Davina and Brentworth are a well matched pair and anyone who picks up this book will enjoy it from the beginning. Their search for the truth as to who truly owns the property in question leads to a great romance that the reader will love from the very first page. I couldn't put this book down.

I really enjoyed this story. It was my first by Madeline Hunter but won’t be my last. I loved that Davina lived her life according to herself and did what she thought was right. It took some time for me to care for Brentworth, he seemed a bit too self righteous to me. I loved them as a couple because Davina is such a strong heroine and stands up for herself to Brentworth and I felt that was exactly the type of woman he needed. I was a little miffed about one character just kind of fading away after being pretty consistently involved at the beginning. It felt partly unfinished. But overall a great story.

He is the last duke standing. . . the sole remaining bachelor of the three self-proclaimed Decadent Dukes. Yet Davina MacCallum’s reasons for searching out the handsome Duke of Brentworth have nothing to do with marriage. Scottish lands were unfairly confiscated from her family by the Crown and given to his. A reasonable man with vast holdings can surely part with one trivial estate, especially when Davina intends to put it to good use. Brentworth, however, is as difficult to persuade as he is to resist.The Duke of Brentworth’s discretion and steely control make him an enigma even to his best friends. Women especially find him inscrutable and unapproachable—but also compellingly magnetic. So when Davina MacCallum shows no signs of being even mildly impressed by him, he is intrigued. Until he learns that her mission in London involves claims against his estate. Soon the two of them are engaged in a contest that allows no compromise. When duty and desire collide, the best laid plans are about to take a scandalous turn—into the very heart of passion . . . Dabney and Caz are both fans of Madeline Hunter's work, and both read Never Deny a Duke - they're here to share their thoughts on the novel.Caz: First of all I have to say that I was really relieved to discover that Never Deny a Duke was a big improvement on the previous book in the series, A Devil of a Duke, which just scraped a C grade from me last year.  And I liked the premise of this one – and the way Ms. Hunter handles it – quite a lot.  Davina MacCallum has come to London in order to petition for the return of the Scottish lands and title she believes were unfairly … ‘diverted’ to an English nobleman following the Jacobite uprising in the mid-1700s, but although the King (George IV) had given her reason to believe he would support her when they met during his recent visit to Edinburgh, when he returns to London nothing happens, so Davina comes south to further her cause.  It turns out that the lands in question were given to the Dukes of Brentworth, and the current holder of the title – reserved, discreet and formidable Eric Marshall – has no intention of just handing over part of his estate.  This story could so easily have been one of those “feisty-heroine-stomps-her-foot-a-lot-while-driving-reserved-hero-round-the bend” stories, but Ms. Hunter instead presents two grown-up, sensible characters who, while striking sparks off each other, approach the situation with a degree of common sense.  They are opponents and neither wants to give way, but they’re not stubborn for the sake of it and while each wants to be proven right, there’s no sense that they’d resort to underhandedness to do it.Dabney: This is my favorite Hunter since her Rarest Blooms series. This novel is wonderfully calm. As I turned page after page, there was emotional space that rather than being filled with hard to believe drama was simply replete with a growing respect and love between two leads I’d like to spend time with.Caz:  Yep, there was a real sense that these two were mature individuals who thought things through, and that made their attraction even more believable, because they both knew it was so irrational considering their circumstances. The author wisely kept the drama to the actual drama of the situation rather than manufacturing it.  And on that note, I also liked the way she handled Brentworth’s Big Secret - which could have been badly overplayed, but wasn’t.Dabney: Agreed. Even the way the claim to the estate is resolved is sane and sensible. Hunter trusts her characters’ inner thoughts and outer actions to tell the story and does so beautifully. I also really like the sexual side of this story. This is a sensual story that breaks slowly. Without spoiling, let me just say that the last conversation in the novel the two have about the passion they share was singular in its honesty and focus. I loved it.Caz: I also appreciated the lack of overdone mental lusting.  There’s no doubt about the attraction between the couple, but as you say, it’s a slow, sensual build and it was lovely to read.I really liked both leads - I keep coming back to the words “mature” and “adult”, and I suppose that’s partly because they’re so strongly contrasted with the number of romance protagonists who don’t behave that way - but I got a real sense that both of them were people who knew themselves and were comfortable in their own skins.  They communicate well, even when doing so might not be in the interest of gaining their objective.  I particularly liked that Davina, while having unusual ambitions for a woman of the time, doesn’t feel the need to jump up and down while shouting “look how unconventional I am!”Dabney: Let’s also give a shoutout to how well Hunter handled the history in this book. It could have been sooooo dull, all that stuff about historical documents, church records, and the plunder of the British Empire, but, instead, Hunter tells her story in a way that all those small details are interesting and feel nicely integral to the story.Caz: Yes, and I particularly liked the way she portrayed the king (George IV) which was, from everything I’ve read, pretty accurate, especially about his propensity to agree to things and then backpedal, or his tendency toward paranoia.Dabney: I’m happy for you. I am an HR reader who, unless it’s so egregious that I am aware of it - I’m still not clear when the Regency era ends and the Victorian begins - the specific historical veracity of a story doesn’t matter much to me.Caz: Um… yeah, well, we’re polar opposites on that one.  So rather than get into a fight about it (!), I’m going to move on and say this; it’s common, in the last book of a series, to bring back characters from earlier novels, but sometimes that seems as though it’s done just for the sake of it.  Here, however, the Duke of Stratton (from The Most Dangerous Duke in London) has a significant part to play.  He’s a good friend to Brentworth, listens well and offers good advice, and I appreciated that he wasn’t there just to pay lip service.  What I didn’t like so much, though, was the way that both the previous heroes came across as rather hen-pecked (!)  I know we like it when these sexy, alpha heroes fall for their women, but that doesn’t mean they need to turn into doormats after the wedding!Dabney: Um… *looks around furtively* …Well, as someone who is famous for her bossiness and who is blessed to be married to someone who lets me have my own way on many things, I didn’t notice that. I did, however, really like that the friendship between the two men seems real and important to them. They’re not bros raising beers, they’re mature men sharing wisdom and supporting one another.Caz: I’ve been going back and forth over a final grade for this one and have decided to go with a B+.  The characters, the romance, the plot and the historical detail all combine to make this one of those ‘quiet’ character-driven romances I really enjoy.Dabney: Me too. It’s a lovely, wise, subtly sexy read.Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/KoboVisit our Amazon Storefront

A compellingly intelligent and logical heroine, who is not overwhelmed or bullied by the hero, is a refreshing characterisation in a slightly more unusual plot for a historical romance.

Davina, daughter of a physician, (and part of the group of women who contribute to the Journal described in books 1&2 of the series) believes she is heir to a Scottish barony. She is seeking help from the king, to honour his promise to her relative to restore the estate. The King does not want to get involved, and involves the current owner of the property Eric, Duke of Brentworth.

He is immediately fascinated by Davina, and she by him. He is hiding a secret at his estate, and does not believe in her claim, however he decides to stay close to her investigation to disprove her claim as quickly as possible. As they spend time together he discovers her intelligence and forthrightness, and becomes more fascinated, he lets down his guard and becomes closer and closer to her, to the point where she is able to ease his demons when he arrives in Scotland.

Does Davina prove her claim? Will Brentworth try and outwit her? Can she help him to banish his demons?

I really enjoyed this, as I said Davina was such a capable heroine, able to hold her own and not get discouraged. Brentworth mellowed and changed for the better through his relationship with Davina, so all in all a very satisfying read.

Highly recommended

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Davina is seeking answers to lay claim to Scottish lands she believe belong to her family, but they were given by the English king to Eric, Duke of Brentworth. The banter between Eric and Davina as they seek answers to resolve the issue leads to romance.

Davina is an extremely independent heroine and Brentworth is used to getting what he wants. He has secrets he wants to keep that happened at this property. The story seems to be two parts - it begins in England and then switches gears and moves to Scotland. While overall I enjoyed the story, once the setting changes, things going on in England seem to vanish and aren't mentioned again. Specifically, Davina's boss - it seemed he would be a character to cause trouble, but he never appears again once they are off to Scotland.

Overall, a good story and sweet romance. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.

I received a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Never deny a duke was an interesting book. Clara has been told by her father that her family is entitled to a estate in Scotland that was taken from her grandfather. Clara has petitioned the king to regain her legacy but brentworth, the duke and current owner of the estate refuses to give up his claim to a charlatan. I love the way Clara and brentworth's relationship develops. I really loved Clara as a protagonist and respected brentworth. The happily ever after really made sense.

I recieved a digital arc in return for an honest review.

I really liked the premie of this one. Something a little different. However I disliked how long winded it was. I didn't really like Davina. She was annoying and full of herself. I liked Brentworth much better.

2,5 stars.

This book really did not capture my interest. I found the leading pair to be super boring with zero chemistry. I put this book down so many times, it made it hard to finish.

So you have a woman who is trying to retain lands in Scotland she believes belong to her family, but there are people who are against this, in comes the love interest.. and it's just meh, I never felt intrigued or connected.

It is an okay read if you can't find anything else and or love historical romance fiction. I, however, have been spoiled by other authors and this does not do it for me.

I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, my opinions are my own.

Unfortunately I really struggled to get into this one. The opening of the book is extremely tedious and gives very little insight into why these two characters are supposed to be interesting. Neither Davina nor Eric seem to have much of a personality in their respective viewpoint sections, which makes reading about a property battle rather dull work. I would have liked to see more chemistry, and to be honest, interaction between the hero and heroine to begin with, to make me interested - unfortunately, I found it hard to care.

Great Read!!! Madeline Hunter fans will not be disappointed! Davina and Eric make a couple. Hunter fans know that she always has the best heroines, strong, smart without being annoying.
Davina and Eric start off in a land dispute within their families. Teaming up to find an answer, of course they fall in love. Eric is the last of the Decadent Dukes, and the most secretive, not so sure about the decadence, though. He is quiet but not shy.Hunter is always has a mysterious hero, in all her series! Which I love every one! If you haven't read through her back list it is worth your time and money.

I truly loved both Davina and the very proper Brentworth. They were just so different, yet so good for each other. I enjoyed the premise of a Scottish baron's land being handed over to an English Lord after Culloden and his granddaughter fighting to get it back. Davina is a strong woman, determined to find the proof needed to win her birthright back. Brentworth happens to be in possession of the property in question...and even the King is a bit intimidated by him. This story is delightful and the journey these two go on is wonderful. Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this. Madeline Hunter has done it again!!

Third in a trilogy of which I’ve only read the second one so far, and this is one of the best historical romances I’ve read in quite awhile!

I found this one to be different from the usual storylines in historical romance which was refreshing.

I loved both mains, and they seemed destined in many ways to find each other. The heroine Davina was particularly a favorite as a strong young woman who had assisted her father (doctor) growing up and wished to continue aiding others while determinedly trying to regain her family’s lost title/lands in Scotland. She was definitely one to cheer for! And Eric’s evolution from a follow-the-rules duke with a torturous secret to a man who is able to forgive himself and learn that it’s OK to feel passion was a pleasure to behold.

Also some wonderful sensual scenes and sexy chemistry. 🔥🔥🔥

Highly recommend!

Thanks to the author, #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

Davina is in London attempting to claim her Scottish lands. The Duke of Beckworth has them. An interesting tale of Scottish barons who lost at Culloden, and the granddaughter trying to regain her parcel. Of course the sparks fly between the two, and it makes for a sweet story. The duke overcomes his demons and finds love. A good read.

It does start out slow, but stay with it because it does get better love the H&H. Thank you Net galley for letting read the book.

I actually like the premise of this one, because it's a bit unusual. Scottish Davina MacCallum arrives in London with the sole purpose of gaining an audience with the King in order to plea her case to have their family lands returned after the estate was confiscated by the Crown following the Jacobite rebellion. This was never going to be an easy task for her given that she is unable to prove conclusively that she is the true heir to the estate not to mention that the contested lands now belongs to the holdings of the powerful Duke of Brentworth, a man not even the King is keen to lock horns with.

Even the most supercilious functionary would be intimidated by the arrogance that Brentworth wore even more comfortably than his coats, and his garments fit him very well indeed.

The very private Brentworth has his own reasons to put a quick lid on the escalating dispute, only Davina refuses to be silenced. She has grand plans for the property that go beyond her own need to be recognised as the baroness and rightful owner of Teyhill. And so they clash, a battle of two superior wills and wits.

"They think you have bullied her, and frightened her, and glared at her, and in general been Brentworth with her."

Of course, when strong emotions are aroused, certain things are inevitable.



Both protagonists were quite appealing. Davina was strong and independent with ambitions to help people with her medical knowledge courtesy of her late physician father, although she was aware that as a female, she would never be able to train as a doctor. However, she was testament that being strong and intelligent is not mutually exclusive to being feminine. Brentworth definitely valued all these characteristics in her. He was confident in his own skin and did not feel threatened by her intellect, but that didn't mean that he could not be protective of her. He was haunted by events from the past, but I like that once they got to Tyehill, he did not dwell on them for too long but found inspiration in Davina to finally move on and forward. Some parts were a bit slow-moving, particularly in sorting out the ownership of the estate, but all in all, a convincing and very well-written romance. Despite being the third book in this ducal series, this can be read independently.

Never Deny a Duke (Decadent Dukes Society, #3) by Madeline Hunter What a great ending to this series... Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book. Brentworth (Eric last of the Decadent Dukes) Davina MacCallum (granddaughter of the missing Barron) This is a great enemies to lovers story... His property in Scotland (one he doesn't talk about) is the same property that Davina says is hers. There are many twists and turns (some politics with the King), laughs, angst, adventure and steam...all to get to a very HEA.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Great world building Wonderful characters Unpredictable Easy-to-read Funny Happily Ever After Romantic Entertaining Page-turner Steamy

Madeline Hunter is one of my favorite historical romance writers. Several of her books are on my keeper shelf. I always find her books to be well researched and well written. I guess I'm not surprised considering she has a PhD!

This was not one of my favorite books of hers. I felt like there was too much going on to focus on the couple--Davina and Eric. At the center of story is a land dispute between the two. Davina feels like her family estate was given to a prior Duke of Brentworth (Eric's ancestor) in error. She's determined to get her land back. The first 30% of the book goes into a whole lot of detail about the land and various decisions by two drunk kings as to whether the land should be restored to Davina. Then there's also something about Eric voting on whether the British colonies should allow slavery. And Davina is a physician wanna be and there may have been something about her helping a terminally ill woman to end her life but honestly I was sort of skimming by then.

The book definitely picked up in the second half. But I was so distracted by then that I didn't care much if Davina and Eric got together.

Davina is in London to press her family’s claim to an estate that had been given to an English Duke back in her grandfather’s time. She holds her own when being interviewed by the king’s man. But her claim is an embarrassment to the king so his man turns to the current owner, the Duke of Brentworth, for a solution. Eric is a bit of a cliche duke: handsome, confident, intimidating and with a secret. Davina and Eric’s conversations are smart and sharp; their friendship as well as the passion and romance builds slowly and organically. I was always pleasantly surprised by their reactions to each other’s actions/words and when they decided to be bold or hold back. Davina could have been bitter but chose to be happy and Eric respected Davina in a time when men were patronizing to women. Langford and Clara from the previous books also shined here (their spouses were a bit muted) and Davina’s chaperone was a nice touch.

I read this over two days - it was that good. Characters, story, dialogue, historical setting all excellently written.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.

Before it was suggested in the book, I thought "why doesn't Eric just marry Davina". I like the way that it was handled in, Never Deny a Duke. Although I am a little bit sad to think that this might have been the last book in the, Decadent Dukes, series.

I have read almost all Madeline Hunter's books.
When I started to read "Never Deny a Duke" I knew this will be a hit again!
And it was! The author has a wonderful way to pull you in the storyline, makes you understand and almost feel for the heroes of the story and makes you sad when you are done reading - because the book is finished.
She is a wonderful historical romance writer, who not only creates great plots, but also makes you "feel" the era with her descriptions.
She will be an author I will always look forward to another book!