The Big Bad Duke (The Shadows Book 9)
The Big Bad Duke (The Shadows Book 9)
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The Sins of Shadowmere (Rotten Scoundrels Book 1)

4.6 on Goodreads
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Book details

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Book overview

One scandalous dance. One unforgivable betrayal. One chance to rewrite their fates.

Miss Daphne Harland is out of options. Her father insists she marry a man three times her age, and society won’t save a woman trapped by debt and desperation. When a chance encounter with London’s most infamous rogue presents a scandalous escape, she orchestrates a single kiss—enough to ruin her reputation and free her from a future she cannot bear.

But Dominic Hawke didn’t come to London to rescue a damsel. He came for revenge. One dance with Miss Harland will be enough to provoke outrage and force her father into a duel—justice, at last, for the mother Dominic couldn’t save.

He doesn’t expect to admire Daphne’s wit. Or her courage. Or the inconvenient desire that sparks every time they clash.

Now, with reputations in tatters and the ton watching their every move, Daphne must seek sanctuary at Shadowmere—Dominic’s notorious country estate, where secrets lurk behind every locked door, and no one leaves unchanged.

She's his enemy’s daughter.
But she could be his only salvation.

For readers who enjoy intrigue, danger, and a romance that does not fade to black.

About the author

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Adele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her scarred heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.

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From the Publisher

Regency couple embracing at night in garden outside grand house
one scandalous dance. One unforgiveable betrayal. One chance to rewrite their fates.
Hawke came to london for revenge, not romance. Daphne Harland is out of options so creates one.
The sins of Shadowmere book cover against historical london scene

Product information

ASIN B0GG73CG6V
Publication date April 30, 2026
Accessibility Learn more
Language ‎English
File size 5.6 MB
Screen Reader Supported
Enhanced typesetting Enabled

Enhanced typesetting: Enabled

Enhanced typesetting improvements offer faster reading with less eye strain and beautiful page layouts, even at larger font sizes.
X-Ray Not Enabled
Word Wise Enabled

Word Wise: Enabled

Word Wise helps you read harder books by explaining the most challenging words in the book.
Print length 314 pages

Print length: 314 pages

Contains real page numbers based on the print edition (ISBN 1915354692).
ISBN-13 978-1915354686
Page Flip Enabled

Page Flip: Enabled

Page Flip is a new way to explore your books without losing your place.
Book 1 of 2 Rotten Scoundrels
Best Sellers Rank

Top reviews from the United States

  • 5 out of 5 stars
    Verified Purchase

    Bad boys!

    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
    Format: Kindle
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    Such a bad boy/man set to destroy! A family in shambles. A father who sold his daughter. A sleaze bag aunt and uncle. But somehow the bad man and the angel found each other.

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  • 5 out of 5 stars
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    Wonderful

    Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2026
    Format: Kindle
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    Loved this book lots of mystery and very well written! Really looking forward to the next story in the series!

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  • 5 out of 5 stars
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    The sins of shadowmere book 1

    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2026
    Format: Kindle
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    this is a charming book of love, and adventure. It felt a little hard to read at first but once in I just couldn't put it down!

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  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Great start to a new series

    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2026
    Format: Kindle
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    This is a great way to kick off a new book series. The story had me hooked from the minute Hawke walks into the ballroom. I barely put it down until I was finished.

    Daphne Harland has what many young ladies of the ton have, a terrible father & very little say in her own life. When she becomes part of a revenge plot, she makes her own plans. Dominic Hawke tries to have control in everything he does. His quest for revenge against the worst of society seems to have no limits. Safe to say, Daphne isn’t what he expects.

    The very public interaction between these two kicks off an entertaining, banter-filled story. They both seek answers, but start w/very different goals. Because each are so headstrong, it’s really fun to see who blinks first. The mystery to solve in this story is interesting, too. Lots of trails for Daphne & Dominic to follow. The introduction of Dominic’s friends as members of the Brethren makes me look forward to upcoming books in the series.

    Had a thought when I remembered the mention of Hawke in A Marquess Scorned. It makes me wonder if Daventry played a part in Hawke’s making a public display w/Daphne @ the Templeton ball. Would seem on brand for him & his successful meddling.

    Thanks to the author for allowing me to read an advance copy.

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  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Revenge turned into love

    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2026
    Format: Kindle
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    Oh what a way to start a new series!

    Dominic Hawke wants to avenge the death of his mother and what better way then to ruin the daughter of the man who killed her? Except for when that same daughter is set on her own ruin and she sets his blood on fire, and turns his world upside down with a dance and a kiss.

    Daphne Harland has to find a way to ruin herself and fast what better way than the man who everyone is afraid of especially when he shows up to ruin her anyway. Except he is no knight in shining armor who will rescue her, she will have to sneak into his world and become apart of his, so she will be safe from her father and her betrothed, what she didn't expect was to find herself needing protection to guard her heart from the most dangerous man in London.

    Will these two be able to find happiness together despite who her father is? Or will they lose it forever?

    This book is a slow burn, angst, funny, who done it , steamy and a beautiful happily ever after.

    I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

    2 people found this helpful
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  • 5 out of 5 stars

    One of her best yet!

    Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
    Format: Kindle
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    So well- written! Complex characters and plot. Didn’t want to put it down.

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  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Secrets, Scandal, Shadows, Loyalty, & Romance!

    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2026
    Format: Kindle
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    Adele Clee is back in her element - weaving mystery, danger, & delicious tension with the precision of a woman who refuses to churn out anything less than gold. The Sins of Shadowmere gives us Dominic Hawke, the charming devil whose parties are legendary & whose secrets are currency. Enter Daphne Harland - she's determined, cornered, & absolutely not in the mood to be bartered off like a prize horse.

    Their chemistry - a slow burn with teeth. The plot - twisty enough to make you suspect everyone, including the furniture. The vibe - scandal, shadows, loyalty, & a romance that sneaks up on you & then wallops you right in the heart. By the time the HEA lands, you’re sighing, smiling, & already eyeing the loyal men in Hawke’s circle like, “Yes, Adele, I’ll take their stories too.” Shadowmere has sins, & I’m ready to read every last one. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Love Adele Clee books

    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2026
    Format: Kindle
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    This book is about a man trying to get revenge on someone he felt hurt his mother, so it tries to get this revenge thru the man’s daughter, Daphne. Daphne’s father planned on marring her to some man who is three times her age, so when Dominic comes into a ball and ask her to dance for his revenge, Daphne goes for it, thinking it will get her out of the marriage her father planned. I like how Dominic changed when he was with Daphne, he was softer. I enjoyed this book, like I enjoy all of Adele Clee books.

    I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.

    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • 5 out of 5 stars
    Verified Purchase

    intriguing

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2026
    Format: Kindle
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    Good start to what I’m sure will be a great series, a hardened scoundrel but with a good heart sets out to cause a scandal but then it’s her who kisses him and the adventure begins, love, sex , kidnapping , murder freind ship all good qualities to make a great story

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  • 5 out of 5 stars
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    Always a wonderful read

    Reviewed in Australia on May 18, 2026
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    Adele’s books are filled with mysteries that end up being solved. Don’t know how she thinks of each storyline which keeps you enthralled. Can’t wait for the next book in Rotten Scoundrels. Thanks for another fantastic read Adele 😍

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  • 4 out of 5 stars
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    A good read

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2026
    Format: Kindle
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    I enjoyed the book very much. It is quite raunchy for those who like a bit of spice wrapped into a well woven tale.

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  • 5 out of 5 stars
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    Great start to a new series.

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 30, 2026
    Format: Kindle
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    What a great start to a new series! Dominic Hawke is well known for the parties he holds at his home of Shadowmere. It also provided him with many secrets and this gave him both money and power. Miss Daphne Harland is one determined lady, she has no intention of being sold off to a man in his sixties that she detests. There is a mystery to solve that involves both Dominic and Daphne, it also puts them in dangerous situations. There are also plenty of passionate scenes. The reader also has a glimpse of Dominic’s three friends. Friends who are always there for each other, no matter what. They all have a problem, although it is yet to be revealed what that is. I look forward to reading their stories.

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  • 5 out of 5 stars
    Verified Purchase

    A really good read.

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2026
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    A good combination of romance and murder mystery

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