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Wicked Dukes Club #4
One Night of Scandal
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...
Jack Barrett is an ambitious member of parliament with no time or desire for a wife. When he catches the Duke of Eastleigh’s sister sneaking inside one of London’s private gentlemen’s clubs, he’s shocked—and dangerously charmed—and assumes the role of protector, only to discover she has the means to destroy him.
Social pariah Lady Viola Fairfax masquerades as a man to pen a column in a popular women’s magazine. When she stumbles upon a brewing scandal that implicates a prominent MP, she seizes the chance to establish herself as a real journalist. However, the infuriating and intoxicating man may not be the radical he’s purported to be, and the more time they spend together, the more she risks the one thing she’s sworn never to do: fall in love.
Jack Barrett is an ambitious member of parliament with no time or desire for a wife. When he catches the Duke of Eastleigh’s sister sneaking inside one of London’s private gentlemen’s clubs, he’s shocked—and dangerously charmed—and assumes the role of protector, only to discover she has the means to destroy him.
Social pariah Lady Viola Fairfax masquerades as a man to pen a column in a popular women’s magazine. When she stumbles upon a brewing scandal that implicates a prominent MP, she seizes the chance to establish herself as a real journalist. However, the infuriating and intoxicating man may not be the radical he’s purported to be, and the more time they spend together, the more she risks the one thing she’s sworn never to do: fall in love.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2019
289 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
207 books2,280 followersDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
May 16, 2019
Series: Wicked Dukes Club #4
Publication Date: 5/28/19
Number of Pages: 188
Finally, a book with a heroine who is strong and independent – but not stupid and heedless. The writing is excellent and the characters are relatable and fully developed while the story is interesting and filled with intrigue, danger, and a wonderful romance.
Lady Viola Fairfax chaffed at her limitations. Simply because she was female, she couldn’t do the one thing she longed to do and be recognized for – write. She couldn’t even get a job writing for The Ladies’ Gazette – which was owned by men, published by men and all of the writers were men. Viola wasn’t about to be outdone, so if they wanted a male writer, they’d get one. She spent a great deal of time perfecting her mannerisms, her facial expressions, her voice, and her walk so she could pass as a man. When she bound herself, donned male clothing and glued on sideburns, she passed easily as a male writer named Tavistock.
Mr. Jack Barrett is a man with a plan and so far, his life has unfolded exactly as he planned. He became a barrister, then a member of parliament and he plans to work very hard and earn a cabinet post whenever his party next takes control of the government. He has no plans to marry until he’s at least thirty-five – as both his father and grandfather did.
Almost two years ago, Jack had noticed that the reporter, Tavistock, wasn’t who and what he purported to be. First, he realized Tavistock was female, then he realized she was Viola Fairfax. She had become a regular fixture at the Wicked Duke’s Club where she could hear plenty of gossip for her articles.
When Viola picked up on a piece of gossip that could lead to a very big, very important story, Jack agreed to help her uncover the information. As they spend more and more time together, they are attracted to each other, but neither has any intention of marriage. Life has other plans for them and their journey into love and a happy-ever-after is a delightful one.
This is definitely a good read and I can highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 5/28/19
Number of Pages: 188
Finally, a book with a heroine who is strong and independent – but not stupid and heedless. The writing is excellent and the characters are relatable and fully developed while the story is interesting and filled with intrigue, danger, and a wonderful romance.
Lady Viola Fairfax chaffed at her limitations. Simply because she was female, she couldn’t do the one thing she longed to do and be recognized for – write. She couldn’t even get a job writing for The Ladies’ Gazette – which was owned by men, published by men and all of the writers were men. Viola wasn’t about to be outdone, so if they wanted a male writer, they’d get one. She spent a great deal of time perfecting her mannerisms, her facial expressions, her voice, and her walk so she could pass as a man. When she bound herself, donned male clothing and glued on sideburns, she passed easily as a male writer named Tavistock.
Mr. Jack Barrett is a man with a plan and so far, his life has unfolded exactly as he planned. He became a barrister, then a member of parliament and he plans to work very hard and earn a cabinet post whenever his party next takes control of the government. He has no plans to marry until he’s at least thirty-five – as both his father and grandfather did.
Almost two years ago, Jack had noticed that the reporter, Tavistock, wasn’t who and what he purported to be. First, he realized Tavistock was female, then he realized she was Viola Fairfax. She had become a regular fixture at the Wicked Duke’s Club where she could hear plenty of gossip for her articles.
When Viola picked up on a piece of gossip that could lead to a very big, very important story, Jack agreed to help her uncover the information. As they spend more and more time together, they are attracted to each other, but neither has any intention of marriage. Life has other plans for them and their journey into love and a happy-ever-after is a delightful one.
This is definitely a good read and I can highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 17, 2019
3.5/5 stars.
Overall I enjoyed the book a great degree. The characters are wonderful, the connection they develop palpable and well developed considering it's a novella and the writing is done well. The reason this isn't so highly rated is because there's just so much plot. Like so much.
I received this book from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not in any way affect my opinions of the story or the characters.
We first meet our herione, Viola, in the previous book by Darcy Burke in the same series. She's the sister of the Duke of Eastleigh, and writes a column for a news outlet. To gather content for her column she dresses up as a man and often visits her brother's tavern.
This is where our book starts out and we meet our heroine - Jack Barrett. He isn't titled or filthy rich, but he's on the rise in the political system as has always been his dream. He dedicates his life to the service of his people, and has no time for things such as love. But that doesn't mean he's dismissive or against the concept, he believes there's a time for that. But now isn't the time. His father and grandfather have been in public service as well, and his father urges him to settle down and see that there's more to life than politics. I quite like Jack from the get go. He had a humble, strong appeal to him.
Thankfully, this series continues to have nice, beta heroes that aren't rakes of the greatest order. What a change from the normal!
Viola and Jack meet on one of her investigation rounds of the taverns (where's she's dressed as a man), but Jack recognizes her instantly. She reveals to him that she's uncovered that there is a plot within parliament where MP's were responsible for the recent attack on the Prince Regent. Or something of the sort, I don't know much of the political landscape there. Or care, in all honesty. Anywho, Jack agrees to let her continue investigating only if he's involved to make sure she's not in danger. From here begins their journey to love.
I found them adorable and cute, and would have been quite happy with this novella if so much of their interaction wasn't placed around solving the treason within the MP's. Because I just don't care . Herein lies the problem. If this was a full fledged book I'd be perfectly happy with plot and would savor it as well. But in a novella, I usually want 90% of the book to be around the budding romance between the MC's. Which is where the book lost out a star for me.
Beyond that, I enjoyed reading about Viola and Jack, reading about them falling in love and dealing with the insecurities of their life was a delight for sure.
Overall I enjoyed the book a great degree. The characters are wonderful, the connection they develop palpable and well developed considering it's a novella and the writing is done well. The reason this isn't so highly rated is because there's just so much plot. Like so much.
I received this book from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not in any way affect my opinions of the story or the characters.
We first meet our herione, Viola, in the previous book by Darcy Burke in the same series. She's the sister of the Duke of Eastleigh, and writes a column for a news outlet. To gather content for her column she dresses up as a man and often visits her brother's tavern.
This is where our book starts out and we meet our heroine - Jack Barrett. He isn't titled or filthy rich, but he's on the rise in the political system as has always been his dream. He dedicates his life to the service of his people, and has no time for things such as love. But that doesn't mean he's dismissive or against the concept, he believes there's a time for that. But now isn't the time. His father and grandfather have been in public service as well, and his father urges him to settle down and see that there's more to life than politics. I quite like Jack from the get go. He had a humble, strong appeal to him.
Thankfully, this series continues to have nice, beta heroes that aren't rakes of the greatest order. What a change from the normal!
Viola and Jack meet on one of her investigation rounds of the taverns (where's she's dressed as a man), but Jack recognizes her instantly. She reveals to him that she's uncovered that there is a plot within parliament where MP's were responsible for the recent attack on the Prince Regent. Or something of the sort, I don't know much of the political landscape there. Or care, in all honesty. Anywho, Jack agrees to let her continue investigating only if he's involved to make sure she's not in danger. From here begins their journey to love.
I found them adorable and cute, and would have been quite happy with this novella if so much of their interaction wasn't placed around solving the treason within the MP's. Because I just don't care . Herein lies the problem. If this was a full fledged book I'd be perfectly happy with plot and would savor it as well. But in a novella, I usually want 90% of the book to be around the budding romance between the MC's. Which is where the book lost out a star for me.
Beyond that, I enjoyed reading about Viola and Jack, reading about them falling in love and dealing with the insecurities of their life was a delight for sure.
June 26, 2019
My first Darcy Burke book and definitely not my last.
I love historical romance and after having read endless amounts of contemporary romance, this book was a breath of fresh air.
was it my favourite historical romance? No. But that does not mean that One Night of Scandal wasn't a good read. I enjoyed the plot line. It was entertaining, fun and sweet.
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
I love historical romance and after having read endless amounts of contemporary romance, this book was a breath of fresh air.
was it my favourite historical romance? No. But that does not mean that One Night of Scandal wasn't a good read. I enjoyed the plot line. It was entertaining, fun and sweet.
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2019
All is not as it seems!
It's 1817. The attitudes of the times towards women were demoralizing. Really it just needed an enterprising woman to circumnavigate the rules. At least that's what Viola Eversleigh does with such barriers when she becomes Tavistock, a male writer for a women's magazine.
Two years of perfecting her disguise sees Tavistock comfortably ensconced at the Dukes Tavern seeking out information for his column. And that's where it all starts with Jack Barrat MP rescuing her as she's about to storm the Gentlemen's club Brooks late one night.
It seems Jack's the only one who's penentrated her disguise early on in the experiment.
Viola is Valentine Fairfax, Duke of Eastleigh's sister. Now that Val's married Viola's grandmama has decided her new focus is Viola marriage's--the quicker the better, with Viola's agreement or without it.
Marriage is not on Viola's horizon , however she does find herself being very aware of Jack. With some sleuthing and scandal hovering in the background Viola's antics and Jack's bemusement result in an enjoyable read!
A NetGalley ARC
It's 1817. The attitudes of the times towards women were demoralizing. Really it just needed an enterprising woman to circumnavigate the rules. At least that's what Viola Eversleigh does with such barriers when she becomes Tavistock, a male writer for a women's magazine.
Two years of perfecting her disguise sees Tavistock comfortably ensconced at the Dukes Tavern seeking out information for his column. And that's where it all starts with Jack Barrat MP rescuing her as she's about to storm the Gentlemen's club Brooks late one night.
It seems Jack's the only one who's penentrated her disguise early on in the experiment.
Viola is Valentine Fairfax, Duke of Eastleigh's sister. Now that Val's married Viola's grandmama has decided her new focus is Viola marriage's--the quicker the better, with Viola's agreement or without it.
Marriage is not on Viola's horizon , however she does find herself being very aware of Jack. With some sleuthing and scandal hovering in the background Viola's antics and Jack's bemusement result in an enjoyable read!
A NetGalley ARC
May 8, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
This is a wonderful book ,and along with the others contains, tension, passion, romance and a little fun all rolled up into a brilliant series
Viola has a secret occupation as a reporter,Fairfax.
Dressed as a man she infiltrates the Wicked Duke, a pub owned by her brother and his best friend, and collects information for her column in a local paper.
Jack is a member for Parliament, and a man many look up to.
He discovers Viola’s deception and whilst trying to solve a mystery together the two solve their marital problems too.
Adore reading these books , they have such a punch to them that is addictive, the characters all are so endearing ,I highly recommended the series.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
This is a wonderful book ,and along with the others contains, tension, passion, romance and a little fun all rolled up into a brilliant series
Viola has a secret occupation as a reporter,Fairfax.
Dressed as a man she infiltrates the Wicked Duke, a pub owned by her brother and his best friend, and collects information for her column in a local paper.
Jack is a member for Parliament, and a man many look up to.
He discovers Viola’s deception and whilst trying to solve a mystery together the two solve their marital problems too.
Adore reading these books , they have such a punch to them that is addictive, the characters all are so endearing ,I highly recommended the series.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
May 6, 2019
What happens when an aspiring journalist (who can't publish under her own name, because she is merely a woman) stumbles across the story of a lifetime and has to decide what happens when she has to decide whether or not to trust a handsome politician who has been implicated in that very story? Especially if sparks fly and it is impossible to stay away from him...
I like that this series explores many different areas of life. Books one and two were about dukes and was mainly set among the glittering ballrooms of the ton, and book three and four feature untitled heroes, who work for a living. This book also takes a closer look at politics (especially the aftermath of the attempt on the Prince Regent's life and the rise of "sedition"), as our hero Jack is a lawyer with a seat in the House of Commons. It's also a bit more action-filled as the previous, hero and heroine unite to investigate if a member of the House might have instigated the attack on the Regent.
I liked both our main characters. Viola was a woman with a mission without being overbearing and heedless of the consequences. She knows her own limitations, and is willing to accept whatever help she can get. She is one of those rare truly independent heroines who don't run headfirst into one disaster after another after being told they can't do something, and I liked her for that. Jack was another sweet hero, but I wish his political views could have been explored a bit more. But all in all, I enjoyed this installment in the series.
If you're looking for a sweet, fun set of novellas with lovely characters, I can highly recommend this series!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I like that this series explores many different areas of life. Books one and two were about dukes and was mainly set among the glittering ballrooms of the ton, and book three and four feature untitled heroes, who work for a living. This book also takes a closer look at politics (especially the aftermath of the attempt on the Prince Regent's life and the rise of "sedition"), as our hero Jack is a lawyer with a seat in the House of Commons. It's also a bit more action-filled as the previous, hero and heroine unite to investigate if a member of the House might have instigated the attack on the Regent.
I liked both our main characters. Viola was a woman with a mission without being overbearing and heedless of the consequences. She knows her own limitations, and is willing to accept whatever help she can get. She is one of those rare truly independent heroines who don't run headfirst into one disaster after another after being told they can't do something, and I liked her for that. Jack was another sweet hero, but I wish his political views could have been explored a bit more. But all in all, I enjoyed this installment in the series.
If you're looking for a sweet, fun set of novellas with lovely characters, I can highly recommend this series!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
May 19, 2019
If you have been following this series, you already know Lady Viola Fairfax and have probably wondered about the secrets that have been hinted about her since the first book - Well, the wait is over and Volia's secrets are finally revealed!!!
Lady Viola Fairfax has been masquerading as a male report known to all as Tavistock, the author of a column in the Lady's Gazette - a role she assumed when the paper refused to hire a woman reporter. Annoyed but not defeated, Viola transforms herself into Travistock. She frequents the Wicked Duke for gossip and story ideas and it is there that she stumbles upon a story regarding an MP who may be helping the radicals. The story is too good to pass up and she decides to risk all by sneaking into Brooks' Club to learn more.
Jack Barrett is an up and coming MP with grand plans for his life, plans that do not include marriage until he gains a cabinet position. He is leaving Brooks' when he sees "Travistock" trying to slip in, Jack has known for awhile who Travistock really is and stops her. He confronts her and takes her home. On the way back to her grandmother's house, she explains what she was doing, he is intrigued and offers to help her.
As they work together to uncover possible treason, they both begin to rethink their goals and plans for the future, but when they get too close to the truth, will it be too late for them?
This was a very interesting story and like the previous books, it develves into the political and social issues of the times but doesn't fail to deliver a sigh worthy romance. It is well written, interesting, has intrigue, a bit of danger, has cameos with previous characters, steamy love scenes and very hard won HEA.
This is the fourth book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone title and I an happy to recommend it!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
Lady Viola Fairfax has been masquerading as a male report known to all as Tavistock, the author of a column in the Lady's Gazette - a role she assumed when the paper refused to hire a woman reporter. Annoyed but not defeated, Viola transforms herself into Travistock. She frequents the Wicked Duke for gossip and story ideas and it is there that she stumbles upon a story regarding an MP who may be helping the radicals. The story is too good to pass up and she decides to risk all by sneaking into Brooks' Club to learn more.
Jack Barrett is an up and coming MP with grand plans for his life, plans that do not include marriage until he gains a cabinet position. He is leaving Brooks' when he sees "Travistock" trying to slip in, Jack has known for awhile who Travistock really is and stops her. He confronts her and takes her home. On the way back to her grandmother's house, she explains what she was doing, he is intrigued and offers to help her.
As they work together to uncover possible treason, they both begin to rethink their goals and plans for the future, but when they get too close to the truth, will it be too late for them?
This was a very interesting story and like the previous books, it develves into the political and social issues of the times but doesn't fail to deliver a sigh worthy romance. It is well written, interesting, has intrigue, a bit of danger, has cameos with previous characters, steamy love scenes and very hard won HEA.
This is the fourth book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone title and I an happy to recommend it!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
May 25, 2019
Mr Jack Barrett is an MP, as his father and grandfather before him were. It's not an easy time in British politics. Not everyone agree with the way "Prinny" behaves and there has been trouble on the streets.
Lady Viola Fairfax is the sister of a Duke. She caused a scandal years before by crying off on her wedding. Now she also masquerades as a man who writes a column in a ladies periodical.
This is a lovely mischievous historical romance. The characters are so much fun. There is political intrigue and a little danger. It is part of a series where you might have met some of the characters before, but you can easily read it on it's own.
Thoroughly enjoyable story, I loved it.
Lady Viola Fairfax is the sister of a Duke. She caused a scandal years before by crying off on her wedding. Now she also masquerades as a man who writes a column in a ladies periodical.
This is a lovely mischievous historical romance. The characters are so much fun. There is political intrigue and a little danger. It is part of a series where you might have met some of the characters before, but you can easily read it on it's own.
Thoroughly enjoyable story, I loved it.
May 28, 2019
Excellent book. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in the series. Viola and Jack were fully developed characters. The mystery and adventure were the perfect back drop for Viola and Jack to fall in love. This whole series has been great so far and I look forward to the rest of it.
May 29, 2019
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. One Night of Scandal is the fourth book in the Wicked Dukes Club series written by both Darcy Burke and Erica Ridley. Thus far Erica writes the odd numbered books and Darcy writes the even numbered ones. This book could be read as a stand-alone, characters from the other books appear in this one but I don’t think you will feel confused at all if this is the first one you read. Viola Fairfax sister to a Duke is a writer and since the publication she writes for won’t hire a woman she writes disguised as a man. Her disguise has been quite successful thus far so she is quite shocked when up and coming MP Jack Barrett lets her know that he knows that she is a woman. Their paths cross a number of times over a story Viola is chasing down … rumours that an MP was behind an assassination attempt on the Regent and Jack wants to find the culprit. Danger and Scandal ensue. Medium Steam. Publishing Date May 28, 2019
#NetGalley #OneNIghtOfScandal #DarcyBurke #WickedDukesClub #DarcyBurkePublishing
#NetGalley #OneNIghtOfScandal #DarcyBurke #WickedDukesClub #DarcyBurkePublishing
May 9, 2019
One Night of Scandal is about 26 year old Spinster. Lady Viola Fairfax is masquerading as a male journalist Tavistock. Jack Barrett is an ambitious MP in the house of Lords. He knows Tavistock is really Lady Viola sister to the Duke of Eastleigh. She learns that he is a sympathizer to the Radicals threating to over throw the crown.. The two agree to help each other.
This storyline has been written many times. Ladies of the Ton poses as gentlemen to gain entry into male establishments. There is nothing new or exciting to this storyline. I have just read it to many times written by many different HR authors. Lady Viola is 26 and I am just sick of Over the Hill Shelved in the closet Spinsters.
The story is okay just not exciting or new!!
ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!
This storyline has been written many times. Ladies of the Ton poses as gentlemen to gain entry into male establishments. There is nothing new or exciting to this storyline. I have just read it to many times written by many different HR authors. Lady Viola is 26 and I am just sick of Over the Hill Shelved in the closet Spinsters.
The story is okay just not exciting or new!!
ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!
October 3, 2021
3.5 stars
Lady Viola Fairfax often visits her brother's tavern, the Wicked Duke, as a man since she secretly works as male reporter in a popular women’s magazine (the magazine doesn't accept female writers, DESPITE their target market. Idiot things from the yesteryear, of course). She longs to be a serious reporter who writes important articles. So when Viola hears about gossip of a radical MP involve in attack against the Prince Regent, she determines to investigate.
Jack Barrett is ambitious member of parliament. He is also one of the very few who actually notice that Tavistock is actually a woman, the sister of Duke of Eastleigh. When Jack catches Viola (as Tavistock) trying to enter a gentlemen's club, he stops her because he thinks it's dangerous if people find out about her secret. Jack decides to help Viola instead....
I found One Night of Scandal as sweet and quick read, just like the previous three books in this series. I found Jack to be likeable male main character - and I was VERY HAPPY to read about Jack's father, who was a good parent. I have enough of bad parents in my romance, to be honest.
Jack's issue is more that he focuses on his career and ambitions, and marriage is yet on his timetable. I liked that he cared for Viola - and even though at times he wanted Viola to stop investigating, Jack still respected Viola's own ambition to be a good writer of her own right.
I also liked Viola - although I thought she dropped her wanting to be a reporting a little bit too easy. But I totally loved her for wanting to be independent and I was happy that she found Jack who wanted her to flourish.
So yes, an enjoyable read...
Lady Viola Fairfax often visits her brother's tavern, the Wicked Duke, as a man since she secretly works as male reporter in a popular women’s magazine (the magazine doesn't accept female writers, DESPITE their target market. Idiot things from the yesteryear, of course). She longs to be a serious reporter who writes important articles. So when Viola hears about gossip of a radical MP involve in attack against the Prince Regent, she determines to investigate.
Jack Barrett is ambitious member of parliament. He is also one of the very few who actually notice that Tavistock is actually a woman, the sister of Duke of Eastleigh. When Jack catches Viola (as Tavistock) trying to enter a gentlemen's club, he stops her because he thinks it's dangerous if people find out about her secret. Jack decides to help Viola instead....
I found One Night of Scandal as sweet and quick read, just like the previous three books in this series. I found Jack to be likeable male main character - and I was VERY HAPPY to read about Jack's father, who was a good parent. I have enough of bad parents in my romance, to be honest.
Jack's issue is more that he focuses on his career and ambitions, and marriage is yet on his timetable. I liked that he cared for Viola - and even though at times he wanted Viola to stop investigating, Jack still respected Viola's own ambition to be a good writer of her own right.
I also liked Viola - although I thought she dropped her wanting to be a reporting a little bit too easy. But I totally loved her for wanting to be independent and I was happy that she found Jack who wanted her to flourish.
So yes, an enjoyable read...
June 9, 2020
2.75 in questo libro della serie i due protagonisti non sono riusciti a piacermi 😞
May 14, 2019
One Night of Scandal is the 4th book in the Wicked Dukes Club series by Darcy Burke and Erica Ridley. Erica is writing the odd-numbered books while Darcy is writing the even-numbered books in the series.
Lady Viola Fairfax is the Duke of Eastleigh's sister and she is fed up of women not having any rights. She also finds it utterly ridiculous that in order to write a column in a ladies magazine which is only run by men, she has to be a MAN! She gets past that little problem by dressing and acting like a man. She also uses that disguise to mix amongst men in various places hoping to gain insight into their lives and to gather any information she can use in her column. It is as her alter ego that she is caught trying to sneak into Brooks men's club.
Fortunately for Viola, the man that catches her is Jack Barrett, an MP and a friend of her brother. She is shocked that after all her time dressed as a man Jack is the first one to realise who she actually is. In fact he has known for a long time. He promises to keep her secret, he has no choice really because he feels the need to protect her from the kind of people she is going to get involved with. She is delving into a political minefield trying to find information about a rumour she has heard about an unknown MP. An MP she is determined to discover! She is determined to do so with or without Jack, which is why he decides he has to help her.
Amongst the intrigue of them trying to find out who was behind certain events Jack and Viola having to spend a lot of time together sees them starting to see each other in a new light. Neither of them is interested in marriage, but that doesn't stop them lusting after each other. Viola might even be falling for Jack but when certain information comes to light about him she doesn't know what to do. Should she believe it, should she tell anybody? Is he not the wonderful man that she had started to believe he is?
I really enjoyed this story and its characters. Jack is wonderful, the perfect protector and by all accounts is a considerate passionate lover. Those scenes in the book were off the charts, phew! Viola is definitely a headstrong woman and I love how she portrays herself as a man to get a real insight into their world. If only her fabulous grandmother knew what she got up to!! Now there is a character who could have a whole book written about her!
For the most part, I really did enjoy this story though I think that it would be even better if it could have been expanded upon and made into a full-length book rather than a novella. There was a lot of scope for adding more detail especially towards the end when everything was tied up neatly but I wanted to know more.
I have read all of the books in this series so far and I have really enjoyed each one. They can each be read as standalone books, but trust me, once you read one you will want to read them all.
Lady Viola Fairfax is the Duke of Eastleigh's sister and she is fed up of women not having any rights. She also finds it utterly ridiculous that in order to write a column in a ladies magazine which is only run by men, she has to be a MAN! She gets past that little problem by dressing and acting like a man. She also uses that disguise to mix amongst men in various places hoping to gain insight into their lives and to gather any information she can use in her column. It is as her alter ego that she is caught trying to sneak into Brooks men's club.
Fortunately for Viola, the man that catches her is Jack Barrett, an MP and a friend of her brother. She is shocked that after all her time dressed as a man Jack is the first one to realise who she actually is. In fact he has known for a long time. He promises to keep her secret, he has no choice really because he feels the need to protect her from the kind of people she is going to get involved with. She is delving into a political minefield trying to find information about a rumour she has heard about an unknown MP. An MP she is determined to discover! She is determined to do so with or without Jack, which is why he decides he has to help her.
Amongst the intrigue of them trying to find out who was behind certain events Jack and Viola having to spend a lot of time together sees them starting to see each other in a new light. Neither of them is interested in marriage, but that doesn't stop them lusting after each other. Viola might even be falling for Jack but when certain information comes to light about him she doesn't know what to do. Should she believe it, should she tell anybody? Is he not the wonderful man that she had started to believe he is?
I really enjoyed this story and its characters. Jack is wonderful, the perfect protector and by all accounts is a considerate passionate lover. Those scenes in the book were off the charts, phew! Viola is definitely a headstrong woman and I love how she portrays herself as a man to get a real insight into their world. If only her fabulous grandmother knew what she got up to!! Now there is a character who could have a whole book written about her!
For the most part, I really did enjoy this story though I think that it would be even better if it could have been expanded upon and made into a full-length book rather than a novella. There was a lot of scope for adding more detail especially towards the end when everything was tied up neatly but I wanted to know more.
I have read all of the books in this series so far and I have really enjoyed each one. They can each be read as standalone books, but trust me, once you read one you will want to read them all.
May 23, 2019
One Night of Scandal is book four in The Wicked Dukes Club series by Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke. This book is written by Burke and is very well done. I thought it started a little bit slow but once the pace picked up, I couldn’t put the book down. I really liked both of the main characters. Jack Barrett is a member of parliament and very honest and likable. Lady Viola Fairfax masquerades as a man in order to write articles for a Lady’s Magazine. Burke places the setting of this story during an actual crisis in British history. On January 28, 1817 the Prince Regent’s carriage was attacked while he was returning from opening a new session of Parliament. Two bullet holes were found in the carriage window, but no one was hurt. No one ever discovered who was behind the attack. Riots broke out across the country when the government retaliated by instilling the Gagging Acts ( the write to speech and written expression) and the suspension of Habeas Corpus. By suspending Habeas Corpus, the British government took away an individual’s right to be brought before a judge and for that judge to demand proof that the person’s incarceration was justified. Without Habeas Corpus, anyone could be accused and thrown into prison with little recourse. It was a dangerous time in England. Many people were crying out for reform.
So Burke has woven a masterful story of intrigue, danger and romance during this terrifying time. As a Parliament member Jack Barrett must step carefully through the nation’s politics. Viola finds herself ensnared in the rumor mongering of those around her and attracted to Jack.
“You are a very attractive woman, even with that bloody disguise. If anyone paid close attention to you, they’d find themselves beguiled.” “ Are you?” she asked softly. He leaned close, his face so near that she could see the faint stubble of his beard beginning to shadow his jaw. “Irrevocably.”
Loved it. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
So Burke has woven a masterful story of intrigue, danger and romance during this terrifying time. As a Parliament member Jack Barrett must step carefully through the nation’s politics. Viola finds herself ensnared in the rumor mongering of those around her and attracted to Jack.
“You are a very attractive woman, even with that bloody disguise. If anyone paid close attention to you, they’d find themselves beguiled.” “ Are you?” she asked softly. He leaned close, his face so near that she could see the faint stubble of his beard beginning to shadow his jaw. “Irrevocably.”
Loved it. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
May 20, 2019
One Night of Scandal by Darcy Burke
Wicked Dukes Club #4
For two years Lady Viola Fairfax has written under the name of Tavistock providing articles for a women’s magazine. Women were not perceived capable of writing at all let alone for WOMEN so she created a disguise and went out to her brother’s pub and found stories to write. That she wanted to write meaty newsworthy political stories was not to be...for a number of reasons. When she overhears a rumor and decides to follow it, in disguise, and Jack Barrett realizes what she is up to...we...he pulls her away, listens to why she is set on following the story and finds himself offering to assist her in her endeavors. That neither Viola nor Jack ever plan to marry should make it easy to spend time together, right? Well, the time they spend together has them soon thinking about one another in slightly different ways than they expected.
This was a delightful story of two people who knew what they wanted in life and did what they could to make it happen. In the process they happened to fall in love with one another and find their HEA together. I loved the main characters and also the secondary ones. I look forward to reading book five as soon as it is out!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Wicked Dukes Club #4
For two years Lady Viola Fairfax has written under the name of Tavistock providing articles for a women’s magazine. Women were not perceived capable of writing at all let alone for WOMEN so she created a disguise and went out to her brother’s pub and found stories to write. That she wanted to write meaty newsworthy political stories was not to be...for a number of reasons. When she overhears a rumor and decides to follow it, in disguise, and Jack Barrett realizes what she is up to...we...he pulls her away, listens to why she is set on following the story and finds himself offering to assist her in her endeavors. That neither Viola nor Jack ever plan to marry should make it easy to spend time together, right? Well, the time they spend together has them soon thinking about one another in slightly different ways than they expected.
This was a delightful story of two people who knew what they wanted in life and did what they could to make it happen. In the process they happened to fall in love with one another and find their HEA together. I loved the main characters and also the secondary ones. I look forward to reading book five as soon as it is out!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
May 22, 2019
This is intriguing, romantic and amusing. Jack is determined, protective, sweet and charming. Viola is brave, impulsive, bold, stubborn and carefree. Viola has been masquerading as a man, Tavistock, in order to write a column about men in their natural habitat, a.k.a. the Wicked Duke, for a women's magazine. One night she hears some interesting gossip that she wants to try to learn more about, so she decides to go to Brook's. Before she makes it inside, she's stopped by Mr. Jack Barrett, who it turns out, actually knows that Tavistock is a woman, and who she is. They discuss the reason she went to Brook's, and Jack decides to help her. The next night he runs into her as Viola, and really notices her for the first time. Working together quickly turns into attraction, but neither is willing to admit to it, even to themselves, because neither is looking to get married, her because she likes her freedom, him because he's not yet 35. Things start to get dangerous when Jack is implicated in an assassination attempt on the Prince Regent. The more intense the situation gets, the closer they get, and the quicker passion flares. These two make a very enjoyable couple, and the storyline is fascinating. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
May 24, 2019
Lady Viola Fairfax is an aspiring journalist except for the fact she can't publish anything under her own name because women are not allowed to be hired by any publications. Thus, her male alter ego is born and she finally gets to publish a column for a ladies magazine. When she stumbles across a shocking piece of gossip, she wants to pursue it, but MP Jack Barrett thinks it's too dangerous to pursue. Sparks fly between Viola and Jack although each tries hard to ignore their growing feelings. Can Viola give up a chance to expose corruption or risk losing Jack's love forever?
I enjoyed this novella especially since it was full of suspense and intrigue. Ms. Burke touched on many of the controversial topics of the day and it was a nice reprieve from the glittering ballrooms of the ton most historical romances focus on. The love between Viola and Jack was a slow burn until neither of them could deny their feelings any longer and I was glad there was no "insta-love" between them. This is a well written story that historical romance fans will definitely enjoy. I can't wait to read the next story in this series.
I voluntarily read this advanced reader copy and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this novella especially since it was full of suspense and intrigue. Ms. Burke touched on many of the controversial topics of the day and it was a nice reprieve from the glittering ballrooms of the ton most historical romances focus on. The love between Viola and Jack was a slow burn until neither of them could deny their feelings any longer and I was glad there was no "insta-love" between them. This is a well written story that historical romance fans will definitely enjoy. I can't wait to read the next story in this series.
I voluntarily read this advanced reader copy and opinions are my own.
June 9, 2019
A thrilling entertaining read. I just wished it was a full-length novel.
Lady Viola Fairfax masquerades as a man so that she can write for a magazine. While she secretly wishes to write more serious topics such as politics, she instead writes mundane society gossip. Jack Barrett is an MP who knows of Viola's secret mainly cause he is observant. I was just so pleased to read a hero who has eyes and can identify a woman even though she dresses up as a guy.
During one of her visits to the Wicked Duke tavern, Viola hears a rumor that can help her write an article she actually wants to and Jack gets roped into helping her. While the two investigate, they fall in love with each.
With 'One Night of Scandal', Darcy Burke tells us a thrillingly romantic story between two unlikely characters. I would have loved to read more of their romance than the actual investigation, but that did not deter me from enjoying the book. With the plots and subplots in the book, I do wish this was more of a novel than a novella.
Though this is part of the Wicked Duke series, it can be read as a stand-alone. This is a definite read for lovers of historical romance books.
Lady Viola Fairfax masquerades as a man so that she can write for a magazine. While she secretly wishes to write more serious topics such as politics, she instead writes mundane society gossip. Jack Barrett is an MP who knows of Viola's secret mainly cause he is observant. I was just so pleased to read a hero who has eyes and can identify a woman even though she dresses up as a guy.
During one of her visits to the Wicked Duke tavern, Viola hears a rumor that can help her write an article she actually wants to and Jack gets roped into helping her. While the two investigate, they fall in love with each.
With 'One Night of Scandal', Darcy Burke tells us a thrillingly romantic story between two unlikely characters. I would have loved to read more of their romance than the actual investigation, but that did not deter me from enjoying the book. With the plots and subplots in the book, I do wish this was more of a novel than a novella.
Though this is part of the Wicked Duke series, it can be read as a stand-alone. This is a definite read for lovers of historical romance books.
May 25, 2019
Charming Love Story with some Scandal
Jack Barrett is an MP and looking to further his political career. He is not looking for love or a wife. He’s known that Lady Viola dresses as a man to enter forbidden domains for a while now. When she tries to enter Brook’s he saves her from the error and takes on a protector role. Lady Viola Fairfax dresses as a man to listen in on conversations at her brother’s Wicked Dukes Club. She’s a writer for a women’s publication that only employs men.
Viola is interested in a political rumor and decides to pursue it for the story. Jack becomes involved first as her protector and second because he is now being accused and wants to clear his name.
This storyline has great chemistry, political intrigue, and a heartwarming love. A great plot with underhanded political deviousness but is completed with loving happily ever after. This is the first book I’ve read in the series. I plan on reading the ones I’ve missed and I am also looking forward to the ones ahead.
Jack Barrett is an MP and looking to further his political career. He is not looking for love or a wife. He’s known that Lady Viola dresses as a man to enter forbidden domains for a while now. When she tries to enter Brook’s he saves her from the error and takes on a protector role. Lady Viola Fairfax dresses as a man to listen in on conversations at her brother’s Wicked Dukes Club. She’s a writer for a women’s publication that only employs men.
Viola is interested in a political rumor and decides to pursue it for the story. Jack becomes involved first as her protector and second because he is now being accused and wants to clear his name.
This storyline has great chemistry, political intrigue, and a heartwarming love. A great plot with underhanded political deviousness but is completed with loving happily ever after. This is the first book I’ve read in the series. I plan on reading the ones I’ve missed and I am also looking forward to the ones ahead.
May 28, 2019
A truly wonderful addition to this amazing series that brings forth a character from the first stories. A strong heroine who goes out and grabs what she wants and makes it happen even though society would be against her! Viola wrote a column for the Lady's Gazette, but she dresses as a man in order to do her job. You see it was really men who ran almost everything including the newspaper! So she plays her role and goes to the Wicked Duke, a pub owned by her brother and others and gathers information. Thinking she is not recognized and on the story of a lifetime, she is stopped by MP Jack Barrett. He knows she is the sister of the Duke of Eastleigh and is amazed at what she is doing! He decides to help her on her quest for a very dangerous story if leaked and assumes the role of protector.
Political intrigue, danger and a developing romance bring this story on a journey that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen. Delightful, humorous and the right amount of emotion made this tale just perfect! Cannot wait to read the next one!
Political intrigue, danger and a developing romance bring this story on a journey that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen. Delightful, humorous and the right amount of emotion made this tale just perfect! Cannot wait to read the next one!
May 28, 2019
One Night of Scandal takes on a more suspense route on a romantic love story. In this edition of the Wicked Duke Club crimes are occurring against the crown and Viola feels the need to get to the bottom of who is behind the most recent attempts to harm the prince. What started as a journey to investigate and write a story that would finally help her be taken more seriously as a writer turns into an unplanned match making in matrimony that Viola and Jack did not see coming.
Both are trying to avoid the whole marriage market, both have ambition and have goals that they want to accomplish, and both are very similar in character. When they start to work together in turns into a battle of fighting attraction that they both didn't realize they had for one another.
Darcy does not disappoint in her story telling and wrote a great story of finding love in the most unexpected way.
Reviewed by: Glori I.
Both are trying to avoid the whole marriage market, both have ambition and have goals that they want to accomplish, and both are very similar in character. When they start to work together in turns into a battle of fighting attraction that they both didn't realize they had for one another.
Darcy does not disappoint in her story telling and wrote a great story of finding love in the most unexpected way.
Reviewed by: Glori I.
July 23, 2019
If you are looking for a fun historical novel, this is definitely your book.
Lady Viola Fairfax wants to be a writer/journalist, but how would that be possible when even the famous The Ladies' Gazette was run by men?
So Viola came up with the idea of disguising herself as a man, learned to act (mannerisms) as a man, and was ready for her "mission"... when she came across Jack Barrett.
Jack was a barrister who entered the political career. He was a methodical and idealistic man, and was the first to realize that there was something very strange about a certain journalist named Tavistock. And then Jack discovers that Tavistock is Viola. A lady disguised as a man.
What was the real reason for her disguise? What secrets did she want to discover that could affect Jack's life?
But from then on, Jack really felt affected... and in love.
Discover the rest of this romantic comedy by reading it.
4,5 stars
Lady Viola Fairfax wants to be a writer/journalist, but how would that be possible when even the famous The Ladies' Gazette was run by men?
So Viola came up with the idea of disguising herself as a man, learned to act (mannerisms) as a man, and was ready for her "mission"... when she came across Jack Barrett.
Jack was a barrister who entered the political career. He was a methodical and idealistic man, and was the first to realize that there was something very strange about a certain journalist named Tavistock. And then Jack discovers that Tavistock is Viola. A lady disguised as a man.
What was the real reason for her disguise? What secrets did she want to discover that could affect Jack's life?
But from then on, Jack really felt affected... and in love.
Discover the rest of this romantic comedy by reading it.
4,5 stars
July 13, 2019
Not my fave, but enjoyable read. 3.5☆
July 29, 2020
Ally - per RFS
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Rieccomi nella Londra del 1817, ma questa volta troviamo un’ambientazione completamente diversa rispetto ai precedenti libri della serie; infatti i tumulti e il malcontento dell’epoca vengono messi in primo piano, dopo l’attentato al principe reggente l’intera Inghilterra cade vittima di una tensione velata di paura che crea situazioni fuori dal normale. Viene proibito riunirsi con l’atto sulle Assemblee Sediziose e con l’habeas Corpus viene sospesa la possibilità per i politici di essere intoccabili dal punto di vista della legge, questi sono eventi storici autentici e il nostro libro gira in questo ingranaggio reale in cui l’autrice realizza un’avvincente storia investigativa che come protagonisti ha Jack Barrett, ex avvocato e parlamentare con una promettente carriera, e Viola Fairfax, che abbiamo già conosciuto nel secondo capitolo della serie e sorella del Duca Eastleigh.
Viola scrive una rubrica come giornalista al Ladie’s Gazette, ma visto che all’epoca non assumevano donne, si inventa l’identità di Sir Tavistock, che le permette di scrivere e, grazie a un perfetto travestimento, di mimetizzarsi con gli uomini e carpire informazioni nelle serate alla taverna Il Duca Malandrino da utilizzare per dare vita ai suoi articoli sui gentiluomini. Tutto fila liscio da due anni, in cui solo il fratello conosce la vera identità di Tavostock; finché una sera un parlamentare con la lingua sciolta dall’alcool le confessa di sapere che dietro l’attentato al principe c’è un politico corrotto, qui la nostra investigatrice parte all’attacco per scoprire chi sia ma viene scoperta da Jack Barrett, che a quanto pare non si è fatto ingannare dall’abile travestimento della sorella del Duca. Inizieranno a indagare insieme scoprendo che forse, oltre lo scopo della missione, c’è qualcosa che li attrae molto di più. Le scintille non mancano, i baci descritti dalla Burke mi hanno tolto il respiro, la scena hot fa salire la temperatura e sperare che tutti noi, chi prima chi dopo, conoscano un’emozione simile un misto tra passione e dolcezza.
Jack mi ha conquistata già dopo pochi capitoli, è un uomo con degli ideali forti, un parlamentare che crede nella giustizia per il popolo e per questo ha nemici che lo accusano di essere un radicale, che all’epoca era un’ingiuria. Il nostro protagonista maschile è davvero affascinante e sicuro di sé, però non resisterà molto all’angelo biondo che porterà scompiglio nella sua vita esteriormente perfetta.
Viola dal canto suo è un uragano, una super donna che lotta per emergere in un mondo di uomini, senza paura e con una dose abbondante di follia che incanta e fa tifare per lei nelle sue indagini avvincenti e spericolate, per fortuna ha Jack che la tiene al sicuro altrimenti chissà che fine avrebbe fatto!
La struttura del libro mantiene la caratteristica degli altri alternando i pensieri e le vicende dei due protagonisti capitolo per capitolo, una cosa che a me personalmente piace molto e con cui l’autrice ci aiuta a sentirci parte della storia.
I personaggi sono ben sviluppati e adoro come le due autrici sappiano creare storie così diverse ma così ben amalgamate, dando senso e vita a un contesto temporale con qualche spruzzata di storia.
Un’altra bella storia che mi ha accompagnato in una piacevole lettura, con tutti gli ingredienti per mantenere vivo l’interesse sulla saga dei Duchi Malandrini che continuerò a leggere.
Vi auguro buona lettura e sono certa che l’investigatrice più coraggiosa della nobiltà inglese vi piacerà proprio come a me, con il suo Cavaliere senza macchia ad accompagnarla in questa avventura con un alto tasso di romanticismo. Perché l’amore non si può inseguire, quando si è pronti sarà sempre lei a sceglierci.
.
Rieccomi nella Londra del 1817, ma questa volta troviamo un’ambientazione completamente diversa rispetto ai precedenti libri della serie; infatti i tumulti e il malcontento dell’epoca vengono messi in primo piano, dopo l’attentato al principe reggente l’intera Inghilterra cade vittima di una tensione velata di paura che crea situazioni fuori dal normale. Viene proibito riunirsi con l’atto sulle Assemblee Sediziose e con l’habeas Corpus viene sospesa la possibilità per i politici di essere intoccabili dal punto di vista della legge, questi sono eventi storici autentici e il nostro libro gira in questo ingranaggio reale in cui l’autrice realizza un’avvincente storia investigativa che come protagonisti ha Jack Barrett, ex avvocato e parlamentare con una promettente carriera, e Viola Fairfax, che abbiamo già conosciuto nel secondo capitolo della serie e sorella del Duca Eastleigh.
Viola scrive una rubrica come giornalista al Ladie’s Gazette, ma visto che all’epoca non assumevano donne, si inventa l’identità di Sir Tavistock, che le permette di scrivere e, grazie a un perfetto travestimento, di mimetizzarsi con gli uomini e carpire informazioni nelle serate alla taverna Il Duca Malandrino da utilizzare per dare vita ai suoi articoli sui gentiluomini. Tutto fila liscio da due anni, in cui solo il fratello conosce la vera identità di Tavostock; finché una sera un parlamentare con la lingua sciolta dall’alcool le confessa di sapere che dietro l’attentato al principe c’è un politico corrotto, qui la nostra investigatrice parte all’attacco per scoprire chi sia ma viene scoperta da Jack Barrett, che a quanto pare non si è fatto ingannare dall’abile travestimento della sorella del Duca. Inizieranno a indagare insieme scoprendo che forse, oltre lo scopo della missione, c’è qualcosa che li attrae molto di più. Le scintille non mancano, i baci descritti dalla Burke mi hanno tolto il respiro, la scena hot fa salire la temperatura e sperare che tutti noi, chi prima chi dopo, conoscano un’emozione simile un misto tra passione e dolcezza.
Jack mi ha conquistata già dopo pochi capitoli, è un uomo con degli ideali forti, un parlamentare che crede nella giustizia per il popolo e per questo ha nemici che lo accusano di essere un radicale, che all’epoca era un’ingiuria. Il nostro protagonista maschile è davvero affascinante e sicuro di sé, però non resisterà molto all’angelo biondo che porterà scompiglio nella sua vita esteriormente perfetta.
Viola dal canto suo è un uragano, una super donna che lotta per emergere in un mondo di uomini, senza paura e con una dose abbondante di follia che incanta e fa tifare per lei nelle sue indagini avvincenti e spericolate, per fortuna ha Jack che la tiene al sicuro altrimenti chissà che fine avrebbe fatto!
La struttura del libro mantiene la caratteristica degli altri alternando i pensieri e le vicende dei due protagonisti capitolo per capitolo, una cosa che a me personalmente piace molto e con cui l’autrice ci aiuta a sentirci parte della storia.
I personaggi sono ben sviluppati e adoro come le due autrici sappiano creare storie così diverse ma così ben amalgamate, dando senso e vita a un contesto temporale con qualche spruzzata di storia.
Un’altra bella storia che mi ha accompagnato in una piacevole lettura, con tutti gli ingredienti per mantenere vivo l’interesse sulla saga dei Duchi Malandrini che continuerò a leggere.
Vi auguro buona lettura e sono certa che l’investigatrice più coraggiosa della nobiltà inglese vi piacerà proprio come a me, con il suo Cavaliere senza macchia ad accompagnarla in questa avventura con un alto tasso di romanticismo. Perché l’amore non si può inseguire, quando si è pronti sarà sempre lei a sceglierci.
Read
March 25, 2022Review also available at The Smut Report.
Heat Factor: One sex scene with lots of detail
Character Chemistry: It helps that they have a common cause
Plot: Let’s unmask a potentially treasonous Member of Parliament in a time of political instability!
Overall: Decidedly mixed feelings
Early on in One Night of Scandal, Jack reveals that he has known that Lady Viola’s male alter-ego, Tavistock, is actually a woman for the past year. He figured it out because this one time she bent over, and he saw that she had a curvy bum. So he started looking more carefully, and noticed that behind her (false) whiskers, she also had:
1. Long eyelashes
2. Lush lips
and
3. Cerulean eyes (FFS!)
When this happened, I felt a spurt of rage. Men can have pretty eyes! Men can have nice lips! And some men are not that broad-shouldered triangle shape. The only thing that stopped me from throwing my phone across the room was the thought that at least her eyes weren’t violet. (If they had been, I might not have been able to stop myself.)
You might say that my reading experience got off to an inauspicious start.
What kept me going was the plot: Viola has been posing as a man in order to write a column for the Ladies' Gazette (because they wouldn’t hire her if she were a woman - misogyny!). She gets a hot tip that an MP conspired with radicals to try and assassinate the Prince Regent, and sets out to investigate. This is her big shot to write something meaningful and important, rather than about who wore what cravat to the pub last week. On the way, she teams up with MP Jack Barrett, who may have radical tendencies of his own.
Now, it’s not as if the mystery of the “bad guy” is that suspenseful or mysterious - it is pretty obvious from the get-go which players are feeding her sketchy information and why. However, what was particularly well done was the details Burke provided about radical activism during the Regency - the Spa Fields Riots, the Spencean Philanthropists, government agent provocateur John Castle, and the Seditious Meetings Act of 1817 all make an appearance. She doesn’t go deeply into the ins and outs, but includes enough historically accurate detail that the reader can get a general sense of some of the political stakes of what is currently going on, which I really appreciated. This felt fresh to me - I can’t recall another Regency that specifically dealt with radical politics (Erin or other history buffs may be able to correct me here); instead, political regencies tend to be about Napoleon or, more broadly, conflict with the French, or they might mention Fox and/or Pitt the Younger (who both died in 1806, and were therefore not that important come 1817). I spent some time reading articles about British history on the internet after I finished this book, so I would call that a win, since I learned some things.
The other component that saved this book was Jack, who was an excellent hero. He has a good relationship with his father (!). He is protective of Viola, but never tries to stop her from doing things - and, in fact, continues to help with the investigation despite increasing danger to Viola because he understands that this is something she needs to accomplish (!!). And he is a politician who does not sympathize with the plight of the poor in general terms (as do so many of our romantic heroes), but rather is working his butt off through political channels to bring about change (!!!).
The things that make us swoon.
In fact, I would say Jack carries this book, because Viola remained a moderately annoying mystery. She has gotten great joy and freedom from her years-long masquerade as Tavistock - but now that she has met the right man, she repeatedly notes how excited she is to give up the masquerade. She wants to feel like a woman in Jack’s arms. She declares she will never marry, but her reasons are opaque. Maybe she thinks that a husband won’t let her write, because the fiancé she jilted years ago probably wouldn’t have? She also spontaneously has this idea that she’s unlovable (mentioned once, but leading to a dramatic and heated scene with Jack, so...), but there is nothing else in the story to back it up, or to suggest why she might think this is the case.
The TL;DR version: while there were components of this book that I really enjoyed, there were enough bits that induced serious eye-rolling, such that I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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Heat Factor: One sex scene with lots of detail
Character Chemistry: It helps that they have a common cause
Plot: Let’s unmask a potentially treasonous Member of Parliament in a time of political instability!
Overall: Decidedly mixed feelings
Early on in One Night of Scandal, Jack reveals that he has known that Lady Viola’s male alter-ego, Tavistock, is actually a woman for the past year. He figured it out because this one time she bent over, and he saw that she had a curvy bum. So he started looking more carefully, and noticed that behind her (false) whiskers, she also had:
1. Long eyelashes
2. Lush lips
and
3. Cerulean eyes (FFS!)
When this happened, I felt a spurt of rage. Men can have pretty eyes! Men can have nice lips! And some men are not that broad-shouldered triangle shape. The only thing that stopped me from throwing my phone across the room was the thought that at least her eyes weren’t violet. (If they had been, I might not have been able to stop myself.)
You might say that my reading experience got off to an inauspicious start.
What kept me going was the plot: Viola has been posing as a man in order to write a column for the Ladies' Gazette (because they wouldn’t hire her if she were a woman - misogyny!). She gets a hot tip that an MP conspired with radicals to try and assassinate the Prince Regent, and sets out to investigate. This is her big shot to write something meaningful and important, rather than about who wore what cravat to the pub last week. On the way, she teams up with MP Jack Barrett, who may have radical tendencies of his own.
Now, it’s not as if the mystery of the “bad guy” is that suspenseful or mysterious - it is pretty obvious from the get-go which players are feeding her sketchy information and why. However, what was particularly well done was the details Burke provided about radical activism during the Regency - the Spa Fields Riots, the Spencean Philanthropists, government agent provocateur John Castle, and the Seditious Meetings Act of 1817 all make an appearance. She doesn’t go deeply into the ins and outs, but includes enough historically accurate detail that the reader can get a general sense of some of the political stakes of what is currently going on, which I really appreciated. This felt fresh to me - I can’t recall another Regency that specifically dealt with radical politics (Erin or other history buffs may be able to correct me here); instead, political regencies tend to be about Napoleon or, more broadly, conflict with the French, or they might mention Fox and/or Pitt the Younger (who both died in 1806, and were therefore not that important come 1817). I spent some time reading articles about British history on the internet after I finished this book, so I would call that a win, since I learned some things.
The other component that saved this book was Jack, who was an excellent hero. He has a good relationship with his father (!). He is protective of Viola, but never tries to stop her from doing things - and, in fact, continues to help with the investigation despite increasing danger to Viola because he understands that this is something she needs to accomplish (!!). And he is a politician who does not sympathize with the plight of the poor in general terms (as do so many of our romantic heroes), but rather is working his butt off through political channels to bring about change (!!!).
The things that make us swoon.
In fact, I would say Jack carries this book, because Viola remained a moderately annoying mystery. She has gotten great joy and freedom from her years-long masquerade as Tavistock - but now that she has met the right man, she repeatedly notes how excited she is to give up the masquerade. She wants to feel like a woman in Jack’s arms. She declares she will never marry, but her reasons are opaque. Maybe she thinks that a husband won’t let her write, because the fiancé she jilted years ago probably wouldn’t have? She also spontaneously has this idea that she’s unlovable (mentioned once, but leading to a dramatic and heated scene with Jack, so...), but there is nothing else in the story to back it up, or to suggest why she might think this is the case.
The TL;DR version: while there were components of this book that I really enjoyed, there were enough bits that induced serious eye-rolling, such that I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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July 30, 2019
One Night of Scandal was a fantastic continuation of the Wicked Dukes Club series featuring an amazing romance.
Lady Viola Fairfax wants to be a writer but as no publication will allow a woman to write for them, Viola comes up with the idea to dress up as a man named Samuel Darius Tavistock allowing her to observe areas off-limits to women to come up with ideas to write under Tavistock’s name. For two years Viola has pulled off the scheme without notice until one day she is caught by Jack Barrett, an ambitious member of parliament. Jack is shocked to discover Viola masquerading as a man and even more so when she tells him she’s investigating an MP who helped radicals attack the Prince Regent. As the two spend time together investigating, the pair quickly start to fall for one another which they both swore never to do.
Viola has been somewhat of an outcast in society since she called off her wedding the day of a few years prior to the story. But due to Viola’s status as the sister of a duke as well as the granddaughter of a powerful dowager duchess, she isn’t shunned completely. Viola is perfectly content being alone as it allows her the freedom to do as she pleases, even though she must do so as Tavistock. I liked Viola from the start and I admired her dedication to her work even when it was clear people wanted her to stop digging.
Jack has a plan for his life that does not include getting married or having a family until at least the age of thirty-five. Instead, Jack wants to focus on his career in parliament as he believes in order to enact real change, he will need to dedicate all of his time to his work. In his work to better the current system, Jack makes a few enemies who like the way the system works as it is in their benefit. I liked how even though it was clear people wanted to stop Jack from enacting any real changes, he was determined to persevere.
Viola and Jack’s relationship is slow to start as initially the pair are focused on finding out which MP is helping out the radicals. I really liked the direction their investigation went even if there were a few threads that didn’t quite get resolved by the book’s end. The majority of the meetings between the two are while Viola is dressed up as Tavistock which made me really enjoy the few occasions they were together where Viola was herself. One thing I love about their relationship is that Jack doesn’t try and force Viola to stop being Tavistock. He is obviously worried about her safety, but ultimately realizes that it’s Viola’s choice on when she will stop.
Overall I really enjoyed One Night of Scandal and I thought the pairing between Viola and Jack to be wonderfully done. I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the Wicked Dukes Club series if you’re looking for some shorter historical romances.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Lady Viola Fairfax wants to be a writer but as no publication will allow a woman to write for them, Viola comes up with the idea to dress up as a man named Samuel Darius Tavistock allowing her to observe areas off-limits to women to come up with ideas to write under Tavistock’s name. For two years Viola has pulled off the scheme without notice until one day she is caught by Jack Barrett, an ambitious member of parliament. Jack is shocked to discover Viola masquerading as a man and even more so when she tells him she’s investigating an MP who helped radicals attack the Prince Regent. As the two spend time together investigating, the pair quickly start to fall for one another which they both swore never to do.
Viola has been somewhat of an outcast in society since she called off her wedding the day of a few years prior to the story. But due to Viola’s status as the sister of a duke as well as the granddaughter of a powerful dowager duchess, she isn’t shunned completely. Viola is perfectly content being alone as it allows her the freedom to do as she pleases, even though she must do so as Tavistock. I liked Viola from the start and I admired her dedication to her work even when it was clear people wanted her to stop digging.
Jack has a plan for his life that does not include getting married or having a family until at least the age of thirty-five. Instead, Jack wants to focus on his career in parliament as he believes in order to enact real change, he will need to dedicate all of his time to his work. In his work to better the current system, Jack makes a few enemies who like the way the system works as it is in their benefit. I liked how even though it was clear people wanted to stop Jack from enacting any real changes, he was determined to persevere.
Viola and Jack’s relationship is slow to start as initially the pair are focused on finding out which MP is helping out the radicals. I really liked the direction their investigation went even if there were a few threads that didn’t quite get resolved by the book’s end. The majority of the meetings between the two are while Viola is dressed up as Tavistock which made me really enjoy the few occasions they were together where Viola was herself. One thing I love about their relationship is that Jack doesn’t try and force Viola to stop being Tavistock. He is obviously worried about her safety, but ultimately realizes that it’s Viola’s choice on when she will stop.
Overall I really enjoyed One Night of Scandal and I thought the pairing between Viola and Jack to be wonderfully done. I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the Wicked Dukes Club series if you’re looking for some shorter historical romances.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
May 28, 2019
Each of the stories in this series can be read as a standalone but as it is part of a series, it is nice also to read the previous books to get acquainted to the various characters.
As I’m a sucker for Mrs Ridley and Mrs Burke work, so I instantly preordered the whole series.
This one read was centered on Viola Fairfax, the Duke of Eastleigh’s sister, she was introduced in his book, One Night Of Surrender where we learned she had the habit to masquerade as a man in her brother’s club.
So here, when she finds herself in the mist of a dangerous affair, she partners with Jack Barrett, a member of parliament who has seen through her masquerade.
Both are really dead set against marriage, Jack mostly because it is too early while Viola, she refuses to surrender her freedom.
It was a slow burn story, as in the fortnight they get to know each other, they encounter doubt, deceit and deception but they also discover passion and need of another. At first, they were more annoyed by the other than anything else but slowly they felt the lack of the other’s presence until they came to rethink their ideas about marriage.
I had to goggle the historical events presented for the background plot, it was very entertaining and enjoyable how Mrs Darcy Burke turned historic developments as an initial basis for Viola’s and Jack’s story.
One more great read in this series.
I was provided an advance copy by the author but I purchased my own copy, it is my unbiased and true opinion.
As I’m a sucker for Mrs Ridley and Mrs Burke work, so I instantly preordered the whole series.
This one read was centered on Viola Fairfax, the Duke of Eastleigh’s sister, she was introduced in his book, One Night Of Surrender where we learned she had the habit to masquerade as a man in her brother’s club.
So here, when she finds herself in the mist of a dangerous affair, she partners with Jack Barrett, a member of parliament who has seen through her masquerade.
Both are really dead set against marriage, Jack mostly because it is too early while Viola, she refuses to surrender her freedom.
It was a slow burn story, as in the fortnight they get to know each other, they encounter doubt, deceit and deception but they also discover passion and need of another. At first, they were more annoyed by the other than anything else but slowly they felt the lack of the other’s presence until they came to rethink their ideas about marriage.
I had to goggle the historical events presented for the background plot, it was very entertaining and enjoyable how Mrs Darcy Burke turned historic developments as an initial basis for Viola’s and Jack’s story.
One more great read in this series.
I was provided an advance copy by the author but I purchased my own copy, it is my unbiased and true opinion.
May 27, 2019
Lady Viola Fairfax is masquerading as a male journalist called Tavistock. She has ambitions to write a “real” newsworthy story instead of the typical gossip and social news she produces now. Although the sister of a duke, Viola has no intention of marrying. She is intelligent, sensible, and educated.
Jack Barrett is an MP as was his father and grandfather. He is smart and diligent in his duties, and like his father and grandfather has no wish to marry until he has followed through on his political aspirations. One night he sees through Tavistock’s disguise and realizes she’s a woman.
Jack and Lady Viola are wonderful characters. They have integrity, they’re both clever and follow politics. I liked that Lady Viola thought through her actions instead of heedlessly jumping into trouble. There is a traitor amongst the politicians, one who is feeding info to the radicals. Jack agrees to help Lady Viola ferret out the traitor, and this sets the tone for the story. The forced proximity brings the pair together and acts as a spark for their romance.
I enjoyed the political setting and also the fact that the hero didn’t have a title, although he was quite at home amongst those of higher social standing. The way the main characters grew slowly into their relationship was great too, although I wished that the “scandal” hadn’t been the impetus to force a marriage. On the downside, the ending felt a bit rushed, but otherwise an enjoyable read.
Received via NetGalley
Jack Barrett is an MP as was his father and grandfather. He is smart and diligent in his duties, and like his father and grandfather has no wish to marry until he has followed through on his political aspirations. One night he sees through Tavistock’s disguise and realizes she’s a woman.
Jack and Lady Viola are wonderful characters. They have integrity, they’re both clever and follow politics. I liked that Lady Viola thought through her actions instead of heedlessly jumping into trouble. There is a traitor amongst the politicians, one who is feeding info to the radicals. Jack agrees to help Lady Viola ferret out the traitor, and this sets the tone for the story. The forced proximity brings the pair together and acts as a spark for their romance.
I enjoyed the political setting and also the fact that the hero didn’t have a title, although he was quite at home amongst those of higher social standing. The way the main characters grew slowly into their relationship was great too, although I wished that the “scandal” hadn’t been the impetus to force a marriage. On the downside, the ending felt a bit rushed, but otherwise an enjoyable read.
Received via NetGalley
May 12, 2019
4.5 Stars
Jack Barrett is a barrister & following in his father’s & grandfather's footsteps an MP & at the moment has no wish to marry. Lady Viola Fairfax, sister of the Duke of Eastleigh wants to be a serious journalist but no one will hire a woman, so Samuel Darius Tavistock is born. Viola masquerades as Tavistock to gain entry to the Wicked Duke to garner information for her column. When she stumbles upon a scandal that implicates a prominent MP, she seizes the chance to establish herself as a real journalist. Jack immediately saw through her disguise when he caught sight of her bending over. The pair team up together to find the truth.
This is the fourth book in this captivating series, it could be read on its own but characters do overlap. I lost myself in this well written novel. The tropes of females masquerading as men & the main characters not wanting to marry aren’t new but you don’t often have a heroine who jilted her fiance at the altar, who then masquerades as a man to further her writing, so little different to mix the two. I’ve liked Viola from her first appearance, she’s feisty & for a Dukes daughter & sister not a run of the mill society lady. I particularly liked that Jack isn’t titled but is accepted by even the Dowager Duchess. A well paced novel that I read in two sittings & I loved it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Jack Barrett is a barrister & following in his father’s & grandfather's footsteps an MP & at the moment has no wish to marry. Lady Viola Fairfax, sister of the Duke of Eastleigh wants to be a serious journalist but no one will hire a woman, so Samuel Darius Tavistock is born. Viola masquerades as Tavistock to gain entry to the Wicked Duke to garner information for her column. When she stumbles upon a scandal that implicates a prominent MP, she seizes the chance to establish herself as a real journalist. Jack immediately saw through her disguise when he caught sight of her bending over. The pair team up together to find the truth.
This is the fourth book in this captivating series, it could be read on its own but characters do overlap. I lost myself in this well written novel. The tropes of females masquerading as men & the main characters not wanting to marry aren’t new but you don’t often have a heroine who jilted her fiance at the altar, who then masquerades as a man to further her writing, so little different to mix the two. I’ve liked Viola from her first appearance, she’s feisty & for a Dukes daughter & sister not a run of the mill society lady. I particularly liked that Jack isn’t titled but is accepted by even the Dowager Duchess. A well paced novel that I read in two sittings & I loved it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
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