One Night to Remember by Erica Ridley
Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars
Series: Wicked Dukes Club, #5
Release Date: June 11, 2019
Lady Felicity Sutton grew up poor, she along with her brother (now the Duke of Colehaven) worked in a smithy as children and were often hungry and homeless. She got lucky, her brother inherited a wealthy dukedom and she no longer has to work or worry. But it isn’t enough, she never wants to know poverty again and wants to do something to aid the impoverished children of London. To do that, she must marry and marry well. She had certain requirements for her would be husband and is willing to make personal sacrifices to ensure she marries a man who can provide financial stability and fund her dream of a foundation to help the poorest of children.
Felicity has decided this is the season she will marry and stop tinkering with her brother’s carriages. She has found the perfect suitor, Lord Raymore, the marquess is older, but has a substantial fortune and already fights tirelessly in the House of Lords to help the poor, especially children. He is exactly the right man, so she will show him that she is the perfect woman to be his marchioness. But when she learns her brother is entering his racing carriage in a race, she can’t resist suggesting modifications. Cole agrees and tells her he will not be racing himself, he has hired Giles Langford, a well-know coach smith and racer, known as the Curricle King to race in his stead.
Giles is surprised and impressed by Felicity. She is lovely and talented, but this race is important, winning will help his business and afford him the opportunity to apprentice more of the poverty stricken children in his neighborhood. As they work together, they learn more about each other and the attraction grows, leading to kisses and deeper feelings. Giles knows he is far below Felicity’s station, but can’t stop himself for dreaming of the impossible – a lifetime with her.
Felicity is falling hard for Giles, but she can’t give up on her dream and Giles has neither the money or the political power to help her realize that dream. She is torn and has to decide if her dream is worth the cost of losing the love of a lifetime.
This was well written, fast paced, sweet story, with wonderful leads, warm love scenes and delightful secondary characters. Both Felicity and Giles are likeable and the chemistry between them is undeniable. I enjoyed their journey to HEA and would be happy to recommend the book, but I admit, I did find the ending a bit unbelievable/implausible.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher.*