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The Wallflower Sisters #1
To Dare the Beastly Duke
A haunted and hidden lord... A desperate young beauty…
Pressured to marry for the sake of her sisters, Lady Bridgette Farbridge has no choice but to accept the scoundrel her uncle chose for her. Until his untoward advances earn him a much deserved slap that deem her ruined.
Deformed and dejected after his return from the war, Isaac Lennox, the Duke of Calder, wants nothing to do with people. And rage is an understatement for his feelings when his aunt invites her own guests to his estate.
Fleeing to the country until the scandal dies down, Bridgette never imagined that her mother had more in store for her. And maybe charming the beastly Duke is her only chance to save herself. The problem? He can’t stand the sight of her.
Pressured to marry for the sake of her sisters, Lady Bridgette Farbridge has no choice but to accept the scoundrel her uncle chose for her. Until his untoward advances earn him a much deserved slap that deem her ruined.
Deformed and dejected after his return from the war, Isaac Lennox, the Duke of Calder, wants nothing to do with people. And rage is an understatement for his feelings when his aunt invites her own guests to his estate.
Fleeing to the country until the scandal dies down, Bridgette never imagined that her mother had more in store for her. And maybe charming the beastly Duke is her only chance to save herself. The problem? He can’t stand the sight of her.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2021
143 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Ava MacAdams
76 books62 followersBorn and raised in rural Louisiana, Ava's rebellious nature would always find her riding her horse through vast farmlands or lying under a tree, getting lost in one of her favourite historical romances. Always itching for adventure, she was only nineteen when she decided to embark on her biggest adventure and travel through Europe.
She studied art and theater in London, where she met several people that filled her with valuable experiences. Taking part in a writing competition upon her professor's encouragement, she realised that this was what she always wanted to do. Married to that same professor a few years later, she decided to return to her roots to settle down and write about her favourite era.
Let yourselves be lured into an intense experience of desire and passion, alongside irresistible Lords and seductive Ladies of the Regency Era. Ava's skilled writing hand will throw you back in time, when tales were told and songs were sung...
She studied art and theater in London, where she met several people that filled her with valuable experiences. Taking part in a writing competition upon her professor's encouragement, she realised that this was what she always wanted to do. Married to that same professor a few years later, she decided to return to her roots to settle down and write about her favourite era.
Let yourselves be lured into an intense experience of desire and passion, alongside irresistible Lords and seductive Ladies of the Regency Era. Ava's skilled writing hand will throw you back in time, when tales were told and songs were sung...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 3, 2021
2.75*
This was an okay read.
But if I’m being honest it felt dragged out and way overlong in the middle. I was bored and skimming but intrigued enough to continue on. The end was a little farcical for me but okay.
This was an okay read.
But if I’m being honest it felt dragged out and way overlong in the middle. I was bored and skimming but intrigued enough to continue on. The end was a little farcical for me but okay.
August 12, 2022
The h and her family are all pathetic. The H, who isn't the least bit heroic is also pathetic. Determined to suffer in isolation for the rest of his life, amen. Every character is OTT, her other would be fiancé, her uncle and even her sisters who demand she tell them the 'truth'. Much of the plot made little sense, not even a nod to conventions of the day. Just no.
September 10, 2021
Wounded duke, Anxious Lady! Isaac has withdrawn from society, staying in a dark place. Bridgette has been removed from society and her family. The spark between them is only part of the story; danger lurks! A good read with good characters. Repetitive at times.
Want to read
August 26, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/26/2021)! 🎁
August 30, 2021
Not bad.
October 20, 2021
Too bored to finish pass the 50% mark.
May 27, 2022
Good love story! But what era is this!
I love Regency Romance with a touch of steamy and sweet. Ava MacAdams provides this in her book To Dare the Beastly Duke. The novel is a wonderful Beauty and the Beast type story, which Ava MacAdams has added her own creative touch. I enjoyed the book very much. It was raining and I had a hair appointment the day I read this so I was able to read this in one setting. It was a very entertaining way to pass a rainy afternoon.
I liked the herione, who was outspoken, yet kind and unwilling to let rudeness of others hurt her family and friends. I also liked how Ava created a heroine who though she may accept an arranged marriage for the sake of her sisters had enough self-worth to refuse to be treated as a piece of property. She was not afraid to demand what she wanted in a relationship.
The hero was the typical Duke, arrogant with a radish past, brought low by devastating war injuries. He was believable and redeemable like you want a Regency royal!
However, I got lost in a historical discrepancy and detoured into my own historical research for awhile. This sent me down a rabbit hole trying to check British Army weapons and battlefield tactics. Most distracting! I never resolved my issue another frustration! I can see the British Army having fought a war at the time with rifles and bayonets ( more like swords attached to rifles) but they also still had muskets at the time). Since the Duke's injury is caused by a bayonet it was a significant issue for me. There would have been no trench warfare as of yet, still fighting in marching formation that was responsible for the majority of senseless deaths that plagued the British Army at the time.
And another sticking point,the inadequacies of the Army at the time caused the infantry to be despised by Britain's citizens. In that era, British aristocracy would have bought their sons a Navy or Calvary, commission. No matter how upset, the Duke's father was with him, he would not have sent his only heir to his death! But like many a Hollywood movie , I suspended my love of history, to return to reading for enjoyment. After all, the story, Ava MacAdams created for hero's catastrophic disfigurement, was perfect for this plotline. It set-up the wonderful plot twist and the villain reveal surprising.
For a first read by this author, it was a great find and a perfectly enjoyable book. I have to thank my my friends at Cobalt Fairy for turning me to Ava MacAdams. I can't beat the price (FREE) and the rest of the series is on Kindle Unlimited ! No waiting to pick up book 2! You can join Cobalt Fairy for free and receive newsletter for sweet and steamy historical romance at discounted prices or free!
I love Regency Romance with a touch of steamy and sweet. Ava MacAdams provides this in her book To Dare the Beastly Duke. The novel is a wonderful Beauty and the Beast type story, which Ava MacAdams has added her own creative touch. I enjoyed the book very much. It was raining and I had a hair appointment the day I read this so I was able to read this in one setting. It was a very entertaining way to pass a rainy afternoon.
I liked the herione, who was outspoken, yet kind and unwilling to let rudeness of others hurt her family and friends. I also liked how Ava created a heroine who though she may accept an arranged marriage for the sake of her sisters had enough self-worth to refuse to be treated as a piece of property. She was not afraid to demand what she wanted in a relationship.
The hero was the typical Duke, arrogant with a radish past, brought low by devastating war injuries. He was believable and redeemable like you want a Regency royal!
However, I got lost in a historical discrepancy and detoured into my own historical research for awhile. This sent me down a rabbit hole trying to check British Army weapons and battlefield tactics. Most distracting! I never resolved my issue another frustration! I can see the British Army having fought a war at the time with rifles and bayonets ( more like swords attached to rifles) but they also still had muskets at the time). Since the Duke's injury is caused by a bayonet it was a significant issue for me. There would have been no trench warfare as of yet, still fighting in marching formation that was responsible for the majority of senseless deaths that plagued the British Army at the time.
And another sticking point,the inadequacies of the Army at the time caused the infantry to be despised by Britain's citizens. In that era, British aristocracy would have bought their sons a Navy or Calvary, commission. No matter how upset, the Duke's father was with him, he would not have sent his only heir to his death! But like many a Hollywood movie , I suspended my love of history, to return to reading for enjoyment. After all, the story, Ava MacAdams created for hero's catastrophic disfigurement, was perfect for this plotline. It set-up the wonderful plot twist and the villain reveal surprising.
For a first read by this author, it was a great find and a perfectly enjoyable book. I have to thank my my friends at Cobalt Fairy for turning me to Ava MacAdams. I can't beat the price (FREE) and the rest of the series is on Kindle Unlimited ! No waiting to pick up book 2! You can join Cobalt Fairy for free and receive newsletter for sweet and steamy historical romance at discounted prices or free!
