THIS IS A DUAL/PANDORA'S BOX REVIEW - overall grade, B+/4.5 stars

Dabney and Caz are both fans of Madeline Hunter’s work, and both read Never Deny a Duke – they’re here to share their thoughts on the novel.

Caz: First of all I have to say that I was really relieved to discover that Never Deny a Duke was a big improvement on the previous book in the series, A Devil of a Duke, which just scraped a C grade from me last year. And I liked the premise of this one – and the way Ms. Hunter handles it – quite a lot. Davina MacCallum has come to London in order to petition for the return of the Scottish lands and title she believes were unfairly … ‘diverted’ to an English nobleman following the Jacobite uprising in the mid-1700s, but although the King (George IV) had given her reason to believe he would support her when they met during his recent visit to Edinburgh, when he returns to London nothing happens, so Davina comes south to further her cause. It turns out that the lands in question were given to the Dukes of Brentworth, and the current holder of the title – reserved, discreet and formidable Eric Marshall – has no intention of just handing over part of his estate. This story could so easily have been one of those “feisty-heroine-stomps-her-foot-a-lot-while-driving-reserved-hero-round-the bend” stories, but Ms. Hunter instead presents two grown-up, sensible characters who, while striking sparks off each other, approach the situation with a degree of common sense. They are opponents and neither wants to give way, but they’re not stubborn for the sake of it and while each wants to be proven right, there’s no sense that they’d resort to underhandedness to do it.

Dabney: This is my favorite Hunter since her Rarest Blooms series. This novel is wonderfully calm. As I turned page after page, there was emotional space that rather than being filled with hard to believe drama was simply replete with a growing respect and love between two leads I’d like to spend time with.

Caz: Yep, there was a real sense that these two were mature individuals who thought things through, and that made their attraction even more believable, because they both knew it was so irrational considering their circumstances. The author wisely kept the drama to the actual drama of the situation rather than manufacturing it. And on that note, I also liked the way she handled Brentworth’s Big Secret – which could have been badly overplayed, but wasn’t.

Dabney: Agreed. Even the way the claim to the estate is resolved is sane and sensible. Hunter trusts her characters’ inner thoughts and outer actions to tell the story and does so beautifully.

I also really like the sexual side of this story. This is a sensual story that breaks slowly. Without spoiling, let me just say that the last conversation in the novel the two have about the passion they share was singular in its honesty and focus. I loved it.

Caz: I also appreciated the lack of overdone mental lusting. There’s no doubt about the attraction between the couple, but as you say, it’s a slow, sensual build and it was lovely to read.

I really liked both leads – I keep coming back to the words “mature” and “adult”, and I suppose that’s partly because they’re so strongly contrasted with the number of romance protagonists who don’t behave that way – but I got a real sense that both of them were people who knew themselves and were comfortable in their own skins. They communicate well, even when doing so might not be in the interest of gaining their objective. I particularly liked that Davina, while having unusual ambitions for a woman of the time, doesn’t feel the need to jump up and down while shouting “look how unconventional I am!”

Dabney: Let’s also give a shoutout to how well Hunter handled the history in this book. It could have been sooooo dull, all that stuff about historical documents, church records, and the plunder of the British Empire, but, instead, Hunter tells her story in a way that all those small details are interesting and feel nicely integral to the story.

Caz: Yes, and I particularly liked the way she portrayed the king (George IV) which was, from everything I’ve read, pretty accurate, especially about his propensity to agree to things and then backpedal, or his tendency toward paranoia.

Dabney: I’m happy for you. I am an HR reader who, unless it’s so egregious that I am aware of it – I’m still not clear when the Regency era ends and the Victorian begins – the specific historical veracity of a story doesn’t matter much to me.

Caz: Um… yeah, well, we’re polar opposites on that one. So rather than get into a fight about it (!), I’m going to move on and say this; it’s common, in the last book of a series, to bring back characters from earlier novels, but sometimes that seems as though it’s done just for the sake of it. Here, however, the Duke of Stratton (from The Most Dangerous Duke in London) has a significant part to play. He’s a good friend to Brentworth, listens well and offers good advice, and I appreciated that he wasn’t there just to pay lip service. What I didn’t like so much, though, was the way that both the previous heroes came across as rather hen-pecked (!) I know we like it when these sexy, alpha heroes fall for their women, but that doesn’t mean they need to turn into doormats after the wedding!

Dabney: Um… *looks around furtively* …Well, as someone who is famous for her bossiness and who is blessed to be married to someone who lets me have my own way on many things, I didn’t notice that. I did, however, really like that the friendship between the two men seems real and important to them. They’re not bros raising beers, they’re mature men sharing wisdom and supporting one another.

Caz: I’ve been going back and forth over a final grade for this one and have decided to go with a B+. The characters, the romance, the plot and the historical detail all combine to make this one of those ‘quiet’ character-driven romances I really enjoy.

Dabney: Me too. It’s a lovely, wise, subtly sexy read.

4 Stars! This was a great story! The romance didn’t really kick in until the last quarter of the book. This is the 3rd book in the ‘Decadent Dukes Society’ series & I haven’t read the first 2 books but this book can be read as a stand-alone so you’ll be fine! I definitely recommend this book! I love a strong female character & Davina is just that! She’s also very smart, having learned from her father, who had been a Physician. The Duke of Brentworth was too ‘hard’ & unemotional for me. But don’t worry, he comes alive closer to the end.
*I received this book at no charge from NetGalley to read and review*

Never Deny A Duke

“I am Brentworth” meets strong-willed Davina MacCallum. Unlike ‘appropriate’ females of his class, Davina is neither cowed by nor solicitous of the Duke of Brentworth. Her quest to find proof of her family’s inheritance sets them on a collision course. Madeline Hunter created a captivating end to the Dukes trilogy. Well-developed characters plus undeniable passion lead readers on an intriguingly satisfying journey to a much-deserved HEA. Although this novel can be read as a standalone, the other dukes and their wives that are featured in the story have novels that should not be missed.

Synopsis:

He is the last duke standing

. . . the sole remaining bachelor of the three self-proclaimed Decadent Dukes. Yet Davina MacCallum’s reasons for searching out the handsome Duke of Brentworth have nothing to do with marriage. Scottish lands were unfairly confiscated from her family by the Crown and given to his. A reasonable man with vast holdings can surely part with one trivial estate, especially when Davina intends to put it to good use. Brentworth, however, is as difficult to persuade as he is to resist.

The Duke of Brentworth’s discretion and steely control make him an enigma even to his best friends. Women especially find him inscrutable and unapproachable—but also compellingly magnetic. So when Davina MacCallum shows no signs of being even mildly impressed by him, he is intrigued. Until he learns that her mission in London involves claims against his estate. Soon the two of them are engaged in a contest that allows no compromise. When duty and desire collide, the best laid plans are about to take a scandalous turn—into the very heart of passion . .

My Thoughts:
I believe Madeline Hunter has saved the best of this series for last.

Once I started this book I couldn't put it down.

The most "Ducal Duke" finally meets his match in Davina MacCallum. This pair were obviously meant for each other but is Davina a schemer and a liar or are her claims true?

I was sorry that it is the last book in the Decadent Dukes Society series.
This compelling page turner is not to be missed. It is totally different from it's predecessors and in this reader's opinion the best one.

I loved the characters and story line and would recommend the read.
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for an imaginative and outstanding story and plot.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Well, why would you deny a duke? Because he has some family land that was taken years ago but needs to be returned!! I love this author's stories and she always creates a memorable romance that you cannot put down until the end! A heroine that is determined, Davina MacCallum found out on her father's death bed about an estate that should rightly go to her since a barony is attached. Women are allowed to inherit. But currently it was in the hands of Eric Marshall, Duke of Brentwood. Look out is all I have to say!!
Eric is the last of three dukes that are friend's to be unmarried. He is a "true" aristocrat with his proper and unapproachable manner. He was however very handsome and could almost see your thoughts with his fabulous grey eyes!
Prepare for a delightful match of wills to see who would come out the victor. But in this standoff it seems like they both may win!! What a fantastic series, with an epilogue that brought everyone back together and had me smiling as I turned the last page!!

I love the enemies, turned friends, turned lovers plot line. It makes it all the more sexy, fun, and satisfying when you get the HEA. Many other reviews cover the whole plot line so I won't do that, but let me say that what I did enjoy was that it was different than others I have read and never felt too predictable. I will read more from this author in the future. Very enjoyed. Received an ARC for my fair review.

4.5 stars rounded up

Davina MacCallum has come to London for one reason, to reclaim her birthright. She has finally been granted an audience with the king and plans to show him the letter from his father, stating that the claim is valid. Her great-grandfather the Baron of Teyhill was killed at the battle of Culloden and as all believed his son and heir died and the lands were given to an English nobleman. But she contends her grandfather didn't die, that he was hidden away after the battle for his own safety. The king's aide sympathizes with her, but says the letter from the previous king is not enough, she needs proof that her grandfather was in fact the heir, the heir was recorded as dead. On her way out, she runs into Eric Marshall, the Duke of Brentworth, they met at a salon hosted by Clara, the Duchess of Stratton, whom Davina knows through the journal Clara sponsors. Davina's father was a doctor and Davina worked with him, she was not able to study medicine herself, but has a wealth of knowledge and has written several essays that were printed in the journal. They chat briefly and she leaves, determined to find proof for the king.

Eric has been summoned by the king, he is not sure what it is about, but is sure it won't be good. He sees Davina, who he met and liked, she didn't fawn over him and was quite intelligent, he does wonder about her, but pushes it aside when the king's aide approaches him. Haversham noticed him speaking to Davina and tells him of the problem, and that the king wants to save face. Eric says just give her back the land, problem solved! That is until he learns that his family it the one that received the land. Memories flood him and he refuses to relinquish the estate. He now thinks Davina is a fraud and will prove it!

Their first confrontation is filled with angry words and accusations and far from backing down, Davina becomes more determined than ever to get the estate back. Frustrated, Eric talks to Langford and Stratton about it and they suggest a softer approach, noting that their wives like Davina and don't think she is lying. When rumors start to circulate about them, the king again summons Eric and this time commands him to marry her - that will give her the land and let him keep it. Eric refuses to even consider it. He tries changing tactics with Davina, but she will not let it go and he agrees to work with her to either prove or disprove her claim.

They journey to Scotland (separately) and Eric can't help but admire her. When he goes to her parents home and sees the state of disrepair, he helps her. And when she nurses a friend, he stays with her and their relationship begins to change. By the time the reach Teyhill, Davina wonders how she misjudged him so badly. And when he learns what her plans are for the estate, he realizes that he too, misjudged her. But the estate holds many secrets and opens old wounds, can the relationship they have now forged grow into something more or will those secrets tear them apart?

This was a very good end to the series, the writing is great, the story is interesting, filled with emotion, wonderful characters, an inept chaperone, secrets, revelations, warm love scenes, witty banter (mostly thanks to Langford) and an epilogue that is completely satisfying! This is the last book in the trilogy, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title with no problems. I enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an e-arc that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

This overall series has been a delight. The heroes were perfectly flawed and the heroines not only are their perfect foils, but they had skills, talents, and refreshingly different backstories.

Because of the first two books I was soooooo anticipating watching Brentworth unravel...I wanted to know all the secrets of this delicious Decadent Duke!!! Yet Davina stole my reading heart. She just so wanted a place to belong! Her determination to find her ancestral birthright, her own self worth and future even, was tightly wrapped up in her quest to reclaim the MacCallum’s Scottish lands. And nothing, not even Brentworth, could distract her...even though this very "ducal duke" did his very best #swoon

The man has moves, people. And determination. Lucky for him, Davina is so very pragmatic!

While I would have wanted to know ALL of the Duke of Brentworth’s secrets, watching him fall deeply for Davina, finding her calm him, becoming a true confident, with his calculated pretense of aiding her endeavors to find proof that her grandfather and father were true Scots barons was sooooooo worth my reading time. Silly man...he didn't stand a chance! Not with a Madeline Hunter heroine ;)

So many feelings tied up in this story *sigh*

Not to be missed...that epic epilogue! It was a satisfying ending to this decadently sensual trilogy, to be sure.

This is the story of Davina MacCallum who believes herself to be the heir to an estate in Scotland known as Teyhill. The property was confiscated by the crown before Davina was born but the legend was handed down to her by her father who's father handed it down to him. Davina petitions the present King to return the lands to her based upon a letter she possesses. She is called to Court where she has a chance meeting with the present owner of Teyhill, Eric Marshall, Duke of Brentworth, a.k.a. the most ducal duke thus known because of his strong adherence to propriety and most importantly discretion with women.

Davina's quest is to have her ancestral lands restored to her. As Baroness of Teyhill, she is the rightful owner of the property yet she has no proof of who she is besides the letter. Her appeals to the Crown seem to have fallen on deaf ears, or have they??? Brentworth's chance encounter with Davina occurred because he too was summoned to Court to discuss the matter of Teyhill, unbeknownst to both himself and Davina.

Davina and Brentworth set out on a journey to Scotland as enemies to discover whatever is known about this property. However, Brentworth harbors a secret about Teyhill that he is loath to share with anyone, especially Davina MacCallum. What begins as a quest by enemies turns into a mission to find the truth by friends who have grown to respect each other but not yet fully trust each other. Their collective mission leads them on an adventure where duty and desire are on a collision course. Which will win out?

This was a excellent read by one of my favorite authors. MS Hunter does a fantastic job of giving her readers what they want: romance. Being a part of a series of the Decadent Dukes, this one kept my interest from page one til the end. I liked the characters who had thoughts and feelings of their own. You are sure to enjoy a page turner with this one. I sure did.
Davina MacCallum is one feisty woman who gives as good as she gets. She wants her Scottish lands back and will do anything to get them. But there is one man who won't be bullied.
The Duke of Brentworth is one hard man who gets what he wants either in business or women. When he meets Davina he doesn't know what to make of her. He likes to impress any good looking woman who fall over there own feet to meet him. Davina cares not a thing for him and let's him know it.
His lands once were Davina's and he will not give them up. There is no compromise between them, but duty and desire go to the limits of true passion.
They fall in love, but it will take time and patience of the reader to get there.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

I love everything Madeline Hunter writes, and Never Deny a Duke is no exception. While – in the hands of another author – the hero and heroine’s battle over the ownership of an estate, and a rushed trip up north to Scotland to debate it, would result in a mildly ridiculous romp, Hunter gives the story the perfect amount of weight – while occasionally adding her drier, more mature version of humour.

I really appreciated the tiny, funny touches here and there in this one, as this hero is the most serious of the three in the trilogy. And – as ever – I deeply appreciated the efforts to give both male and female characters friends; there’s more to their lives than the pursuit of the romance.

This is another unconventional heroine, but one who fits into her time period. She aspires to things she knows she cannot have, being a woman, but because she also knows the rules of the society she lives in she has to find other ways to reach those dreams. It’s a good balance of the historical themes designed for the modern reader.

Other than the occasional slip into modern American English (e.g. gotten and ass), Hunter’s Regency world is one I believe in. She never forgets to show the power held by the aristocrats, even as this current series features heroines who marry “up”.

There’s a slower burn to this book than some, but it gave the characters a chance to fall in love realistically, and therefore I enjoyed it all the more.

A solid conclusion to an enjoyable series.

The most formidable Duke has married. Davina has captured Eric’s heart. Madeleine Hunter uses her easygoing manner of writing to craft an unforgettable story. She writes of strong independent women and the men who support them wholeheartedly. Eric could have crush Davina in his position as Duke, but instead he honored her. A beautiful journey of love and partnership.

I really enjoyed this well-written historical romance. Davina MacCallum is seeking to have an estate in Scotland that was unfairly taken from her family. The estate was given to the family of the Duke of Brentworth and the king asks him to find a solution. They are both very direct and unwilling to give up their position. They go on a trip together and get to know each other better. It was very entertaining to see their relationship develop and how things were worked out. I look forward to reading more books by this author and would recommend the author, as well as this book, to others.

At Last! It is the time for the story of Eric Marshall, the Duke of Brentworth, and the Most Ducal Duke. He is the last of the Decadent Dukes, a joking name picked by three young future dukes. The trio of Stratton, Langford and Brentworth knew, even at Eton, they would always be considered and treated differently. As dukes they would someday be the big dogs, top o’ the heap; no title more important or powerful in England, except for royalty.
Brentworth meets his match in Miss Davina MacCallum in Madeline Hunter’s Never Deny a Duke. He owns a Scottish estate; Davina thinks the estate, along with its title-which can be passed down to a woman- belongs to her.
Two kings have promised help to Davina, now one of those kings is dead; the other embarrassed by his promise and just wants the problem to go away. What do you with a problem like Davina? The king comes up with a brilliant idea, or so he thinks, but he is no match for Brentworth.
Davina thinks because the estate’s manor house is mostly destroyed by fire, and because Brentworth has shown no interest in it, that he should just hand it over. But Brentworth, being Brentworth has no intention of handing over any of his properties to a probable fraudster. After all, as he proclaims on numerous occasions, “I am Brentworth”. He is especially not about to lose this particular estate, either by the wish of a King or the efforts of the Scottish nobody.
Before the King makes Brentworth aware of Davina’s claim, he meets her socially as she writes for the journal owned by Clara, the Duchess of Stratton. Brentworth was intrigued by the young woman, who seems curious about him but not impressed with either him, his wealth or his title.
Brentworth, in turn, becomes more interested in the young woman who is willing to go head -to-head with him and a respectful friendship is eventually formed as they both seek proof to her claim for the estate.
Brentworth has always been the most mysterious, self-contained and discreet of the three dukes. It was nice to read of a character who was not a total man-ho. He is almost the complete opposite of Duke of Langford in actions and attitudes. It was amusing and welcome to read of the three friends together, with Brentworth actually consulting Langford for relationship advice. Ms Hunter has written a Regency character more refreshing than most.
Davina is also an original. Hunter has not written about a titled young lady ultimately looking for marriage, but a strong woman of common origins who has managed her life and is willing to go to some lengths to prove her claim. Davina pits herself against a King, a Duke, a Scottish nationalist.
Hunter, with Never Deny a Duke has hit the trifecta of an entertaining plot, original characters and writing as smooth as silk. Bonus points for the history behind the claim and the portrayal of Scotland.
The Decadent Dukes has been one of my all time favorite Regency series. I am sorry to see it end; but I will look forward to Hunter’s next series.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

. the sole remaining bachelor of the three self-proclaimed Decadent Dukes. Yet Davina MacCallum’s reasons for searching out the handsome Duke of Brentworth have nothing to do with marriage. Scottish lands were unfairly confiscated from her family by the Crown and given to his. A reasonable man with vast holdings can surely part with one trivial estate, especially when Davina intends to put it to good use. Brentworth, however, is as difficult to persuade as he is to resist.

The Duke of Brentworth’s discretion and steely control make him an enigma even to his best friends. Women especially find him inscrutable and unapproachable—but also compellingly magnetic. So when Davina MacCallum shows no signs of being even mildly impressed by him, he is intrigued. Until he learns that her mission in London involves claims against his estate. Soon the two of them are engaged in a contest that allows no compromise. When duty and desire collide, the best laid plans are about to take a scandalous turn—into the very heart of passion



My thoughts

Wow what a great way to end a great series, I can't tell which of the books are my all time favorite so I'm saying they all are, the series kept getting better and better with each book and I loved seen how each of the characters find their perfect match , and how though out the series it made me laugh , the writing style reminds me of another author who I also love to read and now I can't wait to read more of this one's books with that said I want to thank Netgalley for letting me read and review it exchange for my honest opinion.

"Never Deny a Duke" by Madeline Hunter
I loved reading this Regency romance. Via NetGalley, I requested the opportunity to read an ARC and was thrilled to receive the notification that my request had been granted. As I said already, I loved this story. There is a great deal of suspense, making this a real page-turner, a book you just don't want to put down for later.... it seemed that every time a tid-bit of information was revealed... another roadblock to a happy ending seemed to pop into place. But don't get discouraged.. Love and Right win out in the end. Yes there is a bit of spice in this story.. but I am sure you will be able to handle it, as it is only a few dashes of hot spices.

‘Never deny a duke’ - I don’t think I could deny this particular duke anything! What a wonderful treat this book is, great storyline, very likeable characters and such a wonderful treat.
Davina MacCallum is trying to find evidence of ownership for her ancestral home and title that was lost almost a century ago. The Duke of Brentford, sultry, brooding and known for being unapproachable, is the current ancestral estate owner. After partitions to the king, Davina and Brentford are thrown together in solving the problem of ownership.
I would thoroughly recommend this book and I thought Miss Ingram was a gem, she doesn’t say much but I loved this character for obvious reasons. A great read!

Book Title: Never Deny a Duke
Author: Madeline Hunter
Pub Date: April 30, 2019

***ARC was provided to me by Net Galley and the Publisher for a fair and honest review***

Overall rating: 2.5/5 Enemies turned friends turned lovers story

Heroine (Davina MacCallum): 3/5 Davina studied under her father, a physician until he past. She believed her father and grandfather’s story of being descended from a Baron who perished at the battle of Culloden. She is a bit stubborn and feels out of her element in London drawing rooms but manages to hold her own even against a certain duke.

Hero (Eric the Duke of Brentworth): 2.5/5 Eric is believed to be the most ducal duke. He strikes fear into the hearts of his peers and match making mamas give him a wide hearth. He is Brentworth and he should not be crossed.

Plot: 2/5 Davina comes to London to prove her birthright to the estate of Teyhill. It’s a Scottish estate and currently held by the Duke of Brentworth. Eric finds Davina interesting until he learns of her purpose of taking away his estate. Though at odds and both believing they are correct they set out to find proof one way or the other. Can they spend so much time in each other’s company and keep their hands to themselves?

Personal Review: This is the final installment of the decadent duke series. It is very slow to get going but is a fair read.

Davina is a healer and gets to put her skills to the test in the story a few times but it is largely unrelated to the plot. Her patients don’t have any information she or Eric need so there is no real narrative stakes in her healing. It’s just a catalyst for her desire to take back Teyhill. There had to be better ways to include her healing in the story.

Eric is exceedingly private and wants to hide the fire from the public. But someone died, so how does the matter just get brushed aside and no one looks into the fire’s cause. Eric’s past also doesn’t matter in the long run. He doesn’t have to face a fire or get spooked by fires despite his excessive burn. So it’s inclusion is just a device for him not to want to go the estate for the past ten years. His old mistress’ behavior wasn’t even a hurdle for Eric to get past. It was just there to make Davina feel jealous of a dead girl with a mental illness.

He is the last duke standing,the sole remaining bachelor of the three self-proclaimed Decadent Dukes. Yet Davina MacCallum’s reasons for searching out the handsome Duke of Brentworth have nothing to do with marriage. Scottish lands were unfairly confiscated from her family by the Crown and given to his. The Duke of Brentworth’s discretion and steely control make him an enigma even to his best friends. Women especially find him inscrutable and unapproachable but also compellingly magnetic. So when Davina MacCallum shows no signs of being even mildly impressed by him, he is intrigued. Soon the two of them are engaged in a contest that allows no compromise.
I was intrigued by Brentworth in previous books in the series, so was excited to read this book. I found it to be an engrossing read, well written & well paced. I was drawn in from the first page. The characters have plenty of depth. I especially liked the relationship between Eric & Davina & how it developed from at odds over a tract of land to liking each other, to becoming friends & finally lovers. They travelled from London to Edinburgh & to Northumberland accompanied by a delightful chaperone & all the while came to know each other whilst faling in love
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

After the passing of her beloved father, Davina has come to London to find something: her heritage. She has met some interesting and helpful people along the way. Unfortunately, she is also meeting others who are rather intent on thwarting her from achieving her goal.
Eric is a duke, and he’s quite imposing as far as dukes go. Exceptionally handsome for a duke doesn’t hurt him either. While Davina and her interests might be attractive, he’ll be damned if her goals will get in the way of his life and lands.
These two might have been enemies except for their attraction to each other and their combined desire for discovering the truth of a history that affects both of their lives.
This was a terrific story with wonderful characters and a fascinating plot. It’s one that reads from start to finish as it’s soo difficult to put aside. The H and h are both strong characters and as such are all the more interesting. I highly recommend this one, and plan to find the others in this series to read as well.