I loved the previous book, so I requested this one exited.
So I do enjoy the sexy talk, fighting, and things like that in a book, but I'm not sure this book and I are playing in the same lane we need to be.
Maybe I'll give the book at another moment in my life and enjoy it.
Will try later and see if my thoughts change.
Still think the author is amazing.

There was some fun, witty banter in this, but for the most part I wasn’t engaged. Effie seemed to be a bit of a mansplainer about all things, tbh and I just couldn’t love her like I wanted to. The humor was a little bit over the top for me, asI’m not a fan of poop jokes any longer. But there was a fun villain to hate and I’m always a fan of that!

This book managed to combine two of my favorite movies/tv shows perfectly! I loved the 10 Things I Hate About You styled plot line.

I loved Evangeline’s character! I loved her love for animals, her attempting to save every one that came across her path (even the rats) brought a bit of lightheartedness to the story. I loved how Gage was willing to do anything for her (even run into a burning barn). Also Evangeline calling Huntington “Lord Cuntington” is one of the most iconic burns I’ve ever read in a romance.

I did adore Gage and Effie from the beginning, their banter was adorable! After their first interaction at the shelter, I was hooked. I haven’t read any other books by this author before but I loved how she wrote their interactions so I will be picking up the first two in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever, and Ms. Howard for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

10 Things I Hate About You, but cross Patrick Verona with Jamie Fraser, and make Kat passionate about animal rescue first and feminism second.

The characterization for Viola (Bianca) and Lord Huntingdon (Joey) was spot on. I was really picturing Larissa Oleynik and Andrew Keegan for both of their roles. Saddest thing? There was no analogous Ms. Perky (my favorite character hands down, pretty much favorite character in any movie ever except MAYBE Orlando Bloom's Legolas, but I digress) here. The Earl (Dad) was no Walter Stratford but again, Larry Miller is a treasure and I think duplicating him would have been a step too far.

I don't want to go into a straight-up movie to book comparison but rest assured, there are distinct similarities. I did find the beginning a bit of a slow start but once Evangeline got to London things picked up. Overall, this was a lot of fun. I've already purchased for my library and I think it will be a hit.

⭐⭐⭐1/2

The Worst Duke in London stars Lady Evangeline and the Duke of Vale, Gage Croft. In a true Bridgerton - 10 Things I Hate About You mash up, Lady Evangeline is prickly with a soft heart while Vale is a charmer with a bad reputation. There was so much to love about this novel from the central female friendships, rescue animals, and scandalous arrangements. I had such a fun time reading this - both Effie and Gage are so loveable in their own ways. Seeing Gage fall for Effie so quickly and so ardently made him such a compelling love interest- even though we know all about his deal with Huntington, you still root for him. Effie is determined to live her own life, despite the restraints society has tried to force upon her. She is resilient and bold and just such a fun protagonist. The side characters are so lively and work so well as an ensemble to bring the story to new humorous and emotional depths. I really did love everything about this - though disclaimer 10 Things I Hate About You is one of my all time favorite romcoms!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's a loose retelling of 10 things I hate about you. Effie was fierce, outspoken, independent, brilliant, but with such a soft heart. Gage was adorable and I loved them both. They were so horny for each other and this book was a delight to read! I've loved this whole series. The friend groups and found families are so wonderful.

Amalie Howard never fails to deliver a swoony and tension filled romance. Something about a scottish MMC is just chef's kiss and added with a classic rom com retelling, yes thank you. thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Evangeline Raine, older daughter to the Earl of Oberton, who just wants to concentrate on taking care of the rescued animals in her shelter and has plans to improve it as soon as she is financially able. Enter Gage, the Duke of Vale, newly titled due to the unfortunate death of his elder brother. He enters into an unholy deal with another peer in which he must persuade Evangeline to go to London for the season. When Evangeline and Gage meet, they are each attracted to the other and no matter how they try to avoid it, they can't stop the forces drawing them toward each other. The Worst Duke in London is so much better than the last book in the series and I really enjoyed it also. So much sexual tension and controversy between two strong personalities who cannot help but be drawn to each other. They will have to overcome their own insecurities and trust issues to reach their HEA but when they get their, its explosive. After reading this story, I am counting down the time for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a response.

Who knew a regency romance would have me blushing like a schoolgirl? The corsets, petticoats, and voluminous gowns are a disguise for the brazen desires of the British aristocracy.

Lady Evangeline Raine - Effie to her friends - is resigned to a life of spinsterhood and is perfectly fine being an independent woman who don’t need no man. Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, is burdened with debt left to him by his deceased brother. He only wants to pay off the debt and return to Scotland. Machinations behind the scenes by an unscrupulous

The Worst Duke in London by Amalie Howard is a fun and steamy Regency romance with a modern twist. Lady Evangeline (Effie) is a headstrong, animal-loving woman who has no interest in marriage, while Duke Gage Croft is desperate to pay off his debts. When circumstances force them into a fake courtship, sparks fly, and their witty banter keeps the story entertaining.

I loved how Effie is independent and refuses to conform to society's expectations, and Gage’s journey from seeing her as a means to an end to genuinely falling for her was well done. The romance is spicy, with plenty of chemistry between the two, though at times the focus on sexual tension felt a little heavy.

Overall, this was a fast-paced, enjoyable read with memorable characters, humor, and just the right amount of drama.

He really is the worst duke in London...

Gage agrees to court Effie (Lady Evangeline) so the owner of his debts can court her sister Viola.
Gage is the worst duke in London and Effie is his opposite. If this sounds familiar, it should its based on Ten Things I Hate About You (which I worked on) and that was based on The Taming of the Shrew. Amalie Howard makes this trope feel fun, flirty and hits that right note of enemies to lovers.
Purchased a paperback book.
Recommend.

my millennial heart is so happy to be back in the series that brings all the best 90s romcom {movie} vibes and magically mashes them up with regency romance to make the most butterflies-in-the-stomach inducing, binge worthy books- ever! (your millennial brain may be in pain from my run-on sentence, and for that, I apologize. But do please note the Oxford comma 🤷🏻‍♀️)

If you love(d) “10 Things I Hate About You”, or even “Kiss Me Kate”, or any rendition of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, you will absolutely love this story. Gage, the Duke of Vale, may be high in title, but he’s broke, making him eligible only for rank, thus, the worst Duke in all of London for any eligible young lady to aim for. Gage is offered a deal that will save his estate, which he jumps at the chance for. He simply must entertain and distract Lady Evangeline, his neighbor, keeping her away from her younger sister, so that she may be courted. (Viola, the sister, is a really fun character too btw)

Pros:
-excellent banter
-side characters all dealt with to satisfaction
-spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️
-sex positive- LOTS of sexual innuendo, and talk which can feel modern and fresh, but also maybe out of place?
-easy to binge
-intelligent, modern FMCs

Cons:
-spicy, maybe more than romantic?! They def have chemistry, but maybe we could have had more development
-lots of sex talk, maybe overkill

Overall really enjoyable, and just plain fun to read. 4 ⭐️

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for providing this arc, in exchange for my unbiased review!

The Worst Duke in London follows Effie, who is content to never marry as long as it means she doesn’t need to compromise on her animal rescue efforts. Effie can’t stand the ballrooms of London, but will happily ruin her dresses to save animals in need. Duke Gage is almost done paying back his late brother’s debts, when he is presented with a deal he can’t refuse. All the debt will disappear, but he has to convince Effie to go to London. As Gage gets to know the strong-willed and passionate Effie, feelings between them start to become real.

Effie and Gage have a passionate and hilarious romance. Effie will never ignore an animal in need and convinces Gage to help in some truly comedic ways. While they initially are not impressed with each other, Effie soon shows Gage her ingenious designs that range from farming to animal welfare. I enjoyed that because of their experiences, neither Gage or Effie find themselves too bound by the rigid expectations of society. Both of them have been betrayed by the arbitrary rules that guide society and find solace in each other instead. I appreciate the historical research that was included and which illustrated that actual Victorian ladies sought pleasure and education.

The Worst Duke in London is the charming story of the worst spinster and the worst duke in London and what happens when they meet. It is passionate, hilarious, and filled with excellent characters. I’m looking forward to reading more romances from Amalie Howard!

Thank you to Amalie Howard, Forever, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc.

Out of the historical romance authors, Amalie Howard is one of my favorites, if not my top. I also love her other genres, but that’s not the focus of this review.

This book is the perfect balance of historical setting, rules, and structure, but adds in a little more contemporary storylines along with more modernized language outside of the dialogue in the books, which I love.

This book has a mix of secrets, friends with benefits, witty banter, and so much more that you’ll be desperate to continue the book every moment while reading it! I loved Effie and Gage, they have so many sparks both physically and in their conversations that I was dying to have them together in every scene of the book, but I enjoyed the side plots a lot too.

Effie is a wonderful character who is headstrong, and willing to sacrifice love for her own happiness especially in her times. I loved how protective she was of living things, and how she stood up to anyone and everything. I also love that Gage loved every bit of her, it was a wonderful time throughout this book!

This was a fun and entertaining read by one of my favorite authors. Ms Howard writes a cute and endearing book that had me at first page and never let go. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own.
Lady Evangeline Raine prefers animals to people, but her younger sister Viola is a flirty soul who wants to have fun. The only way Effie can do as she pleases, she had to be courted so he sister can get what she wants.
Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, is debt ridden and no way to get out of the situation. When his vowels are bought by a man, he will forgive the debt, if Gage will court his true loves sister, Effie. When Effie figures out his game, she has some specifications of her own. She will go to London for the Season, but she wants him to be her lover. Oh, what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive.
But one thing they didn't count on was a love and a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest revew.

The Worst Duke in London by Amalie Howard
Rating: 5/5

A book inspired by a movie can sometimes go awry. The potential for that when the movie (10 Things I Hate About You) in question was itself inspired by Shakespeare (The Taming of the Shrew) goes way up. And yet, Amalie Howard has done it perfectly. I so enjoyed The Worst Duke in London!

The plot is adapted backwards 200 years in such a seamless way. I really appreciated how similar and yet unique this story was to the movie Amalie Howard was inspired by. The chemistry between Gage and Evangeline is wonderful. I found myself unable to put the book down, eagerly anticipating more interactions between the two. Gage’s longing for Evangeline really drove this story for me. I loved getting his thoughts as the relationship and dynamic between them developed. I really, really enjoyed how early into the story he was falling for her; this was such a sweet part of the story. I knew the Duke of Vale was a goner when he was jealous of Buttercup the kitten.

Much like the movie it is inspired by, this book does a really good job of not dragging out the temporary dissolution of the relationship. The problem Gage and Evangeline encountered is a fully developed piece of the story, the hurt and longing is conveyed well. But the resolution very quickly follows. No unnecessary dragging out of their misery. Loved this aspect. Some books really make the third act breakup longer than it needs to be which often ends up feeling contrived, this book does not make that mistake.

I didn’t realize before finishing the ARC of this book that it is the third in a series. I will definitely be seeking out the first two books. Highly recommend The Worst Duke in London, especially if you’re a fan of historical romances and/or 10 Things I Hate About You.

ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

OMG did i love this book!!! Effie and Gage were so much fun, and i absolutely loved the chemistry and tension between these two. We have two individuals that are hellbent on not getting married and following their own ambitions, slowly and sweetly, fall for each other. One of my favorite things that the author continues with this series is the bond between the Hellfire Kitties. These are interconnected standalones but there is an aspect from each book that is perfectly intertwined. I really loved both of these main characters. I found Effie to be admirable in her ability to go against the normal and stay true to herself. She is a very strong-minded individual, so it was enjoyable to see her walls come down a bit with Gage and also those moments of her inner dialogue of like "what is going on with me?!?!" haha!! With Gage, I love a good ol Scottish man. He is a brute with a tender heart. Their story was full of laughter, swooning, goofiness, and happiness. I also found the part of Effie's passion of saving animals to be heartwarming and loved how these two came together over that.

I think it says a lot when every note I took on this book involved the characters’ sexual appetite. This book is hot in a way that two people can be with each other when they both have little experience giving and receiving pleasure beyond their own hands. Evangeline and Gage are so horny for each other and the transformation they go through from start to finish is my favorite kind of evolution from forced interaction to all-consuming desire.

If you enjoyed the movie 10 Things I Hate About You, you will adore this historical rendition. It has everything I loved; a doting father, annoyingly sweet younger sister, heart throb of a hero, and a smart heroine who “thinks she” knows what she wants. Evangeline is the best kind of heroine; she’s sharp, extremely loyal to her family and friends, possibly to a fault putting her sister’s needs before her own. She also loves wounded and homeless creatures of all kinds and runs a shelter with her own pin money that houses them before adoption. And yet to the ton and polite society Evangeline is a termagant, “Lady Ghastly” who has been on the shelf too long.

So when the Duke of Vale leaves Scotland to tie up some of his late father’s and brother’s gambling debts, a mutually beneficial arrangement between him and Lord Huntington is enacted. Huntington will forgive his brother’s debt if Gage will make sure Evangeline comes to London with her sister during the season so that he may court Lady Viola.

I love love loved the banter between Gage and Evangeline. They are each from nobility, yet on the outskirts of society (her with her opinionated tongue and him with his extremely broke dukedom). They have a few meet-disasters involving kittens and mud that create the most delicious opportunities for each of them to be at the other’s mercy. It’s from this that Gage realizes Evangeline is more than just an overbearing sister and his teasing and flirtation puts Evangeline on edge in the most spectacular way. I enjoyed every moment they were on page together because I never knew just what would come out of their mouths!

The other extremely fun part of this book is the sexual chemistry. Evangeline and Gage have it in spades and when a secondary mutually beneficial arrangement is put on the table between them, the kinks come out. This book is HOT with a capital H and more than one scene will live rent free in my head. If I could convince you to read a book based on one moment alone, Evangeline breaks (3!) fans at a ball because Gage has her so worked up physically and emotionally. The tension is palpable!

I received an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Heat: 🪭🪭🪭🪭

3.7 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining but a bit OTT

Lady Evangeline Raine prefers animals to humans, especially the little ones she rescues and cares for in her animal shelter. Her young sister, Viola, wants nothing more than a season in London and marriage. However, the season will happen if Effie (Evangeline) is also willing to attend.
Duke of Vale, Gage Croft, was happy being a Highlander until his brother’s death made him the duke and dumped a ton load of debts on his head. He needs to settle a debt and agrees to charm Evangeline to bring her to London. However, he soon realizes that the bargain could be costly indeed!
Can Effie and Gage find what they want, or will the secrets tear them apart?
The story comes in Effie and Gage’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:
The book starts with a short content warning note by the author, mentioning the possible triggers (and their intensity) in the story.
Right away, we are thrown into the drama around the main characters. Reading the previous book (Never Met a Duke Like You), made it easy to follow the FMC’s character arc. This should still work as a standalone read (the others make an appearance a few times). However, I did find all that talk a bit preachy. We know what the issues are, right? No need to repeat them so often.
The MMC is quite easy to like even if some of his decisions are bad. But that’s necessary for the plot to progress, so can’t say much.
This is a steamy romance (4.5ish), and there are a lot of sexual innuendos throughout the book. This may not suit everyone. I didn’t mind most of it. The writing style was fun (when not preaching, so it suited the tone).
There’s a teeny mystery as well, though it is never the main focus. Acts like seasoning and helps bring things together in the climax.
And yes, we have a third-act breakup. I knew it would happen very early in the plot (almost after the first chapter). Being prepared helps, folks!
We have an epilogue (yay!) that not only gives us HEA but also hints at the next book. I am waiting for that, though I suspect the spice will be all-time high, based on what we know about the characters.
Effie’s sister isn’t easy to like, but she manages to get to the right side and show decent growth. I like that there’s no drastic change, but shows a sign of improvement. I do wish to get to know William a little more. A nice guy!
The pacing dips in the middle but picks up again in the last quarter. It didn’t really drag or feel boring. However, some scenes are a bit OTT and take to liberty, given the historical setting. While I no longer expect proper historical romances, this one could have toned it down a little.
The author’s note is detailed and informative, providing a glimpse into her research, which supports her plotline and character arcs.

To summarize, The Worst Duke in London is a fun read with a high dose of spice and many contemporary sensibilities. Read it if you want something light and fluffy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

10 Things I Hate About You set in a spicy historical setting?? What more could a girl want. Lady Evangeline Raine has had bad season after bad season after openly speaking out against a misogynistic lord who then gave her the name Lady Ghastly and had her snubbed by society. This is all fine to Evangeline as she'd prefer animals to people and is fine with being a spinster... the only problem is her younger sister Viola who is flirty and wants nothing more than to jump back into the London season to marry the very lord that snubbed Evangeline. Their father won't let Viola go alone and if Evangeline won't go, then Viola can't either... cue Gage Croft, Duke of Vale. Gage has been left with all his brother's huge debts and is determined to fix his estate... and if that means accepting a payout from a lord he owes a debt to in exchange for him charming Evangeline for the season while Viola is courted... who could it hurt. Gage is unprepared for the absolutely enchanting Evangeline and finds himself falling for the woman he's lying to. Evangeline finds herself attracted to Gage and makes a scandalous arrangement... but when the truth comes out will Evangeline forgive Gage or will he break her heart? THIS BOOK WAS FANTASTIC. I was completely blown away by just how fun and spicy this book was. Its such a fun adaptation and take on 10 Things I Hate About You and I loved this couple so much. Evangeline and Gage have such great chemistry and their romance was FANTASTIC. Seriously, pick this book up immediately, it'll have you smiling all throughout it!

Release Date: September 24,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*