In this enemies-to-lovers Regency romance by USA Today bestselling author Charlie Lane, a lady who dares too much and a brute who dares too little engage in a battle of wits.
Lady Sarah Hampton would rather sew up a wound than tend to her own heart. Or matrimonial prospects. When the small hospital she’s been volunteering at faces financial peril, she seeks to save them the best way she knows how—one dare, one wager, and one foolish rake at a time. No matter the risk to herself. If her friend’s irritatingly handsome and brutish brother doesn’t stand in her way.
Xavier Evans, Viscount Flint may be known as the Dare King to his old chums, but to Lady Sarah, he’s the King of Brutes. He’d take offense if he weren’t so busy trying to be a better man, the type who rises above insult, never gives it, and protects his family. But when his sister’s happiness hinges on her friend’s safety, he’ll have to figure out how to keep the sharp-tongued and beautiful Lady Sarah—who hates him—safe, too.
Sarah is willing to risk it all, and Xavier will do what it takes to stop her. As the game of dares draws them closer, it reveals a hidden threat, and these enemies must work together or hurt those they love… including each other.
4.5 Stars Lady Sarah Hampton would rather sew up a wound than tend to her own heart. When the small hospital she’s been volunteering at faces financial peril, she seeks to save them the best way she knows how—one dare, one wager, and one foolish rake at a time. Xavier Evans, Viscount Flint may be known as the Dare King to his old chums, but to Lady Sarah, he’s the King of Brutes. When his sister’s happiness hinges on her friend’s safety, he’ll have to figure out how to keep the sharp-tongued and beautiful Lady Sarah—who hates him—safe, too. The sixth book in the series & it could easily be read on its own. A well written delightful read featuring my favourite trope – enemies to lovers. The characters are very well portrayed & I loved both Sarah & Xavier both with their insecurities & I loved their journey to a HEA, the banter was a joy & their chemistry grew & grew. Previous characters do feature, which I always love. A charming well written book, which left me with a smile on my face, my favourite of the series My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This may be my favorite book in the series. I enjoyed the daring spirit of the protagonists. I also liked that what must be overcome is more internal than external. I was afraid the other would add too much drama but she didn’t; I appreciated that she allowed the characters to solve their issues.
I received a copy of this book from BookSprout and this is my freely given opinion.
This is the 6th book of the series by Charlie Lane, with the main characters being Lady Sarah, younger sister of Tabitha from book 1, and Xavier Evans, Viscount Flint, one of the brute brothers of Lady Edith from book 5. Both Sarah and Flint seem to have a bit of an identity issue in how they see themselves and perceive their place and roles in the world, and are constrained by societal norms/expectations, and their perceptions of what their family/friends want for them. One way Sarah seems to want to define herself is through her work with a charity hospital. She obviously has an interest in medicine and helping others, but as a lady it would be frowned upon to engage in things like that hands on so she finds creative ways to fund them, including wagers on dares. To preserve her reputation, she and her friends hide their identity in Georgian costumes and she has gained some notoriety as the Dare Queen.
Flint was the previously crowned Dare King, but because of some past mistakes, regrets, and guilt held close to his chest, he has resolved to do better and stick the straight and narrow. He sees what Sarah's doing and recognizes her, and convinces himself that he will get involved in her schemes to stop her for the sake of his sister, her good friend. He wants to stop her before she ruins or hurts herself. He does not initially realize what her motivation is, until she confides in him. Deep down also, he misses the thrill of adventure, and initially suppresses his attraction to her, thinking he would look for a "proper" bride in the mean time. But, as follows the enemies to lovers trope, they grow closer and as they trust and confide in each other, becoming more conspirators than rivals, and Flint realizes that he wants her to be his bride.
This was a rather cute and sweet story, especially as Flint and his brothers came across as such idiotic, bumbling, misogynistic boors in their sister Edith's story. I did not find it as compelling as others in the series, but did enjoy the episodes where Flint and Sarah shared and were more open with each other, such as when they dared each other and then shared their ride on Mr. Clarke's new invention. I did not fully understand the motivation of Clarington as the villain/enemy of the piece though.
Lady Sarah Hampton would rather sew up a wound than tend to her own heart. Or matrimonial prospects. When the small hospital she’s been volunteering at faces financial peril, she seeks to save them the best way she knows how—one dare, one wager, and one foolish rake at a time. No matter the risk to herself. If her friend’s irritatingly handsome and brutish brother doesn’t stand in her way. Xavier Evans, Viscount Flint may be known as the Dare King to his old chums, but to Lady Sarah, he’s the King of Brutes. He’d take offense if he weren’t so busy trying to be a better man, the type who rises above insult, never gives it, and protects his family. But when his sister’s happiness hinges on her friend’s safety, he’ll have to figure out how to keep the sharp-tongued and beautiful Lady Sarah—who hates him—safe, too. Sarah and Xavier are meant to be together. Sarah doesn't want to get married. Xavier wants just the opposite. Charlie. Lane writes a good book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This is the 6th and final installment of the Debutante Dares Series by Ms. Lane. A delightful story of Lord Xavier Flint, Lady Sarah Hampton and their complicated and thorny relationship. Xavier is the brother to Lady Edith and he is struggling with the realization that he did not provide her with the help she needed as his only sister. Lady Sarah is struggling with her lack of confidence in her own worth while she tries to save a needed hospital in London. In the course of the story, we revisit the couples of the prior stories Tabitha and her Duke, Lillian, Katherine, and Jane. It is always fun to peek into the lives of the prior couples to see how they are doing. We also see more of Xavier’s brother Josiah and Crawford. Ms. Lane has once again created interesting, complex and likeable characters in a realistic setting. The dialog is well written and follows the time period. You find yourself rooting for the characters to make the correct choices. The key characters work to understand their insecurities and try to improve. Xavier does not believe that he is worthy of love or that he can love. Sarah is convinced she is not as good or talented as her sisters. Insecurity and concerns on improving seem to be universal concepts. Ms. Lane has skillfully created a story that blends likeable characters, a strong plot and the power of friends and family to make a success of life This is a clean romance with wonderful characters. I highly recommend this story
I loved reading this story, it is both tart and sweet with just enough sizzle and spice to capture both your interest and imagination. We all have faults and never like to have them pointed out but how many of us truly work on elimination them from our lives. It might be considered self-absorption to focus on your own faults, but if it improves you as a person is it really horrible? Sarah and Xavier are parallel souls trying to do just that fixing themselves. They want to get the most out of life, one doing daring and fun things to prove her worth and one stopping the dares to also prove worthy. Two people going in opposite directions that bring them together. It's loving, daring, fun and engaging.
If you ever played truth or dare as a child and always took the dare, read this story you will get a thrill. If you always took the truth, read it anyway and see what you missed in life by being safe.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sarah is the "Queen of Dares" as a means of making herself useful - her winnings all go to a charity very close to her heart. Xavier, known as the "Dare King" since his school days, is coaxed out of his self-imposed retirement by the audacity of the new Queen and the lengths she'll go to in order to win. Once he realizes who she is, his sister's best friend, he's instantly compelled to curtail her risky behavior in order to protect her.
Thus begins a bit of an "enemies to lovers" relationship as these two clash and collaborate in their shared pursuits. There's a final showdown with one unscrupulous character, but I loved the way that honor won out in the end.
A delightful addition is the secondary romance for another of Edith's brothers, one who has the chance to somewhat redeem himself from his actions in the earlier book. Really, after what those brothers put Edith through, it was nice to see each of them grow up just a little in this book.
I was instantly captivated by this story, and I highly recommend it as well as the entire series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I loved it! Daring Done Right will hold your attention as you enjoy the journey with Lady Sara, and Xavier Evans, Viscount Flint, the Dare King. Sparks fly whenever the two are around each other as the two compete with one another. All Lady Sara can think about it is doing dares, and winning them, but Xavier needs Lady Sara to stop her dangerous pursuits before she gets hurt. So will the Dare King and queen be able to stop at just one more dare. Just one dare more is all she needs. Charlie Lane has given readers a book that is well-written, filled it with great cast of characters that come off the pages and pull you into this emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, enemies to lovers and great dialogue. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid that brings this read together perfectly.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Lady Sarah Hampton may be a member of the aristocracy, but she would rather spend her time healing others, or completing dares, than contemplating marrying and settling down to be a dutiful wife. All of her pin money goes towards her friends' hospital, and she's trying to raise more funds by completing more and more daring deeds for the men to bet on. Disguised as the Dare Queen, there's only one person who can compete with her, and that's the mysterious Dare King who hasn't been seen for years. And when he turns up again, and just so happens to be Xavier Evans, Viscount Flint, the very person who will be able to see straight through her disguise. If there's anyone who gets his blood pumping, it is Lady Sarah. Xavier has known Sarah since they were children, and he's always been drawn to her, but never in this way. Wanting to protect her for his sister's sake, and for his own if he's honest, Xavier sees a side to Sarah that he never imagined, and soon he realises that the very woman who he needs has always been in front of him.
I'd been waiting for this book from the very first moment we saw Sarah and Xavier together. It was clear they were made for one another, and the banter between them was simply sparkling with chemistry. Xavier seemed a little like a stick in the mud, but when you realise that his mother's death made him see reason, and want to become a better man, a better brother, it was honourable the way he acted. He was the perfect gentleman around everyone, except for Sarah. Sarah brought out his daring side, his primal nature, and he was drawn to her, even though he should be wooing his prospective fiancee. I'm glad they saw sense, and realised that they bolstered each other, rather than forced them to change. The last book in the Debutante Dares series, and in my opinion, the best of the lot!
4 1/2*STARS* Lady Sarah Hampton may be the Dare Queen in disguise, but she doesn't fool Xavier the Brute Evans, Viscount Flint. He was known as the Dare King, but curtailed his wild ways on a promise to be more responsible. He understands the rush of dares and wagers and admires Sarah. Her dares and wagers aren't for herself, but for a noble cause. Xavier becomes her protector when a dare goes too far by a man who has nothing to lose. The bickering and banter between Xavier and Sarah hides deeper feelings that they never imagined having for each other. Humor and wit with some steam. The last book in a very entertaining series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Loved Sarah and Xavier's story. Their story is full wonderful characters from previous stories in the series as well as passion, mystery, adventure and love. Sarah is the Queen of Dares, she dares those with large pockets to fund the hospitals, doctors etc. that are desperately in need of funds. Xavier, Lord Flint is the Dare King or King of Brutes as Sarah calls him. When Xavier's sisters happiness depends on Sarah's safety then he will do all he can to ensure it even if she hates him. Soon a hidden threat and working together may cause hate to turn into something else.
This is an entertaining read with great characters, steamy scenes, and a solid plot. Recommended for fans of the genre and the series. Looking forward to the next book.
I'm sorry, but this book just didn't work for me. It had too much angst and not enough of a story, so I really struggled with it. I just didn't care about, or understand, the character's motivation. I have enjoyed other books by Charlie Lane, but not this one. If, however, you love angst, you may well feel differently about it.
I received an ARC from the Publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion
I received an ARC of this book from Wolf Publishing. Charlie Lane has become one of my favorite authors and this book was a pure delight. Lady Sarah Hampton and Lord Xavier Flint have been at loggerheads for all of their lives. As children, Sarah was friends with Edith, Xavier’s younger sister (from Only Rakes Would Dare), and he made no secret of how little he thought of her. In fact, he was a downright brute, insulting and belittling her to no end. Unfortunately, she internalized his insults and believed them.
Meanwhile, Xavier has his own reasons for being so mean to Sarah. They’re not good ones, but he admits he did so because he hated himself and she made him aware of his own flaws. Subconsciously, he thought that pointing out her flaws would make him feel better about his own. It takes him a long time to admit to himself that he actually admires her and wants to be with her. Of course, nothing can ever be that simple, but eventually, they get there.
This is a story about two people who think they’re not worthy of love, and who believe that the other person is too good for them. Both have lost their mothers, and there’s no doubt that being motherless is deeply affecting. Each must find a way to convince the other that they are lovable and deserving of that love. I have only one complaint. Hopefully, another ARC reader pointed it out and it was fixed prior to publication, but since it was there when I read it, I’m pointing it out. In Chapter 16, Sarah talks about how she has no memories of her mother, but shortly thereafter, she says, “...Mother did often remind me of that.” I was disappointed that an obvious inconsistency like that was missed.
I always highlight my favorite parts of books and this one has many highlights. I’ll end with a few:
“She had stopped breathing the moment his nose touched her cheek, and she tried hard to start back up again, but then his lips lightly dragged along the edge of her jaw, and truly, who needed breath?”
“...putting true emotion, deep as a well and just as vital, into language felt like falling on sharp rocks.”
“...she came to him like wine into a cup, spilling easily into his every corner.”
“The moon lay in slashes on the ground, tangling in the tree branches above to cast eerie shadows everywhere.”
The author saved the best for last. This book was absolutely tops for me. I loved everything about it. I've never been a real fan of enemies-to-lovers trope, but maybe I just hadn't found the right book until now. Sarah and Xavier rocked my world.
Xavier (love his name, by the way), or Lord Flint is known for his own dares, but abruptly when his mother died in child birth. He was in charge now and he had to put on his big boy pants and grow up. His sister, Edith, is already married, but he's got two younger brothers who are irresponsible and living life frivolously. They're making him crazy, but the person really making him crazy is Sarah, one of Edith's best friends. Edith asked him to look out for her. Xavier agreed, not knowing that it would've been easier had she asked him to give her the moon and stars or to drain an ocean. But he promised he would, despite the fact that he can't stand the sight of Sarah.
Sarah. Oh what a character she was. I'm usually not big on heroines who have bigger balls than most men, but she did have that and what made it great was that it wasn't up in my face. She was always looking for that next dare, taking bets, to make money for a cause she firmly believed in. Failure was not an option. She donned a disguise of an old wig and a domino, a few of her friends doing the same and accompanying her on these outings, and her identity was a mystery to all...except Xavier. What she wasn't counting on was him joining forces with her.
Xavier was the Dare King and when he saw just what Sarah was capable of, he nicknamed her Queenie. I loved that. He had so much faith and confidence in her, more than she had in herself and and as the story unfolded, it's revealed that she's got an issue that she keeps hidden. He worked his magic on her, even when she didn't realize it, and then all bets were off where matters of the heart were concerned.
This is the conclusion of the Debutante Dares series and what a great way to wrap it up. I almost wish there were more books to come, like Abigail and Lord Harry, and even Josiah, Xavier's brother. Maybe they will show up in another series someday and, even if they don't, it's all good. This book was immensely satisfying and an easy five star read.
*This is part of a series, but can be read independently.
**I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
"Ein gelungenes Wagnis" ist der sechste Teil der "Die waghalsigen Debütantinnen" Reihe. Jeder Teil kann vollkommen unabhängig voneinander gelesen werden, jede Geschichte ist abgeschlossen. Wie es aber im ton so ist, es gibt immer ein Wiedersehen.
Ich lese Regency Romance zwischendurch unheimlich gerne und freue mich immer wieder, wenn ich etwas Neues entdecke. Für mich ist es tatsächlich erst der zweite Teil dieser Reihe, den ich gelesen habe, aber als ich diesen Teil bei einer Leserunde entdeckt habe, brauchte ich nicht lange zu überlegen, ich musste mich einfach dafür bewerben. Ich habe mich so sehr gefreut, dass ich tatsächlich mitlesen durfte.
Ich war von der ersten Seite an das Buch gefesselt und konnte es kaum wieder aus der Hand legen. Das Setting fand ich total interessant und auch die Protagonisten sind so toll. Besonders Sarah konnte ich sehr gut verstehen. Ich finde diese Regency Zeit zwar total interessant und lese unheimlich gerne Bücher, die in dieser Zeit spielen, doch selber leben möchte ich in der Zeit nicht, ich glaube, ich würde auch vor Langeweile sterben. Ich hatte wieder sehr großen Spaß beim Lesen und muss unbedingt auch die Ladys, die ich noch nicht kenne, so schnell wie möglich kennenlernen.
Der Schreibstil hat mir wieder so gut gefallen. Er ist flüssig, bildhaft und so mitreißend. Ich freue mich schon auf alles, was da noch kommen wird. Dankeschön das ich es lesen durfte.
Lady Sarah hat ein großes Geheimnis, sie ist die Mutprobenkönigin. Die Gewinne aus den Einsätzen sind allerdings nicht für selber, sondern für ein kleines Krankenhaus, in dem sie ehrenamtlich arbeitet. Ein Mann steht ihr allerdings immer wieder im Weg: Xavier, Viscount Flint, der selber den Mutproben nicht abgeneigt ist. Doch je öfter die beiden aufeinandertreffen, umso besser lernen sie sich kennen...
This is the final book in the Debutante Dare series by Charlie Lane and I am sorry to see it end. I have enjoyed every one of the books and was happy to see that the stories remained fresh and interesting especially since the concept of each story was in essence about the concept of “dares”.
We were introduced to Lady Sarah Hampton previously and this story unravels her dislike of her friend Edith’s brother Lord Xavier Flint. Lady Sarah has many insecurities and feels inadequate in comparison to her sisters. She sets out doing dares to make money from the bets to use to benefit a hospital desperate in need of funds. Lord Xavier used to be the Kind of Dares but when his mother passed he felt he neglected her and has stopped doing dares to prove he has grown up and is ready to be worthy and responsible. Edith asks her brother to protect and look after Lady Sarah and he cannot deny her request.
Lord Flint begins to watch over Lady Sarah and tries to get her to stop from doing dares and ruining her reputation. I loved the interactions between these two characters who were so much alike and yet so different at the same time. They are both insecure and dislike each other because they do not know each other, they both did dares, it was so sweet seeing them peel away the walls they built around their true personas and connect in a way that made them such a spectacular couple.
Charlie Lane has given us the perfect book to end this wonderful series. Lady Sarah and Lord Flint characters have tremendous depth, they were fun loving, daring, passionate, and when they finally realize they belong together you find yourself smiling and feeling happy for them.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Wolf Publishing and am providing my honest review.
A story with a lot of depth and a great storyline. Lady Sarah is the Dare Queen, a title she loves and won't give up easily. Xavier is the Dare King and her rival. The man irritates her, always trying to stop her dares but she gets under his skin as well and he cannot understand why she would want to do such foolishness. When they finally call a truce, they learn they have much more in common than they thought but are they ready to give up their daring?
This story is not only adventurous but shows so much character build and development. Both Sarah and Xavier go from shallow to multi-faceted characters. Truly the best thing for me in reading this was how these characters grew and acknowledged their faults. Because once you come to know the characters you can better relate to their situation and the dilemma or quest they must face. The tension and passion between these two was off-the-charts hot, not to mention they both have a passion for their work. It was nice to have a strong female lead who could best men and be super smart, working in a profession where women weren't. And also once to have a male who could accept that and see that it made her more attractive. Now, this isn't without its flaws, of course, it does ramble on a bit and there are some scenes I feel didn't need to be there. The dares really aren't that spectacular and the villain just fades away and is all bluster, not really a threat. A great storyline, great characters, depth, and some adventure. I would recommend this book and it can be read as a stand-alone. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was very happy to see this book available since I read two of the previous ones back to back and knew exactly what was going to be in this one. I had prior knowledge of the central characters and the plot point that was to hold them together. Despite all this, it was fun to read the book and watch the story unfold. This last point is rare if you read books of a similar genre too often, back to back. It is easy to read this as a standalone, but more fun to read it at the heels of the last one, where we saw the visible frustration of Viscount Flint as he was unable to understand his own reactions to his sister's best friend. Sarah is a pretty typical character for this genre, with all heart and boldness but not enough caution. She runs headlong into situations, and this time, she might actually be dragging others with her. There is nothing unique or new about this story except that if you have heard some of the things the 'King of brutes' has spoken about in earlier books, it might be too simplistic to assume he will turn a new leaf quickly. The background given to the central couple works well. I flew through the book, and the number of scenes I skipped was quite small, and towards the end, which means for people who do not like the too-descriptive scenes in most books of this genre, then this might still work. I would recommend this series to fans of this genre, the writing makes the entire adventure fun and I would read another series by the author if I get the chance. I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
I am a sucker for a Brute, and Xavier, Lord Flint is indeed the most lovable of them all once you peel back his layers. A true enemies to lovers rivalry filled with all the bitter angst, taunting words and secret glances. You can feel the tension between these two at every meeting, the air crackles with it. Sarah is a bold, fierce woman, a true queen even if she doesn’t see it. Xavier is a complete brute with a heart of gold and insecurities enough to fill an ocean. He strives to be a better man, thinking that means giving up all thrill. Sarah longs to live a life helping others despite being only a woman. These two teach each other to see their own inner worth and that journey is magnificent. Their animosity for each other often leaves them angry, but what is anger if not an overflow of passion. And boy do they have passion! The excitement of the dares, and the secret growing feelings makes this story a true rollercoaster of emotions. The burst of exhilaration, the drop of your heart off a cliff, the pure adrenaline rush.. I laughed, I cried, I was overjoyed. The only downside to this story comes after the end with the line “ This was the final installment of this series.”. I am not ready to say goodbye, and indeed the story even admits this should not be the end. “ Another round of daring debutantes not yet wed when society clearly needed them off the streets.” - so more stories can be found in Abigail & Georgiana… You said it yourself Charlie Lane. I dare you!
This is the story of Lady Sara Hampton and Lord Xavier Evans. Sarah spends most of her time trying to get her friends and family to donate money to the hospital she volunteers at to help them stay afloat financially. She often wins money from her friends and other members of the aristocracy by challenging them to dares, which she usually wins. Xavier, once known as the King Dare, lives a more sedate lifestyle after the death of his mother and sister. He and Sarah are not friends but because his sister asked him to watch over Sarah to make sure she isn't hurt while she is doing her dares, he often follows along to ensure she is safe. Xavier has decided it is time to settle down and he has started courting a lady who he thinks will make him an excellent wife and who his late mother would approve of. While he is spending more of his time helping Sarah win her dares, they notice an attraction to each other and try not to act upon it. When Sarah is challenged to go to another town alone she and Xavier meet up along the way and are unable to deny the lust that has been slowly building between them. After Xavier and Sarah are caught together they must come up with a plan that will prevent Sarah from being ruined and Xavier from dying at the hands of the person who challenged Sarah to her last dare. This is an excellent addition to the Debutante Dares series.
I received this as an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review
What an action packed story in this the last in the series of "Daring". This story is well written with very developed charaacters which add to this story. Lady Sarah Hampton, the Dare Queen, enjoys making dares with the wealthy gentlemen of the Ton and the winner takes the winnings. Sarah always dresses in a disquise and wears an old wig to keep her identity hidden to protect herself, her family and friends. Sarah using her winnings to help keep a free hospital that treats anyone open. Sarah has friends and family helping to support the hospital too, but it appears the hospital may have to close by the end of the year without an influx of money. Sarah is always thinking up new dares to win more money for the hospital so this will not happen. Viscount Xavier Flint, was the Dare King in his younger days. However when his mother died while he was out doing a dare, Xavier has tried to reform, take care of his family and try to live by the rules of the Ton. Most people have heard of the Dare KIng, butvery few know who he is. When Sarah challenges the Dare King to a dare, .Xavier must make an appearance and surprises most of the people including Sarah. Sarah is friends with Xavier's sister, Edith and she and Xavier have rarely gotten along. What happens when these two try to out do each other in a dare? What do their families and friends think of them daring each other?
"Daring Done Right" by Charlie Lane is a captivating historical romance that weaves together the story of Lady Sarah Hampton and Xavier Evans, Viscount Flint. Set in a time when societal norms constrain their actions, both characters find themselves in a delicate dance of emotions, desires, and familial responsibilities.
Lady Sarah, a strong-willed and independent woman, volunteers at a small hospital facing financial trouble. Determined to help, she devises a plan that involves daring wagers with reckless rakes. Despite the risks, Sarah's focus remains resolute on saving the hospital, even if it means putting herself in harm's way. Her firm resolve and compassionate nature make her a compelling protagonist.
Enter Xavier, known as the Dare King to his friends but perceived as the King of Brutes by Lady Sarah. He is a man striving to become better, protecting his loved ones, and rising above the insults thrown his way. However, when his sister's happiness hinges on Sarah's safety, Xavier must confront his feelings for the sharp-tongued Lady Sarah, who seems to despise him.
As the game of dares draws them closer together, the chemistry between Sarah and Xavier becomes undeniable. Amidst this growing attraction, a hidden threat emerges, forcing the enemies to work together to protect their loved ones, including each other. Their journey is filled with passion, vulnerability, and unexpected discoveries that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages.
In the sixth and final book in the Debutante Dares series, Lady Sarah Hampton has become the ton's Dare Queen, completing increasingly dangerous dares to raise money for a small hospital that is rapidly running out of money. But even as the daughter of a marquis and the sister-in-law to a duke, her reputation and the reputation of her friends who help her would never survive if anyone recognized them under their elaborate costumes. But when Xavier Evans, Viscount Flint and the former Dare King, recognizes Sarah, he decides to do everything he can to keep her safe, even as she is willing to risk it all to save the hospital. This story was so fun! I love the enemies-to-lovers story and the banter between Xavier and Sarah! After seeing their initial banter in the last book, I was so ready to read their story, even though I was a bit concerned because of how Xavier acted. But I loved how Xavier learned not to be such a brute and how he became so sweet and encouraging (even in his gruff way). I am so sad that this is the last book in the series! I would happily read ten more books about Sarah's friends and extended family!
Thank you to Netgalley, Wolf Publishing, and Charlie Lane for an arc in exchange for my honest review. This series is one of my favorite regency romance series and I am so excited to see what Charlie Lane writes next!
And so the series ends on a rollercoaster ride through challenges, emotions and dares. Sarah has a heart of gold, an interest in medicine, and the desire to help others less fortunate than herself. What she does not have is confidence in herself unless she is being her alter ego the Dare Queen. Xavier, Lord Flint, is a brute of a man trying to clean up his act. His sister Edith and Sarah are friends, and when Sarah’s dares escalate, Edith asks her brother to watch out for her and keep her safe. There is just one problem….they hate each other. But there is a fine line between love and hate, and this story crosses that line with heated emotions and steamy encounters. When it is all said and done, the villian is vanquished and love prevails. This story immediately grabbed my attention, with its exciting undercurrent and saucy dialogue. You will find strong women, honorable and not so honorable men, vulnerability and a whole lot of self-discovery. This is a fitting finale, as Sarah and Xavier bare their souls, surrender their hearts and support each other to be their authentic selves…..a tender-hearted brute of a King, and his daring loving Queen.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I can’t begin to say how sorry I am that this series has come to an end. Each and every book has been a wonderful reading experience, with gorgeous characters, heart-wrenching plots and lots of emotional and steamy scenes. But it ended with a bang, because this book may well be the best of all! The Brute is every ounce the cinnamon roll that Charlie Lane has accustomed us to, but with a crusty shell that makes him even more tasty (too much of a cooking metaphor?). I loved the way he tried to change his ways and most of all his views on women, but I loved even more the way he’s protective of Sarah without being too oppressive. He was all she needed to gain the self-confidence she sorely lacked. The chemistry between them is so very high since the very beginning and the transformation from enemies to lovers is handled beautifully. This book is five-star perfection through and through. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4 1/2 stars. This is the best book in the series and the most satisfying enemies-to-lovers I've read in a while, featuring prickly but gutsy Sarah--the Dare Queen--and brutish Xavier, who was pretty unlikable in the last book and someone I did not think I'd be able to warm up to. But Charlie Lane does a great job of humanizing both of these characters to the point that the reader is charmed by them and roots for their HEA. Unlike a lot of books that use this trope, you understand and sympathize with each of the MC's. The steam is the perfect amount (sex scenes are level 2-3; descriptive but not graphic). The plot is a lot of fun, as well, with Xavier and Sarah trying to one-up each other until it becomes evident that they must become partners to succeed in one last big dare.
I did feel that things stumbled at the very end with Clarington, when the proceedings become unhinged. (If you're familiar with this writer, you know that she does have a tendency to go over-the-top at times). Overall, though, this is a really well done, completely engaging HR.
I really liked this story, it is a different take the story of Robin Hood if he were a woman, living in Regency London and wanted to help support a hospital for the poor.
I found it was well written with action, romance, humor and all the Regency romance likes.
I liked Sarah's wild nature while trying to be cautious to try to protect her friends and family and Xavier's struggle with himself to fight his attraction to Sarah, do what is right for his family the promise he made to his mother.
While this is book number six in The Debutante Dares series Ms. Lane does a balanced job of making sure you don't feel totally lost but leaves you wanting to read (or re-read) the previous books, good job.
I would recommend Daring Done Right and the rest of the The Debutante Dares series.
I received this ARC from WOLF Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank-you.
Well done. Another enjoyable read that leaves me wanting more. Lady Sarah is willing to risk everything to help a small hospital where she’s been volunteering at get out of the financial difficulty it now faces. Eager to raise money to help puts Lady Sarah in jeopardy of losing her heart to a rake. Dares and wagers, rakes and scoundrels, what could possibly go wrong with her plan except everything.
Lord Xavier Evans, known as the dare king, is enlisted by his sister to keep Lady Sarah out of trouble. But trouble finds them and they have to set aside their differences and work together to protect the ones they love. Passion ignites between these two delightful characters and maybe all their troubles including their hearts will see a HEA. If you enjoy a spicy romance with excitement and witty banter then this book is for you.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion.