Review: A Captain For Caroline Gray

A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright

Published by Shadow Mountain on March 2021
Genres: Adult Fiction, Romance
Pages: 336
Format: eBook
Source: Publisher
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Caroline Gray would rather be daring and intelligent than demure and insipid, which is why she is still unmatched after her third season in London. Her family’s threadbare finances leave Caroline with only one choice to secure her future: sail with the Fishing Fleet to India, where the son of a family friend is willing to consider an engagement to her.

Captain Thomas Scott loves the open sea as much as he despises the three-month, twice-yearly trip his ship makes as he ferries young English girls across the ocean. He can’t imagine what family would allow an innocent young woman to be matched up with the Englishmen of questionable reputation who work and live in India.

But when Miss Gray boards the HMS Persistence, all of Captain Scott’s plans are upended. Miss Gray’s fiery spirit can’t be contained, and he is shocked and secretly delighted at her boldness—and her beauty. But the rest of his passengers aren’t so kind.

Caroline finds herself an outcast among her peers, but Captain Scott becomes an unlikely ally. They share the same passions and interests, creating an undeniable attraction. But they both know any relationship between them is impossible. After all, Caroline has obligations to fulfill in India.

Caroline has until the end of the voyage to decide if she is going to marry a man she has never met or be brave enough to love a sea captain who just might break her heart.

This was exactly what I needed.

Caroline Gray is forced to take a ship to India, one many women on the ship in search of a husband in another country. Leaving behind everything she knows, Caroline’s sharp wit and clever mind is something that seems to not be favorable in a young woman at the time. At least, until she meets the Captain who knows he shouldn’t be thinking about her at all. But can’t help it.

It’s a sweet and total romantic story about one woman’s bravery. I love Caroline. I enjoyed her observations and her intelligence, as well as being unapologetically herself. She knows she’s not like the other ladies and on some level she doesn’t care. I love how she desire to be true to herself and she speaks up about injustices. She reminds me a little of Jane Eyre.

Captain Thomas Scott is determined to have the independence he has wished for all his life. He never wanted to be a captain but he is so close to achieving his goal, he can’t let his mind be distracted by this passenger.

And so starts a battle of wills. Caroline isn’t interested in Captain Scott (yes she is) because he is so stubborn and arrogant (yep.) and he is not interested in her at all (nope) because she is so stubborn and arrogant (yep.) Sound familiar? P&P anyone?

Anyway, this clean romance is filled with colorful characters and a lot of very tender moments, not only between Scott and Caroline but also between Caroline and the other women on board. I loved seeing how those friendships blossomed over time. Scott too has good scenes with his crew, helping bring out who he really is and also adding depth to the secondary characters.

This book was a welcomed story, sweet and romantic and took me to a far off place with a little danger. The solid writing and easy reading makes this a pleasant and touching romance you’ll want to read in one sitting.