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Second Chance #2
His Pirate
Rhain Morgan is desperate to leave London and move his ailing sister to a climate that will save her life, so he books passage to their Caribbean plantation on the only available ship, captained by Alastair Breckenridge. Rhain fights his attraction to the alluring captain who looks and acts like a pirate, but the man’s fairness wins Rhain over. The trip that once seemed endless is now too short.
For years, Alastair held people away from his heart, until Rhain. Finally admitting his feelings to himself, he tries to convince Rhain to stay on board, but it’s all in vain.
Despite his own burgeoning feelings for Alastair, Rhain wants to prove himself and refuses to let go of his dream of making a home for his sister and himself on their plantation. But as Alastair’s ship sails away, Rhain is left alone to make the best of disastrous circumstances and overwhelmed by regret, nurses his broken heart.
When all seems lost, could they dare hope for a second chance to set things right and love again?
For years, Alastair held people away from his heart, until Rhain. Finally admitting his feelings to himself, he tries to convince Rhain to stay on board, but it’s all in vain.
Despite his own burgeoning feelings for Alastair, Rhain wants to prove himself and refuses to let go of his dream of making a home for his sister and himself on their plantation. But as Alastair’s ship sails away, Rhain is left alone to make the best of disastrous circumstances and overwhelmed by regret, nurses his broken heart.
When all seems lost, could they dare hope for a second chance to set things right and love again?
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2018
13 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Lake
25 books134 followersStephanie Lake is the pen name for a husband/wife team who enjoy writing historical M/M (gay) romance with happy endings and steamy middles. We’d love to hear from you, so check out our website for contact info at: https://sites.google.com/site/stephan...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 22, 2017
3.5 HEARTS--If I had to describe His Pirate, the second standalone in the Second Chance series by author duo Stephanie Lake briefly: it read like Jack Sparrow porn.
But instead of the pirate chasing light skirts and rum, he was all about the men and pirating. (mainly men)
Not mad at it.
Not at all.
His Pirate is set in the late Georgian era, orphan Rhain Morgan only has his ailing sister as family. The London air doesn't agree with his frail sister and the longer they live there, the worse it will be for her. Before Rhain's father died, he bought a plantation on the island of Dominica. Rhain sells his meager savings to have enough money to book a trip for his small family.
Sadly, it's late in the sailing season and no one but a dandy pirate, Captain Alastair Breckenridge is the only one around to set sail to the Caribbean. The spark of heat flares from the moment they set eyes on each other. Rhain vows not to dally with men anymore. He plans to find a wife and lie to himself to produce an heir.
But Alastair notices the attraction. And he day dreams about getting the tall and thick Rhain to pound him into next week. (I was wishing for something a little more devious or daring)
For the rest of my review on the blog (later on GR):
A copy provided for an honest review.
But instead of the pirate chasing light skirts and rum, he was all about the men and pirating. (mainly men)
Not mad at it.
"I'm going to slip another finger into that hot hole of yours. Let your muscles play with them, stroke them, hold them tight."
Not at all.
His Pirate is set in the late Georgian era, orphan Rhain Morgan only has his ailing sister as family. The London air doesn't agree with his frail sister and the longer they live there, the worse it will be for her. Before Rhain's father died, he bought a plantation on the island of Dominica. Rhain sells his meager savings to have enough money to book a trip for his small family.
Sadly, it's late in the sailing season and no one but a dandy pirate, Captain Alastair Breckenridge is the only one around to set sail to the Caribbean. The spark of heat flares from the moment they set eyes on each other. Rhain vows not to dally with men anymore. He plans to find a wife and lie to himself to produce an heir.
But Alastair notices the attraction. And he day dreams about getting the tall and thick Rhain to pound him into next week. (I was wishing for something a little more devious or daring)
For the rest of my review on the blog (later on GR):
A copy provided for an honest review.
June 29, 2025
I'm getting to read the final two installments in the series, so I'm getting it in order and quickly refreshing my memory.
#2 in The Regency Lords series
_____________________________________
Original review on 3rd Feb/25
A strong 3.5 - 3.75⭐, rounding it down.
It was entertaining enough with a few things that bothered me - but, best in the series so far.
🟣 A gentleman / a not quite pirate
🔵 Age gap 24/31
🟢 Most of the story happening on a ship
🟡 Bisexual / gay
🌶️ Descriptive sex; kissing, oral, some rimming (minor), penetrative (mostly), 69; t/b (older)
Rhain, the gentleman main character, sells everything he owns and travels with his sick sister Lydia to Dominica on a merchant ship, whose captain Alastair is an occasional pirate.
"He could stay here forever, with his mouth full, his nose inhaling heaven, and gazing at one of the loveliest men he could ever remember seeing."
He's not talking about no damn ocean.
Alastair immediately likes Rhain, but then again, he likes most of the men he meets. He can't resist big bulges, apparently. Tall, muscular men who can dominate him.
Well, he's in luck, because Rhain is younger, taller, broader and more muscular, he's practically a wet dream of almost every guy on that ship, but he ends up in Alastair's bed.
Alastair isn't your typical rowdy captain, he's quite refined and normal, actually, and even though Rhain is reluctant and tries to fight this attraction, they can't really resist each other, so they start having sex and it was pretty great. Rhain did some regency dirty talk (would've liked more of it) and they had strong chemistry, although nothing dramatic, but very good nevertheless.
I just kept thinking about how they must stink, since hygiene was almost non-existent on that ship. I was relieved when they finally swam in the ocean and cleaned themselves thoroughly.
When Rhain eventually came to Dominica and realized he came to a dump that's not even remotely suitable for his sick sister, he still insisted on staying and that was not only dumb, but funny to read about. 😄 His plantation and house was a complete dump and he still wanted them to stay, I mean, the dumbest, most naive decision ever made, really.
But what really took the spotlight was Lydia, Rhain's sister.
Even though this story is very realistic in terms of the position of women at that time period (in the West), it was still distracting to constantly read about it.
She was mentioned so much and the difference between what she was allowed to do and what Rhain did, was staggering. As I've said already, it's very realistic, but fuck me, I don't want to read about it in a gay romance book!
Let me preface this by saying Lydia was 21 years old and the biggest sin she did was giggle, come up on the deck alone a couple of times and show her zest for life.
"Morgan, it seemed, noticed the attention and would not stray more than ten feet from her side. Alastair didn’t blame him. That girl was destined to do something outside of propriety. She embraced new experiences and enjoyed all the differences she experienced. If she were his sister, he’d lock her belowdecks and not let her out without a chastity belt."
"He frowned at that, not at all certain if he could demand his little sister to stop having fantasies."
"The image of Lydia with someone’s tongue in her mouth set his stomach churning as if he’d eaten week- old stew. He could take this no longer."
"How could his sister, his precious little sister, be so bold? When had she even gotten old enough to want a tongue in her— No. He would not think about that. How had she matured without his notice and want a kiss from anyone?"
"She laughed with all the enthusiasm of a drunken courtesan and called to his retreating back, “Imagine how much trouble I’d be if I’d been healthy these last few years.” He shivered at the thought."
“I’m afraid I will spend the rest of my days keeping her out of trouble.”
Why the hell is he thinking so much about whose tongue is going to be in his sister's mouth? He's awfully obsessed about who's going to be having sex with her too.
I know this is how women were treated, they were infantilized and couldn't really act naturally not to be thought of as whores immediately (well, not much has changed in the past 200 years since then, has it), but damn, I don't want to read this depressing shit in a story about Rhain and Alastair.
Why not make Lydia a brother? That was my question. Avoid all this crap and make him a sick brother who gets his first man on this gay almost-pirate ship. Now that would've been fantastic.
Putting that aside, this would've been a 4⭐ book for me.
#2 in The Regency Lords series
_____________________________________
Original review on 3rd Feb/25
A strong 3.5 - 3.75⭐, rounding it down.
It was entertaining enough with a few things that bothered me - but, best in the series so far.
🟣 A gentleman / a not quite pirate
🔵 Age gap 24/31
🟢 Most of the story happening on a ship
🟡 Bisexual / gay
🌶️ Descriptive sex; kissing, oral, some rimming (minor), penetrative (mostly), 69; t/b (older)
Rhain, the gentleman main character, sells everything he owns and travels with his sick sister Lydia to Dominica on a merchant ship, whose captain Alastair is an occasional pirate.
"He could stay here forever, with his mouth full, his nose inhaling heaven, and gazing at one of the loveliest men he could ever remember seeing."
He's not talking about no damn ocean.
Alastair immediately likes Rhain, but then again, he likes most of the men he meets. He can't resist big bulges, apparently. Tall, muscular men who can dominate him.
Well, he's in luck, because Rhain is younger, taller, broader and more muscular, he's practically a wet dream of almost every guy on that ship, but he ends up in Alastair's bed.
Alastair isn't your typical rowdy captain, he's quite refined and normal, actually, and even though Rhain is reluctant and tries to fight this attraction, they can't really resist each other, so they start having sex and it was pretty great. Rhain did some regency dirty talk (would've liked more of it) and they had strong chemistry, although nothing dramatic, but very good nevertheless.
I just kept thinking about how they must stink, since hygiene was almost non-existent on that ship. I was relieved when they finally swam in the ocean and cleaned themselves thoroughly.
When Rhain eventually came to Dominica and realized he came to a dump that's not even remotely suitable for his sick sister, he still insisted on staying and that was not only dumb, but funny to read about. 😄 His plantation and house was a complete dump and he still wanted them to stay, I mean, the dumbest, most naive decision ever made, really.
But what really took the spotlight was Lydia, Rhain's sister.
Even though this story is very realistic in terms of the position of women at that time period (in the West), it was still distracting to constantly read about it.
She was mentioned so much and the difference between what she was allowed to do and what Rhain did, was staggering. As I've said already, it's very realistic, but fuck me, I don't want to read about it in a gay romance book!
Let me preface this by saying Lydia was 21 years old and the biggest sin she did was giggle, come up on the deck alone a couple of times and show her zest for life.
"Morgan, it seemed, noticed the attention and would not stray more than ten feet from her side. Alastair didn’t blame him. That girl was destined to do something outside of propriety. She embraced new experiences and enjoyed all the differences she experienced. If she were his sister, he’d lock her belowdecks and not let her out without a chastity belt."
"He frowned at that, not at all certain if he could demand his little sister to stop having fantasies."
"The image of Lydia with someone’s tongue in her mouth set his stomach churning as if he’d eaten week- old stew. He could take this no longer."
"How could his sister, his precious little sister, be so bold? When had she even gotten old enough to want a tongue in her— No. He would not think about that. How had she matured without his notice and want a kiss from anyone?"
"She laughed with all the enthusiasm of a drunken courtesan and called to his retreating back, “Imagine how much trouble I’d be if I’d been healthy these last few years.” He shivered at the thought."
“I’m afraid I will spend the rest of my days keeping her out of trouble.”
Why the hell is he thinking so much about whose tongue is going to be in his sister's mouth? He's awfully obsessed about who's going to be having sex with her too.
I know this is how women were treated, they were infantilized and couldn't really act naturally not to be thought of as whores immediately (well, not much has changed in the past 200 years since then, has it), but damn, I don't want to read this depressing shit in a story about Rhain and Alastair.
Why not make Lydia a brother? That was my question. Avoid all this crap and make him a sick brother who gets his first man on this gay almost-pirate ship. Now that would've been fantastic.
Putting that aside, this would've been a 4⭐ book for me.
July 20, 2017
Well, as far as I know none of the sailors in this story wore an eyepatch, but there was an 'interesting' fact that kept ratling about in my head as I read 'His Pirate', so I thought I would share it: Allegedly pirates wore eyepatches (not as I initially imagined to cover the damage inflicted in battle) to ensure that their eyesight was not hindered from moving out of the bright sunshine and into dark confined spaces to search for stashed treasure, or hidden foe. They simply had to switch their eyepatch from one eye to the other (or I suppose just flip it). Clever huh?
This is the second book in the Second Chance series, and whilst I may have grumbled a little at the joie de vivre of the writing style of the first book, this time around I knew what I was getting into, and settled in for a swashbuckling ride. I loved it.
I read the majority of this book with a large grin on my face.
Part of my delight is that Captain Alastair Breckenridge finds his new passenger Rhain Morgan incredibly sexy, but also quite moody. His musings on the matter are hilarious:
Rhian is desperate to leave London and move to live on an inherited plantation where the climate might cure his ailing sister Lydia, or at least save her life away from the polluted city.
How much is a life worth? Clearly a great deal, because Rhain spends a small fortune securing their passage.
I loved the juxtaposition of Alistair's policy about sexuality on his ship, and the much more repressed approach that Rhain upholds.
As a secondary character, Lydia is refreshing. She takes a much more liberal view than her brother, and it is interesting to watch their exchanges unfold, as they clearly adore each other.
Temptation for Rhain is mighty. He would love to stay on board but views it as impractical on a considerable number of levels unpacked in the course of the story.
I particularly enjoyed how a person's dreams are often different from the harsher realities, and that inner fears may ultimately be groundless (no pun intended).
I have come to embrace the quirky writing style of husband and wife duo that is Stephanie Lake, they touch on heavy themes in a lighter way than my usual reads.
Long may the second Chance series continue.
Incidentally, I disagree with some reviewers who say they would have appreciated a single POV rather than from both Alistair and Rhain. In this case I think two heads are definitely better than one. It added interest to see the interplay between them from each of their perspectives.
Highly recommended for when you are looking for a story with a lightness of touch, and fancy sailing the high seas with two gorgeous leads and a ship full of interesting sailors.
** My thanks to the author who kindly provided a complimentary copy of the story in exchange for an honest review as part of the Male/Male Romance group's Don't Buy My Love event **
This is the second book in the Second Chance series, and whilst I may have grumbled a little at the joie de vivre of the writing style of the first book, this time around I knew what I was getting into, and settled in for a swashbuckling ride. I loved it.
I read the majority of this book with a large grin on my face.
Part of my delight is that Captain Alastair Breckenridge finds his new passenger Rhain Morgan incredibly sexy, but also quite moody. His musings on the matter are hilarious:
' The man was the ideal male specimen, except for the frown. Well, the frown and the nose. The nose a bit too prominent, a bit too hooked to be considered perfect, but it was a fully male-manly nose, which saved the face from a lack of character...Conservative but expensive clothing. Brown on brown over tan. He might be the boring type, dressing so drably. But really, who would care so long as they were grasping shoulders so broad as to eclipse the moon?'
Rhian is desperate to leave London and move to live on an inherited plantation where the climate might cure his ailing sister Lydia, or at least save her life away from the polluted city.
How much is a life worth? Clearly a great deal, because Rhain spends a small fortune securing their passage.
I loved the juxtaposition of Alistair's policy about sexuality on his ship, and the much more repressed approach that Rhain upholds.
As a secondary character, Lydia is refreshing. She takes a much more liberal view than her brother, and it is interesting to watch their exchanges unfold, as they clearly adore each other.
Temptation for Rhain is mighty. He would love to stay on board but views it as impractical on a considerable number of levels unpacked in the course of the story.
I particularly enjoyed how a person's dreams are often different from the harsher realities, and that inner fears may ultimately be groundless (no pun intended).
I have come to embrace the quirky writing style of husband and wife duo that is Stephanie Lake, they touch on heavy themes in a lighter way than my usual reads.
Long may the second Chance series continue.
Incidentally, I disagree with some reviewers who say they would have appreciated a single POV rather than from both Alistair and Rhain. In this case I think two heads are definitely better than one. It added interest to see the interplay between them from each of their perspectives.
Highly recommended for when you are looking for a story with a lightness of touch, and fancy sailing the high seas with two gorgeous leads and a ship full of interesting sailors.
** My thanks to the author who kindly provided a complimentary copy of the story in exchange for an honest review as part of the Male/Male Romance group's Don't Buy My Love event **
July 23, 2017
** 5 stars**
** I received a copy in exchange for an honest review through the DBML program**
His Pirate by Stephanie Lake is the second book that I have read of hers and it is my current favorite. Much like His Second Chance, there is the historical aspect, in addition to trips at sea, pining, and insufficiently governed islands fraught with dangers. Loved it!
His Pirate tells the story of Rhain, a man trying to get his sister back to good health by bringing her to their plantation on the island Dominica. Desperate to set sail he purchases a ride on a ship captained by Alastair. While that isn’t all too exciting, turns out that this ship is run by gay men and Alastair is included in this broad generalization, much to Rhain’s dismay, who is already having trouble in trying to not fantasize about Alastair. The two end up starting a terminating romance - supposedly to end on the day that Rhain and his sister dock on their destined island. The two men try to make their relationship worthwhile as they also try to figure out how they could cope once they separate. [The angst is delicious :)]
What I most enjoyed about the book was the fact that both men knew what they wanted and had no qualms about getting it. In His Second Chance, I grew tired of the fear of being found out; here there was minimal mention of the legality of their relationship which I found much easier to read, pleasurable. Being on a ship that had predominantly gay men, or men who were okay with other men being gay also helped in suspending the issue and I thought that it was well thought out and helped in the believability of the story.
I also loved the ending. It's predictable, sure, no arguing that. But I loved it anyway. It fit perfectly with the characters in this book and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Final notes:
-Told in alternating, third person POV
- Most of the book is spent on the ship [setting]
- There are minor moments of pirating
- Strong female characters that know what they want
- Cute angsty scenes between two men unwilling to say they love each other
** I received a copy in exchange for an honest review through the DBML program**
His Pirate by Stephanie Lake is the second book that I have read of hers and it is my current favorite. Much like His Second Chance, there is the historical aspect, in addition to trips at sea, pining, and insufficiently governed islands fraught with dangers. Loved it!
