An enjoyable read!

I enjoyed this lovely, romantic, and steamy story with two amazing main characters, Evangeline and Gage. Evangeline is a woman speaking her mind, and it gives some funny scenes between her and Gage. The chemistry between them is breathtaking.
I had a great time reading this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

If you enjoy historical romances that break rules and have a modern flair this is a fun book. The third in Taming of the Duke series which the author is basing very loosely on 90s movies. She’s covered retellings of Pretty Woman and Clueless and in this story she takes on 10 Things I Hate About You.

Lady Evangeline Raine considers herself a spinster and has more interest in rescuing animals and their rights than getting married. But her father has said that her younger sister Viola can be courted only if Effie is as well. A scheming Lord is willing to forgo a major debt if Gage Croft, Duke of Vale courts Effie so he can catch Viola. It is an offer Gage can’t refuse.

Effie makes her own bargain with Gage, wanting to explore intimacy with him during the season. He is more than willing but it is new to him as well. He has been busy trying to rebuild the Dukedom after his father and older brother gambled away much of his estate. I like the characters. Effie’s friend group is great as they support her and call out various romantic tropes that may be in play. And I like that there is comeuppance for the villain which doesn’t often happen if they are titled. This is a Victorian era romance and I appreciated the author's notes at the end as I didn’t realize animal rights and other things in the book were valued in the time period. I am assuming there is another story for this series and will be waiting to see what Howard writes next.

I love a book that is equally funny and touching and this book is a great example of that! Effie's animals had some great comedy moments as well as her shocking poor Gage. At the same time I loved watching their connection grow and them exploring their sexuality together.

Gage is so taken with Effie from their first meeting and it's a perfect antidote to the treatment she has received from the ton. I liked that Gage was often the one more willing to be emotionally vulnerable in the relationship. I thought they balanced each other well.

I have enjoyed each book in this series and am super excited for the next one! I really enjoyed the set up for it in this one! If you like a romcom, a historical romance or meet cutes involving kitten's crawling on dukes (that should be everyone) this is a great choice!

The third story in the Taming of the Dukes, Lady Evangeline Raine and Gage Croft the Duke of Vale's story. An entertaining, well written story that I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I really liked Amalie Howard's other books in this series and this one is also just as fun! I think I liked the first book the most mainly because I have such a soft spot for Pretty Woman but this one is still just as fun and sexy. Can't wait to read her other books!!

The Worst Duke in London is a fantastic historical romance. This Regency version of 10 Things I Hate About You (and Taming of the Shrew) has a strong FMC who knows what she wants regardless of what society thinks, and, of course, a Duke who is clearly not the worst at all.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lady Evangeline Raine is known for her work saving abandoned animals, along with be a strong, outspoken woman. As unconventional as she is, her younger sister Viola is set to be the toast of the ton this season, as long as Evangeline agrees to chaperone her. But Viola’s suitor takes matters into his own hands, and offers to wipe the debt of Gage Croft, the Duke of Vale, as long as he courts Evangeline and convinces her to accompany her sister to London. To the shock of not a single romance reader, Gage finds Evangeline refreshing and enchanting the more time he spends with her. What will happen with this pair’s surprising yet very real feelings?

I adore Effie and Gage! Effie doesn’t bend her ideals for anyone, and Gage loves her sassy quips. This dual POV guarantees that it’s obvious that Gage is interested in Evangeline from the start. Add in a Gaelic nickname, some lessons in love and a “we won’t catch any feelings at all” pact, and this steamy historical hit all my favorite marks.

Don’t let the cute cover fool you, this book is super hot. Effie and Gage know how to push each other’s buttons, and the heat ramps up every time they are in the same room together. And while this book is the third installment in the Taming of the Dukes series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Any historical romance fan who likes strong characters, witty banter and lots of steam will love The Worst Duke in London. This book is a fantastic adaptation, taking all the best plot lines and turning them into a fresh, creative story that’s impossible to put down.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It’s official this is my favorite Amalie Howard book! The 10 things I hate about you retelling gave me all the feels! I loved Effie and Gage, they were a perfect couple. Gage is book husband material. Added him to the growing list.

