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The Wayward Wallflowers #2
I Dared the Duke
DARE TO FALL IN LOVE
Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, is known throughout the ton for three things: the burn scars on his neck, his ornery disposition, and the trail of broken hearts behind him. None of which would concern Miss Elizabeth Lacey in the least—if she weren’t living under his roof. As his grandmother’s companion, Beth is all too concerned with the moody and compelling duke. Incensed by his plans to banish the sweet dowager duchess to the country, Beth refuses to do his bidding. If Alex wants her help, he’s going to have to take her dare…and grant her three wishes.
Alex adores his grandmother, which is precisely why she must leave. A string of unfortunate incidents has him worried for the safety of everyone around him—including the dowager’s loyal and lovely companion, Beth. But the notorious wallflower isn’t as meek as she appears, and as their battle of wills heats up, so does Alex’s desire. He’s dangerously close to falling in love with her…and revealing secrets he’d rather keep hidden. How can he convince her that his darkest days are behind him—and that, for the first time in forever, his heart is true?
Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, is known throughout the ton for three things: the burn scars on his neck, his ornery disposition, and the trail of broken hearts behind him. None of which would concern Miss Elizabeth Lacey in the least—if she weren’t living under his roof. As his grandmother’s companion, Beth is all too concerned with the moody and compelling duke. Incensed by his plans to banish the sweet dowager duchess to the country, Beth refuses to do his bidding. If Alex wants her help, he’s going to have to take her dare…and grant her three wishes.
Alex adores his grandmother, which is precisely why she must leave. A string of unfortunate incidents has him worried for the safety of everyone around him—including the dowager’s loyal and lovely companion, Beth. But the notorious wallflower isn’t as meek as she appears, and as their battle of wills heats up, so does Alex’s desire. He’s dangerously close to falling in love with her…and revealing secrets he’d rather keep hidden. How can he convince her that his darkest days are behind him—and that, for the first time in forever, his heart is true?
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2017
157 people are currently reading
1417 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bennett
12 books458 followersAnna Bennett started swiping romances from her mom’s bookshelf as a teenager and decided historicals (with their balls, dukes, and gowns) were the best. So, when she had the chance to spend a semester in London she packed her bags—and promptly fell in love with the city, its history, and its pubs. She dreamed of writing romance, but somehow ended up a software analyst instead.
Fortunately, a few years and a few careers later, Anna found her way back to writing the stories she loves and won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® for Regency Historical Romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Her weaknesses include reality TV, cute shoes, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Sign up for Anna's newsletter here! http://bit.ly/2dFW5bv
Fortunately, a few years and a few careers later, Anna found her way back to writing the stories she loves and won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® for Regency Historical Romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Her weaknesses include reality TV, cute shoes, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Sign up for Anna's newsletter here! http://bit.ly/2dFW5bv
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
April 4, 2017
I Dared the Duke…and I liked it.
I’ve made my feelings known on the overabundance of Duke’s in historical romance but I’ll make an allowance this time because I liked this Duke. I Dared the Duke was a perfect example of why I love reading historical romance. It wouldn’t hurt to mention up front that this wasn’t something new. I’ve read numerous books with similar characters and storylines, but, I do believe that the author gets it right in this case. I got exactly what I wanted and hoped for...a comfort read. It was set back in the day where balls were your nightly entertainment, tea was enjoyed with a scone and manners and decorum was the true gauge of an accomplished lady. Add in rakish reputations, wallflower statuses and a mystery, I am one happy reader.
I really enjoyed getting to know the main characters in I Dared the Duke. At first, Miss Elizabeth Lacey is a little prickly, but honestly, I would have been too. She had been asked to be the Duchesses companion, by the Duchess, and was enjoying herself. When the Duke, Alex, finds out that his grandmother had hired a companion without telling him, he decided that it just wouldn’t do and set out to get rid of her. Alex and Elizabeth butt heads from the very start. The thing is, Alex had a very valid reason. He needs his grandmother out of the city and heading to their country estate…away from danger.
Alex has had a few too many accidents of late and is convinced that someone plans to murder him. Calling on his best buddy, the Marquess of Darberville – Darby, he hopes they can work out who is plotting his death and hopefully keep his grandmother safe. Now that Elizabeth is on the scene, he has one more head to worry about and he’s trying to keep them all safe. Unfortunately, Miss Lacey is a wee bit stubborn and takes him to task thinking he wants to force his dear Grandmother away. Not many have the guts to stand up to a duke and it makes Alex take more notice of her.
Between Alex’s unsavoury reputation as a rake, his noticeable scars and his seemingly unloving attitude towards his grandmother, Elizabeth is not impressed with the Duke. Oh, she can’t deny that he is handsome and virile but those attributes are not attractive to a wallflower…well, not those attributes alone. After a little time and some very forthcoming chats, they start to get to know each other better. When Elizabeth eventually finds out that the Duke is in danger, she decides to help find the culprit.
I Dared the Duke was a pleasure to read. The characters were interesting, the attraction between the main characters obvious and the steamy scenes definitely got my heart pumping. I did not guess who the culprit was until near the very end and my primary suspect didn’t end up having a darker side. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and will definitely be interested in reading more from Anna Bennett
To purchase I Dared the Duke from Amazon - http://amzn.to/2nyMfYL
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
February 19, 2017
I finished I Dared the Duke, my first experience with Anna Bennett's work, and I will be honest, I had a hard time deciding upon a rating. I think there will be readers that will really enjoy this novel, and others that will not. My intention here is to outline my opinions about the book's strengths and weaknesses so you as a reader can determine if this book is a good fit for you.
I Dared the Duke is the second novel in Anna Bennett's debut Wayward Wallflowers series. I have not read the first book in the series, but was able to follow this novel just fine so it can stand alone (I appreciate this since I often read series out of order). In this story, the second sister of the Wilted Wallflowers, as they have been cruelly dubbed, meets her match in the Duke of Blackshire. Elizabeth, or Beth, is a woman who likes to be needed. After her older sister marries well and the once struggling family is saved, she is left in an odd position of comfort/idleness. As a result, she accepts the task of acting as a companion for the dowager duchess of Blackshire (the hero's grandmother) so that she has someone to care for. For a time, she is happy with the arrangement, until the Duke, Alexander (Alex) Savage returns and begins wreaking all sorts of havoc. Someone is out to hurt him and he needs his grandmother and her companion out of the house and out of harm's way. However, since he doesn't tell Beth the problem and he doesn't want to worry his grandmother, neither departs and thus, Beth and Alex begin spending a lot of time together.
The bulk of the story focuses entirely on interactions between Beth and Alex. They initially trade barbs with each other, but that soon dissolves into mutual attraction. Throughout the story, the duke struggles to avoid various attacks on his person, tries to keep all his secrets about his past hidden, and avoid Beth--all of which he fails at miserably. Beth, despite her initial misgivings, begins to fall for the duke, and also begins to understand that something is wrong and she wants to help him. This results in many late night meetings, some intimate times, a whodunit climax, and a HEA.
This book, despite the threat to the duke, remained very light and fluffy. To be honest, there was little substance at all. I had a hard time connecting to either character and had no sense of the time period. The writing flowed well and the dialogue had some spark, but the story also had a very contemporary feel, which kept me from feeling immersed in the time period. I am not a huge stickler for the historical detail since I cannot claim to be an expert, but one of the things that bothered me about this story was how the crux of the main couple's romance was built upon three assumptions I couldn't quite believe. First, someone was out to kill the duke but he didn't hire any investigator or body guard to help--he only told Beth and his one good friend. Second, Alex and Beth constantly interacted in the middle of the night--most of their relationship developed in relative privacy without a whiff of scandal or a meddlesome chaperone. Last, no servants or anyone outside of the house created any sort of scandal/found out about Alex and Beth's antics even with the risks they took and the longing glances they sent each other. With the hero in the position of a duke, constantly surrounded by people and with tons of resources at his disposal, it seemed odd that he wouldn't use help or that Beth and he ever had so much time to converse alone without anyone finding out or raising an eye brow.
I thought the duke was developed a little differently than he was first presented, which I liked. He doesn't end up being the libertine everyone assumes and I found it interesting and refreshing how Bennett handled his character. He made a poor first impression, but I found that the duke was a romantic man without all the darkness he thinks he had. Beth, on the other hand, was more difficult for me to connect to. I initially liked her character, with her 'needing to be needed' and her compassion for the duke's grandmother. However, this faded as she continuously discarded what she knew about the duke in order to flounder with indecision and to believe rumors.
Based on these perceptions of the book, I think there are a few recommendations I can make to guide people for whether to select this book:
1. If you are looking for a light story with a romantic, powerful hero who falls for the wallflower, but you do not care about a lot of historical accuracy, you will enjoy this. The writing is clean and easy to follow. The mystery kept me turning pages to find out what happens next and the hero has some very romantic lines.
2. If you are a veteran of the genre and read a ton of historical romance, bear these things in mind before picking up this book. First, the book felt modern and I thought the two leads had way more private time together without discovery than I would've thought possible. The duke, as powerful as he was, did not use any help on the threat which I thought was odd. The solution to the mystery, after I learned the person's identity, didn't fully make sense. I was not sure how they could've pulled off some of the threats on the duke as they did. While I found the duke's past was underwhelming in how it was handled, how Bennett developed the duke's character regarding the rumors of his sexual prowess was original and well-done. It was one of my favorite parts of this book.
3. The sex scenes were pretty tame in this book (yay!). They were still fully explicit, but I wasn't cringing or skimming. I usually like the sex scenes to further the romance or to have some impact on the plot. In this case, I thought they were well-done for revealing different facets of the duke's character. Not a lot of steam if you are into that sort of thing, but more emotional and like older books which was just fine with me!
Overall, I thought this book was good. I didn't love it, but I think there will be plenty of people that will enjoy it. In many cases, I think the average rating is more a result of my preferences than the writing style. I either must LOVE the characters and be swept up in their romance so completely that I don't care about the plot, or I must be immersed fully in the time period. In this case, I was able to settle in and easily read the story and I liked the duke, but I couldn't connect with the heroine and I was jarred out of the story by some points of historical inaccuracy and modern language.
If you love reading a lot of the new authors coming out recently and just want to read for an escape, this will be a good fit. If you read a ton of historical romance and are pickier like me, I'd suggest you try a sample of the writing to see if the feel will work for you.
A nice effort and a good way for me to spend a few hours, but I will not be continuing the series. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read and and provide an honest review.
I Dared the Duke is the second novel in Anna Bennett's debut Wayward Wallflowers series. I have not read the first book in the series, but was able to follow this novel just fine so it can stand alone (I appreciate this since I often read series out of order). In this story, the second sister of the Wilted Wallflowers, as they have been cruelly dubbed, meets her match in the Duke of Blackshire. Elizabeth, or Beth, is a woman who likes to be needed. After her older sister marries well and the once struggling family is saved, she is left in an odd position of comfort/idleness. As a result, she accepts the task of acting as a companion for the dowager duchess of Blackshire (the hero's grandmother) so that she has someone to care for. For a time, she is happy with the arrangement, until the Duke, Alexander (Alex) Savage returns and begins wreaking all sorts of havoc. Someone is out to hurt him and he needs his grandmother and her companion out of the house and out of harm's way. However, since he doesn't tell Beth the problem and he doesn't want to worry his grandmother, neither departs and thus, Beth and Alex begin spending a lot of time together.
The bulk of the story focuses entirely on interactions between Beth and Alex. They initially trade barbs with each other, but that soon dissolves into mutual attraction. Throughout the story, the duke struggles to avoid various attacks on his person, tries to keep all his secrets about his past hidden, and avoid Beth--all of which he fails at miserably. Beth, despite her initial misgivings, begins to fall for the duke, and also begins to understand that something is wrong and she wants to help him. This results in many late night meetings, some intimate times, a whodunit climax, and a HEA.
This book, despite the threat to the duke, remained very light and fluffy. To be honest, there was little substance at all. I had a hard time connecting to either character and had no sense of the time period. The writing flowed well and the dialogue had some spark, but the story also had a very contemporary feel, which kept me from feeling immersed in the time period. I am not a huge stickler for the historical detail since I cannot claim to be an expert, but one of the things that bothered me about this story was how the crux of the main couple's romance was built upon three assumptions I couldn't quite believe. First, someone was out to kill the duke but he didn't hire any investigator or body guard to help--he only told Beth and his one good friend. Second, Alex and Beth constantly interacted in the middle of the night--most of their relationship developed in relative privacy without a whiff of scandal or a meddlesome chaperone. Last, no servants or anyone outside of the house created any sort of scandal/found out about Alex and Beth's antics even with the risks they took and the longing glances they sent each other. With the hero in the position of a duke, constantly surrounded by people and with tons of resources at his disposal, it seemed odd that he wouldn't use help or that Beth and he ever had so much time to converse alone without anyone finding out or raising an eye brow.
I thought the duke was developed a little differently than he was first presented, which I liked. He doesn't end up being the libertine everyone assumes and I found it interesting and refreshing how Bennett handled his character. He made a poor first impression, but I found that the duke was a romantic man without all the darkness he thinks he had. Beth, on the other hand, was more difficult for me to connect to. I initially liked her character, with her 'needing to be needed' and her compassion for the duke's grandmother. However, this faded as she continuously discarded what she knew about the duke in order to flounder with indecision and to believe rumors.
Based on these perceptions of the book, I think there are a few recommendations I can make to guide people for whether to select this book:
1. If you are looking for a light story with a romantic, powerful hero who falls for the wallflower, but you do not care about a lot of historical accuracy, you will enjoy this. The writing is clean and easy to follow. The mystery kept me turning pages to find out what happens next and the hero has some very romantic lines.
2. If you are a veteran of the genre and read a ton of historical romance, bear these things in mind before picking up this book. First, the book felt modern and I thought the two leads had way more private time together without discovery than I would've thought possible. The duke, as powerful as he was, did not use any help on the threat which I thought was odd. The solution to the mystery, after I learned the person's identity, didn't fully make sense. I was not sure how they could've pulled off some of the threats on the duke as they did. While I found the duke's past was underwhelming in how it was handled, how Bennett developed the duke's character regarding the rumors of his sexual prowess was original and well-done. It was one of my favorite parts of this book.
3. The sex scenes were pretty tame in this book (yay!). They were still fully explicit, but I wasn't cringing or skimming. I usually like the sex scenes to further the romance or to have some impact on the plot. In this case, I thought they were well-done for revealing different facets of the duke's character. Not a lot of steam if you are into that sort of thing, but more emotional and like older books which was just fine with me!
Overall, I thought this book was good. I didn't love it, but I think there will be plenty of people that will enjoy it. In many cases, I think the average rating is more a result of my preferences than the writing style. I either must LOVE the characters and be swept up in their romance so completely that I don't care about the plot, or I must be immersed fully in the time period. In this case, I was able to settle in and easily read the story and I liked the duke, but I couldn't connect with the heroine and I was jarred out of the story by some points of historical inaccuracy and modern language.
If you love reading a lot of the new authors coming out recently and just want to read for an escape, this will be a good fit. If you read a ton of historical romance and are pickier like me, I'd suggest you try a sample of the writing to see if the feel will work for you.
A nice effort and a good way for me to spend a few hours, but I will not be continuing the series. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read and and provide an honest review.
April 10, 2017
Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire has quite a reputation for leaving satisfied and broken hearted women behind him. Most women fall as his feet, but Miss Elizabeth Lacey is not impressed. His moody and grouchy personality together with his wish to banish his sweet grandmother to the country has not made Beth think any better of him. And he wants Beth’s help in getting her to agree. But as his grandmother’s companion, and her fondness of her, Beth wants only what is best for the dowager and if Alex wants her help, he’s going to agree to her terms of granting his grandmother three wishes.
Alex loves his grandmother and after all she had done for him, caring for him after the fire that took his father and mother and burned him badly, he’s determined to keep her safe. And keeping her away from the person who is trying to kill him is his most important task and then finding out the identity of this person. But he never counted on how stubborn and enticing the notorious wallflower, who is now his grandmother's companion, would be. With every clash of wills his desire for her grows and his determination to keep her and his grandmother safe. Soon he’s falling in love, but he secret he hides, one that has caused Beth and her sisters’ unbearable pain, threatens to ruin what he’s found with her. Can he keep Beth safe, stop the potential killer and convince her that he’s changed for the better? That she means everything to him?
She liked to fix things. And it just so happened he needed a lot of fixing.
I really liked Beth and her need to fix things and help people. I loved how she stood up to Alex, how stubborn she could be and how much she cared about his grandmother. And despite her negative thoughts of him at first, the more she got to know him, the more she realised that he was different than his reputation, she saw what a good guy he was.
He did need her. Not for what she could do for him, but for the way she made him feel. With each day that passed, he realized it more.
Alex was a great hero, who seemed a bit cold and sarcastic at first, but the more time he spent with Beth, the more they argued, the more he showed his true self. I will admit that I didn’t like the secret he kept, the hurtful thing he had done in the past, but I’m a believer that people can change, and it was great seeing how much Alex has changed for the better.
And yet, he craved her company. Without even trying, she chased away the shadows of his past and brightened his house. He wanted whatever part of her she was willing to give, and if that made him a greedy monster … well, he’d been called worse.
I loved the romance, from their heated banter, to seeing their desire for each other grow with every fiery encounter. I loved that Alex wasn’t your typical HR hero, thinking he could only offer the heroine a few passionate moments because he was nobility and she was not, there was luckily no such nonsense in this book. From the first moment he realised how he felt about Beth, all he wanted to do was protect her and keep her for himself.
This was my first book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed her writing and the romance. This will definitely not be my last book by her and I can’t wait for the next one. A must read for all who likes their HR on the light and witty side.
March 14, 2017
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
While reading the book I was asking myself: Is it really enough just to stand up to someone in order for him to notice and appreciate you?
And I kept asking myself this all through it!
Here, the answer is a resounding YES!!!
Beth stands up to Alex constantly! She even blackmails him to bend him to her will! LOL
And Alex falls, hook, line and sinker! ;)
But, while everybody thought Alex a mean bastard, I got the feeling that he was a softy inside! I don't know how could anybody think him mean?!?! He was such a sweet guy.
Beth was almost rude to him. He could have snobbed her, being a duke and all, but instead he did everyhting she'd asked without hesitation.
A cute story. I'll be looing forward to the story of the last "Wilting Wallflower". :)
While reading the book I was asking myself: Is it really enough just to stand up to someone in order for him to notice and appreciate you?
And I kept asking myself this all through it!
Here, the answer is a resounding YES!!!
Beth stands up to Alex constantly! She even blackmails him to bend him to her will! LOL
And Alex falls, hook, line and sinker! ;)
But, while everybody thought Alex a mean bastard, I got the feeling that he was a softy inside! I don't know how could anybody think him mean?!?! He was such a sweet guy.
Beth was almost rude to him. He could have snobbed her, being a duke and all, but instead he did everyhting she'd asked without hesitation.
A cute story. I'll be looing forward to the story of the last "Wilting Wallflower". :)
April 3, 2017
This is the second book in the series but works well as a standalone, too. The wayward wallflower in the story is Miss Elizabeth Lacey (Beth) who likes to be needed. After her sister married well, she’s no longer feeling needed at home so goes to be the companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire. It is in this role that she meets the Duke of Blackshire, Alexander Savage (Alex). He has a reputation as a talented lover - especially of married women. As a child he was severely burned in a house fire in which his parents died and it was only the care and attention of his grandmother which helped him survive his injuries. He adores the old lady but is increasingly concerned by apparent threats on his life from an unknown source, so he’d like her to move back to the country and out of harms way. When he tries to sack Beth, he discovers she really isn’t a meek wallflower and is ready to stand up to and defy him. This is the start of a confrontational relationship between the two that leads on to them falling in love but, with a potential murderer having Alex as their next victim, how can he keep himself and those he loves safe?
