Smitten by Books

Release Date: Apr 24, 2018
Series: Decadent Duke Society
Book: 2
Heat Level: Warm
Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Zebra
Price: $6.99

Its always exciting to pick up the second book in a new series, especially when you thoroughly enjoyed the first installment. The Most Dangerous Duke in London is not a required read if you want to indulge in this decedent tale but I highly recommend picking it up. It’s a great introduction to our hero and some of the other side characters in addition to being a great read. This newest book by Ms. Hunter is a well paced, sensual adventure with a touch of mystery sure to keep you entertained from beginning to end.

Gabriel St James, the Duke of Langford, is so good at seducing women he surprises himself sometimes. He is wickedly sensual and not nearly as discreet as he should be when it comes to his love affairs. Matchmaking Mama’s and lonely widows alike flock to his side for a taste of his wickedness. But his adventures through the bedrooms of London are becoming stale and after an article published in a local ladies’ periodical bashes his lifestyle and his character, he vows to change his public image. But then he meets temptation personified in Amanda Waverly.

Amanda might seem like the simple secretary to a notable Lady of influence but she is far, far more. With those she loves in danger, Amanda must revert back to a lifestyle she has spent the last few years trying to escape. Danger surrounds her and the last thing she needs is a fierce attraction to a devilish Duke who could discover her secrets….

Having met Gabriel in the previous novel in this series, I was very happy to see him get his own story and be pitted against a heroine like Amanda. They have instant chemistry and I love the way Ms. Hunter builds the sensual tension between them as the story progresses. He might be trying to redeem himself but Amanda makes him a little crazy and he knows she is hiding something from him. I usually get a little tired of heros who are your typical womanizer and somehow manage to be tamed and settle down once they find the right woman. Gabriel has more to his personality which gave him more dimension than other characters I have encountered. Let’s just say I was relieved to like him as much as I did.

Amanda is a different type of heroine than I am normally introduced to so that was also a pleasant addition to a story I enjoyed. I love that she is a master criminal with a less than squeaky clean past and a personality to match. She personifies the strong, determined female lead that I usually gravitate to and gives the reader some fun and adventure with the romance and mystery. If you like a heroine that you feel you haven’t read about a million times, this book is totally for you.

Overall, this is one late regency-era love story you need to add to your reading list this spring. While you are at it, add the first book in the series to that list and maybe a few others by Ms. Hunter… promise you won’t regret it!

~ Danielle