I enjoyed reading A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright. This well-written, historical romance novel held my attention from start to finish, largely due to Caroline, an intelligent, plucky, young woman who finds herself in need of a husband and unable to live within society’s expectations for women. I loved her passion and wit as well as her personal journey throughout the story.

I found the romance in A Captain for Caroline Gray wonderfully entertaining. A steady romantic tension between Caroline and Thomas (Captain Scott) kept their relationship at the forefront of the story. Their clever banter, their attraction, and even their disagreements amused me.

A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright possessed both depth and tension, but never felt heavy, even as it addressed themes of forgiveness and truth. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy clean historical romances.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own. ( )

I’ve read and enjoyed all of Julie Wright’s contemporary novels, so a historical romance was a must-read. And a delightful escape, it was.

Caroline is intelligent and inquisitive—two things society looks down upon in a woman, but that a Captain Scott can’t help but admire. Most of the journey to India takes place with the captain and Caroline either misunderstanding or avoiding the other, but things do come together.
And then they fall apart on their approach to India. But the story doesn’t end there. Nope, instead, the plot ramps up with some danger.

For all of the hardships the two had to reach their HEA, I would have liked to spend more time with them in that phase, but overall A Captain for Caroline Gray was another great read from Wright with a different setting for a regency romance.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

A Captain for Caroline Gray is the standalone novel by Julie Wright, published by Shadow Mountain Publishing and we get to follow Caroline Gray as she reluctantly boards the Perseverance bound for Mumbai, India. As a gentlewoman encouraged by her parents to be outspoken beyond what is acceptable to Society, she has not received any offers of marriage. Caroline’s childhood home is inherited by her cousin following her father’s death and she has nowhere to go. A deal is made for Caroline to travel to India to meet Captain Barritt, without a promise to marry him. Aboard the ship she loses her heart to a different Captain and is totally unprepared for what awaits her in Mumbai.

Gentlewoman Caroline Gray is knowledgeable and outspoken. She pretty much resembles a woman of the 21st century, having a determined and strong willed attitude which puts men of her time off. I feel for her as she thinks there is something wrong with her. She cannot seem to find someone who likes her the way she is. She seems very human, which makes her my favorite of this story. I find it easy to relate to her thoughts and feelings.

Captain Thomas Scott seems grumpy and disillusioned at the beginning of the story. He transports women to India for business reasons and is convinced they will not meet their happy ever after there. He has no plans to marry, but I enjoyed how he starts to show more of his relatable and kind sides during the voyage to India.

The plot stood out as a fresh, new addition to historical romance stories set at sea. I have not read about women unable to find matches in England who travelled to India to marry. I was surprised this story even had a woman serving as cabin cleaner and chaperone to the female passengers even though crew thought that would bring bad luck. The writing had an amusing vibe and I particularly enjoyed the dialogues between Caroline and Captain Scott. Descriptions of the relationship slowly developing between Caroline and Captain Scott were my favorite part of the plot. My least favorite part was descriptions of the catty behavior of one particular female passenger. Her character seemed to have perfected every female trick of the Ton to fight for male attention and her run-ins with Caroline added excellent drama to the plot.
Readers who enjoy historical romance, particularly those set at sea, will enjoy this one. As will fans of Julie Wright. Similar authors to explore might be # Arlem Hawks or #Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen.
Thank you to #Shadow Mountain Publishing, #Julie Wright and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: A Captain for Caroline Gray is the fresh, new addition to historical romance stories set at sea. Outspoken and assertive Caroline reluctantly travels to India in hopes of someone to marry, because she puts off male members of Society. Captain Scott is busy building his business and has no plans to marry, but gets new perspectives in this entertaining story about their voyage to India. ( )

I have read about Bride Ships to Canada and Colonial American Tobacco Brides but I didn’t know about the women who chose to venture to India to seek a husband from the English officers and merchants there. Most of this book was set on the ship Persistence whose Captain is Thomas Scott. He is a bachelor seeking to change his vocation from ship captain to investing in cargo and settling down. Caroline Gray books passage to India in search of a possible marriage match after a cousin takes over the family estate. She is willing to stay in India but has promised her mother she would marry for love.
The ship voyage was realistic and interesting with moments of dangerous excitement in a storm. The real peril awaits them on land. The author captured the essence of English conversation and class distinction and aptly portrayed the inner conflict of both Caroline and Thomas. She showed their softer side in their concern for young Tom, a cook apprentice.
Check out this book for a clean, historical read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* ( )

Caroline’s three London seasons have all ended the same: no marriage proposal, no hint of a suitor, no security for the future. She is faced with only one choice: a one-way ticket to India on the chance she might find a husband there. The journey is long, and she determines she must mend her outspoken ways before she arrives. THe handsome Captain Scott makes this an impossible determination.

The premise for this was fascinating, and I wanted to love it. However, I found Caroline difficult to like. In a time when wit was celebrated, I found it hard to believe that Caroline never found a way to share her intelligence in a way that would be appreciated by others. Instead, she came across as blunt and argumentative. She wanted to be true to herself but in doing so, denied that she could better herself.

Captain Scott also behaved distantly because he was determined not to fall for any o the women in his care. So it was difficult to see why Caroline was attracted to him when he would behave coldly. He fell for her intelligence. But there is the inevitable misunderstanding that drives them away.

The story does end rather abruptly, making the slow build of their relationship frustrating. When she got to India, I found that an interesting setting, and it was well described. The supporting cast of characters were enjoyable, and I would very much like to learn more about Caroline’s kind cousin.

For readers looking for a clean, out of the norm, Regency romance, you won't go wrong with this one. I received a free copy from NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are mine. ( )