The Duke in Question
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4.4 • 44 Ratings
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
This lady is not at all a paragon of society…
Lady Bronwyn Chase leaves London on her brother’s passenger liner bound for America with a packet of secret letters that could get her into trouble. Serious trouble—the kind 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.
Praise for the Daring Dukes series:
“Vivid, sensual and beautifully written… Amalie Howard tells a story with self-assured style, wit, and energy, making the book impossible to put down.”—Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author, for The Princess Stakes
“Amalie Howard is the fresh voice historical romance needs right now… I will read every word she writes.”—Kerrigan Byrne, USA Today bestselling author
“Adventurous!”—Publishers Weekly for Rules for Heiresses
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
With this spirited Victorian romance, a loose sequel to 2021's Rules for Heiresses, Howard constructs a vibrant, witty adventure whose undercover leads enjoy sizzling chemistry under the covers. Retired spymaster Valentine Medford, Duke of Thornbury, is called back into service to track down the mysterious Kestrel—not realizing the "rogue operative" is hiding in plain sight. It's Lady Bronwyn Chase, sister to the Duke of Ashvale, who's determined to use her privilege to help the oppressed and disenfranchised. As she sets sail to Philadelphia bearing secret documents to aid the North in the U.S. Civil War, she's distressed to encounter Valentine aboard the same ship. She's so eager to allay suspicion that Valentine comes away from their first interaction thinking her an "avaricious nitwit." Even so, there's an undeniable mutual attraction that only grows as their travels take them to America and back to Europe. Caught in a web of intrigue and desire, Valentine and Bronwyn become reluctant partners in espionage—and rather less reluctant lovers—as they plunge into ever deeper danger. Howard touches upon the social inequalities and marginalization of the time, adding nuance and depth to this witty, suspenseful romance. By turns playful and tense, it's a thoroughly entertaining romp.
Customer Reviews
Excellent read
Thanks
Action and adventure!
Amalie Howard’s “The Duke in Question” himself asks the same question to Lady Bronwyn Chase until his intentions change and he gets the answer he wants. Otherwise, Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury, and the lady in question make a great team uncovering plots carried out in multiple countries.
I love espionage in historical romance! I love how Howard weaves it with historical events and people. Her author’s note is a must read also!
I love that Bronwyn, although sister to a duke, believes in change and causes for those outside of the ballroom. She is underestimated, but her actions prove otherwise.
Thornbury may be a great spymaster, but his romantic side needs help. Thank goodness there are those who give him advice or try to may him jealous when he is not making himself jealous.
If you enjoy action, adventure, close proximity, and evading your protector aka major crush then I recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Amalie Howard for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
He’s looking for The Kestrel…she is The Kestrel
She's on a mission, he's the retired spy master tasked with finding a rogue agent...
Lady Bronwyn "Bee" aka, the Kestrel, is running messages as a spy. She's whip smart, young, brilliant and daring. Bee is trying to live a little, fly a bit, before conforming to society. Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury, is a retired spy master, on board the ship looking for the Kestrel. He's working with his former lover and curent spy, Lisbeth, they had a fake marriage which they fake dissolved. He's completely blind to Brownyn, because he is attracted to her, so he buys her ruse of a vapid debutante. He is so easily played,. I truly wonder how this guy could be a decent spy ciz he's so bad at it, though Lisbeth sees right though Bee.
A fast paced romp across a number of locales, the witty banter, the I can't stand you, but I desire you works. Bronwyn definitely takes Valentine to school, the school of assumptions, even though she's a novice. Spying, some spice and deception make for an enjoyable VIctorian read.
Recommend.