The Night She Met the Duke

by Sarah Mallory

An intriguing Regency romance

Her mysterious midnight visitor?  

The duke!

Hearing herself described as "a lady as dull as her name" is the final straw in Prudence Clifford’s disastrous season, so she decides to stay with her aunt in Bath. But Pru’s new life is anything but dull when one night she finds an uninvited, devastatingly handsome duke at her kitchen table! Pru will never forget the emotional connection they shared. But it’s their unexpected reunion three months later that will prove truly unforgettable… 

From Harlequin  Your romantic escape to the past.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Fiction, Regency, Harlequin Historical

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2023

About the author

Sarah Mallory is the pen name for Melinda Hammond.

Born in Bristol, England, UK, she grew up telling stories. She would make up adventures to relate to her school friends during break times and lunch hours, and she was once caught scribbling a story instead of listening to the French lesson. As a punishment, her teacher made her translate the story into French! She left school at sixteen and worked in offices as varied as stockbrokers, marine engineers, insurance brokers, biscuit manufacturers and even a quarrying company.

She married at nineteen, but continued to work until the birth of her first child. It was at that time that she decided to try her hand at her first love—writing, and shortly after the birth of her daughter she had her first book, Fortune's Lady, published under the pen name of Melinda Hammond. This was quickly followed by two more historical novels, Summer Charade and Autumn Bride, but with the birth of her twin sons the demands of family life meant that writing had to take a backseat for a few years. A compulsive scribbler, she never stopped writing and continued to work on research for her novels, experimenting with contemporary scenarios as well as writing pantomimes for her children's school. In 1989 the family moved to an isolated Pennine farmhouse in West Yorkshire, not far from Brontë country, where the family expanded to include a dog, two gerbils and a dozen chickens. The growing family needed funding and she went back to work full-time. The writing had to be put on hold.

Then, in March 2000, Sarah stepped off a curb and landed in hospital with one ankle broken and one badly sprained. This laid her up on a sofa for twelve weeks and gave her the time she needed to finish a novel. She wrote as Melinda Hammond and Maid of Honour was published the same year. Since then she has never looked back. She's published more than a dozen books under this pen name and has won the Reviewers' Choice Award in 2005 from Singletitles.com for Dance for a Diamond. Her novel Gentlemen in Question was a Historical Novel Society Editors' Choice Title in November 2006. In 2012 her novel The Dangerous Lord Darrington won the Love Story of the Year by the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is now concentrating on writing romantic historical adventures for Mills & Boon.

Reviews

[Jurgita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mėgstu tokio tipo Svajonių knygas, kai noriu tik smagiai praleisti laiką, nieko negalvoti, tik pravėdinti smegenis.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ The Night She Met the Duke 🎭
✒️ Sarah Mallory
https://www.facebook.com/sarahmallory...
Release Date 04/25/2023&04/27/2023
Publisher Mills&Boon Historical / Harlequin Historical
➪ https://a.co/d/cDxeVfc
➪ https://a.co/d/eWBWOKZ

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

An intriguing Regency romance

Her mysterious midnight visitor?  

The duke!

Hearing herself described as "a lady as dull as her name" is the final straw in Prudence Clifford’s disastrous season, so she decides to stay with her aunt in Bath. But Pru’s new life is anything but dull when one night she finds an uninvited, devastatingly handsome duke at her kitchen table! Pru will never forget the emotional connection they shared. But it’s their unexpected reunion three months later that will prove truly unforgettable… 

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

What a fun and unconventional first meet-cute the heroes have.
Prudence might have lived by her name for years, now that adventure has landed at her feet, she is determined to enjoy it. Even more if it is to salvage someone’s reputation.
She is a young woman who has chosen her path with open eyes, believing herself too dull and common to attract notice. So she has built a life under her aunt’s supervision, contented with her charities work and assistance as a nursing attendant. So when hazard or fate put on her path the man she fed in her aunt’s kitchen months earlier, she knows he is more than the vile gossips she is hearing about him.
Garrick has avoided society like the pledge for years, having experienced firsthand how cutting its tongues could be, so when new rumors tarnish his name, he believes it is just another black mark on his reputation, and would have let it rest if not for a woman he only met once so set on clearing his character.
And while their relationship evolve very quickly from strangers to sort of friends with chemistry, they as quickly turn into idiots in love, misinterpreting and misunderstanding everything the other says. Pushing the other away as each think themselves unworthy. Everyone is able to see they care for one another but those two are stubbornly blind.

What began as a peculiar without-future encounter turned into an investigation to salvage one’s reputation then to a quest to reveal the true culprit. So Prudence goes from quashing ton tattlers to unearthing old grudges and facing Darrick’s foes.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen light lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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[Julija · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aprašymas sudomino, bet tai yra bet kas, tik ne istorinis meilės romanas.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via the author in return for an honest review.

This was a solid four star read along with having a very different beginning to the end. I shall explain more as we go...it's a lovely cover too though those sleeves look more 1824. Just saying.

Pru is happy as a companion to her aunt by marriage. She has a busy life in Bath and very much dislikes being on display as a young woman looking for marriage. Tall and unusual, she doesn't like being talked about. Which is fair enough; let's face it we've all been there.

In a different way Garrett, our hero, also does not wish to be seen. Due to a youthful indiscretion which led to a dangerous duel his family sent him away to Europe and barely maintained contact up to when his father the duke dies the family being left in difficult circumstances.

Pru is someone who deeply cares about people and fairness and Garrett is a person who has had little of those things in his life despite his obvious privilege with title and status. Their meeting at the beginning in the wee hours of the morning is certainly unconventional and gives them valuable time to know each other in ways that is not normally possible in their worlds.

But Pru and Garrett unbeknownst to them are destined to meet again during the day, in the glare of candles and society and in the big city - London. Pru's dislike of society and Garrett's reluctance to have anything to do with the world or his family are going to be sorely tested before they can seek their futures. This is a complete about face to how they knew each other before and this time Garrett is in serious danger.

I liked the period setting of this book, 1814 and before another big European implosion (Waterloo), both the hero and heroine's uncertain positions and their places ultimately in the world. I also enjoyed the references to Garrett's proposed betrothed which put me strongly in mind of the Ladies of Llangollen/Gentleman Jack which is what I assume she had planned for her life!

I did find the consummation of the hero and heroine's relationship a little bit early and surprising due to the circumstances of their lives. I could see the attraction but it didn't feel quite right to me at that time. That and Garrett's insistence they make things permanent in the midst of a lot of upheaval. I could happily have seen less of Sir Joseph and Helene with things being moved along by rumours too.

However the dowager duchess wasn't having any of Garrett or Pru's nonsense and when all is thought lost one of Garrett's lost family members might just save the day. Can I put in a vote to see the duchess's eighteenth-century experience it sounds amazing, haha.

An enjoyable read and I feel I would definitely be open to hearing more about these two shaking up their world in their own ways.

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favourite SM read to date!

Full review to follow when I cease sighing and gushing enough to form coherent thoughts and sentences, lol.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malefica81 - per RFS
.
Bentornate Fenici!

Oggi veniamo trasportate in epoca Regency con questo nuovo romanzo; conosciamo Garrick Chauntry, duca di Hartland, e Prudence Clifford, una ragazza a detta di tutti “scialba e senza futuro”, soprattutto perché per l’età che ha, venticinque anni, è considerata troppo vecchia per trovare un marito.

Pru è la dama di compagnia di sua zia Minerva e vive a Bath. Siamo in epoca post napoleonica dove il Ton continua a dettare legge, ci sono balli, feste, ricevimenti, e, tra tanti pettegolezzi e maldicenze, si combinano i matrimoni. Garrick, da parte sua, vuole stare il più lontano possibile dal Ton e quasi lo rinnega dopo i fatti accaduti dieci anni prima quando morì suo padre e ora, tornato in patria, viene accusato di essere una spia dei francesi.

Dopo un incontro fortuito tra i due e una confessione fatta dal duca sotto gli effetti dell’alcol, inizia una conoscenza che sfocia subito in passione.

“Che sciocca era stata a donare il proprio cuore a un uomo che non voleva il suo aiuto o la sua amicizia.”

Il libro è un classico Regency, con una storia d’amore semplice e una parte di suspense e intrighi che non guasta mai. L’autrice si destreggia con facilità nel periodo storico in cui ha ambientato la sua storia e riesce a tenere alto l’interesse del lettore senza mai scadere nella noia.

Prudence è la protagonista che un po’ tutte noi vorremmo trovare in un libro, è una donna forte e con un certo carattere perché riesce ad aiutare Garrik a risolvere i suoi problemi ma, pur amandolo, rinnega anche a se stessa di provare questo sentimento perché alla “veneranda” età di 25 anni è considerata da tutti una vecchia zitella e questo le crea dei complessi che la condizionano.

Garrick dal canto suo non è il classico Duca, di certo ha quell’aura di autorità propria del suo rango, tutte vorrebbero accasarsi con lui per avere onore e prestigio ma lui rinnega la società vecchia e incartapecorita del Ton per vivere la vita a modo suo, lontano dai pettegolezzi e soprattutto insieme a Prudence che ha catturato il suo cuore anche se lei rinnega questo sentimento fino alla fine.

La vostra Mal approva.

Alla prossima

Un saluto dalla vostra Mal

[Akvilė Lencevičė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gana seniai buvau skaičiusi istorinį meilės romaną, tad jau spėjau jo pasiilgti. Nuo pirmųjų puslapių lengvai įsitraukiau į veiksmą, o istorija skaitėsi itin maloniai.
Pru istorija nustebino savo kitoniškumu – ji ne tokia, kokios dažnai pasitaiko istoriniuose meilės romanuose. Tiesa, pirmasis jųdviejų susitikimas buvo kiek keistas ir neįtikinamas, bet vėliau viskas susidėliojo į gražų ir natūralų pasakojimą.
Džiaugiuosi, kad ši knyga nėra per ilga, o kulminacija pasiekta dar iki pabaigos. Dažnai tokiuose romanuose ilgai tenka laukti saldžiausių akimirkų, tačiau čia jų sulaukiau jau pirmoje knygos pusėje!
Tiesa, kai kurioms skaitytojoms gali nepatikti, kad istorijos narpliojime nėra daug paslapčių ar staigmenų. Nors veikėjai bando aiškintis situaciją, skaitytojui viskas nuo pradžių gana aišku. Tad intrigos nebuvimas kai kam gali pasirodyti erzinantis.
Visgi ši knyga man priminė, kokie malonūs gali būti istoriniai meilės romanai, ir pažadino norą skaityti daugiau. Atrodo, kad laikas vėl grįžti prie šio žanro!

[Jessica Grogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant, easy read perfect for downtime during a vacation.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book with a very unusual beginning. The book opens as Pru reminisces about how she became her aunt's companion. Tall and shy, her Season in London did not go well. After hearing herself described as "dull as her name," Pru offered to become Aunt Minerva's companion, allowing her younger, prettier, and livelier sisters to make suitable matches. In the four years since then, Pru has been happy with her aunt and working in various charitable organizations. On this night, she is up late reading when she hears a sound from the kitchen and discovers a handsome and inebriated man at her kitchen table.

Garrick, Duke of Harland, has spent the day drinking, working up the courage to fulfill his obligation to propose to a lady promised to him since they were children. Garrick has spent the last ten years out of the country after a scandalous duel sent him fleeing to the continent. His mother told him to stay away, even after his father's death, but recently called him home. Garrick is so drunk that he mistakes Pru's house for one a few doors down, run by a woman of questionable virtue.

I liked the first encounter between Pru and Garrick. Pru is understandably shocked and wary at first, but her caring nature emerges once she realizes he is no threat. I loved watching her fix him food, encourage him to eat, and listen to his troubles. Having someone listen to him makes a huge difference, and he finally leaves her kitchen in a better frame of mind. But this is not the end of their acquaintance.

They meet again a few months later in London. Pru and her aunt are staying with a friend, and Pru is again facing societal events that she dislikes. Garrick went to London after his erstwhile fiancée rejected him, but the rumor mill claims that he jilted her, labeling him a rogue. Other unsavory rumors are circulating about him, and Pru is told to keep away from him. But those rumors contradict what she knows of him, and her sense of fairness is outraged. When she overhears the person spreading the rumors, she insists on telling Garrick about it. The perpetrator is no surprise to him, but he plans to leave London until it all dies down. Unfortunately for his plans, Pru is determined to fight those rumors, and Garrick feels he must remain in London to protect her from herself.

