Thanks St. Martin's press and netgalley for this ARC.

Lovely historical romance full of danger, passion, and almost missed opportunity.

Last Night with the Duke is book 1 in Amelia Grey’s new series, The Rakes of St. James. I received an invitation from the publisher via Net-Galley to read and review. The book description sounded enticing, so I accepted.

This novel is a sweet story, one that put a smile on my face. The pacing is steady and so the story moved along well. The characters are very likable, especially Josephine and her little dog Napoleon. My heart ached for the child at times. She had a difficult time, and the little dog helps her heal from losing her beloved father.

Esmeralda Swift has a lot to contend with, between keeping her twelve-year-old sister safe, a roof over their heads and her business running smoothly while earning their livelihood. When the Duke of Griffin comes to her agency to hire a chaperone to square his twin sisters around society, she is excited until he tells her he wants her to personally do it. How can she keep her business running if she accepts his financially adventitious offer?

The Duke does not take no for an answer. When he sees something he wants, he pursues it relentlessly. Esmeralda is perfect for his sisters, so he gives her an offer she cannot refuse, even when she makes a few outrageous demands of her own, thinking to discourage him.

Now that he has her ensconced in his home, he needs to keep her at arm’s length. After all, he is a gentleman and must not dally with an employee, no matter how tempting. Can he keep his desires in check for the delightful Miss Swift, or will he crumble beneath the overwhelming attraction for her?

Esmeralda is an endearing heroine with many redeeming characteristics. She is loyal to her sister, determined to protect her charges from rakes and near-do-wells while holding the charming duke at bay. Her attraction to him is fierce, but her integrity keeps her from giving into her desire. I loved the tender care she shows for her mischievous little sister. For me, that part of the story was the most enjoyable.

Griffin is a great hero, a reformed rake, trying to do right by his irascible twin sisters and his elderly great-aunt. I enjoyed his struggle to rein in the amazing attraction for Esmeralda when all he wanted to do was bind her to him. I enjoyed to camaraderie he has with his two friends as well.

Now, what did not work for me? The romance was not the true central focus of this novel. While there is chemistry between Griffin and Esmeralda, it takes too long to heat up. They don’t even kiss until around 67% of the story. For me, I would have liked more stolen kisses between the hero and heroine much sooner in the story.

If you enjoy traditional Regency romance with endearing characters and a sweet storyline with several enchanting moments, then you will enjoy Last Night with the Duke. If like heat with your romance, then this might not be the book for you. Nonetheless, I did enjoy many aspects of this story and will probably read the next book. Happy reading!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars

I need to preface this review by stating my current mood wasn't favorable for this genre. Explanation: you know how when you read a bunch of books back-to-back and they all start sounding similar? While the first few, you were in deep love with the genre, the premise, eager for more of the same, but then you get burnt out on the same tropes. That's how I felt reading Last Night with the Duke. This doesn't mean it's a bad book. If this had been the first in a string of historical romances, I would be raving about it. That's not fair to the book or the author. So I'm going to state what's within the book, and leave my skewed personal opinion out of it.

What's in the book: Esmeralda is the granddaughter of a viscount, but after the actions of her mother, their branch of the family was disowned, so she has to work her way through life. She oversees a governess and chaperone business.

Griffin is a Duke who is seeking a chaperone to help pave the way for his sister's debut – this sets up how the two love interests meet. He has a past, and he fears it tainting his sister's future.

If you're looking for a book featuring a scoundrel (our duke) who butts heads with his sister's chaperone, one who doesn't want to marry a commoner, where we discover Esmeralda (being the granddaughter of a viscount) is exactly what he's looking for, which leads to a happily ever after between the pair.

Last Night with the Duke was written well, the flow fluid, as Amelia Grey is a good writer. The characters were engaging, with mystery, closed-door-fade-to-black romance, and added banter/humor. The pacing was on the slow side, without much occurring until the final climax.

As I stated at the start of this review – this is on me. The book was a solid historical romance, with all the elements needed, but I couldn't help feeling as if I've read this all before, many times over. Maybe I'm burnt out on the genre. Maybe I'm looking for an original take on historical romance.

Recommended to fans of Amelia Grey and historical romance, especially those who love the tropes that have stood the test of time. This is a clean romance, solid writing, with a guaranteed happily ever after.

For those looking for a book that stands out from the crowd, has a different take on the culture in historical romances, more heat, I'd suggest you download the sample.

I found Last Night With The Duke to be a good story – I didn’t love it, didn’t hate it but I certainly had trouble connecting to either main character. I don’t mind in the least to use my imagination with some couples, believing in the.. “Okay, maybe that could happen” type of reading logic. Griffin and Esmeralda simply didn’t spend enough time getting to know even a bit beyond the surface, and I simply could not stretch enough to see them as a couple falling in love in spite of the circumstances they each find themselves in.

I did something I don’t normally do which is check out other reviews of this book. I don’t like to do that until after I post my review – but I really wanted to know if it was just me that wasn’t getting this couple. I found mixed reviews – some loved it, some hated it and some were like me, in the middle.

It comes down to a simple fact that I couldn’t believe in the relationship of this couple enough to see them as in love or having a happy ever after. I wish I felt differently – but I don’t, and that does make me feel badly. It’s obvious there is an audience who loved this story – so you’ll need to make up your own mind on this one. After all, a review is just one person’s opinion. I’ll stick with my feeling of a good book and leave it at that.

*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.*

3.5 Stars

I think I'm really going to like this series. I like having three dukes together causing trouble and leaving a trail of broken hearts behind them. Esmeralda was certainly a strong woman who could definitely hold her own against them, especially Griffin. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley for ARC.

Publisher's Description:

Could finding love be his greatest scandal of all?

The Duke of Griffin has never lived down his reputation as one of the Rakes of St. James. Now rumors are swirling around London that his twin sisters may bear the brunt of his past follies. Hiring a competent chaperone is the only thing Griffin has on his mind--until he meets the lovely and intriguing Miss Esmeralda Swift. In ways he could never have expected, she arouses more than just his curiosity.

Esmeralda Swift considered herself too sensible to ever fall for a scoundrel, but that was before she met the irresistibly seductive Duke of Griffin. His employment offer proves too tempting for her to resist. She can’t afford to be distracted by his devilish charms because the stakes are so high for his sisters’ debut Season. . .unless one of London’s most notorious rakes has had a change of heart and is ready to make Esmeralda his bride in Last Night with the Duke, the first novel in the brand-new Regency Rakes of St. James series by New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey.

My Thoughts:
In this the first of a new series Amelia Grey delights us with a pair of twins making their debut on society, an unruly twelve year old girl and we throw in a Sky Terrier for good measure.
These characters add a delightfully funny nature to this wonderful love story.
Esmeralda once would have been making a debut herself had her mother not fell in love with and married an Irish Poet and consequently been disowned by her brother and the family.
Griffin, The Duke of Griffin is one of a trio of young rakish dukes. His aunt is to help bring his twin sisters out into society but she is ill. Now he needs someone to help him.
I loved this book. I have read several other offerings by this author and have enjoyed them. Amelia Grey does tend to write stories that are remarkably sweet in nature. We find only heated kisses and mild petting through most of the book but it does usually lead to one climactic love scene. This is the case with this book. There are moments of laughter and sadness to balance out the story.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5tars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary Digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I voluntarily reviewed.

I was a definite fan of Griffin, the sexy, dirty talking duke. Esmeralda had good qualities too with a great voice for independent, sassy heroines everywhere. I enjoyed both the primary and secondary characters quite well. They were afforded some decent growth and exhibited complexity.

It was the plot that didn't convince me. I get that selecting a young unmarried and virginal lady in her twenties as a chaperone represents how unconventional the duke is but -.- come on. Let's be real. We then get a little element thrown in about Esme's background that goes nowhere. Why bring it up several times if it has no bearing on the story? The pacing seems fast when it comes to the relationship but ok for most other aspects.

In general, I tend to stay away from HRs that are centered around chaperones, widows, governesses, and dressmakers. They seem to come with elements I'm not too fond of with few exceptions thrown in, of course. This is included among them.

Safety: No others for either despite admirers for both. No rape or abuse.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

The Rakes' progress, part 1.

Enjoyable characters and story. Benedict Mercer, The Duke of Griffin will go to great lengths to protect his twin sisters from the consequences of a stupid and damaging wager he and his dukely friends (The Rakes of St. James) had participated in years ago.
Part of those lengths is to hire a chaperone, Miss Esmeralda Swift. That was his first battle with Esmeralda and those battles would continue. (Both Griffin and Esmerelda are stubborn). Esmeralda has her own secrets and burdens including her beloved half sister Josephine. There's a dog of great consequence included--Napoleon of course!
The thing is that the Duke has strong feelings about the right behaviour due to those in his service, even if he has a great deal of difficulty mastering that as far as the delectable Miss Swift is concerned. Esmeralda definitely is not indifferent to the wretched man, but he is a Duke and she is only a lowly employee.
In between chasing down rumours, keeping his sisters safe, his attraction for Esmerelda and running the gauntlet of a London season, the Duke has much to occupy him. And of course there's his friends and fellow dukely rakes, Rust Rathburne, the Duke of Rathburne (Rath), and Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn (Hawk).
Esmeralda's background story seems to fizzle somewhat, although it does give her the right entree. Still maybe more will come of it in future developments of the other St James Rakes' progresses. Griffin's twin sisters Vera and Sara could be more fully developed. They certainly have heaps of potential.
Josephine however, is a treasure! I loved her! The antics she and her dog get up to are both heart warming and heart breaking.
Then there's the broad sheet publication, 'Miss Honora Truth's Weekly Scandal Sheet'. I am sure that will continue to play a part.
A lot of unanswered questions that may never be resolved in this delightful Regency romance.

A NetGalley ARC
(March 2017)

This book is the first in The Rakes of St. James. Which I have to say that this book is a good first showing in this series. In this story it was Esmeralda that was more of the ballsy one versus Griffin. He was more mild mannered. This was refreshing as it is usually the male that is the dominant one. To be honest, I don't know what type of reputation that Griffin had prior but he really was a sweetie. He did not deserve whatever bad rap he had prior.

Esmeralda was a breath of fresh air. She stirred things up in Griffin's life; what with her brazen attitude in not backing down when confronted by Griffin to her sister, Josephine, and the flirty banter between Esmeralda and Griffin. Speaking of Josephine, her innocence was great. She was not easily impressed by fancy things. The funniest moment was when she caused a big disturbance at the picnic lunch with the mammoth frog.

Than there are Griffin's twin sisters, Sara and Vera. They were both good in their own ways. Sara is a little more bold of the two. I understand that this was their first season so they did not have much life experience but after interacting with Esmeralda and Josephine, they came off as dull. Overall, I had a very enjoyable time reading this book. If you are a fan of historical romance than you should pick up a copy of this book.

I loved this historical read. Great characters, great chemistry and very entertaining. A fun read.

Another great story!! Amelia Grey is an awesome author who wrote another fabulous story.

what a delightful read! I am normally not big into historical books but I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

Few guardians can be as protective as a rake --because he knows just how bad other men can be. That is why the Duke of Griffin wants his twin sisters so carefully chaperoned. He knows they are at risk from men like him, but also that his past indiscretions might cause some men to plot revenge. These indiscretions aren't cruel, but they were unkind -- Griffin and the other Rakes of St. James thought it funny to play with young girls' affections. You can read the book for the details of how. What bothers me about this as a plot device is that is all about what men want, while women suffer. Even the twin sisters being put at risk is a clumsy device -- why should they suffer for the actions of their brother and his friends? In an era where men are supposed to be protecting women, they sure don't seem to mind hurting them on certain occasions.
Despite disliking that bit of the plot, this is still a fun read, with the duke and Esmeralda so attractive as H/h. She is just so fierce in her protection of her little sister, Josephine, and so intent on keeping her safe. Esmeralda is a capable, smart woman who has made her way in a time when women on their own had few choices. The Duke is clever about getting her to work for him, and then can't help himself as her brains and beauty both attract him. He is too quick to judge, and that makes him less appealing -- but he makes up for it in the end, as the two work their way to their HEA, which when it comes, is most well-deserved.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Griffin and Esmeralda story has all the elements that I like in my books. They are both great characters and I liked the way the plot developed. Mrs. Grey writing style flows beautifully and I am looking reading more of her amazing books!

So, I have to begin by saying that this is not an action-packed, jump from one moment to the next story. In fact, it actually is a slow meander to the sprint at the end, and this did make for some interesting, and not so, moments in the overall impression of the story. But, there are good moments, and those were enough to keep me reading on, interested to see just where the story would go.

Griffin is a Duke, more than mildly obsessed with keeping the family reputation free from scandal and seeing his twin sister’s off on a successful debut. As is not uncommon, he was tagged with the reputation of Rake as a younger man, and was privy to some scandalous behavior with his friends, but on the whole does regret those indiscretions. Now, with his Aunt ill, the need for a chaperone to guide Sara and Vera through their debut, he needs to hire a companion.

Esmerelda is the granddaughter of a Viscount, unrecognized as her mother was disowned after marrying her father, an Irish Poet. Now without support or protection, and a young sister to care for, she has parlayed her skills and social knowledge into a business that provides governesses and chaperones to the tonne. She’s a wonderfully drawn character, with a gentle yet firm demeanor and a solid sense of ‘managing one’s charges”. Sight unseen, Griffin happens to hear her dispensing this advice to one of her employees, and is determined she should work for him.

And here is where things got muddled: there was a general push and prod from Griffin, despite Esmerelda’s knowing of the secret he’d prefer not surface before his sisters’ debuts, he makes no secret of the fact that he finds her attractive, and he is not above throwing money at her to gain acquiescence. And he does. Now, the story is setting up, so the interplay between these two would be reasonable, if there weren’t such a sense of insta-love on Esmerelda’s part, and the lack of convention that would be properly (and rightly) expected for the time.

Then just at the point of believing that nothing will happen, the sisters are introduced, and the interactions between them and with Griffin show humor and genuine fondness, as well as a touch of Griffin’s more honorable and protective side as the old scandal threatens to rear its ugly head. But still, the back and forth with our couple, combined with a rather slow development of a real regard that seemed to overtake any action or movement forward with anything: growth, the mystery, or even the events of a debut. Contrast this rather slow pacing with the rapid increase in the rush to tie up all of the ends, some better than others, and the story was uneven, even for the setup of a new series and world. I missed the whole ‘feel’ of a historical that Grey has done so well in stories I’ve read before, and while the humor and heart of the characters did come through, the secondary players were a bit thinly drawn, and no one seemed to really be ‘of their time’. Esmerelda was a bit too modern in outlook and approach while Griffin, while sweet, reminded me of the “when I was younger, this was how we did things”, sort of person. Neither quite fit into the Regency era for behavior or custom, and I was hoping for more. A decent start for readers who prefer the sweeter and less steamy historicals, particularly if they don’t mind taking the long way round to the end.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

The past has really come back to bite Griffin in the backside when he becomes guardian to his twin sisters during their debut into society. Fearing retaliation for his past transgressions (as a prankster) he seeks out a capable chaperone that will serve as his extra eyes and ears while he tries to weed out those determined to pay him back by targeting his sisters.

He didn't expect that his search would lead him to strong willed, competent Esmeralda Swift. She's smart, determined, stern when she needs to be but also kind and compassionate. The perfect choice for his high spirited sisters. But Esmeralda is also young, beautiful and having her so near has Griffin reaching for her at every opportunity.

Esmeralda desperately needs the post Griffin offers to keep her employment agency open but she knows it will test her will to keep her heart guarded against Griffin. Every look and every smile sets her pulse racing. The attraction between these two is combustible. It's definitely a tension filled somewhat angsty journey to a HEA for Griffin and Esmeralda. I enjoyed the secondary characters - Vera and Sara (the twins), Josephine, Rath and even Hawk (although they don't appear too much) - but I felt that there wasn't enough one on one interaction between the MCs. Their bantering and butting heads during their first meeting was great and I wish we could have seen more of that between them. Instead we get a lot of stolen kisses and breathless flirting but no real conversation.

I think the story would have rated higher for me if the mystery of who was out for revenge was developed a little more. It felt to rushed and didn't have any real suspense to it. It gets dragged on and on only to end up being solved quickly and with hardly any climax. This story had potential but it fell flat for me.

Safety: Griffin is 28 and has a reputation as a rake but nothing really supports that. His rep is based largely on things he did a decade ago when he was eighteen. Esmeralda is 26 and a virgin. This does have some OW drama that causes Esmeralda some jealousy but nothing really comes of it. There is no cheating and very little angst/drama. Ends with a HEA and no epilogue.

*** ARC provided for an honest review ***

When secrets are revealed and scandals threaten, Griffin and Esmerelda’s connection is strained. Despite his kind nature and ready smile, Griffin does come across as occasionally petulant and, well, mercurial. He wants Esmeralda, says he can’t pursue her, kisses her passionately, doesn’t talk to her for a week… This push/pull without real insight into his feelings or internal conflict is a missed opportunity by author Amelia Grey for deeper character development.

Griffin’s twin sisters’ are essential to the plot, yet their personalities could have been better explored. We are told how their demeanors are different but it wasn’t fleshed out enough to give their characters true dimension. I expect we will learn more about who was behind the gossip and threat of scandal when the sister of Griffin’s fellow Rake of St. James, the Duke of Hawksthorn, makes her debut into Society in the next book in the series – that’s the only reason I can think of that it wasn’t resolved by the end of Last Night with the Duke.

With only one brief love scene, the heat is not very high in Last Night with the Duke, with the developing friendship/relationship between taking priority. That doesn’t mean there isn’t and ‘tingly’ feelings or heated kisses, just that they aren’t acted upon and repressed.

In Last Night with the Duke, Amelia Grey provides a pleasant look at what happens when a reckless rake must face his past while struggling to deal with his current desires and his plans for the future.

Benedict Mercer, 28, the fourth Duke of Griffin, is impatiently waiting for someone to help him in the office of Miss Mamie Fortescue’s Employment Agency. He has just received word that his aunt is ill and will not be able to accompany his twin sisters, Lady Vera and Lady Sara, for the season. The thought of accompanying them everywhere himself is just awful. Thus, he is looking to hire a chaperone for them. Knowing his sisters will need a firm hand, he overhears a young woman’s conversation as she counsels a governess and he is determined that the speaker will be the woman he hires.

Miss Esmerelda Swift, 25, introduces herself as the Administrator of the Agency. She recognizes the Duke’s name as he is well known as being part of the Rakes of St. James. When Benedict tells her he wants only her to chaperone his sisters, she is shocked but turns him down.

Esmerelda had had her own governess as a child but circumstances changed so quickly that she herself became a governess. After a few years, she decided to rent the Fortescue Agency. However, the new owner was a cheat and lied about the income potential making it difficult for her to make ends meet.

As Benedict and Esmerelda discuss the situation, he continues to sweeten the offer by giving her more money until she finally agrees. However, she insists that she must bring her 12-year-old sister, Josephine, and her dog, Napoleon with her. Lastly, he insists on providing her money for her to purchase a wardrobe suitably for a chaperone.

Benedict’s close friends, Rust Rathburne, the Duke of Rathburne and Sloan Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn, have let him know that his sisters may encounter some sort of revenge treatment due to their brother’s past behavior. Concerned, Benedict decides to attend many of the social events.

As the season commences, the lovely twins are enjoying the soirees and Esmerelda is doing all she can to ensure that the girls are safe. Benedict finds himself more and more enchanted with the lovely chaperone.

Will someone try to do something to get their revenge against the Duke? Will a relationship spark between Benedict and Esmerelda?

I loved this story! The plot is so well-written and the characters are all so much fun. This is the first book in the author’s new series, The Rakes of St. James, and I cannot wait for the next book to publish. Don’t miss this terrific book.

Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.