Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Wicked Dukes Club #4
Publication Date: 5/28/19
Number of Pages: 188

Finally, a book with a heroine who is strong and independent – but not stupid and heedless. The writing is excellent and the characters are relatable and fully developed while the story is interesting and filled with intrigue, danger, and a wonderful romance.

Lady Viola Fairfax chaffed at her limitations. Simply because she was female, she couldn’t do the one thing she longed to do and be recognized for – write. She couldn’t even get a job writing for The Ladies’ Gazette – which was owned by men, published by men and all of the writers were men. Viola wasn’t about to be outdone, so if they wanted a male writer, they’d get one. She spent a great deal of time perfecting her mannerisms, her facial expressions, her voice, and her walk so she could pass as a man. When she bound herself, donned male clothing and glued on sideburns, she passed easily as a male writer named Tavistock.

Mr. Jack Barrett is a man with a plan and so far, his life has unfolded exactly as he planned. He became a barrister, then a member of parliament and he plans to work very hard and earn a cabinet post whenever his party next takes control of the government. He has no plans to marry until he’s at least thirty-five – as both his father and grandfather did.

Almost two years ago, Jack had noticed that the reporter, Tavistock, wasn’t who and what he purported to be. First, he realized Tavistock was female, then he realized she was Viola Fairfax. She had become a regular fixture at the Wicked Duke’s Club where she could hear plenty of gossip for her articles.

When Viola picked up on a piece of gossip that could lead to a very big, very important story, Jack agreed to help her uncover the information. As they spend more and more time together, they are attracted to each other, but neither has any intention of marriage. Life has other plans for them and their journey into love and a happy-ever-after is a delightful one.

This is definitely a good read and I can highly recommend it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.