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Calling All Rakes #2

Needed: A Dishonorable Duke

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She is not stalking the duke. She’s just following him. Very closely...

When Miss Mona Ayers finds herself betrothed to a marquess older than her father’s father, there is only one thing to do. Find a better suitor. But who is better than a marquess? A duke, of course.

The problem is, the only one currently on the market, the Duke of Dedham, is as derelict as he is determined not to marry. She knows; she’s done her research. She’s read every article ever printed about him in the London Times. She might have even cut them out and saved them. And when the opportunity to catch him alone and make him an offer he, hopefully, can’t refuse, Mona doesn’t hesitate. Any fate is better than be married to an elderly marquess.

But that’s when things really start to get tricky.

He refuses the offer.

Worse yet, some woman from his past is seeking retribution, and just because Mona’s saved a few articles, all right, several, he thinks she might be said lady. She’s determined, yes. But deranged? Most certainly not.

But how to prove that to the Duke of Dedham, convince him her plan for a marriage of convenience is sound, and save him from whatever woman wishes him ill? It’s a big task.

Mona, however, is up for the challenge.

The only other dilemma? Her heart has decided that convenience just won’t do.

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2022

61 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

About the author

Tammy Andresen

227 books1,074 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,818 reviews136 followers
February 8, 2022
WOW hard for me to believe this is my 74th book since 2017 I’ve read of Tammy Andresen’s.

I am really liking this new series, Calling All Rakes.

I enjoyed these characters and the storyline. Way too short a read but still really good.

I would definitely recommend this book, all her books and this series. 😊
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
January 29, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Great read, that I found so entertaining, Tammy is an author that I love all her books and series.
This series is very good and it’s one filled with wonderful characters and chemistry.
Definitely a must if your a fan.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews129 followers
February 1, 2022
He had several monikers... Disreputable, deplorable and dishonorable, but sinfully handsome and dangerously direct. A Duke was just what she needed to evade the ancient Marquess her mother was trying to marry her off to...

He truly did earn his reputation and he was fine with that. When he is accosted by a young woman while he is waiting for another, he cannot believe her proposition that they marry for convenience and then he can do what he wants!

A truly delightful story filled with humor, a determined redhead, a mystery and danger all wrapped up into a fabulous story!
Profile Image for Semi.
365 reviews4 followers
May 14, 2024
This was REALLY good. I loved how much the author focused on the Duke's emotions in his POVs - they were very substantial and we literally saw him evaluate himself and change.
Also - the clear communication between our main characters - amazing.

Reread (July 2022) - Yup! Still good!
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,200 reviews124 followers
January 21, 2022
Needed: A Dishonorable Duke, by Tammy Andresen.This title fits perfectly for me. I needed to read this short romantic story. What a wonderful love story this book was to read. Mona and Brax had me spinning in circles over their supposed courtship.
Eventually the two work things out just as the craziness begins, leaving me asking, “ what the heck is going on”? It’s the mystery and suspense that Mona and Charlotte gets wrapped into that has me turning the pages. It’s the curiosity that entices me to find out, what’s going to happen to the so called deplorable Duke, once nicknamed among the ton. The characters were all great in the book. The dialogue was simple in to the point.
The narrative stayed close to the plot and the writing was superb. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,446 reviews91 followers
February 13, 2022
He's a rake with so many ex-lovers. But now he is being targetted, firstly with a dead pig and secondly a knife in a dead chicken. Are his past lovers leaving dead animals outside his house because he is smitten with someone else?
An enjoyable story. 3.5☆ (rounded up).
Profile Image for Janet.
5,181 reviews64 followers
January 28, 2022
When Miss Mona Ayers finds herself almost betrothed to a marquis older than her father & who falls asleep each time he visits, there is only one thing to do. Find a better suitor, as her matchmaking mother won’t accept a lesser title, so a duke, of course. The problem is the only one currently on the market, Braxton Hughes the Duke of Durham, is a rake of the first order plus he is determined not to marry. When the opportunity to catch him alone and make him an offer he hopefully can’t refuse, Mona doesn’t hesitate. He refuses the offer. Worse yet, some woman from his past is seeking retribution. But how to convince him her plan for a marriage of convenience is sound, and save him from whatever woman wishes him ill?
The second book in this delightfully entertaining series, it could easily be read on its own. I loved both Mona & Brax, She's the red haired wallflower who's mother likes to dress her in the most horrendous dresses, he's the rake who's never been loved – together they are perfect for each other & their attraction sizzles. I loved their journey to a HEA & read this engrossing read in a sitting, there’s also a mystery that needed solving so Charlotte & Tate from the previous book are called in to help. A very well written fun, entertaining easy to read captivating book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,700 reviews22 followers
January 19, 2022
Miss Mona Ayers is wallflower- her bright red hair scared the lords off as they were seeking mild mannered quiet ladies & they figured her personality would be strong & outspoken. Mona was all those things & more, she was also strong & knew what she did & did not want. However, her mother had arranged a courtship between her & a marquess, who was older than her father. The only way out of her mother's plan was to find someone to marry her with a higher title - she needed to convince a duke & she had just the dishonorable duke in mind & she had been collecting all the gossip clippings about him & his antics & plans.

