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Drowned in the Name of Love
IN THE HEART OF THE NINE SEAS, LOYALTY IS A WEAPON, AND LOVE IS A RISK NONE SURVIVE UNSCATHED
The tragic murder of her father, the famed Pirate King - and the revolutionary waves it left behind - bound Donna Balboa to a life of privilege within the oppressive walls of Tidia’s court. For years, she’s felt trapped in the place she once called home, secretly breaking a forbidden law that keeps nobles from the shore and ships from the sea.
Yet each night, she risks everything to chase her only dream: to sail the seas as a pirate, just as her father once did.
But the call of the waves is undeniable, whispering of something greater beyond the horizon. And after years of praying to the heavens, an unexpected twist shatters what should have been the most important day of her life, entangling her with the crew of a notorious ship - and its infamous, wanted captain. A captain haunted by a past that even the Gods seem unwilling to forgive, and as their bond deepens, so do the nightmares and omens that threaten to expose secrets which could doom any chance at what Donna believes could be love.
Pursued by Kingdoms for embracing the pirate code, Donna Balboa must navigate treacherous waters, caught in tides of vengeance and ancient mysteries.
When she discovers she holds the key to unlocking a power the Gods themselves seem to fear, Donna must decide where her true allegiance lies.
BUT THE GODS AND THE SEAS ARE FICKLE, AND LOVE, VENGEANCE, AND SURVIVAL DON’T ALWAYS SAIL THE SAME COURSE.
Pirates of the Caribbean meets Once Upon a Broken Heart in this spellbinding romantic fantasy of adventure, curses, betrayal, and forbidden love on the high seas.
The tragic murder of her father, the famed Pirate King - and the revolutionary waves it left behind - bound Donna Balboa to a life of privilege within the oppressive walls of Tidia’s court. For years, she’s felt trapped in the place she once called home, secretly breaking a forbidden law that keeps nobles from the shore and ships from the sea.
Yet each night, she risks everything to chase her only dream: to sail the seas as a pirate, just as her father once did.
But the call of the waves is undeniable, whispering of something greater beyond the horizon. And after years of praying to the heavens, an unexpected twist shatters what should have been the most important day of her life, entangling her with the crew of a notorious ship - and its infamous, wanted captain. A captain haunted by a past that even the Gods seem unwilling to forgive, and as their bond deepens, so do the nightmares and omens that threaten to expose secrets which could doom any chance at what Donna believes could be love.
Pursued by Kingdoms for embracing the pirate code, Donna Balboa must navigate treacherous waters, caught in tides of vengeance and ancient mysteries.
When she discovers she holds the key to unlocking a power the Gods themselves seem to fear, Donna must decide where her true allegiance lies.
BUT THE GODS AND THE SEAS ARE FICKLE, AND LOVE, VENGEANCE, AND SURVIVAL DON’T ALWAYS SAIL THE SAME COURSE.
Pirates of the Caribbean meets Once Upon a Broken Heart in this spellbinding romantic fantasy of adventure, curses, betrayal, and forbidden love on the high seas.
455 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2025
362 people are currently reading
7421 people want to read
About the author
Rut S. Díaz
1 book122 followersRut S. Díaz is a spanish art historian and storyteller with a passion for weaving love (a lot of it), art, and adventure into every tale.
Drawing inspiration from the rich textures of history and the sweeping beauty of the sea, her stories brim with heartfelt and creative expression.
When she's not writing, you'll likely find her exploring the mysteries of art, dreaming up new characters, or enjoying the ocean's endless horizon.
Dive into her works and discover stories that celebrate the beauty of human connection and the timeless allure of art.
Drawing inspiration from the rich textures of history and the sweeping beauty of the sea, her stories brim with heartfelt and creative expression.
When she's not writing, you'll likely find her exploring the mysteries of art, dreaming up new characters, or enjoying the ocean's endless horizon.
Dive into her works and discover stories that celebrate the beauty of human connection and the timeless allure of art.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 298 reviews
February 14, 2025
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽, 𝓽𝓻𝓾𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓪𝓲𝓶, 𝓶𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓮, 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓸𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓲𝓷 𝓭𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓪𝓼 𝓫𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓭.”・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
➸ 4.75 stars ~spoiler-free review💫~
Pub. Date: OUT NOW!!
Happy Release Day to this wonderful book!🏹🐚🏴☠️✨️ Wow, this book was a breath of fresh air! tbh, when I started this book, I didn't know if I was going to love it because reading stories about pirates had never been my thing since childhood. But this book changed my whole perspective of this genre, and to simply put it, "Aye, I think I love pirates now." 🤭🩷
What to expect 💌:
🐚 YA Romantasy
🐚 Daring Pirates
🐚 Found Family
🐚 Forced Proximity
🐚 Mythology
🐚 Slow Burn
🐚 Morally Grey Characters
It's so adventurous from the very beginning, I was wholly immersed into the story of Donna Balboa, the once famed pirate's daughter now living a life trapped like "a bird in cage" in the royal palace. She has always considered herself a pirate because of her father's legacy. Her kingdom, along with the other three kingdoms, banned sailing in the sea and killed pirates like her father. She longs to travel by the sea in a ship. Her soft-hearted nature, her willingness to do anything, and then how her character develops into a strong pirate is what I loved in this book!!🥹🫶🏻
She meets Captain Calico Pierce, the most wanted pirate of her time, under some unfortunate circumstances, who rescues her and whisks her away into the sea. He has the most "die for it smirks," but behind all his smiles is his own looming past. I really loved seeing him. Together, their banters, their wittiness, made this book a whole lot more beautiful! I was really giggling & kicking my feet whenever Calico had something to say to Donna.😁💓
Alongside them were Calico's crew, Ela, Raaq, Jonah, Efren & Ceol. They showed so much support and belief in Donna when she didn't believe in herself. I loved how because of them, she learned to trust again and love again. They were always there for her whenever she needed them. They made a huge impact on her life when she thought she lost everything!🥺❤️🩹
I hope everyone gives this beautiful piece of writing a chance. Trust me, you'll love it! The ending did really shatter my heart into pieces. The twists weren't something I expected, I NEED BOOK 2 NOWWWW 😭✋🏼
🌶chps: NONE!!!
Thankyou to the Author for giving me the arc in exchange for an honest review!💖
𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 💌:
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
⤿🐚12/02/25
4.75 stars? rtc. sobbing, WHAT WAS THAT ENDING? I NEED BOOK 2 NOWWWWWW 😭✋🏻
⤿🐚10/02/25
finally reading this arc, the premise sounds promising! hoping this isn't another disappointing arc for me like the previous one!😭🤞🏻💓
➸ 4.75 stars ~spoiler-free review💫~
Pub. Date: OUT NOW!!
Happy Release Day to this wonderful book!🏹🐚🏴☠️✨️ Wow, this book was a breath of fresh air! tbh, when I started this book, I didn't know if I was going to love it because reading stories about pirates had never been my thing since childhood. But this book changed my whole perspective of this genre, and to simply put it, "Aye, I think I love pirates now." 🤭🩷
What to expect 💌:
🐚 YA Romantasy
🐚 Daring Pirates
🐚 Found Family
🐚 Forced Proximity
🐚 Mythology
🐚 Slow Burn
🐚 Morally Grey Characters
It's so adventurous from the very beginning, I was wholly immersed into the story of Donna Balboa, the once famed pirate's daughter now living a life trapped like "a bird in cage" in the royal palace. She has always considered herself a pirate because of her father's legacy. Her kingdom, along with the other three kingdoms, banned sailing in the sea and killed pirates like her father. She longs to travel by the sea in a ship. Her soft-hearted nature, her willingness to do anything, and then how her character develops into a strong pirate is what I loved in this book!!🥹🫶🏻
She meets Captain Calico Pierce, the most wanted pirate of her time, under some unfortunate circumstances, who rescues her and whisks her away into the sea. He has the most "die for it smirks," but behind all his smiles is his own looming past. I really loved seeing him. Together, their banters, their wittiness, made this book a whole lot more beautiful! I was really giggling & kicking my feet whenever Calico had something to say to Donna.😁💓
Alongside them were Calico's crew, Ela, Raaq, Jonah, Efren & Ceol. They showed so much support and belief in Donna when she didn't believe in herself. I loved how because of them, she learned to trust again and love again. They were always there for her whenever she needed them. They made a huge impact on her life when she thought she lost everything!🥺❤️🩹
I hope everyone gives this beautiful piece of writing a chance. Trust me, you'll love it! The ending did really shatter my heart into pieces. The twists weren't something I expected, I NEED BOOK 2 NOWWWW 😭✋🏼
🌶chps: NONE!!!
Thankyou to the Author for giving me the arc in exchange for an honest review!💖
𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 💌:
“Always go where your heart points, it is your compass. You are destined for more things than you think.”
“The heart of yours, Donna, is what is going to take you everywhere. You could lead armies with it.”
“You owe me a bullet love.”
“What kind of pirate are you?”
“One of those you like to call lovers, I suppose.”
“You do that a lot.”
“Smile?”
“Blushing like a sunlit coral reef.”
“The most beautiful things in the world are like a siren's song, they call you in only to drown you. So be careful, love. Because beauty is the most dangerous lie, a trap that lures you closer to your own undoing.”
“Don't fret, love. I'll get you another diamond. A bigger one.”
“Couldn't have done it without you, love.”
“That last miss was deliberate, wasn't it?”
“More like the last three, I would say.”
“Words like 'kiss'? Who have you been thinking of kissing love?”
“Are you eavesdropping on me, Captain?”
“I wish I was. But no matter the time of day, I find myself on my knees, begging Ventus to give me at least a handful of remnants of what he hears you whisper up there all alone to the waves.”
“Your coral reef blush gives you away, love. As it always does.”
“Only those who are willing to drown in the name of love are heard with sincerity, for they are the bravest souls.”
“There are people out there, terrible people, that kill for many things. For enjoyment, for greed, for power, for religion... But we don't. We kill because we love. As disgusting as you think that might sound.”
“This crew is your family now, we take care of the burdens that each one of us want to share, and the ones we don't, the ones that remain stored deep inside of us, those we understand them from silence.”
“Careful now, love. Or I'll start thinking you pay too much attention to me and nightmares will no longer be what haunts my nights.”
“Try not to smile like that to The King. Or I fear he'll be forced to unleash a war against me.”
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
⤿🐚12/02/25
4.75 stars? rtc. sobbing, WHAT WAS THAT ENDING? I NEED BOOK 2 NOWWWWWW 😭✋🏻
⤿🐚10/02/25
finally reading this arc, the premise sounds promising! hoping this isn't another disappointing arc for me like the previous one!😭🤞🏻💓
October 9, 2025
“To sea with all worries, to freedom with all heart.” | ˚₊‧ ೀ 𓇼
rating: 3.25𓇼
pirates of the caribbean meets once upon a broken heart, this was a very soft pirate romance and a solid debut.
“She always said that to truly follow your heart is the bravest act of all. And that, in her eyes, made you one of three things: a madman, a romantic, or a pirate... Or all of them at once.”
i really enjoyed the world and the lore díaz created. it felt quite unique and original, and i thought it was explained well without overwhelming the reader.
there's a lot of aesthetics and vibe that i also really enjoyed reading this. this would be a perfect read in the summer on the beach or by the pool (or if you're really lucky, on a tropical vaycay somewhere like where this might take place...). there's a nostalgia to it that takes me back to summers i spent on the beach and that historical romance vibe of swashbuckling love interests.
the story had a strong start - an interrupted wedding, a betrayal, a reveal, a tragedy, an adventure born. the settings were very vividly described and díaz dreamed up some beautiful locations for this tale. it leans in heavy to the imaginative, romantic writing and setting of caraval/ouabh. i liked how various sea lore was used as well with sirens, sea monsters, and seafaring.
“You are chasing ghosts, love. Trying to find something good where there’s only decay. Keep looking for beauty in the ashes and all you’ll find is the reason it burned. Not every broken piece can be made whole again, no matter how hard you wish it, even the most beautiful will disappoint you.”
some parts that i felt could be improved: while i liked the fmc, donna, overall, i did feel it got quite repetitive with her. i understand some readers wanting that "soft" fmc but you can find active ways for them to create story as well beyond just proclaiming love. esp when she's like an archer, an adventurer, etc.
the romance didn't have enough build up for me bc there wasn't much conflict for most of the story between them. he's clearly into her and she's always blushing around him, so it wasn't clear why either one wouldn't act on their feelings more. you can have a loverboy but i would create some more intrigue first and more active obstacles to help add tension to the romance.
there was also a lot of internal monologuing that while written well, slowed the pacing down in some parts.
overall though, i appreciated the vibe it went for and the unique storytelling. i would read the second book bc i was intrigued by the cliffhanger and i do hope it gets even better!
“From darkness and disrepair of the heart comes the beautiful, and the beautiful leads to ruination. Or don’t you see that even the brightest wave crashes, dissolving back into the deep where all things return? Where the waves dance, the darkness waits.”
“To deny beauty is to deny the hope that makes us human. Even in suffering, love and beauty are the fruits of our resilience. A rebellion against the darkness that seeks to define us.”
“Piracy is for lovers.” | ˚₊‧ ೀ 𓇼
rating: 3.25𓇼
pirates of the caribbean meets once upon a broken heart, this was a very soft pirate romance and a solid debut.
“She always said that to truly follow your heart is the bravest act of all. And that, in her eyes, made you one of three things: a madman, a romantic, or a pirate... Or all of them at once.”
i really enjoyed the world and the lore díaz created. it felt quite unique and original, and i thought it was explained well without overwhelming the reader.
there's a lot of aesthetics and vibe that i also really enjoyed reading this. this would be a perfect read in the summer on the beach or by the pool (or if you're really lucky, on a tropical vaycay somewhere like where this might take place...). there's a nostalgia to it that takes me back to summers i spent on the beach and that historical romance vibe of swashbuckling love interests.
the story had a strong start - an interrupted wedding, a betrayal, a reveal, a tragedy, an adventure born. the settings were very vividly described and díaz dreamed up some beautiful locations for this tale. it leans in heavy to the imaginative, romantic writing and setting of caraval/ouabh. i liked how various sea lore was used as well with sirens, sea monsters, and seafaring.
“You are chasing ghosts, love. Trying to find something good where there’s only decay. Keep looking for beauty in the ashes and all you’ll find is the reason it burned. Not every broken piece can be made whole again, no matter how hard you wish it, even the most beautiful will disappoint you.”
some parts that i felt could be improved: while i liked the fmc, donna, overall, i did feel it got quite repetitive with her. i understand some readers wanting that "soft" fmc but you can find active ways for them to create story as well beyond just proclaiming love. esp when she's like an archer, an adventurer, etc.
the romance didn't have enough build up for me bc there wasn't much conflict for most of the story between them. he's clearly into her and she's always blushing around him, so it wasn't clear why either one wouldn't act on their feelings more. you can have a loverboy but i would create some more intrigue first and more active obstacles to help add tension to the romance.
there was also a lot of internal monologuing that while written well, slowed the pacing down in some parts.
overall though, i appreciated the vibe it went for and the unique storytelling. i would read the second book bc i was intrigued by the cliffhanger and i do hope it gets even better!
“From darkness and disrepair of the heart comes the beautiful, and the beautiful leads to ruination. Or don’t you see that even the brightest wave crashes, dissolving back into the deep where all things return? Where the waves dance, the darkness waits.”
“To deny beauty is to deny the hope that makes us human. Even in suffering, love and beauty are the fruits of our resilience. A rebellion against the darkness that seeks to define us.”
“Piracy is for lovers.” | ˚₊‧ ೀ 𓇼
March 28, 2025
"Love had always been my creed. I had always believed it was the highest calling, the purest expression of life." 💌🏹⚓️🕊️🐚
Sometimes I like to think that I was made to love and relate to soft, love hearted female main characters in books. There is something so beautiful, comforting and mesmerizing about a character who finds strength in her feelings, in the power of love and all it has to offer: the good and the bad.
When I was introduced to Donna, I knew that she will become one of my favorite, most cherished soul characters: she felt like an extension of myself, someone I could relate to deeply and figuratively. Her character development through the story was astonishing, inspiring and in some way healed something within me, specially seeing her finding a family of her own. She was my favorite part of this story and I hope she became yours too.
The romance was a slow torture, filled with so much banter (my cheeks were hurting from smiling so much), intimate moments that felt so pure that were just for them to see. One of my favorite things about young adult fantasies is that they can make me feel so much just with one single look between the characters: those secretive glances, unspoken words that say so much will always do it for me.
Rut stole my heart with this debut I cannot wait to read the continuation of this story. The ending had me sobbing and I was so pleased with it. This book is for the lovers and the dreamers. If you loved the whimsical aspect of once upon a broken heart by stephanie garber and the fun of pirates of the caribbean, then this is the book for you (I swear calico and donna gave me anastasia and dimitri vibes at times)
Sometimes I like to think that I was made to love and relate to soft, love hearted female main characters in books. There is something so beautiful, comforting and mesmerizing about a character who finds strength in her feelings, in the power of love and all it has to offer: the good and the bad.
When I was introduced to Donna, I knew that she will become one of my favorite, most cherished soul characters: she felt like an extension of myself, someone I could relate to deeply and figuratively. Her character development through the story was astonishing, inspiring and in some way healed something within me, specially seeing her finding a family of her own. She was my favorite part of this story and I hope she became yours too.
The romance was a slow torture, filled with so much banter (my cheeks were hurting from smiling so much), intimate moments that felt so pure that were just for them to see. One of my favorite things about young adult fantasies is that they can make me feel so much just with one single look between the characters: those secretive glances, unspoken words that say so much will always do it for me.
Rut stole my heart with this debut I cannot wait to read the continuation of this story. The ending had me sobbing and I was so pleased with it. This book is for the lovers and the dreamers. If you loved the whimsical aspect of once upon a broken heart by stephanie garber and the fun of pirates of the caribbean, then this is the book for you (I swear calico and donna gave me anastasia and dimitri vibes at times)
February 14, 2025
𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 (HAPPY RELEASE DAY 🎀🐚✨💌🥂)
"𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒔."
If you’re ready to be embarked on an adventure drowned in prophecies of the sea and piracy, tragic love, and vibrant tales filled with endearing characters, ‘𝐷𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒’ is the only right answer.
this isn’t just a tale of stolen treasures and swashbuckling juts; it’s a story infused with salt and fate, where prophecies anchor souls tighter than any rope.
at its heart stands 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐚; a tempest clad in pink amidst a world of rust and steel, a flame haired force of nature fierce enough to carve her own legend into the sea. and then there’s 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐨; half Flynn Rider’s charm, half Captain Hook’s dangerous allure. he is the storm to Donna’s fire, the smirk behind the sword, a pirate with shadows stitched into his past and a heart that betrays him at every turn.
alongside them sails a crew as wild as the sea, their stories etched in laughter and scars, plus a hilarious parrot with a wit sharper than any cutlass. but beneath the banter and battles lies a love story tangled in storm winds, sacrifice, and whispered promises. It is about the ghosts we chase, the legacies we inherit, and the love that anchors us even when the waves try to tear us apart.
the ending shattered my heart; I sobbed from the sheer impact of the plot twist. just when I thought I had everything figured out. now, I’m left desperately waiting for the next installment to see how it all unfolds.
———-
this was my first beta-read and i was so honored to be one of the very first readers to devour this masterpiece ❤️🩹 it took me some time to gather my thoughts and find all the maritime vocabulary to give this book justice 🩵
——————
a freaking MASTERPIECE
"𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒔."
If you’re ready to be embarked on an adventure drowned in prophecies of the sea and piracy, tragic love, and vibrant tales filled with endearing characters, ‘𝐷𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒’ is the only right answer.
this isn’t just a tale of stolen treasures and swashbuckling juts; it’s a story infused with salt and fate, where prophecies anchor souls tighter than any rope.
at its heart stands 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐚; a tempest clad in pink amidst a world of rust and steel, a flame haired force of nature fierce enough to carve her own legend into the sea. and then there’s 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐨; half Flynn Rider’s charm, half Captain Hook’s dangerous allure. he is the storm to Donna’s fire, the smirk behind the sword, a pirate with shadows stitched into his past and a heart that betrays him at every turn.
alongside them sails a crew as wild as the sea, their stories etched in laughter and scars, plus a hilarious parrot with a wit sharper than any cutlass. but beneath the banter and battles lies a love story tangled in storm winds, sacrifice, and whispered promises. It is about the ghosts we chase, the legacies we inherit, and the love that anchors us even when the waves try to tear us apart.
the ending shattered my heart; I sobbed from the sheer impact of the plot twist. just when I thought I had everything figured out. now, I’m left desperately waiting for the next installment to see how it all unfolds.
———-
this was my first beta-read and i was so honored to be one of the very first readers to devour this masterpiece ❤️🩹 it took me some time to gather my thoughts and find all the maritime vocabulary to give this book justice 🩵
——————
a freaking MASTERPIECE
Want to read
May 22, 2025CLEAN YA PIRATE ROMANTASY?? sign me up ✍️
February 18, 2025
3.75 ★’s
OUABH meets pirates of the caribbean
tropes:
⤿🐚 ya romantasy
⤿🫧 pirates and sea creatures
⤿🌊 found family
⤿🐚 slow burn
⤿🫧 gods, prophecies, curses
⤿🌊 secrets, betrayals
⤿🐚 soft hearted FMC X morally grey MMC
this one is for the hopeless romantics. beautiful, descriptive writing that gave off that magical feeling. well developed world building and characters. i enjoyed the romance between donna and calico. lots of tension, subtle glances, touches and blushing (a lot of blushing!!). loved all the side characters and the found family.
some things i disliked:
× lots of grammatical errors
× pacing was off
overall very impressive debut but needed another round of editing. i think there's lots of potential and i'm looking forward to book 2.
favorite quote:
︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶
pre-read:
once again ignoring all tbr and picking a book based on cute artwork i seen 🙂↕️
OUABH meets pirates of the caribbean
tropes:
⤿🐚 ya romantasy
⤿🫧 pirates and sea creatures
⤿🌊 found family
⤿🐚 slow burn
⤿🫧 gods, prophecies, curses
⤿🌊 secrets, betrayals
⤿🐚 soft hearted FMC X morally grey MMC
this one is for the hopeless romantics. beautiful, descriptive writing that gave off that magical feeling. well developed world building and characters. i enjoyed the romance between donna and calico. lots of tension, subtle glances, touches and blushing (a lot of blushing!!). loved all the side characters and the found family.
some things i disliked:
× lots of grammatical errors
× pacing was off
overall very impressive debut but needed another round of editing. i think there's lots of potential and i'm looking forward to book 2.
favorite quote:
Love. I had always felt like it was only happening around me, and that was the reason I looked for it everywhere: in every corner and little thing, in every day and second, in every book and word, in every rain and drop. I wanted to get lost in it, feeling the need to show everyone where it was because it was true, it was beautiful, and everyone needed to see it, feel it. But I so desperately wanted to be a part of it too.
︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶
once again ignoring all tbr and picking a book based on cute artwork i seen 🙂↕️
July 15, 2025
Ok the vibes were VIBING! I loved the setting, the banter, & all the moments between the FMC & MMC that had me squealing & kicking my feet. Lots of beautiful quotes that I loved!
The pacing was just off?? Once I was halfway through, I got a lot of whiplash & things just felt a little off. There are some editing errors that you also have to try to get past.
Overall, a great concept & fun plot with a super magical setting. I think it just lost me about halfway through & now I’m left with so many questions.
“When the world gave me nothing, the pages gave me everything. Between the lines I discovered all the things life denied me. When the world failed to offer what I craved, the stories did-unwavering, dependable, and mine. I was never alone again.”
The pacing was just off?? Once I was halfway through, I got a lot of whiplash & things just felt a little off. There are some editing errors that you also have to try to get past.
Overall, a great concept & fun plot with a super magical setting. I think it just lost me about halfway through & now I’m left with so many questions.
“When the world gave me nothing, the pages gave me everything. Between the lines I discovered all the things life denied me. When the world failed to offer what I craved, the stories did-unwavering, dependable, and mine. I was never alone again.”
August 16, 2025
No review just these quotes 🩷
” “About how the first thing I thought when I saw her on those shores, was that I had never seen anything more beautiful in my miserable life. About how I had studied and stole every masterpiece, every marble statue, every painting kissed by the hand of a genius, and how nothing I had ever laid eyes on compared to her. About how the first thing I thought when I saw her, was how selfish I felt for being sad because I understood that no artist could ever capture the way she moved and the way she breathed, and therefore her true essence and beauty could never be portrayed in history justly. About how the first thing I thought was that she was beyond anything I had ever known, beyond art itself.
About how I would have gotten down on my knees in that instant and given her the Nine Seas if she had just asked for them.”
““Love. I had always felt like it was only happening around me, and that was the reason I looked for it everywhere: in every corner and little thing, in every day and second, in every book and word, in every rain and drop. I wanted to get lost in it, feeling the need to show everyone where it was because it was true, it was beautiful, and everyone needed to see it, feel it. But I so desperately wanted to be a part of it too.”
““When the world gave me nothing, the pages gave me everything. Between the lines I discovered all the things life denied me. When the world failed to offer what I craved, the stories did—unwavering, dependable, and mine. I was never alone again.”
” “About how the first thing I thought when I saw her on those shores, was that I had never seen anything more beautiful in my miserable life. About how I had studied and stole every masterpiece, every marble statue, every painting kissed by the hand of a genius, and how nothing I had ever laid eyes on compared to her. About how the first thing I thought when I saw her, was how selfish I felt for being sad because I understood that no artist could ever capture the way she moved and the way she breathed, and therefore her true essence and beauty could never be portrayed in history justly. About how the first thing I thought was that she was beyond anything I had ever known, beyond art itself.
About how I would have gotten down on my knees in that instant and given her the Nine Seas if she had just asked for them.”
““Love. I had always felt like it was only happening around me, and that was the reason I looked for it everywhere: in every corner and little thing, in every day and second, in every book and word, in every rain and drop. I wanted to get lost in it, feeling the need to show everyone where it was because it was true, it was beautiful, and everyone needed to see it, feel it. But I so desperately wanted to be a part of it too.”
““When the world gave me nothing, the pages gave me everything. Between the lines I discovered all the things life denied me. When the world failed to offer what I craved, the stories did—unwavering, dependable, and mine. I was never alone again.”
September 3, 2025
𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖4.75 🌟
I don't know if I should happy or crying rn because
one - WHAT WAS THAT ENDING ? I NEED BOOK 2 NOW
two- JUST FINISHED MY 2025 READING GOAL !
I SWEAR IF DONNA AND CALCICO DONT END TOGETHER AND HAVE THEIR HEA , AM DONE (lie) ..
---
the cover and the concept seem amazing so yes let's go 🙈🤭
I don't know if I should happy or crying rn because
one - WHAT WAS THAT ENDING ? I NEED BOOK 2 NOW
two- JUST FINISHED MY 2025 READING GOAL !
I SWEAR IF DONNA AND CALCICO DONT END TOGETHER AND HAVE THEIR HEA , AM DONE (lie) ..
---
the cover and the concept seem amazing so yes let's go 🙈🤭
July 19, 2025
ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!!!! FAVORITE OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!! RUT I LOVE YOU SO MUCH THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!!!!!!!
June 26, 2025
I am completely baffled. I first heard about this book on TikTok where it was raved about by everybody. Then I see all the amazing reviews on here - hell, it’s got an over 4 star average. I just don’t understand. This was easily the worst written book I’ve ever read. The technical skills of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary were atrocious and at times non-existent. My Kindle highlights/notes are only a fraction of the clear mistakes that any sort of editor - literally just another person reading it - should have caught. Run-on sentences seem to be a favorite device, as if throwing commas in random places suddenly makes the sentence coherent. Also, a dictionary is a great free tool to check that the words you’re using actually mean what you’re intending.
The concept was great; it’s why I picked up the book in the first place. I mean, who doesn’t love pirates and romance? What I didn’t love were the specific pirates in question. I get that the author was trying to create a softer, more feminine FMC in a genre that is currently saturated with strong badasses. However, soft and feminine shouldn’t mean she’s stupid and naïve. Multiple times, Donna does stupid things “in the name of lOvE”…for example, why would she introduce herself during a covert mission as Lady Love, a nickname that has been used for her previously and which has connections to the gods? So much for flying under the radar. Or the whole mermaid thing…your dad has been dead for like 15 years but magically he’s sitting there just waiting for you to call all your friends? Her internal monologue just goes on and on and on…….we GET IT, you love love and sunshine and roses and you’ve got the tinglies re: Calico and you don’t know what’s going on.
Speaking of Calico, why the hell is he smirking every five seconds? Matter of fact, why is everybody laughing all the time? The character interactions felt unnatural and not at all how normal humans act. The writing was soooo flowery to the point of being unrealistic dialogue. Why are the first mate and cook and everybody else always waxing poetic about lOvE like they’re Shakespeare? This plus Donna’s never-ending monologues made this book way longer than it needed to be.
I lost track of how many times I wanted to DNF this book, but I kept going just so I could rate it and have a fully informed negative opinion. The technical writing alone killed me, and the story was in no way able to redeem it even a bit.
The concept was great; it’s why I picked up the book in the first place. I mean, who doesn’t love pirates and romance? What I didn’t love were the specific pirates in question. I get that the author was trying to create a softer, more feminine FMC in a genre that is currently saturated with strong badasses. However, soft and feminine shouldn’t mean she’s stupid and naïve. Multiple times, Donna does stupid things “in the name of lOvE”…for example, why would she introduce herself during a covert mission as Lady Love, a nickname that has been used for her previously and which has connections to the gods? So much for flying under the radar. Or the whole mermaid thing…your dad has been dead for like 15 years but magically he’s sitting there just waiting for you to call all your friends? Her internal monologue just goes on and on and on…….we GET IT, you love love and sunshine and roses and you’ve got the tinglies re: Calico and you don’t know what’s going on.
Speaking of Calico, why the hell is he smirking every five seconds? Matter of fact, why is everybody laughing all the time? The character interactions felt unnatural and not at all how normal humans act. The writing was soooo flowery to the point of being unrealistic dialogue. Why are the first mate and cook and everybody else always waxing poetic about lOvE like they’re Shakespeare? This plus Donna’s never-ending monologues made this book way longer than it needed to be.
I lost track of how many times I wanted to DNF this book, but I kept going just so I could rate it and have a fully informed negative opinion. The technical writing alone killed me, and the story was in no way able to redeem it even a bit.
November 28, 2024
i was lucky enough to be included in the group of beta readers and review this book before it is released.
will this review be a tiny bit biased because of the fact that one of my best friends wrote this? no.
when i tell you i was googled and immersed in the story since page one. I MEAN IT.
the plot line and world building is so wonderfully done and rut gives us the most descriptive writing.
my personal favourite location: loro.
we have found family, we have soft hearted but badass fmc, we have gods we have powers we have BEAUTFIFUL NINE SEAS. everything about this story is incredible and i can’t wait for everyone to read it!!
let’s get back to the writing. rut has the most perfectest writing style that fits this book so well. she does a wonderful job of describing the locations and feelings and characters. truly this was a highlight in ditnol.
easy 5 stars for donna balboas story
will this review be a tiny bit biased because of the fact that one of my best friends wrote this? no.
when i tell you i was googled and immersed in the story since page one. I MEAN IT.
the plot line and world building is so wonderfully done and rut gives us the most descriptive writing.
my personal favourite location: loro.
we have found family, we have soft hearted but badass fmc, we have gods we have powers we have BEAUTFIFUL NINE SEAS. everything about this story is incredible and i can’t wait for everyone to read it!!
let’s get back to the writing. rut has the most perfectest writing style that fits this book so well. she does a wonderful job of describing the locations and feelings and characters. truly this was a highlight in ditnol.
easy 5 stars for donna balboas story
January 14, 2025
5 FREAKING STARS🌟!!!
did i finish this book or did it finish me??? i am actually speechless. my jaw is on the floor. that ending had me SCREAMING. oh my god i have no thoughts right now it’s 2 am and i’m losing my fucking my mind all i can say is my friend Rut is a genius and i need a second book NOW. i’ll come back tomorrow once i make my brain function normally again. right now i feel like disassociating
*okay now it’s the morning after and i’ve had some time to sleep on it and gather my thoughts so here we go😮💨*
this book was everything i expected and more. i haven’t had great experiences reading ARCs in the past, but i had a feeling this one would entirely CONSUME me, and it did. i knew my friend Rut was talented and i trusted her with my life, i believed in her power and i knew she would blow my mind with this book based on the snippets and vibes she was giving us, but this??? oh this exceeded my high expectations and that’s not an easy task, especially considering this is HER DEBUT NOVEL!!!
