The Worst Duke in London
Author: Amalie Howard
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B+
What I’m Talking About:
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+
Jen
About the Book:
Lady Evangeline Raine prefers animals to people and has no interest in marriage–much to the dismay of her flirty younger sister, Viola. Because their father has one rule: Viola may be courted, only if Effie has a suitor as well.
Saddled with debt, Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, is determined to rebuild his estates. When the owner of his vowels offers him a fortune to charm the impervious Lady Evangeline for the season so Lady Viola can be courted, the game is on, even if it means pretending to seduce an unconventional wallflower.
But Gage gets much more than he bargains for in an adversary who wants to make her own scandalous arrangement. Effie will go to London for the season, but only if Gage agrees to be her lover. Yet when their fake courtship leads to passionate feelings, will their indecent proposal end with the season or be the start of something real?
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Publisher: Forever
Series: Taming of the Dukes #3
Genre: Historical Romance, Rom-Com
Format(s): paperback (384 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)
Books in the Series:
Always Be My Duchess by Amalie Howard (Taming of the Dukes #1)
Never Met a Duke Like You by Amalie Howard (Taming of the Dukes #2)