I’ve been on a pirate hype recently and I was immediately intrigued by Capitana but its beautiful cover. Add in the fact that it’s an academic rivals-to-lovers story and I was immediately hooked by its early premise.

Unfortunately for me this story just didn’t hit the way I hoped it would. I liked it… but I didn’t *love* it the way I had hoped I would. There was a clear inconsistency with pacing that found me struggling to remain engaged with the plot and the characters that we follow.

I adored Ximena and her fierce stubbornness and ambition. I loved how she was unapologetically herself and was willing to do whatever it took to come out of the other side as a winner. I really wanted to believe in her chemistry with Dante but admittedly I found it to be lacking. Their interactions felt more surface level to my tastes and I just couldn’t find myself believing in the build up for their love story.

There was definitely some twists and turns to keep me hooked, however the pacing issues persisted and the ending felt rushed and under-explained. I understand that this is a duology so I hope that we will receive more clear answers in the final instalment with a much steadier pacing.

Overall not a terrible book, however I did face some struggles which affected my enjoyment and experience.

3.5 stars
This was a good book, but it just wasn't for me. I'm not a fan of books in a school or academy setting. The pace at the beginning seemed to drag on. I wanted the main storyline to begin.

I would have loved this book as a teenager but it was too YA for me. I couldn't connect to the two main characters and found the chemistry lacking.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

I love a pirate story once in a while. So I was feeling quite positive about picking this one up; unfortunately it didn’t hit for me. If you’re looking for an adventure on the seas, if you love tough and stubborn characters, this might really hit for you.

The main problem here is pacing. This story drags, and it truly feels like the main character goes through very little development throughout the story. (Only to have a major change of heart near the end, which at that point feels sudden and unearned.)
I liked the ‘love interest’, but even his characterisation felt off. The switch between mean party boy and secretly hurting sensitive guy felt a bit random, again it felt like there was no true build up to it.
And the ‘villain’ reveal was somehow worse. I don’t think it should feel too sudden/unearned while also feeling like it was too obvious. That’s almost impressive.

Overall; this book is not bad! I just think it has some issues; which another few rounds of rewrites could’ve sorted out.

This started very well, I was gripped by the world building and the clear tension between Ximena and Dante.

However I think this book needed more foreshadowing because as it went on I was confused by some characters actions and sudden changes in lifelong beliefs. The ending seemed a bit rushed and I don't think this helped because yes the story skipped a couple of weeks journey back but then suddenly a few characters went against everything they have stood for their entire lives and it all just felt very sudden.

So although I really enjoyed the story, I can only give it 3 stars due to the pacing.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.