Once a Mistress [Mass Market Paperback]

Debra Mullins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1999

HARD-HEARTED CAPTOR. . .

He was the dark, dashing rogue of Diana's Covington's fantasies . . .until he literally swept her off her feet, swooping across the ship's deck on a rope to rescue her from her evil abductor. But now Diana is the captive of this handsome, charming pirate--and who will save the beautiful heiress from the bold stranger whose burning kisses inspire such unmaidenly thoughts?

Or Man of Her Dreams?

Alex Rawnsley is merely living up to his rakish reputation when he claims lovely Diana as his mistress--but he has no intention of plundering her fiery innocence. This Earl-in-disguise hides behind tales of pillage and seduction in order to win vengeance--not love. yet the mere thought in order to win vengeance--not love. Yet the mere thought of one passionate night with the defiant beauty s more than enough to tempt Alex to forget his pledge to return her home--untouched.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

DEBRA MULLINS' first book for Avon, Once a Mistress, was a Finalist for the 1996 Golden Heart, the Romance Writers of America's top award for the best unpublished manuscripts. AUTHOR HOME: New Jersey

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Alex grinned down at Diana, his blood pounding with the thrill of battle. "A pleasure to see you again, my sweet." He pried loose her fingers where they clenched his black cambric shirt. "Do try to control your lusty impulses until we have more privacy."

Outrage darkened her gray eyes to smoke, but a furious yell grabbed his attention away from her. He turned to confront the rage twisting Marcus's face as the pirate flew at him with sword flashing. Shoving Diana behind him, Alex drew his own sword and met steel with steel. He gave his opponent a derisive smile as they remained poised in a punishing position: shoulder against shoulder, swords crossed, muscles straining.

"El Moreno, you filthy swine!" Marcus spat. "You have finally shown your cowardly face!"

Alex bent his knees and then shoved the pirate with the power of his entire body. Marcus stumbled back, breaking them apart. Sucking in a cleansing breath, Alex relaxed into a more traditional stance, sword extended. "You pox-ridden bastard, I'll see you in hell this night!"

Marcus's laughter echoed out over the water as he, too, took up the dueling position. "Give the devil my regards. You shall meet him before I will." He attacked.

The scrape of metal striking metal was like music to Alex. He beat back Marcus's sword and made a thrust of his own. The pirate nimbly avoided it. An unholy smile stretched across Alex's face. "After I kill you, I'll scuttle your ship and use it for kindling," he promised. Then he threw himself into the duel.

Diana pressed herself against the side of the ship, her trembling fingers clenched on the rail like a lifeline as the two men slashed and dodged mere paces away from her. Her mind spun with the implications of what she had just learned.

'Twas no dream--the bold rogue who had kissed her last night was none other than El Moreno, the infamous pirate.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback
• Publisher: Avon Books (Mm) (January 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380804441
• ISBN-13: 978-0380804443
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,589,890 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Debra Mullins is the award-winning author of over a dozen historical romances from pirates to cowboys to Regency England to the Victorian period. Born and raised in the New York area, she moved west as an adult and loves old swashbuckler movies, Star Trek and cats.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved It!, August 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Once a Mistress (Mass Market Paperback)

I enjoyed reading it! The characters were well built. Alex was a great hero and and just had a great personality! And Diana was a great heroine, she could defend herself and was smart. Alex and Diana were perfect together. The Bad guy was not one of those stupid ones,but smart,cunning, and totally detestable! you really hated him! The supporting characters were great! The story was action packed, funny, and a great story! I can't wait till she comes out with other books! I hope she keeps on writing! -Amanda

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE MAN EVERY WOMAN DREAMS OF AND HOPES SOMEDAY TO MEET, March 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Once a Mistress (Mass Market Paperback)

This book captured my interest from page one. Truly exciting the whole way through. Alex is the pirate of every womans fantasy. The story moves so smooth you are at the end before you know it. The heroine is the perfect match for the hero. And believe me sparks are constantly flying. Hurry with your next book Debra I can hardly wait!!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A talented writer delivers a good romance, December 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Once a Mistress (Mass Market Paperback)

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