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Wicked Dukes Club #1
Eine Nacht zum Verführen (Der Club der verruchten Herzöge 1)
When the Wicked Duke dares the Duke of Colehaven to find a suitor for an unmanageable ward, Cole immediately accepts. He's on a winning streak, and besides, how unmarriageable can a pretty young lady be? He appoints himself bodyguard and duenna, only to discover his own desires may be the greatest danger of all.
Supposed wallflower Diana Middleton lives a double life, bringing dishonest businessmen to justice. Shaking off a meddling duke should be child's play. Yet the more they lock horns, the more she wants to lock lips. Her scandalous secrets would derail his political career. But surely there’s no harm in one little seduction…
Meet the unforgettable men of London's most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough…
Supposed wallflower Diana Middleton lives a double life, bringing dishonest businessmen to justice. Shaking off a meddling duke should be child's play. Yet the more they lock horns, the more she wants to lock lips. Her scandalous secrets would derail his political career. But surely there’s no harm in one little seduction…
Meet the unforgettable men of London's most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough…
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2019
1008 people are currently reading
2647 people want to read
About the author
Erica Ridley
130 books2,195 followersGet freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
May 21, 2019
*3.5 stars*
One Night for Seduction was a fun, feminist romance from the always reliable Erica Ridley.
I was really excited when I saw that Erica Ridley was starting a new series, and One Night for Seduction kicked it off right. Sure, if you are a stickler for historical accuracy, this one might be a smidge off the mark (or a lot...), but it was an entertaining read and it made me smile.
I loved how smart and independent Diana was, and I loved how she used her wits to put others in their places. She was a great character, and I rooted hard for her love story. Cole wasn't quite as strong, and the whole betting premise was a bit weak sauce.
One Night for Seduction a quick story that moves along briskly, and it's perfect for those times when you want something light and fun between more serious reads. Another Erica Ridley sure-thing.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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One Night for Seduction was a fun, feminist romance from the always reliable Erica Ridley.
I was really excited when I saw that Erica Ridley was starting a new series, and One Night for Seduction kicked it off right. Sure, if you are a stickler for historical accuracy, this one might be a smidge off the mark (or a lot...), but it was an entertaining read and it made me smile.
I loved how smart and independent Diana was, and I loved how she used her wits to put others in their places. She was a great character, and I rooted hard for her love story. Cole wasn't quite as strong, and the whole betting premise was a bit weak sauce.
One Night for Seduction a quick story that moves along briskly, and it's perfect for those times when you want something light and fun between more serious reads. Another Erica Ridley sure-thing.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
April 13, 2019
I dislike modern heroines in "historical" romances. I really do. And Diana on her warpath against vendors who don't adhere to the rules of measurement and weighing certainly fit that bill. She was forever going on about this cause and that, completely blind to everything but her cause, bristling when a man has the nerve to warn her that what she's doing is dangerous, because she is independent, thank you very much. For me, she just did not fit into her time. If you like that kind of heroine, you are going to LOVE Diana, but sadly, I don't.
I did like our Duke, though. He was from rather humble backgrounds, inheriting a Dukedom he didn't even know he was in line for, and fought hard to be worthy of it. He was the ultimate good guy, decent, hard-working, funny, and kind. I wish there were more heroes like him.
The romance itself was sweet. Opposites attract, sparks fly, banter ensues. All things I immensely enjoyed. If only it hadn't been for the clichéd "I can't marry you because you deserve better" drama towards the end...
But then, I know I'm in the minority, and always will be. I dislike that sort of drama, and that does not make this a bad book. I always enjoy Erica Ridley's book, despite whatever little things annoy me. She has wonderfully original characters, and her writing is easy to get lost in!
*I received and ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I did like our Duke, though. He was from rather humble backgrounds, inheriting a Dukedom he didn't even know he was in line for, and fought hard to be worthy of it. He was the ultimate good guy, decent, hard-working, funny, and kind. I wish there were more heroes like him.
The romance itself was sweet. Opposites attract, sparks fly, banter ensues. All things I immensely enjoyed. If only it hadn't been for the clichéd "I can't marry you because you deserve better" drama towards the end...
But then, I know I'm in the minority, and always will be. I dislike that sort of drama, and that does not make this a bad book. I always enjoy Erica Ridley's book, despite whatever little things annoy me. She has wonderfully original characters, and her writing is easy to get lost in!
*I received and ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
April 12, 2019
One Night for Seduction was an excellent start to the Wicked Dukes Club series with an absolutely delightful romance.
Caleb Sutton, the Duke of Colehaven, is a man who doesn’t like to lose and he’s on a ten year winning streak. When Cole is dared to find a suitor for a friend’s unmarriageable ward, he figures how hard could it be? But upon meeting Diana Middleton, Cole soon finds he wants her for himself which is strictly against the rules of the wager. Determined not to end his winning streak over a wallflower, Cole tries to set his attraction to Diana aside but as the pair spend more time together that proves harder to do.
Cole and his sister grew up incredibly poor as distant relatives of a duke who no one in the family ever thought about. Cole was never meant to become a duke, but a series of incidents led to him inheriting his title. As a result of the late start to his education, Cole forced himself to work harder than everyone else so he wouldn’t be looked down upon. But his late start also meant Cole didn’t feel like he was owed more simply because of his title and as a result he treated everyone with respect regardless of their place in society.
Diana is an incredibly intelligent woman who hopes to make life better for normal people who are taken advantage of on an everyday basis. She secretly works to stop corrupt businessmen who steal from their customers due to loopholes in the current laws. Because of the work she does, Diana knows she needs to be someone society will forget about so she can go about her work unnoticed. As a result, Diana ignores some of the more feminine aspects of life she enjoys and instead makes an effort to blend into the background.
Diana and Cole’s relationship was fantastic right from the beginning. Cole is so sure of himself and his goal that he misses the fact Diana has her own vision for her life resulting in her giving him the dressing down he deserves. I loved watching her put him in his place and how it forced him to realize that he wouldn’t be able to make Diana do anything she didn’t want to. The attraction between the pair was apparent immediately and I loved watching them dance around it until they weren’t able to resist anymore. Their physical relationship was amazing and the chemistry between them was perfect. In the end, the grand gesture by Cole to win Diana over was perfectly suited to her specific interests and I loved that he paid enough attention to know what truly mattered to her.
One Night for Seduction was the first book I’ve read by Erica Ridley and it certainly won’t be my last. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and I hope to check out more from the author soon.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Caleb Sutton, the Duke of Colehaven, is a man who doesn’t like to lose and he’s on a ten year winning streak. When Cole is dared to find a suitor for a friend’s unmarriageable ward, he figures how hard could it be? But upon meeting Diana Middleton, Cole soon finds he wants her for himself which is strictly against the rules of the wager. Determined not to end his winning streak over a wallflower, Cole tries to set his attraction to Diana aside but as the pair spend more time together that proves harder to do.
Cole and his sister grew up incredibly poor as distant relatives of a duke who no one in the family ever thought about. Cole was never meant to become a duke, but a series of incidents led to him inheriting his title. As a result of the late start to his education, Cole forced himself to work harder than everyone else so he wouldn’t be looked down upon. But his late start also meant Cole didn’t feel like he was owed more simply because of his title and as a result he treated everyone with respect regardless of their place in society.
Diana is an incredibly intelligent woman who hopes to make life better for normal people who are taken advantage of on an everyday basis. She secretly works to stop corrupt businessmen who steal from their customers due to loopholes in the current laws. Because of the work she does, Diana knows she needs to be someone society will forget about so she can go about her work unnoticed. As a result, Diana ignores some of the more feminine aspects of life she enjoys and instead makes an effort to blend into the background.
Diana and Cole’s relationship was fantastic right from the beginning. Cole is so sure of himself and his goal that he misses the fact Diana has her own vision for her life resulting in her giving him the dressing down he deserves. I loved watching her put him in his place and how it forced him to realize that he wouldn’t be able to make Diana do anything she didn’t want to. The attraction between the pair was apparent immediately and I loved watching them dance around it until they weren’t able to resist anymore. Their physical relationship was amazing and the chemistry between them was perfect. In the end, the grand gesture by Cole to win Diana over was perfectly suited to her specific interests and I loved that he paid enough attention to know what truly mattered to her.
