In the first-ever Seven Seas history of the world's female buccaneers, Pirate Women: The Princesses, Prostitutes, and Privateers Who Ruled the Seven Seas tells the story of women, both real and legendary, who through the ages sailed alongside—and sometimes in command of—their male counterparts. These women came from all walks of life but had one thing in common: a desire for freedom. History has largely ignored these female swashbucklers, until now. Here are their stories, from ancient Norse princess Alfhild and warrior Rusla to Sayyida al-Hurra of the Barbary corsairs; from Grace O'Malley, who terrorized shipping operations around the British Isles during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I; to Cheng I Sao, who commanded a fleet of four hundred ships off China in the early nineteenth century. Author Laura Sook Duncombe also looks beyond the stories to the storytellers and mythmakers. What biases and agendas motivated them? What did they leave out? Pirate Women explores why and how these stories are told and passed down, and how history changes depending on who is recording it. It's the most comprehensive overview of women pirates in one volume and chock-full of swashbuckling adventures that pull these unique women from the shadows into the spotlight that they deserve.

Raised in a convent, Isabella's first taste of adventure is a shipboard raid by pirates. Even in her innocence, she cannot believe that the pirate captain Marques is anything but ruthless--until he displays his honor in a stunning act of bravery--and Isabella decides that the man whose kisses have awakened her deepest desires is really a hero at heart.

Pirates are an enduring popular subject, depicted often in songs, stories, and Halloween costumes. Yet the truth about pirate women—who they were, why they went to sea, and what their lives were really like—is seldom a part of the conversation. In this Seven Seas history of the world's female buccaneers, A Pirate's Life for She tells the story of 16 women who through the ages who sailed alongside—and sometimes in command of—their male counterparts. These women came from all walks of life but had one thing in common: a desire for freedom. History has largely ignored these female swashbucklers, until now. Here are their stories, from ancient Norse princess Alfhild to Sayyida al-Hurra of the Barbary corsairs; from Grace O'Malley, who terrorized shipping operations around the British Isles during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I; to Cheng I Sao, who commanded a fleet of 1,400 ships off China in the early 19th century. Author Laura Sook Duncombe takes an honest look at these women, acknowledging that they are not easy heroines: they are lawbreakers. A Pirate's Life for She tells their full stories, focusing on the reasons they became pirates. It is possible to admire the courage, determination, and skills these women possessed without endorsing her actions. These are the remarkable stories of women who took control of their own destinies in a world where the odds were against them, empowering young women to reach for their own dreams.

Cate Whitfield harbors revenge in her heart for the bloodthirsty pirate who murdered her betrothed. So she's stunned to learn that he is to be her father's guest of honor at one of his revelries--and even more upset to discover that Captain Alexander Chase may not be the scoundrel she believes. Even though she has publicly branded him a criminal, feisty Cate mesmerizes Alex. But the former pirate isn't about to let her accusations deter his own agenda for vengeance. He's returned to Promise, New Jersey, to retaliate against the man who murdered his father...the man who just happens to be Cate's father. Trouble is, he may be falling in love with her, and she's hell-bent on seeing him punished. Can these two wounded hearts find out the truth before it's too late, or is their love doomed to walk the plank? Sensuality Level: Sensual

In this highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, Felicity Montague must use all her womanly wits and wiles to achieve her dreams of becoming a doctor—even if she has to scheme her way across Europe to do it. A must-have for fans of Mackenzi Lee’s extraordinary and Stonewall Honor-winning novel. A year after an accidentally whirlwind grand tour with her brother Monty, Felicity Montague has returned to England with two goals in mind—avoid the marriage proposal of a lovestruck suitor from Edinburgh and enroll in medical school. However, her intellect and passion will never be enough in the eyes of the administrators, who see men as the sole guardians of science. But then a window of opportunity opens—a doctor she idolizes is marrying an old friend of hers in Germany. Felicity believes if she could meet this man he could change her future, but she has no money of her own to make the trip. Luckily, a mysterious young woman is willing to pay Felicity’s way, so long as she’s allowed to travel with Felicity disguised as her maid. In spite of her suspicions, Felicity agrees, but once the girl’s true motives are revealed, Felicity becomes part of a perilous quest that leads them from the German countryside to the promenades of Zurich to secrets lurking beneath the Atlantic.

There's a price on privateer Van Gast's head. So high that Van is tempted to turn himself in for the reward, then escape with it. Escaping with full pockets is what he does best. He managed to steal a ship, a bride, a dowry, a diamond the size of a fist—and then disappear without a trace. But this time, he can't go very far. The woman of his dreams, his Josie, has stolen his ship and is leading him on a merry chase dangerously close to Estovan, the one place Van Gast should steer clear of... 89,000 words

Lady Jacinda Sunderland dreams of a lover with coal-black hair and smoldering eyes, a knight astride a midnight charger who will storm into her life and sweep her into his fiery embrace. But Tristan is no knight; in fact, he's a pirate, yet his masterful touch brings a whirlwind of passion to Jacinda's life.

Historical novel based on the life of the 19th century Chinese prostitute who became the most powerful pirate in history. The first time her story has been fully told in any language.

When lovely Jennifer Grey discovered she was shipwrecked on Chad LaShelle's outlaw island, she fled through the jungle forest in fear. She had heard of the pirate's notorious reputation and had no doubt what her fate would be. And even more fearful than the virile pirate to Jennifer was the primitive response she knew he could arrouse within her. Sure to be another McMahon bestseller. .