The Black Lion

Pirate's Paradise #1

by Victoria Vale

After being pressed into the service of the Royal Navy, piracy afforded Captain Andrew Reeves the path to a new life. But, he’ll find no peace until he’s exacted vengeance upon those who betrayed him—including his former lover, Arabella Baines.

Bella once promised her unfailing love, yet is soon to marry another. Taking her captive, Drew vows to do with her as he pleases, subjecting her to every dark desire conjured by his rage and bitterness. At his mercy, Bella submits to Drew, having no wish to escape the man to whom her heart truly belongs.

As Drew unearths the truth behind her duplicity, can the wounds of the past be healed, allowing a second chance at love?

Pirate's Paradise is an angsty, swashbuckling series of romances featuring dauntless outlaws of the high seas. These books contain eyebrow scorching adult scenes, but romance is at the heart of these erotic tales. Set sail to exotic Jamaica and the wilds of Madagascar, and prepare to be plundered!

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Pirates, Historical, Adult, Second Chance, Action

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2020

About the author

Victoria Vale writes erotic romance that refuses to stay in its lane. She hops between history and suspense, blending danger with desire until the edges blur. Her stories are marked by bold heroines, irresistible heroes, and heat that never behaves the way it should. Love Me Darkly (2025) proves passion is always at its best when it misbehaves.

Reviews

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio 5 ++++ Stars!
Story 5 Stars!

I Very seldom rate covers but daaammmnnn ...that cover is gorgeous 5++++ Stars!

Another Victoria Vale series for me to drool and swoon over. 😍

This was an awesome second chance romance with a yummy alpha pirate and a strong but sweet heroine. They complimented each other perfectly. The cast of diverse characters was spectacular! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Nadège gets her own story, because an alpha female pirate is the stuff of my dreams! ❤

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋

Passionate embraces, tense moments and the devious devilry of the people you should be able to love and trust the most .

A wonderful book that gives everything you want from a swashbuckling adventure.

When Drew disappears, having been forced into the Navy he’s presumed to be dead.
Arabella turns to the person she has always trusted to be her rock, someone to draw her through the difficult times, his brother.

Will is the person who’s been there for her through it all.
But after 5 years and now engaged to Will, she starts to doubt wether marriage is what she wants, when she can’t forget her past love,he was her heart and soul ,her lion .
Then her destiny changes and she’s thrown into Drew’s life once more.

Passionate encounters that when written in Victoria’s unique way transform into a magical world inside your head .
A brilliant story with great characters.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance at love!
Arabella and Andrew! Two young people in love. In this story their love shows how strong and enduring it is.
This was such an exotic and passionate romance ❤️
A handsome Pirate and his true love and everything they endured to be together. So much fun reading this book, I loved everything about this storyline. Victoria Vale never disappoints her readers with alpha male, strong heroine and in this exciting new series, steamy hot love scenes 🔥
The Black Lion is a fierce and handsome pirate, out for vengeance, but their are lies and confusion that eventually gets sorted out and ends with a beautiful happily ever after ❤️
I’m listening to this book on Audible! Victoria Vale is such an incredibly talented and beautiful author ❤️. 2/16/20

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's sort of a second chance, but not second chance, semi love triangle tale with started all by the betrayal of the worst kind. They trully are their time's version of Romeo and Juliet.
I understand the pain, thoughts of betrayal, and need for revenge that drove Drew and the debilitating loss that drove Arabella to make the decision she made in the beginning. Seeing them be able to overcome what they had lost and went through and reconnect on a deeper level than before was so beautiful.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since he was taken by a British Navy press gang, Captain Andrew Reeves was forced to make his own way in the world. Piracy was the answer for him and now he has more power and riches than most men could fathom. But his conquest is incomplete until he seeks his revenge against those who betrayed him, most especially the love of his life, Arabella Baines.

Bella and Drew made promises to each other once, but now she is on the cusp of marrying another. Drew won’t stand for it and kidnaps her on her wedding day, intending to act on every fantasy he’s ever had of her. Bella has only ever wanted Drew and with him returned to her at last, she submits to his possessiveness. As he learns the truth of what truly happened before, during, and after their separation, Drew begins to wonder if they can have a true second chance at happiness.

This was an excellent, actiony story. I was nervous about the kidnapping aspect and afraid it would make the hero too villainous, but it worked out just fine here. Drew’s whole-hearted devotion to Bella was spectacular even as his possessiveness gave him an air of danger. This was ridiculously steamy (in the best way) and the reunion between Bella and Drew was surprisingly romantic and sweet. There was angst but it was minimized by the fact that they were both open and honest with one another, so it wound up being just the right amount of tension. The setting was wonderful and very different from most of the historicals being published right now. I was drawn straight into this lush, tropical setting and into the storyline by the excellent descriptions and Darcy Stark’s fabulous narration. The action and the dash of suspense, as well as the steam and romance kept me engrossed in the story and I’d highly recommend giving it a try.

I voluntarily listened to and reviewed an audio advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Blondie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Vale can do no wrong! She never fails to make me fall in love with her characters. Arabella (Bella)and Andrew (Drew or Captain) fell in love as children but their families conspired against the and pulled them apart. Just before it was too late they find each other again!

Excellent Excellent Excellent I recommend this book for anyone looking for a historical erotic romance with a bad boy pirate and the woman he can't live without

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Lion by, Victoria Vale. This is a romantic adventure read you will want to dive into. From the start the steamy romance scenes soaked the first few pages. Drew and Bella couldn’t get enough of one another. I like how the writer focused on the love between the two.
The writer, I feel did a good job at giving her readers a little background story about African Americans holding on to their love for one another, while fending off the hatred in the world. Bella was so distraught over Drew so much, she believed that she would never be happy again. Her father tried forcing her to wed someone else, but Bella is a woman who stands her grounds. She wanted to live in isolation.
William her best friend and Drew’s brother tries his best to be there for Bella. Filled with hatred of the people who turned their back on him. Drew returns home with revenge on his mind. The power of these characters emotions are written so well that you as reader will not be able to put the book down. My fellow readers I recommend this book. Until next time... read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story moved along at a good pace and had plenty of action. Drew and Bella had loved each other since they were young. They were both illegitimate children born to a slave owner and his mistress. They both knew what it was like to not be fully accepted by society. It’s difficult to say too much without giving away any spoilers. Bella and Drew were engaging characters, Bella was brave and caring, Drew was fierce and protective of Bella. There are some very passion moments, danger and retribution. This story will keep you interested until the end. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written historical with strong characters in Drew and Bella. The author does a great job building the story ,filling bit with tons of action and a sizzling hot chemistry and fiery sex scenes. The story is brought to life with her detailed and descriptive scenes. I was glued to the pages from start to finish and would highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~* · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Whew" I could not put this one down!...adventure, passion, betrayals, second chances, tense moments, (actually to keep you on your toes for once.)
Piracy at its best!
Strong character's, steamy without being too much for this reader.
Hoping that Nadege gets her own story.
Can't wait for book 2
And that cover??
Yup sucked me in, and finally a story to match it!

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as included in the Pirates, Passion and Plunder anthology under the title of The Captain's Captive. The problem of reading a book included in an anthology is that I never know the quality of the book going in. And I usually haven’t read any previous work by the author so I don’t have any idea for what they might bring into it. I could have done without all the all too modern Fifty Shades bondage stuff and plugs (ew!). I don’t often find myself skipping over the last chapter of a book, but I did with this one. And it really bugged me that Drew never once apologized for causing her pain. She was the one who had to do all of the apologizing for nearly marrying his brother. But when they were together and he obviously caused her to bleed a bit, turning a cloth pink, presumably not just because of her virginity but because of how rough he took her, he only warned her beforehand each time that it would be rough, but not once did he apologize after for causing her pain. After being rough with her, you would expect he would have to do some groveling for treating her that way (and adding some sex toys to the end doesn’t automatically make everything better). That said, the book focuses mainly on Arabella being a prisoner on his ship and trying to tell him how much she missed him and that she though he was dead, etc, and he just wouldn’t listen to anything she said, convinced she was lying about everything. I also expected her to at least mention that she attempted to join him in his watery grave (in the opening scene), but that never got a mention as well. I did walk into this because I am a fan of pirate fiction and it did deliver on that aspect. The pirates were everything I expected them to be. They were rough, brutal, uncouth, lawless, and on the high seas sailing to a tropical destination and looting along the way. They were all fantastically described, and it did spend time describing several of the other mates besides just the captain. And the captain did have an interesting backstory adventure of how he came to be captain from the point when he originally left our heroine, filled with betrayal and mutiny, and whippings, and sword fights. This book doesn’t hold back on the violence, especially characters getting whipped brutally. Admittedly, I was hoping for a romance, and it was romantic in the very first couple of scenes, any time she was reminiscing about Drew in the past. But the current relationship was very much just sex.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scars On The Inside💔 and Outside💀💪🔪
ADULT Historical Georgian Pirate 🐺💪🔪💀Romance 💕with kidnappings💪🔪

The Days of Pirates🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 and Palms🌴🌊. A white powdered Wig for A white wedding👰🎶.I

Jamaica🌴🌺, Mon! 1789.
Two mulatto children, sired by neighboring British sugar cane plantation owners, out of slave mothers, are brought up as privileged as the men's white children. But they never quite fit in to either 🌎world...

Arabella's mulatto mother was much loved by her father, after his wife died. Arabella💃💋 has a white half sister that detests her beauty and sweet demeanour.
Arabella💃💋 knows if her father dies, she will be lost and her sister will turn her out, so She needs to marry well. Despite her wealthy and schooled upbringing, she is afterall, still a black woman in a white man's 🌎world.

She is deeply in love💘 with Andrew🐯🍆⛲, the mulatto son of a neighboring plantation owner who was brought up the same way. Andrew🐯🍆⛲ has a white older brother, William👺.

Drew💃💋 asks Arabella's father three times for her hand, but is turned down. His furniture building skills aren't a good enough trade to win her hand👰.

William👺 covets Arabella💃💋, and he and his father conspire to have Drew🐯🍆⛲ pressed into naval service⛵ for The 👑King. He is basically kidnapped and taken to a ship⛵ with a horrid and cruel captain. Arabella💃💋 thinks he joined of his own free will and abandoned her💔.

A few years later...
Arabella💋 is told Drew🐯💪🔪 went down with his ship⛵ and all hands were lost at sea🌊.

Broken hearted💔, Arabella💃💋 finally agrees to marry👰 William👺.

Neither realize that Drew🐯💪🔪 and his shipmates mutinied and now are pirates💀💪🔪 with their own small fleet of ships⛵⛵⛵! Drew🐯🍆⛲💪🔪 the Captain, is known as the Black Lion🐯💪🔪, the most feared pirate💀🔪 on the seas🌊⛵! He is no longer the man that Arabella💃💋 knew. He's a hardened Pirate Captain💀🔪💪, with a myriad of scars, both inside💔 and outside🔪.

Drew🐯💪🔪 plots his revenge, and steals Arabella💃💋, William👺, and her father right in the middle of The church wedding👰 ceremony...

ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
This ebook was $3.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
Opinions Expressed here are entirely my own.

This is an absorbing and intense tale of two part white, part black, young people who struggle to fit in to a privileged world while at the same time know their roots are also in the continued slavery of the black side of their family.

[Jess Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Lion is a pirate historical romance about Drew and Bella, lovers who, by the whims of the men around them are separated, then brought back together in circumstances that would challenge any case of true love. It was originally released as part of a pretty good collection, but is now a novel on its own, with new characters introduced, fleshed out storylines, and straight out more story. It was good in the collection then; now it’s fantastic on its own.

Bella is the daughter of a plantation owner and his slave mistress who was brought up as part of her father’s family. Drew is the son of a plantation owner father and slave mother who was apprenticed to a tradesman when he was old enough. They fall in love, but Drew is pressed into service in the Royal Navy and is presumed dead after his ship is reported sunk. Bella waits five years for him before reluctantly accepting a marriage proposal from his half-brother, Will. Then the day of the wedding comes, everything changes, and the fun begins.

Bella is a sweet, feisty, strong willed woman. Waiting for five years before moving on would be hard for anyone, especially with the mountain of evidence that her lover was dead. She even keeps the token he carved for her on her person, which means she still wasn’t over him when she said yes to the proposal. But when push comes to shove, she can be ruthless and exact revenge with the best of them. I really liked her.

Drew is the epitome of a pirate hero. Strong, scary, smart, and in private moments, sweet and tender. He can also be the alpha male in bed, which makes him sexy as well. He’s gone from honorable sailor to pirate in the five years he’s been gone, but as we learn, he’s still honorable for the most part. And he still loves Bella.

The writing is lush, full of rich descriptions that engage all of the senses. Vale always likes to make the reader feel like they’re in the middle of the action and this book is no exception. Not only can you see and hear the sounds of battle, you can smell the gunpowder in the air, taste the salt of the sea, the iron of the blood in the air; you can feel the boards sway under your feet as the ship takes to open waters. She also fleshes out old characters, like Will and several of the named pirates. But she also introduces new characters that you KNOW will become heroes and heroines in their own right. I’m excited to see them come into their own.

I also love that the hero and heroine are both people of color. As a historical romance reader, I don’t see that much, if at all. There seems to be a wave of new writers who are bringing POCs into historical romance as more than just servants or friends. Vale did this in her Gentleman Courtesan series and I can’t wait to read more in her new Pirate Paradise series.

I highly recommend this book! I loved it before and the additions made me love it even more. Bring on more pirates, Ms. Vale! I want them all!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat Ryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that everyone reading my reviews figures that I will automatically give Victoria Vale five stars, no matter what. I was even told that recently. My reply was that they were sorely mistaken. If she couldn't write a masterpiece of erotic literature, I would bury her in bad reviews. But she CAN write erotica, and she CAN create characters that will grip your heart and not let go.

Bella and Drew are two such characters. But they come with a warning, because this isn't your normal Victorian Smut that Ms. Vale writes. This is a pirate story, and as such, she has made it a bit more realistic than previously. And I loved every word of it. Yes, there was some violence, although it was written tastefully and within the boundaries of the book. Yes, there was lots of sex - Wait a Minute! This is a Victoria Vale book, and I'm saying there was lots of sex. I think I need another cup of coffee. My days of hitting the Scotch while reading are over, but maybe I didn't have enough caffeine in me to start on this review.

The gist of the story is that Drew has been shanghaied and has come back thinking that his love, Bella, had something to do with it. And as like all bad boys who are in love with their one and only, while he intends to punish her, it doesn't end up like that at all. Honestly, this is a great love story, wrapped into a baudy romp through a pirate's bed, and ends up being a book you're going to want to read more than once.

And once again, Ms. Vale has come through. In this book are all the hallmarks of her thoughtful and thorough writing. Her characters don't leave you wanting, they're very well developed. Her stories are always ones I don't want to have end any time soon. In fact, I've been known to put one of her books down and walk away because its going to end too soon. And above all else, she knows what love is and how to display it interwoven within a great story and great erotica.

OK, yes, I DO like her writing. I think you got that now. Her books are ones I have read over and over and over again, and if this Black Lion is followed by other interesting pirates, I'm sure I'll have reading materials for some time to come. As always, I close my reviews with a message to the author: stop basking in your glory and get writing. Ahem, I'm not the only one who has read this, enjoyed it, and wants you to write more! That means, get your fingers busy with that computer and gimme another pirate!

[SusieQ_Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two soul mates find each other again in this gripping tale of a young couple that was cruelly torn apart. Drew and Bella were totally meant to be together. How can you not love a couple whose mission is to rescue and help those less fortunate than themselves? The answer is that you cannot.

The Black Lion is one swashbuckling adventure complete with betrayal, angst, forgiveness, loyalty and best of all love. Everything you want in a high seas pirate romance. There is also plenty of pirate booty to go around, if you catch my drift.

Readers who enjoy a pirate romance with all the feels must read this story. Bella’s total acceptance of Drew, despite the changes in him as a result of what he endured, is a true testament of love.

I was provided an ARC of this story and this is my unbiased review.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Victoria Vale's writing. I have enjoyed every book I've read by her.
I downloaded this book in July but for some reason kept reading other books instead. It's not really my style of read but because it was Victoria Vale I knew it was going to be good. I am so glad I finally decided to get around to reading this book.
It was so good. So damn sexy.
Intrigue, Suspense, Sex, Drama…it has it all.
Great read.
I would highly recommend.

[EstelaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starring Captain Andrew Reeves and Miss Arabella “Bella” Katherine Baines

Trope(s): Secret Lovers, Love Triangle, Betrayal, Revenge, and Second Chances.

Drew is an intensely angsty swoon-worthy hero. Even when he thought Bella betrayed him, his love and need for her consumed him. Gotta love a man who will stop at nothing to get his woman and keep her satisfied when she’s finally in his arms. This book should come with a “read in front of a fan” warning!! I mean, total whoa!! Drew was hawt, y’all!!

Bella is a very strong heroine who was put through the emotional wringer. I love that when all was revealed she stood proudly by her man... well, Drew is definitely worth standing beside!!

Together Bella and Drew are combustible and a steadfast duo. I cheered for them and glad they finally got their HEA!!

This was another steamy and sensual read from the amazing Victoria Vale!! I caaaaaaaan’t wait to read about Nadege Dantes... I have a feeling she’s going to be one fantastic B.A. heroine!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My Star Rating: 4 1/2 stars
Story was great. Loved the characters. Gave me the feels and aaaaaaalmost made me cry in some parts.

[Letschat1974 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (enjoy Kate Pearce, Jess Michaels, Victoria Vale)

my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.

The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable (I think there’s enough written about next upcoming series book to grab your attention). I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple.

writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments (secondary characters, little disappointed that the H/H didn’t have any), the give and take dialogue enjoyable as well as action pack.

I did enjoyed how the writing of the book came along in the story telling.

Romantic/sexual content (kissing, oral, love making scenes) was throughout the book. This is a dominant-submissive book. 5/5 hotness and steam.

would recommend this book and looking forward to the series.

this is more a 3.5 stars for me personally.

[Susan-Justavoraciousreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!!! I truly felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster as I read this book...the captivating and sexy love story, the action and the passion....awesome!!! Bella and Drew's chemistry was breathtaking! This book is rich in content and drama! Bravo for writing such a diverse and thrilling read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen_Lee_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Lion: Pirates Paradise Book 1 by Victoria Vale

Arabella Baines and Andrew Reeves have known each other since they were young children. Their family plantations on the island of Jamaica make them neighbors. They share one other thing; both their mothers were slave mistresses to the men who were their fathers. They share the fact that they have feet in two worlds but will only even be considered to be from one.

After asking for her hand in marriage on three different occasions, Andrew or Drew has a plan to present, but his plan is about to be thwarted and the person who betrays him, is probably the last person he would think of. Grabbed by a Royal Navy press gang, Drew disappears and as much as Arabella pines for him, they never hear what really happened, until he shows up, full of hate and ready to make people pay for what has happened to him over the past five years.

There is a reckoning that happens on The Sea Lion, where Drew confronts those who he believes had betrayed him, only for him to find out one is innocent.

As readers we can understand where his anger and hate has come from, and we can celebrate his apology when he finds out the truth. There are years of hate, betrayal and anger that have kept Drew on the offensive. The one thing that he has always known though is his passion and sexual attraction to Bella has never changed.

In the telling of this story Victoria Vale paints the most beautiful pictures of how the island of Jamaica looks, its beaches, the thick lush growth of the greenery and the clothing worn by the stories characters. She doesn’t stop there, once the story moves to Drew’s ship The Sea Lion, again her description of the ship, the rigging, the sails and the sailors come to life while you are reading.

While The Sea Lion sails to Ile Saint Marie just off the coast of Madagascar, Vale continues to give the reader a view into the world of slave trading back in the 1700’s and how many pirates as well as other men with conscious played a part in helping as many slaves as they could. Her insight into history is well researched and presented to the reader as not just part of the story but as a historical fact that is well documented.

I ended up slowing down my reading to take in the beauty and the horror of the story she was telling. She has given us a love story woven in history. It is well worth a read.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Lion is the first book in the Pirate's Paradise series by Victoria Vale and what an awesome start to a series it is!

This story captivated me from the first pages and the more I read the more I wanted to read. I couldn't read quickly enough to find out what would happen next and to find out if our hero, Drew, and heroine, Bella, would have the happy ending they deserved. I also wanted to see the villains of the story get their comeuppance. Spoiler, they do and what a comeuppance it was!

I don't want to go into any great detail about what happens because I don't want to detract from you reading it first-hand. What I will say is that this book has it all. You have the swashbuckling piracy, battles at sea, and learning about the pirates' code. You have the treachery and back-stabbing characters that have to be dealt with. If you have a weak stomach you might need to skip those parts. Then you have the romance between Drew and Bella. They have some very hot, erotic, steamy scenes that will have you reaching for a fan, but what makes them special is that these two are so very much in love with each other, it isn't sex just for the physical release. Although they definitely need the latter considering that both of them have remained celibate since they were forced apart.

This book definitely has everything I want from a story, and most importantly it has a happy ending that I am still smiling about just thinking of it. Drew and Bella are a perfect couple and I loved their story.

Just one more thing that I have to comment on before finishing, and that is the cover of the book. It's something special, isn't it! The couple are exactly as I picture Drew and Bella! I enjoy reading a book where the cover models match the description of the characters in the book perfectly.

[Amy Alvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella has loved Drew since they were children. When she learns that he has joined the Royal Navy and is lost at sea, she is devastated. The one person who seems to be just as devastated is Drew's bother, Will. After mourning Drew's death for many years, Bella has finally agreed to marry Will. He might not be Drew, but he was her friend. But on her wedding day, she gets the biggest shock of her life...Drew is alive! But this Drew is not the same man that she fell in love with. He is now an infamous pirate.

Drew is finally going to get revenge on the two people he used to care the most about. he can't believe that the woman he loves is betraying him with his brother. Kidnapping them both, along with Bella's father, they are taken back to his ship. Drew WILL get his revenge.

But as Drew spends time with Bella, he starts to realize that all might not be as it seems. Can these two find their way back to one another for a second chance of love?

I really enjoyed Bella and Drew's story. The chemistry between these two was read hot! I always love a good pirate story and Vale did not disappoint!! I loved these two together! So excited to see what Vale has in store for us next!

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lion

It is rare to find historical romance where the characters are black; therefore, I was excited about The Black Lion. But my excitement turned to disappointment as I was reading this book. It has a good premise, but I thought the author rushed this story; Vale normally creates characters with depth and I felt Arabella and Drew lacked that. I knew they had a history with each other, but I didn't feel a true deep connection, the only connection seemed to be sex. I wish the story was longer and characters more fleshed out. Nevertheless, I will give it 3 stars because I was intrigued to see what the ending would be. Oh, I hope Ms. Vale will write a story about Nadège; she deserves her own story. I can think of all the possibilities and freedom people can have, living on an island for pirates.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ve already been to Hell,” he declared before turning to continue on his way, “It spat me back out.”

Wow, right? It‘s so difficult to not give away plot spoilers for this book because I want to Talk About It! I will resist the temptation and let you experience it for yourself… I’ll try to just talk about my experience as a reader. The story and characters pulled me in right away like a riptide, and the plot had a strong current that pulled me faster and faster through the pages.

Drew and Arabella, the male and female lead characters, were both of mixed-race parentage. The circumstances of their birth shed a lot of light on the times and places where the book takes place. Even though it’s fictional story, the author clearly did a lot of research. The pain the main characters go through is heart-wrenching. The connection they share is beautiful and passionate, and that makes their torment even worse. The secondary characters and the settings are so wonderfully depicted that you can envision everything your mind’s eye, as if you were watching it on a screen.

I was startled several times by developments in this story, and that is not something I encounter very often. I couldn’t wait to see how it would end and at the same time I didn’t want it to end. You know what I mean? Vanessa Vale has created a fantastic adventure that combines sweet love with swashbuckling adventure, betrayal and passion, exciting twists and turns and a wonderful HEA. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well....wow...this was a GREAT story, as you would expect from Victoria Vale, however, it was not a soft, easy read. Some of the scenes were intense, as you can imagine ...the life of a pirate and the way they manage their life/punishment on board a ship. This book is not for the faint of heart. Not only is Drew a pirate, he’s a mixed-race man who is betrayed by those he trusted. His only wish is to marry his love, but due to the circumstances of his birth and the betrayal of others, he is denied her hand. Drew is strong and dominant and will give you goosebumps!!

Enter Bella, a mixed race woman who has struggled to find her place in society. The child of a wealthy slave owner, she is raised to be a lady with wealth and “privilege”, but is unable to understand her place in the world that would elevate her on the backs of her own people.

Drew and Bella have an everlasting love, that you can feel in the pages of the book. Victoria writes in such a way, you can almost touch it! And the love scenes...(sigh)... beautifully erotic!! I am not ashamed to say it is my favorite part.

I loved this book. I love stories that show a different side of humanity in the historical era, not just the white privileged (and sometimes under privileged) population, but the other nationalities of people that lived and survived during this era. Bravo to you, Victoria, another 5-star win for me! ❤️

I received a free ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dotty M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Lion

The struggle of being from two different worlds and not fitting into either. Drew and Arabella found love at a young age. Because of their stations in these worlds her father did not approve of their love he thought Drew was not good enough for Arabella. Drew’s half brother Will coveted Arabella and knew that her father thought he was a better choice because he was well to do. So together they concocted a scheme that would get Drew out of Arabella’s life for good. While they were unaware that their plan did not go accordingly Drew was plotting his revenge. After Drew misunderstood something he saw he put his plan into action. While the love between Drew and Arabella never died there was not to be a happy ever after for Will. There is lots of action a good amount of sex a happy ever after and my favorite revenge. For me no story is complete without it. No matter how much I like a book if the villains don’t get their punishment it ruins it for me. I’m bloodthirsty when it comes to dealing with villains especially ones like Will I want them to suffer. The punishment must fit the crime. The Black Lion did not disappoint. I look forward to the next book in the Pirates Paradise series. Maybe Nadege’s story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an expansion and continuation of the story Vale included in the Pirates, Passion, and Plunder anthology. Much of the book is pretty much the same as that story. The characters and situation are unchanged, although the order of the book is slightly different from the story. Arabella is the daughter of a master and slave in Jamaica, and is in love with Drew, the son of a different master and slave. Drew’s brother Will, the legitimate son of the master, completes the trio of main characters.

The events of the story are the same—Drew is press ganged and reported dead as Arabella waits to marry him. Heartbroken, she ends up agreeing to marry Will. Turns out Drew’s not dead. Instead he’s pissed, thinking Will and Arabella betrayed him.

I won’t give away any more plot, although mostly the book works out that basic scenario. Arabella just goes along with whoever and whatever is happening, Drew is angry, and Will is unrepentant to the end. Drew and his crew do piratey things like flogging and raiding, they save some slaves, and they go to their own pirate island. Drew is an odd character. He nobly rescues slaves from slave ships, but somehow ended up wealthy doing that, and has no hesitation in brutally killing others (as long as they aren’t slaves). Will has zero redeeming characteristics. I can’t give it 5 stars because I’m not sure I truly liked any of the characters.

This book is pirate violent and includes sex (it’s Victoria Vale, after all), including some back door action. If you don’t want to read that, just skip this. It’s titled as though there will be more installments to come, and I vote that the lady pirate from the pirate island might be a good candidate for her own book.

[NE Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Scorching Hot Adventure!

The Black Lion" is the completed version of a previous novella by Miss Vale. I knew immediately that the story was familiar as I kept anticipating what happened next until the middle if the book.

As always, Vale's main characters...Drew and Bella...are fleshed out well and believably. I cared what was happening to both of them. This ensured jI read it to the delicious ending.

The romance was bold and erotic without being raunchy. This author has a real talent for fanning the flames and drenching your panties.

The story was captivatingly different...a love story for the ages between free quadroons. They are blocked at every turn and lost to one another until the hero finally begins to set things right in a most hair-raising, pulse-pumping, pirate way. Yum!

I must say that I rarely reread books, unless it has been 20 years between readings. I've reread many of Miss Vale's books multiple times, iced drink and fan close at hand. I read this one twice to ensure that I had missed nothing. Oh, boy! It was as rollicking a scorching good time the 2nd read as the 1st read was.

Well done Victoria Vale! You have another hot big winner on your hands. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys adventure, intrigue and sexy romance.

I received free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily submitting this review.

[Edward Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bent on revenge, a pirate discovers that his first love did not betray him as he thought.

Ms. Vale’s characters bold and driven. The plot is based on revenge because Andrew Reeves (Drew) discovered he was betrayed by those who cared for him, particularly his once lover, Arabella Baines (Bella), and he wants justice. The secondary characters make the story much more enjoyable and readable. The intimate scenes are intense and scorching hot.
The story starts with Drew the bastard son of a wealthy planter and his black slave, who is a lowly carpenter’s apprentice falls in love with Bella, who is also the illegitimate offspring of another wealthy planter and his slave. Bella was educated and raised as a lady by her father who sees her as mismatched with Drew. After being impressed by the Royal Navy, Drew leads a mutiny, seizes the ship ad becomes a feared pirate, and is now bent on revenge on those who betrayed him, Bella, her father, and his half-brother. The story chronicles his revenge, the discovery that Bella did not betray him and the renewal of his first and only true love. This is not a book you want to miss.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew & Bella have grown up together & childhood friendship turned to love but her father refuses to let them marry. Then Drew is pressed ganged into the service of the Royal Navy, later news of his death arrives in Jamaica. Bella once promised her unfailing love, yet is soon to marry another. On her wedding day Bella, her father & fiancé William are captured by the notorious pirate The Black Lion who is no other than Captain Andrew Reeves. Drew vows to do with her as he pleases, subjecting her to every dark desire conjured by his rage and bitterness. At his mercy, Bella submits to Drew, having no wish to escape the man to whom her heart truly belongs.
A swashbuckling, roller coaster of a read, central to which is a beautiful second chance romance. Very well written with strong characters, I loved Drew the dark brooding pirate determined to exact his revenge, Bella the strong woman who has only ever wanted Drew. I made the mistake of starting it on an evening & it was passed 2am when I turned the final page, I couldn't put it down. The chemistry is electric & I was totally engrossed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read