What is it about a pirate romance adventure that stirs the blood, sets the pulse racing, and makes the reader want to come back for yet another high seas battle or swordfight? Is it the allure of the freedom, the independence, and the clink of the gold doubloons falling into the treasure chest? Or is it the pirate himself?
Pirate As Bad Boy
In historical romance novels, the pirate is the epitome of the alpha male; roguish, brave, lusty and independent. As the captain, he controls his own destiny, living by his own laws. He’s a bad boy and a leader.
The appeal of the bad boy is a common theme in romance novels. Captain Jack Sparrow, of Pirates of the Caribbean fame, immortalizes that bad boy on the big screen.
Pirate Romance
With the popularity of The Pirates of the Caribbean, there is burgeoning interest today in pirate romance novels. According to the All About Romance website, The Windflower by Laura London is one of the top 100 romance books of all time.
In a well-written pirate romance, the reader is swept away onto the high seas, feeling the wind and salt spray as it billows through the ship’s sails. The daredevil pirate leaps to life in the rigging, using sword, cutlass, and cannon to defend the woman he loves. The heroine bravely fights alongside him, until the smoke clears and the sea returns to calm.
Pirate Heroes and Heroines
The powerful heroine is well defined in pirate romance novels as well. In My Lady Pirate, by Danielle Harmon, Maeve Merrick is a strong and successful pirate on a crew of all women. She falls in love with a British admiral, probably the worst choice for a woman living outside of the law.
The appeal of the pirate romance is the power of the hero and heroine. There’s no room for wimpy protagonists in these novels. Indeed, their strength and drive as they swashbuckle through one adventure after another keep readers turning the pages all night long while the wind and rain outside lash at the windows.
The Life of a Pirate
This historical era holds a romantic allure that intrigues many readers. In reality, the pirate’s lifestyle was far different from the romantic notion portrayed in books and on screen.
The life of a pirate was harsh and many of them died young. Crews created their own strict hierarchy and codes, and punishment for transgressions was severe. Many pirates were dishonest and cruel, raping and plundering, a reflection of life on the edge.
Pirate stories have abounded in literature through the years, and their popularity continues to grow. They provide a spark of adventure and excitement that ignites into passion. Passion for life and passion for love are what drive romance novels.
