Phoebe Turlow thought she was doing rather well after her recent divorce. Even when she lost her job as a research assistant because the professor was retiring after forty-five years teaching. But when her dog turned traitor, running away to the ex's house, Phoebe decided she'd taken all she could take. So when she got a tacky advertisement in the mail, offering "sunshine" and "crystal blue seas," she figured there wasn't anything left to lose. She was off to two days and nights on Paradise Island-home to the infamous pirate, Duncan Rourke. Phoebe needed to get away. Where better than Paradise?

Duncan Rourke had lived during the time of the Revolutionary War. He had been branded a pirate and a traitor because he believed with all of his heart in the patriot cause. He had distanced himself from the family who adored him to keep them safe. Duncan was virtually alone, except for his crew, the servants at his island home, and his closet friend, Alex. Although being alone didn't always mean being lonely, Duncan was. Until the night he discovered an incredibly beautiful woman, one he had never seen before in his life, in his hallway!

Phoebe had been dressed for a costume party hosted by the realtor of the time-share condo vacation she was on when she stepped into a creaky old elevator. When she stepped out, however, she discovered that somehow she had traveled back in time to the year 1780. And standing right in front of her, staring at her as if she had escaped from the nearest insane asylum, was Duncan Rourke himself. After Phoebe was convinced that she wasn't dreaming the entire thing, she set about convincing Duncan she really was from the future. Although he didn't want to believe, Duncan couldn't argue with the evidence Phoebe presented. And since it didn't look like there was any way to get her back to her own time, he tried to help her adjust to his. The intense attraction they felt for each other kept them on their toes. When Phoebe ran away to Boston, Duncan tracked her down. Who would have thought that the life-threatening situation they found themselves in-hiding from the British soldiers looking for Duncan-was the perfect time to admit their love, and give in to their desires? When Duncan was injured in battle back on the island, the portal to her time opened again. Phoebe knew she had to get Duncan to a hospital. But would they ever get home again? For Phoebe knew, deep in her heart, that home was with Duncan.

Linda Lael Miller showed me once again with PIRATES why she remains a favorite author on the best-selling lists! Danger, romance, suspense and great sex-this book has it all! Phoebe and Duncan were easy to fall in love with, and the supporting characters and mini storylines in the book didn't detract from the main plot at all, which is refreshing to find.

PIRATES is a must-read for anyone interested in Time-Travel Romances! Ms. Miller blended the two eras with an enchanted pen! It is easy to see why so many people love her writing!

Reviewed by Tracy Atencio
(c) August 2004