Reviews

4 stars. A second chance lesbian pirate romance. Yep I had to read this one. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It’s not a full five stars only because the opening chapter of the moment when Julia and Branna’s relationship ends because of Julia pushing her away it didn’t really do it for me. I think that’s because we didn’t get a chance to see their chemistry leading up to that moment so I didn’t buy into it. I needed more buildup and backstory.

However, once they meet up again fifteen years later when Julia ends up on Branna’s ship that’s when things get really good. I loved both characters a lot and I loved their romance. The tension and chemistry between them was so good and I loved how well they worked together. They are both fascinating characters and I loved them both together and as individuals. Julia honestly had the best character development between the two but that’s because Branna was already pretty perfect (I love her. Seriously).

The side characters really fleshed this out and gave the story life. There’s some really great and intense action scenes, it’s paced well and the writing is fantastic. I had a blast while reading this and I will definitely be picking up more form this author.

unique_person's review against another edition

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5.0

4.50 *

lck1030's review

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

k4ylee's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced

4.0

judeinthestars's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

Fifteen years after being lost at sea, Branna Kelly is the captain of her own ship and intent on avenging her parents’ death at the hands of pirates. Her thirst for revenge grows tenfold when her crew boards a seemingly abandoned ship and finds numerous bodies and one survivor: Julia Farrow, Branna’s childhood friend and first love. The first woman who broke her heart, too.

If you’ve read At Words Point, you’ve already met Branna and Julia. When this short story was released, Carolyn Elizabeth was getting known for her Curtis and Reynolds romantic thrillers and trying her hand at a different kind of thrill. I’m really glad she took it further and her publisher, Bella Books, went along.

If you like pirate stories, this one has it all. It’s full of twists and hurdles, with a healthy dose of angst. There’s drama and villains and betrayals but no damsel in distress. Both MCs are strong and brave and everything you’d want in a heroine battling bad guys. Their only weakness is each other.

I have to say, however, that this may be the strangest narration I’ve ever listened to. The narrator has a nice voice, her choices for the characters work well, but the tone and pace are all wrong. This is a story of pirates and revenge, with the action and adrenaline one would expect, and yet the narration reminded me of a wildlife documentary, with the narrator channelling David Attenborough at his most soothing. I’m not taking stars off because it would be unfair to the author but I’d recommend reading rather than listening if you want to enjoy the story to the fullest.

I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars

moon12886's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

2.5

cfk95's review

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

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