Up All Night with a Good Duke by Amy Rose Bennett
Historical romance. 1st book in The Byronic Book Club series.
Artemis Jones is a spinster and has no intention or inclination to get married. But having a season is the only way her Aunt will sponsor a season for her younger sister, so Artemis heads home. She accidentally runs into a man in the rain at the train station. He leaves an impression but each end up going their own direction. Fate’s first meeting?

So much going on in this book. From social events of regency upper class or “ton” to bluestocking views on fiction novels to a missing first wife, and a cad of a brother-in-law. It all flows together as Artemis and Dominic get to know each other and make an impact on the other’s life. The mystery deepens and then isn’t a mystery? There might be a ghost, but no, maybe not. Just a very intuitive woman?
As I said, a lot of plot lines to follow. HEA in the end so I’m happy.

“She chided herself for acting like the caper-witted debutante she used to be.”
I consider myself well educated but this book had me reaching for the dictionary often. When I was only at 17% and looking up yet another word, I started writing them down. I’m sharing because I’m amused when people say you don’t learn anything from reading fiction. Some of these I knew, some could be figured out by the sentence, while others surprised me.

Temerity, Soubriquet, Lorgnette, Parsimonious, Catherine wheel, megrim, Bowling (not the game), Costermonger, Postprandial, Banyan, Miasma.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

This was really an exciting read by one of my favorite authors. Ms Bennett writes so beautifully in giving the reader so much more. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. The book has me at first page and didn't let go throughout.
Artemis Jones is a bookish lady with perfect manners and a school teacher to boot. Her dream is to open her own business giving young ladies the academic knowledge that would open the world to them. When her best friend from her book club needs her help to swim through her first season of the ton. Artemis agrees to the plan and to keep her Aunt off hers off her back.
Dominic Winters, the widowed Duke of Dartmoor, is searching for a wife to give him an "heir" and help in raising his daughter who gives him trouble as a spitfire. Some say he murdered his wife, and society has given him the name of "the Dastardly Duke". Dom knows his chances are slim, but once he meets Artemis Jones, he is enthralled. He knows what he wants and it's her.
Two people will come to the knowledge love is the key to their happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

Artemis Jones is a "respectable" finishing-school teacher by day and a Gothic romance writer by night. Her dream is to open her own academic ladies' college. When Artemis is called upon by a friend to navigate her first London Season, she hopes to find a wealthy patron for her school. Dominic Winters, the widowed Duke of Dartmoor, needs a wife to provide him an heir and help him manage his adolescent daughter. But rumors are rampant that he murdered his wife, so his choices for a suitable bride are limited. Then he meets Artemis Jones. Could they find love with each other?
This is a great historical romance between an independent thinker and a dashing duke. Dominic is a gentleman who screams sensuality, honor and kindness. Artemis is a woman who fears losing control of her life. She doesn’t want to be bound by her society’s rules. I liked them both and routed for them throughout the story. The historical setting was very well described, from the darkened back alleys to the high society ballrooms. The plot was romance meets women’s independence with a dash of sensuality and suspense. I can’t wait to read another installment from this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

Up All Night with a Good Duke is the first book in The Byronic Book Club series by Amy Rose Bennett. This steamy historical romance will keep you turning the pages until the end with undeniable chemistry and endearing characters. A beautifully written story that I highly recommend. This is the first book in the Byronic Book Club series, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I normally don't reach for regency romances - and this book has me reconsidering that position! "Up All Night with a Good Duke" was a fantastically fun romp from beginning to end, with so many elements that romance readers will love. You can't help but relate to the FMC when she discusses her love of Mr. Darcy or Mr. Rochester, and the fact that she has a sordid pen name really adds such a fun twist. And of course - a swoon-worthy Duke. A must-read for any romance reader!

This is the first book of a new series by an Australian author that is new to me and, before I go into detail let me tell you I had so much fun reading this book that I want to read everything that she has written in the past and, of course, the rest of the series as it gets published. As a bookish person (I read everything from spicy romance to fantasy, sci-fi, you name it) this is my book, because the main characters in there are as bookish as I am; Artemis, our heroine, belongs to a book club with two friends whom I suspect will be the protagonists of the following books.

Artemis Jones alter ego Lydia Lovelace, our marvelous 29 year old heroine, is a teacher by day and a gothic romance novelist by night. She is really bookish and she has disagreements with her very conservative headmistress. So when one of her friends in London is going to have her season and is scared about it, she gives in her resignation and runs to her friends’ side. In London she’s staying with her aunt and her younger sister of 24 who won’t be allowed to have a season until Artemis marries. But our heroine has a past, she isn’t a virgin and she never wants to get married. Instead she dreams of having her own college for young ladies with a more progressive approach to female education.

She meets our hero by accident when she runs into him outside Paddington Station. Dominic Winters is a duke and a widower with an adolescent daughter with whom he has some trouble. The young Celeste is a huge fan of Lydia Lovelace and of books in general. She keeps to herself and is going though a rebellious phase. Her father adores her but doesn’t know what to do with her. When Dominic sees that Artemis reads the same shameful books as his daughter, and thanks to their instant mutual crush, he decides that maybe Artemis would be a good wife and mother in a marriage in convenience. As it happens, Artemis plans with Dominic to have her compromised in front of her aunt so she leaves her alone and concentrates on her little sister. What could possibly go wrong?

I adored this book. It wasn’t perfect but it was perfect for me. It’s got an awful lot of literary references of the era (around 1858 more or less): Mary Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft, the Brontës, Jane Eyre, Elizabeth Gaskell… all those incredible women that I read over and over. The story is actually inspired by “Northanger Abbey” in some aspects, “Pride and Prejudice” in others and “Jane Eyre” too. It’s an incredible homage to all of these novels. It has gothic elements, drama, family love, feminism, sorority, forward thinking and romance. The hero is a man who is already modern but there’s still room for learning, and he’s so openminded that he actually learns and evolves mainly inspired by Artemis and in order to understand Celeste.

As I said the book is real fun, and it’s very steamy too. Because Artemis owns her own desires, and she’s not ashamed of it. And Dominic is such a considerate lover, so trusting and loving… he’s actually the one who falls in love first! But for him and Celeste there’s also a lot of grief. 9 years after his wife’s passing father and daughter are still grieving, and that grief is what’s keeping them apart. Dominic “The Dastardly Duke” has a notoriety for supposedly killing his first wife when he actually adored her, and with Artemis he learns that he has a second opportunity at loving a woman with all his being, and having a family while supporting her fulfilling her dreams at the same time. Because he wants to, he wants to give her her dreams.

The chemistry between Artemis and Dominic is explosive. They have great bed scenes and surprisingly beautiful communication. Their conversations are so much fun, so easy, so fluid… they feel incredibly natural and they develop such a level of trust that they unveil all of their secrets little by little when the time is right for them. There are no lies, they understand they need time and having the right state of mind and mood. It’s perfect.

Of course there’s a lot more going on in the book including a subplot with Celeste’s governess that I felt wasn’t necessary. And something else happens with Artemis’ sister Phoebe that nearly breaks Artemis’ and Dominic’s “fake” engagement. But you’ll have to read the book to find out. It’s really really worth the while.

The concept of the book is great, I love the Bluestocking/Heroine writer trope but I felt like there were details missing that could have made it feel a bit more complete. Maybe these details were intentionally left out to keep the book from being too long or since it’s the first book in a new series time had to be spent laying the groundwork on the characters will appear through the series. Regardless of the reason I felt like I still needed more because I found myself re-reading sections to make sure I didn’t miss something, especially regarding Dominic’s brother in-law.
Ok, now that the negative portion of my review is out there, let’s talk about what WAS good about the book.
Artemis Jones is a strong, smart, and sarcastic woman, and my favorite type of heroine. She dreams of opening a women’s college but to afford it she begins moonlighting as Lydia Lovlace, a very popular author of romance novels. After agreeing to accompany her best friend, a fellow wallflower, for another Season she finds herself in a situation that has her pretending to be betrothed a Duke (one she compares to a Byronic Hero) who has been very vocal on his less-than-flattering opinion of Lydia Lovelace’s books. The more time they spend together in this fake engagement, the more they realize they no longer are play-acting.
Dominic is pretty likeable from the start, he does have strong views on his expectations for his daughter, but it wasn’t an overpowering theme of the book. He starts to develop feelings for her relatively early in and continually tries to convince himself that she values her independence too much to tie her down in a marriage. As I’m sure you can guess, the feelings become too strong, and he finds himself unable to deny them any longer. His solution to their “problem” is very sweet, making him an even more endearing Hero.
Amy Rose Bennett had me laughing throughout the book with Artemis’s quips at the Duke.
“I do see your point. Sense and Sensibility is entirely frivolous. It teaches young women nothing at all about the value of exercising good judgment, or that possessing an overly romantic nature can lead one into trouble. Or that it would be wise for women to develop the skills, and therefore the means, to support themselves considering the protection of a male—whether husband, or father, or another form of guardian—cannot always be relied upon in this life. I could go on, but heaven forfend, I fear that I might inadvertently corrupt your mind too.”
…and her accidental double entendres
“Despite her determination not to betray her uneasiness by fidgeting, she tucked a rain-damp curl behind her ear and added without thinking, “As luck or misfortune would have it, it also appears that whenever we meet, I’m dripping wet.” Oh. Dear. God. Artemis barely resisted the urge to clap her hand over her mouth. Had she really just blurted that out? Heat scorched her cheeks.”
If you’re looking for a lighthearted read, but won’t be turned off from a little villainy, this would be a good option. I will likely give the next book in the series a shot as I’m curious as to which character will next find their HEA.
I voluntarily read and review an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and Opinions are my own.

With a time-honored tale of a feisty forward thinking young woman and passionate plot a wonderfully engaging read is bestowed upon lovers of romantic Regency historical narratives that possess the ability to hold the reader’s attention while keeping them eagerly turning the pages.
Artemis Jones is a fascinating character who knows what she wants in life and is determined to achieve it. Along the way she meets the Duke of Dartmoor, Dominic Winters and the fires of dueling personalities ignites.
With its wonderfully crafted writing and spirited dialogue a truly fascinating story unfolds full of surprises, duplicitous characters and love of family.
I really enjoyed this immersive read whose author doeth verily know how to spin a good yarn!

Up all Night With a Good Duke ,by Amy Rose Bennett, is the first book in her new Byronic Book Club series. Artemis Jones, a secret Gothic Romance Author and Dominic Winters, a Duke with an underserved reputation. What else would we expect from the gossipy Ton that is never interested in truth anyway. This was not an emotionally gripping read for me as the characters both tended to act and react more rationally than your average H/h out there in romance land. However, I did find it a refreshing change from the usual. Also of note, some of the most creative cursing from both the H/h that I've read in a long time, which had me chuckling throughout the story. An overall entertaining read and I look forward to the next book in the series.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the E-ARC via Net Galley and this is my unbiased review.

Unfortunately this was a miss for me, on several levels.

One, I find the whole "good for a tumble but not marriage" theme to be very tiring in historical romance. I realize that it was a common mindset when lords would look down on women not of their station or who were spinsters, but it's really not what I want to see in a hero. Sure, he eventually redeems himself, but the fact that he even thinks it's okay. And so does she, so there's a lack of self-respect there. Just rubs me the wrong way.

Two, I found myself bored. There wasn't much unique about the characters, the storyline, and I had no trouble putting it down. There wasn't anything that grabbed my attention, beyond the initial interaction between the FMC and her boss, which was very funny.

And finally, I do miss the HR books where the heroine actually wants to be married. So many books now are with heroines who abhor marriage, men, etc. While I enjoy that sometimes, it seems to be every book lately. Can we not also acknowledge that there are some women who were perfectly happy getting married and raising a family?

Ultimately, writing style was decent and story line was well thought out. But it wasn't for me, as mentioned above, and I would not recommend.

An exciting start to a new series in which I loved the name!

She teaches, but writes gothic romance at night and is on the shelf, or at least in her mind! All she wants is to start her own school!. When her friend ask her to attend the season with her, of course she goes!

He was looking for a wife and help with his teenage daughter. If only a potential lady will look past the reputation he really does not deserve.

As they bump into each other, the journey begins! A delightful, witty romance, with wonderful characters that will make you only want the next in the series to come out soon!

A secret gothic romance writer and a widowed Duke with a tarnished reputation made for an interesting match.

Surprisingly I liked the characters in this book even though I got frustrated with Artemis a bit in not admitting her feelings. It is nice to have female characters that aren't afraid of voicing their views about being educated and not needing a man. I think that aspect could have been pushed even more with Artemis' character. As far a Dominic, it was nice to see his good character come through and be realized even with all of the terrible rumors surrounding his first wife.

As far as the romance, I think that the characters fit well together. It was almost too easy. A little more tension may have turned up the heat a little more.

There were some side plots and drama that unfolds besides the romance. That part really kept me hooked during the second half of the book. An additional excerpt from one of Lydia Locelace's novels may have added a little extra flair that I was hoping for, but didn't get. This book is a bit predictable in parts, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

I read this in two sittings it was that good!
It had great characters, a wonderful message and drama.
The two main characters, Artemis and Dominic, were interesting and fun to read about. They had a meet cute (happy dance!), banter, chemistry and could be vulnerable with each other. I loved their romance. I thought it was well developed.
The side characters did take some warming up to. I couldn’t stand Artemis’s aunt and the villain was truly despicable. But I really liked the heroine’s friends and their discussions about books.
Feminism is a main message of this book and I was here for it. My favorite line in the whole book comes from Artemis when she says, “Continuing to keep a young woman in the dark about anything pertaining to sexual congress wouldn’t do her any favors.” Like yes! Please scream this from the rooftops. I liked that the hero was progressive too considering he had a teenage daughter. It was the cherry on top.
The drama is mostly saved for the ending but it was worth it. Plus no third act breakup which was refreshing!
A very delightful, enjoyable read that I can’t wait to gush about.

4.5 Stars
Artemis Jones is a finishing-school teacher at the Avon Academy by day and Gothic romance writer by night but her real dream is to open her own academic ladies' college. When Artemis is unexpectedly called upon by a dear friend, a fellow Byronic Book Club member, to navigate her first London Season, she comes at once. Dominic Winters, the widowed Duke of Dartmoor, needs a wife someone who will provide him with an heir and help him to manage his spitfire adolescent daughter Celeste. The problem is, Society has dubbed him "The Dastardly Duke." Rumours are rife that he murdered his mad wife so his choices for a suitable bride are limited. But then he literally bumps into the ravishing and passionate Artemis Jones who might just be everything he needs.
The first in a new series & a very good starter it is. I loved Dominic, he’s been maligned, has his hands full with Celeste & there’s a villain in the mix plus he's to break down Artemis' walls. I really liked Artemis & loved how the pairs relationship grew & changed plus their chemistry is electric. I was drawn in from the start & read it in two sittings. It ticked all the boxes for me & I can't wait for the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is a fun historical romance between a (secret) gothic romance author and a duke with a Dark Past. Artemis is 29 and dreams of opening a women's college (we must assume this is tertiary education, although it isn't really clear). As the book opens, she leaves her stultifying job at a "respectable" finishing school to come to London to support her socially awkward friend. On the way there she just happens to bump into the hottest guy ever as they both try for the same cab. Not only is he super hot, he's also really nice - he helps pick up the belongings she's dropped AND lets her have the cab. That's a true romance hero right there.

In addition to the meet cute, the romance includes a fake engagement after a real ruination, a trip to a gothic abbey (we thought for a minute we were straying into Jane Eyre territory), and a vindictive ex, making it exciting, tropey, and enjoyable. The book ran a little long (not sure we needed a blackmailer, a murderer, a haunted house fake-out, and a rebellious teenager), but not too long that it got boring.

We will say that while we love fictional book clubs who defend the romance novel, we'd love to see additional authors touted other than Austen and the Brontës. Yes, they're classics, yes, we love them, but it would be fun to include some other, less well-known authors included. (To be fair, Bennett includes Gaskell and early feminist writers like Wollstonecraft.) That said, we wouldn't say no to reading this one for our next IRL book club.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Bluestocking and Gothic novelist Artemis Jones is determined to thwart her Aunt's attempts to find her a husband and instead find a benefactor to fund her school. Dominic Winters, Duke of Dartmooris hoping to find a new Duchess to help him with his daughter and to mend his reputation.
This one was just okay for me. It started off so well and then just sort of dragged on. I liked some of the Gothic elements of the story and wish they'd been played up more. Artemis's sister was just awful and I couldn't understand why Artemis was doing so much for her.

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

"It was though her imagination had conjured him up---the epitome of a darkly brooding Byronic hero who'd stepped from the pages of one of her own books. One thing was certain: a man like that--no matter how much he provoked her interest by a mere glance and a touch---was not of her world. Nor would he ever be. This had been a completely inconsequential, chance encounter, nothing more."

Oh, how I loved Artemis. As if she really believed her encounter with Dominic, the Duke of Dartmoor, was inconsequential after she felt their immediate connection. Her group of friends established strong, independent-minded female characters for future books while bringing forward women's issues and injustices. Artemis uses the best phrases for blasphemy from her gothic romances and they made me laugh every single time.

I wish that Artemis and Dominic had more time together on the page, but when they were together they sizzled. I enjoyed that Artemis wasn't your average virgin heroine and that didn't matter at all to Dominic. He liked that she was a woman who was aware of her what she wanted and took it. Both characters were sexually driven and I would say that this book has more than your average romance ratio of sex scenes.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablance for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the above opinions are my own.

Wow, what an amazing start to a new series !! This is book one of Byronic Book Club. I have read other books by Amy and loved them, but this is my favorite. The characters just leap off the page at you they are so perfect for each other. Both Artemis and Dominic are wonderful people both with their own bad past that haunts them. Artemis was used by a gentleman of the ton and the tossed away. Leaving her with a broken heart and little use for men in general. For the time period, 1858 she is very out spoken, intelligent, and knows what she wants and isn't afraid to let anyone know it. She is a teacher at finishing school, but doesn't like what the young ladies are not being taught. When her friend, Lucy needs her help she quits and rushes to London. The season is just about to begin. Her Aunt and Sister, Phoebe will be a problem for her, as both want her to marry soon. Phoebe can't wait to marry and have a family. Marriage is the last thing Artemis wants or needs. She is an author in secret of somewhat spicy stories. She has been saving all her money to open a Collage for women. Dominic Winters the Duke of Dartmoor and needs a wife. He needs help with his fifteen-year-old daughter, Celest and a son too. For a handsome, smart, wealth duke this should not be a problem. But Dominic is shunned by much of the ton due to the death of his late wife. Many think he killed her. Rumors spread by her family mostly her brother who is a really nasty piece of work. Dominic and Artemis met in a rain storm, and she literally runs into him. As fate would have it these two have more of a history then they know. As they are soon to find out. This is a very fast paced story of two people with many of the same needs and an attraction off the pages. Plenty of witty, sexy banner between and some spicy scenes too. All blend into the story line with mystery and intrigue too. I love the pet name she comes up with for him !! So darn funny and cute. The villain is a nasty piece of work, and causes great harm. This story will have you laughing out loud and wishing for a Dominic of your own. I really would have loved to read some of Artemis stories. Her pet phases are the best. I can't wait for book two, I hope it is Phoebe story. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it

What a fantastic start to a new series from one of my favourite historical romance authors, this book has everything in it, a beautiful sensual romance, wonderful characters, it is witty, sigh worthy and a page turner, Amy Rose Bennett never disappoints me with her stories and this one is sure to please readers in so many ways.

Let’s meet our heroine Artemis Jones, she is a finishing school teacher and she also writes steamy gothic romance novels, she is determined to stay single and is convinced that being twenty nine she is firmly on the shelf which all goes towards her plan to open up her own school for young ladies. Life is just about to change for Artemis when one of her Byronic Book Club friends Lucy desperately needs her help in London which means a London season for Artemis as well.

Our hero is the Dastardly Duke of Dartmoor, Dominic Winters, but is he dastardly, and he needs a wife someone to give him an heir and to help with his fifteen year old daughter Celeste, but with the name he is called and the rumours about him this is not going to be easy, a meeting in the streets in the rain with a beautiful redhead, call it fate maybe but this is about to change his life.

The sparks fly and lust grows as Dominic and Artemis come to terms with an agreement that will help both of them with what they want, throw in a ruined sister and a dangerous threat and Artemis soon realises that she is losing her heart to a man something she never thought she would do and Dominic never thought to love again, but they suit each other in more ways than one.

This is a beautifully written story, I loved it from page one, the witty banter between them had me smiling and laughing as Artemis uses phrases from her novels, Dominic knows how to love a woman and their time together sizzles. This is one that I would highly recommend, truly I smiled so much and was cheering them on, a must read book and I can’t wait for book two.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

Artemis doesn't want a husband. She wants a benefactor to fund her girls' school. The Duke of Dartmoor offers to do so if Artemis can tame his rebellious adolescent daughter. When attraction sparks, can they keep their relationship professional?

This is smart and sensual with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps the pages turning. The audiobook was well done. I enjoyed the narrator's interpretation.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.