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Rating: 
Summary: an exciting pirate adventure
Review: Courtesy of The Best ReviewsMarcus Drake is an Englishman by birth, a pirate by necessity. After being injured and left for dead in a sea battle in Tortuga, he is captured by the hated Spanish and condemned to die. The ship carrying him to his death is caught in a mighty sea squall, washing most of the crew overboard. The remaining crew asks him to sail the ship to safety, when they realize he is their only hope. Liandra Espinosa is the sister of El Condor, the man Marcus holds responsible for his capture. She has no desire to beg this horrid pirate to save them, but knows she has no other choice. She offers him his freedom in exchange for his help. But she cannot under any circumstances let him know her brother, Gabriel, is El Condor, for fear of what Marcus would do to her if he found out. Marcus grudgingly agrees to help, if she frees the other prisoners onboard who are pirates, like him, and know how to sail a ship. Liandra has no choice so she does as he asks. Suddenly she becomes the captive, when she tries to prevent him from getting to the supplies he so desperately needs. For there are valuable documents stored there, which would reveal who she really is. From the moment she places herself in front of a cannon to protect her niece, cousin, and a few orphans she is transporting to the mission, Puerto Bello, she wins Marcus' respect'and his desire. As the two struggle to save the ship, sparks fly and passion erupts. Then Liandra's brother overtakes their ship, finding Marcus and Liandra in a compromising position. Gabriel wants blood, for reasons of his own, but she refuses to allow it. She insists Marcus must have his freedom, for she gave her word. Gabriel forces Marcus to marry Liandra, knowing Marcus is a dead man anyhow. Carlos, Liandra and Gabriel's uncle, who is after Marcus for his own greedy reasons, discovers them and he will never allow Marcus to live. Now they are on the run from Carlos, continuing the adventures. Will they survive to find love? This story is full of excitement that never ends. The reader's attention is caught from the very first page, and never let go. This book is not a light read. It is full of intricate plots and subplot, all of which are intertwined, to complete the entire saga, which started in My Lord Pirate (released in January 2001) and concludes in Heart of the Condor (to be released in July 2002). If one wants a complex tale of adventure on the high seas, and passionate characters full of life, this is the book of choice. Ms. Renken endears her characters to the readers, so they hope the story never ends. This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed this foray into the life of a pirate, who finds salvation in the most unlikely of places. One will be eagerly awaiting the conclusion to this outstanding trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: A fun pirate romance
Review: In 1691 Captain Marcus Ryan Drake follows in the footsteps of his father and brother by looting Spanish ships sailing the Caribbean. Surprisingly, though the sea is in his blood, Marcus hates the water and dreams of becoming a planter. However, before he can fulfill his desires, Marcus must discharge an obligation by destroying El Condor, the man who killed his brother.
Though captured by the Spaniards, a storm enables Marcus to take control of their vessel. On board is Maria Liandra Ramirez and after initial squabbles, the pair begins to fall in love. Unbeknownst to her, his mortal enemy is her brother and unbeknownst to him his cherished Maria is the sister of El Condor.
NIGHT SHADOW is an exciting pirate romance that centers on the dilemma confronting the hero between family loyalty and honor vs. love. Though the use of the storm to wipe out the Spanish leadership on board seems stretched (Spanish Armada or not), the story line is crisp, fast-paced, and loaded with action and battle between the genders. The lead characters make the tale and add to the growing reputation of Laura Renken amidst the pirate romance sub-genre crew (see MY LORD PIRATE). Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: A fun pirate romance
Review: In 1691 Captain Marcus Ryan Drake follows in the footsteps of his father and brother by looting Spanish ships sailing the Caribbean. Surprisingly, though the sea is in his blood, Marcus hates the water and dreams of becoming a planter. However, before he can fulfill his desires, Marcus must discharge an obligation by destroying El Condor, the man who killed his brother.
Though captured by the Spaniards, a storm enables Marcus to take control of their vessel. On board is Maria Liandra Ramirez and after initial squabbles, the pair begins to fall in love. Unbeknownst to her, his mortal enemy is her brother and unbeknownst to him his cherished Maria is the sister of El Condor.