One Night for Seduction was the first book I’ve read by Erica Ridley and it certainly won’t be my last. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and I hope to check out more from the author soon.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
April 10, 2019
Chandler Sutton, the Duke of Colehaven "Cole" loves a good wager and is currently boasting a 10-year winning streak, so when he joins his friends at the tavern he co-owns and is offered a wager to get Thaddeus Middleton's "unmarriageable" ward married off - he happily accepts. Thad has some rules - Diana must be married before the end of the season, Cole can't marry her himself or show any interest in her to provoke others to marry her and she must approve and want to marry the man.
Diana Middleton has no desire to marry, when her parents died, she needed a purpose and began "working" as a weights and measures inspector - not officially, she disguises herself and pretends to be in the employ of a barrister - she is passionate about this cause and wants the government to do more - but without resources, she settles for going to local businesses and checking their scales and reports her findings to a clerk who really does work for a barrister. She has no desire to marry, she is sure that she would have to give up her freedom and that is unacceptable. She doesn't refuse to attend ton events, but she has perfected being a wallflower because she doesn't want anyone to notice or recognize her and jeopardize her "work". So when the handsome Duke of Colehaven comes to her home and makes it clear that he plans to help her find a husband - Diana holds her ground and makes it clear that she will never marry.
Cole will not concede defeat, and when he sees her at a ball, he enlists his sister to help him. Felicity tells Diana of Cole's plan and Diana is livid - the man must be stopped. She doesn't care about her own reputation, but she will not let him expose her and possibly ruin Thad!
Val, Duke of Eastleigh is at the ball and mentions to Cole that two committee chairs in Parliament will be up for vote as the Earl currently holding the seats has been injured. Cole wants to chair a committee - desperately - he doesn't feel worthy of the title and works ten times as hard as other peers to prove he deserves his title - he feels like being in charge of a committee would do that. Later he meets Diana in the Library and they have words - she then learns that he was responsible for the 1815 Weights and Measures act - she still doesn't want to marry - but maybe Cole could help her stop the corruption!
These two go back and forth - neither willing to back down or give up. They are each attracted to the other, but it can never be - she doesn't want to give up her "freedom" and he wants to prove himself worthy. Can they compromise? Will love win? Will Cole's 10-year streak come to an end?
This was a cute story with extremely likable leads, a lot of emotion, funny moments and great secondary characters. It is well written and flows nicely, the love scenes are mild and the ending is very sweet.
**I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.**
Diana Middleton has no desire to marry, when her parents died, she needed a purpose and began "working" as a weights and measures inspector - not officially, she disguises herself and pretends to be in the employ of a barrister - she is passionate about this cause and wants the government to do more - but without resources, she settles for going to local businesses and checking their scales and reports her findings to a clerk who really does work for a barrister. She has no desire to marry, she is sure that she would have to give up her freedom and that is unacceptable. She doesn't refuse to attend ton events, but she has perfected being a wallflower because she doesn't want anyone to notice or recognize her and jeopardize her "work". So when the handsome Duke of Colehaven comes to her home and makes it clear that he plans to help her find a husband - Diana holds her ground and makes it clear that she will never marry.
Cole will not concede defeat, and when he sees her at a ball, he enlists his sister to help him. Felicity tells Diana of Cole's plan and Diana is livid - the man must be stopped. She doesn't care about her own reputation, but she will not let him expose her and possibly ruin Thad!
Val, Duke of Eastleigh is at the ball and mentions to Cole that two committee chairs in Parliament will be up for vote as the Earl currently holding the seats has been injured. Cole wants to chair a committee - desperately - he doesn't feel worthy of the title and works ten times as hard as other peers to prove he deserves his title - he feels like being in charge of a committee would do that. Later he meets Diana in the Library and they have words - she then learns that he was responsible for the 1815 Weights and Measures act - she still doesn't want to marry - but maybe Cole could help her stop the corruption!
These two go back and forth - neither willing to back down or give up. They are each attracted to the other, but it can never be - she doesn't want to give up her "freedom" and he wants to prove himself worthy. Can they compromise? Will love win? Will Cole's 10-year streak come to an end?
This was a cute story with extremely likable leads, a lot of emotion, funny moments and great secondary characters. It is well written and flows nicely, the love scenes are mild and the ending is very sweet.
**I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.**
April 8, 2019
Series: Wicked Dukes Club #1
Publication Date: 4/16/19
Number of Pages: Novella
What a delightful introduction to the Wicked Dukes Club series! The Wicked Dukes Club is a pub in the Haymarket area of London and it is owned by two dukes who have been friends since Oxford where they were known as – you guessed it – the wicked dukes! The series is authored by Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke, so you can’t go wrong there!
This novella was very well written and the characters are delightful – I can’t wait to meet them in their own stories! The main characters are so fully fleshed out that you feel you know them and can identify with their struggles. Excellently done!
Caleb Sutton, fifth Duke of Colehaven (Cole) and Miss Diana Middleton are the stars of this story and they are a wonderful pairing. They both want the same things, they just have different ways of going about getting it. Cole can be open and aboveboard with his goals, but Diana thinks she has to use subterfuge because she is a woman and men won’t take her seriously.
Diana is the ward of her cousin, Thaddeus Middleton who took her in when her last parent died. Thaddeus is a lovely, lovely man and I can’t wait to see his story. Diana has no intention of marrying anyone – she cannot carry on with her mission if she’s married – but Thad wants her to be happy and he thinks that means marriage. When Thaddeus is talking about his incorrigible ward at the Wicked Dukes Club, he ends challenging Cole to find a husband for his cousin. Cole can never resist a challenge and the chase is on.
I can certainly recommend this novella and if it is an example of the rest of the books in the series, then I can recommend the series as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 4/16/19
Number of Pages: Novella
What a delightful introduction to the Wicked Dukes Club series! The Wicked Dukes Club is a pub in the Haymarket area of London and it is owned by two dukes who have been friends since Oxford where they were known as – you guessed it – the wicked dukes! The series is authored by Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke, so you can’t go wrong there!
This novella was very well written and the characters are delightful – I can’t wait to meet them in their own stories! The main characters are so fully fleshed out that you feel you know them and can identify with their struggles. Excellently done!
Caleb Sutton, fifth Duke of Colehaven (Cole) and Miss Diana Middleton are the stars of this story and they are a wonderful pairing. They both want the same things, they just have different ways of going about getting it. Cole can be open and aboveboard with his goals, but Diana thinks she has to use subterfuge because she is a woman and men won’t take her seriously.
Diana is the ward of her cousin, Thaddeus Middleton who took her in when her last parent died. Thaddeus is a lovely, lovely man and I can’t wait to see his story. Diana has no intention of marrying anyone – she cannot carry on with her mission if she’s married – but Thad wants her to be happy and he thinks that means marriage. When Thaddeus is talking about his incorrigible ward at the Wicked Dukes Club, he ends challenging Cole to find a husband for his cousin. Cole can never resist a challenge and the chase is on.
I can certainly recommend this novella and if it is an example of the rest of the books in the series, then I can recommend the series as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 8, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Such a scrumptious book .
This series has started with a bang with this book , the characters are really ,really, wonderful and I can’t praise them enough .
Caleb Sutton is the Duke of Colehaven , even though he came from rough beginnings he strived to make himself into the Duke he is , put all his energy and effort into his education and it’s made him the intelligent, formidable man and member of parliament he is now .
Diana is living with her cousin and guardian, but she doesn’t want Marriage ,which is what three quarters of women want , she wants to be independent, have freedom and live her life helping those who can’t help themselves.
In a bet, the Duke agrees to find her a husband , sooner him than me , this woman is feisty and not easy to control .Never the less they are about to commence a battle of the sexes . Who wins .
Read it yourself ,I highly recommended it .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Such a scrumptious book .
This series has started with a bang with this book , the characters are really ,really, wonderful and I can’t praise them enough .
Caleb Sutton is the Duke of Colehaven , even though he came from rough beginnings he strived to make himself into the Duke he is , put all his energy and effort into his education and it’s made him the intelligent, formidable man and member of parliament he is now .
Diana is living with her cousin and guardian, but she doesn’t want Marriage ,which is what three quarters of women want , she wants to be independent, have freedom and live her life helping those who can’t help themselves.
In a bet, the Duke agrees to find her a husband , sooner him than me , this woman is feisty and not easy to control .Never the less they are about to commence a battle of the sexes . Who wins .
Read it yourself ,I highly recommended it .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
May 15, 2020
La signorina Middleton non era seduta con le zitelle e gli chaperon, ma appiccicata alle ombre molto più indietro rispetto a loro. Persino un gentiluomo che si fosse spinto fin là con lo scopo di invitare una rosa avvizzita a ballare non sarebbe stato certo biasimevole se non avesse notato la testa calda che stava facendo del proprio meglio per mescolarsi con la parete.
Sempre approfittando dell'abbonamento Kindle Unlimited, ho letto anche il primo volume di questa serie di Erica Ridley e l'ho trovato molto divertente.
Merito soprattutto di una protagonista originale e anticonformista, che definire sopra le righe è un eufemismo: Diane non solo è ben consapevole di essere una giovane zitella che grava sulle spalle del proprio cugino, ma si è data da fare per crearsi un proprio ruolo attivo, nei limiti del consentito.
Infatti opera come presunta assistente di un altrettanto presunto funzionario della Corona assegnato al controllo delle misure e delle tarature.
Adesso come professione può essere singolare, ma all'epoca non c'era uniformità di misure, le bilance non erano così precise e i commercianti potevano manipolare con facilità sia il peso sia gli ingredienti della birra, ad esempio (ok, succede anche oggi con il vino e il metanolo, quindi rettifico sul fatto che le cose siano poi così mutate!). Quindi la nostra, grazie ad abili travestimenti e a un'arguzia pronta riesce a imporsi con severità e a minacciare sanzioni, nonostante rimanga una donna.
E come scongiurare il pericolo che i suoi piani di far carriera vengano sconvolti da qualche fastidioso cacciatore di dote? Diane ha adottato la sua abilità camaleontica anche alle feste, riuscendo letteralmente a "scomparire" nell'arredamento e super felice di essere una ragazza "da tappezzeria"!
Cosa può fare contro tutto ciò il duca di Colehaven, un autentico malandrino che ha scommesso di recuperarle un marito adatto, senza sapere chi era veramente la povera signorina Middleton?
Un romanzo - come dicevo allegro e leggero - con più di un passaggio esilarante.
Per chi ama un lui bellissimo e canaglia, una lei testarda e fantasiosa, battibecchi prima dell'amore.
La sobrietà del suo abbigliamento lo faceva risaltare in mezzo a tutti gli altri lord dalla giacca nera e il fazzoletto bianco. Colehaven aveva una presenza che agli altri mancava. Un modo di dividere la stanza semplicemente entrandovi, di far sì che ogni volto si voltasse verso di lui come tanti fiori in cerca della luce del sole. Tutti sembravano sbocciare al suo passaggio.
Sempre approfittando dell'abbonamento Kindle Unlimited, ho letto anche il primo volume di questa serie di Erica Ridley e l'ho trovato molto divertente.
Merito soprattutto di una protagonista originale e anticonformista, che definire sopra le righe è un eufemismo: Diane non solo è ben consapevole di essere una giovane zitella che grava sulle spalle del proprio cugino, ma si è data da fare per crearsi un proprio ruolo attivo, nei limiti del consentito.
Infatti opera come presunta assistente di un altrettanto presunto funzionario della Corona assegnato al controllo delle misure e delle tarature.
Adesso come professione può essere singolare, ma all'epoca non c'era uniformità di misure, le bilance non erano così precise e i commercianti potevano manipolare con facilità sia il peso sia gli ingredienti della birra, ad esempio (ok, succede anche oggi con il vino e il metanolo, quindi rettifico sul fatto che le cose siano poi così mutate!). Quindi la nostra, grazie ad abili travestimenti e a un'arguzia pronta riesce a imporsi con severità e a minacciare sanzioni, nonostante rimanga una donna.
E come scongiurare il pericolo che i suoi piani di far carriera vengano sconvolti da qualche fastidioso cacciatore di dote? Diane ha adottato la sua abilità camaleontica anche alle feste, riuscendo letteralmente a "scomparire" nell'arredamento e super felice di essere una ragazza "da tappezzeria"!
Cosa può fare contro tutto ciò il duca di Colehaven, un autentico malandrino che ha scommesso di recuperarle un marito adatto, senza sapere chi era veramente la povera signorina Middleton?
Un romanzo - come dicevo allegro e leggero - con più di un passaggio esilarante.
Per chi ama un lui bellissimo e canaglia, una lei testarda e fantasiosa, battibecchi prima dell'amore.
La sobrietà del suo abbigliamento lo faceva risaltare in mezzo a tutti gli altri lord dalla giacca nera e il fazzoletto bianco. Colehaven aveva una presenza che agli altri mancava. Un modo di dividere la stanza semplicemente entrandovi, di far sì che ogni volto si voltasse verso di lui come tanti fiori in cerca della luce del sole. Tutti sembravano sbocciare al suo passaggio.
April 12, 2019
What delightfully wicked fun ONE NIGHT FOR SEDUCTION by Erica Ridley is, indeed!
Have you ever seen a wicked duke who didn’t love a good wager? Pretty sure when the Duke of Colhaven took that bet to be a successful matchmaker for the unruly ward of his best friend, he never considered what he was up against!
Diana Middleton is a feisty, independent woman who possesses great beauty and even greater intelligence, as well as a keen sense of order. The last thing she wants is to be tied down with a husband, serving tea and being a mindless piece of elbow candy.
When these two clash, there is more than the fire of tempers flaring as passions ignite a raging inferno, even if it is for just one night…but will that be enough?
Erica Ridley has reading entertainment down to an art as she whips up two characters who make each scene and every word pure pleasure.
Fun, romantic and simply delightful, this romance is sure to go down in "history!"
I received a complimentary ARC edition from WebMotion!
Series: Wicked Dukes Club - Book 1
Publisher: WebMotion (April 16, 2019)
Publication Date: April 16, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Have you ever seen a wicked duke who didn’t love a good wager? Pretty sure when the Duke of Colhaven took that bet to be a successful matchmaker for the unruly ward of his best friend, he never considered what he was up against!
Diana Middleton is a feisty, independent woman who possesses great beauty and even greater intelligence, as well as a keen sense of order. The last thing she wants is to be tied down with a husband, serving tea and being a mindless piece of elbow candy.
When these two clash, there is more than the fire of tempers flaring as passions ignite a raging inferno, even if it is for just one night…but will that be enough?
Erica Ridley has reading entertainment down to an art as she whips up two characters who make each scene and every word pure pleasure.
Fun, romantic and simply delightful, this romance is sure to go down in "history!"
I received a complimentary ARC edition from WebMotion!
Series: Wicked Dukes Club - Book 1
Publisher: WebMotion (April 16, 2019)
Publication Date: April 16, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 12, 2019
While this was a cute romance, I found the female protagonist pretty annoying with her impertinent preoccupation with "weights and measurements" and a behavior that did not seem to fit the times and social place she was living in.
Nonetheless an entertaining, well written historical romance novel.
Nonetheless an entertaining, well written historical romance novel.
June 14, 2022
A sweetly interesting 2.5 stars.
I liked this one more than others I have read by his author.
The unusual element here was the heroine's obsession with accurate weights and measures. Not sure where the idea came from, but it was pretty fun watching her traipse all over London, visiting businesses under an assumed identity just to check that their scales were accurate and they weren't ripping customers off. Yep. Sounds pretty weird, doesn't it? She even tests their ale! What a gal!
I had to suspend my disbelief, but it was cute. She was trying to help the average Joe the only way she thought she could. And she was a Maths genius.
The hero was a pretty good guy, too, even if he was another mofoduke- more dukes than chimneysweeps in Regency London, it seems! He was determined to contribute in a positive way in parliament, to show he was worthy of inheriting his title. Yay- am so over the idle rich aristo with more hair than wit. He definitely was a sweetie.
To finish: a Colin Firth pic. When he was being a sweet Mr Darcy.
I liked this one more than others I have read by his author.
The unusual element here was the heroine's obsession with accurate weights and measures. Not sure where the idea came from, but it was pretty fun watching her traipse all over London, visiting businesses under an assumed identity just to check that their scales were accurate and they weren't ripping customers off. Yep. Sounds pretty weird, doesn't it? She even tests their ale! What a gal!
I had to suspend my disbelief, but it was cute. She was trying to help the average Joe the only way she thought she could. And she was a Maths genius.
The hero was a pretty good guy, too, even if he was another mofoduke- more dukes than chimneysweeps in Regency London, it seems! He was determined to contribute in a positive way in parliament, to show he was worthy of inheriting his title. Yay- am so over the idle rich aristo with more hair than wit. He definitely was a sweetie.
To finish: a Colin Firth pic. When he was being a sweet Mr Darcy.
October 12, 2021
3 stars. This story was generally short and sweet, but there were some issues that I just couldn’t ignore. The most glaring problem is that the heroine, who supposedly is a genius, wants to sacrifice herself for the greater good, and she thinks she can best accomplish this by never getting married. She a mathematical genius but can’t add two and two together and realize that she would have more of an impact and more power as a duchess than she would as a poor spinster. It was just a glaringly obvious lack of sense, in a supposedly sensible character. Also, why did he suddenly love her? I couldn’t really tell you. He was rather a one-dimensional character, so his feelings felt foreign when they were mentioned.
So after saying all that, I should add that there were good parts to this story. It was short, sweet, and had some humor. I appreciated the lighter feeling of the writing.
Safe; virgin heroine, hero’s past isn’t really mentioned.
So after saying all that, I should add that there were good parts to this story. It was short, sweet, and had some humor. I appreciated the lighter feeling of the writing.
Safe; virgin heroine, hero’s past isn’t really mentioned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2019
Fun, lighthearted, angst free story about a Duke and a spinster and measurements. Perfect for a light, quick read. I would have liked if it was a little more fleshed out.
June 29, 2019
Me through most of the book:
RTC
RTC
July 15, 2020
Ally - per RFS
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Le storie d’amore rendono migliori le mie giornate, soprattutto se scritte bene e con una trama coinvolgente.
Londra 1817, sullo sfondo dell’alta società inglese, la nostra autrice racconta la storia della signorina Diana Middleton, venticinque anni e non ancora accasata, quindi, secondo la rigida mentalità dell’epoca in procinto di diventare una zitella. Ma il cugino Thaddeus, suo tutore da quando i genitori sono venuti a mancare, lasciandola orfana e priva di qualsiasi forma di sostentamento, non si arrende. È deciso a trovarle un marito al più presto per farle avere una sicurezza per il futuro, senza rendersi conto che lei non ha nessuna intenzione di seguire le orme imposte dalla società.
Diana è una femminista convinta con ideali forti e un senso della giustizia altamente sviluppato. Peccato però che viva nell’epoca sbagliata, perché, nella Londra in cui viene narrata la storia, le donne erano considerate poco più che soprammobili da esibire, i matrimoni avvenivano quasi esclusivamente per interesse e l’amore non veniva preso in considerazione quando si sceglieva il compagno di vita. La reputazione era tutto, perderla avrebbe reso la vita un inferno in terra a chiunque. Ma alla nostra protagonista non importano le regole del Bon Ton, lei vuole essere utile e, grazie ad un’intelligenza fuori dal comune, lo è a modo suo. Decide di travestirsi da segretaria di un avvocato dalla querela facile, che non esiste, per convincere gli esercenti disonesti a tarare bene le loro bilance in modo da tutelare i cittadini, che alle volte dovevano scegliere se acquistare il pane o le candele per illuminare la casa durante le lunghe notti.
Tutto procede bene finché una scommessa tra il cugino Thaddeus e Caleb Sutton, quinto Duca Colehaven, non portano un turbine di scompiglio nella sua vita. L’affascinante Duca, infatti, deve trovarle marito per vincere ma lei ha deciso di diventare zitella proprio per non avere nessuno che intralci le sue missioni in incognito, che se venissero scoperte la porterebbero alla rovina ma, cosa che le sta più a cuore, porterebbero vergogna al nome del suo amato cugino.
Cole però non demorde e la storia diventerà presto così interessante da non farvi più staccare dal libro. Una bella ambientazione ci farà sognare di essere con i protagonisti ai balli più In della stagione londinese, vestite con abiti all’ultima moda parigina, completi di pizzi e merletti. Cosa non darei per partecipare a uno di quegli eventi!
La penna dell’autrice scorre liscia e senza difficoltà in una storia in cui i protagonisti principali si alternano nel raccontarci la loro vita, con punti di vista e pensieri decisamente tipici di quell’epoca, dove essere una donna che desidera indipendenza ed emancipazione era una vergogna ed essere un uomo dagli ideali giusti e onesti era raro come un diamante in una spiaggia di sassi.
Diana mi ha subito conquistata con il suo carattere cocciuto ma sempre dalla parte dei più deboli, mentre che dire del nostro Duca? Nessuna donna in carne ed ossa potrebbe resistergli, parlando fra noi, ve lo confesso, io sposerei subito un uomo così, ma non ditelo al mio ragazzo 😜
Se siete amanti del genere storico, mi sento di consigliarvi questa bellissima storia con un tocco di innovazione fra le sue pagine. Inoltre, un uccellino mi ha detto che ci sono altri libri della serie che aspettano solo noi e che ci sveleranno i retroscena delle vite degli altri personaggi che abbiamo incontrato in questo libro, quindi avanti il prossimo e buona lettura a tutti.
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Le storie d’amore rendono migliori le mie giornate, soprattutto se scritte bene e con una trama coinvolgente.
Londra 1817, sullo sfondo dell’alta società inglese, la nostra autrice racconta la storia della signorina Diana Middleton, venticinque anni e non ancora accasata, quindi, secondo la rigida mentalità dell’epoca in procinto di diventare una zitella. Ma il cugino Thaddeus, suo tutore da quando i genitori sono venuti a mancare, lasciandola orfana e priva di qualsiasi forma di sostentamento, non si arrende. È deciso a trovarle un marito al più presto per farle avere una sicurezza per il futuro, senza rendersi conto che lei non ha nessuna intenzione di seguire le orme imposte dalla società.
Diana è una femminista convinta con ideali forti e un senso della giustizia altamente sviluppato. Peccato però che viva nell’epoca sbagliata, perché, nella Londra in cui viene narrata la storia, le donne erano considerate poco più che soprammobili da esibire, i matrimoni avvenivano quasi esclusivamente per interesse e l’amore non veniva preso in considerazione quando si sceglieva il compagno di vita. La reputazione era tutto, perderla avrebbe reso la vita un inferno in terra a chiunque. Ma alla nostra protagonista non importano le regole del Bon Ton, lei vuole essere utile e, grazie ad un’intelligenza fuori dal comune, lo è a modo suo. Decide di travestirsi da segretaria di un avvocato dalla querela facile, che non esiste, per convincere gli esercenti disonesti a tarare bene le loro bilance in modo da tutelare i cittadini, che alle volte dovevano scegliere se acquistare il pane o le candele per illuminare la casa durante le lunghe notti.
Tutto procede bene finché una scommessa tra il cugino Thaddeus e Caleb Sutton, quinto Duca Colehaven, non portano un turbine di scompiglio nella sua vita. L’affascinante Duca, infatti, deve trovarle marito per vincere ma lei ha deciso di diventare zitella proprio per non avere nessuno che intralci le sue missioni in incognito, che se venissero scoperte la porterebbero alla rovina ma, cosa che le sta più a cuore, porterebbero vergogna al nome del suo amato cugino.
