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The Silence of Deceit
The nation of Seity.
Four ruling families.
One merciless tyrant.
When Eldon Durane executes a noble family and extinguishes all magic, he ignites a war that spans generations.
Two decades later, Lady Rosalie Yorke and her best friend, Silence, are uprooted from their comfortable lives to escape the spreading war. But Rosalie's world shatters when ruthless raiders kidnap her—only for her fate to collide with Crowe, the notorious pirate captain of the Deceit.
Crowe wants nothing to do with Seity’s political turmoil, but the thirst for revenge leads him to Rosalie. Hoping to change his luck, he decides to extort Rosalie’s father for a ransom.
Rosalie refuses to be anyone’s pawn, and Crowe has no patience for nobility. As the two bicker and dodge danger, Seity’s long-buried secrets begin to emerge from the shadows.
With Eldon's deadly plan looming, Rosalie and Crowe must set aside their differences. Should they fail, Rosalie may lose everything.
Perfect for fans of Adrienne Young's Fable and Amie Kaufman's The Isles of the Gods, The Silence of Deceit is a seafaring tale of betrayal, friendship, and survival. A must-read for fans of pirate fantasy, enemies-to-lovers tension, and sweeping adventures filled with magic and rebellion.
Four ruling families.
One merciless tyrant.
When Eldon Durane executes a noble family and extinguishes all magic, he ignites a war that spans generations.
Two decades later, Lady Rosalie Yorke and her best friend, Silence, are uprooted from their comfortable lives to escape the spreading war. But Rosalie's world shatters when ruthless raiders kidnap her—only for her fate to collide with Crowe, the notorious pirate captain of the Deceit.
Crowe wants nothing to do with Seity’s political turmoil, but the thirst for revenge leads him to Rosalie. Hoping to change his luck, he decides to extort Rosalie’s father for a ransom.
Rosalie refuses to be anyone’s pawn, and Crowe has no patience for nobility. As the two bicker and dodge danger, Seity’s long-buried secrets begin to emerge from the shadows.
With Eldon's deadly plan looming, Rosalie and Crowe must set aside their differences. Should they fail, Rosalie may lose everything.
Perfect for fans of Adrienne Young's Fable and Amie Kaufman's The Isles of the Gods, The Silence of Deceit is a seafaring tale of betrayal, friendship, and survival. A must-read for fans of pirate fantasy, enemies-to-lovers tension, and sweeping adventures filled with magic and rebellion.
- GenresRomance
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2025
About the author
Jillian Eagan
1 book40 followersJillian Eagan is an indie author from Massachusetts. She received her BA in Creative Writing from Emmanuel College. Currently, she lives in Cape Cod, where she reads and writes on the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 8, 2026
This is actually my first pirate fantasy, which is kind of wild considering how much I love the Pirates of the Caribbean films. It definitely won't be my last!
I was a little worried at first because the story is written in third person, but it honestly didn't take long for me to settle into Jillian's writing style.
Rosalie is such an easy character to root for. She's incredibly curious, puts a lot of pressure on herself, and has a weakened immune system, so it was great to see some chronic illness representation. She's resilient, determined, and I loved watching her grow throughout the story.
The banter between Rosalie and Crowe was exactly my kind of dynamic. It's so snarky and fun! While the romance is completely spice-free, don't let that fool you... the tension, the yearning, and all those tiny moments had me kicking my feet. The pinky finger touch? AHHH!!!!
I managed to guess a couple of plot points, but it didn't affect my enjoyment in the slightest. This book still took me through every emotion - laughter, disbelief, hatred and love. I’m excited to continue the adventure!
Thank you to Jillian Eagan and Whimsy Words PR for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was a little worried at first because the story is written in third person, but it honestly didn't take long for me to settle into Jillian's writing style.
Rosalie is such an easy character to root for. She's incredibly curious, puts a lot of pressure on herself, and has a weakened immune system, so it was great to see some chronic illness representation. She's resilient, determined, and I loved watching her grow throughout the story.
The banter between Rosalie and Crowe was exactly my kind of dynamic. It's so snarky and fun! While the romance is completely spice-free, don't let that fool you... the tension, the yearning, and all those tiny moments had me kicking my feet. The pinky finger touch? AHHH!!!!
I managed to guess a couple of plot points, but it didn't affect my enjoyment in the slightest. This book still took me through every emotion - laughter, disbelief, hatred and love. I’m excited to continue the adventure!
Thank you to Jillian Eagan and Whimsy Words PR for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2025
Wow, what a ride this has been.
This is the kind of book where you feel every single word that's on the page. I was right there with Rosalie when her whole life took a major twist, and I was there when she found herself. I think that's what I will take with me from this book, Rosalie's strength and unwavering loyalty. It doesn't matter what life throws at her she will endure, and she will move heaven on earth for the ones she loves.
I can't wait to get to know Silence more, as she is such a compelling character and we only had very little time with her.
I cannot end this review without saying that of course Reis is the pirate of my dreams.
Thank you for sending me this ARC. I had the most fun while reading!
This is the kind of book where you feel every single word that's on the page. I was right there with Rosalie when her whole life took a major twist, and I was there when she found herself. I think that's what I will take with me from this book, Rosalie's strength and unwavering loyalty. It doesn't matter what life throws at her she will endure, and she will move heaven on earth for the ones she loves.
I can't wait to get to know Silence more, as she is such a compelling character and we only had very little time with her.
I cannot end this review without saying that of course Reis is the pirate of my dreams.
Thank you for sending me this ARC. I had the most fun while reading!
July 7, 2026
The Silence of Deceit by Jillian Eagan is an excellent debut. The first book in this YA fantasy series. ( not just for YA in my opinion ☺️)
We have corrupt politics, complex characters, and find strength in what each person has to overcome plus a budding unlikely relationship.
While there are plenty of memorable characters, such as Silence, Emerson and Reis, the main story concerns Rosalie and we discover unique plot lines in this fantasy novel. Creative twists full of hope, loyalty, and fighting for what is right.
All the character are written uniquely which adds depth and purpose to the story.
It leaves you instantly wanting to know more about each individual. The subplots and the fantastical history in this world as well as friendship and romance make this story well worth the investment.
The chapters are short and the pacing is consistent throughout and distribution of plot twists add to the charm and keep you captivated.
I was drawn straight in completely enthralled.
The romance side was beautifully done and refreshingly innocent and I look forward to what the next instalment brings.
Would definitely recommend and not just for the YA
audience an adventure we can all enjoy! 🏴☠️💖
We have corrupt politics, complex characters, and find strength in what each person has to overcome plus a budding unlikely relationship.
While there are plenty of memorable characters, such as Silence, Emerson and Reis, the main story concerns Rosalie and we discover unique plot lines in this fantasy novel. Creative twists full of hope, loyalty, and fighting for what is right.
All the character are written uniquely which adds depth and purpose to the story.
It leaves you instantly wanting to know more about each individual. The subplots and the fantastical history in this world as well as friendship and romance make this story well worth the investment.
The chapters are short and the pacing is consistent throughout and distribution of plot twists add to the charm and keep you captivated.
I was drawn straight in completely enthralled.
The romance side was beautifully done and refreshingly innocent and I look forward to what the next instalment brings.
Would definitely recommend and not just for the YA
audience an adventure we can all enjoy! 🏴☠️💖
November 8, 2025
Power struggles stretch-out their tendrils, leaving turmoil, secrets, struggles, and even the promise of love in their wake.
Rosalie's father is wrapped into a year-long war, and while her brothers are pulled into it, her weak constitution leaves everyone thinking she's incapable. When an attempt to keep her in a safe place far away from the struggles finds her kidnapped, she is anything but willing to play along with the captor's game. While not strong, she won't let anyone rest easily. That is Crowe's misery, too. As captain of a pirate ship, he's been sliding around and poking at the powerful war ships in his own way. When he accidentally runs into Rosalie on one of his attacks, he wants to use her to gain money from her father...no pirate could let that chance slide. She's not dangerous, but her constant attitude is driving him crazy. But then, she might be more important to his secret intentions than he's aware.
This is a tale of power tug-a-wars with two unsuspecting heroes. Rosalie is pampered and packs a temper, where Crowe is experienced and calculative. The two, obviously, mix like fire and water, which raises the tension right away and keeps it taunt the entire way through. The banter drives this one forward as the intrigue and secrets unfold right underneath. Add the adventure the sea offers as pirates and war ships collide, and there's an explosive world of possibilities.
Anyone who loves to dive deep into the characters will enjoy this read. It switches between Rosalie and Crowe with other perspectives tossed in as needed to keep tensions high. To help keep it clear which character a chapter hits, a correlating illustration is printed at the beginning of the chapter. For example, Rosalie gets a fox. This adds a nice touch and did help more than I thought it might, since the eyes glide over the image in a way, which doesn't interrupt the flow of the plot but helps the mind switch gears. The plot is driven by the characters' thoughts and dialogue, letting their personalities create much of the mood. Rosalie is a bit hard to snuggle up with due to her sharper corners, but her character also packs arc and growth to drive her along. The world building is lighter but holds the scenes and atmosphere. Action takes a bit of a side-step, especially in the first section of the book. There, the characters drive the plot forward and do it well.
The ending rounds everything off to satisfy, and yet, there are promises of more to come. And with these two, it should be exciting.
Rosalie's father is wrapped into a year-long war, and while her brothers are pulled into it, her weak constitution leaves everyone thinking she's incapable. When an attempt to keep her in a safe place far away from the struggles finds her kidnapped, she is anything but willing to play along with the captor's game. While not strong, she won't let anyone rest easily. That is Crowe's misery, too. As captain of a pirate ship, he's been sliding around and poking at the powerful war ships in his own way. When he accidentally runs into Rosalie on one of his attacks, he wants to use her to gain money from her father...no pirate could let that chance slide. She's not dangerous, but her constant attitude is driving him crazy. But then, she might be more important to his secret intentions than he's aware.
This is a tale of power tug-a-wars with two unsuspecting heroes. Rosalie is pampered and packs a temper, where Crowe is experienced and calculative. The two, obviously, mix like fire and water, which raises the tension right away and keeps it taunt the entire way through. The banter drives this one forward as the intrigue and secrets unfold right underneath. Add the adventure the sea offers as pirates and war ships collide, and there's an explosive world of possibilities.
Anyone who loves to dive deep into the characters will enjoy this read. It switches between Rosalie and Crowe with other perspectives tossed in as needed to keep tensions high. To help keep it clear which character a chapter hits, a correlating illustration is printed at the beginning of the chapter. For example, Rosalie gets a fox. This adds a nice touch and did help more than I thought it might, since the eyes glide over the image in a way, which doesn't interrupt the flow of the plot but helps the mind switch gears. The plot is driven by the characters' thoughts and dialogue, letting their personalities create much of the mood. Rosalie is a bit hard to snuggle up with due to her sharper corners, but her character also packs arc and growth to drive her along. The world building is lighter but holds the scenes and atmosphere. Action takes a bit of a side-step, especially in the first section of the book. There, the characters drive the plot forward and do it well.
The ending rounds everything off to satisfy, and yet, there are promises of more to come. And with these two, it should be exciting.
July 9, 2026
The Silence of Deceit is an exhilarating fantasy adventure that expertly combines political intrigue, seafaring adventure, forbidden magic, and slow-burning romance into an unforgettable story. Jillian Eagan creates a richly layered world where betrayal, loyalty, and courage collide, keeping readers invested from the opening chapter to the final page.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its immersive world-building. The nation of Seity is filled with centuries of conflict, powerful ruling families, and dangerous secrets that gradually unfold throughout the story. Eagan skillfully reveals the history behind the kingdom's fractured politics and lost magic, allowing every revelation to deepen the mystery while raising the emotional stakes.
Rosalie Yorke is an outstanding protagonist whose intelligence, determination, and resilience make her impossible not to admire. Rather than accepting the role others expect her to play, she continually challenges her circumstances, demonstrating both vulnerability and remarkable inner strength. Her personal growth throughout the novel adds emotional depth to the larger conflict surrounding Seity.
Equally compelling is Crowe, whose guarded personality and complicated past make him far more than the typical pirate captain. His evolving relationship with Rosalie develops naturally through conflict, mutual respect, and shared adversity, creating an enemies-to-lovers dynamic that feels authentic and deeply satisfying. Their chemistry enhances the story without overshadowing its larger themes.
The novel also excels in balancing action with emotional storytelling. Naval adventures, political conspiracies, dangerous enemies, and magical mysteries are seamlessly woven together, creating a narrative that is consistently exciting while allowing meaningful character development to flourish. Every twist feels earned, and the pacing maintains momentum throughout.
Overall, The Silence of Deceit is a captivating fantasy filled with memorable characters, immersive world-building, compelling romance, and high-stakes adventure. Jillian Eagan has crafted a remarkable novel that will resonate with readers who enjoy pirate fantasy, romantasy, magical adventures, enemies-to-lovers romance, found family, and epic stories of rebellion, sacrifice, and hope.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its immersive world-building. The nation of Seity is filled with centuries of conflict, powerful ruling families, and dangerous secrets that gradually unfold throughout the story. Eagan skillfully reveals the history behind the kingdom's fractured politics and lost magic, allowing every revelation to deepen the mystery while raising the emotional stakes.
Rosalie Yorke is an outstanding protagonist whose intelligence, determination, and resilience make her impossible not to admire. Rather than accepting the role others expect her to play, she continually challenges her circumstances, demonstrating both vulnerability and remarkable inner strength. Her personal growth throughout the novel adds emotional depth to the larger conflict surrounding Seity.
Equally compelling is Crowe, whose guarded personality and complicated past make him far more than the typical pirate captain. His evolving relationship with Rosalie develops naturally through conflict, mutual respect, and shared adversity, creating an enemies-to-lovers dynamic that feels authentic and deeply satisfying. Their chemistry enhances the story without overshadowing its larger themes.
The novel also excels in balancing action with emotional storytelling. Naval adventures, political conspiracies, dangerous enemies, and magical mysteries are seamlessly woven together, creating a narrative that is consistently exciting while allowing meaningful character development to flourish. Every twist feels earned, and the pacing maintains momentum throughout.
Overall, The Silence of Deceit is a captivating fantasy filled with memorable characters, immersive world-building, compelling romance, and high-stakes adventure. Jillian Eagan has crafted a remarkable novel that will resonate with readers who enjoy pirate fantasy, romantasy, magical adventures, enemies-to-lovers romance, found family, and epic stories of rebellion, sacrifice, and hope.
November 7, 2025
Rating: 3.5-4☆
Books with pirates never miss for me. No matter the story, the chaos, or the heartbreak — there’s always something about a pirate crew, found family, and the salt-stung air of adventure that just pulls me right in. And The Silence of Deceit did exactly that.
From the very beginning, I was hooked by the mix of romance, secrets, and high-stakes intrigue. Lady Rosalie finds herself entangled with Captain Crowe, and what follows is a story filled with betrayal, loyalty, and the blurred lines between justice and survival.
One of my favorite parts wasn’t just the romance (though the slow burn between Rosalie and Crowe definitely delivered) it was Rosalie’s bond with Silence.
Their friendship became such a highlight for me. After all, nothing forges a connection faster than getting kidnapped together, right? 😂 I loved how their dynamic grew as the story went on; it grounded Rosalie in a world that was completely different from the one she came from.
The book is full of mysteries, secrets among the characters, political scheming between powerful families and of course, the constant question of what it really means to be a pirate.
The pacing kept things interesting.
As much as I enjoyed the story, Rosalie herself tested my patience at times. I adored her courage and her heart, but I did get frustrated when she wouldn’t give Crowe a chance to explain himself. There were moments where her reactions felt a bit too impulsive and it pulled me out of the romance a bit. Still, her growth by the end felt rewarding and the conclusion tied everything together nicely.
And speaking of endings — I didn’t realize until the final pages that this was going to be a trilogy! It wraps up in a really satisfying way, so I honestly wouldn’t have minded if this was a standalone. But knowing there’s more to come? I’m curious. The ending left me content but also quietly intrigued about what lies ahead for these characters.
Overall, The Silence of Deceit was an adventurous, romantic, and twist-filled read that scratched that pirate itch perfectly.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Books with pirates never miss for me. No matter the story, the chaos, or the heartbreak — there’s always something about a pirate crew, found family, and the salt-stung air of adventure that just pulls me right in. And The Silence of Deceit did exactly that.
From the very beginning, I was hooked by the mix of romance, secrets, and high-stakes intrigue. Lady Rosalie finds herself entangled with Captain Crowe, and what follows is a story filled with betrayal, loyalty, and the blurred lines between justice and survival.
One of my favorite parts wasn’t just the romance (though the slow burn between Rosalie and Crowe definitely delivered) it was Rosalie’s bond with Silence.
Their friendship became such a highlight for me. After all, nothing forges a connection faster than getting kidnapped together, right? 😂 I loved how their dynamic grew as the story went on; it grounded Rosalie in a world that was completely different from the one she came from.
The book is full of mysteries, secrets among the characters, political scheming between powerful families and of course, the constant question of what it really means to be a pirate.
The pacing kept things interesting.
As much as I enjoyed the story, Rosalie herself tested my patience at times. I adored her courage and her heart, but I did get frustrated when she wouldn’t give Crowe a chance to explain himself. There were moments where her reactions felt a bit too impulsive and it pulled me out of the romance a bit. Still, her growth by the end felt rewarding and the conclusion tied everything together nicely.
And speaking of endings — I didn’t realize until the final pages that this was going to be a trilogy! It wraps up in a really satisfying way, so I honestly wouldn’t have minded if this was a standalone. But knowing there’s more to come? I’m curious. The ending left me content but also quietly intrigued about what lies ahead for these characters.
Overall, The Silence of Deceit was an adventurous, romantic, and twist-filled read that scratched that pirate itch perfectly.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2026
If my review seems inaccurate that’s probably because I started skimming at about the 50% mark. Why didn’t I DNF it? Because I had this naive hope that it would get better because I love pirate books.
WHAT I LIKED:
-the bare bones vague concept. The blurb itself seemed very interesting and the cover drew me in. It felt almost like POTC with the high born lady and the pirate captain. Also, I loved the name Silence.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:
-the complete lack of depth. There were so many plot holes. So much that rushed and dragged. The shallow end of a puddle has more to it than this story. What’s going on with the war? Why name the entire book after a character who ends up being sort of minor? Who are all the characters? What’s the magic system and how does it work? Why kill all but one of the Wellers then be surprised that one is alive? The plot was so uninteresting and wasn’t engaging in the slightest. I know this is the first book in a trilogy but nothing happened. You can’t pay me to read the rest of the series.
-the characters. I can’t even give a proper explanation as to why I don’t like them because they were so one dimensional I can’t even begin to ethically dissect them. I don’t know the goals of anyone. The likes or dislikes. Anything. Also, WHY NAME THE BOOK AFTER SILENCE IF SHE ISNT EVEN A MAIN CHARACTER????!!!!
This book was not engaging in the slightest. Maybe I’m just too old for it. It felt very upper middle grade to lower YA for an age range. You can’t even call the pirates morally grey because they were not. It felt very “we’re pirates!!! >:) but we don’t steal or kill people! :D also, we all get along and never have problems and our captain is the greatest good guy ever!!!”
Gun to my head, I can’t tell you what the plot of this was or what happened or why. Another disappointment of a pirate book.
WHAT I LIKED:
-the bare bones vague concept. The blurb itself seemed very interesting and the cover drew me in. It felt almost like POTC with the high born lady and the pirate captain. Also, I loved the name Silence.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:
-the complete lack of depth. There were so many plot holes. So much that rushed and dragged. The shallow end of a puddle has more to it than this story. What’s going on with the war? Why name the entire book after a character who ends up being sort of minor? Who are all the characters? What’s the magic system and how does it work? Why kill all but one of the Wellers then be surprised that one is alive? The plot was so uninteresting and wasn’t engaging in the slightest. I know this is the first book in a trilogy but nothing happened. You can’t pay me to read the rest of the series.
-the characters. I can’t even give a proper explanation as to why I don’t like them because they were so one dimensional I can’t even begin to ethically dissect them. I don’t know the goals of anyone. The likes or dislikes. Anything. Also, WHY NAME THE BOOK AFTER SILENCE IF SHE ISNT EVEN A MAIN CHARACTER????!!!!
This book was not engaging in the slightest. Maybe I’m just too old for it. It felt very upper middle grade to lower YA for an age range. You can’t even call the pirates morally grey because they were not. It felt very “we’re pirates!!! >:) but we don’t steal or kill people! :D also, we all get along and never have problems and our captain is the greatest good guy ever!!!”
Gun to my head, I can’t tell you what the plot of this was or what happened or why. Another disappointment of a pirate book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2025
I like to thank NetGalley and publisher for allowing me a read at this really solid debut.
This is the start of a series about an eighteen year old girl, part of a noble family being sought out by another who wishes to end all the noble lines. Sent away to a manor with her servant / friend Silence, she is to live there while her father and brothers try to hold back their lands from being taken.
Meanwhile, we meet our pirate Crowe, who is young but determined to gain some sort of revenge over another pirate for killing his previous Capt. He makes his way to the coast of where our female lead and her friend are. It is here that our female lead and her friend are kidnapped and ransomed, he intercepts, decides to take on the ransom himself, but discovers that our female lead is a little too mouthy, and that's where our story and their slow-burn starts to burn.
I liked our characters; I liked the world they were in too. I just think I wanted a bit more than what I got in terms of the politics and the reason why magic exists. You see, there was a family that used to exist that was all but snuffed out. However, there are rumors that a child survived and that if they did, they would be powerful gain and tool to any who finds them.
I'm glad this is going to be a series because I see there is a lot to gain here. Now that we got our FL and her ML out of the way, I want to see more complications, issues, and more about the world building of how it all comes together. Hopefully that is what the author has in-store as well.
So if you like pirates, magic, and the start of an interesting series, this book is for you.
This is the start of a series about an eighteen year old girl, part of a noble family being sought out by another who wishes to end all the noble lines. Sent away to a manor with her servant / friend Silence, she is to live there while her father and brothers try to hold back their lands from being taken.
Meanwhile, we meet our pirate Crowe, who is young but determined to gain some sort of revenge over another pirate for killing his previous Capt. He makes his way to the coast of where our female lead and her friend are. It is here that our female lead and her friend are kidnapped and ransomed, he intercepts, decides to take on the ransom himself, but discovers that our female lead is a little too mouthy, and that's where our story and their slow-burn starts to burn.
I liked our characters; I liked the world they were in too. I just think I wanted a bit more than what I got in terms of the politics and the reason why magic exists. You see, there was a family that used to exist that was all but snuffed out. However, there are rumors that a child survived and that if they did, they would be powerful gain and tool to any who finds them.
I'm glad this is going to be a series because I see there is a lot to gain here. Now that we got our FL and her ML out of the way, I want to see more complications, issues, and more about the world building of how it all comes together. Hopefully that is what the author has in-store as well.
So if you like pirates, magic, and the start of an interesting series, this book is for you.
June 28, 2026
The Silence of Deceit is a pirate Romantasy, so clearly, I had to read it 🙌🏻
The story follows Lady Rosalie Yorke and her best friend Silence. They've grown up together since they were children, but as they've grown, they begin to realise that life will throw a lot of twists and turns your way... 👀
As a war takes over their homeland, the pair are sent away to escape the battle but it doesn't go quite to plan. They find themselves captured by raiders... And then by pirates 💀
What Captain Crowe didn't expect, was that the ransom money he was planning to gather would actually become less appealing to him, the longer he spends with Rosalie aboard the Deceit 🫣
I absolutely loved this read. I DO feel like I knew exactly who was to blame as soon as I started reading, but the pages kept me turning, eager to see exactly how everything panned out. The relationship between Crowe and Rosalie felt like it blossomed really naturally rather than just suddenly jumping from Hate-to-Lovers and I enjoyed the build up and angst between the pair.
And being chronically ill myself, I especially enjoyed seeing our FMC struggle with ill health but still manage to be an absolute badass 😂🫶🏻
⭐⭐⭐⭐ From me and would recommend to anyone who loves a good ol' pirate 😈☠️
The story follows Lady Rosalie Yorke and her best friend Silence. They've grown up together since they were children, but as they've grown, they begin to realise that life will throw a lot of twists and turns your way... 👀
As a war takes over their homeland, the pair are sent away to escape the battle but it doesn't go quite to plan. They find themselves captured by raiders... And then by pirates 💀
What Captain Crowe didn't expect, was that the ransom money he was planning to gather would actually become less appealing to him, the longer he spends with Rosalie aboard the Deceit 🫣
I absolutely loved this read. I DO feel like I knew exactly who was to blame as soon as I started reading, but the pages kept me turning, eager to see exactly how everything panned out. The relationship between Crowe and Rosalie felt like it blossomed really naturally rather than just suddenly jumping from Hate-to-Lovers and I enjoyed the build up and angst between the pair.
And being chronically ill myself, I especially enjoyed seeing our FMC struggle with ill health but still manage to be an absolute badass 😂🫶🏻
⭐⭐⭐⭐ From me and would recommend to anyone who loves a good ol' pirate 😈☠️
June 18, 2026
Set in the 1840's there's a family by the name of Wellers who have magic and a birthright to the Eastern Hills, but they've all been killed except for the small fact that one may actually be alive.
Now, we begin the book with Rosalie who truly is in a patriarchal society as she's trying so hard to learn the politics that will quite literally shape her life and her own father, King doesn't appreciate it. Then she's kidnapped alongside her friend Silence. Now, her friends name may seem a bit odd but there is a reason for it so bear with me because my goodness the pay off!!!!! I cannot spoil this for you, so all I will say is that this is the perfect book for in depth character analysis, it's just set up so well how Rosalie is the way she is because of her mothers death in childbirth which pertains to her fathers hatred of her. Apologies for the info dump, I just have so much to say about this book because I genuinely had so much fun!
Thank you WhimsyWordsPR for giving me the opportunity to read this 🙏 would highly reccommend
Now, we begin the book with Rosalie who truly is in a patriarchal society as she's trying so hard to learn the politics that will quite literally shape her life and her own father, King doesn't appreciate it. Then she's kidnapped alongside her friend Silence. Now, her friends name may seem a bit odd but there is a reason for it so bear with me because my goodness the pay off!!!!! I cannot spoil this for you, so all I will say is that this is the perfect book for in depth character analysis, it's just set up so well how Rosalie is the way she is because of her mothers death in childbirth which pertains to her fathers hatred of her. Apologies for the info dump, I just have so much to say about this book because I genuinely had so much fun!
Thank you WhimsyWordsPR for giving me the opportunity to read this 🙏 would highly reccommend
October 2, 2025
"War is a noble’s game; pirating is for rule breakers."
This line perfectly sums up The Silence of Deceit. We have political intrigue. We have swashbuckling pirates. We have action. We have family secrets. And MORE!
Our FMC, Rosalie, wants to impress her father, but it's hard when she views herself as fragile, weak, incapable, and useless. Throughout the book, we're cheering for her to find her strength. Brace yourselves for a huge character arc!
Bring in Crow, our dashing, cocky MMC and book boyfriend for all you readers who need a charming pirate to fall in love with. Crow wants to prove himself as a good captain for his crew and has worked hard to earn their respect. When he and Rosalie meet, there's bound to be a feast of witty banter amid a backdrop of secrets and revelations that could change them all! (not saying more because spoilers :P)
Can't wait to see how the story continues in future books!!
This line perfectly sums up The Silence of Deceit. We have political intrigue. We have swashbuckling pirates. We have action. We have family secrets. And MORE!
Our FMC, Rosalie, wants to impress her father, but it's hard when she views herself as fragile, weak, incapable, and useless. Throughout the book, we're cheering for her to find her strength. Brace yourselves for a huge character arc!
Bring in Crow, our dashing, cocky MMC and book boyfriend for all you readers who need a charming pirate to fall in love with. Crow wants to prove himself as a good captain for his crew and has worked hard to earn their respect. When he and Rosalie meet, there's bound to be a feast of witty banter amid a backdrop of secrets and revelations that could change them all! (not saying more because spoilers :P)
Can't wait to see how the story continues in future books!!
June 27, 2026
Many thanks to the author, Jillian and Fiona from Whimsy Words PR for a copy of this book for the upcoming book tour.
I am NOT a fantasy girlie. I really really battle with the genre. And when I saw this was a "non-smut romance" I was like "this is gonna be an experience".
HOWEVER!
Boy was I surprised. It seems to be the pirate books that have me in a chokehold right now but this was really good. Granted the pace in the first 160 pages were a bit of a slog as it was a lot of tension and building up to the twist. But when I hit 200 pages in I couldn't put it down. I was trying to guess the twists and turns, I was second guessing myself. I completely forgot I read smut (trust me this book didn't need it) and couldn't put it down until I got to the end.
Rosalie, Reis and Silence were all compelling characters and I can't wait to see what happens next with them in book two.
I really enjoyed this read, a great debut from Jillian.
I am NOT a fantasy girlie. I really really battle with the genre. And when I saw this was a "non-smut romance" I was like "this is gonna be an experience".
HOWEVER!
Boy was I surprised. It seems to be the pirate books that have me in a chokehold right now but this was really good. Granted the pace in the first 160 pages were a bit of a slog as it was a lot of tension and building up to the twist. But when I hit 200 pages in I couldn't put it down. I was trying to guess the twists and turns, I was second guessing myself. I completely forgot I read smut (trust me this book didn't need it) and couldn't put it down until I got to the end.
Rosalie, Reis and Silence were all compelling characters and I can't wait to see what happens next with them in book two.
I really enjoyed this read, a great debut from Jillian.
July 6, 2026
‘The Silence of Deceit’ is my first pirate fantasy I’ve read and it’s a lovely introduction to the genre. I really enjoyed this read and the descriptive writing and the scenery made me feel like I’m at sea myself living in the same world of characters. I enjoyed the letters and the writing of the letters was really clear, the symbols on each chapter was a lovely touch and the map was absolutely gorgeous!
This was a really engaging read, I enjoyed the short chapters but at the same time, I was thinking 'give me more!' I can’t get enough of it! I loved the change and growth of Rosalie and how she came out of her shell, most of all I loved seeing Rosalie and the captain’s yearning journey together! There was a mini cliffhanger at the end of book and now i definitely want to continue the series!
If you are new to pirate fantasy like me or are already a fan then add this to your TBR!
This was a really engaging read, I enjoyed the short chapters but at the same time, I was thinking 'give me more!' I can’t get enough of it! I loved the change and growth of Rosalie and how she came out of her shell, most of all I loved seeing Rosalie and the captain’s yearning journey together! There was a mini cliffhanger at the end of book and now i definitely want to continue the series!
If you are new to pirate fantasy like me or are already a fan then add this to your TBR!
December 14, 2025
If you like a lady whose hobby is not listening to pirates, then this book is for you! I was immediately sucked into the world and loved the two main characters. I found myself reading longer than I intended every time I picked this one up. This book had an amazing balance of political intrigue, friendship and romance with a hint of fantasy and magic I hope will be explored further in future books. I loved the focus on friendship in addition to the romance plot and am excited to learn more about the other characters as the series progresses!
June 25, 2026
4 Stars💫
Thank you Whimsy Words PR for the review copy!💙
The Silence of Deceit was my first time ever reading a pirate romance novel, and it did not disappoint! The book follows Rosalie, the lady, and Crowe, the captain, on a journey of adventure, secrets, deceit, and a budding romance on top of it all. This is a story that held so much unexpected depth that kept me on my toes through the entire thing. Rosalie and Crowe bantered like crazy, and I ate up every second of it! Even with a bit of a rocky start, the chemistry between them was undeniable. How could I not root for them? This was a GORGEOUS debut novel. It was adorable, interesting, and the book hit just right. I'm excited about and looking forward to the next novel within the series once it releases!
Thank you Whimsy Words PR for the review copy!💙
The Silence of Deceit was my first time ever reading a pirate romance novel, and it did not disappoint! The book follows Rosalie, the lady, and Crowe, the captain, on a journey of adventure, secrets, deceit, and a budding romance on top of it all. This is a story that held so much unexpected depth that kept me on my toes through the entire thing. Rosalie and Crowe bantered like crazy, and I ate up every second of it! Even with a bit of a rocky start, the chemistry between them was undeniable. How could I not root for them? This was a GORGEOUS debut novel. It was adorable, interesting, and the book hit just right. I'm excited about and looking forward to the next novel within the series once it releases!
July 4, 2026
Never read a pirate book before but i will certainly be searching for them now!
This book was a ride of adventure, banter, mystery and tension!! I loved it!
I do not have many words to share. It was so unique and unlike anything i have read before! The MMC is more jack sparrow than will turner, he was quirky, fun, and a little bit of a menace! The FMC gives more katnis Everdeen vibes with her independence, sassiness and fighting spirit! I just loved all of it! It really has been a great read!
This book was a ride of adventure, banter, mystery and tension!! I loved it!
I do not have many words to share. It was so unique and unlike anything i have read before! The MMC is more jack sparrow than will turner, he was quirky, fun, and a little bit of a menace! The FMC gives more katnis Everdeen vibes with her independence, sassiness and fighting spirit! I just loved all of it! It really has been a great read!
July 7, 2026
I don't read nearly enough pirate fantasy, and The Silence of Deceit reminded me why I should.
This story has pirates, political intrigue, hidden magic, and an enemies to lovers romance that kept me invested from the beginning. Rosalie and Crowe are constantly at odds, but the tension between them made me want to keep turning the pages. If you love stories with dangerous journeys, morally gray characters, slow burn romance, and secrets that unravel the deeper you get into the story, this one is definitely worth checking out.
This story has pirates, political intrigue, hidden magic, and an enemies to lovers romance that kept me invested from the beginning. Rosalie and Crowe are constantly at odds, but the tension between them made me want to keep turning the pages. If you love stories with dangerous journeys, morally gray characters, slow burn romance, and secrets that unravel the deeper you get into the story, this one is definitely worth checking out.
October 16, 2025
This is an amazing read that will keep you wanting more at each page.
A love story between a pirate and a Lady. What could be better? I love the complicated relationship between the characters and the authors does a very good job at making you fully immerse yourself into their world, screaming at the page for more.
It’s also a book full of adventure and obstacles! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for book two to come out! I definitely must read!
A love story between a pirate and a Lady. What could be better? I love the complicated relationship between the characters and the authors does a very good job at making you fully immerse yourself into their world, screaming at the page for more.
It’s also a book full of adventure and obstacles! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for book two to come out! I definitely must read!
June 27, 2026
2.5 ⭐️ a cute YA pirate fantasy with a good story of friendship. the writing was easy to follow and the characters were decent.
i do wish there had been a little MORE. the writing didn’t feel super fleshed out and i feel like it lacked depth and details that could have helped put me more into the story. the plot was good but again it lacked depth in some parts.
if you’re looking for a quick & easy pirate fantasy this one may be for you!
i do wish there had been a little MORE. the writing didn’t feel super fleshed out and i feel like it lacked depth and details that could have helped put me more into the story. the plot was good but again it lacked depth in some parts.
if you’re looking for a quick & easy pirate fantasy this one may be for you!
January 20, 2026
Hi Jillian, The Silence of Deceit was a fantastic read. I loved the rich world building, the layered politics, and especially the friendships at the heart of the story. Rosalie and Crowe felt vivid and compelling, and the ending left me excited for what’s next. Congratulations on a strong series debut!
May 4, 2026
An amazing start to a trilogy by Jillian Eagan, full of piracy, romance, deceit and political intrigue! We have a strong FMC and a witty pirate as the love interest. The world is magical but also realistic, so no complicated world building, which makes the book perfect for fantasy-beginners. The interesting plot twists keep the story engaging and interesting!
November 7, 2025
Loved it! A great reminder that we are often more capable than we think. I can't wait to read the second book in the trilogy!
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