I loved this book! I really enjoyed the dual point of views between the main characters. You can tell how well the author researched the time period and what it was actually like around that time to be an immigrant from a country under British occupation/rule (without being depressing or boring).

Thank you Vanessa Riley, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for this delightful ARC!

Vanessa Riley is the queen of the Black folsk in regency genre.. This idea of a woman challenging convention to pursue her passion in medicing was good. But of cours,e love throws a monkey wrench in the plans.

Vanessa Riley does it again in this sequel in the Betting Against the Duke series, it had that historical element that I was looking for and enjoyed getting back into this world. I thought the characters were everything that I enjoyed from the previous book. It was everything that I was looking for and was glad I read this.

A beautifully written Regency romance with a brilliant heroine and lots of family shenanigans - Scarlett Wilcox means to live her life on her terms, or as much on her terms as a lady of her station can. She dresses as a man to attend medical lectures so she can continue her research and save lives. She engages in constant battles of wit with Stephen Carew, a physician who also spends much of his time helping people in the community. He also wants to open a hospital that will treat people of color, like him and Scarlett, and those with less means, who are not welcomed at most of the existing hospitals.

Meanwhile, Scarlett's little sister Lydia - who steals many a scene - and the doting Duke who wants the oldest Wilcox sister, a widowed Viscountess, both suffer from what is now known as sickle cell anemia. There is a secret about the Wilcox family, and although I guessed it early on, I was still very invested in knowing how it would resolve.

This is the second book in a series, and I've been hooked by Vanessa Riley's beautiful prose and the characters she has created. I want to know more about the Wilcox sisters and what happens after the cliffhanger at the end of this book.

Lots of good here!
I like that the characters are well developed and have their own minds and passions. I also liked that the book included BIPOC main characters in a historical setting but in a way that was optimistic and joyful rather than sad.

Free ARC from NetGalley. A Wager at Midnight is the second book in the Betting Against the Duke Series. Although this second book did not hold as much appeal as the first, i will continue to look forward to reading the complete series. the Hero and Heroine were both enchanting it just seemed repetitive from the first book at some points.

This book was high on African english language, and that really threw me off. The story itself was interesting. Stephen and Scarlett are both medical professionals, not intending to marry and unaware that they are falling in love. Their banter and interactions were fiery. Overall, it was a decent read but not to my personal taste.

#AWagerAtMidnight

This love story is mesmerizing with an intricate and mysterious plot twist that runs well alongside this couple's chemistry. I enjoyed their banter and the amazing, detailed oriented storyline full of adventures and true love.

I really like that the main characters of this book are BIPOC and their cultures feature heavily as they try to navigate London society, the restraints of their situations (gender, race, station, etc.), and find love. I'm glad the story focuses on joy. Furthermore, the main characters are passionate about things other than each other, as well, like science. There are plenty of hijinks, so this book is great if you love a romance with funny antics like dressing up, evading scandal, and general mischief. The aunties are also really funny and the other side characters are really compelling.

Vanessa Riley’s A Wager at Midnight is an absolute gem for Regency romance lovers. Set in a world of high-stakes wagers, this novel follows a clever duke and a widowed viscountess whose bet leads to an unforgettable love story. The tension between the characters is palpable, and Riley’s writing effortlessly weaves emotional depth into their journey of love, loss, and second chances.

What I really appreciated about this book was how Riley brings fresh perspectives to the Regency genre. The cultural richness and nuanced characters add layers to the plot, making it stand out from typical historical romances. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and their slow-burn romance will keep you hooked until the very last page.

Fans of historical romance looking for a story that’s both heartfelt and engaging will love A Wager at Midnight. It’s the perfect read if you’re craving a blend of passion, wit, and depth with a dash of historical intrigue.

This book was outstanding. I enjoyed reading this book. I am excited and waiting to read the next book. This book is filled with great insights and a well written plot. I am glad the truth finally revealed. Now, I am hoping for another beautiful ending and I’m hoping for a fourth book to hear Lynda thoughts. Yeah this book was spot on with the right of drama and romance. Glad the aunties were out in their place. This book illustrates how we can get caught up in valuing others opinions of us and our community.

What an absolute rush!

A quick-paced adventure, the perfect historical romance to read over the holidays (or anytime).

Scarlett & Stephen are the perfect opposites attract couple (can you be grumpy-sunshine if you're both grumpy?).

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.