This may be the first regency romance from Jodi Ellen Malpas but there's no way you'd ever be able to tell.
Eliza is headstrong, has an opinion and isn't afraid to state what's on her mind. She's quite simply a wild child which made me love her!
The Duke, Johnny is a complex brooding male that has an air of mystery about him which had me intrigued throughout.
Although this is a slow burn I could not get enough of their sexual tension and chemistry, the moments with stolen glances etc had me on the edge of my seat with anticipation.
It's extremely well written and the story flows with such elegance and grace that I couldn't help but fully emerge myself in that world and just live my best life!
I loved the ending!!
This was much better than I ever could have imagined and I cannot wait to read more from this series.

One night with the duke- Belmore square book 1 This was my first book by this author and I loved it, I adore the regency era and this was well written.
Eliza Melrose is the sassy 19 year old daughter of a newspaper magnet, she secretly writes for her father's paper and has a thirst for adventure.
the mysterious duke of Chester a discraced noble man shrouded in mystery. Catches Eliza's eye despite her father's plans to elevate them and their new money by marrying Eliza off to the boring Frederick.
This is the authors first foray into this genre and I for one hope there will be many more. I absolutely loved the duke and Eliza swoony and steamy, captivating and intriguing.
I will be checking out Jodi's other books and if I could give it more stars I would I will be waiting for more historical romance from her eagerly. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book for an honest review.

People who I know in the book community know how much I love Jodi and her books. But when Jodi announced she was bringing out a regency book I was like I've never read one before but Jodi's book is going to be the first one I will be reading and I'm a little excited about it.

It was everything and so much more. I know want to read more regency books.

Eliza Melrose I absolutely loved her and the Duke... well all I can say is WOWZERS!!!!

If you love regency books definitely give this a go.
If you've never read one before like me then you just need to give this one a try because you'll love it.

“Sometimes in this world, Eliza, we, as women of the ton, must do what is expected in order for us to do what is unexpected.”

One Night With the Duke is the first historical romance from Jodi Ellen Malpas and we absolutely loved this genre change from this much-loved Author. This is the twentieth book we’ve read by JEM, and we’ve always been huge supporters of this Author encouraging her through our reviews to push the boundaries and not staying in her lane. We loved that she did just that and it was a wonderful move because she aced it as we knew she would, marrying historical with a ‘modern’ twist undertone insofar as it didn’t feel unnecessarily heavy with regency anecdotes. Jodi Ellen Malpas has the writing skills to pen just about anything. So, in short, we celebrate this change of lane into something different where this Author showcased that she can indeed write historical romance with the best of them.

‘I realise it is utterly preposterous that I feel such fascination towards a man whose reputation is so smeared. But still, I feel it, and I cannot stop it.’

Eliza Melrose knows her own mind, and she certainly will not be silenced on integrity, injustice nor romance, however, she does so respectfully with an air of sassiness and courage. Eliza has an admirable sense of family loyalty whilst standing up for herself at the same time, all the while refusing to fall in love. Famous last words, right?! Promised to another by her father, under shifty circumstances, she longs for freedom. Freedom to write, freedom to live as she chooses, and freedom of choice. Her intrigue is piqued when lo and behold, the son of the late Duke of Chester returns from the dead with the rumour of being a murderer hanging over his head.

‘If I am to be imprisoned forever and die a death of unfulfillment, boredom, and unhappiness, I should like some memories to take with me.’

Eliza is smitten and unable to keep away even though she knows she must. We would have struggled immensely too as the Duke is a historical version of Jodi Ellen Malpas’s much-loved alpha males. Commanding, controlling, fiercely protective, and with thighs that can crack a walnut. She is unable to hide her feelings, as is the Duke. However, that protective streak is fierce, as always.

“I find you unhealthily irresistible. Your smart mouth, your ambitions, your stubbornness.” He sighs. “To name but a few of your appealing qualities. But you shall be disgraced if you surrender to me, and I do not wish to tarnish your prospects.”

Jodi Ellen Malpas wrote an enticing slow-burn romance that takes you out of today into yesteryear of 1816. The world-building was fabulous and the ethos and important historical nuances, spot on. We felt as though, we too, were promenading alongside Eliza, shaking our heads at the injustice to women, wagging our pointy fingers at the audacity of men, whilst blushing at the glimpse of uncovered skin by our main rogue, the Duke, Johnny Winters *swoon*. Yes, we were completely on the same ride as Eliza, what a dastardly rake, but one we definitely wanted one night with too.

“Are you ready to be disgraced?”

We would have loved for the latter part of the story to not have felt a bit rushed, what with the enticing drama left till the very end, however, we also appreciate that this story is told purely in Eliza’s POV, she was as in the dark as we were. We did feel though, that we needed more afters with the tingle-inducing Duke and the lovely Eliza. Because yes, we’re greedy like that! Pure swoony escapism with romance, heat, shenanigans, and a mystery plot borne from murder, deception, and retribution. We can’t wait for what’s to come next in this series, as several characters desperately need to tell their stories! Also, we’re not going to lie…. we need more Johnny Winters!

“I wish you would smile more.”
“I save my smiles only for those who are worthy of them. Fortunately for you, Eliza Melrose, my wanton, wild sweetheart, you are worthy.”

It’s no real surprise to me that I am obsessed with this book!

I love all of Jodi’s books, and was nervous when I saw that she was writing a historical romance but she executes it perfectly.

A well balanced romance with scorching hot steamy scenes that will make you blush, this isn’t for the faint hearted romance reader.

Great pace and well rounded characters that you love. I laughed and gasped. I rooted for them and before I knew it, I had finished the book! The perfect summer read.

This is perfect for fans of Bridgerton and one that I would highly recommend if wanting to dip your toe into the historical romance genre. Cannot wait for more in this series!

It was the first book i read by this author and thoroughly enjoyed as it's a compelling and entertaining story.
A Regency novel featuring very modern characters and a very entertaining plot.
Highly recommended if you want to have fun and enjoyed Bridgerton.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Not your typical Regency novel, but that is a good thing. I enjoyed reading it, loved the writing style, but then I have loved Jodi's other books so that is no surprise. I felt it was a bit of a follower of Bridgerton in many ways combining historical content with more modern women. A good read.

Eliza Melrose is the 19-year-old daughter of a printing magnate. She secretly writes for her father's newspaper whilst fighting against any injustices she witnesses.

Eliza becomes invested in the life of Johnny Winters, whilst searching for a story to try and brighten up the dull life she finds herself living.

Johnny Winters disappeared after being accused of murdering his family and burning their home down. Eliza finds it difficult to believe this stor because her father has taken to printing embellished story to sell more papers.

When I saw that Jodi Ellen Malpas was expanding into regency I knew it would be another incredible book. I was slightly concerned that she would tone down the spice, but that is definitely not the case.

She is one of those authors that every romance read should have on their shelves. There is a JEM alpha for everyone.

This is book 1 in the Belmore Square series.

I was given an ARC copy by netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

ONE NIGHT WITH THE DUKE by Jodi Ellen Malpas

★★★★★

I will say this once more: Jodi Ellen Malpas is a Queen. She’s the Queen of Smut. The Queen of Feels. The Queen of Plot Twist.
One Night With The Duke is another confirmation of how much of a Queen she is even when the setting is completely new and unexpected.
Witty, smart-mouthed and utterly brave - or foolish, depending on who you ask - this is the best way I can describe Eliza. From the very beginning, she is a force of nature, she wants her freedom to choose for her life in an era when this just wasn’t possible, but without being as annoying as other characters with the same desires in other books and shows. Eliza is a breath of fresh air and her insolence toward those who want to decide her fate made me laugh so much. I mean, as she loves to state, Eliza is not a Lady, but holy hell, she is wild. I love it. I love Eliza. She might not be a Lady, but she’s a freaking Queen.
Now onto the thick-thighed, well-endowed disgraceful Duke. His Grace is a menace. Plain and simple. Honestly, Eliza and I succumbed to the same fate whenever he was mentioned or on page, giving us both tingles. Seriously, from his appearance to his demeanour, I’m certain he is Jesse’s ancestor. God, he’s just so intense, even just reading of his heated gazes made me feel like my phone was burning. Jesus. A perfect JEM Alpha Male through and through. And the fact that he only ever gave one night to any other woman but wanted more with her despite it all? Miller Hart? Is that you? And I can’t even give away how much I love Johnny without getting into the dangerous territory of spoilers, ugh! He’s loyal, extremely so, especially when Eliza is all stubborn and doesn’t give a damn whether what she’s about to do is foolish or dangerous, and he’s there for her. Always.
I saw so many references to the This Man series I honestly expected some “modern times” epilogue where Jesse and Ava are looking through his family tree or are staring at a painting of Johnny and Eliza because they’re his ancestors. Honestly, that would have been epic.
But even without this last wish, I really couldn’t put this book down. I read the majority of it in one sitting and can’t wait to have a physical copy to go over my favourite parts again and again.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Orion Books for granting me an eARC for this book and thank you so, so much Jodi for writing another amazing masterpiece.

—

Lo dirò ancora una volta: Jodi Ellen Malpas è una Regina. È la Regina dello Smut. La Regina dei Feels. La Regina dei Plot Twist.
One Night With The Duke è un’altra conferma di che Regina sia nonostante l’ambientazione è completamente nuova e inaspettata.
Arguta, sfacciata e coraggiosa - o sciocca, dipende a chi lo state chiedendo - questo è il modo migliore che ho per descrivere Eliza. Sin dall’inizio è una forza della natura, vuole avere la libertà di scegliere la propria vita in un’era in cui non è semplicemente possibile, ma senza essere fastidiosa come altri personaggi che hanno gli stessi desideri in altri libri e serie. Eliza è una boccata d’aria fresca e la sua insolenza verso coloro che vogliono decidere il suo destino mi ha fatto ridere a crepapelle. Voglio dire, proprio come le piace sottolineare, Eliza non è una Lady, ma santo cielo, è senza freni. Adoro. La amo. Può anche non essere una Lady, ma è una dannata Regina.
E ora passiamo a quello scandaloso Duca dalle cosce grosse e ben dotato. Sua Grazia è una minaccia. Chiaro e semplice. Onestamente, sia Eliza che io ci siamo arrese allo stesso fato ogni qualvolta lui veniva menzionato o compariva, causando strani formicolii in entrambe. Sul serio, dal suo aspetto al suo comportamento, sono certa che sia un antenato di Jesse. Dio, è troppo intenso, anche solo leggere dei suoi sguardi ardenti ha reso incandescente il mio telefono. Gesù. Un perfetto esemplare di Alpha Male firmato JEM. E il fatto che lui abbia sempre e solo dato una notte a tutte le altre donne ma voleva di più con lei nonostante tutto? Miller Hart? Sei tu? E non posso nemmeno dire quanto io ami Johnny senza entrare nel pericoloso territorio degli spoiler, ugh! Lui è leale, estremamente leale, specialmente quando Eliza fa la testarda e non le importa un fico secco se ciò che sta per fare è sciocco o pericoloso, e lui è lì per lei. Sempre.
Ho visto tantissimi riferimenti a This Man e onestamente mi aspettavo un epilogo ambientato ai tempi nostri in cui Jesse e Ava stanno guardando un albero genealogico o un dipinto di Johnny ed Eliza perché sono gli antenati di Jesse. Sul serio, sarebbe stato epico.
Ma anche senza quest’ultimo mio desiderio, vi garantisco che non sono riuscita a mettere giù questo libro. Ne ho infatti letto la maggior parte di filata e non vedo l’ora di avere una copia fisica così da rileggere le mie parti preferite ancora e ancora.
Grazie mille a Netgalley e Orion Books per avermi dato la possibilità di leggere questo eARC e grazie infinite a Jodi per aver scritto un altro fantastico capolavoro.

Holy smokes! What it’s it about brooding, angry, mysterious men, set in the regency period to get one’s blood pumping?! I couldn’t put this down, it was steamy, exciting and with a good storyline too! The characters were well developed and the ending was unexpected!

My first by this author did not disappoint. If you like historical romance and the regency era, pick this one up as it was delightful and a great start to a series.

Jodi what can I say! You have nailed it again!! If I could give this book 10 starts I would. There is not a genre you cannot own. This is the first recency novel I have read all the way through and I was glued to it! Readers if you liked watching bridgerton you will love this! Please write more about these characters, I need more of the Duke!!

Another regency romance for this month ! A night with the duke looks into many areas include secret newspaper stories, forced arrange marriages, murder and a little bit of mystery. To be honest I wasn't a big fan of this. I felt that there was so much of the story was packed in at the end and rushed.  
 
I also found that the writing style did not match the era, so some of the things said in dialogue were completely wrong. I also found I didn't like how the duke forced Eliza into close proximity with him, even after saying no and trying to walk away from him.

Let's face it, after the great success of Bridgerton, we all kind of expected the release of novels set in the regency period.
Jodi Ellen Malpas fell for it with One Night with the Duke.

We find ourselves in 1816, the young 19-year-old Eliza Melrose, daughter of a printing magnate is about to make her entrance into high society, much to her disgust. Among other things, she does not even want a husband.
Instead, her plans change when she meets the irresistible Duke of Chester, a disgraced nobleman surrounded by an aura of mystery
Of course she is attracted to him, and her belief in being alone for life goes out the window.
She wants the Duke, but is she answerable to risk it all?

I will tell you, to me the main character reminds me a lot of Eloise Bridgerton. Those who have seen the series know what I'm talking about.
The novel is not bad, it is flowing and at times cute, but I think this kind of novel is not for Malpas.
I found the story very modernized, starting already with the dialogues. They have nothing of the regency period, except for a few things taken here and there, just to give it a semblance of a historical novel.
I don't know if Malpas really did a thorough study of the regency period or just wanted to ride the Bridgerton wave, but One Night with The Duke is not at all the novel you expect to read, given the premise.
And that's my opinion, respect it!

3.5 stars

I'm not sure how to rate this book! I loved the premise, I loved Eliza and Frank and Clara. I liked Johnny's character as well, even though he could be a bit too demanding for my taste. The story itself was intriguing and one that had me hooked.

However, there were just some small issues I had with the writing. I wish some of the plot points had been less rushed and more fleshed out, as we didn't get to see the way things developed. There were some instances where the plot jumped from one thing to the next too quickly, and it just took away from the overall flow.

Generally, despite everything, I did love this book. And I'm looking forward to seeing more by Judie Ellen Malpas.

Thank you to the publisher for kindly providing me with an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Jonny and Eliza are both misfits in society, for different reasons. Eliza has a brain and character and wants to be able to live free in society - as she did before her family had money. Jonny needs to be free of the mantle of murderer before he takes any position in society. The book is full of intrigue and detestable characters that you desperately want to get their comeuppance. Even Eliza’s family are in need of a wake up call. There is a heavy dose of sarcasm and wit in the text which adds to the tale.

This was a cute little read. The regency era is one of my favourite eras to read about so I couldn't pass up a chance to request this book. And the cover is gorgeous too.

I really liked the plot, it was well thought out and although I saw the end coming I enjoyed it nonetheless.

There's Eliza with her secret newspaper article writing, her siblings and their own love lives, the Duke's mysterious past, and the impending engagement to someone Eliza's father arranged for her, on top of her falling for the neighbouring Duke.

I didn't fully connect with any of the characters, but I'd like to read about them again in future books. I can't say if I have a favourite or not, they're all around the same level of like.

The romance was okay, I don't have any real complaints about it, other than I found some lines spoken by the Duke to be hilarious when they were supposed to be romantic. I really could not take the poor man seriously.

Speaking of lines, some of them, spoken by a few different characters, sounded a bit too modern to my ears. They didn't fully take me out of the story, but a few times I did forget that I was reading a regency romance and not a modern romance with period clothes thrown in.

Eliza's behaviors tie into that, some of the things she does are unbelievable for that time, but it's a book so I'll allow it. BE FREE ELIZA, DO WHAT YOU WANT.

And yes, the ending. I loved it, and it's not a typical regency romance ending so that's interesting. I even thought that the Duke could be "tamed" (let's put it like that) but the book proved me wrong.

Everything leading up to that final moment was really great though, so many characters seemed to be working together which was precious to see. Especially those who didn't seem to get along earlier in the book.

So I will definitely be checking out the rest of this series when it's out, I feel like the most chaotic bits are yet to come.

3.5

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

One Night with the Duke (Belmore Square #1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas is the author's first dive into a regency-style romance novel, producing more than satisfactory results. Which will no doubt be echoed by fellow readers when it is their turn to spend (more) than one night with this captivating novel.

The craving has been here within me since finishing The Resurrection (Unlawful Men #3) to quench my Malpas thirst, and I knew from reading the blurb alone that One Night with the Duke would be the book for the job. I am most grateful to be given the opportunity to read this book in advance, and I am especially honoured that this is my first ever Jodi Ellen Malpas ARC read. I could think of no better way to pop that bookish cherry than with a read in a brand new series. Simply fantastic!

Without a shadow of a doubt, Jodi has nothing to fear with dipping her toes into this new genre in which she has not yet written within. Writing within the unknown--even if you have read plenty of the genre yourself--is always nerve-wracking, but it is down to the skill of the author and their ability to spin and craft a story which makes all the difference. Jodi has that skill and ability in spades. The flawlessness and excellent execution of this story did not give away that this was her first time writing such a novel, but rather showed instead that she is capable of standing among those who have been established within the genre for however long they been in it. There is no air of inexperience from either the novel or from Jodi. Her debut into the bookish regency ton, was a resounding success.

One Night with the Duke kept flawlessly to the classic elements of the regency genre we all know and love, without falling into the pitfalls of modernising the genre. It did not plague us with situations and circumstances within the modern age put into the time period, neither did it include any up-to-date terminology. Everything about this novel from its time-period appropriate & accurate social situations, dramatic twists and turns, taking-us-to-the-edge-suspense, and an added dash of something extra which put this read to the cream of the romance crop. Steam.

Jodi as in her unique way, brought the steam to the fictional realm of Belmore Square. Where I won't revel how or why--as it would be unfair to those who have yet to read this novel--, I will disclose this. Even on today on the hottest day of the year for England, did it even come close to the heat and steam generated by the Duke and Miss Melrose. A few times we were brought to the edge, but when it really mattered that all important climactic moment was only the more satisfying. For fans of Jodi who have loved the succulent steam in her other books, you simply must pick this one up as well! This isn't just a read that will have you on the seat or the edge of, you will be off your seat and right there with the characters as they show us what they are made of. Needless to say, I did not read those scenes just the once. For one simply never goes just one round with the Duke.

The Duke and Miss Eliza Melrose have swiftly risen through the ranks to become two of my favourite all-time Jodi Ellen Malpas main characters. Where they both mix and mingle within the same social circle, they are as alike as they are dissimilar. Eliza is not a simpering wallflower of a woman who bends to society's will. Thanks to Jodi's writing and injection of humour and quick-wit, she is a woman who knows what she wants, how she thinks and isn't afraid to do what needs must. The Duke is as complex as they come. His brooding, alluringly mysterious nature and past ensnares Eliza to the fruit that is dangling so close to her face, but dare she take a bite out of the forbidden? And will the consequences be too much to tempt her to have one night with the Duke?

What Miss Melrose and The Duke have here is more than simple chemistry. They are as right for each other as night and day, and I can only commend Jodi for writing two characters who will no doubt be someone's favourites that they can champion as I did myself.

One simply cannot get enough of this awe-inspiring first novel in Jodi's brand new Belmore Square series and everything within its pages. The unpredictable journey to discover who The Duke is, was and will be with Eliza on his tail, filled with emotional upheaval, shocking revelations and societal ton dramatical events, does not make you--or I--feel that we were merely reading this from the pages of a book. We were in this story with all the players on the road to a conclusion to please all. And please it did.

As I am only able to give this book five stars as a rating, I would like to say that here and now this is not simply just a five-star read. What you're looking at here, ladies and gentlemen, is a one-hundred star read all the bookish ton must read.

Thank you to Jodi Ellen Malpas for not only providing us with a knockout read, but a read that has become a must read for all & a personal top read of 2022.

Fin...for now ;)

As a regency book lover, I was not disappointed.
Add to the fact it's a slow burn and I'm thrilled!
The sexual chemistry was off the charts and I'm finding it hard not to find things to love about this!
The only issue I can think of, is the Villain in the story deserved a worse fate than they received
4.5 stars

Is there nothing Jodi Ellen Malpas can write ?

You would never know this was her very first historical romance which is perfectly and eloquently written.

When the last release from JEM was a dark brutal and dangerous story it is safe to say this couldn’t be further from the opposite, i can only imagine this was stepping out of her comfort zone but in true Malpas style, she masters it!

As a complete newbie to a regency romance read, (yes i’ve watched Bridgerton) i went in blind, not knowing what exactly to expect but as it’s written by Jodi i was willing to give it a try….

Now don’t get me wrong. i wasn’t instantly hooked, it’s a slow burn, something i’m not a fan of, but it is a very intense slow burn at that. I’m just a little impatient. However, the chemistry and sexual tension between Eliza and Johnny is off the charts, it’s not just flickers or sparks im talking near enough flames, it’s like a volcano waiting to erupt!
Each encounter, my stomach butterflies caused chaos with the high anticipation of this burning intensifying energy, then the flame dies so you can imagine the passion that seeps off the pages when these two give in to their desires, Explosive, satisfying and body tingling, yet delivered in a clean and mild way than we’re used to from JEM.
I became captivated and unable to put this down as each page drew me in further.

‘To heaven, my sweet lady. It’ll take you to heaven, and you may never want to come back to earth.’

Eliza is courteous but outspoken. Young but confident, courageous. Flamboyant, challenging and humorous! She wants nothing more to be in her old life, where she had her freedom, Whilst everyone here thrives off power and the status in society she feels nothing but trapped.
But along comes Johnny Winters to peak her interest and fill her mind with stories to be told.

JW is reserved, mysterious, hot and demanding and rather unique!
For all the die hard JEM fans, you’ll understand when i describe him as a historic Jesse Ward!

‘By how loud you scream when I pleasure you.’

Jodi has created this new world to capture you, every character will intrigue you.the ones you’ll love and the ones you won’t.
Her first regency romance brings a mysterious story filled with entertainment, intrigue and passion. Twists, blackmail and scandal.

Another JEM story, another trope and another success, a smash hit story that leaves us craving more and wondering what more delights she will bring us from Belmore Square.