September 14, 2021
Lady Bridgette Farbridge is being forced by her guardian to marry Lord Lork who attempts to take liberties and assaults her at a ball. She slaps him (he deserves it) but this causes problems for her and her family. Her mother is frightened that this incident will cause problems for her other daughters so she takes Lady Bridgette to the country where she will stay until the scandal dies down.
She arrives at the home of Isaac Lennoxn, Duke of Calder, who hides from the public because of his facial scars that he received while in the war. He is furious that his aunt has invited guests to his home and does everything in his power to avoid Lady Bridgette.
He expects Lady Bridgette to be repulsed by his scar but she is not which he finds unusual. Although, he tries to ignore her she finds a way to get in his path and they eventually talk. You will enjoy the plot lines, twists and turns, attempts at avoidance, secrets, duplicitous relatives, and surprises that occur as they interact throughout the story.
Once again Ava McAdams has written a wonderful story with interesting characters, intrigue, and a love worth fighting for. A received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
She arrives at the home of Isaac Lennoxn, Duke of Calder, who hides from the public because of his facial scars that he received while in the war. He is furious that his aunt has invited guests to his home and does everything in his power to avoid Lady Bridgette.
He expects Lady Bridgette to be repulsed by his scar but she is not which he finds unusual. Although, he tries to ignore her she finds a way to get in his path and they eventually talk. You will enjoy the plot lines, twists and turns, attempts at avoidance, secrets, duplicitous relatives, and surprises that occur as they interact throughout the story.
Once again Ava McAdams has written a wonderful story with interesting characters, intrigue, and a love worth fighting for. A received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 31, 2021
BRIDGETTE & ISAAC - HOLD ON FOR A ROLLERCOASTER OF A RIDE
Lady Bridgette Fairbridge very strong willed, has been pressured into agreeing to marry Lord Lork by her uncle (HER GUARDIAN for the sake of her sisters.
Lord Lork attempted to assault her at a ball Bridgette slapped him dreading this would cause rumours and harm her sisters reputation she ran.
Lady Violet, a dear friend of her mother has an idea to help her by hiding her at her nephew The Duke of Calders' estate (SHE HAD AN ULTERIOR MOTIVE).
Isaac Duke of Calder is a recluse stays away from people never goes to London since his return from the war, he is badly scarred and dose
not like me the looks he gets he is very bitter man.
His Aunt violet arrived with Bridgette and her mother asking for help allowing Bridgette to hide there ( HE REFUSES).
SO MUCH MORE TO THIS IT'S BRILLIANT .
LOVED ISAAC AND BRIDGETTE THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THESE TWO WAS GREAT SHE PUSHED HE RAN.
GREAT CHARACTERS ALL OF THEM.
Lady Bridgette Fairbridge very strong willed, has been pressured into agreeing to marry Lord Lork by her uncle (HER GUARDIAN for the sake of her sisters.
Lord Lork attempted to assault her at a ball Bridgette slapped him dreading this would cause rumours and harm her sisters reputation she ran.
Lady Violet, a dear friend of her mother has an idea to help her by hiding her at her nephew The Duke of Calders' estate (SHE HAD AN ULTERIOR MOTIVE).
Isaac Duke of Calder is a recluse stays away from people never goes to London since his return from the war, he is badly scarred and dose
not like me the looks he gets he is very bitter man.
His Aunt violet arrived with Bridgette and her mother asking for help allowing Bridgette to hide there ( HE REFUSES).
SO MUCH MORE TO THIS IT'S BRILLIANT .
LOVED ISAAC AND BRIDGETTE THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THESE TWO WAS GREAT SHE PUSHED HE RAN.
GREAT CHARACTERS ALL OF THEM.
August 31, 2021
A Woman Scorned
Great book! Ava MacAdams has once again provided emotional interactions, banter and a twist you won't see coming! Enjoyable read!!
Bridgett takes her responsibility as the oldest sister very seriously. She knows she has to marry well so the rest of her sisters can have a chance. Bridgett, betrothed to Lord Lork, finds out the hard way how the Ton's gossip can work. Lork decides he wants his husband rights before the "I Do's" are said. Bridgett has other ideas.
Now forced to go to the country with her mother until things settle down, Bridgett meets Duke Issac Lennox in a very unorthodox way. The Duke has had a hard time adjusting after returning from the war and he especially doesn't want Bridgett or her mother at his estate.
Follow Issac as he tries to believe in himself and others again, and see if Bridgett is able to convince her guardian she knows her own mind.
Enjoy!
Great book! Ava MacAdams has once again provided emotional interactions, banter and a twist you won't see coming! Enjoyable read!!
Bridgett takes her responsibility as the oldest sister very seriously. She knows she has to marry well so the rest of her sisters can have a chance. Bridgett, betrothed to Lord Lork, finds out the hard way how the Ton's gossip can work. Lork decides he wants his husband rights before the "I Do's" are said. Bridgett has other ideas.
Now forced to go to the country with her mother until things settle down, Bridgett meets Duke Issac Lennox in a very unorthodox way. The Duke has had a hard time adjusting after returning from the war and he especially doesn't want Bridgett or her mother at his estate.
Follow Issac as he tries to believe in himself and others again, and see if Bridgett is able to convince her guardian she knows her own mind.
Enjoy!
July 19, 2022
Bridgette and Isaac.
Isaac is a wounded, disfigured war veteran, a Duke, and a recluse because of his facial disfigurement. He is also an ass. Bridgette is the oldest of 4 girls in her household. She is stubborn and opinionated and has no problem speaking her mind. She is betrothed to a handsome man who tries to force her into sex against her will prior to marriage and she slaps him and he gets rough with her. That started all the problems. To minimize the scandal her mother brings her to the country to stay with a friend of hers who happens to be Isaac’s aunt and it is his estate. He is mean and stubborn with her and she gives it right back to him. Their story starts off confrontational and they each fight their growing need to see each other until they can’t any longer. The book is full drama, scandal, deception, betrayal, personal growth, acceptance, and growing love. I loved Isaac’s journey in this book and the man he became.
Isaac is a wounded, disfigured war veteran, a Duke, and a recluse because of his facial disfigurement. He is also an ass. Bridgette is the oldest of 4 girls in her household. She is stubborn and opinionated and has no problem speaking her mind. She is betrothed to a handsome man who tries to force her into sex against her will prior to marriage and she slaps him and he gets rough with her. That started all the problems. To minimize the scandal her mother brings her to the country to stay with a friend of hers who happens to be Isaac’s aunt and it is his estate. He is mean and stubborn with her and she gives it right back to him. Their story starts off confrontational and they each fight their growing need to see each other until they can’t any longer. The book is full drama, scandal, deception, betrayal, personal growth, acceptance, and growing love. I loved Isaac’s journey in this book and the man he became.
September 12, 2021
Great love story,
The story of Bridgette and Isaac is one that should never of occurred except for a mistake upon her betrothed. Bridgette was happily engaged until her betrothed showed his true colors and she wanted free of him and in an effort to protect her and her reputation her mother contacted her friend who was an aunt of Isaac's and was staying the estate where they sent Bridgette. Isaac was scarred badly in the war and remained hidden from society, though this did not matter to Bridgette and she found herself growing in affection. There are some twists and turns, great characters and writing. I really Luke this author and have read her other books with equal enjoyment.
The story of Bridgette and Isaac is one that should never of occurred except for a mistake upon her betrothed. Bridgette was happily engaged until her betrothed showed his true colors and she wanted free of him and in an effort to protect her and her reputation her mother contacted her friend who was an aunt of Isaac's and was staying the estate where they sent Bridgette. Isaac was scarred badly in the war and remained hidden from society, though this did not matter to Bridgette and she found herself growing in affection. There are some twists and turns, great characters and writing. I really Luke this author and have read her other books with equal enjoyment.
August 28, 2021
Was He really a Beast ? Was He misjudged ? Were People just so Cruel to look upon his scars from war to be so hateful ? So much Pain to deal with. Locked away in his loneliness until and certainly Lady shows up and opens his Heart to possibilities. This Story has so Much Going On filled with twists, and watching a growing relationship bloom to a True Love Affair.
Lady Bridgette Farbridge and Iasaac Lennox Duke of Calder met under surprising circumstances by his Aunt and her Mother. Little did they know how well they were suited. So the Tale begins.
You will be Emotionally wrapped up in this one and enjoy evert second.
September 13, 2021
Beauty and the Beast, fleeing one monster for an apparent one
Slightly steamy; marriage consummation and one naughty encounter or two. Bridgette slaps Lord Lork for being too forward. Dowager Countess Evans, Petunia, and her daughters are the guest and wards of Uncle Tobias, the Earl of Evans. Petunia takes Bridgette to Violet, her friend and aunt of His Grace, Isaac. Violet helps Bridgette and Isaac to know each other. A confrontation happens on the Estate to resolve everything. There is a surprise or two. Isaac and Bridgette marry.
Slightly steamy; marriage consummation and one naughty encounter or two. Bridgette slaps Lord Lork for being too forward. Dowager Countess Evans, Petunia, and her daughters are the guest and wards of Uncle Tobias, the Earl of Evans. Petunia takes Bridgette to Violet, her friend and aunt of His Grace, Isaac. Violet helps Bridgette and Isaac to know each other. A confrontation happens on the Estate to resolve everything. There is a surprise or two. Isaac and Bridgette marry.
July 7, 2022
Finding Just Right Person
Loved this story of Bridgette & Issac. Bridgette’s uncle has found a fiancé for Bridgette. The only problem is that Bridgette has no desire to be married to him and further he tries to assault her so she slaps him refusing to marry him. Her mother decides that it is time to take her to where her friend’s is at a country estate. Issac does not know anything about his aunt inviting guests. Due to injuries from the war in Europe he has become a recluse and wants no one around. Adventures proceed with the interactions between Bridgette & Issac.
Loved this story of Bridgette & Issac. Bridgette’s uncle has found a fiancé for Bridgette. The only problem is that Bridgette has no desire to be married to him and further he tries to assault her so she slaps him refusing to marry him. Her mother decides that it is time to take her to where her friend’s is at a country estate. Issac does not know anything about his aunt inviting guests. Due to injuries from the war in Europe he has become a recluse and wants no one around. Adventures proceed with the interactions between Bridgette & Issac.
August 26, 2021
To Dare the Beastly Duke A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel
This is a very good and well written story about Isaac a Duke that was injured in the war and Bridgette a young woman that travels to get away from a man she despises She and the duke fall in love but an enemy tries to kill her to make him unhappy The characters are determined and strong The extended epilogue completes the story and love and happiness is achieved
This is a very good and well written story about Isaac a Duke that was injured in the war and Bridgette a young woman that travels to get away from a man she despises She and the duke fall in love but an enemy tries to kill her to make him unhappy The characters are determined and strong The extended epilogue completes the story and love and happiness is achieved
August 30, 2021
Both physical and emotional scars follow war. The Duke has both.
She has lost father and fought a family war to escape the clutches of an evil man of the gentry. his is a really thought provoking and good reading book. I absolutely enjoyed it and was delighted with the epilogue. Ava you did a great job with all of it.
She has lost father and fought a family war to escape the clutches of an evil man of the gentry. his is a really thought provoking and good reading book. I absolutely enjoyed it and was delighted with the epilogue. Ava you did a great job with all of it.
September 2, 2021
Another awesome book by Ava as she takes the story on a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end of twist and turns of sadness, heartache, heartbreak, compassion, passion, attraction , courage, love and romance. Two strong willed characters who have been deeply wounded and carrying scars within themselves. Loved reading this book as it has real deep emotions.
September 3, 2021
Greed and mistrust!
Bridgette is betrothed, she detest him, even after he tries to seduce her, uncle pushes the match. Her mother takes her to and old friend in the country to let talk calm down. Meets Isaac the Duke, terribly wounded in the war, both physically and mentally! Can both of them find peace and love?
Bridgette is betrothed, she detest him, even after he tries to seduce her, uncle pushes the match. Her mother takes her to and old friend in the country to let talk calm down. Meets Isaac the Duke, terribly wounded in the war, both physically and mentally! Can both of them find peace and love?
September 3, 2021
Duke Isaac was wounded and scarred in the war. Bridgette was forced to become betrothed to a man she hated. When he tries make advances that she does not want, she slaps him and refuses to marry him. She is sent off to the country and meets Isaac and sure enough they fall in love. What happens next a lot of drama for all.....
September 22, 2021
Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. I felt every emotion. Just steamy enough. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
October 11, 2021
Charming
Betrayal on the battlefield and left horribly scarred, the Duke has led a life of voluntary exile. A lady who has a scandal brewing goes to the Duke’s estate hoping to protect her family from the scandal. Their first encounter sets the stage for all of their following transactions.
Betrayal on the battlefield and left horribly scarred, the Duke has led a life of voluntary exile. A lady who has a scandal brewing goes to the Duke’s estate hoping to protect her family from the scandal. Their first encounter sets the stage for all of their following transactions.
October 24, 2021
A delightful historic romantic!
I very much enjoy reading a good novel. This one meets my standards and certainly was entertaining. Scars and deformed feathers do not define character, but interaction does. These two were made for each other, and they won. I enjoyed reading this novel, thank you, Jack.
I very much enjoy reading a good novel. This one meets my standards and certainly was entertaining. Scars and deformed feathers do not define character, but interaction does. These two were made for each other, and they won. I enjoyed reading this novel, thank you, Jack.
June 22, 2022
The Path of Perseverance
A delightful tale of watching determination on the part of Lady Bridgette to break through the angry defenses of Duke Isaac with his disfiguring war wounds. An unexpected subplot erupted when she nearly perished from being poisoned. Well written and hard to put down!
A delightful tale of watching determination on the part of Lady Bridgette to break through the angry defenses of Duke Isaac with his disfiguring war wounds. An unexpected subplot erupted when she nearly perished from being poisoned. Well written and hard to put down!
December 27, 2022
It was just ok. Well written, I love the chemistry between the two main characters.
I found the plot a bit silly: the heroine doesn’t want to marry her fiancé for his advances, but then she ask a man who met just a few days before to marry her?
And also all the drama in the last few chapters was unnecessary.
I’ll read the rest of the series anyway.
I found the plot a bit silly: the heroine doesn’t want to marry her fiancé for his advances, but then she ask a man who met just a few days before to marry her?
And also all the drama in the last few chapters was unnecessary.
I’ll read the rest of the series anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2021
Ava MacAdams has written a story very reminiscent of beauty and the beast. The characters were intriguing and intense with all the physical and emotional scars they carried. There were some twists and turns that were unexpected and the epilogue was the icing on the cake.
November 8, 2021
Nice Historical
Yeah I don’t think this book was nearly as steamy as it is noted in the sub title. Also it takes most of the story for the H and the h to have hardly any sort of interaction. On the positive side there is a very fine HEA at the end and I did like the story.
Yeah I don’t think this book was nearly as steamy as it is noted in the sub title. Also it takes most of the story for the H and the h to have hardly any sort of interaction. On the positive side there is a very fine HEA at the end and I did like the story.
December 25, 2021
Great read
Interesting characters like in anyone's life or family . First in a series of daughters. Read the second book first, so I'm reading them slightly out of order. Loved the se one book so much I've started at the beginning and look forward to continuing the series.
Interesting characters like in anyone's life or family . First in a series of daughters. Read the second book first, so I'm reading them slightly out of order. Loved the se one book so much I've started at the beginning and look forward to continuing the series.
December 30, 2021
Okay
The story line and characters were good and well laid out. However the book had zero “steam” to it and for a rather short novel it felt drawn out. Which is to bad because I rather liked the characters and they deserved better.
The story line and characters were good and well laid out. However the book had zero “steam” to it and for a rather short novel it felt drawn out. Which is to bad because I rather liked the characters and they deserved better.
April 16, 2022
Beauty and the beast
This was a nice updated beauty and the beast romance story. It had such a great story to it. I liked how Bridget was persistent to get to know Isaac and draw him out of his self imposed prison.
This was a nice updated beauty and the beast romance story. It had such a great story to it. I liked how Bridget was persistent to get to know Isaac and draw him out of his self imposed prison.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews