I read a lot of romance. I read a lot of historical romance. I read a lot of weird heroes in romance. This one, unfortunately, had nothing about it that stands out enough to recommend it.

The Wicked Duke, by Madeline Hunter, is a delightful read full of intrigue, passion, and darkness. Lancelot (I love the name btw) Hemingford, the new Duke of Aylesbury has a terrible reputation. And the latest gossip is the worst of them all. Marianne Radley, the heroine of this story bumps into the wicked fellow not knowing who he is. When Marianne finds out just who he is, tempers flare...because she knows just what he's done...or thinks she does. Lance does his best to win her lust but inadvertently ends of winning her hand. And no help to a certain uncle...and a certain Mr. Tewsberry, who makes things even worst.
I enjoyed reading this book. It has some dark undercurrents going on, but, it does not take away the romance that is built in this book. I recommend to all romance lovers.

I loved this story. Marianne and Lance have a chance meeting and are immediately intrigued with each other. But when Marianne's uncle tries to blackmail the two to get married, they both baulk at the idea. Lance refuses to be forced to get married and Marianne won't marry a man that supposedly ruined her cousin.

Being forced into the marriage by vicious rumors, they have to make the most of it. Marianne is determined to expose Lance for the man that he is, but the more time she spends with him, she doesn't believe that her previous beliefs are true. She ends up trying to help Lance prove his innocence in the murder of his brother.

I really enjoyed watching Lance and Marianne interact with each other and how they work with Lance's brothers to solve the mystery of the murder. I'm sorry to see this series end as I throughly enjoyed it, but I look forward to reading what Hunter comes out with next.