Lovers for only one night ten years ago, Valentine Fairfax, Duke of Eastleigh, and Isabelle Cortland have now become widows and neither have any interesting in finding a new spouse. Isabelle is saving to open her own school for impoverished girls and working as a governess to one of Val’s friends to do so. They meet once again when Val offers his home to his friend, family and Isabelle to stay in until renovation on their house is complete. This chance encounter kindles those buried and almost forgotten desires, Isabelle knows that she can not become a duke’s mistress and hope to become a headmistress at the same time. Determined to keep their past a secret, Isabelle finds it difficult. Both struggle to not slip up and let anyone know that the two have a history. Suppressing their re-ignited desires, they try in earnest to stop history from repeating itself. Even if it’s only for one night.

I really enjoyed reading this book. At first I wasn’t sure if I would like Burke’s writing because I really enjoyed the 1st and 3rd books in this series by Erica Ridley. But I ended up loving this story. I thought it was brilliantly written. Burke brought her own take and style on the series that the two have created.

I liked that the two main characters had a similar reason for why they didn’t want to be married again; their now deceased spouses, had been rather terrible to them leaving their marks on their hearts and their minds. It influences many of their decisions and the plot of the book, they are both reluctant to reignite their former romance mainly because of their past experience of marriage having left them wanting to stay as far from the subject as possible.

Their renewed friendship starts off a little rocky, and a little cold on Isabelle’s side (to keep her distance and her employers from finding out about her past with the Duke). As the story progresses as does their relationship. Their paths constantly cross, with Isabelle trying very hard to make sure that they don’t for the first half of the book, leading to growing closer and becoming friends once more. Due to events in the book Isabelle begrudgingly excepts help from Val, which only brings them closer but also under scrutiny of Val’s grandmother and sister. Leading to them trying in vain to keep themselves even further apart. But failing to do so and hide their feelings from Val’s family.

I thought that this was a very delightful romantic story. What I liked most about it was probably that the two main characters already had a history, giving both characters and their relationship groundwork to their feelings, and by pure chance found each other again. The fact that it wasn’t simply a story of a “un-marriageable” young woman that ends up marrying a man they love. But rather of two individuals that had experienced marriage and didn’t not want enter into another.

The characterisation was excellent, each character had a very distinct personality even if they were only minor characters I felt that I was able to get a good glimpse into who they were and why they were important or unimportant to the story and the main characters. I also really liked that we were introduced to some of the characters that are to

After having read the first three books in this series I can strongly say that I am a fan of this series and can’t wait to read the rest. ( )

Ten years and two bad marriages are enough to separate Isabelle Cortland and Valentine Fairfax, Duke of Eastleigh. When she shows up at his house as the governess for his guest Lord Barkley's family you can almost feel the sparks.
She is a governess and he is a Duke - nothing good can come from their love and even if it could, Isabelle isn't willing to give up her independence to open a school for girls to become a duchess.
The reader can't help but cheer for them to find their Happily Ever after.
I received an advanced copy of this book. ( )

Valentine is a Duke, that even though he met Isabelle ten years prior, married someone else. His marriage was a failure, his wife cuckolded him, and since died. He meets Isabelle again when he offers to share his home with a friend. Isabelle is a governess, after her husband left her in dire straights after his death. She has dreams of running her own school, all of which get put on hold when she's unceremoniously let go from her governess position.
Val and Isabelle are drawn to each other but she cannot be his mistress if she wants to become a headmistress, and yet she ends up in his arms anyways.

There's some familiar storylines, with a fearsome dowager and meddling sister, but if you're looking for a quick, sweet romance, this will fit the bill. A nice light romance with a wicked duke and governess. A whimsical romance.

I received a free ARC copy, and the above is my honest review. More of my reviews can be found at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/

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I have been reading Darcy Burke for years and have enjoyed her books and this is another one that I will add to the list. This is part of a series, and this is the second book but can be read as a standalone even though I plan on reading the first book because I like to read all in the series. This is Isabelle and Val love story. These two meet as young ones when he is in College and Isabelle is around since her father works there but they will be forbidden since they are in different social standings. However you can't stop love and these two have a night to remember but move on since again different social status. They both marry but always remember each other and years later they meet again but now will they get a chance of an HEA or continue to be forbidden? Grab a copy and find out..Enjoy!

Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinion ( )

One Night of Surrender (Wicked Dukes Club #2) by Darcy Burke  
 
Darcy Burke dreams up some of the best heroes and heroines. They charm as much as they frustrate, yet it's the skill in which she exposes their imperfections, that make them captivating to read. One Night of Surrender is a passionate tale. Valentine and Isa are two ships passing in the night until fate throws them a lifeline. Will they survive the dark waters ahead or wind up shipwrecked on Heartbreak Island? Burke packs a mountain of turbulence into a mesmerizing love story. ( )