Reread May 2019: Buddy read in a HRBC. This is just a wonderful book starting a wonderful series. Linden at her best. If you flawed characters with real challenges, try this one. The protagonists are not perfect. The villains are actually human and not really that terrible, just misunderstood. This combined with an amazing romance make this among the best that HR has to offer.

Previous review:
I listened to this for the first time, but I have read it more than once, though it has been a few years since reading. So, what did my older, wiser self think in this re-read? I still d it quite a lot, maybe not 5-stars , but close enough to keep the rating. There are two issues that made me think about dropping a star. 1: The narrator. His voice is nice for men, but the lady and child characters are not the best. I also thought his voice for the Hero changed at the end for a bit, which was odd. 2: the "one night in London" clearly refers to a an epic love-making session, that is OTT. I believe this is where my younger and older selves diverge on opinion. It is very sensually done, and I am sure on first reading, I loved it. But now I think it's too long, and listening only highlighted this fact.

As to what I love and still love, there are several points in its favor. 1. It doesn't pretend Regency is a fairytale time where everything is wonderful. Francesca, the heroine, faces much sexism and judgment on her appearance (not motherly looking) in her quest for legal counsel to adopt her niece. Edward is fighting his own family's potential legal battle, and it pays to be a Duke's son. The difference between the two MCs experience is well-drawn and a good illustration of the time. 2. Neither MC is squeaky clean. They are willing to use any device within their power, influence, charm, money, as a means to an end - not that they are cruel or ruthless, but they are clever and resourceful. 3. They seem perfect for each other. Their personalities compliment each other, and the attraction is palpable. They see each other at the other's low points and are just what the other needs. 4. Resolutions to problems are not perfect. The resolution to Francesca's issue is not ideal, but the best option, and Edward is able to accept that it will be OK if his family issue is not resolved as he would wish. 5. It's the start of a great series. Linden was smart in her order. She put the dull estate manager brother first. Next up is a war hero, followed by a Duke. It also has a compelling storyline, making it a well-connected, enticing series. It is a dramatic and somewhat cliche storyline (deathbed summons the the old Duke, with a deep dark secret), and Linden makes fun of this a little in the book. 7. It's Caroline Linden, and it's writing that is very strong. I love her style. She is one of my favorites, and she is very consistent.audiobook hr i-own-nook ...more24 s Luana ?589 129

Oh, I had forgotten how much a bliss it is to read Caroline Linden. Her writing is so wonderful.

In this story we have two big problems to be solved, one bigger than the other and for that reason we will see this problem probably only being resolved by the end of the third book.

That being so, we deal with the smaller and more immediate problem throughout the book. The hero is extremely conservative to the point of being prude and seems cold to the outside world. The heroine is the completely opposite, with Italian blood running on her vains and a short temper. I super enjoyed their differences clearly and wonderfully written. And enjoyed even more so that their differences when in union only made them both stronger and the best version of themselves, it is rare that we see this in couples. And their chemistry was over the charts, it was so worth waiting 60% of the book for the first kiss. And what a kiss!

But due to her quick to act personality and some unnecessary dispare and monologue in the end that dragged a bit and again, felt unnecessary, I am taking away half a point and giving this book a 4.5 star instead.

PS: I don't widow stories much. They don't really move me and I never know the society rules involving them. I know they have much more freedom, but how much freedom is that? I enjoy rules and I find that it is difficult to understand them when it comes to widows. But I loved this heroine.21 s RLbooks731 235

Thank you Elizabeth for recommending this for my next Caroline Linden book! I really enjoyed One Night in London and esp Francesca’s (h) personality. She was refreshingly experienced (she’s a widow who’s actually lived), forthright, and passionate. Edward (H) initially came off as cold and contained, but he warmed up and was very likable. He does make some errors and holds himself apart at times but he’s also supportive and protective. I also enjoyed the premise of both experiencing family difficulties that required legal advice, although very different situations. One is a guardianship issue and the other a potential scandal affecting inheritance of a title. Written in third person, dual POV. Not really ow drama but H does begin the book engaged to someone else and he is regretful that relationship ended it did at first. There is om drama as one of h’s friends is in love with and wants to marry her but she doesn’t feel that way about him. Neither h or H is a virgin.

Francesca starts off furious with Edward for “stealing” the attorney she wants but she also takes advantage of a change in the situation to gain his assistance. I loved watching them interact, be more open with each other, and fall into their romance, which does start with a bit more focus on their physical chemistry just fyi. This romance does have a few steamy scenes that are explicit and well-written. Their first time was actually a few times back to back and I applaud his stamina lol. Besides that chemistry and attraction, there’s also nicely done emotional development.

Side character-wise, Edward’s brothers feature heavily as they’re all caught up in the family drama. His oldest brother supposedly has growth throughout the series but he’s really frustrating to start. Francesca has a couple of friends and a couple who live with her as servants. Otherwise she’s focused on trying to gain guardianship of her niece. The niece and her stepmom/her family are important characters to that plot line.

I did get frustrated that there was a third act separation, thankfully brief. While I actually appreciated how Francesca’s family plot line was resolved, I did feel something was lacking a bit from the ending. Maybe because it ends on a HEA but with the overarching drama of Edward’s family not being resolved til the end of the series. I wish there had been more of them after the I love you’s and wedding, what their daily life would look , y’know the thing I harp on in most because I’m greedy. There’s a setup at the end for the next book, which is the younger brother’s and I’ll definitely be reading! I would recommend this! historical older-main-characters safe-for-me-mf ...more25 s Sammy Loves Books1,134 1,605

Absolutely wonderful!!

Lord Edward is as stiff and proper as they come! He's honorable, but also a strategist that knows how to get things done!

Lady Francesca is a widow and I absolutely loved her spunk and personality! These two are so hot together and I totally enjoyed them working together to save her niece from the clutches of the evil stepmother.

Can I please take a whip to the dead Duke of Durham? I mean.... he sounded a wonderful father, yet he had a horrible secret that he left his sons to manage.best-sex-ever do-me-baby historical-romance ...more15 s Caz2,867 1,085

I've given this a B- for narration and B for content at AAR, so I'm leaving it at 4 stars.

In One Night in London, book one of Caroline Linden’s 2011/2012 The Truth About the Duke trilogy, the deathbed vigil of the two younger sons of the Duke of Durham, is followed the next day by a meeting with the family solicitor. The solicitor reveals that the late duke contracted a secret marriage some years before he married their mother. As this may mean the later marriage was bigamous and they are all illegitimate, the brothers stand to lose everything.

The story focuses on the middle brother, Lord Edward de Lacey, who has run the Durham estates with great skill and great success. He doesn’t care much for society and has a reputation for being a ruthless businessman and a bit of a dull dog. He hires London’s premier solicitor to prepare their case, and hopes it will be just a matter of time before his eldest brother Charles is proved to be the rightful Duke of Durham. (While the “Durham Dilemma” is the thread which connects all three books in the series, this one is principally concerned with Edward’s romance. Anyone who is expecting the resolution of the matter of the inheritance is going to be disappointed, because that doesn’t happen until book three.)

Lady Francesca Gordon is furious when she discovers that the same solicitor has turned down her case in favour of working for the de Laceys. She confronts Edward, accusing him of “poaching” him, her annoyance greatly fuelled by the fact that he is the only lawyer she met who gave her case even the most basic consideration. When one of London’s scandal sheets prints a story about the “Durham Dilemma” the next day, Francesca sees an opportunity to advance her cause. She knows the editor of the scandal sheet and will contrive to have him print a retraction in return for Edward’s help in securing the services of another solicitor. This bargain naturally throws them more into each other’s company, and as they spend time together, they each begin to revise their original assessments of the other.

The protagonists are both very strongly drawn, and although at first they seem to be complete opposites – he rather starchy and she a tempestuous free-spirit – as the story progresses both they and the reader come to see that what originally seem to be almost unbridgeable gulfs in personality are actually qualities which are complementary. Francesca livens Edward up, reminding him what it feels to be happy rather than merely content. Edward helps her to see the value of learning to hold back and plan rather than to rush headlong into a situation.

The sexual tension simmers between them from the get-go. Francesca thinks Edward is dull and colourless at first, and he thinks she’s a managing harpy, yet they find it increasingly difficult to stop thinking about each other. Edward fights his attraction to Francesca particularly strongly, feeling that she is everything he doesn’t in a woman – she’s forward, opinionated and capable; and Francesca can’t believe she is having lustful thoughts about such a stiff-necked fellow as Edward de Lacey. And when the lustful thoughts finally turn into reality… the pair of them may just have melted my earbuds! Their passionate affair has the feel of a mature relationship, but is simultaneously one in which the characters experience that first explosion of infatuation and physical desire.

Gildart Jackson, a new-to-me narrator who is also, it seems, a newcomer to the world of audiobook romance, has a voice melted chocolate, rich and dark. His narration is nuanced and expressive. Although there are times when it is a little on the slow side, that fits with Edward’s character, as he’s a reserved man who always thinks before he acts. Mr Jackson differentiates clearly between all the male characters, doing an especially good job in providing each of the three brothers with his own, distinctive sound. His performance of Edward is excellent. He really captures the essence of him – part restrained, buttoned up gentleman and part sex-god (!) – by skilful use of subtle changes in tone and inflection. Edward intent on seduction is utterly and deliciously wicked while Edward the businessman is considered and rather restrained in both speech and manner.

His portrayal of female characters is less successful. Francesca is a widow in her late twenties, so it’s right that she doesn’t sound a wide-eyed ingénue, but at times she sounds more a middle-aged dowager than a vital young woman. That said, Mr Jackson’s portrayal changes as the book progresses, so overall he does a more-than-decent job. I don’t, however, much care for the falsetto he uses to characterise Louisa Halston, Edward’s ex-fiancée, as it falls over the edge into caricature.

One Night in London is an enjoyable listen and a good start to this series. I certainly intend to listen to Mr Jackson again on the strength of it, and I’m pleased that he’s joined the very small club of men who narrate historical romance. I hope he maintains his membership, because the genre needs more good male narrators.
aar audiobook romance-1800-185013 s Andrea986 150

There are a lot of things to love about this book. The three brothers who learn that their father has been married when he was young and re-married without knowing what has happened to his first wife (which might just make his three sons bastards) are all incredibly interesting: you have an older brother who relies on his family name's influence and doesn't seem to care about anything but his own pleasure who has to learn some responsibility if he wants to keep his title; the good middle one (Edward, this books hero) who is all about family and duty, who has to learn that he has to stop fighting his brother's battles and focus instead on what he himself wants; and the youngest, slightly impetuous brother who is a bit wild, but loyal to a fault to his family. I loved reading about them, how each of them changed and grew over the course of the story, and I can't wait to see the other two get to their happily ever after.

But...

There was a bit too much drama in this book for me. Especially Francesca's claim that her niece is being cruelly mistreated by an evil step-mother made little sense to me. In the beginning she (and therefor the reader) is told by a neighbor that the step-mother is in financial difficulties, that the niece looks thin and unwell, and that she seems to have to do household chores. Francesca has also been forbidden to visit her niece for some years. The family then steals away in the dead of night, leaving no trace of their whereabouts. At some point Francesca sees her niece on a busy street and starts to chase after her, but the step-mom's brother appears to actually drag her away in time. All of this gives the impression that the niece is being mistreated by seriously cruel people, but once they find the family again, it's all just some big misunderstanding, the niece actually loves staying with her step-mom and her new half-brothers, and refuses her aunt's offer to live with her. This resolution just made no sense to me. Francesca also has a temper that often leads her to jump to conclusions and lash out at other people, which I never really warmed up to. Her reaction to reading about Edwards trouble in a gossip sheet after she just stormed into his house and accused him of "stealing" her lawyer kind of was a just bit too much for me: instead of thinking something along the lines of 'oh no, the poor man, I guess he really does need that lawyer' her immediate reaction is 'oh good, I can use this' and she basically blackmails him into helping her find her niece by telling him she can get the owner of the newspaper to print a retraction, if only he helps her out in return... Because a man about to loose everything he has worked his entire life for just has nothing else to do.

But still, it's Caroline Linden (who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors), so it's well-written, funny and heartbreaking at the same time, full of interesting characters, and seeing the oh-so-proper Edward exploring his wild side was seriously hot. And now I'm off to download the next book in this series ^^annoying-heroine historical-romance too-much-drama11 s SWEETY 228 52

4.5 Stars
I have a few complaints here and there, but this was mostly a very enjoyable read.

Safety warning : OW (hero does not cheat, he is in love with OW at the start. She jilts him.
dual-pov regency standalone-series-historical11 s Becca676 108

I just INHALED this. Why I’m blazes did I wait so long to start this series?? What was I thinking?

Edward and Francesca were two opposite but somehow complementary personalities who positively combusted when they were together.

Edward starts of stiff and formal and steeped in duty but as he sheds that armor...good stuff. Francesca was a little harder to . In some ways I loved her vivacity but I thought sometimes her temper and quick assumptions of people was annoying. However, I think her strength was what drew Edward in and really helped him grow too and I d that in her.

Both have journeys of discovery here and the ongoing Durham Dilemma continues after this book ends. I’ll be diving in to the next book shortly!on-my-shelf11 s Jacob Proffitt3,125 1,811

I enjoyed this immensely, though I have mild issues as well. Part of my enjoyment is how well Linden managed the character motivations and how they drove the conflicts that produced such great tension throughout the story. Francesca is comfortable. She isn't rich rich, but she has everything she needs for a comfortable, even active life in her social set without needing to worry much about money or shelter or food. So she'd be all set if it weren't for her worry about a niece she has been cut off from with hints of abuse. You can see from the start that she loves her niece and can't stand not knowing where she is or how she is doing. Linden crafted circumstances such that Francesca really does have a shot at gaining custody (even in the draconian laws of the time) so having her target locked on finding the best attorney in London makes complete sense and her sense of urgency is borne up well by the things we know.

Edward is less comfortable, but his motivations are even stronger. Indeed, his having anything to do with Francesca at all is just a touch of insta-attraction overwhelming good sense. She's certainly a distraction he doesn't need. That's not a complaint, mostly because Linden shows us how dry his life has become and how much he needs someone he can't bend to his will to bring him to life. It's clear, even early on, how well they'd suit and subsequent events only reinforce that initial impression. I love how they clash, but I loved even better how well they worked together once they worked out compromises that let them be themselves with each other. I love a relationship so strongly drawn and this one kept me riveted to the story.

It's not all peaches and sunshine, though. The eventual resolution with Georgina (the aforementioned niece) was disappointing. Indeed, I can't help feeling Linden manipulated events just to heighten tension when we learn that Georgina is not only being adequately cared for but that she's in a home where she feels loved and appreciated. The hints of abuse make pretty much zero sense in light of what we learn and hand-waving Georgina's step-mother's motivation as irrational apprehension about Francesca doesn't hold water under scrutiny—particularly with taking such drastic action as to move house in the dead of night.

Also dragging my interest down, Francesca tolerates a lot of awful behavior from some of the men who want to be in her life (in the boudoir sense) and that didn't sit well, either. One character is openly lecherous and borders on crude in ways that were overbearing and, well, icky. Sure, he's powerful, kinda, and she wants something from him, at least to start, but I felt beslimed by his presence on the page and didn't understand Francesca's tolerance (particularly after her need for him lessened). Or capacity for ignoring slime. Even the more mild man who has been courting her since her husband died pushed the creepy vibe more than once. She keeps calling him her friend, but I failed to see anything from him that wasn't self-servingly geared towards winning a place in her bed.

Still, this is a solid 4 stars, largely on the strength of that central relationship. I love when a couple fits so well together that their differences become strengths after they work out a framework for compromise and communication. Very well done.

A note about Steamy: There are a couple explicit sex scenes, so about the middle of my steam tolerance. Unfortunately, this is another area I felt didn't work terribly well. I get the attraction and heat between them. But I didn't see Francesca being so reckless. Making their relationship publicly acknowledged before knowing Edwards actual intentions seemed out of character for her on so many different levels. Yeah, love, but still...audiobook romance steamy10 s Lu756 25

Lovely story of a dutiful middle son recently jilted by the woman he loved when he most needed her and a bold and impetuous widow with Italian blood in her veins.
As an Italian descendent myself, I found Francesca’s frank personality fun and a wonderful balance to Edward’s lovely responsible and thoughtful self.
There is not much antagonism against their love (although they are from different classes) and in the background they are both struggling with family problems.
Great read! Can’t wait to read Gerard’s and Charlie’s stories (mainly Charlie’s)
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