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Chronicles of the Deception #1
The Deception of the Black Rose
He yearned for escape. She offered rebellion. Their paths shouldn't have crossed, but in surrendering to her, he found freedom and a love worth risking everything.
Trapped in a loveless marriage, mocked by his crewmates, and rejected by high society Jamaica, Royal Navy Lieutenant Benjamin Harrington longs for escape. When a notorious Pirate Queen, the Black Rose, captures his ship, he surrenders to a passionate encounter that changes his life forever. Now, Ben must prove himself as he joins the Black Rose's motley crew, navigating a new world of thrilling adventures and dangerous desires. Can bookish, “Baffling” Benjamin become the lover and leader the Black Rose needs? Will their passionate alliance survive the treacherous seas? Or will his past drag him down to Davy Jones’ locker?
The passion and sensuality of Bridgerton meets the found family dynamic and high ideals of One Piece, with the emotional maturity of Our Flag Means Death, played out against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean.
Trapped in a loveless marriage, mocked by his crewmates, and rejected by high society Jamaica, Royal Navy Lieutenant Benjamin Harrington longs for escape. When a notorious Pirate Queen, the Black Rose, captures his ship, he surrenders to a passionate encounter that changes his life forever. Now, Ben must prove himself as he joins the Black Rose's motley crew, navigating a new world of thrilling adventures and dangerous desires. Can bookish, “Baffling” Benjamin become the lover and leader the Black Rose needs? Will their passionate alliance survive the treacherous seas? Or will his past drag him down to Davy Jones’ locker?
The passion and sensuality of Bridgerton meets the found family dynamic and high ideals of One Piece, with the emotional maturity of Our Flag Means Death, played out against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean.
- GenresRomance
424 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 23, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. I’ve had this urge to read about pirates lately while also trying to find something from an indie author, and man was I blown away by this one. It hit everything for me: pirate activities, diversity, found family, romance, all of it. The whole ragtag crew felt original while also staying true to what you’d expect from a pirate story, just a bunch of people from all different backgrounds and ethnicities all working together toward the same goal.
The biggest issue for me was Benjamin constantly talking about his wife. It wasn’t a big enough issue to really make a fuss about, more just a slight annoyance at times. At the same time, I understood why it was there because the story was clearly trying to emphasize Benjamin moving on from his past, overcoming parts of his anxiety, and genuinely accepting the feeling of finally being accepted after a life where he constantly felt rejected. Thankfully, his transition from miserable naval officer to pirate crew member felt completely earned and never rushed.
I also really appreciated how much research clearly went into this book. From using different languages like Spanish, French, and some Mandarin, to the accents, sea shanties, and pirate terminology, everything felt immersive and authentic. It even added a whole slew of words I had to stop and look up the definitions for, which I honestly always enjoy because I love when a book challenges my vocabulary a little.
The balance between romance and adventure worked really well for me too. While I do wish there had been a little more adventure overall, I think the story ended up being much stronger because it focused so much on belonging and acceptance. The romance between Ben and the Black Rose felt believable from start to finish, and I really liked how the story broke away from what most people would consider “normal” by giving the Black Rose so much authority and power. The spice was great too, especially because they used terminology and language that actually fit the time period instead of making everything feel modern.
Felipe was probably my favorite character in the entire book. His story was one of the most interesting parts for me and definitely one of the moments that stuck with me the most after finishing.
The epilogue honestly brought me to tears, but not out of sadness. Just pure unfiltered happiness because even if the story doesn’t directly spell everything out, it’s heavily implied they finally got their happily ever after. By the time I finished, I already knew I’d absolutely read the next book immediately.
After reading the acknowledgements and finding out there’s an audiobook version too, my wife and I are definitely planning on listening to it together on road trips.
Favorite Quotes:
“The realization was like getting robbed in a back alley behind a whorehouse, except instead of my purse, I lost my entire heart. And unlike my purse, I have no interest in getting it back. She may keep it.”
“His gaze was intense, as if he were desperately trying to read her very soul through her eyes as their bodies were joined.”
“Je t’aimerai toujours, même si le soleil s’écrase sur la mer, même si les étoiles brûlent la terre. Tu es la lumière de mon âme et je mourrais si quelque chose t’arrivait. Tu me fais croire que les anges existent et je tuerais Dieu lui-même pour un seul baiser. S’il te plaît?”
Rating: 5/5
The biggest issue for me was Benjamin constantly talking about his wife. It wasn’t a big enough issue to really make a fuss about, more just a slight annoyance at times. At the same time, I understood why it was there because the story was clearly trying to emphasize Benjamin moving on from his past, overcoming parts of his anxiety, and genuinely accepting the feeling of finally being accepted after a life where he constantly felt rejected. Thankfully, his transition from miserable naval officer to pirate crew member felt completely earned and never rushed.
I also really appreciated how much research clearly went into this book. From using different languages like Spanish, French, and some Mandarin, to the accents, sea shanties, and pirate terminology, everything felt immersive and authentic. It even added a whole slew of words I had to stop and look up the definitions for, which I honestly always enjoy because I love when a book challenges my vocabulary a little.
The balance between romance and adventure worked really well for me too. While I do wish there had been a little more adventure overall, I think the story ended up being much stronger because it focused so much on belonging and acceptance. The romance between Ben and the Black Rose felt believable from start to finish, and I really liked how the story broke away from what most people would consider “normal” by giving the Black Rose so much authority and power. The spice was great too, especially because they used terminology and language that actually fit the time period instead of making everything feel modern.
Felipe was probably my favorite character in the entire book. His story was one of the most interesting parts for me and definitely one of the moments that stuck with me the most after finishing.
The epilogue honestly brought me to tears, but not out of sadness. Just pure unfiltered happiness because even if the story doesn’t directly spell everything out, it’s heavily implied they finally got their happily ever after. By the time I finished, I already knew I’d absolutely read the next book immediately.
After reading the acknowledgements and finding out there’s an audiobook version too, my wife and I are definitely planning on listening to it together on road trips.
Favorite Quotes:
“The realization was like getting robbed in a back alley behind a whorehouse, except instead of my purse, I lost my entire heart. And unlike my purse, I have no interest in getting it back. She may keep it.”
“His gaze was intense, as if he were desperately trying to read her very soul through her eyes as their bodies were joined.”
“Je t’aimerai toujours, même si le soleil s’écrase sur la mer, même si les étoiles brûlent la terre. Tu es la lumière de mon âme et je mourrais si quelque chose t’arrivait. Tu me fais croire que les anges existent et je tuerais Dieu lui-même pour un seul baiser. S’il te plaît?”
Rating: 5/5
February 9, 2026
This novel pulled me in from the very first chapter and kept my attention all the way through. It blends suspense, emotion, and layered relationships in a way that makes the story feel rich and immersive. Every chapter reveals new secrets or shifts in perspective, so you are constantly curious about what is really happening beneath the surface.
The characters feel realistic and flawed, which makes their choices and growth more meaningful. The romance is not rushed or superficial. It develops through tension, vulnerability, and shared struggles, making the connection between the leads believable and satisfying. You are not just watching events unfold, you are emotionally invested in the people involved.
The atmosphere is filled with intrigue and tension, but the author balances intense moments with quieter emotional scenes that allow the story to breathe. The pacing is smooth, and the twists feel purposeful rather than random. Nothing seems thrown in just for shock value. Everything builds toward a conclusion that is both surprising and rewarding.
Overall, this is a 4.5 star read because it delivers strong storytelling, emotional depth, and a plot that keeps you engaged from beginning to end. It is entertaining, memorable, and leaves a lasting impression long after the final page.
The characters feel realistic and flawed, which makes their choices and growth more meaningful. The romance is not rushed or superficial. It develops through tension, vulnerability, and shared struggles, making the connection between the leads believable and satisfying. You are not just watching events unfold, you are emotionally invested in the people involved.
The atmosphere is filled with intrigue and tension, but the author balances intense moments with quieter emotional scenes that allow the story to breathe. The pacing is smooth, and the twists feel purposeful rather than random. Nothing seems thrown in just for shock value. Everything builds toward a conclusion that is both surprising and rewarding.
Overall, this is a 4.5 star read because it delivers strong storytelling, emotional depth, and a plot that keeps you engaged from beginning to end. It is entertaining, memorable, and leaves a lasting impression long after the final page.
April 25, 2026
Deception of the Black Rose completely caught me off guard in the best way. I never expected to enjoy a pirate romance with a bit of spice as much as I did, but this was genuinely fun, entertaining, and hard to put down.
The story follows Benjamin Harrington, a Royal Navy lieutenant stuck in a miserable life, who finds everything turned upside down when he’s captured by the infamous Black Rose. What starts as captivity quickly turns into something far more compelling: a journey of self-discovery, rebellion, and passion. Ben’s transformation from a ridiculed outsider into someone finding confidence and purpose is one of the most satisfying parts of the book.
The pirate setting adds a lively, swashbuckling energy, with a crew that feels vibrant and unpredictable. The mix of romance, action, and humor gives it a tone that feels both dramatic and playful.
Overall, this is a bold, entertaining read that delivers exactly what it promises: adventure, passion, and a love story worth rooting for. Perfect if you’re in the mood for something escapist, a little steamy, and a lot of fun.
