Book Review #theseasirenofbroadwaterbottom #courtneymccaskill #ARCreader #historicalromance #theastleychronicles #mustreadromance
Courtney McCaskill is a must read historical romance author for me. I have absolutely adored her books and this series. She is able to imbue a feeling of newness to each of these novels in a really lovely way that they all stand really well on their own merit. McCaskill's writing has a comfortable familiarness to the tone, which is accessible, and really easy to engage with. Her stories and characters are well rounded and I am swiftly drawn into the movement as well as endeared to both the hero and heroine. With each new installment of this series I have been able to see McCaskill's skill grow and expand in really lovely ways, her prose is charming and beautiful and really resonates with me. If you have not picked up a Courtney McCaskill novel yet, please do yourself a favor, any of her three novels are definitely worth the read, and I am sure you will want to devour the others.
The Sea Siren of Broadwater Bottom is the third novel by Courtney McCaskill and in this story we are introduced to two charming characters that are the absolute perfect match for the other. Elissa is prone to disaster but brilliant of mind and caring of heart. She is the secret translator of a classical work that has taken people by storm and prompted a competition that will grant the competitors the knowledge of her identity. Edward is a viscount, whose younger brother has wagered on him to win the competition being hosted by his former stomping grounds-Oxford. These two chance to meet again while Elissa is trapped in the middle of a pond during a thunderstorm while Edward is out calling on his former tutor, who happens to be Elissa's father.
If you are looking for a sweet, low angst romance between two people who can meet on an intellectual level, then this is the novel for you. Elissa is such a charming heroine, she is brilliant, she is hard working, she respects herself and knows her value, she is a wonderful listener, and she is open hearted. Edward is also a lovely hero, he is noble, he is kind, he is soft hearted, he is smart, and he is so attached to Elissa's spirit and mind. I love the softness of this novel, McCaskill builds their relationship with lovely moments that take place out in the country. McCaskill is able to weave together humor and charm, with an underlining growing sensuality that gives a wonderful feeling of understanding, trust and truly seeing the other person. I adore the way McCaskill employs Edward and Elissa's families in their schemings to help to put these two in proximity of each other, because their longing glances are not lost on everyone. It is in the sweet moments, soft touches and meeting of minds that Elissa and Edward are able to build a solid foundation of communication which drives their relationship. And McCaskill uses this to the advantage of the story and the driving force of their romance. Because their communication skills are so strong, the reader can see what a great partnership these two will have, because they listen to each other, they understand each other, and even if they might disagree they do not hold that against the other.
On top of the sweetness and openness of their romance, McCaskill also builds a lovely sensuality between these two. I love the fact that they are both virgins. I love the fact that even though they are virgins they both are very aware of their own bodies and that within their classical reading they both know ways to explore their own bodies as well as the other's. I love the kindness, caring, and consensual nature of their physical relationship. They are both able to explore the physical side of their romance together in a really open and honest way which is so endearing and sexy. The reader can see the true trust that Elissa and Edward have built with each other in these moments and it is so romantic.
This country set romance is the perfect read for a cosy day, you will easily be swept up in the delightful setting, you will be charmed by the supporting characters and you will be romanced by an openhearted couple. I so highly recommend this novel, Courtney McCaskill, and all her previous novels in this series.
Thank you so much to Courtney McCaskill for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.