I loved this book so much! More than the prequel, even. Then what’s my excuse for taking so long to finish it?

The thing is, I put Matelots on hold for more than a month. And I had a good reason for doing that (or so I thought…). It wasn’t anything serious, I just had an issue with the unexpected and unwanted ‘finding a bride’ arc and basically chickened out before it reached the neat and very satisfying solution; there’s NO cheating/sharing a partner! Well, there is, kind of, but not when it comes to Gaston and Will. Ugh. I hate giving out spoilers, but I don’t want people tossing it because of something that ultimately doesn’t even happen, so there you have it.

The relationship development in both Brethren and Matelots is insane (pun intended) and it keeps getting better. How’s that possible? I’ve no idea, but I’m enjoying it so much that I DON’T CARE! Will and Gaston’s relationship is unlike anything else I’ve ever encountered. They understand each other (and each other’s Problems) on a very deep, instinctive level. The amount of trust between them is just unbelievable, but conversely, so is their potential to hurt one another — however unwittingly that may occur.

Their love has been undeniable since the first book, but because of their personal Problems, the more physical aspects of their relationship were tricky for the longest time. But there was an epic breakthrough here! Epic, I tell you. The unexpected — I feel like everyone concerned was equally surprised — and somewhat low-key (for now…?) power exchange dynamic suits them so well. Considering their past, it makes a lot of sense, but it also complicates things for them…

I should also mention that I absolutely LOVE the way they actually TALK with each other. They’re the poster boys for open and honest communication. When it comes to that, they’re #RelationshipGoals, as far as I’m concerned. Even though it’s no walk in the park, those two centaurs keep pulling their chariot and don’t give up…

In my review I focused on the romance, because I’m still in awe of those two. But while this is definitely a relationship-driven series, it’s also action-packed and filled with vibrant supporting characters, who have their own problems (of much less epic proportions, hence the lowercase) and are every bit as crucial to the story as our MCs.

Let’s just say that I’ve fallen back in love with this awesome series! I also feel like I share Will’s brain, which is a strange and wonderful experience in and of itself. I love that guy. ( )

In this installment, which opens right after the last book, Will first needs to help Gaston gain control over his madness, which has been gripping him since his torture/treatment at the hands of the crazy doctor. There are also changes coming to the buccaneers. New men arrive on Jamaica every day and many follow the lure of gold that piracy seems to promise, without caring for the traditions of the Brethren of the Coast. Amongst old friends who do hold to traditions, changes are happening, too. Will is instructed by his father to marry--and learns that Gaston desires him to have children some day. Striker lets it be known that he's also wished for children--and a wife, but fears Pete will kill someone rather than let that happen. Much of the first part of this book, the captain and crew of the Virgin Queen are sailing on their own, or in Port Royal, or off on other parts of the islands. There is a lot of action in the latter part when Henry Morgan gathers together the buccaneers for his famous attack on Porto Bello. But there is not a dull moment in the entire 600 pages of this book.

I am so grateful that the author has written this series. Sometimes books can be magic of the highest order--casting a spell that can transport a reader to other worlds to meet and adventure with people who can be known better than oneself. I can't wait to read the next book (which fortunately for me, is available as I write this). I will need to wait for the right moment when I can put aside time to immerse myself again in this amazingly vivid world with these incredible characters and adventures. These are books I wish would never end, so I know I will be re-reading them as soon as I can. ( )

Good, but not as good as either "Brethren" of "Treasure." I feel that the philosophical conversations were a bit too frequent and lengthy, and I got a bit tired of the constant analogies and metaphors. Still, a wonderful series!!!! ( )

Not quite as good as the first one, as it decends into ridiculous nadirs of hurt/comfort, but still long and wonderfully filled with gay pirates. ( )

Usually, the second book in a trilogy doesn't hold up to the calibur of the first. Hoffman, however, delivers in spades. Matelots is equal to, if not better than, Brethren: Raised by Wolves. Hoffman makes exceptional use of language to put the reader in the time period without burdening us with difficult to read passages. The old-fashioned phrasing used by the characters could have been awkward, but is heart-felt and realistic here. Secondary characters take a bigger part in this story, especially Gaston, making the dialog even more important. The author cleverly shows the "evolution" of buccaneers into pirates and how the term "mate" derived from matelot to be more encompassing (much to the disgust of a few characters!). Whether this is historically accurate is irrelevant; it gives the reader something to grab onto in the story to connect them with what we *think* we know about pirates and who the buccaneers actually were. The pacing of the book is excellent and there is a lot of action, but the focus is the evolving relationship between Gaston and Will.

At the end of Brethren, we saw that Will and Gaston had grown to love one another, but there are more obstacles in their way than sexual preference. Gaston and Will both have personal demons that threaten to destroy them from within. Gaston does suffer some mental illness which is exacerbated by the horrors in his past and his fear of hurting Will. Will has been damaged both physically and mentally by the cruelty Shane inflicted on him. Add to this Will's father scheming to have Will marry and produce an heir, Gaston's dangerous jealousy over potential brides, the consequences of their encounter with Doucette, and the dangers of their lifestyle and these two have a lot to overcome.

I cannot recommend these two books enough!! They are wonderful stories with depth and power that will keep a reader up long past their bedtime to finish. This is historical fiction at its best. ( )