A well-written, full of witty dialog, great character story. I really liked both Adam and Clara. Their interactions were fun and flirty. Loved that Clara was independent and did not give a damn what society thought she should do or be. Adam’s determination was really the highlight of the story whether it was his seduction of Clara or the investigation of his father’s death. The mystery was quite good and kept you wondering what happened until close to the end of the book.

A great start to a new series. Looking forward to the next in the series.

This unfolding romance was enriched by a fascinating mystery and suspense that didn't let up until its very satisfying conclusion. Madeline Hunter handled the aspect of hearts that are hardened becoming softened with love in an expert fashion. Aside from the graphic sex (which I feel is largely unnecessary) I would highly recommend 'The Most Dangerous Duke in London'.

This is a great book to start the series! Madeline Hunter once again gave a powerful novel filled with romance, steam and mystery. This one in an excellent read!

Adam Penrose the Duke of Stratton fled England for his mother's homeland of France shortly after his father's mysterious death. Now, returning to England his reputation as the dangerous duke of dueling in France, precedes him. Because of some of the rumors in England that a particular family was a source of Adam’s father’s ruination, the Cheswick family reached out to Adam to offer him their beautiful younger daughter as a bride to bind the two families together and avoid any more dueling.

Lady Clara Cheswick's grandmother (and her brother the new Earl) had arranged a meeting to propose a truce with Adam and to introduce him to his prospective bride to be. Naturally, they offered him the hand of Clara’s much younger sister. However, at first sight, Adam decides that Lady Clara would suit him much more. Unfortunately, Clara’s single purpose in life was to continue to pursue her efforts in creating and publishing a journal she hoped turn into a weekly magazine of sorts. Of course, Adam
instantly refused the younger daughter’s hand. However, his attraction to one Lady Clara was hard to deny. Moreover, what were Adam's true motivations - ruin his enemies favorite daughter, or discover what transpired all those years ago that led to Adam's father's death?

*** I have been a fan of Madeline Hunter for many years and have always found her stories to be full of twists and turns with characters that come alive and are fully fleshed out with emotions and motivations. I loved Clara right from the start. Luckily she knew her own worth and because her father had left her extremely well off, she was able to follow her dreams of creating a journal/magazine with essays, recipes, news worthy articles and even gossip…. Probably a forerunner to Good Housekeeping for the discerning woman.

Adam was a wonderful hero who was deeply disturbed by his father’s death and the way his mother had been treated so badly she fled back to France after her husbands death. It was natural to feel that Adam would want to ruin the family he believed responsible for his father’s ruination and demise, but right from the start the reader understood that Adam would never hurt a woman, but simply wanted to discover for himself the truth of what had caused the rumors and problems.

Bottom line: This was a fully robust story and I loved the courting that Adam went through to gain Lady Clara’s affection. The sensuality was created slowly with deep feelings and I was engaged right from the very beginning. Loved this book and can't wait for the next books in this new series.

Marilyn Rondeau

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. The story of Adam and Clair is well written and keeps you interested. The story involves a long feud, lies, deceit and the suicide of Adam's father. The relationship between the two grows until it develops into love. It is a good story and I would recommend it to individuals who love historical romances.

I'm a fan of Ms Hunter's books - The Rules of Seduction and By Arrangement are all my time favos! So, of course, I was glad to read her new book!

In The Most Dangerous Duke in London, Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton, comes back from France in order to learn the reason(s) why his father had committed suicide 7 years ago and takes revenge on the one(s) who led the late Duke to such an extreme action.
Trying to avoid Stratton's possible revenge, the Dowager Countess of Marwood, member of an enemy family to the Penroses for ages and possibly among the ones who had accused the late Duke of treason, offers one of her granddaughters, Emily, as a bride in a marriage that would put an end to the old feud.
However, Stratton prefers the other granddaughter, Claire, and starts to pursue her. But Claire, used to having her own way and running a journal for women, is not interested in marriage, especially to a man who may just be pursuing revenge.
I really enjoyed reading Book #1 in Ms Hunter's new series (Decadent Dukes), as it approaches my favorite plots: revenge or love?; "dangerous" heroes; bluestockings and women trying to be more than their expected roles in society. Although I must point out that not all these plots were fully developed - for example, Ms. Hunter could have explored a bit more the Duke's dangerous (or dark side).
I'm looking forward to Book #2, about the Duke of Langford.
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher's Description:

Three sinfully handsome dukes, three scores to settle, three hearts about to meet their matches. All in one thrilling new trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Madeline Hunter . . .

NOTORIOUS NOBLEMAN SEEKS REVENGE
Name and title: Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton.
Affiliation: London’s elite Society of Decadent Dukes.
Family history: Scandalous.
Personality traits: Dark and brooding, with a thirst for revenge.
Ideal romantic partner: A woman of means, with beauty and brains, willing to live with reckless abandon. Desire: Clara Cheswick, gorgeous daughter of his family’s sworn enemy.

FAINT OF HEART NEED NOT APPLY
Clara may be the woman Adam wants, but there’s one problem: she’s far more interested in publishing her women’s journal than getting married—especially to a man said to be dead-set on vengeance. Though, with her nose for a story, Clara wonders if his desire for justice is sincere—along with his incredibly unnerving intention to be her husband. If her weak-kneed response to his kiss is any indication, falling for Adam clearly comes with a cost. But who knew courting danger could be such exhilarating fun?

My Thoughts:
I wish there had been a prequel to this new trilogy so that I would have had a little background information on these characters.
I did feel these characters were nicely developed but as I said before I would have liked a little more background building up to their meeting and subsequent attraction to each other.
I did enjoy the read but at times it felt like the second or third book in a series instead of the first one.
The fact that Adam has a score to settle is apparent from the start. It is also quite evident that although she desires him and he, her, Clara is not interested in marriage.
Is there any way that these two can reconcile their differences and reach their own version of Happily Ever After?
I read this book over a period of three days. It was my weekend read and though I often read more than one book over that time period, it turned out to be my primary read.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this series "A Devil of a Duke" due to release May 2018.
I only wish the release date was not so far away.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I have read many of Madeline Hunters books and was so looking forward to this one as they have always been exciting to read. As much as I enjoyed the book , I found that this one did not grab me. The characters seem to give in to their desires far to quickly without any real suspense. The mystery in the back ground I felt was like an after thought.
I enjoyed the support characters and look forward to their stories as they seem to have a little more character than Adam does. Although the Ton is afraid of the Duke I didn’t feel it during the story. Don’t let this book stop you from reading other books by Madeline Hunter. She is an excellent writer and I am sure the next will be even better.

While I'm a fan of Madeline Hunter's work, I didn't enjoy this book. The main male character left a bad impression on me from the beginning of the book - he struck me as someone more than happy to manipulate and bully people in order to get his way. He wasn't entirely unlikable, but I wasn't able to "buy in" to the characters' relationship because of this. Furthermore, I felt one of the biggest side plots - the main female character's work editing a magazine - was rather unsatisfying in its resolution (or lack thereof).

It's been a while since I last read a book by Madeline Hunter, and I forgot how much I enjoy her writing style and multi-faceted characters. The Most Dangerous Duke revolves around Adam, the Duke of Stratton, and his plan to avenge his father's reputation after he committed suicide due to rumors of treason. When summoned by the family of a nearby estate who has been engaged in a generations-long feud with Adam's family, Adam is intrigued by the feisty Clara, who cares nothing for Adam or her family's plan to settle old debts. Adam sets out to seduce Clara and carry out his revenge for the family's feud, but very quickly is forced to abandon this plan as he falls in love with her. Clara, meanwhile, has no intention of marrying and giving up her independence and substantial inheritance. As a result, Adam is forced to try to convince her that their growing love can survive notwithstabding both of their families' dark deeds.

Clara and Adam are both very engaging characters who seem fully realized. Both are strongly shaped by their familial histories but, upon learning more about each other, start realizing that their parents and grandparents were not who they thought they were. They each struggle with this newfound gray area where they previously only saw black and white, and seek a way to forge their own identities out of the shadow of their relatives.

The only minor complaint I have is that it ends very abruptly. Hopefully the next book in the series picks up shortly thereafter and can give a few glimpses into how Adam and Clara are carrying on.

Thank you to Kensington/Zebra and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

3.5 stars

I was intrigued by the description of this book and was excited to delve into it. The book is very well written and I applaud Ms. Hunter on that. The mystery surrounding Adam's father was interesting, but early on, I had figured out most of it. While I would not call Duke of Stratton "dangerous," he came across to me as more brooding and angry. Does that make one dangerous in Regency England?

I was more impressed with Clara's character. I loved that she was an independent woman who had interests of her own. Owning the journal was such a huge part of her life, I was disappointed at the end that she only makes Stratton promise "not to interfere in friendships with bluestockings." I felt that if Adam and Clara were truly to committed to one another, that Adam should know what other passions Clara pursued. The other thing that bothered me is the fact that Adam and Clara carried on their affair for weeks and yet, not one mention of a possible pregnancy. That seemed an oversight.

All in all this is a quick read. I look forward to reading the next story in this series.

I received an eARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the character of Clara. She is such a strong, independent character. She knows what she wants from her life and she doesn't let society and it's rules and regulations stand in her way. I was thoroughly intrigued by the mystery surrounding the feud between the families of Clara and Adam. The interaction between Adam and Clara was such fun to read. Adam trying to win Clara over and her not wanting to be under any man's control. The interaction between Adam and his friends added to the story as well as Clara and her group of women associates. The story kept me reading to find out the reason behind the feud. This is a wonderful story, I really enjoyed it.

My honest review in return for this ARC. Absolutely intriguing story. Well written with great characters and plot that will keep you engaged. Fortunately this is the first in this series. Unfortunately the next story is a year away. My recommendation is you put this on your to be read list and watch for the next one as well.

This book was a delight. I loved Clara and her independence, honesty and intelligence. Adam was as aristocratic as an aristocrat could be! I loved the interaction between these two and I had a smile on my face throughout the book. The first scene is my favourite where hero meets heroine.
The added mystery regarding the plot against Adam's father was enjoyable. Although the solution to the mystery happens rather quickly and in the last few pages of the book.

I am excited about this new series! And I can not wait for book 2.

Madeline Hunter has outdone herself again! The first book in the first in a new series called "The Decadent Dukes Society" and "oh my" what DUKES!!!

Adam Penrose, the Duke of Stratton has returned to England after being in France for years and he is determined to find out who was responsible for his Father's death. He knows that his Father committed suicide because he was the one to find him. There were rumors that when Napoleon escaped from exile on Elba and made his way back to France, his Father aided him because his wife and Adam's Mother is French. There was no proof ever given and Adam will do anything to clear his Father's name and he knows just where to start. There has been bad blood between Adam's family and The Earl of Marwood's family for at least two generations. The most prevalent rumors are that the previous Earl of Marwood was the instigator of the whispers of Treason.

Lady Clara Cheswick is in mourning for her beloved Father The Earl of Marwood. She and her Father were very close and when he died he left her independently wealthy so she would not have to depend on her brother for support. Clara is a unique young lady, she has decided that she never wants to marry and give up her freedom and property to any man. She has enough money to do anything she wants with her life.

Adam remembers Clara as "Bright-eyed and vivacious" when she had her Season. Now she is a alluring grown woman who is independent, impertinent, and according to her brother, a shrew. Adam sees something very different in her and is attracted to her right away. A seduction of her would be fitting revenge against the Marwood family.

Clara and Adam are both compelling and intriguing characters that are the hallmark of why I love Madeline's books so much. There is so much depth to her writing that you cannot help falling in love with Clara and Adam. This story is powerful, enthralling and intricate, you will never want it to end. The best way I have of describing Madeline's writing is that I am addicted and never want a cure. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a truly wonderful Historical Romance.

This is 5 stars of yummy goodness. Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton and Lady Clara Cheswick manage to fall deeply in love amidst a generations-old family feud. There's also the lingering stink of treason and family secrets that reveal the presumed guilty as innocent. As if that weren't enough, there are hot sexy times, loyal friends and the ever looming threat of a dual.

Need I say more folks… okay, one last thing. This is a definite must read.

I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I’ve always loved reading Madeline Hunter’s romance novels. The same is true for this first installment in her new Decadent Dukes Society series. She continues to write not only great love stories, but also includes mystery, intrigue and fascinating characters.
The Most Dangerous Duke in London is a tale of two families who have for generations been at odds with each other, sort of an English Hatfields & McCoys feud. In a supposed effort to bring the families together Adam, the Duke of Stratton is offered to marry the youngest daughter of the late Earl of Marwood. He instead is taken by the oldest daughter, Clara, who has no plans to marry and be dependent on any man thanks to her father’s very generous legacy given to her at the time of his death. His pursuit and eventual courtship of Clara makes for a thoroughly enjoyable tale, as they both try to unravel the secrets behind this on-going feud.
I’m so excited that we got to meet the next two Dukes in this series, as they played a pivotal role in the outcome of this installment. All in all, a great love story with interesting characters, dialog, and plot. Looking forward to more in this series. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for providing an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Another fabulous story by Madeline Hunter! I could not put this book down; can’t wait for future stories in the series!

Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton is the hero of this story. He has been in France, and suddenly returns to London; and everyone is leery about how he will behave. Upon his return, the Dowager Countess of Marwood, of the family with whom his has a long standing grudge, requests that the past be laid to rest. What ensues is a battle of wits and definite twist away from the plan envisioned by the Dowager Countess. Rather than agreeing to the Dowager’s plan regarding Adam marrying her granddaughter Emilia, the Duke of Stratton sets his sights on Emilia’s older half-sister Clara. Clara initially wants nothing to do with the Duke, however he keeps turning up when she is hoping to avoid him. Both Adam and Clara are keeping secrets from each other; and as they learn more about each other and spend more time together, their relationship grows. They fall in love, but problems from the past keep them apart, but only for a short while. Once the truth is revealed they get their happily ever after.

The relationships between all the characters, the witty dialogue and the mystery about what happened between the fathers of Adam and Clara, make for a delightful read.

The Most Dangerous Duke In London was an engaging read with characters, both main and secondary, who really were enjoyable. I loved the revenge plot which was rather twisted, the feuding families, the need to clear ones name, and yet fall in love. It has everything a great romance needs and now I am looking forward to the next book in the series! A very well written book that was a pleasure to read.

I really enjoyed this first in a new trilogy! Adam Penrose, the Duke of Stratton, returns home to England after a five year absence to investigate his father's death. There is a scandal attached to the death and he is very aware of the silent stares and unkind words directed his way. He is also suspicious of his neighbor's attempts at reconciliation by marriage, but goes around that by becoming interested in the elder daughter, Lady Clara. Clara has always been rather independent and since her father provided for her future in his estate, she enjoys more freedom than many young ladies.
There is a strong attraction between Adam and Clara and it was interesting to read about their attempts to keep the affair secret when Stratton had already proposed marriage. Clara wants to be very sure that Adam is not just interested in her as a form of revenge against her family. Both of them learn interesting information about their familial past and how to let all of it go.
Many thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for a copy; all opinions are my own.