Title: Any Duke in a Storm
Author: Amalie Howard
Series: Daring dukes #4
Page Length: 416
Publication Date: Jan. 9, 2024
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Synopsis: Historical romance takes to the high seas.
Famed spy Lady Lisbeth Medford is on a ship bound for the West Indies, but the only thing more dangerous than her mission is the elusive Duke she’s trying to capture. Lady Lisbeth Medford, Countess of Waterstone and famed international spy, is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. She’s determined to infiltrate a notorious smuggling ring in the West Indies while on a covert mission as a ship’s captain. But even when her identity is compromised and she’s forced to flee, the men chasing her are still hot on her heels. The trouble in front of her, however, might be even worse.
Raphael Saint, the Duc de Viel, is her ship’s new aggravating and dangerously charming sailing master, who might very well be part of the smuggling ring Lisbeth must bring to justice. But when a new deadly threat on the high seas looms, the only way out of danger might be to face it… together.
My Review:
This is a fun high-seas historical romance with tons of swoon-worthy chemistry! Lisbeth is a total badass, and I have been really intrigued by her character since she was introduced earlier in the series. She did not disappoint!
Raphael is fantastic, too. He’s so charming, smooth, and confident, and he’s really kind and funny. He definitely provides comic relief to the story. He’s a pirate with a conscience and a moral code, which Lisbeth soon learns. I also enjoyed the banter between Lisbeth and Raphael and the way they teased and tormented each other. Their relationship is a bit insta-lovey, especially on Raphael’s part, but I love that he falls first. I find it hard to resist a charming, honorable, and smitten pirate, and so does Lisbeth. Plus, the piercings (IYKYK)! And with Raphael, Lisbeth puts her guard down, which I liked because you get to see a more vulnerable side to her. Get a fan because their sexy times are spicy!
The story has some great secondary characters. Shout-out to the funny and foul-mouthed stowaway. She’s twelve, and she’s hysterical! I also liked the diversity and inclusivity in the story and the Author’s Note at the end of the book, which is definitely worth checking out. It’s so interesting to learn what kind of research, inspiration, and history went into the creation of the novel, and Howard’s insights are fascinating.
A fun and steamy high-seas adventure with action, intrigue, spies, danger, and a spicy love story, Any Duke in a Storm is a great addition to the series! Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance
- The setting.
- The inclusivity.
Tropes:
- he falls first
- forced proximity
- found family
- good gorl
About the Author:
AMALIE HOWARD is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Always Be My Duchess was one of Cosmopolitan’s 30 Best Romance Books of 2022 and The Beast of Beswick was one of Oprah Daily’s 24 Best Historical Romance Novels to Read. She is also the author of several award-winning young adult novels. Her recent YA release Queen Bee was called “A true diamond of the first water” by ALA Booklist. Her books have been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, and Seventeen Magazine. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading, being the president of her one-woman Harley Davidson motorcycle club, or power-napping. She lives in Colorado with her family.