NIGHT SHADOW is an exciting pirate romance that centers on the dilemma confronting the hero between family loyalty and honor vs. love. Though the use of the storm to wipe out the Spanish leadership on board seems stretched (Spanish Armada or not), the story line is crisp, fast-paced, and loaded with action and battle between the genders. The lead characters make the tale and add to the growing reputation of Laura Renken amidst the pirate romance sub-genre crew (see MY LORD PIRATE). Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Myshelf.Com Book Reviewer
Review: Laura Renken takes the high seas by storm with her latest captivating novel Night Shadow. Readers will be held prisoner by this fast paced action packed adventure. Pulled from a watery grave, Marcus Ryan Drake finds himself a prisoner on a doomed Spanish vessel. A fierce storm threatens to capsize the helpless ship. When the captain is swept overboard the owner Liandra seeks out his assistance to help bring the ship under control. Marcus is quickly drawn to the exquisite features of the mysterious owner. He is unaware of what deadly secrets she is keeping from him. At what price will he have to pay in order to learn Liandra's true identity? Maria Liandra Espinosa Y Ramirez, proud daughter to Spain, had never been reduced to begging. When she finds herself in a life threatening situation she reluctantly asks for help from a notorious pirate Marcus Drake. She promises his freedom if he is able to save her ship and family from the ravaging storm, which threatens their lives. Marcus and his swashbuckler crew is unaware she is the sister to the deadly pirate hunter El Condor. When the truth is revealed at what cost will it mean to Marcus? Laura Renken is one of romances finest gems. Readers who enjoy their romances with a sea breeze, sizzling passion, and rapier sharp dialogue will savor this masterpiece.
Rating: 
Summary: an ok read but not a keeper for me
Review: My Lord Pirate and this sequel "night Shadow" are about brothers Talon and Marcus Drake. Englishmen turned to piracy to avenge the murder of their families. Of course they fight it but eventually fall in love with the "enemy". The characters are excellent, however the content is pretty basic stuff without any major surprises. It's your call.
Rating:
Summary: Romance And Revenge On The Spanish Main!
Review: This is book #2 of an epic trilogy, a historical romance featuring three warring families: the Drakes, the Espinosas, and the Kendrick-Welles. Set in the Caribbean in the 15th century, it is a tale of extreme betrayal, brutal revenge and hidden treasure, the quest for lost honor, and the hope of new love. "Night Shadow" is Marcus Drake's story. He is Talon Drake's ("My Lord Pirate"), younger brother. The two brothers were born of a noble English family on their large island plantation in the Caribbean. Marcus is less secure in himself than Talon. As the younger brother, perhaps finding it hard to measure up to the standards set by his father and older sibling, he got into a bout of rebellious "carousing" that led to his expulsion from Cambridge. Marcus is also much less at home on the high seas than the other males in his family. He loves the land and prefers farming and estate administration. However, his father did not trust him with much responsibility on the plantation. Then, through a youthful indiscretion on Marcus's part, he inadvertently betrayed a family secret. His entire family, except for Talon and himself, was tortured and brutally murdered as a result. The politics of the time - the sea rivalry between the English and the Spanish, and the treasures of the Spanish Main, helped to further destroy the fortunes of the Drake brothers. They both took to piracy in order to survive, and to revenge themselves on those who brought them down. Revenge and clearing their name of treason charges has kept them alive through terrible hardships, including years spent in a Spanish dungeon. But throughout, Marcus has lived with the terrible burden that it was his own weakness that destroyed his family. In book #1, Talon and Marcus, escaped the Spanish to adventure and to continue their mission. They were being furiously pursued, with a death penalty hanging over their heads, by Harrison Kendrick, their worst enemy and the man who caused the family's slaughter, and also by Gabriel de Espinosa y Ramirez, "El Condor." El Condor is the Almirante of the Spanish fleet and a ruthless pirate hunter. At the end of the first book, Marcus is captured and back in Spanish hands. His brother believes him to be dead. As this novel opens, we find Marcus, once again aboard a Spanish ship and occupying the