The Duke of Dedham aka Deplorable/Disreputable/Dishonorable Duke, Braxton Hughes, has the reputation of being a womanizing rake & he is quite happy being exactly. In fact, he is waiting for a tryst with a widow who had arranged this meeting in a private room in her home while her party carried on without her. The door whisked open; it wasn't the widow but Mona & after he demanded she leave & she refused until she said her piece. She proposed a deal - he would marry her, which would eliminate every debutante & their mother trying to entrap him into marriage & Mona would not have to marry the old marquess, would provide an heir & he could live the life he was enjoying now. He couldn't do that - could he?

Their journey to a HEA was fun, it took a lot of soul searching on the duke's part, Mona stayed true to her beliefs through entire book & then you add dead animals, threatening notes being left at the duke's front door - a little mystery to be solved, that will keep you turning pages. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.



Profile Image for Karen_Lee_Reads.
1,301 reviews47 followers
January 25, 2022
Needed: A Dishonorable Duke
(Calling All Rakes #2)
Written by: Tammy Andresen

How does Tammy Andresen do it? She comes up with some of the best characters and stories each month. This book, Needed: A Dishonorable Duke though, one of the best books that I’ve read. Mona and Brax are made for each other. It just takes them time and a few incidents to see how right they are for each other.

I adore Mona, what a woman! She thinks she’s “just ok” in the looks department. In fact she is beautiful. The things she thinks keep people away from her are her penchant for saying what she thinks and her red hair. When in fact it’s really her mother’s terrible taste in the clothing she’s chosen for Mona. She’s also pushing the Marquess of Ware (he’s sooooo ooold) on her! Don’t worry though; Mona may thinks she’s a Wallflower, not true she has a beautiful mind and she is going to take care of this once and for all, find what Ball the Dishonorable Duke is going to next and be there with her wicked proposal!

Braxton Hughes, Duke of Durham aka The Dishonorable Duke is waiting of one woman, when Mona shows up, locks them in a room and explains her proposal to him. Once he see beyond her beautiful green eyes, her creamy skin and dear me those breasts, he thinks maybe she is on to a good idea. But is her proposal what he really wants? Does he want a family, he doesn’t really know, he never had one. He does need and Heir, will her plan work? She’s a stunner, he could do this, or maybe not?

These two are like puzzle pieces and they don’t see it…understandable of course but still! So when a dead sow is found on the Duke finely manicured front lawn with a nasty note attached, Brax is going to start with Mona and work his way backwards…which woman has it out for him.

The humor, the innuendos, the sly smiles, the little touches and these two are magic together! I just hope that their wedding is coming in another book in the Calling All Rakes series, because I want more of them!!!!

Tammy Andresen has done it again, no she’s done more with this couple, she’s given us a little bit of suspense, a man willing to change himself fully and a woman who is always going to keep him on his toes and he won’t mind one little bit!
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,209 reviews33 followers
May 7, 2022
Mona Ayers has a plan. She's done her research on the man who is the answer to her problem. Braxton, the Duke of Durham, has several monikers that describe his reputation with women. Mona does not want to change him... she wants to marry him to avoid her mother's choice of a husband. If she can convince Brax to a marriage of convenience, she will give him his heir and he can continue his life as it is. The first time she proposes he says "NO." Then he starts to think about the pros and cons of saying "Yes." He is extremely attracted to Mona and all the attention from other men makes him angry. He can't stop thinking about her. As he pursues Mona, someone leaves a dead pig in his yard and a dead chicken on his doorstep. It's time for Mona to call on her cousin to help solve the mystery. A duke goes from detestable to delectable and Mona becomes known as the Duke Tamer. Always love humor with romance.
Heat level 3
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews38 followers
January 15, 2022
I found this to be entirely entertaining. A wallflower, Mona, desperate to avoid marriage to a marquess older than her grandfather. She turns to the last man anyone would expect, The Dishonorable Duke, Brax. This begins a serious but romantic time for Mona and Brax. I really liked Mona's character. She was loving, caring yet strong minded and constant. Brax, well he flitted through life from one conquest to another with no remorse or consequence. That is until Mona burst into his life. He never felt lovable and never thought he could ever love another. But Mona did what no other woman had done. She tamed the rake. But scandal was afoot and Brax was targeted with some gruesome messages. Mona took Brax to her cousin Charlotte for help discovering who was behind these hateful messages. Little did they know that Mona was the one in most danger. An excellent read. I highly recommend it.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.


Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining
Funny
Happily Ever After
Page-turner
Romantic
Unpredictable
Witty
Wonderful characters
132 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. The premise of the story was enjoyable with Mona asking Brax, a duke, to marry her so she doesn’t have to marry an ancient marquess. As circumstances progress and Mona and Brax are together, they both realize a marriage of convenience might work, but do they both want a marriage without love. These two were so cute together. It seemed like they were always holding hands, even though sometimes I’m not sure they realized what they were doing. They got to slowly know each other by working on a mystery together. The story was well written and thoroughly enjoyable. I found myself laughing at certain parts. I would recommend this story to others.
233 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2022
Heartwarming, Humorous with a touch of intrigue.

Mona Ayer’s is a young lady who really knows her own mind, what she wants out of life and that is not a very old Marquess.

Brax is just not sure what he wants but when a young lady makes him an offer he thought he could refuse, anything can happen.

Fantastic fun read, Tammy Andresen at her best.❤️


Stand alone


Highly recommend
Profile Image for Shelly.
408 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2022
What a fun story! At first it seems a typical ton story, but then some out of the ordinary things happen. I love the courage of Mona, who stays true to her character throughout the book facing different obstacles. I also appreciate the Duke of Durban’s introspection as to who he is and why.

This is a fun and sweet story, with a bit of bitter vengeance thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

** I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. **
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,553 reviews88 followers
January 23, 2022
The first order of business when embarking on a new campaign is to research your subject well. That is exactly what Miss Mona Ayers does when preparing for her encounter with the Duke of Durham, called by various other names, none of which are complimentary. Brax is used to being propositioned, but there is something about Mona that halts him in his tracks. She is outspoken; has a figure to die for; is quick-witted; intelligent; and totally outrageous. Unfortunately, she also has the ability to put his current inamorata into a snit as he throws her over in order to escape the scene of Mona's offer. This romance is highly entertaining despite some gruesome finds, resulting in Mona and her cousin taking on a new investigation. The Disreputable Duke finds himself in a tight spot when those who love and protect Mona challenge him, resulting in him having to face some unpalatable truths about himself. The novel comes to an amusing conclusion with everyone pleased with the results, except perhaps, Mona's mother. I received a copy of this entertaining romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Lisa C.
1,099 reviews22 followers
March 2, 2022
Very engaging marriage of convenience story (or at least it could be if Braxton Hughes, the Duke of Durham, would just say yes). Miss Mona Ayers needs to get out of the arrangement her mother has made and has plotted a plan. Loved these characters and their interactions together. Heartwarming, romantic, heart wrenching, and satisfying story.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
February 9, 2022
Braxton Hughes, Duke of Durham and Miss Mona Ayers' story is the second book in the Calling all Rakes series. There is suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, villains and romance. I can not wait until the next book is out. This book is well written with a very good storyline that held my interest until the end. I voluntarily read and am reviewing an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,115 reviews13 followers
February 1, 2022
Mona Ayers desperately wants to avoid betrothal to the man her mother has chosen for her, a marquess older than her father. Her solution is to find a better match in her mother’s eyes, a duke. Unfortunately, the only one available is the Duke of Dedham, a rake with a terrible reputation and no desire to marry. This will be an uphill battle.

This is another delightful story in the Calling All Rakes series. Mona is beautiful, opinionated, and outspoken. Brax, jaded though he is, like her. He is obviously interested, which gives her hope and apparently annoys someone else (dead farm animals on his lawn are the hint). As they work together with Charlotte and Tate to find who is threatening him, the attraction between Brax and Mona grows. The story has a bit of everything, mystery, suspense, revenge, a weird kidnapping, and romance. The villain(s) are not a big surprise. A romantic romp, wonderful characters, and an awesome HEA. I enjoyed Mona and Brax’s story and look forward to the next one. I recommend this entertaining story and the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Heather.
54 reviews
August 28, 2022
Mystery, danger, intrigue, humor, and stubborn hearts doing what they'll do. Mona's not the deranged woman obsessed with the Duke, though she is a little obsessed with him... but not that way, she swears! But she needs him to marry her.... obviously, the Duke doesn't buy it, nor want to agree, and they have to navigate the true mystery plus the messy business of hearts and feelings getting involved. This was a great second book for the new series.
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
January 21, 2022
💍 Needed: A Dishonorable Duke 💍
Victorian Romantic Mystery
Calling all Rakes Book 2
✒️ Tammy Andresen
https://www.facebook.com/authortammya...
Release Date 02/01/2022
Publisher Swift Romance Publishing Corp
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HSXP6KD/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

She is not stalking the duke. She’s just following him. Very closely…

When Miss Mona Ayers finds herself betrothed to a marquess older than her father’s father, there is only one thing to do. Find a better suitor. But who is better than a marquess? A duke, of course.

The problem is the only one currently on the market, the Duke of Durham, is as derelict as he is determined not to marry. She knows, she’s done her research. She’s read every article ever printed about him in the London Times. She might have even cut them out and saved them. And when the opportunity to catch him alone and make him an offer he hopefully can’t refuse, Mona doesn’t hesitate. Any fate is better than be married to an elderly marquess.

But that’s when things really start to get tricky.

He refuses the offer.

Worse yet, some woman from his past is seeking retribution and just because Mona’s saved a few articles, all right, several, he thinks she might be said lady. She’s determined, yes. But deranged? Most certainly not.

But how to prove that to the Duke of Durham, convince him her plan for a marriage of convenience is sound, and save him from whatever woman wishes him ill? It’s a big task.

Mona, however, is up for the challenge.

The only other dilemma? Her heart has decided that convenience just won’t do.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will his awkwardness with others and rakish ways keep them apart …

Oh my, I loved this one!
It is fun, witty and fast paced.
Brax is no choirboy, he takes but gives nothing, so sure and certain to be his father’s image, he does not see the need to settle.
But I loved him for not hiding his flaws and even scheming ways to continue on his path all the while enjoying the delectable Miss Ayers’ charms.
Mona is not one to rely on others to rescue her, why she tried to give fate at little push by proposing a Duke, not any Duke, the worst possible candidate, but one who would see if he is able to listen more than two seconds, how clever her offer is.
They were so great together, Brax is a rake but a charming one while Mona is only a wallflower because she decided to be one.

Yet in the intimacy, Brax is so much fun, close to his employees, even involving them in his “boy’s tricks”, listening to them, never disparaging nor overlooking them. While Mona knows she is loved, even by her overbearing mother, but she wants to make her own choices, so if she must, she will thwart her mother’s aspirations.
I smiled and laughed, from Brax’ prank to his not so selfless change of heart or Mona’s blunt but kind rejection of him. It was amusing that while he has some sort of epiphany, he still does not let no one come between him and his heart’s desires.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 a foreplays and a lovemaking scene.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CZATWO9o...

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767 reviews11 followers
January 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and I think Brax and Mona are adorable together. I think I am a little in love with Brax, at least the Brax he is when he meets Mona. Mona is a wallflower whose mother is making a match with a Marquess who is older than her father. To get out of the match, Mona thought she would try to make her own match, and she picks Brax, a Duke who is always being written about in the paper because he was always with women and not caring about any of them. When Mona gets Brax in a room and proposes to him, a marriage he can still be free in, he turns her down, but he is intrigue by her. From there it starts. I read this book in one afternoon because it was so well written and enjoyable. This story left me smiling.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Cindy C..
1,142 reviews13 followers
February 2, 2022
From the first page to the last you will spellbound by Needed: A Dishonorable Duke. Tammy Andresen's stories are always interesting with flawed characters who manage to grow and yet retain their personalities which captivates you from the beginning until the very end. It's emotional ride that keeps you that keeps you turning the pages, passion, great dialogue and with a strong plot that bring this read together perfectly! Ahhh...the game of love can be a tangled web for Brax, the Duke of Durham, as Brax is just now learning what love is all about. Mona, a wallflower, has followed The Duke of Durham's life through the scandal sheets and has come up with a plan of marriage of convenience, if the Duke will just agree! With visits from characters who you found a special place in your heart from the previous novel that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next in the series.
Profile Image for Kat Tolle.
639 reviews13 followers
January 20, 2022
SO GOOD!!! Needed: A Dishonorable Duke by Tammy Andresen is book 2 in the Calling all Rakes series and I am so liking this series. Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. This regency story is so very well written and Tammy never disappoints. Eat is original and the character just so darn lovable. This story has a lady being forced into an unwanted marriage, a Duke with a really bad reputation, proposing a marriage of convince, dead animals left on their front yard, not wanting to marry, jealousy, kindness, a pushy Scottish mother, wearing ugly dresses, helpful relatives and falling in love. I am highly recommending you read this book.


***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

Profile Image for Deb Rohla.
79 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2022
Mona Ayers has a plan. A plan to get herself out of a marriage to the ancient man her mother has picked out. She just has to find a way to convince the Duke of Durham he should marry her. She's made a study of him. And has a whole book of clippings to prove it.
Braxton Hughes is a dishonarable rake and can not believe that this beautiful woman is for real. She proposed to him, says she knows all about him since she's been studying him and it'll be a marriage of convenience. He thinks she's a little crazy. When he gets a threat with a note, he decides to start with her.
This is a fast paced, action packed unique story. Tammy has a way with her stories. You'll definitely love this one. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
587 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2024
LOVED IT!

I have read a lot from this author, and this is one of my favorites. The character development was really good. I liked Mona and Brax. From their first interaction, they just seemed like they were meant for one another. There were some things that just seemed unsettled. There was no real resolution for Mona being assaulted at the ball or the creepy guy that was eavesdropping and clearly leaked the story to the paper of the duke's "rejection." I would have liked a little more follow up information cause I just felt like the ending was abrupt, and I wanted more of the cute couple.
Profile Image for DENISE I..
392 reviews4 followers
February 13, 2022
I love this series

I discovered this author late last year and have been working my way through her series and stand-alone works.
So far this one does not disappoint. So far both stories have been:
Laugh out loud - 5
Heat - 4 (totally acceptable
Mystery - 3.5-4, again enough to ADD not detract from the romance
Romance - too funny to get angst about it
Just well written quick reads. Now that I’ve read the first 2, I’ll have to wait a month or so for the next one.
I recommend this series for a lighthearted getaway ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
297 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2022
MONA AND BRAX LOVED IT NICE QUICK READ.

MONA does not want to marry but her mother has arranged for her to be courted by an elderly Lord, she knows her mother will
Only let her out of this if she can find a higher ranking man to marry.
MONA here's of this Duke (Brax) who is a well known Rake loved his life and never wants to marry so she approaches him with a proposal which will help him continue with his women and her to continue with her life.

REALLY ENJOYED THIS GREAT CHARACTERS LOVED BRAX AND MONA.
ONYO NECT BOOK.IN SERIES





Profile Image for AZsenorita.
237 reviews
July 30, 2022
Brax & Mona

I found this book 📕 entertaining with likable characters The H was a handsome Rake an h was a kind beautiful Wallflower that speaks her mind and the H finds her delightful. They meet when h proposes a marriage of convenience the H in order to escape an engagement to a withered old man. The H is intrigued and a relationship starts. Both are attracted to each other and there are a few stolen kisses although it took 3/4ths into the book 📕 for that to happen. There is only one sex scene towards the end. And because of this lack of passion I gave it 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️.
651 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2022
An awesome read!

From wallflower to Duchess all because she proposed a great idea to a Duke. Brax and Mona got to know each other and the feelings were starting to get stronger, when they were apart thoughts were of the other. He pissed off a few women so they decided to get back at him and left dead animals on his front lawn. A HEA for them. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤
1,296 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2022
A wallflower, Miss Mona Ayers, is determined not to marry the elderly man her mother has chosen. She will do anything to escape this tragedy, even propose to a dishonorable duke. She has followed his rakish reputation from afar and feels she has a proposal he won’t be able to pass up. Mona is strong willed and devoted to her decision. Fast paced, unique, and all around great time from start to finish.
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