Renegade

From the first page on, this book is difficult to put down! I can hardly wait to read what happens next between Jonathon and Jaline. I didn't know that I enjoyed reading historical romances so much before I read this first book from Sarah Parr. It is a very well written story.

I do believe that Sarah Parr maybe the next Meredith Duran in the making. Sarah is a debut author who has made such an impression on me with her Zebra release of Renegade. This is one historical romance that is very rich in its telling. Can I also say how happy I am that this isn't your stereotypical Regence England romance? Renegade begins in Constantinople in 1762 where Captain Jonathon Barry has bought his own slave. She is Jaline and Jonathon is lusting very much for this fair young woman. Jaline is British like Jonathon but she was sold after she refused to be the mistress to the man whose daughter she was a companion to. Jaline saves her virtue by racing horses for the horrid man who bought her. But she has an accident and now has a fear of getting back in the saddle. She knows her days are numbers. That is when she finds a possible savior in Jonathon. She gives him important information regarding her master. Jonathon travels across the globe looking for priceless relics and when Jaline gives him what he needs he saves her. He buys her and Jaline assumes he will ravish her and make her his mistress. But Jonathon doesn't want Jaline to be his slave. He wants her to accept him, to open her mind and body to the pleasure and joy he can bring her. But these two are both running from demons. Jaline has nightmares and Jonathon roams the seas because he is escaping the life he left back in London. But now Jonathon wants to return with Jaline by his side, but not as his slave or his mistress. He wants her as his bride. Renegade is a well-written book. Jaline may be a virgin and Jonathon may smell like sandalwood like most historical heroes tend to smell like, especially being on a ship for a few weeks and not bathing, but that doesn't really matter because everything else in this book was great. The dialogue between Jaline and Jonathon was smart and engaging. The respect and care Jonathon has for Jaline is wonderful. He certainly does lust for her body but he doesn't want to take and plunder. He wants her love to be given freely and until he knows he has that part of her he will wait. This is in no way shape or form a pirate bodice ripper romance and the love scenes between Jaline and Jonathon don't even occur until they are on dry land. The first part of Renegade is spectacular. Things lessen up a bit when Sarah brings us to the London we have all read about countless times. She makes sure to put a different spin on things. I didn't even mind the mystery that popped up between Jonathon's brother Edmond and the sneaky woman he wants to marry. Renegade is one luscious historical romance. I can say with total certainty that the romance genre has a rising star with Sarah Parr. If there is one book you decide to read this month, do buy Renegade. Katiebabs

Captain Jonathon Barry's determination to restore the family fortune and regain the title Duke of Berington has meant traveling the world in search of valuable treasures. His most prized treasure, Jaline, he found and won in a Constantinople gaming den. For Jonathon, owning a slave is a bit disconcerting but there's no doubt that he desires her in his bed. Jaline isn't a model slave by any means. She's outspoken, bold, and obedient only when she chooses to be. While she's nervous about belonging to Jonathon and exactly what he'll expect of her she's thrilled to be leaving Constantinople - with good reason! Jaline understands that Jonathon wishes her to be his mistress and she certainly isn't opposed to the idea. What's surprising to her is how `gentlemanly' he behaves. She soon learns that he's working toward getting his family title back and vows to help him in any way possible. While they're traveling about she insists on helping as a translator, but once they reach England Jaline realizes that she isn't suitable to be a mistress to a man intent on regaining a title. She doesn't look at all like a companion to a future duke. According to Jaline her appearance will reflect badly on him because her attire is not appropriate for a station as his mistress. What Jaline doesn't realize is that Jonathon lives by his own rules and couldn't care less what people think. When Jonathon finally caves into his desire for Jaline he informs her that she won't be his mistress - he intends to marry her. Of course, Jaline knows that marriage isn't a possibility but convincing Jonathon of that fact is proving to be impossible. With non-stop action, humorous situations and plenty of emotion evoking scenes RENEGADE is one book that demands the reader's attention right from the beginning. Jaline's spirit and Jonathon's stubbornness make for some interesting scenes especially when they butt heads on issues important to both of them. I thoroughly enjoyed Jaline's courage and willingness to confront new situations including her decision to get back on a horse after suffering a nightmarish accident. Jonathon's bold decision to risk everything he's worked so hard for to marry Jaline really endeared him to me. He takes his duties seriously but seems to enjoy a bit of risk too and so you're never quite sure what he'll do next. RENEGADE is Sarah Parr's debut novel and if this title is anything to judge by she'll have a brilliant future ahead of her. Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

The combination of plot turns and sensuality kept me glued to this book to the last page!! The author creates vivid characters that you can picture and empathize with, though you often want to shake them for their stubborness!!. You can feel the heat between Jaline and Jonathan! While the passion between them was palpable, I also enjoyed the historical references in the cities involved. I look forward to more books by this exciting new author!

Renegade is a very creditable first effort for author Sarah Parr. Her background in travel and tourism stand her in good stead as she takes us from the bazaars and unsavory slave dens of Constantinople to the lush green of our heroes family estates and into the unsavory backstreets of London. Good character developement and wonderful storytelling make this author one to watch for. I hope there's a sequel??