Devil of the High Seas by Lauren Smith – a Review

Devil of the High Seas by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
She becomes a wicked pirate lord’s stolen treasure…
On the eve of her wedding, Josephine Greyville is kidnapped by a true devil of the high seas – a pirate! Gavin Castleton isn’t just any pirate. He’s the twin brother of the man she’s supposed to marry. Tempted by Gavin’s kisses and the first taste of freedom she’s ever had in her life, Josephine discovers she could lose all that she’s come to hold dear. She must choose between her family and a storm of passion filling her heart.
He’s a pirate out for revenge and can’t resist the lure of fiery hearted woman…
Gavin Castleton nearly dies after losing his ship to a mutiny and is forced to return to his beloved family estate in Cornwall to heal and make a plan for revenge. Stumbling through a secret entrance, of his home where he hopes to find his twin brother, he collapses at the beside of the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. After she tends to his wounds, he learns she’s to marry his brother. Unable to repay her kindness with anything other than desire, he kidnaps her to keep her from marrying his brother. Wicked through and through, Gavin can’t resist taking the treasure of Josephine’s heart, even if it means losing all he holds dear.

 

Review:

Devil of the High Seas by Lauren Smith, is the third book in her Pirates of King’s Landing Series. It’s not necessary to read the other books as they all stand alone on their own, there are characters from previous books (but you’ll only know that if you’ve read them.)Twists and turns will keep you on the edge, the battles and fight scenes are great, the sad parts will make you reach for tissues, and the chemistry between Gavin and Josie will have you wishing it was longer…..

Gavin left his home seven years ago when the love of his life chose his twin Griffin!! But now he’s back, for revenge!! Returning home after losing his ship (to a mutiny) he’s home to lick his wounds and salvage his pride….

Josephine is due to marry the upstanding Earl of Castleton, it’s not the life she’s dreamed of, but she’s not about to disappoint her family…..Being abducted by a pirate sweeps Josie into a world that’s beyond her wildest imagination. That’s the thanks she gets for helping a stranger who’s wounded!

Her family chase the pair across the seas, there is danger lurking in every corner! But that doesn’t stop this couple from falling in love ?

But how can they possibly be together when Gavin is a pirate and she’s already betrothed?

It was great to see previous characters from the other books (I personally love to catch up with couples from previous books.) I loved Jodie’s father (there is a scene in the book which I loved ?)

Yes, it’s a little cheesy in places. Yes it’s also predictable in its ending. But I love this authors style of writing, and I love this series, so I’m going to continue to read and recommend these books.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

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In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith -a Review

In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith -a Review

 

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Description:
A Royal Navy Officer’s Guide to Seducing a Pirate Lass:

Go undercover as a fellow pirate
Steal kisses whenever possible
Do not fall in love, no matter how tempting your pirate lass is

Brianna Holland has always been free. Her entire life she’s never known the bars of any cage until she’s captured in Port Royal trying to help a fellow pirate escape. Suddenly facing the hangman’s noose unless she betrays her father’s location to the Royal Navy, she clings to the hope that a new prisoner in her cell brings. The roguish and seductive Nicholas Flynn is charming and irresistible and soon the pair make a clever escape from the prison. Once on board her ship and safely at sea, Brianna soon learns that there are other dangers than storms and naval frigates prowling the waters. This time, her heart and her father’s life might be at risk.

Royal Navy Lieutenant Nicholas Flynn has a problem. He’s been assigned to gain the confidence of a pirate prisoner in Port Royal in order to learn the whereabouts of the notorious pirate king Thomas Buck. But when he meets the man he’s supposed to win the trust of and eventually betray, he is stunned to discover it’s no man, but a woman named Brianna, who he is to befriend and betray. Not only that, but he learns that she is Thomas Buck’s daughter. Knowing Brianna will face torture at the hands of a cruel military captain if she doesn’t talk, Flynn helps her escape. If Flynn finds a way to lead the Royal Navy to Brianna’s father, he’ll lose the only woman who’s ever stolen his heart.

Other Books in the Series:
Book 1: No Rest for the Wicked

Book 2: In Like Flynn
Book 3: Devil of the High Seas

 

 

Review 

In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith is book two in her Pirates of Kings Landing series, and although I’ve not read the previous book, it doesn’t make a difference. But saying that I may go back and read that one as i throughly enjoyed this book. A historical romance set on the high seas. A story of betrayal and romance. And a story with plenty of action and adventure. 

Brianna loves to feel the wind in her hair and the splashing of the waves on her face. A free spirit, a beloved daughter and member of her father’s crew. She’s had to earn that respect, she’s had to be the best, all the while never losing sight of who she is. Dressed as a man every time she leaves the ship is a chore, but one she’s always mindful of as people could recognise her and use her against her father. 

Flynn is honour bound to see that the pirate Thomas Buck is brought to justice. He’s given the chance when told to befriend a member of the pirates crew, that is until he realises the crew member is a woman! He now faces a dilemma, save the girl and lose his career, or leave her to rot in prison! 

So will they set sail for happiness, or will someone scupper their chances and sink their love boat? 

This is a fun read, plenty of fast paced action. Throw in some spicy moments and banter from Brianna and the hours just flew by as I immersed myself in their tale. It’s beautifully written, nothing is left out, you can imagine the waves, smell the cell Brianna is kept in, and feel the love she has for both her father and Flynn, you feel the conflict that this situation put Flynn in. And it will you have you rooting for the pirates (not all pirates are bad guys) ?‍☠️ 

There is a few twists along the way. And a moment in the prologue that will pan out in a way neither Flynn nor Brianna expected ? The story did remind me a little of the film “Cutthroat Island” a female pirate and a rogue who sought to betray her ?

I highly recommended read from an author I’m adding to my list. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

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