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 … 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.
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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It took more than a little while for me to wrap my head around Jack and welcome him into my heart. He’s the guy you want to love, but are never sure you can actually trust. Burke is at her best when her characters are at their worst. One Night of Scandal draws readers into an intriguing love affair. Jack and Violet are a complication the heart doesn’t need, but refuses to do without. Neither is what they seem and that’s what made me love them so much more. A temptation worth exploring.
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.
The books in this series are so much fun to read. Short book with a ton of stuff going on. Not looking for love, but for a story to write for the LADIES’ GAZETTE, Viola dresses as a man to go where woman aren’t allowed. Running into Mr. Barrett becomes a regular occurrence, especially when rumors place him in political jeopardy. Working together to clear his name, Viola makes the ultimate sacrifice with her reputation. There is only one thing to do, marry. Great Read!
This is a thoroughly enjoyable, lighthearted, romantic romp through Regency England. Lady Viola continues to dress like a man in order to sit at The Wicked Duke tavern, listen to men’s gossip, and write a women’s newspaper column “from a man’s perspective.” She and Jack team up to do a little investigative reporting and, of course, things get complicated. Charming characters, wonderful dialogue, and a fun plot!
This book was a really good read Finding love a long with some trouble Will they find out who is causing the trouble or will the wrong person go to jail for the crime they didn’t commit
“One Night of Scandal” by Darcy Burke
A fun read set in Regency England. Lady Viola “Tavistock” Fairfax certainly knows how to get herself into a jam or is that how to keep herself out of trouble.. and we have Grandmama who wants Viola respectably married, and gentlemen who may or may not truly be gentlemen by more than name-only, plus there is some steam to spice up your reading adventure. I was gifted an ARC of this story and my opinion this is a good story well worth reading. Hope you do a better job of pacing yourself than I did… my eyes got very tired from reading too long at a stretch.
Happy Reading !!
One Night of Scandal (Wicked Dukes Club #4) by Darcy Burke …I am really enjoying this series and thanks to the authors and publisher for letting me preview this book. This is Jack and Viola’s story and it is full of laughs, suspense, government intrigue, wonderful characters and some steam all leading to a very HEA.. I can’t wait for the next book in the series ONE NIGHT TO REMEMBER.
This is the third book in the Wicked Dukes club series and the second by Ms Darcy. As usual it was a great read filled with adventure, suspense, humor and romance. It is nice to read a series so quickly put out by two great authors that follow completely after each other. So often mixed series don’t have a lot of follow up from the last book but these are wonderful. You can read them as stand alone but they are so much better when you know what has happened in the past. I enjoyed the mystery that both our heroine and hero set out to undercover and the unusual way they did it. Added a nice twist to the romance. There was a sex scene that as usual this reviewer skipped but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story. I am now hanging out for the next one. They are a very quick read because they are so hard to put down. I received this book as an ARC and was more than happy to do a review.
Lady Viola Fairfax is a social outcast since she left her betrothed at the alter some years back. She’s not bothered by this; she has no desire for love and marriage, she just wants to write. So far, the only way she’s been able to do that is by masquerading as a man, Mr. Tavistock, to infiltrate her brother’s notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke, so she can gather information for her column in a women’s magazine. When she catches wind of a scandal involving an MP, she sees it as her chance to do some real journalism.
When ambitious MP Jack Barrett catches the Duke of Eastleigh’s not so well disguised sister sneaking into an exclusive gentleman’s club, his protective instincts are roused. Jack is interested to learn more about both Viola herself and the rumor she’s investigating so he appoints himself to help her. Viola has sworn off marriage and Jack doesn’t yet have time for a wife, but their inquiries lead to the two spending a great deal of time together. Soon a spark begins to develop, which both refuse to acknowledge openly, but soon their inquiries put them both in danger and their feelings become impossible to avoid.
I think this was my favorite of this series so far. I loved Viola. In her we have that rare heroine who is strong and even stubborn, but without being naive or insensible. I loved that Jack was so receptive to Viola’s ideas and so open to modifying his own. These two made a great couple with lots of chemistry and a very sweet, and steamy, relationship. I loved this one and I couldn’t put it down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While I haven’t read the whole series by Darcy Burke I immensely enjoyed this novella. The plot was grabbing from the beginning until the very end. The heroine, smart journalist trying to breakthrough the forbidden men’s world. Her persona was just a perfect mix of sassines, wit, tribe and passion. Her devotion for collecting information and writing column in Ladies Gazette as Mr. Tavistock was truly refreshing. When a true gentleman comes to her rescue, confess to recognised her and is willing to help her by her research on a political issue, she never has imagined to fall in love. But since their first encounter she could not keep him out of her mind.
The attraction was feelable through the pages of this lovely romance.
I could only recommend it to everyone who loves a quick historical story.
The story moved a little slow in my opinion. While I liked the history the romance was a slow burn. This is not my favorite in this series but Ms. Burke’s writing is impeccable. Both Jack and Viola are very likeable characters. I do like the fact that Jack is not a peer and is really a good guy and that Viola does not shy away from scandal but embraces who she is and what she wants to accomplish.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Each of the stories 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.
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.
This was a fun & entertaining read with very likable characters that kept you engaged in their story.
Jack Barrett is a member of parliament, following in his father & grandfather’s footsteps. He has dedicated himself to making changes to help the working class & he has no time for social events or 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.
Lady Viola Fairfax, Duke of Eastleigh’s sister, wants to be taken serious as a writer, & has been disguising herself as a man for the last 2 years so she can pen a column for a women’s magazine. She is caught by Jack when she/he is trying to sneak in to a private gentlemen’s club. When she asked how he knew she was female – he told he had seen her backside at her brother’s club & knew she was not male. She explains why she is trying to get in to the club as she had heard a rumor of a scandal brewing that implicates a well known MP for crimes against the country. Jack is shocked & interested in her/his story – he finds her/him charming & offers his help in proving the rumor.
Proving & writing about this rumor could establish as a true writer. Unfortunately, the more time she spends with the handsome, infuriating man, the more she begins to fall for him. Can an MP & a sister to a duke make match, can they get past the dangers the villains represent? Will she do the last thing she ever wanted to do – fall in love & will Jack find himself wishing for a wife instead of ruing the day he have to take a bride?
I was gifted this ARC & am very happy to recommend this & all the books in the series!
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.*
Loved it!
Darcy Burke is one of my go-to authors.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Wicked Dukes Club
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Viola Fairfax has posed as a male journalist for two years. No one would hire a female and the disguise allows her access to a manly man place. Her brother, the Duke of Eastleigh, is part owner of the Wicked Dukes tavern. He knows what Viola is up to and has given her access to his bar for tabloid fodder.
MP Jack Barrett saw through the disguise a year ago but has kept quiet. He’s decided Viola needs a partner, male, to escort her. Viola agrees so she gets access to more manly man places. We’re given danger, disguises, traitorous acts, hot kisses in dark closets and a make out session in a hack! Of course they’re caught and it creates a small scandal. All’s well that ends well and they get a happily ever after
This terrific read will be available on May 28, 2019. Next up will be One Night To Remember starring the handsome Giles Langford. I can hardly wait.
#DarcyBurke #WickedDukes #Netgalley #OneNightofScandal
In this book, we learn Viola’s, the sister of the Duke of Eastleigh, secrets, which were eluded to in the previous book. She had been engaged 5 years ago, but broke off her wedding to the Earl of Ledbury, with a church full of guests, when she realized that he wanted to change her. Her passion is writing, and disguised as man, she writes for the Ladies’ Gazette, because they will not employ women to write for a women’s magazine. She hangs out at her brother’s tavern The Wicked Dukes with only her brother and his business partner, the Duke of Colehaven, aware of her disguise, to get stories to write about. One regular, Jack Barrett, MP, sees through her disguise. Jack is ambitions and has a five year plan, which includes putting off marriage for 5 years, so while he isn’t looking for a wife, he is enchanted by Viola and is compelled to help her when she comes across what could be a dangerous story to follow. The historical background of what was happening in England at the time, with Parliament passing laws limiting freedoms, sets the stage for The War of Independence, here in America.
Charming characters, who actually speak to each other honestly, witty dialogue and an intriguing plot, make this book an enjoyable read. I received a free ARC as part of the author’s Review Crew.
4.5* As can be expected from Darcy Burke, this is a well-told story with good dialogue. Here a background of suspense was generated as by helping Viola investigate, Jack puts himself in a position of possibly being suspected of sedition. It was refreshing to see Jack have a good relationship with his father.
I enjoyed reading an advance copy and voluntarily post this review.
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
Lovely Story!
If you enjoy romance with a mystery and a strong female character who dresses up as a man to be able to write about the latest gossip, then this is your next read.
The hero is another strong character and whenever the two meet (which is quite often) the situation becomes very interesting.
It is a lovely story, beautifully written by Darcy Burke and a great addition to this series.
I read an Advance Reader Copy and my unbiased review above is given voluntarily.