This was another enjoyable read from Erica Ridley in this historical romance series. It took me a while to get into her writing style but this was a good read.

I really enjoy Erica Ridley’s writing. Her authorial voice is always so sophisticated yet approachable. I appreciate the lean towards historical accuracy and dedication to world building,

I absolutely loved this book from.page one! I loved the connection of all the characters, they way they interacted with one another and how not everyone was apart of the "Ton" but they were still included.

Well-written, fun read. Nice series. Characters are well developed. I will read more from this writer.

Not going to lie, I'm not a huge romance buff, BUT I love Regency romance AND I have really enjoyed the books by Erica Ridley that I have read. I didn't realize it, but this is the first of a series that she alternates writing books in with another author. After reading this one, I picked up book 2 by the other author Darcy Burke immediately. I have high hopes for this series and both authors.

This book was cute and I admit, I feel like I learned a little something about the time period re: weight and measures not being standardized and how we take for granted our current system of weights and measures (whether you use metric or not). So WOOT for making me realize how spoiled we are and how those who have come before us have really made things a lot easier for us.

The romance was cute, though there was one HUGE thing that WAS JUST NOT DONE back in that time period, and that was a man buying clothing for a woman 1) not his relative or ward or 2) his mistress. That kind of bumped me out of the story a tad, but it didn't drastically ruin the book for me. The rest of the story I was able to suspend disbelief for, so no harm done.

I'm going through a reading slump right now, so this book, while good, didn't quite do it for me, but that's completely me right now and not the book. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4, as I like the genre, the author and that this is a series I can continue with. The secondary characters were all interesting and I assume are going to be MCs in later books in the series, so I am looking forward to reading more about them all and their HEAs.

Recommended if you enjoy Regency romances and warning, this has some heat to it, so not proper/clean and not overly graphic.

My thanks to NetGalley and WebMotion for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

For the first book in the series, there is a surprising lack of exposition. I feel like I should've learned more about the people surrounding the couple, but then again, they didn't really talk to anyone but each other.
The bet isn't too much of a plot point for the whole book, so there's no miscommunication or discomfort in that sense, but as an American (whoops) who is completely uninterested in how people measure things, that part fell flat to me, and I really couldn't relate to Diana because of it.

Personally I have tried to broaden my romance interest beyond contemporary, literary, and fantasy but I can officially say I not a fan of historical romance. I felt as though for people who are would love this one. When it comes to historical romance we are veiled with the Victorian style étiquettes of courtship, covered ankles, and people not beating around the bush. Yet with this one, it brought a twist to all of that. The seduction aspect was surprisingly just that - a sexual approach which is not familiar in the “standards” this genre lives upon. The courtship thrown out the window, ankles were definitely shown, and our leads did not beat around the bush at all. For those reasons alone, I could enjoy it more than I anticipated, yet not enough to properly give a review. It’s unfortunate as I did attempt but I will bow out gracefully to announce my exit from this subgenre.

Erica Ridley is one of my favorite authors. The first book from the Wicked Dukes series is another good read from the author. A strong willed heroine being the highlight. A well written book with well developed characters with good humor, Overall a good read

I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review. #WickedDukes #NetGalley
-I love a good dare and like Cole, I find it hard to pass one. Diana is one woman who knows what she wants and went for it, be it justice for the poor, a good mug of ale, or a certain friend with benefits. Cole is more by the book than Diana and doesn't hesitate to forfeit his dare when the time comes. Incidentally, they both love fashion even if they are not fashionable themselves.
-I read book #2 before #1 and there are minors differences between the two; for ex. in one book, women are allowed at the Wicked Dukes and in the other, they are not. Maybe they changed their mind in between? Or they forgot to consult each other.
-Felicity is a real hoot, especially when she explains how sailors swear. I would love her as a sister.
-Thad is a dear cousin, even if at first he seems remote from Diana.
-If you've read the book description you know where the story is going, but it's getting there that's so much fun. I think Diana fell in love with Cole when she realized he could play chess in his head too, just like her. I think Cole fell in love with Diana when she thought his ale was amazing.

Erica's book a re always a joy to read. Well developed, short but sweet with just enough heat in them. Not so long that you give up but not so short that you feel the story was cheated. I always look forward to new stories from this author.

I enjoy reading a book where the heroine is not characterized as a stupid, witless person. Miss Diana is definitely a very smart woman, and she does not want to get married and lose her freedom to do as she wishes. When her guardian plots to get her married things get very interesting. A bet with a duke (who never loses his wagers) to find the lady a suitable match has surprising results.

This story is well-written and got my interest from the first page, and it held my interest right up until the end. With wonderful characters, a good story and blend of humor this book is a winner.

I've actually read this book twice before writing this review. Not completely bought in to the period accuracy of the story, but I am always a sucker for strong characters and bluestockings, so I was sold on this book. It was a quick read. Characters were relatable. Loved it when Diana tried to blend into the wallpaper by literally trying to match the wallpaper.
Definitely will be reading more from this 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 be the greatest danger of all.
This was a quick read that I really enjoyed. I really liked both characters and liked following them in their story. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

This book was a great read. I loved the interactions with Diana and Cole. I love how strong and dedicated Diana was to the weights and measures cause. I would have liked to know more about her background.

I really enjoyed this book!
Fun and with strong characters. I loved Diana and her double life, and I liked the way Cole handled the bet, it surprised me a lot.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical novels!

Let me say, I'm not a fan of the trope where one Main Character (MC) makes a wager concerning the unaware other (MC). It's obnoxious. I was thrilled when our betted on Diana finds out about Cole's bet to get her married pretty quickly. I also love the conversation of equality the characters discussed. Diana was a great heroine. I would have loved to get more of Cole's rags to riches backstory, but all in all, fun read.

Good story of a wallflower bringing a duke to heel. Ridley has spun the "matchmaker falling for the match-makee" trope on its head by making the duke the matchmaker with a string of successes to bolster his belief in being able to find a match even for a wallflower. Well, the wallflower is not all that she seems. She swoops in to save ordinary people being scammed by corrupt businessmen.

Ridley writes complex, well-rounded characters. I liked how smart and independent the heroine is--this is a great story of feminism thriving under the shackles of patriarchy. I also really liked how thoughtful and respectful the duke is to everyone around him--no doubt his humble beginnings account for his lack of a top-lofty attitude.

The heroine's work and the duke's past allow them to connect in ways that is antithetical to how the ton operates, but so essential to who they are and their relationship with each other. While physical attraction is a strong flame beating between them, Ridley shows how they are attracted to each other, mind and soul as well.

Ridley plays fast and loose with historical accuracy and some of her plot points require a large leap of faith that I was not always capable of making, but overall, this was an enjoyable read, which Ridley always delivers.

It started off interesting but h was just too annoying for me. I wanted more romance and less parliament and laws change. I don’t read romance novels for that. I hope next book in series is better.

The Duke of Colehaven must find a match for Diana Middleton however she wants no match. Both have their own plans for their lives when romance changes their pathways. This is the first book in the Wicked Dukes Club series. Good start with characters and story line. Always enjoy this Author's tales and settings.
Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

an entertaining romance with a nicely independently minded woman working out that she can have everything, with the man changing his mindset and attitude for a change!