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Royalty & Romance #1
Crowns and Swords
Passion meets action in this brand new standalone fantasy romance. Perfect for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean but wished for LGBTQ+ representation.
A Princess promised to a Prince.
A Captain bound to only herself.
Destiny changes course when the two collide.
Now faced with an unknown threat, and growing affection, the two must work together to save themselves and their hardearned lifestyle.
(Trigger warning: this story includes a scene depicting attempted sexual assault and a forced marriage subplot.)
A Princess promised to a Prince.
A Captain bound to only herself.
Destiny changes course when the two collide.
Now faced with an unknown threat, and growing affection, the two must work together to save themselves and their hardearned lifestyle.
(Trigger warning: this story includes a scene depicting attempted sexual assault and a forced marriage subplot.)
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2022
189 people are currently reading
1164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
did-not-finish
February 27, 2022Did not Finish about 50% in. I didn't realize (and it wasn't said in the blurb) that this deals with an Open Polyamorous relationship. Nothing against it IRL, but not something I particularly want to read about. Especially with a bisexual lead who states she has "Several" men and women lovers".
I felt it was very young adult in nature, despite our MCs being 23 and 29. The younger one is very sheltered and naïve, and yet the older one is ridiculously smitten and acting quite out of sorts about her, very quickly.
As the younger one decides within days of finding out about open relationships even exsisting, that she wants that, despite no real talk about what that entails, or any real rules/concerns for that kind of relationship, and partners. Then insta-sex ensues, again without any real conversation or buildup between the couple. *eyeroll*
I felt the story telling was simplistic and juvenile in style and characteristics.
I felt it was very young adult in nature, despite our MCs being 23 and 29. The younger one is very sheltered and naïve, and yet the older one is ridiculously smitten and acting quite out of sorts about her, very quickly.
As the younger one decides within days of finding out about open relationships even exsisting, that she wants that, despite no real talk about what that entails, or any real rules/concerns for that kind of relationship, and partners. Then insta-sex ensues, again without any real conversation or buildup between the couple. *eyeroll*
I felt the story telling was simplistic and juvenile in style and characteristics.
January 2, 2025
3 Stars
First three quarters of the book spelled like a typical pirate story. However, I noticed some plot holes and some either inconsistencies of characters’ actions/persona or rather the characters’ foundation is lacking or not solid enough? It doesn’t deter from the general story but it’s just noticeable? It’s like a fly buzzing around you, it’s not detrimental, it’s just bothersome.
The last quarter of the story was pretty exciting. The plot twist and the action gave the story weight.
First three quarters of the book spelled like a typical pirate story. However, I noticed some plot holes and some either inconsistencies of characters’ actions/persona or rather the characters’ foundation is lacking or not solid enough? It doesn’t deter from the general story but it’s just noticeable? It’s like a fly buzzing around you, it’s not detrimental, it’s just bothersome.
The last quarter of the story was pretty exciting. The plot twist and the action gave the story weight.
June 19, 2022
I was pleased to be able to meet the author of this book at a local event just after Easter and buy a signed copy of this book.
The good:
- doesn't slack on the pacing. There's generally always things going on, and it never felt boring or repetitive.
- nice cast of characters. Refreshing to see a range of sexualities amongst the main and secondary characters, but the supporting cast were somewhat glossed over, and under utilised.
- has a strong plot arc, elements of the ending aside, see below.
- the simple joy of a non-heterosexual romance
The neutral:
- SPAG. Overall fine, and gets better towards the end, but there were a few too many typos early on for me to wholly forgive. My favourite example of which being when someone jumped up "in freight".
The bad:
- the ending was somewhat cheap. Part of the "twist" was very obvious from early on, simply because of unsubtle foreshadowing. Maybe much younger readers wouldn't put it together, but as an adult, a certain someone's identity was unsurprising. However, the OTHER part of the ending was too surprising, calling on elements that had been unmentioned up to that point, which made it feel a bit like an excuse.
- parts of the romance element didn't sit right with me. Firstly, the fact that Freddie is introduced to the concept of polyamory and almost instantly is completely accepting and welcoming of it. Not only did this remove the potential for some minor tension or conflict, it also meant there was no opportunity for Frank discussion over the benefits and drawbacks of such an arrangement. Also, the sex (which occurs almost instantly after both parties agree on having the barest hint of interest in the other) felt shallow. Any act done by one person was immediately and identically reciprocated by the other which, to me, made it feel rather transactional.
- early exposition. This ties into the shallowness of supporting characters that I mentioned earlier. A good chunk of chapter 3 was pure exposition on other characters, which felt rushed and unnecessary. Exposition being a pet peeve of mine, this was hard to move past, and somewhat soured the following few chapters for me.
Overall: 2.5 stars. Will keep it on my bookshelf, but won't be listing it among my recommendations for other people, unless they specifically say they want a short, easy reading, pirate LGBT fantasy.
The good:
- doesn't slack on the pacing. There's generally always things going on, and it never felt boring or repetitive.
- nice cast of characters. Refreshing to see a range of sexualities amongst the main and secondary characters, but the supporting cast were somewhat glossed over, and under utilised.
- has a strong plot arc, elements of the ending aside, see below.
- the simple joy of a non-heterosexual romance
The neutral:
- SPAG. Overall fine, and gets better towards the end, but there were a few too many typos early on for me to wholly forgive. My favourite example of which being when someone jumped up "in freight".
The bad:
- the ending was somewhat cheap. Part of the "twist" was very obvious from early on, simply because of unsubtle foreshadowing. Maybe much younger readers wouldn't put it together, but as an adult, a certain someone's identity was unsurprising. However, the OTHER part of the ending was too surprising, calling on elements that had been unmentioned up to that point, which made it feel a bit like an excuse.
- parts of the romance element didn't sit right with me. Firstly, the fact that Freddie is introduced to the concept of polyamory and almost instantly is completely accepting and welcoming of it. Not only did this remove the potential for some minor tension or conflict, it also meant there was no opportunity for Frank discussion over the benefits and drawbacks of such an arrangement. Also, the sex (which occurs almost instantly after both parties agree on having the barest hint of interest in the other) felt shallow. Any act done by one person was immediately and identically reciprocated by the other which, to me, made it feel rather transactional.
- early exposition. This ties into the shallowness of supporting characters that I mentioned earlier. A good chunk of chapter 3 was pure exposition on other characters, which felt rushed and unnecessary. Exposition being a pet peeve of mine, this was hard to move past, and somewhat soured the following few chapters for me.
Overall: 2.5 stars. Will keep it on my bookshelf, but won't be listing it among my recommendations for other people, unless they specifically say they want a short, easy reading, pirate LGBT fantasy.
dnf
February 2, 2023DNF @ 18% this lass is shocked that she’s being married off for an alliance during a time of war?!?!?
August 2, 2023
Crowns and Swords by J. L. Meyrick is a sweet fantasy romance.
Captain Grace Peregrine finds a stowaway on her ship. To make matters worse this stowaway is a princess. She makes a decision to let the princess stay for now, while she decides what to do about her.
Princess Winifred of Venitia escapes the confines of her castle home and her family who want to use her as a bargaining chip to win a war. If she had stayed she would find herself in a loveless marriage, a prisoner in a castle far from home. When she sneaks onto a ship to hide she has no idea it’s a pirate ship.
As the princess and the pirate get to know each other and the princess begins to learn the way of the world, an attraction sparks between them. With dangers to overcome and monsters to fight can this pair find the time to explore the sparks flying between them?
I really enjoyed this book. It’s low on anguish and high on friendship, romance and adventure. It’s a slow burn that starts off as a beautiful friendship.
The story is paced well and has all you’d expect from a pirate fantasy. From sword fights to sea monsters. It’s brilliant.
