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Dark Rulers #8
Slayer of the Pirate Lord
Risa works the docks in the port city of Knockaine, servicing multiple men each night. When she's offered a large sum of money to seduce and slay a particular man, she thinks the job will be easy--until she discovers he's a magically-gifted pirate captain with a suspicious nature. He proves to be much harder to kill than she expected--and worse still, the harder she tries to end him, the more he seems to crave her. (adult fantasy romance, spicy scenes, Dark Rulers Series book 8)
Trigger/content warnings may be found in the front matter of the book and on the author's website.
Trigger/content warnings may be found in the front matter of the book and on the author's website.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2023
307 people are currently reading
5667 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca F. Kenney
72 books2,918 followersRebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
April 28, 2024
rebecca f. kenney's books are like *edward cullen voice* my own personal brand of heroin.
i love this book. SO FREAKING MUCH.
many thanks to the super talented rebecca f kenney for this arc that i'll love and protect with my own life. and review, too, obviously.
and many thanks to koisty and lila, for introducing me to this author.
i love this book. SO FREAKING MUCH.
many thanks to the super talented rebecca f kenney for this arc that i'll love and protect with my own life. and review, too, obviously.
and many thanks to koisty and lila, for introducing me to this author.
July 23, 2023
4.5 Minnow Stars ⭐️
Spicy Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
NOTE: The Dark Rulers series is a collection of STANDALONE stories - so this book can be picked up without any need to have read any of the other previous books! However, I do advise that Book 2 "Captive of the Pirate King" is read before this as it introduces characters who are mentioned in this book.
I am going to say this now and basically, I am predicting for the foreseeable future, that every time I read a Rebecca Kenney book, I AM GOING TO LOVE IT!!!! There's just something about her writing that ticks all of my pleasure boxes. I know that when I pick up her book, it is going to be precisely what I want to read.
Rebecca manages to capture the perfect amount of escapism needed to detach from the world, while still serving up intricate but easy-to-understand worldbuilding and manages to stuff in considerable character development in her story for how short the books are. It is just a perfect fantastic balance with the bonus of having all the tropes that I love to sink my teeth into like a delicious doughnut to enjoy the fattening, sweet, finger-licking, sticky, gluttonous ooze I gobble up in an instant.
This book follows Risa, a dock worker (read prostitute) in Knockaine. One day she is propositioned with an opportunity to fulfil her lifelong dream (become an escort at a fancy brothel) if she kills one man - The Pirate Lord. Risa attempts this and finds Bash seems rather immune to death (Kinda like "Pirates of the Caribean" vibes but slightly different)... now faced with the consequences of her actions she and Bash find their lives thrust together... and boy was there thrusting...
This is definitely the most vulgar of her books that I have read. It's quite dark in the "sense" that you have pirates and a prostitute and you're not shying away or glamorising the life they lead.
This is not my favourite in the Dark Rulers series (Healer to the Ash King is still untouchable) but it's almost tied with 2nd place with Captive. The vibe I got from reading this is that it was almost like a darker "Ella Enchanted". So if you love Ella Enchanted and her meeting the "prince" and then being forced to kill him, and that mental dilemma that she's facing to do that...this book is right up your alley.
Risa is determined to Survive. She has not lived a very pleasant or easy life and you can see how she approaches situations and handles situations that she is trying to do her best to just make it to the next day. The book didn't shy away from the fact that she was a whore and I liked that she never apologised for her choice of "career". Risa knew it wouldn't be what she would have chosen if she had the opportunity for better but since she was brought up in that world she was proud to be a part of it.
Bash is unapologetic in all aspects. He is a man that likes sex and is not afraid to own into the reputation of what "Pirate Lord" means.
I really appreciated the character growth that these characters went through, and the romance and smut were nice and steamy in places, but also quite rough and raunchy in others. It didn't always feel like I was reading "classy" smut, but given that we're dealing with pirates, it fit that it was rough, dirty, hard and pretty much the vibe of who these characters were.
The Tropes in this:
▶Enemies Dislike to Lovers
▶ She tried to kill him
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ I will destroy the world for her...
▶ Found Family
▶ Pirates!!!!!
Basically! Everything I needed and love!!!
I received this eARC in exchange for a review!
All thoughts and feelings are my own
Spicy Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
NOTE: The Dark Rulers series is a collection of STANDALONE stories - so this book can be picked up without any need to have read any of the other previous books! However, I do advise that Book 2 "Captive of the Pirate King" is read before this as it introduces characters who are mentioned in this book.
I am going to say this now and basically, I am predicting for the foreseeable future, that every time I read a Rebecca Kenney book, I AM GOING TO LOVE IT!!!! There's just something about her writing that ticks all of my pleasure boxes. I know that when I pick up her book, it is going to be precisely what I want to read.
Rebecca manages to capture the perfect amount of escapism needed to detach from the world, while still serving up intricate but easy-to-understand worldbuilding and manages to stuff in considerable character development in her story for how short the books are. It is just a perfect fantastic balance with the bonus of having all the tropes that I love to sink my teeth into like a delicious doughnut to enjoy the fattening, sweet, finger-licking, sticky, gluttonous ooze I gobble up in an instant.
This book follows Risa, a dock worker (read prostitute) in Knockaine. One day she is propositioned with an opportunity to fulfil her lifelong dream (become an escort at a fancy brothel) if she kills one man - The Pirate Lord. Risa attempts this and finds Bash seems rather immune to death (Kinda like "Pirates of the Caribean" vibes but slightly different)... now faced with the consequences of her actions she and Bash find their lives thrust together... and boy was there thrusting...
This is definitely the most vulgar of her books that I have read. It's quite dark in the "sense" that you have pirates and a prostitute and you're not shying away or glamorising the life they lead.
This is not my favourite in the Dark Rulers series (Healer to the Ash King is still untouchable) but it's almost tied with 2nd place with Captive. The vibe I got from reading this is that it was almost like a darker "Ella Enchanted". So if you love Ella Enchanted and her meeting the "prince" and then being forced to kill him, and that mental dilemma that she's facing to do that...this book is right up your alley.
Risa is determined to Survive. She has not lived a very pleasant or easy life and you can see how she approaches situations and handles situations that she is trying to do her best to just make it to the next day. The book didn't shy away from the fact that she was a whore and I liked that she never apologised for her choice of "career". Risa knew it wouldn't be what she would have chosen if she had the opportunity for better but since she was brought up in that world she was proud to be a part of it.
Bash is unapologetic in all aspects. He is a man that likes sex and is not afraid to own into the reputation of what "Pirate Lord" means.
I really appreciated the character growth that these characters went through, and the romance and smut were nice and steamy in places, but also quite rough and raunchy in others. It didn't always feel like I was reading "classy" smut, but given that we're dealing with pirates, it fit that it was rough, dirty, hard and pretty much the vibe of who these characters were.
The Tropes in this:
▶
▶ She tried to kill him
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ I will destroy the world for her...
▶ Found Family
▶ Pirates!!!!!
Basically! Everything I needed and love!!!
I received this eARC in exchange for a review!
All thoughts and feelings are my own
December 12, 2024
—⚓️ 5 stars ⚓️—
“That makes me a monster, doesn’t it?” “Maybe.” She touches my cheek. “But you’re my monster.”
————about the book————
Age: NA/A
Genres: Fantasy Romance, Fantasy, Pirates, Romance, Dark Fantasy,
Writing: 9/10
Quotes: 8/10
World building: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Romance: 10/10
My rating: 10/10
trigger warnings: prostitution, suggestion of incest, death, violence, injury detail, gore, off page rape, gaslighting, familial abuse, sexual abuse, dubcon, murder, somnophilia with prior consent, etc.
many thanks to Rebecca Kenney for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
———my thoughts———
Risa works the docks in the port city of Knockalne, servicing multiple men each night.
When she’s offer a large reward to seduce and slay a pirate captain, she jumps at the chance.
But when he proves to be more difficult to kill than she expected, and the more time she spends with him...the more a strange attraction grows between them.
I literally cannot describe how much I loved this book.
It was perfect.
It had the tension, the world, the characters, the smut, everything.
How Rebecca Kenney manages to create such a vibrant world with only 300-400 pages is honestly jaw dropping.
Even though this is set in the same world as Captive of the Pirate King, it explores a completely different side.
It’s the darker, grittier part.
The docks, the shady taverns, and even on the ships, it feels more dangerous, like there’s higher stakes.
And that’s partly because of how RK’s writing has evolved.
As I read more of her older works, I can see how her more recent stories become progressively darker.
(And I, for one, am not complaining.)
My favourite part of this book was most definitely the characters, and their relationship.
