Miss Hazel Atwood has spent her life believing intellect is her greatest strength.
Though beautiful enough to attract attention, Hazel's sharp tongue and curious nature have left her more admired than courted. After a disappointing first Season, she faces an uncertain future and dwindling prospects.
Lord Lennox de Clare has no intention of becoming anyone's husband.
The notorious younger brother of the Duke of Windemere is known throughout London for whispered scandals, reckless habits, and a fortune that disappears as quickly as he earns it. Yet beneath his rakish reputation lies a man burdened by secrets few would understand.
When Hazel's curiosity draws her into society's shadowed corners, she finds herself increasingly entangled with the one man she should avoid. Their attraction is immediate, dangerous, and impossible to ignore.
But passion cannot guarantee a future.
Hazel knows affection alone will not secure the life she wants, while Lennox has long believed love is never enough to survive marriage. Yet with every stolen glance and every forbidden touch, the rules protecting their hearts begin to crumble.
In a world governed by duty, reputation, and expectation, surrendering to desire may cost them everything.
Rules at Night is a darkish Regency romance featuring forbidden attraction, whispered scandal, and a hero who never intended to fall in love.
I'm an author, a mum, a dog mom, born and raised in Alaska. I’m a bit of a seasoned soul, having grown up devouring 1980s historical romance novels. Picture me as a young reader, tucked under the covers with a flashlight, lost in those sweet, happily-ever-after tales, convinced they held the blueprint for true love. Oh, the blissful naivety of youth!
As my tastes matured, I gravitated toward spicier, darker contemporary authors. When I began writing my own novels, I wanted to blend the nostalgic charm of 1980s historical romance with the bold intensity of modern dark romance. The result is my At Night series, a dark(ish) historical romance collection that’s close to my heart.
When asked to categorize my novels, I wrestled with the question before landing on “dark(ish).” I know it’s not an official term, but it feels right. My stories aren’t light and fluffy, but this first book, Awaken at Night, starts as a slow burn—perhaps not as dark as some expect from the genre. Rest assured, hold onto your garters, because the series will dive deeper into the shadows as we journey forward together!
I loved getting to see Hazel and Lennox's story unfold! I truly did not think he would grow out if his rake phase, so I'm glad we got to see depth and a variety of sides to his character in this book. Hazel was as always charmingly brilliant.
I also was ecstatic we got to see more of Charlotte and Ophelia in this book - they are still my two favourite characters! They bring such comedy and lightness mixed with pure feminine power that is captivating in this series.
This book had less spice than the previous 3 books, but placed well when it did happen. I think it might just be my favourite of the series.
The author really took us threw an array of emotions to round out this delightful story!
I love this series, and this new installment didn’t disappoint either. The story centers on Hazel and Lennox, whom readers of the series already know from the earlier books. Lennox is a rake with hidden depths and Lathen’s younger brother, and Hazel is Emerson’s former bookish and brilliant companion and friend, who helped Lathen and Emerson in the previous books and, as a reward, was given Lunaria House with its secret passageway to Noir. There had been attraction and tension between Hazel and Lennox before, but at the time they agreed to remain friends. That’s why the chemistry between Lennox and Hazel sizzles right from the start, and it’s wonderful to see how they eventually find their way to each other. The plot is well-written, fast-paced, action-packed, and full of emotion, suspense, and spice (including bondage scenes). What I really like is that the author tells the story from multiple perspectives, which she then weaves together, giving you insights into the supporting characters as well. I especially love Ophelia, who’s a real badass and will hopefully appear often in future books. I’m already looking forward to Leighton and Greyson’s story.
Emerson and Lathen are on their honeymoon, and Hazel’s first season has come to an end without her receiving a marriage proposal. Hazel decides, nonetheless, to stay in London. For weeks, she has been sneaking into Noir to satisfy her curiosity, until one day, while wearing a mask, she encounters Lennox, who mistakes her for a French courtesan and submits completely to her. Lennox is still drawn to Hazel, but since he has no intention of marrying, he respects her boundaries. Then, however, he spends an extraordinary evening at Noir with a masked stranger whom he cannot forget afterward. When Hazel and Lennox find themselves accidentally caught up in a secret rescue mission together, Hazel discovers that there is more to Lennox than the carefree rake he pretends to be in society, and Lennox finds out that Hazel and the masked stranger are one and the same. But then Hazel and Lady Sutcliff are kidnapped…
If you're a fan of dark and spicy historical romances, I highly recommend this entire series and suggest reading it from the beginning.
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
“Rules at Night” is the fourth book in Harlow Brigh’s series, At Night. I was waiting for Lennox and Hazel’s story. Their relationship has been developing since the beginning of this series. I liked Hazel a lot, she’s intelligent, well read, level headed, and practical. I also liked Lennox, he was an underestimated rogue, the death of his mother had affected him more than he would ever admit out loud. He was a charmer. Lennox and Hazel had been circling each other through three books, their chemistry crackled off the pages drawing them closer and closer. However, they agreed to be friends, only friends. Their banter was great. When they did connect physically, it was scorching hot and passionate. I absolutely loved the scenes in Noir, they were super charged, steamy, erotic, and of course, at night. The scenes in Noir also included bondage. This book also delved into domestic violence during a time when a husband owned his wife and could do what he wanted to her without fear of consequences. I was definitely glad when Hazel stepped in to help save a battered wife of a noble, although not without severe consequences. On the whole I enjoyed this book. The story is well paced, the characters have depth, the world around them was carefully constructed. And, I must add, I love a story that includes an animal, in this case, a female dog they called Dog. She was a loyal rescue who was beloved by the family. Definitely worth the read, especially if the first three books in the series are read beforehand. They offer a lot of insight into these characters and the underground club Noir. It looks like Leighton might get her chance wth Greyson, I hope we don’t have to wait too long!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Rules at Night was a beautifully balanced blend of dark, spicy, and a touch of suspense, centered on Lennox and Hazel. You can't help but love Lennox for his easy banter, balanced by real moments of protectiveness and insight. Hazel is smart and intuitive, making this a couple you can't help but root for.
The supporting cast, including Leighton and Greyson, who I'm hoping get their own book next, is back and just as true to themselves as ever. This installment leans more into what you'd expect from a classic Regency romance, but hopefully it keeps surprising us with the charged, dark and passionate storylines that define this series so well.
Honestly, I can't wait to read Leighton and Greyson's story next! please don't let me wait too long.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's always the quiet, bookish ones that are just…..!!!!! I loved Hazel and Lennox's story! If you love Bridgerton, this whole series is amazing and this definitely keeps those vibes <3!
The deception and brains used were so fun to keep up with. The danger had me on the edge of my seat trying not to crush my phone/kindle. The thoughts and word play had me giggling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have honestly never read a book like this before but I could not put it down I love stories that will draw you in and let you get lost in their world but I loved every second of this book