Good typical teen romance. Loved the historical pirate aspect, and great imagery and setting; also liked the colonial dialogue. Good read for teens wanting to read about first love and coming of age adventures! ( )

When seventeen-year-old Catherine Markham's parents died four years ago, it was her brother Royce who kept her going. Although Royce was twelve years older than Catherine, he became more than just her brother, he became her best friend. When Catherine learns that Royce has been lost at sea in the American Revolution, she is devastated -- until a ransom note arrives, stating that Royce is still alive and demanding money for his safe return. Determined to get from Boston to Savannah to deliver the ransom herself, Catherine convinces Royce's best friend, Derrick St. John, to take her on his ship. Just twenty-one years old, Derrick already has a past as a pirate, a past he was able to abandon with Royce's help. But he still lives with the memories of what he has done, and the knowledge that it was partly his fault his late father was falsely accused of treason. On the journey to Savannah, Catherine and Derrick fall in love, but hide their feelings from each other -- he because of his past, she because she despairs of ever becoming more than his best friend's little sister. I highly recommend this new Avon True Romance. Like the rest of the books in the series, it's a wonderful historical romance for teens. I also really loved the setting, as the colonial period has always been one of my favorites. ( )