I struggled a bit finishing this book. I found it predictable and pretty slow at first. The happily ever after redeemed it somewhat.

The Worst Duke in London was a take on 10 Things I Hate About You and I was here for it! I absolutely adored the characters, and the story-line was a lot of fun! With a wonderful HEA, I’m so happy I read this book!

Lady Evangeline Raine could be as prickly as a porcupine when she wanted to be, but I absolutely adored her! Her lack of filter at times was so refreshing, and I loved how passionate she was about things close to her heart. And how deeply she loved those around her. With the cutest kitten meet cute, I couldn’t wait to see what happened between Evangeline and Gage next.

Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, was supposed to get Evangeline to London. His family's debts would be wiped clean from Huntington, who wanted to court Evangeline’s sister. But from the moment Gage met Evangeline, everything went a little sideways. I loved watching how he was challenged by her. How he had to work to even get time with her. Even if they were both attracted to each other from the start. I was rooting for Gage every step of the way. He had the most beautiful heart, and I loved watching him help her out time and again without a second thought.

Watching the friendship blossom between them was heartwarming. Throw in some banter and memorable scenes and I was hooked. And the steam in this book was done fabulously! Each time it seemed to ratchet up! Yet as they grew close, secrets were kept. And I kept waiting for it all to blow up. Because I knew it would.

With trust, honor, lies, jealousy, and secrets swirling through this story, it was so much fun to read! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for who the next book is about! I recently watched 10 Things I Hate About You, for the millionth time haha, and loved seeing little moments here or there that reminded me of the movie. So if you adore that movie and like historical romance, you should put this one on your tbr!

I loved loved loved the “10 things I hate about you” vibes of this one soooo much!!

Effie and Gage was so cute- I’m a big fan of Scottish heroes 😏 I loved all the cute animal appearances and the loved the little peeks into the couples from the first two books! Something tells me Vesper’s book is next and I NEED it immediately!!

I did feel like some of the scenes in this book were a bit too long and could have used some editing. But other than that, this book was delightfully naughty and I can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the earc in exchange for my honest review.

*3.75 stars*

I am someone who likes to read historical romances, and this one was okay. I have others that I’ve read that were more of my taste.

My biggest con of this book was some of the language used. Sometimes, it felt too modern for me, and it would pull me out of the story. The plot of the story was okay. I kind of hate the denial trope used in romance when it goes on for too long. Like it’s obvious they love each other, but the characters still internally deny it over and over even though they have all ready partially admitted it to themselves.

I think my favorite part was the personalities of the characters. You loved who you were supposed to love, you hated who you were supposed the hate, and you got attached (so, when characters did stupid things, you got frustrated with them). Evangeline and Gage were great characters, and they really did work together. The tension was tensioning. I despised Huntington, but that was the point. Viola annoyed me at first, but then she ended up being one of my favorites. And then all of Evangeline’s friends were great.

I don’t think I’ll rush to read the other books in the series, but I’ll probably check them out eventually because I always need a good historical romance series when I’m in the mood to read one.

This is an enemies-to-lovers romance with a spicy twist on the “Teach Me” trope. The writing and situations in the book had a very modern feel. It is patterned after 10 Things I Hate About You which is in turn based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

The hero of the story is Gage, a hunky Scottish Duke who falls for the heroine, Lady Evangeline. Gage is the type of main character I like to read about; Lady Evangeline not so much.

I did enjoy the funny scenes, especially the joking and harassing Gage receives from his friends.

3.5 rounded up

This retelling captures full scenes from it’s source material in a unique way.

As a 10 Things I Hate About You stan, I was fully sat for this retelling. It kept the fun and spunk of the movie but seamlessly blended plot points into the historical setting. Effie was a cute side character in the previous two books, and I’m happy she came into her own in her novel! Book 1 is still my favorite, but this couple holds a special place in my heart. I cannot WAIT for Briar’s book! I need it ASAP & feel as if I have been waiting foreverrr. This series is a great time & I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely adore this series! It’s the perfect lighthearted escape, packed with fun adventures and adorable characters. I’ve been semi-patiently waiting for Briar and Jasper's book (curious to see their spin!), but Gage and Effie completely charmed me in the meantime. This is the ideal book to curl up with a cozy cuppa in your favorite reading nook. 3 stars—and I’m already excited for the next one!

The Worst Duke in London is a regency romance involving strong female leads alongside flawed male leads. Lady Evangeline does not wish to marry and has been ridiculed in the past by her peers. But she is coerced into traveling to London for "the season" so that her sister may be courted. The Duke of Vale, Gage Croft, only wants to settle the debt owed by heis family and return to Scotland. One of his dead brother's debts will be forgiven if he helps to keep Evangeline entertained in London while her sister is courted.
Others may find this story cute and fun, however I rushed to finish it. I have not read the other books in the series, and will not be, but there are interconnected characters from previous books. This book was just not for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

📖: The Worst Duke in London-Book #3 Taming of the Dukes-can be read as a standalone


✍️ By: Amalie Howard-I read the 2 books in series 4 and 5 ⭐reads


📃 Page Count: 382 eBook


🗓️ Publication Date: 9-24-24 | Read 10-25-24


🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever, and Amalie Howard for this ARC 💚! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

🌎Setting: England

Genre: Historical Romance, Adult Fic

Tropes: Shakespeare retelling (Taming of the Shrew), pet friendly, fake courtship, enemies to lovers


☝🏾POV: 3rd person, dual Effie and Gage


⚠️TW: sex coach, virgin h, misogyny, animal cruelty, parental abandonment-h, death of family members-H's father and brother, drug use, sex club visit-h &H

💭Summary: Lady Evangeline (Effie) has sworn off marriage or going to London for the new coming out season. Her sister Viola is dying to go as she wishes to go to balls and find a husband. Their father Lord Oberton will only allow Viola to go to London if Effie goes too. Lord Gage owes a gambling debt to Huntington on behalf of his deceased brother Asher. Huntington proposes that Gage convince Effie to go to London and court her. He will pursue Viola, and all debts will be forgiven. Huntington agrees to finance their agreement, but Gage doesn't know what he's up against with Effie.

🚺 Heroine: Lady Evangeline Raine/Effie-21 runs an animal rescue shelter and doesn't want to marry or have kids. She has been made a pariah by Lord Huntington and doesn't want another coming out after three lackluster seasons.

🚹 Hero: Lord Gage Croft/Duke of Vale-28 on the verge of becoming a beggar after paying his father and brother's gambling debts to Huntington. He agrees to charm Effie-the older sister- in exchange for the last of his debts to be paid in full.

🎭Side cast:

• Viola-Effie's younger sister,18

• Lord Huntington-Viola's suitor

• William Dawson- the local vet, Effie's friend

• Lord Oberton-Effie's father

• Hellfire Kitties: Laila, Neve, Vesper, Briar- Effie's closest friends

🤔My Thoughts: I loved the movie 10 Things as it is a cult classic. Effie was feisty and independent, and Gage came to her rescue and knew when to let her fight her own battles. This was sex positive with both main characters virgins and willing to experiment which is unique in the adult romance genre.

Range of emotions: 😬🤔🙄
🌶️: Spice 5/5
😭: Emotion 5/5
❤️: Couple 5/5
⭐️: Rating 5/5

Regency romances have been my jam lately - mostly because I'm rolling my eyes at contemporary actual humans I know and the ones in books... :| As the second book I've read in this series, I'm really enjoying Howard's writing style!

To be completely fair to this work, I read this after coming off of a slump of 4 fairly atrociously written romances... so what I think of this story is most likely dampened by.. shall we say, less than pleasant reading experiences?

What I can say, however, is that I finished this one after that string of DNFs, and that felt like a win!! Not to mention that after reading I know I'll probably somewhat enjoy anything this author writes because her characters have so much depth!! Their motivations/growth are also heartwarming, and even when you're just in a *meh mood*, you still want to champion these characters' relationship!

(3.5/5 - Rounded up to a 4)

**Thank you to Forever & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

The Worst Duke in London by Amalie Howard, book three in the Taming of the Duke series, is a comedic romantic twist and parody of The Taming of the Shrew combined with 10 Things I Hate About You featuring a financially destitute Duke and a headstrong wallflower who does not want to marry are brought together by a sly bargain. This delightfully steamy historical romance is quite s*x positive, sizzling hot, with lots of animals, scandalous agreements, and a bully who final gets the karma he deserves. I highly recommend The Worst Duke to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #Forever

From the moment I met Lady Evangeline Raine, I was hooked. A heroine who prefers the company of animals over people? Sign me up! Effie's fierce independence and unconventional spirit had me cheering for her from the start, especially as she navigates the pressures of society alongside her flirtatious sister, Viola.

Enter Gage Croft, the Duke of Vale, who is as charming as he is burdened by debt. The premise of a “game” where he must woo the impenetrable Effie to allow Viola to find a suitor had me intrigued. Their dynamic is electric, filled with witty banter and delicious tension that had me flipping pages late into the night.

What I loved most was how the story turned the usual courtship tropes on their head. Effie's proposal to Gage was scandalous yet refreshing, and it set the stage for a fake relationship that quickly evolves into something much deeper. The emotional growth both characters experience is beautifully crafted, making their journey feel genuine and heartfelt.

Everything Amalie Howard does is magic and this is no exception. How does she keep writing these fantastic books that just speak to me, I also love a good virgin hero trope so this was right up my alley, big time. Great retelling of a classic, my only complaint was that Effie could have been more of a shrew,she was so lovable.

Definitely on the steamier side for a historical romance, but done so well. This was hilarious, fun, and had me kicking my little feet. I think Effie is my favorite FMC of this series. I loved that she was steadfast in her convictions, but so soft with her friends. I also really loved how she and Viola came together in the end, I just love sister relationships. If you liked Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew or the modern adaptation 10 Things I Hate About You, this is for you.

I’m not usually a historical romance lover, but this was an entertaining enemies to lovers that I found myself fully invested in. Fans of both Bridgerton and 10 things I hate about you will likely adore Effie and Gage.

Did you like "10 Things I Hate About You"? Do you enjoy historical romance? Then you'll enjoy this regency retelling of the popular movie!

Lord Huntington wants to to court Viola, but the only way to do that properly is to ensure she has a season in London. And Viola's father has proclaimed that the season will ONLY happen if Viola's sister, the patriarchy-smashing social pariah Effie, comes with her. Effie isn't interested, preferring the company of her rescue animals to "polite" society. But Huntington knows how to get her there. Gage is a Scotsman down on his luck, desperate to get his debts forgiven, and the last debt happens to be to Lord Huntington. Huntington agrees to do away with Gage's debt on one condition: Gage seduce Effie and convince her to spend six weeks in London with Viola. Should be easy...it's anything but!

I laughed out loud so many times while reading this book. The shenanigans are top notch, especially in the first third. I loved how confident Effie is, completely unwilling to let the status quo affect her beliefs. She's well-matched with our hero Gage, who discovers very quickly how incredible she is. The way this book reflected the hit 90s movie was fun as well!

This book is very spicy. Personally, this book felt almost more like erotica than romance, because so much of it was about "sexual congress," as Effie put it, exploring and trying new things in a variety of settings. It just wasn't as interesting to me as the main plot device. I found myself hard-pressed to really care about any of the characters.

Bottom Line: If you like strong heroines, plenty of spice, and hilarity, you should definitely pick this up!

I'd like to thank Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I love all of Amalie's books I have read and this series is fantastic. I was laughing and smiling and loving every page I read.
I love the focus on animal rights and all the animals in the books.
It was great to catch up with the characters from the previous two books in the series.
This was a great take on 10 Things I Hate About You.

I really hope we get a fourth book with Lushing and Briar!!!!! Please!!!

Effie & Gage are one of my favorite couples of the year and it’s banter like “that kilt is indecent,” that really makes them so lovable.

This is also my favorite of Amalie Howard's Taming of the Dukes series. If you love 10 Things I Hate About You then you absolutely must read this! There were so many times I laughed out loud reading this book. The shenanigans, the banter, the animals - just everything is top notch.

You will not regret picking this one up!

Special thanks to Forever for the ARC.

we love 10 Things I Hate About You over here, so of course I loved this, especially with a virgin hero and heroine, ughhhhhh. i’m so used to the rakish men in historical romances but seeing him slowly become feral for her!!!!!!! SCREAMING!!! Effie was such a strong fmc and it showed, her strength, her attitude towards the ton, her disdain for the marriage mart, and her selflessness in regards to the shelter all made her such a lovable character and i instant felt a sort of kinship to her. she’s so brave to stand up for what she believes and as an older sister, watching her strength rub off onto her younger sister made me so happy to see. now Gage, man oh man, i love a scottish man who isn’t afraid of a woman who speaks her mind when women weren’t supposed to. he encouraged Effie to use her brain and be proud of the things most men despise in a woman, which was so amazing to see.

As someone who was, in my youth, obsessed with both the actual Shakespearean Taming of the Shrew, and 10 Things I Hate About You, I found this book tremendous fun. I adores the main characters. Effie was feisty, intelligent and independent, whilst Gage was strong, kind and thoughtful.

Effie, after three horrible seasons in London, is happy to stay at home in the country life, content with a quiet life spent rescuing animals. Viola, her beloved younger sister, wants nothing more than to have her London Season. Their father gives permission for Viola to travel to London on the condition that Effie accompanies her.

Lord Huntington, wanting to court Viola, needs to find a way to get her to London. He offers Gage, Duke of Vale, a deal he cannot refuse if he can get Effie to London.

This book is definitely modern in its tone. I enjoyed it a lot, but occasionally found it jarring just how thoroughly modern the thinking of some of the characters was.