This book is seething with emotions, anger and hatred, as well as pain, passion, loyalty and love. It is a hard book to put down. You have betrayals, revenge, battle in the high seas and wonderful, hard earned happy ending.

I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.

Wow…what can I say?! The last installment of the McQouid clan was marvelous and the best one yet. It was an adventure that had angst, romance, betrayal, and love.. Christi Caldwell writes Jeremy brilliantly, this morally gray character. Linnie's naivety bothered me at times. I felt so many emotions throughout this book. It was a quick read because it kept me captivated.. Love love love it!

From my knowledge i havent read a christ caldwell book before i chose this book because of the desrciption it took me a while to get into this book and i wasnt aure on the chara ters potrayed but overall a good read.

If I have counted correctly, this is my 75th Christi Caldwell book. From that number, it's clear I'm a big fan of her work, and she's a go-to, instant-read author for me.

The McQuoids are one of the more interesting families; they're a large, close-knit group with an enjoyable dynamic. Though at times it's hard to remember who is a cousin or who is a sibling, I really enjoy their books, especially The Heiress at Sea, so I was excited to jump back into their orbit.

The Captain is a Christi Caldwell classic; it's got a good plot, fleshed-out leads, fun dialogue, high stakes, a steamy romance, and returning characters from previous books. If you're a fan of Christi Caldwell, you're in for a good time. If you haven't read any of her books and you want to read this, I would recommend starting with The Duke Alone to have a better grasp of the characters.

Four stars, thoroughly enjoyed (as usual).

p.s. I cannot believe there were several chapters set in Edmund and Pheobe's home (my favourite Christi Caldwell couple), and not once did we see them! Devastating.

4 stars

The authior writes well. My problem was that I didn't find either of the protaganists very sympathetic. We start with the hero, Tremaine, taunting sexually a couple of wanton members of the ton. The heroine's cousin, Arden then finishes them off. The heroine doesn't understand why the hero is being thrown under the bus by her cousin and they want to replace him with the Lord Culross who has taken over his position.

The heroine is delued over the character of the hero. The hero is upset because in the middle of a battle he gets left behind. I found the heroine's name Linnie Lou annoying.. I'm assuming that it's going to be added to the McQuoids of Mayfair series. There were too many characters in the family scenes even though I've read a few books I couldn't remember who they were....For me this didn't work.


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

First of all I really enjoy romance books and this is my first by Christi Caldwell. I enjoyed and love this book, I will update my review another day!!

I really enjoyed this book! I think the author's use of period-specific language helped create a more authentic and immersive experience. I felt like it transported me to the time period of the story which helped me feel the historical setting along with the characters. However, I felt like the feud between Jeremy and Arran needed more backstory. I can understand Jeremy's need for revenge but Arran's side of the story needs more development. I love how Linnie's character is sassy and not willing to have others determine her future for her. I loved that the author created a big family dynamic for Linnie but I did find myself getting all the names of the characters confused. Overall I really enjoyed the story and the characters.

The Captain by Christi Caldwell is a steamy, emotionally charged romance with beautifully written prose that pulls you in from the start. However, the beginning also promises something else: That it’s full steam ahead, ship or no ship. And that’s because this novel has quite a lot of spice.

We open up to Captain Jeremy Tremaine slaking his lust quite explicitly on a sultry widowed baroness, navigating between animalistic desires and hatred at his circumstances. While it’s realistic in the sense of how men viewed women in society, that scene in Chapter 1 sets the tone for most of the novel, to be honest.

Our lovely heroine Linnie’s trust in the Tremaine felt a little too blind at moments; she seemed loyal to him and his image to a fault. The love scenes are intense. That said, at multiple points in the novel, I found myself at times rooting for the “good” man, that all-too-often overlooked SML (second male lead)—Lord Culross, who felt more steady and sincere. The book’s blurb described him as having “quiet devotion,” and shouldn’t a heroine who’s been dreaming about love all her life fall for the kind, affectionate man, and not the fallen family friend with a thirst for vengeance? That being said, perhaps her romantic aspirations would definitely make her choose the more intoxicating man, someone familiar as she’s known him for years—despite his descent into cynicism.

Nevertheless, the tension, passion, and high-stakes emotions kept me turning the pages. A great pick for those who love their romances bold, brooding, and a bit messy. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy a seductive rake over Mr. Nice Guy.

I haven't read Christi Caldwell's work before, but now I'm adding her back catalogue to my historical romance TBR list.

I came into this Regency romance completely blind, but I did not find myself lost even though the world and characters were clearly previously established in prior books. More details might have helped matters though; I was confused by Linnie's family and skimmed over their scenes. Also, it was kind of weird how her parents didn't play a role in the story, and we hardly saw mention of Jeremy's family and background, despite the book being dual POV.

Beyond that, this novel is perfection. There is so much angst and longing, an action-packed climax, and an epilogue I loved. Linnie and Jeremy are very likable main characters.

Tropes:
- cousin's (former) best friend
- childhood friends
- love triangle
- reformed rake / virgin "on the shelf"
- pirates? (privateers actually, but close)
- revenge romance

Spice:

The man, The Captain, is a "hard, pitiless creature", but his Linnie-love sees him as the man she once knew. Through the lies, deception, secrets and revenge, Linne remains steadfast in the love that she wants. The beginning is overdone, but gives the reader a glimpse at the dark mind of "The Captain".

This one had me hooked and frustrated in equal measure. Linnie is smart and sweet, but she somehow ends up tangled in everyone else’s drama before realizing what’s going on. Captain Tremaine? Total rake. The chemistry between them is 🔥, but he definitely uses her to get revenge, which made it hard to root for him at times. Also, the cousin subplot? Weirdly unresolved. Still, the angst and tension were great, and I couldn’t stop reading. Messy, dramatic, and kind of addictive.
3.5/5 stars

I have read several Caldwell novels, specifically the Seven Deadly Sins series. I have liked most of them and have enjoyed that series, I liked this better.

I enjoyed the relationship between Linnie and Jeremy, her struggle between remaining loyal to someone she loves and to her family. There are times I love Jeremy and others where I don’t really understand him. It can be hard to always like someone who is out for revenge by using the someone as sweet and loving as Linnie. She’s always loved him, so much so that she is easy on him when he behaved quite badly.

It definitely a good read with a good cast of characters.

I received this as an ARC via Netgalley, any opinions expressed are my own.

This was my first book from Christi Caldwell and I really enjoyed it.
The pacing was enough to keep me turning the page and wanting more.
The family dynamics were a lot since I hadn’t read prior books but I caught on at about 50 percent finally.
The tropes :
Broken hero
Best Friends little cousin
Secret relationship
Hurt/comfort

The spice was really spicy for a historical. I read quite a few and this one was very spicy. Compared to others in the genre. Totally a 5 🌶️

Christi Caldwell is a supremely strong writer, her prose is always smooth and easy to read. I generally love her books. This one was a tough one for me and I struggled to immerse myself. The story has a very interesting premise - a dark brooding hero , a smart female lead, a love triangle - a winning combo for me in general! The atmosphere, though, is darker than I thought, the hero (originally an over-the-top rake, which already put him behind for me) is set on vengeance and on being “unlikeable” because he is carrying so much hurt and resentment within him. He, and his surrounding cast, are less than pleasant and difficult to root for. Linny makes allowances for him and forgives him more than she should all through the story. Tremaine finally comes around, falls in love and after a few more less honorable deeds, finds his happy ending with Linny.

The story is very well written though, spicy and seems like a great add to the shelf of darker romance lovers!

Im so sorry i’m not sure what i was expecting going into this book. I thought it would be a love triangle but was immediately hit with smut i didn’t anticipate. I unfortunately did not finish and i’m struggling trying to get into it. I don’t want to give you guys a bad review because this is just not for me and books shouldn’t be faulted for not appealing to someone. the reviews on goodreads so far seem good so i’m sure its great, i just don’t think i’m the right audience.

Linnie and Jeremy, hmm hmm good.

What a book! While the revenge trope is not unique, the way the storyline was written was very good.

Linnie, our heroine, has been in love with our hero Jeremy since she was young. However, relationships are fractured when her cousin Arran breaks his brotherhood bond with Jeremy and leaves him to die at sea. Now, Arran is further soiling the relationship by throwing a candidate husband Culross (also culpable for leaving Jeremy to die) at Linnie. A love triangle ensues, and Linnie is torn between Culross (Arrans friend) and Jeremy, her childhood love who has only revenge on his mind.

Linnie is torn between making choices, and the push and pull just tears her apart.

Our hero is just plain confused. Linnie is his friend, and she is strong and stalwart, but he is using her to avenge his betrayal. His betrayal of her is the final straw, especially since he knows he is making the wrong choice.

This book was sexy and well written. My only gripe is, after all the hurt and betrayal, the hero gets away too lightly and needs to grovel more.

A nice add to the series.

#netgalley #TheCaptain

If you are looking for a steamy love triangle romance novel then this is the book for you. Although I should let you know ahead of time that there is some heavy adult content so please proceed at your own risk. However despite the adult themes in this book I thought that it was very good. This is the first time that I have read a book by Christi Caldwell and I was very well impressed with her writing. I will have to look into reading some of her other books.
Now our plot centers around a rakish sea captain named Jeremy Tremaine. After spending much time away from home he is not interested in settling down and seems to enjoy spending each night with a different woman. However, there is one woman who makes him weak in the knees but he refuses to give in to such a weakness.
Linnie however, has always felt something for Jeremy but since his time at sea has changed him she thinks that nothing could ever transpire between them. When she is introduced to a man with a tamer disposition she wonders if perhaps she should stop chasing after the Captain. However, the longer she stays away from Jeremy the more her desire grows. Whatever shall she do in this situation?
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.