Duty Bound

Shades of Gray #1

by Jessica James

READER The expanded version of SHADES OF GRAY is here! Fall in love again with this epic Civil War Serial Trilogy.


Honor and conviction clash with loyalty and love in this poignant Civil War tale that pits brother against brother. Readers will discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the lives of two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever. A classic tale of courage, honor, and enduring love that has been praised by both men and women—from professors of history to avid romance readers.

Duty Takes readers across the rolling hills of Virginia in a page-turning tale of action and adventure as a Union spy spars with a renowned Confederate cavalry commander. Gallantry and chivalry are put to the test when Colonel Alexander Hunter discovers that Andrea Evans is not only the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect, but is the Union spy he has vowed to his men he would destroy.

Author Jessica James uniquely blends elements of romantic and historical fiction in this deeply personal and poignant tale that, according to one reviewer, “transcends the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader’s bones.” Winner of numerous national awards, James has received critical acclaim for this page-turning story of courage, honor, and enduring love.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Civil War, Fiction, Romance

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

Jessica James is an award-winning author of suspense, historical fiction, Christian fiction, and military fiction ranging from the Revolutionary War to modern day.

She is a four-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010.

Her novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.

When not writing, Jessica James can be found on the back roads of the country, finding new historic sites to blog about on www.PastLaneTravels.com.

James resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and is a member of the Military Writers Society of America, the Independent Book Publishers Association, and NINC.

AWARDS:
2020 John Esten Cooke Award
2020 Finalist HOLT Medallion Award
2020 Finalist Greater Detroit RWA Booksellers Best Award
2019 Finalist Indie Excellence Award
2019 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2018 Silver Falchion Award Finalist in Suspense
2017 Rone Award for Best Cover (Deadline)
2017 IndieBRAG Medallion Winner
2016 Gold Metal Military Writers Society of America
2016 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Bronze Winner Romance – Suspense
2016 Finalist for BOOK OF THE YEAR in Foreword Magazine’s IndieFab contest
2015 NJRW Golden Leaf Award
2014 Valley Forge Romance Writers Sheila Award Finalist
2014 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2014 Reader’s Crown Award Finalist
2014 Next Generation Indie Award Finalist in Fiction/Religious
2013 USA “Best Books 2013” Finalist in Fiction/Religious
2012 Bronze winner Foreword Magazine Book of the Year in Romance
2011 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2011 USA "Best Books 2011" Finalist in Historical Fiction
2011 Next Generation Indie Award for Best Regional Fiction
2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Romance
2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Historical Fiction
2011 NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
2010 Military Writers Society Award in Historical Fiction
2009 HOLT Medallion Finalist for Best Southern Theme
2008 Indie Next Generation Award for Best Regional Fiction
2008 Indie Next Generation Finalist for Best Historical Fiction

Reviews

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a Union spy and a Confederate cavalry commander stop hating each other long enough to surrender to love? Sinclair, whose real name is Andrea, is a Union spy as the Civil War rages on. Terror grips her when Sinclair encounters Confederate Colonel Alexander Hunter. He’s got her in his crosshairs when suddenly his horse throws him into the river and renders him unconscious. Instead of leaving him there to die, Sinclair rescues him before taking off. With each encounter, their hatred grows but also something close to passion emerges. Sinclair pushes for an undercover assignment in Richmond, portraying a true Southern belle. Promises made are soon broken as Sinclair and Alexander wage war with each other, all in the name of duty. When love calls their duty into question, will they stay loyal to their convictions on opposing sides of a brutal war or cede to love?

Duty Bound is a historical Civil War romantic adventure masterpiece. Jessica James is an award-winning author plus has a deep love for this time period and location. Considering many historic battles that took place not far from where she lives, it’s no surprise. Every word, every sentence, every scene oozes her passion for this time period and how it shaped America. From the intricate descriptive narration to the historical accurate plot to the emotional depth of each character, Duty Bound is a feast for historical readers. The plot moves at a great pace with plenty of action, adventure, suspense, and romance thrown in. For readers who can’t get enough of enemies-to-lovers romance, you’ll want to read Duty Bound. For history buffs, especially those who study the Civil War, you’ll enjoy Duty Bound. This is book one of a trilogy and yes, this book ends on a cliffhanger. But the next book is releasing in just a week so you won’t have to wait long to see what happens next. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

“Duty Bound” is a beautiful saga of the life of a valiant woman and the courageous men she loves.

Read full review in the 2021 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duty Bound: A Sweeping Southern Tale of Espionage, Faith, and impossible Love during the American Civil War: Shades of Gray Civil War Serial Trilogy Book 1 is written by Jessica James. The story Jessica James had written exceeds all the thoughts I had of it before reading the book. I did not expect a book that brought with it the same or nearly the same emotions and expectations as did that of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind. I cannot remember another book that consumed me like this one did since reading GWTW.
Andrea Evans wanted nothing more than to do what she could so that the North won the war. She hoped to atone for something in her past by helping the North win. She was definitely not your typical Southern young lady. She was spirited, opinionated, brave, risk-taking, and outgoing. She preferred her time be spent on her horse Justus spying for the North and obstructing the efforts of the southern Captain Hunter. Luckily for her, her cousin had married Colonel Jonathan P. Jordan and had tasked him with helping and protecting Andrea. Andrea had lived with them and viewed Jordan as a father-figure and so did respect him. She just had a problem following orders. Through him, she meets Captain Daniel Delaney and falls in love with him.
Captain Hunter and his small group of men spend their time hunting and harassing the Northern troops. They tear up the railway lines to get the trains to stop or to wreck so they could take the cargo to be used by the Southern troops. Having this phantom rider interrupt their activities becomes very personal to him. He found the lad he suspected of being their target; but in crossing the river, he is thrown and hits his head on the rocks. Upon awakening, he finds the lad had pulled him to shore saving his life. However, the lad was still there and he proceeded to try to subdue the lad. Unfortunately, he once again fainted. Now this had become a personal thing for him.
What Captain Hunter and the rest of the men, except for Jordan and Delaney, didn’t know was that Andrea was in disguise as Alexander Sinclair. What will happen when Captain Hunter finds out? What will happen when Andrea finds out about the relationship between Hunter and Delaney?

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed the three books, in this updated Shades of Gray Trilogy ( Duty Bound, Honor Bound & Glory Bound. I have read this story before as well as the story Noble Cause and found the new added parts of this story gave such depth to this wonderful Civil War Epic.

The Main characters in this story are written so well that they are easy to envision. The descriptions of battle scenes are also written in a way that you can feel you are actually there.
The theme of the story is where two strong willed, independent and highly capable enemies on opposing sides are put into a situation where they are forced to come to terms with each other.

Duty Bound begins with a bang as two adversaries meet across a river while watering their horses. Captain Hunter realizes the boy across the river is the Yankee traitor that keeps losing him battles and tries to shoot him. When his horse loses it's footing and he falls into the water, hitting his head- his enemy drags him to safety. The rest of this book continues this cat and mouse game between the Yankee spy and the Confederate Hero.

Watching Captain Alex Hunter and the traitor he has been after Andrew Sinclair battle wits against each other is amazing. When Hunter finally captures the traitor he is not expecting the revelation that Andrew is actually a woman and one that he has promised his dying brother to protect. Keeping his promise to Daniel may be the hardest thing he has done as he takes a badly injured Andrea Evans (Andrew Sinclair) into his home to recuperate from her horrors in a prison of war camp.

Even though I have read this story before- I could not put it down. Reading the new parts just made this story more special. It is a story I definitely will come back to read again.

I received a copy of this book from StoryOrigin and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Rolé - Hooked By That Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every meeting between Hunter and Audrey was electrifying. They both show so much determination and grit.

The descriptions of the armies, their encampments, and the battles are very compelling. The first part was over before I knew it. It's a good thing I can jump right into the next one.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting ❣️I can hardly wait for the next book ❣️
I believe that this saga will garner ALL the top awards in its genre, plus become a runaway Best Seller within an astoundingly short time . . .
If I could give an infinite number of stars, I would😏
Definitely one of my all-time favourites❣️❣️❣️

[Aida Moultrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! Jessica James makes the characters come to life! This book is a historical fiction about the Civil War and pits brother against brother and friend against friend. The interactions between the Hero Captain Hunter and the heroine Andrea/ Sinclair are dramatic, the banter so good! I could not put this book down and immediately moved to book 2! How wonderful to read a book with depth! I read this book years ago but it has been re-edited and enhanced and it felt like I was reading it for the first time! Well done!

[Sylvia Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! This is an Amazing book about the Civil War. Grabs you from the very beginning. After reading this I began to research for myself John S Mosby. What true American Hero :)

[Cindy McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Sinclair being able to move through the countryside during the Civil War without being captured by his nemesis. Sinclair unknown by everyone except a couple of people that he is really a she. She is able to begin building a relationship, amid all the adventures. This is a book you do not want to miss reading. I received a copy for an honest review.

[Jessica]

I can't believe it is June 1 already, but here we are -- Release Day for historical fiction Civil War novel Duty Bound!

N.N. Light's Book Heaven called Duty Bound a “A historical Civil War romantic adventure masterpiece," and InD'Tale Magazine said it is "a gripping tale that mesmerizes readers."

BLURB: Honor and conviction clash with loyalty and love in this sweeping Civil War tale that pits brother against brother.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Jessica James, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the Kindle eBook copy of Duty Bound ~ Shades of Gray ~ Book 1 that I won in the Giveaway.

In Duty Bound, Andrea Sinclair is a seventeen year old girl posing as a boy as she rides and carries messages between Union officers and in the process gathers information on the movement of Confederacy troops. One group of a small under the leadership of Colonel Alexander Hunter often crosses paths with the boy know as Sinclair on his big black horse and reports back to the Union his movements.

Both Andrea or Andrew are devoted to their side in this conflict between the States in the Civil War of the 1860s. Hunter fights for his beloved Virginia and Andrew has personal reasons to help fight for the Union.

Andrea's daring as a currier and spy in either her role as a boy or a posing as a Southern lady gathering information in Richmond with her quick wit and fearlessness is impressive. Hunter is famous for his daring and fearlessness in the raids against the Union, gather supplies for the Southern troops. In a war where brother fights against brother, as is the case with Alex and Daniel, Andrea's friend that she has come to love.

Both feel Duty Bound to their cause, which leads to a conflicted ending and a cliffhanger, as this is the first book of a trilogy.

[Mbsuther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duty bound

I am a Civil War fanatic and am always on the lookout for a good Civil War tale or mystery. I was intrigued by the description that I found on Facebook about this series. The characters have thus far been good (not great) and the storyline intriguing. I am a bit perplexed about Andrea's devil may care approach to her "duty". There are many teasers about something in her childhood, but we never get any more until the last few pages of part one. I am hooked enough to read the next to see what "this" is. However, this a strong story only because it promises something in the next book. That is disappointing. A 4.1 out of 5 rating.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story it is a fantastic book about the Civil War. The characters in this book are amazing. Such grit and resilience. There is plenty of action and adventure. Kept me glued to the pages.

[Jessica Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this. Hearing that this was being lauded as "one of the best historical fiction romances ever" sets a high bar. Unfortunately it fell flat. I was bored throughout most of it. The main characters of this "romance" didn't even meet until 60% of the way through. Very underwhelming.

[Alicia Jo Sanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy and the Noble Cause book are so dear to my heart! I love the characters and often think about their story. This is a new favorite of mine.

[Nita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. The fact that the brought out that women were a big part of the Civil War was a nice change. Very descriptive.

[Jean Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Civil War Fiction

This book had it all, intrigue, romance and history. A good clean read. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and series too. Keeps you on the edge of your seat!

[Liz Oneill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am glad I have the rest of this series to read. It is so excellent. The first book is exciting and remarkable as we watch our character perform amazing tasks.

[Joann Shold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner.

It is a page turner. A different perspective on the civil war. Spies were an important part of the war

[Candie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved this historical fiction book. It grabbed me from the start and did not let go. Every encounter between Sinclair and Hunter was so intense that I found myself holding my breath until it was over. I think this will be a new favorite of mine that I will return to again and again. This was also my first Jessica James book and I can not wait to read the rest of the series and see what becomes of Andrea and Alexander.