Sophia Dawson splashes into London society with one goal in mind, marrying into the aristocracy. An ingenious Sophia has invented her background as the daughter of a wealthy Jamaican planter. If society ever learns she is the product of a pirate and a prostitute, Sophia will be tossed out on her ear. Her plans are progressing well as she has an earl on the verge of proposing, until a man from her past arrives -- former lover Captain James Hawkins.

Captain James Hawkins retired as the pirate "Black Hawk" to rejoin society at the bequest of his sister, who has married a duke. He attempts to smooth his rough edges, but society does not respond and labels him the "Barbarian." For his sister's sake, James tolerates the snubs, until he bumps into his former Jamaican mistress. James has never forgiven Sophia for deserting him without a word. When he learns of her plans, revenge is all he desires.

Sophia left James because she was unable to tolerate the stigma of being his mistress. It drives her desire to conform and mold her personality to meet society's morés. However, James sees the cost to Sophia as she smothers her real self. With the right taunts, the real Sophia, hot- blooded and reckless, emerges ready to expose James if he betrays her.

Ms. Benedict pens a rousing tale of a reluctant pirate trying to reform and his former love who desperately wants respectability. Deft plotting with biting repartee makes THE INFAMOUS ROGUE a superb read.