Viola is the sister of the Duke of Eastleigh. She has already caused one scandal by leaving her groom at the altar. Her true passion is writing as Lord Tavistock, impersonating a man. She stumble onto a story about the radicals who attempted to assassinate the prince. And there is where Jack Barrett comes in. He decides to help her in her investigation and so begins their journey to learn the truth as well as fall in love.
A good story with twists and turns. I received an ARC of this book.

This is the fourth book in the Wicked Dukes Club but it can be read as a standalone. All of the books in the series are great and this book will definitely make you want to read the rest of the series! Lady Violet Fairfax is an eccentric woman who masquerades as a gentleman (Tavistock) to gather information for the articles she writes for the Ladies Gazette. MP Jack Barrett recognizes her and together they try to solve a political intrigue. Jack was sympathetic to Violet’s need to write something of importance. The characters were wonderful; providing laughs, romance, scandal, and mystery. The story was well paced and entertaining to read. I do wish it would have been a longer story so we could see more of the characters and the romance that developed between the two. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jack Barrett is a bright, promising, up-and-coming MP. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, from being a barrister to an MP (in the same seat as them both), Jack has planned his life be being along the same timelines as theirs. He plans to start looking for a wife, and marry, when he is thirty-five just like his father did. Until then, he has no interest in engaging in the marriage mart.

Viola Fairfax, the sister of Duke of Eastliegh, has been a minor pariah for the past five years. Suiting her well, as it has allowed her some form of freedom in society that few woman of her status get to enjoy. Nobody sees her as a potential wife, that is until her grandmama decides that now that her brother Val is married it is about time that she finds a husband. Viola wants to continue her independence, writing as “Tavistock” for the Ladies Gazette and using her male disguise to do so. She believes herself to be wholly convincing as a man, until one evening she is recognised one night as Viola disguised as Tavistock.

Using her persona, Viola tries to find out the truth behind a rumour that an MP had instigated an attack on the Prince Regent. If she can find out the truth she might be one step closer to being able to write about more serious matters. Things of more importance and influence. With the help of Jack, the two might be able to get to the bottom of this mystery. Allowing them to get closer and possibly begin to rethink their lives.

This book was pretty fun to read. I really liked that the main focus of it wasn’t the romance, unlike previous books, for most of the story. There was definitely bits dotted here and there for over half of the story, which laid a groundwork for the romance that featured more heavily later on. For most of the book, finding out the truth behind the rumour and who the MP is and why they helped to plan or steer radicals to try to assassinate the Prince Regent.

I really liked reading about the two of them working together, investigating the rumour. I felt like it really allowed Jack and Viola to grow closer as they worked together and then move towards being friends and then having a romantic relationship.

My only issue that I had was that it felt a little rushed towards the end. So much of the book was about finding out who the MP was, so much so that the last quarter of the book felt a little flat and rushed. This mystery was solved pretty quickly at the end, and I would have liked to have seen more consequences for those involved. This was explained away by the Home Office being involved with dealing with them. So, Jack, Viola and the reader don’t know the full story. We only get to read about Viola and Jack’s investigation and I would have liked them to have had a longer conversation with the Home Office that just delved a little deeper. Or at least that is what I felt when reading this.

I also would have liked more of a development of Jack and Viola’s romantic relationship. With their investigation they are able to get closer as friends, and their romantic feelings do crop up but it wasn’t until Viola accidentally causes a scandal that they have to think about marriage. Mainly because this scandal spreads like wildfire and very quickly reaches Viola’s grandmama’s ears. Who then demands that the two of them get married, to save them both from scandal. But at this point neither of them want to get married, nor have they thought much of any long term possibilities until then.

Considering the time that this story is set, it makes sense that they would be expected and pressured to get married. But I just wish that it hadn’t meant that the mystery and their investigation wasn’t pushed aside as much as it was. It felt like the priorities of the story sifted with little transition. And I would have liked it more if their had been a few more romantic moments that helped lead up to it. But considering the genre it does make sense.

I did enjoy this book, I just would have enjoyed it more if the romance had been less of an afterthought that was tagged on at the end. I would have liked to have seen more throughout the book, and maybe for them to have had more of a discussion about getting married than I felt they did. It all felt very neatly tied together at the end, and I personal I am not a huge fan of that.

This is a straightforward historical romance with a little intrigue. Viola is a writer and wants to get published but no one is hiring female writers.she disguises herself as a man and hangs out at a tavern and writes a column as a man in a woman’s magazine. MP Jake Barrett is a friend of Viola’s brother and notices right away that she is not a man. She is trying to uncover a plot involving an attack on a prince. Jack agrees to help her to keep her out of danger. Neither of them is interested in romance but that slowly changes as they uncover the truth about the attack. This is a typical romance, a short and quick read with few surprises. I liked it but it was nothing spectacular, it was just okay. I’ve read far worse and I’ve read far better. If you want a light romance, this is it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5/5 stars.

Overall I enjoyed the book a great degree. The characters are wonderful, the connection they develop palpable and well developed considering it's a novella and the writing is done well. The reason this isn't so highly rated is because there's just so much plot. Like so much.

I received this book from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not in any way affect my opinions of the story or the characters.

We first meet our herione, Viola, in the previous book by Darcy Burke in the same series. She's the sister of the Duke of Eastleigh, and writes a column for a news outlet. To gather content for her column she dresses up as a man and often visits her brother's tavern.

This is where our book starts out and we meet our heroine - Jack Barrett. He isn't titled or filthy rich, but he's on the rise in the political system as has always been his dream. He dedicates his life to the service of his people, and has no time for things such as love. But that doesn't mean he's dismissive or against the concept, he believes there's a time for that. But now isn't the time. His father and grandfather have been in public service as well, and his father urges him to settle down and see that there's more to life than politics. I quite like Jack from the get go. He had a humble, strong appeal to him.

Thankfully, this series continues to have nice, beta heroes that aren't rakes of the greatest order. What a change from the normal!

Viola and Jack meet on one of her investigation rounds of the taverns (where's she's dressed as a man), but Jack recognizes her instantly. She reveals to him that she's uncovered that there is a plot within parliament where MP's were responsible for the recent attack on the Prince Regent. Or something of the sort, I don't know much of the political landscape there. Or care, in all honesty. Anywho, Jack agrees to let her continue investigating only if he's involved to make sure she's not in danger. From here begins their journey to love.

I found them adorable and cute, and would have been quite happy with this novella if so much of their interaction wasn't placed around solving the treason within the MP's. Because I just don't care . Herein lies the problem. If this was a full fledged book I'd be perfectly happy with plot and would savor it as well. But in a novella, I usually want 90% of the book to be around the budding romance between the MC's. Which is where the book lost out a star for me.

Beyond that, I enjoyed reading about Viola and Jack, reading about them falling in love and dealing with the insecurities of their life was a delight for sure.

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

Lady Viola Fairfax has posed as a male journalist for two years. No one would hire a female and the disguise allows her access to a manly man place. Her brother, the Duke of Eastleigh, is part owner of the Wicked Dukes tavern. He knows what Viola is up to and has given her access to his bar for tabloid fodder.

MP Jack Barrett saw through the disguise a year ago but has kept quiet. He's decided Viola needs a partner, male, to escort her. Viola agrees so she gets access to more manly man places. We're given danger, disguises, traitorous acts, hot kisses in dark closets and a make out session in a hack! Of course they're caught and it creates a small scandal. All's well that ends well and they get a happily ever after

This terrific read will be available on May 28, 2019. Next up will be One Night To Remember starring the handsome Giles Langford. I can hardly wait.

#DarcyBurke #WickedDukes #Netgalley #OneNightofScandal

After One Night of Surrender, where we already met Viola Fairfax, I was happy to see that she got her own story. We had already seen that Viola likes to disguise as a man to visit her brother at the Wicket Duke. What she doesn't know, is that Jack (one of Valentine's friends) has already discovered that Tavistock, reporter for a woman's magazine, is in fact Valentine's sister Viola. As a MP, Jack is trying to be of value for his country. So, a wife is definitely not something on his mind. But he can't seem to take his mind of Tavistock/Viola. When Viola sent in her writings as a woman, she was not accepted at the paper. But as Tavistock she can write. When she hears about a possible lead on the latest attack on the prince, she sees this as a chance to write more than only gossip. So she wants to do an article on the subject. Jack is shocked when he finds out that Viola is pursuing leads to the assassins of the prince. Those men will not hesitate to kill someone, who gets too close to the truth. But he also understands Viola's frustration about not being taken seriously as a woman. Therefore, he reluctantly agrees to help her. But will Jack be able to keep her safe? And how will these endeavors distract him from his career? Or maybe a wife is in the cards for him. A wonderful read. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

The books in this series are so much fun to read. Short book with a ton of stuff going on. Not looking for love but for a story to write for the LADIES' GAZETTE, Viola dresses as a man to go where woman aren't allowed. Running into Mr. Barrett becomes a regular occurrence, especially when rumors place him in political jeopardy. Working together to clear his name, Viola makes the ultimate sacrifice with her reputation. There is only one thing to do, marry. Great Read!

Well written, intriguing, with smart leads, and plenty of varying kinds of tension. A great book to enjoy on a lazy day.

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

Quite an intricate plot but low on the heat. Not her best.

Each of the stories in this series can be read as a standalone but as it is part of a series, it is nice also to read the previous books to get acquainted to the various characters.
As I’m a sucker for Mrs Ridley and Mrs Burke work, so I instantly preordered the whole series.
This one read was centered on Viola Fairfax, the Duke of Eastleigh’s sister, she was introduced in his book, One Night Of Surrender where we learned she had the habit to masquerade as a man in her brother’s club.
So here, when she finds herself in the mist of a dangerous affair, she partners with Jack Barrett, a member of parliament who has seen through her masquerade.
Both are really dead set against marriage, Jack mostly because it is too early while Viola, she refuses to surrender her freedom.
It was a slow burn story, as in the fortnight they get to know each other, they encounter doubt, deceit and deception but they also discover passion and need of another. At first, they were more annoyed by the other than anything else but slowly they felt the lack of the other’s presence until they came to rethink their ideas about marriage.
I had to goggle the historical events presented for the background plot, it was very entertaining and enjoyable how Mrs Darcy Burke turned historic developments as an initial basis for Viola’s and Jack’s story.
One more great read in this series.
I receive an ARC by Netgalley but I add already prepurchased this tittle.

Lady Viola Fairfax is a newspaper columnist for The Ladies Gazette, also the sister of Val, half owner of the Wicked Duke. Not under her own name of course. Only men write columns, so she does it in disguise as Tavistock, a man who no one pays any attention to in the Wicked Duke. People talk to him but he's just another drinker, listening to gossip. Other than her brother and a few close friends, no one knows he is a she. That is except, Jack Barrett, a member of Parliament. He noticed she was female when she bent over as Tavistock. He promises not to talk to her brother as long as she doesn't put herself in danger and he must go with her. When Tavistock and Jack uncover there a political problem that could implicate many people including Jack. Their feelings become very passionate, but the times are dangerous. What if Jack is proven guilty although he is innocent? When Viola/ Tavistock is kidnapped, Jack will search the continent if needed to find her. I love Viola, she is sassy and will do what she needs to, as the truth is important to her. Jack is strong and a perfect fit for Viola. I loved them as a couple. Will Jack find Viola before she gets hurt? What a great book!. I received this book from Net Galley and the author and Darcy Burke Publishing for a honest review. I was honored to be able to read this book.

Viola and Barret have found the elusive precious gem of love, without even searching for it, while she was pretending to be a male seeking information for her article, but poor Viola has no idea, how much, out of her league things could truly get. A sassy and saucy entanglement that binds you to its pages.

This novel was an enjoyable read. Lady Viola Fairfax is denied being a writer because she is a woman. Instead of giving up, she disguises herself as a man, with only a few people knowing her secret. Her column is very popular in the Ladies' Gazette. However, Mr. Jack Barrett, an MP, knows her secret and has for some time. Jack has no time for a wife and plans to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Viola has no desire to marry either. The attack on the Prince has had a huge effect on gatherings, some even becoming radicals. Jack and Viola agree to work together to discover who is supplying information to the radicals.As they get closer to the truth, those who do not want to be discovered will take necessary measures to stop them. Viola and Jack never expected the feelings that would arise between them nor have them rethinking their views on marriage.

Lady Viola Fairfax is a social outcast since she left her betrothed at the alter some years back. She's not bothered by this; she has no desire for love and marriage, she just wants to write. So far, the only way she's been able to do that is by masquerading as a man, Mr. Tavistock, to infiltrate her brother's notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke, so she can gather information for her column in a women's magazine. When she catches wind of a scandal involving an MP, she sees it as her chance to do some real journalism.

When ambitious MP Jack Barrett catches the Duke of Eastleigh's not so well disguised sister sneaking into an exclusive gentleman's club, his protective instincts are roused. Jack is interested to learn more about both Viola herself and the rumor she's investigating so he appoints himself to help her. Viola has sworn off marriage and Jack doesn't yet have time for a wife, but their inquiries lead to the two spending a great deal of time together. Soon a spark begins to develop, which both refuse to acknowledge openly, but soon their inquiries put them both in danger and their feelings become impossible to avoid.

I think this was my favorite of this series so far. I loved Viola. In her we have that rare heroine who is strong and even stubborn, but without being naive or insensible. I loved that Jack was so receptive to Viola's ideas and so open to modifying his own. These two made a great couple with lots of chemistry and a very sweet, and steamy, relationship. I loved this one and I couldn't put it down.

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

While I haven't read the whole series by Darcy Burke I immensely enjoyed this novella. The plot was grabbing from the beginning until the very end. The heroine, smart journalist trying to breakthrough the forbidden men's world. Her persona was just a perfect mix of sassines, wit, tribe and passion. Her devotion for collecting information and writing column in Ladies Gazette as Mr. Tavistock was truly refreshing. When a true gentleman comes to her rescue, confess to recognised her and is willing to help her by her research on a political issue, she never has imagined to fall in love. But since their first encounter she could not keep him out of her mind.
The attraction was feelable through the pages of this lovely romance.
I could only recommend it to everyone who loves a quick historical story.

The story moved a little slow in my opinion. While I liked the history the romance was a slow burn. This is not my favorite in this series but Ms. Burke’s writing is impeccable. Both Jack and Viola are very likeable characters. I do like the fact that Jack is not a peer and is really a good guy and that Viola does not shy away from scandal but embraces who she is and what she wants to accomplish.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a decent historical romance with the heroine as a brave reformist who is anxious to become a journalist in a man's world. She dresses up a man in the hopes of discovering important news she could expose. She gets a tip from a fellow at the bar she frequents and she partners up with Jack to find a political traitor in their mist.
I found bits entertaining if not a bit slow in the beginning but it picks up. Jack and Viola are a powerful couple and they make the story compelling.

Another great Darcy Burke! I love her historicals and this one did not disappoint! My only complaint is that I read it too quickly. Can’t wait for the next one. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC!

What happens when an aspiring journalist (who can't publish under her own name, because she is merely a woman) stumbles across the story of a lifetime and has to decide what happens when she has to decide whether or not to trust a handsome politician who has been implicated in that very story? Especially if sparks fly and it is impossible to stay away from him...

I like that this series explores many different areas of life. Books one and two were about dukes and was mainly set among the glittering ballrooms of the ton, and book three and four feature untitled heroes, who work for a living. This book also takes a closer look at politics (especially the aftermath of the attempt on the Prince Regent's life and the rise of "sedition"), as our hero Jack is a lawyer with a seat in the House of Commons. It's also a bit more action-filled as the previous, hero and heroine unite to investigate if a member of the House might have instigated the attack on the Regent.

I liked both our main characters. Viola was a woman with a mission without being overbearing and heedless of the consequences. She knows her own limitations, and is willing to accept whatever help she can get. She is one of those rare truly independent heroines who don't run headfirst into one disaster after another after being told they can't do something, and I liked her for that. Jack was another sweet hero, but I wish his political views could have been explored a bit more. But all in all, I enjoyed this installment in the series.

If you're looking for a sweet, fun set of novellas with lovely characters, I can highly recommend this series!