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Shell Game
Life in a remote fishing village in the middle of a civil war is neither safe nor inspiring. So, when an opportunity comes along for village girl Lynn to be kidnapped and enslaved by a ruthless pirate queen, she takes full advantage of it. But Darren is neither as ruthless nor as piratical as she appears at first glance--and Lynn's not exactly what she seems to be, either. In between encounters with old girlfriends, a slow death involving marmalade, and bounty hunters with no sense of humour, Lynn and her new mistress attempt to work out exactly what they are to each other--and who's in charge.
260 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2013
33 people are currently reading
1139 people want to read
About the author
Benny Lawrence
4 books85 followersBenny Lawrence was not born, but created in a freak accident involving a Hadron supercollider, a plaid raincoat, an original edition of C.W. Ceram's Gods, Graves, and Scholars, and a nice hot cup of tea. She now roams the streets of Toronto by night, fighting the forces of evil by correcting their grammar until they scream and implode. In her spare time, she writes books. She sometimes wears hats, too.
She is also a lawyer. We don't talk about that.
Her superpowers are all crayon-related.
She is also a lawyer. We don't talk about that.
Her superpowers are all crayon-related.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 10, 2023
Darren, a soft-hearted pirate who saves people from bad guys, finds herself stuck with Lynn, a young woman whose village has been raided so many times only children remain. Darren and her crew bring the small group to a new life but Lynn won’t leave Darren, insisting she keeps her as her slave. Slave in name only as very soon it becomes obvious that Lynn is the real leader on the ship.
This book is a tour de force in that it tells a gruesome and heart-wrenching story yet got more than a few laughs out of me. Benny Lawrence’s books have been on my TBR for years but I get so many ARCs (not complaining, it’s awesome and I feel very lucky) that I can’t often find time to catch up on books I missed when they were released. Audiobooks give me that opportunity and when I saw the author was giving away review codes for this one, I jumped at the chance.
Lynn is maddening and infuriating and her sarcasm and wit are irresistible. Darren never stands a chance and has no choice but to work on being the pirate queen Lynn sees in her. Behind the one-liners and sword fights and twists, both women’s backstories come out, neither easy but one more tragic than the other. I had a hard time listening to the last part but I also had so much faith in Lynn, in Darren, in their faithful crew, that it held me through the toughest parts.
I’m not sure why two narrators were necessary but since they’re both new to me (and I think both are queer, which is kinda wonderful), I now look forward to listening to them in other books. They both mystify me though, the narration was at times brilliant and at times choppy. Both however were excellent in dialogue and both contributed to my love for the two main characters.
As others have written before me, this is a book like no other, a rollercoaster of adventures and emotions, which at times doesn’t seem to make sense at all but actually really does. Lynn is a fantastic character and Darren is much sweeter than any pirate has a right to be. Like her characters, the author follows no rules or, rather, makes her own, and, amazingly, it works.
It’s safe to say that my first experience with a Benny Lawrence book was a success. Now to make time for the others… 4.5⭐️
I received an audiobook code from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
June 5, 2020
Lynn is a waif living on a barren island that gets raided by a ramshackle pirate and her scruffy crew. Things are not what they seem because rather than steal what little the villagers have, Darren rescues them from starvation. But Lynn has other ideas and is forcibly carried, kicking and screaming, onto the ship, declaring to whom it might concern that she is now Darren’s prisoner and possibly future concubine. Hilarity ensues.
It’s definitely an off-beat book that marches to its own rules. The banter is off the charts. Just flat out funny as hell. There are hijinks aplenty as they sail around the war torn islands, fighting marauders and saving the common folk, becoming the esteemed fleet of the heroic Pirate Queen. Twists and secrets will keep you wondering as to what will happen next.
Although the chemistry is hot and heavy, the intimacy is fade to black with only brief hints of what transpires in the Captain’s room. Restraint marks on wrists, scratch marks on backs, and sly grins. The whole story is a fuck it, I’m going to write whatever I want kind of a book. The dialogue, the characters, and the power play between our beloved mc’s are wonderfully irreverent and off the beaten path. Later on, the book slips into a painful and disturbing storyline about abuse which is tough to read but still feels like a natural evolution in the narrative. However, do not fear the ending. “If you don’t love the world, she said, you won’t fight for it.”
4.5 stars rounded up.
It’s definitely an off-beat book that marches to its own rules. The banter is off the charts. Just flat out funny as hell. There are hijinks aplenty as they sail around the war torn islands, fighting marauders and saving the common folk, becoming the esteemed fleet of the heroic Pirate Queen. Twists and secrets will keep you wondering as to what will happen next.
Although the chemistry is hot and heavy, the intimacy is fade to black with only brief hints of what transpires in the Captain’s room. Restraint marks on wrists, scratch marks on backs, and sly grins. The whole story is a fuck it, I’m going to write whatever I want kind of a book. The dialogue, the characters, and the power play between our beloved mc’s are wonderfully irreverent and off the beaten path. Later on, the book slips into a painful and disturbing storyline about abuse which is tough to read but still feels like a natural evolution in the narrative. However, do not fear the ending. “If you don’t love the world, she said, you won’t fight for it.”
4.5 stars rounded up.
January 29, 2015
I was tempted to give it 4 stars only but then I thought "Meg, what the hell? This was one amazing story!". Even with its imperfections... which I won't even list because I probably have forgotten them all already, anyway.
Amazing. Yes, it was. It's like nothing I have ever read before. Yep, some writers just can do that. Not many in this genre either... so WELL DONE and thank you, Benny Lawrence!
This is one romantic, hilarious, surprising, touching tale of two amazing women falling in love while escaping their lives. I was completely immersed in the world Lawrence created... I almost got sea sick once :)
Unbelievable characterisation, GREAT plot, Shell Game is that sort of book that is incredibly well thought out and that makes the readers want to keep reading and analyse every bit of info.
I also found it poetic. Really, Lawrence is one hell of a writer. Lynn is officially my all time favorite book character. I have to say Darren is not much far behind... she's so sweet in that clumsy hero way. Both women are quite irresistible.
This was so entertaining, and I'm on a ROLL! this is my 3rd book in 4 days, I can't seem to stop. What can I say? I love lesbian romance. And Shell Game did not disappoint. Now I just need to catch up on sleep...
Amazing. Yes, it was. It's like nothing I have ever read before. Yep, some writers just can do that. Not many in this genre either... so WELL DONE and thank you, Benny Lawrence!
This is one romantic, hilarious, surprising, touching tale of two amazing women falling in love while escaping their lives. I was completely immersed in the world Lawrence created... I almost got sea sick once :)
Unbelievable characterisation, GREAT plot, Shell Game is that sort of book that is incredibly well thought out and that makes the readers want to keep reading and analyse every bit of info.
I also found it poetic. Really, Lawrence is one hell of a writer. Lynn is officially my all time favorite book character. I have to say Darren is not much far behind... she's so sweet in that clumsy hero way. Both women are quite irresistible.
This was so entertaining, and I'm on a ROLL! this is my 3rd book in 4 days, I can't seem to stop. What can I say? I love lesbian romance. And Shell Game did not disappoint. Now I just need to catch up on sleep...
November 3, 2023
This book is a little bit insane. But I loved it.
August 17, 2019
I will be writing a proper review later when I'm feeling better. Right now I'm battling a bitch of a flu that takes all my energy.
September 10, 2019
I first read this about 3 years ago so this was a re read in preparation for the newly released Beggar's Flip As far as this book goes, it sets the gold standard IMO for snark. Loved it. And who doesn't love lady pirates?
August 21, 2019
This was truly an amazing read and Lynn has been added as one of my favourite characters.
March 26, 2021
This is a delightful story with tongue-in-cheek humour and vivid characters.
This is also a redemption story - one about how an abuse survivor regains control of her life, finds love and inspires others along the way.
If the above isn't enough to convince, well --> lesbian pirates with swords!
This is also a redemption story - one about how an abuse survivor regains control of her life, finds love and inspires others along the way.
If the above isn't enough to convince, well --> lesbian pirates with swords!
May 1, 2018
4.5 stars
Wow...this is one hell of a book. There are a shit load of life quotes in here that made me rethinking my existence lol :)). Most of the book is about scheming, adventures (pirates!) and a weird assed fake slave-master romance. Except one very sad, disturbing part which tempted me not to give this gem 5 stars (I don't deal well with hard stuffs so excuse me). To sum up, and to those like me who have no idea what a shell game is
Wow...this is one hell of a book. There are a shit load of life quotes in here that made me rethinking my existence lol :)). Most of the book is about scheming, adventures (pirates!) and a weird assed fake slave-master romance. Except one very sad, disturbing part which tempted me not to give this gem 5 stars (I don't deal well with hard stuffs so excuse me). To sum up, and to those like me who have no idea what a shell game is
You have choices in a shell game, but all of them are wrong. The thing you’re trying to find is up the huckster’s sleeve. So you can’t choose the right shell—it’s impossible.
To win. That’s the point. The rules of the shell game say that you have to lose. If you want to stand a chance at winning, you have to change the rules. You have to reject the choices that you’re given, and come up with some of your own.
April 28, 2020
4.5 stars. Smart aleck characters, fisticuffs,a pirate queen, stuffy aristocrats, and love on the high seas. Seriously, what more could you ask for?
This was a delightful tale recommended to me by a friend, to get over the slump of less than (ie bad) books I had been reading. Boy, am I glad for the always stellar recommendations!
This was a delightful tale recommended to me by a friend, to get over the slump of less than (ie bad) books I had been reading. Boy, am I glad for the always stellar recommendations!
June 11, 2017
FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC!!!!!!
I can't believe that a book about lesbian pirates managed to be nothing like what I was expecting and also to be IMMEASURABLY BETTER THAN I HAD EVER HOPED!!! It's funny without being goofy, Darren and Lynn are both so quick witted and sarcastic and hilarious. The romance is perfect without being soppy, no two people could be more perfect together than these two, honestly. The plot is so addictive and enthralling, I literally didn't put it down from start to finish. Nothing at all was as it initially seemed (which is good because for a second there at the beginning I was worried). Both of the main characters are so well developed and have such distinctive, amazing voices. The alternating first person perspective wouldn't have sounded appealing to me before reading it, but after the fact I can see there really was no better way to tell this story, and at no point while I was reading did it pull me out of the story or bother me in any way. sorry I'm rambling but damn this book is such a wonderful time!!!!
If you're going to read this, please be warned of violence/abuse/child abuse. I'm always happy to give more details about content warnings if anyone needs them.
I can't believe that a book about lesbian pirates managed to be nothing like what I was expecting and also to be IMMEASURABLY BETTER THAN I HAD EVER HOPED!!! It's funny without being goofy, Darren and Lynn are both so quick witted and sarcastic and hilarious. The romance is perfect without being soppy, no two people could be more perfect together than these two, honestly. The plot is so addictive and enthralling, I literally didn't put it down from start to finish. Nothing at all was as it initially seemed (which is good because for a second there at the beginning I was worried). Both of the main characters are so well developed and have such distinctive, amazing voices. The alternating first person perspective wouldn't have sounded appealing to me before reading it, but after the fact I can see there really was no better way to tell this story, and at no point while I was reading did it pull me out of the story or bother me in any way. sorry I'm rambling but damn this book is such a wonderful time!!!!
If you're going to read this, please be warned of violence/abuse/child abuse. I'm always happy to give more details about content warnings if anyone needs them.
February 18, 2024
What a ride. I normally don't enjoy historical or even pirate stories, but this one drew me in right away from page 1. I couldn't put it down. The writing style used is informal, so the tone was engaging, dialogues not at all drab. This is a rom-com, with more propensity towards comedy. This got me loughing at loud multiple times, it's amazing how the author could inject hillarity even in the most serious scenarious. And the MCs! They might just be two of my favorite characters ever. Can't wait to read book 2!
December 24, 2016
Really enjoyed this. It was funny with likable, well developed characters. I'm a sucker for a good pirate story!
April 24, 2020
This is a story about growth, adventure, pirates, and lords and ladies. Lynn has a mysterious backstory and she decides to fight back pirates who want to raid the village she resides in. For reasons we don't know, she forces Captain Darren to take her as a prisoner/slave instead of accepting the freedom they offered after. I don't read a lot of pirate books, but I'm not a massive fan of this one.
I don't feel the chemistry between the two mains, as well as the new couple during the epilogue. I'm not even sure if it was insta-like and suddenly they're having their first kiss? Also, I don't know how Darren could even be a captain since it doesn't look like she's making any proper decisions, including during the time when she has to rescue her lover. If the many sailors only follow her because she's a noble, I guess that makes sense? Even the way they wrap things up before the epilogue, I mean I'm all about HEA, but is that really how you decide to turn things around?
Also, is this historical? Because the way they talk, it feels like modern times. And the way Darren communicates feels a bit childish that I can't really imagine her being a 30 year old pirate queen. Case in point, this sentence pops up a few times in the book - "Me am boss." I do love how they don't make having her ex there as an issue. I was worried that was gonna be prolonged but that didn't happen thankfully. Jess and Holly are probably my favourite characters.
The writing is good though. I know a lot of people love this book, and maybe it's just me, but there's just too many things that I can't make sense.
3 stars.
I don't feel the chemistry between the two mains, as well as the new couple during the epilogue. I'm not even sure if it was insta-like and suddenly they're having their first kiss? Also, I don't know how Darren could even be a captain since it doesn't look like she's making any proper decisions, including during the time when she has to rescue her lover. If the many sailors only follow her because she's a noble, I guess that makes sense? Even the way they wrap things up before the epilogue, I mean I'm all about HEA, but is that really how you decide to turn things around?
Also, is this historical? Because the way they talk, it feels like modern times. And the way Darren communicates feels a bit childish that I can't really imagine her being a 30 year old pirate queen. Case in point, this sentence pops up a few times in the book - "Me am boss." I do love how they don't make having her ex there as an issue. I was worried that was gonna be prolonged but that didn't happen thankfully. Jess and Holly are probably my favourite characters.
The writing is good though. I know a lot of people love this book, and maybe it's just me, but there's just too many things that I can't make sense.
3 stars.
March 27, 2020
Amazing!!!! Everything you need in a book, action, adventure, humor. Not a boring read. I really needed that.
Thank you Farah!
Thank you Farah!
dnf
January 14, 2016I had to stop reading at 30% because the weirdness got too weird, and not in a good way.
I was really enjoying it. The whole slave thing was weird from the beginning but not necessarily in a bad way, and I was waiting to figure out why Lynn was doing it, but then it crossed over to the disturbing side. The sexual part of it was... Definitely not my thing. The farthest thing ever from "my thing".
It was a shame because the writing was great and the story was so much fun to read, but I heard the plot apparently gets even more disturbing in other parts and I'd rather... not. Thanks but no thanks.
I was really enjoying it. The whole slave thing was weird from the beginning but not necessarily in a bad way, and I was waiting to figure out why Lynn was doing it, but then it crossed over to the disturbing side. The sexual part of it was... Definitely not my thing. The farthest thing ever from "my thing".
It was a shame because the writing was great and the story was so much fun to read, but I heard the plot apparently gets even more disturbing in other parts and I'd rather... not. Thanks but no thanks.
May 22, 2017
Edit: After talking to a friend about this, I realize there are more faults with this book than I first thought.
This is one very refreshing and original cliche story. Hey, the contradiction doesn't seem that bizzard when you consider the new spin Benny Lawrence gives to this old tattered exiled pirate storyline.
The story is all basic and straight-forward, but the way Benny told it, how she chooses when to start the story, how to reveal characters' pasts, how to leave out clues here and there, is so enticing that I just forget all about the fact that this plot is as old as earth. The first person narrative actually contributes alot to the experience. Originality is a bit overated, anyway. I would settle on anything with likable characters, adventures with high stakes and some fishy romances (no pun intended). This book delivered just that.
The cast is most of the reason why I like Shell Game so much. Not because they are built great characters or my favorite types, but because they are not without flaws and fear of life. And the story, despite all those action and piracy, is in fact just a part of their growing up process. Our two heroines are imperfect dorks, trying so hard to cope with their fears, love, past and coming out tattered but winners.
Lynn actually gives me some secondhand embarrassments at first, with the wacky stuff she does. But soon she makes it clear that she's far, and I mean really far, from just a rebellious kiddo. Everything she did, she did for a reason. The other heroine, Darren, is a refreshing change from the pirate captain type, and reading about her overcoming her problem with the help of Lynn as well as other lovable characters is such a fun ride. Lynn and Darren's banters, as well as with other characters, are both lovely fluffy treasures. When situations get serious and someone needs an eye-opener , conversations become nice wake-up calls. Oh who am I kidding, those are damn savage burns I can't held back my standing ovation (I dropped my phone twice but hey, to hell with details).
Some damn cool details which I can't give enough praises to: the Clever Lass story and Lynn's shell game. I'm getting those printed out and glued on my desk for motivation. Right beside my poster of Charlize Theron as the evil queen. Yes, they're THAT beautiful.
Looking through the reviews, people seems to drop this because of the bdsm element. Saying it's an element is a bit much, to be honest, the sex scene isn't explitcit, like, at all (shame on me). Lynn did emphasize hard that she wanted to have fun with Darren, so I don't see the problem. And trust me the only weird bdsm here is how Benny makes me like Darren the potato.
The real problem that keeps the book from being solidly great is Lynn's arc being glossed over. It was a real pity that Benny didn't sort out the mess she gave Lynn justly before the story ends. This makes Lynn's great characteristic seems two-dimensional, which is a real pity considering how great she is as a character. The ending is also a bit unsatisfying, with a serious mental problem swept so quickly under the rug.
