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Welcome to Red Flag Readers, where the books are spicy, the morals are gray, and the red flags are somehow our favorite color. 🚩

This week, we dive all the way into Davy Jones' Locker with Bloody Black by Rhiannon Hargadon-a Black Beard retelling with a morally gray FMC, a found family that makes you smile, and no small portion of feminine rage.

We break down our star and spice ratings, favorite scenes, the characters we love to hate (and maybe hate to love), and the BIG red flags. With a near complete summary of the story, this is one that left us grinning at revenge, grieving for characters, and pining over a new favorite MMC.

⚠️ Major spoilers ahead! If you haven't read Bloody Black yet, read it first—we're not holding back.

Plus, we spotlight several incredible indie authors and debut our new segment: Mama's Spice Cupboard which is NOT to be missed. You'll be clutching your sides, we promise.

Red flags in real life are warnings. Red flags in books are recommendations. 🚩📚

🚩 Dark 'n' Stormy

Per cocktail:

• 2 oz dark rum (traditionally Gosling's Black Seal Rum)
• Ginger Beer: 4 to 6 oz
• Lime: A wedge or slice for garnish, with an optional squeeze of fresh lime
• Ice: cubes to fill a high ball glass

1. Fill a highball glass with ice
2. pour in the ginger beer
3. Float the dark rum over a spoon or directly onto the surface to create a layered look.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge. Stir before drinking if you prefer a fully blended flavor.

Authors Highlighted: Storm by R.A. Raine, A Scent of Sea and Ash by Beth Ann Bautiste, Villains and Virtures Trilogy by A,K. Caggiano

Follow Us at: @redflagreaderspod @booksbloomsbarns @astridjane_author @jillyysbooks