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Sovereigns of the Seas #1
The Pirate Princess
Sometimes, to become a princess…
Raised to marry a king, Renee’s greatest desire is to be a true queen. So, while other girls learned the art of embroidery, Renee perfected her skills with a sword. She was prepared to earn the respect of her future husband, but a chance encounter with a handsome stranger awakens her heart to the possibility of love.
… a girl must become a pirate.
When tragedy strikes, Renee flees, right onto a pirate ship! Surprising herself, she offers to join their crew. Happy to finally put her swordsmanship to use, she fights injustice on the seas, but when her kingdom is threatened, can she give up the safety and happiness for an uncertain future? Or can she finally become the leader, the princess, her people need?
Raised to marry a king, Renee’s greatest desire is to be a true queen. So, while other girls learned the art of embroidery, Renee perfected her skills with a sword. She was prepared to earn the respect of her future husband, but a chance encounter with a handsome stranger awakens her heart to the possibility of love.
… a girl must become a pirate.
When tragedy strikes, Renee flees, right onto a pirate ship! Surprising herself, she offers to join their crew. Happy to finally put her swordsmanship to use, she fights injustice on the seas, but when her kingdom is threatened, can she give up the safety and happiness for an uncertain future? Or can she finally become the leader, the princess, her people need?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
15 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 24, 2018
3 1/2 stars.
I came to this book not even having read the blurb, but the first sentence caught my eye and pulled me in right away. I'm still not sure what to think of the book.
The main character, Renee, is a strong female character in a very cliche sort of setting. Typically I'd roll my eyes and grit my teeth through it, but her personality was very unique and it wasn't as cliche as one would initially think.
All the other characters were pretty good too. None of them really stood out as anything beyond the normal though.
I have very mixed feelings about the romance. The first half was really good. It was sweet and lovely, then in the second half things started to feel more weird. It might have been a personal opinion, but I felt that it was taken further than necessary and stopped complimenting the plot as much as it should have.
The prose was basic. Not terrible, but there was definitely a lot of telling and small flaws that could have been much better. There was a few instances where the prose actually pulled me out of the story, but it could've been worse.
The plot was okay, though I easily guessed all the 'twists' long before they happened and there were some unbelievable elements, particularly in the last quarter of the story. I did enjoy it though, and it mostly avoided cliches.
Content warnings:
In conclusion...there's a lot of flaws and parts of this book which weren't as good as I hoped, but I still enjoyed it a lot.
I came to this book not even having read the blurb, but the first sentence caught my eye and pulled me in right away. I'm still not sure what to think of the book.
The main character, Renee, is a strong female character in a very cliche sort of setting. Typically I'd roll my eyes and grit my teeth through it, but her personality was very unique and it wasn't as cliche as one would initially think.
All the other characters were pretty good too. None of them really stood out as anything beyond the normal though.
I have very mixed feelings about the romance. The first half was really good. It was sweet and lovely, then in the second half things started to feel more weird. It might have been a personal opinion, but I felt that it was taken further than necessary and stopped complimenting the plot as much as it should have.
The prose was basic. Not terrible, but there was definitely a lot of telling and small flaws that could have been much better. There was a few instances where the prose actually pulled me out of the story, but it could've been worse.
The plot was okay, though I easily guessed all the 'twists' long before they happened and there were some unbelievable elements, particularly in the last quarter of the story. I did enjoy it though, and it mostly avoided cliches.
Content warnings:
In conclusion...there's a lot of flaws and parts of this book which weren't as good as I hoped, but I still enjoyed it a lot.
February 4, 2018
As a prologue writer myself, I’m a huge fan of reading into every detail. Martin’s prologue left me rather perturbed. Rage seethes throughout Renee’s core. Each meeting ignites a further desire to tear apart the world around her, and – for the most part – she’s more than justified in her fury.
Setting aside the somewhat cliche of a royal feeling trapped in an arranged marriage, Renee fences her way through a list of rule exceptions. Her rebellion doesn’t irk, but I’ve read a number of books premised just the same way. Add in a predictable and convoluted Man in the Iron Mask character piece in the first quarter, and I expected to be thoroughly disappointed.
