Seven Nights with the Duke

Those Very Bad Fairbanks #4

by Alyssa Clarke

Miss Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Fairbanks cannot forget a few abandoned moments with Rannulf Headley, the Duke of Ravenswood. Their romance had begun by accident until it ended when she discovered they were worlds apart.

Now that her brother is the new Earl of Celdon, the very bad Fairbanks have been trying to behave themselves and fit into London society. Lizzy is determined not to be tempted by Rannulf, but the duke wants nothing more than to make her his.

However, Lizzy is torn between her desire for the duke and the knowledge that he could never make a lady with her reputation his duchess. Undeniably, the duke is a dangerous temptation Lizzy could not resist…until she realizes how perilous it is to her heart to have accepted his wicked bargain.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Fiction, Second Chance Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2022

About the author

Alyssa Clarke writes steamy Regency Historical Romances featuring swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, sometimes unconventional heroines! Her debut novel, Love Me, If You Dare, came to her in a dream as a hot, fun enemy to lover romance where she played the leading lady who fell in love with a duke who looked remarkably like Henry Cavill.

When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear to god that I read this book in a blink of an eye somewhere between my son's bath and Valentine's Day dinner. 

I love spicy novellas with witty heroines and patient heroes who want to win over their beautiful heroines who just drove them crazy. What about a duke begging? I'm here for it!

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth meets Rannulf out riding. They form a friendship and write to each other.
Elizabeth has no idea he is a Duke. When she finds out, she finishes the friendship.
Three years later they meet again at a ball.
Nice story.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts three years prior when Miss Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Fairbanks rescues a man, Rannulf from the lake after his horse throws him. The heavens open & they shelter in a cottage where they talk & play chess. They spend time together & exchange letters when he returns to London. However she discovers that Ran is Rannulf Headley, the Duke of Ravenswood. Their romance had begun by accident until it ended when she discovered they were worlds apart. Now three years later her brother is the new Earl of Celdon, the very bad Fairbanks have been trying to behave themselves and fit into London society. Lizzy is determined not to be tempted by Rannulf, but the duke wants nothing more than to make her his.
The fourth of twelve siblings to have their story, I’m loving the Very Bad Fairbanks they are a delight, are unusual & all ripe for scandal. I read this captivating romance in a sitting, starting it in the late evening & reading until the small hours to finish it. I loved both Ran & Lizzy, so perfect for each other but poles apart socially. I loved their road to a HEA & whilst they quickly fell for each other this was no whirlwind romance but it was well written, steamy & had wonderful characters
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chance meeting with a runaway horse and a storm, lead to a meeting between Elizabeth Fairbanks of the "very bad Fairbanks" and a gentleman by the name of Rannulf in Penporth. At the next encounter, their passion for each other takes over, but Elizabeth finds out who he really is, the Duke of Ravenswood. She runsaway, refuses to see him and will not answer his letters. Two years and some months later, they meet again at a ball in London. Her brother is now an Earl and her family is raised up in society. Elizabeth still has no desire to marry, but she cannot deny what her heart feels for Ravenswood. He has waited long enough for the woman he loves and adores. He is in pursuit and will take her any way he can, even if it is in an affair. But he must tread carefully to change her mind with the ultimate goal of making her his Duchess.
A very unconventional lady who is shocking, but real in her honesty.
🔥🔥🔥🔥.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute Love

Oh, I just love Elizabeth (Lizzy). She tries to save Ranulf when his horse throws him in the lake - a good chess player - writing a children's book - challenges a Lord Wembley to a duel, as he attempted to kiss her. She is a force of nature!
I love this romantic story with Ranulf and Elizabeth. A very lovely HEA too. 5☆

[Gloria · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a paragraph here and there that’s worth reading, but overall the writing feels rushed and immature, relying heavily on triteness—his “wicked caresses,” etc. The plot keeps covering the same ground over and over and becomes tedious very quickly. One note characters. There’s not much fresh or interesting here.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read.
Loving this series.
Love how Alyssa Clarke writes.

[Diane McGregor]

Why can't we buy this book? Fairbanks #5 and 6 are showing as available n Feb / Mar, but not #4. Very annoying. Why would an author do that? Why move on to 5 & 6 when #4 is not done yet? Very weird...

