Ecstasy’s Conquest, the second Zebra historical romance by Kay McMahon, might not be the best book ever written. It is, however, a far more enjoyable read than its predecessor, McMahon’s first novel, Passion’s Slave.
Rating:
Published: 1984
Illustrator: Walter Popp
Imprint or Line: Zebra Historical Romance
Book Series: Remington Family #2
Published by: Kensington
Genres: Historical Romance, Pirate Romance, Regency Era Romance
Pages: 555
Format: Paperback
Buy on: Amazon, AbeBooks
Reviewed by: Blue Falcon
TOTAL SPOILER ALERT ⚠
The Book
I really didn’t like Kay McMahon’s Passion’s Slave, primarily because the “hero,” Beau Remington, raped the heroine, Alanna Bainbridge–and no, I cannot just get past that. That book’s sequel, Ecstasy’s Conquest, is a far better book, which surprised me greatly.
At the end of Passion’s Slave, the protagonists, Alanna and Beau, had a daughter named Victoria. She is the heroine of this Zebra historical romance.
AFFILIATE LINK: GET PASSION’S SLAVE AT AMAZON- HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE!
The Plot
Ecstasy’s Conquest begins with Melissa Bensen, an old friend of the Remington family. In the first book, she maneuvered to have Alanna kidnapped, as well as being responsible for the actions leading to the death of Beau’s best friend.
Now she is plotting a scheme of revenge against both Alanna and Beau. Melissa has thrown her lot in with the British in their efforts to retake the U.S. for the Crown.
Because of the threat to the colonies, Beau and Alanna have decided to send Victoria away to France by ship in hopes of keeping her safe. This turns out to be a bad decision, as Victoria’s ship is attacked by pirates, and everyone on the ship is either killed or raped and killed.
Victoria survives by disguising herself as a cabin boy. Later, her kidnappers lose her in a card game to Dru Chandler, another pirate. Dru at first decides to ransom Victoria back to her family for money, but as time goes on, they eventually become attracted to each other.
When Dru does bring Victoria back to her family, her father and his men attack his ship. This results in the deaths of several members of Dru’s crew. Dru is captured and taken to prison, where he is beaten, starved, and sentenced to hang. This is because Victoria lies to her father and claims that Dru raped and kidnapped her–neither of which is the truth.
Eventually, with the help of his remaining crew, Dru escapes from prison. He later helps Beau break up the plot to plant a British spy against the colonists. In the end, he finds his father and manages to convince Victoria that he loves her, and she loves him.
They go on and live happily ever after.
The Upside
Ecstasy’s Conquest is not the best book I’ve ever read, but it’s definitely better than McMahon’s Passion’s Slave.
The Downside
Victoria is a spoiled brat who lies to protect herself, which results in Dru being jailed for something he didn’t do.
In addition, it’s weird how the characters spend a good deal of time looking out windows before responding to things–but that complaint is a bit nitpicky.
Sex
There are quite a few sex scenes in Ecstasy’s Conquest, but they are mostly lyrical than sensual. What I mean by that is the focus is on the feelings of the act rather than a graphic description of what is going on.
Steam Factor: Warm and Emotional
Violence
There are acts of violence: rapes, murders, beatings, and shootings, but none are described in graphic detail.
Bottom Line on Ecstasy’s Conquest
Kay McMahon’s sequel to her first romance, Passion’s Slave, is a lot better than I expected it to be. Granted, Ecstasy’s Conquest is not a particularly special book, but it’s good enough to read.
| Rating Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Plot | |
| Characters | |
| Writing | |
| Chemistry | |
| Fun Factor | |
| Cover | |
| Overall: | 3.5 |
Synopsis
Lovely Victoria Remington couldn’t believe this was happening to her — she’d been won in a card game by a devilish rogue of a pirate! Just days ago she’d been the pampered belle of Raven Oaks plantation. But as she looked into the steel-blue eyes of her handsome captor, she knew her old life was gone forever. And when she felt the warmth of his body next to hers, his passionate kiss, his gentle touch, she couldn’t help but yield her innocence to this strange, magnetic man.
HER LOVE SEARED HIS SOUL
Dashing Captain Dru Chandler thought he knew just what was happening when he took the wench as his winnings. Anyone could see she was a beauty — despite her attempt to disguise herself as a wretched cabin boy. But when he finally held her in his arms, kissed her trembling lips, caressed her silken curves, he knew he had gotten much more than he’d bargained for. This was one woman he’d never be able to forget — now that he’d made her Ecstasy’s Conquest.
Ecstasy’s Conquest by Kay McMahon