Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It has been published in January 2021.

"The Duke's Privateer" by Amy Jarecki was quite a disappointing read.
First of all, there is no privateer in this book. The protagonist is a smuggler if you can even call her that. Actually, she *used to be* a smuggler: by the time the story begins, she doesn't even do her own smuggling anymore, a ship captain does it for her. For the duration of the story, Eleanor is more of a fence than a smuggler, and certainly not a privateer. She never was a privateer. She never even *met* a privateer. Well, I guess "The Duke's Fence" wouldn't have worked as well for the marketing, but I really don't appreciate it when the title of a book flat out lies about the content. It's the equivalent of clickbait!
The second issue is, the motivations behind the love story are preposterous: Eleanor is a self-proclaimed old maid, a 27-year-old bluestocking, unmarried by choice, and yet from the very beginning of the book she starts swooning over the Duke (whom she barely knows) just because... he has green eyes? No other motivation for her lust-at-first-sight is ever mentioned in the book. Am I supposed to believe that in her 27 years of life she had never come across a green-eyed man before? They're fairly common in the UK, come on!
Another thing that really bothered me is, it's plain to see that this novel tries to present itself as feminist, but it miserably fails at that. The main character is constantly reminding the reader that she's very content with her spinsterhood, but the thin feminist veneer pretty much flies out the window in chapter one to never make an appearance again. The rest of the novel is just an interminable series of sexist stereotypes.
To top it all off, in the very beginning of the novel one of the secondary characters encourages the protagonist to go after the Duke, a known womanizer, by telling her that the man is only a rake because he hasn't found the right woman yet, and that if she loves him enough, the Duke will change his ways, settle down and magically turn into a faithful husband. Nice progressive message there. I understand this is set in 1819, but it's being published in 2021, and I just can't take such rubbish seriously.
And what about the scene where Eleanor eavesdrop on her crush reading a raunchy novel out loud to her father? That's disturbing! It's the 19th century equivalent of a woman spying on her own father watching porn. We're halfway into incest territory here. The fact that Eleanor's father is mentally ill to the point that he's unable to talk or communicate in any way his wishes - thus he doesn't have a say in choosing which books people read to him - makes this scene all the more upsetting.
The bits about the baby are so poorly researched that they made me cringe. A baby is found who is said to be a few days old. Just a few pages later, someone says that the same baby "will be able to eat soft foods in one or two weeks". What?! Right after that, the baby is referred to as a "newborn" and soon after that she's heard babbling "pa-pa". This is preposterous! Why didn't the author bother to learn what the developmental stages of a baby are? A simple Google search would have sufficed to avoid this embarrassing jumble.
Last but not least, the narrator of the audiobook did an awful job of reading this book: every "P" and "B" he pronounces sounds like an explosion, even if I turn the volume on my device all the way down.

Used for NETGALLEY TESTING purposes on AUDIO playback only. EXCELLENT audio. No dragging or problems with live streaming on iPhone device.

Audible/Book Review
Sometimes a lady has to do what a lady has to do, and in this case, Eleanor Kent needed funds desperately to support her father and estate. So she became "an exceptional purveyor or many different art forms and more" .. yes a privateer. 

Sher, the Duke of Danby, on the other hand, was the eliminator of Privateers!  Eleanor begins walking a fine line between keeping her nefarious activities a secret and Sher's interest in her "importing operations."

Oh there is an attraction there and they begin to a dance around each other. Danby is determined even if he finds out she is involved in smuggling, he will give no quarter. But he as he spends time with her and understands her plight, his heart begins to get involved.

Sher won my heart and I loved Eleanor with her intelligence and strength! The narrator was excellent and distinguished the different characters. His emotions and inflections were excellent.

Another amazing story in this great series and I cannot wait for more!

This was a very lovely story. Eleanor is a strong female heroine that is a head of herself for the time period. She is a good business woman that supports herself and her father. Sher, is the Duke of Danby who finds himself drawn to Eleanor. This is a slow burn but well worth the wait.

I really enjoyed this book, the cat and mouse antics between Sher and Eleanor were cute. Sher suspected Eleanor early on as being more than she seemed, but he had a hard time accepting it. Eleanor is someone who does what’s needed to not only survive but thrive. I liked the fact that she took in disadvantaged kids and then gave them access to a better life. She wasn’t a fool nor a simpering beauty but a strong woman who wouldn’t be beaten down. Sher is more like a stereotypical member of the ton in the beginning but comes to appreciate  that Eleanor is not a typical woman.  This is an enjoyable book which great characters, I highly recommend it if you enjoy Regency era romance books. The narrator of this audio book was a pleasure to listen to.

An enjoyable, though rather standard Nineteenth Century romance novel with a pirate twist. I will admit I had hoped that the smuggling plotline would happen on actual ships and we would be able to see our couple in a pirate action sequence instead of just in the battle of courtesy and politics. There are a few things that I’d like to mention.

1. The characters - Eleanor and Sher are both interesting and well-developed. They’re also quite well matched, of course. I thoroughly enjoyed glimpses into both of their heads. I loved seeing Eleanor’s friendships with the other wealthy characters as well as her staff. 

2. The plot - The smuggling plotline, especially the investigation and suspicion, was fantastic. However, I was disappointed that it ended abruptly half way through the book. I understood the need for the characters to actually bond without suspicion hanging over their heads, but I do wish the chase had gone on longer or for some larger mention of Eleanor’s involvement in smuggling to have come back at the end. It felt like it was resolved too easily.

3. I have a general comment about the book. I was a bit annoyed at how standard and even cliche some of it was. It's fine to use common tropes and themes, but this book went beyond that. I genuinely felt for a good portion of the book like I wasn't reading anything new. There was nothing original about certain parts of the story. In fact, other than the smuggling gimmick, the Margaret plotline, and Eleanor's father, the entire book was like a rehash of every other period romance novel. It was almost boring because I could guess exactly what was going to happen before it did just because I'm familiar with other books. I won't go as far as to say it felt stolen (that would be an exaggeration), but I think the author could have put it a lot more effort into originality.

In conclusion, I recommend this book to any romance fans who want to read the same book they’ve read before, just with different characters and a slightly different conflict.

I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review by own choice.

This was an entertaining story. Eleanor Kent, daughter of a viscount, has been acting as a privateer to help solve her family’s debts. She is also responsible for obtaining artefacts for Prinny. She is a bold and resourceful lady. Unfortunately for Eleanor, the Duke of Danby has been tasked with revealing those who are smuggling goods into the country. I enjoyed the way that Eleanor and Danby got to know each other. Eleanor’s dealings with the staff was also diverting. The narrator had an easy voice to listen to and he brought the characters to life by using different voices. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I picked The Duke's Privateer expecting the protagonist to be a privateer. I think this was a pretty fair assumption given the title. Privateer as defined by the Cambridge dictionary is "a person or ship allowed by a government to attack and steal from ships at sea", or in plain words a legal pirate. But it turns out she is a smuggler who some characters call a privateer, despite her doing any privateering.
The romance was cute at times, but I feel like the characters needed some fleshing out, and the manner in which the plot was laid out could have been improved.

Come into the Dragon's Lair, if you dare!

Yummy duke Sherborn is tasked by the crown with ferreting out all smugglers.  He suspects things aren't what they seem with the enchanting Eleanor and her father's import company, and it's certainly no hardship for him to start spending time with her and her infirmed father in the off chance he might learn a few secrets.

Eleanor doesn't want to be attracted to Sher, but their white-hot chemistry doesn't really give her much choice.  She has even fewer choices once her secrets come out, and that's when this romance really takes off.  Sher and Eleanor are forced to work together and how they work through balancing their mutual attraction against their mutual mistrust and conflicting goals makes for a thrilling romance that culminates in a very happy HEA.   

I greatly admired Eleanor for what she was able to accomplish and for how she was able to handle the changes that Sher brought to her life.  Throughout it all she remained faithful to her values and to her heart, and I loved her more and more as the story went on.  Sher is everything a girl could want in a leading man, proving himself to be compassionate and faithful even when he didn't quite understand why.  

This is a complex story with two distinct acts; the first takes place in London, then the story changes its focus to Sher's country estate, a castle in Northern England.  The supporting characters in each part were vibrantly written and added a lot of depth to the story.  

I listened to the audiobook version and was instantly captivated by the narrator's gentle British accent.  He did a fine job of voicing the various characters, imbuing each with a distinctive sound that greatly enhanced the storytelling.  

This author always writes fascinating characters with enthralling stories, and this one is one of her best.  I highly recommend it for any reader of historical romance.  I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of the audiobook through NetGalley.

I really struggled to get into this story and I'm a big fan of this genre. This is my first time experiencing this author and this series. Sadly I don't think I'll go back and start book 1 & 2 but thankyou for the opportunity to listen to it

I chose this audible book in error.  I thought it a historical novel but, for me, is a historical romance.  The narrator, Philip Battley, whose pronunciation, diction and accent was excellent but the story was not for me.  A narrator is, for me, so important to an audible book and can either make or break the enjoyment of an audible story.  In my opinion, an audible book allows the listener to 'hear' words, which sometimes are unfamiliar to the listener whereas in a reading book, you ''see'' the  word.  CHINOISERIE was a new word for me, and so, even if the story did not hold my attention I did learn something new.  Isn't reading/listening to stories amazing? 

I give a 3 star rating and honest review of this audible book.

