The Difference a Dare Makes

Wagers and Wallflowers #9

by Alyssa Clarke

Lady Agatha has spent three London seasons without an offer, achingly aware that several of her friends found love matches because they dared to reach for adventures and new experiences. She is determined to take some risk hoping it just might be what she needs to make a difference in her humdrum life.

Striding forward with her list of dares and wagers to satisfy, the last thing Agatha expects is to be caught in a compromising position with the Duke of Ranford…or that she would be forced to marry a rogue who offers none of the passion and grand love of which she dreamed. Soon Agatha has little choice but to wage a most sensual battle with her husband, where the stakes are the duke’s heart or the bitterest disappointment.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Marriage Of Convenience, Fiction, Historical Fiction

190 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2022

About the author

Alyssa Clarke writes steamy Regency Historical Romances featuring swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, sometimes unconventional heroines! Her debut novel, Love Me, If You Dare, came to her in a dream as a hot, fun enemy to lover romance where she played the leading lady who fell in love with a duke who looked remarkably like Henry Cavill.

When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marriage of convenience between Agatha and Simon, after Agatha was caught in the same room as Simon while fulfilling one of those dares of the ladies' club. Simon wasn't too inclined towards the wedding, and their first night together was awkward. After that, he wasn't sure how he should treat his duchess in bed—passionately or delicately?

There's nothing special about this one since there's another hero in this series who has the same struggles.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 16th book by Alyssa Clarke and I've only been reading her since April 2021.

She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I just love her writing, her stories and she writes great sex scenes.

I loved Agatha and Simon and although their story is the same as many, many other Regency stories I've read over my many years, it was so well written and again great sex scenes.

I would definitely recommend.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again we meet the ladies of 48 Berkeley Square. Lady Agatha Barrett is considered on the shelf after two seasons. As the third season starts, Agatha has made her list of dares with the ladies at 48 Berkeley Square. Stealing Lord Marsden's cat was first on the list. By chance Simon, the Duke of Ranford catches her in the act of returning it. A kiss leads to a marriage of convenience. Only Agatha has made up her mind she wants more. Simon can't resist her. It's always a nice read when a Duke is caught off guard falling in love with his wife. The heat level rises as Simon finally unleashes his passion.

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

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Agatha has had three London seasons without an offer of marriage. She is determined to take risks, hoping she just might find what she needs to make a difference in her humdrum life. She obviously as her list of dares/wagers. Enter, the Duke of Ranford. Great passion between them, and eventually marriage. Loved it!
One of my favourite authors. Love this series so far and can't wait for the next one. A lovely story. Immensely enjoyable. Great characters too. Read the book, instead of kindle. 5☆

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance tropes: marriage of convenience, shotgun wedding

While hiding beneath a lord’s desk clutching his cat she stole, Agatha is discovered by a very amused duke. Wasting no time to pull her into a *fans self* scorching kiss, they’re quickly discovered and end up in a marriage of convenience despite being strangers.

There’s a bit of distrust that makes the story somewhat unpleasant, but overall it’s a good one with one of the hotter love interests.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Agatha has spent three London seasons without an offer, achingly aware that several of her friends found love matches because they dared to reach for adventures and new experiences. She is determined to take some risk hoping it just might be what she needs to make a difference in her humdrum life.
Striding forward with her list of dares and wagers to satisfy, the last thing Agatha expects is to be caught in a compromising position with the Duke of Ranford…or that she would be forced to marry a rogue who offers none of the passion and grand love of which she dreamed. Soon Agatha has little choice but to wage a most sensual battle with her husband, where the stakes are the duke’s heart or the bitterest disappointment.
Simon and Agatha are meant to be in love. The Duke and his bride are supposed to be the match of the season but they are not what the ton expects.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute! Not my favorite in the series, but overall it was decent. And, it was a quick read so that's always a good thing!

I'm enjoying this series a lot overall. Looking forward to the next one!

Reading Challenge 2022
Month: October Letters: S/T

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

🐈‍⬛ The Difference a Dare Makes 🎭
Wagers and Wallflowers Book 9
✒️ Alyssa Clarke
https://www.facebook.com/alyssaclarke...
Release Date 09/30/2022
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H422DYY/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Lady Agatha has spent three London seasons without an offer, achingly aware that several of her friends found love matches because they dared to reach for adventures and new experiences. She is determined to take some risk hoping it just might be what she needs to make a difference in her humdrum life.

Striding forward with her list of dares and wagers to satisfy, the last thing Agatha expects is to be caught in a compromising position with the Duke of Ranford…or that she would be forced to marry a rogue who offers none of the passion and grand love of which she dreamed. Soon Agatha has little choice but to wage a most sensual battle with her husband, where the stakes are the duke’s heart or the bitterest disappointment.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will he trust her to be more than a society’s Miss …

It has been a while since I read this series, yet it is as always much enjoyable with main characters who grow on you.
Agatha like many if not most of the Berkeley Square club is overlooked and seen as one of the many debutantes flocking the ballrooms, invisible, swappable and boring.
And while she has signed her name to three dates, not one did she has fulfilled.
So she believes it is time for her to be a bit daring.
Yet when caught and seen as compromised, she accepts to cower only for her family’s name.
Simon is relentless, nothing seems to fill the hollow of soul completely. Yet when circumstances pinpoint to him a woman who will extract him from the marriage mart, he finally yields even more when this woman unsettles him, haunts his thoughts.
Yet he holds back, certain she would never accept his whole personality, soul and body.

The author delivers a sensual tale of two beings who come from strangers to spouses, without he benefit of a courtship, they began their marriage from scratch, up to them to lead it on the right path, if they are willing to put more faith and trust in the other. Yet can a sort of friendship turn into love when one is restraining himself from sharing a side of himself.
The author does a great job at bringing them together, and even when I thought everything would be lost, she rights and wraps the story perfectly.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

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

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[HistoricalHussy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75

Occasional clumsy language and odd word choices.

Stuff happens but also manages to feel like nothing has happened at all???

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A PASSIONATE KISS & THEY SAY RUINED

5 STARS for Book 9 in this well known Series : Wagers and Wallflowers. Once again the hardest sought for rake this time is the Duke of Ranford, Simon . Agatha was hiding under a desk while returning a cat she had taken for a dare and to top it off during the middle of a ball. Unfortunately, she had also lost her list of dares where she crossed a line through them when they were completed. Unfortunately for Agatha her next. Dare was the stealing away of said Duke's prize stallion & ride it just for an hour or so then return it. This must have amused the Duke as he just kept her secret she was hiding, then jumped down with her to ask about both the cat & his horse & another dare on her list.
There is a really good Blurb that goes with this book. Agatha has had several seasons & her cousin has been declared a diamond & unfortunately, Agatha a wallflower. She tiny and not beautiful like her cousin but she is smart, inquisitive, a likes & is good to people. That makes people like her back & her eyes have a lot of intelligent life & joy in them.
After her very passionate kiss with her lips looking bee stung & her hair pulled out of her hairdo & half hanging down her body, she starts to leave the Duke & the Door opens. However, even though busybodies start shouting scandal & ruination the Duke feels like he has been set up in a way. Jane the diamond spreads rumours almost as bad & as fast as the older busybodies. What an awful thing for a cousin to do!
Will the Duke of Ranford hurry up & marry Agatha? Will they have a romantic marriage? The sexual attraction is certainly there between them, but can one of the biggest rakes actually give it all up for just one woman to bed the rest of his life? It is a fun & enjoyable read that is also well written & exciting. It has a sizzling heat inside!
RED HOT FLAMING WARNING ::::;;;;;
SEXUAL EXPLICIT PASSAGES
RECOMMENDED

[LainieLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I was very pleased to see this book was a bit longer than the others (192 pages), but I still hope for more! This was a good story, and definitely had more time to be fleshed out, but I still wish we could have gone a bit deeper.

I liked the romance - it was sort of a forced marriage situation, but not exactly since the Duke could have easily left Agatha to be ruined. I love the arranged marriage > saving the marriage trope we have going on here. I liked both characters, and their relationship development, but will admit I was a little confused why the Duke actually fell for Agatha and decided to marry her in the first place. It was a very loose “she’s beguiling to only him” kind of thing.

I took off a star because of the scene at the very end of the book. This is a bit of a spoiler - but our MC was fully on board with attending a very scandalous party, even though Agatha was super worried about him attending and asked him not to. This was even after their feelings started to develop. He went anyway, which was awful, but then had sex with Agatha when she showed up to the party. Mind you - she was heavily disguised and we are left thinking he doesn’t realize it was her. I was almost sick to my stomach and felt so terrible for Agatha. In the end he’s basically like Hey I knew it was you the whole time… but ugh it was awful. I feel like that should have been made very clear from the beginning.

[JenReviews4U · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one, the strong continence Agatha showed in never giving up and the eventual tenderness from Simon, not to mention their attraction was what made for a great story.

Caught together and thought compromised, Agatha and Simon try to make the best of the situation and eventually marry. What starts as a marriage of convenience turns into romance as they both declare feelings towards one another but there is just one problem- Simon doesn't want to give up his rakish ways and thinks to take a mistress.

While the character of Simon doesn't come off in a very good light given his harsh tones towards Agatha, he does underneath his bluster, love her. I really liked Agatha's spunk, she was very different from all other ladies of the ton thanks to the 48 Berkeley Square ladies. Loved it when she said if he takes a mistress she'll kill them both.
This was a great storyline, with lots of steam, and a story that kept me reading right to the end. I will note that there are a lot of hints and things that happen in here that get further discussed in book 10 so I urge readers to not stop with this book but read both.

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

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy historical romance about wallflower, Agatha who is caught in a compromising position after she participates in a dare and is forced to wed. She hopes with all her heart that Simon, a duke will offer his hand in marriage, which he does but only after a period. Unfortunately things are not plain sailing for this newly married couple and Simon plans on living his life exactly as before. Agatha is a lovely, strong, tender hearted lady and is such a likeable character. Simon was fighting his growing feelings all through the book and he was callous and cruel on many occasions. They do get their HEA but it was a process getting there. I really enjoyed the book, it was entertaining and I rate it 4.5*. This is a standalone book but is part of a series and the main characters from the next book were introduced in this one.

[Julie ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Can’t believe I missed reading this book what a great read in this wallflowers series loved every bit of it .
The story , the characters are all so good and believable .
A sensual and passionate read with plenty of sizzling hot scenes .
What a really great series this is by Alyssa so enjoy I did

[Abba · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, it is worth reading at least once or twice. It is not fast-paced, but there are scenes where you’d like to want to know the conclusions right away. I really liked how Simon and Agatha met and became finally aware of each other’s existence on a different level. Enjoy reading! :).

[Patricia Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot!!!!!

Hot, sexy,and adventure made this book such awesome read. You will not want to put it down. Get your copy today.📚😍📚😍📚😍📚

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agatha & Simon (Duke of Ranford). While returning the Marquess of Marsden's cat that Agatha stole on a dare she is caught hiding under the Marquess' desk in his office by the Duke. After Marsden leaves the room, Simon climbs under the desk next to Agatha (he was drawn to her by her eyes) and ends up kissing her senseless. As she goes to leave the office, they are caught by some society mamas that love to gossip. Her hair is a mess and its obvious that she had been kissed senseless. They both take the nothing happened stance but the mamas believe her to be compromised. Being a Duke and immune to pretty much anything he refuses to be forced into a marriage and won't offer for her.

Rumors of her being compromised, she is stared at and gossiped about in various ballrooms. She has a sterner backbone and ignores it. Her family decides that she should marry their hometown vicar (who she kissed on a dare). Ranford watches her be outcast and given that their kiss moved him, he offers a marriage of convenience. He had no intention of changing his lifestyle. She accepts and hopes that they can build a marriage of friendship and respect and hopefully love but she didn't count on it.

They marry and Ranford is one of those titled men that believes there are sexual acts that are done with a wife and others reserved for a mistress. He is lusting for her but wants to get himself under control before consummating because if he did what he wanted he felt like it would be disrespectful to her. She goes to him (sick of waiting on him to get under control) and they consummate. I guess he thinks the O is reserved for a mistress because he is quick and she's left unfulfilled. Realizing he's having a very hard time controlling his desire he runs off to London leaving her in the country.

After a couple of weeks, she goes to London and operation seduce the hubs is on. They have crazy passionate kisses but she feels him holding back in the bedroom and she just wants more. Hearing that he plans to attend a debaucherious masquerade, she asks to go with him. He tells her that "ladies" do not partake in the masquerade. Afraid he plans to take a mistress at the party, with the help of her "sisters" (other members of the women's club) help her dress for the masquerade.

Ranford is bored and plans to leave but Agatha walks in and he is immediately lusting after her. He dances with her and takes her to an upstairs bedroom. He doesn't hold anything back with his mystery woman at the party. Agatha goes to leave and he tells her that he had plans for many other things to do with her that night. She gets pissed and outs herself to him. She is crying upset because he went to the party and slept with someone else (even though it was her). She runs off. He goes to go after her and is stopped by Louisa (her friend/sister from the women's club) and she starts in about how he cheated on her. He tells her that he knew it was his wife all along. She's leaving in her carriage and he is chasing after the carriage (members of the ton see him doing it). He tells her that he knew it was her and he called her "pixie" and thought she caught on that he knew it was her. They admit they love each other and he gets to love her without restraining his baser desires (not that they are all BDSM kind of stuff; more that he likes doggie style or going multiple rounds or getting BJ).

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS WAS SHORT, SWEET AND WHOLESOME!

Alyssa Clarke's stories are often a hit or miss for me. Luckily this short novel was just what I needed, easily gobbled up within a day.

WILLIAM was a wonderful hero! I want me one of him. An elusive catch of the ton, he's infamous for possibly murdering someone by dueling and of course, ditching a duke's daughter whom he should have married in the name of honor. What's the truth? No one knows. Though compassionate and caring, he can also be ruthless and unamenable. William doesn't do anything he doesn't want to, and no one can ever force him. He is dishonorable, yet not, depending on the situation. He goes through life at his own pace. Perhaps we've never seen him from another's perspective, but as this story was dual POV, we see William through Pippa's eyes, and all he had done for her, was oh-so-sweet and passionate, I couldn't blame the girl for falling in love.

PIPPA was a treat too! I enjoyed how she started to come out of her shell, taking the reins of her life. After having been traumatized and nearly destroyed by a fortune hunter, Pippa's back for the season after 2 years. Now, she's determined to marry only a man who loves her, and not for anything less. Caught by William while she face planted her 'ex-beau', they now share a secret, and this enigmatic yet caring Marquess soon piques her curiosity, especially when he's constantly playing her knight in a shining armor to her damsel in distress. Pippa wasn't weak, and I adored that she stood up for herself. You go girl!

OVERALL I believe this was the first Alyssa Clarke romance that I could truly appreciate and it wasn't long-winded. The characters were lovely, the chemistry and romance done just right. It wasn't overbearing, lame or insta-love. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS for HR lovers.

[Lana Birky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this couple - Agatha because she was stronger than anyone gave her credit and even after being ruined by a duke who kissed her senseless and then refused to marry her, she withstood society treating her as an outcast. Now, her parents want her to marry marry the vicar who lives in their town.

Simon, Duke of Ranford, finds Agatha hiding under a desk in the Marquess of Marsden's office and proceeds to climb under with her. As he looks into her eyes, he is drawn to her, and many kisses follow. But when a couple of gossips from society sees them leaving the marquess' office, they point fingers.

Both Agatha and Simon act as though nothing happened and being a duke, he is forgiven for anything, and he won't be forced into a marriage. Rumors fly about the ruination and Simon sees the horrible way Agatha is being blackballed and offers a marriage of convenience. Things change and there is attraction between them, but Simon doesn't budge from his stance and Agatha does not understand why. Their journey is one of no communication and misunderstanding but in the end a HEA is celebrated.

[Kelly Fraser · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 out of 5. Not my favorite of this series but I did think the idea of a couple being “compromised” (aka alone in a room together) and then him refusing to marry her at first was an interesting and original concept. However too much of the book was him refusing to marry her that once they did get married, that part of the story felt rushed. I would have liked for more of the story to be about them getting to know each other. One thing I’m discovering I like a lot in this series is when the heroine explains plainly the goings on of 48 Berkley Street and how women are allowed to act and do things that only men are allowed to do in public. They never had that convo in this story (they just talked about the scandalous dares) and I think a conversation like that would have fixed the problems I had with the “delicate wife and very lustful husband who doesn’t want to scare her” plot. I really tried to put myself in that time periods mind set about how a husband needs to treat a lady with decorum and not be passionate with her in bed but I still was just annoyed by it all.

[ann_zack_cee_am_ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t get heroes like Simon who abandoned his wife after being forced into a marriage with her when he was the one kissing her first upon meeting each other for the first time. And then they got caught in the compromising position by Agatha’s aunt. After their wedding night consummation, he left her without a word (he left a letter though) for weeks. While being away from her in a miserable state of missing her so much, he was then persuaded by his peers to take a mistress to soothe away his longings (the reason why he had to leave was to protect her from his carnal appetites as his last lover fainted from rigorous demands he had made on her body which I could make do with not knowing🙁). He believed that his urges should be reserved for a courtesan / lightskirts alike and then they treat their wives like fragile silk. Like can’t he just communicate first with his wife about what they both want in the marriage? Half of the conflicts in the story could have been resolved had they both have the balls to confront each other and talk things out!

[susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best lines ever...

When she reminds her duke that women can do what men do [eg, cheat] & he angrily threatens to kill any man who touches his Dutchess, she laughs. Then she tells him she's not that kind and forgiving; she'd kill both of them. Loved that the regency standard was bunked for a very real marital demand for faithfulness - keeping their vows. This was good to read, and the sex scenes were increasingly intimate & aggressive. Both partners seemed to get what they needed for each to be true to self & wholly "in it:" fidelity & carnality. I dont think this particular book would be as pleasurable on audiobook though. Ive listened to more than 500 romance novels/ellas. Some of the more carnally explicit scenes (that aren't specifically erotica) or emotional dips that aren't in crisis form don't transfer well without extraordinary narration by nuanced & skilled pros. This one might not IMO, for what its worth.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh! Agatha completes two out of three dares. One is a kiss that leads to an unwanted marriage proposal, and the other concerns a cat, and leads to her ruin. Nobody tells Simon, the Duke of Ranford, what to do, especially old gossipy biddies. So when he is accused of compromising Agatha, he simply refuses to be forced to marry her. That will only happen when/if it is his idea. Agatha wants love, Simon wants convenience. This is a story of a lively and determined woman, and the man who learns to adore her. The emotions range from desolation to elation, including anger, heartache, jealousy and passion. This story is hot, heartwarming and a joy to read.

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

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book for the trope, even if I didn’t know the author. Those who read my reviews know that I’m a sucker for a marriage of convenience and this book did not disappoint me at all! The story of Agatha and Simon’s marriage is beautiful and well crafted, their interactions are very sensual and emotional and the idea of a group of ladies who enjoy a real friendship and some mischievous adventures is really good. All the characters are vivid and pleasant and the hero is just my favorite kind, an arrogant man who’s humbled by love. Can’t wait to read next book. I wonder if a certain cat will play an important part in it…
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining read! I loved the character of Lady Agatha. She was daring and fearless to a certain point but was held back by thoughts of her family. The only place she felt she could be herself was at the secret ladies’ club. Simon, Duke of Ranford had no intentions of marrying yet, he was enjoying his life as a bachelor. When they are together they have a number of things to come to terms including faithfulness and whether love will have a place their marriage. This is a steamy read, it is able to be read in a day and has a satisfying ending. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful ending!
Agatha is overlooked by everyone she is a wallflower at least that is what others think. Agatha is a stubborn lady who is not only witty but has such a loving and fun side to her. When Simon encounters her neither of them expected what was going to happen. It was a glorious journey these two took. I enjoyed the book loved the pups and Simon wasn’t half bad either. This one is full of passion and the ending (best get your fans out) before reading. This book was a delightful and fun to read I hope you check out! I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Lisa Pohlman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 9 in the Wagers and Wallflowers series but can be read as a standalone. Though the whole series is great and there are some of the same characters in other books so its great to read the other books. This book is about Lady Agatha and Simon, The Duke of Ranford. Agatha just wants to complete some wagers and put some excitement in her life. Simon can't seem to get the little Pixie (Agatha) out of his head. What starts out as a marriage of convenience turns in to something more, so much more.
This is another great book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Agatha has had three seasons with a proposal so she decides to be daring and go after what she wants. Simon, the Duke of Ranford, is a rogue who enjoys his bachelor life and has no intentions of changing that until he is accused of compromising Agatha. This has a full range of emotions from sad to joy as Agatha and Simon embark on their marriage that they both want different things from but in the end they find a joy that was unexpected.

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

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

After seeing her friends happily married after completing their dares, Agatha is determined to complete all the wagers she had boldly claimed. In the middle of one of her wagers, she gets caught by Simon the Duke of Ranford. They are both caught in a compromising position and he refused to marry her, eventually relenting when her engagement to a vicar is about to be announced. The novel is short but it is well written. The plot and characters doesn't get dragged out. Love the series!.

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

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing is so dreadful that it doesn't matter about the content. 1*

Sometimes I wonder if an author hires an English as a second language ghost-writer. For this book I wished the author had done that. I think chatGPT would do a better job that this. Perhaps a lower quality AI was used. It truly felt like someone had fed regency romance tropes and sayings into a machine and this was the result. Only the fact that words were used so incorrectly and sentences were left incomplete makes me think a human was involved.