This is the next novel in the Wicked Duke series. One of the founders, Valentine Fairfax, Duke of Eastleigh, has his tale of romance, though his love in from 10 years ago, the one who got away. Isabelle Cortland met Val 10 years ago. Through their encounters, they had a passionate night together before going their separate ways. They meet again, both different from that time, but yet still have the passion and desire to be with the other. Isabelle enjoys her independence, has no desire to be a mistress, and wants to run her own school. Dreams have a way a changing though when new opportunities arise. Val had a disastrous marriage, with no desire to wed again, yet he is still kind and compassionate, willing to help others. As Val and Isabelle reconnect, the begin to see that the love they felt for the other never disappeared, even if they did not realize it at the time. Will their past experiences, which shaped them as they are now, impact them from the future they could have together?

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

Fairly short novel, not much room for character or narrative development but is sweet and sexy romp. Perfect escapism. 3.5 rounded up

Darcy Burke hits it out of the park again! I love her writing and her series and this one does not disappoint! Another great historical romance. Thank you for the ARC!

Well-educated governess Isabelle Cortland thought never to again lay eyes on Valentine Fairfax, the Duke of Eastleigh, after they shared a night of passion 10 years ago during Val's days at Oxford, where Isabelle's father was a warden. Now she and her charges and employer are guests in Eastleigh's London townhouse for a fortnight during which she hopes to avoid him. Isabelle has long dreamed of opening a school for girls and she can't risk her reputation now, not even for the man she's never forgotten.

After wading through a terrible marriage with a wife who wasn't faithful to him, Val has been wary of the temptations of women. He won't risk love again and yet when the woman he's never gotten over turns up in his house it seems like a gift and he doesn't want to squander it. Things have always been different with Isabelle and if there's a chance for them to make each other happy, maybe they should take it. They both just have to decide to take that risk.

I usually have mixed feelings about second chance romances because I just wind up feeling sad about all the wasted time they could've been together and weren't. These two loved each other since they first met but it took them ten years and much heartbreak to realize it and I think that made the timing work. When they were reunited, it rapidly became apparent to both of them that they couldn't be apart again and that was lovely. They were both vulnerable and both took a chance on risking their hearts anyway and questioning what they thought their dreams were.

We're introduced to a couple more characters in this one that I think we'll be seeing later on in the series and I can't wait. I loved this one and I think we're off to a great start so far.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Isabelle seems to be having a hard time in her life. The hits keep coming. Val tries to help her, but some of the times he causes more problems. One Night of Surrender, was fun to read.

4.5☆
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 believe this is one of the most romantic stories I have read in a long time. Val and Isabelle are great characters who want to reach out (although Val has a harder time) and just do not know where they want their relationship to go. Val is a darling and we could all do with someone wanting to take care of us without the stipulation of a return favor. I was blown away by how much emotion was present in this short story. Lovely.