What does it take to write a perfect historical romance? Ask Darlene Marshall – she obviously knows. From the feisty and vulnerable Christine to her noble and aloof Justin, Earl of Smithton, Marshall knows her characters. Next comes an exotic locale such as colonial Florida. Add to that a dastardly villain like Uncle Cliburn Beecham, who is more than willing to force Christine into a loveless marriage. The final touch is pirates. What is a good romance without a few swashbuckling pirates?

Christine Sanders heard herself described as tall, wide, spotty, and with big brown eyes – a lot like a cow – by her future husband. She has doubts about the whole marriage thing, but this settles it for her. The only problem is that marriage is the only way to get away from her greedy uncle and gain some semblance of freedom. All she wants is for things to go back to the way they were when her father was alive. When she was able to hunt, fish, fence, and sail her boat. Christine hopes to meet someone that isn't put off by her six foot height. Obviously, this Earl isn't the one.

Justin wasn’t thrilled about the idea of an arranged marriage but it is what he needs to do to save Delerue Shipping. Even Peter Marlowe, his best friend, doesn't know that only marriage to Christine will save his family’s business. He is ready to marry, do his duty, and hide his new wife at his country estate. What he is unaware of is that Christine only acts like she is a willing bride. There seems to be no way out for Christine, but to take drastic actions which included leaving her husband on her wedding night after drugging and robbing him. Her only port of safety is to turn to her father’s dear friend, Julius Davies, retired pirate. From there Christine encounters various blackguards, pirates, and assorted interesting characters, including her husband. On the way, she tries to decide what she really wants out of life.

Pirate’s Price is superb. The dialogue is fast and witty. The misunderstandings and disguises are vastly amusing. The chemistry is believable and authentic. It is nice to have a heroine a reader can identity with. Way to go, Darlene. I am very stingy with the points – but this book is a perfect 10. I predict great things for Darlene Marshall. My only advice is to write more — soon.