A Captain for Caroline Gray

I love Caroline. She is intelligent, curious and well spoken in a world where it is frowned upon. She has had four seasons but is unable to secure a marriage proposal because of her bluestocking ways. Due to circumstances beyond her control she finds herself on a ship bound for India to meet a possible future husband. Captain Scott doesn't want or need a distraction but Caroline might just be too much for him to ignore. This is a really fun clean romance. There is adventure, wit and romance. But I would have loved an Epilogue as it did end a bit abruptly.

Caroline Gray is well educated and speaks her mind.  Unfortunately, in the Regency era that isn't what society and men of the ton are wanting in a spouse.  After not landing a husband in her few seasons she is given one last chance.  A society mother has offered to pay half her passage to India as a potential English bride to her third son.

On shipboard she meets a few other woman who also are hoping to land husbands after a three month journey across the sea.   Captain Thomas Scott is in charge of his ship, cargo and passengers.  He is intrigued by Caroline who has interests in stars, batteries and politics.  He also doesn't see that his attention can cause problems for Caroline from others who don't appreciate her candor.  

I liked learning about the "fishing fleet", woman who went to new countries to get a husband knowing you many never return to England.  I also enjoyed seeing the life at sea for the passengers.  This was a quick read and happily was squeaky clean.  My only disappointment was how quickly it ended.  This book needs an epilogue.  Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, to think so much could happen on a boat from England to India. I loved this book, the two main characters were both flawed and fabulous. Caroline and Thomas had great chemistry and were both exceedingly stubborn. 

I will say that the set up of the book left me uneasy about what would happen when they reached their destination. There were seeds that were perfectly planted in the story to add just enough to keep me hooked. I read this in one sitting and regret nothing. 

It wouldn't be a proper romance without a happily ever after that added just enough of a twist to be more than satisfying. I look forward to more from this author and will definitely purchase this one once it is released. 

I received a complimentary e-copy and this is my honest review.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you were transported back to the regency era where women must be demure, seen and not heard, and very different from the typical modern woman? If so, Caroline Gray is going to be a relatable character. She has such a thirst for knowledge that is well-matched with her personality of exuberance for life. Caroline's struggles are real, with a struggle to find her place in a world that doesn't want her. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. While set in the regency era, it tells of a different place than the ballrooms and drawing rooms that are so popular. Instead, the setting is the wide, open sea and the adventure of India. This was a great addition to the regency novel world in a different and innovative way.

A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright is an excellent historical fiction romance that kept me enamored from beginning to end. 

This book takes place early 1800s England and we follow the wonderfully unique, however misunderstood Caroline Gray and her travels aboard a vessel to India for a potential arranged marriage as a “last ditch” effort by her family to secure a marriage and financial position for Caroline and her mother after many “failed” attempts for a husband during her seasons. On her travels there, she becomes aquatinted with the ship’s Captain Thomas Scott where they are both able to find one another’s quirks, true strengths, and find a blossoming relationship from within each other. Should Caroline stay on the pre-arranged plan that her mother has secured for her and risk being unhappy and unfulfilled in life, or should she break free, use her heart as her own compass, and find a life full of purpose, true love, and happiness with this dashing and passionate man she has found aboard the ship? 

Such a wonderful plot with the fundamental questions and goals presented: what is our purpose, can we find happiness, and the search for love, understanding, acceptance, and faith. 

I love both Caroline and Thomas. Both are so real, complex, lively, passionate, like able, imperfect, and have a fire inside of them that should not be left to dissipate. Caroline is smart, fiery, a good person, and a woman before her time. Thomas is the perfect counterpart for Caroline. After a few misunderstandings and obstacles, they find that they fit perfectly together. 
I love the descriptions of the naval history, the surroundings, and the events that take place aboard these long sea voyages. I learned something about The Fishing Fleet women and this societal practice. It is something I knew nothing about. I love it when I can learn something knew while I am enjoying a wonderful story. 

Truly great from beginning to end. 

5/5 stars


Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion. 