dungeon. There is a hurricane-like storm, and when most of the Spanish crew is killed or swept overboard Marcus is asked, by none other than El Condor's beautiful sister Liandra, the vessel's most prominent passenger, to Captain the boat and save all of their souls. Also on board is El Condor's little daughter, Christina. Liandra and the remaining Spaniards are terrified that Marcus will discover the identities of Liandra and Christina, and take a terrible revenge. Marcus does indeed find out, but he does not want to harm an innocent young woman and child and have them suffer, as did his own mother and sister. Liandra and Marcus are drawn together in spite of their family histories. She discovers what a kind, brave man he really is. And he sees, in Liandra, a lovely, earthy & quirky, compassionate woman of tremendous courage. Our heroine, who finds herself very much in love with the new ship's Captain, experiences lust for the first time. She certainly does not discourage Marcus from making love to her. In one of the most frustrating love/sex scenes of all time, El Condor-interruptus takes place. Liandra's brother Gabriel and crew capture them at sea and take over their boat...immediately after consummation - that is clinical consummation! Marcus is forced, although he is not unwilling, to marry Liandra to preserve her honor. Gabriel doesn't plan on really welcoming his new brother-in-law to the fold - he knows that Marcus is doomed to die. So the newlyweds are separated - only to be reunited again on the island where Liandra lives. There they have a short time together to discover if they are suited to continue as a couple in the future...if, in fact, Marcus lives to have a future. Talon and Marcus are also reunited toward the end of the novel, and Marcus discovers that his sister did survive her brutal attack, so many years ago. And so the adventure(s) continue. This story is filled with excitement, subplots, wonderful characters and humor. Liandra, who is an excellent swordsperson, as well as horseperson, (gender non-specific nouns are definitely not poetic), and she gets to flaunt her stuff. I recommend this book and can't wait to read the last book in the trilogy, "The Heart of the Condor."
Rating:
Summary: Great story full of action, passion and conflict
Review: This trilogy started with "My Lord Pirate" which introduced the Drake brothers - former English aristocracy wrongly accused of treason. "Night Shadow" continues and expands on the story and focuses on Marcus Drake, the second son who blames himself for much of what has befallen his family. But also to blame are his former friend Harrison Kendrick (who actually betrayed him) and the man they were turned over to: El Condor, AKA Gabriel de Espinosa y Ramirez, Almirante of the Spanish fleet and ruthless pirate hunter. Marcus and his brother Talon spent years in a Spanish dungeon thanks to El Condor. Needless to say, they hate his guts! But Marcus has a more immediate problem just now. Having wound up in Spanish hands again, he is asked to captain the ship when most of it's crew are swept overboard in a savage storm. He reluctantly agrees, but only if he and his fellow prisoners are given their freedom. The young Spanish noblewoman agrees - anything to save the ship, especially her niece Christina who is also on board. But she cannot let Marcus find out that she is Maria Liandra Espinosa y Ramirez, sister of El Condor, nor that Christina is his daughter! What revenge might he visit upon them? Marcus finds out almost immediately, but keeps the knowledge to himself. As the days pass, Liandra is amazed to discover that Marcus Drake is a good guy - kind, smart, tough and self-deprecating, not to mention very handsome! And Marcus is equally fascinated by this unlikely dona. She seems to have no fashion sense, no awareness of her appeal and none of the haughtiness he would have expected. She's earthy and compassionate and brave. When they finally act on their mutual attraction, their timing could not be worse - for they have been pursued and caught by El Condor himself! And when Gabriel discovers their relationship, he forces them to wed - knowing that Liandra will soon be a widow anyway. As the action moves to Puerto Bello, events bring the two together again. As they try to figure out if they have a future, they must face their pasts and the harsh realities of their present. Can they forge a future when their families and countries are bitter enemies? The last (and best) story of the trilogy is "Heart of the Condor" and you can guess who it's about (I just love that book!). This is a great trilogy from a great author. Laura Renken writes keepers!
