"The Sapphire Heiress" by Ella Leon is an exciting mix of fantasy and mystery that kept me turning the pages. From the beginning, the story pulled me in with a sense of adventure and intrigue. The characters embark on a journey filled with twists and surprises, which made it hard to predict what would happen next. I enjoyed the way the author built a magical world, complete with a secret society and supernatural elements. This made the setting feel alive and engaging. The storyline was interesting, even if it slowed down a bit in the middle. Overall, it was a captivating read that transported me to a different place filled with wonder.

One of the best parts of the book was the relationship between the main characters. There was a lovely mix of yearning and connection that added depth to their story. Their bond was believable and made me root for them to be together. The dialogue flowed smoothly, making their interactions feel real and relatable. I also appreciated the biracial element in the story. It added layers to the characters and made their experiences richer. These aspects drew me in and kept me engaged throughout the book. While there were some moments that felt lacking in passion, the overall dynamic still had its charms.

As this was the first book by Ella Leon that I read, I did not know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by her storytelling skills and world-building. The characters were admirable and had relatable qualities, which made them easy to connect with. I enjoyed the fantasy elements that mixed with mystery, creating an interesting plotline. Despite the middle dragging a bit, the story had enough excitement to keep me invested. The ending was charming, providing a happily ever after that felt satisfying. Overall, "The Sapphire Heiress" is an entertaining read that is both interesting and worthwhile, leaving me eager to see what Ella Leon will create next.

I was honored to receive an early copy from NetGalley and the author (Thank You!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In this first installment of the series The Silver Order, a young woman caught between two worlds—high society and hidden piracy—must uncover her family's secrets to survive. Mae Blackthorne, once a shipbuilder’s daughter, now a governess, finds her quiet life upended by Ethan Locke, a pirate with a score to settle and a map to a mysterious sapphire. What follows is a steady, suspenseful journey through Victorian England, laced with romance, old loyalties, and supernatural elements. With a tone that blends gothic atmosphere and seafaring adventure, this novel offers a thoughtful twist on historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Ella Leon’s good vs evil historical romance set in 1840s England features supernatural elements which spice up the adventure. In the first of The Silver Order series, heiress Mae Blackthorne is reduced in circumstance by her family’s bankruptcy and is now governess to two daughters of the Rosewood family, new owners of the Blackthorne estate. Ethan Locke, one-time pirate, betroths himself to the older Rosewood daughter to obtain access to the Blackthorne mansion and, he hopes, a powerful sapphire he once owned. Realising who Mae is, he offers a deal to split a treasure hoard hidden by her father. Romance unfolds slowly in this chaste novel, but the plot gallops along in an action-filled adventure of seafarers, treasure and things of magical power.

The Silver Order remains elusive, but there are two more planned books which I hope will expand on that. Some license is taken with Victorian morals through the unconventional Mae, but that’s fine in a romantasy where the pirate isn’t particularly pirate-like either and there’s not much adherence to the era. There is more telling than showing, which detracts occasionally, but this is a diverting read which will appeal to romantic suspense readers. Curl up with a cuppa and enjoy!

I am generally quite excited to read Filipino titles, but this one did not connect with me from page 1. Something about the writing style just lacked feeling for me, and I had a hard time relating with the character voices, decisions, and relationships. Sad to say it was not high on my favourites.

I love A pirate book and was hoping for somw serious pirate sof the Caribbean vibes but more on elizabeths pount of view but it just didnt quite hit homw for me. I was also thinking this would be more fantasy forward than historical based off of the description.

Mae Blackthorne, the daughter of an English shipbuilder and a Filipina immigrant, she meets Ethan Locke, a pirate. The story has a very good storyline and great characters. There is drama, mystery, a sapphire that can stop its wearer from growing old, danger suspense, twists, turns and romance. I found their story to be well worth reading.

I felt that this book felt a bit disingenuous. The enemies to lovers romance trope is one that is well known and not one I have a problem with reading. It just felt that from the beginning that the enemy part was forced. Her first meeting of him was mysterious but gentlemanly. Then she finds out he is a pirate and suddenly he is the most awful person to her personal view.
There was a great deal of exciting chase and treasure hunting though so it totally delivered on being an adventure novel not just a romance novel.

If you’re looking for a cozy story that still packs some adventure and intrigue, this will definitely one.

Mae Blackthorne was once a member of nobility but her family loses everything and she is forced to become a governess in the house she used to call hers. Before long, a handsome stranger shows up to settle old debts and Mae gets the adventure of a lifetime.

I think the best way to sum up this book is if you put Jane Eyre and Pirates of the Caribbean in a blender with a pinch of Dorian Grey. Either way, it’s a good book to cuddle up with on a rainy afternoon.

*likeable FMC
*pirates (retired pirates, not actively pirating)
*supernatural
*secret society

Other readers may find more to like from this, but I found it too much tell and not enough show.



Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

3.6 ⭐

It was a good book and a good story.
Maybe a bit underwhelming considering how excited I was in the beginning.
But the MCs were really likeable, the enemy so hateable 😆
I think there will be a second book and we'll know more about the silver order and the magical elements. Pierce is also an intriguing character.


Ⓟⓡⓔ—Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ

If I remember correctly this is my 2nd book featuring pirates (or something similar) and I did love the other one, so I admit I'm quite excited for the ARC 🤩🫶🏻

// Thank you to Netgalley, Ella Leon and Dragonblade Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange of my honest opinion //

Enjoyable Historical Romance with Fantasy

He told her he worked with her father, but how could this be? He looked like he was in his thirties. It turned out that her father had stolen a sapphire from him that slowed his aging. Would Mae help him find it? She was once the lady of the house, but when her father and brother died, she was left in dire straits. She was now a governess in the house where she was once mistress. Could Ethan help her to change her destiny? Was there a treasure waiting for her? Romance, mystery, treachery, and suspense kept me turning the pages. There was a sprinkle of the unexplained, too. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romantasy.

A thrilling fusion of adventure, romance, and supernatural intrigue, The Sapphire Heiress whisks readers into a world where pirates walk among society’s elite and secrets can cost more than just treasure. Mae Blackthorne's daring journey alongside the enigmatic pirate Ethan Locke sparks with chemistry and danger, making this Victorian-era tale an irresistible ride for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean and Jane Eyre. Can't wait for The Crystal Alchemist.

Thank you Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fun historical romance with a very interesting premise. The plot is engaging and the romance (despite the insta love beginning) is very cute and satisfying. My only wish is to have gotten more of the magical aspect in this book.

Overall, I definitely will recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fun adventurous historical romance.

Dive into the enchanting tale of Ethan Locke, a daring pirate on a quest to reclaim his stolen sapphire. Alongside him is the brilliant governess Mae, whose cleverness and charm prove invaluable in their pursuit. But beware of the ruthless Ellsworth, who stands in their way, eager to seize Mae's hidden family fortune for himself. This beautifully penned love story weaves together passion, danger, and the thrill of discovery, making it a must-read for anyone who adores captivating romances!

What a great book! I absolutely loved how twisty and clever this one was! I was totally engrossed from beginning to end and would definitely read from this author again, So, so, so good!

The Sapphire Heiress by Ella Leon features mesmerizing hero, Ethan Locke, who has been a pirate but has returned home with a story to hide and a treasure to find. It seems he had once stolen a small blue bottle on a chain and a sapphire on another chain. The magical combination strove to keep him from aging. Now he had to find the sapphire. It had been purloined by his former friend, Alastair Blackthorne, another erstwhile pirate. He was being chased by another who wanted the sapphire and he needed to see to its return, posthaste. While wandering his forest he ran into an enticing young woman called Mae. Mae Blackthorne. Between the two of them they sought the treasure, putting themselves in danger multiple times. Cleverly written, it seems they were running from two ne’er-do-wells and didn’t know whom to trust.

One wanted the sapphire, the other, the entire treasure. There was a plenty of chasing and fighting, neither of which appeal to me. I long for more subtle ways than physical violence. The main characters were both elusive and charming and well-written within the context of the story. The plot was intriguing, if a little long on chases, and over all, the book was interesting and worthwhile.

I was invited to read The Sapphire Heiress by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #EllaLeon #TheSapphireHeiress

DNF at 15%

I picked this because I really liked the idea of a Filipina character in a historical romance and I was intrigued by the plot. The heroine is working as a governess in the same house she grew up in after losing her father’s fortune and the hero is an old rival of her father, who is looking for something of his: a sapphire that doesn’t make the wearer age. It sounded very interesting but the writing is too choppy for my tastes. Also, I do not feel any type of spark between the main characters; I think I expected more of a romance.

Mae was once the mistress of the house, but after her brothers mysterious death she is reduced to being the governess for the estates new owners. When she wonders into the neighboring forest and stumbles upon an estate she has no knowledge of and finds temporary refuge with its mysterious, brooding owner, things in her life begin to change.

This is a historical adventure romance with a small fantastical element. I think this book will be popular with younger readers (I’m in my 50s), and readers who love historical romance and morally ambiguous pirate MMCs.

The action adventure portions were more up my alley than the romance, which I didn’t fully buy. And there really isn’t enough magic to call it a fantasy (maybe that will be more prevalent later in the series if the Silver Order is more fleshed out). But I am also very sensitive to any kind of Stockholm syndrome themes, and there’s a thread of “why would you fall in love with someone who set out to kidnap you” here.

The Sapphire Heiress blends history and romance in an interesting story. Losing her home and future after the death of her father and brother, Mae Blackthorne is reduced to being a governess to the very family who has purchased her home. Little does she know the real truth of her family's wealth until she encounters Locke who is looking for a gem stolen from him by her father. As she uncovers the truth about her family she becomes entangled in the dealings of the Silver Order, a group that collects, protects and maintains supernatural artifacts. Locke joins with her to find her family's hidden fortune and to keep her safe from a sinister thief and murderer who will stop at nothing to gain the treasure.

I have been reading the Sapphire Heiress, and it is so good! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Filippina lead, Mae, is an intelligent woman who is made to be governess. She desires to escape servitude. Then, she meets Ethan Locke, a mysterious pirate from her familys past. This book is so enthralling and everyone needs to read it! Think Bridgerton and Jane Austen meets Pirates of the Caribbean! Such a good read.

I love the writing style, sometimes the dialogue is hard to follow but overall it is fantastic! I love this book and it is a perfect read for a rainy day. I also love the suspense between Ethan and Mae, and the suspense with the mystery of Ethans past, Maes fathers past, and the secret of the Blackthorne treasure - oh and the treasure Ethan finds and the necklace he wears.

I absolutely love this book! I am keen for the next one.