The beloved brig, Sneaky Lass, now rests in pieces at the bottom of the sea. Her captain and crew may have escaped victorious but are not unscathed, and the mood is hardly celebratory.
Michael Mason, surgeon for the enemy ship Three Queens, faces an uphill battle as he holds the precariously balanced life of Sneaky Lass captain, Bennett Holt, in his hands. He finds his vow to save lives is in direct conflict with his personal feelings about the surly captain and the secrets Bennett asks Michael to keep.
Bennett mourns the loss of his health, but more so chokes on the damage to his pride. Having not completed his mission to destroy Captain Gates, he fears appearing weak in the eyes of the Sneaky Lass crew. Worse still, each day, infection draws on his strength.
Jane’s tenacity is what pulls Bennett to her, like a sailor drawn to whiskey. If he doesn’t die but doesn’t recover, can he live with tying Jane to the half-man he will become?
Leaving the safe shores of Alouett aboard the new Sneaky Lass, a renamed captured navy frigate, Bennett, Jane, and the crew hope to catch full sails as they make haste in search of a mythical bloom somewhere to the south. A bloom that could save Bennett from the infection ravaging his body and mind.
Jane watches Bennett grow weaker through the distance he forces between them. She busies herself with the mission, but her mind is filled with wondering if a man who could so easily push her aside is worth her heart.
Even so, saving Bennett is her priority even if being with her is no longer his. Bennett might be bitter about her part in catching his quarry, but Jane has come to learn surviving this rough world means relying on others; even if they are crazy allies and ghosts from the past.
Will their efforts be enough in the face of cruel gods and wicked fates, or will the casualty list grow longer still?
CW: Graphic descriptions of wounds, wound care, and illness. Mentions of a history of SA. Mentions of suicide. Reference to Child Loss. Grief.
This is book 4 in the silver locket series and it does not disappoint!
The pace is a smidge slower than previous books but thats is because the way that book 3 ended!!! Of course things are going to be dicey at first. This book was still filled with hurt, and betrayal by the most unlikely people. Deals are being made to be traded in at later dates. We also have the pleasure of meeting Micky’s daughter 🥲
we have Michael and Janes reconciliation and I loved watching Jane and Michael sift through the wreckage of their pasts. While simultaneously learning how to coexist with who they have grown to be.
Things are changing Bennet is making me mad and Hugh Digby is…what’s that?!….Making me Laugh and smile!!!😱
The crew of the Sneaky Lass loves to keep me on my toes, you never know what kind of trouble this bunch is bringing to your ship deck.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As with every other book in this series, Witch or Bloom picked up where the previous book left off and the proceeded to make a whole new vibe happen. To me, book three was about Jane and Bennett finding their footing with one another romantically. This one is about what happens when the rug is pulled out from under them. (Things can't be all good all the time, now can they!)
A couple big moments that Miss Sutton has been leading us readers toward for a long time now were revealed in this book and yet, somehow, still surprising. As always, nothing is ever done how I expect it to be done. When I think danger is right around the corner, things turn out alright and when I expect things to go according to plan, well, not so much.
These characters are all so flawed and it is in the way broken glass catches the light. This book put a few characters who played minor or unlikeable roles in the past into the spotlight. In these new circumstances, they really shone. This was especially true of Hugh who, as we've read before, chooses who to be kind to very carefully. Jon, too. In book one, the ship's boy Harry was tough as nails and crass. Jon plays his sensitive opposite well, proving time and again that he is not a placeholder for a lost character, but his own person who navigates the world in his own gentle way.
This book ends on a cliffhanger that should be illegal. I sure am glad this is a rapid release and that we get A Fine Tangle to hold us over in the meantime.
Is it possible to get more dramatic and more enthralling? Yes, it is! I've slowed myself from breezing through this series because I never want it to end. Bennett, Jane, Michael, John are so well written they feel like family. You can almost smell the stench of pirates the writing is so vivid!
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love this book. I always love returning on board The Sneaky Lass and following Jane and the crew through their wild adventures and their day to day on the ship. I cannot wait for book 5! The ending came as a surprise and definitely leaves me on the edge of my seat for more. As always Kennedy did an amazing job with this book
Witch or Bloom by Kennedy Sutton is the fourth installment of the silver locket series. Thus far we have seen Jane go from a prostitute desperate to escape her past and present misfortunes, to an absolute badass first mate of a pirate ship known as Sneaky Lass. She has loved and lost as both Jane and Dixon (The young ship boy she had posed as), but has really started to find out who Jane really is.
It has been a privilege to see how Jane started in book 1, broken and desperate to find a life worth living, to an absolute pirate queen. I find strength in gene that inspires me to be strong myself.
However the story isn't just about Jane. we get to see Bennett and a few different lights in this book. You get to see the good bad and the ugly and through it all his love for Jane ever present.
I will go to bat for Hugh Digby any day. I have come to absolutely love Hugh as a character. he may be rough and strict on the exterior but inside he truly deeply cares for those he loves. I truly believe that as long as you have Hugh on your side you can do anything.
Jon is a precious cinnamon bun and I just want to bundle him up and protect him from all the woes of the world. Jon is a lightheartedness in the heavy parts of this book. What he lacks in physical strength he fully makes up for in character. His fierce little heart gives me so much joy.
All in all I cannot stop breathing about this series. With every book I fall more in love. not only is the plot line excellent the characters are fantastic. Kennedy's writing style is amazing and it flows effortlessly across the pages. I read this story in 2 days. I literally could not put the book down. I am waiting on pins and needles for the next book! If you have not given this series a try yet I implore you to pick up Sneaky Lass today. I will never stop recommending this series to everyone who will listen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a ride. We knew recovery from the ending of book 3 would be great but I was not prepared for the luck (and wholly lack thereof) that this book brought our favorite characters. Another beautiful job well done by this author.
Spice 🔥🔥 Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: historical, trouble in paradise Kindle Unlimited: Yes (when released) Series: yes! Cliffhanger: oh, yes POV: single, FMC
Review
Gosh, where to begin. This story finds Jane and her crew just after sinking the Sneaky Lass and defeating the main antagonist thus far in the series. Bennett, a prideful man, throws a fit as you’d expect one to and leaves Jane reeling. The crew are fully team Jane, which I found hilarious.
When it finally comes out that Bennett is not healing as he should, Jane does what she always does - she finds a way. Through whatever hardships she may face, as in previous books in this series, Jane pushes forward no matter the cost.
We get to see more of her brother Michael and watch their relationship go from strained to comfortable. We see more of Jon and watch his relationship with Jane progress. He’s absolutely adorable and I am so glad they have each other.
Hugh, for all his downfalls, is quite likable in this stretch of the story. I can only hope it continues and we get to see more of why he’s now on a first name basis with a certain sailor.
This author has developed such real, raw and sometimes terrifying characters that I feel their struggle as if it were my own. The trouble our favorite characters found themselves in at the end of this story will certainly be overcome, but not without hardships I’m both excited and terrified to read.
Excited and anxious for the next installment of the Sneaky Lass series!
This is, hands down, one of my all time favourite series ever. Period. 10/10. Standing ovation 👏 👏👏👏👏.
I freaking love Jane. She is so loyal, loving, and strong, I just wish so bad things go well for her. She is flawed, yes, but oh so humble and while she is willing to do what is needed to make her own way in the world, her core foundation is kindness, and empathy. Her maternal type relationship with young Jon is so sweet it makes me feel weepy. Especially when I think of Bryce and the tragedy she endured. I hardly read a passage with Jane and Jon that I don’t think of little Bryce. Which, I’m assuming was intentional from the author or I’m just sappy.
Bennett was dealing with his own issues and, unfortunately, did not handle matters well, which I also appreciated. I love Kennedy Sutton’s ability to write trauma into her story and actually follow through with the aftermath. I’ve read many books that have very traumatic events that afterwards everyone moves on from and it can ruin a story. Like Jane, I will always love Bennett, even when he’s being a dink, and I love he is another flawed but lovable character.
I am just beside myself knowing that I’ll have to wait for the next instalment when I’m so excited because I think what I’ve really wanted to happen for Jane is happening but am also terrified for what is in store. Because if I know anything to be certain of, it’s Kennedy Sutton’s ability to make me full on ugly cry from her books!
I have been a part of Kennedy Sutton's ARC team almost since the beginning of her Silver Locket series and I received an ARC of Witch or Bloom for an honest review.
Kennedy's writing *never* disappoints. The ongoing story of Jane Ables in her adventures aboard the Sneaky Lass will always suck me back in so quickly, it's as if there's been no gap of time between reading books. (Kennedy's rapid release schedule helps!) Jane's love for Bennett has to fight to overcome Bennett's pride, as he is recovering from his physical and mental injuries; and her relationship with her brother, Michael, is strained but they are working towards reconciliation. Hugh becomes more and more lovable (in my eyes at least) and Jon strengthens his loyalty to Jane. Old acquaintances reappear to help... and create anxiety. I don't want to give too many spoilers, but Kennedy always pulls our heartstrings, has us sitting on edge, and there's another cliffhanger... but Kennedy works tirelessly in her rapid-release schedule to keep us from waiting too long!!
This series is hands-down a favorite of mine and I'm buying signed copies from Kennedy when I'm able as they come out.
Don't forget to check out the prequel, A Glorious Mess, which is Hugh and Mickey's back story. I *promise* you won't regret it!!
OMG. Always an unexpected cliff hanger or a plot twist to keep you on your toes. Author Kennedy Sutton does it again(yes I know I’ve said this in almost every review for her books) but man, I can say it enough. READ HER BOOKS! The Silver Locket Series just keeps getting better. It’s inclusive, gut wrenching, lovey-dovey, and sad all at the same time…I love it.
Anyway this 4th book follows the gang of pirates as they search for a cure to Bennets ailing health and why his injured hand won’t heal. Is it witchcraft and magic or simply a miracle herb found in the most unlikely place? You’ll have to read it to find out. While the first 1/3 of the book at times feels like filler it still has story progression and I feel needed to happen after the events of the last three books. It’s time our beloved characters have a little peace and quite right? Unless that quiet involves nearly drowning, a search for a rare cure, unrest amongst the crew and what could have been a near mutiny we are simply having a nice sail as far south as south goes…right? Anyway absolutely enjoyed this 4th installment and can’t wait for the next one to come out so I can devour it like I did with this one. And all her other books as well.
Witch or Bloom is the fourth book in the “Sneaky Lass” series. I have to say Kennedy Sutton has completely outdone herself once again with this one. Her series is my new favorite book series; as I always love returning to the Lass and reading about their next adventure.
In book four, it picks up right where we left off from book three. We get to see how Jane and Bennett work through their relationship from what happened at the ending of book three. Jane and Michael get to reconcile their long lost relationship; as they learn from their pasts and try to figure out how to coexist with each other now. And Jane and Hugh…..!! Gah! There are also lots of twists from other characters you wouldn’t expect.
I have to admit reading the last couple of chapters, I literally gasped out loud while I was reading on my lunch break because it had taken me by surprise. I am counting down the days for the next book to be released.
There is just something about this world of Jane and Bennett that continues to draw me in and keep me enthralled from one cover to the next. Normally by book 4 in a series, I'm slow to read it, but the moment I got the chance with this one, I jumped in and immediately felt at home in the world (or as "at home" as I could with all the ill luck and drama that exists in their story).
The addition of Michael was a good one, and I look forward to seeing his relationships evolve as he settles in as a surgeon on a pirate ship instead of in the Navy. I also found myself actually liking Hugh in this book, when I've been a staunch hater of him in the previous books.
As always, Sutton's writing style is poetic and hypnotic in the best sense and I will forever be a fan.
This book was a bit slower for me - similar to how book 3 was. I’m not entirely sure why it felt like this story was slow, despite finishing it in two days. Lol! I think it’s because I don’t feel like there was a strong overarching plot nailed down from the beginning, so for a big chunk of the book, I wondered where the story was going. I also felt like I could have stopped half way through and been happier with the ending - simply because the ending was a great cliffhanger. I’m saying all this bad stuff but I’m being hypercritical. The writing is still amazing , the love story is so sweet, and the author is a wonderful storyteller. Thank you!!
Witch or Bloom takes a slower pace than the earlier books, but it uses that space to let the relationships deepen and the tension quietly coil. Jane remains an absolute menace in the best way. The only woman on the ship and still the most lethal, ready to burn down the whole ocean for Captain Bennet Holt. And honestly? I support her.
The adventure is still there, just with more emotional weight behind every choice, every raid, every glance. By the time you reach the ending (which is frankly rude), you’re fully hooked and already begging for book five.
Short version: slower burn, stronger bonds, fierce pirate girl chaos... and a cliffhanger that will haunt you.
I received an ARC in exchange for and honest review.
The wait for this book was excruciating, because of how the last one ended; Witch or Bloom did not disappoint. It is another great installment in a breathtaking series. The plot and story are beyond great, but the characters really take this story over the top. Every time we see the characters in this series more insight into who they are and they are continually changing and developing. If you haven’t read this series you definitely should. I can’t wait for the next one!
A few people have told me this was the slowest book in the series, but not for me! I really enjoyed reading about the introduction of a new character that I'll keep quiet about because *spoilers* I sense something going on between that new character and another one who is well-loved by me. (I might have purposefully spoiled myself by looking up the character art for the future books. It was worth it.)
This book ends on yet another world shattering cliffy. I jumped right into book 5, which was so full of longing and heartbreak and... well, I'll leave the rest for that review!
This book had me in a grip from the first page! There is never a dull moment. The handsome captain Holt is hurt, and Jane will stop at nothing to save him. Meanwhile, they must manage a ship full of pirates while not getting killed in the process. Intrigue, danger, romance, and small heart-warming moments that make all the strife worth it. I adore these characters and this is by far one of the best series I have ever read in my life. Cannot recommend enough
Love this series, Jane's character story is an evolution from a harlot to a murderess and then a naive pirate. Until finally becoming an independent force of nature. It provides an intense backdrop to her character growth and development. This is very much a coming-of-age story for her except she has the added complications of being a female pirate who can't swim, and a fate that is tied to a sea captain.
This is yet another book that I enjoyed from this author. I literally could not put it down- I read it every chance I got, around a 6 hour work shift. And when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it
Within the first 11% I was crying 🤷🏻♀️ lol but that’s the beauty of this series; it evokes so much emotion.
We go through so much with these characters and I’m still not ever sure what’s going to end up happening. It’s a wild ride!
Bennett and Jane have such an epic love story! I loved seeing a different side of Hugh as he and Jane have come to understand each other a bit better.
Jane is such a fantastically fierce heroine. This book was fast-paced and had me on the edge of my seat throughout. How much more can these characters take?
Kennedy Sutton writes these broken and flawed characters so beautifully, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for them next.
This is starting to become one of my favorite series. There is something about Kennedy's voice thru her writing that just sucks me in, and I can't seem to put these books down! Even when I'm just mad at them because the story is just not going how I want, I still can't put them down. Very excited to read the next installment!
Jane and Bennett are off on another adventure to save each other. Can they make it in time? I was excited to see Michael in the story and have hopes for his future. Seeing Jon and Jane’s growing love is amazing. I was disappointed in James and his choices pirate or not still made me hurt for the crew. Can’t wait for the next book!
Every time I think that everything is finally happy and good Kennedy hits my heart with a cannon and I’m back again in tears or yelling at the book! Jane and Bennett just cannot catch a break I swear. I was very happy to see more of Micheal in this one though! This rocking ship of emotions is not over yet and I am ready to see where Kennedy throws me with the next book!
With a short break from the action, this book allows for a deeper dive into the world that Kennedy has carefully crafted. A new setting, and new characters added freshness to this story as I was transported back to the crew of the Sneaky Lass and the she-pirate who resides in its ratlines.
Jane and her Bennett really has been through it in this book. The adventures they have had and the love they won and the brother she got back and even Hugh and Jon made this book amazing. But I miss Mickey!
I have no doubt that Kennedy Sutton is setting us up for something absolutely heinous and heartbreaking. Such is the pirate way. Though much happened, this book felt like a calm before the storm transition in the series. I can’t wait to see what the implications are for everything she’s set up.
Fantastic adventure and nail-biting action! This whole series is fantastic! Witch or Bloom continues the story as you hang on for dear life along with the captain!