One Night with the Duke by Jodi Ellen Malpas follows nineteen-year-old Eliza Melrose, who is determined to avoid an arranged marriage but finds herself drawn to the reclusive and enigmatic Duke of Chester, who recently returned to London amid rumors of family murder.
Eliza has always cherished her independence while living in the countryside, where she could do as she pleased—whether taking midnight strolls or writing articles for her father’s newspaper. However, after her father’s newspaper gains wealth and notoriety, the family relocates to London, where every move and thought is judged by society’s elite.
To make matters worse, her father insists she marry to secure their social standing. Eliza believes that marrying the man her father chooses will strip away her freedom. When the new Duke of Chester moves into his long-abandoned family home across the square, her curiosity gets the better of her. She’s determined to uncover whether the rumors about him murdering his family are true—and whether he truly is the rake everyone claims. The more Eliza interacts with him, the more captivated she becomes. But as she digs deeper into his past, she realizes she might not be the only one with secrets and ulterior motives.
The novel is a quick read with a few steamy moments, though they’re brief. The plot felt somewhat predictable, and while the characters were fine, I didn’t feel especially connected to them. At times, Eliza’s character was a bit frustrating—particularly her repeated insistence that she’s “no lady.” The pacing could also feel choppy and rushed in places.
However, if you’re looking for a light romance with a touch of intrigue and mild steam and something that feels more contemporary than truly Regency, you might still find it enjoyable.
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