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The Duke in Question

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Member Reviews

I'm always here for a historical romance that mixes things up, and espionage plots are a great way to introduce new levels of drama. This Victorian romance takes us across the sea as Lady Bronwyn hides in plain sight on her brother's ocean liner with all the airs expected of an aristocrat. Meanwhile, she hides documents intended to disrupt the American Civil War. She's horrified to find the Duke of Thornbury, former spymaster, aboard, even though he's long featured in nightly fantasies. If he catches Bronwyn and unmasks her as the Kestrel, her career and mission will both come to a shrieking halt.

It's an age gap romance with the flavor of "I fell for my best friend's little sister" but make it historical. While that combination of tropes can give me the ick, it works here. Bronwyn makes herself a constant challenge and earns Valentine's respect and trust once the nature of her skills and achievements come to light. It gets hot and heavy fast for those who don't like to wait around for chemistry to develop. And honestly lol at these allosexuals running around being attracted to inconvenient people and/or people they find distasteful. Not content to stop at enemies-to-lovers, this book goes for full lovers-while-enemies, gifting readers a delightful cat-and-mouse game on an international scale. A fast pace makes the book easy to devour, and our icy duke doesn't even have much time for the typical brooding of his fictional class, reducing him to glowering and grumbling, etc. as he runs after his slippery quarry.

I love how socially and historically aware this book is, which is typical for the series. Bronwyn puts herself in danger's way knowing which privileges will protect her that aren't afforded to others due to her race, wealth, and status. She's keen to do her part and not sit back and let injustices happen. We see her reflect on her role as an ally generally and for specific people in her life. For example, her horrible mother is a thorn in Bronwyn's side, but she knows she has a role to play in influencing her to be a better person so that her half-brother doesn't have to.

I came to love both protagonists and their bond as a couple. Side characters also enhanced my enjoyment. Bronwyn's hilarious Aunt Esther knows no boundaries and defies expectations splendidly. Thornbury's ex is a fierce, cunning queer woman who it turns out will star in the next book in the series, so I'm pumped. Pick this book up for the chemistry and the spycraft. Stay for the romance and the social commentary. Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for my copy to read and review!

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I received this book from the publisher, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

The Duke In Question" presents a whirlwind of excitement and passion, offering readers a gripping romance set against the backdrop of Civil War America, Paris, and London. Building upon the enchanting elements of its predecessors, this novel transports readers to even more captivating locales, weaving a tale of intrigue and sensuality.

Valentine and Bronwyn have undeniable chemistry, fueling scenes of intense passion and desire. Their relationship evolves from raw attraction to something deeper and more complex, challenging each other's perceptions and beliefs along the way.



"The Duke In Question" delivers a thrilling blend of romance, adventure, and historical intrigue. Amalie Howard once again proves her mastery in crafting compelling narratives filled with diverse characters and steamy romance. For fans of historical romance, this series is an absolute must-read, with this installment undoubtedly ranking as a standout favorite.

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This book wasn't for me. I am not into espionage and that took up most of the book. I did not feel any chemistry between the characters.

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Wow!!!

This was a ride! I couldn't put it down. The willingness of Lady Bronwyn Chase, sister of the Duke Of Ashvale, to put herself in danger, in America during the Civil War with no training and NO true life experience...naive. While her motives and hopes are good and have merit, her methods are flawed.

Valentine Alexander Medford, Duke of Thornbury, has been in the service of the Crown for decades and is on his final mission. He doesn't want to retire, but the Crown wants him to take his place as Duke and take care of his title....marry, beget his heir and a spare. He wants to end his career on a positive note, but his "prey" keeps eluding him and he is frustrated.

This, like the other books in this series is action packed and fast paced. We had the trip to America, then France, and back to London. We had attempted murders, kidnapping, foot chases, fisticuffs, epic betrayals and ultimately...our HEA! The inbetween times were for Bronwyn and Valentine to grow toether and learn to trust each other.

I especislly liked that her brother, Courtland, gave her the space tovspread her wings. Yes, he covertly kept tabs on her, but for her safety. I liked that in the end he helped her see she had the power to help others that did not require her to endanger her life. That she had a voice and she could use it to get others to add their assistance to help also.

I am still not a fan of her mother, the Marchioness of Borne, she is vile and needs a slap down. Bronwyn told her mother there are still of her siblings left that could be on her side, but I am hoping they each also greatly disappoint her and find their HEA with people that make them happy.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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ntine is a retired spy who just happens to be on the same ship to America with his ex wife and she with a companion!
Browyn is a highly trained operative but to Valentine she is a silly debutante with her eyes on the prize of a Duke or any titled peer!
But Valentine ex Lisbeth is sure there is much more to her!
If you like villains, snippets of American history thrown These flames come from these two but also their adventures!
Valentine is best friends with Courtland Browyn’s half brother!

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Swoony, sweet plus a surprisingly engaging plot. This has brought me back fully into my historical romance era.

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Phew.. this is very steamy, very fast and well written. I love that it visits different regions. Valentine and Brownwyn has great chemistry.
The author definitely did her research. It's accurate and comprehensive.

You will not be disappointed.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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This story caught my eye by being described as James Bond meets Bridgerton and it did not disappoint. This is a steamy enemies to lovers with a spy theme. A Duke outside of stuffy society was a nice change of pace & I loved the political aspects.

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Why did I wait so long on this one? It was a delight! It drew me in from the very start. The combative nature between Bronwyn & Valentine was the perfect sizzle to their electric chemistry. The fire that was glowing in every single interaction stoked the flames until combustion. Bronwyn is the perfect heroine of strength. She is chock full of tenacity and knows what she wants. She is not afraid to speak her mind and will do whatever it takes to get what she deserves. She is not breakable but forged of steel, just as Valentine said. The true delight and surprise was the humour in their passion. From such a stern, straight-laced beast it was truly unexpected. That soft side of Valentine is what made him so irresistible. Amalie Howard outdid herself with the heat of this novel from the very start. A thoroughly entertaining read!

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I love Amalie Howard's historical romance, and I love how this book had some intrigue and excitement to it as well!

Bronwyn Chance knows her mother is desperate to have her married off, and married well. But with so much going on in the world, she wants to play an active role in changing the political landscape. So begins her work as the Kestrel, a secret operative who uses her easy access to the ton to pass along critical information. This puts her squarely in the sights of the icy cold Duke of Thornbury, an apt title for a man who does not take kindly to liars or those who try to evade him.

As their two paths converge, Valentine struggles to balance his anger at Bronwyn with his unexpected desire to protect her at all costs. Steamy, angsty, and absolutely loved every single time we got a glimpse of his thoughts in his POV. Loved this couple and their happy ending!

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I could have loved this book, but in the end it didn’t quite work for me. First, I loved some of the banter, I enjoyed the spy aspect, some of the action scenes were good, & the characters weren’t bad. The things I didn’t like: no romance—lust all the way! The first sex scene was a surprise considering she was a virgin. There was a lot of sex—I know what kind of book this is, but I also love watching people fall in love & this lacked that. And why can’t grown men not control their erections? You have guns pointed everywhere & you get a hard on?? I’m a little disappointed because it started off strong, but ultimately not my kind of “romance”.

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I really enjoyed this book, and am racing to go back and read the previous books in this series. I loved that this book took place partly on a ship, and the spy aspect was so different and unique! Ms. Howard is definitely a new favorite author!

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Amalie Howard is definitely an auto read author for me and this title didn't disappoint. I love the spy and trope, and being stuck on a boat- I loved the relationship between Bronwyn and Valentine.

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I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. I really enjoyed this book. It was really well written and it just had you trying to solve the mystery. I look forward to seeing what’s next from this author.

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This is the third book in the series. Not having read the previous book, I was a bit confused, feeling that I definitely did not have enough back story about Lady Bronwyn Chases' half brother, the Duke of Ashvale. But this story is about her, a young lady of the aristocracy, who wants to make her mark upon the world and help those being discriminating against, after finding out she had a half brother who inherited the dukedom after her father's death. She has become an agent of the crown, or at least that is what she believes, and she takes off to Philadelphia on her brother's ship to prevent the kidnapping of President Lincoln. Also on the ship is her brother's cousin, Rawley, who is keeping an eye on her and Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury, her brother's best friend, a retired spy and a man that she has had a crush on. The Duke is helping his fake ex-wife, Lisbeth, another spy to find the infamous and elusive Kestrel. Bronwyn has him convinced she is a nitwit, but Lisbeth has her number. When things go wrong in Philadelphia, Valentine doesn't know whether to arrest her, protect her or spank her. She leads him on a merry chase through Paris and then London. Engaging story, delightful characters and witty banter make it an entertaining read.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.com. this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

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Preliminary 5-star review. Will post a full review and adjust the rating accordingly after I finish the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.

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This is the third book in Amelie Howard's most recent series. It follows the story of Lady Bronwyn Chase, who is the Duke of Ashvale's sister and Lady Borne's daughter. Bronwyn pretends to be a vapid and dollar focused lady, but in truth, she is a wily, witty courier in a spy ring known as "The Kestrel." Aboard her brother's ship to Philadelphia, she hopes to thwart a kidnapping of a major political figure.

The Duke of Thornberry, Valentine Alexander Medford, is a good friend to Ashvale. While he was initially attracted to Bronwyn, his chosen profession has kept him from following the pursuit of any lady. He is, of course, a master spy. His current task, even though he is retired, is to find the Kestrel.

Bronwyn has always appreciated Valentine's physical appearance, but she knows he is strictly off limits. While doing her role to thwart the kidnapping, Valentine follows her and saves her from ruffians. The adrenaline high leads to a chase through the woods. Things turn rather steamy in the woods... Up against a tree!

I enjoyed the writing of the spy vs spy and enemies to lovers story. There were definitely moments where I personally didn't prefer the plot line; however, the writing is still superb.

The steam is very high for these two. In some ways it's almost too frenetic. Again that's a preference.

I greatly appreciated how Bronwyn is written as a woman seeking her own way. I also like the journey that Valentine takes to understand Bronwyn's perspective.

This book is well worth the read!

Note: I received an advance reader copy of this title from #netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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This was an enjoyable romance that I didn't want to put down. I loved the main characters and the story was well developed.

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The Duke in Question by Amalie Howard was FANTASTIC. I am obsessed with this authors books and surprises me every time I complete then. I loved the relationship between the two main characters. It was so sweet and steamy. I need to read more of her books. 10/10

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Lady Bronwyn Chase leaves London on her brother's passenger liner bound for America with a packet of secret letters that could get her into trouble. Serious trouble—the kind a duke's sister shouldn't be in; the kind that puts spymaster Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury, on her trail. But as the duke gets closer to Bronwyn and the secrets she's keeping, he'll have to decide between the mysterious woman who calls to him, or his allegiance to the Crown. Intriguing book. Am voluntarily leaving my review.

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