I first fell in love with Risa.
Her fire, the way she’s entirely herself.
The way she’s not ashamed of her sexuality, but wields it like a weapon.
She’s brave and strong and fierce.
But she’s also human, she has self doubt and bad days, and that made me love her even more.
And she’s a schemer.
There is nothing I love more than an enemies to lovers when one of them is meant to kill the other.
It always results in the “I’ve come to care for them” realisation that makes my little romantic heart so happy.
And then we have Bash.
Our dashing, calculating pirate captain.
I adore him.
He’s my favourite kind of morally grey.
The dangerous antihero who, somehow, also says the sweetest things.
He’s kind, and protective and so caring to Risa.
And I just love their relationship.
So, so much.
The way they’re soft for only each other, their banter, the love declarations, all of it!
And especially Bash’s nickname for Risa!
“Minnow” is so sweet, and dare I say almost as good as kitten?
But I could talk about how much I loved this for hours.
And it would only end with me repeating myself.
Because I simply do not have enough words.
————quotes————
“Are you sure you’ve told me everything, minnow?”
“This is a ship with rotten secrets, and the crew have rotten hearts.”
“By the powers, you managed to turn a curtsy into an act of rebellion.” He winks. “Respect.”
“And when I look at her, I can’t picture anyone else. Every other face in the world turns watery and indistinct, and she is the only thing in vivid detail.”
“I have two purposes here—to find out the pressing information these women plan to share with the Pirate Lord, and to make him suffer a little. To make him realize that no matter how much he despises me, he also craves me. I’ll show him that I can be a predator, too, and reduce him to a limp, helpless puddle at my feet.”
“If he says no, I’m not sure I’ll be able to kill him. And that will spell certain doom for Sylvie and Aisu. But if he says yes, my heart will crack wide open and weep tears of blood. Because I’ve done the thing Bess warned me against—I’ve let my walls dissolve. I’ve begun to care about the men aboard this ship. And I don’t want them to be monsters.”
“If I didn’t know better I’d think you rather like me, minnow.”
“She turns to me, with murderous glory in her smile. My stomach flips, and my heart responds to that look—to her. I love you. I think it over and over, impulsively, recklessly. Love you, love you, love you.”
“Open that pretty mouth for me, minnow.”
“You’re not breathing, minnow.” Bash’s voice pierces the glitter. “Breathe for me.” His hand spreads over my back, large and warm, easing my rigid body a little. “Breathe with me.” His chest surges against mine and I drag in a matching breath. “Again. In and out. That’s it. Good girl.”
“You’ll let me say it this time, without protest. I love you.” “You’ll make me cry again,” I whisper. “I love you, too. So much.”
“Finest room in the house.” Bash spreads his arms. “The Pirate Lady deserves the finest.” “Pirate Lady?” I laugh breathlessly, pretending to check the pillows so I can keep my back to him. “I’m no lady, Bash, or have you forgotten? I’m a dock-drooler. I’m no one.” “Oh no, love.” He catches me by the waist and spins me around to face him. His eyes are glossy with drink, but his expression is soft, sincere. “No, you—you are everyone.”
“Do you know something, minnow?” He kisses me again, and again—hot, fervent kisses that set my heart racing. “I think I rather love you. I think I love you more than I have ever loved anyone.”
“There it is,” he says. “There it is, Captain—you love her, though she tried to murder you. No matter how many times she tries to kill you, you love her still. In fact I do believe you love her more for the murdery-ness. Is that a word? Murdery-ness?” He glances at Faris, who shakes his head. “Damn. I thought for certain it was.”
“Whatever we have done to each other—whatever harsh words, secrets, or pain lie between us—I want her. I want all her sorrow, all her lies, all her regret. She fills me. She is the slayer of my old love, the murderer of my former obsession, and now she is everything. She is mine.”
————songs————
More -The Haunt
The Tradition -Halsey
Dream Girl Evil -Florence + The Machine
Whore -In This Moment
———random extra thoughts———
I LOVE THEM.
Thanks for reading! ❤️
“That makes me a monster, doesn’t it?” “Maybe.” She touches my cheek. “But you’re my monster.”
————about the book————
Age: NA/A
Genres: Fantasy Romance, Fantasy, Pirates, Romance, Dark Fantasy,
Writing: 9/10
Quotes: 8/10
World building: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Romance: 10/10
My rating: 10/10
trigger warnings: prostitution, suggestion of incest, death, violence, injury detail, gore, off page rape, gaslighting, familial abuse, sexual abuse, dubcon, murder, somnophilia with prior consent, etc.
many thanks to Rebecca Kenney for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
———my thoughts———
Risa works the docks in the port city of Knockalne, servicing multiple men each night.
When she’s offer a large reward to seduce and slay a pirate captain, she jumps at the chance.
But when he proves to be more difficult to kill than she expected, and the more time she spends with him...the more a strange attraction grows between them.
I literally cannot describe how much I loved this book.
It was perfect.
It had the tension, the world, the characters, the smut, everything.
How Rebecca Kenney manages to create such a vibrant world with only 300-400 pages is honestly jaw dropping.
Even though this is set in the same world as Captive of the Pirate King, it explores a completely different side.
It’s the darker, grittier part.
The docks, the shady taverns, and even on the ships, it feels more dangerous, like there’s higher stakes.
And that’s partly because of how RK’s writing has evolved.
As I read more of her older works, I can see how her more recent stories become progressively darker.
(And I, for one, am not complaining.)
My favourite part of this book was most definitely the characters, and their relationship.
I first fell in love with Risa.
Her fire, the way she’s entirely herself.
The way she’s not ashamed of her sexuality, but wields it like a weapon.
She’s brave and strong and fierce.
But she’s also human, she has self doubt and bad days, and that made me love her even more.
And she’s a schemer.
There is nothing I love more than an enemies to lovers when one of them is meant to kill the other.
It always results in the “I’ve come to care for them” realisation that makes my little romantic heart so happy.
And then we have Bash.
Our dashing, calculating pirate captain.
I adore him.
He’s my favourite kind of morally grey.
The dangerous antihero who, somehow, also says the sweetest things.
He’s kind, and protective and so caring to Risa.
And I just love their relationship.
So, so much.
The way they’re soft for only each other, their banter, the love declarations, all of it!
And especially Bash’s nickname for Risa!
“Minnow” is so sweet, and dare I say almost as good as kitten?
But I could talk about how much I loved this for hours.
And it would only end with me repeating myself.
Because I simply do not have enough words.
————quotes————
“Are you sure you’ve told me everything, minnow?”
“This is a ship with rotten secrets, and the crew have rotten hearts.”
“By the powers, you managed to turn a curtsy into an act of rebellion.” He winks. “Respect.”
“And when I look at her, I can’t picture anyone else. Every other face in the world turns watery and indistinct, and she is the only thing in vivid detail.”
“I have two purposes here—to find out the pressing information these women plan to share with the Pirate Lord, and to make him suffer a little. To make him realize that no matter how much he despises me, he also craves me. I’ll show him that I can be a predator, too, and reduce him to a limp, helpless puddle at my feet.”
“If he says no, I’m not sure I’ll be able to kill him. And that will spell certain doom for Sylvie and Aisu. But if he says yes, my heart will crack wide open and weep tears of blood. Because I’ve done the thing Bess warned me against—I’ve let my walls dissolve. I’ve begun to care about the men aboard this ship. And I don’t want them to be monsters.”
“If I didn’t know better I’d think you rather like me, minnow.”
“She turns to me, with murderous glory in her smile. My stomach flips, and my heart responds to that look—to her. I love you. I think it over and over, impulsively, recklessly. Love you, love you, love you.”
“Open that pretty mouth for me, minnow.”
“You’re not breathing, minnow.” Bash’s voice pierces the glitter. “Breathe for me.” His hand spreads over my back, large and warm, easing my rigid body a little. “Breathe with me.” His chest surges against mine and I drag in a matching breath. “Again. In and out. That’s it. Good girl.”
“You’ll let me say it this time, without protest. I love you.” “You’ll make me cry again,” I whisper. “I love you, too. So much.”
“Finest room in the house.” Bash spreads his arms. “The Pirate Lady deserves the finest.” “Pirate Lady?” I laugh breathlessly, pretending to check the pillows so I can keep my back to him. “I’m no lady, Bash, or have you forgotten? I’m a dock-drooler. I’m no one.” “Oh no, love.” He catches me by the waist and spins me around to face him. His eyes are glossy with drink, but his expression is soft, sincere. “No, you—you are everyone.”
