⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love historical romance novels, especially ones that have adventure. This one though fell a little flat for me, and I found myself skimming the pages at times.

This is such a fun and entertaining romance by Christi Caldwell! It’s been a while since I’ve read a historical romance that primarily takes place at sea, and I forgot how much I enjoyed them. The Heiress at Sea has an amazing swashbuckling setting, layered and compelling protagonists, and a swoon-worthy love story with fantastic (and comical) banter.

Cassia has never been to sea, and she is ignorant of the rules, restrictions, superstitions, and terminology used by sailors. This causes a lot of confusion and frustration, as well as some downright funny moments. When Cassia is revealed as a woman, it also creates some major conflicts in the story, as her reputation and physical safety are in jeopardy. Nathaniel becomes her protector, and he takes his job seriously. As frustrated and bewildered as he is by Cassia, he is also so drawn to her.

The relationship between Cassia and Nathaniel is fantastic. What starts as a very antagonistic, hidden identity and gender situation, turns into an opposites-attract, grumpy/sunshine battle of wits, and I loved every comical, frustrated, and laugh-out-loud funny second of it. They have THE BEST banter, and their verbal sparring is perfection. It’s funny and smart, and the way they misunderstand each other is hysterical.

Cassia is a chatterbox, which is the total opposite of Nathaniel. He is very practical and reserved, and he holds people at arm’s length. Cassia is passionate and emotional, and people are drawn to her exuberance and optimism. Cassia always has a smile on her face, while Nathaniel appears emotionless. However, with each other, they are able to explore other sides of themselves – her wanderlust and his feelings of intimacy and connection as well as moments of fun and levity.

I also like that Nathaniel starts to see people and relationships differently. He has very strong feelings about his parents, and I think his time with Cassia makes him see both of his parents and their marriage in a new light. People show love in different ways, and once Nathaniel realizes that he is forever changed.

I loved the story. It’s fun and funny, and there’s some action, suspense, and danger on a high-seas adventure and governmental mission. The secondary characters are great, especially the ones that become friends with Cassia, and the final declaration is super swoon-tactic. I also am intrigued by Cassia’s brother and his best friend and am curious if we’ll see more of them in future books. Fingers crossed!

Thanks to NetGalley and For providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

I typically love Caldwell's books. This book just didn't grab me at first. About half-way, it picks up and feels like a Christi Caldwell novel. Still a good read.

Thanks for the arc!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars)

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for the advanced copy in exchange for a review.

Having not read a historical fiction for a little while this was a breath of fresh air and a well written tale with a HAE.

We follow brooding, seafaring Marquess Nathanial determined to have one last voyage before his father forces him into an arranged marriage and stowaway Lady Cassia who has had enough of societal confinement and wants to see the world.

Cassia as a FMC is quite naive and has a tendency to prattle on, this gets a tad repetitive but not too much of an annoyance.

Captain Nathan is a respectable figure and beneath his grumpy exterior has a kind heart. He rescued many of his crew from an undeserved trip to the gallows which creates an undying loyalty between them.

The story moves along at a good pace and has plenty of adventure, banter and high seas shenanigans. There was some kissing but the real spice was concealed closed door style.

A nice tale of adventure on the high seas.

'The Heiress at Sea' is a standalone novel by Christi Caldwell that takes a refreshing approach to the usual regency romance troupes. I was excited to get out of the ballroom and into a more adventurous romance novel!

Unfortunately I nearly gave up on this about a third of the way into the book. I think in romance novels you want to see a bit of yourself in the female lead but I'm not sure who wants to see themselves in Cassia McQuoid. It's a shame because every single other character is a really interesting one that I want to know more about, but because I didn't get on with the female lead I found it difficult to enjoy the romance as it developed.

This is an ARC but there were also a few things I found confusing about the writing. Who was actually dealing with the punishment on the ship, whether Cassia was able to refer to Nathan/Nathaniel as 'Captain' in front of the crew and a few other items that will hopefully be straightened out by publication.

I'm actually disappointed that this is a standalone novel because Myrtle's romance was alluded to often and I'm sure Jeremy would make a great romantic lead too!

A nice little read by the fireplace type of novel while drinking a cup of tea or twelve. I read it over several days time. I’d like to read more from the author.

