The Worst Duke in London was the first book of Howard's of mine to read and it certainly won't be the last! I'm a sucker for historical romances and retellings of Shakespeare's works and this book definitely did not disappoint. I enjoyed the witty banter and steamy interactions between our FMC Effie and MMC Gage and longed for more even after I read the final pages, This book is out now, so don't hesitate to pick up a copy for yourself! Thank you NetGalley and Forever for an ARC of this book!

Evangeline is a social outcast and prefers country life with her animal shelter, but her younger sister Viola is itching for a London Season. Their father insists that Viola is only allowed to go if Evangeline does too. Viola’s terrible suitor decides to use the debt he’s owed by the destitute duke, Gage, to tell him to convince and distract Evangeline. It’s a messy deal that gets even messier when Gage turns out to actually like Evangeline’s outspoken personality. Also, these two people are attracted to each other to the point of distraction, and Evangeline is the one to propose a scandalous affair. Super steamy flirty banter. Loved it.

Another excellent regency romance from Amalie Howard! I love all of her books, and especially the Taming of the Dukes series… sigh! How absolutely fantastic and brilliant!

The nod to 10 things I hate about you, where the older, uninterested sister has to start dating (aka, attend the season in London, even though she doesn’t wish to return again this year after the horrific experience the previous years and the terrible nickname she received from the gentleman now trying to pursue her sister)… before the younger, flirty and carefree one is allowed to, by the father… and the guys having a deal with one agreeing to distract the older sister so the other can court the younger, which is a really nice touch! Yes, I know that this plot has Shakespearean roots.

Add in an animal shelter, and the bookish gentleman with a failing Scottish dukedom, and Evangeline (Effie) and Gage are some really special characters! They are trying their hardest to keep their friend/sister apart and get them together at the same time because of their conflicting goals, with a lot of great hijinx throughout. A great, fun read, and as with every Howard book, it’s a story you won’t want to put down until you find out how it all plays out, and about how the mismatched pair that can’t stand each other to start, winds up together... especially when she’s not ever going to marry. Definitely a high recommendation from me! 4.5-stars!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and this is my honest feedback.

The Taming of the Dukes has been such a fun, contemporary take on Regency romance, and The Worst Duke in London is the newest confection in this delightful series, telling the story of animal-loving Evangeline and financially-troubled Gage as they embark on a fake dating with benefits situation that has the potential to be the talk of the ton. I enjoyed getting glimpses of characters we've gotten to know in previous books and seeing the affection bloom between these two feisty protagonists. I highly recommend this series for those who enjoy Bridgerton and their tea hot!

Thank you to Forever for gifting me with an ARC to review! All opinions are my own.

An enjoyable read!

I enjoyed this lovely, romantic, and steamy story with two amazing main characters, Evangeline and Gage. Evangeline is a woman speaking her mind, and it gives some funny scenes between her and Gage. The chemistry between them is breathtaking.
I had a great time reading this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

If you enjoy historical romances that break rules and have a modern flair this is a fun book. The third in Taming of the Duke series which the author is basing very loosely on 90s movies. She’s covered retellings of Pretty Woman and Clueless and in this story she takes on 10 Things I Hate About You.

Lady Evangeline Raine considers herself a spinster and has more interest in rescuing animals and their rights than getting married. But her father has said that her younger sister Viola can be courted only if Effie is as well. A scheming Lord is willing to forgo a major debt if Gage Croft, Duke of Vale courts Effie so he can catch Viola. It is an offer Gage can’t refuse.

Effie makes her own bargain with Gage, wanting to explore intimacy with him during the season. He is more than willing but it is new to him as well. He has been busy trying to rebuild the Dukedom after his father and older brother gambled away much of his estate. I like the characters. Effie’s friend group is great as they support her and call out various romantic tropes that may be in play. And I like that there is comeuppance for the villain which doesn’t often happen if they are titled. This is a Victorian era romance and I appreciated the author's notes at the end as I didn’t realize animal rights and other things in the book were valued in the time period. I am assuming there is another story for this series and will be waiting to see what Howard writes next.

I love a book that is equally funny and touching and this book is a great example of that! Effie's animals had some great comedy moments as well as her shocking poor Gage. At the same time I loved watching their connection grow and them exploring their sexuality together.

Gage is so taken with Effie from their first meeting and it's a perfect antidote to the treatment she has received from the ton. I liked that Gage was often the one more willing to be emotionally vulnerable in the relationship. I thought they balanced each other well.

I have enjoyed each book in this series and am super excited for the next one! I really enjoyed the set up for it in this one! If you like a romcom, a historical romance or meet cutes involving kitten's crawling on dukes (that should be everyone) this is a great choice!

The third story in the Taming of the Dukes, Lady Evangeline Raine and Gage Croft the Duke of Vale's story. An entertaining, well written story that I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I really liked Amalie Howard's other books in this series and this one is also just as fun! I think I liked the first book the most mainly because I have such a soft spot for Pretty Woman but this one is still just as fun and sexy. Can't wait to read her other books!!

The Worst Duke in London is a fantastic historical romance. This Regency version of 10 Things I Hate About You (and Taming of the Shrew) has a strong FMC who knows what she wants regardless of what society thinks, and, of course, a Duke who is clearly not the worst at all.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lady Evangeline Raine is known for her work saving abandoned animals, along with be a strong, outspoken woman. As unconventional as she is, her younger sister Viola is set to be the toast of the ton this season, as long as Evangeline agrees to chaperone her. But Viola’s suitor takes matters into his own hands, and offers to wipe the debt of Gage Croft, the Duke of Vale, as long as he courts Evangeline and convinces her to accompany her sister to London. To the shock of not a single romance reader, Gage finds Evangeline refreshing and enchanting the more time he spends with her. What will happen with this pair’s surprising yet very real feelings?

I adore Effie and Gage! Effie doesn’t bend her ideals for anyone, and Gage loves her sassy quips. This dual POV guarantees that it’s obvious that Gage is interested in Evangeline from the start. Add in a Gaelic nickname, some lessons in love and a “we won’t catch any feelings at all” pact, and this steamy historical hit all my favorite marks.

Don’t let the cute cover fool you, this book is super hot. Effie and Gage know how to push each other’s buttons, and the heat ramps up every time they are in the same room together. And while this book is the third installment in the Taming of the Dukes series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Any historical romance fan who likes strong characters, witty banter and lots of steam will love The Worst Duke in London. This book is a fantastic adaptation, taking all the best plot lines and turning them into a fresh, creative story that’s impossible to put down.

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

It’s official this is my favorite Amalie Howard book! The 10 things I hate about you retelling gave me all the feels! I loved Effie and Gage, they were a perfect couple. Gage is book husband material. Added him to the growing list.

I’m not even going to describe this book, just read it. You won’t regret

The Worst Duke in London by Amalie Howard
Taming of the Dukes series #3. Historical Regency romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Prior series characters play very minor secondary roles but would be considered spoilers if you prefer to read in order.
Lady Evangeline Raine has no interest in another season in London. Her first season, a rude Duke Huntington gave her the nickname of Lady Ghastly and unfortunately it stuck. Effie prefers animals to the ton, and has created a sanctuary near the family’s country home. She doesn’t want to get married anyway, so there is no point in partying through another season. Effie’s father has unfortunately told her younger sister that she can only have her first season in London if Effie goes with her. Which Effie absolutely does not want to do.
The Duke of Vale, Gage Croft, is in England to rebuild his estate after several generations lost all their wealth gambling. Gage owes one more family debt to Huntington. Gage didn’t plan on attending any of the season activities but Huntington makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Huntington will not only waive the debt due, but he’ll fund everything Gage needs to be in London from the clothes, to staff and furniture if only he can persuade Evangeline to go to London with her sister.
Gage finds Effie at her animal sanctuary and the two become acquainted but he’s unable to persuade her to London. Until she makes her own proposal for what she wants in exchange. And it’s on the risqué side.

Parties and social events to see and be seen. Matches made, hearts broken, gossip passed.
Gage and Effie go from party to secluded clubs where they both learn all kinds of forbidden pleasures. All temporary as agreed.

An engaging romance with two unusual aristocrats that have their own ideas about what they want, today and for their future. Which leads to some very steamy experiences for them both! An unexpected romp. Loved her dedication to all animals but one was a bit of a shock. But it hit dead on with her commitment. And not fond of lies and hidden agendas. Loved the perfect wrap up.
A regency romance pairing you’ll love.
Don’t miss the authors note at the end for research gems. Facts and details that make the story all that much better. Bonus Reading Guide Questions included at the end as well.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

In this delightful Regency romance, Lady Evangeline Raine, who prefers animals over people, is forced into the London season by her father’s rule that her sister, Viola, can only debut if Evangeline accompanies her. Enter Gage Croft, the debt-ridden Duke of Vale, tasked with charming Evangeline to clear his debts. But Evangeline flips the script, proposing a scandalous arrangement: she’ll attend, but only if Gage agrees to be her lover. What starts as a fake courtship soon turns into real passion. With witty banter, steamy encounters, and a feminist twist, this story is a fun, engaging romance where love and independence take center stage.

Effie is determined never to marry, partially because she doesn't want to give up her autonomy, and partially because the ton has proven that they don't want her either--the nickname Lady Ghastly has followed her around ever since she argued with Lord Huntington during her first season. She's perfectly content living in her family's country home and running her animal rescue... until the Duke of Vale shows up, all large and Scottish and so intriguing. She still doesn't want marriage, but perhaps her new friend can help her explore her interests in the bedroom...

I absolutely adored The Worst Duke in London. It's funny, it's spicy, it's adventurous. It's so much fun!

Overall, this was a nice romance. This was inspired by 10 Things I Hated About You, one of my favorite 90s movies, but it didn't quite live up to the movie for me. For whatever reason, I didn't quite see the character development that I was hoping for.

** I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

10 Things I Hate About You, but make it regency?! If I didn’t already love this series that alone would’ve had me starting it with this book!

Of course, we already know from the beginning what Gage is up to with getting closer to Evangeline, but you really sympathize with him and his reason for needing to do the bad guy’s bidding. Gage is my absolute favorite part of this book, with his rough Scottish ways and funny, charming sense of humor, he definitely isn’t your normal kind of Duke.

Evangeline and her group of friends had me giggling with their jokes, and the banter between Gage and Evangeline was so good, making this my favorite kind of historical romance!

Independent spinster vs sexy but broke Duke

This is a lovely romance for modern audiences, pitting an independent spinster who has her own animal refuge against a sexy, penniless, large duke. Our heroine has had terrible luck with the Season, but, reluctantly, agrees to go to London to make her younger sister happy. In the meantime, there is the large Scottish duke. Sparks fly. Misunderstandings happen. Readers are hooked!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Effie is a buttoned-up Victorian spinster who cares more about orphaned animals than the aristocratic marriage mart. After being called “Lady Ghastly” (that’s the best they could come up with??) by all of the ton, Effie has retired to the country of live a sexless life saving little stray animals. Except her sister wants to head to London to find a man and needs Effie as her chaperone.

The Duke of Vale is a poor Scottish hunk with no money. Poor Dukes are the WORST. He accepts a challenge to get Effie and her sister to London by a sketch ball lord who wants to marry ‘lil sis in exchange for forgiveness of some of Duke of Vale’s debts. Effie, who seemed very prim and stodgy immediately starts having dirty thoughts about the Duke of V…who she wants to make the Duke of her V. And so she does what any virginal Victorian spinster would do, she propositions him and that dingus refuses. Idiot.

But alas, fear not readers, these two circle around each other like salivating wolves for most of the book…a constant seduction and tease. Vale is a honorable heartthrob who sorta tries to keep Effie’s good name intact, but since she’s already “Lady Ghastly” she gives zero F’s about her virtue and thus lives a sex positive, give no shits about anything life that is a breath of fresh 19th century London air.

I loved this steamy historical romance and am sad that this is my first read of the series (this is book 3)! Def recommend for anyone who loves a sharped tongue, slutty heroine (and who doesn’t?!).

Smut- 3.29 stars
Romance- 4.56 stars
Story- 4.87 stars
Giant, smoldering, alpha Scottish, man-mountain being the Duke of all of our Vs- 19.34 stars

Lady Evangeline Raine would much rather spend her days tending to rescued animals than fretting over marriage—especially after last season earned her the not-so-flattering title of Lady Ghastly. Unfortunately, this puts her younger sister Viola in a bit of a pickle since she can’t entertain suitors until Effie does. This complicates things for Viola, who’s expected to shine as a Diamond of the season.

On the other hand, Gage Croft, the Duke of Vale, never wanted the title and would much rather embrace his Scottish roots than deal with the London social scene. When his brother dies in a reckless accident, Gage finds himself inheriting not just the title but also a pile of debts, including one to the insufferable Lord Huntington. Huntington strikes a deal: he’ll clear Gage’s debts if he can get Effie to London and keep her there. Little does Gage know just how fiercely independent Effie is, while she can’t help but be intrigued by his persistence. Their playful interactions soon develop into something deeper, but secrets hover between them.

I’ve been looking forward to The Worst Duke in London, and it definitely delivers! Amalie Howard’s storytelling is captivating, making this my favorite in the series so far. The fun nods to 10 Things I Hate About You add a nice touch, and the way Gage and Effie’s relationship evolves feels authentic, like gentle waves building to something more intense.

While the central conflict—Gage being hired to win over Effie—does eventually come to a head, I found myself wishing it had happened a bit earlier to really explore the consequences. Still, the book effectively highlights the precarious situation of women at that time, showing Viola’s choices as more about survival than anything else.

I also love how the friendships among the Hellfire Kitties get plenty of attention, making those connections just as important as the romance. With teasers for the next book featuring Briar and Lushing, I can’t wait to see which rom-com Amalie Howard will tackle next. If you haven’t started this series yet, do yourself a favor and jump in—you won’t regret it!

Lady Evangeline Raine would rather spend her days caring for the animals she rescues than thinking about marriage, especially after last season earned her the awful moniker of Lady Ghastly. Unfortunately, this doesn't work out so well for her younger sister Viola who cannot be courted unless Effie also has a suitor. Of course this puts a damper for Viola, whom is expected to be name a Diamond of the season.

Gage Croft, the Duke of Vale, has never wanted the title and much more prefers his Scottish heritage than dealing with the ton in London. When his brother died in a curricle accident while trying to win a bet, Gage was forced to take up the mantle, as well as all the debts of the estate including one still owed to the smarmy Lord Huntington. Then, Huntington approaches him with a proposition. He will forgive Vale's debts if he can get Effie to London and keep her there for the season. Huntington, aware of the rule of the Raine household, knows it's the only way he'll get a chance at courting Viola.

With no other option, Gage accepts without truly understanding how staunchly Lady Effie can stand her ground. Effie, for her part, doesn't know why the Duke suddenly seems to be everywhere, but she is intrigued by him, and if she's not going to marry, she might as well have a little fun. A little fun starts to turn into something more, but can they survive with secrets between them?

The Worst Dunk in London has been one of my most anticipated reads for the year, and I'm happy to say it doesn't disappoint! Amalie Howard is quickly becoming, if not already become, one of the best historical romance authors publishing right now. I've loved this series, and The Worst Duke in London is, so far, my favorite. Probably has a lot to do with the fact that I absolutely love 10 Things I Hate About You (which, yes, is based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew).

I appreciate the familiarity with the story going in, but also the areas where Amalie Howard decided to branch out. This is especially apparent in the steamy scenes between Gage and Effie. The book is definitely up there for one of my steamiest reads of the year. I liked how we're pulled along. It's not like things build and build and then suddenly Gage and Effie are crashing into one another. Instead they, like the seashore, kind of wade back and forth with one another which is a slower and more focus build up of intensity as it goes.

I'm pretty sure we're all aware of the major conflict involved in the story (that of Gage essentially being hired by someone to spend time with Effie - initially). I don't think it's spoilery to say that at some point this is all going to come to a head, I almost wish is had happened a little sooner than it did. I wanted to feel and see how the consequences were dealt with a bit more.

Regardless of the romance aspect of the book, I think it also did well in showcasing the precariousness of women's lives at the time. I liked that instead of Viola being considered a gold-digger because she entertains Huntington's advances, we're given the perspective that it's more about looking out for yourself when your choices and freedom are limited - which women's very much were at the time. No one can blame a woman for wanting to make sure they would be taken care of when the men in their families were no longer able to do so, securing a marriage was one of the ways to do that. Unfortunately, love rarely played a part.

Of course, both Effie and Viola are lucky that they have a more forward-thinking father who doesn't baulk at Effie's declaration of remaining a spinster. His main concern is that he wants his daughters to be happy and content which is not an often typical stance in historicals.

I also love the continuation of the friendships throughout this series. I feel like we get some good, quality time with the other Hellfire Kitties which is great because those relationships are just as valid (maybe even moreso) than the romantic relationship.

We also get a lot of teasing for the next book and next couple which I assuming will be Briar and Lushing. I'm excited to get their story next and I'm very interested to find out which popular rom-com Amalie Howard will decide to retell next.

Honestly, if you haven't yet picked up this series, or read this author, you need to do so ASAP. Do not let this being book three keep you from starting here, you'll get just as much enjoyment.