Kiss Me, My Duke

Blakeley Manor #3

by Fenna Edgewood

In this simmering steamy Regency romance by USA Today bestselling author Fenna Edgewood, a handsome but arrogant duke and a prim young housekeeper join forces in a dangerous endeavour… only to find out that falling in love will be the greatest risk of all.

Lost: One duke's sister. Found: The unexpected love of a lifetime.

Edmund "Dare" Blakeley, the Duke of Dareford, is on a mission to find his younger sister who has been ruthlessly abducted. The only problem? He needs the help of his housekeeper to do it.

Before she was his servant, she had another name… and all of London swooning at her feet.

Miss Laurel Spencer has no wish to cavort with a duke–even if he is her brother-in-law. In her younger days, she saw how love can utterly destroy a woman.

But when the duke's younger sister and Laurel's elder brother go missing, she reluctantly agrees to accompany Dare to London to search for them.

As Laurel calls upon old friends in low places, including the most notorious gaming hell in London, her past begins to resurrect itself. Soon Dare is forced to realize how little he knows about the enigmatic woman by his side... and how desperate he is to uncover everything he can about her.

One reckless moment of passion…

Suddenly, a missing sister is the least of Dare's worries. After a wild night in Laurel's bed, his happiness hinges on proving his love is sincere... to a woman terrified of ever risking her heart, even if it means becoming his duchess.

As the Blakeley family mysteries are uncovered, not everyone is glad to see the truth coming to light… and one man will do anything to see that it stays buried.

Genres: Historical Romance, Regency, Historical, Regency Romance, Amazon

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2022

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Fenna Edgewood writes steamy, swoon-worthy stories of love, family, and adventure. Fenna lives on the Canadian Prairies with her husband and two tiny tots (who are adorable but generally terrible research assistants). She is an award-winning retired academic who has studied English literature for most of her life. Before becoming a full-time author, her last "real" job was teaching high school students above the Arctic Circle. After a long hiatus from writing make-believe as a twelve-year-old, she has returned to the genre with a bang!

For a FREE book from Fenna, join her NL: https://fennaedgewood.com/newsletter/
And be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest deals! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/fenna...

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edmund "Dare" Blakeley, the Duke of Dareford, is on a mission to find his younger sister who has been ruthlessly abducted. The only problem? He needs the help of his housekeeper to do it.
Before she was his servant, she had another name… and all of London swooning at her feet.
Miss Laurel Spencer has no wish to cavort with a duke–even if he is her brother-in-law. In her younger days, she saw how love can utterly destroy a woman.
But when the duke's younger sister and Laurel's elder brother go missing, she reluctantly agrees to accompany Dare to London to search for them.
As Laurel calls upon old friends in low places, including the most notorious gaming hell in London, her past begins to resurrect itself. Soon Dare is forced to realize how little he knows about the enigmatic woman by his side... and how desperate he is to uncover everything he can about her.
One reckless moment of passion…
Suddenly, a missing sister is the least of Dare's worries. After a wild night in Laurel's bed, his happiness hinges on proving his love is sincere... to a woman terrified of ever risking her heart, even if it means becoming his duchess.
As the Blakeley family mysteries are uncovered, not everyone is glad to see the truth coming to light… and one man will do anything to see that it stays buried.
The gist of the story was intriguing.
This is a good book by Fenna Edgewood.
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.

[Romancing the Duchess - Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE REVIEW
This was a wonderful continuation of Wren and Briar’s story! The storylines run along side each other as Edmund, the Duke of Dareford, Briar’s brother and Laurel Spencer, Wren’s half sister search for the missing couple. Laurel has had a crush on the Duke for sometime but she knows that’s all it can be. Laurel is a fascinating character and I truly loved getting to know her. We learned more about the Spencer family and their time before working at the Dareford home. Laurel was a nearly famous singer at a club in London. While working there, she befriended the owners sister. Unfortunately, the woman died during childbirth and Laurel agreed to care for the child and take her to Dareford’s with her. Little Cassie knows her uncle lives in London and often will sneak away to visit him so she has become quite accustomed to the underbelly of London. When Dareford meets Cassie, who is dressed as a little boy, she agrees to assist him with his search for his sister in exchange for some special outings…ices at Gunther’s for example!

All of this gets more complicated as Laurel is asked to sing again and her friends brother declares his love for her. She agrees to one night as she feels obliged to help boost the clubs business. But, this adventure is opening Dare’s eyes to see Laurel for the first time and their connection develops into something more than housekeeper-Duke.

I am loving this series! The plot was so interesting and twists kept me on my toes! Laurel and Dare were perfect for each other and I’m so glad he didn’t play the whole ‘different classes’ card to strongly. The little ward Cassie added such a great dynamic to the story and was really the key that brought the story together. Now I need to wait until March to read Leigh and Marigold’s story!

TROPES
Historical Romance, Regency Era, Gaming Hell, East End London, Gamma Hero, Orphan Hero, Titled Hero, Independent Heroine, Musician Heroine, Orphan Heroine, Performer Heroine, Single Mother Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Working Heroine, Class Difference, Unexpected Virgin, Workplace Romance, Forced Proximity, Mystery Romance, Five Star, Two Flame

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the years, while I am waiting for new releases from my "regular" authors to come out, I look for other books to read. There are few I have made my “go to” authors. These are authors I don't read on a regular basis but have researched and enjoyed their books. Fenna Edgewood is a fairly new author to this list. This is my 6th book by her and I have really enjoyed her books. I feel she gets great depth in her characters and sex is pretty decent.

This started out a little slow but 1/3 way into it, it really started picking up. I like Edmund and Laurel. It was a cute story. I loved Cassie. What a cute, real personality (plus that is my 18 month old grandbabies nickname).

[Rachel]

I absolutely adored the first book in this series (and every other thing that Fenna Edgewood writes)

Here’s what I liked about this one:

🕊️ the FMC - Laurel - sharp and witty, can take care of herself, doesn’t take 💩 from anyone
🕊️ the MMC - Dare - alpha, jealous in all the best ways, a victim believer, a SINGER, would take on a literal lion to save her
🕊️CASSIE! One of my favorite side characters ever. A tomboy, super street-smart, and adorable
🕊️ Spice 👀🌶️🌶️
🕊️ the EPILOGUE 😍 definitely one of my favorite parts! + Wren 🔥 makes a little cameo
🕊️ Phantom of the Opera references

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this but I truly didn’t feel the connection between the main characters.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Laurel and Dare's story of love between the classes. Laurel is Dare's housekeeper and sister-in-law as her brother is married to his sister.

Laurel and Dare are thrown together when their siblings are kidnapped. Dare believes they are in London whilst Laurel believes they are in Scotland but the need to find Laurel's runaway ward leads them back to London where Cassie leads Dare search for clues to his whereabouts that leads him to an astonishing discovery. Their enforced intimacy makes Laurel and Dare confront their simmering attraction, that may possibly lead towards znother union between their families.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

have loved this series by Ms. Edgewood, but had trouble getting through the middle of this book. The first and last parts were exciting and excellent, but the middle dragged to the point of having to push through it to get to the end. I loved how Dare and Laurel sparred so well and came to terms with their feelings for each other. Cassie and her adorable ’quid pro quo’ was hilarious! The end was exciting and more in tune what I am used to with this author. It almost felt like someone else wrote the middle of the book. An enjoyable book, and worth the read.

I received this ARC book for free and these are my own opinions.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edmund "Dare" Blakeley, the Duke of Dareford, is on a mission to find his younger sister who has been ruthlessly abducted. He needs the help of his housekeeper to do it. Before she was his servant, she had another name… and all of London swooning at her feet. Miss Laurel Spencer has no wish to cavort with a duke–even if he is her brother-in-law. But when the duke's younger sister and Laurel's elder brother go missing, she reluctantly agrees to accompany Dare to London to search for them.
As the Blakeley family mysteries are uncovered, not everyone is glad to see the truth coming to light… and one man will do anything to see that it stays buried.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own even though most of the book takes place in the same time frame as the first. Another well written, engrossing read with some twists & turns as well as a lovely romance. I loved both Dare & Laurel & loved the chemistry between them & also their verbal bantering. I look forward to the next in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intriguing, clever romance!

The story here is impeccable - we're instantly drawn into Laurel's world with the prologue, then we jump ahead eight years to the time that matches with the previous book, Lady Briar Weds the Scot. The one thing I missed in that book was an epilogue showing us reunited with (and explaining her disappearance to) Briar's family, but as this book takes place during the same time period we have to wait until Laurel and Dare's HEA to see both books coming together. This was neatly done so that neither book gives spoilers on the other until the very end.

The story starts with Dare investigating his sister's kidnapping, which leads him to London with Laurel in tow, since Briar was taken with Laurel's brother, Wren. There are some shocking twists in this book that I was not expecting, adding such depth to the story while still leaving a few questions on the table for the next book. The romance is divine, with Laurel steadfastly maintaining her dignity as Dare's housekeeper as long as she can, while Dare is seeing her in a whole new light as he steps into her world, following every lead as to his sister's whereabouts.

This five-star story had only three-star editing, thus my four-star rating. There is a character who is always referred to by the other characters with they/them pronouns - but only until that character's gender is revealed to the reader. After that, the appropriate he/she pronouns are used - but there's nothing in the fictional world itself that would necessitate this change. It clearly was just a device to keep the reader guessing about what turns out to be a rather inconsequential detail. Also, there are a couple huge timeline inconsistencies that were so egregious that they took me completely out of the story - and that was hard to do, because I was really enjoying the story! A bit of simple math could have avoided both errors without any detriment to the story.

I loved this book and can easily recommend it, especially if you can eventually overlook the editing inconsistencies. The family story is filled with mystery and intrigue, with surprises around every corner, and I really enjoyed the HEA (despite the one impossible detail that made me wonder why the author made reference to any dates at all, if the entire timeline was going to be thrown out at the end). I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, these series, so perfect, so swoon-worthy! Gorgeous, impeccably drawn characters that come alive on the page, intriguing plots, steamy scenes… Everything I need in a romance! And Dare and Laurel’s story is so good! Two very different people brought together by circumstance who fall desperately in love: that’s my ideal read. And the side characters are amazing as well, especially Cassie, but even the villainous Bryce (an attractive silver fox that I’d like to personally redeem! Insert evil grin here). And of course now I simply NEED to see the last (is it really the last?) Blakeley coupled with yet another Spencer, but also to learn more about a mystery left unsolved at the end of the book… (not a cliffhanger for the couple, of course, but intriguing as well!)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting family.
The author will take you on an interesting journey but do expect some side trips along the way too. This is mix of different tales all in one but woven very well together at the end. I adored Cassie and her interactions with the duke were splendid. This book had suspense and mystery, some lovely heat and romance and some awesome twists. I enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read Marigold’s story. I did receive a free copy of this book from WOLF Publishing and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edmund, the Duke of Dareford's sister is missing. Laurel Spencer, is the duke's housekeeper. Her brother has disappeared with the duke's sister. No conclusive clues, except they were kidnapped and supposedly taken to London. But the housekeeper is convinced they were taken to Scotland. Dare and Laurel travel to London for more clues and to find the Imp. Secrets, clues, dead ends and more questions. Most will be answered, but not all.
Heat level 3.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging story with a few twists, some mystery, intrigue, shocking surprises and even some comedy to smooth out the rough edges. I laughed out loud several times. Laurel is such a force to be reckoned with but the Duke is smitten and determined to show her that they make a good team. I think the pace is steady and constantly progressing and peeling back layers of love and deceit. Some steam and some very emotional punches, thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end. Cassie is adorable and very resourceful. I received an advanced free copy and voluntarily chose to review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable . . .

There are many details to keep an eye on in this story line. Laurel Spencer, the housekeeper as well as Edmund "Dare" Blakeley, the Duke of Dareford’s (“Dare”) sister-in-law are about to go on a strange mission. The Duke's younger sister Briar and Laurel's elder brother Wren are missing and Dare asks for her help to look for them, making use of her contacts. As her past reveals itself, Dare is fascinated with her. The reader is taken on quite an adventure and Dare and Laurel begin to fall in love. Will they find the missing family members? Will they be placing themselves in danger? And will Dare end up losing his heart along the way?

[Gerbera_Reads]

DNF at 36%

I am not interested in the story and I do not like the MCs. I think I will pass on the rest of the books in this series.

[TARA · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️ This was a great continuation of the first novel in the series. The story had so many twists and turns… i did not see that ending coming! The characters were so likable too.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been on a Regency romance kick lately, and once again, Edgewood does not disappoint! The FMC is fun to read, and I loved her wit. This has all the things a romance needs and I can't wait for more from Edgewood.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a delightful time reading this book. So many things happening that culminate into a satisfying ending. The couple in the story are admirable and likeable, but the precocious Cass adds an enjoyable layer to the story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Slwd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hunt for Lady Briar

This installment of the Blakeley Manor series involves the Duke of Dareford, Edmund “Dare” Blakeley, as he sets off towards London to locate his kidnapped sister. Eyewitnesses state they have seen Lady Briar Blakeley and Wren Spencer being transported to London. That is where the duke is determined to search for his beloved sister. On the other hand, his housekeeper, Laurel Spencer, insists they should travel to Scotland to search for their missing siblings. The duke overrides Laurel and the pair head to London in search of his sister and her brother. The on the rode, tumultuous story of Lady Briar and Wren Spencer is documented in book two of the series. Laurel Spencer has another reason for relenting so easily and agreeing to travel to London, her “ward”, Cassie, has taken off for London and it is up to Laurel to retrieve her and return the young girl to the country manor. This story follows clues allowing the duke and Miss Spencer to hunt for their siblings. Meanwhile, the duke and Laurel get to know each other better. The duke is surprised to discover Laurel’s intriguing past and that he is extremely attracted to his capable housekeeper. Laurel is a strong, intelligent character with a past that has affected her future and how she views the world. The reader gets to know Laurel a lot more than we get to know the duke. Overall, this is a good fast moving regency romance story with a mystery, or two, or possibly more, to solve. Written for a mature audience, the intimate scenes are hot, steamy, and very passionate. Definitely more than kissing as the title implies! They fit seamlessly into the story. “Kiss Me, My Duke” continues to build a historical world where the Blakeleys and Spencers continue to fraternize and cross invisible lines established by class and those who serve them. Reading the first two books in the series is not necessary, this can be read as a stand-alone novel. However, doing so offers the reading a more complete understanding of the overall arc and connection of these two families. Definitely recommended. I received the four novel book set (the complete series) from Booksprout. I had previously purchased books one and two of the series and was curious about the fate of other siblings in these two families so I accepted this complete series (from Booksprout) in exchange for my honest feedback. As with all of my reviews, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragedy so delightfully brings together three in this mystery led heartwarming adventure!

I really loved all the twists and turns in KISS ME, MY DUKE as they fed the emotion and the slow burn build of attraction between Dare and Laurel.
The colourful well cast characters have an allure shaped by circumstance that is well defined and pulls you in as they open up, reveal their secrets and delightfully connect or repel as warranted. I especially adored Cassie in all her selfassured facade and vulnerable undercoat as she skirted the rougher side of London with Dare as his wee guide. She was such a delightful Imp of perception, boldness and adorable curiousity. 
I especially adored Edgewood's style of writing as she interweaves a humour throughout the mystery and intrigue that they became so entangled in, in Dare's desperate bid to find his missing sister, Briar.
In addition, I really fed on the building attraction and chemistry between the arrogant, protective Duke, Dare, and his intelligent, songbird housekeeper, Laurel.
Their relationship as employer and employee and the conflicting family connections they warred with made for great reading. I especially loved how she had this ability to stand up to Dare and hold her ground while hiding a vulnerability beneath. A reflection of Dare's mixed emotions as his intergal protectiveness, swirled to the surface and sparked jealousy as he noticed and truly came to see Laurel for the first time as she snuck into his heart so stealthily, without even trying. While the mysteries that surrounded her past with the Viper's Den and its owner rose to the surface conflicting with his quest to untangle the confounding leads regarding his missing sister's trail and Laurel's returning feelings for him.
Overall, making this such a wonderfully entertaining journey and spot of escapism, I thoroughly enjoyed being absorbed in. As a result, I highly recommend you at least read book one first, even though this can be read as a standalone, mainly for continuity reasons.
And despite the confusion with the timeline at the end causing me pause - as surely Briar was only gone for a few weeks, so seeing her more than just expecting was rather a miraculous achievement, if heartwarming addition non the less - I truly did enjoy this well crafted tale immensely and very much look forward to the next!

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edmund Blakeley, the Duke of Dareford, (Dare) is searching for his younger sister Briar who has been abducted, along side the gardener, Wren, who is also Lauren’s brother. Lauren Spencer is Dare’s housekeeper, and to complicate things further, she is also his sister-in-law, because her other brother married his other sister.
After some persuasion Lauren agrees to accompany Dare to London to search for Briar and Wren. She reluctantly takes Dare to the Viper’s Den, a gaming hell owned by Caleb Bryce, to get information and the retrieve her 8 year old ward, Cassie. It turns out Lauren took care of Cassie since her mother died, the sister of Bryce. What follows is a wild search where numerous situations take place that raise more questions than answers.
I have to say, the star in this book is definitely Cassie. She’s very smart, witty, and can hold her own everywhere in London, no matter the people or the ofter dangerous situations. I enjoyed everything about her and hope there will be a separate book about her in the future!
The book is essentially a detective, the mystery about what happened to the couple and everything surrounding that mystery. The romance is a bit overshadowed by the whodunnit, and when the focus is on Dare and Lauren, it is mostly them being annoyed with each other. There was a lot of them being angry or annoyed, lots of huffing, and I cannot count the number of times the word ‘stiffly’ is used. I missed chemistry between them; I didn’t quite felt like I saw them falling in love.
I did like the mystery in the book, but not everything is explained, like why were Briar and Wren ‘abducted’ anyway, and why couldn’t they not let Dare know about their situation sooner? The search is not that much concluded as it is solved, but other surprising things and twists come up along the way that are resolved in a nice way in the end. The romance ends with Lauren being angry with Dare again, but in the end they get their HEA. All in all a nice read.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book 2 of Blakely Manor, and is following the timeline of when Briar and Wren are first kidnapped (book 1). Briar's brother, Edmund (aka Dare), the Duke of Dareford is desperately trying to figure out where his sister has been taken, and has determined that she must be in London. He takes his housekeeper, and relative by marriage, Laurel Spencer with him, thinking she would be able to help. He has never really seen her as more than his housekeeper, and now connected to his family thanks to the marriage of her brother Ash to his widowed sister.

Laurel has a more colourful past than anyone suspected before, least of all Dare. This past helps them find information of Dare's missing family, but also brings her back into the influence of gaming hell boss. Dare suddenly realizes that there is more to Laurel than he knew, and this forces him to see her as she really is, despite her guise as a mousy housekeeper, and he cannot make himself unsee what is revealed - that she is an intriguing, attractive, intelligent, talented siren and he now suddenly has more on his plate than finding his missing sister. He is now falling in love with his housekeeper.

As with the first stories, there is a hidden identities trope carried several times over in this story that draws you in. There is also the story of unrequited love/obsession which is rather daunting and toxic, but does work to force Dare to confront his feelings in the face of a rival. Cassie, as the gamin, but too knowing child on the loose is both sweet and too knowing and manipulative, but a different and appealing character that draws the story lines together.

I quite enjoyed the story overall, but not as much as that of book 1. I did feel that the there was not a satisfactory explanation of what happened to Caleb Bryce after everything. Afterall, while what he did was reprehensible, he did it out of grief for his sister. Also, I hope some future mention of what happens with Cassie occurs - she would make a wicked main character of her own story when she grows up.

3.5 stars out of 5

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable if a bit convoluted read. I did read the previous book in the series and I definitely think having that background helped while reading this book. This book begins with one of the main events of the previous book - the sister of Dare, the Duke of Dareford, and the brother of Laurel, Dare's housekeeper are kidnapped. Dare sets off to London to find them, bringing Laurel with him as he understands her to have some contacts that might prove helpful.

Laurel of course has her own reasons for accompanying Dare to London, none of which relate to finding her brother whom Laurel is convinced is in Scotland, not London. Shenanigans ensue, during the course of which Laurel and Dare recognize an attraction and then love.

I liked this book, but there is a lot going on. We have the kidnapping, missing parents, a hidden (the book never describes how Laurel kept them hidden) ward, a secret past alter ego, a king of the underground, a masquerading earl....like I said, a lot. Ms. Edgewood does do a decent job of tying all of these threads together, even if it is somewhat obvious to the reader how things will play out fairly early on. I like the unconventional Blakeley family and would love to see Cassie get her own book someday.

The epilogue, however, contains a rather jarring continuity issue. Dare's sister shows up for Dare and Laurel's wedding having just had a baby. Having read the prior book, I know the sister was not pregnant until after she was kidnapped. Yet neither book implies or states that the search lasted more than a few weeks, maybe two months at most. The timeline is completely off, and it left me with a less favorable impression of this book than I would have otherwise had. I will still look for the next book in the series, however.

4 stars. Would have been 5 but for the completely messed up timeline.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Wolf Publishing for another ARC from Fenna Edgewood, an author I have really come to appreciate. As the sequel to Lady Briar Weds the Scot, this follows Briar’s brother Dare (the Duke) and Wren’s (the Scot) sister, Laurel (the Housekeeper of his estate), as they go to London to search for Briar and Wren, even though Laurel feels certain they are in Scotland. They stumble upon some unexpected evidence and deal with some unpleasant individuals as they discover they love one another. I appreciated that whenever new information was introduced and it hinted at something more, the author didn’t treat the reader as being too stupid to put the pieces together. Dare was unwilling or unable to see what the truth might be, but Laurel was clear-eyed and confirmed what the evidence suggested. This made it possible for one of the MCs to be surprised while the other knows what the reader knows—all having been presented with the same evidence.

I enjoyed every part of this story, except one. When Dare and Laurel go to Vauxhall Gardens, they find a secluded area along a private pathway and he strips her naked. I felt like I was the only one worried about whether they’d be caught and how they would react. It’s one thing to hide what you’re doing by keeping most of your clothes on; it’s another to be completely bare and unable to hide anything. It was a bit too unbelievable for me.

Overall, I truly enjoyed the story and recommend it. I’m enjoying this series, and even though it beggars belief that (at this point) three siblings from the same families have already married one another, and every indication is that there will be another soon, it’s all in good fun. This is fictional, after all.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiss Me, My Duke by Fenna Edgewood
The Blakely Manor #2

Charming story of a Duke and is housekeeper finding they have the potential for more than being employer and employee once they truly see one another in a new light.

What I liked:
* Laurel: housekeeper for Blakely Manor, hard worker, loving, has a beautiful voice, bright, not easily taken in, stands up for herself and others
* Dare: Duke, oldest brother, feels responsible for his siblings after losing his parents, a bit stuffy but eventually charmed me,
* The slow growing romance between Dare and Laurel
* The search for Dare’s sister Briar who was kidnapped with Laurel’s brother, Wren
* Cassie: the baby raised by Laurel and her family, mother died in childbirth, enjoyed finding out who her father was
* Meeting Marigold, the last Spencer sibling, and probably going to be in the next book with the Leigh, the younger brother of Dare
* The supporting secondary characters
* The plot, writing, setting and conclusion
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Not knowing for sure what happened to Dare’s parents

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[JenReviews4U · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! When I look overall at the entirety of this book, I do believe this was one of the most well-rounded stories I have read recently.
While you need not have read the book prior, it does help to have done so as the story parallels this one and then meets up.
With the disappearance of his sister, Edmund, Duke of Dareford is desperate to begin his search for her. But also missing is Laurel Spencer's brother, the duke's housekeeper. So they begin their quest together and encounter all sorts of twists and turns, colorful characters, and even hidden love.

I really enjoyed reading this story. This series is very unique and kudos to Ms. Edgewood for penning such an excellent and entertaining saga. The characters have depth and meaning to them. I loved little Cassie and appreciated that she was actually written with mannerisms and spoke as a child would. Dare and Laurel not only had a mutual and growing attraction to each other, but there was also respect which was subtly done throughout the book and grew as the relationship did.
Really I cannot say enough about this book, it was so very well done and polished.
I highly recommend this read and cannot wait for more from these unique families.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookishMya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love a good class divide romance. With his sister missing, alongside her
Brother, the Duke of Dareford enlists the help of his housekeeper Laurel to go in search of clues. Heading to London, the search gains the assistance of 8 yr old Cassie, a mischievous little imp. This search takes on many weird encounters as we learn just how capable this unique 8 year old is. But the more clues stack up the more they seem to create more questions. Meanwhile, the affection between Dare & Laurel continues to heat up.
There is so much to love in this story. Adventure, mystery, intrigue, romance and family. The ever-changing mystery had me glued to the pages, I could not help but speculate and hold my breath for conclusions. The characters in this book almost steal the scene from the romance. Young Cassie, precocious and intelligent beyond her years is an absolute treasure. And I adored the late addition of Lady Fulford to the story. This older widow is exactly what you expect from a fierce matron of the ton. True to herself and all others be damned, he answers to know one and commands a scene in a riotous way. Fenna Edgewood has a true style in creating characters both main and side, that carve a place in your heart.

[Terrie Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fenna Edgewood is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! Her second book in the Blakeley Manor series is a swoon-worthy journey through the streets of London as Dare and Laurel search for their kidnapped siblings. They are aided by 8-year-old Cassie, the child Laurel has been raising, who trades knowledge for treats with Dare. Their interactions are quite entertaining with her quid pro quo deals!

There are many interwoven mysteries in the book that will keep you turning the pages. This well-written and engaging story is full of intrigue, adventure, family, suspense, witty banter, and of course, romance. The story takes place during the same time as book one, Briar and Wren’s story, but the two books can easily be read as standalones. There aren’t any plot spoilers in either book to ruin the stories. I loved the introduction of the ‘red-haired woman’ and look forward to learning more about her in book three.

I highly recommend Kiss Me, My Duke! Dare and Laurel’s love between classes story has great chemistry. I am looking forward to the next book in the series – it won’t come soon enough. Thank you to Fenna Edgewood, Wolf Publishing, and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Blakely Manor series. In this book, Briar's brother, Edmund and Wren's half-sister, Laurel, take center stage. Edmund is the Duke of Dareford and Laurel is his housekeeper. Briar and Wren go missing and Edmund and Laurel have to work together to find them. Laurel has had a crush on Edmund for a while, but knows nothing can come of it. Though she is a housekeeper now, she has a past that she has kept hidden. The story brings about many twists as the pair go off to London in search of their siblings. Blakely family mysteries begin to come to light and this doesn't necessarily make everyone happy. In fact one person will do all he can to keep these secrets buried.
The story is engrossing and I was captivated from the very start. The author does a great job of bringing the story and characters to life. The characters were well-developed and it was easy to fall in love with them. Two people from very different backgrounds coming together for a common cause and then falling desperately in love. A perfectly crafted romance! I very much enjoyed the book and look forward to continuing the series.
My thanks to Wolf Publishing and the author for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Aisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was a little disappointed in this book. There was way too much going on that it felt disconnected and I feel like there was no enough between Dare and Laurel.
This book happens concurrent with the last book in the series. In book 1, Dare's and Laurel's brother are kidnapped. This book focuses on Dare trying to find his sister with the help of his housekeeper Laurel.
Laurel had taken the daughter of her friend when she died in childbirth and move with her family to work for the Blakeley family. The child keeps running off to London by herself, to roam the streets dresses as a boy and visit her uncle as an 8 year old.
Laurel doesn't really help find her brother and Dare is led around the dangerous parts on London by an 8 year girl who has connections. Which is just weird to me.
Laurel also used to perform as a singer for this girl's uncle.
I feel like their wasn't any focus on Dare and Laurel together so the relationship seemed weird. The parts about Dare's mother were random.
I am not sure that I will bother with book 3.