His Pirate tells the story of Rhain, a man trying to get his sister back to good health by bringing her to their plantation on the island Dominica. Desperate to set sail he purchases a ride on a ship captained by Alastair. While that isn’t all too exciting, turns out that this ship is run by gay men and Alastair is included in this broad generalization, much to Rhain’s dismay, who is already having trouble in trying to not fantasize about Alastair. The two end up starting a terminating romance - supposedly to end on the day that Rhain and his sister dock on their destined island. The two men try to make their relationship worthwhile as they also try to figure out how they could cope once they separate. [The angst is delicious :)]
What I most enjoyed about the book was the fact that both men knew what they wanted and had no qualms about getting it. In His Second Chance, I grew tired of the fear of being found out; here there was minimal mention of the legality of their relationship which I found much easier to read, pleasurable. Being on a ship that had predominantly gay men, or men who were okay with other men being gay also helped in suspending the issue and I thought that it was well thought out and helped in the believability of the story.
I also loved the ending. It's predictable, sure, no arguing that. But I loved it anyway. It fit perfectly with the characters in this book and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Final notes:
-Told in alternating, third person POV
- Most of the book is spent on the ship [setting]
- There are minor moments of pirating
- Strong female characters that know what they want
- Cute angsty scenes between two men unwilling to say they love each other
June 20, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I have to confess that it was the Jack Sparrow look alike on the cover that got my attention but the romance between Rhain and Alistair was a fun, sexy read. The premise is simple: Rhain and his sister book passage on Alistair’s ship as they travel to their family’s plantation in Dominica. Along the way, attraction grows between the sea captain and the gentleman.
This is fun story with more romance than swashbuckling. I enjoyed the historic details about Alaistair’s ship and his crew and I also enjoyed the secondary relationship that develops between Rhain’s sister and Alistair’s first mate.
I’m not sure if some of the sex scenes are intentionally comical but I found myself laughing out loud at a few brilliant descriptions. There are some very steamy scenes in this story and I thoroughly enjoyed the heat between Rhain and Alistair.
This book has a playful self-awareness. The story doesn’t win any plausibility prizes but I thoroughly enjoyed Rhain and Alistair’s adventures as they cross the Atlantic on Alistair’s ship.
I have to confess that it was the Jack Sparrow look alike on the cover that got my attention but the romance between Rhain and Alistair was a fun, sexy read. The premise is simple: Rhain and his sister book passage on Alistair’s ship as they travel to their family’s plantation in Dominica. Along the way, attraction grows between the sea captain and the gentleman.
This is fun story with more romance than swashbuckling. I enjoyed the historic details about Alaistair’s ship and his crew and I also enjoyed the secondary relationship that develops between Rhain’s sister and Alistair’s first mate.
I’m not sure if some of the sex scenes are intentionally comical but I found myself laughing out loud at a few brilliant descriptions. There are some very steamy scenes in this story and I thoroughly enjoyed the heat between Rhain and Alistair.
This book has a playful self-awareness. The story doesn’t win any plausibility prizes but I thoroughly enjoyed Rhain and Alistair’s adventures as they cross the Atlantic on Alistair’s ship.
May 30, 2017
I really enjoy pirate stories and this one does not disappoint. Lake’s second novel in the “His Second Chance” series follows up really well. Alastair is by far and away every bit the sexy, smouldering pirate who falls for adorably loyal Rhain, who commissions Alastair’s ship to take he and is sister to the clear air of the colonies. They find disaster, but ultimately love. Lake brings to life a convincing, steamy romance sparking between the two men, and handles supporting characters and their relationship with the lead characters superbly. Comes highly recommended.
August 6, 2017
I love pirate stories. I love Regency stories. When the two are mixed well together, they rock my world. Stephanie Lake delivers a delicious, exotic blend of both. The chemistry between Rhain and Alastair drew me in from the beginning, and didn't let go. His Pirate was truly an enjoyable tale - recommended reading for anyone who enjoys a good Regency pirate romp!
July 16, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This was an okay read, but a bit too fluffy for me. I think people who enjoy books that are pure romance with no too much angst, or conflict in it will enjoy this book a lot more than I did. Everyone was just so damn perfect. And that included the ship, which surprisingly stayed all clean and nice during a transatlantic trip in the 1800-rds.
I might've liked the book more if it was written from a single POV.
This was an okay read, but a bit too fluffy for me. I think people who enjoy books that are pure romance with no too much angst, or conflict in it will enjoy this book a lot more than I did. Everyone was just so damn perfect. And that included the ship, which surprisingly stayed all clean and nice during a transatlantic trip in the 1800-rds.
I might've liked the book more if it was written from a single POV.
July 17, 2017
A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Much like a few other readers, I was drawn in by the cover pirate's familiar looks. I was not let down by the story or the intracacies of the characters.
I liked that this story, much like the one prior, was centered around the male arc, but did not ignore the female lead's arc. As a reader, I was able to be invested in both without resenting the time spent on it.
The only thing that would have made this better is a single narrative. Though it is heart-warmingly sweet to see both character's thoughts, it is more revealing and suspenseful for readers if it were only the one narrative. Regardless, I am not begruding at the dual-narrative.
Overall, the book is an excellent example of the new adult/historical genre.
Much like a few other readers, I was drawn in by the cover pirate's familiar looks. I was not let down by the story or the intracacies of the characters.
I liked that this story, much like the one prior, was centered around the male arc, but did not ignore the female lead's arc. As a reader, I was able to be invested in both without resenting the time spent on it.
The only thing that would have made this better is a single narrative. Though it is heart-warmingly sweet to see both character's thoughts, it is more revealing and suspenseful for readers if it were only the one narrative. Regardless, I am not begruding at the dual-narrative.
Overall, the book is an excellent example of the new adult/historical genre.
July 24, 2017
This book was received free in return for an honest review via the Goodreads Don't Buy My Love program.
3.5 stars
His Pirate is set late European, 1809. Londoner Rhain Morgan seeks passage to Domenica, hoping the cleaner air of his sugar plantation will cure his sister, Lydia's, cough. They find passage aboard the Hurricane, captained by Alastair Breckenridge. The voyage of many months is full of adventure and frolicking, and though there were hints of more aboard, we weren’t privy to it (sigh…).
I admit I'm always leary with historical fiction, as the medieval ages is a particular favorite era of mine. Will the story be true to history? Or will the author pick and choose what to accurately portray? And then will I like the time period or the characters? Did the author write “modern” and use period language or was it in total a period piece?
Ms. Lake wrote an agreeable account of the times, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fictitious take on a Transatlantic voyage. The storyline stayed “period” throughout, without modern terms, which greatly enhanced the read for me. Sort of let me sink into the story of the 1800’s without being yanked back to the 2000’s. I liked the characters of Rhain, Alastair and Lydia, but would have liked to see more of the ship’s crew and other interactions, most of which were glossed over. Alastair was more effeminate that I would have preferred, especially during a time period when gay was strictly hidden.
I definitely enjoyed this story enough, that I’ll be watching for more by this author, and thank the author kindly for allowing me the chance to read and review her story.
3.5 stars
His Pirate is set late European, 1809. Londoner Rhain Morgan seeks passage to Domenica, hoping the cleaner air of his sugar plantation will cure his sister, Lydia's, cough. They find passage aboard the Hurricane, captained by Alastair Breckenridge. The voyage of many months is full of adventure and frolicking, and though there were hints of more aboard, we weren’t privy to it (sigh…).
I admit I'm always leary with historical fiction, as the medieval ages is a particular favorite era of mine. Will the story be true to history? Or will the author pick and choose what to accurately portray? And then will I like the time period or the characters? Did the author write “modern” and use period language or was it in total a period piece?
Ms. Lake wrote an agreeable account of the times, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fictitious take on a Transatlantic voyage. The storyline stayed “period” throughout, without modern terms, which greatly enhanced the read for me. Sort of let me sink into the story of the 1800’s without being yanked back to the 2000’s. I liked the characters of Rhain, Alastair and Lydia, but would have liked to see more of the ship’s crew and other interactions, most of which were glossed over. Alastair was more effeminate that I would have preferred, especially during a time period when gay was strictly hidden.
I definitely enjoyed this story enough, that I’ll be watching for more by this author, and thank the author kindly for allowing me the chance to read and review her story.
June 23, 2017
His Pirate is the second offering from Stephanie Lake, the nom de plume of a husband and wife writing team who have combined Regency romances with male/male erotica. In His Pirate, Lake has shifted the setting from the sumptuous drawing rooms of Regency-era London to a ship bound for the Indies. The “his” in His Pirate is Rhain Morgan, the youthful guardian of his sister, Lydia, a young woman in ill health because of the poisonous air of London. Rhain is determined to leave England and sail with Lydia to the healthier climes of their Caribbean estate. His primary problem is finding a ship bound for their ultimate destination, the island of Dominica. The Pirate in question is Captain Alastair Breckenridge, the darkly handsome master of his own craft, a man with an eye for the less-than-gentle sex. When Rhain and Alastair meet, their attraction is instant, but following the conceits of the historical romance genre, their relationship has a shaky start. Still, in short order, lust takes over and after a couple of arguments, the erotic encounters begin, hot, sweaty, male sex.
Instead of lace fans and heaving bosoms, we have muscular butts, rock hard abs, and bulging trousers, yet despite the differences in gender, the Lake team have written a traditional historical romance. It’s a fantasy world of sunny skies, fragrant seas, and a sturdy craft that sails the Atlantic with a jolly crew written with a modern sensibility toward both gays and lesbians. The ocean air immediately cures Lydia’s breathing problems and the characters blithely sail through their adventures without any real disagreement or problems. Rhain and Alastair are adonises, the perfect couple, pure of heart with perpetual erections while Lydia comes across as a saint, beautiful, kind, and totally accepting of her brother’s sexuality. The absence of dissention creates problems with the plot because with characters this perfect, the story lacks dramatic tension. While the Lake team writes polished prose, His Pirate suffers from deficiency of conflict. The novel would have benefited greatly from having a strong antagonist throughout who put the characters in jeopardy and a few inner flaws that make the dramatis personae more human.
Instead of lace fans and heaving bosoms, we have muscular butts, rock hard abs, and bulging trousers, yet despite the differences in gender, the Lake team have written a traditional historical romance. It’s a fantasy world of sunny skies, fragrant seas, and a sturdy craft that sails the Atlantic with a jolly crew written with a modern sensibility toward both gays and lesbians. The ocean air immediately cures Lydia’s breathing problems and the characters blithely sail through their adventures without any real disagreement or problems. Rhain and Alastair are adonises, the perfect couple, pure of heart with perpetual erections while Lydia comes across as a saint, beautiful, kind, and totally accepting of her brother’s sexuality. The absence of dissention creates problems with the plot because with characters this perfect, the story lacks dramatic tension. While the Lake team writes polished prose, His Pirate suffers from deficiency of conflict. The novel would have benefited greatly from having a strong antagonist throughout who put the characters in jeopardy and a few inner flaws that make the dramatis personae more human.
May 24, 2017
What historical MM romance reader wouldn't like a novella that begins, "The man was an ideal specimen, except for the frown?" In the second (no pun intended) Second Chance novella, Rhain Morgan books passage on a ship with his ailing sister. Like the trip ride itself, Rhain's experience onboard ship is rocky, surprising, beautiful, and romantic thanks to the swashbuckling, older, mysterious Captain Alastair Breckenridge. Will Rhain and Alastair have their second chance? With a PBS historical feel, Stephanie Lake provides a simple but captivating story, likeable characters, and a realistic setting that add up to a romantic and enjoyable read. I'm sure there will be more stories in the Second Chance series. They make me want to go on a cruise (no pun intended). Bet you can't read just one.
April 10, 2025
DNF at 47%
Really lacking and if there's not a good story, then I, at least, want some good sex.
The sex was awkward and uninspired.
Really lacking and if there's not a good story, then I, at least, want some good sex.
The sex was awkward and uninspired.
July 30, 2017
I did not read the fist book in this series (I had started the preview and got sucked in before I realized it was a sequel), but it did not impact my understanding and unless I really missed the mark, I believe this can be read as a stand alone. Though, based on the writing style and the quality of this one, I will definitely be looking into other books my Stephanie Lake.
Now, as for "His Pirate." The characters were great, Alastair was wickedly suave. He was a confident and clever. Rhain, while a little temperamental, was a total teddy bear. I'm a fan of the stories where they MCs meet and don't like each other (instant attraction, aside) and "His Pirate" definitely had that in spades. This set up of two very passionate men culminated in some very steamy scenes.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and was able to finish it rather quickly due to the very dynamic caste. The final struggle fit into the narrative and it resolved into a happily ever after (presumably) and the location of being out on the open sea for the majority of the story makes it a unique historical novel.
Now, as for "His Pirate." The characters were great, Alastair was wickedly suave. He was a confident and clever. Rhain, while a little temperamental, was a total teddy bear. I'm a fan of the stories where they MCs meet and don't like each other (instant attraction, aside) and "His Pirate" definitely had that in spades. This set up of two very passionate men culminated in some very steamy scenes.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and was able to finish it rather quickly due to the very dynamic caste. The final struggle fit into the narrative and it resolved into a happily ever after (presumably) and the location of being out on the open sea for the majority of the story makes it a unique historical novel.
August 19, 2021
Oh My!! I adored this tale, it's sweet, maybe a touch sappy, a little exciting, has a cheeky and cute sister, and it had two of the most gorgeous men. Oh, and a pirate, kinda. Rhain is a young man concerned for his sister's health, he's short-tempered, handsome as heck, and built. Alastair is Captain to his own ship, freaking gorgeous, and a pirate, kinda. Their journey onboard and in romance is an adventure to read. I thought, when I started, this was my first with this author, but when I checked her out on Goodreads I realized I had read another one, which was just as engrossing and enjoyable to read, I've found myself another favourite author.
October 10, 2019
Poor Alistair. This book needed a full solid chapter of grovelling on Rhains part. Such an idiot.
Sometimes reading a book you feel like one of them doesn't deserve the other. Sort of like that here.
Sometimes reading a book you feel like one of them doesn't deserve the other. Sort of like that here.
did-not-finish
August 29, 2018DNF 70%
July 18, 2017
This book was provided to me for free by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MMRG Don’t Buy My Love Program.
Yar, matey! Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum! This book takes place overwhelmingly at sea, so prepare yourself for a nautical adventure of sexy proportions! I've been waiting a really long time and have been really excited about this book, so here we go!
First, I'm going to get my major whine out of the way: Stephanie Lake writes books that are (in my firm opinion) too short. I don't know why the stories don't contain more, but I so far I've always wanted more of the book. It just isn't enough! I get all invested, and then I hit the final page and feel all let down because surely this can't be the end, and yet it is?! It is the same with His Pirate, where I was unhappy to leave the world of Rhain and Alastair behind because I know I won't get to share in their story anymore.
Having finished my whine, onward!
I previously reviewed His Second Chance and related with shock that my favorite character was Lady Prudence, and I'm going to repeat history here: to my great surprise, I found that my favorite character was not one of the main characters but Lydia! What is this madness, that Stephanie Lake is making me love the supporting female character so much? I'm reading a M/M romance here: I expect to be enthralled by the main, male characters, not squealing girlishly with love for the female, secondary characters! And yet what do I find myself doing? Fawning over the secondary characters! How very strange and delightful.
Another major selling point in this book for me was Alastair's . . . I don't know how to describe this, exactly because "androgyny" doesn't seem to really cover it adequately, but perhaps mix of male and female characteristics? I always get really excited when a book has a character who isn't wholly masculine but is also powerful and desirable and strong and . . . well, the list of positive qualities goes on, but Alastair surely fits the bill. Many times fiction (and sometimes especially in M/M fiction), being feminine is equated with being "bad," and this sometimes comes out as women being bad, feminine men being bad, or feminine qualities being bad. I'm always so happy when I encounter books that say, "No! I don't accept that feminine is bad." So having a strong female character (Lydia) and a strong male protagonist who had feminine qualities in addition to his masculine qualities (Alastair) just tickled me beyond all belief.
But on to the general portion of the review (hopefully). While this book did feel too short for me, it did take a little while for the action of things to get going, and a lot of time was spent on developing the initial stages of the Rhain and Alastair romance. This had its upsides and its downsides. On the upside, it was glorious because we really got to see how Rhain and Alastair got invested in one another and why they got invested in one another. This was not one of those insta-love stories (although there was initial lust); no, we got to see the two characters fall for one another and how their personalities connected them to each other. On the downside, it meant that it took a while for the conflict of the book to get started and things at first may seem a little placid (although there were certainly deep undertones if you kept them in mind), and once it did get going, there wasn't much of the book left (need more of the book!). So, if you're looking for something where the characters really interact with each other and form a relationship with each other as the book goes along, this book is for you. If you're looking for a book that has a lot of up front action, not so much. Oh, but if you're looking for sexy times? This book contains epic amounts of sexy times. So, you know, get it if you want sexy times. At sea. Ahoy.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading His Pirate and look forward to reading more by Stephanie Lake!
Yar, matey! Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum! This book takes place overwhelmingly at sea, so prepare yourself for a nautical adventure of sexy proportions! I've been waiting a really long time and have been really excited about this book, so here we go!
First, I'm going to get my major whine out of the way: Stephanie Lake writes books that are (in my firm opinion) too short. I don't know why the stories don't contain more, but I so far I've always wanted more of the book. It just isn't enough! I get all invested, and then I hit the final page and feel all let down because surely this can't be the end, and yet it is?! It is the same with His Pirate, where I was unhappy to leave the world of Rhain and Alastair behind because I know I won't get to share in their story anymore.
Having finished my whine, onward!
I previously reviewed His Second Chance and related with shock that my favorite character was Lady Prudence, and I'm going to repeat history here: to my great surprise, I found that my favorite character was not one of the main characters but Lydia! What is this madness, that Stephanie Lake is making me love the supporting female character so much? I'm reading a M/M romance here: I expect to be enthralled by the main, male characters, not squealing girlishly with love for the female, secondary characters! And yet what do I find myself doing? Fawning over the secondary characters! How very strange and delightful.
Another major selling point in this book for me was Alastair's . . . I don't know how to describe this, exactly because "androgyny" doesn't seem to really cover it adequately, but perhaps mix of male and female characteristics? I always get really excited when a book has a character who isn't wholly masculine but is also powerful and desirable and strong and . . . well, the list of positive qualities goes on, but Alastair surely fits the bill. Many times fiction (and sometimes especially in M/M fiction), being feminine is equated with being "bad," and this sometimes comes out as women being bad, feminine men being bad, or feminine qualities being bad. I'm always so happy when I encounter books that say, "No! I don't accept that feminine is bad." So having a strong female character (Lydia) and a strong male protagonist who had feminine qualities in addition to his masculine qualities (Alastair) just tickled me beyond all belief.
But on to the general portion of the review (hopefully). While this book did feel too short for me, it did take a little while for the action of things to get going, and a lot of time was spent on developing the initial stages of the Rhain and Alastair romance. This had its upsides and its downsides. On the upside, it was glorious because we really got to see how Rhain and Alastair got invested in one another and why they got invested in one another. This was not one of those insta-love stories (although there was initial lust); no, we got to see the two characters fall for one another and how their personalities connected them to each other. On the downside, it meant that it took a while for the conflict of the book to get started and things at first may seem a little placid (although there were certainly deep undertones if you kept them in mind), and once it did get going, there wasn't much of the book left (need more of the book!). So, if you're looking for something where the characters really interact with each other and form a relationship with each other as the book goes along, this book is for you. If you're looking for a book that has a lot of up front action, not so much. Oh, but if you're looking for sexy times? This book contains epic amounts of sexy times. So, you know, get it if you want sexy times. At sea. Ahoy.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading His Pirate and look forward to reading more by Stephanie Lake!
April 26, 2018
This was an exciting and heart warming read on the high seas that made a case for both love and family and managed to bring it all together!
Rhain is a young man trying to save his sister. Diagnosed with consumption, Rhain is certain that it is actually the damp smoggy air of London that keeps her so sick. With one last chance to get out Rhain sells most of what they own to get them passage to a plot of land they own on Dominica. The only ship willing to give them passage (for a king's ransom) is the Hurricane , for the ship's captain Alistair has interest in not only the money, but also the man himself.
There is the complication of the love between men given the times which is slightly solved by the seas themselves. On a ship away from the prying eyes of the world Alistair and Rhain are able to embrace having a relationship openly in front of the crew, as much of the crew is either accepting or in a same-sex relationship themselves. The complications come from the difference in classes as well as the difference in jobs.
Rhain is noble born, while Alistair is far from that. Rhain has grown up unconventionally, with his noble mother marrying away from where she was expected and not being in any expectation of role himself after his mother passed. While nobly born and raised in high situations, he has been open and spent much of his life as a caretaker, raising his sister Lydia in a very open fashion such that she has grown to be an accepting woman herself. But while Rhain has imparted this accepting upon her he still believes that following their path- marrying another high born, settling to raise a family- should be what they do. It makes Rhain hesitant to pursue anything real with Alistair, while still accepting that he will likely never find love anywhere else.
When it comes to the work they have chosen in life, the two have blatantly different places, one to land and one to sea. Rhain is determined to manage this plot of land that his family owns and become a stable and profitable man on Dominica. As a merchant and captain, Alistair has his own route that he follows to make profit and it only takes him round to Dominica once a year. Each determined to continue on in their own chosen path, that does not leave them time to truly love or make a relationship together.
With these obstacles to overcome the story takes a journey to bring the two together and figure out where and how they can make a life together. It was a lovely build up that brought them together through love and gave them the strength to find a way to stay together. Rhain is a bit stubborn and takes more time to come around but the work around to it is done with such patience and caring by Alistair it is impossible not to fall in love!
Rhain is a young man trying to save his sister. Diagnosed with consumption, Rhain is certain that it is actually the damp smoggy air of London that keeps her so sick. With one last chance to get out Rhain sells most of what they own to get them passage to a plot of land they own on Dominica. The only ship willing to give them passage (for a king's ransom) is the Hurricane , for the ship's captain Alistair has interest in not only the money, but also the man himself.
There is the complication of the love between men given the times which is slightly solved by the seas themselves. On a ship away from the prying eyes of the world Alistair and Rhain are able to embrace having a relationship openly in front of the crew, as much of the crew is either accepting or in a same-sex relationship themselves. The complications come from the difference in classes as well as the difference in jobs.
Rhain is noble born, while Alistair is far from that. Rhain has grown up unconventionally, with his noble mother marrying away from where she was expected and not being in any expectation of role himself after his mother passed. While nobly born and raised in high situations, he has been open and spent much of his life as a caretaker, raising his sister Lydia in a very open fashion such that she has grown to be an accepting woman herself. But while Rhain has imparted this accepting upon her he still believes that following their path- marrying another high born, settling to raise a family- should be what they do. It makes Rhain hesitant to pursue anything real with Alistair, while still accepting that he will likely never find love anywhere else.
When it comes to the work they have chosen in life, the two have blatantly different places, one to land and one to sea. Rhain is determined to manage this plot of land that his family owns and become a stable and profitable man on Dominica. As a merchant and captain, Alistair has his own route that he follows to make profit and it only takes him round to Dominica once a year. Each determined to continue on in their own chosen path, that does not leave them time to truly love or make a relationship together.
With these obstacles to overcome the story takes a journey to bring the two together and figure out where and how they can make a life together. It was a lovely build up that brought them together through love and gave them the strength to find a way to stay together. Rhain is a bit stubborn and takes more time to come around but the work around to it is done with such patience and caring by Alistair it is impossible not to fall in love!
July 7, 2025
This review is for the audio version of the book.
Very much enjoyed Stephanie Lake’s pirate story. Romantic and steamy, this was a nice summer escape.
My favorite of her Regency Lords series so far.
In addition to the sexy male MC’s, Lydia was a delightfully strong female character. Her joy in new experiences kept her brother from being a real stick-in-the-mud!
Main issue with narration is that AI voice is just crap compared to human voice actors. Poor spacing between words and sentences made Lake’s grammar appear poor. Incorrect nuances and inflection often ruined an otherwise well written scene. And while mispronunciations were mostly acceptable, the AI voice pronounced the word ‘below’ as bellow. Examples include ‘chain him up bellows’ and ‘escort them bellow’. Too bad being on a ship requires a number of ‘belows’ to communicate!
Very much enjoyed Stephanie Lake’s pirate story. Romantic and steamy, this was a nice summer escape.
My favorite of her Regency Lords series so far.
In addition to the sexy male MC’s, Lydia was a delightfully strong female character. Her joy in new experiences kept her brother from being a real stick-in-the-mud!
Main issue with narration is that AI voice is just crap compared to human voice actors. Poor spacing between words and sentences made Lake’s grammar appear poor. Incorrect nuances and inflection often ruined an otherwise well written scene. And while mispronunciations were mostly acceptable, the AI voice pronounced the word ‘below’ as bellow. Examples include ‘chain him up bellows’ and ‘escort them bellow’. Too bad being on a ship requires a number of ‘belows’ to communicate!
July 6, 2017
I got stitches when Rhain finally made it to his 'plantation' and was shown his 'manor'. The front door is a masterpiece, nothing less. Oh man. . . *still laughing*
While reading, I have it in my head that the name Rhain suited Alistair's character and Alistair's suited the name Rhain. . . Fancy that.
While reading, I have it in my head that the name Rhain suited Alistair's character and Alistair's suited the name Rhain. . . Fancy that.
January 16, 2022
It was a fun book to read. Interesting enough to keep my attention until the end. I was struggling a bit at start, but the events in the last few pages got me ver interested. It dis lack the strong emotions I seek whenever I choose to read a book and I can't see it as a much romantic book, but overall it was an enjoyable read.
May 16, 2024
Regency era spiced with pirate theme with characters who are definitely not behaving like regency era people but sex scenes are hot. All forgiven.
June 4, 2017
A Jolly Good Voyage
OK, if you are expecting a lot of buccaneering activity where pirates attack ships, men are gored, and booty is claimed, sorry to disappoint you. However, if you are looking for an unconventional transatlantic romance and some very different characters than you might expect in a Regency era M/M romance, this one will ring your bells very nicely.
There are four main characters here--two of which you might not expect. The captain, Alistair Breckenridge, is maybe around 30 years old. The paying passenger is Rhain Morgan, 25 years old and bigger than Alistair but devoted to getting his ill sister, Lydia, out of smoky London to the pristine shores of Dominica where they have a plantation. First mate Dunn is often in the background but in the end becomes crucial to the resolution of everyone's problems.
This is a wonderfully developed enemies-to-friends love story with plenty of steamy, and unexpected, romantic scenes, in all the right places. But the real hero here is Lydia, who knows basically everything there is to know about Rhain's predilections and her own inner-most secrets, and does something about everything that she can affect.
There is some moderate angst along the way, a couple of off-the-wall characters, and a situation or two on both Barbados and Dominica which do much to crystallize what will likely happen on the pages--not to tough to figure out.
This is a well-written and steamy tale from a husband-wife team who grabbed our attention with "His Midshipman" and "His Second Chance." Let's hope they continue their merry ways!
OK, if you are expecting a lot of buccaneering activity where pirates attack ships, men are gored, and booty is claimed, sorry to disappoint you. However, if you are looking for an unconventional transatlantic romance and some very different characters than you might expect in a Regency era M/M romance, this one will ring your bells very nicely.
There are four main characters here--two of which you might not expect. The captain, Alistair Breckenridge, is maybe around 30 years old. The paying passenger is Rhain Morgan, 25 years old and bigger than Alistair but devoted to getting his ill sister, Lydia, out of smoky London to the pristine shores of Dominica where they have a plantation. First mate Dunn is often in the background but in the end becomes crucial to the resolution of everyone's problems.
This is a wonderfully developed enemies-to-friends love story with plenty of steamy, and unexpected, romantic scenes, in all the right places. But the real hero here is Lydia, who knows basically everything there is to know about Rhain's predilections and her own inner-most secrets, and does something about everything that she can affect.
There is some moderate angst along the way, a couple of off-the-wall characters, and a situation or two on both Barbados and Dominica which do much to crystallize what will likely happen on the pages--not to tough to figure out.
This is a well-written and steamy tale from a husband-wife team who grabbed our attention with "His Midshipman" and "His Second Chance." Let's hope they continue their merry ways!
February 20, 2018
I really, really, really tried to finish this but I just can't. I don't like either main character enough to be invested in them, they're both shallow, vain and two dimensional. And if you write a book that spends eight weeks or so on a sailing ship, it would be nice to have some scenes about the ship, other than sex in a cabin and people posturing as they strut around. (Can you even strut on a moving ship?
I thought the premise of a ship crew made up of homosexually inclined crew was interesting, but I couldn't get past the clumsy execution of that premise. The lack of discipline and common sense in the Captain allowing a mere crewman to screw him stopped me cold, particularly when said crewman predictably started to get aggressive and cause trouble when he realized he was losing the Captain. There is a reason that not fraternization rules exist and this is the kind of crap that gets ships sunk.
The sex was okay, nothing scintillating just okay. And I'm not a fan of dubious consent, slamming someone up against a wall is assault not seduction, even if the slammer is the one getting rammed during sex
I thought the premise of a ship crew made up of homosexually inclined crew was interesting, but I couldn't get past the clumsy execution of that premise. The lack of discipline and common sense in the Captain allowing a mere crewman to screw him stopped me cold, particularly when said crewman predictably started to get aggressive and cause trouble when he realized he was losing the Captain. There is a reason that not fraternization rules exist and this is the kind of crap that gets ships sunk.
The sex was okay, nothing scintillating just okay. And I'm not a fan of dubious consent, slamming someone up against a wall is assault not seduction, even if the slammer is the one getting rammed during sex
April 5, 2025
Fan Kindle
Me encantó la novela los personajes son encantadores y hay mucho amor y pasión entre los dos además de ser tremendamente sexys la historia es increíble la recomiendo 💯
Me encantó la novela los personajes son encantadores y hay mucho amor y pasión entre los dos además de ser tremendamente sexys la historia es increíble la recomiendo 💯
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