Title: One Night with the Duke (Belmore Square #1)
Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Forever
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: April 18, 2023
Rating: ★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
A #1 New York Times bestselling author delivers a sexy and scandalous Regency romance about an adventurous woman and the mysterious son of a Duke who finds his way into her life—perfect for Bridgerton fans.
Eliza Melrose has always cherished her independence. And when she and her family lived in the countryside, it was easy to slip out for a midnight ride, write articles for her father’s newspaper, and otherwise do as she pleased. But now that they’ve moved to the heart of fashionable London, her every move is scrutinized and judged. Worse yet, her father wants her to wed and take her proper place in society.
But Eliza wants nothing to do with marriage. And when the new Duke of Chester moves into his family’s long-abandoned home across the square, her journalistic instincts immediately kick in. Are the rumors true—did he really kill his family? Is he as rakish as everyone says? The more Eliza finds out, the more she wants to know. Because the duke is a fascinating study of contradictions—reclusive and arrogant, fiercely protective and deeply passionate. But those who dance too close to the fire often get burned. And as the undeniable flame between them ignites, the only question is: Who’s holding the match?
Review:
Eliza Melrose wants her independence, but she won’t be allowed to have it. She has published articles under her brother’s name in her father’s famous newspaper. Now that her family has moved to London, she has been betrothed to the unfriendly son of her father’s business partner. When the mysterious Duke of Chester moves back into town after being blamed of murder of his entire family, Eliza is intrigued. She investigates the Duke, which leads her closer to the man she must stay away from.
I couldn’t connect with this novel. I liked Eliza, and she seemed like a great character. I didn’t like the side characters around her. They all seemed to blend together. I also didn’t understand why everyone, including Eliza, liked the Duke because he was attractive, yet he was also a murderer who they ostracized from their community. He didn’t seem to have any redeeming qualities. The explanation at the end of the story of the Duke’s family’s supposed murders was a little too far-fetched for me to believe.
Unfortunately this book didn’t work for me.
Thank you Forever for sending me a copy!
Content warnings: death of parents, murder, house fire, alcohol abuse
Have you read One Night with the Duke? What did you think of it?
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