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** spoiler alert ** 4.7/5
I loved it.

Oh my goodness this book. It healed me. The MMC is so sweet and patient and I love that he falls first and falls harder. He is awkward and accidentally requests a “bride�� instead of a “bribe�� from a passing slave ship and ends up with Vali. She is the definition of a fawn response and he has the sweetest and most charming time trying to determine if she wants him or is simply grateful and afraid. He navigates the power dynamic in a very satisfying and thoughtful way. Though Ranan is very cold and distant at first for sure (before he realizes he wants Valessa).
I love that he gets tongue tied when he is experiencing emotions strongly and I love even more that she came up with non verbal ways for him to express his approval (stroking her ear) or disapproval (tapping her arm).
There was no penetrative sex until 90% and our sweet cinnamon roll MMC reveals he is a virgin. The sex is tender and sweet more than hot but I loved it.
And I loved their happily ever after too. Continuing to be pirates and setting spaces free. How lovely.

Monster (sea ogre/seakind). MMC Ranan with 4 arms, green skin, fins to backs of arms and calves, crest on his head instead of hair, and 2 cocks. Slave FMC Valessa. Fawn response. Rescue. Power dynamic. Virgin MMC. Sex at 90%. First time a partner pleasures FMC. Anal. DP. First anal. Pirates. Mind communication with giant turtle. Forbidden romance. She rescues him too. No OMD/OWD. No cheating. Slight breakup? Low angst. No breeding/pregnancy. Epilogue 5 years later as pirates saving slaves.