What do you think?
Rate this book
Beneath the Black Flag
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26Kai Thorne has made a name for himself. He is feared, ruthless, and untouchable. A legend whispered across every port, Captain Wraith.
Beneath his flag, loyalty is everything and his crew is as loyal as they are unforgettable.
And then there is Rosalind, the girl he left behind. Now standing on the deck of his ship, she is no longer just a memory, but a force he cannot ignore. As their paths collide once more, so do the feelings neither of them ever truly escaped.
Together, they have carved out a life of freedom, far from the past Kai refuses to face. But how long can a person truly run from their past, before it catches up to him.
When a powerful secret resurfaces-one tied to a past he thought long buried-Kai is pulled into a dangerous quest that threatens to unravel everything he thought he knew. What begins as a search for answers quickly turns into something far more deadly, where truth blurs and nothing is as it seems.
Enemies are closing in and secrets are unraveling. Some storms can't be outrun. Some truths can drown you.
To claim his future, Kai must face the past, and the legacy he seeks may cost him everything.
Beneath his flag, loyalty is everything and his crew is as loyal as they are unforgettable.
And then there is Rosalind, the girl he left behind. Now standing on the deck of his ship, she is no longer just a memory, but a force he cannot ignore. As their paths collide once more, so do the feelings neither of them ever truly escaped.
Together, they have carved out a life of freedom, far from the past Kai refuses to face. But how long can a person truly run from their past, before it catches up to him.
When a powerful secret resurfaces-one tied to a past he thought long buried-Kai is pulled into a dangerous quest that threatens to unravel everything he thought he knew. What begins as a search for answers quickly turns into something far more deadly, where truth blurs and nothing is as it seems.
Enemies are closing in and secrets are unraveling. Some storms can't be outrun. Some truths can drown you.
To claim his future, Kai must face the past, and the legacy he seeks may cost him everything.
- GenresFantasy
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
L.A. Rivera
1 book39 followersL.A. Rivera has loved storytelling for as long as she can remember. It started with little stories she used to make up as a kid and grew into writing poetry during her teenage years. As she got older, she dreamed of becoming a documentary filmmaker, drawn to the power of storytelling in all its forms. But when the idea for The Black Flag Legacy Series came to her, it quickly became a story she couldn’t ignore.
When she’s not writing, you can usually find her playing video games, reading, watching movies, or spending time with her husband, two kids, and their chaotic toy poodle, Beni Bear.
When she’s not writing, you can usually find her playing video games, reading, watching movies, or spending time with her husband, two kids, and their chaotic toy poodle, Beni Bear.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 12, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 stars
When I saw this book marketed as Found Family and with strong MMC/FMC, I was SOLD! needed my hands on it ASAP!
I will admit that this is my first pirate fantasy book so as I started it I was a little bit skeptical how much I was going to enjoy it. I felt like in the first 20~30% it was reading very predictable but OMG I WAS SO WRONG! I am really glad that I continued on and didn't let my assumptions stop me from enjoying this story. Almost every time I thought I knew where the author was taking me as the reader I was proven wrong and she continued to surprise me. (except I felt one thing was so obvious and I was getting annoyed at the characters for not seeing this huge neon sign of DUH that when the reveal happened I was more irritated than shocked). but again that was just a me thing and I think for a lot of readers, these huge moments are really going to hit.
but enough of that, let me tell you about what I really enjoyed about this book:
★ Very short chapters - I am a huge lover of short fast paced chapters and Rivera did a phenomenal job with the pacing of this story and the switching of the POVs really work with the progression of the book.
★ Characters - I found myself really really enjoying the actions that the characters make within the context of the story and we are given reasons as to why they are doing what they are doing and it makes sense!
★ Tropes - as I stated before, I'm a sucker for Found Family and I had fun with how Rivera wrote it. We also get a Who Did This To You moment and yes I did squeal and clutch my reader closer!
★ Spice - KAI THE MAN THAT YOU ARE!!!! oh my god the spice in this book is so well done and so incredibly enjoyable. It also feels organic within the story and doesn't just happen as a means for checking boxes.
I totally see this being a 5 star book for a lot of readers but there were a few things that didn't check the boxes for me and brough down my rating a bit.
☆ Romance - The romance is written well in this book but for me it moved way too fast! I'm a huge fan of the slow burn and build up of a relationship but I just felt like it happened way too soon. While the characters have know each other since kids, they haven't seen each other for 10 years so are essentially strangers to the adult versions of each other and it just felt like they jumped into being together immediately after coming back into each others lives.
ANYWAYS GIVE ME BOOK 2 NOW!
4.25 stars
When I saw this book marketed as Found Family and with strong MMC/FMC, I was SOLD! needed my hands on it ASAP!
I will admit that this is my first pirate fantasy book so as I started it I was a little bit skeptical how much I was going to enjoy it. I felt like in the first 20~30% it was reading very predictable but OMG I WAS SO WRONG! I am really glad that I continued on and didn't let my assumptions stop me from enjoying this story. Almost every time I thought I knew where the author was taking me as the reader I was proven wrong and she continued to surprise me. (except I felt one thing was so obvious and I was getting annoyed at the characters for not seeing this huge neon sign of DUH that when the reveal happened I was more irritated than shocked). but again that was just a me thing and I think for a lot of readers, these huge moments are really going to hit.
but enough of that, let me tell you about what I really enjoyed about this book:
★ Very short chapters - I am a huge lover of short fast paced chapters and Rivera did a phenomenal job with the pacing of this story and the switching of the POVs really work with the progression of the book.
★ Characters - I found myself really really enjoying the actions that the characters make within the context of the story and we are given reasons as to why they are doing what they are doing and it makes sense!
★ Tropes - as I stated before, I'm a sucker for Found Family and I had fun with how Rivera wrote it. We also get a Who Did This To You moment and yes I did squeal and clutch my reader closer!
★ Spice - KAI THE MAN THAT YOU ARE!!!! oh my god the spice in this book is so well done and so incredibly enjoyable. It also feels organic within the story and doesn't just happen as a means for checking boxes.
I totally see this being a 5 star book for a lot of readers but there were a few things that didn't check the boxes for me and brough down my rating a bit.
☆ Romance - The romance is written well in this book but for me it moved way too fast! I'm a huge fan of the slow burn and build up of a relationship but I just felt like it happened way too soon. While the characters have know each other since kids, they haven't seen each other for 10 years so are essentially strangers to the adult versions of each other and it just felt like they jumped into being together immediately after coming back into each others lives.
ANYWAYS GIVE ME BOOK 2 NOW!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This is a review of an Advance Copy received from the author. My opinions are entirely my own and not influenced by the author or affiliates.
I am not generally a romantasy girl, although I do read it on occasion. The adventure aspect drew me to this particular ARC experience and although it was not my favourite read, I am still glad I read it.
Firstly, to note, there is spice and it's hot and explicit, but I think I counted three or four scenes in total. So although the scenes might seem excessive to inexperienced smut readers, they are not excessive in the book. I have to admit I liked the spicy scenes, but they were a little at odds with the content in that Rosalind is supposedly inexperienced but aside from one mention of her hesitation, she seems very capable for an inexperienced lover. That was slightly jarring and took away from the authenticity of the scenes.
On piracy and maritime jargon, I have to applaud the author. The way L.A. Rivera wrote about the ship, the swordfighting, and the sea, felt authentic and believable. Although our crew are apparently nothing short of immortal (not actually, but they do seem unbelievably hard to kill), and although gore is written into the action scenes, it isn't always exceptionally believable which unfortunately affected my rating. Additionally, Rosalind's introductory fight-to-escape scene is highly unlikely, because although adrenaline would rush, no actual woman who spends her time gardening and tending to the ill (a largely sedentary life far away from weapons), and who garnered most of her experience by watching two brothers pretend fight more than ten years ago would be able to slay so many hardened pirates who live and die by the blade every day of their lives.
On adventure and magic, there is a wonderful tale of adventure, and it is intriguing. I found myself invested in the magical element and almost wanted more of that throughout the book rather than in just the last half to last quarter. I almost wished more of that was explained and detailed, and hope to see this done in the coming books in the series.
This book contains twists and turns that are both expected and not. The first twist I could see from the get-go - from when it was introduced. I waited for the reveal, and lo and behold my assumptions were correct. Although the reasons behind the character's actions were very interesting and intriguing and not at all expected. The second twist was unexpected and I wanted more explanation on the reasons for this particular character's choices, but I am sure that will be explained as the series continues.
In short, it is a story of adventure, piracy, love and romance, longing, loss, and friendship. It is a fun enough romp on the high seas and for anyone that loves a good pirate story, it is sufficient. Romantasy readers will enjoy the spicy scenes but may find them a bit few and far between. The only other constructive comment I have is that the language used in the book is a bit at odds with the time period and although the time period is never stipulated, the idea that women wear corsetry and bodices and undergarments, is jarring against dialogue between characters that is excruciatingly modern (especially during the spicy scenes, but in fact throughout the entire book). This is also why I had to adjust my rating downwards. Otherwise, I had fun reading this book and will probably read the following books in the series to continue on the adventure with Captain Wraith and Rosalind and their motley crew of misfits.
I am not generally a romantasy girl, although I do read it on occasion. The adventure aspect drew me to this particular ARC experience and although it was not my favourite read, I am still glad I read it.
Firstly, to note, there is spice and it's hot and explicit, but I think I counted three or four scenes in total. So although the scenes might seem excessive to inexperienced smut readers, they are not excessive in the book. I have to admit I liked the spicy scenes, but they were a little at odds with the content in that Rosalind is supposedly inexperienced but aside from one mention of her hesitation, she seems very capable for an inexperienced lover. That was slightly jarring and took away from the authenticity of the scenes.
On piracy and maritime jargon, I have to applaud the author. The way L.A. Rivera wrote about the ship, the swordfighting, and the sea, felt authentic and believable. Although our crew are apparently nothing short of immortal (not actually, but they do seem unbelievably hard to kill), and although gore is written into the action scenes, it isn't always exceptionally believable which unfortunately affected my rating. Additionally, Rosalind's introductory fight-to-escape scene is highly unlikely, because although adrenaline would rush, no actual woman who spends her time gardening and tending to the ill (a largely sedentary life far away from weapons), and who garnered most of her experience by watching two brothers pretend fight more than ten years ago would be able to slay so many hardened pirates who live and die by the blade every day of their lives.
On adventure and magic, there is a wonderful tale of adventure, and it is intriguing. I found myself invested in the magical element and almost wanted more of that throughout the book rather than in just the last half to last quarter. I almost wished more of that was explained and detailed, and hope to see this done in the coming books in the series.
This book contains twists and turns that are both expected and not. The first twist I could see from the get-go - from when it was introduced. I waited for the reveal, and lo and behold my assumptions were correct. Although the reasons behind the character's actions were very interesting and intriguing and not at all expected. The second twist was unexpected and I wanted more explanation on the reasons for this particular character's choices, but I am sure that will be explained as the series continues.
In short, it is a story of adventure, piracy, love and romance, longing, loss, and friendship. It is a fun enough romp on the high seas and for anyone that loves a good pirate story, it is sufficient. Romantasy readers will enjoy the spicy scenes but may find them a bit few and far between. The only other constructive comment I have is that the language used in the book is a bit at odds with the time period and although the time period is never stipulated, the idea that women wear corsetry and bodices and undergarments, is jarring against dialogue between characters that is excruciatingly modern (especially during the spicy scenes, but in fact throughout the entire book). This is also why I had to adjust my rating downwards. Otherwise, I had fun reading this book and will probably read the following books in the series to continue on the adventure with Captain Wraith and Rosalind and their motley crew of misfits.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lore and legends…romance and heartbreak…swashbuckling adventure around every corner and twist and turns that will have you gasping. Beneath the Black Flag has all this and more. If you love an epic adventure, a badass MMC who will bring you to your knees and an equally badass FMC who you’ll want to live vicariously through, this is the book for you.
LA Rivera has an amazing way of sucking you into her world immediately. I was fully invested in the lives of not only the main characters, Wraith and Rosalind, but also the crew of the Inception and everyone we meet throughout the story. LA uses the right amount of world building where you can easily envision the world being brought to life by her words, yet you are not bogged down by never ending descriptions.
There is action and suspense from beginning to end and you can feel what the characters are going through, especially in the tense situations. My anxiety was high and my blood was pumping hard through a few seems IYKYK. (That’s a good thing lol)
This is very much an epic adventure romance, not to be confused with a romantasy. I think that what makes it special is that it has something for all types of readers and the genres of books they love. Romance, magic and pirates for the romantasy readers…action, mystery, twists and turns for the thriller and suspense readers. It has something for everyone.
I can’t wait to see what LA Rivera has up her sleeves for the rest of this series. I need more Rosalind, Captain Wraith and the Crew of the Inception in my life and I’m so excited to see where this amazing debut novel takes the author. I see household name in Rivera’s future.
LA Rivera has an amazing way of sucking you into her world immediately. I was fully invested in the lives of not only the main characters, Wraith and Rosalind, but also the crew of the Inception and everyone we meet throughout the story. LA uses the right amount of world building where you can easily envision the world being brought to life by her words, yet you are not bogged down by never ending descriptions.
There is action and suspense from beginning to end and you can feel what the characters are going through, especially in the tense situations. My anxiety was high and my blood was pumping hard through a few seems IYKYK. (That’s a good thing lol)
This is very much an epic adventure romance, not to be confused with a romantasy. I think that what makes it special is that it has something for all types of readers and the genres of books they love. Romance, magic and pirates for the romantasy readers…action, mystery, twists and turns for the thriller and suspense readers. It has something for everyone.
I can’t wait to see what LA Rivera has up her sleeves for the rest of this series. I need more Rosalind, Captain Wraith and the Crew of the Inception in my life and I’m so excited to see where this amazing debut novel takes the author. I see household name in Rivera’s future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5/5 stars
Beneath the Black Flag was a very enjoyable pirate adventure/ romance read! I think the author did a wonderful job with building a story line that has a lot of potential for future books as well as building a world that was intriguing and well thought out. For a first book in the series I think this was very solid and sets the tone going forward. I am really excited for the next book and I do think that's partially due to me being huge fan of mythical creatures, trials, and tests.
I also really enjoyed how the characters travel and experience the different cultures and environments on each of the islands they visit. I liked that they were all unique and had their own histories and lore behind them.
There were a few areas that I wished for a bit more on. At times, I felt the plot moved a bit choppily and I sometimes was confused what had happened during a transition to a new scene. Something else I struggled with a bit was connecting deeply to the characters. I felt that they had the potential to really connect with, but I wasn't able to quite get there. I think this was due to some of the dialogue scenes and character interactions feeling a bit surface level. Sometimes a character's background would be divulged quickly and due to trauma and other factors it could feel a bit jarring.
That being said, I am definitely wanting to continue this series and would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys an adventure romance with a plot that has overarching epic fantasy potential!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy! This review is entirely my own and not influenced by any outside factors.
Beneath the Black Flag was a very enjoyable pirate adventure/ romance read! I think the author did a wonderful job with building a story line that has a lot of potential for future books as well as building a world that was intriguing and well thought out. For a first book in the series I think this was very solid and sets the tone going forward. I am really excited for the next book and I do think that's partially due to me being huge fan of mythical creatures, trials, and tests.
I also really enjoyed how the characters travel and experience the different cultures and environments on each of the islands they visit. I liked that they were all unique and had their own histories and lore behind them.
There were a few areas that I wished for a bit more on. At times, I felt the plot moved a bit choppily and I sometimes was confused what had happened during a transition to a new scene. Something else I struggled with a bit was connecting deeply to the characters. I felt that they had the potential to really connect with, but I wasn't able to quite get there. I think this was due to some of the dialogue scenes and character interactions feeling a bit surface level. Sometimes a character's background would be divulged quickly and due to trauma and other factors it could feel a bit jarring.
That being said, I am definitely wanting to continue this series and would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys an adventure romance with a plot that has overarching epic fantasy potential!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy! This review is entirely my own and not influenced by any outside factors.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an advanced copy received from the Author.
This was a great first book for a new author to come out with. There was one twist I saw coming almost immediately and I thought I knew the second one. I was pleasantly proven wrong and honestly there's not many books that can do that to me anymore. (Seriously I think I've read 2 in the last year that legitimately had a surprise twist I didn't see coming).
The books does have some spicy scene moments, but even if they weren't there its still a fantastic story. My only problem is the same one I find with almost all spicy stories. Girl says she's never been with someone or has little experience, yet girl almost always seems to have the experience of a pro immediately.
Pros
- Short Chapters: I hate chapters that seemingly go on forever. To me it makes the books unnecessary drag
- Research (?): I don't know how to title this one, but I love a good book where you can tell the Author researched what they were writing about. Rivera did that in my eyes. She knew what she was talking about when it came to a ship.
- Action: plenty of action and fight scenes. They also didn't feel drawn out and there wasn't so many of them where you lost the plot.
- Spice: just like mentioned above, just enough where it seemed like a little sweet treat, but not so much where you lost the plot and are simply reading smut.
Cons
- Like I stated above, FMC seemed to be a pro when she had little to no experience
- I saw the one plot twist, it seemed fairly easy to catch, but I didn't catch the other (I don't think this is necessarily a con tbh)
I can't wait for the second part of the story and finding out what happens next!
This was a great first book for a new author to come out with. There was one twist I saw coming almost immediately and I thought I knew the second one. I was pleasantly proven wrong and honestly there's not many books that can do that to me anymore. (Seriously I think I've read 2 in the last year that legitimately had a surprise twist I didn't see coming).
The books does have some spicy scene moments, but even if they weren't there its still a fantastic story. My only problem is the same one I find with almost all spicy stories. Girl says she's never been with someone or has little experience, yet girl almost always seems to have the experience of a pro immediately.
Pros
- Short Chapters: I hate chapters that seemingly go on forever. To me it makes the books unnecessary drag
- Research (?): I don't know how to title this one, but I love a good book where you can tell the Author researched what they were writing about. Rivera did that in my eyes. She knew what she was talking about when it came to a ship.
- Action: plenty of action and fight scenes. They also didn't feel drawn out and there wasn't so many of them where you lost the plot.
- Spice: just like mentioned above, just enough where it seemed like a little sweet treat, but not so much where you lost the plot and are simply reading smut.
Cons
- Like I stated above, FMC seemed to be a pro when she had little to no experience
- I saw the one plot twist, it seemed fairly easy to catch, but I didn't catch the other (I don't think this is necessarily a con tbh)
I can't wait for the second part of the story and finding out what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
I had never read a fantasy/romantasy about pirates, so I went into this knowing it would be a new world and experience for me. I went in without any expectations and was blown away by how quickly I was sucked into this world.
Beneath the Black Flag follows Kai, now Captain Wraith on his ship and Rose, the woman he loved as a child as she rediscovers who he is and joins the adventures.
I loved that the romance side did not overwhelm the main plot of the story. There was a perfect level of spice that went along with everything else happening. I cannot reveal too much because you should definitely read this one. Romantasy is not generally my genre, I crave a good balance of plot and romance and the whole book delivered!
The FMC (Rose) and MMC (Kai) were both so well done, they were believable and I genuinely cared for both. And it didn’t stop there, we had a whole cast full of found family that you get to know and love as well. Sometimes too many characters can be overwhelming, but this was not the case. You get to know all of the main characters enough to get a sense of who they are, who they were, and who they will become.
L.A. Rivera did a phenomenal job of not only building a new world in this novel, but you could feel the folklore and the scenery jumping out on every page. The ending?! I cannot wait for the second book in the series! A phenomenal debut, I am excited to read the next installment!
I received an e-arc from the author in exchange for an honest review and so I’d like to thank L.A. Rivera for the opportunity!
I had never read a fantasy/romantasy about pirates, so I went into this knowing it would be a new world and experience for me. I went in without any expectations and was blown away by how quickly I was sucked into this world.
Beneath the Black Flag follows Kai, now Captain Wraith on his ship and Rose, the woman he loved as a child as she rediscovers who he is and joins the adventures.
I loved that the romance side did not overwhelm the main plot of the story. There was a perfect level of spice that went along with everything else happening. I cannot reveal too much because you should definitely read this one. Romantasy is not generally my genre, I crave a good balance of plot and romance and the whole book delivered!
The FMC (Rose) and MMC (Kai) were both so well done, they were believable and I genuinely cared for both. And it didn’t stop there, we had a whole cast full of found family that you get to know and love as well. Sometimes too many characters can be overwhelming, but this was not the case. You get to know all of the main characters enough to get a sense of who they are, who they were, and who they will become.
L.A. Rivera did a phenomenal job of not only building a new world in this novel, but you could feel the folklore and the scenery jumping out on every page. The ending?! I cannot wait for the second book in the series! A phenomenal debut, I am excited to read the next installment!
I received an e-arc from the author in exchange for an honest review and so I’d like to thank L.A. Rivera for the opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🏴☠️“There’s a shift in the world right before life as you know it changes forever. You can feel it right before the moment arrives. In the air. In your bones. A whisper threading through the back of your mind, urging you to notice. A tightening in your chest, warning you that something is coming. Something inevitable. This was one of those moments.”🏴☠️
Beneath the Black Flag is a pirate fantasy with dual POVs, following Rosalind Beckett (a small-town apothecary/healer) who finds a distressed sailor breaking down her door to urge her to stitch up Pirate King Captain Wraith, whose ruthlessness on the high seas proceeds him, and who unexpectedly turns out to be her childhood best friend Kai that disappeared years ago.
In a chaotic turn of events, Rosalind ends up on Kai’s pirate ship, and she learns to live alongside a found family of fellow sailors, and hold her own ground as a new pirate herself. Kai uncovers a secret that could upend pirate society as they all know it, bringing him face to face with his biggest losses and fears. Rosalind and Kai are both snarky as hell and unafraid to tell others how it is - I really hope we get some scenes of this duo snarking it up in alliance against others, in the sequel.
Beneath the Black Flag is a spine-tingling, refreshing, and exhilarating introduction to a new fantasy series! Congratulations L. A. Rivera on your fabulous swashbuckling debut! Thank you for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Beneath the Black Flag is a pirate fantasy with dual POVs, following Rosalind Beckett (a small-town apothecary/healer) who finds a distressed sailor breaking down her door to urge her to stitch up Pirate King Captain Wraith, whose ruthlessness on the high seas proceeds him, and who unexpectedly turns out to be her childhood best friend Kai that disappeared years ago.
In a chaotic turn of events, Rosalind ends up on Kai’s pirate ship, and she learns to live alongside a found family of fellow sailors, and hold her own ground as a new pirate herself. Kai uncovers a secret that could upend pirate society as they all know it, bringing him face to face with his biggest losses and fears. Rosalind and Kai are both snarky as hell and unafraid to tell others how it is - I really hope we get some scenes of this duo snarking it up in alliance against others, in the sequel.
Beneath the Black Flag is a spine-tingling, refreshing, and exhilarating introduction to a new fantasy series! Congratulations L. A. Rivera on your fabulous swashbuckling debut! Thank you for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When you think of fae, you think of Sarah J Maas.
Dragons, Rebecca Yarros.
Pirates? You will remember L.A. Rivera's name.
I am so thankful she reached out and provided me the opportunity of an advanced reading copy. I can't wait for people to set sail on this journey.
Let me start off by saying I am predominantly a horror/thriller reader. Yes, I read romantasy and fantasy, but usually just to stay up to date with what my friends are talking about. I still adore this book and will be recommending it non stop.
Romance girls, trust me. You will be fed. And it's spicy. But selfishly, I need to ramble about the quest.
The challenge that Captain Wraith and his motley crew face is steep, to be sure. But if you're typically intimidated by fantasy writing because you're afraid of being buried in detailed background information that leaves you frustrated because you feel like the plot is spiraling and you're not even sure if it is relevant...Beneath the Black Flag is your kind of book. Pre-order immediately. Rivera does not hold back on the complexity, but has the finesse of an author that can deliver it in a digestible, concise manner for all readers, which I'm grateful for.
My hands are already itching for book 2.
Dragons, Rebecca Yarros.
Pirates? You will remember L.A. Rivera's name.
I am so thankful she reached out and provided me the opportunity of an advanced reading copy. I can't wait for people to set sail on this journey.
Let me start off by saying I am predominantly a horror/thriller reader. Yes, I read romantasy and fantasy, but usually just to stay up to date with what my friends are talking about. I still adore this book and will be recommending it non stop.
Romance girls, trust me. You will be fed. And it's spicy. But selfishly, I need to ramble about the quest.
The challenge that Captain Wraith and his motley crew face is steep, to be sure. But if you're typically intimidated by fantasy writing because you're afraid of being buried in detailed background information that leaves you frustrated because you feel like the plot is spiraling and you're not even sure if it is relevant...Beneath the Black Flag is your kind of book. Pre-order immediately. Rivera does not hold back on the complexity, but has the finesse of an author that can deliver it in a digestible, concise manner for all readers, which I'm grateful for.
My hands are already itching for book 2.
Review of advance copy
As someone who grew up on swashbuckling tales and fantasy books, I was incredibly eager to read this.
Right away I could tell that the author had spent time doing a lot of research, both about the time period it relatively takes place in (I say this because it's not quite in our version of the late 1600s) and the sword fighting techniques of that time. (I myself am trained in sword fighting and martial arts and I could tell she'd studied videos of it to get a good feel for it.) However, I did still have a hard time picturing some of the fights and there were a few times I had to dispel belief to make something plausible.
The magic system was fun and unique. The crew were introduced in a way that made it fairly easy to remember them (though I had some doubts that so few men could manage a ship of that size). And it's always nice to see a FMC who kicks ass.
There were, however, many moments that jarred me out of the story. Strolling up to a bar and asking for a bowl of nuts was one of them.
I did not expect the second twist and was definitely left with more questions than answers. Hoping those are answered in the next book.
This is a solid debut novel and I'm eager to see how the author's skill grows in the subsequent books.
Right away I could tell that the author had spent time doing a lot of research, both about the time period it relatively takes place in (I say this because it's not quite in our version of the late 1600s) and the sword fighting techniques of that time. (I myself am trained in sword fighting and martial arts and I could tell she'd studied videos of it to get a good feel for it.) However, I did still have a hard time picturing some of the fights and there were a few times I had to dispel belief to make something plausible.
The magic system was fun and unique. The crew were introduced in a way that made it fairly easy to remember them (though I had some doubts that so few men could manage a ship of that size). And it's always nice to see a FMC who kicks ass.
There were, however, many moments that jarred me out of the story. Strolling up to a bar and asking for a bowl of nuts was one of them.
I did not expect the second twist and was definitely left with more questions than answers. Hoping those are answered in the next book.
This is a solid debut novel and I'm eager to see how the author's skill grows in the subsequent books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Listen... I ate this up. 😂
This was such a fun pirate fantasy filled with adventure, danger, romance, and a crew I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. The found family vibes were immaculate, the yearning was PEAK, and when I found out this man had waited 10 years for her?! Yeah... inject that directly into my veins. 😭✨
The reason this landed at 4 stars instead of 5 is because I saw the twist coming pretty early, and some parts felt a little predictable. But honestly, that didn't take away from my enjoyment at all. Sometimes a story can still be incredibly satisfying even when you know where it's headed, and that was definitely the case here.
One of my favorite things about this book was how vivid everything felt. The action scenes were exciting and well executed, and the world-building made it easy to get completely lost at sea alongside the crew. I could clearly picture the settings, the battles, and the danger around every corner.
I was fully invested in these characters, their relationships, and their journey. Between the adventure, the romance, the found family, and a man who spent a decade pining, this book had me hooked.
And that ending? Now I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. 🏴☠️✨
This was such a fun pirate fantasy filled with adventure, danger, romance, and a crew I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. The found family vibes were immaculate, the yearning was PEAK, and when I found out this man had waited 10 years for her?! Yeah... inject that directly into my veins. 😭✨
The reason this landed at 4 stars instead of 5 is because I saw the twist coming pretty early, and some parts felt a little predictable. But honestly, that didn't take away from my enjoyment at all. Sometimes a story can still be incredibly satisfying even when you know where it's headed, and that was definitely the case here.
One of my favorite things about this book was how vivid everything felt. The action scenes were exciting and well executed, and the world-building made it easy to get completely lost at sea alongside the crew. I could clearly picture the settings, the battles, and the danger around every corner.
I was fully invested in these characters, their relationships, and their journey. Between the adventure, the romance, the found family, and a man who spent a decade pining, this book had me hooked.
And that ending? Now I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. 🏴☠️✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to L.A Rivera for allowing me to arc read her book Beneath The Black Flag that releases on 9/1. I was drawn to apply for this arc because the idea of a pirate romantasy fascinated me. And this book certainly delivered. The fmc's is Rosalind and the mmc is Kai. Kai is Captain Wraith of his own ship. He earned the respect and loyalty of his crew. His childhood crush is Rosalind. They part ways for a few years and are reunited and a romance sparks between them. Rosalind went from teen to woman and is now a healer. She ends up embarking on an adventure with Kai when Kai makes the decision to go after a septor that can change the realms as they know it. There is an assain named Seraphine and she reminded me so much of Celeana Sardothian. This whole book was giving Throne of Glass vibes and is definitely on that level. Rosalind is bada$$. There's sword fighting, bloody battles. And I loved the banter between the crew and Rosalind. And the spice was delicious. This world has magic, a forest thats completely poisonous. The plot had many twist and turns. You will be shocked at the ending!! Can't wait for the next book!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m a horror and thriller reader, so I went into this book not sure how much I’d enjoy it and I ended up really loving the book. The story itself is great - and there’s a level of mystery that was nice for me, a thriller reader. There are also twists in the book that left me gasping so loud and again, as a thriller reader, I love when a twist actually shocks me.
I usually don’t enjoy any level of romance or spice in books but in this book; it didn’t bother me. L.A. Rivera made the romance meaningful here, and it also didn’t take over the story, and I really appreciated that. And the spice didn’t bother me, which is surprising. The characters were amazing and I really cared about them. I LOVED their backstories; it was my favorite part of the book. I’m so happy this book exists because it was a story I didn’t know I needed in my life, and I’m so glad it’s a trilogy because I definitely need more books!
I highly recommend this book to readers of all genres. And again, this is coming from a horror and thriller reader. Your only regret will be missing out on it!
I usually don’t enjoy any level of romance or spice in books but in this book; it didn’t bother me. L.A. Rivera made the romance meaningful here, and it also didn’t take over the story, and I really appreciated that. And the spice didn’t bother me, which is surprising. The characters were amazing and I really cared about them. I LOVED their backstories; it was my favorite part of the book. I’m so happy this book exists because it was a story I didn’t know I needed in my life, and I’m so glad it’s a trilogy because I definitely need more books!
I highly recommend this book to readers of all genres. And again, this is coming from a horror and thriller reader. Your only regret will be missing out on it!
July 11, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from the author.
I loved this story especially the character building. I loved that you got to know the backstories of the characters and how they became the people they are at this point in their lives. I loved Captain Wraith from the moment he entered the story! Rose made me feel like just because you grow up being one thing doesn’t mean you can’t become something more even if it’s not something you ever thought you could do. Captain Wraiths crew is a chosen family that will do anything for each other. Villains that’s keep you guessing and twists that have you holding your breath to find out what’s next. I’m sad that it’s over but can’t wait for the next part of the story!
The only thing I wished it had more of was a little more spice, although there was spice I feel like there could have been more to help build up the relationship between Kai and Rose.
As her first book L.A Rivera brings the story off of the pages and I can’t wait to read more!
I loved this story especially the character building. I loved that you got to know the backstories of the characters and how they became the people they are at this point in their lives. I loved Captain Wraith from the moment he entered the story! Rose made me feel like just because you grow up being one thing doesn’t mean you can’t become something more even if it’s not something you ever thought you could do. Captain Wraiths crew is a chosen family that will do anything for each other. Villains that’s keep you guessing and twists that have you holding your breath to find out what’s next. I’m sad that it’s over but can’t wait for the next part of the story!
The only thing I wished it had more of was a little more spice, although there was spice I feel like there could have been more to help build up the relationship between Kai and Rose.
As her first book L.A Rivera brings the story off of the pages and I can’t wait to read more!
July 25, 2026
5/5 ⭐️’s
3/5 🌶️
I had SO MUCH FUN with this book!!!!!! The spicy parts were spicy and I skimmed through them, but I legit had such a fun time with this book! I originally was set on a 4.5 rating, but with it being a debut, I always bump my rating .5. But also THE ENDING DID ME IN!! I was ready to chuck my kindle in my backyard from how shocked, hurt, and angry I got… but I couldn’t because I was SO INTO IT!
What a fantastic debut novel from L.A. Rivera! I love everything pirates, the scenes, the characters. The fight scenes were SO well done.
The last two chapters/ending!?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!? I need the second book immediately, but unfortunately for me this first one isn’t even out so imma have to impatiently wait 😂😭
The adventure was great, plot kept me engaged and excited, the found family was perfect, and the character development AND the way the book worked through grief and hardship? Beautiful.
SO WELL DONE! I cannot wait to buy the physical copy of this book!
Thank you to the author for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
3/5 🌶️
I had SO MUCH FUN with this book!!!!!! The spicy parts were spicy and I skimmed through them, but I legit had such a fun time with this book! I originally was set on a 4.5 rating, but with it being a debut, I always bump my rating .5. But also THE ENDING DID ME IN!! I was ready to chuck my kindle in my backyard from how shocked, hurt, and angry I got… but I couldn’t because I was SO INTO IT!
What a fantastic debut novel from L.A. Rivera! I love everything pirates, the scenes, the characters. The fight scenes were SO well done.
The last two chapters/ending!?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!? I need the second book immediately, but unfortunately for me this first one isn’t even out so imma have to impatiently wait 😂😭
The adventure was great, plot kept me engaged and excited, the found family was perfect, and the character development AND the way the book worked through grief and hardship? Beautiful.
SO WELL DONE! I cannot wait to buy the physical copy of this book!
Thank you to the author for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, thank you to L. A. Rivera for choosing me to be a member of your ARC team!!!
This was an amazing introduction to pirate romantasy as a subgenre. The world was lush and vividly described. It felt like watching a movie in my head while reading. The action had me on the edge of my seat, and I’d just carry my Kindle around while cleaning or chasing my son because I had to know how the chapter ended!!! The two main characters, Rosalind and Kai, have instant chemistry and didn’t waste a moment of time (I’m not complaining)!! It was such a good story, both for the plot and the smut. I’ll be very excited when more of the series is available because I’m INVESTED in this quest.
This was an amazing introduction to pirate romantasy as a subgenre. The world was lush and vividly described. It felt like watching a movie in my head while reading. The action had me on the edge of my seat, and I’d just carry my Kindle around while cleaning or chasing my son because I had to know how the chapter ended!!! The two main characters, Rosalind and Kai, have instant chemistry and didn’t waste a moment of time (I’m not complaining)!! It was such a good story, both for the plot and the smut. I’ll be very excited when more of the series is available because I’m INVESTED in this quest.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Discover the magic... I believed Captain Jack was the only pirate for me, but then I met Kai 😍🔥. This book had me reading past my bedtime as I followed the characters through twists and turns that I never expected. This book will not disappoint! I'm already counting the days until the next installment, desperate to uncover the secrets that lie ahead. #beneaththeblackflag
July 19, 2026
From beginning to end this had my hooked!! No pun intended 😅 seriously the best novel to get you out of the massive book slump you are in and the MMC and FMC had unmatched chemistry that was so electrifying wow!!
July 14, 2026
I received an ARC of this book and really enjoyed the ride! Looking forward to the adventures Kai and Rose will be going on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Full ARC review to come. For now I’ll say - I am so obsessed. Omgggggggg. I never wanted it to end. I cannot wait for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a Pirates of the Caribbean girly, I loveeeee pirate romantasies and this did not disappoint!! Just a few chapters in and I was feeling all the nostalgia. A port on fire, a mystery around an item, reminiscent of the gold coins, and an MMC that’s a mashup of Captain Jack Sparrow and Will Turner 😱 If that sounds like your vibe, pick this one up! Please note it is an open door romance, which personally I’m into, but if that’s not for you, you can just skip those parts. The plot is 🤌🏼
Something this author does beautifully is paint a picture. She uses scents and taste to make you feel like you’re walking through these streets, sailing on a ship, just really fighting for your life through this adventure.
You don’t know much about the magic system yet (this is book one of an expected trilogy), but you get enough to intrigue and know it’s about to POP OFF in book two. There were plot twists, one the author basically spoon feeds you so you can feel good enough about yourself to be like “I knew it” but then the circumstances and the other twists 🤯 totally blindsided.
Again, this is book one, so we’re getting to meet the characters, understand the stakes, and we’re setting up for the real adventure to begin. I say that not because it’s slow paced at all - it’s action packed and steamy and full of mysteries - but because by the end of the book, it feels like you’re about to set sail on the most epic adventure yet.
All of that to say, if you like magic, pirates, adventure and smut, read this! I personally cannot WAIT to see where the journey takes us in book two 👀👀
Something this author does beautifully is paint a picture. She uses scents and taste to make you feel like you’re walking through these streets, sailing on a ship, just really fighting for your life through this adventure.
You don’t know much about the magic system yet (this is book one of an expected trilogy), but you get enough to intrigue and know it’s about to POP OFF in book two. There were plot twists, one the author basically spoon feeds you so you can feel good enough about yourself to be like “I knew it” but then the circumstances and the other twists 🤯 totally blindsided.
Again, this is book one, so we’re getting to meet the characters, understand the stakes, and we’re setting up for the real adventure to begin. I say that not because it’s slow paced at all - it’s action packed and steamy and full of mysteries - but because by the end of the book, it feels like you’re about to set sail on the most epic adventure yet.
All of that to say, if you like magic, pirates, adventure and smut, read this! I personally cannot WAIT to see where the journey takes us in book two 👀👀
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews