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The Captain's Claim : A Sapphic Romantic Fantasy
A do-or-die, enemies-to-lovers, sapphic romantic fantasy that holds nothing back. Captain Hellebore will claim what is hers, even if that means putting it all on the line.
Captain Hellebore rules with an iron fist. It is the key to her survival. When she finds an intruder aboard her ship, Hellebore is left with one choice. Throw Honey overboard or turn her over to the King’s guard. Only Hellebore never anticipated the wisp of a woman to be the mate she was convinced would never come.
Determined to save her family from certain death, Honey Stark stows away on the only ship bound for Vulture Island. She finds more on board than she bargained for and must navigate a world and a bond she never knew existed.
As Hellebore and Honey’s connection deepens, the reality of their situation intensifies. With love on the line and the world in her hands, Hellebore sets out to claim what is rightfully hers and to save Honey and her people from ultimate death.
*Content warnings can be found on the author's website.
Captain Hellebore rules with an iron fist. It is the key to her survival. When she finds an intruder aboard her ship, Hellebore is left with one choice. Throw Honey overboard or turn her over to the King’s guard. Only Hellebore never anticipated the wisp of a woman to be the mate she was convinced would never come.
Determined to save her family from certain death, Honey Stark stows away on the only ship bound for Vulture Island. She finds more on board than she bargained for and must navigate a world and a bond she never knew existed.
As Hellebore and Honey’s connection deepens, the reality of their situation intensifies. With love on the line and the world in her hands, Hellebore sets out to claim what is rightfully hers and to save Honey and her people from ultimate death.
*Content warnings can be found on the author's website.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
41 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Katie Trapp
11 books56 followersKatie Trapp is an indie author from a small town in southern Middle Tennessee who currently resides with her wife, two dogs, and two cats in Kentucky. In 2021, she published her debut novel, An Unexpected Partnership, and has been writing ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 20, 2025
Honey Stark stows away on a pirate ship in an effort to find her family, who were taken by an evil king. Once at sea, she is discovered and must face the consequences of her actions. Captain Hellebore has a reputation and a ship to maintain, so punishment must be doled out. However, the two find an attraction and an unexpected bond.
Adventure, romance, action, and suspense mark The Captain's Claim by Katie Trapp. Interesting world-building with some very creepy hybrid beings, magic, an evil king, and strong-willed animals. An oppressed people rise up to wins and losses, and an exciting climax.
The writing style was easy to follow, the dialogue was clear, the scene descriptions were vivid, likable characters, and some very unsavory ones.
This touch-her-and-die romance had some very lovely intimate moments, medium angst, and mild spice. I liked the balance of strength and vulnerability of our captain, and I was frustrated with the unbalanced level of zeal and naïveté of our stowaway.
The editing wasn't one hundred percent, but this being an ARC, I assume those corrections will be made before publication.
I enjoyed The Captain's Claim by Katie Trapp, and I recommend for a fun, quick, romantasy adventure with a nice epilogue and a happy ever after. I am giving it a 3.75 rounded up. I would love to read more by this author.
#touchheranddie #royalromance #pirates #romantasy #setonanisland #epilogue #HEA #enemiestolovers #fatedmates #fae #oppositesattract #revolution #sapphic
I received this ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Adventure, romance, action, and suspense mark The Captain's Claim by Katie Trapp. Interesting world-building with some very creepy hybrid beings, magic, an evil king, and strong-willed animals. An oppressed people rise up to wins and losses, and an exciting climax.
The writing style was easy to follow, the dialogue was clear, the scene descriptions were vivid, likable characters, and some very unsavory ones.
This touch-her-and-die romance had some very lovely intimate moments, medium angst, and mild spice. I liked the balance of strength and vulnerability of our captain, and I was frustrated with the unbalanced level of zeal and naïveté of our stowaway.
The editing wasn't one hundred percent, but this being an ARC, I assume those corrections will be made before publication.
