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League of Dukes #6

Fearless Duke

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Miss Isabella Hilgrove, proprietress of the Ladies’ Typewriting School, prides herself on the quality of her staff. After the Duke of Westmorland sacks the third typist she has sent him in as many days, she’s not just outraged, she’s determined to put the arrogant bully in his place.

Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmorland, is having the worst week of his life. A bomb has exploded on London Bridge, the Special League is unraveling, and he cannot seem to find a secretary who is not a spineless watering pot. When the prim and proper Miss Hilgrove arrives on his doorstep, calling him everything but a gentleman, he can’t resist toying with her.

Their mutual attempts to teach each other a lesson quickly turn into something more. But danger is in the air, and the brooding duke and the self-avowed spinster are about to become targets of the most lethal menace London has faced…

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2020

1175 people are currently reading
412 people want to read

About the author

Scarlett Scott

121 books1,563 followers
USA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.

For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com

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5 stars
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238 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Leo.
4,986 reviews627 followers
March 15, 2021
2.5 stars. I enjoyed the beginning of the story when Miss Isabella Hilgrove who is a proprietess for a Ladies typewriting school goes and inspect why the duke Westmoreland keeps fiering and being very rude to her typewriters that she sent for work for him. I enjoyed the quick banter and that's is clearly was a spark between them but there was a decent enemy's to lovers thing between them. However the end especially made me cringe. It was just to sickly sweet, way to much. A deep love for each other by the end of it, is of course what I want in a romance. But the two lovebirds just was cringy to listen to!
Profile Image for Sonia N..
996 reviews65 followers
May 11, 2020
This was such a fun read, but sad that this is the last book in this captivating series!

I loved Miss. Isabella Hillgrove, she owns and runs a school for ladies to learn how to type and find good work. She is upset that the Duke of Westmorland has sent three of her typists back crying.
She goes to his home and demands an audience with the Duke. The Duke is intrigued and fascinated with the feisty and demanding Miss. Hillgrove, and I laughed when he kept calling her "Miss. Orange Grove and Miss. Kill Joy". She'd get so flustered with him, but he enjoyed it.
The Duke is a special agent for the country, and they have been under attack by the Fenians. He needs a typist for his dictations. So, he asks her for 7 days to be his typist and then he will endorse/recommend her school.
The attraction between them during the seven days is palpable. But, she feels she cannot work with/for him due their attraction and him being a Duke.
As the storyline progresses, the plot has hot attraction, and intrigue. Suspenseful and drama and of course, it was funny, and romantic.
This is a well written story and true to the Victorian era. I loved it so much, the entire series draws you into the characters and the storyline. A true page-turner and steamy love scenes, with a happily ever after!
I was given this ARC by the Author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Christi (christireadsalot).
2,794 reviews1,439 followers
January 24, 2023
Fearless Duke is the 6th and final book in the League of Dukes series by Scarlett Scott. I had a great time with this whole series (books 1, 2, and 5 are my favs). And I can’t wait to read more books from this author next.

In this we follow Miss Isabella, the proprietress of the Ladies’ Typewriting School. Isabella can’t believe how many of her typists have been fired so she sets off to speak to the man who keeps firing them. Benedict, Duke of Westmorland, has fired 3 typists that Isabella has sent to him as prospective secretaries in 3 days. She marches into his office angered and ready to have it out with them over all of the firings.

The banter between these two was so much fun right from the start, he calls her “Miss Kill Joy”. The way the author writes the beginning of her stories always just pulls you in. Isabella begins working for Benedict, who is a special agent for, and it becomes their romance. Their chemistry is a lot of fun and apparent right away, the banter was great, we even get some suspense happening and some kidnapping! Loved the epilogue and end of the series for all the characters.
Profile Image for Serial Romance Librarian.
1,190 reviews299 followers
May 28, 2020
Miss Isabella Hilgrove, proprietress of the Ladies’ Typewriting School, sent her top three typists to the Duke of Westmorland in order to assist him with home office documents. All three were sacked and returned to Miss. Hilgrove in dismay. Of course, she has to go see the Duke to determine the problem!
Isabella:



Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmorland, is under a great deal of stress due to a Fenian bombing on London Bridge. The Special League is under a great deal of pressure to apprehend the plotters. The last thing he needs is an incompetent secretary.
Benedict:


Benedict and Isabella could have never anticipated their mutual attraction and a great deal of adventure and romance ensues. This is a fun story with a lot of steam. Mrs. Scarlett Scott is one of my favorite historical romance authors. I will miss this series!

2,440 reviews27 followers
May 28, 2020
This was a most engaging read. I loved the banter between Isabella Hilgrove and Benedict, Duke of Westmorland. Isabella was very independent, determined and stubborn. Benedict, a handsome and arrogant duke, was used to getting his own way and sparks did fly in a manner of ways when they were together. They were attracted to each other but Isabella wanted her independence and she felt unworthy when compared to his higher status. Isabella wanted to improve the lot of women in the work place by training typists and there are the meetings to provide funds for the suffragette movement. There is also the threat of the dangerous Fenians. Benedict’s sister was also an entertaining character and I look forward to reading her story.
Profile Image for Jae.
693 reviews178 followers
May 31, 2020
Cold, hot then cold again. Sum up the heroine. I rolled my eyes every few chapters. Exhausting.
I didn't like the earlier books either. SS is not for me I guess.
Profile Image for Averie.
1,121 reviews1,724 followers
March 2, 2023
Benedict is the leader of the Special League and needs a typewriter to help him with his business. But he keeps firing all the women hired to fill the position. Isabella is the proprietress of the typewriting school where these women attend, and she is furious at this duke. She marches herself into his office to confront him but leaves with an arrangement in place. If she is able to be his typewriter for a week, he will promote her typewriting school. However, things get a little out of hand when their hateful banter turns into something a tad lustful.

This was such an entertaining read! I loved the banter between these two! That was definitely my favorite aspect of the book. Personally, I think there are better books in the series. But I thought this one was a great conclusion and I love how we got a little peak into all of the couples in this series :)

TROPES: different social classes, dukes, great banter, hate to love, historical romance, workplace
Profile Image for Yakhdoor (Daios’s Version༄).
180 reviews7 followers
June 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ *sighs* Isabella is a better woman than me cause I would have folded and given up my life’s work, and my life, for this man after the first touch. The tension in this book had my heart wrenching.

What a sensational ending to my favorite series🧎🏻‍♀️

The truth that this quote rings:

"I understand all too well your desire to maintain your freedom. But believe me when I tell you that love with the right man will not feel like a cage, entrapping you. It will feel instead as if you are a bird, set free to fly for the first time."
‎دُرر دُرر
Profile Image for OnceUponATime.
27 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2020
A wonderful end to this series!!

A fearless duke, a lady typewriter, and a book of poetry...otherwise known as Benny, Miss Killjoy, and lovesick twaddle. Haha! What a treat!

Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmorland, works for the Home Office. He is working to put a stop to the recent London bombings & bring the Fenians responsible to justice.

Miss Isabella Hilgrove is the owner of a typewriter school for women. She has sent 3 different typists to the Duke. Each one was sacked & returned, terrified of the man. Isabella decides to give the Duke a piece of her mind.

Benedict loves to nettle her, calling her Miss Orange Grove, Miss Killjoy, etc. She is bold & thorny & Benedict likes it. He does not, however, like the way she affects him. In turn, Isabella finds Benedict to be an insufferable, arrogant tyrant. Despite this, she feels an overpowering attraction to him...which displeases her greatly.

I love the banter between these two, as they fight their attraction. The sexual tension is simmering & delicious. Their attraction takes on a desperate quality, and any good outcome seems devastatingly impossible. The chemistry between these characters is scorching, impatient & beautiful.

I loved Isabella’s proud defiance as she stood her ground. But as danger strikes & the pair grows closer, we see a softer side to Benedict, casting him a different light. Is there a future for this duke & shopkeeper’s daughter? Is the difference in stations insurmountable?

This was a perfect ending to the League of Dukes series! And the epilogue was so beautifully written! While I am sad to see this incredible series end, I am so excited for the next series!

If you have never read a book by Scarlett Scott, do yourself a favor and read one. She is an amazing author who draws you in and keeps you hooked for the entire book. Her books are entertaining, witty, beautiful, and HIGHLY ADDICTIVE! She can not write a bad book, people. I’m convinced it’s impossible! Thank you for another amazing book, Scarlett Scott!

I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.



9 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2020
Fearless Duke is not just another book in the League of Dukes series, but a fitting end. The Duke of Westmoreland is still finding his footing, not only as the newly appointed Duke, but as the leader of the Special League during such a trying time. Benedict Manning is truly trying to find his place in the world...is he Duke, Leader looked upon by so many, a man in his own right and most important, is he not only someone who can accept love but give love in return?

Enter Isasbella Hillgrove, propriteress of the Ladies Typewriting School. Isabella is headstrong and determined to make her way in the world, alone. She is also a champion of the rights of women and wants to ensure that any woman who needs and/or wants to secure their own future has a way to do so, without being controlled by a man.

Benedict and Isabella meet in a very unconventional way and they challenge one another throughout the book, while discovering not only who each of them truly are, but that they are open to loving and being loved. Scarlett once again hits it out of the park by placing the reader in London and the surrounding areas during such a tumultous time in history. The reader can picture their self in libraries, the ballrooms, various historical sites, and simply walking down the fog shrouded streets of London.

Although this can certainly be a stand-alone read, do not discount the other 5 books in the series if you have not read them. Scarlett wrapped up the stories of the characters in the other 5 books for us all, while teasing us by giving us a snippet of what is to come...The Notorious Ladies of London series. While "social distancing," if you have only one choice of books to read, grab Fearless Duke and enjoy!
Profile Image for Janet.
5,173 reviews65 followers
May 27, 2020
Miss Isabella Hilgrove, proprietress of the Ladies’ Typewriting School, prides herself on the quality of her staff. After the Duke of Westmorland sacks the third typist she has sent him in as many days, she’s not just outraged, she’s determined to put the arrogant bully in his place. Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmorland, is having the worst few weeks of his life. A bomb has exploded on London Bridge, the Special League is unravelling, and he cannot seem to find a secretary who is not a spineless watering pot. When the prim and proper Miss Hilgrove arrives on his doorstep, calling him everything but a gentleman, he can’t resist toying with her.
This is the sixth & final book in the series & what a series it’s been, yes this book could be read on its own but seriously when a series is this good it needs to be read in its entirety. Another well written page turner that kept me engrossed from cover to cover. I loved Isabella, her dowdy clothes & independence & how she fell for Benedict. However I adored Benedict the upright head of the Special League who didn’t believe in love & poetry but who fell oh so hard & fast for Isabella. This was a lovely romance, the sexual chemistry & tension was electric even though it was a long way into the book before they even kissed. I also loved their verbal bantering - heck I just loved everything about it. The icing on this very delicious cake was the epilogue, which rounded the series off to perfection. I’m also thrilled that Cally will have her story in a new series.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Denise .
931 reviews9 followers
May 29, 2020
I’m not going to reiterate information you can get from the blurb or other reviews. I just want to tell you why I think you should read this book about Benedict and Isabella. Scarlett Scott is an author whose books always sweep you up into another time and place, and pull you deeply into the power of the story. Her writing style is fluid and beautiful. An example - In describing the first kiss between the 2 main characters, “She tasted like something he had been starving for without having ever known it existed.” It’s a sentence that says so much about Benedict’s past, present and future, without being overwrought. Scenes and thoughts and emotions are described so well by the author that you can feel and understand them viscerally.

This story is an emotional and sweeping adventure. But nothing ever feels forced. You never suspect that a moment of action or passion or drama is thrown in for filler; the plot is well-constructed and fast-paced.

I appreciate how this author always researches very well the historical context into which she places her characters and her story, and that she takes the time to include notes on historical accuracy. This book can absolutely be read a stand-alone, but if you have not read the others in the League of Dukes series, you are missing out on 5 great books. They are all 5 star reads.
Profile Image for Amy Alvis.
2,041 reviews84 followers
May 24, 2020
Isabella can't believe that the Duke of Westmoreland sent away 3 of her typists. She is determined to find out why he is bullying her girls. But after she arrives at his home, she ends up agreeing to be his typists for a week. If she performs up to his standards, he will place an add in the paper praising her girls. Can she last the week or will she walk out early over his high handedness?

With everything that is going on with the bombings in London, Benedict has no time to get his notes typed up. After letting go three of his typists, their boss shows up on his doorstep to see what the issue is. Benedict is intrigued by Isabella upon meeting her and goads her to agreeing to work for him for a week. But the more time he spends with her, just increases his fascination with her.

When Isabella gets dragged into the current intrigue, Benedict does his best to protect her by moving her into his home. Can they end the threat to London and get the HEA neither thought they wanted?

I loved Isabella and Benedict's story!! I was so happy when I saw that Westmoreland was going to get his HEA after having him pop up in several of the previous books in the series. I loved that Isabella was a self made woman and had created a business for herself that allowed other woman to do the same. I think that the struggle she had with this, made her a bit feistier than she normally would have been and that gave her the courage to stand up to Benedict, who as a duke, wouldn't normally have been spoken to in the ways that she did. It was good to knock him down a few pegs!!

I'm so sad that this series has come to an end as I've throughly enjoyed it, but am very excited to see what Scott comes up with next!!
2,420 reviews22 followers
May 26, 2020
Some of my favorite character traits are in this book. A very strong woman, a grumpy man, very clever banter and you throw in the enemies to lovers trope and you have me hooked. Bombings, kidnapping, intrigue and instant attraction (and more) pepper this story of Benedict (now the head of the Special League) and Isabella (a typewriter). Even though Benedict is strict and rough around the edges when it comes to social graces with Isabella, when she is kidnapped you feel his heartache and can see his vulnerabilities which is my favorite part of this story. A great ending to this series. If you love “Victorian romantic suspense” give this series a try, it is fantastic.

Oh, let’s not forget Benedict’s sister, Callie, who is outrageous and puts Benedict on edge. Yes, she is getting a book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,446 reviews28 followers
May 30, 2020
Typed and set

Isabella is a proprietor of a Typewriter School! Benedict has sacked the last 3 women sent to type his reports! Isabella enters and it is like static electricity between them! Isabella is immediately entranced but her good name is what keeps her and several women gainfully employed! Those dastardly Finanians are at it again blowing up stuff all over London! They can barely remain in the same room without heat simmering like an open fire! When Isabella is kidnapped all bets are off! Benedict will do whatever it takes for this feisty fierce woman he has grown to love! The banter between them is off the charts!
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
May 28, 2020
Fearless Duke by Scarlett Scott is book 6 in the League of Dukes Series. This is the story of Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmorland and Isabella Hilgrove. I have read the previous books (and loved them) but felt this can be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Benedict is a special agent who needs someone to type of his dictation. But he keeps scaring the women off because of his gruff attitude. Isabella runs the Ladies’ Typewriting School, so she is beside herself with the way her students come back from the Duke upset. This leads her to go and confront him which is what starts their story. There are some funny scene but this has adventure also. Really enjoyed their story.
Profile Image for Nicole.
920 reviews15 followers
May 30, 2020
Astounding

I couldn't get enough of this story.. I'm sad to see this is last of the league of dukes but what a way to go. It was such a powerful storyline with so much love,mystery, heartbreak, steam and just so much that has you wanting more.. This book is incredible.. Don't miss out on this Duke ☺
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,422 reviews90 followers
June 17, 2020
Entertaining and fun read. I must read the whole series. Was reading well into early morning, as I couldn't put it down. A lovely story. 5☆
642 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2020
Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmoreland needs a typewriter as he is a very important part of the Home Office's Special League, fighting the Fenians who are bombing London. He has been sent three typewriters home in tears. Miss Isabella Hillgrove owns the Ladies Typewriting School. She prides herself on educating women who need to support themselves. As she goes to confront Benedict as to why he sent the ladies home, she realizes that a government contract would be a great accomplishment for her school. Benedict and Isabella clash like thunder and lightening and only sparks could come of it. There is a deal that he will recommend her school publicly if she works for him and proves she is as good as promised. What is it about Isabella in her dark, buttoned up attire that has him all steamed up? She is hot herself and so are the love scenes in this book. When Isabella gets kidnapped, Benedict knows he loves her but will she give him a chance? I love to see the hero be persistent.  I, also loved Benedict's sister Callie. I received this book for a honest review.
1,296 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2020
A different kind of story!!!

"The lady typewriter and the fearless duke." We end this entertaining collection with a standoff. More than one! Benedict would never fall in love. "A love match then." Yes, yes it is. Being that my career for years was as a secretary I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. The whole concept gave the book its own, unique personality compared to the other books in the series. Not quite as exciting as the other books, but just as entertaining.
94 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2020
First of all, I love Scarlet Scotts books and I have to say I was extremely disappointed with this one! Why?? Because, seriously there was no story.. Isabella Highgrove is a typist for the Duke, and there are very much attracted to each other, from first glance. And Isabella was the most boring, one sided, insecure heroine ever! There was nothing to why the Duke fell for her, except that he was very attracted to her.. There were practically no interesting conversations between them! No humor, nothing interesting except for how they lusted for each other. She keeps refusing him, because of their status differences..thats it. I could barely make myself finish it, it was that boring.
I liked the Duke's character and personality but thats it..the heroine was simply too annoying and irritating.
Profile Image for Karen.
142 reviews
February 28, 2022
This had a good beginning, but it turned out to be pretty dumb. Not much of a conflict like the first four in the series. I DNF'ed it around chapter 15 i think, 20 chapters in all. It was a disappointment although the writing in it self was pretty good. Scott tends to do a lot of repeating the same thoughts again and again, but with the first 4 books in the series I was able to forgive her that, this one just didn't do it for me. Too little about the Fenians - which there was ample room for - and too much of Isabella just straight up doubting Benedict. It was just dumb.
Profile Image for K.
83 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2020
This book is a mess.

“You were mean to my lady typewriters, you ogre duke!”

“You’re a big breasted hoyden!”

Lust!

Erections!

Impropriety!

Typist tears!

Fenians!

Lather, rinse, repeat.

Disappointed to say the least.
Profile Image for Giovanni.
218 reviews36 followers
July 4, 2020
I find the love is hard to believe. There's no actual and genuine interactions or conversations between "I want to fuck them" and "I can't live without them". Ironically, those things happened after one 'realized' they were in love.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,190 reviews
June 21, 2020
DNF at a bare 12%. The protagonists were both SO ANNOYING that I was getting a headache from rolling my eyes so much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews

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