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The Duke's Lady
An American spy with a British birthright, Adam Trent is consumed with gathering information to use against England's navy. But despite the intrigues of the War of 1812, the mystery of the lovely young woman washed ashore near his Cornwall estate is one he cannot resist. With the ragged remains of a treasure map concealed in her chemise and no memory of who she is and how she got there, the dark beauty is an alluring puzzle he must solve.
348 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1999
39 people are currently reading
147 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 24, 2020
Intriguing Tale of an Aristocratic Spy for America in the War of 1812 and a Pirate’s Young Niece
Set in 1813, this is the story of Adam Trent, Duke of Cornwall, who acts as a spy for America, gathering information to use against England’s navy. One day he finds a half-drown waif on his beach in Cornwall. Soon “Jewel” becomes an obsession. She has amnesia but, even when she recovers her memory, she does not tell him for fear he will not like the fact she is the niece of the pirate brothers Lafitte. Meanwhile, an English captain, who once had Jewel whipped, appears to claim he is her uncle. But Jewel knows he speaks lies.
Jewel is an innocent but with ship, fencing and knife-throwing skills that suggest she was raised on a ship among pirates (which she was). Adam rescued her from the beach, only to become a bit of a cad when he takes Jewel’s virginity yet offers no marriage (he eventually does after one of his friends tells Adam he loves her).
This a well-written story, albeit with some notable historical anomalies for the Regency era: the use of first names (even the duke); glass portholes in a “clipper ship” (not until the 1860s); brides wearing white (that’s Victorian); a girl marrying without a guardian’s consent before the age of consent (21), a ship’s captain (and first mate), who are not ordained, conducting marriages while at sea (they can’t); and paper envelopes (not developed until 1837).
If you don’t mind the anomalies, there is a lot to commend this tale that will bring you into the time of the War of 1812 and the role of the Lafitte brothers. Action, adventure, mystery and sinister players abound. From Cornwall to New Orleans, you will travel with the duke and his lady.
Set in 1813, this is the story of Adam Trent, Duke of Cornwall, who acts as a spy for America, gathering information to use against England’s navy. One day he finds a half-drown waif on his beach in Cornwall. Soon “Jewel” becomes an obsession. She has amnesia but, even when she recovers her memory, she does not tell him for fear he will not like the fact she is the niece of the pirate brothers Lafitte. Meanwhile, an English captain, who once had Jewel whipped, appears to claim he is her uncle. But Jewel knows he speaks lies.
Jewel is an innocent but with ship, fencing and knife-throwing skills that suggest she was raised on a ship among pirates (which she was). Adam rescued her from the beach, only to become a bit of a cad when he takes Jewel’s virginity yet offers no marriage (he eventually does after one of his friends tells Adam he loves her).
This a well-written story, albeit with some notable historical anomalies for the Regency era: the use of first names (even the duke); glass portholes in a “clipper ship” (not until the 1860s); brides wearing white (that’s Victorian); a girl marrying without a guardian’s consent before the age of consent (21), a ship’s captain (and first mate), who are not ordained, conducting marriages while at sea (they can’t); and paper envelopes (not developed until 1837).
If you don’t mind the anomalies, there is a lot to commend this tale that will bring you into the time of the War of 1812 and the role of the Lafitte brothers. Action, adventure, mystery and sinister players abound. From Cornwall to New Orleans, you will travel with the duke and his lady.
August 1, 2018
Such a great story!
Loved all of the spirited humors of Adam and Jewel. It was a great book through and through. She did let anyone tell her to do different when her mind was made up.
Loved all of the spirited humors of Adam and Jewel. It was a great book through and through. She did let anyone tell her to do different when her mind was made up.
July 21, 2021
Historical action packed romance
Action packed romance set during a unique historical time period of the War of 1812. Vivid characters find love and danger in both Cornwall, England and lush New Orleans world of pirates and plantations.
Action packed romance set during a unique historical time period of the War of 1812. Vivid characters find love and danger in both Cornwall, England and lush New Orleans world of pirates and plantations.
March 16, 2018
The Duke'sLady
I could not put this book down until the end. Plot and characters were so well planned. Looking forward to the next book.
I could not put this book down until the end. Plot and characters were so well planned. Looking forward to the next book.
Read
March 30, 2024very good
September 26, 2019
Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
March 20, 2015
Loved the book!! Adam the Duke of St. Ives wants to return to his home in New Orleans. He feels more American than English, but he had to return after his grandfathers death. He is out riding with his best friend Jonathan and the see something on the beach, when they reach it they realize it is a person that has been severely beaten and flogged. When Adam looks closer he realizes he is a she!!! He brings her back to his home and tries to find out who she is. When Jewel finally wakes she can't remember anything that has happened to her. You have intrigue, spies, evil, passion, and so much more wrapped up in a wonderful story!!
August 19, 2014
Quick and easy read. Similar format...brooding, gruff hero hiding a "sensitive" heart of gold. Beautiful, sensitive heroine, refusing to believe he really loves her. Great secondary characters. Interesting premise of English Duke who is acting as an American spy. Some tense moments. Overall good read.
January 28, 2015
Great story
I really enjoyed the story. I like her style of writing. This is the fourth book I have bought of hers and will be getting more. The characters are enjoyable and the pace keeps moving. It was hard to stop reading. She doesn't disappoint.
I really enjoyed the story. I like her style of writing. This is the fourth book I have bought of hers and will be getting more. The characters are enjoyable and the pace keeps moving. It was hard to stop reading. She doesn't disappoint.
October 9, 2023
"Ms Jernigan plots an intricate tale of intrigue and patriotism, spiced with passion. Her characters are interesting, her plot moves rapidly, her love scenes are steamy. SENSUAL" Romantc Times Magazine
January 2, 2008
Easy read. Didn't have to think too hard, just enjoy. A nice filler between heavier reading.
February 2, 2014
Good read
I really enjoyed this book. I started it and just couldn't put it down. Only start it if you have time to finish it.
I really enjoyed this book. I started it and just couldn't put it down. Only start it if you have time to finish it.
February 28, 2017
Historical Romance at it's finest
As a big fan of historical romance, I found this book to be right up there with the best. Thank you
As a big fan of historical romance, I found this book to be right up there with the best. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews