I feel like this book was marketed for me personally. Witches who are also pirates on a multicultural ship that frees enslaved people and are a constant thorn in the side of the navy? Sign me up!

Alys and Ben have a very slow burn romance, but the build up is part of the charm of the story. There is so much action in this novel that it doesn’t feel like a romance, more like a romance is developing naturally as the story progresses. The enemies to lovers trope is utilized wonderfully in this story, a pagan pirate Captain falling for a bold naval officer with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove to himself.

The magical elements were very interesting, mixing in monsters and mages to create a world much like our own but completely different at the same time. The plot was full of action and I genuinely think this would make an amazing TV show.

I did not like was how Alys seemed to do a complete 180 in attitude once she and Ben finally had sex. Suddenly she was not as focused on their mission as she was in protecting him. I also didn’t like some of the dialogue, as it felt really forced/stereotypically “pirate” , but that’s a small complaint in the grand scheme of things. Still, an amazing story!

Star Rating: 3.5

This ARC of The Sea Witch by Eva Leigh was my first pirate book! The story centers around a diverse, all-female crew of pirate witches, and the theme of female empowerment is what caught my attention. I had been wanting to try a pirate romance for a while, so I was v happy when I got approved for this ARC.

I enjoyed the book overall and read it fairly quickly, but I was honestly a little underwhelmed. Some plot points felt drawn out longer than necessary, and a few story elements seemed inconsistent. For example, the main plot begins after the crew has been on The Sea Witch for just one year, yet they act as though they’ve been lifelong pirates. Their lingo, relationships, and daily routines would have felt more authentic if they’d had several years together before the main events of the book.

The idea of dream walking was introduced early on, and I was excited to see where it would go, but it ended up feeling underdeveloped. I wish it had played a larger role, as it had so much potential.

The central storyline is essentially a treasure hunt full of obstacles. While this kept the plot moving it started to feel repetitive, and my interest started dwindling. That said, I really enjoyed the character development throughout. The dual POVs were well-timed and added depth to the story.

The dynamic between the main characters was different from what I typically read. She is experienced, bold, and confrontational, while he is more rigid, modest, and passive. I thought it was executed well and will definitely appeal to readers who enjoy this type of dynamic.

The ending was action-packed and had an unexpected twist that nicely set up the direction for the sequel.

While it didn’t totally love it, it was an easy summertime read, and I’ll be keeping my eyes open for the release of the sequel.

I would recommend The Sea Witch to anyone looking for a new summer fantasy read, especially if you enjoy:

- Witches
- Pirates
- Strong FMCs
- Historical fantasy romance

This story is alright. I have a very hit or miss relationship with pirate books. They usually are all talk and nothing really actually happens in this book which was the case for this story. The book is dual POV between the captain of the Sea Witch Alys, and a man from the royal navy, Ben. Their relationship is very forced and the dialogue is kind of lacking. There is a lot of talking and trying to puzzle stuff together and nothing happens for a long while and it's hard to keep interest when the characters don't have really strong personalities. All the pirates kind of mesh together and then there is Ben who is kind of different. This book wasn't for me and I hope those who love pirate books enjoy it!

Oh I love love loved this. It had everything I expect from an Eva Leigh historical romance (an unapologetically bold woman claiming her agency in a patriarchal world, a hero completely in awe of her strength) plus the heart-racing action and stakes of fantasy. I didn't know how much I needed to read "witch pirates battle colonialism" in 2025 but wow this book HIT.

I was really looking forward to this one—the premise is so strong. Pirates, witches, fantasy elements you don’t often see in romance, and female empowerment. Add in enemies to lovers and forced proximity? That’s a recipe for something I’d usually love.

While I think a lot of readers will have fun with this one, I personally struggled a bit with the pacing and didn’t feel fully connected to the characters. It might be because it’s written in third person, or maybe it just wasn’t the right time for me to pick this up.

Still, I think it’s different in a good way, and if you’re looking for a romance with a magical twist and strong feminist themes, this might be your thing!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Eva Leigh is an author I’ve heard an enormous amount about but never picked up due to…I dunno, life. So I was gleeful when I got the ARC for the Sea Witch, since pirate romances are a guilty favourite of mine.

The Sea Witch ticks all the boxes of a proper swashbuckling romance: leather boots, swinging from masts, heaving bosoms, leviathans, evil British naval captains…it was very thorough in how well it met the tropes and trappings. The fantasy aspects were also well-incorporated and built: enough detail that you understand the magic, but not so much it reads like a treatise. Overall, the craft of the book was superb and shows an author at the height of her prowess. 

And yet. 

And yet I didn’t really connect with either of the MCs. I wasn’t ever sucked into the book in an all-consuming way, desperately needing to know if the protagonists make it out of the next scrape. It wanted to be Curse of the Black Pearl…it felt more like On Stranger Tides. 

Fair warning, it does end in a cliffhanger, for those of you who feel the same way I do about cliffhangers to end a book. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

Heat Index: 6.5/10

—pirates but make it witches

—captain heroine, captive hero

—he's inexperienced... but eager to learn!

—RELEASE THE KRAKEN LEVIATHAN

The Basics:

After fleeing a death sentence for witchcraft, Alys Tanner takes control of the ship The Sea Witch and starts an all-female crew full of fellow witches. After taking British navy navigator Ben Priestley captive, Alys realizes he could be the key to finding a fail-safe that could turn the tides in her crew's struggle against the navy. But that's going to mean working with Ben—and perhaps, growing much closer to him than she'd like.

The Review:

I think a lot of historical romance readers were surprised (and excited) when they heard Eva Leigh was making the move to fantasy romance. But there's the thing: While this is most definitely a fantasy romance, and I think it will please romantasy readers across the board, there's a lot of the historical romance left here (complimentary). It especially harkens back to, yes, the old pirate historicals of yesteryear—but with quite a few updates.

There's no domineering hero and shrinking violet here. Alys isn't what I would call a "boss babe". Though she captains her ship, she leans away from heavy authority with her fellow women—men, she's tougher with. And she has to be, what with rampant misogyny and all. But there's a degree of human self-questioning and a capacity for making mistakes that keeps Alys from being this untouchable girlboss. She's strong without lacking softness in total, and it keeps her from slipping into caricature—which so easily happens with fantasy romance heroines especially.

Ben isn't a submissive hero, but he is reserved, a bit less experienced in the ways of the world than Alys, and quite clearly into being bossed around a little. He defies her because he's at her mercy (and has his own personal agenda); but he's also open to learning in many ways, and he's smart enough to know what's up. By giving him an adversarial edge, Leigh keeps him out of golden retriever territory—but he also isn't out to dominate Alys and put her in "little girl" territory. He respects her, even when she's his enemy, and that respect slips into admiration, and from there...

He's a difficult needle to thread, right? Because while this world is very much one of fantasy—mages are woven into the military landscape, casting spells on weapons as witch pirates use their own to escape detection, among many other things—it's also firmly ours. I.... have mixed feelings about this, to be honest. Leigh doesn't dip heavily into the goings-on of the British royal navy, but they do explicitly want control of the Caribbean, and Alys and her crew oppose this. Partially because pirates and they oppose or die in general, and partially because of ideological differences, right? The Sea Witch is mentioned to liberate enslaved people (and the crew is diverse), and we briefly see a little of this on the page. But Ben's also a British guy who grew up in the Caribbean. So...

I really can't speak on the effectiveness of how it's handled here—and if you're going to put your magical world in this framework, you do have to address it. So I kind of do wonder why the framework is there at all? I think there's an effort to make sure we know where Alys and her crew stand, of course (and Ben is supportive), as well as an awareness of the risk of Alys coming off as a white savior. Again, I can't speak to the effectiveness.

A big focus point of the book, unsurprisingly, is a critique of the misogyny of the world in which they live. It can be a bit on the nose, but I appreciated that there wasn't a straight up, one to one, "Ben is a man and I have been ruled by men, and therefore the ultimate girl power is ruling Ben" perspective from Alys. There's nuance to that relationship, and while I feel like it did progress kind of quickly, there's a clear drive for real equality and camaraderie between them.

Regarding the world—the magic is a bit more modern, a bit less traditional witchcraft, and I think it added to the sense of adventure in the book. There's a sense of Howl's Moving Castle (the movie) to it all, at least in my mind—sky-walking, murmured enchantments, fireballs. it's all a lot of fun, and it fits into the real sense of swashbuckling and adventure, which is one of the best aspects of the book. There really is a classic romp to all of it!

The Sex:

Eva Leigh continues to write a great sex scene! There are several full scenes in this one, and a setup early on predicates that Ben and Alys must work together to really fuel that magic. If you get what I'm saying.

One of the best parts of the book? How open Ben was to listening to and learning from Alys in bed. He's not a virgin, but he is inexperienced, and I mean—he picks up a thing or two. By no means would I call their scenes femdom; he's just down to listen. What a concept!

The Conclusion:

This is a fun, exciting read—and it does end on quite the cliffhanger. I'm eager to see what happens to Alys and Ben next!

Thanks to Canary Street Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Harlequin Publishing for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest and unfiltered review.

Alys is a hardcore rough and tough witch captain. Ben is a smart, sensitive member of the Royal Navy. She's dominant, he's captured, and together they go to find a secret that will stop the government enslavement of magical creatures. The magic system is inventive, the pirates are chaotic and the witch theme gives the story a unique bite. I thought the pacing was consistent, albeit slightly on the slower side. The action scenes were the best part. They were well written and felt exciting. The romance was a bit instantaneous. It was hard to fully engage in their story because it didn't feel quite earned. Maybe love moved faster in the 1700's? I mean when everyone is dead by 40, maybe you find love in 1 night on a boat? Who knows!
In the end, I didn't totally buy into the love connection, but I enjoyed the Pirates, the female empowerment moments and the magic system. If you like badass witches, morally grey characters, and cute naval officers? If you don't mind a quick love trope and love a girl in charge moment? It may be worth hopping aboard The Sea Witch.

*3.5 Stars

I really enjoyed the concept for this book - Salem witch trials and Pirates of the Caribbean vibes with a splash of female empowerment. The fact the Sea Witch was an all-female pirate ship, many of whom were witches, was just *chefs kiss*.

Ben and Alys were well developed and I loved that she was the Captain, even in the bedroom. That being said, I found their relationship to be a bit awkward at times and their coming together didn’t always feel as natural as it could have.

I was also left with a lot of questions, some of which I feel
like I should already have answers to, like how the dream-walking keeps initiating itself (I know it had both of their permission, but why was that enough without some other catalyst). I also thought some of the situations were a bit unbelievable. For example, it is just weird that in an adult romantasy featuring an entire crew of pirates facing all kinds of monsters, military personnel, and other pirates, the Sea Witch does not lose a single crew member through violence.

Overall, still a very fun read and I’m looking forward to the series continuing and getting some more answers!

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! It is my first Netgalley read and review.

If you want a feminist x pirate of the Carribean x witches story with a bit of smut and lots of plot: this book is absolutely for you!

Alys is a redhead witch, forced to sail away from her home because of how women are treated. Witches? Worse treatment. ☠️

She becomes the captain of a ship full of women and witches, and they sail the Carribean as pirates.

And then comes Ben. A sailing master from the Navy who has his own mission to complete, and becomes the captive of the Sea Witch.

Of course, the pirate and the sailing master give us the perfect slow burn we need.

AND THAT ENDING. Can't wait for the next book in this series!

I gave 4 stars out of 5 because the third person point of view kept me from being fully engaged, especially in the most emotional scenes, but that's just me. Also, be ready for a beautiful writing style, that gives you the feel of a historical romance.

4✨
3🌶️
5/5 for the plot and character development 👌

Alys has made a new life for herself since fleeing her home time of Norham. She's now a pirate witch embracing her skills, and no more hiding.
But a mission to find the fail-safe and stop the Royal Navy from ruling the seas and taking over Monstrous Sea creatures will lead her and her crew to travel across the ocean, fighting many different enemies and finding her twin flame.

Leigh writes a novel full of adventure with every turn of the page. I loved the connection between Ben and Alys, with the side characters of the crew adding to the narrative.

This author gives us enough description to have us visualising every scene as though we are there; with each chapter I wanted to find out what happens next.

With a little bit of magic and spice, this is another great novel by this author.

I loved reading this book! Romantasy can be very hit or miss for me - I often worry that the plot is sacrificed to move along the romance. That is not the case in this book! The Sea Witch is filled with action, magic, swashbuckling, and female empowerment - not to mention a love story that will warm your heart (and potentially make you blush). If love on the high seas featuring a pirate witch and a member of the navy sounds like your kind of book, then let me tell you, The Sea Witch is the love story for you. I can't wait to continue this series.

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Sea Witch ⚓🪄

Witches and pirates? Say less.. I’m in!!!
This book was a magical ride that blend d real world grit with sea bound fantasy.

Alys is the kind of FMC I love, smart, strong, and unapologetically herself. Watching her go from hiding her magic to commanding her own ship was chef’s kiss..
Ben, the MMC, was dutiful, sweet, and torn between order and freedom. Their romance felt real and earned, with banter that actually made me smile. 💘

I also loved the third person writing style and the worldbuilding was beautiful without being too much.
My only wish? More from the supporting women! They were intriguing but underdeveloped.

Still, this story was empowering, romantic, and fun. Highly recommend if you’re craving ocean magic and a romance with depth! 🌊🖤✨

Thank you to Canary Street Press for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Okay WOW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Witches and pirates ?!?! A combo I didn't know I needed in my books. This book is so different from every fantasy/romantasy (or would this one be considered magical realism?) I have read lately. It is set in our real world yet contains magic and fantastical beasts.

First off, our strong and witty FMC Alys goes from being a badass fisherman's wife who has to hide her witching abilities to a female pirate who is reputable as being fierce, and cunning. She navigates the sea alongside her crew of other women, all seeking to make a better life for themselves where they answer to no one but the laws of the ocean.

The MMC, Ben Priestly, is a breath of fresh air when it comes to MMCs I have read lately. He isn't dark and broody and shadowy, and if anything, he cares a bit too much for the rules. He struggles with an internal conflict-one side of him wanting to abide to the order, and protocol that being the navigator for the Royal Navy has instilled in him, and the other side yearning for a life of freedom, and wildness.

Usually in fantasies, I have a hard time buying the romance-it feels too obvious and forced. The banter feels fake-like who actually talks to other people like that ?! In this novel though-the natural, playful, yet yearning nature of Alys & Ben's relationship set a new standard for me.

This novel surprised me in so many ways-the eloquent way in which it is written, the fresh romance, women saving men instead of the other way around. AND it was written in third person which is just favourite way to read this genre-no endless, boring internal monologue here!

My only complaint was that I wish the side characters were more developed with more scenes from their POVs. There are so many interesting women in this story, yet their backgrounds and personalities were revealed just at the very surface level, and I think the story could be much richer with their development.

I struggled to connect with this story at first because it’s written in third person. and while I love themes of women’s empowerment, they didn’t resonate for me until around the midpoint. I never fully bonded with the magic system, but the second half of the book definitely won me over. I'm happy I stuck with it!

This fantasy tries very hard, but doesn't quite come together. The world-building--with pirates in the Caribbean, the British Navy, and magic mixed together--is a little too sketchy. Alys Tanner begins the books as a fisherman's wife who has had her magic stifled by her community and her controlling husband. While men who exhibit magic are trained and empowered, women with the same traits are killed and despised. The trampling of women's strengths by men who fear their power dominates most of the book and except for Alys' love interest--Ben Priestley--all the men in the book treat women with fear, loathing, and contempt. When Alys' husband dies, and her sister is hung as a witch, Alys escapes her New England village along with a few other women in the area who also show abilities in magic. They end up with a stolen ship in the Caribbean to become an all-women pirate crew, which is where Alys and Ben meet. A lot of magical battles follow, where all too often the magic conveniently allows the various Sea Witch crew members to escape a variety of predicaments, including evil mages, the British Navy, and assorted sea monsters. This is not a bad book, but it ends with an unsatisfying cliffhanger. And I don't really find myself invested enough in the characters to find out what happens in the next installment.
'

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

“Men think women need to show how much they deserve something.” Her finger stroked back and forth along his jaw. “When they themselves take whatever they want without considering whether or not they merit it. Most of the time, they don’t.”

Feminine rage? Check. Forced proximity? Check. Slow burn? Absolutely, check.

Eva Leigh turned feminine rage into a fun adventure filled with witch pirates & vengeance. I was hooked from the first page, drawn in by the mystery of where our FMC would escape to & the promise of a high-stakes treasure hunt. The pacing starts off fast, pulling you into the chaos, then settles into calmer waters. The slow burn built tension between our FMC & MMC in the best possible way

This is a fierce story of women scorned who refuse to be silenced. If anyone has a map to the sequel, please share, because I was not ready for this book to end.

Thank you to the publisher for giving me a copy of this book to review.
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I love pirate fantasy/romantasy but I couldn’t connect to the characters. The writing itself was phenomenal, but I do think the pacing was a little off. I do think that my lack of enjoyment is mostly my fault, so I didn’t want to rate the book on goodreads to bring the star rating down because that didn’t feel fair.

There will be so many people that will love this book, I just wasn’t one of them

The Sea Witch pulled me in with the tide and didn’t let me go. As a feminist, this book felt like a reclamation—of desire, of voice, of power. Set in a richly imagined historical fantasy world, Eva Leigh doesn’t just tell a story; she challenges the traditional narrative that women exist only to reflect and support the ambitions of men. The heroine of this novel refuses to be just a cup to hold a man’s hopes and dreams—she is the storm, the sea, and the spell itself.

What moved me most was how Leigh carved out a space where women can be unapologetically bold and complex. This wasn’t about a woman rising in spite of love, but because she chose a love that saw her. Ben absolutely stole my heart. He wasn’t written as a savior, but as a partner—curious, kind, and respectful of her power. Their relationship unfolded with such care and depth, allowing both of them to bloom. It was romantic, yes, but it also felt radical in its equality.

This book reminded me of what can happen when women own their stories—when we stop shrinking ourselves to fit into the margins of someone else’s narrative. The Sea Witch is not just a love story, it’s a powerful reminder of what it looks like when we write our own spells.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collin’s for that ARC in exchange for an honest review

The Sea Witch by Eva Leigh takes classic fairytale vibes and drenches them in steamy romance, salty sea air, and a bold heroine who isn’t afraid to make waves. Think Ursula meets Bridgerton, but with a feminist twist and plenty of heat! It’s got magic, passion, high-stakes deals, and that perfect blend of danger-meets-desire.

The banter is sharp, the chemistry sizzles, and the worldbuilding? Dripping with dark enchantment. Eva Leigh clearly had fun writing this—and it shows. If you love fantasy romance with strong characters and sultry plotlines, The Sea Witch definitely deserves a spot on your TBR (and maybe your freezer to cool down after, just sayin’).