Member Reviews
The Wicked Dukes Club are some of the most romantic stories I have read. They are so very sweet and awe inspiring. Third book in and I am smiling and grinning like a loon at the end of each book. Thad is such a gentleman and I love his camaraderie with everyone from other guys to wallflowers to diamonds. Now Priscilla on the other hand is a little sad – most people have very upstanding fathers but her father leaves her and rarely comes back. She just wants to believe so much that her whole life was seen through rosy glasses. You have to feel sorry about that. Fortunately, Thad is a perfect foe/friend to her. The ending is fantastic.
I voluntarily read and reviewed and advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This May 14th One Night Of Passion by Erica Ridley hits the bookstands. Do we still say bookstands? Book 3 in the Wicked Dukes Club hits the right notes as a continuation of the series. Ms Ridley and Darcy Burke are taking turns writing the books with Ms Ridley taking the odd numbers and Ms Burke the evens, so far it's working out great.
Mr. Thaddeus Middleton is looking for a love match, The One, and he's looking at every event this season. He's danced with every wallflower and searched out every corner of the tons ballrooms. He meets Miss Priscilla Weatherby one Wednesday evening at Almack's. He asks her to dance and she says no, what???? Well, he's intrigued and tries over and again to speak to her, to no avail, she dismisses him every time. The crux of the problem is a 10,000 pound trust her father put restrictions on. She must remain single and scandal free until her 25th birthday. The money means freedom and a life less ordinary. Thad is about to turn that plan on it's ear. He starts to see fairy tale signs and omens so he knows he's right about The One. While there aren't bluebirds singing in the trees we do have an African Grey Parrot who's a hoot. When Priscilla lets her guard down these two have such an interesting, witty back and forth, it's fun. Their journey to a happily ever after has such ups and downs that I was relieved when they got the HEA. I truly think you'll enjoy One Night Of Passion. Happy reading.
#EricaRidley #WickedDukes #NetGalley #OneNightOfPassion
Lifelong romantic Thaddeus Middleton is on the hunt for a wife. He hopes to find a woman more attracted to him than to money. Instead, he finds himself drawn to a spitfire who isn’t interested in him at all! At least, that’s what she says when she’s not kissing him beneath the stars...
Miss Priscilla Weatherby will inherit a fortune… provided she remains unwed and scandal-free. Easy enough, until she meets a man more dangerous than haughty lords and heartless rakes. Thad is a sweet, sexy delight, whose passionate embrace will ruin everything—including her! She’ll sacrifice anything for independence. Even love…
This is the third book in this two author series. The books are loosely tied together by the cast of characters that they have in common.
So far all three books have been delightful novellas which are quickly read.
I have found all three a delight to read with just enough in common to make you want to read the next one.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars. They are all sweet regencies with no overt sexual content.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Miss Priscilla Weatherby will inherit a fortune… provided she remains unwed and scandal-free. Easy enough, until she meets a man more dangerous than haughty lords.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Erica Ridley is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.
Thaddeus Middleton is the hero in book 3 of this wonderful series. Having seen his ward happily married, he is now determined to find a wife before the season ends. With no title and a modest income, he hopes to find a love match. Unfortunately, the one woman who has piqued his interest is Priscilla Weatherby, who is determined to avoid marriage until her 25th birthday when she will inherit her trust, thus enabling her to travel to Africa to join her explorer father and grandfather. Despite herself, Priscilla finds that she is attracted to Thad, while Thad, even while knowing that his suit is likely hopeless, steadfastly pursues Priscilla. Along the way to her HEA, Priscilla is forced to confront some unhappy truths about her family. Both characters are realistically portrayed and their story is told engagingly. Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke write alternate volumes in the series and have managed to seamlessly incorporate characters and incidents from one book to another while staying true to each characters’ essence. Splendid!
I love this series! Now in the third book, Thaddeus Middleton, is still looking for his Princess Charming. Thad is a kind, considerate and hopeless romantic who believes in marrying for love. However, year after year goes by without any one lady captivating him, that is, until he asks Miss Priscilla Weatherby for a dance. The set down she gives him should have discouraged him from further contact with her, but it has the opposite effect. Thad feels the spark with Priscilla and he's not willing to turn away. Priscilla doesn't want to marry. She's holding out until her 25th birthday when she'll inherit a fortune and realize her dream of being an adventurer, but is she missing out on a lifetime of happiness with Thad?
The characters in this story had so much depth--both Thad and Priscilla holding onto their dreams and finally realizes that a dream can change over time. There is no villain in this story. It's a sweet, lovely story of how sometimes what you think you want isn't the dream you think it is. Priscilla always wanted to travel with her father and thought he would want her now that she was grown, but what Priscilla finds out is that you don't need to go half-way around the world to enjoy new adventures. Ms. Ridley has written a wonderful story and I can't wait to read the next story in this series.
The third installment in Wicked Dukes series is compact, well rounded and ends with a flourish.
Thad is an untitled romantic gentleman who is persuing his dream. He will setlle for nothing less than achieving his ultimate goal. Find love!
Priscilla has her own dreams too. To join her father and grandfather on their adventures. She is keeping a low profile until it's the right time to realise her dreams.
Thad thinks that he might have found The One, but she will not be deterred from realising her dreams. Priscilla is seen in the right places and does her best to stay off the Marriage Mart. All bets are off when the indisputable attraction develops between Thad and herself. The thing is that she will not be deterred from her life long dreams and Thad wants to stay rooted. Can they come to an understanding?
Thad is a gentle soul. He is willing to suffer in silence if that means that The One can achieve her dreams. Priscilla is smart and determined to get what she has always dreamt of. Although this story is fairly short, it's packed with angst. It's full of lies and deceits, but the romance is so worth it. It's a very pleasant read indeed.
I was kindly issued with an eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review
Not her best. Too light on the chemistry and seduction before the instalove and HEA
This is the third book in the Wicked Dukes Series. I found this one a little slow to start with but it did come up the the standard that you would expect from Ms Ridley. There was some very heart warming moments, the expected humor, passion and some lovely surprises thrown in. Even though the hero was not a duke, he was good friends with some and a very likeable guy. The heroine was trying very hard to be strong because of her past but came to fine herself and love. Even after the slow start I found it hard to put down. I read it in a bit over a day. There was a touch of sex. As usual Ms Ridley’s book was well worth reading for the good feeling to get out of it. I received this book as an ARC and was very happy to read and review it.
This is the third book in the Wicked Duke Club series. It can be read as a stand alone but reading in order is most enjoyable. Yay! This is another winner! I love the characters and the writing. This story ended before I knew what was happening. I wanted to go on. Highly recommend!
Continuing on in this series we find Thad Middleton ready to look for a wife but he wants love not convenience. He lacks a title but is such a happy, considerate person he should have no trouble, His problem is he is attracted to Priscilla Weatherby who was left in London by her grandfather and father while they travel the world. She thinks she has to protect herself from men and wait until she is twenty five and get her trust fund and then she can join them in their travels. Her problem is she is attracted to Thad and they have much in common to bring them together. Which way will she go? Can she find happiness staying with Thad or should she travel to far places?
We always buy Erica Ridley for our library. She writes the best mix of banter, romance and plot. Fun read, but it would have liked it to be a bit longer.
Priscilla has been lonely all her life and has big dreams for her future. Thad is a sweet guy ready to settle down and find a wife. They meet at a dance and the sparks fly. Priscilla finds out that what she had dreamed of is nothing compared to what she finds in Thad.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Great read.
Thaddeus is so sweet and wonderful , the sort of man to take home to your family.
Priscilla is just waiting for her 25th birthday, so she can escape her life for one of adventure in Africa, with her father and grandfather .
The two are made for each other but she won’t give in, she fights love and destiny all the way .
Will Thaddeus finally get through to her ?
Lovely book and addition to this series.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Another very good book by Ms Ridley. It's well written, engaging and entertaining.
I liked the plot, the cast of characters and the setting.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Thaddeus Middleton is a hopeless romantic. He believes that when he meets the woman he is meant to be with forever there will be a sign. Bluebird singing, a rainbow in the sky, fireworks, the whole nine yards. He has decided that this Season he will find his perfect match. A woman that will send his heart racing and he’ll fall maddeningly in love with.
Priscilla Weatherby is set to inherit a fortune… along as she can remain single by the time she reaches five-and-twenty. But she can not simply wait on the sidelines as a wallflower. As part of the conditions of her inheritance, she must be seen as at least attempting to find herself a husband. Nor can she discourage potential suitors by being caught up in any scandals. Easy enough for a young woman that has spent years perfecting the image of being available while remaining completely unremarkable. Until she meets a man more dangerous than any of the smug lords or heartless rogues. Thad is sweet, kind, and a sexy delight. Who’s attention might ruin her! But Priscilla is more than willing to sacrifice anything for independence and her dreams of adventure, even love.
I was very excited to read this. I really enjoyed the first book in the Wicked Dukes and I was very excited to read more in the series. I was very happy to step back into this series set in Regency England. As well as to see some of the characters from the past two books mentioned or interacted with by the main characters in this book.
The happiness and success of two of Thaddeus’ friends is part of why he has decided to find his wife this Season. If they can find their perfect match and fall in love, why can’t he? Of course, he doesn’t set his sights on a woman that is easily won over. Priscilla at first is not willing to even be acquaintances with the man, constantly pushing him away as he tries gain her affections. But neither of them can deny that they are drawn to the other. For much of this story they resign themselves as friends, which allows them to chance to grow closer.
It was lovely to read and to see their relationship develop. In this story I did almost think that there might not be a happy end for the main characters. I did think at one point it was very likely that the two would part ways and possibly end up heart broken. But if there had been great character development, and the moments of realisation for both characters that their ideas and goals had changed.
There were a lot of funny moments in this book. I thought that Thaddeus and Priscilla had a lot of fun and witty banter. There was a lot of great moments that made me really love them. From their shared love of non-fiction book and the fact that they both their pets after days of the week (albeit in different languages). I felt like they had a very sweet, fun, and good-natured relationship that I really enjoyed to read.
I also loved Priscilla’s grandmother, I thought she was a very interesting character. She wanted Priscilla to marry a man that had ties, would love her and not leave her behind. Like what had happened to her, Priscilla’s mother, and Priscilla when her father and grandfather left them all behind to explore the world. Priscilla has wanted to join them on their adventures ever since she was a young girl, planning to spend her inheritance to join them. How much Priscilla’s grandmother cares for her isn’t obvious until towards the end. But she is probably one of Thaddeus’ biggest supporters. As she leaves the two alone unchaperoned, in possible hopes that he will “ravish her on the carpet” and then have to marry her (according to Priscilla). By leaving the two alone the first time he calls on Miss Middleton, she more than gives her approval for him to court her granddaughter.
This book can be read as a standalone, as each of these books are individual stories centred around two different main characters there is no need to read the books before this one. Some of the characters from previous books do appear but they are reintroduced so you don’t have to know who they are beforehand.
Since Thaddeus' ward Diana was married to the Duke of Colehaven (in One Night for Seduction), he was feeling a bit lonely. Therefore, the Wicked Duke decides it is time to find himself a suitable wife. But after having danced with numerous ladies at the banquettes of the ton, he still hasn't found what he was looking for. Because most of the women who cling to him are only after his money. Changing tactics, he decides to start looking at the wall flowers at the dance. The women who scarcely dance. Like Priscilla Weatherby, one of Diana's best friends.
Thaddeus can't imagine why this lovely woman doesn't have a lot of men on her dance card. Until she opens her mouth... What a spitfire and why is she insisting that Thaddeus and she are not friends?
Priscilla is eagerly awaiting her twenty fifth birthday. Because, in two years time she will be able to join her father and grandfather on their journeys around the world. The one restriction: she needs to be unwed and free of scandals, to receive her fortune from her father. However: she needs to be actively in the market for a husband, so she has perfected her wall flower tactics to stay out of sight for most men. But not from the handsome Thaddeus. Why does he insists on dancing with her? And why does it feel so good?
Torn between his friendship and her desire to roam the world, Priscilla tries to keep Thaddeus at bay. But the man can be very convincing. A wonderful read about family ties, friendship and desires of the heart. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
One Night of Passion was another delightful installment in the Wicked Dukes Club series and I really enjoyed it.
Thaddeus Middleton is ready to find the woman he hopes to spend the rest of his life with, but he’s finding it harder than he thought since he’s determined to have a love match. When Thad meets Miss Priscilla Weatherby at a ball, he is immediately intrigued but she rebuffs his efforts. Priscilla is set to inherit a fortune on her twenty-fifth birthday provided she remains unmarried and she isn’t going to let any man jeopardize that, no matter how much he may interest her.
Thad is an unabashed romantic and has spent his life trying to meet as many people as possible as you never know where you will find your true love. In addition to wanting to meet people to find his true love, Thad is also just interested in people in general as he finds people’s life stories to be fascinating. He has aspirations to one day become a biographer and as practice, he spends his time filling journals with details about all of the people he meets.
Priscilla has spent the bulk of her life with only her grandmother for company as her mother died when she was young and her father and grandfather are adventurers who are never home. Priscilla was promised a chance to adventure with her father and grandfather when she was old enough and as a result she became obsessed with the idea. Everything Priscilla does is to ensure she will be able to travel with her family and no longer be left behind.
Thad and Priscilla’s relationship gets off to a slow start as despite Priscilla’s interest in Thad, her heart is set on becoming an adventurer. Eventually the two form a friendship of sorts with tons of banter and wonderful conversations. I loved that the two got each other and had similar senses of humor. Eventually they give in to the attraction between them, but Priscilla holds herself back a bit as she’s still holding on to the idea of adventure which means not marrying. Priscilla’s reluctance to be honest with herself and Thad was frustrating at times, but completely understandable given her abandonment issues. I loved that in the end, it was Priscilla who realized she had a new dream and the choice wasn’t forced on her.
Overall I thought One Night of Passion was an amazing read and I’m really enjoying the Wicked Dukes Club series thus far. I would definitely recommend the series if you’re looking for some shorter, fantastic historical romances.
This is an honest and fair review for this ARC. Another win!! what a great story. No matter what we think is our dream, a new dream can sneak up on us before we even get to our dream line. What awesome characters!! Great read!!! xoxo
This novel is a little bit of role reversal, where the man desires a family and a "happily ever after" and the woman desires adventure, with no thoughts of marriage in site. Miss Priscilla Weatherby has plans for the fortune she will inherit at 25 and it does not include marriage. She helps other women with advice about what things the man they are trying to attract enjoy. Priscilla is not prepared for an encounter with Thaddeus Middleton, who is looking for the one that brings fireworks. No matter how she discourages him, Thad keeps returning and they develop a friendship that turns to love. Thad desires a woman who loves him as he is, not one who desires money and status. Both are fighting the fates of their parents, wanting something different than what their parents had. An opportunity arises for Priscilla to have all she wants, but at what cost?