Leeward

This book struck a great balance of story, character and historical detail. Lot of M/M historical romance I've read uses the setting as a mere backdrop, and characters reflect a very modern understanding of gay identity. I loved how the main character's sexual identity was depicted, and really enjoyed the scenes with his wife (TOTAL lavendar marriage in this reviewer's opinion). The romance is a great slow burn that still feels realistic to the mores of the period. It even ties into a subplot about the Haitian Revolution.

As a long time pirate lover it was refreshing to read a pirate story that frames pirates as traitors rather than freewheeling rogues. Again a detail that really sets the story in the period and adds to the stakes! Your mileage may vary on the ship descriptions, which might feel pendatic to some readers, but just added to the immersion for me.

Give this one a read, it's a fun ride!