Thanks, Forever and Hachette Audio, for the arc and ALC! 

 

THR WORST DUKE IN LONDON, a Regency retelling of 10 Things I Hate About You, which is actually a retelling of TAMING OF THE SHREW - I am in love! Amalie Howard, you are brilliant, and with every book in the TAMING OF THE DUKES series) that comes out; each one becomes my new favorite! I especially loved this one because there were so many classic moments from the movie that Evangeline and the Duke of the Vale played out in the Regency era that I imagined Julia and Heath as their characters in my head, playing their roles in my head as I read. 

 

If you are looking for some good spice in the Regency era, I have your book right here 🥵 I don’t think any of us would have been allowed to watch 10 Things I Hate About You if it was this spicy! 

 

Evangeline is one of my all-time favorite characters in Howard’s work. I love her love for animals, which reflects my own. Like her, I would rather be curled up with my dog and reading than out and about. I like that she is honest and stubborn, and she speaks her mind. She is just fine being herself in a time when women are meant to be coddled and the men in charge. 

 

The Duke of Vale is an excellent partner for Evangeline. He reminded me of Jamie from OUTLANDER, as if he lived in BRIDGERTON. He’s a catch! And he’s honest, stubborn, and speaks his mind, too. The banter between Evangeline and him is exceptional! But that can be expected because Howard is known for her excellent banter writing between characters! 

 

A+ audiobook narration by Mary Jane Wells, who is one of my favorite narrators. I loved how the story came to life! 

 

I’m a fan of Amalie Howard’s books; this series is an excellent place to start! The books can be read stand-alone or as a series, and either way, you will have a lot of fun! 

 

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Content warnings: (per the author in the book) the discussion of animal welfare as well as some off-page maltreatment are part of an underlying plot thread in this novel, some animals are in dangerous on-page situations requiring rescue, though none are harmed, abandonment by a parent as well as a death or murder of a family member of mentioned in dialogue, some drug use including morphine or cocaine laced wine is discussed, there is discussion of a consensual sex agreement as well as a visit to a sex club, period-specific terms such as harlot, trollop, and light skirts are used, and I’ve tried my best to keep these both authentic and sex-positive within context, intimate scenes are described on page, some offensive language is used in narration as well in dialogue