I WANT TO THANK NETGALLEY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY OF READING 
AN ADVANCED COPY OF THIS AUDIBLE BOOK

I absolutely adored this romance between Eleanor Kent, the enterprising Privateer, and the Duke of Danby. I especially enjoyed how Eleanor was such a powerful force, so independent and unflinching in the face of having to stand alone in the world of men. Likewise, I found it beyond pleasing that Danby was charming and regal, while remaining unafraid to show affection toward the infirm and children, nor was he ashamed to write poetry or appreciate aesthetic beauty in decor.

The main love interests, Eleanor and Danby, begin with a chance encounter during an event hosted by the Prince Regent. It’s quickly revealed that Eleanor is actually at Prinny’s event because she has been his personal mastermind behind the design and the illegal sourcing of many pieces adorning the rooms. Meanwhile, it is also disclosed that the Duke of Danby is a part of a special task force to sniff out smugglers, in cooperation with the Prime Minister.

Despite the danger of spending too much time with one of the men hunting Privateer’s, such as herself, Eleanor quickly goes from passing acquaintance to becoming engaged as a consultant in a chinoiserie redecorating project - of the Duke’s master bedroom. That one meeting starts a cascade of events that draw the couple closer, until they can no longer deny what is between them.

The writing quality is excellent - a mix between fast-paced scenes, engaging dialogue, and occasionally riding the edge of flowery but without crossing over too far. For the audiobook version, the narration by Phillip Battley was quite good. I was not especially enamored with the voices he used for the main two characters, but his consistency of form overrode any complaint about the particular pitch and timbre. He was an exceptionally competent reader, bringing variation of sound to life (from the intimacy of whispers and murmurs, to a baby cry or even a dog barking), and I would absolutely listen to more works by him.

This story takes its time. If you like to experience the slow build of a relationship from attraction to a raw forest fire of desire, you will find yourself satisfied with this story. After this, I intend to go back and read the first two books in this series.

Eleanor and the Duke
Duke of Danby is head of the smuggling task force trying to stop the smuggling. who is also a rake.
Eleanor is a fierce independent  woman trying to protect her family and home by smuggling for people including the Prince,
A good  intriguing Historical drama, light fun and tender romance.
Eleanor and Danby has a connection that neither one can denied
Enjoyed listening to narrator did great with all voices.He had a very pleasant voice.
Voluntarily reviewed.

Spinster Eleanor Kent is one of England’s most sought after smugglers, her work for the Prince Regent has placed her in the path of the Duke of Danby the audacious rake and head of the smuggling task force. Danby becomes quite intrigued by Eleanor, he’s gets her to renovate his bedroom, he starts reading to her invalid father and the chase is on. Eleanor knows he’s up to something and decides to keep her enemy close to her and see where this friendship leads.  I love these two they are perfect together as they try to outwit each other, an attraction grows, but then the walls are closing in on the smuggling ring and Eleanor has choices to make to save her life and her company. I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story.

A thousand thanks to NetGalley for this ARC from Oliver Heber books.

Swept up in the current fervour for Historical Romance , this first book choice for 2021 was a great jumping off point. As sweet as the Madeira wine smuggled in the holds of ships, as fiery as the titian haired heroine of the piece . A brisk , fun and enjoyable romp . The Prince Regent turns a  blind eye to the rather dubious way a young lady seeks to support her ailing Father . A Duke set by the PM to curtail the excesses of the Privateers , both set at odds...Adversaries become strangely entangled.

This is a book that speaks to female empowerment, independence  and a sudden if at first begrudging respect for that  by our hero. This book cleverly examines more than just  a love affair and I liked the subtle social commentary that came from the sub plots of foundling children and charitable dispositions. Resulting in a book book that  is filled with warm humour as well as a fair bit of bodice heaving and wicked glances!

The narration of this Audiobook version was deft and light- I would certainly seek out more Phillip Battley Narrations

The Narration: Philip Battley did an excellent job narrating this book. He had a pleasantly accented voice for both the male and female characters. He portrayed the female characters without being noticeable or awkward. His performance also made the funny parts of the book shine through. Narration rating: 5/5

The Story: 
I enjoyed the historical setting of the Regency Period added so much to this story. I especially liked that the partying Prince Regent, Prinny, plays a pivotal role in the story.

The characters were likeable and fun. Eleanor was an easy character to like: she was working hard to provide for her ill father and created a profitable privateering business. The Duke is a rogue, but  is kind to Eleanor and her father. I think it is hilarious that he was reading a risqué book to Eleanor’s father to help with his recovery.

The conflict comes when the Duke is trying to track down a smuggling ring. Little does he know Eleanor, the person redecorating his bedroom,  is the head of the smuggling ring. They marry to save her from privateering charges, but I think at that point neither one of them fought having to marry too hard.

The one element in the plot that I thought was unnecessary was the baby. Eleanor and the Duke are strolling in the park one day and hey, look at that...a baby. I thought it was an unnecessary and odd element to add to the plot.

I enjoyed this entertaining Regency romance. The characters have chemistry and their fun banter is a highlight of the book. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy open door historical romance. Story Rating: 4/5

How far are you willing to go to uncover a secret?

The Duke of Danby is well known among Britain for his rakish behavior; But upon given the mission to rid England of smugglers, nothing will stand in his way. Not when the Prince Regent managed to bankrupt the Kingdom more than once, and Danby will not stand by as his country crumbles.
Eleanor Kent remembers how it feels to be helpless and hungry. At twenty-seven Eleanor might be a spinster, but she will never be hungry again, for she is one of the most successful privateers in England.
When the duke of Danby begins to show an interest in Eleanor and her father, she is not a fool. She knows the duke is snooping around to find smugglers, and the last thing she wants is for him to snoop around in her business. But Danby is relentless, and the closer the two get, the harder it is for Eleanor to detect what is real and what is nothing but a scheme to expose her.
Throw in an orphan baby, an ill father, some loyal servants, and a meddling Prince Rigint, and you get this intriguing and beautiful novel.

The Duke's Privateer is an original novel that follows a strong and smart heroine and a Bright and cunning Duke as they find their way to one another in a most unusual way.
Eleanor's character, intelligence, and utter kindness made me adore her throughout the book. Amy Jarecki created this remarkable woman whose heart and intelligence made her such a success in a world that was only for men back in these days.
Also, the chemistry between Eleanor and Danby was great and I enjoyed following Danby as he tried to protect Eleanor while finding all the smugglers in England and saving his country. Seeing how kind and admiring Danby was with Eleanor every time she reviled another piece of herself to him was absolutely heart-warming.
The only thing I would add was more of Margaret and Eleanor or Danby because at times I've even forgotten of her existence.

Overall The Duke's Privateer is an intriguing historical romance, full of banter, intelligence, and lovely characters.

This was only 2nd audiobook I ever listened and I really enjoyed the audio version of this historical romance. 

The story was interesting and I liked the historical details, I really liked prince Prinny with all of his parties, dinners and interfering with main heroes. 

I really loved Philip Battley, the narrator. He did an excellent job with all the voices, he used different height of voice and accents to make it more interesting. I could listen to him all day.  He has a soft and intriguing voice that you just want to listen over and over.

I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. These words are my own.
This is my first audiobook I've listened to. I wasn't sure what to expect but I enjoyed it. Philip Bately did an excellent job with the characters.
As for the story itself, you have a very strong, intelligent,  feisty, beautiful heroine in Eleanor. She is the daughter of a Viscount who is not afraid to turn their depleted funds around by doing hard work. She becomes a privateer and smuggler.
Our hero is Sherbirn, a young good looking, unmarried Duke. He is haughty and cocky. He takes on the commission given him by the Prime Minister to chase down the smugglers causing the government to lose money in tariffs.
This sets up the beginnings of a wonderful relationship.  With its ups and downs , this story had a few twists to it.
My only criticism is the constant miscommunication between the two.  It started to get annoying. 
4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to provide an honest review.

In this historical romance we are following Eleanor who is a privateer who obtains art, alcohol, artifacts, etc for wealthy people of society. Meanwhile, the Duke of Danby, Sher, is trying to rid the country of smugglers to make sure the kingdom doesn't fall into bankruptcy. Although they have opposing goals, they are attracted to each other creating a tangled web which eventually leaves them both in tenuous circumstances.

Firstly, I really liked the premise of this book. We had this spunky heroine who is independent, caring and has lovely, trusting relationships with her staff. I am sure they are out there but I have never read a romance with a female smuggler so I liked those hard and soft aspects of her character. I also really liked the side plot of Margaret and seeing how that progressed throughout the book and in their relationship.

Despite what I did like, I felt that the conflict was resolved too quickly. I would have loved more fleshed out backstories for both of the main characters, especially Eleanor. We know she had a rough past because of money problems stemming from her fathers illness but I wish we got more details of her scrounging to survive and keep her family afloat. We are told Sher is a rake but we dont really see evidence of this on page. He doesnt't have a lot of personality IMO. I also would have liked more angst. It felt like other minor events happening around them took away from the romance so I didn't really feel adequately convinced of their want of each other. The mundane married life took up too much real estate in the second half of the book. If that was condensed, there would have been far more room for character development and the romance itself.

Overall, this was just okay. Its a fun, easy read with a good premise but it needed more fleshing out. I think this would be a great option for people who want less romance or just want to try out historicals for the first time. The smut is also pretty tame compared to other historicals I've read so this can be an option for readers who want more fade-to-black smut.

Audiobook was a good listening experience. Really enjoyed the narrators voice.

2.5 stars rounded up to a 3