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Sea of Ruin #1
Sea of Ruin
Bennett Sharp is on the run.
Wanted for piracy, she fears neither God nor death nor man.
Except Priest Farrell.
The unfaithful, stormy-eyed libertine hunts her with terrifying possessiveness. Nothing will stop him from coming for her. Not his unforgivable betrayal. Not when she's captured by the ice-cold pirate hunter, Lord Ashley Cutler.
She must escape Ashley's prison and Priest's deceit. But can she walk away from their twisted desires?
Two gorgeous captains stand on opposite sides of the law. When they collide in a battle to protect her, the lines blur between enemies and lovers.
Passion heats, secrets unravel, and hearts entangle until they break.
Can love prevail in the sea of ruin?
Wanted for piracy, she fears neither God nor death nor man.
Except Priest Farrell.
The unfaithful, stormy-eyed libertine hunts her with terrifying possessiveness. Nothing will stop him from coming for her. Not his unforgivable betrayal. Not when she's captured by the ice-cold pirate hunter, Lord Ashley Cutler.
She must escape Ashley's prison and Priest's deceit. But can she walk away from their twisted desires?
Two gorgeous captains stand on opposite sides of the law. When they collide in a battle to protect her, the lines blur between enemies and lovers.
Passion heats, secrets unravel, and hearts entangle until they break.
Can love prevail in the sea of ruin?
467 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2020
About the author
Pam Godwin
42 books10.8k followersNew York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Pam Godwin, lives in the Midwest with her husband, cats, retired greyhounds, and an old, foul-mouthed parrot. She traveled the world for seven years, attended three universities, married the vocalist of her favorite rock band, and retired from her quantitative analyst career in 2014 to write full-time.
Her interests veer toward the unconventional: bourbon, full-body tattoos, and tragic villains. Equally peculiar are her aversions to sleeping, eating meat, and dolls with blinking eyes.
SIGNED BOOKS and MERCH: pamgodwin.com/shop
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pamgodwinauthor
TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@pamgodwinauthor
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pamgodwinbooks
AMAZON: www.amazon.com/author/pamgodwin
Her interests veer toward the unconventional: bourbon, full-body tattoos, and tragic villains. Equally peculiar are her aversions to sleeping, eating meat, and dolls with blinking eyes.
SIGNED BOOKS and MERCH: pamgodwin.com/shop
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pamgodwinauthor
TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@pamgodwinauthor
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pamgodwinbooks
AMAZON: www.amazon.com/author/pamgodwin
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December 18, 2021Good heavens. I have no idea how to even begin to talk about this book. It doesn’t help that I have no idea how or when or why I came to purchase it—so I kind of assumed it was some kind of … YA pirate romp?
It is not a YA pirate romp.
It is, in fact, the opposite of a YA pirate romp. Although there are pirates in it so I guess 1 out of 3 ain’t bad?
Before I begin, a thousand trigger warnings for the book and this review, including warnings for discussion of sexual assault. And, err, spoilers too.
As I’ve said before, I really don’t believe in the concept of guilty pleasures. I think there are pleasures. And there is guilt. And if you feel guilty about your pleasures then you should examine your pleasures and if you genuinely feel that you deserve to feel guilty about them … maybe find a different pleasure?
This is book was, honestly, for me a guilty pleasure. Let me just say straight off, however, it is not okay. It is really, really not okay. It’s, frankly, rapey as fuck – and manages to be rapey as fuck in two subtly different and uniquely problematic ways. The first being ye old rape as a plot device chestnut, which also brushes up against rape as solved/answered by violence. And the second being the unquestioned assumption that rape is someone with a penis putting their penis—and explicitly the penis—in the vagina—and explicitly the vagina—of a person who has not given their consent to have a penis put in their vagina. Which is to say, the heroine is constantly getting rough fingers shoved inside her or whatever and both the text, the heroine, and everyone around the heroine sort of treat this as … like … rape foreplay or something? Instead of, you know, rape? Like, the nature of the object that is being placed inside you without your consent is irrelevant? But it feels like there’s a sort of rape scale where any object other than a penis is kind of “ehhhh whatever” but if it’s a penis things are srs now.
Also if that paragraph doesn’t clue you in, this is one of those books where the heroine is basically constantly in peril and subject to constant violence—sexual and otherwise. And I think we’re meant to admire her strength and resilience for surviving this unremitting cavalcade of horror but I kind of just felt I was reading de Sade’s Justine.
Other potential areas of not-okaynesses where your mileage may vary. While the book does go out of its way to emphasise that Black people existed, y’know, in the Caribbean, with the exception of one character who is a member of the heroine’s crew every other Black person we encounter in the book is a slave or a victim or, um, literally dead in horrific circumstances? And obviously the reality of slavery was horrific but it felt more like a backdrop here against which the white characters could demonstrate their virtue. Like the heroine gets herself picked up by pirate hunters just because she has a reputation for attacking slave ships.
Because she is one of the good ones. Cough.
The other thing that was kind of weird to me is the book’s attitude to and portrayal of … well … queerness? Like, something I was massively massively here for was the fact the heroine has two dudes who LOVE HER BEYOND REASON. While this is set up as a massive conflict it later turns out that they’re super best bros who are also kind of in love with each other and are well up for sharing the heroine. Great. Fabulous. And there’s a fair bit of angsty noise around how their penis-duelling could get them ruined and/or hanged for sodomy (HISTORICAL PEDANT NOTE: hangings for sodomy in the sense of homosexuality as we understand it today were actually fairly rare because it was very hard to prove that sodomy had or was occurring without literally finding someone’s cock in someone else’s bum, and sodomy was a catch all term for sexually perverse behaviour in general, so usually when someone was getting hanged for sodomy it was on account of having sodomised, say, a fourteen year old. Also this book is set at a time when Lord Hervey was literally living openly and publicly with his wife and his male lover, and everyone just thought he was a bit of a weirdo).
ANYWAY: despite all this, the book goes to an insane amount of trouble to avoid any implication that these two dudes who love each other and want to bang each other could in any way be … like queer? They deny any attraction to other men, have never slept with or felt affection for any dudes beyond each other, and only apparently fell into deep dicking each other as a kind of *digestif* to fighting. And while the final scene does involve them sexing each other romantically beneath the heroine’s approving gaze … I just felt the book was trying to have its queer cake and eat it? Like, it wanted us to enjoy the sexual fantasy of two hot guys fucking but not have to deal with any of that icky gay stuff?
But.
Um.
The truth is … how can I say this.
I was very aware throughout of how problematic the book is in multiple different ways (many of which should have personally rendered it a deal breaker) and I was often pretty uncomfortable, especially in the final third which is sort of just heroine-centric torture porn?
But I also found myself reading it with the glee of a teenager. It’s bought an amp that turns up to eleven, you know? It’s histrionic, and ridiculous and it’s campy as balls, and I cannot resist me some high camp. Like, there is literally a line where the heroine describes the speech of the husband she believes has cheated on her as “blasphemous ululation.” Genuine phrase, deployed without a hint of irony. You’ve kind of got to love that. Also one of the heroes has a penis so big it cannot, like, raise its head? You know like a disaffected teenager in a physics lesson.
Oh, oh, and there’s a bit, I swear to God, where the other hero … eats? The heroine’s dress?
I mean, whatever floats your boat, mate?
And do not even get me started on the Chekov’s citrus allergy plot. Oh okay. I’ll start a little. I won’t spoil the, um, resolution of the Chekov’s citrus allergy plot but there’s a bit near the beginning where the heroine needs information from the hero with a citrus allergy. So she comes up with this whacked out plan to sex it out of him, by like covering herself in orange juice, then using perfume to cover up the scent of oranges, and then tempting him to touch her so he gets orange juice all over his hands, which means he can’t touch his dick while she’s all, like, getting down with her bad self. And given she’s got him literally chained up in the bilge … this just struck me as a really complicated way to get orange juice onto his hands when she could just have, like, squirted orange juice onto his hands and/or dick? And then masturbated at a safe distance?
I mean, I don’t know. I’m clearly just not camp enough for this book. Since it has never occurred to me to extract information from someone by wanking at them.
And look I can’t lie: I was completely invested in the entirely absurd relationship that develops between the heroine and Lord Ashley Cutler, the pirate hunter who has captured her. The other guy is a bit of a cypher apart from being Welsh and having longish hair and great abs, but I’m just a sucker for the cold guy who is secretly exploding with “unseemly needs” and terrible shame. It’s like a kink kryptonite for me. Although, really, I had absolutely no place being into a hero whose introduction involves hanging the heroine over the back of his ship and then wailing on her vulva.
I mean, I’ve got no excuses. At this point I am just shaking my head at myself. I think there sometimes just comes a point when something is so … extravagantly itself that you either take it on its own terms or belligerently part ways. For some reason, something about this book, made me take it on its own terms. If you can do that—and I’m aware being able to do that is a matter of privilege-it’s fun. It’s batshit fun.
If you can’t that’s totally fine. And I would under no circumstances suggest you try.
PS – this book is also weird about anal. On the one hand, we have a heroine who is unabashedly into it, which is all nice and sex positive and stuff. But the only time we see it happening on page it’s being used as a punishment. Mixed messages, much?
PPS – another reason I kind of love lord Ashley Cutler is that while he’s being sexually tormented by the heroine, but unable to admit his feels, he keeps sneaking out of the bed he shares with her to wank in solitary splendour on the balcony on the back of the ship. What made me laugh so hard I woke my partner was that when the heroine finally decides to join him and put him out of his wank misery she discovers he’s brought a pot of lube with him. What we have here is a hero who will seek his release furtively on a balcony but still remember to bring with him his personal pleasure enhancers. Respect dude, respect.
It is not a YA pirate romp.
It is, in fact, the opposite of a YA pirate romp. Although there are pirates in it so I guess 1 out of 3 ain’t bad?
Before I begin, a thousand trigger warnings for the book and this review, including warnings for discussion of sexual assault. And, err, spoilers too.
As I’ve said before, I really don’t believe in the concept of guilty pleasures. I think there are pleasures. And there is guilt. And if you feel guilty about your pleasures then you should examine your pleasures and if you genuinely feel that you deserve to feel guilty about them … maybe find a different pleasure?
This is book was, honestly, for me a guilty pleasure. Let me just say straight off, however, it is not okay. It is really, really not okay. It’s, frankly, rapey as fuck – and manages to be rapey as fuck in two subtly different and uniquely problematic ways. The first being ye old rape as a plot device chestnut, which also brushes up against rape as solved/answered by violence. And the second being the unquestioned assumption that rape is someone with a penis putting their penis—and explicitly the penis—in the vagina—and explicitly the vagina—of a person who has not given their consent to have a penis put in their vagina. Which is to say, the heroine is constantly getting rough fingers shoved inside her or whatever and both the text, the heroine, and everyone around the heroine sort of treat this as … like … rape foreplay or something? Instead of, you know, rape? Like, the nature of the object that is being placed inside you without your consent is irrelevant? But it feels like there’s a sort of rape scale where any object other than a penis is kind of “ehhhh whatever” but if it’s a penis things are srs now.
Also if that paragraph doesn’t clue you in, this is one of those books where the heroine is basically constantly in peril and subject to constant violence—sexual and otherwise. And I think we’re meant to admire her strength and resilience for surviving this unremitting cavalcade of horror but I kind of just felt I was reading de Sade’s Justine.
Other potential areas of not-okaynesses where your mileage may vary. While the book does go out of its way to emphasise that Black people existed, y’know, in the Caribbean, with the exception of one character who is a member of the heroine’s crew every other Black person we encounter in the book is a slave or a victim or, um, literally dead in horrific circumstances? And obviously the reality of slavery was horrific but it felt more like a backdrop here against which the white characters could demonstrate their virtue. Like the heroine gets herself picked up by pirate hunters just because she has a reputation for attacking slave ships.
Because she is one of the good ones. Cough.
The other thing that was kind of weird to me is the book’s attitude to and portrayal of … well … queerness? Like, something I was massively massively here for was the fact the heroine has two dudes who LOVE HER BEYOND REASON. While this is set up as a massive conflict it later turns out that they’re super best bros who are also kind of in love with each other and are well up for sharing the heroine. Great. Fabulous. And there’s a fair bit of angsty noise around how their penis-duelling could get them ruined and/or hanged for sodomy (HISTORICAL PEDANT NOTE: hangings for sodomy in the sense of homosexuality as we understand it today were actually fairly rare because it was very hard to prove that sodomy had or was occurring without literally finding someone’s cock in someone else’s bum, and sodomy was a catch all term for sexually perverse behaviour in general, so usually when someone was getting hanged for sodomy it was on account of having sodomised, say, a fourteen year old. Also this book is set at a time when Lord Hervey was literally living openly and publicly with his wife and his male lover, and everyone just thought he was a bit of a weirdo).
ANYWAY: despite all this, the book goes to an insane amount of trouble to avoid any implication that these two dudes who love each other and want to bang each other could in any way be … like queer? They deny any attraction to other men, have never slept with or felt affection for any dudes beyond each other, and only apparently fell into deep dicking each other as a kind of *digestif* to fighting. And while the final scene does involve them sexing each other romantically beneath the heroine’s approving gaze … I just felt the book was trying to have its queer cake and eat it? Like, it wanted us to enjoy the sexual fantasy of two hot guys fucking but not have to deal with any of that icky gay stuff?
But.
Um.
The truth is … how can I say this.
I was very aware throughout of how problematic the book is in multiple different ways (many of which should have personally rendered it a deal breaker) and I was often pretty uncomfortable, especially in the final third which is sort of just heroine-centric torture porn?
But I also found myself reading it with the glee of a teenager. It’s bought an amp that turns up to eleven, you know? It’s histrionic, and ridiculous and it’s campy as balls, and I cannot resist me some high camp. Like, there is literally a line where the heroine describes the speech of the husband she believes has cheated on her as “blasphemous ululation.” Genuine phrase, deployed without a hint of irony. You’ve kind of got to love that. Also one of the heroes has a penis so big it cannot, like, raise its head? You know like a disaffected teenager in a physics lesson.
Oh, oh, and there’s a bit, I swear to God, where the other hero … eats? The heroine’s dress?
Then, as promised, his teeth sank into the back of my gown and began an erotic assault on the satin, pulling at hooks, ripping through ribbon, and freeing me from the air-depriving restraints.
His breathing accelerated, and his hands dug into my waist, holding me immobile and recklessly affected. I was so distracted by the wreckage of his teeth and the sounds of his hunger I didn’t notice he’d finished with the gown until it landed around my booted feet in a puddle of shredded fabric.
I mean, whatever floats your boat, mate?
And do not even get me started on the Chekov’s citrus allergy plot. Oh okay. I’ll start a little. I won’t spoil the, um, resolution of the Chekov’s citrus allergy plot but there’s a bit near the beginning where the heroine needs information from the hero with a citrus allergy. So she comes up with this whacked out plan to sex it out of him, by like covering herself in orange juice, then using perfume to cover up the scent of oranges, and then tempting him to touch her so he gets orange juice all over his hands, which means he can’t touch his dick while she’s all, like, getting down with her bad self. And given she’s got him literally chained up in the bilge … this just struck me as a really complicated way to get orange juice onto his hands when she could just have, like, squirted orange juice onto his hands and/or dick? And then masturbated at a safe distance?
I mean, I don’t know. I’m clearly just not camp enough for this book. Since it has never occurred to me to extract information from someone by wanking at them.
And look I can’t lie: I was completely invested in the entirely absurd relationship that develops between the heroine and Lord Ashley Cutler, the pirate hunter who has captured her. The other guy is a bit of a cypher apart from being Welsh and having longish hair and great abs, but I’m just a sucker for the cold guy who is secretly exploding with “unseemly needs” and terrible shame. It’s like a kink kryptonite for me. Although, really, I had absolutely no place being into a hero whose introduction involves hanging the heroine over the back of his ship and then wailing on her vulva.
I mean, I’ve got no excuses. At this point I am just shaking my head at myself. I think there sometimes just comes a point when something is so … extravagantly itself that you either take it on its own terms or belligerently part ways. For some reason, something about this book, made me take it on its own terms. If you can do that—and I’m aware being able to do that is a matter of privilege-it’s fun. It’s batshit fun.
If you can’t that’s totally fine. And I would under no circumstances suggest you try.
PS – this book is also weird about anal. On the one hand, we have a heroine who is unabashedly into it, which is all nice and sex positive and stuff. But the only time we see it happening on page it’s being used as a punishment. Mixed messages, much?
PPS – another reason I kind of love lord Ashley Cutler is that while he’s being sexually tormented by the heroine, but unable to admit his feels, he keeps sneaking out of the bed he shares with her to wank in solitary splendour on the balcony on the back of the ship. What made me laugh so hard I woke my partner was that when the heroine finally decides to join him and put him out of his wank misery she discovers he’s brought a pot of lube with him. What we have here is a hero who will seek his release furtively on a balcony but still remember to bring with him his personal pleasure enhancers. Respect dude, respect.
Shelved as 'wrote'
August 2, 2024Two jealous-possessive anti-heroes, a ferocious heroine, and all the charm and sizzling passion of a historical romance, this standalone is dark, dirty, and scorching hot.
Amazon: mybook.to/seaofruin
Apple: apple.co/37gY2Tf
Kobo: bit.ly/2NR0U1H
B&N: bit.ly/38zpoEB
Google: bit.ly/2TIxRBb
Audible: adbl.co/30jhwEJ
Signed Paperback/Hardback: pamgodwin.com/product/sea-of-ruin
"Sea of Ruin is a masterpiece." ~ Emma Scott
"Beautiful, soul-shattering, and utterly delicious." ~ Ilsa Madden-Mills
"Swoon-worthy anti-heroes who make aggression oh so seductive.” ~ Pepper Winters
"An epic novel that goes far beyond five stars." ~ Aleatha Romig
"Lush and all-consuming, delicious, and so beautifully, beautifully penned." ~ Mia Sheridan
“Sea of Ruin will leave you breathless. READ. THIS. BOOK!" ~ Jewel E. Ann
"You'll find all the magic and darkly erotic allure in these pages." ~ Keri Lake
"Powerful sorcery penned with masterful execution." ~ Kate Stewart
Download the novella for FREE.
King of Libertines
pamgodwin.com/king-of-libertines
KING OF LIBERTINES can be read before or after SEA OF RUIN.
Stand-alones. No cliffys.
Amazon: mybook.to/seaofruin
Apple: apple.co/37gY2Tf
Kobo: bit.ly/2NR0U1H
B&N: bit.ly/38zpoEB
Google: bit.ly/2TIxRBb
Audible: adbl.co/30jhwEJ
Signed Paperback/Hardback: pamgodwin.com/product/sea-of-ruin
"Sea of Ruin is a masterpiece." ~ Emma Scott
"Beautiful, soul-shattering, and utterly delicious." ~ Ilsa Madden-Mills
"Swoon-worthy anti-heroes who make aggression oh so seductive.” ~ Pepper Winters
"An epic novel that goes far beyond five stars." ~ Aleatha Romig
"Lush and all-consuming, delicious, and so beautifully, beautifully penned." ~ Mia Sheridan
“Sea of Ruin will leave you breathless. READ. THIS. BOOK!" ~ Jewel E. Ann
"You'll find all the magic and darkly erotic allure in these pages." ~ Keri Lake
"Powerful sorcery penned with masterful execution." ~ Kate Stewart
Download the novella for FREE.
King of Libertines
pamgodwin.com/king-of-libertines
KING OF LIBERTINES can be read before or after SEA OF RUIN.
Stand-alones. No cliffys.
Shelved as 'dnf'
August 19, 2020DNF @ 15%
I got this as an ARC - and am VERY grateful. I have really loved Pam Godwin's books in the past and she's one of my favorite authors...
But, I think I am finally going to call this one here. I've had it on the "on-hold" shelf of perpetual purgatory for quite some time and I have to be honest with myself: I'm not going to finish this thing. And, for those who care (those who don't, feel free to stop here, who can blame you?), here's why...
1) I have finally come to the conclusion that I just don't really like books about pirates all that much. For whatever reason, I don't know. Which is funny as I LOVE ships and the ocean. But anyway.
2) I didn't realize this was going to be a MFM tripod and I am just not in the mood for those lately.
3) I tried picking this up numerous times and just couldn't get into the story - which right there is enough for me.
I always feel bad DNF'ing or never getting to ARCs I either sought out or was asked to read. But it is what it is.
***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
I got this as an ARC - and am VERY grateful. I have really loved Pam Godwin's books in the past and she's one of my favorite authors...
But, I think I am finally going to call this one here. I've had it on the "on-hold" shelf of perpetual purgatory for quite some time and I have to be honest with myself: I'm not going to finish this thing. And, for those who care (those who don't, feel free to stop here, who can blame you?), here's why...
1) I have finally come to the conclusion that I just don't really like books about pirates all that much. For whatever reason, I don't know. Which is funny as I LOVE ships and the ocean. But anyway.
2) I didn't realize this was going to be a MFM tripod and I am just not in the mood for those lately.
3) I tried picking this up numerous times and just couldn't get into the story - which right there is enough for me.
I always feel bad DNF'ing or never getting to ARCs I either sought out or was asked to read. But it is what it is.
***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
February 4, 2022
*1.5 stars*
Listen, I’ve read- and liked- multiple books by this author, however, her modus operandi is helpless beautiful FCs who’re either sexually abused or oppressed by the men in their lives. It's noteworthy that her heroes also seem identical (Ashley and Emeric -from Dark Notes- are practically interchangeable).
Additionally, using rape as a plot driver-regardless of the period or setting-is lazy, unimaginative and boring.
So, no, I don’t think this is epic or even that good of a story.
June 29, 2024
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SEA OF RUIN has been on my radar since it came out because I kind of have a soft spot for old school pirate romances and the cover design had a decidedly retro bent to it, like the author (and the artist, obvi) was trying to pay homage to the bodice-rippers of yore. As someone who loves the bodice-rippers of yore, I was super into that. And the only thing better than reading a modern day throwback is conning several of your friends to read it with you, so thanks to Rebecca, Aaliyah, and Koistyfishy for joining me on this "sea of ruin."
The book is written in first person and has a very melodramatic, breathless style to the narration that reminded me a lot of Natasha Peters's works, a bodice-ripper author from the '70s and '80s who wrote books in the first person that followed a heroine over the years as she grew up and was shaped by the chaotic elements in her life. Specifically, this reminded me of SAVAGE SURRENDER, which also had a bratty heroine who was kind of kick-butt and a toxic romance with a dangerous, obsessive hero who was not to be crossed.
Was this a perfect book? No, but there was a lot to like about it. It seemed really well-researched and I loved the scenery, the fight scenes, the descriptions of the taverns and the ships. All of it was quite nicely done and added a lot to the story. I also liked Bennett, even though she was a bit of a Mary Sue. She suffered as most authors don't let their precious Sues suffer, and I think this kept her from feeling too two-dimensional. There were several scenes in this book that were very hard to read, involving death, torture, tragedy, and rape, which definitely gave this book more of an old skool flavor.
I'm not usually into M/F/M books but I liked that element in this book, too. The idea of a love triangle between a female pirate captain and her pirate husband and a pirate hunter was intriguing to me. They also all had chemistry, which is, I imagine, hard to do. I also liked that the men had distinctly different personalities, even though they were both incredibly dangerous. Priest is fire and impulsivity and filled with animal passions, whereas Ashley is more of a cold and icy type with a frozen maelstrom underneath. They also cracked me up. Priest's orange allergy leads to not one but TWO rather convenient exercises to further the plot, and can we not forget Ashley's midnight self-pleasuring sessions on the balcony of his ship? SO. DRAMATIC. How did the author come up with this stuff?
If you're not into dark romances or the politically incorrect bodice-rippers of olde, I would not recommend SEA OF RUIN. Actually, I would not recommend SEA OF RUIN for a lot of reasons, because I feel like it embodies a lot of the tropes that romance novels of the present day are trying frantically to distance themselves from. But that's kind of messy, because for a lot of people, Kathleen Woodiwiss and Christine Monson and Johanna Lindsey were the authors people cut their teeth on for the first time, so I like the idea of a bodice-ripper Renaissance written for a modern audience, but with all of the chaotic, crazy tropes that created a booming industry with some of the best cover artists around.
You be the judge, though.
P.S. Docking a half star because, like the bodice-ripper predecessors, the sex scenes in this book were too purple and went on for waaaaaay too long. Sex scenes are like red pepper flakes: I love a liberal sprinkling but please, for the love of God, don't serve me an entire PLATE of them.
3.5 stars
October 9, 2021
im obsessed with this book!
April 26, 2020
5 STARS
Two words: FUCKING. EPIC.
My god. Y'all. I'm rendered speechless. This is easily my favorite Pam Godwin book to date. And considering I've read and loved her entire backlist, that's saying something. But this book? It was something else entirely. Mesmerizing. Magical. Unique. And totally and completely unforgettable. It was unlike any book I've read lately, and I loved it so much more for that!
This was certainly a huge step away from Pam's usual dark romance, but it was no less gritty or gut wrenching. This is a historical romance that introduces the reader to one of the most fierce lady pirates you will ever read. Not that I've ever read about a female pirate before. But now that I did? I NEED MORE!
How do I even begin to describe to you the incredible experience that was this book. And that's what it was. An experience. It was so much more than just a romance. The rich world building, the characters, the depth and development. All of this combined to make this like a movie reel that unrolls with every turn of the page.
Bennett Sharp is a force to be reckoned with. Her birth is the result of two worlds crashing together that couldn't be more different. Her childhood wasn't perfect, but she had hope for something more, until an a tragedy rips that away from her in the most devastating of ways. Now she's a pirate, a captain of her ship, with the sea the only thing she craves. She'd do anything for her loyal crew, even sacrifice herself to ensure they survive. This is how she ends up in the hands of the commander of the royal navy and facing one of the biggest battles of wills I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
Now that is all of the details that you'll be getting from me. I went into this completely blind, and I recommend all readers do the same. All I can tell you is prepare for the experience of a life time. Yes, this is a historical, but it's no less edgy than what we're used to from Pam. This story was heart wrenchingly dark, sinfully erotic, and oh so gritty. It packed one hell of a punch that kept me riveted to the pages. And that's not even starting on these incredible, multi-layered characters. MY GOD. It was utterly hypnotic.
Pam not only mastered this genre, she slapped it's ass and made it call her daddy. PERFECTION. Sheer perfection between the pages. This is an absolute must read. Trust me. Even if historical isn't usually your cuppa, this will make a converter out of you. It's simply not to be missed.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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Love isn’t a decision. It arrives unannounced, breeds madness, and leaves a sea of ruin in its wake.
Two words: FUCKING. EPIC.
My god. Y'all. I'm rendered speechless. This is easily my favorite Pam Godwin book to date. And considering I've read and loved her entire backlist, that's saying something. But this book? It was something else entirely. Mesmerizing. Magical. Unique. And totally and completely unforgettable. It was unlike any book I've read lately, and I loved it so much more for that!
This was certainly a huge step away from Pam's usual dark romance, but it was no less gritty or gut wrenching. This is a historical romance that introduces the reader to one of the most fierce lady pirates you will ever read. Not that I've ever read about a female pirate before. But now that I did? I NEED MORE!
How do I even begin to describe to you the incredible experience that was this book. And that's what it was. An experience. It was so much more than just a romance. The rich world building, the characters, the depth and development. All of this combined to make this like a movie reel that unrolls with every turn of the page.
Bennett Sharp is a force to be reckoned with. Her birth is the result of two worlds crashing together that couldn't be more different. Her childhood wasn't perfect, but she had hope for something more, until an a tragedy rips that away from her in the most devastating of ways. Now she's a pirate, a captain of her ship, with the sea the only thing she craves. She'd do anything for her loyal crew, even sacrifice herself to ensure they survive. This is how she ends up in the hands of the commander of the royal navy and facing one of the biggest battles of wills I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
“It’s easy, Commodore. Just think of the smartest man you know, remove all the hauteur and bigotry, and add a larger pair of testicles.”
Now that is all of the details that you'll be getting from me. I went into this completely blind, and I recommend all readers do the same. All I can tell you is prepare for the experience of a life time. Yes, this is a historical, but it's no less edgy than what we're used to from Pam. This story was heart wrenchingly dark, sinfully erotic, and oh so gritty. It packed one hell of a punch that kept me riveted to the pages. And that's not even starting on these incredible, multi-layered characters. MY GOD. It was utterly hypnotic.
Pam not only mastered this genre, she slapped it's ass and made it call her daddy. PERFECTION. Sheer perfection between the pages. This is an absolute must read. Trust me. Even if historical isn't usually your cuppa, this will make a converter out of you. It's simply not to be missed.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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April 23, 2020
'SEA OF RUIN:' Is a full length historical romance novel by Pam Godwin. MY REVIEW AND OTHERS: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
Spoiler free Review...I'm not even going to go into the plot..
Unique, unputdownable, utterly unexpected! This book bypassed 5 stars and landed on my 2020 favourite book shelf! Highly recommend!!
I went into this unknowingly not knowing what to expect, I gulped at the vast amount of pages ahead of me, but with hand on heart that had no consequence as I started reading because straight away I was pulled in. Straight away I fell in love wholeheartedly with the storyline. The writing was brilliant. The execution was astounding. These characters were everything. And I mean everything!!
This book is going to be a hard book to top!!
Don’t be fooled by the genre this falls under, it’s as dark and gritty as you could ask for. This ticked all my boxes! This is how a unique, otherworldly, outstanding book should be written and this author delivered it in spades. This is her best work to date!! This went above and beyond anything I could’ve expected! And this author did not hold back!
This was dark, gritty, beautiful, emotional, with nail biting goodness that had me sitting on the edge of my seat numerous times. My emotions were frayed but I wouldn't change a thing about this story!!
If you love your heroines feisty, then look no further than Bennet! She's strong, a mouth on her like sailer, a pirate, a fighter, a lover, a killer. I just adored her!!
And OMG these two men you are going to encounter holy moly a nun would have trouble holding onto her virtue with these two!! Get ready to be claimed!!
God I hope we see more of this world by this author because this book was just epicly good!! Go in blind, I guarantee you will love this book as much as I did!! Highly recommend!! I can't gush about this book enough!! Crazy loved it!!
October 19, 2022
"Love isn’t a decision. It arrives unannounced, breeds madness, and leaves a sea of ruin in its wake..."
I'm surprised to see myself rate it this low, especially cause I was enjoying it so much but bear with me because I do have my reasons.
Plot- 1.5/5🌟
Spice-5/5🌶️
Let's go over the tropes-
✔️Historical romance
✔️Dark and twisted
✔️Pirate adventure
✔️Forbidden romance
✔️Alpha female
Sounds amazing so far, right? But no, even the juicy smut couldn't save this sea tragedy.
The FMC, Bennett, is a pirate and on the run from her husband- Priest. Priest is a pirate himself and after his unfaithfulness, wants to make amends to her. But the story gets even more twisted when Ashley, hero number two, captures Bennett and makes her pay for her crimes on the sea. Who gets the girl? And blah blah blah.
It still sounds pretty decent. The first half is written quite well despite its dark tones but it soon becomes repetitive. There's ample amount of sexual abuse, rape, torture which is vividly described on page. It can be very heavy and disgusting to read. No matter which guy Bennett comes across wants to abuse her and rape her. I get that considering the time period it's set in means women were abused immensely, but it doesn't need to happen every damn chapter.
I also don't see how people can fall for Ashley when the first thing he did after meeting Bennett was to spank her (not consented), drowned her (multiple times), threatened to get her raped by prisoners (couple of times). I get that Priest is no priest himself, he was unfaithful but that's (sorry to say) mild compared to Ashley.
Both Priest and Ashley are possessive males and have red flags of their own. But Bennett refuses to see that. Does the woman who claims to have respect and dignity not able to walk away from the two? There is NO love present in the book, it's ALL lust. As the story progresses, and Bennett continues to be abused in every damn chapter, she loses my interest too.
The second half is absolute crap. That's all I'll say about it.
I rate it one star cause of the cover and writing which the author is skilled in, doesn't mean it's a good story.
It doesn’t matter how far we fall, how much pain we inflict, or how dark it becomes in the ruin. I’m going to be with you, waiting for you, loving you, forgiving you. I’m never letting go, Bennett. Never." Sadly, it does matter.
⚠️Trigger warnings - Rape, molestation, cheating, violence, torture, gore, polygamy⚠️
I'm surprised to see myself rate it this low, especially cause I was enjoying it so much but bear with me because I do have my reasons.
Plot- 1.5/5🌟
Spice-5/5🌶️
Let's go over the tropes-
✔️Historical romance
✔️Dark and twisted
✔️Pirate adventure
✔️Forbidden romance
✔️Alpha female
Sounds amazing so far, right? But no, even the juicy smut couldn't save this sea tragedy.
The FMC, Bennett, is a pirate and on the run from her husband- Priest. Priest is a pirate himself and after his unfaithfulness, wants to make amends to her. But the story gets even more twisted when Ashley, hero number two, captures Bennett and makes her pay for her crimes on the sea. Who gets the girl? And blah blah blah.
It still sounds pretty decent. The first half is written quite well despite its dark tones but it soon becomes repetitive. There's ample amount of sexual abuse, rape, torture which is vividly described on page. It can be very heavy and disgusting to read. No matter which guy Bennett comes across wants to abuse her and rape her. I get that considering the time period it's set in means women were abused immensely, but it doesn't need to happen every damn chapter.
I also don't see how people can fall for Ashley when the first thing he did after meeting Bennett was to spank her (not consented), drowned her (multiple times), threatened to get her raped by prisoners (couple of times). I get that Priest is no priest himself, he was unfaithful but that's (sorry to say) mild compared to Ashley.
Both Priest and Ashley are possessive males and have red flags of their own. But Bennett refuses to see that. Does the woman who claims to have respect and dignity not able to walk away from the two? There is NO love present in the book, it's ALL lust. As the story progresses, and Bennett continues to be abused in every damn chapter, she loses my interest too.
The second half is absolute crap. That's all I'll say about it.
I rate it one star cause of the cover and writing which the author is skilled in, doesn't mean it's a good story.
It doesn’t matter how far we fall, how much pain we inflict, or how dark it becomes in the ruin. I’m going to be with you, waiting for you, loving you, forgiving you. I’m never letting go, Bennett. Never." Sadly, it does matter.
⚠️Trigger warnings - Rape, molestation, cheating, violence, torture, gore, polygamy⚠️
April 20, 2020
Billions Of Blue Blistering Barnacles!! When my Utmost fave author writes my Utmost fave trope, my hearts just bellows- “Weigh anchor! All hands prepare to make sail!”
This is a new trope for Godwin but as usual she shines and advances by knots and fathoms, this is her Most potent work yet. Best job with narration, plotting, characterization and slick advancement. Arousing and electrifying, it will transport you to the rolling decks and creaking planks aboard a Pirate ship and your feet may never wanna touch land again.
Welcome to the High seas and a pirate lore like no other. An adrenaline pumping adventure awaits you with Galleons chasing Pirate ships, guns booming, sexy dashing pirates, lofty pirate hunters and lots of treasure. There's something sinfully romantic about Ships and pirates. It's heroic and villainous, thrilling and barbaric, soaring high in clear blue skies and sinking deep in the inky black oceans.
What be this here kinky fuckery Pam-O-Ninetails ??!!
I met Priest Farrell, notoriously known as Feral Priest of smoldering, silver glinting eyes and luscious beaded locks. Master of Skillful tongue and deft thieving fingers, my heart just purred for this Cheating Philander, the Adulter Knave..*lesigh*🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
"Priest Farrell took, plundered, and raided for his own enjoyment. He was a cold-blooded pirate who acted without moral restraint or conscience, especially when it came to his primitive desires."
Then Pam introduces Lord Ashley Cutler, Commodore of HMS Blitz, pirate Hunter on a mission.
Elegantly masculine, strikingly confidant and Gorgeously Male.... *Lesigh* 🥰🥰🥰
But he's a gorgeous, filthy pervert with his superior breeding capable of unseemly manners
He legit rocked my "ship" Aft to Starboard, beam over beam, stem to stern, forward & backward, unfurled my sails and held me in his sway
They share a sordid, burning tale of love in every surface and some unexpected places. I'd drown myself for him to give me his air. *lesigh* 🥰🥰
I'm secretly jealous of and in love with all of Pam's heroines. They are kick Ass warriors, svelte and sensuous. They're survivors in all pain and pleasure situations.
Bennett Leighton is a force of nature. Fierce and hell-raising Pirate Captain of Jade, indomitable Rebel of the Sea, fighting against the conformities of men and society
"For the past seven years, I’d lived among men, fighting tirelessly for every inch of respect in a man’s world. I never let their prejudices weaken me. I never swooned, cowered, or submitted in the shadow of masculine strength. I never allowed anyone to see me as anything but a hardened, ruthless pirate captain."
Her endurance held me in awe, her mettle strong as Bonze Beastly guns and her personality explosive like 32 pounders. her beauty rivaling her ruthless spirit, became a dangerous combination. She was a lure, like a priceless treasure which had the two men hunting to capture her.
"Love had hunted me, captured me, bred madness, and yes, it left a sea of ruin in its wake."
Thrumming with heart pounding action, lust burning passion and a cavernous sea of love. It has all the masala of a Hollywood movie. Drama, action, sex, horror, love, comedy and emotional twists and turns, complete with a quintessential compass with secret scrolls!!
Games, deceit, seduction and yielding and all tied in the most surprising climax ever!!!!
Pick this up or the by God's Teeth I'll send Captain MadWolf McNally upon ye!!
#TeamTrace!! ............I mean #TeamAshley✊
10 Citrus stars for Ruse With Arabella
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April 12, 2023
"You touch me and kiss me and work us both into tangled knots. Then you run away."
"Who says I'm running? You feel me running, Bennett?"
"No. I feel you falling."
Is this book fucked up or am I fucked up for liking it so much?
���𝗦𝗘𝗔 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗨𝗜𝗡 - 𝗕𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗠 𝗚𝗢𝗗𝗪𝗜𝗡🍊
★𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
★𝗬𝗔/𝗡𝗔/𝗔: 🅰️
★𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: 𝚂𝙴𝙰 𝙾𝙵 𝚁𝚄𝙸𝙽 #𝟷 (𝙱𝚄𝚃 𝙲𝙰𝙽 𝙱𝙴 𝚁𝙴𝙰𝙳 𝙰𝚂 𝙰 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙰𝙻𝙾𝙽𝙴)
★𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦: 𝙿𝙸𝚁𝙰𝚃𝙴𝚂 - 𝙰𝙳𝚅𝙴𝙽𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴𝚂 - 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴
★𝗣𝗢𝗩: 𝙵𝙸𝚁𝚂𝚃 𝙿𝙴𝚁𝚂𝙾𝙽 - 𝙿𝙰𝚂𝚃 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙴
★𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: 𝙱𝙰𝙳𝙰𝚂𝚂 𝙵𝙼𝙲 - 𝙴𝙽𝙴𝙼𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂 - 𝙰𝙶𝙴 𝙶𝙰𝙿 - - 𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝙱𝙴𝙳 - 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙲𝙴𝙳 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝚇𝙸𝙼𝙸𝚃𝚈
★𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: 👥👥👥👥/5
★𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼/5
★𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧: 📜📜📜/5
★𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦 & 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀/5 ()
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5 (𝙱𝚄𝚃𝚃 𝚂𝚃𝚄𝙵𝙵, 𝙻𝙾𝚃𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝙱𝚄𝚃𝚃 𝚂𝚃𝚄𝙵𝙵 - 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙻𝙾𝚂𝙸𝚅𝙴 𝚂𝙴𝚇 - 𝚃𝙷𝚁𝙴𝙴𝚂𝙾𝙼𝙴𝚂 - 𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝚃 𝚂𝙴𝚇 - 𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙱𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 - 𝚂𝙿𝙰𝙽𝙺𝚈 𝙼𝙲𝚂𝙿𝙰𝙽𝙺𝙸𝙽𝙶𝚂𝙾𝙽 - 𝙱𝙳𝚂𝙼 𝙳𝚈𝙽𝙰𝙼𝙸𝙲𝚂)
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 & 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒/5
★𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦: 🤐🤐🤐🤐🤐/5 (𝙶𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲 𝙳𝙴𝚂𝙲𝚁𝙸𝙿𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝚂𝙴𝚇 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙶𝙴𝙽𝙸𝚃𝙰𝙻𝚂- 𝙶𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲 𝙳𝙴𝚂𝙲𝚁𝙸𝙿𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴/𝙼𝚄𝚁𝙳𝙴𝚁/𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙴)
★𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: 🌹🌹🌹🌹/5 (𝙼𝙰𝚁𝚁𝙸𝙰𝙶𝙴 𝙻𝙸𝙵𝙴 𝙰𝚃 𝙸𝚃𝚂 𝙵𝙸𝙽𝙴𝚂𝚃)
★𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: 💔💔💔💔/𝟱
★𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗘: ✔️❌ (𝚈𝙴𝙿 𝙱𝚄𝚃 𝙰𝙻𝚂𝙾 𝙽𝙾𝙿𝙴)
★𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘:
★𝗥𝗘𝗣 & 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞: (𝙼𝙼𝙲𝚜 𝙰𝚁𝙴 𝙱𝙾𝚃𝙷 𝙱𝙸 - 𝙿𝙴𝚁𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙴𝙽𝚃 𝙿𝙷𝚈𝚂𝙸𝙲𝙰𝙻 𝙸𝙽𝙹𝚄𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙴𝚁𝚃𝙸𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈 - 𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙿𝙾𝚁𝙰𝚁𝚈 𝙳𝙴𝙰𝙵𝙽𝙴𝚂𝚂 - 𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙰𝙻 𝙸𝙻𝙻𝙽𝙴𝚂𝚂)
★𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗘𝗦-𝗧𝗢-𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦: 🖤🖤🖤/5 (𝙳𝙴𝙰𝚁 𝙻𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝚆𝙴'𝚁𝙴 𝙰𝙻𝙻 𝙶𝙾𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚃𝙾 𝙷𝙴𝙻𝙻)
★𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚: 🎶𝙸𝙽 𝚈𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝚁𝙾𝙾𝙼 - 𝙳𝙴𝙿𝙴𝙲𝙷𝙴 𝙼𝙾𝙳𝙴🎶
▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰
Don't let that pretty and dramatic cover fool you into thinking this will be your usual pirate adventure.
This book is a giant ship with her belly full of sin, that sails under a thousand red flags.
Ahoy, Captain Steam. There's smut on the horizon.
Sea of Ruin is not a book for everyone.
I recommend picking it up with caution and reading it even more warily, because every chapter comes with a list of trigger warnings longer than Lord Cutler's superior breeding (ifykyk), and every character will leave a mark on your soul the size of a treasure chest.
MAKE SURE to read the TW list before you dive into this book. It's a beautifully ugly and merciless mess you'll need to be prepared for.
!I'm begging you, also, to not judge a reader by the books they choose to like or dislike!
While this novel contains action for days, I think it could be considered very character-driven, too, as we spend all our time following our main character, Benedicta Bennett Sharp, through whatever adventures her writer chooses to put her up with.
Bennett, is fantastic and flawed, but mainly fantastic. I had so much trouble not falling for her wit and her strenght, and I failed so hard I'm still trying to undertand what happened.
I love how dedicates she is to protecting her freedom and how personally she takes anything that has to do with women and slavery, and how strongly she fights for their rights.
She is perfectly crafted and will endure so much pain in her short life you'll feel grateful you're not a character written by Pam Godwin.
Stick to it, tho, because it's worth it. That is, if you're able to stomach it, of course.
Like I said, this is a terrifying book; its gifts are as big as its punishments, and the author makes sure to balance them both equally.
I ADORED the way PG dealed with the love triangle; it's more like a Penrose tribar than a triangle, but you'll have to find out why for yourself, because, believe it or not, this was one of the best parts. Let me just say, Bennett Sharp is a very lucky lady and sandwiches have never felt more appealing.
"You're the chief cause of my misery."
(I love this one so much!! It's basically the You are the bane of my existence, but make it piratesque.)
Priest and Ashley drove me mad and return, but dear lord, they're two very sexy bastard motherfuckers.
They're not innocent, they're terrible and do terrible things, but they'll make you work for it to the point you'll just want to do just that and then eventually go with it, because you can't help but embrace the darkness of this book once it sinks its ugly claws into your skin.
They both truly love Bennett, they worship her and care for her so much it hurts them, Bennett herself and the reader as well, because once you get in, you become part of this crowded, toxic and beautifully twisted love story.
Fucked up is a term of endearment in this case, trust me.
Like my dear Bennett said, Exquisite. Flawless. Mercy God, I truly had a weakness for cruelty wrapped in a beautiful package.
I feel you, sis.
Godwin created a pirate world so authentic it made me tremble with fear, excitement and anticipation with every line.
Fans of Black Sails will devour this and love it and its problematic-ness, the same way I did.
The brutality and intensity of this story will haunt you for days, but you won't be able to detach yourself from the pages, no matter how painfully unfair the story is.
But what I loved the most, probably, is Pam Godwin's writing. It's dark, raw and atmospheric; her dialogues and terms so realistic I've learned at least 20 new cusswords and I've never wanted to be a pirate more in my life.
Koisty, if you're reading this: grab your spyglass. I need you as my Quartermaster. Don't say no. You know you want to.
Survive, my love. No matter what.
🚩𝙿𝙾𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝙱𝙻𝙴𝙼𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙲 𝙲𝙾𝙽𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚃 𝙰𝙻𝙴𝚁𝚃!*🚩
*𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚜 𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜, 𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜, 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍/𝚘𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚌/𝚝𝚘𝚡𝚒𝚌/𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎.
𝙸, 𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠, 𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚕𝚎𝚍𝚐𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚗𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝚣𝚘𝚗𝚎, 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎:
-𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢;
-𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎;
-𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚘𝚛 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗 "𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚌" 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜/𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚜/𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜, 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗;
-𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚂𝙴 𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺𝚂, 𝚢'𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠?
Read
September 9, 2022eh not for me, dnf
July 19, 2024
Love isn’t a decision. It arrives unannounced, breeds madness, and leaves a sea of ruin in its wake.
✅ Gorgeous cover
✅ Pirates
✅ Dark atmosphere
✅ Characters
✅ Hate to love / Captor/Captive
✅ Explicit smut and sexual tension 🔥🔥
✅ "Only one bed" trope
✅ Polyamorous relationship
✅ SO MUCH ANGST
✅ Action
✅ Plot and pace
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: Explicit scenes of rape, torture, slavery and murder. This is a dark book.
❗️❗️Make sure to read all the trigger warnings in the book before jumping into this adventure.
Wow.
I loved this book! 😍😍😍 Thank you so much Paige for the rec. 💙
You know you thoroughly enjoyed a book when you just finished it and you already want to read it all over again.
Mesmerizing. Unforgettable. Unputdownable.
And it's about pirates! What more can I ask for?
I know the reviews are quite mixed for this book, you either love it or you hate it... I fell in love with the dark story, the complex relationships, and all the heart-pounding action and angst of this story. If you decide to read this book, you're in for 500 pages of unputdownable swashbuckling adventures, and smoky and hot sex on the high seas in a dark and gritty 1700s setting.
This book captured my interest from the start. Bennett lost everything when she was 14 years old and both her parents died on the same day. Seven years later, she's a pirate, captain of her ship, and she is trying to flee from the authorities and her past. Priest, a dashing and possessive pirate has been on her trail for the last 2 years after she left him, and just as he finally finds her again, so do the authorities. Bennett would do anything for her loyal crew, so she surrenders herself to the commander of the navy to let them escape. She now finds herself at the mercy of Lord Ashley Cutler, a ruthless pirate hunter and commander of the Royal Navy.
I can’t seem to make sense of you.”
“It’s easy, Commodore. Just think of the smartest man you know, remove all the hauteur and bigotry, and add a larger pair of testicles.”
Captain Bennett Sharp is a gorgeous force to be reckoned with. She is a strong badass and ferocious main character, and even though she does not tend to foster healthy relationships when it comes to romance, she is a great and complex character, while also being flawed, and I love her. She is feisty, decisive, and proud and does not hesitate to throw a punch or an insult. While there is a lot of action in this book, and Bennett can't catch a break, it is also a character-driven story as we follow Bennett through everything she suffers, and we see how she changes and emerges even stronger than before.
Priest and Ashley are two anti-heroes in their way and I loved them both (but I might have a preference for Ashley). Priest is dark, sensual, and very intense, whereas Ashley is cold and forbidding, but they both love Bennett fiercely and they are both perfect for her in their own way.
He was furious. Seething with two years’ worth of blistering, unresolved ire. My heart died a thousand deaths before I found my voice. “Priest.”
“Bennett, my love.” He spilled the endearment into the air, each syllable a vicious growl of torment. “How I’ve missed my beautiful, infuriating wife.”
I was not the biggest fan of Priest at first, but his intensity and determination to get Bennett back had me fall under his spell as the book progressed. He is like a sexy Captain Jack Sparrow, minus the unhinged and aloof part. He is a dashing pirate, a smooth talker, and very loved by the ladies all around the place I'm sure. He started off as a too intense and toxic character for me, but as we discovered more about him he became more lovable, and he just has this "je ne sais quoi" that makes me love him, even though he is not the most healthy love interest by far.
“I can’t seem to make sense of you.”
“It’s easy, Commodore. Just think of the smartest man you know, remove all the hauteur and bigotry, and add a larger pair of testicles.”
“Disturbing.”
“The world is disturbing.”
The battle of will between Bennett and Ashley is AMAZING. They are both stubborn and strong-headed and I had so much fun reading their steamy and intense exchanges. The enemies-to-lover relationship is so well done! It was tense and not rushed, the sexual tension built until it was suffocating both characters and they had no choice but to act on it, and even then, it was not all sunshine and rainbow between them because they remained on opposite sides of the law.
We were meaningful together. Intricate. An unlikely bond formed in the dwelling place of souls. The moment felt unreal, like a dream between time and space, with no boundaries, no titles. We weren’t enemies in this sphere. We weren’t captor and captive or lord and pirate.
I have to admit that some parts of the relationships in this book are not healthy (intense jealousy and forgiving some abuse for example), but it did make sense with Bennett's character and personality and with the context.
I truly had a weakness for cruelty wrapped in a beautiful package.
There are a lot of tough topics in this book, but overall the author did a good job. Pirates are a ruthless and tough crowd, and the author did not try to romanticize their image. They rape, murder, and plunder and are not very nice people (except for a few). She also did not gloss over the reality of the slave trade at this time, the banalization of rape in this world ruled by men, or the horrific abuse and torture of prisoners.
One thing that was a little unrealistic (in my opinion) is how Bennett bounced back after all the horrendous things that she went through. The whole healing phase did not take much room in the story, and while I understand that everyone deals with trauma differently, she seemed to heal quite fast psychologically.
“It doesn’t matter how far we fall, how much pain we inflict, or how dark it becomes in the ruin. I’m going to be with you, waiting for you, loving you, forgiving you. I’m never letting go, Bennett. Never.”
Overall, while this is a book that many people hated, I loved it, and I devoured it in less than 24 hours. I stayed up way past my self-imposed curfew to finish this one, and I don't regret it. It is an addictive, dark, and sexy pirate adventure.
0.5 King of Libertines ⭐⭐⭐
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September 21, 2020
Bennett Sharp is the daughter of a pirate who has dreamed of sailing in her own ship ever since she can remember, but at the age of 14 she had to grow up too fast when tragedy left her to survive by herself - with only revenge guiding her. 🔥⚓
7 years later, Bennett is a captain of her own pirate ship (she's so awesome!!!) and everything works according to plan, until her lover, Priest Farrell (who is a pirate himself) breaks her heart - and if that's not enough, she's also captured by a pirate hunter, The cold and cruel Lord Ashley Cutler, and everything changes
Two men ... one woman ... a violent and dark time. How will it end ?? 😱
📚 “𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧.” 📚
I love historical romance books and I also love dark books, so I was totally excited to find out that this book is a combination of both. 👏
It was an adventure - dark, suspenseful, emotional, erotic and very romantic. It was an unexpected journey, full of action and of course hot, hot, hot as fuck scenes !!! 🔥🔥🔥
The writing was brilliant, the plot was surprising, the characters were well developed and the audio experience was amazing. ⚓
However, the book is VERY long - 15 and a half hours (!!!) and I must admit that the beginning was difficult for me... I hated everyone and everything - but suddenly I found myself mesmerized without being able to stop! 👑
But do not let that beautiful cover confuse you, it's a dark and twisted story... and even though I do not shy away from violent content, there were parts that the descriptions were too much to me, so I think it will not suit everyone... 💙
Also, I love romantic love triangles and I was wondering how it would be resolved and who Bennett would choose in the end. And despite the surprise, I must say that I did not like that twist, it was too comfortable and too weird. 😬
Despite that, it is without a doubt an unforgettable book - so special and original! It can easily be turned into a crazy TV series - I actually saw before my eyes the plot revived on screen!!! (Now seriously, who has HBO's phone number ?!) 💙💙💙
Recommended for historical and dark romance books lovers, with touches of taboo . ⚓
• I listened to the AUDIO version. 🎧
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📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
📖 ᐯIᔕIT ᗰY ᗷᒪOG ᖴOᖇ ᗰOᖇE ᖇEᐯIEᗯᔕ: https://books-romance.com/
📖 GOOᗪᖇEᗩᗪᔕ: https://bit.ly/3acMRMP
💕 לקריאת הסקירה בעברית, כנסו לבלוג: https://books-romance.com/ 💕
May 8, 2020
2.5 Stars
EDIT* ADDED SPOILERS
So... This was different... In an engaging but odd and weird, never have read something like this ever before, type of way. I won't put spoilers, but you can count on this being the most unique love triangle you will ever read.
What I really liked about it, which I always like about Pam Godwin's books, is her writing. I can totally hate something but still want to read it simply because of how amazing Pam's writing is. In this book specifically, she did a great job in engaging the pirate-y and historical feel, where it almost seems more realistic. Some authors can definitely go a little overboard on pirate books. The setting is probably my favorite part of this book though, she did such a great job in describing all the little details, and I think the cover depicts exactly that. Also, you can't talk about a Pam Godwin book without talking about her sex scenes, which although this book was a bit more tame, they were still hawt🔥.
The story itself is pretty good, and though I love historical and Pam's books, and will still continue to read them, I didn't necessarily love, or like, this book. It was enjoyable yes, but I don't think this book was really for me. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and the romances, but the overall story was actually pretty interesting to read. Now with all that said, there are triggers in this book, and though I'm glad to have read it, if this book was by any other author, I probably wouldn't have read this because of some of the tropes and one of the triggers. The ending was also a bit too much for me. It did feel a little convenient for how the romance turned out, and I didn't really like the heroine's reaction to it. It definitely felt like a cop out for the romances and the readers rooting for both heros.
Overall, this was an okay book, and though it wasn't my favorite by this author, I'm still glad to have tried it out, and I can't wait for more of her books. Will I ever recommend it? Mmmmaybe?... I think this book solely depends on your taste.
SPOILERS and Safety
The heroine is married to Hero1 in the beginning but finds out he has been cheating on her for awhile, and that he is in love with the person, so she leaves him and falls in love with someone else, Hero2. I would have liked the book a lot more if it had ended with them two, but nope.
After she is already with Hero2, Hero1 comes back in the picture later even though he has been missing most of the book, and now the heroine is conveniently in love with him again, or both of them. Heroine finds out the person Hero1 was cheating with was Hero2. Hero2 had also been celibate for a couple of years, since he had sex with Hero1 in the affair, until he meets the heroine. I felt like the heroine forgave Hero1 WAY too fast for his cheating because of IMO, sex and sex with both of the men. It was also a huge cop out of an ending for all the relationships, especially how Hero1 just randomly comes back into the picture and all is forgiven because they're all in love with each other.
I also think this book should have ended up being a MM, or her ending up with hero 2 in a MF. With it being a MFM or MMF, the heroine definitely played second best to both of the heros. The men had more history and chemistry with each other, even their together scenes in any of the sex was hotter than with the heroine, and knew way more things about each other than either would tell the heroine. Hero2 knowing way more things than the Heroine about her own husband, goes to show how she is second best too. They would constantly talk about their pasts with each other before the heroine came into their lives, all their "good times" and neither sounded like they cared for the heroine and it seemed like she was only in the picture to appease readers for the sex, and because the heros probably only wanted her for an extra sex vessel 🤷. This book should have ended with them breaking up with the heroine like in Lovers by Fiona Cole, or the heroine ending up with Hero2, and this probably would have been a 4 or 5 star for me then because everything else was great.
*ARC Provided In Exchange For An Honest Review*
EDIT* ADDED SPOILERS
So... This was different... In an engaging but odd and weird, never have read something like this ever before, type of way. I won't put spoilers, but you can count on this being the most unique love triangle you will ever read.
What I really liked about it, which I always like about Pam Godwin's books, is her writing. I can totally hate something but still want to read it simply because of how amazing Pam's writing is. In this book specifically, she did a great job in engaging the pirate-y and historical feel, where it almost seems more realistic. Some authors can definitely go a little overboard on pirate books. The setting is probably my favorite part of this book though, she did such a great job in describing all the little details, and I think the cover depicts exactly that. Also, you can't talk about a Pam Godwin book without talking about her sex scenes, which although this book was a bit more tame, they were still hawt🔥.
The story itself is pretty good, and though I love historical and Pam's books, and will still continue to read them, I didn't necessarily love, or like, this book. It was enjoyable yes, but I don't think this book was really for me. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and the romances, but the overall story was actually pretty interesting to read. Now with all that said, there are triggers in this book, and though I'm glad to have read it, if this book was by any other author, I probably wouldn't have read this because of some of the tropes and one of the triggers. The ending was also a bit too much for me. It did feel a little convenient for how the romance turned out, and I didn't really like the heroine's reaction to it. It definitely felt like a cop out for the romances and the readers rooting for both heros.
Overall, this was an okay book, and though it wasn't my favorite by this author, I'm still glad to have tried it out, and I can't wait for more of her books. Will I ever recommend it? Mmmmaybe?... I think this book solely depends on your taste.
SPOILERS and Safety
The heroine is married to Hero1 in the beginning but finds out he has been cheating on her for awhile, and that he is in love with the person, so she leaves him and falls in love with someone else, Hero2. I would have liked the book a lot more if it had ended with them two, but nope.
After she is already with Hero2, Hero1 comes back in the picture later even though he has been missing most of the book, and now the heroine is conveniently in love with him again, or both of them. Heroine finds out the person Hero1 was cheating with was Hero2. Hero2 had also been celibate for a couple of years, since he had sex with Hero1 in the affair, until he meets the heroine. I felt like the heroine forgave Hero1 WAY too fast for his cheating because of IMO, sex and sex with both of the men. It was also a huge cop out of an ending for all the relationships, especially how Hero1 just randomly comes back into the picture and all is forgiven because they're all in love with each other.
I also think this book should have ended up being a MM, or her ending up with hero 2 in a MF. With it being a MFM or MMF, the heroine definitely played second best to both of the heros. The men had more history and chemistry with each other, even their together scenes in any of the sex was hotter than with the heroine, and knew way more things about each other than either would tell the heroine. Hero2 knowing way more things than the Heroine about her own husband, goes to show how she is second best too. They would constantly talk about their pasts with each other before the heroine came into their lives, all their "good times" and neither sounded like they cared for the heroine and it seemed like she was only in the picture to appease readers for the sex, and because the heros probably only wanted her for an extra sex vessel 🤷. This book should have ended with them breaking up with the heroine like in Lovers by Fiona Cole, or the heroine ending up with Hero2, and this probably would have been a 4 or 5 star for me then because everything else was great.
*ARC Provided In Exchange For An Honest Review*
August 21, 2022
3 stars because I'm mourning all the wasted potential
I don't know if I can ever trust Pam Godwin after this book.
Came in loving the atmosphere. Sad, well written, impactful, fun. But then we met Priest (H1). And most problems I have with this story always led back to PRIEST.
what a stupid fucking name, anyway.
The time Bennett (h) spent in Ashley Cutler's (H2) captivity was straight up 5 stars though. Ashley. My love. Everything I ever wanted in a hero. Absolute perfection of a man. He will beat your ass, throw you out the window, say he'll watch you hang, then spoon feed you some stew and gently caress the tangles out of your hair. Layers, complexity, range.
Do you want me to list Priest's achievements too? Okay....
1) cheat
2)
Anywho back to the important man in question. Ashley....I want you to know I'll never forget you as you were from chapters 15 - 38. You will be missed. May you rest eternally beyond the heaven's peaceful gates😔🙏🏼
Of course, the last 40% were an utter mess: Unending violence, somehow exciting and boring at the same time, stupid reveals I expected but still wished didn't exist.....as I've said - a mess.
Now just imagine....how blissful the world would be if:
1)
2)
3) at least a 100 pages were deleted✨
4) Ashley's immaculate appeal didn't disintegrate because why? Because he became too sappy (I'm still crying about it)
I am positively scarred. Thank you Pam.
PS: this book was batshit and my review does not convey that at all.
I don't know if I can ever trust Pam Godwin after this book.
Came in loving the atmosphere. Sad, well written, impactful, fun. But then we met Priest (H1). And most problems I have with this story always led back to PRIEST.
what a stupid fucking name, anyway.
The time Bennett (h) spent in Ashley Cutler's (H2) captivity was straight up 5 stars though. Ashley. My love. Everything I ever wanted in a hero. Absolute perfection of a man. He will beat your ass, throw you out the window, say he'll watch you hang, then spoon feed you some stew and gently caress the tangles out of your hair. Layers, complexity, range.
His mouth lowered. Mine lifted. Straining to meet, our lips parted, floated closer, closer, and paused just before making contact.
Our chests rose in unison. Inhale. Exhale. In. Out. Deeper than a lick, more divine than a kiss, we became breaths. Nothing but trembling, heating, mating breaths.
It was a magical, instinctual attraction. I pulled, and he came with me. He leaned back, and I followed.
Do you want me to list Priest's achievements too? Okay....
1) cheat
2)
Anywho back to the important man in question. Ashley....I want you to know I'll never forget you as you were from chapters 15 - 38. You will be missed. May you rest eternally beyond the heaven's peaceful gates😔🙏🏼
Of course, the last 40% were an utter mess: Unending violence, somehow exciting and boring at the same time, stupid reveals I expected but still wished didn't exist.....as I've said - a mess.
Now just imagine....how blissful the world would be if:
1)
2)
3) at least a 100 pages were deleted✨
4) Ashley's immaculate appeal didn't disintegrate because why? Because he became too sappy (I'm still crying about it)
I am positively scarred. Thank you Pam.
PS: this book was batshit and my review does not convey that at all.
April 29, 2020
A dark historical romance with PIRATES. Need I say more?
Holy moly, I absolutely loved this book – it was addictive, gritty, intense, and unputdownable! I've been dying to read Sea of Ruin ever since I heard Pam Godwin was writing a dark historical romance. I’m a big fan of her dark romances and I couldn't wait to see her twist on a historical setting. Sea of Ruin turned out to be yet another hit. I’m obsessed with this book! It had me unbelievably hooked onto the story, the romance, and its characters. I always say I want to read more pirate romances – and this is exactly the kind of pirate romance I want!
The best suggestion I have for you is to go into this book blind, or with no expectations. Yes, it's a bit of a love triangle, but also not. This book is nothing you expect. Pam Godwin blew my expectations out of the water the more and more I read. Her writing is fantastic and reminded me just why I love her dark stories so much. She holds nothing back in Sea of Ruin – it is very much a dark romance so proceed with caution.
I LOVED our heroine, Bennett. She's a freaking pirate captain, the only daughter of one of the most infamous pirates in the world, and she certainly lives up to her father's name. She experiences such tragic loss at the beginning, I cried and felt for her. She goes through so much in the book and I rooted for her through it all. She's fierce, kickass, knows how to use a sword, and can handle not just one alpha, possessive man, but two.
The romance was freaking brilliant. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and honestly? I loved Priest and Ashley. Don't make me choose between them, because I won't. Both are different – Priest is dark and sensual, Ashley is cold and forbidding – but they are SO perfect for Bennett.
If you're a fan of dark elements in your romances, you need to read this book. I can't recommend it enough! As soon as I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It's an unforgettable tale full of romance, angst, steam, action, and adventure. If Pam Godwin ever wrote more historical romances, I'd snap it up in a heartbeat!
TW: rape, torture
I was a pirate captain, a rebel queen of the sea, fighting against the conformities of society and the oppressive laws of man.
Holy moly, I absolutely loved this book – it was addictive, gritty, intense, and unputdownable! I've been dying to read Sea of Ruin ever since I heard Pam Godwin was writing a dark historical romance. I’m a big fan of her dark romances and I couldn't wait to see her twist on a historical setting. Sea of Ruin turned out to be yet another hit. I’m obsessed with this book! It had me unbelievably hooked onto the story, the romance, and its characters. I always say I want to read more pirate romances – and this is exactly the kind of pirate romance I want!
He captured my eyes. “It doesn't matter how far we fall, how much pain we inflict, or how dark it becomes in the ruin. I'm going to be with you, waiting for you, loving you, forgiving you. I'm never letting go, Bennett. Never.”
The best suggestion I have for you is to go into this book blind, or with no expectations. Yes, it's a bit of a love triangle, but also not. This book is nothing you expect. Pam Godwin blew my expectations out of the water the more and more I read. Her writing is fantastic and reminded me just why I love her dark stories so much. She holds nothing back in Sea of Ruin – it is very much a dark romance so proceed with caution.
I LOVED our heroine, Bennett. She's a freaking pirate captain, the only daughter of one of the most infamous pirates in the world, and she certainly lives up to her father's name. She experiences such tragic loss at the beginning, I cried and felt for her. She goes through so much in the book and I rooted for her through it all. She's fierce, kickass, knows how to use a sword, and can handle not just one alpha, possessive man, but two.
The romance was freaking brilliant. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and honestly? I loved Priest and Ashley. Don't make me choose between them, because I won't. Both are different – Priest is dark and sensual, Ashley is cold and forbidding – but they are SO perfect for Bennett.
If you're a fan of dark elements in your romances, you need to read this book. I can't recommend it enough! As soon as I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It's an unforgettable tale full of romance, angst, steam, action, and adventure. If Pam Godwin ever wrote more historical romances, I'd snap it up in a heartbeat!
TW: rape, torture
July 9, 2020
If you want a super angsty and super dark pirate romance, Pam Godwin delivers on that front. And when I mean a pirate romance, both the main character Bennett and one of her love interests are actual pirates. They run into other pirates. They capture pirates and are captured themselves by pirates. Pirates galore! Be prepared, though, for a SUPER dark romance when it comes to these pirates.
Trigger Warnings for sexual assault, rape, torture, and infertility.
When I say that this book is angsty, it is SO ANGSTY and oh my gosh was it driving me crazy (but in a totally good way). Bennett and Priest have a past, so they toy with each other and the tension between them is insane. Then, when Bennett is captured by Ashley, their attraction and romance is just as intense. The romance that Bennett has with both Priest and Ashley is so messy but so primal. I will say, there was one scene that really left a bad taste in my mouth between Bennett and Ashely when it came to consent, so I dropped the star rating of this one to a four star. The scene started out consensually, but quickly turned non-consensual and Ashely continued anyways. I don't think the book actually needed that scene and I have a very hard time liking a hero who acts non-consensually with the heroine.
Overall, I really did love this dark romance and Bennett's turmoil between loving two men. I don't know who I liked better between the two because they were so different but so passionately in love with Bennett. I loved the direction that the author took the romance and looked to check if there was a second book because I need more. I highly recommend any dark historical romance lover check out this book!
Trigger Warnings for sexual assault, rape, torture, and infertility.
When I say that this book is angsty, it is SO ANGSTY and oh my gosh was it driving me crazy (but in a totally good way). Bennett and Priest have a past, so they toy with each other and the tension between them is insane. Then, when Bennett is captured by Ashley, their attraction and romance is just as intense. The romance that Bennett has with both Priest and Ashley is so messy but so primal. I will say, there was one scene that really left a bad taste in my mouth between Bennett and Ashely when it came to consent, so I dropped the star rating of this one to a four star. The scene started out consensually, but quickly turned non-consensual and Ashely continued anyways. I don't think the book actually needed that scene and I have a very hard time liking a hero who acts non-consensually with the heroine.
Overall, I really did love this dark romance and Bennett's turmoil between loving two men. I don't know who I liked better between the two because they were so different but so passionately in love with Bennett. I loved the direction that the author took the romance and looked to check if there was a second book because I need more. I highly recommend any dark historical romance lover check out this book!
February 18, 2022
Annoying whimsical ending
As much as I loved the majority of the book I hated the last few chapters with the same passion.
The passion so strong and absolute that it squeezed the satisfaction right out of my chest, leaving me in nothing but dread.
I felt that that time frame was set manipulatively long and detailed enough for a reader to overlook all the negative aspect in her characters.
Now, here comes the big reveal.
Ciao
As much as I loved the majority of the book I hated the last few chapters with the same passion.
The passion so strong and absolute that it squeezed the satisfaction right out of my chest, leaving me in nothing but dread.
I felt that that time frame was set manipulatively long and detailed enough for a reader to overlook all the negative aspect in her characters.
Now, here comes the big reveal.
Ciao
Read
June 1, 2020I've decided NOT to rate this book for the reasons that I'll specify in this review, so bear with me till the end.
Sea of Ruin, is a standalone HR, featuring Bennett Sharp, a woman pirate; Priest Farell, a pirate and Ashley Cutler, a pirate hunter.
Married and estranged with the notorious pirate, Priest, Bennett is heartbroken over his infidelity and the fact that she loves him still. She promptly refuses to take him back. While on the sea, her ship is attacked by Lord Ashley Cutler, Commodore of HMS Blitz and taken prisoner to stand a trial and hang for her crimes. Only Priest can save her from the noose and to buy time, she had to seduce the merciless and unyielding Lord Cutler. Little did she know that the ruse would backfire on her.
Sounds good? Then why am I not rating this?
Reason #1- Nobody, and I mean No-fucking-body told me that this was going to be a reverse harem. Not the author, not the blurb or the tags. It was hinted that this was a love triangle and yes, I thought it would end up with one happy couple. I am sorely disappointed.
The thing about mènages and RH is that - I DO NOT like them. I enjoy occasional triangles or
mènage sex scenes and tolerate cheating if it satisfies the plot but MFM/RH in the long run are not my cup of tea. I read everything but that, hence the warning was required.
That, the book was leaning towards RH was revealed at 70% and I still continued with it, refusing to DNF - Just to see what the rave is about. Curiosity killed the cat!
Reason #2- Bam! Maybe my brain doesn't works the same way as others but Jesus Christ, this was a disappointment! The story suggests Bennett loving both men equally but majority of the book is based on Ashley and her relationship. Never once, she showed the same desperation towards Priest. He isn't even present during the majority part of the book.
Let's talk about Priest now. Prior to Bennett's capture he played the role of a jealous and possessive husband who has castrated people who looked at her the wrong way. He grovels so sweetly, my heart broke for him. But in the latter half, he is way to eager to share her with Ashley, even giving the command of their bedroom activities to him. I get their bond and all but fuck if it wasn't a hodgepodge of emotional mess and hypocrisy in its zenith.
At this point, I wanted to cry for my time and money invested in this book.
But from what I understand, to the people who enjoy this theme, this would be an epic read.
The writing style is unrivaled, mystery and adventure and amazing one on one smut. I wouldn't ever discourage any reader who loves this genre to go for this book, hence my non-rating. Though, from my perspective, I would give this a 2.5 star 🌟.
That being said, this book wasn't for me.
Sea of Ruin, is a standalone HR, featuring Bennett Sharp, a woman pirate; Priest Farell, a pirate and Ashley Cutler, a pirate hunter.
Married and estranged with the notorious pirate, Priest, Bennett is heartbroken over his infidelity and the fact that she loves him still. She promptly refuses to take him back. While on the sea, her ship is attacked by Lord Ashley Cutler, Commodore of HMS Blitz and taken prisoner to stand a trial and hang for her crimes. Only Priest can save her from the noose and to buy time, she had to seduce the merciless and unyielding Lord Cutler. Little did she know that the ruse would backfire on her.
Sounds good? Then why am I not rating this?
Reason #1- Nobody, and I mean No-fucking-body told me that this was going to be a reverse harem. Not the author, not the blurb or the tags. It was hinted that this was a love triangle and yes, I thought it would end up with one happy couple. I am sorely disappointed.
The thing about mènages and RH is that - I DO NOT like them. I enjoy occasional triangles or
mènage sex scenes and tolerate cheating if it satisfies the plot but MFM/RH in the long run are not my cup of tea. I read everything but that, hence the warning was required.
That, the book was leaning towards RH was revealed at 70% and I still continued with it, refusing to DNF - Just to see what the rave is about. Curiosity killed the cat!
Reason #2- Bam! Maybe my brain doesn't works the same way as others but Jesus Christ, this was a disappointment! The story suggests Bennett loving both men equally but majority of the book is based on Ashley and her relationship. Never once, she showed the same desperation towards Priest. He isn't even present during the majority part of the book.
Let's talk about Priest now. Prior to Bennett's capture he played the role of a jealous and possessive husband who has castrated people who looked at her the wrong way. He grovels so sweetly, my heart broke for him. But in the latter half, he is way to eager to share her with Ashley, even giving the command of their bedroom activities to him. I get their bond and all but fuck if it wasn't a hodgepodge of emotional mess and hypocrisy in its zenith.
At this point, I wanted to cry for my time and money invested in this book.
But from what I understand, to the people who enjoy this theme, this would be an epic read.
The writing style is unrivaled, mystery and adventure and amazing one on one smut. I wouldn't ever discourage any reader who loves this genre to go for this book, hence my non-rating. Though, from my perspective, I would give this a 2.5 star 🌟.
That being said, this book wasn't for me.
December 18, 2020
3 'The idea was great, just the execution was lacking*' stars
*as my high school gym professor used to say when we were playing volleyball and dive for the ball, then missed it
First, a very big apology to everyone who was excited about this review. I just can't bring myself to write it but I'll try to do my best. So, here's not really a review but more like a collection of my thoughts about the book.
▪ This was way better than King of Libertines. Go figure.
▪ The cover is gorgeous! 😍😍😍
▪ I still very much like the idea of a dark historical. We need more of those!!!
▪ But unfortunately, this wasn't exactly dark historical. It was dark and it was historical but definitely not a mix of the genres. More like ten pages of flowery prose about Priest's muscles and them three pages of cutting someone's limbs off. What about flowery prose about cutting off limbs. I mean, I think it could work better. Just a thought.
▪ The dark parts were actually dark. The author clearly knows how to write dark, so I'm excited to dive into her dark romance books.
▪ The setting was very well researched. Well, at least from my point of view - I know about nautical stuff mostly from watching Black Sails, so I'm not an expert or sth. But the great thing about being an author is that you don't need to write every single thing right, it just has to be convincing. So, I can't judge if everything was correct but it sure felt like the story takes place in the Golden age of piracy. Good job!!!
▪ Speaking of researching... I'm still not sure why Charles Vane was in this book. Ok, 10 points for knowing who Charles Vane was but honestly, what was the purpose?? Historical authenticity? I already said it was authentic, no need to drag actual historical figures in. And why only him? Why not Calico Jack or Edward Teach? Nassau is not that much big of an island. I'm sure everyone knew everyone there. It would be only logical Bennett would know other pirates as well. Also, Vane was very out of character. He's known as one of the most ruthless pirates ever and we are supposed to believe he helped Bennett out of the goodness of his heart. Calico Jack should be the more logical choice since he was known for being fond of ladies on his ships - the most famous female pirates Anne Bonny (his wife) and Mary Read were sailing with him.
▪ And Bennett said in King of Libertines that she was neither first nor last lady pirate but in Sea of Ruin I had exactly that feeling. Like she's the most badass (and only) female pirate to ever grace the wide seas. Puh-lease??? *eye roll
▪ You guessed it right, I still can't stand Bennett. She was exceptionally better than in King of Libertines but maybe because I already disliked her before, I just couldn't change my opinion.
You and me both, Bennett, you and me both.
▪ Getting back to Charles Vane... why was his name repeated every three pages?? Are we trying to summon his ghost?!? Please no! Ok, if he would look like Zach McGowan, then I wouldn't mind but since he probably wasn't nearly as good-looking, I'm totally content with leaving his ghost whenever he is.
*for comparison
▪ I liked Ashley way more than Priest and at first, I even very much enjoyed his encounters with Bennett. Why, oh why, did he have to become so whipped for her?? Oh well, Bennett, you're a lucky bitch!
▪ I think the book would be much better in third person POV. I know that wasn't possible because of the reason to keep us in the dark about certain events but I would feel blessed to escape Bennett's thought just for a minute. And I think I would also enjoy Priest's and Ashley's POVs way more.
▪ The sex scenes were a little disappointing. I expected filthy, dirty, scorching hot orgy but what I got was... nice... I guess? I don't know?? Maybe because I was annoyed, I just didn't feel the hotness. Also, there was no chemistry in my opinion, at least I didn't feel it. And the "hottest" scene was not even actual sex???
▪ I didn't feel the ending either. I had a feeling like
▪ Maybe there's a potential for a spin-off about Reynolds?
▪ Has anyone else had a feeling as there were so many epiloges like at the end of The Return of the King? The only difference being that at the end of LOTR I was sad that it's ending and with SoR I was just relieved.
▪ For the end a quote I really like!
▪ And I suggest skipping King of Libertines or reading it after Sor. Here's my review with all the reasons why.
***********************************
Finally finished!!!!
Rant review to come soon.
*as my high school gym professor used to say when we were playing volleyball and dive for the ball, then missed it
First, a very big apology to everyone who was excited about this review. I just can't bring myself to write it but I'll try to do my best. So, here's not really a review but more like a collection of my thoughts about the book.
▪ This was way better than King of Libertines. Go figure.
▪ The cover is gorgeous! 😍😍😍
▪ I still very much like the idea of a dark historical. We need more of those!!!
▪ But unfortunately, this wasn't exactly dark historical. It was dark and it was historical but definitely not a mix of the genres. More like ten pages of flowery prose about Priest's muscles and them three pages of cutting someone's limbs off. What about flowery prose about cutting off limbs. I mean, I think it could work better. Just a thought.
▪ The dark parts were actually dark. The author clearly knows how to write dark, so I'm excited to dive into her dark romance books.
▪ The setting was very well researched. Well, at least from my point of view - I know about nautical stuff mostly from watching Black Sails, so I'm not an expert or sth. But the great thing about being an author is that you don't need to write every single thing right, it just has to be convincing. So, I can't judge if everything was correct but it sure felt like the story takes place in the Golden age of piracy. Good job!!!
▪ Speaking of researching... I'm still not sure why Charles Vane was in this book. Ok, 10 points for knowing who Charles Vane was but honestly, what was the purpose?? Historical authenticity? I already said it was authentic, no need to drag actual historical figures in. And why only him? Why not Calico Jack or Edward Teach? Nassau is not that much big of an island. I'm sure everyone knew everyone there. It would be only logical Bennett would know other pirates as well. Also, Vane was very out of character. He's known as one of the most ruthless pirates ever and we are supposed to believe he helped Bennett out of the goodness of his heart. Calico Jack should be the more logical choice since he was known for being fond of ladies on his ships - the most famous female pirates Anne Bonny (his wife) and Mary Read were sailing with him.
▪ And Bennett said in King of Libertines that she was neither first nor last lady pirate but in Sea of Ruin I had exactly that feeling. Like she's the most badass (and only) female pirate to ever grace the wide seas. Puh-lease??? *eye roll
▪ You guessed it right, I still can't stand Bennett. She was exceptionally better than in King of Libertines but maybe because I already disliked her before, I just couldn't change my opinion.
Sometimes I was so accidentally sentimental it was a wonder I’d survived this long.
You and me both, Bennett, you and me both.
▪ Getting back to Charles Vane... why was his name repeated every three pages?? Are we trying to summon his ghost?!? Please no! Ok, if he would look like Zach McGowan, then I wouldn't mind but since he probably wasn't nearly as good-looking, I'm totally content with leaving his ghost whenever he is.
*for comparison
▪ I liked Ashley way more than Priest and at first, I even very much enjoyed his encounters with Bennett. Why, oh why, did he have to become so whipped for her?? Oh well, Bennett, you're a lucky bitch!
▪ I think the book would be much better in third person POV. I know that wasn't possible because of the reason to keep us in the dark about certain events but I would feel blessed to escape Bennett's thought just for a minute. And I think I would also enjoy Priest's and Ashley's POVs way more.
▪ The sex scenes were a little disappointing. I expected filthy, dirty, scorching hot orgy but what I got was... nice... I guess? I don't know?? Maybe because I was annoyed, I just didn't feel the hotness. Also, there was no chemistry in my opinion, at least I didn't feel it. And the "hottest" scene was not even actual sex???
▪ I didn't feel the ending either. I had a feeling like
▪ Maybe there's a potential for a spin-off about Reynolds?
▪ Has anyone else had a feeling as there were so many epiloges like at the end of The Return of the King? The only difference being that at the end of LOTR I was sad that it's ending and with SoR I was just relieved.
▪ For the end a quote I really like!
Love isn’t a decision. It arrives unannounced, breeds madness, and leaves a sea of ruin in its wake.
▪ And I suggest skipping King of Libertines or reading it after Sor. Here's my review with all the reasons why.
***********************************
Finally finished!!!!
August 14, 2022
4✨
This book is dark af. Sea of Ruin follows Bennet, a pirate on the run and eventually captive aboard a Royal Navy warship. What follows is a terrifying and excruciating story about a woman falling in love twice over while getting the shit kicked out of her at every turn.
There is so much that happens and I went in mostly blind and I LOVED that so I’m not doing any spoilers.
What I will say is that this book has betrayals, heartbreak, violence, and a slow burn that was so painful I’m still not over it.
Bennet is STRONG AF. I’ll go to war for her. She’s my captain. Faced with the most painful experiences a woman can endure, she comes back again and again. I loved reading about her.
I was stronger than the cruelty of men.
Priest is the king of the libertines and holy shit the mouth on this man. I was SO MAD AT HIM. But the redemption arc on his side was perfection. He’s fiercely protective of Bennet, but not necessarily in a bad way. When she needs him he’d cut down an army of pirates for her.
“Your temper still makes me hard. Not an inch of your satiny skin will go unmarked before I’m hilt-deep inside you again.”
Ashley is the commodore in the Royal Navy and watching him fall for Bennet and protect her with everything he’s got was just 🫶 He’s also protective, and dominating. The slow burn was so amazing. Watching him crumble for Bennet was perfection. Forbidden love as it’s definition. And still this man says shit like this
“It’s madness, Bennett. Ruin. You know as well as I do that this affinity, you and me, is frighteningly, magnificently, hopelessly real.”
I haven’t read a pirates historical fiction romance before and I truly had no idea what to expect. This was a wild ride from start to finish and I could not put it down.
I felt like the ending was a little drawn out, almost like the author didn’t know where to go for the last 10% or so. There was so much happening for so long and then it just kind of fizzled out. I didn’t love that. I also think the torture scenes were a bit too much for this book. I KNOW they’re pirates but still. Could’ve been dialed down a teeny bit in my opinion.
TW
On page rape, violence, torture, gore, confinement, cheating.
This book is dark af. Sea of Ruin follows Bennet, a pirate on the run and eventually captive aboard a Royal Navy warship. What follows is a terrifying and excruciating story about a woman falling in love twice over while getting the shit kicked out of her at every turn.
There is so much that happens and I went in mostly blind and I LOVED that so I’m not doing any spoilers.
What I will say is that this book has betrayals, heartbreak, violence, and a slow burn that was so painful I’m still not over it.
Bennet is STRONG AF. I’ll go to war for her. She’s my captain. Faced with the most painful experiences a woman can endure, she comes back again and again. I loved reading about her.
I was stronger than the cruelty of men.
Priest is the king of the libertines and holy shit the mouth on this man. I was SO MAD AT HIM. But the redemption arc on his side was perfection. He’s fiercely protective of Bennet, but not necessarily in a bad way. When she needs him he’d cut down an army of pirates for her.
“Your temper still makes me hard. Not an inch of your satiny skin will go unmarked before I’m hilt-deep inside you again.”
Ashley is the commodore in the Royal Navy and watching him fall for Bennet and protect her with everything he’s got was just 🫶 He’s also protective, and dominating. The slow burn was so amazing. Watching him crumble for Bennet was perfection. Forbidden love as it’s definition. And still this man says shit like this
“It’s madness, Bennett. Ruin. You know as well as I do that this affinity, you and me, is frighteningly, magnificently, hopelessly real.”
I haven’t read a pirates historical fiction romance before and I truly had no idea what to expect. This was a wild ride from start to finish and I could not put it down.
I felt like the ending was a little drawn out, almost like the author didn’t know where to go for the last 10% or so. There was so much happening for so long and then it just kind of fizzled out. I didn’t love that. I also think the torture scenes were a bit too much for this book. I KNOW they’re pirates but still. Could’ve been dialed down a teeny bit in my opinion.
TW
On page rape, violence, torture, gore, confinement, cheating.
April 28, 2020
Genre: Dark Historical Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Female
Rating:
Years of hard work earned Bennett Sharp her place in the open sea. As a female pirate captain, she had a fair share of difficulties but none compared to being hunted by two ruthless men. Priest Farrell and Lord Ashley Cutler came from the opposite sides of the society but with a singular mission: to get Bennett under their clutch before she slipped away.
Bennett was such a full-rounded character. I loved her sass and her tenacity, which nicely balanced by her vulnerabilities. Both Priest and Ashley had their own brand of appeals and all three of them had amusing interactions.
The story was highly entertaining with non-stop actions. I loved how the author didn’t hold back in portraying the situation the characters thrown into. And if course, the author’s signature “sexual deviancy” was on point.
Sea of Ruin is a swashbuckling tale of ambitions and devotions. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a romantic adventure of the open sea.
⚔☠⚔. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC, Lo & Liz . . .⚔☠⚔
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Female
Rating:
Years of hard work earned Bennett Sharp her place in the open sea. As a female pirate captain, she had a fair share of difficulties but none compared to being hunted by two ruthless men. Priest Farrell and Lord Ashley Cutler came from the opposite sides of the society but with a singular mission: to get Bennett under their clutch before she slipped away.
Bennett was such a full-rounded character. I loved her sass and her tenacity, which nicely balanced by her vulnerabilities. Both Priest and Ashley had their own brand of appeals and all three of them had amusing interactions.
For a man who didn’t express his feelings, he could enslave a woman’s emotions through language alone.
The story was highly entertaining with non-stop actions. I loved how the author didn’t hold back in portraying the situation the characters thrown into. And if course, the author’s signature “sexual deviancy” was on point.
Sea of Ruin is a swashbuckling tale of ambitions and devotions. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a romantic adventure of the open sea.
⚔☠⚔. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC, Lo & Liz . . .⚔☠⚔
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
April 24, 2020
Pam is one of the most masterful writers I have ever read. Skillfully executed, penned to perfection ... Sea of Ruin will leave you breathless. Bennett, Priest, and Ashley are my new obsession, and this is sitting at the top of my 2020 favorite list! READ. THIS. BOOK!
May 16, 2024
Reread in 2024 for a Patron.
Nothing changed. It's still perfect.
.
.
.
Reread 2022 for Rake Appreciation Society.
I am proud to say, this book holds up better every time I read it. These characters are so ALIVE and full of adventure, desire, and bravery. I adore it above almost all other books.
6 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
*********************************************************
What the HELL did I just read?!
I don't even know how to break this down. And it won't be without spoilers, because I can't share it truthfully without sharing the tropes involved in this one.
This book is about a female pirate named Bennett and she is on a mission. A mission to get revenge upon her husband and move on to forget him. Because 2 years ago, she loved him more than life. They were all set to be the King and Queen of the sea. But then she finds out he loves another and she leaves him. Determined to forget him and never let her heart be so vulnerable again.
But after those 2 years of loneliness and harboring a secret he can't share, about the lover from his past. Priest goes to get his wife back and he is ready to beg, cajole, and seduce if necessary.
He is willing even to let Bennett take him captive, hoping to prove his devotion and win her back. Bennett wants revenge but she is more scared that she will give in, she has missed Priest, and after all, he isn't with his lover, he is with his wife.
Then fate takes a twist and Bennett gets captured by Commodore Ashley Cutler, a Pirate Hunter for the Crown. They have a clash of wills and Ashley is determined to break her. Her spirit, her body, and most likely, her heart. As they make their way back to England, and Bennett's date with the noose, the passion between them rises. Ashley is determined to keep his loyalty to his country, but Bennett is more than he bargained for.
And what of Bennett? She thinks to seduce Ashley to save her life, but he is so much more than she bargained for. She feels herself falling for him, and knows it will not end well. She already loves one man who couldn't put her first. Loving her captor would be disastrous.
This story was so good!! Pirate and Historical Romance, marriage in trouble, captor/captive, hate to love, and finally , the big secret about this book. Menage.
Yup. The lover Priest was dumped by was Ashley Cutler. The same pirate hunter who captures Bennett. They have known each other their whole lives. Ashley was worried about them being caught and he had a rich noblewoman he was supposed to marry, so he broke Priest heart. When all of this comes out, what Bennett decides is awesome. She's not angry they are in love. She is jealous that she will never know either of them as well as they know each other. Can the 3 of them make it work?
Holy Moly! Pam Godwin already wrote one of my favorite romances of all time and this just adds another one to the list. It was so powerful and yet it was wrapped up in a Pirate Adventure. There is a large amounts of seafaring, and raids, and danger. There is even a Pirate Treasure.
I am in awe. I loved it. I will be talking about it for the next year I'm sure. I already ordered a physical copy and I can't wait for it to arrive.
*Trigger Warnings* Rape, Abuse, Slavery (actual slavery, not the love slave action.), gore,and dismemberment.*
Nothing changed. It's still perfect.
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.
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Reread 2022 for Rake Appreciation Society.
I am proud to say, this book holds up better every time I read it. These characters are so ALIVE and full of adventure, desire, and bravery. I adore it above almost all other books.
6 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
*********************************************************
What the HELL did I just read?!
I don't even know how to break this down. And it won't be without spoilers, because I can't share it truthfully without sharing the tropes involved in this one.
This book is about a female pirate named Bennett and she is on a mission. A mission to get revenge upon her husband and move on to forget him. Because 2 years ago, she loved him more than life. They were all set to be the King and Queen of the sea. But then she finds out he loves another and she leaves him. Determined to forget him and never let her heart be so vulnerable again.
But after those 2 years of loneliness and harboring a secret he can't share, about the lover from his past. Priest goes to get his wife back and he is ready to beg, cajole, and seduce if necessary.
He is willing even to let Bennett take him captive, hoping to prove his devotion and win her back. Bennett wants revenge but she is more scared that she will give in, she has missed Priest, and after all, he isn't with his lover, he is with his wife.
Then fate takes a twist and Bennett gets captured by Commodore Ashley Cutler, a Pirate Hunter for the Crown. They have a clash of wills and Ashley is determined to break her. Her spirit, her body, and most likely, her heart. As they make their way back to England, and Bennett's date with the noose, the passion between them rises. Ashley is determined to keep his loyalty to his country, but Bennett is more than he bargained for.
And what of Bennett? She thinks to seduce Ashley to save her life, but he is so much more than she bargained for. She feels herself falling for him, and knows it will not end well. She already loves one man who couldn't put her first. Loving her captor would be disastrous.
This story was so good!! Pirate and Historical Romance, marriage in trouble, captor/captive, hate to love, and finally , the big secret about this book. Menage.
Yup. The lover Priest was dumped by was Ashley Cutler. The same pirate hunter who captures Bennett. They have known each other their whole lives. Ashley was worried about them being caught and he had a rich noblewoman he was supposed to marry, so he broke Priest heart. When all of this comes out, what Bennett decides is awesome. She's not angry they are in love. She is jealous that she will never know either of them as well as they know each other. Can the 3 of them make it work?
Holy Moly! Pam Godwin already wrote one of my favorite romances of all time and this just adds another one to the list. It was so powerful and yet it was wrapped up in a Pirate Adventure. There is a large amounts of seafaring, and raids, and danger. There is even a Pirate Treasure.
I am in awe. I loved it. I will be talking about it for the next year I'm sure. I already ordered a physical copy and I can't wait for it to arrive.
*Trigger Warnings* Rape, Abuse, Slavery (actual slavery, not the love slave action.), gore,and dismemberment.*
April 23, 2020
5 exquisite force of destruction stars
Bennett Sharp is a woman on the run, from her past, her heart and her soul… She commands the Jade like no other captain can. Born and bred from two worlds; her worlds collide in ways she’s never imagined. Breaking her and re-building her into the woman she is today.
Priest Farrell was the sea, Rough. Dangerous. Dependable. He was the unstoppable force that haunted her dreams and hunted her like a shadow.
Lord Ashley Cutler was a man unbendable, driven by his rigid honor and code. His ”unseemly manners”, is fueled by the immoral pleasures he hides from the world. But it’s his immorality that intrigues Bennet the most and cracks the wall she erects around her.
Sea of Ruin immerses you in a world that transcends time, refusing to lett you go. It is a story born from the depths of the sea and the ruin of life. I have to admit, after reading King of Libertines in the Australia, I knew this book would gut me and I was scared to pick it up knowing I had to brace for what was to come. But Priest has haunted my dreams and was the driving force behind me picking up the book and diving right in. He is a man when not on the page, makes you wonder what must he be thinking, doing…. A man so far under my skin, impossible to replace. Ashley is man who is calculated and cunning, I felt like Bennett falling hard for his cruelty.
Bennett’s story is not for the weak of hearts, she’s lived through the darkest of times. But she prevailed with the strength, love and will of two Insanely, shamelessly, irrefutably. forces. An overruling destiny that was filled with passion, love and hate. It’s cannot be contained in a genre of historical’s or a pirate tale. Their story was so much bigger than the pages in the book, bringing light to the darkness and life to the sea of ruin.
Bennett Sharp is a woman on the run, from her past, her heart and her soul… She commands the Jade like no other captain can. Born and bred from two worlds; her worlds collide in ways she’s never imagined. Breaking her and re-building her into the woman she is today.
Priest Farrell was the sea, Rough. Dangerous. Dependable. He was the unstoppable force that haunted her dreams and hunted her like a shadow.
Lord Ashley Cutler was a man unbendable, driven by his rigid honor and code. His ”unseemly manners”, is fueled by the immoral pleasures he hides from the world. But it’s his immorality that intrigues Bennet the most and cracks the wall she erects around her.
Sea of Ruin immerses you in a world that transcends time, refusing to lett you go. It is a story born from the depths of the sea and the ruin of life. I have to admit, after reading King of Libertines in the Australia, I knew this book would gut me and I was scared to pick it up knowing I had to brace for what was to come. But Priest has haunted my dreams and was the driving force behind me picking up the book and diving right in. He is a man when not on the page, makes you wonder what must he be thinking, doing…. A man so far under my skin, impossible to replace. Ashley is man who is calculated and cunning, I felt like Bennett falling hard for his cruelty.
Bennett’s story is not for the weak of hearts, she’s lived through the darkest of times. But she prevailed with the strength, love and will of two Insanely, shamelessly, irrefutably. forces. An overruling destiny that was filled with passion, love and hate. It’s cannot be contained in a genre of historical’s or a pirate tale. Their story was so much bigger than the pages in the book, bringing light to the darkness and life to the sea of ruin.
March 24, 2024
TW for SA means that it will be present in the book; it doesn't mean you can write a romance where one of the people involved rapes the other and then is forgiven (time and time again) and pretend like it's okay because "omg this is a dark romance! Dark things happen".
Newsflash: TWs are there to help the reader decide if the themes in the book are something they will be able to handle. They are NOT however, an excuse for authors to write about horrible things in a very harmful way without a care and then day "well I'm sorry but i warned you :)"
No. Nope.
That's disgusting.
In this book, the man that's supposed to be a love interest rapes the protagonist and then... remains the love interest?
Do not dare blame this on the setting or time; the protagonist herself recognizes it is sexual assault but then remembers "he's hot, I'll let it slide LOL"
Biggest disappointment so far I'm... sad
Newsflash: TWs are there to help the reader decide if the themes in the book are something they will be able to handle. They are NOT however, an excuse for authors to write about horrible things in a very harmful way without a care and then day "well I'm sorry but i warned you :)"
No. Nope.
That's disgusting.
In this book, the man that's supposed to be a love interest rapes the protagonist and then... remains the love interest?
Do not dare blame this on the setting or time; the protagonist herself recognizes it is sexual assault but then remembers "he's hot, I'll let it slide LOL"
Biggest disappointment so far I'm... sad
April 28, 2020
LIVE Amazon: mybook.to/seaofruin
4-4,5 STARS
What a fantastic read, amazing storyline and strong characters!I devour it, I started and I couldn't put it down!It was fast paced, hot and dark!It took me by surprise and I enjoyed every minute of it!
The history between Bennet and Priest is intense and emotional.Their chemistry was scorching with tension!I adored Ashley too sigh such a unique character.These characters will stay with me for a long time!
I want to read more books like this one by Pam Godwin, she is such a talented author!If you are looking for a refreshing story this is definitely what you need!
4-4,5 STARS
What a fantastic read, amazing storyline and strong characters!I devour it, I started and I couldn't put it down!It was fast paced, hot and dark!It took me by surprise and I enjoyed every minute of it!
The history between Bennet and Priest is intense and emotional.Their chemistry was scorching with tension!I adored Ashley too sigh such a unique character.These characters will stay with me for a long time!
I want to read more books like this one by Pam Godwin, she is such a talented author!If you are looking for a refreshing story this is definitely what you need!
August 10, 2022
5⭐️
i knew i was going to love this book with every single part of my body when i first started reading pam godwin’s books. i knew she’s one of my fav authors ever so its expected… i was saving this up for so long that dear god i would look at the cover and convince myself not to read it because it wasn’t the right time. why? idk, don’t ask me. i was just waiting for the perfect moment.
the day has arrived. i read it. i fucking loved every line in this book. i was contemplating giving it 4.5 stars because ashely’s character change PISSED ME THE FUCK OFF but i’m a fucking simp and i can’t help it 🥰
i think the reason i didn’t want to pick up this book was because i know the characters are carbon copies of “one is a promise” and i just needed to forget their actual personalities before starting this one. i didn’t want to ruin the experience for myself. thankfully i managed to do that because I LOVE THIS BAD BOY. the writing > the characters > the themes > EVERYTHING WAS SO GOOD.
the way i am in fucking love with priest (H). it reminds me of my love for cole (my baby boy i miss you with all my heart). its the obsession and the possessive that just makes my heart beat. i’m not even fucking angry with bennett (h) for having no backbone with this man because hello?????? i would be doing the same EXACT thing. i mean i would actually be 10 fucking times worse than her because at least she was fighting her feelings a lil. i wouldn’t. i’m proud of it because i’m the biggest priest simp ever. i loved their chemistry and everything about their dynamic.
now ashley (H) is well hard to describe because i read the book and i still don’t know how i feel about him. i love him and i hate him at the same time. i think i would’ve loved him the same as priest if he literally didn’t change his personality. i’m all for guys being soft for their girls but DONT CHANGE THE DYNAMIC. be a fucking ruthless bastard, SHE FUCKING LIKES IT. he just looked very weak to me towards the end. i needed him to be cold and ruthless from beginning to end. i needed him to just stay the same way. i fucking hate how now HE didn’t have a backbone with bennett. it wasn’t necessary.
anyway, the smut was amazing (as always with pam godwin). the plot was actually so fucking good. i don’t even like pirate themed stuff because then i sit and think about all the dirt that is on them and the dirty fingernails and just unwashed asses all the time. the fish smell. i think you get the point that i fucking pirates and the sea and everything to do with it. BUT BUT BUT pam godwin converted me. i FUCKING LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS.
i was, for the first time in a while, actually interested the in action parts of a book. i’m babbling nonsense now i’m just a simp for this book tbh. i fucking highlighted the whole book because the writing is so fucking beautiful that everything they were saying sounded like music to my tone deaf ears.
🏴☠️ sea of ruin 🏴☠️
“It doesn’t matter how far we fall, how much pain we inflict, or how dark it becomes in the ruin. I’m going to be with you, waiting for you, loving you, forgiving you. I’m never letting go, Bennett. Never.”
i knew i was going to love this book with every single part of my body when i first started reading pam godwin’s books. i knew she’s one of my fav authors ever so its expected… i was saving this up for so long that dear god i would look at the cover and convince myself not to read it because it wasn’t the right time. why? idk, don’t ask me. i was just waiting for the perfect moment.
the day has arrived. i read it. i fucking loved every line in this book. i was contemplating giving it 4.5 stars because ashely’s character change PISSED ME THE FUCK OFF but i’m a fucking simp and i can’t help it 🥰
i think the reason i didn’t want to pick up this book was because i know the characters are carbon copies of “one is a promise” and i just needed to forget their actual personalities before starting this one. i didn’t want to ruin the experience for myself. thankfully i managed to do that because I LOVE THIS BAD BOY. the writing > the characters > the themes > EVERYTHING WAS SO GOOD.
the way i am in fucking love with priest (H). it reminds me of my love for cole (my baby boy i miss you with all my heart). its the obsession and the possessive that just makes my heart beat. i’m not even fucking angry with bennett (h) for having no backbone with this man because hello?????? i would be doing the same EXACT thing. i mean i would actually be 10 fucking times worse than her because at least she was fighting her feelings a lil. i wouldn’t. i’m proud of it because i’m the biggest priest simp ever. i loved their chemistry and everything about their dynamic.
now ashley (H) is well hard to describe because i read the book and i still don’t know how i feel about him. i love him and i hate him at the same time. i think i would’ve loved him the same as priest if he literally didn’t change his personality. i’m all for guys being soft for their girls but DONT CHANGE THE DYNAMIC. be a fucking ruthless bastard, SHE FUCKING LIKES IT. he just looked very weak to me towards the end. i needed him to be cold and ruthless from beginning to end. i needed him to just stay the same way. i fucking hate how now HE didn’t have a backbone with bennett. it wasn’t necessary.
anyway, the smut was amazing (as always with pam godwin). the plot was actually so fucking good. i don’t even like pirate themed stuff because then i sit and think about all the dirt that is on them and the dirty fingernails and just unwashed asses all the time. the fish smell. i think you get the point that i fucking pirates and the sea and everything to do with it. BUT BUT BUT pam godwin converted me. i FUCKING LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS.
i was, for the first time in a while, actually interested the in action parts of a book. i’m babbling nonsense now i’m just a simp for this book tbh. i fucking highlighted the whole book because the writing is so fucking beautiful that everything they were saying sounded like music to my tone deaf ears.
“Look at you.” With a groan, he scooped up a breast in his huge palm, lifting it toward his mouth. “As stunning as I remembered. Irrationally beautiful.”
“Everything I did—every breath, heart beat, and word—resulted in consequences and obligations for him. If I ran, he would follow. If I died, he would grieve. If I kissed him, he would harden, lengthen, and groan.”
Awareness that he was my husband flooded my logic. My nose knew his scent. My tongue knew his taste. My hands recognized the soft texture of his hair, and my body sang in invitation, heating and growing slick with need.
He broke the kiss to put his mouth at my ear. “You’re so hungry, my beautiful girl. So responsive.”
“Whether you’re alone or with another, the result is the same. You’re not with me.”
“Your beauty affects a man like potent wine. When I look at you, I’m drugged.”
“You’re the glue, Bennett. The reason we’re here. Think about it. Ashley and I fell in love with the same woman. Was that coincidence? Or something more profound? You know what I think?” He traced his thumb along my bottom lip. “You’re the overruling destiny that he and I have been traveling toward our whole lives. Our paths forked, veered, crossed, and forked again a dozen times. And here we are, right where we started. With you.”
🏴☠️ sea of ruin 🏴☠️
#0.5 king of libertines — 4 stars
#1 sea of ruin — 5 stars
April 30, 2020
Stunning. Simply incredible level of detail, world-building, and authenticity as a backdrop to a beautiful love story described in gorgeous prose. I’ve been raving about this book all over and it deserves every accolade. A top read of 2020, one hundred percent.
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