Scourge of the Shores

by Lauren Lee Merewether

A pirate king. A sea dragon’s curse. And an island captain who would rather drown than surrender.

The tide bore their names long before love made them a legend.

Danna Chadwick knows the sea’s price—and she’s paid it in blood. Heiress to a royal pirate lineage and battle-hardened commander of her island’s fleet, she carries scars from an endless war against a mythic sea dragon whose fury shattered her home and left her mother crippled. Now, with her island one strike away from ruin, she faces an alliance she never wanted—with the North Sea’s most feared ruler.

Robert "The Ruthless" Jaymes inherits a crown carved from the sea. Since his father’s death, every pirate lord watches for weakness—and Robert refuses to give them any. He could have razed Danna’s island and taken what he wanted. Instead, something in her defiance stays his hand and pulls him into a tide that could cost him far more than his throne.

He’s the pirate king who takes what he wants.

She’s the captain who refuses to kneel.

One oath will bind them. One choice could drown them both.

In a world of prophetic beasts, blood-bound legacies, and tides ruled by fate, trust can be more treacherous than treason. If Danna surrenders her heart, she may lose her island. If Robert chooses her, he could shatter the kingdom he swore to rule.

Miss this voyage, and you’ll never know whether they’ll conquer the seas—or vanish beneath them.




For readers drawn to slow-burn, no-spice romance between loyal captains navigating a lawless sea—and torn between legacy and longing—Scourge of the Shores is a richly woven epic steeped in sea dragons, nautical lore, and mythic intrigue. It stands alone as a tale of forbidden love, vengeance, and fate, and launches The Shadow Sails saga, where every tide carries the weight of destiny.


Will the tides crown them—or claim them?



★★★★★ “a beautiful tale of daring leadership, pirate alliances, and fragile trust. The pacing remains steady, solidly harnessed to a world shaped by prophecy, loyalty, and the fight for control... a romantic fantasy with a lot of action and even more heart. Very highly recommended.”
– Asher Syed, Readers’ Favorite
 
★★★★★ “a thrilling fantasy story that unfolds in a vividly crafted world. It poignantly explores themes of healing, love, legacy, rulership, sacrifice, and the journey to atonement, drawing readers into a memorable tale.”
– Makeda Cummings, Readers’ Favorite
 
 ★★★★★ “Scourge of the Shores is an invigorating and entertaining pirate fantasy that immaculately blends romance, tension, adventure, and the gravity of pirate leadership. There's never a dull moment in the book. Its pages overflow with action-packed events, emotional junctures, and genuine human moments.”
– Keana Sackett-Moomey, Readers’ Favorite

Genres: Pirates, Romance, Fantasy

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2025

About the author

LAUREN LEE MEREWETHER writes multi-genre romantic sagas inspired by ancient places, legends, and myths. She loves to delve into the shadows of the past, spinning slow-burn, closed door romantic narratives that merge the timeless passions of history with the mysteries of ancient mythologies. Her award-winning novels invite readers to explore the thrilling depths of legends, emotions, and humanity, spanning high-seas adventures to the splendors of ancient empires.

In her free time, Lauren loves to daydream about times long past while sipping green tea and watching the experts on Discovery unearth our ancestors' civilizations.

Go behind the scenes, say hello, and stay current with Lauren’s latest releases at www.LaurenLeeMerewether.com.

Follow and connect with Lauren on:
BookBub - bookbub.com/authors/lauren-lee-merewe...
Facebook - facebook.com/llmbooks
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Pinterest - pinterest.com/llmerewether/llm-books
Twitter - twitter.com/llmbooks
TikTok - tiktok.com/@llmbooks
Lemon8 - lemon8-app.com/@llmbooks


"Merewether’s up-close and empathetic narrative style is combined with the many sensations, family conflicts, and political struggles of an exciting plotline, making for an unstoppable read."
- K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Reviews

[Mary Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean pirate romance fantasy with scary monster

[Lauren]

Dear Reader,

I still remember the moment Danna first shouted “No quarter!” across a moonlit deck—saltwater stinging her skin, flintlock clenched in callused hands, facing the sea dragon that had haunted her island since childhood.

