Captive of the Pirate King

Dark Rulers #2

by Rebecca F. Kenney

Veronica wants nothing more than to find her brother, who sailed away years ago. But when Veronica's ship is captured by pirates, she's determined to save her own skin, while keeping her magic and her gender a secret. Disguised as male, she finagles a spot as a cabin boy aboard the buccaneers' vessel--which is bound for Ravensbeck, a stronghold where the Pirate King holds sway. He may have the answers Veronica seeks--but getting those answers could cost her more than she's willing to pay.



[Trigger warnings: violence, reference to a past abusive relationship, murder, threat of rape, forced tattoo, brief mention of childhood sexual abuse]

Genres: Fantasy, Pirates, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Dark Romance, Magic

382 pages, ebook

First published January 7, 2022

About the author

Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

Reviews

[astarion's bhaal babe (wingspan matters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I didn't want a relationship or a future with anyone until I met you, and learned you. Now I can't imagine an existence that doesn't include you at my side -you, my thorny darling, my exasperating conscience, my beguiling ruination."
"Such lovely names," I murmur. "I have some for you as well. They're not as nice."
"I can imagine."

in my koisty's version era



🏴‍☠️𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 - 𝗕𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗖𝗔 𝗙. 𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗬🏴‍☠️
★𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
★𝗬𝗔/𝗡𝗔/𝗔: 🅽🅰/🅰
★𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: 𝙳𝙰𝚁𝙺 𝚁𝚄𝙻𝙴𝚁𝚂 #𝟸 (𝙱𝚄𝚃 𝙲𝙰𝙽 𝙱𝙴 𝚁𝙴𝙰𝙳 𝙰𝚂 𝙰 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙰𝙻𝙾𝙽𝙴)
★𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦: 𝙿𝙸𝚁𝙰𝚃𝙴𝚂 - 𝙼𝙰𝙶𝙸𝙲 - 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴 - 𝙰𝙳𝚅𝙴𝙽𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴 - 𝚂𝙼𝚄𝚃 - 𝙷𝙸𝚂𝚃𝙾𝚁𝙸𝙲𝙰𝙻
★𝗣𝗢𝗩: 𝙵𝙸𝚁𝚂𝚃 𝙿𝙴𝚁𝚂𝙾𝙽 - 𝙿𝚁𝙴𝚂𝙴𝙽𝚃 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙴
★𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: 𝙴𝙽𝙴𝙼𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂 - 𝚂𝙴𝙲𝚁𝙴𝚃 𝙸𝙳𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙸𝚃𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝙱𝙻𝙾𝙾𝙳/𝚃𝙰𝚃𝚃𝙾𝙾/𝙴𝙻𝙴𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙰𝙻 𝙼𝙰𝙶𝙸𝙲 - 𝙿𝙸𝚁𝙰𝚃𝙴𝚂 - 𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙻𝚈 - 𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝙱𝙴𝙳 - 𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙻𝚈/𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙸𝙲𝙰𝙻𝙻𝚈 𝚄𝙽𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙵𝙼𝙲 - 𝙹𝙴𝙰𝙻𝙾𝚄𝚂𝚈 - 𝙼𝙾𝚁𝙰𝙻𝙻𝚈 𝚀𝚄𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙼𝙼𝙲 - 𝙺𝙸𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝙵 𝙵𝙰𝙺𝙴 𝚁𝙴𝙻𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂𝙷𝙸𝙿
★𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: 👥👥👥½/5
★𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼/5
★𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧: 📜📜📜/5
★𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦 & 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: 💀💀💀💀/5 (𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴 - 𝙼𝚄𝚁𝙳𝙴𝚁 - 𝙼𝙸𝚂𝙾𝙶𝙸𝙽𝚈 - 𝚃𝙷𝚁𝙴𝙰𝚃𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙴 - 𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝙿𝙰𝚂𝚃 𝙲𝙷𝙸𝙻𝙳𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙳 𝚂𝙰 - 𝙳𝙸𝚂𝙵𝚄𝙽𝙲𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻 𝙵𝙰𝙼𝙸𝙻𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙲𝙴𝙳 𝚃𝙰𝚃𝚃𝙾𝙾𝚂 - 𝙵𝙼𝙲 𝙿𝚁𝙴𝚃𝙴𝙽𝙳𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙱𝙴 𝙼𝙼𝙲'𝚂 𝙿𝙴𝚁𝚂𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻 𝚆𝙷𝙾𝚁𝙴)
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧: 🔥🔥🔥🔥/5 (𝙺𝙸𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙽𝙶 - 𝙿𝙴𝚃𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙶 - 𝙾𝚁𝙰𝙻 𝚂𝙴𝚇 - 𝙿𝙳𝙰 - 𝚂𝙴𝚇 - 𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝙿𝙰𝚂𝚃 𝚂𝙴𝚇𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂 𝚆𝙸𝚃𝙷 𝙳𝙸𝙵𝙵𝙴𝚁𝙴𝙽𝚃 𝙿𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙽𝙴𝚁𝚂)
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬/𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🚒🚒🚒🚒/5 (𝙶𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙼𝚄𝚃 𝙾𝙵 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙷𝙾𝚃𝚃𝙴𝚂𝚃 𝙺𝙸𝙽𝙳 - 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙷𝙾𝚁𝚂𝙴 𝚂𝙲𝙴𝙽𝙴 *𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚏'𝚜 𝚔𝚒𝚜𝚜*)
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬: 💣💣💣/5
★𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦: 🤐🤐🤐🤐/5 (𝙼𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴 𝙻𝙰𝙽𝙶𝚄𝙰𝙶𝙴 - 𝙶𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲 𝙳𝙴𝚂𝙲𝚁𝙸𝙿𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝚂𝙴𝚇/𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴/𝙼𝚄𝚁𝙳𝙴𝚁)
★𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🌻🌻🌻/5
★𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🌹🌹🌹🌹/5 (𝚂𝚃𝙴𝙻𝙻𝙰𝚁 "𝙲𝙰𝙽'𝚃 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚈 𝙰𝚆𝙰𝚈" 𝙲𝙷𝙴𝙼𝙸𝚂𝚃𝚁𝚈)
★𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: 💔💔💔/𝟱
★𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗘: ❌
★𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: 𝙵/𝙼
★𝗥𝗘𝗣: 𝙿𝚃𝚂𝙳 - 𝙰𝙽𝚇𝙸𝙴𝚃𝚈 - 𝙶𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙵
★𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗘𝗦-𝗧𝗢-𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦: 🖤🖤🖤/5
★𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝚂𝙾𝚁𝚃 𝙾𝙵 𝙷𝙴𝙰
★𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚: 🎶𝙷𝙾𝚁𝙽𝚂 - 𝙱𝚁𝚈𝙲𝙴 𝙵𝙾𝚇🎶
▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰

I don't use the term guilty pleasure lightly, especially since I decided I'd leave my fear of genre-shaming in 2021, but this book...this book is pure guilty pleasure material.
There's no other way to describe how this novel makes me feel.
It contains everything I usually ask for in a book, and the fact that my favorite mermaid loved this to pieces, and that Lila Sunshine seems to really like this author, only made it impossible for me to not pick it up.
In terms of plot, this probably wasn't the most original book ever, but it had its moments, some of them impossibly enjoyable.
The magic system, for one, was one of the things I liked the most, topped only by Veronica and Locke's chemistry, and the exotic and atmospheric setting the author was able to create.
The story picks up immediately, there's enough action to keep the plot going without relying too much on the romance, and Fenney's writing is absolutely captivating.
I appreciate how she made Veronica both a lady and a young woman who's not ashamed of her open sexuality.
Locke's character was charming and hot as sin and ruthless when he needed to be, and I adored how whipped he was by Veronica. I wasn't a fan of some of his choices, mind it, but I choose to blame his character's flaws on the fact that he's a pirate and a man who belonged to a certain time period. Not an excuse, I know; I'm just trying to say...this is fiction, and I'm well aware of it.
This book definitely wasn't perfect, but it was everything I wanted, and it absolutely exceeded my expectations.
Now I'll know where to look when I'll be in need of a sexy and entertaining distraction.

[Koisty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Tattoo Stars ⭐

The enjoyment I had reading this book was akin to taking a kid to a candy shop and telling them they can have whatever they want, as much as they want - with NO LIMIT. I was that kid...basically, I am full-on cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs for this book, as it's basically just a giant bag of my favourite trope candy that I fully gorged myself on till sick! It has most things I like in books all wrapped up in one. There is a fast-paced adventure romance with action-packed fight scenes, and don't forget the on-page steamy smut. NO fade to black scenes for this fishy.

This book is not perfect and is not for everyone as there are some possible concerns about the Trigger Warnings (please read up on these before you pick this up). But I am not those people and in some ways, this was damn near perfect for me. There were moments when I was giggling like a 12-year-old, moments where I was on the verge of crying, moments of utter mortification by second-hand embarrassment, and moments of anger at the atrocities the characters had to endure.

This book starts right in the middle of the action with Veronica (Nick) quickly disguising herself as a man, as her ship is being raided by blood-thirsty and cut-throat pirates. She has run away from her noble family on a quest to find her long lost brother - however, this quest is quickly veered off course as Nick needs to play the ruse of "cabin boy" since the law of the Pirate King says no woman may be kept alive on a ship in his Fleet. On this new vessel, Nick continuously encounters Locke and things slowly start to become more and more convoluted as the ship journeys to the mysterious Pirate Haven of Ravensbeck.

I loved but also hated the writing style. I loved that it was very easy to read and understand, but undeniably captivating that the pages just fly by. What I did not like is Rebecca Kenney chose to keep this in the episodic format of Kindle Vella and didn't edit the chapters to be longer - which means the chapters are RIDICULOUSLY short. This book was 379pg and 79 CHAPTERS so since the pages fly by so quickly there is a constant stop-start to the story that oftentimes made me lose connection and become frustrated at the constant forced breaks chapters create.

There is a really good balance of plot and character development and it was unexpectedly surprising how much depth the characters had, especially Nick (since this is from her POV). What could feel like a simple pirate romance has many layers to the characters. I really liked that Nick wasn't a blushing virgin and used men for pleasure in the past. I also enjoyed how determined she was to survive, and as the story progresses (and her dark past emerges) it creates a new level of sympathy to think about all she has had to endure. Especially how she deals with the exceptional guilt she carries over her Brother. I also appreciated that Rebecca Kenney wrote about a girl who is not perfect, she has a massive insecurity about her freckled looks and how she has been perceived by society as ugly and flawed. Even though she is given a boost of confidence through Locke's attention and a fair bit of this self-conscious insecurity is patched up; the fact that it can still seep through based on a comment Nick hears, is a very real and very human reaction and it was refreshing to see in fantasy.

Locke (is no Ashley) and is a little antiquated in his ideals (especially towards women), but he means well. Some might find him a slight bit misogynistic but we are reading a PIRATE FANTASY people, that's what PIRATES are. However while morally grey, (murder and torture are not above him and he does kills when the time calls for it), he's not really always blood-thirsty or immoral and every interaction between him and Nick is prefaced with nothing but explicit mutual respect and consent.

The relationship is another thing that I LOVED but also hated... This is an Enemies > Friends > Lovers > Enemies > Lovers. We went on a rollercoaster of note between Locke and Nick. I personally felt that Locke fell too quickly for Nick at the start - not much had happened between the two characters yet to justify a few of his actions. It wasn't a full instalovie thing but had a few sprinklings. Both Nick and Locke are extremely stubborn in their different grey moral codes. This leads to A LOT of disagreements and constant fighting between the two where it almost started to be annoying. Nick would almost HATE Locke and take her very high ground on how she wanted to be treated or wanted others to be treated. Then she would get horny and that height would be gone just as long as it takes her orgasm to dissipate and her anger would be back.

The last 5% was unnecessary as it made the ending weird and flat. Whilst connected to the main plot I almost didn't want to read the last 29 pages. It was rushed and unsatisfying.

Overall while the book does have a few annoyances I HAD a great time reading this and I would recommend this if you are looking for a quick read to escape into a fast pirate adventure with a twist!

[Michele Quirke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captive of the Pirate King is the fourth book I've read by this author and while I greatly enjoyed the others, I think this one might be my favorite of all. But it's not for the usual reasons. Although the plot is gripping, the romance is HOT and STEAMY, the writing is superb, and the characters are exceptionally well-rounded, what really stands out to me are the deeper layers beneath. This book made me think. It made me question my own views on justice, right and wrong, and even evil itself.

Throughout the book I enjoyed getting to know Veronica and watching her relationship with Locke unfold as their secrets were slowly revealed to one another. Both of those characters are amazing. I loved how morally grey Locke was (he is a pirate, after all!) and yet when it came to Veronica, he was always a true gentleman and respectful. I really admire him and the life he made for himself, despite his dark, difficult past. Locke and Veronica are one powerful duo and super easy to root for, everything you want from a protagonist and her love interest. I also want to quickly add that although he was only a secondary character, I loved Cook as well!

As usual, Kenney's writing style is a pleasure to read. There are high-stakes in this book and in my opinion, it has the PERFECT combination of romance and action. There were moments I was sitting on the edge of my seat, moments I was giggling at the witty banter and dialogue (SO MUCH FUN BANTER IN THIS), and moments I was blushing because of how seriously steamy some of the...not G rated scenes were. Kenney is the queen of spice, that's for sure!

All that said, it was the ending that really had me questioning my own thoughts on justice. To be honest, I'm still not quite sure how I feel about Veronica's decision when it comes to her brother. I don't want to ruin the story or reveal any spoilers for anyone so I'll try to keep it vague. I'm on the fence about whether or not I'm 100% on board with her choice. That, to me, says wonders about the depth and realism of Kenney's characters, particularly Mordan. He's not just some flat, one-dimensional villain. There's a reason behind his choices (later in life, anyway) and I'm still not convinced he was pure evil. I think, at least some part of him, wanted to be better. But does that mean he deserves to try after everything he has done, all the people he has killed? Maybe. Maybe not. This is the depth I'm talking about. It has been a long time since a book has torn me like this. I'm conflicted, which again, is a testament to how well this character was written.

I know Captive of the Pirate King will stick with me for a long time, which is why I'd give this even more stars if I could. I HIGHLY recommend this book to all lovers of fantasy, romance, and of course, sexy pirates and badass women!! 5 stars!!

[Cece ❀Rants, Raves &Reviews❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore a pirate mythology book where the adventure on the seas and societal norms are just different on a ship.

This book was insanely fun to read and great characters. Literally only the rushed ending kept me from calling this a solid 5 star

“Except I kept a hundred of his dark secrets, and he kept only one of mine.”

“I know that voice like I know my own soul.”

“On land, you know your destination precisely, and the route you’ll take to get there. But a journey at sea is ever-changing, unpredictable. You can chart your course, but as I know from painful experience, anything can happen along the way.”


“His voice is low by my ear. “You haven’t ever handled anything that long and thick, have you?”“What?” I gasp, blinking through the rain. “I—I don’t—oh, you mean the rope.”“What else would I mean?”I shrug, my face burning. I’m glad for the cooling effect of the rain.“You can learn to handle it,” he says. “With practice. You have to be willing to stretch yourself, to expand. To try new things.”






Characters

Mordan

Nick

Locke

Dez

Cook

Veronica

Gorm

Tir

Jinks



“He goes very still, solid as a stone. “How perfectly convenient,” he says evenly. “Because I liked the simple cabin boy Nick, and the runaway girl with the stunning green eyes—but this coquettish minx, with her sly ways and bloody magic—I don’t want her.”


“shield against the surprise and hurt in his eyes. He’s a pirate, damn it. Rejection isn’t supposed to bother him. He’s not supposed to look at me like a puppy I just kicked. Not that I’ve ever kicked a puppy”


“He’s going to dump me over the side. He’s lifting me, ready to heave me overboard—And then he stops.Barely breathing, stomach coiling in knots, I look up at him. But he’s not looking at my face; he’s looking at my feet.”
“The captain’s boots,” he says slowly. “You put them on.”“What’s that?” the pirate captain asks.“I told this boy to take off the merchant captain’s fine boots. And he did. See? He put them on himself.”The pirate captain stares at me, a waifish scrap of freckles and blood and rags, with my very fine black boots sticking up over Locke’s arm.The pirate crew and the merchant sailors fall quiet, watching us.And then the captain throws back his head and laughs. “A young thief with spirit!” he says. “Steal from the rich and give to the poor—which is ourselves, am I right, lads?” The pirates voice a guttural roar.”

[Lydia ☽︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I can’t imagine an existence that doesn’t include you at my side - you, my thorny darling, my exasperating conscience, my beguiling ruination”

This was a recommendation I saw on TikTok and I’m so glad I decided to give it a go!

The story was gripping, fast-paced, well written and the flirting and banter between Locke and Veronica is the best I’ve read for a while!

I especially loved just how much tension there was between them in the beginning, it leapt off the page and had me hooked.
Both were just fantastic characters.

I can see this being perfect for anyone in a reading slump, would highly recommend! And I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Kenney read, but definitely not my last.

We start out strong with 20-year-old Veronica realising that the merchant ship she's travelling on is about to be overrun by pirates. Everyone knows that by decree of the Pirate Lord, women are never spared; they're either left to go down with the ship, or set loose in a small boat without any provisions - effectively a death sentence on the open ocean. But luckily, she has a plan for this emergency. With seconds to spare, she hacks off her hair and disguises herself as a 14-year-old boy.

The first pirate she meets is 26-year-old Locke, who accepts that she's a cabin boy. Veronica finagles her way onto the pirate crew, but a rapid attraction to Locke quickly complicates her disguise. I have to admit that the initial fast burn seriously made me question this book. By literally 30% in, Locke is essentially swearing eternal affection for her, and it just made me roll my eyes.

But luckily, the pace of the romance actually evened out a little after that. Still faster than I'd have liked, but things slow down when both characters realise how many secrets the other is hiding from them. Veronica is actually a blood mage who can control people's actions, who's run away from home in search of her older brother; as for Locke, he turns out to be (not spoiler alert, it's in the bloody title) the Pirate King himself. Yes, a 26-year-old Pirate King who's somehow grown to command fleets of men. We roll with it.

There are some glimmers of interesting characterisation and discussion here, actually. For instance, far from being a blushing noble virgin, Veronica had a very active sex life at home, and she and Locke talk about whether she used the men or they used her. I've seen a couple of other reviewers mention here that they find Locke misogynistic and hypocritical, but it didn't bother me - this is a pseudo-fantasy/historical world and I actually prefer it that the so-called Pirate King isn't some bastion of unrealistic feminism. The fact that he's not a dark hero in the dubcon sense AT ALL (full consent everywhere) is enough for me, in terms of his progressive credentials.

I did get moderate Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, which is not a bad thing because I LOVE those films. But sorry Locke, nobody except Jack Sparrow is ever going to be able to pull off saying 'savvy?' in conversation like that.

Decent prose, decent worldbuilding, I'll be trying Kenney's other books. Hopefully they'll be slower burn, because the OTT insta-lust just didn't work here.

[Philine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted a pirate romance and got so much more 🤍

[Stormie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ok. I didn't care for Veronica that much. She has her moments where she's likeable but overall I wasn't a fan. That seemed to be the way it went for me with this book. There were moments that were good but overall it was just ok.

I do not like when women in books want the guy to change and then they'll be with them or love them. Just love him as he is or don't be with him. Don't judge him. Don't ask him to change into the person you want him to be. I really hate that. Veronica was kind of like this.

The angst and sex in this was great. But the story was just meh. Locke was sexy but even he at times kind of bummed me out. I didn't get why he liked Veronica so fast. That felt forced to me.

Overall, meh.

[Yas · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.75* Romance with a hidden identity, filthy pirates, and a little magic.

The story had a strong start, and I enjoyed especially the first 80%. I'm always a sucker for pirates + romance! (I need people to write this combo more often)

Then the book started to have some pacing & plot issues - it somehow felt too long but also too rushed at the same time

But overall, it gave all the vibes I was hoping for, and I want to read more books in this series!

— Full RTC

[Gigi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Despite the short chapters (which I like), the story still moved too slow for my liking. I was hoping for something faster paced with more magic involved. But it gave me a taste of what this author is capable of, and I think it’s headed in the right direction.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25.4.5 stars for me!

This was a fast paced, fun, steamy pirate fantasy romance. I love me some pirate or nautical set fantasy books and I really enjoyed this one!

I really enjoyed the push/pull between Veronica and Locke. It never felt too much or too frustrating. I loved that Veronica was strong and determined. I enjoyed learning more about Locke as the story progressed, and I would have also loved chapters from his POV!

I enjoyed the world in this, where some people have powers and abilities. It was a solid worldbuilding to give realism to things and honestly I’d love to read more set in this world!!

Highly enjoyable, quick moving chapters where you won’t want to stop reading! I continue to love this author.

[Serialbookstarter:Marla]

I got bored.

[Tarryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Book Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's book 2 of the Dark Ruler Series but like all the other books it's a #standalone read.

This is my second favourite of the series. It revolves around the journey of a run away Noble female trying to escape an arranged marriage and find answers to questions that have haunted her since the day her brother ran away from home & as the name suggests the Pirate King who might have those answers but for a price, both on their way to Ravensbeck the Pirate King's island whose location is a mystery.

Both the main leads are quite headstrong and ready to fight for what they believe in, which was entertaining to read. There is a different kind of magic being used in the book, tattoo magic that binds you & blood magic that controls you. ✨

The book picks up with the pirates sinking the ship hosting our noble female. She ends up disguising herself as a boy so that she can stay on the pirate ship and work as a cabin boy, cause apparently the Pirate King's ships have a no women policy (for their own safety 🤦🏻‍♀️).

I love how Veronica is not shy of her sexuality throughout the book. There is initially a little confusion with regards to who the male lead is, but you kinda figure it out even before it's revealed, though the revelation and the chapters following that reveal is 🤌🏻 *chef's kiss*. The whole book is filled with tasteful steamy scenes as expected by any Rebecca F Kenny book which I love!!!

The story is filled with twists and turns and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Though the last few chapters leave you wanting more of that particular plot, all in all it's a good read.

[Patricia’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me just start by saying that this book was amazing. It was my first one from this author, and I was pleasantly surprised. It had everything I usually look for in books all wrapped up in one. There was romance, adventure, a hot pirate with an aversion to wearing shirts and, of course, toe-curling smut. What's not to like?
I usually go for the classic enemies to lovers trope. This book kind of had it, but different. Why not spice things up every once in a while? This was more like enemies to friends to lovers to enemies to lovers.
And the TENTION between our main character, Veronica, and Locke, was insane. And when they finally hooked up, I was not disappointed. The main focus was definitely the romance, so I feel like the plot was a bit underdeveloped. But it was still good, if a bit predictable.
Another thing I noticed was that our two lovebirds have a praise-kink and are exhibitionist. It wasn't said outright, but certain scenes prove me right. And you know I love some kinky scenes.
So all in all, I'm not forcing you to read the book, but you'd be doing yourself a favor. It is criminally underhyped.

[Savannah S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will forever always love a good disguise story.

[A.E. Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenney does it again! Another page-turner in the Dark Rulers series! Our main character Veronica finds herself needing to pose as a young man when pirates overtake the ship she's on. Once she's onboard the pirate ship, she finds herself interacting with one of the pirates - the mysteriously sexy Locke. Kenney does an excellent job building tension between these two and when they do hook up (and they hook up A LOT) it's very rewarding. There was a bit more violence in this book than I expected (heed those TWs!) but overall this is was another fantastic read from Kenney, who is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pirate romance with a bit of magic sprinkled in.

I’ve been looking for a good pirate romance for quite some time now. I’ve read a few but it seems no one is writing them anymore. I’m glad I stumbled upon this one.

Sexy, exciting and adventurous. The perfect trio.

[R1vana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

RTC

[Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy magic mild wish author wld go in depth. The magic system is a touch n go.

Pirates story high level
Romance .. some what
Story plot keeps going.

[Emily ⋆ ̊ ⋆★⋆ ̊ ⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh the sexual tension in this book is so good

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️.5 for the first half of the book. First half started out strong — the second half of the story took a nosedive imo. I can’t believe Veronica killed her brother for being a killer who couldn’t help his violent outbursts, but said outbursts could be magically kept in check. Mordan ( Veronica’s brother) can’t control his temper and would lash out violently, unless Veronica used her powers to calm him. He even found love and happiness — one of his partners was able to use his power to control his violent tendencies. But guess what, his lovers were killed by pirates working for the pirate king — like countless others. The pirate king was accountable for destroying Mordan’s chance at happiness imo. Both main characters are major hypocrites! Instead of killing her brother in cold blood — because he went on a killing spree once he was no longer under his partners positive magical influence— she should have told The pirate king to give Mordan a tattoo that could have nullified his powers, and Veronica could have used her blood mage powers to get him to agree to do it. She used her blood mage powers to trick him into trusting her long enough to stab him anyway! They could have at least attempted to save him from himself! Killing him should have been the last resort imo. Veronica doesn’t mind marrying a psycho who profits off of the deaths of innocent people, but having a brother whose powers and psychotic tendencies could be magically neutered is a no-no 🙄🤔? Where’s the logic in that?

[Loulou · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was so close. So close to being an amazing book but the male mc happened and i didlike him. Dude slutshamed her left and right for having sex? While he was being smug about how many he slept with? He had women thrown out of ships so they wouldn't be raped instead of eliminating the rapists?? He was sexually assaulted too he literally should hate them but.... Bruh could've been phenomenal book but the author just had to create a misogynistic jerk as an mc so too bad. 3 stars for the plot, although it ended too fast and for the world building

[Adélie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started off really good. The plot is actually really good and the action sequences awesome. But the romance was just so toxic. It started off amazing but then it just progress into this absolute toxic cycle. The hero had really confused. Like at first he seemed good and funny. But then after he didn’t help those people and let them die it just made me question his motives. And he really started treating the FMC like shit and saying really horrible things to her. Meanwhile she’s like “I love him” lol. Hell naw.

[vickey mouse clubhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You believe that money can get you whatever you want?” I say softly.

Locke glances my way, holding my gaze for a moment.

I blink my lashes at him, slowly.

“Almost anything,” he replies.

















Don’t take my word for the rating, the book helped me with a reading slump, so points for that LMAO

[Giulia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

✓ PNR
✓ Secret identity
✓ Slow burn
✓ Entertaining plot - 3.5 / 5
✓ Mature language
✓ Fast paced
✓ Spice 🌶🌶🌶 / 5
✓ Villain gets the girl
✓ One bed
✓ Enemies to Lovers
✓ Standalone
✓ Pirates ☠️
✓ Adventure
✓ Magic
✓ HEA (kinda 🤔)



Veronica runs away from home with one goal in mind: to find her brother, who sailed away years ago.
When pirates capture her ship, she knows what she must do to survive. Keeping her gender and her magic a secret, she disguises herself as a male cabin boy. She knows that the Pirate King forbids women on his ships, and that only those who surrender will survive.
The ship is bound for Ravensbeck, the Pirate King's stronghold.
Is Veronica ready for the fierce and mysterious Locke and his secrets?




This book isn't perfect, but if you're looking for an entertaining and sexy distraction that's easy to follow, it's a good choice.
I liked the magic system and the characters in this book. Their relationship was very interesting.
The story starts off strong and I'm happy that it doesn't rely too much on romance or sexual scenes to move the plot forward.
I didn't like some of the scenes, but I really liked the tension, the story, and the writing.
I have some questions about some of the characters, but it seems like the story is only about the main characters.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5stars 🌟 This book was SUCH A DELIGHT!!! I have been looking to read my first pirate romance and when I stumbled upon a recommendation on tiktok about a high born lady pretending to be a cabin boy and protected by one of the crew members I thought it would be a quick and simple light read but it ended up being so much more.

My first surprise was how beautiful the writing style and how researched and complex the plot were. I did not expect so much depth and character in the story and protagonists.

Then I realized that this book was a fantasy romance and it delivered on both of these aspects. The romance was hot and steamy and I had the time of my life reading those scenes but there were also sweet and swoon-worthy moments which balanced everything out. And the fantasy aspect was amazing!! The main characters had such unique and uncommon powers and I even wished we had more answers about some of them!

Overall this was an enjoyable, well-written fantasy romance and I would highly recommend it!

[MissClo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Kenney book and I had no idea how much I was going to love her style and humour.

Although this books felt light most of the time, it deals with some seriously dark issues and I think Kenney does a great job of it.

I loved the unique characters of Locke and Nick. I love that Veronica wasn’t struggling with emotions and took her time in accepting her feelings. It was refreshing to have an emotionally constipated heroine instead of an MC for once. It didn’t mean that I didn’t want to scream and haul my kindle at points because of her, but I loved it all nonetheless.

I would love to know more about the Pirate King’s friends and can’t wait to read more Kenney books going forward

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I did not expect to love this book at all! The plot...... It is done so well and a couple of twists and turns that you do not see coming (like who the real king is!). There is a lot of substance and plot with this book, but you also have a handful of spicy scenes. The book builds sexual tension leading up to the scenes, but also time building details of the story. The dialogue between all the characters adds to the story. There isn't a lot of unnecessary details and stuff put into the book. The ending is great for all the presented situations and problems.

Just so many things to compliment the author on this, but ironically hard to put into words! Very well done! Highly recommend!!!

Triggers: Threats of SA, murder, torture

*Quick read, took me about 4/5 hourish to finish

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rlllyyyy loved this book bc pirates kinda slay and I like that she had her own motivations and worked hard and wasn’t alwayysssss being saved by the ML. I would say it felt like towards the end the writer got rlllyyy into their romance aspect instead of the finding her brother point of the whole plot which ended up being wrapped up in like 2/3 chapters but this is a romance book.

Also 100% this relationship would not last like she hates everything he stands for? Like it confuses me bc she was so against pirates morals (even tho she hardly mentioned the first kill she did on the boat ever again) to an annoying point bc omg ur literally on a pirate ship trying to live like let’s get a grip now…

But overall it was quite fun and I liked the tension but I do think it might have been better if they accepted their feeling earlier