What was the book about?
This book can probably be read as a standalone but to enjoy it in full, I’d recommend reading the previous books first (in order). In Troubled Waters, the Black Flag crew is taking it easy on their way back to Union space (and Kay is mostly obsessed with planning her wedding to Maggie), when they get a distress signal from an alien ship. The rescue mission turns into a diplomatic mess, and Captain Magdalene Langdon has to make difficult choices.

Featured Tropes: Aliens, privateers, space opera

Book Strengths:
I love how this series fits in the much larger universe that is popular sci-fi. Some things remind me of Star Wars, others of Star Trek, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Kay and Maggie had a drink on Mos Eisley or crossed path with Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect. Well, I would be surprised, but neither would be out of place.

The more I read this series, the more I like it. The crew is growing on me. Even the less important characters have some kind of depth.

Book weaknesses:
There aren’t many, really. If you’re looking for romance, you might be disappointed. But if you’re looking for soft but solid sci-fi, you’ve got it.

Character Chemistry:
The chemistry between Kay and Maggie is undeniable but it played a much more important part in book 1. They’re not an old married couple yet, and they never stop flirting nor having hot sex (behind closed doors, mostly), but they have this established couple feel.

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥

Wrap up:
This instalment is the most intense so far, and probably my favourite. In book 2, the characters were a bit passive, as they were accused of murder and spent quite a long part of the story first waiting to be released then waiting for the investigator to prove their innocence. Also, despite the rather tragic circumstances, it often fell on the side of comedy. There’s a lot more action in this one, and it also feels more adult. Yet the humor is still there. As I said, it gets better and better.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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