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love

Lizzy and Rannulf are meant to be together.
Lizzy can't forget a moment that entices Rannulf to be with her.
Miss Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Fairbanks cannot forget a few abandoned moments with Rannulf Headley, the Duke of Ravenswood. Their romance had begun by accident until it ended when she discovered they were worlds apart.
Now that her brother is the new Earl of Celdon, the very bad Fairbanks have been trying to behave themselves and fit into London society. Lizzy is determined not to be tempted by Rannulf, but the duke wants nothing more than to make her his.
However, Lizzy is torn between her desire for the duke and the knowledge that he could never make a lady with her reputation his duchess. Undeniably, the duke is a dangerous temptation Lizzy could not resist…until she realizes how perilous it is to her heart to have accepted his wicked bargain.
Alyssa Clarke has written another book which is filled with humor and love.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed Seven Nights with the Duke ~ Those Very Bad Fairbanks ~ Book 4 from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

Rannulf Headley, the Duke of Ravenswood has a chance encounter with Elizabeth 'Lizzy' Fairbanks when he was thrown from his horse into a pond, a terrible thunderstorm and taking safety in a cottage. He just gives Lizzy his first name and they start a correspondence without her knowing he his a Duke. They share expectations as equals including that she never wants to marry and he wants a woman he can love and will stand by him as his equal.

After he oldest brother inherits the title of Earl from a distant relative, Lizzy is living in London and comes face-to-face with Rannulf at a ball and finds out he is still interested in her several years later. Both are still in love with the other and Rannulf, the Duke does his best to convince Lizzy that she should become his wife including excepting her terms of Seven Nights with the Duke and the fun begins. Excellent and funny book.

[EstelaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starring Miss Elizabeth “Lizzy” Rose Fairbanks and Rannulf William Headley, the Duke of Ravenswood. (aka Mr Rannulf).

Tropes: In Disguise-ish.

Gaaaah!!! This book made my heart happy and punched me in the feels. I’m ugly crying AF it was THAT wonderful!! Giving Alyssa Clarke a standing ovation… as usual!!

Omg Lizzy and Rannulf are beyond amazing!! Their love story made me smile, laugh, fan myself, and sigh. Just utterly beautiful. Even though Rannulf kinda deceived Lizzy by not telling him who he was and they had to weed through some misunderstandings… the passion that these two felt for each other were leaping from the page and could not be denied. Oh they were delicious together. Rannulf and Lizzy are going on my “Favorite 2022 Couples” list.

I love Alyssa Clarke… she is a keeper shelf author. I anticipate not getting anything done whenever I open one of her books and getting lost in the tale…so worth it!! I look forward to each and everyone of her books with giddy anticipation. Alyssa Clarke makes the world a better place with her stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My Star Rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!

[~♥*Marianna*♥~]

DNF 40%: It’s not horrible so far but it’s all a bit simplistic for me. Also the author made the strange choice of making the heroine not know that “Your Grace” refers to a duke. I cannot get over that because the most menial servant would know what that address means in England and she came from a family high enough in station to be referred to as a lady in society no matter how scandalous. Am I wrong?

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/7/2023)! 🎁

[Debra Johnson]

Amz Purch. June 7, 2023

[Kelly Fraser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this couple! I thought the story was very unique with them meeting three years prior and exchanging letters for about 6 months before they have a falling out and don’t see each other for 2 1/2 years. I adored how much Rannulf loved Lizzy and was not going to let anything stop him from marrying her. Lizzy could be a little annoying at times with all her doubts about being a good duchess or a good match for the Duke. But I was able to get over it by reminding myself that all of society was telling her they weren’t suited and she didn’t have the benefit of knowing this book has a happy ending.

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzy and Rannulf
I received this book on an authors page from Facebook.
This is such a good read that I read it in one day. The storyline keeps you well engaged!
I loved how Lizzy and Rannulf met and the passion they shared. Something happens that she and her family have to go to London. He finds her and when she discovers he is a Duke she feels fooled. The storyline is a beautiful and romantic one with a great happily ever after!
Now I have to read this series because it has so many secondary characters!

[Abba]

I like how Lizzy & Ranulf communicated with each other after their initial meeting. Other than that, their story has other interesting scenes that are memorable and fun!

[Cait M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just OK. Not terrible, but I noticed a few editing errors with this one.
As far as the story goes, it was a quick read. A second-chance, mistaken identity romance with epistolary elements.

I thought it very strange that the heroine Lizzy, who is an Englishwoman, didn't know that Dukes are referred to as Your Grace. It pulled me away from the story for a minute.
She also had no care for her reputation (but she is one of the bad Fairbanks, after all).

At least the hero was clearly and steadfastly besotted with her the whole way through.

This book contains descriptive love scenes.

[Tisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Fairbanks didn't expect to attempt to save a man's life when she saw his horse throw him into the lake during her ride on the grounds. Where her families country home resides. When she didn't see the man come up for air. She decided she was going strip to her undergarment's & was attempting to jump into the lake to save him. Then she heard the arrogant rugged man making a compromising comment. When Lizzy explains she thought he was drowning & she was going after to save him. He decides to jump back into the lake. To little to late. But since his horse disappeared & they were miles away from Sir Roger's estate. She offered to take him back to the estate. The moment he came behind her on her saddle the two felt some electricity. Then the thunderstorm happened during the ride back. Miss Lizzy knew they would not make it to their destination if the lighten started. She decided to take her stranger to the cottage on the grounds until the storm lit up. Little did Lizzy know that this stranger would make her change her beliefs of marriage. But what happens when she realizes the stranger she calls Rannulf is actually a Duke? A title that she would never get acquainted with considering her infamous "BAD" Fairbanks family reputation. Instead they build a relationship thru letters, he never admits who he is.
Then he comes to visit his friend back in Penporth to see if he will see the beautiful Miss Elizabeth again riding the grounds. Instead he finds that Lizzy has put herself in a scandalous situation. The controversial. intriguing, beautiful, dependent Miss Elizabeth Fairbanks. Is now going to match up with a Viscount with a Duel for her honor after he attempted to manhandle her.
When the Duke is takes her away & hides her in the very cottage she took him. They end up doing something even more scandalous. When he is about to ask his Lizzy her hand in marriage. She finds out her Rannulf is actually Rannulf Headley, the Duke of Ravenswood. There friendship is severed until two years later.
When her brother Colin earns the title the Earl of Celdon LORD CELDON now has to take his duties very seriously. Not only for himself as the Earl but for all 11 siblings. Sisters need to get married, trained to be ladies to be eligible for the season.
Does this mean His Grace can marry the woman he loves. Or will Lady Elizabeth Fairbanks only want to have him as a lover. Not if the Duke of Ravenswood can help it. There is no other woman that he wants as his Duchess! Can he convince his Lizzy they are meant to be?
Read their, honest, open, steamy relationship. Can Rannulf make their accidental moments into forever!! Discover that their differences are actually benefits to their future?

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

📜Seven Nights with the Duke 😖🎭
Those Very Bad Fairbanks Book 4
✒️ Alyssa Clarke
https://www.facebook.com/alyssaclarke...
Release Date 04/08/2022
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XKSH9DN/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Miss Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Fairbanks cannot forget a few abandoned moments with Rannulf Headley, the Duke of Ravenswood. Their romance had begun by accident until it ended when she discovered they were worlds apart.
Now that her brother is the new Earl of Celdon, the very bad Fairbanks have been trying to behave themselves and fit into London society. Lizzy is determined not to be tempted by Rannulf, but the duke wants nothing more than to make her his.

However, Lizzy is torn between her desire for the duke and the knowledge that he could never make a lady with her reputation his duchess. Undeniably, the duke is a dangerous temptation Lizzy could not resist…until she realizes how perilous it is to her heart to have accepted his wicked bargain.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will she find in herself to stand for what she wants deep in her heart…

I know the author for her other series, Wagers and Wallflowers. So I finally took time to read one of this series.
After the group of friends, it is a large family of twelves siblings who all must find their way in London’s society.
Lizzy is like all her sister, much willful and determined to make her own mark until her encounter with stranger who upends her world.
But now, they cross road again, will she run again or allow their attraction to be explored.
Rannulf knew from the beginning she was the woman for him but some careless words and an hidden identity tore them apart. But now she is back in his life, he won’t left her go without a fight, a battle he plans to win.

An entertaining swirling sensual courtship, but will it be enough to merge their two worlds.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CdRKfAKj...

