A forbidden love, opposites-attract, feel-good romantic romp from a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author:When the Wicked Duke dares the Duke of Colehaven to find a suitor for an unmanageable ward, Cole immediately accepts. He’s on a winning streak, and besides, how unmarriageable can a pretty young lady be? He appoints himself bodyguard and duenna, only to discover his own desires may … bodyguard and duenna, only to discover his own desires may be the greatest danger of all.
Diana Middleton lives a double life, bringing dishonest merchants to justice. Shaking off a meddling duke should be child’s play. Yet the more they lock horns, the more she wants to lock lips. Her scandalous secrets would derail his political career. But surely there’s no harm in one little seduction…
Meet the unforgettable men of London’s most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough…
Wicked Dukes Club #1: One Night for Seduction
Wicked Dukes Club #2: One Night of Surrender
Wicked Dukes Club #3: One Night of Passion
Wicked Dukes Club #4: One Night of Scandal
Wicked Dukes Club #5: One Night to Remember
Wicked Dukes Club #6: One Night of Temptation
Enjoy the brand new series brought to you by USA Today bestselling author Darcy Burke and New York Times bestselling author Erica Ridley!
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Cole is the Duke of Colehaven. Having inherited the dukedom, he didn’t grow up in it, and was always a bit unconventional. He and another duke thought it would be fun to own a tavern and so they purchased one where people from any social class could gather, drink, and be entertained. It was called The Wicked Duke.
While sitting in the tavern with his friends, Cole is offered a dare. Cole is never one to look the other way from a wager, especially those thought to be impossible to win. His friend bets he cannot find a husband for the friend’s ‘unmarriageable’ cousin by the end of the current London season. Without a second thought, the bet is on.
Diana at first has no idea that she is the subject of a wager. She is a young woman, who intends to remain single, has no desire to marry, and has interests of her own. Diana also has a few secrets she wishes to keep to herself about those interests.
Cole is determined to win the wager and wed Diana off, Diana is equally resolute in thwarting Cole’s efforts. But these two are beginning to find that there is more than just an outward appearance to each of them, and maybe this attraction is deeper than either of them expected or gambled upon.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! The story was interesting, Diana was intelligent and quirky as her interests were unusual for a young woman of her era, and I liked Cole and the additional members of this group.
This was a fun romance from start to finish.
I read this as an arc which affected my review in no way at all. My opinions are my own.
The Duke of Colehaven accepts a wager to get the wallflower Diana Middleton a husband by the end of the season. Does he win the date?
I enjoyed this book a lot. This is an entertaining story about Diana a strong female who knows what she want for her life and that doesn’t include marriage. Cole agrees to a wager from her cousin to find her a husband. Battle lines are drawn when they meet. Recieved an ARC and voluntarily giving this review. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I love the premise of this series. It centers around a tavern in London called The Wicked Duke, think Cheers, the TV series. It’s owned by two close friends from Oxford, the Caleb Sutton, 5th Duke of Colehaven and the Valentine Fairfax, 6th Duke of Eastleigh. Because of their escapades at Oxford they were dubbed “The Wicked Dukes”. When they went into business together to be an alternative to the “men’s clubs” that excluded those who didn’t think like them it had to be named The Wicked Duke. It is based on “all men are equal regardless of color, creed or size of their purse.” Truly revolutionary in those days. Cole wasn’t born to the dukedom but found it thrust upon him. He was determined to learn all he could and be the best he could be provide for those depending on him and to gain respect of his peers. He’s done that and is a friend to all besides brewing awesome beer.
Thaddeus Middleton is one of Cole & Val’s friends who has a problem and he wants Cole’s help. He has a ward, a cousin Diana Middleton, who he wants settled and happy. She seems to be unmarriageable as she can’t look at something without seeing a dozen ways to improve it. Her brain never ceases. A very intelligent woman who just wants to make her own choices and not be ruled by her husband as culture dictates. She’s 25 and almost “on the shelf” allowing her a measure of independence. She’s a master chameleon, blending into the wallpaper at society events and being a “spinster secret agent” in the marketplace pretending to be Mrs. Peabody, inspection secretary for a barrister. Such a wonderful breath of fresh air in this time of empty headed debutantes. Thad challenges Cole to find her a husband and Cole takes him up on it as he’s on a winning streak the last few years.
This is a fabulous introduction to this miniseries by two best friend historical authors. We meet many of the characters who will play a part in this series of 6 books. I find I’m looking forward to Val’s book as well as Cole’s sister Felicity, no shrinking violet herself. Cole thinks this will be easily taken care of in the week before Parliament starts it’s session. He has no idea. Along the way they begin to realize they both believe and are working for the same objective: fairness, justice, equality, a better life for all. Diana finally realizes she can work within society and Cole wants her to partner with him to chase their dreams together.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I already read books by Erica Ridley so I knew she doesn’t disappoint. She didn’t this time either.
Colehaven wants Diana married but the problem is, she doesn’t want to. If she’s married, she couldn’t do what she loves – which is making the life of the common people easier by visiting dishonest people who are selling things above their price. That’s why she’s always in the background at the balls. Literally, her gowns are the same colour as the wallpaper so nobody would notice her.
I love how this story progressed and that they each had goals they wanted to achieve. I also love how different Colehaven was from the typical rogues, he was actually nice to everyone.
But even though the writing and the story make me give this book 5 stars, there was something missing. See, Colehaven made a bet and at some moment, Diana found out about it but yet, there was no questioning whether Colehaven loves her for who she is or because he wants to win. He did drop the bet but not once does it say that Diana knows, the bet is no longer going around. That’s what I was missing in this story. So, I’m kind of thinking of 4.5 stars to 5 stars. It’s not a big deal, I know, but I wish this was explained.
ARC provided by an author and her Review Crew in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Duke of Colehaven, Cole to his friends is known for taking a dare and winning every time, is dared by his friend Thad Middleton to find a
husband for his cousin Diana. Taking the bet he goes to meet her
only to mistake her for a chambermaid due to her choice clothes. and finding she prefers math to dances or parties and wants to change and organize England’s weight and measurement laws totally confusing Cole. During future engagements, he discovers Diana uses the name Mrs. Peabody and pretends to be an inspector to inspect vendors measuring equipment to keep them honest, while Cole is impressed and attracted he knows she will never find a husband by doing this. When Diana finds out he is trying to marry her off she becomes very angry with him and is determined to never marry and lose her freedoms. Cole has other ideas and begins trying to change her mind only time will tell.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This was a very enjoyable first book in The Wicked Duke series. Erica Ridley has a way of writing that has well developed characters and lol sense of humor . I was thoroughly hooked from the first of Diana and Coles story. Cole takes a wager from his friend that he’ll be able to marry off his unmarriageable cousin, Diana, by the end of the season. How hard can it be? Let the fun begin. This promises to be a fun new series with Erica writing the odd # books and Darcy Burke writing the even #’d ones! I can’t wait. I highly recommend this book. I received this copy from the author and NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing. My thoughts are my own.
Another wonderful trip through the Arabian desert along with a romantic tale by Ms. Tuhart. Her words bring up in your mind of the royal palace, the market square, or any other place where the story unfolds. So realistic you can sense the desert heat permeating your body – as well as the hot and steamy scenes. There is mystery, intrigue, and spying that will take hold of your interest so strongly that you will have to read it all in one sitting.
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I have read some of the author’s books before and really enjoyed them, but I totally fell in love with this book! The book was a great start to the Wicked Duck Club series. It was so entertaining that I couldn’t stop reading. Diana and Cole were so passionate about their goals to improve the system of measurements. I loved reading about the way the two of them went about trying to accomplish their goals. Their personalities were so opposite, Diana trying to blend in and Cole enjoying the spotlight. The story was full of surprises and humor. It was well written and so easy to read! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the quirky personality and eccentricities that Diana had. She had a multi-dimensional ability in solving mathematical problems. Whether they be simple math, chess, household duties. She was also extremely efficient and strove to help others streamline their household to their best effectiveness. Her heart was in the right place although some may see her as over the top. But those who loved her, loved her as she was. Cole is a Duke. He began life in poverty before the title came to him. He felt he had to improve the life of all especially the working class. He takes his place in Parliament and House of Lords trying to make a difference. Even though he and Diana never met they had so much in common although went about it in opposite ways. The relationship between them began based on a wager that Cole would be able to marry Diana off before the season was over. An interesting read. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I hope the rest of this series is as good as this book. I am new to Erica Ridley’s writing but so far
I really enjoy it. Her characters and story line are unique and interesting but also believable. Diana is a saucy “spinster” working hard to make sure town vendors are not overcharging the townspeople. She refuses to change her ways or be “owned” by a husband. Colehaven is a duke that has not lost a wager in 10 years. He was determined to find Diana a husband. I really enjoyed the twists and turns their story took. I am so looking forward to the next book.
ONE NIGHT FOR SEDUCTION is the first book in the Wicked Dukes Club series. They are meant to stand alone, but I believe it is always best to read the first in any series first as it sets the tone.
There was never any doubt that Colehaven, Cole to his friends, was going to lose the wager and win the prize of a lifetime, Diana. How they got there was a game worthy of a master chess player.
He may be in his thirties, but it took maturing to realize how to woo the lady to be his duchess. Sigh! This story was adorable, sweet, at times maddeningly obvious, but all together perfect. I couldn’t think of two people more meant to be together. Until the next two people that Erica Ridley presents to us, of course.
I love the idea of this series, and Darcy Burke is a new-to-me author, so I’m looking forward to the next book to see how she writes.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via NetGalley, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: ONE NIGHT FOR SEDUCTION
Series: Wicked Dukes Club #1
Category /Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Erica Ridley (as an ARC gifted copy)
A wonderful start to a new series. Loved it!
Diana is quite a modern woman in her way of thinking and desire for independence, and Cole has a bit of catching up to do in that regard. He does get there, however, and I love how they both come to accept and cherish the other for who they truly are.
As always I loved the clever and humorous banter between the characters, and I’ve never known weights and measures to be as intriguing and exciting as they are here. I so enjoyed all the historical details, strewn like little gifts throughout the book. There’s an intricacy and richness to the wording and writing style in Erica Ridley’s books that make them an absolute joy to read, something to savor and not rush through.
She takes a bit more leeway this time with the prevalent moral code and societal restrictions on women’s lives in the 19th century than I’d have preferred, but nothing that seriously detracted from my enjoyment of the story.
A fun, witty, sexy and engaging romance filled with interesting charters and heart pounding twists. Was a great adventure from beginning to end and was so fun to read. Loving this series and look forward to reading more adventures from the Wicked Dukes Club.
Two very different people both trying to accomplish the same thing. Cole is the duke of Colehaven Middleton a woman who at that time had really no say in things. I enjoyed reading how these two get their happy ending. I will be looking for more books in this series. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing.
What is a woman to do when she is born with a brain that outshines that of most men? She hides in plain sight and determines her course in spite of the norms of society. Diana Middleton doesn’t want a husband and she certainly doesn’t want the ideals of other women of her era, namely a wealthy husband, the latest fashions and children. An unjust measuring system? Now that is something she can get her teeth into. Taking on a bet to marry Diana off before the season is over is just up the Duke of Colehaven’s street. He’s never lost a bet and matching Diana with a suitable husband is a walk in the park. That is until he finds himself being bemused and confused by a brilliant young woman who stands up to him and challenges him at every turn. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters in this book. There wasn’t a bad egg amongst them. As this novel is the beginning of the series, it also introduces the other Wicked Dukes and I look forward to reading all about them. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
A new series brought by two great authors, Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke.
The first book of a series is always difficult; begin to introduce the characters that will follow is not easy… But in this book here we already begin to understand the rhythm of the series.
We have an independent heroine who lives to help other people by unmasking people who take advantage of others through their business.
She meets the Duke of Colehaven – Cole – who had been challenged by another duke to find the romantic pair for a mutual friend.
From there, Diana Middleton becomes Cole’s target, but before introducing her to another man, Cole decides she would be his… forever.
But would Diana, as the independent woman she was, accept to marry?
4 stars
Caleb Sutton the Duke of Colehaven has just been offered a bet one he can’t refuse get a walflower married. How hard can it be he never losses but that was before he met the lady in question one Diana Middleton. She’s both maddening and frustrating him not to mention he now has one very big problem she’s arousing more then his anger and according to the bet she’s off limits to him.
Diana Middleton what would i want with a husband he would only restrict my outings and fight for the less fortunate i prefer to hide my intelligence and fade into the back ground now i have to deal with Caleb Sutton a charming and maddening man he makes me want him but i will resist. There chemistry will only be denied for so long. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4 STARS
One Night For Seduction is the first instalment in The Wicked Dukes Club Series. This is the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reading from author Erica Ridley. It’s been a while since I’ve read a historical romance and I was not disappointed.
Caleb (aka Cole) Sutton, Duke Of Colehaven accepts a dare to find a suitor for his friend’s “unmarriageable” ward, Diana Middleton. He’s in a winning streak and is confident that he’ll complete the task in record time. Unbeknownst to Cole, he’s met his match in Diana; who’s made an active choice to remain unwed to continue her secret work in helping make the lives of the average people better.
I enjoyed that Diana wasn’t the typical docile, simpering lady of the ton. She was intelligent, highly independent and secretly went about living a double-life. One where she was considered a wallflower by the ton and another where she pretended to be a barrister’s secretary collecting data ensuring fairness and equality in the market.
There was profound chemistry between Diana and Cole.
“Any restraint she’d once believed within her control vanished with the taste of his kiss.”
I found this book highly entertaining and would recommend this book as a MUST read. I’d like to thank the author and Social Butterfly PR for generously providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. One Night For Seduction by Erica Ridley will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!
The Duke of Colehaven is not one to pass up a wager, and he hasn’t lost one in 10 years. For this wager, he has to find a husband for the ward of one of his good friends. She has been called unmarriageable. Diana is a contented bluestocking spinster who wants nothing to do with marriage, as she doesn’t want to be controlled by any man. She has a great appreciation of numbers and lives a double life acting as if she were a government inspector. She goes to businesses and makes sure that they are using proper weights and measures so they don’t cheat the customers…or themselves!
Will the Duke be able to find a man willing to marry this woman? Will he be able to convince Diana that she should marry?
I found this to be a delightfully written book. There is a lot of humor, a lot of intelligence (and some interesting chess games!), and a lot of witty or telling banter between characters. The characters in this book are three dimensional–both the leads and the secondary characters. Diana is a fantastic heroine. She’s very smart, surprisingly funny, and knows her own mind. To hear her go on about mathematics and weights and measures was more amusing than it sounds. She’s very independent and believes in reciprocity between men and women in all things. Cole’s a great character as well. He, too, is not interested in marrying; he has very specific ideas about what his proper duchess should be like, and he hasn’t met her yet. He never expected to be the duke, so he treats people better than most others of his station. As Diana says, he is nice. I loved watching his relationship with his sister, Felicity. She is an excellent character in her own right, and brother and sister interacted well in a way that seemed natural between loving siblings.
If you enjoy well-written Regency with a little bit of humor and a bluestocking heroine, you might enjoy this book.