The Pirate & the Naiad

Pirates and Water Nymphs #1

by Gigi Rivers

A pirate captain. A naiad who despises him. An MM fantasy romance.

Raiya despises humans. They abducted him from his home, kept him in captivity, and forced him to fight other nymphs. But when a pirate ship crewed by both naiads and humans rescues him, he is confused at seeing them working and living together. What’s more baffling is his attraction to the ship’s captain, with his calm confidence, broad shoulders, and steely grey eyes. Even so, Raiya will never give in to his desire for a human.

Silas is the pirate captain of the Naiad’s Revenge. His mission is to lead the crew in their fight against the Order. But when Raiya comes aboard, Silas can’t deny his attraction to the scowling naiad stalking around his ship. However, Raiya clearly loathes Silas, so there is no point wishing for something more.

As they fight alongside each other, Raiya realises that Silas is different from the humans he’s dealt with before. Still, after everything humans have done to Raiya, could he ever love one?

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THE PIRATE AND THE NAIAD is the third novel of the A NAIAD ROMANCE series. Each book contains a HEA with no cliffhangers and can be read as a stand alone.

Content notes: sexual content, swearing, captivity and abuse of nymphs, violence.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, M M Romance, Adventure, Queer, Pirates

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2022

About the author

Gigi spent her childhood daydreaming and living inside the imaginary worlds in her mind. As an author, she now shares these worlds with her readers.

Born and raised in Australia, she now resides in Berlin, Germany. She is mixed race, being half-Filipino and part Welsh. She is a traveller, potter, gym enthusiast, nature and animal lover, an avid consumer of stories, and now, a writer.

Gigi writes mm fantasy romance. Her debut series is A Naiad Romance.

Reviews

[Catarina Águas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book a lot but something happened and it tanked the whole classification for me. I liked Silas, he was these bad*ss captain and at the same time he has a very sweet side. He fights for what he believes and helps anyone that needs it. Raiya was a good character too, he literally fought his way out and never let anybody diminish his fire, I respected that about him. What I didn't like and made me put 3 stars instead of one was the way Raiya treated Silas after learning his secret. I can understand there being a shock and all but the reaction he had was just too much. Silas didn't deserve that and I wanted to choke Raiya anytime he said or thought anything negative about him, it pissed me off because he didn't deserve it, he was a good man. Overall, I liked the book but that last part ruined almost the all book for me

[Audi♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I knew you’d look good on my cock, Captain. You take my dick so well,”

I won’t even lie. Starting this, I thought it was gonna be some freaky monster pirate porn. 🤭
It wasn’t.
Still, it warmed my heart and tickled my pickle, hehe.
We have Captain Silas and his crew trying to fight against “the order” They capture water monsters, hurt and drain them for power (I’m sorry idk what they’re exactly called there’s like 3 different kinds of them. I think)
Anyways, Silas rescues Raiya, a water monster that has been held prisoner by humans and forced to fight his kind.
He hates humans and doesn’t trust Silas, but after getting to know each other…..

“But you’re not. You are different. Good. You fight for us. I trust you”

SWOON

Also,
Poor Ceto.

[Bizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars. This was a fun adventure with lots of action and a convincing animosity-to-lovers setup. The world is immersive and the conflict between humans, naiads, and Silas’s pirates was easy to understand from the beginning (even for someone like me who hasn’t read the other books in the series yet).

I really liked the naiad character, Raiya, and how the book explores his confusing, troubled feelings about humans, Silas, and his place in the world. Silas wasn’t as well developed and I wish he’d been given a more detailed backstory or some kind of conflict to resolve within this book other than his long-term quest. As a result, although I liked the MCs together, I wasn’t always sold on the romance between them.

But even despite that, this was a lot of fun to read and got me interested in the other books in the series.

I received an ARC in exchange for my review.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart goes out to Raiya, who’s been through way too much at the hands of humans. His lack of trust makes perfect sense, as does his frustration when he finds himself sharing some serious chemistry with Silas. Watching their dynamic take shape is an emotional experience— they have such different perspectives and experiences, yet they also have the potential to fit together beautifully. In addition to the developing relationship, this story has plenty of action to offer as well-- a satisfying adventure of seeking justice, and vengeance, for the naiads. All in all, an engaging read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Another standalone in the Naiad Romance series in The Pirate & the Naiad.

As with each of those books, it can be read as a standalone though I believe you'd get more out of it from reading at least book 1 first since Shai features a lot here.

Raiya and Silas as a pairing was pretty hot. I loved how forceful Raiya could be, he slwas very much the dominant partner.

The background for Silas was interesting and I really liked the Naiads standing up to fight.

I'm hoping for a lot more stories in this world

[Kassu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

This was more adventurous and action-filled than the earlier naiad books or the oread ones, so I get why the pirate line was separated from the naiad romances. I did quite enjoy the adventurous side and there were some delicious one-sided enemies-to-lovers moments but Raiya was being a bit too weird towards the end, and while I enjoy the writing generally, there's some unnecessary repetition of words that slightly bugs me. Enjoyable, possibly even 4 stars without the later romantic conflict. I'm rather eager to read about Ceto and the other crew members.

[Trish Skywalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you GRR for providing this amazing arc!
This was my first book by Gigi Rivers and I absolutely loved it. This is the story of Raiya, a lake naiad who’s spent so much of his life abused, alone, and held captive, and Silas, a pirate captain determined to stop the evil forces who are hurting the nymphs.
Raiya does not trust humans. After his home was attacked and he was captured, he’d been beaten into being a pit fighter, forced to beat other nymphs to avoid punishment. He hates what he’s doing, misses his family, and longs to be free.
When a pirate captain Silas intercepts a ship run by the evil Order, he finds a beautiful naiad caged and chained aboard. He promises him his freedom, and to help him find his home. After learning what the Order does to captured nymphs, Silas makes it his life’s work to stop the Order and save the naiads.
Raiya is abrasive; he doesn’t trust humans and doesn’t even want to interact with them. But after spending days upon days with the charming and handsome captain, he learns not all humans are as bad as he thought.
Raiya and Silas discover the Order is planning their worst attack yet, and they, along with their pirate crew, are determined to stop them. But Raiya learns something about Silas that changes everything, and he doesn’t think he can get past it.
Raiya and Silas are wonderful together. Very much a grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, very sexy romance with an exciting plot about nymphs, pirates, battles and plots!
I definitely need to read the next one!

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5)

I know I'm late to the party with reading this series, but hey! Better late than never, right? I've read other books of Gigi's before, and I really enjoy how they tell their characters stories. This one did not disappoint.

Raiya was caught and held captive by humans for years, forced to fight other nymphs in order to survive. He despises humans, rightfully so, but when the Captain of a ship rescues him and tells him he's free, he's weary. After all, humans have only ever just used him, how can he trust this ship full of humans and naiad's alike?

Captain Silas wasn't expecting to rescue a feisty Naiad off of the boat him and his crew intercepted. While he wasn't expecting him, he grows fond of the scowling lad. Can Silas earn Raiya's trust and work his way through Raiya's walls?

You definitely have to read to find out all the details!! I really liked how Gigi told Raiya's and Silas's story, the way she wove her words together was done so well! I was completely immersed in the story, the scenery, I was bonded to the characters. It was truly incredible, and I thought all of the action scenes were very, very well done. I liked how there was a fair bit of angst in this story, it wasn't insta love, it took these men a bit to form a bond and a connection. I was really intrigued by all of the side characters, I really hope to see more glimpses of Shai and Tam, as well as Ceto in the upcoming releases.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raiya hates humans. They captured him and took him from his home, forcing him to fight other naiads, leaving him with nothing but pain and humiliation. He meets the Captain of Naiad’s Revenge and knows he should hate him. He is after all human. The captain, Silas has made it his goal to stop the Order. To help do that he and the crew of Naiad’s Revenge take a ship that gives them not only wealth and leads but a naiad, Raiya, who needs to be freed. Freeing him is not easy as he is hostile and attacks the captain. Raiya gradually comes out of his rages but is still distrustful and hostile. The worst part is the attraction he feels for Silas, an attraction that Silas returns.

This is my first book in this series and I really enjoyed it. Your heart will go out to Raiya as he struggles with his feelings and his confusion. Silas is an amazing man with patience and a feeling of shame for his past. I loved their romance and how it progressed. I can’t wait to read more in this series.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

💞 💞A good start as Raiya and Silas first meet each other with a little sizzle between them.
Raiya had to fight for his life against others for entertainment as he's bought and sold.
Captain Silas was fighting The Order trying to take them down when he finds a ship with more puzzles than answers. Poor Raiya he's a fighter and had endured lots of pain, until the captain finds him. A connection is felt between the characters as the captain helps locate his home.
A story with feels and emotions as Raiya tries to find family, he'd found his brother but relatives are missing.
Dangers from The Order had me reading til the ending of this, I gotta say this one is the best yet for the series. written in 3rd person, dual Pov's. I've read all of this books in the series and loved them this can be read as a standalone but better read in order.

I received an author advanced readers copy, and this is my honest thoughts.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! They have been mostly sweet and simpler human and naiad pairings so far. This installment however is packed with strong emotions and action! Raiya our naiad is practically feral after all the abuse he has endure in the hands of humans. I completely connected with his vicious hatred! Silas is the human captain who frees him, and Raiya basically attacks him. Loved how they realistically started to connect with the common goal of stopping The Order. Raiya held onto his emotions and was quite an aggressive lover! You can read this as a standalone, but it really is a perfect pairing with the rest of the series as the characters you have grown to love from the previous books are involved in this one! Especially Shai! Highly recommend this series if you are looking for something unique!

[Channie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hatred that Raiya had for humans because of his enslavement caused quite a few obstacles for Silas in showing Raiya that not all humans are the same and can be trusted.

Captain Silas and Raiya bond through the fight against their common enemy The Order, however as in life it is not always smooth sailing.

It was great that Alke could return the favour and help Silas through his heartbreak and confusion after Raiya left Silas. Raiya found out some information from Silas's past and felt betrayed. Proof that humans could not be trusted.

However, Silas continued to be himself, the strong and caring Captain to his crew and to help free anyone The Order wanted to enslave. Raiya finally saw the truth. Queue the tissues... "I've tried everything I could to push you away. But it didn't matter. You saw right through my anger and rage and hurt."

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite of the series so far

I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll keep this short. I’m loving the series as a whole, but this was my favourite so far. I loved both characters but to me the stand out character was Raiya. He was such a complex character. His feelings towards humans and the conflict in respect of matching what he knew of them with what he saw from Silas was really well done. There was a real connection for me with Raiya and as a result he felt like a really powerful character. Not that Silas wasn’t awesome too; he was, he just didn’t have quite the same impact. I think though that worked for the book. Raiya always needed to be the stand out character and that worked really well for the plot as a whole.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raiya has not had it easy since he was taken from his home. He went through so much suffering and pain. But his luck changes when pirates attack the ship he is on and meets Silas. Silas is so patient, understanding, and compassionate with Raiya. He knows Raiya is in pain and offers him a second chance. Raiya is so mistrustful and it's completely understandable. So when he finally opens his heart to Sila, the sizzling attraction explodes. It's not instant HEA since not all of Raiya's trust issues are resolved. And Sila does need to work a little more to get Raiya's full trust (but I think Raiya overreacted, lol). But it was I really enjoyed their journey to HEA, which also had some suspense, action, traitors, and humor.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I read and loved the previous two books in this series and was excited to get a book with the ship captain Silas' story. Great world building and wonderful characters. Naiad Raiya has suffered abuse from humans when they capture and beat him and force him to fight. Even after being rescued by a pirate ship run by both humans and naiads together, he still distrusts them. He doesn't expect his growing attraction to Silas, the ship's human captain. Silas is kind and patient and is understanding of Raiya's reactions after what he's been through. Great chemistry between them. The story also has lots of action and danger. It was a fun adventure and I can't wait until the next book in this series. 5 stars.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this book not knowing that it was book 3 in a series, but I found this pretty easy to get into after trying to figure out who was who, and I enjoyed this story!

Fans of enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, pirates and sorcerers and naiads and dryads, I think you will enjoy this one!

Raiya has been kidnapped, tortured, and used by humans - so understandably, he is very hesitate to trust anyone, even the ones who rescue him. I absolutely loved Raiya, his slow healing opening up to the crew and to Silas especially.

There is action, romance, reunions in a really interesting fantasy world that I would definitely read more about.

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Alias11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read in this series and by this author. Also, I think, my first read with a Naiad as one of the MCs. Although thus is book 3 in the series, I did not find it hard to follow along and get involved with the story. I really felt for Raiya and his trust issues. Who wouldn't be wary, even seeing his fellows working alongside humans on the ship. I loved Silas and his patience and understanding. Along with the sweet slow-burn romance, there is also action, adventure and danger on the high seas. I am interested in going back to read the first two books now.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Raiya and Silas, it is the 3rd book in the A Naiad Romance series. Please read the trigger warnings. I would suggest that you read them in order even though this can be read as a stand-alone. I loved the previous two books but I think this one is my favourite. I loved how Raiya came to trust Silas and how their relationship developed. The danger nd suspense kept me up reading way past my bedtime. Definitely recommended.

I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.

[RACHEL REED · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sexy enemies to lovers paranormal romance.

Silas is the pirate captain of the Naiad’s Revenge. His mission is to lead the crew in their fight against the Order.

But when Raiya comes aboard, Silas can’t deny his attraction to the scowling naiad stalking around his ship.

However, Raiya clearly loathes Silas, so there is no point wishing for something more.

The characters were likeable and I loved the chemistry between them.

The plot was interesting and well developed


Looking forward to reading more from this series

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great enemies-to-lovers romance with a perfect blend of heat and suspense. I loved the worldbuilding and mythology in this story! A noble pirate crew trying to fight evil and rescue naiads, such magical creatures! Raiya and Silas have an amazing connection, such sparks and a deep emotional connection (eventually). Raiya has good reason to distrust humans, and I’m glad he didn’t instantly fall for Silas and forget all about his trauma and hatred of humans. Their chemistry and later love is hard won, and enchanting. I also really liked the intriguing secondary characters, Ceto especially!

[Georgiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4.5 STARS~

I really loved Raiya. Raiya doesn’t like humans and he has a right to hate them. So, reading about the progress of his relationship with Silas was a little emotional, interesting, and beautiful. Silas is wonderful too. He was made for Raiya. The story pulled me in from the beginning to the end. I really enjoyed reading this one and didn’t feel like I missed anything from not reading the others in the series. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and won't be the last.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another mix of adventure and romance in this series. We finally get to meet the pirate we heard about in previous books and his naiad! This one has a bit of an D/s and opposites attract angle. Rather unusual, but it fits somehow. They are complete opposites, but they also have a lot in common, which might not be obvious right away, but it is there. The plot thickens, there are new obstacles and new trials for naiads, but it only makes them stronger. Go naiads!

**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**

[James Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pirate

This is a book book. The main characters are a water nymph, Raiya and a human pirate captain, Silas. Raiya is rescued by Silas after his team captures his ship. Silas hates that the nymphs are being treated so badly. Of course Raiya is slow to trust the captain but there is a mutual attraction between the two men. Raiya wants to find his family but Silas would like him to stay. I wish more of Silas’ past had been discussed. I think that would help explain his motivation. I am goi g to read the next book in this series.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raiya hates humans, all humans and would never allow himself to fall for one, ever. He was taken by them and made to fight against his better judgment. Silas is a pirate who is captain of his ship who may just prove to Raiya that a human can be worth the risk of falling in love with. The challenge has been placed and now it is time to see if love will with regardless of their differences. A beautiful and wonderful love story which pulls you in and making you hope for a happy ending for them

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raiya has good reasons for his distrust and hatred of humans, but seeing both groups working together against the Order on Silas' ship makes him reconsider his position about grouping all humans together. Silas is a man worthy of Raiya and gives him space to begin to see individuals. A lovely story about healing with plenty of action as well.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a interesting storyline. I enjoyed book one and was excited for book two and was not disappointed. The storyline was exciting and fun and the characters are interesting and come together perfectly. This was a wonderful read from being to end.

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really been enjoying this series and this one was no exception. This book was just such a good romance that I had the best of time reading and I really enjoyed it.

*I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Flavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gostei bastante do livro. O Silas é um personagem muito interessante e achei q ele foi muito bem explorado. O Raiya me irritou um pouco mas nada ao extremo e totalmente justificado. A história é boa, o ritmo é legal e é bem escrito.

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good! 4+ stars - I've run through this series in pretty short order. This book is the longest of the three so far, and I would say it's also the most emotional. I didn't cry, but I teared up at a couple of moments. Raiya is the stand out character here, and his arc is the most compelling. His sea captain lover does feel more like a sidekick at times, but it was compelling to see Raiya grow to care for him, given his experience of humans.

This book is also very action packed, even more than book one. A lot of bad humans are dealt with by rightfully vengeful naiads. I did read the sneak peek snippet of the next book, which I'll probably read because I'm really enjoying these.

I received a review copy from Gay Romance Reviews and these are my honest opinions.

[Voodoo's Girl Forever · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good adventure with likeable characters. 4 stars for the style of writing, it read a bit flat to me, I wasn't drawn in deeply to the characters. Purely personal I suppose.