This was my first foray into the mm pirate trope and I must say I have mixed emotions about it. On one hand I was absolutely appalled at the treatment and attitude towards slaves in Port Royal, Jamaica. Although I’m sure historically accurate, that was hard to stomach. It made it hard to like any of the MCs. This book is well written with complex MCs that are neither totally good nor totally evil. Keep that in the back of your mind as you listen. It is primarily told from Vyper, Byron, Elizabeth and Toby’s POV, but some minor characters also get a POV at times. The story requires a little suspension of disbelief to enjoy as there is an element of insta lust. I was pleasantly surprised by how my attitude about Elizabeth changed over the course of the story. Like many of the people of that time, I found myself judging her more harshly than I judged Vyper; who if truth be told was just as ruthless as Elizabeth. But he could hide behind be a pirate to justify his behavior and she could not. All in all a really enjoyable listen.
Joel Leslie once again does a masterful performance. He is really one of the most talented narrators out there. His timing and characterizations are spot on and really brings this story to life. I definitely would not have enjoyed it as much if I had read it