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Taming the Wolff
ONLY ONE WOMAN... As devastatingly beautiful as she is headstrong, noble-born Alexis DeVale abruptly finds her preordained life in upheaval. Abducted at swordpoint, held for ransom, thrust into a maelstrom of lawlessness and piracy... HAS THE POWER... The strength of her passion, the depth of her love... TO TAME THE WOLFF... Mayhem. Brutality. Murder. These are the tools of the trade - and Kris Wolff is the master of her profession. Captain of the high seas, a roguish pirate, her heart hardened by life, her passion tightly controlled by the secret she's forced to keep. Faced with a new danger, The Wolff finds herself unable to guard her heart from the tumultuous desires that Alexis DeVale has awakened.
264 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2008
13 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Del Robertson
9 books17 followersTo those who know her best, Del is an unapologetic jokester. Her wicked sense of humor can be found throughout her numerous award-winning stories on the net. As a military brat, Del has lived all over the world and has been exposed to many different people and cultures. It is from these past travels that she draws the characters that populate her stories. Del currently resides in Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 17, 2014
Okay, so I know what you're thinking when you see this book. Not very many ratings/reviews, a fairly unknown author, cheesy Harlequin-esque cover, and lesbian pirates. That has to add up to like...a two star book, if you finish it at all. That was my thought when I started the book and had it not been for a challenge, I don't think I ever would have read it.
But I was SO WRONG and I'm so glad that I DID read it, because wow. This is a beautiful story. If you want action and pirates and conspiracies, there's tons of that. If you want romance and angst and great sex scenes, there's lots of that too. The fact that the captain and Alexis are lesbians isn't used as some gimmick or Special Snowflake plot device. Their relationship is dignified and beautifully written and believable, far more of all of that than 99% of the other romance books I've read lately.
On top of all those things, this book gives you that in 260 pages! And it doesn't lack in descriptions and scene set ups and character building in the slightest.
I honestly don't think this book could have been better and I'm just really happy I read it and good for you, Del Robertson. Good. For. You.
But I was SO WRONG and I'm so glad that I DID read it, because wow. This is a beautiful story. If you want action and pirates and conspiracies, there's tons of that. If you want romance and angst and great sex scenes, there's lots of that too. The fact that the captain and Alexis are lesbians isn't used as some gimmick or Special Snowflake plot device. Their relationship is dignified and beautifully written and believable, far more of all of that than 99% of the other romance books I've read lately.
On top of all those things, this book gives you that in 260 pages! And it doesn't lack in descriptions and scene set ups and character building in the slightest.
I honestly don't think this book could have been better and I'm just really happy I read it and good for you, Del Robertson. Good. For. You.
May 7, 2013
This is one awesome pirate book. Adventure on the high seas, angst (boat loads of it), and twists and turns till the very end. Totally unpredictable. Its not a new book but I can't believe i missed it.
In fact, I had no idea Del Robertson was even published. All she ever writes (that i'm aware of) is xena fanfiction, and she still does that even now...always turning up in the various contests and invitationals that the xena fansites sponsor. I'm surprised she doesn't put more time and energy in original work.
In fact, I had no idea Del Robertson was even published. All she ever writes (that i'm aware of) is xena fanfiction, and she still does that even now...always turning up in the various contests and invitationals that the xena fansites sponsor. I'm surprised she doesn't put more time and energy in original work.
June 17, 2019
If I wasn't so far behind my yearly book count, there's no way I'd be admitting that I read this.
May 3, 2020
As a true "Hamburger Deern" I grew up with the North Sea, ships and stories of Pirates (Klaus Störtebecker), so I am a fan of pirate and sefaring books. As I also love lesbian romances this one seemed a must, and I was not disappointed.
It is a slow burn romance with a lot of historical background about the relationship between England and Spain and the rivalry of the navies of both countries after Queen Elisabeth and her "pirates" led by Sir Francis Drake.
The romance is between Lady Alexis De Vale and the notorious pirate captain Wolff, a highly unlikely romance, that keeps the reader entertained all the way through the book. A read I can wholeheartedly recommend on both counts, the adventure as well as the romance.
It is a slow burn romance with a lot of historical background about the relationship between England and Spain and the rivalry of the navies of both countries after Queen Elisabeth and her "pirates" led by Sir Francis Drake.
The romance is between Lady Alexis De Vale and the notorious pirate captain Wolff, a highly unlikely romance, that keeps the reader entertained all the way through the book. A read I can wholeheartedly recommend on both counts, the adventure as well as the romance.
April 2, 2023
i didn’t know what to expect from this book because it was from pre 2010 and i try to stick to books released after then but i was pleasantly surprised.
some of the language and themes of this book are clearly reflective of when it was written but otherwise it’s a good piece of sapphic pirate fiction.
some of the language and themes of this book are clearly reflective of when it was written but otherwise it’s a good piece of sapphic pirate fiction.
October 2, 2025
I really really liked the idea of the book. I am a huge sucker for pirates and an even bigger one for sapphic romance, but this one just fell short on everything else for me. There were parts when even I had to look at it and be like “wtf is even the disagreement here, why are they fighting?!”
It felt like sometimes there was conflict just for the sake of conflict. I’ve read a similar book where the crew discovers the captain’s a woman and they’re about to mutiny but something happens and they need to listen to the captain to survive. It’s a fun concept and gives the captain a chance to show why she’s the freaking captain. This doesn’t do that. Wolff doesn’t even do any badass captain stuff! And the crew just never questions it again, I think? Or they all died. The book ends on a weird note.
Anything that was a little interesting or pushing the story intrigue forward was brushed aside easily enough.
Also: the captain’s hand wouldn’t be “soft and tender” if she’s been sailing for years… that part annoyed me as well. Maybe just not my flavor of story but I want a rough and rugged Captain who earns the title. Wolff doesn’t feel like she did any of that.
It felt like sometimes there was conflict just for the sake of conflict. I’ve read a similar book where the crew discovers the captain’s a woman and they’re about to mutiny but something happens and they need to listen to the captain to survive. It’s a fun concept and gives the captain a chance to show why she’s the freaking captain. This doesn’t do that. Wolff doesn’t even do any badass captain stuff! And the crew just never questions it again, I think? Or they all died. The book ends on a weird note.
Anything that was a little interesting or pushing the story intrigue forward was brushed aside easily enough.
Also: the captain’s hand wouldn’t be “soft and tender” if she’s been sailing for years… that part annoyed me as well. Maybe just not my flavor of story but I want a rough and rugged Captain who earns the title. Wolff doesn’t feel like she did any of that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2018
The premise of this story seemed exciting, and to be fair, parts of it were, but it dragged in a lot of other places. I found the writing somewhat stilted and the dialogue felt unnatural in places. Some of the action seemed a little too good to be true, and the sensual scenes too mechanical. As much as I wanted to become emotionally involved with these characters, I couldn't help but feel the heart of it all was missing. The ending, while rather dramatic, was abrupt. I finished reading and said, "Is that it?" out loud to the page. This would have been a much better read had there been more emotion written into it and I don't mean things like, 'my heart beat wildly in my chest', or 'I felt as if a darkness was upon me'. I guess it's the classic show don't tell scenario.
August 14, 2023
It took me far too long to finish this for this to be an accurate review, so two stars is perhaps generous or perhaps harsh. Point is, my perspective is skewed.
Anyways. It is very much a trashy lesbian pirate book with all that period piece kinda jazz to it. If that floats your boat then this might be the book for you!
The writing is Fine and the plot is Fine. Often a cliche, but I don’t think anyone reads this expecting literary genius
I powered through so I could say I read it but i am left very much “meh” after reading.
Anyways. It is very much a trashy lesbian pirate book with all that period piece kinda jazz to it. If that floats your boat then this might be the book for you!
The writing is Fine and the plot is Fine. Often a cliche, but I don’t think anyone reads this expecting literary genius
I powered through so I could say I read it but i am left very much “meh” after reading.
January 18, 2018
not a bad book. It wasnt that interesting or addictive but not bad overall
June 16, 2016
Taming the Wolff - Del Robertson
It’s very unfortunate when I am looking forward to a story, only to have it seem similar to another book I read, and start with a very slow, plodding pace, only to have the hostage turn smitten by the captain all within the first few pages. It didn't make sense then, and the story didn't become smoother at telling.
I love pirate stories, especially of the lesbian variety, but this has got to be one of the most unbelievable [bad] stories of this genre I have ever read.
Maybe this is why it just didn’t draw me in. There was no immediate excitement. I kept asking myself: “Why are these characters acting this way or that.”
Alexis, the hostage didn’t react the way a hostage should. Even if she was immediately intrigued by the pirate captain, she still should have shown more tepidity about the pirate. But she seemed to shake off those feelings faster than she ought to have.
This should have made me more interested in her story, but it did not.
And the captain—there is no way she would have been able to keep her gender a secret. No way. (And I don’t mean that in a snidy way—the author wrote her this way. Making her blush, her voice “squeak,” and other female infractions. A gender-bending pirate who’s been on the seas as long as she supposedly had would either have overcome those issues, or her crew would have figured out her true gender by then, which according to Wolff, they did not.) I guess what I’m saying is that the captain and her crew wasn’t written realistically. That can be OK, but it didn't work in this story. I had a hard time buying into them being fooled. (Also: what's the deal with Alexis calling the captain "my captain," like, immediately in the book?) There is just no build-up to this relationship.
I did keep reading it, hoping my excitement level would pick up, but it wasn’t until what I considered the climax (but was only 40% in,) that the story started to get interesting. The author would have been wiser to start the story there, and deleted all the earlier pages out.
Also, it should have been a quick read, but it wasn’t. It only became a quick read for me as I started skimming the story, (until I got to that 40% part.) I’m sure this story is fine for most lesbian (or open-minded) readers; however, since I consume a lot of books, this one fall short. If the author was to trim the fat, start in the middle and trim other useless info after that part, it would make it a much more rewarding read.
As it stands, it was an OK read, just not unique or earth-shattering.
Two stars.
It’s very unfortunate when I am looking forward to a story, only to have it seem similar to another book I read, and start with a very slow, plodding pace, only to have the hostage turn smitten by the captain all within the first few pages. It didn't make sense then, and the story didn't become smoother at telling.
I love pirate stories, especially of the lesbian variety, but this has got to be one of the most unbelievable [bad] stories of this genre I have ever read.
Maybe this is why it just didn’t draw me in. There was no immediate excitement. I kept asking myself: “Why are these characters acting this way or that.”
Alexis, the hostage didn’t react the way a hostage should. Even if she was immediately intrigued by the pirate captain, she still should have shown more tepidity about the pirate. But she seemed to shake off those feelings faster than she ought to have.
This should have made me more interested in her story, but it did not.
And the captain—there is no way she would have been able to keep her gender a secret. No way. (And I don’t mean that in a snidy way—the author wrote her this way. Making her blush, her voice “squeak,” and other female infractions. A gender-bending pirate who’s been on the seas as long as she supposedly had would either have overcome those issues, or her crew would have figured out her true gender by then, which according to Wolff, they did not.) I guess what I’m saying is that the captain and her crew wasn’t written realistically. That can be OK, but it didn't work in this story. I had a hard time buying into them being fooled. (Also: what's the deal with Alexis calling the captain "my captain," like, immediately in the book?) There is just no build-up to this relationship.
I did keep reading it, hoping my excitement level would pick up, but it wasn’t until what I considered the climax (but was only 40% in,) that the story started to get interesting. The author would have been wiser to start the story there, and deleted all the earlier pages out.
Also, it should have been a quick read, but it wasn’t. It only became a quick read for me as I started skimming the story, (until I got to that 40% part.) I’m sure this story is fine for most lesbian (or open-minded) readers; however, since I consume a lot of books, this one fall short. If the author was to trim the fat, start in the middle and trim other useless info after that part, it would make it a much more rewarding read.
As it stands, it was an OK read, just not unique or earth-shattering.
Two stars.
August 28, 2013
Pirates, noblewomen, British sea captains, Spanish nobility and military folk populate this intriguing and sensual story primarily on the high seas. The last third of the book has a few too many repeat turnabouts for my personal taste, but I was not swayed from finding out how our heroines might prevail or be lost for all eternity. Stay the course and, hopefully, you will not be disappointed either.
Captain Kris Wolff is a notorious pirate who has eluded capture and containment for years. She has also kept her secret (the fact she is a woman) from her crew, as they too would have hung her from the yardarm as quickly as the British who have hunted Wolff. She is a consummate seaman, pirate, and lover.
Lady Alexis DeVale is complicated, quietly determined powerhouse, yet accepting of her place in society and her country’s welfare. She handles falling in love with a bit less aplomb as she learns the truth of the captain she has fallen for.
Traitors lurk behind every door and Captain Jackson of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy has set his heart and soul upon capturing The Wolff. Couple this with the vagaries of the sea, the weather, and the unknowns lurking above and beneath the ocean, and I was rarely off the edge of my seat! This story is worth reading to the bitter end, which is less bitter than one might imagine.
NOTE: This book was provided by Affinity EBook Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Captain Kris Wolff is a notorious pirate who has eluded capture and containment for years. She has also kept her secret (the fact she is a woman) from her crew, as they too would have hung her from the yardarm as quickly as the British who have hunted Wolff. She is a consummate seaman, pirate, and lover.
Lady Alexis DeVale is complicated, quietly determined powerhouse, yet accepting of her place in society and her country’s welfare. She handles falling in love with a bit less aplomb as she learns the truth of the captain she has fallen for.
Traitors lurk behind every door and Captain Jackson of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy has set his heart and soul upon capturing The Wolff. Couple this with the vagaries of the sea, the weather, and the unknowns lurking above and beneath the ocean, and I was rarely off the edge of my seat! This story is worth reading to the bitter end, which is less bitter than one might imagine.
NOTE: This book was provided by Affinity EBook Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 15, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect from this seeing as how it is the author's first book, I was unfamiliar with the publisher and it is being sold for only $5, but the reviews piqued my interest and I'm a fan of action and pirates mixed in with my lesbian romance. Well it delivered in every way! I loved the leads, the world they inhabited and everything else about the story. Kris and Alexis are charismatic and strong and their chemistry together is wonderful. I love Patrick O'Brian's naval stories and while this didn't have the depth of those (but why would it need to?) it was still transporting and invigorating to read about life on the ship. The dangers our lovers faced were dire and I was extremely nervous for their safety through most of the book. My only complaint would be that I wish it lasted a bit longer so their stories could wrap up a bit more.
I can't believe it's being sold for only $5 on Amazon and i don't think anyone should hesitate to pick it up. I greatly look forward to more from Del Robertson and I would especially love a sequel to this. I'm dismayed to see that she hasn't written anything in the last few years, but I hope she'll come back to us soon.
I can't believe it's being sold for only $5 on Amazon and i don't think anyone should hesitate to pick it up. I greatly look forward to more from Del Robertson and I would especially love a sequel to this. I'm dismayed to see that she hasn't written anything in the last few years, but I hope she'll come back to us soon.
November 6, 2014
I'm still hungover from the first season of the pirate TV series I finished last week and I had a good time reading this.
That love-hate thing between Cap'n Kristen and Lady Alexis...
Teeth-gritting angst. Vincent reminded me a bit of one of the characters and in the TV show (who, incidentally, was also the quartermaster for most of the season), his genuine love and concern for Kris was endearing.
That love-hate thing between Cap'n Kristen and Lady Alexis...
Teeth-gritting angst. Vincent reminded me a bit of one of the characters and in the TV show (who, incidentally, was also the quartermaster for most of the season), his genuine love and concern for Kris was endearing.
May 15, 2015
Well, it had lesbian pirates going for it...but it was clear after just the first few pages that that was the only thing going for it. It literally pained me to read this book. Dialogue, plot, characters, everything is corny as hell and not in a self aware way that would at least be passable. Yaaaar, stay far, far away from this book, mateys!
April 15, 2015
I really like the characters and the mounting tension in between It has been a great adventure until the rushed ending which left a sour note because it ended so abruptly. Could have been better with an epilogue.
September 10, 2023
This is a great story about a woman posing as a pirate captain. As we’ve seen from such shows as Black Sails, this is not a far-fetched occurrence.
Historical fantasy. I believe this was Del’s first pro-book. I hope she continues to write more in the future.
Historical fantasy. I believe this was Del’s first pro-book. I hope she continues to write more in the future.
June 7, 2011
I posted an audio review for this book on Cocktail Hour's Bar Rag. http://www.cocktailhour.c-spot.net/ar...
January 6, 2013
It's written in first person. A little difficult to follow, but well worth the effort. A nice adventure into the swashbuckling days of old.
January 28, 2013
Loved it!!!
Read
November 10, 2019A decent beach read. I do wish it were either more substantial or way, way more over-the-top trashy.
October 14, 2013
Done very well!
January 6, 2014
enjoyable
August 26, 2014
yarrrr. recommend.
September 25, 2015
This is one of my fave books! I really wish Del would write more novels - her writing style is so addictive. Everything flows so well.
5 Stars!
5 Stars!
December 28, 2017
Good book!
loved the characters and the love of Alexis for Kris is marvelous, breathtaking and sweet!
loved the characters and the love of Alexis for Kris is marvelous, breathtaking and sweet!
August 3, 2016
A gem few people realize. It's a page turner for sure, and if you're up for some angst and adventure, you're good to go with this.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews