It’s been three years since we last had a new book from Loretta Chase, and I’m sure the burning question for historical romance fans is – was the long wait worth it?  I’m happy to say that yes, it was; Ten Things I Hate About the Duke may be one of those silly movie-reference titles that abound in historical romance these days, but the book itself is – thankfully - far from silly.  It’s classic Chase, featuring a pair of well-rounded, likeable protagonists, oodles of sexual tension and prose filled with insight, a generous helping of snark and the author’s customary razor-sharp wit.  It’s the best historical romance of the year, hands down.

Note: There are minor spoilers for the previous book, A Duke in Shining Armor, in this review.

Miss Cassandra Pomfret, eldest daughter of Lord deGriffith, is young woman who not only dares to hold opinions of her own but (even worse) dares to actually express them.  Cruelly nicknamed by the ton – Medusa and de Griffith’s Gorgon are just two of the charming epithets she’s attracted - she is continually frustrated by the restrictions imposed on her by society, the expectation that she should care more about her frocks than about working to make the world a better place.  But after she speaks out at a political meeting – and almost causes a riot - her father, a respected and influential politician, has had enough of her unconventional and ill-advised behaviour.  He has no doubt of her good intentions or her belief in the causes she espouses, but she needs to recognise that her actions reflect badly on her family, and particularly on her younger sister Hyacinth, who is having her very first London Season.  Lord deGriffith sees no point in his younger daughter moving in society if Cassandra’s actions continually undermine her position and reputation, and declares it is at an end, and that he will not give permission for Hyacinth to marry until Cassandra has done so.  For her part, Hyacinth – who has become the toast of the Season and attracted a host of beaux – isn’t particularly bothered at having her Season curtailed, but even so, Cassandra feels dreadfully guilty about it.  A couple of days later, Hyacinth urges her sister to go to visit their ailing former governess in Roehampton, and Cassandra sets out, with her maid and her groom accompanying her.

His Grace with the Angel Face the Duke of Ashmont has repaired to The Green Man on Putney Heath following the duel earlier in the morning with the Duke of Ripley.  Ashmont issued the challenge after his fiancée absconded on the morning of their wedding with Ripley in tow (perfectly innocently at first), and then, a few days later, jilted Ashmont in order to marry Ripley. Honour (and given this is Ashmont, a good deal of booze) demanded the challenge, and fortunately for all concerned, Ashmont didn’t put a bullet through Ripley.  A few hours later, Ashmont has drunk away the morning, despondent, and still shaken by the thought that he could conceivably have killed his best friend, He’s set to drink the rest of the day away when a commotion outside draws his attention.  Very much the worse for wear, he staggers outside, his one intention to stop the row that’s adding to the hammering in his head; he raises his pistol and fires into the air – causing the horses drawing an approaching carriage to bolt and the carriage to topple over.

Horrified – and still very drunk – Ashmont staggers over to the scene to find two young women lying near the carriage and a third body – a man – a short distance away.  He’s made his way over to the women and is relieved when one of them – a redhead – sits up… and not so relieved when she yells at him and smacks him with her bonnet.  As he finally faceplants, she gets up and calmly steps over him saying “Yes, you, of course… It only wanted this.”

Somehow, Cassandra thinks, she should have known Ashmont to have been the cause of all this mayhem – it’s what he does best after all.  She’s known him, on and off, all her life, and was even – as a girl – in love with him… until she realised he was never going to become the man she hoped he would.  But there’s no time to dwell on that;  her groom has been badly injured and needs help; Ashmont’s clout and money are needed which means, unfortunately, that so is he.

Still lying on the ground, Ashmont is contemplating the clouds and flashing grey eyes and dark red curls… when a bucket of cold water is dumped unceremoniously on his head and he’s exhorted to get up and make himself – and his money - useful.

Ashmont does indeed make himself (and his money) useful and he tries hard to fix the humungous mess he’s made – especially after Cassandra’s maid decides to return home, leaving her mistress completely unchaperoned.  Once word gets out about his involvement, Cassandra will be ruined – but luckily for all concerned, Ashmont’s uncle Frederick (Lord Frederick Beckingham, whom we met in the previous book) has a cooler, wiser head and advises Ashmont to leave as soon as possible after buying the silence of the staff at the inn, and thus protect Cassandra’s reputation.

