This lady won’t let a savvy duke sway her from her mission.

The Duke of Thornbury, a retired agent of the Crown, has never lost a target. In a flirty game of cat and mouse, a spy must keep his enemy close in order to unravel the secrets that threaten to tear them apart.

Lady Bronwyn Chase is far from the paragon of society that her mother expects her to be.

Which is why she’s on her brother’s passenger liner bound for America with a secret packet of letters that could get her into trouble. Serious trouble—the kind that a duke’s sister shouldn’t be in, the kind that puts spymaster Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury, on her trail.

But as the duke gets closer to Bronwyn and the secrets she’s keeping, he’ll have to decide between the mysterious woman who calls to him or his allegiance to the Crown.

Titles in the Daring Dukes series include — The Princess Stakes —♥— Rules for Heiresses —♥— The Duke in Question —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

NetGalley ARC

Title:  The Duke in Question
Series:  Daring Dukes #3
Author:  Amalie Howard
Genre:  Historical Romance
Published:  November 28, 2022
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating:  4.5

The Duke in Question is the third title in the Daring Dukes series, and it’s probably my favorite… and it’s definitely the hottest of them all!

Bronwyn is multi-dimensional in so many ways.  She’s the lighthearted, airhead, innocent sister – the delectable siren with a very vivid imagination – and a talented spy who manages to take a retired spy master on quite the adventure as Valentine is on the hunt for a spy right in front of him all this time.  Depending on the circumstances, it’s always a toss-up as to which hat Bronwyn is wearing… but all are delicious in this delightful romp full of sexiness and tenderness, along with a dash of danger.

I loved both Bronwyn and Valentine for far different reasons.  I adore a Hero who finds himself somewhat befuddled and besotted by his lady love – and I love a Heroine who knows what she wants when she wants it and has no problem showing her strengths to the man she loves.

While preventing secret messages to his country’s enemies is a vital part of Valentine, retired or not, having to deal with his growing need and love for Bronwyn is certainly messing with not only his mind but his emotions as well.  Not to mention that she’s his best friend’s sister, so there is also the “bro” thing going on in his head.  I had such fun discovering which personality Bronwyn was going to wear as she tries to outfox a former spy master while falling under his spell at the same time.  She certainly has a vivid imagination, must be all those romance books she reads. (quietly laughs)

I will say this, though, there are two camps of Historical Romance readers these days.  Those who love and devour Traditional Historical Romances and those who equally love the more Modern Historical Romance where the heroine knows a bit too much for a woman of her time period.  In my opinion, The Duke in Question definitely falls into the more Modern Historical Romance, for there are actions, thoughts, and situations that Bronwyn instigates and actively takes part in that go beyond her actual experiences.  I enjoy both, frankly, because I simply enjoy Historical Romance and will let my imagination take me where it will.  But, if the distinction matters to you, well, that’s my opinion.

I had such a good time with The Duke in Question.  It’s a well-written, engaging, emotional, sexy story with characters that I simply adored.  If that’s your kind of romance, then you’ll want to pick this one up… soon.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Available in print, audio, or for your favorite e-reader