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[JenReviews4U · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, such a great storyline. And Lizzy and Rannulf were such a great couple. This is a novella, it moves very, very fast, and has some detailed on the page bedroom scenes. She comes from an unconventional family where scandal follows them and he is a duke but he doesn't share that with her at first. Rannulf was written very well and is the typical arrogant duke but can see past class structure. Lizzy was a bit on the immature side for being 25 years old, but I did like her spirit and standing up for herself.

My only complaints are 1- way too short. For the storyline, it just needed more and more character development. It felt really rushed to me, almost like the author was writing it as an afterthought and had to get it done asap. This could have been an outstanding book with a little more time and effort. And 2- inconsistencies. Now I have not read any of the books prior to this of this series. I have read several of Alyssa Clarke's books before and they never seemed this rushed and scattered. This one seemed to mention things midway through that had me wondering if I missed something. Case in point- Lizzy's writing. It isn't until past halfway that we learn she writes stories but she apparently had Rannulf look at some when they were first together. The dialogue reads as if the reader should have known this prior but we were never told. Also inconsistent spelling of names/nicknames throughout.
Otherwise, I enjoyed it and do recommend for those reading through the series. As a stand alone it was ok but needed a bit more because I did have some questions not answered that I assume would be from previous books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzy and Rannulf. So good and sexy. They meet when he is thrown from his horse into a lake. She offers to return him back to his friends house but they get caught in a big rainstorm and hole up in a cabin. They chat, play chess and get to know each other. When the rain stops she returns him to his friends home (not knowing he is a duke). They start a friendly banter via letters back and forth. When he goes to her house to visit her he finds she is about to duel a man of some shit talking he did. Rannulf broke in and stopped the duel, carting her off to the cabin. They even up having sex (the tension was so there). They were interrupted while snuggling and she finds out he is a duke. She jumps out the window and runs off. She refuses to see him because they come from different stations in life. 3 years later, he runs into her at a ball and wants to catch her (he fell in love and never stopped loving her). Knowing she wanted adventure and them both admitting they wanted each other, he asks for 7 nights and she agrees. He takes her to a masquerade (salacious!) and to the theater and other things she had told him she wanted to do. They hooked up a lot. She goes to his home and stays for 3 days. Lots of hooking up. When they return to London he isolates her as his dance partner and their names end up in the gossip column. Through the entire book she didn’t believe she wasn’t good enough to be his future duchess despite loving him. Finally she said F it and wanted her love. I love both Lizzy and Rannulf. She is fiery and just funny. He’s sexy AF.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Elizabeth and Rannulf's story so much I could barely puf it down.

Elizabeth Fairbanks doesn't want to marry a man who doesn’t love her or see her as their equal.  Rannulf, Duke of Ravenswood will only marry a woman he loves and vice versa.

Their first meeting is not in the most auspicious circumstances as Rannulf is thrown into a lake by his horse and Elizabeth rushes to his rescue only to find that he has rescued himself. Believing Rannulf to be a common working man she carries a secret correspondence with him where each divulges their secret wishes and desires between them, however what Rannulf is anything but common in fact he is a Duke and decides not to tell Elizabeth this in case she severs all ties with him. After a passionate, but ultimately disastrous interlude following ​a scandalous duel between Elizabeth and a drunken suitor, Elizabeth finds out that Rannulf is a Duke and flees on tears severing all contact with him.
Until 3 years later their paths cross again  feelings, attraction and passion soon re-emerges between them leading them to decide on seven nights or outings to assuage their desires. Will Rannulf finally persuade Elizabeth to forsake her vow to never marry, will they admit that their love for each other is enough to overcome all the obstacles that society has to throw at them or will they fall at the first hurdle.

[Shelley-Ann Beer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of all Alyssa Clarke’s books and cannot wait for release dates to devour her latest offering. This book is part of the Fairbanks series and I just love this noisy, boisterous ‘un-ton’ like family that loves and protects each other against the judging upper-class society in Regency England. There is something so warm in being invited into a big family fold and immersing yourself in their lives. Books have always been my escapism and in the world we live in right now, a brain switch off and a happy ever after is important for my mental health. The fact that I am transported into a steamy relationship with a strong but still vulnerable heroine that slowly changes her mind on love and marriage with an understanding, thoughtful and yet still strong and arrogant hero is my idea of heaven. Alyssa writes a fabulous story in any of her books, she gives depth to her characters, and I never want the book to end. I am slightly jealous of anyone reading these books in a few years’ time who will be able to binge read the whole series all in one l o n g weekend.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fairbanks family is very large and very unconventional, one of the favorite topics for gossip, local and in the scandal sheets.

Their first meeting was an accident and a rescue of sorts. They were smitten at first sight, but Lizzy Fairbanks ran when she discovered that the wonderful Mr. Rannulf was really the Duke of Ravenswood. She knew they were completely unsuited for each other. Three years later, her brother is an earl, and she has come to London. This time when they meet, he is determined to convince her that she is the one he wants to be his duchess. Can he do it, or will her uncertainty and ton gossip ruin their chance for an HEA?

Lizzy and Ran are total opposites and totally perfect for one another. She makes him laugh, and he makes her, well, feel good. This a well-written fast paced story with a bit of angst (mostly on Lizzy’s part), lots of humor, and a nice steamy romance. Enjoyable read. I recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout. My review is voluntary.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adored this book; it is from a series called Those Very Bad Fairbanks and I have not read any other book in the series, and I am disappointed I did not. This is about Elizabeth (Lizzy) Fairbanks who meets a man named Rannulf. They form an attachment and write to each other for months. Then she finds out, he is not Mr. Rannulf, but a Duke who she feels is way above her status. A few years later, Lizzie’s brother becomes an Earl, which now raises his family’s status. Elizabeth now goes to town, and there she meets the Duke again. I have to say the Duke warmed my heart, I just adored him and his feelings he never denied to himself. I would recommend this book to everyone. I will tell you, I am putting the first few books of this series on my to buy list.
I received an ARC cop of this book from Booksprout and am leaving my honest opinion.

[Lisa Pohlman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This is book 4 of Those very bad Fairbanks. I haven't read any of the other books so its definitely a standalone, though I feel like I maybe missed something since I didn't read the previous books. I am definitely going to read the other books as I really enjoyed this book. This book is about Lizzy, Miss Elizabeth Fairbanks and Rannulf Headley, the Duke of Ravenswood. This book starts before Lizzy's brother becomes the Earl. They meet by accident when the Duke is visiting near Lizzy's home. They get involved when Lizzy has no idea who he is. 3 years later when Lizzy's brother is the Earl, Lizzy and Rannulf meet up again.
Lizzy isn't afraid of anyone and is herself and doesn't care what others think. Rannulf needs to realize love is whats really important. This is a quick short steamy enjoyable read.

I received a free copy for my honest review.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful romance between Lizzy and Rannulf. Lizzy is a very entertaining character. Untainted by the ton and was unconventional in every sense of the word. She was her true self, honest, loving, free-spirited, freethinking. Rannulf was an amazing man who was also honest with himself and was looking for a woman to love him and not his title and bank account. He was tired of only being seen as a title with riches. When Rannulf met Lizzy it was love at first sight. However, their unconventional romance was riddle with a few hiccups here and there. A lovely story.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Funny
Happily Ever After
Romantic
Steamy
Unpredictable
Whimsical
Witty

[Aris · Rating 4 out of 5]

He is a duke and she was a commoner. They met under unusual circumstances. Lizzy thought he was drowning, so she being the brave soul decides she'll save him. 🤣 Cute, but stupid because she didn't know how to swim. Anyways, they start communicating through letters (how romantic love 💕) and he comes back. They kiss and make 💕; but everything goes to hell when she discovers he isn't just a gentlemen but a duke. Yeah, she feels betray but also doesn't feel good enough because of their different social classes (🙄). He tries to communicate with her but she makes it clear and so three years pass and things are different now. Her brother is an earl and now she's sister to and earl you can say. He wants and starts to pursue her.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story about being loved for who you are. When Lizzy met Rannulf, she had no idea he was a duke. They corresponded and their friendship grew. When she found out who he was, she ended their relationship. Rannulf was devastated. Years later when they met again, he was determined to make her his. This is a ‘feel good’ story with lots of heat. The characters are fabulous. Lizzy and her siblings are quirky free spirits who are loyal, supportive and loving. Rannulf is man who knows his mind and his heart, and does not bow down to the pressures of Society….which is most refreshing. I was hooked right away and really enjoyed the humor, passion and power of this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.