Ashmont is sensible enough to take good advice, and disaster is averted. But… clever, challenging, imperturbable, waspish Cassandra Pomfret has completely captivated him, and he decides to pursue her.  The trouble is, she clearly isn’t impressed by his looks, his money or his rank – which are the things that usually get him what he wants – and he’s going to have to work harder than he’s ever worked at anything (which, let’s face it, he’s never done) if he wants to win her.

What follows is a sprightly and absolutely delightful dance as Ashmont, who is far from the idiot he allows the world believe him to be, slowly but surely works out how to prove to Cassandra that he’s serious about her.  He listens to her, he values her opinion, he finds out about things that are important to her and in the process, he starts to take stock of his own life, and to realise how little he’s made of it – which makes Ten Things as much a story of a man discovering the person he’s truly meant to be as it is a romance.  Ashmont isn’t a man redeemed by love, or a rake reformed due to the love of a good woman; he’s a man redeeming himself, a man coming to realise that he’s wasting the many gifts he’s been given and that he wants to be a better man than he’s been hitherto.  Yes, Cassandra provides the impetus by making him want to change, and by opening his eyes to the reality and frequent unpleasantness of the world around him – but no change of this sort is effective if the person concerned isn’t determined to do it, and Ashmont is prepared to work at turning his life around.

Ashmont and Cassandra are superbly drawn characters who simply light up the pages when they’re together, and the author has done a splendid job of making Ashmont – who could have been hard to like – an endearing character, even when he’s making bad decisions.  Cassandra is intelligent, independent, outspoken, and deeply compassionate, and I was impressed with the way she’s shown to be a woman pushing at the boundaries of the conventions that constrain her and trying to make a difference in the world, while still being very much a woman of her time.  The author’s subtle but pertinent commentary on the position of women in society is beautifully observed and quite low-key but no less scathing for that.

There’s an excellently-drawn secondary cast; I really liked the dynamic between Cassandra’s parents, and appreciated that Lord deGriffith isn’t an ogre, but a loving father driven to the extremes of exasperation.   I can’t wait to find out what’s going on between Blackwood and Alice, and there’s definitely a story to be told about Lord Frederick and Lady Charles.  But for now, Ten Things I Hate About the Duke is a terrific read and a fabulous example of historical romance done right.  Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait three years for the next instalment!

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If looking for any regency period romance to just consume then by all means add “Ten Things I hate About the Duke” to the list of devoured brain candy. I advise you look elsewhere if you are looking for something that is different than the many retellings of the same regency story. This book is full of stereotypes and characters that have no true attraction to even make those stereotypes for that time period worth enduring. The plot is the same thing told in the thousands of other regency romances but will less romance due to the characters lack of chemistry. It pains me that I felt I couldn't even add this title to my numbing book candy list that is there just for pure indulgence.

3.5 stars

Well, I can definitely say I will never overlook a Taming of the Shrew retelling because this one was fun.

I really liked Cassandra and Ashmont. They're both stubborn and tend to act first, think later. I loved their childhood history and how the relationship evolved: from strong irritation to love for her and from utter cluelessness to obsessively smitten for him. There aren't a lot of characters; however, there are a lot a lot a lot of time/location shifts (all with headings) and more POVs than I was expecting.

Plot wise, it was amusing. I really enjoyed the constant trying on Ashmont's part and how Cassandra just wasn't having it...until she was. I will say that I would have liked more of their HEA. It seemed that the entire book was them getting to their love and then the book ended. Cassandra and Ashmont are most delightful (and trouble) when they're together and I could have easily read 100 more pages of them plotting and being adorable.

Overall, it was a fun and quick read with characters I really liked. I'm definitely going to go back to read the first book and I can't wait to see if there will be another story in the series.

**Huge thanks to Avon for providing the arc free of charge**

What isn't there to love about this book? A repentant rake, a strong heroine, delightful side characters, and it's based on Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew'... a sure-fire recipe for excellence.

