Throwback Thursday: Bride of the Wind by Heather Graham

Author: Heather Graham writing as Shannon Drake
First published in 1992 by Avon
Re-issued by Open Road Media in June 2012

The daughter of a wealthy Virginia planter, Lady Rose Woodbine curses fate for leading her to the court of the British King Charles—and into an unwanted marriage with the handsome and dangerous Lord Pierce DeForte. His desire for Rose blinded Pierce to the dangerous machinations of his enemies. Banished from England, he lives the life of a pirate—seeking vengeance on those who betrayed him, including the woman he once called his wife. Pierce, now feared as the notorious pirate Dragonslayer, captures a ship carrying Rose. Once his bride, now his prisoner, she’s determined to escape from him once and for all. 

I haven't read many of Heather Graham's romances written under the pen name Shannon Drake.  If you like "bodice-ripper romances" you will definitely like Bride of the Wind.  I will admit to almost putting this book down.  I didn't like Pierce in the beginning.  His behavior toward Rose is atrocious. I detested the scene where he forces himself on her when he thinks she has betrayed him.  I know you have to take the time period in which this book was written, but forcing your spouse to have sex with you is rape.  

I did stick with the book though.  If I ignored that one scene, I ended up liking the story.  I felt like Pierce redeemed himself and his feelings for Rose were genuine.  There are a few exciting scenes on the high seas. There are also a few amusing scenes with Pierre and his "pirate crew".   In all, it's not a bad throwback to try out.