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

#netgalley  #acaptainforcarolinegray

I just love Julie Wright and was so excited to read her new book, A Captain for Caroline Gray. The book is very intriguing. The setting is aboard a ship on its way to India. The characters are awesome and the plot was engaging with lots of suspense! I highly recommend this fun, clean, romance!

A great story of forced choices possibly leading to happiness where it is not expected by anyone
After four seasons Caroline was still unmarried.  Yes, she had gentlemen interested in her but when they discovered that she was educated, curious and thoughtful they lost interest.  She was unconcerned until her widowed mother explains that there is not money for a fifth and they need to leave their home.  Caroline’s only available hope a possible marriage to a man in India, his parents having seen her and felt her to be a good match.  With that decision his parents agreed to finance half of her fare to India.  Her mother the second half fare, leaving no money for a return trip if the arrangement did not work out.  So, we see Caroline boarding a ship with other women looking for husbands when their options in England ran out.  Captain Thomas Scott had ferried many women from England to India along with cargo for trade and he always remained unimpressed and unresponsive to the women and their attentions.  He expected the women on this voyage and Caroline to be no different.  As trip progresses Captain Scott becomes more impressed with the beautiful woman who treats his crew with respect and caring, is intelligent with strong opinions and not afraid to express herself.  When Caroline discovers a problem on board the ship and reports to Captain Scott, a series of events are set in motion events that could lead to loss of life, trade goods and the ship.  A very well written book with romance, intrigue, and a dose of reality concerning what voyages entailed.  I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

The characters are believable and fascinating to read about. They quickly come to feel like real people you can actually care about as friends. Or in some cases, be wary of as enemies. 

Caroline is ahead of her time, thirsting after knowledge in a time when women were expected to be demure and ignorant to science and politics. 
As a modern reader, it's difficult to understand why Caroline would have felt so desperate as to go to India in search of a husband, particularly given her cousin's kindness. Perhaps some time introducing his bride to be and getting to know her would have made this clearer. 

I found Captain Scott equal parts intriguing and frustrating. He frequently thinks to apologise (usually after being given a stern talking to by one of his lieutenants), but rarely follows through with it. Though he values Caroline's intelligence and wisdom, I felt that she deserved better than someone who would continually jump to the wrong conclusions and refuse to ask questions before leaping down her throat each time. I liked how well she stood up to him and particularly enjoyed a scene when she put him in his place and refused to provide an explanation that he was clearly reluctant to hear. 

Despite my feelings about the Captain, I found it almost impossible to put this book down. A thought provoking read that provides a small glimpse into the lives of women who travelled into the unknown in hopes of finding love, happiness, and stability. 

I would love to see Caroline's story continued further.

4,5 stars

I liked this story.  It was a very clean romance.  Lots of historical content about the fishing fleet, young ladies sent out to India to fish for husbands.  The mores of the time and the characters and attitudes seemed to ring true.  I think I'd have stuck with the old name of Bombay rather than the modern equivalent because it is a historical story.  I'd have liked perhaps an epilogue to find out how Thomas and Caroline got on after the voyage.    

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I'm so glad that I live in a world where women who are smart and curious and have a thirst for knowledge are not looked down upon! 

Caroline is a heroine that any modern girl will like because she speaks her mind. Her honesty and her fire were so admirable but she has the misfortune of living in a time when those were not desirable traits for a woman to possess. Hence the need to travel to India in search of a husband. 

Captain Scott was well written and of course he would appreciate a woman who was smart and could hold an intelligent conversation. I enjoyed their interactions together even though they were full of misunderstandings at the beginning.   The friendship/courtship taking place on a ship was different and made for an interesting read. 

The bad guy was predictable once he was shown in an unfavorable light but that was ok. The "bad" girl Miss Cole surprised me at the end and I appreciated that she was able to redeem herself a little. 

I wished the ending had been different. At least an epilogue would have been nice. It just wrapped up so fast and all of the sudden it was over. 

Overall another success for the Proper Romance series.

I adore Julie Wright and was thrilled to read her new book, A Captain for Caroline Gray. The book is completely captivating. The setting is aboard a ship on its way to India. The characters are intriguing and the plot was engaging with plenty of suspense! I highly recommend this fun, clean, and quick read!

This was a sweet romance in a unique setting on a ship to India. 

Caroline is on her way to meet a potential groom in India after circumstances make it difficult to stay in England for financial reasons. She’s intelligent and always wants to learn more and isn’t afraid to share her opinions which means she’s a few seasons in with no marriage proposal. Thomas is the captain of the ship she’s taking to India who likes the sea but wouldn’t have chosen it himself. He tends to pity the women he takes to India since many gentleman there are less than honorable.

I liked both Caroline and Thomas. Particularly, I liked how Thomas liked Caroline - he appreciates her personality, even what she considers faults, and wants her to stay true to herself. There romance was sweet even if it was predictable. My favorite secondary character would have to be Peterson - he was a great friend and had me laughing at times too. 

The only reason I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is that the ending felt too abrupt. I feel like the relationship in terms of Caroline and Thomas acknowledging that they love each other was complete but I have so many questions about their future - does Thomas decide to leave his ship behind? Does Caroline travel with him if he keeps his ship? Do they go back to England?

I’m looking forward to reading other books by Julie Wright!

4 1/2 stars (it needs an epilogue!).

I really enjoyed reading this story set primarily during a sea voyage to India. Such a refreshing setting!

Caroline Gray is an intelligent young woman who doesn't shy away from speaking her mind. Unfortunately, men of the ton are not fans of outspoken girls and she doesn't have any prospects of marriage. With her father's death, her cousin inherits the house and the situation gets worse.

When an acquaintance of her mother offers to pay for half of a passage to India for Caroline to meet her son who lives there, Caroline takes the chance since it's the only one she has.

I really liked the narrative of life in the ship and the characters' interactions. Caroline is not the only young woman going to India in search of a husband, but they don't all become friends.

Thomas is the captain of the ship and he's immediately attracted to Caroline's intellect and outspokenness during the first dinner aboard. During the voyage, they form a friendship, despite the obstacles.

Caroline is a great character to follow on her journey (figurative and literal) as she learns her place in society while keeping true to herself. I liked how Thomas tries to take care of everyone and although he has his faults, he also makes amends.

The ending came too quickly and left me partly unsatisfied at the abruptness. An epilogue with and update would be perfect.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Caroline Gray though very pretty, has been unable to secure a husband during three London seasons.  Caroline is well educated and speaks her mind, and those qualities are not attractive to men of the ton.  Caroline's father has passed away and the estate is entailed on Caroline's cousin.  Caroline's cousin has become engaged and Caroline and her mother will lose their home as a result.

The situation for Caroline and her mother is dire, and Caroline's mother has made arrangements for Caroline to sail to India to join other English women in hopes of finding a husband.  In exchange for half of the fare to India, Caroline must meet with her possible suitor, Mr. Barritt, on three separate occasions.  With trepidation Caroline sets sail for the three month journey to India and encounters the undeniably attractive Captain Scott, who is one of the captains that transports British women to India to find husbands.  The Captain is not only attracted to her by her beauty, but he also finds her conversation refreshing and interesting -- unlike the men of the ton.  

A Captain for Caroline was a real page turner for me; it transported me to a different time and place where women boarded ships to India "fishing for" husbands.   I advise that you don't pick up this book before bed, because you will not get much sleep!  I enjoyed the setting of the ship as well as the time spent in India; it was a refreshing change from the ballroom setting in most Regency novels.  I loved Caroline's character.  She knows that she is too outspoken, but she just can't help herself.  At varying times, she tries to suppress her natural inclination to join in on discussions of politics and science to try to fit in on the ship and in India.  I enjoyed Caroline's strong personality.  The tension and attraction between Caroline and Captain Scott kept me reading!   Caroline is not at liberty to grow attached to the Captain Scott, as she has another Captain waiting for her in India that she has a duty to become better acquainted with.  In this book, people are not always as they seem, and Caroline's adventures continue as she disembarks from the ship and immerses herself in the English society in India and as she begins to get acquainted with Mr. Barritt.

I am not very familiar with the author Julie Wright, but I will surely look into her other books as this book was a treat to read, and it was "clean" to boot!

This was a very good book!  I really liked Caroline and her approach to her predicament.  I wish there would have been more of an epilogue so that the book could have gone on longer!

4.5 stars
I am so glad I picked up an ARC of this book. It was a fun read. I always love a regency woman who doesn't "know her place". Caroline has been educated to ask questions and keep learning through life and she is outspoken in her opinions so she does not fit in. It would be so hard to leave everything you know and love to go to a foreign land believing you'd never see any of it again so I appreciated that the author gave her a legitimate reason to make the trip to India to wed.

I loved Caroline and Captain Scott both. He is pretty surly in the beginning but her outspokenness endears her to him. Both of these characters are flawed and both of them learn from their mistakes and become better people.

I thought the resolve at the end was appropriate given Caroline's outspokenness. She isn't willing to sit around doing nothing when she is being true to herself. I would have loved an epilogue though. I wanted a peek into their future.

Fun read!

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes. Child abuse, fighting with knives and guns resulting in deaths, attempted kidnapping, tiger attack. Minimal detailed description.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

It was really easy to get into this book and want to continue reading it. It had a great plot and was a fun read. I loved reading this book and would definitely recommend reading it!!!

Many thanks to Shadow Mountain - not only were they gracious enough to allow me to read this early, but they're also singlehandedly keeping me in one of my favorite romance subgenres: historical nautical romance. (If they could just publish a pirate one next, I'll be beyond happy.)

The story is exceptionally well-written. Julie Wright manages to keep the language of 1820 without it feeling fussy or making Caroline feel anachronistic. She's a well-educated woman who is consistently told that her intelligence makes her unfeminine, and unlike in most other historical romances to star bluestockings, the attitudes of those around her absolutely support the text's assertion. She's not socially awkward or unattractive like many a brainy heroine, she's just smart and well-spoken, and that's enough to make her unacceptable to most of the society she lives in. That the events of the story give her a chance to showcase her intelligence is also nice - unlike many a supposedly smart heroine, Caroline truly does think things through and act like the educated woman she is (lashing herself to the ship during a storm, for example). It's an excellent example of showing rather than repeatedly telling, and it pays off.

If I have one gripe, it's that Thomas, the hero, can be almost unbearably priggish, especially towards the end of the book. I wanted them to end up together because it's what Caroline wanted, not because I loved them as a couple. That was enough to make the ending work for me, but I could see it being a bit of a deal breaker for another reader. There's also one loose end that sort of bothers me - the package placed in Caroline's room when she boards the ship - but that could conceivably be fixed in the final edition.

Long story short, this is a good book, whether you're a regular romance reader or not. Now I'm just waiting for my proper pirate romance, Shadow Mountain!

An engaging Proper Romance, "A Captain for Caroline Gray" is penned by the new-to-me author Julie Wright. It depicts the issues and prevailing popular views of those living in Regency England.

Considered unmarriageable due to her bluestocking ways (read intelligent, articulate, erudite), Caroline Gray embarks on a "fishing fleet" to India. She and some of her fellow travelers plan to find husbands.

Caroline is truly delightful. Her thirst for knowledge was a mocked liability, something that is rightly lauded now. She even discusses the Peterloo Massacre; an irritating male passenger is offended. However, Captain Thomas Scott proves to be her perfect companion, although there are pitfalls along the way.

The characters are well-developed. There are few grammatical errors, and the history is interesting and well-researched. I thoroughly enjoyed Wright's writing style, and I hope she publishes more historical novels. 4+ stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this entertaining novel.

3 1/2 stars for this historical regency romance about a woman on her way to meet a prospective husband while stumbling into another man along the way. I've really enjoyed the other books I've read by this author, all three of which are contemporary romance so I was surprised to see a historical romance book by the author available on netgalley. I really enjoyed the two main characters and the overall plot. I was wishing for a little more development in the characters and a bit more to the plot, but overall I found it to be an interesting and enjoyable read. It really helps readers glimpse what it must have been like for English women to leave everything else behind in order to find a husband and start a family in the completely different society established in India. Thank you netgalley for a free advanced copy. I love the proper romance genre and know that I can always trust this genre no matter what the story is about, I always find something to enjoy! I look forward to continuing to read the proper romance stories!

I always enjoy reading books written by Julie Wright and was excited to read her new Regency Romance, A Captain for Caroline Gray. 
Most of the book takes place on board a ship sailing to India. It was a fun change of setting from the typical London Ballrooms. 
The Heroine Caroline is a great character. She is likeable and you really feel for her as you watch her learn her place in society and as she learns to be true to herself. 
I really loved reading this book and will defiantly recommend it to others. I only wish it had an epilogue. It ends rather abruptly and left me wanting to know how their story ends.

Wonderful historical romance. I really liked it. Strong characters, good plot. There were times I wanted to knock the two main characters heads together and yell at them to just share what they really felt—but that's part of a good romance, right? Overcoming the blocks to a happy ending. Good book!

I loved the storyline in this book. It follows Caroline through several life changing decisions. It also follows her friends and side character's as they grow, or don't, depending on the character and their choices. The love story is beautifully written and has enough opposition to keep the story flowing. Julie Wright has succeeded in her first foray into regency romance.

I was enchanted by 'A Captain for Caroline Gray' from the first page.  The setting on a ship to India was intriguing and instructive.  I felt anguish for the many characters and at times didn't see how it could turn out positively.  My only 'criticism' of this book was that I didn't want it to end, literally.  I wanted to see what happens next and I sincerely wish Julie Wright would consider a sequel.  I can't recommend it highly enough.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.  The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#ACaptainForCarolineGray #NetGalley 

This book drew me in and I couldn't put it down. I loved this book and could have turned right around and read it again. 
Caroline Gray's prospects for marriage have dwindled, since the announcement of her cousin's engagement. Who also inherits her childhood home. Caroline's mother, accepts, a last chance offer for Caroline.  She is to board the ship Persistance, with the destination of, Mumbai, India, there she will meet Captain Barritt, and hopefully, gain a marriage proposal. 
Caroline is not like the other young ladies her age, she has an opinion about everything and  isn't  afraid to share it. Unfortunately, this trait was not in her favor,  durning her first, second and third seasons in London. Caroline's future does not look bright. 
Captain Thomas Scott's, least favorite voyage, is when young ladies are on board his ship, heading to India, all looking for a husband. He rarely even acknowledges, that they are on board. He really dislikes one out spoken young lady, who goes by Miss. Gray. He is bound and the to steer clear of her.
I loved Caroline., she was such a fun character.Julie Wright, has done it again, what a fun read.

Cute read. Can't go wrong with a happy ending. Caroline is a headstrong, curious want and she definitely meets her match with her Captain.

Another great romance from Julie Wright!!  Caroline is smart and has a mind of her own with opinions to match, unfortunately that is frowned upon.  She is forced to consider an arranged marriage and must take a ship to India to meet her possible husband.  On the way she is her fun, helpful self on the ship and attracts the attention of progressive thinking Captain Scott!  Of course there are problems and misunderstandings, but that is part of the enjoyment of reading a romance novel!!

I liked this book a lot and I really liked how it delved into the gender inequality that was so prominent back then. I also found the main character relatable to this day of wanting to pretend like you are like everyone else to be liked and accepted, but I loved that she stayed true to herself. It was a fun romance and I enjoyed learning a little more about international travel at that time

4.5 

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. We got off to a bit of a rocky start, with a little too much immediate interest on one side. This gave me a bad taste, assuming things were going to fall into line and play out the same way they had in countless other similar stories. But I was wrong. While there were some over the top moments and a few cliches, Caroline is a steady, interesting character. She is capable of being wrong... and admitting it. And better, she is capable of change. I saw a lot of growth in her, through each of her relationships. I appreciated the realistic depictions of life on a ship (good, bad, and ugly) and that supporting characters had depth and shades of gray to them as well.

This was a fun journey to India. I loved Caroline Gray, I relate to her so much. I would have been her had I been born then. I love her curiosity and genuine caring for those around her. Captain Scott is a great character, with dreams and values. What a wonderful story full of adventure, misunderstanding, vicious women and cads!

Up from 4.5, needs epologue.

If the marrage mart won't come to you, go to it. A cute take on the need of a regency woman's need to be married. I loved the details and fair handling of differnt cultures. I loved how Caroline followed her concicence even when it got her in trouble.  As the title suggests the romance is with the Captain who is almost too honorable and nearly misses love becuase of it. 
The ending was a bit quick and I would have enjoed an epilogue. 
Overall nice read with a uniuqe setting. 

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Opening line:
"The ball had been a disaster." 

Thus begins the tale of poor Caroline Gray and her uncertain future, thanks to her thirst for knowledge, outspoken opinions (especially in men's company) and her male cousin becoming engaged.
With no where to go, no home to call hers, Caroline takes her mother's pleas and heads to India to have dinner with a man who might become her husband. 
The only problem is she meets Captain Thomas Scott, the captain of the ship and who Caroline has to eat dinner with, along with other passengers, every night. 
Thomas has seen his fair share of women running off to India to find a husband with disastrous results. Not everyone keeps to their religious upbringing so far from Mother England and Thomas has seen too much dereliction to last him a life time. He tries to talk the women into something better, but most are eager to find a man and are docile enough to be a perfection example of prime and proper. And blast, are they dull.
Not Miss Gray. She speaks her mind and is very knowledgeable and she finds in the captain someone who truly wants to hear her thoughts. They become close and soon Thomas is on the verge of proposing to Caroline.
Until he finds out she's promised to another. He doesn't ask her any questions, just pushes her out of his life. 
Heartbroken, Caroline moves forward with the plan to meet the man in India and find if they are compatible. She decides she will become the perfect model of a society woman and keep her thoughts locked up. She determines she will wed. 
But she's not happy.
What will happen??

Thanks to netgalley and Shadow Mountain for the early read!

A Captain for Caroline Gray had it all! If I could sum up all of the elements for the perfect novel this would be it. I love ship stories and colonial India and this book had all of that and more. The romance was perfect and Caroline was so intelligent and likable. There were even "land pirate" type characters which is always an additional bonus. This is a book I could read over and over again. I recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Interesting concept for a regency romance, something I was unaware of previously -- young, single British women sailing to India in search of British husbands living overseas. Caroline is a strong, modern-in-the-wrong-era young woman past her coming out in society and needing a husband after her father's death and his successor to the family fortune finding love and (not unkindly) casting Caroline's family out of their family home. Captain Scott is also a strong character, who appreciates Caroline's free thinking and outspoken manner. There are a lot of lively characters in this book on the ship during Caroline's journey across the ocean. I was surprised when the author chose to redeem a few characters' previous negative qualities by the end of the book. There is a lot that goes on in trying to get Caroline together with her captain. We have three different settings - England (for a brief period of time), the ship, and then in India. There is a lot of research that had to have gone into this book to deal with all the varied aspects of those settings and the time period itself, including the nautical aspects and India itself. The other books I have read by this author are all contemporary, so it was interesting and a change of pace to see how she dealt with this time period. I appreciate this author's writing style for the humor she weaves into her stories. She brings some humor into this one as well, just not to the same degree as she does in her contemporary books (all I mean is that it's just different, not that that's a bad thing). Very entertaining and a great, clean read.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved Caroline. She was a great character. She loved people and loved learning. She tried to make the best of hard situations. I wavered on liking Captain Scott. He was wise sometimes and totally clueless others. His saving grace was that he surrounded himself with good people who are loyal to him.