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Criminals of the Ocean #1
Enslaved by the Ocean
Indigo is running, she has no other choice. She's done something bad, and the only way to escape it, is to flee her home, and her country. She sets out on a luxury Yacht, to take her to another country with her best friend Eric. But she runs into a problem.
The Yacht catches fire.
She ends up stranded in the ocean, terrified, and scared of the uncertain. Until they show up. The pirates. Terrified, Indigo and Eric have to face the reality that this might be the end for them. These are pirates, they are the criminals of the ocean. What chance have they got of surviving this nightmare?
Then she lays eyes on Hendrix. He's the Captain, he's gorgeous, rugged, and mean. He's planning on keeping her to repay his debt to another man, by selling her. Now Indigo has a crazy ex after her, as well as a pirate she can't seem to get out of her head.
Come on this heart wrenching, dark, angsty and dangerous adventure as two people so opposite, find something so beautiful.
The Yacht catches fire.
She ends up stranded in the ocean, terrified, and scared of the uncertain. Until they show up. The pirates. Terrified, Indigo and Eric have to face the reality that this might be the end for them. These are pirates, they are the criminals of the ocean. What chance have they got of surviving this nightmare?
Then she lays eyes on Hendrix. He's the Captain, he's gorgeous, rugged, and mean. He's planning on keeping her to repay his debt to another man, by selling her. Now Indigo has a crazy ex after her, as well as a pirate she can't seem to get out of her head.
Come on this heart wrenching, dark, angsty and dangerous adventure as two people so opposite, find something so beautiful.
204 pages, ebook
First published December 6, 2013
351 people are currently reading
4461 people want to read
About the author
Bella Jewel
102 books7,455 followersHeya!! My name is Bella, I'm a new aussie author and I am as crazy as they come. I'm playful, friendly and always up for a chat so stop on by x
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 696 reviews
January 9, 2017
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
I've read several books by Bella Jewel that I've really enjoyed. Unfortunately, 'Enslaved by the Ocean' was not one of them. It just didn't work for me, although I didn't have any issues with the narration. It was the story itself that didn't appeal to me.
This was one of those stories that I just never could connect to. The entire "pirate" idea, as it was presented, was just ridiculous and unbelievable. Yes, I realize that there are real, modern-day pirates out there, terrorizing people on the seas. However, this story just seemed preposterous.
One of my biggest gripes about this story was that it seemed to switch back and forth a lot. It was almost like she couldn't decide if she wanted to write a pirate story based in present time or one that took place 200 years ago. The end result is a story that is supposed to be set in present time, with pirates armed with swords and sailing around in a huge wooden ship. Really? I just didn't buy it.
I was listening to the Audible version of the book and the dialect seemed to change a lot also. It seemed to me that this wasn't a problem with the narration, as much as the written dialogue. Sometimes, it was all "Aye, matey" and other times it was like they talked normal and even mocked the "pirate talk".
There were also plenty of far-fetched twists and revelations. More than one character had to go on the run after murdering somebody...in self-defense, of course. It seems that it is a small world, because a surprisingly high number of people have turned to life on the high-seas as a pirate. Is it really such a highly sought-out lifestyle? Not to mention the disastrous rescue and implausible events that follow. It was just absurd.
Since I couldn't relate to the story, I never formed any sort of attachment to the characters either. I just didn't care one way or the other. Everything was over-the-top and comical, at best.
If I had it to do over again, I would not have wasted my time with this story. In fact, if I didn't have a compulsive need to finish every book I start, I would've DNF'd this one. It just lacked appeal for me.
That being said, if you're in the mood for something smutty and kind of ridiculous, you might like this one. It is certainly different if you're looking for a change. It wasn't for me, but this is an author that I will continue to follow. I've enjoyed many of her books, but won't be continuing this series.
I've read several books by Bella Jewel that I've really enjoyed. Unfortunately, 'Enslaved by the Ocean' was not one of them. It just didn't work for me, although I didn't have any issues with the narration. It was the story itself that didn't appeal to me.
This was one of those stories that I just never could connect to. The entire "pirate" idea, as it was presented, was just ridiculous and unbelievable. Yes, I realize that there are real, modern-day pirates out there, terrorizing people on the seas. However, this story just seemed preposterous.
One of my biggest gripes about this story was that it seemed to switch back and forth a lot. It was almost like she couldn't decide if she wanted to write a pirate story based in present time or one that took place 200 years ago. The end result is a story that is supposed to be set in present time, with pirates armed with swords and sailing around in a huge wooden ship. Really? I just didn't buy it.
I was listening to the Audible version of the book and the dialect seemed to change a lot also. It seemed to me that this wasn't a problem with the narration, as much as the written dialogue. Sometimes, it was all "Aye, matey" and other times it was like they talked normal and even mocked the "pirate talk".
There were also plenty of far-fetched twists and revelations. More than one character had to go on the run after murdering somebody...in self-defense, of course. It seems that it is a small world, because a surprisingly high number of people have turned to life on the high-seas as a pirate. Is it really such a highly sought-out lifestyle? Not to mention the disastrous rescue and implausible events that follow. It was just absurd.
Since I couldn't relate to the story, I never formed any sort of attachment to the characters either. I just didn't care one way or the other. Everything was over-the-top and comical, at best.
If I had it to do over again, I would not have wasted my time with this story. In fact, if I didn't have a compulsive need to finish every book I start, I would've DNF'd this one. It just lacked appeal for me.
That being said, if you're in the mood for something smutty and kind of ridiculous, you might like this one. It is certainly different if you're looking for a change. It wasn't for me, but this is an author that I will continue to follow. I've enjoyed many of her books, but won't be continuing this series.
November 22, 2014
I had this book for so long and always wanted to read it...and I'm so glad that I finally decided to read it!!!This book is a little different from what I have read so far!It has a new story line with a different setting that includes hot pirates!!Yes yes...pirates!!!!So be prepared for a wild ride in the sea...
Indigo is running from her abusive ex boyfriend.She and her best friend Eric,board a yacht to travel to the United Kingdom but something happened and they are alone in the sea....when Pirates find and capture them! In order to save their lives, Indigo must compromise with the captain..But can she resist Hendrix the hot captain??
I liked Hendrix a lot!Only at the beginning I have problem with him and the way he treated Indigo!However he is a likeable character!He is alpha male,controlling and so hot!!!I loved Indigo as well!She is a strong heroine!She is smart,determined and loyal! I loved when Hendrix and Indigo were together and I loved their chemistry too...There are so many steamy moments between them!!!
This have a cliffhanger which leads into the next book!!Let me tell you that the end make me want to read the next book right now!!!And I'm so glad that I got an ARC for the second!!!If you like to read something different..or you're fan of pirates then this is for you!!!
Indigo is running from her abusive ex boyfriend.She and her best friend Eric,board a yacht to travel to the United Kingdom but something happened and they are alone in the sea....when Pirates find and capture them! In order to save their lives, Indigo must compromise with the captain..But can she resist Hendrix the hot captain??
I liked Hendrix a lot!Only at the beginning I have problem with him and the way he treated Indigo!However he is a likeable character!He is alpha male,controlling and so hot!!!I loved Indigo as well!She is a strong heroine!She is smart,determined and loyal! I loved when Hendrix and Indigo were together and I loved their chemistry too...There are so many steamy moments between them!!!
This have a cliffhanger which leads into the next book!!Let me tell you that the end make me want to read the next book right now!!!And I'm so glad that I got an ARC for the second!!!If you like to read something different..or you're fan of pirates then this is for you!!!
Read
December 12, 2013DNF...
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me.
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me.
February 17, 2020
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Not As Good As I Recall*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Second re-read: 17.02.20
I wanted pirates. While Hendrix is a cool character, quite hot and does have appeal, Indigo isn't that much of a good character. She's kinda weak in a way, even though she doesn't give up trying to escape. You must read to actually understand what I mean here. The story is interesting, yet predictable. I wish this was more of a fantasy setting than a contemporary pirate book, because it just doesn't seem.... real? Also epilogue was a bad way to end the book for Indigo's POV.
That being said, I don't regret re-reading it, but I don't think I'll ever read it again. The characters - even though I do like Hendrix - aren't worth it. I mean, we don't really get to know the side character in depth - they are just there. I didn't start to skim until the end of the book where I just found myself done with it. Oh and the insta-love feels. The timeline is what? Two weeks? Just no. The rating is definitely down. I've changed so darn much...
The Characters:
→ Indigo ‘Indi’ Waters (24), the main character who is on the run from her ex who just got out of jail looking for revenge.
→ Hendrix (35?), the Captain of the ship that captures Indi and Eric.
→ Eric George, Indigo's best friend.
→ Kane, Indigo's abusive ex-boyfriend who she is running from. He was her foster brother in her last home, older than her. She fell for him hard and fast, thought things were good - until he started beating her.
→ Drake, one of the pirates on Hendrix's ship. Hendrix's main security man.
→ Jess, a woman part of the crew on Hendrix's ship. Hendrix saved her life after she killed her abusive (raped her) foster father.
→ Sienna ‘Senny’, a woman on Hendrix's ship.
→ Jekyll, one of the mean pirates on Hendrix's ship.
→ Jock, GG, and Lenny, pirates on Hendrix's ship.
→ Charles Waters, Indigo's father who ran away when she was little and never to be seen again.
→
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/F).
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Hendrix.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Some of them.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Umm, no?
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
New Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
Re-read: 22.03.15
Second read rate: 4/5 stars.
First read rate: 4 stars.
October 5, 2014
3 wish I loved it more stars
Indigo ran away from one life only to be captured and put in hell in another...but this time there is no escape, unless she wants to risk being shark bait in the middle of the ocean. Although she is battered, hurt and weak, the devilish handsome Captain Hendrix sees a potential in her and finds his way to finally settle a debt long overdue.
Without a second thought she makes a deal to keep her friend safe, trying to heal and find away to escape she is tended to in the Captain's quarters. She has no intention of ever holding up her end of the deal and attempts to find ways to free herself and her friend. If she gives him a reason to want to keep her, surely he can find another way to settle his debt.
Working her way under his skin, she effects him as much as he effect her, confusing her intentions. The battles on the ocean are never ending, a dangerous storm, the past coming back to drag you to hell and the never ending battle between your heart and your mind. It's easy to be enslaved by the ocean, but it's your choice to stay...
Enslaved By The Ocean was just an okay book for me, I honestly don't know what it is about it but it started off way to slow and never quite caught my interest enough. It took a while for me to read this because I would get distracted by something else, it's a little over 250 pages so it's not too long but not quite a shortie either. It was hard for my head to wrap around the characters, the events and the overall story. All this is at no fault of the author just how I interpreted the book and how it made me feel, or not feel in this case. I really wanted to love this and sadly I couldn't.
ARC kindly provided by Montlake Romance, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review .
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
“I’m yer cap’n, and yer me lassie. For real, that be!”
Indigo ran away from one life only to be captured and put in hell in another...but this time there is no escape, unless she wants to risk being shark bait in the middle of the ocean. Although she is battered, hurt and weak, the devilish handsome Captain Hendrix sees a potential in her and finds his way to finally settle a debt long overdue.
Basically, it’s my friend’s life, or my own. If I say no, Eric dies. If I say yes, I am selling myself.
Without a second thought she makes a deal to keep her friend safe, trying to heal and find away to escape she is tended to in the Captain's quarters. She has no intention of ever holding up her end of the deal and attempts to find ways to free herself and her friend. If she gives him a reason to want to keep her, surely he can find another way to settle his debt.
Why can’t a pirate watch a horror film?”
He shakes his head, smirking. “You’re about to tell me.”
“Because it’s rated ARRRRRRR!”
Working her way under his skin, she effects him as much as he effect her, confusing her intentions. The battles on the ocean are never ending, a dangerous storm, the past coming back to drag you to hell and the never ending battle between your heart and your mind. It's easy to be enslaved by the ocean, but it's your choice to stay...
Enslaved By The Ocean was just an okay book for me, I honestly don't know what it is about it but it started off way to slow and never quite caught my interest enough. It took a while for me to read this because I would get distracted by something else, it's a little over 250 pages so it's not too long but not quite a shortie either. It was hard for my head to wrap around the characters, the events and the overall story. All this is at no fault of the author just how I interpreted the book and how it made me feel, or not feel in this case. I really wanted to love this and sadly I couldn't.
ARC kindly provided by Montlake Romance, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review .
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
December 9, 2013
...how Captain Hendrix is described.. this is what I see...
review to come!
review to come!
August 31, 2017
4.5 That feeling you have when you find a great book.
This was so much better than I expected! I honestly think it's Bella Jewel's best book (at least from what I've read so far). It was such a pleasant surprise.
I'll start with what I didn't like, why the -0.5 stars: didn't really like Hendrix's (the male MC) first reaction towards Indigo. Yes, it's understandable, even a logical action seeing as he's a pirate and all, but it still felt a bit weird.
Except that though, this book was amazing. I loved the plot and the characters, the romance and the chemistry. I have no idea why there aren't more people who've read this. But it's never too late!
It was that kind of book that had me hooked from the first chapter and I couldn't go to bed until I finished it (yes, it was a long night and an even longer morning, but so worth it!).
This was so much better than I expected! I honestly think it's Bella Jewel's best book (at least from what I've read so far). It was such a pleasant surprise.
I'll start with what I didn't like, why the -0.5 stars: didn't really like Hendrix's (the male MC) first reaction towards Indigo. Yes, it's understandable, even a logical action seeing as he's a pirate and all, but it still felt a bit weird.
Except that though, this book was amazing. I loved the plot and the characters, the romance and the chemistry. I have no idea why there aren't more people who've read this. But it's never too late!
It was that kind of book that had me hooked from the first chapter and I couldn't go to bed until I finished it (yes, it was a long night and an even longer morning, but so worth it!).
December 31, 2018
4th read for #smutathon
Challenge: Stranded Together
Challenge: Stranded Together
September 22, 2014
Spoilers abound. This is your warning
Whelp, I am sorry to say this one did nothing but irritated me. I feel bad saying this, but WTF?!
This book was off to a great start until the pirates showed up and then everything just went nutty. So Indigo is running away from her recently released from prison ex. She decided to go, via yacht, to England bringing her new found bestie Eric along. Yacht catches fire, Eric and Indy make it to a life boat and are adrift for a few day. Big boat comes along with skull and crossbones flag…… uh yeah… SKULL. AND. CROSS. BONES. FLAG. What year is this? 2013. Here is where it all goes downhill for me.
1. Upon boarding and speaking out Hendrix the “Captain” HITS her. He sends her reeling to the floor, but later on he is angry when he finds out her ex used to beat her???? Really?
2. He decided to use her as repayment of a debt by selling her as a sex slave, but he’s a pirate so that makes it okay.
3. She gets to stay in the captains chambers while her “best friend” is in a cage. She visits him a few times and once during a heated argument with him she storms out saying she needs air…..she needs air….AIR! So poor Eric can stay in his dirty smelly cage clothes and stew while she gets, drunk, flirts and gets it on with the captain. What an awesome friend she is. Out of the two of them, SHE’S the one that needs air.
Oh, and less we forget Indy and Hendrix have a blood oath, with the cutting of hands and shaking with blood. Did I mention the year in this book is 2013? Have no fear, though, they used condoms, so that’s good right?
I know I’m doing nothing but ranting, and that isn’t my usual style, but dude, It’s been a loooooong time since I’ve been so irritated with a character!
Whelp, I am sorry to say this one did nothing but irritated me. I feel bad saying this, but WTF?!
This book was off to a great start until the pirates showed up and then everything just went nutty. So Indigo is running away from her recently released from prison ex. She decided to go, via yacht, to England bringing her new found bestie Eric along. Yacht catches fire, Eric and Indy make it to a life boat and are adrift for a few day. Big boat comes along with skull and crossbones flag…… uh yeah… SKULL. AND. CROSS. BONES. FLAG. What year is this? 2013. Here is where it all goes downhill for me.
1. Upon boarding and speaking out Hendrix the “Captain” HITS her. He sends her reeling to the floor, but later on he is angry when he finds out her ex used to beat her???? Really?
2. He decided to use her as repayment of a debt by selling her as a sex slave, but he’s a pirate so that makes it okay.
3. She gets to stay in the captains chambers while her “best friend” is in a cage. She visits him a few times and once during a heated argument with him she storms out saying she needs air…..she needs air….AIR! So poor Eric can stay in his dirty smelly cage clothes and stew while she gets, drunk, flirts and gets it on with the captain. What an awesome friend she is. Out of the two of them, SHE’S the one that needs air.
Oh, and less we forget Indy and Hendrix have a blood oath, with the cutting of hands and shaking with blood. Did I mention the year in this book is 2013? Have no fear, though, they used condoms, so that’s good right?
I know I’m doing nothing but ranting, and that isn’t my usual style, but dude, It’s been a loooooong time since I’ve been so irritated with a character!
November 16, 2014
3.5 Hiya Matey stars!
PIRATES... hell yeah...
PIRATES... hell yeah...
May 7, 2014
So the latest news for All those....
Concerned for LISA'S Whereabouts!! .....last seen hijacked by PIRATES for a High Sea's Adventure!!