I enjoyed The Captain's Claim by Katie Trapp, and I recommend for a fun, quick, romantasy adventure with a nice epilogue and a happy ever after. I am giving it a 3.75 rounded up. I would love to read more by this author.
#touchheranddie #royalromance #pirates #romantasy #setonanisland #epilogue #HEA #enemiestolovers #fatedmates #fae #oppositesattract #revolution #sapphic
I received this ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
April 1, 2025
Rep: lesbian mc/ lesbian mc
This book just wasn't for me. A lot of things irked me, perhaps most of all the fact that it's an adult-themed story but written as YA. I didn't find the characters likeable at all, I suppose Honey is meant to be endearing, but I found her naivety and behavior genuinely unintelligent most of the time. The plot was very rushed, but I don't think I could've reasonably expected otherwise considering it's only about 270 pages long (it felt much longer tho). I'm actually giving it a higher rating for the world building, which was quite original. Whoever decided to market this as a "retelling of Peter Pan" did this book a disservice - genuinely the only thing in common with any version of Peter Pan was there being a pirate ship and an island. Absolutely no other similarities.
This book just wasn't for me. A lot of things irked me, perhaps most of all the fact that it's an adult-themed story but written as YA. I didn't find the characters likeable at all, I suppose Honey is meant to be endearing, but I found her naivety and behavior genuinely unintelligent most of the time. The plot was very rushed, but I don't think I could've reasonably expected otherwise considering it's only about 270 pages long (it felt much longer tho). I'm actually giving it a higher rating for the world building, which was quite original. Whoever decided to market this as a "retelling of Peter Pan" did this book a disservice - genuinely the only thing in common with any version of Peter Pan was there being a pirate ship and an island. Absolutely no other similarities.
January 27, 2025
The Captain's Claim is a sapphic fantasy romance I couldn't put down once I started reading. The world building with fairies and other mythical creatures was so detailed and well done I could see such a world really existing. The strictness of Hellebore and the rashness of Honey wouldn't at first seem to make them a match, but they give each other something they're missing. In addition to the romance, the story takes one on an immersive adventure that doesn't let up. I felt as if I were a part of the action alongside characters I'd grown to empathize with. If you like sapphic romance and adventure set in a fantastic imaginative world, you can't go wrong with this.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 29, 2025
This was such a fun read! Int this a sapphic salute to Peter Pan, readers can expect to enjoy colorful characters that include two headstrong female leads! The contrast between the two MCs sets the scene for endless banter and heartfelt connection as they learn and grow with one another.
Aside from adventure on the high seas this book has fairies, human-animal hybrids, and a touch of ✨spice✨ Again this was such an enjoyable read and I look forward to more of Katie’s work!
Aside from adventure on the high seas this book has fairies, human-animal hybrids, and a touch of ✨spice✨ Again this was such an enjoyable read and I look forward to more of Katie’s work!
January 5, 2025
What’s a girl to do when your family is forcibly removed from your home by pirates and taken to work hard labor due to failure to pay taxes? Well, if you’re Honey, you plan how to get them back starting with how to stow away on the pirate ship when next in port.
Honey is a sweet woman with no idea how life outside her island works or the dangers in the world that she is stepping into. Captain Hellebore of The Lady Cecelia stays at sea as much as possible to avoid the perils of dealing with her brother, the King. Meant to more, she hardened herself and accepted her circumstances until a naive, beautiful woman ends up on her ship. Their rocky start gets some help smoothing over by Finch and Cook and may just be what they both never knew they needed.
Honey and Reina’s story kept me engaged and I didn’t want to put it down. The characters are well developed and love how the MCs grow together and the supporting cast plays a huge part in supporting both. When her hand is forced to be who she was always meant to be, Reina Hellebore puts everything on the line to free her people and Honey.
Honey is a sweet woman with no idea how life outside her island works or the dangers in the world that she is stepping into. Captain Hellebore of The Lady Cecelia stays at sea as much as possible to avoid the perils of dealing with her brother, the King. Meant to more, she hardened herself and accepted her circumstances until a naive, beautiful woman ends up on her ship. Their rocky start gets some help smoothing over by Finch and Cook and may just be what they both never knew they needed.
Honey and Reina’s story kept me engaged and I didn’t want to put it down. The characters are well developed and love how the MCs grow together and the supporting cast plays a huge part in supporting both. When her hand is forced to be who she was always meant to be, Reina Hellebore puts everything on the line to free her people and Honey.
February 25, 2025
pirates 🫶🏼
January 31, 2025
i wanted this to be MORE slow burn but a very nice read!!
January 28, 2025
Wow! What a great read! This book had interesting world building between two islands, the ocean that separates them and the ship to crosses between. There was some suspense, some drama, romance and bonding with touch her and die vibes.
There was a connection between our two MCs built from a grudging respect of both as well as a chemistry neither could deny. Honey is gutsy and brave and just a ‘bit’ naive human. Captain Hellebore, or Reina, is stoic, strong and secretly compassionate faelalyne.
There were some twists and turns that kept me glued to the story to find out what happened next. The conclusion was intense and satisfying. I’m looking forward to the bonus extra chapter!
Be sure to read the tw before reading! Highly recommend!
There was a connection between our two MCs built from a grudging respect of both as well as a chemistry neither could deny. Honey is gutsy and brave and just a ‘bit’ naive human. Captain Hellebore, or Reina, is stoic, strong and secretly compassionate faelalyne.
There were some twists and turns that kept me glued to the story to find out what happened next. The conclusion was intense and satisfying. I’m looking forward to the bonus extra chapter!
Be sure to read the tw before reading! Highly recommend!
January 28, 2025
1.5 I usually don't like to make reviews especially if it has a negative connotation but i'll make an exception with this book... It had so much potential! (Sigh) but it just wasn't "it", I found the characters way too juvenile and cliché, especially Honey, aside from that, the worldbuilding could have been handled in a better way with more details and explanations so at times it felt like a book with no plot whatsoever...
February 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this fantasy pirate adventure. Interestingly, there’s not a lot of pirate action. I like all the shipboard activity because it gives a great insight into our main characters but there was only one battle at sea. But it’s a doozy. I’ll only say that the attackers are creepy, and the action riveted me. As far as the main characters, I loved Captain Hellebore. Tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Her developing relationship with Honey was fun to read. There is one thing about Honey though, she kind of annoyed me. She is stubborn to the point where she makes some poor choices. There’s no doubting her bravery though. I still like her and she’s a perfect complement to the captain. Overall, I really enjoyed this fantasy world and recommend this book highly.
January 8, 2025
This book had me at the first paragraph! Katie's use of language to describe a scene is amazing and the same gift applies to the emotional turmoil she creates for the reader, all in a good way. The seasoned, damaged, unwilling pirate, doing what she hates to keep those she loves safe and the kind hearted, innocently defiant, oblivious to the world around her, young woman that shakes up everyone's world. Captain Hellebore and Honey - enemies to lovers in a pirates violent world. Can't recommend enough!
March 16, 2025
✨ Sapphic Romantasy
✨Third Person POV
✨ 2/5 Spice Level
✨ Fae Captain x Human Commoner
✨ Fae & Other Mythical Races
✨ Enemies to Lovers
> micro-tropes after review
> content warnings at the bottom
The Captain's Claim is a sapphic pirate fantasy romance. The story follows the main character, Honey Stark, whose father and bothers are apprehended and taken to an island to work off their debts. An island which no one returns from. She (unsuccessfully) tries to stowaway on the ship of the Captain who took away her family. It quickly becomes apparent that there is more to Captain Hellebore than meets the eye (and she may have taken a fancy to Honey).
