Boston in 1699 is a haven for pirates, but only if they keep a low enough profile that the authorities can pretend not to notice. Unfortunately for Red Flag Raphe, he drew the wrong sort of attention. Executions for maritime crimes must happen in England, though, and the merchant who testified against him is sailing there on the same ship. With Raphe's crew still at large, it is the perfect opportunity for escape and revenge.

Healer-in-training Miriam Nevell hopes this trip to England will help her father leave behind his dealings with pirates for good. It seems she can't do the same, though, when harsh treatment of the condemned pirate traveling on the same ship prompts her to stand up to both the ship's captain and her father.

Raphe hadn't believed there was any genuine kindness left in this world. When his pirate crew and their allies arrive, Raphe vows that Miriam won't suffer as a result of his rescue. Even if that means spending his entire fortune to ransom her and then coercing her into a hasty marriage that just might save her reputation or endanger both their hearts.

Content Warnings

Historically accurate pirate violence (very little gore), abusive relationship (parent-adult child), mention of "whores," allusion to potential sexual violence, racially based prejudice and racial slurs (from unlikable side characters), four uses of "d-mn" and a few other mild swear words (e.g., "blast" and "hell").

Tropes/Keywords

No-spice romance, swoony kisses, Christian historical fiction, pirates, tall ships, high-seas adventure, forced proximity, forbidden love, protective captor/innocent captive, reforming the scoundrel, unplanned marriage of (in)convenience, intelligent MMC and FMC, mixed-race FMC