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Girls Who Dare
Matilda and Montagu: The Story So Far
***** This is NOT a new story, but compiled at the request of my readers! *****
Girls who dare – Inside every wallflower is the beating heart of a lioness, a passionate individual willing to risk all for their dream, if only they can find the courage to begin. When these overlooked girls make a pact to change their lives, anything can happen.
Eleven girls – Eleven dares in a hat. Twelve stories of passion. Who will dare to risk it all?
This book is not a new story, but a compilation of all the instances throughout the Girls Who Dare series where Matilda Hunt and Lucian Barrington, Marquess of Montagu interacted and/or corresponded, as well as bits where Matilda, Lucian or Phoebe, Montagu’s niece, may have been thought of or talked about.
That said, this is a wonderful prequel for Matilda’s upcoming story, To Hunt the Hunter and really highlights how their relationship began and how it has progressed over time.
NOTE: While this book and To Hunt a Hunter CAN be read as a standalone, many of the characters would be unknown to the first time reader and reading the Girls Who Dare series is highly recommended.
And now, Matilda & Montagu, the Story so Far!
Happy Reading!
Girls who dare – Inside every wallflower is the beating heart of a lioness, a passionate individual willing to risk all for their dream, if only they can find the courage to begin. When these overlooked girls make a pact to change their lives, anything can happen.
Eleven girls – Eleven dares in a hat. Twelve stories of passion. Who will dare to risk it all?
This book is not a new story, but a compilation of all the instances throughout the Girls Who Dare series where Matilda Hunt and Lucian Barrington, Marquess of Montagu interacted and/or corresponded, as well as bits where Matilda, Lucian or Phoebe, Montagu’s niece, may have been thought of or talked about.
That said, this is a wonderful prequel for Matilda’s upcoming story, To Hunt the Hunter and really highlights how their relationship began and how it has progressed over time.
NOTE: While this book and To Hunt a Hunter CAN be read as a standalone, many of the characters would be unknown to the first time reader and reading the Girls Who Dare series is highly recommended.
And now, Matilda & Montagu, the Story so Far!
Happy Reading!
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2020
147 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Emma V. Leech
114 books800 followersBestselling author hiding mostly in 19th-century England, venturing out only for chocolate and tea.
Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.
EMMA’S BOOKS
Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!
Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.
A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.
The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.
Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.
Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.
Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.
The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.
The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.
The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.
The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.
Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.
EMMA’S BOOKS
Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!
Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.
A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.
The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.
Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.
Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.
Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.
The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.
The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.
The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.
The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 11, 2025
This is a compilation of all the chapters in the previous ten books concerning Matilda and Montagu and they’re all in her POV or the book heroine’s POV.
I listened to the audiobook for the second book in the series and was more interested in Matilda and Montagu than the main couple. I was surprised to learn that their HEA is the second to last book in the series (11 out of 12!!!!). Fortunately, the author compiled all their encounters into one book for readers like me who don’t want to read in order. Thank you!!!🙏🏼
Their relationship reminds me of Pride & Prejudice, so I’ll provide some examples below as well as a summary.
Montagu is a marquess and possesses more power than most dukes in the series. He’s portrayed as a cold, unfeeling man but has a soft spot for his niece, Phoebe (just like Darcy is with his sister). He has a knack for appearing everywhere where Matilda is. He senses that there is something between them and asks her to be his mistress. She refuses, thankfully, since she’s still furious with him for ruining her reputation. As time passes, he begins to feel something more than desire for Matilda. The encounters are never told from his POV so I can only speculate that it’s friendship and then love. He even promises that he will not kiss her or seduce her. That he’ll wait for her to initiate it if she wants it. Why are you such a gentleman?!?! Their first kiss better be worth it!
He owns a huge estate in the country (like Pemberley). He invites Matilda and her friend to tour his home at the request of his niece while he’s away on business. There’s a scene where they’re looking up at a portrait of the marquess and the housekeeper states that there is a “good likeness,” which is line from 2005’s P&P with Keira Knightley.
The beginning of each chapter has excerpts from letters from one character to another. In the later chapters/books, we see letters between Matilda and Montagu. In his letters, he expresses how he misses her and wants to see her. 🥹 They both know he could never marry her because he was raised with traditional values and he’s going to marry for duty. Knowing this, Matilda asks to end their correspondence and acquaintance a few times because they’ll end up feeling miserable if they don’t.
Montagu has an uncle who I think is inspired by Wickham but more dangerous. I suspect he murdered Montagu’s parents and brothers and plans to get rid of Montagu for the title. The book ends when Montagu meets his uncle again after many years. He immediately packs up and returns to the country with Phoebe in tow, who then writes to Matilda, pleading her to come because she’s worried about Montagu.
