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The Duchess
494 pages
A sweeping, misty Highland romance where a pragmatic engagement gives way to undeniable, brooding passion.
What it feels like
Reading this classic historical romance feels like wrapping yourself in a tartan blanket on a misty, chill afternoon. It delivers the quintessential nineties romance experience: a spirited American heiress, a damp but majestic Scottish castle overflowing with eccentric relatives, and a brooding, arrogant hero who challenges the heroine at every turn. The narrative moves at a brisk, entertaining clip, driven by sharp banter and the delicious tension of a culture clash mixed with hidden identities. Deveraux's prose is lush and emotionally expressive, perfectly capturing the sweeping grandeur of the Highlands and the melodramatic heights of true love. It is a delightful, cozy, and passionate escape for anyone who loves their historical romances filled with stubborn heroes, grand estates, and the triumph of desire over duty.
- Mood
- misty
- passionate
- cozy
- sweeping
- Tone
- playful
- romantic
- melodramatic
- witty
- earnest
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- culture clash · duty versus desire · hidden identities · eccentric families · unexpected love
- The writing
- Expressive and dialogue-driven, leaning into lush descriptions of the Scottish Highlands and sharp, spirited banter.
- The arc
- Moves from pragmatic obligation and humorous culture shock to a sweeping, undeniable passion.
- Who it's for
- Readers who crave classic, sweeping historical romances featuring brooding Scottish heroes, spirited American heiresses, and grand castle settings.
Content notes
- sexual content
- mild historical sexism
About the book
Jude Deveraux captures the thrill of an American beauty's Highlands wedding, where a royal title is at stake -- and where love wins the day.
Claire Willoughby risked losing millions in her inheritance if, as decreed by her grandfather, she did not wed an "acceptable" man. Harry Montgomery, the eleventh Duke of MacArran, seemed perfect. He owned a historic castle, he looked manly in a kilt, and he was as much a titled Scotsman as Bonnie Prince Charlie himself.
Their engagement announced, Claire's future as a duchess was assured -- and she set off with her family to meet the Montgomery clan in Scotland. Bramley Castle was a damp, chill place, overþowing with eccentric relatives. But there was also Trevelyan, a secretive, brooding man who lived in Bramley's ancient halls. Whoever he was, he wasn't at all like Harry: Trevelyan was the most exasperating, arrogant, know-it-all of a man Claire had ever met. And the most fascinating...
Montgomery/Taggert (in chronological order): The Black Lyon (Montgomery/Taggert, #1) The Maiden (Montgomery/Taggert, #2) The Velvet Promise (Velvet Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #1) (Montgomery/Taggert, #3) Highland Velvet (Velvet Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #2) (Montgomery/Taggert, #4) Velvet Song (Velvet Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #3) (Montgomery/Taggert, #5) Velvet Angel (Velvet Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #4) (Montgomery/Taggert, #6) The Velvet Quartet Velvet (Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #1-4) The Heiress (Montgomery/Taggert, #7) The Raider (Montgomery/Taggert, #8) Mountain Laurel (Montgomery/Taggert, #9) Eternity (Montgomery/Taggert, #10) The Duchess (Montgomery/Taggert, #11) Twin of Fire (Chandler Twins, #1) (Montgomery/Taggert, #13) Twin of Ice (Chandler Twins, #2) (Montgomery/Taggert, #12) The Temptress (Montgomery/Taggert, #14) Wishes (Montgomery/Taggert, #15) The Awakening (Montgomery/Taggert, #16) The Invitation from “The Invitation” (Montgomery/Taggert, #17) The Princess (Montgomery/Taggert, #18) A Knight in Shining Armor (Montgomery/Taggert Family, #19) Sweet Liar (Montgomery/Taggert, #20) Matchmakers from “The Invitation” (Montgomery/Taggert, #21) Change of Heart from “A Holiday of Love” (Montgomery/Taggert, #22) Just Curious from “A gift of Love” (Montgomery/Taggert, #23) High Tide (Montgomery/Taggert, #24) Holly (Montgomery/Taggert, #25) Someone to Love (Montgomery/Taggert, #26) Forever... (Forever, #1) (Montgomery/Taggert, #27) Forever and Always (Forever, #2) (Montgomery/Taggert, #28) Always (Forever Trilogy #3) (Montgomery/Taggert, #29) True Love (Nantucket Brides, #1)(Montgomery/Taggert, #30) For All Time (Nantucket Brides, #2)(Montgomery/Taggert, #31) Ever After (Nantucket Brides, #3)(Montgomery/Taggert, #32) Met Her Match (Montgomery/Taggert, #33) Simple Gifts: Just Curious / Miracles / Change of Heart / Double Exposure (Montgomery/Taggert)
Description from Open Library.
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