In 1680 Jamaica, Alex Rothstone, renowned as the pirate El Moreno, enters the garden of Frederick Covington, in order to talk with Lieutenant Governor Henry Morgan. Alex plans to inform his superior that Lord Chilton, part owner of Fleetwood shipping, is working with the odious pirate Marcus. Instead of gaining Morgan's attention, Alex intercedes when Chilton begins to touch his business partner, Covington's daughter, Diana, over her objections.
Alex, who is also Lord Rothstone, has a personal vendetta against Marcus, who killed his brother. His need for vengeance rises when Marcus abducts Diana for his employer Chilton. Alex rescues her and she offers her body to him if he would help prove her father is not involved with the evil Marcus. They fall in love, but their enemies are very powerful and the hanging of a pirate is a simple matter to arrange.
Fans who enjoy a swashbuckling pirate romance will take pleasure from Debra Mullins' debut novel, ONCE A MISTRESS. The action-packed story line smoothly flows with passion and intrigue. The lead characters are warm and witty. Though the villains do not live up to the hero and heroine, readers who relish a trip on the high seas during the age of piracy will devour Ms. Mullin's stew.
Harriet Klausner