The romance between Freddie (Winifred) and Grace really is gorgeous. The way they get to know each other and help each other leaves you all warm and fuzzy. They enter into an open relationship which is new to Freddie but suits her perfectly as she is discovering what she wants and needs. For pirate Grace, this is her way of life and what she is used to. At no point does Grace coerce Freddie. She gives her the facts while explaining how the world she lives in works. There are swoony moments to melt your heart and heated moments to curl your toes.
I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil the storyline. There are a few twists and turns, losses and gains but both leading ladies survive. This book is well written, and the author builds a great but uncomplicated world to get lost in. It has a great story and character arc and kept me turning the page. In fact I devoured it in two sittings.
This is the first book in a series of Three but it ends on a happy for now and can easily be read as a standalone.
Loved it. It’s a lovely easy read. I can’t wait to carry on the adventures with these characters.
(Arc received from the author)
Captain Grace Peregrine finds a stowaway on her ship. To make matters worse this stowaway is a princess. She makes a decision to let the princess stay for now, while she decides what to do about her.
Princess Winifred of Venitia escapes the confines of her castle home and her family who want to use her as a bargaining chip to win a war. If she had stayed she would find herself in a loveless marriage, a prisoner in a castle far from home. When she sneaks onto a ship to hide she has no idea it’s a pirate ship.
As the princess and the pirate get to know each other and the princess begins to learn the way of the world, an attraction sparks between them. With dangers to overcome and monsters to fight can this pair find the time to explore the sparks flying between them?
I really enjoyed this book. It’s low on anguish and high on friendship, romance and adventure. It’s a slow burn that starts off as a beautiful friendship.
The story is paced well and has all you’d expect from a pirate fantasy. From sword fights to sea monsters. It’s brilliant.
The romance between Freddie (Winifred) and Grace really is gorgeous. The way they get to know each other and help each other leaves you all warm and fuzzy. They enter into an open relationship which is new to Freddie but suits her perfectly as she is discovering what she wants and needs. For pirate Grace, this is her way of life and what she is used to. At no point does Grace coerce Freddie. She gives her the facts while explaining how the world she lives in works. There are swoony moments to melt your heart and heated moments to curl your toes.
I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil the storyline. There are a few twists and turns, losses and gains but both leading ladies survive. This book is well written, and the author builds a great but uncomplicated world to get lost in. It has a great story and character arc and kept me turning the page. In fact I devoured it in two sittings.
This is the first book in a series of Three but it ends on a happy for now and can easily be read as a standalone.
Loved it. It’s a lovely easy read. I can’t wait to carry on the adventures with these characters.
(Arc received from the author)
November 10, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
👸🏴☠️👩🏼🤝👩🏻⚔️
REP: Lesbian, Bisexual, Polyamorous relationships.
A runaway princess and a female pirate captain? Yes, please!
This was nice and easy to read. It was fast-paced, had an easy storyline to follow, and kept me engaged.
I liked how our princess, Freddie, grew within herself after being freed from her royal obligations. I liked out our captain, Grace was badass as they came and loved deeply.
Freddie had my heart the whole way through though - I loved her ending.
I received a free copy of this book via storyorigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
👸🏴☠️👩🏼🤝👩🏻⚔️
REP: Lesbian, Bisexual, Polyamorous relationships.
A runaway princess and a female pirate captain? Yes, please!
This was nice and easy to read. It was fast-paced, had an easy storyline to follow, and kept me engaged.
I liked how our princess, Freddie, grew within herself after being freed from her royal obligations. I liked out our captain, Grace was badass as they came and loved deeply.
Freddie had my heart the whole way through though - I loved her ending.
I received a free copy of this book via storyorigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2023
Yawn …
July 13, 2023
Really good representation, nice idea, and interesting characters
The story is good but i was expecting more character development, more depth.
The story is good but i was expecting more character development, more depth.
Read
July 9, 2023I did think I would finish it at first because I couldn't turn off my inner editor. The plot picked up though and I was interested enough in seeing the mystery resolved despite the reveal being obvious for about half the book.
I do love lesbian pirates but I'm undecided whether I will continue the series. The book had a satisfying conclusion for me.
I think the author has good plot instincts and characters, but needs to focus on craft. Repetitive text, weird tense.
One major nitpick is how Grace reacted after confessing her feelings to Freddie. Freddie just learned about gay people, maybe give her more than 10 seconds to think about it??? I'm glad that was wrapped up in a few pages, more drama and I might have given up.
Edit: I skimmed over some parts, so don't have as much to nitpick about specific scenes. I do agree with another reviewer that the base premise of Freddie being married off for a war alliance being offensive was...well...not really that offensive. It would go against the plot but in the back of my head I was like how many people are dying in your country because you want to marry for love?
Also starting the book and then doing a flashback did not work at all.
I do love lesbian pirates but I'm undecided whether I will continue the series. The book had a satisfying conclusion for me.
I think the author has good plot instincts and characters, but needs to focus on craft. Repetitive text, weird tense.
One major nitpick is how Grace reacted after confessing her feelings to Freddie. Freddie just learned about gay people, maybe give her more than 10 seconds to think about it??? I'm glad that was wrapped up in a few pages, more drama and I might have given up.
Edit: I skimmed over some parts, so don't have as much to nitpick about specific scenes. I do agree with another reviewer that the base premise of Freddie being married off for a war alliance being offensive was...well...not really that offensive. It would go against the plot but in the back of my head I was like how many people are dying in your country because you want to marry for love?
Also starting the book and then doing a flashback did not work at all.
August 25, 2023
No ha estado mal pero me esperaba otra cosa… muy rápido todo
July 14, 2024
***This contains Slovene review (which is my native language) and English review of the book. Because I read the book in English, the English review is first, Slovene review is second.***
ENGLISH REVIEW
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐(3 stars)
The novel "Crowns & Swords," written by J. L. Meyrick, follows the gripping story of two peoples, Muldotre and Ablunoran, who are fighting for dominance and military superiority. Muldotre are pirates, while Ablunoran is the wealthier populace. To free the wealthier people from the pirates' grip, the king of Ablunoran intends to marry his daughter Winifred to Prince Lysander to unite their forces and defeat the pirates. However, Winifred disagrees with this and escapes just before the wedding, triggering the start of the story.
The main protagonists are Winifred Waldran (later known as Freddie) and Grace Peregrine. Together, they try to keep Grace's pirate people alive.
Personal Impressions
The story captured my interest from the beginning and developed very well throughout the book. I never found the reading boring. My favorite character was Winifred, as she represents a strong, independent, and fearless woman who is not afraid to try something new. However, I must admit that the number of characters in the story was almost too many. This required a high level of attention to not mix up the individual characters who are important for understanding the whole story.
Writing and Style
I really liked J. L. Meyrick's writing style, as it was rich and vivid. It helped me clearly imagine the world that the author created and delve even deeper into the entire reading experience. The characters were also described just as vividly.
Themes and Messages
The book addresses several themes that some might consider taboo, including attempted rape, polygamy, the LGBTQ+ community, violence, politics, and hatred. Despite this, it carries a profound message that we are all unique individuals capable of achieving what we set our minds to and that we can love unconditionally. It encourages us not to fear new experiences and to walk through life every day with our heads held high, regardless of the obstacles we may encounter.
Overall Rating and Recommendations
I would give the book three stars. This doesn't mean it was bad, but I didn't feel entirely comfortable with the inclusion of a polygamous relationship in the story. However, everyone has different tastes in reading, don't they? I would recommend the book to all fantasy lovers, as the world-building is extraordinary, to those who want to try something new, and to individuals who harbor an inner strength that they use when needed the most.
SLOVENE REVIEW
Ocena: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 zvezdice)
Roman "Crowns & Swords", ki ga je napisala J. L. Meyrick, sledi napeti zgodbi dveh ljudstev, Muldotre in Ablunoran, ki se borita za prevlado in vojaško premoč. Muldotre so pirati, medtem ko je Ablunoran premožnejše ljudstvo. Da bi se premožnejše ljudstvo rešilo izpod rok piratov, kralj Ablunoran namerava svojo hčerko Winifred poročiti s princem Lysanderjem, da bi združili moči in premagali pirate. Winifred pa se s tem ne strinja in pobegne tik pred poroko, kar sproži začetek zgodbe.
Glavni junakinji sta Winifred Waldran (kasneje znana kot Freddie) in Grace Peregrine. Skupaj skušata ohraniti Grace-inovo piratsko ljudstvo pri življenju.
Osebni vtis
Zgodba me je pritegnila že na začetku in se skozi celotno knjigo zelo dobro razvijala. Branje mi ni bilo nikoli dolgočasno. Najbolj mi je bil všeč lik Winifred, saj predstavlja močno, neodvisno in neustrašno žensko, ki je ni strah poskusiti nekaj novega. Vendar pa moram priznati, da je bilo število likov, ki so nastopali v zgodbi, skoraj preveč. To je zahtevalo visoko stopnjo pozornosti, da nisem pomešala posameznih likov, ki so pomembni za razumevanje celotne zgodbe.
Pisanje in slog
Pisateljski slog J. L. Meyrick mi je bil zelo všeč, saj je bil bogat in slikovit. Pomagal mi je, da sem si lahko zelo jasno predstavljala svet, ki ga je avtorica ustvarila, in se še bolj poglobila v celotno izkušnjo branja. Enako slikovito so bili opisani tudi liki.
Teme in sporočila
Knjiga obravnava več tem, ki jih nekateri morda štejejo za tabu, vključno s poskusom posilstva, poligamijo, LGBTQ+ skupnostjo, nasiljem, politiko in sovraštvom. Kljub temu nosi globoko sporočilo, da smo vsi ljudje unikatni in sposobni doseči, kar si zadamo, ter da lahko ljubimo brezpogojno. Sporoča nam, naj se ne bojimo novih izkušenj in da naj vsakodnevno stopamo skozi življenje z dvignjeno glavo, ne glede na ovire, katere morebiti prečkamo.
Splošna ocena in priporočila
Knjigi bi dala oceno treh zvezdic. To ne pomeni, da je bila slaba, vendar mi na trenutke ni bilo najbolj prijetno, da zgodba vključuje poligamsko zvezo. Kljub temu pa ima vsak od nas drugačen okus za branje, mar ne? Knjigo bi priporočila vsem ljubiteljem fantazije, saj je gradnja sveta izjemna, tistim, ki želijo poskusiti nekaj novega, in posameznikom, ki v sebi skrivajo moč, ki jo uporabijo, ko jo najbolj potrebujejo.
ENGLISH REVIEW
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐(3 stars)
The novel "Crowns & Swords," written by J. L. Meyrick, follows the gripping story of two peoples, Muldotre and Ablunoran, who are fighting for dominance and military superiority. Muldotre are pirates, while Ablunoran is the wealthier populace. To free the wealthier people from the pirates' grip, the king of Ablunoran intends to marry his daughter Winifred to Prince Lysander to unite their forces and defeat the pirates. However, Winifred disagrees with this and escapes just before the wedding, triggering the start of the story.
The main protagonists are Winifred Waldran (later known as Freddie) and Grace Peregrine. Together, they try to keep Grace's pirate people alive.
Personal Impressions
The story captured my interest from the beginning and developed very well throughout the book. I never found the reading boring. My favorite character was Winifred, as she represents a strong, independent, and fearless woman who is not afraid to try something new. However, I must admit that the number of characters in the story was almost too many. This required a high level of attention to not mix up the individual characters who are important for understanding the whole story.
Writing and Style
I really liked J. L. Meyrick's writing style, as it was rich and vivid. It helped me clearly imagine the world that the author created and delve even deeper into the entire reading experience. The characters were also described just as vividly.
Themes and Messages
The book addresses several themes that some might consider taboo, including attempted rape, polygamy, the LGBTQ+ community, violence, politics, and hatred. Despite this, it carries a profound message that we are all unique individuals capable of achieving what we set our minds to and that we can love unconditionally. It encourages us not to fear new experiences and to walk through life every day with our heads held high, regardless of the obstacles we may encounter.
Overall Rating and Recommendations
I would give the book three stars. This doesn't mean it was bad, but I didn't feel entirely comfortable with the inclusion of a polygamous relationship in the story. However, everyone has different tastes in reading, don't they? I would recommend the book to all fantasy lovers, as the world-building is extraordinary, to those who want to try something new, and to individuals who harbor an inner strength that they use when needed the most.
SLOVENE REVIEW
Ocena: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 zvezdice)
Roman "Crowns & Swords", ki ga je napisala J. L. Meyrick, sledi napeti zgodbi dveh ljudstev, Muldotre in Ablunoran, ki se borita za prevlado in vojaško premoč. Muldotre so pirati, medtem ko je Ablunoran premožnejše ljudstvo. Da bi se premožnejše ljudstvo rešilo izpod rok piratov, kralj Ablunoran namerava svojo hčerko Winifred poročiti s princem Lysanderjem, da bi združili moči in premagali pirate. Winifred pa se s tem ne strinja in pobegne tik pred poroko, kar sproži začetek zgodbe.
Glavni junakinji sta Winifred Waldran (kasneje znana kot Freddie) in Grace Peregrine. Skupaj skušata ohraniti Grace-inovo piratsko ljudstvo pri življenju.
Osebni vtis
Zgodba me je pritegnila že na začetku in se skozi celotno knjigo zelo dobro razvijala. Branje mi ni bilo nikoli dolgočasno. Najbolj mi je bil všeč lik Winifred, saj predstavlja močno, neodvisno in neustrašno žensko, ki je ni strah poskusiti nekaj novega. Vendar pa moram priznati, da je bilo število likov, ki so nastopali v zgodbi, skoraj preveč. To je zahtevalo visoko stopnjo pozornosti, da nisem pomešala posameznih likov, ki so pomembni za razumevanje celotne zgodbe.
Pisanje in slog
Pisateljski slog J. L. Meyrick mi je bil zelo všeč, saj je bil bogat in slikovit. Pomagal mi je, da sem si lahko zelo jasno predstavljala svet, ki ga je avtorica ustvarila, in se še bolj poglobila v celotno izkušnjo branja. Enako slikovito so bili opisani tudi liki.
Teme in sporočila
Knjiga obravnava več tem, ki jih nekateri morda štejejo za tabu, vključno s poskusom posilstva, poligamijo, LGBTQ+ skupnostjo, nasiljem, politiko in sovraštvom. Kljub temu nosi globoko sporočilo, da smo vsi ljudje unikatni in sposobni doseči, kar si zadamo, ter da lahko ljubimo brezpogojno. Sporoča nam, naj se ne bojimo novih izkušenj in da naj vsakodnevno stopamo skozi življenje z dvignjeno glavo, ne glede na ovire, katere morebiti prečkamo.
Splošna ocena in priporočila
Knjigi bi dala oceno treh zvezdic. To ne pomeni, da je bila slaba, vendar mi na trenutke ni bilo najbolj prijetno, da zgodba vključuje poligamsko zvezo. Kljub temu pa ima vsak od nas drugačen okus za branje, mar ne? Knjigo bi priporočila vsem ljubiteljem fantazije, saj je gradnja sveta izjemna, tistim, ki želijo poskusiti nekaj novega, in posameznikom, ki v sebi skrivajo moč, ki jo uporabijo, ko jo najbolj potrebujejo.
February 1, 2025
2.25 stars // content warnings for important side character death and sexual harassment/abuse by a side character
This book isn’t the worst, but it suffers a lot from various issues. First of all, the chapters allege to switch perspectives, but we often get information the current perspective character wouldn’t know about other characters’ feelings in their chapters. It’s pretty impossible to tell whose perspective you are in if both main characters are present/interacting. The vibe of the book is incredibly juvenile, with Freddie (the 23 year old princess) seeming completely blindsided by the concept of political marriage in monarchies, so she runs away to be a pirate (though the pirate part isn’t particularly intentional). The characters pretty much fall in insta-love, and have pretty mediocre sex (from a smut enjoyment perspective) as soon as they admit their feelings. This book also technically had polyamorous representation, though ~spoiler~ the only other partner of Grace (the pirate captain) we meet gets killed and the ending of the book seems to be a monogamous HEA for Grace and Freddie. The plot is pretty fast paced and not unenjoyable, but there are quite a few holes and it’s more of a “don’t ask too many questions” situation as a reader. The twist doesn’t pay off too well, and everything gets wrapped up almost immediately. As I was reading the last 20% I felt like there was no way there wouldn’t be a cliffhanger, but there wasn’t, it was just fast. Unfortunately, I won’t be picking up the next book.
This book isn’t the worst, but it suffers a lot from various issues. First of all, the chapters allege to switch perspectives, but we often get information the current perspective character wouldn’t know about other characters’ feelings in their chapters. It’s pretty impossible to tell whose perspective you are in if both main characters are present/interacting. The vibe of the book is incredibly juvenile, with Freddie (the 23 year old princess) seeming completely blindsided by the concept of political marriage in monarchies, so she runs away to be a pirate (though the pirate part isn’t particularly intentional). The characters pretty much fall in insta-love, and have pretty mediocre sex (from a smut enjoyment perspective) as soon as they admit their feelings. This book also technically had polyamorous representation, though ~spoiler~ the only other partner of Grace (the pirate captain) we meet gets killed and the ending of the book seems to be a monogamous HEA for Grace and Freddie. The plot is pretty fast paced and not unenjoyable, but there are quite a few holes and it’s more of a “don’t ask too many questions” situation as a reader. The twist doesn’t pay off too well, and everything gets wrapped up almost immediately. As I was reading the last 20% I felt like there was no way there wouldn’t be a cliffhanger, but there wasn’t, it was just fast. Unfortunately, I won’t be picking up the next book.
June 24, 2024
3,5⭐
I enjoyed this book, I love pirates! Really liked the story. Always love a marriage of convenience with a runaway bride. And not only that, we also had a runaway prince. For a different reason, but still. Also liked the characters and the diversity. The story had some sad moments, but I surprisingly didn't cry. It also should have a plot twist, but tbh I expected it. Was kind of predictable unfortunately. There wasn't a lot of action, expected a bit more. But the story was still nice and I still enjoyed it. Curious to the rest of the serie.
I enjoyed this book, I love pirates! Really liked the story. Always love a marriage of convenience with a runaway bride. And not only that, we also had a runaway prince. For a different reason, but still. Also liked the characters and the diversity. The story had some sad moments, but I surprisingly didn't cry. It also should have a plot twist, but tbh I expected it. Was kind of predictable unfortunately. There wasn't a lot of action, expected a bit more. But the story was still nice and I still enjoyed it. Curious to the rest of the serie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2022
If you’re in the mood for pirates, wayward royalty, adventure, and some really interesting plot developments, this book is a good one to check out. It’s an enjoyable read, with plenty of imaginative elements. While the characters felt, at times, a little one dimensional, their story never disappointed, and I’d definitely read more books set in this world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2024
3 stars with the caveat that it was written by a teenager and reads as if it has been written by a teenager. Very naive in terms of both worldbuilding and character development, as well as being weirdly 21st century in the specifics of daily life in Fantasy!18th-century. Very compressed timeline. Very inconsistent in the number of people implied to be on the pirate ship. But also lesbian pirates, and I'm willing to overlook many flaws for lesbian pirates.
February 28, 2023
Swashbuckling fun!
I enjoyed reading this tale of adventure and pirates. At first I found Winifred to be a bit naive, but she soon grew into an interesting character. There were a few plot twists that were interesting. Some I saw coming, but others that surprised me. Overall, a good adventure book with royalty and pirates.
I enjoyed reading this tale of adventure and pirates. At first I found Winifred to be a bit naive, but she soon grew into an interesting character. There were a few plot twists that were interesting. Some I saw coming, but others that surprised me. Overall, a good adventure book with royalty and pirates.
July 23, 2023
ok read, fun pirate tale
New to fantasy this was an OK read for me. Light spice, felt like a quick story…kind of wanted more to hear about the chaos left behind and more connections with Xander and the girls. It all unfolded quickly. Grace was a force and Freddy was a perfect complement to her.
New to fantasy this was an OK read for me. Light spice, felt like a quick story…kind of wanted more to hear about the chaos left behind and more connections with Xander and the girls. It all unfolded quickly. Grace was a force and Freddy was a perfect complement to her.
September 17, 2023
Okey, so the story itself wasn't bad however the way it was written annoyed me a lot. There were a couple of spelling mistakes and the writer used the wrong pronounce once. I also found it weird that each chapter was in a pov of a character, however it was written in a 3rd party view. Do I recommend it? Not really but if you are bored, sure, go ahead.
September 25, 2023
There was so much potential with this. The concept seemed so cool, but the setting and character development were really flat. The romance was also mid and felt forced at some points. Like there was no development of their relationship at all. Also some characters had like complete 180 personality changes it gave me whiplash.
April 15, 2024
A fantasy story about pirates and a Queen and weird sea creatures. I enjoyed the world building, the lore and the characters. It’s a fun and enoyable read, with plenty of imaginative elements. While the characters felt, at times, a little one dimensional, their story never disappointed, and I want to read more books set in this world.
December 28, 2023
I really enjoyed the pirate/princess dynamic. The addition of queer love and poly romance was refreshing to all the usual M/F lover roles. It was very mild with the spice level. But I think overall it was a great quick read, good for those who are dipping their toe in fantasy and romance.
April 27, 2024
I got this book on a SYKD and I’m so glad I did. This was such a fun quick read about a princess that escapes the life of royalty to a life on a ship with pirates. 🤭
🏴☠️ Female Captain
🏴☠️ Sapphic
🏴☠️ Pirates Duh
🏴☠️ Sea Creatures 🧜♀️🐙
🏴☠️ Female Captain
🏴☠️ Sapphic
🏴☠️ Pirates Duh
🏴☠️ Sea Creatures 🧜♀️🐙
August 1, 2025
DNF by the third paragraph. Three times in the first paragraph I was told she was running or ran through the town. Reminded it again in the second paragraph and read the name Winifred” so much I lost the will to read anymore.
Shame.
Shame.
September 2, 2025
Dnf at ~50%
What started quite promising, quickly turned into a book that was rather simplistic in its plot. Everything started happening too fast and didn’t make sense to me or at least didn’t feel fleshed out enough.
and I couldn’t ignore the spelling errors.
What started quite promising, quickly turned into a book that was rather simplistic in its plot. Everything started happening too fast and didn’t make sense to me or at least didn’t feel fleshed out enough.
and I couldn’t ignore the spelling errors.
December 28, 2022
Awesome
Kind of getting into the whole pirate princess thing. This was definitely fun to read. I couldn’t put it down!
Kind of getting into the whole pirate princess thing. This was definitely fun to read. I couldn’t put it down!
January 7, 2023
This was a good book. If you like pirates, royals, and polyamory. Which I do! I enjoyed it although it seemed a little immature at times I still liked it. Deff recommend reading for yourself!
July 2, 2023
Loved this action and adventure-packed novel. Kick ass heroines too!
July 19, 2023
such a good buildup, but it ultimately was lame after 40% finished. and not to hate but the writing was awful. felt like I was reading a kid book.
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