers, William and Dave, easily weave their way into my heart and all I could do was keep on "paging down" in one sitting hoping for a happy ending. And the ending is satisfying, despite the shadows hanging over the lovers due to the homophobic era they live in. Most of the time the writing style in e-book is just average but not so for this writer. Lee Rowan has a flair and I will read any m/m romance from her. Is Ransom her debut? Ransom begs for a sequel and I hope Lee Rowan will deliver.

Lee Rowan takes you aboard, belowdecks, and aloft in this exciting adventure involving His Majesty's Navy officers in the Napoleonic War era. Action sequences put you on deck, splinters flying, cannon roaring, and cutlasses clanging. I loved the period detail, from the cut and color of the uniforms to the frustration of dealing with nepotism in the Navy. Marshall and Archer are real and endearing within mere pages, and you find yourself hoping for them to find a happy resolution just as in any romance tale. This intense emotional relationship, set during a time when non-acceptance truly meant death, certainly begs for sequels. The ending is, indeed, romantic, erotic, and happily satisfying. Overall, this is one hell of a well-written good read! Jude Johnson, author of "Dragon & Hawk"

With Romance novels an author always walks the razor's edge between heartfelt emotion and unctuous sentimentality. In this novel, Lee Rowan has found a firm footing, with an ability to lead the characters through difficult and poignant trials without a fulsome note or touch of bathos. Nautical Gay Historical Romance is not a genre I would normally have chosen, but within a page or two, Archer and Marshall leapt, fully-formed, from the page, and into my imagination. They and their fellow players were real, courageous, human, and truly likeable. It was also a sincere handling of the social complexities of the age, which brought home the freedoms we Americans enjoy in the 21st Century. It takes a skillful writer to invite you to be so engrossed with a story that you forget to stop reading; for me, Lee Rowan has done that. When can we expect more in this series?

I couldn't stop reading this book! Much of the action is set on a pirate ship at the end of the 18th century. You can almost smell the canvas and sea air. Archer and Marshall, the two main characters, are so perfectly developed that they feel like my old friends. The story is fresh, exciting and sexy. The plot moves quickly and there's just enough romance to make it all feel intimate. I loved the ending. I can't recommend this book enough. I'm keeping my eyes out for another tale by Lee Rowan, a gifted writer. I also hope there's a sequel to Ransom!