The characters are engaging. The setting is intoxicating. The story is engrossing. The writing is exquisite. There isn\\\'t an aspect of this book, from the cover, to the title, to the writing that I didn\\\'t adore. The story-line has substance and wit, while the characters work their way directly into your heart. This one goes down as an all time favorite book.

Our library book club members liked this culinary pirate adventure love story so much they bought copies for friends. The writing is wonderful and evocative.

Food and pirates works surprisingly well in this sometimes funny, sometimes scary, sometimes poignant tale of a kidnapped chef and the female pirate who keeps him ala Scherazade until he can no longer make a meal that tantalizes her taste buds. Of course the problem of missing ingredients (what pirate ship carries fresh herbs and truffles?) and a cramped and skimpy kitchen make his dilemma interesting. Chef Owen and Pirate Hannah are clearly drawn characters you will like. The supporting pirate crew is equally well drawn. Life aboard ship is made plain.
The plot also concerns the opium trade with China and the scoundrel British captains who control it. The enemy pirate – The Fox – turns out to be related to Hannah in more ways than one. The final battles are tense with the final ‘winner” difficult to guess.
A good outing for a debut author. I look forward to his next book.
4 of 5 stars

I loved this book! It was so different from any other book I've read recently. It was fun, fast paced, interesting, unusual characters and I loved the ending! I'm eager for,our book club meeting to see how the other members liked this book.

I really enjoyed this story. It was more than I expected it to be and I connected with the characters.