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The Silver Locket #1

The Sneaky Lass

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Jane has been many things in her life. A wife. A widow. A thief. A prostitute. Most recently, a woman seeking any means of escape from Grand Port.

Flying no colors and desperate for crew, Sneaky Lass is a damaged brig in no position to look too closely at any volunteers, no matter how ill-suited to sea life they may be.

After a series of decisions Jane can’t turn back from, she commits one final act of desperation; she dons stolen boots, shorn hair, and the name Dixon Ables to take up with the crew of Sneaky Lass. Now she finds herself in a position where she must keep up her boyish disguise or be thrown into the briny deep.

Concrete plans to leave the ship at the next port turn fluid as Jane becomes enamored by the mystery of the ropes, the lullaby of waves against the hull, and the wind in the sails.

That the crewmen are far from the salty rogues she expected doesn't help her resolve. Among the filthy men, the roar of cannons, the critical eye of a whip-wielding quartermaster, and beneath the weight of her own lies, Jane finds something she long believed a fantasy—Family.

Even the frequent gaze of the fine and fair-minded captain isn't enough to send her towards shore… yet. She doesn't want to sacrifice everything until she is sure he knows her secret, or perhaps his attentions are something else, something more.
The problem is her new life belongs to the man called Dixon, not the woman called Jane.

The longer she stays aboard Sneaky Lass, the closer she grows to losing everything she's come to value; new friends, the only home she's ever known, her life.
Deceptions are difficult on land, but in the close quarters of a pirate ship, they can be deadly.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2022

133 people are currently reading
1478 people want to read

About the author

Kennedy Sutton

18 books109 followers

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5 stars
406 (60%)
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175 (26%)
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66 (9%)
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15 (2%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
Profile Image for Kay.
563 reviews47 followers
August 14, 2022
The Sneaky Lass came out of nowhere and slapped the shit out of me. I loooooooooooooooooooved this book. I cannot wait for the second. Jane/Dix have my heart.
Profile Image for Rachel Igo.
172 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2022
“All the tattoos in the world could not hide your pretty face, Dixon Ables.”

Updated review (6/25): Now that this title is available for order on the Zon for kindle or physical copy, I wanted to add more thoughts! I think one of the things that has stuck with me ever since finishing this book is that gender roles are truly made up. We see Jane become Dixon and she finds a part of herself she never knew existed. She never had a chance to explore all of who she is because of rigid gender roles. I’ve never conformed to gender roles, but to think that me, and so many others, have been potentially missing a part of ourselves simply because we’ve fallen into the spaces that society pushed us into is so eye opening.
Another thing I’ve come to appreciate about this book is how much the author truly and genuinely cares about this story. It’s beautifully written, it’s carefully edited, so much time and love has clearly gone in to each page of this book and it shows.
Read this book, and get ready for epic pirate adventures, amazing characters (both main and secondary, every character is unique and defined!), and a love story that will rip at your heart.

Initial review (5/15, right after finishing last page): I JUST SCREAMED AT THE ENDING. MY HEART IS RIPPED INTO PIECES!
Okay, now that I got that outburst out. I was kindly given an eARC of this by the author and oh my god, I am so thankful. This story was exciting, emotional, full of anxiety, I truly was not prepared. Jane, or Dixon, is too strong for their own good. It was so heartbreakingly beautiful to see them truly fight for themselves. I want nothing more than for them to finally know true love. AND BENNETT?! Oh how I love him. He is so sure and so fierce, yet allows himself to be soft for Dixon. I neeed more of that. But this is an excruciatingly slow burn and I know it’s gonna be worth it. Aside from the heart wrenching romance, there is so much action and adventure, I was getting excited every time these pirates boarded a ship. The thrill of it! I literally need more of pirates being ruthless pirates now please. The characters were all so unique, they each truly stood out on their own. Although, I think Mickey and James have most my heart (please don’t hurt them!!!). I feel like I’m rambling but my brain is still reeling from devouring this book in just a few days. Just know this book is beautiful and heartbreaking, it’s so well written, it’s fun and it’s scary, it’s so much more than I could ever manage to describe!
Profile Image for Katie T.
1,318 reviews261 followers
January 26, 2023
3.5 stars rounding up.
I think this is kind of a guilty pleasure read.
Our main character is complex, strong and has survived a lot of shit. The hijinks on the high seas are fun but the book is kind of the same conversation between Dixon and Holt on repeat. Their will they/won't they kept me going though and will move me in to the second book.
Profile Image for Danielle.
178 reviews
July 14, 2022
omg this was fun! would like to join a pirate crew now 👀i wish it was longer.
Profile Image for Carlie Drury .
73 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2024
The amount of detail and thought that went into this book is astounding. From the first chapter I was majorly invested in Jane, and just as quickly invested in Bennett, Mickey and Hugh. The ease in which the personalities of every single character comes across is a testament to the author’s passion for this book. From Harry to James and all the other sailors, none of them felt like secondary characters to Jane’s story. The interactions between all of the crew never felt forced or written for the purpose of advancing the plot, every single interaction felt genuine.

I truly can’t wait to read more from Kennedy! The ending had me yelling and wishing I already had book two to binge read.
Profile Image for Ascher Alchier.
120 reviews13 followers
October 16, 2024
It's official, I am a Pirate Girly! This book was an absolute delight! The story of Jane and how she comes to Sneaky Lass will suck you in & your emotions.
The friendships Jane/Dixon makes on the ship will make you laugh & break your heart. The love story with Bennett left me sobbing in traffic. Not giving a flip if anyone was watching. I felt every emotion, the writing is exquisite, the story was so vivid. I felt I could smell the stench of sailors, and taste the ale. Read this/listen to this it will not disappoint! 5 Stars All The Way!
Profile Image for Emmy.
1,001 reviews168 followers
September 10, 2024
This kind of ended on a cliffhanger, in that a lot has been left resolved, and I'm intrigued about the direction of the next books, but I don't know that I liked this enough to keep going...
Profile Image for Brandon Fero.
Author 3 books9 followers
July 3, 2022
The Wh*re Who Would Become a Pirate...

Quite by accident, I assure you.

But the fates have more coming for the "plain, average, brown-eyed Jane". This I'm certain of.

Miss Kennedy Sutton's work is deserving of recognition, and applause. A first-person telling with heart, skill, detail, and depth that would marvel anyone.

I recommend this to all. Read this book. And prepare for a new adventure.

Let's sail.
Profile Image for Liz.
100 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2022
This story is beautiful, heart-wrenching, and exciting. I enjoyed it immensely and it was heartbreaking in the best possible way. I don't hand out 5 ⭐️ ratings often, but this story stuck with me and the writing was wonderful. Can't wait for the next book in thr series.
Profile Image for Emma.
12 reviews
May 28, 2022
The Sneaky Lass by Kennedy Sutton is a historical romance. I was sucked into this book fairly quickly! I was lucky enough to Arc read this book and I cannot wait for the next installment. I can really tell Miss Kennedy researched a lot, she was very descriptive and informative about the runnings of the ship.

Not only do you get drawn into the main character, but the supporting characters as well. I found myself really getting invested into Jane's journey. There is romance, adventure, heartache, and laughs. I very much look forward to reading the other books in the series. I highly suggest you give this book a read, you won't regret it!
Profile Image for Tarra Morrice.
6 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2022
Oh my gosh! This book was amazing! I laughed, I cried and I feel in love with the characters. I read it quicker than any other book Ive read this year as I just had to know what was going to happen. I cant wait for the next book and am so happy that they are being released rapidly, not sure how much longer I can wait!
Profile Image for Kassybetweenpages.
554 reviews61 followers
April 11, 2024
Reread 2024: yup I am still in love with this book! I did the audio book this time around and omgahhh does it really bring the story to life!


Original read 2022:

"I envy those men, and all men. No matter how dire their situations, they will never sink so low as me."

Kennedy Sutton crushed her first book The Sneaky Lass! this book gave me serious book hangover. one of the best historical romance stories I have read. the world building and little details really submerge you fully into the story.

I loved the Female Main character you can really see the struggle she goes through in the beginning as a prostitute, when she decides to change her circumstances she takes up with a group of pirates under the guise of a man. it has LGBTQ+ representation, slow burn/forbidden love, and all the things you love about Pirates and adventure regarding the sea.

that ending though! half of me left along with that ending and I will not be whole again until I have book two in my hands!
Profile Image for Melody Calder.
Author 41 books269 followers
May 12, 2022
The detail and character building in this book blew me away. I absolutely loved the characters and became so engrossed in this world I didn’t want it to end. I’m so glad there will be more books coming for me to dive into.

The writing is interesting and perfect for a historical book. It’s hard to believe this is a debut author. The details about ships was fantastically written and I felt like I was Jane, learning right along with her. I don’t even mind the slow burn at all. I prefer it so perfectly as it is and some interesting inclusive characters along the way. Im left with a few questions, which I know will be revealed in later books and I’m excited to have those questions answered.

This is my top book of 2022 and I can’t wait for the others.
Profile Image for Rae (semi-hiatus).
520 reviews163 followers
July 5, 2022
Speechless

When I say I felt every emotion under the sun after finishing this book…I mean it. I think this just made my top 10 list of favorite books. I could not put this down- it made me hurt, it made me laugh, it made me giddy. I loved every character, every moment, every word in this book. Jane was…woah. My favorite character in any novel I have read. She is smart, brave, compassionate, flawed. Most importantly, relatable, which given her circumstances seemed unlikely. Her inner dialogue was so spot on. I’m just in awe.
This was an outstanding debut novel and I cannot wait for the next. Amazing read. Please check it out.
93 reviews
September 2, 2022
This book is so good I wish I could read it again for the "First Time". It strikes every emotion every time but never like the first. The story was honestly so well-written and deeply emotional, that it completely gutted me. It needs to be required reading.  It needs to be said twice, I blew through this one and wanted to start rereading it as soon as I finished.
38 reviews
May 15, 2022
This book is amazing. Her attention to detail is amazing. Writing style is impeccable. The story builds well and you grow fond of the characters. The cliffhanger at the end leaves you begging for the next book.
Profile Image for Paige.
1,863 reviews90 followers
June 4, 2025
Disclaimer: I got this book from a former friend. Thanks. All opinions are my own.

Book: The Sneaky Lass

Author: Kennedy Sutton

Book Series: The Silver Locket Book 1

Rating: 5/5

Spice Rating: 2/5

Diversity: Gay characters, Queer, pansexual or bisexual, character

Recommended For...: Adult readers, Romantasy, Pirate Romance, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Pirates

Publication Date: June 30, 2022

Genre: Romantasy

Age Relevance: 18+ (language, violence, sexual content, romance, prostitution, alcoholism, alcohol consumption, animal violence, death, gore, infant death, death)

Explanation of CWs: There is cursing and some animal violence shown in the book. There are scenes with violence, blood gore, and death. Infant death is mentioned. There is some slight sexual content, prostitution, and romance in the book. There are scenes and mentions of alcohol consumption and alcoholism.

If This Was a Taylor Swift Song: Enchanted

Publisher: Indie Author

Pages: 280

Synopsis: Jane has been many things in her life. A wife. A widow. A thief. A prostitute. Most recently, a woman seeking any means of escape from Grand Port. Flying no colors and desperate for crew, Sneaky Lass is a damaged brig in no position to look too closely at any volunteers, no matter how ill-suited to sea life they may be. After a series of decisions Jane can’t turn back from, she commits one final act of desperation; she dons stolen boots, shorn hair, and the name Dixon Ables to take up with the crew of Sneaky Lass. Now she finds herself in a position where she must keep up her boyish disguise or be thrown into the briny deep. Concrete plans to leave the ship at the next port turn fluid as Jane becomes enamored by the mystery of the ropes, the lullaby of waves against the hull, and the wind in the sails. That the crewmen are far from the salty rogues she expected doesn't help her resolve. Among the filthy men, the roar of cannons, the critical eye of a whip-wielding quartermaster, and beneath the weight of her own lies, Jane finds something she long believed a fantasy—Family. Even the frequent gaze of the fine and fair-minded captain isn't enough to send her towards shore… yet. She doesn't want to sacrifice everything until she is sure he knows her secret, or perhaps his attentions are something else, something more. The problem is her new life belongs to the man called Dixon, not the woman called Jane. The longer she stays aboard Sneaky Lass, the closer she grows to losing everything she's come to value; new friends, the only home she's ever known, her life. Deceptions are difficult on land, but in the close quarters of a pirate ship, they can be deadly.

Review: This was such a great read! I loved following Jane's journey from the streets to the ship. I fell so hard and fast in love with this book that I have been craving the rest of the series since chapter 6. I love the world building, the characters, and all of the possibilities this series can bring. I think this just became my favorite series.

The only slight issue I had was some small pacing issues here and there but other than that I'm completely satisfied and will be reading the next in the series.

Verdict: I found a new obsession! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Monia.
4 reviews
May 22, 2024
This is a beautifully written story that I will try my hand at reviewing and doing this author and her incredible tale justice.

Yes, these books are about pirates, brothels, and life at sea, but that is secondary to the heart of the story: love, hope, loss, grief, carrying on after loss, family, companionship, and humanity and all its beauty and ugliness.

Sutton's writing tugs at both heart and mind, carefully opening them up more than you thought possible. She makes you think about issues the characters face in a way you can’t help but connect them to this life we all share.

Suttons's writing style and the way she tells their stories left me thinking about these characters for days after each book. The conversations they had with one another, and their first-person accounts and inner dialogue were for me unmatched by anything I’ve read thus far.

*** There are SO many favorites, but here are just a few of my favorite lines across all books in this series and the prequel:

“I will love you however you will let me.”

“If I had my way, I’d shrink him down and keep him in my pocket so I could pull him out whenever I fancied and have him remind me of how he loves me.”

“I deserve to be happy.”

“To think of what Mickey would be like: even more loving, open, and passionate in a world upside down from this one where he could always be himself…”

And my favorite… “A heart is not just given once. You must choose to give it to me every day. I want to be worthy.”

And if I could make one request, it would be for Sutton to gift us with a prequel of Bennett Holts story. A girl can dream.
Profile Image for Meagan.
Author 1 book8 followers
May 31, 2022
📚 ARC REVIEW📚

Why did this book have to end the way it did!!

There was not a single thing I disliked about this book. Kennedy Sutton masterfully created this beautiful story in ways I have never seen done before. The elements, the characters, every part of me wants to shout how amazing this book.

Jane is an incredible character! She is brave in ways that are different than most fiction heroines. She isn’t fighting creatures of magic but fighting the past she is desperate to forget. I will say that I relate to her when all she wants is a bath! Honestly I absolutely loved Jane!

And Captain Holt!! Oh man!! This gentleman of a captain is fantastic! And I love that while we don’t see things from his perspective we are still able to understand his reactions to things. And honestly he is a fantastic character.

There are so many fun, charming, and whimsical characters that you meat on the Sneaky Lass and I wish I could go into detail about all of them, but I don’t trust myself in ways of spoilers!

I wish book 1 didn’t have to end like that. Caught me completely by surprise. (I thought I still had more chapters to read). But alas, it was not meant to be. So glad though that I know there will be multiple books in this series and I am now eagerly awaiting book2.
Profile Image for Stasia Roze.
175 reviews9 followers
October 26, 2025
Joyful reading experience!

HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME CRY MY OWN TEARS!

I read this book in one day, I was completely sold by Jane & Dix, I wanted what they wanted, I yearned like they yearned.

I loved the way their identity split and how they felt differently and powerful in both personalities.

I loved the comradeship of the characters and how well that was written through their dialogue to make the reader feel a part of it.

I forgot how much I loved pirates, and I'm so glad this book reminded me. This brought back such a childhood joy for me that I truly hadn't felt in years.

This is a five star read for me. The journey I went on and the experience I had was phenomenal.

I cannot wait to get book two ASAPPPP
Profile Image for P.J. Spark.
Author 1 book12 followers
July 12, 2022
I just finish this book and I am gutted. I don’t know how k can wait a month for book 2.
1- I love the a kid full of mischief, so I have bonded with Harry, and my emotions for his story line I can not deal with at the moment.
2- why do you got to call me out like that wish Jane? I work in a male dominated field feeling like a imposter most the time. The feelings she feels I have felt on more than one occasion. Thankfully my love (who must be crazy to love me) backs me 100%

So I’m going to sit here and wait not patiently for the next book.
Profile Image for Emily Leon.
49 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2024
I got this book for free on a Stuff Your Kindle Day expecting a fluffy pirate romance. The Sneaky Lass snuck up on me and tore my heart out of my chest and stomped all over it. I love the story, I am pleasantly surprised to find it's a "real" book instead of a fluff read. Bit gahdang it I really didn't expect to be sobbing over a character in this book. I'm obsessed. Immediately devoured the second book as well
Profile Image for Trisha L Wagner.
4 reviews
July 9, 2022
couldn’t put it down

Absolutely loved Jane’s story and I can’t wait for more. The struggle she faces at keeping her secret and trying to find what is true to herself make you feel instantly connected to her. So many lovable characters that make you chuckle and cry. Would absolutely recommend and read again
Profile Image for Marissa.
266 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2023
This book started off strong and then had some slower parts in the middle. The end truly packed a punch leaving me wanting to read more. The main character Dixon/ Jane really proves herself on that ship that she can keep up with the men and that she is smart and strong. I will be checking out book 2!
Profile Image for Brianne Klodowski.
572 reviews6 followers
October 28, 2024
I started this book and couldn't put it down until I finished it. We're all a little obsessed with pirate stories, but there just aren't many out there these days. This one was well-researched and I really enjoyed the story. It was a little like Mulan, but with pirates instead. I immediately started the second one and can't wait to see where this story takes us!
Profile Image for Samantha.
6 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2022
Holy cow, that was good. I absolutely loved the main character and how she isn't your typical, innocent female mc. She has got a lot of baggage and she has done a lot before this story even begins and it made her real and so raw. I felt so connected with the realness of her and I adored her grit. The story was brilliantly paced and I had a hard time putting it down to sleep or do other daily life things. The characters in here are wonderful. Full of their own pasts and not always your typical, likable person, but you end up loving them anyway and wanting to know more about them. The way the story kept unfolding had me held captive. This is going to be one heck of a book hangover.
1 review
July 8, 2022
I haven’t been reading a whole lot lately, but couldn’t put this book down (I know everyone says that, but it’s true). A co-worker lended me it after she couldn’t stop talking about it, and now I’m obsessed :) I couldn’t recommend it enough. The main character is relatable in a way no female character has been for me ever. I had to leave a review because I wouldn’t want such a gifted author to go unnoticed for such a masterpiece <3
Profile Image for Lookitsjordy .
65 reviews7 followers
July 22, 2022
So I typically follow a set template for reviews unless I DNF or just am fully blown away by a book.

I am fully blown away.

The angst deserves the highest award. The relationship development and inner monologue was simply beautiful. The historical writing was refreshing and humorous at times. I’m half in love with Bennett and the other half is in love with Captain Holt. Not so spoiler alert, they’re the same person. Jane’s journey and character development was gripping. From starting out as someone who was a shadow of a person to this strong, insightful individual with an eye firmly on the life she wants to lead and no way of knowing how to get there, I am anxiously awaiting what trials lay ahead.

I loved every minute of this story. I didn’t skip ahead, I didn’t drudge through pages impatiently waiting to get to the good parts. The whole story was the good part.

In terms of spice, there was no spice. There were heated, angsty moments with stolen kisses and references of relationships. Truly, the angst is top notch. What it lacked it spice, it made up for in the love that developed between the pages of the book. Bennett’s reactions, sorrowful as they were, were breathtakingly painful. The love they curated will no doubt stand the test of time and any future struggles thrown their way and I absolutely cannot wait to see their journey to their happily ever after unfold.

Having already preordered the second book, I cannot wait to rejoin the crew of The Sneaky Lass on August 18.
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