Could finding love be his greatest scandal of all? The Duke of Griffin has never lived down his reputation as one of the Rakes of St. James. Now rumors are swirling around London that his twin sisters may bear the brunt of his past follies. Hiring a competent chaperone is the only thing Griffin has on his mind–until he meets the lovely and intriguing Miss Esmeralda Swift. In ways he could never … In ways he could never have expected, she arouses more than just his curiosity.
Esmeralda Swift considered herself too sensible to ever fall for a scoundrel, but that was before she met the irresistibly seductive Duke of Griffin. His employment offer proves too tempting for her to resist. She can t afford to be distracted by his devilish charms because the stakes are so high for his sisters debut Season. . .unless one of London s most notorious rakes has had a change of heart and is ready to make Esmeralda his bride in Last Night with the Duke, the first novel in the brand-new Regency Rakes of St. James series by New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey.
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*** 3.5 Stars ***
This is the first book in the new First Comes Love series and it does a nice job of introducing the ladies and setting up the premise of the series. We learn just enough about each of the ladies who will be featured in the later books to be intrigued by them and to want to read their books. The writing was good, the storyline had great potential, but was just a tad on the blah side. Also, I don’t think we ever learned the hero’s name – he was only referred to or called by his title.
There were several comical moments that I enjoyed – although they weren’t comical to the characters. They reminded me of some of the really old-time romantic comedy movies. The opening scene is indicative of those. Our heroine has received a box from a modiste by mistake – but she is intrigued – it contains a sexy, very immodest set of red stays and a long golden sash. She can’t help herself – she slips them on over her dress. Just as she gets them on and is twirling around, a very angry Earl comes storming in accusing her of opening a brothel. Well – she’s certainly dressed for the part! That encounter sets the pace for many of their other encounters.
Adeline is now twenty-two and has been widowed for two years. She’s not unhappy that her cruel husband is gone and she doesn’t even feel guilty for not really mourning him. He fooled her cruelly – he convinced her that he loved her and then when they married, he abused her. Her only purpose to him was to provide him with an heir – he had mistresses for other things. Now, after that two-year marriage, she is free of him and she has absolutely no intention of ever finding herself in that situation again – there will never be a second marriage for her.
Her husband and all aboard the Salty Dove were lost when the ship sank in a sudden storm off the coast of Portugal. She soon met two other young widows whose husbands were also lost when the ship sank and they decided to open a boarding school for some of the daughters of the crew members who were lost with the ship. They knew there was little future for those girls without a father or brother to help with their support. Since the widows were now very wealthy, they were able to give something back to the unfortunate families who had nothing left.
Lyon is the only son of the Marquess of Marksworth (Ignore that the blurb says Earl of Marksworth, in the book he’s a Marquess). Marksworth has been after Lyon to marry and sire a child for eight years, but Lyon insists that he won’t marry until he falls in love. So far, he hasn’t found anyone who interests him – until he meets the spitfire who has moved in next door and started a boarding school for girls. He likes a quiet, orderly world and here are those children squealing and laughing practically in his backyard.
Sparks flew between Lyon and Adeline the first time they met and only intensified with each subsequent encounter. It didn’t take long for Lyon to realize he was totally smitten and Adeline knew she wanted Lyon, but she didn’t want marriage. Lyon won’t accept anything less than marriage and Adeline proposes they only become lovers. Now, he has to convince her. Can he?