The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Nathaniel Ellsby…Marquess of Winfield, born a spare, is expected to marry his brother’s fiancée. Cassia McQuoid…sister of a duchess, unmarried, about to embark on an adventure. The H has his own shipping business and he loves to sail. This is my second sea book this month let’s see how this one goes. Oh wow, the H is expected to change his entire life due to the death of his older brother. This is the second book that I have read recently in which a duke was just down right cold and unfeeling. I’m used to moody or conceited but not the other. Ok so the h is a wallflower who has decided she wants to see more of the world. Ooh the h has way more nerve than I do. Oh ho it’s hit the fan now, she is precious in her naïveté. The h is still hanging on by a very thin thread, LOL. Awww I feel so sorry for both the H and the h, he is losing his patience and she is lost at sea…literally. Well the jig is up. Reckless and clueless cannot even began to describe the h. Close quarters for an extended period of time and feelings might become engaged. Guess who fell first??? I’m not telling, hehehe. The h simply cannot follow simple instructions, at first it was cute now it is starting to become annoying. Personally the H is a saint because I would have put h in a “boat” and sent her home. I know the H is trying to spare the feelings of the h but I wish he would express to her the real dangers she face, maybe she would then think before acting. Too late on all accounts. Whew even when you expect a HEA it is nice to see it come to fruition. I enjoyed the story even though the h had me frustrated with her the entire time LOL. Neither the H or the h were perfect society examples but they did appear genuine in their personality. There was heavy kissing but no steam. I would recommend this book.

This was such a fun and exciting story. It has been a long while since I read a good historical about pirates (privateers?) and this one did not disappoint. This was sweet, fun, and full of adventure. Initially, I thought Cassia's naivete would be annoying; however, in this clever author's creation, she is funny, fiery, sweet, and charming. I simply adored her. There was such great banter as well, for which I am always a sucker. Great banter will get me every time. This story was full of adventure and oh-so fun. I look forward to reading this story again and again.

3.5 stars. I wish it would give half of a star. I am a big fan of Christi Caldwell and usually love her characters, but at times I found it hard to like Cassia. She was just to flighty and emotional about everything. Very innocent one minute, but not so much the next. Towards the end of the book, it wasn't as bad. I like Nathan from the beginning. The story itself was a good one and overall not a bad read; just hard getting into the book. I look forward to more of Christi Caldwell's books in the future. I received this book from NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for an honest review.

What a wonderful story full of adventures Cassia and Nathaniel’s story was sweet and an exploration of learning to love each other. Cassia wants to see the world and live her best life. Nathan wants to continue as he is living. A bit of confusion bring them together. I loved the journey.

There were a few details that bothered me compared to other series from Christi Caldwell The heroines in this series seem very young and at times immature compared to other amazing heroines that she has written. Also, some love scenes are off the page.

Overall, I truly enjoyed the second book in the series.

This is a delightfully funny and swoon-worry adventure! Cassia, a rambling bit of trouble maker meets a stoic sea captain, Nathan on a voyage no one on that ship will ever forget! I loved how Cassia was determined to have one time in her life that she could remember in her golden years and goes about doing it, not realizing the MANY people it would impact. Nathan, intent on not being his father’s yes man, decides to complete one last mission before settling down. I laughed out loud throughout this book, cried at the sad places and was totally blown away with the ending I did not see coming! This one is for the ages! Loved, loved, loved It!

I picked up this book feeling rather skeptical, I will not lie. I love all of Christi Caldwell's older stories, but some of the newer ones haven't really done it for me. I needed a book to read in one evening to kick off my year of rest, recovery, and reading! A book to remind me why I so thoroughly enjoy books, especially romance books. I was not disappointed. 

Christi Caldwell's writing is absolutely lovely. There are several passages that I highlighted in this one because I just loved them. Do you ever read something and the wording just wraps itself around your brain and feels like a warm cup of hot cocoa on a cold day? That is what this book did for me. I love Christi's wording. 

First, I would like to mention that there are documented cases of women pirates as far back as the 1600s. I think that everyone has a certain image of history in their mind (often featuring only cisgender white people existing within strict gender norms) and cannot handle any other information It honestly makes me want to scream. I mean, I grew up an evangelical homeschooler, believe me, I get the indoctrination, but you have to educate yourself. 

I adore the idea of the ever average Cassia deciding to run away and see the world with her brother. I like that she does not have an inflated view of herself. She is objective in her critiques of herself. As a girl who grew up in a house full of noise and chaos, I understand Cassia's always chattering. She is a sensory seeker. All of that being said, she did annoy me just a bit. She is way too innocent for her own good. I do not blame her for it, but I did want to say GIRL! GET AHOLD OF YOURSELF! She also agreed to call Nathan Captain in front of the crew but kept forgetting. Not cool Cassia! She did not annoy me enough to make me put down the book. I was invested in the story from the very first page. That's the writing for you.  

