Heat Factor: Some petting in the carriage at the halfway point

Character Chemistry: Antagonistic teasing with “rapier wit” plus pining

Plot: Uh…

Overall: DNF at 50%. I just couldn’t do it any more.

Here’s the deal. I really really want to like Vanessa Riley’s books. They always sound so awesome and I love that she’s going all in on writing well-researched books featuring Black people in Regency England. (You can read about her research here.) Plus her books always have gorgeous cover art. But this is the second one that super didn’t work for me due to a mix of the writing style and my irritation with the characters (you can read about how much I loathed the hero of The Bittersweet Bride here), so I suspect that Riley is not an author who works for me.

In this case, despite a rocky start, I kept going. I even got to the point where I decided that I would read to the end so I could really put my finger on what it was about the writing style that wasn’t sitting right with me. But then I got to a truly enraging interaction between the main characters and was over it. I’ll come back to that scene, but first I’m going to talk about the characters and the writing style.

So, the scenario here is that Scarlett is a young woman who is interested in medicine and Stephen is a doctor who she has known since she was a child and has also been something of a mentor to her. Stephen is also friends (ish?) with this Duke who is a pseudo-guardian to Scarlett and is also working to find her a husband. Apparently the Duke and Scarlett’s older sister have a bet (?) going on about who will do a better job of finding Scarlett a husband, but that information is based solely on the blurb (which I did not reread before starting the book) and is not clear from the text. I read half the book and there’s literally nothing about a wager. Scarlett and her big sis have one scene together in the whole first half of the book and it’s about their younger sister’s upcoming birthday party (?). Also the Duke is doing revenge (?) stuff on some people for reasons (?) but also building a secret room in his house to store his guns and chess sets and presumably also hide (?) because important people keep dying (?) or maybe just losing their jobs (?). Honestly, I have no idea what’s going on with this Duke.

Anyways, Scarlett sometimes dresses up like a man to attend science lectures because women aren’t allowed to attend. One time, the Duke and Stephen run into her and they look at some art together (?), and the Duke puts her into Stephen’s care (?), but Scarlett is not impressed with that plan, so she goes about her evening and they end up at White’s and then a brothel where Stephen faints from exhaustion. (I’m sure you have questions but really, the mechanics of the whole situation are not important.) Scarlett, with the help of the prostitutes and Stephen’s driver, gets Stephen out of there. Stephen is convinced that this was a compromising situation and they must marry. Scarlett is not convinced.

As you may have gathered from my copious use of parenthetical question marks, I spent a good chunk of my reading time not sure what was going on or what the stakes of the story were. Some things that I was initially confused about were later revealed, so perhaps I would have learned more later; I must also state, for the record, that this is the second book in a trilogy, and that the Duke’s bet with the sister may have been set up in Book 1. But the writing is also very chaotic, with so many things going on in every single scene that I couldn’t figure out what was important or what I was actually learning about the characters.

I will say that there is some interesting interpersonal stuff going on between Stephen and Scarlett. Not the “banter,” that part is irritating. But they do have some genuine messiness between them as they navigate the shifts in their relationship—particularly as Stephen begins to recognize Scarlett as an adult, but not so much an adult that he can treat her like a fellow scientist. They also have different approaches to the world, with Stephen being so cautious that he lets opportunities slip away while waiting for the perfect moment, and Scarlett believing that some action is better than nothing. So there was definitely potential for good conflict there; I just wasn’t seeing it.

Now, to the scene that made me give up. Scarlett has attended another scientific lecture dressed as a man—an anatomy lesson, how scandalous!—and Stephen is now escorting her back to the Duke’s house. They are eating pineapple ices from Gunter’s. Stephen is feeling horny watching Scarlett eat a popsicle shaped like a banana. The following is their conversation (paraphrased, but not that much):

Stephen: Have you been avoiding me?

Scarlett: Yes

Stephen: Marry me

Scarlett: What? Are you having some kind of attack? Guess we’re going to fight now.

Stephen: No. You will wear a dress on Friday and impress the aunties.

Scarlett: Excuse me? What dress?

Stephen: You have dresses.

Scarlett: Are you going to eat your ice? Yours is half-melted.

*Scarlett eats Stephen’s bunny popsicle and Stephen continues to be horny*

Scarlett: You’re angry I ate your ice, but you gave it to me. I should have realized you didn’t mean it.

Stephen: No. I enjoyed watching you.

Scarlett: *looks away*

Stephen: I just have a lot on my mind. A couple of patients…

Scarlett: Tell me about them, I’d love to help.

Stephen: Doctor-patient confidentiality!

Scarlett: Doctors collaborate all the time about treatment ideas!

Stephen: Not with their wives.

*Scarlett is obviously hurt, but we’re in Stephen’s POV so he is quickly distracted by being horny about her luscious mouth*

Scarlett: Go to the party on Friday and let the aunties set you up with that girl you used to love.

Stephen: Maybe she wasn’t the right one for me.

Scarlett: By the end of the month, I’ll have a husband who will let me do science. That’s my one criteria for a partner.

Stephen: You won’t marry me, but you want a husband?

Scarlett: The duke will pick one for me.

Stephen: No man will let you gallivant around.

Scarlett: Well, I won’t be a good wife for you.

Stephen: Yes you will. But it doesn’t matter what we say, because I have to talk to the duke first. Plus, you can’t refuse me. I compromised you.

Scarlett: How can you be so handsome and stupid?

Stephen: You’re not marrying anyone else. That’s not possible. Marriage is something to be decided by a chaperone or guardian, not—

Scarlett: —not a girl.

Then they make out. Then Scarlett leaves. Then Stephen is like, “why won’t she marry me???!?!?” Then I Hulk Smash because, I don’t know, STEPHEN, maybe because you’re a paternalistic dingus (but not in a fun way) who doesn’t listen to her when she very clearly states what she needs in a partner.

Plus Stephen was obtuse and enraging and maybe he’ll get over that and maybe he won’t, but also that conversation was so long and meandering and all over the place. And they occasionally do that thing where they tell the reader or each other that they’re going to argue or use their rapier wits against each other and I saw no evidence of real tension between them.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

I loved the sound of A Wager at Midnight and was so excited to read it especially with one of the characters being where I’m from, Trinidad but when I started it I felt like I had stepped into the middle of a conversation which left me a bit confused as I thought this was a standalone in a series. I fear that I’ll be even more confused the further I go which is why I’m dnfing.

This was such a fun story! I don't always care for Enemies to Lovers type stories. However, with this story I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters. I loved the characters and the strong family bond that Scarlett - especially had with her family. We get the feel of what it was like for women who had ambitions and wanted more out of life but had limitations placed on what they could do.

The characters were very well developed, and I found myself rooting for the main characters. But also, the side characters.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Vanessa Riley’s "A Wager at Midnight" features Regency romance with admirable diversity and an intriguing premise—a headstrong heroine defying gender norms to pursue medicine, and a Trinidadian-born physician torn between duty and desire. The historical details, particularly around racial and gender barriers in 19th-century medicine, are the book’s strongest asset, offering fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by homogenized narratives.

That said, the execution falters at times. I found it a bit grating how Scarlett’s rebelliousness sometimes veers into juvenile impulsiveness, while Stephen’s stoic nobility borders on bland. Their chemistry, though peppered with witty banter, takes too long to ignite, and the central "wager" plot device (a carryover from Book 1) feels more like a distraction than a driving force. The pacing drags in the first half, weighed down by excessive familial subplots, though it picks up steam toward the climax. But it's nice to have some non-formulaic entrants into the HR genre. For similar themes, check out Riley’s "Island Queen" or Alyssa Cole’s "An Extraordinary Union."

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC.

Scarlett wanted to be a doctor. She dressed in men’s clothes and snuck around to medical lectures. Stephen was her family’s doctor. He ended up needing to keep an eye on her when she went to medical lectures. That turned into them ending up in a compromising position. He realizes that he wants to marry her. She has always had a thing for him but doesn’t want to marry for love. She only wants to marry someone who will let her do the work she wants to do and will help her publish her medical papers.

This was such a wonderful story. From the first story in the series, the wager between the Duke and Scarlett’s sister Catherine is still there. More unfolds about their relationship and it threatens to ruin what Scarlett and Stephen could have in their future.

This story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and has me anxious to read whatever book follows in the series. This book was very good.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read A Wager at Midnight.

Vanessa Riley is a good read. Her characters are so colorful, her writing so distinct. There are many aspects of this book that can be appreciated. The exploration of discrimination in the medical field, particularly against doctors and patients of color, felt especially relevant and important. I also loved the insight into the experiences of people from the Caribbean, and the lives of both the hero and heroine were truly captivating. With rich characters, strong chemistry between the leading characters, and an amazing plot, this storyline has it all, romance, laughing laugh-out-loud moments, drama, and entertaining quick-witted remarks that will entertain the reader and make you want more.

A Wager at Midnight by Vanessa Riley is book two in the Betting Against the Duke series and it is salacious! A regency romance must read !!! These characters are everything! A pleasure to read .

I have heard people gushing about Vanessa Riley's work for a long time, but this is my first time reading her! I'm thrilled that she's writing Black characters in historical romance, because it's a genre where we don't have as many big name "Own Voices" or multicultural authors as other Romance subgenres. A Black Trinidadian doctor MMC is certainly unique, and I was fascinated reading from his perspective. Hopefully others feel the same way!

Unfortunately, I really struggle with first person POV, and that combined with a confusing first chapter where we meet a bunch of characters (mostly upper-class men with titles and not much else distinctive) made it hard for me to get into this book. I also thought the FMC just seemed so young and immature compared to the MMC. POV aside, the book did improve quite a bit after I was more immersed in the world. It helps that Riley is a very skilled writer!!

Since 1st person POV is getting more popular lately, especially with contemporary readers, I think this would be a great entry point into historicals for some readers. Definitely worth checking out!!

A Wager at Midnight is the second book in the series, Betting against the Duke by Vanessa Riley. It chronicles the relationship between Scarlet Wilcox and Dr. Stephen Carew. While Scarlett has had feelings for Stephen for some years, he only sees her at the young child of a family he has provided medical care for. Scarlett has interest in learning all she can about the field of medicine so that she can care for her niece, Lydia and her friend, the Duke of Torrance. They each have to examine their feelings for each other when Stephen is tasked with chaperoning Scarlett while she masquerades as a man in order to attend medical lectures. Both Stephen and Scarlett have secrets that when unveiled may mean the end of their budding romance. The story ended with a tease for the next book and I cannot wait until it is available so I can find out what happens with Scarlett's elder sister, Katherine and the Duke of Torrance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

A wager and midnight is the most one worthy romance of 2025. Scarlet is a plucky heroine who refuses to abide by society standards or let it dictate her life. Stephen is a physician who wants to improve the quality of healthcare for his community. These two embark on a quarrelsome, intriguing and messy endeavor that leaves them into situations that in elderly have them seeing each other for more than the minor irritation they appear to be. Vanessa Riley‘s writing is so beautiful. The characters are so strong. The family dynamic is amazing and the secrets are delicious. I loved this story.

Great read! First read from this author. This book makes me want to read more from this author. Kept my attention and interest until the end.

To me, this book reads more like historical fiction than romance. There’s little emotion. The character relationship are too complex for me to follow. The story is interesting but slow-paced, and I had a hard time liking the characters or caring about what happened to them. The book is well written, but the writing style is not for me.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

3.5 stars
It did take me a while to get into this book, the pace during the first half of the book was a little slow for me. However, the second half was much more to my taste. It had much more happening. Scarlett Wilcox was very interested in science and medical practices in particular. She wanted to be able to help people and she was very bold and determined in her quest for knowledge. Stephen Carew was a doctor and they seemed to have a love/hate relationship. Stephen had known the Wilcox family for many years but was now just realising how Scarlett had grown into a beautiful and inspiring woman. Scarlett will only marry if she is allowed to continue with her medical studies. There are some surprises towards the end and of course the restrictions put on women at this time, also feature. I look forward to hearing Katherine’s ( the eldest sister) story. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to Vanessa Riley for providing this e-ARC via NetGalley!

I am not new to Vanessa’s books and her writing specifically around multicultural historical romance. This was a treat indeed! With no expectations I delve in and was truly captured into the diverse London of the 1800s following the life and adventures of Scarlett Wilcox’s tenacity and grit for agency and self advocacy in a society that held different expectations for a woman like her. In comes her family physician Trinidadian-born Stephen Carew who is quick witted, a Dr. of the people, family man and quite reserved about his heart and ambitions. When two opposites attract there is no telling who will win! Caught up in the world of aristocrats, class, familia expectations, family secrets, scandal, promise and societal expectations, these two find each other and perhaps dare to pave their own path.

With character depth, chemistry and a plot that kept the pages turning I ate up every bit of this book up. There were laugh out loud moments, swoon, drama and let’s just say the witted banter between Stephen and Scarlett will keep you charmed, entertained and wanting more.

Vanessa as always gives us fiction wrapped up in some historical truths which makes her reads extra special and informative! And let’s not forget the added bonus of recipes at times. In this case I was adventurous enough to try the famous Mrs. Ellis Cassava Pone recipe at the end of the book with a side of Sorrel drink! Love it!

Happy Reading!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Vanessa Riley for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Wager at Midnight coming out March 25, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read several books by this author. I’m obsessed with regency era books! This was a really fun second book. I loved this book featured different characters from the first book. I loved the writing. It was definitely a lot of dialogue, which I love. I thought Scarlett was a really strong character. I love that she finds a way to continue learning. Stephen was definitely an awesome character as a doctor who reads Jane Austen. I won’t give anything away, but I loved it! I’ll definitely check out more books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys diverse historical romances!

I have read Vanessa Riley books and highly enjoy how she always mixes romance, with untold history and a diverse cast of characters.
Scarlett is woman determined to make her own path in the world. She decides to follow her dreams and infiltrate a medical school, dressed as a man.

Her headstrong nature runs straight into Stephen Carew, a Trinidadian-born physician who works in the community.

Though, they’ve known each other for a while when the book starts it seems he’s never really considered why there is such a push and pull, and constant battle of wits between them. I loved watching them work through their feelings and finally find their HEA.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I loved that we got to see a different side to Regency London, with diverse characters who discussed their histories and cultures. It was a little slow and confusing for me at the beginning ( I hadn’t realized this was book two in a series), but once I sorted all of that out, it was easy to get into this story and invest in what was going to happen with Scarlett and Stephen. I can’t wait to go back and read book one of the series, and to see who’s up next!

I am really intrigued by the premise of this book and wanted to love it. Sadly I can tell that the writing style is absolutely not for me - I just can't see myself enjoying a historical romance, written in first person, where the POV character /thinks/ the word "Sigh." This is 100% a reaction to the style of the book, not a judgment on the characters, setting, plot, etc.

A Wager at Midnight is a fun romance laden with tension, humor, and a real sense of history. I loved the supporting characters, liked the central romance, and overall felt a sense of peace as I was reading it.

Scarlett Wilcox is a strong willed spinster whose lifelong curiosity about medicine has been driven by her desire to keep a friend from going blind due to her cataracts. Determined to become a doctor, treat her friend and not get caught doing either, she goes to medical lectures dressed as a man – her own dead twin brother. When she’s unexpectedly unmasked at one of those lecture, her situation becomes sticky, to say the least. Fortunately, her family’s doctor steps in and vouches for her, claiming Scarlett as a distant cousin.

Stephen Carew loves Jane Austen and his patients, and the last thing he needs is a walking complication like Scarlett. A Trinidad native, his aunties are pushing something fierce for him to get married, already. Scarlett might be a nice, easy out for him regarding that – even if she’s not the demure bride he’s been envisioning. Scarlett and Stephen think they have a perfect solution to their problems – but might love rise to complicate everything?

A Wager at Midnight has a smart heroine, a stubborn hero with a sensitive streak, and a lovely plot. Unfortunately, reading the first book is de rigueur here – the family is in debt for reasons that will make more sense of you read both books in the series – but that’s a minor point. It’s a fun, quick read with lots of great banter.

Trinidad culture is explored here beautifully – the aunties, the cuisine, the way the book plays out Stephen’s courtship of Scarlett. Scarlett felt credibly modern in a way that made sense for her. And I really enjoyed the push-pull banter between them, which felt natural.

The supporting characters are fantastic here, and the setting delicious. Aside from some bumpy narrative moments I won’t spoil for plot reasons and the fact that you need to read the first book to make this one make more sense, A Wager At Midnight is one fine romance.

Thank you Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.

This is officially my favorite Vanessa Riley series; I love her writing and how unique it is. She is a special voice in Historical Romance highlighting Black People in Regency times. And Jahlil, the Duke of Torrance, was a special addition as a half Black Russian, Half English Nobleman. The story is a continuation of book 1, A Gamble At Sunset. Reading it as a standalone will take away from the plot.

I love the progression of romance between Scarlett and Carew, I love a love affair that starts with the couple roasting each other, without malice, at every opportunity. But I was more enthralled by the setting, the dialogue and the conversations about social justice, feminism and most uniquely, sickle cell disease.

I can’t wait to read the rest of Ms. Riley’s backlist and whatever she puts out in the future.

Thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for this advanced copy!

Vanessa Riley is always a good read. Her characters are so vibrant, her language so distinct, it's easy to tell when I'm in her stories. Which is probably why it was so easy to fall into Scarlett and Stephen's romance. He is a physician and she would be if women were allowed, and the two of them come together while scandals come to light. This is a bit of an age gap romance, but really its about two people with shared interests finally realizing they are perfect for each other. I loved how Riley wove in characters from her other books and series; her world building is great.

I can't wait for the next book in this series!