I wrote a pirate adventure romance. Look how GORGEOUS this cover is…*squeals*

Side note: If you want an ARC, they’re available now! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/2wG2Dpj9tP6cKjV27

There’s something vaguely familiar here, isn’t there? *wink* If you’ve read, or are familiar with, J. M. Barrie’s book Peter Pan, then you’re already well acquainted with the antagonist of the story, Captain James Hook.

One of the most famous pirate captains in all of literature has been captured in several retellings of Barrie’s tale of Neverland. We all recognize them…and we all have our favorites.

But my favorite has always been Killian Jones/Captain James Hook from the television show Once Upon a Time. He is by far the most handsome and charming Captain Hook, not to mention the most complex interpretation of the character. And that voice. *SWOON*

How did this character inspire my tale of Captain Hook? Well, it all started with my good friend and author named Decadent Kane when she sent me her book featuring a pirate elf named Joren. She had chosen Killian Jones to be the visual inspiration for her cutthroat pirate elf. We often sent each other spicy memes with our characters’ inspiration…but this was my introduction to Killian Jones and I was smitten.

This innocent infatuation with both Joren and Killian Jones sparked an idea for a pirate tale featuring the infamous Captain Hook. A seed took root and slowly sprouted. But it took on a life all its own.

I began my author journey with historical romance and this idea took root in my mind, not for a traditional historical pirate adventure, but a twist on combining both Neverland and reality. I created my own countries and ports…setting them in a new universe. A few changes in the typical characterizations of familiar names and I had a fresh, new story to tell.

What can you expect? Well…

Tinker Bell is Madame Tinker. Owner of the most popular brothel in the Endless Sea.

Gone is the Jolly Roger. Replaced by The Raven.

Mr. Smee is quite handsome…and mild-mannered.

Captain James Hook isn’t the most feared pirate. That title belongs to his father, Admiral Tiberius Hook.

There will be more little adaptations and changes as the series continues. Yes, it will be a series. Pirates and Persuasion has a nice ring to it. We’ll get Mr. Smee’s story, as well as two books dedicated to two handsome silver fox pirate lords.

But there are a few nods to another familiar pirate franchise. A pirate story wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to Pirates of the Caribbean and Captain Jack Sparrow.

In fact, as I wrote Queen Takes Hook, I listened solely to the soundtrack for Pirates of the Caribbean. It gave me the perfect ambiance for the story and set the mood for the series. Soundtracks always make the BEST inspiration and motivation for the muse.

As a little bonus, I commissioned Phantom Dame, an artist I love, to paint me a little bodice ripper portrait of my characters in celebration of their upcoming book. Here is Captain James Hook and Princess Celeste in all their swashbuckling glory. You’ll get a print to go with your signed copy of the book when it releases on April 23rd if you buy it directly from me!