Dare to Be Brazen

Daring Daughters #2

by Emma V. Leech

Their mothers dared all for love.
Just imagine what their daughters will do...

Dare to be Brazen

The perfect lady…

Lady Elizabeth Adolphus, eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bedwin is the most sought-after young lady of the ton. Seen as the perfect debutante, beautiful, sweet-natured, and demure, she is besieged by offers from eligible gentlemen. And she doesn’t want any of them. There is only one man she wishes to pursue, and he is far from eligible.

A dangerous man, with a dark past…

Monsieur Nicolas Alexandre Demarteau, owner of the infamous Parisian nightclub, Rouge et Noir, is the illegitimate half-brother of Louis César de Montluc, Comte de Villen. Having left Paris to escape a scandal, Nic is determined Louis César will marry the perfect English lady to secure his position among the ton, only to discover the woman Louis came to England to pursue is the embodiment of Nic’s every dream. Keeping the promises he made Louis César will test his resolve when every instinct demands he keep Eliza for himself.

An English rose with a will of iron…

Now recovering from a near fatal accident, Eliza may appear more fragile than before, but her determination to make her own choices is stronger than ever. She is tired of always doing the right thing, of being polite instead of speaking her mind, of dancing with respectable men when the one she desires is the personification of wickedness… and he doesn’t even seem to like her very much.

A passionate desire…

All Nic wants is for Eliza to be safe, but how can he protect her when all she wants is him. How can he resist her when she refuses to be the perfect lady a moment longer?

When she’s decided… it’s time to be brazen.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Regency Romance, Romance, Amazon, Historical Fiction

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2021

About the author

Bestselling 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.

Reviews

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare to be Brazen
Daring Daughters Series 2
Emma V Leech
https://www.facebook.com/EmmaVLeech/
Release Date 04/02/2021

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Their mothers dared all for love.
Just imagine what their daughters will do…

Dare to be Brazen

The perfect lady…

Lady Elizabeth Adolphus, eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bedwin is the most sought-after young lady of the ton. Seen as the perfect debutante, beautiful, sweet-natured, and demure, she is besieged by offers from eligible gentlemen.
And she doesn’t want any of them.
There is only one man she wishes to pursue, and he is far from eligible.

A dangerous man, with a dark past…

Monsieur Nicolas Alexandre Demarteau, owner of the infamous Parisian nightclub, Rouge et Noir, is the illegitimate half-brother of Louis César de Montluc, Comte de Villen. Having left Paris to escape a scandal, Nic is determined Louis César will marry the perfect English lady to secure his position among the ton, only to discover the woman Louis came to England to pursue is the embodiment of Nic’s every dream. Keeping the promises he made Louis César will test his resolve when every instinct demands he keep Eliza for himself.

An English rose with a will of iron…

Now recovering from a near fatal accident, Eliza may appear more fragile than before, but her determination to make her own choices is stronger than ever. She is tired of always doing the right thing, of being polite instead of speaking her mind, of dancing with respectable men when the one she desires is the personification of wickedness… and he doesn’t even seem to like her very much.

A passionate desire…

All Nic wants is for Eliza to be safe, but how can he protect her when all she wants is him. How can he resist her when she refuses to be the perfect lady a moment longer?

When she’s decided… it’s time to be brazen

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will they be able to go past their fears ...

Waiting for a new Emma Leech release is like being a kid on Christmas Eve.
I remember how I anticipated and dreaded at the same time the launch of To Hunt the Hunter, after 10 books, we will finally have Matilda and Montagu’s conclusion story. Would it be as good I was anticipating, would it gave them justice...
And this feeling continue to inhabit me every time, a new book is to be released.
I tell myself the author can’t continue to deliver as delightful stories as the previous ones, and still I am very wrong.
I was quite ambivalent about Eliza in the previous book, sad for the prim and proper girl but also curious about her instant connection with Nic.
Nic, like many intrigued me since he first appeared in Phoebe’s HEA. And in Lottie’s tale, he showed all the complexities of a tortured fellow.
I loved to see Eliza tap into her wild side and throw caution to the window. Since her close call, she has learned life is too short to live it behind enclosed walls. And while it is challenging to go against everything she had mastered for years, she does not hesitate, she follows her guts and goes after whom she truly wants in her life even when her quarry is quite adamant to stay as far away as possible, so he believes.
Nic made a promise and is determined to hold his side of the bargain even if nothing were assured in return. He wants to see his brother restored to him birth rights, and if by doing it it might cost him much more than he first expected. He is so certain if he can’t have Eliza, so undeserving he thinks he is, he blinds himself by fooling himself that for his brother, she will be the perfect bride.
Hopefully she (and Louis) quickly makes him see, there is no way she will marry his brother when her thoughts are only filed by dreams of him.

Yet this book is much more than a single romance, it is a tale of friendships, brotherhoods, parenthoods and forgiveness.
Louis, like his brother Nic is a mystery revealed here, and little Aggie, he takes under his wings is I have great hope to be a regular character as she is making friend with the younger set of the daring girls offsprings.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[Nora Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply could NOT put it down!

Scorching intensity! I don’t think I’ve been as invested in a character’s journey since Montagu’s and that is saying an awful lot!!! The undeniable attraction between Eliza and Nic carries on from Lottie’s book and the pieces start coming together regarding the mysterious brothers. I absolutely loved the training of Aggie and the laugh out loud moments (like Montagu at the dinner party and Cat explaining about Montagu having a stern word with Matilda!) The letters between the children in the various houses are also fantastic as we learn more about their personalities through them. I cannot wait for the next instalment in the series and I’m every bit as obsessed by the Daring Daughters as I was by their indomitable Mothers.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the hits just keep coming - I loved Nic & Eliza's story!!

Lady Elizabeth (Eliza) Adolphus, eldest daughter of the Duke & Duchess of Bedwin. Eliza is beautiful, sweetheart of the Ton, kind, polite, well she's perfect until she had a life-threatening accident & her attitude changed to a rule breaking, independent young woman determined to win a man who doesn't seem to like her & who would never be accepted by her family. She will not walk away or give up!

Monsieur Nicolas (Nic) Alexandre Demarteau, owner of Rouge et Noir in Paris, is the bastard half-brother to Louis César de Montluc, Comte de Villen. Nic has been a thief, performed a high-wire act in a circus for many years - all after his father, the Comte de Villen, tossed his mistress (Nic's mother) & her baby boy, Nic, out. When his father found him many years later, he needed Nic to find his son/heir, Louis, whom he had also tossed away along with his wife years ago. He also made Nic promise to help Louis a find a titled English girl to marry to heal the family name - a promise Nic made to his father when he was dying.

Their adventurous journey was filled with obstacles but what fun the chase was & the harder he tried to deny feelings, fight the facts he was not good enough for her, the more she pushed back until he gave in but there were still many more hills to climb. Fantastic characters - main & secondary & a story that kept you turning pages to see what was about to happen next!!

[Vania Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Elizabeth sempre foi a filha recatada e perfeita do Duque e Duquesa de Bedwyn.
O compromisso dela e Cassius, filho de um amigo da família, firmado desde que eles eram crianças, acabou não se concretizando quando no retorno da Viagem de Ouro de Cass, ele se viu perdidamente apaixonado por Lottie, a irmã espevitada, mais nova de Eliza .
Desde então, Eliza se viu envolvida por um dos convidados de Cass, o francês Monsieur Nicolas Alexandre Demarteau, dono do infame clube parisiense Rouge et Noir, e meio-irmão do Comte de Villen, Louis César.

Nic ficou encantado por Eliza desde que viu um retrato dela pintado por Cass, ainda em Paris. Ao conhecê-la pessoalmente, ele percebeu que ela seria a perdição dele.
Ainda que o compromisso dela com Cass não tenha ido adiante, Nic não se sentiu à altura de desposar a filha de um duque, afinal, além de ser o filho ilegítimo de um conde, ele havia passado a maior parte de sua vida como artista de circo, e era preocupado de atos não tão nobres assim.

No entanto, desde que sofreu um acidente, Eliza sabia que a vida era curta demais para se perder tempo com convenções ou em tentar agradar a pessoas insuportáveis. Ela queria Nic e faria qualquer coisa para tê-lo.

Com a ajuda do comte e com muita determinação, o casamento mais improvável da Sociedade Londrina estava prestes a acontecer.
5 estrelas

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare to be different

Eliza aka Elizabeth is a twin she has had a long recovery from a fall that nearly killed her! She is not as fragile as people thinks and she has her mind set on Nicolas aka Nic! Nic knows he's too old, too worldly, too cynical a former thief and a Bastard! He doesn't Need to be told he's not good enough he already knows this! Eliza doesn't have her head in the clouds and it doesn't help she faints at the oddest time from too much excitement!
She enlists Louis in her brazen endeavors to woo his brother and he doesn't disappoint! Once Nic gets out of his own way well there's always someone who is not happy for you! Surprise on who the villain is and how Nic shows mercy to someone who doesn't really deserve it! Never underestimate a woman in love! Maybe Eliza is much more like her parents then anyone knew? Scandal is her name? Or it Brazen? Poor Nic never stood a chance! I thought Louis would be next...but he has a protege maybe when she grows up???

[Susan Saltos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza and Nic finally get their book. I enjoyed it but thought it could be better. What scenes that were between the two main characters were either sickly sweet or sexual in nature. I would have liked for more scenes with them actually getting to know each other better. Nic could have helped with setting up the school more and that would have allowed for such scenes. I liked that the author had more about Louis too in this book. I loved the introduction of Aggie in this book. She is a precocious girl. I'm sure we will be seeing more of her in future books as well as Eliza's "cousin", Cat, and Eliza's brother, Fred (though we read more about them through letters). I can see future books for them as well.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one Fantastic story! I love when a book grabs you right from the start and takes you on a heart-stopping journey as in Dare to be Brazen. With visit from characters who you found a special place in your heart for from the last novel, Dare to be Wicked was enjoyable. Eliza is on the hunt and she's going to make that thick-headed, stubborn, dangerously yummy Monsieur Nic hers no matter what anyone says including her father and Nic himself! Emma V Leech has written a heartfelt story, filled it with characters that come off the pages and pull you into their tale, sizzling passion, an enjoyable plot with humorous, witty and playful banter and a very enjoyable plot that bring this read together perfectly!

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding your one true love

I loved Elizas and Nics story. Nic was infatuated with her on site. She was meant for someone else not someone like him who was a thief and Illegitimate. Eliza thought he disliked her from the start but upon a closer look it wasn’t hate but something more intriguing. After a life threatening accident Eliza was not sure if she will ever get back to herself. She has changed but for her it is for the good. She is no longer miss goodie too shoes but a Brazen woman and is going after what she wants and she wants Nic. Nic is trying to do everything possible to discourage Eliza but he is failing miserably. Will they get their happily ever after together. A beautifully well written story with a wonderful ending.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brazenly amazing

What a great story.. She's the daughter of a duke and he is the illegitimate, a thief, and he was in the circus.. He wants to protect her from society but she's determined to make him hers.. With the help of his brother and her project for a charity school he starts to realize just how much she truly cares and believes in him.. And she will never simply just walk away..

In the end fate sets in and he allows it to happen..

Everything about this book is just amazing

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful story of friendship and brotherhood.

I loved Lady Eliza's transformation from a blind follower of rules to an independent and determined woman.

Nic is a honourable man who I fell in love with instantly!

Their chemistry is sweet and romantic. Reading this series is like coming home to a wonderful family - the letters between the kids are delightful and so entertaining.

This book is a smashing read!

Romance Level: 3.9/5
Steamy Level: Detailed love making scenes and hot kisses.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy read

A story about a duke’s daughter, Elizabeth, and Nic ( a French man with a hidden past) who is trying to persuade his brother, Louis, to marry Elizabeth (to elevate his status). Things don’t work out that way but Elizabeth finds her hea either way. Side note (for readers like me that enjoy good books minus intimacy scenes) the intimate scenes were weren’t needed to make this a nice read. So flipped a lot of pages.

[Danica Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma V. Leech has done it again! I simply adored her "Girls Who Dare" series and I love that we are following the "Daring Daughters" in Victorian England. I loved Eliza and Nic in this book! This was sexy and left you on the edge of your seat waiting for Nic to get it together and be with Eliza. The push and pull were executed perfectly!

[Bookosaurous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story to warm your heart

This is a story that makes you feel good, makes your heart lighter. An exceptionally well written love story...not much twists or turns but warmth of relationships shining from everywhere. I enjoyed the story immensely.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the read, although it doesn't quite have the same charm to me that the original series did. The characters are well-defined and likeable and it's nice to have the original peculiar ladies and their gentlemen around. I'll read the series, though , because they are still good reads...

[Melba Hard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book, absolutely compelling.

Who ever could have have imagined that Lady Elizabeth that she would be so daring, or that Nov could be so charming and to learning so much more about Louis and Nic's early life. Enjoyed it so much.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Towards the end, i was more interested in Louis and Aggy’s well being. I thought louse would be the hero of the next story. I can’t wait until Aggie is all grown up and gets her own story, maybe with Fred as the hero ? A girl can dream

[Stephen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series marches on

This is another brilliantly crafted story that continues a great series. This plot (which is a bit steamy at the end) is full of wonderful characters, who have quite a journey between them. This is a very entertaining historical romance.

[Irene Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this author!

Emma writes stories that absorb one. You fall in love with the characters and feel a part of the story. I strongly reccomend reading all by Emma if you want a feel good story with great plots.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty, Poignant and Loving

Nic and Eliza are too perfectly wonderful in this novel!
Eliza is amazing in her intentions to make Nic her husband.
Emma V. Leech has written a very interesting and great story.

[Goodfella79 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely live this series. Very strong and interesting characters. I love the letter excerpts at the start of each chapter. Wonderful device to move along the plot and character development.

[Insha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh great, another series for me to obsessively watch for releases🥲

[Debra Frye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare book

I've read most of Ms.Leech books ; I've read all the Dare books. Never disappointed. This book you don't want to put down. Loved it!

[Renee Metherel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down

I loved the girls who dare series and am so happy to visit these families again. Waiting impatiently for the next release.

[Nicole LaBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looove it

It was so hard to put down. I'm totally enjoying reading about the daughters of the ladies that dared. It was well written and a page turner.

[ImABookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored Nic and how much he loved Eliza. I also loved Louis and can't wait for his book.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. I liked the characters but am having a little trouble keeping them all straight. So hard to remember who belongs to who.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Eliza is a woman who knows what she wants and won't stop until she has it.

[Sarah]

I think this is one of my favorites of this series - I have reread many times and am never disappointed!

[sharon sobzak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brazen

The characters are fun with secrets. The brothers remain honorable even with harsh pasts. The lady has decided to be truly herself regardless of societal rules.

[RomanceIsMyJam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring and predictable. Pass on any of the other stories for me.