SIREN’S SONG – Trish Albright
Leisure Historical
ISBN-10: 0-8439-6086-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-8439-6086-0
July 2008
Historical Romance

Morocco and England – 1787, 1790

Alexandra Stafford is led up to the auction block of the slave market in Morocco protesting loudly that she has been kidnapped. She tries to tell everyone that she is American, a free woman, but her protests fall on deaf ears as Reginald Paxton drags her forward. Paxton has been hunting for a map that he thinks Alex possesses. Joshua Leigh is in the audience. He is a trader and does not want to get involved, but when he sees the woman kicking and screaming, he knows he must help her. A daring rescue ensues, and he returns her to her sea-faring family. She gives him her favorite ring and tells him if he ever presents the ring, her family will grant him a favor.

Alexandra tells her father that Paxton questioned her about a map and the prophecy of Kelile was mentioned. Her father cautions her and her brothers to not talk about the prophecy which tells of untold riches. Many people have died because of it. Later, Alex takes out the astrolabe and a carpet which the old woman, Kelile, gave to her. The carpet seems to tell a story, but she hasn’t told her family about it. Could it be the map that Paxton is looking for?

When Alex's father does not return from the sea, Alex goes to England and stays with her aunt. The Duke of Worthington, Joshua Leigh, arrives in England after a three-year absence. When Alex and Joshua meet again, the attraction sizzles between them, but Alex is not interested in marriage. She is more concerned about the evil Paxton and how to thwart his desire for the treasure map. Birdie, Alex's first mate, brings stories of Paxton still looking for the map around the world, and killing anyone who stands in his way. Will he find Alex and the map?

Alexandra is a daring young woman who has captained one of her father’s ships -- she is proficient at using guns, swords, and whips. She lives an adventurous life and is not afraid to protect herself by any means available. Danger seems to follow her, and she gets into one scrape after another with Joshua on her heels, ready to save the day. Joshua has recently come into his inheritance and is now a duke. He is a good match for the feisty Alex, and the dialogue between them is delightful. Emma, Alex’s dear friend, her brothers and friend Marcus also get involved in Alex’s escapades and complement the tale. The pacing in SIREN’S SONG is excellent -- the story moves along at a fast clip with well-rounded characters.

Readers who enjoy a book with a lot of excitement and a stunning romance are going to enjoy this romantic adventure which is a Golden Heart Award Finalist. There is never a dull moment in this action-filled novel. Although it is Ms. Albright’s first book, she writes like a veteran. Don’t miss SIREN’S SONG for an exciting reading experience.

Marilyn Heyman