When a Duchess trades her crown for a compass, the sea itself must choose a side.

In the shadow of the Crown’s dominion, where loyalty is bought in blood and freedom costs everything, Evelyn Ravenscar—widow to a murdered Duke—uncovers a secret powerful enough to shatter empires. Her late husband’s journals whisper of treason, stolen gold, and a name feared across every ocean: The Raven, a pirate captain whose black-flagged ship haunts the seas like a legend come to life.

Determined to learn the truth, Evelyn sails from the marble courts of Windmere to the storm-ridden reaches of the Corsair’s Passage, where kings hold no sway. There she meets the man himself—enigmatic, dangerous, and bound by secrets of his own. The Raven is everything the Crown calls monster… yet in his eyes, Evelyn glimpses the one thing she thought she’d lost forever: freedom.

But freedom comes with a price.

As Evelyn learns to navigate a world of shifting loyalties and salt-stained oaths, she discovers that her husband’s death was only the beginning of a conspiracy that stretches from the palace halls to the depths of the sea. The Corsair’s Map—a relic thought lost to myth—holds the key to a fortune that could topple kingdoms or set them free. And in the race for its discovery, Evelyn and The Raven must decide which they will protect: their lives, their love, or the last hope of the free seas.

Torn between two worlds—the glittering court that betrayed her and the brutal beauty of the life she’s chosen—Evelyn becomes more than a Duchess, more than a fugitive. She becomes a legend whispered in every harbor tavern, a symbol of defiance known only by one name: The Pirate’s Duchess.

Sweeping from candlelit ballrooms to tempest-tossed decks, from the gilded prisons of royalty to the untamed horizon of the open sea, The Pirate’s Duchess: Secrets Within the Black Flag is a tale of passion, vengeance, and redemption set against the backdrop of an empire on the brink of ruin.

William M. Prall’s masterful historical romance invites readers into a world where every heartbeat is a gamble, every kiss a rebellion, and every wave hides a secret that could change everything.

1. Rich Historical Setting: This novel is set against the backdrop of an empire on the brink of ruin, with vivid descriptions of marble courts, storm-ridden seas, and candlelit ballrooms. Readers will be transported to a bygone era of grandeur and adventure.

2. Strong Female Protagonist: Evelyn Ravenscar, the Duchess-turned-pirate, is a complex and intriguing character. Her transformation from a life of luxury to one of danger and freedom will resonate with readers who love strong heroines.

3. Forbidden Love: The romance between Evelyn and The Raven is electric, with a slow-burning tension that will keep readers hooked. Their love is forbidden, yet impossible to resist, making it a compelling read.

4. High-Stakes Adventure: With secrets, conspiracies, and a treasure map, this novel has all the makings of a thrilling adventure. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as Evelyn navigates treacherous waters and confronts danger at every turn.

5. Themes of Freedom and Redemption: This book explores themes that resonate deeply with readers, including the quest for freedom, the power of love, and the search for redemption. These universal themes will appeal to a wide range of readers.

With a voice both poetic and precise, Prall crafts worlds where the sea has memory, love defies empires, and honor is measured not by birthright — but by the choices that shape one’s soul.

A lifelong lover of maritime lore and historical intrigue, Prall brings the age of sails and shadows to life with the vividness of an eyewitness. His prose carries the salt and thunder of the open ocean, while his characters — noble and flawed, fierce and human — navigate the treacherous waters of fate, power, and forbidden desire. Every sentence reveals an author who not only writes history, but feels it — capturing the ache, the beauty, and the rebellion of those who dared to live beyond their time.

Before turning to fiction, Prall immersed himself in the study of classic literature, naval history, and storytelling craft — grounding his imagination in the discipline of research and the rhythm of language. The result is a style that feels cinematic yet literary, romantic yet unflinching — where every storm, secret, and stolen glance serves a deeper truth.

In his acclaimed work, The Pirate’s Duchess: Secrets Within the Black Flag, Prall delivers a sweeping, emotionally charged journey through betrayal, redemption, and the relentless call of freedom. The novel has been praised for its layered characters, evocative atmosphere, and the rare ability to blend high-seas adventure with the intimate struggles of the heart.