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.

First thing you need to know is that this is basically regency Ten Things I Hate About You. Still need more convincing? Proceed below.

The way these books are immersed in feminism… 🤌🏻

“That acceptance was more precious to her than any arrangement between them.”

The way this resonated with my soul. 🥹

I’ve read the other two books in this series and have to say this was definitely the lustiest of them all (not complaining!). I loved that Briar was empowered to both feel and act out of her feelings. Her effect on others (her friends and her sister, for example) is what I aspire for all. We all deserve someone who is willing to be herself at all costs.

Continuing to recommend this series!

This book includes some foreshadowing that I think I’ve figured out and I cannot wait for Briar’s book!

I keep getting excite for these blurbs for this series and reading them and being disappointed. I want to love this book and this series more than I do but I would be lying if I said anything other than I have been disappointed by every single one.

Wow wow wow. I truly loved this book. Amalie Howard just keeps getting better in this series. This is the second book, and our main character is a strong, ready to be a spinster, animal lover. Lady Evangeline is the responsible older sister of Viola, who desperately needs her older sister to take her to London for the season. The disgusting Regency trash who is wooing Viola has already treated Evangeline poorly, so he needs to rope in Gage, the Duke of Vale, to pretend to court Evangeline. Since Gage owes Viola's suitor money (via his dead brother's debt), he agrees to the scheme. Of course, Gage and Evangeline have off the charts chemistry, and he immediately questions whether he should tell her the truth. OF COURSE HE SHOULD, but he doesn't. They make each other laugh, they argue, they are really lovely together. I love that Howard hasn't written such a strong character in Evangeline, who is the one to proposition Gage first because she knows what she wants. Can't wait for the next book in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. 4.5 stars and 4 chili peppers for spice. Another amazing book from Amalie Howard! This was probably my favorite book in the series. I loved that the MMC and the FMC were both virgins. It created a complex sexual tension and emotional hurdles for the characters. I also loved that the FMC was s*x positive. She wasn’t shy about her body and confident in what she wanted. The spice was two thumbs up. I absolutely love this series and can’t wait for the next book!

I have never highlighted a historical romance more than I did this one. I will always love me a man absolutely gone for his woman and Gage was so far gone it had me kicking my feet and giggling the entire time. Amalie writes some of the best historical heroines and Effie was no exception. She was fierce, unapologetically a spinster. I love how she genuinely was prepared to just Be Alone but not in a sad way. Effie my muse how I would have loved to run the shelter with you but alas I missed out due to his grace. I'll survive. The Worst Duke in London may be my favorite of this series just because of how irresistibly perfect these two were for each other. I was cackling and then stressed and then swooning and then fanning myself. The Taming of the Dukes series just keeps getting better and better. GIVE ME MOREEEEEEEE and by more I mean Dawson and Viola.

This book is literally 10 Things I Hate About You set in 1800-something London society with a dash of The Kiss Quotient. It’s not the most historically accurate, but it’s a wild romp of a rom com and a fun read.

Romance Steam Rating: Full Boil [3 out of 5] (Open Door)

Note: This is book 3 in the Taming of the Dukes series. I read it as a standalone and didn’t have any trouble following the plot.

Amalie Howard's Taming of the Dukes series has been super fun since the beginning, and this installment was no different. It's a 10 Things I Hate About You retelling featuring a penniless Scottish duke and a prickly animal-loving earl's daughter. And if you know the plot of 10 Things, you know the story of this book: 2 sisters, a good suitor and a bad one, an offer to keep the older sister occupied, a change of heart, fake dating that turns real, etc.

Overall, this was a pretty solid adaptation (of an adaptation lol), and I enjoyed the twists Howard put on the characters, including Effie's animal shelter and Gage's background. Towards the end, the book gets a bit chaotic, with lots of different plot elements stuffed in (which has been the case for previous books in this series, too), but this was a quick, fun read that was packed full of nostalgia for an excellent teen movie.

3.75/5

The only bummer I have to say is for me for waiting so long to read this. It was a delightfully fun book to read and I appreciated the homages to 10 Things I Hate About You as well as the completely new spin that the author put on a well known story. It was the perfect balance of old and new and didn't feel forced but played so nicely. Both Gage and Effie stand as their own characters with real baggage and flaws, but such strong personalities I loved them both even when they made the worst choices. I really enjoyed the interwoven commentary on animal rights and sexual liberation of the time. The author clearly did the research and it added so much to the book.
This series just keeps getting better and I cannot wait for the next one!

The cheeky heroine seduces the inexperienced hero who is hiding his own secrets.

Lord Huntington’s request that Gage keep Effie occupied started out innocuous enough, until his true nature was revealed. He was truly icky. Viola didn’t present as very endearing herself and I was mostly annoyed by her.

Effie and Gage were very likable characters. They were nothing like you’d expect from their positions in society and clearly they surprised each other as well. I enjoyed their banter and interactions, but they didn’t stir any overwhelming sweeping feelings.

The overall tone and dialogue were more what you’d expect from modern times, but it didn’t bother me. This book was interesting enough, and would work well for lovers of light-hearted, steamy historical romance.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm learning to accept that Amalie Howard is going to be one of those authors that consistently writes books that scratch my itch.
This 10 Things I Hate About You inspired romance is full of Howard's signature wit, steam, and relatable characters. Highly recommend!

I found this book to be a bit slow. That’s not saying it wasn’t a ok read. There was moments of humorous banter that was enjoyable.
Is it a steamy historical romcom? Definitely it is!
The story was just a little over the top for me.
I am sure others may feel differently and thats fine. We all like what we like :)
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wondrously complex romance!

What starts out as a simple retelling of The Taming of the Shrew quickly expands into a fascinating tale of justice and vengeance with a delightfully unexpected romance in addition to the searing hot dynamics between our two main characters, Gage and Evangeline.

Gage has been backed into a corner by Huntington, who requires that Gage woo Evangeline so that Huntington can pursue her younger sister, Viola. The history between Huntington and Gage's family is compelling and has a surprisingly satisfying conclusion, while Viola quietly finds her own happiness almost in spite of everyone around her trying to keep her where they feel she belongs.

I adored the focus on animal shelters in the Victorian era, and I loved the way Evangeline fearlessly stood up for her principles. The secrets and hidden motives do not overwhelm the romance, which is delightfully paced and heartwarming throughout. The HEA is wonderful and I highly recommend this story for anyone who enjoys historical romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Regency “10 Things I Hate About You” - yes please! Amalie Howard writes great easy bodice rippers. They’re not too heavy with confusing language and perfect if you’re just wanting to get into them but typically read romcoms. I loved how this one was EXACTLY like 10 things.

Vale needs desperately to pay off his brother’s debt after his passing. The offer comes to distract Lady Evangeline while Lord Huntington courts her sister Viola - and what could go wrong? Well I’m sure you could guess!

This one has plenty of spice and I was so into it.

I was sold on a Regency romance crossed with 10 Things I Hate About You and I was not disappointed! Effie and Gage have such fun banter and this was a really cute romcom that was the perfect palate cleanser for me after reading a string of thrillers. Definitely recommended if you are looking for a romance that is fun and not too heavy.

This series, Taming of the Dukes, continues to deliver fun, hilarious installments. Howard's characters are brash, bold and dedicated to what they want in and out of the bedroom. The witty-banter and honesty was a delight to read between Effie and Gage. Let's talk about the Scottish hunk, he's a dreamy kilt wearing gentlemen.

Are we done, or are there more in this series? What a sexy story...

Thank you, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever

⭐️❤️Amalie Howard’s *The Worst Duke in London* is an utterly delightful and refreshing Regency romance that captured my heart from the very first chapter. With its witty banter, steamy romance, and a fierce, unconventional heroine, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.❤️⭐️

The story follows Lucien, the newly-minted Duke of Warrington, a notorious rake labeled “the worst duke” due to his reckless past. Enter Lady Claudia, a strong-willed woman determined to defy society’s expectations and live life on her own terms. Their meeting sparks an irresistible push-and-pull dynamic that is brimming with chemistry, humor, and heartfelt moments.

