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As perilous battles, treachery and revenge give way to sinful kisses, no heart is safe.

Set sail to the lush heat of the Tropics, the storm-tossed Northern realms, the wild Barbary Coast, and the hazardous waters of the South Seas, for tales of scandalous adventure and smouldering desire.

Masterful pirate lords.
Courageous heroines.

Defying danger in pursuit of all-consuming love.
Matching wits to claim the greatest treasure of all.

Sixteen all-new swashbuckling historical romances.

THE CAPTIVE VIXEN
by Merry Farmer

Just as Lady Lettuce Marlowe has resigned herself to her miserable fate as the wife of a cruel man, the ship she is traveling on is attacked by pirates. Captain Martin Neville is days away from retiring from a life of piracy when he accidentally rescues Letty. But can they band together to fight Martin's mutinous crewman, or will the passion between them be their downfall?

THE LADY AND THE PRIVATEER
by Amy Rose Bennett

Hapless spinster Lady Calliope Banks is on a hunting expedition for dodo bones on the Isle of Mauritius. Roguish privateer Captain Jonathon Townsend is on the hunt for a notorious pirate. Even though they've both charted entirely different courses in life, it seems Fate might have other ideas...

Thrown together unexpectedly, neither Lady Calliope nor Captain Townsend can resist the irresistible pull of a growing magnetic attraction. But can this unlikely pair find love?

THE STORMSWEPT STOWAWAY
by Ellie St.Clair

Desperate to escape, Penelope Carstairs stows away on what she believes to be a merchant ship... only to be discovered by the feared pirate, Captain Ramsay. Afraid of losing her life on their journey across the ocean, she soon finds its her heart that's at risk.

THE BRUCE'S ANGEL
by Caroline Lee

Charlotte MacLeod is desperate for the Scottish crown to acknowledge her betrothed's treason, as it'll save her from a marriage made in hell. Out of ideas, she turns pirate to kidnap the queen... little realizing the queen's bodyguard is the warrior who broke her heart! Liam Bruce has to convince his wee warrior he's still worthy of her love and save her from a charge of royal treason!

MAROONED
by Anna Markland

An intrepid Caribbean pirate hunted by international navies is marooned on a deserted island with the resentful Danish widow he has taken captive.

Maximiliano and Heidi seemingly have nothing in common, except the long-held desire to start life afresh. Is their fate a blessing in disguise?

THE PLEASURE OF A PIRATE
by Linda Rae Sande

When the dastardly Baron Dorchester kidnaps Little Bo Peep from a costume ball and carries her onto a ship bound for France, the captain of the Molly, Blake Russell, must take on the guise of a pirate to rescue his booty, in this delightful tale of a chase on the Channel. Can a tumble on the Thames be far behind?

THE LADY'S GUIDE TO ESCAPING CANNIBALS
by Emmanuelle de Maupassant

Under the protection of darkly handsome Captain Jorge de Silva, Lady Bathsheba Asquith lands on the mysterious island of Vanuaka with only three days to find her missing brother.

The trials of the jungle strip away any pretense of propriety, and passion flares, but de Silva is not all he seems, and Bathsheba is in more danger than she can imagine. Vanuaka's volcano is awakening—and only a human sacrifice can appease its fire.

FALCON
by Ashe Barker

Betrayed by her abusive husband, sold as a slave, battered and beaten senseless, Elisabeth Chirac is destined for a life of unimaginable horror. Rescued from her fate by a ferocious pirate captain, will she fare any better in his care?

Wil Falconer is a ruthless buccaneer with an aversion to slavery. He attacks the slave vessel intending to seize and free the unfortunate souls imprisoned within its bowels. He does not expect to find the near lifeless body of a beautiful Southern lady, especially not one who cannot even remember her own name.

THE DARK HEART OF THE SEA
by Celeste Barclay

What happens when a ruthless pirate meets the woman who warms his dark heart?

Rauirí MacNeill is one of the most feared pirates sailing the British Isles, but when he rescues a woman from attack, can he resist when she matches wits without fear?

Senga MacLeod Sorley didn't expect a chance encounter to lead to a kiss and an adventure on the high seas.

JILTED AND KILTED
by Mia Pride

Descended from a long line of English privateers, the need for adventure flows through Ruby Berry's veins. Betrothed to a stodgy Vice-Admiral of the Queen's Navy, Ruby is desperate to escape, and Callum Campbell could be the answer to her prayers.

Laird of his clan by day and devilish pirate by night, he's never short of schemes, but will Captain Campbell be able to give Ruby her freedom once their adventure ends?...

1846 pages, ebook

First published December 26, 2019

590 people are currently reading
1184 people want to read

About the author

Merry Farmer

292 books1,137 followers
USA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,551 reviews2,236 followers
March 11, 2020
Story Title: The Lady’s Guide to Escaping Cannibals
Author: Emmanuelle de Maupassant
Genre: Historical Romance
Type: Novella from Once Upon a Pirate Anthology
POV: Third Person
Rating:




Bathsheba Asquith was in desperate need after being thrown into an unexpected situation. Being a high society lady didn’t stop her from getting help from the roguish Captain Jorge de Silva. A deal was struck for an adventure neither of them would forget.



Pirates seem to be sexy and Jorge fits that criteria perfectly. I liked how Bathsheba was willing to push her boundaries and sometimes it was amusing. They were good together but I prefer it if it had more eroticism.

As he drew off his own breeches, her eyes stayed upon him and, when he lay down, she took his hardness in her hand; those delicate fingers—encompassing, caressing, making him groan.


The novella was more of an adventure than a swashbuckling action. I enjoyed the anthropological aspect of the story and the characters’ moral dilemmas.

The Lady’s Guide to Escaping Cannibals is a tale of desperation and defiance. It would appeal to readers looking for a quick island adventure story.



⚔️☠️⚔️ . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . ⚔️☠️⚔️



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Profile Image for CC.
1,257 reviews725 followers
March 16, 2020
Review: The Lady’s Guide to Escaping Cannibals by Emmanuelle de Mauspassant

4 ★



As captain of The Marguerite, Jorge de Silva he is respected by his crew and thrives being on the open sea. After a perilous storm and the discovery of a map, Jorge is hired to transport Lady Bathsheba Asquith to an island in search of her missing brother. During this time, they soon realize their differences overshadow mutual interests.

“I want you.” Her chest rose and fell with each breath. “You, yes.”
It was all he needed to hear.”

Set in the late 1890’s, this tale is full of adventure, culture and romance. Jorge is a diverse character and doesn’t show his heart until he has a real chance. Bathsheba is a woman ahead of her time and has the ability to recognize what is important despite societal mores. Throughout, the chemistry between Jorge and Bathsheba is palpable.

I truly enjoyed this novella and the author’s ability to bring the reader to this particular setting in the South Pacific. This historical romance would appeal to those looking for a steamy escape.




*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*



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Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
December 26, 2019
Once Upon A Pirate
Anthologie
Release date 01/02/2020
Publisher Historical Harlots

Blurb :

Set sail to the lush heat of the Tropics, the storm-tossed Northern realms, the wild Barbary Coast, and the hazardous waters of the South Seas, for tales of scandalous adventure and smouldering desire. As perilous battles, treachery and revenge give way to sinful kisses, no heart is safe.


THE LADY AND THE PRIVATEER
Amy Rose Bennett

Hapless spinster, Lady Calliope Banks, is on a hunting expedition for dodo bones on the Isle of Mauritius. Roguish privateer, Captain Jonathon Townsend, is on the hunt for a notorious pirate. Even though they’ve both charted entirely different courses in life, it seems Fate might have other ideas… Thrown together unexpectedly, neither Lady Calliope nor Captain Townsend can resist the irresistible pull of a growing magnetic attraction. But can this unlikely pair find love?

MY REVIEW :

When a lady is rescued by a privateer, these two stubborn personalities must do with their circumstances ...

If one thing is sure, the story put me straight to the point with humor, with lady Calamity contemplons her fate and maybe early demise until her sinking ship is rescued.
It is a fast and sweet read with two heroes who are instantly drawn to the other but their past and present situation provide them to act on it, until they must face the evidences of their attraction.
Yet a spoiled parrot with a flourish language, some dodo bones and cunning fellows will help them see what is right in front of them.
4 stars


THE DARK HEART OF THE SEA
Celeste Barclay

What happens when a ruthless pirate meets the woman who warms his dark heart? Rauirí MacNeill is one of the most feared pirates sailing the British Isles, but when he rescues a woman from attack, can he resist when she matches wits without fear? Senga MacLeod Sorley did not expect a chance encounter to lead to a kiss and an adventure on the high seas.

MY REVIEW :

When a young woman rescued twice by a Pirate must choose which road to follow from now on ...

This was my first read by Mrs Celeste Barclay, and what a read. If you love epic tale, you are in with this one. Nothing felt rushed nor lacking despite the shortness of this novella.
I loved both main characters, they have a past and instead of using it as a shield to avoid entanglement, it brings them together.
Both suffered tragedy and betrayal, yet they survived and became stronger.
When Ruairí fought to take in destiny in hand, Senga has a woman has not the same options, but in her way, she battled to keep her independence.
I loved she is no shrinking violet, she is quite a awesomely strong heroine, playing on equal terms in men world.
Ruairí made his mission from the beginning to protect her, still she stands her ground and is able to return blow for blow. But she is no hardheaded woman, she listens and understands when she must follow orders.
A must read sensual story about two peoples who have found their own solace in the arms of the other.
5 stars

THE LADY’S GUIDE TO ESCAPING CANNIBALS
Emmanuelle de Maupassant

Under the protection of darkly handsome Captain Jorge de Silva, Lady Bathsheba Asquith lands on the mysterious island of Vanuaka with only three days to find her missing brother. The trials of the jungle strip away any pretense of propriety and passion flares, but de Silva is not all he seems, and Bathsheba is in more danger than she can imagine. Vanuaka’s volcano is awakening—and only a human sacrifice can appease its fire.

MY REVIEW :

When a lady hires a captain and his crew, can secrets and deceit be overcome when their life’s are at stake ...

Lady Bathsheba has followed the rules all her life, living the “perfect life” of a society’s miss and peer’s wife, her only glimpse of adventure through the letters sent by her explorer of a brother.
Yet now widowed for many years, she wants more from her life than ball gowns and parties.
So for once, she follows her heart instead of reason and here she is awaiting her brother’s return in a far away place.
Jorge is following his grandfather and father steps, captaining his inherited ship and also providing protection for his mother’s people.
His mixed origins make him the perfect man for Bathsheba’s mission but he would be out of his depth in her world.
Bathsheba is a kind and loving woman who is longing for more from life, she is true and caring, and despite her naivety and inexperience, she jumps willingly in her first adventure.
When Jorge is a bit more jaded by his past challenges and when he sees her first as a mean to an end, he is also drawn to her.
How can they reach the other when secrets lurk in the shadows awaiting to tear them apart.
A 5 stars tale of finding its inner strength and fighting for what we want.


I was granted an advance copy by the authors, and will purchase this book once released as I have other authors I hope to read about.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.


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Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
January 2, 2020
Ladies Guide to Escaping Cannibals
Emmanuel de Maupassant
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋

A passionate swashbuckling tale.

Bathsheba is a Widow Of 3 years, left with money to spare and the time to spend.
She leaves England’s shores to help her brother and father in their discoveries and travels, but on arrival at her hotel finds her fathers has passed and her brother missing for the last 2 months.