I do have to say; I didn’t care for the resolution. I can’t tell you why, because that would be spoiling the story. I understand the plight – but – it just wasn’t particularly romantic or what I’d prefer to see. You may not agree when you read it, but I would have preferred a different resolution.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Few guardians can be as protective as a rake –because he knows just how bad other men can be. That is why the Duke of Griffin wants his twin sisters so carefully chaperoned. He knows they are at risk from men like him, but also that his past indiscretions might cause some men to plot revenge. These indiscretions aren’t cruel, but they were unkind — Griffin and the other Rakes of St. James thought it funny to play with young girls’ affections. You can read the book for the details of how. What bothers me about this as a plot device is that is all about what men want, while women suffer. Despite disliking that bit of the plot, this is still a fun read, with the duke and Esmeralda so attractive as H/h. She is fierce in her protection of her little sister, Josephine, and intent on keeping her safe. Esmeralda is a capable, smart woman who has made her way in a time when women on their own had few choices. The Duke is clever about getting her to work for him, and then can’t help himself as her brains and beauty both attract him. He is too quick to judge, and that makes him less appealing — but he makes up for it in the end, as the two work their way to their HEA, which when it comes, is most well-deserved. (I received an advanced copy on NetGalley. Opinions are mine.)
What a wonderful introduction to the series – the Rakes are a treat not to be missed.
Full review posted at Reader’s Edyn on 02/02/20
Esmerelda has had a rough go of it. Her mother was cast out after being widowed and then defying her brother so that she could remarry for love. Mother and stepfather have both since passed away, leaving Esmerelda to support herself and her younger sister. Now running a struggling employment agency, and the owner taking advantage of her, she is wondering where the next amount of money will come from for the past due bills. When the Duke of Griffin happens into her agency, she can’t afford to say no to his requests to chaperone his twin sisters during their debut despite her numerous excuses to try and escape the offer. The Duke posses many problems even though the money is more than she could ever expect to bring in over the next year. What harm could fall in six weeks anyway? The Duke refuses to take no for an answer and she’s run out of excuses. If only he wasn’t so dang intriguing.
Griffin is immediately taken with Esmerelda – a Rake by notoriety, his past deeds have set up a possible disaster for his sisters’ debut season. He is in need of extra helps to ensure their reputations remain intact. He knows Esmerelda is the one he requires, and he’ll stop at nothing to ensure her acceptance of his proposal. Before too long, he’s craving quite a lot more from her and considering how best to redirect her refusals into surrender. In a moment of heated emotions, Griffin makes a disastrous mistake and he’s not sure how to fix it. He isn’t accustomed to losing anything he’s wanted – he’s never wanted anything more than Esmerelda – and he isn’t about to start losing now.
I am so thrilled to have been able to read and review this book as an ARC. Unfortunately, life happened, and the review never occurred, so I just re-read the book and would willingly do so several more times. I enjoyed myself immensely while reading this beautifully told story of two extremely strong-minded individuals who ultimately attract to each other despite their seemingly opposing personalities and stations in life. Imagine Griffin’s shock when he discovers that Esmerelda is, in reality, one of his peers. I absolutely adored their burning passion and the fact that they fought it for as long as possible without giving in too easily despite their raging desire to succumb. Their sharp wit and delectable banter heightened each engagement. I effortlessly played each scene vividly in my mind as the drama unfolded. Adding delicious detail to the plot were several additional characters. Sometimes I find there are too many characters added to a story in an effort to fluff the content. Not so in this case. Each individual added a memorable contribution and I ended up discovering each one to be just as likable as the last; desiring to find out more about each of them. The other two rakes, Rath and Hawk were delectable, and I am thrilled to know that I have the other two books of the series to dive in to next. I am more than willing to spend several more hours with each of the Rakes of St. James. Even Griffin’s sisters, Sara and Vera, were captivating – so similar in appearance yet completely opposite in mannerisms and delightfully entertaining. I do have one question though – What is Griffin’s name? The entire book he is only referred to as The Duke of Griffin and everyone calls him by his title or Griffin. I don’t recall ever seeing his name mentioned anywhere. Odd, that. He had to have been someone prior to inheriting the title.
