In mid-nineteenth century New Bedford was the busiest whaling port in the country. The prosperity the whaling industry brought made New Bedford the richest city per capita in the world. There was a large Quaker population settled in the city and their religious values helped create open-minded place of opportunity for minorities. This somewhat unique culture for the time period is the reason why I set ACQUISITION in the city. It's also a fascinating place to visit and like many of my settings I think it takes little imagination to place yourself in the the middle of the sea merchant enterprise in it's heyday here.

The whaling and sea trade industry was followed by a very prosperous industrialization period and the rise of the textile industry. Along with the attitude of acceptance and inclusion made New Bedford a magnet for immigrants. The town was a major stop on the "Underground Railroad" during slavery. African-Americans were followed by Cape Verdians, Polish and Jewish arrivals joining immigrants from Ireland and other nations. The diversity of cultures and history of events makes fertile ground for the imagination. Herman Melville chose New Bedford and whaling adventure to pacify his "reckless and rebellious side" and later used that experience as inspiration for his "Moby-Dick".

Today New Bedford is a tourist destination with a large, preserved historic district, a National Historic Park and plenty of sources of inspiration. Read more about the area in the Behind the Book links.

The Acquisition is set in the whaling port of New Bedford. Joshua won't forget his lowly background even though he has made himself wealthy. He is the knight in shining armor that we have all dreamed about. He is also the most pigheaded and aggravating man that has ever graced the pages of a book. Harry is a redheaded hellion of the first order. She is the perfect offset for the intractable Joshua. This book will have you wanting to find a bat to knock some sense into Josh. You'll also want to shake Harry's teeth loose. But you will cheer when they finally find a way to make the love they feel for each other work. The sex between these two is as hot and steamy as a Louisiana summer night. The story is a continuous upheaval of emotions from joy to anger, satisfaction to frustration. Through all of this it is still a wonderful book and worth every punched cushion and whoop of joy

Reviewer: Oleta M Blaylock for Just Erotic Romance Reviews

I really liked this book; it draws you in to the story. Josh is really very sensitive in the beginning, but because Harry hurts him so badly he leaves and hardens himself to the outside world. Harry loves Josh but fears what he will do to her heart and emotions if she gives him her love, so she settles for the next best thing, sex. A story full of drama, this book is sure to be a keeper and keep you reading it over and over again.

Reviewer: Angel Brewer for The Romance Studio

here are some wonderfully sexy scenes using bondage and submission, in which both Harry and Joshua work through their emotions. I found myself understanding how they each came to be where they are through misunderstanding. Harry's pride and her stubbornness land them in a difficult situation. Her smart mouth and outrageous actions seem to spur Joshua's behavior. These two characters definitely deserve each other. THE ACQUISITION is a totally absorbing tale that had me anxiously waiting for the time the two admitted their feelings.

Reviewer: Anita for Romance Junkies