A fun historical romance! It is part of a series, which I did not realize stating out. Thankfully this book can be read as a stand alone from the other books, even though knowing some of the other characters back stories would have been helpful in regards to character development.

When Samantha Christian is rescued from an abusive employer by the captain of the Scarlett Night, Alice "Tupper" Quinn and disguised as a cabin boy her situation only gets more complicated when English Naval officer Captain James Steele captures the Scarlett Night. Following orders to rid the seas of privateers Captain Steele gets more then he bargained for when his quarry holds the key to his happiness.

This author continues to put out exceptional and gritty stories in her Scarlet Night series. Ms. Olech always manages to incorporate a happy ending in her works but not without a high and heartbreaking price and Within A Captain's Power follows down this path. There is an underlying poignancy in the Scarlet Night books that deftly displays the hardships of the times and the extreme conditions that caused its characters to resort to desperate measures. Samantha Christian was a woman who refused to break despite having very little recourse and suffering terrible abuse. James Steele was a hero whose rigid adherence to rules challenged his deeply embedded integrity when his logic was overtaken by his love of Samantha. There was a purity to this couple's love that refused to be tarnished by other's misdeeds and gave hope where before there had been none. This was a great adventure full of depth and lightened by well placed humor. Lisa A. Olech's writing is as fierce and wonderful as the memorable cast she portrays and always has a place at the top of my book list, readers will love Within A Captain's Power!

'Within a Captain's Power' by Lisa A. Olech is book Four in the "Captains of the Scarlet Night" series. This is the story of Captain James Steele and Samantha Christian.
Sam fell for Damian Wessler and his lies which ended up making her his servant who he beat. Sam and her friend set in motion a way for Sam to escape and get on the "Scarlet Night" ship. Sam had convinced Damian to let her go to her friends party where Sam set in motion for her to anger Damian enough that he would beat her enough that he would lock her up for a few days. Sam had chosen James to kiss him to cause the scene that set off Damian. After the beating she was able to sneak out and get on the Scarlet Night ship. There she had to cut her air and done pants to pretend to be a boy.
James is set to marry a women named Lillian so his attraction Sam at the party was upsetting. When Damian dragged Sam off, James figured he would never see Sam again. James has been ordered to capture the privateer Scarlet Night ship and its crew.
What will happen with when James find Sam is part of that crew?
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This was an extraordinary read! I was expecting the same old type of ships captain and miss romance instead, I was given a book that was spellbinding. I went through an entire range of emotions while reading this book. That makes it a book that I will remember which means it is a GREAT READ! This is not the normal Captain romance historical. Instead there are depths to the story as well as the characters. Each part of this read was truly amazing. So I would say don't expect this to be the norm... it is not. It has many layers and much going on. It has honor, valor, passion, life, romance, crime as well as heart rending situations. A book that spans across some continents as well as many lives,. I will not write a spoiler; I can only say in my estimation this is a great great read. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna

I really enjoyed this one! It has a female pirate captain, a swoony romance, and hilarious side characters!

“No, he is not my betrothed. He is more my jailer.”
Captain Steele laughed again. “Isn’t that somewhat the same thing?”
“Spoken like a man who is either terminally single or unhappily betrothed.”

Samantha Christian hasn’t had it easy. She has a suitor in the United States, and she travels from England to marry him. That man, however, has no intention of marriage. She’s kept as an abused servant, and her only hope for escape is on a passing pirate ship. I love how we’re propelled straight into the plot. This girl has heart! I wanted to shout, “Brava!” so many times throughout this book.

Her strength is shown in such an understated way. She’s so gentle and caring and despite threats hanging over her head--both on board the ship and on land--Samantha’s determined to make a better life for herself. So what if that means being disguised as a cabin boy and sneaking under the eyes of dangerous men?

You go, girl!

But what are the chances she escapes one unpromising fate only to fall full-speed for another?

Her counterpart in this swashbuckling tale is Captain James Steele. Samantha intrigues James with her sweet and saucy nature at a ball. But it’s that night that Samantha plans her escape, and she uses James as a distraction, kissing him. James notices something off in how Samantha moves and interacts, but he doesn’t get a chance to get to know her better. He figures they’ll never meet again and even should he run across her, he’s betrothed to another.

Next to loyalty and duty in the dictionary, I'm sure you'll find a picture of Captain James himself. I just adored him. He’s tasked to bring pirates to justice, and one of his first captures is the legendary pirate ship holding Samantha on board. The plot unfolds as we learn James’s past, and he’s all twisted up inside. From here, we're catapulted on board, hanging onto the mast, and swept into constant tides of action and intrigue and romance.

Though I did think the romance develops a little too quickly, it's such a sweet and fragile thing, a sweeping feeling that takes them by surprise. With the circumstances, I was okay with this aspect. And the pirates! All of these characters have no problem giving James hell as does James’s friend, Ducky. I really hope Ducky's story is next! It’s so much fun to take on the high seas with this colorful crew!

Within a Captain’s Power is perfect for readers who like a gentle romance with uproarious characters and a dashing adventure aboard ship. A sweeping saga you don’t want to miss!

Love this story about hot, sexy adventure on the high seas!