Secrets on the Sea

The Lost Souls of Dyconia #1

by Shona Knight

What would you do if you were thrown into a world overrun by men? When all you want is the freedom to explore it on your own? Disguise yourself as a cabin boy and hitch a ride on a pirate ship!

Ria

All my life, I’ve chased the thrill of new adventures, but nothing scratches that itch for long. So when a mysterious business card slips under my apartment door, promising to grant my greatest wish, my curiosity and sense of adventure get the best of me.

Before I know it, I’ve switched places with my look-alike and whisked through the Enchanted Veil to a whole new realm. But in this strange, medieval place, men vastly outnumber women and they don’t take kindly to the word ‘no’. To survive, I disguise myself as a man and get a job aboard a pirate ship run by three handsome brothers.

Huxley, Calix and Bazz are demanding and intimidating, but also incredibly kind and sexy. The battles raging on the seas are nothing compared to the reckless, growing desire building inside me. But if they find out I’m not who I say I am, I fear they’ll treat me like the commodity women are in this realm, or worse, leave me alone and brokenhearted.

Sailing on the high seas, disguised as a man with three dangerously captivating pirate captains, what could go wrong?

***SECRETS ON THE SEA, The Lost Souls of Dyconia - Book One, is a STANDALONE 80,000 word lighthearted reverse harem/why choose MFMM romance novel with a fantasy twist. This means the FMC will not have to choose between her love interests. No bullying or cheating. This is book one of the series, and each book can be read independently as each story focuses on a new set of characters. There may be mention of some characters and themes in future books, so reading in order is recommended, although not required. Secrets on the Sea contains foul language, violence and sexual scenes; any sex featured is consensual. Please read trigger warnings in the front of the book.

Genres: Fantasy, Why Choose, Pirates, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Magic

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2024

About the author

Reverse Harem Author
If you love a reverse harem romance with heart, heat and happily ever after, then you've come to the right place! Shona writes full length MFMM+ why choose reverse harem stories that vary from fantasy to contemporary to paranormal. The FMC will always be the main focus of her men!

A lot of her stories focus on women that come from some sort of tortured background, but you will also find some lighthearted fun reads scattered in between!

Reviews

[Alexia · Rating 5 out of 5]

all virgins!!🤭🫶🏻

[Desiree🦇 · Rating 4 out of 5]

MFMM. All Virgins!!! 😍😍😍

Aquaria/Ria: (26/Brunette/fmc) Adrenaline junkie. Absolutely hilarious.
Calix: (34/Brunette/mmc) Secret Sweetheart.
Bazz: (36/Brunette/mmc) Intense and broody.
Huxley: (33/Brunette/mmc) Golden Retriever vibes.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love discovering new authors, and I believe this debut author is one you will want to keep track of. I'm definitely going to keep following her to find out more about future projects, because "Secrets on the Sea" is a wonderful debut. It has the perfect mix of an interesting storyline, a lovely fmc, three striking men with lots of protective vibes and plenty of suspense. There are some possibly triggering scenes, but nothing from the harem; they are precisely the type of men you dream of at night if protective and caring men are your thing.

I couldn't help myself when I saw the blurb of this story; I can't even remember how long it's been since I've been praying for a why choose storyline that involves pirates, and it finally came! I had no idea how a storyline like that would go, but I was pleasantly surprised with this standalone. We've got three brothers who are joined captains on a ship (so no MM for those who like to know), in a realm where reverse harems are normal. Still, these men have never really been on the market because 'who would want to marry three pirates'. Apparently, it takes a woman from earth who loves reading pirate stories to show them they are worthy. And worthy they are...

If I hadn't known before I started this standalone, I would have never suspected this book was a new author's debut. It was absolutely great, and I can't wait to discover more work by this author in the future.

[Nat · Rating 1 out of 5]

insanely bad

[Arenia]

DNF. Love the premise of the story but the execution is really lacking. FMC is also incredibly naive and impulsive for a 26 year old and feels more like a teenager.

[Kim Vela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Arc copy of Secrets on the Sea by Shona Knight.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️-Spice

I need All Hands on Deck to go out and read this book.

It is a RH(why choose) pirate romantasy. I am hoping that my fairy godmother shows up soon so I can get to Dyconia. The book does have some violence and abuse so please check the TWs. The world-building was so well done that I was completely immersed in the story. From the very first page I was captivated by this tale and I am a little sad that I finished it so fast. The FMC Ria wants an adventure and gets it when she travels to another world. Ria is a strong relatable character who had me laughing throughout the whole book. The MMCs are three brothers named Huxley, Calix, and Bazz and they are protective cinnamon rolls(but only for her). I can’t wait for the next book(Odessa’s story) in this beautifully build universe that Shona has created.

[Lemon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot: 3.5/5 • Smut: 3/5 ———-> She’s taken to another realm after a card appears at her door. She pretends to be a cabin boy on ship with three brothers as captains. The first brother immediately knows she’s a girl, but keeps her secret. The second brother finds out after she’s attacked and wounded, and the third brother takes a little longer but dives right into the menage.
The smut for a pirate read is actually pretty good. No MM, because these are brothers, but still a good group of action.

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
The concept of alternate realms, soul mates, adventures on the sea, hiding amongst a crew of pirates, and a reality where women are scarce so men compete to provide them a harem and win them over, genius!
This is a RH romantasy, where Ria receives a mysterious card advertising adventures, and before she knows it she's stepping into a strange new world where all the men want her. Not only that but it's a medieval style shipping town and she's got to blend in quick, so she disguises herself as a cabin boy and begins her adventures aboard a pirate ship.
Her 3 Captains (Bazz, Huxley and Calix) keep their new cabin boy on her toes with their entertaining personalities and various chores, and she has to play a dangerous game of hidden identity and try to act like a boy despite her attraction.
I loved how the Captain's are all drawn to her even though they are confused why, all the fun drama and flirting, and when things do click into place the spicy encounters.
It explores their feelings and vulnerabilities well, as when they find someone it's forever, and most accept they will never marry or find love and are doomed to be alone, especially the 3 pirate brothers.
This is a steamy adventurous standalone romance, with 3 love interests in an entertaining pirate world.

⚓ "The size of his huge chest, covered in muscles, tattoos and scars. It was completely drool worthy. I just wanted to lick him. No! Bad Aquaria"

⚓"The more I got to know her, the more infatuated I became. I want to keep her"

⚓"Do you want us, Ria? Do you want all three of us? To be ours? For us to take care of your body, your mind and your soul"

⚓"I think the day I realized I had fallen in love with you, was when you took me down in the wrestling match"

⚓"If we claim you, we won't ever let you go"

[tattooedbooknerdgirl35 (Amanda Lynn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow this is my first book by Shona Knight and I can completely say she blew me away with Secrets of the Sea. This book has its all adventure, talks of a different world, spice, pirates, and much more. Definitely look up the triggers before you start reading. Shona can definitely suck you into her story and make you want more.

This story is about how Aquaria wants an adventure and how she finds a card in her apartment asking her if she wants an adventure. She calls and goes to this appointment and she gets told about a world she was suppose to be in and how it has the best adventures and she’d be happy. This fairy godmother sends her there. Aquaria can’t believe her eyes she’s in a time where pirates were alive and just the look of it, she loves it.

She meets these pirate captains who need a cabin boy and she pretends to be a boy. Do they believe she is a boy… Join the adventure with Aquaria, and her captain pirates; Bazz, Calix and Hux… You won’t be disappointed this spicy adventure fairytale is just completely amazing.

[Shelby Seal(Allen) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't lie when I say I devoured this why choose Pirate romantasy! Secrets on the Sea had such a whimsical feel to it with just the right amount of humor in it, I chuckled so many times. 🤣

Now, there are some heavier themes so do make sure to check the trigger warnings before proceeding. ⚠️
Nothing within the harem though, these men are top tier protective! ‼️

Ria is such a fun FMC to read for me. She has this sense of adventure about her, with a lighthearted view of the world and she was truly a pleasure to follow on her journey!

Bazz, Huxley, and Calix are the perfect trio of brothers and I really appreciate that each of their personalities is their own and different from the other. They are all drawn to Ria for their own reasons and have their own place in her heart. ✨

I couldn't get enough of this magical land Dyconia, and imma need the Fairygodmother to come get me for my adventure ASAP!

Thank you to Shona for writing this debut, I loved reading it! 💛

[Meka 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole concept of this book was amazing. From the fantasy element of other realms, to the shortage of women making males form harems, I ate it all up.

This book was very well written, especially as a debut novel and I’ve already added Knight’s next two books to my TBR.

I love Ria’s adventurous spirit and all the differing personalities of the men, adding the side characters and angst was the cherry on top.

Overall

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book and just finished reading it. I freaking love this book. It's definitely going to be a regular reread book for me. I usually don't go for books with pirates but this book might have just changed that. It's literally 5 in the morning and I can barely keep my eyes closed but it was so worth it. This is a book I'll be recommending to all my fellow RH book readers. It's not often I find books to devour in a single seating but this was definitely one of them.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quote from book like:

“Can’t help it, Darlin’. You’re gorgeous. And your mine.”
“Ours,” Calix adds from my side.
“Ours.” Hux nods.

Thoughts:

I honestly don’t know where to begin with this review. I’d say I really really enjoyed this book. It was different but what I been needing to read! I love finding new authors and this made me excited for more stories from this author. This book had the perfect mix of suspense, spiciness, and love between the characters and the plot. I didn’t feel too overwhelmed with one or the other.

I remember after reading the blurb I got so excited about pirates! It’s what hooked me from the beginning and kept me on the edge even throughout the story. I really loved the MMCs and thought they were a perfect fit for the FMC. I really love the FMC and her vibrancy shines through on the book. I also really enjoyed the passion about the characters and the way they come to love and accept each other.

Overall, I’d say I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next! Even though there is a character I am mostly looking forward to I’ll have to wait but that’s okay! I highly recommend this book if your looking for enjoyable read about pirates, RH, and traveling to another world!

[Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

I quite enjoyed the first half of this book. It was hilarious, found myself chuckling.

For those who look forward to a lot of smut, its done decently, feels like natural progression.

Would have liked to see more magic but it's a light read and it was engaging.

Recommend.

[Mom Reads Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers in highlighted quotes and review.


I like the plot but it was sort of feeling like the Golden Dynasty books Kristin Ashley wrote-where each girl was swapped w another one in a new realm and forced into the new world of their “twin”.

It has some different angles to this plot from KA’s series. One, it’s permanent switch that cannot be changed-so no potential flip flopping bt worlds. What’s done is done. Two, both books I have read the fmc’s don’t have family or very few friends. They are lonely virgins.

There seems to be a similar pace and overall plot line in book one here and book four. Very formulaic. So I read the pattern right away.

Book reads easy and while there are editing and grammar errors it didn’t hurt my enjoyment.

Word of the book was “juices”. Sis, PUT DOWN THE COPY AND PASTE FOR JUICES. 🤮🤮🤮

Pace of book was steady and flowed. There are times author moves plot forward by explanation only. I’m ok w that.

FmC has a total personality change after hooking up w her mates and starts acting like a brat. To some folks ig playing a brat is fun cute and sexy but to me as a mom of teens? Grown ass women behaving like brats is just annoying af and shows emotional immaturity.

Spice was medium

RH no MM
KU
HEA/epilouges

Pregnancy in epilouge. Skip it if you don’t want to read about that.

Virgin fmc and virgin mmcs.

Fmc gets beaten by other men not her mates

Attempted SA twice. Does not happen. And Not by her mates.

3rd act breakup.

OW drama is not really happening here-their ex is annoying to them but I wouldn’t consider any of the rare (maybe one time) interactions as OW drama.

Standalone but a part of a shared world in an on going series.

Her friend Penny (and her only tie to her old world)will get her own book.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
I have read the pirate trope before and enjoyed them, so thought I would try this! As a debut, it comes across pretty well. It didn't feel too clunky and flowed easily.
It did come across a little surface level, and not enough personality/relationship and world development. I think it just didn't feel like I was fully submerged into the world, and that kind of left me wanting more from this. How do the souls work? What year is the world in? How does magic work?
I liked the overall idea of the world though, and thought it was an interesting concept with the different world beside ours.
There were parts that I wanted more explanation and background too e.g. I know why the MMCs are virgins as it explains about their world being short on women, but it doesn't say why the FMC is when she is 26 and from our world. Whilst I know it isn't uncommon for people to abstain, it doesn't give any idea as to why. She explains she is adventurous and has been intimate before, but not why she has avoided sex. I also am unsure how the MMC have never seen a woman naked, or been with any women before but seem to know exactly what to say and do straight away.
I think when creating a different world, or anything not contemporary, then you really need to build up the world in the readers imagination.
It defintely comes across as more of a fluffy romance, with insta-lust. I honestly didn't mind that, but think I wanted more groveling near the end. I think the FMC was too easy to forgive, when she was hurting from their actions. The relationships were sweet though, and the MMCs are too. I liked their dynamic, and how well the meshed but were also different too.

[Book Worm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like the concept… but was this written by AI? I mean really… the writing is so one dimensional, flat and stereotyped. I feel like it was written by AI… with good prompts but a very robotic outcome 🤷‍♀️

It’s like they tried to make the female character interesting with the axe throwing and constantly stating what an adrenaline junky she is but fell so incredibly far as a naive and juvenile stereotype… especially given they’ve decided to put her age at 27.

Also couldn’t get past the “a boy wouldn’t cry or show emotion” In a extremely traumatic scenario 🙄 or the fact her hat was basically the equivalent of Clark Kent’s glasses, except on top of being a horrendous disguise any real girl knows you don’t have a hope in hell of keeping your hair tucked up into a hat 24/7, especially with no hair ties or while sleeping in a hammock or “grappling”.

[Felicia Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahoy Mateys! It’s a Pirates life for me!

Pirates, Ships, Romance, and Spice? I think this book drew me in just from the cover alone but the juicy story in the pages between cover to cover kept me reeling myself back begging for more!

For a debut novel I must say this work of art was exactly that. I loved the story line and the slow burn of the 4 characters involved in this harem. The character development of the 3 captains throughout this story and watching them fall for Aquaria bit by bit was intense. I normally am not a fan of slow burns, but this one kept me wanting to know when they would figure it all out ;)

Disguised as a cabin boy Raph (Aquaria) finds herself on a pirate ship in a new world after dreaming of adventure. The three captains took their new cabin boy on adventures in their own way, and the love they all developed for one another brought to life a story within itself. I suppose you could say this is a story within a story? I adored it. As a reader and a fellow writer, I have always felt drawn to the worlds we create for our characters to thrive and grow within, but following Aquaria and Huxley, Bazz and Calix on their journey through the unknown was a beautiful and captivating experience.

From start to finish I found myself not wanting to put this down, and eager to know when they would figure out who she was. Would they toss her overboard or fall head over boots? I was not disappointed when the later of the two occurred. This book is not just a story but an experience. Something you won’t see coming, and the ending will bring more questions to your mind ;) but it also settles the ache you feel after the climax occurs ;)

Finding out there will be a second book was probably the best news I heard today. I cannot wait to see where Shona Knight takes us next. I never thought I’d be a pirates fan, but here we are. It’s a pirates life for me.

Until the next one ;)

[₊⋆ Nyxia ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I wish I could go on an adventure with three swoon worthy pirates!

"𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕠 𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕒 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖."

This book was so good! Top read this year. The story hooked me in. I’m obsessed with the idea of this book. Time travel ish, born in the wrong world..and add in why choose! Omg, I loved it so much.

There’s definitely darker themes to this book but I really loved how there wasn’t any bully or enemies vibes. The comedic elements in this book were great! Ria is a great fmc and made me laugh a lot, she’s very relatable. The men were so swoon worthy! I’m obsessed with them all.

"𝓝𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻. 𝓨𝓸𝓾'𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓾𝓬𝓴 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓶𝓮, 𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓷'."

The plot is great! There’s twists I didn’t see coming, there’s some dark parts, lots of hot spice and overall lots of wholesome moments.

I can’t wait to read more from this author! And to put this book on my shelf, I recommend so so so much!

"𝕸𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖒𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖘."

[Jjs_booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! I typically am not a huge fantasy book reader but this looked so good that I had to try it! I loved reading about Ria (FMC) navigating not only a new world in which there are way more men and women are a bit of a rarity, but also how she navigated life on a ship finding as the cabin boy. She is such a likable FMC that you can’t help but root for her. And when she meets the captains, loved it so much. While Captain Huxley realizes immediately that Raph (Ria) is actually a women and not a cabin boy he decides to take the time to get to know her and why she is hiding while letting his brothers Captains Calix and Bazz find out in their own time. They do not realize why they are draw their cabin boy but do allow him in to their circle and get closer to each other before the big reveal.

I loved all the characters, I loved the fantasy Pirate plot. I love the idea of the strange creatures (I.e leviathan, orca, ogres)

[Ashleigh Dill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure!!
I absolutely loved this story. I don’t want to give any spoilers so just a quick push through the door! Aquaria, FMC, feels a bit stuck i guess is the best way to put it. She then finds herself in a new world and doesn’t have a lot of information in how to navigate it but finds herself on a ship and excited for a new adventure nonetheless.

There are some ups and downs and feelings between her 3 gorgeous and somewhat clueless at the time MMCs, well 2 clueless which is part of the fun. Some pulling of the heartstrings and just enough spice and laughter to go along! Such an amazing story and 5 stars from me ! A must read!! I can’t wait for the next book and newest adventure!

[AmesChicReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What would you do if you were thrown into a world overrun by men? When all you want is the freedom to explore it on your own? Disguise yourself as a cabin boy and hitch a ride on a pirate ship!”

This was such a fun book! I mean, I’m a sucker for a Why Choose, but throw in a fairy godmother, pirates, and another realm (Dyconia) and you’ve got me. The way Ria interacted with the guys, how they cherished her, their playfulness and banter, it was all enjoyable to read. There were some intense and scary moments as well, but overall this was definitely a feel-good read for me. If you need a pick-me-up, you’re in a slump, or you are just into plot with spice, pick this up.

[Izabel Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked on this book from the beginning. I always have had a sense of adventure, and man I wanna be on a pirate ship. She was living the life. I finished this book in 24 hours… it was one I couldn’t put down. However, if you have any triggers related to sexual encounters, this may not be for you. There are multiple guys, and there is anal and close calls with rape. There is a lot of spice, but overall the story line was great and I hope to read another book by this author.

[Tatiana Alejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun!

This book has everything you could hope and dream for in a reverse harem story! Romance, spice, adventure, comedy, and a bit of magic. I love how the MMCS are quick to fall for our FMC and her personality is so enjoyable. I can’t wait to read more books from this series. My only negative feedback was Calix and Huxleys personalities are very similar and feel like the same person to me. I wish there was more differentiating factors between them.

[♡Shelthebookaddict♡ Shelbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfort read

I loved this! I love a good cozy read that I can reread sometime. Ria is just looking for adventure in life and she found it with three handsome men hehe. It's like the best fantasy dream you could have and wake up sad it wasn't real. I loved the epilogue so much! Such a cute book. Can't wait to keep reading the other standalones. I was impressed that this author would write this story in 300 pages and still leaving me satisfied.

[Sam Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you risk leaving the world as you know it to fall in love with 3 hunky pirates?? Eemmm - yes please!!!! I loved this book so much and didn’t want the adventure to end - the spice is up there alongside an amazing storyline! There are several trigger warnings in this story to be aware of but I’d absolutely recommend reading this when it’s released!

[Michelle Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was more or less a solid 3 stars for me. Then the men betrayed her in the worst possible way, and the apology afterwards made me want to set their ship on fire. Disappointed to say the least. The FMC was feisty all the way through, and they broke her down.

A better version of this is Brandy Roseth’s Uncharted.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fantasy read!

SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
STARS: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am not a huge fan of Fantasy but let me tell you I devoured this book!!

I love the story line and the characters and the whole premise of the story. It was really enjoyable without being overwhelming (which is why I don't read much fantasy, too much world building)

Overall, a great start to what I hope is a long series! Can't wait for the next one!

Arc received for honest review.

[Hina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read and exactly what I was looking for. It was paced really well with action, cute times, steamy parts, and a little bit of mystery. Loved the characters and had fun seeing them grow into huge softies. Super excited for the next story!

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun adventure with spice!

This was such a fun read! Ria and her men were all so good together and the spicy scenes were definitely hot! The reunion in future book 3 is what I was waiting for the whole book so I cant wait! Shona Knight has officially created a world(s) I am so excited to get more of!!!