Surrender of a Siren is the second book in Tessa Dare’s Regency trilogy. This is Sophia Hathaway’s story and follows her adventures on the high seas.
Sophia Hathaway is wealthy, spoiled and impetuous. She’s also a talented artist and a woman who dares to dream of adventure in a time which did not permit such thoughts from the fairer sex. Faced with the prospect of a loveless marriage and a lifetime of refined boredom, Sophia throws caution to the wind. At the start of the book, Sophia has jilted her fiancé and absconded with part of her trust fund. Disguised as a governess, she attempts to gain passage on a ship bound for Tortola.
The owner of the ship is Benedict “Gray” Grayson. A former privateer, Gray is determined to turn respectable and provide his family with the life he feels they deserve. This family includes his half-brother Joss, who is their father’s son by his black mistress. Recently widowed, Joss mourns the loss of his wife and the sugar plantation he longed to run. Instead, Gray has made him the reluctant captain of the Aphrodite.
When Gray agrees to take Sophia as a passenger, he struggles to maintain a respectable distance from her. In the midst of storms and other nautical adventures, Gray and Sophia find themselves quite literally thrown together.
I enjoyed Surrender of a Siren. I’m not usually a fan of historical romances set on ships, but this is well done of its kind. It’s a very different book to Goddess of the Hunt both in terms of setting, and also the personalities of the hero and the heroine.
Tessa Dare is not afraid to take risks with her characters, and neither Sophia nor Gray is without flaws. Sophia is feckless but her heart is in the right place. I didn’t feel she’d matured by the end of the book, but I don’t think hers is the sort of personality which will ever embrace responsibility. Despite her heedless nature, Sophia is warm and generous, and willing to take risks to help others.
Gray is a more complex character and one about whom I had a couple of reservations. As a hero, he definitely falls into the alpha male category. He’s strong and capable, but veers on the domineering. This aspect of his personality is more prevalent in his relations with his siblings than in his dealings with Sophia. I felt his treatment of Joss was high-handed and disrespectful. Gray had no compunction in denying his brother of his rightful inheritance, all in an effort to save the family fortunes as a whole. I did question whether Gray would have done this had his brother been a white man. Although he displays no obvious prejudice towards Joss, he certainly used the race issue to his advantage on at least one occasion. Although his Machiavellian scheme was probably for the greater good, I felt Joss had been ill-used. The relationship between the two brothers was not fully resolved by the end of the book and I wonder if it will feature in a future novel. I don’t know if Tessa Dare plans to write such a story, but I’d certainly be interested in reading a book featuring Joss as the hero.
If you enjoyed Tessa Dare’s first book, or if you’re a fan of nautical adventures, Surrender of a Siren has much to recommend it. It is the second book in a trilogy but can stand alone well. The third book is A Lady of Persuasion and features Gray’s sister, Isabel. Grade: B
Also in this series:
Goddess of the Hunt (2009) by Tessa Dare
A Lady of Persuasion by Tessa Dare (will be released in October 2009)
{ 8 comments }
Wonderful review, Sarah
I really enjoyed the first book, and cannot wait to get this one. I love how you review – you give great insight without giving away key points of the story. I appreciate that, and envy your ability.
Once again I enjoyed your review Sarah and I hope to get Tessa Dare’s first in this trilogy coming saturday when celebrating birthday with ROOB gals. I have a select group of HR novel authors and wouldn’t mind another author who will make me enjoy the genre
I loved how Tessa used the whole, “I was once a bad boy private and now will walk the straight and narrow!” routine with Gray. I also loved how Sophia was one horny woman if you think about it.
I just finished the third book in this trilogy and it is my favorite of all. Tessa is a very welcomed author in the historical romance genre.
@Stacy ~ Thanks, Stacy! That’s nice to hear.
@Leontine You’re more of a paranormal/urban fantasy fan, aren’t you? I read far fewer historical romances than I used to. Many of my favourite authors aren’t writing anymore. Have fun with the ROOB gals.
@katiebabs Aargh! Now I really need to get my hands on that book!
I really loved this one. I found Sophia very interesting, too. She was obviously very spoiled, and not afraid to use it to her advantage. And then found herself not necessarily liking that she’d done so, but continuing to do it. She was quite interesting.
And I loved Gray. The 3rd book is about Gray & Joss’ sister, so I’m guessing we’ll see more of their relationship unfold in it.
@Lori Book 3 has yet another gorgeous cover. I love Tessa Dare’s covers. Not even a hint of man titty!
I haven’t read this book, but great review.
I love it when the h/h are on a ship during stormy seas and then they get thrown together and start making out. I swear that happens in every single romance that involves a boat–it makes me want to try sailing (which is saying a lot, since I’m afraid of water ^_^).
@heidenkind You’d just need to make sure there were some hot guys on board!