The Devil to Pay: A sweeping and epic queer historical adventure

Nightingale & Courtney #2

by Katie Daysh

In a world of gunpowder, smoke and blood, two men’s love will rise above the chaos.

'An absorbing follow-up to the brilliant Leeward' The Times

In 1802, The Treaty of Amiens brings the French Revolutionary Wars to an end. After the drama of the past few years, Lieutenant Arthur Courtney returns home to England where he hopes to spend a blissful summer with his close friend, Hiram Nightingale.

But within weeks, HMS Loyal goes missing en route to Malta. She carries a French and British diplomat, Hugo Baptiste and Sir William Haywood. Their disappearance, in this tentative time of peace, may be enough to prematurely ignite war between France and Britain once more.

Both Courtney and Nightingale, Sir William’s son-in-law, receive a position on HMS Lysander, tasked with tracking down the missing frigate. But as their mission grows ever more dangerous with each passing day, the risk of dissension simmers menacingly on the deck of the Lysander.

And when painful memories finally begin to rise to the surface after so many years, the truth of Courtney and Nightingale’s powerful bond could be the spark that sets everything ablaze…

A thrilling queer adventure on the High Seas, with romance, naval warfare and long hidden secrets finally come to light. Perfect for fans of Kate Mosse, Ken Follett and Diana Gabaldon.

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, M M Romance, Romance, Fiction, LGBT, Queer

405 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2024

About the author

Katie Daysh is an author of historical fiction. Her books explore the voices of queer characters in spaces where they are often underrepresented. The sea is a central theme in her stories. She is the author of the Nightingale/Courtney queer naval adventure series: Leeward, longlisted for the HWA Debut Awards 2024, The Devil to Pay, overall winner of the Isle of Wight Book Awards 2025, and A Merciful Sea, named as part of The Times' Best Historical Fiction 2025.

Reviews

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For whatever reason, my mood reading brain has apparently decided that nautical historicals with queer romantic subplots is exactly what it’s after, and this series is delivering on that unique vibe. I was excited to immediately dive back into this world and am pleased that while book two perhaps didn’t quite live up to book one, it was nonetheless another solid instalment.

It was such a surprise when I started this book and realised that this instalment was told through Courtney’s POV. I thought it was a clever way to provided a fresh narrative tone and perspective to the story, while allowing an avenue for the plot to progress following the concluding events in Leeward. As valuable as it was to learn more about Courtney and his past, I did miss being in Nightingale’s head and hearing his internal voice. He is one of those ‘still waters run deep’ sort of characters and without experiencing his inner thoughts his presence in the story was able to blend almost too easily into the background until it was convenient to pull him back. However, it made my heart feel full that we get the opportunity to see the importance and influence of the role Nightingale has played in Courtneys life and how deep Courtney’ affection for him.

This story was at times a challenging read, especially given its period accurate portrayal of homosexuality and the consequence thereof. Often while reading, I felt like I shared the frustration and conflict Courtney battled with while facing a strict authoritative hierarchy, navigating his morals and often rigid sense of justice and the struggles he faced trying to find a balance between his identity as an Naval Officer and a common sailor.

I know that I have mentioned that this is a bit of an unconventional romance. I would be definitely a bit reluctant to point someone towards this who needs a more romance forward plot but I adore the love between Nightingale and Courtney and how it’s woven in as a subplot. I must admit though, that I find myself nervous as to how Nightingale and Courtney’s story will conclude in the final instalment.

Another fantastic instalment full of action packed sea battles and high stakes drama and one of the sweetest representations of an ace relationship I have come across. I think for all my stress and frustration reading this it's still a solid 4.5 ✨ time, rounded down ♥️

Consider following my instagram

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨📖🌟📚 Library 📚🌟📖✨

This is an Arthur Courtney stan account

✨🪐🌞☀️🧡💕

Today's emo edit:

Artie was so fucking brave. And a brilliant tactician. He'd climbed the ranks on his own prowess and perseverance, his courage, his honourable nature, his vulnerabilities.

He's had to navigate, not only the brutal seas, but the sneering ranks of men who got their command through wealth and birthright.

I'm just so fking proud of him I'm literally still crying about how his character arc has been an inspiration and a lesson in courage and dignity, especially in the face of violence, insidious malice, and bigotry. He may not be able to shout his Love out loud, but he'll do his best to stymie injustice with his whole heart, and be a champion for those who need help the most.

What an extraordinary moving character
And I'm so happy to be sitting here a day later, drafting this on my phone OMG, and Still caught up in the churning vibration of his every accomplished act of courage, his tears, his blood, his fears of losing Nightingale, and the bright, radiant blast of his glee, at finally being professionally recognized by his superiors for his many victories at sea! Most notably when he'd had to assume the role of commander (in lieu of a healthy/alive post-captain) whenever disaster + charybdis levels of chaos struck!
HE'S THAT GUY
AND I AM SUCH A FAN OMG

✨🪐🌞☀️🧡💕

Me yesterday:


i took my first full breath at 98%

I may need 5-7 business days
for this epic adventure to leave my heart rate in peace

Please,
the palpitations
My Blood's still pumping like I was there and I did those things!
This whole book did not come to play omg

I was Sobbing over a fking handshake
Who am I rn

And I'm still crying
because Artie and Hiram are in love
and that's so important to me rn!

Release meeeeee
How was this so ferocious and vital and I'm a landlubber?! Sis whAt is this catchy parlance and can I keep IT

Are 2SLGBTQIA+ nautical historicals my thing now?

Because every single one of my thoughts are screaming

This was amazing
YES
I loved this more than Book 1 which was also very awesome
But it wasn't THIS level of unrelenting, deeply moving, excruciating emotional mayhem
With battles and cannons and blood

Maybe a more substantial RTC when I get my life and thoughts together

***NB: 🪐 time delay - please bear with me because my keyboard (new one otw) is typing extra letters and reviewing has been a nightmare managing the mess (Virgo 🌞)***

[Pudsey Recommends · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to jump back into Katie Daysh's world after being swept away by "Leeward" - I had read it asa buddy read on our Reading Rainbow Book Club (everyone loved Leeward). "The Devil To Pay" most definitely lived up to my high expectations!

This sequel stands strong on its own, with a storyline that grabs you from the very start – I was hooked from the mid-sea ship authority altercation right through to the dangerous mission in the Napoleonic era. I loved the early chapters on the Isle of Wight - that was such a treat. That was not to last, though, as they are summoned to go in search of Nightingale's father-in-law's ship that has been lost at sea, a dangerous mission which will most certainly test their bond and courage.

I absolutely adore Daysh's portrayal of a queer-normative world in historical settings. As in Leeward, their relationship is portrayed with much authenticity, adding a layer of complexity and emotional depth to the story. The attention to detail and extensive research shine through in every battle and love scene, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. Courtney's perspective offers a fresh and engaging dynamic. As his backstory unfolds, I found myself becoming more attached to his character, particularly during the poignant and emotional moments that highlight the challenges/persecutions (there are some very upsetting moments ) faced by queer folk throughout history.

The novel seamlessly weaves romance into its central action, maintaining a well-paced and engrossing storyline that delves into the complexities of the time period. The storytelling is divine! I am a hundred percent certain that fans of slow-burn romance and historical fiction will find this sequel to be a satisfying and enriching read.

I'm already counting down the days until the next instalment!

Special thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for providing an advance reader copy!

[M Gregs · Rating 4 out of 5]

But Courtney had always performed in the margins, in the grey waters between the tides. She, and all her men, depended upon him, and he depended upon her and them. For the first time despite having had temporary command before, he felt the weight of it. It would be his plan which saved, or condemned, the lost men and this very ship.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because this series is criminally under-appreciated.

First of all, thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an eARC of this book.

Leeward was one of my favorite finds of 2023, so I was incredibly excited to learn that the story that started in Leeward would continue in a trilogy. I added The Devil to Pay to my Goodreads TBR as soon as it was available, and this was easily one of my most-anticipated releases of 2024. Suffice to say, my expectations for this book were high. Fortunately, Ms. Daysh and her amazing characters did not disappoint.

Before delving into my review of The Devil to Pay it's important to back up and provide some commentary on Leeward. The first book in this series follows the crew of the Scylla, captained by Hiram Nightingale, as they search for a missing Royal Navy ship. The story is entirely told through Nightingale's POV. Nightingale has suffered a great deal of personal trauma, and holds himself together chiefly though his strong sense of duty to the Navy. He is reserved and measured, but he also has an incredibly strong moral compass that sometimes sets him at odds with both the Navy that he loves and, at times, himself. As a result, Leeward's story focuses primarily on Nightingale's internal struggles and how, in the end, he must choose between his duty as a naval officer and his duty as a human being.

As a result of Nightingale's intense introspection throughout Leeward, it is only in the second half of the book that we really begin to see his relationship with First Lieutenant Arthur Courtney to grow--from animosity, to friendship, and finally, within the last pages of the book, to something more. I've noticed that some reviewers find it odd that the relationship at the heart of this book is only acknowledged aloud in its final pages. However, given Nightingale's inner turmoil throughout Leeward, it's not that surprising that he can only truly acknowledge his affection once he's dealt with his own demons.

I enjoyed Nightingale's POV immensely in Leeward and was not at all unsettled or surprised that his relationship with Courtney was a subtle burn throughout the book. Going into The Devil to Pay I was expecting more of the same. However, Ms. Daysh completely surprised me by changing the POV in the second book to Courtney. And I am absolutely in awe of the way that Courtney's POV completely changes the reading experience while still staying true to the storyline, the relationships, and the conflicts of Leeward. POV changes are tricky to pull off well within a single book; they're even more risky when the change happens between book 1 and book 2 in a series. But damn. Ms. Daysh absolutely knocked it out of the park.

I loved reading Courtney's POV in The Devil to Pay. He brought an absolutely fresh perspective to this series. Where Nightingale's POV was rigid, inflexible, detail-oriented, and self-deprecating, Courtney's POV was full of passion, yearning, bravado, and fire. And, in all the ways that matter, Courtney's POV stayed true to the heart of the series and the storylines that made me fall in love with it in the first place.

The Devil to Pay picks up about a year after the events of Leeward. Courtney is still First Lieutenant on the Scylla, and still hoping to become a captain. Nightingale, honorably discharged from the Navy, is living at home in England. The two continue to kindle their relationship through consistent but carefully-crafted letters, the frequency of which likely says more about what they mean to one another than they dare to express in words.

Once again, through a chaotic series of events, Courtney finds himself temporarily in charge of the Scylla while working with another English vessel (the Meridian) to capture the French ship Cygne. When the Meridian makes a strategic error and finds itself lodged on a sandbar, Courtney realizes that the Cygne is about to become engulfed in flames and sends his men to rescue as many survivors as possible. The Cygne sinks, its captain--Bonfils--is captured, and all seems well. Except that the Meridian's captain is not pleased with Courtney because he chose to rescue the survivors from the Cygne instead of help the Meridian.

Months later, it is peacetime. Courtney and Nightingale have reunited in England and are stealing what time they can together in a cottage on the Isle of Wight. Their careful peace is fractured when news arrives that Sir William Haywood--Nightingale's father-in-law--has disappeared along with the ship on which he traveled, the Loyal. Through a series of coincidences, Courtney finds himself on a clandestine rescue mission aboard the refitted merchant ship Lysander with Captain Bryant (formerly of the Meridian) at its helm. Nightingale accompanies them as well as a civilian given his relationship with Haywood.

The mood aboard the Lysander is antagonistic, to say the least. Bryant has not forgotten Courtney's previous failure to come to his aid and is openly hostile to Courtney throughout the voyage. Many of the men aboard the ship are merchant sailors who resent having to take orders from Naval officers. Nightingale and Courtney's relationship is strained as well, largely because they are unable to freely show any sort of affection toward one another for fear of being accused of homosexuality--a crime punishable by death.

And this is one of the central themes throughout the book. Courtney often reflects on how different his life would be if he were simply allowed to love whomever he chooses. There's an absolutely heartbreaking parallel story developing among two crew members throughout the first half of the book. As their story unfolds with awful consequences, both Nightingale and Courtney must reckon with the brutality that awaits them if their true relationship were ever uncovered. At one point, Courtney thinks, "how ironic it was that the law, and its enforcers, could feel more at ease killing two men rather than accepting their bond." Ironic. Shameful. Terrifying. And yet the reality that Courtney and Nightingale must face every time they risk so much as a casual glance or touch in front of their shipmates.

Ms. Daysh's storytelling throughout is sublime. This is a book that is filled with brutal storms, savage shipwrecks, intense combat, and bloody piracy, all described in intricate, heart-pounding detail. And yet, the relative calm moments in-between carry just as much weight and consequence. There are no dull moments in this book. No breathing room. No filler. Much like its central character, The Devil to Pay feels youthful and wild and passionate and reflects the thrilling highs and awful lows of a life at sea.

I won't spoil any more of the story here, but I will conclude by saying it has several extremely satisfying arcs that conclude with an overall satisfying ending. I admit to being a little thrown by some of the coincidences that happened toward the end of the book, but I'm more than willing to overlook those because of the otherwise outstanding character development and storytelling.

I have no idea what lies in store for these characters in the final installment of this trilogy, but I absolutely cannot wait to learn what happens next.

"You are probably more aware that I do not take many risks, but this..." He lowered his hand, caressing Courtney's neck and down to his chest where his heart beat. "I would not change a thing. I would take this risk one hundred times over."

[Louis Muñoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounding up to 5. I actually like this sequel much better than the first outing. The stakes were much higher for the two main characters, and their story made more sense as well. Very much looking forward to more in this excellent series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[✨Meli the bookworm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

they both had wounds. some sustained together, some sustained apart and both understood the trials they represented. no barrier of society could hinder that bond...

4.75⭐
THIS BAD BOI IS A TRUE MULTITASKER. IT CAN FIT SO ✨MANY NAVAL DISASTERS✨ AND SO MUCH ✨YEARNING✨ AND ✨TRAUMA✨

while this one is a bit shorter than book 1, it took almost twice the time than the former for a couple of reasons. one, the yearning: oh, artie is a yearner indeed. second, and this is a personal preference, i have a very hard a time with books that depict period accurate homophobia, and while in this case the situation is not something where any of the mc is directly involved, it does affect them since the consequences for the people involved are devastating and makes them question their own queerness and relationship; so in the event you are reading this, and are not quite sure if considering *gestures wildly around* you want to read about people being punished for the sole purpose of being queer, just make sure you are in a good headspace before proceeding. the book is worth it.

they had to exist in the shadows, but they could create their own lives in the cracks of society.

so worth it!!



P.S. once again, the narration is outstanding and i have already gone and added other books by the same narrator to my wish list.

P.S.S PRAY FOR ME BECAUSE MY NEXT LIBRO.FM CREDITS DROP IN 10 DAYS AND I AM HOPING I DON'T GO INSANE WITH THE WAIT UNTIL I CAN START BOOK 3🥹

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like crack to me, I couldn't stop reading it, I can't stop thinking about it, if I could give it more stars I would 😭❤️

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.75 stars

The Devil to Pay is the sequel to author Katie Daysh’s fantastic debut, Leeward, in the Nightingale and Courtney series. I loved Leeward, so I was eagerly looking forward to The Devil to Pay and Daysh does not disappoint. Like its predecessor, The Devil to Pay is filled with fantastic action sequences, a wonderful historically centered plot, and two characters who continue to be engaging.

The drama here is spot on and, save for a side plot whose resolution felt a little too on the nose and a few excessive moments during the last few chapters, it never tips over into melodrama. Instead, readers are given front row seats to savage storms, a devastating collision between ships, and the violence of battles fought at sea. Its gripping, heart-in-your-throat stuff and gorgeously written.

Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has everything: nice characters, good storytelling, action and wholesomeness - and sailing ships. Looking forward to the last book! Hopefully they'll get a happy end.

[Jen (Fae_Princess_in_Space) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Katie Daysh’s first book, Leeward, when I read it last year and I think I loved this sequel just as much, if not more! Vividly written with cinematic-like descriptions of storms and sea-battles, this book absolutely drew me into the world of the English Navy and the trials and tribulations of life at sea in the early 1800s.

This book picks up a little while after Leeward finishes, and where Leeward is told from the POV of Hiram Nightingale, this book is all about his lover, Lieutenant Arthur Courtney. After Nightingale is dismissed from the Navy, Courtney is left on the Scylla, but after a chaotic clash that leads to the Scylla’s decommissioning, Courtney finds himself embroiled in a secret mission onboard the Lysander, captained by the unfriendly Captain Bryant. Aided by the French ship Fantôme, they are searching for a missing ship that could spell the end of the tentative peace between Britain and France.

Honestly I cannot get enough of Daysh’s writing. You feel like you’re on the boat with the characters, can smell the gunpowder and taste the salt spray of the sea. And the characters are all so well written and in-depth, even the side characters. As with Leeward, there were some absolutely devastating moments that absolutely broke my heart, but also some moments of pure joy and triumph. You can tell the love and sheer amount of research that has gone into this book!

I will absolutely read anything this author writes and I hope that there will be more to come from Courtney and Nightingale!

Read The Devil to Pay for:
✨ 1800s historical seafaring adventure
✨ Queer romance that doesn’t shy away from the horrors of the time
✨ Storms and sea battles
✨ Incredible research and historical detail
✨ Moments of heartbreak and of joy
✨ Cinematic-like storytelling
✨ Beautifully written MCs and SCs

[Phoebe Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This can easily be the best thing I´ve read this year so far... Which is not that surprising, because I loved the first book of Nightingale and Courtney when I got the ARC last year, so I had high hopes for this one as well.

And I don´t know if it´s because I knew what to expect or since I was in the mood for a naval story, but I think I even enjoyed this one better than the first one (I´ll need a reread to check). Anyway, here are the things that I liked the most on this one you can know what it contains:

- The MC for this story is Courtney and, instead of the Caribbean seas, this time we can expect an adventure through (mainly) the Mediterranean.
- Similar to the previous book, the mission is searching for a missing ship. In this case, it´s one that Nightingale´s father in law is travelling in, along with more English and French sailors.
- The alliances are so well done (there is a redemption plot and quite a few unjustices going on aboard those ships that are beatifully handled) and so are the enemies.
- Something in this book made me cry (it is a compliment, I hardly ever cry with a book)
- There are pirates. But like, real pirates, not those unfriendly characters of some books that bark a lot but don´t do anything dangerous.
- The romance is subtle, as it is not the main focus of the story, but it´s a 10 out of 10 for me. When you got a story this well crafted, you really don´t need much more in those terms.

I´ll be waiting for the next book by this author :D

[Femke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t think this is an action packed adventure romance story. It’s very slow and usually I’m not a big fan of slow stories, but for some reason this series really works for me. I love the atmosphere, the nautical elements, the ships and the sea and most of all, the relationship between Nightingale and Courtney. It feels so realistic for the time period it’s taking place in. My heart aches for them 💔 they are so precious together 🥹.
It also proves that a romance doesn’t always have to have explicit scenes to be enjoyable or believable. Reading these books is just very comforting during a long rainy day and I hope there will be a book three soon!

[Iona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this so much.

The sea battle and the manoeuvres were all so well written - I could see them all so clearly.

And I adored both Courtney and Nightingale. And Obi. And Smythe. An excellent cast, who were all so well written.

I loved the development of Courtney and Nightingale’s relationship. It made me feel so many feels.

I really hope there is more.

[Carol Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE DEVIL TO PAY is the exciting follow up to LEEWARD, the acclaimed debut of UK author Katie Daysh. It's a naval adventure set in the Napoleonic wars, but also a love story between two Royal Navy officers. Both male leads are brave, patriotic British officers, yet their sense of justice (and their sexual orientation) gives them a wounded, vulnerable quality that's both disturbing and deeply attractive. Hiram Nightingale is an aristocrat from a prominent naval family, while Arthur Courtney is an orphan from an impoverished seaside village on the remote Isle of Wight.

Courtney takes center stage in this second installment, as he is sent to the Mediterranean as part of a mysterious diplomatic mission that soon turns into a race against time to save his comrade Nightingale and a host of other British seamen from slavery or worse. Along the way there are storms, pirates, an active and deadly volcano, and a tragic villain from Courtney's dark past.

Katie Daysh is more than just an adventure writer. Every page of this story is filled with the thrills and danger of life at sea, and you will be amazed at how much the technical detail adds to the constant air of danger, adventure, and suspense. But there's always something more, something deeper going on within the characters. Courtney is an outsider in the Royal Navy because of his humble birth and his secret feelings for Nightingale. Yet at the same time he's a brilliant officer with a deep sense of loyalty to his men and a respect for the poor and oppressed. Every time he faces a challenge he seems so shy and vulnerable, yet he always exceeds expectations and lives up to his own ideals. Katie Daysh does an amazing job of shading the narrative so that the wonderful surprises at the end of the book really feel like surprises. Courtney makes a lot of assumptions about how is superiors view him and his unhappiness is very relatable because he underestimates himself in such a human and believable way. I was so happy for him at the end of the book!

Nothing in this book could have been more exciting or romantic than the reunion between Courtney and Nightingale at the end. I was especially pleased that people of color and women are fully represented in this novel, in ways that are completely authentic and true to the time and place. In conclusion, I firmly believe that Katie Daysh is an author to watch. I follow her blog regularly and I know she is planning to explore genres such as horror and science fiction in the future. I look forward to reading those stories, because she is brilliant at creating atmosphere and suspense in any setting. I am certain Katie Daysh will go a very long way!

[Méli ☀︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Alright, I loved this.

First things first: I hadn't realised this was a sequel and hadn't read the first book. The good news though is that this works perfectly well as a standalone.

This is 100% one of my favourite reads of 2024 so far. Courtney is a wonderfully complex and interesting main character. I liked that his relationship with Nightingale didn't represent the biggest part of the plot, contrary to what the cover might make you think. I like my romance best when it takes a backseat to the main storyline. Which was so full of adventures and emotions. I was immensely entertained, I cried, I raged, I giggled, I felt all the feelings. Naval battles! Secret missions! Courts martial! Pirates! Volcanoes! It had everything and was clearly heavily researched.

I will now run to get my hands on the first book and will automatically buy anything from this author 👏🏻

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in this (thus far) outstanding trilogy came out less than two years ago, and I've already read it twice - which should go some way to demonstrating just how much I loved it given a TBR that numbers in the thousands.
This equally brilliant, engrossing sequel easily lives up to the high expectations with which I went into it. Another high stakes, gripping, action-filled high seas adventure involving plots, betrayals and emotional turmoil, with the protagonists' gorgeous slowburn forbidden romance developing further in the background.
The POV in this one is Arthur Courtney's, with his backstory slowly laid out in flashbacks to complement Nightingale's in the first book. Hopefully this means the final book will feature dual POVs, allowing deeper insight into both characters' minds and emotional state. Either way, I can't wait to delve into it!

[Lizva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one even more than the first. The action on the high seas was gripping and well portrayed, but what I really enjoyed is the character development. This one is from the perspective of Lt. Courtney, and delves into his backstory and feelings of being an outsider. I found that relatable. The author takes this in interesting places, and similarly as in the first book, the protagonist must come to terms with operating in a system that he views as unjust. He has to find a way to feel agency there. This is complex and absorbing. I hope for more by this author. There are probably some content warnings here for homophobia and violence.

[Victoria (Eve's Alexandria) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dare I say that the ship content and the sea battles had me as gripped as the romantic pining? Aside from a little too much repetition in the emotional arc - and some melodramatic choices in the final sequence - I loved the second book in this series. Told from the POV of Arthur Courtney, we’re given a new perspective on the central relationship after sitting in Hiram Nightingale’s viewpoint in the first instalment.

[Alina Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

you know this was just as good as the first one, great action, good romance, with characters I love and characters I absolutely despise

it was very nice to get a pov shift in this one so we learned a lot more about Courtney and his past, I love him to death as I do Nightingale

[nora 📖🩷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

katie daysh once again captures you with the placement of queer characters in a historical setting. following on from ‘leeward’, ‘the devil to pay’ is in the point of view of lieutenant courtney and shows his journey of the difficult task he is faced with.

this book gave me a rollercoaster of emotions, from the happiness of courtney and nightingale sharing their small moments together, to the heavy hitting reality that gay men faced in that time period. i enjoyed reading from courtney’s perspective as he was a character that intrigued me as i read ‘leeward’, the flashbacks were a great addition too as it allowed us to learn more about the lieutenant!

i can find no faults with this book and with this story. the writing is beautiful and it makes me excited for future work. i highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction books that are heavily influenced by a particular history and enjoys queer romance!

i want to thank netgalley and the publisher for giving me an arc in exchange for a honest review.

[Shelbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed book 1, but the change to Courtney’s closed POV was pure angst and a lot of plot points felt unnecessary with a lot of traveling back and forth and one over the top event after another (literally major storm, pirates, VOLCANO). There was also very little interaction between the main characters since they were separated for most of the plot. The writing continues to be great and the material is clearly thoroughly researched but this one was less adventure and more broody slog fest.

[Cindy Vallar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A French frigate leads HMS Scylla and HMS Meridian on a merry chase into dangerous waters in the Caribbean. A fight ensues, Meridian runs aground, and Scylla’s captain is slain, leaving Lieutenant Arthur Courtney in a quandary. The French ship catches fire and explodes while the Meridian’s captain has called for assistance. The French may be the enemy, but there are survivors and Arthur chooses to rescue them first – a decision the other captain will not forget.

With the signing of the Treaty of Amiens the following June, the 1802 peace means it’s no longer necessary for Britain to maintain a large naval presence. The services of Scylla>, her crew, and Arthur are no longer required, so she is broken up, the men dispersed, and he goes on half-pay with nothing to do. The only bright spots in his predicament are his visits to his beloved sister, who will soon wed, and the love of his life, Hiram Nightingale, who is already married. Theirs is an affair that must be kept secret; society and the navy are not accepting of intimate relations between two men. Still, they have much to discuss, but broaching these subjects may open quagmires Arthur’s not yet willing to confront.

One evening, an agitated Mrs. Nightingale arrives at the tavern where he and Hiram dine. They are all summoned to the Admiralty in London, which does not bode well for any of them. It turns out a ship carrying two diplomats – France’s Hugo Baptiste and England’s Sir William Haywood (Hiram’s father-in-law) – has gone missing. They were to discuss a key component of the treaty that hasn’t been implemented, and news of their disappearance could topple the tenuous peace between their two nations.

Initially, Arthur hopes to lead the expedition to find the missing ship. Those hopes are dashed when Sir Rodney Bryant reveals that the commander will be his brother, Jerome Bryant – the same captain Arthur had the audacity to abandon in favor of saving the enemy when their ship caught fire and then accuse of poor seamanship. Nor does Captain Bryant want Arthur as his first lieutenant, but Arthur knows Sir William and is a friend of Hiram. Equally surprising is the discovery that Arthur will reunite with the French captain he saved. Captain Bonfils commands Fantôme, the French ship also sent to search for the missing diplomats.

As Arthur comes to terms with his present situation, which feels almost as fragile as the peace, he finds himself thinking back on the early days of his naval career and his first love. The trigger for these memories is the theft of a surgeon’s scalpel and the accusations of the ship’s master, who used to be the Lysander’s captain when she was a merchant ship. As a result, two of the ship’s crew are arrested on multiple charges, and the penalty should they be found guilty is death. The situation strikes too close to home for Arthur, and he investigates the original crime in hopes of preventing the execution. At the same time, he strives to determine what happened to the missing Loyal>, especially after Captain Bryant is severely injured and Fantôme fails to arrive at the appointed rendezvous. The critical piece of the puzzle comes from an American captain, and Sir Bryant entrusts Arthur, with his outside-the-norm thinking and experience as a tarpaulin officer, to rescue the missing before it’s too late.

Amidst some chilling and mind-boggling action, including two ships colliding during a storm and a sea fight between foes as a volcano erupts, this is a novel of introspection. Arthur has more in common with the sailors than the officers, with the have-nots than the haves like Hiram. He must find his place in the world, but time and again the past and the present collide to prevent him from achieving his goals and his dreams. The Devil to Pay is the second in the Nightingale and Courtney series. Not everyone will find the story appealing, but if you’re willing to take a chance, Daysh does not disappoint. She vividly recreates the Georgian navy and neatly melds fiction and fact to create a compelling tale that is as heart-wrenching as it is rewarding. Her characters are three-dimensional, complete with foibles and strengths we’ve all faced at some point in our lives. You may think the past has little to do with the present, but time and again, she shows that the opposite is true. And sometimes confronting that past is the only way for us to move forward.


(This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Daysh.html...)

[annabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thank you so much for the ARC!

In The Devil to Pay we follow lieutenant Arthur Courtney, a couple of years after the conclusion of Leeward as he is sent on a mission to find a missing ship and Nightingale's missing father-in-law - if the ship is not found, the tentative peace between England and France could be all but destroyed.

I think this book built upon the foundation laid by Leeward perfectly. Leeward was one of my favourite reads of 2023, it was near perfect for me, and The Devil to Pay is a near perfect continuation. Sometimes there is a fear that a sequel won't hit the same as the first book; this book most certainly did.

I absolutely LOVED reading Courtney's perspective. Courtney's perspective felt both suitably frustrated (as a working class man who has worked his way up the naval ladder through blood, sweat, and tears) and suitably brash (as someone with a strong sense of justice, as was set up in the first book). You can feel the difference between his POV and the tired resignation you get from Nightingale in the first book. Tonally there is a difference, and I think that is most certainly something to be pointed out.

I was also delighted to get to know Courtney better. He didn't feel lacking as a character in the first book at all, but in this book you finally learn about Courtney's background the navy, the first ship he sailed on called the Grampus, and about his relationship with a certain Garrick Walker, which rears its head in a way that I did not expect. Throughout the book, I could tell that he was going to reappear, but I couldn't quite predict how. I was certainly kept on my toes as I read, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

There is a certain, subtle wedge between Courtney and Nightingale in The Devil to Pay which I found really interesting. Both a physical wedge - they spend extended periods apart in the book, which highlighted just how well they function as independent characters; as much as I LOVE their relationship, I enjoyed seeing Courtney navigate on his own - and an emotional one. Courtney isn't sure how he fits into Nightingale's life, alongside Nightingale's wife Louisa, and the difference in social standing is beginning to grate, with Nightingale's wealth and Courtney having come from a less-than-wealthy background. They do talk through this as best they can by the end of the book, but I'm glad it was something that brought up.

This book feels a lot more fast-paced than Leeward. Whilst Leeward was more like a slowburn, with the book mostly being taken up by the Scylla's pursuit of the Ulysses, The Devil to Pay reads more like a mystery novel set at sea, if that makes sense? There is a lot more investigation, a lot more hunting for information, trying to figure out where the missing Loyal is. There is a lot more going on, it is much more fast-paced; though I really enjoyed the slowburn of Leeward, I really enjoyed the fast-paced nature of The Devil to Pay. They're very different books, but I enjoyed them both just as much as the other.

Both books have a certain rereadability which I personally believe to be extremely important. When I first finished Leeward, I reread it almost immediately. I feel like I can do the exact same thing with this book. The moment I finished it, I felt the urge to reread Leeward. So I'm gonna, and then I'm gonna reread The Devil to Pay. Don't talk to me for at least a week.

A complete 5/5 read. I can't wait to see what Katie Daysh does next!

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

DUDE. This was just so fucking good! The yearning is too much in the best of ways. Stakes are HIGH, but damn me if the release is always worth it.

First work of order; Louisa, my asexual icon. I love this woman and Nightingale is so lucky to have this lovely lady in his life. Courtney is too. I feel represented and seen, and I love her arc. Also she has the best dad in the Leeward universe, and I also like Sir William very much.

I think that one of the things I love most with this series is the way that life truly is front and centre. Things are tough, it’s the nineteenth century and misery is through the roof. Intrigue is so good and I just can’t stop. I also think that Katie Daysh very much succeeds in creating connection between the reader and pretty much EVERY. SINGLE. CHARACTER. What is this sorcery? Anyone from our main boys to aspirant Proulx or Captain Kelly can make me feel things, and wow, I’m simply in awe.

The topic of slavery, heavy as it is, is so interesting. I think this has got to be very hard to write about, especially in a lens from which the modern concept was sort of pioneered, it shows off both ends of a spectrum. Is goes without saying that the inhuman practice of enslavement is horrifyingly terrible, but seeing a recreation of a society in which this was the minority opinion is both so interesting and so sad. The character of Obi, in contrast to the Admiralty itself, and to abolitionist Sir William, stands out in such a beautiful way. A man, taken from his home and forced to do awful things, succeeding in a real career, built purely on his own merits. His relationship with little Mr Smythe also just makes me so happy. Smythe is just so sweet and eager and my heart hurts for him. A seventeen-year-old in a world where he’s long been considered a man just crushes me. Obviously, most characters have gone through this very journey in the very same world, but seeing it so first hand and in a sport of periphery just gives such a prime opportunity for future heartbreak.

Courtney truly has this massive heart of purest gold and intentions. A hero in every sense of the word, but still, he struggles to see the true impact of his actions. He doubts his worth in every facet of his life, and it’s difficult to watch. His promotion is so well deserved and I’m just so happy to see him have his Nightingale by his side. The segment at the cottage on the island is also so sweet after a book full of dramatics and a soft start to this next adventure. Courtney just wants to ensure every single person around him is doing well and it’s so good.

Nightingale is the sweetest supporter and I love him so much. I just think that these overly righteous men complete each other in the best of ways. They both lead with such kindness and it’s so heartwarming. Also he’s kind of an asexual spectrum king and I love that for him. Courtney is also so good to him about it and yeah, their relationship is just so sweet and tender and earnest.

Love this so much and I can’t wait to read the next one. It should be with me in about a week.

[Svea · Rating 3 out of 5]

So here's the thing: When I requested the arc of this book on Netgalley because the description spoke to me (it's naval historical fiction, you know, 'tis for me), there was nothing on its page indicating this is, in fact, the second book in a series. Imagine my surprise when I started reading and felt kind of lost with all the teased information I clearly should have already known. One goodreads search later I did find out that this is a sequel, but at that point I've already been reading for a while and wasn't all too willing to go back and buy the first book - I do recommend doing that though. "The Devil to Pay" does tell a story on its own, and it's an exciting and interesting one. It doesn't have the most nuanced plot - in the end it's "ship goes missing and the crew goes on a search for it, then different ship goes missing and the crew goes on a search for it BUT WITH PIRATES!" - but it's a fun one and I enjoyed all the tidbits about the historical era we find ourselves in. It's fast-paced and a quick read.

What was lacking, for me, were the characters - and this is most probably because I didn't read the first book. I liked what I learned about this book's protagonist, Arthur Courtney, because there is quite a bit of depth to him and his story. His great love, Hiram Nightingale, felt like a complete blank slate to me though, and I know he's the first book's major protagonist. I didn't feel anything for him, and as such I didn't feel anything when it came to their romance. We get a lot of glimpses into their past, into important moments in their relationship, but obviously they aren't spelled out again for us because Daysh correctly assumes that you probably read the first book going into the sequel so you know all that already. The side characters weren't very interesting either, which is a problem insofar that I didn't really care about what happened to them in their high stakes adventure on the seas. I can't even remember the names.

So in the end, I did enjoy my reading experience but definitely not as much as I would have with book 1 knowledge. That's a mistake on my part, but also Netgalley/the publishers should probably learn to give more thorough warnings. I wouldn't have requested the book had I known, because I wasn't in the mood to start a new series. Still, this is a good 3 star read. Not remarkable, a little bit forgettable, but exciting nonetheless.

Many thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for the arc!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1802 and the Anglo-French war is over. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Leeward,' first in the Nightingale & Courtney historical naval series by Katie Daysh, so was keen to read the next book. In 'The Devil to Pay,' though the enamoured sailors set sail for the Mediterranean on the same ship they are soon separated.
'Leeward' was Hiram Nightingale's story, 'The Devil to Pay' is told from the perspective of Lieutenant Arthur Courtney. The forbidden relationship of these two men, separated by social conventions, the law and nautical miles, is the skeleton of these books. Courtney is not like Nightingale; he was born into rural poverty and is still uncomfortable dining at the captain's table. When HMS Loyal goes missing on route to Malta with two important diplomats aboard, Courtney and Nightingale are enlisted on the ship sent to find her. Their secret mission involves working closely with their one-time enemy, France. As the HMS Lysander sails south, accompanied by French frigate, the Fantôme, their journey is marred by the discovery of two Lysanders, crew members, having sex. An onboard punishment involving pain and humiliation turns into a naval tribunal in Gibraltar. With the Lysander stuck in dock, the Fantôme, with Nightingale on board, sets sail to continue the search for the Loyal. Shipwreck and piracy are suspected and Courtney, following on belatedly from Gibraltar, doesn't know if Hiram is alive or dead, free or enslaved.
Can love survive separation, pirates, shipwreck, doubts and treachery? Daysh handles the emotions of the separated lovers with a light hand. Just when Courtney is distraught at Nightingale's departure, he must once again take responsibility for a ship without a direct order to do so. Should he follow his instincts, or naval law? There are so many twists and turns in this plot that it's impossible to forsee the ending, its a rollercoaster of emotions just as stormy as the waves that the sailors face.
Excellent. This is a series to read in order, so be sure to read Leeward first. The English and the French may not be enemies in this book, as they were in 'Leeward,' but war between the two will be rekindled a year after 'The Devil to Pay' ends.
Next in the series is 'A Merciful Sea.'
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: If you don’t enjoy historical fiction stuffed full of terminology and details related to seafaring, sailing, and nautical/naval matters, then this probably isn’t going to be the book for you. Luckily, this is a niche area that I adore, and Katie Daysh does a great job in evoking the historical setting of a naval ship, with all the hierarchies and routines therein. Perhaps there is on occasion a little too much detail, but it all serves the tone and plot of the book, solidly placing it even as sometimes you do just have to let it all wash over you.

The first book in this trilogy, Leeward, was entirely told from Nightingale’s perspective, and perhaps a criticism of that book is that it meant that I never quite felt like Courtney was as well-established a character. In The Devil to Pay, the perspective switches to Courtney’s for the entire story – although the same problem doesn’t occur, as we already know Nightingale by this point. I also think I prefer Courtney’s perspective, as it feels a little more dynamic, and I felt like I connected to him better as a character. I became very invested in his struggles within the naval hierarchy on the ship, and those relating to his relationship with Nightingale. Based on the synopsis for Book 3 in the series, I am anticipating that that one may feature switching perspectives, which I think may end up being the best way to present this duo.

The queer romance here is fairly low-key. It is definitely more present than in the first book – for the obvious reason that it is now an established relationship – but I’m not sure I would say that this is a historical romance, so much as a historical adventure/drama with a romantic subplot. But in this particular instance, that worked well for me – the relationship was handled well within its historical context, and I appreciated that it was balanced with the other concerns of the plot, which focuses on the search for a lost ship carrying two diplomats from England and France, and the potential political ramifications of its loss in a time of uneasy peace between the two countries. The search itself furnishes some exciting set pieces, in which the reader can really appreciate the danger inherent in the seafaring life. There is perhaps one twist/revelation during the climax of the book that is a little unnecessary, even though the groundwork for it has arguably been laid, but aside from that, this is a brilliant example of a historical novel that really evokes its time period and setting.

[Nick Artrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Requested and received an eARC of The Devil to Pay by Katie Daysh via NetGalley. I swooned so hard for Daysh’s Leeward so I was excited to get swept away with some pirates once more and this sequel did not disappoint. In the second round of the Nightingale & Courtney series we join Lieutenant Arthur Courtney and are treated to his point-of-view as he yearns to return home to Hiram Nightingale, his former captain, close friend, and potentially much more. His peace doesn’t last for long, however, as he and Nightingale are once more called upon for a rather dangerous mission.

It was refreshing to view these characters from Courtney’s POV! While I adored Nightingale’s tortured stoicism in the first novel, I found Courtney’s perspective a bit more refreshing. Both are stubborn men, but for me Courtney felt like the more accessible protagonist. As Daysh peeled back the layers of his history, my fondness for the character grew even more (literal tears at his backstory!) There were moments of violence in this particular story that were definitely difficult to read and made me quite angry, but those moments don’t feel gratuitous. They’re done in a sensitive way that are appropriate to the era in which the story takes place and balanced by the complex nature of our charming protagonist.

Again, I was surprised to find myself so deeply invested in this story. There’s quite a bit of naval action, which on the surface does not excite me in the least, but when it means that one of Daysh’s wonderful characters are in peril...well, I was glued to the page. Much like the first book in the series, any romance is secondary to the central action of the novel which is once again complex, well-researched, and immerses the reader in the time period. Definitely great for those who love a slow burn romance. Truly, this was absolutely terrific and I look forward to rejoining these men in the future if there are more installments planned for this series!

[Esperancita 💜 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventures on the high seas are fast becoming one of my favorites, add to that a historical tinge, a forbidden and queer romance and you've got me hooked.

I discovered this story by chance and let myself be carried away more than anything by the beautiful cover, whoever says you can't be carried away by a beautiful cover, is lying. Because that's why I got into this story, the bad thing about that point is that it wasn't until I had already read a good percentage that I realized that there was a first part, and that's why there were details that escaped me. So I have to read that first part to fall in love with the characters again.

In this story we meet Courtney and Nightingale who are part of the Navy and go in search of Nightingale's father-in-law's ship that has been lost at sea, which develops a mystery of what has happened and unravel the clues to find the location of the ship.

Before you say like father-in-law, you should keep in mind that this is set in the 1800's and everything about the queer community was unnamable so hence the forbidden romance.

I thought that detail was going to bother me when I understood their relationship, but they are so cute and their relationship is so warm, you just wish they could live their romance in peace and that all goes well. Plus the whole naval adventure thing and how it immerses you in the technicalities and activities makes you feel like you are part of the crew.

Do I recommend it? Of course I do, but don't be like me and read the first part first, so you get the full experience and understand everything from the beginning.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this amazing ARC and discover such a beautiful story, the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

#TheDeviltoPay #NetGalley

[Jess Milner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provided by netgalley for a free and honest review.

I really enjoy this series. Something about the writing is very warm. I've actually ended up reading both books in one week and I've had a really nice time with them.

This book focused on Courtney as the main pov character instead of Nightingale, and that really felt like a natural progression from book one. In this book we get to learn more about him and his past. He's an interesting character because he's still headstrong in a way that's unusual for most officers which means you never quite know how things are going to turn out for him.

There's an underlying theme in this book of the homophobia within the navy and british society on the whole. It's harrowing and sad and very real. Especially the moment in which Courtney mentions that queer people wouldn't have the same rights as everyone else within his lifetime. I also didn't know about the rules within the navy that meant same sex relationships onboard ships were punishable by death. It's a cruel reality explored with a lot of grace and care despite the horrors. It also just has this theme of internalized homophobia and what shame does to people. I love that Courtney didn't feel that shame. He loved his queerness.

But that's not to say it's all doom and gloom. The relationship between Courtney and Nightingale remains a highlight. It's still sort of low key, given the nature of the series (it's first and foremost a historical fiction, that happens to have queer characters) but they had some really sweet romantic moments.

I have no idea if there is going to be more books in this series, if there was I would certainly read them. However this book left on a very nice note.