That said, everything else in this book is great, if only Benny gave more thoughts to solving Lynn's issue. I'm also kinda icky that there's a lack of Jess, I'm not happy with the lack of Jess. Then again, no amount of Jess is going to be enough, ever. Jeez I'll stop nitpick but can you blame me for wanting more fiery red-head with long tunic?
All in all, I think Shell Game is a good book, despite the big fat flaw. I did have my share of cute characters, a big fight pumped with adrenaline, happy lesbeans and a friggin poem about gay pirates, can't say I'm not glad I spent time on the adventure.
This is one very refreshing and original cliche story. Hey, the contradiction doesn't seem that bizzard when you consider the new spin Benny Lawrence gives to this old tattered exiled pirate storyline.
The story is all basic and straight-forward, but the way Benny told it, how she chooses when to start the story, how to reveal characters' pasts, how to leave out clues here and there, is so enticing that I just forget all about the fact that this plot is as old as earth. The first person narrative actually contributes alot to the experience. Originality is a bit overated, anyway. I would settle on anything with likable characters, adventures with high stakes and some fishy romances (no pun intended). This book delivered just that.
The cast is most of the reason why I like Shell Game so much. Not because they are built great characters or my favorite types, but because they are not without flaws and fear of life. And the story, despite all those action and piracy, is in fact just a part of their growing up process. Our two heroines are imperfect dorks, trying so hard to cope with their fears, love, past and coming out tattered but winners.
Lynn actually gives me some secondhand embarrassments at first, with the wacky stuff she does. But soon she makes it clear that she's far, and I mean really far, from just a rebellious kiddo. Everything she did, she did for a reason. The other heroine, Darren, is a refreshing change from the pirate captain type, and reading about her overcoming her problem with the help of Lynn as well as other lovable characters is such a fun ride. Lynn and Darren's banters, as well as with other characters, are both lovely fluffy treasures. When situations get serious and someone needs an eye-opener , conversations become nice wake-up calls. Oh who am I kidding, those are damn savage burns I can't held back my standing ovation (I dropped my phone twice but hey, to hell with details).
Some damn cool details which I can't give enough praises to: the Clever Lass story and Lynn's shell game. I'm getting those printed out and glued on my desk for motivation. Right beside my poster of Charlize Theron as the evil queen. Yes, they're THAT beautiful.
Looking through the reviews, people seems to drop this because of the bdsm element. Saying it's an element is a bit much, to be honest, the sex scene isn't explitcit, like, at all (shame on me). Lynn did emphasize hard that she wanted to have fun with Darren, so I don't see the problem. And trust me the only weird bdsm here is how Benny makes me like Darren the potato.
The real problem that keeps the book from being solidly great is Lynn's arc being glossed over. It was a real pity that Benny didn't sort out the mess she gave Lynn justly before the story ends. This makes Lynn's great characteristic seems two-dimensional, which is a real pity considering how great she is as a character. The ending is also a bit unsatisfying, with a serious mental problem swept so quickly under the rug.
That said, everything else in this book is great, if only Benny gave more thoughts to solving Lynn's issue. I'm also kinda icky that there's a lack of Jess, I'm not happy with the lack of Jess. Then again, no amount of Jess is going to be enough, ever. Jeez I'll stop nitpick but can you blame me for wanting more fiery red-head with long tunic?
All in all, I think Shell Game is a good book, despite the big fat flaw. I did have my share of cute characters, a big fight pumped with adrenaline, happy lesbeans and a friggin poem about gay pirates, can't say I'm not glad I spent time on the adventure.
August 23, 2017
Shell Game was a really, really fun read from its overt tone and humor to the underlying dark plot.
I really enjoyed both of the main characters' voices - they're distinct, clever, and although they're a little heavy-handed or cartoonish at times, it all reads as appropriately in with the tone of the book and both of them are creative and funny as hell. I also appreciated that despite the prevalent humorous tone of the novel, it handled some seriously dark subjects, from war to child abuse, not just in discussion but as a direct part of the plot. I wouldn't recommend this book to anybody who is uncomfortable reading about abuse (though there is NO sexual violence). I also think that while the abuse depicted in the book was handled with the appropriate gravity, the resolution and recovery following could have been expanded on more.
Despite that, though, the nature of the genre this book fits into never left me worried that there wouldn't be a happy resolution at the end of everything, which made staying along for the ride of it even more fun rather than stressful. In fact, that's the only thing I have to criticize - the ride itself. The characters and the tone of the writing both managed to carry me through about 30% of the book on their charisma alone, but that's about when I realized that the book didn't actually have a plot, and continued to not have a plot until a little bit more than halfway through the entire novel. It was a fantastic read and I absolutely loved the writing style and the characters' personalities, and I was completely hooked on the plot when it DID kick in, so I think some adjustment to the pacing of it would have bumped this from a 4 star review to a 5 star.
Overall: Fantastic, entertaining, cathartically dark novel with some pacing issues and delightful POV characters.
I really enjoyed both of the main characters' voices - they're distinct, clever, and although they're a little heavy-handed or cartoonish at times, it all reads as appropriately in with the tone of the book and both of them are creative and funny as hell. I also appreciated that despite the prevalent humorous tone of the novel, it handled some seriously dark subjects, from war to child abuse, not just in discussion but as a direct part of the plot. I wouldn't recommend this book to anybody who is uncomfortable reading about abuse (though there is NO sexual violence). I also think that while the abuse depicted in the book was handled with the appropriate gravity, the resolution and recovery following could have been expanded on more.
Despite that, though, the nature of the genre this book fits into never left me worried that there wouldn't be a happy resolution at the end of everything, which made staying along for the ride of it even more fun rather than stressful. In fact, that's the only thing I have to criticize - the ride itself. The characters and the tone of the writing both managed to carry me through about 30% of the book on their charisma alone, but that's about when I realized that the book didn't actually have a plot, and continued to not have a plot until a little bit more than halfway through the entire novel. It was a fantastic read and I absolutely loved the writing style and the characters' personalities, and I was completely hooked on the plot when it DID kick in, so I think some adjustment to the pacing of it would have bumped this from a 4 star review to a 5 star.
