Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Blackhearts (ARC Copy)

Author: Nicole Castroman

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Blackbeard the pirate was known for striking fear in the hearts of the bravest of sailors. But once he was just a young man who dreamed of leaving his rigid life behind to chase adventure in faraway lands. Nothing could stop him—until he met the one girl who would change everything.

Edward "Teach" Drummond, son of one of Bristol's richest merchants, has just returned from a year-long journey on the high seas to find his life in shambles. Betrothed to a girl he doesn’t love and sick of the high society he was born into, Teach dreams only of returning to the vast ocean he’d begun to call home. There's just one problem: convincing his father to let him leave and never come back.

Following her parents' deaths, Anne Barrett is left penniless and soon to be homeless. Though she’s barely worked a day in her life, Anne is forced to take a job as a maid in the home of Master Drummond. Lonely days stretch into weeks, and Anne longs for escape. How will she ever realize her dream of sailing to Curaçao—where her mother was born—when she's stuck in England? 

From the moment Teach and Anne meet, they set the world ablaze. Drawn to each other, they’re trapped by society and their own circumstances. Faced with an impossible choice, they must decide to chase their dreams and go, or follow their hearts and stay.~Goodreads

THAT COVER! 

That cover is so fantastic. Forget about the story, just let me stare at this cover all day!

Pirates have a very special place in my heart. So, any story that involves or makes reference to pirates is gold—BLACKHEARTS is no exception!

This book is told from alternating points-of-view which is my absolute favorite way to get to know the characters. Anne is so strong-willed and tough and smart—she is a take no nonsense type of gal—which I adored. Then there is Teach, he is so incredibly attractive and frustrating and attractive and intelligent and bossy and did I mention attractive? Also, he was to be the captain of a ship. *THUD* 

Anne and Teach's relationship is so refreshing. They seriously frustrate the hell out of each other yet their attraction is so palpable. (When Anne reads to Teach while he was sick—oh my goodness gracious—my heart! There was nothing as sweet and romantic and SEXUALLY CHARGED.) I'm so surprised Teach was able to hold of kissing Anne as long as he did ;)

As great as this book was, I feel is was one epic set up for an even more incredible sequel. Do you know how SPECTATULAR IT WOULD BE?! It would take place on the high seas! Yes please. I'm so in for a second installment!

BLACKHEARTS is definitely a book you need to add to your TBR!