We first met Lucius, Duke of Ashmont, in 'A Duke in Shining Armor' when his bride-to-be leaves him at the altar. He's not known for being clear-headed, in fact he is most infamously known as part of the Dis-Graces - a trio of Dukes with an appetite for pranks, and mayhem of all sorts. By the end of that book, it is obvious, even to Lucius, that he needs to change his ways or risk being alone.

'Ten Things...' opens pretty much where the first book ended, and things are looking grim for Lucius. Chaos soon ensues - as it often does around him - with the entrance of Cassandra Pomfret. Cassandra is not at all impressed by the Duke, and wants nothing to do with him - even though he's trying to make things right. There's a bit of a history between them, which is not immediately recalled by those involved. She is strong-willed, but wants to do what is best for her sister and her family. Needless to say, anything that can go wrong does and the two find themselves getting closer as they try to get out of one scrape after another.

This book was a lot of fun to read, and while it would stand alone fine by itself, I recommend reading the first one - if only to see what Lucius was like before his transformation. Either way, you will be entertained and enchanted by this tale.

Loretta Chase is on my short list of go-to authors when I want a good romance, and she didn’t disappoint with Ten Things I Hate About the Duke. Cassandra Pomfret is an outspoken young lady who, at 25, is firmly on the shelf. She has been nicknamed “Medusa” for her sharp tongue and no-nonsense demeanor, and it has driven her father to distraction. Tearing into members of Parliament over their treatment of the lower classes is the last straw, and he decrees that Cassandra’s younger sister, Hyacinth, cannot marry until Cassandra does. Since Hyacinth is in the middle of a successful debut Season and Cassandra loves her very much, this is harsh news.

Lucius, Duke of Ashmont, has just been jilted by a woman who married his best friend. Ash retreats to do what he does best - find the nearest inn and get drunk. In his inebriated state, he causes an accident to Cassandra’s carriage and she is stranded at the inn until it can be repaired. Ash decides he should offer to marry her, whereupon Cassandra throws a teapot at his head and tells him to grow up and get out.

Cassandra met Ash when she was a young girl and he rescued her from a bully, then spent an evening examining the constellations with her. She’s never forgotten the beautiful boy who was kind to her. The grown man is just as beautiful, but there seems to be little else to him other than a dissolute lifestyle. When Ash decides Cassandra would make the perfect wife for him, she’s incredulous. Tie herself to this mess of a man? Still, a tiny part of her wistfully acknowledges the feelings she still might carry…

Cassandra stays strong, Ash stays determined, and their journey is laugh-out-loud funny in parts. The author does a great job of showing us why Ash, who has wealth and looks, would be stopped in his tracks by a woman who isn’t swayed by them. Cassandra, tall and redheaded, isn’t Society’s idea of a beauty and can’t trust that Ash truly might care for her. He’s just bored, surely, and she’s a diversion.

I had one quibble with the story. Ash has basically been on a continual bender for the last several years, if not more, and I had a hard time believing he could quit drinking cold turkey once he decides to pursue Cassandra. If only it were that easy. I kept waiting for him to reach for a bottle when Cassandra frustrated him, but it never happened. Didn’t seem likely.

But the characterizations are top-notch, and there’s even a nice little secondary romance involving Hyacinth and a friend of Ash that serves as a springboard for Ash to change his ways. Ten Things I Hate About the Duke will go into my read-again pile. To use a Regency term, a Loretta Chase book is a Diamond of the first water.
I received an ARC from NetGalley but these opinions are my own.

TEN THINGS I HATE ABOUT THE DUKE - Loretta Chase
A Difficult Dukes Novel - Book 2
Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06245-740-0
December 1, 2020
Historical Romance

England, 1833

Cassandra Pomfret, Lord deGriffith's eldest daughter, is a passionate, outspoken public troublemaker as she advocates for fairness for women. She is feisty and bossy, which has given her a poor reputation among England's elite. Most men avoid deGriffith's 'Gorgon,' so at twenty-five she is unmarried. Her father makes the ultimatum that her younger sister Hyacinth cannot complete her first season in London until Cassandra marries.

Lucius Beckingham, the Duke of Ashmont, is inebriated after a duel with the Duke of Ripley (book 1, A Duke in Shining Armour), one of his two best friends. Ashmont, Ripley, and their close friend the Duke of Blackwood are known as their dis-graces for their many pranks and fights in London at both elite and lower-class events. While drunk he causes a carriage accident where the woman driver, her maid, and her groom are all thrown from the damaged vehicle. Lucius tries to help the three in the carriage accident, but his inebriation hinders him. The woman driver is disrespectful to Lucius, but he recognizes her groom Keeffe who was an excellent jockey until he was seriously injured in a race. Keeffe is injured now, too. During the ensuing mess, Lucius discovers Cassandra is a caring and thoughtful friend to Keeffe, but his uncle warns him to leave. Ashmont knows why. In this debacle, even though he would pay for all the damages, he would be unable to save the young women's reputation—unless he marries her.

Cassandra knew Lucius before he became a duke. She still has fond memories of when she was eleven and visiting her aunt. Lucius told her about the stars and their stories and then defended her from some bullies. She had worshiped him for a long time before events led her to an opposite opinion. Yet he begins to capture her thoughts and feelings again. And Lucius? The outrageous girl attracts him more and more, but factors are working against their union. The story changes between Cassandra's and Lucius's viewpoints showing Cassandra's wary attraction and Lucius's growing self-awareness of what he wants to become. Can a dis-grace duke be rehabilitated into a caring, loving husband? And can Cassandra's passion overcome her awareness of the danger in loving Lucius? Their future is also impaired as others work to prevent any union. Their dilemma becomes an emotionally convoluted love story.

I loved reading this! Cassandra is lovely, a really fun and exciting feminist heroine with firm opinions. She's not shrewish in the traditional sense, just subversive, and she isn't unloved or disliked by wider society, her family adores her and her sister is dear to her. She has good connections, and no concerns over what people think of her. Cassandra's only given pause by how her reputation reflects on her father's political career and her sister's marital prospects.
Ashmont, while clearly a layabout and a drunk, comes up to scratch nicely and their story is incredibly romantic. The villains and their motivations are both believable and eminently hatable, so overall I'd rate it an incredibly enjoyable read. I will be seeking out more of Chase's work!

You will literally laugh out loud at the personalities and situations of the characters in this story! It’s great historical fiction with a side of passion. A great, easy read!

Outspoken Cassandra Pomfret has just arrived back in London and she's already gotten her father's back up. In fact, her latest stunt means that her sister Hyacinth, who absolutely loves the social whirl, can't go out until Cassandra is married. And that is completely antithetical to anything that Cassandra wants. So she runs away. Or tries to. But she's throw off track (and off her carriage) when the Duke of Ashmont discharges a gun as she is riding by.
Lucius (more often called Ashmont) is disgustingly drunk. He almost killed his best friend over pride. And frustration. Because Ashmont went to all the trouble of finding a woman, courting her for weeks, and then Ripley stole her. On their wedding day. I can see how that might be frustrating. But now there's this redhead and she's traveling with the famous Tom O'Keeffe. The same O'Keeffe who was almost trampled to death on the racetrack who is now struggling to breathe because Ashmont wasn't sober. Luckily, Ashmont and his two friends often raise hell in the town and they have a doctor more or less on retainer (in fact, the whole town tends to forgive them because they overpay for any mischief that they cause.) And that means that Ashmont has more time with Cassandra. But that doesn't mean that Cassandra wants more time with him.
I loved that Chase circumvented the obvious route of Cassandra being ruined by Ashmont. At least the first time. I didn't love Ashmont. I think it was true to character for him to be a little slow on the uptake (he had never really had to work for anything before) but he was a little annoying throughout most of the book. A nice addition to the series... now hopefully we'll finally figure out what's going on with Alice.

Three stars
Follows A Duke in Shining Armour
This book comes out December 1st
ARC kindly provided by Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Firstly, thank you to Avon/Harper Voyager, NetGalley, and Ms. Chase for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required and all opinions are my own.

I do love a retelling. Fairy tale retellings and mythological retellings are what come first to my mind when I think about a retelling, but a well-done Shakespeare retelling? What's not to like?! We have here a fairly straightforward Taming of the Shrew reinterpretation and I vacillated between imagining the Emma Thompson and Julia Stiles versions periodically as I read. Emma is more period-accurate to this novel, of course, but I felt that Julia really nailed that contemptuous sneer. Ashmont definitely reminded me more of Heath Ledger, who absolutely captured
"Petruchio's" charming, madcap bad boy while eradicating much of the misogynist, medieval attitude the original play boasted. Ashmont, like Heath, was firmly supportive and appreciative of Cassandra's spirit as well as of her rights and abilities.

Cassandra was an absolutely terrific character. Reading about characters like her makes me sad for all the boss women who had to totally subvert their talents, intelligence and ideas during those times to play society's desired role for them (docile, complacent wife and mother). I also really liked Hyacinth, who was an improvement over the original play's dull Bianca; Hyacinth was still sweet and outwardly biddable but showed some spine and personality repeatedly. Lady deGriffith was a delight. As Ashmont noted, it was clear that while Lord deGriffith was the head of the family, it was equally clear which of the pair was the sun and which the orbiting planet. I also enjoyed Lady Charles, whose calm, pragmatic outlook was a good foil for Cassandra's strong emotions.

I would really enjoy finding out what's the deal with Alice and her husband, and would VERY MUCH like to find out what exactly is going on with Lady Charles (Aunt Julia) and Lord Frederick. I haven't read book #1, A Duke in Shining Armor in this series, and I don't think I needed to in order to read and enjoy this one, but I do plan to seek it out asap. Bonus points if it, too, is a Shakespeare retelling.

Overall, this book was great fun. I laughed, OUT LOUD, at least once, which in this stressful post-election week is really saying something. I could not put the book down. Cassandra and Lucius' zigzag path to love was very romantic and entertaining, all at the same time.

One single minus: I wish Ashmont hadn't spent quiiiiiiiite so much of the book groveling and reforming, which was almost painful at times. But I suppose all's well that ends well, to shove a little more Shakespeare your way, as the course of true love (eventually) ran smooth. OK, I'll see myself out now.

The funny thing is, some of the things that Cassandra hates about Ashmont are also the things that she loves about him. Even while keeping him at a distance she relies on him too. Ashmont knows what he wants and nothing and nobody is going to get in his way. I really enjoyed reading, Ten Things I Hate About the Duke.

Picked this up on a whim and though it is the second book in the series and I haven't read the first book, I was still able to easily follow what was going on. The Duke of Ashmont is a disaster. He's long been a jokester and a general nuisance to society. He's currently been jilted by his fiance, had a duel with his life-long best Friend, and is drunk and disgruntled in an inn outside of London. Cassandra has pushed her father too far, and the strong willed and outspoken woman needs to come to heal and marry or her younger sister will not get a season. A series of catastrophes throws the two together and they strike a bargain to help improve Ashmont's reputation and convince the ton Cassandra has been tamed. But Ashmont never thought he would fall in love in the process. Now he just has to convince her that they are made for each other.
This as a lot of fun. Enjoyed watching Ashmont grow up and Cassandra not have to change who she is fundamentally to still be happy with Ashmont.

The second book in the Difficult Dukes series gives me so much joy and keeps me engaged during this stressful time. I’ve enjoyed it even better than the first book. It picks up immediately right after book 1, but it can be read as a standalone.

The Duke of Ashmont was jilted by his bride-to-be on his wedding day (book 1). He’s one of the trio Dis-Graces who are notorious rakes, pulling pranks at every occasions and pretty much barred from respectable social events. Ashmont is constantly in his drunken state and a hot mess, and I was just excited to see how he would transform himself 😆.

Cassandra Pomfret is known in society as Medusa, or deGriffith’s Gorgon, or Cassandra Prophet of Doom 😂. She speaks her mind since young, her sharp tongue and directness have given her father much headache. She’s grown up in the family where women are well respected, as her grandmother founded the Andromeda Society, a ladies’ charitable club that discusses current events and bills affecting women’s livelihood, and includes hands-on demonstrations of self-defense... Cassandra has made a life for herself and lived with a purpose, until one day Ashmont, His Grace with the Angel Face and her childhood crush, literally stumbles into her path again 😆.

She loved him as a little girl, but she’s been disappointed again and again at how he’s turned out to be. It is an tough mountain that Ashmont has to climb to gain back her trust, and boy if she makes him work HARD 👏🏼!!! I love how she treats him like any other drunkard 😂: hit him with a hat, throw water or teapot at him, or shove him over the railing 😂... She also makes him realize his privileged life and how he could use his rank and power to help. I love how hard he tries to learn and read more to understand her, to put himself in her shoes, and to appreciate her intelligence, how sweetly he takes care of her (smoothing and fussing over ribbons and sleeve puffs like a true lady’s maid) *swoon* 😂...

Even though their lovemaking scene doesn’t take place until the end 🙈, their irresistible chemistry, amazing character arcs, and intelligent conversations more than make up for it 😆. (But don’t worry, you’ll still get some hot kisses and naughty play times 😂!) I’ve also learned more about the attires, the culture, the society scenes during this period. The side characters from both families are wonderful, loving, and supportive. Overall, it’s such a fun, light-hearted, low-angst book that kept me on reading until the end. ❤️

*Special thanks to Avon Books for gifting me the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

“I am outrageous. You are outrageous.” Surely, a match made in heaven. Or so he thinks. She disagrees. And therein lies the problem.



Lucius Wilmot Beckingham, the Duke of Ashmont, also known as Luscious Lucius, is a wastrel. Oh, he is solvent and doesn’t lay waste to his estates, but otherwise, he is an unsteady fellow up to all pranks along with his close ducal friends and drinking like a fish. He does not lift a finger to help anyone (or so it seems). Not a redeemable bone in his body, according to Cassandra. He agrees that he is an arsehole and is not arsed to change an iota of his life.

They will not see eye to eye, and yet marry, they must. How are they to get on? And this was the start of the story for me. This is where the skill of an author shines.

Full Review: https://frolic.media/book-of-the-week-ten-things-i-hate-about-the-duke-by-loretta-chase/

This was really fun. I like adaptations of The Taming of the Shrew and this was a good one. I pictured Ashmont as Heath Ledger as in another great retelling of the Shakespeare play.

Oh, Loretta Chase. I love many things about her writing--in particular how I never feel reading one of her historical romances that it's actually a modern romance with historical trappings. That said, Ten Things I Hate About the Duke is a pretty slow burn romance between Cassandra Pomfret, a noblewoman who chafes at the narrow role in which she's boxed, and the Lucius, the Duke of Ashmont, who frankly is a hot drunken mess. The two met as children, and then collide again in a Taming of the Shrew-riff. At first I struggled, and then slowly things picked up, and Chase's facility with language kept me engaged. My only disappointment really is that it's never explained why until Ashmont meets Cassandra again that he's found such enjoyment in being dissolute--it makes him seem ridiculously immature. That said, the ending is quite swoonworthy.

This is second in a series of three dukes, know as the disgraces; I don't think you need to read to the first, as it's been quite some time since I read that novel, and didn't feel out to sea.

4.5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I greatly enjoyed the story Cassandra Pomfret and Lucius, the Duke of Ashmont. Cassandra and Lucius begin their story on totally opposite ends of the spectrum. Fortunately, a run in with Cassandra sets Lucius on a path of growth. It is wonderful watching their romance develop. All could have been lost for this couple had Cassandra’s father not issued an edict that Cassandra’s sister, whom she loves very much, could not come out until Cassandra was settled in marriage.

I found this book entertaining because the two main characters were interesting and funny. It was great to watch Lucius grow as a person without losing his wit and charm. He remains a lovable scamp throughout the book. Cassandra is an intelligent and strong female character who wants to make difference in world. The dialogue between the characters is witty and humorous.

I read this book quite quickly. I was not disappointed in the end, but I was disappointed it was over. I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn and Lorraine Heath.

I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cassandra Pomfret has strong opinions and isn't afraid of voicing them. This has caused her no end of trouble but she refuses to change. Her exasperated father has ruled that her sister can't marry until she does. When she is caught in a compromising situation with the Duke of Ashmont, her reputation will be ruined if they don’t stage a fake courtship and marriage.

Cassandra is an independent, vocal, and kind woman. She can take care of herself in most situations but she knows society will judge her harshly without a man around. I really liked her independence and intelligence. She was smart and wasn’t afraid to use her brains against people. She was the perfect wife for Ashmont because she tamed his parting attitude and showed him how to apply his cleverness to things other than pranks.

Ashmont wasn’t very likable at first. He was a drunk prankster who couldn't see past his own life. The more time he spends with Cassandra the more he realizes that he has wasted his fortune and life away up till now. He still is mischievous but he sees the world outside his bubble now. He helps the less fortunate and doesn’t just start fights because he can. By the end, I really liked Ashmont.

Overall, this was a great historical romance. It was slow building and the romance grew stronger with each page. This was my first Loretta Chase book but I want to read more of her stuff now.

*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*

Cassandra’s father won’t let her younger sister participate in the season until Cassandra has married. At twenty-six, Cassandra has no desire to marry. However, when The Duke of Ashmont causes her carriage to crash, their lives are irrevocably changed.

Cassandra fell in love with Ashmont when they were children, but she abhors him as an adult. He drinks too much, plays foolish pranks, and lacks the maturity that one would expect of a man his age. When Cassandra ends up in a socially compromising position, however, the pair agrees to a fake courtship with no intention of letting it progress. They expect it to be easy, with no feelings attached. Neither expects the growing feelings they have for each other. Will this unlikely pair give in to their feelings and realize that they are meant to be together?

I loved Cassandra! Smart and outspoken, she is not afraid to share her strong opinions, much to her father’s dismay. Cassandra doesn’t care for the social constraints of women, fights for the rights of the lower class, and makes her opinions known. She has an independent, progressive spirit, which is what I think draws Ashmont to her.

When we first meet Ashmont, he isn’t the most appealing character. Drunk, self-absorbed, and thoughtless, he is drowning in self-pity. His careless actions almost hurt people, and his foolish behavior reeks of irresponsibility. He is the opposite of Cassandra, and her influence makes him want to straighten out and be a better man. He quickly falls for Cassandra and values her intellect, outspokenness, and stubbornness. Ashmont showed so much growth throughout the story and became one of my favorite characters.

I enjoyed Ten Things I Hate About the Duke and would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy historical romance with dynamic characters, Shakespearean undertones, and fantastic dialogue. Plus, the romance!! Though this is the second book in the Difficult Dukes series, it can totally be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars *contain spoilers*
"Ten Things I Hate about the Duke"
This was an arc given to me from netgalley in return for a honest review. These are my thoughts, and mine alone. Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity.

This book is about Cassandra and Lucius. Its installment #2 in the Difficult Duke Series.

The heroine Cassandra is outspoken, not shy about voicing her opinions. She is strong willed, and does not care about polite society. She is interested in and also involved in politics. She also belongs to a club where women work towards their own worth and freedom.

Because of her personality, she has not yet landed a husband. Her father is upset and furious with her character. He is done and gives her a ultimatum. She must marry first or else. Her younger sister will not have a debut and will not be allowed to marry.

Lucius Duke of Ashmont is a drunk, doesn't have his life together, and is a complete mess. He is one of the three dis-graces. Because that he was just jilted, and betrayed by his best friend.

They were childhood friends, and as a child Cassandra always has eyes for him. Anyways they meet again because he causes Cassandra's carriage accident. Her groom is severely injured, and he tries to set things right. Being in alone at a inn and seeking medical attention could be interpreted as a compromising situation, so he proposes to Cassandra to be his replacement duchess. She has no interest, and he doesn't give up.

During this process he is unrelenting. He changes and becomes responsible. He completely changes his character to be a better person all around. Cassandra makes him work hard for her love and affection too. There were plenty of laughs and banter that was very enjoyable

This book was well written and in my opinion the writing style was different from her past work. While I enjoyed this book is was slow, and there wasn't enough physical chemistry. There were only two complete love scenes but being a reader I understand sometimes the journey is the greater reward.

With everything being said you get to experience and see first hand the budding and the full bloom of their relationship. Fyi this book has a mix and feel to Shakespeare's "taming the shrew". If you are a fan of Shakespeare, you'll love this book even more. The plot was well thought out, written, and unigue.