Review by Booklist Review
Contrary to her younger sister Viola's belief, Evangeline Raine is not allergic to fun. It is just that Evangeline's idea of fun is staying at their family's home in Chichester, taking care of the animals she has rescued and not participating in the chaos that is London during the season. The challenge for Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, is to come up with a way of persuading Evangeline to come to London as Viola's chaperone. If Gage can accomplish this, Lord Evan Huntington, who plans on courting Viola, will consider the debt owed to him by Gage's late brother to be paid in full. So now all Gage has to do is come up with a way to convince a country-loving, self-proclaimed spinster that London is truly the place to be! Howard (Never Met a Duke like You, 2023) continues her Victorian-set Taming of the Dukes series in splendidly entertaining fashion with a wickedly witty, sublimely sensual love story inspired by the classic rom-com, 10 Things I Hate about You.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Inspired by the movie 10 Things I Hate About You, Howard's scintillating third Taming of the Dukes Victorian romance (after Never Met a Duke Like You) pairs a indomitable spitfire with a dashing Scottish duke. Lady Evangeline Raine--dubbed Lady Ghastly during her first London season by misogynistic Lord Huntington due to her acerbic wit--is perfectly content never to marry and instead devote her life to her fledgling animal shelter. She does, however, want to experience sex and propositions Lord Gage Croft, Duke of Vale--who, much to her disappointment, declines her offer in the name of honor. When Evangeline's far more poised younger sister Viola asks her to chaperone her own London season, Evangeline reluctantly agrees. Meanwhile Huntington, who has his sights set on Viola, commissions Gage to distract Evangeline for six weeks of courtship so that he can get close to her sister. In exchange, he'll forgive Gage's late brother's debts. The heat between Evangeline and Gage leads to a steamy affair, but what will happen when she learns of his involvement in Huntington's scheming? Howard's appealing, forward-thinking female characters enliven this equally sensual and emotional love story. Readers won't want to put it down. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (Sept.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Passions rise between a Scottish duke and an animal-loving lady in Howard's tribute to 10 Things I Hate About You. After becoming a pariah during her seasons in London, outspoken Evangeline is determined to become a spinster and focus on rescuing unwanted and injured animals for the rest of her days, while her younger sister Viola wants to have a season in London. Gage Vale is newly a duke but knee-deep in his deceased brother's debt, until he's offered a way out: if he pretends to court Lady Evangeline so that Viola can go on the marriage market, all of Gage's debt will be forgiven. Gage takes the deal, but both he and Evangeline are soon swept up in the crackling sexual chemistry that flows between them every time they touch. Evangeline promises herself that this is just a fun affair, but she and Gage have started something neither knows how to end. Howard's (Never Met a Duke Like You) writing brings the chemistry between her characters to life, and the book is compellingly written. VERDICT A sexy romp for readers who enjoy charming historical romances with modern sensibilities.--Sierra Wilson
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