Tamara Hughes: The 5 sexiest fictional pirates and why we love them

Tamara Hughes, author of the new Tempting the Pirate, shares her take on the five sexiest fictional pirates.

Tamara: Pirates have been depicted in books (and later, movies) for centuries, and although back in the day many hated their ilk, as time passed we've developed a fascination with them. Highly skilled fighters, these men wielded swords and pistols, took what they wanted, and laughed in the face of danger. How easy it is to fantasize about having someone like that turning his attention your way with a sexy glint in his eye. Protective and possessive, he's all yours to play with. Sigh. Talk about the epitome of a bad boy.

So let's explore a few bad-boy pirates who have turned our heads in recent history:

Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean (played by Orlando Bloom)

Will started out as an honest workingman who turned to piracy to save the woman he loves. Not only does he have sigh-worthy looks, but he's got a soft heart and the determination to do whatever he must to rescue his love.

Dread Pirate Roberts aka Westley in The Princess Bride (played by Cary Elwes)

Originally a simple farm boy who quietly admires Buttercup, using "as you wish" responses as a means of saying "I love you," he too goes to sea for the woman he loves. He seeks his fortune through sailing, but is captured by the Dread Pirate Roberts and eventually takes over the pirate's identity. When he returns to his true love, he's confident, knowledgeable about the most obscure things and adept at swordplay — which comes in handy as he attempts to save Buttercup from Prince Humperdinck.

Killian "Hook" Jones aka Captain Hook in Once Upon a Time (played by Colin O'Donoghue)

Mysterious and unpredictable, this Captain Hook held our attention with smoldering looks and the ever-present question of whether he was good or evil. His charm was undeniable, but would he turn against the heroine or prove his love true?

James Malory in Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey

James Malory is a former pirate who now captains his own ship. He's a rake who loves to amuse himself. When Georgina Anderson attempts to hitch a ride posing as a cabin boy, he sees through her ruse and thoroughly enjoys toying with her. He makes her his personal attendant to see how far he can push her before she gives up her secret.

Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean (played by Johnny Depp)

Of course, no list would be complete without Jack Sparrow. This pirate has his own sexy flare. He's flamboyant and crazy, but his charm and ability to make us laugh cannot be ignored. I've always wondered what it would be like to see this larger-than-life pirate pitted against a prim and proper lady. I don't think it would take him long to tempt her over to the dark side.

What do you think? Who is your favorite pirate? And what about him makes you swoon?

About Tempting the Pirate:

Charity Goswick thinks she is escaping an arranged marriage to a brute when she slips onto a ship unnoticed. Little does she realize that this is no honorable vessel of the King's Navy - it is a pirate ship. It's just a matter of time before she is discovered by a handsome rake of a pirate, who locks her in his cabin. And while she should be scared, her captor sparks the most unladylike feelings within her...

James Lamont is on the ship for one reason, and one reason only: to track down his brother. However, his spirited little stowaway certainly affords plenty of distraction with her many (failed) attempts to escape. And each time, the unspoken - and unbidden - passion between them grows stronger. But as violence and danger mount on the high seas, Charity will have to put all of her trust in the most untrustworthy of men... the arrogant pirate who just might steal her heart.

Find out more about Tamara and her books at tamarahughes.com.