I’m not even going to describe this book, just read it. You won’t regret

The Worst Duke in London by Amalie Howard
Taming of the Dukes series #3. Historical Regency romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Prior series characters play very minor secondary roles but would be considered spoilers if you prefer to read in order.
Lady Evangeline Raine has no interest in another season in London. Her first season, a rude Duke Huntington gave her the nickname of Lady Ghastly and unfortunately it stuck. Effie prefers animals to the ton, and has created a sanctuary near the family’s country home. She doesn’t want to get married anyway, so there is no point in partying through another season. Effie’s father has unfortunately told her younger sister that she can only have her first season in London if Effie goes with her. Which Effie absolutely does not want to do.
The Duke of Vale, Gage Croft, is in England to rebuild his estate after several generations lost all their wealth gambling. Gage owes one more family debt to Huntington. Gage didn’t plan on attending any of the season activities but Huntington makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Huntington will not only waive the debt due, but he’ll fund everything Gage needs to be in London from the clothes, to staff and furniture if only he can persuade Evangeline to go to London with her sister.
Gage finds Effie at her animal sanctuary and the two become acquainted but he’s unable to persuade her to London. Until she makes her own proposal for what she wants in exchange. And it’s on the risqué side.

Parties and social events to see and be seen. Matches made, hearts broken, gossip passed.
Gage and Effie go from party to secluded clubs where they both learn all kinds of forbidden pleasures. All temporary as agreed.

An engaging romance with two unusual aristocrats that have their own ideas about what they want, today and for their future. Which leads to some very steamy experiences for them both! An unexpected romp. Loved her dedication to all animals but one was a bit of a shock. But it hit dead on with her commitment. And not fond of lies and hidden agendas. Loved the perfect wrap up.
A regency romance pairing you’ll love.
Don’t miss the authors note at the end for research gems. Facts and details that make the story all that much better. Bonus Reading Guide Questions included at the end as well.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

In this delightful Regency romance, Lady Evangeline Raine, who prefers animals over people, is forced into the London season by her father’s rule that her sister, Viola, can only debut if Evangeline accompanies her. Enter Gage Croft, the debt-ridden Duke of Vale, tasked with charming Evangeline to clear his debts. But Evangeline flips the script, proposing a scandalous arrangement: she’ll attend, but only if Gage agrees to be her lover. What starts as a fake courtship soon turns into real passion. With witty banter, steamy encounters, and a feminist twist, this story is a fun, engaging romance where love and independence take center stage.

Effie is determined never to marry, partially because she doesn't want to give up her autonomy, and partially because the ton has proven that they don't want her either--the nickname Lady Ghastly has followed her around ever since she argued with Lord Huntington during her first season. She's perfectly content living in her family's country home and running her animal rescue... until the Duke of Vale shows up, all large and Scottish and so intriguing. She still doesn't want marriage, but perhaps her new friend can help her explore her interests in the bedroom...

I absolutely adored The Worst Duke in London. It's funny, it's spicy, it's adventurous. It's so much fun!

Overall, this was a nice romance. This was inspired by 10 Things I Hated About You, one of my favorite 90s movies, but it didn't quite live up to the movie for me. For whatever reason, I didn't quite see the character development that I was hoping for.

** I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

10 Things I Hate About You, but make it regency?! If I didn’t already love this series that alone would’ve had me starting it with this book!

Of course, we already know from the beginning what Gage is up to with getting closer to Evangeline, but you really sympathize with him and his reason for needing to do the bad guy’s bidding. Gage is my absolute favorite part of this book, with his rough Scottish ways and funny, charming sense of humor, he definitely isn’t your normal kind of Duke.

Evangeline and her group of friends had me giggling with their jokes, and the banter between Gage and Evangeline was so good, making this my favorite kind of historical romance!

Independent spinster vs sexy but broke Duke

This is a lovely romance for modern audiences, pitting an independent spinster who has her own animal refuge against a sexy, penniless, large duke. Our heroine has had terrible luck with the Season, but, reluctantly, agrees to go to London to make her younger sister happy. In the meantime, there is the large Scottish duke. Sparks fly. Misunderstandings happen. Readers are hooked!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Effie is a buttoned-up Victorian spinster who cares more about orphaned animals than the aristocratic marriage mart. After being called “Lady Ghastly” (that’s the best they could come up with??) by all of the ton, Effie has retired to the country of live a sexless life saving little stray animals. Except her sister wants to head to London to find a man and needs Effie as her chaperone.

The Duke of Vale is a poor Scottish hunk with no money. Poor Dukes are the WORST. He accepts a challenge to get Effie and her sister to London by a sketch ball lord who wants to marry ‘lil sis in exchange for forgiveness of some of Duke of Vale’s debts. Effie, who seemed very prim and stodgy immediately starts having dirty thoughts about the Duke of V…who she wants to make the Duke of her V. And so she does what any virginal Victorian spinster would do, she propositions him and that dingus refuses. Idiot.

But alas, fear not readers, these two circle around each other like salivating wolves for most of the book…a constant seduction and tease. Vale is a honorable heartthrob who sorta tries to keep Effie’s good name intact, but since she’s already “Lady Ghastly” she gives zero F’s about her virtue and thus lives a sex positive, give no shits about anything life that is a breath of fresh 19th century London air.

I loved this steamy historical romance and am sad that this is my first read of the series (this is book 3)! Def recommend for anyone who loves a sharped tongue, slutty heroine (and who doesn’t?!).

Smut- 3.29 stars
Romance- 4.56 stars
Story- 4.87 stars
Giant, smoldering, alpha Scottish, man-mountain being the Duke of all of our Vs- 19.34 stars

Lady Evangeline Raine would much rather spend her days tending to rescued animals than fretting over marriage—especially after last season earned her the not-so-flattering title of Lady Ghastly. Unfortunately, this puts her younger sister Viola in a bit of a pickle since she can’t entertain suitors until Effie does. This complicates things for Viola, who’s expected to shine as a Diamond of the season.

On the other hand, Gage Croft, the Duke of Vale, never wanted the title and would much rather embrace his Scottish roots than deal with the London social scene. When his brother dies in a reckless accident, Gage finds himself inheriting not just the title but also a pile of debts, including one to the insufferable Lord Huntington. Huntington strikes a deal: he’ll clear Gage’s debts if he can get Effie to London and keep her there. Little does Gage know just how fiercely independent Effie is, while she can’t help but be intrigued by his persistence. Their playful interactions soon develop into something deeper, but secrets hover between them.

I’ve been looking forward to The Worst Duke in London, and it definitely delivers! Amalie Howard’s storytelling is captivating, making this my favorite in the series so far. The fun nods to 10 Things I Hate About You add a nice touch, and the way Gage and Effie’s relationship evolves feels authentic, like gentle waves building to something more intense.

While the central conflict—Gage being hired to win over Effie—does eventually come to a head, I found myself wishing it had happened a bit earlier to really explore the consequences. Still, the book effectively highlights the precarious situation of women at that time, showing Viola’s choices as more about survival than anything else.

I also love how the friendships among the Hellfire Kitties get plenty of attention, making those connections just as important as the romance. With teasers for the next book featuring Briar and Lushing, I can’t wait to see which rom-com Amalie Howard will tackle next. If you haven’t started this series yet, do yourself a favor and jump in—you won’t regret it!

Lady Evangeline Raine would rather spend her days caring for the animals she rescues than thinking about marriage, especially after last season earned her the awful moniker of Lady Ghastly. Unfortunately, this doesn't work out so well for her younger sister Viola who cannot be courted unless Effie also has a suitor. Of course this puts a damper for Viola, whom is expected to be name a Diamond of the season.

Gage Croft, the Duke of Vale, has never wanted the title and much more prefers his Scottish heritage than dealing with the ton in London. When his brother died in a curricle accident while trying to win a bet, Gage was forced to take up the mantle, as well as all the debts of the estate including one still owed to the smarmy Lord Huntington. Then, Huntington approaches him with a proposition. He will forgive Vale's debts if he can get Effie to London and keep her there for the season. Huntington, aware of the rule of the Raine household, knows it's the only way he'll get a chance at courting Viola.

With no other option, Gage accepts without truly understanding how staunchly Lady Effie can stand her ground. Effie, for her part, doesn't know why the Duke suddenly seems to be everywhere, but she is intrigued by him, and if she's not going to marry, she might as well have a little fun. A little fun starts to turn into something more, but can they survive with secrets between them?

The Worst Dunk in London has been one of my most anticipated reads for the year, and I'm happy to say it doesn't disappoint! Amalie Howard is quickly becoming, if not already become, one of the best historical romance authors publishing right now. I've loved this series, and The Worst Duke in London is, so far, my favorite. Probably has a lot to do with the fact that I absolutely love 10 Things I Hate About You (which, yes, is based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew).

I appreciate the familiarity with the story going in, but also the areas where Amalie Howard decided to branch out. This is especially apparent in the steamy scenes between Gage and Effie. The book is definitely up there for one of my steamiest reads of the year. I liked how we're pulled along. It's not like things build and build and then suddenly Gage and Effie are crashing into one another. Instead they, like the seashore, kind of wade back and forth with one another which is a slower and more focus build up of intensity as it goes.

I'm pretty sure we're all aware of the major conflict involved in the story (that of Gage essentially being hired by someone to spend time with Effie - initially). I don't think it's spoilery to say that at some point this is all going to come to a head, I almost wish is had happened a little sooner than it did. I wanted to feel and see how the consequences were dealt with a bit more.

Regardless of the romance aspect of the book, I think it also did well in showcasing the precariousness of women's lives at the time. I liked that instead of Viola being considered a gold-digger because she entertains Huntington's advances, we're given the perspective that it's more about looking out for yourself when your choices and freedom are limited - which women's very much were at the time. No one can blame a woman for wanting to make sure they would be taken care of when the men in their families were no longer able to do so, securing a marriage was one of the ways to do that. Unfortunately, love rarely played a part.

Of course, both Effie and Viola are lucky that they have a more forward-thinking father who doesn't baulk at Effie's declaration of remaining a spinster. His main concern is that he wants his daughters to be happy and content which is not an often typical stance in historicals.

I also love the continuation of the friendships throughout this series. I feel like we get some good, quality time with the other Hellfire Kitties which is great because those relationships are just as valid (maybe even moreso) than the romantic relationship.

We also get a lot of teasing for the next book and next couple which I assuming will be Briar and Lushing. I'm excited to get their story next and I'm very interested to find out which popular rom-com Amalie Howard will decide to retell next.

Honestly, if you haven't yet picked up this series, or read this author, you need to do so ASAP. Do not let this being book three keep you from starting here, you'll get just as much enjoyment.

I have been in love with this series since the start and this was no exception. I have always been intrigued by Effie and Gage was her perfect match! Effie doesn't want to marry. She is content with her studies and her animals and her hobbies, but we all know how one look from the right person can change all of our plans. Gage has so much debt from his brother's escapades before his passing that he feels like he is drowning. When he gets the chance to wipe it clean, he takes it.
All Gage has to do is convince Effie to go to London for 6 weeks so that her sister will be able to join her. It's all fine and dandy when he doesn't know her and she is just a faceless girl he has to convince. Soon though, he realizes this is taking a turn. She is everything he has ever wanted and while he knows he can't have forever with her, he wants all the time he can get.
These two had big plans separate from one another and it just proves how much your life can change when you least expect it. I love how he fell hard, and how she changed her mind about finding someone to call hers forever. I thought each of these characters were so loveable and even though they were both uncompromised (yes, you know how I love that) nothing felt awkward and it was beautiful how they learned one another together.
Thank you to Forever, Amalie Howard and Netgalley for an early copy.

Spectacular, give me 14 more.

This series keeps getting better! I love "10 Things I Hate About You," so I was beyond excited to read this one. And it did not disappoint! Swoony romance, exciting banter, and the best friend group.

I have to give the main characters the spotlight for a minute because I loved them both so much! Gage was not at all how I expected him to be. He was warm, and a little blushy with Effie's candor, and cared so much about the people in his life. I expected a man who was cold and sarcastic, but that wasn't him at all! I love that I was surprised by that. And Effie was so freaking cool. She tried to be confident and bold about everything she did, but underneath was just a girl. She still got embarrassed and felt less than even when she was trying to prove to the world she didn't care.

Effie and Gage made the perfect couple. Their chemistry was off the charts and I love that they both had blushy sides. It made some of the more provocative scenes even better,

The story was also really interesting. Obviously, it loosely follows 10 Things I Hate About You so there's an odious man who "hires" our hero to distract the older sister so he can go for the younger one. But there was so much more to it. Gage has money problems that stem from his deceased brother, but there's more going on with his brother's untimely death. And Effie's younger sister, Viola, may seem young and whiny, but there's so much more to her! I wish there could have been more of an arc to Effie's love and dedication to animals. We hear how she donates all her money and time to them, but I wanted to see how she comes to realize x because of y, in relation to the animals. I think there's still an arc for her, but it's more on the romance side of things.

Howard continues to make me smile, laugh, and swoon. She couldn't have done Effie more justice. Lushing and Briar, I can't wait to see what your story will be!

Lady Evangeline would rather spend her time rescuing animals than mingling with London's elite. She's perfectly content working at an animal shelter and embracing spinsterhood. However, when her younger sister Viola expresses her desire to debut in London this season, their father insists she can only go if Effie agrees to chaperone. When Effie learns that the slimy Lord Huntington - the very man who once dubbed her "Lady Ghastly" - has set his sights on Viola, she becomes even more determined to keep her sister far away from London.

Gage, the Duke of Vale, has inherited not only his family's title but also the crushing debt left behind by his father and brother. He's already sold off most of his family's prized possessions to stay afloat. Just when it seems like he's out of options, Lord Huntington offers him a tempting deal — if Gage can persuade Lady Evangeline to accompany her sister Viola to London for the season, Huntington will erase all of Gage's remaining debt. But Effie isn't the easy target Gage expected. Instead, she has her own bold proposition—she'll go to London, but only if Gage agrees to be her lover.

As their fake courtship heats up, sparks fly, and what starts as a deal begins to turn into something much more real. Could their arrangement be the beginning of something more?

The third book in this series did not disappoint - I loved it just as much as the first two! With plenty of regency vibes, fiery chemistry, and scandal, this spicy romance is pure Bridgerton-esque fun. Effie and Gage's relationship stole the show for me - they complement each other perfectly, and the tension building between them kept me hooked from start to finish. Even though it's the third book, you can jump right in without feeling lost, although there are a few minor spoilers about the couples from the previous books. If you're a fan of steamy historical romances with strong supporting characters, this one's for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for an advanced copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion!

This is the historical retelling on The Taming of the Shrew that I have always wanted!! It has everything I adore in an Amalie Howard romance - steam, banter, plot twists, and laugh-out-loud funny moments all paired with a swoony romance!! It manages to incorporate the importance of female friendships, rescuing animals, and scandalous arrangements. These characters are lovable and have human failings which makes them believable. it works well as a stand-alone, but I equally look forward to future books in the series and I hope we get to revisit these delightful characters down the road.