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Andromeda's Account #1
The Bartered Soul
Andromeda is a priestess without a temple.
She escaped the horrific fate her sister priestesses faced at the hand of the usurper king’s men years ago and has resigned herself to a life in a brothel, hiding from her past and those who would wipe the priestesses and their Goddess from memory.
Captain William Lennox is a pirate with an unsavory and violent reputation.
After years of avoiding the notorious Captain Lennox, Andromeda finds herself ensnared by the rogue. She begrudgingly accepts her fate – to accompany the handsome, yet dangerous, pirate on his latest voyage across the sea; both as entertainment for him and his crew and to keep watch over a younger girl trapped in the same bargain. It’s the only sure way to earn their way to a new life across the ocean, safe from the king’s bigotry.
Despite her best efforts, Andromeda finds herself surrounded by reminders of who she was before her future was taken from her.
Can she continue to wear the mask she has donned for almost a decade and escape her past for good? Or will her traitorous heart push her toward a new future solidly entwined with the painful secrets she has tried so hard to forget and the Captain who harbors secrets of his own?
Fans of fantasy, historical fiction, romance, pirates, and magic will enjoy The Bartered Soul, the first book in the Andromeda’s Account series.
Content Warning:
The Bartered Soul is an adult fantasy/romance that is intended for readers over the age of 18. Please visit the author's website for detailed content warnings.
She escaped the horrific fate her sister priestesses faced at the hand of the usurper king’s men years ago and has resigned herself to a life in a brothel, hiding from her past and those who would wipe the priestesses and their Goddess from memory.
Captain William Lennox is a pirate with an unsavory and violent reputation.
After years of avoiding the notorious Captain Lennox, Andromeda finds herself ensnared by the rogue. She begrudgingly accepts her fate – to accompany the handsome, yet dangerous, pirate on his latest voyage across the sea; both as entertainment for him and his crew and to keep watch over a younger girl trapped in the same bargain. It’s the only sure way to earn their way to a new life across the ocean, safe from the king’s bigotry.
Despite her best efforts, Andromeda finds herself surrounded by reminders of who she was before her future was taken from her.
Can she continue to wear the mask she has donned for almost a decade and escape her past for good? Or will her traitorous heart push her toward a new future solidly entwined with the painful secrets she has tried so hard to forget and the Captain who harbors secrets of his own?
Fans of fantasy, historical fiction, romance, pirates, and magic will enjoy The Bartered Soul, the first book in the Andromeda’s Account series.
Content Warning:
The Bartered Soul is an adult fantasy/romance that is intended for readers over the age of 18. Please visit the author's website for detailed content warnings.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2022
172 people are currently reading
1435 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Benson
6 books83 followersL.B. Benson is a native Texan and a lifelong reader. She formally immortalized her love of books by earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas.
While she primarily writes romance, you can find her engrossed in almost any genre.
L.B. spends her spare time dreaming up stories in the Texas countryside where she lives with her family.
Stay up to date by following along on Instagram & TikTok: @lb_the_author
Or sign up for L.B.'s newsletter at: https://lbtheauthor.com
While she primarily writes romance, you can find her engrossed in almost any genre.
L.B. spends her spare time dreaming up stories in the Texas countryside where she lives with her family.
Stay up to date by following along on Instagram & TikTok: @lb_the_author
Or sign up for L.B.'s newsletter at: https://lbtheauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
May 31, 2022
"Be fierce today, my she-wolf."
Wow. What a stunning debut from L.B. Benson. This is now up there with my 2022 favourites!
From the moment this book began right up until the end, I was hooked.
L.B. Benson is a magnificent storyteller, who describes everything from a fine dress to a decadent meal in such beautiful detail.
Our FMC, Andromeda, is now one of my all-time favourite FMCs. She's fiery, resilient and sassy, yet kind, gentle and sweet. Her journey from the beginning of the story until the end is tumultuous, full of twists you won't see coming and revelations that will have you shrieking with excitement.
And our MMC? Lennox is your quintessential mean and rugged pirate, instilling fear into the hearts of everyone he encounters. But he has his own story to unravel, taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the story, leaving you in a heap of tears, thrills and "what the f*cks?"
We've got:
Enemies to lovers 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Found family
PIRATES
"Touch her and you die"
Badass FMC
LGBTQ rep
I cannot wait to see what happens in book two!
Wow. What a stunning debut from L.B. Benson. This is now up there with my 2022 favourites!
From the moment this book began right up until the end, I was hooked.
L.B. Benson is a magnificent storyteller, who describes everything from a fine dress to a decadent meal in such beautiful detail.
Our FMC, Andromeda, is now one of my all-time favourite FMCs. She's fiery, resilient and sassy, yet kind, gentle and sweet. Her journey from the beginning of the story until the end is tumultuous, full of twists you won't see coming and revelations that will have you shrieking with excitement.
And our MMC? Lennox is your quintessential mean and rugged pirate, instilling fear into the hearts of everyone he encounters. But he has his own story to unravel, taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the story, leaving you in a heap of tears, thrills and "what the f*cks?"
We've got:
Enemies to lovers 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Found family
PIRATES
"Touch her and you die"
Badass FMC
LGBTQ rep
I cannot wait to see what happens in book two!
June 9, 2022
Finishing this book was like having to say goodbye to friends. At least I know I’ll see them again soon in the next book. This story was stunning. The writing was beautiful and though an alternate sort of world it was perfectly worded for the time period in which I envisioned this. A story of a strong woman raised to be a priestess proud and in control of herself and her sexuality who has been through, well, a lot. Andromeda’s now been getting by with life as a prostitute in a brothel where she wound up after escaping with her life during the King’s usurping of the throne. So that means she’s for sale to the men she agrees to. That now includes Captain Lennox if it means she can keep a young ward safe in his clutches. But once on his ship things are not at all what they seem and we learn the story of Andromeda, Captain Lennox and his ship The Bartered Soul. There’s some great lines in this book that made me think of our current patriarchy and what women are dealing with in being pushed down and controlled. I loved the theme of that running underneath. Now Andromeda is the she-wolf who has a chance to both finally escape the life she has been living for freedom, to make the choice to do what she wants and take vengeance on those who have hurt her and those she loves. Great debut novel! I cannot wait for the next book.
June 25, 2022
'' Oh, Andromeda,'' he practically purrs.
''I'll tell you exactly what I'd like you to do to me. And what I would like to do to you, as well. But that will wait for another night, I think.''
Thank you L.B. Benson for the advanced copy in exchange for honest review. All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
Actual rating: 4.5 pirate ⭐'s
This adult fantasy/romance was a debut from L.B. Benson. It has great magic system and politic aspect, interesting characters and it has twists and turns. Main characters Andromeda and Lennox are able to capture readers interest up until the last page of the book. It was beautiful to witness deeper secrets and character layers being uncovered.
So if you like following troupes, this is your book:
Found Family
"Touch her and you die"
Enemies to Lovers
LGBTQ rep
Sexy pirate captain
Angsty spice
Feisty Heroine
Check TW's before reading!
''The wolves of Vengeance are ready to hunt.''
''I'll tell you exactly what I'd like you to do to me. And what I would like to do to you, as well. But that will wait for another night, I think.''
Thank you L.B. Benson for the advanced copy in exchange for honest review. All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
Actual rating: 4.5 pirate ⭐'s
This adult fantasy/romance was a debut from L.B. Benson. It has great magic system and politic aspect, interesting characters and it has twists and turns. Main characters Andromeda and Lennox are able to capture readers interest up until the last page of the book. It was beautiful to witness deeper secrets and character layers being uncovered.
So if you like following troupes, this is your book:
Found Family
"Touch her and you die"
Enemies to Lovers
LGBTQ rep
Sexy pirate captain
Angsty spice
Feisty Heroine
Check TW's before reading!
''The wolves of Vengeance are ready to hunt.''
June 20, 2022
4.5 Stars!
The author was kind enough to send me an ARC of her debut novel and I was blown away.
Between Andromeda's general bad-assery and Lennox's cold but kind heart this story really has something for everyone.
The magic in this story is subtle but powerful, and Andromeda's yearning to be her true-self is something I think will resonate with all readers in different ways.
While I was on the edge of my seat with action and mystery there were also tender, family-building moments and humour to get me through.
This is a romance and there are some wonderfully spicy scenes for those of us who enjoy that.
Please check tigger-warnings as there is graphic violence and explicit sex in this story.
This is Book 1 of a series, meaning there are some unanswered questions, but it does not end on a cliffhanger.
The author was kind enough to send me an ARC of her debut novel and I was blown away.
Between Andromeda's general bad-assery and Lennox's cold but kind heart this story really has something for everyone.
The magic in this story is subtle but powerful, and Andromeda's yearning to be her true-self is something I think will resonate with all readers in different ways.
While I was on the edge of my seat with action and mystery there were also tender, family-building moments and humour to get me through.
This is a romance and there are some wonderfully spicy scenes for those of us who enjoy that.
Please check tigger-warnings as there is graphic violence and explicit sex in this story.
This is Book 1 of a series, meaning there are some unanswered questions, but it does not end on a cliffhanger.
May 1, 2024
I loved this book! It’s definitely got some dark, heavy content, but it was mostly low stakes and read like a cozy fantasy. It sets the stage for the world building and storyline that will continue to develop over the rest of the series.
I absolutely adored how the FMC, Andromeda, was resilient, fierce, and brave - yet also caring and gentle. She warred with herself to protect her heart and I loved how she walked the line between being vulnerable and building her walls up for self preservation. She was incredibly relatable in that way.
The MMC, Lennox, also warred with expressing his emotions and protecting his heart. I absolutely loved how he was a ruthless, dangerous pirate to the world - but a complete cinnamon roll to those he cared about. The reveal about his true intentions with Andromeda had me melting on the floor! It was SO sweet and incredibly swoon-worthy.
All of the surprises and reveals in the second half of the book kept me captivated and fervently turning the pages. I can’t wait to see where the story goes in the next installment!
Thank you so much to Enchanted Pages PR for providing this book for me to review!
I absolutely adored how the FMC, Andromeda, was resilient, fierce, and brave - yet also caring and gentle. She warred with herself to protect her heart and I loved how she walked the line between being vulnerable and building her walls up for self preservation. She was incredibly relatable in that way.
The MMC, Lennox, also warred with expressing his emotions and protecting his heart. I absolutely loved how he was a ruthless, dangerous pirate to the world - but a complete cinnamon roll to those he cared about. The reveal about his true intentions with Andromeda had me melting on the floor! It was SO sweet and incredibly swoon-worthy.
All of the surprises and reveals in the second half of the book kept me captivated and fervently turning the pages. I can’t wait to see where the story goes in the next installment!
Thank you so much to Enchanted Pages PR for providing this book for me to review!
December 7, 2023
I can see what this story was trying to do and this was not it. The whole thing felt like a young adult's fantasy — a dangerous, mysterious, beautiful man (who smirks a lot); using feminity and sexuality as power (major femme fatale vibes); and a large emphasis on appearance (the heroine is provided a large extensive closet of impractical dresses that allow for numerous outfit changes). This was very dark and gorey at times. The characters' development was predictable with an asshole-y twist to it.
The heroine feels disgusted by other men's leers on the ship, yet the next minute (literally), the hero comes along, does the same thing, and the heroine is consumed with lust. Also what kind of asshole behavior is the following: "Lennox steps back to allow me entry, then takes an appraising glance at my ensemble, asking me with a twist of his index finger to turn for a full view." (p. 71). What the actual fuck. This is all so unnecessary yet the author felt it was good judgment to write this. Also unecessary, the following:
"Some of the crew have come by to visit for minor ailments already,” I reply, still savoring the potatoes as I clear my plate. Lennox smiles at me and refills my glass without prompting as he watches me eat. “I’m sure they are more interested in safely looking at you than they are in having their injuries treated,” he smirks, a small huff of laughter escaping his lips. (p. 72)
That's peak, PEAK asshole behavior. Unnecessary, doesn't make sense, annoying, immature, and NOT SEXY, which is what I think the author was trying to go for? The heroine doesn't have a strong negative reaction to the hero's words.
The story is told from the heroine's POV and it felt so one-dimensional because she described everything but her feelings, thoughts, and reflections. It was all telling not showing. She barely talked to people; in others, there was little no dialogue in the first 20% of the book. She had the chance to ask the Captain questions and communicate anything, yet she didn't. Their first dinner together was her just being silent the whole time and there were like 7 lines of dialogue. She didn't express curiousity or any nuanced emotions.
The heroine feels disgusted by other men's leers on the ship, yet the next minute (literally), the hero comes along, does the same thing, and the heroine is consumed with lust. Also what kind of asshole behavior is the following: "Lennox steps back to allow me entry, then takes an appraising glance at my ensemble, asking me with a twist of his index finger to turn for a full view." (p. 71). What the actual fuck. This is all so unnecessary yet the author felt it was good judgment to write this. Also unecessary, the following:
"Some of the crew have come by to visit for minor ailments already,” I reply, still savoring the potatoes as I clear my plate. Lennox smiles at me and refills my glass without prompting as he watches me eat. “I’m sure they are more interested in safely looking at you than they are in having their injuries treated,” he smirks, a small huff of laughter escaping his lips. (p. 72)
That's peak, PEAK asshole behavior. Unnecessary, doesn't make sense, annoying, immature, and NOT SEXY, which is what I think the author was trying to go for? The heroine doesn't have a strong negative reaction to the hero's words.
The story is told from the heroine's POV and it felt so one-dimensional because she described everything but her feelings, thoughts, and reflections. It was all telling not showing. She barely talked to people; in others, there was little no dialogue in the first 20% of the book. She had the chance to ask the Captain questions and communicate anything, yet she didn't. Their first dinner together was her just being silent the whole time and there were like 7 lines of dialogue. She didn't express curiousity or any nuanced emotions.
May 28, 2022
This book 🤌🏻 This book has everything. Dangerous and maddeningly sexy pirate captain who nurtures a fierce reputation matched only by his fierce loyalty and love? Check. A surviving priestess in hiding, filled with fury and vengeance hidden being a beautiful face? Check. A found family of survivors and pirates who have each other’s backs? Check. A will they/won’t they enemies-ish to lovers romance? Check. Delicious, yet beautiful steamy scenes? Check! Secrets galore, healing from past trauma and war, and the hope of revolution on the horizon? Check check check!
I am truly captivated and in love with both Andromeda and Captain Lennox. Andromeda is the very picture of feminine fury and retribution, and yet she is also fiercely protective and compassionate. Lennox at first glance is a dangerous and cocky pirate, but take a closer look and there’s a sweet, gooey cinnamon roll hiding under all that bravado and infamy. I loved seeing them slowly pull down their carefully crafted defenses and open up to each other. Their romance felt natural and the chemistry between them undeniable. I throughly enjoyed their banter and found myself grinning like an idiot more than a few times. There’s definitely more to them and their connection than first meets the eye, but each of their secrets come out in ways that feel organic.
L.B. truly crafted a wonderful debut novel that is absolutely bursting at the seams with adventure, heart, and soul. Her writing style is lush and descriptive while remaining accessible so that as a reader, I felt transported right into the scenes. There is definitely a miscommunication trope here that had me wanting to smack or strangle the MCs, but overall it was for good reasons and was handled well. To say I loved this book and I’m excited for the next is an understatement!
I am truly captivated and in love with both Andromeda and Captain Lennox. Andromeda is the very picture of feminine fury and retribution, and yet she is also fiercely protective and compassionate. Lennox at first glance is a dangerous and cocky pirate, but take a closer look and there’s a sweet, gooey cinnamon roll hiding under all that bravado and infamy. I loved seeing them slowly pull down their carefully crafted defenses and open up to each other. Their romance felt natural and the chemistry between them undeniable. I throughly enjoyed their banter and found myself grinning like an idiot more than a few times. There’s definitely more to them and their connection than first meets the eye, but each of their secrets come out in ways that feel organic.
L.B. truly crafted a wonderful debut novel that is absolutely bursting at the seams with adventure, heart, and soul. Her writing style is lush and descriptive while remaining accessible so that as a reader, I felt transported right into the scenes. There is definitely a miscommunication trope here that had me wanting to smack or strangle the MCs, but overall it was for good reasons and was handled well. To say I loved this book and I’m excited for the next is an understatement!
June 15, 2022
This book was EXACTLY what I needed in my current mood! It's got summer vibes just like all books and movies about pirates do ⚓ It was fun and light. No heavy world building or unnecessary complex vocabulary, just what I needed! A bit too short for my taste, but since it's the first in a series that's understandable.
I genuinely fell in love with Captain Lennox's character 😍 unlike the usual morally grey MCs I've gotten used to read about, this man pretty much devoted his life to help others and take care of his loved ones. Under his neutral facade and scary reputation, he was a real gentleman and a hopeless romantic at that ❤
Andromeda wasn't any less interesting! She spent years in hiding, mourning her loss and unable to free herself from her horrifying past. Her character showed no ounce of sympathy towards those who did her wrong. I liked the fact that she was finally able to open up her heart instead of keeping everything to herself, for fear of being hurt again or even losing her loved ones once again.
The relationship both characters was so sweet and heartwarming. The way they cares for one another, and how even when angry at each other couldn't bare the thought of staying apart. I feel like I finished it too soon, it really was a fast read! I simply can't wait to read the second book in the Andromeda series ❤
I genuinely fell in love with Captain Lennox's character 😍 unlike the usual morally grey MCs I've gotten used to read about, this man pretty much devoted his life to help others and take care of his loved ones. Under his neutral facade and scary reputation, he was a real gentleman and a hopeless romantic at that ❤
Andromeda wasn't any less interesting! She spent years in hiding, mourning her loss and unable to free herself from her horrifying past. Her character showed no ounce of sympathy towards those who did her wrong. I liked the fact that she was finally able to open up her heart instead of keeping everything to herself, for fear of being hurt again or even losing her loved ones once again.
The relationship both characters was so sweet and heartwarming. The way they cares for one another, and how even when angry at each other couldn't bare the thought of staying apart. I feel like I finished it too soon, it really was a fast read! I simply can't wait to read the second book in the Andromeda series ❤
June 21, 2022
Okay so I'll try my best to keep this review spoiler free. I suck at writing reviews without spoiling it. So here's goes nothing..
The book was good. I really enjoyed reading it. It was my first ever pirate romance read and I enjoyed every bit of it thoroughly. I have to be honest and say the mid part of the book ( the voyage part) did get a bit dull because of the same surroundings..but once that ended it became interesting again...the book will keep u hooked from the very first chapter. Andromeda( FMC) is such an interesting character.. She's strong, she's bold, she's beautiful with the will of steel..Her past was very traumatizing and she went through a lot. The author has very beautifully developed her character. Captain William Lennox is more than just a hot and dangerous pirate captain.(u've to read the book which is coming out soon to find out more about him). I love their( Andromeda and Lennox's) dynamic..There's so much spark🔥 b/w them..and THOSE👀 scenes are OH MY GOD..🥵
And I can't wait to read book 2 to see how the story unfolds..
{Gonna leave it here because I'm afraid I'll spoil it😫}
The book was good. I really enjoyed reading it. It was my first ever pirate romance read and I enjoyed every bit of it thoroughly. I have to be honest and say the mid part of the book ( the voyage part) did get a bit dull because of the same surroundings..but once that ended it became interesting again...the book will keep u hooked from the very first chapter. Andromeda( FMC) is such an interesting character.. She's strong, she's bold, she's beautiful with the will of steel..Her past was very traumatizing and she went through a lot. The author has very beautifully developed her character. Captain William Lennox is more than just a hot and dangerous pirate captain.(u've to read the book which is coming out soon to find out more about him). I love their( Andromeda and Lennox's) dynamic..There's so much spark🔥 b/w them..and THOSE👀 scenes are OH MY GOD..🥵
And I can't wait to read book 2 to see how the story unfolds..
{Gonna leave it here because I'm afraid I'll spoil it😫}
June 17, 2022
I wasn't sure what sort of waters I was getting into when I started this book.
I only knew it was a fantasy involving smut, witches, and pirates. The majority of which I adore. To tell you the truth, it took me a chapter or two to really get into it. Then, a few pages later, I was startled awake by a fantastic surprise, and the rest of the voyage was thrilling. This is such a lovely bookish debut.
I liked how the language used was so well-suited to the time period that it didn't distract me from what I was reading. This book demonstrated how various people can experience the same emotion in different ways, but I'm not sure how many people will understand what I mean.
The feeling of being suffocated and hesitant to take on obligations you don't want/aren't ready to carry was described in this novel in a way that felt real to me. It's also delightful to read about the sexual liberation it supports. There's a lot to do, and Andromeda has a lot in store for her in the next book. I can feel it. And I'll be patiently waiting for that time to arrive so I can see these friends I've grown so fond of once more.
P.S: we get an FMC who knows how to dish out deserved vengeance and I look forward to how she'll deal with this king that has hurt her and her people so.
This is my honest review of this ARC by author L. B. Benson
I only knew it was a fantasy involving smut, witches, and pirates. The majority of which I adore. To tell you the truth, it took me a chapter or two to really get into it. Then, a few pages later, I was startled awake by a fantastic surprise, and the rest of the voyage was thrilling. This is such a lovely bookish debut.
I liked how the language used was so well-suited to the time period that it didn't distract me from what I was reading. This book demonstrated how various people can experience the same emotion in different ways, but I'm not sure how many people will understand what I mean.
The feeling of being suffocated and hesitant to take on obligations you don't want/aren't ready to carry was described in this novel in a way that felt real to me. It's also delightful to read about the sexual liberation it supports. There's a lot to do, and Andromeda has a lot in store for her in the next book. I can feel it. And I'll be patiently waiting for that time to arrive so I can see these friends I've grown so fond of once more.
P.S: we get an FMC who knows how to dish out deserved vengeance and I look forward to how she'll deal with this king that has hurt her and her people so.
This is my honest review of this ARC by author L. B. Benson
January 1, 2023
WOWOOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOWOWWOWOOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWOEOWOWOEOOWOWOWOWOWOWOJZKSKDMWOZKWOZKSOWEJSJ. Chefs kiss. - Kayce
September 27, 2022
This blew me away.
LB’s writing style was lovely, engaging, and full of passion. The plot kept me interested throughout the entire book and the characters were intriguing. It felt like something I could see being made into a film and then loving every second of it.
Lennox? Swoon. Andromeda? Double swoon.
I won’t share too much to keep this spoiler free but if you like pirates, mystery, slow burn (but not agonizingly slow) romance, looks like he could kill you but is a cinnamon roll, high stakes, magic, ROMANCE…read this.
LB’s writing style was lovely, engaging, and full of passion. The plot kept me interested throughout the entire book and the characters were intriguing. It felt like something I could see being made into a film and then loving every second of it.
Lennox? Swoon. Andromeda? Double swoon.
I won’t share too much to keep this spoiler free but if you like pirates, mystery, slow burn (but not agonizingly slow) romance, looks like he could kill you but is a cinnamon roll, high stakes, magic, ROMANCE…read this.
January 10, 2023
I have had The Bartered Soul on my TBR for quite some time; and I'm absolutely mad at myself for not reading it sooner!!!! This debut novel of L.B. Benson's is absolutely fantastic!
The Bartered Soul follows Andromeda's story of escaping persecution, as a priestess, from the usurper king's rule. In doing so she hides herself away and works in a pleasure house. Then one day Captain Lennox the dastardly and rumored flesh trader pirate lord walks into the House of Starlight and sets his sights on her. He purchases Andromeda and one other girl's company for entertainment on his next voyage. When Lennox purchases women for entertainment they never return or they are a shell. Will Andromeda be another casualty and be an added number to the list? Will she have the strength to finish the voyage and finally gain her freedom; starting anew? Or will her past come crushing back, like the relentless waves of the sea?
Andromeda is our she-wolf FMC!! She is confident, sassy, strong, smart, fierce.. trauma baby. She isn't afraid to make you pay for your transgressions against her or other women. But she very much internalizes her struggles and fears. Making some people like myself relate to her. I also love that her character is a bit older. It's nice to read about a bada$$ FMC who is around my age. It makesmee feel like I can conquer anything. Andromeda makes me feel like I can conquer anything!!!
Captain Lennox is our dashing and feared pirate lord MMC!!! He has a list of secrets that are a mile long! He is tough but beneath that tough exterior he is actually very much a cinnamon roll. But he will not hesitate to unalive you if you hurt any of his loved ones. He is loyal, witty, stubborn, family is everything, romantic, trauma baby as well, strong, consent king, and well I love him. No shocker there!
On to the side characters... Lyra is my favorite!!! Hands down! She must be protected at all costs.
Also, who else agrees...when one of the main characters smiles against the other main character's mouth while kissing... is the hottest freaking thing ever!?! Nope just me? OK! 🥵🫠🔥🙋♀️
What To Expect:
▪︎NA Fantasy Romance
▪︎Pirates & Priestesses
▪︎Magic
▪︎Alphahole MMC 🖤
▪︎Stabby older FMC 🔥
▪︎Found Family
▪︎Female Empowerment
▪︎Slow Burn
▪︎He falls first
▪︎Banter
▪︎Snarling
▪︎LGBTQ Rep
▪︎Mine
▪︎Couple of chapters with MMC POV
▪︎"Touch Her and You Die"
▪︎Mystery and Secrets
▪︎Book One in Andromeda's Account
▪︎Nicknames
▪︎⚠️⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️ ⚠️ (may contain spoilers)
*Graphic Sexual Scenes
*Graphic Violence/Murder/Physical Assault/Blood
*Strong Language
*Sexual Assault/Rape
*Misogyny
*Child Loss/Miscarriage (mentioned)
*Anxiety/Panic Attacks/Grief
LB Benson's writing sucks you in from the very first sentence. It is face paced, magical, romantic, and you can just tell where her passions and strengths lie. She had me laughing, screaming, angry, swooning, and crying. Sometimes, I would feel all those emotions in a paragraph. She brings to light, very real, today issues in this fantasy novel. Especially against women, and I appreciated that so much. I'm going to go dive into book two and become even more obsessed! 🖤
"I am whole, I am strong, I have survived worse than this."
The Bartered Soul follows Andromeda's story of escaping persecution, as a priestess, from the usurper king's rule. In doing so she hides herself away and works in a pleasure house. Then one day Captain Lennox the dastardly and rumored flesh trader pirate lord walks into the House of Starlight and sets his sights on her. He purchases Andromeda and one other girl's company for entertainment on his next voyage. When Lennox purchases women for entertainment they never return or they are a shell. Will Andromeda be another casualty and be an added number to the list? Will she have the strength to finish the voyage and finally gain her freedom; starting anew? Or will her past come crushing back, like the relentless waves of the sea?
Andromeda is our she-wolf FMC!! She is confident, sassy, strong, smart, fierce.. trauma baby. She isn't afraid to make you pay for your transgressions against her or other women. But she very much internalizes her struggles and fears. Making some people like myself relate to her. I also love that her character is a bit older. It's nice to read about a bada$$ FMC who is around my age. It makesmee feel like I can conquer anything. Andromeda makes me feel like I can conquer anything!!!
Captain Lennox is our dashing and feared pirate lord MMC!!! He has a list of secrets that are a mile long! He is tough but beneath that tough exterior he is actually very much a cinnamon roll. But he will not hesitate to unalive you if you hurt any of his loved ones. He is loyal, witty, stubborn, family is everything, romantic, trauma baby as well, strong, consent king, and well I love him. No shocker there!
On to the side characters... Lyra is my favorite!!! Hands down! She must be protected at all costs.
Also, who else agrees...when one of the main characters smiles against the other main character's mouth while kissing... is the hottest freaking thing ever!?! Nope just me? OK! 🥵🫠🔥🙋♀️
What To Expect:
▪︎NA Fantasy Romance
▪︎Pirates & Priestesses
▪︎Magic
▪︎Alphahole MMC 🖤
▪︎Stabby older FMC 🔥
▪︎Found Family
▪︎Female Empowerment
▪︎Slow Burn
▪︎He falls first
▪︎Banter
▪︎Snarling
▪︎LGBTQ Rep
▪︎Mine
▪︎Couple of chapters with MMC POV
▪︎"Touch Her and You Die"
▪︎Mystery and Secrets
▪︎Book One in Andromeda's Account
▪︎Nicknames
▪︎⚠️⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️ ⚠️ (may contain spoilers)
*Graphic Sexual Scenes
*Graphic Violence/Murder/Physical Assault/Blood
*Strong Language
*Sexual Assault/Rape
*Misogyny
*Child Loss/Miscarriage (mentioned)
*Anxiety/Panic Attacks/Grief
LB Benson's writing sucks you in from the very first sentence. It is face paced, magical, romantic, and you can just tell where her passions and strengths lie. She had me laughing, screaming, angry, swooning, and crying. Sometimes, I would feel all those emotions in a paragraph. She brings to light, very real, today issues in this fantasy novel. Especially against women, and I appreciated that so much. I'm going to go dive into book two and become even more obsessed! 🖤
"I am whole, I am strong, I have survived worse than this."
June 5, 2022
I loved this book. The world building was fantastic! You get pulled in from the prologue and this tragic beginning. I loved the female empowered culture of the goddess worshippers and the descriptions of the island later in the book. This idea of having a strong women led society that’s toppled by a bunch of selfish men feels so relevant to today.
I have a deep love of constellations and outer space. The way the moon and stars are wrapped into this book and their symbolism was one of my favorite parts.
Andromeda was a fantastic heroine. She was strong, sex positive, caring, and yet vulnerable. Lennox was a little frustrating at first, but then you get to know him. All these secrets come out and it made me love both of them more. I didn’t see either of the big secrets coming which made them even more fun.
I loved the secondary characters too Lyra, Erik, Siobhan. I wish we had seen more of Lyra and Andromeda’s relationship develop while they were sailing.
The steamy scenes are very passionate. There isn’t anything kinky or too spicy. I was pleased with the fact that they carried throughout the book. I think they help show the developing relationship between Andromeda and Lennox.
I did find the writing style a little hard the first few pages. I think it was just a weird transition from my last book to this one. It’s a very descriptive book and many sentences are long. In the end this added to the book. The characters were very passionate and we got a lot of what they were thinking and feeling. I kept reading because the plot and world building had really captured me. I quickly got into the rhythm of the book and loved it.
Overall I can’t believe this is the authors debut novel. I did get an ARC but my thoughts are my own. I would love to read more about Andromeda and the other priestesses who flee in the prologue.
I have a deep love of constellations and outer space. The way the moon and stars are wrapped into this book and their symbolism was one of my favorite parts.
Andromeda was a fantastic heroine. She was strong, sex positive, caring, and yet vulnerable. Lennox was a little frustrating at first, but then you get to know him. All these secrets come out and it made me love both of them more. I didn’t see either of the big secrets coming which made them even more fun.
I loved the secondary characters too Lyra, Erik, Siobhan. I wish we had seen more of Lyra and Andromeda’s relationship develop while they were sailing.
The steamy scenes are very passionate. There isn’t anything kinky or too spicy. I was pleased with the fact that they carried throughout the book. I think they help show the developing relationship between Andromeda and Lennox.
I did find the writing style a little hard the first few pages. I think it was just a weird transition from my last book to this one. It’s a very descriptive book and many sentences are long. In the end this added to the book. The characters were very passionate and we got a lot of what they were thinking and feeling. I kept reading because the plot and world building had really captured me. I quickly got into the rhythm of the book and loved it.
Overall I can’t believe this is the authors debut novel. I did get an ARC but my thoughts are my own. I would love to read more about Andromeda and the other priestesses who flee in the prologue.
June 6, 2022
It’s a pirate’s life for me….
The Bartered Soul is L.B Benson’s debut novel. It is a spicy and adventurous tale. The main character, Andromeda was a dedicated priestess in her former life… But, now she lives a life of exchanging her flesh for coin. Her life has become acclimated to this life until one day a wicked, mysterious pirate purchased her for his personal voyage. Will this pirate use her and leave her to die like rumors say? Or will she be able to earn the coin to start a new life? Will the secrets that haunt her be revealed? Or will they be swept away with the waves?
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Things that I liked:
•Andromeda is a strong, confident character. She knows who she is and doesn’t take any 💩. She is an empowering character (yay feminism💃🏻)
•L.B. Benson does a spectacular job with descriptions of how a character feels. It’s very relatable.
•There are LBGTQA+ characters (hopefully more in the next book, I’d love to see another love interest for THAT character)
•The author is very consistent with the world building of the religion. Everything ties together.
•The 🌶
•The twists 🌪
What wasn’t for me:
•You’ll have to read to see the part that made this self declared “weird peen queen” (me) gasp.
You’ll have wait to read it until June 21st to read. If you love it as much as I do you can order it on Amazon on the same date 😁
The Bartered Soul is L.B Benson’s debut novel. It is a spicy and adventurous tale. The main character, Andromeda was a dedicated priestess in her former life… But, now she lives a life of exchanging her flesh for coin. Her life has become acclimated to this life until one day a wicked, mysterious pirate purchased her for his personal voyage. Will this pirate use her and leave her to die like rumors say? Or will she be able to earn the coin to start a new life? Will the secrets that haunt her be revealed? Or will they be swept away with the waves?
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Things that I liked:
•Andromeda is a strong, confident character. She knows who she is and doesn’t take any 💩. She is an empowering character (yay feminism💃🏻)
•L.B. Benson does a spectacular job with descriptions of how a character feels. It’s very relatable.
•There are LBGTQA+ characters (hopefully more in the next book, I’d love to see another love interest for THAT character)
•The author is very consistent with the world building of the religion. Everything ties together.
•The 🌶
•The twists 🌪
What wasn’t for me:
•You’ll have to read to see the part that made this self declared “weird peen queen” (me) gasp.
You’ll have wait to read it until June 21st to read. If you love it as much as I do you can order it on Amazon on the same date 😁
November 14, 2022
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Darkness: 🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑/5
4 stars for The Bartered Soul! I really enjoyed this novel, which could be read as a stand alone, but does have a second instalment in the series slated to come out in December. This book follows Andromeda, the Priestess, and her journey on a pirate ship and this did not disappoint. When I first read the synopsis I was hesitant to pick it up because of the mention of Priestess and religion which normally I am not into. However this was not the type of Priestess we are used to … think badass feminist priestess-hood! This had all the classic troupes that I love in a romance fantasy…Enemies to Lovers, Badass FMC, touch-her-you-die, lies/betrayal and most importantly spice! The spice in this was chefs kiss and did not overpower the story line like it can in some books.
I highly recommend this book! It should be noted that it contains explicit themes of sexual assault that some may find triggering.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Darkness: 🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑/5
4 stars for The Bartered Soul! I really enjoyed this novel, which could be read as a stand alone, but does have a second instalment in the series slated to come out in December. This book follows Andromeda, the Priestess, and her journey on a pirate ship and this did not disappoint. When I first read the synopsis I was hesitant to pick it up because of the mention of Priestess and religion which normally I am not into. However this was not the type of Priestess we are used to … think badass feminist priestess-hood! This had all the classic troupes that I love in a romance fantasy…Enemies to Lovers, Badass FMC, touch-her-you-die, lies/betrayal and most importantly spice! The spice in this was chefs kiss and did not overpower the story line like it can in some books.
I highly recommend this book! It should be noted that it contains explicit themes of sexual assault that some may find triggering.
December 12, 2022
You know a book is good when you are sad to finish it. This is how The Bartered Soul made me feel. It’s been on my tbr for so long and I’m so glad I picked it up (I’m such a mood reader and I was needing some pirates).
The writing was perfect for the period in which it was set and so beautiful, not only the world-building but the way in which the author expresses the characters emotions and thoughts. They were all well-developed and I quickly fell in love with them all.
The FMC has definitely become one of my favourite leading ladies, and I loved the fierce survivor she is shown to be.
Lennox - *swoon*. After learning more of his story, I am so in love with his character. I love a man who falls first!
Thank you to @booksnbatz for gifting me this story in my first ever bookmail. This tale was engaging, heart-wrenching and I felt like I went on a voyage with them. It’s been one of the best rides ever and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for Andromeda!
The writing was perfect for the period in which it was set and so beautiful, not only the world-building but the way in which the author expresses the characters emotions and thoughts. They were all well-developed and I quickly fell in love with them all.
The FMC has definitely become one of my favourite leading ladies, and I loved the fierce survivor she is shown to be.
Lennox - *swoon*. After learning more of his story, I am so in love with his character. I love a man who falls first!
Thank you to @booksnbatz for gifting me this story in my first ever bookmail. This tale was engaging, heart-wrenching and I felt like I went on a voyage with them. It’s been one of the best rides ever and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for Andromeda!
June 16, 2022
“The Goddess has returned to us”
This book has all of the elements you could want: action, romance, pirates, spicy smut, and so much more!
Andromeda is a former priestess in hiding after the overthrow of a kingdom has outlawed worship to the goddess. She is working in a brothel where she had to choose her name based on constellations and
“I chose Andromeda, but I’m not foolish enough to think a hero is coming to save me.”
She is a strong FMC who also is going through extreme trauma and grief. The author does an amazing job at explaining her trauma and grief and the process of triggers and working through them. I really felt that I was grieving with her at many points!
And don’t even get me started on our sexy pirate daddy Lennox 🥵🥵 what’s there not to love about him, let’s be honest!
I cannot wait for book two!!
This book has all of the elements you could want: action, romance, pirates, spicy smut, and so much more!
Andromeda is a former priestess in hiding after the overthrow of a kingdom has outlawed worship to the goddess. She is working in a brothel where she had to choose her name based on constellations and
“I chose Andromeda, but I’m not foolish enough to think a hero is coming to save me.”
She is a strong FMC who also is going through extreme trauma and grief. The author does an amazing job at explaining her trauma and grief and the process of triggers and working through them. I really felt that I was grieving with her at many points!
And don’t even get me started on our sexy pirate daddy Lennox 🥵🥵 what’s there not to love about him, let’s be honest!
I cannot wait for book two!!
June 18, 2022
I grew up falling in love with Jack Sparrow. Give me character with a tricorn hat and cutlass, throw him on a ship, and call him Captain? Sold!
But Captain Lennox?
He is for the adult version of me who loves me some swashbuckling pirates.
If you're looking for:
° Swoony & Steamy
° PIRATES!
° Priestess & Magic
° Fierce & BA Females
° "Touch Her Again"
° POTC meets Fifty Shades (without the kink)
° Found Family
° He Falls First
..... definitely pick up this one.
Unfortunately rum is not included, but you may need some close by to cool off. 🥵
But Captain Lennox?
He is for the adult version of me who loves me some swashbuckling pirates.
If you're looking for:
° Swoony & Steamy
° PIRATES!
° Priestess & Magic
° Fierce & BA Females
° "Touch Her Again"
° POTC meets Fifty Shades (without the kink)
° Found Family
° He Falls First
..... definitely pick up this one.
Unfortunately rum is not included, but you may need some close by to cool off. 🥵
June 6, 2022
I read this book before the world got to see it in all its glory, and I loved it. It’s one of my favorite reads this year so far. It has intrigue and amazing storytelling right out of the gate. I love the characters and the world the author weaves. And if I don’t have you yet THERE ARE PIRATES! I mean, need I go on? No heavy info dumps, just pure story and I love it all the more for that fact. I cannot wait to read book two! You won’t regret picking it up and cracking its spine.
June 15, 2022
A pirate book, you say? Sign me up. I may have (unironically) wanted to be an old-school pirate for a fair amount of my childhood, so say the word pirate and I am already on board. If you, too, dream of sailing the high seas, spotting dolphins from the deck, and feeling spindrift on your face, this is the book for you. Summer vibes for days, a fiesty FMC who knows her own mind, and an intriguing MC. I can't wait to see where Andromeda and co. end up in book 2!
June 2, 2022
I adored this book. The writing is beautifully detailed, the characters are well-rounded, and the spice is *chefs kiss* and hot.
Benson has done an exceptional job with her debut novel, and I'm excited to dive into the second book once it is available.
Benson has done an exceptional job with her debut novel, and I'm excited to dive into the second book once it is available.
June 21, 2022
Wow!!!!!
Get ready for some sexy pirate in your life. Lennox has been added to my top three of morally grey pirates who I need in my life.
Andromeda and Lennox are perfect for each other in every way. I was rooting for them right off the bat. This book has so many twists and turns that keep you on your toes, plus the spice in this book is perfect.
The fantasy part of the book was easy to follow and read the whole time to where I was confused on what was going on. I can't wait for book two and to see what L.B. Benson has up her sleeve.
I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My review is that you need to read it!
Get ready for some sexy pirate in your life. Lennox has been added to my top three of morally grey pirates who I need in my life.
Andromeda and Lennox are perfect for each other in every way. I was rooting for them right off the bat. This book has so many twists and turns that keep you on your toes, plus the spice in this book is perfect.
The fantasy part of the book was easy to follow and read the whole time to where I was confused on what was going on. I can't wait for book two and to see what L.B. Benson has up her sleeve.
I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My review is that you need to read it!
January 3, 2023
* 2.5
not exactly how i wanted to start off the year…
not exactly how i wanted to start off the year…
February 12, 2023
A really beautiful and empowering journey with a healthy dose of pirates in the mix. I think it was such a fun read, and the MCs were a lot of fun to read.
March 16, 2024
Overall liked the story. There was just something missing... It was hard to connect to the characters and really get sucked into the story. Will be continuing the series though!
June 22, 2022
I am in love with Andromeda! She is everything I want in a female main character- she's tough, she's protective of those she loves, and she takes charge, but she also has moments of vulnerability that make her so real. And Lennox, I cannot even begin to express my thoughts on the Captain without giving too much away, but I love him too.
This book was beautifully written, had a great plot, and sexy sexy spice, And Pirates!!
This book was beautifully written, had a great plot, and sexy sexy spice, And Pirates!!
June 8, 2022
a fab debut novel with everything you could possibly want in a book. pirates, toppled thrones, priestesses turning to bothels, a heroine who doesnt need to be saved, and so much more.
I cannot reccomend this book enough. It was so so good. I already want to do a reread.
I cannot reccomend this book enough. It was so so good. I already want to do a reread.
July 28, 2023
This story was very unique and I had so much fun reading it. The high priestesses were once cherished, but the new king pushed them into a life of brothels and disrespect. The FMC is purchased by the most infamously evil pirate and fears for her life, but does his reputation represent his true self?
While I did predict some of the main plot points, there were several parts of the story that had my mouth gaping 😧.
- excellent spice 😏
- LGBTQ rep
- Hidden identity
- Pirates
- Revenge
- Found family 🥰
While I did predict some of the main plot points, there were several parts of the story that had my mouth gaping 😧.
- excellent spice 😏
- LGBTQ rep
- Hidden identity
- Pirates
- Revenge
- Found family 🥰
June 23, 2022
I was so lucky to have received this book ARC, I have never done a ARC before but man was I lucky for this to be my first one.
I did not 5 star this just because it was an ARC. I truly loved this book. I felt the FMCs pain, her joy, her anxiousness… it was also nice that she wasn’t 18-20 years old!!! She’s experienced life and she’s accepting of how life can be… it’s just refreshing to not be many years older than the FMC sometimes haha 😆. This books finishing left a lump in my throat for being done… I went through it way too fast!!
This story takes her on a journey to discover what life she wants to live and I am here for it!! I truly enjoyed watching her rediscover her true purpose in life.
MMC oh captain Lennox is 🤌🏻. Mysterious, handsome, a alpha and some more…. I absolutely enjoyed having the layers peeled back on who he is and why he’s the feared pirate that he is… you’ll fall in love just like the rest of us…
This book is so good I really hope you enjoy it the way I have! I will now be adding this to my impatiently patiently awaiting the next book list.
Bravo 🙌🏻 to you L.B Benson for this amazing book.
I did not 5 star this just because it was an ARC. I truly loved this book. I felt the FMCs pain, her joy, her anxiousness… it was also nice that she wasn’t 18-20 years old!!! She’s experienced life and she’s accepting of how life can be… it’s just refreshing to not be many years older than the FMC sometimes haha 😆. This books finishing left a lump in my throat for being done… I went through it way too fast!!
This story takes her on a journey to discover what life she wants to live and I am here for it!! I truly enjoyed watching her rediscover her true purpose in life.
MMC oh captain Lennox is 🤌🏻. Mysterious, handsome, a alpha and some more…. I absolutely enjoyed having the layers peeled back on who he is and why he’s the feared pirate that he is… you’ll fall in love just like the rest of us…
This book is so good I really hope you enjoy it the way I have! I will now be adding this to my impatiently patiently awaiting the next book list.
Bravo 🙌🏻 to you L.B Benson for this amazing book.
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