Cover Image: The Duke in Question

The Duke in Question

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Member Reviews

I like this series and this installment was particularly good, love Bronwyn and her whole approach to life and the world and her confidence and it was steamy!

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This was an amazing, beautiful read. The romance, the spies, war all of it wonderfully tied up in this book. I loved the first two books and couldn't wait for Bronwyn's story. The fact that we get Courtland and Rawley and Cora as well was an amazing blast from the past. Despite it being about Valentine and Bronwyn, Rawley and Cora's involvement really aided in loving the story. I love the twists that came through and how it all ended up in the conclusion. This book (and trilogy) is definitely one for the books. The way it intertwines with very real issues that occur during the time that also resonate to this day was also masterfully done. AAANNNDD the SPIIICCE was everything!! 10/10 recommend perfect through and through

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The Duke in Question is the third title in the Daring Dukes series, and it’s probably my favorite… and it’s definitely the hottest of them all!

Bronwyn is multi-dimensional in so many ways. She’s the lighthearted, airhead, innocent sister – the delectable siren with a very vivid imagination – and a talented spy who manages to take a retired spy master on quite the adventure as Valentine is on the hunt for a spy right in front of him all this time. Depending on the circumstances, it’s always a toss-up as to which hat Bronwyn is wearing… but all are delicious in this delightful romp full of sexiness and tenderness, along with a dash of danger.

I loved both Bronwyn and Valentine for far different reasons. I adore a Hero who finds himself somewhat befuddled and besotted by his lady love – and I love a Heroine who knows what she wants when she wants it and has no problem showing her strengths to the man she loves.

While preventing secret messages to his country’s enemies is a vital part of Valentine, retired or not, having to deal with his growing need and love for Bronwyn is certainly messing with not only his mind but his emotions as well. Not to mention that she’s his best friend’s sister, so there is also the “bro” thing going on in his head. I had such fun discovering which personality Bronwyn was going to wear as she tries to outfox a former spy master while falling under his spell at the same time. She certainly has a vivid imagination, must be all those romance books she reads. (quietly laughs)

I will say this, though, there are two camps of Historical Romance readers these days. Those who love and devour Traditional Historical Romances and those who equally love the more Modern Historical Romance where the heroine knows a bit too much for a woman of her time period. In my opinion, The Duke in Question definitely falls into the more Modern Historical Romance, for there are actions, thoughts, and situations that Bronwyn instigates and actively takes part in that go beyond her actual experiences. I enjoy both, frankly, because I simply enjoy Historical Romance and will let my imagination take me where it will. But, if the distinction matters to you, well, that’s my opinion.

I had such a good time with The Duke in Question. It’s a well-written, engaging, emotional, sexy story with characters that I simply adored. If that’s your kind of romance, then you’ll want to pick this one up… soon.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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I love that this regency romance takes on a different interesting perspective on a popular genre.
Lady Bronwyn Chase smugglers herself onto her brothers shift to the Americas to pass on an important message. The Duke of Thornbury is on a mission to catch the spy hiding on the ship. Little does he realise who it is he's looking for.
They both end up in some tricky situations whilst of course fighting an attraction that neither can explain.
I really enjoyed this book and it had lots going on to keep it interesting even though its a romance novel.

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The third book in the Daring Dukes series a well written Regency story that kept me turning pages. Lady Bronwyn Chase and spymaster Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury's story. You are taken from London, Philadelphia and Paris, both are keeping secrets. I enjoyed seeing them get a happy ending with all the drama, danger, suspense, and villains, they had to overcome. I would recommend. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

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I adored this.

This was fast paced, fun, and so steamy. I loved the banter and tension between Valentine and Bronwyn. I adored that she put on a front so he would think she was shallow and vapid, and he kept being continually surprised by her cunning, intelligence and competence.

The espionage aspects were so good and actually added a ton to the story and the plot. It was in no way a throwaway and I was so invested. I loved that they didn't know if they could trust each other.

If you like a fun historical romance, with lots of tension and steam, then I highly recommend this! The writing was very good and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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This book is a rare historical romance and spy thriller, one that held me on the edge of my seat. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, with smutty and inventive scenes, perfect for any discerning steamy romance reader. My sole complaint was how quickly the heroine seemed to grasp intelligence work without any training; I would love to see a couple of scenes where women in the mid-19th-century learned how to use ink and interrogation techniques (give me Lisbeth's book!). I didn't love the overt moralizing, but I understand what the author was doing by having it on the page, and I applaud her in that mission.

Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager for the chance to read and review this book via NetGalley!

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This was a good story! In addition to being a historical romance it does have some of my favorite tropes like enemies to lovers and brothers best friend.

Bronwyn and Valentine have tons of chemistry once they put aside their differences and decide to be together.

Both of these characters have backgrounds that are interesting.

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When Valentine finds himself on a ship bound for America, he is surprised to see to see Brownwyn, the sister of his friend on board. Certain her family doesn't know she is on the ship sparks fly between the two.

Readers will enjoy this adventure.

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This was definitely a fun read. I read it in two sittings and had a fun time. The main female character was a little naive; the main male character was a little too rough.

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The Duke in Question is book 3 in the Daring Duke's series by Amalie Howard and I enjoyed it. I will admit I haven't yet picked up books one and two but I will most likely do so as I believe there were references in this one that tie back to the other characters. With that said, I don't think I missed anything that impacted the story so I feel like this one could be read as a standalone if desired.

I've enjoyed Howard's other books and in my experience, her characters are well developed and interesting which definitely helps keep the story moving along. This book wasn't any different as both the FMC and MMC were keeping me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.

If you're looking for a new historical romance, consider picking this one up.

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Amalie Howard books are always as lush as their covers suggest (and truly her books have some of the most beautiful covers in the game), and THE DUKE IN QUESTION is sexy and smart. The spy plot is perfectly deployed--Howard includes just enough intrigue that the spycraft doesn't overshadow the romance, but not so little that it feels like background noise. The way she interplays with the history of the American Civil War and what the stakes might (or might not be) for a white, rich heiress who cares, both in personal and broad political terms, about abolition is well-considered.

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There was a lot of push and pull with the relationship between the two characters, and I enjoyed it. I've seen some reviews say that it's not historically accurate to be so sex positive, and I wonder how hard it is to be boring. Sorry that I don't want to read depressing books about women suffering through sex.

In my opinion, this book was fun and engaging, and brought enough of other characters in to keep the story moving forward. I like spies, this was fun.

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The Duke in Question was a quick paced book that will keep you on your toes! But as the story unfolded, there were so many moments between the characters that stole my heart. It was impossible not to fall in love with this writing. Weave that with a brothers best friend trope and an opposites attract, and this book ended up being so much fun!

He was her brother’s friend! And a former British undercover agent. A man who would put her in handcuffs without blinking. A different scenario involving restraints— a much naughtier one with rather less clothing— crept into her mind, and she felt her face flame. Did he carry handcuffs?
Stop it, stop it, stop it. 

Bronwyn was so effortless to adore in the previous book, Rules for Heiresses.  While you could easily read this book as a standalone, there were some bigger plot ideas that tie back into the second book. Bronwyn was clever, kind and jumped right in to help others.  With her latest task, Bronwyn landed on her brother's passenger liner with hidden documents traveling to America. Lord Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury and retired agent of the Crown, was on that ship too. He was trying to find Kestral, a spy who was in fact Bronwyn. What unfolded were moments that were mischievousness, heart racing and sexy.

He ground his jaw and cursed under his breath.
He’d underestimated her… again.

Bronwyn was so clever and her thoughts were addictive. She acted and played the part as someone who was shallow. It allowed her to distract Valentine with what she was truly doing. She messed with him in the best of ways and it was laugh worthy since he bought her act so easily. I loved how she knew she had the upper hand. And I loved even more that she teased him seductively. Valentine would get so aggravated and irritated by Bronwyn, it was hilarious! Their banter was addictive and steamy at the same time. Yet I kept waiting for that moment that he would see through her act and I was a little nervous for Bronwyn since she was playing with fire.

What would his lips taste like? Coated in whisky? Like sin and stupidity.

As the story unfolded, Bronwyn wanted to trust Thornbury, but she knew his allegiance was to the crown. They had a delicious push and pull. And when it came to more, I was shocked that she was a virgin because the things she did oh wow! Their moments were hot and filled with so much passion! Yet they were the ultimate of opposites attract. Bronwyn was so joyous and happy, and Thornbury was such a grump lol. But with rescuing, saving lives and putting the pieces together, this story constantly kept me curious with what would happen next!

It didn’t matter that they were in a race for their lives or what was at stake. All she could think of was the firm press of his lips, the  delicious scrape of his stubble on her chin, and that dark, sinful flavor that was all his.

Historical romance fans of bold and brave women, men who will dive head first into danger to protect those they care for and witty dialogue will adore The Duke in Question. There were also side characters that were fleshed out wonderfully and added so much to this story. And those seeking a happily ever after, will love the fabulous epilogue we were given! This is my second book by Amalie Howard and I look forward to reading so many more!

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Lady Bronwyn Chase is on a mission. She has been entrusted to deliver secret documents to her contact in Philadelphia with the information being a matter of life and death. After secretly hitching a ride on one of her brother’s passenger liners, Bronwyn needs to be on high alert when she spots Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury, aboard. Valentine, a former spy, has his own mission to accomplish. It has come to his attention that the agent he has been looking for is on that particular ship. Valentine doesn’t quite know what to think about Lady Bronwyn but he can’t stop his attention from drifting towards the young woman who turns out to be so much more than meets the eye. There’s mystery, adventure, romance and drama as these two try to discover who they can trust and who is a traitor to the Crown.

I was a little smitten with Brownyn and Valentine from the moment we met them. They have such chemistry between them even when neither one was entirely honest with the other. Bronwyn was hiding behind a mask of vapid flirtation and Valentine … well Valentine was just Valentine. Their romantic scenes together were scorchingly hot and set the pages on fire. But their less charged scenes were equally as entertaining as they learned to trust each other and get to the bottom of who was after Bronwyn.

I haven’t read the previous two books in the Daring Duke’s series but that’s not necessary to be completely enthralled by The Duke in Question. There’s enough information given for me to never feel lost but also not giving so much away that I wouldn’t want to read the previous books. I’m now more eager than ever to find out just how Brownyn’s brother found his match.

The supporting casts were interesting and I can tell there are many more tales to tell regarding their own love stories. A certain French aristocrat for example was fascinating and I enjoyed his interactions with both Bronwyn and Valentine.

Interesting plot, fantastic characters and a love story full of excitement and heat - this book was a great read and I look forward to reading other books in the series.

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Lady Bronwyn is spy traveling to deliver a message to the States when she's confronted by Valentine searching for someone known as the kestrel. This cat-and-mouse game continues as Valentine underestimates her and doubts her abilities as a spy, seeing her as a frivolous lady of the ton. However, Bronwyn is determined to make a mark and demonstrate her worth.

While I really loved Bronwyn and her spunk and determination, Valentines stubbornness in refusing to accept her abilities was grinding. Time after time she proved herself and yet he still refused to believe that she was just a good a spy as him. Although she was a virgin I really appreciated that we bypassed the whole innocent, shy lady trope. I love a woman who is not afraid to ask for what she wants.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and appreciated the unique plot. It was a perfect balance of spicy times, action and character growth.

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This is a favorite author of mine! I always get so excited to get another book from her! She’s absolutely wonderful! I really enjoyed this spy, steamy, grumpy/sunshine romance! It really did have everything and not a dull moment! Bronwyn and Thornbury are well matched in everything! Their bickering is so entertaining as well! Bronwyn is a lady but she works secretly as a spy, giving out messages. She’s a flirt, bold, and stubborn. All good things! She also wants to marry for love. Bronwyn has also held feelings for Thronbury for awhile but hasn’t acted toward them….until she’s stuck on a ship with him to America, where things get messy and steamy! Valentine, Duke of Thornbury, is an ex spy who worked for the crown. He’s grumpy and doesn’t do feelings. These two get under each other skin easily and have so much tension growing! But they have to work together, despite Thornbury’s refusal! It was so wonderful to watch these two banter and fall in love! I really loved this story!! I can’t wait for more from this author!

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Amalie Howard has been one of my go-to historical romance authors and she didn't disappoint with The Duke in Question. From her writing style to the well developed characters, I really enjoyed this book. Not only is there steamy and tender romance but there's also full of action and intrigues and spies.

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Another solid, searingly sexy chapter in the Daring Dukes series. It's the story of two spies - Valentine, the Duke of Thornbury and his friend the new Duke of Ashton Courtland Chase's younger half-sister, Bronwyn. Characters mentioned in previous books.

Thornbury is out to discover the identity of the mysterious "Kestral," a spy that has been sharing top secret information with America. When the woman he has a untamable passion for happens to be on the same ship, sparks and secrets fly as he tries to both protect and capture her.

This is VERY steamy in the grand tradition of Amalie Howard love scenes. These two don't hold back on their animal instincts! Against a tree, on the deck of a ship, in a horse barn, they can't keep their hands or hearts from each other.

I give it four stars and look forward to as always, to anything Ms. Howard writes in the future! She doesn't disappoint!

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I adored Bronwyn and Valentine's story! What a fun ride I had with these two! Sun fun watching these two travel the high seas and catch the bad guy!

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