Beloved Captive by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Emilie Gayarre grew up in luxury, but when she left it all to help save two friends, she discovered her life was a lie. There is a stigma attached to her birth that could steal any hope for a happy future. She is content living in relative obscurity until the handsome young naval commander, Caleb Spencer, comes to her Florida key.

Caleb is seeking to redeem for the shadows in his family past, but they continue to haunt his naval career. When he meets Emilie, there is no denying the attraction, but if her mixed race heritage is found out, even greater things than his career are at risk.

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My Review:
Set in 1836, this historical romance is the sequel to Beloved Castaway. Emilie returns to her father's sick bed and is shocked to learn that Elizabeth,the woman she always thought was her mother is not her parent. Rather, her father tells her that Sylvie, his concubine, a slave, is her mother. Emilie wrestles with this truth as she plans to return to her teaching. The author does a good job of portraying the feelings of a young lady receiving such a shock.

Meanwhile, Caleb Spencer, hates his mother's side of the family because they were pirates. He wants to forget that there's any part of him that is Benning. When challenged on the high seas, though, the Benning in him comes through. Once again, the author does a good job writing this character in a believable manner.

Romances are not my favorite genre, and the ending is predicable. However, if you like historical romance novels, this is one for you to enjoy.