The Most Dangerous Duke in London (Decadent Dukes Society Book 1)

(3.5 stars) If you have never read a Madeline Hunter book before, I think you might like this one much more than I did. Hunter writes well, is relatively careful in historical details, doesn't have an excess of anachronistic behavior and dialogue, and often supplies some good chemistry between the H and h. She began releasing HRs in 2000 and I very much enjoyed her medieval books and also several of her series set in the 1800s, such as The Seducers and the Rarest Blooms.In addition to the romance between H and h in her books, there's always an element of mystery or intrigue and I've always appreciated that. Well, this one, the first in her new Decadent Dukes series, is no exception. Many of the trademark aspects of a Hunter HR are here:1) "Dangerous", studly, sexy, somewhat brooding male with several studly, sexy friends (It's a series, folks; gotta set up the next books) with whom he has a great, close bond.2 ) A lovely, albeit a bit prickly and independent-minded (but sexually of limited experience) heroine, who is an independently wealthy heiress and has an occupation (secret) that shows us readers that she has a brain. She and a group of like-minded, free-thinking women publish a journal (anonymously).3) The mystery here involves the hero's late father, who committed suicide after being accused of treasonous activities. This caused the hero and his French-born mother to flee to France to escape gossip and censure in England. But now he's back to discover the truth about his father and to uncover who was responsible for his father's betrayal and disgrace.There are problems and distrust between the hero's and the heroine's families that go back years. In addition, the hero suspects the heroine's late father of being the one responsible for his father's disgrace. When H begins pursuing h, it's not clear if it's real attraction or a desire for revenge. OK, fair enough. That makes for an interesting romance.Compared to many of the mediocre messes being published as HRs nowadays, this one is a "tour de force". But compared to other Hunter books, it is not. Here are my criticisms:1) This book is too short, with only 296 pages. This made for a shallow, less compelling mystery and a romantic attraction that became too serious too soon.2) The heroine is independent and somewhat abrasive and her own woman, yet all the hero has to do is touch her or kiss her and she melts into a stupid puddle. By page 30 he has declared his intention to marry her and sets out to seduce her. There's lots of kissing and fondling and by page 101 they're having an open-air intense make-out session on a picnic blanket. That will lead to you-know-what very soon. Say, girl, have a bit more self-respect and play a little harder to get, why don't you.3) There's nothing really "dangerous" about this duke, nor do all three duke friends seem particularly "decadent", in the same way that there was nothing "wicked" about the three brothers in Hunter's previous trilogy. I'm tired of this type of marketing of romances that hypes the sex in a romance and tries to imply some kinkiness when it's just about people enjoying some consensual sexual activity.I'm glad I got this for free with the Amazon Vine program. Yet, despite all my gritching, I may be interested in checking out the next book of this series. The heroine in it may be a jewel thief. Could be interesting, although even that type of plot has been done before in one way or another in other HRs I've read.

If you've read Hunter's "Ravishing in Red," the plot of "The Most Dangerous Duke" will feel familiar. It's basically the same story with the genders flipped. In "Ravishing," the heroine's father commits suicide to protect the family from rumors of his treason; in "Dangerous," it's the hero whose father commits suicide because of rumors of treason. "Ravishing" is by far the better book -- it's one of my favorites by Hunter, and its story and characters are much better developed. This book just feels as though it rushes to a conclusion, and the last 30 pages are missing.All that said, this book isn't bad. As someone else noted, Hunter's worst books are far better than most romance novels. She's a good writer, she always provides a solid plot, her female characters are mature and smart, and she doesn't do The Big Misunderstanding. There's a sophistication to her romances that put them in a class all their own. So, compared to what else is out there right now, "The Most Dangerous Duke in London" is definitely a solid 4 stars.

FINAL DECISION: Fabulous start to a new series. Didn't go in the direction I expected and I ended up loving Adam. Motives are mysterious until all is revealed which built suspense and interest. Loved these two together.THE STORY: Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton, has returned to England after years in France following his father's death. Adam has returned for revenge and to find out who set the events in motion which led to his father's death. He is also in pursuit of a wife. He discovers Lady Clara Cheswick, the daughter of his family's longtime enemy. Lady Clara has no intention of agreeing to Adam's determined pursuit of her as she is independent and spending her time managing her own property and interests. Then there is the also the question of what Adam's true motives are.OPINION: This book was more intimate and personal than I expected from the description. Really focusing on the developing relationship between Adam and Clara, the reader is left questioning what Adam's motives are.Clara is a woman who desire for independence even if that means upsetting conventional behavior and roles for women. Having inherited property of her own, Clara plans never to marry but instead publish a paper for women -- written by women. She is independent but isn't willing to toss away all convention. That creates tension as she tries to exist both in and outside of society's expectations. She also struggles with her relationship with her family. While she doesn't always feel close to them, her loyalty to her father makes her suspicious of Adam's motives -- perhaps rightfully.Adam is mysterious through much of the book. By the end of the book, however, I loved Adam. In the book, people wonder what Adam's motives are for returning to England...and the reader is left to wonder as well. By not cluing readers in to Adam's thoughts on the matter, the story has more tension and mystery. And the story needs that mystery because this book is truly driven by Adam's reasons for returning to England and what his plans are.This book feels more intimate and personal because the focus of the book is truly the relationship between Adam and Clara. Can Clara trust Adam? Why is he pursuing a relationship with her? Does he truly intend to marry her? Why? What I ended up loving about this book is that the answers are more complex than a simple narrative.WORTH MENTIONING: Oh, I can't wait for the other two upcoming heroes. There are some good stories to be told there.CONNECTED BOOKS: THE MOST DANGEROUS DUKE IN LONDON is the first book in the Decadent Dukes Society.STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

This book is well written, interesting context of families feuding (however, everything has already happened in the past, so this book is more to the up lose ends), good demonstration of females seeking employment and doing something intellectual with the journal. Adam and Clara are the usual duke\ spinster lady characters, Clara siblings I expect will have their own book in future.3 stars - It took me a while to read this book, as it was lacking oomph and energy in parts. It's not a book I would personally read again.

Enjoyed this book ,it was great fun to read .The characters were wonderful ,from Adam the brooding Duke, to Duke the horse .Looking forward to the rest of the series.This was really well written and is funny and heartbreaking in equal parts .A great book.

This is the second time I've read this book and still enjoyed it......I've r e ad a few from this Author and enjoyed most

another good read

The lead male (and his friends, The Decadent Dukes) are all oversexed rakes who sleep around, visit bordellos and generally likely carry an STD. This lead male was cold, flippant and generally treated the lead female a bit like a whore. I did not get the feeling she was anything more special to him than his previous conquests.The lead female was loose, easy led, and too trampish for me.Must definitely will not read Langfords story (he was the most devauched of the lot and does not deserve a ‘clean’, innocent bride).