What do you think?
Rate this book
A Pirate Romance Duology #2
Storms of Paine
After the storm that separates them, Captains Rosetta Silver and Alister Paine find themselves sailing side by side together once more. Their passion refuses to fizzle out and burns brighter, hotter, and, frighteningly, deeper every time. Rosetta manages to convince the land hating Alister to port. They need supplies and the Laughing Siren still needs repairs.
BUT LAND MAY BE DANGEROUS FOR THEM - and not just because of the bounty on his head.
Emotions within Rosetta are stirring and she doesn't have a compass to navigate these unfamiliar waters. Alister's behaviour in port isn't what she was expecting, and well, she isn't a saint either - far from it.
HE'S LIKE A STORM, AND LIKE A SAVAGE THUNDERSTORM, SHE FEARS HE WILL SWEEP HER AWAY.
However, the more she discovers about his complicated past and the true nature of this man, the more it has her wondering if she should give herself over to her feelings... or run.
BUT LAND MAY BE DANGEROUS FOR THEM - and not just because of the bounty on his head.
Emotions within Rosetta are stirring and she doesn't have a compass to navigate these unfamiliar waters. Alister's behaviour in port isn't what she was expecting, and well, she isn't a saint either - far from it.
HE'S LIKE A STORM, AND LIKE A SAVAGE THUNDERSTORM, SHE FEARS HE WILL SWEEP HER AWAY.
However, the more she discovers about his complicated past and the true nature of this man, the more it has her wondering if she should give herself over to her feelings... or run.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2022
121 people are currently reading
2011 people want to read
About the author
Opal Reyne
21 books5,970 followersOpal Reyne is an Australian Author who has been a fan of the Adult Paranormal Romance genre from the moment she picked up a book of it - and has never looked back.
She loves everything spicy, smutty,and everything boarder-line monster loving. She started writing because of her love of the written word, and because she wanted to build a diverse world of mythological creatures, while also showing the beauty of all ethnicities of humanity. She thrives to produce a plot driven, character developing book while sprinkling in enchanting imagery.
-Duskwalker Brides a series that features a very real monster who never turns into a handsome prince.
-Witch Bound is a series of Dragon-shifter males falling for their species enemies, Witches!
-She currently has a completed series called 'A Pirate Romance duology'.
As of the 20th of June 2022, The Aedus Chronicles has been unpublished. Thank you to all the readers who enjoyed the series, and Opal may look into revising them in the future.
She loves everything spicy, smutty,and everything boarder-line monster loving. She started writing because of her love of the written word, and because she wanted to build a diverse world of mythological creatures, while also showing the beauty of all ethnicities of humanity. She thrives to produce a plot driven, character developing book while sprinkling in enchanting imagery.
-Duskwalker Brides a series that features a very real monster who never turns into a handsome prince.
-Witch Bound is a series of Dragon-shifter males falling for their species enemies, Witches!
-She currently has a completed series called 'A Pirate Romance duology'.
As of the 20th of June 2022, The Aedus Chronicles has been unpublished. Thank you to all the readers who enjoyed the series, and Opal may look into revising them in the future.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
February 3, 2022
I loved this one way better than book 1. The writing was so much better. The banter was again, hilarious. It was slow in parts but for the most part, great conclusion to the story.
Read
November 5, 2023
Trigger & Content Warnings
Domestic violence recounted
Miscarriage mentioned
Blood, gore & injury depiction
Domestic violence recounted
Miscarriage mentioned
Blood, gore & injury depiction
January 29, 2022
4.5
Book 2 picks up where we left off in book one. Alistair and Rosetta continue to show hidden depths to themselves, consequently deepening their undeniable connection. The romance and spice in this book is *chefs kiss. Amazing. Worth the read for that alone. However the world building continues to amaze, and it is so nice to read about the characters experiences on land, rather than just sea. Rosetta continues to be the bad bitch we know and love- honestly aspire to be! And Alistair is as dreamy as ever- it is so nice that Opal delves into his past more, so they we (as well as Rosetta) are able to understand him more as a character- why he is the way he is.
Thank you to Opal for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
TW; Violence, explicit sexual scenes, sexual and domestic abuse talked about.
Book 2 picks up where we left off in book one. Alistair and Rosetta continue to show hidden depths to themselves, consequently deepening their undeniable connection. The romance and spice in this book is *chefs kiss. Amazing. Worth the read for that alone. However the world building continues to amaze, and it is so nice to read about the characters experiences on land, rather than just sea. Rosetta continues to be the bad bitch we know and love- honestly aspire to be! And Alistair is as dreamy as ever- it is so nice that Opal delves into his past more, so they we (as well as Rosetta) are able to understand him more as a character- why he is the way he is.
Thank you to Opal for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
TW; Violence, explicit sexual scenes, sexual and domestic abuse talked about.
January 6, 2026
I don't know what I DIDN'T hate about this book, this whole duology. It made me so angry, it is still boiling inside me.
This book felt like one, painfully long description of things that should not matter/do not change shit/only make things worse. It is pages after pages of narration about walking through port town, sitting in a tavern, then walking again just to sit in another tavern. And that is like... 60% of the book. Literally. Nothing that happens within the 60% matters. Then the major plot twist is based on miscommunication and being a coward/too stupid.
I thought that maybe I would like Rosetta more, now that she was mostly on land and stopped acting like she knew everything. I tried but she still annoyed me. Tho seeing her less pirat-y side revealed more emotions she harbored. Still - for a girl that was described as so smart and cunning, she was nothing special. If she wanted something in port, she took on a role of a cheap whore (her words) and started to cling to stupid drunks. The author was still trying to push a narrative about how strong she is but Rosetta didn't represent anything like this.
I think the most shocking part was the fact that the author was both making Rosetta show everyone that women can be equal to men while actively putting her in situations where she had to belittle herself, use herself or get dominated/abused.
Which leads to... Alister. If this is a MMC that we were to love, I am baffled.
Alister is just an abuser. There are no excuses to what he is. Not even "oh but he is a pirate and a morally dark character" could be valid.
To him Rosetta, whom he had known for about a year now, for 80% of the book was just a hole to fuck and possibly breed. Most of the times he saw her only as her body, described not being able to go without fucking her and doing so in a way that would hurt. He expressed wanting to punish her (for nothing or for things that he just imagine COULD happen but NEVER DID), go against her wishes. If he wanted to take her, he would. Time and time again he finished in her despite Rosetta clearly stating to never do that. We all know what it is.
He constantly expressed his blinding rage, screamed at her, belittled her. He was controlling, dominant and never showed Rosetta an ounce of respect towards her as a human and her body. She was just a toy. All the comments that he made... it was disgusting.
The characters didn't hold a normal conversation. All they did was scream, lash out or fuck. If they were talking, Alister would immediately get angry at Rosetta over such small things. It was plain abuse. I can't believe Rosetta, given her past, didn't see that.
Somehow at the end she described Alister as sweet and caring. When was this? When they cuddled after she had to get him so drunk that he would not fuck her to the point of pain? After he said she should be THANKFUL that he stopped when she was begging?
Everything was always Rosetta's fault. She could be minding her business but then Alister suddenly thought that maybe she COULD be doing something that would anger him and so he got furious.
Can you even wrap your head around it?
"Oh I haven't seen her. I am sure she is fucking someone else, that whore. I will kill him" and she was literally on the ship doing nothing special. He WANTED for something to happen, wanted to have a reason to lash out. If he could, he would be jealous of himself.
There was no funny banter people are talking about. It was Rosetta making a comment and him yelling. Following by his thoughts of harming her to punish her.
Now - I know this is a dark romance type thing. I have read a lot of them, I am familiar with all that CNC stuff. But this was not it. Rosetta never really expressed whether she liked what Alister was doing to her. She more often said NO to him or beg him to stop/be gentle. Which he never listened because he didn't want to. There was never any communication regarding what they wanted but then... there was never communication about anything.
I can't even wrap my mind around the scenes in port. The author delivered 10-20 pages description about Alister forcing Rosetta to sit on his lap FOR HOURS. It was just plain stupid and cringy to read. This whole discussion about him saying he can take prostitutes because that is what he does when in port but she can't have anyone. Oh, and she cannot expect him to change because she has no right to! Then again long description about sitting on his lap and someone coming to sit on his other knee and him not feeling it. Like bro - a whole girl sits on you and you don't know it.
When Alister was not abusing Rosetta and we were on the sea, nothing interesting happened. And then the plot twist we knew would happen, rushed ending and cringy epilogue.
This duology was a bunch of toxic spew glorifying and romanticizing abuse. Full of misogynistic comments and narrations. Instead of showing that a female can be a powerful captain, a force - she showed that they can be broken too to be treated like fucktoys and disrespected.
I am shocked by the amount of people say they loved this. There was nothing to love. Call the things by their names when you see them.
Not even gonna comment on the poor writing itself. This series should not exist. This plot HAD potential. Trust me when I say this. It could be enemies to lovers, spicy, banter romance where he falls first but it wasn't. There was nothing nice about it.
I will make an appointment for lobotomy.
This book felt like one, painfully long description of things that should not matter/do not change shit/only make things worse. It is pages after pages of narration about walking through port town, sitting in a tavern, then walking again just to sit in another tavern. And that is like... 60% of the book. Literally. Nothing that happens within the 60% matters. Then the major plot twist is based on miscommunication and being a coward/too stupid.
I thought that maybe I would like Rosetta more, now that she was mostly on land and stopped acting like she knew everything. I tried but she still annoyed me. Tho seeing her less pirat-y side revealed more emotions she harbored. Still - for a girl that was described as so smart and cunning, she was nothing special. If she wanted something in port, she took on a role of a cheap whore (her words) and started to cling to stupid drunks. The author was still trying to push a narrative about how strong she is but Rosetta didn't represent anything like this.
I think the most shocking part was the fact that the author was both making Rosetta show everyone that women can be equal to men while actively putting her in situations where she had to belittle herself, use herself or get dominated/abused.
Which leads to... Alister. If this is a MMC that we were to love, I am baffled.
Alister is just an abuser. There are no excuses to what he is. Not even "oh but he is a pirate and a morally dark character" could be valid.
To him Rosetta, whom he had known for about a year now, for 80% of the book was just a hole to fuck and possibly breed. Most of the times he saw her only as her body, described not being able to go without fucking her and doing so in a way that would hurt. He expressed wanting to punish her (for nothing or for things that he just imagine COULD happen but NEVER DID), go against her wishes. If he wanted to take her, he would. Time and time again he finished in her despite Rosetta clearly stating to never do that. We all know what it is.
He constantly expressed his blinding rage, screamed at her, belittled her. He was controlling, dominant and never showed Rosetta an ounce of respect towards her as a human and her body. She was just a toy. All the comments that he made... it was disgusting.
The characters didn't hold a normal conversation. All they did was scream, lash out or fuck. If they were talking, Alister would immediately get angry at Rosetta over such small things. It was plain abuse. I can't believe Rosetta, given her past, didn't see that.
Somehow at the end she described Alister as sweet and caring. When was this? When they cuddled after she had to get him so drunk that he would not fuck her to the point of pain? After he said she should be THANKFUL that he stopped when she was begging?
Everything was always Rosetta's fault. She could be minding her business but then Alister suddenly thought that maybe she COULD be doing something that would anger him and so he got furious.
Can you even wrap your head around it?