However, Renee surprised me. She’s impatient (in a good way) and unlike many similar plots, she doesn’t wait until everything’s perfect to progress her romance. Though only a slight inversion, it brought a freshness to the overall tale which livened the book after around a third of the way. Something a bit…Princess Bride like to be honest.
Honestly though – The Pirate Princess really hits its stride about half-way through after it cuts some of its fluffier subplots into pieces, leaving readers to ponder over their corpses. They eventually catch a second wind in the final quarter, and while slightly disappointing, there’s a reason why cliches are cliches.
All in all, I loved the middle third, but the last section slid right back into the same predictability as the first. If you’re a romantic at heart, this book’s for you. For the rest of us cynics, this is one to skip.
Setting aside the somewhat cliche of a royal feeling trapped in an arranged marriage, Renee fences her way through a list of rule exceptions. Her rebellion doesn’t irk, but I’ve read a number of books premised just the same way. Add in a predictable and convoluted Man in the Iron Mask character piece in the first quarter, and I expected to be thoroughly disappointed.
However, Renee surprised me. She’s impatient (in a good way) and unlike many similar plots, she doesn’t wait until everything’s perfect to progress her romance. Though only a slight inversion, it brought a freshness to the overall tale which livened the book after around a third of the way. Something a bit…Princess Bride like to be honest.
Honestly though – The Pirate Princess really hits its stride about half-way through after it cuts some of its fluffier subplots into pieces, leaving readers to ponder over their corpses. They eventually catch a second wind in the final quarter, and while slightly disappointing, there’s a reason why cliches are cliches.
All in all, I loved the middle third, but the last section slid right back into the same predictability as the first. If you’re a romantic at heart, this book’s for you. For the rest of us cynics, this is one to skip.
June 9, 2018
This was a fantastic adventure story.
I loved the character development, by the end of the book, I felt like Renee, Will, Jonathon, Katie, and Caleb were my friends. I love that Renee took the time to learn how to defend herself, and go on the attack. I get so tired of female characters allowing the guys to do all the fighting.
There were so many other little added details that I greatly enjoyed, and a few that I really did not. I mean, how many parents refuse to take the time to know the difference between the physical look of their only daughter, and can only recognize her when she is wearing a wig and color changing contacts? Even still, I think the characters various quirks and faults make them all more realistic, and add to the depth of the book.
I greatly enjoyed it, and highly recommend it.
I loved the character development, by the end of the book, I felt like Renee, Will, Jonathon, Katie, and Caleb were my friends. I love that Renee took the time to learn how to defend herself, and go on the attack. I get so tired of female characters allowing the guys to do all the fighting.
There were so many other little added details that I greatly enjoyed, and a few that I really did not. I mean, how many parents refuse to take the time to know the difference between the physical look of their only daughter, and can only recognize her when she is wearing a wig and color changing contacts? Even still, I think the characters various quirks and faults make them all more realistic, and add to the depth of the book.
I greatly enjoyed it, and highly recommend it.
January 21, 2018
My feelings are mixed about this book. The prose is so-so, the plot can be a bit overdramatic at times, and the romance has more than its share of cheese. However, it's not a bad read by any means. The characters are enjoyable to read about, and if there's one thing this book is not, that's boring. The beginning's slow, but once you get past it the story really takes off. Overall, whether you'd enjoy this or not depends on your taste, and on how much the flaws I mention would irritate you. If you're just looking for a fun read to flip through in a few days, I would recommend it.
February 24, 2018
A daring princess, a dashing prince and a clean, romantic adventure!m
What a fun frolic through the open ocean! Martin writes with great love for her characters. She invites you to not just care about Renee and Will's adventures but to hunger for more. I am anxious for the next chapter in this exciting saga!
What a fun frolic through the open ocean! Martin writes with great love for her characters. She invites you to not just care about Renee and Will's adventures but to hunger for more. I am anxious for the next chapter in this exciting saga!
March 13, 2018
Sweet romance meets epic adventure
This was a sweet and clean romance with fantastic adventure on the high seas! Mistaken identities, a battle for the crown, a clash of pirates, and two young lovers who are willing to fight for—and alongside—each other. The Pirate Princess is a satisfying read.
This was a sweet and clean romance with fantastic adventure on the high seas! Mistaken identities, a battle for the crown, a clash of pirates, and two young lovers who are willing to fight for—and alongside—each other. The Pirate Princess is a satisfying read.
March 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting, intriguing and fun. I am a picky reader and don't read everything I see out there so if I say it is good - it IS good! Renee and Will - main characters, captured me from the get go. And I am looking forward to read more books from this great author!
I was given a free copy of this book for my honest review. Thanks for the adventure!!!
I was given a free copy of this book for my honest review. Thanks for the adventure!!!
September 18, 2023
I absolutely loved reading this really wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had
a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I am really looking forward to
reading the next book in this really wonderful series!
a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I am really looking forward to
reading the next book in this really wonderful series!
December 19, 2019
This was a nice adventure the last 1/4 of the book. I'm much more accustomed to an edge of my seat pirate novels. But this was a nice adventure.
did-not-finish
April 24, 2020DNF 12%
I thought this was mildly interesting up until the point where the princess meets up with the captain in the garden.
Honestly when there was a captain who looked just like the king and who said he was the king's double I thought two things. Either he was lying and he actually was the king who went out as a captain to get a feel for the city or something. Or, and this seemed more interesting to me, he was a double like he said and he was the one who'd actually met Renee as a child.
That'd be interesting. King wants to make connections with the neighboring kingdom but doesn't want to risk sending his only child and heir away. He finds a child the same age who looks like his son and sends that child in his son's stead and that kid hits it off with child Renee. Years later Renee is set to marry her childhood friend and can't figure out why he acts nothing like he did when they were children. Only to find out that it wasn't actually him she met but his double!
But that wasn't it. And for me the minute things started being explained I found my suspension of disbelief stretched to the point it snapped.
The guy sitting on the throne is a fraud. His father was dishonorably discharged by the late king/queen and he decided he wanted revenge. Sooooo there is a character that looks identical in EVERY way(except a birthmark on the shoulder of course b/c that's how it always goes) to the prince. And he just so HAPPENS to not only exist(the perfect doppleganger) but he lives in the same area as the prince, has a connection, and has a beef against the royal family. How convenient.
And this guy kills the king/queen and seamlessly takes over. Not one person, friend, guard, councilman, noble, cook, servant, etc is like huh, this guy looks just like our prince(now king) but he doesn't have the same voice, or the same personality, or the same likes/dislikes. He likes new food. Hates his favorite shoes. Talks completely different. He doesn't remember that hunting trip with Sir Lionel last spring or that Lady Ingrid lost her shoes in his mother's garden. He has none of the prince's memories and unless he'd spend some extremely dedicated time to learning EVERY little quirk/memory/personality trait/like/dislike/friend/you name it that the prince has . . . SOMEONE would be asking questions. Yet here we are two years into this and it's seamless.
Zero indication that anyone every raised an eyebrow at it. Renee doesn't ask if anyone was suspicious and the ousted prince doesn't offer that information. Which makes it seem like first of all that no one noticed and that secondly the author didn't think of all of that making this a giant plot hole.
And why is the prince able to skip around the court willy nilly? Because he trotted up to the usurper and said oh hey I'm also the PERFECT EXACT replica of the prince and he used me as a double. And the king said . . . yeah right, the odds of there being two of us are practically impossible having a third(much less in the same city) is not going to happen. You're a horrible liar and now I have you--the last thing in my way to taking over. *shanks prince*
No wait. That didn't happen. He totally went for it and was like, huh, okay, welcome to court. LIKE COME ON NOW.
I was pretty much done at that point. I had enough plot holes and convenient to the point of unbelievable plot points where I knew it'd bother me the whole book.
I quit shortly after and honestly the whole prince getting completely enraged because Renee was sent dinner in her room or some other minor thing was like . . . really? I get that it's an insult but his reaction to how she was treated was WAAAAY out of proportion. Wait until the guy slaps her or publicly humiliates her to get that mad, dude. But we have instalove between the childhood friends who didn't want to marry on principal of not wanting an arranged marriage so I guess it makes sense he'd be ready to leap to her defense so quickly.
So I didn't get very far but I really don't do well with plot points I can't accept because I spend the entire book annoyed about them and it really makes no sense to keep going.
I thought this was mildly interesting up until the point where the princess meets up with the captain in the garden.
Honestly when there was a captain who looked just like the king and who said he was the king's double I thought two things. Either he was lying and he actually was the king who went out as a captain to get a feel for the city or something. Or, and this seemed more interesting to me, he was a double like he said and he was the one who'd actually met Renee as a child.
That'd be interesting. King wants to make connections with the neighboring kingdom but doesn't want to risk sending his only child and heir away. He finds a child the same age who looks like his son and sends that child in his son's stead and that kid hits it off with child Renee. Years later Renee is set to marry her childhood friend and can't figure out why he acts nothing like he did when they were children. Only to find out that it wasn't actually him she met but his double!
But that wasn't it. And for me the minute things started being explained I found my suspension of disbelief stretched to the point it snapped.
The guy sitting on the throne is a fraud. His father was dishonorably discharged by the late king/queen and he decided he wanted revenge. Sooooo there is a character that looks identical in EVERY way(except a birthmark on the shoulder of course b/c that's how it always goes) to the prince. And he just so HAPPENS to not only exist(the perfect doppleganger) but he lives in the same area as the prince, has a connection, and has a beef against the royal family. How convenient.
And this guy kills the king/queen and seamlessly takes over. Not one person, friend, guard, councilman, noble, cook, servant, etc is like huh, this guy looks just like our prince(now king) but he doesn't have the same voice, or the same personality, or the same likes/dislikes. He likes new food. Hates his favorite shoes. Talks completely different. He doesn't remember that hunting trip with Sir Lionel last spring or that Lady Ingrid lost her shoes in his mother's garden. He has none of the prince's memories and unless he'd spend some extremely dedicated time to learning EVERY little quirk/memory/personality trait/like/dislike/friend/you name it that the prince has . . . SOMEONE would be asking questions. Yet here we are two years into this and it's seamless.
Zero indication that anyone every raised an eyebrow at it. Renee doesn't ask if anyone was suspicious and the ousted prince doesn't offer that information. Which makes it seem like first of all that no one noticed and that secondly the author didn't think of all of that making this a giant plot hole.
And why is the prince able to skip around the court willy nilly? Because he trotted up to the usurper and said oh hey I'm also the PERFECT EXACT replica of the prince and he used me as a double. And the king said . . . yeah right, the odds of there being two of us are practically impossible having a third(much less in the same city) is not going to happen. You're a horrible liar and now I have you--the last thing in my way to taking over. *shanks prince*
No wait. That didn't happen. He totally went for it and was like, huh, okay, welcome to court. LIKE COME ON NOW.
I was pretty much done at that point. I had enough plot holes and convenient to the point of unbelievable plot points where I knew it'd bother me the whole book.
I quit shortly after and honestly the whole prince getting completely enraged because Renee was sent dinner in her room or some other minor thing was like . . . really? I get that it's an insult but his reaction to how she was treated was WAAAAY out of proportion. Wait until the guy slaps her or publicly humiliates her to get that mad, dude. But we have instalove between the childhood friends who didn't want to marry on principal of not wanting an arranged marriage so I guess it makes sense he'd be ready to leap to her defense so quickly.
So I didn't get very far but I really don't do well with plot points I can't accept because I spend the entire book annoyed about them and it really makes no sense to keep going.
September 17, 2020
The Pirate Princess is a delight, a swashbuckling, warm-hearted romance. Princess Renee of Espan seems like a perfect storybook princess: blue-eyed, golden-haired, demure and beautifully dressed. In reality, Renee is frustrated with this pretense (complete with wig and colored lenses). She wants to become the queen her people deserve, and has secretly learned to ride and fight while making friends with the common folk. But the day is coming when she will be expected to fulfil a contract to marry King William of neighboring Cartiana. He was a friend years ago, so she hopes it will work out but still resents being forced into a political marriage. Then she discovers the man on the throne is an evil imposter and the real king has assumed a false identity as Will, a military officer and sometime body double to the king in order to keep an eye on his realm. Renee recognizes him, they renew their friendship and fall in love. When she receives word that Will has been killed by pirates and she will be forced to marry the imposter king, Renee takes refuge on the Quilin, a ship of good-guy pirates who battle slavers and bad-guy pirates. She soon gains a reputation as Espan Rose, as well as developing her fighting and leadership skills, with the goal of avenging Will and freeing Espan and Cartiana from the usurper.
I enjoyed the character of Renee, a swashbuckling action princess who does more rescuing than being rescued (though there’s some of that, too, when she gets in over her head). She has a taste for beautiful things, as often weapons as jewelry, and a romantic heart that is drawn both to her true love and to the sea. She loves and is loyal to her people, both as a queen and as a pirate captain. It was touching to see her build a new life for herself without Will while remaining true to his memory. Emotion and excitement ramp up when she finds out what happened to Will and who was responsible, building to a satisfying surprise ending that points to subsequent books in the series.
I enjoyed the character of Renee, a swashbuckling action princess who does more rescuing than being rescued (though there’s some of that, too, when she gets in over her head). She has a taste for beautiful things, as often weapons as jewelry, and a romantic heart that is drawn both to her true love and to the sea. She loves and is loyal to her people, both as a queen and as a pirate captain. It was touching to see her build a new life for herself without Will while remaining true to his memory. Emotion and excitement ramp up when she finds out what happened to Will and who was responsible, building to a satisfying surprise ending that points to subsequent books in the series.
October 25, 2021
I'm not sure what I should give this story. I really liked it up until about the 96% mark, then it had a scene I wasn't expecting because it wasn't a part of the rating that was given about the book. I was warned that there would be some references to married intimacy, yep, that was there, very subtly. There were quite a few battles, so yep, there was some violence, but nothing graphic (like heads rolling kind of thing), but when I got to that place near the end there was a scene that wasn't graphic but your brain could easily fill in the gaps - our heroine is being attacked by the usurper king. I was not expecting that and it made me uncomfortable. Normally I wouldn't finish a book where there was a scene like that because I couldn't trust what might come later, but since I was at the end of the book I finished it. Overall, it was a good story. A princess is being forced to marry to bring two countries together, but she knows something that no one else seems to have figured out - the man on the throne isn't who they think he is, and it isn't the man that was her best friend - he's now the captain of the guard and it isn't long before she falls in love with him. Now what are they going to do??? I would normally say, you'll have to read the story to find out, but if you choose to - skip over that part near the end - I wouldn't want to suggest something that offended me to someone else. Too bad, I really liked the story and it's hard to find stuff that doesn't have sexual inferences or blatant sexual content as well as being cuss free! This was cuss free, and even slang free - for that I am very grateful, I just wish this scene hadn't been there. (wow, can you tell how much I was bothered by it - that's what is on my mind once the story was over, blotted out most of the rest).
Not quite a clean read.
Not quite a clean read.
August 11, 2019
Good Pirate Story
Officially, this should read 3.5 stars, and here is why:
Things I liked:
1. Pirates. I'm not sure how much of a secret it is that I love pirate stories. I'm not sure if it's the tall ships, beautiful swords or a life that is different than societal norms, but I LOVE these kind of stories.
2. Nobility in disguise. I love this trope and this story has this twofold.
3. Good characters. I loved the two main characters, Renee and Will, but I have a soft spot for the pirate captain, Bartholomew Read. I liked how his character was more fleshed out and how we were allowed to see his tender side for his family and Renee.
Things I didn't like:
1. Description. There were times when the description as told via a character's head was a little disjointed and confusing. I had to read a couple parts twice because my brain skipped over it.
2. Dialogue. I'm no pro on dialogue but there were times that it seemed stunted and forced.
3. Characters knowing things they shouldn't. There were a few instances where a character would suddenly know something that they shouldn't have and it just took me out of the story a little.
Overall impression: Although there was some hiccups with the story, I would recommend it if you're a fan of clean romance and pirate stories. I'm looking forward to read in the next book in the series.
Officially, this should read 3.5 stars, and here is why:
Things I liked:
1. Pirates. I'm not sure how much of a secret it is that I love pirate stories. I'm not sure if it's the tall ships, beautiful swords or a life that is different than societal norms, but I LOVE these kind of stories.
2. Nobility in disguise. I love this trope and this story has this twofold.
3. Good characters. I loved the two main characters, Renee and Will, but I have a soft spot for the pirate captain, Bartholomew Read. I liked how his character was more fleshed out and how we were allowed to see his tender side for his family and Renee.
Things I didn't like:
1. Description. There were times when the description as told via a character's head was a little disjointed and confusing. I had to read a couple parts twice because my brain skipped over it.
2. Dialogue. I'm no pro on dialogue but there were times that it seemed stunted and forced.
3. Characters knowing things they shouldn't. There were a few instances where a character would suddenly know something that they shouldn't have and it just took me out of the story a little.
Overall impression: Although there was some hiccups with the story, I would recommend it if you're a fan of clean romance and pirate stories. I'm looking forward to read in the next book in the series.
April 19, 2019
I really wanted to love this book, I did.
I like all things Kings and Queens, political games, pirates and all... BUT, everything went so fast, you barely comprehend what happens and six months go by, a year, two...
Some scenes deserved to be more thoroughly described, some characters deserved to spend more time together, to shine...
The Pirate Princess is alright I guess, but it didn't amaze me, and I just wanted to be amazed.
For the good part though, Renee is a great character, I liked her a lot, she's strong and obstinate. Her love story with Will is also beautiful, so there was that.
2/5
I like all things Kings and Queens, political games, pirates and all... BUT, everything went so fast, you barely comprehend what happens and six months go by, a year, two...
Some scenes deserved to be more thoroughly described, some characters deserved to spend more time together, to shine...
The Pirate Princess is alright I guess, but it didn't amaze me, and I just wanted to be amazed.
For the good part though, Renee is a great character, I liked her a lot, she's strong and obstinate. Her love story with Will is also beautiful, so there was that.
2/5
June 19, 2019
Loved it
Great story with action, romance and well served justice. Renee is not your average princess and you should read this story to find out why. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Great story with action, romance and well served justice. Renee is not your average princess and you should read this story to find out why. I can’t wait to read the next one!
June 14, 2019
What a delightful read! I highly recommend this book. Believable characters, fascinating worlds, and epic storytelling -- this book has everything you want in fantasy. A must read!
July 31, 2020
Beautiful cover, amazing pirate romance filled with betrayals and a swash-buckling heroine.
December 11, 2025
2.5 STARS. So I thought I would do something a little different with my review this time. I’m going to try to do it as I read, instead of after. Will this turn into a mess? Probably.
30%
Alright, so I’ve reached about the third mark and I have thoughts.
So starting off I just wanted to say I’m really sad. I have wanted to read this book forever it seems—ever since I discovered the author's YouTube channel. I love supporting self-published authors and to (at least pretend I’m going to) give them feedback. So far I'm afraid my hopes for this book are dwindling. I mean it's not bad. It has some good things, but they seem to be buried among the not-so-great. A few things are annoying me at the moment.
The first thing, although not the biggest, is Renee’s character. She's a princess so I kind of saw this coming, but it’s where she acts like she hates being a princess and everybody’s always forcing her into things. This in of itself isn’t the end of the world to me. I can put up with a lot from characters. But specifically with Renee, she’s always ANGRY with those around her for something or other. I kinda doubt this will change as I continue.
But now lets come to the biggest thing I’m not happy with. if you’ve been following, or have even seen any of my reviews, you probably know what it is already.
The romance.
The romance on this book is disappointing—at least right now. So far, the characters have met, fallen in love, and married in secret. WHY????? I’m fine with this pattern, it’s the pattern most good romances follow. But not in the first THIRD of the book. No. If there’s one thing that bores me in a romance, it’s insta-love/lack of conflict. Not all cases of insta-love are bad, but it’s not often done well. Frankly, I’m bored when nothing personal stands the way of the romance. Sorry, this is a recent frustration of mine. Anyway, moving on.
The next thing is pacing. It’s going pretty slow at the moment. She hasn’t even met a pirate yet. There were some good things about the beginning though and I would like to point them out. I loved the beginning chapter. It gives us a flash into the future, and Renee’s about to be hanged. This immediately poses lots of questions that I want answers to, though two years is a long time to wait *tears pouring*.
I feel really bad that I don’t care very much for it so far, but I will keep on reading. It could get better after this!
50%
Her husband has "died", though I know he will come back. She finally got onto a pirate ship and it's following a pretty basic pattern of scenes to make her chummy with crew mates, and demonstrate how she's special. I'll update later.
100%
I finished it a little while ago so I can't say I really remember all that much, other than it didn't improve my opinion of the book. It was pretty typical. We found out her husband was alive (didn't see that coming), but there wasn't any conflict with it. Again, personal conflict makes some of the best romances and this book lacked that.
I feel bad about my rating, but I can't control how I feel about it. *shrugs*
(Review previously written in 2020)
30%
Alright, so I’ve reached about the third mark and I have thoughts.
So starting off I just wanted to say I’m really sad. I have wanted to read this book forever it seems—ever since I discovered the author's YouTube channel. I love supporting self-published authors and to (at least pretend I’m going to) give them feedback. So far I'm afraid my hopes for this book are dwindling. I mean it's not bad. It has some good things, but they seem to be buried among the not-so-great. A few things are annoying me at the moment.
The first thing, although not the biggest, is Renee’s character. She's a princess so I kind of saw this coming, but it’s where she acts like she hates being a princess and everybody’s always forcing her into things. This in of itself isn’t the end of the world to me. I can put up with a lot from characters. But specifically with Renee, she’s always ANGRY with those around her for something or other. I kinda doubt this will change as I continue.
But now lets come to the biggest thing I’m not happy with. if you’ve been following, or have even seen any of my reviews, you probably know what it is already.
The romance.
The romance on this book is disappointing—at least right now. So far, the characters have met, fallen in love, and married in secret. WHY????? I’m fine with this pattern, it’s the pattern most good romances follow. But not in the first THIRD of the book. No. If there’s one thing that bores me in a romance, it’s insta-love/lack of conflict. Not all cases of insta-love are bad, but it’s not often done well. Frankly, I’m bored when nothing personal stands the way of the romance. Sorry, this is a recent frustration of mine. Anyway, moving on.
The next thing is pacing. It’s going pretty slow at the moment. She hasn’t even met a pirate yet. There were some good things about the beginning though and I would like to point them out. I loved the beginning chapter. It gives us a flash into the future, and Renee’s about to be hanged. This immediately poses lots of questions that I want answers to, though two years is a long time to wait *tears pouring*.
I feel really bad that I don’t care very much for it so far, but I will keep on reading. It could get better after this!
50%
Her husband has "died", though I know he will come back. She finally got onto a pirate ship and it's following a pretty basic pattern of scenes to make her chummy with crew mates, and demonstrate how she's special. I'll update later.
100%
I finished it a little while ago so I can't say I really remember all that much, other than it didn't improve my opinion of the book. It was pretty typical. We found out her husband was alive (didn't see that coming), but there wasn't any conflict with it. Again, personal conflict makes some of the best romances and this book lacked that.
I feel bad about my rating, but I can't control how I feel about it. *shrugs*
(Review previously written in 2020)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2022
I'm not really a romance novel kind of gal, but the author is my hubby's cuz - so, I wanted to support family talent. But, I've got to say that I am really enjoying this book, and am anxious to see how it all turns out. Its a great "period" story, very well written, flows well. Great characters and plot development. Only 4 stars for now (I'm still reading it) ... but that'll change once I'm finished reading, because the book is that good. This is a high recommend for women of all ages, whether or not you're into romance novels.
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