The story is set it a world with various fantasy races including Crocolian (based off crocodiles) and Vultarian (based off vultures). Each race having their own strengths. Captain Reina Hellebore herself is fae who has the rare ability to communicate with animals. I found Reina's character to be very compelling. Honey's character on the other hand can come off naïve and overly positive (to the point of not being realistic). I can't help but feel like the events of the story would have gone a lot smoother had Honey just listened to those around her (i.e. those who know more). Alas, I suppose that wouldn't have made for an as interesting tale. For side characters, I really appreciated the relationship between Cook and Reina as well as Finch and Reina. These side characters helped humanize and bring depth to Captain Hellebore's character.
There was less spice in this book than I expected (definitely on the light side), but the story was intriguing regardless. The ending did feel a bit rushed and over quicker than I would have expected. I would have liked to gain a better understanding of the world and the events that were happening behind closed doors before wrapping everything in a neat little bow.
Overall I really enjoyed The Captain's Claim and thought it was a satisfying read. I'd be interested in reading more books written by Katie Trapp as I enjoyed the writing style and overall storytelling.
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes:
✨ Touch Her and Die
✨ Talking to animals
✨ Ratted out by a literal rat
✨ Fairytale vibes
Content Warnings
provided by the author
graphic violence, s*xual assault (brief mention, not in detail), classism, racism, c*nnibalism, slavery, pr*stitution, and m*ting/bonding
✨Third Person POV
✨ 2/5 Spice Level
✨ Fae Captain x Human Commoner
✨ Fae & Other Mythical Races
✨ Enemies to Lovers
> micro-tropes after review
> content warnings at the bottom
The Captain's Claim is a sapphic pirate fantasy romance. The story follows the main character, Honey Stark, whose father and bothers are apprehended and taken to an island to work off their debts. An island which no one returns from. She (unsuccessfully) tries to stowaway on the ship of the Captain who took away her family. It quickly becomes apparent that there is more to Captain Hellebore than meets the eye (and she may have taken a fancy to Honey).
The story is set it a world with various fantasy races including Crocolian (based off crocodiles) and Vultarian (based off vultures). Each race having their own strengths. Captain Reina Hellebore herself is fae who has the rare ability to communicate with animals. I found Reina's character to be very compelling. Honey's character on the other hand can come off naïve and overly positive (to the point of not being realistic). I can't help but feel like the events of the story would have gone a lot smoother had Honey just listened to those around her (i.e. those who know more). Alas, I suppose that wouldn't have made for an as interesting tale. For side characters, I really appreciated the relationship between Cook and Reina as well as Finch and Reina. These side characters helped humanize and bring depth to Captain Hellebore's character.
There was less spice in this book than I expected (definitely on the light side), but the story was intriguing regardless. The ending did feel a bit rushed and over quicker than I would have expected. I would have liked to gain a better understanding of the world and the events that were happening behind closed doors before wrapping everything in a neat little bow.
Overall I really enjoyed The Captain's Claim and thought it was a satisfying read. I'd be interested in reading more books written by Katie Trapp as I enjoyed the writing style and overall storytelling.
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes:
✨ Touch Her and Die
✨ Talking to animals
✨ Ratted out by a literal rat
✨ Fairytale vibes
Content Warnings
provided by the author
graphic violence, s*xual assault (brief mention, not in detail), classism, racism, c*nnibalism, slavery, pr*stitution, and m*ting/bonding
January 27, 2025
Honey Stark is on a mission to rescue her father and two younger brothers from certain death on Vulture Island. She's never been outside of her village and may be completely out of her element, but she's not about to let that stop her.
Captain Hellebore is a pirate with a reputation. She's hardened and cruel and breeds fear into the villagers and her men alike.
Honey is a bit of an open book...we know exactly what is driving her actions and what's at stake if she fails. At first glance, Captain Hellebore's motivations seem just as obvious, although from the opposite end of the moral spectrum. But sometimes things aren't quite what they seem.
There are so many great things about this book...the world building is incredible. There is the familiarity of the pirates but add in fae and two additional races. All are presented in vivid detail--in description and in action. There is mystery, intrigue and family drama.
There is incredible depth to the story and the characters. The supporting cast is as essential as the MCs in driving the narrative. I felt as emotionally invested in their successes and failures, as I did for Hellebore and Honey.
The Captain's Claim is perfect example of a truly amazing romantasy. Intricate fantasy world - check. Epic adventure - check. Strong heroines - check. Passionate love story - check! I couldn't put this down once I started! Add it to your TBR - you won't be disappointed.
Captain Hellebore is a pirate with a reputation. She's hardened and cruel and breeds fear into the villagers and her men alike.
Honey is a bit of an open book...we know exactly what is driving her actions and what's at stake if she fails. At first glance, Captain Hellebore's motivations seem just as obvious, although from the opposite end of the moral spectrum. But sometimes things aren't quite what they seem.
There are so many great things about this book...the world building is incredible. There is the familiarity of the pirates but add in fae and two additional races. All are presented in vivid detail--in description and in action. There is mystery, intrigue and family drama.
There is incredible depth to the story and the characters. The supporting cast is as essential as the MCs in driving the narrative. I felt as emotionally invested in their successes and failures, as I did for Hellebore and Honey.
The Captain's Claim is perfect example of a truly amazing romantasy. Intricate fantasy world - check. Epic adventure - check. Strong heroines - check. Passionate love story - check! I couldn't put this down once I started! Add it to your TBR - you won't be disappointed.
March 28, 2025
I really loved the worldbuilding and fantasy creatures in this. The crocolian and vulturian were really fun and interesting!
The storytelling had a lot of “tell” instead of “show” which made me enjoy the story a little less. I wish there had been an investigation and intrigue when Honey was assaulted instead of her casually remembering who it was off scene. I wish we could’ve had a grand reunion of Honey with her family, they were why she ever left at all! Then an important character to Hellebore and Finch dies offscreen and it’s brought up in one line in the epilogue when it could’ve been a super emotional moment during a dramatic battle… a lot of stuff just felt summarized somehow. I also just wish I was more attached to the characters. I liked them but didn’t feel for them.
Hellebore could’ve had an emotional dilemma about Honey’s consent to their bond and avoided her. She could have been so much more critical of the sexism in their world, of the men in their crew who didn’t respect women. Instead she just complained that dresses were annoying. Honey could have had an emotional moment when she realizes they are bonded - she always thought love would be impossible for her because she has no interest in men, but now she finally has found it… instead they just accept it and are instantly in love.
I don’t know, there were just so many good concepts, all in such an interesting world! It was just missing something to be truly memorable. Still a fun read!
The storytelling had a lot of “tell” instead of “show” which made me enjoy the story a little less. I wish there had been an investigation and intrigue when Honey was assaulted instead of her casually remembering who it was off scene. I wish we could’ve had a grand reunion of Honey with her family, they were why she ever left at all! Then an important character to Hellebore and Finch dies offscreen and it’s brought up in one line in the epilogue when it could’ve been a super emotional moment during a dramatic battle… a lot of stuff just felt summarized somehow. I also just wish I was more attached to the characters. I liked them but didn’t feel for them.
Hellebore could’ve had an emotional dilemma about Honey’s consent to their bond and avoided her. She could have been so much more critical of the sexism in their world, of the men in their crew who didn’t respect women. Instead she just complained that dresses were annoying. Honey could have had an emotional moment when she realizes they are bonded - she always thought love would be impossible for her because she has no interest in men, but now she finally has found it… instead they just accept it and are instantly in love.
I don’t know, there were just so many good concepts, all in such an interesting world! It was just missing something to be truly memorable. Still a fun read!
October 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Captain’s Claim by Katie Trapp ⚓️💀🌊
This book has been rotting on my TBR since release, mocking me from the shadows like a siren I swore I wouldn't answer. I caved. And now? I'm shipwrecked, saltwater in my lungs, my heart in splinters, my eyes full of sapphic chaos.
Captain Hellebore is pure butch menace energy. The leather-clad, scarred Captain has a voice low enough to make entire fleets surrender. Honey is the kind of femme sunshine as that burns, not warms. The kidnapped girl emotionally assassinates her captor using kindness and a smile. Together? Disaster. Divinity. Lesbianism at sea.
This isn't a romance, it's a maritime possession. The sexual tension could power a lighthouse. Every line is foreplay or a battle, or both, and when the spice hits, I had to close my Kindle and pace the room like a Victorian widow. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Katie Trapp didn't just write a book. She commandeered my brain. This writing drips with salt and blood and longing. Fae and sirens and rebellions, all of them drenched in mood and danger.
By the end, I wasn't reading anymore. I was pleading. With the sea. With the author. With my own reflection.
The captain is a feral butch
The captive is femme resilience weaponized.
And the love story tastes like revenge, freedom, and sin.
Then come aboard, darling. You will drown beautifully.
The Captain’s Claim by Katie Trapp ⚓️💀🌊
This book has been rotting on my TBR since release, mocking me from the shadows like a siren I swore I wouldn't answer. I caved. And now? I'm shipwrecked, saltwater in my lungs, my heart in splinters, my eyes full of sapphic chaos.
Captain Hellebore is pure butch menace energy. The leather-clad, scarred Captain has a voice low enough to make entire fleets surrender. Honey is the kind of femme sunshine as that burns, not warms. The kidnapped girl emotionally assassinates her captor using kindness and a smile. Together? Disaster. Divinity. Lesbianism at sea.
This isn't a romance, it's a maritime possession. The sexual tension could power a lighthouse. Every line is foreplay or a battle, or both, and when the spice hits, I had to close my Kindle and pace the room like a Victorian widow. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Katie Trapp didn't just write a book. She commandeered my brain. This writing drips with salt and blood and longing. Fae and sirens and rebellions, all of them drenched in mood and danger.
By the end, I wasn't reading anymore. I was pleading. With the sea. With the author. With my own reflection.
The captain is a feral butch
The captive is femme resilience weaponized.
And the love story tastes like revenge, freedom, and sin.
Then come aboard, darling. You will drown beautifully.
January 12, 2025
I was given an ARC copy of The Captain's Claim by author Katie Trapp. Thank you Katie for the amazing opportunity to read this book.
The Captain's Claim is a peter pan inspired sapphic fantasy romance with enemies to lovers and touch her and die vibes. Captain Hellebore runs her pirate ship with strict rules and even worse consequences if those rules are broken. Honey Stark is a woman (slightly naive) determined to do anything to get her family back and this includes sneaking on the most dreaded pirate's ship. When Hellebore and Honey clash you can say the grump/ice queen and sweet/sunshine mix into an amazing adventure love story. Hellebore isn't all she seems and the danger Honey is in is the final push she needs to face one evil tyrant King.
This book has it all from a variety of fantasy inspired characters to a blooming romance between two very different characters. I enjoyed every minute of this book and look forward to reading more books by Katie Trapp. There was just so much depth of challenges faced and trials overcome. Definitely recommend this book to read.
The Captain's Claim is a peter pan inspired sapphic fantasy romance with enemies to lovers and touch her and die vibes. Captain Hellebore runs her pirate ship with strict rules and even worse consequences if those rules are broken. Honey Stark is a woman (slightly naive) determined to do anything to get her family back and this includes sneaking on the most dreaded pirate's ship. When Hellebore and Honey clash you can say the grump/ice queen and sweet/sunshine mix into an amazing adventure love story. Hellebore isn't all she seems and the danger Honey is in is the final push she needs to face one evil tyrant King.
This book has it all from a variety of fantasy inspired characters to a blooming romance between two very different characters. I enjoyed every minute of this book and look forward to reading more books by Katie Trapp. There was just so much depth of challenges faced and trials overcome. Definitely recommend this book to read.
January 3, 2025
Honey Stark in an attempt to save her family from an evil king stowes away on the pirate ship The Lady Cecelia. The captain of the ship, Captain Hellebore, was known to be cruel and unforgiving however Honey gets past the Captains walls into her heart.
