Returning to Virginia from a visit in England with her mistress, memories assail Clare of a previous sea voyage. She relives the nightmare of a scared seven-year-old being taken from her African homeland and sold into slavery. Throughout the degradation she's endured, Clare retains her dignity. When a pirate ship attacks and overwhelms their vessel, the handsome black pirate offers Clare freedom. She rejects his offer and begs to stay with her mistress. He ignores her wishes and forces her to accompany him.

Dominic LeVeq cannot understand why a slave offered freedom would refuse. A bastard from a French aristocrat, Dominic was raised free in the Caribbean with his mother and father. He sells munitions to the Continental Army, and the loot from robbing ships enables him to live a wealthy and successful life with other free Blacks in Cuba. As a rogue who enjoys women, Clare presents a challenge and a puzzle.

Clare feels the attraction to the sinfully handsome man, but with freedom there are painful choices. Clare doesn't know if she can risk making a choice that could backfire and cost her everything she holds dear.

Readers will enjoy reading Ms. Jenkins tale of two people from very diverse backgrounds who clash, fall in love and develop understanding of each others' lives. Told amid the history of the American Revolution, Ms. Jenkins explores the contributions made by African descendants for the war.

Book Summary

She was the most irresistible treasure of all . . .

Dominic LeVeq, the most notorious privateer ever to command the high seas, has just captured a coveted prize: a British frigate. On a dangerous mission against the Crown, Dominic should be thinking only of his ship's safety. But the rebel captain is utterly entranced by Clare Sullivan, the stunning slave on board. Consumed by desire, desperate to have her, Dominic offers Clare her freedom in exchange for a forbidden night in his bed—a night he assures her will be most pleasureable indeed.

Clare believes that Dominic is nothing more than a seductive rogue used to getting what he wants. But she too feels a tantalizing passion between them, and so she submits to just one night of bliss. She'll soon realize that Dominic has captured more than her body. He's captured her heart . . . and she doesn't want him to ever let go.