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League of Dukes #4

Shameless Duke

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Lucien, Duke of Arden, is on the brink of disaster, about to lose everything he worked so hard to attain as the leader of the Special League. When Home Office obliges him to join forces with a Pinkerton agent to keep his position, he is determined to send the fellow back to American shores faster than he can say “Yankee Doodle.” There’s just one small problem with his flawless plan to undermine the unwanted agent…

Hazel Montgomery has spent the last ten years as a Pinkerton detective, fighting to be treated as an equal to her male counterparts, and the list of her successful cases is as long as the Mississippi River. She is not about to allow a supercilious duke to condescend to her. If Arden does not want her assistance, he can take his arrogance and go back to his fancy drawing room where he belongs.

Their clash is as instant as it is inevitable. When a fresh wave of bombings hits London and the danger intensifies, Lucien and Hazel must work together to bring a new ring of Fenians to justice. The more time they spend in each other’s company, the more the underlying attraction between them sizzles, until it bursts into uncontrollable flames.

Haunted by past tragedy, Lucien vowed long ago never to fall in love. Hazel’s sole rule in life is to trust no one. But soon, the cold duke and the bold American find themselves locked in a battle for the greatest prize of all, each other’s hearts.

279 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2019

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About the author

Scarlett Scott

128 books1,616 followers
USA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.

For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com

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5 stars
1,078 (54%)
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229 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,820 reviews638 followers
September 6, 2019
His arrogantly noble ego was bruised because the Home Office sent him assistance on the case he was working. To add insult to injury, his expert help was a Pinkerton detective from the States. The Duke of Arden wasn’t prepared for the earthy American, H.E. Montgomery, a fiery, headstrong woman who knew nothing about the delicate sensibilities of well-bred, English “ladies.” Yet, they have a job to do, bring down the bombers determined to turn London into a pile of smoldering rubble.

Can you say, “water and oil,” or maybe, “fire & ice?” How about dogs and cats? Crazy chemistry at its finest! Scarlett Scott’s SHAMELESS DUKE is a patchwork quilt of crime, suspense, humor and heat with characters that are simply fun to meet!

For me, Hazel made this book, talk about gutsy and able to adapt on the fly, even in a world completely foreign to her! Sure, they each have issues from their pasts, but that is what made them so perfectly imperfect together, or maybe imperfectly perfect! A great read, possibly one of my favorites from Scarlett Scott!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Scarlett Scott. My honest review is voluntary.

Series: League of Dukes - Book 4
Publisher: Happily Ever After Books, LLC (October 1, 2019)
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 279 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Amy  Malory .
167 reviews10 followers
July 15, 2022
Well okay it is not a solid 5,but it is a 4,5 so I rounded it up :)
What I liked:
-It was a slow burn and yet not a slow burn.I liked how those two fell in love in a slow motion.It felt developed in that aspect
-I liked how Lucien admired her.
-Hazel is a strong,bold,proud of herself character.
-Steamy hot and Hazel in control HA take that for a change
-Lucien's redemption
-Mystery,adventure.
-Characters from previous books appearing :) I Find that always a nice touch.
What I didn't like:
-Nothing,fancy that! :)

Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
3,129 reviews328 followers
November 3, 2019
I just couldn't get into it

I hated the hero in this book because he was such a jerk in the last book and I just didnt really like the Pinkerton woman storyline. And I hated the name Hazel. I usually like Scarlett Scott books, except the cheating ones, but I really didn't like this. They both were just too weird. It's just me I know. Because most romance readers would like a strong independent woman but she made so many dumb decisions and he was just so superior I hated it. Sorry.
Profile Image for Christi (christireadsalot).
2,982 reviews1,628 followers
January 18, 2023
Shameless Duke is the 4th book in Scarlett Scott’s League of Dukes series. I’ve had a good time with this series as a whole, but this book wasn’t my favorite.