Nathaniel is a lovely character. I enjoyed him very much. He is big and brusque and everything a Navy Man turned Privateer should be. He is like a coconut. (Which is a much better metaphor than cinnamon roll, thank you very much!) Soft and squishy on the inside, but hard as a rock (see what I did there? It's a sex pun!) on the outside. 

The story is everything a regency romance should be. It has a mix up that causes an awkward situation, adventure, romance, danger at roughly 80% of the way through the book, a brief separation, and then a happily ever after. *chef's kiss*. Is the story a little on the nose? Hell yes! is it a little predictable? Duh! It is a romance. We all come here for that sweet sweet happily ever after. 

I opened the book at roughly 6pm and read it straight through (past my bedtime). It captivated me, brought me to a different time and place, and let me escape reality for a little while. That is all I wanted, and Christi absolutely delivered.

Looking to have an independent adventure, Lady Cassia McQuoid decides to take to the seas on her brother’s friend’s ship. A case of mistaken identity and Cassia is instead on ‘A ship. Nathaniel, the Duke of Roxburghe, who grew up a second son but now finds himself as the heir, is looking now at a life he didn’t want - a dukedom, a marriage to a woman who had originally been engaged to his older brother. But then…

I’ll be honest, at first Cassia annoyed me to no end but as I read more about her, her behavior was explained and I found myself empathizing more with her character.

Thoughts -
* Nathaniel and Cassia worked well as a couple,
* (I didn’t even know that I enjoy this trope but I surprisingly did)
* The ending felt a little rushed for me.


Overall, I really enjoyed this one.



Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the DRC!

I've only read one other book by Christi Caldwell, but I enjoyed it and when I saw that this was available, I snapped it up. It worked out well because there were several references to the other I'd read (The Duke Alone) as the female main character in this one is the sister of the main character from that one. In this one, Cassia McQuoid decides she wants to have an adventure like her older brother and his best friend Jeremy, a ship's captain. She dresses up like a boy and decides to sneak on Jeremy's ship, not revealing herself until they're already at sea. Through a series of misunderstandings, she finds herself on the totally wrong ship. Dressed as a boy, she immediately makes enemies of her fellow crewmates because she has no idea what she's doing. Once her identity is revealed, she is sequestered into the captain's quarters to keep her safe and to at least attempt to save her reputation. This is a romance, so of course said captain is handsome and gruff and tries to resist Cassia but just can't seem to. I like my historical romances with a little mystery and/or adventure, and there was plenty of adventure here. This is more of a screen door romance than I'm used to from historical romance authors, but there was still plenty of tension between the two leads.

3.5 stars

okay this book hooked me from the start, the cover was captivating as was the synopsis, and i knew i had to start reading it right away. bare in mind… it was 2am. anyway, up until 60% i was thoroughly enjoying this book, the forbidden love aspect, mysterious broody captain and bridgerton vibes, i was obsessed!

then it got to 60% and Cassia, the main female character started annoying the living daylights out of me!! she was so self centred, everything was about her and her whole ‘woe is me attitude’ was so draining and irritating i could squeal. she was getting in the way of everything and what’s more, she was acting as the hero with the whole ‘oh he tried to kill me but don’t hurt him’ and constantly challenging the captain in front of his crew even though he said not to. i was ready to strangle her!!

nathaniel, i really enjoyed his character and his tall, dark and handsome stranger attitude, extreme authority and respectable nature. i love the grumpy sunshine trope and both of these characters were the epitome of it. don’t get me wrong, i really enjoyed this book, i didn’t put it down and definitely will read more of Christi Caldwell, because i thoroughly enjoy her writing style. the storyline was great, the ending… excruciatingly cringe and i wanted to bury my head in the sand with second hand embarrassment. although, it was also very cute and i was rooting for them as a couple consistently throughout.

i highly recommend this read as it’s very gripping and different from the romances i usually read! thank you to netgallery for providing me with an advanced readers copy.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this book, but...
Cassia wants to see the world because after 2.5 seasons she has get to find a suitor. So she plans to sneak aboard her brother and his friends ship. Only she end up on the wrong ship.
I couldn't stand cassia. She was too stupid to live. I think this may the first time that I wish a character to die.
Cassia had no idea how to follow basic orders. Paint the walls turned into painting sunsets on a ship. She was to stupid to understand basic sarcasm.
Nathan was hardly any better, because how he goes instantly from hating Cassia too to fall for her is ridiculous.
The second had gets only slightly better than the first but if this wasn't an ARC I would have DNF before 30%.

The Heiress at Sea starts out great, but unfortunately loses its way. Though the overall plot is good, the too-naive-to-be-true heroine takes away a lot from the story. Nathan is a great hero, though.
There is so much repetition in the story that it becomes jarring at times.
Overall, this is a low stakes, quick read for the nights when you are not sleepy but want to fall asleep on time and not lay awake till 4 AM, reading.
My thanks for the ARC!

I’m sorry but despite the fact that CC is a competent writer and there were some beautifully crafted scenes in this book, the heroine and her associated plot lines ruined it for me. I just could not suspend disbelief for the duration.

Cassia’s naivety, perpetual misunderstanding and overdone innocence meant she seemed literally to be unable to understand plain English or to navigate ordinary social conversation. A couple of scenes were funny, but as the misunderstandings continued, they became so utterly annoying that I swiftly lost the will to live.

Cassia’s constant challenges to the men around her struck me as so unreal and ridiculous for the period that I wanted to throw my iPad at the wall.

I know many readers and authors are not all that interested in historical authenticity but when I read a book like this - which creates a fictional version of the world, as far away from the historical era as is possible, the I want to cry.

The idea of a girl on a ship at that time and how the crew would view her made my blood run cold. But it’s as if modern authors want to wipe away history and create a world that is simply the 21st century, but with long dresses and no antibiotics.

I am so fed up of this re-writing of history. I didn’t finish the read, but skimmed the last bit instead.

This was a breath of fresh air compared to the usual historical romances I read! For once, we’re not in London, there are close to none shiny balls or arranged marriages. We’re on a ship and this element alone makes the story much more intriguing. The setting and the grumpy duke are the real entertainment of the story. The only problem I had was with Cassia, who has often been portrayed as childish and petulant. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book and I’m going to delve deeper into Christi Caldwell’s writing!

Captain Nathaniel Ellsby is the second son of a duke. He makes his income from the sea, mostly as a privateer to the Crown. Nathaniel finds himself saddled with his late sibling’s ducal responsibilities and fiancée. He intends to finish one last mission before obeying his father’s strict mandate. However, a chatter-box stowaway distracts Nathaniel from his official duties. Can Nathaniel protect Cassia from the hardships of the sea? Or will he willingly give up his seafaring ways for her?
Lady Cassia McQuoid comes from a large, boisterous family. With no marriage prospects, she wants to “see the world” before surrendering to her future as a spinster. Cassia plans to sneak onto her brother and his friend’s ship; however, she boards the wrong vessel. She finds herself surrounded by unfriendly strangers. Cassia’s presence causes havoc with the surly captain and his crew. Can Cassia survive her first sea voyage? Or will she lose far more than just her heart on this trip?
I could never resist the pessimistic and surly type heroes! They are another weakness of mine. Nathaniel’s gruff and stern exterior conceals a warm heart. He does not have the opportunity to demonstrate that side of himself, except around his mother and later Cassia. I admire how Nathaniel gave certain criminals a second chance at life. When others had written them off, he offered them a new way of life and a paying job, thus earning their loyalty. What I love the most about Nathaniel is his acceptance of Cassia’s eccentricities. She annoyed him at first, but he started to crave her sunny, talkative ways.
Generally, Cassia is not the type of heroine I enjoy reading about. However, I could not help but feel for the young woman. There were instances when Cassia or her antics annoyed me, but not enough to dislike her outright. I understand Cassia’s anxiousness about being invisible, ignored, and overlooked. Something that I understand achingly well, so I easily empathized with her. What I like the most about Cassia is her talkative ways. I found it oddly endearing.
THE HEIRESS AT SEA is the second book in Christi Caldwell’s historical romance series, MCQUOID FAMILY. I am so delighted the author decided to write more stories involving this rambunctious noble family. The McQuoids, especially their antics, entertained and charmed me in the first book, THE DUKE ALONE. I cannot wait for more McQuoid stories!
The story had a GENTLE ROGUE and THE MAGIC OF YOU (by Johanna Lindsey) feel to it. I forgot just how much I enjoyed the stowaway/masquerading as a boy at sea angle in stories.