Thank you to Forever for the ARC of this book! I always love a fun regency book and the description of this one has me interested immediately. Bridgerton and 10 Things I Hate About You inspired? Sign me up!

I enjoyed parts of this and I felt that both of the main characters were endearing and fun. Both of them were down on their luck in a way and sort of an unlikely pair. The movie inspiration definitely came through which was fun but it moved a little too slowly for me. Its a three star read for me but other may love it! The pace was just a little too slow. Thanks for the opportunity to review it!

I am having a hard time with this book unfortunately. The insta-lust pretty much killed it off, and the FMC who is so much on the defensive, that it borders on preach-y. She takes everything as an offense (like, why would he compliment her? Why would he say anything nice?). It just got old quickly.
I have read and loved books from this author before, so I think it's only a case of this one specifically not working out for me.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

A historical romance with a lady who is perfectly content to surround herself with animals rather than people and a duke who needs a rich wife to rebuild his estates. An indecent proposal later and both parties find themselves in deep.

I’m not averse to anachronisms in my historicals (Lex Croucher, Alexis Hall, et al. can get away with ahistorical murder), but there is anachronistic, and then there is completely untethered from reality. This was the latter, and not in a fun way. The info-dumping, the super hypersexual internal monologues, the plentiful (and destitute) dukes, the chaotic plot and even more chaotic characters, all of it made me bail earlier than usual. I think Howard and I just may not vibe in our tastes or sense of humor.

The Duke if Vale aka Gage Croft, may be the best Duke in London…he’s honorable….eventually. Saddled with a crumbling estate that his father and older brother ignored, Vale is trying to do the right thing for his tenets. He’s also stuck paying out his ne’er do well older brother’s exorbitant gambling debts. In short, he’s a Duke but he’s poor, has no majestic country home or London mansion and in serious debt. Into his life walks the odious nobleman who owns the last of Vale’s brother’s gambling debts with a proposal to wipe the slate clean. The catch is Vale must convince a young lady to go to London for the upcoming season. The target is Lady Effie who isn’t interested in marrying and prefers abandoned animals to people. Her younger sister, Lady Viola, is flighty and flirty but has a large dowry and is the desired wife of the odious nobleman. Unfortunately, Viola can’t go to London unless her older sister Effie goes……so Vale very reluctantly agrees to the bargain. Will Gage successfully woo Effie and get her to London? Only if he agrees to Effie’ outrageous proposal and becomes her lover. Effie wants the experience of “bed sport” but doesn’t want to lose control of her life to a husband, so she doesn’t want marriage. Will everyone get want the want from these twisty proposals? Maybe what they truly want is something much deeper. This book was a slow burn page turner.

3.5 stars overall -

This is a really great series. I’ve enjoyed each book so much. The books are light and fun reads every time. However, this book just didn’t live up to the prior book in the series.

Effie seemed to have shifted her view on men and Gage too quickly given her insistence she didn’t want to marry EVER. It was too insta-love for my preference. The plot overall was a bit lackluster and very dependent on sex.

It was so fun though to have our supporting characters back and to be back with my girl, Vesper. I still think it’s a great book overall and if you enjoyed these I definitely recommend!

This book was..... something. Even though it is the third book in a series, it was a complete stand alone that I was easily able to follow. I liked the chemistry between Gage and Evangeline and how easily the banter flowed between them, there were even moments I found myself giggling at some of their antics.

Sadly those things were by far overshadowed with other things that were wholly un-necessary to the story. Whether it be plot-lines that did nothing but add to the word count (seriously what was the point of having a hedgehog and her two babies come into the breakfast room causing Viola to screech, and Evangeline to scoop them up to have them returned to the kitchen before going to wash her hands? We already know she has a soft spot for animals and rescues all kinds, it just wasn't needed). Or it was the consistent sexual innuendos and play between these two. Now listen, I'm not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, I just want more than smut with little fillers of conversation and movement thrown in here and there. I'm also still trying to figure out how Evangeline managed to catch a hackney to Gage's house whilst wearing only her shoes, gloves, and a cloak. There is no way she was able to keep covered enough that the driver and Gage's butler didn't know she wore nothing underneath. And can we talk about that stupid glove removing scene?

Another thing that bothered me about this one was that I really could have done without the repeated lectures on how women were looked at back then, and how they have their own minds and thoughts and blah blah blah. For a book that was supposedly set during regency (I think) times, this one felt entirely more modern. From some of the language, to the way some of the characters acted (in what world would a peer of the realm, Evangeline's titled father none the less, exclaim "Down with the Patriarchy!" even if only to his daughter)? Things like that just weren't done.

Overall, this book missed the mark for me, but I can see it being favorable to those who enjoy her other works.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Unfortunately, I did not love this one by Amalie. As much as I loved the premise, I had a hard time fully connecting with Effie. Despite the fact that I usually love a headstrong heroine, I found Effie unapproachable and a bit 'holier-than-thou', and as a result, I had a hard time feeling the connection between Gage and Effie. Sadly, I ended up losing interest about half way through and skimmed to the end. I am excited about Lushing and Briar's book though🖤

Tropes: golden retriever/black cat energy, headstrong heroine, virgin hero, historical romance

I'm afraid it's another delightful installment in the Taming of the Dukes series, my friends!

Lady Evangeline Raine, d/b/a "Lady Ghastly" in the ton, is what one might call a social pariah. She rejects the idea that women must be very demure and very mindful. Effie despises London and prefers a quiet life in the country where she uses her pin money to operate an animal rescue. Her younger sister Viola's main aspiration in life is to make an excellent match. Viola believes she has found this in Lord Huntington--the charming peer responsible for bestowing Effie with the "Lady Ghastly" moniker. Viola would like to enjoy the London season so that Huntington might court her, but their father will only allow her to go if Effie agrees to be her chaperone.

Lord Gage Croft, the Duke of Vale, is half-Scottish and fully broke as hell. He inherited the title after his brother, a notorious gambler, died in a curricle race. Although he has paid off nearly every debt owed, the Times has ranked him "The Worst Duke in London." Ouch! Vale has only one debt left to settle with Lord Huntington who is an absolute fop. Huntington has an interesting proposal, however: convince (read: seduce) Lady Evangeline Raine to accompany Lady Viola to London for the season and convince her to stay for approximately six weeks and his brother's entire debt will be forgiven. Oh sure! Piece of haggis!

"The Worst Duke in London" is Amalie Howard's ode to 10 Things I Hate About You/Taming of the Shrew and I loved it. I truly could just eat her books for every meal because Amalie Howard is ON TOP OF HER GAME when it comes to historical romantic comedies. This has to be my favorite series of hers so far. The banter between Effie and Gage was just SO GOOD. This woman and her unfiltered mouth just absolutely exasperated him so you know the chemistry was explosive. The glove removal scene?! Are you kidding me!?

Read this if you love:
- feminist historical romance
- social outcast MCs
- virgin heroes
- friends with benefits/"lessons"
- endless fun animal side characters

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this eARC via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Back again reviewing one of my favourite romance series being written right now! I enjoyed this one a lot and while it rewards readers of the entire series can be read as a standalone!

Every time I read a book in this series, I completely forget everything about the previous books (so much so that when I went to read my previous reviews I'd referenced this exact issue before). That doesn't stop me from enjoying the books, but it does mean I miss lots of the references to previous main characters and plot lines.

I haven't ever seen 10 Things I Hate About You (I know...) but I knew the plot just enough to catch the references here. This is a great book with just enough interest and touches to 90s rom-coms. It's definitely worth a read.

This is the Second book by this author that I have read. I didn't realize that it was part of a series. It is book 3 in Amalie Howard's series Taming of the Dukes. This was a really great read.

Amalie Howard is one of my absolute favorite writers! I will thrilled to have the opportunity to read this work early. When I read this was a "Taming of the Shrew/10 Things I Hate About You" remake, I was sold! We have met Effie in previous titles of this series, and her story did not disappoint. I continuously laughed out loud at Effie and Vale's dialogue and commentary. I love a strong female character who will hold her own and demand the men in her circle to follow her rules. The writing for Amalie's work was beautiful, as usual, and it kept me turning the pages. Character development was on point! Honestly, anything Amalie writes, I am reading.

I have enjoyed the other Amalie Howard books I have read and The Worst Duke in London was no exception! Effie is a feminist, high-spirited woman and she has amazing chemistry with Gage. I feel that this book had just the right level of spice, although the glove removal scene was....well, I had to suspend disbelief, I will say that. Overall a fun read!

I so enjoyed this progressive historical romance inspired by 10 Things I Hate About You! Evangeline was such a strong character. She spoke her mind and she didn’t mince words even when she’s rudely labeled for it. Vale was a perfect counterpart to Evangeline. He supported her being her authentic self and her unfiltered mouth really did it for him, if you catch my drift! Everything I could want in a romcom, I found in The Worst Duke in London. I swooned, I chuckled, I cheered, and I blushed! Fully recommend!

Howard’s writing shines in its vibrant depiction of Regency London. The setting is brought to life with rich detail, from the opulent ballrooms to the bustling streets. The author’s sharp dialogue and clever humor enhance the story, adding depth to both the romantic and dramatic elements.

The plot follows some familiar romance tropes, Howard’s fresh perspective and engaging prose keep the story lively and enjoyable. The character development is strong, and the secondary characters add further richness to the narrative. The MFC Lady Evangeline is witty and hilarious, I love how open she was with her sexuality.

"The Worst Duke in London" is a fun Regency-era romance from author Amalie Howard! I like these characters! The wit and banter is great, the characters are very likeable, the romance is sweet at times, and the mystery aspect of the story was enjoyable. However, sometimes the plot felt a little mixed up, there were some inconsistencies, and the interactions between the MMC and FMC felt a little awkward at times. Overall, this book was fun to read! I will still read more from this author.

Thank you very much to the author, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for the great opportunity of reading this book and for providing me with a digital copy to read and review honestly.

Thank you netgalley and publisher for this ARC.

I do love this series. Continuing with the Hellfire Kitties love journeys we have Effie. Headstrong and outspoken with a love for all animals, she vows to be a spinster for life and never wed. Duke Vale is paid to convince Effie to go to London for the season as Lord Huntington wants to court her sister.

If you've ever watched 10 Things I Hate About You- you'll instantly see the connection in the first chapters.

I really enjoyed this book. It Is fun to read about strong, independent women, during a time it was not allowed, really shine and fully become themselves.

I am excited to see if we get Briar's and Lushings story next!

5 🌟 s for me.

Looooove the story, loathe the cover!

Amalie Howard has fast become one of my go-to sexy historical romance authors. So, when I saw Amalie's book up for grabs as an ARC I requested it without even knowing what the story was all about - I just trust her to deliver a clever, hot, well-researched, and fun romance to get lost in.

The cover though does absolutely nothing to covey the sexiness, complexity, depth, or anything else worthwhile mentioning and excellent the story brings to the table.
I seriously hope the publisher will re-release the entire series with covers that bring out all that makes this book and the entire series one of the best of the last couple of years.

I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to read this story ahead of it's publication date and thank both the publisher Forever and NetGalley.

I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley however the thoughts and feelings expressed in this review are my own.

The Worst Duke in London took me right back to the height of my 90s/00s rom-com feelings while thriving in its historical setting. This is book three in Amalie Howard's Taming of the Dukes series, and all books are based on an iconic rom-com. If you're a fan of 10 Things I Hate About You (or by extension Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew) you are going to be thrilled with this hilarious and heartfelt romance.

Summary: Effie is over the life of London's seasons and would happily spend her life as a spinster taking care of abandoned animals at her local shelter. However, her little sister Viola is determined to have a big coming out and snag the attention of Lord Huntington, the very man who soured Effie on seasons in the first place. Their father declares that Viola can only have her season if Effie goes along to chaperone. Effie is determined to avoid town and steer her sister away from Huntington until she meets Gage, Duke of Vale, and their mutual attraction leads Effie to make Gage a bold offer. Effie doesn't know that Gage, also known as The Destiture Duke, has accepted another offer from Huntington to get Effie to London so Huntington can woo Viola. Complex? Yes. Deeply Satisfying Drama? Also yes.

Gage and Effie are my new favorite historical romance couple. It has been so long since I've given a historical romance a full five starts but I am madly in love with this book. The characters are what make this book shine. Effie's sharp wit and big heart make her so endearing, but I also loved seeing a woman in this historical setting be really open and forward about her feelings of lust. That was so refreshing!

I also felt that Gage had these interesting layers and wasn't a 2-dimensional hero. He's wry but vulnerable and isn't afraid to break society's rules. Even the supporting characters felt more multi-faceted with the one exception being the villain of the piece. He's just our bad guy but that's OK. I can live with that when everything else in this book had me giggling and kicking my feet.

Even though this is book three, you can absolutely jump into this series at any point with only minor spoilers for the couples in previous books. I cannot wait to keep going with the Taming of the Dukes series. Amalie Howard just keeps getting better and better.