Rebel in the deep

With the equally steamy and rip-roaring conclusion to the Crimson Sails romantasy trilogy (after Blood on the Tide), bestseller Robert explores the emotional and sexual intricacies of a budding throuple. For many years, the oceanic realm of Threshold has been controlled by the increasingly corrupt organization of monster hunters called the Cŵn Annwn, whose will is enforced by a fleet of cruel captains ruling the seas. Now, a quiet rebellion led by shape-shifter Siobhan aims to undermine their authority by whatever means necessary. When Siobhan's lover, Bastian, a high-ranking member of the rebellion, is captured, she's forced to break her cover and enlist the aid of Nox, the non-binary, water-controlling captain of the Cŵn Annwn ship Audacity. Nox, who once loved Bastian themself and harbors simmering feelings for Siobhan, reluctantly agrees to join the rescue mission, all parties accepting that this is the end of a secret rebellion and the start of an all-out revolution. While making one final push to end the threat of the Cŵn Annwn, Nox, Bastian, and Siobhan must also work out their complicated dynamic of love and desire. With steamy bedroom scenes, boatloads of swashbuckling action, and an evocative magic system, this pirate-flavored adventure hits all the right notes. Series fans will not be disappointed. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary. (May)

Robert is back with the third and final installment of the "Crimson Sails" series (after Blood on the Tide). Nox is the rakish captain of the Audacity and a member of the rebellion against the Cŵn Annwn Council, the realm's corrupt governing body. Nox was devastated years ago when Bastian, a spoiled noble, chose his family over their relationship and never recovered. Nox's only condition to joining the underground rebellion was to never hear Bastian's name spoken again. Hard to do when Siobhan, the stunning leader of the rebellion, and Bastian became a pair shortly after Nox sailed away all those years ago. When Bastian is captured by the Cŵn Annwn, the rebellion is in danger of being discovered. Nox and Siobhan embark on a rescue mission to save him, and the three individuals must come to terms with their complicated feelings for each other as the plan to overthrow the Council reaches its perilous conclusion. VERDICT Robert offers a high-heat polyamorous relationship between her three protagonists in this second-chance romance, with a satisfying ending for series readers, complete with a full reunion of characters from previous books.--Maria Martin