LitPick Review
Spellbound By The Captain's Curse by Frances Mary Dunham is a fantasy romance book about a lady named Abigail, who is a shipping heiress and whose main aim was to protect her family business. Soon she crossed paths with Captain Wesley, a notorious sea captain, and their meeting brought about a series of sparks that was fueled by pride and an unwelcoming chemistry. While Abigail saw the captain as a threat, the captain in turn saw Abigail as a stubborn lady who was more like an obstacle. Despite the negative view toward each other, they find themselves being pulled into a partnership that bonds them together. As their connection grows, they both share a fate of what their future holds in a world with legends, magic, and a curse that was attached to Wesley's life.
Opinion:
The novel was set in a dark historical world with elements that blend the rich atmosphere with sea adventure. The historical part of the book unfolded around the 18th century, judging from the author's description of this era. There were ship auctions and clashes between merchants and the port authorities, as well as bustling harbors; all these were grounded in history and created a vivid sense in my mind, making it feel realistic. The world of Salem used in the book depicted coastal colonial realism, which also dated back to the 18th century. Salem, as used in the book, was more than just a backdrop; it was where the story began and also where Abigail's family business was situated. The key elements of this location can be seen from the polished houses, merchant houses, candlelit taverns, and even the auction house where Abigail met Wesley. The rich atmosphere with sea adventure rises from the Sea, which is the heart location of the book. The stormy night, the salt-laced winds, and moonlit decks present a dangerous and deep domain where Wesley was said to inhabit. It also depicted a gothic tone that resulted from the performed rituals, old magic, and ancient symbols that were marked on the chambers.
Since the book falls into the romance genre, it was also one aspect that served as a pillar of the story. The relationship between Abigail and Wesley did not just kick off immediately; instead, the author created a slow attraction that evolved from enemies to lovers. Their relationship was built off a lack of trust and understanding, which turned into forced teamwork and then emotionally charged moments. Abigail and Wesley had a beautiful chemistry that focused on a slow-burn tension and desire along with some scenes that were written with emotional intimacy. The book does not include any trace of explicit sexual or graphic detail, but I can say that it is a romantic book with a touch of spice.
The character Abigail Derby is a determined and smart lady. Being the heiress to a family legacy, Abigail embodies an aura that moves her to cope in a male-dominated world. She was driven by hatred for Wesley, who was said to have humiliated and threatened her company. Also, being an ambitious young woman, she views herself as the only solution to saving her family's name, and because of this, she was always in control of both her life and the business. Captain Wesley is viewed as a dark sea captain owing to the fact that he is feared for being dangerous. Wesley is driven by his attempt toward survival since the curse that followed him was like a countdown to his end. Although Wesley appears dangerous and acts in an evil way, his men are even willing to give up their lives for him. When the duo met at first, Abigail instantly despised him because of his arrogance, and he hated her behavior; however, the two were a good fit because they brought out each other's strengths. While Wesley was nearing his end, Abigail gave him a new purpose beyond the curse. Their attraction to each other was dangerous as they both wielded power, but Wesley was drawn to Abigail's attitude toward him, as she was the only person who did not fear him. Abigail, too, was also drawn to Wesley's inner self, which was more like a broken man trying to make everything look okay.
Overall, I will say that the book was filled with romantic tension and an adventurous plot that was quite seductive and suspenseful. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy slow-burn romance, as it begins from the building of the relationship and emotional growth between Abigail and Wesley. Also, fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope, as well as readers who love to read historical books with adventure and fantasy, should read this book.

