From Publishers Weekly
Against the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars, Jarrett (Star Bright) spins a formulaic romance between a conservative Naval officer and an exotic arts dealer. After winning a victory against the French army, Captain Edward Ramsden, the unwanted fourth son of the Duke of Harborough, and a fellow officer decide to explore Naples and enjoy its diversions. Their first stop is the illustrious Signora Francesca Robin's studio d'artista, an eclectic museum containing a number of bogus art pieces as well as a large display of lewd paintings. Edward is more intrigued by Francesca's striking appearance and forward manner than her collection, however, and his awareness of her fraudulent dealings doesn't dampen his attraction. When the French army threatens to invade Naples, the Royal Navy prepares to evacuate all English citizens, but Francesca is denied passage because she is half English and half Neapolitan. Fearful of what may happen to Francesca after he departs, Edward volunteers to marry her. The story escalates with the promise of intrigue and sexual tension but, unfortunately, Jarrett packs her tale with maudlin dialogue and clich‚d commentary. Although Jarrett's sex scenes are steamy and descriptive, her characters are little more than cardboard. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Romantic Times -Kathe Robin
"You can always count on Ms. Jarrett to gift us with something intelligent, new, and vibrant."

The Belles and Beaux of Romance - Suzanne Coleburn
"[Miranda Jarrett's] characters are flawless, and her knowledge of seafaring is fantastic. She is a shining star in romantic fiction."

Romantic Fiction Forum
"THE VERY DARING DUCHESS offers historical pageantry and romance from the first page to the last."

Romance Reviews Today - Debbie Gilbert
"Miranda Jarrett takes readers on an exciting sea voyage in THE VERY DARING DUCHESS."

Book Description
Escaping the invasion of Napoleon's army, Francesca Robin seeks to flee Italy on an English ship. When Francesca -- an artist whose risqué paintings are much desired by wealthy gentlemen buyers -- learns of Admiral Lord Nelson's decree that no lady may gain passage on an English ship without a husband, she dares to do the unthinkable: find an eligible English bachelor and marry him at once. Estranged from his noble family, Captain Lord Edward Ramsden has built a stellar naval career. Proper and upstanding, he shocks himself by impulsively exchanging vows with this forward and flirtatious lady in distress. But in London, their mock marriage is turned upside down when Edward is unexpectedly named a duke -- and Francesca his unlikely duchess -- stunning the genteel ton. Their newfound social status invites danger and scandal -- and now the duke risks all to win the heart of the woman he loves madly -- his bold-spirited duchess.

Download Description
When Napoleon's troops invade Naples, noblewoman Francesca Robin is promised safe passage to England on Admiral Lord Nelson's ship--but only if she can find an English husband. Captain Lord Edward Ramsden has built a stellar naval career. He's taken with Francesca, and shocks himself by taking her as his wife. It is a means to an end, and yet they find themselves drawn together by passionate force.

About the Author
With more than two million copies in print, Miranda Jarrett's bestselling books are enjoyed by readers worldwide. Her critically acclaimed novels of colonial America starring the unforgettable Sparhawk family have been joined by her splendid series for Pocket Books and Sonnet Books, featuring the equally memorable Fairbournes of Cape Cod: The Captain's Bride, Cranberry Point, Wishing, Moonlight, Sunrise, Starlight and Star Bright. A marvelous duo of novels, The Very Daring Duchess and The Very Comely Countess, are her latest Sonnet Books releases. Miranda is a graduate of Brown University with a degree in art history. A two-time RITA Award finalist, she is the recipient of many awards and honors for her writing, including two prestigious Gold Leaf awards and the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award for Best North American Historical Romance. She loves to hear from readers, and can be reached at P.O. Box 1102, Paoli, PA 19301-0792 (a SASE is appreciated), or by e-mail at MJarrett21@aol.com.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Escaping the invasion of Napoleon's army, Francesca Robin seeks to flee Italy on an English ship. When Francesca -- an artist whose risqué paintings are much desired by wealthy gentlemen buyers -- learns of Admiral Lord Nelson's decree that no lady may gain passage on an English ship without a husband, she dares to do the unthinkable: find an eligible English bachelor and marry him at once.

Estranged from his noble family, Captain Lord Edward Ramsden has built a stellar naval career. Proper and upstanding, he shocks himself by impulsively exchanging vows with this forward and flirtatious lady in distress. But in London, their mock marriage is turned upside down when Edward is unexpectedly named a duke -- and Francesca his unlikely duchess -- stunning the genteel ton. Their newfound social status invites danger and scandal -- and now the duke risks all to win the heart of the woman he loves madly -- his bold-spirited duchess.

SYNOPSIS

Escaping the invasion of Napoleon's army, Francesca Robin seeks to flee Italy on an English ship. Admiral Lord Nelson decrees no lady may gain passage on an English ship without a husband. Francesca finds a bachelor and marries him at once.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly