Avery’s Treasure

Kate Dolan
Zumaya Publications (2007)
ISBN 9781934135662
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/07)

Arleigh Avery, sometimes Bridgeman, is heiress to an ill-begotten treasure.  After her father obtains it, he changes his name and tries to live inconspicuously on an island.  When trouble comes to the island, her father hires someone to take Arleigh to a safe island that is inhabited by nuns.  This does not suit her plans at all.  She wants to go in search of her father’s treasure.  She has a map that she believes will lead her to it.  Posing as a man, she gets a job as a ship hand on a pirate’s ship.  It doesn’t take too long before they figure out who she is and they know that she has a map to the treasure.  Not being your typical heiress, Arleigh knows how to satisfy a man, and uses her abilities to her advantage. 

Charles, a minister, who was sent in search of Arleigh, is intentionally stranded on an island that is only inhabited by one individual, Dominique.  While appearing to be fiercely independent, Dominique is actually quite vulnerable and finds herself drawn to Charles.  When, by chance, Arleigh shows up on the island, Arleigh intends to seduce Charles into helping her.  To Dominique’s dismay, he falls for it.  

The adventure continues as the crew go in search of a quick means for wealth.  Many of their attempts are humorously thwarted, but they continue to try.  Captain Talbot, a pirate, seems to be developing an interest in Dominique.  She has to figure out if she can overcome her attraction to Charles who now believes he is married to Arleigh.  Meanwhile, Dominique and Arleigh find themselves forming an unlikely, but entertaining friendship.

“Avery’s Treasure” was an adventure to read.  I loved that the female heroines were not the typical virginal, historical romance characters.  Arleigh is an experienced female that knew what to do to get what she wants.  Dominique, who appears to be more innocent, in spite of living like a savage on an island, shows a great deal of strength and character in her ability to survive on her own.  The men seem to vacillate between being cold-hearted pirates and men that are trying to do what’s right.  This adds to the fun, especially when they choose to be bad.

“Avery’s Treasure” is a must read for historical romance fans.  It would be a blast to read and discuss in romance readers’ groups.  While there is some sex in the book, the acts are more referred to than overly done or described, so nobody should be offended.  Ms. Dolan uses humorous touches that will bring a smile to your face as you read about the pirate’s misadventures.  “Avery’s Treasure” is definitely a book not to be missed.

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