What is it about bad boys? I’m not interested in a real life bad boy but give me a dashing pirate or roguish earl in a novel and I’m a happy reader. In Captain Merric, Edward is undoubtedly a wrong ‘un, he’s a bed hopping pirate, but he is also a brooding character and he’s nursing a bruised heart.

I wondered what it is that attracts us to these characters? Is it because we hope they are redeemable, that a bad boy has a heart of gold underneath the snark and posture? Is the role of alpha male and us wanting to be swept off our feet and carried away into the sunset causing our love of these fellas?

There must also be something in the mystery of such men. They aren’t forthcoming with their feelings, often stubborn and not willing to back down from a challenge. So maybe it’s because when you (or the love interest in a book) are able to break down these barriers you get a sense of real achievement.

Daniel, the naval officer in Captain Merric, isn’t impressed by Edward’s attempts to win him over, nor his reputation as an infamous pirate, so Edward can’t use this as way to battle down Daniel’s defences. Edward really has his work cut out from himself, but he knows from past experiences that Daniel is most definitely worth it!

Drop a comment below to tell me why you love (or not) pirates or other bad boys, and be entered into the giveaway to win a copy of an ebook from my backlist (excluding the Crofton Chronicles bundle).

Daniel almost fell over his feet at the sight in front of him. He knew these islands were beautiful, had seen things he would never have imagined before leaving England, but now he was staring at a little piece of paradise. He was drawn towards the blue-green pool. A cascade of water pouring over moss-covered rocks caused a gentle haze to spread across the surface. “Oh my Lord.”

“My favourite place—it’s easy enough to believe that no other man has set eyes upon it. Few venture up here, content to stay close the pleasures offered in the town.”

“Then they are idiots of the first order.”

“Come on!”

Before Daniel could stop him, Edward had grabbed his hand and dragged him towards the water. He managed to dig his heels in to stop Edward tumbling them both into the pool. “Are you mad?”

“What? The water is warm and wonderful.” Edward tugged him forwards.

Edward was a menace. In reality, Daniel knew it would not take too much persuasion to get him into the water, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to make it easy for Edward. “We are fully clothed.”

“That can be rectified.” Edward pulled off his boots, hopping inelegantly, almost losing his balance, but he managed to remain upright.

Daniel swallowed thickly as Edward stripped away the layers. His legs were strong and muscular, and his bare shoulders broad. He was down to his linen drawers, and Daniel had to admit the years had been kind to Edward, skin sun-kissed and inviting, and Daniel had to stop himself from reaching out.

Edward cast a seductive smirk over his shoulder and waded into the pool towards the waterfall. “You coming?”

“I… er….”

“You won’t get this in England.”

Oh, how true that was, and it was not just the pool but the man in it. He had spent his life obeying orders, doing his duty, and maybe he should allow himself this small thing. His mind made up, Daniel stripped and followed Edward into the water. If he’d known he would spend his afternoon in a tropical pool, he would not have bothered with taking a bath. Edward was nearly at the falls, and Daniel took a moment to admire the view. Edward had always been attractive—he’d had a physical presence that made men and women gravitate towards him.

A tale of pirates, lost love, and the fight for a happy ending.


After he’s set adrift and left to die by his mutinous crew, the last person Royal Navy officer Daniel Horton expects to come to his rescue is Captain Merric. An infamous pirate, Merric is known as much for stealing his victims’ hearts as their jewels. Daniel’s world is about to be turned upside down when he recognises Captain Merric as none other than Edward Merriston, someone he thought he’d never see again.
Edward can’t believe Daniel Horton is aboard his ship. While Edward is willing to do anything he can to get a second chance at their happy ending, Daniel isn’t interested in digging up the past. But Daniel is one priceless treasure Captain Merric isn’t about to let go of without a fight.


Captain Merric first appeared as short story in a pirate-themed anthology. Now completely rewritten and extended he is ready to set sail again.

April 6 – Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
April 9 – Open Mind For A Different View
April 10 – The Novel Approach
April 11 – Cupcakes & Bookshelves, Making It Happen
April 12 – Diverse Reader
April 13 – Two Chicks Obsessed
April 14 – MM Good Book Reviews
April 16 – My Booked Filled Life, Mirrigold: Mutterings & Musings, Velvetpanic, BooksLaidBareBoys, Bayou Book Junkie
April 17 – Love Bytes

Rebecca Cohen is a Brit abroad. Having swapped the Thames for the Rhine, she has left London behind and now lives with her husband and young son in Basel, Switzerland. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and a cup of Darjeeling in the other.


Blog: http://rebeccacohenwrites.wordpress.com/
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