I found this an engaging read to escape into. The characters are well developed and Alex is particularly easy to relate to. I didn’t, however, understand why he, as a wealthy Duke, didn’t get others to help determine the perpetrator of the attempts on his life. Beth is more of an enigma, feisty, stubborn, vociferous and suspicious though she was also caring and charming at other times. I loved how she blackmailed the Duke to enable her and the Duchess to stay! The mystery of who is attempting to kill the Duke is kept till very near the end of the story (though how the person managed to carry out the attempts is also somewhat mysterious, too). It is a steady paced book that flows well, keeping the reader guessing and providing some humorous banter, too.
I requested and received a copy of this story via NetGalley and this is my honest review after reading it.
I found this an engaging read to escape into. The characters are well developed and Alex is particularly easy to relate to. I didn’t, however, understand why he, as a wealthy Duke, didn’t get others to help determine the perpetrator of the attempts on his life. Beth is more of an enigma, feisty, stubborn, vociferous and suspicious though she was also caring and charming at other times. I loved how she blackmailed the Duke to enable her and the Duchess to stay! The mystery of who is attempting to kill the Duke is kept till very near the end of the story (though how the person managed to carry out the attempts is also somewhat mysterious, too). It is a steady paced book that flows well, keeping the reader guessing and providing some humorous banter, too.
I requested and received a copy of this story via NetGalley and this is my honest review after reading it.
April 5, 2017
This book was awesome! It pulled me out of a reading funk that I was in and I'm so glad that I was gifted an ARC of I Dared the Duke because I had such a blast reading this story.
Literally from the first page I was pulled right in to the story. After several accidents that almost kill him, Alex the Duke of Blackshire resolves to find out who, if anyone, is out to end him. With a reputation for being a rake of the highest order, he isn't short on enemies. Coming home to pack up his grandmother to the country and away from any possible threat, Alex didn't count of Beth laying waste to his plan.
As his grandmother's companion, Beth is under the assumption that Alex is ungrateful and selfish towards his grandmother for trying to send her off so suddenly. To prevent hurt feelings, Beth makes a bargain with him. She will convince his grandmother that a trip to the country is ideal if Alex promises to spend more time with his grandmother by granting her three wishes.
Rather than telling her of his suspicions, Alex plays along and agrees to Beth's plans. It doesn't hurt that he finds Beth fascinating and vise versa. What follows is a funny light hearted love story with a great H and h, some hot chemistry and some rose tinted romance.
I loved Beth, she was sweet, and thoughtful and so selfless. There was something so endearing in the fact that she longed to be needed. Needing to be needed didn't make her weak, Beth had a backbone of steel and a heart big and strong enough to take a few bruises. Alex was written so perfectly - from the arrogant stuffy Duke we catch a glimpse of in that first scene to the vulnerable man risking it all for a chance at a once in a life time love.
Safety: The ages of both MCs were never made clear but I'd guess their in their mid to late twenties. There's no cheating, does have a virgin h, and the H is experienced but although rumors have him to by a player/manwhore, the H isn't actually what he appears. It's mentioned that he hasn't been with any ow for 2 years. This ends with a HEA, and sadly, no epilogue.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
Literally from the first page I was pulled right in to the story. After several accidents that almost kill him, Alex the Duke of Blackshire resolves to find out who, if anyone, is out to end him. With a reputation for being a rake of the highest order, he isn't short on enemies. Coming home to pack up his grandmother to the country and away from any possible threat, Alex didn't count of Beth laying waste to his plan.
As his grandmother's companion, Beth is under the assumption that Alex is ungrateful and selfish towards his grandmother for trying to send her off so suddenly. To prevent hurt feelings, Beth makes a bargain with him. She will convince his grandmother that a trip to the country is ideal if Alex promises to spend more time with his grandmother by granting her three wishes.
Rather than telling her of his suspicions, Alex plays along and agrees to Beth's plans. It doesn't hurt that he finds Beth fascinating and vise versa. What follows is a funny light hearted love story with a great H and h, some hot chemistry and some rose tinted romance.
I loved Beth, she was sweet, and thoughtful and so selfless. There was something so endearing in the fact that she longed to be needed. Needing to be needed didn't make her weak, Beth had a backbone of steel and a heart big and strong enough to take a few bruises. Alex was written so perfectly - from the arrogant stuffy Duke we catch a glimpse of in that first scene to the vulnerable man risking it all for a chance at a once in a life time love.
Safety: The ages of both MCs were never made clear but I'd guess their in their mid to late twenties. There's no cheating, does have a virgin h, and the H is experienced but although rumors have him to by a player/manwhore, the H isn't actually what he appears. It's mentioned that he hasn't been with any ow for 2 years. This ends with a HEA, and sadly, no epilogue.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
April 3, 2017
I Dared the Duke was an extremely cute and fluffy read. This book constantly put a smile on my face, and I blew through it. I was in the mood for a fun historical romance, and this was the perfect book to fit that mood.
The characters in this book were both interesting and pretty well developed. Elizabeth was fierce, and I really liked that about her. She stood up for herself and didn't let the Duke walk all over her, which lead to some great banter between the two of them. The Duke, Alex, was closed off at first, but as he opened up more, it was easy to see there was a lot more to him than what meets the eye. My favorite thing about him was his love for his grandmother. It was so sweet, and I found it adorable that he was kind of shy to express to anyone how much he truly cared about her.
The romance in this book was a lot of fun. Alex and Elizabeth had a lot of chemistry, which made for some very steamy scenes. It was fun to see them go from almost hating each other in the beginning, to falling in love. They had great banter, and I loved their scenes together.
The plot of this book kept the book interesting. There were some action and mystery that I was not expecting. I liked that the author included those elements so it wasn't just a straight romance novel. When it comes to the historical elements of the book, I am not sure if they are 100% accurate to that time period, but they were still fun and charming.
Overall, this was a sweet and quick read. I would recommend this book to fans of fluffy historical romances!
4 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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The characters in this book were both interesting and pretty well developed. Elizabeth was fierce, and I really liked that about her. She stood up for herself and didn't let the Duke walk all over her, which lead to some great banter between the two of them. The Duke, Alex, was closed off at first, but as he opened up more, it was easy to see there was a lot more to him than what meets the eye. My favorite thing about him was his love for his grandmother. It was so sweet, and I found it adorable that he was kind of shy to express to anyone how much he truly cared about her.
The romance in this book was a lot of fun. Alex and Elizabeth had a lot of chemistry, which made for some very steamy scenes. It was fun to see them go from almost hating each other in the beginning, to falling in love. They had great banter, and I loved their scenes together.
The plot of this book kept the book interesting. There were some action and mystery that I was not expecting. I liked that the author included those elements so it wasn't just a straight romance novel. When it comes to the historical elements of the book, I am not sure if they are 100% accurate to that time period, but they were still fun and charming.
Overall, this was a sweet and quick read. I would recommend this book to fans of fluffy historical romances!
4 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
April 13, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2mqYUk5
Happy sigh? Yes, yes. *happy sigh*. Once again Bennett delivered a delightfully enchanting romance that left me smiling and totally enamored with the characters she brought to life.
I Dared the Duke. A grumpy scarred duke versus his doting granny and her fiery young companion. Basically Alex has some sort of danger tailing after him and has decided his granny isn't safe in Town and needs to retire to the country for a spell while he figures things out. Of course he doesn't want her to worry so he tries to get her companion on board with the the granny-relocation plan. Yeah. Tries being the key word. Historical homeboy has no chance against these two lively women who have plans of their own. lol
I really enjoyed Alex and Beth. I always love a grumpy/growly hero and Alex could give good grumble. He could also be sweet and a little naughty and, okay, sometimes exasperating. And Beth was lovely. She keeps her chin up, has a heart of gold, is a little daring now and again, and, okay, sometimes she was exasperating, too. lol They were fun together. Had sizzling chemistry and spirited banter. Watching their battle of wills was truly entertaining.
A spot of mystery tossed in as Alex tracks down leads and tries to find the culprit behind dangerous attacks, a spot of heat thrown in as Alex and Beth spend more and more time together and decide they just can't resist the allure of one another, a little awwww inspiring sweetness as Alex dotes on his grandmother. All in all, I Dared the Duke was a wonderful mix of all the things that make historical romance such a delightfully dreamy adventure.
January 3, 2018
I Dared the Duke was a delightful romance full of assassination plots, a hero determined to protect those closest to him, and the heroine who gets in the way of his plans.
Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, has reason to believe someone is out to kill him after recently suffering a number of accidents. These incidents have him worried for the safety of those closest to him and he decides to have his grandmother moved to the safety of his country estate. When Alex arrives at her residence to deliver the news, he encounters resistance from her companion, Miss Elizabeth Lacey, who sees this move as him banishing his grandmother. Unable to tell her the real reason for the move, Alex moves into the house to try and persuade her and the two quickly begin to butt heads. However, the more time they spend together the closer Alex and Beth become and soon Alex is left with a choice to either open up to Beth or risk losing his chance at love.
Beth and her sisters had a difficult childhood after their parents died in a carriage accident. After a great deal of uncertainty, the sisters were taken in by an uncle who strived to give them a good life. Beth loves her uncle dearly and is quite defensive when it comes to him as he has developed some memory issues in his old age which led to society calling him mad. As a result of her childhood, Beth tends to look for the problems in life and is usually worried about several things at once. She also has a need to be needed and compulsively tries to fix things.
Alex cares deeply for his grandmother who cared for him after his parents died in a fire when he was six years old. He has a tendency to dote on her as after the accident he ignored her for a long time and she loved him in spite of that. Alex still feels very guilty when he thinks of the accident and his parents as he survived while they did not. To this day, he still has issues when around fire and the smell of smoke makes him anxious. Alex has a reputation as a rake and is considered one of London’s best lovers. He isn’t like most rakes however and I liked the twist on the character type the author went with.
Beth and Alex’s relationship starts with them on opposing sides as he’s determined to move his grandmother to the country and she plans for her to stay right where she is. Both find the other attractive from the start but their annoyance at being unable to bend the other to their will outways that. Beth has a habit of speaking without thinking when it comes to Alex as he gets her temper up, but she’s also one of the only people to stand up to him which he finds refreshing. There’s a ton of banter in their relationship and I loved their verbal sparring matches. Alex becomes very protective of Beth fairly quickly while she’s able to deduce he’s keeping something from her and wants to help him solve the issue. When their relationship progress physically, it’s extremely sexy and their chemistry is off the charts.
The mystery of who was attempting to kill Alex grabbed my attention right away and I quickly became invested in finding out who the culprit was. The varying ways this person tried to kill Alex were interesting and not ordinary methods. I was honestly surprised at who it was and felt the author created an intriguing backstory for why they wanted to kill Alex.
Overall, I Dared the Duke was a fast-paced read and had an excellent romance at its core. I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series.
Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, has reason to believe someone is out to kill him after recently suffering a number of accidents. These incidents have him worried for the safety of those closest to him and he decides to have his grandmother moved to the safety of his country estate. When Alex arrives at her residence to deliver the news, he encounters resistance from her companion, Miss Elizabeth Lacey, who sees this move as him banishing his grandmother. Unable to tell her the real reason for the move, Alex moves into the house to try and persuade her and the two quickly begin to butt heads. However, the more time they spend together the closer Alex and Beth become and soon Alex is left with a choice to either open up to Beth or risk losing his chance at love.
Beth and her sisters had a difficult childhood after their parents died in a carriage accident. After a great deal of uncertainty, the sisters were taken in by an uncle who strived to give them a good life. Beth loves her uncle dearly and is quite defensive when it comes to him as he has developed some memory issues in his old age which led to society calling him mad. As a result of her childhood, Beth tends to look for the problems in life and is usually worried about several things at once. She also has a need to be needed and compulsively tries to fix things.
Alex cares deeply for his grandmother who cared for him after his parents died in a fire when he was six years old. He has a tendency to dote on her as after the accident he ignored her for a long time and she loved him in spite of that. Alex still feels very guilty when he thinks of the accident and his parents as he survived while they did not. To this day, he still has issues when around fire and the smell of smoke makes him anxious. Alex has a reputation as a rake and is considered one of London’s best lovers. He isn’t like most rakes however and I liked the twist on the character type the author went with.
Beth and Alex’s relationship starts with them on opposing sides as he’s determined to move his grandmother to the country and she plans for her to stay right where she is. Both find the other attractive from the start but their annoyance at being unable to bend the other to their will outways that. Beth has a habit of speaking without thinking when it comes to Alex as he gets her temper up, but she’s also one of the only people to stand up to him which he finds refreshing. There’s a ton of banter in their relationship and I loved their verbal sparring matches. Alex becomes very protective of Beth fairly quickly while she’s able to deduce he’s keeping something from her and wants to help him solve the issue. When their relationship progress physically, it’s extremely sexy and their chemistry is off the charts.
The mystery of who was attempting to kill Alex grabbed my attention right away and I quickly became invested in finding out who the culprit was. The varying ways this person tried to kill Alex were interesting and not ordinary methods. I was honestly surprised at who it was and felt the author created an intriguing backstory for why they wanted to kill Alex.
Overall, I Dared the Duke was a fast-paced read and had an excellent romance at its core. I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series.
August 6, 2021
Cookie cutter and inconsistent characters, plot and interactions feel forced and/or don’t make sense, etc. (DNF)
This was my first book by Anna Bennett and I’m sorry to say that I really didn’t enjoy it. It was very cookie cutter and there were so many eye-rolling moments. Sometimes I feel badly when I feel this way about a book ... but on the other hand, the fact that I’ve read so many romance books shouldn’t mean that I can’t use those as comparison or shouldn’t let those influence me.
I have read very, very good romance books. And then sometimes there are books like this, that feel like an imitation of those books. Like someone who themselves has been reading romance books for awhile, went into their memory kitchen, took down a bunch of different ingredients, mixed them together, and then ta-da!!
I’m sick of people’s eyes flashing, of the leading characters having trouble breathing within 2 minutes of being with each other, of unaccountable tenderness like they have never felt for the opposite sex felt toward the other character within 5 minutes, of a heroine whom we’re told is a shy wallflower all of a sudden being super flirty, of a hero who we’re told is grumpy not at all acting grumpy, of inappropriate familiarity that would in no way happen that way in that time period (those fit with CR or PNR, but one of the things I like about historicals is the forced restraint that the times imposed—and watching that slowly break down and/or the couple get around it).
And beyond those things, there were plot aspects that didn’t even make sense. Alexander wants to send his grandmother into the country, because someone is trying to kill him and he doesn’t want her caught in the crossfire and injured, so it’s of the utmost urgency that she leave ASAP (not clear to me why he didn’t just then stay away from her, but maybe that’s explained later in the book in a section I didn’t get to).
He didn’t know that she had taken on a companion (our heroine, Beth), and so when he gets there and meets her, he then tries to fire her. Lot of flirty back and forth, and then it’s decided that Beth will help convince his grandmother to go into the country, if he will grant his grandmother three specific wishes, all having to do with spending time with him. Okay, that sounds like a good plan, I mean, it’s not like someone is trying to kill him and being in his physical presence is at all endangering her—oh wait!! That’s the entire premise of the plot and why he’s trying to send her away in the first place! So yeah. That’s logical.
It’s taken me years to be able to DNF books, and it is still difficult, especially if I got a book as an ARC, because I really want to give the author as much of a chance as possible. Clearly though, I do now DNF books, including ARCs, and I’m sorry that I had to do this here, but there seemed to be absolutely no point in dragging out an experience that I wasn’t in any way whatsoever enjoying.
*This review is of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.
This was my first book by Anna Bennett and I’m sorry to say that I really didn’t enjoy it. It was very cookie cutter and there were so many eye-rolling moments. Sometimes I feel badly when I feel this way about a book ... but on the other hand, the fact that I’ve read so many romance books shouldn’t mean that I can’t use those as comparison or shouldn’t let those influence me.
I have read very, very good romance books. And then sometimes there are books like this, that feel like an imitation of those books. Like someone who themselves has been reading romance books for awhile, went into their memory kitchen, took down a bunch of different ingredients, mixed them together, and then ta-da!!
I’m sick of people’s eyes flashing, of the leading characters having trouble breathing within 2 minutes of being with each other, of unaccountable tenderness like they have never felt for the opposite sex felt toward the other character within 5 minutes, of a heroine whom we’re told is a shy wallflower all of a sudden being super flirty, of a hero who we’re told is grumpy not at all acting grumpy, of inappropriate familiarity that would in no way happen that way in that time period (those fit with CR or PNR, but one of the things I like about historicals is the forced restraint that the times imposed—and watching that slowly break down and/or the couple get around it).
And beyond those things, there were plot aspects that didn’t even make sense. Alexander wants to send his grandmother into the country, because someone is trying to kill him and he doesn’t want her caught in the crossfire and injured, so it’s of the utmost urgency that she leave ASAP (not clear to me why he didn’t just then stay away from her, but maybe that’s explained later in the book in a section I didn’t get to).
He didn’t know that she had taken on a companion (our heroine, Beth), and so when he gets there and meets her, he then tries to fire her. Lot of flirty back and forth, and then it’s decided that Beth will help convince his grandmother to go into the country, if he will grant his grandmother three specific wishes, all having to do with spending time with him. Okay, that sounds like a good plan, I mean, it’s not like someone is trying to kill him and being in his physical presence is at all endangering her—oh wait!! That’s the entire premise of the plot and why he’s trying to send her away in the first place! So yeah. That’s logical.
It’s taken me years to be able to DNF books, and it is still difficult, especially if I got a book as an ARC, because I really want to give the author as much of a chance as possible. Clearly though, I do now DNF books, including ARCs, and I’m sorry that I had to do this here, but there seemed to be absolutely no point in dragging out an experience that I wasn’t in any way whatsoever enjoying.
*This review is of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.
March 5, 2017
I Dared the Duke by Anna Bennett is fun, regency escape, best enjoyed on a cold Saturday afternoon, with a glass of wine! Although, the first book in the series had more depth and emotional development, this was steamier, bantery goodness. The author's style is reminiscent of Julia Quinn, with her sharp wit and multitude of tender moments. I very much enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one - I hope it's Julia's turn :)
April 4, 2017
"I Dared the Duke" is the second book in Anna Bennett's Wayward Wallflowers novels, but you certainly don't need to read the first one in order to enjoy this one. This was my first read from Bennett, and it turned out to be just the historical catnip I needed.
The Story-
Beth is the new companion to the grandmother of the Duke of Blackshire. She is happy to be needed and cares greatly for the older woman. When the Duke intimates his plan to move his grandmother to the country, Beth proposes a deal requiring the Duke to grant three wishes for the woman in exchange for convincing her to make the move. Alexander has had multiple attempts on his life, and now only his grandmother's new companion stands in the way of moving her to the country so that he can investigate the potential murderer with no danger to his family.
My Thoughts-
Initially, I thought Beth was going to be a boring character, but over and over, she stands up for herself and her companion. She has a wit that is not immediately obvious, and it soon becomes clear that Alexander needs her more than she needs him. I thought the plot clicked right along with never a clear lull, and the conclusion was completely satisfying. The characters are well-developed, including some secondary characters like the Duke's best friend and grandmother.
The Bottom Line-
If you enjoy historical romance, you should not miss this one. It is a perfect little confection of happiness with a compelling plot and great characters. I'm definitely going back to read the first in this series! 4 1/2 stars
I received this review from the publisher in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
The Story-
Beth is the new companion to the grandmother of the Duke of Blackshire. She is happy to be needed and cares greatly for the older woman. When the Duke intimates his plan to move his grandmother to the country, Beth proposes a deal requiring the Duke to grant three wishes for the woman in exchange for convincing her to make the move. Alexander has had multiple attempts on his life, and now only his grandmother's new companion stands in the way of moving her to the country so that he can investigate the potential murderer with no danger to his family.
My Thoughts-
Initially, I thought Beth was going to be a boring character, but over and over, she stands up for herself and her companion. She has a wit that is not immediately obvious, and it soon becomes clear that Alexander needs her more than she needs him. I thought the plot clicked right along with never a clear lull, and the conclusion was completely satisfying. The characters are well-developed, including some secondary characters like the Duke's best friend and grandmother.
The Bottom Line-
If you enjoy historical romance, you should not miss this one. It is a perfect little confection of happiness with a compelling plot and great characters. I'm definitely going back to read the first in this series! 4 1/2 stars
I received this review from the publisher in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
March 25, 2017
This is the first Anne Bennet book I have read and I am very impressed by it, I am really looking forward to reading more of her work. I thoroughly enjoyed I Dared The Duke, the story flows effortlessly, I was gripped by the twists and turns of the assassination plot against Alex and the seductively charming romance between out two leads. It is a strong and highly Enjoyable, a smart and tantalising read and one that I highly recommend. Even though this is book two of The Wayward Wallflowers Series, a series that I hadn’t read before, I read it very much as a standalone.
Full review
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Full review
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April 21, 2017
Second installment in The Wayward Wallflowers series but can easily be read as a standalone. Both Alex and Beth are unique characters in that he’s not what he’s allowed the ton to believe and she’s not the meek mouse he’s thought her to be. Although there is some sort of spark when they first meet there is no instant physical attraction, which I truly appreciated. I was glad to see their feelings blossomed from engaging in actual conversations and from daily interaction.
There was an easy and funny banter between the two that made their relationship feel real and believable. Even though the Duke behaved roguish and intimidating at times, Beth showed plenty of resolve and strength of character, both to resist his charms and later to help him overcome some personal issues.
There was however that little issue with the so-called “incidents”. The heart of the matter is that it appears someone was trying to hurt Alex. Instead of enlisting the help of professionals or at least gather more intelligence before jumping to conclusions he actually secluded himself into his old home with the person he said he loved the most. There is also Beth, who at the beginning of the story showed such wit and an agile mind but towards the end was pushing Ben to act recklessly and even use her as bait to uncover the villain. It was as if she was a completely different person than the woman at the beginning.
In short, I was hooked when the story started but not so much as the story progressed and quite frankly I was conflicted in how I felt when I finished it. I suppose it was still a good story but in my opinion it just didn’t deliver in the mystery aspect nor did it provide the ending I needed.
3.5 stars.
*** I received this book from the author at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.***
There was an easy and funny banter between the two that made their relationship feel real and believable. Even though the Duke behaved roguish and intimidating at times, Beth showed plenty of resolve and strength of character, both to resist his charms and later to help him overcome some personal issues.
There was however that little issue with the so-called “incidents”. The heart of the matter is that it appears someone was trying to hurt Alex. Instead of enlisting the help of professionals or at least gather more intelligence before jumping to conclusions he actually secluded himself into his old home with the person he said he loved the most. There is also Beth, who at the beginning of the story showed such wit and an agile mind but towards the end was pushing Ben to act recklessly and even use her as bait to uncover the villain. It was as if she was a completely different person than the woman at the beginning.
In short, I was hooked when the story started but not so much as the story progressed and quite frankly I was conflicted in how I felt when I finished it. I suppose it was still a good story but in my opinion it just didn’t deliver in the mystery aspect nor did it provide the ending I needed.
3.5 stars.
*** I received this book from the author at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.***
April 7, 2017
It was okay. I wasn't completely on board the relationship, mostly because I couldn't really see the connection between the two characters, but it was entertaining enough to warrant 3 stars.
RTC
April 2, 2017
I enjoyed this book, the second in the Wayward Wallflowers series. You can easily read this one if you haven’t read the first one, “My Brown-Eyed Earl”. This is the middle sister’s chance at love.
Beth Lacey is the companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire, whose grandson, Alexander, is the current Duke. She believes that the Duke resides primarily at his country estate but then he comes to London and everything changes.
Alex expects everyone to jump at his bidding, but Beth doesn’t. He wants his grandmother to move to the dower house on his estate but won’t say why. Beth agrees to move with his Grandmother if he gives his Grandmother 3 wishes. He agrees as he knows someone is trying to hurt him and he doesn’t want anything to happen to his Grandmother, or Beth.
I won’t spoil the rest of the story, but will say you find out who started calling the girls wallflowers. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the youngest sister’s HEA.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC. Release date is April 4th.
Beth Lacey is the companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire, whose grandson, Alexander, is the current Duke. She believes that the Duke resides primarily at his country estate but then he comes to London and everything changes.
Alex expects everyone to jump at his bidding, but Beth doesn’t. He wants his grandmother to move to the dower house on his estate but won’t say why. Beth agrees to move with his Grandmother if he gives his Grandmother 3 wishes. He agrees as he knows someone is trying to hurt him and he doesn’t want anything to happen to his Grandmother, or Beth.
I won’t spoil the rest of the story, but will say you find out who started calling the girls wallflowers. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the youngest sister’s HEA.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC. Release date is April 4th.
April 2, 2017
Review For: I Dared the Duke 'I Dared the Duke' by Anna Bennett is book Two in the "The Wayward Wallflowers" series. This is the story of Alexander 'Alex' Savage, the Duke of Blackshire and Miss Elizabeth 'Beth' Lacey. I have read the previous book "My Brown-Eyed Earl" but feel this is easily a standalone book. Beth is the sister of Meg who was the main character in the first book. Beth and her other two sister were consider Wallflowers by the town and Beth is okay with that. Beth is doing a favor for her Uncle Alistair by being a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire, who is her Uncle's friend. It is only a temporary job to escort the Duchess to various functions and ease her loneliness now that her niece has married and moved away. Beth is known for having a soft heart and taking in animals and people so this is just the thing Beth needs too... to feel helpful. Beth and her sister had a somewhat tough time after their parents died, so Beth is not only soft but a strong women who does stand up for herself and others. Alex on the other hand seems to have a temper, short on words, somewhat injured inside and all around tough guy. When someone is out to hurt him he doesn't want the Duchess who is his Grandmother hurt in the process of find out who is behind this. Alex just coldly seems to tell them what he plans to do about the Duchess but Beth isn't haven't it. Beth thinks at first he just wants the Duchess away so he can be a Rake and not be around his Grandmother. But once Beth learns the truth she turns to help him the best she can. I am totally in love with this series! Ms. Bennett is quickly become a top favorite author for me. Can't want for the next book in this series!"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68https:/... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
March 19, 2017
I can honestly say that Anna Bennett is on my short list of favorite authors. Her voice speaks to me like a siren song and when I finish one of her books, I am left completely satisfied and with a smile on my face.
I DARED THE DUKE. the second novel in the Wayward Wallflowers series, begins when Alexander Savage, the scarred Duke of Blackshire, arrives home to discover his beloved grandmother has taken on a young companion, Miss Elizabeth Lacey. Feeling that Elizabeth is unnecessary to his spunky grandmother, Alexander attempts to rid the home of her presence and try to banish his grandmother to the country. Although the duke has his reasons, he doesn't impart that knowledge to Miss Lacey or his grandmother and he and Beth butt heads over leaving London.
Alexander Savage has the dubious distinction of being a phenomenal lover, but the man who was scarred as a child in a fire that claimed the lives of his parents, is so much more than those rumors. Someone is trying to kill him and before danger befalls the woman who nursed him back to health after being badly burned, Alex must find a way to remove her from town.
Elizabeth Lacey is one of THOSE Wayward Wallflowers, a group of odd young ladies who have little hope of snagging a husband of quality. Elizabeth, or Beth as she is called by her friends and family. When the opportunity arises to become a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire, Beth gladly takes on the roll and flourishes in her roll. The Duchess adores her and her life has meaning until her rogue of a grandson makes an appearance and upends the balance in more ways than one.
When Elizabeth discovers Alex is being singled out for murder, instead of running to the countryside with the Dowager Duchess, she puts up her dukes and proves to all she is so much more than the nickname given to her. Alex is taken aback by this formidable opponent and beyond all self-control, begins to fall for the puzzle named Beth.
I DARED A DUKE is a supremely written tale with action as well as romance. It's one of those stories to be remembered and shared. Anna Bennett had taken her Wallflowers to a new level and I eagerly await for her next tale to be spun.
March 6, 2017
Anna Bennett has added yet another light, happy, romantic book to her Wayward Wallflowers series. The series focuses on three sisters who lost everything when their parents died. They had no fortune and no home and their close relatives didn't want to take them in. Their uncle Alistair, Lord Wiltmore steps up to take them in though he is impoverished himself. He is my favorite character in the books. I picture him looking something like Albert Einstein, except chubbier perhaps. He is one of those very, very intelligent people who are easily distracted and totally lost in their own thoughts. He is also sweet and loving to his nieces. Many ridicule him because he frequently uses the wrong word in his sentences -- for instance he says "we have received an instigation to a dinner party" rather than an 'invitation'. You'll love him -- it is worth reading the series just to smile at Uncle Alistair. The three sisters are unfairly dubbed 'The Wilting Wallflowers' and suffer through several years with no prospects. The older sister's story is in the first book of the series. While you can surely read this book as a stand-alone book, you will have a much better feel for the sisters and their circumstances, etc. if you read the first book.
To me, this book isn't as good as the first, but it is still a really fun read. While the book does contain a murder plot, it mostly focuses on the interactions between the hero and heroine. The murder is almost secondary until the end. I do have to say, the solution to the murderer left me a little flat. I know it was secondary to the romance, but something with a little more substance would have been good.
Elizabeth Lacey (Beth) is the sister of the heroine (Meg) of the first book in the series. Meg married and saved them all from the poor house, so now Beth feels restless and at loose ends. She very much likes to take care of things and people and isn't comfortable with the 'idle' life. So, when the opportunity to act as a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire arises, she jumps at it. Uncle Alistair and the Duchess are friends and Beth really likes the sweet lady.
Alexander Benjamin Savage, Duke of Blackshire's life is being threatened. There have already been two attempts on him and he's afraid for anybody near and dear to him. So, he returns to his London townhouse to get his grandmother to move to their country estate while he unearths the villain. Only, he finds his grandmother has a new companion who stands up to him and battles him toe-to-toe because she thinks he just wants to get rid of his grandmother so he can pursue his rakish lifestyle. I enjoyed the bickering between the two almost as much as I enjoyed watching the romance between them. I loved that he usually called her Siren rather than her name.
Bottom line -- this is light and fluffy and definitely not a serious read. If you are a stickler for things being totally accurate to the time period, it surely isn't -- they spend entirely too much time alone together without anyone questioning it -- it just sort of 'feels' modern to me. The murder attempts and murder are just unrealistic and feels trumped up to give Alex the opportunity to 'protect' his grandmother and Beth. It just sort of left you wondering WHY a powerful Duke wouldn't seek some help -- hire a Bow Street Runner, etc. All that said -- I loved the book and can't wait for the next one!
"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
To me, this book isn't as good as the first, but it is still a really fun read. While the book does contain a murder plot, it mostly focuses on the interactions between the hero and heroine. The murder is almost secondary until the end. I do have to say, the solution to the murderer left me a little flat. I know it was secondary to the romance, but something with a little more substance would have been good.
Elizabeth Lacey (Beth) is the sister of the heroine (Meg) of the first book in the series. Meg married and saved them all from the poor house, so now Beth feels restless and at loose ends. She very much likes to take care of things and people and isn't comfortable with the 'idle' life. So, when the opportunity to act as a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire arises, she jumps at it. Uncle Alistair and the Duchess are friends and Beth really likes the sweet lady.
Alexander Benjamin Savage, Duke of Blackshire's life is being threatened. There have already been two attempts on him and he's afraid for anybody near and dear to him. So, he returns to his London townhouse to get his grandmother to move to their country estate while he unearths the villain. Only, he finds his grandmother has a new companion who stands up to him and battles him toe-to-toe because she thinks he just wants to get rid of his grandmother so he can pursue his rakish lifestyle. I enjoyed the bickering between the two almost as much as I enjoyed watching the romance between them. I loved that he usually called her Siren rather than her name.
Bottom line -- this is light and fluffy and definitely not a serious read. If you are a stickler for things being totally accurate to the time period, it surely isn't -- they spend entirely too much time alone together without anyone questioning it -- it just sort of 'feels' modern to me. The murder attempts and murder are just unrealistic and feels trumped up to give Alex the opportunity to 'protect' his grandmother and Beth. It just sort of left you wondering WHY a powerful Duke wouldn't seek some help -- hire a Bow Street Runner, etc. All that said -- I loved the book and can't wait for the next one!
"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
February 28, 2019
Except for the whole who's trying to kill him going on a smidge too long (and whodunnit being a bit over the top silly) this was a decent little romance. The characters by no means speak like they would have done but I'm not a stickler for that and there were quite a lot of laughs along the way and great supporting characters. I loved the kooky uncle misusing words and the fresh little sister.
April 7, 2017
I enjoyed it.
April 19, 2017
Nearly two stars. The beginning was quite good, after 40% it went downhill.
April 8, 2017
3.5 Stars
March 5, 2017
I DARED THE DUKE, the second in The Wayward Wallflowers series, gave me most of what I had hoped to see after reading the first installment in this historical romance though did mostly stick to the same formula as book one. The story, though, did feel stronger, for all that once again it was a mostly familiar series of events, and while this second installment did have a mystery/thriller element, it was much more enjoyably done. Even if the perpetrator and conclusion to it all left me underwhelmed.
Beth is the middle sister of the trio of Wallflowers and, as a favour to her uncle, ends up as a lady's companion to a dowager duchess. Her grandson, the Duke of Blackshire, is a notorious rake with yet another tragic past. Like the sisters, he, too, lost his parents at a young age; not to a carriage incident like the girls, but instead to a deadly fire that left hm scarred. I expected his angst over his scars to be a lot more present and the main baggage to his personal story but was pleasantly surprised that wasn't the case. Additionally I quite liked the other facet to his persona that I won't spoil by revealing in this review. You might see it coming.. or maybe you won't.
Unlike the first story's sorta-second chance romance set up, the connection between Alex and Beth -- as well as the other sisters -- is a little different and I enjoyed that bit of conflict and turmoil. I wish the reveal had happened a little earlier so as not to be downplayed when other events came to a head, but alas it did keep it from being overblown and drawn out. I do have to give Bennett credit for that as these books are definitely light on angst and keep themselves rather firmly in the fluffy category.
The accidents and close calls that the Duke ends up dodging were thrilling and mysterious but after the reveal I'm left wondering.. how? Why? The ending prevents us from getting a lot of answers and once again I'm left rather adrift and a bit disappointed. Which makes for a lame segue into this next point but the author's love scenes are just.. okay. The build up of chemistry is definitely better than the culmination in my opinion.
That being said, this book did feel stronger and while Beth didn't really grab me or offer anything particularly compelling as a heroine -- in fact I enjoyed reading about the dowager duchess more than her companion -- I have pretty high hopes for the younger sister, Julie. I look forward to rounding out this series with her story and am very interested to see who Bennett pairs her with.
3 "kiss-ass grandmother" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
Beth is the middle sister of the trio of Wallflowers and, as a favour to her uncle, ends up as a lady's companion to a dowager duchess. Her grandson, the Duke of Blackshire, is a notorious rake with yet another tragic past. Like the sisters, he, too, lost his parents at a young age; not to a carriage incident like the girls, but instead to a deadly fire that left hm scarred. I expected his angst over his scars to be a lot more present and the main baggage to his personal story but was pleasantly surprised that wasn't the case. Additionally I quite liked the other facet to his persona that I won't spoil by revealing in this review. You might see it coming.. or maybe you won't.
Unlike the first story's sorta-second chance romance set up, the connection between Alex and Beth -- as well as the other sisters -- is a little different and I enjoyed that bit of conflict and turmoil. I wish the reveal had happened a little earlier so as not to be downplayed when other events came to a head, but alas it did keep it from being overblown and drawn out. I do have to give Bennett credit for that as these books are definitely light on angst and keep themselves rather firmly in the fluffy category.
The accidents and close calls that the Duke ends up dodging were thrilling and mysterious but after the reveal I'm left wondering.. how? Why? The ending prevents us from getting a lot of answers and once again I'm left rather adrift and a bit disappointed. Which makes for a lame segue into this next point but the author's love scenes are just.. okay. The build up of chemistry is definitely better than the culmination in my opinion.
That being said, this book did feel stronger and while Beth didn't really grab me or offer anything particularly compelling as a heroine -- in fact I enjoyed reading about the dowager duchess more than her companion -- I have pretty high hopes for the younger sister, Julie. I look forward to rounding out this series with her story and am very interested to see who Bennett pairs her with.
3 "kiss-ass grandmother" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
October 29, 2018
I DARED THE DUKE
(The Wayward Wallflowers: #2)
Written by Anna Bennett
2017; St. Martin’s Press Paperbacks (334 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, romance, historical romance
Rating: ★★★★
In the second book, we meet Meg's middle sister, Beth Lacey. Beth has become a companion to Alexander Savage's, the Duke of Blackshire, dowager grandmother and enjoys it until Alex comes home. Alex is known for his ornery ways, having women seduce him for his prowess and scars from a house fire. Alex has returned home after being poisoned and then having his carriage tampered with. Someone is trying to kill him, and until he finds the killer he needs to move his grandmother to the country. Beth could help him with that but first insists he must grant his grandmother 3 wishes so that she does not feel like he doesn't want her around. As he dodges further threats, and tries to make his grandmother happy he finds himself falling for the girl he once dubbed the Wilting Wallflower.
I really like Beth's sassy attitude and Alex's brooding as their banter and romance is fun. With the hint of mystery and suspense, of who is after Alex, I liked this novel even better than the first book. The dowager and Beth's uncle steal the show with their humour and endearing moments. This is another fun historical romance.
***I received an eARC from PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
(The Wayward Wallflowers: #2)
Written by Anna Bennett
2017; St. Martin’s Press Paperbacks (334 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, romance, historical romance
Rating: ★★★★
In the second book, we meet Meg's middle sister, Beth Lacey. Beth has become a companion to Alexander Savage's, the Duke of Blackshire, dowager grandmother and enjoys it until Alex comes home. Alex is known for his ornery ways, having women seduce him for his prowess and scars from a house fire. Alex has returned home after being poisoned and then having his carriage tampered with. Someone is trying to kill him, and until he finds the killer he needs to move his grandmother to the country. Beth could help him with that but first insists he must grant his grandmother 3 wishes so that she does not feel like he doesn't want her around. As he dodges further threats, and tries to make his grandmother happy he finds himself falling for the girl he once dubbed the Wilting Wallflower.
I really like Beth's sassy attitude and Alex's brooding as their banter and romance is fun. With the hint of mystery and suspense, of who is after Alex, I liked this novel even better than the first book. The dowager and Beth's uncle steal the show with their humour and endearing moments. This is another fun historical romance.
***I received an eARC from PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
February 22, 2017
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
This is the second book in the Wayward Wallflowers series and is just as entertaining as the first book.
This story centers on Elizabeth Lacey aka Beth, the sister of the heroine in the first book and Alexander aka Alex, Duke of Blackshire.
Alex has a reputation for being a legendary lover, he is also known for his scars and his grumpy nature He also has a problem, someone is trying to kill him.
Beth is a fixer, she lives to solve other people problems and to feel useful. Because of this, she agreed to become the companion to the elderly Dowager Duchess of Blackshire. She genuinely likes the older woman and when her grandson, the duke shows up unexpectedly and tries to fire her, Beth is outraged and refuses to leave. When Alex tries to change his tact and have her and his grandmother leave London. Instead of complying, Beth bargains with the duke and promises to leave and take his grandmother with her to the country, if Alex promises to grant the older woman three wishes.
The book is well written, has some spicy moments, a decent mystery, some surprising revelations and a very sweet ending.
While this book is the second in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title.
I am really enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next book!
This is the second book in the Wayward Wallflowers series and is just as entertaining as the first book.
This story centers on Elizabeth Lacey aka Beth, the sister of the heroine in the first book and Alexander aka Alex, Duke of Blackshire.
Alex has a reputation for being a legendary lover, he is also known for his scars and his grumpy nature He also has a problem, someone is trying to kill him.
Beth is a fixer, she lives to solve other people problems and to feel useful. Because of this, she agreed to become the companion to the elderly Dowager Duchess of Blackshire. She genuinely likes the older woman and when her grandson, the duke shows up unexpectedly and tries to fire her, Beth is outraged and refuses to leave. When Alex tries to change his tact and have her and his grandmother leave London. Instead of complying, Beth bargains with the duke and promises to leave and take his grandmother with her to the country, if Alex promises to grant the older woman three wishes.
The book is well written, has some spicy moments, a decent mystery, some surprising revelations and a very sweet ending.
While this book is the second in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title.
I am really enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next book!
March 31, 2017
I'm really enjoying Anna Bennett's writing! Her characters have such a spark with each other. It's great.
Here we have Alex, the Duke of Blackshire. Someone is trying to kill him. So, he must get his grandmother to go to the countryside to protect her. There's a problem with that though. Sje has a new companion, Beth Lacey, one of the Wilting Wallflowers. Beth believes him to be an u.caring rake and sort of blackmails him into spending some time with his grandmother before she suggests they leave the city. And that's when he learnsn Beth isn't a wallflower at all.
I loved Beth! She had spunk and gave it as good as she got it from Alex. Alex was pretending to be someone he wasn't and had this awesome soft side that Beth brought out.
The mystery of who wanted Alex dead kept me guessing right up until the end. I loved how it was resolved :)
*thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy of this with me*
Here we have Alex, the Duke of Blackshire. Someone is trying to kill him. So, he must get his grandmother to go to the countryside to protect her. There's a problem with that though. Sje has a new companion, Beth Lacey, one of the Wilting Wallflowers. Beth believes him to be an u.caring rake and sort of blackmails him into spending some time with his grandmother before she suggests they leave the city. And that's when he learnsn Beth isn't a wallflower at all.
I loved Beth! She had spunk and gave it as good as she got it from Alex. Alex was pretending to be someone he wasn't and had this awesome soft side that Beth brought out.
The mystery of who wanted Alex dead kept me guessing right up until the end. I loved how it was resolved :)
*thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy of this with me*
June 8, 2017
Sometimes when I can't decide on what to read, I ask my sister to help me make a choice. I tell her I'm hesitating between a cowboy romance or a paranormal and she choose the genre for me. That's what she choose for me yesterday so thank you Marie, you choose well :)
Sometimes you give a book 5 star and think it's well deserved, but sometimes you wish you could rate it more than 5 star. That's what I thought when I finished this one. I devoured it! There were so many good lines, wonderful characters, an engaging story and a compelling romance. It was my first time reading this author and obviously it won't be the last. Even if I haven't read the first book in the series, there's little tidbits who made me know that it's about sisters who've been made ridiculed and dubbed Wallflowers by the ton.
With the first paragraph I was hooked.
"Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, was known throughout the ton for three things: the horrific burn scars on his neck, his distinctly ornery disposition, and his undisputed skill at... that is, his innate ability to...er,a certain knack for pleasing-
Blast it, the duke was good in bed."
The author never lost my attention throughout the whole book. The writing style was fresh, witty and delightful.
Elizabeth Lacey accepted a temporary arrangement to be the companion of the Duke's grandmother. But nobody asked his opinion and when he learn about it and meet Beth for the first time, they instantly rub each other up the wrong way. Bickering, when not done properly can become annoying. It's so not the case in this book. Even when they were still arguing after consummation it was still funny and part of the charm. And how I enjoyed when they were trying to pretend they're not having a spat when the dowager was in front of them.
"Good evening, Miss Lacey."
"Your grace."
"Impressive."
"What's impressive?"
"Your ability to make a simple greeting sound like an insult. Not everyone can manage it, you know."
"Well, his grangmother said smoothly, "I, for one, think that the gown you're wearing tonight is perfectly lovely. Don't you agree, Alexander?"
"It is a fine gown."
In truth, he noticed the gown far less than the graceful column of her neck, the smooth skin of her shoulders, and the delectable swells of her breasts. But he'd sooner tie himself to a whipping post than admit he found Miss Lacey attractive."
Alex need his grandmother to move out of his house. Not because he's a cad or he doesn't adore her, but because two attempts had been made on his life and he fears for her safety. He must find who's trying to kill him. The back cover made me think he must grant Beth three wishes but in reality, Beth asked he grant the three wishes to his grandmother.
The heroine is a fixer: she like to help and right wrongs. She's clever, perceptive and she's quick at repartee. At first, Alex is a bit arrogant and impatient. He gave order (that Beth didn't follow :p). The transition for him between being pompous to a kind and sweet hero was fluid and natural. And he had a disarming honesty(except for one fact that could affect their relationship) that I found completely alluring. I adored the nickname he gave Beth. The Dowager was a lovely character. She had a girlish quality to her since she's was so enthusiastic.
I can't believe I have to wait till 2018 to read the next but I'm definitively ordering the first book in the series right this second.
"I like the way I feel when I'm with you. Even when we're bickering with each other, I know we're really on the same side...and that we can depend on each other. When I'm with you, I'm more than a scarred, ornery duke. I'm the one who can make you sigh and smile. And I like that job."
"Do you ever wish," she breathed, "that you could bottle up a feeling and save it?"
Sometimes you give a book 5 star and think it's well deserved, but sometimes you wish you could rate it more than 5 star. That's what I thought when I finished this one. I devoured it! There were so many good lines, wonderful characters, an engaging story and a compelling romance. It was my first time reading this author and obviously it won't be the last. Even if I haven't read the first book in the series, there's little tidbits who made me know that it's about sisters who've been made ridiculed and dubbed Wallflowers by the ton.
With the first paragraph I was hooked.
"Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, was known throughout the ton for three things: the horrific burn scars on his neck, his distinctly ornery disposition, and his undisputed skill at... that is, his innate ability to...er,a certain knack for pleasing-
Blast it, the duke was good in bed."
The author never lost my attention throughout the whole book. The writing style was fresh, witty and delightful.
Elizabeth Lacey accepted a temporary arrangement to be the companion of the Duke's grandmother. But nobody asked his opinion and when he learn about it and meet Beth for the first time, they instantly rub each other up the wrong way. Bickering, when not done properly can become annoying. It's so not the case in this book. Even when they were still arguing after consummation it was still funny and part of the charm. And how I enjoyed when they were trying to pretend they're not having a spat when the dowager was in front of them.
"Good evening, Miss Lacey."
"Your grace."
"Impressive."
"What's impressive?"
"Your ability to make a simple greeting sound like an insult. Not everyone can manage it, you know."
"Well, his grangmother said smoothly, "I, for one, think that the gown you're wearing tonight is perfectly lovely. Don't you agree, Alexander?"
"It is a fine gown."
In truth, he noticed the gown far less than the graceful column of her neck, the smooth skin of her shoulders, and the delectable swells of her breasts. But he'd sooner tie himself to a whipping post than admit he found Miss Lacey attractive."
Alex need his grandmother to move out of his house. Not because he's a cad or he doesn't adore her, but because two attempts had been made on his life and he fears for her safety. He must find who's trying to kill him. The back cover made me think he must grant Beth three wishes but in reality, Beth asked he grant the three wishes to his grandmother.
The heroine is a fixer: she like to help and right wrongs. She's clever, perceptive and she's quick at repartee. At first, Alex is a bit arrogant and impatient. He gave order (that Beth didn't follow :p). The transition for him between being pompous to a kind and sweet hero was fluid and natural. And he had a disarming honesty(except for one fact that could affect their relationship) that I found completely alluring. I adored the nickname he gave Beth. The Dowager was a lovely character. She had a girlish quality to her since she's was so enthusiastic.
I can't believe I have to wait till 2018 to read the next but I'm definitively ordering the first book in the series right this second.
"I like the way I feel when I'm with you. Even when we're bickering with each other, I know we're really on the same side...and that we can depend on each other. When I'm with you, I'm more than a scarred, ornery duke. I'm the one who can make you sigh and smile. And I like that job."
"Do you ever wish," she breathed, "that you could bottle up a feeling and save it?"
April 4, 2017
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/04/review-...
Favorite Quote: “This was the kiss she’d been waiting for forever. And she hadn’t even known till that moment.”
Grade: C+
I Dared the Duke by Anne Bennett is the second story in her Wayward Wallflower series which is based on a trio of orphaned sisters. A classic romance with its faint Cinderella theme. A scandalous Duke falls for his grandmother’s beautiful companion and they live happily ever after. What makes this story interesting is the characters themselves. Our companion is a companion by choice, not because of economic or social factors. Our Duke is anything but scandalous.The many rumors that surround him are just that…rumors…From their first meeting, this affordable and personable couple amused me with their witty, energetic banter and simmering chemistry.
The story starts out on a bang with our hero and heroine sharpening their verbal swords on one another as the Duke, Alex, tries to fire the companion, Beth. Alex is determined to get his grandmother out of London and away from him due to the near fatal events that seem to befall him lately. Behaving in his usual overbearing snotty self, he attempts to browbeat Beth into quitting and finds himself quite intrigued when she turns the tables on him.
“Now then,” he drawled. “I believe Miss Lacey has something of import she wished to tell us.”
“Why no, your grace. I’ve nothing to share. Nothing at all.”
“Are you quite certain you have nothing to share?”
“I am.”
“I believe you had some news concerning your own situation.”
“Situation is such a vague word, is it not? It could refer to a number of topics. I’m afraid you will have to be more specific.”
Alex and Beth dance around one another and the topic at hand until Beth finally offers Alex a deal. If he grants his grandmother three wishes, she’ll help to convince her to leave. Beth just wants the Duke to spend some time with his grandmother. His grandmother adores him and to Beth family is everything.
Elizabeth (Beth) Lacey and her two sisters were orphaned and left penniless when their parents are killed in an accident. Only their uncle, Lord Wiltmore, is willing to take them in and his odd reputation doesn’t exactly ensure their welcome into society. Their uncle adores them and just wants them to be happy but Beth and her sisters are given an unfortunate nickname that follows them around the ballrooms for years; making them the recipient of snubs and jokes made at their expense. Though Beth is tired of being humiliated through no fault of her own, she accepts a position as the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire companion as a favor to her uncle knowing it will place her in society’s sights again. Beth loves to feel needed and while she the epitome of a well-bred lady, she is quite amusing with her dry wit, subtle set downs, and sheer stubbornness.
“Good evening, Miss Lacey.”
“Your grace.”
“Impressive.”
“What’s impressive?”
“You ability to make a simple greeting sound like an insult. Not everyone can manage it, you know.”
Alex, the Duke of Blackshire, is not quite the cold, detached jerk he presents himself to be at the beginning. Someone is trying to kill him and he fears for grandmother’s life. His grandmother is his heart. He lost both his parents in a fire at a young age. She not only raised him but nursed him back to health when he was injured in that fire. He is unable to comfortably investigate while worrying for her safety but refuses to tell anyone (beyond his best friend) what is going on. When he and Beth first meet, it is like mixing oil and water. They repel one another all while trying to co-exist in the same space.
“Aren’t you one of Lord Wiltmore’s ___?”
“Wallflowers?” she provided. “How kind of you mention it, “ she added dryly.
He raised a dark brow. “I was going to say nieces.”
She shrugged. “Perhaps. But you were thinking wallflowers.”
“I am fascinated by your uncanny ability to know what I am thinking. If you can predict what I’m going to say before I say it, this whole conversation is rather pointless.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Are we through?”
As they spend more time together, the attraction between them intensifies yet they both feel that nothing can come of it. Alex has secrets, one especially that revolves around Beth and her sisters. One that he is convinced will cause her to hate him. Beth is sure that Alex will grow bored and eventually leave her as everyone always does. Emotions run high and the sexual teasing and tension is quite delicious as Bennett slowly but steadily leads them towards their destiny. Nicely framed love scenes dot the landscape to invigorate the reader as this couple takes advantage of a few stolen moments.
It was a heady feeling, being in the arms of London’s most notorious lover. Before this kiss, she never understood why otherwise perfectly intelligent women would sully heir reputations for a night with him. But as he speared his fingers through her hair and trailed kisses down the side of her neck, she understood all too well.
A hint of mystery adds to the overall anticipation of the story though the two storylines don’t blend was well as I would hope. Bennett attempts to merge them in the end but it comes off a bit rushed and forced.
The secondary characters are an interesting and diverse group used to create depth and to help push the story along. Beth’s uncle and sisters are quite frank and affectionate. They rush en mass when Beth is in trouble and I enjoyed their interactions. Alex’s grandmother is a pip and her matchmaking attempts weren’t all that subtle. Alex’s best friend plays a strong role and I hope we see more of him in the future. I do wish that the story hadn’t stayed so insulated on this couple. I would have enjoyed seeing them interact together with the outside world more. To be honest, I don’t even know the dates/era of this world. Regency? Georgian? Victorian? That’s how focused Bennett is.
The mystery wraps up in a surprisingly dramatic fashion with the villain unmasked and dealt with by a shocking source while Alex lays his childhood guilt to rest with a heroic act. All in all a pleasantly lightweight and amusing historical romance that is sure to elicit a happy sigh from its readers. Though part of a series, each book can be read comfortably as a standalone. The next sister’s story will be told in The Rogue is Back in Town-set to release January 2018.
Favorite Quote: “This was the kiss she’d been waiting for forever. And she hadn’t even known till that moment.”
Grade: C+
I Dared the Duke by Anne Bennett is the second story in her Wayward Wallflower series which is based on a trio of orphaned sisters. A classic romance with its faint Cinderella theme. A scandalous Duke falls for his grandmother’s beautiful companion and they live happily ever after. What makes this story interesting is the characters themselves. Our companion is a companion by choice, not because of economic or social factors. Our Duke is anything but scandalous.The many rumors that surround him are just that…rumors…From their first meeting, this affordable and personable couple amused me with their witty, energetic banter and simmering chemistry.
The story starts out on a bang with our hero and heroine sharpening their verbal swords on one another as the Duke, Alex, tries to fire the companion, Beth. Alex is determined to get his grandmother out of London and away from him due to the near fatal events that seem to befall him lately. Behaving in his usual overbearing snotty self, he attempts to browbeat Beth into quitting and finds himself quite intrigued when she turns the tables on him.
“Now then,” he drawled. “I believe Miss Lacey has something of import she wished to tell us.”
“Why no, your grace. I’ve nothing to share. Nothing at all.”
“Are you quite certain you have nothing to share?”
“I am.”
“I believe you had some news concerning your own situation.”
“Situation is such a vague word, is it not? It could refer to a number of topics. I’m afraid you will have to be more specific.”
Alex and Beth dance around one another and the topic at hand until Beth finally offers Alex a deal. If he grants his grandmother three wishes, she’ll help to convince her to leave. Beth just wants the Duke to spend some time with his grandmother. His grandmother adores him and to Beth family is everything.
Elizabeth (Beth) Lacey and her two sisters were orphaned and left penniless when their parents are killed in an accident. Only their uncle, Lord Wiltmore, is willing to take them in and his odd reputation doesn’t exactly ensure their welcome into society. Their uncle adores them and just wants them to be happy but Beth and her sisters are given an unfortunate nickname that follows them around the ballrooms for years; making them the recipient of snubs and jokes made at their expense. Though Beth is tired of being humiliated through no fault of her own, she accepts a position as the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire companion as a favor to her uncle knowing it will place her in society’s sights again. Beth loves to feel needed and while she the epitome of a well-bred lady, she is quite amusing with her dry wit, subtle set downs, and sheer stubbornness.
“Good evening, Miss Lacey.”
“Your grace.”
“Impressive.”
“What’s impressive?”
“You ability to make a simple greeting sound like an insult. Not everyone can manage it, you know.”
Alex, the Duke of Blackshire, is not quite the cold, detached jerk he presents himself to be at the beginning. Someone is trying to kill him and he fears for grandmother’s life. His grandmother is his heart. He lost both his parents in a fire at a young age. She not only raised him but nursed him back to health when he was injured in that fire. He is unable to comfortably investigate while worrying for her safety but refuses to tell anyone (beyond his best friend) what is going on. When he and Beth first meet, it is like mixing oil and water. They repel one another all while trying to co-exist in the same space.
“Aren’t you one of Lord Wiltmore’s ___?”
“Wallflowers?” she provided. “How kind of you mention it, “ she added dryly.
He raised a dark brow. “I was going to say nieces.”
She shrugged. “Perhaps. But you were thinking wallflowers.”
“I am fascinated by your uncanny ability to know what I am thinking. If you can predict what I’m going to say before I say it, this whole conversation is rather pointless.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Are we through?”
As they spend more time together, the attraction between them intensifies yet they both feel that nothing can come of it. Alex has secrets, one especially that revolves around Beth and her sisters. One that he is convinced will cause her to hate him. Beth is sure that Alex will grow bored and eventually leave her as everyone always does. Emotions run high and the sexual teasing and tension is quite delicious as Bennett slowly but steadily leads them towards their destiny. Nicely framed love scenes dot the landscape to invigorate the reader as this couple takes advantage of a few stolen moments.
It was a heady feeling, being in the arms of London’s most notorious lover. Before this kiss, she never understood why otherwise perfectly intelligent women would sully heir reputations for a night with him. But as he speared his fingers through her hair and trailed kisses down the side of her neck, she understood all too well.
A hint of mystery adds to the overall anticipation of the story though the two storylines don’t blend was well as I would hope. Bennett attempts to merge them in the end but it comes off a bit rushed and forced.
The secondary characters are an interesting and diverse group used to create depth and to help push the story along. Beth’s uncle and sisters are quite frank and affectionate. They rush en mass when Beth is in trouble and I enjoyed their interactions. Alex’s grandmother is a pip and her matchmaking attempts weren’t all that subtle. Alex’s best friend plays a strong role and I hope we see more of him in the future. I do wish that the story hadn’t stayed so insulated on this couple. I would have enjoyed seeing them interact together with the outside world more. To be honest, I don’t even know the dates/era of this world. Regency? Georgian? Victorian? That’s how focused Bennett is.
The mystery wraps up in a surprisingly dramatic fashion with the villain unmasked and dealt with by a shocking source while Alex lays his childhood guilt to rest with a heroic act. All in all a pleasantly lightweight and amusing historical romance that is sure to elicit a happy sigh from its readers. Though part of a series, each book can be read comfortably as a standalone. The next sister’s story will be told in The Rogue is Back in Town-set to release January 2018.
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