Dare to Be Wild

Daring Daughters #3

by Emma V. Leech

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

A serious dilemma...
Miss Elspeth Cadogan is a cuckoo in a very lively nest. Her parents, Jerome and Bonnie Cadogan, are notorious for their wild parties and practical jokes. Elspeth is sensible, bookish, and just wants a quiet life. Having helped her friend Eliza create her charitable school for girls, she is even considering becoming a teacher. Until...

A rake and a libertine...
‘Dare’ Kelburn, Viscount Roxborough, has never refused a wager, turned down a dare, or walked away from a fight. He can’t, however, ignore the pile of bills that is threatening to become a serious fire hazard or the fact his house is falling down. When his friends point out that pretty little wallflower Elspeth Cadogan has a dowry weighty enough to buy half of Derbyshire, Dare can hardly disagree.

Loathing at first sight…
When Dare’s usual brand of charm and wickedness fail to impress, it is clear desperate measures are called for. With a little help from his friends, a scandal is easy enough to arrange.

A dull little killjoy or a challenge he cannot resist...
Elspeth may have been tricked into marrying the most loathsome man in all of England, but he can’t make her dance to his tune. If he wanted a nice, quiet, docile wife who would sit at home while he spends all her money, he’s misjudged. Elspeth has learned from the best what it means to be wild... and she’s damn well going to show him.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, Adult

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 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

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant and Witty

This is a very interesting tale of inconvenience, scandal and love.
Dare and Elspeth are a little bit bad and in love.
Emma V. Leech writes an enchanting romance.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daire (Dare) Kelburn, Viscount Roxborough & Miss Elspeth Cadogan - they are the true meaning of "Oil & Water" not mixing. He began the book by vowing to marry her, only the moments after their first conversation. She replied to him, "even in the event of a cataclysm that destroys the entire human race and leaves only thee and me remaining, ever, ever, consent to be your wife.” The bantering between them was hilarious & they were caught in a compromising situation & forced to marry. She will never forgive him; she will never allow their marriage to be consummated - he was honest with her from the beginning that he needed her dowry. However, things are different than she first saw them, misunderstandings, lack of knowing Dare's past, & an undeniable attraction between them make for a lovely, tender, I cried several times, both tears & sobs, sizzling attraction between them. This book is my favorite in the series, but they are all 5 Star reads - they are all on KU so start the series, you won't be disappointed in any of them!!

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

🐶 Dare to be Wild puppy 🐶
Daring Daughters Book 3
✒️ Emma V Leech
Release Date 05/14/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W4GZWV6/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Miss Elspeth Cadogan is a cuckoo in a very lively nest. Her parents, Jerome and Bonnie Cadogan, are notorious for their wild parties and practical jokes. Elspeth is sensible, bookish, and just wants a quiet life. Having helped her friend Eliza create her charitable school for girls, she is even considering becoming a teacher. Until…

A rake and a libertine…
‘Dare’ Kelburn, Viscount Roxborough, has never refused a wager, turned down a dare, or walked away from a fight. He can’t, however, ignore the pile of bills that is threatening to become a serious fire hazard or the fact his house is falling down. When his friends point out that pretty little wallflower, Elspeth Cadogan has a dowry weighty enough to buy half of Derbyshire, Dare can hardly disagree.

Loathing at first sight…
When Dare’s usual brand of charm and wickedness fail to impress, it is clear desperate measures are called for. With a little help from his friends, a scandal is easy enough to arrange.

A dull little killjoy or a challenge he cannot resist…
Elspeth may have been tricked into marrying the most loathsome man in all of England, but he can’t make her dance to his tune. If he wanted a nice, quiet, docile wife who would sit at home while he spends all her money, he’s misjudged. Elspeth has learned from the best what it means to be wild…
and she’s damn well going to show him.

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will she be able to convince him he can be enough ...

Wow, the opening chapters set the borders, if two people were total opposite it would be those two, while in fact they are rather similar, witty and pugnacious!

How I love Daire, he is still the broken child he had been his whole life, the rejected unwanted boy his parents never took the time to look at. A row wound walking this earth with a bandage to hide how much it is still bleeding.
Why I heart broke when after one too many blows, he retreats and to protect himself refuse her offered hand for fear to be once more let down.
Elspeth had had everything he had ever been denied and deprived, love and care. She might be studious, and a bit different from her extroverted family, yet she is loved and appreciated from who she is. Never did she ever doubt her worth, accepted with her differences, even if the Cadogans give as much as they receive.
And while she might be bookish, she is not shy, and Daire will be more than once at the receiving end of her barbed tongue lashing.

Their romance is one of up and down, he never lies about his purpose, yet when the woman behind the dowry becomes more important than the money, he is at loss of what to do, and what she is to believe when she get trapped...

This is what astonish me with Emma Leech, each new book is like discovering a new city, you are happy to visit new places, new people, yet some parts remind you of other locations you visited, all the while being whole new, like a feeling to belong, when you are happy to see friends or make new.

Once again the author outdid herself, I thought the two previous books were outstanding, but I was wrong I am now unable to say which one was better, I loved these three books, and the next one is full of promises to be as much exceptional.

So I can only recommend this book, but to fully savor Mrs Leech’s palette of characters, go back to the first in this series, or if you have more time, to its mother’s series.
It is so good to see again Aggie, Louis, who is looking more and more like a male version of Mathilda, the one offering a hand or a ear.
Bainbridge, Daire’s best friend, and third main character in this book is quite a fellow, some would say not right in his mind as he has a very peculiar way of thinking, not so bad but a bit or a lot twisted, why he might be labeled depraved or devious, which made him even more fascinating for me, nothing better than an almost villain to watch being redeemed.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.

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

[Vania Nunes · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Dare’ Kelburn, Viscount Roxborough, had inherited the title at a very young age, when both his parents died in a boating accident. But being a completely rejected son, who had little contact with them, besides not feeling their grief, he also had no interest in knowing about the estate (a place he despised because he was always alone there, while his parents traveled the world) and its finances (which allowed the steward to steal everything he could).

Years later, he now finds himself in a dire financial situation, with the estate almost in ruins; and one of his few friends gives him the solution: marry an heiress.

Miss Elspeth Cadogan and her twin sister, Greer, had already made their debut some time ago. What no one knew - or at least so the family thought - was that she, her twin and her younger sister were the main heirs to their grandmother's fortune, which made their dowry very advantageous. Elspeth preferred reading to going to balls and dancing - quite different from her twin. But because she belonged to a well-connected and popular family, she had to go to all the events of the season. But who would be interested in a bluestocking?

Dare was initially interested in marrying the livelier twin, Greer, but when he met Elspeth, he knew that the challenge would be greater... and Dare never ran away from a dare.

When the two were caught in a totally compromising situation - which was actually very innocent - and found themselves forced to marry, Elspeth decided that she would make his life hell, while he himself felt guilty because he didn't want any of that to have happened. But when she received a reality check, Elspeth decided to give Dare a chance, after all, even if he was a rake, he would be her husband for a long time. So, why not enjoy the good things that marriage could provide?

Dare only wanted to restore his ancestral home, but he soon realized that Elspeth could be the cure for his broken heart from the rejection he had suffered throughout his life.
4,5 stars

[LainieLibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Wow Emma V Leech's books keep getting better and better with this series. I adored this one. This story follows Elspeth (one of Jerome and Bonnie's daughters) and ‘Dare’ Kelburn, Viscount Roxborough (who is a whole new character from what I can tell).

After the death of his father and mother at age 13 Dare is left with a title and no wealth due to his fathers steward. Dare's parents were never around when he was growing up, and both seemed to resent him/want nothing to do with him. He has a very playful and devious exterior that hides insecurity from never having felt wanted or loved by anyone. After traveling for awhile Dare comes back. When he meets with his friends he gets the idea that he needs to marry a lady with a huge dowry and save his estate.

Elspeth ends up being his target due to her massive dowry that few people know about. Her grandmother left it to her when she died. Elspeth is sweet and not at all wild like her mother, but when she meets Dare she has a hard time containing her sass and fire. Dare, who of all things at least is not a liar, meets Elspeth and immediately tells her that he will have to force her hand to marry him if she doesn't agree. She of course does not and so begins the battle of their wills.

The slow burn romance/steam is so well written. I loved reading the story of these two and think everything tied together perfectly at the end. I love that we are still getting the POV chapters from Louis and can't wait to see how his love story develops (and with who). I really have no complaints and I don't think I would change a thing about this one!

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

Appearances are deceiving
Daire Aka Dare has his sights on Elspeth secret heiress and blue stocking! Dare has told her repeatedly he would compromise her and he did! But not until he teased her, kissed her made her laugh! Eldpeth is intelligent, giving and totally unaware of her own appeal!
Dare has huge self worth and self esteem issues!! His parents (worthless as humans) are to blame! The rejected him so thoroughly he was a very lonely and sad little boy!
But Elspeth sees his loneliness and that he’s starved for affection.
Dare dazed from a fall literally falls into her eyes and arms! Dare is too concussed to explain what happened!
Elspeth treats him like crap until his best friend Bainbridge steps in! He literally gives Elspeth a huge peace of his mind!! This is huge as his family is considered completely mad!
Can Elspeth and Dare work thru their differences? There is a lot of love to be had if they just reach for it... if they Dare!!!??

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally he’s found love

I absolutely loved Elspeth and Daires story. Daire who was never loved or wanted needs to marry an heiress since his Stewart embezzled all his money by the time he was 16. He decided he wanted Elspeth after talking to her. He knew he could compromise her and the deed would be done. When Elspeth is warned about Daire be actually tells her the truth. She thinks his debt is from gambling and women and not from his father or old Stewart. When he tries to rescue a kitten he falls and hit his head, Elspeth comes to his recuse and he kisses her and much more. When Daires best friend walks in on them with many others Elspeth believes he did it on purpose. She despises Daire but is made to marry him. She makes the first few weeks of his married life a misery. Daire leaves and goes home to his crumbling estate. When Elspeth is confronted about her behavior can she make Daire love her. A beautifully written story with a wonderful ending.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away right from the heroine who is actually a spitfire disguised as a bluestocking to the hero, who is a humorous person full of love ready to be loved. This book made me cry because of the self esteem issues that the hero faces - its usually the girl who in historical times who is made to feel inadequate so it was surprising that the hero was made to feel inadequate.

Also, I loved Elspeth with all my heart - she is me so so much. Her loyalty and love towards Dare is beautiful.

I loved the heart rendering scenes. My new book boyfriend as well - Dare

Romance Level: 4/5
Steamy Level : Detailed foreplay and love making scenes ( no abuse words)

Mention : this book is best read while adhering to the series as it has deep character involvement and will enrich your reading experience.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good

This was such a great story.. You know what they say? Don't judge a book by its cover, in this case don't judge bluestocking by her cover otherwise you will be surprised to find a smart intellectual spitfire who isn't easily swayed by a few words. And you have to fight to win her over. But the spitfire also has to be careful not to judge the rake by his cover. He isn't the gambler the party going person he puts on. He has a childhood that haunts him and a home that needs repairing which is why he needs her money not for what she thinks.. A future character gives them just the push they need to make their marriage work and see that they need each other.
The storyline is amazing.. Once again Emma has delivered a great story.. I look forward to the next book in this wonderful series

[Nora Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another smash hit in the Daring Daughters series! I didn't have any real opinion about Elspeth, either positive or negative after her introduction in Elizabeth's book. I wrongly assumed that she had been compromised and that she detested her husband (going off the blurb). That assumption was quickly put to bed. Even though Elspeth is compromised into marriage she has already developed strong feelings for Dare before the compromise. I was touched by their story as much as Harriet's and Jemima's which were two of my favourites of the Girls who Dare series. In both of those cases, the feelings involved between the ladies and their gentlemen are deep and abiding and capable of overcoming any obstacles. The same is true for Elspeth and Dare. A fabulous read.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! From the first page to the last you will be spellbound by Dare to be Wicked. Emma V Leech weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of strong emotions, uncertainties and angst. It's a well-written romance that brims with tension-building twists and turns, remarkable emotions, characters that come off the pages and pull you into their emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, titillating sensual passion, clever and witty banter and with one fantastic plot that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next in the series. With visits from characters who you found a special place in your heart for from the two previous novels was very enjoyable and bring this read together perfectly!

[Melba Hard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites certainly do attract!

Emma's books are such a joy to read, we meet old friends and learn more about the younger generation , but each book is so different. I think if anything I am enjoying this series more than the last. And can't wait for the next book in the series.Are Louis and Evie going to be the Montague and Mattilda of this series, I wonder?
Dare was such a lovely man he just wanted someone to love him, Elsbeth however didn't want to marry,she wanted to teach . However he persisted and attraction won her over in the end.

[Marla Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A engaging read that I couldn’t put down. I loved that the characters are always believable and the stories varied and interesting. Elspeth the blue stocking was not being drawn into Dare’s charms. Especially since he told her he was going to marry her because he needed her dowry!
This series is intriguingly woven together as only Emma Leech can do. Do yourself a favor and get lost in the girls who dare!

[Jill Fetch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Wonderful Adddition

I loved this book. It was a bit different in that it introduced characters outside the usual scope and I wondered if I'd missed a book. Once the new and old characters met, it was a totally absorbing story. I loved the H and H and the changes they wrought on each other. I also loved that other dear friends' stories were continued. This is a true page turner with a HEA.

[Dew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite right

The book was okay. I disliked the letters at the start of each chapter that serve solely as set up for the next books in the series. Yes, I get it. Bainbridge is going to end up with Arabella and Villen is going to marry the 15 or 16yo Evie as soon as she’s legal. I guess we’re not supposed to find it creepy and gross that an adult man is pursuing a child as he counts down the days until she is technically legal?

[Diana Whiteman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elspeth and Daire

Oh my goodness! I absolutely adored this book. The way it was written made me succumb to tears and laughter almost simultaneously. You must read their story. One of the best in this series so far. I'm looking forward to the next book. Thank you for sharing your words Emma Leech!

[Eowyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! Adored the H&h, Daire & Elspeth in this book, pulled at all the heartstrings for me.

Emma writes clever, romantic, complex, funny, heartstirring books and this is no exception.

I cried at the end! Just did not want to let them go lol !! But wow, what an introduction to the next book in the series. I am ALL anticipation x

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Absolutely Wonderful Story.

I really enjoyed this Book.

I really enjoyed this Book.

Elspeth & Daire may have had a rough start to their marriage, but Daire was so badly abandoned by his parents, he didn't believe that Elspeth would stay with him.

I am looking forward to reading Arabella & Lawrence (The Marquess of Bainbridge) Story in the next book in this series.

[AprilGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

Another well written novel from this author.
It is hard to keep track of who’s who family wise but the author has thoughtfully included mini family trees in the front of the book.
This novel is longer than my preferred reading length but that having been said I did enjoy the read.

[Pam Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma delivers again!!!

Once again Emma V Leech has woven a lovely, funny romance. Many pitfalls for our hero and heroine and we readers all know where we will end up, but it is a wonderful ride!!! Can't wait for the next one......Congratulations Emma.....

[Bookosaurous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely story

This is a story that warms your heart. Sweet, funny at times and thoroughly enjoyable. And I love how this series is also weaving one story with the other...it makes you hunger for the next one in line.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed From Begining To End

Its been such a long time since I've cried and laugh while reading a book, I've loved to funny banter between Elsepeth and Dare, looking forward to reading the stories of each character.

[Stephen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant addition to the series.

This is another brilliantly written addition to an enjoyable series. The plot is one of emotional misunderstandings and steamy make ups. The characters are all wonderful, and it is a pleasure to revisit many of them.

[Irene Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story!

When I wasn't ready it, I was thinking about it. The characters are witty and funny. You cheer for them all. You never meet the bad guys. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Becky Almon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual hero

Dare is an usual but very sweet hero. I don't think Elspeth is the only one to fall for him.
I look forward to the stories of his friends Bainbridge and the Comte de Villen and Elspeth's sisters and friends as well.

[Lwalalba · Rating 5 out of 5]

An this was just what I needed

This was brilliant! A true love story but with humour. Elspeth and Daire were perfect for each other. This is the favourite of the series so far for me.

[sd · Rating 5 out of 5]

So touching 🥹

This story pulled at the heartstrings! Absolutely loved it. I’m always so impressed by how the author creates these beautiful, somewhat broken, characters that break my heart then puts it back together. Loved these two and enjoyed their story so much.

[Sherry Vorhaben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love them all

The characters in her books are so lovable. You will hate to see each book end. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Renee Metherel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem in the series

I love these books and characters that I can’t wait to read the next one. I hope they never end.

[Diana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in the series is better than the last. Thoroughly enjoyed it, so much that I stayed up much too late to finish it.