Born into piracy, Estella Croft has spent her life proving she’s more than her father’s legacy. When she’s sent on her first mission—to deliver a simple message to the charming but reckless Prince Killian—she expects a night of deception, not destiny. However the mission turns out to be a trap, and Estella finds herself bound by a bargain she never agreed to.
When she defies her father and flees, taking the prince with her, Estella sets off a chain of events that will test every truth she’s ever known. Hunted by pirates, pursued by kings, and haunted by her own choices, she must decide whether freedom is worth the cost of her heart.
Because in a world ruled by blood and loyalty, love might be the most dangerous rebellion of all.
Nicole Yvette is a Kentucky-born author, small-town resident, and mom of two toddler girls. She writes whenever she can—early mornings, late nights, and any spare moment in between. When she’s not writing, she’s usually playing guitar or dreaming up her next story. After completing three novels, Nicole is preparing to release her debut (Beautiful and Deadly ~ Estella Croft) in 2026.
Hmm…so this one is kind of a hard one to rate. Pirate books are usually not my thing, but I saw this one on Instagram and it looked interesting. As soon as I started reading it, I was hooked. I didn’t want to put it down. I really liked Estella. She wasn’t annoying or evil like some of the other pirate main ladies I’ve read about. She did annoy me a couple times, but she made up for it. She was super smart, bold and brave. I instantly liked Killian. Now, I have to say I had some issues with some of his behavior with women. But it was very minor and he started to change once he met her. He definitely wormed his way into my heart. I loved the two of them together. Their banter was great. They were perfectly suited for each other. But this book definitely ripped my heart out at certain parts and took me on a rollercoaster ride. I didn’t want to stop reading until I got to the end. I guess it was going to end on a cliffhanger and you bet it did. But I really loved Estella and Killian together and I was rooting them on. Now with it being a pirate book, I didn’t love all of the violence and blood and killing. It was a bit much at times. Also, I do want to note that the evil pirate lord is super evil and creepy. There are mentions of how he treats women and has them as his slaves. It’s not in depth and it stays perfectly clean, but I did want to give that heads up. It did kinda give me the creeps. Sexual assault is also mentioned, not detailed. There is a couple mentions of the word h*ll meaning the place. One sentence could be debatable for that. But because of those things I listed, it wasn’t worth a five star rating. Overall, I enjoyed it more than I expected I would.
This started off very strong and exciting to me but the plot went in a direction that just kept making me feel like the whole book had been pointless. A few of the side characters even point out the cyclical trajectory of the protagonist’s path and I don’t think the protagonist ever presents a strong enough case against their point or admits aloud that her thinking was flawed. As the reader, I wasn’t sure what to take away from this or why I would want to continue Estella’s story.
The love interest was handled strangely. He felt like a helpless object of a character. He kept leaving the story for scenes at a time and then would be plopped back in to somehow progress the romantic subplot. It felt off when he was on-page. And Estella’s willingness to throw all caution to the wind for him seemed antithetical to her personality. There were also a couple of other male side characters that Estella seemed to have romantic tension with and they were more defined characters, compared to the love interest. I was unsure where the author was going with any of that. For a while I thought a love triangle was going to happen and switch everything up, and as this is only book one, maybe that will still happen, who knows. I would not categorize this as a romantasy (I saw it marketed that way). The romance felt like it was in the backseat to Estella’s story the entire time and there were not enough interactions between her and the love interest to feel like a romantasy to me.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with the feminine rage theme but it felt super literal.
I have to say I did not like the ending. It all kind of felt squished to fit in as many farewells-for-now with as many side characters as possible. I didn’t like how Estella handles what happens that affects Killian. And I didn’t like the cliffhanger. It could have been more exciting and smoother. It was blunt, not in a good way. I was shocked when I realized I had read the last line that there wasn’t another chapter or something.
I’m disappointed this didn’t work out for me. I was loving it in the beginning. And I really liked the playlist the author made.
In this book: -single POV -feminine rage -pirate heir protagonist -prince love interest -runaway allies to more -arranged marriage avoided -found family
Content Guide: Romance - clean Language - pr*ck used 5x; hell used a couple of times Violence - semi-frequent and not too graphic Fantasy - non-magical
Potential Content Warnings: -sexism -murder/death -crimes against women -descriptions of blood
I received an advanced review copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you’re looking for a clean pirate fantasy book (emphasis on clean), this is for you! The FMC is capable and headstrong, and the book has lots of action with a little bit of romance mixed in. There were a couple of errors throughout (most grammatical, though there was one instance where the wrong name was used) and the writing was a little choppy at times, but overall the book was well written and an easy read. That said, I would categorize it as more as a fantasy than a romantasy, as the romance was very light. The first kiss between the FMC and the male love interest had some passion, but the story quickly moved on after that and there were really no other great romance moments — it felt like they had to be happening out of view if they were happening at all. The writing alluded to strong feelings of attachment with how the FMC refers to her love interest, but there wasn’t really any physical manifestations of it. I know this is a YA book, but yearning can be just as powerful as spice and it was sadly absent. That was disappointing since there was a lot of potential! The cliffhanger definitely left the door open for more exploration, so I’ll have to check back in to see where things go in the next book.
I think the nature of this book (being a very clean YA novel) also had a bit of a negative impact on the villain and his cronies and the “pirate cred” of the FMC. Once again we needed show and not tell but got a lot of the opposite. There’s always an excuse for why the FMC won’t kill anyone, even though she professes to have done so before. We get some threats from the villain, and see his villainous lair full of enslaved women (which does lean more into the “show” side of things), but he remained more of a nebulous big bad to me as opposed to a robust villain. All deaths seem to kind of happen “off screen.” I’m not sure where the line is for YA so maybe that’s just how it has to be, but I do feel like I’ve read YA books that give a little more in the violence and depravity department than this one did, which I think would’ve helped give the FMC and villains more legitimacy.
Speaking of villains…. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there was one character name I just COULD NOT get right 😅 (Anyone know exactly who I mean?!) Ok, I’ll tell you — Drake Darkember was officially renamed to Drake DarkMEMBER in my mind 🤭 Maybe I need to lay off the spicy books for a bit?? Not sure if the similarity was intentional, but the guy was definitely a Richard so it was quite fitting 🤣
All that said, I’ll still read the second book. This one wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, but I still enjoyed it and do think it would be a great read for anyone who wants pirates + romance that stays solidly out of spicy territory!
I was gifted this book in return for a honest review. 💖
The daughter of the pirate lord running of with the prince she swore not to fall for, perfection 🤴⛵🗡️
This book gave both cozy pirate core vibes and feminine rage so I new I was going to love it, let's just say I stayed up late reading into the morning captivated by the high seas and the groups travels. Highly recommend reading, five stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy and just wow. This was a really well done novel besides the small things like grammatical errors the book was great and the characters were really well done. They were developed and you could feel the passion, confusion, growth, and other emotions that come along with the human experience of growing and finding who you are. This book had me rooting for and cursing characters, holding my breath, giggling at the romance like a school girl (no smut), and grabbing tissues for the tears that welled up. The cliffhangers had me cursing Nicole the author but in a loving way and I can’t wait for Estella’s next adventure! I will definitely be buying this for my bookshelf. Also if you need a love interest for sweet cat daddy Ace, I volunteer 😉.
Beautiful and Deadly is filled with adventure, strongly developed characters, and romance. It was super fast-paced, I don’t think it ever fell flat for a moment. The love story was very sweet and clean. There’s no spice or strong language… just a lot of adventure and romantic tension. Definitely add to your list if you want: -No spice romance -Found family -Forced proximity -Strong FMC -Banter
This book is an absolute treasure - filled with adventure, heart, and a fierce heroine you can’t help but root for.
Estella is wonderfully written - headstrong but thoughtful brace but not invincible. Watching her wrestle with expectations, legacy, and her own ambitions adds depth to the high-stakes adventure.
Exciting, heartfelt, and full of swashbuckling charm, this is a must read for fans of young adult fantasy.
The fact that this is the authors first published work is mind blowing. The world building and twists kept me turning pages as fast as I could…but the open ended questions and open paths for so many directions this story could go….GAH GIVE ME MORE ASAP!!!!!
I really enjoyed this book! I found it just before an 8 hour flight and had no trouble reading it from start to finish on the plane. It was just an easy, fun YA read that ventures beautifully into cozy fantasy at certain parts.
Tropes: 🏴☠️ Pirate princess x prince 🏴☠️ Adventure 🏴☠️ On the run 🏴☠️ Forced proximity 🏴☠️ Single POV
If you're looking for your next YA fantasy read, look no further! This book has all of the pirates, adventure, and romantic tension; it is perfect for young adults and adults alike.
Nicole Yvette did a wonderful job with this YA fantasy! I loved the complex characters and relationships throughout the story. Estella, the daughter of a pirate lord, wrestles with right and wrong in the book, and I loved how her thoughts and feelings about various situations were present at each moment she struggled. I was on the edge of my seat at every twist and turn and I can't wait to see where Estella Croft's adventures will take her next!
The heavier themes, such as implied sexual assault, were completely non-descriptive and were used to demonstrate the evil of one of the antagonists. Therefore, I would recommend this book to anyone in the YA age range (12-18), but I would be mindful that some readers may want to avoid those heavier themes.
Content warnings: • No spice, just kisses • No language • Violence, fighting and mentions of blood • Sexual assault, implied by a situation but not descriptive at all
I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This YA pirate fantasy novel is a captivating and wholesome read suitable for all age groups, despite some violence that is neither excessively graphic nor disturbing. Initially, I approached the book without preconceptions, having only been drawn to it by the author's appearance at a local book signing, where her charm and passion for her craft were evident. The narrative follows the story of Estella Croft, a strong-willed young woman who refuses to be intimidated by misogynistic attitudes, making for an engaging and quick read that inspired me to wish I could emulate her strength and determination. As a middle-aged nurse, I must admit that my desire for physical prowess remains vicarious, experienced through Estella's character. The story's development kept me engaged, particularly the unexpected complexity of Estella's father, who defied my initial impression. However, some aspects of the writing such as the apologies between Estella and Killian, seemed somewhat unrealistic as they took place at times of trauma or in moments when I felt as if, there’s no way I would apologize right now.
My hopes for a future book! 📕 😀🥰
The character of Meliza was particularly intriguing, and I would eagerly read a flashback story/book about her experiences before and during the abduction by Darkember and her journey after returning home. I am hoping that one day the author will write her story (older YA Group or even adult) that describes the relationship between Meliza & Darkember. I want to feel the emotions of what he put the captive girls through & by the end of the book Meliza shows she is a survivor and accomplishes something extraordinary. Maybe she becomes a pirate captain rescuing women from abuse or something empowering!
The book's conclusion raises questions about the direction of the sequel, and I am eager to see how the author will balance the characters' storylines, particularly Estella's relationships and the pirate world. Ultimately, the story has piqued my interest, and I look forward to the next installment.
I loved all of the “Bless the Sea”, “Tide cursed” and other pirate like/ocean references! What a wonderful touch :)
Also complete side note… Anyone else read the acknowledgments & immediately looked up Alan Mehrer?
💙🌊🗡️ ARC Review: Beautiful and Deadly by Nicole Yvette @author.nicoleyvette 5/5 Stars for this atmospheric, rebellious, and heart piercing pirate romantasy Beautiful and Deadly feels like stepping onto a moonlit deck salt in the air, danger in the wind, and destiny waiting beyond the horizon. Nicole Yvette weaves a story filled with dagger sharp tension, stolen freedom, and a romance born from broken expectations. Estella Croft has spent her life outrunning a legacy written in blood and salt. Daughter of the Pirate Lord, trained for everything except choice, she’s as fierce as she is fragile. Her mission should’ve been simple: attend a royal ball, deliver a warning, walk away. But the moment she meets Prince Killian charming, reckless, and aching beneath his crown everything shifts. What she thinks is a message becomes a trap. What she thinks is freedom is only an illusion. And every truth she uncovers shatters the life she thought she wanted. Hunted by pirates, betrayed by the people she trusted most, and tethered to a prince carrying his own chains, Estella must choose between the future her father demanded and the one she’s willing to fight for. Because loving him choosing herself may be the most dangerous rebellion of all. If you love: 🏴☠️ Danger & morally gray loyalties 🌹 A “Cinderella-but-darker” heroine 👑 A prince desperate for freedom 🍒 Cherry blossoms, daggers, destiny 🌗 Two fugitives rewriting their names (Thorne & Dahlia) …this story will steal your breath and your heart. 🍃 Aesthetic Vibe: Moonlit docks, crimson velvet sweeping marble floors, whispered truths under pink blossoms, a hidden blade, a prince begging to run, a pirate girl shedding the name that once defined her. ⚠️ Content Warnings: * Mentions of rape & abuse of women * Murder, violence, piracy * Death in childbirth * Alcohol use * No explicit language 📖 Final Thoughts: Haunting, romantic, and sharp as the blade Estella carries, Beautiful and Deadly shimmers with rebellion, longing, and the courage to choose freedom. It lingers like saltwater on skin dangerous, beautiful, unforgettable.
I received an advanced review copy of Beautiful and Deadly and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Confession time: this was my first pirate romance *GASP* I know, I know. But now? Consider me intrigued enough to explore more of the genre.
Beautiful and Deadly is a fast and fun adventure with a light touch of romance woven in. And I do mean light, this isn’t a swoon-heavy, heart-fluttering kind of story. The romance stays sweet and subtle, with just a few kiss scenes and more focus on tension and connection than grand declarations. I’d especially recommend it for readers 13+ who want an easy, age-appropriate introduction to romance without intense spice or drama.
Our main character Estella is exactly the kind of heroine I love to root for; sassy, capable, and fiercely loyal. She’s strong from the start, but what really stood out to me was her growth. Watching her navigate danger, betrayal, and difficult choices gave the story emotional weight beyond the romance. Even better? She’s surrounded by other strong women doing their best to protect the people they care about. That thread of female strength and solidarity was easily one of my favorite parts of the book.
Now for my one tiny, slightly unserious gripe: I wanted more of Ace😅
I know he’s not the main love interest. But I mean come on! The tattoos. The cooking skills. He takes care of a stray cat??? I’m just saying… the potential was there. lol
Overall, this is a perfect pick if you’re in a reading slump, craving a light adventure with just a hint of romance, or dipping your toes into pirate fiction for the first time. It’s quick, entertaining, and a great gateway into the genre!
Hi! I’ve never been one to enjoy boats or the sea, but Estella’s story had me intrigued by anything related to pirates. Thanks to the author, I couldn’t put the book down once I started (I identified so much with Estella’s character). Now, let’s get into the review!
About the FMC: I love how the FMC initially tries to restrain her abilities, masking her skills and confident attitude within the narrative, if not externally. It shows her strategy and patience; a key part of her character development is gaining authority within the crew and from the people she cares about. It’s ironic that despite her upbringing and intense training, she remains kind and respectful toward others. I truly felt her grief. Losing the goal you thought was your entire purpose and having to reinvent yourself from the broken pieces is incredibly hard, but this FMC is a total badass. She is strong enough to choose her freedom, even if it costs her everything else. I also loved the take on modern obstacles, such as the struggle to be respected as a woman in a male-dominated field. The book highlights how women are often seen only for their beauty rather than their ability, and how the public tends to label women as "victims" rather than survivors. It’s a refreshing and complex way to process the challenges women face every day, and an innovative way to write an empowered FMC in a genre as repetitive as fantasy.
World-Building and Pacing: The balance of world-building was subtle yet immersive, keeping the plot moving at a perfect flow (I usually get distracted by heavy descriptions, but not here!). I loved the blend of The Princess Bride (the political and royal background) and Pirates of the Caribbean (Estella’s background). The romantic tension between the MCs also reminded me of On the Edge of the Forgotten Sea. The action scenes were exceptionally well-written—simple enough to follow, yet complex enough to paint a vivid picture.
Character Dynamics: The dynamic between the MCs was fantastic. Both were raised with high expectations but in such different contexts, making their values total opposites. They balance each other perfectly; while they have different talents, they respect one another as equals. I’m in love with the fact that the MMC instinctively knows how to calm her. As an oldest child with anxiety and "acts of service" as a love language, my heart just melted 🫣. Also, the nicknames? Beautiful. They perfectly showcase how much they value each other. The side characters and their diverse profiles were a great addition, I loved Slate and Lydia’s evolution. On the flip side, I hated a certain character; he didn't just betray her, he lied every single time. I’m still pissed at him (which is proof of how well-written he is!).
Final Thoughts: Amazing book! The ending caught me completely off guard (I was this close 🤏 to throwing my Kindle). This story officially got me out of my reading slump and inspired me to tackle my next four ARCs. To the readers: if you love a badass FMC who still has relatable doubts, an MC who adores her strength, and tropes like allies-of-convenience and runaway princes, this is definitely for you!
Spice: 0 (teen friendly) Star rating : 5/5⭐️ Favorite character: Ace - I want more of him!! Least favorite character: Drake 🤢 Worth mentioning/tropes/what to expect: strong female character, found family, female friendships, adventure, pirates, whole lotta booty-kicking, LOTS of good banter that had me giggling & kicking my feet, tear jerking moments, female rage 😛 & fun well written male characters
Prepare to chuckle, cry & want to punch men when reading this!!!! Absolutely devoured this book!! What a good solid read. No language or spice but who needs that when the plot is that encapsulating?! A solid clean book perfect for teens & young adults!! Zero complaints. I was always kept on my toes and unsure where the story was leading - and I loved that!! I was never bored & thoroughly enjoyed every character and side character. The found family ( or found crew if you will😉) tugged at all my heart strings, and the female friendship healed a little part of me🥹 Finding people that you can be not only yourself with, but at ease with is so beautiful, and I loved seeing Estella create those friendships throughout her adventure. Nicole has a way of writing these male characters I just want to eat up. I couldn’t choose just one!! I loved them all and you can definitely tell they are written by a woman FOR women 😮💨 I was captivated a lot with these little bits of what felt like poetry throughout this book. Most of it was inner dialogue from Estella, but the writing was absolutely beautiful. I found myself rereading sentences here and there and just admiring the way they were written. Enjoyed this so so much.
Nikki thank you for sharing your baby with the world 🤎🤎
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pirates, royalty, forbidden love, and impossible choices? Say less!
Beautiful and Deadly completely swept me away. From the opening pages, Nicole Yvette delivers an adventure full of heart-pounding action, political intrigue, and characters you’ll be rooting for every step of the way.
Estella is exactly the kind of heroine I love—strong, determined, and willing to challenge everything she’s ever known in pursuit of her own destiny. Pair her with a charming prince, dangerous bargains, relentless enemies, and a world where loyalty and love are constantly at odds, and you have a story that’s impossible to put down.
The pacing is fantastic, balancing action, emotion, and romance in a way that kept me saying, “Just one more chapter.” Every twist raised the stakes, and I loved watching the relationships develop naturally amidst all the danger and uncertainty. The world feels vivid and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story.
If you’re a fan of pirate adventures, royal intrigue, forbidden romance, found family, and heroines who refuse to let others decide their fate, Beautiful and Deadly deserves a spot at the top of your TBR. Nicole Yvette has such a talent for creating addictive fantasy stories, and this one left me thinking about it long after I turned the final page.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, but I was pleasantly surprised! From the characters to the storyline, it drew me into a crazy world of pirates, love, and loss.
The only reason this book isn’t 5 stars is because life was busy, and I had a hard time getting into it. By the halfway point, though, I didn’t want to put it down.
I loved the dynamics between the characters. Not only Estella and Killian’s banter and development from enemies to friends to more, but also her “brothers.” I loved the inclusion of Slate and Jax and the elements they added to the story (sorry, no spoilers). I had a love/hate relationship with the “smaller” villains, while I hated Drake with a burning passion. I was very happy that he got the ending he did. I honestly wish there were more moments with the characters because they were so fun. I both loved and hated the ending as it gave some sense of closure, but left me with dozens of questions. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book! I want to thank the amazing author Nicole Yvette for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book. Turn Jack Sparrow into a butt-kicking girl, and that’s what you get with Estella Croft. If you’re interested, I’d suggest getting your hands on a copy!
An arranged marriage, forced proximity, pirate YA clean romantasy that was action from the get go. Nicole did a wonderful job connecting me with the characters and rooting for the FMC and MMC and their dreams.
Estella is a pirate princess who is finally part of a crew after training under her father for years. When she gets her first mission, she is ecstatic. But a ball and a prince? Not her cup of tea.
Killian is a prince who has just found out that he is being forced to marry within the year. When Estrella confronts him at the ball to give him the threat from her father, he refuses to concede and let’s on about how Lochlan Croft is trying to make him marry his daughter, she is furious.
How could she be tricked into this mission?
Her new adventure awaits with enemy pirates, a found family, and rescue missions.
Beautiful and Deadly follows Estella Croft, the heir to a pirate legacy, who finally earns her place on a crew after years of training under her father. Her first mission is to deliver an important message to the prince. Meanwhile, Prince Killian has just learned he'll be forced into an arranged marriage within the year. Determined to take control of their own futures, the two form an unlikely alliance.
From the very first page, the story and its world completely pulled me in. Estella is a strong, determined heroine who refuses to let others decide her path, making her easy to root for. Killian is charming and just wants to live a free, normal life. The supporting cast is just as memorable, with each character bringing something unique to the story. If you're looking for a fun, fast-paced adventure with lovable characters, a touch of romance, and plenty of pirate action, Beautiful and Deadly is a fantastic choice. It's an entertaining read that's perfect for longtime pirate fans and newcomers to the genre alike.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Beautiful and Deadly by Nicole Yvette is a pirate novel that you can put down.
I'm always on the lookout for a clean pirate novel and I'm glad I found one in this. There was danger, there was a strong FMC, there was a dashing prince. It was a thrilling adventure on every page. The world building was strong as we traveled by boat through the most treacherous waters, hiding secrets with every set sail.
There was a lot of learning with both of the main characters, how to let go of specific roles, working on a team, and trusting others. There was a lot of side characters that I loved and there was a lot of questions answered with the inner thoughts of the characters. I loved the dedication of the FMC's ethics and not taking anyone down to raise higher. I loved how the MMC taught the FMC how to relax a little and have fun.
Overall if you want a clean pirate book, and thrilling at that, I recommend this one to you.
The first four chapters completely stole my heart—they grabbed me fast, twisted things in ways I didn’t expect, and set the whole story racing forward. I was holding onto my couch for dear life.
The rest of the book was such a magical journey, not just because of where Estella goes, but because of the people she meets.
The author writes characters you fall in love with so quickly (even the side characters!), while making others easy to hate in the best way. It also has such a beautiful message... it's a reminder that you can run from destiny, but you can’t outrun it—and that a girl is never just a girl, a daughter never just a daughter. Treat them as less, and they’ll show you exactly who they are and that is exactly what Estella does.
I was lucky to receive an advanced review copy of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
I loved Beautiful and Deadly! I hadn’t read a pirate book before, and I’m so glad I did. Estella Croft is a deadly and beautiful Pirate Princess who wants to work her way up to becoming the captain of her own ship. However, when her father secretly makes plans for her future without her consent, Estella takes control of her destiny and sails away.
Free from her father’s control, she discovers who she is and what she wants, all the while falling in love and protecting Drifthaven from the most dangerous pirates of all. It’s a delightful read filled with adventure. I couldn’t stop reading it and thoroughly enjoyed the pirate energy.
I received an ARC copy and I am so thankful I was part of the ARC team.
This book had me hooked right from the start! If you love strong, determined FMCs and a charming but slightly reckless MMC, this one is definitely for you. Estella is such a fierce character, constantly fighting to prove she’s more than her past, and her chemistry with Killian makes for such a captivating read.
What really pulled me in was the mix of adventure, danger, and that underlying slow-burn romance. The stakes feel high the entire time, and just when you think you know what’s coming, it twists. It’s a beautiful story about freedom, loyalty, and choosing love even when it feels like the riskiest choice of all.
Loved this book! The story peaked my interest since I have not read any books with pirates before. I am also not typically a fantasy fan. I wasn’t sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised! I loved the main character, Estella. She is such a strong and layered main character — I was fully invested in her story from the beginning. I will say I am definitely team Slate. Killian has his moments but I am definitely hoping we see more of Slate in the future. I ended up falling in love with the little town and the characters that live there. Overall, it was entertaining, immersive, and left me wanting more. I need the next book immediately!
At first, I really enjoyed this book and how it explored themes of sexism throughout the book. A problem many girls understand. What I do not understand is going into such depth about the misogyny that women face, and then going more in-depth about the abuse that these women face. suffered at the hands of pirates. Only for the main character to give up her dreams at the end of the book for a man. While every girl is allowed to chase their dreams, this character dreamed of being a pirate. So why, after all this discussion of feminism, would you take away the main character's dreams in order to fulfill the dreams of a man?
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and held on to the end. I love the characters and the seeing them make hard choices. Estella is strong and fierce with a kind heart. Killian is patient, kind and strong. I love the side characters as well. The writing is so well done that you feel like you know the townspeople and each of the characters and have a vested interest in their lives. The only part I didn't like was that it ended on a cliffhanger. I hope the next novel is coming soon. I can hardly wait to dive back into this world.
This story drew me in immediately!! I was in love with the world created and the characters. Estalla was a perfect mix of sass and charm. Killian was absolutely fantastic too. Both had fantastic chemistry. The adventure they go on draws you right in and makes it a page turner you won't want to put down. This is a beautiful story and perfect for YA and Adults too who enjoy a clean, layered and fast pace adventure (I'm 32 and loved it) Book two is on my list to read, and will be on yours too!
I was gifted this book by the author, in return for an honest review.
For the first novel, this pulled me into the world well! It reminded me of other epic series where if you explain toooo much of everything the book would get way too long and drawn out. So this was perfect for me.
Headstrong lead female character, and a love interest that can definitely be delved into further in the next books. I will definitely keep reading for book 2. This series definitely has promise.
I truly am obsessed with Estella Croft! Love the world, the changes in setting are perfect and add so much to the story and the characters are so well thought out. The final scene was my favorite and so well written. This is one of those books that’s the perfect mix of YA and adult fiction. I love everything about it and can’t wait for more!!!