A Knave By Any Other Name

Ladies Who Dare #3

by Tanya Wilde

What happens when a lady who refuses to play by the rules meets a knave willing to break them all alongside her?

Selena Savage hates being told what to do. Had she been born a man, she’d have boxed her brother’s ears and left him in the dust. Not only is he the cause of all her recent misfortune, but he also assigned a guard dog to fend off the very rogues he is responsible for setting on her trail! Unfortunately, it’s one guard dog she cannot shake . . .

Phineas North, Marquis of Warrick is having a terrible season. He lost Avondale’s list of heiresses, which led to nightmarish wagers, he was attacked by a woman brandishing a candelabrum, and now he’s been charged to play wet nurse to his best friend’s sister.

A reluctant alliance forms between them, and together they work to find a secret woman’s club, perhaps break a family curse, and fight the growing attraction that unfurls between them. When Warrick is trapped in a conniving plot by the very people Selena is searching for, a choice must be made.

Give up everything she had hoped to find or save the ‘guard dog’ she wanted to shake in the first place.

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Ladies Who Dare
Book 1: Almost A Scoundrel
Book 2: By No Means A Gentleman
Book 3: A Knave By Any Other Nam
Book 4: A Little Bit Of Hellion
Book 5: Just About A Rake
Book 6: Only A Duke

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

About the author

Hello there!

I have a free book for you.

Get your copy of Under The Highland Sky here: https://authortanyawilde.com/under_th...

Tanya Wilde developed a passion for reading when she had nothing better to do than lurk in the library during her lunch breaks. Her love affair with pen and paper followed soon after she had devoured all of the library’s historical romance books!

In 2020, she won the Romance Writers Organization of South Africa (ROSA) Imbali Award for Excellence in Romance Writing for Not Quite a Rogue.

When she’s not meddling in the lives of her characters or drinking copious amounts of coffee, she’s off on adventures with her partner in crime.

Wilde lives in a town at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, South Africa.

Be sure to follow Tanya on BookBub for the latest on her sales: https://bit.ly/3AbLlwz

Reviews

[Sandra Moreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What happens when a lady who refuses to play by the rules meets a knave willing to break them all alongside her?"

Selena Savage is a different kind of girl, everyone expects her to follow the rules that society writes for girls on the marriage market, but... she misses something! She feels that her value is linked to her name, her title, her family and, above all, her brother. She wants to find herself, to cut the ties, but she does not know how, so Selena chooses the only way she knows, and that way is full of mischiefs.

Phineas North, Marquis of Warrick is having a hard time, after many problems maybe, just maybe, he needs to believe that he is truly cursed. He's tempted to believe his family's curse is true, and what doesn't help is that his best friend tasks him with protecting his sister, and all he wants and needs is some peace of mind!

And the story begins, and an alliance is made! This kind of childhood (not) friends to lovers it's so captivating, I've loved it! Really, I couldn't put the book down.  The writing was funny, witty, the quarrels, the side stories, the plot, the friends, the brother... so much fun!

“So I’m going to do it you again until you are damn well as bothered by it as me.”

If you want to know how a lady finds herself, and a Marquis with too good hair coexist, solves a mystery, a curse, find a way to each other, and so much more you need to read this book! ;)

I really enjoyed...
First of all, I want to say that I'm very sad because, first, I didn't read the previous books in this series, and I'm so looking forward to that. Second, because I've only discovered this author now!!!!!!   
The constant bickering between Selena and Warrick made my day! “You cannot think on an empty stomach, but you can kiss on one?”
The friends! Both males and females.
I liked that Selena's insecurities were not the traditional form of rebellion common in these stories. The doubts, insecurities, the not opting for the easiest way out were very well addressed. The same with Phineas!
And obviously, Saville Savage issue with Theo ;).

I didn't like it so much...
Humm, I believe I've enjoyed everything! :)
Of course, I always prefer an HR who deeply explores the historical part, but I didn't miss it.
Also, it wasn't particularly steamy, but I also didn't miss more, it was enough.

Waiting anxiously...
As I said before, can't wait to read the previous and the next stories of this series :).
I really hope the Duke of Law has his own story!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tanya Wilde for allowing me to read this book. I know it will be a success!

#AKnaveByAnyOtherName #TanyaWilde #NetGalley

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 14th book by Tanya Wilde. Six of those books I read before I started really leaving reviews so I can only go by my personal notes where I wrote that they were good stories and had sex scenes although not super descriptive. However, I LOVED book 1 in this series. I listed it as a December 2023 favorite read. Book 2 was good just a slower burn. Let's see how this one fares. Don't take that it took me so many days to read it as being bad. I went away for the weekend and didn't read anything and was busy for a few days when I got back. I can't believe how long I went without reading a thing. I'm used to reading at least a book a day. Some days even 2, UGH!

I really enjoyed this book a lot. I wish I could have read more in one sitting. I loved Selena and Warrick’s personalities and their chemistry. It was a slow burn but I love those types where they can't stand to be around each other and they both think it's because they don't like each other but in reality they’re afraid they’ll "jump their bones" if they are in each others space too long. :) super cute read.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selena Savage hates being told what to do. She’d really like to box her brother’s ears as he is the cause of all her recent misfortune. Phineas North, Marquis of Warrick is having a terrible season. He lost Avondale’s list of heiresses, which led to nightmarish wagers, he was attacked by a woman brandishing a candelabrum, and now he’s been charged to play wet nurse to his best friend’s sister.
The third book in the series & to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order. I really liked both Selena & Phineas, she’s an intelligent & feisty, he’s just Phineas, I loved the chemistry between them & how their relationship grew & deepened & also how manipulate Selena’s brother. A well written romance which had a lot of humour, a well paced story & a delightful couple
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oohh this one was fun. I liked Selena quite a bit but she did run a little to hot and cold for me at one point but Warrick was there. He once he knew he knew he would never force her to do anything he was willing to wait forever for her to get it together. The mystery felt unfinished to me but I think we will get more answers in further books. This one didn’t feel like a complete stand alone I think the first book in the series or not quite a rouge is required reading for this book (both are good). Can’t wait for the next one.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the push and pull between the heroine and hero. The back story was a little confusing, it’s probably worth reading the series in order.

[Nazmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Knave by Any Other Name is the third book in Tanya Wilde’s ‘Ladies Who Dare’ series.
Although it can be read as a standalone for the romance, I did struggle to fully understand the background immediately because I have not yet read the previous two books so I would recommend maybe reading them first.
The basic premise seems to be that a number of heiresses were listed in White’s betting book leading to them be mentioned in several wagers. To protect them, the men responsible are assigned to individual ladies – which only serves to infuriate them more!
Lady Selena Savage is one of the heiresses mentioned and the last thing she needs is to be followed by her brother’s best friend – the Marquis of Warrick. She is in search of a secret woman’s club which she desperately wants to join in the hope it will give her some purpose in life.
Phineas North, Marquis of Warrick is not having the best time. He feels responsible for losing the ‘heiress list’ which has caused so much havoc, he is having to shadow his best friend’s sister to protect her and on top of it all, he seems to be under the influence of a family curse!
In desperation, he proposes an alliance – he will help Selena find the secret club if she helps find him any information to defeat the curse.
As they start working together, Phineas and Selena kindle their dormant attraction to each other but when Selena is close to achieving her wish to join the secret club she finds she must make a difficult choice.
I am in two minds about how to rate this book. Selena and Phineas are likeable leads and the world Tanya has built seems solid and one I would read more about. Selena and Phineas’s banter is enjoyable, I love the relationship between the heiresses and the men and am looking forward to Saville and Theo’s story. So overall I liked it.
The only thing I wasn’t sure about is the actual mystery. The secret womens club’s activities and their link with the betting book just seemed flimsy and a little preposterous to be honest. Also Phineas’s concerns about the family curse didn’t really add much to the story and the conclusion to that also didn’t make much sense. And I kept wondering why if he was being stalked by a woman trying to attack him with a candelabra someone wouldn’t have noticed who the lady was! I suppose because I hadn’t read the first two books in the series it took me a while to muddle through what was happening and why. I will be going back to read them.
Overall though I liked the writing, really quite liked Phineas and Selena, the secondary characters and the world building so I would recommend you read this. But read the previous books first. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Knave By Any Other Name" is the third installment in Tanya Wilde's "Ladies Who Dare" series and I found it the best book thus far. Though it purports to be a standalone, I think coming into this book without the backstory established by at least the first book in the series would be a bit confusing. Here, we have the heiresses of the ton continuing to deal with the fallout from a lost list of their names and resultant nefarious wagers. Selena is one of the named heiresses, sister to a short-tempered but caring earl who tasks his best friend, Phineas, Marquis of Warrick (and loser of the list that started this all), with protecting Selena from the fall out of the lost list, the wagers, and all that followed. Selena wants nothing to do with his protection and is instead set on finding and joining a secret women's club.

I loved Selena and Warrick, both together and separately. Selena is trying to learn who she is or could be outside of "heiress" or "sister to an earl". Warrick is mired in guilt and lets people (cough*Saville*cough) take advantage of him a bit because of that guilt. The banter between the two is amusing, especially as Warrick acknowledges that he can barely keep up with Selena's quick mind. They have good chemistry once it is acknowledged and the way they play off of Selena's brother is highly entertaining. Selena is not a simpering heroine, she is a practical one, willing to step back and reassess as more information is received about the secret club. Her journey to self-realization and self-acceptance is perhaps unrealistically short, but it still works. Warrick's willingness to take her as she is elevates him and is a hallmark of Wilde's male characters.

This book has mild spice, made up for by the lovely cast of secondary characters. I cannot wait for Theo and Saville's book. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for a complimentary ARC of this book. These opinions are my own.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Chemistry

This installment was great fun to read! It’s a brother’s best friend story with a heroine trying to find her own identity and a guilt-ridden hero seeking redemption for a stupid mistake.
The plot is well written with lots of laugh out loud moments, witty banters and some steam.
I loved the main characters and their inner monologues. The chemistry between the two, their battles of will and they way she defied him was great. The cast of secondary characters was also very sympathetic.

The book can be read as standalone but I recommend to read the series in order to better understand the plot and the interactions.

Lady Selena Savage is angry and unhappy. Her brother has appointed his best friend Phineas as her watchdog to protect her from fortune hunters since her name is on the list of heiresses in White's betting book, and worse, Phineas keeps thwarting her plans. She also feels lost, without an identity of her own, her life without purpose or meaning. That's why she's obsessed with a secret women's club she'd like to join.

Phineas North, Earl of Warrick believes he is cursed and still feels guilty about his involvement with the list in the betting book at White‘s.
He can’t disagree with his best friend when he orders him to watch over his little sister. But Selena becomes the bane of his existence. She is reckless and defiant, challenging him and riling him up at each turn.
Worse, he feels himself drawn to the little hellion who keeps putting herself in danger…

If you enjoy humorous historical romances with strong heroines and desperate rakes, you will love this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Knave by Any Other Name by Tanya Wilde is another of her series, Ladies Who Dare. Selena Savage is just as her name implies: Savage. She yearns for independence, primarily from her brother, but just in general. Her latest escapade involves wearing pants instead of a skirt and marching in a parade right outside her brother’s house. Of course, that doesn’t fly. But her primary goal is to locate and join a women’s group, the very group that left the pants on her doorstep. She begins to investigate and gets herself into all kinds of trouble and she drags her brother’s friend, Phineas North, Earl of Warwick, right along with her. He has been tasked by her brother to watch her and it has been a most unsettling experience.

Wilde writes a good character, seen both in Selena and Phineas. There are a plethora of books in this genre, yet hers stand alone in this regard. Watching the frustration build in Phineas was beyond entertaining and viewing Selena’s complete disregard for anyone but herself, puts her in a class of her own. The plot was decent. Rewarding to see women doing things, although highly unlikely historically. I couldn’t put it down for needing to see what Selena would do next and how Phineas would react. It was a thoroughly entertaining book. Thanks, Tanya Wilde.

I was invited to read A Knave by Any Other Name by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #TanyaWilde #AKnaveByAnyOtherName

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

After really enjoying the first two books in the series I found myself somewhat underwhelmed by this one. There is nothing really wrong with it, it just doesn't really have anything to make it stand out. I liked the relationship between Warrick and Selena but sometimes found it too back and forth between being clever banter and two people just playing mind games with one another. They also kept going back and forth about how they felt about one another - very much a two steps forward, one step back kind of thing. I would have liked more about the curse part of Warrick's story - it serves for some humorous moments, but in the end feels like a forced way to have the two form a partnership. The big mystery part of the story also felt a little underdone and the whole thing gets wrapped up quickly (and mostly off-page). I would like more of Mortimer - he seems like he would have a good backstory. And of course I need to know how Saville and Theodosia's story ends - she definitely knows how to push his buttons and he so desperately needs to have someone challenge him (other than Selena).

