Pirate Girls by Penelope Douglas is the second in the Hellbent series, a spin-off to the Fall Away series. It is a classic new adult romance, with eighteen-year-old protagonists trying to find themselves, lots of angst, and an abundance of spicy tension.
Each book in the Hellbent series is technically a standalone, in that they all feature different protagonists, but the series has an overarching plot that connects all the books. This book features Dylan Trent, and her two step-cousins, twins Hunter and Kade.
Dylan is sick of having to follow her father’s rules all the time and sick of being treated like a child. She craves adventure, wants to ride motorcycles professionally, and wants the freedom to make her own choices. The prisoner exchange, a tradition between her school and the rival school across town, is the perfect opportunity.
She gets traded and goes to rough it across town for two weeks, but unbeknownst to her, she’ll be staying with Hunter. Hunter disappeared from the family a year before after a falling out with his twin brother, Kade. Dylan, Hunter, and Kade were all best friends growing up, and when Hunter moved across town and stopped coming to visit or replying to texts, everyone’s feelings were hurt. The dynamics between these three are deeply messy, and as the story progresses things only get messier. And steamier.
In the midst of all this interpersonal drama, Dylan and her cousin Hawke (the protagonist of the first book) are still trying to solve the mystery of the Falls’ most famous disappearance, that of Winslet and the twins she was involved with twenty-two years prior to the events of the book.
One twin loved her, but she didn’t love him back, so according to legend, he killed himself. The other twin got his revenge. But as the series progresses, it may not be so simple. I can’t wait to read the third book and find out where this subplot is going.
For longtime Penelope Douglas fans, there were some references throughout the book to one of Douglas’ most famous and controversial new adult romances, Credence, as well as a cross-over character. If you’ve been wondering where Noah Van der Berg’s life took him after the events of Credence, this series gives readers a glimpse.
The characters were the strongest piece of Pirate Girls. Dylan is immediately lovable, even when she’s objectively wrong. Throughout the story, she’s confronting her privilege in a way that feels very authentic and real. She is strong, unapologetic in her feelings, and a fiercely loyal friend. Hunter and Kade could not be more different, but each of their characters shines through. Hunter’s edgy quiet and Kade’s bubbly fuckboy energy are perfect complements.
Pirate Girls has all the details a reader can expect from a new adult romance. There’s tension, abundant miscommunications, secret feelings, and so, so much angsty drama. This book is perfect if you want something fun, easy, and light to read this summer.
Spice: 3
Writing: 3.5
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