In this we see Lucien, Duke of Arden, have to work with an American Pinkerton agent. At the beginning of the story Lucien, leader of the Special League for Home Office, is awaiting the Pinkerton agent’s arrival to London and he gets the shock of his life when it’s a woman instead of a man like he assumed. Hazel is the agent who shows up and as her and Lucien work together, and get off to a rough start, they start to fall for one another as well. The mystery/spy aspect of the plot never really grabbed my attention like some of the previous books. It was a fine/okay book but not a favorite for me in the series.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,288 reviews102 followers
November 22, 2019
Lucien West, the Duke of Arden, has worked extremely hard to attain his position as leader of the Special League, devoted to thwarting terrorist plots on English soil. After an unfortunate incident, however, he is being forced by the Home Office to work with a partner, an American Pinkerton agent. Lucien is determined to send the man home with his tail tucked, only to find that his new partner is a woman and not at all easy to get rid of.

Hazel Montgomery has fought for her position as a respected and successful Pinkerton Agent. She's not about to be cowed by an arrogant duke. These two clash in immediate and spectacular fashion but passionate anger isn't so far removed from passion, full stop. With a new string of bombings being planned in London, Lucien and Hazel spend an inordinate amount of time together, causing their attraction to burn ever hotter. Lucien has been determined never to marry or fall in love for his entire life and Hazel is equally determined to trust none but herself. But as the investigation continues and dangerous bombings hit closer to home, Lucien and Hazel begin to mean more to each other than either thought possible, though that may not be enough to overcome their personal demons.

I really enjoyed this story immensely. Lucien was a jerky bad guy in the previous book so it was nice to get to know him more and see him get some redemption. Hazel was perfect to bring him down to Earth a bit, but she began to get on my nerves a bit with her fatalism and constant ruminations on all the reasons she could never be with Lucien, most of which she clearly knew weren't really valid. In fact these two nearly lost each other for the sake of preserving their respective pride. Thankfully, both saw sense in the end and Hazel stopped fighting to sacrifice her happiness for the sake of independence. Though there was somewhat of a lull in the middle with all the reasoning on why a relationship between these two would never work, this book had a satisfying, if hard won, ending and was a great enemies to lovers story. I can't wait for the next one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Gigi’s Library.
165 reviews6 followers
September 19, 2019
I wasn’t sure if I would like the Duke of Arden after reading the Dangerous Duke. He is arrogant, conceited, and in trouble since his last case which went horribly wrong. Hazel is an American Pinkerton and is very good at what she does by disguising and infiltrating the world of crime. She knows a lot about the Fenians and is brought in by the home office to partner with the duke who is the current head of the special league.
I love the way they throw each other off balance. They normally are both very structured but when they are around each other they forget themselves and act/think totally opposite of how they normally would. They initially bicker and tease back and forth which leads to some explosive chemistry. This is a great follow up book in the League of Dukes series full of intrigue and steam. I was given an ARC of this book and chose to post a review.
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews114 followers
September 25, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

A broken, distrustful man with walls around his heart as thick as castle battlements.
A strong American lady , sassy , brash and passionate for her job.
These two were born to breach each other’s hearts.

When the Finians decide to have another attempt at bombing London, these two must join forces and information if they are to stand a chance of success.
But with lives and love on the line will they be able to work together in order to do so.

A wonderful new instalment to this series, there’s even a little view of Strathmore and Violet from the last book .So nice to see them again .

I enjoyed reading this book , I felt overjoyed to see Lucian finally meet both his match and his love.
Boy does she give him a hard time in this book . ( take that as you will lol ).
She’s a tough cookie , an experienced agent , she knows her job and she’s not a fainting, weak , and feeble female.
HIt really gives him a jolt he’s use to debutants and Ton Ladies, he’s use to being in charge .

Such a great plot and storyline, loved the carryon from the rest of the series, this time with a link to America, which looks like it will continue into the next book to.

Great book Scarlett. Loved it so much !

