Amalie Howard

*3.75 Stars*

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC…

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.… (more)

“I’d rather feel nothing, to be numb, than to feel this grief wrecking me from the inside out and scraping my soul raw. Love makes you vulnerable. It makes you ache when you don’t get them, you only have yourself to blame for foolishly wishing and hoping for something unattainable in the first place.”

“The Starlight Heir,” by Amalie Howard

What I liked:
-Marriage Selection for the prince! I love marriage selections, and this was a really good one.
-Death Trials, part of the marriage selection is doing the trials that are super dangerous, and they were cool in the book.
-The banter she had with the second prince was so good. I loved him so much while reading.
-The story plot ramped up really fast and I didn’t feel like any part was slow and tedious.
-The setting, desert setting with a non-white FMC. I love how a lot of books recently have been in the desert.
-Tropes; chosen one and tons of political intrigue.

I really liked this book. Super interesting and fun to read. I like the characters and their interactions and tensions with each other, especially the tension between the two brothers. 4 out of 5 stars.

-Marriage Selection
-Death Trials
-Magic
-Chosen One
-Desert Setting
-Political Intrigue

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.… (more)

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.… (more)

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.… (more)