*Lisa - Swaggering...swiping her hand across her mouth catching the last drop of RUM before it escapes. .........then cheekily looks over at Jack with a smirk on her face*
Shiver Me Timber's ......that was a fine dalliance - so it was - Arrrharrr!!!
Well it wasn't what I thought it was....I conjured up pictures of Captain Jack....but alias it wasn't the swashbuckling type NOOOOOO, it was modern day PIRATES with mobile phones but still HOT yummy sweatie PIRATES nevertheless - hehe
*lisa - Hiccups...with salacious smile on her face *
Here's MY HENDRIX......
Indigo is running, she has no other choice. She sets out on a luxury Yacht, to take her to another country with her best friend Eric.
But she runs into a problem. A BIG PROBLEM....PIRATES - frickin sex on leg's PIRATES!!
INDIGO
So to sum it up, this is a SEX filled Pirate action packed story that has events and circumstances that are 'too good to be true'.....as in everything just happens to be connected and people in the right place all the time. But as long as you can appreciate the 'fiction' of their story and realise it is what is and no more than that.....you will love it... including Indi's drunken pirate jokes!!
So what ya waiting for, grab the book and set sail my hearties - your in for an adventure!!!
November 19, 2016
Indigo has had enough of her boyfriend's physical abuse. She knows she may not live through the next beating at his hands. So when she finds out he is about to be released from prison, Indigo convinces her best friend John to go on the run with her.
Unfortunately, they were kidnapped by pirates while they were on a yacht. When the captain Hendrix informs her that he intends to sell Indigo as a sex slave to satisfy a debt he owes, Indigo decides to seduce Hendrix instead.
When a rescue ship is spotted and Indigo has a chance to escape, the idea of freedom doesn't thrill her like it should. The web Indigo spun has ensnared her as well. What's a girl to do?
I find this story to be a typical Bella Jewel style novel. There is a simple yet engaging plot with steamy scenes. I liked Indigo a lot and I grew to like Hendrix. There wasn't a lot of depth to the characters but they were likable nonetheless. I liked the twist in the end, though it wasn't really a big surprise. It was nice though.
I liked this story and will probably listen to book 2 sometime.
Unfortunately, they were kidnapped by pirates while they were on a yacht. When the captain Hendrix informs her that he intends to sell Indigo as a sex slave to satisfy a debt he owes, Indigo decides to seduce Hendrix instead.
When a rescue ship is spotted and Indigo has a chance to escape, the idea of freedom doesn't thrill her like it should. The web Indigo spun has ensnared her as well. What's a girl to do?
I find this story to be a typical Bella Jewel style novel. There is a simple yet engaging plot with steamy scenes. I liked Indigo a lot and I grew to like Hendrix. There wasn't a lot of depth to the characters but they were likable nonetheless. I liked the twist in the end, though it wasn't really a big surprise. It was nice though.
I liked this story and will probably listen to book 2 sometime.
August 25, 2014
So be tryin to write me review in Pirate!
Shiver me timbers. I tell ye this be a grand, funny book. 5 Skulls for the lass Bella Jewel
The bonnie lass Indigo Waters tis on the run from her scalleywag ex Kane who be a beaten his lass. She runs off as she is being threatened. Me fellow landlubbers tis a hidden gem this book. Indigo and her matey Eric are off to England by yacht. They are nearly taken to Davy Jones's Locker but are a rescued a just in time by the life of me real pirates where Indi meets Cap'n Hendrix (aye and what a cap'n he be)
Work like a captain - play like a pirate
Henrix has a debt to pay and is wantin to sell the bonnie lass. Indi be pure fire and feisty she be not going down without a fight. First Eric and Indi be locked away but she has the full attention of the cap'n. Tis be a no attraction between the two but time does fly and they be getting to know one aother. Tis the banter that got me going.
"Stop fucking squirming like that," he orders and I stop as soon as I realize why he's asked me to. He's hard. My God, he's hard. "You're...You're..." I'm fucking hard cause you're squirming against me. I'm a man now get over it." I gape up at him, and he gives me a determined glare before tugging one of his hands, and freeing it. He reaches down and untangles my hand, and I shift to try and move my feet. "Stop fuckin moving your tangling us again" "Well I can't just lay here and not move" I protest. "Why don't you let me get up and figure myself out" "If I leave it up to you, I'll come back next week to a bag of rotting bones" "That's mean" I snap. "Stop fucking squirming he hisses.
For tis the action and adventure and Indi and Eric escapin that Hendrix see that: I'm your cap'n and yer me lassie. For real that will be
After a reading this gem I would say that Yo' Ho' - a pirates life for me
Ahoy, me heartie Ain't soon enough for the grand adventure of the Dimitri and Jess for it will be a sight to see.
Shiver me timbers. I tell ye this be a grand, funny book. 5 Skulls for the lass Bella Jewel
The bonnie lass Indigo Waters tis on the run from her scalleywag ex Kane who be a beaten his lass. She runs off as she is being threatened. Me fellow landlubbers tis a hidden gem this book. Indigo and her matey Eric are off to England by yacht. They are nearly taken to Davy Jones's Locker but are a rescued a just in time by the life of me real pirates where Indi meets Cap'n Hendrix (aye and what a cap'n he be)
Work like a captain - play like a pirate
Henrix has a debt to pay and is wantin to sell the bonnie lass. Indi be pure fire and feisty she be not going down without a fight. First Eric and Indi be locked away but she has the full attention of the cap'n. Tis be a no attraction between the two but time does fly and they be getting to know one aother. Tis the banter that got me going.
"Stop fucking squirming like that," he orders and I stop as soon as I realize why he's asked me to. He's hard. My God, he's hard. "You're...You're..." I'm fucking hard cause you're squirming against me. I'm a man now get over it." I gape up at him, and he gives me a determined glare before tugging one of his hands, and freeing it. He reaches down and untangles my hand, and I shift to try and move my feet. "Stop fuckin moving your tangling us again" "Well I can't just lay here and not move" I protest. "Why don't you let me get up and figure myself out" "If I leave it up to you, I'll come back next week to a bag of rotting bones" "That's mean" I snap. "Stop fucking squirming he hisses.
For tis the action and adventure and Indi and Eric escapin that Hendrix see that: I'm your cap'n and yer me lassie. For real that will be
After a reading this gem I would say that Yo' Ho' - a pirates life for me
Ahoy, me heartie Ain't soon enough for the grand adventure of the Dimitri and Jess for it will be a sight to see.
September 19, 2015
3 stars.
Ok. I liked it, but it was....erm....odd
The pirates were like a cross between modern day pirates, and swashbuckling "arrrrr" pirates! They had swords! And a wooden boat with a mermaid at the front!!
I sort of did not get it. Is it meant to be sort of fantasy?
Anyway, liked the characters, apart from Eric, who I would have thrown to the sharks!
Guessed about her dad early on!
I did really enjoy it, but am still left a bit befuddled by the entire concept! It was all a bit far fetched really.
I mean, who just "falls" into pirating!
Ok. I liked it, but it was....erm....odd
The pirates were like a cross between modern day pirates, and swashbuckling "arrrrr" pirates! They had swords! And a wooden boat with a mermaid at the front!!
I sort of did not get it. Is it meant to be sort of fantasy?
Anyway, liked the characters, apart from Eric, who I would have thrown to the sharks!
Guessed about her dad early on!
I did really enjoy it, but am still left a bit befuddled by the entire concept! It was all a bit far fetched really.
I mean, who just "falls" into pirating!
November 8, 2014
Ahar, me hearties! My very first pirate book, and I loved it! I really liked Bella Jewel’s MC Sinners series, so when I heard she was setting her next book out in the middle of the ocean with a bunch of piratey badasses, I was really excited!
The book starts with Indigo and her best friend Eric setting sail in a yacht from the US to the UK. Indi is escaping a dangerous ex boyfriend, and is looking forward to starting a new life for herself in London. Her plans run awry when the boat catches fire and sinks, leaving her and Eric floating in a life boat on the sea and facing death, until they are picked up by pirates. Yes, honest to God pirates.
When sexy, badass pirate Captain, Hendrix (God, I love that name!) first sees Indi, he recognises her as the perfect way to pay off a debt. Wanting to be sure that she is well cared for and healthy for when the time comes to sell her, he makes the supreme sacrifice of moving her into his cabin so that he can keep an eye on her *wink*.
I love Hendrix! He’s strong, powerful and absolutely ruthless (proven on several occasions… ), and appears so cold, but he has a big heart. He also growls a lot. And snarls. Yes, he’s a growly, snarling pirate. And I liked that, it’s all very alpha and it’s hot.
The UST between them is intense, and while Indi’s initial plan was to use that chemistry against him in order to get close enough to escape, she is powerless to resist the pull of the sexy pirate, and the two of them can’t keep their hands off each other, getting very touchy-feely until they can no longer resist what is brewing between them.
Holy smut! Yeah, there’s a whole heap of sexy time, and as always, Bella Jewel keeps things original with lots of variety in her love scenes, and all really, really hot!
I liked the development of things between Indi and Hendrix. With Indi struggling with her need for Hendrix versus her drive to escape, she struggles with her feelings. And with Hendrix determined to stay detached from his hot little captive, he does his best to keep his emotions out of it, so watching him be all alpha and protective while he slowly falls for her is really sweet. I did struggle with how intense it all gets between them though. Once they decide they want each other, it’s all very deep very quickly, and that part of it felt a little unrealistic, but for the sake of such a short book, I was willing to go along with the swoon – especially because it means we get to see a loved-up Hendrix (less growly, more happy), and that is totally worth it.
I really enjoyed the different setting, and loved the way that Indi adapts to life amongst pirates - befriending them, indulging in pirate rum, and cracking oh-so-lame pirate jokes, she is welcomed into the fold and that was really nice to see. There are a couple of overarching threads being developed, and some pretty massive coincidences, as well as some threads left undone , but this is just the beginning of the series, and I like the way it’s all weaving together and the direction that things are taking. Bella Jewel has given us a great, fast moving story. The series will continue with books for Jess and Dimitri (which is sure to be a heartbreaker) and Drake, and I’m excited to see what their stories will bring.
A great start for a unique and fun new series.
3.5 stars.
The book starts with Indigo and her best friend Eric setting sail in a yacht from the US to the UK. Indi is escaping a dangerous ex boyfriend, and is looking forward to starting a new life for herself in London. Her plans run awry when the boat catches fire and sinks, leaving her and Eric floating in a life boat on the sea and facing death, until they are picked up by pirates. Yes, honest to God pirates.
When sexy, badass pirate Captain, Hendrix (God, I love that name!) first sees Indi, he recognises her as the perfect way to pay off a debt. Wanting to be sure that she is well cared for and healthy for when the time comes to sell her, he makes the supreme sacrifice of moving her into his cabin so that he can keep an eye on her *wink*.
“Trying to sleep when he’s in the bed just over from me is…awkward. It’s even worse when he gets up in the morning and walks right past me, half-naked with morning wood. I won’t lie…the man has impressive morning wood.”
“Stop fuckin’ squirming like that,” he orders, and I stop as soon as I realize why he’s asked me to. He’s hard. My God, he’s hard.
“You’re…you’re…”
“I’m fuckin’ hard because you’re squirming against me. I’m a man. Get over it.”
I love Hendrix! He’s strong, powerful and absolutely ruthless (proven on several occasions… ), and appears so cold, but he has a big heart. He also growls a lot. And snarls. Yes, he’s a growly, snarling pirate. And I liked that, it’s all very alpha and it’s hot.
The UST between them is intense, and while Indi’s initial plan was to use that chemistry against him in order to get close enough to escape, she is powerless to resist the pull of the sexy pirate, and the two of them can’t keep their hands off each other, getting very touchy-feely until they can no longer resist what is brewing between them.
He tugs on my hair. “You want to me to fuck you, inocencia?”
“Do you want to fuck me, pirate?”
“You fuckin’ know I do.”
Holy smut! Yeah, there’s a whole heap of sexy time, and as always, Bella Jewel keeps things original with lots of variety in her love scenes, and all really, really hot!
I liked the development of things between Indi and Hendrix. With Indi struggling with her need for Hendrix versus her drive to escape, she struggles with her feelings. And with Hendrix determined to stay detached from his hot little captive, he does his best to keep his emotions out of it, so watching him be all alpha and protective while he slowly falls for her is really sweet. I did struggle with how intense it all gets between them though. Once they decide they want each other, it’s all very deep very quickly, and that part of it felt a little unrealistic, but for the sake of such a short book, I was willing to go along with the swoon – especially because it means we get to see a loved-up Hendrix (less growly, more happy), and that is totally worth it.
I really enjoyed the different setting, and loved the way that Indi adapts to life amongst pirates - befriending them, indulging in pirate rum, and cracking oh-so-lame pirate jokes, she is welcomed into the fold and that was really nice to see. There are a couple of overarching threads being developed, and some pretty massive coincidences, as well as some threads left undone , but this is just the beginning of the series, and I like the way it’s all weaving together and the direction that things are taking. Bella Jewel has given us a great, fast moving story. The series will continue with books for Jess and Dimitri (which is sure to be a heartbreaker) and Drake, and I’m excited to see what their stories will bring.
“This world is scary, but more than that, it’s real. These men believe in everything they are, and they work hard for the things they ant. They’re criminals, without a doubt, but the passion they hold for each other beats that in some of the families I’ve seen.”
A great start for a unique and fun new series.
3.5 stars.
December 10, 2013
This was Awesome!!!
this was like MC on the water!!! Loved every minute of it and can not wait for other books!!!
Oh boy Dimitri, what are you gonna do?!
image:
Kiss or Kill? :)
this was like MC on the water!!! Loved every minute of it and can not wait for other books!!!
Oh boy Dimitri, what are you gonna do?!
image:
Kiss or Kill? :)
December 11, 2013
*** 4 TO 4.5 SWASHBUCKLIN' STARS! ***
ARRRRRR! ME WANTS A SEXY PIRATE!
Pirates you say??? YES, I SAY! What is it about pirates? fictional ones, anyway. Because I'm sure they're truly not sexy-as-sin, scarred, potentially vulnerable alpha males cruising the wild and treacherous seas.
But, we are speaking fictional ones, so swoon away me' lassies!
Obviously, I LOVED THIS. It was mysterious enough to have me questioning everything and engrossing enough to keep me turning the pages till I was done. And the ending? KILL ME NOW. Is it polite to leave the reader salivating, then to abruptly cut them off??? just kidding, it was a cliffy, but it wasn't the throw-me-off-a-bridge kind.
Still!!! I need book 2 now!
This is a quick read BTW, and it was so good that I whipped through it. Hendrix was sinful. An asshole at first, but then what true alpha male isn't? Of course he thaws bit by bit, and wows us with his words of love and hope. There were times I wanted to slap him, but he must have been hiding his emotions since he couldn't have known whether Indigo truly cared or was jerking his chain to get what she wanted.
But God, when he figured it out, he went for it, killed to get it even. And Indigo, poor girl. She went from one abuser to another potential one but she maintained her strength. And got something wonderful she truly didn't know she needed in the end.
I have many questions though: What happens to Eric? How did Dmitiri grab Jess without anyone suspecting? what the hell happens now??!!
I guess I'll get my answers all in due time. Did I mention how much I liked this? the sex? WOW. Really, aside from some punctuation errors and questions about timelines and place, this was a highly entertaining and sexy read with a series that promises to get better, hotter and more dangerous. Can't wait for February 15!
ARRRRRR! ME WANTS A SEXY PIRATE!
Pirates you say??? YES, I SAY! What is it about pirates? fictional ones, anyway. Because I'm sure they're truly not sexy-as-sin, scarred, potentially vulnerable alpha males cruising the wild and treacherous seas.
But, we are speaking fictional ones, so swoon away me' lassies!
Obviously, I LOVED THIS. It was mysterious enough to have me questioning everything and engrossing enough to keep me turning the pages till I was done. And the ending? KILL ME NOW. Is it polite to leave the reader salivating, then to abruptly cut them off??? just kidding, it was a cliffy, but it wasn't the throw-me-off-a-bridge kind.
Still!!! I need book 2 now!
This is a quick read BTW, and it was so good that I whipped through it. Hendrix was sinful. An asshole at first, but then what true alpha male isn't? Of course he thaws bit by bit, and wows us with his words of love and hope. There were times I wanted to slap him, but he must have been hiding his emotions since he couldn't have known whether Indigo truly cared or was jerking his chain to get what she wanted.
But God, when he figured it out, he went for it, killed to get it even. And Indigo, poor girl. She went from one abuser to another potential one but she maintained her strength. And got something wonderful she truly didn't know she needed in the end.
I have many questions though: What happens to Eric? How did Dmitiri grab Jess without anyone suspecting? what the hell happens now??!!
I guess I'll get my answers all in due time. Did I mention how much I liked this? the sex? WOW. Really, aside from some punctuation errors and questions about timelines and place, this was a highly entertaining and sexy read with a series that promises to get better, hotter and more dangerous. Can't wait for February 15!
May 3, 2014
I really liked this, but all I have to say is, has no one ever heard of self defense rulings? Lol good grief!
May 4, 2017
When I saw this book as one of the kindle daily deals, I had a little mental debate with myself about it.