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 of The Ladies Who Dare series. Selena does not like to follow rules and as a result, tends to get in a some mischief. She is one of the heiresses of the ton dealing with the fallout of wagers being placed on their names. Now Phineas, the best friend of Selena's brother, is in charge of protecting her. And she doesn't like it one bit. Nether does he, so they come to an alliance of sorts. Selena is searching for a secret woman's club she desperately wants to join, and Phineas is battling some kind of family curse. He offers to help Selena find the club if she helps him find information to defeat the curse. Working close together, their mutual attraction grows. But as Selena is close to being able to join her club, she also has a difficult choice to make.
Phineas and Selena made a great couple, and I enjoyed the witty and fun banter between them which made this a very entertaining and enjoyable read. They had excellent chemistry and I enjoyed all their interactions. Looking forward to reading the next installment!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next book in the series still centers around the betting book of White's with the list of unmarried heiresses. Passed from one heiress to another, Lady Selena Savage now has it in her possession. For her protection, Phineas North, Earl of Warwick, follows her wherever she goes. She's not unaware of his shadow, he is pretty obvious. Though frustrated with his presence, she comes to rely on him if she gets in trouble. Curiosity raised by the gift of a pair of trousers, she searches for a secret club for women. This club might be a way of finding herself. Searching for clues in the darkness of London, raises more questions than answers and puts Selena and Phineas both in danger. Meanwhile, her relationship with Phineas changes with a kiss. Is he using her to get rid of his curse with marriage? Phineas' frustrations with Selena is adding to his worry about losing his hair. Never a dull moment with Selena and her brother, the Earl of Saville constantly bickering and Phineas caught in the middle.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selena is tired of living in her brother Saville’s shadow, having her existence defined by her relationship to him. As one of the heiresses in the betting book, Selena becomes the target of fortune hunters and Saville has set his best friend Warrick to guard her, since Selena and Saville are at each other’s throats so often now. When Selena becomes aware of the existence of a secret women’s club, she hopes joining will help give her an identity of her own, and she enlists Warrick’s help to find out about the club in exchange for not giving him such a hard time. When they grow closer and Saville finds out, his volatile temper threatens to tear everything apart. Both Selena and Warrick must negotiate what their feelings mean without threats from Saville, or the secret women’s club, which turns out to be hiding a criminal enterprise. Another amusing installment of this series, but way more proofreading errors than in the others for some reason.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regency Romance with Humor and a Dash of Mystery and Suspense

Selena wants nothing to do with her brother’s best friend, or does she? He has created a problem, and now, he is watching her to protect her from the vultures who want her for her money. She does not want him dogging her footsteps. Eventually, they make a bargain. He is to help her find out about a mystery woman’s club, and she is to help him lift a family curse. Will they succeed in accomplishing their tasks? They might, or they might not, but one thing is certain—they will steal one another’s hearts. Then, the unexpected happens, and Selena finds herself in a difficult position. There is unexpected danger, and she must make a decision.

This is an entertaining story. I recommend it to those who like Regency romance with humor and a dash of mystery and suspense.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story with all the characters that were within this book. The main characters were Selena Savage and Phineas North.

Selena Savage wants her brother to call of his friend, who has been following her around. But her brother doesn't want to. She also wants to join a secret women's club, but she has to find it first. While looking for information, she tries to void her bodyguard.

Phineas North is the Marquis of Warrick. His friend has asked him to follow his sister around. Because his friend is following another woman instead. They are trying to protect the women from fortune hunters and rakes. But his friend sister is not making it easy for him.

This was a fun story to read. It had action, adventure, and suspense throughout. There were a few giggles within.

I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Wanda Compton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarding the Heiress

Selena and her good friend Theodora got involved in an act of defiance against the men in society. They can get by with anything while the women have their reputations ruined by the smallest thing. Her brother the Earl of Saville thinks they may be in danger because of this so he has recruited his best friend the Earl of Warwick to secretly follow his sister to make sure she comes to no harm while he guards her friend Theodosia.

Selena and the Earl are childhood friends who have always pulled pranks on each other and claimed to dislike each other when in fact their attraction is what is causing them to disagree. This was the best part of the book for me. I couldn’t wait for their stubborn pride to change to love.

