Truth or Dare

Daring Daughters #18

by Emma V. Leech

Not a daring daughter…

Agatha de Montluc’s life is a fairy story.

Born in the rookery and alone in a dangerous world, the day she picked the Comte de Villen’s pocket might have seen her transported, or even hanged. But the beautiful comte’s past was dark too, and he sees himself in the grubby urchin he determines to save.

Now, Aggie is a lady, the Comte de Villen, her adopted father, and she is living in the lap of luxury, with a family that loves her, and the best friends a girl could ask for.

And then there is Fred.

Not a wicked son…

Lord Frederick Adolphus is the kindest, most honorable man in the world. A younger son of the Duke of Bedwin, he is titled, handsome, rich and popular, and hopelessly in love with his childhood sweetheart.

So when Aggie disappears without a trace, leaving only a brief note explaining that she had to go, she destroys his world and his happiness.

The greatest sacrifice…

Leaving Fred and the people she loves is the hardest thing Aggie has ever done, but too late, she realizes her fairytale cannot come true. Too late she discovers Fred has been fighting his friends, because of her, because of the things they say about her, because she will never be a lady. A girl born in squalor can never marry the son of a duke.

The world will never let them be together.

A surprising alliance…

When she runs away to France to start a new life, hidden far from her beloved and those that care for her, Aggie does not expect to cross paths with her best friend’s estranged husband, Lord Kilbane. For five long years, an uneasy entente exists between them as they both do their best to forget England, and avoid a world they can no longer bear to live in.
So when the Marquess of Kilbane gets himself into the kind of trouble that might finally ruin him for good, Aggie determines to help him, for his wife’s sake. An adventure ensues that sends Aggie to England, and crashing headlong back into Fred’s life.

And no matter how hard Aggie tries to escape, this time Fred is not letting her out of his sight.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Second Chance, Historical Fiction, Friends To Lovers, Historical

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2023

About the author

Bestselling author hiding mostly in 19th-century England, venturing out only for chocolate and tea.

Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.

EMMA’S BOOKS

Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!

Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.

A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.

The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.

Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.

Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.

Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.

The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.

The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.

The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.

The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.

The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.

Reviews

[Whatkatydidnt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feels like catching up with friends

What I love most about the daring daughters is how you continue to see glimpses of all your favourite characters in new stories as the series progresses.

I love Aggie and I enjoyed reading her story but I just feel I still barely know Fred. I wish we’d seen a bit more of his life day to day while they were separated and I felt like I just needed a bit more of a focus on him. The book has some wonderful moments and I was interested to see the plot moving forward for the daring daughters collectively and the hints for what might come next. As ever it interlinks wonderfully with other stories in the series. I think my sole complaint is there was a bit too much time spent on that at the expense of more Fred.

My head is spinning at the number of children that have appeared in the interval between novels. I look forward to seeing if Cat will finally break through her husbands icy exterior in the next book, learning about the wicked sons exploits and getting the grandchildren straight in my head in the future.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Another great story in the daring daughters series.

Aggie wasn't born as a lady and she thinks she's not meant to be apart of that life despite the fact that she's been raised and adopted by a member of society, and all of her friends are members of society and they love her dearly but after hearing things that some people say about her, she leaves and runs from her home and the man of her dreams

He is unsure of why she left only that its not the excuse she gave in a letter, he misses her and despite the agony and all the heartbreak he still loves her.

After being gone for years she returns and despite trying to forget about him the love is even stronger than before.. After spending time together and helping save someone's life, they reconnect and they can't deny they ever stopped loving each other.


I loved this story from beginning to end.

I can't wait to read the next story in this series

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Wonderful, Entertaining, Angst & Romantic.

This Story was Absolutely Wonderful.

Agatha (Aggie) & Fred were wonderful characters.

Although throughout this series, there is part of another story of other characters. Such as Catherine (Cat & Lord Kilbane.

I am looking forward to reading the last book in this series, yet saddened because it's the last book.
Happy Reading.

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore this writer. Her writing is always excellent. I have extreme dislike for Noble Idiocy and couples being separated for a long time. I never could forgive the characters and our FMC was a total hypocrite. I did not enjoy this premise. YMMV

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

🃏 Truth or Dare 🎰
Daring Daughters Book 18
✒️ Emma V. Leech
https://www.facebook.com/EmmaVLeech/
Release Date 06/09/2023
➪ https://a.co/d/2mwwUBf

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Not a daring daughter…

Agatha de Montluc’s life is a fairy story.

Born in the rookery and alone in a dangerous world, the day she picked the Comte de Villen’s pocket might have seen her transported, or even hanged. But the beautiful comte’s past was dark too, and he sees himself in the grubby urchin he determines to save.

Now, Aggie is a lady, the Comte de Villen, her adopted father, and she is living in the lap of luxury, with a family that loves her, and the best friends a girl could ask for.

And then there is Fred.

Not a wicked son…

Lord Frederick Adolphus is the kindest, most honourable man in the world. A younger son of the Duke of Bedwin, he is titled, handsome, rich and popular, and hopelessly in love with his childhood sweetheart.

So when Aggie disappears without a trace, leaving only a brief note explaining that she had to go, she destroys his world and his happiness.

The greatest sacrifice…

Leaving Fred and the people she loves is the hardest thing Aggie has ever done, but too late, she realises her fairytale cannot come true. Too late she discovers Fred has been fighting his friends, because of her, because of the things they say about her, because she will never be a lady. A girl born in squalor can never marry the son of a duke.

The world will never let them be together.

A surprising alliance…

When she runs away to France to start a new life, hidden far from her beloved and those that care for her, Aggie does not expect to cross paths with her best friend’s estranged husband, Lord Kilbane. For five long years, an uneasy entente exists between them as they both do their best to forget England, and avoid a world they can no longer bear to live in.
So when the Marquess of Kilbane gets himself into the kind of trouble that might finally ruin him for good, Aggie determines to help him, for his wife’s sake. An adventure ensues that sends Aggie to England, and crashing headlong back into Fred’s life.

And no matter how hard Aggie tries to escape, this time Fred is not letting her out of his sight.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

After turning the last book page, I confess I was confused and upset at Agatha.
I understand her action came from her good heart, yet it was one sided, she made a choice for them both. She wrongly decided for them both, never leaving Fred a say about her decision and in fray she did hurt many more people, Louis and Evie, Cat and all their relatives.
So I was curious to know how things would unravel.

To new readers, the characters would be more easy-to-understand if you read the series in order as Aggie and Fred have a long history, from the moment they meet as children to she following Louis’ flight to France and so on, they have been friends and more for years.
So much, I did not see coming any real impediment to their future happiness.
But Mrs Leech is a talented sadistic who likes to twist and turn the insides of her readers to plot the hard won HEA of her characters.

And while usually I even set my alarm clock to have an early start with each new book, I was a bit reluctant, still put off by Aggie’s decision.
But here I am, while I would have throttled Aggie’s brain for such a harrying flight, I was also curious to see how the author would bring them back together and how Fred after their years apart would react to her one-sided decision.
And oh my!
How heartbroken I was for him, for his years alone with an unmendable heart. I wanted to shake Aggie for the hell she puts through one of the kindest man of her life. She had no right to hurt him like that, believing she was rescuing him without explaining the whys to him was so wrong. When I was so such they despite his young age, never Fred would have given a fig about the hearsay or whispers, always choosing her and her only.

And of course this book is more than piecing back together the romance between Fred and Aggie, it gifts us some clues about what to expect from the sequel series to come next fall The Wicked Son, plus another Daring Daughter romance in the making and also the next book plot as Aggie has been friend with Cat as long as with Fred, their stories are intertwined as Cat’s absentee husband becomes acquainted with Aggie.
So here with are for an awkward sort of pas-de-deux duet.
4.5 stars rounded up


𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes

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[LainieLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I flew through this in one sitting, so obviously I very much enjoyed it, but I found this to be more of a book to set up Kilbane/Cat's story vs. a story about Aggie and Fred.

The story picks up after Aggie runs off to France in an attempt to protect Fred from being associated with her. For the first 25% or so it's Aggie making her way to Paris, picking up a companion (Fliss) along the way. She even starts her own version of a women's club, and is in France during the revolution. This goes on for 4 years until the story picks back up again. Aggie has grown and she even encounters Kilbane a few times throughout the years and her opinion of him (slightly) changes since he ends up helping her out. Back in England, we are told Cat has been humiliated by Kilbane leaving her before they even have a wedding night - and she has to deal with whispers and rumors for years. But eventually she grows in her confidence and is dazzling the ton again. All of this is fine - but it felt like so much telling vs. showing.

Eventually, Aggie decides to return to England, but has to help Kilbane along the way. The bits here after she's finally reunited with Fred are very sparse. They interact a bit, Aggie explains why she left, and then they get married. Since this book was technically theirs, I wished there was a bit more of a focus on the two with more showing of their relationship. I don't "feel" the love between Aggie and Fred outside of knowing their interactions throughout the rest of this series while they were growing up. I think the childhood love could have been highlighted differently - like I said this felt more about Kilbane and Cat.

I am loving Cat and Kilbane's tense relationship and I'm super excited to read their book next. I also like Rose (Phoebe's daughter) coming to stay with Cat!

[Rayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me up till 3 am!

I loved this book! Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down until I finished it!
I am a big fan of Emma's work, and especially this series, but the truth is I still didn't expect to love this book as much as I did. It's just that Fred and Aggie have been in love with each other since they were little, and they were always "meant to be". Their love is sweet and uncomplicated, they were both still children when we saw them in the last book (17 yo or so), and Fred is the epitome of a good guy. All those things played a part in making me think the book will be sweet, but not be one of my favorites.... Well, I was wrong! 5 years appart made both Fred and Aggie grow up and mature, without really changing who they are at heart. Their story had heart, love, adventure and passion and I couldn't put it down! I really loved how their story interwined with Cat and Kilbane's (the heroes of the next book in the series) and gave us a glimps of what's comming and the only thung I can say is I CANNOT WAIT! Oh, and it's worth to mention that there's a new couple on the horison, and you will NOT be disappointed! :-)
All in all this book exceeded all my expectations, and I can wholehartedly recomend it. If you haven't bought a copy yet, go ahead and do it, you will not regret it!

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was waiting for that book with utmost anticipation. It must be, I thought, for sure book about either Wrexham or Kilbane! After the tease with Torie's and Barnaby's story and all the lines dedicated to Wrexam and Em I was sure the next book will be about them! But NO! We have the vicar and Alana (both great books by the way!). And we got a double cliffhanger! So I was sure the most recent book will simply have to be about one of the aforementioned couples! But no!
It was a great book! The Discovery of Aggie's new relative was gasp-worthy. It is a pity that she did not cultivate it. Also 5 years it is a long time. Was it to allow Rose to grow up? Was it to make a breach long enough between Cat and Kilbane? There were hints that Kilbane found Cat way too young for the wedding night.
The Daring Daughter series is an amazing piece (pieces) of literature. I am happy that the next book is coming as soon as 21 July, as I do not have nails long enough to withstand further waiting :)

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running from herself

I loved Aggie and Fred’s story as it has been building for years. Aggie over hears Fred’s school chums say many disparaging things about her which makes her run away. She thinks it’s for the best and believes Fred can find someone else to love. On her journey she acquires Knocker her driver and Fliss her maid and then companion. They decide to settle in Paris, she under an assumed name. While in Paris she comes across Lord Kilbane several times including him saving them from an angry mob. She realizes there is more to him than he shows anyone. She also realizes something important and that she is Kilbanes half sister. When he is arrested for a murder he did not commit and realizes he is being set up. Aggie sets on a journey to find Kilbanes alibi and bring the culprit to justice. In Aggie doing so it brings her back to London and facing her past. A beautifully written story with a wonderful ending.

[Marla Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aggie’s Happily Ever After

After reading bits about Aggie’s broken and mysterious childhood and experiences growing up in the series previous books. It’s worth the wait to read her and Fred’s long anticipated reunion. After growing up with Fred and falling in love she decides she’s not what he needs and runs away for years hiding from him and her adopted family. When she makes her makes her mark on Paris and ultimately meets her half brother she realizes it’s time to go home.
Like the other books in the series Emma leads you into her next long awaited love story. I can’t wait for Cat’s happily ever after!

[Varsi Appel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of my favorites of the Daring Daughters series. Without giving away the story, there is lots of excitement and adventure with Aggie as we tag along with her in France, and there were plenty of spots of laughter, as well as a few tears throughout.
Emma has the innate ability to always come up with something new and fresh and you never feel like a series has run its course. She always gives us foreshadowing that makes one anxious for the next book
While savoring the current read. Kudos on another story so very well done!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable read as ever by the incomparable Emma V Leech.

Fred and Aggie’s story has been a long time coming, having been teased at since their first introduction as children all those books ago. Emma’s books have the incredible quality of weaving together narratives, characters, and mysteries across thus far 18 books (not including Girls Who Dare), yet still remains fresh in the approach to this.

As always, old friends were reacquainted while other reunions are still to come, answers were given yet more questions remain unanswered. I eagerly await the next release.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to Wait For The Bext Book

I was addicted to this series with the very first book in the Dare series! I love the strong women who aren't afraid to love their men, no matter who they are or what they're involved with. I love family and friends' loyalty. Do I wish Cat had her happily ever after in this book - yes, but be ready for disappointment. I must wait for the next book. Meanwhile, Aggie and Fred's story takes many surprising twists and turns to its own happy ending. Another delightful book by this author!

[Gayla McNicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!

Another fabulous book in this series, read in less than a day! Once you start you won't want to stop. When last we saw Aggie she was leaving England and everyone she loves behind. Sacrificing her love for what she thought was the greater good. How can this ever reach a happily ever after? And how does Lord Kilbane, her best friend's estranged husband, come into Aggie's life in France? It's too delightful to ruin with spoilers!

[Susan Saltos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book about Aggie. I wish there had been more from Fred’s point of view and Aggie and Fred spending time together. Nice introduction of Lord Marlowe and Rose Carmichael. Looking forward to reading their book. Enjoyed seeing more of Lord Kilbane and can’t wait for Cat and his book. I hope to see more of Aggie in their book and have her and Kilbane build their sibling relationship.

[Sherry Vorhaben · Rating 5 out of 5]

did it again

Wonderful series. My problem is I wake in the middle of the night and have to get up to find out what happens next. 2, 3, or 4 am I’m up reading. It’s crazy. Emma’s books are so good. It amazes me how she does it every time. I most definitely recommend anything she’s written. You won’t be disappointed.

[Melba Hard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aggie' adventures make exciting reading!

I have loved all the books in this series and this was no exception Just how Emma gets her inspiration for each new book I'm not sure but every book is different. It looks as if we may have two romances in the next book as Rose appears to have an unlikely admirer.

[Miriam]

Wonderful book

Really enjoyed finally reading Aggie and Fred’s story. Lots of time passes during this book which adds to the drama. They are such engaging characters that I couldn’t put the book down.

[Nicole LaBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series

It was so good. I didn't put it down once since I started. Well written with all the feels. Can't wait to what will happen next! And if you haven't read the other books in this series or the girls who dare series run and get them, you will not be disappointed.

[edia]

why, oh why did I not wait to read this!! Now Cat & Kilbane's story is even more anticipated!

[SR · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Love Waits . . .

Childhood friends to an angst filled separation. Follow this heartwarming tale of a couple destined to find their HEA! ❤️

[Holly Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story of Aggie and Fred. How Aggie finds another life for herself inParis and runs into Cats estranged husband.can’t wait for the next book

[Brenda Geddes]

Loved it

[Matthew J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing!!! as always!

I’ve been anxiously waiting for this story and it did not disappoint! Which is no surprise since Emma is such an amazingly talented writer.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

a lot of drama

Aggie and Fred finally get together for their happy ever after once Aggie ends up helping Kilbane in England after some serious complications In between

[Kathy Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

great story, just not my fave of Ms. Leech's, so that means better than many other romance writers.

[Lucischek · Rating 2 out of 5]

My problem with this author is that I usually can't enjoy the actual story and am interested in the fates yet to come in the next books. Some books are great, others just serve as a sort of padding until something great comes along again. This book is unfortunately one of the latter. It's actually nice and enjoyable to read about the whole "daring universe" but this book was more about Aghata, Kilbane and Cat than it was a love story between Aghata and Fred. I've read a lot of books in this series, especially the newer ones, but even then I couldn't find my way to these two as a couple. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the Cat and Kilbane book, the author does these longer lasting stories quite well. I give it three stars.