A very cute read. Griffin and Esmeralda are perfect for each other. Sarcastic, witty, smart and great fun. Imagine all of the crazy antics of being the only man living amongst a bunch of women/young ladies, well that is what happens in this story. Some great laugh out loud moments and some very sweet emotional moments. I really enjoyed reading their story. I do not think the scandal is over…there are two more dukes, right?!?

Esmeralda is a viscount's granddaughter but after her mother was disowned by the family for marrying an Irish poet, she finds herself overseeing a chaperone and governess business.
Griffin might have been a wild youth, but as the Duke and head of the family now, he wants nothing to go wrong when his twin sisters make their debut.
With the possibility of someone out to hurt Griffin's sisters he hires Esmeralda as their chaperone, thinking she has the fortitude to keep them out of mischief.
Sisters, dogs, young bucks, and finding love in a surprising place will make this a season Griffin and Esmeralda won't forget.

"Surrender, Miss Swift. I have won this battle."

Last Night With the Duke is the first in a series and introduces us to Griffin and Esmeralda. I found the beginning to be a very slow start with their first conversation taking 20-30% of the story. There was also a feeling of insta-lust/love as they were both very physically attracted to one another immediately. The slow start feed into a very slow half, the story doesn't really get going until the second part. The whole point of Griffin hiring Esmeralda is to keep his sisters in line and safe during their season debut. When Griffin younger, he and his two other Duke friends (the author acknowledges the stretch it would be to have three young and unmarried dukes at one time) committed a prank where they set up a situation where debutantes were tested to see if they would show up to meet a secret admirer. There's a rumor going around that someone is still upset over how that might have affected a debutante and is going to ruin Griffin's sisters to get back at him.

This was a good plot to create some mystery, it's brought up and worried about by Griffin, but then that was it. The danger, villain, or storyline never came to fruition and fizzled at the end. With the mystery plot not going anywhere I turned to the romance. I'm personally not a fan of insta-lust/love, so I started off on the wrong foot with this one. I also never thought Griffin and Esmeralda spent enough time together to develop any sort of relationship. Griffin was instantly an invader of Esmeralda's space and by their third conversation he was rubbing his nose against hers but since they didn't have any emotional connection, the tension felt off and misplaced. This also could have been a personal issue too, but since Esmeralda worked for Griffin, the unequal power dynamic gave his looming an uncomfortable feel.

The secondary characters of Griffin's sisters seemed nice if a little airy and spoiled while Esmeralda's younger sister seemed kind of bratty to me. Her attitude at times was obviously allowed to create angst and emotion but for me, I would have sent her to her room more than once. Griffin's friends are obviously introduced and set-up for books of their own, they didn't make a strong appearance but they were genial enough.

The biggest problem I had with this book was that I felt it was slow and nothing seemed to be happening until the very end when the last 10% rushed to wrap up the plots. Except for a very, very at the end bedroom scene, this was an extremely clean read with just a few kisses, which bedroom closed readers may appreciate.

This is one of those books you cannot put aside. I loved Esmeralda (always makes me think of the „The Hunchback of Notre-Dame“ with Maureen O’Hara). I got this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and this one is an easy 5-star-thingie.



Esmeralda Swift, the granddaughter of an aristocrat, lives with her sister over the agency for governesses and so on. She sees herself as an independent woman and too intelligent to fall for a scoundrel. She also has to care for her (half-) sister Josephine and their dog Napoleon (- loved this wordplay!)

When the Duke of Griffin finds his way into her agency in search for a chaperone for his twin sisters he sees her and knows that he must have her for all it takes. And it takes a lot of compromises because Esmeralda doesn’t want to be a chaperone.

Of course she falls for him and of course he falls for her but he doesn’t know about her family ties to a baronet but think her working class and as soon as she is in his employment he knows that he isn’t allowed to touch her – it’s something he doesn’t do, force himself on employees.

Nevertheless, sooner or later things turn around and they are allowed to be in love.

So, what was so good about this story? Esmeralda and Griffin are equals, they love to discuss and fight. Next to all this I didn’t care about the background story of the “Rakes of St. James” a lot in the beginning because it wasn’t explained but further on you also dip into this one because you know that there are the other rakes and their stories will eventually be in the center of Grey’s next books (wild guess!). Plus, there are the funny twins and their ongoing arguments and aunt Evelyn who pulls all the ties in the background (because of her illnesses) and not to forget Napoleon and Josephine – I liked the fact that Josephine grew up so much over the short period of the story – maybe a little too much.

All in all … loved it!

Esmeralda and Griffin are attracted to each other the minute he is caught eavesdropping on her scolding her employee at the Employment agency she manages. Immediately he decides that no one else will do to help chaperone his twin sisters during their debut season. Esmeralda hesitates until he offers a huge salary and says she can bring along her sister, Josephine, and their dog, Napoleon. Of course the attraction escalates but there are secrets that Esmeralda hides and a misunderstanding that may tear them apart.

I was captivated by the handsome Duke and by his fellow rakish friends, both dukes, Rath and Hawk. (Their stories to come in future books in the series) The chemistry between Esmeralda and Griffin was hot, no matter how much they tried to douse the flames it always flared up. Napoleon, the dog, was a comical side character. Griffin’s twin sisters Sara and Vera were typical rival siblings, so much fun to watch them try to outdo each other in their romantic debut season. Although a bit predictable it was a very entertaining read and a delightful first book in a series.

The Duke of Griffin is the first title in Amelia Grey’s Rakes of St. James. When Griffin heard that a plot to ruin his sisters at their debut, just because of what he and his friends done some years ago, the protection of Griffin’s twin sisters became paramount. With his aunt, unable to attend the season with the twins. Griffin decides to take matters into his own hands and hire a chaperone. What he finds was an intriguing Esmeralda Swift.

Esmeralda has her own problems mainly taking care of her 12-year old sister and her employment agency. But with the shady landlord swindled her into a higher price for ownership of the agency. She needs a cash flow. When Griffin enters her world with an offer she couldn’t refuse, she accepts but swore that she wouldn’t fall for one of the Rakes of St. James.

The plotline had so much promise. But fell flat on the delivery. For instance, the mystery of the person doing the plotting of ruining his sisters. The revelation was so lackluster. That I found the reuniting of pet and owner more enjoyable.

I found this story hard going, although it was a pleasant story it wasn't one I was eager to get back too. There was a bit if a plot but it lacked suspense, I know it's not a thriller but I think a plot should have a bit of surprise this one didn't .

From the first page it kept me going love it. I would love to read more from this author

There is a fad at the moment for historical romances involving governesses (or a chaperone from a governess agency, as is the case here). They seem to have overtaken duke-who-is-also-a-spy as the theme du jour.

For example, this series that I just read. Eloisa James’ latest also has the same plot as Last Night with the Duke.

I have read one other book by author Amelia Grey, and found it was your standard Regency romance. Inoffensive, familiar to those of us who read this genre often, delivering all the things you expect from the subgenre.

This one is no different.

The book is a little slow to get going – all except for the insta-lust! The first three chapters cover just ONE conversation between hero and heroine. He walks into her office, gets a nice feeling in his loins when he sees her, and decides he absolute MUST employ her as the chaperone for his sisters.

The act of convincing her to go along with this plan takes all of those three chapters.

Chapter four is the heroine considering the offer she has accepted, while chapter five sees the hero leaving the office and meeting up with his friends. All three of these men are dukes – that’s more dukes than I’ve ever seen in one series before! – and the others are obviously future heroes of future books in the series.

Chapter five is entirely the three dukes talking.

Chapter six is entirely the heroine talking to her little sister.

I was beginning to wonder if the plot would ever begin!

There is nothing especially wrong with this book (though people’s ages seem to keep changing!); I simply wasn’t enthralled by it.

If you’re looking for a standard Regency read, Last Night with the Duke is just that. However, I’m not sure it will stay with me for long.

A delightful and enjoyable story with strong leads and supporting characters. There were some laugh out loud moments as well as heart-tugging, emotional scenes. I liked how the twins had distinctive personalities.

Unfortunately, I felt the prank was pretty lame and didn't justify "revenge" so many years later. Also, when we get to find out who the villain is, it's kind of glossed over. Overall, though, a pretty good read and I'm looking forward to the other rakes' stories.

**Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.**

I absolutely loved this book, and cannot wait for the next in the Rakes of St. James series. Griffin and Essie were wonderful characters and I really enjoyed their interactions. Additionally, the secondary characters were a delight.

I enjoyed this title from Amelia Grey and will read the next in the series.

Miss Esmeralda Swift owns an appointment agency and is raising her younger sister. She cannot afford any mistakes or she could lose everything, and she considers herself to be too practical to fall prey to a rake.

The Duke of Griffin made a mistake in his youth that he now fears his sisters will pay for during their first season. When rumors arise that back up this fear Griffin realizes he needs the best chaperone he can find to follow his sisters and keep them out of harm's way. He decides Esmeralda is that chaperone, whether she agrees or not.

I really liked both Esmeralda and Griffin. I don't remember her having a TSTL moment and I was glad of that. I thought Griffin had a good heart but I don't remember him being much of a rake. I could definitely see them together as a couple, too.

The beginning was a little slow but once the Season got started I felt the pacing got much better and I don't remember being bored. There was always something going on to move the story along and not just a lot of inner dialogue.

Minor issues were the "Dos and Don'ts" at the beginning of most chapters that I found annoying and stopped reading. And I would've liked more of Griffin's POV than we were given.

Easily the biggest issue I had with the book was the fact that the entire conflict of Griffin's sisters possibly being harmed because of his past never came to fruition. We get rumors that some in the ton wish Griffin ill and want to use his sisters to get back at him, but nothing happens there. I think it was a missed opportunity.

Those issues weren't enough to keep me from enjoying the story, however, and I will be reading the next in the series.

I always enjoy Amelia Grey’s novel. There is such great character development and I always finish with a smile on my face.
This is the first story in “The Rakes of St James” series. The Duke of Griffin and his two friends, were part of a prank several years ago. As a result of this event, that the ton has failed to forget, Griffin has been made aware that his twin sisters, may fall prey to an act of revenge. Consequently, he employs Esmeralda, the owner of Mamie's Chaperone and Governesses, to act as chaperone to his sisters on making their coming out into society. However, it order to accept the position, Griffin agrees to letting Esmerelda take her sister and their dog, into the house.
I thoroughly enjoyed the exchange between Griffin and Esmerelda. Their romance is witty and the tension slowly builds through the book. Whilst there is an air of mystery to the story as to who is behind the plot to disgrace his sisters, this is largely a romance. Grey also manages to bring to life the two friends of Griffin who I am sure will make for great characters in further stories. I also enjoyed the sister of Esmerelda and hope the she appears again. This was an enjoyable story.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to provide an honest review of this book.

The Duke of Griffin is not looking forward to being a chaperone for his twin sisters. He is in desperate need of help so when he sees a sign advertising for chaperones and governesses, Griffin decides it could just be the answers to all his problems. Griffin is immediately impressed with one employee in particular. Gaining her employment is not easy due to Griffin's well-known reputation among the ladies of the ton, but he just manages.

Esmeralda has a strong head on her shoulders, but even she can't seem to resist Griffin's appeal. She reminds herself she is an employee and he is her employer. Unfortunately, Griffin still manages to find a way to get under her skin. The more time they spend together, the more Esmeralda get to know and care for Griffin. She even likes his family. When trouble strikes, Esmeralda and Griffin bond over their mutual protectiveness of keeping his sisters from harm. Suddenly, Esmeralda finds herself faced with the tough decision of giving into her feelings and risking certain ruin or protecting her own reputation and leaving the man she has come to love behind.

LAST NIGHT WITH THE DUKE is fast paced and light-hearted with a dash of wit. Hero and heroine alike both endeared themselves to me. Esmeralda and Griffin truly are a match for the season. Author Amelia Grey couldn't do better than LAST NIGHT WITH THE DUKE. Her Rakes Of St. James series is off to a great start and I am impatiently awaiting book number two.

I did not care for this book at all. The entire plot was contrived and redundant.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, but have a difficult time writing a review for a totally uncorrected copy of the book. I have no idea if the problems will be corrected before publication or not, but can only suppose that most, if not all, will be found and corrected. It is really too bad that there isn't a way those of us making these reviews could point out some of the things we see - like using the pronoun 'her' when it should plainly be 'him'. Sentences and paragraphs all ran together, so I couldn't always be sure who was speaking which lines, etc.

Anyway -- the story was really enjoyable. I really liked both of the main characters right away and all of the supporting characters as well.

While this was sort of a story of 'insta-lust', you didn't get any real happenings until the end of the book. Both characters were strongly drawn to the other, but they did their best to try to keep from acting on that attraction because of the impropriety of it. They spent a lot of time together and got to know and admire each other in addition to the physical attraction. It was good to see that she was a strong woman who could make her own way and he was strong enough to admire her for that.

I loved how loving and caring Griffin (Duke of Griffin) is with his sisters. He's definitely NOT one of those 'can't wait to wash his hands' of his sisters. He's very attentive and caring and devotes his time and efforts to assure that they have a wonderful first Season. I also like how sweet and attentive he becomes to Josephine, the sister of our heroine.

Esmeralda Swift runs an employment agency for governesses, chaperones, tutors, etc. When the duke stops by the agency unannounced, he hears Esmeralda counseling one of the governesses that has been employed through her agency. He is immediately impressed with both her composure and her beauty and is determined that she will be the one he hires to chaperone his sisters through the sisters.

It is a delightful tale of two people coming to find love while managing the demands of shepherding two lovely young women through their first season. I can't wait to see which of Rakes of St. James will be the next to fall!

"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

Griffin and two of his friends played a prank 10 years ago when they sent 12 debutantes notes "from your secret admirer" setting up a secret meeting. All the debutantes went to the meetings and when word got out their reputations were badly affected. (As an aside, none of the three friends expresses anything like the appropriate amount of contrition for this behaviour). Having lived the scandal down, Griffin returns to society to give his sisters their season and is concerned to learn that some one might be seeking revenge on him for this historic prank by hurting his sisters in some way. An aunt, who was to chaperone them, comes down with the shingles and on a whim Griffin goes to an employment agency to hire a chaperone. (Did people really hire chaperones? I thought they just used distant relations/godmothers.) There he meets the proprietor, Esmeralda, and decides only she will do.

I suppose it is a reasonable plot, but not a lot really happens; the first three chapters are taken up with Griffin persuading Esmeralda to work for him, and the storyline drags a lot. We are told things over and over (e.g. Aunt Evelyn won't be able to chaperone the twins as she is ill) and then sometimes one character will then tell the same thing to another (Griffin tells Esmeralda about poorly Aunt Evelyn), to make sure we have really grasped it.

Griffin was a rather underwritten character: he was a bully used to getting his own way, but an absolute pushover where 12 year old girls were concerned, and that was about all we really learnt about him. Esmeralda's personality mostly focussed on her resentment of the nobility because of how her mother was treated - this is another of those topics the author returned to time and time again. Some of the vocabulary used was odd - "high in the heel" should surely be "high in the instep" etc - and I found the dialogue was often long-winded and unlike natural speech.

It did pick up towards the end somewhat - the whole scene with Napoleon being stolen back, Sara getting kissed and Vera discovering the baddy was almost exciting.

Being the first book in a new series, I think it was a great start. A little slow in the beginning, but I think that is because the author was not only setting the scene for the book but for the series as well.
Esmeralda surely has no problem speaking her mind. And she is almost as hardheaded as the Duke. But I think that Griffin wins that title, only because he usually wins and gets his way.

BUY IT! Okay arguably a 4 star... but I am going 5! This writers way of painting a picture in my mind while reading her written words deserves the 5 star rating. This novel is sweet, heartwarming, passionate and family focused. I absolutely adored each and every page written. It is not often I can say my heart was warmed and I cried when reading one section of it. I laughed and giggled at other sections.(No I refuse to write the spoilers!). I will say her characters are likable and loving. Her words used for descriptions hold impact and emotion. For a historical romance to touch on so many emotions is fantastic. It may be a bit of the norm for the story but I am reviewing the work and the writing as well as the plot. This is a great read for heart warming romance and passion. It is a fantastic read for love and laughter. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

What a sweet, cute and funny read. Very enjoyable.

The Duke of Griffin notices the sign for Mamie's Chaperone and Governesses on his walk and on impulse decides this might be his answer to his problem. You see Griffin will be overseeing his twin sisters during their season (his aunt became ill and is unable too). A season full of parties, shopping and teas that Griffin is dreading. So when the sign for a Chaperone came into view he decided that what was needed was a chaperone, a strong and commanding one.

Griffin enters the office and overhears two ladies in a discussion about how to hand a rambunctious child. He's impressed with one voice in particular, this one woman seemed in command of the conversation as well as giving smart advise. That voice happens to be Esmeralda, our heroine. Griffin then proceeds to inquire about hiring her for his sisters. Esmeralda lets him know with her commitments to family (her sister) and pets it not really possible/doable. She also let's it be know she is aware of his past discretion that occured with his friends who are known as the Rakes of St. James. He's impressed by Esmeralda's demeanor and her wit. But most important Griffin finds himself very attracted and drawn towards her. He offers her a large salary and includes her sister and dog as part of the package.

Griffin and Esmeralda relationship grows and blossoms into a sweet romance. The dialogue between the two are sweet and witty. The sisters and dog all add a sweet and humorous element as they all come to care for each other. There is a threat to the twins and the protectiveness from Griffin and Esmeralda is heartwarming and endearing, it also brings them closer. The dog is a cute addition that adds some fun and humor to the story.

I enjoyed all the characters and romance in this romance. The storyline is well written with good pacing. You have a little mystery, humor, family and romance. My only issue was that there needed to be more spark, chemistry and steam between the hero and heroine. But a sweet and cute romance is good to sometimes. Enjoyable read and well written.