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Pirates of Port Royal #1
The Puritan Pirate
The Caribbean, 1664
An uptight naval lieutenant. A free-living buccaneer. Enemies from the first.
It all changes the night Quinn reluctantly rescues Lieutenant Peregrine from the consequences of his folly. Their tentative truce leads to a wild tryst and the thrilling discovery that their unconventional desires are perfectly matched.
Perry is the most delightfully submissive lover Quinn has ever had, and he wants Perry by his side for good. But such an affair would not only end Perry’s career, he may never be able to return to England and his family. Fearful of discovering Perry’s desire for respectability is stronger than his love, Quinn leaves him behind in Port Royal.
But in his darkest hour, Quinn discovers that Perry will risk his life for them to be together.
An uptight naval lieutenant. A free-living buccaneer. Enemies from the first.
It all changes the night Quinn reluctantly rescues Lieutenant Peregrine from the consequences of his folly. Their tentative truce leads to a wild tryst and the thrilling discovery that their unconventional desires are perfectly matched.
Perry is the most delightfully submissive lover Quinn has ever had, and he wants Perry by his side for good. But such an affair would not only end Perry’s career, he may never be able to return to England and his family. Fearful of discovering Perry’s desire for respectability is stronger than his love, Quinn leaves him behind in Port Royal.
But in his darkest hour, Quinn discovers that Perry will risk his life for them to be together.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2017
9 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Jules Radcliffe
20 books65 followersJules Radcliffe is an author of historical mm and mmf romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 8, 2017
FIVE HEARTS-- It's like it was written for me...
Pirate fans? This is the book for you. I can't believe how wonderful this book was. And as I look through my pages upon pages of quotes, I can't help but gush from this novel. (Seriously, I probably highlighted a third of this book)
New-to-me author Jules Radcliffe delivered historical kinky pirates with action and adventure. "Perry" aka Lieutenant Thomas Peregrine is an uptight Puritan British naval soldier ordered to be on buccaneer (pirate) ship, Audacious. Pirates and the British are working together, pirates no longer are considered against the King's army with proper documents. But on Audacious, led by the famous captain Black Wolf, no one trusts Perry.
And Perry doesn't make it easy to be liked. He is quiet, judgmental and with the former quartermaster, Irish Gabriel Quinn, he can't seem to hold his tongue. There's been animosity between the two from the moment Perry stepped on the ship. Enemies that are filled with passion can make the best lovers when they put their mind to it.
Quinn saves Perry one night and the passion takes a sharp turn into more. The thing is the story is not linear and the sexy times happen fairly early. It felt like the culmination already happened in the beginning. I warn of this because the story isn't written linearly. And if you need the story to be straight, you'll be disappointed. The story uses flashbacks to help flesh out the plot. The characters come in their own as the story moves along.
How so? The gift that is Perry's submission and his acceptance of his needs, Gabriel's mastery of Perry is showed a thousand times fold.
At only 22 years old, Perry has had a hard life. He's been used and abused (trigger warning: off page abuse, torture) and he carries the scars, figuratively and literally. Gabriel knows his man and follows Perry's cues.
The flashbacks show when the men originally met, Perry's start in the navy. Also, how Quinn left the Audacious to be another master on the female led pirate ship! I wondered how could the men have so much chemistry if they weren't on the same ship. But their chemistry is just that palpable.
The novel isn't just sex. There are pirate ship fights, double crossing, some suspense and cool adventurous rescue! The author interjected wit within historically accurate dialogue. I'll admit the dictionary function on my Kindle became my BFF while reading this book. But I wasn't lost.
The enemies are the Spanish navy. And they show themselves while the pirate crew are on the open seas. And the novel got a little dark which enhanced the entire experience. While the action and adventure satisfied the pirate lover in me. It's the romantic side that gutted me.
Gabriel, the rough and tough Dom with a heart of gold, was possessively smitten by his needy kitten, Perry. Perry knew his was submissive, but Gabriel nurtured that side. Gave his boy just what he needed. And it was kinkly delightful: CBT! Bondage! Spanking!
I haven't been this pirate satisfied since Caged.
The writing is very strong, the tale entertaining. I didn't want it to end.
And that ending? Fitting for the time and just swoon-worthy. Matelot squee!
If I had to nitpick, it got a tad schmoopy in the last bit. But overall, this novel is stellar. It's on my 2017 favorites list. The author took time to detail without making it drag, the research is very evident. And a lot of showing how the characters choose the paths they follow.
And this pirate will battle ye if ye say nay!
Arr! Just kidding, mateys. I'll love this book even ye'll not love it.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy pirates, historically accurate writings that doesn't give contemporary feels and a yummy kinky love story!
A copy provided for an honest review.
"Will you punish me?"
"Do you need to be punished?"
"I have such... wicked thoughts of you."
"Dear God, I hope you do."
Pirate fans? This is the book for you. I can't believe how wonderful this book was. And as I look through my pages upon pages of quotes, I can't help but gush from this novel. (Seriously, I probably highlighted a third of this book)
New-to-me author Jules Radcliffe delivered historical kinky pirates with action and adventure. "Perry" aka Lieutenant Thomas Peregrine is an uptight Puritan British naval soldier ordered to be on buccaneer (pirate) ship, Audacious. Pirates and the British are working together, pirates no longer are considered against the King's army with proper documents. But on Audacious, led by the famous captain Black Wolf, no one trusts Perry.
And Perry doesn't make it easy to be liked. He is quiet, judgmental and with the former quartermaster, Irish Gabriel Quinn, he can't seem to hold his tongue. There's been animosity between the two from the moment Perry stepped on the ship. Enemies that are filled with passion can make the best lovers when they put their mind to it.
Quinn saves Perry one night and the passion takes a sharp turn into more. The thing is the story is not linear and the sexy times happen fairly early. It felt like the culmination already happened in the beginning. I warn of this because the story isn't written linearly. And if you need the story to be straight, you'll be disappointed. The story uses flashbacks to help flesh out the plot. The characters come in their own as the story moves along.
How so? The gift that is Perry's submission and his acceptance of his needs, Gabriel's mastery of Perry is showed a thousand times fold.
"Gabriel, what I give to you cannot be taken; 'tis a thing you've earned. To submit is my gift to you, and pleasure is your gift."
At only 22 years old, Perry has had a hard life. He's been used and abused (trigger warning: off page abuse, torture) and he carries the scars, figuratively and literally. Gabriel knows his man and follows Perry's cues.
The flashbacks show when the men originally met, Perry's start in the navy. Also, how Quinn left the Audacious to be another master on the female led pirate ship! I wondered how could the men have so much chemistry if they weren't on the same ship. But their chemistry is just that palpable.
The novel isn't just sex. There are pirate ship fights, double crossing, some suspense and cool adventurous rescue! The author interjected wit within historically accurate dialogue. I'll admit the dictionary function on my Kindle became my BFF while reading this book. But I wasn't lost.
The enemies are the Spanish navy. And they show themselves while the pirate crew are on the open seas. And the novel got a little dark which enhanced the entire experience. While the action and adventure satisfied the pirate lover in me. It's the romantic side that gutted me.
"God, but I love being inside you," he whispered in his own tongue. "So perfect, your body iron hard and petal soft. So beautiful, your satin mouth, your starlight eyes, your silken skin. My heart beats for you, sings for you."
Gabriel, the rough and tough Dom with a heart of gold, was possessively smitten by his needy kitten, Perry. Perry knew his was submissive, but Gabriel nurtured that side. Gave his boy just what he needed. And it was kinkly delightful: CBT! Bondage! Spanking!
I haven't been this pirate satisfied since Caged.
The writing is very strong, the tale entertaining. I didn't want it to end.
"They'll know I tamed you, and it's no secret I've a liking for rough play. But exactly what goes on betwixt us?" [...] "Your submission belongs to me alone. But everyone is to know you're mine, and no one else is to lay a hand on you. No one."
And that ending? Fitting for the time and just swoon-worthy. Matelot squee!
If I had to nitpick, it got a tad schmoopy in the last bit. But overall, this novel is stellar. It's on my 2017 favorites list. The author took time to detail without making it drag, the research is very evident. And a lot of showing how the characters choose the paths they follow.
And this pirate will battle ye if ye say nay!
Arr! Just kidding, mateys. I'll love this book even ye'll not love it.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy pirates, historically accurate writings that doesn't give contemporary feels and a yummy kinky love story!
A copy provided for an honest review.
January 4, 2017
I love pirates, I especially love these pirates!!!
Jules Radcliffe wove a story of strong love, peril, and friendship in the beautiful background of 1664 Caribbean. The enemies to lovers story line is touching and believable. I read this book in just a few hours because I could not put it down. Now I'm going back to read it again.
I hope there will be a sequel! :)
Jules Radcliffe wove a story of strong love, peril, and friendship in the beautiful background of 1664 Caribbean. The enemies to lovers story line is touching and believable. I read this book in just a few hours because I could not put it down. Now I'm going back to read it again.
I hope there will be a sequel! :)
August 5, 2020
Lieutenant Peregrine thinks it's the worst punishment in the world, being assigned to the pirate ship Audacious, in the name of cooperation with the Navy. But the stuck-up officer finds freedom and the promise of passion.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lieutenant "Perry" Peregrine has followed all the rules, he works hard and encourages those around him to work hard, and he has earned his commission in the Navy. He has also earnt the spite of his superior officer. Being thrown onto the Audacious is just another spiteful play by "Captain Killjoy".
Once there, Perry is surprised at the freedom the pirates have. Notably that relationships are considered equal, whether it is with a woman, or another man. After being forced to keep his perversion secret for so long, Perry no longer knows how to act.
Quinn can't stand the arrogant new addition to the crew. They have spats and arguments and never a civil word.
What Quinn doesn't realise is the hostility is merely a front. Perry wants nothing more than to be pinned down and ravaged.
This novella is the second book in the Pirates of Port Royal series.
I don't think the writing was as confident in this one, but that kinda makes sense, because I believe this one was originally published first, and The Pirate's Promise could be seen as a prequel - especially as that one follows a different central couple to the other two books available.
Whereas "Promise" has a plot that is easy to follow and unfolds nicely into the romantic aspect; "Puritan" was a lot more hit-and-miss.
Perry's history didn't come across as strongly as Job's. You get the sense that Perry hates Captain Pobjoy, and that his time in the Navy was fraught with bullying, but the way that it's expressed doesn't have the depth that I know the author is capable of.
For a short book, it jumps around alot, following how Perry and Quinn get together (the literal climax of the book); but this is interspersed with Perry in the Navy, and Perry being the odd-man-out of the Audacious, and Perry with his only pirate friend.
I was confused over where this fits in the timeline, as it seems to conflict with some of the details set down in the first book.
Primarily, in "Promise" Job is the newcomer, and Perry teaches him to fight with the sword. It's commented on that Perry and Quinn dislike each other and are always arguing. I assumed that Perry had been around a while.
Then in "Puritan", it makes it seem as though Perry is only joining the crew when Job and Garrett are already together, as it's one of the relationships that surprises him.
Overall, I could tell this was the author's earlier work, and I know what they are capable of. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lieutenant "Perry" Peregrine has followed all the rules, he works hard and encourages those around him to work hard, and he has earned his commission in the Navy. He has also earnt the spite of his superior officer. Being thrown onto the Audacious is just another spiteful play by "Captain Killjoy".
Once there, Perry is surprised at the freedom the pirates have. Notably that relationships are considered equal, whether it is with a woman, or another man. After being forced to keep his perversion secret for so long, Perry no longer knows how to act.
Quinn can't stand the arrogant new addition to the crew. They have spats and arguments and never a civil word.
What Quinn doesn't realise is the hostility is merely a front. Perry wants nothing more than to be pinned down and ravaged.
This novella is the second book in the Pirates of Port Royal series.
I don't think the writing was as confident in this one, but that kinda makes sense, because I believe this one was originally published first, and The Pirate's Promise could be seen as a prequel - especially as that one follows a different central couple to the other two books available.
Whereas "Promise" has a plot that is easy to follow and unfolds nicely into the romantic aspect; "Puritan" was a lot more hit-and-miss.
Perry's history didn't come across as strongly as Job's. You get the sense that Perry hates Captain Pobjoy, and that his time in the Navy was fraught with bullying, but the way that it's expressed doesn't have the depth that I know the author is capable of.
For a short book, it jumps around alot, following how Perry and Quinn get together (the literal climax of the book); but this is interspersed with Perry in the Navy, and Perry being the odd-man-out of the Audacious, and Perry with his only pirate friend.
I was confused over where this fits in the timeline, as it seems to conflict with some of the details set down in the first book.
Primarily, in "Promise" Job is the newcomer, and Perry teaches him to fight with the sword. It's commented on that Perry and Quinn dislike each other and are always arguing. I assumed that Perry had been around a while.
Then in "Puritan", it makes it seem as though Perry is only joining the crew when Job and Garrett are already together, as it's one of the relationships that surprises him.
Overall, I could tell this was the author's earlier work, and I know what they are capable of. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 19, 2024
This was loads of fun and if I’m being honest, over entirely too soon! I loved the push and pull between Perry and Quinn. Jules clearly did lots of research because the writing was top notch! Will definitely be reading more from them.
March 29, 2017
Jules Radcliffe is a writer of historical m/m and m/m/f romances. She was a new author to me on this one, and even though I had some issues with the timeline of this story, I am glad to have discovered a new historical author and her work.
The setting is in Caribbean waters, the year 1664, a time fraught with political intrigue and the changing of a way of life…. Who knew?! Apparently, this author, who did her research and does a great job of captivating her audience and taking them there in a very believable way. This story is about Quinn and Perry, two men who, being just one generation removed from the English invasion of Ireland and the pressing of her people into slavery, have every reason to hate each other based on their upbringings alone.
Lt. Thomas Peregrine is as English as they come. His deceased father and extended family have strong Puritan beliefs and Perry was raised to be as radical as they are…. Only Perry wants no part of it and joins the Navy as a way to escape his cousins and still take care of his widowed mother and his sister. Perry also has certain inclinations, secrets he has kept hidden his entire life, which are about as far from Puritan as you can get. Perry is stoic, aloof, a bit prejudiced by his upbringing and totally out of his element among all the men on a ship. This feeling of being alone has been with him his entire life, and his way of combating it is to be haughty and unapproachable. When Perry is transferred off a naval vessel to one filled with buccaneers, or pirates as they were commonly called, he begins to question a lot about himself and the country he serves.
“Perry cringed inwardly. He had been a judgmental arse, and his priggish views had led him to make erroneous assumptions about the men who served under the Black Wolf. Deep in his heart he had resented their freedom, something he would never have as a lieutenant in His Majesty’s navy, and he had buried his envy in sneering disdain. But while he might feel guilt and remorse for his attitude, there would be no forgiveness for his behavior. He certainly deserved none. For the first time since he had joined them, Perry regretted that he had no rightful place among the Brethren of the Coast.”
Gabriel Quinn is a former slave. Sold into slavery by the English, he escaped to the sea and lives his life openly and wantonly. Gabe is master of the Audacious and is fiercely proud of all he has accomplished. The instant enmity between him and the new mate on the ship is often querulous but also stimulating. He loves to rile the seemingly formal, stoic naval liaison—it’s almost better than foreplay with the two of them. Gabe is involved with many things both on and off land, and wondering just why his particular ship needs a naval liaison is something he is determined to figure out. Following Perry when they dock in Port Royal seems like a no brainer until he saves the man from being robbed, or even killed, and the passions so easily ignited between the two finally explode.
“Quinn felt gratification wash through him at his friend’s words. “We all misjudged him, Kit. I thought him surly and cold; soothly he is private. Shy, sometimes. The stony face is a mask he wears, and when he takes it off…” Quinn drew a breath, recalling his lover’s face transformed by laughter, filled with passion, writhen by an exhilarating mix of fear and ecstasy.”
I love a good pirate story and this one didn’t disappoint. The historical aspects are spot-on (at least, they seem that way), and learning about the politics of the time, as well as life aboard a privateer, was interesting. Radcliffe does an excellent job blending these “facts” with her romance between these men. The political intrigue only enhances her story, it doesn’t detract—actually, it makes her romance seem rooted in real life and we get transported to 1600s Tortuga. Radcliffe did her homework on this one. You can tell, and I appreciate that.
Now, I did mention the timeline of the story, and I did have issues with how the book was laid out. The book is divided into three parts. Why? There is a fair amount of jumping around in time—don’t get me wrong, I am all for flashbacks, things that give us insight into a character’s motivations and help us make sense of current events—but, I need them to tell me something useful. I need the kernel, the takeaway, not just be an overview. I still had too many unanswered questions that could have been addressed better in those flashback paragraphs. Like, Perry’s back. Why did he get flogged? What really was at the core of the animosity with his old captain, Pobjoy? Especially if you are going to end the book with the confrontation between the two; I needed to understand the root of the relationship better. I actually think this would have been a great story told straight through, start at the beginning and take it to its conclusion. I would have loved to experience more of the sparks and foreplay between our MCs. And yes, I know, that would have made the book longer with the input of all the intrigue in the latter half of the story, but honestly, that wouldn’t bother me at all.
The things I loved about this story far outweigh the issues I had with the timing. This is an interesting historical, at times a suspenseful and intense story. Part three especially paces very well and has a colorful and satisfying conclusion. Frankly, the kink and the chemistry between these two MCs is off the charts, and I totally enjoyed reading their love story. I have found a new author to get my historical fix from. Yay!
“And when you’re pleasure-flushed, aroused, your eyes dark with it, I want to kiss you and fuck you, over and over until there’s naught left of me but what’s inside of you.”
Whew. Yeah, I recommend it!
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach Reviews
The setting is in Caribbean waters, the year 1664, a time fraught with political intrigue and the changing of a way of life…. Who knew?! Apparently, this author, who did her research and does a great job of captivating her audience and taking them there in a very believable way. This story is about Quinn and Perry, two men who, being just one generation removed from the English invasion of Ireland and the pressing of her people into slavery, have every reason to hate each other based on their upbringings alone.
Lt. Thomas Peregrine is as English as they come. His deceased father and extended family have strong Puritan beliefs and Perry was raised to be as radical as they are…. Only Perry wants no part of it and joins the Navy as a way to escape his cousins and still take care of his widowed mother and his sister. Perry also has certain inclinations, secrets he has kept hidden his entire life, which are about as far from Puritan as you can get. Perry is stoic, aloof, a bit prejudiced by his upbringing and totally out of his element among all the men on a ship. This feeling of being alone has been with him his entire life, and his way of combating it is to be haughty and unapproachable. When Perry is transferred off a naval vessel to one filled with buccaneers, or pirates as they were commonly called, he begins to question a lot about himself and the country he serves.
“Perry cringed inwardly. He had been a judgmental arse, and his priggish views had led him to make erroneous assumptions about the men who served under the Black Wolf. Deep in his heart he had resented their freedom, something he would never have as a lieutenant in His Majesty’s navy, and he had buried his envy in sneering disdain. But while he might feel guilt and remorse for his attitude, there would be no forgiveness for his behavior. He certainly deserved none. For the first time since he had joined them, Perry regretted that he had no rightful place among the Brethren of the Coast.”
Gabriel Quinn is a former slave. Sold into slavery by the English, he escaped to the sea and lives his life openly and wantonly. Gabe is master of the Audacious and is fiercely proud of all he has accomplished. The instant enmity between him and the new mate on the ship is often querulous but also stimulating. He loves to rile the seemingly formal, stoic naval liaison—it’s almost better than foreplay with the two of them. Gabe is involved with many things both on and off land, and wondering just why his particular ship needs a naval liaison is something he is determined to figure out. Following Perry when they dock in Port Royal seems like a no brainer until he saves the man from being robbed, or even killed, and the passions so easily ignited between the two finally explode.
“Quinn felt gratification wash through him at his friend’s words. “We all misjudged him, Kit. I thought him surly and cold; soothly he is private. Shy, sometimes. The stony face is a mask he wears, and when he takes it off…” Quinn drew a breath, recalling his lover’s face transformed by laughter, filled with passion, writhen by an exhilarating mix of fear and ecstasy.”
I love a good pirate story and this one didn’t disappoint. The historical aspects are spot-on (at least, they seem that way), and learning about the politics of the time, as well as life aboard a privateer, was interesting. Radcliffe does an excellent job blending these “facts” with her romance between these men. The political intrigue only enhances her story, it doesn’t detract—actually, it makes her romance seem rooted in real life and we get transported to 1600s Tortuga. Radcliffe did her homework on this one. You can tell, and I appreciate that.
Now, I did mention the timeline of the story, and I did have issues with how the book was laid out. The book is divided into three parts. Why? There is a fair amount of jumping around in time—don’t get me wrong, I am all for flashbacks, things that give us insight into a character’s motivations and help us make sense of current events—but, I need them to tell me something useful. I need the kernel, the takeaway, not just be an overview. I still had too many unanswered questions that could have been addressed better in those flashback paragraphs. Like, Perry’s back. Why did he get flogged? What really was at the core of the animosity with his old captain, Pobjoy? Especially if you are going to end the book with the confrontation between the two; I needed to understand the root of the relationship better. I actually think this would have been a great story told straight through, start at the beginning and take it to its conclusion. I would have loved to experience more of the sparks and foreplay between our MCs. And yes, I know, that would have made the book longer with the input of all the intrigue in the latter half of the story, but honestly, that wouldn’t bother me at all.
The things I loved about this story far outweigh the issues I had with the timing. This is an interesting historical, at times a suspenseful and intense story. Part three especially paces very well and has a colorful and satisfying conclusion. Frankly, the kink and the chemistry between these two MCs is off the charts, and I totally enjoyed reading their love story. I have found a new author to get my historical fix from. Yay!
“And when you’re pleasure-flushed, aroused, your eyes dark with it, I want to kiss you and fuck you, over and over until there’s naught left of me but what’s inside of you.”
Whew. Yeah, I recommend it!
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach Reviews
May 9, 2017
This was a fun read, it reminded me of an Errol Flynn type swash buckler, where the pirate turns out to be a disgraced nobleman, mixed with an opposites attract romance , with submissive undertones.
Quinn Irish, poetic, and quite literally the Master AND a pirate. Perry, English, puritan, fiesty with a need to be dominated - perfect for each other ? These two clash, and fight and fall in love, but it's no all plain sailing...there capture, rescue a mild misunderstanding and a lot of smacky sex before the path of true love conquers all. And it's a riot.
Quinn has the some of the best swears and put downs I've read in a long while, especially when he's been captured ' I don't have much of a fancy for your wee pillicock, you three inch whoreson' being one of them.
I did have issues with this, for me what it needed was lashings of UST, but because the book starts with Quinn and Perry getting together and we're told that they bickered and flirted, but not shown it, this didn't work for me. Also the number of occurrences where they were described as lovers, or the word lover was used was legion.
Overall though, great fun, well written.
Quinn Irish, poetic, and quite literally the Master AND a pirate. Perry, English, puritan, fiesty with a need to be dominated - perfect for each other ? These two clash, and fight and fall in love, but it's no all plain sailing...there capture, rescue a mild misunderstanding and a lot of smacky sex before the path of true love conquers all. And it's a riot.
Quinn has the some of the best swears and put downs I've read in a long while, especially when he's been captured ' I don't have much of a fancy for your wee pillicock, you three inch whoreson' being one of them.
I did have issues with this, for me what it needed was lashings of UST, but because the book starts with Quinn and Perry getting together and we're told that they bickered and flirted, but not shown it, this didn't work for me. Also the number of occurrences where they were described as lovers, or the word lover was used was legion.
Overall though, great fun, well written.
February 22, 2017
I can promise you, if the description sounds like something you'll like, then you will indeed like this. And in addition to kinky pirate sex (not that that alone is not enough justification for a book), there is an entire boat book with plot (someone even had the weather gage at one point, so you know it's a legit boat book).
However: the way it is written is just *odd*. Maybe the author was concerned that if it weren't front-loaded with kinky pirate sex, readers would give up? I don't know. But instead of SHOWING the build up of the relationship, which apparently they'd spent (non-detailed) months working towards, the author just skipped all that at the beginning, jumped right to the sex scene (now loose of its emotional moorings -- yes, that was a boat metaphor), and then tried to put some of the relationship/character development in flashbacks later, which of course didn't work. This was definitely a book that would have been better served (lol) by being told linearly, not starting in medias res.
I mean, I still enjoyed it, don't get me wrong. Both parts (the kinky pirate sex and the boats). But I would've liked it four stars-worth at least if only I could've had the emotional connection to the characters that the weird structure denied me.
However: the way it is written is just *odd*. Maybe the author was concerned that if it weren't front-loaded with kinky pirate sex, readers would give up? I don't know. But instead of SHOWING the build up of the relationship, which apparently they'd spent (non-detailed) months working towards, the author just skipped all that at the beginning, jumped right to the sex scene (now loose of its emotional moorings -- yes, that was a boat metaphor), and then tried to put some of the relationship/character development in flashbacks later, which of course didn't work. This was definitely a book that would have been better served (lol) by being told linearly, not starting in medias res.
I mean, I still enjoyed it, don't get me wrong. Both parts (the kinky pirate sex and the boats). But I would've liked it four stars-worth at least if only I could've had the emotional connection to the characters that the weird structure denied me.
January 6, 2017
I am such a big fan of A Summer Pursuit by Jules Radcliffe, and Jake and Ash were my favourite MM couple until now. Sorry Jake and Ash, you just got edged out by Perry and Quinn, the awesomely hot pirate couple!
This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t stop, I was held captive through the whole journey. The story was gripping, and the heat level was hotter than anything I’ve read from Jules Radcliffe, and her heat level is always high.
I enjoyed the adventure and the pirate setting, but it’s Perry and Quinn’s chemistry that makes this book special. It’s hot and funny and it’s got feels. I want MORE!!
This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t stop, I was held captive through the whole journey. The story was gripping, and the heat level was hotter than anything I’ve read from Jules Radcliffe, and her heat level is always high.
I enjoyed the adventure and the pirate setting, but it’s Perry and Quinn’s chemistry that makes this book special. It’s hot and funny and it’s got feels. I want MORE!!
February 7, 2017
I love this book!
This book is so good. Perry and Gabe are a fantastic paring and their adventure kept me glued to the book. I want more!!
This book is so good. Perry and Gabe are a fantastic paring and their adventure kept me glued to the book. I want more!!
December 11, 2023
A ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords Review. This review can also be found here.
3.75 Stars
Lieutenant Thomas Peregrine finds himself in a rather unusual position. He is serving as a naval liaison on the pirate ship, Audacious. He keeps to himself but he is unable to control his attraction to Gabriel Quinn, the sailing master of the Defiant. But one drunken night reveals one too many secrets and Gabe & Thomas find themselves on the way to a deeper connection. But when the Defiant finds itself in mighty trouble, what will Gabe’s fate be and will Thomas be able to survive it...
I liked this book quite a lot. It is an interesting read with well fleshed out characters and a daring plot.
This book uses a lot of words which are no longer in popular use and there are lots of phrases in different languages. So yeah sometimes I used to get stuck on certain words and phrases because I had no idea what they meant. Also this book is based in the West Indies and the book makes ample use of the tumultuous political scenario the countries of the Indies were facing in the late 17th century. Since I truly have no idea about the history of the Indies somethings definitely went over my head but I felt like the book definitely makes use of history to consolidate its plot. Alas, I have no idea about this history or how accurately it is depicted in this book.
What I loved about this book was the plot and our main characters.
The plot of the book is quite well written and it was interesting to read about naval warfare. For one it is very different than land warfare and has its own appeal. I loved the story of this book and its intricacies. The plot is simple but very well-executed and the book is well paced so you don’t lose interest.
My favourite part of this book was Gabriel and Thomas. I like the personalities of both characters, wherein Thomas is a guy firmly in control and Gabriel is just a happy-go-lucky kind of guy who can’t wait to break Thomas’ facade. But these two together were simply, hot. I mean the sex scenes between these two characters are some of the best I have ever read. I loved how the author wrote about the domination and submission between these two characters and I appreciated the fluidity of it.
Overall this book is a hot and interesting read.
Cover Art by Valerie Tibbs. I liked the cover, it complements the story.
3.75 Stars
Lieutenant Thomas Peregrine finds himself in a rather unusual position. He is serving as a naval liaison on the pirate ship, Audacious. He keeps to himself but he is unable to control his attraction to Gabriel Quinn, the sailing master of the Defiant. But one drunken night reveals one too many secrets and Gabe & Thomas find themselves on the way to a deeper connection. But when the Defiant finds itself in mighty trouble, what will Gabe’s fate be and will Thomas be able to survive it...
I liked this book quite a lot. It is an interesting read with well fleshed out characters and a daring plot.
This book uses a lot of words which are no longer in popular use and there are lots of phrases in different languages. So yeah sometimes I used to get stuck on certain words and phrases because I had no idea what they meant. Also this book is based in the West Indies and the book makes ample use of the tumultuous political scenario the countries of the Indies were facing in the late 17th century. Since I truly have no idea about the history of the Indies somethings definitely went over my head but I felt like the book definitely makes use of history to consolidate its plot. Alas, I have no idea about this history or how accurately it is depicted in this book.
What I loved about this book was the plot and our main characters.
The plot of the book is quite well written and it was interesting to read about naval warfare. For one it is very different than land warfare and has its own appeal. I loved the story of this book and its intricacies. The plot is simple but very well-executed and the book is well paced so you don’t lose interest.
My favourite part of this book was Gabriel and Thomas. I like the personalities of both characters, wherein Thomas is a guy firmly in control and Gabriel is just a happy-go-lucky kind of guy who can’t wait to break Thomas’ facade. But these two together were simply, hot. I mean the sex scenes between these two characters are some of the best I have ever read. I loved how the author wrote about the domination and submission between these two characters and I appreciated the fluidity of it.
Overall this book is a hot and interesting read.
Cover Art by Valerie Tibbs. I liked the cover, it complements the story.
May 1, 2017
So...sequel starring the Black Wolf, y/y?
February 7, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I love a good pirate story and so I was excited when I saw this new offering from Jules Radcliffe. The BDSM elements intrigued me as well, and overall I found this one very enjoyable.
Where I think Radcliffe really excels here is in her historical details and sense of place. The story takes place in 1664 in the Caribbean, and the author really evokes life in that time. There are great details on the various ports the men visit, life aboard a pirate ship, and the politics of the time. The political landscape was particularly interesting to me, especially the way that England, Spain, and other European powers maneuvered to gain the upper hand within the islands and the way they interacted with the buccaneers. I also found the elements about the role of matelots and the acceptance of men as lovers among the pirates to be really fascinating. Unsurprisingly, with long periods at sea, many men turned to one another for sex and comfort. But Radcliffe describes a more formal process among some men, called matelots, who were deeply committed to one another, and even inherited from one another upon death. I found these historical and political elements really interesting and Radcliffe manages to convey a lot of detail without feeling like info dump or overwhelming the story.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I love a good pirate story and so I was excited when I saw this new offering from Jules Radcliffe. The BDSM elements intrigued me as well, and overall I found this one very enjoyable.
Where I think Radcliffe really excels here is in her historical details and sense of place. The story takes place in 1664 in the Caribbean, and the author really evokes life in that time. There are great details on the various ports the men visit, life aboard a pirate ship, and the politics of the time. The political landscape was particularly interesting to me, especially the way that England, Spain, and other European powers maneuvered to gain the upper hand within the islands and the way they interacted with the buccaneers. I also found the elements about the role of matelots and the acceptance of men as lovers among the pirates to be really fascinating. Unsurprisingly, with long periods at sea, many men turned to one another for sex and comfort. But Radcliffe describes a more formal process among some men, called matelots, who were deeply committed to one another, and even inherited from one another upon death. I found these historical and political elements really interesting and Radcliffe manages to convey a lot of detail without feeling like info dump or overwhelming the story.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
February 26, 2017
Historical, romance, intrigue, and most important: PIRATES! I couldn't help but fall in love with Perry and Quinn, both as individuals and as a couple, their chemistry is off the charts almost more when fighting than when loving. Don't get me wrong, the loving is more and full of WOW but their fighting is just dripping with want and is obvious foreplay. As much as I love pirate stories it is not one of my areas of history that I know in detail so I can't exactly speak to the historical accuracy of the author but what I am familiar with seemed pretty spot on. Jules Radcliffe is a new author for me and as much as I loved The Puritan Pirate, I can safely say that it won't be the last time I read a Radcliffe tale.
February 1, 2018
3.5 stars I think is a fairer rating.
Everything goes oh too well for our characters. Even the most evil event leaves only bruises and sore muscles. Not that I am complaining, mind you.
Another minus for me is the unfinished business. Killjoy, Chacal, Spanish in general - those are still loose ends. I almost wish there was less talk and love making.... oh, who am I kidding! 😂 Of course I don't! But I do think the book lacks in action. Maybe it's because I can't stop comparing it to Captain Blood. However, it's on me, not JR.
In the end, while I pout about what's not in the book, there is no denying that I absolutely loved every word in it.
5 stars.
Everything goes oh too well for our characters. Even the most evil event leaves only bruises and sore muscles. Not that I am complaining, mind you.
Another minus for me is the unfinished business. Killjoy, Chacal, Spanish in general - those are still loose ends. I almost wish there was less talk and love making.... oh, who am I kidding! 😂 Of course I don't! But I do think the book lacks in action. Maybe it's because I can't stop comparing it to Captain Blood. However, it's on me, not JR.
In the end, while I pout about what's not in the book, there is no denying that I absolutely loved every word in it.
5 stars.
February 19, 2017
Enjoyable buccaneer story with lots of interesting detail and language.
May 31, 2020
3.5 of 5 - Good Short Pirate Adventure & Affair, With Shades of Gray
I read the newly revised, restructured version of this story, after the original story was split into two and both expanded, This one was about the titular character, Perry, and a pirate master, Quinn, discovering each other; and the "new" Pirate Master acts as a sequel about Perry realizing he values love more than he values his career.
So I'm back with pirates in Port Royal in 1660s, but with another author. Jules Radcliffe certainly knows her way around a ship, shore and sword. I liked how this began with a drunken rescue between the 2 MCs, and then a flashback to how we got there. I didn't know that naval lieutenants, like Perry, got assigned to privateer ships to keep them honest.
Indeed, that quickly set up the enemies-to-lovers scenario. Thanks to a good battle scene, a good bar scene, and a good bedroom scene, the scenario was completed, including some mild bdsm to add to the mix. Alas, the short read made it too short; and left me wishing the two stories were still combined to make it feel more complete as a whole. So I certainly want to read on to get that.
I read the newly revised, restructured version of this story, after the original story was split into two and both expanded, This one was about the titular character, Perry, and a pirate master, Quinn, discovering each other; and the "new" Pirate Master acts as a sequel about Perry realizing he values love more than he values his career.
So I'm back with pirates in Port Royal in 1660s, but with another author. Jules Radcliffe certainly knows her way around a ship, shore and sword. I liked how this began with a drunken rescue between the 2 MCs, and then a flashback to how we got there. I didn't know that naval lieutenants, like Perry, got assigned to privateer ships to keep them honest.
Indeed, that quickly set up the enemies-to-lovers scenario. Thanks to a good battle scene, a good bar scene, and a good bedroom scene, the scenario was completed, including some mild bdsm to add to the mix. Alas, the short read made it too short; and left me wishing the two stories were still combined to make it feel more complete as a whole. So I certainly want to read on to get that.
December 24, 2017
They say opposites attract, and that is certainly the case in this short story. Jules Radcliffe beautifully captures the history, politics, and descriptive details in the Caribbean 1664. Married naval lieutenant Perry collides with pirate buccaneer Quinn and the sea air simmers. The heat between the two of them burns off the pages (or Kindle). This short story is a welcome addition to the pirate series.
January 13, 2017
Perry and Quinn hated each other on sight, but for Perry, it was because of a reluctant attraction. He is the Puritan of the title, and has to overcome his upbringing. There are some exciting adventures and heart in the mouth action, and it's all wrapped up with a beautiful HEA.
This is a fantastic book, one of the best romances I've ever read and it's gone straight to my favorites shelf. Once I started I found it hard to put it down as the story was pretty nail-biting. The historical detail is amazing, and I love that the writer uses authentic language without going overboard. The sex is graphic with light BDSM elements and won't suit all readers, but I found it tender and red-hot at the same time.
This is a fantastic book, one of the best romances I've ever read and it's gone straight to my favorites shelf. Once I started I found it hard to put it down as the story was pretty nail-biting. The historical detail is amazing, and I love that the writer uses authentic language without going overboard. The sex is graphic with light BDSM elements and won't suit all readers, but I found it tender and red-hot at the same time.
March 15, 2017
3.5 stars! Interesting story with great 'I hate you but secretly want you' tones, a Master/slave but also equals relationship, dangerous storms, daring rescues and lots of high seas adventure! The wording is a but unwieldy though and takes some getting used to. Love Perry and Quinn, and hope that the Black Wolf gets his own story!
March 18, 2017
Honestly, there wasn't much of a story here. Rather, there were two men falling in love with a backdrop of plot activity. If you like purely character driven stories, you'd probably enjoy this (and it is steamy steamy steamy...) but if you want more out of the plot, you might be dissatisfied.
February 12, 2017
3.75 stars
April 18, 2017
Love Jules Radcliffe's way with words! Perry and Quinn are a delight to read.
January 24, 2021
What I Think: Warning – Long Review Ahead! This time though, I have a good excuse, promise. Its two tales! I refuse to separate them because they were both absolutely necessary. This is my first tale by this author and I loved it and its twin so damn much. I wouldn’t have survived having one and not the other so when you’re getting your copy, make sure you get both too. What the Quille hath joined, let no human put asunder. Let’s dive in! The opening verbal salvo between Perry and Master Quinn sounds too close to foreplay and damn, it feels so good to be right. Now, Perry is apparently not as holy as some people believe. A holiness that’s ascribed to him and I do not know as yet if he created that impression or didn’t bother to correct it. But, hold. The way he trembles in Quinn’s arms, even as he listens to instructions and can’t seem to go against them. Is it? Could it be? You know what I’m thinking right? BDSM set in a Historical with a size gap? Be damn quiet, my heart! I have apparently become a pervert and have no idea why I am not bothered more by it. But I do know that I am bothered by the loneliness and alienness Perry carries buried in his soul. A loneliness so deeply ingrained that he can’t even ask for friendship from anyone, convinced that he’s hated beyond all reasonable doubt. I want to snatch him out of the arms of Quinn because Quinn is too fine to not be suspicious, then take my time uncovering Perry’s secrets because there’s something afoot. Which is when this amazing Authoress took me back to the past. My ‘thank you’ is fervent! Perry’s captain is an idiot, a bully, and an idiot. I hope very fervently that Perry gets the chance to stand up to him. Oh, the 2nd idiot was for him not knowing Perry’s worth and sending him to what I hope will be his emancipation. Perry’s hatred of pirates is born of an envy so deep, it makes me wonder if my Mama might be right when she says behind every homophobic mind is jealousy for a life not fully lived. I need a fairytale entrance portal. I just need to slap okro seeds from Perry’s captain real quick. He’s pure, unadulterated scum, quickly forgotten when Perry meets Quinn and begins their courtship with a very saucy tongue. Quinn needs to remove the iron up his backside then give Perry’s mouth something better to do before he damages his brain. Oh dear, my innocence. All that longing underneath such a well kept facade needs to spill over at some point and I’m here for that explosion. The narration of the battles made them unfold perfectly in my mind’s eyes. Made me almost smell the sea air (which could be true as I live a walk from the sea) and breathed life into the pages of the tale. Wanting to fit in a world you do not belong and yet you wished you could with all your heart when you do not not know how to be anything else but what life has pummeled you into is a feeling... (For the rest of this review, do go to blog account of same name)
Verdict: A roaring, historical sweep through love as it claims and emboldens all in its path, destroying the old even as it rebuilds with greater strength!
Verdict: A roaring, historical sweep through love as it claims and emboldens all in its path, destroying the old even as it rebuilds with greater strength!
November 24, 2019
True rating ... 2 stars, it was JUST okay for me overall, but I decided to gift it an extra star JUST because of the love these two share and the ridiculously HOT sex scenes!!!!
March 13, 2018
4.5
Yum! So many good things here. Suspenseful intrigue, exciting adventure, and a sweet, intense pairing with some steamy D/s.
My only concern, the situation with Pobjoy wasn't explained, there was still a bit of mystery there. Maybe a sequel? Yes, please!
Yum! So many good things here. Suspenseful intrigue, exciting adventure, and a sweet, intense pairing with some steamy D/s.
My only concern, the situation with Pobjoy wasn't explained, there was still a bit of mystery there. Maybe a sequel? Yes, please!
February 3, 2017
This was amazing. My first book by Jules Radcliffe. It was scorching hot but also romantic, tender and sweet. I love the idea of Matelots which I haven't seen explored much in other historical naval stories. It was also quite a tense story towards the end. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
February 19, 2019
One star. Not my cup of tea.
August 31, 2020
Jules Radcliffe creates another journey on the high-seas with the second installment of the “Pirates of Port Royal”. She again writes an historical and adventurous tale of pirates in the year 1664.
Lt. Thomas Peregrine has been given orders to join Black Wolf’s ship the Audacious. He’s not at all happy about it and knows he’s being used to spy on the pirates. Thomas is somewhat of a stuffed shirt but that’s because he’s hiding his true self. But one thing that is truly sad about him, he doesn’t connect with others and it leaves him friendless.
When the loss of a crew member occurs Peregrine goes on a drinking binge, which he doesn’t realize almost leads to danger for him. Lucky for him or maybe not, master Gabriel Quinn shows up in the nick of time and basically rescues him.
Peregrine and Quinn definitely have some friction going on between them. This one night of drinking leaves Peregrine wide open.
Jules Radcliffe does an amazing job at writing and describing: the ships, the ports, the fights and all the colorful pirates. She makes you feel like you’re actually right there on the ship and stopping in all the ports.
As with the first book “Pirates Promise” there’s interesting information at the books end with “Author’s Note”.
There are also two more books that I’m watching for: “Pirate Master” and “The Penitent Pirate”. From what I gathered, it seems these two books are being re-edited and hopefully they’ll be released at some point.
Lt. Thomas Peregrine has been given orders to join Black Wolf’s ship the Audacious. He’s not at all happy about it and knows he’s being used to spy on the pirates. Thomas is somewhat of a stuffed shirt but that’s because he’s hiding his true self. But one thing that is truly sad about him, he doesn’t connect with others and it leaves him friendless.
When the loss of a crew member occurs Peregrine goes on a drinking binge, which he doesn’t realize almost leads to danger for him. Lucky for him or maybe not, master Gabriel Quinn shows up in the nick of time and basically rescues him.
Peregrine and Quinn definitely have some friction going on between them. This one night of drinking leaves Peregrine wide open.
Jules Radcliffe does an amazing job at writing and describing: the ships, the ports, the fights and all the colorful pirates. She makes you feel like you’re actually right there on the ship and stopping in all the ports.
As with the first book “Pirates Promise” there’s interesting information at the books end with “Author’s Note”.
There are also two more books that I’m watching for: “Pirate Master” and “The Penitent Pirate”. From what I gathered, it seems these two books are being re-edited and hopefully they’ll be released at some point.
January 6, 2025
An intriguing historical romance in the time of piracy. Set in the period of the restoration a Puritan officer from the royal navy is transferred to a privateer ship in the Caribbean ostensibly to ensure that the crown receives its share of any loot taken. What Perry didn't expect was that he would tangle with Quinn and serve under the best captain he'd ever known. Initially Perry wants nothing to do with Gabriel Quinn, he has no love of the Irish, but at the same can't control his desire for the man. Despite all his misgivings of the pirates they look out for their own, so it's little surprise that Gabriel rescues him from himself, what transpires after that is his awakening to the life he's wanted all along.
September 11, 2017
** 4.5 Stars **
The Puritan Pirate is a compelling, intense and versatile story with a solid plot and packed with action and drama. The naval battle during the storm between the Audacious and the Santa Ana is vivid, very visual and almost cinematic. Although I'm not a fan at all of the 'master-slave-pain-pleasure' play, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Nothing to do but read the next book now!
The Puritan Pirate is a compelling, intense and versatile story with a solid plot and packed with action and drama. The naval battle during the storm between the Audacious and the Santa Ana is vivid, very visual and almost cinematic. Although I'm not a fan at all of the 'master-slave-pain-pleasure' play, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Nothing to do but read the next book now!
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