i have to start by highlighting the beautiful, immersive and unique writing style she has. she portrayed the intricate details of the world building and the personality of each character like poetry, and it made me feel like i was part of the story. the images were vivid inside my head and i could picture everything very clearly. i was mesmerized by every line and the meaning behind every scene, and the plot felt so refreshing that it got me hooked 24/7, without being able to anticipate what would happen but needing to discover every mystery.
the found family aspect was also so whole and heartwarming, i loved the glimpses of the pirate life aboard the Rebecca, the unity and sense of belonging the characters made us feel, and it felt like you were also part of the crew (shoutout to Coco and Ela, you’re the real main characters here!🙂↕️🦜💘)
and now, the most important part of my review!!! the main characters. first, my brave, beautiful, softhearted and kind Donna Balboa, the woman that you are!!! i loved her from the very beginning, and i connected sooo much with her. i’ll be forever grateful for her and her vulnerability. she was courageous, and was not afraid to love with all that she is. i often struggle to find fantasy FMC that i strongly relate to, but she made it so easy! i found so many pieces of myself in her, in so many aspects. her pure and soft heart works the same as mine but that doesn’t make us weak, only braver. i felt an immense sense of protection towards her and i loved seeing her grow into the fierce pirate she was meant to become🩷
and last but not least, my dearest Captain Calico Pierce. oh man where do i start!!! he means the WORLD to me. he was all that you could ask for a man. i’m a huge fan of a good slow burn romance and this was executed PERFECTLY. the longing stares, the yearning, the stolen glances, the brief touches that made us feel like we were on fire… UGH!!! he made me blush and giggle and kick my feet like the seductive and charming man he is, and boy i never had enough of him!!! but what i loved most about him was that he had depth, and a complex background that was just really unraveled at the end (PAIN. PAIN. AND MORE PAIN), so now i’m left needing and wanting to know more because i was pacing around my room at 2 am blow minded and i might combust if i don’t read more of him!!!😭😭😭
anyways, a HUGE thank you to my friend Rut S. Díaz for creating this beautiful and magical masterpiece and letting me be one of the privileged people who got to read it before its release. i cannot wait for the world to meet Donna and Calico’s story, and the rest of the crew as well. this story deserves to be read in every part of the world and i’m sure you will all fall in love with it as much as i did. now i’m going to try and figure out a way to exist in the real world without them in it.
bye mates!🥹🏴☠️🌊🧜🏼♀️🪸🐚🫧🎀🪞💘
did i finish this book or did it finish me??? i am actually speechless. my jaw is on the floor. that ending had me SCREAMING. oh my god i have no thoughts right now it’s 2 am and i’m losing my fucking my mind all i can say is my friend Rut is a genius and i need a second book NOW. i’ll come back tomorrow once i make my brain function normally again. right now i feel like disassociating
*okay now it’s the morning after and i’ve had some time to sleep on it and gather my thoughts so here we go😮💨*
this book was everything i expected and more. i haven’t had great experiences reading ARCs in the past, but i had a feeling this one would entirely CONSUME me, and it did. i knew my friend Rut was talented and i trusted her with my life, i believed in her power and i knew she would blow my mind with this book based on the snippets and vibes she was giving us, but this??? oh this exceeded my high expectations and that’s not an easy task, especially considering this is HER DEBUT NOVEL!!!
i have to start by highlighting the beautiful, immersive and unique writing style she has. she portrayed the intricate details of the world building and the personality of each character like poetry, and it made me feel like i was part of the story. the images were vivid inside my head and i could picture everything very clearly. i was mesmerized by every line and the meaning behind every scene, and the plot felt so refreshing that it got me hooked 24/7, without being able to anticipate what would happen but needing to discover every mystery.
the found family aspect was also so whole and heartwarming, i loved the glimpses of the pirate life aboard the Rebecca, the unity and sense of belonging the characters made us feel, and it felt like you were also part of the crew (shoutout to Coco and Ela, you’re the real main characters here!🙂↕️🦜💘)
and now, the most important part of my review!!! the main characters. first, my brave, beautiful, softhearted and kind Donna Balboa, the woman that you are!!! i loved her from the very beginning, and i connected sooo much with her. i’ll be forever grateful for her and her vulnerability. she was courageous, and was not afraid to love with all that she is. i often struggle to find fantasy FMC that i strongly relate to, but she made it so easy! i found so many pieces of myself in her, in so many aspects. her pure and soft heart works the same as mine but that doesn’t make us weak, only braver. i felt an immense sense of protection towards her and i loved seeing her grow into the fierce pirate she was meant to become🩷
and last but not least, my dearest Captain Calico Pierce. oh man where do i start!!! he means the WORLD to me. he was all that you could ask for a man. i’m a huge fan of a good slow burn romance and this was executed PERFECTLY. the longing stares, the yearning, the stolen glances, the brief touches that made us feel like we were on fire… UGH!!! he made me blush and giggle and kick my feet like the seductive and charming man he is, and boy i never had enough of him!!! but what i loved most about him was that he had depth, and a complex background that was just really unraveled at the end (PAIN. PAIN. AND MORE PAIN), so now i’m left needing and wanting to know more because i was pacing around my room at 2 am blow minded and i might combust if i don’t read more of him!!!😭😭😭
anyways, a HUGE thank you to my friend Rut S. Díaz for creating this beautiful and magical masterpiece and letting me be one of the privileged people who got to read it before its release. i cannot wait for the world to meet Donna and Calico’s story, and the rest of the crew as well. this story deserves to be read in every part of the world and i’m sure you will all fall in love with it as much as i did. now i’m going to try and figure out a way to exist in the real world without them in it.
bye mates!🥹🏴☠️🌊🧜🏼♀️🪸🐚🫧🎀🪞💘
June 4, 2025
the reviews on the book have actually dumbfounded me. i was looking forward to reading this and being swept away in the pirate fantasy. if you know me, you know all i crave is a good pirate book - this was not it.
the book was boring, i'm sorry, but it was. the characters were underdeveloped and the plot was underwhelming. the repetitiveness drove me crazy. this felt like it was written for children more so than for the YA audience. maybe i've been spoilt by other authors and their ability to turn words into art, but to me, this book was extremely lacklustre. if i read this on my kindle, i would've 100% dnf'ed.
i bought the physical copy from amazon to support the author, but there were so many typos, it was genuinely insane.
the book was boring, i'm sorry, but it was. the characters were underdeveloped and the plot was underwhelming. the repetitiveness drove me crazy. this felt like it was written for children more so than for the YA audience. maybe i've been spoilt by other authors and their ability to turn words into art, but to me, this book was extremely lacklustre. if i read this on my kindle, i would've 100% dnf'ed.
i bought the physical copy from amazon to support the author, but there were so many typos, it was genuinely insane.
January 13, 2025
EVERYONE GO READ THIS RIGHT NOW.
December 11, 2024
tears. nothing but tears. i’m so proud of you rut!! and i’m so honored to be lucky enough to read this novel before the rest of the world falls in love with it 🩷🌟🌊⚓️🐚
if you’re looking for a new fantasy romance read, this one is perfect for lovers of pirates and once upon a broken heart
the book is pure magic, perfectly capturing the beauty of adventure and love
♾️/5 stars. i can’t wait for what’s to come 🩷
if you’re looking for a new fantasy romance read, this one is perfect for lovers of pirates and once upon a broken heart
the book is pure magic, perfectly capturing the beauty of adventure and love
♾️/5 stars. i can’t wait for what’s to come 🩷
February 14, 2025
꒰🧾꒱ 𝚍𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎
ᝰ.ᐟ ⪼ feb 14
um i loved thiss
this was actually adorable and giving a pirate version of ouabh in the best way
i literally binged this last night since i couldn't sleep and ugh so good
💌 ┆⌗ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𖦹
this book looks SO cute and the bio is like so interesting, i can't wait to read this!! <33
thank you so much to the author for the arc!!
