cover image The Most Dangerous Duke in London

The Most Dangerous Duke in London

Madeline Hunter. Zebra, $7.99 mass market (296p) ISBN 978-1-4201-4390-4

In Hunter’s first Decadent Dukes Society romance, a Regency-era duke’s thirst for revenge turns into lust for the daughter of his sworn enemy. Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton, wants to find the people who spread rumors that his father committed treason, leading to his father’s suicide. Adam’s first target is the Earl of Marwood—or rather, his family, as the earl has also recently died. The Dowager Countess of Marwood, the earl’s mother, wants to end the longtime feud between their families by marrying Adam to the earl’s youngest daughter, Emilia. But Adam is not interested in the beautiful, demure young woman, preferring one who will be more of a challenge: Emilia’s older half-sister, Clara. Clara has no desire to marry; she enjoys her independence, which allows her to publish a journal. Nonetheless, she is drawn to Adam. As he breaks down her resistance to intimacy, she starts to wonder whether his desire to wed her is merely part of his quest for vengeance. Hunter has created an intelligent, fast-paced romance, chock-full of sensuality and spiced with mystery. Agent: Pamela Hopkins, Hopkins Literary. (June)