The Duke I Despise by Angela E. Johnson: Book Review (ARC)

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: Madcaps of Mayfair (Book #2)
• Length: 346 pages (EPUB)
• Publication Date: April 1, 2026

Tropes

• Enemies to lovers
• Slow burn

My Rating

Book Description

“She’s out to ruin him. He’s determined to charm her. Only one can win. 

Miss Juliana Astley is far too clever to fall for a silver-tongued duke—particularly one foolish enough to wager on stealing a kiss from her. So when she overhears the Duke of Windsor boasting to his friends and discovers he has written her name in White’s infamous betting book, she does not swoon.

She plots her revenge.

Lucian Montrose, the Duke of Windsor, is thoroughly baffled by one woman—Miss Juliana Astley. His effortless charm is met with suspicion, sharp wit, and responses that would send most men retreating. Lucian, however, finds it entirely encouraging. Every attempt to win her favor backfires spectacularly, only strengthening his resolve. But just when he begins to suspect victory may be near, a scandalous calling card bearing his name begins circulating through the ton…though even he cannot explain its origin.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

All’s fair in love and…revenge?

Lucian and Juliana’s meet-cute was fun and unique.  I’d never considered how much trouble a stiff breeze could cause in an era before electric lights 😂 

Juliana actually seemed to enjoy Lucian’s company.  But after overhearing about the wager, she had to keep reminding herself not to like him.  Their continual back and forth made for some great banter!

While I usually prefer dual perspectives, in this case, it was a bit of a double-edged sword.  I loved seeing who Lucian truly was behind the charm and flirting.  However, since I was aware of his struggles, I ended up feeling a little frustrated with Juliana’s calling cards plan.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Favorite Moments

🐓 meet-cute in the dark
🐓 first dance
🐓 waltz
🐓 chickens
🐓 fountain
🐓 playing cards
🐓 sneaking into White’s 

Favorite Quotes

“‘Odious,’ she whispered, although deep down she didn’t truly mean it. He was charming and his embrace had been quite welcoming. ‘That is what you are.’

‘And you, my dear Miss Astley,’ he said in a whisper, leaning toward her to make sure she could hear, ‘are delightfully clumsy in the most intriguing ways.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“Raising his brow, he smirked. ‘Miss Astley, if you wished to fall into my arms once more this night, you had only to ask.’

Her eyes widened. ‘I did not fall into your arms. I tripped.’

‘A distinction without a difference,’ he murmured, releasing her as they finished the turn.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“Then I fear I may have lost my chance to be heroic once more. I was dreaming of another gust of wind.’

‘You may seek heroism elsewhere, Your Grace.’

‘Impossible’ he teased. ‘There is no adventure quite like keeping you upright.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“‘Miss Astley,’ he said softly, ‘do take care. If you fall into me again, I cannot promise I will let you go quite so quickly.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“‘Still, Juliana could not help thinking that if moments meant nothing, they would not linger so stubbornly.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“She kept her attention on the duke, refusing to look at the other men. ‘I am told,’ she continued lightly, ‘that men of courage often meet danger head-on. I trust, then that you are properly armed?’

‘Only with admiration, Miss Astley.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“‘You mistake irritation for encouragement,’ she said at last.

‘An easy mistake on my part, but only because both sentiments make your eyes spark with life.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“‘You are entirely too sure of yourself.’

…’Not at all, but I am growing increasingly sure of you.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“‘What sort of man compliments a lady on her’ — Juliana leaned forward before whispering — ‘chicken-chasing skills?“

Angela E. Johnson

“‘We cannot go five minutes without arguing, three minutes without you flashing a ridiculous grin in my direction, and I believe our record for time spent together without accidental physical calamity is currently…what? Eleven seconds?“

Angela E. Johnson

“She had no intention of marrying Lucian…at least, that was what she thought. But it seemed since the previous evening, she had to constantly remind herself of that fact, which was rather vexing.“

Angela E. Johnson

“‘Then perhaps we shall both take a small risk tonight.’

‘If that is the case,’ he said softly, ‘I can think of no one with whom I would rather risk everything.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“‘Then I shall try not to ruin your reputation,’ she teased.

He shook his head. ‘My reputation will survive anything you do. It has survived far worse than being partnered with the most captivating woman in the room.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“‘You are distracting me quite on purpose,’ she muttered.

‘Nonsense,’ he replied smoothly. ‘If I wished to distract you, Juliana, you would know it.’

She swallowed hard. ‘You are impossible.’

‘Untrue. I am merely…intrigued.’

‘With what?’

‘With you.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“‘You are making it very hard to concentrate.’

‘Am I?’ he asked, sounding pleased. ‘I had rather hoped you might find me somewhat tolerable this evening, but distracting is even more than I desired.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“She considered it for a moment and suddenly realized she had allowed him a little victory. Worse yet, she wasn’t upset about it.“

Angela E. Johnson

“‘My dear Juliana, I could not consider you any more of a madcap than I already do.’ He smirked. ‘And if you have not noticed, I am still seeking your admiration.’“

Angela E. Johnson

“‘I love you, Lucian Montrose.’

…’Words I wish to hear every day for the rest of my life,’ he murmured against her hair. ‘For I have loved you from the moment you fell into my arms, and every day since.’“

Angela E. Johnson

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