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,799 reviews24 followers
September 2, 2019
What an absolutely wonderful book! Lucien West, Duke of Arden & Miss H.E. "Hazel" Montgomery were both suffering from memories from their pasts that they could not forget. Ms. Scott takes you on an emotional journey with this couple - they go from disliking to respecting one another; with detective work, lust, attempted murder, bombs being set off, romance, villains, love and more!

I personally will remember this couple for a long time - I could feel their emotions & got teary eyed a couple of times when Lucien broke down. It was fun to revisit some past characters; Griffin, Duke of Strathmore & his Duchess Violet (Lucien's sister) & Aunt Hortense.

I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,461 reviews248 followers
September 10, 2019
He was an English aristocrat. She was an American orphan. He wore neckties and gold signet rings. She wore divided skirts and took on a role many considered a man's work. There could not exist two more disparate characters in all the civilized world.

Sigh. It pains me to say that I was not as dazzled by this book as I wanted to be as there were a couple of points that I found myself continually obsessing over (and not in a good way). Firstly, I felt the beginning dragged on for the first 30%. Seeing as both Lucien and Hazel are agents working to discover who is responsible for various bombings, I was expecting more danger and action and much higher stakes. But all of that was lacking at first, and I found myself losing interest a bit.

Secondly (and I can't believe I'm saying this), I felt that the budding relationship between Lucien and Hazel was focused on too much. Just when the novel began to pick up action-wise, the forward movement of the plot got bogged down once again with repeated sex between the H and h. Don't get me wrong I love some steam as much as the next reader, but I don't appreciate sex scenes used simply as story fillers and once again I found myself losing interest. Overall, I really enjoyed the action part of the story once the plot began to unfold, but I feel there was a lot of fluff that I could have done without. Lucien and Hazel were interesting characters when they weren't constantly feeling each other up, leaving me hopeful but slightly disappointed. His [second] proposal was super cute though.

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,134 reviews607 followers
September 10, 2019
Scarlett Scott’s League of Dukes series is one of my favourite historical romance series. I get excited at the news of more, and happily dive into the next story when I managed to get my hands on it. In fact, I devour each story in a single sitting.

Such is what happened with Shameless Duke.

Like all the League of Dukes books, Shameless Duke works perfectly as a standalone novel. You get more from the story if you have read the other books – as it gives you a better understanding of side characters and the way events have been building throughout – but it is not necessary to have read the prior books to enjoy this one. Each story is complete and gives you plenty to enjoy, hooking you throughout.

After finishing book three, Dangerous Duke, I was desperate to read Lucien’s story. I wanted more of his character and I wanted the strong woman that would bring him to his knees. Without a doubt, Shameless Duke delivered that. I adored the chemistry between the characters, loved the way they grew together, and wore a stupid smile on my face throughout most of the book. I’ve adored all of Scarlett Scott’s characters, but I think Lucien and Hazel may well be my favourites.

I will be honest, however, and say I felt the thrill and mystery of this one wasn’t quite to the same level of the prior books. It was certainly there, but this one focused a lot more on the romance than on the events going on around them. This is not a bad thing, not at all, but I am accustomed to a wee bit more tension throughout a Scarlett Scott book and with this one it all seemed to happen at stages rather than being constant. Not a bad thing, just a bit different to what I expected.

Overall, Scarlett Scott have given me another reason why I need to go and read all her other books. I say this after each Scarlett Scott read, telling myself to go and read everything else she had published, and I really need to work on doing that. There is no doubt Scarlett Scott is one of my favourite authors in the genre, and I cannot wait for book five in the League of Dukes.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,494 reviews67 followers
October 1, 2019
Lucien, Duke of Arden was the leader of the Special League until The Incident & now the Home Office obliges him to join forces with a Pinkerton agent to keep his position, he is determined to send the fellow back to American shores faster than he can say “Yankee Doodle.” There’s just one small problem with his flawless plan to undermine the unwanted agent. Hazel Montgomery has spent the last ten years as a Pinkerton detective, fighting to be treated as an equal to her male counterparts, and the list of her successful cases is as long as the Mississippi River. Their clash is as instant as it is inevitable. When a fresh wave of bombings hits London and the danger intensifies, Lucien and Hazel must work together to bring a new ring of Fenians to justice.
Another captivating, engrossing read, this is the fourth book in the series. We met Lucien in the previous book & he’s the brother of Lettie. Lucien's the arrogant, tight lipped aristocrat & Hazel is the spunky, no nonsense, independent America they are like chalk & cheese & boy do they clash horns but all the while there is the simmering attraction. I loved their verbal spats & also how they came to work together & feel for each other. This is all against the backdrop of bombings in London & the hunt for the American bombers. I found it very hard to put down & can’t wait for the next in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,993 reviews16 followers
October 1, 2019
Shameless Duke by Scarlett Scott is book 4 in the League of Dukes Series. This is the story of Hazel Montgomery and Lucien West, Duke of Arden. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Lucien although a Duke has worked hard to be Special League. But when a incident happens he is told by the Home Office that he must work with a Pinkerton agent to keep the position he has. Of course Lucien isn't happy to being doing this and plans to set the new agent strait. Hazel is that agent and she has struggled and fought to be a agent which she has been for about 10 years. So she has no plans on letting a Duke keep her from her goals.
Of course there is a intimidate attraction that they can't seem to say no to.
Enjoyed their story.

2,571 reviews23 followers
September 29, 2019
Lucien meets the woman who can bring him back to earth? Yes, Hazel is that woman. She is amazing. A Pinkerton, American and totally sure of herself. They both are sure of themselves until it comes to one incident in each of their pasts that leaves them thinking they can never love again. Observing them working on the case together was hilarious at times because Lucien cannot believe Hazel does and says some of the things she does. I loved the back and forth banter. For me, that can make a story a must read. Along the way they learn that yes love is possible and watching their emotions turn is worth the price of the story (and oh yeah, it is definitely sexy).

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Profile Image for Averie.
1,134 reviews1,758 followers
December 22, 2022
This is the romance between Lucien and Hazel. We met Lucian in book three of this series, and he doesn't feel the best about himself after what occurred in that book. The Special League has decided to now pair him up with a partner for his detective work. Enter Hazel! Lucian is shocked when he realizes that his new partner is actually an American woman. The two then fall into this bickering/dislike/annoyance with each other to passionate lovers.

The banter in this one was immaculate!! However, the bantering relationship I fell for at the beginning of the book kind of tapered off towards the end. I'm just greedy and wanted it throughout :( The mystery part of this book was not necessarily my favorite of the series. I have read better mystery plotlines from Scarlett Scott🤷🏼‍♀️

I loved buddy reading this one Rachel from RachelReadsandSings!!

TW: kidnapping, hostage situation, physical violence, bombings

TROPES: detectives/spy, difference social classes, dukes, great banter, hate to love, historical
Profile Image for Sangria.
583 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2019
I actually really liked this. I honestly didn’t think I would, but I dug around a bit & there actually were lady Pinkerton detectives, which suddenly changed my whole mindset on the read. (She also gives sources at the end, well done.).

Bigger review to come at publication. But steamy, fun, detective historical. Definitely different! Most importantly, accurate. Thank you for my ARC.
Profile Image for Sonia N..
1,005 reviews66 followers
October 19, 2019
❤️🔥 This is my favorite so far! 5 🌟

Okay! I love Scarlett Scott’s books!
I enjoyed this storyline so very much. It’s a Pinkerton Agent from New York is sent to work with the very handsome Duke of Arden in England. To begin with, he doesn’t like working with a partner. So now he has to, and H.E. Montgomery is late for their first meeting.
When his partner does show up to his surprise he is actually a Miss. Montgomery! The Duke is arrogant and feels insulted. He doesn’t work with anyone, especially a lady!
I really love this storyline, each series is so good!! And ech series mentions a Duke from a previous series. They are always well written, with attention to details and great characters.
This story had me cracking up, during their meeting he invtes her to stay for dinner. Her table manners are not as refined as the nobility’s! So he watches her with a horrified expression as she stabs and spears her food! You have to read this book to get a much better description!
Miss. Montgomery is a very good agent with reliable information. As the story goes on they share things from their past. They are attracted to each other, but too stubborn to admit it.
I like how this good storyline involves suspense, action and romance. The love scenes are hot 🔥❤️
I love the flow of the story and of course the ending is beautiful ❤️
I recommend reading the series because I know you will enjoy each one 🥰
2,567 reviews28 followers
October 1, 2019
This story began well with the arrogance of Lucien, Duke of Arden and the American agent Hazel Montgomery, who held no respect for his title. They were from different cultures and there was a humorous first meeting. They were like chalk and cheese in many respects but they did have an attraction to each other and both liked punctuality. Lucien didn’t want a partner in his investigations but he came to have a grudging admiration for her abilities. There were a few dangerous situations but this story was at a much slower pace than others in the series with less action. This concentrated more on the relationship between Lucien and Hazel. I would say that it would be helpful to read the previous book before this one as many events from the last book are referred to in this one. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
46 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2019
Turrets...lists...and lemonade...❤️

I enjoyed the first 3 books in this series and this one did NOT disappoint! Ms. Scott has a way of bringing characters to life —I find it so hard to let them go when the story is over. However, most of her stories also allow you to reconnect with other (past) story characters, which I LOVE, and this book was no different. We get another glimpse of Griffin, Violet and Aunt Hortense.

Lucien and Hazel will be hard to forget! These are 2 of my favorite characters, to date. I love their chemistry, personalities and the struggles they each had to overcome to find love. I truly did not want this story to end.

I do not do spoilers, but I strongly encourage you to read this book. This book is part of a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone book. Every time I read a book by Ms. Scott I am reminded of why I love her so much. All her stories are unique and will capture your heart. Some of my favorite people are the ones she created. 😍

This book was very well written and includes very steamy love scenes. This is actually a “plus” for me, but I know some people do not like that kind of detail. 🤷‍♀️

A definite 5 star book for me! There is nothing I did not like—I loved it! Thank you, Scarlett! I look forward to Felix’s story next!

I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily submitting this review.
Profile Image for Nina Reads Too.
132 reviews53 followers
October 1, 2019
WOW! I know that Scarlett Scott was one of my favorite authors but I didn't know how much until I finished this book. This is one of the most fun series.

The story is about Hazel and Duke of Arden find themselves working together to bring a new ring of Fenians to justice. Sparks fly whenever they are in the room together. Arden is not wanting to work with Hazel but her resilience and intelligence is no match to Arden's efforts. This is very must enemies to love with close proximity to the mix.

These two characters have a past. Will they let that past dictate their future.

This is a must-read if you like Adventure with a side of HEAT!!

#ShamelessParty2
Profile Image for Serial Romance Librarian.
1,291 reviews326 followers
October 1, 2019
Lucien went from being one of the most exasperating characters (from the precious book) Mrs. Scott has written to being one of my favorites! Hazel is now one of my favorite females. I loved how both were reasonable (for the most part) and in turn made themselves vulnerable to one another in order to develop a strong romantic bond! Hazel is a fascinating American Pinkerton agent and Lucien is trying to redeem himself for his foolishness. Both characters have tragic back stories. Oh, and it’s also steamy 🔥🔥🔥! I loved it!
Profile Image for OnceUponATime.
34 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2019
“We all need saving sometimes”

Shameless Duke - another beautifully written book by Scarlett Scott! We have the feisty, witty, independent Pinkerton detective, Miss Hazel Montgomery; and Lucien West, the complicated, brooding, unapologetic Duke of Arden. Lucien is Violet’s brother from Scott’s book, The Dangerous Duke. **You don’t have to read the other books in this series, but this is Scarlett Scott...why would you not?? 😁**

Hazel & Lucien are forced to work together to uncover information for the League pertaining to the Fenians and their threatening plots. Both characters make it perfectly clear that neither think very highly of the other. However, both are also disturbed at the discovery of being drawn to each other in some inexplicable way.

There is a vulnerability to both of these characters. Though both show a fear/vulnerability, we also see a longing/need for something more. Lucien has tried to refrain from caring for anyone other than his sister & aunt. Hazel also has her tragic reasons for refraining from caring too deeply for another.

A connection is made and we slowly see a shift in the relationship between these two characters. Lucien is determined to continue building his defensive “turrets” :)) and Hazel is just as stubborn. Can these two find a way to save each other and find the happiness they both deserve?

Lucien & Hazel are both shameless to the end...in both incredibly irritating & utterly adorable ways.

Loved this book! Beautiful writing with well-developed characters, suspense, steamy chemistry, hilarious & witty dialogue...I couldn’t put it down, as with all Scarlett Scott books! Looking forward to the next!

I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sara K..
171 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2019
You really can't go wrong with a book by Scarlett Scott. Her books have everything I want in a story. They have humor, action, romance and the most important in my mind, plenty of steaminess! This was another great addition to the League of Dukes series! Lucien was kind of an stick in the Mud in the previous book, so it was really fun to watch him butt heads with the plucky American Pinkerton detective, Hazel! Both have some past baggage that require some trust and reflection to find a way to their happy ever after together. Also I really loved how Lucien grew to be so accepting and admiring of Hazel as a detective. I highly recommend this whole series and can't wait for the next one!
3,562 reviews15 followers
October 1, 2019
Shameless Duke is an outstanding historical romance by Scarlett Scott. Ms. Scott has provided readers with a well-written book, I love a smooth read. The characters have their quirks but are lovable anyway and my favorite part of the book. Lucien, Duke of Arden, is insulted and infuriated to have to work with a partner from America. When he discovers the partner is a woman he plans to get rid of her. Hazel is a female Pinkerton detective and is proud to be one of the most successful. Lucien and Hazel's story is packed with drama, humor, sexy bits, action and suspense. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Scarlett Scott in the future. Shameless Duke is book 4 of the League of Dukes Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Catherine Ann.
11 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2019
I was first introduced to Scarlett Scott’s work from a sponsored ad for her book Her Deceptive Duke from the Wicked Husbands series. It looked intriguing, and I’m a sucker for romance, especially historical romance! Needless to say it surpassed my expectation, and I was hooked! I then started reading the League of Dukes series and fell in love even more!

Before I dive into a more detailed review of Shameless Duke I have to state one of my favorite aspects of all of Scarlett Scott’s books regarding the League is Dukes and that introduces characters before you get a story on them, which gives you unique chance to meet them from a different perspective, and then her book which features them will go into more detail about them, and bring light into how they acted like they did previously. In each of her books I have loved the main characters, and Scarlett Scott also brings them around in subsequent books, which is such a treat! It’s a way to continue to see their story evolve. I even stopped reading The League of Dukes #2 Heartless Duke when they mentioned one of the characters from a previous book (Wicked Husbands #3) to read her story to get more background!

Shameless Duke is the 4th book in the League of Dukes series which focuses on the members of the Special League, who are focused on bringing an end to the actions of the Fenians who are committing crimes in London and elsewhere in the name of gaining Irish Home Rule.

The main characters Lucien West, The Duke of Arden, and Hazel Elizabeth Montgomery. We meet Lucien in the previous book where his sister Violet is one of the main characters. He is portrayed as an overbearing brother who loves his sister, but doesn’t want to have her make her own choices that deviate from his. Although he is portrayed as arrogant, severe, stubborn and duty bound, we see that he does care deeply about his family, and circumstances led him to be how is. Hazel Elizabeth “H.E” Montgomery is an American Pinkerton agent who was an orphan that has been on her own her whole life, and has had to work her way up to becoming a respected agent. She defies gender roles that have been set in place, and seeks equality by proving her worth with an impressive case history. She is also stubborn and guarded with her emotions.

The book starts with Lucien being forced to take on a partner after “The Incident” that happened in the previous book. He is upset about this, and is even further thrown for a loop when it turns out to be a woman. From the start we see them clash and provoke each other, from Lucien insisting that he didn’t need a partner to her purposely using his wrong title. He tries to get her to leave and go back to America, while she observes him and tries to figure him out. They eventually come to respect each other and realize they need each other to face the dangers at hand.

One of the most notable aspects of this book is their chemistry. It is front and center from the moment they meet. Although the first part of the book is them confronting each other, the chemistry between them is still very visible. They both admit to themselves-begrudgingly- that they think the other attractive and are drawn to one another. As the book progresses so does the sexual tension. This makes for some steamy and well written love scenes between the two of them. It is great to see both of them bring down their defenses and indulge in each other.

Shameless Duke (like the others in the series) also has the characters struggling with their past—struggles which often make them weary to love. Both Lucien and Hazel suffered great losses that transformed them into who they are today. Both of them are guarded with their hearts and for much of the book deny their true feelings for each other. Scarlett does a great job in fleshing out their backstories and giving us insight into why they are both guarded. The two also come from very different worlds which leaves Hazel feeling insecure that Lucien could ever have her in his.

As a history buff (and one with a degree in history) I would be remiss not to mention the historical aspects in the book. I love the attention to detail throughout the book. From the descriptions of late 19th century London, to the language, and to the customs Scarlett pays close attention to detail to make it feel like you are really inside 1882. The details regarding the Fenians and the bombings are also based on real life events. One of my favorite eras to study and read about is the Gilded Age in America, so it’s fun to read a series about it in England!

Shameless Duke has it all-romance, action, and suspense. It does a great job of bringing historical aspects together and creating a clear picture for the reader. I would highly recommend this book and the others in the series!

*I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review*
Profile Image for TLynn.
1,468 reviews18 followers
October 3, 2019
Shameless Duke is the fourth book in the League of Duke series. I have enjoyed reading the books in this series and this one was another great one. Lucien, the Duke of Arden, appeared in book three and he seemed so arrogant and conceited so it was nice to see he has a soft side. Lucien had worked hard to gain the position of the leader of the Special League. After an unfortunate incident, the Home Offices assigns him a Pinkerton agent as a partner. He was determined to send the agent back to American as soon as possible. He was taken by surprise when the agent turned out to be “a maddening, ill-mannered woman” and he was more determined then before to send her back to America. Hazel Montgomery was a female Pinkerton agent and had worked hard to get her position. She was determined to keep this assignment no matter what Lucian thinks. She had just finished an assignment where she had gathered information of Fenians threats to London and she was determined to solve the case. The interactions and witty comments between Lucien and Hazel added tension to the mystery of the story. It was great to see the characters from the previous book. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for us.
416 reviews6 followers
October 11, 2019
Wonderful

I'm really loving this series. Lucien and Hazel are a fun match. Nice glimpse into how even early on women were taking on "men's work" and doing a better job. While having to deal with the obsticals that come with it. Lucien had his own baggage to overcome and their story was well written. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,702 reviews30 followers
October 6, 2019
Never a lady always an agent

Hazel is a Pinkerton agent and excellent at her job she has been sent to assist Lucien since he is now known for his lapse in judgement since the "Incident" ! They but heads almost immediately Hazel is outspoken and brash and insists on calling Lucien Mr. The attraction is immediate but they must work together as a murderous group of Finanians are setting loose bombs all over London! Lucien is intrigued and enthralled but stubborn to the last! In a series of events they both realize they have a fight on their hands to keep the city safe but they can not guard their hearts!!!
3 reviews
October 7, 2019
I am so happy Arden got a story of his own! And so happy that he met his match in Hazel. He needed someone to ruffle his feathers! Hazel is one of my favorite heroines now and I can not rec this story enough. Witty, humorous, steamy as all get out, romance, action and intrigue and a HEA to die for!
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