I did truly find the entries of MISS MAMIE FORTESCUE’S DO’S AND DON’TS FOR CHAPERONES, GOVERNESSES, TUTORS, AND NURSES as included at the beginning of each chapter, to be highly entertaining. What a thoughtful and insightful detail to add. A little something extra added for the benefit of the reader to be able to have a bit of comprehension into Esmerelda’s determination to behave in particular ways as authored by the founder of the agency. I was quite annoyed with Napoleon’s storyline – I won’t ruin that detail. While I understood the way things worked out, I believe Griffin should have sought some sort of retribution even if just a dressing down of the offender. Now that I think of it – the same holds true for Mr. Forescue for taking advantage of Esmerelda when she took over the agency. That would have been quite satisfying to see to be certain. Unfortunately, such details were unnecessary to complete this lovely book, so I will just have to leave it be. Regardless of the undesirable outcome for such scoundrels, I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with these wonderful characters and look forward to beginning the next book in the series – Hawk’s story – which I shall begin forthwith. Assuming the next books are just as enchanting, and I would be shocked if they were not, lovers of HR are sure to gladly embrace the Rakes of St. James and their unexpected journeys toward love with exasperating, competent women who confront them at every opportunity and arouse their passion like no other.
Kindle ARC version provided by publisher/St. Martin’s in exchange for an honest review.
I have been provided with an ARC of Last Night with the Duke from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley for an impartial review. This is the first book that I have read by Amelia Grey and let me just tell you something it will certainly not be the last. This is the first book in the Rakes of St. James Trilogy and what a way to start a series. This book had my emotions all over the place and I completely fell in love with the characters. I loved seeing the interactions between the Duke of Griffin and Esmeralda Swift and their conversations just had me laughing so much. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I am a huge fan of Amelia Grey’s historical romances. While this wasn’t her absolute best, it was better than so many other historical authors. I am thrilled this is the start of a new series and am looking forward to the next book. This book was a little slow moving at the start, but picked up nicely. I enjoyed the conversations between Griffin and Esmeralda. Both characters were well drawn as was the storyline. I also enjoy Amelia Grey’s books because they are substantial – there are enough pages for character development as well as a satisfying story. I get so annoyed when I buy a book and there are fewer than 140 pages. Unless, the author is calling this a novella and pricing it as a novella, I don’t feel like I am getting the benefit of a “novel”.
I can’t wait to read more by Amelia Grey
Griffin, the 4th Duke of Griffin, was looking for a chaperone for his twin sisters, Sara and Vera, since their aunt, Lady Evelyn, had become ill and could not accompany her nieces.
He goes to Miss Mamie Fortercue’s Employment Agency and meets Miss Esmeralda Swift, the 26 years old spinster who ran the office with iron hands.
Esmeralda, or Essie, had a 12 years old sister, Josephine, and had worked for years since her mother had died and, later, Josephine’s father, an Irish poet.
Esmeralda could not be absent from the agency, but Griffin was not a man to take no, and made an offer to her that she could not refuse, not least because she was full of debt.
Esmeralda’s work would be easy. The twins were ready for Season. They just needed a chaperone as company.
However, Griffin was still known as one of the Rakes of St. James. His past had histories that would make any debutante’s mother with their hair up, and because of that, there was now a rumor in town that a past history of him and his two mates, Rath and Hawk, would return. A certain wager they made – and they were discovered, involving the debutantes of that time – would have their settlement, and the target was his sisters.
Griffin needed to maintain the twins’s reputation, and he had Esmeralda’s help.
But while he hoped his sisters would find a good marriage, he himself becomes more and more enchanted by the spinster who didn’t want to know anything about him…
A new enchanted series with great characters.
Can’t wait for Griffin’s mates stories.
5 stars
Publisher’s Description:
Could finding love be his greatest scandal of all?
The Duke of Griffin has never lived down his reputation as one of the Rakes of St. James. Now rumors are swirling around London that his twin sisters may bear the brunt of his past follies. Hiring a competent chaperone is the only thing Griffin has on his mind–until he meets the lovely and intriguing Miss Esmeralda Swift. In ways he could never have expected, she arouses more than just his curiosity.
Esmeralda Swift considered herself too sensible to ever fall for a scoundrel, but that was before she met the irresistibly seductive Duke of Griffin. His employment offer proves too tempting for her to resist. She can’t afford to be distracted by his devilish charms because the stakes are so high for his sisters’ debut Season. . .unless one of London’s most notorious rakes has had a change of heart and is ready to make Esmeralda his bride in Last Night with the Duke, the first novel in the brand-new Regency Rakes of St. James series by New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey.
My Thoughts:
In this the first of a new series Amelia Grey delights us with a pair of twins making their debut on society, an unruly twelve year old girl and we throw in a Sky Terrier for good measure.
These characters add a delightfully funny nature to this wonderful love story.
Esmeralda once would have been making a debut herself had her mother not fell in love with and married an Irish Poet and consequently been disowned by her brother and the family.
Griffin, The Duke of Griffin is one of a trio of young rakish dukes. His aunt is to help bring his twin sisters out into society but she is ill. Now he needs someone to help him.
I loved this book. I have read several other offerings by this author and have enjoyed them. Amelia Grey does tend to write stories that are remarkably sweet in nature. We find only heated kisses and mild petting through most of the book but it does usually lead to one climactic love scene. This is the case with this book. There are moments of laughter and sadness to balance out the story.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5tars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary Digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I voluntarily reviewed.
Griffin the hero didn’t fight Falling in Love he just did I love the leading lady she was funny realistic and she was beautiful on the inside this is a heart melter one that I will read over and over again
Last Night with the Duke by Amelia Grey is a Romantic adventure. Steady paced, well written with charming characters, humorous, passionate and romantic storyline. An enjoyable read to be sure.
Benedict Mercer, Duke of Griffith, has always lived his life as he pleased. Now his exuberant sisters may suffer for it. Determined to give them the season they deserve and husbands worthy of them he sets out to hire a chaperone who will reign in their impulsiveness and protect them from determined scoundrels who are set on ruining them as revenge against due to his past.
Some days Esmeralda Swift wonders how she’s going to manage. Running an employment agency that barely covers its own expenses, much less anything for personal survival, is not what she expected her life to be. When a devilish handsome Duke arrives looking for a chaperone for his twin sisters and requests (ie: demands in his ducal tone) that she take the position Esmeralda is caught between her duty to her agency, the fear of failure, the secret she holds dear, and the need for the money he promises.
Esmeralda makes outrageous demands of her own and Benedict readily agrees. Now all Esmeralda needs to do is survive the season. Mishaps, danger, and a chance of a broken heart all spell a wonderful story.
I loved this story by Amelia Grey. A Duke, with all the haughtiness that goes with the title and a geninue heart of gold. A lady who has to work in a respectable position, struggling to make ends meet and provide a stable atmosphere for her little family while hiding a family secret who is terrified of making a mistake that will cost her her position, expose her secret, or worse – a broken heart.
Ms. Grey’s writing brings out the depth of each of the characters – secondary characters included – making the reader feel as if she is the one in the story.
The Duke of Griffin is one of the Rakes of St. James and hasn’t been forgotten for his part in a prank that took place when he was “young and dumb”. His twin sisters are about to make their debut but a rumor is swirling around that some unseen man could be out to ruin the season for them. So, hiring a competent chaperone is what Griffin sets out to do. He meets the no-nonsense, attractive Miss Esmeralda Swift. From the first there is something different about her that draws his attention, then arouses more than just his senses. Griffin will not take NO for an answer to hire her for the chaperone position.
Esmeralda Swift has secrets of her own but is too smart to ever fall for a peer from “polite society”. When Griffin walks through her door she stands toe to toe with him and doesn’t allow him to get his way but has to fight the attraction she has for him. His job offer is to much to turn down, it will see her financially comfortable for the next several months and she does have her sister to think about besides herself. Essie makes a promise to herself to not be swayed by Griffins charms and sweet words. The sisters’ debut is what she must keep focus on and not losing her heart to one of the Rakes who is famous for not giving his…