The Duke’s Spinster

Duke Dare #1

by Eliana Piers

When a spinster’s bet and a duke’s dare collide, sparks fly.

Lady Boudicca is a spinster. And she’s quite happy with her future plans for independence until her sisters dare each other to marry dukes. She’ll go along with the dare just to prove to them that she’s not made for love. But when she bumps into a handsome—albeit arrogant—duke and ends up dancing with him, she doesn’t expect him to show up at her house the next day. And the next. And the next. Why won’t he just go away?

Wesley, Duke of Baskim, rejects every woman he’s crossed paths with. But then his friends take charge of his love life in one of their notorious bets. So when he bumps into a gorgeous—albeit strong-willed—woman at a ball, he has to follow through on the bet. Despite how difficult she’s being, he has to win this bet.

The dare threatens her independence. The bet challenges his every notion of love. But it’s nothing a little courting, a little fencing, and a little secret disguise can’t blossom into true love.

If you like witty banter, shenanigans, and sweet and spicy regency romances, you’ll love this standalone love story by Eliana Piers.

Read in Kindle Unlimited!

Duke Dare Series
Book 1: The Duke’s Spinster
Book 2: The Duke’s Goddess
Book 3: The Duke’s Hellion
Book 4: The Duke’s Lady

Genres: Historical Romance, Amazon, Historical, Romance

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2025

About the author

What makes people fall in love? Why do two people end up together? Every love story is unique and that's what I love to write.


Eliana Piers has been writing and singing stories since she was five years old. After feeling inspired by authors like Julia Quinn, Tessa Dare, and Minerva Spencer, Eliana decided to test her quill on the page.


Writing about love and how two people come to connect and share parts of their souls with each other is now an obsession.


Eliana lives in Canada where she drinks ice caps every day.

Reviews

[pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a seasoned regency era romance reader, what's there not to like?

Fierce fmc? Dumb but whipped mmc? Sexy fencing? Healthy communication? Sign me in.

Excited to check out author's previous books and waiting for all the other sisters' books.

thank you #netgalley for the arc of #TheDukesSpinster

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Boudicca is a spinster, the eldest of four sisters and she’s quite happy with her future plans for independence until her sisters dare each other to marry dukes. She’ll go along with the dare just to prove to them that she’s not made for love. But when she bumps into a handsome albeit arrogant duke and ends up dancing with him, she doesn’t expect him to show up at her house the next day. And the next. And the next.
Wesley, Duke of Baskim, rejects every woman he’s crossed paths with. But then his friends take charge of his love life in one of their notorious bets. So when he bumps into a gorgeous albeit strong-willed woman at a ball, he has to follow through on the bet. Despite how difficult she’s being, he has to win this bet.
The first in a new series & a very well written delightful romance. I loved both Wesley & Bodi. They were so well matched & were only ‘seeing’ each other for him to win a bet & for her to win a dare with her sisters until they weren’t. I loved how they fell for each other, they talked, they had witty banter & they were mature. Boy did she make him jump through hoops, flowers, chocolates & a gift! The chemistry sizzled & they were perfect for each other. I can’t wait for the next three books
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

You gotta fight 🎶 for your right 🎶 to... fall in love! ⚔️

Boudicca & Wesley
Four sisters with a particular love for weaponry, and she’s the eldest. Beautiful, clever and daughter of an earl, she once was in high demand but vain inane peacocks were not her thing. None of them would ever grant her the dream of opening her own fencing academy, and so, a spinster she was... until her sisters dared her to hook a duke.
Brought up to always be the best, he was an exacting man with impossible standards. Until his friends, fed up with his fastidiousness, bet him to court the first lady he bumps into. Unwilling to lose and knowing he’ll have to settle one day anyway, he agreed. Never in a million years did he expect bumping into the one lady who doesn’t want him...

I really enjoyed this fun and dynamic romance! A full story - layered, humorous and engaging - with some nice steam - not too much - and two very competitive but lovable fools in love. And yes, when there’s a bet, you know it will blow up in someone’s face, but I really liked how it played out - a true moment of beauty!
There’s actually quite a few of these small, vulnerable and endearing moments sprinkled throughout the story, and I was pleasantly surprised. It felt real, touching. Their chemistry is spot on. I liked Bodi’s “athletic” approach to courting - she makes him jump hoops and hurdles aplenty - and he’s game, because, really, what other choice does he have? And what’s more irresistible than the word “no” to a man who’s never heard it before?

A nice start to what promises to be a deliciously entertaining series!

My only question remains: why so many dukes?
Why not throw in an earl or a viscount every once in a while?

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me. She is Dragonblade Flame Division so I have high hopes for some good steam. I read a lot of Dragonblade authors and love their writing so hope she is just as good. Always looking for new authors.

This was a good read. I liked Boudicca and Wesley and I liked their story. I love the sisters and their dynamics and personalities. I'm an only child so the thought of having siblings like that is cool. Just an overall good read especially from a new author I haven't read. Sometimes I don't get so lucky to read a good one. I will definitely be getting the rest of the series.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. This was an enjoyable quick read. I think both characters were nice but neither really stuck with me. I really enjoyed the sister group, I love supportive sisters. I didn’t get any mean girl stuff either which is very common I feel like in these duke gets with woman the ton doesn’t expect novels. One note: there is a reference to spilling the tea, now this did not bother me but I did laugh at using this slang in type of novel, it was amusing time but that might be a tone issue for others. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four sisters dare each other to claim their own duke. Four dukes place a bet on the success of one duke finding a lady to marry, but not the love of his life. All he has to do is bump into the lady, dance with her, court her and propose to her. If she refuses you win. A hilarious and unusual courtship with the lady that steals his heart.
Very entertaining!
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

a new series with four sisters named after well-known female figures, incorporating what they are known for and giving them their own field of interests, I'm in! eliana piers is a new fave

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a first book of a new series by Eliana Piers, and features a rather eccentric family of sisters named after famed female warriors, daughters of a widowed historian Earl. Lady Boudicca is the eldest and determined to embrace her spinster status, planning for an independent future, especially as it later is revealed, she and her sister have some rather singular hobbies that she knows most men would never support or encourage.

Wesley, Duke of Baskim, is handsome, popular, and well regarded in Society - after all, he is a duke. Likewise, he is arrogant and full of confidence. But he and Boudicca are thrown together when they literally bump into each other at a ball, and because of dares and wagers they both engage in, Boudicca with her sisters, and Wesley with his friends, they are forced to deal with each other.

Bouddica is determined to challenge and trip Wesley up, not trusting why he is suddenly seeking her out, and purporting to court her, while making outrageous demands to rise his ire and force his hand. Wesley is determined to court Bouddica, trusting in his attractiveness and desirability as a duke, but also not wanting to lose his bet. But as they spend time together, and especially when Wesley discovers her secret hobby, their ire with each other gives way to the underlying attraction, and growing respect and liking for each other.

Bouddica grows to feel that she can give Wesley her heart, except she still senses that there is something he is hiding from her.

This is a cute forced proximity (because of their wagers), enemies to lovers romance. However, much of the dialogue is off-puttingly contemporary, such as the nickname of Wesley's set - the Betting Buddies, and the use of phrases such as "She thought she was going to lose it....", and "the hottest duke". There was a very high school cliques feel to the beginning of the story with Wesley and his clique and Bouddica and her sisters - with a juvenile feel that made me almost want to give up on it. But as the story moved along and Wesley and Bouddica moved beyond their initial hostilities and challenges, I started to fall into the charm of their growing relationship, especially as they moved onto their shared hobby and they developed a deeper relationship that drew me in.

3.25 stars out of 5

[Sven · Rating 5 out of 5]

One bet and dare puts two headstrong, clever intelligent people who have a penchant to win at all costs together on a spiraling journey of love.

Bodi and Wesley are destined to be together. They are so well matched, and the dialogue and challenges were just fitting to the storyline. I really liked how they talked and respected each other. Cannot wait for the next 3 pairs to fall.

#netgalley #TheDukesSpinster

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliana Piers has done it again! She's launched us into an enchanting new series, and this first installment is nothing short of spectacular. I am absolutely thrilled that this series centers around sisters, each with their own distinctive names, personalities, and the goal of catching a Duke, or more accurately, the Betting Buddies. If this initial book is any indication, we're in for a delightful, charming journey. I am eagerly anticipating the rest of this series!

In this story, we meet Wesley, the Duke of Baskim, whose circle of friends, known as the Betting Buddies, thrive on intriguing challenges. Their latest wager involves Wesley bumping into a woman, courting her, and proposing. Wesley devises a strategy, but fate has other plans when he bumps into Boudicca (Bodi), a spinster with the exceptional skill of fencing. Determined not to marry, Bodi dreams of opening a fencing school for ladies. Initially wary of Wesley's motives, Bodi's skepticism gives way to a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable courtship.

Both Wesley and Bodi harbor secrets, yet as their defenses crumble, Wesley discovers that Bodi is not only a superior fencer but also an extraordinary and unconventional woman. What begins as a playful bet transforms into something much deeper. At first, I doubted Wesley's worthiness of Bodi, but she clearly communicates her expectations, and Wesley evolves into a deserving partner. Despite a few bumps along the road, Piers keeps us thoroughly engaged and on edge, ultimately delivering a flawless ending that leaves us yearning for more.

I adore Eliana Piers’ stories! She is a fresh and innovative voice in this genre, and I feel privileged to have followed her works from the start. Her gift for witty banter, combined with sweet and spicy storytelling, makes her books unputdownable. While I cherish her short, snappy novellas, it’s her longer tales, like this one, and her previous Duke series, that truly captivate me. I am eager, in fact, desperate, to dive into the rest of this exciting series. If you haven’t yet indulged in Eliana Piers’ masterful storytelling, you are missing out on a truly delightful experience. Grab a copy and join the ride – you won’t regret it!

[Susan Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enticing tale about a Lady and a Duke who come together in a ballroom leaves the reader needing to infer that the pair have fallen in love because their actions fall short of proving it to the reader. Eliana Piers's historical romance The Duke's Spinster promises a memorable read that turns out predictable, providing a couple who are one-dimensional.

This is the first book in Piers's Duke Dare series, a series designed to take place in historical England (I think). The language used by the characters are all modern day colloquialism. Phrases and words that depict the 21st century, and not the 18th or 19th centuries.

The dialogue between the various characters carry the story. Sometimes entering so many characters at once that the reader feels lost in the maze. Only at these moments can the reader glean some activity. Atmospheric descriptions are rushed and offer a skeletal visual for the reader.

The plot, on the surface, has a Bronte sisters flair. At the age of 26, Lady Boudicca has resigned herself to being a spinster. Taunted by her younger sisters, she engages in a bet with them to attract a duke. Simultaneously, Wesley, the Duke of Baskim, enters into a game with his friends to dance, then court, and finally propose to the next female he bumps into in the ballroom. That female becomes Lady Boudicca in an encounter that has none of the traits of being stimulating or memorable for the reader.

Readers are not able to distinguish Lady Boudicca's character from her younger sisters. Nor is Wesley distinct from his mates. The characters all seem interchangeable. Wesley would fair the same with any one of Boudicca's sisters, and Boudicca would have the same attachment to any one of Wesley's buddies. It is a clean read with alot of game playing conducted by Wesley and Boudicca, leaving the reader to infer this is an image of falling in love.

I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

[Gylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Boudicca is a strong, independent lady who knows she is a spinster and what she wants to do with her life. She wants to open a school for girls to teach them how to fence. When her sisters decide to dare each other into finding a duke to marry, she decides to go long only to prove she is not meant to marry.

Wesley, Duke of Baskim is strong, arrogant and has very high standards. He is yet to find a lady that holds his attention or meet the standards that he has set. When his buddies decide to make a bet on his love life he can’t turn it down and is determined to win.

Wesley has to court and proposed to the next lady he bumps into at the ball. Instead of bumping into a lady of his choice he bumps into Lady Boudicca. Let the fun courtship begin!!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading how Wesley and Bodi got their happily ever after in this book!! It was a lot of fun, very entertaining and definitely had plenty of steam!! I like that both Wesley and Bodi were very strong, independent and how they both thought they knew what path they wanted to followed. The secondary character were just as delightful and really added to the entertainment of the book!! I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Duke’s Spinster by Eliana Piers is a light-hearted Regency romance featuring Boudicca Rochester who has been raised by an eccentric father who, among other things, has taught his daughters all how to fence. It is her dearest wish, now that she is a spinster, to open a fencing school for young ladies. Wesley, the Duke of Baskim, is supposed to be looking for a a bride. He doesn’t really want one and has come up with the perfect scheme. Pursue a woman who will be “safe,” and refuse him when the time comes. In the meantime, his parents would see him courting and leave him alone. Bodi seemed like the perfect candidate. Well, we can see where this is going, can’t we? There are ups and down but the inevitable happens.

Bodi and her sisters are interesting characters, although the others are not as determined a Bodi. We got to know her well and she is a terrific character. Wesley, not as much, but not bad. He had least has sense enough to see what he has. The plot was thin, but entertaining. The pacing was good, and all-in-all it was an entertaining read.

