Member Reviews

There were so many things that I loved about this book. What initially drew me to it was the beautiful cover, which I think definitely deserves a mention because it’s amazing.

Second, this book has book jumping! There may not be many books with this particular plot, but I love any that I can find. Additionally, this book stands out from other book jumping books I’ve read because Emily is from the 1800s, not present times like in all the other books I’ve read kind of like this one. This adds another layer to the story, especially with the complications about inheritance and marriage pushed on her early in the book.

The last main aspect that I really liked about this book was Flynn, the love interest. It was great to get to see him as an in depth person, instead of like in many other pirate books, where the pirate love interest is just a piratey pirate. Finally, I loved how the romance between Emily and Flynn developed throughout the book, especially a certain fight scene *laughs maniacally*.

Overall, although this book was not perfect, I will happily read any other books this author writes, and I’m incredibly excited for the next book in this series! Thank you to Elena H. Covens and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

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As someone who loves romance... And loves pirates, this book checked SO. MANY. BOXES.

At first, I found the story just a tad bit slow. But it quickly picked up for me as Emily and Flynn got to know each other and came to terms with their mutual attraction.

There were surprises and twists that were cleverly done. And the friendships and side characters were also a great addition.

I loved the adventure and romance so much. And the ending was perfect!

His to Love releases August 1st.

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Unfortunately, this book did not have any developmental editor and it shows. I spotted a typo in the introduction and my heart sank as I realized it was very possible that this was a low-quality indie book and that I wouldn't be able to make it through. Books like these give indie publications in general a bad name. The concept is creative and intriguing but the execution needs far more work before this could be a successful novel. The main character Emily liked to hang out in a library called Second Chance Books, which confused me because this sounds like the name of a book store. In any case, I only got 10% in before I decided to stop reading because the quality of the writing and editing is so poor. There are far too many other books of greater quality competing for my attention and a reader's time is precious.

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Kind of reminded me of the voyage of the dawn treader, page master and beauty and the beast. Not sure if others felt that was or if that was the authors intentions (probably not cause that was super specific lol). I enjoyed reading the adventure though

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Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Elena H. Covens for the advanced copy and the opportunity to review this wonderful novel!

Emily Underwood is a curious girl who spends all her time in the local library and craves adventure. One night, while re-reading her favorite novel, she is suddenly struck by lightning and transported to her beloved book’s world, where she meets the infamous pirate, Flynn Sawyer. Immediately, he finds her captivating and does everything in his power to resist falling for this strange and unique woman, but it proves to be useless.

I have not read many pirate books or stories where a character gets pulled into a novel, but from the description this book felt like it would be the perfect blend of fantasy, historical fiction, and romance, and it was! My favorite part about this story was the funny banter between not only the main couple, but between Flynn’s best friends. The quick-witted dialogue in this book had me laughing out loud multiple times and made reading this novel so enjoyable. There is open-door spice but I do not view that as a bad thing! I had fun reading about a dominant male love interest, and it was so heart-warming to witness his devotion and watch their love blossom.

This book is recommended for readers who enjoy cozy historical fiction/fantasy, pirate-themed romance, books that take place in a book, a devoted and dominant male love interest, open-door romance, found family, and funny banter. I would also advise readers that certain topics are included in the story and I encourage them to look into the content warnings before starting the book. The content ranges from being described in moderate detail to being stated in a few sentences: explicit sexual content, gun violence, kidnapping, murder, physical violence, pregnancy, sexual assault, sexual harassment, swearing.

Because of the humorous dialogue, lovable cast of characters and adventurous story, I thoroughly enjoyed reading “His to Love” as my first Covens’ novel, and look forward to the next book in the Second Chance Books series!

This review is now also up on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/179749245-marimoreads?order=d&sort=review&view=reviews) and Storygraph (https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/b9f77e81-d961-4368-8dcc-32e1d9650bac), and a variation of this review has also been posted on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/C9TasFzM_B-/?img_index=1).

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

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Reviewed on Goodreads:

When Emily Underwood, a simple girl living in London in the 1800s, is transported into the world of her favorite Pirate Adventure book by a freak lightning storm, she doesn’t know what to expect. What she does know is that Flynn Sawyer, the 6’5” swashbuckling pirate and heartthrob heroine of her book, is standing right in front of her. Will Emily be able to survive this story and make it back home, despite her growing favor towards the dangerous pirate within? Will Flynn be able to push his feelings aside and complete his lifelong mission of killing the greedy King?

This was a fast paced romance-fantasy filled with adventure and banter. It was easily one of the quickest reads of my life, with the Covens wasting no time getting to the meat of her story. I simultaneously enjoyed and was disappointed by this aspect of the writing. I loved how easy the story was to dive into, with such a unique concept of the main character literally falling into her book, but I couldn’t help but want more from time to time. I wished there had been more buildup to the romance in the story, but at the same time I really enjoyed the cheesy love at first sight type of story Covens portrayed.

Regardless, if you are looking for an easy romance to read, this is the story for you!! Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC. His to Love will be out everywhere August 1st :)

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I have never been a huge pirate romance reader, but this book might just change my mind! It is cozy, with splashes of adventure and romance thrown in for an entertaining story. I really enjoyed having not just a dual POV but also a witty narrator, which made the story even more attention-grabbing!
In His to Love, Emily is thrown into her favorite book, which her father had gifted her as a child during a crazy storm. She ends up meeting the main character from her book, Flynn, a pirate out for revenge and has to help his crew on their journey. Who would have thought being kidnapped by pirates would be so romantic? I loved Emily and Flynn's relationship and the pacing of their journey. There is plenty of banter and sweet moments throughout the story (with some steamy scenes too)!
If you love the action of Pirates of the Caribbean, the romance of Bridgerton, and the idea of escaping into one of your favorite books, this might be a perfect read for you!

Also, the teaser for book 2!!! I cannot wait!

Thank you to Netgalley and Elena H. Covens for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This is an easy, cosy read that has Princess Bride vibes. The narrator is interesting and the writing style is good. I think for me personally, it was a little too short and could’ve used some more drama but I’d still recommend giving it a go!

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I lived the writing style for this book! It reminded me of Princess Bride and It was quite an enjoyable read. The characters were engaging and I am looking forward to the sequel!

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Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this early copy in exchange for an honest review.

His To Love is a cozy, short, easy read that I think many people will enjoy for a light comfort read. The characters are all likeable, the plot is not too high stakes. It was too cozy for me, personally. I wanted more conflict and drama, but for someone in the mood for something before bed I think this is a great choice.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

She was his own constellation. She was his way home. She was home. Perhaps it was him that had fallen prey to her. Because whether she knew it or not, she was his to protect, but he belonged to her entirely.

Emily has always longed for adventure just like her father who had been lost at sea years before. Unfortunately, her life is anything but adventurous, and she has no choice but to accept a marriage to save her home. Since her father’s disappearance, she has always escaped into a little bookshop to read and reread her favorite book, the book her father had left for her about a dashing pirate’s adventures.. until one day she finds herself thrown in the very same storybook world with the very same handsome pirate who she has read about for years.

Listen, this book was just a grand ol’ time!! This was such a cute and cozy, FUN, magical tale of longing, second chances, charming pirates, and the perfect happy ending. I loved the third person narration with dual povs! It was such a good blend of cozy romantasy and the thrill of adventure that makes you want to jump into the world as well. Our girl, Emily, is LIVING OUR DREAM. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get lost in your favorite book and fall in love with your favorite character? All of the characters were absolutely lovable, and meddling Martha was just precious. The writing and pacing was perfect- I wouldn’t change a thing. It was light and fun, but with just enough tension and emotion that tugs at you. I am ready to be whisked away into more of Elena Covens’ storytelling!

themes & tropes to expect:
🏴‍☠️ historical romance + pirate romantasy
🏴‍☠️ lost and found family
🏴‍☠️ forbidden love
🏴‍☠️ he falls first
🏴‍☠️ grumpy x sunshine
🏴‍☠️ literal "book boyfriend"
🏴‍☠️ third person dual pov

This is the first book in a new series by Elena H. Covens Speaking of my love for the characters, we get a sneak peek into our adorable, grumpy + sunshine MM pirate duo and their continuation of adventures for the next book! Can’t wait for more fun!!

Thank you Netgalley & Elena H. Covens for the advanced copy and the opportunity to review!

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“To all the women who want to be transported into a book, only to be kidnapped by a 6'5 pirate with a bad attitude...Flynn Sawyer is waiting for you.”

“At times like these, one might think that the story would be over, that Emily lived her life buried in books and without anything overly remarkable about her. But as luck would have it, this is where our story begins.”

“But when the person who kidnapped you is your favorite character from a book you have read countless times, they might think you are out of your mind.”

Loved it!! Absolutely loved it !!! I can’t believe how much I needed a new pirate fantasy romance book. And when the FMC finds herself entrapped in her favourite book, sharing closed quarters with her favourite pirate captain, who’s also a brooking, grumpy and hot headed man (and an handsome one at that) … I’m hooked!!! I read this book in one sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down. It was so action packed and intriguing and spicy and addictive and the fact that it is a standalone in a series of interconnected books … it was so good!!! I’m developing cliffhanger related trauma so it’s good to read something different every once in a while. Emily and Fynn’s personalities and some of their scenes reminded me a lot of Marina and Simbad from the cartoon. Or maybe that’s how I would have wanted them to behave. Steamy and whatnot. I’m so glad I got a chance to read it !!

"All the adventure in the world can be found in a book. So, make sure to read, and when I'm back, you can tell me about all your adventures."

"Your pleasure is what I want, Princess. And I am a man desperate to be rewarded."

“The heart is a difficult thing to control. If you let it run free, it will break. And if you keep it locked away, it will cease to flourish in the wonders of the world.”

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Thank you to NetGalley, Elena H. Covens, and the publishers for the opportunity to review this ARC.

I wanted to love this book more, since it has everything that makes a story great: intriguing characters, a romantic adventure and an amazing premise. Sadly, I think I was not in the best mindframe when I read it and I did not enjoy as much. Even though the author has talent, I couldn't imerse myself in the story (one thing that kept pulling me off was the commentaries in first person, which is a pet peeve of mine). The good news is that I have a lot of friend who will love to read His to love, it just wasn't for "right now" me <3

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I LOVED this book. The style of writing was so unique and the characters were so lovable. And I just need more right now. I love this world, I love these characters. More, more, more.

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I have never read a pirate romance before, but whewwwww. I have been converted.
I absolutely loved the romance storyline and felt like the relationship between the characters flowed naturally. It didn't feel forced or rushed, which I enjoyed. I really loved Emily's character.

I really enjoyed the adventure feel this book had. Learning about the "book she was in" vs. learning about the book I was reading was honestly super fun. I didn't feel confused at any point in the book.

I also think it was the perfect length. Although I was super sad for it to end, I am excited about the possibility of another book!

Thank you for allowing the chance to read the book early!

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Thank you NetGalley for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

This book! Oh my god this book! It was absolute perfection. I flew through the whole thing in one sitting and now I’m desperate for the rest of the series to come out.

Right off the bat I loved the author’s use of a separate narrator as a character who is chronicling the story. It kind of reminded me of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (not the actual story, but the narrator character) which was one of my favorite series as a kid.

I absolutely loved every character in this book. Usually there’s a few that fall flat, but seriously every single one of them was a gem (except for the bad guys, who were decidedly un-gem like, but that’s kind of the point in a bad guy)

The MMC was one of the most swoon worthy characters I’ve ever met. Spicy scenes, fighting scenes, casual scenes, doesn’t matter what’s going on that man always managed to say something that made me make an audible reaction. There’s a quote from the book where the FMC thinks to herself “No no no…he’s a pirate. No, more than that, he is a fictional man. I cannot react like this to a fictional man!” Well it’s too late for us both FMC, Flynn Sawyer has my heart and deserves the world.

The spice was fantastically written and wasn’t repetitive. If you like hearing “good girl” you should definitely read this book

There were a couple of really well done plot twists. There was one thing I was so worried was gonna happen (and thankfully didn’t) but I spent so much time worrying about that happening that the actual twist kinda slapped me in the face. Again, just really well done

Overall I absolutely ADORED this book and will be on the lookout for more books in this series or other by the author in the future.

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This was fun and unique, I would love to fall into one of my favourite adventures just like our FMC. This was a short fast paced book with romance, adventure and revelations. i really want to read more about the side characters so hopefully we get a couple spin offs.

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His to love is the proof that nowadays you really can read a 6 star book. I rated this book 5 stars but in reality I wanted to give it 6. Loved loved loved and I'm sure I'll re-read it.

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an enchanting, cozy read that would have brighten the right reader's day.

already, the premise of this book is incredibly attractive; entering a book is among my favourite transmigration shenanigans. in theory, i should have loved this. in practice, i had an okay time -- all while wishing for this book to be longer so that there would be more room for the romance to develop. if you are an impatient reader looking for that instant attraction that (semi) delivers, i have good news. everything else -- character developments, the lovable side characters, the piracy, the overarching plot -- were also okay, but ultimately the romance was the sole focus. in my case, i wasn't able to vibe with that so the book as a whole just fell flat for me.

admitedly, i might not have been the right reader for this book. most people seemed to have a better time than i did, so i would encourage all romantasy readers to give this a try.

Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the E-ARC!

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Cute and cosy, I loved the strangeness of the narration which reminded me a little of Lemony Snicket's unreliable narration. Excited for the next instalment!

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