Proceed With Caution:
This book contains blood, brutal violence, death, attempted rape of a minor, on page suicide, off page dog death, being tricked into an allergic reaction, slavery, on page rape, and dismemberment.
The Basics:
Sea of Ruin is narrated by twenty-one-year-old Bennett, fierce daughter of a pirate, and a pirate captain in her own right. Before her father was hanged, he left her a compass and a riddle. Seven years later, she still hasn't figured it out, but she's determined. However, she gets off course when her estranged husband catches up to her and a dashing commodore arrests her. Now, Bennett has to escape, survive, get her compass back, decipher it, find her treasure, and probably fall back in love.
My Thoughts:
Sea of Ruin is the first book I've read that features my one (known) deadly allergy! Bennett uses it as a form of torture/revenge and I was like holy crap this is clever but also terrifying! Obviously, you should never knowingly force someone into an allergic reaction, whether it's mild or severe. But that scene was wild! It comes up again later in a more hilarious scheme. I was just surprised to see this very specific allergy appear at all.
I was honestly surprised at how brutal Sea of Ruin is. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, because it felt believable in this setting and with the story, rather than gratuitous or for shock value. Just be aware that this is heavy on the Historical Adventure side even though there is also romance at the center of Bennett's story. And the romance isn't free of violence or manipulation either.
Other than the explicit violence, Sea of Ruin is super sexy and dirty and unconventional! It starts with Bennett being separated from her husband, whom she still loves, but he's hurt her to her very core and she can't trust him. That doesn't dampen their explosive chemistry though when they are reunited. In addition to that, Bennett plans to seduce the commodore who arrested her, with unexpected results. I was shocked and didn't know how to feel! I need a fan and a cold shower but also felt like I shouldn't want them together but I did! Lots of conflicting emotions. Ultimately, it all comes together and it is awesome.
In the end, Sea of Ruin was exciting and daring and kept me at the edge of my seat. Whenever Bennett seemed to be on the verge of rescue, something else would happen! Life on the high seas is rough, especially for a woman. Especially for a woman with power. Especially for a woman with power on a treasure hunt!