I have enjoyed this book as well as others in this series. I recommend.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this novel to be lighthearted and witty as Selena and her friends investigate a secret ladies' society, not realizing that they are being played. The Marquis of Warrick has been tasked by Selena's brother to keep tabs on her in case she runs into trouble as a result of the lost list of eligible heiresses. However, there is another game afoot, bringing into focus the reason for the difficulties Warrick has been experiencing. Much of the novel is driven by dialogue, which became a little tedious in places, but the romance does come to a good conclusion and the novel is a standalone, although part of a series. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Texastwang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selena Savage Is ready to get married but herbrother and his guard dog wont allow even a portion of fun. The Marquis is bound to help because of the list he lost. He is trying VERY hard not to fall for the enchanting lady but even a promise to her brother can’t keep him away.
Fun loving and smart are two of the most distinct qualities that I adore in a women, especially during this time in history.
i really enjoyed this book and if it is a continuing saga. they just keep getting better and better.
I received a complementary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review.. the opinion I have given is my own. I am disclosing this according to the guidelines.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three of the series related to the betting book that disappeared from White's. Selena's brother has decided that because of the missing book, he and his best friend Warwick, must protect Selena and her best friend. What takes place is a super funny story that will have you laughing from page to page. I love this series and hope the author has at least three more of them as each one is better than the last one. Beautifully written, fantastic wit and creative rivalry between siblings. You don't want to miss this one.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical romance is part of a series that is better read in order. Although each book does have its own story, they have a definite link that you really need, to enjoy it properly.  They are all full of adventure and mischief.  Our heroine,  like the others before her, is a fiesty and intelligent woman.  She is also very rebellious,  much to the consternation of her brother.  I had great fun reading about her and her hero. I can't wait for the next book. I can guess who that will be about. 

I loved it.

[KAREN MARTIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I really liked the story of Selena and Warrick, I would have taken off half a star for the grammatical errors if I could. The editing needed a once over before printing. This is book three of the series and it added a bit more mystery to the stolen betting book. Some item were a bit improbable for the recency time frame but entertain none the less. Selena and Warrick have known each other for years but once Warrick was tasked to protect her feelings he denied began to grow. TBE story was very entertaining. Enjoy!

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome!

I so enjoyed Selena and Phineas’ love story! The whole Ladies Who Dare series is a great read. The storyline is incredibly interesting. The dreaded White’s betting book is at the heart of the series. I loved that the women took control and made the men pay for their ridiculous bets.
I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys intriguing stories with a bit of 🌶️🌶️. Tanya has created a great series with interesting characters.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a secret woman’s group is rumored, Selena is immediately curious about it. While investigating she grows closer to her brother’s friend Phineas. When chaos ensues, she must decide just how much he means to her. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Valerie Grissom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Argh

Previously this author was a 4 star rating. Selena was an abysmal main character. She is snarky and obnoxious. I skipped through most of this tale just to be rid of her. I plan to read the next in the series bc I did like the other 2.

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining regency romance with two people trying not to fall in love. Selena and Phineas make a good pair, a great connection and even better happily ever after.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was hilarious!! I was laughing out loud while reading.

The Duke of Mortimer needs his own book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely

A good enemies to lovers tale. Brother's best friend. Would have been better if it was proofread to catch word errors and missing words.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t fall as quickly in love with these two characters, they were both wonderfully unconventional and sassy, which helped me whip right through it- I was missing the banter and connection that the last two books had in abundance. Still good!

11/8/25 - Full Review:
I don't think I'll be writing a full showcase review on this, as I wasn't as smitten with this story, as I was with the first two in the series. Tanya Wilde is an amazing author, but these two are a pairing that just... didn't seem quite right? Phineas was adorable. He really embodied a man who is stoic, and reserved, but a little bit too much. I didn't feel his passion for Selena, it was a little rushed and sudden. Selena was another headstrong, sassy, and independent lady which seems to be most of our wonderful heroines in this series, but even her passion was lacking and she was quite immature in most of the book. I think their coming together was a bit unconventional, which I didn't mind but I felt the connection was lacking. I think there was also a bit of miscommunication in this one, which really turns me off, especially when the two main characters are as stubborn as these two. Overall, I enjoyed it. I didn't love it, and I would recommend reading it to those who are devouring this series, as I think it propels the over-arching story of the wagers, and the White's betting book along for the next few heroines we'll read about.