David Archer, a Lieutenant in His Majesty’s Navy, and a gentleman of Regency Society, loves his shipmate, Lt. William Marshall. But as an officer in the year of 1796, it is taboo to love another man and no captain wishes a sodomy trial aboard his ship. David feels if he were to confess his true feelings, to the brave gentleman, that it would only be met with disgust. He doesn’t wish to lose his good friendship with William, so he keeps his secret quiet.

William loves the Royal Navy and he has always put it ahead of any romance as he pushes on to gain a great reputation as an upcoming officer. After the two naval officers are kidnapped by a callous pirate who enjoys torturing his captives, David and William are cast into close confinement. As the two find a way to survive, William begins to feel a strong attraction for David. He tries to push the feelings away but is it impossible with each passing day. David intents on finding a way to protect the man he loves, at any price. As they search for an escape route, David finally allows his love for William to surface, by revealing his secret. If they find a way to freedom again, they know their actions are still challenged with punishable death with the Articles of War in the Royal Navy but for now, just a few moments together in each others arms, makes them stronger to try to find a way to be together always.

Ransom is a book that holds the reader’s attention and even though this is my first book of this nature of historical fiction, with a homosexual theme, it did have its perks where the characters practically spring forth and transcend the pages. Lee Rowan paints two men with genuine emotion and heartfelt desires. It is a time where men are not able to express their true feelings for each other. David and William have promised to protect their country and countrymen in a time of war, yet these same men that they have promised to protect and serve seek to destroy the one love that the two men have found with each other in a time where such illicit acts mean death. Now they must find a way to show when love enters the heart, the act of love holds no prejudices to anything or anyone. Lee Rowan takes a sensitive piece of the years past and creates a story that gives the reader much thought.


Reviewed by: Linda L