Love
James has written a throwback novel reminiscent of Karen Robards when she was writing about pirates and revenge. While engaging and enjoyable, it was slow at times and ultimately merely satisfactory.
Emma Seaton has burst upon the society scene in threadbare clothing and under slightly mysterious circumstances. The only thing allowing her to be accepted is her patron, the Countess of Haversham, who is her aunt. And Emma has a secret. First, her name is Emerald. And she is the daughter of the Countess’s brother, who was not exactly respectable. He made his fortune in the Caribbean as a pirate. And at times, he was anything but rich. He favored the company of disreputable women after Emerald’s mother died of an illness when she was relatively young. Now Emerald is here, in England, seeking a treasure map that is hidden in a cane that was stolen from her father in the battle that killed him.
And the person she suspects of having the cane and killing her father is none other than a Duke. Asher Wellingham, the Duke of Carisbrook, was off on adventures when his ship was overtaken by a pirate. During the battle, one of the pirates on board (actually it was Emma) pushed him into the sea just as their ship was about to go under. The result was that Asher and his men were captured and put in a camp for prisoners where he was not treated well. When he escaped, he came back to exact revenge on the pirate who caused his misfortune - Emerald’s father - and he killed him. He is not sorry he did. Now Asher is back in England, trying to resurrect his life even though he has trouble sleeping and is generally bored. He has a sister who is young and rather silly and a brother who tried to save him, getting injured and almost blinded in the attempt.
Emma, as he knows her, is an intrigue to him and there are circumstances that keep throwing them together, even getting her a coveted invitation to his country estate. This will give her the chance to search for the cane. The story follows the pair. They are attracted and leery, suspicious, and yet refuse to totally believe what they see. There are some other issues, like another group seeking the same map, that add to the adventure and the overall mystery.
Emerald is a bit of an enigma, since she gets around society well but her background is anything but traditional for a young socialite. It is hard at times to think that she would be accepted in the state of poverty and lack of decorum that she often presents. Asher is another puzzle. He is a Duke, yet he was off on adventures that ultimately cost him his peace of mind and his brother his eyesight. He accepts Emma yet is suspicious of her. When they consummate their relationship, there is still a lot of distrust, a type of romance that is not always my favorite.
High Seas to High Society has a lot going for it. Asher and Emma are well matched, even if their relationship doesn’t always feel accurate to the times. There is intrigue and mystery and secrets to be revealed. Yet, the story dragged at times and did not pull me into the romance of it completely. Much of the adventure was portrayed in flashbacks that, again, did not engage like a story told in the here and now. If you are looking for a story with a throwback flavor to the good old pirate romances of yore, however, you may find much to like.
Romantic Phone Calls
Our lives are busy. Often the phone calls between you and your partner are rushed, businesslike and unfriendly. Why not take the time to place a few fun, loving and romantic phone calls. Don't be surprised if the first call doesn't go well, that is a sign that your phone calls in the past haven't been fun and friendly enough. After a couple of loving calls, your partner's harsh exterior will melt away.
* Call from your business trip just to say "Hi! This place sure would be better if you were here"
* Go home and call her to talk about nothing.
* Call her voice mail and give romantic instructions that must be completed
* Make excuses to call them every five minutes.
* Even if you are really busy, take time out to call them just to say "I love you."
* Call their work and ask in advance for a leave of absence.
* When you know that your love is working overtime... call them to say "I love you" and hang up... that'll make them a happy person in the morning.
* Call your mate at work an play your song.
* Place a heart-shaped sticker on your wristwatch to remind you to call (only if itâs not digital)
* Call their machine at home and say something like "Just thinking of you" or "I Love You".
* Call him on the phone one day and see if he is home. Then act like you are really busy and you will call him back, but to stay there because you REALLY need to talk to him. Then, as soon as you hang up the phone, race over to his house and surprise him with a bouquet of flowers.
* If you live in a dorm with a roommate, make plans for your roommate not to be there for one whole night so you don't have to worry. Call your love over and do anything you want.
* When you say you'll call, CALL!
* Call in the middle of the night just to say "I love you".
* Call them up at work to remind them you love them.
* If you have two phone lines or an intercom in your house. Call your love up and say: "I just called to say 'I love you!'"
* When you are going to be late getting home or meeting her, call to tell her. It is very inconsiderate if you don't.
* Call her at work just to tell her you are thinking of her.
* When you are near where they are, but you have errands to do and canât stop to say hi, call them and say "You know what youâre really pretty/handsome today".
* Call her (when you know she's home) up but hang up after three rings (I Love You) and she can do the same to you. A connection is established and it doesn't cost a thing. Whoever does it second (if you want to reply) let it ring 4 times before hanging up.. (I Love You Back)