Howard’s writing shines through her sharp dialogue and deeply emotional storytelling. One of my favorite quotes is when Lucien, known for being jaded and detached, realizes his growing feelings for Claudia:
*"You are not the storm I expected, but you are the one I needed. You are the calm that I never knew my soul was searching for."*
This line perfectly encapsulates the transformation of a man haunted by his past, finally finding peace in love.

Claudia is an absolute standout—fierce, independent, and unapologetically herself. Her resolve to challenge the rigid societal norms of the time is inspiring, and the way she holds her own against Lucien’s stubbornness makes for some delicious tension. One of her memorable moments is when she declares:
*"I will not be owned by any man. I am not a prize to be won; I am a woman who will not settle for anything less than love, respect, and partnership."*
It’s moments like these that highlight Claudia’s strength and make her such a relatable and empowering character.

Beyond the romance, Howard touches on themes of redemption, the complexities of family duty, and the courage to follow one’s heart, all while immersing the reader in the rich details of Regency London.

Overall, *The Worst Duke in London* is a perfect balance of passion, humor, and heart, wrapped up in a compelling love story that will leave you swooning. Amalie Howard has crafted a beautifully engaging tale that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a smart, fiery romance!

5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Forever - Grand Central Publishing - via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄 @ReadForeverPub @GrandCentralPub @HachetteUS
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THE WORST DUKE IN LONDON is a regency romance reminiscent of "10 things i hate about you" and the third installment in howard's TAMING OF THE DUKES series. i had already read and loved the first book in the series so i was so excited to read this one and it absolutely did not disappoint! howard's writing is funny, heartfelt, steamy, and it made me feel all the things. i was so obsessed with gage and effie—i couldn't put the book down until i knew what happened. i loved seeing their individual arcs unfold along with their love story, and i loved seeing the return of so many beloved characters from the series!! (and i really hope book 4 is going to be about briar and lushing.) thanks to netgalley and forever for the advanced copy!

The Worst Duke in London has everything you could possible want,,,witty banter, romance, cute animals, great supporting cast, and a main couple you really root for! If you are fans of this author, this one doesn't disappoint!
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Evangeline (Effie) doesn’t fit in with the ton and doesn’t want to spend another season in London; however, her father will not allow the younger Viola a season unless Effie is her chaperone. Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, needs to clear the debts left by his deceased brother, so when Lord Huntington offers to waive the debt in exchange for getting Evangeline to London for six weeks, he agrees.

The Worst Duke in London is Howard’s third book in her delightful Taming of the Dukes series, with each book a retelling of a 90s romcom movie. This time around, Howard tackles 10 Things I Hate About You (aka Taming of the Shrew). It’s been a hot minute since I’ve seen the movie, so I can’t comment on how well it sticks to the original plot, but as a standalone romance, I found it completely enjoyable.

Effie is a strong woman who is not afraid of going after what she wants. Gage truly loves her banter, wit, and body. I loved watching Effie and Gage fall in love. They find so much joy and pleasure in one another. The author does a fabulous job getting the reader inside the heads of both MCs and portraying strong emotions. And even though we know the secret of the deal with Huntington is out there, it doesn’t hang over Gage’s every action and thought. We see him genuinely fall for Effie, and that is the strongest plot of the book.

One of the best things about this series is the Hellfire Kitties, a group of five women who are very forward-thinking (and acting) for the period. Their camaraderie while supporting one another with often blunt advice adds much to the tales. Effie also navigates her relationship with Viola. I struggled with Viola for at least half of the book. Sure, she’s the pampered younger sister, but she is also manipulative. She uses her tears and Effie’s emotions to get her way, and then puts down Effie or blows her off. Yet Effie’s one wish is for her sister’s happiness. Howard brings Viola around overtime, making her story engaging.

In the end, I enjoyed The Worst Duke in London as both a standalone romance and the continuation of a fun series. Next up should be Briar and bad boy Lushing… I cannot wait!

My Rating: B+