I enjoyed seeing Pru's investigative attempts as she tried to find a way to clear Garrick's name. She unearths some helpful information, but Garrick is determined to keep her out of scandal's way. With the time they spend together, it's no surprise that the connection they felt at their first meeting grows stronger. Though Pru has fallen hard for Garrick, she is convinced she is too far below him for anything to come of it. Meanwhile, Garrick realizes he wants Pru in his life, but his attempts to make her see that are awkward at best.

When Garrick's attempt to follow up on some of Pru's information results in him being badly beaten, Pru is the one who steps in to nurse him. She has no care for her reputation, only that Garrick recovers. I ached for her fears for him and her belief that he only wanted her out of gratitude. It takes some interference from an unexpected source for Pru to believe him when he tells her of his feelings.

The story behind the rumors about Garrick is one of jealousy and revenge, with his misspent youth coming back to haunt him. I loved Pru's instinctive distrust of that couple when she met them and her determination to foil their plans. There were also further rumors about his actions on the continent, fed from the same source. I was unsurprised by the truth, as it was a far better fit for Garrick's personality. Pru's actions put her in danger, and that confrontation kept me glued to the pages until it was resolved.

My favorite secondary characters were Garrick's friend, Jack, and his valet, Stow. Jack knows Garrick well and becomes a critical ally in clearing Garrick's name. I especially enjoyed seeing Jack and Pru stand together against Garrick's stubbornness, and I would love to see Jack get his own story. I loved how Stow immediately took to Pru and conspired with her to help Garrick. They made a terrific team when Garrick was injured.

The only thing that might have improved the book was an epilogue to show how they are doing later.

#netgalley

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prudence Clifford drew me into this book’s unfamiliar world from the very beginning – she’s a quite wonderfully drawn character. At twenty-five, she’s rather given up on the idea of marriage – especially having overheard herself described by a potential suitor as “dull as her name”, although she always knew she failed to shine in a crowd – and, having nursed her brother until his untimely death following a riding accident, she’s more than happy to move to Bath as companion to her Aunt Minerva, involving herself in charitable works and escaping into the Gothic novels she so enjoys.

But, one night, she hears a noise in the kitchen – and finds a stranger sitting at the table, dishevelled and inebriated. He turns out to be Garrick Chauntry, Duke of Hartland – she feeds him, listens to his account of his life, and, when he leaves, never expects their paths to cross again. But, of course, they do – in London for the summer, for the celebrations accompanying the 1814 visit of the allied sovereigns and the defeat of Napoleon, their lives again become entangled. He’s ostracised by society – scandal surrounding his youthful departure from England, suspicion surrounding the time he spent in France – but Pru believes in him, and risks her reputation by setting about uncovering the true story.

I entirely loved this book, and for so many reasons. The backdrop of the state visit and all the celebrations is just perfectly done – the formal occasions they attend (her aunt’s friend, who they’re staying with, has connections in the diplomatic service), the balls and receptions, but also all the street celebrations making London even more vibrant and exciting. The descriptions are quite superb, the whole atmosphere wonderfully recreated, drawing you into the story’s world. Then there’s the relationship between Pru and Garrick – he really doesn’t want a woman defending his honour, but she’s equally determined to defy convention, and sparks frequently fly between them. And I must say that their developing romance was everything I could have possibly wanted it to be – fraught with issues, not least their differing positions in society, but with a degree of heat and passion that I totally believed in and thoroughly enjoyed.

But there’s a great deal more to this book than the setting and the romance – it’s also an entirely gripping story, laced with intrigue and villainy, lots of threat and danger, the pages turning ever faster. The women are particularly well developed, strong and feisty – Pru herself of course, but also those who (sometimes unexpectedly) support her. But the male characters are very strong too – Garrick himself (my goodness, he’s certainly worth risking your reputation for!), but there’s also a particularly dastardly and very real villain, and a faithful friend in Lord John who was perhaps one of my favourites of the many more minor characters. And the writing? Well, it’s just fantastic – the very best story-telling, with a consistent pace that kept me on the edge of my seat, only enhanced by my belief in the wonderful relationship between the two main characters.

I know I’ve said it before – and perhaps that was because of the author’s writing too – but I think I can safely say that I’m a total convert to the world of Regency fiction, and certainly plan to read more. And if it’s a world you’d like to experience too, I’d very much recommend you try this book – I loved every moment!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prudence Clifford has given up on finding a husband, having heard the rumor that men find her dull. Resigned to this fate, she is surprised to find an intoxicated Duke in her aunt's kitchen one night.

Garrick the Duke of Hartland was attempting to stave off his negative feelings by getting drunk. Unknown to him, he had stumbled into the wrong household and ended up in a strange kitchen with Prudence Clifford, a woman he soon finds intriguing. But he is off to propose to a woman he has nothing in common with, a thought that does not make him happy.

Circumstances take a turn when Pru finds out that someone is besmirching Garrick's name around London. Despite Garrick wanting Pru to have nothing to do with his problems, lest it tarnish her reputation or put her in danger, Pru defends him and insists on helping him clear his name by trying to find out as much as she can about those who are trying to ruin him.

Through a whirlwind of social engagements, Pru is able to discover some helpful clues. Garrick is still trying to protect Pru by keeping her out of the loop. When the next-to-the-worst happens, will Pru risk her reputation to help the Duke yet again?

This was a good story with some intrigue. Although the author dropped no hints as to why Prudence found defending the Duke so imperative at the beginning, the reader can surmise it may have been her strong sense of justice, and her growing feelings for him.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Sarah Mallory for years and her books are always magnificent. I have read both her Scottish and regency books and it is no wonder she wins so many awards. Her books are absolutely perfect.

This book starts off a she hearing people talk negatively about her on the lines of being not fun at all and rather boring. Not the ways anyone wants to hear about themselves! So after this horrific season Pru decides to stay with her Aunt. Except one mornignshe finds a handsome uninvited Duke at her breakfast table in the kitchen which is more than a wee bit unusual! Pru soon realized they have quite the understanding but it is the three months later that is mind blowing!

Pru tries to help save the Duke's abd repuation but falls in love in the process. Especially when she had accepted her life as a spinster. What shall she do? What will the Duke do? Read and discover thoer fate!

A fun ROM that any lover of romance will enjoy. I absoluely loved Pru she was a character I absolutely loved!

I have been reading Sarah Mallory for years and her books are always magnificent. I have read both her Scottish and regency books and it is no wonder she wins so many awards. Her books are absolutely perfect. Definitely a novel a romance readers do not want to miss! A book I highly recommend!

I recieved this arc from Harlequin and Netgalley

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prudence Clifford has no pretensions of marriage and lives a very comfortable life in Bath as a companion to her elderly aunt Minerva. Prudence fills her days with charitable works and is entirely comfortable with her own company until, late one night, she discovers a very handsome man sitting at her kitchen table. This unorthodox meeting with the Duke of Hartland leads Prudence into a very different sort of life which, once tasted, is very difficult to give up.

I loved this Regency romance from start to finish, the story is beautifully written and feels wonderfully authentic whether it be taking tea in the grand salons of London's upper classes or dancing an intimate waltz at one of the many evening soirees. There is so much to enjoy and with both Prudence and the Duke being such fascinating characters there is never a dull moment between them. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing along with a frisson of delicious romance which runs like a silken thread throughout the whole of the story.

I do love reading a good Regency romance and this author is certainly one of my favourite writers of this increasingly fashionable genre. Pure escapism from start to finish, I loved it.

[Sally Hetherington OAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a sweet historical romance with a touch of spice, The Night she Met the Duke by Sarah Mallory is a great choice.

This book tells the story of Prudence Clifford, a young lady who decides to leave London after a disastrous Season and ends up finding unexpected romance in Bath.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book, especially Pru. She's a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself and pursue what she wants in life. The Duke, on the other hand, is full of integrity, charming and romantic, making for a perfect match with Pru.

The emotional connection between the two characters is beautifully written, and their unexpected reunion three months later adds an extra layer of excitement to the story. The book is well-paced and kept me engaged throughout.

This was my first Mills and Boon paperback, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. The size and feel of the book are lovely, making it a great addition to any bookshelf. I enjoyed this book so much that I have subscribed monthly to the historical romance books.

The Night she Met the Duke is a comforting and enjoyable read, perfect for anyone looking for a sweet historical romance. I highly recommend it!

[Lost Chapter ✧ · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 45 % of the book.
The beginning was strong and funny, but the momentum soon died down and not even their shared secret moment, away from the other party guests, could bring it back for me. The ups and downs of Garrick's personal life and tense relationship with his family was what kept me reading for a 100+ pages. As for our heroine... I have to agree with what one specific gentlemen had said - Prudence is rather boring. She has nothing going on for her apart from charity work and no friends (I wouldn't consider her aunt and other married women as friends). The only one pushing the plot is Garrick and his troubles. Prudence just thrusts herself into his life not out the goodness of her heart (as many others around her keep mentioning), but because she has obviously nothing else to do than stick her nose in other people's business.
It's a pleasant read if you don't expect much. This far into the book there are no real stakes apart from the lies that Garrick was working with the enemy during his time abroad.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely way to while away a weekend reading this excellent Regency romance.

Not the usual soppy romance but one with a sound backstory and well developed characters. Yes, Duke meets woman of a different station in life and many misunderstandings throughout cause the path of true love to run not so smoothly.

The Duke has a slightly tarnished reputation and confides his side of alledged misdemeanours when he meets Pru one night after staggering into her house drunk and incapable. She is a good listener and believes his side of events… he leaves and she assumes she will never see him again… wrong.

The couple meet again in London and Pru becomes embroiled in trying to restore the Dukes good name and scotch untrue rumours. They become close … very close for one night.

The love story rumbles on in the background whilst the intrigue around the Dukes affairs whilst in France are questioned . Will this end well ?

[Anita (Hearts and Whodunits) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since Prudence Clifford had a disastrous season, she decides to stay with her aunt in Bath. But Pru’s new life is anything but dull when one night she finds an uninvited guest, a duke, sitting at her kitchen table! Pru will never forget the connection they shared. But it’s their reunion three months later that will prove unforgettable.
This was a very interesting historical romance. Prudence is a great romantic heroine who takes it upon herself to do things against convention and is a strong independent woman in a time where that wasn't allowed. The one word I would use to describe the duke is dashing. Even though he was going through a lot of trouble, he fought to protect Pru, even risking his own life in the process. My only issue with this romance is that it seemed too long and drawn out. This review is my unbiased opinion. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the honor of reading this advanced reader's copy.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prudence and the tarnished duke...

Prudence Clifford is firmly on the shelf at 25, but happily living with her aunt and money isn't an issue. She finds fulfilment working with the infirm. Garrick, a duke with many regrets, a terrible sense of direction (he goes to the wrong house to play cards and dally with a widow) a terrible reputation and well and truly falling down drunk spills his woes to the non-judgemental Pru the night he meets her.

They have a division in class, Garrick's reputation goes from bad to worse (he got thrown over for another woman) and someone is trying to do serious damage to Garrick (he spends a good portion unconcious while Pru nurses him). Old lovers, a shady plot, and all the while, Pru stands by her man.
But I did like both Pru and Garrick and enjoyed this book,.
4.5 stars

[Dot Salvagin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Mallory is a new-to-me author who has written many romances. What took me so long? This book is well written and the character development is spot on. Pru is a spinster and has no betrothal prospects in her future. She is content to be a companion to her aunt in Bath. When she and her aunt are invited to London for the season she is happy to go along and see the sights. Then she sees the duke again and she can't deny to herself that she has feelings for the man that the ton thinks is a rogue. He tries to discourage her but Pru is very stubborn and tries to save his tarnished reputation. This was a fun romantic read. I will definitely read more from this author.

I received this book free for review from the publisher.

[Debs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensible Prudence and her Duke

A lovely story - Prudence meets Garrett after he falls down the stairs to her house when drunk on his way to a gambling house in Bath. An inauspicious start to a friendship formed at a kitchen table, eating in the early hours of the morning. Garrett goes on to make the offer he was obliged to make to a lady promised to him for some years (why he was so drunk and in Bath), Prudence continues to act as companion to her Aunt but... Garrett is refused by the lady, Pru travels to London as her Aunt joins her society friend, and accusations of Garrett colluding with Bonaparte in his colourful past abound. What is practical no-nonsense Pru to do but help him...... Because he's her friend and she might also be falling in love with him. Five stars.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a disastrous London season, Prudence goes to stay with her aunt in Bath. An unlikely meeting with a duke convinces her to rehabilitate his roguish reputation. Will he ruin her instead?

This is a witty and entertaining book. I loved the meet cute, and the way Garrick played on Pru's name to warn her about the risks she's taking. Their playful relationship, in contrast to Pru's otherwise ordinary life, made this a fun and heartwarming read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Renée Dahlia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An mf historical regency romance with the LESBIAN side plot! This was the most delightful way to deal with a woman who'd waited ten years for a Duke to finally marry her, and then decide 'hell no' leaving him in the lurch while she ran off with her lover.

Instead, the Duke meets the heroine of this book who is a lovely bluestocking with zero social manners, and a determination that was enjoyable to read. She rushes around saving him and basically running his life, and he eventually figures out that he should grow up and be worthy of her.

[Katy Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adoro i romanzi di Sarah Mallory, la leggo sempre volentietri.
La storia di Sebastian e Prudence è molto dolce, romantica e con un pizzico di suspense da rendere la lettura ancora più avvincente.
Prudence è una donna onesta, buona e caritatevole; è convinta che resterà per sempre zitella, ma quando Sebastian entra nella sua vita con il suo passato doloroso e le malelingue che lo dipingono addirittura come una spia dei francesi, la vita di entrambi cambia.
Belli anche i personaggi secondari.
La trama è interessante e ha un bel sviluppo, perfetto per trascorrere qualche ora di svago.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Garrick, a drunken duke, mistakenly stumbles into her kitchen late one night Pru decides to feed him. Telling her his many troubles, Garrick feels very comfortable with Pru. When they see each other socially, Pru decides to ignore the nasty rumors about him. Unable to deny their mutual feelings, Pru defends him and remains loyal even though he is above her in class. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Harlequin for my honest review.

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Love, Love this book so much!!

I have read quite a few of Sarah Mallory's books (plus have many, many more sitting on my Kindle) and have loved each one, but this blows all others out of the water, this gorgeous book is my favourite (to date) I loved every moment, it has all the feels, all the love, all the emotion - plus a rollicking great ride, not to mention a hero who has just ruined all other heroes for me for life, I will never be over Garrett, it's those twinkly green eyes.

I am loving the opening, a chance meeting which changes their lives - not that they realise it yet, but they will, Oh they will whether they like are not! It felt like it was one of those chance meetings which could happen to any of us - our hero turning up a little worse for wear at the wrong door followed by a good old chinwag. Yup, that could happen - I say looking out of my window for a staggering, slightly dishevelled green-eyed duke (sigh, nothing but the grumpy postman).

Pru and Garrett are different and yet similar in so many ways. They are from different circles and yet they are perfect for one another. I love that he accepts her for who she is, respects her for her charitable work and admires her for her constant kindness and selflessness and she is the determined support and love that he needs. Pru is so unlike the other ladies of the ton, she hates being the centre of attention and hates being on display, and yet there is real passion and fire hidden beneath that solid fortress. But despite their obvious differences in their stations and that everyone in London is trying to warn her off him, they are perfect for each other. Yet at times, I felt like banging their head together and shouting what are you two playing at, look what's in front of you stop being stubbornly proud pillocks!

Sorry about that, but it's true, they have a very saucy night together and then each tries to pull away, one pulls back the other fouls things up and then they play this will-they won't they game until he gets clonked on the head. It's exhausting keeping up with them.

Pru and Garrett are two people who would love to fade into the shadows, they want nothing to do with society and the ton, which let's face it can be toxic at times. Pru isn't your stereotypical beauty taller than most and is thought to be a little odd, as in she doesn't care what others think and would rather help those in need than spit venom, which in my book isn't odd it's being a compassionate and caring human being and I instantly liked her. I loved her refreshingly unselfish view of the world and how she always went out of her to help.

Whereas Garrett is trying to hide from scandal, darkness and lies follow him wherever he goes, from one stupid act as a young buck when his head was turned by a pretty little user he has been shunned, and whispered about behind fans and hands. Only as much as he would love to keep well hidden in Europe he must come back, after the death of his father he must return home and deal with the mess his father left behind.

Now he is back Garrett is once again thrust into the spotlight, not only due to his return but events cause his name to be dragged through the mud, he must find out why and who is causing his so much grief and try and stop them before he is arrested as being a traitor - eek!!

But never fear our ravishingly handsome green-eyed rogue (did I mention how much I love a green-eyed hero?) Believe me, this guy can ravish me any day) has a very loyal, if infuriatingly stubborn ally.

I loved, loved, loved the action the drama the intrigue it reminded me of Elizabeth Hoyts Maiden Lane series (if you've read those then you'll love this one).

Fast-paced, seductive, racy, heart-in-the-mouth moments which will have you perched at the edge of your seat, one particular dramatic coach rescue springs to mind, oh Garrett!!! (read it and you will see).

I have to mention Garrett's best friend Jack, oh lordy lordy, he may even take my attention away from glorious Garrett!! I adore him - this charming, rascal needs a story, he needs to be put in his place by an equally charismatic strong woman (hint, hint, pretty please can we have Jack's story, I will get on my knees and beg if need be.)

I have so much love for this (Hmm, I may have said that already) but I do, it's passionate and romantic, fun and full of intrigue. Great plot, even though it wasn't hard to figure out who the villain was but I loved the ending and great characters - complex, seriously stubborn, far too proud, passionate, sexy, relatable and adorable. There are some great supporting characters - Jack (gawd, I loved him) Garrett's mother was a force to be reckoned with and I am loving the hint of a Gentleman Jack romance in the form of Garrett's supposed betrothed, I'd love to know more about how they are getting on, maybe a story of their own? True I didn't love all the characters Pru's aunt and her friend were a little too much and Helene - well she was a real vulture looking for the decaying to prey on.

Overall, I loved it, it's a saucy sweet romance with an exciting subplot, my only issue is the cover, yes it's pretty but to me, it doesn't relate to how I saw Garrett and Pru, apart from that it's fabulous!

[Debbie Dodd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

A easy enjoyable read

[Kristal Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish, this was an incredible read.

I truly think this author is one that we all need to be stacking our shelves with. She has a true gift. With this book, I was so surprised to see how well she told three stories from just two points of view. She made every page exciting and a must-read. She offered the reader mystery, romance, and a fresh look at life.

The characters were so reliable and so nice to just read, to see them grow before our eyes and to experience them. She has earned a total of 5/5 for this one and I hope that I see more of her work soon. Each one is a unforgettable experience.

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah Mallory's The Night She Met the Duke is a decent enough romance overrun by exclamation points. Multiple exclamation points per page, even per paragraph. So many, they distracted me from the story, interfering with my reading cadence.

Once one gets past the exclamation points (provided one can! See what I did there?), the story is, as I said, decent enough. Pru is acting as companion to a much loved aunt in Bath when Garrick, Duke of Hartland, stumbles drunkenly into her aunt's kitchen late one night. He shares secrets and she provides advice, and both feel they have made a connection, even as Garrick goes off to propose to the woman his family, and hers, have long expected him to wed.

Months later, Pru's aunt has been invited to the London season and Pru has accompanied her, and Pru and Garrick meet again. Garrick has a terrible reputation having almost killed a man in a duel and then crying off the engagement he left Pru to make (or so the gossips say). Pru, however, believes in him and acts as his defender even when he doesn't want her to do so. The duo fall for each other, leading to him proposing out of love without telling her he is in love, which in turn leads her to say no as she believes he asks only out of duty. The typical regency dance. Throw in a mean spirited ex-lover and her wicked husband, and the book proceeds from there.

3 stars. It might have been higher but for the exclamation points. Thank you to Harlequin and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

[J Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read.
Prudence Clifford ("dull as her name" she believes) is staying at her aunt’s house in Bath when the Duke, Garrick, comes into her kitchen accidentally. They share secrets and Pru will never forget their connection. When they meet 3 months later in London she discovers he has not forgotten her either.
Because of their earlier connection Pru feels compelled to defend the duke when rumors circulate that harm his reputation. She doesn't believe them and with the help of Garrick's friend she dispels them.
The story is a little long when Garrick tries to stop her interfering but it ends tidy and satisfying.

He is a Duke and has his own kind of power so for Prudence to interfere stretches the story but Pru is endearing and peristant which makes you root for her.