Rating:
Summary: Great story full of action, passion and conflict
Review: This trilogy started with "My Lord Pirate" which introduced the Drake brothers - former English aristocracy wrongly accused of treason. "Night Shadow" continues and expands on the story and focuses on Marcus Drake, the second son who blames himself for much of what has befallen his family. But also to blame are his former friend Harrison Kendrick (who actually betrayed him) and the man they were turned over to: El Condor, AKA Gabriel de Espinosa y Ramirez, Almirante of the Spanish fleet and ruthless pirate hunter. Marcus and his brother Talon spent years in a Spanish dungeon thanks to El Condor. Needless to say, they hate his guts! But Marcus has a more immediate problem just now. Having wound up in Spanish hands again, he is asked to captain the ship when most of it's crew are swept overboard in a savage storm. He reluctantly agrees, but only if he and his fellow prisoners are given their freedom. The young Spanish noblewoman agrees - anything to save the ship, especially her niece Christina who is also on board. But she cannot let Marcus find out that she is Maria Liandra Espinosa y Ramirez, sister of El Condor, nor that Christina is his daughter! What revenge might he visit upon them? Marcus finds out almost immediately, but keeps the knowledge to himself. As the days pass, Liandra is amazed to discover that Marcus Drake is a good guy - kind, smart, tough and self-deprecating, not to mention very handsome! And Marcus is equally fascinated by this unlikely dona. She seems to have no fashion sense, no awareness of her appeal and none of the haughtiness he would have expected. She's earthy and compassionate and brave. When they finally act on their mutual attraction, their timing could not be worse - for they have been pursued and caught by El Condor himself! And when Gabriel discovers their relationship, he forces them to wed - knowing that Liandra will soon be a widow anyway. As the action moves to Puerto Bello, events bring the two together again. As they try to figure out if they have a future, they must face their pasts and the harsh realities of their present. Can they forge a future when their families and countries are bitter enemies? The last (and best) story of the trilogy is "Heart of the Condor" and you can guess who it's about (I just love that book!). This is a great trilogy from a great author. Laura Renken writes keepers!
Rating:
Summary: Great story full of action, passion and conflict
Review: This trilogy started with "My Lord Pirate" which introduced the Drake brothers - former English aristocracy wrongly accused of treason. "Night Shadow" continues and expands on the story and focuses on Marcus Drake, the second son who blames himself for much of what has befallen his family. But also to blame are his former friend Harrison Kendrick (who actually betrayed him) and the man they were turned over to: El Condor, AKA Gabriel de Espinosa y Ramirez, Almirante of the Spanish fleet and ruthless pirate hunter. Marcus and his brother Talon spent years in a Spanish dungeon thanks to El Condor. Needless to say, they hate his guts! But Marcus has a more immediate problem just now. Having wound up in Spanish hands again, he is asked to captain the ship when most of it's crew are swept overboard in a savage storm. He reluctantly agrees, but only if he and his fellow prisoners are given their freedom. The young Spanish noblewoman agrees - anything to save the ship, especially her niece Christina who is also on board. But she cannot let Marcus find out that she is Maria Liandra Espinosa y Ramirez, sister of El Condor, nor that Christina is his daughter! What revenge might he visit upon them? Marcus finds out almost immediately, but keeps the knowledge to himself. As the days pass, Liandra is amazed to discover that Marcus Drake is a good guy - kind, smart, tough and self-deprecating, not to mention very handsome! And Marcus is equally fascinated by this unlikely dona. She seems to have no fashion sense, no awareness of her appeal and none of the haughtiness he would have expected. She's earthy and compassionate and brave. When they finally act on their mutual attraction, their timing could not be worse - for they have been pursued and caught by El Condor himself! And when Gabriel discovers their relationship, he forces them to wed - knowing that Liandra will soon be a widow anyway. As the action moves to Puerto Bello, events bring the two together again. As they try to figure out if they have a future, they must face their pasts and the harsh realities of their present. Can they forge a future when their families and countries are bitter enemies? The last (and best) story of the trilogy is "Heart of the Condor" and you can guess who it's about (I just love that book!). This is a great trilogy from a great author. Laura Renken writes keepers!
Rating:
Summary: Wipe out your schedule for the day!
Review: This was a fun book to read, not only because I love this author's writing style but because the book delves below the surface of the characters and made them real for me. The story had adventure, humor, hot romance, and a hero & heroine that drove the story from page one. These two belonged to one another even if Marcus didn't see it. I love a heroine who knows her mind and will fight the world to protect the man she loves. I liked how the author brought together two different worlds and cultures, bridged a political gap of the times and created a stunning visual portrait of the 17th century. In addition the secondary characters were also developed and, one in particular, I just know is going to have his own story. He was a Spaniard, ala Antonio Banderos type. He was just too tempting and interesting a character not to go on. If you love pirates with a sprinkling of the dashing highwayman thrown in for added spice and adventure, you'll love this book. I couldn't put it down. Also recommended: My Lord Pirate by Laura Renken
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