A Duke in Question is the third in a series of Daring Dukes by Amalie Howard and sadly did not work for me. It has her trademark steam, and chemistry but the characters never connected emotionally fully for me. I also felt quite disjointed with some actions and non-consequences in the book. For example, I know how much of a big deal divorce was then, and yet here it barely made a blip. Also Valentine was quite condescending towards Bronwyn for the longest time and that simply didn’t sit right with me. I liked Bronwyn well enough although some of her actions were also quite confusing. The spy stuff was fine, but the villain was well spotted a mile away. I did enjoy seeing Cortland again and Ravenna, and I enjoyed the Aunt.

Overall, this was an okay read but not as good as some absolutely fantastic earlier A. Howard hisroms.

A huge thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ARC.

I got an Arc of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It's the third in a series, and I haven't read the previous one, but as each features a new couple I didn't feel I was missing too much.
I quite enjoyed this book, Our heroine, Bronwyn, is quite progressive, and smart, and I always appreciate that in my heroines. Valentine is grumpy and has his set rules. He does his best not to fall head over heels for Bronwyn, but we all know how that goes.
I enjoyed the banter, and the cat and mouse game between the two, but I felt the lust hit a bit fast as soon as the attraction started. Don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean the spicy scenes are bad, but as the story progressed I was missing a bit more of a personal connection between the two.
The romance part feels a bit too modern, like they got away with it to easily. That's the part that knocks my rating down a bit sadly. It didn't feel like there was any real danger of them being found out. I think that if they had been forced to marry at the halfway mark, or the before the last act due to the expectations of the time period things could have maybe come across a little more believable.
I really appreciated that the author tried to fit in real historic events to the story, it's a nice way to learn a few new things.

This book is definitely for lovers of costume dramas and spice
3.5 stars

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book.
Bronwyn is a spy on a mission to deliver a message to America.
Valentine has come out of retirement to catch a spy on the way to America.
The plot was actually really fun and interesting. Bronwyn and Valentine were really great together and you couldn't help but root for them.
Steamy read too.
This book was fantastic
5 stars.

Beware of SPOILERS!

As disappointing as this is, I am DNF'ing this one at 25%.
I was looking forward to reading another Howard, as Rules for Heiresses was the book that got me into histrom in the first place. But as much as I loved that one, this one is just not working for me.

My biggest problem is the derision and condescension with which Valentine thinks of Bronwyn. And the fact that it's played off as her *distracting* him. I don't like this kind of dynamic, even though the condescension is towards a mask Bronwyn is putting up, a persona she is playing, but he doesn't know that. I don't understand why he wasn't prone to give her the benefit of the doubt, or even just question her behavior without being mean towards her in his thoughts, given that she had already displayed some other motives than merely finding herself a husband (by helping Courtland, saving him, the glimpses of cunningness and wit in conversation etc). I think Valentine's character could've been much more, and the story would've been more interesting had Valentine been able to live in the grey zone, the zone where he's not sure if she's putting up a front but he's willing to believe there's more to her than a pretty heiress mindlessly looking for a husband.

There's also the issue of furthering the plot at the expense of the characters. Valentine not recognizing his mark but recognizing Bronwyn even though it's more of a leap than the description he's been focused on for days, is just so unbelievable it further put me off. And then the cheesy kiss when he goes out into danger to protect her? It felt like a cheesy sub-par action movie to me, especially because I wasn't feeling the chemistry between the characters by this point.

What I did love about this book, is Bronwyn's character. She's a strong minded lady, a real badass, and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes is right, and for herself. I love that she stumbled into being a spy and would've loved to see where it would lead her.

I have read several books by this author and liked them, but not the 2 prior books in the series. I plan on reading the previous books after reading this one. Lady Bronwyn was very daring and brave, the Duke was oh so sexy. This book was quite hot and I found Bronwyn’s sexual interest in the Duke a bit unbelievable as she was a virgin.
However I give it 5 stars since it is fiction. The historical aspect and trips to America and France kept it interesting as well.

So I'm really unsure of how to rate and review this book because I'm not entirely sure I read it how it was intended to be read. The previous book in this series really didn't work for me, but I was hopeful based on the synopsis of this one. But I decided to play it safe I would go in with zero expectations and read and enjoy it as if it were a buddy cop action/comedy movie. And when I did that, this book totally delivered! Plot holes? Who cares! Spies who are bad at their job? Doesn't matter! I know a few reviewers have commented on this, but it really does feel like a modern book just dropped into a historical setting, and not necessarily in a good way, though not in a bad way? Think along the lines of a campier Enola Holmes.

Did much of this book make sense? Nope. Did I mind? Not really! I read it in two sittings and did enjoy it so long as I didn't think too hard! So I really think some readers will love this, it just all depends on your mood and expectations!

I wanted to love this book but so many parts didn’t fit for me. Lady Amalie Howard is the half sister to a Duke. She is young, smart and she is also a spy. She is sent with a document to deliver in America. The Duke of Thornbury, is a retired agent of the Crown. His ex partner who is also his ex-wife seeks his help to find the Kestrel. He knows Amalie as a ditzy chit and sister of a friend. Neither suspects the other as being agents at first.

This is a Victorian age novel but while the author makes sure some things fit the time period other things do not. I was bothered by the fact that Thornbury is supposed to have been married and divorced amicably after a year. Yes, the marriage was fake and part of a cover. But that part isn’t revealed (even to Amalia. To actually get out of a marriage would take an act of parliament and one or both would be shunned by society. But both are traveling on a ship together. There is a lot of steaminess in this book but at first it is very much lust not affection. Amalie has very modern ideas on intimacy. She is a virgin, and is aggressive and more knowledgeable about sex than a Lady of the times should be. Sometimes that works for the story, but here it felt too modern. I was confused why when she first thinks of handcuffs she thinks of sex. They’d only been invented a couple of years before where would she learn that usage.

If you can suspend your knowledge of the times and don’t mind a few plot holes this is a fun story. And of course working together they are going to find the real traitor. I like that they both get chances to save each other.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Amalie Howard’s The Beast of Beswick is one of my all time favorites, so I was so excited to read this from her and it did not disappoint. Bronwyn is so likable and clever and I always love a hero like valentine, who is restrained and cool and under control -but only the heroine can make him snap.
That is exactly the dynamic of Bronwyn and Valentine in this novel. Valentine is fighting his attraction for Bronwyn so much that he doesn’t even realize that she’s the mark he’s been chasing on his mission all along! It’s truly truly so delicious.
And the smut? Off the charts! Howard never disappoints in that regard.

Lady Brownyn, done with the patriarchy, has set off to America with secret wordings about Abraham Lincoln. Duke of Thornbury, Valentine, is on a mission to find the Kesteral. Little does he know the person he is looking for is none other than his best friend’s sister, Brownyn. Let the games of cat and mouse begin as Thornbury tries to figure out who the Kesteral is and prove his allegiance to the Crown. But is he able to keep that pact once all secrets are out on the table?

The Duke in Question has a lot of spice and a lot of tension. Sadly, however; this book slowed down in terms of plot and was a predictable read. I recommend Amalie Howard’s latest novel to those who want a quick page turner regency romance with a scandalous heroine and traitor hero.

5⭐️ For the MMCs chemistry and sex scenes
3⭐️ for the storyline
I really wanted to like this book and I did for the most part, but I found myself easily distracted while reading it and that usually means the story and characters are just not engaging me enough. Part of that maybe the spy story line, a trope that I’m not really into. The other reason was that I never quite understood why Lord Valentine, our hero who is a sort of retired spy master, felt that our heroine Lady Bronwyn spy activities were possibly committing treason against the crown. Maybe I just missed something. I will say that the MMCs chemistry is off the charts and while Bronwyn maybe a virgin, she’s a sexually well informed virgin and has had a thing for Valentine from before this book takes up. Of course Valentine just thinks she’s a society twit (a personality she’s developed to hide her “spy” activities.) and as she’s his best friends sister she’s is definitely hands off. Bronwyn really fights her attraction in the beginning knowing that she needs to focus on her current assignment: “What would his lips taste like? Coated in whisky? Like sin and stupidity” But circumstances throw them together and passion erupts. I have to say that the sex scenes are 🔥🔥🔥 and in their own heads the MCs admitted their love for one another, but there’s a bit too much of the “I’m not good enough for her” and “I don’t want to marry him if he doesn’t love me” going on that just makes me what to scream “Who cares when the sex is this good!!”
All and all I did enjoyed this book and it’s a solid book 3 of the series. We do get mentioned of previous characters and I think you may want to read the previous book (Bronwyn’s step-brother Courtland’s book ) just to get a bit of an understanding of the family relationship. But it could be read as a stand alone without too much trouble
I was kindly given a ARC by NetGalley for my unbiased review

Lady Bronwyn Chase is far from the paragon of society that her mother expects her to be. Which is why she's on her brother's passenger liner bound for America with a secret packet of letters that could get her into trouble. Serious trouble—the kind that 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.
This is the third book in the series but is easily read as a standalone, a well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved the chemistry between Valentine & Bronwyn & thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA even though I had to suspend belief at times but it’s fiction! However what has me sitting on the fence is that it was way too modern for a historical romance & I felt it was just that a modern romance in fancy dress. If you like a steamy, well paced romance & can live with a modern take on a historical then I recommend this but if you’re a stickler for wanting a historical romance to be that then you may be disappointed with this
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Amelie does it again. A story of romance, spies, would be spies, thwarting assassinations, mystery, and lust. Yep, that about sums it up. Okay, there is more to it than that. Bronwyn is such a force to be reckoned with and she knows what she wants and goes after it. She is such a fun character to read. Valentine has no clue what to do with her and I enjoyed seeing him trying to figure it all out. These two are holy cannoli hotter than hell in this story. You cannot help but fan yourself. When Amelie writes stories like this I will be the first in line to read every single one of them.

5 stars

Amalie Howard didn't have to go so hard with this book, but she did. She did for us.

This book had me laughing out loud and gasping in shock. The banter? Aces. The tension? Chef's kiss. AND THE SPICE? IMMACULATE! My mouth was literally on the floor at times reading some of the deliciously dirty things that Valentine and Bronwyn would say to each other in the throes of passion. This book took the characters on a journey both physically and emotionally and boy was I along for the ride.

On top of how mind-blowingly sexy the romance was, Howard really delivered on the historical aspects of the novel. I have never read a historical romance from the British perspective on the American Civil War and Howard did an excellent job of contextualizing why these characters in particular care about what is happening across the pond. It brought yet another unique element to an already amazing story.

At this point, I'll read anything that Amalie Howard puts out because SHE ALWAYS DELIVERS!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

I’ve been reading all of the author’s books in the last years and each one was as beautiful and swoony as the latest, “The duke in question “.
What made me swoon more in here was the suspenseful moments and their banter. Those interactions were my highlights and how each one was trying to hide their true selfs , the attraction and chemistry was felt throughout the chapters.
Add in that he is a retired spy for the crown while she is always hiding in plain sign in the crowded ball rooms. The sparks and case was so entertaining to watch.
If you’re looking for a great historical romance with beautiful writing and characters that just completed each other, along with a well deserved happily ever after, this book is for you.

🆓📖Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley

4.5 stars!

I don't know how Amalie does it, but she has once again written an amazing, adventurous, and swoony romance that will capture your bookish soul! I've come to really love and look forward to her easy and charming writing style as she is a master at weaving real-life issues into her romance stories in a way that is easily palatable. However beneath this story of the American Civil War is a sweeping romance between two souls who are looking to make a difference and do the right thing, even if they might be standing on two different sides.

Valentine is a seasoned spy, jaded by the secretive life he has led in service of the Crown. He is used to being in control--both of himself and those around him--so when his path crosses with Bronwyn's aboard a ship to America, his sense of equilibrium is completely upended. Bronwyn has been living a double life as a notorious spy, delivering messages while maintaining her persona as a vapid chit of the ton. But as their paths continue to cross and their lies get more and more entangled in one another, Valentine is forced to confront his growing feelings for Bronwyn, while she attempts to guard her heart from further rejection. I absolutely loved their interactions and slow courtship! Their witty encounters were so steamy and Valentine's complete bewilderment was so adorable. This was another knockout by Amalie Howard, and I cannot wait for more♡

Tropes: brother's best friend, heroine-in-disguise/heroine-in-danger, retired spy hero, secret pining, hate-to-love-you, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, age-gap romance, protector hero, virgin heroine, STEAMY🔥

If you are looking for an incredibly fun read that includes another fantastic Amalie Howard Bad@$$
heroine, look no further. This book has it all; international spies, danger, disguises, and treason. She
tops it all off with a steamy romance that has you looking for more with each turn of the page.
Lady Bronwny Chase just wants to make a difference in the world. That’s why she became The
Kestrel, an infamous British spy. She now finds herself on a mission that has her aboard her brother’s
steam ship heading to America, carrying very sensitive, possibly treasonous information. She knows The
Crown has people hunting for her and so far, she has managed to stay one step ahead of their efforts.
So of course, she is on edge and suspicious at the appearance of brother’s friend, the Duke of Thornbury
(a handsome former Crown operative) who just so happens to be on the same ship. Will she be able to
complete her mission without fail or will she allow herself to be completely captured by his protective
nature and passionate kisses?
Valentine, Duke of Thornbury has come out of retirement to assist in the hunt for the emissary
known as The Kestrel. Intel has him and his partner chasing their target to Philadelphia. With no time
for distractions, he is beyond irritated when he discovers his best friend’s insipid little sister, flirting with
every man on the ship. Bound by honor, he feels it’s his job to protect her, but at the same time he is
bound by duty to find and apprehend the criminal. Once he discovers the truth, will honor and his
burning desire for her overcome his sense of duty, or will his thorny countenance give him the space he
needs to arrest more than just her heart?
Another all consuming, mind blowing, page turner from the AMAZING Amalie Howard. I can’t
wait to see who she creates for us next!

It’s dangerous duke day. Valentine is a spy for the British crown but what is his best friend’s sister doing a roses a ship bound for America? Bronwyn is a carrier and well trained. She and the duke have a fire for each other but love doesn’t factor into it, or does it?
A lord and his lady, spicy trysts in the most opportune venues, plus intrigue and villains.
What more could you ask of a dishy duke dialogue? More spicy scenes!
Warning: readers may need a glass of water to gulp down or splash over themselves due to the heat of the story!

Amalie Howard’s The Duke in Question is espionage meets “Who needs a bed?” in book form and I did not want to put it down.

It’s a historical romance with brother’s best friend, enemies-to-lovers, and spy vibes plus plenty of steam. It takes the reader to three countries and on two transatlantic voyages as Howard weaves the story of Valentine Medford, Duke of Thornbury and retired spy, as he searches for the Kestrel, and Lady Bronwyn Chase (that illusive Kestrel) as she attempts to complete her mission and to evade capture—and death.

With plot points tied into the American Civil War, Howard incorporates themes of racism, classism, and feminism into her tale and includes real historical figures in the novel.

It’s a rollicking romance set against a historical backdrop with elements of danger outside of—and in addition to—the ripples of potential scandal rolling across the ton. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received an advance copy from Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

First, thanks to @NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinions and ratings!

Holy hotness. I’m going to give this book 8 eggplants out of 5, and 5 stars overall.
This book is so spicy without losing any of the substance. I devoured it in just 2 days.

Our hero and heroine are spies who despise each other but can’t stop themselves from ravishing one another at every turn.

Amalie Howard has this amazing wit and dialogue that really builds the story and characters that just makes your heart palpitate with excitement and fall helplessly in love with them.

Would recommend it to regency historical romance readers who are looking for a romance with strong characters, a thrilling spy side storyline, with a lot of spice.

Wonderful book! I had read the first in the series and anxiously awaited the second. The heroine is fierce and independent . I love that she gave all to stand up for all that she believed in. The hero is a moody James Bondish Duke, Their story leads them tot he United States and France. It was a very fast pace , action and romance filled novel. Loved it!