Lord of Pirates

by Scarlett Scott

When a dangerous-looking stranger raps on Lizzie Winstead’s door in the middle of a stormy night, the peace of her humdrum life is shattered. She’s shocked to discover her visitor is Captain Edmond Grey, one of the most feared pirates of the realm. He’s also her lost love.

Edmond is a wanted man throughout the Colonies, but despite his formidable reputation, he desperately needs help to nurse his wounded brother back to health. Only Lizzie can be trusted not to turn Edmond over to authorities for the price on his head.

Lizzie can’t quell the feelings Edmond stirs in her heart or the fire he ignites in her blood. Before long, both succumb to the reckless desire renewed between them. She follows him aboard his pirate ship and sets sail into a world rife with passion and peril.

Together they brave fierce battles and frightening storms, determined to discover whether the love they once shared is strong enough to reunite them forever and conquer the demons of Edmond's past.

Length: Novella

(Publisher's Note: Originally published in the Wicked Rogue of Mine collection in August 2018. This is an extended version never before published.)

Genres: Historical Romance, Pirates, Novella, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2019

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.

For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com

Reviews

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

I think this novella would have worked better as a full-length novel. The pacing was fast once the two main characters got on the hero's ship. Having read and enjoyed many full-length pirate HRs, I couldn't help but feel cheated that Scarlett Scott didn't go into more depth when it came to the scenes that make a pirate HR a pirate HR. But, you know what, if you enjoy pirate HRs but don't have the time to read a full-length one, then this novella is for you. It's pretty much an abridged version.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Scarlett Scott novel without some steam. Since the heroine is a widow and this is a second chance romance, I was quite surprised by her boldness in performing fellatio when the H/h first get intimate. I was even more shocked when the two of them ended up in the 69 sexual position! This is the first time I've read of one in an HR. That would be on page 33 if anyone is interested in reading just that scene. lol. Initially, I thought it was going to be a reverse cowgirl position but nope! The epilogue has a sex scene, which I always found kind of odd when an epilogue has one. Better to end with a big bang, I guess. Pun intended. lol

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed my prior Scarlett Scott reads, and was eager to dive into Lord of Pirates. I have a bit of a weakness for pirate stories, and knowing Scarlett Scott had written one had me eager to dive in.

Although I gave this one a three-star rating, know it is more of a three-point-five-star read. There were points where I did consider giving it a four-star rating, but as I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as my other Scarlett Scott reads I decided to round down. I know there are people who consider three-star ratings bad, but such is not the case. This was a fun read, it simply isn’t my favourite read by the author.

I think what stopped me from loving this one as much as I’ve enjoyed other books by the author is the fact it is a short story. I’m rather picky when it comes to short stories, and this one didn’t quite tick all the boxes. It was fun, it had me turning the pages, and I was engaged. However, I feel as though things didn’t quite have the depth of other stories by the author and we sacrificed some of the intensity I’ve really enjoyed in the author’s other work.

As a short story, this one was a lot of fun. I simply believe I would have enjoyed it more had it been a full-length novel, as there was so much I wish we could have found out more about.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Steamy and swashbuckling romance . Perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Scarlett Scott At her best .
Wonderful adventure on the high seas between a former bakers apprentice ,turned Pirate , and a doctors daughter , turned siren .
Edmond and Lizzie were made for each other , but separate when he joins the navy and goes to sea .
Ten years later they meet when his brother is injured and needs a doctor , will the same old feelings be there .
Scarlett has a fantastic way of drawing you into her stories , whether on land ,or like this one at sea .
Loved it .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this may be the first Georgian story I have read with a soixante-neuf in.
A very short story crammed with sexual exploits between Lizzie and Edmond. A quick read. 2.5☆

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie lives with her doctor father, one day she answers the kitchen door to a new baker’s boy Edmond Grey, the young couple are drawn to each other & fall in love. Then Edmond drops the bombshell he’s joined the navy & is leaving.
Ten years later Lizzie & her father have moved to America. When a dangerous-looking stranger raps on Lizzie Winstead’s door in the middle of a stormy night She’s shocked to discover her visitor is Captain Edmond Grey, one of the most feared pirates of the realm. Edmond is a wanted man throughout the Colonies, but despite his formidable reputation, he desperately needs help to nurse his wounded brother Thomas. Only Lizzie or her father can be trusted not to turn Edmond over to authorities for the huge price on his head. Her father is away so she follows him aboard his pirate ship and sets sail into a world rife with passion and peril.
An engrossing well written short story of second chances, the pace is fast, the characters have depth & are very likeable. The story drew me in from start to finish & I read it in a sitting. The attraction between the pair sizzles & when it combusts – WOW. I was breathless at the end as so much happened on the road to their HEA
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

He walked out of her life but he never left her heart. Now the brooding young man has become the most feared pirate on the seas and he needs her help.

Can Edmond trust Lizzie to give the help he desperately needs? Can he trust himself not to take what he desperately needs? Will they rekindle the flames of love or will their hearts be dashed against the rocks like a broken ship?

Scarlett Scott’s steamy romance may be a bit too short, but the passion is there and it sizzles in LORD OF PIRATES! A handsome and dashing pirate, the ultimate historical bad boy and the strong, yet proper widow, romance and daring on the high seas, a wonderful escape for a quiet afternoon.

I received a complimentary copy from Scarlett Scott!

Publisher: Happily Ever After Books, LLC; 2 edition (February 12, 2019)
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 88 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Sangria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, fast second chance pirate novella.

I confess to being a huge fan of this author. But every now and again, something’s off. I concede ahead of time, I’m not big on novellas unless they are snuck in somewhere in a long series I’m reading. IE: a Christmas story, or a big wedding, supporting character romance, etc.

Other than that, I’m not big of them. Also, my very least favorite trope in historical is a widow. It’s just not my thing. Have I read fantastic books with them? Yes, but I tend to stay clear when I read them in blurbs.

But I heart pirates!

So, I dove right in, lol. It’s been ages since I’ve read one. I mean, I’m thinking I’d have to go back a long way. This book really made me miss them. The adventure. The swashbuckling. The romance. Why did authors stop writing them full length? Let’s get them back!

Again, everything in this novella is just way too fast. I liked both characters though, and I got a fantastic epilogue.

I was given a ARC for my review. Thank you so much.

[Serial Romance Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Scarlett Scott. Her writing never disappoints. This book doesn’t have the angst that some of her other novels have, yet it was still an enjoyable read. The heroine is very good-natured and pragmatic. I liked that she wasn’t impulsive and whiny. Scott is a master of writing steamy scenes. I also enjoyed the action in this book. Scott always does her historical research and it shows. I generally don’t gravitate toward pirate books but this book is an exception. There is a realistic resolution at the end too. This is a great escapism read with a tidy HEA. I’ll always read everything by Scarlett Scott and you should, too!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lord of Pirates is a great story of second chances, strong women and a dashing pirate. Elizabeth Crawley is the daughter of a doctor. She has worked with her father for years and has medical knowledge. When she opens the door one night, she sees an old love, Edmond Grey. He left Lizzie years before but needs help for his brother. Now, he is known as a pirate, The Scrounge of the Atlantic. There's a price on his head, but he risks it all to get help for his injured brother. Since Lizzie's father is not at home, she leaves to sail on a pirate ship to help nurse his brother. The love is still there. Will Edmund escape the punishment of being a wanted pirate? When Lisa is is kidnapped, will she be saved in time? I loved this book. The story of Lizzie and Edmond was magical. I adored Edmond. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure, romance and pirates. I received this book from the author for a honest review.

[Lori (on hiatus, life is crazy busy)) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good sort story. And as it is with short stories, I always wish there was more.

[Margaret Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Ms. scott presents us with a wonderful story of love lost and found. Lizzie and Edmond had fallen in love while they were still quite young. She, hoping for forever after, he knowing it was not possible. He was a bastard, like his brother and a poor baker to boot. He hated the baker and all his life had longed for the sea. Lizzie, the daughter of a prominent physician, knew she could never leave this home. She had learned medicine at her father's knee, studied and worked hard. Later in life, they had removed to America's distant shores where she had married and subsequently, lost her husband to illness. When a knocking at her door late at night prompts her to investigate, she is met with a tall dark bearded stranger, begging for her father's help. Though her father was away in Boston, she knew if it was someone in trouble, she would do her best to help them. But who was this stranger begging her now? He speaks her name, one only a few use. HIs voice is so familiar yet she still can't place him. He needs her help, desperately. As she draws near, he grasps her and insists that she tell no one what he is about to divulge. Hesitant, she looks more closely as the familiar becomes real. "Edmond, is that you??" After all these years, is he real? He says nothing but to extract the promise from her - she must not say a word about this visit or his reasons. Finally, after agreeing he releases her. His brother Thomas has been injured, is near death and he needs her help. Now! She must come with him to his ship - but there is a problem. He is now known as the Scourge of the Atlantic - a pirate! He suddenly comments on the fact that her butler had referred to her as Mrs. Winstead - "your husband, where is he?" Lizzie must now tell him the truth, her husband has been dead for five years. She is worried that Edmond has placed himself in harm's way - he is a wanted man - no doubt headed for the gallows. Her heart still aches for him, still loves him even after all these years. After Edmond tells her why she is needed she agrees to accompany him to his pirate ship - a grave undertaking for her. She will do her best, she tells him, but he needs rest and she must gather her supplies and whatever else may be needed.
Edmond is not immune to her beauty nor her intelligence, nor to her willingness to help him. How he will get through this he does not know. She too is wondering the same thing. As they arrive at the ship, she is taken below to where Thomas lies unconscious. A ball had creased his head during an attack and he is now feverish and infection has set in. Doing her best for him, Lizzie cleanses the wound, makes a special brew for him and between herself and a member of the crew, they get the brew into Thomas. Now it is a matter of keeping the wound clean and waiting. Edmond leaves her with his crew member, Jean, to tend to Thomas while he himself goes up to tend to the crew. He has told her they will be heading for Maine and out of dangerous waters. Dangerous for he and his crew at any rate.
Lizzie still feels the same overwhelming desire for Edmond she'd had as a young girl and it is evident that Edmond's feelings haven't change either. Yet they are still pole's apart - a Doctor's daughter and a pirate! How on God's sweet earth will they handle this? Worse, how will Edmond handle the ship that has been spotted and is believe to be chasing them? They must outrun it, somehow. With a hefty price on his head, Edmond knows the danger he and his crew are in, more, the danger he has now put Lizzie in.
After a tiring day of tending to Thomas, Lizzie is taken to a cabin to rest. Upon opening the door, she discovers she is not alone, Edmond is there waiting for her. She tells him Thomas' fever has broken and indeed he is relieved to hear it. There is so much between them - unspoken words, feelings so deep neither of them know just how to handle the situation. After some talk, the inevitable happens and the kiss is staggering for both of them. Naturally, what follows is what they each need and want. Later, Lizzie realizes that Edmond is not the terrible person other's believe him to be - he has his soft, loving side as was evidenced by his risking his own life to save Thomas. She is still in love with him, whether or not that love is reciprocated. Little does she know. The inner battles they fight do nothing to hide their feelings. When a powerful storm hits, Lizzie is ordered below, where Thomas is recovering. The ship damaged by the storm must now limp to dangerous shores - where the crew must go into hiding. Thomas has now recovered though is weak and as they struggle to head for safety. There is so much more to this story of love, redemption and their desperate need for each other. I cannot possible go on without possible writing spoilers and that I don't wish to do. Please, reader, get this book, read and enjoy what love can and will endure for the sake of others. You won't regret it I promise you. Thank you Ms. Scott for another fantastic read!

[Lindap · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

When Lizzy was a young woman she fell in love with Edmond. She was the daughter of a well known physician, and he was an illegitimate son of a baker. Although Edmond cared for Lizzy, he just couldn't stick around because the last thing he wanted to be was a baker. So he joined the Navy...but ends up a pirate. Ten years later Edmond is in need of a doctor and only finds Lizzy at home. (She's moved from England to America by then.) She goes with him...but get more than she bargained for.

I found this story had a lot of inner dialog. Many times I ended up looking for the quotation marks just to get to the actual conversation. Another thing, and this is a personal thought, when Lizzie is on the ship and starts to "take him into her mouth" my first though was "When was the last time this pirate bathed?" I know, 21st century thinking...but still...ick. JMHO

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Lizzie lives with her doctor father when one day she answers the kitchen door to a new baker’s boy Edmond Grey. They are drawn to each other & fall in love and then Edmond drops the bombshell he’s joined the navy & is leaving. Widow Lizzie Winstead answers the door in the middle of a stormy night to a dangerous-looking stranger and soon realizes it her long lost love Edmond. He’s her lost love who went to sea and he’s now Captain Edmond Grey, one of the most feared pirates of the realm. Edmond has returned to the only person he can trust, his brother needs a doctor and he seeks Lizzie’s help. Lizzie and Edmond embark on a journey of a lifetime, their passions long denied in this pirate romance and a second chance at love romance!!! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Sara K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, quick and easy read! Here we have Edmond and Lizzie getting a second chance at love.

Young Edmond left a broken hearted Lizzie behind to join the Navy and she eventually married another. Edmond, now a notorious Pirate, shows up on her doorstep seeking help from her father a doctor. Lizzie, now widowed, agrees to accompany Edward aboard his ship in place of her father, to tend to his injured brother .
Once again Ms Scott delivers us not only a solid story, but one with plenty of steaminess to leaving us fanning ourselves by the time its done! I can for sure say she has a reader for life in me!

I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had an other book released today to read, but as it dealt with some difficult topics, I was looking for something lighter, and this book made the job.
It was a steamy story of two people who rekindle years later, life having changed them but never altering the young love they had for another.
The characters were nice and kind in their own way, especially for Edmond the pirate.
I just thought the sex scenes a little bit over the top, I was surprised by Lizzie’s boldness in Edmond’s arms while she says she had a rather quite marriage bed with her late husband.
But it is just me.
If you like sexy moments, this is a read for you.

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story of a second chance at love. Lizzie Winstead, a doctor's daughter, is asked by Captain Edmond Grey in the middle of the night to come help with a wounded man. Complications are many - the wounded man is on a ship, Edmond and Lizzie were in love before he left to join the Navy, and now he's one of the most wanted pirates on the sea. Loved these characters and the story. It's novella length but read like a novel.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord of Pirates by Scarlett Scott is the story of Lizzie Winstead and Edmond Grey.
Lizzie and Edmond once were sweethearts but he left for the Navy...became a wanted pirate. Years later when Edmond's brother is hurt he comes to her door asking for help to save him. Edmond knows he can trust Lizzie but can he walk away again. This was a quick hot story that I really enjoyed!

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Of Pirates is a fantastic historical romance by Scarlett Scott. Ms. Scott has delivered a book to her readers that is fast-paced and well-written. The characters in this story are perfect for this story. Lizzie is heartbroken when Edmond leaves her to join the navy. He arrives at her door years later needing help for his brother. Lizzie and Edmond's story is loaded with drama, humor, sizzle and action. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited time for reading. I enjoyed reading Lord Of Pirates and look forward to my next book by Scarlett Scott. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from a third party. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good paced read with plenty of action and adventure. I loved the relationship between Lizzie and Edmond. They had a brief romance when younger but when they meet up after a good number of years, their relationship becomes so much more. The passion and love sizzle between them. There are several dangers to overcome from nature and enemies. This was an entertaining read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Candace N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and enjoyable read. Loved the characters and loved the storyline. Certain parts moved too quickly and at times I wished it wasn’t so fast paced. All in all a great book and beautifully written.

[Nicole LaBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gaven a free copy for a honest review. Absolutely love this story. Two people fall in love in their youth and are separated by wanting to make something themselves. They find them each other again years later in life and not everything is peachy keen or easy for them.

[Victoria Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet romance with a touch of adventure. I enjoyed this quick read as I have any Scarlett Scott book I've picked up in the past. Great and sexy chemistry between characters!

[Kindle Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of Scott's better efforts. Skip it

[Georgina Parkin · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was like it was trying to be a full length story with a short page count. So much happened that became silly and too much. Wasn’t really a fun read because of it.

[Lana Birky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read & fast paced story that gave the likable couple a second chance at love. Edmond, the handsome rogue pirate & Lizzie, who was a renowned English surgeon's daughter that studied under her father as much as possible, fell in love 10 yrs ago but he left to go make his way at sea. Edmund appears at her father's house needing medical help for his brother - her father will not be back for several days & Lizzie agrees to help his brother with the knowledge she has gained from assisting her father. The danger, rough seas, attacking ships, captures, lust, romance take place quickly. Scarlett jammed a lot of good things in a novella & I would recommend this read - I started it & couldn't put it down until I finished the Epilogue.

[LOU71 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lord of Pirates is a swash-buckling historical romance story.
Prologue set in London, 1709. The story picks up in Philadelphia, 1719.

3+ stars

Miss Elizabeth Crawley, Lizzie to her friends, is the daughter of an esteemed physician. Lizzie loved to read and tend her herb garden. She also had the opportunity to study his books alongside him and learn about doctoring.

Edmond Grey knew he didn’t want to be a baker. Apprenticed as a lad at a young age, he meets and starts wooing Lizzie after delivering cakes to her household. Ultimately, Edmond’s restlessness of dreaming of water, and longing for freedom, made him choose the calling of the ocean, leaving dry land, and Lizzie, behind him.

I recommend this short story.

[ToriLovesHea’s · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been a solid read but the pacing was so off?? The start was great! A pirate and the doctor’s daughter he fell in love with at 18 are reunited when his brother gets shot by a musket ball in a pirate battle (is that what it’s called? A skirmish? A tussle? Idk, man). He convinces her to board his ship and take care of his brother and they’re googly eyed for each other all over again.

Except…once they get on the ship, they bang, the brother is essentially forgotten except for a dressing change and the “he’s alive!” moment, and then a storm happens? It’s a lot for such a short story. It ended up with weird pacing and such a rushed last 25% that wasn’t believable AT ALL. Plus….MMC is like “we’re going to my friend’s plantation for shelter” and I feel like that could have just been left out? Strange. A strange little tale.

[dipandjelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

ehhh. i started this as a sort of nostalgic trip back down old-school-historicals road but the genre remains as difficult as ever to pull off without inspiring an infinite mirror room of secondhand cringe. this wasn't a terrible read - i daresay it was even a good one, considering i finished the whole book in one sitting - but also... it wasn't anything i haven't read in 200 other historicals about pirates.
more than anything else, i suppose, i was just surprised that this came out in 2019 because it straight up read like a 1990s pirate romance (albeit a very short one).

[Amy R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is just a novella, Scarlett Scott delivers yet again!!

It’s always interesting when you can fall for a hero and have scorching heat all before you even get to page 50 or 100!

Although the wrapping up of the plot was literally a page or less to fix all problems for the main characters, it was expected as it’s just a short novella.

An enjoyable little short afternoon read.

I can’t get enough of this author!

[Daniela Tavares · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/6.
🌶️🌶️.5/5.


This was fun but i wished we had a bit more time to cement the feeling before jumping into sexy times even though they were lovers when they were younger. Because she was a widow and at one point she said she loved the late husband albeit not the same type of love she felt for Edmond but still felt somewhat quickly to jump into ily's even when i believe they were meant for each other.