What I liked about this story is how the author showed the caring side of the captain almost right off. Honey spoke her mind and learned the hard way to trust her captain.
The relationship between the captain and Honey was so well built up that you could feel it. The relationship between the MCs was heartfelt and spicy.
The description of events on the pirate ship and then on land made me feel like I was part of the story.
I finished this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. This is my first book by Katie Trapp and I can’t wait to read more by her. This book is in my top 5 favorite books and I will be reading it again soon.
I read and reviewed as an Arc reader and I highly recommend this book.
What I liked about this story is how the author showed the caring side of the captain almost right off. Honey spoke her mind and learned the hard way to trust her captain.
The relationship between the captain and Honey was so well built up that you could feel it. The relationship between the MCs was heartfelt and spicy.
The description of events on the pirate ship and then on land made me feel like I was part of the story.
I finished this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. This is my first book by Katie Trapp and I can’t wait to read more by her. This book is in my top 5 favorite books and I will be reading it again soon.
I read and reviewed as an Arc reader and I highly recommend this book.
October 7, 2025
3.75*
Despite my score, I have to say I struggled to put this book down. I really enjoyed the characterisation of Hellebore and Honey, and the pacing for the first 2 thirds of the book was really good.
Where it lost out on points was the myriad of spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. Some sentences were repeated, and one character's name was spelled differently on some of the pages. These issues could easily be resolved by giving it to a skilled editor, and it's a classic sign of an indie published book.
I wish we could have seen a more organic development of relationship between Honey and Hellebore, and the final rebellion seemed incredibly rushed. I think the book could have benefited from being a little longer (which I rarely think) but that's a sign of how much I enjoyed the story overall.
Despite my score, I have to say I struggled to put this book down. I really enjoyed the characterisation of Hellebore and Honey, and the pacing for the first 2 thirds of the book was really good.
Where it lost out on points was the myriad of spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. Some sentences were repeated, and one character's name was spelled differently on some of the pages. These issues could easily be resolved by giving it to a skilled editor, and it's a classic sign of an indie published book.
I wish we could have seen a more organic development of relationship between Honey and Hellebore, and the final rebellion seemed incredibly rushed. I think the book could have benefited from being a little longer (which I rarely think) but that's a sign of how much I enjoyed the story overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I thought the world building was done really well with enough description to give me an idea of everything without it dragging the story too much. Even though there were times Honey was a little annoying, I really enjoyed her attitude and how she just got in there to help with what was needed. Though I think Reina may need some anxiety meds, having to deal with her. I really liked Reina's struggles and strength and how what she had been through (absolutely horrible things) made her the person she was. And the found family was just bliss.
January 9, 2025
A wonderfully told fantasy romance with a classic adventure character just like in Peter Pan.
We have fairy-like creatures and far other quite cruel and strange enemies.
Also creatures that look quite different but have huge hearts and are gentle.
The story revolves around the infamous and at times strict and quite cruel - at least that's what her reputation says - Captain Hellebore.
The captain of the infamous ship The Lady Cecilia.
Honey Stark and her poverty-stricken family are not spared a visit from the captain, who is acting on orders from King Ren Rook.
Her father and brothers are kidnapped because they couldn't pay the taxes.
They take them to Vulture Island to work as slaves and Honey is left behind.
But nobody counts on Honey Stark's strength and willpower! Especially not Captain Hellebore and her crew.
I couldn't put it down. The atmosphere on board, the slowly developing attraction and also the struggles and challenges that everyone has to face! Fantastic!
The romantic part is incredibly important, but it doesn't define the entire story. It completes it perfectly and brings the necessary warmth to the characters and then things get hot!
This was my first book by Katie Trapp, but definitely not my last!
Thanks so much to Katie Trapp for the Arc!
We have fairy-like creatures and far other quite cruel and strange enemies.
Also creatures that look quite different but have huge hearts and are gentle.
The story revolves around the infamous and at times strict and quite cruel - at least that's what her reputation says - Captain Hellebore.
The captain of the infamous ship The Lady Cecilia.
Honey Stark and her poverty-stricken family are not spared a visit from the captain, who is acting on orders from King Ren Rook.
Her father and brothers are kidnapped because they couldn't pay the taxes.
They take them to Vulture Island to work as slaves and Honey is left behind.
But nobody counts on Honey Stark's strength and willpower! Especially not Captain Hellebore and her crew.
I couldn't put it down. The atmosphere on board, the slowly developing attraction and also the struggles and challenges that everyone has to face! Fantastic!
The romantic part is incredibly important, but it doesn't define the entire story. It completes it perfectly and brings the necessary warmth to the characters and then things get hot!
This was my first book by Katie Trapp, but definitely not my last!
Thanks so much to Katie Trapp for the Arc!
December 27, 2025
Pretty good world building, DNF at 56% because honeys naivety almost had me seething and I couldn’t read her get herself into very bad trouble on that island after her idiocy below deck almost killed her. Like genuinely had to be brought back to full health via magic?¿ only to scheme her inevitable future capture, i really understand the stakes and motive to save her family but it just didn’t work for me. Also the romance was just fast as hell omg slow down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
I love sapphic pirate books! Take me away on your pirate ship any day. This book was great! It had some very descriptive scenes the really painted a vivid image. The love story was beautifully done. My main take away: Good grief, Honey! Could you just for once listen and do to what people tell you to do and trust they are looking out for your best interest!!!
January 10, 2025
Peter Pan inspired sapphic romantasy with spice along with touch her and 💀 vibes. Masc/Femme pairing.
Pirates, Fairies, evil AF mermaids - seriously such a great read. Good balance of violence, romance and strong AF female characters at every turn.
Just read it, it's good!
Pirates, Fairies, evil AF mermaids - seriously such a great read. Good balance of violence, romance and strong AF female characters at every turn.
Just read it, it's good!
January 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I especially loved that one of the main characters had legitimate consequences for her actions. That frustrates me so much in books. I also love the way the Captain protected her even before there was any real connection between them. All in all, chef's kiss!
January 31, 2025
I was a little uncertain about the writing style especially the anachronisms but found it to be an interesting take on ‘Peter Pan’. Cook definitely had me thinking of a certain ticking character in the classic.
March 6, 2025
Wow! It's been a long time since I binge read a book, but this one had me captivated from the first page. I loved the plot, the action, the characters! Katie did a lovely job with Hellebore and Honey, and I adored Finch.
March 7, 2025
Island terror
A 5🌟 for this heartstopping, rollercoaster, emotional traumatic love story. For over 20 years, both FMC'S has got a lot to deal with and rescue. Gruesome action with not enough hot steamy moments to enjoy.
A 5🌟 for this heartstopping, rollercoaster, emotional traumatic love story. For over 20 years, both FMC'S has got a lot to deal with and rescue. Gruesome action with not enough hot steamy moments to enjoy.
March 18, 2025
How could I not love this book? Absolutely adorable relationship between the women. I felt attached to the characters and the frustration I felt at the decisions being made when the characters didn’t have the whole story?! The side characters were brilliant too. There was an excellent balance of joy, sadness, frustration, fear, romance and many many other things! I highly recommend this. A sapphic pirate faerie story. Beautiful
March 22, 2025
Yep, good read.
This was a very enjoyable trip into a new story for me. I liked the two MCs a great deal, they both frustrated me just enough to keep them interesting and readable. A great stand alone read.
This was a very enjoyable trip into a new story for me. I liked the two MCs a great deal, they both frustrated me just enough to keep them interesting and readable. A great stand alone read.
May 12, 2025
Anything with hot lady pirate captains and old grudges, and some fantasy "Sailing on an epic adventure" type of story I'm all in for. I am also a sucker for the "enemy-to-lover" trope in fantasy no matter how many romances or lesbian romances I've read that have that trope.
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