The Duke's Privateer by Amy Jarecki
on Jan 05 2021
Format: Audiobook
Source: Netgalley
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When it comes to women, the Duke of Danby is an audacious rake... but when it comes to ridding the kingdom of smugglers, he's leading the charge. The Prince Regent has bankrupted the country more than once, and Danby isn't about to go down with a sinking ship.

The Honorable Eleanor Kent hides behind the image of a self-proclaimed spinster... though in truth she's one of England's most sought-after privateers.

When their paths cross at a royal dinner... Danby suspects the stunning redheaded woman is more than she seems. He engages her to consult on a chinoiserie remodel and Eleanor gladly accepts. Indeed, she'd rather keep her enemy close where she can watch his every move. Though neither duke nor lady has a clue of how tangled the web they're spinning will become. As the heat ratchets up, so does their unbidden attraction. Will they get burned before it's too late to run?

Source: Publisher

I love a good historical romance, and Amy Jarecki knows exactly how to deliver it. The Duke’s Privateer swept me away with its mix of adventure, danger, and romance. Listening to it on audiobook made it even better—the narration pulled me right into the world, making the stakes feel vivid and the characters even more alive.

What stood out to me most was how fun the blend of history and romance felt. There’s swashbuckling energy here, with privateers, secrets, and high stakes, but it never loses sight of the love story at the heart of it all. That balance of action and emotion is tricky to pull off, but Jarecki manages it beautifully.

The romance itself is compelling—passionate but also layered with trust, vulnerability, and real risks. It wasn’t just about sparks flying (though there are plenty of those!); it was about whether these characters could truly put their faith in one another against the odds. That gave the story an emotional weight I really enjoyed.

I also have to mention that the audiobook format added a lot. The performance made the tension sharper, the chemistry stronger, and the historical setting easier to sink into. It’s definitely one I’d recommend experiencing that way.

🔥 Steamometer: 4/5 – Bold and passionate, with just enough edge to keep things exciting.