DNF, as I do not find the content acceptable.

From chapter two:

“And I would be within my rights to use my crop on your pretty tail in response to your behavior.”

Gross. I have zero interest in this kind of allow male hero who claims to love spirited women but whose first response to talking to one is threatening to spank her for her insolence.


And "tail"? Really?

Loved the story--there are plot twists that add to the well-developed characters and the romance. You have to love someone who is willing to be open to doing the right thing, even if he has been set on a different path! I love Madeline Hunter's work and look forward to every book!

I enjoyed the concept of this book but in the end it didn’t hit home. The build up to intimacy was engaging but after that it became a bit bland. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen and it never did. The main characters falling in love wasn’t convincing, the supporting characters were predictable, and the story became somewhat stagnant and then all of the sudden wrapped up and the book ended.

After his father's suicide years ago, Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton, left London. He wanted to protect his mother and they set up home in Paris. However, Adam has acquired a reputation as a dueler and has been forced to flee France. Meanwhile, for a few generations, Adam's family had been in a feud. The dowager Countess of Marwood approaches Adam with plans of settling things, if he will marry her granddaughter, Emilia. She is pretty, but young, and offers absolutely no appeal to Adam.

On horseback, quite a bit away, however, is Clara, Emilia's half sister. Now, she sparks an interest that Adam cannot deny. He approaches her and a battle of will immediately ensues. Adam relentlessly pursues Clara, determined to marry her. Meanwhile, Clara is the owner of growing women's journal and that is the only future she imagines - that and independence from her overbearing grandmother.

The story swings back and forth between Clara and Adam's growing bond, all while Adam seeks to discover what drove his father to do what he did. Meanwhile Clara's grandmother makes more than a nuisance of herself.

This romance by Madeline Hunter was enjoyable to a degree, but felt a bit slower than I have read in this genre. The addition of the other dukes that will be in the other two series was a nice addition. One thing that I did enjoy was that Clara published a magazine, that was progress that was a pleasure to read.

Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinions.

Characters : Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton & Clara Cheswick

book synopsis:

Three sinfully handsome dukes, three scores to settle, three hearts about to meet their matches. All in one thrilling new trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Madeline Hunter . . .



NOTORIOUS NOBLEMAN SEEKS REVENGE

Name and title: Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton.

Affiliation: London’s elite Society of Decadent Dukes.

Family history: Scandalous.

Personality traits: Dark and brooding, with a thirst for revenge.

Ideal romantic partner: A woman of means, with beauty and brains, willing to live with reckless abandon.

Desire: Clara Cheswick, gorgeous daughter of his family’s sworn enemy.



FAINT OF HEART NEED NOT APPLY

Clara may be the woman Adam wants, but there’s one problem: she’s far more interested in publishing her women’s journal than getting married—especially to a man said to be dead-set on vengeance. Though, with her nose for a story, Clara wonders if his desire for justice is sincere—along with his incredibly unnerving intention to be her husband. If her weak-kneed response to his kiss is any indication, falling for Adam clearly comes with a cost. But who knew courting danger could be such exhilarating fun?

My Thoughts:

Note : I had already download the 3rd book from Netgalley when I found out it was the last book , so I sent a message to the Kensington Books asking if there was a way I could get books 1 &2 and they sent my message on to her publisher ,who then gladly sent me books 1 &2 though Netgalley , Which I'm so glad she did because its been a while since I've had a historical Romance series and author I actually liked and loved .

Rating: 5 starts all the way

Would I recommend it? yes so much so that my friend Frishawn went and download the 3rd book from Netgalley and then I told her they was also at the library so she could now read all the books like I was.

Will I be reading the rest of the series ? yes

Will I read more by her? yes

When it comes to historical romance I'm kind of picky about the story , the characters and the author, but as soon as I started to read this one I had no problem with getting lost in the story and felling in loving with some of the characters , at least some of them , out of all the characters the one I hated was the Grandmother and how she acted towards her grandkids, I also loved how the characters came to live, the secrets that came out and how it kept me guessing on wither or not if Adam's father was guilt like everyone thought he was . With that said I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this book and the second one , and letting me read it exchange for my honest opinion

What makes Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton the most dangerous duke in London? Is it the rules he fought in France before returning to England? Or maybe the revenge he is seeking for wrongs done to his family? When his family's enemy, the Marwoods invite him to "bury the hatchet" and live in peace be accepts the invite for a meet at their country estate. His curiosity is soon satisfied when he is offered the hand of the younger sister of the current Earl. Although not interested in Emilia, he spies the older half sister and finds himself very interested. I love to see a strong heroine, one who is intelligent, knows her own mind, and is not afraid to speak it. It is these very characteristics that catch Adam's attention. Clara gives him quite the run for his money. The storyline carries a bit of a mystery within it. When it is resolved, the person(s) involved were not on the original list of suspects. I have not read many of Madeline Hunter's books. I did enjoy this one and will read more of her.

Adam was the Duke of Stratton and had been called to the Dowager Countess Of Marwood grandson- the Earl’s home in the country. The Countess could be a formidable enemy if she chooses to but she had written to ask to let bygones be bygones between the two families. Adam made the trip to see how the Countess hoped to accomplish this. Then one look at her and he knew whatever she had planned would not benefit Adam . The dowager was in mourning for her son the late Duke. Adam had been in France for five years and the Dowager mentioned hr surprise that Adam was not married to one of his mother’s people. But Adam said he thought a British match would be better for him and the dowager agreed. In the past the dowager's family had stolen Adam’s family’s property and savaged his mother and and helped drive his father to his death. But the dowager suggested his family rise above it.She then said their families should resolve that in the old fashioned way - marriage. She suggested an alliance formed by the strongest ties. She said her grandson had a sister Emilia that is all any man could ask for and would make a perfect Duchess for Adam. The dowager took Adam to the terrace so he could see Emilia. The Dowager Duchess says Emilia was sweet in disposition, good humor, and a fair amount of wit. So Emilia would not be dull. But Adam felt no appear for the young woman . Theobald/Theo- the young Earl- came and greeted Adam bit he was clearly afraid as Adams reputation had followed him. A lot of people had acted that way around Adam. Then the Duke’s half sister - Clara rode to the top of the hill and sat there on her horse and Adam asked who she was and then Adam asked why he was not being offered Clara, Theo said Clara was his older half sister and the favored child and his father had spoiled and indulged Clara and allowed her to build notions unbefitting for women. He never demanded she marry and she thinks marriage is beneath her. Their father had left Clara a good bit of property in her name , a handsome tract with rich farms. The Duke gestured for Clara to come meet Adam and she turned her back on them and rode off. Adam then said you did not mention she was rude and disobedient. And quick to insult others if she chooses. Adam went to meet Lady Clara, after meeting her Adam thought what a provocative woman. Bright eyed and vivacious and also lovely , spirited some men would say too spirited. But Adam liked highly spirited, self possessed women. Adam found he wanted Lady Clara. Adam thought how the dowager’s offer as stated by the late Earl . Clara is also attracted to Adam but Clara fights her feelings as she wants nothing to do with marriage
I enjoyed this book. I really liked the interaction between Adam and Clara. And I did love them together. I liked the plot of this story but at times it drag for me as I was reading but not enough to make me want to stop reading this book. I think Clara slept with Adam too easily and too soon. Even if she was independant and her own woman. I felt at times Adam was helped in selfish in the way he acted. This kept my attention even when it dragged a little as I wanted to know what was going to happen next . I was pleasantly surprised by the ending, I liked that men actually came across as men of this time and acted it. I liked the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.

From page one this book is attention grabbing with its conflict, enemies, manipulation, revenge and fascination with finding the truth. These are just a few of the readers experiences in the first chapter and it gets even better from then on.

The primary female character, Clara Cheswick, has an exciting personality. She is strong willed, intelligent, beautiful and able to see the story behind the mask that Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton wears. More than anything I like how she wants to be the difference in a world where women have no say. Her secret is exciting and adds meat to this story causing it to be a step above most historical romances.

Adam as the primary male character is bitter, revengeful as well as a loving son and good friend. This character has the most growth throughout the story and it is rewarding for him to finally get satisfaction to his questions about his father and the fighting between their families. I think the author did an outstanding job with his characters personal transitions throughout the book

I give this book 4 STARS for being a lively read.

I throughly enjoyed Adam and Clara's story!!

With an animosity between the families, it makes sense for Clara to regard Adam's courting with speculation. He might just be out to ruin her! It was so much fun to watch him try to earn her trust and love and the bantering between the two had me laughing out loud.

This was a great start to what I'm sure will be an awesome series!

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to read and review this title before it was archived.

When Adam is approached by the family of his sworn enemy to end the feud by marrying the younger daughter in the family, he meets the older sister, Clara Cheswick. He is instantly attracted to her and decides he is going to marry her instead of her younger sister. Although his intentions are not as honorable, he still cannot stay away from Clara. I really liked the characters of Adam and Clara and thoroughly enjoyed their story.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

This is my first book by this author, and I just loved it!! An excellent mystery plot, well-researched setting, plenty of sexual tension (and emotional steamy scenes) plus an independent heroine! I love a good historical romance that still has a dreamy alpha hero but puts him against brain and beauty! The banter and wit are fabulous. Excellent read!

I would have liked an Epilogue but enjoyed the way H/h end up discussing relevant items but it did leave a few items hanging. It did not deal with him finding out about her journal. After she moved to her other residence any interactions with her sister almost fell by the wayside. Was her sister taken with anyone in particlar? There was no concern about pregnancy. I personally would have liked discussion between them about kids, preferred living locations and things like that.I like this author and it was an enjoyable book, thanks.

2 stars
Did not finish; not my cup of tea.

This is the first book by Madeline Hunter that I have attempted to read, and I do not plan to read any more by this author. Now, this is just my opinion, and I'm sure that plenty of people enjoyed this book. I, however, did not like the writing style, the dialogue, or the characters. The "hero" is so "dangerous" it is a cliche. Also, he said a very disrespectful, misogynistic comment that really got on my nerves. This "hero" is so arrogant and high-handed that it made me grit my teeth. Yes, am sure that real Regency noblemen were misogynistic, but I don't want it in a romance novel. Maybe the guy gets more likable later in the book; I don't know. In addition, I found the dialogue rather unemotional and the writing not compelling.

I have read lots of Regency and Victorian romances, and I love many of them. Some of my favorite authors are Sabrina Jeffries, Lisa Kleypas, Courtney Milan, Sue London, Meredith Duran, Mary Joe Putney, and Deb Marlowe. For readers who have agreed with my previous reviews of historical romances, I think you should read the free sample if you are considering buying this book.

I received a free advanced reading copy from the author and publisher via Netgalley, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.

I liked this book a lot, though it had one flaw I didn't care for. A solid 4 stars out of 5. What's holding me back from giving it 5 stars and loving it is I felt the scene when Clara and Stratton first had sex was hasty and rushed and felt too soon. Meaning, the way MH wrote the scene seemed like an afterthought. It was short and abrupt. The suspense was building between H/h and that ruined it for me a bit. It wasn't very thought out and seemed odd/half-baked. She was a virgin and I felt like if that were the case, he would have waited a bit. Now, don't get me wrong, MH is great at building suspense and doing steamy scenes usually, so this felt off for me. The rest of the book made up for it though and allowed me to overlook it.

I really enjoyed the secondary storyline regarding their families longtime feud, the mystery behind Stratton's Father's death and the jewels. It was suspenseful and added to the mystery of the story.

I loved that Clara was independent and freethinking. She had her own business, the ladies journal, and was an intellectual. She wasn't stuck up though or rude to Stratton. I liked their interactions with each other and I really enjoyed that Adam was jaded (let me explain!) given his father's death, and his understandable dislike for the ton given the rumors that flew around about him seeking revenge...though not so much so that he wasn't endearing and likable. Adam/Stratton was an alpha male, but not arrogant or unlikable. Adam was charismatic and honest with Clara, almost frank. I loved the chemistry they had together.

I also really loved the addition of Stratton's two friends and also Clara's friend. The secondary characters were well written. I hope that they will be the main heroes/heroines of the next installments.

In general, it was very well written and a good start to a new series. This wasn't my first MH book and won't be my last.

<b>A note on steamy: </b>There were 4-5 sex scenes and a couple of PG-13 interludes that were intense (before they sealed the deal so to speak). All of the main steamy scenes were fairly brief, 2-3 pages though explicit and most "faded to black" in that it stopped before really getting into things too much to make them "full sex scenes" to me. The fading to black didn't bother me too much though as MH is a good writer. For me this was in the low end of my middle range. I would give it a <b>3/5 on my steamy scale</b> for romance books (note, not erotica).

I sort of feel what's stopping her books from being amazing is her shying away from writing the steamy scenes fully. If you're going to put them in, commit!! Don't just a page break and skip to the afterglow. It feels a little lazy and maybe prudish. But I'm not sure what MH's motivation is for writing these types of scenes this way. /endrant

Loved this book! A literary female! Just enough romance to keep me intrigued. Definitely a winner.

Like Adam, my interest immediately caught by the strong headed and didn't want to get married, Lady Clara. She is a very secretive woman who is amazing and brave. I didn't feel that Adam is a dangerous duke. I think his revenge is fine and for his peace of mind.

There were many things I enjoyed about this book. This was my first book by Madeline Hunter, and I was pleased that the writing style was witty, intelligent, and abounded with historical authenticity. I loved that Clara was an independent woman who had made plans to remain so. She had found a way to contribute to society and was helping many other women with her persuits. And I like the fact that the Duke of Stratton preferred a woman with intelligence and a little mystery. While he could be a bit overbearing at times, Adam did support Clara in the choices she had made. The investigation into the connection between Adam's and Clara's families was also engaging. I wasn't able to guess exactly how that had all come about.


SPOILER ALERT:





However, it was slow going at first and took me a while to get into the story. Getting any information about the investigation was like pulling teeth! I guess that had a lot to do with the fact that Adam wanted to find out the truth, but he was afraid of what he would find. Then, once we were all set for Adam to find out what Clara was up to, the book ended and we're left to imagine how that was revealed.

The part that seemed the most unrealistic to me was that although Clara was an independent woman and had no plans to marry, once she started her affair with Adam, there was not one thought about any unintended consequences. While Stratton clearly wanted to marry her from the beginning, Clara was convinced she would remain single even after the affair might end. Yet no one took any precautions at all. I could see Stratton being okay with that, but for Clara to not even think about getting pregnant seemed odd for someone who went to such lengths to avoid being seen with the man so she wouldn't be forced to marry him.

I really wanted to love it
3 stars

This is the first book in a new trilogy by Madeline Hunter which focuses on three Dukes, dubbed ‘The Decadent Dukes’.

Everyone in London society is on edge with the brooding Duke of Stratton’s return from France. His reputation for duelling has preceded him, and it is whispered he is bent on revenge for his father’s fall. Stratton is indeed resolved to ferret out the person/people who benefited, and learn the reasons his father was targeted. When he meets Clara Cheswick, the lovely, rebellious daughter of his most likely suspect, desire complicates his goals.

Clara may be the woman Stratton wants, but she’s far more interested in publishing her women’s journal than in being seduced—especially by a man rumoured to be dead-set on vengeance. Though, with her nose for a story, Clara wonders if he is sincere in his desire for justice—or in his incredibly unnerving insistence that they will one day wed. If her weak-kneed response to his kiss is any indication, falling for the duke clearly comes with costs, and perhaps dangers she does not anticipate.

—

I have heard excellent things about Madeline Hunter, her books and her writing, so I was looking forward to this book and the start of a new series. Add to that, I’m a sucker for a dark, brooding gent, so as far as I could see, this book couldn’t fail.

And it didn’t fail - it just sadly didn’t nearly live up to my expectations.

I liked Adam although, as other reviewers have pointed out, he was a wee bit overbearing and pompous at times. I don’t mind that in a hero, especially one that’s a duke since I suppose that it’s very likely all duke’s had this personality trait! While I found Clara much harder to like - she was just too needlessly argumentative and shrewish at times for my liking - I did enjoy the way she stood up to, and interacted with Adam.

While there were some interesting asides to the main love story in the book - such as Clara’s publication of a Lady’s Journal - I didn’t feel these added much to the story and since to the very last page they didn’t involve Adam or the overarching mystery, I did wonder what the point of it all really was. Not offensive, just a tad pointless.

There were a few other characters in the book. I liked both Langford and Brentworth - the heroes of the remaining books in the trilogy. We had a few of Clara’s friends and family who we didn’t get much detail of. And then there was Clara’s grandmother. She was a typical old harridan but it was hard to feel the dislike I felt we should feel for her and her machinations, when the main characters were so easy to forgive her.

The main reason for my not giving this book a higher rating was simply that I didn’t feel there was any chemistry between the characters. There was no descriptions that showed how the pair felt for each other - we were just told they felt that way. But it wasn’t just the chemistry that I felt was lacking - I just felt there wasn’t the richness and depth that I’ve come to expect from historical romance. There also wasn't the heat and sensuality that I prefer in a novel, but that didn’t affect my rating as that’s just my personal preference and not a criticism of the book, as such.

Having said all that, other reviewers have obviously really enjoyed the book so I would still give it a go, especially if you’re a fan of Madeline Hunter’s. But it’s only 3 stars from me, I’m afraid.