Rafferty Jones was a pirate and a thief. She had her own ship and crew and was wanted by the British authorities. Tough as nails, Rafferty could fight her way out of almost anything.

Captain Merrick Cole had been sent by Major John Thornton to apprehend Rafferty for killing Thornton's cousin and for piracy. She was to be brought back to England from Virginia to be hanged. Cole was able to witness Rafferty's skill as a fighter: she killed two of his men before she was subdued.

In order to keep a closer eye on his very dangerous prisoner, Cole kept Rafferty down in his cabin during the voyage. He only allowed her to go up and work on the deck with the other hands after they were far enough out to sea that Rafferty would know she'd have to wait till they reached London before she could attempt an escape.

At first, sex was just a tool Rafferty and Cole used to try to control and manipulate the other. But with each encounter, they became more easily aroused by just being alone in the cabin together. During the journey, Cole learned that the killing of Thornton's cousin was really not a murder but a case of self-defense. The man tried to rape Rafferty. Cole decided to plead for her release. When Cole returned, unsuccessful, he found out that Thornton really wanted Rafferty for another reason.

Rafferty's father was killed by Thornton because he threatened to go to the authorities and tell them that he was Thornton's hired assassin. Rafferty's father claimed to have left papers with his daughter to prove what Thornton was doing. In actuality, Rafferty never had any papers. But Thornton did not know this. He just wanted Rafferty dead to keep himself safe. He had been chasing after her ever since her father had died when she was twelve. After finding this out, Cole decided he would never turn Rafferty over to Thornton.

This is a fun historical story that has intriguing characters and very visual sensual scenes. The bantering that goes on between Rafferty and Cole is charming, as we watch two very strong-willed people do battle with each other. This is a nice quick read if you are looking for something to top off your afternoon.

Reviewed By: Kathy Martin
© October 2004