[ARC Review] One Night with the Duke by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Publisher's synopsis: Eliza Melrose has always cherished her independence. And when she and her family lived in the countryside, it was easy to slip out for a midnight ride, write articles for her father’s newspaper, and otherwise do as she pleased. But now that they’ve moved to the heart of fashionable London, her every move is scrutinized and judged. Worse yet, her father wants her to wed and take her proper place in society.

But Eliza wants nothing to do with marriage. And when the new Duke of Chester moves into his family’s long-abandoned home across the square, her journalistic instincts immediately kick in. Are the rumors true—did he really kill his family? Is he as rakish as everyone says? The more Eliza finds out, the more she wants to know. Because the duke is a fascinating study of contradictions—reclusive and arrogant, fiercely protective and deeply passionate. But those who dance too close to the fire often get burned. And as the undeniable flame between them ignites, the only question is: Who’s holding the match?

My thoughts: My, there was a lot to enjoy in One Night with the Duke: a brooding duke, an independently-minded young woman, a family shrouded in mystery, conniving members of the ton, and a very steamy romance. 

I loved Eliza from the very beginning. She was headstrong, intelligent, and, most important, she quickly and easily recognized when she was doing the very thing she berated others for doing. I loved that you could take Eliza out of the country, but you couldn't take the old habits out of Eliza. Despite it being something a lady of the ton did not do, Eliza saw no reason why she couldn't continue contributing to her father's paper and I loved that mentality. Eliza wasn't afraid to own up to the fact that she was new money and didn't fit into the ton's expectations. 

Our brooding, leading man was equally entertaining. Johnny is the very definition of dark and mysterious, keeping his biggest secrets close to his chest until the very end. Johnny had all the men's eyes on him out of suspicion and all the women's eyes on him out of desire, and Johnny wore that mantle well. 

The overall plot kept me interested throughout the whole book. I dove into the mystery surrounding the duke and his family, and I loved the constant sense of danger that followed Johnny everywhere. This historical romance was definitely more than just two people falling in love. 

With plenty of drama and danger to go around, One Night with the Duke was a fantastic start to Malpas's Belmore Square series. I can't wait to see more from this section of the ton, and I can't wait to read the next couple's story. 

[A huge thank you to Forever for providing a review copy of this title!]

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Release date: 4/18/23

Format: eARC & paperback

eARC provided via: NetGalley

Paperback provided via: publisher