Serena Carlyle knows her shy younger sister would be happiest if she marries close to her own home, so who better than their neighbor, the Earl of Savage? Serena has her own agenda, as well. The depredation of a new band of smugglers is endangering those who live in the village and no one in authority will listen to a woman, however sensible. If she can convince Alex Savage of the validity of her concerns, he can take action. If only she could find the pirate Redstone, known for helping those in need despite his piratical ways, he would be able to pinpoint the interloping smugglers and put them to the sword as they deserved. At the ball where Alex is to be presented to gentle Charity she goes in search of the Earl only to be discovered by a stranger in a darkened room and kissed senseless.

Alex Savage knew after one brief exchange that Charity Carlyle was not likely to be the bride he needed, but he was intrigued to find her older sister was the same passionate bundle he'd plundered just moments ago. Although finding a bride was definitely a duty he must fulfill, he had greater burdens on his mind, like his brother Aaron, wounded in body and spirit by the war and Alex's own hidden life as the dread pirate Redstone. Since the war's end, the Royal Navy was taking a closer interest in matters at home, and it was becoming more and more difficult to avoid capture.

CAPTURED BY A ROGUE LORD is peopled by interesting characters in an interesting time and location. It was a solid casual romantic read made powerful through Ashe's skillful writing. I would not hesitate to pick up any of her other books, as her gift with description and dialogue guarantees hours spent immersed in another time and place.

Book Summary

Serena Carlyle dreams of a happily ever after. Firmly upon the shelf at twenty-five, instead she's determined to find the perfect match for her beautiful younger sister. What better prospect than their neighbor, the wealthy, rakishly handsome Earl of Savege? Now Serena can beg his help in halting a local band of smugglers. Then, one night, stealing away from yet another disappointing ball, Serena finds herself trapped alone with a stranger...

His kiss was irresistible, his caress unforgettable, and he hids a devastating secret. A Robin Hood upon the sea, Alex Savege is the brazen pirate Redstone, seizing the yachts of spoiled noblemen to settle an old debt. Serena needs a hero, but her heart is in the greatest danger -- for it is soon to be captured by a man as skilled at seduction as he is at plunder.