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.

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!

Scarlett Wilcox is a determined, curious young heroine who is passionate about medicine and science. In fact, she is so driven in this regard that she ventures out in disguise, as her long deceased twin brother. When out in the world dressed as a man, she encounters and is protected by Dr. Stephen Carew, a physician from Trinidad who is navigating the world of medicine and London as a blackamoor. Both the hero and the heroine have a close relationship with the Duke of Torrance, a patient of Stephen’s and the decider of who will be Scarlett’s husband. The main characters must navigate societies that limit their agency, and they discover the power of truth and connection.

There were so many aspects of this book I appreciated. The attention to the discrimination, in the medical field, against doctors and patients of color is especially pertinent and important. I also loved the window into the experiences of people from the Carribean, and the lives of both the hero and heroine were fascinating.

For a romance, this book follows an unconventional plot structure. It’s a slow burn for sure, but it also moves in a unique way. At times, I was confused by the extraneous information, and I found some of the plots outside of the central relationship slow. However, I adored Stephen and Scarlett, and their scenes together shined as truly riveting.

Readers should also be aware that even though the tension in this book is notable, the intimacy is closed door. The culmination of the relationship is meaningful but not spicy.

I would read more by Vanessa Riley in the future, and I value the voice and perspective this text offers.

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity. As with any of my reviews, these are my opinions, and you should always follow your own instincts as a reader!

Scarlett Wilcox is willing to live out her life as a spinster if it means being able to continue her medical research to help a friend in need. After all, few husbands would tolerate her dressing as a man to attend lectures at the Royal Academy of Science. If the Duke of Torrance finds her such a specimen, she'll agree to a marriage in name only, much to the dismay of her elder sister, the Viscountess. When she's unmasked at a lecture on ophthalmology, Scarlett prepares to be disgraced, but she's saved by Trinidadian-born physician Stephen Carew who claims her as a cousin.
Another very good book from the author, strong characters, well paced, well researched & it was different. I really liked both Scarlett & Stephen & immediately became invested in their story. The book highlighted how far medicine has advanced. I also love how the author combines humour in her books. I highly recommend not only this book but all of her books
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

I liked the idea of two people who are both interested in medicine finding each other in a historical romance. However, it all seemed rather unlikely, and the scenes got a bit repetitive.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

I liked the scientific aspect of this book. Stephen and Scarlett were interesting characters as well as the Duke of Torrance. I liked the personal relationships of the characters.

I really enjoyed reading book two, especially the playful banter between Scarlett and Stephen. Their dynamic kept things lively, and the classic enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes were fun to follow. As a lover of historical romance, I found the history woven throughout—particularly of Trinidad, Jamaica, and Guyana—absolutely fascinating. The contrast between social classes added depth to the story, making it even more compelling.

Stephen’s role as a protector, educator, and healer within the community was admirable, especially in light of his own family’s reluctance to recognize his worth as a physician. His growth throughout the novel was wonderful to see, though I would have loved to watch him and Scarlett work together more to resolve their conflicts. Their witty banter was entertaining, but at times, it felt a bit overwhelming, taking up much of their story.

Lydia was an absolute delight—her precocious and sweet nature made me smile every time she appeared on the page.

At the end of book one, I was so eager to learn more about Jahleel, the Duke of Torrance, and Katherine, Lady Hampton. Their story immediately captivated me because it felt refreshingly unique compared to other historical romances I’ve read. The twist at the end was fantastic—I only wish it had come a bit earlier so we could savor it more. Now, I can’t wait to dive into their story in book three!

I really liked Scarlett and Stephen a lot. I thought they had great chemistry and I learned a lot about medicine of the time. However, I couldn't rate this book higher because 1. it started to get really repetitive and I was starting to lose interest and 2. because the book ended up focusing more on the duke and the vicountess than the actual main characters of the book. Like I understand that the duke setting the couples up is the premise of the series and that it is necessary to set up the next book, however that really detracted from the main romance for me.

Unfortunately this book didn’t stick out to me. As a non-native English speaker, I struggled with the vocabulary (which was to be expected, as it's a historical romance). I didn't really feel the chemistry between the characters, his sudden obsession was a bit out of the blue. I wish the scene where they were at a ball and he saw her as a woman (and not a child anymore) had been included. I also feel that the Duke and the older sister side story filled up a lot of space that could have been given to the two main characters, especially since the epilogue is about them.
I liked how the author integrated a lot of scientific historical elements, the (non-existent) place of women in science in the 19th century and sickle cell anaemia.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

A Wager at Midnight by Vanessa Riley is a first person multi-POV Regency romance. Scarlett Wilcox has been using her deceased twin brother’s name so she can attend medical conferences and training to become a physician. When her family’s physician, Stephen Carew, finds her out, he starts to reconsider his impression of her. But Stephen needs a new potential wife when his aunties start to meddle and the only woman he wants is Scarlett.

I loved that Stephen is not only from Trinidad, but there’s Caribbean traditions mentioned, the reverence for older women (the aunties), and the sense of community was highlighted. I think this is the first time I have read Caribbean representation in a Regency and I’m excited to read more. Cassava pone is mentioned several times and there’s even a recipe in the back of the book. Between the Caribbean aspects and mentions of ashy skin and Black hair care, the culture and diverse care needs of the characters were given a lot of attention.

Scarlett and Stephen have some animosity towards each other when the book opens. Scarlett has a lot more frustration while Stephen doesn’t even seem to realize Scarlett is a possible love interest until the one woman he was initially pursuing is out of the picture. Some of it is because Stephen is older than Scarlett by about ten years and so has seen her grow up and been involved in several crises that have occurred in her family. Scarlett’s frustration is partially with Stephen’s desire to find a woman who is quiet and demure and she is most definitely not that. But Stephen does change his mind eventually.

The enmeshment of Stephen in Scarlett’s family and his friendship with the duke, as well as knowledge of intimate secrets even Scarlett isn’t, does make it easier and harder for him to get into Scarlett’s heart. He knows her well and she knows him well, they wouldn’t expose each other’s secrets even if they weren’t love interests, but Stephen knowing what he knows is something of a betrayal to Scarlett. We spend a lot of time with their families, which is a bit unusual for a Regency as many of the ones I have read keep the families somewhat at a distance.

I would recommend this to fans of Regency romances looking for Caribbean representation or readers of romance who prefer characters with strong familial ties

"The stakes are high in this dazzling and diverse Regency romance, in which a clever duke has made a wager with the now-widowed Viscountess who is the love of his life: To win a second chance with her, he will find husbands for her two sisters - or resign himself to a life of longing in this enchanting tale from award-winning author Vanessa Riley.

Scarlett Wilcox is willing to live out her life as a spinster if it means being able to continue her medical research to help a friend in need. After all, few husbands would tolerate her dressing as a man to attend lectures at the Royal Academy of Science. If the Duke of Torrance finds her such a specimen, she'll agree to a marriage in name only, much to the dismay of her elder sister, the Viscountess.

When she's unmasked at a lecture on ophthalmology, Scarlett prepares to be disgraced, but she's saved by Trinidadian-born physician Stephen Carew who claims her as a cousin. Dedicated to caring for his community, Stephen has no wish to marry a frivolous and privileged lady, no matter how many fall for his disarming accent and seductive charm. But Scarlett proves the opposite of any he's ever met before. Yet the pressure to marry blinds them both to the chemistry growing between them, pitting their brilliant minds against their reluctant hearts - as the Duke and Viscountess await with bated breath to see who will win...A Wager at Midnight."

How about the Duke of Tolerance, amiright?

DNF at 15%. I wasn’t a fan of the first in this series, but I had hope the second book would improve. However, I was reminded of how little I care about these characters, plus the cast just got bigger and more unwieldy. Not to mention, the prose is so overwrought, it’s unbearable.

Exceptional

There was a time when reading Regency romance was not in my wheelhouse. Challenge by an author to give it a try, I have been hooked since that first Regency read. To date A WAGER AT MIDNIGHT is my number one Regency read.
Delving into the world of medical field during the nineteenth century, when women were considered second or even third-class citizens at best.
A WAGER AT MIDNIGHT kept me spell bound as we journey from medicine to science to romance trying to find a cure for a dreaded disease and love.
Love the continuation of the Wilcox sisters and Duke whom we met in A GAMBLE AT SUNSET.
Thank you Vaness Riley for challenging me to read Regency.
Thank you NetGally and Kensington for the ARC of this amazing book. This is my honest review.

This is the first book that I've read by Vanessa Riley, and while her style is not necessarily my personal preference (I'm not a fan of first person narrative), I do think she has a unique and incredibly well-written style. Additionally, I found the story quite interesting. The character were very intriguing and I enjoyed the romance.

I have followed Vanessa for quite some time, but this is my first time reading her work. It was an intriguing buildup to a wonderful romp of a tale. I can't wait for the next one.

A Wager at Midnight is a historically rich and wonderfully diverse Regency romance that gives readers a vivid glimpse of life, love, and medicine in nineteenth century London. Vanessa Riley brings her characters to life with skill and sensitivity. I especially loved the authentic representation of the complex family dynamics. There was so much humor and heart in this story! I enjoyed every bit of it.

Firstly, thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance reader copy of A Wager At Midnight. I am honestly, not sure how to rate it or where to start this review.

Things I liked: I really loved the premise of the story and the idea of these opposites attracted lovers. Scarlett and Stephan's banter was so cute and it was funny getting to watch them attempt to navigate so many obstacles and precarious situations (some that they created themselves LOL). I loved the plot twist at the end with Chrysanthemum. I also feel like Scarlett's character had a good redemption arc for me. I also really loved the epilogue and how the book wrapped up. I would say that the last 50% of the book really had me hooked.

Things that didn't work for me: The writing in the first 35% was a STRUGGLE for me to get through. I really feel like if I listened to this book, I might have liked it a lot more. I also struggled with some of the descriptions of the characters - I felt like I was making up character's looks because I didn't have a good description. I feel like maybe it could be helpful to put the character list at the back of the book, because seeing that first, was overwhelming for me.

Overall, I feel mixed ways about the book. The first half had me tempting to DNF it, but the second half saved it. I would probably read another book by this author, and I am eager to learn what happens with the next sister in the story!

I enjoy this author immensely and was excited to read this book. I read the first in her series and was intrigued by the next installment. I find it so interesting how the author builds in historical events and science into an engaging romance. The information regarding sickle cell paired with women in science was a huge draw for me. I grew to love all of the characters and enjoyed the pacing of the novel. I would recommend this to anyone that is interested in a historical romance with deeper themes of race and science.