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Silver Locket Origins #1
A Glorious Mess
Mickey Compton’s life trends towards disaster, always. When Helena Digby offers him a place to stay in Alouett in exchange for doing odd jobs around her inn, he thinks luck might finally be on his side.
Helena’s son, Hugh, has always done what’s best for everyone and it’s worked out well for him. He’s the master’s mate on the naval brig, King’s Glory, and will soon become a sailing master in his own right.
Every time King’s Glory anchors, Hugh and Mickey find themselves drawn towards one another, something that is definitely not in Hugh’s plan. While Mickey is busy falling for Hugh, the master’s mate keeps Mickey at arm’s length. All the while, Louisa Digby, Hugh’s sister, is quickly falling in love with Mickey.
Nursing a broken heart is so much easier when there’s someone else to fill the void, so when Hugh’s ship sails once again, Mickey uses Louisa as a balm on his heartbreak. When he finds she’s in the family way, he does the only honorable thing he can think of. He marries her and takes a respectable job.
A job aboard King’s Glory with Hugh.
Hearts are fickle things and fates aren’t done with Mickey, yet. The twists of Mickey’s life never really go as he expects, or hopes, but one thing remains true through it all… Hugh holds the keys to Mickey’s heart. Maybe someday Hugh will forgive Mickey enough to realize it.
Maybe.
If the troubles that follow Mickey throughout life don’t catch up with him first.
CW: violence, violent punishment, hate speech, and cheating spouse.
Helena’s son, Hugh, has always done what’s best for everyone and it’s worked out well for him. He’s the master’s mate on the naval brig, King’s Glory, and will soon become a sailing master in his own right.
Every time King’s Glory anchors, Hugh and Mickey find themselves drawn towards one another, something that is definitely not in Hugh’s plan. While Mickey is busy falling for Hugh, the master’s mate keeps Mickey at arm’s length. All the while, Louisa Digby, Hugh’s sister, is quickly falling in love with Mickey.
Nursing a broken heart is so much easier when there’s someone else to fill the void, so when Hugh’s ship sails once again, Mickey uses Louisa as a balm on his heartbreak. When he finds she’s in the family way, he does the only honorable thing he can think of. He marries her and takes a respectable job.
A job aboard King’s Glory with Hugh.
Hearts are fickle things and fates aren’t done with Mickey, yet. The twists of Mickey’s life never really go as he expects, or hopes, but one thing remains true through it all… Hugh holds the keys to Mickey’s heart. Maybe someday Hugh will forgive Mickey enough to realize it.
Maybe.
If the troubles that follow Mickey throughout life don’t catch up with him first.
CW: violence, violent punishment, hate speech, and cheating spouse.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 27, 2022
I’m not okay 😭❤️
This beautiful wonderful book…
RTC when I’m emotionally ready lol
This beautiful wonderful book…
RTC when I’m emotionally ready lol
October 15, 2022
I was so excited for this Prequel, I was prepared for more of my amazing, caring, happy and lovable Mickey Compton! what I was not prepared for was learning some of the reasons why he was always seemingly happy and unbothered. did I cry? yes, yes I did. I don't think there will ever be a Kennedy Sutton book where my heart strings aren't pulled on enough to make me cry. plus this book made me think about Feathers at sea and I cried even harder.
In this book you get to see not only Micky as a Younger man but Hugh and really the entire sneaky lass crew by proximity , which I loved so much! My heart melted a smidge towards Digby in the beginning of this book. you see little snippets of him underneath his rough exterior that are just everything. don't even get me started on the spicy scenes between Mickey and Digby!!!
I need more of all things sneaky Lass Crew!!!
In this book you get to see not only Micky as a Younger man but Hugh and really the entire sneaky lass crew by proximity , which I loved so much! My heart melted a smidge towards Digby in the beginning of this book. you see little snippets of him underneath his rough exterior that are just everything. don't even get me started on the spicy scenes between Mickey and Digby!!!
I need more of all things sneaky Lass Crew!!!
Read
October 28, 2022Dnf. Not for me ..
October 12, 2022
A prequel to the Silver Locket series, this story follows Mickey’s journey to Hugh, including all the glorious mess he finds himself in along the way.
This lovely, historical romance has heat that served as a vehicle to drive emotion. It is a strong plot with angsty romance and real characters that are flawed in the way all people are.
I immensely enjoyed the backstory for several of our Silver Locket main characters. Ben’s lost chapter and getting to see him rise to the man we know. The answer (or is that wishful thinking?) to the locket question. Seeing Hugh, hearing from his own mind the kind of man he is. And Mickey. Oh sweet Mickey. There were so many parallels in this story and Feathers at Sea. Reading this book after that, belatedly knowing he had been there before and felt that kind of suffering only for it to end differently was a a beautifully poised tragedy I’ve now come to expect from this author.
This is a story you must know the ending of because the characters seem as real as family and you want to be there for them, silently rooting them on as the last page draws near.
🖤
This lovely, historical romance has heat that served as a vehicle to drive emotion. It is a strong plot with angsty romance and real characters that are flawed in the way all people are.
I immensely enjoyed the backstory for several of our Silver Locket main characters. Ben’s lost chapter and getting to see him rise to the man we know. The answer (or is that wishful thinking?) to the locket question. Seeing Hugh, hearing from his own mind the kind of man he is. And Mickey. Oh sweet Mickey. There were so many parallels in this story and Feathers at Sea. Reading this book after that, belatedly knowing he had been there before and felt that kind of suffering only for it to end differently was a a beautifully poised tragedy I’ve now come to expect from this author.
This is a story you must know the ending of because the characters seem as real as family and you want to be there for them, silently rooting them on as the last page draws near.
🖤
October 27, 2022
The story of two men we meet during the silver locker series this is the story of Mickey and Hugh and the time before their life on Sneaky Lass. A forbidden love and a triangle of complications. This story was beautifully written dramatic and heartbreaking two men who love each other but in a time when their love is considered a terrible sin, all the more complicated by one man’s choices in a moment a weakness.
October 27, 2022
When Kennedy Sutton shared with her crew that she was writing a prequel to The Sneaky Lass and that it would be a Mickey Compton’s story, I knew it would be amazing.
But “amazing” doesn’t cover it. Learning Mickey’s background, how he met Hugh, and the love, loss, and pain Mickey goes through…. My heart ached when I finished! His entire journey, Mickey is just searching for love, for someplace safe to rest his heart.
And Hugh…. The quartermaster I loved to dislike (hate is too strong a word, but I greatly disliked Hugh in The Sneaky Lass & Feathers At Sea), was shown to us in a brand-new light by Kennedy. And she has swayed me. Kennedy told us she hoped we would love Hugh more after this book….she was right. My heart aches for both Hugh and Mickey.
What kind of author can write so beautifully to make me cry and my heart ache for these characters??? It’s Kennedy. She will forever be one of my favorite authors. ❤️
But “amazing” doesn’t cover it. Learning Mickey’s background, how he met Hugh, and the love, loss, and pain Mickey goes through…. My heart ached when I finished! His entire journey, Mickey is just searching for love, for someplace safe to rest his heart.
And Hugh…. The quartermaster I loved to dislike (hate is too strong a word, but I greatly disliked Hugh in The Sneaky Lass & Feathers At Sea), was shown to us in a brand-new light by Kennedy. And she has swayed me. Kennedy told us she hoped we would love Hugh more after this book….she was right. My heart aches for both Hugh and Mickey.
What kind of author can write so beautifully to make me cry and my heart ache for these characters??? It’s Kennedy. She will forever be one of my favorite authors. ❤️
November 6, 2022
This took me far longer to read than I wanted, but life got in the way. I may just go back and reread when I have time to binge it and really take it in.
Still, this book was as beautiful (honestly, more beautiful) as the rest. Hugh and Mickey are so incredibly complicated, I don’t think I can even begin to describe all the ways they make me feel. Even though I think I’ll always be cautious of Hugh, I’m so glad to have this book and the next prequel, because understanding Hugh is so important and vital to the main storyline. Plus, getting more of Mickey is always a plus, as he is truly my favorite character. He speaks to my heart.
I don’t think I can put into words how much I love these two characters and how happy I am to read their journey together. Please, just read these books. You will not be disappointed. (But read them in publication order, trust me!)
Also, if the amazing author is reading this (I hope you see this! You deserve to hear my praise!), I got my top secret document and I’m spiraling. SPIRALING!!!!!!!!!!
Still, this book was as beautiful (honestly, more beautiful) as the rest. Hugh and Mickey are so incredibly complicated, I don’t think I can even begin to describe all the ways they make me feel. Even though I think I’ll always be cautious of Hugh, I’m so glad to have this book and the next prequel, because understanding Hugh is so important and vital to the main storyline. Plus, getting more of Mickey is always a plus, as he is truly my favorite character. He speaks to my heart.
I don’t think I can put into words how much I love these two characters and how happy I am to read their journey together. Please, just read these books. You will not be disappointed. (But read them in publication order, trust me!)
Also, if the amazing author is reading this (I hope you see this! You deserve to hear my praise!), I got my top secret document and I’m spiraling. SPIRALING!!!!!!!!!!
Read
February 13, 2024DNF, stopping at 56% after reading other things for most of a week rather than this. I know it wasn't supposed to be for publication.
It did need a better edit, particularly that first chapter. And, I rarely enjoy historical fiction because too many authors dawdle and mistake wordiness for 'historical.' The author rarely committed that crime. But, for me, the characterizations felt uneven, which messes with any trust the author had gained. And, on top of that, the plot seemed bogged down. And, the evil ship's captain did me no favors, either. For a shorter story, that was a lot wrong for me, and only halfway through, so, yeah, time to move on.
It did need a better edit, particularly that first chapter. And, I rarely enjoy historical fiction because too many authors dawdle and mistake wordiness for 'historical.' The author rarely committed that crime. But, for me, the characterizations felt uneven, which messes with any trust the author had gained. And, on top of that, the plot seemed bogged down. And, the evil ship's captain did me no favors, either. For a shorter story, that was a lot wrong for me, and only halfway through, so, yeah, time to move on.
October 14, 2022
This is a wonderful backstory for Mickey and what he has been through before the adventures on the Sneaky Lass. I have so more love for him and this story just makes my heart grow fonder of him. The book is beautifully written and is an amazing beginning to the rest of the series. Kennedy Sutton knows how to just pull at all your emotions in a single book.
April 25, 2023
Mickey Compton is one of my favorite characters in ‘The Silver Locket’ series and I really liked the inside story of how Mickey Compton, Ben, and Hugh all came to be on the Sneaky Lass.
The writing and plot are not super remarkable but you can tell how well loved this series is for the author and the characters are so dang lovable even when they shouldn’t be!
The writing and plot are not super remarkable but you can tell how well loved this series is for the author and the characters are so dang lovable even when they shouldn’t be!
April 9, 2024
There I go, judging another book by its cover and inadvertently biting myself in the tuchus.
But look at that cover. How was I to know that it'd be about pirates? By reading the blurb? P'shaw!
I've mentioned before that I just cannot suspend my disbelief enough to thoroughly enjoy historical romances set on the high seas. I've read The Wager and The Terror. They aren't sexy. Even remotely. When I think about sailing back in the day, the concepts at the forefront of my mind are: scurvy, lousy biscuits, lousy men, no baths, sweat, keel-hauling, and a low continuous hum of smmmmmmmmmmmmmegggggggggggggggggmaaaaaaaaaaaa.
I'm sorry you had to experience that. I'm sorry I have to experience that. I'm sorry any person ever in the world had to experience that.
Anyway, on to the book.
This book wasn't so much a Glorious Mess as it was a Hot Mess and there were a few points in the plot that rubbed me the wrong way.
Firstly: I really liked the beginning with Mickey taking the role of doting partner that sees Hugh off every time he goes to sea. That part of the book made me think it was going to be a good read.
However, the conflict with the sister was really off-putting. I don't like women being used as pawns as to why a couple cannot be together and the way it was used in this story was especially egregious. The author doesn't let you forget it, either. This story is told in first person, switching back and forth between the couple and whenever they are pining for each other, they have to mention the sister and how they can't be together. ad nauseum.
I also feel like the author really limits herself by making the bulk of the romance scenes...penetrative. Especially with this setting. There are so many different combinations of acts that can be performed in a more realistic manner on a full ship but our author is like, nope, butt stuff only!
None of this is the reason that this book gets a one star review from me. No, the reason this book is awful is Mickey's journal. Mickey is a lil' twink that was born in the wrong era. He was meant for 2006. He was meant to have a Xanga account. All he wants is to write his sadness and yearning down. And what does he eventually do with it? He gives it to Hugh who immediately loses it to the captain!! which is the pivotal moment in the plot that causes a mutiny. It is never addressed how the journal came into the hands of the captain and Hugh never apologizes for being so fucking careless with it. It's just a non-issue. If I was Mickey, I'd be pissed. Instead, the whole ordeal becomes a soap opera and the couple still doesn't end up together.
Y'all. You couldn't pay me to finish this series.
But look at that cover. How was I to know that it'd be about pirates? By reading the blurb? P'shaw!
I've mentioned before that I just cannot suspend my disbelief enough to thoroughly enjoy historical romances set on the high seas. I've read The Wager and The Terror. They aren't sexy. Even remotely. When I think about sailing back in the day, the concepts at the forefront of my mind are: scurvy, lousy biscuits, lousy men, no baths, sweat, keel-hauling, and a low continuous hum of smmmmmmmmmmmmmegggggggggggggggggmaaaaaaaaaaaa.
I'm sorry you had to experience that. I'm sorry I have to experience that. I'm sorry any person ever in the world had to experience that.
Anyway, on to the book.
This book wasn't so much a Glorious Mess as it was a Hot Mess and there were a few points in the plot that rubbed me the wrong way.
Firstly: I really liked the beginning with Mickey taking the role of doting partner that sees Hugh off every time he goes to sea. That part of the book made me think it was going to be a good read.
However, the conflict with the sister was really off-putting. I don't like women being used as pawns as to why a couple cannot be together and the way it was used in this story was especially egregious. The author doesn't let you forget it, either. This story is told in first person, switching back and forth between the couple and whenever they are pining for each other, they have to mention the sister and how they can't be together. ad nauseum.
I also feel like the author really limits herself by making the bulk of the romance scenes...penetrative. Especially with this setting. There are so many different combinations of acts that can be performed in a more realistic manner on a full ship but our author is like, nope, butt stuff only!
None of this is the reason that this book gets a one star review from me. No, the reason this book is awful is Mickey's journal. Mickey is a lil' twink that was born in the wrong era. He was meant for 2006. He was meant to have a Xanga account. All he wants is to write his sadness and yearning down. And what does he eventually do with it? He gives it to Hugh who immediately loses it to the captain!! which is the pivotal moment in the plot that causes a mutiny. It is never addressed how the journal came into the hands of the captain and Hugh never apologizes for being so fucking careless with it. It's just a non-issue. If I was Mickey, I'd be pissed. Instead, the whole ordeal becomes a soap opera and the couple still doesn't end up together.
Y'all. You couldn't pay me to finish this series.
January 23, 2024
I recently read “A Glorious Mess: Silver Locket Origins, Book 1” by Kennedy Sutton, and what can I say except, “Kennedy, how dare thee?” This book made me *feel* things. I don’t know how I feel about that but thank you. “A Glorious Mess” is the book that finally snatched me out of a massive reading slump, for which I am most appreciative.
I will get the negatives out of the way so this can end on the high note it deserves. My one and only complaint is that it was so good, and now I have to wait for books two and three to be released on February 15 and May 16 this year.
Kennedy did a beautiful job of sharing a realistic queer experience that many of the community can, unfortunately, still identify with. Maybe it comes across differently depending on whether the reader is a part of the community; however, I remember those feelings, and reading Mickey’s personal monologue felt as real as it did as a teen experiencing it firsthand. I felt so protective of Mickey reading “A Glorious Mess.” So many times, I wanted to pluck him from the page and offer a hug and tell him all the good things he needed to hear that fucking Hugh should have been telling him.
“A Glorious Mess” is my first read by Kennedy Sutton, making Kennedy an automatic purchase author for me. I own the first two books of the “Silver Locket” series but have yet to get around to reading them, which I think gives me a unique experience in reading the “Silver Locket Origin” series first because I currently have no clue of anything others have read about them in the original series. I am definitely purchasing the rest of the original series and attempting to patiently wait for the next books in Mickey and Hugh’s story.
I will get the negatives out of the way so this can end on the high note it deserves. My one and only complaint is that it was so good, and now I have to wait for books two and three to be released on February 15 and May 16 this year.
