“No. I’m not.” She smirked, watching him huff a soft breath, maybe of relief.

He nodded. “I mean, I can see how that would … vex him. If you managed it. But the whole thing is a—”

“Captain Blackwood,” she said, lifting her chin, raising her eyebrows, “you didn’t let me finish.”

If you managed it.

Ha! Foolish, foolish Knigh.

She scoffed and leant over the stern rail, cool salty spray dusting her skin, such a glorious relief after the stillness of land, the cruelty of iron.

“Your family needs money. Hells, you need money. I need revenge. And I wouldn’t say no to the money either. So, no, I’m not going after Drake’s treasure.”

Head cocked, she flashed him a smile, all brash confidence.

“We are.”

* * *

Vice & Knigh’s adventures continue in

AGAINST DARK TIDES, out now.

Read on for the author’s note with behind the scenes details and a sneak peek of Against Dark Tides.

Author Note

Caution: Here be Spoilers!

Read After Beneath Black Sails.

So, was that how you expected the first instalment to end? You knew Vice couldn’t just fall into Knigh’s arms and let things be smooth sailing (pun semi-intended) between them.

Don’t worry, I have a happy ending planned for the characters/series, but you didn’t think these two would find their way there in just one book, did you? No, they have a long way to go, but everything will be settled by the end of the fourth book, Through Dark Storms, I promise!

They say you should write the book you want to read but can’t find. That’s definitely a good description of my author goals. I love stories that combine thrilling action, cunning intrigue, and a gut-wrenching romance. Some stories get it just right for me, while others get the adventure spot on but don’t have any romance or give it a horrible tragic ending where one of the couple dies. I can enjoy those stories, but they’re not my favourites. When I write, I always try to write the book I’d like to find on the shelf that blends action, intrigue, and romance.

This series is my take on the classic pirate adventure, heavy on the action and the romance, while my Counterfeit Contessa series leans more towards the intrigue and romance. (If you’ve read the CC books, you might even have spotted a little easter egg in there for the BBS series …)

I’ve always wanted to write about pirates—it’s probably something to do with growing up watching films like Cutthroat Island and Hook. But, I have to admit, I always put it off because I was intimidated by ships. They’re big, complicated beasts with weird, specific names for every little part and special rules, and I had no idea where to start writing about them convincingly. So I didn’t.

Then Vice came along.