This is exactly what I was hoping it would be, which was an extremely fun sapphic pirate x princess romance! I would describe this as a fun romp and suggest it for anyone who wants a sapphic pirate romance that feels like it has princess bride vibes!

I've actually read the two books out in the Crimson Tides series that this is a prequel for, and it was so fun to see how well this sets up the world! Also, the only major antogonist (other than Maura standing in her own way) in this book is Bowen, the love interest of the next book which is very fun!

My favorite thing about Katee's shorter books is how well crafted they are and how they don't over commit or under deliver. This has just enough plot, just enough romance, and just enough worldbuilding to come together in a satisfting way. It sets the scene for the series without getting too bogged down in the more intricate worldbuilding details that you get to delve into in the next two (longer length length) novels! The main couple having a pre-established dynamic and bond helped make the romance feel well paced. They had some misunderstandings and relationship tension that might be frustrating if you hate miscommunication plotlines, but not too much to make it drag or frustrate me. The smut, as always, was good and always hit just right! As usual, Katee Roberts has left me delighted and reminded me why I consider her to be one of my favorite authors 💜 I will say I might not have enjoyed the novella as much if I hadn't come in with preexisting love for the worldbuild, so I'd actually recommend reading the full length novels first and coming to this like I did as a fun prequel later!