This book is essentially a paranormal romance set in 1800. The main character contains the typical plucky yet sentimental personality with a tragic past, albeit as a privateer captain, which is not a common job for romantic heroines. It suggests the sort of "soft inversion" of some romantic tropes we see in this novel. It never really carries through on any truly shocking plot twists, but it does create a little more uncertainty than most romances do. Oh yeah, and between the pining and conflicts, we have a mystery McGuffin and conflicts between the Fae and humans, the latter of which was actually quite engaging. (And happily feature more in the second volume.)

Sent to the winner of the Pirate Sweeps

Thank you for the 2 books! :)

"It's 1800. Mad King George is on the British throne, and Bonaparte is hammering at the door. Magic is strictly controlled by the Mysterium, but despite severe penalties, not all magic users have registered. Integral to many genteel households is an uncomplaining army of rowankind bondservants, so commonplace that no one recalls where they came from.
Ross Tremayne, widowed, cross-dressing privateer captain and unregistered witch, likes her life on the high seas, accompanied by a boatload of swashbuckling pirates and the possessive ghost of her late husband, Will. When she pays a bitter deathbed visit to her long-estranged mother she inherits a half brother she didn't know about and a task she doesn't want: open the magical winterwood box and right an ancient wrong—if she can.
Enter Corwen. He's handsome, sexy, clever, and capable, and Ross doesn't really like him; neither does Will's ghost. Can he be trusted? Whose side is he on?
Unable to chart a course to her..."

I found it a bit long but enjoyed the story.

Sent to the winner or decoy of the Amazing Supernatural sweepstakes.
Enjoy! :)

Received today along with the other book. Thank you!!