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The Ladies #3
The Wicked Lady
The ThiefWhen Trevor Claremont was blind-sided by a pickpocket on the docks beside his clipper ship, he tracked down the culprit--only to face a feisty, emerald-eyed beauty who stirred his hungriest desires. Seeing a solution to his pressing problem of finding a bride to please his dying grandmother, he offered her a marriage to him...or prison, never imaging that this little cut-purse would also steal his heart.The Sea CaptainKristen Johnstone realized she'd been outfoxed by this handsome Englishman and reluctantly agreed to a marriage in name only. Soon, she traded rags for resplendent gowns, black alleys for drawing rooms, and fury for fiery passion in the arms of her new husband. But when the scandalous secrets of her past came to light, she would risk everything, including her heart to save a love more precious than gold.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2000
60 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jernigan
33 books247 followersBrenda Jernigan is a bestselling author. Her books have been nominated for
many awards - Book Seller’s Best Award, The Maggie Award, and The Holt
Medallion Award. Publisher’s Weekly said, “Brenda Jernigan writes Romance,
Adventure and Magic”
She grew up living the life of a tomboy – climbing trees, playing ball, and excluding starry-eyed romance from her daily repertoire. Brenda discovered the love of books while taking her son to Story Hour at the local library -- she was hooked. She set an ambitious goal and began work on her first novel. She continued to write six more novels in rapid succession. She figured having the same birthday as Ernest Hemingway couldn’t hurt.
Her books have been printed in several languages and her last book “Southern Seduction” written under the name of Alexandria Scott was printed in Russian.
Web Page - www.brendajbooks.com
many awards - Book Seller’s Best Award, The Maggie Award, and The Holt
Medallion Award. Publisher’s Weekly said, “Brenda Jernigan writes Romance,
Adventure and Magic”
She grew up living the life of a tomboy – climbing trees, playing ball, and excluding starry-eyed romance from her daily repertoire. Brenda discovered the love of books while taking her son to Story Hour at the local library -- she was hooked. She set an ambitious goal and began work on her first novel. She continued to write six more novels in rapid succession. She figured having the same birthday as Ernest Hemingway couldn’t hurt.
Her books have been printed in several languages and her last book “Southern Seduction” written under the name of Alexandria Scott was printed in Russian.
Web Page - www.brendajbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 22, 2019
I have read this author before and remember liking the book so naturally I thought I would like this one as well. I am sorry to say I couldn't get past the 1st chapter. The actions, reactions and dialogue of the characters, to me, lacked logic.
A Scots woman pickpockets a man, accidentally shooting him, because he smells like alcohol, reminding her of being beaten by her stepfather. She runs, is caught, brought back to the man she pick-pocketed. The man then seduces her (even though he hates Scots). This all happens in less than 10 pages. There was no insight to the characters, no build up to romance. I just can't see the reality of a woman shooting a man out of fear, (who reminds her of being beaten as a child), then in a turn of a few pages she is being seduced by him.
This one was just not for me. Perhaps if it were re-edited I would give it another try.
A Scots woman pickpockets a man, accidentally shooting him, because he smells like alcohol, reminding her of being beaten by her stepfather. She runs, is caught, brought back to the man she pick-pocketed. The man then seduces her (even though he hates Scots). This all happens in less than 10 pages. There was no insight to the characters, no build up to romance. I just can't see the reality of a woman shooting a man out of fear, (who reminds her of being beaten as a child), then in a turn of a few pages she is being seduced by him.
This one was just not for me. Perhaps if it were re-edited I would give it another try.
October 30, 2012
This is my first book by Brenda K. Jernigan. I really enjoyed this story of Kristen and Trever. It was ashame I didn't find any of Ms. Jernigen's book at the two libraries near me nor at the three different bookstores. I ended up ordering online. I received the book in the mail at 2:30PM Saturday and finsihed it Sunday by 7:30PM. I couldn't put it down. This story would make a great movie even a made for TV movie. I started reading with an open mind I will be looking for other books by Ms. Jernigan.
May 27, 2013
I really have to stop buying these books by little known authors. However, I keep hoping to find a real winner. I've done it before.
This story certainly had potential but it was just an ok read for me. The story went along well enough but there were several abrupt passages. Also, some of the story lines needed some adjustment. The heroes wife gets put in jail for murder but I didn't feel like there was any sense of urgency on the part of the hero. I think there was but the writing didn't make me feel that way.
The wife was in jail because she is TSTL. Instead of telling her husband where he might find her missing adoptive brother she decides to go on her own. Really? Your husband has been searching for your brother for a week and you had an idea on how to find him but don't bother letting your husband know? Annoying.
Also, there was a long lost family reunion but it was not quite what I was expecting. It didn't have much emotion behind it and it just fell flat for me. In Kathleen Woodiwiss's Ashes in the Wind, there is a long lost reunion scene that is on the final page and I felt more emotion from that.
I'm not sure if this is Ms. Jernigan's first book but the writing just needed some brushing up to make it more enjoyable. The story should have torn at the heartstrings and it just didn't.
It isn't as bad as some others I've read but it could have been much better.
This story certainly had potential but it was just an ok read for me. The story went along well enough but there were several abrupt passages. Also, some of the story lines needed some adjustment. The heroes wife gets put in jail for murder but I didn't feel like there was any sense of urgency on the part of the hero. I think there was but the writing didn't make me feel that way.
The wife was in jail because she is TSTL. Instead of telling her husband where he might find her missing adoptive brother she decides to go on her own. Really? Your husband has been searching for your brother for a week and you had an idea on how to find him but don't bother letting your husband know? Annoying.
Also, there was a long lost family reunion but it was not quite what I was expecting. It didn't have much emotion behind it and it just fell flat for me. In Kathleen Woodiwiss's Ashes in the Wind, there is a long lost reunion scene that is on the final page and I felt more emotion from that.
I'm not sure if this is Ms. Jernigan's first book but the writing just needed some brushing up to make it more enjoyable. The story should have torn at the heartstrings and it just didn't.
It isn't as bad as some others I've read but it could have been much better.
September 14, 2015
I couldn't put the book down!
I really enjoyed reading this book. With that said, I read it way too fast. I love reading about headstrong females with a soft heart. I would recommend this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. With that said, I read it way too fast. I love reading about headstrong females with a soft heart. I would recommend this book.
January 5, 2014
Good read
I really enjoyed this book. can't wait to read the rest. well written and doesn't drag on. story is easy to follow.
I really enjoyed this book. can't wait to read the rest. well written and doesn't drag on. story is easy to follow.
February 20, 2016
Really good story, and characters you really like. Enjoyed very much.
June 23, 2014
The Wicked Lady by Brenda Jernigan
Trevor Claremont had his pocket picked while on the docks by his clipper ship. He finds the thief, Kristen Johnstone, who has been living on the streets and stealing to eat. Claremont needs a wife to satisfy his grandmother. He offers marriage to Kristen or jail
She chooses the marriage and somehow manages to mostly act the part of a gentleman’s wife. When her secret past comes out she flees and hides from Claremont, who immediately finds her and brings her back to his house. He has found out her history and does not care what others think. He loves her.
A nice read from the author.
Trevor Claremont had his pocket picked while on the docks by his clipper ship. He finds the thief, Kristen Johnstone, who has been living on the streets and stealing to eat. Claremont needs a wife to satisfy his grandmother. He offers marriage to Kristen or jail
She chooses the marriage and somehow manages to mostly act the part of a gentleman’s wife. When her secret past comes out she flees and hides from Claremont, who immediately finds her and brings her back to his house. He has found out her history and does not care what others think. He loves her.
A nice read from the author.
April 16, 2016
Love it
What a wonderful story I enjoy it very much now I look forward to Keely romance. You have a gift and I wish you continue success. For those of you who have any doubt about this book I assure you that you will enjoy spending time in the lives of these two. Good reading enjoy. DH from New York City
What a wonderful story I enjoy it very much now I look forward to Keely romance. You have a gift and I wish you continue success. For those of you who have any doubt about this book I assure you that you will enjoy spending time in the lives of these two. Good reading enjoy. DH from New York City
November 1, 2016
"A little bit of heaven"... This is what this story is about. Beautifully written with just the right balance of romance, mystery, comedy and of course, a villain.
I loved the different types of strength that both the hero and heroine showed and the changes that each of them brought about in the other.
This is a story well worth reading and I'm very sure you will enjoy it too.
I loved the different types of strength that both the hero and heroine showed and the changes that each of them brought about in the other.
This is a story well worth reading and I'm very sure you will enjoy it too.
June 21, 2016
Captivated me from the start!
I loved this story of Trevor and Kristen's! I especially loved how they came to realize the truth in his Gradmere's words and how Hagen brought out the best in everyone! I highly recommend this book!!
I loved this story of Trevor and Kristen's! I especially loved how they came to realize the truth in his Gradmere's words and how Hagen brought out the best in everyone! I highly recommend this book!!
January 23, 2013
Highly Recommended - Huntress Book Reviews
June 5, 2022
I enjoyed this book.
February 15, 2019
Enjoyed
Loved it from page one through to the end. Young woman pickpocket accidentally shoots her target, runs, is captured, and then the fun begins. Wonderfully written.
Loved it from page one through to the end. Young woman pickpocket accidentally shoots her target, runs, is captured, and then the fun begins. Wonderfully written.
May 3, 2020
I read this book as part of the "More Dangerous Heroes" collection. I loved the rest of the books in the collection.
Aside from the ridiculous plot, characters behaved in a manner that was unrealistic and incompatible with the time period. A few times, I considered skipping over this story to get to the next one, but I was intrigued by what was going to happen next (even though I thought it was silly). I’m embarrassed to say that I'm not really sure why I kept reading it. I am going to list some of the problems I had with the plot/writing, but there are likely to be SPOILERS:
- Kristen’s hair is repeatedly described as a brilliant red with golden highlights, but then it’s described as auburn which is very different.
- Kristen was kidnapped as a child. Why on earth would they keep her first and last name the same?! - Also, if she was kidnapped so young and raised by English parents, why would she have such a strong Scottish accent?!
- Writing was trite with phrases like: “he wouldn’t have her any other way,” and “he loved every minute of it.”
- It drove me crazy that Kristen kept referring to Trevor’s grandmother as an “old bat.” Once might have been okay, but the phrase was used multiple times.
- Trevor’s friend Rodney was at his wedding. So was Hagan. Much later, Trevor introduces Hagan and Rodney as if they’ve never met before.
Overall, the story wasn’t very good and wasn’t very well told either. I was disappointed.
Aside from the ridiculous plot, characters behaved in a manner that was unrealistic and incompatible with the time period. A few times, I considered skipping over this story to get to the next one, but I was intrigued by what was going to happen next (even though I thought it was silly). I’m embarrassed to say that I'm not really sure why I kept reading it. I am going to list some of the problems I had with the plot/writing, but there are likely to be SPOILERS:
- Kristen’s hair is repeatedly described as a brilliant red with golden highlights, but then it’s described as auburn which is very different.
- Kristen was kidnapped as a child. Why on earth would they keep her first and last name the same?! - Also, if she was kidnapped so young and raised by English parents, why would she have such a strong Scottish accent?!
- Writing was trite with phrases like: “he wouldn’t have her any other way,” and “he loved every minute of it.”
- It drove me crazy that Kristen kept referring to Trevor’s grandmother as an “old bat.” Once might have been okay, but the phrase was used multiple times.
- Trevor’s friend Rodney was at his wedding. So was Hagan. Much later, Trevor introduces Hagan and Rodney as if they’ve never met before.
Overall, the story wasn’t very good and wasn’t very well told either. I was disappointed.
April 19, 2020
I liked it fine. It was amusing and gave me a good cry just in the right place. There were a number of mini plots that took off into different twists and turns; I found some of those to be unnecessary distractions that didn't contribute to moving the main story forward.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley (as part of a collection) and I offer my honest opinion in response.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley (as part of a collection) and I offer my honest opinion in response.
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July 19, 2021Why is Kristen a wicked lady?
Kristen has a savior named Trevor! However the story becomes complicated because they both have secrets! Interesting and intriguing story!
Kristen has a savior named Trevor! However the story becomes complicated because they both have secrets! Interesting and intriguing story!
July 9, 2016
Book 4 in the 'Gentlemen Always Play Fair' Box Set Compilation, and thank goodness for that.
Quite frankly, I am as fed us reviewing these mediocre offerings as you are probably reading the fact that I have nothing to say about them other than the errors etc. Stick with the reviews though, there has been much, much better reading going one.
As far as this books is concerned, it was lucky to make 2 stars and not be consigned to the DNF pile out of sheer lack of production values, interest or writing skills.
Quite frankly, I am as fed us reviewing these mediocre offerings as you are probably reading the fact that I have nothing to say about them other than the errors etc. Stick with the reviews though, there has been much, much better reading going one.
As far as this books is concerned, it was lucky to make 2 stars and not be consigned to the DNF pile out of sheer lack of production values, interest or writing skills.
January 5, 2014
The idea that a Duchess would be imprisoned for anything less than treason is hard to swallow. That a Duke would have no sway, leverage or influence is just preposterous. I found that twist distracting and it was hard to stay in the story.
Besides that, it was really entertaining. A fun read.
Besides that, it was really entertaining. A fun read.
January 5, 2014
I am a sucker for a $0.99 nook romance deal. I finished this book, mostly because I am a binge reader, and because I keep hoping to discover a new favorite author. Not this time...
July 4, 2016
pretty good!
January 6, 2014
Started out great but by the end I wanted it over already.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews