Made the Grade: The Bastard / Honor Bound by Brenda Novak

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 372; Kindle Edition - File Size: 501 KB | Expected Release Date: November 01, 2011 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Bastard" by Brenda Novak (Note: "Honor Bound" is another name for "The Bastard.")

My Book Summary : Lieutenant Treynor was born the bastard son of the Marchioness of Bedford so her was given to a poor farmer to raise and was mistreated in there care. Therefore, once he was fourteen years old he set off to the navy where he has risen in the ranks, and has hopes of becoming a Captain soon. However, one French aristocrat might just ruin him and his career forever ....

Jeannette Boucher is a young French aristocratic beauty whose family is now penniless since they escaped France during the war. Her family and she are now living as poor relations to their cousin Lord Darby, so for her family's welfare she gets married to a rich old gentleman, the Baron St. Ives, who just happens to be older then her father. However, for her family's happiness she is willing to marry him even if he grosses her out.

Yet the one thing she isn't willing to do be compromised just so her impotent husband can have an heir. Therefore, she runs away on her wedding night with the plan of arriving in London and getting her marriage annulled. But when her plans on getting to London go array and she finds herself pretending to be a boy on a naval ship. Jeannette will have to do what it takes to keep herself alive and unharmed if she ever plans to accomplish her final goals.

Will Jeannette be able to keep up with the men on the ship? Will she be able to accomplish everything that needs to be done for her to get to London in one piece or will she just loose her heart in the process?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this fast-paced historical romance keeps you on your toes! I really liked Jeannette and Treynor!! They are a very stubborn couple, who both make sure everyone around them is treated well. Jeannette was a unique character. Because in the beginning of this book she plays the role of high aristocrat perfectly but throughout the book, she develops into someone who, even if she can't keep up with the boys, she finds her own way to do the things she needs to do to survive in the naval world she through herself into.

This book was not what I expected. Nevertheless, I liked reading it because it's new take on the "girl hides on a naval ship" theme. Especially since, it was so different from "Almost a Scandal" which I recently read. However, I did enjoy this novel even though it was so different.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical romance novels!!

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : When We Touch

Book Teaser(s) :

An increase in activity, evidenced by the tramping of numerous feet and the hum of voices, sent fear prickling down Jeannette's spine. Treynor had to have told the captain about her by now. Were they searching for her? Would they postpone their departure on her account?
Surely a runaway wife was insignificant when compared to the mission of a frigate, especially during war.
But her husband was a very powerful man.... ~ within Chapter 9

"Is this your surprise?"
"It is."
"Is it seawater?"
"No. Sweet and fresh."
She knew those caskets were inaccessible to most. "Whom did you bribe?"
"Everyone," Treynor said simply.
"I must say you were right. I would do anything for a bath."
"Anything?" He cocked an eyebrow at her.
"Almost anything."
"Then a kiss should not be too much to ask. A kiss for first bathing rights."
A kiss? Dared she accept? ~ within Chapter 13

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Brenda, then please check out her website.