title: The Very Daring Duchess (Sonnet Books)
author:  Miranda Jarrett 
description: 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 clichd commentary. Although Jarrett's sex scenes are steamy and descriptive, her characters are little more than cardboard.
zlib_text: **Praise for bestselling author**  
   **Miranda Jarrett**
  
  “Miranda Jarrett continues to reign as the queen of historical romance.”
  
  — _Romantic Times_
  
  “A marvelous author…each word is a treasure, each book a lasting memory.”
  
  — _The Literary Times_
  
  “Ms. Jarrett always delivers a memorable story peopled with memorable
  characters…. You can always count on Ms. Jarrett to gift us with something
  intelligent, new and vibrant.”
  
  — _Romantic Times_
  
  **Acclaim for Miranda Jarrett’s previous titles**
  
   **The Golden Lord**
  
  “Sexual tension runs high. There are…secrets to be kept, mysteries to be
  solved and a traditional ending in which sharing truth wins true love.”
  
  — _Romantic Times_
  
   **The Silver Lord**
  
  “The characters and plotting are very good and deftly presented.”
  
  — _Affaire de Coeur_
  
   **The Very Daring Duchess**
  
  “A vibrant, passionate story, richly told. _The Very Daring Duchess_ will
  sweep you away to an eighteenth century world of power and danger.”
  
  — _USA TODAY_ bestselling aut