"Oh I haven't seen her. I am sure she is fucking someone else, that whore. I will kill him" and she was literally on the ship doing nothing special. He WANTED for something to happen, wanted to have a reason to lash out. If he could, he would be jealous of himself.
There was no funny banter people are talking about. It was Rosetta making a comment and him yelling. Following by his thoughts of harming her to punish her.
Now - I know this is a dark romance type thing. I have read a lot of them, I am familiar with all that CNC stuff. But this was not it. Rosetta never really expressed whether she liked what Alister was doing to her. She more often said NO to him or beg him to stop/be gentle. Which he never listened because he didn't want to. There was never any communication regarding what they wanted but then... there was never communication about anything.
I can't even wrap my mind around the scenes in port. The author delivered 10-20 pages description about Alister forcing Rosetta to sit on his lap FOR HOURS. It was just plain stupid and cringy to read. This whole discussion about him saying he can take prostitutes because that is what he does when in port but she can't have anyone. Oh, and she cannot expect him to change because she has no right to! Then again long description about sitting on his lap and someone coming to sit on his other knee and him not feeling it. Like bro - a whole girl sits on you and you don't know it.
When Alister was not abusing Rosetta and we were on the sea, nothing interesting happened. And then the plot twist we knew would happen, rushed ending and cringy epilogue.
This duology was a bunch of toxic spew glorifying and romanticizing abuse. Full of misogynistic comments and narrations. Instead of showing that a female can be a powerful captain, a force - she showed that they can be broken too to be treated like fucktoys and disrespected.
I am shocked by the amount of people say they loved this. There was nothing to love. Call the things by their names when you see them.
Not even gonna comment on the poor writing itself. This series should not exist. This plot HAD potential. Trust me when I say this. It could be enemies to lovers, spicy, banter romance where he falls first but it wasn't. There was nothing nice about it.
I will make an appointment for lobotomy.
March 3, 2023
Omg this book!!!♥️
I laughed, I cried, I giggled, I absolutely loved this book! Opal has such an amazing talent of writing to where you feel like you are there with the characters. I felt like I was on the ship in the storm, or on land at the port market. It was so beautifully written and just amazing! I love all of her book and will read everything she will put out!
I laughed, I cried, I giggled, I absolutely loved this book! Opal has such an amazing talent of writing to where you feel like you are there with the characters. I felt like I was on the ship in the storm, or on land at the port market. It was so beautifully written and just amazing! I love all of her book and will read everything she will put out!
July 25, 2024
Not as good as the first in my opinion. Had my two least fav tropes, miscommunication and pregnancy. To be fair a pregnancy trope is warranted when you’re an old timey pirate with no birth control. Allister did grow as a character but still kinda gave me the ick. Great smut tho! The author doesn’t want to do any spin offs which is too bad because I would totally read them
July 23, 2023
A good ass book. That’s what this was. I fucking loved every second of it. The character and relationship development was literally amazing. Please please please pleaseeee read these books 🖤🥹
December 18, 2025
Low stakes romance. Not too plotty… just banter and sassy brashness. Loved the FMC, she didn’t need what’s his face and made no apologies about it. Dude was a pirate, with pirate tendencies, he was an unloveable brute but hey, to each her own.
February 5, 2022
I was already obsessed with book one and now I'm equally as obsessed with book two! This book picks up directly after the events of book one and we get to see the relationship progress even more. Plus the spice! This is the pirate romance you need in your life!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2023
Ooooh the ending was FANTASTIC!!!! I love Opals work and can't wait to keep reading her stuff
November 12, 2025
This one was even better then the last. I loved it so much. The ending was so freaking good. Miss Opal is the only author I have read where I don't hate the characters having kids. Rosetta didn't change she wasn't sidelined she still captained her ship after having a baby. I freaking loved that they were teach all three of them have to sail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2026
I love this duology. It's an easy read and has some good smut. I think the epilogue felt a bit rushed and the book could've ended without it
June 28, 2022
Book Review: Storms of Paine (A Pirate Romance Duology #2)
Author: Opal Reyne
Rating: 5
This book, like book 1 of this duology, continues to have some of the same problems. There’s still weird stuff happening with the character’s voice (please stop using modern terminology such as G-spot and clit if you’re trying to build the ambiance of a 1700s-ish world), need for some proofreading, and not much world-building outside of their ships and Tortaya. But the story here is even better than the in the first one.
We are past the suspiciousness of the getting to know each other that happened in book one. Here, Alister and Rosetta are building trust, and we get to see their relationship truly flourish. More than that, we see Alister begin to respect Rosie as a captain in her own right, and the change that occurred in their relationship because of it.
There are also so many vulnerable moments in this book. I’m talking moments that are full of pure gentleness and vulnerability, as much as these two crazy and uncouth pirates can muster. I always think the mark of a great writer is what they make you feel through their characters, and here Opal Reyne made me feel. Especially in the smallest moments, those are the ones that have stuck with me long after reading the book. Yes there is rough and ready f*cking, befitting these two crazy-ass captains, but the moments that stuck with me the most were the little ones where they both slowly let their guard down for each other, making their love come right off the page.
I can’t recommend this Pirate Romance Duology enough. Opal Reyne is definitely one of the authors I’ll keep my eye on, because if this is what she is writing now, I can only imagine that she will get better with experience.
Check out my blog for more reviews and recommendations!
https://romancereadingcorner.wordpres...
February 7, 2022
Captain Alister Paine thought he’d be tired of Captain Rosetta Silver by now, but the truth is, he craves her more than ever. When Rosetta convinces Alister to port, danger is waiting for them on land - and lurks in their hearts.
Oh. My. God. This was such an amazing conclusion to Alister and Rosetta’s story!!! I loved how their relationship was set up in the first one, and then was so beautifully explored in this one. I adored watching them explore (and deny) their feelings, and I loved the ending. This book had the perfect balance of action and angst, banter and humor, steam and romance.
Alister. He’s harsh, a brute of a man, and he’s never claimed to be anything more. But with Rosetta, his walls start coming down as he begins to trust her despite himself. Rosetta. This poor woman has been through so much, yet she’s still her strong and sassy self. I love how she worked through her pain and her emotions. Alister and Rosetta’s chemistry is fiery and bright, obvious to anyone who knew them - and even those who didn’t. 5 freaking stars!!!
Oh. My. God. This was such an amazing conclusion to Alister and Rosetta’s story!!! I loved how their relationship was set up in the first one, and then was so beautifully explored in this one. I adored watching them explore (and deny) their feelings, and I loved the ending. This book had the perfect balance of action and angst, banter and humor, steam and romance.
Alister. He’s harsh, a brute of a man, and he’s never claimed to be anything more. But with Rosetta, his walls start coming down as he begins to trust her despite himself. Rosetta. This poor woman has been through so much, yet she’s still her strong and sassy self. I love how she worked through her pain and her emotions. Alister and Rosetta’s chemistry is fiery and bright, obvious to anyone who knew them - and even those who didn’t. 5 freaking stars!!!
July 6, 2023
If you did NOT enjoy the first one due to format and editing issues, don’t worry this one is soooo much better (I looked for this info in all the reviews). I almost put the first one down because of the editing issues, but the story was so good I didn’t want to. I struggled with starting the second book because I didn’t want to put up with it, but oh it’s so worth it. It could have been one book I guess, according to other reviews, but honestly the first ended on the perfect cliff hanger and the authors growth in the second book was worth it!! I love pirates and never find good books for them, I’m so happy I found this one!
November 17, 2023
This book starts off exactly where Sea of Roses left off. The foreshadowing in this book was a little obvious, which left the ending pretty predictable early on in the novel. Overall another great book with diverse and lovable characters from Opal!
November 15, 2024
The true rating is 4.5 but rounding up to 5 stars. The reason for 4.5 is because I love these books but don't feel the same urge to finish them right away like I do with my 5 star book. However, the ending of this one was so good! I definitely enjoyed this book!
February 7, 2026
2.5 stars 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑 – torn between a 2 for the majority of the book and up to a 3 for the ending
This duology was too rough of a romance for me, but if you like your romances dark and aren’t easily triggered, it could be for you.
Genres, settings, categories, themes: dark romance (M/F), pirates, dark, action/adventure, high seas
💗 Tropes: 💗
> Age Gap (8 years)
> Danger
> Enemies to Lovers
> Second Chance (kind of)
> Slow Burn
all about tropes here
POV: 3rd person, alternating/dual
Series/Sequencing Style: 2nd in a duology, needs to be read in order
Format: ebook
🔽🔽🔽
Overall ratings
Heat level: 🌋 4/5 red hot 🌋
(from Ampersand’s guide to heat levels in romance novels – (0) sweet, (1) mild sizzle, (2) sensual steam, (3) spicy seduction, (4) red hot, (5) erotic)
~ Heroine (Rosetta) ~ 3.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
~ Hero (Alister) ~ 1.5/5 🌕🌗🌑🌑🌑
~ Other characters ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Plot ~ 3/5 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑 a little overlong
~ Pacing ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
~ Romance ~ 3/5 🌕🌗🌑 purely for the ending; for much of the book, it felt like a 1/5 to me
~ Action ~ 3.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
~ Writing ~ 3.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
~ Reading enjoyability & fun ~ 2.5/5 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
~ Depth & tone (1 light & fun --> 5 more serious, addresses heavier topics?): 3.5
~ Angst level: 4/5
~ Sadness level: 1/5
🔽🔽🔽
❗CW/Triggers:❗accidental pregnancy, language (ex. 'bitch' and 'whore' used in anger against the heroine), maiming/missing body parts, mistreatment of prostitutes (mentioned), misogyny, murder, OW drama, pregnancy & , prostitution, punishing/abusive sex, sexism, shooting, sword fighting, unprotected sex, violence
🔽🔽🔽
📝 Review/Notes 📝
• There’s just a lot of questionable things in their relationship…like when they’re at port and he fucks her so many times, while she’s super drunk, that she has to beg him to stop because her body can’t take anymore–and he says she should be grateful he listened, because he didn’t want to.
• Alister is fickle all the time about her in a way that isn't very cute. He has thoughts about how he should sleep with a prostitute, still kill anyone she sleeps with, and “keep her” too. I’m glad he doesn’t actually sleep with anyone else, but I don't know...
• But also, Rosetta also doesn’t need to be such a bitch…a maid expresses concern to see if she’s there willingly and Rosetta tells her to, ”oh piss off”.
Some quotes showing the questionable things mentioned - the ick
2) Halfway through the 2nd book and this is only just now coming from Alistair:
Other overall thoughts
Good ending.
I think overall just a little too dark/rough (and maybe angsty) for me. I can’t say it didn’t hold my attention though. I stayed up late reading both books and was captivated throughout. I think they could have been a little shorter though, with some of the more aggressive thoughts and interactions cut down more. I just found the books a little too problematic.
I’m a little surprised at the seemingly overwhelming number of 4 & 5 star reviews…there are others mixed in there, but I really thought this might be too dark and problematic for many readers.
I also have to be honest that I ended this duology feeling like it just could have been better from pretty much every angle.
🔽🔽🔽
🤠 Recommended for: dark romance fans who want pirates, banter, and angst–must not be bothered by questionable consent and other issues
This duology was too rough of a romance for me, but if you like your romances dark and aren’t easily triggered, it could be for you.
Genres, settings, categories, themes: dark romance (M/F), pirates, dark, action/adventure, high seas
💗 Tropes: 💗
> Age Gap (8 years)
> Danger
> Enemies to Lovers
> Second Chance (kind of)
> Slow Burn
all about tropes here
POV: 3rd person, alternating/dual
Series/Sequencing Style: 2nd in a duology, needs to be read in order
Format: ebook
🔽🔽🔽
Overall ratings
Heat level: 🌋 4/5 red hot 🌋
(from Ampersand’s guide to heat levels in romance novels – (0) sweet, (1) mild sizzle, (2) sensual steam, (3) spicy seduction, (4) red hot, (5) erotic)
~ Heroine (Rosetta) ~ 3.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
~ Hero (Alister) ~ 1.5/5 🌕🌗🌑🌑🌑
~ Other characters ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Plot ~ 3/5 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑 a little overlong
~ Pacing ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
~ Romance ~ 3/5 🌕🌗🌑 purely for the ending; for much of the book, it felt like a 1/5 to me
~ Action ~ 3.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
~ Writing ~ 3.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
~ Reading enjoyability & fun ~ 2.5/5 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
~ Depth & tone (1 light & fun --> 5 more serious, addresses heavier topics?): 3.5
~ Angst level: 4/5
~ Sadness level: 1/5
🔽🔽🔽
❗CW/Triggers:❗accidental pregnancy, language (ex. 'bitch' and 'whore' used in anger against the heroine), maiming/missing body parts, mistreatment of prostitutes (mentioned), misogyny, murder, OW drama, pregnancy & , prostitution, punishing/abusive sex, sexism, shooting, sword fighting, unprotected sex, violence
🔽🔽🔽
📝 Review/Notes 📝
• There’s just a lot of questionable things in their relationship…like when they’re at port and he fucks her so many times, while she’s super drunk, that she has to beg him to stop because her body can’t take anymore–and he says she should be grateful he listened, because he didn’t want to.
• Alister is fickle all the time about her in a way that isn't very cute. He has thoughts about how he should sleep with a prostitute, still kill anyone she sleeps with, and “keep her” too. I’m glad he doesn’t actually sleep with anyone else, but I don't know...
• But also, Rosetta also doesn’t need to be such a bitch…a maid expresses concern to see if she’s there willingly and Rosetta tells her to, ”oh piss off”.
Some quotes showing the questionable things mentioned - the ick
1) “If Rosetta took another man, she’d see Alister at his worst... and his worst was not kind. She’d already seen it. When they took over ships, she’d seen him beat others who wouldn’t surrender, strangle them, cut them slowly with a knife. He could be undeniably cruel when he wanted to be, and that never bothered her before because it usually had nothing to do with her.”
2) Halfway through the 2nd book and this is only just now coming from Alistair:
“He was so pleased with her that he might focus on her pleasure rather than his own.”
3) “She was a whore. Not in her past – he didn’t care about that. But she would have freely taken other men in Tortaya despite being with Alister. She would have cheated him out of his fun before he was ready.”It’s too late in their relationship for him to still be talking about her like this, even in his mind. And it’s unfair when she only ever was doing what she thought he wanted and following his lead when she saw him with other women.
Other overall thoughts
Good ending.
I think overall just a little too dark/rough (and maybe angsty) for me. I can’t say it didn’t hold my attention though. I stayed up late reading both books and was captivated throughout. I think they could have been a little shorter though, with some of the more aggressive thoughts and interactions cut down more. I just found the books a little too problematic.
I’m a little surprised at the seemingly overwhelming number of 4 & 5 star reviews…there are others mixed in there, but I really thought this might be too dark and problematic for many readers.
I also have to be honest that I ended this duology feeling like it just could have been better from pretty much every angle.
🔽🔽🔽
🤠 Recommended for: dark romance fans who want pirates, banter, and angst–must not be bothered by questionable consent and other issues
September 26, 2025
Even though I couldn't wait to start the second book, this one definitely took me WAYY longer then normal to read and get thru. I had to keep going back and restarting chapters because I had a lot of personal things going on and couldn't really remember where I'd left off (the bummer with reading on a Kindle imo). The spice in this book was just as good as the first. Their time at port was HOT and intimate and we got to see a different side of these characters in this book. More of their past was revealed and how it tied into their present. The ending was predictable (WAYYYY early) though which was a little disheartening but I'm glad it got buttoned up nicely and the characters deserved it. Still fun to see it play out.
Alister's character was the most fun for me to get involved with in this duology. We got to see this brutal/heartless pirate go from taking...to giving. It wasn't an insta-love thing and I'm so grateful for that because it would've certainly ruined the character development -- but just seeing gradually how he processed things in his head even if he didn't always share things out loud. He really grew as a character. I just kept imagining Beauty and the Beast but with an edge (she certainly wasn't a docile Belle like character lol) but just seeing him go from brute to....end game....was so *heart eyes*
SPOILERS>>>>>>>>
I'm glad we didn't have to wait a super long time for them to get back together after the misunderstanding. I liked that we got to see some of the more intricate parts of being a "pirate" and their day to day tasks and how they did them together -- counting coins, selling wares, etc. OMGOSH didn't see Lillian being his mom, plot twist. LOVE that she got him to take his patch off and they could have that trust/intimacy between them.
SUPER PISSED at how she left him and went on her way but totally understand her reasonings for doing it and predicted the reasoning behind it. It had been foreshadowed since book one when she killed Theodore so it was only a matter of time. Love the yearning and searching though. Definitely thought it was necessary for him to go thru that to fully realize what she was to him..and for him to be ready for her and the baby. I wish they'd showed more of it from her stand point. We had chapters of him looking for her but just a short glimpse into her time apart.
And how did we just poof skim over and rush the HUGE treasure find like it was "meh" at the end. I get that the author was trying to show that his priorities had changed and it wasn't his driving force anymore but it was still a pretty major deal and it just kind of got a paragraph.
Glad it got to wrap up with a chapter about the kids...and love that there were three. Seems problematic to raise babies/children on boats with how they lived, but eh it's just a book and luckily logistics don't have to make sense in fantasy :) Gave me the warm fuzzies though!
Alister's character was the most fun for me to get involved with in this duology. We got to see this brutal/heartless pirate go from taking...to giving. It wasn't an insta-love thing and I'm so grateful for that because it would've certainly ruined the character development -- but just seeing gradually how he processed things in his head even if he didn't always share things out loud. He really grew as a character. I just kept imagining Beauty and the Beast but with an edge (she certainly wasn't a docile Belle like character lol) but just seeing him go from brute to....end game....was so *heart eyes*
SPOILERS>>>>>>>>
I'm glad we didn't have to wait a super long time for them to get back together after the misunderstanding. I liked that we got to see some of the more intricate parts of being a "pirate" and their day to day tasks and how they did them together -- counting coins, selling wares, etc. OMGOSH didn't see Lillian being his mom, plot twist. LOVE that she got him to take his patch off and they could have that trust/intimacy between them.
SUPER PISSED at how she left him and went on her way but totally understand her reasonings for doing it and predicted the reasoning behind it. It had been foreshadowed since book one when she killed Theodore so it was only a matter of time. Love the yearning and searching though. Definitely thought it was necessary for him to go thru that to fully realize what she was to him..and for him to be ready for her and the baby. I wish they'd showed more of it from her stand point. We had chapters of him looking for her but just a short glimpse into her time apart.
And how did we just poof skim over and rush the HUGE treasure find like it was "meh" at the end. I get that the author was trying to show that his priorities had changed and it wasn't his driving force anymore but it was still a pretty major deal and it just kind of got a paragraph.
Glad it got to wrap up with a chapter about the kids...and love that there were three. Seems problematic to raise babies/children on boats with how they lived, but eh it's just a book and luckily logistics don't have to make sense in fantasy :) Gave me the warm fuzzies though!
March 8, 2025
Extremely disappointed with Book 2. I missed the cunning and wittiness of book 1. Book 2 just felt like pure erotica. There were TOO many sex scenes that didn’t progress anything. I totally called the ending. I disliked the jealousy scenes. I knew I was going to be disappointed after reading Book 1 because I feel like Book 1 could’ve ended on its own and be alright. I was so confused at how there was a Book 2.
***SPOILERS AHEAD****
*
*
*
I initially thought Book 1 would actually end with Rosetta ACTUALLY stealing all the supplies and ditching his ass, which I would’ve LOVED and would’ve totally looked forward to book 2.
BUT IT WASNT THE CASE!! I was so disappointed when her ship was actually damaged by the storm and there was a mutiny.
The port scenes dragged on forever. I did enjoy the Lillian twist. I wasn’t expecting that. I enjoyed the bartering scenes.
Again the sex scenes were just too much. And at times…very unrealistic lol, but I get it’s a fantasy book.
I was disappointed there was a “third quarter breakup”. During that whole time he’s searching for her and she was docked for five months, I was just really thinking about the logistics?? How were the crews paid? They just lazed around? How did she keep her entire crew to follow and respect a pregnant lady? How did he convince a crew to spend 7 months searching for one lady?
Anyways, the banter between the two was still great and had some funny lines.
The epilogue was interesting lol, but the authors note at the end about how she’s usually a monsterfucking series author really explained everything I just read LOL.
***SPOILERS AHEAD****
*
*
*
I initially thought Book 1 would actually end with Rosetta ACTUALLY stealing all the supplies and ditching his ass, which I would’ve LOVED and would’ve totally looked forward to book 2.
BUT IT WASNT THE CASE!! I was so disappointed when her ship was actually damaged by the storm and there was a mutiny.
The port scenes dragged on forever. I did enjoy the Lillian twist. I wasn’t expecting that. I enjoyed the bartering scenes.
Again the sex scenes were just too much. And at times…very unrealistic lol, but I get it’s a fantasy book.
I was disappointed there was a “third quarter breakup”. During that whole time he’s searching for her and she was docked for five months, I was just really thinking about the logistics?? How were the crews paid? They just lazed around? How did she keep her entire crew to follow and respect a pregnant lady? How did he convince a crew to spend 7 months searching for one lady?
Anyways, the banter between the two was still great and had some funny lines.
The epilogue was interesting lol, but the authors note at the end about how she’s usually a monsterfucking series author really explained everything I just read LOL.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2023
I have a better, more detailed review for book 1, but overall, book 2 was pretty good. There’s a bit more focus on the couple’s relationship and they SLOWLY got over their stubbornness and were more communicative about their feelings for each other. (“I won’t ever be the first to share my feelings” ) soooo annoying….
There was a long separation/ break between the MC and a secret baby which is one of my least favorite troupes (basically it’s stems from my #1 least favorite troupe: the miscommunication/ non-communication troupe where the heroine just “ASSUMES” he won’t want the baby/ to be a dad/ to stay in a relationship/etc. so she just runs away instead of facing possible rejection (or a possible HEA…duh!!)
There were a few other things I really didn’t like about the characters in this book and how they treated each other. For example, she doesn’t want to have sex one night so she pushes a prostitute on him. That’s just so wrong in so many ways, and it made it seem like she doesn’t truly care about him BUT WE are SUPPOSED to interpret it as she loves him and only wants him happy and if she can’t meet his every need she is willing to sacrifice her happiness for his…. Bleh….
Also not at all important…but this author REALLY DID THE HERO DIRTY WRONG in the epilogue. He was already a one-eyed mess of scars but she literally chops off body parts and scars him so much worse in the epilogue (happens between end of story and epilogue) instead of just a cute HEA epilogue. He still sounds like a super stubborn ass….
There was a long separation/ break between the MC and a secret baby which is one of my least favorite troupes (basically it’s stems from my #1 least favorite troupe: the miscommunication/ non-communication troupe where the heroine just “ASSUMES” he won’t want the baby/ to be a dad/ to stay in a relationship/etc. so she just runs away instead of facing possible rejection (or a possible HEA…duh!!)
There were a few other things I really didn’t like about the characters in this book and how they treated each other. For example, she doesn’t want to have sex one night so she pushes a prostitute on him. That’s just so wrong in so many ways, and it made it seem like she doesn’t truly care about him BUT WE are SUPPOSED to interpret it as she loves him and only wants him happy and if she can’t meet his every need she is willing to sacrifice her happiness for his…. Bleh….
Also not at all important…but this author REALLY DID THE HERO DIRTY WRONG in the epilogue. He was already a one-eyed mess of scars but she literally chops off body parts and scars him so much worse in the epilogue (happens between end of story and epilogue) instead of just a cute HEA epilogue. He still sounds like a super stubborn ass….
April 12, 2023
Read
Rating: 3/5 ⭐
Spice: 3/5🔥
Open door /Closed Door
Romance: 3/5 ❤️
World building: 3/5 🌎
Plot: 3/5 📖
Writing: 4/5 📝
Characters: 3/5 👥
Cover: 3/5 📓
Tropes / Featuring:
🏴☠ Pirates
❤️🔥⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
☠️ Revenge-Trope
Summary:
✔️ I still enjoed this book and some scenes were really funny
❌ There was a lot of filler in this book, it would've worked better as just one book, instead of a duet
Will I continue this series? (last book)
Would I recommend? ✔️
TW / CW:
Rating: 3/5 ⭐
Spice: 3/5🔥
Open door /
Romance: 3/5 ❤️
World building: 3/5 🌎
Plot: 3/5 📖
Writing: 4/5 📝
Characters: 3/5 👥
Cover: 3/5 📓
Tropes / Featuring:
🏴☠ Pirates
❤️🔥⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
☠️ Revenge-Trope
Summary:
✔️ I still enjoed this book and some scenes were really funny
❌ There was a lot of filler in this book, it would've worked better as just one book, instead of a duet
Will I continue this series? (last book)
Would I recommend? ✔️
TW / CW:
January 23, 2024
OPAL NEVER FAILS!!! All of Opal’s books have me in a chokehold! The only reason it takes me longer than it should to read them is because I start reading other books as well….I don’t want her story to end.
Alister, oh. My. Lord. That man. So dark and twisted up inside. So strong, but insecure and hot as HE**! Rosetta is a woman after my own heart. She is strong, fearless, quick witted, a freakin genius, and not only survives but thrives surrounded by unsightly criminals. I love her! I love the MCs together and I love them apart.
The only thing with this book, and it’s a me thing, was the pregnancy. I feel like it spoiled all the fun in the end. It took away from everything they had experienced and allowed a short recollection of feelings towards each other. Children are vermin in real life and in books. So that is the only flaw that makes me skeptical on if I’ll read this book again.
The only reason this book isn’t 5 stars is the children. Although the epilogue at the end made it better to digest.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: 4.87/5
Alister, oh. My. Lord. That man. So dark and twisted up inside. So strong, but insecure and hot as HE**! Rosetta is a woman after my own heart. She is strong, fearless, quick witted, a freakin genius, and not only survives but thrives surrounded by unsightly criminals. I love her! I love the MCs together and I love them apart.
The only thing with this book, and it’s a me thing, was the pregnancy. I feel like it spoiled all the fun in the end. It took away from everything they had experienced and allowed a short recollection of feelings towards each other. Children are vermin in real life and in books. So that is the only flaw that makes me skeptical on if I’ll read this book again.
The only reason this book isn’t 5 stars is the children. Although the epilogue at the end made it better to digest.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: 4.87/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2025
Of course another 5⭐️ experience by Opal Reyne!
(I’m telling you, after reading all of Duskwalker Brides, finishing A Soul to Trap, and working my way through the rest of her work every book just raises the bar with her writing 💕)
I absolutely loved the world and characters she’s introduced in this duology. From Luxor to Tortaya, Old Gaia is a vast and rich world to explore. Pierre and Naeem are obvious favorites for their quick wit and unwavering loyalty to their perspective captains. And it was such a rollercoaster going through Rosetta and Alister’s journey of self discovery and love. Alister is cruel, stubborn and brutish. Rosetta is clever, determined and capable. Although they’re initially guarded, they find healing and acceptance throughout the evolution of their relationship. I really appreciate reading about characters who are strong individuals just as themselves, but find depth in their love for each other.
It’s sad to say goodbye to another amazing duo, but I’m so glad their story wrapped up in a HEA after everything they’ve been through 🥲🥹
(I’m telling you, after reading all of Duskwalker Brides, finishing A Soul to Trap, and working my way through the rest of her work every book just raises the bar with her writing 💕)
I absolutely loved the world and characters she’s introduced in this duology. From Luxor to Tortaya, Old Gaia is a vast and rich world to explore. Pierre and Naeem are obvious favorites for their quick wit and unwavering loyalty to their perspective captains. And it was such a rollercoaster going through Rosetta and Alister’s journey of self discovery and love. Alister is cruel, stubborn and brutish. Rosetta is clever, determined and capable. Although they’re initially guarded, they find healing and acceptance throughout the evolution of their relationship. I really appreciate reading about characters who are strong individuals just as themselves, but find depth in their love for each other.
It’s sad to say goodbye to another amazing duo, but I’m so glad their story wrapped up in a HEA after everything they’ve been through 🥲🥹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2023
It’s actually perfect.
Boy, does this author know how to tell a good story. I love the concept of the story: both of our “heroes” are dirty, rotten, (almost) no good scoundrels. Like, they’re actually not great people morally. But how could this be a Pirate Romance if they weren’t! And oh the romance! This love story is so satisfying in every respect. From beginning to end, I loved Rosetta and Alistir and I was rooting for them the entire way. Rosetta was lovable and had deep deep roots that made you care about her as a person. Al was a total brute that you know you’d run from in real life but was such a himbo at times that you had to love him. And the ending is so darn SATISFYING. Everything tied into a neat bow, with a glimpse of the future that I’m still riding high from. You really should make every effort to read this series. It’s so hard to get a pirate romance right but Opal Reyne absolutely nailed it with this one.
TL;dr 10/10 would recommend
Boy, does this author know how to tell a good story. I love the concept of the story: both of our “heroes” are dirty, rotten, (almost) no good scoundrels. Like, they’re actually not great people morally. But how could this be a Pirate Romance if they weren’t! And oh the romance! This love story is so satisfying in every respect. From beginning to end, I loved Rosetta and Alistir and I was rooting for them the entire way. Rosetta was lovable and had deep deep roots that made you care about her as a person. Al was a total brute that you know you’d run from in real life but was such a himbo at times that you had to love him. And the ending is so darn SATISFYING. Everything tied into a neat bow, with a glimpse of the future that I’m still riding high from. You really should make every effort to read this series. It’s so hard to get a pirate romance right but Opal Reyne absolutely nailed it with this one.
TL;dr 10/10 would recommend
October 13, 2024
Goonies meets Pirates of the Carribean. In the continuation of this duology, Captain Alister Paine is determined to catch up with Rosetta and get back what belongs to him. It's only for the supplies he tells himself. He does eventually catch up with her, and the rest of the book is them getting to know each other.
I enjoyed their banter and their tightness with their crews, but they valued no human life outside their small circle. I understand Rosetta's need to sink fleet ships, not saying I agree with it, but after what she went through with her ex she holds a grudge against authority. But in this book, they shoot fishing boats, raid a boat just for a captain for their purposes and just ruthlessly kill him. I mean, I know they are pirates but it kept me from totally liking them.
I also question how did Spanish gold make it into this world? Or is Old Gaia just another name for Earth?
Fun adventure, though, with plenty of steam.
I enjoyed their banter and their tightness with their crews, but they valued no human life outside their small circle. I understand Rosetta's need to sink fleet ships, not saying I agree with it, but after what she went through with her ex she holds a grudge against authority. But in this book, they shoot fishing boats, raid a boat just for a captain for their purposes and just ruthlessly kill him. I mean, I know they are pirates but it kept me from totally liking them.
I also question how did Spanish gold make it into this world? Or is Old Gaia just another name for Earth?
Fun adventure, though, with plenty of steam.
August 9, 2022
I am not sure how to review this one. I LOVED book one - couldn’t wait to get to book 2. There was a lot going on in this one - which I really liked for the most part. It always kept you going and couldn’t wait to see how each situation worked out. I loved Alister and Rosetta. They were both amazing characters. I think the reason for my 4 instead of 5 ⭐️ is because the style of the epilogue. It just didn’t fit what I was expecting. Don’t get me wrong - I liked the epilogue and what it conveyed- but I would have maybe preferred it been from Alister’s POV. I feel like the way it was written there should be a book 3, and the authors note at the end - says that’s the end of that. I would have loved to had heard more. And maybe that is where my disappointment comes from? Glad I read it either way!
July 8, 2025
4.5⭐️
this book picked up perfectly after the first book and continued the slow burn for Rosetta and Alistair. and when I say slow burn, I mean slowwww burn…
yes, they were already fucking, but romantic-wise?? this was a slow burn and it took them a long time to even accept that they liked each other and not just respected each other. in fact, their love grew so silently they didn’t even realize it until Rosetta left.
and while I did wish we got more from their reunion scene, I also know that both Rosetta and Alistar are complex characters who aren’t big on expressing feelings. Especially Alistair, that big arrogant oaf—
but these two loved each other in their own way and it was enough. I liked them together. they had a good balance that I appreciated and even gave me a cheesy smile (especially throughout the epilogue).
this book picked up perfectly after the first book and continued the slow burn for Rosetta and Alistair. and when I say slow burn, I mean slowwww burn…
yes, they were already fucking, but romantic-wise?? this was a slow burn and it took them a long time to even accept that they liked each other and not just respected each other. in fact, their love grew so silently they didn’t even realize it until Rosetta left.
and while I did wish we got more from their reunion scene, I also know that both Rosetta and Alistar are complex characters who aren’t big on expressing feelings. Especially Alistair, that big arrogant oaf—
but these two loved each other in their own way and it was enough. I liked them together. they had a good balance that I appreciated and even gave me a cheesy smile (especially throughout the epilogue).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2023
I really love their interactions and the banter between them, the sexual tension was also top notch.
Again as long as her characters are pragmatic and smart women I love her books, I love how we get to see more of his past and more on their relationship.
I'm not going to lie but their whole insecurities thing got me bored, like can you please declare they love each other and stop assuming the other is bored of the other, like please communicate more but again I enjoyed all the time they spend together.
Not much to said, it was really good to see a different side of their characters alone and together, all the side characters were lovely as always.
I need more books like this one, more strong heroines!
Again as long as her characters are pragmatic and smart women I love her books, I love how we get to see more of his past and more on their relationship.
I'm not going to lie but their whole insecurities thing got me bored, like can you please declare they love each other and stop assuming the other is bored of the other, like please communicate more but again I enjoyed all the time they spend together.
Not much to said, it was really good to see a different side of their characters alone and together, all the side characters were lovely as always.
I need more books like this one, more strong heroines!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews