I really wanted to love it
3 stars

This is the first book in a new trilogy by Madeline Hunter which focuses on three Dukes, dubbed ‘The Decadent Dukes’.

Everyone in London society is on edge with the brooding Duke of Stratton’s return from France. His reputation for duelling has preceded him, and it is whispered he is bent on revenge for his father’s fall. Stratton is indeed resolved to ferret out the person/people who benefited, and learn the reasons his father was targeted. When he meets Clara Cheswick, the lovely, rebellious daughter of his most likely suspect, desire complicates his goals.

Clara may be the woman Stratton wants, but she’s far more interested in publishing her women’s journal than in being seduced—especially by a man rumoured to be dead-set on vengeance. Though, with her nose for a story, Clara wonders if he is sincere in his desire for justice—or in his incredibly unnerving insistence that they will one day wed. If her weak-kneed response to his kiss is any indication, falling for the duke clearly comes with costs, and perhaps dangers she does not anticipate.

—

I have heard excellent things about Madeline Hunter, her books and her writing, so I was looking forward to this book and the start of a new series. Add to that, I’m a sucker for a dark, brooding gent, so as far as I could see, this book couldn’t fail.

And it didn’t fail - it just sadly didn’t nearly live up to my expectations.

I liked Adam although, as other reviewers have pointed out, he was a wee bit overbearing and pompous at times. I don’t mind that in a hero, especially one that’s a duke since I suppose that it’s very likely all duke’s had this personality trait! While I found Clara much harder to like - she was just too needlessly argumentative and shrewish at times for my liking - I did enjoy the way she stood up to, and interacted with Adam.

While there were some interesting asides to the main love story in the book - such as Clara’s publication of a Lady’s Journal - I didn’t feel these added much to the story and since to the very last page they didn’t involve Adam or the overarching mystery, I did wonder what the point of it all really was. Not offensive, just a tad pointless.

There were a few other characters in the book. I liked both Langford and Brentworth - the heroes of the remaining books in the trilogy. We had a few of Clara’s friends and family who we didn’t get much detail of. And then there was Clara’s grandmother. She was a typical old harridan but it was hard to feel the dislike I felt we should feel for her and her machinations, when the main characters were so easy to forgive her.

The main reason for my not giving this book a higher rating was simply that I didn’t feel there was any chemistry between the characters. There was no descriptions that showed how the pair felt for each other - we were just told they felt that way. But it wasn’t just the chemistry that I felt was lacking - I just felt there wasn’t the richness and depth that I’ve come to expect from historical romance. There also wasn't the heat and sensuality that I prefer in a novel, but that didn’t affect my rating as that’s just my personal preference and not a criticism of the book, as such.

Having said all that, other reviewers have obviously really enjoyed the book so I would still give it a go, especially if you’re a fan of Madeline Hunter’s. But it’s only 3 stars from me, I’m afraid.

I really wanted to like this one much more than I did. I found myself struggling through even the beginning and couldn't find something to grab my interest nor keep me entertained. I do appreciate the opportunity to read this book and thank Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a honest review. Goodreads review link coming soon.

I liked this book, it had all the elements that I usually really enjoy. This one had trouble keeping my focus though, and it took me a lot of time to read. That being said, I liked the different storyline, having the older sister, the black sheep of the family, being the main love interest of the Duke. I liked their chemistry and I liked how independent Clara was. I liked the secrets Adam had, and how he was tracking down his family truth.

Wow, that took a long time to read.
I'm not sure if its because I was fully invested in the story or what. But it's true, I wasn't fully invested in reading this until I got closer to the end.
It's got that Romeo & Juliet theme. Two lovers who's family are at odds, one side afraid the other will challenge them in a duel. All to protect a family secret.
The 2 lovers in question hide their afraid from most throughout the book, only to surprise everyone in the end.
Its not a bad story, it has its good moments.

*I received my copy from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review

I have to say that Madeline books have been a constant favorite throughout time since I picked up my first book from her 17 years ago.And author that has remained on by auto by list no matter what books she publishes but I have to say that I have loved so many of her titles I just could not just pick one.

I enjoyed her latest tale with Adam and Clara it was such a sweet love story and about revenge.I loved seeing a strong independent heroine in this story especially for its time period when women were controlled by their husbands.I loved Clara's personality right off the bat.She was she what she seemed to be strong independent,funny,smart and intoxicating.She was definitely not the kind of women that would be controlled by any man and if any man tried he would find out soon enough that she was not going to be the women for him.Adam although is up to the challenge.At first his motives are all about revenge but he soon learns that he is going have to choose one over the other if he plans to keep her.

I loved the cat a mouse game this couple played together as it made for some heated interludes as well as the constant bantering back in forth with one another that caused you to smile more than once.Clara from the onset was very attracted to Adam and him to her but she fights it constantly as she is not wanting to give up her independence to any man.I can't blame her for it but applauded her.Adam although is persistent in a sneaky predatory way where he does his wooing.He is constantly maneuvering her to be actually where he wants her without actually being the source involved.Very shrewed of him.(smiles)

I loved Adam as well as I know he was all about revenge from the onset to get justice for his father but I never thought that he was a major threat to Clara in that he would harm her only that he would break her heart when his real intentions would be revealed.As the story progressed and I learned more about where the title for this had come from . I never saw him as the dangerous type at all in the physical sense anyway but then it made perfect sense that he was always defending his fathers honor one way or another whether it with dueling or with words.

I loved how he persisted in wooing his Clara.I admired him actually it might have been a little bit about revenge but so much more.I felt that he really saw her as an equal.I loved that he was up to the challenge she would be providing him.I loved that he admired her and was attracted to Clara and all her eccentricities and was not about changing her.You have to fall a little bit in love with a man like him for evening perusing someone like her that will never really fit the mold in the society you live in.

I really loved it from cover to cover .The story had love,intrigue,,humor secrets coming to life and more of it being about justice then revenge.I loved how Clara was willing to sacrifice her own families honor to endure the man she loved would finally be about to put the old ghost to rest.

A fantastic romantic tale with characters that were easy to connect with and love from the onset of the story.I love when that happens as you know right then and there you are going to enjoy the story as it unfolds.

This was a great start in this latest series and looking forward to the tales to come.

5 stars from us

http://angelswithattitudebookreviews-joelle.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-for-most-dangerous-duke-in.html

4.5 stars. An excellent book from Madeline Hunter that begins her new series, Decadent Dukes Society. This is a story of star-crossed lovers, each from a family holding a long-standing grudge against the other. There are twists and turns a-plenty as our hero and heroine learn secrets from the past and struggle to trust each other, all while falling in love.

Adam Penrose, the Duke of Stratton has returned to England after a self-imposed exile in France where he developed a reputation for killing men in duels (hence the "most dangerous duke" moniker). He is immediately approached by the grand dame of the opposing Marwood family who claims to want to mend the feud with a marriage. Adam is instantly attracted to the eccentric older sister and begins a well-planned seduction. Clara is an unusual, independent woman who has vowed never to marry. She is highly suspicious of Adam's motives yet feels an intense attraction to him.

The story was low on real suspense, but offered plenty of intrigue. Hunter did a good job of revealing new information gradually. She is a very solid writer, with a good grasp of historical detail. The book definitely kept my attention and it was a fast read for me. The hero and heroine were likable. Their difficult circumstances made it easy for the reader to feel great sympathy for them. The intimacies were pleasant, but not overly sensual. It was refreshing that both partners enjoyed their sexual union equally. The book also contained a nice dollop of humor, especially when Adam was interacting with his best friends and fellow dukes, Brentworth and Langford (the other "decadent dukes"). I am quite anxious to read their coming stories. First up, in 2018, is Langford, the ladies man. Overall, The Most Dangerous Duke in London was a solid, enjoyable read.

I always love Ms Hunters books. This was really good. Loved it

The Most Dangerous Duke in London gets Madeline Hunter’s new Decadent Dukes Society series off to a strong start with an extremely readable and engaging tale of a man seeking revenge, an old family enmity and the woman caught in the middle. The romance is a delightful, sensual slow-burn, and in addition, there’s mystery and intrigue, a whiff of espionage, lots of witty banter and a wonderfully written friendship between the hero and his two closest friends (both of whom will feature in future books).

Adam Penrose, the Duke of Stratton has recently returned to England after living in for the past five years, during which he has acquired a reputation for having a quick temper and for fighting and killing his opponents in duels – thus earning himself him the moniker of “The Dangerous Duke”. Adam left the country following his father’s death, which is widely thought to been at his own hand following rumours that he was engaged in treasonous activities, rumours Adam believes were fuelled by the hints and accusations of the late Earl of Marwood. There has long been bad blood between the two families, and now Adam is determined to find out if his suspicions about Marwood are true and to make someone pay for driving his father to his grave. Given the long-standing enmity between the Penroses and the Cheswicks, Adam is therefore surprised to receive an invitation to visit the dowager Countess of Marwood, who states her belief that it’s time the two families patched up their differences.

Adam is highly sceptical, but plays along until the countess proposes that he should marry her sixteen-year-old granddaughter, thus burying the hatchet in the time-honoured tradition of marital alliance. Lady Emilia is pretty and amiable, but Adam isn’t interested in a schoolroom chit – he prefers spirited women with minds of their own, and when he meets Lady Clara, the current earl’s half-sister, Adam decides straight away that she will suit him very well indeed.

Lady Clara Cheswick is the only child of her father’s first marriage and was his favourite among his children. He left her very comfortably off when he died, so Clara doesn’t need to marry if she doesn’t want to, and, at twenty-four, she is on the shelf and quite happy to keep it that way. She’s intelligent, strong-willed and independent, and is content to focus her considerable energies on her publishing venture, Parnassus, a magazine written and produced by women for women which is starting to achieve success. When Adam proposes marriage, Clara doesn’t take him at all seriously, telling him that she isn’t interested in marrying him or anyone, but Adam won’t take no for an answer and sets about courting her.

Clara can’t deny that Adam is a very attractive man, or that she’s drawn to him; he’s sexy and witty and clever and makes it very clear that the qualities that her family regard as problematic and unladylike – her desire for independence and the fact that she not only has her own opinions but makes no bones about voicing them – are qualities he likes and admires. He is genuinely interested in what she has to say about any number of topics, and doesn’t talk down to her or treat her as though she’s a hothouse flower. Adam insists his proposal of marriage was quite serious – and as Clara spends time with him and gets to know him, she is increasingly tempted to believe him, but can’t quite shake her suspicions that there is something else behind his stated intention. Perhaps, given her close relationship with her late father, Adam is primarily interested in getting close to her in order to find out if she knows anything about the late earl’s possible involvement in his father’s death? Or maybe he wants to use her – somehow – as an instrument of revenge?

The sparks fly between Adam and Clara right from their first meeting, and their relationship unfolds gradually and deliciously as Adam finds ways to spend time with Clara – to her initial exasperation – and they slowly come to appreciate each other’s wit, intelligence and sense of humour. These are two mature adults who never underestimate each other as they match one another quip for quip, their verbal sparring a deliciously sensual courtship and prelude to a later, more intimate relationship. The romance is very well-developed; there’s none of the immediate and anachronistic bed-hopping or insta-lust that characterises so many historical romances these days, which is always a refreshing discovery. Adam never wavers in his determination to marry Clara, and his persistence is charming and often funny; he’s generous and forthright, answering Clara’s questions about his motivations honestly and is never less than charming and gentlemanly towards her. I was also impressed with the way that Ms. Hunter has managed to create a credibly independent heroine who is not too modern; Clara wants to make her own way in the world, but is also mindful of her reputation and knows she has to at least appear to operate within the confines of society.

The plotline that revolves around Adam’s search for the truth about his father is well set up and executed, weaving in and out of the romance but never overwhelming it; and when the resolution comes it’s unexpected and quite clever.

With two multi-faceted and strongly characterised principals, an entertaining and well-drawn secondary cast, a sensual romance and a dash of intrigue, The Most Dangerous Duke in London is a thoroughly engaging read and one I’d recommend to fans of the author and of historical romance in general.

4.5 stars/B+

Another winner from Madeline Hunter and I was lucky enough to procure a ARC from netgally.com. This is the first book in a new series in whihc we are introduced to the hero and his friends who will subsequently have their own books with their own romance. In this one, Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton, has returned from France after a 5(?) year absence, which had followed the suicide of his father. While gone he fought and won many duels, against those who slighted his family name. Now he is back with a deadly reputation and wants answers. His country neighbor, the Dowager Countess of Marwood, fears he, for good reason. Aside from the fact that there has been animosity between the two families for generations over a plot of land, she knows why his father was falsely accused of treason and who was behind it. Now she offers her youngest granddaughter, Emilia, as a wife to the duke, but he only has eyes for Emilia's older sister, Clara. Clara, however, is an independent woman, who has no desire to marry. While Adam investigates who was behind the allegations against his father, he woes Clara against her wishes. As the truth comes out, so does the realization that the two of them were made for each other. As always, well developed characters and plot with well researched background of the period.

I love historical romances that involve dukes! This is a great opener to this new series. Adam, Duke of Stratton, is being persuaded to mend a rift between his family and another by marrying Marwood's sister. However, it's the other sister he decides he's more interested in.

Our heroine Clara, is unusual in the fact that her father left her independently wealthy when he died, so she takes more liberties and freedoms than a typical heroine in historical romance novels.

Adam and Clara have great chemistry and the mystery component of the story was intriguing as well. I appreciated the pace of their romance and didn't feel it moved too fast or that the book dragged. It was well written and kept me interested. I look forward to future books in this series.

Adam the Duke of Stratton has come home to find out the truth about his father's death. How much did the Cheswick family have to do with it? The rumors have been rampant. Adam has gained a reputation while in France that causes the Dowager Countess to come up with a plan to mend the rift between the families. She purposes that Adam marry her grand daughter Emilia. Why does she want this match so desperately? Is it so that Adam will not challenge the newest Earl to a duel? When Adam arrives to meet with the Dowager and Earl he meets the oldest Clara. He is intrigued by her and decides she will suit him better in his effort to get to the truth of what really happened. Clara, a bluestocking. has a life of her own planned and wants nothing to do with this plan. They are drawn to each other but will the truth threaten this budding relationship? A great start to a new series that has a surprising twist.

Adam and Clara were so well-matched. She was spirited and had some sass and attitude that I very much appreciated. Adam was very thoughtful and deliberate in his pursuit, and I enjoyed watching them fall in love.

A nice series setup......

3.5 stars

As per usual, Ms Hunter has set up her next trilogy. I find myself much fonder of the H that the h. (The two remaining H actually seem a little more intriguing than either of this story's main characters). Look forward to the continuation of the series.

Five years after the death of his Father Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton has returned to London looking for revenge. There’s swirling rumors that his Father had committed suicide and was a traitor to the Crown. He’s looking for information to confirm his family’s archenemy was behind the rumors. Adam is summoned by the, Dowager Countess of Marwood to her home. It seems the Dowager's son and Adams father where archenemies and the families in turn have been rival's. She proposes a marriage to her young granddaughter, but Adam choses the granddaughter she lest expects Clara Cheswick. Clara has no interest in marriage; she’s a beautiful, strong intelligent bluestocking and owner of a publication for woman's journals. Her desire for justice is real and she senses there is more to Adam and his interest in her. Adam is determined to solve the mystery surrounding his father’s death, but as the two spend more time together their attraction grows and falling for Adam clearly comes with a cost. Loved this book!!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher

Madeline Hunter does what she does best in her newest book. She pulls us into historical London with a wonderful story and amazing characters. She adds just enough suspense to give the story some drama and plenty of romance. She highlights the differences between men and women and their social standing. She shows how vital reputation is to those who have wealth.
Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton, has returned from France and he is bent on revenge. He wants to find those who sought his father’s destruction and bring them down. When the Dowager Countess of his family’s oldest enemy invites him to their estate, Adam goes reluctantly. He isn’t sure what to expect, but being offered the youngest daughter as his wife to end the feuding is definitely not it. Adam doesn’t want the youngest daughter especially when the oldest catches his eye.
Clara Cheswick is the eldest sister of the current Earl of Marwood. Her father left her quite wealthy and independent when he passed on. She uses her money to fund a woman’s journal which discusses politics as well as fashion. Her life is set. She has no plans to wed and then Adam shows up and announces that they will be getting married. She wants nothing to do with his schemes or those of her grandmother. How to get out of it when she finds herself ever more intrigued by Adam is a dilemma.
I love the interplay between Clara and Adam. Clara is certainly not a weak woman. She has fought too hard for her independence to ever give a man power over her. Adam does not want a woman that he can cow. He wants someone who will argue with him and who knows her own mind. Watching them fall for each other while denying the attraction is more than lust makes for an interesting story.
Having the added interest of who actually gave aid to the French increases the drama between Adam and Clara. Did his father or his mother betray England? What did Clara’s family have to do with it? Did they know or were they part of the rumors? There is more than enough to keep one reading and fortunately, we learn the truth in the end.

Madeline Hunter could be considered one of the queens of the historical romance genre and her newest doesn't disappoint in keeping her exalted position. Clever, romantic and sigh worthy.

Favorite Quote: “Believe me when I say that I have desired you since that day you upbraided me as a trespasser. It is convenient that you desire me too.

Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton, has arrived back in England on a mission. He is determined to discover the reasons behind his father’s suicide. With his two best friends, fellow members of the Society of Decadent Dukes, he begins to pick through the rumors and innuendos, putting together a story that smacks of betrayal, deception, and jealousy. He finds his plans derailed when his eye and heart is captured by a gorgeous woman…who just happens to be the daughter of the family he suspects helped to destroy his.

Lady Clara Cheswick is an independently wealthy daughter of an Earl. She has no need for marriage or the trappings that come with it, especially to a man who may be looking for vengeance against her family. Unsure of Adam’s true intentions, she wonders if his desire to marry her is due to his thirst for justice. Chloe decides to do a little investigating of her own soon discovers nothing beats the thrill of a mystery and being courted by the most dangerous man in London.

The Most Dangerous Duke in London is the first in a new trilogy by Madeline Hunter. Entitled the Decedent Dukes Society, Hunter follows three best friends as they maneuver their way through society and marriage-minded mamas in search of justice. Written in a traditional and appealing form, a spicy romance balances well with an intriguing mystery, encouraged by Hunter’s subtle humor and biting wit. A firm pacing, dynamic dialogue, and an informative yet unburdened setup place the reader gently into the know with no unnecessary filler.

Adam Penrose has returned to England after a lengthy stay in France with a deadly reputation and a need for revenge. He and his mother fled there after his father’s death to escape rumors of treason. Believing the rumors were started by the last Earl of Marwood, Adam is surprised when the Dowager Duchess of Marwood contacts him about a truce, proposing an alliance through marriage. Introduced to the youngest sister as this potencial mate, it’s an energetic meet cute with the older sister, Clara, that begins a humorous and mildly antagonist game of cat and mouse as our hero tries to discover the reason behind their family feuding and nurture the attraction between them.

“My sister is both lovely and bright. She would make a splendid duchess, of course, only not for you. I am relieved you lacked decisiveness.”

“Do not blame me for the delay in knowing my mind on the matter. There I was, making my decision about a lovely dove, when a black crow flew by and distracted me.”

Crow? Why, the—

“Then the crow flapped her wings in my face and turned her tail to fly away.” He walked over until he loomed above her. “I never stand down from a challenge, Lady Clara.”

Adam instigates himself into Clara’s life rather boldly, showing up unexpectedly with little gifts and pushing for dates. The easy and witty banter between them amuses to no end Clara finds herself attacked from all sides when her family keeps congratulating her on her brilliant catch and Adam informs her they are going to marry.

Her hackney coach waited behind the duke’s carriage.

He gazed hard at that hackney. “Why are you not using the family’s equipage?”

“I chose not to.” She descended the stone steps and aimed for her coach.

“You are going to a secret assignation, I assume. One that you prefer the family servants not know about. There is no other explanation for using a hackney instead of a family carriage.”

She truly wanted to hit him with her package for saying that within hearing of the footman waiting to hand her into the coach. She settled herself on the seat while the footman closed the door. The duke rested his forearm on the window’s edge and waited while the servant walked away.

“I will not demand an explanation now,” he said. “However, if you are going to meet a man, that liaison must end immediately, now that we are engaged.”

She stuck her face to the window. “We. Are. Not. Engaged.”

The chemistry that ignited at their first meeting only continues to gather fuel and burn brighter with each new interaction as Clara begins to fall for his charms. Though she clings firmly to her intentions of not marrying him. She has very good reasons for wanting to maintain her independence. She publishes a monthly news journal and desires to keep her inheritance in her hands. She also witnessed how her father treated her stepmother, showing her that marriage reduces women to nothing more than a child and servant in their own home.

I decided I would not live like that if I had the choice. And I did have the choice. Of all the privileges of my station, that has been the greatest one.

Adam and Clara were a delightful couple to engage with. Intelligent, witty, and formattable, both are of the same social standing so the normal conflicts we might see are here are nonexistent. No social or economic issues to resolve. No dark or sordid baggage to unpack. Humorous dialogue and ripe sexual tension keep the storyline and the romance flowing slowly forward. I liked the strength in Clara. While she abides by societies rules in public, she refuses to be bulldozed by anyone.

The romance is a slow burn regardless of the hero’s assumption of marriage. He encourages Clara’s sexual education, not in order to compromise or force her hand, but to show her all the delicious delights that can be found in the bedroom…and beyond.

“Do you want me to kiss you?” he asked.

“Of course not. You are the last man I want kissing me, I assure you.” She refused to look at him and continued trying to pull away.

“That is not true. Let us be honest with each other in this if nothing else.” His head dipped and his lips hovered over hers.

Her breath caught. Heavens, but he was beautiful. And exciting. Even that darkness seduced. Thrills kept spiraling through her, begging to have excuses to become something more powerful.

“Part of the fun is the anticipation,” he said quietly, imprisoning her with his gaze. “Although there is always the danger of it building to a fever.” His lips brushed hers, ever so faintly, but enough to create a starburst of sensation.

It was a terrible tease. A provocative promise.

He released her and stepped back. She stood there speechless, and utterly defeated, shocked at how he had used her own words against her to imply they shared some sympathy on sensual matters.

As their assignations heat up, so does the mystery surrounding Adam’s father’s death. With Clara’s help, the secrets that shroud the feud are lifted and reveal a sad and sordid tale. Clara knows Adam’s affections aren’t altogether altruistic. She knows he seeks revenge and he seeks it against her family. Hunter does an excellent job of allowing her and Adam to see beyond their own wants to what their actions may do to the other.

…thinking about Clara kept interfering with the righteous anger he had carried back from France. Her blind loyalty to her father, seen again just this afternoon, mattered now, even if it had not at first. When he first decided to pursue her, it had been an impulse born of lust and revenge, an oblique way to prod old enemies by taking possession of that family’s most privileged and prized daughter. Now he envisioned her hurt if he discovered things that impugned the late earl.

Layering the intrigue and suspense, Hunter gives voice to the various individuals involved and the reasons behind their actions. While I was able to figure out the who and what… the why came as a surprise.

There were two scenes that bothered me.

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One was Adam coming into Clara’s bedroom without an invitation and staying even after he realized his mistake. The second was Clara’s grandmother implications that a woman’s desire smells like fish water. I have no idea why people say that. It’s gross and derogatory.
Regardless of those two mild irritations, Hunter continues to entertain with her latest historical romance and I look forward to reading more about these Decadent Dukes.

RATING: B

This was a pretty good read for the Decadent Dukes by one of my favorite authors. I liked the story line well enough and the characters were fully developed. I felt that the title did not really serve on how the Duke was portrayed. Adam Penrose, the Duke of Stratten is one man who is set on vengeance when is returns to London from Paris. He is sinfully handsome with a touch of a rogue. Adam is most comfortable with being scandalous throughout the ton. Being a dark and brooding man, he is out to do whatever it takes to find out what happened to his father. But when he meets the lovely Claire Cheswick a most beautiful woman who is also is family's sworn enemy.
Claire is a most dedicated woman who only wants to be a writer of her Ladies journal and has no thoughts of marriage to anyone. But these two people who aren't suppose to be together find common ground. They fall in love which appeals to those who like a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this wonderful read in which I gave an honest review.

Adam and Clara's story had just the right amount of intrigue and romance. A must read for regency lovers.