A Lady at Last

The latest from Joyce offers readers a passionate, swashbuckling voyage in her newest addition to the De Warenne dynasty series. This installment showcases Cliff De Warenne, third son to the earl of Adare, gentleman, privateer, notorious lady's man and, most recently, rescuer of damsels in distress. One such damsel, free spirit Amanda Carre, is left alone in Jamaica to face an angry mob after her father is hanged for piracy. The strong-willed beauty turns to De Warenne to sail her to London for a reunion with a mother she cannot remember and a rigid society she feels certain will scorn her. On the course of their stormy voyage, Cliff instructs Amanda in the art of becoming a lady, determined that she make a successful debut and land a good husband. Along the way, Amanda recognizes that her feelings toward her captain go beyond mere gratitude, and Cliff wonders if his fierce loyalty to the young woman runs deeper than he dares to acknowledge. Romance veteran Joyce brings her keen sense of humor and storytelling prowess to bear on her witty, fully formed characters. (Dec.)