Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton is a member of London’s elite Society of Decadent Dukes along with the Dukes of Langford & Brentworth, I look forward to Gabriel & Erics’ stories. Adam has spent the last few years in France with his French mother after his father died supposedly by his own hand after questions were raised about treason. Adam is dark and brooding, with a thirst for revenge. He is invited to meet the Dowager Duchess of Marwood & her grandson the present Earl to try to repair the two families generations old animosity by Adam marrying Emilia but Adam sees Clara Cheswick, the elder bluestocking sister & is immediately smitten.
Clara daughter 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. Clara has been left a sizeable inheritance from her recently deceased father along with a parcel of land near to the families & the Penrose’s family seats. Clara is also attracted to Adam.
This was a page turning novel that kept my interest all the way through. There was the ever growing closeness of Adam & Clara & also what was the truth about Adam’s father & as the Cheswick’s swore enemies how is the family involved & how are the two lovers to solve the riddle. The denouement is quite surprising & I certainly didn’t see it coming. The characters have plenty of depth, Adam & Clara are very likeable whilst their feelings for each other gradually deepen their verbal sparring is lively & entertaining throughout the book. I felt the ending was quite abrupt & would have liked an epilogue but hopefully Adam & Clara will pop up in the next two books of the trilogy.

This is a story of revenge, secrets, rumors and revaluations. Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton has returned to London after several years in France. It is rumored that he was asked to leave France do to several duals and that he's back for revenge. The Dowager Countess of Marwood the family that is at the base of an ongoing feud dating back generations would like to bury the hatchet so to say. She offering her granddaughter Emilia's hand in marriage only that's not the woman that has intrigued Adam. Lady Clara Marwood is the eldest daughter of the late Earl of Marwood a bluestocking who has vowed never to marry. Adam is searching for the reasons behind the feud hoping to use Clara to find out. Clara loved her father and can not believe he had anything to do with rumors about Adam's father. Adam is determined that Clara will be his wife but Clara turns him away at every turn. Friendship turns to romance but can revenge be the start to forever or its terrible end.
I loved the main characters and secondary characters. There are several twists and turns that I did not see coming and I loved how independent Clara was and how Adam did not want to control her but was intrigued by the woman she is.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book about Langford's fall.

Adam, the Duke of Stratton, has returned to England after five years spent in France after his father committed suicide over rumors that he’s helped fund Napoleon’s escape from Elba. Now he wants revenge on the family of the neighbor who he believes spread those rumors. That man, the Earl of Marwood, is now dead and his family is afraid that he’ll challenge the new Earl to a duel so they propose a match between Stratton and the 16-year old daughter. But Alex catches sight of the older daughter, Clara, and decides that she fits him better. She’s fiery and independent and has her own fortune.

Clara isn’t interested in marrying an arrogant duke. She is busy building her own life editing a journal for women and doesn’t plan to ever get married. Alex enjoys the challenge of taming such a strong woman. She doesn’t want to be tamed. The sparks fly and their mutual attraction grows.

Meanwhile, Alex tries to follow up on clues to figure out what happened with his father. This mild mystery is finally wrapped up with a surprise that I hadn’t anticipated. The relationship between Alex and Clara developed as Clara decides that maybe a little romantic adventurism would suit her new independent lifestyle just fine. Then Alex has to convince her that her independence isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.

This is another winner from Madeline Hunter.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

What a great start to a new series! Both Adam and Clare both are very likeable people and that made it very easy to root for their HEA.

Adam, Duke of Stratton has returned to England after spending the last five years in France. He took his mother to France after his father committed suicide and ugly rumors made staying in England unbearable for he and his mother. While in France he gained a reputation as a dangerous man after fighting in several duels. He has returned home with one goal - find out the truth about his father and exact revenge on those responsible for his death and he is almost certain the their neighbor the Earl of Marwood is the man that started and encouraged the rumors. The families have had a long history of bad blood going back generations and this is just the latest attack.

Adam is therefore surprised when he is invited to meet with the new Earl and his grandmother the dowager Countess of Marwood. After hearing the rumors about Adam's duels, they propose that they put the old feud behind them and have the families seal the pact with a marriage. They suggest that Adam marry Lady Emilia, the current earl's younger sister. But Adam has no interest in young Emilia and when he sees Clara, he knows that she is the one he wants.

Clara is the only child from her father's first marriage and was by far his favorite child. Upon his death, he settled property and an income on her - enabling her to be independent. And Independent she is! Clara secretly publishes a woman's journal and has no desire to marry. So when Adam decrees that they will marry - Clara neatly rebuffs him.

Adam wants Clara and not just for revenge - he actually likes her and the more time he is with her, the more he wants her. Adam is every bit as stubborn as Clara and twice as devious. Clara for all her independent ways is loyal to her family and loved her father very much, she also has a kind and empathic heart. Slowly Adam wears her down and while she still has no desire to marry - an affair is looking better every day.

Just when it seems that they will find common ground and put the past behind them, the truth of his father's death could tear these two apart.

I thought this was a great story, it is well written, has witty dialogue, steamy love scenes, entertaining secondary characters, a decent mystery that doesn't overwhelm the love story and a truly lovely ending. While it does stretch the imagination to believe that a young, unmarried woman could do the things Clara does and still be accepted by the ton - it did nothing to diminish the story for this reader.

I would highly recommend this book and am impatiently awaiting the next book!

I think this is the best book I read so far this year. You cannot not love Clara and her way of thinking. Plus the background about the two families may remind a little bit of Romeo and Juliet but only a bit because there is so much more!

This is the first book by Madeline hunter that I have read. I got it as part of the review team for Sabrina Jeffries, Ava Stone, Deb Marlowe, and now Madeline Hunter, so I didn't know what to expect. I was pleased with the story. Adam was a bit hard to get into as a male character. I knew he came back to London to seek revenge/justice for his dead father and I remember hearing him say something about using the proposal to Clara as a possible means to get that revenge. I knew, in the beginning, he wasn't that serious about a real relationship with her, but I am not sure when his scheming to get close to her in order to learn things turned into true feelings. Even his internal thoughts weren't always clear as to whether he was still using her or falling for her. When did his fake attentions turn into real ones? She was a strong female character and I liked her independence and spirit. Their story was enjoyable and passionate. The moment in his study where she learns that she has fallen in love with a man who might not be able to put the old hatred between their families aside to be with her poignant. How she stands up to her family to get him his truth at the end was also enjoyable to watch unfold. Overall, I did enjoy this story and will read more by this author.

Rating 3.5

Adam, The Duke of Stratton returns to London after living years in France with his Mother. Adam left London after the death of his Father and the swirling rumors that his Father had committed suicide. There was also speculation that his father was helping Napoleon (his wife was french). Adam's reputation is known in London as angry, brooding and dangerous as rumor is that he has killed men in France,dueling.

On Adams return he is summoned by Dowager Countess of Marwood to her home. The Dowager's son and Adams father where archenemies and the families in turn have been rival's. The Countess has asked Adam to forget the past and to help bring the two families to a more civil and friendly footing she suggested he marry her youngest granddaughter. Well during the meeting out in the gardens/outside Adam notices a woman riding freely/wildly on a horse close to the home. He's drawn to her and asks about her. Clara is the the Countess's eldest granddaughter.

Clara is an intelligent bluestocking, she's beautiful and owner of a publication for woman's journals. Clara has no interest in marriage, she's strong and independent and loves her family.

The two are introduced and immediately are drawn to each other. Adam decides it is Clara that he wants and pursues her. Clara is attracted to Adam but at first fights it as she wants nothing to do with marriage. Even though Clara fights the attraction she is drawn to Adam's and his intellect. The have some great dialogue and interaction. A friendship develops along with the added attraction. Adam is determined to solve the mystery of his fathers death/suicide. Clara at times wonders if their relationship is real and sincere.

I enjoyed the development of the twos relationship and it's adult and mature progression. The mystery of Adams fathers adds a nice suspense. I liked the depth of each character but had issues with Adams demeanor and arrogance at times throughout the story. Clara I enjoyed, she was such a strong woman and very loyal to her family. The pace of the story was good but found at times it did drag in certain parts. I do enjoy the authors writing and her ability to create authentic historical romances that are true to the time period.

Although I read this to its conclusion I can't in all honesty say that it matched the introduction. Adam and Clara suited one another but they lacked real oomph and the book was slow in places it took me longer than usual to read because I wasn't in a hurry to pick it up.

From Goodreads: 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:
I had the opportunity to review this book through NetGalley, and it was a great read while traveling this past week. I found myself quickly drawn to our heroine (and her sister, I hope we'll see more of her later), but initially, the hero turned me off a bit. Luckily, he quickly redeemed himself and watching Alex and Clara sort through their various personal struggles created an interesting and entertaining story throughout the book. I LOVE independent heroines, and ones that have substance, with Clara definitely does. This was definitely on the hot side of some romance books, but the story was still the main focus for me as I read.

The other two Dukes that we'll meet in more detail throughout the series are intriguing enough to definitely make me want to read more. The only complaint I had was that the ending was just...there. I find I really like some sort of epilogue or a little bit longer wrap to the story, and this one felt like a quick curtain coming down just before the true end of the story. Overall, an enjoyable read and I look forward to more in this series.

Madeline Hunter is one of my favorite regency romance authors and I had been looking forward to this book for a while. She did not disappoint. This is the first book in a new the new Decadent Dukes series. In this book, we are introduced to The Most Dangerous Duke in London, Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton. He is portrayed as dark and brooding and others are afraid of his temper. Adam has recently returned to London after spending time with is mother in France. All of the ton have heard rumors about Adam's family and those of his neighbor the Earl of Marwood. The secrets are revealed towards the end of the book. Believe me, they will keep you reading.
The Dowager Countess of Marwood invited Stratton to their estate after years of no communication. She wants Stratton to propose to her beautiful granddaughter, Emilia. She has been bred to be the perfect society wife, however Lady Clara catches his eye. Clara is Marwood's daughter from his first marriage and is firmly on the shelf. She wants no part of marriage and is not really interested in suitors. She would rather spend her days with friends, writing and riding horses. However, Adam is quite taken with Lady Clara and decides to propose to her. The chapter leading up the the proposal is one of my favorites because it is hilarious. The way Hunter writes the dialogue and describes the emotions of Clara had me laughing out loud. At this point you will not want to put the book down because you will be dying to know the ways that Adam tries to woo Clara. Clara wants nothing to do with Adam and is intent on getting her own life started as an independent woman.
But Clara does not anticipate the chemistry between her and Adam. (Oh man, the chemistry between these two is scorching). I love their interactions. The sex scenes are tastefully written. In fact, they are a bit more tame than some of Hunter's books. But still HOT! You can tell throughout the book that the author knows a lot of history as the details are so accurately described. The colors, the smells, the atmosphere. This is story telling at its finest. The romantic gestures will make you swoon and you may also fall in love with Adam's friends. The Duke of Stratton is currently my book boyfriend. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a historical romance with a HEA.
I also love the cover. The cover artist added a bow to the cover making it seem like a gift. This book is definitely a gift for romance lovers. This is the perfect book for some fun summer reading. I'm looking forward to the next story in this series.

The title of this novel, is quickly explain when Adam Penrose, the Duke of Stratton, returns from France, seeking revenge for his father’s death. Rumour surrounds this tragedy as Stratton has killed two men in a duel and injured another, in attempting to maintain the honour of his family name. On his return to London, he is summoned to the residence of the Dowager Countess of Marwood, whose son was the greatest enemy of his father. The countess professes a desire to connect the two families through marriage to her youngest granddaughter. The subterfuge behind this demand, is a fear that Adam will ultimately force a duel between the Earl of Marwood, Theo and himself. Fearing this is inevitable, the countess continues to encourage this connect but Adam is immediately captivated by Clara, the eldest granddaughter. Clara, a bluestocking and owner of a publication, has never been interested in marriage but finds herself drawn to Adam despite the animosity between the families. A romance that soon begins, faces a tumultuous journey.

The immediate attraction and dialogue between the two characters was clever and so entertaining. Both are drawn to each other and it seems almost inevitable that they must be together. The relationship between the three dukes was also a highlight of this novel and reinforced Hunter’s ability to show the depth of this friendship which began during their childhood. At times, I had to stop myself from laughing out loud (in the middle of the night), from the quips that they throw at each other. This highlighted the skill in demonstrating the realistic nature of male conversations that arrives from years of friendship. This was not your t typical superficial conversation between mean in other novels and I thought this a major strength of the novel. I look forward to reading more about two remaining dukes, Langford and Brentworth in next two 'Decadent Dukes Society' novels
Hunter weaves such an intriguing storyline, that this could not been seen as your typical ‘fluffy’ romance. Be care not to miss one word of this novel, as the many nuances and details, build up the tension of the novel. I could not have envisaged the ending of the novel, until I was but a page away. This book will definitely keep you guessing and I have added it to my favourite books!
I am very appreciative of receiving a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Most Dangerous Duke in London introduces Madeline Hunter's latest series, the Decadent Dukes Society. An intriguing plot, strong lead characters plus a steamy romance build an unforgettable story of desire for revenge versus a thirst for love. The Duke of Stratton, Adam Penrose, meets his match in the willful beauty, Clara Cheswick. Adam seeks revenge for a terrible wrong he believes was committed by Clara's family. But the more he interacts with Clara, the more he realizes there are emotions stronger than revenge.

The brooding Adam reminds me of the lead male in Book 1 of Hunter's Seducer Series. Once you pick it up, it's nonstop until the book is finished. My only complaint is the Dangerous Duke lacks an Epilogue. There are a few issues mentioned in the last chapter that would be well served by an Epilogue. All is all, it is an excellent read!

The characters are introduced for the next two Duke books and those books are sure to be as captivating as The Most Dangerous Duke in London.

The Most Dangerous Duke in London
by Madeline Hunter
An absolutely great read. As you will be caught from page one to the end you will not put the book down until your finished! I can not say enough good things about the writing in this book. An opening that made me laugh and just kept me enthralled in the reading of the story. A very interesting plot line. Lots of love, loyalty and passion. A truly enjoyable and somewhat complex read. The characters will keep you reading and wondering. All in all..... A super great read! I refuse to write a spoiler so all i can say is BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY book! GREAT READ! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna

Another great start for a new series about Dukes too, which is a bonus. I have loved Madeline hunters writing and her characters. But with this book she knocked it out of the park, I stayed up all night to read it.

Another hard to put down story,
“The Most Dangerous Duke in London” by Madeline Hunter.
Two strong characters lead you through a sweet historical romance story to which I award 5 stars. A very independent female in the age where that was frowned upon especially In the upper echelons of society. A duke tormented by the death of his father and the whispered accusations precipitating that death. The story that grows when the paths of these two characters cross once again captured my attention making it difficult at best to set the book aside when the hour grew very late and it was time to retire for the night.
I was lucky enough to score a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I have yet to be disappointed by one of Madeline’s stories… and I have read many of them over the years.

Madeline Hunter is one of my favourite authors. It’s that simple. I’ve loved every single one of her books I’ve read, and I loved this one, too.

There was just so much to like about The Most Dangerous Duke in London. I wasn’t sure how we were going to get close to the usual word count when the hero declared to the heroine they were engaged (hilariously and without her permission) right at the beginning, but there’s a big, complex, interesting plot to follow.

I like that the heroine was unusual but not anachronistic, and I like that the hero was such a bloody aristocrat, but also fair and easy to fall in love with.

Hunter gives her characters a real sense of time and place; these are not modern-day characters in fancy outfits.

One of the best features of Hunter’s work is her ability to write male friendships. I don’t know of many (any?) authors who do this as well as she does. Her men are “real” men, and they talk and act like men of their time and level of power would. It’s not contrived, and it’s something that makes them seem larger than life without the usual romance-genre references to muscles and looks and all of that other standard stuff.

However, it’s not just the male friendships she write well. She ALWAYS gives her heroines close female friendships and relationships, and she manages to give them interests and even careers without making them historically inaccurate. She does this better than just about any author.

With Hunter’s more complicated storylines it means that the plot doesn’t wind up near the start; there were still discoveries and revelations in the last pages of the book, and everything was wrapped up expertly. I’ve been a bit bored with some historical romances recently because they seemed so preoccupied with the romance to the point I couldn’t see an actual story by a quarter of the way through; this book is exactly what I needed.

One thing that does occasionally irritate me, however, is that the Americanisms are always there. It really is the only thing that I dislike about Hunter’s work. She is SO talented at creating a sense of class and power – and England – and then the snucks and gottens and asses (though I’m not sure that one turned up in this book) are sneaked in and some of the magic is lost.

However, this is a fantastic to start to a new trilogy, and I cannot wait to read the next two books.

This was a rather moody and gritty novel, but a page turner because I definitely wanted to know what happened next in the story and how it ended. Adam truly was dark and brooding while Clara was intelligent, independent, and rather serious but seemed ready to enjoy life. I found both characters to be interesting, sophisticated, mature adults, and I liked those qualities about them. I enjoyed the witty banter between Adam and his friends and wished Clara and her friends had more similar moments of levity. The sex scenes were great, didn’t go on forever, and conveyed the couple’s growing intimacy and happiness and developing relationship. I couldn’t stand Clara’s family; they were rather annoying, and I skipped over some of the dialogue in the early scenes involving them. Because of the novel’s dark tone at times, I wanted a little more lightheartedness. Otherwise, I enjoyed this novel, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

The Most Dangerous Duke In London by Madeline Hunter is a fabulous, well-written book. Ms Hunters cast of characters is phenomenal, from the good, the bad and the old and crotchety, these characters shine. Clara and Adam's story will hold readers' attention from the first page to the last with plenty of suspense, humor, drama and sizzle. I adore this story and look forward to reading more from Madeline Hunter in the future. The Most Dangerous Duke In London is book 1 of the Decadent Dukes Society Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.

She does it Again! What a great book! The Dangerous Duke is out for revenge, justice, and he will get it, one way or the other. Lady Clara, is who he decides can be a way to get his revenge on her Grandmother, and her younger brother, the Earl. The whole question is Revenge for what? The Duke of Stratton has already left three men dead in France for an insult to his family's honor! Now, The Dowager Countess son is dead, she certainly doesn't want anything to happen to young Theo, the new Earl. So, she devises a plan to placate the Duke, but why, after all her tongue is like acid on whomever it drops! Awesome storyline, great characters, great romance! I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒

Caught up in a bitter family feud, our two characters find themselves fighting their strong feelings for each other. Family ties have them struggling with family loyalty and a passion that they cannot resist. Enjoyable read.