Member Reviews
We always buy Erica Ridley for our library. A great start to a new series. She has the best mix of banter, romance and plot.
Diana is a fascinating, original heroine and Cole an endearing hero. Both are brilliant people interested in reform. But what excites their passion for reformation? The lack of standardized measurements for gallons, hogsheads, etc.. Diana has a methodical, logical mind with a talent for organization, while Cole is a politician trying to acheive as much as possible. A match made in heaven? Perhaps but it takes a while for them to realize it. Their getting to know each other as well as the reader's getting to know them, is the crux of the book. And very enjoyable it is, too. Diana has decided never to marry, as no man woud ever allow her to wander into the neighborhoods she goes to, in order to advance her cause and gain information for her journals, or allow her to use her mind as she wishes.. Cole is a friend of her guardian who has agreed to a bet that he can find Diana a husband. He's honest with her from the start as to his purpose - a great change from the usual stupid deception plot. They have an immediate connection and the rest of the story is the journey to HEA.. A great read.
Caleb Sutton, fifth Duke of Colehaven (Cole) and Miss Diana Middleton are on a collision course because of a dare. Cole takes the dare that he can find a husband for his friend's "unmanageable" ward by the end of the Season. It seems simple enough, but then again if it were simple, there'd be no story. Diana is at war with society, for every vendor who cheats a customer, for every transaction that is not weighed correctly, for every injustice she thinks the common folk suffer and that Society ignores. She does it secretly posing as an inspector to make shop owners comply. It's dangerous work and when Cole discovers her ruse, he is outraged that she is putting herself in harm's way day after day.
I enjoyed this story and Ms. Ridley has written another clever story. The banter between Diana and Cole was priceless and even her set down of him felt justified. I did think that Diana's passion seems a little too modern--a crusader for the downtrodden--didn't quite ring true for me. Besides this one little complaint, the story will keep you entertained until the end.
The Wicked Dukes Club series is a collaboration by Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke and you get the best of both writers. The first book in a new series does not disappoint. It is a great story with well-developed characters, great banter and plenty of romance. I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review. All views are my own.
Diana Middleton has a brilliant mind and she wants to use it to help make things better in the world. Of course this has to be done in secret, so of course she dons many disguises in order to accomplish her work. The ton and her guardian would never approve of what she is doing. That's why she has decided to remain a spinster, no one to tell her what she can and can't do.
Cole, the Duke of Coleham, is on a winning streak, a 10 year winning streak.
So when one of his friends, dares him, wagers with him, he accepts the challenge. The wager..... to find and arrange a match for the unmarriageable ward of another friend....Diana Middleton.
The story is fast moving and entertaining. I think Diana was a little too forward and independent for the time. I thought Cole a little bit too much of a pushover.
The first time they meet, she chases him from the townhouse. Then she seduces him.
I liked it but didn't love it.
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
What a fun romance with two people who were made for each other but just don't see it! Cole and Diana had so many similar interests and yet they just could not figure out that they were a great match.
Diana really was an unusual woman for that time period as she cared more about keeping the weights and measures constant than what the latest fashions were. It is somewhat hard to realize that women during that time period had no rights when they were married so Diana really could lose all that she cared for if she should choose the wrong man to marry.
I liked this start of a new series and enjoyed their HEA!
First book in a new series, and it does not disappoint.
Both main characters have strong personalities and the chemistry between them is palpable. It was a pleasure to see them lock horns; the dialogues were snarky.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Erica Ridley has become my go-to author when I don’t feel like reading. Not only her books are short, so it won’t take much of my time, they’re also sure good, heartwarming reads. And in ‘One Night for Seduction’, once again the author didn’t disappoint me. I love it from the beginning to end.
The MCs, Diana and Cole, were introduced in a way the reader can’t say no to read further to know them better. And their first meeting is really, really good. I like it so much. It was so much fun to read. I like it that there’s not much friction between the characters, there were banters but they’re more like healthy discussions with each of them presenting their thoughts and opinions especially about Math and measurements. These two have such fascinating discussions, I tell you. The side characters are okay too, and I’m excited to see the other Wicked Dukes in the next books in the series. That said, I think this book is a fair start of a series.
The plot wasn’t that complicated, but it’s enough for a 100+ pages book. And the wrap up of the story is also mild but I’m not complaining. I like this book for what it is. One thing though, I just hoped that some of the paragraphs used for describing about the MCs’ backgrounds, works and what they want to attain were intended for more romance. The subplot is almost stealing the show from the romance.
But overall, this book is a good read.
I love Erica Ridley books. This book is about the Duke of Colehaven, who is dared by the Wicked Duke to find a suitor for his ward and Cole accepts. Diana Middleton lives a double life by bringing dishonest businessmen to justice. Cole bit off more than he could chew. I really enjoyed the story line and the characters.
One Night for Seduction by Erica Ripley
One Night for Seduction by Erica Ripley is the first book in a new series called the Wicked Duke’s Club. The book a fun read populated with Erica’s interesting main characters. The story was short, as most of hers are, but fun romps with the Ton and their arbitrary rules and women who can think!
The Wicked Dukes Club is a bar that people of all walks of life hang out at, including Dukes. As a matter fact, it is even owned by a duke. Duke of Colehaven takes a bet that he can find a suitor for his friend’s cousin, Diana Middleton. The problem is that Diana is not interested in getting married. She is not interested in having to follow someone else’s dictates. She knows what she wants and is going forward. The more the Duke of Colehaven tries to find out about Diana, the more he is fascinated by her. Diana is not a weak knee know nothing. She is a mathematical genius who can see patterns and ways to make things work better. She is interesting and he is very interested, but he feels he knows what is best for her - big mistake!
One Night for Seduction by Erica Ripley is a fun read with hot romance.
An escalating wickedly romantic read!
The Duke of Colehaven, Caleb Sutton (or Cole), has never last a bet over his 10 years winning streak. When presented with dare to find a suitor for his friend’s cousin - who is a five-and-twenty year old female, considered a wallflower and “unmarriageable” -, he accepts the bet.
Cole and his sister grew up poor and a distant relative to a duke. In a series of incidents he inherited the title. Due to this he worked harder than everyone so that he and his sister were not looked down upon. He also treated everyone fairly and with respect, no matter their status in society.
Diana Middeton is no ordinary proper “young” lady. She is extremely intelligent and harbors a secret second life. In the latter she hopes to make normal people’s lives better by secretly posing as another person (aka Mrs Peabody) to stop the corruption of businessman on the forefront. To do this she makes herself (in both areas of her life) forgettable - blending into the background of society.
In his haste to complete the bet, he rushes off to his friend’s household to assess his assignment. Upon meeting, Diana places Cole in a compromising position and threatens to expose Cole if he proposes marriage. This sparks Coles curiosity of this elusive wallflower.
This was an exceptionally well written, quirky “wicked”-ly romantic book. Her writing style is a fun, easy and delightful read.
Many a time I wished for an evening reading session with a cosy blanket over my knees, hot tea and a fire place with a lovely fire... in reality I lay on the couch with my daughter sleeping on top of me and her Winnie the Pooh blanket over the both of us.
Star rating: 4
** I was incredibly fortunate to be chosen to received a copy of “One Night for Seduction” by Erica Ridley via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#WickedDukes #NetGalley
I dislike modern heroines in "historical" romances. I really do. And Diana on her warpath against vendors who don't adhere to the rules of measurement and weighing certainly fit that bill. She was forever going on about this cause and that, completely blind to everything but her cause, bristling when a man has the nerve to warn her that what she's doing is dangerous, because she is independent, thank you very much. For me, she just did not fit into her time. If you like that kind of heroine, you are going to LOVE Diana, but sadly, I don't.
I did like our Duke, though. He was from rather humble backgrounds, inheriting a Dukedom he didn't even know he was in line for, and fought hard to be worthy of it. He was the ultimate good guy, decent, hard-working, funny, and kind. I wish there were more heroes like him.
The romance itself was sweet. Opposites attract, sparks fly, banter ensues. All things I immensely enjoyed. If only it hadn't been for the clichéd "I can't marry you because you deserve better" drama towards the end...
But then, I know I'm in the minority, and always will be. I dislike that sort of drama, and that does not make this a bad book. I always enjoy Erica Ridley's book, despite whatever little things annoy me. She has wonderfully original characters, and her writing is easy to get lost in!
In this historical romance Caleb Sutton, Duke of Colehaven, owns an establishment known as The Wicked Duke, named after the name given to him and his close friends. He's sewn some wild oats in the past, but is dedicated to his sister and living up to his duties, unlike his father.
Still a bit rowdy with his friends, he enters into a bet...one that will end his bachelorhood.
Diana Middleton, a tiny slip of girl who browbeats vendors into not cheating their customers, by pretending to be someone else. She turns Caleb on his ear. She's not anything like he pictured for his future duchess, but she's more than he ever dreamed of encountering.
Defined characters and vivid descriptions make this an enjoyable read. It is a short tale, but not too short.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and enjoyed the escape.
While this was a cute romance, I found the female protagonist pretty annoying with her impertinent preoccupation with "weights and measurements" and a behavior that did not seem to fit the times and social place she was living in.
Nonetheless an entertaining, well written historical romance novel.
The wildly prolific Erica Ridley has a new series, that she will be co-authoring with Darcy Burke. This first in the series introduces Colehaven, the ducal friend of Diana Middleton’s cousin and guardian Theo. Colehaven, in a somewhat off-handed wager, claims that he can find a husband for the wallflower Diana. Little does Colehaven know what kind of challenge he has taken on.
Although “The bet” is a bit contrived, their is nothing lacking in the sparks that fly between Colehaven and Diana. They are likable characters and their story makes a great start to the new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Typical Erica Ridley book: a quickly read and entertaining book with lots of intrigue and romance. Highly recommended as always.
There is just something i love about characters that own or manage a tavern or gentleman's club. They always seem the most roguish! Caleb Sutton, the Duke of Colehaven, takes a wager to help a pal out. He will find a suitor for said pal's ward. However, Diana is not your typical spinster, I enjoy the double life scenario when one of the main characters is doing things on the sly. It keeps up the drama of when will they be found out, etc. The interactions between the H and h were funny, especially when they first meet. Can't wait to read more in this series. I think it's fun that 2 authors are alternating books. I love both of them so win win for me! Very enjoyable book, as all of her's are! Recommend!
One Night for Seduction is a historical romance laced with humor and a unique hero and heroine. The Duke of Colehaven accepts a bet that he cannot find a spouse for an unmarriable lady by the end of the season with the stipulation he cannot marry her himself. Diana Middleton goes out of her way to blend in with the wallpaper. The self appointed weight and measurement inspector for all the businesses of London, Diana needs to not draw attention since her important mission is not quite legal. A meddling duke with a penchant to fight for the underclasses and a wallflower on a mission, its inevitable that the two clash in a humorous, sexy battle for equality and love that will leave the duke throwing in the towel on his ten year winning streak.. A page-turner of a story that will make you giggle and leaves you with a smile for a happy reading good time. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.
One Night for Seduction was an excellent start to the Wicked Dukes Club series with an absolutely delightful romance.
Caleb Sutton, the Duke of Colehaven, is a man who doesn’t like to lose and he’s on a ten year winning streak. When Cole is dared to find a suitor for a friend’s unmarriageable ward, he figures how hard could it be? But upon meeting Diana Middleton, Cole soon finds he wants her for himself which is strictly against the rules of the wager. Determined not to end his winning streak over a wallflower, Cole tries to set his attraction to Diana aside but as the pair spend more time together that proves harder to do.
Cole and his sister grew up incredibly poor as distant relatives of a duke who no one in the family ever thought about. Cole was never meant to become a duke, but a series of incidents led to him inheriting his title. As a result of the late start to his education, Cole forced himself to work harder than everyone else so he wouldn’t be looked down upon. But his late start also meant Cole didn’t feel like he was owed more simply because of his title and as a result he treated everyone with respect regardless of their place in society.
Diana is an incredibly intelligent woman who hopes to make life better for normal people who are taken advantage of on an everyday basis. She secretly works to stop corrupt businessmen who steal from their customers due to loopholes in the current laws. Because of the work she does, Diana knows she needs to be someone society will forget about so she can go about her work unnoticed. As a result, Diana ignores some of the more feminine aspects of life she enjoys and instead makes an effort to blend into the background.
Diana and Cole’s relationship was fantastic right from the beginning. Cole is so sure of himself and his goal that he misses the fact Diana has her own vision for her life resulting in her giving him the dressing down he deserves. I loved watching her put him in his place and how it forced him to realize that he wouldn’t be able to make Diana do anything she didn’t want to. The attraction between the pair was apparent immediately and I loved watching them dance around it until they weren’t able to resist anymore. Their physical relationship was amazing and the chemistry between them was perfect. In the end, the grand gesture by Cole to win Diana over was perfectly suited to her specific interests and I loved that he paid enough attention to know what truly mattered to her.
One Night for Seduction was the first book I’ve read by Erica Ridley and it certainly won’t be my last. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and I hope to check out more from the author soon.
What delightfully wicked fun ONE NIGHT FOR SEDUCTION by Erica Ridley is, indeed!
Have you ever seen a wicked duke who didn’t love a good wager? Pretty sure when the Duke of Colhaven took that bet to be a successful matchmaker for the unruly ward of his best friend, he never considered what he was up against!
Diana Middleton is a feisty, independent woman who possesses great beauty and even greater intelligence, as well as a keen sense of order. The last thing she wants is to be tied down with a husband, serving tea and being a mindless piece of elbow candy.
When these two clash, there is more than the fire of tempers flaring as passions ignite a raging inferno, even if it is for just one night…but will that be enough?
Erica Ridley has reading entertainment down to an art as she whips up two characters who make each scene and every word pure pleasure.
Fun, romantic and simply delightful, this romance is sure to go down in "history!"
I received a complimentary ARC edition from WebMotion!
Series: Wicked Dukes Club - Book 1
Publisher: WebMotion (April 16, 2019)
Publication Date: April 16, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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