I so wanted to love this book. It has everything that seems designed for me - romance and adventure and pirates and spies and intrigue! But I still had a harder time than I expected getting through this book. It was a bit slow to really get into the action for me, and while I liked both the lead characters separately, their relationship didn’t do much for me. On paper, this rivals to lovers, teasing, steamy sort of thing sounds amazing, but I just didn’t feel the chemistry. It felt a little like they ended up together because that’s what was supposed to happen, not because the reader actually feels the connection between characters.

The smuggling and spying plots were strong, probably the strongest part of the novel. The danger felt real and constant, and it was the rare case of the fall out of a third act conflict feeling like it was actually enough to rip the couple apart. I believed that the plot would cause issues between Lisbeth and Raphael. But aside from the always hilarious, foul-mouthed twelve year old girl Lisbeth helps take care of, every other supporting character felt flat to me.

Overall, I think this book just left me wanting more, because the concept and the author are both so good.

A thrilling conclusion to a truly fabulous series! Lisbeth has been anxiously antidipated, her story the one I was most eager for. Bonnie Bess lived up to all the excitement I’d expect from our intrepid spy. This nom de plume that she has created has taken on a life of infamy in her short term as a smuggling pirate. So fearsome that she even inspires her very sea shanty. But the woman herself is even better than that of legend. She is intrepid, fearless and has a heart of gold despite the strong shield she surrounds it with. Keeping everyone an arms length away, I loved watching her guard lower and seeing that all those she loved would still stand by her in the end, no matter the name she employed. Her and Saint’s romance is wild, passionate and sublimely spicy. Their battle for submission was utterly delicious, add in the twist of surprise piercings and one is lost. If that is not enough to tweak your interest, add in the foul-mouthed young ward who dreams of being a pirate and you get a wild and raucous bunch. This story is sure to excite!

POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

This may look like your typical historical romance from the cover, but it is anything but! It’s really more about pirates than dukes, and it may have caused me to start searching for all the pirate romances I could find.

I especially loved that Lisbeth was a feared pirate, not just Raphael, and the admiration and respect Raphael had for Lisbeth was clear from the beginning, although she did not feel the same way about him! It is very slow burn, but their chemistry is 🔥

With diverse characters and some really funny moments mixed in with the action, this book takes you on an exciting adventure from the Caribbean, to the states, and Paris!

This book was so much fun. I think it's in my top favorites of Amalie Howard's of all time. Bonnie Bess was a true badass queer icon and Saint was so swoon-worthy. I loved the high stakes and pirate of it all. It will truly be one I never forget.

You know you’re in for a good time when the hero thinks the heroine should come with the warning label: “Beware, death by association is entirely possible.” And when attacked with a pitchfork, she responds with “This is the best day ever. Trident is mine.”
With piratical shenanigans and sword play as good as their banter, this very capable heroine who can hold her own and the consent king have stolen my heart.
Inclusive and well researched, both main and side characters come from a variety of backgrounds and sexualities, after reading the author’s note clearly has a passion for accurately representing the time periods in which her books are set.
Any Duke in a Storm struck the perfect balance between romance and plot; both has me on the edge of my seat and I devoured this book in a day.
Amalie Howard was fast becoming my favourite author and her latest release has now firmly put her in the lead with this book taking my top spot for historical romance.

This was a hard read and I almost made it to the end, but had to put it down. It just wasn’t for me. I thought since Lisa Kleypas had recommended on the cover that I’d be in for a delightful, witty, intelligent read - maybe that’s the issue. I have to be in the right headspace for a read like this one: f/f relationships, hate at first sight, kind of crass. Also, there was very little chemistry- nothing read natural or romantic or even sensual, it just all felt so forced. Not for me.

Love the author although this book did not hold me attention. The subject matter was one that did not hold me interest.

An inclusive historical romance that is an action packed romp across the seas with lots of witty banter and steamy scenes. He teases mercilessly and her cutting remarks are epic. Do they have their well deserved HEA? As one of the adorable characters say : “Does a pirate s*** in the sea?”

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

Pirate historical romances can be so hit or miss for me but this one was a HARD hit! Amalie Howard is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors!

Fiery Valkyries with murder in their eyes would command notice.
While the fourth and final book in the Daring Dukes series, Amalie Howard’s latest release, Any Duke in a Storm, is the swashbuckling, fast-paced historical romance that is equal parts action and adventure as it is a swoony, opposites attract romance.

Set in the Caribbean, during the tumultuous days of smuggling after the American Civil War, Any Duke in a Storm begins with readers meeting Raphael Saint as he is attempting to escape prison and yet another attempt on his life by his corrupt uncle, Charles Dubois. Not only did his foul uncle imprison Raphael under false pretenses, his uncle also commandeered two of Raphael’s prize ships.

This was a man used to being obeyed, not one who took orders. He was amiable and deferential because he wanted to be, not because that was his nature. He was going to be trouble; she could feel it in her bones.
Readers meet our heroine, Lisbeth, under the moniker of Bonnie Bess, while she is quickly running out of time to blow up two ships who are about to leave harbor and are supposedly owned by an associate of the smuggler she hopes to bring to justice: Charles Dubois, The Prince of Smugglers. Lisbeth was once an esteemed, married woman of peerage however, she traded in her married life for one of espionage. When reader’s meet Lisbeth, Bess, she’s the captain of her own vessel, the Syren, and on a mission to break into the close-knit smuggling ring led by Charles Dubois and bring him to justice.

Once aboard her own ship, Lisbeth meets her new sailing master, none other than our Raphael Saint, who was surreptitiously hired by her quartermaster, Estelle. Not only do these events begin our journey, it also sets the playing field for our romance between Lisbeth and Raphael, as they both attempt to bring down the slimy smuggler, Charles Dubois, without getting caught.

“Tell me something true, Viking.”
You can count on a wonderful romance to blossom between Raphael and Lisbeth in Any Duke in a Storm. Amalie Howard delivers on giving readers enough teasing, dirty talk, and build-up throughout the novel to their (delightful) HEA which made for a highly enjoyable romance. There’s also piercings, tattoos, and tons of innuendo as (of course) our main characters are essentially pirates. I particularly loved way Lisbeth calls Raphael “Pirate” and his endearments of “Valkyrie” or “Viking” for Lisbeth made me swoon. I couldn’t get enough.

I loved the unique timeline for the setting of the novel as well, which I thought lent itself so well to the romance as well as to the overall storyline. More times that not, I found myself googling ships, timelines, and events that were mentioned in Any Duke in a Storm because I was so intrigued by this unique and under-represented period of time in Historical Romance. Between the entire cast of characters aboard the Syren, the fast-paced plot, the sultry romance, and the unique setting, Any Duke in a Storm is highly enjoyable and can easily be read as a standalone. Although, I’d wager that readers will want to go back and discover what there is to know about the other Dukes as well.

Book 4 in Amalie Howard's "Daring Dukes" series. This book had a slightly different aspect than the others. Still focusing on islands in the Caribbean our duke is part French under Napoleon. He's also a pirate. Characters from other books appear in this one as well which is fun to see and it was interesting to see a well researched book about smugglers during that time in history. Fun characters that are easy to love, or hate respectively.

“Tell me something true, Pirate.”
“Tell me something true, Viking.”

______________________

Something true? Amalie Howard has done it AGAIN with this book!! I absolutely adore this series and this new installment is no exception. We met the formidable Lisbeth Medford in the previous installment, but now it is her turn to take the spotlight in her own high stakes investigation.

Having spent two years undercover, she has built a reputation for herself as the legendary and feared Bonnie Bess—a pirate captain of a mostly female crew—and finally has her target within her grasp. But when her path crosses with the dramatic and smooth talking Raphael Saint, a shipless captain on the run from his own uncle who just so happens to be Lisbeth’s smuggling target, she realizes that matters of the heart may only cloud her judgement, but they will also bring her a life, love, and adventure she never could have dreamed of for herself.

Lisbeth is a spitfire but I also loved how despite her strength as a spy, leader, and independent woman, she also struggled with her identity throughout the book. Having worn so many hats, names, and faces, it was refreshing to see someone so powerful also dive into learning about themselves, their wants, and their needs.

Raphael was not what I was expecting at all and I loved it. With the humor and dramatic flare of Jack Sparrow, but the dashing debonair swagger of James Bond, he had a soft heart but also a wicked tongue in the best of ways. And, ahem, piercings… *melts*

I loved the dynamic between these two and how oftentimes Lisbeth took the more dominant role between them. They had a very equal partnership and it was refreshing to see them both take what they wanted when they wanted it but also dish it right back out. Also the fact that the author was able to wring such steaming hot spice out of multiple chapters of not complete intercourse was the sweetest teasing right up to THAT climax. It all paid off in the end and with danger, action, explosions, kidnappings, arrests, and amazing cameos by some old friends, these characters all get the happily ever after they deserve!!

All of the stars. I cannot wait to see who comes next!! (Please, please give us a time jump and some more Narina…)

I have been provided with a review copy of Any Duke in a Storm from NetGalley for an impartial review. I was just drawn into this wonderful story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. It was just so easy to get lost in this great story. I just didn’t want it to end. I just lost myself in and I just couldn’t get enough of these interesting characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

This story was so good. I truly enjoyed reading Lisbeth's story and was even more intrigued by Raphael Saint! This book had intrigue and of course romance! I loved the diverse representation that Amalie Howard always includes in her books and this book certainly did not lack in any BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ representation. I'm always in awe of the research she does and how it comes through flawlessly in her writing!

This book kept me thinking about how women were so involved even behind in the scenes in espionage and were hired by the US Treasury to help with smuggling, which gave rise to someone in real life Elizebeth Smith Friedman, who helped to break codes for the Treasury during the 1930s and 1940s. I love the idea that fictional women (even after the fact) could give rise to real life code breaker.

I really just loved reading about Lisbeth and who she was and about Raphael as well and how motivated he was in trying to prove his father's innocence. I thought that the action was perfect and I wouldn't have changed a single thing and I really loved the callback to Valentine, the Duke of Thornbury, and his wife, Bronwyn.

Thank you so much to Amalie Howard and Sourcebook Casablance for giving me a copy. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoy this book, it is very good!
I love historical romance 🥰
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the book

3.5 rounded up

Any Duke in a Storm is book four in auto-buy author Amalie Howard’s Daring Dukes series. Howard mixes fast paced action, adventure, steam and complex diverse characters to create a historical romance that is

Lady Lisbeth Medford, who we met in the previous book, is a spy for the British government trying to stop smugglers as a captain of a pirate ship. Raphael Saint, a disgraced French peer, who Lisbeth has targeted as a means to catch his uncle the notorious smuggler Prince. These two end up working together (unbeknownst to them) for a common goal.

There is lots of action, high seas high jinx, sexy banter, sword fighting and steamy! The chemistry between Saint and Lisbeth is so hot, their foreplay sword fighting scene will live in my brain rent free. They’ve got lots of verbal banter, piercings (him), dirty talk and Dom/sub angles. Lisbeth is a kicka$$ heroine but a heart of gold, she really loves her crew but projects such an “I am an island” vibe. Saint is full of “Falling first” vibes, Robin Hood energy and did I mention the piercings??? There is a young girl that left me laughing out loud a few times. As with the previous book, I enjoyed the diversity that Amalie Howard brings to her characters and how meticulously through her research it.

The backstory was a bit confusing and it did take me a bit to get into the characters but that could have been just me in a reading slump. This can be read as a standalone but I do think you get a better idea of Lisbeth if you read the previous book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Sourcebooks Casablanca, NetGalley and the author. All opinions are my own.

ARC copy kindly provided through NetGalley but all my thoughts are my own.

Lisbeth is an undercover spy and Raphael is a disgraced French peer. Both are trying to take down the Notorious Smuggler, Dubois. These two team up even though they don't trust each other at all and drive each other crazy. Can they trust each other or will they succumb to their animalistic desires for each other?

Lisbeth is my new all-time favorite heroines. She's fierce and unapologetic but constantly struggles with her growing feelings for Raphael. This was also probably the spiciest of the series and I lived for it. Ships blow up, there's sword fights and dangerous squalls and secret smuggler islands. This was all my catnip and I absolutely LOVED IT.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC!

- I was not expecting to be obsessed with this book, but it was so good that I bought the whole series after finishing it!
- I love banter, and this had banter plus swordplay?!? What more could you ask for!!
- There are very clear discussions of consent, and the spice was 😳😳😳
- I loved the way this addressed the many systems of oppression going on throughout the book!
- The pacing is great, and there was action driving the plot forward at all times.
- There's a lot of jealousy/possessiveness with tons of dangerous situations! However, it never crosses over into a toxic space, which is such a hard thing to balance so well!
- I hadn't read the first three books, but it was still easy to follow what was happening. Characters from earlier books show up, but everything is explained well enough that you can read this without reading the first three.

Any Duke in a Storm is a standalone in the Daring Dukes series by Amelie Howard. Following a government spy undercover as a fierce cutthroat captain and the pirate with a common enemy whom she falls for .

There's so much about this book that I enjoyed. The story has action, adventure, and sexual tension that delivers in delicious steam.

Lisbeth is fantastic. She's intelligent, strong, independent, and not afraid to embrace her sexuality. She brought solid Queer rep to this historical romance, the author's notes says she wrote her as Demiromantic Pansexual, and she succeeded in my opinion.

Raphael was a delight. He's more than meets the eye, clever , charming, cunning , and loyal. He's not your typical pirate but more of a Robin Hood of the high seas. I loved his banter with Lisbeth and the fact that he fell first.

The two aggravated and instigated each other to no end, and I was here for it. It built the sexual tension wonderfully, and I couldn't wait for them to give in to it. And oh boy did it deliver, both are dominant in the bedroom, plus a surprise praise kink and piercings in intimate places. 🔥🔥

Any Duke in a Storm is a wonderful historical romance with a morally grey MMC, a strong capable FMC, a deadly hurricane , smuggling , fighting, top notch steam, and a HEA .

WOW! I loved this book so much! I don't even know where to begin with this review. The MCs in this book are so perfectly written - they are flawed and they are vulnerable but they are also kind, caring, and so into each other it was delightful to read. The spicy scenes are very spicy and well written. The plot is exciting and entertaining and is written in a way that really brings the MCs together beautifully. I loved The Duke in Question (book 3 in this series) but I think I loved this one even more. Now, I need to go back and read the 1st 2 books in this series. This is a great way to start your 2024 reading year off!

Thanks #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #AnyDukeinaStorm by Amalie Howard in exchange for an honest review which is written above.