The Most Dangerous Duke in London (Decadent Dukes Society)

Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton has returned to England in search of revenge for those that drove his father to suicide by besmirching his name. He is approached by the son of his family's sworn enemy with a plea for peace and an offer of his younger sister’s hand in marriage. Adam is ready to decline until he spots the older sister Clara. She’s beautiful, smart, and independent, and wants to continue publishing her women’s journal with no intention of ever marrying. It seems she’s also just want Adam wants in a woman and he declares himself to her immediately. Of course Clara is suspicious of his motives, but is intrigued enough to become friends and pursue a relationship with him. The story then proceeds as more information is discovered about the circumstances of the death of Adam’s father and Adam and Clara become more involved. They then must decide what is more important to each of them, Adam’s revenge and Clara’s independence, or their future happiness. I liked Clara’s character a lot, her determination to live an independent life and do something meaningful with it was admirable. Adam is troubled and driven, but meeting Clara had a way of changing his priorities, and he was smart enough to figure that out - it only took a bit of soul searching. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy of the Decadent Dukes Society.

This is a story of revenge, secrets, rumors and revaluations. Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton has returned to London after several years in France. It is rumored that he was asked to leave France do to several duals and that he's back for revenge. The Dowager Countess of Marwood the family that is at the base of an ongoing feud dating back generations would like to bury the hatchet so to say. She offering her granddaughter Emilia's hand in marriage only that's not the woman that has intrigued Adam. Lady Clara Marwood is the eldest daughter of the late Earl of Marwood a bluestocking who has vowed never to marry. Adam is searching for the reasons behind the feud hoping to use Clara to find out. Clara loved her father and can not believe he had anything to do with rumors about Adam's father. Adam is determined that Clara will be his wife but Clara turns him away at every turn. Friendship turns to romance but can revenge be the start to forever or its terrible end.
I loved the main characters and secondary characters. There are several twists and turns that I did not see coming and I loved how independent Clara was and how Adam did not want to control her but was intrigued by the woman she is.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book about Langford's fall.

Five years after the death of his Father Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton has returned to London looking for revenge. There’s swirling rumors that his Father had committed suicide and was a traitor to the Crown. He’s looking for information to confirm his family’s archenemy was behind the rumors. Adam is summoned by the, Dowager Countess of Marwood to her home. It seems the Dowager's son and Adams father where archenemies and the families in turn have been rival's. She proposes a marriage to her young granddaughter, but Adam choses the granddaughter she lest expects Clara Cheswick. Clara has no interest in marriage; she’s a beautiful, strong intelligent bluestocking and owner of a publication for woman's journals. Her desire for justice is real and she senses there is more to Adam and his interest in her. Adam is determined to solve the mystery surrounding his father’s death, but as the two spend more time together their attraction grows and falling for Adam clearly comes with a cost. Loved this book!!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher

The Most Dangerous Duke in London is the beginning of a new series. This is a story of revenge, redemption and learning that sometimes love is more important than both. Adam Penrose, the Duke of Stratton returns to England to clear his late father's name and find those responsible. He also seeks revenge for an ancient feud. A meeting with the family of his sworn enemy who wants peace through marriage to the younger daughter doesn't go as they planned when Adam sees Clara and sets his sights on her. Clara is determined never to marry so that she can have the freedom to do as she pleases which includes publishing a woman's journal but Adam's constant presence starts to have an effect on her resolve and feelings develop. As past secrets are revealed, they must determine if they can rise above to share a life of love.

I really enjoyed this first in a new trilogy! Adam Penrose, the Duke of Stratton, returns home to England after a five year absence to investigate his father's death. There is a scandal attached to the death and he is very aware of the silent stares and unkind words directed his way. He is also suspicious of his neighbor's attempts at reconciliation by marriage, but goes around that by becoming interested in the elder daughter, Lady Clara. Clara has always been rather independent and since her father provided for her future in his estate, she enjoys more freedom than many young ladies.

There is a strong attraction between Adam and Clara and it was interesting to read about their attempts to keep the affair secret when Stratton had already proposed marriage. Clara wants to be very sure that Adam is not just interested in her as a form of revenge against her family. Both of them learn interesting information about their familial past and how to let all of it go.

Many thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

The Most Dangerous Duke In London by Madeline Hunter is a fabulous, well-written book. Ms Hunter's cast of characters is phenomenal, from the good, the bad and the old and crotchety, these characters shine. Clara and Adam's story will hold readers' attention from the first page to the last with plenty of suspense, humor, drama and sizzle. I adore this story and look forward to reading more from Madeline Hunter in the future. The Most Dangerous Duke In London is book 1 of the Decadent Dukes Society Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.

This was a pretty good read for the Decadent Dukes by one of my favorite authors. I liked the story line well enough and the characters were fully developed. I felt that the title did not really serve on how the Duke was portrayed. Adam Penrose, the Duke of Stratten is one man who is set on vengeance when is returns to London from Paris. He is sinfully handsome with a touch of a rogue. Adam is most comfortable with being scandalous throughout the ton. Being a dark and brooding man, he is out to do whatever it takes to find out what happened to his father. But when he meets the lovely Claire Cheswick a most beautiful woman who is also is family's sworn enemy.
Claire is a most dedicated woman who only wants to be a writer of her Ladies journal and has no thoughts of marriage to anyone. But these two people who aren't suppose to be together find common ground. They fall in love which appeals to those who like a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this wonderful read in which I gave an honest review.

This is the first book in the Decadent Dukes Society trilogy. The other two Dukes play prominent roles in this book so readers will become acquainted with them before they get their own romances.

This romance is physical, but not graphic. More importantly, the relationship between the hero, Adam, and the heroine, Clara, develops over time and isn't based only on physical desire. Adam is driven by his need to avenge his father's death but is also intrigued by Clara and pursues her steadily. Clara does not want to give up the freedom she has because of the inheritance from her father but grows to like and care about Adam. A generations-long feud between their families adds to the obstacles.

This isn't the kind of romance that got me all teary-eyed at the end when the couple finally gets their happy ending. It was, however, a satisfying and more realistic romance between two strong-willed characters. I enjoyed it quite a bit and look forward to reading the next two books in the trilogy.

This series of three historical romances center around three young dukes who went to school together. The story is not really about the three dukes, but the threesome is what will tie the series together. All three of the dukes are unique in their characteristics and all are likeable.

The main female character is likeable, too. Clara is an independent and intelligent woman, and the handsome and willful Duke of Stratton cannot help but want her for his own. She does not necessarily fall right into his arms, but their mutual interest is alive and sparking. It's a bit racy at times, and many readers will enjoy the lively and somewhat explicit sex scenes.

In a way, it's same-old, same-old; yet there are some moral dilemmas to come to terms with: What is a son's duty to his father, to his mother, to the woman he loves. So this story is sometimes lighthearted, but the reader will work through some thoughtful scenes, too.

I enjoyed it and will look for the second in the series.

I just finished another really sweet story and might feel jaded, but I wasn't drawn in by the chemistry of the protagonists (there comes a point when you wonder just how much sex people can realistically have--not that this book is as explicit or overdone as a Stephanie Laurens). I did appreciate that Hunter opted to forgo the fraught misunderstandings of so many protagonists (due to the fact that they supposedly love each other and yet refuse to trust each other or communicate), instead choosing to emphasize that they have built a relationship with each other even with the knowledge that you can't just quit your family. In this case it's tough because the hero's father killed himself, the hero is trying to understand why, and he thinks it was very likely the fault of the heroine's father's meanness. Difficult to build a relationship on that, but Hunter does tell a believable story with this premise.

What a wonderful book! The Duke of Stratton is dark, mysterious and is known to have left a string of broken hearts in his path. He is more focused on solving his father's mysterious death by suicide then love and marriage. Clara is a blue stocking that would rather be a publisher and the keeper of her own estate then marry for convenience or love. An unexpected meeting between these two leave each questioning their futures.
This book has it all-mystery, romance, passion, a handsome hero, a beautiful and smart heroine and more. I enjoyed all of the characters including the secondary ones. Each played an important part in the story.
As this is the first in a new series, I look forward to future books. If you have not read a Madeline Hunter book yet, this would be a good place to start.
I received an ARC of this book. The choice to read and review it was mine.

love historical romances that involve dukes! This is a great opener to this new series. Adam, Duke of Stratton, is being persuaded to mend a rift between his family and another by marrying Marwood's sister. However, it's the other sister he decides he's more interested in.

Our heroine Clara, is unusual in the fact that her father left her independently wealthy when he died, so she takes more liberties and freedoms than a typical heroine in historical romance novels.

Adam and Clara have great chemistry and the mystery component of the story was intriguing as well. I appreciated the pace of their romance and didn't feel it moved too fast or that the book dragged. It was well written and kept me interested. I look forward to future books in this series.

I received a review copy as part of the Regency Review crew.

I have read several of the Madeline Hunter books and have enjoyed them all. I didn't figure this one out until near the end when the h and I both had "ah ha" moments. The book is a little short and the ending feels a little like "Oh, this is due to the printer, better end it now." No epilogue and I really like epilogues. Would I recommend it, yes, if you like a shorter fun read. If you want an thorough study of the times and people oft hat time, try a different book. PS. The danger of this Duke is in how the people around him are uneasy about his feelings and how dangerously he will react if they offend him.

I loved this book! I enjoyed the way the characters were bold with there feelings. He knew that he would have to entice her from the beginning. Her sister was offered as a match by the grandmother to blend the two families out of fear that the duke would challenge Clara's brother. Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton does not accept the offer because he knows that he is attracted to Clara. Clara is a woman that knows her mind and is a progressive female of the time. Surprises appear a lot and makes the book exciting and also keeps you wondering what will happen next. Adam's father is a major factor in the story in a way that will keep you quessing. Madeline Hunter is a very good author and tell an exciting story.

Another fabulous story by Madeline Hunter! I could not put this book down; can’t wait for future stories in the series!

Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton is the hero of this story. He has been in France, and suddenly returns to London; and everyone is leery about how he will behave. Upon his return, the Dowager Countess of Marwood, of the family with whom his has a long standing grudge, requests that the past be laid to rest. What ensues is a battle of wits and definite twist away from the plan envisioned by the Dowager Countess. Rather than agreeing to the Dowager’s plan regarding Adam marrying her granddaughter Emilia, the Duke of Stratton sets his sights on Emilia’s older half-sister Clara. Clara initially wants nothing to do with the Duke, however he keeps turning up when she is hoping to avoid him. Both Adam and Clara are keeping secrets from each other; and as they learn more about each other and spend more time together, their relationship grows. They fall in love, but problems from the past keep them apart, but only for a short while. Once the truth is revealed they get their happily ever after.

The relationships between all the characters, the witty dialogue and the mystery about what happened between the fathers of Adam and Clara, make for a delightful read.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the character of Clara. She is a strong and independent character. She knows what she wants from her life and she doesn't let society and it's rules and regulations stand in her way. I was thoroughly intrigued by the mystery surrounding the feud between the families of Adam and Clara. The interaction between Adam and Clara was such fun to read. Adam trying to win Clara over and her not wanting to be under any man's control. The story kept me reading to find out what the reason was behind the feud. This is a wonderful story, one I really enjoyed.

A well-written, full of witty dialog, great character story. I really liked both Adam and Clara. Their interactions were fun and flirty. Loved that Clara was independent and did not give a damn what society thought she should do or be. Adam’s determination was really the highlight of the story whether it was his seduction of Clara or the investigation of his father’s death. The mystery was quite good and kept you wondering what happened until close to the end of the book.

A great start to a new series. Looking forward to the next in the series.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I do love historical romances with humor. In fact, those are my very favorite and Madeline Hunter hits all the right notes with this story. Plus, a duke. *inserts joke about how many dukes were running around England in historical novels* And a disgraced duke at that. One who took some time away from England to let the scandals in his past die down. Anyway, Adam Penrose, the Duke of Stratton, returns with a plan and runs into Clara, an independent young lady and child of an enemy. Of course, he decides they will marry (not just revenge, he likes her, too) and she immediately rebuffs him, as she plans to never marry. And fireworks ensue.

Oh my beating heart. I had not read anything for awhile from Ms. Hunter, and have no explanation why, but I do know she writes books with one thing in mind, she aims to please. This story had all the things I love in historical romance, a duke, a heroine, a ballroom and sensuous sex. When I was not reading this book, it was always on my mind. The fact that the duke had killed two men in a duel was so sizzlin. I love the bad boys. The only let down is now I have to wait until next year for the second book. Oh what a magnificent story. You go girl.

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a delight. I loved Clara and her independence, honesty and intelligence. Adam was as aristocratic as an aristocrat could be! I loved the interaction between these two and I had a smile on my face throughout the book. The first scene is my favourite where hero meets heroine. This is a slow burn romance and it hits the mark!
The added mystery regarding the plot against Adam's father was enjoyable. However, the solution to the mystery happens rather quickly and in the last few pages of the book which felt a little rushed.
I am excited about this new series! And I can not wait for book 2.

Madeline Hunter is one of my favorite regency romance authors and I had been looking forward to this book for a while. She did not disappoint. This is the first book in a new the new Decadent Dukes series. In this book, we are introduced to The Most Dangerous Duke in London, Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton. He is portrayed as dark and brooding and others are afraid of his temper. Adam has recently returned to London after spending time with is mother in France. All of the ton have heard rumors about Adam's family and those of his neighbor the Earl of Marwood. The secrets are revealed towards the end of the book. Believe me, they will keep you reading.

The Dowager Countess of Marwood invited Stratton to their estate after years of no communication. She wants Stratton to propose to her beautiful granddaughter, Emilia. She has been bred to be the perfect society wife, however Lady Clara catches his eye. Clara is Marwood's daughter from his first marriage and is firmly on the shelf. She wants no part of marriage and is not really interested in suitors. She would rather spend her days with friends, writing and riding horses. However, Adam is quite taken with Lady Clara and decides to propose to her. The chapter leading up the the proposal is one of my favorites because it is hilarious. The way Hunter writes the dialogue and describes the emotions of Clara had me laughing out loud. At this point you will not want to put the book down because you will be dying to know the ways that Adam tries to woo Clara. Clara wants nothing to do with Adam and is intent on getting her own life started as an independent woman. But Clara does not anticipate the chemistry between her and Adam. (Oh man, the chemistry between these two is scorching). I love their interactions.

The sex scenes are tastefully written. In fact, they are a bit more tame than some of Hunter's books. But still HOT! You can tell throughout the book that the author knows a lot of history as the details are so accurately described. The colors, the smells, the atmosphere. This is story telling at its finest. The romantic gestures will make you swoon and you may also fall in love with Adam's friends. The Duke of Stratton is currently my book boyfriend. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a historical romance with a HEA. I also love the cover. The cover artist added a bow to the cover making it seem like a gift. This book is definitely a gift for romance lovers. This is the perfect book for some fun summer reading. I'm looking forward to the next story in this series.

I throughly enjoyed Adam and Clara's story!!

With an animosity between the families, it makes sense for Clara to regard Adam's courting with speculation. He might just be out to ruin her! It was so much fun to watch him try to earn her trust and love and the bantering between the two had me laughing out loud.

This was a great start to what I'm sure will be an awesome series!

I have really liked most of Madeline Hunter's other books, and was excited about this one. It was so boring and slow that I returned before even finishing it. Don't waste your time or credit. Neither the hero or heroine is interesting and he is certainly not dangerous.

To Adam some things are just simple logic, “I want you and you want me. Of course we should have.” When Adam is not being broody, he is being passionate, “in a few minutes I may know it. Right now I want you so badly I do not give a dang who sees what.” When it comes to Clara, Adam is a very handsy man, she has to keep him in line, "he groped for the fasteners of her dress. She reached behind her back to slap at his hand. “Stop being naughty.” I really enjoyed this book, I loved Adam and Clara.

I loved this book!! Madeline Hunter is one of my favorite authors of this genre. This book did not disappoint me. The book grabbed my attention right away, with a mysterious request for the Duke of Stratton to make amends with his nemesis's family, and two strong leading characters. Clara is a strong female, well accomplished, and does not back down from the intimidating Duke. Each character is well outlined, and the plot continues to make turns, that kept me guessing till the end. Adam's and Clara's relationship start off rocky of course, but with much sensual tension, and their sharp witty dialogue kept me turning the pages to see how all this will end.. This book with it's rich plot and characters reminded me of Madeline Hunter's Rarest Blooms series which was just wonderful, and loved all the books in that series. The other Dukes who rally behind Adam, both have their own strong personalities and I'm looking forward to reading the their stories and reading the rest of this series.

Characters who are real and likable. A good plot line will hold your interest. Some writing irregularities that are annoying. I long for someone who has a good grasp of the language in her writing. Or someone who has an editor who knows the language. Grammar teachers rise up!
That said, this was enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

This book was a library loan. Well written and the characters were well developed. The 4 stars were because in my opinion the heroine had more modern ideals than would occur in this time period at her age. However, since I am a product of modern times I enjoy a strong, independent heroine. I will try another book by this author.

The Most Dangerous Duke in London was a wonderful start to a new series. It had a very standoffish and independent heroine. However, these are the traits that draw the hero to her.

It's very good watching two enemies overcome past troubles of their families and find unexpected love together

The character development and historical content are very well done. Scenes are very descriptive and easy to imagine yourself there.

Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series and to see what happens to the rest of the decadent dukes!

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

This is a fast-paced historical read with plenty of drama and suspense. Adam is the Duke of Stratton and a member of the Decadent Dukes. Even though Clare is a member of his sworn enemy’s family he wants for his wife. Clara has no plans to marry and when Adam begins to pursue her the adventure begins. Great characters and a very entertaining story, I loved it!

What starts as revenge turns into something else entirely in the start to a new series. A Duke set on revenge and a woman already on the shelf find that there is something better when the two of them act together. A nice romp with some unexpected results. There is a mystery that has an unexpected ending. Fun start to the series.

An entertaining tale with well rounded characters and snippets of the other two dukes in the series. It was a joy to read. And it leaves you wanting to read the other two books in the series.

I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

This authoress has skill in creating characters to be cared about. The story manages some intriguing twists that while logical, were yet unexpected.
I wish the book had omitted the bare graphic scenes, and left us with romance and mystique. Great writing suggests, not describes with body parts.

This was my first book by Ms. Hunter, and definitely won't be my last! I love a good romance story, but I also very much enjoyed the mystery as well. Strong heroines make the story for me, and this book succeeds with Clara. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

What's an on-the-shelf, independent spinster of a girl to do when a handsome, wealthy and dangerous duke focuses his marital sights unrelentingly upon her? Apparently, resist his overtures and run in the opposite direction.

Madeline Hunter takes us along on this quest as the volatile, forever dueling (according to rumor) Duke of Stratton woos and ultimately wins Lady Clara. The romance sizzles off the page. She may not want to marry him, but she's certainly not averse to accepting his kisses. And aren't we the lucky recipients of that hotness?

As always, Hunter delivers the goods. The characters are engaging. The storyline grabs the reader's attention and does not let go. The secondary characters have interesting back stories. Even the characters who are not physically present in the story are given enough depth to engage the imagination.

It was refreshing to note that there were no typically contrived perils for the heroine. The action was character driven. The characters talked to one another rather than making assumptions based upon rumor and prejudice.

On the way to HEA, along with our dear couple's maddening romance, we meet Adam's closest friends and fellow Decadent Dukes.

As always with Madeline Hunter's work, I highly recommend this book. If you love a well written historical romance with adult relationships and witty, erudite repartee, this is the novel for you.

I say, must we really wait a full year for the next installment?

Happy ending, which we all knew would be reached eventually, but it took too long to solve the mystery. Especially since it was clear to me who the "bad guy" was very early on. The fact that the Hero seemed to be so obtuse was very frustrating to say the least. It was the heroine who finally solved the "case" and brought justice for all--except the true villain, of course. That said, I liked all three of the Decadent Dukes and will definitely buy the next book in the trilogy; and the one after that. I am a fan of Hunter's and believe I've read most, if not all, of her books. Maybe this one deserved 4 stars? My guess is that most of you will give it 5.

Madeline Hunter's The Most Dangerous Duke in London has it all—a fiery heroine, an alluring duke, a revenge plot, and a mystery—and it is an exceptional historical romance. Adam Penrose, the Duke of Stratton, has just returned to England after five years in France, where he earned a reputation for fighting and winning several duels. He’s now known as the “Dangerous Duke" because of it, but there is only one family that has reason to fear Adam - the Cheswicks. Adam’s family and the Cheswicks have been feuding off and on for years, and he has reasons to believe they might know about his father’s death or have played a part in it. He’s determined to discover the truth.

Lady Clara Cheswick hasn’t really been aware of the feud or what caused it, but she is suddenly thrust into middle of the family war when her controlling grandmother seeks to marry Adam to Clara's younger sister. She is appalled by the idea, but she doesn’t need to worry because Adam is interested in her and not her sister. He’s intrigued from the moment he meets her. She’s free-spirited, confident and not afraid to tell him that she want nothing to do with him or her grandmother’s plot. She was her father’s favorite, and he left her a substantial inheritance. She doesn’t need to marry and nor does she want to. When Adam decides he wants to marry her, because he wants information and he desires her.

They begin a game of cat and mouse game, and it is captivating to watch. As Clara runs and Adam pursues, the sexual tension mounts, and Clara rethinks her stance on marriage. Well, she still doesn’t want to get married, but she is very curious about the marriage bed, and Adam is happy to educate her. I loved these two together as they go toe to toe and round for round, but at the heart of their dance both begin to respect and like the other. There is still the mystery surrounding Adam’s father and Clara’s family, and this adds an entertaining suspense element to the romance.

You simply can never go wrong with a book by Madeline Hunter, and The Most Dangerous Duke in London should not be missed.

ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.