Jorge owns and runs a ship , is he a pirate ?
Possibly, maybe , ok yes he is , but he seems like quite an honourable one if that’s possible.
Problem is he owes money to his employer who he’s been running jobs for , munitions etc.
If he doesn’t pay it back he could loose everything.

After meeting Sheba he promises to take her to the island her brother was last reported for a price .
But once there will the cost be more than either of them can afford .
And will they be at risk of loosing not just their lives but maybe their hearts too .

Slightly steamy and romantic with a touch of intrigue and tension.
A great high seas adventure.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Profile Image for Janet.
5,177 reviews64 followers
December 27, 2019
Another wonderful anthology with 16 stories
The Spinster's Guide to Piracy and Plunder - Harmony Williams 4 Stars
Lady Jeanne Quickblade will marry the man who can best her in a sword fight—and claim the ship of any man who cannot. Over the last two years she’s amassed a fleet, a reputation for a tongue that cuts as deep as her sword, and a fortune from plundering Napoleon's ships then Jeanne finally meets her match in Milton who happens to be the man her father wanted to betroth her to & why she fled to the high seas to avoid. A fast paced story that held my interest all the way through & was told from Jeanne’s point of view. I liked both Jeanne & Milton but didn’t love them, whilst there was definite chemistry I found it hard to believe they fell in love – in lust yes. Their bantering was entertaining, I also liked that Jeanne had built her fleet with women whilst improbable it added to the story.

The Stormswept Stowaway - Ellie St Clair 4.5 Stars
Desperate to escape her father & his plan to marry her to an old man, Penelope Carstairs stows away on what she believes to be a merchant ship only to be discovered by the feared pirate Captain George Ramsay. He’s on a mission to find Ortego an unscrupulous pirate. I loved Penelope who although terrified stood up to Ramsay & then charmed his crew. Ramsay whilst a pirate he was extremely fair with his crew & if he could avoid bloodshed he would. The verbal bantering between the pair was hugely entertaining & their attraction grew in leaps & bounds. An engrossing read that I read in a sitting

Lady & Privateer - Amy Rose Bennett 4.5 Stars
Hapless spinster, Lady Calliope Banks, has earned the nickname Lady Calamity so she’s left England to go on a hunting expedition with her Uncle searching for dodo bones on the Isle of Mauritius. Roguish privateer, Captain Jonathon Townsend, is on the hunt for a notorious pirate.
Nearing Mauritius disaster strikes & the ship Calliope is travelling on & it’s thrown onto a reef whilst evading a pirate ship. Luckily Jonathon is able to save everyone. A delightful read that I read in a sitting, the characters have depth & I loved both Jonathon & Calliope. Whilst they were attracted from their first meeting but both of them made assumptions about each other which it took time to overcome. The pace is very good & of course there’s pirates, thieves & of course romance
1,252 reviews12 followers
December 15, 2019
The lady and the privateer

I enjoyed this story of Lady Calliope Banks and Captain Jonathan Townsend. Lady Calliope and her uncle are on a hunting expedition to find dodo bones on the island of Isle of Mauritius. But before they get there the ship get attack by pirates and start to sinking. Before they come to there demise they get rescued by Captain Jonathan Townsend. The parrot that Captain Jonathan Townsend is quite funny.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
December 22, 2019
Once Upon a Pirate is a box set of 16 Swashbuckling Historical Romances. Box sets are great for reading new to you authors. They are also quick novella books that will give the quick fix on a romance book when you need it. In addition, these are books that can be quick reads while you are having to wait for an appointment or something else.
I am review the book : The Spinster's Guide to Piracy and Plunder by Harmony Williams. This is the story of Jeanne whose father has set in motion for her to marry to Captain Milton Sterling. But she overheard the proposal that for her had Milton would get her Dowry which was a desired Ship. Milton has said to leave Jeanne on land while he took the ship out. So Jeanne not wanting such and arrangement ran away with her Grandmother on that ship and privateer around until she was found by Milton. Now their day of reckoning has come to be.

Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,277 reviews36 followers
December 15, 2019
I so love pirate stories and when I saw this new book in the works, I was so excited and couldn't wait to read it. So, when I was asked if I wanted to review a couple of the stories, I jumped right on it:)

An Imperfect Scoundrel by Alyssa Drake:

This is the story of Alana and the fearsome pirate known as Captain Cedric Shaw. I enjoyed the story but my goodness, she sure was beaten and pushed around throughout most of the story, she surely was black and blue from her head to her toes but nothing kept her down!! Pretending to be a lad, she got more than she bargained for. The captain seemed so heartless but she gets to see the real man behind the facade and love soon follows. Loved the twist at the end when she discovers who the captain really is.


The Dark Heart of the Sea by Celeste Barclay

This is the story of Senga and Rauiri and ooooh, what a story it is! I loved how feisty Senga was and how she stood up to the fearsome pirate, Rauiri. As for Rauiri, he can't help but admire her and they soon share a love so strong, you can feel the bond they have throughout the story. I loved how they spent a lot of time talking and getting to know each other and how honest they were with each other. She is a heroine after my own heart, one who can fight as well as any man!! They definitely deserve their HEA at the end:)
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,608 reviews325 followers
February 18, 2020
I'm getting the vibe that the stories in this book were a call for romantic stories on the high seas but without any real erotic edge to them. Without any real strong emotion to them. While the story by Simone Leigh engaged me, this type of light adventure and the types of H/h that go with them just aren't what I'm in the mood for. The romances just feel too soft and squishy. I think I'm going to have to look for a new book to start for now.

3 Stars. Shieldmaiden by Simone Leigh. This story was long. It covered a young girl from capture to slave, to free to warrior to married to explorer. The story itself was very well told but had too much of a YA feel to it then I'm looking for in my Viking stories.

2.5 Stars. The Lady and the Privateer by Amy Rose Bennett Another "swashbuckler" that was barely a swish, let alone a swash.

2.5 Stars. The Captive Vixen by Merry Farmer I hope this isn't indicative of the types of stories that will be in this anthology. I found Capt Forester and Letty to be boring and in no way "Piratey". The writing did not seem very sophisticated, the plot didn't really intrigue me and I found myself skimming in places. I thought Malvis and Ainsley, two side characters to be much more interesting.
9 reviews
December 8, 2019
This story starts in 2019 with two friends on a vacation in the Bahamas,Aug. Samantha Gilbert and her friend Lisa are at a museum with the history of pirates.They are told about a pirate his name is James (Prince)Barrow. The tour guide tells them the tales of his life and how he needs to find his treasure that his friend Black Cole hid for him. Before Samantha knows it she is wisked back in time to 1718,and is in James cabin on his ship,he needs a date to go to the Govenors ball to find a clue to where his treasure can be found. They agree to work together to find the treasure,Samantha needs a necklace that is part of the treasure to return to the present time.Both James and Samantha have been hurt by old lovers,so as they start to love each other are very careful to not show each other how they feel.I received this ebook as a ARC and Loved the story from the beginning,I recommend you read this book.Once I started I couldn't put it down was such a fabulous story.This is my honest opinion on a wonderful pirate tale.
3,733 reviews43 followers
December 23, 2019
Stone's Pirate's Treasure: lively time travel to save a handsome pirate⌛
4-4.5🌟stars
Mariah Stone's contribution was a great time travel adventure and packed a very solid story into a small package. Action-packed with a build up to late steam, a determined modern woman and a basically decent pirate captain who's trying to rebuild his life after betrayal by a scheming woman. I got pretty fond of this wary pirate😍. I am a fan of Mariah Stone's novel-length Viking time travel romances and, though this was a lot shorter, it's still full of emotion, difficult decisions and great protagonists, though the cameo🐍 snake did creep me out a bit😖!

I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Harmony Williams.
Author 25 books156 followers
Read
December 6, 2019
I'm very proud of my contribution to this set (The Spinster's Guide to Piracy and Plunder) for several reasons:

1. This is the first time in a very long time I haven't felt constrained to write to the market. I wrote this novella for me, and the end result is a fleet of independent pirate women who kick ass and aren't restrained by the limitations of social strictures.

2. Assume everybody on board the Gambit is queer. (The Spinster's Guide is M/F; Jeanne is bisexual.) If you've read my other books (How to Fall for the Wrong Man in particular), you can see I've been working my way toward an #ownvoices queer series like this.

3. I wanted to show that age nor physical limitations can stop a person from pursuing their dreams and Grand-mère, the helmswoman, is the epitome of this. I added a lot of my own grandmother into her, which helps me to fill the void of her loss.

4. It's funny. I particularly like the pet humor. You're welcome.
206 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2019
Review for “The Pleasure of a Pirate” by Linda Rae Sande: Loved it! Such an enjoyable tale - lots of action. I really liked the main characters and the twist that they were not of the peerage but were commoners.
3 reviews
December 9, 2019
DELICIOUS TALE.....I just devoured Any Rose Bennett's Lady and a Privateer!! Fabulous story of adventure in high seas and islands. I had a smile on my face throughout the whole story. I loved characters Calamity Calliope and Jonathon, also there were interesting side characters which brought more to the tale. I loved the different take on why Calliope was sailing. Cheered at the end and was sorry it was over!
1,353 reviews38 followers
December 23, 2019
I have read only one story so far, but if it's any indication, ONCE UPON A PIRATE will be a smashing box set! And what about that gorgeous cover!

THE PLEASURE OF A PIRATE by Linda Rae Sande

Blake Russell was attending a masked ball, and only one young lady caught his eye: Little Bo Peep, the voluptuous Miss Barbara Wycliff. He is contemplating courting her eventually, but before he knew it, "the lust of his life" had vanished! She has been kidnapped by Lord Dorchester! With not a moment to lose, he goes after her!

THE PLEASURE OF A PIRATE is a wildly entertaining Regency pirate romp, and what a glorious movie it would make; think of the swashbuckling of Erroll Flynn pictures with a dash of Gene Wilder's humour! We also get the full details of how Blake ended up Captain of the Molly and the ship's colourful crew. And wow, this didn't go as I expected! I loved that while Barbara is ingenious, she thinks and acts like a pampered young lady; it was quite amusing and more believable than the usual historical fare. Besides, neither Blake or Barbara are physically perfect, but they are so very appealing and the air around them crackles with sexual tension.

This is a rather long novella, and Linda Rae Sande knows her pirates. There are many surprising twists and turns; what happens is never quite what you anticipate; isn't it just wonderful! The characters are well fleshed out, charismatic, and the dialogues very witty and clever. THE PLEASURE OF A PIRATE had me smiling the whole time and giggling quite often. If you're looking for a fun romantic read with a bit of oral naughtiness and a hint of steam, you will enjoy this story as much as I did.




I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this novella. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Heike.
662 reviews55 followers
not-for-me-dnf
January 21, 2020
I started 4 of the 16 stories, one was more horrible than the other (bad writing, bad story building, ridiculous story set up, extremely unlikable or unbelievable characters).

I tried

THE STORMSWEPT STOWAWAY
by Ellie St.Clair


Talk about unbelievable pirate captain and arrow headed female protagonist, besides the dreaded instant passion/love.

RUNAWAY DUKE
By S. Cinders


What happened there? I am aware that it is not easy to write a book, and I have all respect for the authors who pull this off. But this read like a 12 year old wrote a cheesy essay.

AN IMPERFECT SCOUNDREL
by Alyssa Drake


Dumped into the middle of a family drama that was so much back ground story and so predictable outcome that I passed.

MAROONED
by Anna Markland


- The pirate captain finds her on the ship he is plundering and thinks she is dead. She does arouse him anyway since she is so beautiful.
- When she wakes up (alone) she is fantasizing about being gang raped by the pirate crew and actually finds it arousing imagining the captain raping her.
- A few hours later, he has interacted with her all of 5 minutes, he thinks about "waking up beside her every morning".
- At dinner she eats out of her capturer's hand.

SERIOUSLY????

--------------------
I am sorry if there was a gem hidden somewhere in this collection and I missed it - as unlikely as it seems.
Profile Image for Kat Ryker.
788 reviews44 followers
February 20, 2020
I just finished this anthology. I loved the stories, they were all entertaining. But then again, I love a mix of romance, spankings, darkness, edginess...and I found it all in this group of stories. I read the other 'less than 5 star' reviews and I'm wondering if they should just stick with the authors they know and not venture out to read new authors. I found one such review totally irresponsible, along with being a personal attack on an author, which doesn't have any place in the reviewing of a book. You don't like dark? OK, then skip over it and in the review say it isn't to your taste. It might be to the taste of a lot of other readers.

There wasn't one story that I did not read in this anthology and I enjoyed every one of them...obviously some more than others. That's the way it is when you get a group of author's together. I have talked to most of these women because they belong in a group called The Historical Harlots on Facebook. These women are down to earth, loving women who've decided to bless us, the folks who read romance in all its forms, with their writing. To them, I say thank you for working so hard to put out an anthology that has something for everyone within its pages.

Yes, I can be a 'tough grader' when I need to be, but I see no reason to do that here. Overall, the books was enjoyable, the stories well written, so it gets five stars. I read for enjoyment, for pleasure, to lose myself in the FICTION of pirates. And you ladies kept me in that sweet spot for a long while with this book! Thank you.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,079 reviews129 followers
January 4, 2020
If you love pirates and adventure with strong heroes and amazing heroines, do not miss this collection by some of the best authors in historical romance!!

An Imperfect Scoundrel by Alyssa Drake
Wow is all I can say! A fast paced adventure that I truly could not stop until the last page was turned! A widow, Alana was sailing to America to escape a dangerous man and hopefully find a husband. But that turns into a travesty as her ship is taken over by pirates! Before they enter her room she dresses like a boy and ends up beging taken by the villian Captain Cedric Shaw instead of being killed or thrown over the ship. Ending as his cabin boy, things and people are not always as they seem. Wow again is all I can say. Villians, murder, lies, suspense, this story had it all!! Love, Loved it but really want a few answers and hope to find them and the other characters in a future story!!!

The Spinster's Guide to Piracy and Plunder by Harmony Williams
A really different storyline that I adored! Told in first person which I have always loved, our heroine, Jeanne, takes matter in her own hands when her father tries to marry her off to Captain Sterlind. With her grand-mere and friends she goes on an adventure on a ship of manned or should I say, ladied for independence and fortune. But who should she come into contact 2 years later? Oh yes, Handsome Capt Sterling and he was trying to take her ship! When they make a wager, who knows what will happen! A delightful tale that will have you smiling!

More to come
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,553 reviews88 followers
December 27, 2019
I have only read The Pleasure of a Pirate by Lina Rae Sande in this box set and therefore my review is based on that book alone. Although Captain Blake Russell captains a sometimes pirate ship, he does in fact work for the Crown, tracking down pirates, smugglers, and other miscreants. Given a mission to keep a watch on Lord Dorchester at a masquerade, who is rumoured to be planning a substantial theft, his attention is waylaid by a buxom young woman in a bo-peep costume. He is instantly enamoured by Miss Barbara Wycliff, not realising that she is the target of Dorchester's plot. The plot of this novelette is amusing and romantic with high adventure. It is also well written and Blake's mission is successfully completed. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,251 reviews99 followers
December 27, 2019
The Captive Vixen- Merry Farmer
Lady Lettuce Marlowe, now most unwillingly Mrs. Lettuce Pigge, has been forced into marriage with an odious man and forced onto a ship to the Caribbean. She suffers at the hands of her cruel husband until their ship is captured by pirates and he is killed. Letty feels nothing but relief -- and a visceral connection to Captain Martin Foster. Martin is ready to retire from the life of piracy he reluctantly took up and Letty seems the perfect woman to settle down with, if they could just reach port without his devious first mate murdering him.

This was such a fun and steamy read. I never really understood the villain's motives, but he got his comeuppance in the end anyway. This was a lovely ending for the most cruelly used Marlowe sister and I enjoyed it. I can't wait to read the other stories in this collection.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for TLynn.
1,467 reviews17 followers
January 12, 2020
Once Upon a Pirate is a collection of sixteen pirate stories. I received an ARC of The Lady and the Privateer from the author so I am only writing my review on that story at this time. The entire book looks interesting but I have not had a chance to read all of the stories. Although there are a few new authors for me, so I look forward to reading them. Lady Calliope Banks had gone on an expedition with her uncle, Dr. Bell (Uncle Theo) to find bones and information of the rare dodo bird. Captain Jonathon Townsend was on the hunt for an awful pirate, but his mission is interupted when he has to stop and help the ship that Calliope and her uncle were on when it ran aground. Fate keeps them in each other’s company and their attraction to each other grows, but can they find a way to have a future together? This was a fast paced story and perfect for one setting to read. It had wonderful characters and was full of adventure.
Profile Image for L.J. Evans.
Author 32 books1,322 followers
December 19, 2019
I had just been asking for good pirate, historical romance's when Harmony Williams told me about this endeavor. I had the opportunity to read an early release of hershort in this book, The Spinster's Guide to Piracy and Plunder. And holy moly, what a fun romp through the high seas with just the amount of steam, tension, and romance. As always, I adore Ms. Williams's strong female characters who have the mind and bravery to change the way the male centric world worked, and now I can't wait to read all the other stories.
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,915 reviews16 followers
February 15, 2021
The Captive Vixen 3
The Lady & the Privateer 4
The Stormswept Stowaway 3.5
The Bruce's Angel 3.5
Marooned 3
The Pleasure of a Pirate 3.5
The Lady's Guide to Escaping Cannibals 3
Falcon 3.5
The Dark Heart of the Sea 3.5
Jilted & Kilted 3
Runaway Duke 3
Rescued By Passion 3
An Imperfect Scoundrel 3
The Spinster's Guide to Piracy & Plunder 3.5
Pirate's Treasure 4
ShieldMaiden 3

I give the set a 3.5 rating overall.
163 reviews3 followers
December 21, 2019
I read the story " The Lady's. Guide To Escaping Cannibals " While the title threw me for a bit in the beginning, it now makes perfect sense. The storyline is fresh and keeps you guessing what will happen next, while the character's are hot yet heartwarming. With a twist of sadness added it's a great read!
Profile Image for Rebecca Whaley.
1,690 reviews32 followers
December 6, 2019
I've only read Runaway Duke by S. Cinders so far but it is really good. Oliver and Juliana are both awesome characters. This spicy read is definitely a page turner. I couldn't put it down. Oliver is great hero! I really enjoyed him. He is very hot, that's for sure. Juliana is feisty and strong. I loved her. I can't wait to read the rest of the anthology!
6,138 reviews28 followers
December 28, 2019
Must love pirates.

This was a refreshing break from Hallmark movies.
It’s an extensive pirate novella collection.
I was partial to Ellie St. Clair’s contribution, as well as Emmanuelle de Maupassant’s novella.
Ahoy, matey.
Now, we just need Captain Jack Sparrow to come aboard.

Recommend.
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,535 reviews63 followers
December 21, 2019
This was a beautifully written love story with a dash of excitement thrown in. I loved The Lady's Guide To Escaping Cannibals. Jorge and Bathsheba were just perfect.
17 reviews
February 19, 2020
Delightful!

Daring, cunning, delightful & suspenseful. Each story held me in its grip. Superb craftsmanship of words to tantalize and entice the reader. Well done !!
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