Decadent Dukes Society #2
A Devil of a Duke is quick, funny and has an incredible happily ever after. Amanda Waverly is dragged into a past she thought she’d left behind and can’t see how to escape. While up to no good, Amanda crosses paths with Gabriel St. James, who becomes utterly captivated by her. Ultimately, he’s got the keys to releasing her from her past. Still, she’s intelligent and independent enough to be the one using the keys.
Amanda is sharp and devious. I enjoyed her character. Her ability to plot and plan is fantastic. She doesn’t rely on Gabriel to figure things out, nor does she stumble her way through things. Not only does she think she knows how to handle herself, she actually does. So many historical fiction heroines recklessly put themselves in situations they can’t get themselves out of, and that’s not something Amanda does at all. I was surprised by the risks she was willing to take for her family after how they’d treated her.
Gabriel has the terrible habit of acting for others’ protection without advising them. It turns out well for him, but it’s still absolutely insufferable. I found his instant attraction to Amanda a bit silly. She treats him differently than other women he’s met because she has the guise of anonymity to hide behind. He breaks so many societal rules on her behalf; it’s a bit much, but he is supposed to be very scandalous.
I liked their relationship, though. Gabriel gives her space to succeed but does everything he can to ensure all the right pieces are in place. I enjoyed the cameos by the other Dukes. It still strikes me as weird that so many young Dukes went to school together. There can’t be many Dukes, but three of the heirs are in school at the same time and are all the same age? So weird. The Dukes give off good guy vibes. None of them seem that disreputable, decadent or scandalous.
A Devil of a Duke is an engaging read. The female characters in this series are strong and well-executed, and Amanda is another good cast member. I feel pretty mid about this series. It’s good but not great. However, I’ll read the next book in the series because the last one is always the best.