Cole però non demorde e la storia diventerà presto così interessante da non farvi più staccare dal libro. Una bella ambientazione ci farà sognare di essere con i protagonisti ai balli più In della stagione londinese, vestite con abiti all’ultima moda parigina, completi di pizzi e merletti. Cosa non darei per partecipare a uno di quegli eventi!
La penna dell’autrice scorre liscia e senza difficoltà in una storia in cui i protagonisti principali si alternano nel raccontarci la loro vita, con punti di vista e pensieri decisamente tipici di quell’epoca, dove essere una donna che desidera indipendenza ed emancipazione era una vergogna ed essere un uomo dagli ideali giusti e onesti era raro come un diamante in una spiaggia di sassi.
Diana mi ha subito conquistata con il suo carattere cocciuto ma sempre dalla parte dei più deboli, mentre che dire del nostro Duca? Nessuna donna in carne ed ossa potrebbe resistergli, parlando fra noi, ve lo confesso, io sposerei subito un uomo così, ma non ditelo al mio ragazzo 😜
Se siete amanti del genere storico, mi sento di consigliarvi questa bellissima storia con un tocco di innovazione fra le sue pagine. Inoltre, un uccellino mi ha detto che ci sono altri libri della serie che aspettano solo noi e che ci sveleranno i retroscena delle vite degli altri personaggi che abbiamo incontrato in questo libro, quindi avanti il prossimo e buona lettura a tutti.
April 15, 2019
4.5 stars
One Night for Seduction is the first book in a brand new series called Wicked Dukes Club and it's written by Erica Ridley. Here is the catch though. Every book listed with an odd number in the series is written by Erica Ridley and every book with an even number is written by Darcy Burke. Two of my favorite HR authors teamed up to write the series, but they don't work on each book together which is good in my opinion.
The first book in the series was good and it was a solid beginning for our characters. We were introduced to some of the dukes, but I don't think we have met them all. The heroine is the sister of one of the dukes and his story is not the next one. Our hero, Cole has a 10-year winning streak on bets and his latest one is to find someone to marry Diana, our heroine. That is not an easy task since Diana is more focused on going undercover to shops and finding if they are stealing from their customers than finding someone to marry and being the proper wife. She is a little ahead of her time and that was perfectly normal. Cole is your average hero and everything I was expecting him to be. He has some moments when he is oblivious to some obvious situations as it is to be expected, but in the end, he made up for it and he won me and Diana over. I love a man who realizes his mistakes. Diana's views also changed so it wasn't one sided and we had a growth of character for both of them which couldn't have made me happier.
Overall the book was good and I enjoyed it a lot. It was everything I expected from this author and I want to see what she and Darcy Burke have planned next. The epilogue was a good addition to the story, which scored some point for the book.
One Night for Seduction is the first book in a brand new series called Wicked Dukes Club and it's written by Erica Ridley. Here is the catch though. Every book listed with an odd number in the series is written by Erica Ridley and every book with an even number is written by Darcy Burke. Two of my favorite HR authors teamed up to write the series, but they don't work on each book together which is good in my opinion.
The first book in the series was good and it was a solid beginning for our characters. We were introduced to some of the dukes, but I don't think we have met them all. The heroine is the sister of one of the dukes and his story is not the next one. Our hero, Cole has a 10-year winning streak on bets and his latest one is to find someone to marry Diana, our heroine. That is not an easy task since Diana is more focused on going undercover to shops and finding if they are stealing from their customers than finding someone to marry and being the proper wife. She is a little ahead of her time and that was perfectly normal. Cole is your average hero and everything I was expecting him to be. He has some moments when he is oblivious to some obvious situations as it is to be expected, but in the end, he made up for it and he won me and Diana over. I love a man who realizes his mistakes. Diana's views also changed so it wasn't one sided and we had a growth of character for both of them which couldn't have made me happier.
Overall the book was good and I enjoyed it a lot. It was everything I expected from this author and I want to see what she and Darcy Burke have planned next. The epilogue was a good addition to the story, which scored some point for the book.
April 10, 2019
ARC KINDLY PROVIDED BY DARCY BURKE TO DARCY'S DUCHESSES FOR HONEST REVIEW!!
One Night For Seduction is the first book in the new Wicked Dukes Club series by Erica Ridley.
I loved this story. Its funny in the beginning. Cole the Fifth Duke of Colehaven takes on a wager to marry off the Ward and Cousin of Thaddeus Middleton.
Well let me tell you that Diana Middleton is not going to have it. She dispatches Cole with such funny efficiency and so fast that you will be laughing out loud. There first meeting was too funny.
Diana Middleton is a 25 year old Spinster. I would say she is not just a spinster but a member of the Over The Hill Gang, 25 is very old to still be on the marriage mart. But she has a interesting secret monitoring unethical business practices. This was very interesting to read about weights and measures used during this time in British history.
What I didn't like was the Spinsters scenario . Diana felt to old. I am a ferocious reader of Historical Romance. Frankly I am sick of the Spinster storyline. These young ladies were introduced to the marriage mart as early as 15 years of age. I know for us forward thinking women of today this is crazy. But I would like to see more realist female characters of at least 18 to 20 written about in the HR genre. Somehow its all about the spinsters. I hope HR authors get back to what was real in the Georgian, Regency and Victoria Era.
The story is funny, fast paced, with a great host of secondary characters that I hope we get to know better in future episodes.
One Night For Seduction is the first book in the new Wicked Dukes Club series by Erica Ridley.
I loved this story. Its funny in the beginning. Cole the Fifth Duke of Colehaven takes on a wager to marry off the Ward and Cousin of Thaddeus Middleton.
Well let me tell you that Diana Middleton is not going to have it. She dispatches Cole with such funny efficiency and so fast that you will be laughing out loud. There first meeting was too funny.
Diana Middleton is a 25 year old Spinster. I would say she is not just a spinster but a member of the Over The Hill Gang, 25 is very old to still be on the marriage mart. But she has a interesting secret monitoring unethical business practices. This was very interesting to read about weights and measures used during this time in British history.
What I didn't like was the Spinsters scenario . Diana felt to old. I am a ferocious reader of Historical Romance. Frankly I am sick of the Spinster storyline. These young ladies were introduced to the marriage mart as early as 15 years of age. I know for us forward thinking women of today this is crazy. But I would like to see more realist female characters of at least 18 to 20 written about in the HR genre. Somehow its all about the spinsters. I hope HR authors get back to what was real in the Georgian, Regency and Victoria Era.
The story is funny, fast paced, with a great host of secondary characters that I hope we get to know better in future episodes.
April 14, 2019
London, England 1817 At the Wicked Duke Pub, the owners were celebrating the ten year anniversary of operation. Caleb, fifth Duke of Colehaven had won it in a bet and his winning streak was still not broken. But when his friend wagers he cannot find a husband for his ward, Cole accepts, but why is she not married at five and twenty?
Diana Middleton does not want marraige and is an expert at being a wallflower and unnoticeable. She has things to accomplish and wants her independence. She works, unbeknowest to everyone to help others who cannot help themselves and she is determined not to give that up.
But when the handsome Duke of Colehaven meets her, he lets her know he will find her a husband but she holds steady and states she will not marry. Thus begins the adventure between the two of push and pull and tempers flaring! The spark is there almost immediately between the two, but one rule is that Cole cannot be the one to marry Diana or he will lose the wager!
Erica Ridley, as always, creates a delightful story with characters that always entertain, while trying to find their happy ever after. Some just resist more that others! An amazing start to a new series that I cannot wait to read more!! Plus isn't that cover gorgeous?
Diana Middleton does not want marraige and is an expert at being a wallflower and unnoticeable. She has things to accomplish and wants her independence. She works, unbeknowest to everyone to help others who cannot help themselves and she is determined not to give that up.
But when the handsome Duke of Colehaven meets her, he lets her know he will find her a husband but she holds steady and states she will not marry. Thus begins the adventure between the two of push and pull and tempers flaring! The spark is there almost immediately between the two, but one rule is that Cole cannot be the one to marry Diana or he will lose the wager!
Erica Ridley, as always, creates a delightful story with characters that always entertain, while trying to find their happy ever after. Some just resist more that others! An amazing start to a new series that I cannot wait to read more!! Plus isn't that cover gorgeous?
June 6, 2019
Erica Ridley has become my go-to author when I don’t feel like reading. Not only her books are short, so it won’t take much of my time, they’re also sure good, heartwarming reads. And in ‘One Night for Seduction’, once again the author didn’t disappoint me. I love it from the beginning to end.
The MCs, Diana and Cole, were introduced in a way the reader can’t say no to read further to know them better. And their first meeting is really, really good. I like it so much. It was so much fun to read. I like it that there’s not much friction between the characters, there were banters but they’re more like healthy discussions with each of them presenting their thoughts and opinions especially about Math and measurements. These two have such fascinating discussions, I tell you. The side characters are okay too, and I’m excited to see the other Wicked Dukes in the next books in the series. That said, I think this book is a fair start of a series.
The plot wasn’t that complicated, but it’s enough for a 100+ pages book. And the wrap up of the story is also mild but I’m not complaining. I like this book for what it is. One thing though, I just hoped that some of the paragraphs used for describing about the MCs’ backgrounds, works and what they want to attain were intended for more romance. The subplot is almost stealing the show from the romance.
But overall, this book is a good read.
I was provided a copy by the publisher/author via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. Thank you.
FOLLOW ME:
The MCs, Diana and Cole, were introduced in a way the reader can’t say no to read further to know them better. And their first meeting is really, really good. I like it so much. It was so much fun to read. I like it that there’s not much friction between the characters, there were banters but they’re more like healthy discussions with each of them presenting their thoughts and opinions especially about Math and measurements. These two have such fascinating discussions, I tell you. The side characters are okay too, and I’m excited to see the other Wicked Dukes in the next books in the series. That said, I think this book is a fair start of a series.
The plot wasn’t that complicated, but it’s enough for a 100+ pages book. And the wrap up of the story is also mild but I’m not complaining. I like this book for what it is. One thing though, I just hoped that some of the paragraphs used for describing about the MCs’ backgrounds, works and what they want to attain were intended for more romance. The subplot is almost stealing the show from the romance.
But overall, this book is a good read.
I was provided a copy by the publisher/author via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. Thank you.
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February 13, 2021
Caleb Sutton, the Duke of Colehaven, has never been able to resist a dare. So when his friend Thaddeus, hoping to find a love match and happiness for his ward, bets the Cole can't find a match for her, Cole can't help but be intrigued. Cole was merely a poor relation and never expected to inherit a dukedom, but has striven to prove himself just as worthy and capable as any other blue blood ever since he claimed the title. He plans to settle this dare quickly and focus on gaining position in the House of Lords so he can truly make a difference in the lives of everyday people.
Diana Middleton is preoccupied with arranging others' households to exhibit maximum efficiency, to the detriment of her own future, making her an irresistible challenge to Cole. But Diana has no desire to marry; she needs to maintain her freedom and remain beneath the notice of high society so she can continue her efforts at clandestinely inspecting businesses for unscrupulous uses of inaccurate weights and measures. She relies on her anonymity, living a bit of a lie, never being truly herself, and refusing to see any other way to live and still continue to help people. Cole values honesty and seeks to pry out the real Diana so he can make a good match for her, but with sparks flying between the two of them, both might get more than they bargained for.
I wasn't crazy about this heroine. I found her to be both arrogant and naive as well as quite judgmental. Thankfully, she realized all of this too and was able to compromise with the hero, both characters demonstrating great growth, especially for such a short novel. Diana and Cole were able to meet in the middle and become a real team and I found that to be delightful and a great start to this new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Diana Middleton is preoccupied with arranging others' households to exhibit maximum efficiency, to the detriment of her own future, making her an irresistible challenge to Cole. But Diana has no desire to marry; she needs to maintain her freedom and remain beneath the notice of high society so she can continue her efforts at clandestinely inspecting businesses for unscrupulous uses of inaccurate weights and measures. She relies on her anonymity, living a bit of a lie, never being truly herself, and refusing to see any other way to live and still continue to help people. Cole values honesty and seeks to pry out the real Diana so he can make a good match for her, but with sparks flying between the two of them, both might get more than they bargained for.
I wasn't crazy about this heroine. I found her to be both arrogant and naive as well as quite judgmental. Thankfully, she realized all of this too and was able to compromise with the hero, both characters demonstrating great growth, especially for such a short novel. Diana and Cole were able to meet in the middle and become a real team and I found that to be delightful and a great start to this new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
April 14, 2019
ONE NIGHT FOR SEDUCTION by Erica Ridley is book One in the Wicked Dukes Club Series. This is the story of Diana Middleton and Caleb Sutton 'Cole', The Fifth Duke of Colehaven.
Cole and his best friend who is another Duke own a Pub called 'The Wicked Dukes' which is their old nickname together.
Cole has been on a 10 year winning streak which gets him bragging about it. Then he is thrown a bet that he can't get Thad's cousin Diana married off. Of course he accepts that bet but Thad throws in some conditions that he can't marry her himself or show that he is interested in her to get other interested in her and she does have to agree / approve of the man.
Diana parents died and her cousin Thaddeus 'Thad' became her guardian. Diana has not desire to marry due to her 'work'. Diana has step forward to take it upon herself to make sure merchants are being fair with their scales and pretends to be a employee of a barrister. Diana feels that with what she does getting rid of Cole should be easy enough. But she learns Cole help start the he 1815 Weights and Measures act so she feels that he might beneficial to her mission. But nothing run very smoothly for either of their goals.
Great start to a series!
Cole and his best friend who is another Duke own a Pub called 'The Wicked Dukes' which is their old nickname together.
Cole has been on a 10 year winning streak which gets him bragging about it. Then he is thrown a bet that he can't get Thad's cousin Diana married off. Of course he accepts that bet but Thad throws in some conditions that he can't marry her himself or show that he is interested in her to get other interested in her and she does have to agree / approve of the man.
Diana parents died and her cousin Thaddeus 'Thad' became her guardian. Diana has not desire to marry due to her 'work'. Diana has step forward to take it upon herself to make sure merchants are being fair with their scales and pretends to be a employee of a barrister. Diana feels that with what she does getting rid of Cole should be easy enough. But she learns Cole help start the he 1815 Weights and Measures act so she feels that he might beneficial to her mission. But nothing run very smoothly for either of their goals.
Great start to a series!
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March 25, 2022Review also available at The Smut Report.
Heat Factor: Not very much seduction
Character Chemistry: Woman sniping at man is usually good chemistry, right?
Plot: The only way I can have my dream is to be single, so please step off
Overall: Pretty consistently frustrating
The premise of this story is: Brilliant heroine avoids marriage so she can lead her double life secret crusade to save the world. Duke with something to prove and a penchant for taking dares can’t resist meddling in brilliant heroine’s life.
On the whole, the story is engagingly written, and the back-and-forth between the protagonists was believable in terms of chemistry creation. Unfortunately, it also falls into some genre traps, which is the primary focus of this review. It also had some steady pacing and then just … ended. I did not expect the resolution to occur when it did, although for what it was, it was well constructed.
One of my least favorite plotlines is centered on an ostensibly intelligent heroine making a decision about her life and categorically refusing to consider any alternative pathways. This heroine is typically presented as a strong woman, a woman out of time, struggling with the burden of historical limitations on her freedoms. The hero blunders by treating her like fluff, and has to do some level of grovelling in order to get us across the finish line to HEA land. It’s so obnoxious, and this book that's engagingly written and has likeable characters is a good example of why that is.
Even though she likes pretty things and dancing and human interaction, Diana Middleton has decided that she needs to be invisible in her aristocratic milieu because her contribution to society can only be made by enforcing a weights and measures law (it’s more important that the common man can buy bread than that she attend balls) (which, I grant you, is true). So here’s Diana, on her crusade, deliberately sabotaging the possibility of a relationship (or, really, a life that she actually wants at all, because she does like dancing and pretty dresses, etc.), and it’s for a noble cause, yes, but for a really stupid reason. If she’s so brilliant, how does she not realize that there are alternatives for her to accomplish meaningful work, like playing power games in the milieu of powerful people? She just assumes she has to be someone else (demure and insipid) if she wants marriage. How could she stand on the sidelines of every social event and not see that there are different kinds of powerful women in society? And yet here we are, with Diana’s myopic determination.
In steps our duke, Cole, meddling where he wasn’t wanted, because he can’t resist a dare. He honestly can’t comprehend that a woman wouldn’t want to get married, and all of his actions stem from that assumption. It is a superior and condescending mindset, but not outlandish in the context of 19th century England upper class society. And yet, when Cole develops feelings for Diana, he likes her for all the things she’s doing in her secret life, and he thinks of all the things they could accomplish together. He doesn’t articulate it well, I grant you, but he certainly thinks it. Diana doesn’t think of all the things they could do together. She thinks he wants to change her...So he has to change. Frankly, if the two protagonists, Cole seems more on board with the give-and-take compromise that is the unified path of a long-term relationship. Hence the grovel.
And lastly, it turns out Diana does want to get married, so I guess all the condescension on Cole’s part isn’t that far off the mark. Because we shouldn’t believe women when they say they don’t want marriage, after all.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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Heat Factor: Not very much seduction
Character Chemistry: Woman sniping at man is usually good chemistry, right?
Plot: The only way I can have my dream is to be single, so please step off
Overall: Pretty consistently frustrating
The premise of this story is: Brilliant heroine avoids marriage so she can lead her double life secret crusade to save the world. Duke with something to prove and a penchant for taking dares can’t resist meddling in brilliant heroine’s life.
On the whole, the story is engagingly written, and the back-and-forth between the protagonists was believable in terms of chemistry creation. Unfortunately, it also falls into some genre traps, which is the primary focus of this review. It also had some steady pacing and then just … ended. I did not expect the resolution to occur when it did, although for what it was, it was well constructed.
One of my least favorite plotlines is centered on an ostensibly intelligent heroine making a decision about her life and categorically refusing to consider any alternative pathways. This heroine is typically presented as a strong woman, a woman out of time, struggling with the burden of historical limitations on her freedoms. The hero blunders by treating her like fluff, and has to do some level of grovelling in order to get us across the finish line to HEA land. It’s so obnoxious, and this book that's engagingly written and has likeable characters is a good example of why that is.
Even though she likes pretty things and dancing and human interaction, Diana Middleton has decided that she needs to be invisible in her aristocratic milieu because her contribution to society can only be made by enforcing a weights and measures law (it’s more important that the common man can buy bread than that she attend balls) (which, I grant you, is true). So here’s Diana, on her crusade, deliberately sabotaging the possibility of a relationship (or, really, a life that she actually wants at all, because she does like dancing and pretty dresses, etc.), and it’s for a noble cause, yes, but for a really stupid reason. If she’s so brilliant, how does she not realize that there are alternatives for her to accomplish meaningful work, like playing power games in the milieu of powerful people? She just assumes she has to be someone else (demure and insipid) if she wants marriage. How could she stand on the sidelines of every social event and not see that there are different kinds of powerful women in society? And yet here we are, with Diana’s myopic determination.
In steps our duke, Cole, meddling where he wasn’t wanted, because he can’t resist a dare. He honestly can’t comprehend that a woman wouldn’t want to get married, and all of his actions stem from that assumption. It is a superior and condescending mindset, but not outlandish in the context of 19th century England upper class society. And yet, when Cole develops feelings for Diana, he likes her for all the things she’s doing in her secret life, and he thinks of all the things they could accomplish together. He doesn’t articulate it well, I grant you, but he certainly thinks it. Diana doesn’t think of all the things they could do together. She thinks he wants to change her...So he has to change. Frankly, if the two protagonists, Cole seems more on board with the give-and-take compromise that is the unified path of a long-term relationship. Hence the grovel.
And lastly, it turns out Diana does want to get married, so I guess all the condescension on Cole’s part isn’t that far off the mark. Because we shouldn’t believe women when they say they don’t want marriage, after all.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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April 18, 2019
Well! This was a fun read!
A quirky lady of breeding concerned with efficiency and organization like the need for standardizing weights and measures so that a customer is not cheated, or shorted in their purchasing measurements, be it bushels or gallons. Diana Middleton is a very different central character. A mathematical genius she sees herself as a covert agent of change, able to, “Have a positive impact on the world around her, at a level outside the home. " "A humble sleuth, avenging misapplied mathematics every day for the betterment and fair treatment of all England’s citizens."
A simply gorgeous duke who came by his dukedom because everyone else died out, so had to find his own way through the mire of all things dukely.
Caleb Sutton, fifth Duke of Colehaven,(Col) takes his role seriously and is on parliamentary committees seeking change including one of interest to Diana that "pushed through the Weights and Measures Act of 1815."
With his close friend since school, Valentine Fairfax, the Duke of Eastleigh, Col bought a tavern they dubbed The Wicked Duke. It is more a club where all are welcome, unlike White's or Brook's. As Col explains to Diana, “The world may not be equitable for all men, but at least our tavern can be. Regardless of color, creed, or the size of one’s coin purse.”
On a ten-year lucky betting streak Col places a bet with Thaddeus Middleton that he can have Thad's spinster ward married by the end of the season. That's before Col meets Diana.
After that he's not sure of anything, including "What sort of woman prefers mathematics to marriage?”
A delightful romantic piece of nonsense with some amusing lines all the while fueled by some very serious concepts.
One of my favorite cameos was these lords and soldiers bemoaning that Thaddeus, after six grueling years of war, can't seem to get his ward turned in the correct direction--marriage.
Eastleigh sympathizes with the comment, "Girls are far trickier than French soldiers ... Had we sent a crop of Diamonds of the First Water to the front lines in lieu of the Royal Army, Napoleon would have been trussed up decades ago. "
Their discussions rambled on in a similar vein, half nonsense, half serious.
I was amused! I was caught!!
A NetGalley ARC
A quirky lady of breeding concerned with efficiency and organization like the need for standardizing weights and measures so that a customer is not cheated, or shorted in their purchasing measurements, be it bushels or gallons. Diana Middleton is a very different central character. A mathematical genius she sees herself as a covert agent of change, able to, “Have a positive impact on the world around her, at a level outside the home. " "A humble sleuth, avenging misapplied mathematics every day for the betterment and fair treatment of all England’s citizens."
A simply gorgeous duke who came by his dukedom because everyone else died out, so had to find his own way through the mire of all things dukely.
Caleb Sutton, fifth Duke of Colehaven,(Col) takes his role seriously and is on parliamentary committees seeking change including one of interest to Diana that "pushed through the Weights and Measures Act of 1815."
With his close friend since school, Valentine Fairfax, the Duke of Eastleigh, Col bought a tavern they dubbed The Wicked Duke. It is more a club where all are welcome, unlike White's or Brook's. As Col explains to Diana, “The world may not be equitable for all men, but at least our tavern can be. Regardless of color, creed, or the size of one’s coin purse.”
On a ten-year lucky betting streak Col places a bet with Thaddeus Middleton that he can have Thad's spinster ward married by the end of the season. That's before Col meets Diana.
After that he's not sure of anything, including "What sort of woman prefers mathematics to marriage?”
A delightful romantic piece of nonsense with some amusing lines all the while fueled by some very serious concepts.
One of my favorite cameos was these lords and soldiers bemoaning that Thaddeus, after six grueling years of war, can't seem to get his ward turned in the correct direction--marriage.
Eastleigh sympathizes with the comment, "Girls are far trickier than French soldiers ... Had we sent a crop of Diamonds of the First Water to the front lines in lieu of the Royal Army, Napoleon would have been trussed up decades ago. "
Their discussions rambled on in a similar vein, half nonsense, half serious.
I was amused! I was caught!!
A NetGalley ARC
April 23, 2019
Three and a half stars
Diana Middleton is a singular young lady. Obsessively interested in order and justice she masquerades as a barrister's clerk testing weights and measures in local shops. She has campaigned (anonymously) for reform of the anarchic weights and measures system in the UK which has 27 different definitions of a bushel.She knows her eccentricities could cause her cousin, and guardian, Thaddeus Middleton to suffer the scorn, ridicule and perhaps ostracism from the ton, should they be known. In order to avoid having her activities curtailed or prohibited she is determined not to marry and has deliberately made herself into a wallflower.
Thaddeus is one of three founders of the tavern and brewery known as the Wicked Duke, one night he laments to his two best friends, the Duke of Eastleigh and the Duke of Colehaven that his ward is unmarriageable and dares the Duke of Colehaven to find her a husband by the end of the season.
Colehaven finds Diana to be a world of contradictions, dressed in such a way that she blends into the wallpaper at society balls, she nevertheless has a keen mind and proves more than capable of engaging him in wide-ranging discussions of politics and sexism and weights and measures (of course). Pity Diana's outspokenness and appearance preclude her from being the Duchess of Colehaven ...
I'm always a sucker for a brilliant heroine, constrained by society who teaches the hero a lesson, especially when he thinks he's rescuing her and this is no exception. However, I felt the novel was too short and didn't really have time to develop the romance between them.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.
Diana Middleton is a singular young lady. Obsessively interested in order and justice she masquerades as a barrister's clerk testing weights and measures in local shops. She has campaigned (anonymously) for reform of the anarchic weights and measures system in the UK which has 27 different definitions of a bushel.She knows her eccentricities could cause her cousin, and guardian, Thaddeus Middleton to suffer the scorn, ridicule and perhaps ostracism from the ton, should they be known. In order to avoid having her activities curtailed or prohibited she is determined not to marry and has deliberately made herself into a wallflower.
Thaddeus is one of three founders of the tavern and brewery known as the Wicked Duke, one night he laments to his two best friends, the Duke of Eastleigh and the Duke of Colehaven that his ward is unmarriageable and dares the Duke of Colehaven to find her a husband by the end of the season.
Colehaven finds Diana to be a world of contradictions, dressed in such a way that she blends into the wallpaper at society balls, she nevertheless has a keen mind and proves more than capable of engaging him in wide-ranging discussions of politics and sexism and weights and measures (of course). Pity Diana's outspokenness and appearance preclude her from being the Duchess of Colehaven ...
I'm always a sucker for a brilliant heroine, constrained by society who teaches the hero a lesson, especially when he thinks he's rescuing her and this is no exception. However, I felt the novel was too short and didn't really have time to develop the romance between them.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.
April 17, 2019
Duke on a decade long winning streak
The Duke of Colehaven makes a habit of winning wagers. He's maintained a decade long winning streak and so when his friend challenges him to find a suitor for his unmarried ward, he accepts it because how hard could it get?
But the Duke is in for a surprise when he meets the ward.
Loses to a supposed Wallflower
Diana Middleton is no wallflower. She is a smart, witty and mathematically inclined woman who has no ambitions to give up her freedom by marrying. She makes every effort to remain unnoticed. She has no interest in suitors until the clever, similar minded Duke comes along.
Together they work towards making a difference. When they meet, there are sparks flying.
I love a book with a strong independent female protagonist. Diana is no wilting miss, she has a mind of her own. A male protagonist who supports a strong female protagonist is rather alluring.
I would like to thank Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
The Duke of Colehaven makes a habit of winning wagers. He's maintained a decade long winning streak and so when his friend challenges him to find a suitor for his unmarried ward, he accepts it because how hard could it get?
But the Duke is in for a surprise when he meets the ward.
Loses to a supposed Wallflower
Diana Middleton is no wallflower. She is a smart, witty and mathematically inclined woman who has no ambitions to give up her freedom by marrying. She makes every effort to remain unnoticed. She has no interest in suitors until the clever, similar minded Duke comes along.
Together they work towards making a difference. When they meet, there are sparks flying.
I love a book with a strong independent female protagonist. Diana is no wilting miss, she has a mind of her own. A male protagonist who supports a strong female protagonist is rather alluring.
I would like to thank Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
April 8, 2019
When the Wicked Duke dares the Duke of Colehaven to find a suitor for an unmanageable ward Diana, Cole immediately accepts. He's on a ten year winning streak, and besides, how unmarriageable can a pretty young lady be?
I’ve just spent a lovely afternoon reading this delightful book. I was thoroughly engrossed in it. The idea of a pub owned by two Dukes is brilliant & it works - a place where all classes can mingle. I loved Cole who as well as being gorgeous had worked hard to prove himself in a world he hadn’t been born to. I adored his proposal truly lovely & tear jerking. Diana was feisty & determined to change things for the better. I loved how her dresses blended in with each ballroom or parlour. Their attraction sizzled but it was their verbal sparring which lifted the book to another level & which was so very entertaining. A captivating series starter.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I’ve just spent a lovely afternoon reading this delightful book. I was thoroughly engrossed in it. The idea of a pub owned by two Dukes is brilliant & it works - a place where all classes can mingle. I loved Cole who as well as being gorgeous had worked hard to prove himself in a world he hadn’t been born to. I adored his proposal truly lovely & tear jerking. Diana was feisty & determined to change things for the better. I loved how her dresses blended in with each ballroom or parlour. Their attraction sizzled but it was their verbal sparring which lifted the book to another level & which was so very entertaining. A captivating series starter.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 29, 2019
Erica Ridley is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and this title continued that trend.
Ridley’s heroes and heroines are some of the best I’ve read and Diana and Cole fit into that category. I love a heroine that is someone other than a debutante and Diana is definitely that. Cole was a very sweet man and I thought they fit well together.
I enjoyed the plot of the story and felt like it was a fun take on She’s All That. It was an easy read (as I’ve found all of Ridley’s books) and I found it hard to put down.
I’ve already received an eARC for the next book in the series and will be reading it soon!
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ridley’s heroes and heroines are some of the best I’ve read and Diana and Cole fit into that category. I love a heroine that is someone other than a debutante and Diana is definitely that. Cole was a very sweet man and I thought they fit well together.
I enjoyed the plot of the story and felt like it was a fun take on She’s All That. It was an easy read (as I’ve found all of Ridley’s books) and I found it hard to put down.
I’ve already received an eARC for the next book in the series and will be reading it soon!
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2019
Really good start of a new series. One night of seduction is the first book in the Wicked Dukes Club Series by Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke. This first book is written by Erica Ridley and every uneven book will be written by her. Every even book will be wriite by Darcy Burk.
The first book is about the Duke of Colehaven, Cole is one of the two owners of the Wicked Duke and he never says no to a challenge. This time the Wicked Duke challenges him to find a husband for an unmarriageable ward. Diana is supposed to be a wallflower. but she lives a double live and decided a while ago she was never going to marry.
I really liked the characters and the writing, can't wait to read more of this series
The first book is about the Duke of Colehaven, Cole is one of the two owners of the Wicked Duke and he never says no to a challenge. This time the Wicked Duke challenges him to find a husband for an unmarriageable ward. Diana is supposed to be a wallflower. but she lives a double live and decided a while ago she was never going to marry.
I really liked the characters and the writing, can't wait to read more of this series
May 12, 2019
This was a lovely story! A really charming story! I usually enjoy historical romance books, but finding a character like Diana was resfreshing. She is very independent, persistent, intelligent... The character's development was amazing (especially Diana's). Their relationship ended up being It was nice to dive in this romantic book with a spicy touch! This was the first book I've read from Erica Ridley, but she has already become one of my favourite authors.
April 28, 2019
This was a very enjoyable first book in The Wicked Duke series. Erica Ridley has a way of writing that has well developed characters and lol sense of humor . I was thoroughly hooked from the first of Diana and Coles story. Cole takes a wager from his friend that he’ll be able to marry off his unmarriageable cousin, Diana, by the end of the season. How hard can it be? Let the fun begin. This promises to be a fun new series with Erica writing the odd # books and Darcy Burke writing the even #’d ones! I can’t wait. I highly recommend this book. I received this copy from the author and NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing. My thoughts are my own.
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