I received an e-galley of The Duke in Question by Amalie Howard via NetGalley from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.

Amalie Howard is an author that I've come to expect great steamy historical romances with an intriguing political or social justice issue and plot. Somehow these romances feel like there's so much depth with what Amalie Howard adds to it. I particularly like the female characters who are strong, determined and feisty, oftentimes breaking social rules and etiquettes of the times. This is no different this time in The Duke in Question with Lady Bronwyn.

Long story, short... I loved it! Bronwyn/Kestrel is a lady/notorious spy on a mission to deliver a very important message. On the ship to the American States, she meets her long-time infatuation/one of her brother's best friends/ex spy with his fake ex wife who are also on mission... Looking for the Kestrel, her 💀

This was very fast paced, from the Atlantic, to the US, to Paris and returning back to London, it never gets boring. Love scenes were 🌋🌋🌋 their chemistry was excellent. Brownyn was a great heroine, very contemporary. And then we have Valentine, the hero... He's great, and even though he's supposedly a hard man, we can understand his vulnerability under that.

I've read other books of Amalie and this is my first one of this series and I enjoyed the world building, the connections with real people and events. The story and the secondary characters were amazing, I wonder if Lisbeth gets her own story. I mean I'm all in for women being independent and kickass but it's different in books...

I received a free eARC copy from NetGalley, and these are my honest opinions

Valentine, the Duke of Thornbury, is known by Lady Bronwyn Chase, for being a spy, but little does he know that she is also involved. Not only is she transporting secret documents to help the American civil war, but she is the infamous Kestrel, that Valentine is determined to bring in. As the sister of a duke, Valentine thinks she is solely a bored young miss, but he soon realises that there is more to Bronwyn, that she is letting on.
Having lived under mother’s control for many years, it was great to see the determination behind Bronwyn, to help the war effort. She throws all caution to the wind when faced with danger and does the same when faced with Valentine trying to thwart her. Similarly, their attraction is definitely one that scorches the pages. I must admit that their attraction didn’t sound like love as they always seemed to be battling each other. Overall, a fast-paced story with plenty of spice!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This started out hot and heavy and did not let up! I loved the multi-cultural representation and how Howard wove in the historical injustices faced during this time. It’s set amidst the Civil War era in both the US and UK. Bronwyn is a force to be reckoned with and I adored how fierce and outspoken she was. This is book 3 but can be read as a stand alone.

This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, steamy, historical romance novel. It has a likable, bold, strong and capable female protagonist, sizzling chemistry, a diverse cast of characters, wit, a touch of humor, engaging banter, intrigue, and a happily ever after ending. The author's notes are enlightening and truly appreciated. This is the third entry in Ms. Howard's Daring Dukes series, and can easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.
NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Amalie Howard kindly provided me with an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest opinion.

After going through some major life changes in the last few months (a move across country and the passing of my mom), I needed something to take my mind off of things. This book was the perfect diversion. It had me pulled in right from the start. I couldn't put it down.
I loved the heroine, Bronwyn. She was determined, an independent thinker,and willing to do whatever it took to improve the world around her.
The Duke, Valentine, was a true hero with some confidence issues. He knew what he did for King and country in his role at the Home Office was important, but he felt it left him as sullied.
The attraction between them is off the charts. Hot, Hot Hot!!!
When they finally start working together, instead of against each other, no one can stop them..
Great storyline! Great characters!
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Okay this book was INCREDIBLE. I'm still thinking about so many scenes from it, it was definitely steamy. I'm a sucker for a historical spy book and this did not disappoint. Amalie Howard writes wonderfully deep characters, and I especially loved how Valentine got to discover the many layers of Bronwyn. I love when a hero expects the heroine to be vapid or silly but discovers she can actually run circles around him. This book is a great representation of that trope. The chemistry is sizzling and I'm a sucker for a danger-bang. Overall this was a wonderful book that I will definitely be re-reading. I'm excited to see what Amalie Howard does next!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advanced reader copy, receipt of which does not impact my review.

“She was a gale. A cyclone. Hurricane Bronwyn.”

Lady Bronwyn, a member of the ton who wants to do more than her lot in life, becomes an international spy sent on a mission to the United States to help save a life.

“Is it wrong to want the world to be better? I might be limited in my own power, but I still have a voice and the agency to act. The value of being an ally is ceding the space to the oppressed.”

Duke Valentine of Thornbury is retired from government service, but cannot stop getting involved while hunting down a spy, known by the alias, Kestrel. Why is Lady Bronwyn, sister of his friend Courtland, on board the ship? And why can’t they stay away from each other?

Ooh, this was a great one! Strong female main character - check. Strong male character who EVENTUALLY softens for his love - check. Fighting for what’s right across three different countries - check, check, check. And to top it off, we get several top-tier spicy scenes

Valentine and Bronwyn's story was so good, it's a historical, opposites attract, enemies to lovers romance story. I enjoyed the writing, Amalie Howard knows how to transport the reader to the era, the descriptions written in a way that you feel you are walking those streets and are in the same room as the characters. This story however was so original and refreshing from all other historical romances I usually read, the mystery and suspense is fantastic, the world-building and the way the action plays in the story is so interesting that hooks you from the start and doesn't let you stop reading it until the end. The book is described as a mix between Bridgerton and James Bond, well it's more than that and I am sure you will fall in love with the story as much as I did. Bravo 5-brilliant stars!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I was first introduced to Amalie Howard’s writing when I read her novella “The Wolf of Westmore” in the Big Duke Energy anthology. I absolutely loved the story, especially the incredible chemistry and smokin hot sexytimes. So when I requested this ARC, I’ll admit my expectations were pretty high. I’m happy to say I was not disappointed, and I will definitely be reading more by this very talented author!

This was a five-star read for me for so many reasons… top-notch writing, great world building, likeable characters with depth (especially Bronwyn), a plot that reeled me in from the start, chemistry, blazing passion, intrigue, adventure, and of course, love.

I’m always all about the H in a historical romance, but this was definitely Bronwyn’s story and she captured my heart right along with Thornbury’s. She was so much more than she appeared on the surface. Valentine, the Duke of Thornbury, thought he had her pegged and I enjoyed his utter bewilderment as he watched her go from a seemingly vapid, simpering bubble head (her cover) to a woman dancing sensuously on a ship’s private deck to the badass spy chick meeting up with a contact at a tavern (and saving his life twice in one night). I just loved how she constantly threw him off balance as the layers of her personality and her true role in the spy plot came to light. He was deeply intrigued by her, thinking who is this woman, and what better draw for a former spy than a compelling mystery. Especially if that mystery is a beautiful, confident, intelligent, headstrong woman.

“No other woman would ever compare to the tempest that was Bronwyn Chase. His perfect storm.”

Chemistry in an HR is my jam, and the chemistry between Bronwyn and Valentine was simply delicious. And oh my, who knew danger could be such an aphrodisiac. The sex-against-a-tree-after-almost-dying scene was so raw and intense it took my breath away. They burned. This happened early in the story and that powerful physical connection was the magnetic draw that kept pulling them together even though each initially thought of the other as the enemy.

Valentine thought Bronwyn was working for the wrong side, so he took her into his custody as they traveled from America to France and back to England. Forced proximity meant they had a lot of page time together which is something I need in my HRs. This allowed them to get to know one another and slowly, each came to the realization that in the other, they not only met their match, but found someone they couldn’t live without.

I usually find spy plots take away from a romance, but in this case it was absolutely essential to the story, which was, at its heart, a passionate romance with an adventurous spirit.

“When they knelt facing each other in the altogether, bare of everything but skin and burning passion, in the middle of his bed, Bronwyn felt an odd sense of accord. That this was right where she was supposed to be in this moment. Here with him, her body making a forever pledge that only his could hear.
I am yours.”

This is the third in the Daring Dukes series. Loved the first two and this one was no different.

These two were spy vs spy, enemies to lovers, brothers friend, forced proximity (ship to England from America), and steamy chemistry!

They just couldn't keep their hands off eachother. Though at the beginning she played the simpering miss which put her in the avoid category. Once he followed her into trouble and possible treason he was already in too deep.

Love how quick and adventurous this was. The banter and spy games were fun too!

Thank you sourcebookscasa and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

A Duke in Question is book two of The Daring Dukes series. Lady Bronwyn Chase is the half-sister of the Duke of Ashvale. She secretly becomes an operative by chance. She is perfect since everyone expects a man as the elusive Kestral. Bronwyn boards one of her brother’s ships for America in order to complete her mission but she spies the Duke of Thornbury, her brother's friend. Bronwyn tries to avoid him, but he is stealthy and appears wherever she goes to her dismay.

The Duke of Thornbury, is a former agent of the Crown. He agrees to assist a fellow operative to apprehend the elusive rogue spy, Kestrel. Valentine is annoyed to discover Bronwyn, his friend’s beautiful yet infuriating half-sister. She annoys him immediately with her apparently empty-headed marriage minded thoughts. Putting on an act to keep him at bay only keeps him closer than she would prefer.

Bronwyn gets into trouble and is rescued by Valentine as a trap has been set for the Kestral. Realizing Bronwyn is the Kestral he now is forced on what to do with her, turn her over to the crown or marry her to keep her safe. Bronwyn has a mind of her own and neither outcome is for her, and she will proceed to lead herself to safety.

This is one spicy hot trail from the Americas, France and to England. I love the characters of this book they were totally enjoyably unpredictable.

This is historical fiction at its finest! It goes from the US to France to Britain with great descriptions of time and place. It will curl your eyelashes with the steam; it has enough heat 🌶 to need ice water! #TheDukeInQuestion #SourcebooksCasablancaTitle

This was a very interesting as I hadn't read the other's in this series. This story had lots of action, steamy love scenes, interesting characters, true historical events and a HEA so not for those who don't like a lot of steamy scenes. Now for the problem it is supposed to be a historical romance set in the Victoria Era yet the intimate scenes could have been from a modern novel as could how quickly they jumped into intimate relations. Also the hero is divorced which is almost unheard of in the Victorian era and would take time and money to accomplish but they apparently got it done very quickly and quietly and they are not shunned and are still accepted everywhere. Then it is implied that they were not really married, even though the ex still uses the title that she had as his “wife”, but the hero never tells the heroine any of this which just seems wrong. All in all it was well written and enjoyable to read if you can suspend the idea it's supposed to be historical and read it more as a fantasy novel, this made giving it rating difficult I settled on 3.5 rounded to 4. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I loved this spy vs. spy romance!

So much fun in one book! I loved how Bronwyn totally had Valentine fooled in the beginning - her diabolically clever acting skills keep her one step ahead of discovery and I loved every interaction as she dodged his attentions! The way she teases him is downright lethal!

Valentine doesn't know what to do with the wayward, annoyingly attractive younger sister of his best friend, but he knows he has to protect Bronwyn, regardless of the risks she takes or the distraction from his pursuit of a double agent. I loved how his frustration with her only grew as his knowledge and understanding of her true nature developed.

These two have an incendiary chemistry, leading to what the author appropriately labeled "carnal dementia" and such explosive passion as is rarely seen in historical romances. Val is more than enough dom for Bronwyn's bratty side, and I loved every bit of it. I absolutely adored watching her thaw his iceberg demeanor while running from him at every turn, confounding him every chance she gets.

This book is exceedingly well researched, with the action spanning the Atlantic, from Philadelphia to Paris to London, and aside from a little timeline glitch it aligns beautifully with the incorporated spy drama taking place during the American Civil War. The mystery of who is behind the treason is exquisitely paced and revealed at the very last possible second, with a very satisfying ending.

The epilogue was hilarious as it referenced an earlier scene between them, and it cemented their HEA in glorious fashion. I loved every bit of this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Victorian romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

When an agent of the crown follows his best friend's sister on a ship to American the journey begins!

She is determined and so is he. Intrigue, suspense and an unexpected attraction sets this
story as a page turner until the end!

Amalie Howard’s “The Duke in Question” himself asks the same question to Lady Bronwyn Chase until his intentions change and he gets the answer he wants. Otherwise, Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury, and the lady in question make a great team uncovering plots carried out in multiple countries.

I love espionage in historical romance! I love how Howard weaves it with historical events and people. Her author’s note is a must read also!

I love that Bronwyn, although sister to a duke, believes in change and causes for those outside of the ballroom. She is underestimated, but her actions prove otherwise.

Thornbury may be a great spymaster, but his romantic side needs help. Thank goodness there are those who give him advice or try to may him jealous when he is not making himself jealous.

If you enjoy action, adventure, close proximity, and evading your protector aka major crush then I recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Amalie Howard for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

This adventure, cat and mouse romance is full of action and passion! Amalie Howard swiftly pulls the reader right into the action and drives the plot full force through the end of the novel. This is a fast paced, intriguing novel with the perfect amount of banter, mystery and sensuality. Howard is a master of her craft in this novel creating a perfectly believable historical setting, having a high action plot that drives the story and character development while balancing a delicious amount of chemistry and sensual moments to keep any romance reader fully invested.

Lady Bronwyn has a secret identity, under her mask of aloofness and the guise of societal perfect is a strong, smart and independent woman on a mission to deliver secret messages to America. While aboard her brother's ship to America she runs into Valentine, a Duke and retired agent to the crown, on his own mission to unmask a spy. Little did Valentine expect his friend's sister to be the mastermind he is after!

Bronwyn and Valentine are the perfect match for each other. They can both meet on an intellectual level and neither is afraid to speak their mind to the other. Their flirty banter is such a delight as this novel clips briskly along from one location to another. Howard does a brilliant job keeping Bronwyn one step ahead of Valentine as the secrets and loyalties slowly get unveiled throughout the novel. I love that this brother's sister, spy, forced proximity romance is so engaging that it keep me turning page after page racing to the conclusion of the novel. Howard also builds up tension and chemistry between these two in a delightfully explosive way, and she is not afraid to set up the sensuality and freedom that Bronwyn finds in her sexual awakening. I think that the use of steamy moments really gives Bronwyn a power over herself, her body and her worth in a really lovely way.

If you love action, if you love high heat, and you love a heroine who can keep her hero on his toes, you must pick up this novel! I adore Amalie Howard and think this is such a delightful addition to her catalog. This book can definitely be picked up as a standalone and is a wonderful introduction to Howard's works, so do yourself a favor and read this one today!

I loved it! I love Amalie Howard's writing style and this one did not disappoint! She continues her amazing series (which I love because we have different cultural representations). As much as I wanted to like the heroine, I wasn't able to connect with her! Looking forward to the next one in the series!

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was clever, fun, steamy and fast-paced. It held my interest and I wanted to find out what would happen. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.