What do you think?
The Copson Series #1
The Worst of Them
Author's Note: The Worst of Them is the first book in a duet, with the sequel, Where Devils Lie, releasing May 2027. It takes place 30 years before the events of All She Ever Wanted.
A hateful pirate stole her rotten heart.
One night was all it took for Cecily Shoard to lose her engagement, her home, and her future.
Instead of being hung for a crime she never wanted to commit, she’s shipped to the Americas. But when an infamous pirate attacks the prison ship and recruits the inmates to his crew, Cecily is faced with a new possibility: to get back some semblance of the life she lost.
First, she must survive piracy, which gets far more complicated after she attacks Jack Copson, the viciously handsome first mate—and the storied captain’s son. Unfortunately, there’s no escaping each other while the rest of the crew are off cavorting and the captain’s punishment for her impulsivity leaves her under Jack’s supervision.
For Cecily and Jack, hatred is an understatement. They’ll happily kill each other at the first opportunity—no matter how hard they’re falling.
After all she’s endured, a temporary stint of piracy won’t be so hard, even with its myriad of wicked ordeals including vengeful prisoners, perilous truces, sword fights, witches, flirtatious officers, carnivorous forests, heists, sea serpents, Spaniards, ghosts—and a drunken marriage to the pirate heir who’s melting her frozen heart.
Cecily Shoard would do anything for a home of her own. Aboard the Fortuna Royale, it may be closer than she thinks.
A hateful pirate stole her rotten heart.
One night was all it took for Cecily Shoard to lose her engagement, her home, and her future.
Instead of being hung for a crime she never wanted to commit, she’s shipped to the Americas. But when an infamous pirate attacks the prison ship and recruits the inmates to his crew, Cecily is faced with a new possibility: to get back some semblance of the life she lost.
First, she must survive piracy, which gets far more complicated after she attacks Jack Copson, the viciously handsome first mate—and the storied captain’s son. Unfortunately, there’s no escaping each other while the rest of the crew are off cavorting and the captain’s punishment for her impulsivity leaves her under Jack’s supervision.
For Cecily and Jack, hatred is an understatement. They’ll happily kill each other at the first opportunity—no matter how hard they’re falling.
After all she’s endured, a temporary stint of piracy won’t be so hard, even with its myriad of wicked ordeals including vengeful prisoners, perilous truces, sword fights, witches, flirtatious officers, carnivorous forests, heists, sea serpents, Spaniards, ghosts—and a drunken marriage to the pirate heir who’s melting her frozen heart.
Cecily Shoard would do anything for a home of her own. Aboard the Fortuna Royale, it may be closer than she thinks.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 12, 2026
This BOOOOOOK 😭🥹 I had been pining for a good pirate romance for years as an avid reader and they always fell short for me. I randomly saw someone mention Sarah (author) on TikTok and got her first book, All She Ever Wanted. It was one of my FAVORITE books of 2025 and I will not shut up about it 😜
The Worst of Them is equally amazing. It can be read without reading the previous book but I definitely think it adds to the fun. Our FMC, Cecily, is SUCH a badass. Trained by her dad in sword fighting, our girl can hold her own. She’s tough as shit. When she gets rescued off a prisoner ship by Jack (MMC and pirate), they are NOT getting along. I love that Cecily can hold her own and goes through so much character development, working through so many problems and past traumas. I loved seeing how she navigates and reconciles who she is as the story goes on.
Even all the side characters were so interesting and enjoyable: I loved meeting them all.
It left on a big cliffhanger so can not WAIT for the next one!!!
The Worst of Them is equally amazing. It can be read without reading the previous book but I definitely think it adds to the fun. Our FMC, Cecily, is SUCH a badass. Trained by her dad in sword fighting, our girl can hold her own. She’s tough as shit. When she gets rescued off a prisoner ship by Jack (MMC and pirate), they are NOT getting along. I love that Cecily can hold her own and goes through so much character development, working through so many problems and past traumas. I loved seeing how she navigates and reconciles who she is as the story goes on.
Even all the side characters were so interesting and enjoyable: I loved meeting them all.
It left on a big cliffhanger so can not WAIT for the next one!!!
July 20, 2026
If it was possible I’d give this book ♾️ stars ⭐️
After a week of waiting for my package arrived I finally got it and read it all in one night (no regrets). I read All She Ever Wanted and instantly knew I’d love this one as well. The action, the romance, the characters ARCS were all PERFECT. Literally no notes other than that both do Sara’s books made me cry (and they’re not even supposed to be sad).
Anxiously waiting for book 2 👀💜
After a week of waiting for my package arrived I finally got it and read it all in one night (no regrets). I read All She Ever Wanted and instantly knew I’d love this one as well. The action, the romance, the characters ARCS were all PERFECT. Literally no notes other than that both do Sara’s books made me cry (and they’re not even supposed to be sad).
Anxiously waiting for book 2 👀💜
August 10, 2026
Even better than her debut, it's perfect😍
July 26, 2026
INSTANT READ AUTHOR FOR ME. I didn’t know I loved pirates and pirate lore until I started reading her books. Love u girl
May 10, 2026
So............Pirate, Fantasy, Romance is my jam. Who knew? Am I ashamed to admit it? Nope. These books scratch every itch I never knew I had. I loved All She Ever Wanted and I also love this one. I expected the plot to be predictable, but there were some surprises. It did have a bit of a creepy "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies vibe towards the end, but overall this book (and the first) gives you all the feels. You laugh, you cry, you're giddy with glee. The cliff-hanger ending, had me internally screaming! I can't believe I have to wait for the conclusion. Sarah Limardo - please don't keep us in suspense for too long. *E-Book*
August 15, 2026
5⭐️!!!! Okay, first of all: this book is perfection (for me!). And I am absolutely gutted that I now have to wait NINE MONTHS to get the rest of Cecily and Jack’s story. 😭
Second: Sarah Limardo has officially solidified herself as an auto-buy indie author for me.
She currently only has two books out—this one and All She Ever Wanted, which is one of my favourite books of 2026—and somehow they are both PERFECTION. I genuinely cannot get enough of her writing. She has this incredible ability to pull you into the story and completely immerse you in the world, and I have no doubt I’m going to devour everything she writes from here on out. Her books so far are no-spice/closed-door, but that absolutely does not diminish the romantic tension—this woman is an EXPERT at creating chemistry, longing, and tension without needing spice to carry the romance. ❤️
I am already counting down to the sequel because I NEED to know how Cecily and Jack’s story plays out. And then I’m ridiculously excited for the other standalones in this series (I’m assuming we’ll be getting the other two brothers?! 👀). I recommend Sarah’s books constantly, and I will continue to do so.
Now, onto the actual book. 😂
Cecily’s life is turned completely upside down in a matter of days. Her father dies, she loses her engagement, her home, everything - and the future she thought she was going to have disappears violently. She eventually finds herself aboard a prison ship, which is attacked by an infamous pirate, leaving her with the choice between joining his crew or facing a much worse fate.
After attacking a man who turns out to be the captain’s son, Cecily finds herself under his supervision—and thus begins a relationship built on equal parts hatred and attraction, sharp as the knives they wield at one another.
Cecily has GONE THROUGH IT.
She is a strong woman who has been broken and has had no choice but to painstakingly piece herself back together in order to survive. She carries scars, grief, and parts of herself that she hasn’t yet allowed herself to fully feel. But she’s also strong, determined, stubborn, and absolutely unwilling to take anyone’s shit.
I loved her.
And Jack? An incredible MMC. He’s tough as nails, determined, dangerous with a sword and knives, and everything you’d expect from a pirate heir—but underneath all of that, he’s soft, loyal, and full of heart. The dynamic between these two was EVERYTHING.
And the story itself?!
Pirates. Vengeful enemies and questionable truces. Sword fights. Witches. Heists. Sea serpents. Ghosts. Magical forests. A drunken marriage. And a pirate heir who is very inconveniently melting Cecily’s heart.
WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?!
This story was fast-paced, immersive, emotional, adventurous, romantic, and just an absolute ride. I was completely invested in Cecily and Jack and did not want to put this book down.
So yeah.
Easy 5⭐️. No hesitation. No qualms. She is a 5 all the way.
Sarah Limardo, I am forever a devoted reader. ❤️
Now excuse me while I dramatically stare at the calendar for the next nine months waiting for this sequel. 😭🏴☠️📚
“You poor, pretty boy,” she said. “Would you like an apology? I’m not feeling so inclined to give you one, but I’m sure I could try to make it sound sincere.”
“You’re a pirate prince, and I’m young, hateful, and ruined. I don’t think anything either of us says is worth much at all.”
It felt intentional, like he wanted to burn the image of himself into her brain simply by standing there, relieved of all his weapons but still a weapon himself because she couldn’t help but stare - and want.
“So have it your way. If I have to fight you to the death to get you to listen to me, then I’ll do my best to be the end of you.”
“And I thought running to a new life somewhere else might make any of this bearable, all while trying to ignore how you make me feel - like I could be soft and wanted, and it feels like I’m breaking, and if the wrong person sees, if they know, they’ll only break what little is left of me… I’m terrified Jack, and I’m scared of how much I want you - so much that I would kill you to make it stop. But after everything you’ve seen of me, everything I’ve done to you…”
“I see you Cecily, beyond what’s been done to you and what you’ve been forced to become. And I want every part of you, even if it hurts, because the only unsuitable thing about you is that you ever thought you were unsuitable at all.”
“All you must know now is that I want you. Let me have your heart, and I will adore you so long as you are mine.” On a breath he added, “Hell, I’ll adore you even if you’re not.”
“I do deserve you,” he said, boldly and without hesitation. “And I’ve thought so since the day I saw those bloody teeth and knew I’d be locked in a stalemate with you forever.”
“You don’t know how long I’ve searched for you - exactly you - or how many times I’ve lost hope that you’d actually exist.”
“What I know, my darling… haunting or not, you will try to kill me again. It’ll hardly be the first time, and I doubt it will be the last.”
Second: Sarah Limardo has officially solidified herself as an auto-buy indie author for me.
She currently only has two books out—this one and All She Ever Wanted, which is one of my favourite books of 2026—and somehow they are both PERFECTION. I genuinely cannot get enough of her writing. She has this incredible ability to pull you into the story and completely immerse you in the world, and I have no doubt I’m going to devour everything she writes from here on out. Her books so far are no-spice/closed-door, but that absolutely does not diminish the romantic tension—this woman is an EXPERT at creating chemistry, longing, and tension without needing spice to carry the romance. ❤️
I am already counting down to the sequel because I NEED to know how Cecily and Jack’s story plays out. And then I’m ridiculously excited for the other standalones in this series (I’m assuming we’ll be getting the other two brothers?! 👀). I recommend Sarah’s books constantly, and I will continue to do so.
Now, onto the actual book. 😂
Cecily’s life is turned completely upside down in a matter of days. Her father dies, she loses her engagement, her home, everything - and the future she thought she was going to have disappears violently. She eventually finds herself aboard a prison ship, which is attacked by an infamous pirate, leaving her with the choice between joining his crew or facing a much worse fate.
After attacking a man who turns out to be the captain’s son, Cecily finds herself under his supervision—and thus begins a relationship built on equal parts hatred and attraction, sharp as the knives they wield at one another.
Cecily has GONE THROUGH IT.
She is a strong woman who has been broken and has had no choice but to painstakingly piece herself back together in order to survive. She carries scars, grief, and parts of herself that she hasn’t yet allowed herself to fully feel. But she’s also strong, determined, stubborn, and absolutely unwilling to take anyone’s shit.
I loved her.
And Jack? An incredible MMC. He’s tough as nails, determined, dangerous with a sword and knives, and everything you’d expect from a pirate heir—but underneath all of that, he’s soft, loyal, and full of heart. The dynamic between these two was EVERYTHING.
And the story itself?!
Pirates. Vengeful enemies and questionable truces. Sword fights. Witches. Heists. Sea serpents. Ghosts. Magical forests. A drunken marriage. And a pirate heir who is very inconveniently melting Cecily’s heart.
WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?!
This story was fast-paced, immersive, emotional, adventurous, romantic, and just an absolute ride. I was completely invested in Cecily and Jack and did not want to put this book down.
So yeah.
Easy 5⭐️. No hesitation. No qualms. She is a 5 all the way.
Sarah Limardo, I am forever a devoted reader. ❤️
Now excuse me while I dramatically stare at the calendar for the next nine months waiting for this sequel. 😭🏴☠️📚
“You poor, pretty boy,” she said. “Would you like an apology? I’m not feeling so inclined to give you one, but I’m sure I could try to make it sound sincere.”
“You’re a pirate prince, and I’m young, hateful, and ruined. I don’t think anything either of us says is worth much at all.”
It felt intentional, like he wanted to burn the image of himself into her brain simply by standing there, relieved of all his weapons but still a weapon himself because she couldn’t help but stare - and want.
“So have it your way. If I have to fight you to the death to get you to listen to me, then I’ll do my best to be the end of you.”
“And I thought running to a new life somewhere else might make any of this bearable, all while trying to ignore how you make me feel - like I could be soft and wanted, and it feels like I’m breaking, and if the wrong person sees, if they know, they’ll only break what little is left of me… I’m terrified Jack, and I’m scared of how much I want you - so much that I would kill you to make it stop. But after everything you’ve seen of me, everything I’ve done to you…”
“I see you Cecily, beyond what’s been done to you and what you’ve been forced to become. And I want every part of you, even if it hurts, because the only unsuitable thing about you is that you ever thought you were unsuitable at all.”
“All you must know now is that I want you. Let me have your heart, and I will adore you so long as you are mine.” On a breath he added, “Hell, I’ll adore you even if you’re not.”
“I do deserve you,” he said, boldly and without hesitation. “And I’ve thought so since the day I saw those bloody teeth and knew I’d be locked in a stalemate with you forever.”
“You don’t know how long I’ve searched for you - exactly you - or how many times I’ve lost hope that you’d actually exist.”
“What I know, my darling… haunting or not, you will try to kill me again. It’ll hardly be the first time, and I doubt it will be the last.”
March 29, 2026
5 stars! This book pulled me in just as much as All She Ever Wanted, and I loved it!
While both books follow the Copson pirates and are set in the same world, Cecily’s story is definitely a little more heavy. After being in a state of survival for so long, she struggles to find her place on Copson’s crew and even more in her relationship with Jack, the first mate.
She and Jack have such cutting dialogue for most of the book; it really did reveal the state they were in based on their individual battles. Their animosity eventually turns into devotion despite the obstacles in their way, and I’m so excited but nervous to see how their journey resumes in the next book. They still have more hurdles to overcome before they get their happy ending, and that was very much clear in the last chapters of the novel.
I really enjoy how the author weaves themes into the narrative. Loss is a prevalent theme, both in the physical sense of loved ones passing and in the loss of self. Cecily is unable to be the girl she once was after everything that was done to her, and this is among, if not her most significant struggle throughout the book besides her self-worth. Self-worth is explored as a theme throughout all the characters, but particularly Jack and Cecily grapple with it. Cecily’s opinion of herself at the start is very different from her outlook at the end of the book, and watching her gain confidence little by little was lovely.
There are more themes, and I could go on and on, but this review is already long enough! This was such a wonderful first book in this duet and I would recommend it to anyone who loves pirates, adventure, and an endearing romance. I’m counting down the days until the next one is in my hands!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
While both books follow the Copson pirates and are set in the same world, Cecily’s story is definitely a little more heavy. After being in a state of survival for so long, she struggles to find her place on Copson’s crew and even more in her relationship with Jack, the first mate.
She and Jack have such cutting dialogue for most of the book; it really did reveal the state they were in based on their individual battles. Their animosity eventually turns into devotion despite the obstacles in their way, and I’m so excited but nervous to see how their journey resumes in the next book. They still have more hurdles to overcome before they get their happy ending, and that was very much clear in the last chapters of the novel.
I really enjoy how the author weaves themes into the narrative. Loss is a prevalent theme, both in the physical sense of loved ones passing and in the loss of self. Cecily is unable to be the girl she once was after everything that was done to her, and this is among, if not her most significant struggle throughout the book besides her self-worth. Self-worth is explored as a theme throughout all the characters, but particularly Jack and Cecily grapple with it. Cecily’s opinion of herself at the start is very different from her outlook at the end of the book, and watching her gain confidence little by little was lovely.
There are more themes, and I could go on and on, but this review is already long enough! This was such a wonderful first book in this duet and I would recommend it to anyone who loves pirates, adventure, and an endearing romance. I’m counting down the days until the next one is in my hands!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
October 4, 2026
Ticked off all the boxes/adventure. Romance. Strong women suspense
August 28, 2026
OH. MY. GOD. THE FIRST BOOK WAS FIVE STARS. THIS BOOK IS EVEN BETTER. i thought i could handle an unfinished duology, boy howdy was i WRONG.
June 28, 2026
why I'd rather be a pirate, vol 2⚓
Read
July 26, 2026Dang it I didn't know this was going to be a cliffhanger😭 I'm way excited to read the next one though! I loved the hauntings in this one, both in Tortuga and with Jonah. Cecily and Jack's swordfight in the bar? Amazing.
"You are everything I have longed for, everything I've dreamed of, and I'll tear the world apart to have you."
"You are everything I have longed for, everything I've dreamed of, and I'll tear the world apart to have you."
June 7, 2026
You know what I love about this author? Limardo’s book is, for the most part, clean but without sacrificing sexual tension and may I say, she is an expert at it! There was one fade to black scene with a little bit of lead up but nothing crazy explicit.
The push and pull between our leads Jack and Cecily was absolutely delicious. I wish there were more authors out there who could accomplish this. Books these days are either boring and too tight laced or erotica. Can we just have an excellent romance that’s not vanilla and not rated X? I’d like to introduce you to Sarah Limardo, ladies and gentleman.
I loved the story as it doesn’t flinch from real pirating. There’s murder, blood, sword fighting, seeking treasure, mythical beings, I mean, if you’re looking for pirate adventure, you’ll find it all encapsulated here.
This is part one of a prologue to Limardo’s original story All She Ever Wanted and I have to say, I like it better even than that one and I was already impressed.
I will say that some of the plot sagged a little after the halfway point but picks up once more towards the end.
The cliffhanger is making me so sad because I need the conclusion in my hands NOW.
Thank you for such an amazing book, Sarah. Whatever you write in the future, please know I am here to read it with grabby hands.
I’m so picky, I can name my favorite authors on basically one hand but Limardo has made the cut. Looking forward to the next installment!!
The push and pull between our leads Jack and Cecily was absolutely delicious. I wish there were more authors out there who could accomplish this. Books these days are either boring and too tight laced or erotica. Can we just have an excellent romance that’s not vanilla and not rated X? I’d like to introduce you to Sarah Limardo, ladies and gentleman.
I loved the story as it doesn’t flinch from real pirating. There’s murder, blood, sword fighting, seeking treasure, mythical beings, I mean, if you’re looking for pirate adventure, you’ll find it all encapsulated here.
This is part one of a prologue to Limardo’s original story All She Ever Wanted and I have to say, I like it better even than that one and I was already impressed.
I will say that some of the plot sagged a little after the halfway point but picks up once more towards the end.
The cliffhanger is making me so sad because I need the conclusion in my hands NOW.
Thank you for such an amazing book, Sarah. Whatever you write in the future, please know I am here to read it with grabby hands.
I’m so picky, I can name my favorite authors on basically one hand but Limardo has made the cut. Looking forward to the next installment!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙏𝙮𝙥𝙚: Incomplete Duology
- All She Ever Wanted is a standalone in the same world.
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: Pirate Historical Romance
𝘼𝙜𝙚-𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙥: Dual - Her/Him
𝙋𝙊𝙑: Single – Her
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 4⭐️
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚: 2🌶️ Kissing, banter, yearning, fade to black.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨
❥ Hate to Love
❥ Forced Proximity
❥ Pirate Romance
❥ Dark Romance
❥ Found Family
❥ You are Mine
❥ Violent Flirting
❥ Badass MFC
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 & 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
Another great book by @sarahlimardoauthor I thoroughly enjoyed this one and already can’t wait for the next book. The world is such a fun mix of danger, heartfelt friendships, and pirates. If you love vibes similar to Pirates of the Caribbean, you should definitely check this out!
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙:
❥ I loved the depth of relationships that I experienced. I especially loved the cooks character!
❥ The main character’s struggle with believing what others say about her versus discovering who she truly is was so well done. It’s such a powerful reminder that you are not defined by others’ opinions. You get to choose who you become.
❥ I love that this is based on a true story.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
❥ I wanted Jack to have dark hair 😂 I can’t help it! I have a weakness for those dark-haired mysterious men.
𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙄 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨?
YES!!! I NEED to know what happens. I am fully invested!
- All She Ever Wanted is a standalone in the same world.
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: Pirate Historical Romance
𝘼𝙜𝙚-𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙥: Dual - Her/Him
𝙋𝙊𝙑: Single – Her
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 4⭐️
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚: 2🌶️ Kissing, banter, yearning, fade to black.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨
❥ Hate to Love
❥ Forced Proximity
❥ Pirate Romance
❥ Dark Romance
❥ Found Family
❥ You are Mine
❥ Violent Flirting
❥ Badass MFC
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 & 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
Another great book by @sarahlimardoauthor I thoroughly enjoyed this one and already can’t wait for the next book. The world is such a fun mix of danger, heartfelt friendships, and pirates. If you love vibes similar to Pirates of the Caribbean, you should definitely check this out!
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙:
❥ I loved the depth of relationships that I experienced. I especially loved the cooks character!
❥ The main character’s struggle with believing what others say about her versus discovering who she truly is was so well done. It’s such a powerful reminder that you are not defined by others’ opinions. You get to choose who you become.
❥ I love that this is based on a true story.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
❥ I wanted Jack to have dark hair 😂 I can’t help it! I have a weakness for those dark-haired mysterious men.
𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙄 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨?
YES!!! I NEED to know what happens. I am fully invested!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished The Worst of Them, and honestly, it was such a fun, addictive read. The standout for me was absolutely the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Cecily and Jack. Their tension feels sharp and believable—there’s this constant push and pull where you’re not sure if they’re going to argue or kiss, and that’s what makes it so compelling. The banter is strong, but it’s the underlying vulnerability that really sells it.
What made the story even more interesting was the historical thread woven in—especially the nod to real accounts of female prisoners being sent off and married to pirates. That detail adds a gritty, almost haunting layer beneath the romance, giving the story more weight than your typical trope-driven plot.
Overall, it strikes a great balance between chemistry, conflict, and historical intrigue. Definitely worth picking up if you love a good enemies-to-lovers story with some depth behind it!
What made the story even more interesting was the historical thread woven in—especially the nod to real accounts of female prisoners being sent off and married to pirates. That detail adds a gritty, almost haunting layer beneath the romance, giving the story more weight than your typical trope-driven plot.
Overall, it strikes a great balance between chemistry, conflict, and historical intrigue. Definitely worth picking up if you love a good enemies-to-lovers story with some depth behind it!
Review of advance copy
Advanced copy reader review
After reading All She Ever Wanted last year I could not wait to get a glimpse back into that world with this book! The way that Sarah structures the story leaves no dull points with you being hooked from the first page to the last while also not being emotionally exhausting from too much constant drama. This book lets you really see the growth and struggles of the characters with amazing chemistry and banter throughout. You get a great balance of the excitement and action of a pirate book, romance, friendship, plus a touch of fantasy. The Worst of Them takes you on Cecily’s journey of growth and self discovery and while it does end with a cliff hanger its done at a very natural break and instead of leaving you with a million questions and unknowns it leaves you anticipating the next book!
After reading All She Ever Wanted last year I could not wait to get a glimpse back into that world with this book! The way that Sarah structures the story leaves no dull points with you being hooked from the first page to the last while also not being emotionally exhausting from too much constant drama. This book lets you really see the growth and struggles of the characters with amazing chemistry and banter throughout. You get a great balance of the excitement and action of a pirate book, romance, friendship, plus a touch of fantasy. The Worst of Them takes you on Cecily’s journey of growth and self discovery and while it does end with a cliff hanger its done at a very natural break and instead of leaving you with a million questions and unknowns it leaves you anticipating the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
IM OBSESSED!!! I’ve been waiting for this to come out, and now I need to wait for the second book but it’s so worth it. This book was amazing! And it’s everything I ever wanted in a fantastical pirate adventure. The writing is incredibly descriptive, and lush.
Cecily and Jack start out as being gritty and standoffish, but become lovable as their story together progresses and you get to see the softness beneath the tough exterior.
And the plot is just as addictive.
I cannot wait for book 2. Jack and Cecily will be living in my head rent free for the next year probably.
I’m so excited to see where Cecily will go from here. 🩷
Sarah Limardo’s writing is so beautiful aand I’m GRATEFUL I got to read an advanced copy. Girl, NEVER STOP WRITING.
If you’re thinking about reading this, JUST DO IT. You won’t regret it.
Cecily and Jack start out as being gritty and standoffish, but become lovable as their story together progresses and you get to see the softness beneath the tough exterior.
And the plot is just as addictive.
I cannot wait for book 2. Jack and Cecily will be living in my head rent free for the next year probably.
I’m so excited to see where Cecily will go from here. 🩷
Sarah Limardo’s writing is so beautiful aand I’m GRATEFUL I got to read an advanced copy. Girl, NEVER STOP WRITING.
If you’re thinking about reading this, JUST DO IT. You won’t regret it.
May 28, 2026
Unlike it's title, this book was definitely not the worst!
I have a lot of feelings about TWOT. And many thoughts, including "when is the second half of this duet releasing?!". I really did love this book from beginning to end. I was captivated almost from the first line and once I became acquainted with the characters, I just couldn’t stop thinking about them!
The steam level never crosses into spice, but one chapter did give me pause. That aside, I adored everything about this book. The plot, the pacing, the dialogue, the relationships and friendships, the side characters and the twists. It was just incredibly well done. It leaves me with a bit of a book hangover and a mighty need for the second half of this lovely duet. Everything was coming together so nicely before the cliffhanger came to grab my heart!
I have a lot of feelings about TWOT. And many thoughts, including "when is the second half of this duet releasing?!". I really did love this book from beginning to end. I was captivated almost from the first line and once I became acquainted with the characters, I just couldn’t stop thinking about them!
The steam level never crosses into spice, but one chapter did give me pause. That aside, I adored everything about this book. The plot, the pacing, the dialogue, the relationships and friendships, the side characters and the twists. It was just incredibly well done. It leaves me with a bit of a book hangover and a mighty need for the second half of this lovely duet. Everything was coming together so nicely before the cliffhanger came to grab my heart!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so thankful I got to read the ARC and thank you to the author, Sarah, for allowing me to do so! I LOVE the Copsons and this just made me love this world even more. I didn’t know how much I loved pirates until now and I can’t get enough of them. Cecily and Jack have such a great dynamic and I could read their stories all day long if I could! I loved the historical aspects included and that there were female representation like Hester, we love a bestie!! TWOT is a book you WILL want to read!!! The romance aspect of this book was enough to leave you wanting more without it getting too suggestive, which is always appreciated if you aren’t wanting spice. Overall I LOVED this book and my love for pirates and Sarah has grown!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to get back into this world after All She Ever Wanted and it did not disappoint! The Worst of Them added to this beautiful world so much. This is the perfect pirate romantasy with all the elements of adventure and romance you could want. But also with some darker, heavier themes that made it emotional and really made you feel for all the characters. I loved reading about Cecily, both in her and Jack's relationship but also in how she grew so much into herself. I loved Cecily and Jack's banter and how their relationship was written. I was on the edge of my seat the whole book and now I'm still stuck there waiting for the sequel! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a beautifully written pirate book!
April 30, 2026
This book was the OPPOSITE of its title. What a fantastic read!
I love Sarah's writing style; she weaves intense, deep wounds and emotions into characters, but the story unfolds with a whimsical, ce la vi style that is mesmerizing. The adventures that ensue during the story are extremely vivid, often times humorous, and frequently devious. The healing and rawness of the persons depicted allow for a beautiful contemplation for oneself; I had a few moments where I had to stop and wrestle with some truths the story hits on for myself. I love that the story has seamless tie ins to 'All she ever wanted' while also standing on its own capable legs. The universe Sarah's built is enchanting, and I CAN'T wait for the second half of this first beauty.
I love Sarah's writing style; she weaves intense, deep wounds and emotions into characters, but the story unfolds with a whimsical, ce la vi style that is mesmerizing. The adventures that ensue during the story are extremely vivid, often times humorous, and frequently devious. The healing and rawness of the persons depicted allow for a beautiful contemplation for oneself; I had a few moments where I had to stop and wrestle with some truths the story hits on for myself. I love that the story has seamless tie ins to 'All she ever wanted' while also standing on its own capable legs. The universe Sarah's built is enchanting, and I CAN'T wait for the second half of this first beauty.
September 13, 2026
THIS BOOK WAS AWESOME OMG OMG OMG HAD ME HOOKED TILL THE LAST WORD! OH NOW I HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 9 MONTHS NOOOOO
Okay calm, it was such a good book. Sarah i read "All she ever wanted" when it came out fresh and I instantly knew I found a new favorite author. And when I came and saw u wrote another book for the Copson series, I literally shrieked! I loved both books so much but this one has a more significant portion of my love. Your writing and plot delivery is absolutely incredible. Oh please pleaaseeee let me get an early copy for the next book because I think I will slowly deteriorate like my girl Cecily pines for her husband and I might just go mad from yearning like Jack (or Alexander) will.
Please heed my humble request oh amazing author 💖💖🙏
Okay calm, it was such a good book. Sarah i read "All she ever wanted" when it came out fresh and I instantly knew I found a new favorite author. And when I came and saw u wrote another book for the Copson series, I literally shrieked! I loved both books so much but this one has a more significant portion of my love. Your writing and plot delivery is absolutely incredible. Oh please pleaaseeee let me get an early copy for the next book because I think I will slowly deteriorate like my girl Cecily pines for her husband and I might just go mad from yearning like Jack (or Alexander) will.
Please heed my humble request oh amazing author 💖💖🙏
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow - another incredible book by Sarah! All She Ever Wanted instantly became a favorite book of mine when I read it back in 2024. Since then I’ve been anxiously anticipating Sarah’s next work, and it was well worth the wait! I admire her ability to write complex characters and swoon-worthy romance tied up in such a riviting plot. As I mentioned in my review of her last book, often times authors focus too heavily on only one or two of these elements. Sarah always manages to address each of these beautifully resulting in such an enjoyable read! I feel so lucky to have received an ARC copy of the book, and I absolutely can’t wait to read the next!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where do I even begin? Sarah has such a creative way of writing that instantly draws you in. My favorite read from last year was All She Ever Wanted and after I read that, I was so excited to know she was already writing her next book. The Worst of Us drew me immediately and I loved that her story is based off a true story of pirates and saving a prisoner ship of women. I love living in the pirate world of Copson. Thank you Sarah for, once again, writing another one of my favorite reads. Add this book to your TBD right away, you won’t regret it 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW!!! She did it again!!! This book was SO GOOD! Literally could not put it down, Sarah does such an amazing job writing the best characters, banter and more, this book was so much fun to read and I’m on the edge of my seat for the next one! I fell in love with all of the characters and life on the fortuna royale all over again. Thank you so much Sarah! Already my favorite read of 2026 by a long shot!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a whimsical adventure! This book delivered on excitement, twists, and turns. I laughed, I cried, I rejoiced!
The pacing was spot on and I had a difficult time putting it down (finished in less than 24 hours). The characters have so much depth to them, and it’s so easy to fall in love with them. But my favorite part is the writing style that is full of whimsy. If you’re looking for a pirate adventure with a bold heroine, look no further! And what a beautiful book cover to boot.
The pacing was spot on and I had a difficult time putting it down (finished in less than 24 hours). The characters have so much depth to them, and it’s so easy to fall in love with them. But my favorite part is the writing style that is full of whimsy. If you’re looking for a pirate adventure with a bold heroine, look no further! And what a beautiful book cover to boot.
July 6, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book. The banter was top tier, the tension was chef's kiss, and I got attached to these characters way faster than I expected. I loved the pirate adventure, the found family, and the slow-burn romance. There were so many moments where I was like, "Just one more chapter"... and suddenly it was 2 a.m.
Now excuse me while I immediately start the next book because I have to know what happens.
Now excuse me while I immediately start the next book because I have to know what happens.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sarah hits it out of the park again with The Worst of Them! Sarah is so incredibly talented. She weaved so many details into this story that were so exciting to discover along the way. Every character had a beautiful arc that just made you love them even more. I absolutely adore all of Sarah Limardo’s books. I cannot wait for the rest of this series!!
June 15, 2026
Sarah truly has a gift and I am more and more in love with her characters and witty writing. Give me all the pirate love stories and I shall die happy! Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, but with the best MMC & MFC who literally are at each other’s throats. Love a good enemies to lovers trope, with an epic adventure, and a little spark of fantasy. Can’t wait for book two.
June 28, 2026
As lovely as the first, in different ways.
I cried, I laughed. I wish the author had a back catalog I could comb through. I don’t want to wait a whole year, but it’s not because there was a cliffhanger (I wouldn’t call it one) but because I desperately want to see where these characters go.
I cried, I laughed. I wish the author had a back catalog I could comb through. I don’t want to wait a whole year, but it’s not because there was a cliffhanger (I wouldn’t call it one) but because I desperately want to see where these characters go.
August 1, 2026
As soon as I found out about this book, I bought it. After reading All She Ever Wanted, I knew I wanted to know more about the Copsons. There are pirates, Tortuga, and a brush with creatures of the deep, and ghosts. And of course a love story. It makes for great reading. Unfortunately, now I have to wait for the next one. 😝
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