vanessa riley knows how to write a historical romance. she knows and trusts her readers will understand she’s getting them to that HEA, even if sometimes it feels impossible. that’s my favorite kind of romance: bc of the genre, you know how it must end, but the HOW is always hanging over you— and when an author can give us a satisfying HEA? there’s truly nothing better.

if you like banter & want to see more diverse characters & read about life and love for Black people in historical romance, pick this one up! you are in for such a treat.

I did not realize when I requested this book that it was the second in a series. I enjoyed the writing style, it was vibrant and full of energy, and portrayed a deep chemistry between the characters.

After reading book 0ne of the 'Betting Against the Duke" series, I have been eagerly waiting for book two of the series. Ms. Vanessa Riley hit a home run with "A Wager at Midnight." Stephan and Scarlett's love story was humorous yet heartfelt. I was captivated and could not put down this book until finished. The back and forth between the two had me laughing out loud or crying, while their escapades had me praying that they would not be caught. Long kept secrets will come to light and cause some serious drama. I appreciate how, though fictional, Ms. Riley interweaves historical facts into her story. In the late Victorian era, your social class was important and Blackamoores were grudgingly tolerated by the ton. Women were 2nd class citizens, and the practice of medicine was highly experimental. A person could easily die from a high fever, women frequently died from childbirth, and the blood disease, Sickle Cell Anemia was greatly feared.

Scarlet wants to continue her medical research even though she is a woman. She's unmasked while dressing up as a man to attend lectures. Stephen claims her as a cousin to save her reputation....

Love the diverse characters in this book. It doesn't take away the romance or the fun. It actually enriches the romance. A terrific historical romance.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Vanessa Riley has a style that I find intriguing. She will let the reader be out of the loop and even a little confused, but reward your patience with information throughout a book (and series) that reveals the fascinating big picture. If you are used to being spoon-fed the “why” in books, you may be a little confused at first. Having read many of her books, I’m ready for the slow build and I enjoy the ride immensely!

This series focuses on the Wilcox sisters, with younger sisters Georgina and Scarlett each getting a book and the oldest sister Katherine’s story being a series-long one. Book 1 was Georgina’s story. Now, it’s Scarlett’s turn. These women are tight-knit and fiercely loyal. If you love a strong family saga, you'll love all of the books, not just this one!

Scarlett loves science and often dresses as a man to attend lectures at the Royal Academy. A physician, Stephen Carew, is a family friend who catches Scarlett in costume. Stephen has known the family for a long time, but time jumps are used to make it clear that Scarlett is an adult and not the teenager she was in the first book. Stephen sees Scarlett as a wife and not a fellow scientist, which frustrates Scarlett.

There are some wonderful scenes of Stephen at social gatherings of the Black community in London that had me googling recipes for cassava pone (no pumpkin or raisins for Stephen!). The “aunties” were a fun addition to the story.

The youngest Wilcox, Lydia, has been the scene-stealing charmer of the series and she has some great moments in this story.

We also get to see more of how sickle cell anemia (unnamed at the time, be recognizable to a modern reader) is affecting Lydia Wilcox, Jahleel (Duke of Torrence), and Mr. Thom, who works for the Wilcox Coal. There’s a bit of a cliffhanger at the end our afflicted characters.

I can’t wait for this story to continue!

Thank you to NetGalley, Vanessa Riley, and Kensington Publishing Company for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for a honest review.

Vanessa Riley has done it again. In the second installment in this series, we meet up with the Wilcox sisters once again to see what is happening in their lives. Riley treats the readers to seeing more of the Duke, and we also learn about Scarlett and Carew’s relationship. Riley’s signature witty banter between characters is top notch. This historical fiction will delight and entertain you from start to finish.

This book completely swept me away. Vanessa Riley has created a world where duty, intellect, passion, and love collide in the most exciting way. I couldn’t put this down, and I’m absolutely obsessed with these characters. The writing is sharp, vibrant, full of energy, and the chemistry between Scarlett and Stephen is off the charts. In short, it is one of those books that has it all, an unforgettable romance, brilliant minds, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.