Kennedy did a beautiful job of sharing a realistic queer experience that many of the community can, unfortunately, still identify with. Maybe it comes across differently depending on whether the reader is a part of the community; however, I remember those feelings, and reading Mickey’s personal monologue felt as real as it did as a teen experiencing it firsthand. I felt so protective of Mickey reading “A Glorious Mess.” So many times, I wanted to pluck him from the page and offer a hug and tell him all the good things he needed to hear that fucking Hugh should have been telling him.
“A Glorious Mess” is my first read by Kennedy Sutton, making Kennedy an automatic purchase author for me. I own the first two books of the “Silver Locket” series but have yet to get around to reading them, which I think gives me a unique experience in reading the “Silver Locket Origin” series first because I currently have no clue of anything others have read about them in the original series. I am definitely purchasing the rest of the original series and attempting to patiently wait for the next books in Mickey and Hugh’s story.
October 15, 2022
📚 ARC REVIEW📚
5 ⭐️
I can’t.
Kennedy has ripped my heart anew, again. Mickey Compton is by far my favorite character in the Silver Locket books. And reading his story, how he came to be… It is so heartbearkingly beautiful.
M/M romance (just tear my heart out over Mickey), A dash of spice, and oh, did I mention your heart will hurt. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, I just want to give Mickey Compton a BIG hug. Honestly words do not do this book justice. I am still in awe about the complexity and beauty that is A Glorious Mess. I love it so much!
There have been so many times in my life where I felt like Mickey- unloved, unwanted, and would seek acceptance wherever I could find it. To read about a character with similar struggles and have them truly find that love. I felt SO seen. Kennedy’s books have made me hurt more than any book has a right too. But they’ve also made me feel seen, loved, and accepted.
I will never stop praising the work of Kennedy Sutton. She is a master of words, worlds, emotions, and characters. This book is not for the faint of heart, but I am of the firm belief that everyone should read A Glorious Mess (you should read Sneaky Lass & Feathers at Sea first though).
5 ⭐️
I can’t.
Kennedy has ripped my heart anew, again. Mickey Compton is by far my favorite character in the Silver Locket books. And reading his story, how he came to be… It is so heartbearkingly beautiful.
M/M romance (just tear my heart out over Mickey), A dash of spice, and oh, did I mention your heart will hurt. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, I just want to give Mickey Compton a BIG hug. Honestly words do not do this book justice. I am still in awe about the complexity and beauty that is A Glorious Mess. I love it so much!
There have been so many times in my life where I felt like Mickey- unloved, unwanted, and would seek acceptance wherever I could find it. To read about a character with similar struggles and have them truly find that love. I felt SO seen. Kennedy’s books have made me hurt more than any book has a right too. But they’ve also made me feel seen, loved, and accepted.
I will never stop praising the work of Kennedy Sutton. She is a master of words, worlds, emotions, and characters. This book is not for the faint of heart, but I am of the firm belief that everyone should read A Glorious Mess (you should read Sneaky Lass & Feathers at Sea first though).
October 26, 2022
This was glorious indeed. Such a heartbreaking story from start to finish that had me in tears at the romance between Mickey and Hugh. This is a prequel to The Silver Locket series which is definitely now on my TBR list.
Their relationship volleys back and forth between stolen moments, love and affection to the hurt, bad decisions and cruel words said in anger. Their relationship is a complicated one from the very beginning made even more so by poor decision making on Mickey’s part and a reluctance to open and show true affection on Hugh’s part. Their time on the ship together is so filled with tension and heartache that you truly feel for these characters especially Mickey. He’s just an amazing character to read. I understood some of the motivation for Hugh’s character-sense of duty to his family, to the crew that he’s put his heart last even when he’s breaking Mickey’s.
There’s so much angst in this book and I’m hoping there is a HEA for these two at the end of this series but until then, I’ll keep reading and keep my tissues handy.
I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest and fair review.
Their relationship volleys back and forth between stolen moments, love and affection to the hurt, bad decisions and cruel words said in anger. Their relationship is a complicated one from the very beginning made even more so by poor decision making on Mickey’s part and a reluctance to open and show true affection on Hugh’s part. Their time on the ship together is so filled with tension and heartache that you truly feel for these characters especially Mickey. He’s just an amazing character to read. I understood some of the motivation for Hugh’s character-sense of duty to his family, to the crew that he’s put his heart last even when he’s breaking Mickey’s.
There’s so much angst in this book and I’m hoping there is a HEA for these two at the end of this series but until then, I’ll keep reading and keep my tissues handy.
I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest and fair review.
January 28, 2024
I started A Glorious Mess after completing the Silver Locket Series so I already had a good view of who Mickey is and like everyone else, he snuggled into my heart with his tenderness.
I also know the ending from reading the other books. Which made me eat up every thought and action Mickey did.
Reading his and Hughs story was a huge eye opener to the Mickey I thought I knew. And it's heartbreaking and beautiful. He is by far the sweetest, most loving, yet deeply broken man I didn't quite expect. Mickey feels so real because of all of that! All of Kennedy's characters are real in a way that makes me feel like I truly know them.
I loved getting to see Ben in the past to put some more pieces together of who he is and why. As well as see the Sneaky Lass crew come into their own. This first book in the trilogy feels like the true beginning to fill in the gap to what we know from the Silver Locket series, which makes me so excited to read the next one!
I love all the characters, the depth, the angst, the tension, the drama, the spice! I loved it all!
Can't wait for book 2!
I also know the ending from reading the other books. Which made me eat up every thought and action Mickey did.
Reading his and Hughs story was a huge eye opener to the Mickey I thought I knew. And it's heartbreaking and beautiful. He is by far the sweetest, most loving, yet deeply broken man I didn't quite expect. Mickey feels so real because of all of that! All of Kennedy's characters are real in a way that makes me feel like I truly know them.
I loved getting to see Ben in the past to put some more pieces together of who he is and why. As well as see the Sneaky Lass crew come into their own. This first book in the trilogy feels like the true beginning to fill in the gap to what we know from the Silver Locket series, which makes me so excited to read the next one!
I love all the characters, the depth, the angst, the tension, the drama, the spice! I loved it all!
Can't wait for book 2!
October 12, 2022
This is a beautifully written prequel. The story is set during the time in which Mickey and Hugh meet. Love burns joy for them both immediately , but dealing with the times, sexuality, and the sea take a role on their love story. Mickey soon finds himself at sea with the villainous Captain Sutton, along with Hugh and Ben on a Navy ship. Sutton rules the seas with disregard and violence. Mistakes are made,battles are fought, tears are shed, heroes are born.
This story will make you love, make you cry, and make you cheer.Something about the way Kennedy Sutton writes makes the story come alive and I find myself sailing the seas.
Mickey has always held a special place in my heart. He is bright, caring, and easy to love. Hugh, well ,it took me learning his story to love him. I am hungry for more of their story and hope we have another adventure with Mickey, Hugh, and Ben on the Sneaky Lass.
This story will make you love, make you cry, and make you cheer.Something about the way Kennedy Sutton writes makes the story come alive and I find myself sailing the seas.
Mickey has always held a special place in my heart. He is bright, caring, and easy to love. Hugh, well ,it took me learning his story to love him. I am hungry for more of their story and hope we have another adventure with Mickey, Hugh, and Ben on the Sneaky Lass.
October 28, 2022
This book is the first installment of a prequel series and the third overall installment in the world of the Silver Locket series. My favorite part of any book is in its characters and their relationships, in both of which this story excels in. Mickey Compton was already a favorite of mine in the other two books, but this story really deepened my appreciation for him. And seeing him interact with Hugh was great. If you like the Grumpy x Sunshine trope, then this is definitely the book for you!
Overall, I have nothing but positive words for this story and the greater world it inhabits. The story was wonderfully paced, had interesting twists and turns throughout the plot, and a very well developed supporting cast. I read this book in one sitting because the world absolute sucked me right in and didn’t let me go until I turned that final page. The sequel will definitely be something to look forward to, I can’t wait!
Overall, I have nothing but positive words for this story and the greater world it inhabits. The story was wonderfully paced, had interesting twists and turns throughout the plot, and a very well developed supporting cast. I read this book in one sitting because the world absolute sucked me right in and didn’t let me go until I turned that final page. The sequel will definitely be something to look forward to, I can’t wait!
July 26, 2024
I love a good historical romance. The storyline was so interesting and I was rooting for Mickey and Hugh so hard I could not put this book down. I just love the way they speak to each other. I've never read this author before but she is great at keeping the story moving steadily, there was never a scene that didn't need to be included. No filler. No pointless conversations with side characters. Everything had a purpose.
I'm so curious what's going to happen between them and what's going to happen with Louisa. I'm very bad at predicting how things will play out but I'm having a hard time thinking of a way they can get their hea.
Only thing I don't like that this book has plenty of is the rough punishment on the ship. I can hardly read it 🫣. But did it make me love this book any less? Absolutely not. I understand why it had to be there, it's just hard to read. Same thing happened in The Captive Prince and that's one of my favorite series'.
I'm so curious what's going to happen between them and what's going to happen with Louisa. I'm very bad at predicting how things will play out but I'm having a hard time thinking of a way they can get their hea.
Only thing I don't like that this book has plenty of is the rough punishment on the ship. I can hardly read it 🫣. But did it make me love this book any less? Absolutely not. I understand why it had to be there, it's just hard to read. Same thing happened in The Captive Prince and that's one of my favorite series'.
October 24, 2022
Author Kennedy Sutton continues to surpass all expectations. A Glorious Mess is the prequel story to the Sneaky Lass. It follows Mickey Compton and Hugh Digby who we know from The Sneaky Lass as the mismatched couple that perplexes Jane Ables and us readers in how the grumpy second mate has such a golden retriever sunshine other half. In A Glorious Mess we follow the beginning stages of their relationship and the trials they each overcome be it wearing your heart on your sleeve to not being able to admit one’s true feelings till disaster strikes.
Sutton has a way of effortlessly engaging the reader and while chapters are written in 1st POV you also get the sense of watching the story unfold as a bystander with all the emotional trauma of reading as the character themselves. I continue to love her stories and can’t wait till the next book comes out.
Sutton has a way of effortlessly engaging the reader and while chapters are written in 1st POV you also get the sense of watching the story unfold as a bystander with all the emotional trauma of reading as the character themselves. I continue to love her stories and can’t wait till the next book comes out.
October 16, 2022
Wow. Just wow!! I was so excited to read this prequel to the Sneaky Lass as no matter which book it is, Kennedy Sutton does not disappoint!!! The Glorious Mess is mainly about the young Mickey & Hugh and their time before being on the Sneaky Lass. Kennedy makes you feel all the feels for each of the character and your heart reaches for them. I was excited to learn all about Mickey and more of why is the way he is and to understand more of Hugh. With the chapters being from Mickey and Hugh’s point of view, you also get a better understanding of their thoughts and feelings while reading the story.
I also enjoyed the “Lost Chapter” of Ben. Anything that mentions the Sliver Locket… you have my attention.
I also enjoyed the “Lost Chapter” of Ben. Anything that mentions the Sliver Locket… you have my attention.
December 28, 2023
I seem to be unique at the time of writing this review in that this is the first time I've met these characters/read this author. I wasn't disappointed!
What I wasn't prepared for is that this entire story was so very, very SAD. My heart broke the entire time for Mickey and Hugh, maybe because I could see myself in them or maybe because they were existing in a world that was just so very UNFAIR, or maybe a combination of both. Regardless, it was a lovely, gorgeous, tragic story of love that I am so thrilled to have picked up and read.
The tragedy makes a bit of sense now that I realize it's a prequel, written to explain the backstory of these two. I am hoping for happier times in the books ahead, which I will most certainly be reading!
What I wasn't prepared for is that this entire story was so very, very SAD. My heart broke the entire time for Mickey and Hugh, maybe because I could see myself in them or maybe because they were existing in a world that was just so very UNFAIR, or maybe a combination of both. Regardless, it was a lovely, gorgeous, tragic story of love that I am so thrilled to have picked up and read.
The tragedy makes a bit of sense now that I realize it's a prequel, written to explain the backstory of these two. I am hoping for happier times in the books ahead, which I will most certainly be reading!
August 30, 2025
3.5 stars
Things I did not know before starting this book because it was free and I barely read the blurb:
1. It’s a series
2. It’s a prequel series to another series
3. It’s not exactly historical, more like very close to our world 200 years ago fantasy
So I'm probably not the intended audience for this as I’ve not read the main series but despite that I was kinda invested so I think I’m gonna have to read the rest of the books because I like Mickey and Ben and was not expecting a cliffhanger. The prequel thing slightly explains the fact that they’re fully in love by page 30 and maybe Hugh is less unlikable if you know him from something else, which means my two downsides are maybe less major than I thought.
Things I did not know before starting this book because it was free and I barely read the blurb:
1. It’s a series
2. It’s a prequel series to another series
3. It’s not exactly historical, more like very close to our world 200 years ago fantasy
So I'm probably not the intended audience for this as I’ve not read the main series but despite that I was kinda invested so I think I’m gonna have to read the rest of the books because I like Mickey and Ben and was not expecting a cliffhanger. The prequel thing slightly explains the fact that they’re fully in love by page 30 and maybe Hugh is less unlikable if you know him from something else, which means my two downsides are maybe less major than I thought.
October 28, 2022
I’ve been dying to get more of Mickey’s story. He has been one of my favorite characters of the Silver Locket series since the very first time we met him in Sneaky Lass. Did this make me cry after reading Feathers at Sea? Yes yes it did. Kennedy is amazing at bringing her characters to life and creating a world you can lose yourself in. From the perfectly flawed characters to the amazing world building I don’t think there’s anything I haven’t loved about a Kennedy Sutton book yet and this one was just as good as the first two books. Kennedy is a master at pulling your heartstrings and providing and emotional rollercoaster I’ll gladly ride over and over again.
October 17, 2022
I love this series and Kennedy Sutton has done it yet again, I blew through this book and wanted to start re-reading it as soon as I finished. I loved the darker edge to it, and warning there is a lot more spice in this story. However, I like that not every other page is full spice. I also liked that their relationship expanded a bit–they both sort of jumped into bed with each other and I wanted more sexual tension between them leading up to that moment. This also leaves me hungry for more from Mickey and Hugh's POV.
November 8, 2022
Kennedy proved me wrong with this book, I never thought i would like Hugh, yet, in this book. I was like "Okay Daddy" This one gives us such an important insight into the men we have come to love. I cant wait for the next one. One name.... Mickey Compton, dont get me started this review will turn into a book, lets keep it simple. A beautifully tragic and broken man, a total people pleaser and charming to boot.
This one is spicy, MM Romance, Violent, heart warming, heart breaking and a damn delight. Readers you should dive into this series QUICK
This one is spicy, MM Romance, Violent, heart warming, heart breaking and a damn delight. Readers you should dive into this series QUICK
December 11, 2023
I absolutely adored this book. With the slight elements of historical romance and forbidden love, I was absolutely captivated by the way. Kennedy Sutton portrayed this story. She did an amazing job representing all the conflicting feelings of the story through her characters. Not only the conflicting feelings of the story but of the characters interpersonal conflicts as well. I typically don't read a lot of pirate romance but this one has me begging for more!! I highly recommend this book if you're into pirate romances.
December 29, 2023
I read this one right after Feathers At Sea, but you can either read it before the Silver Locket Series, after the Silver Locket Series, or any time at all! This is a great story of two people meeting and falling in love - timeless! The bonus for me was that I'd already been introduced to the main characters from the Series, and this provides an in-depth look at their origins. Wonderful read! I highly recommend!
November 21, 2024
Maritime love
Sutton writes a detailed, deep and daunting tale of an alt-world. Half the story is on land, where the MCs have their periodic reunions; the second part has them at sea on the same ship, and they dance around any contact. The author does brilliantly describing the secondary and supporting cast, letting me feel the rolling of a great sailing ship and the camaraderie of the crew.
Sutton writes a detailed, deep and daunting tale of an alt-world. Half the story is on land, where the MCs have their periodic reunions; the second part has them at sea on the same ship, and they dance around any contact. The author does brilliantly describing the secondary and supporting cast, letting me feel the rolling of a great sailing ship and the camaraderie of the crew.
October 24, 2022
I've loved Mickey from the moment he was introduced. Getting to know more about him in A Glorious Mess was such a pleasure. I didn't, however, expect to fall in love with Hugh. The two balance each other so well, and their relationship feels so authentic. I can't wait for the second part of their story!
October 25, 2022
Beautifully written story about forbidden love between two men, a prequel to the Sneaky Lass. The characters are easy to like, they are very relatable especially when it comes to love triangles. Definitely think you should give it a read, you never know what gems are hiding until you crack them open.
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