Title: Precious Burdens
Author: Avery Sterling
Genre: Historical Romance
Blurb: Sarafina di Ramonicci sets sail for America as the promised bride in an arranged political marriage. Taken prisoner at sea, she clashes with her captor and demands freedom, only to discover he is planning her future husband’s demise, with her as a pawn in their deadly feud. The challenge of escape tests her loyalty to family, human decency, and love.
Captain Nye Tarquin is a dangerous man. Left to die on the streets of New Orleans, he swears retribution on the man responsible. When he makes Sarafina part of his plan, he isn’t prepared for the fiery vixen aboard his ship, nor his desire to claim her as his own. When passion overtakes honor, he’s torn between his heart and his need for justice.

Review:

An exciting novel with two fiery main characters, Precious Burdens reminds me very much of the works of Bertrice Small, once of my favorite historical romance authors. I really enjoyed the tension and chemistry between Sarafina and Nye, and I will certainly look for future novels by Avery Sterling!

Excerpt:

“I’m doing her a great service,” he said calmly, leaning on the arm of his chair. 

“She has no idea the kind of life she would have been subjected to.”

“What’s best isn’t for you to decide,” she shot back. “You’re so blinded by vengeance you’ve deceived yourself into thinking you’re doing something noble. Maybe there was a plan greater than her own happiness in all of this.”

“Like what?”

“Diplomacy,” she said. “An alliance between Malta and Britain.”

“There are other ways to form alliances, mistress,” he said. “I’m afraid Sarafina’s marriage was just an easier route. An excuse, even. She needn’t have sacrificed herself to the devil for benefits her people most likely wouldn’t acquire.”

“Are you her savior now?”

The captain pushed off his chair, straightening to his full height. She kept her glare locked with his, but keeping it steady was becoming as difficult as her breathing. 

“Maybe,” he said.

“That’s an absurd notion,” she scoffed.

“Is it?” he asked.

He took a step toward her, and she stepped back in unison.

Her legs hit the chair. She closed her eyes, praying he would just step aside and let her leave.

About the Author:

Avery Sterling’s love for the romance genre began in her teen years when she picked up her first novel. She was captivated by the sweeping scale of emotions brought about by the words. The experience catapulted her towards learning the art of wielding a breathtaking adventure, with a love that felt authentic. Wanting to inspire people with her own thoughts and words, she finished her first novel at sixteen. It was a step towards understanding the essence of what she wished to create. Most of her youth was spent traveling, searching out the romance and beauty in her everchanging world. From the waves that crashed against the rocky shores of Downeast, Maine, to the warm breezes of the Caribbean, she discovered that love was universal, apparent in its grandest and simplest of forms. Her goal is to write novels an audience can relate to, one that conveys the truth and nature of love… with all that steamy romance.

Links/website:

https://www.avery-sterling.com

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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19674760.Avery_Sterling

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https://www.amazon.com/author/averysterling

Giveaway:

Avery Sterling will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.