I was invited to read The Duke’s Spinster by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #ElianaPiers #TheDukesSpinster

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a spinster’s pride and a duke’s ego crash into a bet and a dare? This is a story that delivers a charming blend of humor, romance, and sizzling tension that had me grinning from page one.
Lady Boudicca is the kind of heroine I adore—fiercely independent, clever, and unapologetically herself. Her “I’ll show them” attitude toward her sisters’ duke-daring challenge is both hilarious and relatable. Enter Wesley, the Duke of Baskim: equal parts arrogant and irresistible, and completely out of his depth when it comes to Boudicca’s sharp wit and refusal to swoon at his feet.
Their banter crackles, the romantic tension is a delicious slow burn, and the added layers of fencing matches, secret disguises, and social meddling make this story utterly binge-worthy. I especially appreciated that the emotional stakes were just as strong as the romantic ones—both characters grow, challenge each other, and ultimately find a love neither expected.
This novel kicks off the Duke Dare series with heart, humor, and just the right dash of spice. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I have received this book digitally for free and have voluntarily decided to leave an honest review*

Hello Fellow Readers,

I am not going to lie, I devoured this book. It had everything I love, a strong female main character, Chemistry between the two leads, and spicy goodness. Boudicca is such a great character, she knows what she wants, and no one will get in the way of that. She was logical and outgoing but also had a vulnerability that she showed with her family. She's what I wish more FMC are like in historical romances. I didn't think that I would like Wesley, but I did. Part of this was that we get to see things from his POV, I also like that he didn't try to change Boudicca or make her submit to him. Instead, he accepts who she is and even asks her for help. Boudicca is a woman and a warrior and I am glad that at the end of The Duke's Spinster she stayed one. I think while I wait for the next installment of the 'Duke Dare' series I will have to check out Piers other books.

Overall, a great romance.

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Duke's Spinster" is a fun way to wile away a few hours. It is something of a contemporary romance masquerading as historical - the language used and the behaviors engaged in by not just the main characters but the secondary ones as well are definitely not historical. But if you can look past that (I did), the book is entertaining and pretty low angst - at least until the aggravating third-act separation. I loved FMC Boudicca's pointed wit and obvious intelligence and thought her relationships with her sisters were lovely. I was less a fan of MMC Wesley - I am not a huge fan of blatant dishonesty and felt a bit like he waited for things to just happen to him versus taking proactive control in his own life. But I did think his gesture at the end was lovely.

Overall a decent read, and I would be happy to read the next book or books in this series. 3.5 stars rounded to 4. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke’s Spinster delivers an enchanting and spicy Regency romp centered around the spirited Lady Boudicca and the dashing Wesley, Duke of Baskim. As Boudicca’s sharp wit and unwavering resolve repeatedly outmaneuver Wesley’s refined charm, their mutual respect blossoms into an electrifying connection. Both characters harbor secrets that complicate their growing relationship, creating tension and intrigue.

When a betrayal threatens to tear them apart, Boudicca’s unwavering determination and the solidarity of her fiercely supportive sisters lead to a stunning and satisfying climax. Piers masterfully combines humor, passion, and emotional depth, weaving an addictive tale of romance and retribution. This novel celebrates the strength of its heroine while offering a thoroughly entertaining journey from scandal to triumph. A delightful read for fans of fiery chemistry and spirited heroines!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entertaining novel kept me glued to the pages, and I found myself cheering Lady Boudicca on as she kept the Duke of Baskim on his toes. Wesley and Boudicca both have secrets and as they become better acquainted, their secrets begin to spill out. Putting Wesley en garde is his biggest surprise and when the lady trounces him, his respect for Boudicca increases. Unfortunately, Boudicca overhears a conversation between Wesley and his contemporaries, and all his hard work goes to waste. However, Boudicca's sisters refuse to see their sister broken and encourage her to take her revenge, which she does in grand style, bringing the novel to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this well-written romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dare between sisters and a bet between friends leads to unexpected love between an unconventional spinster from an eccentric family and a duke known for his high standards.
I really enjoyed this very well written, lighthearted story with its witty banter, humorous moments and steamy love scenes. Wesley and Boudicca are endearing characters with great chemistry between them.
It was funny how she tried to boycott his courtship attempts and heartwarming how he fell in love with her despite and because of her idiosyncrasies.
I am happy to recommend this entertaining quick read and am already looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Duke’s Spinster by Eliana Piers is the start to a new series of “Duke Dare” books. Boudicca Rochester, the eldest daughter of a widowed historian Earl who has instructed each of his four daughters, named after historical warrior women of renown, to be the best they can be. Boudicca herself is an expert in fencing and able to best any man. At the ripe old age of eight and twenty, she is quite comfortable to be the spinster and has plans to open a fencing school for girls.

Westley, the Duke of Baskim, on a dare from his friends, to woo, Boudicca. All in a thin plot but entertaining if you have not much else going on. I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley with thanks and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took awhile to write this review because I wanted to savor this story. I love reading this author's work! It's always filled with humor, joy, different plots and awesome characters. Not a true historical romance as there's little history melded into her stories but that doesn't matter as she fills it with such great story telling that one wouldn't really notice. I have a number of favorite authors, just like I'm sure the rest of you do! My favorites all have different skills and talents. This is a great story with odd character names, that makes me reach for Webster's to learn more! If you have never read her work before, run don't walk to get a copy you won't be disappointed.

[Tiffany P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bets can lead to real life situations....

I give this steamy novella about a relationship derived from bets and dares 3.75 stars. I had a hard time really engaging because it was a bit predictable. As genuine feelings started to develop, I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop where the bet was revealed. Boudicca's character was off putting as well. Her hard facade and difficult demeanor, which remained for too long, weren't something I could sympathize with as much as I could Wes's unrealistic standards and competitiveness. All the characters, the friendships and siblings, were enjoyable and offered humor and wit.

[Ikwi Bookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Boudicca is a fencing marvel, and I enjoyed reading about her skill and love for the sport. She's also a spinster (at the ripe old age of six and twenty), and plans to devote the rest of her life to training young girls. Enter Wesley, a bet-loving duke and grouch in need of a wife. The two get thrown together by chance but turn out to be very well matched, with their shared love of fencing, exacting standards, and general orneriness. There is a brief third-act breakup and plenty of anachronistic dialogue, but overall the two were easy to root for. A pleasant short read, between 3 and 4 stars for me.

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

Delightful Regency Romance

A bet and a dare bring them together, but will love keep them there? Boudicca is the first of her sisters to accept the challenge. Wesley is the first of the dukes to pick up the gauntlet. What happens when Boudicca finds out her duke came courting because of a bet? Didn’t she accept because of a dare? Would love win in the end?

This is a delightful story. I recommend it to those who like Regency romance with wit and charm. This is my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading more.

[East of Reality · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short, quick read that’s … historical-adjacent. The conversations, the quips, they’re written for a modern audience, and there’s nothing wrong with that, even if it’s not to my personal taste. However, when Wesley sneaks into Bodi’s room at night to fuck her, I had to go find my eyes from where they’d rolled out of my head. It’s just so goofy.

If you’re just looking for a romance to read, there’s nothing wrong with this one, but I think it would have been better as a contemporary romance rather than a historical. Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.

[Jessica Grogan · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. For being part of the Flame line at Dragonblade, this is a very slow burn romance. I assume. I got to the first kiss before completely losing interest. The dialogue is very contemporary and this would worked better as one. The whole “each sister has a weapon she’s an expert at” comes across as silly and reminded me of a certain foursome of brotherly reptiles. I skipped all the fencing scenes, by the way. If I don’t want to watch it in real life then I certainly don’t want to read about it.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very impressed with the family of girls, named after female warriors who all specialize in weapons training. I also didn't know a single thing about fencing, but I feel like I got an education on it by reading this book. Bodi and Wesley were truly a great couple. She made him work for everything, and good for her. This was one hot book that also made me cry. Good job, excellent all around.
Thank you to netgalley for the gift of this book. Opinions are my own.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love an entertaining romance read and THE DUKE’S SPINSTER was that and more! In this book, the Lady and the Duke go head to head. One is trying to escape a bet, the other a dare. The results are sweet, sexy and hilarious. I enjoyed following the antics of Bodi and Wesley. She was a cracker and he was putty in her hands. This was my first Eliana Peters romance and will most certainly not be my last! I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in the Duke Dare series was a charming and unique love story. A spinster and three sisters, a duke, and three others, a dare, a bet, fencing, a secret disgu,and other exciting and interesting issues kept me very engaged. I enjoyed the humor, wit, delightful banter, how complex, intellectual, and strong-willed they both were. The surprising and delicious passion that became so much more was beautiful. I can't wait for book two. I highly recommend reading!

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dare and a bet...

Boudicca (its so funny I just read another book by that name) agrees to a dare with her sisters to all marry dukes, though she's not keen on it.

Wes, conveniently a duke, agrees to a bet with his buddies. He's know for rejecting the ladies.
His fancy is tickled by Boudicca, as well as that pesky bet, Which of course, comes back to bite him in the...

I liked Boudicca and her efforts to thwart Wes's courting attempts.