Overall: Fantastic, entertaining, cathartically dark novel with some pacing issues and delightful POV characters.
March 4, 2020
I'm always game for sea adventures tales,
Kraken ✔
Sirens ✔
Seaweed ✔
A bunch of college kids, goofing around drunkenly on a tiny boat despite what's lurking under water ✔
A cute and tiny red crab with a loudmouth named Sebastian ✔
Pirate Queen - Hell to yes ✔✔✔
Lily And The Crown by Rosalyn Sinclair was my first under the lesfic genre, I enjoyed it tremendously and made up my mind then that nothing can beat it until I read Lawrence's sea adventure. Shell Game was filled with colorful characters, the most outrageous anti-human, a young lady named Lynn and the one of a kind aka a bumbling idiot, pirate queen. There were ships, fights, the usual pirates' backstabbing and a unique tale of survival.
Usually, when someone who had been tortured since young more often than not, their spirits would have been broken too. They might found a small dosage of courage to obtain freedom now and then only to be ripped off by their tormentor repeatedly until one fine day, they'll succumbed to the darkness of imprisonment - physically, mentally and emotionally.
From the reviews, almost every reviewer was declaring their love for Lynn, I was sceptic. Why did Lynn get so much of attention? Shouldn't everyone be having a clit boner for Darren? Within a few pages, I became one of the reviewers. I willingly gave my heart to Lynn and a spot in my holy grail heroine list to her. Lynn was a perfect and an endearing heroine. I loved her portrayal, she was strong, genius, kind, considerate and so much fun. I’m sure many readers will love her characterization from the start.. I think what I loved the most about her was the way she pushed Darren's buttons, pure entertainment. As for our Pirate Queen, Darren, she was so much more than I'd initially thought she would be. Her barks were worst than her bites and she was an entertaining idiot, totally unreliable but owned a heart of gold. Like Lynn, she loved their swoonworthy interactions too.
Despite the sad undertone, Lawrence layered the story with her signature humor. Even the fade to black sex scenes managed to tweak my clit a lil, thanks to the lines exchanged between Lynn and Darren prior and post.
Fantastic read, entertaining, dark and featuring an irresistible cast. Money worth spent and you'll get to enjoy it again and again if you have it in your library
Kraken ✔
Sirens ✔
Seaweed ✔
A bunch of college kids, goofing around drunkenly on a tiny boat despite what's lurking under water ✔
A cute and tiny red crab with a loudmouth named Sebastian ✔
Pirate Queen - Hell to yes ✔✔✔
Lily And The Crown by Rosalyn Sinclair was my first under the lesfic genre, I enjoyed it tremendously and made up my mind then that nothing can beat it until I read Lawrence's sea adventure. Shell Game was filled with colorful characters, the most outrageous anti-human, a young lady named Lynn and the one of a kind aka a bumbling idiot, pirate queen. There were ships, fights, the usual pirates' backstabbing and a unique tale of survival.
Usually, when someone who had been tortured since young more often than not, their spirits would have been broken too. They might found a small dosage of courage to obtain freedom now and then only to be ripped off by their tormentor repeatedly until one fine day, they'll succumbed to the darkness of imprisonment - physically, mentally and emotionally.
From the reviews, almost every reviewer was declaring their love for Lynn, I was sceptic. Why did Lynn get so much of attention? Shouldn't everyone be having a clit boner for Darren? Within a few pages, I became one of the reviewers. I willingly gave my heart to Lynn and a spot in my holy grail heroine list to her. Lynn was a perfect and an endearing heroine. I loved her portrayal, she was strong, genius, kind, considerate and so much fun. I’m sure many readers will love her characterization from the start.. I think what I loved the most about her was the way she pushed Darren's buttons, pure entertainment. As for our Pirate Queen, Darren, she was so much more than I'd initially thought she would be. Her barks were worst than her bites and she was an entertaining idiot, totally unreliable but owned a heart of gold. Like Lynn, she loved their swoonworthy interactions too.
Despite the sad undertone, Lawrence layered the story with her signature humor. Even the fade to black sex scenes managed to tweak my clit a lil, thanks to the lines exchanged between Lynn and Darren prior and post.
Fantastic read, entertaining, dark and featuring an irresistible cast. Money worth spent and you'll get to enjoy it again and again if you have it in your library
January 14, 2023
Thanks to "Jude in the Stars" for the recommendation to finally read this epic pirate romance, which as many have noted, defies description. Written in alternating first person POV (and very clearly marked as such), we get to learn both Darren's and Lynn's backstories, told with plenty of humor to help make the really tough parts go down more easily. The last third of the book is non-stop action, sometimes extremely difficult to read.
Shell Game is the kind of book that took me several sittings to finish, not only because it's long (but still not long enough!), but because I wanted to absorb every single word. I won't soon forget Darren and Lynn.
Shell Game is the kind of book that took me several sittings to finish, not only because it's long (but still not long enough!), but because I wanted to absorb every single word. I won't soon forget Darren and Lynn.
October 27, 2015
It's rare for me these days to give such high ratings, even more so if the narrative is in first person. I sighed when I opened the book and saw it followed the pattern of dividing it up in three parts, one for each lead and then one for the both of them. I'm firmly in the camp of people who hate that way of telling a narrative.
But I gamely pressed on, and I'm glad I did.
The story starts when would-be pirate queen who actually doesn't have a clue what the fuck she's doing rescues a girl from a much raided fishing village, only to find said rescued girl demands she be treated as a prisoner and then proceeds to boss the crew around in making that happen. You have to read the rest of the story to see how that works out.
The first two parts are hilarious, with many a laugh out loud moment. We're talking about pirates who brave the high seas and the occasional ocelot and have much swashbuckling going on with ivory figurines of elephants thrown in for good measure.
The third part is much darker, and from what I gather a bit controversial. I can see why, some parts aren't what you expect to find in a comedy. It is disturbing to read, but at the same time portrays the strenght of one of the leads at the same time.
It ends with an epilogue, and I'll be frank here (no pun intended), I hate epilogues. It always seems like a cop-out or something. The main story itself is brilliant, though, so I'll give it rating it deserves. (Which, apparently makes me a fangirl and a lackey, if a certain review is to be believed. Well, I'm neither a girl nor do I answer to anyone).
But I gamely pressed on, and I'm glad I did.
The story starts when would-be pirate queen who actually doesn't have a clue what the fuck she's doing rescues a girl from a much raided fishing village, only to find said rescued girl demands she be treated as a prisoner and then proceeds to boss the crew around in making that happen. You have to read the rest of the story to see how that works out.
The first two parts are hilarious, with many a laugh out loud moment. We're talking about pirates who brave the high seas and the occasional ocelot and have much swashbuckling going on with ivory figurines of elephants thrown in for good measure.
The third part is much darker, and from what I gather a bit controversial. I can see why, some parts aren't what you expect to find in a comedy. It is disturbing to read, but at the same time portrays the strenght of one of the leads at the same time.
It ends with an epilogue, and I'll be frank here (no pun intended), I hate epilogues. It always seems like a cop-out or something. The main story itself is brilliant, though, so I'll give it rating it deserves. (Which, apparently makes me a fangirl and a lackey, if a certain review is to be believed. Well, I'm neither a girl nor do I answer to anyone).
May 28, 2023
Most people I had met in my life were like rotten logs, who crumbled into maggots and dust as soon as I rapped them. Darren had yet to crumble, though, no matter how hard I rapped, and I was beginning to suspect that she might be solid all the way down to the heartwood.
3.5 stars. Is there such a thing as incompetence porn? Is that a thing? I feel like Darren in this book could make it a thing. I don't mean that necessarily in a bad way, but the writing of this had me going up and down, in terms of what I thought about its treatment of the characters. We're following a young woman from a small fishing village who gets picked up by a pirate captain who's just trying to do some good in the world. Lynn, the young woman, pretty much makes herself Darren's slave, and then paradoxically starts running the show.
And that's pretty much why I really enjoyed this book for the most part. Lynn took a while to grow on me, because it was hard for me to work out her motivations, and she seemed to have a lot of inexplicable experience for someone of her age and circumstances. She's keeping a lot of secrets, and we do find out a lot more about her, but even so, I didn't find all of her knowledge and experience and aptitude entirely credible. But still, I enjoyed this so much. I love the way she was bossed Darren around, took the reins so completely, ingratiated herself with the entire crew, all while maintaining this supposedly meek and subservient role. When the reasons for her behaviour eventually come to light, it's so heart-wrenching, really understandable, and just really hit a chord with me. I love narratives like that, about people who take control without ever needing to put themselves at the top of the hierarchy; who take control because it's been denied to them so thoroughly in the past. I really adored Lynn for that, and I loved how that manifested in their (fade to black) bedroom dynamic, with her happily being submissive, but still very much holding the reins.
I also really like Darren, but I wasn't in love with the way that she was written. Her incompetence was obviously being used for humorous effect, but at a certain point it was like... okay, how did she even get to where she is if everyone around her is controlling things for her, is so much better at everything than she is? At certain points, it seemed like all Darren ever did was yell ineffectually, while the officers and sailors and Lynn did all the real work. Again, it's part of the humour of the book, but I really wanted her to step up a little bit more? That is part of her character arc and her growth, because she does have to come to terms with a lot, and even though she has pulled away from her aristocratic roots, there's more that she needed to unlearn. I get that it's part of her personality. But I guess after a while it wasn't that funny to me. Towards the end, she does sort of make some strides, and kind of take things in hand, so there was at least that. But I wanted to see more of her and Lynn moving effectively as a team, instead of Lynn always having to tell Darren what to do.
I still loved a lot about it. I always love a found family on a ship, and the nature of the main relationship, at its core, really spoke to me. This isn't a very typical romance book, because the characters get together pretty early on, and the plot doesn't always focus on the romance? But it was deeply enough woven into events that I still feel comfortable labelling this a romance. Darren and Lynn don't iron things out completely between them until the very end. I do think I would have enjoyed this more if it had been a bit more concentrated on the growing relationship between Lynn and Darren, and if we had gotten to see some more of the earlier moments between them. However, I did really enjoy how the book treated with abuse, survival, and recovery. It took its themes really seriously, even amidst the humour and silliness that surrounded other elements of the plot.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Em Grosland and Blair Baker and it was a lot of fun. Their voices were pretty different, but similar enough that it felt natural when they had to read each other's character. There's a lot of humour in this book, and they brought it out perfectly. This was really interesting, and far from the usual take on a pirate romance, so I'm glad that I took the chance on it. I liked the author's wit and style most of the time, and look forward to checking her out again.
Content warning:
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve earned a beautiful moment, she said, just take strength from it if you can. If you don’t love the world, she said, you won’t fight for it.
September 1, 2019
The start of this book was quite strange, Lynn’s behaviour was intriguing and kept me puzzled for quite a way into the book. Later in the story we begin to find out her plan, my problem was, she didn’t know Darren so how did she decide on this course of action with no starting information.
There were elements of this book that I really liked, but I struggled with others. Although it was an integral part of the story I thought the author dwelt a little bit too long on the abuse and the rescue of Lynn was ridiculous.
Overall it was a good read and if possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
There were elements of this book that I really liked, but I struggled with others. Although it was an integral part of the story I thought the author dwelt a little bit too long on the abuse and the rescue of Lynn was ridiculous.
Overall it was a good read and if possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
August 1, 2025
(4.00)
December 24, 2023
A level headed and sharp tongue bossy Lynn and soft hearted, socially awkward Darren, their interaction are hilarious, i would probably prefer a little more intimate scene but whatever.
The dynamic between two characters had me thinking about The Tea Machine by Gill McKnight though, a shame that series never came to fruition but I am rambling.
The storyline at times witty and hilarious, other times heart wrenching and soul crushing, but never dull. Definitely a book I will reread every once in a while.
The dynamic between two characters had me thinking about The Tea Machine by Gill McKnight though, a shame that series never came to fruition but I am rambling.
The storyline at times witty and hilarious, other times heart wrenching and soul crushing, but never dull. Definitely a book I will reread every once in a while.
August 16, 2018
Maybe it's just me, but I find Lynn too needlessly annoying to be likable. I LOVE sassy protagonists but this one is too heavy on the attitude for me. *shrug*
I do like Darren though. She's pretty cool. I mean, she's a pirate queen so...
Other than Lynn's personality, my main problem with the book was not feeling enough of a spark between the two partners. I don't get the sense that they're developing feelings for each other - or that they even have any physical attraction - when suddenly they're in bed and then somehow they're a couple? At first it doesn't seem like either has feelings for the other, then for a while it looks like Darren has feelings but Lynn doesn't feel the same way/might just be using her, but in the end it's a long-term relationship and I don't really understand how it got there from the emotional perspective. I understand that going through a lot of hardship and adrenaline-pumping situations can lead people to develop feelings for each other, but the development of their feelings of love isn't given any attention. It's mostly frustration with each other and conflict between two people trying to get their way.
Overall, it's a decent read. Nothing amazing or particularly memorable. I've read several lesbian pirate books that actually gave me feels, whereas this one didn't.
I do like Darren though. She's pretty cool. I mean, she's a pirate queen so...
Other than Lynn's personality, my main problem with the book was not feeling enough of a spark between the two partners. I don't get the sense that they're developing feelings for each other - or that they even have any physical attraction - when suddenly they're in bed and then somehow they're a couple? At first it doesn't seem like either has feelings for the other, then for a while it looks like Darren has feelings but Lynn doesn't feel the same way/might just be using her, but in the end it's a long-term relationship and I don't really understand how it got there from the emotional perspective. I understand that going through a lot of hardship and adrenaline-pumping situations can lead people to develop feelings for each other, but the development of their feelings of love isn't given any attention. It's mostly frustration with each other and conflict between two people trying to get their way.
Overall, it's a decent read. Nothing amazing or particularly memorable. I've read several lesbian pirate books that actually gave me feels, whereas this one didn't.
August 26, 2017
So, I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting when I started this book, but it certainly wasn't what I got. There were several times where I would stop, chuckle and then say, "what the hell am I reading?"
In the beginning I found it strange, Lynn's banter mostly. But I kept with it and I'm glad I did.
There were a few typos here and there, and oftentimes things were so off the wall that it almost turned me off. But the typos were easily ignored and after a while you just learn to go with the weirdness. Kind of like Darren does.
The story was cute, though I kind of wish the romance had been a little more in depth. But that's neither here nor there cuz over all I really enjoyed this book.
In the beginning I found it strange, Lynn's banter mostly. But I kept with it and I'm glad I did.
There were a few typos here and there, and oftentimes things were so off the wall that it almost turned me off. But the typos were easily ignored and after a while you just learn to go with the weirdness. Kind of like Darren does.
The story was cute, though I kind of wish the romance had been a little more in depth. But that's neither here nor there cuz over all I really enjoyed this book.
July 18, 2013
Shell game is such a wonderful action-packed read. Love the author's particular brand of humor and banter. The characters are unique, interesting and multifaceted. The storyline is engaging. Definitely worth reading over again. Highly recommended!
December 14, 2017
This book was SO FUNNY in places and SO DARK in places and SO HOT in places that reading it made me delighted to be WRONG (finally). If that makes sense. I was so happy to be unbalanced and erroneous as hell in my expectations. It was unbelievably refreshing to Disney-villain cackle on transit. Thank you, Benny, I found your book at the perfect time!
I was expecting that odd, othering experience I've had quite a bit while reading lesbian fiction in recent days.
You know, lady-loving-ladies, that bitter feeling where you already know what's going to happen because you've been reading too much lesbian fiction you suspect was either written by a) men or b) women with few lesbian experiences (or who are perhaps just not great at writing either romance or sex between women)? Nothing pulls me out of a lesbian romance faster than feeling like I am reading a tour guide to my country written by someone from another country who has never actually visited my country and is doing their research using Google. Lolol.
Those times where you open a new book and you swear to god that if this is gonna be another pseudo-queer-gal-pals-heterosexual-gaze story you are going to have to settle in and wait for Radclyffe and Megan O'Brien to get done writing more books, because at least you trust those two to have been winners of the lesbo rodeo and won toaster ovens and the right to wear socks with sandals? Because you trust them to have been frequent enough flyers to have earned their red wings? Perhaps you are even relieved when they don't unironically make butch characters wear "panties"? Or are happy that they include female masculinity AT ALL in some of their characters because that feels so much more true to the gender spectrum in the community than 80% of what you've been reading, and a FULL 100 % of what you've seen on tv? Le sigh. I digress...
This writer is good at creating sexual tension with very minimal effort. Like when you are interested in someone and you notice her unconsciously low-key responding to things you do in a sexual way.
I was pleasantly surprised at the hotness because I thought this book was going to just be funny and I was even ok with that, for once. But then BAM! Hot. Small suggestions really amped up the heat.
I was also not expecting this story be FUCKING DARK, because it IS so funny in places. And I don't mean this is a black comedy; it's funny but also quite painful as parts of the plot develop. I ACTUALLY cried. Not dark like "ha ha lets be cynical about life's absurdity," is what I am saying, it's more like, "whoa...I am not sure I am ready for this twist.." dark. Like, I go all-in on the regular for some sad and tragic tales, and I was unsettled. Be ready, lesbian soldiers/ pirates (in this case).
But seriously, reading the two female leads interacting makes it worth it. It was cinematic. I could see the bleeding-heart-noble Peter Pan/ Robin Hood pirate-type character being completely bowled-over and baffled by her "prisoner." The prisoner reminds me of Tinker Bell, despite being human. She has a magically refreshing perspective. Almost the hilarious logic of a child, but far too cunning. She says things and makes demands that are often as insufferable and outlandish they are endearing. You feel just as confused as the pirate while reading the first half. But trust me, you're happy to be confused because she is forcing your perspective to broaden.
I found this book to be subversive and a lot of fun. It's a good cure for lesfic fatigue, or any kind of fatigue. It's actually pretty beautiful in many ways.
I was expecting that odd, othering experience I've had quite a bit while reading lesbian fiction in recent days.
You know, lady-loving-ladies, that bitter feeling where you already know what's going to happen because you've been reading too much lesbian fiction you suspect was either written by a) men or b) women with few lesbian experiences (or who are perhaps just not great at writing either romance or sex between women)? Nothing pulls me out of a lesbian romance faster than feeling like I am reading a tour guide to my country written by someone from another country who has never actually visited my country and is doing their research using Google. Lolol.
Those times where you open a new book and you swear to god that if this is gonna be another pseudo-queer-gal-pals-heterosexual-gaze story you are going to have to settle in and wait for Radclyffe and Megan O'Brien to get done writing more books, because at least you trust those two to have been winners of the lesbo rodeo and won toaster ovens and the right to wear socks with sandals? Because you trust them to have been frequent enough flyers to have earned their red wings? Perhaps you are even relieved when they don't unironically make butch characters wear "panties"? Or are happy that they include female masculinity AT ALL in some of their characters because that feels so much more true to the gender spectrum in the community than 80% of what you've been reading, and a FULL 100 % of what you've seen on tv? Le sigh. I digress...
This writer is good at creating sexual tension with very minimal effort. Like when you are interested in someone and you notice her unconsciously low-key responding to things you do in a sexual way.
I was pleasantly surprised at the hotness because I thought this book was going to just be funny and I was even ok with that, for once. But then BAM! Hot. Small suggestions really amped up the heat.
I was also not expecting this story be FUCKING DARK, because it IS so funny in places. And I don't mean this is a black comedy; it's funny but also quite painful as parts of the plot develop. I ACTUALLY cried. Not dark like "ha ha lets be cynical about life's absurdity," is what I am saying, it's more like, "whoa...I am not sure I am ready for this twist.." dark. Like, I go all-in on the regular for some sad and tragic tales, and I was unsettled. Be ready, lesbian soldiers/ pirates (in this case).
But seriously, reading the two female leads interacting makes it worth it. It was cinematic. I could see the bleeding-heart-noble Peter Pan/ Robin Hood pirate-type character being completely bowled-over and baffled by her "prisoner." The prisoner reminds me of Tinker Bell, despite being human. She has a magically refreshing perspective. Almost the hilarious logic of a child, but far too cunning. She says things and makes demands that are often as insufferable and outlandish they are endearing. You feel just as confused as the pirate while reading the first half. But trust me, you're happy to be confused because she is forcing your perspective to broaden.
I found this book to be subversive and a lot of fun. It's a good cure for lesfic fatigue, or any kind of fatigue. It's actually pretty beautiful in many ways.
June 22, 2025
STARS 5 stars
SPICE 0 - no graphic scenes/just inuendos
CHEMISTRY good chemistry
ANGST medium angst
SLOW BURN no
CLIFFHANGER no
FAVORITE QUOTE/QUOTES
She had a world of options. But I was the one she'd chosen.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE BOOK/HOW DID IT MAKE ME FEEL
This was such a quirky book in all the right ways. There was lots of fun witty banter. But then there were some pretty heavy situation. And then there was this beautiful book about self discovery and what we can do for love. When the impossible just seems possible.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
I loved that they were both better together. That Lynn had believed in Darren even when Darren couldn't.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE BOOK
I have not read many books with this many layers. I loved how everything came together.
MY FAVORITE PART- IF IT IS NOT TOO SPOILERY
The moment that Lynn is explaining why she is willing to sacrifice and that Darren not wanting this to happen. But Lynn saying it is her choice and she won't allow anyone to tell her what to do. And then figuring out why it was so important to her
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Nothing really. But I was getting frustrated that I wasn't putting the pieces together. But it was not about not liking it. I just usually can figure things out faster.
TROPES
Pirates, Sapphic, Mystery
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
If you read beyond this point it might feel a little spoiler"ish". This is where I go into a little more details about my bookshelves.
PLEASE READ WITH CAUTION AND SKIP IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT SPOILERS!!!!!!!!
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
THE LIST/BOOKSHELVES
SPICE 0 - no graphic scenes/just inuendos
CHEMISTRY good chemistry
ANGST medium angst
SLOW BURN no
CLIFFHANGER no
FAVORITE QUOTE/QUOTES
She had a world of options. But I was the one she'd chosen.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE BOOK/HOW DID IT MAKE ME FEEL
This was such a quirky book in all the right ways. There was lots of fun witty banter. But then there were some pretty heavy situation. And then there was this beautiful book about self discovery and what we can do for love. When the impossible just seems possible.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
I loved that they were both better together. That Lynn had believed in Darren even when Darren couldn't.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE BOOK
I have not read many books with this many layers. I loved how everything came together.
MY FAVORITE PART- IF IT IS NOT TOO SPOILERY
The moment that Lynn is explaining why she is willing to sacrifice and that Darren not wanting this to happen. But Lynn saying it is her choice and she won't allow anyone to tell her what to do. And then figuring out why it was so important to her
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Nothing really. But I was getting frustrated that I wasn't putting the pieces together. But it was not about not liking it. I just usually can figure things out faster.
TROPES
Pirates, Sapphic, Mystery
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
If you read beyond this point it might feel a little spoiler"ish". This is where I go into a little more details about my bookshelves.
PLEASE READ WITH CAUTION AND SKIP IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT SPOILERS!!!!!!!!
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
THE LIST/BOOKSHELVES
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews