Dare It All for Love

Daring Daughters #5

by Emma V. Leech

Curiosity killed the cat…
When Florence Knight is invited to stay at Holbrook House for the month of August, she is pleased to catch up with her friends and forget the disappointment of her last season. The young men in town are so dreadfully dull she cannot imagine ever wishing to marry one, and then she meets her hostesses’ brother.

Sophisticated, amusing, and some years her senior, Florence is frustrated that Henry seems not to know she exists. But sinister goings-on at his neighbouring estate catch her attention and fearing Henry is blind to the danger facing him, Florence decides he needs her help whether he likes it or not.

A wanderer returns…
When Henry Stanhope returns home after many years abroad, he is pleased to discover his family home, Saxenhurst Hall has been well maintained in his absence. Yet odd things happen as soon as he settles back into life in England. The Hall was never haunted previously, and why do things keep disappearing and then turning up in the most peculiar places? Most unsettling of all is the appearance of The Maiden, a beautifully crafted corn doll that keeps appearing wherever Henry goes. Having travelled the world and seen many strange customs, Henry dismisses the events as quirks of the old house and the local community and puts them out of his mind.

A cunning woman…
Florence is less than convinced by Henry’s indifference, both about the goings-on at the Hall and his feelings for her. With support from her friends, she investigates, uncovering a centuries-old vendetta and finding herself in something of a bind.

A tenant for life…
When the strange events take a sinister turn, Henry wonders if perhaps Florence has a point and things are more serious than he realised, and he doesn’t just mean because a ghost tried to kill him. Florence has wormed her way into his heart, the dreadful girl, and he’s simply going to have to marry her. Except now he’s in a tight spot, and his future might be over before it has even begun.

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

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 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

[Mari · Rating 1 out of 5]

How disappointing. I was looking forward to Helen’s daughter’s stories as Helen is one of my two favorite heroines from the last series. However the 20 year age gap gives me the creeps so I’ll definitely be skipping this one

[LainieLibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

This series addition tells the story of Florence (Helena & Gabriel's daughter) and Henry (Harriet's brother). Florence is young, rich and beautiful. She can have anything she wants, but hasn't been able to find a suitable husband by age 23. She's dealt with fortune hunters and men who want to control her, but when Henry returns from his travels that have taken up the better part of a decade Flo finds herself attracted to him. Henry is well traveled, progressive for the times, kind and a close family friend. Not to mention he's very handsome. Henry has an attraction to Flo as well, but due a long ago broken heart and the huge age gap between them (about 20 years), he constantly pushes her away.

I was interested to see how the relationship developed between Henry and Florence, but it ended up slightly lackluster for me. Florence's attraction seemed kind of random, almost like she was settling because she thought he would treat her well compared to her alternate options. It's not terrible reasoning, but it's not particularly romantic? Henry has a physical attraction to Flo, and learns she's intelligent and mature, but this also falls a bit flat for me. There isn't much going on between the two beyond that. It seemed like a convenient pairing rather than the two having strong chemistry. Also, the setting of this was entirely Harriet's home and Henry's home. I think it would have been more interesting to switch the setting, have a bit more drama, etc. to give this a bit more spice.

There is also a bit of a side plot with mysterious corn dolls showing up around Henry's home. The families work to find out who is targeting Henry and why. I appreciate adding something that hasn't been done in this series before, and including Pippin and Vivian's grandmother, but this also fell flat for me. Nothing was really at stake and the investigation bits were slightly predictable and a bit boring.

I loved the parts where we see Evie and the Comte. The little letter excerpts between chapters are something I always look forward too and well. I'm really excited for the next book which will tell Grace's story. I found myself wishing I could skip ahead to see what happens with Grace and Mr. Oak. I normally hate hate hate unwanted pregnancy tropes, but I think this one was set up so well.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Love at first sight.. She fell in love with him immediately and was determined to have him, he had other plans because he had been hurt by a woman in the past and swore off love altogether but she's stubborn and she's not going to let him slip away.. So with her stubbornness and a push from some friends and family he realizes that he can't deny his own love for her..

Emma did an amazing job on this story it was a definite page turner.. I look forward to Graces story

[Rayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but not even close to the best in the series

This was a good book, entertaining enough, to keep your interest, but not as good as the previous 3 books in the series. Just like the first book in the series (which was a 3 star for me as well) I was more interested in the side characters and the set up for the next book, rather than the main story line. The romance was a entertaining, though a bit bland and the mystery did not hold my interest. In fact, the reasons behind it were quite unbelievable.
This is still an Emma V Leech's book, and I love her writing style, so the book kept me interested enough to finish it, but it's far from her best work.
So far I would rate the previous 4 books in order from worst to best, where book 1 was the worst of the series, and book 4 was the best. This instalment lines up with book 1, but I am still glad I read it, as it gave insight for the next book in the series, and I can't wait for it to come out in September.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spooky story full of mystery, witchcraft, and apparent ghosts.
Florence and Henry make an enchanting couple. Imagine being afraid that someone could die.
Emma V. Leech writes an enchanting romance.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

At this point I’m pretty sure I’m just hate reading these books. It’s hard to put a finger on what I don’t like about them, but they’re just not compelling.

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

🪆 Dare it all for Love🪆
Daring Daughters Series #5
✒️ Emma V Leech
https://www.facebook.com/EmmaVLeech/ Release Date 08/13/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094WC9MDK/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Curiosity killed the cat…
When Florence Knight is invited to stay at Holbrook House for the month of August, she is pleased to catch up with her friends and forget the disappointment of her last season. The young men in town are so dreadfully dull she cannot imagine ever wishing to marry one, and then she meets her hostesses’ brother.
Sophisticated, amusing, and some years her senior, Florence is frustrated that Henry seems not to know she exists. But sinister goings-on at his neighbouring estate catch her attention and fearing Henry is blind to the danger facing him, Florence decides he needs her help whether he likes it or not.

A wanderer returns…
When Henry Stanhope returns home after many years abroad, he is pleased to discover his family home, Saxenhurst Hall has been well maintained in his absence. Yet odd things happen as soon as he settles back into life in England. The Hall was never haunted previously, and why do things keep disappearing and then turning up in the most peculiar places? Most unsettling of all is the appearance of The Maiden, a beautifully crafted corn doll that keeps appearing wherever Henry goes. Having travelled the world and seen many strange customs, Henry dismisses the events as quirks of the old house and the local community and puts them out of his mind.

A cunning woman…
Florence is less than convinced by Henry’s indifference, both about the goings-on at the Hall and his feelings for her. With support from her friends, she investigates, uncovering a centuries-old vendetta and finding herself in something of a bind.

A tenant for life…
When the strange events take a sinister turn, Henry wonders if perhaps Florence has a point and things are more serious than he realised, and he doesn’t just mean because a ghost tried to kill him. Florence has wormed her way into his heart, the dreadful girl, and he’s simply going to have to marry her. Except now he’s in a tight spot, and his future might be over before it has even begun.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will the little scares turn into more dangerous threats …

I remember at a time during the first series wondering why Harriet’s brother had never been paired.
So years later, it is exciting to see him back in the light, not a sliver fox but close by and to be finally rewarded with his own happily ever after.
After years roaming the Earth, Henry is home. Even if his estate never truly felt like a warm shelter, it was where he grew up and suffered.
Still wounded and fearful to go through the same path if he lets the walls surrounding his heart slide. He believes he is quite content with his lot as an eternal bachelor. Time and travels made him realize who he is, what he can offer, yet he is still in some way the young man who was jilted because he never was not enough… wealthy, titled …

Florence on the other hand is really her mother’s daughter, she has her standing, certainty and determination. And it is Henry she wants. Even when he is set in avoided her at all cost. He runs, she follows. He is rude, instead of accepting his apology, she calls in his bluff. He tries to be honorable, she seduces him.
She might be much younger than him, still she has a maturity he can not deny, with the stubbornness of the youth. She might falls, but she bounces back and gets on track. Refusing to give up until she has tried every possible option.

In fact he never stood a chance.

It was such fun to watch them playing cat and mouse. As much as seing their friends understand the game and let him get caught in the love web, as after all it was the primary fonction of this friends reunion.
Adding to it, the thrill of the ghost hunt, with the visit of even older friends, and a glimpse of what is to come or expect for the next books; and you have the perfect recipe for a wonderful weekend read.

I always anticipate each new release in this series, as I know the author never once uses the easy tricks, her characters are mature, well thought and even if flawed, they never go where they shouldn’t, there is no tantrum nor surrender, only people who follow their heart.
They all are like friends, seing them again and again is a delight and always anticipated with joy.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.

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[Vania Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Florence Knight fell in love with Henry Stanhope as soon as he entered the room and was in the arms of his sister, after having spent 10 years traveling the world. He was handsome, tall, friendly, a gentleman, intelligent... and much older than her. Determined to make him notice her and give her a chance, she plans every way to make him at least talk to her. But Henry seems determined to avoid Florence no matter what.

Ten years ago, he suffered the worst humiliation in Society: his fiancée abandoned him just a few days before the wedding. Sad and humiliated, he took refuge for days at the estate, until he decided to travel the world. Older and wiser, he is certain that, unlike his friends, he is not cut out for marriage. Therefore, the presence of the beautiful Miss Florence Knight is an unwelcome temptation. He must avoid her at all costs.


When his ancestral home begins to be attacked by howls and screams of spirits, and little dolls - said to be witchcraft - begin to appear in various places, Florence is sure that Henry is in danger, while he prefers to believe that it is all just a joke. However, 'accidents' begin to happen wherever he goes.

What sins of the past are now taking their toll on the Stanhope family with Henry being the main target? And in the midst of this 'witch hunt', will Florence be able to convince him to give them both a chance?
5 stars

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Florence Knight is spending August with her friends in the country - catching up on gossip, family news & trying to forget about her lackluster season where she found the men boring. She has set her sights on Henry & just like her mother, Helena, she loves him long before he even notices her.

Henry Stanhope has just returned to his family home, Saxenhurst Hall, after many years of travelling abroad. He is attracted to Florence, who hasn't hidden her interest in him but he must deny any attraction as he is several, about 18 years older than her, & he is one of her father's very good friends.

Strange things start happening to Henry when corn dolls, maidens, screams, hexafoil appear & silverware, napkins, wine glasses are hidden throughout the property. Florence needs for find a way to save Henry & find the answer to what or who is threatening him but she is also working on showing him how much he really cares for her.

I've loved every book in this series & their mother's series - I've gotten to know & care for all the characters & each story is so different & each has character has their own unique story.

[Jill Fetch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Wonderful Story

I've read the entire Girls Who Dare series and all the published Darling Daughters. Each one is a brilliant stand alone book always totally engrossing. So many series become repetitive, but in these two series each individual book reveals a new journey singular to each specific heroine. I loved Henry and Florence. They had immediate chemistry, although Henry tried to deny his attraction. For those who think 40 is old, think Sam Heughan, Chris Evans, Ryan Gosling etc. A forty year old is hardly decrepit and I suspect is very attractive to a sensible 23 year old. I loved the incorporation of the surrounding characters who have become old friends through the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a HEA with a mystery woven in its pages.

[Yany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not liking this serie at all, I couldn't even finish the previous books and I thought I would like this one because supposedly the h has to persuade the H to keep her and I really like when the female fights and conquers, like Matilda or Ruth, there's so much power in femenity without the need of being loud and obnoxious. I liked the book at first because there was not insta love, the H didn't fall at the feet of the lady upon seeing her for the first time and became a shaky mess, but Florence is just unlikable, she has an attitude problem and wasn't a little bit ashamed of falsely accusing a man of committing a crime simply because he wasn't defferential enough toward her ( that's a negative stereotype of a woman, Ms Leech) She is immature and spoiled and Henry is such a wet lettuce, not promising at all for the rest.

[Georgette Donoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry gets his story at last and oh what a story

He’s always been such a sweetie throughout all the Girls Who Dare books and it’s so great to finally hear his story. I love Florence, she’s a fabulously feisty character and the perfect match for Henry. But this book is much more than just a simple romance, (not that Emma’s romances are ever simple), the spooky goings on add another layer of tension. It’s also so great to see some of the favourite characters from GHD too, in particular Montagu (yum!)

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing her love

I loved Florences and Henry’s story. Henry has been away for 10 yrs after a disastrous courtship where his fiancé married another. Coming home he does not want to marry but he seems to be pursued by one relentless lady.
Florence knew from the moment she met Henry he was the one and it doesn’t matter that he is 20 yrs older than her and friends with her father.
But there seems to be a mystery to solve and they need to do it before Henry is seriously hurt. A wonderful book with a beautiful ending.

[Varsi Appel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. A page Turner for sure! I adored the mystery element, and always knew any daughter of Helena would be just as headstrong and determined as she was. No one would stand a chance against her. And I’ve been waiting for Henry to find love since I first met him!
Henry may have believed Florence was way too young for him - but she was an adult - and we love who we love!
Ms. Leech always manages to make each story fresh and new and well worth the wait!

[Marla Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful love story!

Florence is like her mother. She knows that Henry is the man for her long before he does. Henry is just home from the continent and much older than Florence. It’s a entertaining and mysterious story they are pulled into. Florence is determined to save Henry and solve the mystery of who is targeting him. In the meantime she is making her intent for gaining his attentions and love.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a fan of too much age gap and the timelines felt a bit odd - Henry's age and other things.

But still giving a 4 star for this book in one of my favourite series 😀..

We get to see every other favourite character from the two series' and it surely gives glimpses of the forthcoming books and maybe we get a next gen too 😜 - long way to go of course..

Can't wait for many more in this series

[Irene Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Emma

After reading the 12 books in the first dare series, and thouraly enjoying each one, and had to continue. I was a little uncomfortable with the age difference in this match but loved the characters themselves.
Henry was a sweet person in previous books. It is easy to get lost in Emma's stories. Great friends that love and support each other over generations.

[Stephen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliantly captivating story that continues a great series

This is another brilliantly captivating and crafted story to continue this great series. This plot, which is a bit steamy at time's, has a mystery to solve, as well as a very determined lady who is intent on winning her man.

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful, Entertaining, & Romantic Story with some mystery.

Henry & Florence's Story was Absolutely Wonderful.

Henry is almost 17 years older than Florence yet once she sees him she is intent on getting his attention.

Unfortunately he has some strange things happening at his home. Item being moved & placed in the oddest places. Finding corndollls in strange places as well including his pillow.

I am looking forward to reading Grace's story next in this series.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Another great book by Emma Leech. Couldn’t put it down. Such engaging characters and a fantastic story. And the little letter excerpts at the start of each chapter give an often humorous glimpse of subplots in the background. I especially love the letters from Cat. And the budding relationships evolving with minor characters has me wanting more books ASAP!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy read

Florence has always loved Henry even though he is many years older and a friend of her father’s. When she realizes Henry has feel for her she moves forward fast and he doesn’t stand a chance

[Melania Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good love story

This was a good book. It took a while to get the subject. I enjoyed it passed the first few chapters.

[Sandra O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another good book

I love this series of books they always leave you wanting for the next instalment to see what happens on their lives.

[Nicole LaBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series

It was so hard to put down. Its a page turner and has all the feels. I can't wait for the other books in this series.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit of intrigue and drama in this one

[Teresa Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

romance with a little mystery and intrigue

Fun to read and hard to put down as the story unwinds. Fascinating characters with some interesting letters that seem real for the times.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Holly Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the lively Flo and Henry. Also liked the bit of mysterious going’s on at the haunted manor

[Aspoon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was more interested in Mr Oaks and Grace's storyline then Henry and Florence.