ᝰ.ᐟ ⪼ feb 14
um i loved thiss
this was actually adorable and giving a pirate version of ouabh in the best way
i literally binged this last night since i couldn't sleep and ugh so good
💌 ┆⌗ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𖦹
this book looks SO cute and the bio is like so interesting, i can't wait to read this!! <33
thank you so much to the author for the arc!!
December 29, 2024
ohhhhhh how much i love this story <3
my friend and author of this book was kind enough to let me read this before the release and i will forever be grateful to get this book at an earlier point in my life.
first of all, the way rut describes the world she creates, the imagery she uses and the visions she portrays on the pages, is so incredibly immersive, captivating, but most importantly relatable and the whole thing played in my head like a movie. i adore the way her brain works so much and i truly can’t believe this is her first book!
and then most importantly, the characters- OH!! the CHARACTERS! they feel like family to me now and i can’t wait to reconnect with them soon in the future. donna, a girl who feels so close to my heart, who i can relate to on so many levels!! i adore her and am also so proud of who she became throughout the course of her story. and calico UGH i adore him, he’s perfect and a pirate, i feel like that’s all i need to say here.
reading this truly felt like a privilege to me and i will forever be thankful for you believing in your dreams rut <3 5 million stars from me
my friend and author of this book was kind enough to let me read this before the release and i will forever be grateful to get this book at an earlier point in my life.
first of all, the way rut describes the world she creates, the imagery she uses and the visions she portrays on the pages, is so incredibly immersive, captivating, but most importantly relatable and the whole thing played in my head like a movie. i adore the way her brain works so much and i truly can’t believe this is her first book!
and then most importantly, the characters- OH!! the CHARACTERS! they feel like family to me now and i can’t wait to reconnect with them soon in the future. donna, a girl who feels so close to my heart, who i can relate to on so many levels!! i adore her and am also so proud of who she became throughout the course of her story. and calico UGH i adore him, he’s perfect and a pirate, i feel like that’s all i need to say here.
reading this truly felt like a privilege to me and i will forever be thankful for you believing in your dreams rut <3 5 million stars from me
November 28, 2024
PIRACY IS TRULY FOR LOVERS!!!!!!
this work of art depicts love the way i wished more people would recognize. it is a true testament of love, written for the poets who wear their hearts on their sleeves and their words on their tongue. it is truly magic. it is poetically written, with love found in every crevice of every page.
i've loved donna as a fmc from the very first second she was introduced. a character that is a lover, and finds her strength in feeling things deeply, turning it into her superpower is overwhelmingly surprising and emotional to read about when all you've been taught is that you're too sensitive, too gentle, feeling too much, or too much in general. her soul is so soft, so pink. and i can only thank you, dear author, from the very bottom of my heart for creating a fmc that cherishes her ability to love so freely and deeply, and sees it not as a weakness, but as a strength. thank you, for seeing and recognizing people like us, for cherishing them, and for giving them a world to escape to when the weight of the world we actually live in gets to heavy.
oh captain, my captain. calico pierce. i never knew i had a thing for morally grey, cynic sailors but i guess here we are now lmao. this man should be illegal, god, i've loved every aspect of him!!! a perfect example of a "men written by women" and the mouth on him???? jesus christ, save us all. y'all are not read for what is to come, i was screaming every time he opened his mouth lmao (i don't know whether i should be excited for you or scared).
now the only question left is:
are you ready to hoist the colors of love on february, 14th? for the world needs more lovers roaming the earth. 💌
i fear that i will never be entirely able to express my love for this book because these words have yet to be invented. and looking at your work through your eyes, it really is true: piracy is for lovers. and it might just be the strongest and most magnificent force in this entire universe.
this work of art depicts love the way i wished more people would recognize. it is a true testament of love, written for the poets who wear their hearts on their sleeves and their words on their tongue. it is truly magic. it is poetically written, with love found in every crevice of every page.
i've loved donna as a fmc from the very first second she was introduced. a character that is a lover, and finds her strength in feeling things deeply, turning it into her superpower is overwhelmingly surprising and emotional to read about when all you've been taught is that you're too sensitive, too gentle, feeling too much, or too much in general. her soul is so soft, so pink. and i can only thank you, dear author, from the very bottom of my heart for creating a fmc that cherishes her ability to love so freely and deeply, and sees it not as a weakness, but as a strength. thank you, for seeing and recognizing people like us, for cherishing them, and for giving them a world to escape to when the weight of the world we actually live in gets to heavy.
oh captain, my captain. calico pierce. i never knew i had a thing for morally grey, cynic sailors but i guess here we are now lmao. this man should be illegal, god, i've loved every aspect of him!!! a perfect example of a "men written by women" and the mouth on him???? jesus christ, save us all. y'all are not read for what is to come, i was screaming every time he opened his mouth lmao (i don't know whether i should be excited for you or scared).
now the only question left is:
are you ready to hoist the colors of love on february, 14th? for the world needs more lovers roaming the earth. 💌
i fear that i will never be entirely able to express my love for this book because these words have yet to be invented. and looking at your work through your eyes, it really is true: piracy is for lovers. and it might just be the strongest and most magnificent force in this entire universe.
December 6, 2024
My new fav book
January 4, 2026
Truly, Drowned In The Name Of Love is a love letter. To the sea, to pirates, to art and the colour pink, to softhearted fmcs, YA fantasy, and every shade of love, both romantic and platonic.
Rut S. Díaz has created such a vibrant world, complete with gods, kingdoms, and prophecies galore. The writing is richly descriptive, and at times, I felt I was really aboard The Rebecca, watching the adventure unfold from the deck.
Though I found the second half of the book more engaging than the first, the only thing that made it so was the development of relationships between characters. Found family will always be one of my favourite tropes, and it was shown so well here! The Rebecca’s crew work (and laugh) together like cogs in a well oiled machine, and each side character had a distinct personality. Of course, I loved them all, but Ela was most definitely my favourite, with her pistols and fiery words. I’m hoping she gets POV chapters as the series continues, as I can’t wait to see where her story goes.
And of course, Donna Balboa (Lady Love herself) was such an amazing FMC. Softhearted yet still strong, a little naïve, and so wondrously enamoured with the world around her. Her love interest, Captain Calico Piece of The Rebecca, was every inch a pirate, with all the rakishly good looks and an ever-present smirk. The budding romance between Donna and Calico may have only blossomed a little over the course of th book, but their connection and feelings for each other are evident in their every interaction and touch. That ending had me immediately wanting more, and I can’t wait for the next book!
My only criticism would that there were a few typos and several passages that I needed to reread a few times to understand. However, I do have a very editorially focused brain, so in reality, this probably only bothered me.
Rut S. Díaz has created such a vibrant world, complete with gods, kingdoms, and prophecies galore. The writing is richly descriptive, and at times, I felt I was really aboard The Rebecca, watching the adventure unfold from the deck.
Though I found the second half of the book more engaging than the first, the only thing that made it so was the development of relationships between characters. Found family will always be one of my favourite tropes, and it was shown so well here! The Rebecca’s crew work (and laugh) together like cogs in a well oiled machine, and each side character had a distinct personality. Of course, I loved them all, but Ela was most definitely my favourite, with her pistols and fiery words. I’m hoping she gets POV chapters as the series continues, as I can’t wait to see where her story goes.
And of course, Donna Balboa (Lady Love herself) was such an amazing FMC. Softhearted yet still strong, a little naïve, and so wondrously enamoured with the world around her. Her love interest, Captain Calico Piece of The Rebecca, was every inch a pirate, with all the rakishly good looks and an ever-present smirk. The budding romance between Donna and Calico may have only blossomed a little over the course of th book, but their connection and feelings for each other are evident in their every interaction and touch. That ending had me immediately wanting more, and I can’t wait for the next book!
My only criticism would that there were a few typos and several passages that I needed to reread a few times to understand. However, I do have a very editorially focused brain, so in reality, this probably only bothered me.
February 14, 2025
Piracy is indeed for the lovers. For those who aren’t afraid to dip their feet in the frigid waters of the universe. For those who dream, big and bright and aren’t afraid to go after what they want.❤️🔥
From the very first page, I was stolen away to this beautifully crafted world, alongside the equally beautiful Donna Balboa. This story is so rich and so vivid, I was enthralled. We were taken on this grand adventure, with all these well rounded characters and the most wonderful places. I didn’t wanna get off this ship. I demand to be let back in, I will walk the plank 15 times if I need to. 🏴☠️
The details, and the way it made me feel is priceless. I felt like a kid again (in the best way possible). I was reminded why I love my whimsical, soft and girly stories. This book is the definition of pink in its entirety and I’m so happy it exists. Suddenly I was 12 again, wishing I was a pirate-fairy-princes (in that order).
And Donna… My sweet girl, what kind of pirate are you? The best one, I’ll tell you that. I loved her from the very beginning, my courageous, strong-willed, and big hearted girl. I wanted to protect her from everything, but she had Captain Calico Pierce for that. I love them both so much, the story, their love, the yearning. No tengo palabras. ✨
This book is for the girlies, the softies, the ones in love with the Flynn Ryders of the world. This book is for all my Barbie lovers, my Tinker Bell lovers (specially The Pirate Fairy movie). This book is for the dreamers and the adventures, but above all… this book is for the romantics who look for the moon and long to be by the sea. 🎀
From the very first page, I was stolen away to this beautifully crafted world, alongside the equally beautiful Donna Balboa. This story is so rich and so vivid, I was enthralled. We were taken on this grand adventure, with all these well rounded characters and the most wonderful places. I didn’t wanna get off this ship. I demand to be let back in, I will walk the plank 15 times if I need to. 🏴☠️
The details, and the way it made me feel is priceless. I felt like a kid again (in the best way possible). I was reminded why I love my whimsical, soft and girly stories. This book is the definition of pink in its entirety and I’m so happy it exists. Suddenly I was 12 again, wishing I was a pirate-fairy-princes (in that order).
And Donna… My sweet girl, what kind of pirate are you? The best one, I’ll tell you that. I loved her from the very beginning, my courageous, strong-willed, and big hearted girl. I wanted to protect her from everything, but she had Captain Calico Pierce for that. I love them both so much, the story, their love, the yearning. No tengo palabras. ✨
This book is for the girlies, the softies, the ones in love with the Flynn Ryders of the world. This book is for all my Barbie lovers, my Tinker Bell lovers (specially The Pirate Fairy movie). This book is for the dreamers and the adventures, but above all… this book is for the romantics who look for the moon and long to be by the sea. 🎀
January 26, 2025
i feel so lucky to have received this ARC and be able to support my sweet friend rut🤍 i saw her in every page, as this is a book filled with pink, the moon, and love which are three things that will always make me think of rut🫂🫶🏼
the atmosphere and aesthetic of this book are its most impressive and beautiful attributes in my opinion. from the first page, i loved the world that had been built. ditnol is atmospheric and fairytale like in such a unique way🥹definitely for the once upon a broken heart girlies 🙂↕️
if you love ethereal settings, a whimsical and hopelessly romantic fmc, love stories, and the sea, then i 100% recommend this book🥹🩷🌊🫧🐚
the atmosphere and aesthetic of this book are its most impressive and beautiful attributes in my opinion. from the first page, i loved the world that had been built. ditnol is atmospheric and fairytale like in such a unique way🥹definitely for the once upon a broken heart girlies 🙂↕️
if you love ethereal settings, a whimsical and hopelessly romantic fmc, love stories, and the sea, then i 100% recommend this book🥹🩷🌊🫧🐚
February 2, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an Arc of Drowned in the name of love by Rut. S Diaz. I am so proud of my book bestie 💗🪸🫧🐚🌊
Donna, the main female character, is the embodiment of Evangeline Fox, not in the sense of a copy, but rather in a way of a shared personality that is nevertheless different.
As for Captain Calico, he reminded me the whole time of Killian from Once Upon A Time and people who know me, I LOVE THIS MAN. His lines sure were spicy 🤭
I don't think I've ever read a debut novel that had such beautiful storytelling about the setting, colors, and overall aesthetic. Sometimes I have trouble imagining settings without Pinterest, but Rut managed to make a movie play before my eyes.
Nevertheless, there were a few little things that bothered me. The course of the book was sometimes too fast and then again very slow. As a result, I often put the book aside. Unfortunately, I'm also not that invested in the love story because I was far too distracted by the great dynamics of the group. The found family trope was something else. 🥹
I'm excited to see what happens next and how Donna develops because she is so strong and I truly see her as a Captain.
Donna, the main female character, is the embodiment of Evangeline Fox, not in the sense of a copy, but rather in a way of a shared personality that is nevertheless different.
As for Captain Calico, he reminded me the whole time of Killian from Once Upon A Time and people who know me, I LOVE THIS MAN. His lines sure were spicy 🤭
I don't think I've ever read a debut novel that had such beautiful storytelling about the setting, colors, and overall aesthetic. Sometimes I have trouble imagining settings without Pinterest, but Rut managed to make a movie play before my eyes.
Nevertheless, there were a few little things that bothered me. The course of the book was sometimes too fast and then again very slow. As a result, I often put the book aside. Unfortunately, I'm also not that invested in the love story because I was far too distracted by the great dynamics of the group. The found family trope was something else. 🥹
I'm excited to see what happens next and how Donna develops because she is so strong and I truly see her as a Captain.
November 28, 2024
I was lucky enough to Beta read DITNOL and OH MY GOD. I need to read more fantasy books with pirates!! It was also so refreshing to read about a FMC who is soft and girly, who loves pink and love, but is equally fierce and badass and so inspiring! AND DONT GET ME STARTED ON THAT ENDING. If the end of a fantasy book doesn’t rip my heart out, I don’t want it okay.
DITNOL is Once Upon a Broken Heart meets Pirates of the Caribbean!! It has poetic writing, an epic adventure, plot twists, soooooo much yearning/slow burn romance, and found family 🥹
If that isn’t reason enough to read it, the official release date is Valentines Day 😭🥰
DITNOL is Once Upon a Broken Heart meets Pirates of the Caribbean!! It has poetic writing, an epic adventure, plot twists, soooooo much yearning/slow burn romance, and found family 🥹
If that isn’t reason enough to read it, the official release date is Valentines Day 😭🥰
March 8, 2025
3.5 - really liked the book and the plot but so many grammar errors & the world building was a bit confusing at times, might just be me but I had to re read paragraphs multiple times
January 22, 2025
Like i already said, this book is the example of the book caressing your mind! 🫧✨ Like sea foam caressing the shore! 🫧🌬️🌊✨
Love loves to love love is the perfect description of this book in one sentence! 🩷
This book was everything and beyond! For a debut novel, it really had my attention from the very beginning to the end! It’s one of my most anticipated releases for 2025.
The writing style is so poetic and captivating, that i cought myself reading some sentences a few times. The descriptions, the colors, vibes and aesthetic of this book is everything.. Words said by Calico, did I read those uncountable of times? Yes, yes i did.
I must say this man is at the top of my book boyfriends! Such a comfort character! If you love Kai Azer, trust me, you will adore Cap’n Calico Pierce! ❤️🩹
This book is for every dreamy soul out there with a little piracy in your heart! It’s literally Pirates of the Caribbean meets Once Upon a Broken Heart (and you know how much i lovee both of these!) I loved found family in the book so much, every relationship, even the smallest one (Coco i see you🩷🫧), beautifully presented. Donna is wrote for every sensitive girl out there, feeling every emotion, not being scared to show them and be guided by love!
Calico Pierce the man you are.. Fierce and charming, artist and captain of the ship that sales trough the waters of The Nine Seas! People I have to say.. THE YEARNING IN THIS BOOK!!! The yearning this man shows for Donna is pure art, mixed with his little smirks and mischief 🩷
Prince Edmond is new Apollo! 😤
The world building? So captivating !
The story takes most of the place at the ship, where you will meet the pirates, and the new family Donna made for herself, where she whisper to the sea and winds hear her every thought! The tension, slow burn romance, mistery, pinkish vibes, longing - everything and beyond is waiting you on this journey!
The aspect of found family was so warm, and beautiful, like a warm blanket on the cold night. So beautifully written!:
‘And then i understood my actions, and I understood that I was willing to do it again, as many times as necessary, just like I was willing to drown. For them, for love. Fierce, protective and unwavering love. The kind that welcomed a stranger into a family, and made her a part of it.’ - i think this quote said enough! This is not just a romantasy🩷
One of my favs quotes as well:
“I don’t give a bloody damn about tomorrow. Let me have this night. Just this one.” He parted my lip with his thumb again as he spoke in a quiet, soothing whisper. “You can make it a secret for the rest of your days. Hell, you can even erase it from your mind, I don't care as long as the memory remains alive in mine. And believe me, love… it will. Just… let me have this one kiss”;
‘Oh you beautiful torment… What a delightful agony to die in your hands..’ - oh cap’n the way you yearn.. (Jacks of the Hollow is see you too! 🤭🩷🫧✨)
There is so much more poetic quotes in this book! You will love it!
Rut, because of the ending like that I really hope the second book will be written very soon! I will be longing for it! Also, thank you for being an amazing and lovely person sharing our excitement with us, responding to all messages and being an amazing author! I wish u the most special things in the journey that is in front of you! It was the pleasure being among first people that read this book! I enjoyed every second of it! Thank you! 🩷🪸🐚🏴☠️🏛️🫶🏻
Love loves to love love is the perfect description of this book in one sentence! 🩷
This book was everything and beyond! For a debut novel, it really had my attention from the very beginning to the end! It’s one of my most anticipated releases for 2025.
The writing style is so poetic and captivating, that i cought myself reading some sentences a few times. The descriptions, the colors, vibes and aesthetic of this book is everything.. Words said by Calico, did I read those uncountable of times? Yes, yes i did.
I must say this man is at the top of my book boyfriends! Such a comfort character! If you love Kai Azer, trust me, you will adore Cap’n Calico Pierce! ❤️🩹
This book is for every dreamy soul out there with a little piracy in your heart! It’s literally Pirates of the Caribbean meets Once Upon a Broken Heart (and you know how much i lovee both of these!) I loved found family in the book so much, every relationship, even the smallest one (Coco i see you🩷🫧), beautifully presented. Donna is wrote for every sensitive girl out there, feeling every emotion, not being scared to show them and be guided by love!
Calico Pierce the man you are.. Fierce and charming, artist and captain of the ship that sales trough the waters of The Nine Seas! People I have to say.. THE YEARNING IN THIS BOOK!!! The yearning this man shows for Donna is pure art, mixed with his little smirks and mischief 🩷
Prince Edmond is new Apollo! 😤
The world building? So captivating !
The story takes most of the place at the ship, where you will meet the pirates, and the new family Donna made for herself, where she whisper to the sea and winds hear her every thought! The tension, slow burn romance, mistery, pinkish vibes, longing - everything and beyond is waiting you on this journey!
The aspect of found family was so warm, and beautiful, like a warm blanket on the cold night. So beautifully written!:
‘And then i understood my actions, and I understood that I was willing to do it again, as many times as necessary, just like I was willing to drown. For them, for love. Fierce, protective and unwavering love. The kind that welcomed a stranger into a family, and made her a part of it.’ - i think this quote said enough! This is not just a romantasy🩷
One of my favs quotes as well:
“I don’t give a bloody damn about tomorrow. Let me have this night. Just this one.” He parted my lip with his thumb again as he spoke in a quiet, soothing whisper. “You can make it a secret for the rest of your days. Hell, you can even erase it from your mind, I don't care as long as the memory remains alive in mine. And believe me, love… it will. Just… let me have this one kiss”;
‘Oh you beautiful torment… What a delightful agony to die in your hands..’ - oh cap’n the way you yearn.. (Jacks of the Hollow is see you too! 🤭🩷🫧✨)
There is so much more poetic quotes in this book! You will love it!
Rut, because of the ending like that I really hope the second book will be written very soon! I will be longing for it! Also, thank you for being an amazing and lovely person sharing our excitement with us, responding to all messages and being an amazing author! I wish u the most special things in the journey that is in front of you! It was the pleasure being among first people that read this book! I enjoyed every second of it! Thank you! 🩷🪸🐚🏴☠️🏛️🫶🏻
January 17, 2025
OMGGGGGGGGG - long review incoming (sorry)
short version: this book is for the sea-moon girlies
long version:
this book completely blew me away, from start to finish. i literally couldn’t put it down. i felt so comfy and included in this little family that i feel like this is the kind of book that stays with you for a little longer after finishing it ❤️🩹
one of the many things that amazed me the most was how the majority of the story takes place in such a small space—a ship—which seems like such a hard task to keep the reader interested and entertained, which rut confidently achieved since she’s literally a poet and everything she writes captivates any reader. still on the topic of the setting, it is so rich!!!! and alive!!!! it’s almost like a character in itself, specially the little island and sub-locations where the characters go through different adventures. you can tell she put so much effort and love into making these and the map that represents them 🥹 rut also managed to create tension, beauty, laughter, and so much emotion in that confined space, which just shows how skilled she is at storytelling 💯
i will not stop talking about the way it’s written. it is so vivid that it felt like i could actually see colors while reading—soft pinks and blues mostly 😙 the descriptions and emotions were so immersive that the world practically came to life. i would describe it as a mix of whimsy that reminded me of disney movies and the depth and drama of greek mythology, which worked together beautifully 👩🏼🍳💋
the characters were also a big yes for me. Donna felt so relatable i could literally see myself in her. it truly was an exercise for me because sometimes i wanted to tell her not to be so harsh on herself when i literally do the same with me. and calico. OOF. i can’t imagine how hard it must be for a writer to create such a standard for women… i swear… you think every male character on earth has been written and that they can’t be topped and someone so skilled as rut comes in and shatters your ideals. i’m sorry for my non-spanish mutuals but i can’t find another word to describe him but “SINVERGÜENZA” in the best way possible 🫦
AND COCO! LOVED her and what rut says about her inspiration for the character in the acknowledgements 😂
the ending made me shivers, especially the epilogue!!! WOMEN!! can’t wait for part 2 i swear
thank you rut, for letting me read this ARC early. i loved every second of it and being part of it. i literally can’t wait for everyone else to read it and fall in love with your writing and characters, and i’m so excited to see what you do next 🩷i’ll be reading everything you do! ilysm 🫂
short version: this book is for the sea-moon girlies
long version:
this book completely blew me away, from start to finish. i literally couldn’t put it down. i felt so comfy and included in this little family that i feel like this is the kind of book that stays with you for a little longer after finishing it ❤️🩹
one of the many things that amazed me the most was how the majority of the story takes place in such a small space—a ship—which seems like such a hard task to keep the reader interested and entertained, which rut confidently achieved since she’s literally a poet and everything she writes captivates any reader. still on the topic of the setting, it is so rich!!!! and alive!!!! it’s almost like a character in itself, specially the little island and sub-locations where the characters go through different adventures. you can tell she put so much effort and love into making these and the map that represents them 🥹 rut also managed to create tension, beauty, laughter, and so much emotion in that confined space, which just shows how skilled she is at storytelling 💯
i will not stop talking about the way it’s written. it is so vivid that it felt like i could actually see colors while reading—soft pinks and blues mostly 😙 the descriptions and emotions were so immersive that the world practically came to life. i would describe it as a mix of whimsy that reminded me of disney movies and the depth and drama of greek mythology, which worked together beautifully 👩🏼🍳💋
the characters were also a big yes for me. Donna felt so relatable i could literally see myself in her. it truly was an exercise for me because sometimes i wanted to tell her not to be so harsh on herself when i literally do the same with me. and calico. OOF. i can’t imagine how hard it must be for a writer to create such a standard for women… i swear… you think every male character on earth has been written and that they can’t be topped and someone so skilled as rut comes in and shatters your ideals. i’m sorry for my non-spanish mutuals but i can’t find another word to describe him but “SINVERGÜENZA” in the best way possible 🫦
AND COCO! LOVED her and what rut says about her inspiration for the character in the acknowledgements 😂
the ending made me shivers, especially the epilogue!!! WOMEN!! can’t wait for part 2 i swear
thank you rut, for letting me read this ARC early. i loved every second of it and being part of it. i literally can’t wait for everyone else to read it and fall in love with your writing and characters, and i’m so excited to see what you do next 🩷i’ll be reading everything you do! ilysm 🫂
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March 11, 2025i'm softly DNFing this as I felt quite unattached from the books. I will go back to this as I've written down what has happened so far, but I was hooked from the first couple of chapters, but I just felt as the story went on, I was a bit unsure what was happening. i love the concept, the characters and plot but something just felt flat for me.
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