The story follows Benjamin Harrington, a Royal Navy lieutenant stuck in a miserable life, who finds everything turned upside down when he’s captured by the infamous Black Rose. What starts as captivity quickly turns into something far more compelling: a journey of self-discovery, rebellion, and passion. Ben’s transformation from a ridiculed outsider into someone finding confidence and purpose is one of the most satisfying parts of the book.
The pirate setting adds a lively, swashbuckling energy, with a crew that feels vibrant and unpredictable. The mix of romance, action, and humor gives it a tone that feels both dramatic and playful.
Overall, this is a bold, entertaining read that delivers exactly what it promises: adventure, passion, and a love story worth rooting for. Perfect if you’re in the mood for something escapist, a little steamy, and a lot of fun.
April 18, 2026
This book was so fun to read! I was amazed at the characters - not just the depth and diversity of the characters, but the fact that there’s a whole boatload of them (literally!) and they all had key parts in the storyline. Unlike other books, it didn’t take long to pick up on who was who, and I didn’t feel lost while reading.
Although this book has its spicy parts, I love the storyline itself even more - it’s both old (pirates) and new (diversity and society norms). It’s very well woven together. The attention to detail makes the book easy to read and follow. The ending of this story clearly indicated there was not only more to what I just finished reading, but another totally different story arc to look forward to.
Even if you aren’t really into romance books, I still recommend this read. And as far as an unknown author and first book… you can’t go wrong here! I can’t wait for a preorder for Book 2!
Although this book has its spicy parts, I love the storyline itself even more - it’s both old (pirates) and new (diversity and society norms). It’s very well woven together. The attention to detail makes the book easy to read and follow. The ending of this story clearly indicated there was not only more to what I just finished reading, but another totally different story arc to look forward to.
Even if you aren’t really into romance books, I still recommend this read. And as far as an unknown author and first book… you can’t go wrong here! I can’t wait for a preorder for Book 2!
January 3, 2026
This book was better than I expected! My fiancé does YouTube indie book reviews for authors and he asked me to read this with him and I was skeptical because i have read pirate books before and have never picked them back up did not like them, BUT this book has changed my mind 100%!! I love a spicy book that still has a really strong plot and story where the spicy parts add to the story being told, The spice in this book really well written and adds to the characters growth and development and was written very tastefully as a avid spicy book reader this one was perfect! The book was very fast paced with an ending that left me with a reaction of “wait what that’s the end” and left me wanting so much more! I really hope there’s a book 2 coming I need back to Ben and the Dark Rose 🌹highly recommend this book!
March 15, 2026
Pirates are not my thing but this book was fantastic!! I might have changed my mind by the end and pirates may be my new thing!!
Female captain.. a crew comprised of all different people..their interactions with each other kept the book moving quickly. (It felt like a family regardless of their backgrounds)
This book is definitely not for the Vanilla reader. The spicy scenes are HOT and HOTTER as Benny tries to improve and prove him self to the Captain.
I think Felipe was the character I enjoyed the most..."watching" him evolve through out the story.
Fast paced page turner!!
Female captain.. a crew comprised of all different people..their interactions with each other kept the book moving quickly. (It felt like a family regardless of their backgrounds)
This book is definitely not for the Vanilla reader. The spicy scenes are HOT and HOTTER as Benny tries to improve and prove him self to the Captain.
I think Felipe was the character I enjoyed the most..."watching" him evolve through out the story.
Fast paced page turner!!
May 18, 2026
So I acidently read the second book first and already knew the characters as they appeared. It was so interesting get to see them in a new light that I wouldn't have had a reference for if I had not read the second book first. That said this book starts with the spice and now that I know Benny like I do I may have laughed out loud at how enamored he was. I loved that for him. Getting to know the Black Rose as she got to know Benny was fun and I so enjoyed this read. Honestly I may have even liked it better because I read the second book first and loved the characters already.
January 2, 2026
I'm not a huge fan of romance novels typically. I find the love stories to be really surface level and unrealistic. But this one felt really genuine. It had a lot of character and I even outside of the MMC and FMC I found myself really liking everyone.
The spice was also good. I don't generally read spicy books. But it felt like it had a bigger purpose here and there was more to the book than just that.
The spice was also good. I don't generally read spicy books. But it felt like it had a bigger purpose here and there was more to the book than just that.
July 30, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was such a fun read. The characters were well developed, and towards the end, you can see possible routes for the following books. I highly recommend this book.
A few words of criticism, though. There are quite a few places where the internal monolog changes characters, but its not quite clear for a bit. It was a little confusing.
I think Felipe is a terrific character, probably my favorite. I look forward to the next book in the series.
A few words of criticism, though. There are quite a few places where the internal monolog changes characters, but its not quite clear for a bit. It was a little confusing.
I think Felipe is a terrific character, probably my favorite. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews