THE INFAMOUS ROGUE

Author: Alexandra Benedict ISBN: 9780061689314 8/2009 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: 1825 London

They paid no mind to society's prying eyes . . . The daughter of a wealthy bandit, Sophia Dawson once lost herself in the arms of Black Hawk, the most infamous pirate ever to command the high seas. But now, determined to put her sinful past behind her, she prepares to enter society as the bride of a well-born nobleman who knows nothing of her scandalous youth. All goes according to plan until her ex-lover—now a respectable sea captain but just as handsome and dangerous as ever—appears and once again tempts her with desire. From the moment he sees Sophia again, James Hawkins wants only one thing: Revenge. He'll see to it that the reckless beauty pays for abandoning their heated affair. And so begins a battle of wills that can end only in utter ruin . . . or wicked surrender . . .

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE INFAMOUS ROGUE is the kind of book that, once read, begs to be read again! It is sheer fun, pure romance, and a prime example of why I enjoy historicals of this period so much. Filled with lots of vivid images and dialogue that screams of the time, the story of Black Hawk and the woman whose heart he claims comes brilliantly to life.

This is a story of two people who are each headstrong enough to rule any relationship. It is only through compromise—not always willingly given!—and ingenuity that they overlook their private agendas enough to allow their hearts to intervene. Sophia is intent on beginning a new, respectable life for herself but there is no way she can know she will be held in the private cabin of one of the most infamous seafarers to roam the ocean.

Unfortunately for her, James is intent on making her pay for wronging him and—although he doesn’t want to admit it—breaking his heart. It isn’t long before this Hawkins brother has more than his heart to worry about. He is in danger of finding himself at the end of a hangman’s noose, and unless Sophia and the others who care for him can find a way out of his predicament, the revenge/love affair might just be over.

I loved this book. Espionage, rowdy seamen and buxom barmaids, convoluted webs of intrigue, and, woven tightly throughout, a romance as ageless and sincere as any I’ve read in a long time, kept me captivated. I heartily recommend THE INFAMOUS ROGUE!

Kay James