A Devil of a Duke

Starred review from March 26, 2018
Rich with scandal and sensuality, Hunter’s second Decadent Dukes Society Regency (after The Most Dangerous Duke in London) features a fabulous heroine, a secretary with a criminal secret who falls for a man far above her station. Handsome Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langford, is well known for his disregard of London high society’s opinion of him, but he starts taking his ducal responsibilities more seriously after the eccentric Lady Farnsworth publishes a letter chiding him for his misbehavior. When he meets an elusive woman at a ball and enjoys a passionate interlude with her, he is intrigued and makes plans for a future assignation. What Gabriel doesn’t realize is that the object of his affection is Amanda Waverly, Lady Farnsworth’s secretary and an expert thief from a family of rogues. As Gabriel falls further under Amanda’s spell, he is entranced by her quiet beauty and how she seems to care more for him than his wealth or title. Meanwhile, she’s stealing valuable items to ransom her kidnapped mother. Scintillating love scenes are plentiful in this page-turning tale, which is enhanced by a cast of memorable characters and smart, witty protagonists. Agent: Pamela Hopkins, Hopkins Literary.

April 15, 2018

Although born into a family of high-class thieves and trained in the art, Amanda Waverly rejects it all and has taken a position as a female secretary (unusual for the times) to an eccentric, outspoken widow. But her past returns with a vengeance when her mother is kidnapped and the only hope is for Amanda to steal some valuable artifacts the perpetrator wants. With little choice, Amanda agrees, but one of her ploys attracts the attention of Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langford. Now the situation becomes romantic, a lot more difficult, and potentially dangerous. VERDICT With a delectable blend of clever ripostes, scorching sensuality, and masterly plotting, Hunter's latest sees the most infamous of the Decadent Dukes fall head over heels in a satisfying romantic adventure. Hunter (The Most Dangerous Duke in London) lives in Pittsburgh.

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