title: Mistress of Paradise
author:  Alexandra Benedict 
description: A dark and troubled soul, Captain James Hawkins seeks freedom from his tortured past as the infamous pirate, Black Hawk. But when he meets a seductive beauty on the island of Jamaica, he finds a passion greater than any foray at sea. Sassy, fierce and independent, Sophia Dawson knows her heart's desire--and it's the sexy brigand who tempts her with promises of pleasure. In his arms she finds erotic delight and respite from duty as her mad father's caretaker. But a storm lurks on the horizon as the couple's heated affair attracts scorn from the islanders. Will James and Sophia weather the brutal tempest ... or will there be trouble in paradise? MISTRESS OF PARADISE is the prequel to "The Hawkins Brothers" series. Don't miss the other books in the series: THE INFAMOUS ROGUE and THE NOTORIOUS SCOUNDREL. MISTRESS OF PARADISE is also available as an e-book from HarperCollins Publishers.
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Alexandra Benedict
  
  
  Mistress of Paradise
  
  
  To Irka
  
  
  Chapter 1  
  
  
    
  
  
  Theres no use in weeping,
  
  
  Though we are condemned to part:
  
  
  Theres such a thing as keeping
  
  
  A remembrance in ones heart.
  
  
  PARTING, CHARLOTTE BRONTË
  
  
  The thick mountain mist swallowed Captain James Hawkins: a soul lost in
  paradise. The fog protected the runaway slaves, the rebellious Maroons, even
  the island ghosts from capture. James moved through the dense vegetation,
  slicing the feral ferns with a blade, searching for a fellow outcast. Sweat
  soaked his clothes as he scaled the steep and narrow dirt path, his only
  comfort the Undertakers Breeze sweeping down from the peaks.  
  It was like passing through a hazy dream. The jungle was brimming with hidden,
  sensuous wonders: the mournful cry of a solitaire thrush, the light, sweet
  scent of ginger lilies, a brilliant and darting streamer-tailed hummingbird.  
  He stilled for a moment, admired the haunting atmosphere. It was tempting to
  lose o