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.

Amelie Howard is one of the authors that have swayed my opinion on HR tropes involving spies or overseas adventures! The Duke in Question is a great book, I really enjoyed this read! This is the second in the series, and I really liked the first book and this one was even better! It was fun to see Thornbury again, and I loved Bronwyn (the second book I've read lately with this rare, fantastic name)!
I loved The Duke in Question! Starting out with a great cover, great character names and a dashing interesting story, I read in one sitting! I liked the story, the dialogue-- so many highlightable parts! The chemistry between Bronwyn and Thornbury was really good. I loved their banter, and the romance! Swoon!
This is a great read for historical romance fans and I'd recommend a read!

Valentine, Duke of Thornbury, is a retired agent of the crown who is helping his former partner on a mission to find the mysterious and possibly traitorous Kestrel. Lady Bronwyn Chase, sister to the Duke of Ashvale, more or less accidentally became a spy when she successfully delivered a message that foiled an assassination plot. It seems she has the knack. They are on the same ship bound for Philadelphia. Bronwyn is trying to deliver her message. Valentine is trying to find the Kestrel and protect Bronwyn (from what or whom he isn’t sure). In the meantime, amidst all the danger and adventure, these two are having a hard time resisting the attraction they don’t want to have for each other. This story is an action-packed unpredictable page-turner. This is a wonderful romance wrapped in an exciting adventure that takes the characters and the reader from London to Philadelphia to Paris in the spring of 1865. Will the mole in the Home Office be uncovered? Will Valentine discover the identity of the Kestrel? An interesting plot, a steamy romance, and a happy ending. Great Read!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

THE DUKE IN QUESTION
Amalie Howard
Historical Romance

When the spitfire Lady Bronwyn Chase tangles with the Duke of Thornbury while on a secret spy mission, sparks fly. Now they are both torn between their duty to the crown and their own burning desires.

This enemies to lovers genre romance is book is full of heat and steam. Set at the end of the Civil War, this book is both intriguing and a perfect fit for romance sparks. The Author’s Note at the end has some fascinating nonfiction facts. I give this steamy romance a solid 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for fans of all types of romance, historical and otherwise.

4.5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amalie Howard never disappoints....this was so much fun....cheeky and spicy...a tale of two spies, there's plenty of adventure and it definitely lives up to it's billing : Bridgerton meets James Bond it was exactly that and so much more.
A fabulous read indeed.
I really need to delve into the other two books in this series soon....this book could definitely be read as a standalone though.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC from one of my favorite authors.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The plotline was original (with a few fun tropes thrown in), and the chemistry on the page was...thoroughly engrossing. There were a few times where the heroine seemed a bit too modern for the historical time period, but it seems that is where literature is going in an attempt to put contemporary viewpoints into period pieces. The ending was a bit confusing to me in that it was a little difficult to unwind the double-agents, but ultimately, we could discern who were the "good guys" and "bad guys."

I will definitely keep my eyes open for more books from Amalie Howard!

Thank you #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #TheDukeinQuestion by Amalie Howard for an honest review of the book.

This was a very interesting spy romance complete with sibling's best friend trope, some danger bangs and even some travel. Be sure and read the Author's Note at the end for more information about the research Ms. Howard put into this book. I can't wait to go back and read the first two books in this series.

The beginning of this one really drew me in. I loved that instead of set in London, we start on board a ship headed for America and our heroine is a spy! The spy trope isn't usually for me but I really liked this one. Valentine and Bronwynn lit up the page. This book was really really sexy and their first time...very memorable!
It did have some lag in the middle for me, but again I think this is more to do with the spy plots not being my favorite, but overall I would HIGHLY recommend and cant wait to read more for this author!

This is my first Amalie Howard which I received as an eARC from the publisher and Netgalley. It is the 3rd in a series (and now I must find the first 2) because I felt like I was thrust into the middle of a story. This book was not what I expected, a Victorian spy story with scenes in Philadelphia attempting to stop a kidnapping of Lincoln.
The heroine , Bronwyn, seemed a little too modern, but I just went with the flow. The author based many of the characters on real people, which I enjoy in a historical. The hero, a Duke and a spy was sort of a blockhead when it came to his understanding of how he felt about Bronwyn, which was sort of adorable. There was a lot of sex and also a sort of casual divorce, both of which seemed a little a historical,but it didn't distract from enjoyment of the story.

This was such a perfect follow up to Howard's book “Rules for Heiresses". The flow from this book and the previous two in the series has been beautiful.

Lady Bronwyn and Valentine, the Duke of Thornbury, had a beautifully electric relationship that was so much fun to keep reading. Bronwyn and Valentine first get into each other's crosshairs on a ship to Philadelphia, Bronwyn is carrying stolen information to help the Union effort in the American Civil War and Valentine is trying to track down the spy who stole the information. Of course this puts them at odds with each other because Bronwyn protects herself as a spy by acting vapid in front of Valentine and Valentine finds himself annoyed by the vapidness of Bronwyn and his own attraction to her.

I just loved the setting of the passenger liner, Philadelphia and France because all of these different settings allowed Bronwyn and Valentine to get to know each other and grow with the knowledge of each other.

4.5/5 🌟

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for giving me a copy. All opinions are my own.

POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶 🌶 🌶

This book is a wild, romantic and suspenseful ride that I couldn’t put down! It didn’t just take place in England, instead it starts on a ship mid Atlantic from England to Civil War era America, then to France, and back to England. Bronwyn and Valentine are like a historical Mr. and Mrs. Smith and I am here for it!

While I admit to wanting to knock some sense into both of the characters a few times, I loved both of them! Amalie Howard always does a strong and independent Lady and broody Duke so well and this book was no different! I feel like a lot of historical romances are slow burn but this one was a little faster and I’m so thankful it was because their chemistry was obvious from the first page.

There are definitely some interesting side characters that I hope get their stories, but I have no idea who it could possibly be so I will be waiting on the edge of my seat to find out, because I absolutely love this series!

I really enjoyed reading the latest in the Daring Dukes series. This book rocks with all kind of adventure, mystery and of course romance. This author is one of my favorites who shows her talent in keeping the reader guessing. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. You don't have to read the previous books to be in the action of this one.
I thought Lady Bronwyn Chase was a hoot. She acts the totally society chit when it comes to balls and ton events. She wants to prove to her brother that she can help and become the Kestral in order to save the President in Philadelphia.
When Valentine Melford, the Duke of Thornbury, a retired spy hears about the Kestral, he vows to intercept any communication from said person. He boards a ship going to the Americas, and finds his best friends sister aboard. He can't figure out why she's there, but know Bronwyn can't navigate the city of Philadelphia by herself. So Valentine finally finds himself attracted to the vapid chit, and wonders why she annoys him so much. Things get steamy and hot during their time which makes for a perfect happy ever after and love is the key.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

This was the first book I've read by Amalie Howard, and I am officially a fan. The Duke in Question was action packed; it was almost as much a thriller as a romance. I really enjoyed Bronwyn and Valentine's story, and I adored Bronwyn's character. She was strong and feisty and independent. I will definitely be adding more books from Amalie Howard to my "to read" pile.

I love the author’s characters and the heat that is always there. As a woman back in regency days I’m sure it was frustrating to want to make a difference. The premise of this book wasn’t real enough for me. A young lady decides she’s going to take a packet of papers to the United States and doesn’t know what’s in them. I would think she’s be much smarter than that. So it is hard for me to believe in the plot. It’s very steamy, romantic, and has spy intrigue on the part of the Duke of Thornbury. Bronwyn’s role just didn’t click for me.

I received a free advanced copy of the book and I’m writing this review voluntarily.

She's on a mission, he's the retired spy master tasked with finding a rogue agent...

Lady Bronwyn "Bee" aka, the Kestrel, is running messages as a spy. She's whip smart, young, brilliant and daring. Bee is trying to live a little, fly a bit, before conforming to society. Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury, is a retired spy master, on board the ship looking for the Kestrel. He's working with his former lover and curent spy, Lisbeth, they had a fake marriage which they fake dissolved. He's completely blind to Brownyn, because he is attracted to her, so he buys her ruse of a vapid debutante. He is so easily played,. I truly wonder how this guy could be a decent spy ciz he's so bad at it, though Lisbeth sees right though Bee.

A fast paced romp across a number of locales, the witty banter, the I can't stand you, but I desire you works. Bronwyn definitely takes Valentine to school, the school of assumptions, even though she's a novice. Spying, some spice and deception make for an enjoyable VIctorian read.
Recommend.
Purchased.

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

Who doesn’t want to be described like that????

We all know that I adore Amalie Howard. I pestered her into being my Insta friend then I basically forced her to be my real life friend and now I have her phone number. She is in my phone as Amalie - My Best Friend - Howard. I swear it’s not creepy….right?

The Duke In Question is the third book in her Daring Dukes series and since I really enjoyed the first two it’s no shock I was throughly into this one. The Duke In Question has all the tropes I love,(best friends sister, grumpy/sunshine), the angst, the banter and the super steam that I expect from my bestie (in my mind). Spy Lady Bronwyn Chase is on her brothers boat (Courtland is the MMC in the previous book) traveling to America to deliver a message that could stop the assignation of President Lincoln. Lord Valentine Duke of Thornbury, retired spy, is on the boat hunting super spy The Kestrel, imagine his surprise when airhead Bronwyn turns out to be the elusive spy! What ensues is a cat and mouse game from Philadelphia to Paris aboard boats, carriages and in forest that kept me reading into the night.

The Duke In Question is extremely well researched- the history, the time periods completely sucked me it! I loved Bronwyn going against what her family, especially her mother, wanted her to be. I am a sucker for a “I am an iceberg” hero that will only melt for one woman so Valentine was my catnip. The se*y times that I expect from Amalie Howard (my best friend, did I mention that) were on point. I will never look at a tree without thinking of the scene in this book (IYKYK) and self pleasure in a bathtub and a carriage— YES PLEASE!

If you like your historical romance deeply feminist, smart, and sexy do not sleep on this series or Amalie Howard.

“A woman doesn’t need a man. They are simply implements to be used when the opportunity presents itself. Most women are capable of rescuing themselves, given the chance.”

Thank you to the publisher (Sourcebooks Casablanca) for an e-ARC through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. The Duke In Question has a pub date of November 7, 2022.

This was a fun, action packed romance! A little bit spicier than I normally read- but I loved their chemistry. The Duke of Thornbury and Lady Bronwyn are on separate missions. Thornbury has to choose between staying try to the Crown (he’s a retired agent) or backing up Bronwyn because she may be in trouble handling her own secret mission.
This was classic historical romance meets secret mission, action-packed excitement. I enjoyed it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
The Duke In Question is a fast-paced, action-packed, extremely passionate romance. This book takes the fantastic elements of the first two books and creates a captivating novel. This romance takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through Civil War America, Paris, and London. While the other books in the series were set in unique locations, this one took it further. The intrigue and sensuality made for a heart-stopping read!

Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury, is a retired master spy. Helping an intimate colleague, Valentine finds himself embroiled in a confounding mystery and a troublesome young lady who is his good friend’s little sister. Valentine’s mysterious, powerful, and oh-so-sexy personality melted the page. I loved how Valentine thought. He is always a step ahead if misguided at times. He believes he is forward-thinking concerning women, but when he is faced with the conundrum that is Lady Bronwyn Chase, all his protective and seductive instincts come to life.

I loved Bronwyn! She is trapped in the gilded cage that is her birthright. Doomed to marry a peer she doesn’t love, she wants to make a difference before her wings are clipped. Becoming the perfect spy that no one suspects gives her fulfillment. However, Bronwyn faces danger at every turn and reluctantly has to seek aid from the man that haunts her most passionate dreams.

I loved how Bronwyn confused and aroused Valentine, keeping him on edge and not trusting his instincts. She shattered every preconceived notion he had of the vapid debutante. Valentine and Bronwyn’s chemistry was scorching hot. There was no romance at first only unbridled passion. These scenes were full of steamy goodness!

The couple’s complicated dynamic and the pure brilliance of the intricate, entertaining plot captured my imagination and heart. There was one element in Bronwyn’s thought process that bothered me. Bronwyn swore she wouldn’t marry a man that didn’t love her back, yet almost in the next moment, she considers marriage to a man she doesn’t love and isn’t attracted to. I felt this illogical thinking was contrary to how Bronwyn reacted to everything else thrown at her.

The Duke In Question is the third book in the excellent Daring Dukes series. This action-packed, fast-paced page-turner is full of everything I look for in historical romance perfection. Amalie Howard brings another amazing story full of diverse characters, incredible sensuality, and an eye-catching, unpredictable plot. This is my favorite of this fabulous series. I wholeheartedly recommend this whole series.

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

3⭐️ 3🌶

This books was just ok. I was actually pretty conflicted because some of it was pretty great and some of it was so out of place I found myself pausing to look things up because I wasn’t sure if they were historically accurate or not.

I loved the banter between Bee and Valentine. She did such an amazing job of getting under his skin. I laughed out loud when he thought “He was going to stab himself with his own fork, just to put himself out of his own misery,” after a dinner with her.

I could appreciate that “Bronwyn wanted to make her mark. A mark…any mark that would deem her worthy, that would be a reminder that she had been here on earth at this time.” It set this book up for some of my favorite tropes like lady spy, enemies to lovers and a headstrong FMC.

I liked Val. I loved that despite being this infamous spy known for being incredibly difficult to deceive, he was thrown completely for a loop by Bee.

What I didn’t like was what seemed to me to be historical inaccuracies. As part of being a spy Val was “married” to another spy who he conveniently “divorced” with little fuss before the start of this book. While divorce was not impossible I don’t think the ease with which his divorce was attained and the lack of scandal would have been realistic.

Her drawers fitting in his pocket had me running to Google to see if my knowledge of 19th century undergarments was incredibly wrong. All of this really surprised me after reading the amount of research the author put into inserting this story into real historical events.

I love a FMC who knows what she wants in the bedroom but I had a hard time buying Bee’s forwardness and knowledge as a virgin without better explanation that “she read it in a book.”

I received a free ARC from NetGalley but all thoughts are my own.

So much action and adventure mixed with the steamiest historical romance of the year. This was everything I could ever want. Bronwyn's alpha mouth is my new favorite thing along with all their danger bangs (yes! more than 1!).