Any Duke in a Storm

Starred review from November 27, 2023
Two smugglers steal each other’s hearts in Howard’s sultry and suspenseful tale of high seas intrigue, the fourth in the Daring Dukes series (after The Duke in Question). Readers meet Lady Lisbeth Medford, Countess of Waterstone, an espionage agent for the U.S. Treasury, in 1868, two years into a covert mission to capture Charles Dubois, “the Prince of Smugglers.” Undercover as the ruthless smuggler Bonnie Bess, she feels she’s nearing her prey. Unbeknownst to her, however, her new sailing master, Raphael Saint, is Dubois’s nephew, and, believing that Dubois killed his father, he’s on a mission of revenge. Each suspects the other is keeping secrets, but they’re drawn together by sizzling chemistry, sharp banter, and rowdy adventures. The more Raphael proves his loyalty and Lisbeth shows compassion, especially to the ship’s 12-year-old ward, the more they let go of their wariness and embrace their undeniable connection. What will happen, however, when the truth comes to light? Howard keeps the pages turning with breathtaking action and blazing-hot sex scenes while still taking plenty of time to flesh out her lovable leads. Readers will be swept away. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary.