Such a fun and romantic story! Loved the take on 'dressing as the opposite gender' trope, along with a part of history that takes place outside of ballrooms and estates. Ms. Burke does it again with the tension between her characters, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading about, as well as the supporting cast. Based on this novel, I would happily pick up others in the series.

Forth in the Wicked Duke Series of novellas, with titles alternating between Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke. See my review for the first, second and third novellas in this series. This one was just released, right in time for the weather to heat up and those lazy days of summer (and lots of reading) to start.

Viola has been masquerading part time as a man to live out her dreams of being a writer. And no, thank you very much, she doesn’t need a man. But when frequent Wicked Duke patron and MP Jack SexyMcPants Barrett busts her, they decide to team to uncover the roots of some scurrilous political gossip.

Okay, so I named him SexyMcPants. He’s the type of hero I adore. He’s a salt of the earth type of guy who is kind to people, cares about stuff, and is supportive of a strong minded woman. Swoon. He is also described as being pretty hot. So hand in chin, I am here for it. I also love that he is often in awe of Viola. I think that is sexy as hell.

And Viola is fun. She dons disguises, ferrets out info at a coffeehouse, and throws herself into learning more about politics. She is not the heroine for everyone,but I adored her. She is also older, 26, and believes herself to be a confirmed spinster. Of course, her grandma has been throwing some shade. And also, she notices how smoking hot SexyMcPants is…

Neither Viola nor Jack want to marry, but they can’t seem to fight their attraction for each other. This is more of a will they/won’t they (and of course they will, because HEA) type of plot…along the lines of what I love to classify as Spinsters and the Men Who Love Them.

Their chemistry is on point, there is some action driving the plot forward, and there is some intimacy…although true to the novella form its pretty abbreviated. And true to novella form, its not sink your teeth in depth, revolutionary or unique. But the history and tone seem on point and its a fun story to spend one or two evenings with.

This whole series has been fun so far, and I would recommend giving them a whirl if you are needing short novellas for the summer. I recommend reading them in order, but you can also give one or two of them a try as standalones and they should work fine.

★★★★★★ 4.5 out of 6 Strong and ambitious heroine teams up with sexy MP to uncover a political scandal

A thrilling entertaining read. I just wished it was a full-length novel.
Lady Viola Fairfax masquerades as a man so that she can write for a magazine. While she secretly wishes to write more serious topics such as politics, she instead writes mundane society gossip. Jack Barrett is an MP who knows of Viola's secret mainly cause he is observant. I was just so pleased to read a hero who has eyes and can identify a woman even though she dresses up as a guy.

During one of her visits to the Wicked Duke tavern, Viola hears a rumor that can help her write an article she actually wants to and Jack gets roped into helping her. While the two investigate, they fall in love with each.

With 'One Night of Scandal', Darcy Burke tells us a thrillingly romantic story between two unlikely characters. I would have loved to read more of their romance than the actual investigation, but that did not deter me from enjoying the book. With the plots and subplots in the book, I do wish this was more of a novel than a novella.
Though this is part of the Wicked Duke series, it can be read as a stand-alone. This is a definite read for lovers of historical romance books.

I was thoroughly enchanted with Darcy Burke’s One Night of Scandal, the fourth book in the Wicked Dukes Club, alternately authored in the series with Erica Ridley. Viola Fairfax, the younger sister of Val, the Duke of Eastleigh, has been masquerading as a journalist for a women’s publication, with the nom de plume of Tavistock. Viola is frustrated that as a woman she isn’t accepted as a true journalist and must resort to the subterfuge. To gain or hear gossip or information to use for stories in her publication, she enjoys visiting the Wicked Earl tavern. Besides her brother, no one recognizes who she really is except Jack Barrett, a member of parliament and patron of the Wicked Duke. Viola overhears a conversation which she shares with Jack. He agrees to help her with her research. Neither Jack nor Viola have intentions to marry, but the more they work together, the more they are attracted to one another.

I felt that Jack and Viola were mutually likable characters with lots of great dialogue between them with just the right amount of humor and seriousness. Note, there is one sweet, steamy, consensual encounter between Jack and Viola. The intrigue going on in the story was enlivened by the fact that Darcy Burke incorporated some actual political events and issues prevalent during that era. For me, this was refreshing and rare in a Regency romance. Though this book is part of a series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone work. I voluntarily read an ARC of this work and my review is based upon my opinions of what I read.

Viola wants to be a writer so bad she dresses as a man to further her career. Jack recognize her and sets out to help her. Strong characters with mystery,secrets and scandal that add up to a wonderful love story.

One Night of Scandal by Darcy Burke

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another delightful title in the Wicked Dukes Club series!!

I found myself much more interested in the romance than the mystery, which is a good thing to me. I felt like Viola and Jack’s relationship progressed at a nice and natural pace and loved their interactions. I did enjoy the first 70% of the book the most but overall it was a nice, easy read. Will definitely continue with this series!!

*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

ONE NIGHT OF SCANDAL is the fourth book in the Wicked Dukes Club series. Each will stand on its own, but I highly recommend reading them all and in the order of release.

I swear I could hear the clip-clop of horses’ hooves on the cobblestones of London streets as I lost myself in the pages of this book. The descriptions were that complete and consuming.

I loved that their story was about them being friends and working together, behind the scenes, to find the source of the scandal. I loved that he is protective and supportive. I love that she finds freedom with him! That is a truth most don’t know about love. There is more than romance; there is acceptance, and a full life.

This is the second of three books in this series that Darcy Burke will contribute and I am looking forward to her more, more, more!

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: ONE NIGHT OF SCANDAL
Series: Wicked Dukes Club #4
Category /Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Darcy Burke (via NetGalley)

This book is pretty much perfect. Funny, sexy, well written, interesting, quick, I loved every second of it. The attraction between the characters grows out of a foundation of respect, and their banter is not only wonderful but perfectly leads into a romantic relationship. None of the pining was dragged out any longer than it needed to be, and all of the characters were interesting.

I love that Viola is a journalist and organically comes across the mystery that brings the main characters together, and the mystery itself is high stakes! My one complaint is that the reveal of the villain was a bit anticlimactic and everything after almost felt rushed, but it wasn’t a huge issue.

I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to read a fun historical romance with a really good connection between the romantic leads.

An entertaining and engaging plot, an unusual heroine and a well written book: I loved it and couldn't put it down.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

It's Darcy Burke's turn to write the latest installment in the Wicked Dukes Club series. I can't believe we are on book four already! This every two weeks release schedule is spoiling me. The heroine of the story is already familiar to those who have read One Night of Surrender since she is the sister of the hero. I liked that there was such a close relation to the main characters of these two books because it gave me a better feeling of connection in the series. It's official that the "not your average HR heroine" is the main theme of the series since Viola dresses up as a man and goes to the Wicked Dukes Club in order to get information and one day write the kind of article she truly wants. Jack is a good hero, but his lady is stealing the spotlight and I think that he doesn't mind at all. He is supportive of her. I liked the shenanigans these two were into and in my opinion, they have the most well-developed relationship in the series so far. The book was very easy to read and the flow was good. I would recommend the title.

3.5 stars

I believe this is a series but this is the only one I have read. It sounds like Viola turned up in some of the other stories so I probably have missed out. I liked the hero, Jack Barratt but Viola seemed a bit dippy to me. She's keen to write for a Ladies Magazine but they will only use male reporters, sounds right for the time period. So she disguises herself and turns up at her brothers pub/club to search out a story. Viola finds one but Jack ends up tagging along, partially because he's interested and at one point implicated and partially to save Viola from her actions. I was surprised that the author used the word shag so often and I went to the internet which said it was first used around 1788 so perhaps not as out of context as I first thought....so I learnt something new.

I might try some of the others in the future. It's well written and kept me amused for a couple of hours!

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

In this 4th entry in the wonderful series, Member of Parliament Jack Barrett discovers the secret identity of Lady Viola, the Duke of Eastleigh’s sister. Her secret was revealed in an earlier book so it is no spoiler to say that Viola, in her disguise as the male journalist Tavistock, and Jack work together to try to identify the MP who has been assisting the radicals behind the attempt on the Prince Regent’s life. There is mystery and danger in addition to romance as Jack and Viola try to fight their attraction to one another. While it is to the reader’s advantage to read in sequence, there is sufficient backstory that it is not strictly necessary. What makes this series a standout is that the two authors, each writing separate volumes, manage to achieve complete synchronicity of tone and character.

ONE NIGHT OF SCANDAL finally reveals exactly what Lady Viola Fairfax has been up to, and it’s a delicious in-your-face to the men in power behind the scenes of a women’s magazine. They won’t hire her as a reporter/writer because she’s just a mere female? Fine. (always worry when a woman says “fine”) She’ll prove that she’s got the investigative talents, writing skills and courage the same as any man – even if she has to dress up as a man to prove that. Only this time she overhears something that could really be her breakthrough article – or put her in serious danger.

Jack has his life planned out, a life of service to his fellow citizens making certain that the right thing is done for them. He has no intention of seeking out a wife for some time yet, his political ambitions and his need to serve far outweigh the need to one day settle down with a wife and family. He has been aware of Viola’s masquerade for some time now and has kept his silence, but this time she’s gone too far and in stopping her from a foolish risk he also learns of her reasons. Soon the two will be working together to solve a crime – and maybe discovering that falling in love can be just as exhilarating as the perfect story or serving the public.

Viola is an intelligent, caring woman who has a plan for her life even if society would ostracize her for it. Jack is a good man doing what he feels is his calling and quite content. Put them together and fireworks ignite which neither expected. I’m loving the heroes in this series – all good men, not overbearing, alpha men, just really good men who care and aren’t afraid to show that. Viola and Jack simply work, they balance each other and do they ever have the sizzle factor going for them as well. I enjoyed ONE NIGHT OF SCANDAL, it’s a well-written, engaging romance that kept me on my toes from beginning to end.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

One Night of Scandal is the fourth story about the unforgettable men of London's most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. This one is about Jack Barrett and Mr. Tavistock. Well, Mr. Tavistock is really Lady Viola Fairfax, the sister of the Duke of Eastleigh, who disguises herself as a man to come to the tavern to gather stories for a column she writes (the disguise is the only way she could get the job). Jack sees through her disguise and knows who she is. She and Jack, a barrister and a member of Parliament team up together to uncover who in Parliament is involved in the plot to kill the Prince Regent. The investigation turns into an adventure filled with action, danger, and intrigue. As the pair of them is rushing through London seeking clues to the mystery, they don’t realize that they are tiptoeing up to another adventure – romance. Neither of them intends to marry, at least in the near future; and besides, they would not suit (so they say). Will Jack and Viola solve the mystery of the MP involved in the plot? Can they and will they give into the attraction growing between them? This story is fast-paced and exciting. The characters are great and fun to watch - endearing and annoying at the same time (especially to each other). I am enjoying the Wicked Dukes series and look forward to the next story. I recommend One Night of Scandal and the series. By the way, has anyone see Mr. Tavistock?

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. One Night of Scandal is the fourth book in the Wicked Dukes Club series written by both Darcy Burke and Erica Ridley. Thus far Erica writes the odd numbered books and Darcy writes the even numbered ones. This book could be read as a stand-alone, characters from the other books appear in this one but I don’t think you will feel confused at all if this is the first one you read. Viola Fairfax sister to a Duke is a writer and since the publication she writes for won’t hire a woman she writes disguised as a man. Her disguise has been quite successful thus far so she is quite shocked when up and coming MP Jack Barrett lets her know that he knows that she is a woman. Their paths cross a number of times over a story Viola is chasing down … rumours that an MP was behind an assassination attempt on the Regent and Jack wants to find the culprit. Danger and Scandal ensue. Medium Steam. Publishing Date May 28, 2019
#NetGalley #OneNIghtOfScandal #DarcyBurke #WickedDukesClub #DarcyBurkePublishing

The heroine does a bit of the “I’m going to run off and do something dumb because no man’s gonna tell me what to do” foolishness that burns by butt. Otherwise, she shows good, although daring, sense. The hero was pretty flawless. I enjoyed it.

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

This is my first glimpse into the world of the Wicked Dukes Club and I thoroughly enjoyed it. One NIGHT OF SCANDAL is a great book and a fast read. Ms. Burke weaves a tale of danger, intrigue and, of course, romance in this well written tale.
Even though this is #4 in the series, I didn't feel lost or confused. Enough backstory is given to get you up to date and keep you reading.

Whilst this is a typical Regency romance in the normal trope - there is an extra fillip to this novel that I particularly liked. It made the central storyline relate to the political unrest at this time.
This was a time of rebellions on the Continent and also minor rebellions and lots of unrest at home in the UK.
The story talks about the lack of female and universal suffrage and the people who were agitating for the latter - the former had not yet crossed the men’s minds.. nor that on marriage a woman lost all right to property and money, not to mention her body.
On 28 January, 1817: Henry Bankes records that the Prince Regent’s coach was attacked as he returned after opening a new session of Parliament [https://dcc.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/bankes-archive/attack-on-the-prince-regent/]. It was never clear whether it was a bullet or bullets shot, or stones that were thrown at the coach, but it certainly worried the Govt of the time. This was period when the Tories were in power (as opposed to the Whigs) and who were predominately made up of the aristocracy and those who were more right wing in political leanings - Whig was a term applied to horse thieves and, later, to Scottish Presbyterians; it connoted nonconformity and rebellion, whereas Tory was an Irish term suggesting a papist outlaw - so both were originally terms of abuse, that were later taken on board as ways of defining political leanings. [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Whig-Party-England]. Some politicians had hereditary boroughs to represent whereby one family held the seat for many years, some MPs represented what were known as Rotten Boroughs as they were in the ‘gift’ of a peer and rarely had many voters, and thus the MP had little to no work but still received his pay.
It was during this time that there was a great deal of unrest caused by poverty for instance the Bread Riots of 1800 and 1801 caused by a lack of bread for the poorer classes; lack of universal suffrage; and of course a number of philosophers - or writers of political treatises were being printed and widely circulated. Tom Paine was one such writer and his book, the Rights of Man was considered highly treasonable. https://spartacus-educational.com/PRspencean.htm
In response, the Govt decided that Habeas Corpus - ‘bring me the body’ - that was a Common law writ used when it was thought that a prisoner had been unlawfully imprisoned without trial and sentence, and which was generally used to require the prisoner to be brought to trial, was suspended in 1794. Of course, if you don’t have any real evidence but just suspicions that this person is a rebel or is undertaking treasonable acts, then you don’t want to have to produce him.
By the early 1800s Thomas Spence had established himself as the unofficial leader of those Radicals who advocated revolution and similarly to current revolutionary cells, there was no central organisation, merely local groups which were autonomous. There was an argument that "if all the land in Britain was shared out equally, there would be enough to give every man, woman and child seven acres each". The group of people who followed Thomas Spence were known as Spenceans. Whilst many who advocated reform at this time were peaceful, others were not and by 1820 a number of violent events had been planned - all were foiled by the use of police spies.
All this political unrest and the use of Govt spies provides a nice ‘spindle’ from which this story can be spun.
5 stars for including some relevant history and spinning it into the story cleverly.

I liked Jack and Viola very much. While the regency setting (and the rules and regs that go along with it) was familiar, the characters were refreshing. I'm always baffled when the female dresses asa a man manages to keep all that hair under wraps! That being said, it didn't interfere with the story line at all. Really fun and I would like to read more in the series.

This is the fourth stand alone book set within the Wicked Dukes Club series. And while some of the characters from the prior books do make an appearance in this one, it is not over powering enough to confuse the reader or put them off in any way.

One of the interesting things about this series is that it is actually being written by two different authors. Darcy Burke is writing all the even numbered books in this series while all of the odd number books are being written by Erica Ridley. What makes this interesting (to me at least) is the way that when reading this, the stories flow so well that you often forget there are two different authors behind these.

Speaking only to this one, I feel that it was a fast read with cute characters, but that was the extent of it. The "bad guy" portion of this story did not feel particularly suspenseful, and the whole concept of a woman dressing up like a man and/or writing under an alias has been done so often that it has become boring. The author does do a fantastic job of weaving in some true historical facts within this novel that not only make it feel more authentic, but also gives the reader a view good idea of the difficult (and yes more than a bit scary) times that were happening around them.

All things considering, I would still recommend this novel not only to established fans of this series, but those looking to pick up a quick beach read that will keep them entertained.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.