“Do you know something, minnow?” He kisses me again, and again—hot, fervent kisses that set my heart racing. “I think I rather love you. I think I love you more than I have ever loved anyone.”
“There it is,” he says. “There it is, Captain—you love her, though she tried to murder you. No matter how many times she tries to kill you, you love her still. In fact I do believe you love her more for the murdery-ness. Is that a word? Murdery-ness?” He glances at Faris, who shakes his head. “Damn. I thought for certain it was.”
“Whatever we have done to each other—whatever harsh words, secrets, or pain lie between us—I want her. I want all her sorrow, all her lies, all her regret. She fills me. She is the slayer of my old love, the murderer of my former obsession, and now she is everything. She is mine.”
————songs————
More -The Haunt
The Tradition -Halsey
Dream Girl Evil -Florence + The Machine
Whore -In This Moment
———random extra thoughts———
I LOVE THEM.
Thanks for reading! ❤️
July 18, 2023
There are SO many things I love about this book. Captive of the Pirate King was my first Kenney book and therefore will always have a super special place in my heart. Seeing the Pirate King and Queen in this book, even if for a short scene, was like bumping into a long loved friend!
Some other things I loved about this:
♥️ The pirates. Kenney does such a great job of showing us the bad and the good. The found family element is just perfect.
♥️ Spice. Kenney knows what she’s doing with the hot hot hot scenes.
♥️ The relationship development. The MCs are in forced proximity but slowly develop a deeper emotion. Nothing like instant love here. Maybe a bit of insta lust.
♥️ Unapologetic realism. The FMC is a prostitute. She has to have sex with multiple men during the book and although this isn’t something I normally enjoy, I couldn’t fault Kenney for this because it’s a tiny bit of reality. It wouldn’t have been realistic to expect the sex worker to only have sex with the MC- especially considering the situations she finds herself in.
♥️ The arrogance of the Pirate Lord. The man is ridiculous and you can’t help but love him.
I’m only deducting a star because I felt the ending felt rushed. I just wanted to see a little more of the HEA- a little more grovelling from the FMC and just more time with characters I got to live by the end.
I stayed up till 4am for this book. And it reminded me why I need to work my way back and read the rest in this series. Kenney is a brilliant storyteller and I can’t get enough.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Some other things I loved about this:
♥️ The pirates. Kenney does such a great job of showing us the bad and the good. The found family element is just perfect.
♥️ Spice. Kenney knows what she’s doing with the hot hot hot scenes.
♥️ The relationship development. The MCs are in forced proximity but slowly develop a deeper emotion. Nothing like instant love here. Maybe a bit of insta lust.
♥️ Unapologetic realism. The FMC is a prostitute. She has to have sex with multiple men during the book and although this isn’t something I normally enjoy, I couldn’t fault Kenney for this because it’s a tiny bit of reality. It wouldn’t have been realistic to expect the sex worker to only have sex with the MC- especially considering the situations she finds herself in.
♥️ The arrogance of the Pirate Lord. The man is ridiculous and you can’t help but love him.
I’m only deducting a star because I felt the ending felt rushed. I just wanted to see a little more of the HEA- a little more grovelling from the FMC and just more time with characters I got to live by the end.
I stayed up till 4am for this book. And it reminded me why I need to work my way back and read the rest in this series. Kenney is a brilliant storyteller and I can’t get enough.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
June 27, 2024
2.5 🌟
This was really hard to rate, on one hand i loved the writing and the story had so much potential, but on the other, there was no character development whatsoever, and half of tge book was smut😭
I honestly enjoyed the story and it was easy to read, not boring at all. And I've never read something similar so it feels like the concept is new, but dude...
Some scenes made me cringe and embarrassed for the main character cause like in public ? Really?
I still feel like we could've had so much more character development. We barely know the MCs.
This was really hard to rate, on one hand i loved the writing and the story had so much potential, but on the other, there was no character development whatsoever, and half of tge book was smut😭
I honestly enjoyed the story and it was easy to read, not boring at all. And I've never read something similar so it feels like the concept is new, but dude...
Some scenes made me cringe and embarrassed for the main character cause like in public ? Really?
I still feel like we could've had so much more character development. We barely know the MCs.
September 7, 2023
It had a lot of potential, but this book started better than it finished, with the last 50 pages devolving into phoned-in nonsense. The obnoxious convenience of a magic system that was as flimsy and inconsistent as Bash's character motivations and morals had me rolling my eyes more often than opening my bedside drawer.
Kind of a letdown; I wanted to like this one. We were rooting for you! We were all rooting for you!
Kind of a letdown; I wanted to like this one. We were rooting for you! We were all rooting for you!
August 2, 2024
I can’t fault this book for being realistic when that realism makes me uncomfortable, sad and slightly nauseous, but that also doesn’t mean that I like the book or the story.
July 14, 2023
This author is hit or miss for me, and this book was a huge miss. I didn't even make it to where she meets the MMC! I was so put off by the FMC.
Yes, she's a prostitute but I didn't expect to read about her doing tons of clients and oh yeah, I like girls too even if I didn't get into doing stuff with my mother - EWWWWW The incest thing thrown in there was nasty.
The author is so talented so I will definitely try more of her books, but thank goodness for KU.
Yes, she's a prostitute but I didn't expect to read about her doing tons of clients and oh yeah, I like girls too even if I didn't get into doing stuff with my mother - EWWWWW The incest thing thrown in there was nasty.
The author is so talented so I will definitely try more of her books, but thank goodness for KU.
July 29, 2023
Pirates. Yes, that's right - PIRATES. This is your pirate fantasy brought to life on paper! There are a lot of dark aspects to the book and a lot of fun spice! It's a super easy read smutty book that keeps you turning the pages!
You know how some books you skim through areas because it's boring or over explaining?? Well, not with this book! I was hanging onto every word!
If you're into dark romance, then this would be a perfect book for you! Check the TWs!
You know how some books you skim through areas because it's boring or over explaining?? Well, not with this book! I was hanging onto every word!
If you're into dark romance, then this would be a perfect book for you! Check the TWs!
December 23, 2023
Dnf 52%. No plot, just smut
June 24, 2023
I was provided an ARC of this book by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“She is the slayer of my old love, the murderer of my former obsession, and now she is everything. She is mine.”
This is the 8th book in The Dark Rulers collection, which is a series of semi-interconnected standalones and I will 100 percent be going back to read the previous seven after having finished this one because, as I’ve previously mentioned, these books are freaking ADDICTING.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I will never not fall wholly for the characters that this woman writes. I went into this already having a soft spot for Sebastian’s who go by ‘Bash’, but, Lord, if this Pirate didn’t blow all of my expectations out of the water with a cannon and voyage far beyond their borders. And RISA, of course, is a total freaking badass, which fans should expect nothing short of from one of this authors FMC’s.
Masterfully done. Action, adventure and romance (🌶️🔥👀), along with the vivid imagery woven into each page that comes with the territory of anything Kenney produces makes this a must read for Fantasy Romance fans.
“She is the slayer of my old love, the murderer of my former obsession, and now she is everything. She is mine.”
This is the 8th book in The Dark Rulers collection, which is a series of semi-interconnected standalones and I will 100 percent be going back to read the previous seven after having finished this one because, as I’ve previously mentioned, these books are freaking ADDICTING.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I will never not fall wholly for the characters that this woman writes. I went into this already having a soft spot for Sebastian’s who go by ‘Bash’, but, Lord, if this Pirate didn’t blow all of my expectations out of the water with a cannon and voyage far beyond their borders. And RISA, of course, is a total freaking badass, which fans should expect nothing short of from one of this authors FMC’s.
Masterfully done. Action, adventure and romance (🌶️🔥👀), along with the vivid imagery woven into each page that comes with the territory of anything Kenney produces makes this a must read for Fantasy Romance fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2023
When I started this book, I had no idea of how much I would get sucked in!!
Risa- technically, she’s a “whore” who is hired but the masked man, the “wolf”, to kill his enemy!! Unbeknownst to her, the enemy is actually the good guy, but she “has” to kill him in order to save her mom and friend!!
Bash- He is a private lord, who is under the protection of the pirate king, who serves in doing good, brings justice, saves the slavers, and women and children, kills the rapists!! He ends up finding Risa, who tries to kill him several times, takes her on board as the ships whore!! Did I mention he’s technically a Demi-god, but his power only goes so far, then he has to restore it, but to restore his magic, he has to fuck someone!!
They both go through a lot, risa trying to kill him, bash doing his good deeds, and so on!! They eventually fall for each other, and I love it!!
And yes, when the pirates talk, it brings me to think of the movies, the piratess of the Caribbean!! It was funny, and had me wanting more!! All in all, it was a great read!! And yes, definitely spicy as well!!
Risa- technically, she’s a “whore” who is hired but the masked man, the “wolf”, to kill his enemy!! Unbeknownst to her, the enemy is actually the good guy, but she “has” to kill him in order to save her mom and friend!!
Bash- He is a private lord, who is under the protection of the pirate king, who serves in doing good, brings justice, saves the slavers, and women and children, kills the rapists!! He ends up finding Risa, who tries to kill him several times, takes her on board as the ships whore!! Did I mention he’s technically a Demi-god, but his power only goes so far, then he has to restore it, but to restore his magic, he has to fuck someone!!
They both go through a lot, risa trying to kill him, bash doing his good deeds, and so on!! They eventually fall for each other, and I love it!!
And yes, when the pirates talk, it brings me to think of the movies, the piratess of the Caribbean!! It was funny, and had me wanting more!! All in all, it was a great read!! And yes, definitely spicy as well!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2023
3.5 stars. Love the way Risa and Sebastian fight one another! 😂
I don’t look at his face. I focus on his chest, and I jam the dagger in, left of center, right between his ribs. I feel the blade punch into his heart muscle.
The Pirate Lord sways a little, his eyes wide. He looks down at the hilt jutting from his chest. “Very well done,” he says. “Perfect aim. Don’t tell me this is your first time?” […] “Yes, yes, good form on the kill. It doesn’t seem to have worked, though.” He grips the dagger and jerks it out of his own heart with a grunt.
“Try again. I’ll wait.”
“What the fuck?”
“Oh, I wanted to fuck. But it appears you have other plans, and I’m afraid this, um—penetration—” he grins and touches the bloody spot on his chest— “has killed my desire, for now. Come on, don’t give up so easily. Try again.”
“That’s it. Good girl. Now where will you try next? […] Perhaps you’d like to slit my throat.”
“You’re mad.”
“I’m not the one trying to murder somebody,”
July 13, 2024
3,5 🌟
Un libro in cui lo spicy è parte essenziale per la trama, cosa che ha fatto si che la sua costante presenza non risultasse pesante. Ho amato l'interazione tra i protagonisti, come sin da subito fossero attratti fisicamente ma non mentalmente, e che vi sia stata effettivamente un evoluzione prima che si prendessero mentalmente, anche se quando è successo forse il termine amore è stato utilizzato un po' troppo in fretta ( per i miei gusti ).
Mi ha un po' persa sul finale che ho trovato esagerato e a tratti cringe ( lui super saiyan).
Anche il world building non è molto delineato, ma non risulta così fastidiosa come cosa perché ciò che ci serve per capire la trama principale viene detto.
Un libro in cui lo spicy è parte essenziale per la trama, cosa che ha fatto si che la sua costante presenza non risultasse pesante. Ho amato l'interazione tra i protagonisti, come sin da subito fossero attratti fisicamente ma non mentalmente, e che vi sia stata effettivamente un evoluzione prima che si prendessero mentalmente, anche se quando è successo forse il termine amore è stato utilizzato un po' troppo in fretta ( per i miei gusti ).
Mi ha un po' persa sul finale che ho trovato esagerato e a tratti cringe ( lui super saiyan).
Anche il world building non è molto delineato, ma non risulta così fastidiosa come cosa perché ciò che ci serve per capire la trama principale viene detto.
July 11, 2023
Another hit from RFK as always! I am such a huge fan of her Fantasy Romance books, and there are plenty to choose from.
If you're interested in a standalone spicy adult Fantasy Romance about a woman hired to 💀 a pirate lord, then this is for you!
I think found family involving pirates is one of my favorite tropes ever. I love anything to do with pirates, and this book delivered.
Please do check TWs and enjoy!
TYSM for letting me be an ARC reader!
If you're interested in a standalone spicy adult Fantasy Romance about a woman hired to 💀 a pirate lord, then this is for you!
I think found family involving pirates is one of my favorite tropes ever. I love anything to do with pirates, and this book delivered.
Please do check TWs and enjoy!
TYSM for letting me be an ARC reader!
July 13, 2023
Exciting and dangerously dark pirate adventure with a lot of spice.
I absolutely enjoyed reading the story Risa and Bash go through in this book, BUT this book won't be for everyone. Please see it's description and trigger warnings.
If you enjoy dark romances with a MMC who would destroy anyone for the FMC even though she tries to kill him (multiple times) and pirates, then this is a book for you.
The story is exciting and fast-paced with a lot of spice throughout. The last 60+pages had me so invested in the end of the story and I couldn't put the book down.
I absolutely enjoyed reading the story Risa and Bash go through in this book, BUT this book won't be for everyone. Please see it's description and trigger warnings.
If you enjoy dark romances with a MMC who would destroy anyone for the FMC even though she tries to kill him (multiple times) and pirates, then this is a book for you.
The story is exciting and fast-paced with a lot of spice throughout. The last 60+pages had me so invested in the end of the story and I couldn't put the book down.
January 24, 2024
This book just didn’t do it for me the same way the other ones did. I didn’t really understand why they fell in love. It seemed too sudden and without good reason. Plus, there were OW/OM moments, not all consensual.
I enjoyed the little mentions of other characters though.
I’m definitely a little disappointed with how the series ended, assuming this was the last book.
I enjoyed the little mentions of other characters though.
I’m definitely a little disappointed with how the series ended, assuming this was the last book.
July 4, 2023
I loved this pirate romance!! The push and pull of the relationship between Rosa and the captain was hot! The tension and chemistry was “chef’s kiss”.
It had some pirates of the Caribbean vibes with the treachery that was going on.
I’ll be reading the other books in this series for sure!
It had some pirates of the Caribbean vibes with the treachery that was going on.
I’ll be reading the other books in this series for sure!
December 29, 2025
This wasn't a bad book. I read the second one first as I saw it was good to read for certain people relating to this books story. It just didn't keep me as engaged as captive of the pirate King. I also wish we got to see the perspective of ravensbeck but I'm happy with the ending
June 26, 2023
4 1/2⭐️ damn this book was so good it was gripping ,fast pace, fun ride and hot/spicy definitely a must read
May 11, 2024
I loved this book! Give me pirates and maidens who need rescuing any day!
February 19, 2025
Author can write. Author shouldn't write this 💀
June 20, 2025
Étrange mais bon😅
June 29, 2025
Minus one star for the very loud queefing scene that made me uncomfy and also referencing vaginal smell as “a hint of fish” 🤔
June 23, 2023
Read on the author’s Patreon. If you love pirate books and spicy romance this book is for you.
February 27, 2024
PIRATAS? sim. siiiiiiiiiinhe
e mais não posso dizer mas o livro é divertidissimo, ri-me muito 🫶🏼
e mais não posso dizer mas o livro é divertidissimo, ri-me muito 🫶🏼
September 14, 2025
This book was kinda insane but I finished it in a day so maybe that means it’s good? Not really sure how I feel cause it was chaotic but I love a happy ending so 2.5/5 it is
November 27, 2025
Was good, but had plot holes. Easy to read.
July 11, 2023
How do I describe this…
Well, pirates are not usually my thing but let me tell you how this book was absolutely ✨my thing✨
We have a poor dock girl FMC who’s biggest dreams are to gather enough coin to apply to a fancy place where she gets to choose her clients and where food and healers are available to any of the girls.
Well, she get’s a proposal she literally cannot deny.
Go to that place, pretend to be a fancy girl and slay the Pirate Lord.
Well, after some “stab me some more” and “what are you?!” later, she is taken to the pirate’s ship has the ships gall.
Adventure ensue and lots and lots of spicy scenes, as we learn how the Pirate Lord refuels his powers 😉
This book is part of the Dark Rulers series but can be read as a standalone and is definitely worth it!
Check for TW as you might imagine they are galore in this book, but don’t miss out on this crew!
Well, pirates are not usually my thing but let me tell you how this book was absolutely ✨my thing✨
We have a poor dock girl FMC who’s biggest dreams are to gather enough coin to apply to a fancy place where she gets to choose her clients and where food and healers are available to any of the girls.
Well, she get’s a proposal she literally cannot deny.
Go to that place, pretend to be a fancy girl and slay the Pirate Lord.
Well, after some “stab me some more” and “what are you?!” later, she is taken to the pirate’s ship has the ships gall.
Adventure ensue and lots and lots of spicy scenes, as we learn how the Pirate Lord refuels his powers 😉
This book is part of the Dark Rulers series but can be read as a standalone and is definitely worth it!
Check for TW as you might imagine they are galore in this book, but don’t miss out on this crew!
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