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The Taken Series #1
Stolen at Sea
“He kneeled down and his eyes, the color of the sea caught in a storm, met mine. For some reason, the fact that rabbits' hearts can stop from fear alone popped into my head—literally being scared to death”
My plan to save my family’s business didn’t include getting kidnapped by a crew of mutineers.
Or ending up beaten and chained in the hull of a ship.
The man who “rescues" me is equally evil and full of contradictions.
Fearsome but handsome.
Deadly but respected.
He locks me in a cell but claims it’s for my own good.
His hands are covered in blood... but tender in touch.
If this pirate captain doesn’t stop my heart, he may just steal it.
My plan to save my family’s business didn’t include getting kidnapped by a crew of mutineers.
Or ending up beaten and chained in the hull of a ship.
The man who “rescues" me is equally evil and full of contradictions.
Fearsome but handsome.
Deadly but respected.
He locks me in a cell but claims it’s for my own good.
His hands are covered in blood... but tender in touch.
If this pirate captain doesn’t stop my heart, he may just steal it.
216 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2021
38 people are currently reading
898 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
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January 3, 2023I skimmed the heck out of the end of this book.
Okay so here are my thoughts
I was really intrigued by the concept and was looking forward to this read but it just missed the mark for me personally.
I truly think that the book should have been longer to really give the effect this book would have given. It felt too fast paced and not enough details/development were given.
I didn’t believe in the relationship bc it kind of came out of nowhere and this is where a bit more development & time between them would have really made me love them a LOT.
The story had potential and it was an interesting world but it just felt flat unfortunately.
So yeah wanted to love it but it wasn’t for me :/
Okay so here are my thoughts
I was really intrigued by the concept and was looking forward to this read but it just missed the mark for me personally.
I truly think that the book should have been longer to really give the effect this book would have given. It felt too fast paced and not enough details/development were given.
I didn’t believe in the relationship bc it kind of came out of nowhere and this is where a bit more development & time between them would have really made me love them a LOT.
The story had potential and it was an interesting world but it just felt flat unfortunately.
So yeah wanted to love it but it wasn’t for me :/
November 11, 2021
Thank you to the author for the ARC :)
Kidnapped by bandits, our mc Sloane is miraculously saved by pirates? Despite the rough start she finds herself falling for the Captain of the the pirates she has grown to like.
This historical romance was such a good quick read, something to get you in an excited mood, and even if you’re in need of butterflies. Because this book has got it all, from knife to throat, angst, tension to amazing jealousy 😏
anyways, I really enjoyed this but I do wish it was longer!! I loved Sloane’s character and I thought a slower paced romance would’ve suited her better.
I need more of these pirates asap 🏃♀️🏃♀️ till next time
Kidnapped by bandits, our mc Sloane is miraculously saved by pirates? Despite the rough start she finds herself falling for the Captain of the the pirates she has grown to like.
This historical romance was such a good quick read, something to get you in an excited mood, and even if you’re in need of butterflies. Because this book has got it all, from knife to throat, angst, tension to amazing jealousy 😏
anyways, I really enjoyed this but I do wish it was longer!! I loved Sloane’s character and I thought a slower paced romance would’ve suited her better.
I need more of these pirates asap 🏃♀️🏃♀️ till next time
January 15, 2022
its a no from me
this book has so much potential but it did not deliver
it was literally all over the place & way too fast paced for it to be enjoyable (very confusing too lol felt very rushed)
also the cover LMAO 💀💀
this book has so much potential but it did not deliver
it was literally all over the place & way too fast paced for it to be enjoyable (very confusing too lol felt very rushed)
also the cover LMAO 💀💀
February 3, 2022
3.5/5 - This had a lot going on considering it’s a novella, but it was enjoyable and a quick read. I would have liked it a bit more if it was a full-length novel a little bit more I think, but at the end of the day I feel like there’s not much you can do when the majority of the book is set on a pirate ship?
May 8, 2024
If your book is really short and a romance please do not make us wait over 50% of it for us to meet the MMC..I just do not care. (Sorry I’m never this mean in reviews but I’m in a slump and offended by my recent reads!)
December 5, 2022
Parents always say “make good choices” and Sloan should have listened, but then she wouldn’t have met her pirate love.
August 29, 2024
My friend’s friend’s girlfriend wrote this book apparently and it was a really fun read 🤍
December 13, 2021
This read was overall really good- but for some reason I had a hard time getting into it.
It’s a safe-ish read. For the H there are no ow/om. For the h on the other hand- the books starts out with her reflecting on what a horrible month long courtship she’s had with this other Lord. At the end of the book The Lord kisses the h in front of the H. The H quickly gets all possessive over the h, and threatens The Lord. There is a mild understanding in the middle of the book- where the h thinks that the H has someone waiting for him on land. That is quickly cleared up and clarified that she’s the only one he’s interested in. Actually that misunderstanding was kinda frustrating and had me rolling my eyes at the h.
I did find it weird that the H seemed to do this 180 at the end with his feelings on the h being her own person. Like apparently the h’s dad tells the H to stay away from her because he’s a pirate? So he’s mean to her and makes her leave him? I kinda wished his perspective would have been given. That way he doesn’t look like such a dick.
It’s a safe-ish read. For the H there are no ow/om. For the h on the other hand- the books starts out with her reflecting on what a horrible month long courtship she’s had with this other Lord. At the end of the book The Lord kisses the h in front of the H. The H quickly gets all possessive over the h, and threatens The Lord. There is a mild understanding in the middle of the book- where the h thinks that the H has someone waiting for him on land. That is quickly cleared up and clarified that she’s the only one he’s interested in. Actually that misunderstanding was kinda frustrating and had me rolling my eyes at the h.
I did find it weird that the H seemed to do this 180 at the end with his feelings on the h being her own person. Like apparently the h’s dad tells the H to stay away from her because he’s a pirate? So he’s mean to her and makes her leave him? I kinda wished his perspective would have been given. That way he doesn’t look like such a dick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2022
"We crossed a gangplank onto the pirate ship, the ocean swirled beneath my feet, and I felt like I was crossing the River Styx into Hades.."
Ratings
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
Tropes
Historical romance, forced proximity
Review
This was my first historical romance and I loved it! Sloane is an independent woman who wants nothing more that to run her father's shipping business. When a wine shipment that cost them a lot of money goes missing, she takes it upon herself to track it down to save her family's business.
"Ye got more brass than half my crew, my lady. Don’t know many men who’d go looking for a fight they got no chance of winning."
Sloane is brave, passionate, and strong. I love seeing an FMC, especially one written in the 1700's who embodies these characteristics. There are no damsels in distress here.
"My whole life I’d been told I needed a man but here was the bravest and strongest man I’d ever known, and he needed me."
Captain Elliot Cross, is a pirate, and therefore a criminal by society's standards. But, as the story progresses you see that he truly has a big heart.... and it beats for Sloane.Prepare yourself for swashbuckling fights, passion, and some delicious spice!
"I wasn’t trying to run away from the monster inside the captain, I was running away from my undeniable attraction to the monster."
I was impressed at the amount of character development and depth that was created in such a short book. (186 pages) My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. It was an enjoyable world to be in and I didn't want to leave.
Ratings
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
Tropes
Historical romance, forced proximity
Review
This was my first historical romance and I loved it! Sloane is an independent woman who wants nothing more that to run her father's shipping business. When a wine shipment that cost them a lot of money goes missing, she takes it upon herself to track it down to save her family's business.
"Ye got more brass than half my crew, my lady. Don’t know many men who’d go looking for a fight they got no chance of winning."
Sloane is brave, passionate, and strong. I love seeing an FMC, especially one written in the 1700's who embodies these characteristics. There are no damsels in distress here.
"My whole life I’d been told I needed a man but here was the bravest and strongest man I’d ever known, and he needed me."
Captain Elliot Cross, is a pirate, and therefore a criminal by society's standards. But, as the story progresses you see that he truly has a big heart.... and it beats for Sloane.Prepare yourself for swashbuckling fights, passion, and some delicious spice!
"I wasn’t trying to run away from the monster inside the captain, I was running away from my undeniable attraction to the monster."
I was impressed at the amount of character development and depth that was created in such a short book. (186 pages) My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. It was an enjoyable world to be in and I didn't want to leave.
November 4, 2021
Thank you to the Author for providing the ARC!
3.5 stars :)
It would be four stars if there would have been more diversity (which I know can be tough with historical romance)
Sloane is a strong willed woman who wants more than anything to be worthy of running the family business without a man. So, when a huge shipment she is responsible for goes awry, she takes matters into her own hand to right the wrong and prove to her parents she is more capable than they give her credit for. With the threat of an unwanted marriage hanging in the balance Sloane sets of to do the impossible.
Captain Elliot Cross. Oh captain my captain (lol)
A monstrous pirate with a heart of gold. Abs, Long hair, and a hot accent sign me up!
My favorite part of this story is that Sloane isn't the damsel in distress. She is strong, stubborn and brave. This story is a cliche pirate romance, but with a less sexist plot line. To put it in fairytale terms-The Princess saves the knight in this one.
Overall, a very easy read and an amazing debut novel for a first time author! You can tell she really gets into her writers groove as the book progresses, and I cannot wait to see how her improvements will translate to the rest of the series.
One of my biggest complaints is I wish it was longer and the plot progressed slower, because I love me some tension, and I wish their were more fluff scenes between Sloane and the side characters.
3.5 stars :)
It would be four stars if there would have been more diversity (which I know can be tough with historical romance)
Sloane is a strong willed woman who wants more than anything to be worthy of running the family business without a man. So, when a huge shipment she is responsible for goes awry, she takes matters into her own hand to right the wrong and prove to her parents she is more capable than they give her credit for. With the threat of an unwanted marriage hanging in the balance Sloane sets of to do the impossible.
Captain Elliot Cross. Oh captain my captain (lol)
A monstrous pirate with a heart of gold. Abs, Long hair, and a hot accent sign me up!
My favorite part of this story is that Sloane isn't the damsel in distress. She is strong, stubborn and brave. This story is a cliche pirate romance, but with a less sexist plot line. To put it in fairytale terms-The Princess saves the knight in this one.
Overall, a very easy read and an amazing debut novel for a first time author! You can tell she really gets into her writers groove as the book progresses, and I cannot wait to see how her improvements will translate to the rest of the series.
One of my biggest complaints is I wish it was longer and the plot progressed slower, because I love me some tension, and I wish their were more fluff scenes between Sloane and the side characters.
March 10, 2022
“My whole life I’d been told I needed a man but here was the bravest and strongest man I’d ever known, and he needed me.” ⚓️
Sloane’s family had their shipment stolen and she is determined to get it back because if she doesn’t she will have to marry a man she does not love. She travels in the dark of night to report the criminals, but instead gets taken by them! One day there is a vicious battle happening on the ship and she is rescued by this hot pirate captain, Elliot. She has to decide whether she can trust him or not…
This was a fun pirate romance with spice, action, and an interesting storyline. I loved Sloane so much! She is that strong, independent, tough young women who don’t need no man that’s for sure! 😄 Elliot is probably the sweetest, most caring pirate ever 🥺 — the chamomile oil! I wish I could have had his POV just to see his side of the tension 🔥
Read this if you like ⤵️
🏴☠️ Pirate Romance
👥 Forced Proximity
💪🏻 Strong Female Protagonist
🖤 Morally Gray
👊🏻 Possessive Alpha
🔥 Slow Burn
📚 Stand-alone Series
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
🌶🌶/5
Stolen At Sea by Summer O’Toole
The Taken Series Book 1
Sloane’s family had their shipment stolen and she is determined to get it back because if she doesn’t she will have to marry a man she does not love. She travels in the dark of night to report the criminals, but instead gets taken by them! One day there is a vicious battle happening on the ship and she is rescued by this hot pirate captain, Elliot. She has to decide whether she can trust him or not…
This was a fun pirate romance with spice, action, and an interesting storyline. I loved Sloane so much! She is that strong, independent, tough young women who don’t need no man that’s for sure! 😄 Elliot is probably the sweetest, most caring pirate ever 🥺 — the chamomile oil! I wish I could have had his POV just to see his side of the tension 🔥
Read this if you like ⤵️
🏴☠️ Pirate Romance
👥 Forced Proximity
💪🏻 Strong Female Protagonist
🖤 Morally Gray
👊🏻 Possessive Alpha
🔥 Slow Burn
📚 Stand-alone Series
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
🌶🌶/5
Stolen At Sea by Summer O’Toole
The Taken Series Book 1
November 6, 2021
What a read! This is one of those historical romance stories that I simply couldn't put down. As an avid reader I can usually bust through a book in a few days if it is captivating enough. Now let me tell you that I couldn't put this one down. For the entirety of the book I said goodbye to all responsibilities and lost myself in the pages. I stayed up late and finished this baby in just a day with my speed reading. It is refreshing to have a strong female lead who isn't codependent on her counterpart. The internal dialogue that I was privy to as the reader made me laugh out loud. The character arc was pleasant and the adventure intriguing. 10/10 would recommend this book to someone who doesn't even like romance novels. The characters drew me in to the point where it didn't matter the setting I just wanted to hear what they were thinking or how they were acting.
November 29, 2021
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily writing an honest review.
Such a short, interesting read!
I must say that I have never read a pirate romance, let alone one like this!
I wish that there was some more romance here. It felt very… lust-oriented.
I enjoyed the setting a lot as well and the background of our MC was quite interesting.
This was just a simple book with a simple plot, so I’m not quite sure what else to say! It was a nice light read, and I found it to be quite enjoyable! 🚢🖤
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Such a short, interesting read!
I must say that I have never read a pirate romance, let alone one like this!
I wish that there was some more romance here. It felt very… lust-oriented.
I enjoyed the setting a lot as well and the background of our MC was quite interesting.
This was just a simple book with a simple plot, so I’m not quite sure what else to say! It was a nice light read, and I found it to be quite enjoyable! 🚢🖤
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
November 2, 2022
funny, sexy, tension filled pirate adventure
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Ahh!! This was so fun and the sexual tension could be cut with a knife.
I’m a sucker for a historical fiction, but throw a ridiculously handsome (and dangerous) pirate captain, kidnapping, and a woman who won’t be what society expects? It’s my catnip.
As an aside, I love it when I can tell a writer has done research. Mentions of stays instead of corsets, stomachers, and the way dresses were pinned together and I’m a goner. I loved those little details.
Definitely recommend for anyone who wants an adventure with pirates, strong willed women, and wonderful side characters. (Love you Fish!)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Ahh!! This was so fun and the sexual tension could be cut with a knife.
I’m a sucker for a historical fiction, but throw a ridiculously handsome (and dangerous) pirate captain, kidnapping, and a woman who won’t be what society expects? It’s my catnip.
As an aside, I love it when I can tell a writer has done research. Mentions of stays instead of corsets, stomachers, and the way dresses were pinned together and I’m a goner. I loved those little details.
Definitely recommend for anyone who wants an adventure with pirates, strong willed women, and wonderful side characters. (Love you Fish!)
April 14, 2023
sucker for this pirate romance!
I spent the last two days forgoing sleep to tear through this series by Summer O’Toole that is *MAGICAL*, I loved it so much! These historical dark romances are very different from her mafia romances, but you can definitely still see her hand in her badass women, possessive men, & dark/exciting plot. Technically these are stand alones, but characters show up across all three, so I’d read in order!
Stolen at Sea - in her attempt to get back stolen wine, Sloane is kidnapped by mutineers … & then again by pirates. She has a ton of ideas of what pirates SHOULD be, but Captain Cross and his crew quickly prove to be more than she was expecting. Cross also may have stolen her heart. I loved that Sloane is so independent and brilliant & that Cross loved her for that as well.
I spent the last two days forgoing sleep to tear through this series by Summer O’Toole that is *MAGICAL*, I loved it so much! These historical dark romances are very different from her mafia romances, but you can definitely still see her hand in her badass women, possessive men, & dark/exciting plot. Technically these are stand alones, but characters show up across all three, so I’d read in order!
Stolen at Sea - in her attempt to get back stolen wine, Sloane is kidnapped by mutineers … & then again by pirates. She has a ton of ideas of what pirates SHOULD be, but Captain Cross and his crew quickly prove to be more than she was expecting. Cross also may have stolen her heart. I loved that Sloane is so independent and brilliant & that Cross loved her for that as well.
November 28, 2021
Sloane is a merchants daughter who wants to take over the family business instead of marrying a Lord Thomas. When a huge shipment is stolen she goes out to find it only to find herself in a cage on a pirate ship.
So this was my first pirate romance, which is wild since I’ve loved pirates ever since i was little! This book is fabulous. I loved Sloane. She is such a bad ass and watching her fit into the crew made my heart happy.
Elliot is crazy attractive but i wanted to punch him in his face on a few occasions. Shoot i even cried!
Overall i really enjoyed this book! 5⭐️ 2🌶
So this was my first pirate romance, which is wild since I’ve loved pirates ever since i was little! This book is fabulous. I loved Sloane. She is such a bad ass and watching her fit into the crew made my heart happy.
Elliot is crazy attractive but i wanted to punch him in his face on a few occasions. Shoot i even cried!
Overall i really enjoyed this book! 5⭐️ 2🌶
December 8, 2021
This was pretty good!
I was feeling like a historical romance and saw this on my kindle and thought, “Pirates? Let’s do it”
Sloane was a cool character! Love that she was smart and would go toe to toe with anyone!
Elliot could steal me away, any day! He was HOTTTT!
That private beach!! OOFT yes pls! We love a good spicy scene! Love how Elliot just lifted her and kept the show rolling 🥵
And Fish was cute!
This definitely read more like a novella to be honest? It felt short and sweet <3
I was feeling like a historical romance and saw this on my kindle and thought, “Pirates? Let’s do it”
Sloane was a cool character! Love that she was smart and would go toe to toe with anyone!
Elliot could steal me away, any day! He was HOTTTT!
That private beach!! OOFT yes pls! We love a good spicy scene! Love how Elliot just lifted her and kept the show rolling 🥵
And Fish was cute!
This definitely read more like a novella to be honest? It felt short and sweet <3
March 27, 2022
My first ever pirate book.
I thought I would struggle to deal with a different time period as I don’t usually like those. But it was good.
It’s short, so not a great build up. It gets to the point.
There are strong characters. Sloane is not afraid to speak her mind even if it gets her a punch to the gut and Elliot and stubborn and stoic.
And who doesn’t love it when the love interest pushes the FMC away “for her own good”? But no good can come from two men deciding a woman’s future for her.
It’s a story about being accepted and respected as an equal.
I rated it 3 ⭐️ and 2 🌶
I thought I would struggle to deal with a different time period as I don’t usually like those. But it was good.
It’s short, so not a great build up. It gets to the point.
There are strong characters. Sloane is not afraid to speak her mind even if it gets her a punch to the gut and Elliot and stubborn and stoic.
And who doesn’t love it when the love interest pushes the FMC away “for her own good”? But no good can come from two men deciding a woman’s future for her.
It’s a story about being accepted and respected as an equal.
I rated it 3 ⭐️ and 2 🌶
November 16, 2021
I think the hardest part was the switch from the time they intended and phrases like “on the daily”. It was a fun quick read but when phrases like “ugh” and “huh” pop up and then long details of removing period clothing you get whiplash.
The Dad gave me Mr. Bennett vibes but then for no reason is telling her to marry the lord boring pants. Whiplash. We never got a reason for that.
The Dad gave me Mr. Bennett vibes but then for no reason is telling her to marry the lord boring pants. Whiplash. We never got a reason for that.
November 24, 2021
Kidnapped by pirates trope had me running to this book! I liked it, it was a fun and easy read! Hot, loving, protective, pirate captain sets his sights on the stubborn, strong willed, merchants daughter!
Don’t expect a literary masterpiece because it’s not, but that’s not the reason I read it in the first place.
Don’t expect a literary masterpiece because it’s not, but that’s not the reason I read it in the first place.
March 4, 2022
I LOVED THIS! I'll admit, it did take me a few pages to get into it, but I think that's because my mind had to adjust to a different time period. (spoiler alert, there are NO cell phones in the story lol). But my GOD once I got in?? amazing! The descriptive imagery given throughout makes it a 10/10. Truly amazing.
August 26, 2024
Stolen at Sea is filled with angst and tension, and has everything a historical romance needs to give you butterflies. Sloane is a strong female lead and Elliot is a pirate with a heart of gold. This forced proximity romance made my heart beat in all the right ways.
I can't wait to read more from Summer O'Toole!
I can't wait to read more from Summer O'Toole!
March 20, 2025
a great read
I am not usually a huge fan of historical romances but I really rather enjoyed this one. A strong fiesty heroine and a rugged pirate! It took me a while to get into the story but after a couple of chapters it pulled me in. Very glad I pushed through and it was exciting romantic and had enough steam to keep me happy
I am not usually a huge fan of historical romances but I really rather enjoyed this one. A strong fiesty heroine and a rugged pirate! It took me a while to get into the story but after a couple of chapters it pulled me in. Very glad I pushed through and it was exciting romantic and had enough steam to keep me happy
November 4, 2021
Thanks to the author for my ebook copy. Not usually the type of book I would go for but I’m glad that I decided to give it a try. This book had me hooked from the 1st page, I was sucked into the plot and the author has done a great job, Can’t wait for book 2.
November 14, 2021
The book was really good. It was the first pirate book I've read in a long time. I enjoyed that the MC was strong and all but somehow the story didn't really get me. Nonetheless their story is great and I will read book 2 as soon as it is released.
January 21, 2022
For the length of the book, it was good, I liked it and yes there were some things that could improve but not Captain Cross, he was really sweet and Sloane was really strong not taking bs from anyone.
March 27, 2022
good, could be better.
Looking forward to books from this author as they evolve and grow. It was a good story, just needs a little more I think.
Looking forward to books from this author as they evolve and grow. It was a good story, just needs a little more I think.
June 17, 2022
HOT HOT HOT , kidnapped and saved by pirates , she falls in love with their captain !!!
December 23, 2022
Her father kind pissed me off at the last few chapters but it was good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews