Miss Gwendolyn Smith is determined to run away from the life she has established, studying dusty tomes alongside Jackson Cavendish. If she can summon up the courage, it will be to avoid her past, catching up with her. Yet in doing so, she will need to tell Jackson why she cannot be with him. However, Jackson is determined that they will be together, so he reasons that he must force her to choose and that is to face her past so that she can have a future with him.

At times, I wished I had read all the previous books in the series, as I would have gained a sense of some of the characters. However, the author does elaborate, and this certainly help. This book managed to capture all the right elements with a hint of suspense, not knowing how the romance would play out between Gwen and Jackson. There are plenty of great secondary characters, some nice and others quite nasty. A great read overall.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 stars, rounded up

For six long years, Jackson Cavendish has loved Miss. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Smith, the woman who stowed away on the ship he and his uncle were on and became a vital part of their research team. But try as he might to win her, Gwen has always kept Jackson at a distance and refuses to drop her shields. Jackson refuses to give up and it seems like his perseverance has paid off when they attend a masked ball and share a night of passion that came straight from his dreams. But the next day, Gwen pretends as if nothing happened and now, months later, Jackson is at his wit's end – can he break through the walls Gwen hides behind or is he wasting his time? He asks his cousins' husbands and is advised to walk away and let her come to him. Jackson is not sure he can do that, but he will try, and where better to do that than at his family home? The home he hasn’t visited since his parents unexpectantly died in a carriage accident. Maybe is it time to walk away and time to face his loss. He tells his uncle that he is going home to work on the book his father was writing, but never finished, and to his surprise, his uncle decides to join him and wants to bring along with his wife, Jackson’s young twin brothers, his youngest daughter, and Gwen. Jackson steels himself to have her in his home, determined to ignore his desire to chase her. At least that is his plan.

Gwen has secrets and has been hiding with the Cavendishes for the past six years, and contrary to what he believes, she has deep feelings for Jackson, but marriage is out of the question because her past would ruin his family. She knows that giving in to the passion that is barely contained between them was a mistake, but she can’t regret it. She will cherish the memory of that night forever. When they return to London, she seeks out an old friend and learns that her past is catching up to her, in a panic, she tells Jackson’s Uncle Henry, the Baron Eaden that she wants to leave his employ and asks for his help in finding a new position. He is surprised, but agrees to help and insists that she come with them to Jackson’s estate Seastorm Manor. She is surprised by Jackson’s behavior and finds herself wanting to tell him why she can never be his wife. But when her secret becomes impossible to keep any longer, she will have to decide if she is willing to trust in the love Jackson claims to have for her and the promise of happily ever after or will she do what she has always done and run away?

This is a new author to me and I didn’t realize that this title is towards the end of the series, so these characters have an established past, and reading the series in order probably would have enhanced my reading experience. But the author did give a bit of backstory, so I didn’t feel completely lost. I loved Jackson, he is such a darling man, so kind, so patient, so willing to understand, and has so much love for a woman who has constantly held him at bay. Gwen was a bit harder for me to like and while I understood her scandal, I didn’t understand her fear of retribution – she was not to blame, so I cannot even comprehend why she was so scared of being found. Once she decided to let go of her fear and trust Jackson, she blossomed – I don’t know, maybe that was the author’s intent all along – but it worked and I finally began to believe she was worthy of the love Jackson had for her. The story has secrets, steamy love scenes, nasty neighbors, emotional healing, a cat, inquiring minds, surprising twists, and finally a very endearing HEA complete with an epilogue. I did enjoy this story, but I was disappointed that the author didn’t seem to know or understand honorific titles, nor did she seem to know how untitled married women were addressed, but to be fair; this is just a pet peeve of mine, and doesn’t really have any bearing on the story. I think this is the fourth book in the series and while I felt that I would have benefited from reading the books in order, I was able to follow the story without a problem.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

I have loved this series and Jackson and Gwendolyn's story did not disappoint. To see the two finally come together and the world to right itself for Gwen. I laughed, cried, got angry and threw my phone. The visuals the author puts together make you feel like you're watching a movie and this is all playing out before you. I don't want Bridgerton on Netfix, I'd like Cavendish please.

"We are alike, you and. I Mischief and Midnight have always gone well together."

I can't wait to see what she does next.

I’ve been reading Charlie Lane’s books for two years now and she never once disappointed me! Her writing is superb, evocative, poetic, the places in which her characters live or move always fit perfectly with the mood of the story and are gorgeously described, the characters are flawed, sometimes infuriatingly so (yes, I’m talking about Gwendolyn!), but very human, and every emotion they feel is eviscerated and laid bare for the readers to see and helps understand them better. Her cinnamon roll heroes are sweet and kind, but also very strong in the face of adversity and so very sexy! And I love a sexy scholar with a sunny disposition and the patience of a saint! This series is really one of my favorite and I’m waiting for the next book (yeah, circus again!) with bathed breath.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the fourth book in the series, but it's the first I read and I didn't feel lost or anything.
I loved the writing in this book and the characters were well built and the chesmistry between them is chef's kiss even though they deny it. Watching these characters, especially Gwendoly, gain confidence and grow through out the story is amazing. As most romance books, the ending was kind off predicatable, but just being able to see the way they grew and leaned to cope with their feelings is what made this book worth it.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Wasn't too interesting since they were already in love and was annoying how long it took for her to finally tell Jackson the whole truth

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 4 of the Cavendish Family series. We’ve met Jackson and Gwendolyn a few times in previous books as research assistants to Henry, the explorer and adventurer and archeologist. They’ve always shown to be bantering (and possibly flirting) throughout the series. Now, we finally get to see their relationship come to a point and learn why Gwendolyn was found as a stowaway in one of Henry’s ships six years ago. Jackson is very obvious in his desire to woo and wed Gwendolyn, and she’s the one who is protective of her secrets and wants to keep Jackson away. We learn early in the book that Gwendolyn believed to be married to a bigamist and was ruined and ostracized in London society. Her family was horrible and cast her out after the scandal, and her supposed father-in-law thought to make her his mistress. So she ran away and reinvented her identity. For as long as they’ve known her, the Cavendish family has believed Gwendolyn to be holding onto some secrets, but haven’t pushed her to reveal and instead been a supportive and friendly family. Jackson, of course, has been patiently waiting for his opportunity to court her and needs to know why she refuses him. In the background, there’s a plot about Jackson visiting his family estate for the first time in many years since his parents died, but he pretty much had a happy childhood and upbringing, so it’s fairly low drama on that front. And of course, when Gwendolyn finally reveals her secrets, the Cavendishes react exactly how you’d expect them to react. I really liked this one and would recommend!

A Cat and Mouse Mystery Romance:
My first time reading anything by this author. This the fourth book of the series.
I was unfamiliar with the series, but I didn't feel lost or that I missed anything.
The story is filled with intriguing characters, and this is a story of two people that are extremely attracted to each other but deny their true feelings. One night at a masquerade ball they finally came together and had a passionate interlude but kept themselves unknown to each other even when they actually know who they were. Therefore, the cat and mouse romance.
Many rough times for the two but love can conquer all if you're patient enough.
A fun story of working together and finding a HEA.
A good epilogue
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
Pretty Cover:

I have really liked all the books in this series. I enjoy Charlie Lane books and this one was no exception. We get Jackson Cavendish and Gwendolyn's story this time and it's a cracker. Both act as assistants to Baron Cavendish and they clearly get on Very Well. Jackson loves Gwendolyn. Gwendolyn loves Jackson but there is a Dark Secret in Gwendolyn's past that makes her keep somewhat aloof from her friends and employer. I actually enjoyed reading the progression of this story - often I find the 'obstacles' in the way of a happy ending to a book very arbitrary but this one was fun. I recommend!

Quite possibly my favourite ever regency romance! I haven’t stopped since picked it up. Such a beautiful love story filled with passion, courage and love conquering all. Absolutely loved Jaxon and Gwen! Read this book!!

"She’s not who she says she is.
Shadows, secrets, and Jackson Cavendish—all things Miss Gwendolyn Smith runs from. She’s determined to live a life of obscurity, studying dusty tomes. Better that steady present than her haunting past or a future she cannot have. When a letter arrives that threatens her secrets and Jackson tells her he’s done waiting, she must choose—face her past and gain a future? Or continue running from both.
He fell first, but he’ll win at last.
Mr. Jackson Cavendish has chased Gwendolyn for six years but only caught her once. In Paris at midnight. He’ll never forget what she felt like in his arms. And he’s determined to repeat the experience. Every night for the rest of their lives. But how to convince the woman he loves to trust him with her secrets?"
This is a good book. It's somewhat mysterious.
Charlie Lane is a good author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

As someone who hadn't read the earlier books in this series, what a treat this one was! Finished in one day, the story of Gwendolyn and Jackson was gripping and steamy. Ill definitely be reading this one again, and the rest in the series.

For many years Jack has been in love with the research assistant his uncle had hired. Gwen was hiding a secret that she was sure would unleash humiliation and scandal on his family if they knew who she really was. Gwen slowly, very slowly, tells some of her secrets and finds she has nothing to be ashamed of after all. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.

This was a nice romance story about a strong woman and strong man.
The heroine is a young lady that had been rescued by the hero's uncle. They are world travellers and the uncle is a famous historian, antiquarian, scholar and author. The hero is his nephew and him and the heroine work for him as researchers. Six years before they were travelling and the heroine had been saved by them and invited to join their present project. They accepted her into their family and she worked hard to pay them back for the trust they extended to her. The hero has been in love with her for years, but since she was such a private person, he was unable to work past her barriers. The heroine actually loves him back, but doesn't allow herself any joy. She is trying to punish herself for a misdeed done in her youth. But as it happens, someone from her past is looking for her and it could cause the destruction of everything she has worked so hard for. As the story moves along, we learn that she is a titled lady who was married at 19 years of age. About a year after being married, she finds out she is "wife #3". She is devastated. Her "husband" is put to a trial and her drawing is posted over the papers. Her family has nothing to do with her since she was in an arranged marriage. But her and the other wives, who are the victims, are treated like prostitutes and her family does nothing to help her. So she jumps in the river and it helps her fake her death, for when she is rescued by the hero's uncle and the hero, she gives a fake name and hides her real identity. There had been one person to stand with her and that was her previous governess. They were friends and supported each other when no one else would. The governess now works as a seamstress at a modiste shop and she has been receiving letters for the heroine in her previous name from the marquess who is her 'father-on-law"..
Overall, this was a nice romance. It didnt grab my attention and it was very wordy. It didnt reach out to me or make me feel immersed in the story. The characters acted a little too dramatic with flowery ways of speaking and in some ways it was over the top with too much romance. It was a little too fanciful and the characters did not act realistically. They all acted too good to be true. I like a little more reality is my romance. And, this is a spoiler, when she is offered retribution, she refuses it! After all her talk of how she was trying to earn enough money so that her governess friend didnt have to damage her hands and eyes working in the sewing shop and when she is offered a windfall, she refuses. She could at least have accepted it and gifted it to her friend who was there for her all her life. That is how I feel. The characters are described as being so pure of heart and she makes a selfish decision like that. So much for being grateful for the one person who supported you when you needed it. I give this 4 stars because it left a bad taste in my mouth. I do not know if I would recommend reading this or not because it might appeal to someone else.

this book was so amazing I cant even say how good it is only a smidge spicy not to much but the love hate has me saying ahhh!!!! cause i love them together so much you should read this

Thank you Netgalley and Charlies Lane for this ARC. Love a Lady at Midnight comes out on February 10, 2023. I really enjoyed the different conflicts plaguing our lead heroine - no spoiling here! I also loved that the leads were researchers, anthologists and globe trotters. I did feel that there was way too much internal monologue that should have been cut.

I haven't read the other's in this series and didn't feel I missed anything so this can be read as a stand alone. I find this author can be a bit hit and miss for me but this book was a resounding hit. A good romance with a bit of mystery happy to recommend this one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A very enjoyable romance, I loved the premise of a lady with a secret running from the gentleman who loves her. Jackson and Gwen are great characters, with a strong connection. The chemistry was there along with the secrets and the story built to a satisfying conclusion.

Beautiful cover and story, not so beautiful content. The books storyline is great but to much romance. I felt as though the characters were horny and childish at times. To me the story was overshadowed by the unnecessary sexual content. However I did like the characters and their chemistry together.

"In this sizzling Regency romance by USA Today Bestselling author Charlie Lane, a lady with a secret runs from the gentleman who loves her.

She's not who she says she is.

Shadows, secrets, and Jackson Cavendish - all things Miss Gwendolyn Smith runs from. She's determined to live a life of obscurity, studying dusty tomes. Better that steady present than her haunting past or a future she cannot have. When a letter arrives that threatens her secrets and Jackson tells her he's done waiting, she must choose - face her past and gain a future? Or continue running from both.

He fell first, but he'll win at last.

Mr. Jackson Cavendish has chased Gwendolyn for six years but only caught her once. In Paris at midnight. He'll never forget what she felt like in his arms. And he's determined to repeat the experience. Every night for the rest of their lives. But how to convince the woman he loves to trust him with her secrets?

He's tried seduction.
He's tried retreat.
Now he'll have to reveal his own fears and secret guilt.

When these two scholars must dig into their own pasts, they'll learn how to build a future from it or lose each other forever."

Aw, romantic scholars and their secrets!