Me: Hey, it's about modern day pirates! And it's available on kindle unlimited. Why not give it a whirl?
Myself: Because it probably, sucks. Life is too short for stupid books.
Me: But it might be fun-stupid! How bad can it possibly be? C'mon...pirates!
Myself: Well, I guess I could try a couple of chapters....
Me: That's the spirit! You might even like it.
Well, I should have listened to myself, because I really didn't enjoy this novel. I finished it mostly because it's a short, fast read, and I just skimmed the sex scenes, which made it even shorter. The story is about Indigo, a young woman who decides to flee her abusive ex-boyfriend by taking a yacht to England with her platonic bestie, Eric. When the yacht catches fire, they are kidnapped by pirates. Hendrix, the pirate captain, decides to sell her as a sex slave to pay off a debt. Not liking this idea in the slightest, Indigo decides to seduce him in the hopes that he will change his mind.
My first clue as to how silly this thing is was when Indigo first spots the pirates--on their wooden ship, with a black skull and crossbones flag, and some of them armed with swords. Yes, these are supposed to be modern day pirates. My second clue was Indigo's first reaction to Hendrix. While they are being captured, and she's terrified out of her mind, she can't help but ramble on at length about how impossibly beautiful and captivating and dazzling he is. Actually, that's his most important characteristic, as I never did get much idea about his personality or interests or anything else. But he sure is good to look at.
I was actually leaning towards a two star rating until the second half of the book, because the pirate shenanigans were slightly amusing. But then the book became annoying, for three main reasons:
1. Holy coincidences, Batman, let's kill any willing suspension of disbelief I might have had.
2. In one scene, Hendrix kills a half a dozen innocent men in cold blood, and apparently Indigo is completely cool with that and we are still supposed to think of Hendrix as a good person. What???
3. Everybody has to have such an improbably tragic backstory. And then after suffering from abuse and/or killing someone in self defense, they do what all right-thinking people do...and take to a life of crime on the high seas. Which leads me back to problem #1.
I read in another review that the author apparently described this story as a motorcycle gang on the high seas, which explains a lot. If that sounds like a fun idea, then you might end up enjoying this more than I did, although personally, I wish I'd listened to myself on this one and just skipped it.
Read for Unapologetic Romance Readers 2017 challenge: pirate category.
Me: Hey, it's about modern day pirates! And it's available on kindle unlimited. Why not give it a whirl?
Myself: Because it probably, sucks. Life is too short for stupid books.
Me: But it might be fun-stupid! How bad can it possibly be? C'mon...pirates!
Myself: Well, I guess I could try a couple of chapters....
Me: That's the spirit! You might even like it.
Well, I should have listened to myself, because I really didn't enjoy this novel. I finished it mostly because it's a short, fast read, and I just skimmed the sex scenes, which made it even shorter. The story is about Indigo, a young woman who decides to flee her abusive ex-boyfriend by taking a yacht to England with her platonic bestie, Eric. When the yacht catches fire, they are kidnapped by pirates. Hendrix, the pirate captain, decides to sell her as a sex slave to pay off a debt. Not liking this idea in the slightest, Indigo decides to seduce him in the hopes that he will change his mind.
My first clue as to how silly this thing is was when Indigo first spots the pirates--on their wooden ship, with a black skull and crossbones flag, and some of them armed with swords. Yes, these are supposed to be modern day pirates. My second clue was Indigo's first reaction to Hendrix. While they are being captured, and she's terrified out of her mind, she can't help but ramble on at length about how impossibly beautiful and captivating and dazzling he is. Actually, that's his most important characteristic, as I never did get much idea about his personality or interests or anything else. But he sure is good to look at.
I was actually leaning towards a two star rating until the second half of the book, because the pirate shenanigans were slightly amusing. But then the book became annoying, for three main reasons:
1. Holy coincidences, Batman, let's kill any willing suspension of disbelief I might have had.
2. In one scene, Hendrix kills a half a dozen innocent men in cold blood, and apparently Indigo is completely cool with that and we are still supposed to think of Hendrix as a good person. What???
3. Everybody has to have such an improbably tragic backstory. And then after suffering from abuse and/or killing someone in self defense, they do what all right-thinking people do...and take to a life of crime on the high seas. Which leads me back to problem #1.
I read in another review that the author apparently described this story as a motorcycle gang on the high seas, which explains a lot. If that sounds like a fun idea, then you might end up enjoying this more than I did, although personally, I wish I'd listened to myself on this one and just skipped it.
Read for Unapologetic Romance Readers 2017 challenge: pirate category.
February 4, 2015
4 PiRRRRate-Stars!
Reading this book was so much fun. The sexual tension between Hendrix and Indi was h.o.t!
And it was not insta-lust. Took 50%+ until we got their "fooling around". LOL. Also, Indi was hilarious! When she got drunk.. damn gurl, she was a total dork! She loves to crack a joke.
I love this kind of witty and strong heroin. And I love her friendship with Eric. The boy annoy me a little but it was normal because he was freaked out with their situation. Also, I love the building of her relationship with Drake! Drake.. I hope Bella Jewel will make Drake story. *fingercrossed*
Well done, Bella Jewel!
Reading this book was so much fun. The sexual tension between Hendrix and Indi was h.o.t!
I try to squeeze past him, but his hand lashes out and grips my hip. I stiffen and swallow, turning toward him. He takes another step closer, and stares down at me. "If I didn't have to," he murmurs, "I wouldn't sell you. You're just what I need."
I stiffen and shove him back. "You're such a jerk. I'm no one's bedmate!"
His eyes widen, and he takes a step back. "And yet you're the one who is wet at the thought of me."
"Don't flatter yourself." I snarl.
"If I put my fingers between your legs right now, inocencia , you would be dripping for me."
And it was not insta-lust. Took 50%+ until we got their "fooling around". LOL. Also, Indi was hilarious! When she got drunk.. damn gurl, she was a total dork! She loves to crack a joke.
"Quit doin' that sweetheart, or I'll have to f*ck you."
"You can't," I murmur.
"Why not?"
"It's shark week."
"What?" he says, confused.
I roll my eyes. "It means that if you drop me in the ocean right now, you're going to find the sharks having a feast because Aunt Flo is in town."
"Who the fuck is Aunt Flo?"
"My period!" I say, exasperated.
I love this kind of witty and strong heroin. And I love her friendship with Eric. The boy annoy me a little but it was normal because he was freaked out with their situation. Also, I love the building of her relationship with Drake! Drake.. I hope Bella Jewel will make Drake story. *fingercrossed*
Well done, Bella Jewel!
December 12, 2013
3.75 ARRRRRR Stars!
The story begins with Indi escaping an abusive ex.
"One noise and I'm dead. I'm frightened. I'm trapped. And the only way out is through him, with a gun. A gun I don't want to use. I swallow, and I get the distinct taste of blood mixed with tears and saliva."
Indi decides to go on a yacht with her best friend and the captain of the yacht to London where she will start her new life. But there are engine complications on the yacht and Indi and her best friend Eric have to jump into the life-raft to get away safely, they end up floating in the ocean for a few days until a ship finds them.
But the ship that finds them is a pirate ship.
Indi and Eric both know that this is very very bad but they have no choice but to get onto the ship.
When they get on the ship they are introduced to captain Hendrix, Indi is instantly caught off guard by how young and good looking he is. But he soon shows he is not a nice man at all by keeping them captive in cages on the ship and informed Indi that she will be sold off to another pirate as payment to a debt Hendrix owes.
Indi never gives up, she keeps fighting and fighting to find away to escape but soon figures out being on a ship in the middle of the ocean doesn't give her many options.
She makes a deal with Hendrix that she will behave and look after herself if he promises to take good care of her friend and let him go when she is sold. Indi is then allowed out of the cage and around the ship as long as she sticks to her end of the deal. During that time she comes to get to know Hendrix and soon sparks start flying between the two.
"You're so fucking hot, I can feel it through my jeans. Fuck, inocencia, I need to be inside you again."
Indi soon has to make a decision when help is on the way, does she stay or does she go... Hendrix unfortunately unbeknownst to him gives her the answer she is looking for.
"My entire face drains of blood, and my knees wobble. Everything in my world spins. He... he feels nothing. Nothing at all. I've been living in a fantasy."
Help eventually comes for Indi and Eric but a battle breaks out when Hendrix finds Indi and Eric swimming to the police boat.
"Another shot fires, from the ship this time. I turn my head frantically, but see everyone on the shore is still standing. "Fuck it, Indi, get back here, you're mine," Hendrix bellows"
Indi and Eric escape and are taken to a nearby island where they are holed up in a hotel and protected by the police. But Indi's abusive ex finds her and Indi is in the fight of her life, again...
Indi gets away and starts running through the forest and gets through to the other side of the island where she accidentally stumbles on Hendrix's ship. She freezes then hears she is spotted and starts running through the forest. Hendrix catches up to her and takes her back to his ship. They set sail straight away.
"How the hell did I do such a 360 in a few short days?"
Hendrix is what you would think your typical pirate would be, he is mean, bossy, angry. He also has a soft side and tries hard not to get to close to Indi but seeing her constantly fight to escape he can't help but like the fire that burns inside her to never give up.
Indi I didn't really like her. I'm honestly not exactly sure why it could have been her actions or personality. I just can't put my finger on it but she just came off a little childish sometimes bursting into tears all of a sudden or screaming all of a sudden, but she was still likable especially since she never gave up on getting her freedom.
The sex scene's in this book are HOT! There is a certain waterfall scene that will be BURNED into my brain for a very long time!
This does have a cliffhanger but not a relationship one. It leads into the next book, which let me tell you the last 2% of this book WAS MY FAVORITE! I can not wait until the next book! Feb 2014 better hurry up!!!!
This is a little something for the next book, the readers who have already finished book 1 will understand this :D
The story begins with Indi escaping an abusive ex.
"One noise and I'm dead. I'm frightened. I'm trapped. And the only way out is through him, with a gun. A gun I don't want to use. I swallow, and I get the distinct taste of blood mixed with tears and saliva."
Indi decides to go on a yacht with her best friend and the captain of the yacht to London where she will start her new life. But there are engine complications on the yacht and Indi and her best friend Eric have to jump into the life-raft to get away safely, they end up floating in the ocean for a few days until a ship finds them.
But the ship that finds them is a pirate ship.
Indi and Eric both know that this is very very bad but they have no choice but to get onto the ship.
When they get on the ship they are introduced to captain Hendrix, Indi is instantly caught off guard by how young and good looking he is. But he soon shows he is not a nice man at all by keeping them captive in cages on the ship and informed Indi that she will be sold off to another pirate as payment to a debt Hendrix owes.
Indi never gives up, she keeps fighting and fighting to find away to escape but soon figures out being on a ship in the middle of the ocean doesn't give her many options.
She makes a deal with Hendrix that she will behave and look after herself if he promises to take good care of her friend and let him go when she is sold. Indi is then allowed out of the cage and around the ship as long as she sticks to her end of the deal. During that time she comes to get to know Hendrix and soon sparks start flying between the two.
"You're so fucking hot, I can feel it through my jeans. Fuck, inocencia, I need to be inside you again."
Indi soon has to make a decision when help is on the way, does she stay or does she go... Hendrix unfortunately unbeknownst to him gives her the answer she is looking for.
"My entire face drains of blood, and my knees wobble. Everything in my world spins. He... he feels nothing. Nothing at all. I've been living in a fantasy."
Help eventually comes for Indi and Eric but a battle breaks out when Hendrix finds Indi and Eric swimming to the police boat.
"Another shot fires, from the ship this time. I turn my head frantically, but see everyone on the shore is still standing. "Fuck it, Indi, get back here, you're mine," Hendrix bellows"
Indi and Eric escape and are taken to a nearby island where they are holed up in a hotel and protected by the police. But Indi's abusive ex finds her and Indi is in the fight of her life, again...
Indi gets away and starts running through the forest and gets through to the other side of the island where she accidentally stumbles on Hendrix's ship. She freezes then hears she is spotted and starts running through the forest. Hendrix catches up to her and takes her back to his ship. They set sail straight away.
"How the hell did I do such a 360 in a few short days?"
Hendrix is what you would think your typical pirate would be, he is mean, bossy, angry. He also has a soft side and tries hard not to get to close to Indi but seeing her constantly fight to escape he can't help but like the fire that burns inside her to never give up.
Indi I didn't really like her. I'm honestly not exactly sure why it could have been her actions or personality. I just can't put my finger on it but she just came off a little childish sometimes bursting into tears all of a sudden or screaming all of a sudden, but she was still likable especially since she never gave up on getting her freedom.
The sex scene's in this book are HOT! There is a certain waterfall scene that will be BURNED into my brain for a very long time!
This does have a cliffhanger but not a relationship one. It leads into the next book, which let me tell you the last 2% of this book WAS MY FAVORITE! I can not wait until the next book! Feb 2014 better hurry up!!!!
This is a little something for the next book, the readers who have already finished book 1 will understand this :D
October 11, 2014
It's free to borrow through Kindle Unlimited, but not Prime-->Enslaved by the Ocean (Criminals of the Ocean Book 1)
*love the new cover too*
eta:as time has passed, I'm feeling more forgiving of this book. I did enjoy it, just was not in the mood for fantasy.
Book 2 comes out in December-->It's free through KU too-->Where Darkness Lies (Criminals of the Ocean Book 2)
Oooh, and Montlake Publishing (An Amazon Publishing imprint that is gobbling up authors.)
You’re not meant to fall for your captor.
...but some captors are total Stockholm material.
This is lighthearted and silly despite the serious topics.
It has the same tone as the POC movies, and requires some suspension of reality, accepting the fantasy.
I wouldn't have minded if it was deeper, but it was fun this way too.
Once these two go at it there's lots of gratuitous bumpin' and grinding and hair pulling, neck biting, nails digging in, dirty dancing. Very sexy, but a bit too much.
Final count
Bodies = 22
Orgasms = 9
Four star story minus one for typos, excessive death and "clenching" (24 occurences)
In America, a singlet is for wrestling or naughty sex, but it's not a wifebeater or tank top as it was used in the text.
Singlet
And where is this place with all these islands and everybody speaks English? Not one person even has an accent, yet he calls her a Spanish nickname.
It would have been 10 times more interesting if
#2 Jess and Dimitri December 2014 (Where Darkness Lies (Criminals of the Ocean Book 2)
)
#3 Drake
*love the new cover too*
eta:as time has passed, I'm feeling more forgiving of this book. I did enjoy it, just was not in the mood for fantasy.
Book 2 comes out in December-->It's free through KU too-->Where Darkness Lies (Criminals of the Ocean Book 2)
Oooh, and Montlake Publishing (An Amazon Publishing imprint that is gobbling up authors.)
You’re not meant to fall for your captor.
...but some captors are total Stockholm material.
This is lighthearted and silly despite the serious topics.
It has the same tone as the POC movies, and requires some suspension of reality, accepting the fantasy.
I wouldn't have minded if it was deeper, but it was fun this way too.
Once these two go at it there's lots of gratuitous bumpin' and grinding and hair pulling, neck biting, nails digging in, dirty dancing. Very sexy, but a bit too much.
Final count
Bodies = 22
Orgasms = 9
Four star story minus one for typos, excessive death and "clenching" (24 occurences)
In America, a singlet is for wrestling or naughty sex, but it's not a wifebeater or tank top as it was used in the text.
Singlet
And where is this place with all these islands and everybody speaks English? Not one person even has an accent, yet he calls her a Spanish nickname.
It would have been 10 times more interesting if
#2 Jess and Dimitri December 2014 (Where Darkness Lies (Criminals of the Ocean Book 2)
)
#3 Drake
March 15, 2015
5 inocencia stars
HOLY HELL! WHAT A HOT READ! Instead of writing a full review, I am just going to highlight a few of my feelings on this book...
Indigo: I loved her. She was SUCH a strong heroine and I can honestly say that she didn't do ANYTHING in this book that made me go "omg. DOORMAT!", which is VERY rare in a romance novel! She stayed true to herself and I loved it! She was also so witty and funny! I found myself literally laughing out loud during a few parts in the book. She got drunk one night on the ship and just rambled off as many pirate jokes that she knew and it was so hilarious. She just kept going with it...regardless of who laughed or not!
*"I'll make you laugh, pirate," I vow.
I wiggle on the floor and cross my legs. "What's a pirate's favorite doll?"
Hendrix's eyes are dancing with amusement as he shrugs.
"A BARRRRRRBIE!"
Hendrix: Sexy, dangerous, and broken...perfect combination for an amazing alpha! Book boyfriend material times a thousand! Come to think of it, he's my first pirate book boyfriend! WOOHOO!
Eric: Blah. Possessive of Indigo, weak and annoying. Moving on...
Drake: I loved him. A crazy damaged pirate who I totally felt for. He was so good to Indigo and I really want to read more about him! ::hint hint:: Bella Jewel
Great action scenes! Especially the scene with the storm...totally felt like I was there trying to get off the boat with them!
And of course my favorite part of every romance novel- the sex scenes. WHEWWWWW these were scorching hot! Sex under a waterfall? YES PLEASE! By far the sexiest dry humping scene I have ever read! LOL!
Who knew that I could actually ENJOY reading a pirate novel? I had no idea what to expect from this book, and it totally blew me away!
HOLY HELL! WHAT A HOT READ! Instead of writing a full review, I am just going to highlight a few of my feelings on this book...
Indigo: I loved her. She was SUCH a strong heroine and I can honestly say that she didn't do ANYTHING in this book that made me go "omg. DOORMAT!", which is VERY rare in a romance novel! She stayed true to herself and I loved it! She was also so witty and funny! I found myself literally laughing out loud during a few parts in the book. She got drunk one night on the ship and just rambled off as many pirate jokes that she knew and it was so hilarious. She just kept going with it...regardless of who laughed or not! *"I'll make you laugh, pirate," I vow.
I wiggle on the floor and cross my legs. "What's a pirate's favorite doll?"
Hendrix's eyes are dancing with amusement as he shrugs.
"A BARRRRRRBIE!"
Hendrix: Sexy, dangerous, and broken...perfect combination for an amazing alpha! Book boyfriend material times a thousand! Come to think of it, he's my first pirate book boyfriend! WOOHOO! Eric: Blah. Possessive of Indigo, weak and annoying. Moving on...Drake: I loved him. A crazy damaged pirate who I totally felt for. He was so good to Indigo and I really want to read more about him! ::hint hint:: Bella JewelGreat action scenes! Especially the scene with the storm...totally felt like I was there trying to get off the boat with them!And of course my favorite part of every romance novel- the sex scenes. WHEWWWWW these were scorching hot! Sex under a waterfall? YES PLEASE! By far the sexiest dry humping scene I have ever read! LOL! Who knew that I could actually ENJOY reading a pirate novel? I had no idea what to expect from this book, and it totally blew me away!
December 21, 2013
Indigo is running from her abusive ex boyfriend. She boards a small yacht to travel to the United Kingdom but there is a fire aboard the yacht. Her best friend Eric, who is traveling with her is captured along with her by pirates. In order to save her life she must abide by Hendrix's rules. She has to choose to sacrifice herself to save Eric.
This was a very different take on a romance. Hendrix was a pirate but not like any pirate I would imagine. They were criminals but weren't dirty like I thought they would be. This worked in my favor. I admit liking Hendrix was extremely hard. When he first captured Indi he did some things that I really didn't like . There was a shocking twist and later in the story Hendrix really grew on me.
I really enjoyed the pace of this book. I was never bored at all. I also found the chemistry between Hendrix and Indi to be really good. Hendrix is a tough one to love but he does redeem himself by the end of the story.
You really don't get a lot of information on the other pirates. I would have liked to see more but I think the author is saving that for future installments in the series. We did get some insight into Jess and she will be in the next book. She was a likable and trustworthy friend to Indigo. I really liked Jess and I can't wait to read her story. As for Indi's best friend Eric, he honestly was not my favorite character. I really hope he is not in upcoming novels. He was boring and he acted like he had a thing for Indi. I hate love triangles and I'm hoping this writer doesn't go there.
This book ends on a huge cliffhanger. The love story is resolved but there is a huge event that takes place at the end of the book that sets up the story for the next couple. The next book in the series will be Dimitri and Jess's story.
This is definitely different then your typical romance novel. It was a nice change from the usual dominating billionaire books I normally read and I will definitely be on the look out for more from this writer.
August 15, 2017
What the hell was THAT!?! What would I give to have my Saturday back? To cleanse my brain and wipe it clean! I had such high hopes after reading all of the rave reviews. Alas, me maties, this book made me shiver in me timbers...and not in a good way.
**May contain spoilers**
An abused woman sets off on a private yacht to start her life over when her abusive ex-husband gets out of prison. She brings along her devoted, handsome, and richdouche bag best friend who "helped her through all the hard times" (and we're supposed to believe that a platonic relationship like this could actually happen). Indigo is seeking a fresh start in a new country--although she has no housing, job, or friends to speak of in said country. This would obviously have taken too much preparation--and the private luxury yacht (that she somehow managed to afford) is waiting to whisk her away! In a nutshell: yacht blows up, they are picked up by pirates, imprisoned, and Indie must fight/barter for her life (and her friend's life, although for most of the story she leaves him in the cell to rot). Meanwhile, sexy but ruthless captain Hendrix is out to get him some...oh, and get him some he does.
For me, Indigo was a bland and cliché heroine who comes across as contradictory and selfish. At no time ever comes across as someone who has suffered years of abuse. One of my *favorite* parts was when Henrix shoots and KILLS six innocent sea policeman because Indie is escaping. At first Indie is horrified, but within a matter of hours she has seemed to have completely forgotten that he basically just butchered a bunch of people--and then she realizes that she has deeper feelings for him...swoon!
Furthermore, while Hendrix may have had a change of heart at the very end of the book because he supposedly falls in love with hervagina, I can simply NOT get over the fact that he previously had NO problem selling Indie as a sex slave. And they both act that this was not a big deal. Indie doesn't seemed phased that the man she loves is capable of doing this to another human being. But see...they are in love now and Henrix makes her special girl parts cry, so it's all just water under the bridge. Say WHAT?!
To prepare for writing this book, I think that Bella Jewel may have spent hours watching Jake and the Neverland Pirates with a pen and paper, taking copious notes. Seriously, this book contains every pirate cliché known to man. Perhaps the most egregious: Hendrix literally rolls up in a ship with a mermaid figurehead and a skull and crossbones flag. (I'm still snorting as I write this.)
I'm also wondering if there was an editor for this book. It appears that someone has put commas into a salt shaker and sprinkled them, willy nilly, all over the pages. Some sentences just stop or are completely missing words. (I also just *have* to mention how much I loved that the setting is supposedly tropical/island, yet there seemed to be pine forests everywhere.)
I will give credit where credit is due, however. There was some steamy, hot, well done sex scenes which, ironically, I found to be more plausible than the rest of the book. When does that happen?
I will leave you with this final profound exchange between our hero and heroine--a virtual feat of writing prowess:
He shakes my head, and grips my face, pulling me close.
"How'd you get so fuckin' smart?"
I smile. "I didn't, it's just reality."
"Hmmmm," he murmurs, pressing his lips to mine for a moment. "Well, you make reality sound awesome."
I giggle, and he pulls me into his arms.
So many stories, so many endings.
Uhm, yeah.
**May contain spoilers**
An abused woman sets off on a private yacht to start her life over when her abusive ex-husband gets out of prison. She brings along her devoted, handsome, and rich
For me, Indigo was a bland and cliché heroine who comes across as contradictory and selfish. At no time ever comes across as someone who has suffered years of abuse. One of my *favorite* parts was when Henrix shoots and KILLS six innocent sea policeman because Indie is escaping. At first Indie is horrified, but within a matter of hours she has seemed to have completely forgotten that he basically just butchered a bunch of people--and then she realizes that she has deeper feelings for him...swoon!
Furthermore, while Hendrix may have had a change of heart at the very end of the book because he supposedly falls in love with her
To prepare for writing this book, I think that Bella Jewel may have spent hours watching Jake and the Neverland Pirates with a pen and paper, taking copious notes. Seriously, this book contains every pirate cliché known to man. Perhaps the most egregious: Hendrix literally rolls up in a ship with a mermaid figurehead and a skull and crossbones flag. (I'm still snorting as I write this.)
I'm also wondering if there was an editor for this book. It appears that someone has put commas into a salt shaker and sprinkled them, willy nilly, all over the pages. Some sentences just stop or are completely missing words. (I also just *have* to mention how much I loved that the setting is supposedly tropical/island, yet there seemed to be pine forests everywhere.)
I will give credit where credit is due, however. There was some steamy, hot, well done sex scenes which, ironically, I found to be more plausible than the rest of the book. When does that happen?
I will leave you with this final profound exchange between our hero and heroine--a virtual feat of writing prowess:
He shakes my head, and grips my face, pulling me close.
"How'd you get so fuckin' smart?"
I smile. "I didn't, it's just reality."
"Hmmmm," he murmurs, pressing his lips to mine for a moment. "Well, you make reality sound awesome."
I giggle, and he pulls me into his arms.
So many stories, so many endings.
Uhm, yeah.
December 19, 2013
4.75 out of 5 Stars:
I read pirates in the synopsis and I was like “YES!!” I love pirates. Never met a pirate, but if I did I think I would want him to be a little (who am I kidding) a lot like Hendrix.
Side note: I love the names in this book Indigo and Hendrix…loved them.
When Indigo is first captured by Hendrix and his ship of pirates, I thought to myself this girl has escaped one abusive situation to be put into another one. When you first meet Hendrix you will not like him at all. He is a pirate!!! He is not going to be all swoony and sweet. He barks and commands orders. However, Indigo is not one to just give up. She was placed in foster care at a young age and then escaped an abusive relationship. She was not going to sit quietly without a plan when Hendrix kidnaps her and tells her that he was going to give her to another pirate as a slave to repay a debt.
This book was STEAMY!!! The waterfall scene is hot. Even when this couple is not having sex, it is steamy. Bella Jewel…AWESOME job with this one. Great story, great characters!!! Well done. Indigo is smart, sassy, and is not afraid to speak her mind, but she is not hurtful. She is kind and I love the way she is with Hendrix’s crew. Everyone is a person and she treats people with kindness except for her capture, Hendrix *wink*
AND I loved Indigo’s “drunk” pirate jokes.
“Why can’t a pirate watch a horror film?”
He shakes his head, smirking. “You’re about to tell me.”
“Because it’s rated ARRRRRRR.”
Indigo is just loveable.
I loved when Hendrix and Indigo were together. I loved their banter, I loved their chemistry, I just loved them. I could not get enough of them. I want more. I want their story and the rest of the crew’s. That is why I was so happy to hear that Bella Jewel is releasing a sequel to this series Where Darkness Lies. I cannot wait to read that.
My only thing and I this is the only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that I think the last 10% of the book felt rushed. Too much was told and done in a short amount of time. However, I want to stress that I loved this book. I already re-read certain scenes in this book. They made me sigh and made me laugh out loud. You will love these characters, you will love the story, and you will love the irresistible pirate, Henderix.
One thing I would like to ask Bella Jewel if she would write one or two chapters as an extra of Hendrix’s POV. I would like his POV in the scene where Indigo is in his room and she is singing “Drink up me earties’ yo ho, yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me.” I want to know what Hendrix is thinking as he trying to get with a woman and Indigo is singing that song to irritate him. One of my favorite scenes in the book.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!!
I read pirates in the synopsis and I was like “YES!!” I love pirates. Never met a pirate, but if I did I think I would want him to be a little (who am I kidding) a lot like Hendrix.
Side note: I love the names in this book Indigo and Hendrix…loved them.
When Indigo is first captured by Hendrix and his ship of pirates, I thought to myself this girl has escaped one abusive situation to be put into another one. When you first meet Hendrix you will not like him at all. He is a pirate!!! He is not going to be all swoony and sweet. He barks and commands orders. However, Indigo is not one to just give up. She was placed in foster care at a young age and then escaped an abusive relationship. She was not going to sit quietly without a plan when Hendrix kidnaps her and tells her that he was going to give her to another pirate as a slave to repay a debt.
This book was STEAMY!!! The waterfall scene is hot. Even when this couple is not having sex, it is steamy. Bella Jewel…AWESOME job with this one. Great story, great characters!!! Well done. Indigo is smart, sassy, and is not afraid to speak her mind, but she is not hurtful. She is kind and I love the way she is with Hendrix’s crew. Everyone is a person and she treats people with kindness except for her capture, Hendrix *wink*
AND I loved Indigo’s “drunk” pirate jokes.
“Why can’t a pirate watch a horror film?”
He shakes his head, smirking. “You’re about to tell me.”
“Because it’s rated ARRRRRRR.”
Indigo is just loveable.
I loved when Hendrix and Indigo were together. I loved their banter, I loved their chemistry, I just loved them. I could not get enough of them. I want more. I want their story and the rest of the crew’s. That is why I was so happy to hear that Bella Jewel is releasing a sequel to this series Where Darkness Lies. I cannot wait to read that.
My only thing and I this is the only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that I think the last 10% of the book felt rushed. Too much was told and done in a short amount of time. However, I want to stress that I loved this book. I already re-read certain scenes in this book. They made me sigh and made me laugh out loud. You will love these characters, you will love the story, and you will love the irresistible pirate, Henderix.
One thing I would like to ask Bella Jewel if she would write one or two chapters as an extra of Hendrix’s POV. I would like his POV in the scene where Indigo is in his room and she is singing “Drink up me earties’ yo ho, yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me.” I want to know what Hendrix is thinking as he trying to get with a woman and Indigo is singing that song to irritate him. One of my favorite scenes in the book.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!!
January 8, 2015
Promising start!!
February 9, 2025
REVIEW
Score: 3.5/5
POV: Single, FMC, 1st person
Heat Level: 5+/5
Tropes: Pirate MMC; Captive FMC; Enemies to Lovers;
Likes:
* I honestly just loved the uniqueness of reading a Pirate book that is contemporary! The setting is 2013.
* I enjoyed how freaking bonkers this book was lol. Like the FMC is just straight up crazy 😅 but she totally makes the story!
* Jess, who is another woman that is on the ship. She actually is the FMC for the next book. She is amazing
Dislikes:
* Eric the FMCs best friend. What a fucking asshole. Like you can’t not hate him.
So I’ve owned this book since 2020 and I’ve clicked on it numerous times over the years to read the synopsis and see if I wanted to read it. I for some reason never took the plunge. Well I’m glad I finally did! This is one of those books that just is bonkers and stupid but is freaking enjoyable! Like if this was real life absolutely none of this would be taking place yet this isn’t fantasy 😂.
The FMC lives in America and has an abusive bf. She ends up injuring him and he goes to jail (her injuring him was self defense). He gets out of jail and immediately contacts her. So she decides she’s going to run. She drags her best friend Eric along the journey with her to her new country and then he’ll do some business and then go back to the US (like okay, weird haha).
Instead of taking a fucking plane to the UK (she’s running to London) she decides let’s charter a yacht to take us across the Atlantic Ocean. Like girl why? Lmao
Long story short the yacht blows up and her and her friend escape on a dingy.
They float on the dingy for 2 days and then they see a boat in the horizon. They alert the boat to themselves and then they realize… duh duh duh… it’s a pirate boat because it has a scull and bones flag ☠️ lmao. Like literally I’m dead at this lmao.
They get captured and things just continue to remain absolutely bonkers until the end hahah. But my goodness it was enjoyable.
I’m going to be honest if I ever just feel in the mood for some bizarre, doesn’t make sense, but just keeps me entertained, book in the future I’m so rereading this.
I had to give it 3.5 well because I’m sorry this isn’t supposed to be fantasy but baby this reads like total fantasy lol. Also the cover makes me so mad because she’s supposed to have blond hair and the cover girl has brown and he’s supposed to have sleeve tattoos and the cover guy doesn’t have a single tattoo on his arms! That shit annoys me lol.
3.5/5
Score: 3.5/5
POV: Single, FMC, 1st person
Heat Level: 5+/5
Tropes: Pirate MMC; Captive FMC; Enemies to Lovers;
Likes:
* I honestly just loved the uniqueness of reading a Pirate book that is contemporary! The setting is 2013.
* I enjoyed how freaking bonkers this book was lol. Like the FMC is just straight up crazy 😅 but she totally makes the story!
* Jess, who is another woman that is on the ship. She actually is the FMC for the next book. She is amazing
Dislikes:
* Eric the FMCs best friend. What a fucking asshole. Like you can’t not hate him.
So I’ve owned this book since 2020 and I’ve clicked on it numerous times over the years to read the synopsis and see if I wanted to read it. I for some reason never took the plunge. Well I’m glad I finally did! This is one of those books that just is bonkers and stupid but is freaking enjoyable! Like if this was real life absolutely none of this would be taking place yet this isn’t fantasy 😂.
The FMC lives in America and has an abusive bf. She ends up injuring him and he goes to jail (her injuring him was self defense). He gets out of jail and immediately contacts her. So she decides she’s going to run. She drags her best friend Eric along the journey with her to her new country and then he’ll do some business and then go back to the US (like okay, weird haha).
Instead of taking a fucking plane to the UK (she’s running to London) she decides let’s charter a yacht to take us across the Atlantic Ocean. Like girl why? Lmao
Long story short the yacht blows up and her and her friend escape on a dingy.
They float on the dingy for 2 days and then they see a boat in the horizon. They alert the boat to themselves and then they realize… duh duh duh… it’s a pirate boat because it has a scull and bones flag ☠️ lmao. Like literally I’m dead at this lmao.
They get captured and things just continue to remain absolutely bonkers until the end hahah. But my goodness it was enjoyable.
I’m going to be honest if I ever just feel in the mood for some bizarre, doesn’t make sense, but just keeps me entertained, book in the future I’m so rereading this.
I had to give it 3.5 well because I’m sorry this isn’t supposed to be fantasy but baby this reads like total fantasy lol. Also the cover makes me so mad because she’s supposed to have blond hair and the cover girl has brown and he’s supposed to have sleeve tattoos and the cover guy doesn’t have a single tattoo on his arms! That shit annoys me lol.
3.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2018
The dialogue in here made me cringe. This was really bad.
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