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Taming of the Dukes #3
The Worst Duke in London
Book #3 from the series: Taming of the Dukes
๐งRun Time = 9 hours and 58 minutes
From a โmust-read authorโ ( Jodi Picoult) comes a โwickedly witty, sublimely sensualโ Regency romance (Booklist). Lady Evangeline Raine wants nothing to do with suitors, but when Duke Gage Croft is paid to pursue her, she turns the tables with a scandalous proposal. What begins as pretense ignites real passion neither of them can ignoreโฆ โณPerformed by an Audie Awardโwinning narrator!
Bridgerton meets 10 Things I Hate About You in this spicy enemies-to-lovers Regency romance from a "must-read author" (Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
Lady Evangeline Raine prefers animals to people and has no interest in marriageโmuch to the dismay of her flirty younger sister, Viola. Because their father has one Viola may be courted, only if Effie has a suitor as well.
Saddled with debt, Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, is determined to rebuild his estates. When the owner of his vowels offers him a fortune to charm the impervious Lady Evangeline for the season so Lady Viola can be courted, the game is on, even if it means pretending to seduce an unconventional wallflower.
But Gage gets much more than he bargains for in an adversary who wants to make her own scandalous arrangement. Effie will go to London for the season, but only if Gage agrees to be her lover. Yet when their fake courtship leads to passionate feelings, will their indecent proposal end with the season or be the start of something real?
๐งRun Time = 9 hours and 58 minutes
From a โmust-read authorโ ( Jodi Picoult) comes a โwickedly witty, sublimely sensualโ Regency romance (Booklist). Lady Evangeline Raine wants nothing to do with suitors, but when Duke Gage Croft is paid to pursue her, she turns the tables with a scandalous proposal. What begins as pretense ignites real passion neither of them can ignoreโฆ โณPerformed by an Audie Awardโwinning narrator!
Bridgerton meets 10 Things I Hate About You in this spicy enemies-to-lovers Regency romance from a "must-read author" (Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
Lady Evangeline Raine prefers animals to people and has no interest in marriageโmuch to the dismay of her flirty younger sister, Viola. Because their father has one Viola may be courted, only if Effie has a suitor as well.
Saddled with debt, Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, is determined to rebuild his estates. When the owner of his vowels offers him a fortune to charm the impervious Lady Evangeline for the season so Lady Viola can be courted, the game is on, even if it means pretending to seduce an unconventional wallflower.
But Gage gets much more than he bargains for in an adversary who wants to make her own scandalous arrangement. Effie will go to London for the season, but only if Gage agrees to be her lover. Yet when their fake courtship leads to passionate feelings, will their indecent proposal end with the season or be the start of something real?
Audible Audio
First published September 24, 2024
175 people are currently reading
7133 people want to read
About the author
Amalie Howard
46ย books3,274ย followersAMALIE HOWARD is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, most notably of The Beast of Beswick, โa smart, sexy, deliciously feminist romance,โ and one of O-The Oprah Magazineโs Top 24 Best Historicals to Read. She is the co-author of the #1 bestsellers in regency romance and Scottish historical romance, My Rogue, My Ruin and What A Scot Wants, and has also penned several young adult novels, critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, School Library Journal, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Kidโs INDIE NEXT selection. Of Indo-Caribbean descent, she has written articles on multicultural fiction for The Portland Book Review and Ravishly magazine. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children. Visit her at amaliehoward.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 554 reviews
October 21, 2024
Well, this was definitely the worstโฆ
Canโt do it. DNF at 50%.
She calls her enemy Lord Cuntington and talks about penises non-stop like itโs a middle school cafeteria in 2012, not a ballroom in whateverthefuck year this is pretending to be.
When we arenโt being served juvenile dick and poop jokes we are being beat over the head with modern concepts like the constructs of virginity, sapphic relationships, the benefits of self pleasure, sex toys, womenโs sexuality and all the double standards therein. The heroine is constantly lecturing this hero like sheโs just walked out of a womenโs studies class at Berkeley not an unwed woman from the regency (maybe?) era. Let me share with you a quote that made me shut this shit down:
โBy default, a virgin is a maiden of intact chastity, one whose sheath has not been broken by a manโs penis, but penetration means different things to people.โ She quirked her lips and shrugged. โWhat if two women come together? According to such a definition, then they are still virgins, even though the act of copulation has undoubtedly occurred. If a lady ruptures this so-called barrier while riding a horse, does that mean she is unchaste or has been penetrated by a gust of air?โ Despite her logical reasoning, she blushed, face darkening in the moonlight, her grip hard on her fan. โFurthermore, what if penetration happens and a woman is alone, pleasuring herself with the assistance of an...instrument, what then?โ
Honestly, I expect some modern sensibilities in historical romance, and I like seeing a woman push against the expectations of society but this is beyond enough and yes I absolutely agree with everything this author is spouting but I do not love to be lectured on it. WE AGREE WITH YOU BUT HOLY CRAP SHUT UP AND GIVE ME SOME PLOT AND STORY DEVELOPMENT.
This book vacillates between soap boxing on the patriarchy and its injustices (from a modern ethos that makes no sense for the time period) and dick and ๐ฉ jokes and horny inner thoughts. There is no substance to this story and the plot is basic af. I should have bailed early on when she referred to herself as a hot mess, because fuck that noise, but I persevered because this was an arc. Why do I keep doing that?
This whole thing is a huge miss and I could go on about how much masturbation this character talks about, how stupid all the set ups are, how contrived and unbelievable the plot is , how this not like other girls heroine is 150 years before her time on feminist issues (instead of focussing on the suffrage issues of the time) and how every single male character in this series is a Duke, but I wonโt because itโs simply not worth it.
Skip this book folks. There are a billion Duke books out there, maybe even more. Go read one of those instead.
Thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary copy.
***************************
Taking a break from this because all the crass dick and ๐ฉ jokes are annoying the fuck outta me.
She calls her enemy Lord Cuntington and talks about penises non-stop like itโs a middle school cafeteria in 2012, not a ballroom in whateverthefuck year this is pretending to be.
I hate these stupid books that just ignore every part of history so we can have sex scenes in ballrooms.
*******************
Ok this looks interesting and I have the arc but ffs can we call it a Taming of the Shrew retelling NOT a ten things I hate about you retelling, because THAT was a Taming of the Shrew retelling!!
(Iโm referring to the marketing on this not the readers who are only following the thing the blurb is saying)
Canโt do it. DNF at 50%.
She calls her enemy Lord Cuntington and talks about penises non-stop like itโs a middle school cafeteria in 2012, not a ballroom in whateverthefuck year this is pretending to be.
When we arenโt being served juvenile dick and poop jokes we are being beat over the head with modern concepts like the constructs of virginity, sapphic relationships, the benefits of self pleasure, sex toys, womenโs sexuality and all the double standards therein. The heroine is constantly lecturing this hero like sheโs just walked out of a womenโs studies class at Berkeley not an unwed woman from the regency (maybe?) era. Let me share with you a quote that made me shut this shit down:
โBy default, a virgin is a maiden of intact chastity, one whose sheath has not been broken by a manโs penis, but penetration means different things to people.โ She quirked her lips and shrugged. โWhat if two women come together? According to such a definition, then they are still virgins, even though the act of copulation has undoubtedly occurred. If a lady ruptures this so-called barrier while riding a horse, does that mean she is unchaste or has been penetrated by a gust of air?โ Despite her logical reasoning, she blushed, face darkening in the moonlight, her grip hard on her fan. โFurthermore, what if penetration happens and a woman is alone, pleasuring herself with the assistance of an...instrument, what then?โ
Honestly, I expect some modern sensibilities in historical romance, and I like seeing a woman push against the expectations of society but this is beyond enough and yes I absolutely agree with everything this author is spouting but I do not love to be lectured on it. WE AGREE WITH YOU BUT HOLY CRAP SHUT UP AND GIVE ME SOME PLOT AND STORY DEVELOPMENT.
This book vacillates between soap boxing on the patriarchy and its injustices (from a modern ethos that makes no sense for the time period) and dick and ๐ฉ jokes and horny inner thoughts. There is no substance to this story and the plot is basic af. I should have bailed early on when she referred to herself as a hot mess, because fuck that noise, but I persevered because this was an arc. Why do I keep doing that?
This whole thing is a huge miss and I could go on about how much masturbation this character talks about, how stupid all the set ups are, how contrived and unbelievable the plot is , how this not like other girls heroine is 150 years before her time on feminist issues (instead of focussing on the suffrage issues of the time) and how every single male character in this series is a Duke, but I wonโt because itโs simply not worth it.
Skip this book folks. There are a billion Duke books out there, maybe even more. Go read one of those instead.
Thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary copy.
***************************
Taking a break from this because all the crass dick and ๐ฉ jokes are annoying the fuck outta me.
She calls her enemy Lord Cuntington and talks about penises non-stop like itโs a middle school cafeteria in 2012, not a ballroom in whateverthefuck year this is pretending to be.
I hate these stupid books that just ignore every part of history so we can have sex scenes in ballrooms.
*******************
Ok this looks interesting and I have the arc but ffs can we call it a Taming of the Shrew retelling NOT a ten things I hate about you retelling, because THAT was a Taming of the Shrew retelling!!
(Iโm referring to the marketing on this not the readers who are only following the thing the blurb is saying)
December 11, 2024
Ten things i hate about you but make it historical romance?? oh i ATE THIS UPPPPPP. amalie howard is only getting better and this whole series is impeccable
A sublime historical romance twist on 10 Things I Hate About You featuring a financially destitute Duke and a headstrong wallflower brought into one anotherโs orbit by a sly bargain. Amalie Howard is at the top of her talent with her latest series twisting classic romantic comedies into sparkling regency love stories. Loved that the entire addition with this one was: what if there were animals everywhere and the duke was attacked by kittens. The Worst Duke in London is a delightfully steamy historical romance romp and a fitting nod to its source material. Lovers of animals, men undone, and scandalous agreements unite!
Thank you to Edelweiss for the review copy.
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A sublime historical romance twist on 10 Things I Hate About You featuring a financially destitute Duke and a headstrong wallflower brought into one anotherโs orbit by a sly bargain. Amalie Howard is at the top of her talent with her latest series twisting classic romantic comedies into sparkling regency love stories. Loved that the entire addition with this one was: what if there were animals everywhere and the duke was attacked by kittens. The Worst Duke in London is a delightfully steamy historical romance romp and a fitting nod to its source material. Lovers of animals, men undone, and scandalous agreements unite!
Thank you to Edelweiss for the review copy.
Follow me on Instagram
September 28, 2024
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining but a bit OTT
Lady Evangeline Raine prefers animals to humans, especially the little ones she rescues and cares for in her animal shelter. Her young sister, Viola, wants nothing more than a season in London and marriage. However, the season will happen if Effie (Evangeline) is also willing to attend.
Duke of Vale, Gage Croft, was happy being a Highlander until his brotherโs death made him the duke and dumped a ton load of debts on his head. He needs to settle a debt and agrees to charm Evangeline to bring her to London. However, he soon realizes that the bargain could be costly indeed!
Can Effie and Gage find what they want, or will the secrets tear them apart?
The story comes in Effie and Gageโs third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
The book starts with a short content warning note by the author, mentioning the possible triggers (and their intensity) in the story.
Right away, we are thrown into the drama around the main characters. Reading the previous book (Never Met a Duke Like You), made it easy to follow the FMCโs character arc. This should still work as a standalone read (the others make an appearance a few times). However, I did find all that talk a bit preachy. We know what the issues are, right? No need to repeat them so often.
The MMC is quite easy to like even if some of his decisions are bad. But thatโs necessary for the plot to progress, so canโt say much.
This is a steamy romance (4.5ish), and there are a lot of sexual innuendos throughout the book. This may not suit everyone. I didnโt mind most of it. The writing style was fun (when not preaching, so it suited the tone).
Thereโs a teeny mystery as well, though it is never the main focus. Acts like seasoning and helps bring things together in the climax.
And yes, we have a third-act breakup. I knew it would happen very early in the plot (almost after the first chapter). Being prepared helps, folks!
We have an epilogue (yay!) that not only gives us HEA but also hints at the next book. I am waiting for that, though I suspect the spice will be all-time high, based on what we know about the characters.
Effieโs sister isnโt easy to like, but she manages to get to the right side and show decent growth. I like that thereโs no drastic change, but shows a sign of improvement. I do wish to get to know William a little more. A nice guy!
The pacing dips in the middle but picks up again in the last quarter. It didnโt really drag or feel boring. However, some scenes are a bit OTT and take to liberty, given the historical setting. While I no longer expect proper historical romances, this one could have toned it down a little.
The authorโs note is detailed and informative, providing a glimpse into her research, which supports her plotline and character arcs.
To summarize, The Worst Duke in London is a fun read with a high dose of spice and many contemporary sensibilities. Read it if you want something light and fluffy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheWorstDukeInLondon
One Liner: Entertaining but a bit OTT
Lady Evangeline Raine prefers animals to humans, especially the little ones she rescues and cares for in her animal shelter. Her young sister, Viola, wants nothing more than a season in London and marriage. However, the season will happen if Effie (Evangeline) is also willing to attend.
Duke of Vale, Gage Croft, was happy being a Highlander until his brotherโs death made him the duke and dumped a ton load of debts on his head. He needs to settle a debt and agrees to charm Evangeline to bring her to London. However, he soon realizes that the bargain could be costly indeed!
Can Effie and Gage find what they want, or will the secrets tear them apart?
The story comes in Effie and Gageโs third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
The book starts with a short content warning note by the author, mentioning the possible triggers (and their intensity) in the story.
Right away, we are thrown into the drama around the main characters. Reading the previous book (Never Met a Duke Like You), made it easy to follow the FMCโs character arc. This should still work as a standalone read (the others make an appearance a few times). However, I did find all that talk a bit preachy. We know what the issues are, right? No need to repeat them so often.
The MMC is quite easy to like even if some of his decisions are bad. But thatโs necessary for the plot to progress, so canโt say much.
This is a steamy romance (4.5ish), and there are a lot of sexual innuendos throughout the book. This may not suit everyone. I didnโt mind most of it. The writing style was fun (when not preaching, so it suited the tone).
Thereโs a teeny mystery as well, though it is never the main focus. Acts like seasoning and helps bring things together in the climax.
And yes, we have a third-act breakup. I knew it would happen very early in the plot (almost after the first chapter). Being prepared helps, folks!
We have an epilogue (yay!) that not only gives us HEA but also hints at the next book. I am waiting for that, though I suspect the spice will be all-time high, based on what we know about the characters.
Effieโs sister isnโt easy to like, but she manages to get to the right side and show decent growth. I like that thereโs no drastic change, but shows a sign of improvement. I do wish to get to know William a little more. A nice guy!
The pacing dips in the middle but picks up again in the last quarter. It didnโt really drag or feel boring. However, some scenes are a bit OTT and take to liberty, given the historical setting. While I no longer expect proper historical romances, this one could have toned it down a little.
The authorโs note is detailed and informative, providing a glimpse into her research, which supports her plotline and character arcs.
To summarize, The Worst Duke in London is a fun read with a high dose of spice and many contemporary sensibilities. Read it if you want something light and fluffy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheWorstDukeInLondon
September 24, 2024
โจApparently 2024 is the year of 10 Things I Hate About You romance retellings??? The Ms-Perkification process has begun!โจ
This is the third 10 Things I Hate About You romance Iโve read recentlyโTen Things I Hate About the Duke, 10 Things I Hate About Prom, The Worst Duke In Londonโand Iโve been truly delighted each and every time. This one was a pretty loose version, but I still had fun picking out things from the movie.
I really enjoyed her animal shelter and all of the adorable animals, especially Beasty Buttercup omg!!! Give me a hero being completely overrun by tiny furry hellions any day of the week! Better yet, make that hero a virgin who has had a pretty easy time staying a virgin until the heroine ruins his life (and celibacy)!!! Delicious. Also the grand gesture was absolutely perfect.
โจ
I do, however, run into issues when a book is compared to a movie: I just canโt shake the comparisons, sometimes to the detriment of the book. Itโs totally a selling point!! but I also maybe oversold it a bit in my head? Like I still enjoyed this book immensely and had a great time, but I couldnโt fully turn my brain off.
- I wanted Effie to be more of a shrew! She was so nice??? To everyone! I needed a bit more edge, but I still definitely loved her. I really enjoy reading about heroines who are a bit โunlikeableโ or truly donโt care what others think, and I just donโt think that was Effie. Plus, Viola steamrolled her at the beginningโand I was getting annoyed because Kat Stratford was a brick wallโbut I did end up loving their bond by the end.
- And while I LOVE a virgin heroโBARK BARK BARKโI maybe wanted Effie to be experienced? She was a bit of a shy virgin and again it just kinda threw me off. Like the book felt a bit too safeโespecially when I had Kat Stratford and Patrick Verona in my brain. But I really did love her propositioning him. That man was glitching, buffering, malfunctioning!! And it nicely raised the stakes for both of them when having sex, not just Effie.
- I do also love a good head-hopping moment, and I think that couldโve been a really fun way to play with the movie in the book. The POVs were only of Effie and Gage, so I wouldโve loved to get a few from the โBiancaโ and โMichaelโ characters to elevate the secondary romance a bit more.
โจ
Overall, Amalie Howard made 10 Things I Hate About You truly her own with nothing less than a very large and very virgin Scottish duke and lady who vastly prefers the company of semi-feral animals to the fully feral ton. I also ate up the cameos of the past couples. I think I might know the direction book four is going, and Iโm SO excited. This is a great series for those just getting into the genre or those who want a bit more modernity in their histroms.
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ/5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ.75/5
I received an eARC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
This is the third 10 Things I Hate About You romance Iโve read recentlyโTen Things I Hate About the Duke, 10 Things I Hate About Prom, The Worst Duke In Londonโand Iโve been truly delighted each and every time. This one was a pretty loose version, but I still had fun picking out things from the movie.
I really enjoyed her animal shelter and all of the adorable animals, especially Beasty Buttercup omg!!! Give me a hero being completely overrun by tiny furry hellions any day of the week! Better yet, make that hero a virgin who has had a pretty easy time staying a virgin until the heroine ruins his life (and celibacy)!!! Delicious. Also the grand gesture was absolutely perfect.
โจ
I do, however, run into issues when a book is compared to a movie: I just canโt shake the comparisons, sometimes to the detriment of the book. Itโs totally a selling point!! but I also maybe oversold it a bit in my head? Like I still enjoyed this book immensely and had a great time, but I couldnโt fully turn my brain off.
- I wanted Effie to be more of a shrew! She was so nice??? To everyone! I needed a bit more edge, but I still definitely loved her. I really enjoy reading about heroines who are a bit โunlikeableโ or truly donโt care what others think, and I just donโt think that was Effie. Plus, Viola steamrolled her at the beginningโand I was getting annoyed because Kat Stratford was a brick wallโbut I did end up loving their bond by the end.
- And while I LOVE a virgin heroโBARK BARK BARKโI maybe wanted Effie to be experienced? She was a bit of a shy virgin and again it just kinda threw me off. Like the book felt a bit too safeโespecially when I had Kat Stratford and Patrick Verona in my brain. But I really did love her propositioning him. That man was glitching, buffering, malfunctioning!! And it nicely raised the stakes for both of them when having sex, not just Effie.
- I do also love a good head-hopping moment, and I think that couldโve been a really fun way to play with the movie in the book. The POVs were only of Effie and Gage, so I wouldโve loved to get a few from the โBiancaโ and โMichaelโ characters to elevate the secondary romance a bit more.
โจ
Overall, Amalie Howard made 10 Things I Hate About You truly her own with nothing less than a very large and very virgin Scottish duke and lady who vastly prefers the company of semi-feral animals to the fully feral ton. I also ate up the cameos of the past couples. I think I might know the direction book four is going, and Iโm SO excited. This is a great series for those just getting into the genre or those who want a bit more modernity in their histroms.
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ/5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ.75/5
I received an eARC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
September 26, 2024
The Worst Duke in London by Amalie Howard
Taming of the Dukes series #3. Historical Regency romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Prior series characters play very minor secondary roles but would be considered spoilers if you prefer to read in order.
Lady Evangeline Raine has no interest in another season in London. Her first season, a rude Duke Huntington gave her the nickname of Lady Ghastly and unfortunately it stuck. Effie prefers animals to the ton, and has created a sanctuary near the familyโs country home. She doesnโt want to get married anyway, so there is no point in partying through another season. Effieโs father has unfortunately told her younger sister that she can only have her first season in London if Effie goes with her. Which Effie absolutely does not want to do.
The Duke of Vale, Gage Croft, is in England to rebuild his estate after several generations lost all their wealth gambling. Gage owes one more family debt to Huntington. Gage didnโt plan on attending any of the season activities but Huntington makes him an offer he canโt refuse. Huntington will not only waive the debt due, but heโll fund everything Gage needs to be in London from the clothes, to staff and furniture if only he can persuade Evangeline to go to London with her sister.
Gage finds Effie at her animal sanctuary and the two become acquainted but heโs unable to persuade her to London. Until she makes her own proposal for what she wants in exchange. And itโs on the risquรฉ side.
Parties and social events to see and be seen. Matches made, hearts broken, gossip passed.
Gage and Effie go from party to secluded clubs where they both learn all kinds of forbidden pleasures. All temporary as agreed.
An engaging romance with two unusual aristocrats that have their own ideas about what they want, today and for their future. Which leads to some very steamy experiences for them both! An unexpected romp. Loved her dedication to all animals but one was a bit of a shock. But it hit dead on with her commitment. And not fond of lies and hidden agendas. Loved the perfect wrap up.
A regency romance pairing youโll love.
Donโt miss the authors note at the end for research gems. Facts and details that make the story all that much better. Bonus Reading Guide Questions included at the end as well.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Taming of the Dukes series #3. Historical Regency romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Prior series characters play very minor secondary roles but would be considered spoilers if you prefer to read in order.
Lady Evangeline Raine has no interest in another season in London. Her first season, a rude Duke Huntington gave her the nickname of Lady Ghastly and unfortunately it stuck. Effie prefers animals to the ton, and has created a sanctuary near the familyโs country home. She doesnโt want to get married anyway, so there is no point in partying through another season. Effieโs father has unfortunately told her younger sister that she can only have her first season in London if Effie goes with her. Which Effie absolutely does not want to do.
The Duke of Vale, Gage Croft, is in England to rebuild his estate after several generations lost all their wealth gambling. Gage owes one more family debt to Huntington. Gage didnโt plan on attending any of the season activities but Huntington makes him an offer he canโt refuse. Huntington will not only waive the debt due, but heโll fund everything Gage needs to be in London from the clothes, to staff and furniture if only he can persuade Evangeline to go to London with her sister.
Gage finds Effie at her animal sanctuary and the two become acquainted but heโs unable to persuade her to London. Until she makes her own proposal for what she wants in exchange. And itโs on the risquรฉ side.
Parties and social events to see and be seen. Matches made, hearts broken, gossip passed.
Gage and Effie go from party to secluded clubs where they both learn all kinds of forbidden pleasures. All temporary as agreed.
An engaging romance with two unusual aristocrats that have their own ideas about what they want, today and for their future. Which leads to some very steamy experiences for them both! An unexpected romp. Loved her dedication to all animals but one was a bit of a shock. But it hit dead on with her commitment. And not fond of lies and hidden agendas. Loved the perfect wrap up.
A regency romance pairing youโll love.
Donโt miss the authors note at the end for research gems. Facts and details that make the story all that much better. Bonus Reading Guide Questions included at the end as well.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
January 10, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 4.5 rounded to โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Readability: ๐๐๐๐
Feels: ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฆ
Emotional Depth: ๐๐๐๐
Sexual Tension: โกโกโกโก
Romance: ๐๐๐
Sensuality: ๐๐๐๐
Sex Scene Length: ๐๐๐๐
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: It takes a little bit โ about 8%, or Chapter 3
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, maybe a few months in the future?
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley in e-book form (though itโs very late)
Why I chose this book: It won our January book of the month for Ton and Tartans FB group and I had an old NetGalley ARC languishing on my kindle...(shame, shame)
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
So, maybe for maximum enjoyment, you would like the series in order. Effie (our heroine here) has some minor page time in the first two books (the hero is not mentioned) and in this story, the friends from prior books do participate as side characters. But overall the romance is very stand alone and it will be fine to pick up out of order.
Basic plot:
Gage canโt turn down the opportunity to be debt free โ all he must do is distract and court the Lady Evangeline. That canโt be that difficult, right?
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian (I donโt see a year, but book 1 in the series is 1865)
- London and English countryside settings
- Ten Things I Hate About You retelling
- heroine runs a shelter for lost and starving animals
- hero needs an heiress
- Scottish / English hero
- The Destitute Duke and Lady Ghastly
- size difference โ heโs taller
-
- masked night of fun during ladiesโ choice masque โ a naughty ton partyโฆ
- pugilist hero
- higher steam with a slight slower burn (no action until halfway in!) โ 5ish full scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 21, hero is 28
First line:
Lady Evangeline Raine adored the country.
My thoughts:
I didnโt realize until after I started this, that I have read the whole series so far! Go me โ and this is definitely my favorite one of the series so far.
I will have to rewatch the movie sometime soon and see if I can find more easter eggs in the retelling of it. I love Ten Things I Hate About You so much, but also adore Clueless โ and I watched Clueless right before reading book 2 and was a bit disappointed in that rendition so I didnโt want that to happen again.
I thought this story was so good โ except for the big secret. This is why I hate secrets. But other than that, I really enjoyed this book!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 5
Average rating: 4.2
Favorite book: The Wolf of Westmore
Quotes
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. Itโs very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 4.5 rounded to โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Readability: ๐๐๐๐
Feels: ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฆ
Emotional Depth: ๐๐๐๐
Sexual Tension: โกโกโกโก
Romance: ๐๐๐
Sensuality: ๐๐๐๐
Sex Scene Length: ๐๐๐๐
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: It takes a little bit โ about 8%, or Chapter 3
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, maybe a few months in the future?
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley in e-book form (though itโs very late)
Why I chose this book: It won our January book of the month for Ton and Tartans FB group and I had an old NetGalley ARC languishing on my kindle...(shame, shame)
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
So, maybe for maximum enjoyment, you would like the series in order. Effie (our heroine here) has some minor page time in the first two books (the hero is not mentioned) and in this story, the friends from prior books do participate as side characters. But overall the romance is very stand alone and it will be fine to pick up out of order.
Basic plot:
Gage canโt turn down the opportunity to be debt free โ all he must do is distract and court the Lady Evangeline. That canโt be that difficult, right?
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian (I donโt see a year, but book 1 in the series is 1865)
- London and English countryside settings
- Ten Things I Hate About You retelling
- heroine runs a shelter for lost and starving animals
- hero needs an heiress
- Scottish / English hero
- The Destitute Duke and Lady Ghastly
- size difference โ heโs taller
-
- masked night of fun during ladiesโ choice masque โ a naughty ton partyโฆ
- pugilist hero
- higher steam with a slight slower burn (no action until halfway in!) โ 5ish full scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 21, hero is 28
First line:
Lady Evangeline Raine adored the country.
My thoughts:
I didnโt realize until after I started this, that I have read the whole series so far! Go me โ and this is definitely my favorite one of the series so far.
I will have to rewatch the movie sometime soon and see if I can find more easter eggs in the retelling of it. I love Ten Things I Hate About You so much, but also adore Clueless โ and I watched Clueless right before reading book 2 and was a bit disappointed in that rendition so I didnโt want that to happen again.
I thought this story was so good โ except for the big secret. This is why I hate secrets. But other than that, I really enjoyed this book!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 5
Average rating: 4.2
Favorite book: The Wolf of Westmore
Quotes
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. Itโs very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
January 2, 2025
4.5โญ๏ธ 2๐ถ๏ธ | TikTok | IG |
edited: I think about this book way too much for it not to be rated at least 4.5โญ๏ธ I had such a fun time with this and can't wait to read more from her.
10 Things I Hate About You, but make it regency era, heโs a Duke, and add rescue animals.
This was a quick, cute, unexpectedly spicy, historical romance with a modern feel.
My first Amalie Howard book and it wonโt be my last!
What I lovedโฆ
- banter was bantering
- strong female leads who didnโt take crap from anyone
- MMC that is a massive, copper-haired, green-eyed, bare knuckle boxing, scottish man - yes please.
- non-romantic plot with a bit of mystery
- I want a kitty named Beastly
- Briar & Lushing - please say that was a set up for their own book?!
What kept it from being a 5โญ๏ธ
- characters felted flat - which is typically fine for a romance but Iโve come to appreciate a bit more depth and trauma in characters even in romances.
- the writing/prose could have been a bit more succinct - it felt a little repetitive at times.
- the glove scene has to be the most ridiculous and unrealistic orgasm Iโve ever read ๐
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
edited: I think about this book way too much for it not to be rated at least 4.5โญ๏ธ I had such a fun time with this and can't wait to read more from her.
10 Things I Hate About You, but make it regency era, heโs a Duke, and add rescue animals.
This was a quick, cute, unexpectedly spicy, historical romance with a modern feel.
My first Amalie Howard book and it wonโt be my last!
What I lovedโฆ
- banter was bantering
- strong female leads who didnโt take crap from anyone
- MMC that is a massive, copper-haired, green-eyed, bare knuckle boxing, scottish man - yes please.
- non-romantic plot with a bit of mystery
- I want a kitty named Beastly
- Briar & Lushing - please say that was a set up for their own book?!
What kept it from being a 5โญ๏ธ
- characters felted flat - which is typically fine for a romance but Iโve come to appreciate a bit more depth and trauma in characters even in romances.
- the writing/prose could have been a bit more succinct - it felt a little repetitive at times.
- the glove scene has to be the most ridiculous and unrealistic orgasm Iโve ever read ๐
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
May 31, 2024
As always, Amalie Howard did not disappoint! So many times I have giggled while reading this book. I love how the characters are so straight-forth and bold. The sarcasm and raw honesty is my favorite, I love the back and forth between the main characters. Effie is a force of nature and her own true self! And Gage literally could have my babies. He's so dreamy ๐ Perfect Book Boyfriend! This has quite a bit of spice, which I was all for it! Loved the friends of Effie as well plus Effie's sister Viola's character development throughout the story. Such a wonderful read with a beautiful ending!
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Forever to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Forever to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
June 7, 2024
This was such a cute and lovely historical romance. I really enjoy reading books by Amalie Howard because they always have strong willed amazing fmcs and hot mmcโs and this wasnโt any different. I really enjoyed the fmc in this one is a wallflower that is not well liked by the ton after an incident happened during her first season. The mmc is a Scottish duke who is in financial situation after his brother died. He is forced into because of his brothers vow a situation which requires him to seduce the fmc and get her to London with her sister.
The banter between the main characters on this one was so so good. I loved how stubborn and strong willed the fmc was especially when it came her conversations with the mmc. I liked how much the fmc cared for animals and rescuing them as well. The main characters were opposites and immediately had so much tension. I loved the hook up benefits thing they had going on cause it was hot and they matched each others freaks very well lol ๐คญ. This is a loosely 10 things I hate about you inspired and I would rec this for lovers of steamy and fun historical romance. Thank you Forever for the arc.
The banter between the main characters on this one was so so good. I loved how stubborn and strong willed the fmc was especially when it came her conversations with the mmc. I liked how much the fmc cared for animals and rescuing them as well. The main characters were opposites and immediately had so much tension. I loved the hook up benefits thing they had going on cause it was hot and they matched each others freaks very well lol ๐คญ. This is a loosely 10 things I hate about you inspired and I would rec this for lovers of steamy and fun historical romance. Thank you Forever for the arc.
December 24, 2024
This is a well-written, entertaining, steamy, historical romance novel. It has a likeable, unconventional female protagonist, an endearing male protagonist, engaging banter, wit, a touch of humor, animals, supportive friends, sizzling chemistry, a heartwarming romance, and a happily ever after ending. This is the third entry in Ms. Howard's outstanding Taming of the Dukes series, and it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.
April 16, 2025
This was an okay read. The story is inspired by the movie Ten Things I Hate About You. Iโd get distracted from the audiobook sometimes and begin thinking of the movie.
I couldnโt bring myself to care about the hero and heroine. Halfway through the audiobook, I was ready for the heroine to learn the truth about the heroโs pursuit, but I had another 2.5 hours to go. That remaining time was mostly dedicated to the couple getting intimate and exploring each otherโs bodies. Both are virgins by the way. It was kind of underwhelming when they lost their virginity to each other but all the other intimate scenes before and after it were spicy so I wonโt complain.
The heroine admits to pleasuring herself and so one of their first steamy acts together was watching the other touch themselves. I believe she used an object to assist. ๐
Another time, she shows up at his townhouse late at night wearing nothing beneath her cloak (I think it was her cloak) besides her shoes.
Some dialogue and behaviorism were modern but I expected it from this author.
Other notes:
- Heroine owns an animal shelter, so we see a few animal shenanigans at the beginning, like how the heroโs clothes seem to get ruined by her animals.
- The Duke is half Scottish and wears a kilt at the end.
I couldnโt bring myself to care about the hero and heroine. Halfway through the audiobook, I was ready for the heroine to learn the truth about the heroโs pursuit, but I had another 2.5 hours to go. That remaining time was mostly dedicated to the couple getting intimate and exploring each otherโs bodies. Both are virgins by the way. It was kind of underwhelming when they lost their virginity to each other but all the other intimate scenes before and after it were spicy so I wonโt complain.
The heroine admits to pleasuring herself and so one of their first steamy acts together was watching the other touch themselves. I believe she used an object to assist. ๐
Another time, she shows up at his townhouse late at night wearing nothing beneath her cloak (I think it was her cloak) besides her shoes.
Some dialogue and behaviorism were modern but I expected it from this author.
Other notes:
- Heroine owns an animal shelter, so we see a few animal shenanigans at the beginning, like how the heroโs clothes seem to get ruined by her animals.
- The Duke is half Scottish and wears a kilt at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
Not even at 10% in after four days of reading this. Iโm gonna save my time, read something else, and watch 10 Things I Hate About You again on Hulu.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2025
The characters speak and act like they are modern but the book is set in Regency England? There was some decent banter, if you can get over how unbelievable the plot is, so I gave it 2 stars instead of one. Also, this author needs to learn how to Google - the historical inaccuracies are glaring: The profession of veterinarian didnโt exist in the regency era. And animal shelters werenโt even a concept until the 1880s. There is also a mention of the author Dickens (who is a good 50+ years later).
August 11, 2024
I keep changing my mind about the rating here. 2-3 stars. This was a steamy little romcom with nods to the regency, but unhindered by strict adherence to all the societal rules that typically govern the genre. From the start, our characters are frank and forthright about their wants, though Gage, the male main character, withholds his main motivation from the Effie, our female lead.
Effie has been disappointed and bullied during a few social seasons and has decided to remain unmarried, channeling her time, energy, and dowery (when she gets control of it) on rescuing animals. She's curious about sex and propositions Gage, a second son who inherited a debt-ridden Dukedom when his brother died. At the same time, the villain of the story says he'll forgive some of Gage's inherited debt if he gets Effie and her sister to London for the season so he can court the sister.
Effie and Gage have great chemistry and their relationship takes off quickly. Of course, they fall for each other and Gage's deal with the villain tears them apart. As this is romance, you know they find their way back to each other.
This was very spicey, a little outrageous, with lots of comic relief coming from the animals.
Effie has been disappointed and bullied during a few social seasons and has decided to remain unmarried, channeling her time, energy, and dowery (when she gets control of it) on rescuing animals. She's curious about sex and propositions Gage, a second son who inherited a debt-ridden Dukedom when his brother died. At the same time, the villain of the story says he'll forgive some of Gage's inherited debt if he gets Effie and her sister to London for the season so he can court the sister.
Effie and Gage have great chemistry and their relationship takes off quickly. Of course, they fall for each other and Gage's deal with the villain tears them apart. As this is romance, you know they find their way back to each other.
This was very spicey, a little outrageous, with lots of comic relief coming from the animals.
September 17, 2024
Book #3 in the Taming of the Dukes series. This series is a parody of The Taming of the Shrew, with the book inspired by the movie - 10 Things I Hate About You.
Our heroine Lady Evangeline (referred to as Lady Ghastly by Lord Huntington) has an animal rescue, marriage is not for her. Lord Huntington (a scoundrel!) has his sights set on her younger sister Lady Viola, and requests our Scot hero โLord Gage Croft - the new Duke of Valeโ to keep Evangeline preoccupied in London for the next six weeks.. which leads to quite a steamy affair.. their roles surprisingly flipped with Evangeline the aggressor.
What neither Lady knows is that the Lords had struck a deal involving them.
H*** hath no fury like a woman scorned. When Viola learns of the ruse and other crimes orchestrated by Huntington youโd better believe he gets his comeuppance. And as for Gage? Well this is an HEA after all ใ
Lots of spice๐ถ๏ธ, pining and funny banter - is open door.. and I really enjoyed the clever take on the movie, so fun! โฅ 4.5 stars โ Pub. 9/24/24
I received a complimentary arc copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Our heroine Lady Evangeline (referred to as Lady Ghastly by Lord Huntington) has an animal rescue, marriage is not for her. Lord Huntington (a scoundrel!) has his sights set on her younger sister Lady Viola, and requests our Scot hero โLord Gage Croft - the new Duke of Valeโ to keep Evangeline preoccupied in London for the next six weeks.. which leads to quite a steamy affair.. their roles surprisingly flipped with Evangeline the aggressor.
What neither Lady knows is that the Lords had struck a deal involving them.
H*** hath no fury like a woman scorned. When Viola learns of the ruse and other crimes orchestrated by Huntington youโd better believe he gets his comeuppance. And as for Gage? Well this is an HEA after all ใ
Lots of spice๐ถ๏ธ, pining and funny banter - is open door.. and I really enjoyed the clever take on the movie, so fun! โฅ 4.5 stars โ Pub. 9/24/24
I received a complimentary arc copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 14, 2024
This was so much fun! Evangeline is delightfully prickly while also being a huge animal lover. I just adored her. She also knows what she wants in the bedroom! Gage meanwhile is fighting for his life whenever heโs around her lol. The man is obsessed and I truly loved it.
I especially loved how sex positive this book was! Both of our main characters are also virgins, which is super rare in the adult romance genre! I loved seeing this and how it was done.
I will say, try to go into this not expecting it be exactly like the movie. Evangeline couldโve been more prickly imo, even though I loved her! I honestly think that marketing books with other books or movies can do the book a disservice. That being said, give this series a chance! Iโve loved every book so far.
I especially loved how sex positive this book was! Both of our main characters are also virgins, which is super rare in the adult romance genre! I loved seeing this and how it was done.
I will say, try to go into this not expecting it be exactly like the movie. Evangeline couldโve been more prickly imo, even though I loved her! I honestly think that marketing books with other books or movies can do the book a disservice. That being said, give this series a chance! Iโve loved every book so far.
October 1, 2024
The Worst Duke in London stars Lady Evangeline and the Duke of Vale, Gage Croft. In a true Bridgerton - 10 Things I Hate About You mash up, Lady Evangeline is prickly with a soft heart while Vale is a charmer with a bad reputation. There was so much to love about this novel from the central female friendships, rescue animals, and scandalous arrangements. I had such a fun time reading this - both Effie and Gage are so loveable in their own ways. Seeing Gage fall for Effie so quickly and so ardently made him such a compelling love interest- even though we know all about his deal with Huntington, you still root for him. Effie is determined to live her own life, despite the restraints society has tried to force upon her. She is resilient and bold and just such a fun protagonist. I really did love everything about this though disclaimer 10 Things I Hate About You is one of my all time favorite romcoms!
Thank you for Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you for Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 13, 2024
I've seen some mixed reviews about this one, so I kind of went into this a little skeptical, but I actually did enjoy it overall. I thought this was a cute read. I mean I typically like Amalie Howard's books, so I'm not really surprised. While I did really enjoy this book, I found myself at times not wanting to pick it up, but that could have just been my life getting in the way. I also thought that this was more modern than a historical romance. I don't mind that, but I do think that these newer releases are going towards that direction instead of more of the historical vibes. And I do read historical romances for the historical aspect. That's really the only reason why I'm giving this a four star because I did enjoy it overall and thought it was a cute read. I liked the characters and thought the plot was enjoyable.
March 12, 2025
4 stars - Historical Romance
This was a delightfully fun read that I enjoyed from start to finish!
This was a delightfully fun read that I enjoyed from start to finish!
May 14, 2024
When I read the blurb for this one, I thought it would be much more enjoyable. There is some witty banter back and forth between Effie and Gage, but some inconsistencies and it gets slows at times.
I enjoy Ms. Howard's books,but just didn't engage me as much as I had hoped.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoy Ms. Howard's books,but just didn't engage me as much as I had hoped.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2024
This isnโt a retelling of 10 Things I Hate About You, this is what happens when you ask ChatGPT to write you a regency romance novel based on the script for 10 Things I Hate About You. Thereโs a difference. Oof.
December 28, 2024
I know this wasnโt meant to be historically accurate because if it was, yikes.
September 8, 2024
Lady Evangeline Raine prefers animals to people and has no interest in marriage...but her father will only let sister Viola go to London if Effie goes, too. Gage Croft, the new Duke of Vale, is saddled with debt but offered a chance to pay off one of his vowels if heโll charm prickly Effie so that Viola
may be courted.
This is the third book in the Taming of the Dukes series, based on movie reimaginings. This story takes inspiration from the film 10 Things I Hate About You (which is based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew).
Howard's books feature historical romance through a modern lens. If you don't get caught up on small details and language, this is a really fun and sexy story! Gage inherits the Dukedom after his brother died under reckless, and perhaps suspicious, circumstances. He's broke and along comes the weaselly Lord Huntington, offering him a quid-pro-quo opportunity to pay off one of his brother's debts. I like that Gage was attracted to Evangeline pretty much from the start and she wasn't just a paycheck. The book deviates from the movie-inspiration by having Evangeline approach Gage about sex. I really liked this aspect of the storyline as it not only brought the steam but put the characters together in intimate and vulnerable ways. I also thought the story dealt with the "secret" reveal well as there was not only an apology but a gesture that really showed Gage cared.
Tropes: Wallflower, Spinster, Enemies to Lovers, Virgin Hero, Lessons
Steam: 5
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
may be courted.
This is the third book in the Taming of the Dukes series, based on movie reimaginings. This story takes inspiration from the film 10 Things I Hate About You (which is based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew).
Howard's books feature historical romance through a modern lens. If you don't get caught up on small details and language, this is a really fun and sexy story! Gage inherits the Dukedom after his brother died under reckless, and perhaps suspicious, circumstances. He's broke and along comes the weaselly Lord Huntington, offering him a quid-pro-quo opportunity to pay off one of his brother's debts. I like that Gage was attracted to Evangeline pretty much from the start and she wasn't just a paycheck. The book deviates from the movie-inspiration by having Evangeline approach Gage about sex. I really liked this aspect of the storyline as it not only brought the steam but put the characters together in intimate and vulnerable ways. I also thought the story dealt with the "secret" reveal well as there was not only an apology but a gesture that really showed Gage cared.
Tropes: Wallflower, Spinster, Enemies to Lovers, Virgin Hero, Lessons
Steam: 5
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
September 25, 2024
4.5โญ๏ธ๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ค๐ ๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐
"๐ ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ข ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ข๐ค๐ฆ, ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐บ ๐๐ท๐ข๐ฏ๐จ๐ฆ๐ญ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฆ.โ
"๐๐ฏ๐ญ๐บ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ด๐ฆ ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ฅ๐ช๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ข๐ค๐ช๐ฏ๐จ, ๐ ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ ๐๐ณ๐ข๐ค๐ฆ."
I just love this series so much! Each FMC is so strongly independent and Iโm obsessed with them! Hellfire Kitties for life. Donโt even get me started on the dukes. ๐คญโค๏ธโ๐ฅ
This was a great Taming of the Shrew inspired story! Lady Evangeline had her reputation destroyed by a lord that couldnโt handle her. Now known as โLady Ghastlyโ, she has given up on trying to find a match and prefers to stay away from the ton by running her animal shelter. Unfortunately, her younger sister is on track to be the diamond of the season and to make a great match with Lord Huntington if she is allowed to go to London. Their father will only let her go if Evangeline chaperones and thatโs not happening.
Lord Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, is probably the worst Duke in London. He has used his wealth and possessions to pay off his late brotherโs vast gambling debt and is almost in the green. When Lord Huntington makes him a deal to payoff his remaining debt if he can get Lady Evangeline to come to London for the season and stay there, he quickly agrees. Gage isnโt ready for just how much the ladyโs fiery personality and strong demeanor attract him.
I absolutely ADORED Effie and Gageโs relationship. They both balanced each other out so well. Gage does not want to fall in love because he wishes to go back home to Scotland. Effie is probably my favorite FMC in this series so far! She sticks true to who she is but will do anything for her sister.
The chemistry between the leads was so good! I love historical romances and I loved that Effie took her sexuality into her own hands and asked for what she wanted.
"๐๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ต๐ช๐ฎ๐ฆ," ๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ธ๐ฉ๐ช๐ด๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฅ, "๐'๐ฎ ๐จ๐ฐ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ต๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ต๐ข๐ณ๐ด." โจ
"๐๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฅ ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ข๐ด๐ต," ๐ด๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฅ ๐ฉ๐ช๐ฎ ๐ธ๐ช๐ต๐ฉ ๐ข ๐ญ๐ข๐ถ๐จ๐ฉ.
"๐๐ต'๐ด ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ข ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ข๐ด๐ต, ๐ช๐ต'๐ด ๐ข ๐ท๐ฐ๐ธ." โค๏ธโ๐ฅ
If you love spicy historical romances between a fiery woman and a man who doesnโt want to fall in love, go add ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ค๐ ๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐, to your TBR today!
I am so excited for Briar and Jasper Lushingโs story. Amalie has been teasing their chemistry for so many books now and I am absolutely feral for their story!
๐๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ด:
โ๏ธ ๐๐ช๐ด๐ต๐ฐ๐ณ๐ช๐ค๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ
๐ ๐๐ข๐ฎ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐ฉ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ธ ๐๐ฐ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฅ
๐ ๐๐ฏ๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ฐ๐ท๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐๐๐
โจ ๐๐ฆ๐ช๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ญ ๐ช๐ฏ ๐๐ฐ๐ท๐ฆ
๐ ๐๐ณ๐ช๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ด ๐ธ๐ช๐ต๐ฉ ๐๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ง๐ช๐ต๐ด
๐คญ ๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ณ๐ฆ๐ต ๐๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ป๐ท๐ฐ๐ถ๐ด
โค๏ธโ๐ฅ ๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ค๐บ
"๐ ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ข ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ข๐ค๐ฆ, ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐บ ๐๐ท๐ข๐ฏ๐จ๐ฆ๐ญ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฆ.โ
"๐๐ฏ๐ญ๐บ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ด๐ฆ ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ฅ๐ช๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ข๐ค๐ช๐ฏ๐จ, ๐ ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ ๐๐ณ๐ข๐ค๐ฆ."
I just love this series so much! Each FMC is so strongly independent and Iโm obsessed with them! Hellfire Kitties for life. Donโt even get me started on the dukes. ๐คญโค๏ธโ๐ฅ
This was a great Taming of the Shrew inspired story! Lady Evangeline had her reputation destroyed by a lord that couldnโt handle her. Now known as โLady Ghastlyโ, she has given up on trying to find a match and prefers to stay away from the ton by running her animal shelter. Unfortunately, her younger sister is on track to be the diamond of the season and to make a great match with Lord Huntington if she is allowed to go to London. Their father will only let her go if Evangeline chaperones and thatโs not happening.
Lord Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, is probably the worst Duke in London. He has used his wealth and possessions to pay off his late brotherโs vast gambling debt and is almost in the green. When Lord Huntington makes him a deal to payoff his remaining debt if he can get Lady Evangeline to come to London for the season and stay there, he quickly agrees. Gage isnโt ready for just how much the ladyโs fiery personality and strong demeanor attract him.
I absolutely ADORED Effie and Gageโs relationship. They both balanced each other out so well. Gage does not want to fall in love because he wishes to go back home to Scotland. Effie is probably my favorite FMC in this series so far! She sticks true to who she is but will do anything for her sister.
The chemistry between the leads was so good! I love historical romances and I loved that Effie took her sexuality into her own hands and asked for what she wanted.
"๐๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ต๐ช๐ฎ๐ฆ," ๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ธ๐ฉ๐ช๐ด๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฅ, "๐'๐ฎ ๐จ๐ฐ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ต๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ต๐ข๐ณ๐ด." โจ
"๐๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฅ ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ข๐ด๐ต," ๐ด๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฅ ๐ฉ๐ช๐ฎ ๐ธ๐ช๐ต๐ฉ ๐ข ๐ญ๐ข๐ถ๐จ๐ฉ.
"๐๐ต'๐ด ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ข ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ข๐ด๐ต, ๐ช๐ต'๐ด ๐ข ๐ท๐ฐ๐ธ." โค๏ธโ๐ฅ
If you love spicy historical romances between a fiery woman and a man who doesnโt want to fall in love, go add ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ค๐ ๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐, to your TBR today!
I am so excited for Briar and Jasper Lushingโs story. Amalie has been teasing their chemistry for so many books now and I am absolutely feral for their story!
๐๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ด:
โ๏ธ ๐๐ช๐ด๐ต๐ฐ๐ณ๐ช๐ค๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ
๐ ๐๐ข๐ฎ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐ฉ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ธ ๐๐ฐ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฅ
๐ ๐๐ฏ๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ฐ๐ท๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐๐๐
โจ ๐๐ฆ๐ช๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ญ ๐ช๐ฏ ๐๐ฐ๐ท๐ฆ
๐ ๐๐ณ๐ช๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ด ๐ธ๐ช๐ต๐ฉ ๐๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ง๐ช๐ต๐ด
๐คญ ๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ณ๐ฆ๐ต ๐๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ป๐ท๐ฐ๐ถ๐ด
โค๏ธโ๐ฅ ๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ค๐บ
November 2, 2024
I'm not the biggest historical romance reader but when Amalie Howard writes it I am never left unsatisfied!! Her latest in the Taming the Dukes series is a fantastic 10 things I hate about you/Taming of the Shrew retelling that has the indebted Duke of Vale (Gage Croft) making a bargain with another Lord in order for him to court the younger sister, Viola. In exchange Gage will get the money to fix up his estate and must convince older sister Lady Evangeline Raine to spend the season in London.
This proves to be a more difficult endeavour than anticipated when Evangeline just wants to stay in the country working with her animal rescue. Eventually the two make a deal for a friends with benefit's situation that leads to real feelings and the inevitable happens. This was a great dual POV, steamy romance that is sure to delight fans of the movie and that was also good on audio. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
This proves to be a more difficult endeavour than anticipated when Evangeline just wants to stay in the country working with her animal rescue. Eventually the two make a deal for a friends with benefit's situation that leads to real feelings and the inevitable happens. This was a great dual POV, steamy romance that is sure to delight fans of the movie and that was also good on audio. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 30, 2024
This was an outstanding retelling of Taming of the Shrew! It was adorably sweet, so very funny, and super sexy. I loved the angt and the pining. I couldn't get enough of this fantastic heroine or her amazing group of friends Just an all-around fantastic read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 20, 2025
4/5 โญ๏ธ
Damn, I really ate this one up!!!!! ๐ฉ๐ค๐ผ My only complaint is that I feel like the ending was sort of rushed, BUT I really did enjoy the chemistry between Gage and Effie ๐คญ
Damn, I really ate this one up!!!!! ๐ฉ๐ค๐ผ My only complaint is that I feel like the ending was sort of rushed, BUT I really did enjoy the chemistry between Gage and Effie ๐คญ
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December 23, 2024Thereโs feminist, and then thereโs whatever this chick was doing.
July 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!!! i love Amalie Howard and this is easily my favorite of this particular series. I loved the regency take off on ten things I hate about you and the two main characters. A good the duke is a virgin story is always a rare delight and I really appreciated the heroine who basically wanted to have sex and that was it. It was so refreshing. The friend group and extended universe is a delight and so was the B romance. This is more a 4.5 then a a 4!
October 20, 2024
This cute, funny historical romance is a riff on Shakespeareโs โTaming of the Shrewโ. Not great literature but a fun romp that doesnโt take itself too seriously and has a HEA.
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