The Pirate Next Door [Mass Market Paperback]

Every romance needs a wonderful, feisty heroine and Jennifer Ashley gives her reader Alexandra Alastair. Alexandra Alastair is a very demure English lady; yet, under all "the proper" is an adventuresome spirit. Mrs. Alastair is a widow who vows this time she will not repeat the same indignity suffered during her first marriage. No, this time she will pick a husband with excellent qualities - namely faithfulness. She will pick out a man who will be a faithful husband and an excellent father - for Alexandra Alastair wants a child. Once upon a time, she carried a baby and the aching, painful memories still linger. So this time, Alexandra will follow an outlined "husband" list carefully . . . follow it . . . carefully . . . until . . . the very interesting Grayson Finley moves in next door.

As a lad, Grayson Finley, the Viscount Stoke, disappeared from England. Now, he is back, unmarried with a twelve-year-old daughter! He is gloriously handsome sporting a devil-may-care attitude. Scandalously, he does not dress like the other gentlemen on Alexandra's "husband" list! Luridly, he runs around town in a loose greatcoat, worn casually over a simple shirt and tight breeches. Why even his leather boots are disgraceful - they ride high - high on his robust thighs. His sun-bronzed skin speaks of lands far removed from England, and this only enhances the rampant rumors - the Viscount Stoke is an unsafe pirate! Nevertheless, he is interesting and Alexandra Alastair is shockingly interested!

To be sure, THE PIRATE NEXT DOOR is not a book taken too seriously. It is an amusing story about a very proper English lady, re-examining and experiencing her sexual fantasies. Ashley's sprinkling of purple prose highlights the fun and creates a delightful campy read. Although THE PIRATE NEXT DOOR is not one of the "best books ever," it is however a "really good book." The story's flaw . . . the so-called "monkey wrench" thrown in at the end. This "surprise" plot twist was not necessary. Ashley's playful story has enough conflict with Grayson's nemesis, James Ardmore and his motley crew of pirates. Nothing more was required . . .
Grade: B+

MaryGrace Meloche.

What happens when a lady of breeding finds her new next door neighbor is a pirate? Does she turn a stiff upper lip to the goings on and continue with her predictable life, or does she jump in with both feet and by doing so turns her life upside down and sideways? Yes, you guessed it Alexandrea is not a water and milk miss and is done living her boring life! She is contemplating her suitor list (she is a widow and the first time down the aisle was less then spectaculare, she was married to rake and he was not discreet to say the least!) when she overhears a commontion next door. Going against her better judgement she races over with her footman, and cook in tow and rescues the dashing and handsome new Viscount Stokes. What's the first thing he does after being rescued by Ms. Alastair? If you said thank you you would be wrong, he kisses her senseless, and then introduces her to his 12 year old daughter...then he askes his new neighbor to sleep without any cloths just for him.

Grayson Finley is without a doubt a pirate from the top of his blonde head to the tip of his black thigh high boots. He must give up his pirating days now because he is a father, and he has made a deal with the devil (Bad guy American pirate huneter Ardmore) and a deal with the British Government to help the exiled King of France. What he does not have time for is his lovely nextdoor neighbor and the feeling he gets just remembering her untried kiss! Problem is Alexandra does not know how to stay out of trouble and somehow always manages to end up in the thick of things surrounding his problem!

This was a fun and easy read. This book was filled with engaging characters both primary and secondary, and plenty of twist and turns. Humor, and chemistry spiced up the pages so you won't be bored! I think the Ms. Ashely is an author we should continue to watch.