Excerpt

"I have no desire to ensnare your heart or any other. Tiny was simply kind, and I--" Alexandra forgot what she was about to say as Nathaniel's lips replaced his thumb at her nape.

"I'm your sister," she gasped, trying to whirl away. But her words sounded unconvincing, even to herself, and he easily restrained her.

Turning her to face him, he asked, "Are you?" His eyes glimmered with a light Alexandra had never seen there before as he moved closer, so close that his sweet-smelling breath fanned her cheek. "Would my sister let me touch her like a lover? Kiss the slim column of her throat?"

His head bent to follow the suggestion of his words and, for Alexandra, the world stopped revolving. Swaying toward him, she could think of little besides the yearning to feel his mouth on hers.

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Reviews

"An absorbing, fast-paced romance....Don't miss this wonderful debut."

Jo Beverley
Author

"A passionate romance...exciting...unforgettable."

Amanda Scott
USA Today Best Selling Author of
Highland Secrets and Highland Treasure

"Impressive...this novel has all the elements a reader craves: delicious family secrets, high seas adventure, and a passionate love story. Read and enjoy."

Susan Wiggs
Best Selling Author of The Charm School

"Interesting and entertaining characters who embark on a great adventure. Brenda Novak is a fresh new writer to watch."

Kat Martin
Author

"Brenda Novak has crafted an inventive debut novel - original, exciting, fast-paced and shining with potential. Readers will adore Nathaniel and Alexandra, taking them into their hearts while eagerly awaiting Ms. Novak's next romance.  This is an author destined for stardom."

Kathe Robin
Romantic Times Magazine
[Also, look for Nathaniel as the K.I.S.S. (Knight in Shining Silver) Hero of the Month in the December 1999 issue of Romantic Times.]

"Brenda Novak has made a bright beginning...This book smokes with erotic tension between the handsome pirate captain and his hostage.  You won't be able to put it down until that smoke is fanned into flame."

Nan H. Doporto
Affaire de Coeur

"Ms. Novak is a refreshing new voice in this genre. Her first novel is a fast moving tale about hate, vengeance, and the wondrous power of love to heal all wounds. With its engaging characters and excellent plot, Of Noble Birth has all the elements of a keeper."

Darlene Kendall
Rendezvous

"I loved Of Noble Birth! It was riveting and compelling. I was truly taken with the characters, the history and the places. This book is so well written and descriptive that I suffered from seasickness during the storm, clutching fear while trapped in the brothel, lice in prison and a tearing apart of my heart when Alexandra and Nathaniel are parted. There's so much more I could say but I'm still recovering from my fictional adventures and can't go further!

"I applaud and envy Brenda Novak for being able to write such a wonderful book her first time out. Of Noble Birth is a real keeper! Don't miss this great book and remember Brenda's name as she is really going places!"

Maureen Ditri
Rhapsody Magazine

"Stunningly romantic, full of passion and laced with extreme elements of surprise, Of Noble Birth goes beyond a reader's expectations into the spectacular world of romantic fiction.

"The roller coaster ride is spectacular. You'll laugh and cry with Nathaniel and Alexandra and all they are forced to endure before they can be together. Look for this brilliant debut author, Brenda Novak, with Of Noble Birth's release in October."

Pam Tullos
Romance Reader on the Run

"Brenda Novak makes a notable debut with this romantic, action-packed swashbuckler. The passion between Nathaniel and Alexandra is steamy, and their personalities are so well described they will seem like old friends of yours. My favorite character, Nathaniel, is full of hatred for the Duke, but it's satisfying to see how his love for Alexandra changes his outlook. Of Noble Birth's classic plot has many twists and turns to keep readers intrigued, and the well-researched naval battles add to the adventure and excitement. Although there is one scene involving an amputation that some may find disturbing, it isn't graphic. If you enjoy captive/captor romances and adventure on the high seas, let yourself be swept away by Brenda Novak's Of Noble Birth."

Bookbug on the Web

"This novel has everything--romance, intrigue, and exciting characters. . .The secondary characters were valuable to the plot and added much to the story line. I know you will enjoy Of Noble Birth."

Catherine Fleischman
AOL Romance Reviews

"An exceptional and charming tale full of action and adventure! This is the author's debut novel. I will not be surprised when I see the name Brenda Novak on the bestseller list! Highly recommended!"

Detra Wilson Fitch
Huntress Book Reviews

"...This saga-like novel showcased the author's painstaking period research and her strict adherence to historical accuracy. The nicest touch was the bittersweet final chapter in which the hero and heroine's happy ending is shadowed by the pain and loss of a love too lately realized and regretted. A good read for this new author's debut."

Heather Heath
Old Book Barn Gazette

"Of Noble Birth is a lush and exquisite historical romance. There is a great deal more to this book and this reviewer could ramble on for days about the intricacy of the plot but I don't want to spoil anything.

"Novak has woven a tight, fast-paced read using some historical detail but not enough to drag the plot to a halt. Her characterizations are wonderful and watching the transformation of this couple is something you don't want to miss. Of Noble Birth is very highly recommended by this reviewer."

Lisa Hamilton
The Book Nook & CompuServe Romance Reviews

"I stayed up until 2:30 in the morning to finish this book because I didn't want to put it down. Two days and another book later, these characters and the story line is still in my mind. Talk about a great book! The description was colorful, vivid, so full of the sights and sounds and smells, I could have been there. Nathaniel, wow, by no means was he hindered by his disability. He was more efficient with one arm then most of the men were with two. His contrasts-caring about the heroine and his crew, yet so completely capable of deadly violence. He's a character that will stay with me for a long, long time-one I'll never forget. And talk about a nasty villain! With family like the Duke and Nathaniel's half-brother Jake, who needs enemies? If you're looking for rich historical settings, danger, intrigue, adventure and, of course, happily ever after, run out and grab Of Noble Birth. This one will earn a place on your keeper shelf. It has mine." 

Lisa Ramaglia
Scribes World Reviews