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The Truth About the Duke #1
One Night in London
A bargain that was all business . . . and pure passion.
Neither wealth nor beauty will help Lady Francesca Gordon win custody of her young niece Georgina, saving the girl from a cruel stepmother; she needs London’s top solicitor for that. But when Edward de Lacey, son of the powerful Duke of Durham, hires away the one man who can do the job, Francesca decides Edward himself must champion her case . . . if only she can melt the dashing lord’s stony heart.
Edward has reason to be guarded, though. London’s tabloids have just exposed a secret that could ruin his entire family. When Francesca offers a unique chance to undo the damage, Edward is forced to agree to a partnership . . . and now, each moment together feeds the flames of his scandalous longing for the passionate widow. But when Georgina disappears, fate will test them both . . . and leave their love hanging in the balance
Neither wealth nor beauty will help Lady Francesca Gordon win custody of her young niece Georgina, saving the girl from a cruel stepmother; she needs London’s top solicitor for that. But when Edward de Lacey, son of the powerful Duke of Durham, hires away the one man who can do the job, Francesca decides Edward himself must champion her case . . . if only she can melt the dashing lord’s stony heart.
Edward has reason to be guarded, though. London’s tabloids have just exposed a secret that could ruin his entire family. When Francesca offers a unique chance to undo the damage, Edward is forced to agree to a partnership . . . and now, each moment together feeds the flames of his scandalous longing for the passionate widow. But when Georgina disappears, fate will test them both . . . and leave their love hanging in the balance
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 30, 2011
120 people are currently reading
1975 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Linden
57 books1,702 followersCaroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a degree in mathematics from Harvard University and worked as a programmer in the financial services industry before realizing writing fiction is much more exciting than writing code. Her books have won the NEC-RWA Readers' Choice Award, the JNRW Golden Leaf, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and RWA's RITA Award, and have been translated into seventeen languages around the world. She lives in New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
May 19, 2019
Reread May 2019: Buddy read in a HRBC. This is just a wonderful book starting a wonderful series. Linden at her best. If you like flawed characters with real challenges, try this one. The protagonists are not perfect. The villains are actually human and not really that terrible, just misunderstood. This combined with an amazing romance make this among the best that HR has to offer.
Previous review:
I listened to this for the first time, but I have read it more than once, though it has been a few years since reading. So, what did my older, wiser self think in this re-read? I still liked it quite a lot, maybe not 5-stars like, but close enough to keep the rating. There are two issues that made me think about dropping a star. 1: The narrator. His voice is nice for men, but the lady and child characters are not the best. I also thought his voice for the Hero changed at the end for a bit, which was odd. 2: the "one night in London" clearly refers to a an epic love-making session, that is OTT. I believe this is where my younger and older selves diverge on opinion. It is very sensually done, and I am sure on first reading, I loved it. But now I think it's too long, and listening only highlighted this fact.
As to what I love and still love, there are several points in its favor. 1. It doesn't pretend Regency is a fairytale time where everything is wonderful. Francesca, the heroine, faces much sexism and judgment on her appearance (not motherly looking) in her quest for legal counsel to adopt her niece. Edward is fighting his own family's potential legal battle, and it pays to be a Duke's son. The difference between the two MCs experience is well-drawn and a good illustration of the time. 2. Neither MC is squeaky clean. They are willing to use any device within their power, influence, charm, money, as a means to an end - not that they are cruel or ruthless, but they are clever and resourceful. 3. They seem perfect for each other. Their personalities compliment each other, and the attraction is palpable. They see each other at the other's low points and are just what the other needs. 4. Resolutions to problems are not perfect. The resolution to Francesca's issue is not ideal, but the best option, and Edward is able to accept that it will be OK if his family issue is not resolved as he would wish. 5. It's the start of a great series. Linden was smart in her order. She put the dull estate manager brother first. Next up is a war hero, followed by a Duke. It also has a compelling storyline, making it a well-connected, enticing series. It is a dramatic and somewhat cliche storyline (deathbed summons the the old Duke, with a deep dark secret), and Linden makes fun of this a little in the book. 7. It's Caroline Linden, and it's writing that is very strong. I love her style. She is one of my favorites, and she is very consistent.
Previous review:
I listened to this for the first time, but I have read it more than once, though it has been a few years since reading. So, what did my older, wiser self think in this re-read? I still liked it quite a lot, maybe not 5-stars like, but close enough to keep the rating. There are two issues that made me think about dropping a star. 1: The narrator. His voice is nice for men, but the lady and child characters are not the best. I also thought his voice for the Hero changed at the end for a bit, which was odd. 2: the "one night in London" clearly refers to a an epic love-making session, that is OTT. I believe this is where my younger and older selves diverge on opinion. It is very sensually done, and I am sure on first reading, I loved it. But now I think it's too long, and listening only highlighted this fact.
As to what I love and still love, there are several points in its favor. 1. It doesn't pretend Regency is a fairytale time where everything is wonderful. Francesca, the heroine, faces much sexism and judgment on her appearance (not motherly looking) in her quest for legal counsel to adopt her niece. Edward is fighting his own family's potential legal battle, and it pays to be a Duke's son. The difference between the two MCs experience is well-drawn and a good illustration of the time. 2. Neither MC is squeaky clean. They are willing to use any device within their power, influence, charm, money, as a means to an end - not that they are cruel or ruthless, but they are clever and resourceful. 3. They seem perfect for each other. Their personalities compliment each other, and the attraction is palpable. They see each other at the other's low points and are just what the other needs. 4. Resolutions to problems are not perfect. The resolution to Francesca's issue is not ideal, but the best option, and Edward is able to accept that it will be OK if his family issue is not resolved as he would wish. 5. It's the start of a great series. Linden was smart in her order. She put the dull estate manager brother first. Next up is a war hero, followed by a Duke. It also has a compelling storyline, making it a well-connected, enticing series. It is a dramatic and somewhat cliche storyline (deathbed summons the the old Duke, with a deep dark secret), and Linden makes fun of this a little in the book. 7. It's Caroline Linden, and it's writing that is very strong. I love her style. She is one of my favorites, and she is very consistent.
April 7, 2022
Oh, I had forgotten how much a bliss it is to read Caroline Linden. Her writing is so wonderful.
In this story we have two big problems to be solved, one bigger than the other and for that reason we will see this problem probably only being resolved by the end of the third book.
That being so, we deal with the smaller and more immediate problem throughout the book. The hero is extremely conservative to the point of being prude and seems cold to the outside world. The heroine is the completely opposite, with Italian blood running on her vains and a short temper. I super enjoyed their differences clearly and wonderfully written. And enjoyed even more so that their differences when in union only made them both stronger and the best version of themselves, it is rare that we see this in couples. And their chemistry was over the charts, it was so worth waiting 60% of the book for the first kiss. And what a kiss!
But due to her quick to act personality and some unnecessary dispare and monologue in the end that dragged a bit and again, felt unnecessary, I am taking away half a point and giving this book a 4.5 star instead.
PS: I don't like widow stories much. They don't really move me and I never know the society rules involving them. I know they have much more freedom, but how much freedom is that? I enjoy rules and I find that it is difficult to understand them when it comes to widows. But I loved this heroine.
In this story we have two big problems to be solved, one bigger than the other and for that reason we will see this problem probably only being resolved by the end of the third book.
That being so, we deal with the smaller and more immediate problem throughout the book. The hero is extremely conservative to the point of being prude and seems cold to the outside world. The heroine is the completely opposite, with Italian blood running on her vains and a short temper. I super enjoyed their differences clearly and wonderfully written. And enjoyed even more so that their differences when in union only made them both stronger and the best version of themselves, it is rare that we see this in couples. And their chemistry was over the charts, it was so worth waiting 60% of the book for the first kiss. And what a kiss!
But due to her quick to act personality and some unnecessary dispare and monologue in the end that dragged a bit and again, felt unnecessary, I am taking away half a point and giving this book a 4.5 star instead.
PS: I don't like widow stories much. They don't really move me and I never know the society rules involving them. I know they have much more freedom, but how much freedom is that? I enjoy rules and I find that it is difficult to understand them when it comes to widows. But I loved this heroine.
August 13, 2023
Thank you Elizabeth for recommending this for my next Caroline Linden book! I really enjoyed One Night in London and esp Francesca’s (h) personality. She was refreshingly experienced (she’s a widow who’s actually lived), forthright, and passionate. Edward (H) initially came off as cold and contained, but he warmed up and was very likable. He does make some errors and holds himself apart at times but he’s also supportive and protective. I also enjoyed the premise of both experiencing family difficulties that required legal advice, although very different situations. One is a guardianship issue and the other a potential scandal affecting inheritance of a title. Written in third person, dual POV. Not really ow drama but H does begin the book engaged to someone else and he is regretful that relationship ended like it did at first. There is om drama as one of h’s friends is in love with and wants to marry her but she doesn’t feel that way about him. Neither h or H is a virgin.
Francesca starts off furious with Edward for “stealing” the attorney she wants but she also takes advantage of a change in the situation to gain his assistance. I loved watching them interact, be more open with each other, and fall into their romance, which does start with a bit more focus on their physical chemistry just fyi. This romance does have a few steamy scenes that are explicit and well-written. Their first time was actually a few times back to back and I applaud his stamina lol. Besides that chemistry and attraction, there’s also nicely done emotional development.
Side character-wise, Edward’s brothers feature heavily as they’re all caught up in the family drama. His oldest brother supposedly has growth throughout the series but he’s really frustrating to start. Francesca has a couple of friends and a couple who live with her as servants. Otherwise she’s focused on trying to gain guardianship of her niece. The niece and her stepmom/her family are important characters to that plot line.
I did get frustrated that there was a third act separation, thankfully brief. While I actually appreciated how Francesca’s family plot line was resolved, I did feel something was lacking a bit from the ending. Maybe because it ends on a HEA but with the overarching drama of Edward’s family not being resolved til the end of the series. I wish there had been more of them after the I love you’s and wedding, what their daily life would look like, y’know the thing I harp on in most reviews because I’m greedy. There’s a setup at the end for the next book, which is the younger brother’s and I’ll definitely be reading! I would recommend this!
Francesca starts off furious with Edward for “stealing” the attorney she wants but she also takes advantage of a change in the situation to gain his assistance. I loved watching them interact, be more open with each other, and fall into their romance, which does start with a bit more focus on their physical chemistry just fyi. This romance does have a few steamy scenes that are explicit and well-written. Their first time was actually a few times back to back and I applaud his stamina lol. Besides that chemistry and attraction, there’s also nicely done emotional development.
Side character-wise, Edward’s brothers feature heavily as they’re all caught up in the family drama. His oldest brother supposedly has growth throughout the series but he’s really frustrating to start. Francesca has a couple of friends and a couple who live with her as servants. Otherwise she’s focused on trying to gain guardianship of her niece. The niece and her stepmom/her family are important characters to that plot line.
I did get frustrated that there was a third act separation, thankfully brief. While I actually appreciated how Francesca’s family plot line was resolved, I did feel something was lacking a bit from the ending. Maybe because it ends on a HEA but with the overarching drama of Edward’s family not being resolved til the end of the series. I wish there had been more of them after the I love you’s and wedding, what their daily life would look like, y’know the thing I harp on in most reviews because I’m greedy. There’s a setup at the end for the next book, which is the younger brother’s and I’ll definitely be reading! I would recommend this!
July 23, 2020
Absolutely wonderful!!
Lord Edward is as stiff and proper as they come! He's honorable, but also a strategist that knows how to get things done!
Lady Francesca is a widow and I absolutely loved her spunk and personality! These two are so hot together and I totally enjoyed them working together to save her niece from the clutches of the evil stepmother.
Can I please take a whip to the dead Duke of Durham? I mean.... he sounded like a wonderful father, yet he had a horrible secret that he left his sons to manage.
Lord Edward is as stiff and proper as they come! He's honorable, but also a strategist that knows how to get things done!
Lady Francesca is a widow and I absolutely loved her spunk and personality! These two are so hot together and I totally enjoyed them working together to save her niece from the clutches of the evil stepmother.
Can I please take a whip to the dead Duke of Durham? I mean.... he sounded like a wonderful father, yet he had a horrible secret that he left his sons to manage.
August 11, 2016
I've given this a B- for narration and B for content at AAR, so I'm leaving it at 4 stars.
In One Night in London, book one of Caroline Linden’s 2011/2012 The Truth About the Duke trilogy, the deathbed vigil of the two younger sons of the Duke of Durham, is followed the next day by a meeting with the family solicitor. The solicitor reveals that the late duke contracted a secret marriage some years before he married their mother. As this may mean the later marriage was bigamous and they are all illegitimate, the brothers stand to lose everything.
The story focuses on the middle brother, Lord Edward de Lacey, who has run the Durham estates with great skill and great success. He doesn’t care much for society and has a reputation for being a ruthless businessman and a bit of a dull dog. He hires London’s premier solicitor to prepare their case, and hopes it will be just a matter of time before his eldest brother Charles is proved to be the rightful Duke of Durham. (While the “Durham Dilemma” is the thread which connects all three books in the series, this one is principally concerned with Edward’s romance. Anyone who is expecting the resolution of the matter of the inheritance is going to be disappointed, because that doesn’t happen until book three.)
Lady Francesca Gordon is furious when she discovers that the same solicitor has turned down her case in favour of working for the de Laceys. She confronts Edward, accusing him of “poaching” him, her annoyance greatly fuelled by the fact that he is the only lawyer she met who gave her case even the most basic consideration. When one of London’s scandal sheets prints a story about the “Durham Dilemma” the next day, Francesca sees an opportunity to advance her cause. She knows the editor of the scandal sheet and will contrive to have him print a retraction in return for Edward’s help in securing the services of another solicitor. This bargain naturally throws them more into each other’s company, and as they spend time together, they each begin to revise their original assessments of the other.
The protagonists are both very strongly drawn, and although at first they seem to be complete opposites – he rather starchy and she a tempestuous free-spirit – as the story progresses both they and the reader come to see that what originally seem to be almost unbridgeable gulfs in personality are actually qualities which are complementary. Francesca livens Edward up, reminding him what it feels like to be happy rather than merely content. Edward helps her to see the value of learning to hold back and plan rather than to rush headlong into a situation.
The sexual tension simmers between them from the get-go. Francesca thinks Edward is dull and colourless at first, and he thinks she’s a managing harpy, yet they find it increasingly difficult to stop thinking about each other. Edward fights his attraction to Francesca particularly strongly, feeling that she is everything he doesn’t like in a woman – she’s forward, opinionated and capable; and Francesca can’t believe she is having lustful thoughts about such a stiff-necked fellow as Edward de Lacey. And when the lustful thoughts finally turn into reality… the pair of them may just have melted my earbuds! Their passionate affair has the feel of a mature relationship, but is simultaneously one in which the characters experience that first explosion of infatuation and physical desire.
Gildart Jackson, a new-to-me narrator who is also, it seems, a newcomer to the world of audiobook romance, has a voice like melted chocolate, rich and dark. His narration is nuanced and expressive. Although there are times when it is a little on the slow side, that fits with Edward’s character, as he’s a reserved man who always thinks before he acts. Mr Jackson differentiates clearly between all the male characters, doing an especially good job in providing each of the three brothers with his own, distinctive sound. His performance of Edward is excellent. He really captures the essence of him – part restrained, buttoned up gentleman and part sex-god (!) – by skilful use of subtle changes in tone and inflection. Edward intent on seduction is utterly and deliciously wicked while Edward the businessman is considered and rather restrained in both speech and manner.
His portrayal of female characters is less successful. Francesca is a widow in her late twenties, so it’s right that she doesn’t sound like a wide-eyed ingénue, but at times she sounds more like a middle-aged dowager than a vital young woman. That said, Mr Jackson’s portrayal changes as the book progresses, so overall he does a more-than-decent job. I don’t, however, much care for the falsetto he uses to characterise Louisa Halston, Edward’s ex-fiancée, as it falls over the edge into caricature.
One Night in London is an enjoyable listen and a good start to this series. I certainly intend to listen to Mr Jackson again on the strength of it, and I’m pleased that he’s joined the very small club of men who narrate historical romance. I hope he maintains his membership, because the genre needs more good male narrators.
In One Night in London, book one of Caroline Linden’s 2011/2012 The Truth About the Duke trilogy, the deathbed vigil of the two younger sons of the Duke of Durham, is followed the next day by a meeting with the family solicitor. The solicitor reveals that the late duke contracted a secret marriage some years before he married their mother. As this may mean the later marriage was bigamous and they are all illegitimate, the brothers stand to lose everything.
The story focuses on the middle brother, Lord Edward de Lacey, who has run the Durham estates with great skill and great success. He doesn’t care much for society and has a reputation for being a ruthless businessman and a bit of a dull dog. He hires London’s premier solicitor to prepare their case, and hopes it will be just a matter of time before his eldest brother Charles is proved to be the rightful Duke of Durham. (While the “Durham Dilemma” is the thread which connects all three books in the series, this one is principally concerned with Edward’s romance. Anyone who is expecting the resolution of the matter of the inheritance is going to be disappointed, because that doesn’t happen until book three.)
Lady Francesca Gordon is furious when she discovers that the same solicitor has turned down her case in favour of working for the de Laceys. She confronts Edward, accusing him of “poaching” him, her annoyance greatly fuelled by the fact that he is the only lawyer she met who gave her case even the most basic consideration. When one of London’s scandal sheets prints a story about the “Durham Dilemma” the next day, Francesca sees an opportunity to advance her cause. She knows the editor of the scandal sheet and will contrive to have him print a retraction in return for Edward’s help in securing the services of another solicitor. This bargain naturally throws them more into each other’s company, and as they spend time together, they each begin to revise their original assessments of the other.
The protagonists are both very strongly drawn, and although at first they seem to be complete opposites – he rather starchy and she a tempestuous free-spirit – as the story progresses both they and the reader come to see that what originally seem to be almost unbridgeable gulfs in personality are actually qualities which are complementary. Francesca livens Edward up, reminding him what it feels like to be happy rather than merely content. Edward helps her to see the value of learning to hold back and plan rather than to rush headlong into a situation.
The sexual tension simmers between them from the get-go. Francesca thinks Edward is dull and colourless at first, and he thinks she’s a managing harpy, yet they find it increasingly difficult to stop thinking about each other. Edward fights his attraction to Francesca particularly strongly, feeling that she is everything he doesn’t like in a woman – she’s forward, opinionated and capable; and Francesca can’t believe she is having lustful thoughts about such a stiff-necked fellow as Edward de Lacey. And when the lustful thoughts finally turn into reality… the pair of them may just have melted my earbuds! Their passionate affair has the feel of a mature relationship, but is simultaneously one in which the characters experience that first explosion of infatuation and physical desire.
Gildart Jackson, a new-to-me narrator who is also, it seems, a newcomer to the world of audiobook romance, has a voice like melted chocolate, rich and dark. His narration is nuanced and expressive. Although there are times when it is a little on the slow side, that fits with Edward’s character, as he’s a reserved man who always thinks before he acts. Mr Jackson differentiates clearly between all the male characters, doing an especially good job in providing each of the three brothers with his own, distinctive sound. His performance of Edward is excellent. He really captures the essence of him – part restrained, buttoned up gentleman and part sex-god (!) – by skilful use of subtle changes in tone and inflection. Edward intent on seduction is utterly and deliciously wicked while Edward the businessman is considered and rather restrained in both speech and manner.
His portrayal of female characters is less successful. Francesca is a widow in her late twenties, so it’s right that she doesn’t sound like a wide-eyed ingénue, but at times she sounds more like a middle-aged dowager than a vital young woman. That said, Mr Jackson’s portrayal changes as the book progresses, so overall he does a more-than-decent job. I don’t, however, much care for the falsetto he uses to characterise Louisa Halston, Edward’s ex-fiancée, as it falls over the edge into caricature.
One Night in London is an enjoyable listen and a good start to this series. I certainly intend to listen to Mr Jackson again on the strength of it, and I’m pleased that he’s joined the very small club of men who narrate historical romance. I hope he maintains his membership, because the genre needs more good male narrators.
August 26, 2024
⭐⭐
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Widow heroine.
Some interesting parts in the beginning of the story.
Slow-burn.
➖ What I disliked:
The main characters were kind of reserved or even stiff… but also cold and kind of weird.
Disjointed plot.
(Both the thing with heroes family … the “Durham Dilemma”… and then the thing with the heroine and her niece… the two issues were not “well balanced” and just felt disjointed… but also just too much happening at once… too many side characters etc.)
Too much internal dialogue from both main characters.
Issues and problems were fixed too quickly and too easily.
(All their problems were more or less fixed in one scene… and the ending is also rather contradicting to the rest of the story and how all the characters acted including the heroine.)
Underwhelming plot.
Dragged.
The slow-burn was too slow.
Uninteresting main characters.
The mystery took over too much of the story and there was too little focus on the romance part.
Romance/romantic build-up and chemistry is unconvincing and kind of stilted.
March 10, 2016
There are a lot of things to love about this book. The three brothers who learn that their father has been married when he was young and re-married without knowing what has happened to his first wife (which might just make his three sons bastards) are all incredibly interesting: you have an older brother who relies on his family name's influence and doesn't seem to care about anything but his own pleasure who has to learn some responsibility if he wants to keep his title; the good middle one (Edward, this books hero) who is all about family and duty, who has to learn that he has to stop fighting his brother's battles and focus instead on what he himself wants; and the youngest, slightly impetuous brother who is a bit wild, but loyal to a fault to his family. I loved reading about them, how each of them changed and grew over the course of the story, and I can't wait to see the other two get to their happily ever after.
But...
There was a bit too much drama in this book for me. Especially Francesca's claim that her niece is being cruelly mistreated by an evil step-mother made little sense to me. Francesca also has a temper that often leads her to jump to conclusions and lash out at other people, which I never really warmed up to. Her reaction to reading about Edwards trouble in a gossip sheet after she just stormed into his house and accused him of "stealing" her lawyer kind of was a just bit too much for me: instead of thinking something along the lines of 'oh no, the poor man, I guess he really does need that lawyer' her immediate reaction is 'oh good, I can use this' and she basically blackmails him into helping her find her niece by telling him she can get the owner of the newspaper to print a retraction, if only he helps her out in return... Because a man about to loose everything he has worked his entire life for just has nothing else to do.
But still, it's Caroline Linden (who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors), so it's well-written, funny and heartbreaking at the same time, full of interesting characters, and seeing the oh-so-proper Edward exploring his wild side was seriously hot. And now I'm off to download the next book in this series ^^
But...
There was a bit too much drama in this book for me. Especially Francesca's claim that her niece is being cruelly mistreated by an evil step-mother made little sense to me. Francesca also has a temper that often leads her to jump to conclusions and lash out at other people, which I never really warmed up to. Her reaction to reading about Edwards trouble in a gossip sheet after she just stormed into his house and accused him of "stealing" her lawyer kind of was a just bit too much for me: instead of thinking something along the lines of 'oh no, the poor man, I guess he really does need that lawyer' her immediate reaction is 'oh good, I can use this' and she basically blackmails him into helping her find her niece by telling him she can get the owner of the newspaper to print a retraction, if only he helps her out in return... Because a man about to loose everything he has worked his entire life for just has nothing else to do.
But still, it's Caroline Linden (who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors), so it's well-written, funny and heartbreaking at the same time, full of interesting characters, and seeing the oh-so-proper Edward exploring his wild side was seriously hot. And now I'm off to download the next book in this series ^^
March 18, 2020
I just INHALED this. Why I’m blazes did I wait so long to start this series?? What was I thinking?
Edward and Francesca were two opposite but somehow complementary personalities who positively combusted when they were together.
Edward starts of stiff and formal and steeped in duty but as he sheds that armor...good stuff. Francesca was a little harder to like. In some ways I loved her vivacity but I thought sometimes her temper and quick assumptions of people was annoying. However, I think her strength was what drew Edward in and really helped him grow too and I liked that in her.
Both have journeys of discovery here and the ongoing Durham Dilemma continues after this book ends. I’ll be diving in to the next book shortly!
Edward and Francesca were two opposite but somehow complementary personalities who positively combusted when they were together.
Edward starts of stiff and formal and steeped in duty but as he sheds that armor...good stuff. Francesca was a little harder to like. In some ways I loved her vivacity but I thought sometimes her temper and quick assumptions of people was annoying. However, I think her strength was what drew Edward in and really helped him grow too and I liked that in her.
Both have journeys of discovery here and the ongoing Durham Dilemma continues after this book ends. I’ll be diving in to the next book shortly!
June 9, 2017
I enjoyed this immensely, though I have mild issues as well. Part of my enjoyment is how well Linden managed the character motivations and how they drove the conflicts that produced such great tension throughout the story. Francesca is comfortable. She isn't rich rich, but she has everything she needs for a comfortable, even active life in her social set without needing to worry much about money or shelter or food. So she'd be all set if it weren't for her worry about a niece she has been cut off from with hints of abuse. You can see from the start that she loves her niece and can't stand not knowing where she is or how she is doing. Linden crafted circumstances such that Francesca really does have a shot at gaining custody (even in the draconian laws of the time) so having her target locked on finding the best attorney in London makes complete sense and her sense of urgency is borne up well by the things we know.
Edward is less comfortable, but his motivations are even stronger. Indeed, his having anything to do with Francesca at all is just a touch of insta-attraction overwhelming good sense. She's certainly a distraction he doesn't need. That's not a complaint, mostly because Linden shows us how dry his life has become and how much he needs someone he can't bend to his will to bring him to life. It's clear, even early on, how well they'd suit and subsequent events only reinforce that initial impression. I love how they clash, but I loved even better how well they worked together once they worked out compromises that let them be themselves with each other. I love a relationship so strongly drawn and this one kept me riveted to the story.
It's not all peaches and sunshine, though. The eventual resolution with Georgina (the aforementioned niece) was disappointing.
Also dragging my interest down, Francesca tolerates a lot of awful behavior from some of the men who want to be in her life (in the boudoir sense) and that didn't sit well, either. One character is openly lecherous and borders on crude in ways that were overbearing and, well, icky. Sure, he's powerful, kinda, and she wants something from him, at least to start, but I felt beslimed by his presence on the page and didn't understand Francesca's tolerance (particularly after her need for him lessened). Or capacity for ignoring slime. Even the more mild man who has been courting her since her husband died pushed the creepy vibe more than once. She keeps calling him her friend, but I failed to see anything from him that wasn't self-servingly geared towards winning a place in her bed.
Still, this is a solid 4 stars, largely on the strength of that central relationship. I love when a couple fits so well together that their differences become strengths after they work out a framework for compromise and communication. Very well done.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple explicit sex scenes, so about the middle of my steam tolerance. Unfortunately, this is another area I felt didn't work terribly well. I get the attraction and heat between them. But I didn't see Francesca being so reckless. Making their relationship publicly acknowledged before knowing Edwards actual intentions seemed out of character for her on so many different levels. Yeah, love, but still...
Edward is less comfortable, but his motivations are even stronger. Indeed, his having anything to do with Francesca at all is just a touch of insta-attraction overwhelming good sense. She's certainly a distraction he doesn't need. That's not a complaint, mostly because Linden shows us how dry his life has become and how much he needs someone he can't bend to his will to bring him to life. It's clear, even early on, how well they'd suit and subsequent events only reinforce that initial impression. I love how they clash, but I loved even better how well they worked together once they worked out compromises that let them be themselves with each other. I love a relationship so strongly drawn and this one kept me riveted to the story.
It's not all peaches and sunshine, though. The eventual resolution with Georgina (the aforementioned niece) was disappointing.
Also dragging my interest down, Francesca tolerates a lot of awful behavior from some of the men who want to be in her life (in the boudoir sense) and that didn't sit well, either. One character is openly lecherous and borders on crude in ways that were overbearing and, well, icky. Sure, he's powerful, kinda, and she wants something from him, at least to start, but I felt beslimed by his presence on the page and didn't understand Francesca's tolerance (particularly after her need for him lessened). Or capacity for ignoring slime. Even the more mild man who has been courting her since her husband died pushed the creepy vibe more than once. She keeps calling him her friend, but I failed to see anything from him that wasn't self-servingly geared towards winning a place in her bed.
Still, this is a solid 4 stars, largely on the strength of that central relationship. I love when a couple fits so well together that their differences become strengths after they work out a framework for compromise and communication. Very well done.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple explicit sex scenes, so about the middle of my steam tolerance. Unfortunately, this is another area I felt didn't work terribly well. I get the attraction and heat between them. But I didn't see Francesca being so reckless. Making their relationship publicly acknowledged before knowing Edwards actual intentions seemed out of character for her on so many different levels. Yeah, love, but still...
April 10, 2019
Lovely story of a dutiful middle son recently jilted by the woman he loved when he most needed her and a bold and impetuous widow with Italian blood in her veins.
As an Italian descendent myself, I found Francesca’s frank personality fun and a wonderful balance to Edward’s lovely responsible and thoughtful self.
There is not much antagonism against their love (although they are from different classes) and in the background they are both struggling with family problems.
Great read! Can’t wait to read Gerard’s and Charlie’s stories (mainly Charlie’s) 😉
As an Italian descendent myself, I found Francesca’s frank personality fun and a wonderful balance to Edward’s lovely responsible and thoughtful self.
There is not much antagonism against their love (although they are from different classes) and in the background they are both struggling with family problems.
Great read! Can’t wait to read Gerard’s and Charlie’s stories (mainly Charlie’s) 😉
July 8, 2023
First, let me say this- Caroline Linden definitely knows how to write smart, sensible yet interesting HR characters and she is so underrated. IM, Ideally, this book has a grumpy-sunshine or opposite attracts with a slow-burn trope but the MCs are so well-written that I refuse to go by the trope. She also writes awesome heroines. So, I am definitely reading more books of her.
July 22, 2023
2.5 to 3.
I was intrigued by the stuffy duke and Spanish-blooded widow but the widow isn’t that erratic or feisty. Honestly she reminded me of Jane Austen’s Emma, especially when we find out what happens to Georgie, her niece.
The conflict was boring, but if you want something light then this will be right. It’s just her finding out he had done some research on her. Which is not cool and looks bad (did he want to verify her background before instigating an affair?) but not a good conflict or misunderstanding. It’s not a drawn out conflict.
This will age very poorly and I don’t know if it’s already been dissected but can we stop with this race/culture Ariana Grande cosplay? I’ve read like 3 romances now where the hero thinks the heroine looks Creole or Spanish BUT IS ACTUALLY AN ENGLISH BROAD. And how *fascinating* that she is.
Within the text, it feels very much like subconscious racial anxieties about finding the Other attractive in a safe way. Outside of the text, could also be thought of culturally appropriative on the author’s part: to have the heroine have racially ambiguous traits without actually being from that culture.
Not to call out Caroline Linden as the offender but just one author I notice to do this, and it’s common enough.
I was intrigued by the stuffy duke and Spanish-blooded widow but the widow isn’t that erratic or feisty. Honestly she reminded me of Jane Austen’s Emma, especially when we find out what happens to Georgie, her niece.
The conflict was boring, but if you want something light then this will be right. It’s just her finding out he had done some research on her. Which is not cool and looks bad (did he want to verify her background before instigating an affair?) but not a good conflict or misunderstanding. It’s not a drawn out conflict.
This will age very poorly and I don’t know if it’s already been dissected but can we stop with this race/culture Ariana Grande cosplay? I’ve read like 3 romances now where the hero thinks the heroine looks Creole or Spanish BUT IS ACTUALLY AN ENGLISH BROAD. And how *fascinating* that she is.
Within the text, it feels very much like subconscious racial anxieties about finding the Other attractive in a safe way. Outside of the text, could also be thought of culturally appropriative on the author’s part: to have the heroine have racially ambiguous traits without actually being from that culture.
Not to call out Caroline Linden as the offender but just one author I notice to do this, and it’s common enough.
July 13, 2018
This was an enjoyable 3.5 stars, although I took a long time to warm to Edward. He was so buttoned up and very judgemental of Francesca. But he did eventually melt, and Francesca herself was an interesting, strong woman. A solid story.
February 20, 2023
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (2 are extremely close together and might feel more like 1 long scene to others)
Humor: Not much
Perspective: Third person from the hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
There is a prequel novella titled I Love the Earl. I’m not sure exactly how it ties into this series, I didn’t read it yet and this book was fine to pick up without it.
Basic plot:
Francesca is deprived of her lawyer when the new Duke of and his brothers have an emergency. She goes to Edward and strikes a bargain with him to help her get her niece in her custody.
Give this a try if you want:
- London setting
- touch of mystery
- bargain – the heroine goes to the hero and strikes a bargain with him for his help
- child in the story – much of the plot revolves around the heroine trying to get custody of her 7 year old niece (though the niece doesn’t have a ton of page time)
- experienced, widow heroine – she loved her husband but I don’t think their union was especially passionate?
- brief love triangle feels – heroine has a friend that is in love with her and the hero is also engaged at the beginning of the story
- medium steam – it’s all kind of squished close together but a solid 3-4 scenes depending how you count
- touch of class difference though it’s not really a plot point – heroine is a bastard and the hero is the son of a duke
My thoughts:
I struggled with this one a bit. The first half of the book was a touch dry and I was getting a little bored with things. There’s a bit of mystery within this story because Francesca’s niece and her step-mother go missing (purposefully).
Edward comes off as too cold and uninteresting to Francesca and she’s utterly uninterested in him at first. I did like the development of her feelings over getting to know him. Also, he is engaged at the beginning of the story (and wow I feel like I have been reading that a lot lately and I don’t really like it!) but it didn’t last too long.
I’m also not sold on the ending. It was not what I was thinking would happen, so that could be a plus but my own in law experiences are coloring my feelings here.
The sex though was great! But it was kind of squished together and not enough for me to really boost it up to 4 stars.
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (2 are extremely close together and might feel more like 1 long scene to others)
Humor: Not much
Perspective: Third person from the hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
There is a prequel novella titled I Love the Earl. I’m not sure exactly how it ties into this series, I didn’t read it yet and this book was fine to pick up without it.
Basic plot:
Francesca is deprived of her lawyer when the new Duke of and his brothers have an emergency. She goes to Edward and strikes a bargain with him to help her get her niece in her custody.
Give this a try if you want:
- London setting
- touch of mystery
- bargain – the heroine goes to the hero and strikes a bargain with him for his help
- child in the story – much of the plot revolves around the heroine trying to get custody of her 7 year old niece (though the niece doesn’t have a ton of page time)
- experienced, widow heroine – she loved her husband but I don’t think their union was especially passionate?
- brief love triangle feels – heroine has a friend that is in love with her and the hero is also engaged at the beginning of the story
- medium steam – it’s all kind of squished close together but a solid 3-4 scenes depending how you count
- touch of class difference though it’s not really a plot point – heroine is a bastard and the hero is the son of a duke
My thoughts:
I struggled with this one a bit. The first half of the book was a touch dry and I was getting a little bored with things. There’s a bit of mystery within this story because Francesca’s niece and her step-mother go missing (purposefully).
Edward comes off as too cold and uninteresting to Francesca and she’s utterly uninterested in him at first. I did like the development of her feelings over getting to know him. Also, he is engaged at the beginning of the story (and wow I feel like I have been reading that a lot lately and I don’t really like it!) but it didn’t last too long.
I’m also not sold on the ending. It was not what I was thinking would happen, so that could be a plus but my own in law experiences are coloring my feelings here.
The sex though was great! But it was kind of squished together and not enough for me to really boost it up to 4 stars.
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
November 11, 2021
4 Stars
Owing to my compulsive need to read books in the series order, and the fact that I was super curious about The Truth About the Duke I picked up this story and enjoyed it quite a bit.
The ducal household of the de Lacey family is in shock, not only because the old duke has passed away, but a devastating secret has come to light, one that of his first marriage sans divorce. The de Lacey children might be illegitimate, their inheritance in question with a blackmailer afoot threatening to reveal all and create a scandal of the century.
Plot Summary
Lord Edward de Lacey has always been a dutiful son. When the news of his father's past shakes the family, he manages the situation the only way he knows how by taking control to get ahead of the scandal. As such, he hires the best solicitor in the town. Unfortunately, that means butting heads with the outspoken Lady Gordon, who also wishes to engage the services of the very same solicitor. But this predicament soon becomes mutually advantageous and has the potential to turn into something delicious.
Quick Review
- Amazing story, very well written which kept me glued to the pages. Caroline Linden can tell a tale with common tropes in a fascinating way. The book was paced a little slower in the middle but picked up quickly.
- The romance theme was so beautiful. I absolutely adored Edward & Francesca. Theirs was a great example of opposites attract, and I loved how it played out. Their banter was witty, and the chemistry was sizzling even though it was achingly a slow burn, 50% until they even kiss for the first time, but it made up with the steamy goodness.
- There was a high drama element, it was low on humour and angst but the romance more than made up for everything.
- The secondary characters were plenty fun, especially the brothers. It shall be fun to read about Charles & Gerrard. Also, I hope they stop calling a grown-ass man Charlie.
Here's my problem with this story
- There was shockingly little about the de Lacey blackmail/ scandal drama. When I say little, I mean nothing, well next to nothing, they did file a couple of motions with the court.
- Most of the investigative drama revolved around Francesca trying to get custody of her niece, which ended in a very anti-climatic way.
- I am ridiculously invested in knowing the truth about the duke, so I expected some progress on that front. Edward was pretty relaxed considering he had a lot to lose.
- Couple of modernish turns of phrases.
- The cover is kinda ugly and the title makes no sense, especially with the context of this story.
The 4-star rating because I found the romance beautiful, except for when Edward's senses took a leave of absence for a very short while.
My Recommendation
I gots to know if the children are illegitimate. Hey, I love dukes and soap opera drama, so sue me. But if you decide to pick this book up, you shall enjoy the romance of it all.
Owing to my compulsive need to read books in the series order, and the fact that I was super curious about The Truth About the Duke I picked up this story and enjoyed it quite a bit.
The ducal household of the de Lacey family is in shock, not only because the old duke has passed away, but a devastating secret has come to light, one that of his first marriage sans divorce. The de Lacey children might be illegitimate, their inheritance in question with a blackmailer afoot threatening to reveal all and create a scandal of the century.
Plot Summary
Lord Edward de Lacey has always been a dutiful son. When the news of his father's past shakes the family, he manages the situation the only way he knows how by taking control to get ahead of the scandal. As such, he hires the best solicitor in the town. Unfortunately, that means butting heads with the outspoken Lady Gordon, who also wishes to engage the services of the very same solicitor. But this predicament soon becomes mutually advantageous and has the potential to turn into something delicious.
Quick Review
- Amazing story, very well written which kept me glued to the pages. Caroline Linden can tell a tale with common tropes in a fascinating way. The book was paced a little slower in the middle but picked up quickly.
- The romance theme was so beautiful. I absolutely adored Edward & Francesca. Theirs was a great example of opposites attract, and I loved how it played out. Their banter was witty, and the chemistry was sizzling even though it was achingly a slow burn, 50% until they even kiss for the first time, but it made up with the steamy goodness.
- There was a high drama element, it was low on humour and angst but the romance more than made up for everything.
- The secondary characters were plenty fun, especially the brothers. It shall be fun to read about Charles & Gerrard. Also, I hope they stop calling a grown-ass man Charlie.
Here's my problem with this story
- There was shockingly little about the de Lacey blackmail/ scandal drama. When I say little, I mean nothing, well next to nothing, they did file a couple of motions with the court.
- Most of the investigative drama revolved around Francesca trying to get custody of her niece, which ended in a very anti-climatic way.
- I am ridiculously invested in knowing the truth about the duke, so I expected some progress on that front. Edward was pretty relaxed considering he had a lot to lose.
- Couple of modernish turns of phrases.
- The cover is kinda ugly and the title makes no sense, especially with the context of this story.
The 4-star rating because I found the romance beautiful, except for when Edward's senses took a leave of absence for a very short while.
My Recommendation
I gots to know if the children are illegitimate. Hey, I love dukes and soap opera drama, so sue me. But if you decide to pick this book up, you shall enjoy the romance of it all.
January 9, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book (and its two sequels) and really liked listening to the audio book. Gildart Jackson is a new narrator to me, and I adore his voice. I could fall in love with Edward de Lacey just by listening to him. He does, however, need to tweak his heroine a bit; she sounds like a middle-aged spinster aunt rather than a passionate half-Italian young English woman. I think that male narrators should avoid using a falsetto for female voices and just strive for a softer tone.
That said, I highly recommend this audio book, especially if you're looking for a steamy, but not crude, read. Edward is just the kind of lover most women desire and Jackson's rendition of Chapters 16, 17, and 18 is lady porn at its finest.
That said, I highly recommend this audio book, especially if you're looking for a steamy, but not crude, read. Edward is just the kind of lover most women desire and Jackson's rendition of Chapters 16, 17, and 18 is lady porn at its finest.
February 9, 2021
Lady Francesca Gordon is just about to hire a solicitor to take her case when he shows her the door. So she follows him to Edward de Lacey's place (he's squatting in the Duke of Durham's house temporarily) and lambasts the man for stealing her legal fellow. Edward, distracted by the possibility that he's a literal bastard, dismisses most of her (he notices her breasts tho). Eventually they bone. The end.
1. Edward's kind of a tightass until he isn't. There's a slight bit about how he is so wrapped up in maintaining the Durham estates that he's lost sight of himself, but it's rather underdeveloped and so the decision to kind of hand it off to Charlie is mostly ridiculous.
2. Francesca's a woman! She's got a temper but is never hysterical and she goes for what she wants except for when she doesn't. I make it sound like I didn't like Francesca but in fact I did: it's just that the text kind of waffles on who she is in order to focus on all the other moving pieces.
3. These pieces include: the whole Durham Dilemma; Edward's ended engagement; his fiancee's new engagement; Francesca's missing niece; private investigations (non-sexual); private investigations (sexual); Charlie's Thing; etc. IT'S A LOT and it's all kind of mushed together.
4. I was pleasantly surprised by the handling of the Niece Situation.
5. Charlie seems like a drip.
1. Edward's kind of a tightass until he isn't. There's a slight bit about how he is so wrapped up in maintaining the Durham estates that he's lost sight of himself, but it's rather underdeveloped and so the decision to kind of hand it off to Charlie is mostly ridiculous.
2. Francesca's a woman! She's got a temper but is never hysterical and she goes for what she wants except for when she doesn't. I make it sound like I didn't like Francesca but in fact I did: it's just that the text kind of waffles on who she is in order to focus on all the other moving pieces.
3. These pieces include: the whole Durham Dilemma; Edward's ended engagement; his fiancee's new engagement; Francesca's missing niece; private investigations (non-sexual); private investigations (sexual); Charlie's Thing; etc. IT'S A LOT and it's all kind of mushed together.
4. I was pleasantly surprised by the handling of the Niece Situation.
5. Charlie seems like a drip.
December 27, 2015
This book was just OK for me. It was entertaining enough while on a vacation, but I found the storyline to ultimately be silly. At least the part about Lady Francesca and her niece. It seemed that she majorly freaked out in the beginning... and from what I read, she had no proof of any wrong-doing by the "cruel" step-mother to have a justified complaint. And then to see how it all played out in the end, I was just flat out embarrassed for her and the story then felt pointless. I am not a big fan of the heroine being a widow either, it somehow loses the magic of "falling in love" for the first time. Regardless, I plan on trying out the authors other titles, with Blame it on Bath being next.
May 20, 2019
4.5/5 Stars. Simple for not giving us an epilogue.
Another wonderful, emotional and sensual read from Caroline Linden. This woman can do wrong in my eyes, yet. I love how the novella before this set up the context for the remaining three books. This is a series I'll be continuing for sure.
Francesca Gordon needs one of the best solicitors in London to help secure the adoption of her neice, who has been hurreidly and wrong - in Francesca's eyes - taken away by her step-mother. The only lawyer who agrees to take her case (basically the only one who isn't a giant sexist) suddenly leaves her high and dry when a Duke's carraige rolls up. Edward De Lacey is the middle son of the Duke of Durham (who we meet in the novella which is set years before the timeline in this book). Edward is as good as the Duke - considering his elder brother, Charles, the actual Duke is basically too drunk to give a damn .
Edward desparately needs to hire the solicitor as new information has come to light after his father's recent death. It seems the late Duke might have been a bigamist, thus leaving a chance that his three sons could be labelled bastards and left penniless and without their titles and names. Hence the title of the series. Durham has been Edward's entire life, and he's determined to see it stay with him and his brothers. The dynamics between the three is well done, and easily sets up the readers interest for the coming books. Though I wonder how Charlie will make a U-turn. Coming back to this book; Francesca is distraught at loosing her one chance to adopt her neice so decides to let her Italian side take the reigns and storms into the Duke of Durham's house and demand that he help her. From here begins the love story.
And what a love story it is! :)
The title "One Night in London" definitely refers to one hella epic love-making session between Edward and Francesca. It is a LOT, like a decent three chapters I think. But maybe in re-reads I'll find it tedious, but for the first read it's lit. I had no idea Edward had this in him. He went from calm and collected to hot damn over the course of the book. But not in a cheezy way, like a "I'll have what she's having" way.
The sexual tension between the two had been so well build up until this one moment that the final culmination of their emotions and desires is explosive.
Like literally. Let Iron Man demonstrate.
Take notes E.L James. This is how you write sex and not make it eye-roll worthy.
Over and above the physical connect, once again the author does a fabulous job of making you believe that Edward and Francesca were meant for each other. Their individual characters are a delight to read as well, but the way they blossom and come into their own with each other is the true highlight of this book. I loved every bit of interaction these two shared.
Also points for not going the usual route of "Evil Step-Mother" in the final confrontation of Francesca and the step-mother to her neice. Another set of points for Alconbury - Francesca's friend of years who's desperately in love with her. But he's shown to be a true friend to her without any hidden or forced agenda, even when he realizes she'll never love him like she does Edward. And in fact, he helps her forgive and see how truthful Edward is in his intentions towards her. I loved him for that.
God bless authors who write men as capable of not being douche-bags of the highest order.
Just go read this. If nothing, go read for that sexathon. It's worth it!
Another wonderful, emotional and sensual read from Caroline Linden. This woman can do wrong in my eyes, yet. I love how the novella before this set up the context for the remaining three books. This is a series I'll be continuing for sure.
Francesca Gordon needs one of the best solicitors in London to help secure the adoption of her neice, who has been hurreidly and wrong - in Francesca's eyes - taken away by her step-mother. The only lawyer who agrees to take her case (basically the only one who isn't a giant sexist) suddenly leaves her high and dry when a Duke's carraige rolls up. Edward De Lacey is the middle son of the Duke of Durham (who we meet in the novella which is set years before the timeline in this book). Edward is as good as the Duke - considering his elder brother, Charles, the actual Duke is basically too drunk to give a damn .
Edward desparately needs to hire the solicitor as new information has come to light after his father's recent death. It seems the late Duke might have been a bigamist, thus leaving a chance that his three sons could be labelled bastards and left penniless and without their titles and names. Hence the title of the series. Durham has been Edward's entire life, and he's determined to see it stay with him and his brothers. The dynamics between the three is well done, and easily sets up the readers interest for the coming books. Though I wonder how Charlie will make a U-turn. Coming back to this book; Francesca is distraught at loosing her one chance to adopt her neice so decides to let her Italian side take the reigns and storms into the Duke of Durham's house and demand that he help her. From here begins the love story.
And what a love story it is! :)
The title "One Night in London" definitely refers to one hella epic love-making session between Edward and Francesca. It is a LOT, like a decent three chapters I think. But maybe in re-reads I'll find it tedious, but for the first read it's lit. I had no idea Edward had this in him. He went from calm and collected to hot damn over the course of the book. But not in a cheezy way, like a "I'll have what she's having" way.
The sexual tension between the two had been so well build up until this one moment that the final culmination of their emotions and desires is explosive.
Like literally. Let Iron Man demonstrate.
Take notes E.L James. This is how you write sex and not make it eye-roll worthy.
Over and above the physical connect, once again the author does a fabulous job of making you believe that Edward and Francesca were meant for each other. Their individual characters are a delight to read as well, but the way they blossom and come into their own with each other is the true highlight of this book. I loved every bit of interaction these two shared.
Also points for not going the usual route of "Evil Step-Mother" in the final confrontation of Francesca and the step-mother to her neice. Another set of points for Alconbury - Francesca's friend of years who's desperately in love with her. But he's shown to be a true friend to her without any hidden or forced agenda, even when he realizes she'll never love him like she does Edward. And in fact, he helps her forgive and see how truthful Edward is in his intentions towards her. I loved him for that.
God bless authors who write men as capable of not being douche-bags of the highest order.
Just go read this. If nothing, go read for that sexathon. It's worth it!
May 18, 2019
“He’d tried to tell himself once upon a time that it was just lust, potent but passing, but now he knew that wasn’t true. Edward, who had thought love was something one cultivated and grew in the appropriate place, had discovered that love could also be a wild, fierce thing that grew where it should not and flourished when it should have died, even when he himself had tried to smother it. As he lay listening to the soft even sound of Francesca’s breathing, he knew that she was the one for him, whether society approved or not. Whether he was Lord Edward de Lacey, brother of the Duke of Durham, or just Edward de Lacey, with no property and virtually penniless. As long as she would have him, the rest of the world could go hang.”
My long overdue deep dive into Caroline Linden’s backlist is going quite splendidly if these last two reads are any indication. One Night in London and its leads delighted me to no end. There were some plot problems I would’ve ordinarily taken issue with, not to mention the fact that the romance was borderline if not full on insta in nature. So you’re probably wondering if that’s all true, why the heck did I give the book 4-stars? Short answer: I HAVE NO IDEA. I’m just gonna blame it on the Caro Magic because Caroline Linden’s done this to me before, silenced that little voice in my head that loathes pointless storylines and believes two people can’t possibly fall in love after knowing each other only a few short weeks. But...somehow, some way, reminiscent of my reaction to an instalove situation in Caroline’s My Once and Future Duke, I came away completely sold on Francesca and Edward as a couple. Now, others who read this book probably won’t feel that way and that’s totally fine, but almost everything, minus a few quibbles, about it worked for me.
This was a hardcore opposites attract romance wherein the hero, Edward, the middle and most reserved of the de Lacey brothers, finds himself inexplicably drawn to living flame (cliche I know what with her being a redhead and all, but it was no less true) Francesca when circumstances bring them together by chance. Said circumstances quickly faded into the background once these two strangers with nothing in common discovered a shared passion burned hot and bright between them. Call it lust if you must, but their chemistry was so on point that they literally rendered everything and everyone colorless by comparison. Any scene that took place without Edward and Francesca together was quickly forgotten; their pull was that strong. I think part of their appeal was just how different they were, but how they nonetheless complemented each other very well. Francesca was quick to temper as well as to laughter, what with her emotions being just below the surface whereas Edward offered a much more controlled, cold even exterior to the rest of the world. But once they came together, their differences became their strengths; Francesca found peace and dependability in Edward’s reserved nature and cool confidence and Edward was able to loosen up his tin man facade which led to him finding true happiness outside of his filial duty. Plus, let’s be honest, it is wicked fun to watch someone as stuffy as Edward literally come undone by someone as tempestuous as Francesca.
Something else that appealed to me about Edward and Francesca, besides loving them both as individual character which is always very important, is how flirty and handsy they were throughout the book. Who would’ve expected ice prince Edward would have such a passionate streak, but he did, proving it many, many times over. Did I mention there was wall and bathtub sex? Or the fact that their first love scene spanned an entire chapter? Now normally I would’ve been like ‘JUST GET ON WITH IT ALREADY!’ but because Edward was such a control freak, it made sense that he would’ve wanted to take his time and draw out every last moment. Francesca and I both nearly died from his thorough and languid attentions but oh lord was it so worth it. And as for the rapport they shared, GAH! It was just perfection.
“I wished you had come to me today…”
He paused. “You told me not to come.”
“I know,” she said, “but I wanted you anyway. I wished you had broken down my door and made love to me until I forgot I was angry with you.”
A flicker of unease darkened his eyes. “I’m not that sort of man, Francesca.”
“I know---that’s why I came to you, because I am that sort of woman.” She smiled coyly as desire flared in his face. “I’ve come to make love to you until you cannot keep from falling at my feet, and I forget we ever argued.”
“I knew there were many reasons why I love you,” he murmured. “So very, very many…”
*SOBS* Like I said, perfection.
Of course the book wasn’t perfect. The external conflicts about Francesca’s missing niece and Edward’s family legitimacy drama read as weak in my opinion. Caroline’s couples often tend to overshadow whatever plot surrounds them and most of the time that’s fine with me, not always mind you but mostly, but I know not everyone will share that same sentiment. I also didn’t appreciate the cliffhanger-esque ending. Obviously I plan to read the final two books in the series but I don’t like when books in a series are so intricately connected that you can’t read them out of order or have to read the whole series to understand a common plot thread. This is just my personal taste and nitpicking, however. I can’t say this enough, brava to Ms. Linden for flipping all my expectations and making me question all I think I know about romance novels.
My long overdue deep dive into Caroline Linden’s backlist is going quite splendidly if these last two reads are any indication. One Night in London and its leads delighted me to no end. There were some plot problems I would’ve ordinarily taken issue with, not to mention the fact that the romance was borderline if not full on insta in nature. So you’re probably wondering if that’s all true, why the heck did I give the book 4-stars? Short answer: I HAVE NO IDEA. I’m just gonna blame it on the Caro Magic because Caroline Linden’s done this to me before, silenced that little voice in my head that loathes pointless storylines and believes two people can’t possibly fall in love after knowing each other only a few short weeks. But...somehow, some way, reminiscent of my reaction to an instalove situation in Caroline’s My Once and Future Duke, I came away completely sold on Francesca and Edward as a couple. Now, others who read this book probably won’t feel that way and that’s totally fine, but almost everything, minus a few quibbles, about it worked for me.
This was a hardcore opposites attract romance wherein the hero, Edward, the middle and most reserved of the de Lacey brothers, finds himself inexplicably drawn to living flame (cliche I know what with her being a redhead and all, but it was no less true) Francesca when circumstances bring them together by chance. Said circumstances quickly faded into the background once these two strangers with nothing in common discovered a shared passion burned hot and bright between them. Call it lust if you must, but their chemistry was so on point that they literally rendered everything and everyone colorless by comparison. Any scene that took place without Edward and Francesca together was quickly forgotten; their pull was that strong. I think part of their appeal was just how different they were, but how they nonetheless complemented each other very well. Francesca was quick to temper as well as to laughter, what with her emotions being just below the surface whereas Edward offered a much more controlled, cold even exterior to the rest of the world. But once they came together, their differences became their strengths; Francesca found peace and dependability in Edward’s reserved nature and cool confidence and Edward was able to loosen up his tin man facade which led to him finding true happiness outside of his filial duty. Plus, let’s be honest, it is wicked fun to watch someone as stuffy as Edward literally come undone by someone as tempestuous as Francesca.
Something else that appealed to me about Edward and Francesca, besides loving them both as individual character which is always very important, is how flirty and handsy they were throughout the book. Who would’ve expected ice prince Edward would have such a passionate streak, but he did, proving it many, many times over. Did I mention there was wall and bathtub sex? Or the fact that their first love scene spanned an entire chapter? Now normally I would’ve been like ‘JUST GET ON WITH IT ALREADY!’ but because Edward was such a control freak, it made sense that he would’ve wanted to take his time and draw out every last moment. Francesca and I both nearly died from his thorough and languid attentions but oh lord was it so worth it. And as for the rapport they shared, GAH! It was just perfection.
“I wished you had come to me today…”
He paused. “You told me not to come.”
“I know,” she said, “but I wanted you anyway. I wished you had broken down my door and made love to me until I forgot I was angry with you.”
A flicker of unease darkened his eyes. “I’m not that sort of man, Francesca.”
“I know---that’s why I came to you, because I am that sort of woman.” She smiled coyly as desire flared in his face. “I’ve come to make love to you until you cannot keep from falling at my feet, and I forget we ever argued.”
“I knew there were many reasons why I love you,” he murmured. “So very, very many…”
*SOBS* Like I said, perfection.
Of course the book wasn’t perfect. The external conflicts about Francesca’s missing niece and Edward’s family legitimacy drama read as weak in my opinion. Caroline’s couples often tend to overshadow whatever plot surrounds them and most of the time that’s fine with me, not always mind you but mostly, but I know not everyone will share that same sentiment. I also didn’t appreciate the cliffhanger-esque ending. Obviously I plan to read the final two books in the series but I don’t like when books in a series are so intricately connected that you can’t read them out of order or have to read the whole series to understand a common plot thread. This is just my personal taste and nitpicking, however. I can’t say this enough, brava to Ms. Linden for flipping all my expectations and making me question all I think I know about romance novels.
January 11, 2015
4.5*
I really liked it. The narrator though, he made some stupid pauses when I so wouldn't have made them.
I really liked it. The narrator though, he made some stupid pauses when I so wouldn't have made them.
August 24, 2018
London 1810. 1st in a 3 book series.
The MC's included Edward, middle son of a Duke &
Francesca, a baronet's widow. Edward and his 2
brothers learned their late father was a bigamist &
they were unclear if father's 1st wife of the 'secret
marriage' died before the 2nd marriage? Edward
promised to investigate the legal avenue & Gerald
would follow the man who black-mailed the late
Duke RE his bigamy. Or their cousin could submit
a claim as the new Duke. Lazy, hedonist Charles,
the new Duke, promised nothing, due to his broken
leg.
Fran had problems of her own, she had to locate &
gain custody of her 7 yr old niece, raised by non-
family. Fran interviewed w/ solicitor Wittiers who
agreed to take her niece case. Then Wittires abruptly
changed his mind, for Edward's more important case.
The best scene-Fran met & confronted Edward in his
abode about stealing her solicitor.
This couple of 2 extreme opposites had electricity &
grew to love each other. The bigamy issue will resolve
itself by book 3? LOL.
The MC's included Edward, middle son of a Duke &
Francesca, a baronet's widow. Edward and his 2
brothers learned their late father was a bigamist &
they were unclear if father's 1st wife of the 'secret
marriage' died before the 2nd marriage? Edward
promised to investigate the legal avenue & Gerald
would follow the man who black-mailed the late
Duke RE his bigamy. Or their cousin could submit
a claim as the new Duke. Lazy, hedonist Charles,
the new Duke, promised nothing, due to his broken
leg.
Fran had problems of her own, she had to locate &
gain custody of her 7 yr old niece, raised by non-
family. Fran interviewed w/ solicitor Wittiers who
agreed to take her niece case. Then Wittires abruptly
changed his mind, for Edward's more important case.
The best scene-Fran met & confronted Edward in his
abode about stealing her solicitor.
This couple of 2 extreme opposites had electricity &
grew to love each other. The bigamy issue will resolve
itself by book 3? LOL.
November 14, 2015
One Night in London est le tome 1 de la série The Truth about the Duke, qui va suivre les aventures des frères De Lacey pour garder leur héritage à la mort de leur père, le Duc de Durham. Et accessoirement trouver l'amour... (ben quoi, c'est de la romance)
Alors le premier tome suit les aventures du frère cadet, Edward, qui est celui qui gère le domaine... il a assisté son père pendant des années (à la place de l'ainé qui boudait à Londres et menait la belle vie)et a pris en charge totalement le domaine la dernière année, lors de la maladie du pater.
L'histoire s'ouvre d'ailleurs sur la mort du vieux Duc, l'absence de Charles l'ainé... et la décision des frères.... Pendant qu'Edward s'occupe des voies légale, Gabriel le benjamin soldat, est plus partisan de l'action, et Charles... ben Charles est un gros je-m’en-foutiste.
Donc Edward, un type organisé, calme et méticuleux décide d'engager le meilleur avocat de Londres. Il décide aussi, parce que c'est la chose honorable à faire de prévenir sa fiancée, la très honorable lady Je Sais Plus Comment, contre l'avis de ses frères.... et ils avaient raison.
Sauf qu'en engageant le meilleur avocat de Londres il le souffle sous le nez de Lady Francesca Gordon qui en avait besoin pour récupérer la garde de sa nièce. Et Francesca n'est pas d'accord et va clairement lui signaler. Bon Edward est un poil surpris, mais comme c'est un type qui agit toujours comme il faut, il va l'aider. Bon ok, parce qu'elle a le moyen aussi de l'aider face au scandale qui touche désormais sa famille (grâce à Lady Je Suis Une Balance son ex -désormais- fiancée)
Et donc comme il faut retrouver en plus la gamine, il y a enquête, et Edward s'implique beaucoup et Francesca trouve qu'elle aime beaucoup son implication donc résultat.... voilà, ça fini comme ça doit finir. Et Oh Mon Dieu, Edward cache un tempérament de feu sous son comportement correct.... et une sacré résistance ahum...mais braf....*glousse*
Donc j'ai beaucoup aimé ce tome, parce que... déjà on a pas la solution de l'énigme du Duc, que tout ne s'arrange pas exactement comme prévu par les héros et qu'on est intéressé par les autres frères (surtout Charles, Je Suis le Duc Mais En Fait Débrouillez-Vous....)
Alors le premier tome suit les aventures du frère cadet, Edward, qui est celui qui gère le domaine... il a assisté son père pendant des années (à la place de l'ainé qui boudait à Londres et menait la belle vie)et a pris en charge totalement le domaine la dernière année, lors de la maladie du pater.
L'histoire s'ouvre d'ailleurs sur la mort du vieux Duc, l'absence de Charles l'ainé... et la décision des frères.... Pendant qu'Edward s'occupe des voies légale, Gabriel le benjamin soldat, est plus partisan de l'action, et Charles... ben Charles est un gros je-m’en-foutiste.
Donc Edward, un type organisé, calme et méticuleux décide d'engager le meilleur avocat de Londres. Il décide aussi, parce que c'est la chose honorable à faire de prévenir sa fiancée, la très honorable lady Je Sais Plus Comment, contre l'avis de ses frères.... et ils avaient raison.
Sauf qu'en engageant le meilleur avocat de Londres il le souffle sous le nez de Lady Francesca Gordon qui en avait besoin pour récupérer la garde de sa nièce. Et Francesca n'est pas d'accord et va clairement lui signaler. Bon Edward est un poil surpris, mais comme c'est un type qui agit toujours comme il faut, il va l'aider. Bon ok, parce qu'elle a le moyen aussi de l'aider face au scandale qui touche désormais sa famille (grâce à Lady Je Suis Une Balance son ex -désormais- fiancée)
Et donc comme il faut retrouver en plus la gamine, il y a enquête, et Edward s'implique beaucoup et Francesca trouve qu'elle aime beaucoup son implication donc résultat.... voilà, ça fini comme ça doit finir. Et Oh Mon Dieu, Edward cache un tempérament de feu sous son comportement correct.... et une sacré résistance ahum...mais braf....*glousse*
Donc j'ai beaucoup aimé ce tome, parce que... déjà on a pas la solution de l'énigme du Duc, que tout ne s'arrange pas exactement comme prévu par les héros et qu'on est intéressé par les autres frères (surtout Charles, Je Suis le Duc Mais En Fait Débrouillez-Vous....)
April 2, 2015
Caroline Linden's "One Night in London" (The Truth About the Duke #1)
Intelligent, appealing, attractive (as people, not just bodies and faces) main characters who fall in love almost against their wishes, growing and expanding their emotional horizons in the process, sizzling love scenes, a smidgen of conflict to be resolved - what more could a romance addict ask for? Really nicely-constructed, believable character-driven love story.
(After second reading) Loved this one just as much on second reading so I'm giving it a slightly higher rating - 4.5 stars.
Intelligent, appealing, attractive (as people, not just bodies and faces) main characters who fall in love almost against their wishes, growing and expanding their emotional horizons in the process, sizzling love scenes, a smidgen of conflict to be resolved - what more could a romance addict ask for? Really nicely-constructed, believable character-driven love story.
(After second reading) Loved this one just as much on second reading so I'm giving it a slightly higher rating - 4.5 stars.
September 26, 2018
Yazarın kalemini sevdim. Diğer historicallere göre farklı anlatımı var. Kadın kahramanlar taze evlenmemiş genç kızlar değildi. Farklılığı severim.
July 20, 2014
Lady Francesca Gordon is determined to win custody of her young niece Georgina, especially because she has reason to fear for Georgia's safety. In order to hire the top barrister, she must first coerce Edward de Lacey. What begins as a battle of wills ends in love. There were several twists and turns in this story, and explicit sex. The child doesn't play an active role until late in the book. The overriding problem -- uncovering the truth about the old duke -- is not resolved. This is a series, and this book ends on a cliff.
June 18, 2015
Caroline Linden is becoming a favorite of mine. I'm going back and reading books of hers and this is the first book in "The Truth About the Duke" series. Wow is all I have to say. The characters are so richly developed and intriguing, the romance fiery.
August 27, 2022
This is the first book with 3 brothers. Charlie (the eldest, a rake, and the duke), Edward (he stayed home to care for father and manages estates), and Gerard (he went into the military). This opens with their father revealing a secret on his deathbed. It appears he was married before he met and married their mother and it appears they never got the marriage annulled/divorce. The father had also been the recipient of some blackmail letters too. The brothers goal now, is to fight to keep the inheritance they spent their life anticipating (or to be disinherited bastards), to find out what happened to first wife (alive/dead & if so when), and to find out how sent blackmail letters.
This is Edward's story. While Gerard's plan is to search for blackmailer (and Charlie's is to do nothing), Edward's is to hire the best lawyer and work their way through the courts.
When Francesca's sister died and later the husband, she was meant to take custody of her niece. Her brother's (new) wife (Ellen) denies that custody and so she searches out the best lawyer. Except the best just got stolen away (by Edward). After her niece and Ellen disappear, she panics and storms into Edward's home demanding he help her since he stole the only lawyer willing to take her case on.
This was a lovely story of 2 people falling in love. Neither realize what they want/need until it is right in their face. I liked the resolution that was reached by Francesca and Ellen. And it wasn't a bad, horrible reason Ellen fled. And they were thinking of what was best for Georgina.
The case regarding the proper heir to the dukedom is headed for the courts, Charlie steps out as the current duke. The whereabouts/what happened to the first wife is still unknown as is the identity of the blackmailer. The next book is Gerard's and there is a bit of a cliffhanger with him in this one (Edward and Charlie receive a letter).
I will use this for RBSB Bath square
This is Edward's story. While Gerard's plan is to search for blackmailer (and Charlie's is to do nothing), Edward's is to hire the best lawyer and work their way through the courts.
When Francesca's sister died and later the husband, she was meant to take custody of her niece. Her brother's (new) wife (Ellen) denies that custody and so she searches out the best lawyer. Except the best just got stolen away (by Edward). After her niece and Ellen disappear, she panics and storms into Edward's home demanding he help her since he stole the only lawyer willing to take her case on.
This was a lovely story of 2 people falling in love. Neither realize what they want/need until it is right in their face. I liked the resolution that was reached by Francesca and Ellen. And it wasn't a bad, horrible reason Ellen fled. And they were thinking of what was best for Georgina.
The case regarding the proper heir to the dukedom is headed for the courts, Charlie steps out as the current duke. The whereabouts/what happened to the first wife is still unknown as is the identity of the blackmailer. The next book is Gerard's and there is a bit of a cliffhanger with him in this one (Edward and Charlie receive a letter).
I will use this for RBSB Bath square
February 19, 2024
Sebenarnya saya sudah baca sequel-nya, buku #2 dan #3, tapi memang baru skrg saya baca buku pertamanya 😁 Dan sesuai prediksi saya, saya gak merasa ada feel dgn buku ini. Alurnya sangat slow pace, konfliknya begitu aja, romance nya lumayan tapi jg gak WOW.
Prolog dibuka dgn kegegeran di kediaman de Lacey. Ayah mrk yg baru meninggal ternyata sblmnya pernah menikah. Sehingga ketiga bersaudara ini terancam warisannya. Edward de Lacey sbg anak tengah dan yg paling kompeten dari semua saudaranya, menjalankan tanggungjawabnya dgn cepat, mencari penyelidik dan pengacara. Nah kebetulan ada seorang wanita janda bernama Lady Gordon yg berniat memakai jasa pengacara yg sama dgn Edward, sehingga dia marah krn merasa de Lacey menyerobot pengacara yg paling mumpuni ini utk menyelidiki dan merebut keponakannya dari ibu tiri sang keponakan. Kelihatannya ribet tapi nggak juga sih.
Intinya, Edward dan Fransesca, si Lady Gordon ini kepincut satu sama lain, chemistry mrk meletup-letup bahkan Fransesca mengabaikan pria yg mau melamarnya krn sdh kasmaran dgn Edward. Konflik salah paham mrk tergolong gak ribet. Justru klimaks konflik perebutan hak asuh si keponakan yg gak disangka. Saya jd cenderung menilai Fransesca ini tipe yg tendensius dan menilai orang terlalu subyektif.
Kesimpulannya, saya biasa² aja dgn karakter MC nya, biasa saja dgn konfliknya, biasa saja dgn segala yg ada di novel ini. So, bintang standar saja utk buku ini.
Prolog dibuka dgn kegegeran di kediaman de Lacey. Ayah mrk yg baru meninggal ternyata sblmnya pernah menikah. Sehingga ketiga bersaudara ini terancam warisannya. Edward de Lacey sbg anak tengah dan yg paling kompeten dari semua saudaranya, menjalankan tanggungjawabnya dgn cepat, mencari penyelidik dan pengacara. Nah kebetulan ada seorang wanita janda bernama Lady Gordon yg berniat memakai jasa pengacara yg sama dgn Edward, sehingga dia marah krn merasa de Lacey menyerobot pengacara yg paling mumpuni ini utk menyelidiki dan merebut keponakannya dari ibu tiri sang keponakan. Kelihatannya ribet tapi nggak juga sih.
Intinya, Edward dan Fransesca, si Lady Gordon ini kepincut satu sama lain, chemistry mrk meletup-letup bahkan Fransesca mengabaikan pria yg mau melamarnya krn sdh kasmaran dgn Edward. Konflik salah paham mrk tergolong gak ribet. Justru klimaks konflik perebutan hak asuh si keponakan yg gak disangka. Saya jd cenderung menilai Fransesca ini tipe yg tendensius dan menilai orang terlalu subyektif.
Kesimpulannya, saya biasa² aja dgn karakter MC nya, biasa saja dgn konfliknya, biasa saja dgn segala yg ada di novel ini. So, bintang standar saja utk buku ini.
October 7, 2018
One Night in London
4.5 Stars
Series note: This is the first book in the series and there is an ongoing storyline involving the revelation of the Duke of Durham's devastating secret. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the books be read in order.
Francesca Gordon is in dire need of a solicitor to gain custody of her orphaned niece; however, the best legal mind in London has been hired away by the Duke of Durham's middle son, Edward de Lacey. Determined to give the thieving man a piece of her mind, Francesca descends on his town house only to find a man who awakens long forgotten needs and desires.
Linden's skillful characterization evokes sympathy for each of the de Lacey brothers whether it be the rakish Charles, the stoic Edward or the impulsive Gerard. Francesca is also an appealing heroine with her desire to provide a loving home for her deceased sister's daughter.
Edward and Francesca's romance is sensual and engaging with their feelings for each other growing and deepening over time. It is clear that in addition to their passion for one another, there is also respect and appreciation between them. The only issue here is the minor conflict at the end, which feels contrived.
The story is not just a fluffy Regency romance, but deals with realistic legal and social issues. Edward and his brothers are facing the loss of their inheritance and social standing while Francesca must content with prejudicial attitudes from supercilious and misogynistic lawyers.
All in all, a well-written and enjoyable book with surprising insights into the legal aspects of the times. Looking forward to continuing.
4.5 Stars
Series note: This is the first book in the series and there is an ongoing storyline involving the revelation of the Duke of Durham's devastating secret. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the books be read in order.
Francesca Gordon is in dire need of a solicitor to gain custody of her orphaned niece; however, the best legal mind in London has been hired away by the Duke of Durham's middle son, Edward de Lacey. Determined to give the thieving man a piece of her mind, Francesca descends on his town house only to find a man who awakens long forgotten needs and desires.
Linden's skillful characterization evokes sympathy for each of the de Lacey brothers whether it be the rakish Charles, the stoic Edward or the impulsive Gerard. Francesca is also an appealing heroine with her desire to provide a loving home for her deceased sister's daughter.
Edward and Francesca's romance is sensual and engaging with their feelings for each other growing and deepening over time. It is clear that in addition to their passion for one another, there is also respect and appreciation between them. The only issue here is the minor conflict at the end, which feels contrived.
The story is not just a fluffy Regency romance, but deals with realistic legal and social issues. Edward and his brothers are facing the loss of their inheritance and social standing while Francesca must content with prejudicial attitudes from supercilious and misogynistic lawyers.
All in all, a well-written and enjoyable book with surprising insights into the legal aspects of the times. Looking forward to continuing.
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