That was the spark.

The moment I realized this story wouldn’t be just a battle between pirate and beast—it would be about legacy, sacrifice, and a love born from survival in a brutal world.

In Scourge of the Shores, you’ll meet Danna Chadwick, the last of the first Pirate King’s bloodline. She’s twenty-one, commanding an exhausted island fleet with nothing left to lose. Too young for the weight she carries. Too loyal to abandon her people. Too stubborn to let the sea take what it hasn’t earned.

Danna’s arc is steeped in duty and rage. Her world hasn’t given her room for tenderness, but she has it anyway, buried deep beneath war scars and a warrior’s grit. Danna’s drive to protect her people is grief with a spine. She’s led since she was a child, and she doesn’t have the luxury of dreaming until a pirate king forces her to consider what peace could look like.

Then there’s Robert "The Ruthless" Jaymes—twenty-six, heir to a cruel Northern empire of pirate kings. Raised to lead through force and ruthless negotiation, not gentleness. But the moment he meets Danna, the world he knows begins to unravel. He was taught to take—but he’s learning, slowly, that love isn’t conquest. It’s earned. It's sacred and worth any cost.

Robert walks the line between legacy and longing—a man burdened by his name, trying to become something more than what his world demands of him.

Their story is a closed-door romance, but not a quiet one. It’s tense, atmospheric, and forged in fire. This love is built through challenge, loss, and fragile, hard-won trust and partnership between two leaders who were never meant to fall in love.

The pirate dialect in this book is varied and crafted for each character. You’ll hear the sea in their voices: myth-soaked, clipped with salt, rooted in grit and tradition. This is a fantasy world shaped by ancient grief, not modern polish.

Scourge of the Shores is a prequel to the Shadow Sails saga, but it stands firmly on its own. If you’re drawn to:

* Leaders who speak in scars instead of softness
* Sea beasts, ancient curses, and mythic bloodlines
* No-spice romance filled with emotional heat
* Characters wrestling with power, duty, and how to love without losing themselves

Then this may be the voyage for you.

Dare the deep and read the first two chapters today: https://read.bookfunnel.com/read/hnat...

Or Dive in at https://books.laurenleemerewether.com...

Fair winds and even tides,
Lauren

[Doreen Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! I wasn't sure if I wanted to devour this book in one sitting or slowly savor. Lauren Lee Merewether does not disappoint.

The story follows Robert "The Ruthless" Jaymes, heir to the Northern pirate territory, and Danna Chadwick, a descendant of the first Pirate King, leader of an island of retired pirates and their families.

When Robert and his fleet suffers damage in a violent storm, he unknowingly navigates, to make repairs, to Danna's island.

You've got pirate politics, mistrust, gold, Cain a deadly sea serpent, prophecy, and tender closed door romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime fan of Lauren Lee Mereweather’s ancient historical dramas, I wasn’t sure what to expect from her first fantasy romance—but Scourge of the Shores kept me up all night!

Its a raw, roaring storm of legacy, love, and sacrifice that sets the tone for the entire Shadow Sails saga. Danna Jaymes is fierce, haunted, and willing to bleed for her people, she brings the full force of Mereweather’s signature emotional depth into a world teeming with sea dragons, pirate kings, and an ancient godess, the DeepMother, who is the soul of the sea and really is her own separate haunting character.

Cain, the sea monster born of the DeepMother’s grief, is a mythic presence I’ll never forget and his clash with Danna reads like a true fight for survival.

And then there’s Robert "The Ruthless" Jaymes who isn't so much as ruthless but insanely cunning. Watching his connection with Danna grow in the midst of pirate politics made my heart hope and ache at what I thought was coming, but honestly, I didn't see the end twist which was just swoooooon!

This is Ms. Mereweather’s first fantasy romance, and it reads like she’s been writing in the genre her entire life. It’s rich, lyrical—and utterly unforgettable.

I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Amber Lei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren has a way with words. They cut and carve your heart out. Danna's raw rage captivated me right from the beginning. Lauren's romance is always gritty and intense without explicit content, and I'm here for the emotional roller-coaster ride.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So intriguing I read it straight through; I simply could not put it down! (I was up all night!)

I have almost all of Lauren Lee Merewether's books and have yet to disappointed in any of them. She is a gifted writer and story teller. Her words create worlds that me in and magically transport me to a different time and place. Her latest book 'Scourge of the Shores' was no different. Pirate Kings, a sea dragon bent on destruction and a fierce young woman, determined to protect her people and her island home against all who would seek to destroy them.

Despite her young age, Danna Chadwick, daughter of the first Pirate King and heiress to his royal pirate legacy has spent years protecting her people and their island home from the the vicious sea dragon they call Cain. The cost is high in blood and lives, and Danna fears it's a battle she will ultimately lose.

Enter Robert 'The Ruthless' Jaymes, recent heir to the North Seas Pirate King and leader of a consolidated fleet of pirate captains. When his fleet becomes damage in a storm, he puts in at Danna's island for repairs.

Both are facing an uneasy future as they endeavor to honor their respective fathers' legacies and live up to the expectations of those who look to them for leadership. When they meet, sparks fly! Those sparks ignite a flame of desire that neither one expected and neither can ignore. Torn between legacy and longing, duty and desires, will they find a happy ending?

Read the book to learn for yourself.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Cathy Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read with all the ingredients needed in a pirate book.

[Jennifer Rosenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a voluntary pleasure of reading this advanced copy of this book.

[Ruxi Avram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful love story! In my book, Lauren Lee Mereweather is a historical book writer, but I just had to read this pirate novel, I was really intrigued!
And, of course, I am not disappointed!
A clean romance, Scourge of the Shores follows the story of Danna Chadwick, a pirate Capitain that has the burden of taking care of a family island , and Robert "The Ruthless " Jaymes,Pirate king whose inheritance of the title is the burden and privilege to wear.
After a storm, he is forced by circumstances to dock near Danna's island, and so a dance of wills begins between them. I do not intend to spoil this beautiful story, so I am not going into this more.
The story kept me glued to it, I had to find out how they intended to get rid of the mythical sea dragon and how the prophecy was to come to life. It was the perfect book for me, I loved every chapter, even if I am not so much into the pirate world.
I have received this book as an ARC and I am grateful for it! I am leaving my honest opinion in this review.

[A. Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danna Chadwick bared her teeth right from the start, and I knew the story was going to be one heck of a ride. The stakes are high, but the cost even higher. The alliance between Danna and Robert seem impossible, and their romance even more so. Merewether's words nick the reader's heart like a knife and carve it out little by little. Each word, each twist is designed to make us feel and ache.

[Shell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danna and Robert had chemistry right from the start. The way their story was written had me hoping for the best but waiting for the worse. Cain being a huge barrier to the Islanders peace was heartbreaking but some of the enchantments came across as unbelievable but tied the story up with a HEA. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm disappointed. I loved Merewether's The Darkest Oath, so I was looking forward to a new novel set on pirate waters. Unfortunately, I didn’t like Scourge of the Shores. I couldn’t get on board with the “ye scallywag” pirate voice from all characters. One or two would be manageable; imagining a pirate drawl from every character resulted in being unable to take any of the characters seriously. They felt like caricatures.

Secondly, I didn't find either of the protagonists or their romance compelling. Robert’s blatant patriarchalism was disgusting; his “take what you want” attitude was painfully naive and boorish. He’s not ruthless, he’s just arrogant. "He'd cornered her, though. Maybe she feared what he might take. But she didn't seem the fearing type. Did she push him away because she didn't want his kiss - or because she wanted it too much?" (p. 147) Statements like this run abundant in Robert's POV. He views Danna as a prize to be won and a woman to be conquered, so that she can "bear his heir." (p.27) Blech. I had hoped that this attitude would be redeemed throughout the book, but it's as if the author wishes the reader to simply swallow this patriarchal, misogynist perspective and somehow view it as endearing instead of creepy and possessive.

Danna was lackluster and overly one-track-minded about her mother’s chronic injury and depression, and her desire to defeat Cain. Man vs. beast stories are not as interesting to me to begin with, so that was a struggle to get through; it's Ahab and the whale all over again, and we all know how that turned out. Except this one turns out happily ever after because that's the genre that it is.

I felt like this wasn't Merewether's best writing. The hoped-for emotional connection to the characters and the plot simply wasn't there for me. Scourge of the Shores was a miss.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction and sci-fi/fantasy are more my speed but Scourge of the Shores hooked me right away with the battle scene with Cain. After reading the author’s historical books and her first romance, The Darkest Oath, earlier this year and being blown away by its depth, I figured I’d give this one a try and I’m glad I did.

The writing is what drew me in again with characters that feel as real as anyone I’ve ever met, right down to the varying levels of pirate accent for each character. Danna has commanding presence, and her internal battle between revenge and choice had me flipping pages. And Robert’s got that blend of old-world honor and dangerous charm that makes him feel like a man from another era, yet still very human—a man who found a woman and would do anything for her. I thought his character arc was good going from “take what you want” to “earn what you love.”

The sea lore is captivating with dragons, sirens, krakens woven in so naturally that it doesn’t feel like fantasy for fantasy’s sake. The enchantments are really the only thing that feel like overt fantasy, though sea dragons probably count too. But “Cain” was written so well, you’d believe sea dragons actually existed.

I didn’t expect to enjoy another romance, but Scourge of the Shores surprised me especially how it explores legacy, loss, and leadership. It’s about more than ships and sea monsters. it’s about finding peace and love in a world that demands war and sacrifice. Another sci-fi/fantasy author I follow, Adrian Murphy, wrote a romance recently that people liked and I decided to add that to the TBR, so I might be becoming a romance reader.

Anyway, highly recommend this one.

Received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Subrata Chakraborty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book Book “Scourge of the Shores” by Lauren Lee Merewether in Amazon. This is an action-packed pirate fantasy that fuses myth, adventure, and romance into a sweeping tale of the high seas. At its heart is Danna Chadwick, a fierce young captain carrying the burden of her people’s survival against Cain, a sea dragon born of prophecy. Her path collides with Robert Jaymes, the ambitious Pirate King of the North Sea, sparking both rivalry and forbidden attraction.

The novel excels in its vivid worldbuilding—from the lore of the DeepMother and her sea-born monsters to the storm-tossed battles of pirate kings. The pacing keeps readers hooked, while the central tension between vengeance, duty, and desire gives the story emotional depth.

Scourge of the Shores is both a swashbuckling adventure and a slow-burn romance, perfect for readers who love strong heroines, legendary monsters, and tales of loyalty tested on dangerous seas. I enjoyed the book

[Adrian Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a rollicking pirate tale set on the high seas, then this book is for you. I’ve enjoyed Merewether’s historical novels and was curious about her foray into writing a fantasy pirate romance. She handled the genre shift with style and produced a well-written, fast-paced story that looks like it’s the start of a promising new series.

The two main characters, Danna Chadwick (descended from a famous pirate captain) and Robert “The Ruthless” Jaymes are at odds when they first meet. She fears he and his pirate fleet harbor evil intentions toward the island community she leads.

It takes a common enemy in the form of a marauding sea dragon to bring them together. Will they defeat the beast and save her island home? Read this enjoyable, clean swashbuckling fantasy romance to find out. You won’t be disappointed.

[Vivian]

The author never disappoints, and even though this book is written in a new genre for her, you can definitely tell it was written by her; the amount of research that she did to be able to write it shoes on the pages of the book, the plot flows beautifully and the characters are so believable that you think they were actual history characters, top all this with very compelling descriptions of places and circumstances and you get an amazing book in your hand.
Even though, as this book is a pirate book, you get adventures and fights, at the core this book is a love story, and a beautiful one, between two people that fight to not be in this situation, especially Dana, but at the end they surrender to their feelings to find that love indeed conquers all.
Can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate how Ms. Merewether keeps the heat level low for her romances. Scourge of the Shores was no exception (thank you!) in that department. It was fascinating to watch the story unfold from both perspectives - both pirates, yet both motivated by different end goals. Is it really possible to have it all? All you've dreamed of? The book provides an interesting take on the answer to that question, wrapped up as it is in pirates, lies, trickery, and love.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Danna has become the leader of her island, but wishes that she wasn't responsible for everyone. When the Pirate Kings of the North Sea are damaged from a large storm they limp into her island. Danna isn't interested in helping them but Robert is determined and makes a deal with her. He is intriqued with Danna and will keep the pirates from invading her town. This book is full of drama, strong emotions, and ends with a surprising ending. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest I did not expect to fall so deep for the new pirate genre after Leena’s historical novels. Well I did. Robert and Dana’s love story is unique well weaved into the exciting sea drama, full of magic, betrayal and loyalty . I loved the dialogues, emotional scenes and ( well researched ) pirates’ talk. The tense story turned into page turner and I wish it never ended. Bravo. I cannot wait for the neat!

[Sylvia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very impressed! This author has done it again! I had my doubts about this book, but, as I got deeper into it, my doubts disappeared. Pirates! Who would have thought? And a woman in charge! Wow! She’s tough too! I got upset with her at first and thought “I would tell her a thing or two given the chance!” But, Listen, the book is very intriguing, full of action, fantasy and emotions! I would definitely recommend it for reading! You won’t regret it!

[Gabriele Samodelov · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most appealing pirate story I have ever come across! There are people in this story who come to live on the pages, who have and even care about their own history and family, characters that develop, and oh yes, a bit of magic, too. There is ruthlessness also, of course. How to find a path through a life like that is told so convincing, I sometimes thought this world was real!
A perfect book if you like to escape for a while - I did, and could not put it down!

[Dorcia Beland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Lee Merewether’s new pirate story is a page-turning adventure from beginning to end. Danna Chadwick and Robert ‘the ruthless’ Jaymes, both pirates by lineage, are brought to life in a way that kept me hooked. Her writing style is delightfully delicious, and this book is one you won’t want to miss

[Amber Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

got this from a goodreads giveaway. loved it. I first thought oh this a pirate book with little romance. wrong. it was a romance book with pirates lol

[Dorcia Beland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just in time for talk like a pirate day! Lauren Lee Merewether has a delightfully DELICIOUS writing style. Her new pirate story is a wonderful example. (I was given an ARC copy for an honest review) I have followed Ms. Merewether from her start. I have read all her books.
Danna Chadwick and Robert "the ruthless" Jaymes, both pirates by linage; their story is a page turning adventure from beginning to end. One you don't want to miss.

[Beware the Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

💭 I loved the author's writing style. It was very engaging while also being beautifully descriptive. It's hard to get both of those at the same time.  

Just read this opening line, "The moon's silver light danced on the sea serpent's scales as it wove through the black water, leaving crested waves in its wake." Or this one, "The sea dragon's maw gaped open, revealing the jagged destruction of his fangs. A blast of boiling water erupted from his throat, sweeping across the deck..."

🗣️ This is duel-POV book written in the third-person past tense. 

👉 The story was about two unlikely people trying not to fall in love with each other because it goes against what is expected of them. They have to deal with the prejudices of those around them while also dealing with the prejudices they've been taught all of their lives. 

💗 Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Sometimes the cliche pirate language was a little annoying, but I still enjoyed it and can't wait for more books written in this world.