What do you think?
Rate this book
Rooted
When a noblewoman’s abduction by a charming pirate captain lets her escape an unhappy future, a surprise reunion threatens to drag her back to her past.
England, 1612. For Margaret, Lady Sherman, widowhood is a crisis. The inheritance set aside to support her might be enough to escape the stifling role of wife—unless her stepson snatches it back by marrying her himself. His dangerous obsession puts Margaret at the mercy of a charming pirate captain. Desperate for a new start, she makes a reckless decision to join his crew as their purser.
As Margaret tallies piles of plunder, she relishes her newfound sense of empowerment. But when a figure from her past resurfaces, Margaret must guard her most precious treasures: her hard-won freedom… and her heart.
Rooted is a slow-burn, open-door historical romance that's perfect for those who love Philippa Gregory novels or the Showtime TV series The Tudors.
England, 1612. For Margaret, Lady Sherman, widowhood is a crisis. The inheritance set aside to support her might be enough to escape the stifling role of wife—unless her stepson snatches it back by marrying her himself. His dangerous obsession puts Margaret at the mercy of a charming pirate captain. Desperate for a new start, she makes a reckless decision to join his crew as their purser.
As Margaret tallies piles of plunder, she relishes her newfound sense of empowerment. But when a figure from her past resurfaces, Margaret must guard her most precious treasures: her hard-won freedom… and her heart.
Rooted is a slow-burn, open-door historical romance that's perfect for those who love Philippa Gregory novels or the Showtime TV series The Tudors.
369 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2024
19 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Emma Golding
1 book15 followersEmma Golding writes romantic historical fiction and fantasy as a healthy outlet for her obsession with sexy banter and swoony grand gestures. After receiving her B.A. in English Literature, she promptly switched gears and pursued a graduate degree in music. She kept writing, though, prioritizing noveling whenever she could. Emma loves history, Irish folk tunes, Jane Austen film adaptations, and her piano students. She lives in Chicagoland with her pets and her spouse in her very own Happily Ever After.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 1, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a new author and her first book. I admire anyone who has the willingness and stubbornness to write and publish. A lovely cover that really grabbed me.
What I liked. The building sexual tension between Captain Stokes and Maggie. The time at sea and the atmosphere of danger. How Maggie grows and becomes an independent woman. Learning that old loves are not always what they appear to be and that you can’t recapture the past. I enjoyed the last third of the book and it was a good finish to the story.
What I didn’t like. It was too long coming in at 500 pages. The beginning of the book was too descriptive with not enough action with too much time spent on the old love. I didn't feel the love story till the last third of the book.
This is a new author and her first book. I admire anyone who has the willingness and stubbornness to write and publish. A lovely cover that really grabbed me.
What I liked. The building sexual tension between Captain Stokes and Maggie. The time at sea and the atmosphere of danger. How Maggie grows and becomes an independent woman. Learning that old loves are not always what they appear to be and that you can’t recapture the past. I enjoyed the last third of the book and it was a good finish to the story.
What I didn’t like. It was too long coming in at 500 pages. The beginning of the book was too descriptive with not enough action with too much time spent on the old love. I didn't feel the love story till the last third of the book.
May 27, 2024
Disclaimer: I was a beta reader for this book, and also received an ARC from the author. That being said, my opinions are entirely my own.
This is easily the best historical romance I've read to date. It has pirates and sailing and messy humanity and atmosphere and tension... And so much hope.
I don't love slow burns. They kill me. This one? Incredible. Worth every painful second of the long wait.
The characters are charming. Golding does a terrific job keeping the voices distinct. Particularly, the details of specific dialects and accents are incredible. (I specialize in that sort of thing, and she schooled me on some points. Needless to say, I was thrilled and impressed.) It was so easy to fall in love with these characters, and not just the MCs.
Sometimes jumping across time to different versions of English is hard to navigate or acclimate to. I felt fully immersed in the time period without struggling to understand period-specific phrases. There were details here too that surprised and delighted me, like the music and the prayers.
It is a big book. It deserves the time/attention investment. When I finished the beta read and discovered this was Golding's debut I was astounded. It was so well done, so thoroughly edited and arranged. My heart hurt a little that I couldn't buy another book by the author right away too, because I was sooooo ready to read more of her writing style. The final version? Glorious.
All in all, it is a powerful, cohesive piece that explores themes of womanly empowerment and independence, social responsibilities, familial support (or lack thereof), and emotional healing, while also being wildly entertaining. I'll be rereading it again I'm sure, because even after three full reads, I know I missed tiny details and symbols... And also because I loved it.
If Emma Golding isn't on your TBR, she needs to be. If you don't love HR as a subgenre, you should give this one a go anyway, because I think it would change your mind. It may set the bar really high for any you read later, though...
This is easily the best historical romance I've read to date. It has pirates and sailing and messy humanity and atmosphere and tension... And so much hope.
I don't love slow burns. They kill me. This one? Incredible. Worth every painful second of the long wait.
The characters are charming. Golding does a terrific job keeping the voices distinct. Particularly, the details of specific dialects and accents are incredible. (I specialize in that sort of thing, and she schooled me on some points. Needless to say, I was thrilled and impressed.) It was so easy to fall in love with these characters, and not just the MCs.
Sometimes jumping across time to different versions of English is hard to navigate or acclimate to. I felt fully immersed in the time period without struggling to understand period-specific phrases. There were details here too that surprised and delighted me, like the music and the prayers.
It is a big book. It deserves the time/attention investment. When I finished the beta read and discovered this was Golding's debut I was astounded. It was so well done, so thoroughly edited and arranged. My heart hurt a little that I couldn't buy another book by the author right away too, because I was sooooo ready to read more of her writing style. The final version? Glorious.
All in all, it is a powerful, cohesive piece that explores themes of womanly empowerment and independence, social responsibilities, familial support (or lack thereof), and emotional healing, while also being wildly entertaining. I'll be rereading it again I'm sure, because even after three full reads, I know I missed tiny details and symbols... And also because I loved it.
If Emma Golding isn't on your TBR, she needs to be. If you don't love HR as a subgenre, you should give this one a go anyway, because I think it would change your mind. It may set the bar really high for any you read later, though...
June 2, 2024
I was sent an arc of this book from my friend Kate through booksirens.
I am so excited for this book to published and to buy my own copy. I was throughly engaged in the high stakes of this pirate romance and could not put this down. Congratulations to Emma Golding on her debut!
I am so excited for this book to published and to buy my own copy. I was throughly engaged in the high stakes of this pirate romance and could not put this down. Congratulations to Emma Golding on her debut!
June 11, 2024
Love the book! Definitely will read one more time!
November 24, 2024
Great slow burn pirate romance
This book should have a LOT more than 15 reviews! Fans of slow burn, this is your book. Personally I don't choose slow burn, and the fact that I didn't put this down says a LOT.
Super pirate romance, my only nitpick is that there are more exclamations about than 'Gramercy!'
This book should have a LOT more than 15 reviews! Fans of slow burn, this is your book. Personally I don't choose slow burn, and the fact that I didn't put this down says a LOT.
Super pirate romance, my only nitpick is that there are more exclamations about than 'Gramercy!'
November 7, 2024
3.75
Great story with (unrealistic) pirates! Would be 4 but I skipped through some, it needed to be trimmed. Lovely romance.
Great story with (unrealistic) pirates! Would be 4 but I skipped through some, it needed to be trimmed. Lovely romance.
June 18, 2024
I found myself fully engaged on this story filled with pirates, banter, slow burn romance and adventure! 🤎🌊🏴☠️
The author did a fantastic job of setting the scene from beginning to end, so much so I could visualize down to the detail. 1600s London, the atmosphere of the Merrow as it sailed the seas, the Dagger and Sheath and its lively guests, and the clothier shop full of the finest silks and fabrics.
Maggie is such a wonderful character who we as the reader watch grow, from her lowest moments to her greatest joys and everything in between. Each experience molds her and empowers her. You cannot help but feel proud with all she accomplishes! I knew I liked Will, Captain Stokes, immediately. The two of them together give me major Ross and Demelza vibes from Poldark 🤌🏻 The cast of characters was truly enjoyable, the added bonus of music, dances and literature from the time was a nice touch!
I have nothing but wonderful feelings and words for this debut novel by Emma Golding! Congratulations ✨ Thank you for my advanced copy and for the opportunity to sit down and escape with Maggie and Captain Stokes! Rooted will be out for the world to enjoy on June 24, 2024.
The author did a fantastic job of setting the scene from beginning to end, so much so I could visualize down to the detail. 1600s London, the atmosphere of the Merrow as it sailed the seas, the Dagger and Sheath and its lively guests, and the clothier shop full of the finest silks and fabrics.
Maggie is such a wonderful character who we as the reader watch grow, from her lowest moments to her greatest joys and everything in between. Each experience molds her and empowers her. You cannot help but feel proud with all she accomplishes! I knew I liked Will, Captain Stokes, immediately. The two of them together give me major Ross and Demelza vibes from Poldark 🤌🏻 The cast of characters was truly enjoyable, the added bonus of music, dances and literature from the time was a nice touch!
I have nothing but wonderful feelings and words for this debut novel by Emma Golding! Congratulations ✨ Thank you for my advanced copy and for the opportunity to sit down and escape with Maggie and Captain Stokes! Rooted will be out for the world to enjoy on June 24, 2024.
July 9, 2024
Disclaimer: I read a draft version of this story (pre-ARC).
Emma Golding's first published work is a slow-burn historical romance that I could not put it down. It was refreshing to see a writer focus on the heroine's personal growth and ensure the romantic storylines furthered that growth rather than just throwing in spicy romance scenes for the sake of spicy romance scenes. Fans of historical fiction, especially stories set in late-Tudor or early Stuart England, will enjoy Rooted. I highly recommend it!
Emma Golding's first published work is a slow-burn historical romance that I could not put it down. It was refreshing to see a writer focus on the heroine's personal growth and ensure the romantic storylines furthered that growth rather than just throwing in spicy romance scenes for the sake of spicy romance scenes. Fans of historical fiction, especially stories set in late-Tudor or early Stuart England, will enjoy Rooted. I highly recommend it!
July 1, 2025
Compelling writing esp for a debut, wish it had been a bit shorter. You can tell it was thoughtfully done. What wasn’t my favorite-I prefer my FMCs to be stronger it felt wearying to have her be in such an awful relationship for so long with the man who ghosted her and stole from her as a teenager, giving blowjobs in alleyways so he would leave her alone. After that wouldn’t she take almost anyone who showed her kindness?
I agree with another reviewer that said it felt more historical fiction in genre, it’s very fleshed out that way.
I agree with another reviewer that said it felt more historical fiction in genre, it’s very fleshed out that way.
June 25, 2024
This was a pleasant book to read. It was my first time reading a book set mainly at sea, and I enjoyed it. This book is definiteeeely very slow burn and at times felt a bit too long and slow, but it was nice seeing Maggie grow more into herself and choose her freedom. Loved Captain Will too. Happy almost pub day!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC.
3/5 🌟
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC.
3/5 🌟
July 15, 2025
I really enjoyed the story but holy mama it could’ve been edited down. There were tons of parts that dragged and lead nowhere. _What was with all the underscores?_ I loved Will! What happened to Matthew? He was such an integral part of the story and then??? I kept picturing Will as the man in the yellow hat from curious George.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
This might be my favorite book all year.
1. This book deserves more reads and reviews than it has. 2. This book deserves a better cover
I absolutely inhaled this book. As soon as I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The dialogue is witty and clever. The characters are complex. The plot is unique and surprising.
I’ve seen a lot of reviews complaining about the pacing— I actually found that to be one of the best parts of the book. It’s a slow burn, for sure, but also very apt for the time period and station of the main character.
The decisions made by the FMC and MMC that kept them apart made perfect sense within the context of the book. Yes, it was frustrating at times. Buy Maggie is, at her core, a lady raised in high society under the burden of propriety.
Her growth throughout the novel was exciting but also realistic. She’s not an entirely different character at the end, just a more independent and self-assured version of who she was in chapter 1. But all-in-all, the book was written in such a way that she stayed true to herself the entire time while also growing for the better. I found that balance to be very well executed.
5 stars. Can’t wait to reread it. I hope to see more from Golding in the future.
1. This book deserves more reads and reviews than it has. 2. This book deserves a better cover
I absolutely inhaled this book. As soon as I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The dialogue is witty and clever. The characters are complex. The plot is unique and surprising.
I’ve seen a lot of reviews complaining about the pacing— I actually found that to be one of the best parts of the book. It’s a slow burn, for sure, but also very apt for the time period and station of the main character.
The decisions made by the FMC and MMC that kept them apart made perfect sense within the context of the book. Yes, it was frustrating at times. Buy Maggie is, at her core, a lady raised in high society under the burden of propriety.
Her growth throughout the novel was exciting but also realistic. She’s not an entirely different character at the end, just a more independent and self-assured version of who she was in chapter 1. But all-in-all, the book was written in such a way that she stayed true to herself the entire time while also growing for the better. I found that balance to be very well executed.
5 stars. Can’t wait to reread it. I hope to see more from Golding in the future.
Read
June 28, 2024Rooted is an amazing tale of a woman's search for herself, her independence, and love in Shakespeare's England. Our heroine traverses many different obstacles from family to suitors to herself.
Rooted is a thoroughly enjoyable read and Margaret, the main character, is a well written and interesting heroine. Slipping into her shoes is as easy as pouring a morning cup of coffee, and her journey towards her goals pulls the reader across the pages with ease. I really loved this book. Margaret's story is one that everyone can relate to. Who hasn't wanted to control their own fate? The cast of characters she encounters are colorful and well written, even if some of them are characters you'll love to hate.
I highly recommend Rooted to anyone who is a fan of 17th century England, adventure, or romance. It's amazingly well written and a pleasure to read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rooted is a thoroughly enjoyable read and Margaret, the main character, is a well written and interesting heroine. Slipping into her shoes is as easy as pouring a morning cup of coffee, and her journey towards her goals pulls the reader across the pages with ease. I really loved this book. Margaret's story is one that everyone can relate to. Who hasn't wanted to control their own fate? The cast of characters she encounters are colorful and well written, even if some of them are characters you'll love to hate.
I highly recommend Rooted to anyone who is a fan of 17th century England, adventure, or romance. It's amazingly well written and a pleasure to read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2024
This book was so good I devoured it in a single sitting.
I picked this up at a local author fest with my book club and I think it’s fair to say that anything else Emma Golding writes is immediately on the TBR for our whole group. Rooted was a wild ride of emotions - it was sad and funny and infuriating and heartwarming. And I loved every minute of it.
I picked this up at a local author fest with my book club and I think it’s fair to say that anything else Emma Golding writes is immediately on the TBR for our whole group. Rooted was a wild ride of emotions - it was sad and funny and infuriating and heartwarming. And I loved every minute of it.
September 6, 2024
This book had it all! I’ve been missing something in my reading and this book very much so had what I needed. Adventure, romance, a young woman finding herself and learning to trust her voice.
I went into this weary because I don���t read historical romances much, but I love both Tudor England and Shakespeare. Reading Rooted brought me such great joy, I got to see a world I’ve always imagined or read about in historical texts through the eyes of someone my own age. Getting to read about the main character Maggie go through the struggles of finding herself and choosing her own path to freedom was beautiful.
The banter was everything I hoped for and the story was incredibly compelling, keeping me hooked for days. When I wasn’t reading this book I was thinking about it!
I went into this weary because I don���t read historical romances much, but I love both Tudor England and Shakespeare. Reading Rooted brought me such great joy, I got to see a world I’ve always imagined or read about in historical texts through the eyes of someone my own age. Getting to read about the main character Maggie go through the struggles of finding herself and choosing her own path to freedom was beautiful.
The banter was everything I hoped for and the story was incredibly compelling, keeping me hooked for days. When I wasn’t reading this book I was thinking about it!
November 27, 2024
I am delightfully surprised by this debut historical romance! The slow burn, kinda love triangle were only part of this story about a young woman finding freedom in 17th century London. I loved the pirates and music and the slice-of-life descriptions of everyday people. I hope the author is working on another book!
July 20, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
What an amazing debut!
This was my first ever histrom that includes pirates and I was always very skeptical of those kinds of histroms because they seem to be pushing the gate open for all kinds of misogyny and sexual violence from the mmc so I did tend to steer clear.
That’s not to say this doesn’t include those themes. It does but it’s written in a way that makes sense and isn’t gratuitous to the point that it’s off putting. And never ever at the hands of the mmc.
I loved Maggie so much. I could see a lot of myself in her. Being a hopeless romantic and not really being able to see your self worth of who you truly are is HARD! But although she does get dragged down with Matthew there is enough fleeting moments, where it’s obvious that she knows it’s not real love with him.
Will. Ugh I loved him so much I thought he was so well developed, this man is so poetic it actually hurts at times. He is respectful, kind and always puts Maggies want for freedom first. He’s never wants to push, and that’s exactly what Maggie needed.
The only parts that didn’t work for me was the long time she spent with Matthew. At times it felt like she was on the cusp of leaving him yet she would fall back into old ways and this went on till almost 65% of the way through. I knew the mmc was going to be the captain the minute scent was brought into the picture and I loved the banter and the tension between them but I just needed them to have more time together instead of following Matthew.
I am a slowburn connoisseur i need to see growth between character before we get spice and that’s exactly what we got here and I’m so glad that it was a true slowburn but I needed a few more scenes of them bantering back and forth to really bring it in for me. But Maggies growth? Chefs kiss!
I’m not sure that I liked the fact we didn’t actually get the PIV moment because Maggie has had two sexual partners (her late gross husband and Matthew) at this point and didn’t really feel anything for them and although it wasn’t given too much detail we are shown that she has sex with Matthew. It would have been nice to have seen that with Will and how her opinion has changed because it was obvious that she never really derived much pleasure with Matthew from it.
I loved the side characters but mostly the side characters from the brothel. Also maybe the best name for a brothel that I’ve ever read? It did give me a cackle 😂 loved Ellen, did feel a little bit betrayed by her until she came round in the end. Loved the time we spent there which is shocking because I generally hate those types of scenes in books but really enjoyed the way it played out here.
The writing was fantastic. So lyrical and beautiful. Emma paints such a colourful world so I’ll definitely be picking up her future books!
What an amazing debut!
This was my first ever histrom that includes pirates and I was always very skeptical of those kinds of histroms because they seem to be pushing the gate open for all kinds of misogyny and sexual violence from the mmc so I did tend to steer clear.
That’s not to say this doesn’t include those themes. It does but it’s written in a way that makes sense and isn’t gratuitous to the point that it’s off putting. And never ever at the hands of the mmc.
I loved Maggie so much. I could see a lot of myself in her. Being a hopeless romantic and not really being able to see your self worth of who you truly are is HARD! But although she does get dragged down with Matthew there is enough fleeting moments, where it’s obvious that she knows it’s not real love with him.
Will. Ugh I loved him so much I thought he was so well developed, this man is so poetic it actually hurts at times. He is respectful, kind and always puts Maggies want for freedom first. He’s never wants to push, and that’s exactly what Maggie needed.
The only parts that didn’t work for me was the long time she spent with Matthew. At times it felt like she was on the cusp of leaving him yet she would fall back into old ways and this went on till almost 65% of the way through. I knew the mmc was going to be the captain the minute scent was brought into the picture and I loved the banter and the tension between them but I just needed them to have more time together instead of following Matthew.
I am a slowburn connoisseur i need to see growth between character before we get spice and that’s exactly what we got here and I’m so glad that it was a true slowburn but I needed a few more scenes of them bantering back and forth to really bring it in for me. But Maggies growth? Chefs kiss!
I’m not sure that I liked the fact we didn’t actually get the PIV moment because Maggie has had two sexual partners (her late gross husband and Matthew) at this point and didn’t really feel anything for them and although it wasn’t given too much detail we are shown that she has sex with Matthew. It would have been nice to have seen that with Will and how her opinion has changed because it was obvious that she never really derived much pleasure with Matthew from it.
I loved the side characters but mostly the side characters from the brothel. Also maybe the best name for a brothel that I’ve ever read? It did give me a cackle 😂 loved Ellen, did feel a little bit betrayed by her until she came round in the end. Loved the time we spent there which is shocking because I generally hate those types of scenes in books but really enjoyed the way it played out here.
The writing was fantastic. So lyrical and beautiful. Emma paints such a colourful world so I’ll definitely be picking up her future books!
November 4, 2024
Romantic Historical Fiction-unable to put down
Rooted is the author’s debut novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It’s a story in three parts and filled with adventure as the heroine joins a pirate crew traveling across the Atlantic Ocean and also working as secretary in a brothel.
Acting as the ship’s purser, the heroine keeps the books on the cargo and distributing sailors’ pay. There was plenty of drama onboard between stealing another ship’s cargo, being inspected by an English Navy ship, and having a woman on board that not everyone is happy about.
The author’s writing style was descriptive but concise which added an air of mystery to the story. Being told only in the heroine's third person point of view added to this and I spent the first portion of the book wondering who the hero would be. This wouldn’t be something that I would normally like but enjoyed the way it added to the intrigue of the story and experiencing the heroine’s feelings as she did. In the end, I didn’t feel like I missed out on the hero’s POV like I normally would.
I love how this story was a complete story and the satisfaction I got from it. The author took the time to fully explore the heroine and her character arc. Each part of the story influenced her journey and the HEA she was finally able to have.
There was a few times I wondered if she’d ever grow out of being meek and obedient but you saw glimpses of it early on of her assertiveness. It made that more rewarding when she did and it also fit with the time period.
I don’t want to give anything away on the hero because that was a part I enjoyed in figuring out - so I’ll just say that I loved him.
The author describes her writing as romantic historical fiction so the story developed a bit differently than historical romance. The romance is a slow burn and the story isn’t always directly focused on romance but there are building blocks for it throughout.
There are two encounters that are detailed, explicit, and written well.
Content warning: contains on page references to DV - and the heroine expresses the difficulty in leaving the relationship and reference to a threat of SA.
Rooted is the author’s debut novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It’s a story in three parts and filled with adventure as the heroine joins a pirate crew traveling across the Atlantic Ocean and also working as secretary in a brothel.
Acting as the ship’s purser, the heroine keeps the books on the cargo and distributing sailors’ pay. There was plenty of drama onboard between stealing another ship’s cargo, being inspected by an English Navy ship, and having a woman on board that not everyone is happy about.
The author’s writing style was descriptive but concise which added an air of mystery to the story. Being told only in the heroine's third person point of view added to this and I spent the first portion of the book wondering who the hero would be. This wouldn’t be something that I would normally like but enjoyed the way it added to the intrigue of the story and experiencing the heroine’s feelings as she did. In the end, I didn’t feel like I missed out on the hero’s POV like I normally would.
I love how this story was a complete story and the satisfaction I got from it. The author took the time to fully explore the heroine and her character arc. Each part of the story influenced her journey and the HEA she was finally able to have.
There was a few times I wondered if she’d ever grow out of being meek and obedient but you saw glimpses of it early on of her assertiveness. It made that more rewarding when she did and it also fit with the time period.
I don’t want to give anything away on the hero because that was a part I enjoyed in figuring out - so I’ll just say that I loved him.
The author describes her writing as romantic historical fiction so the story developed a bit differently than historical romance. The romance is a slow burn and the story isn’t always directly focused on romance but there are building blocks for it throughout.
There are two encounters that are detailed, explicit, and written well.
Content warning: contains on page references to DV - and the heroine expresses the difficulty in leaving the relationship and reference to a threat of SA.
July 16, 2024
I loved this book from start to finish. The first few pages gave me that undeniable feeling of KNOWING that I was going to love it.
Golding's writing style is captivating and magnetic, she makes it hard to put the book down, especially when the pacing and the plot work in effortless tandem. There was never a moment I wished to skip, there are only those I wish to read again and again.
A thrilling ride, full of twists I didn't see coming, scandal (oh my the SCANDAL!), witty banter, high stakes, gut-twisting situations and heart-warming rewards. The story was emotionally evocative, especially the moments of awkward tension between characters as well as lighter moments of humour.
Golding captures her visual world and smells so immersively that - I was inside of the Merrow, I could smell and hear the sailors onboard, I saw the sea.
This slow burn romance is rife with tension. When Golding delivered, boy did she deliver! Spicy, steamy, passionate - it was like a beautiful painting that gets better the longer you look at it. I do enjoy something steamy in my reads, and if you do too, this will satisfy you.
The character growth and development of her FMC was a beautiful dance with life, filled with blissful highs, jarring mishaps and crushing lows. I became quickly invested in Maggie, whose visions and desires, in part, challenged the gender norms of the time. I loved how she was able to make something of herself in every circumstance.
The villains of the story were indeed despisable and toxic, in the most believable and memorable ways. Just as well, the heroes within, they were everything! They quickly found a spot in my heart, even more so towards the end of the story. The side characters are not easily forgotten either.
This book is definitely worth a reread, I can't say enough how much I adored it. I recommend this as a read-right-away and look forward to Golding's next book.
Golding's writing style is captivating and magnetic, she makes it hard to put the book down, especially when the pacing and the plot work in effortless tandem. There was never a moment I wished to skip, there are only those I wish to read again and again.
A thrilling ride, full of twists I didn't see coming, scandal (oh my the SCANDAL!), witty banter, high stakes, gut-twisting situations and heart-warming rewards. The story was emotionally evocative, especially the moments of awkward tension between characters as well as lighter moments of humour.
Golding captures her visual world and smells so immersively that - I was inside of the Merrow, I could smell and hear the sailors onboard, I saw the sea.
This slow burn romance is rife with tension. When Golding delivered, boy did she deliver! Spicy, steamy, passionate - it was like a beautiful painting that gets better the longer you look at it. I do enjoy something steamy in my reads, and if you do too, this will satisfy you.
The character growth and development of her FMC was a beautiful dance with life, filled with blissful highs, jarring mishaps and crushing lows. I became quickly invested in Maggie, whose visions and desires, in part, challenged the gender norms of the time. I loved how she was able to make something of herself in every circumstance.
The villains of the story were indeed despisable and toxic, in the most believable and memorable ways. Just as well, the heroes within, they were everything! They quickly found a spot in my heart, even more so towards the end of the story. The side characters are not easily forgotten either.
This book is definitely worth a reread, I can't say enough how much I adored it. I recommend this as a read-right-away and look forward to Golding's next book.
November 16, 2025
I loved this so much. 5 stars, I couldn't put it down.
Oh Emma, how did you create a tale with the perfect Jane Austen air to it mixed with the pushing storyline and romance of 2025? I have no idea but I will read whatever you write next.
We follow Maggie as time after time again she is let down by men. After getting kidnapped, she does her best on a pirate ship and then falls prey to yet another terrible man. Maggie's mental journey is so well done I felt all of the emotions too - frustrated mostly, but her heartache and persistence were palpable. The underlying theme of this book (which features so many men) is the sheer force of women, what we are born to withstand from birth to death. A constant dance of love, grief, need, want, freedom, stability, dignity and determination that we sometimes perform alone without partner.
I will go on record saying this holds one of the best romance scenes I've ever read. This was incredibly sultry and full of yearning - modern romantasy has nothing on the spicy scenes (although minimal) in this book. It's what women want and crave, I know it. The banter between Maggie and another character (no spoilers) made me giddy and I was smiling like an idiot more than I'd like to admit.
Also the language was amazing. Like, I typically cringe at any attempt to recreate old timey prose but this was quite a convincing feat. Reading this (which didn't take long, I was obsessed) I was THERE, completely taken to both time and place.
My only criticism is that we spend so much time on Matthew. I hated Matthew and he plainly did not deserve the screen time. I understand he was pivotal to Maggie's growth as person so I get it, but I was so angry by the middle I had to take a break. Maggie, marry me instead I will protect you at all costs. Also that cover needs to be replaced - it gives the book a very different vibe (like a cheap romance look) which it is absolutely not.
Hands down one of my favorites this year.
Oh Emma, how did you create a tale with the perfect Jane Austen air to it mixed with the pushing storyline and romance of 2025? I have no idea but I will read whatever you write next.
We follow Maggie as time after time again she is let down by men. After getting kidnapped, she does her best on a pirate ship and then falls prey to yet another terrible man. Maggie's mental journey is so well done I felt all of the emotions too - frustrated mostly, but her heartache and persistence were palpable. The underlying theme of this book (which features so many men) is the sheer force of women, what we are born to withstand from birth to death. A constant dance of love, grief, need, want, freedom, stability, dignity and determination that we sometimes perform alone without partner.
I will go on record saying this holds one of the best romance scenes I've ever read. This was incredibly sultry and full of yearning - modern romantasy has nothing on the spicy scenes (although minimal) in this book. It's what women want and crave, I know it. The banter between Maggie and another character (no spoilers) made me giddy and I was smiling like an idiot more than I'd like to admit.
Also the language was amazing. Like, I typically cringe at any attempt to recreate old timey prose but this was quite a convincing feat. Reading this (which didn't take long, I was obsessed) I was THERE, completely taken to both time and place.
My only criticism is that we spend so much time on Matthew. I hated Matthew and he plainly did not deserve the screen time. I understand he was pivotal to Maggie's growth as person so I get it, but I was so angry by the middle I had to take a break. Maggie, marry me instead I will protect you at all costs. Also that cover needs to be replaced - it gives the book a very different vibe (like a cheap romance look) which it is absolutely not.
Hands down one of my favorites this year.
June 30, 2025
This was an enjoyable read with a decently strong plot and solid writing throughout. The author clearly has a talent for crafting historical settings and staying true to the language of the 1600s. However, I personally struggled to connect with the main female character, which made it harder to become fully invested in the story.
The use of period-specific language, while impressive and immersive, sometimes made it difficult to follow without pausing to interpret certain phrases. This might be a barrier for readers who aren’t used to that style, as it can take away from the emotional weight of the narrative.
I also found myself wishing we had more insight into the male main character’s backstory, there were hints of depth that I wanted to explore further.
All in all, it was a well-written book with some great moments, but for me, it was just missing a bit of that extra spark to make it truly memorable.
The use of period-specific language, while impressive and immersive, sometimes made it difficult to follow without pausing to interpret certain phrases. This might be a barrier for readers who aren’t used to that style, as it can take away from the emotional weight of the narrative.
I also found myself wishing we had more insight into the male main character’s backstory, there were hints of depth that I wanted to explore further.
All in all, it was a well-written book with some great moments, but for me, it was just missing a bit of that extra spark to make it truly memorable.
June 28, 2025
I don't really write reviews, but I love this story so much I had to.
I have been searching for a good pirate romance, and this is IT.
Maggie's development is amazingly done, and she very much is her own character. The friendship she shares with mmc is PERFECT.
I love that they build their relationship off mutual respect and friendship. They are truly a wonderful pairing.
Also, the banter is GREAT. It is clever, and you can tell they genuinely enjoy each other's company.
I'm jamming in a quick shout out to the delightful side characters that I love so much. All quite distinct and likable (or purposefully not in some cases).
I have been searching for a good pirate romance, and this is IT.
Maggie's development is amazingly done, and she very much is her own character. The friendship she shares with mmc is PERFECT.
I love that they build their relationship off mutual respect and friendship. They are truly a wonderful pairing.
Also, the banter is GREAT. It is clever, and you can tell they genuinely enjoy each other's company.
I'm jamming in a quick shout out to the delightful side characters that I love so much. All quite distinct and likable (or purposefully not in some cases).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2024
It is the start of the 17th century and a young English noble woman has just become a widow and receives a large portion of her late husbands estate. Her stepson wants to marry her but she is glad the money will bring her freedom. But her domineering father decides to take matters in his hands and before she knows it she is about to leave to France with an old aunt to look for a new arranged marriage. But then a traumatic event makes this shy mouse take a leap of faith.
A very well written story with a lot of personal growth and layering. A story that will sound logical in the ears of modern ladies with a career.
Not overly sexual and when it is very realistic. And how a real loving relationship works.
DEFINITELY NOT a romance novel! NO steamy story.
The cover makes you expect a different kind of book. CHANGE THAT. It is beautiful but has nothing to do with the story and oozes BDSM. (I do get the symbolism after reading the book but shoppers will not).
5 stars for sure.
A very well written story with a lot of personal growth and layering. A story that will sound logical in the ears of modern ladies with a career.
Not overly sexual and when it is very realistic. And how a real loving relationship works.
DEFINITELY NOT a romance novel! NO steamy story.
The cover makes you expect a different kind of book. CHANGE THAT. It is beautiful but has nothing to do with the story and oozes BDSM. (I do get the symbolism after reading the book but shoppers will not).
5 stars for sure.
August 18, 2025
I have to say I put off reading this because the cover gave dark depressing vibes, so I thought that's what it would be. Instead, it was definitely an adventure with some dark elements, but overall, it was a super engaging story with good banter and a fun romp of a read. The storyline felt very "far from the madding crowd." Did I hate how long we spent on Matthew and how short of time we spent on Will? Yes, I did hate that. So that's why it's not a five-star. I feel we could have gotten to the Will part or beginnings of it around 65% minimum instead of at like 80%. Because, like everyone else, I am here for the happy ending, and that includes the romance.
July 14, 2025
I shan't recover from this book for many a fortnight. All the stars. I loved it so much. from about 20% in until the end, I was hooked. I didn't think I liked a slow burn, but I was wrong. it hit all the right notes for me, and I'd read another just like it.
I have one small critique at something that didn't happen, but otherwise, this was beautiful.
I have one small critique at something that didn't happen, but otherwise, this was beautiful.
July 2, 2025
Wonderful book, heavy focus on character growth and seeing Maggie grow into herself and make her own choices. Cannot recommend enough!
July 24, 2025
3.5 rounded down. Writing and story is great, characters are frustrating. Will read whatever Golding writes next.
July 27, 2025
Excellent story and romance. Could not put it down. Finished in one day and night😄
August 13, 2024
Really love this story, it's as if Jane Austen wrote a pirate yarn. Also plus 1 star for the kitty cat.
June 17, 2024
"But when all about me was darkness, you brought me a lamp. You saved a life I deemed not worth saving, and I will not squander it."
Captivating. Adventurous. Passionate.
Once upon a time there were Daphne and Apollo, the first hunted by the latter, forced to sacrifice everything for a chance to be free from him.
In Bristol, in Duntsford Priory, there were Maggie and Robert, her dead husband heir who desires her and with whom Maggie will sails to France with her aunt, to begin a new life and someday marry another worthy man. All planned ahead, all settled for her, without her having a chance to say a thing about it.
And then, all at once, her life changes. When she's kidnapped by pirates, a fascinating captain will ignite the sparkle of doubt, a hint of truth and betrayal and Maggie has to choose what to do with her life and with the cards destiny throws at her. On the Merrow she will encounter her true love, Matthew, the guy who abandoned her, the guy she was in love with and who had promised her to sail away with her, away from their roles and families. Years have passed, Matthew and Maggie have changed both a lot, and then there is Captain Stokes who seems always to say the words Maggie needs to hear.
On her new road there will be danger, perils, questionable dignified jobs, both good and evil friends, passion… and, most important of all, love: the kind that makes you wanna live, breath and enjoy life.
Embark on this great adventure, navigate the England 600's seas and fall in love with it and with unforgettable characters. In her worst moments, Maggie will find strenght, self-confidence and grow herself into something new, as Daphne but, unlike of her, she will be able to finally conquer her freedom? Raise your sails!
The ambience, the plot, the characters: that was all perfect crafted in this heartbeating story! I fell in love with Captain Stoke since his first few words.
The dialogues are perfect, too: well written, never out of point, always punctual and realistic.
Thank you for writing this book. It is like a good sailor song: once you hear it once, you will always hold it in your heart, never fading away.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Captivating. Adventurous. Passionate.
Once upon a time there were Daphne and Apollo, the first hunted by the latter, forced to sacrifice everything for a chance to be free from him.
In Bristol, in Duntsford Priory, there were Maggie and Robert, her dead husband heir who desires her and with whom Maggie will sails to France with her aunt, to begin a new life and someday marry another worthy man. All planned ahead, all settled for her, without her having a chance to say a thing about it.
And then, all at once, her life changes. When she's kidnapped by pirates, a fascinating captain will ignite the sparkle of doubt, a hint of truth and betrayal and Maggie has to choose what to do with her life and with the cards destiny throws at her. On the Merrow she will encounter her true love, Matthew, the guy who abandoned her, the guy she was in love with and who had promised her to sail away with her, away from their roles and families. Years have passed, Matthew and Maggie have changed both a lot, and then there is Captain Stokes who seems always to say the words Maggie needs to hear.
On her new road there will be danger, perils, questionable dignified jobs, both good and evil friends, passion… and, most important of all, love: the kind that makes you wanna live, breath and enjoy life.
Embark on this great adventure, navigate the England 600's seas and fall in love with it and with unforgettable characters. In her worst moments, Maggie will find strenght, self-confidence and grow herself into something new, as Daphne but, unlike of her, she will be able to finally conquer her freedom? Raise your sails!
The ambience, the plot, the characters: that was all perfect crafted in this heartbeating story! I fell in love with Captain Stoke since his first few words.
The dialogues are perfect, too: well written, never out of point, always punctual and realistic.
Thank you for writing this book. It is like a good sailor song: once you hear it once, you will always hold it in your heart, never fading away.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews