review 1: 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 believab... morele, 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. review 2: 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. less
