The Naughty List Captain: A Holiday Lesbian Pirate Rom-Com

by Marina Tempest

Captain Skye Freeman has been on the Naughty List for seventeen years, and she won't apologize for it.

But when Hollyberry, a sparkly, rule-following elf, crash-lands on her pirate ship with a mission to reform her before Christmas, Skye's gruff reputation is about to face its biggest threat yet.

Between rival pirates, tropical storms, and Holly's increasingly chaotic Christmas magic, they'll have to decide what matters more—fitting into someone else's definition of nice, or finding acceptance exactly as they are.

A lesbian pirate rom-com where the only thing naughtier than stealing ships is stealing hearts.

Perfect for fans of forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, teaching someone to be bad, Christmas magic, and Sapphic romance on the high seas.

#NaughtyListGoals

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2025

About the author

Lesbian adventure romance writer. I love to write stories!

Reviews

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect and I’m pleasantly surprised at how cute this was fantasy at its most adorable! Sapphic pirate and an elf romance wasn’t on my bingo card for the year but I loved how easy and fun this fantasy was the way it all wrapped up with lots of vivid imagery of the characters and world. I’d totally read more from the author and this series

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

[Lainey Mullins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute as hell. I’m binging the rest of the series idc
🎄

[Kate Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: 4 Stars
Format: Digital
Series: Lesbian Pirates Christmas Book 1
Steam Level: Not Steamy

I read this for the I Heart Sapphic 2025 Reading Challenge for the prompt Fish Out of Water.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book. Reading the synopsis, it sounds like one of those books that are quickly, and poorly, written that seems more like a cash grab than anything. I was so wrong. I enjoyed this book so much that I picked up two more by Marina Tempest.

Quick Thoughts:
- I love a grumpy/sunshine pairing. Especially when the grumpy one is actually an upstanding, wonderful person
- Everything leading up to the big fight scene had me giggling. This novella definitely fit the Fish Out of Water prompt
- Captain Skye was not only awesome but very swoon worthy
- Oh my god that fight scene had me in stitches. I could absolutely see Holly just panicking
- I was very angry at the North Pole and I cheered for Holly that whole scene
- Sparkle maintenance and dental hahahaha
- Yes, the romance was fast but I bought into it easily
- The reason I didn’t give this the full five stars is simply because it felt like there were parts that were not explained that could have helped the story. It wasn’t enough to destroy my enjoyment but it was frustrating

Overall I had a blast with this. It was a fun, quirky, holiday read that kept me entertained from beginning to end.

[J.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Frost was sent from the North Pole to help a naughty pirate!

What she found was the pirate is a Captain aboard a pirate ship. What follows is a tale of sunburn, tangled in the netting, being seasick. Why doesn't my stomach behave it self asked Holly? Skye the Captain is perplexed by this elf who is 60 years older than Skye and looks younger than she appears. Oh Vey! What have I done to deserve this agony according to Skye? Enjoy!

[Lorraine Rusnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

naughty can be nice

I had fun reading this one. A pirate on the naughty list and a very cheerful elf who comes to help her off the list. As Hollyberry observes the Captain she sees that there are reasons for what has gotten her on the list. This is a low angst rom com with magic flying everywhere. I really hope there is a sencond book.

[Anna Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough Pirate - Love it

Wow what a great story, I have read some pirate stories but not from this author.
I am looking forward to catching up with Marina Tempest books.
Wonderful story teller with a funny side.
You won’t go wrong reading this story.

[Saga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short story that you can read in one sitting, the characters are great and lovable. It was nice to see the evolve of both of the heroines. Funny and bittersweet at the same time, totally recommend it!

[Botond · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was exactly as bad as you’d expect a book with an AI cover would be

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not gonna lie. This was not what I expected. It was so much better. It was sweet and funny and warmed my cold heart. I will be reading more of these for some relaxing, low tension enjoyment.