The Last Duchess

In the opulent and powerful court of Queen Anne, the young Duchess of Havenhurst honed her skills in seduction and diplomacy. However, it was in her father's house where Selinda first learned the lucrative trade of smuggling stolen gems from some of the world's most dangerously guarded mines. Married against her will to the much older Duke of Havenhurst, a man who neither loved nor wanted her, Selinda found refuge as one of the queen's courtiers. But when she suddenly found herself widowed, the young duchess discovered that her fortunes were desperately depleted.

Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires – the aristocracy had an insatiable appetite for gems of rare beauty, and Selinda found a willing market eager to pay dearly for what she could provide. With ample income to start rebuilding her legitimate estates, Selinda's world of secrecy and intrigue seemed well on course. That is, until Alexie Wittelsbach, the handsome, dark-eyed captain of the HMS Nemesis, was charged with putting a stop to smuggling and piracy in England's colonies.

With her operations and identity threatened, Selinda gambled everything to succeed in one last venture that would finally free her from financial ruin. But only at the risk of losing all she had gained... and more.

BOOK REVIEWS

Ratings: 4 out of 5 Stars Date of Review: 12/10/10 Reviewed by: Debora Hosey, official review from The Romance Readers Connection

Michelle Bono writes a riveting, mostly fast-paced adventure that has it all: breath-taking settings from the American Colony of Virginia, England and the Court of Queen Anne, Bermuda and the high seas, exciting sea battles, pirates, slavers, smugglers, great secondary characters, a dastardly villain, and of course, passionate romance and soul-searing love. Selinda is a bold, courageous heroine, and Alexie is a dashing, serious hero who are meant for their happily ever after...and it is assured at the end of the story that life with Selinda will be anything but dull. Michael, a wonderful secondary character, is intriguing, noble, and deserves a story of his own. Here's hoping Ms. Bono has a long and prosperous writing career!

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