Once in a great while you stumble upon a historical romance that hits every single checklist you have for a good romance.

Brooding, clever hero?
Woman you WANT to cheer for because she’s just that funny and intelligent.
Story line that hasn’t been done over and over again.
And fantastic dialogue and plot that has a reader grinning and cheering the entire time.

This book not only intrigued me, but hooked me within the first chapter, which I feel is sometimes rare for a historical romance, the information dump is a very real problem and this author started with information that made me curious, and want to know what was going to happen. She set the story perfectly and had me hook line and sinker.
I think what really pulled me in was Amanda’s clever inner dialogue, you can tell right off the bat that she’s smart and that she’s willing to do anything in order to obey the lady she works for, but that beyond all of that, she’s curious and not immune to anyone’s charms.

Especially Langford.

He was probably one of my top five book boyfriends and that’s saying a lot I mean historical romance? You really need to hit every single angle. Was he smart? Yes. Funny? Yes. And at the same time whenever he did things that irritated me I still found ways to love him, which is huge for a reader.

Even more so, after reading halfway I felt emotionally invested to the point that once the romance started I was like this can’t end, it can’t, how is this going to end? I truly had no idea because the author did such a beautiful job peeling back layers of clever plot.

All in all, I don’t want to give everything away but if you want a beautiful historical about a handsome duke and the thief who steals his heart, this is the book for you!

Amanda Waverly, secretary or thief? Or is she both? She was born into a life a crime, forced to become a thief due to her parents' training. Amanda is striving to keep her identity a secret, all while trying to escape that life by serving as a secretary to a responsible lady in society. However, the pressure to keep stealing is constantly facing her.

Fortunately, her employer, Lady Farnsworth, a publisher of a lady's journal, has a wonderful influence on her. What Amanda doesn't expect, however, is to run into Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langford. Amanda manages to trick the duke into participating in a theft, all while keeping her name a secret. How long can this go on? Who will end this farce?

While the two spend time together, one thing is undeniable, and that is their powerful attraction to one another. Throwing caution to the wind, they engage in far more than a begrudging friendship. The story shifts back and forth between their affair, her secret and Gabriel having to choose honor and decency over his own heart.

This was a sensitive story, especially since both Amanda and Gabriel went through so many changes, and the result could have been more than disastrous. It was enjoyable to be reminded of Gabriel's friends with the other two Dukes and how they helped him to see how he actually felt. This entry in the Decadent Duke series had a satisfying ending.

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

***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***

3.5 stars

I love historical romances and Madeline Hunter is one of my favorite authors in this genre, but I was left feeling a bit disappointed. I had higher expectations for this story.

Although I enjoyed it, I was hoping for a bit more.

A touch of mystery and cinderella plot, this book had my attention right from the first page. I loved the characters of Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langford and Amanda Waverly. Even though they were the main protagonists, they were in no way perfect but charming and lovable just the same. It was a fun read with sexy chemistry between Gabriel and Amanda. This is book two in The Decadent Dukes Society series

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

HE MAY BE A DEVIL

He's infamous, debaucherous, and known all over town for his complete disregard for scandal, and positively irresistible seductions. Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langford, is obscenely wealthy, jaw-droppingly handsome, and used to getting exactly what he wants. Until his attention is utterly captured by a woman who refuses to tell him her name, but can't help surrendering to his touch . . .

BUT SHE'S NO ANGEL EITHER . . .

Amanda Waverly is living two lives—one respectable existence as secretary to an upstanding lady, and one far more dangerous battle of wits—and willpower—with the devilish Duke. Langford may be the most tempting man she's ever met, but Amanda's got her hands full trying to escape the world of high-society crime into which she was born. And if he figures out who she really is, their sizzling passion will suddenly boil over into a much higher stakes affair .

My thoughts

Rating: 5

I couldn't put this one down at all it was just as good as the first one and now I'm so looking forward to the the last book in the series, it had every thing the first one had and more this series just keeps getting better which each book . With that said I want to think Netgalley for letting me read and review it exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this! I liked how Amanda was very independent and confident in her skills. Gabriel was a tad controlling at times, but overall I could tell he cared about Amanda a lot.

In the second book to the Decadent Dukes Society series author Madeline Hunter creates a story of intrigue and star-crossed love that takes the reader into a roller coaster of emotions.

Amanda Waverly is an extremely strong woman in an impossible situation of saving her thieving mother from unknown circumstances. She is a woman with a sense of morality unlike her parents. This causes a conundrum for her because she hasn't been around her mother in a long time, but she feels obligated to save her. Raised to be resourceful like her mom and dad she is called upon to use skills taught to her when she was a child.

Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langford is worried about his brother and gets caught up unwilling in Amanda's drama. Their meeting intrigues him and since he always gets what he wants he continues to pursue her against all her protesting. As the story progresses the reader will see there is more to him than meets the eye.

Throughout the book the reader is taken on a lively hunt to find select items required to save Amanda's mom and the reader will be puzzled with WHY. More importantly is the development of the relationship and the steamy love scenes between Gabriel and Amanda. Throughout reading this book it is emphasized that the relationship is temporary, and it kept me quite emotional because they really were perfect for each other.

I give this book 4 STARS for dealing with maternal love not deserved, living in integrity and making decisions based on caring and love not based on what society dictates.

Just a short comment for this one: 2.5 stars rounding up. I did not particularly enjoy this book, although I have certainly read some that were a lot worse. As other reviewers have noted, I just had trouble feeling the chemistry between this couple. I also felt like the characters did not act in a historically appropriate way, and I could not get past that enough to enjoy the story.

This is the second book in the series, and like the first book, I was initially intrigued with the plot. Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langford, sees a woman trying to pursue his brother at an masquerade ball and steps in to thwart her pursuit, only to become obsessed with her himself. She refuses to give her name which makes Gabriel all the more insistent on seeing her again. Amanda Waverly is not interested in the duke's brother, only access to his home so she can carry out a daring theft. She doesn't want to do it, but her mother is being held prisoner and the only way to free her is to give the man what he wants. What Amanda doesn't expect is to fall for the handsome and arrogant Duke of Langford.


While the book started out well and was well-written, I was not biting my nails to see what would happen or how the mystery would be solved. The one thing that did keep my interest is how the author would resolve the fact that Amanda was stealing ancient artifacts. I did like the return of the women's journal and the companionship of the women. Strong female friendships is always a boon for me. I'm really interested in reading the next book in the series about the third duke in the friendship.

4.5 stars!

As I read A DEVIL OF A DUKE, I spent a lot of time trying to stay one step ahead of the author, to see if I could possibly figure out how the mystery might be resolved. I couldn't and that, alone, is the mark of an excellent book for me.

I ask you to please not discard my review just because I cannot show as a verified purchase. Yes, I received an ARC and honestly, I did it because I just couldn't wait any longer to read this book! It truly is as good as it sounds!

Amanda, the h, and Gabriel, Duke of Langford, the H, come together in a roundabout way. Their attraction is chemistry gone wild! How could any woman not swoon in the company of a tall, blue-eyed hunk with rumpled dark, curly hair? And I cheered for Amanda, who had a big problem that she just straightened her shoulders, took a deep breath, and jumped in to solve it (literally!).

There were so many layers of Gabriel and Amanda's relationship-- some that had to be resolved (such as building trust) and some that just had to be accepted (their difference in stations). However, there were other relationships in the book that were just as important and needed to be treasured, although they were not between Amanda and Gabe. These were the relationships among the strong, feisty women that embraced and welcomed Amanda into their group. Then there was the unbreakable bond of the three "Decadent Dukes" who stood together in friendship.

A DEVIL OF A DUKE was beautifully written and contained wonderful, witty banter as well as touching scenes of love. What a superb combination.

To catch a thief ______ 2.5 stars

Even though I quite liked the lead characters their story just didn't grab me. Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langdon, is a man who completely disregards society's opinion. Amanda Waverly, is a jewel thief, targeting the rich and famous by night, and a competent secretary by day. Amanda's nightly personae has to do with her mother being held as a surety for Amanda's compliance. Parts I liked, such as Amanda's intrepidness, but her naivety about rescuing her mother and the circumstances surrounding her mother's situation just annoyed me.
As the cut and thrust of these two unlikely people coming together plays out they lack frisson in their together moments. I don't mean sexual tension, I mean their interaction more generally.
I was somewhat disappointed. The story had a great basis for being much more enthralling than it was.

A NetGalley ARC

From our summer books roundup, A Devil of a Duke, by Madeline Hunter : https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/books-to-read-this-summer.html

What an interesting and entertaining addition to the Decadent Dukes Society!

Amanda Waverly considers herself lucky to be hired as secretary to the eccentric Lady Farnsworth but she is very careful that her true identity remains a secret. Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langford, is both fascinated and suspicious of the mysterious woman he meets at a ball but he discovers that he cannot leave her alone. Soon their lives are woven tightly together and it will not matter whether the truth is revealed or hidden.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own..

I adore Madeline Hunter's romances, and this one did not disappoint! Sexy and fun and totally enjoyable!

I remember reading THE CHARMER about ten years or so ago, and being blown away by Hunter's writing, the complexity of the characters, and the unique ways in which she demonstrated them falling in love on an emotional, psychological level. I even went back and skimmed it today, just to make sure my memory was correct.

When compared with THE CHARMER, it doesn't even seem as though A DEVIL OF A DUKE is written by the same author. When I reach for a romance novel, I am craving the kind of sophisticated language found in THE CHARMER. I'm looking for a detailed plot, with interesting, dynamic characters, who engage in witty banter that serves to advance not only the plot, but their relationship as well..

A DEVIL OF A DUKE contains none of that.. The lackluster writing, combined with a light and unrealistic plot, failed to hold my interest for very long. There is too much telling and not enough showing in the narration! Worse, the characters themselves are stiff and one dimensional. Where is the passion? Where is the complex and multilayered character and relationship development?

It's such a shame, because Hunter has clearly proven herself to be a very talented writer. It's just that her recent works don't seem to showcase her special talent.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The first book in this series was so good, and this was a letdown. The duke was rather boring. Amanda wasn't interesting enough. I probably would have liked her better if she had been more conflicted emotionally about being forced to steal to save her mother. I didn't care for Langford and Amanda as a couple. There was strong insta-lust that developed after a brief interlude. Although they barely knew anything about each other they couldn't stop thinking about each other. The problem was halfway into the book they had barely said anything meaningful to each other, so it was hard to believe they were developing deep feelings for each other. The ending was okay, but there weren't any surprises.

A Devil of a Duke, is the second instalment in Madeline Hunter’s Decadent Dukes Society series, I have not read the previous entry, and this can be read as a standalone.
Amanda Waverly, longs to leave her past as a thief behind her. Now employed as a secretary to the eccentric Lady Farnsworth, she is dragged back into the underground world to save her mother. Given the ask of securing a valuable jewel from the securely locked home of Sir Malcolm Nutley. Hatching a plan to seduce the younger brother of the Duke of Langdon to gain entry to the house next door she is dismayed to find he has no interest. Instead she has drawn the notice of the Duke himself.
Intrigued by the woman he has met at a masquerade, Gabriel, Duke of Langdon, he invites her back to his brother’s home. When his brother returns, Gabriel is dismayed to learn of several robberies of high priced items. Including a theft from the house next door.
Gabriel sets out for revenge, no one dupes the Duke and gets away with it. Amanda, despite her better judgement agrees to meet with Gabriel. Unable to resist the draw they have to each other, or protagonists set out to save Amanda’s mother.
While there was nothing that made me dislike them, I just couldn’t warm to either of the protagonists. I hate an insta-love story and it seemed like the author was trying to do this here and failed miserably. There is no element of sexual tension and the chemistry is lacking. Along with slow pacing, this book is a difficult read as it just is not interesting enough. While the pace does get better towards the end of the book and the story more engaging, it’s not enough for me to recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/

Boring - that is the only thing I can say - unfortunately - about this one. I only rad 2/3 of it because I really gave up. It started promising but after the first 50 pages .... I dont know, I completely lost interested in the characters and the story.

3.5 Stars for the latest in this series. Amanda Waverly is leading a double life. Her path crosses with Gabriel, Duke of Langford, purposely as she uses him to help her cause. Sparks fly and she wars with herself between finishing her mission and finding happiness in an unlikely place.

Overall, the story was good. The chemistry between the two characters was electric, but I am not a big fan of heroines who lie and steal even for a good cause. Amanda was raised by thieves and is desperately trying to save the mother she hasn’t seen in years. That part of the story was ok, but not my favorite.

I definitely look forward to Brentwood’s story - he seems very intriguing.

I received a review copy as part of the Regency Review Crew.

Amanda Waverley is not your typical young woman. In A Devil Of A Duke, she is the personal secretary of an eccentric old lady. While most ladies choose to employ a male secretary it is considered bizarre that Lady Farnsworth has chosen a young woman for the position instead.

Amanda’s background is also unusual. Thankfully Lady Farnsworth did not look too closely into her background and accepted the rather meager references provided.

The worst part is that she is being blackmailed to obtain items on behalf of someone who has kidnapped her mother. If she does not comply, her mother’s life may even be in danger.

The Duke of Langford, Gabriel St. James, is one of the Decadent Dukes. A club created in childhood with two other boys who were destined to become Dukes. And he is not a huge fan of Lady Farnsworth.

That venerable lady had written an article about the nobility neglecting their responsibilities, which had shamed him deeply. It had hit home.

Since the article, he has been trying to correct his neglect by attending sessions of Parliament. He had delivered a rather good speech too, but if he was reminded of that journal article one more time he wasn’t going to be responsible for his actions.

When Amanda attempts to seduce Gabriel’s brother in order to gain access to his house, which is next-door to the one she needs to break into, Gabriel intercepts. But that might not be too bad, she is able to manipulate the situation and is still able to obtain the item which will help her mother.

After falling asleep during their assignation, Gabriel is starting to become obsessed with finding out who this young woman is. He set up another meeting through an advertisement in the newspaper.

Unusual Story And Characters

Most novels set in this time period Involve members of the ton. And while St. James is clearly a prominent member Amanda most assuredly is not.

It is refreshing to have such unusual characters and a unique storyline. It isn’t your average young lady who would consider Breaking into a home, let alone being able to do so successfully.

This is the second installment of The Decadent Dukes Society series but works very well as a standalone book. I very much look forward to reading more from Madeline Hunter.

Reviewed for LnkToMi iRead in response to a complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher in hopes of an honest review.