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The Captain
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USA Today
bestselling author Christi Caldwell comes a dark tale of betrayal, jealousy, and the dangerous passion ignited between a vengeful captain and the young woman who loves him.
Miss Linnie McQuoid Smith has spent a lifetime dreaming of love, but the man she’s always longed for is no longer the one she remembers. Captain Jeremy Tremaine, once a devoted family friend, is now consumed by vengeance, his heart hardened by betrayal at sea.
Lord Culross, on the other hand, offers Linnie the kind of future she ought to want. Yet his quiet devotion and steadfast affection pale in comparison to the intoxicating and undeniable pull she feels toward Tremaine.
But Tremaine’s thirst for power threatens to eclipse their desire for one another, and the demons he carries may destroy them both. As shadows close in, Linnie must the safe path of a love freely given, or the reckless passion that could cost her everything.
Miss Linnie McQuoid Smith has spent a lifetime dreaming of love, but the man she’s always longed for is no longer the one she remembers. Captain Jeremy Tremaine, once a devoted family friend, is now consumed by vengeance, his heart hardened by betrayal at sea.
Lord Culross, on the other hand, offers Linnie the kind of future she ought to want. Yet his quiet devotion and steadfast affection pale in comparison to the intoxicating and undeniable pull she feels toward Tremaine.
But Tremaine’s thirst for power threatens to eclipse their desire for one another, and the demons he carries may destroy them both. As shadows close in, Linnie must the safe path of a love freely given, or the reckless passion that could cost her everything.
13 pages, Audible Audio
Published October 21, 2025
642 people are currently reading
3148 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
135 books2,551 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
November 2, 2025
4 unique ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She always loved him, and he only loved the sea.🐳
This was hard to review, I was all over the place with this story. I loved it, and I also wanted more from it, only because it was so good, it’s definitely better than an average HR.
What it isn’t, is typical. It’s entirely it’s own, and I have a lot of respect for that.
Linnie had always adored Jeremy Tremaine, her cousin Arran’s best friend. He was always around and spent every holiday with Linnie and Arran as they grew up.
Arran is also a Privateer like Jeremy and one day a betrayal happens, that is so big that Arran and Jeremy will do anything to ruin each other.
Linnie doesn’t believe Arran’s side of the story and wants more information on why they are to shun Jeremy. None is given to her.
Later that same day she overhears that she is to be married to an earl who is also from a big “sea” family and the joining of the two families would greatly benefit them. Linnie is very upset and feels her family, especially Arran is making all her decisions for her. Which he really is.
Arran tried to soften the blow by inviting/ smuggling Linnie to a masquerade, and she is super excited because she was usually never allowed to go to such things. As soon as she gets to the masquerade, she discovers it’s a set up, in order to introduce her to Earl Culroos. The husband Arran wants for her. She hides in a room all evening to avoid such a meeting, but alas Jeremy is in the room she is hiding. She recognizes him immediately but he does not recognize her as it has been years since they last met. ❤️
He thinks she is “the third party present “ his lover talked about, and he starts to debauch and seduce her.
She is into him and mad at the world. She wants to make her own decisions and mistakes. She also thinks he knows it’s her. (Boobiegate x 10) anyway he finds out just in time that she is really Linnie, the girl he grew up with, and her virtue is safe for now.
However when Jeremy finds out that she is to be betrothed to Culroos, his enemy, the games begin. ⚔️🗡️
Linnie meets Culroos at a later date, and is fascinated by him, he is younger and more polished than she thought he would be, and he takes his time with her, trying to woo her.
She only loves Jeremy though, and I know this is set up as a love triangle. IT IS NOT.
Jeremy cannot have that alliance happen as it threatens his business, and to thwart it, he manipulates Linnie into marriage. It’s not because he loves her, but to ruin Arran and Culroos.
She always idolized Jeremy and she doesn’t suspect any foul play.
Sex is the one thing that isn’t complicated between them, the chemistry is great. And the romance is constantly underneath creating tension. As a reader we feel the love between them.
Everyone in Linnie’s life is using her as a pawn, and she has a hard time standing up for herself, and I wanted her character to develop more than it did.
On the day of their wedding Jeremy does get cold feet, he does adore her and cares for her, so he tries to set her free. But she is so blinded by love, even though he never tells her he loves her back ❤️🩹 Her whole family knows she is being used but no one tells her.
He was always planning to leave her for the seas, once his ship was rebuilt. Arran is actively trying to separate them, by helping Jeremy’s new boat to be built faster. On the day he is to set sail, Linnie realizes she was only a pawn and he just gives her a pitying look as he leaves even though she begs him to stay. This is who I am Linnie.
“You think it will be easier if I hate you but I can’t hate you “ Linnie realized at that point that he only loves the sea.
“You have been a lovely distraction but none of this is real. There is nothing I need other than sex from any woman, especially a McQouid woman. I overlooked your rotten family to get between your legs.” And then he leaves her. There is nothing I love more than a cruel man who is about to get a life lesson. 😈
This was a difficult book to review, in a way I wanted more depth and drama, and in a way I couldn’t put it down. The debauchery is a lot, so if you have morals in that regard, be prepared to blush.
Linnie was too one dimensional for me, she was my main issue. She was too good and too understanding and that was the deduction of 1/2 a ⭐️ the other 1/2⭐️ was the pacing of the middle section, it was too slow for me. There are so many side characters that I gave up on them and I wish they had been edited more.
Regarding Arran’s motivation I would have liked a little more depth and elaboration.
This was a good story and I somehow have higher standards for this, than I normally do for an HR. Which is unfair.
The writing was beautiful and as an ESL speaker I had to concentrate more than usual to fully comprehend their conversations. One blink and I missed something, I really appreciate that, there were also high expectations of me in return.
It’s in dual POV, third person.
Should you read it? YES it is it’s own story, entirely different
She always loved him, and he only loved the sea.🐳
This was hard to review, I was all over the place with this story. I loved it, and I also wanted more from it, only because it was so good, it’s definitely better than an average HR.
What it isn’t, is typical. It’s entirely it’s own, and I have a lot of respect for that.
Linnie had always adored Jeremy Tremaine, her cousin Arran’s best friend. He was always around and spent every holiday with Linnie and Arran as they grew up.
Arran is also a Privateer like Jeremy and one day a betrayal happens, that is so big that Arran and Jeremy will do anything to ruin each other.
Linnie doesn’t believe Arran’s side of the story and wants more information on why they are to shun Jeremy. None is given to her.
Later that same day she overhears that she is to be married to an earl who is also from a big “sea” family and the joining of the two families would greatly benefit them. Linnie is very upset and feels her family, especially Arran is making all her decisions for her. Which he really is.
Arran tried to soften the blow by inviting/ smuggling Linnie to a masquerade, and she is super excited because she was usually never allowed to go to such things. As soon as she gets to the masquerade, she discovers it’s a set up, in order to introduce her to Earl Culroos. The husband Arran wants for her. She hides in a room all evening to avoid such a meeting, but alas Jeremy is in the room she is hiding. She recognizes him immediately but he does not recognize her as it has been years since they last met. ❤️
He thinks she is “the third party present “ his lover talked about, and he starts to debauch and seduce her.
She is into him and mad at the world. She wants to make her own decisions and mistakes. She also thinks he knows it’s her. (Boobiegate x 10) anyway he finds out just in time that she is really Linnie, the girl he grew up with, and her virtue is safe for now.
However when Jeremy finds out that she is to be betrothed to Culroos, his enemy, the games begin. ⚔️🗡️
Linnie meets Culroos at a later date, and is fascinated by him, he is younger and more polished than she thought he would be, and he takes his time with her, trying to woo her.
She only loves Jeremy though, and I know this is set up as a love triangle. IT IS NOT.
Jeremy cannot have that alliance happen as it threatens his business, and to thwart it, he manipulates Linnie into marriage. It’s not because he loves her, but to ruin Arran and Culroos.
She always idolized Jeremy and she doesn’t suspect any foul play.
Sex is the one thing that isn’t complicated between them, the chemistry is great. And the romance is constantly underneath creating tension. As a reader we feel the love between them.
Everyone in Linnie’s life is using her as a pawn, and she has a hard time standing up for herself, and I wanted her character to develop more than it did.
On the day of their wedding Jeremy does get cold feet, he does adore her and cares for her, so he tries to set her free. But she is so blinded by love, even though he never tells her he loves her back ❤️🩹 Her whole family knows she is being used but no one tells her.
He was always planning to leave her for the seas, once his ship was rebuilt. Arran is actively trying to separate them, by helping Jeremy’s new boat to be built faster. On the day he is to set sail, Linnie realizes she was only a pawn and he just gives her a pitying look as he leaves even though she begs him to stay. This is who I am Linnie.
“You think it will be easier if I hate you but I can’t hate you “ Linnie realized at that point that he only loves the sea.
“You have been a lovely distraction but none of this is real. There is nothing I need other than sex from any woman, especially a McQouid woman. I overlooked your rotten family to get between your legs.” And then he leaves her. There is nothing I love more than a cruel man who is about to get a life lesson. 😈
This was a difficult book to review, in a way I wanted more depth and drama, and in a way I couldn’t put it down. The debauchery is a lot, so if you have morals in that regard, be prepared to blush.
Linnie was too one dimensional for me, she was my main issue. She was too good and too understanding and that was the deduction of 1/2 a ⭐️ the other 1/2⭐️ was the pacing of the middle section, it was too slow for me. There are so many side characters that I gave up on them and I wish they had been edited more.
Regarding Arran’s motivation I would have liked a little more depth and elaboration.
This was a good story and I somehow have higher standards for this, than I normally do for an HR. Which is unfair.
The writing was beautiful and as an ESL speaker I had to concentrate more than usual to fully comprehend their conversations. One blink and I missed something, I really appreciate that, there were also high expectations of me in return.
It’s in dual POV, third person.
Should you read it? YES it is it’s own story, entirely different
November 11, 2025
3.5 stars
Linnie Smith had loved her cousin Arran’s best friend, Jeremy Tremaine, since she was eleven years old, and was devastated when a betrayal caused Jeremy and Arran to become mortal enemies. After the betrayal, the charming, buoyant Jeremy becomes cynical and embittered and driven by vengeance. Linnie’s family, spurred by Arran, has decided to arrange a marriage between Linnie and Arran’s new bestie, the Earl of Culross, to forge an alliance to enable them to rule the seas and cut Jeremy out of his livelihood. When Jeremy meets Linnie again as a grown woman, he doesn’t recognize her but desires her. When he finds out who she is, he decides to exact his revenge against Arran by seducing Linnie. When he discovers the plan to unite Culross and Arran’s family through marriage to Linnie, he has to stop it…with an alternate marriage plan.
I really enjoyed this book. I became invested in the fully realized characters. The plot is interesting. It’s emotional. It held my attention from beginning to end. It felt fresh and unique.
But this book has problems too. The betrayal central to the plot is mentioned and eventually revealed, but hundreds of questions surrounding it are never addressed. Big questions. Important questions. Arran and Culross did something totally dishonorable after they did something questionable in battle, and yet no one in society seems to know about it, which makes no sense. Their actions should have been the talk of the town.
Too much winking and cheek stroking going on.
Both the MMC and his rival are quick to pull the bodice of Linnie’s dress down and go at her boobs, considering the time period and the places it happened. To be fair to the guys, though, she doesn’t object. Her allowing liberties from one man—and becoming aroused—while supposedly loving the MMC, who was taking even bigger liberties, feels wrong.
The plot progresses by fits and starts, with actions followed by reactions that don’t feel appropriate to human nature, or scenes that end in one place and pick up in another with a narrative gap.
Overblown reactions by multiple characters for Romance Reasons resulting in manufactured major angst where minor disagreements or disappointments should have been the result. Jeremy was particularly guilty of drama queen moments, but Linnie had her fair share too. She married a sea captain and was shocked and destroyed to find out he planned to go to sea.
The biggest problem of all: Jeremy’s belief that love doesn’t exist, which he mentions repeatedly. Why does he reject the notion of love? Parents who didn’t love him? Doesn’t seem to be the case. Childhood trauma? None mentioned. A woman who broke his heart? Nope. Betrayed by his best friend? Maybe, but “my friend betrayed me” to “love doesn’t exist” seems a pretty big jump. Regardless, he doesn’t believe in love so these thoughts are a mystery to him:
But for some reason, the idea of Linnie Smith with the Earl of Culross—of Linnie bearing the other captain’s name, sleeping in his bloody bed, giving him blasted children—threatened to drive him insane.
“The fact you still don’t know that I’d sooner kill Culross than see you marry him means I’ve failed greatly, Linnie McQuoid Smith.”
He nodded. “I am mad for you, Linnie. You are a siren who has lured me and . . .” His gaze grew inward; frustration glittered in those dark depths and in the words he spoke. “And I do not understand any of it, but I know I will kill for you as easily as I would die for you.”
“You have consumed my every waking thought, Linnie. Since I had you in my arms at the masquerade, you have robbed me of sanity and sleep.” His breath came hard. “You have haunted my dreams,” he whispered.
Can a guy really be THAT stupid? Rounding up, because I suspect the answer might be yes.
Linnie Smith had loved her cousin Arran’s best friend, Jeremy Tremaine, since she was eleven years old, and was devastated when a betrayal caused Jeremy and Arran to become mortal enemies. After the betrayal, the charming, buoyant Jeremy becomes cynical and embittered and driven by vengeance. Linnie’s family, spurred by Arran, has decided to arrange a marriage between Linnie and Arran’s new bestie, the Earl of Culross, to forge an alliance to enable them to rule the seas and cut Jeremy out of his livelihood. When Jeremy meets Linnie again as a grown woman, he doesn’t recognize her but desires her. When he finds out who she is, he decides to exact his revenge against Arran by seducing Linnie. When he discovers the plan to unite Culross and Arran’s family through marriage to Linnie, he has to stop it…with an alternate marriage plan.
I really enjoyed this book. I became invested in the fully realized characters. The plot is interesting. It’s emotional. It held my attention from beginning to end. It felt fresh and unique.
But this book has problems too. The betrayal central to the plot is mentioned and eventually revealed, but hundreds of questions surrounding it are never addressed. Big questions. Important questions. Arran and Culross did something totally dishonorable after they did something questionable in battle, and yet no one in society seems to know about it, which makes no sense. Their actions should have been the talk of the town.
Too much winking and cheek stroking going on.
Both the MMC and his rival are quick to pull the bodice of Linnie’s dress down and go at her boobs, considering the time period and the places it happened. To be fair to the guys, though, she doesn’t object. Her allowing liberties from one man—and becoming aroused—while supposedly loving the MMC, who was taking even bigger liberties, feels wrong.
The plot progresses by fits and starts, with actions followed by reactions that don’t feel appropriate to human nature, or scenes that end in one place and pick up in another with a narrative gap.
Overblown reactions by multiple characters for Romance Reasons resulting in manufactured major angst where minor disagreements or disappointments should have been the result. Jeremy was particularly guilty of drama queen moments, but Linnie had her fair share too. She married a sea captain and was shocked and destroyed to find out he planned to go to sea.
The biggest problem of all: Jeremy’s belief that love doesn’t exist, which he mentions repeatedly. Why does he reject the notion of love? Parents who didn’t love him? Doesn’t seem to be the case. Childhood trauma? None mentioned. A woman who broke his heart? Nope. Betrayed by his best friend? Maybe, but “my friend betrayed me” to “love doesn’t exist” seems a pretty big jump. Regardless, he doesn’t believe in love so these thoughts are a mystery to him:
But for some reason, the idea of Linnie Smith with the Earl of Culross—of Linnie bearing the other captain’s name, sleeping in his bloody bed, giving him blasted children—threatened to drive him insane.
“The fact you still don’t know that I’d sooner kill Culross than see you marry him means I’ve failed greatly, Linnie McQuoid Smith.”
He nodded. “I am mad for you, Linnie. You are a siren who has lured me and . . .” His gaze grew inward; frustration glittered in those dark depths and in the words he spoke. “And I do not understand any of it, but I know I will kill for you as easily as I would die for you.”
“You have consumed my every waking thought, Linnie. Since I had you in my arms at the masquerade, you have robbed me of sanity and sleep.” His breath came hard. “You have haunted my dreams,” he whispered.
Can a guy really be THAT stupid? Rounding up, because I suspect the answer might be yes.
November 17, 2025
4.5 stars
The majority of the book held me utterly captivated.
The writing, characterization, plot, spice and delicious angst had me staying up way past my bedtime more than once, and several times I found myself thinking of the book while I was at work, or out running errands. It was that good.
What I Loved
The love
The hatred
The vengeance
The passion
The betrayal
The pain
All the feeeels
So.Much.Angst!
Jeremy, because I have a soft spot for antiheroes (think Anne Stuart) and his antihero vibes were perfection.
”After what your cousin did, his actions at sea, he sealed his and your entire family’s fate as a Tremaine enemy, Linnie.” Her gaze turned tragic. Tremaine waited a moment, deliberately drawing out her suffering. “But for you, Linnie”—he murmured, stepping closer, the snow crunching under the heel of his boots—“for you, I’ll make the sole exception.” She stared at him questioningly. “I don’t . . .” “We can be friends.” With that, Tremaine set his trap into full motion. A tremulous smile formed on her lips.
“Friends?” No.
“Yes.” When the Thames runs dry.
###
The smile he gave her was sad. “You’ve been a lovely distraction, Linnie. I’ve enjoyed my time with you more than I ever thought I would. But none of this was real, and you know it. You just continue to deny that which is as plain as the lovely nose on your face.” Dazed, she shook her head. None of this was real . . .
August (Lord Culross), because I believe he was a good man and his brand of wanting Linnie was romantic and hot AF. I would so love to read his story!
August placed his lips next to her ear, and her eyes slid all the way closed. “Tu es attiré par moi,” he said huskily. You are attracted to me. He brought his brow against hers. “Je vois le désir dans tes yeux, mon amour.” I see the desire in your eyes, my love. Linnie felt his chest rise in quick concert to her own. “Je sens que tu trembles rien de plus que mon baiser sur ta main,” he rasped. I feel you tremble at nothing more than my kiss upon your hand.
What I Liked
Linnie, because she was just so damn likable. I desperately wanted her to find the happiness she deserved. Her starry-eyed love and adoration for Jeremy began to feel one-note, but without it, there would not have been a HEA.
What Didn’t Work For Me
The countless McQuoid-Smiths drove me a little batty and whenever they all got together it made my head spin.
I won’t go into detail because spoilers, but the way in which Jeremy and Linnie got back together was so improbable and far-fetched it was almost laughable.
I may be in the minority but I didn’t care for the epilogue at all. After the turmoil in their relationship I wanted an epilogue that was something other than an extended birthing scene.
Recommended if you like antiheroes, serious angst and lots of feels.
🌹My thanks to Annika, whose lovely review prompted me to read this book 🌹
And the worst of it all? It’d taken losing her and leaving her for him to find out his life was nothing without Linnie. His queen. His goddess. His friend. His best friend. What he’d done couldn’t be undone. The hurt he’d caused, the way he’d left her— A sharp ache throbbed just below his breastbone. It was an all-too-familiar, tight clenching. It’d taken him two or three days to realize what he’d been feeling wasn’t, in fact, a heart attack, but his heart breaking.
The majority of the book held me utterly captivated.
The writing, characterization, plot, spice and delicious angst had me staying up way past my bedtime more than once, and several times I found myself thinking of the book while I was at work, or out running errands. It was that good.
What I Loved
The love
The hatred
The vengeance
The passion
The betrayal
The pain
All the feeeels
So.Much.Angst!
Jeremy, because I have a soft spot for antiheroes (think Anne Stuart) and his antihero vibes were perfection.
”After what your cousin did, his actions at sea, he sealed his and your entire family’s fate as a Tremaine enemy, Linnie.” Her gaze turned tragic. Tremaine waited a moment, deliberately drawing out her suffering. “But for you, Linnie”—he murmured, stepping closer, the snow crunching under the heel of his boots—“for you, I’ll make the sole exception.” She stared at him questioningly. “I don’t . . .” “We can be friends.” With that, Tremaine set his trap into full motion. A tremulous smile formed on her lips.
“Friends?” No.
“Yes.” When the Thames runs dry.
###
The smile he gave her was sad. “You’ve been a lovely distraction, Linnie. I’ve enjoyed my time with you more than I ever thought I would. But none of this was real, and you know it. You just continue to deny that which is as plain as the lovely nose on your face.” Dazed, she shook her head. None of this was real . . .
August (Lord Culross), because I believe he was a good man and his brand of wanting Linnie was romantic and hot AF. I would so love to read his story!
August placed his lips next to her ear, and her eyes slid all the way closed. “Tu es attiré par moi,” he said huskily. You are attracted to me. He brought his brow against hers. “Je vois le désir dans tes yeux, mon amour.” I see the desire in your eyes, my love. Linnie felt his chest rise in quick concert to her own. “Je sens que tu trembles rien de plus que mon baiser sur ta main,” he rasped. I feel you tremble at nothing more than my kiss upon your hand.
What I Liked
Linnie, because she was just so damn likable. I desperately wanted her to find the happiness she deserved. Her starry-eyed love and adoration for Jeremy began to feel one-note, but without it, there would not have been a HEA.
What Didn’t Work For Me
The countless McQuoid-Smiths drove me a little batty and whenever they all got together it made my head spin.
I won’t go into detail because spoilers, but the way in which Jeremy and Linnie got back together was so improbable and far-fetched it was almost laughable.
I may be in the minority but I didn’t care for the epilogue at all. After the turmoil in their relationship I wanted an epilogue that was something other than an extended birthing scene.
Recommended if you like antiheroes, serious angst and lots of feels.
🌹My thanks to Annika, whose lovely review prompted me to read this book 🌹
And the worst of it all? It’d taken losing her and leaving her for him to find out his life was nothing without Linnie. His queen. His goddess. His friend. His best friend. What he’d done couldn’t be undone. The hurt he’d caused, the way he’d left her— A sharp ache throbbed just below his breastbone. It was an all-too-familiar, tight clenching. It’d taken him two or three days to realize what he’d been feeling wasn’t, in fact, a heart attack, but his heart breaking.
November 2, 2025
~ Friends to wannabe enemies to blatant lovers
~ Tortured, morally grey Hero
~ Kind, but outspoken and wild, yet innocent heroine
~ Age Gap (I think FMC is 21, while MMC is 30)
~ Mistaken identity
~ Drawn together despite family's disapproval
~ Such delicious DEBAUCHERY
~ Includes Epilogue
Summary of Beginning:
Jeremy Tremaine, our disgruntled sea CAPTAIN, was practically a member of the McQuoid/Smith family due to his prolonged friendship with Linnie McQuoid Smith's first cousin, Arran, who was also a captain of his own vessel. But after a suspicious tragedy at sea, Jeremy was left horribly scarred, both physically and emotionally, and his beloved ship, Triton's Mistress, lay in pieces on the bottom of the ocean floor, along with the remnants of his and Arran's shattered friendship.
Linnie, our story's heroine, has quietly been infatuated with Jeremy since 11 years old, so naturally she is not taking the separation of Jeremy from her beloved family very well. On top of that, her family has just announced that it is time for her to marry. And who better for the job than her cousin Arran's new bff and comrade at sea, Lord August Culross?
Outraged at her family's intention of arranging her marriage to someone she's never even met, Linnie is understandably upset and decides she wants no part in their scheme. In a bid to pacify his cousin and cheer her up, Arran tells Linnie he'll sneak her out to a masquerade ball she's always wanted to attend, but has never been allowed to because of its scandalous reputation. Linnie is absolutely delighted, but finds out she's been tricked once more by her cousin, as it was all a ruse so she could meet her intended husband. Determined not to meet this would be suiter, Linnie slips away from Arran's side, looking for an obscure room away from the festivities so she can hide and be left alone. And who does she run into amidst her search? None other than Jeremy Tremaine, who just so happens to be hiding in that same room for a rendezvous with his licentious mistress.
Given that it's been quite a while since he's last seen Linnie and the "masqued" requirements of the event, he does not recognize her and assumes she is the "surprise" his mistress claims to have had for him. Jeremy then approaches Lennie under those same erotic pretenses. Clueless as to what Jeremy's intentions are, Linnie responds to him accordingly. He thinks she's just playing innocent as an act of foreplay. And Lennie's performance is so very convincing because she is, in fact, an innocent young woman who is unaware of the carnal ways of the world. Jeremy, as a man who prides himself on only entertaining well-experienced women, is astonished to find just how very aroused he is getting at this young woman's performance. Linnie, likewise, is feeling sensations she's never felt with every sensual word and gesture Jeremy makes towards her. Unfortunately, she doesn't realize he has no clue who she actually is. Alas, it all comes crashing down when Jeremy's paramour enters the room in search of him with his true surprise lover. Thankfully, the compromised pair aren't discovered, but her identity becomes quite clear to him as they're hiding in the shadows when her cousin Arran also enters the room in search of his cousin-- Lennie. Jeremy is livid. He has sworn to hate all McQuoids for all eternity and that hate does NOT allow for the magnitude of arousal Linnie's now incensed within him. Following their rather undignified encounter, Jeremy learns of the McQuoid family's intentions of wedding her to Lord Culross and he cannot allow that to happen as that will give the McQuoid family too much power and influence within maritime commerce. The only solution is to wed Linnie himself as to thwart their plans of uniting the McQuoid and Culross houses. And, yes, Linnie's response to him at the masquerade was more than encouraging, but will that remain the case once she finally meets Lord Culross and sees that her family's choice for her wasn't as awful as she was anticipating? It becomes a game of wills and wants and in the end, who is really playing or, in fact, getting played?
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I want to preface by saying that I have read one other book (The Wolf of Mayfair) by this author. And if you read my review, I was truly disappointed because you could tell she's a wonderful writer, but her story suffered from a lack of action. Nothing really happened in the story to help keep it moving along at a steady pace. You'd have long stretches of mundane, filler content until she'd hit a plot point and then you'd be completely engrossed, trading food, sleep, and hygienic practices just so you could find out what happened next. Well, I'm happy to report that was NOT the case for this one.
Not only did the story keep drawing me in, but it was not at all what I was expecting either. It's a very unique story to a generally formulaic genre. I think the best way to describe it is that it was all kinds of debauchery without a single "scandal" being part of the focus of the story in any way.
Jeremy Tremaine was my kind of Hero. He was so reluctant to admit his feelings and his true motivations for the heroine, but he was so completely enamored with Linnie. And Linnie was a woman I could like and respect, which is so incredibly hard to find these days in romance. And she was also written in a way where you could not only understand but also believe why the Hero became so smitten with her so quickly.
Overall, it was just a completely satisfying read for me. The only drawbacks I had, was first that it wasn't completely believable that Jeremy would fixate on the belief that Linnie would hate him and/or not want him if she found out that he "thought" he was only pursuing her in the beginning out of "revenge" towards her cousin, Arran. And secondly, I needed a little more explanation as to why Arran would betray Jeremy. I realize that it wasn't Arran's decision to abandon him to die, but I needed to know Arran's thought process behind his decision that got them into the predicament in the first place. Obviously, none of this was enough to keep me from giving it 5 stars. And I still highly recommend it to anyone that is a fan of the genre who also doesn't mind a little mouth watering, blush inducing, spice sprinkled all over their romance. This one is just full of flavor!
Some Quotes I Felt Like Sharing:
Ok, that's all I've got for now. I hope you read it and enjoy it too. Or, if not, at least find something to read that you enjoy half as much as I enjoyed finding this rare, little gem.
~ Tortured, morally grey Hero
~ Kind, but outspoken and wild, yet innocent heroine
~ Age Gap (I think FMC is 21, while MMC is 30)
~ Mistaken identity
~ Drawn together despite family's disapproval
~ Such delicious DEBAUCHERY
~ Includes Epilogue
Summary of Beginning:
Jeremy Tremaine, our disgruntled sea CAPTAIN, was practically a member of the McQuoid/Smith family due to his prolonged friendship with Linnie McQuoid Smith's first cousin, Arran, who was also a captain of his own vessel. But after a suspicious tragedy at sea, Jeremy was left horribly scarred, both physically and emotionally, and his beloved ship, Triton's Mistress, lay in pieces on the bottom of the ocean floor, along with the remnants of his and Arran's shattered friendship.
Linnie, our story's heroine, has quietly been infatuated with Jeremy since 11 years old, so naturally she is not taking the separation of Jeremy from her beloved family very well. On top of that, her family has just announced that it is time for her to marry. And who better for the job than her cousin Arran's new bff and comrade at sea, Lord August Culross?
Outraged at her family's intention of arranging her marriage to someone she's never even met, Linnie is understandably upset and decides she wants no part in their scheme. In a bid to pacify his cousin and cheer her up, Arran tells Linnie he'll sneak her out to a masquerade ball she's always wanted to attend, but has never been allowed to because of its scandalous reputation. Linnie is absolutely delighted, but finds out she's been tricked once more by her cousin, as it was all a ruse so she could meet her intended husband. Determined not to meet this would be suiter, Linnie slips away from Arran's side, looking for an obscure room away from the festivities so she can hide and be left alone. And who does she run into amidst her search? None other than Jeremy Tremaine, who just so happens to be hiding in that same room for a rendezvous with his licentious mistress.
Given that it's been quite a while since he's last seen Linnie and the "masqued" requirements of the event, he does not recognize her and assumes she is the "surprise" his mistress claims to have had for him. Jeremy then approaches Lennie under those same erotic pretenses. Clueless as to what Jeremy's intentions are, Linnie responds to him accordingly. He thinks she's just playing innocent as an act of foreplay. And Lennie's performance is so very convincing because she is, in fact, an innocent young woman who is unaware of the carnal ways of the world. Jeremy, as a man who prides himself on only entertaining well-experienced women, is astonished to find just how very aroused he is getting at this young woman's performance. Linnie, likewise, is feeling sensations she's never felt with every sensual word and gesture Jeremy makes towards her. Unfortunately, she doesn't realize he has no clue who she actually is. Alas, it all comes crashing down when Jeremy's paramour enters the room in search of him with his true surprise lover. Thankfully, the compromised pair aren't discovered, but her identity becomes quite clear to him as they're hiding in the shadows when her cousin Arran also enters the room in search of his cousin-- Lennie. Jeremy is livid. He has sworn to hate all McQuoids for all eternity and that hate does NOT allow for the magnitude of arousal Linnie's now incensed within him. Following their rather undignified encounter, Jeremy learns of the McQuoid family's intentions of wedding her to Lord Culross and he cannot allow that to happen as that will give the McQuoid family too much power and influence within maritime commerce. The only solution is to wed Linnie himself as to thwart their plans of uniting the McQuoid and Culross houses. And, yes, Linnie's response to him at the masquerade was more than encouraging, but will that remain the case once she finally meets Lord Culross and sees that her family's choice for her wasn't as awful as she was anticipating? It becomes a game of wills and wants and in the end, who is really playing or, in fact, getting played?
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I want to preface by saying that I have read one other book (The Wolf of Mayfair) by this author. And if you read my review, I was truly disappointed because you could tell she's a wonderful writer, but her story suffered from a lack of action. Nothing really happened in the story to help keep it moving along at a steady pace. You'd have long stretches of mundane, filler content until she'd hit a plot point and then you'd be completely engrossed, trading food, sleep, and hygienic practices just so you could find out what happened next. Well, I'm happy to report that was NOT the case for this one.
Not only did the story keep drawing me in, but it was not at all what I was expecting either. It's a very unique story to a generally formulaic genre. I think the best way to describe it is that it was all kinds of debauchery without a single "scandal" being part of the focus of the story in any way.
Jeremy Tremaine was my kind of Hero. He was so reluctant to admit his feelings and his true motivations for the heroine, but he was so completely enamored with Linnie. And Linnie was a woman I could like and respect, which is so incredibly hard to find these days in romance. And she was also written in a way where you could not only understand but also believe why the Hero became so smitten with her so quickly.
Overall, it was just a completely satisfying read for me. The only drawbacks I had, was first that it wasn't completely believable that Jeremy would fixate on the belief that Linnie would hate him and/or not want him if she found out that he "thought" he was only pursuing her in the beginning out of "revenge" towards her cousin, Arran. And secondly, I needed a little more explanation as to why Arran would betray Jeremy. I realize that it wasn't Arran's decision to abandon him to die, but I needed to know Arran's thought process behind his decision that got them into the predicament in the first place. Obviously, none of this was enough to keep me from giving it 5 stars. And I still highly recommend it to anyone that is a fan of the genre who also doesn't mind a little mouth watering, blush inducing, spice sprinkled all over their romance. This one is just full of flavor!
Some Quotes I Felt Like Sharing:
“Lovemaking?” “Yes.” Her cheeks warmed. “That is how I refer to it.” “Linnie,” he said flatly, “there’s no love involved. What you call lovemaking is just a meeting of two base animals who use each other to find relief.”
"That cocksure, inferior captain who’d gone and stolen his goddamned lumber would now also—if her family got their way—get the pleasure of seating himself in the deliciously spirited chit’s tight channel."
"While he stroked his tongue against her, he slipped a knee between Linnie’s legs and drew her to rest atop his thigh. “My girl said she loves to ride me,” he coaxed. “I am yours to ride.” Tenderly taking her hips in hand, he taught her the rhythm until Linnie bucked upon him."
“The fact you still don’t know that I’d sooner kill Culross than see you marry him means I’ve failed greatly, Linnie McQuoid Smith.”
"She’d have preferred her husband struck her to this. At least pain of the physical sort faded in time. This crushing, sweeping sorrow would be with her until she took her last breath."
Ok, that's all I've got for now. I hope you read it and enjoy it too. Or, if not, at least find something to read that you enjoy half as much as I enjoyed finding this rare, little gem.
November 7, 2025
Started out terrible
I hate sex scenes with other women. Especially a pig of a woman like in here. She disgusted me and I hated the book already. Even when he re-meets the heroine he was preparing for a three some with the wannabe mistress and a friend of hers and frankly I was disgusted by him. Close to dnf'ing it, I read a little bit more and the hero actually did redeem himself at the end. He was faithful to her once he met her during his planned sexual tryst. I liked that he was faithful but I hated that he was still playing her. Then I realized he really was falling in love and fooling himself. One thing at the end, was the guy he killed to save her really August? Or someone else. At first I liked him so much I was rooting for a story about him and Meghan but I think he too.was playing a game with her. I'm just not sure if he was the bad guy or not. The epilogue was very endearing and even though the first few chapters were awful I added one star just for that! Very emotional.
I hate sex scenes with other women. Especially a pig of a woman like in here. She disgusted me and I hated the book already. Even when he re-meets the heroine he was preparing for a three some with the wannabe mistress and a friend of hers and frankly I was disgusted by him. Close to dnf'ing it, I read a little bit more and the hero actually did redeem himself at the end. He was faithful to her once he met her during his planned sexual tryst. I liked that he was faithful but I hated that he was still playing her. Then I realized he really was falling in love and fooling himself. One thing at the end, was the guy he killed to save her really August? Or someone else. At first I liked him so much I was rooting for a story about him and Meghan but I think he too.was playing a game with her. I'm just not sure if he was the bad guy or not. The epilogue was very endearing and even though the first few chapters were awful I added one star just for that! Very emotional.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
“Why are you behaving this way?” Her bare bosom, wet from his ministrations, heaved. “You have had countless lovers and women in your bed, and yet you’ll berate me for having shared a kiss with one other man.” Rage threatened to consume him. His wife and Culross shared a kiss, which meant it’d been fully and happily reciprocated. “It is different,” he snarled. “How?” Linnie cried out. Spinning away, he punched the wall with a force that shook the gilded paintings. “Because since I met you in Rutland’s bloody art room, there has been no other woman but you,” he thundered. “You have consumed my every waking thought, Linnie. Since I had you in my arms at the masquerade, you have robbed me of sanity and sleep.” His breath came hard. “You have haunted my dreams,” he whispered. The anger seeped from him like the sands of time. Tremaine dusted a tired hand over his face. “While you, Linnie,” he said bitterly, “welcomed Culross’s touch and considered his goddamned suit.”
Actually H was totally right and I want my heroes obsessed with heroines that never want to look to OWs but after reading lots of wandering heroes, I am gracious enough not to decrease a star because CC wrote the reverse scene. 😈
Actually H was totally right and I want my heroes obsessed with heroines that never want to look to OWs but after reading lots of wandering heroes, I am gracious enough not to decrease a star because CC wrote the reverse scene. 😈
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2025
Read: 11/8/25
Setting: 1819 England
Trope: Revenge
plot: Captain Tremaine wants revenge against his best friend/brother from another mother. Arran McQuoid betrayed him and left him to die at sea. He will have his revenge! Luckily, the perfect plan falls literally into his lap at a Masquerade party. Linnie McQuiod will be the perfect pawn against her vile cousin. She's already in love with him so it should be easy to manipulate her. He will do his best to ignore his nagging conscience.
Linnie has been madly in love with Tremaine since she was 11 years old. Though, she doesn't recognize the man he has become, Linnie knows that underneath this hard cynical man there is still the wonderful man she adored. Linnie's ecstatic when he starts to secretly pursue her. Unfortunately, her family can never find out. Linnie was forbidden from accociating with him but how can she turn her back on a man who was once a member of the family. Linnie loves Tremaine and nobody's going to stop her! Though, her family try. They've already decided on the man that they want her to marry. While the Earl is charming, her heart belongs to Tremaine. Poor girl!
So will Tremaine realize the treasure he has or will he throw it all away for his revenge?
liked:
1. I liked Linnie but sometimes I wanted to shake her. She was so naive in her love. She wouldn't listen to anybody. She adored Tremaine and would always love him. 🙄. She was too forgiving . Still, part of me was impressed by her loyalty. Her strong convictions were admirable.
2. Tremaine is the perfect antihero. "The man doth protest too much..." saying fits this character to a tee. Through the whole book, he denies he has any feelings for Linnie but they leak out in other ways. The man was in love with her from the beginning he was just too angry and stupid to know it.
3. Caldwell's writing style was perfect. The occasionally profanity and vulgar sayings fit with the H's personality perfectly.
disliked:
1. The reason for his revenge was complicated. Part of it was his own fault though. I was expecting more to the story.
2. In the first chapter, he has sex with another woman. Once he meets Linnie, he becomes celibate. I don't mind when characters have sex with other women but it does bother some readers.
3. I didn't know this book was part of a series. It could be read as a standalone but with so many returning characters, I wish I had read the series in order.
4. I don't know Arran McQuiod from the other books but he is very unlikable in this book. He was like a dog with a bone except that bone was Lord Culross. Dude, give it up already!
Conclusion: The book was a dark, angst-ridden story with an old-school romance vibe. I really enjoyed this story! Though Caldwell's fun writing style was the best part.
Setting: 1819 England
Trope: Revenge
plot: Captain Tremaine wants revenge against his best friend/brother from another mother. Arran McQuoid betrayed him and left him to die at sea. He will have his revenge! Luckily, the perfect plan falls literally into his lap at a Masquerade party. Linnie McQuiod will be the perfect pawn against her vile cousin. She's already in love with him so it should be easy to manipulate her. He will do his best to ignore his nagging conscience.
Linnie has been madly in love with Tremaine since she was 11 years old. Though, she doesn't recognize the man he has become, Linnie knows that underneath this hard cynical man there is still the wonderful man she adored. Linnie's ecstatic when he starts to secretly pursue her. Unfortunately, her family can never find out. Linnie was forbidden from accociating with him but how can she turn her back on a man who was once a member of the family. Linnie loves Tremaine and nobody's going to stop her! Though, her family try. They've already decided on the man that they want her to marry. While the Earl is charming, her heart belongs to Tremaine. Poor girl!
So will Tremaine realize the treasure he has or will he throw it all away for his revenge?
liked:
1. I liked Linnie but sometimes I wanted to shake her. She was so naive in her love. She wouldn't listen to anybody. She adored Tremaine and would always love him. 🙄. She was too forgiving . Still, part of me was impressed by her loyalty. Her strong convictions were admirable.
2. Tremaine is the perfect antihero. "The man doth protest too much..." saying fits this character to a tee. Through the whole book, he denies he has any feelings for Linnie but they leak out in other ways. The man was in love with her from the beginning he was just too angry and stupid to know it.
3. Caldwell's writing style was perfect. The occasionally profanity and vulgar sayings fit with the H's personality perfectly.
disliked:
1. The reason for his revenge was complicated. Part of it was his own fault though. I was expecting more to the story.
2. In the first chapter, he has sex with another woman. Once he meets Linnie, he becomes celibate. I don't mind when characters have sex with other women but it does bother some readers.
3. I didn't know this book was part of a series. It could be read as a standalone but with so many returning characters, I wish I had read the series in order.
4. I don't know Arran McQuiod from the other books but he is very unlikable in this book. He was like a dog with a bone except that bone was Lord Culross. Dude, give it up already!
Conclusion: The book was a dark, angst-ridden story with an old-school romance vibe. I really enjoyed this story! Though Caldwell's fun writing style was the best part.
October 28, 2025
Great Regency Book
This one was a fun one. It had serious moments and it had some fun moments. I believe it’s the beginning of a new series connected to the McQuoid family and woven within there was set up for future books.
This one was a fun one. It had serious moments and it had some fun moments. I believe it’s the beginning of a new series connected to the McQuoid family and woven within there was set up for future books.
November 3, 2025
This is my 98th book by Christi Caldwell. I read 2 of her books in 2013 but didn’t pick her up again faithfully until 2015. She is such a good author and I love her writing. She always has great stories and depending on the book, well written sex scenes. Except I have to say her books lately have been pretty steamy. Let's hope this new one is as well.
What can I say. GREAT read. I loved Linnie and Jeremy Tremaine. I loved this couple. It was so hot, they were so hot. So damn good. Sex was great. I don't know why but Christi Caldwell's last series and now this book seem SO much hotter than she normally is. Which I am glad :) I loved the revenge plot and throwing in a another suitor didn't hurt. Great overall read. I've only read 2 books in November and they are both are already on my favorite reads list for Nov, 2025. So damn good.
What can I say. GREAT read. I loved Linnie and Jeremy Tremaine. I loved this couple. It was so hot, they were so hot. So damn good. Sex was great. I don't know why but Christi Caldwell's last series and now this book seem SO much hotter than she normally is. Which I am glad :) I loved the revenge plot and throwing in a another suitor didn't hurt. Great overall read. I've only read 2 books in November and they are both are already on my favorite reads list for Nov, 2025. So damn good.
October 14, 2025
I believe this is a spin-off from Caldwell's McQuoids of Mayfair series, and there are about 300 members in that family and we meet all of them within the first part of the book, at once, listed name by name (it's more like 10, either way it was A LOT!). Other than that this was an absolute ride. On the Captain's muscular thigh. As one does.
The MCs in this book are horny! And vengy! And oh so messy - I loved it.
This book will not be for everyone. And to be honest it took me two tries to get in the right mood for this HR opening with the very jaded rake MMC and the very eager not-FMC auditioning for a spot as his mistress. So heads up, if you don't want to read about the MCs fooling around with other people on page (prior to commitment). But, if you are game for that then this book offers soap opera levels of horny mess. Sometimes at sea! Go into this with your Eyes Wide Open. In the end I read mostly via audiobook and enjoyed narrators Will M. Watt and Heather Wilds.
This is my first read by Christi Caldwell, and I will be checking out her backlist in the hopes of more soapy mess!
Thank you to Montlake for the eARC and to Brilliance Publishing for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
TW: epilogue contains a detailed child birth.
The MCs in this book are horny! And vengy! And oh so messy - I loved it.
This book will not be for everyone. And to be honest it took me two tries to get in the right mood for this HR opening with the very jaded rake MMC and the very eager not-FMC auditioning for a spot as his mistress. So heads up, if you don't want to read about the MCs fooling around with other people on page (prior to commitment). But, if you are game for that then this book offers soap opera levels of horny mess. Sometimes at sea! Go into this with your Eyes Wide Open. In the end I read mostly via audiobook and enjoyed narrators Will M. Watt and Heather Wilds.
This is my first read by Christi Caldwell, and I will be checking out her backlist in the hopes of more soapy mess!
Thank you to Montlake for the eARC and to Brilliance Publishing for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
TW: epilogue contains a detailed child birth.
June 10, 2025
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.
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.
October 31, 2025
I definitely left this one too long to review (oops!) but I still want to thank NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC copy of The Captain by Christi Caldwell.
Without giving too much away — Jeremy Tremaine’s only real love is the sea. He’s the classic bad-boy rake, known for chasing pleasure wherever he can find it. Linnie, on the other hand, is a sweet and innocent young woman caught up in her family’s political games. She’s had a long-time crush on Jeremy since she was a girl, but early in the story she’s forced into a betrothal with Lord Culross. Jeremy, in a twist of revenge and desire, decides to pursue Linnie himself, threatening to ruin the alliance between her cousin and Lord Culross.
The story unfolds into a fast-moving love triangle filled with tension, betrayal, and passion. I have to say — the masquerade scene with the dirty-talking rake? That hooked me immediately. 🔥 The second half, though, lost a little bit of its spark for me.
Linnie’s family actually gave me major Bennett family vibes from Pride and Prejudice, which I really enjoyed. This book is a standalone, but it does include side characters from Christi Caldwell’s earlier works — which, while interesting, did get a bit overwhelming at times.
All in all, The Captain was a solid historical romance with plenty of drama and heat. 3 stars from me.
Without giving too much away — Jeremy Tremaine’s only real love is the sea. He’s the classic bad-boy rake, known for chasing pleasure wherever he can find it. Linnie, on the other hand, is a sweet and innocent young woman caught up in her family’s political games. She’s had a long-time crush on Jeremy since she was a girl, but early in the story she’s forced into a betrothal with Lord Culross. Jeremy, in a twist of revenge and desire, decides to pursue Linnie himself, threatening to ruin the alliance between her cousin and Lord Culross.
The story unfolds into a fast-moving love triangle filled with tension, betrayal, and passion. I have to say — the masquerade scene with the dirty-talking rake? That hooked me immediately. 🔥 The second half, though, lost a little bit of its spark for me.
Linnie’s family actually gave me major Bennett family vibes from Pride and Prejudice, which I really enjoyed. This book is a standalone, but it does include side characters from Christi Caldwell’s earlier works — which, while interesting, did get a bit overwhelming at times.
All in all, The Captain was a solid historical romance with plenty of drama and heat. 3 stars from me.
November 13, 2025
The Captain-a timeless novel
This was one of my best reads ever. Tremaine’s flawed character is purified by his love of Linnie. Redemption at its best!!
This was one of my best reads ever. Tremaine’s flawed character is purified by his love of Linnie. Redemption at its best!!
July 17, 2025
4.5 rounded up
Loved it!
Full review to follow!
Loved it!
Full review to follow!
October 21, 2025
I am sold for a book that starts with a bang and The Captain immediately gives you a taste of the ruthlessness, the pridefulness, and the sexual prowess of Captain Jeremy Tremaine. Not a character to be liked, Tremaine is unrepentant in who he is and how he seeks his pleasure. Yet he has not always been hardened and vengeful. Linnie McQuoid-Smith knew Tremaine as Jeremy, her childhood friend that she somehow always knew was meant to be hers. Linnie remembers the kind-hearted, thoughtful Jeremy and knows deep down he is still capable of those feelings.
Tremaine was left for dead by his former best-friend (Linnie’s cousin Arran) and when we meet him, the rivalry and animosity between men is at an all-time high. In order to solidify an alliance between families, surprise! Linnie has been betrothed to Lord Culross without her input from cousin Arran.
Let’s get to it. At its heart, this book is about MEN WHO WON’T listen to women. Linnie is a Strong female protagonist™️ who knows what she wants (Tremaine), but is thwarted by her cousin, her betrothed, and her love interest! Sound like a commentary on modern patriarchy? Hmmm, could be. Thankfully Caldwell has written a romance so Linnie eventually gets her HEA, even if she is first used as a ploy in a revenge scheme, betrothed without her consent, and catfished when all she wants is to sail the open seas. Nevertheless, she persisted.
I did enjoy the back and forth and jealousy between Tremaine and Culross which has a bit of a love triangle to it. In fact jealousy plays a titular role in the actions behind most male characters, alas it is their pride more than their love feeding their actions. This story is all about extreme emotions from enraged anger to fiery passion and heat and I ate it up even if I wanted to strangle half of the characters for not listening to Lennie.
I would highly recommend listening to this. Will M. Watt and Heather Wilds are a dream team for voicing Lennie and Jeremy. I could not have cast them any better. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Tremaine was left for dead by his former best-friend (Linnie’s cousin Arran) and when we meet him, the rivalry and animosity between men is at an all-time high. In order to solidify an alliance between families, surprise! Linnie has been betrothed to Lord Culross without her input from cousin Arran.
Let’s get to it. At its heart, this book is about MEN WHO WON’T listen to women. Linnie is a Strong female protagonist™️ who knows what she wants (Tremaine), but is thwarted by her cousin, her betrothed, and her love interest! Sound like a commentary on modern patriarchy? Hmmm, could be. Thankfully Caldwell has written a romance so Linnie eventually gets her HEA, even if she is first used as a ploy in a revenge scheme, betrothed without her consent, and catfished when all she wants is to sail the open seas. Nevertheless, she persisted.
I did enjoy the back and forth and jealousy between Tremaine and Culross which has a bit of a love triangle to it. In fact jealousy plays a titular role in the actions behind most male characters, alas it is their pride more than their love feeding their actions. This story is all about extreme emotions from enraged anger to fiery passion and heat and I ate it up even if I wanted to strangle half of the characters for not listening to Lennie.
I would highly recommend listening to this. Will M. Watt and Heather Wilds are a dream team for voicing Lennie and Jeremy. I could not have cast them any better. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
November 12, 2025
While the story had potential, there were a few things I disliked. For one, the OM drama was almost a love triangle. The h recognizes to be attracted to OM, goes along with kissing him, light petting. Didn’t care for it.
The H is a manhoe but he does not sleep with anyone else after kissing the h. I just wished we didn’t have to read about his escapades.
The H is a manhoe but he does not sleep with anyone else after kissing the h. I just wished we didn’t have to read about his escapades.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2025
I really tried with this book. When I read the synopsis, it seemed up my alley; however, I was mistaken. I was so bored. I didn't like how the book started, but I still pushed through. Spoiler alert it's smut. I don't mind smut, but this isn't how you should start the first chapter. I also didn't care for any of these characters either. The plot fell flat for me too. Don't come for me. 😅
*Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC*
*Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC*
November 19, 2025
Nice entertaining read
This was an easy read. Characters were funny and relatable. Although some times the FMC got on my nerves! But easy to read.
This was an easy read. Characters were funny and relatable. Although some times the FMC got on my nerves! But easy to read.
October 3, 2025
Rating: 🙂/3
Source: #netgalley
Review: Very historical romance. Steamy first chapter. Bad boy pirate. Girl looking for love. At 32% great new character with great banter with Linnie. Some of the historical language a challenge but the context helped slot. A little too Bridgerton historical for me. The bad boy vs the nice guy trope.
Format: 👩🏻💻
Source: #netgalley
Review: Very historical romance. Steamy first chapter. Bad boy pirate. Girl looking for love. At 32% great new character with great banter with Linnie. Some of the historical language a challenge but the context helped slot. A little too Bridgerton historical for me. The bad boy vs the nice guy trope.
Format: 👩🏻💻
October 23, 2025
4 ⭐️
Jeremy is not only a Rake, he’s also a certified jerk and THRIVING in that jerkiness. When we meet him, he’s auditioning a new mistress, showing his ass when it comes to his selfishness in the bedroom, and further proving he’s not really Romance Hero potential. Linne has always believed her childhood crush would be the man she marries. But when her family suddenly deems Jeremy an enemy, she’s at a loss. During a chance encounter at a masquerade, he mistakes her for his new mistress. After realizing her true identity, he throws a little fit but then proceeds to see this as a perfect opportunity to enact his Grand Revenge Plan. He’ll seduce and marry Linnie to prevent her cousin’s business endeavors.
This book then turns into a classic case of rake seducing innocent miss. And while normally, Linnie would seem like a weak character to me, I couldn’t help but find her incredibly endearing. She’s funny and smart, and her belief in Jeremy’s ultimate goodness is so pure. She knows who he is at his heart, and continues to believe in him even when you, as the reader, think she’s delulu. And watching Jeremy’s denial of his feelings and, moreover his efforts to push Linnie away through cruelty could be a bit much for those who like their heroes wholesome. Me, I don’t mind an a-hole, and found this a refreshing change from the typical down-bad hero.
I really enjoyed this one, and I think it had largely to do with it featuring some of my all-time favorite tropes- including childhood friends to lovers. I had some gripes in terms of Linnie, in particular, I wish we had more moments with her and the women in her family. It would have been nice to see more of this support system for our girl. I also wish Jeremy had a more epic grovel in the end, but that’s likely because I kept comparing this couple to Bourne/Penelope. And very few couples could beat those two, in my mind.
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book.
Jeremy is not only a Rake, he’s also a certified jerk and THRIVING in that jerkiness. When we meet him, he’s auditioning a new mistress, showing his ass when it comes to his selfishness in the bedroom, and further proving he’s not really Romance Hero potential. Linne has always believed her childhood crush would be the man she marries. But when her family suddenly deems Jeremy an enemy, she’s at a loss. During a chance encounter at a masquerade, he mistakes her for his new mistress. After realizing her true identity, he throws a little fit but then proceeds to see this as a perfect opportunity to enact his Grand Revenge Plan. He’ll seduce and marry Linnie to prevent her cousin’s business endeavors.
This book then turns into a classic case of rake seducing innocent miss. And while normally, Linnie would seem like a weak character to me, I couldn’t help but find her incredibly endearing. She’s funny and smart, and her belief in Jeremy’s ultimate goodness is so pure. She knows who he is at his heart, and continues to believe in him even when you, as the reader, think she’s delulu. And watching Jeremy’s denial of his feelings and, moreover his efforts to push Linnie away through cruelty could be a bit much for those who like their heroes wholesome. Me, I don’t mind an a-hole, and found this a refreshing change from the typical down-bad hero.
I really enjoyed this one, and I think it had largely to do with it featuring some of my all-time favorite tropes- including childhood friends to lovers. I had some gripes in terms of Linnie, in particular, I wish we had more moments with her and the women in her family. It would have been nice to see more of this support system for our girl. I also wish Jeremy had a more epic grovel in the end, but that’s likely because I kept comparing this couple to Bourne/Penelope. And very few couples could beat those two, in my mind.
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book.
October 6, 2025
Rounded up 4.5⭐️
Christi Caldwell delivers a dark, emotional romance full of longing, heartbreak and redemption. I love a morally gray hero and Caldwell's MMCs are often in shades of gray. Captain Jeremy Tremaine fits that mold from page one — scarred, vengeful and dangerously charming. Opposite him, Linnie McQuoid Smith is openhearted, determined and ready to claim her own adventure, even when it means risking her heart to a man who could destroy her.
Linnie’s longtime crush on Tremaine, paired with the years he spent as part of her family’s inner circle, gives real emotional weight to their story. His falling out with her cousin Arron fractures the bond they once shared, leaving Linnie torn between loyalty, grief and an old love that never really faded. She wears her emotions on her sleeve — she cries easily and often — but it feels completely in character, a reflection of her warmth, courage and refusal to harden her heart.
Tremaine’s redemption arc is long and gut-wrenching to watch as he fights his own heart, unable to admit his love for Linnie while clinging to his misguided quest for revenge. When that emotional dam finally breaks, it’s everything you hope for. The final act (no spoilers!) is pitch-perfect and deeply satisfying.
The revenge-marriage plot could have gone a bit deeper, and the love triangle might have added more tension, but those are small quibbles.The Captain is a rich, heartfelt romance that proves Caldwell remains a master of stories that find grace in the gray.
Christi Caldwell delivers a dark, emotional romance full of longing, heartbreak and redemption. I love a morally gray hero and Caldwell's MMCs are often in shades of gray. Captain Jeremy Tremaine fits that mold from page one — scarred, vengeful and dangerously charming. Opposite him, Linnie McQuoid Smith is openhearted, determined and ready to claim her own adventure, even when it means risking her heart to a man who could destroy her.
Linnie’s longtime crush on Tremaine, paired with the years he spent as part of her family’s inner circle, gives real emotional weight to their story. His falling out with her cousin Arron fractures the bond they once shared, leaving Linnie torn between loyalty, grief and an old love that never really faded. She wears her emotions on her sleeve — she cries easily and often — but it feels completely in character, a reflection of her warmth, courage and refusal to harden her heart.
Tremaine’s redemption arc is long and gut-wrenching to watch as he fights his own heart, unable to admit his love for Linnie while clinging to his misguided quest for revenge. When that emotional dam finally breaks, it’s everything you hope for. The final act (no spoilers!) is pitch-perfect and deeply satisfying.
The revenge-marriage plot could have gone a bit deeper, and the love triangle might have added more tension, but those are small quibbles.The Captain is a rich, heartfelt romance that proves Caldwell remains a master of stories that find grace in the gray.
October 12, 2025
Miss Linnie McQuoid Smith has spent a lifetime dreaming of love with Captain Jeremy Tremaine who was once a devoted family friend but is now consumed by vengeance, after being betrayal at sea by Arran McQuiod. Arran is now in partnership with August, Lord Culross. The family would love for Linnie to marry August, who offers Linnie the kind of future she ought to want. Yet his quiet devotion and steadfast affection pale in comparison to the intoxicating and undeniable pull she feels toward Jeremy.
Another well written page turner from the author, I also received a copy of the audiobook so part read, part listened to this engrossing romance. Linnie has been infatuated with Jeremy for years & this has deepened into love but he’s now a person non grata with her family, if only Linnie could turn off her feelings. She meets August whilst trying to escape a family dinner where she was to mee him. She’s not immune to August but he’s not Jeremy. I loved Linnie who was steadfast in her feelings for Jeremy & actually asked him what had happened – unlike the rest of the family who accepted what Arran said, they all went down in my estimation. I also loved Jeremy painted as the villain when he was anything but. He started by wanting revenge but quickly wanted Linnie. Their road to a HEA wasn’t easy but it made for an enthralling read. I also really enjoyed the audiobook, the two narrators brought the book to life & I enjoyed their alternating chapters
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Another well written page turner from the author, I also received a copy of the audiobook so part read, part listened to this engrossing romance. Linnie has been infatuated with Jeremy for years & this has deepened into love but he’s now a person non grata with her family, if only Linnie could turn off her feelings. She meets August whilst trying to escape a family dinner where she was to mee him. She’s not immune to August but he’s not Jeremy. I loved Linnie who was steadfast in her feelings for Jeremy & actually asked him what had happened – unlike the rest of the family who accepted what Arran said, they all went down in my estimation. I also loved Jeremy painted as the villain when he was anything but. He started by wanting revenge but quickly wanted Linnie. Their road to a HEA wasn’t easy but it made for an enthralling read. I also really enjoyed the audiobook, the two narrators brought the book to life & I enjoyed their alternating chapters
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
November 5, 2025
(3.5 Stars) This is a complex story and reminds me more of historical romance fiction I read 30 years ago. Linnie McQuoid Smith secretly dreamed of marrying her cousin’s best friend, Jeremy Tremaine. The two friends go on to be privateers and then there was a rift and betrayal and he is an enemy of her family. Her family arranges a marriage for her and the man (Culroos) is seemingly decent and polished. But he isn’t the one she longed for. Jeremy doesn’t want the marriage to happen because it threatens his business. He decides to manipulate Linnie into marriage. Not because he loves her, but to vex his enemies.
Linnie is likable as the woman who wants to be loved. She of course is frustrated that she has no real say over much of her life. And the fact that she is kept in the dark over many of the reasons for the manipulations in her life is frustrating to the reader. Jeremy is a well balanced character. He does care for Linnie but in his mind the sea is his first love. Of course the sparks fly when Jeremy and Linnie are together.
I have only read a couple of the author’s many books and this one seemed to have a lot more going on than a basic historic romance. It is appropriately marketed as general fiction/romance. There is plenty of drama, manipulations and heat. I read this as a stand alone novel but with as many characters who are introduced I am sure it ties back to one of the author’s series. I like where it ends up with Linnie getting her HEA. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Linnie is likable as the woman who wants to be loved. She of course is frustrated that she has no real say over much of her life. And the fact that she is kept in the dark over many of the reasons for the manipulations in her life is frustrating to the reader. Jeremy is a well balanced character. He does care for Linnie but in his mind the sea is his first love. Of course the sparks fly when Jeremy and Linnie are together.
I have only read a couple of the author’s many books and this one seemed to have a lot more going on than a basic historic romance. It is appropriately marketed as general fiction/romance. There is plenty of drama, manipulations and heat. I read this as a stand alone novel but with as many characters who are introduced I am sure it ties back to one of the author’s series. I like where it ends up with Linnie getting her HEA. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
October 19, 2025
1819. Linnie McQuoid-Smith gave her heart to Jeremy Tremaine at age 11. Now a decade later, her heart still belongs to Jeremy, but he's fallen out of favor with her cousin Arran, who now wants his new partner, Lord Culross, to marry Linnie. Linnie and Jeremy keep finding ways to spend time together, despite her family's insistence that Jeremy is now the enemy. There's some truth though, because Jeremy is trying to marry Linnie to prevent a McQuoid alliance with Lord Culross's family.
This was my first by Christi Caldwell, and I found it a solid, enjoyable, and spicy read. I obviously picked it up because it features a main character who is a ship's captain, and honestly, my favorite parts of the book were those at sea or regarding the ships. The romance features a pseudo love triangle, with Linnie torn between Lord Culross and Jeremy. Luckily it resolves quickly from the emotional side.
I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Will M. Watt & Heather Wilds. I don't often like dual narration in historical romances, but I loved the way their narrations play off of one another.
Thank you to Montrose and Brilliance Audio for an eARC and ALC. The Captain is out 10/21/25.
This was my first by Christi Caldwell, and I found it a solid, enjoyable, and spicy read. I obviously picked it up because it features a main character who is a ship's captain, and honestly, my favorite parts of the book were those at sea or regarding the ships. The romance features a pseudo love triangle, with Linnie torn between Lord Culross and Jeremy. Luckily it resolves quickly from the emotional side.
I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Will M. Watt & Heather Wilds. I don't often like dual narration in historical romances, but I loved the way their narrations play off of one another.
Thank you to Montrose and Brilliance Audio for an eARC and ALC. The Captain is out 10/21/25.
October 15, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
This is the first book I've read by Caldwell and I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. The strongest aspects of this book are the characters. They are very interesting to follow. I preferred Linnie's pov, I just found her to be more interesting to follow. The revenge storyline is good. The narrators were great to listen to. I enjoyed both of their performances and thought they did great with bringing the characters to life.
This is the first book I've read by Caldwell and I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. The strongest aspects of this book are the characters. They are very interesting to follow. I preferred Linnie's pov, I just found her to be more interesting to follow. The revenge storyline is good. The narrators were great to listen to. I enjoyed both of their performances and thought they did great with bringing the characters to life.
November 1, 2025
This was just so… boring! 🥱 Tremaine was a jealous, emotionally abusive man-whore of a character (totally unlikable) and Linnie was quite the pathetic heroine who took the abuse and asked for more. This was not my cup of tea.
October 13, 2025
Miss Linnie McQuoid has longed for Captain Jeremy Tremaine for years. Once a close friend of the family, the captain has since had a falling out with Linnie's brother and is now shunned. Linnie takes up his cause. At a masquerade ball, disguised as a naïve shepherdess, she stumbles upon Jeremy. The two have an illicit moment in a statue room, and this humiliates Linnie and ignites Jeremy's longing.
I have enjoyed other books by Caldwell, so I was eager to dive into this one. I will also say here as a general disclaimer that I love high spice books; I am a seasoned romance reader who is not easily taken aback by graphic scenes. This is context to say that this book surprised me with the barrage of explicit material. The opening scene features a graphic scene with Jeremy and a sex worker. Meant to display his flaws, this throws the reader into viewing Jeremy as gross and perhaps even an anti-hero. This continues when Jeremy humiliates Linnie after their encounter in the state room. It seems like a heavy ask to expect the reader to continue to cheer for this hero. Even if he is a rake, he seems flagrant and unappealing after the first twenty percent of the book.
This is perhaps an interesting premise for some readers, but for a typical romance reader, it seems like a bridge too far. The cover and the description set the reader up for something much more traditional. I am sorry to have to offer this feedback, and it may be entirely possible that some other readers love a hero like Jeremy.
I have enjoyed other books by Caldwell, so I was eager to dive into this one. I will also say here as a general disclaimer that I love high spice books; I am a seasoned romance reader who is not easily taken aback by graphic scenes. This is context to say that this book surprised me with the barrage of explicit material. The opening scene features a graphic scene with Jeremy and a sex worker. Meant to display his flaws, this throws the reader into viewing Jeremy as gross and perhaps even an anti-hero. This continues when Jeremy humiliates Linnie after their encounter in the state room. It seems like a heavy ask to expect the reader to continue to cheer for this hero. Even if he is a rake, he seems flagrant and unappealing after the first twenty percent of the book.
This is perhaps an interesting premise for some readers, but for a typical romance reader, it seems like a bridge too far. The cover and the description set the reader up for something much more traditional. I am sorry to have to offer this feedback, and it may be entirely possible that some other readers love a hero like Jeremy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2025
(Italian version below)
FMC starts off sweet, witty, and hopeful, easy to love and root for. But later her character stalls, defined mostly by excusing Jeremy’s behavior instead of growing from it. This would have been a turning point for me.
MMC is a wounded rake fueled by pride and revenge. His character was extremely promising!
Worth mentioning: the love triangle adds tension, the masquerade scene sparks chemistry, and the sea battle is exciting.
BUT
Compared to other Christi Caldwell books, I never really felt the moment Jeremy fell in love with her. The passion was there, but the emotional turning point wasn’t. The MMC’s supposed shift from using Linnie to loving her never feels convincing, so his redemption lacks emotional impact—no pathos, no trembling wrists, very faint feelings about this.
Overall, a good book (worth 4 starts maybe), but not what I expected (so -1 for the disappointment).
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the pre-publish copy.
*******
La protagonista femminile parte dolce, spiritosa e piena di speranza: è facile amarla e fare il tifo per lei. Ma più avanti il suo personaggio si ferma, definito quasi solo dal perdonare Jeremy invece di crescere attraverso ciò che le accade. Per me, lì ci sarebbe dovuta essere una vera svolta narrativa.
Il protagonista maschile è un libertino ferito, guidato da orgoglio e vendetta. Il potenziale del suo personaggio era altissimo!
Vale la pena menzionare: il triangolo amoroso aggiunge tensione, la scena al ballo in maschera ha grande chimica e la battaglia navale è davvero emozionante.
MA
Rispetto ad altri libri di Christi Caldwell, non ho mai sentito davvero il momento in cui Jeremy si innamora di lei. La passione c'è, ma manca il punto di svolta emotivo. Il presunto passaggio da "usarli" a "amarla" non risulta convincente, quindi la sua redenzione non ha l’impatto che avrebbe dovuto: niente pathos, niente polsi che tremano, emozioni molto attenuate.
Nel complesso, un buon libro (forse da 4 stelle), ma non quello che mi aspettavo—quindi -1 per la delusione.
****
Wow, this has super angsty/What Happened in Bali or something vibes! E pure in dono come ARC! Non so il perché del pastiche linguistico che sto usando...
FMC starts off sweet, witty, and hopeful, easy to love and root for. But later her character stalls, defined mostly by excusing Jeremy’s behavior instead of growing from it. This would have been a turning point for me.
MMC is a wounded rake fueled by pride and revenge. His character was extremely promising!
Worth mentioning: the love triangle adds tension, the masquerade scene sparks chemistry, and the sea battle is exciting.
BUT
Compared to other Christi Caldwell books, I never really felt the moment Jeremy fell in love with her. The passion was there, but the emotional turning point wasn’t. The MMC’s supposed shift from using Linnie to loving her never feels convincing, so his redemption lacks emotional impact—no pathos, no trembling wrists, very faint feelings about this.
Overall, a good book (worth 4 starts maybe), but not what I expected (so -1 for the disappointment).
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the pre-publish copy.
*******
La protagonista femminile parte dolce, spiritosa e piena di speranza: è facile amarla e fare il tifo per lei. Ma più avanti il suo personaggio si ferma, definito quasi solo dal perdonare Jeremy invece di crescere attraverso ciò che le accade. Per me, lì ci sarebbe dovuta essere una vera svolta narrativa.
Il protagonista maschile è un libertino ferito, guidato da orgoglio e vendetta. Il potenziale del suo personaggio era altissimo!
Vale la pena menzionare: il triangolo amoroso aggiunge tensione, la scena al ballo in maschera ha grande chimica e la battaglia navale è davvero emozionante.
MA
Rispetto ad altri libri di Christi Caldwell, non ho mai sentito davvero il momento in cui Jeremy si innamora di lei. La passione c'è, ma manca il punto di svolta emotivo. Il presunto passaggio da "usarli" a "amarla" non risulta convincente, quindi la sua redenzione non ha l’impatto che avrebbe dovuto: niente pathos, niente polsi che tremano, emozioni molto attenuate.
Nel complesso, un buon libro (forse da 4 stelle), ma non quello che mi aspettavo—quindi -1 per la delusione.
****
Wow, this has super angsty/What Happened in Bali or something vibes! E pure in dono come ARC! Non so il perché del pastiche linguistico che sto usando...
August 22, 2025
The Captain is a brilliant story with fascinating main characters. I enjoyed the book from cover to cover, with some small complaints.
At first glance, Captain Jeremy Tremaine comes across as a self-centered, heartless rake who only cares about his pleasure. Dig a little deeper and you realize this behavior is a front for how deeply affected he is by the betrayal of his best friend since childhood. Arran McQuoid not only doesn't apologize, he inflicts further pain by falsely accusing Jeremy as the betrayer. Arran also seeks business allies to protect himself and ruin Jeremy for good. Feeling bitter and jaded, Jeremy seeks revenge with the help of his older brother the Duke of Hartwell.
Arran is doing everything he can to close ranks against Jeremy. He's already conspiring with his new best friend, Lord Culross, to keep Jeremy from being able to build a new ship. He then enlists the help of his large family to shun Jeremy Tremaine. I started shaking my head here. The McQuoids have known Jeremy since childhood. Yet they don't seem to have a single braincell between them as they accept Arran's tale of Jeremy being a bad man and should never be with the McQuoid family ever again. No explanation is given. They go along it and all vote the same like mindless sheep. Well, except for Linnie McQuoid-Smith.
Linnie immediately does what the other family members should have been doing. Asking questions, insisting on more detail, rather than going along just because Arran says so. Sadly the family checks all the marks for dysfunction & enmeshment. They infantilize Linnie by calling her a childhood nickname, "Linnie Lou" even when she's asked them to stop. They are dismissive first by brushing off anything Linnie has to say, then by trying to force a marriage with Lord Culross regardless of Linnie's wishes. Maybe the McQuoids have been wonderful in other books. In The Captain they infuriated me.
The relationship between Jeremy & Linnie is a struggle from beginning to finish but it was amazing to see them overcome the obstacles. Linnie has been in love with Jeremy since she was 11. Jeremy intially planned to use Linnie as revenge against the McQuoids, but her unwavering support in him and her goodness revives his burned heart. It will be an uphill battle as Jeremy is ashamed of himself for his plans at the beginning, and the McQuoids, especially Arran and his slimy friend do everything possible to destroy their relationship. Love does conquer all Jeremy & Linnie will have the chance to repair their relationship and be happy.
I was a little disappointed that Arran & Lord Culross got off so lightly. There were some consequences, but they were far below what I was hoping to see. Perhaps their tales will continue in future books. It would be quite entertaining to see them both have to deal with the fallout of their selfishness and dishonesty. I would have liked to have seen more of a real apology from members of the McQuoid family. Yes Jeremy screwed up royally. But he apologized, took his lumps and resolved to do better. The McQuoids idea of an apology was apparently to accept Jeremy back into the family fold. Yay I guess?
That being said, I still really enjoyed the book. Jeremy & Linnie were wonderful main characters, richly detailed and full of life. If there are more in this series I will be interested in reading them. As I mentioned before, I'm eager to see Arran & Lord Culross knocked down a few pegs by women who won't tolerate their shenanigans. I'd also like to see what happens to other side characters.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. My review is my own honest and unsolicited opinion.
At first glance, Captain Jeremy Tremaine comes across as a self-centered, heartless rake who only cares about his pleasure. Dig a little deeper and you realize this behavior is a front for how deeply affected he is by the betrayal of his best friend since childhood. Arran McQuoid not only doesn't apologize, he inflicts further pain by falsely accusing Jeremy as the betrayer. Arran also seeks business allies to protect himself and ruin Jeremy for good. Feeling bitter and jaded, Jeremy seeks revenge with the help of his older brother the Duke of Hartwell.
Arran is doing everything he can to close ranks against Jeremy. He's already conspiring with his new best friend, Lord Culross, to keep Jeremy from being able to build a new ship. He then enlists the help of his large family to shun Jeremy Tremaine. I started shaking my head here. The McQuoids have known Jeremy since childhood. Yet they don't seem to have a single braincell between them as they accept Arran's tale of Jeremy being a bad man and should never be with the McQuoid family ever again. No explanation is given. They go along it and all vote the same like mindless sheep. Well, except for Linnie McQuoid-Smith.
Linnie immediately does what the other family members should have been doing. Asking questions, insisting on more detail, rather than going along just because Arran says so. Sadly the family checks all the marks for dysfunction & enmeshment. They infantilize Linnie by calling her a childhood nickname, "Linnie Lou" even when she's asked them to stop. They are dismissive first by brushing off anything Linnie has to say, then by trying to force a marriage with Lord Culross regardless of Linnie's wishes. Maybe the McQuoids have been wonderful in other books. In The Captain they infuriated me.
The relationship between Jeremy & Linnie is a struggle from beginning to finish but it was amazing to see them overcome the obstacles. Linnie has been in love with Jeremy since she was 11. Jeremy intially planned to use Linnie as revenge against the McQuoids, but her unwavering support in him and her goodness revives his burned heart. It will be an uphill battle as Jeremy is ashamed of himself for his plans at the beginning, and the McQuoids, especially Arran and his slimy friend do everything possible to destroy their relationship. Love does conquer all Jeremy & Linnie will have the chance to repair their relationship and be happy.
I was a little disappointed that Arran & Lord Culross got off so lightly. There were some consequences, but they were far below what I was hoping to see. Perhaps their tales will continue in future books. It would be quite entertaining to see them both have to deal with the fallout of their selfishness and dishonesty. I would have liked to have seen more of a real apology from members of the McQuoid family. Yes Jeremy screwed up royally. But he apologized, took his lumps and resolved to do better. The McQuoids idea of an apology was apparently to accept Jeremy back into the family fold. Yay I guess?
That being said, I still really enjoyed the book. Jeremy & Linnie were wonderful main characters, richly detailed and full of life. If there are more in this series I will be interested in reading them. As I mentioned before, I'm eager to see Arran & Lord Culross knocked down a few pegs by women who won't tolerate their shenanigans. I'd also like to see what happens to other side characters.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. My review is my own honest and unsolicited opinion.
December 4, 2025
Christi Caldwell delivers another emotional and dramatic historical romance with The Captain, a book that dives deep into themes of betrayal, vengeance, and the power of first love.
The story centers on Miss Linnie McQuoid-Smith, who has spent her life nurturing an unspoken love for Captain Jeremy Tremaine. Jeremy was once an almost-member of her family, a devoted friend to her cousin, Arran. However, a tragedy at sea resulted in a betrayal, leaving Jeremy physically scarred, emotionally ruined, and consumed by a singular desire for vengeance against Arran. The charming Jeremy Linnie remembers has been replaced by a hardened, cynical captain.
Linnie is devastated by the rift, especially when her family, led by Arran, arranges her betrothal to Lord Culross—Arran's new ally and Jeremy’s rival. Linnie’s efforts to defy her family and uncover the truth lead her to a dangerous encounter with Jeremy, who, masked and embittered, does not initially recognize the innocent girl he grew up with. When Jeremy discovers his childhood friend is to marry his enemy, he decides to exact his revenge by manipulating Linnie into a marriage of convenience, using her as a pawn to destroy Arran and Culross's alliance.
The central conflict is intense: a heroine who has always idolized the hero, trapped in a marriage that the hero intended purely for spite. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the love that Linnie feels is constantly threatened by Jeremy’s toxic need for revenge and his emotional withdrawal.
Linnie starts as a somewhat sheltered young woman, defined by her family’s constraints and her steadfast, idealistic love for Jeremy. Her arc is one of resilience and self-discovery. She is forced to grow rapidly, transitioning from a pawn in a revenge plot to a woman determined to save not only her own heart but the soul of the man she loves. She endures Jeremy's harshness, challenging his bitterness until she finally forces him to confront his true feelings.
Captain Jeremy Tremaine’s arc is the most challenging, and perhaps the most rewarding, of the novel. He is, by design, an incredibly difficult protagonist to like at first. I must admit that, while I understood the source of his anger and hurt—the betrayal that left him ruined—he came off as a bit of a jerk towards the women he engaged with, particularly in the initial scenes. His thirst for vengeance dictates his every action, leading him to treat Linnie poorly and make deeply selfish choices. However, this intentional characterization sets the stage for a hard-won path to redemption. We watch him fall, hit rock bottom, and slowly be forced to choose between the poison of his revenge and the healing power of Linnie’s unconditional love. Caldwell doesn’t let him off easily, making his eventual emotional turnaround feel earned and moving.
One of the great pleasures of reading Christi Caldwell is the sense of a connected universe, and the tie-in of the characters from prior series was great to see. These familiar faces provide a welcome sense of continuity and depth, grounding the narrative in Caldwell’s broader world of nobility and rogues.
Despite the initial difficulty I had with Jeremy’s harsher persona, this was an overall enjoyable story. The high emotional stakes, the dramatic maritime setting, and the satisfying conclusion—where love finally triumphs over bitterness—solidify this as a compelling read. I know I will always get a good story from Caldwell, and The Captain is no exception. Definitely recommend and will pick up more of her work in the future.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story centers on Miss Linnie McQuoid-Smith, who has spent her life nurturing an unspoken love for Captain Jeremy Tremaine. Jeremy was once an almost-member of her family, a devoted friend to her cousin, Arran. However, a tragedy at sea resulted in a betrayal, leaving Jeremy physically scarred, emotionally ruined, and consumed by a singular desire for vengeance against Arran. The charming Jeremy Linnie remembers has been replaced by a hardened, cynical captain.
Linnie is devastated by the rift, especially when her family, led by Arran, arranges her betrothal to Lord Culross—Arran's new ally and Jeremy’s rival. Linnie’s efforts to defy her family and uncover the truth lead her to a dangerous encounter with Jeremy, who, masked and embittered, does not initially recognize the innocent girl he grew up with. When Jeremy discovers his childhood friend is to marry his enemy, he decides to exact his revenge by manipulating Linnie into a marriage of convenience, using her as a pawn to destroy Arran and Culross's alliance.
The central conflict is intense: a heroine who has always idolized the hero, trapped in a marriage that the hero intended purely for spite. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the love that Linnie feels is constantly threatened by Jeremy’s toxic need for revenge and his emotional withdrawal.
Linnie starts as a somewhat sheltered young woman, defined by her family’s constraints and her steadfast, idealistic love for Jeremy. Her arc is one of resilience and self-discovery. She is forced to grow rapidly, transitioning from a pawn in a revenge plot to a woman determined to save not only her own heart but the soul of the man she loves. She endures Jeremy's harshness, challenging his bitterness until she finally forces him to confront his true feelings.
Captain Jeremy Tremaine’s arc is the most challenging, and perhaps the most rewarding, of the novel. He is, by design, an incredibly difficult protagonist to like at first. I must admit that, while I understood the source of his anger and hurt—the betrayal that left him ruined—he came off as a bit of a jerk towards the women he engaged with, particularly in the initial scenes. His thirst for vengeance dictates his every action, leading him to treat Linnie poorly and make deeply selfish choices. However, this intentional characterization sets the stage for a hard-won path to redemption. We watch him fall, hit rock bottom, and slowly be forced to choose between the poison of his revenge and the healing power of Linnie’s unconditional love. Caldwell doesn’t let him off easily, making his eventual emotional turnaround feel earned and moving.
One of the great pleasures of reading Christi Caldwell is the sense of a connected universe, and the tie-in of the characters from prior series was great to see. These familiar faces provide a welcome sense of continuity and depth, grounding the narrative in Caldwell’s broader world of nobility and rogues.
Despite the initial difficulty I had with Jeremy’s harsher persona, this was an overall enjoyable story. The high emotional stakes, the dramatic maritime setting, and the satisfying conclusion—where love finally triumphs over bitterness—solidify this as a compelling read. I know I will always get a good story from Caldwell, and The Captain is no exception. Definitely recommend and will pick up more of her work in the future.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
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