I suspect his great-aunt is going to try to match him with eligible ladies in the his book and I hope we finally get his POV.
I listened to the audiobook for the second book in the series and was more interested in Matilda and Montagu than the main couple. I was surprised to learn that their HEA is the second to last book in the series (11 out of 12!!!!). Fortunately, the author compiled all their encounters into one book for readers like me who don’t want to read in order. Thank you!!!🙏🏼
Their relationship reminds me of Pride & Prejudice, so I’ll provide some examples below as well as a summary.
Montagu is a marquess and possesses more power than most dukes in the series. He’s portrayed as a cold, unfeeling man but has a soft spot for his niece, Phoebe (just like Darcy is with his sister). He has a knack for appearing everywhere where Matilda is. He senses that there is something between them and asks her to be his mistress. She refuses, thankfully, since she’s still furious with him for ruining her reputation. As time passes, he begins to feel something more than desire for Matilda. The encounters are never told from his POV so I can only speculate that it’s friendship and then love. He even promises that he will not kiss her or seduce her. That he’ll wait for her to initiate it if she wants it. Why are you such a gentleman?!?! Their first kiss better be worth it!
He owns a huge estate in the country (like Pemberley). He invites Matilda and her friend to tour his home at the request of his niece while he’s away on business. There’s a scene where they’re looking up at a portrait of the marquess and the housekeeper states that there is a “good likeness,” which is line from 2005’s P&P with Keira Knightley.
The beginning of each chapter has excerpts from letters from one character to another. In the later chapters/books, we see letters between Matilda and Montagu. In his letters, he expresses how he misses her and wants to see her. 🥹 They both know he could never marry her because he was raised with traditional values and he’s going to marry for duty. Knowing this, Matilda asks to end their correspondence and acquaintance a few times because they’ll end up feeling miserable if they don’t.
Montagu has an uncle who I think is inspired by Wickham but more dangerous. I suspect he murdered Montagu’s parents and brothers and plans to get rid of Montagu for the title. The book ends when Montagu meets his uncle again after many years. He immediately packs up and returns to the country with Phoebe in tow, who then writes to Matilda, pleading her to come because she’s worried about Montagu.
I suspect his great-aunt is going to try to match him with eligible ladies in the his book and I hope we finally get his POV.
December 13, 2021
This was a great preparation for book 11 in the series. I’m all honesty I couldn’t be bothered to read all the other books from 4-10 because I just didn’t find their main characters too interesting BUT in this series unless you read all of The H and h interactions it’s just impossible to follow and understand the plot.
❤️ Matilda and Montagu
❤️ Matilda and Montagu
May 22, 2022
Seriously *the best* idea! I was 100% interested in these characters' story after reading the synopsis of their book but hesitated because I saw it was near the end of a fairly long series of books. I decided to read through the series at a later time and when I went to add it to my wishlist - wha!?!?!?!?! I saw this book!
I felt pretty triumphant. I immediately downloaded it to my kindle and spent a couple of hours reading it.
It made surprising sense considering it was excerpts from previous books. I fell in love with the characters.
After reading this, I read the characters' book straightaway.
Then I went back and started reading the entire series. I have a couple left to go.
I felt pretty triumphant. I immediately downloaded it to my kindle and spent a couple of hours reading it.
It made surprising sense considering it was excerpts from previous books. I fell in love with the characters.
After reading this, I read the characters' book straightaway.
Then I went back and started reading the entire series. I have a couple left to go.
August 31, 2020
Brilliant!
A must read before you read To Hunt the Hunter! This book was a brilliant idea. I’d forgotten about some of the moments between Matilda and Montagu. This was a perfect reminder of their story so far with little reminders of everyone elses story. I’m so glad i read this, a definite must read for fans of the series!
A must read before you read To Hunt the Hunter! This book was a brilliant idea. I’d forgotten about some of the moments between Matilda and Montagu. This was a perfect reminder of their story so far with little reminders of everyone elses story. I’m so glad i read this, a definite must read for fans of the series!
August 25, 2020
Do yourself a favor and read this before reading book 12. It helps to refresh your memory and put events in chronological order in case you forgot.
June 27, 2020
I have suffered, along with the other fans, through Emma Leech's Girls Who Dare Series and Matilda & Montagu's lust, love, denial through every book. We have waited for the wonderful moment when they would admit everything they have been feeling in the past. This book reminded us of all they have been through in each book & NOW the final story is only days away from being fulfilled. I loved this book and the reminders of all Matilda & Montagu have been through up to this point.
A special "thank you" to Emma Leech for writing such a wonderful series and keeping me on the edge of my seat for M & M's throughout the series. I can't wait to laugh, cry and celebrate the final book!
A special "thank you" to Emma Leech for writing such a wonderful series and keeping me on the edge of my seat for M & M's throughout the series. I can't wait to laugh, cry and celebrate the final book!
September 28, 2021
I'm only writing this review to inform readers that reading this book is silly and to just read the entire Girls Who Dare series in the correct order.
Girls Who Dare is a phenomenal historical Regency romance series that has all the stories brilliantly connected to each other.
I can't rave about it enough. Although some of the books have a lot of bedroom sports in them.
But if you suffer from poor memory retention then perhaps you should read this before you read Matilda's story in To Hunt The Hunter for revision and recap.
Girls Who Dare is a phenomenal historical Regency romance series that has all the stories brilliantly connected to each other.
I can't rave about it enough. Although some of the books have a lot of bedroom sports in them.
But if you suffer from poor memory retention then perhaps you should read this before you read Matilda's story in To Hunt The Hunter for revision and recap.
September 13, 2025
I'm so happy the author decided to condense all the interactions between Matilda and Montague. I didn't like Matilda in the first book, but once I read her interactions in the second book, I fell in love with her.
The banter between Matilda and Montague is addictive and I found myself engrossed with their interactions. I can't wait to read through the rest of the series before I get their happy ending, so this book really helps. I'm happy to dive into their story now that I know everything that happened to them between the first 10 books!
The banter between Matilda and Montague is addictive and I found myself engrossed with their interactions. I can't wait to read through the rest of the series before I get their happy ending, so this book really helps. I'm happy to dive into their story now that I know everything that happened to them between the first 10 books!
July 7, 2020
Superb
Just a story of review of Montague and Matilda...but it was such an eye opening! I have been so excited for their story. I do have to say even though Montague is a blonde with silver eyes and from a Kent, he reminds me of our own Southern gentleman, Rhett Butler ! Loved this very much!
Just a story of review of Montague and Matilda...but it was such an eye opening! I have been so excited for their story. I do have to say even though Montague is a blonde with silver eyes and from a Kent, he reminds me of our own Southern gentleman, Rhett Butler ! Loved this very much!
September 27, 2020
Utterly engaging!
I truly left the second book midway and started this one...I was so intrigued by Matilda and Montagu. The way their story has developed through the different books in the series is mesmerising...I thank the author and publishers to think of putting those snippets in a separate book that serves as prequel to their story! It was a wonderful journey!
I truly left the second book midway and started this one...I was so intrigued by Matilda and Montagu. The way their story has developed through the different books in the series is mesmerising...I thank the author and publishers to think of putting those snippets in a separate book that serves as prequel to their story! It was a wonderful journey!
January 2, 2026
holy shit. just holy. shit. this is everything I was looking for in HR - the tension, the social strictures, the YEARNING, the slow burn of them falling in love but also the denial??? And the fact that this happens in sprinkles across 10 books makes it all the more delicious! I dove right into Matilda and Montagu's book IMMEDIATELY after finishing this.
June 26, 2020
So Excited
This book was ultimate teaser for Matilda and Montagu story. It was so great to re read all the wonderful moments between the two of them. The anticipation is killing me just 7 more days. So excited. Thanks Emma for the Amazing Read!!
This book was ultimate teaser for Matilda and Montagu story. It was so great to re read all the wonderful moments between the two of them. The anticipation is killing me just 7 more days. So excited. Thanks Emma for the Amazing Read!!
September 14, 2020
This is a beautifully crafted round up of the series
This is a beautifully crafted round up of Matilda and Montagu's story as it progressed through out the series. This is a book that would suit all those that love historical romances.
This is a beautifully crafted round up of Matilda and Montagu's story as it progressed through out the series. This is a book that would suit all those that love historical romances.
September 16, 2020
Good
The summary was interesting getting us caught up on where the story is so far. Just a page's about each lady
The summary was interesting getting us caught up on where the story is so far. Just a page's about each lady
July 2, 2021
I’m glad they made this so I can be caught up for book 11.
June 13, 2023
I didn’t read all the books so I found this to be very helpful in following Matilda and Montagu’s growth through those books.
I read this then rolled right into their story.
I read this then rolled right into their story.
March 30, 2024
Can’t wait to read Matilda and Montagu’s book next and see how their story continues.
November 14, 2024
Que posso dizer? Amei!
April 26, 2022
This feels like a YouTube compilation of your favorite couple on a TV series. Love them.
November 28, 2023
Matilda e Montagu é uma compilação das interações e correspondências entre Matilda Hunt e Lucian Barrington, lorde de Montagu em cada livro da série, nos preparando para sua história que será lançado em Janeiro de 2024.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews